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General Chat => Books & Comics => Topic started by: Paul faplad Finch on 30 March, 2009, 10:04:36 PM

Title: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 30 March, 2009, 10:04:36 PM
I was thinking it might be good to have a thread not based on any one book or series but just were people could post and say "this is what I'm reading at this moment. It's quite good/a bit crap"
If theres already one like it please direct me there and ignore this one. I had a quickk scan of the topics but if it's there I didn't see it.
For the record I always have 4 books on the go at once. A hardback that stays at home, a paperback that I cary with me everywhere I go, an American GN that sits by my bed and is read at the rate of one issue a night, and  a 2000ad GN that sits by the lav.A couple of episodes is just right for an average visit you see.

Current batch are : Blackguards by Nathan Long. Not loving it, 'twists' can be seen coming a mile off but I'll persevere. It should last until Unseen Academicals hits the shelves.

The Devil You Know by Mike Carey.  Very intrigued so far. Not far into it but looking good. Actually inspired to read this by a post by stacee on the forum. Cheers. After this it'll be the new(ish) one by Mark Billingham , In The Dark. Now theres a guy who can keep you guessing.

Sandman : Fables and Reflections. Pure Class but you don't need me to tell you that. Then Preacher: Alamo. Bit of trepidation there. Can the finale live up to the build up? Quietly confident Garth won't dissapoint.

And finally Robusters.  I was assured that the dreaded Mr. Mills was actually good back then. I was lied to. Tripe, and not even enjoyable tripe. I'll finish cos I started but I don't hold out much hope.  After that it's The VC'S  by Finley-Day. I'm sure he won't let me down.

So thats what I'm readin. What about you?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 30 March, 2009, 10:35:08 PM
Maxed out library card today.

Words: Margaret Atwood, Wilderness Tales. Enjoying it. Read Paul Auster's Man in the Dark yesterday. Some enthralling sections but ultimately less than the sum of its parts. Has that City of Glass thing where he sets up a horrifying metaphysical scheme then seemingly gets bored and talks about something else, in this case a clumsy and unconvincing account of Western hostages in Iraq.

Comics: MK Library has a faintly irritating display about how "It's not all capes and superpowers" which results in lots of grown-up comics. Someone working there really enjoys the work of Jason and noSaw I've read pretty much everything he's done. At the bottom of the current pile (I organise it so that the books I most want to read are at the bottom) is Shenzhen by Guy Delisle. I read Pyongnang the other week and was blown away and I suggest you try and get hold of it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SamuelAWilkinson on 30 March, 2009, 11:19:56 PM
I'm on with a few bits and bobs at the minute; reading the second Flashman, which is pure caddery and bounderhood in their most definite sense. Also have a bookmark in The Princess Bride marking my umpteenth reading, and for the past three years I have (very slowly) been working my way through Les Miserables, which is really good in many parts but then Hugo decides to send you off on a two-hundred page summary of exactly everything that happened at Waterloo in a colossal snoozefest so you have to go read about five Pratchetts just to clear your mental palette. Also, nobody's sung yet, which is really disappointing.

Finally, I've recently discovered Tiber Fischer, who was recommended to me in university but I never got round to reading until the other week. He's awesome, so I'll be hunting out a copy of the Thought Gang as soon as I can.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 30 March, 2009, 11:37:12 PM
It's with a mixture of pride and shame that I have to report I'm re-reading Paradise Lost. It was seeing Uriel as a fallen angel in Necrophim that drove me to it: "But but but.... that's just wrong!"

 :lol:

I'm tutoring a girl who's studying Animal Farm, so I read that again yesterday, and I've recently read Of Mice and Men, and I'm currently reading it with my adult ed. GCSE class.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 30 March, 2009, 11:44:35 PM
Just finished All Star Superman 1+2 (Cheers MEG), Born Again and NOW I'm reading Miller and Steinewics ELECTRA! And AKIRA.

Want to read, WE3 next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 30 March, 2009, 11:48:47 PM
Teletext.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: eggonlegs on 31 March, 2009, 12:24:09 AM
Haunted Weather - David Toop
Sound Unbound - Dj Spooky
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 31 March, 2009, 01:01:12 AM
Quote from: "King Trout"Teletext.
I always wondered where tomorrow's news came from.  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 March, 2009, 07:44:07 AM
Currently reading Brooklyn Follies by PAul Auster. Not as good as his other books but still enjoyable.

Comics wise I've almost finished the 2nd Showcase Presents Haunted Tanks volume and will I think move onto the second half of the Giffen / Levitz Legion run before returning to my 2000ad reread at the 800s.

Princess Bride, great film, great book by the way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 31 March, 2009, 09:51:34 AM
lost boy, lost girl byt Peter Straub.
Marvel Essentials Powerman and Iron Fist Vol 1.
Best New Manga Vol 3
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TheEdge on 31 March, 2009, 11:26:36 AM
has anyone read the Battle Royale series manga its very good
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 31 March, 2009, 11:31:05 AM
Anno Dracula by Kim Newman. It's great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 31 March, 2009, 11:33:59 AM
Quote from: "His Lordship rac"Marvel Essentials Powerman and Iron Fist Vol 1.

Ah Marvel Essentials, my heart burns there too.  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 31 March, 2009, 11:39:14 AM
Megazines. Currently up to Meg.211.  'At-swim-two-birds' by Flann O'brien, again. 'The Two Towers', again, got a nice Folio Society edition off ebay a while back.

I'm also going to try some of the stuff people are talking about here. Where's best to start with Paul Auster?

Don't normally <sniff> post daytimes <cough, cough> during the week <sniff, cough> but I've got the worst cold in the history of mankind. It might even be plague. Day off! Woo-hoo!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 31 March, 2009, 12:00:52 PM
The New York Trilogy is a good one Kerrin...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 March, 2009, 12:20:47 PM
I only stumbled across Paul Auster about a year ago when I feel in love with the cover of Timbuktu and being someone who thinks that very often you can judge a book by its cover I snapped it up. While I don't think its particularly representative of his work it is a glorious book and if you like dogs then I can't recommend it highly enough.

My personal favourite of his that I've read is Mr Vertigo but I'd actually suggest that New York Trilogy might be more representative of his work? It's a damned fine read also.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 31 March, 2009, 12:31:49 PM
Just read a brilliant GN - Crecy by Warren Ellis, Artwork by Raulo Caceres.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 31 March, 2009, 12:33:59 PM
Stay away from Travels in the Scriptorium until you've read a lot o his other work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jonathan O on 31 March, 2009, 12:36:13 PM
I'm a sucker for a book list:

This week I are mostly been reading Up The Walls of The World by James Tiptree Jr and Punisher: Widowmaker.

Along with all the books what I've got to edit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 31 March, 2009, 12:41:54 PM
Also I'm midway through DC Showcase: Brave and the Bold vol 2. That Boston Brand sure is a drip.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 March, 2009, 12:52:11 PM
Reading some fairly good books at the moment, but probably not anything very creditable.  The last really great book I read was Neal Stephenson's huge Anathem, which I thought was brilliant from beginning to end.

Currently amusing me is William Millar's  The Amateur Astronomer's Guide to the Celestial Sphere, which is way more fun than it sounds, and has me merrily working out positions on charts and pretending to be a smart astro-type.  My wife is thoroughly sick of hearing about it.

Just finished Charles Stross' Hidden Family, the second book in his odd economic fantasy series The Merchant Princes, and while it's all very clever I'm still not sure if I like it or not.

Nearly finished David B.'s Epileptic comic collection, which is painfully eye-opening, in light of my finding out that one of my colleagues suffers quite badly from epilepsy. It's also quite beautifully drawn.

Just starting Lappé and Goldman's Shooting War collection, another one I'm quite sure is terribly clever, but I'm not convinced is my cup of tea.

Also reading Gardner Dozois' indispensible Years Best SF anthology (No. 14), which is, as always, utterly superb.  

Closer to home, I'm re-reading Slaine, which is often even better than I remember it.  

If it counts, I'm presently addicted to several web-comics, including stablemates Order of the Stick and Erfworld, both of which are currently apocalyptic in tone, and the excellent SubNormality.  

My current audio-book choices for commuting are Patrick O'Brian's superb Aubrey-Maturin novels as incomparably read by the late Patrick Tull.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 31 March, 2009, 12:52:36 PM
I like these threads as they usually flag up stuff I've missed...

I'm just about to start 'A chaos of language' by Moore & Campbell, and after that the comics list is 100 Bullets -Samurai and I finally got the last couple of Transmetropolitan books, so I'm thinking of starting at the beginning to get the full impact.

I have about 4 or so Interzones to catch up on and a similar number of Black Static. Next book up is Anathem by Neal Stevenson (which I got when it was published!). Also have a Brian Aldiss edited compilation and some other novels that I can't even remeber the names or authors of - they're too far under the pile.

Parallel to all that is The Geology of Iceland and Teach Yourself Icelandic, pronounciation of which is a bit like chewing toffees (Hae!Komdu saell og blessaður!Hvað heiter ðu?).

Dragging slightly off topic...but in the past I have worked with people who 'don't read' apart from magazines an that. I often wonder how the hell they wind down before going to sleep and what they have to entertain themselves beyond yer everyday TV and the daily grind. They really don't know what they're missing!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 31 March, 2009, 01:08:34 PM
Quote from: "Mikey"I often wonder how the hell they wind down before going to sleep and what they have to entertain themselves beyond yer everyday TV and the daily grind. They really don't know what they're missing!
Not everyone finds reading useful as an aid to sleep. Too much mental stimulation after 11pm sometimes keeps me awake all night.

Your work colleagues probably entertain themselves with video games, drinking alcohol or having a wank before bed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Martin Jameson on 31 March, 2009, 01:46:57 PM
I am just about to start reading "Matter" by Iain M Banks and JD Case Files 11. This is after a year of reading nothing. Not even 2000ad, although that is about to changed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 31 March, 2009, 02:06:15 PM
Quote'At-swim-two-birds' by Flann O'brien, again.

Reading another of Flann O'Brien's, myself. The Dalkey Archives. What a great writer.

Mind you, I'm also halfway through re-reading Terry Jones' Medieval Lives, another cracking book (Did you know, for example, that medieval scholars never thought the earth was flat?)

Just finished reading LOEG: Black Dossier. Enjoyable, if not earth-shattering. Nice bit of 3d, you don't see much of that these days. Except in reality of course
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 31 March, 2009, 02:07:21 PM
Just finished reading 'I Am Aive And You Are Dead:A Journey Into The Mind Of Philip K. Dick', which is every bit as intense and "way out there" as one of his novels.
Just started 'When Giants Walked The Earth-A bIography Of Led Zeppelin', which, so far, is compulsive reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 31 March, 2009, 02:34:29 PM
QuoteYour work colleagues probably entertain themselves with video games, drinking alcohol or having a wank before bed.

Of course, reading and wanking are not mutually exclusive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 31 March, 2009, 04:51:00 PM
As way of comics I'm reading Invisibles volume 5 at the moment (I liked the first two but I didn't like 4. This one is interesting although i'm uneasy about the hand of glory stuff, being a real spell and all. [spoiler:1h99ktsf]And I could do without the juices stuff.[/spoiler:1h99ktsf])

A strange series the Invisibles. I'll read some stuff and thing "What a bunch of pretentious nonsense" (usually the trippy mind expanding 'Es and Mushrooms stuff) then I'll come across some time travel/transdimensional stuff which is genuinely rather interesting. I wish the little Scouse goit would stop swearing though.

In way of Novels, I'm Reading Gemmell's Legend.  I've read other Gemmell books and rather enjoyed them. I'm finding the romantic stuff in this particular book a bit irritating though. I'm not against a bit of that, it's mainly the way it's dealt with I find irritating.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 31 March, 2009, 05:57:01 PM
I'm currently working my way through Greg Egan's 'Permutation City' (well worth a read), Atomic: The First War of Physics and the Secret History of the Atom Bomb 1939-49 (not bad, but The Making of the Atomic Bomb (Rhodes) is more definitive) and Verbal Judo (for use in dealing withy awkward members of the public at work).

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Peter Wolf on 31 March, 2009, 07:13:01 PM
Tornado comic plus various old 2000ads ,comics and various reference books but the time i spend reading is absolutely minimal as doing art takes up a lot of my spare time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 31 March, 2009, 08:27:56 PM
Comics wise I'm tearing in Deathblow: ...And Then You Live! by Brian Azzarello and Carlos D'Anda and Wasteland Volume Three: Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos. Book wise, I'm reading War PLC by Stephen Armstrong.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 31 March, 2009, 10:46:47 PM
Quote from: "House of Usher"
Quote from: "Mikey"I often wonder how the hell they wind down before going to sleep and what they have to entertain themselves beyond yer everyday TV and the daily grind. They really don't know what they're missing!
Not everyone finds reading useful as an aid to sleep. Too much mental stimulation after 11pm sometimes keeps me awake all night.

Your work colleagues probably entertain themselves with video games, drinking alcohol or having a wank before bed.
It's all those things that leave me lying awake and reaching for a book.

Usually have a novel and a spot of non-fiction on the go, but I've gone full on reality this week. Lying on the bedroom florr we have One Palestine, Complete: a fairly readable and even-handed history of the British Mandate. In my bag for reading on the bus is Madness Visible, a fairly impassioned and rather partial journalist's memoir of the Balkan wars of the 90s.

In the Prog stakes, I'm catching up on 1250 - 1272: Helter Skelter, The Romanov Empire and R*volution. Not bad stuff.

I'll add my name to any petition to get Greg Egan more publicity - heartless, brainy, hard sci-fi like nobody else ever made - and I Am Alive... is a real eye-opener, even if you already know PKD was a bit mental.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 31 March, 2009, 10:53:34 PM
Alcohol completely ruins sleep for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 31 March, 2009, 11:16:05 PM
Just realised, I'm a total phillistine compared to you lot. You're all, like, intellectuals and junk. Gonna have to think about digging out some of those Dickens booksI never got around to cracking the spines on I reckon
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 31 March, 2009, 11:19:00 PM
Those Kim Newman books are bloody fantastic!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 31 March, 2009, 11:24:21 PM
Quote from: "King Trout"Those Kim Newman books are bloody fantastic!

I can't put it down, it's quite brilliant. Criminal that it's out of print.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 31 March, 2009, 11:41:33 PM
Yes, it is. I found a copy in the library, in pre-child days when reading was possible.

The ending's mental, too.

- Trout
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ABC Fernando on 31 March, 2009, 11:59:03 PM
Comic: Daredevil (Miller-janson); Black Dossier (Moore-O´Neill)
Book: Salvador Dali collection (gala-dali foundation)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 01 April, 2009, 01:21:18 AM
Books wise, read 13 Clocks by Thurber (which is charming as shit BTW) and am now reading Crash by Ballard. You do not look at cars or airports or highways the same way after. Fantastic science fiction and still shocking 35 years later.

Comics wise read Pluto by Urasawa, Scalped by Aaron, and Zippy the Pinhead: Kingpin.

I have to have a book to sleep. Not that they make me sleep mind you, but I know when to sleep when I can no longer concentrate on the page in front of me.

Oh, and just got in Casefiles 12 and have been enjoying that of course. Love that early Weston art. Not to say I think he shouldn't have evolved but I wish SOMEONE was still drawing like that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 01 April, 2009, 07:30:56 AM
Comics - I've just started re-reading all the Dredd stories from the Meg.

Books - The Autumn books by David Moody. I'm on the third one now, Purification, really enjoying these.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 April, 2009, 08:16:24 AM
Quote from: "peterwolf"Tornado comic plus various old 2000ads ,comics and various reference books but the time i spend reading is absolutely minimal as doing art takes up a lot of my spare time.

Are the Tornado's any good? I kinda want to get hold of Starlord as it looks to have some pretty good stuff in it but Tornado doesn't seem to hold as fond a memories for people?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Devons Daddy on 01 April, 2009, 08:56:18 AM
just picked up CAROLINE by neil Gaiman,
a favoured writer of mine.
shall begin it tonight.

also re-reeading the hitch hikers giude to the galaxy, for the sheer fun of it,
to remind myself what the littery world lost when he died before his time.
so many brillant quotes, and off the wall statements made.

his explanation of the uses of a  towel  being one of my favourites.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 01 April, 2009, 09:45:56 AM
And I'm reading Eats, Shoots and Leaves. It's a lively and entertaining read, to be got through in big chunks at a time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Kirby on 01 April, 2009, 11:30:27 AM
Quotehis explanation of the uses of a  towel  being one of my favourites.

i love towel day. its the best day  8-)

not reading anything at the mo. im gonna pick some stuff up later tho. maybe some manga.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 01 April, 2009, 05:25:31 PM
I've got three books on the go at the minute (one is never enough for me);
The new Tony Hancock biography, Night of the Morning Star (Modesty Blaise novel), and The Tent, The Bucket and Me (which has had me howling with laughter as Emma Kennedy reminisces about camping holidays in the 70's - anyone else ever pissed in a bucket in the dark? And then knocked it over?)

Comics I'm reading;
Tank Girl Volume 1, The Spirit by Darwin Cooke, and Stickleback

How I have time to do anything else is a mystery!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 01 April, 2009, 05:38:59 PM
QuoteJust realised, I'm a total phillistine compared to you lot. You're all, like, intellectuals and junk. Gonna have to think about digging out some of those Dickens booksI never got around to cracking the spines on I reckon

Faplad: If you're reading anything it puts you above the greater majority today. Just read what you enjoy.

QuoteAre the Tornado's any good? I kinda want to get hold of Starlord as it looks to have some pretty good stuff in it but Tornado doesn't seem to hold as fond a memories for people?

I have a complete run of both somewhere in the lock-up. Starlord was pretty good with high quality paper and lots of colour. It introduced Ro-Busters and, regreatably, TimeQuake. Not a bad read.
Tornado was pants. I've read all of them exactly once; when I first bought them. Sitting here I can't remember one thing about them. Never a good sign.

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 April, 2009, 06:23:38 PM
Quote from: "Daveycandlish"anyone else ever pissed in a bucket in the dark? And then knocked it over?)


Just those few words made me laugh and wince at the same time. I might well check out that book.

I can recommend Cooke's Spirit heightly enough - its brillant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Noisybast on 01 April, 2009, 07:08:29 PM
Finally got round to reading Spurrier's Contract, having owned it for more than a year.
Pretty good stuff, although whether you'll like it probably depends what you think of Si's comic work, as he uses a lot of the same verbal tics and mannerisms, only more so, this being prose.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Peter Wolf on 01 April, 2009, 07:19:01 PM
Quote from: "Colin_YNWA"
Quote from: "peterwolf"Tornado comic plus various old 2000ads ,comics and various reference books but the time i spend reading is absolutely minimal as doing art takes up a lot of my spare time.

Are the Tornado's any good? I kinda want to get hold of Starlord as it looks to have some pretty good stuff in it but Tornado doesn't seem to hold as fond a memories for people?

It was a comic that didnt quite know what it was and couldnt decide what it wanted to be.

it was trying to be a bit of everything or a mixture of war stories and sci fi and some boys own adventure stories and it never really took off.

I bought a run of them quite cheaply on Ebay because it has an Alan Hebden/Belardinelli strip in it that i was interested in reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 01 April, 2009, 07:26:24 PM
QuoteI bought a run of them quite cheaply on Ebay because it has an Alan Hebden/Belardinelli strip in it that i was interested in reading.

Ah, was that the rip-off of Dick's 'We can remember it for you wholesale'?
I seem to remember a martian frozen in ice?

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: flip-r mk2 on 01 April, 2009, 11:33:39 PM
Monthly comics : Hellblazer, The Walking Dead and Captain Britain.

Collections : Just finished JD case files 10, rereading Strontium Dog collections.

Novels : Just finished The Mermaids Singing by Val Mcdirmaid and started A Snowballs Chance In Hell by Chris Brookmyre.


flip
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 02 April, 2009, 09:18:05 AM
Hi all, just making my second post whoop whoop  :D

I've got almost the entire collection of Ian Rankin Rebus novels waiting by the side of my bed to read . . .was in two minds about which one to read first, may have to give The Falls number one place since reading here that it mentions 2000ad . . .

Best fact of all, though, is that I got them all for 20p at a library book sale!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: stacey on 02 April, 2009, 11:48:53 AM
Satchmo/Trout, I haven't been able to get a copy of that one but have read Dracula Cha Cha Cha by Kim Newman and it was the dogs dangly bits!

Fapland - glad you picked up the Fix books I think they are fabulous.

This morning I read Doctor Who: The Whispering Gallery a one shot by Moore+Reppion and art by Ben Templesmith, twas really good though a bit light and quick.  I likes the art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 02 April, 2009, 02:02:08 PM
Comics: Prog, Meg, Four Feet From A Rat (if and when it ever comes out again), MWOM.

Collections: Walking Dead (waiting for vol 10- August, apparently), just finished CaseFiles 10, Savage, Origins and Kano this week. Eagerly awaiting Astounding Wolf-Man vol 2, hardback Spider-Man (BND and beyond) and paperback Ult.Spidey, Charley's War.

Books: Currently reading Grennie's Dredd Vs Death nov, have a stack of stuff to catch up on including a couple of unread China Mievilles, a reread of The Trickster by Muriel Gray, the last half of the third David Wellington 'Monster' novel and Pig Island, by her who's name I've forgotten.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 03 April, 2009, 10:42:37 PM
A lad at work who's been borrowing my Gns for a while now - he plowed through the S/D files in consecutive nights, Rogue too and now has hold of Dredd case files no.1 - turned up at work today with a bulging carrier bag containing the first 9 Horus Heresy books. "To return the favour" he says. He's the guy who lent me Blackguards and wasn't impressed that I'm not impressed. He seems determined to turn me on to the whole Warhammer/40k stuff. "You'll love these for definite" he says. "Dan Abnett's well involved."

He knows me so well. Not sure when I'll get through them all but he's talking about something called Gaunts Ghosts when I'm done. I hadn't realised Dan Abnett was so prolific in the world of prose fiction.

Finished Sandman 6 today. Tomorrow I begin the final Preacher.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 03 April, 2009, 11:12:20 PM
Quote from: "faplad"A lad at work who's been borrowing my Gns for a while now turned up at work today with a bulging carrier bag containing the first 9 Horus Heresy books. "To return the favour" he says.
Guh! "cheers, mate."  :? I once had a chat with some young people in Games Workshop who asked how many Warhammer 40k novels I'd read. I'd read Deathwing, which had been published at least 10 years earlier, and was therefore no longer worth reading because it's old. I'd also read a few Warhammer Fantasy Battle novels and at least one Dark Future, but I can't remember which now. I asked them who was their favourite science fiction author. "Dan Abnett. Who's yours?" I think I said John Wyndham. They'd never heard of him, nor The Day of The Triffids. *sigh*.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 04 April, 2009, 11:21:18 PM
Quote from: "House of Usher"I asked them who was their favourite science fiction author. "Dan Abnett. Who's yours?" I think I said John Wyndham. They'd never heard of him, nor The Day of The Triffids. *sigh*.

Abnett is my main man when it comes to comics and my mate knows this cos I tell him pretty much every day but I've yet to sample the delights/dissapointments of his novels so I can't really comment. If you're talking favourites then I'm going for Stephen Donaldson. I could never get into his so called classic fantasies - I gave up on Thomas Covenant after the third attempt saw me slipping into a coma - but his Gap space opera's are bloody good stuff. Not as well known as the Covenant books but far more deserving of praise in my opinion. I couldn't put them down. 15 years since I last read them and I  can still remember where I was when I read certain sections. Must dig them out sometime
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SamuelAWilkinson on 05 April, 2009, 01:55:39 AM
Quote from: "House of Usher"
Quote from: "faplad"A lad at work who's been borrowing my Gns for a while now turned up at work today with a bulging carrier bag containing the first 9 Horus Heresy books. "To return the favour" he says.
Guh! "cheers, mate."  :? I once had a chat with some young people in Games Workshop who asked how many Warhammer 40k novels I'd read. I'd read Deathwing, which had been published at least 10 years earlier, and was therefore no longer worth reading because it's old. I'd also read a few Warhammer Fantasy Battle novels and at least one Dark Future, but I can't remember which now. I asked them who was their favourite science fiction author. "Dan Abnett. Who's yours?" I think I said John Wyndham. They'd never heard of him, nor The Day of The Triffids. *sigh*.


Eeesh. Now, I quite like our Mr Abnett's 2000ad work, and I even enjoy his Gaunt's Ghosts novels from time to time, but that's because I like to read about things being blown up by goodies who win against the baddies. The prose itself is really quite bad, I'm afraid to say. Which is a shame indeed, because I remember some of the old GW tie-in novels being quite readable for that sort of thing.

Any sci-fi fan who's not heard of Wyndam ought to be punched a bit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 05 April, 2009, 04:54:56 PM
Gulp...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Peter Wolf on 05 April, 2009, 06:55:08 PM
The Daily Telegraph guide to Castles + Ancient Monuments of Scotland.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: lborl on 05 April, 2009, 08:38:36 PM
QuoteStephen Donaldson. I could never get into his so called classic fantasies - I gave up on Thomas Covenant after the third attempt saw me slipping into a coma

Faplad, did you get as far as the second book though - THE ILLEARTH WAR?  The Covenant series escalates *significantly* from that point on.

My most recent novels were THE FOREVER WAR (Joe Haldeman) and I AM LEGEND, which were both excellent, but still overshadowed by THE STARS MY DESTINATION by Alfred Bester, which I read in between. THE STARS MY DESTINATION is the *best* thing I have read since GORMENGHAST. I am tempted to go all Steven Wells about it here, but probably should just leave it at that.

Comics-wise, SKYSCRAPERS OF THE MIDWEST by Joshua W Cotter. It was *beautiful*.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 05 April, 2009, 09:12:17 PM
Quote from: "lborl"
QuoteStephen Donaldson. I could never get into his so called classic fantasies - I gave up on Thomas Covenant after the third attempt saw me slipping into a coma
Faplad, did you get as far as the second book though - THE ILLEARTH WAR?  The Covenant series escalates *significantly* from that point on.

My most recent novels were THE FOREVER WAR (Joe Haldeman) and I AM LEGEND, which were both excellent, but still overshadowed by THE STARS MY DESTINATION by Alfred Bester, which I read in between. THE STARS MY DESTINATION is the *best* thing I have read since GORMENGHAST. I am tempted to go all Steven Wells about it here, but probably should just leave it at that.

Comics-wise, SKYSCRAPERS OF THE MIDWEST by Joshua W Cotter. It was *beautiful*.
Donaldson is one of those folk, much like Frank Herbert, whose writing I think is pretty dreadful but once you get far enough in to get caught up in the story and the world I can leave that behind. Even with that, the Covenant books do go on a bit. I've never read any of his later stuff.

Stars My Destination is one of the best sci-fi books ever.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 05 April, 2009, 09:25:36 PM
Let's jaunt!

Great book. Gully Foyle is a brilliant character. I've thought for a while that this would make a good film.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 06 April, 2009, 03:41:37 AM
Stars Are My Destination is fantastic. I read it because of the (earned) effusive praise on this board. And damned glad I did. Demolished Man is good too. I've never had any problem with Martin Amis (though he's a pompous twat now and again, though who isn't) until I read a dismissive comment from him on Bester. Now I feel nothing but grudge.

Quote from: "Kerrin"Let's jaunt!

Great book. Gully Foyle is a brilliant character. I've thought for a while that this would make a good film.

Will Smith seems to have taken it on his shoulders to make mediocre action flicks of SF masterpieces so you may get your wish yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 06 April, 2009, 08:59:40 AM
besides case files 12 which i eventually tracked down....
just got "hater" by dave moody. not started yet but just started two weeks off so catching up with stuff
(also got about 7 hours of family guy and scarface  on sky plus to catch up with ! )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 April, 2009, 09:35:01 AM
Recently persuaded my fictionally-picky wife to read Stars my Destination, and she's hardly shut up about how brilliant it is since.  Gives one a warm glow, Spreading The Word.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Wake on 06 April, 2009, 10:35:59 AM
I've just started reading a new book written by a good friend of mine: The Adamantine Palace (//http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0575083743?ie=UTF8&tag=oscar200004&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0575083743) by Stephen Deas (//http://www.stephendeas.com/).

I'm not normally a fan of books with lots of unusual names but this one starts with some family trees and has short chapters each focussing on a small number of characters so I'm getting on pretty well with it so far.

Basically it's about dragon riders and rival royal houses.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 06 April, 2009, 10:40:32 AM
QuoteRecently persuaded my fictionally-picky wife to read Stars my Destination, and she's hardly shut up about how brilliant it is since. Gives one a warm glow, Spreading The Word.

Yep, apart from a couple of Arthur C. Clarke / Philip K Dick novels I'm not normally a huge reader of sci-fi myself (2000ad aside), but a friend of mine gave me that one a few years ago and by Jesus it's good, very difficult to believe it's about 50 years old.
By the way, if anyone hasn't read Cormac McCarthy's The Road yet, do so as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 06 April, 2009, 07:20:06 PM
Knights of the Old Republic vol.1 and  Aldebaran vol.1 turned up today so I'll be tucking in to them soon along with the Zarjaz issues I've got left to read and about another 40 or so Megs till I'm up to date. Plus Paul Auster's 'New York trilogy' should turn up in the next couple of days so I'm sorted for reading material for a little while.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 07 April, 2009, 10:01:07 PM
Greg Bear is doing some Halo novels. Should this come as a surprise?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 07 April, 2009, 10:09:06 PM
Quote from: "Godpleton"Greg Bear is doing some Halo novels. Should this come as a surprise?
It's a bit of a comedown, but maybe he's run out of Arthur C Clarke novels to update.

I met Greg Bear once. He was pleasant and tall.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 07 April, 2009, 11:31:19 PM
Greg Bear's The Forge of God is great.

I'm just about half way through Neal Stephenson's The System of the World, which is tops.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 April, 2009, 09:03:38 AM
QuoteGreg Bear's The Forge of God is great.

It really is, and the sequel is even better.

QuoteI'm just about half way through Neal Stephenson's The System of the World, which is tops.

Also awesome beyond adjectives.  Stephenson generally is the absolute business, not least because he affords me the greatest pleasure imaginable by writing really, really long books, so that when I'm about 100 pages in and loving it, I can heft the volume and know there's 100s and 100s of pages left... mmmm, niiiice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 08 April, 2009, 03:26:06 PM
For a bit of light easy reading pick up "prisoner of the daleks" a new doctor who novel...its rather good feels like a mix of old and new who and daleks a plenty and they also speak in the old dalek tv 21 style font which i liked.


and silverfin. the young james bond graphic novel by charlie higson and illustrated by non other than kev the walker! avoided it at first as i thught it was a "teen bond" style 90210 thing ....but it aint its period ,and just darn fun ....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 08 April, 2009, 03:27:23 PM
I loved The Forge of God, and Eon too.

I've finished Anno Dracula, it was superb from start to finish, and it had a cheeky Dark Shadows reference in it which made me smile too.

Next up is To Your Scattered Bodies Go by Philip Jose Farmer, I've been meaning to read the Riverworld series for years. It's a shame it took him passing away to get my arse in gear though, but I'm excited about starting it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 08 April, 2009, 03:31:09 PM
Quote from: "The Enigmatic Dr X"I'm just about half way through Neal Stephenson's The System of the World, which is tops.

Just coming to the end of Quicksilver, which has been a joy. Really looking forward to the rest of the series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 April, 2009, 03:36:45 PM
QuoteNext up is To Your Scattered Bodies Go by Philip Jose Farmer, I've been meaning to read the Riverworld series for years. It's a shame it took him passing away to get my arse in gear though, but I'm excited about starting it.

I don't think it'll disappoint.  My advice is to stick it out right to the end, it delivers.

QuoteJust coming to the end of Quicksilver, which has been a joy. Really looking forward to the rest of the series.

I don't think it'll disappoint.  My advice is to stick it out right to the end, it delivers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 08 April, 2009, 04:24:08 PM
While sorting my collections out.

I am reading "The Best of Tharg's Future Shocks", " as it was collected as a  graphic novel just recently.

"Slaine Time-Killer" as it was reprinted in the Megazine a few years back. I remember buying this years ago in Sydney. It was the first time I could read the story entirely. I really like the artwork that chosen to be colorised and reproduced as title pages in each of the six issues.

"Slaine The Book of Invasions". As they were printed in the progs. Not readiing it in any order or even all the way through. So I might be reading "Tara' at one stage and "Moloch" next. The last I was reading was "Scota". I still don't have all of these, So, I have the graphic novels to fall back on incase really want to read it properly.

On subject of going through my colections. It's really abit of knightmare when you have so many of them. Espeically, when you think think some have gone missing from your collection.  I remember the good old days when 2000AD was only the old newspapery Progs, and then there were the "Best Of "Reprints. Now there is "The Megazine", "The Extreme", "Judge Dredd Magazine". Of which there might be alteast three different types of and then all the graphic novel reprints. Whats worse is that they are all worth getting also. As I have been rereading the few that I mamaged to buy.

It was this morning that I was looking for one of "Slaine Time Killer" Megazine issues. Number  204

Of my collection of Slaine Qulaity comcis. I now have quite a pile of these, yet not of them Some of them are doubles or triples.

Alot of these were sold to me  bundled in pairs. Would you beleive that the ones I were looking for this morning were bundled as Issues "Nine" and "Elven".  

Think about it.

What do think the seller was trying to tell me?

Anyway, I managed to find these again.

I also have a copy of "Catch Twenty Two" beside me. Somebody said this was good reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 08 April, 2009, 04:27:59 PM
Just started Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood, which is exceptionally creepy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 08 April, 2009, 04:39:39 PM
Im reading my way through a set of early 90s Megs. Is it me or is there a lot of incomprehensable shite in there amongst the gems? I've had to give up even bothering reading the mess of Calhab justice, african judges and Shimura makes no sense whatsoever. I'm I being particularly retarded or was thrill power that low?? I read the meg for its first year and have taken it up again recently but a lot of this stuff is turgid. I have progs 1300 -1400 to catch up on next. Looking forward to that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 08 April, 2009, 05:23:46 PM
QuoteIm reading my way through a set of early 90s Megs. Is it me or is there a lot of incomprehensable shite in there amongst the gems?

It's not you.
This era marked the moment where I silently closed my prog, looked outside and went to discover women; never to re-open a prog until the post 2000's.

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 April, 2009, 06:46:02 PM
One of the great things about the Meg is that's (unlike the Prog) it's really impossible to be nostalgic for the glories of yesteryear - they're there alright, but they're few and far between.  Like Bouwel I got pretty sick of the Meg in the early 90's, which for a price I couldn't really was boring and confusing me in equal measure.  So many of its stories could have been good (CalHab, Shimura, Harmony) but just weren't.  By which I mean to say the Meg of the 21st century is the best its ever been.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 08 April, 2009, 09:15:26 PM
How true. I've been working my way slowly but surely through the meg in an attempt to get up to date without missing any of them and some, if not most of the old stuff from the 90s was utter shite. I'm up to 2005 now and it's just getting better and better. The Simping Detective is an absolute joy and I just (last night) read 237 the 15th anniversary issue with the giant 'Flood's 13' story in it, Henry Flint does Branch Moronians, sheer class.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: worldshown on 09 April, 2009, 11:45:19 AM
Working my way through Charlie Brooker's Dawn of the Dumb with John O'Farrell's Utterly Impatial History of Britain lined up for a re-read.

However, this sounds like it might be worth a go. Pride and Prejudice...With Zombies!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7985728.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7985728.stm)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 09 April, 2009, 12:56:45 PM
Just read Grendel: Behold the Devil, by Matt Wagner.

This was a long time coming as I bought the issues via mail order from a CShop and they didn't post them till they had them all.

The art is as good as you would expect from Matt Wagner, but the overall story left me feeling let down. Of the two main storylines running through the issues, one of them ultimately served to just allow Wagner to show the over arcing meta plot for Grendel in a series of double page spreads. This told me nothing new and leaves me feeling that Grendel should be left alone now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 09 April, 2009, 03:40:26 PM
Finished reading V this week and am considering another attempt at Gravity's Rainbow. I'll read it all the way through this time, oh yes I will...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 09 April, 2009, 05:27:45 PM
Currently re-reading Stephenson's Cryptonomicon - absolutely hysterical, still one of the best he has done - think I'll have to check out Anathema looking at one or two of the recommendations above.

Working through tooth into the mid hundreds ( early ABC, still brings back fond memories, Disaster 1990 - the most accurately named story in tooth ever? )

Just received the latest two volumes of Barefoot Gen - a history of Hiroshima.  The only manga outside of Akira I have ever read and one that I would heartily recommend to anyone.  Most harrowing comic I've ever had the pleasure of.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 April, 2009, 05:43:52 PM
Quote from: "Godpleton"Finished reading V this week and am considering another attempt at Gravity's Rainbow. I'll read it all the way through this time, oh yes I will...

Arh Gravity's Rainbow. I'm normally a pretty stubborn reader but that book gets the better of me every time. That and Kerouac's Doctor Sax and David Mamet's Wilson: A consideration of the sources. One day I'll get um sussed!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 09 April, 2009, 08:28:14 PM
Any Neal Stephenson fans got an idea of what Enoch Root is all about? Who/what is he?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 09 April, 2009, 10:22:39 PM
Quote from: "The Enigmatic Dr X"Any Neal Stephenson fans got an idea of what Enoch Root is all about? Who/what is he?

Far as I know there's no more info beyond what's in the four books - but I find it very hard to believe that Stephenson isn't/wasn't planning to explain him a bit more at a later date.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 10 April, 2009, 05:32:44 PM
Quote from: "The Enigmatic Dr X"Any Neal Stephenson fans got an idea of what Enoch Root is all about? Who/what is he?

knowing Stephensons penchant for Mathematical and IT jokes I wonder if it has something to do with the Eroot class used to handle persistant objects between uses of applications.  Considering the manner in which the character seems to turn up and interact within the books this seems plausible.  Of course there could be something in the Wikepedia comments!

BTW anyone else tried Grimwood's Arabesque?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trilobite2 on 10 April, 2009, 06:29:27 PM
Quote from: "Tjm86"BTW anyone else tried Grimwood's Arabesque?

I read them a little while back. I thought they were good but a bit hard to follow in places. Much preferred 9 tail fox but that might be my brain lacking athleticism.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dounreay on 11 April, 2009, 07:32:21 PM
Sign me up for the Neal Stephenson fan club too. Currently in the last 100 pages of Cryptonomicon, the first time I've read any of his work. I'm not entirely sure if it is sci-fi ( I'm not entirely sure what it is to be honest) but it is absolutely compulsive reading.  The kind of book you read way into the wee small hours, when you should be tucked up in bed.

After that, it's two collected works of Howard Waldrop- one of short stories, one of novellas. Some I've read before and love, like "The Ugly Chickens" and  "A Dozen Tough Jobs", others are new to me. Mmmmm...luvverly.

Comics, just read the first few pages of Marvels "Secret War". Bought it because the art caught my eye but no idea if it will be a decent read of not.

Did notice that Nick Fury doesn't seem to have stogie permanently screwed into his face anymore, when did he give up smoking?  Come to that does anybody smoke in US comics anymore?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 April, 2009, 08:36:37 PM
Just to lower the intellectual tone of this thread completely (oh wait, it's okay, Dounreay is already talking about Marvel), I picked up a fantasy novel breezeblock last week in the library (they let me have 10 books at a time!  10!  I'm not made of stone!) -  Kate Elliott's King's Dragon.  After a shakily familiar start, I've been pleasantly surprised (about halfway through now).  Then today I noticed that it's Book 1 of 7.  Anyone read any more of this, and should I bail out now, or does it deliver on its early promise?  I'm not adverse to very long series (loved Tad William's Memory, Sorrow & Thorn and Otherworld monsters, for example), but I don't really want to start if its going to peter off into nothing after I've wasted countless hours... (You can see that I was a fun guy to go out with).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 11 April, 2009, 10:03:21 PM
Before I begin, I must explain that MK Library has a superb GN section, with a wide and varied selection of every type of comic, both old and very new. Whoever orders the books clearly knows what they are doing and has excellent taste. I will always have some gratitude for them for introducing me, no matter how impersonally for introducing me to Love & Rockets, the first comic which ever truly had an effect on me, and one which allowed me to really appreciate the medium. This year alone, I've discovered Jason, Guy Delisle and David Heatley.

I also appreciate the fact that they organized a display of GNs at thhe front. It does have a faintly irritating "It's not all "capes and superpowers"" sign, but it is a commendable and proactive means of promotion.

That said, do you know what they had on this display today? Fucking Nemi, that's what.

Still working my way through Margaret Atwood's ouvere.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 12 April, 2009, 12:18:33 AM
In the post that started this thread I expressed some trpidation about reading Preacher:Alamo. I was worried it might not live up to the epic build up. Just finished it and I've got to say I thought it was superb. The heroes prevail and the bad guys . . . well . . . don't. What more can you ask for from what is essentially an epic western. Also, Glenn Fabrys themed covers for that last arc were a sight to behold. The Tulip one was haunting. I actually had a dream about her. we'll leave that there. Anyway, it's Swamp Thing next, A Murder Of Crows. Should be good. Still haven't finished any of the others I've been trawling through cos good (Felix Castor) or bad (Blackguards) my time's spent mainly reading 70's comics on the Battle and Action sites. Finished Hookjaw today. [spoiler:314xsdgx]Rick getting his head bitten off.[/spoiler:314xsdgx] Didn't see that one coming. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dounreay on 12 April, 2009, 10:19:56 AM
Okay, I admit it, reading the occasional Marvel GN is my dirty little lemonade drinking secret.

My relationship with Marvel is like my relationship with kebabs. I know I shouldn't but every now and again you just gotta have one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: crazykdg on 12 April, 2009, 11:07:19 AM
any of you guys got any 2000ad graphic novels that youd reccomend to read
(i know it doesnt actually relate to the subject but im bored and have no books to read)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 12 April, 2009, 11:23:57 AM
Quote from: "crazykdg"any of you guys got any 2000ad graphic novels that youd reccomend to read
Does the Pope shit in the woods?

Depending upon what you've read in the prog and meg already. I can heartily recommend all of them, but in particular.

D.R and Quinch.
Leviathan.
All of the Dredd complete case files, in fact that's a legal requirement, IT'S THE LAW!
Ditto Strontium Dog.
Nemesis.
Kingdom.
The V.Cs.
Halo Jones.
Slaine. All of 'em.

Just read them all basically, you won't be disappointed.

Enjoy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 April, 2009, 01:14:29 PM
Quote from: "Dounreay"Comics, just read the first few pages of Marvels "Secret War". Bought it because the art caught my eye but no idea if it will be a decent read of not.

Did notice that Nick Fury doesn't seem to have stogie permanently screwed into his face anymore, when did he give up smoking?  Come to that does anybody smoke in US comics anymore?

I know Marvel has banned any of it's characters and edict from Joe Q. So no stogie for The Thing, Wolverine or Fury these days. Not sure about DC but it wouldn't surprise me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 12 April, 2009, 01:34:07 PM
Quote from: "Godpleton"I also appreciate the fact that they organized a display of GNs at thhe front. It does have a faintly irritating "It's not all "capes and superpowers"" sign, but it is a commendable and proactive means of promotion.

That said, do you know what they had on this display today? Fucking Nemi, that's what.
I quite like Nemi. I mean, I wouldn't read a collection but it's better than that other rubbish you get in the Metro.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 12 April, 2009, 10:21:07 PM
Quoteit's better than that other rubbish you get in the Metro.

Is it still "This Life"? That's just about the only comic strip which allows me to say "I could do better than that" and not feel like a complete douchebag.

Today I reread For the Man who has Everything. Previously I'd felt that it was just a "normal" Alan Moore comic. Miles better than 95% of other superhero comics of course, but not in the same league as the Watchmen's and the V's. A Skizz rather than a Halo Jones.

However, I've had to reconsider this. Despite what Byrne and his ilk might protest, it's a true Superman story, and really a brilliant Batman story and a great Wonder Woman story as well. The authors refuse to hold back about any aspect of his power and his capacity for heroism, even going so far as to completely ignore "Clark Kent", in the process effortlessly reminding us just how easy it could be for lesser writers to hide behind secret identities. Superman could be just another conqueror of worlds, another lunatic, and for the briefest moment he is when he knocks Robin over with his voice. But ultimately he isn't, he's always going to stop, because he has to. What's really shocking is that I actually felt disappointed at the end that we didn't get to see or hear WW's desires as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 12 April, 2009, 11:24:37 PM
Nemi is well designed. That's all. It has nothing worthwhile to say. I wish it were better. It ought to be. As it is, it shouldn't be anywhere near a library.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 12 April, 2009, 11:37:30 PM
Quote from: "Godpleton"Today I reread For the Man who has Everything

It's just superb, isn't it? As you say, the JBF fraternity who want to paint Moore as somehow opposed to the concept of heroism seem able to blithely ignore the utterly heart-rending moment when Kal-El tells his son "I ... I don't think you're real." Add to that note-perfect characterizations of Batman, Robin and Wonder Woman and you have a comic that deserves its place of honour in DC's publishing history.

As an aside, the JM DeMatteis' adaptation of this story for the Justice League cartoon series probably qualifies as the only successful Alan Moore adaptation to another medium, ever. Notwithstanding my own, as yet unpublished, Sinister Ducks magnum opus, of course.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 April, 2009, 10:04:00 AM
Akk, we're discussing Nemi and For The Man Who Has Everything at the same time?  It's bad enough that they share a medium, in the same way that the Crazy Frog and Mozart's Serenade No. 13 in G Major do.

On the equally painful subject of JB, I recently read a pretty good comic written and drawn by him - Star Trek: Crew, which appears to be a sort of tribute to the late Majel Barrett, following her Number One character from The Cage.  As noted it was pretty good stuff (if you like that sort of thing), and I couldn't shake the feeling that it was an older piece being reprinted, but the inidicia showed 2009 - I didn't think he did this kind of work any more.  Anyone know any more?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 13 April, 2009, 10:55:29 AM
Quote from: "TordelBack"As noted it was pretty good stuff (if you like that sort of thing), and I couldn't shake the feeling that it was an older piece being reprinted, but the inidicia showed 2009 - I didn't think he did this kind of work any more.  Anyone know any more?

He's actually said over on his forum that he's quite happy doing Trek (and now Angel) licensed stuff for IDW and feels no urgent desire to return to superheroes. I'm pretty sure that it is current.

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 April, 2009, 01:03:06 PM
Thanks Jim, I knew the answer was to be probably found over on the JBF but I've sworn off that place for more than a year now, and am much happier for it.  Your sacrifice will be remembered.  

So the old bugger still has talent.  I'm strangely pleased to hear it, as a former fan of his FF work in particular.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 14 April, 2009, 07:45:15 PM
This morning " Conquering Armies" --by Cal and Dionet, A Heavy-Metal Book-- arrived on my doorstep.

A large graphic novel, poster sized and my copy sadly is noticably second hand. The front and back covers have been worn from the rest of the book's binding.

Though, I was forewarned about this by the seller.

I did search for this when I read the Pat Mills forward in the new 'Slaine Warrior's Dawn" Graphic novel. If my memory serves correctly, this work was a source of inspiration for one of the Slaine artists. I would think that s it's Glenn Fabry's just from the look of it --It's the way the huge fortress cities are drawn-- , but I this is "Warrior's Dawn". So, I think he was addressing Mike MacMahon.

Anyway, this beautifaully illustrated book is even written in English. Something I didn't expect. I was expecting French or German syntax. So I can easily read the thing as well as enjoy the pictures.

My immediate impression is "300" ( You know the film.) and a Richard Corben influence in the artwork. Despite the lack of colour or painting. Perhaps either Cal or Dionet were the non de plumes. One which might have actualley been Richard Corben. Off the top of my head, I'm unsure of which is the artist. Usealley it's the second name, but only at a guess.

Who ever the artist really is, I like the way they do buildings, temples, underground lairs. Most of the art in particular. They just don't stop at doing shapes, shading, shadows.

It's the intricate etching. The detail becomes more apparent after staring at the detail that immediatly catch your eyes.

Why I mention this here and now. Well I honoured to be reading something that partialley inspired Slaine and I''ve bene reading this on and off all day.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 15 April, 2009, 09:08:41 PM
I noticed Neal Stephenson's name popping up quite often in this and other threads, so I thought I'd check 'im aht. 'Snow Crash' turned up today. A new highly recommended author to tuck into, luxury. And the second volume of '100 Bullets' as well. Lovely.

I've been almost exclusively reading megazines recently, bloody things are addictive. Some great articles on the small press in the ones I've read in the last few days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 15 April, 2009, 10:11:48 PM
Just finished rereading ALL STAR SUPERMAN.

It's brilliant - especially not having to wait 3 months between issues.

Chock full of more ideas on every page then I've ever had in my entire life.

And fantastic art.

Must catch up with that Alan Moore Superman story - don't believe I've read it.

Next up - Cormac Mcarthy and THE ROAD.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 15 April, 2009, 10:36:11 PM
Currently enjoying a bumper volume of Dykes to look out for. Really interesting stuff. Got Krazy Kat afterwards.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 16 April, 2009, 03:23:47 PM
Quote'Snow Crash' turned up today

That's where I started with Stephenson - a friend gave it to me. He had picked it up just for the sake of it - I actually think he bought it to break a twenty for change or something. The cover was truly awful and had a crap picture of a dude on a Honda 50 (or equivalent!) which in no way reflects the one biker in the book. The blurb sounded shite too - but it's aces!

It was this one...

//http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4OYGjUrdllo/SMSc6-u_GtI/AAAAAAAAHB0/I5X_cB4JmTg/s1600-h/bcl_stephenson_snowcrash.jpg

I can't recommend 'The Diamond Age' highly enough either - you're a lucky blighter for never having read them...those books are actually about the lenghth of one of his chapters nowadays (I have just started Anathem myself, so will be my reading for a while I should imagine).

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 16 April, 2009, 04:02:21 PM
QuoteMust catch up with that Alan Moore Superman story - don't believe I've read it.

I'd recommend Across the Universe which has FTMWHE as well as a bunch of other Moore DC stuff.

Finished reading another Krazy & Ignatz collection, this one from Herriman's twilight years. It really is the strip that keeps on giving.

Started Bottomless Belly Button. I thought it was just going to be another scratchy-indie tale of dysfunctional people but it's surprisingly moving.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 16 April, 2009, 04:17:01 PM
I lent my younger brother the trade paperback of Alan Moore's Superman stories to read on the train home after he came to visit me once. He lost it. Like he lost every book I ever trusted him with.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 16 April, 2009, 04:49:18 PM
Just bought 'Tales of Heresy' a collection of short stories from the Horus Heresy series. Once I've finished Eisenhorn I'll start on it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 April, 2009, 05:30:00 PM
Quote
Quote'Snow Crash' turned up today


That's where I started with Stephenson - a friend gave it to me. He had picked it up just for the sake of it - I actually think he bought it to break a twenty for change or something. The cover was truly awful and had a crap picture of a dude on a Honda 50 (or equivalent!) which in no way reflects the one biker in the book. The blurb sounded shite too - but it's aces!


I don't rate SnowCrash too highly when I read it ten years ago, and it actually put me off Stephenson for years, until I was lent Quicksilver by a friend.  After the Baroque Cycle (just epic), Cryptonomicon (his best novel IMHO), The Diamond Age (amazing) and Anathem (hugely satisfying and vaguely educational) I'm a a rabid fan.  But SnowCrash just didn't do it for me.  Maybe I should give it another chance.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 16 April, 2009, 05:54:05 PM
Quote from: "TordelBack"I don't rate SnowCrash too highly when I read it ten years ago, and it actually put me off Stephenson for years, until I was lent Quicksilver by a friend.  After the Baroque Cycle (just epic), Cryptonomicon (his best novel IMHO), The Diamond Age (amazing) and Anathem (hugely satisfying and vaguely educational) I'm a a rabid fan.  But SnowCrash just didn't do it for me.  Maybe I should give it another chance.
For what it's worth I adored Snow Crash and while there are some exceptionally stodgy lumps of Sumerian exposition, there's a verve and energy about it that puts it firmly in the pile of books that I'll pull out and reread whenever I'm lying in bed and can't sleep. I agree that Cryptonomicon is his best. It takes the same energy and applies it to a better paced story which is far better entwined with the clever bits.

There our opinions diverge, unfortunately. I didn't think much of The Diamond Age, although that may be because of my fondness for Marshall Bonehead out of Bad Company, and (as I'm sure I've flabbergasted JIm with before) I thought Quicksilver was totally tedious and in dire need of a good editing. I keep meaning to give it another go because of the adulation it gets, but I've still never plucked up the courage.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: W. R. Logan on 16 April, 2009, 06:18:28 PM
Im presently reading the All Arms Drill Wing manual.

Pace stick & Cane Drill
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 16 April, 2009, 06:21:16 PM
That's an absolute must for all fans of 2000ad you've got there Logan ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 16 April, 2009, 07:56:49 PM
Uh-oh. I hope you've been working on your 'tache as well Logan. You going for Sgt/Major then fella?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: W. R. Logan on 16 April, 2009, 10:06:12 PM
Quote from: "COMMANDO FORCES"That's an absolute must for all fans of 2000ad you've got there Logan 8-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: W. R. Logan on 16 April, 2009, 10:08:10 PM
Quote from: "Kerrin"Uh-oh. I hope you've been working on your 'tache as well Logan. You going for Sgt/Major then fella?

Became Squadron Sergeant Major on the 1st April, get my WO2 on the 1st June.

Tried to grow a tashe once, it looked like an anorexic caterpillar had died on my upper lip.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 16 April, 2009, 10:19:55 PM
Congratulations Sar'nt Major. And Warrant Officer in June eh? You won't know what to do with all that extra money. Well done mate.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 17 April, 2009, 02:36:08 PM
Just started reading In The Dark by Mark Billingham. I've read every novel he's written so far and never sussed any of the twists so either he's very good or I'm rubbish. Either way I enjoy them. It will take a while to read though cos I'm still wading through the sevenpennynightmare stuff. Dredger and Mike Nelson are my current reads and then it'll be Hellman. I swear, those sites are bloody addictive. All I need now is one that does the same sort of job with Warlord and Victor. Hint Hint.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 17 April, 2009, 09:46:26 PM
Now i've actually been reading "hater" by dave moody i can say wot a big pile of shit..........................








 :D











..................tastic story telling...

very "james herbertish" i think and a cant put it down book especially when [spoiler:gwyb5i6b]the protagonist(it reads in the first person) turns to the "dark side" or does he?[/spoiler:gwyb5i6b]

blody brilliant...apparently this guy does good zombie novels but havent found any yet...onward to amazon!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 18 April, 2009, 04:55:56 PM
Quote from: "mogzilla"Now i've actually been reading "hater" by dave moody .......
...apparently this guy does good zombie novels but havent found any yet...onward to amazon!

I've been reading his Autumn series of zombie novels and the first three are excellent.
I'm not so keen on the fourth one, The Human Condition. It is a collection of short stories based around different characters and doesn't work as well and isn't as gripping as the first three.

I'll be reading Hater soon too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 18 April, 2009, 10:43:16 PM
Just read the Big Nowhere by Ellroy. Elloy's crime dramas read like an exorcism on the page. All of the time's uglyness and corruption are on display and inescapeable from the main characters. It's weird but I think that it's an IMPORTANT gesture, especially since 50's America is too fequently portrayed as a conservative paradise. Ellroy doesn't just remind us the past is another country, he reminds us it's like Somalia, not a country you want to vacation in.

Quote from: "Godpleton"Finished reading another Krazy & Ignatz collection, this one from Herriman's twilight years. It really is the strip that keeps on giving.

Started Bottomless Belly Button. I thought it was just going to be another scratchy-indie tale of dysfunctional people but it's surprisingly moving.

At times I think Herriman said everything that needed to be said about love and desire. On your recommendation I think I'll give BBB a try.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 28 April, 2009, 02:23:59 PM
As mentioned previously I usually have a number of books on the go at once. Over the last couple of days I've finished In The Dark (no I didn't get the twist), House Of Mystery vol 1 (the story of the girl who marries the fly is both sick and brilliant) and The VC's (Finley Day era. Bloody fantastic. No-one did war like this guy.)

So almost a clean sweep of my current reads and a good batch they were. Only one to let the side down is the terrible Blackhearts which I'm still trawling manfully through although I'm starting to lose the will to live. Just so you know, it's a series set in the warhammer world written by Nathan Long and it is absolute tosh. Cliche ridden nonsense that doesn't even see fit to follow it's own internal logic from one chapter to the next. It reads like it was written by a 12 year old. Long is described as a former struggling screenwriter. If this is the calibre of his storytelling it's no wonder he struggled. Seriously, I've started so I'll finish but I'd advise anyone else to avoid like the plague.

Starting Fables tonight. Am I on to a winner anyone?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: stacey on 28 April, 2009, 03:35:40 PM
I love House of Mystery I think its awesome and also the covers are glorious.  I just picked up six issues of The Secret Six at the comic fair at the weekend and im enjoying it very much, picked up some random old progs and megs which I am looking forward to and have also just finished reading the two trades of The Irredeemable AntMan which were the dogs dangly's yes they were.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 28 April, 2009, 04:43:16 PM
Re-reading Fun Home and I'm getting a lot more out of it second time round, possibly because I've read some of Bechdel's other work.

The Great Margaret Atwood binge has lead to Lady Oracle, which is haunting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 28 April, 2009, 04:56:51 PM
Quote from: "Godpleton"Re-reading Fun Home

what a coinky-dinky - I've just read this from the library a few weeks ago and loved it.

Also recently took out the graphic novel version of Neil Gaiman's Coraline - the style of the new movie looks horrible and inappropriate to me after enjoying P Craig Russell's seriously spooky depictions of the button-eyed family.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 28 April, 2009, 06:27:09 PM
I 'm having trouble focusing on just one book at the moment and I'm still alternating betweent the collected 'The Best of Tharg", "Dr and Quinch", "Slaine the King", "Slaine Horned God" as graphic novels as well as "Slaine: Time-Killer" as it was reprinted in the Megazine scattered around me and "Conquering armies" ( By Gal and Dionett)

Although, I have now also been reading bits of "Barlowes, Guide to Extra Terrestrials." There's some funny aliens in there. As well as John Carpenters "The Thing" which looks rather more muppet-like than it did in the film.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 28 April, 2009, 06:27:28 PM
Um, I'm reading Button Man ...for the first time. Don't shout, I hadn't heard of it....  :oops:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 28 April, 2009, 07:13:14 PM
I just read "Chaser" by Dean Koontz (although apparently he used a pseudonym originally). I get the impression Koontz isn't too highly regarded but I've read a heap of his stuff lately and I always find I can't put it down, the man knows how to spin a tale. This was great too, not a hint of the supernatural, just a great gritty crime thriller.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 29 April, 2009, 08:12:23 AM
I've read a few of his too. Good stuff if you don't have any preconceptions. And much more solid than a lot of similarly pigeon-holed authors.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 29 April, 2009, 08:56:39 AM
Quote from: "Keef Monkey"I just read "Chaser" by Dean Koontz (although apparently he used a pseudonym originally). I get the impression Koontz isn't too highly regarded but I've read a heap of his stuff lately and I always find I can't put it down, the man knows how to spin a tale. This was great too, not a hint of the supernatural, just a great gritty crime thriller.

He's good until you realise he uses the same cast of characters for every book.
But the crowning moment, and the one that stopped me reading his books forever was on reading The Bad Place and finding it it has exactly the same twist he'd used in a previous book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 29 April, 2009, 09:02:40 AM
Quote from: "His Lordship rac"
Quote from: "Keef Monkey"I just read "Chaser" by Dean Koontz (although apparently he used a pseudonym originally). I get the impression Koontz isn't too highly regarded but I've read a heap of his stuff lately and I always find I can't put it down, the man knows how to spin a tale. This was great too, not a hint of the supernatural, just a great gritty crime thriller.

He's good until you realise he uses the same cast of characters for every book.
But the crowning moment, and the one that stopped me reading his books forever was on reading The Bad Place and finding it it has exactly the same twist he'd used in a previous book.


You should try a Nick Pope novel...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 April, 2009, 11:57:23 AM
Phew, for a second there I thought you were talking about Stephen Coonts.  Because then I would have been forced to kill you.  Never has an attempt to stave off boredom while staying with the in-laws gone so horribly wrong as my reading the copy of Saucer left no-doubt innocently in the spare room.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 29 April, 2009, 02:23:29 PM
I read a lot of Stephen Coonts when I was a teenager and with the exception of  Flight Of The Intruder - which I thought was incredibly dull -  I seem to remember enjoying them immenseley. Don't think I've read Saucer though so I can't comment on that one.

Having said that  Tom Clancy is the God of implausible pro America techno thrillers in my house. Jack Ryan. Patriot Games , Red October, Clear And Present Danger. Pure Gold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 April, 2009, 02:40:26 PM
Ah Faplad, truly we are two but sides of the same coin.  Yours being the scarred and tasteless Two-Face side, obviously.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: stacey on 30 April, 2009, 10:35:21 AM
Quote from: "uncle fester"Um, I'm reading Button Man ...for the first time. Don't shout, I hadn't heard of it....  :oops:

I have totally failed to find the first trade in Newcastle, the second vol - plenty.  How annoying is that?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kev Levell on 30 April, 2009, 12:38:09 PM
I've taken a brief hiatus from my efforts to catch up reading the last 8 years worth of progs and am happy chomping my way through Watching the Watchmen.

What an absolutely top book. I've read Watchmen countless times over the last twenty odd years and each time I read it, I notice something else... then just when I thought I'd seen it all, this book throws up yet more things I was totally unaware of.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 01 May, 2009, 09:47:39 PM
Polished off The Black Dahlia today, and whilst it was a enthralling read, it's still a bit much, I thought.

Currently plowing through some Osamu Tezaku stuff, Dororo and Buddha. Captivating.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Floyd-the-k on 02 May, 2009, 02:56:46 AM
Euripedes 'the Suppliant women', which is good stuff once you get used to how much chattier it is than Sophocles and Aeschylus
An old Dr Who novel which is pretty damn ordinary and reminds me (shudder) of whatsername - umm, 'Mel'.....only reading it because I have a mysterious Dr Who compulsion lately

Kant and Foucault for study - Kant is difficult but worth it, Foucault is annoying but worth it

the Psalms in the King James Bible - which are terrific - there's something for everyone (well, everyone except people who hate the idea of reading Psalms) there.   I read one a day
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 02 May, 2009, 02:52:12 PM
Lowering the tone...

Primeval: Fire and Water, by Simon Guerrier. Another cracking Primeval novel- a series that has filled the 'tv tie-in novels written for adults' slot pretty well for me, since the BBC stopped pumping out proper Dr Who books and went over to cack-handed pissery with their tie-ins.
Star Trek: Assignment Earth GN, by John Byrne (it's bloody awful, as you'd expect)
6 issues of Eagle (&Wildcat/&Mask) from the late 'eighties.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 02 May, 2009, 04:10:19 PM
Just started 'The Zombie Survival Guide' by Max Brooks.

Seems good for a laugh so far.





V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 02 May, 2009, 04:52:47 PM
Follow it up with 'World War Z'. Excellent book.

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 02 May, 2009, 08:32:00 PM
I've just finished reading "Incompetence" by Rob Grant, picked it up for cheap in a charity shop. It was well worth the price, it's a pretty gripping read that handles humourous and serious situations with equal clarity. I'm now wondering if the author's other books are worth picking up - anyone here read any of them?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 02 May, 2009, 08:49:02 PM
Quote from: "Bouwel"Follow it up with 'World War Z'. Excellent book.

-Bouwel-

Seconded. It really is spectacular. I'm a dyed-in-the-guts zombieholic, and this (along with Walking Dead and Romero's films) is as good as the subgenre gets. You won't regret it, I promise.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 02 May, 2009, 09:00:02 PM
I just hope the film is truthful to the book.
If it is, we have a powerful treat awaiting us.

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 05 May, 2009, 03:53:48 PM
Quote from: "SpookyTheCat"
Quote from: "Bouwel"Follow it up with 'World War Z'. Excellent book.

-Bouwel-

Seconded. It really is spectacular. I'm a dyed-in-the-guts zombieholic, and this (along with Walking Dead and Romero's films) is as good as the subgenre gets. You won't regret it, I promise.

Steev

Thirded, World War Z is a great read.

I just finished Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry which is utter tripe but I still kind of enjoyed it.

Its like Dan Brown wrote 24 with terrorists intent on unleashing a zombie plague.

I've just started reading Child of God by Cormac McCarthy.
Title: Re: What's everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 05 May, 2009, 03:59:16 PM
Catching up with the B.P.R.D books, which I'd fallen somewhat behind with lately (7 and 8 for now, then perhaps the next two).

Forgotten how much I loved this series - I think I might rate it better than the Hellboy books it span out of; it seems to have a much clearer idea of where it's going, and the gradual evolving of the characters is a constant joy. Nothing's allowed to stand still, the status quo only exists to be overturned and challenged, and I genuinely worry for the fates of my faves characters. It's one of the only ongoing American series that I'd rate as highly as Tooth.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 05 May, 2009, 05:46:55 PM
Just started 'The Devil You Know' by Mike Carey and I have to say it's shaping up nicely.

Gave up on Permutation City. I'm sure it's a great book, just not for me.

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 May, 2009, 07:40:15 AM
I'm currently reading Frank Miller's Daredevil omnibus. Now nothing new there was I've read all the stories in one form or another over the years BUT my cooment is to do with the practicality of omnibus editions.

While they certainly look great on the shelf I'm struggling to find a comfortable position to read this beast of a collection in. I weighs a ton and I worry the spine might get damaged under its own weight. Its to thick to easily open and read flat and apparently its irriating if I use my wife's legs as a book stand (when she's laying her legs across me on the sofa you understand I don't expect my wife to specific spend the evening holding books for me to read!).

Yeah so great read but damned annoying to read. I'll learn my lesson in the future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 May, 2009, 08:16:05 AM
QuoteI use my wife's legs as a book stand

The very rock upon which a good marriage is based.  In sickness and in health and as a lectern.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 06 May, 2009, 09:38:41 AM
I've got to read An Inspector Calls just to teach half an hour of a one-off tutorial to a private student. It'll cost me about £7.00 to obtain the reference material I need, so it's more an investment in future earnings than a gig that will make me money in its own right.

I've also been reading this bijou thing of beauty here:

(//http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51O9Yj79pCL._SS500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 07 May, 2009, 12:55:53 PM
Righty-ho. Just finished Child of God and it reads pretty much like Son of Fink. So much so that is how I imagined the character looking for the 2nd half of the book.  It was alright if a tad disturbing.

Need to check the bookcase when I get home to see whats next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tweak72 on 07 May, 2009, 02:19:12 PM
Valérian: Spatio-Temporal Agent. by writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières. but only the English translated ones as I am monolingual. I may relent and get the French ones just for the art.

These books were apparently a massive influence on the original Star Wars films design ands story elements as well as the latter part of the trilogy. Also them artist designed a lot of stuff for teh Fifth Element film.

If you like Mobious' stuff or like the Métal Hurlant or Heavy Metal magazine check these guys out as they are part of the same French 60's comics movment

//http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Val%C3%A9rian_and_Laureline

(//http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/06/Valerian_and_Laureline.jpg)

(//http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a6/Valerian_Astroship.jpg/350px-Valerian_Astroship.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 07 May, 2009, 10:35:29 PM
Enjoying 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson. Started clunkily (over elaborate descriptions of hardware etc)  but soon got into it's stride. It's a good read.

Got the 3rd '100 Bullets' TPB yesterday and I thought I'd just have a quick glance at it before I nodded off last night. Fat chance. Slept straight through my alarm this morning. Awesome comic series. Risso's art is so clean and economical and yet lush and atmospheric that it makes me go back and look at panels just to get another hit. The dialogue is some of the best I've read, graphic novel or otherwise. If you haven't read these do yourself a favour and get them.

Picked up another Heath Robinson collection on ebay as well, I've got far too many of these now. Oh well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: clarence worley on 14 May, 2009, 11:47:53 AM
Scalped by Jason Aaron, published by Vertigo....brutal, crime thriller set on a native american reservation... constantly amazes me, top of my must read pile month in month out.

Young Liar's by David Lapham, published by Vertigo.... I would try and explain/give a brief synopsis but it's so strange and offbeat I would not know where to begin. Shame it's getting cancelled this summer.

Book wise, ''The Corner'' by David Simon, creator of the Wire.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 14 May, 2009, 09:59:39 PM
I've been contemplating Scalped for a while now, whenever I've sneaked a look at the Vertigo site. The trouble is I am currently reading Swamp Thing, Sandman, Lucifer, Y:The Last Man, Fables, Buffy:Season Eight and now Sgt. Rock. I have neither the time nor the disposable income to add any more to that list. Even when they start to finish I've got my eye on Hellblazer and 100 Bullets and of course Jack of Fables when the time comes. I'm sure I'll get around to Scalped at some point though.

On the subject of Sgt. Rock. This is the original 50's series in the Showcase book and despite the rather obvious flag waving and wholesome messages of courage and teamwork it has one thing very much in it's favour. Joe Kubert. As a relative newcomer to any comic not 2000ad - hence the list of classics I'm catching up on above - this is my first exposure to a guy I'm reliably informed is a legend. I can see why. I lay no claim to being an expert but the artwork on display here is blowing me away.

Oh, and I'm about to start reading Jasper Ffordes Nursery Crimes books. Loved his early Thursday Nexts but felt that the series went off the boil a little so we'll see how this goes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 May, 2009, 10:43:34 AM
Quote from: "faplad"On the subject of Sgt. Rock. This is the original 50's series in the Showcase book and despite the rather obvious flag waving and wholesome messages of courage and teamwork it has one thing very much in it's favour. Joe Kubert. As a relative newcomer to any comic not 2000ad - hence the list of classics I'm catching up on above - this is my first exposure to a guy I'm reliably informed is a legend. I can see why. I lay no claim to being an expert but the artwork on display here is blowing me away.

Those Showcase Presents are great books. Otherwise there no way I'd able to read such classic work by master of the form such as Joe Kubert. Yeah in the first Rock volume (the second one nears the top of my to read pile) has some hockey sentiment BUT they stories are so well crafted and told that they stand up pretty well I think. And the art oh the glorious art...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tweak72 on 15 May, 2009, 12:21:12 PM
Just finished Volume 2 of John Byrnes Complete Next Men which I have to say has an interesting and strong main plot but suffers a lot from some really awful ideas and some over use of...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tweak72 on 15 May, 2009, 12:22:46 PM
Quote from: "Tweak72"... Story telling devices like starting the next cut scene with a "voice over from the previous finishing plot thread.  

which was done to many times for my blood. the way [spoiler:29d0h21c]he uses the MIV "back up comic" as a semi separate story before melding the stories togeather[/spoiler:29d0h21c] was pretty cool though [spoiler:29d0h21c]although the phantom other comic beings like Concrete and Hellboy[/spoiler:29d0h21c] kind of detracted from the last part of the story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 15 May, 2009, 04:36:47 PM
This weekend I shall mostly be reading "100 Bullets". I managed to get volumes 4,5,6,7 and 9 for £20 on ebay. Result. No other bugger bid. They got delivered this morning.

And "The Goon, Chinatown" turned up about 5 minutes later.

Our postman at work just puts anything from amazon straight on my bench now. That's good service.

An embarrassment of riches. But what to read first. "Zima Blue" by Alastair Reynolds turned up yesterday as well.

So I'm all right for reading material for a bit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 May, 2009, 09:35:07 PM
"William Shatner"'s 'Star Trek : Avenger'- which is yet another of "his" series of novels featuring Kirk messing about in the post-death Next Generation universe, taking the piss out of the pompous Next Gen characters, generally being brilliant, shagging loads of alien birds and taking on the borg single-handed. Grud help me, I love them! There's a cracking Spockplot to this one- and the chapter where Spock and Kirk suddenly meet again (struggling manfully in what can only be described as a lights-off homo-erotic fumble) brought a ridiculous grin to my face and a tear to my eye. A hundred pages to go, and I'm already scouring eBay for one of the remaining two that I haven't read.

Also plodding through 'Spider-Man: With Great Power...', which I'm finding to be tedious in the extreme. Christ, it's only 5 issues and its taken me three weeks (and one library renewal) to get to chapter three! I'm a lifelong Spidey-fan, but this is utter dirge.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 16 May, 2009, 07:01:52 AM
I'm on the next Felix Castor book by Mike Carey. Again, not bad thus far.

Further reports as the situation warrants!

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SamuelAWilkinson on 17 May, 2009, 07:06:54 PM
I came back from town today with copies of Maus, Don Quioxte, and the new Aberystwyth novel clutched to my chest. I am so spoilt for choice I have no idea which to open first.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 17 May, 2009, 07:16:27 PM
Currently reading a collection of short stories by Saul Bellow. It was hard going at first but well worth it.

Comics wise I've recently been re-reading Warren Ellis's Stormwatch, one of my favourite superhero comics. Also re-read The Mother's Mouth by Dash Shaw. I hated it at first but a second read-through reveals its vital nuances. One use of repetition in particular is incredibly haunting. Also started The Portable Frank which is just beautiful.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 17 May, 2009, 08:36:56 PM
Quote from: "The Satanist"Righty-ho. Just finished Child of God and it reads pretty much like Son of Fink. So much so that is how I imagined the character looking for the 2nd half of the book.  It was alright if a tad disturbing.

Need to check the bookcase when I get home to see whats next.


ive just got that. cormac still doesnt know where his quotation marks are on his keyboard.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 17 May, 2009, 08:42:51 PM
if any one knows where  can find the "autumn" series of books by david moody without having to remortgage the house (ebay,amazon im talking to you!) i'd be grateful...i emailed dave and enquired about the reprints but he dont know yet the fact that hes not afraid to reply to his fans is quite nice and down to earth....just hope they get the film released soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: stacey on 17 May, 2009, 08:45:37 PM
Quote from: "Bouwel"I'm on the next Felix Castor book by Mike Carey. Again, not bad thus far.

Further reports as the situation warrants!

-Bouwel-


I love those books, with a passion.  I think Fix is just a perfect character, he learns and is adaptable, he isn't superheroy in the way that he gets pretty bloody beaten every now and again, he's funny and sarcastic and honourable.   I love Fix.  I don't like Pen much, but i love the rest of the books supporting characters.  Just, yes. I love these books I do.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 17 May, 2009, 11:15:22 PM
Just finished The Road by Cormac McCarthy - astounding, harrowing, staggering and other such words are applicable. Cannot WAIT for the upcoming movie adaptation from John (The Proposition) Hillcoat.

Also reading 'The Graveyard Book' - not as good as Coraline, but entertaining nonetheless, and all the Hellblazer collections I can get me hands on (sorry, that one's a comic and not a book).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 24 May, 2009, 03:25:23 PM
Ok, I've been mentioning Blackguards since the start of ths thread - the reason being that it's taken forever to read cos of it being so mind numbingly bad and me not being willing to endure more than a chapter at a time - and I can now announce that I've finished it.
    Did it build from it's humble beginnings to a rousing climax that blew me away with it's intricate plot reversals and masterful tieing up of all the loose ends I had, in my naivete, laughed off as gaping plot holes and cock ups?
   
No.

It was shit.

Gonna read Peter Falks autobiography next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 24 May, 2009, 07:18:35 PM
About halfwat through "The System of the World" by Neal Stephenson, and I'm enjoying it. Next up I've got "Drama City" by George Pelecanos, can't wait.

Found one of Mike Carroll's books in MK Library, but deliberately didn't check it out as revenge for his WHOLESALE THEFT of the first short story competition. (That and my card was maxed out). How does that feel, Mike? How does that feel?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 25 May, 2009, 09:37:21 PM
Started reading Michael Moorcock's Cornelius Quartet. I read stacks of Moorcock when I was a teenager but, for some reason, the Jerry Cornelius books completely passed me by. Read the first one, The Final Program, and found it pretty shit. Oh well, at least it was short. Hopefully the next one'll be better.

Comics wise, I've just finished Case Files 12. Some good stuff in there and very interesting to see how Wagner was building up the Dredd getting old angle in the lead up to Necropolis. Just the odd line dropped into a story now and then, all building up to convey the sense that Dredd's time could be up soon. Clever stuff. It also reminded me where Dog Deever got his username from.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 27 May, 2009, 03:53:37 AM
Well, Peter Faulks autobiography turned out to be more a collection of random anecdotes in no particular order, lots of blank pages between chapters and pages of photographs and Faulks own art.All in all a very slight read. Thing is though, I've thoroughly enjoyed it. The guy comes across completely charming and I could happily read his stream of consciousness waffle for another book or three. Actually gutted it's finished.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 29 May, 2009, 10:28:50 PM
Reading Warren Ellis's first prose novel from '07 which is basically just the usual middle-of-the-road Ellis yarn but without the benefit of cool pictures. All the characters speak in the same way, the usual horrible stuff happens and we get the usual constant stream of wacky concepts and factoids that ultimately get a bit annoying. At least it's not one of the "Space thing" stories which all have the same plot.

"Oh no, there's some sort of giant space/interdimensional thing and it's going to kill a load of people in extremely horrible ways."
"Not to worry, I've figured out to kill it by using science or otherwise by being rationalistic because science is just so awesome."


Gonna start a George Pelecanos binge.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 29 May, 2009, 10:47:10 PM
Read 'No Country for old men' by Cormac McCarthy and very good it was too with it's bleak landscape and even bleaker people all at the mercy of unforseen consequences that their greed (Moss) or evil (Chigurh) unleash. There really are no clean getaways and fate might be put off or denied for a while but in the end the forces facing you will become to big to control and will destroy you and the people you care about.Chilling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 29 May, 2009, 10:51:07 PM
I just got me the first three volumes of The Savage Sword of Conan tpbs off Ebay. I used to get the comic as a yoof, but WH Smith in Southport were very lacksidaisical and I eventually gave up in frustration. The meagre collection I had somehow disappeared and, remembering fondly, I succumbed to the listing.

Wow. The writing's a bit florid, but in an entirely fitting manner and much of the black and white strip artwork is nothing short of stunning. I'm going to have to get the rest of these - it's just a pity that there aren't a few colour pages to show off some of the cover art but still, a cracking addition to my collection. Knocks Slaine into a cocked hat, imho.

I purchased them from here: //http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260379391446  and the guy accepted a best offer of £29.95 with free postage, in case anyone's interested.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 29 May, 2009, 10:59:00 PM
I recently finished "Eve Online" even  though I don't play the game I just liked the cover artwork. A pretty good read and had some decent lines like "Heaven , the most constructive farce of all time."

Just started Astropolis -Saturns Return, good so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 02 June, 2009, 02:22:37 AM
Recently set aside my Sgt. Rock book - little too repetitious to read it all in one go - for a bit of House Of Secrets. Another Showcase Presents book that illustrates just how lucky we are to be living in this era. The book contains 18 issues of HoS from way back when, I forget the dates but it contains the first Swamp Thing story if that narrows it down, and with a few notable exceptions they are very poor. Characters who act in the most ridiculous ways, solely to get them in position for the "twist" endings. Very bad. I might be more forgiving - simpler times and all that - if the few good ones weren't so much better. The talent was there back then so why was the mindless fluff tolerated.

Also rcently finished The Kindly Ones. The best Sandman yet and that's saying something. An absolute masterpiece with a really, really downbeat ending. Lets just say, Gaiman pulls no punches with this one. A bit sad though cos it means I only have 2 more of these to read. Do't know what'll replace it in my GN rotation. Torn between 100 bullets and Hellblazer. Probably go with bullets and leave Hellblazer till I run out of Swamp Thing trades but I;ll no doubt change my mind 20 times between now and my next book run.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 02 June, 2009, 07:08:49 AM
Go with Bullets Faplad. I've just finished the 9th one and they are freakin' awesome.

Also just read "The Goon, Chinatown", as it says inside the front cover "This ain't funny", good but short.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kev Levell on 02 June, 2009, 10:15:52 AM
Currently chomping my way through 2002's run of Megazine - Lenny Zero is currently sitting at No.1 for best story but the death of Otto Sump has carried the most weight. I'm skipping over the reprints but it was nice to see the Ezquerra version of Bad Company.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Shakara on 02 June, 2009, 10:52:51 AM
Sitting near me ready to be consumed is a weighty hardback copy of Michael Palin's Diaries that I managed to pick up for £3. What a summer it shall be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Buddy on 02 June, 2009, 11:41:37 AM
Guitar for Dummies

Cause I'm learning the guitar and I'm a dummy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 02 June, 2009, 06:23:36 PM
Quote from: "Shakara"Sitting near me ready to be consumed is a weighty hardback copy of Michael Palin's Diaries that I managed to pick up for £3. What a summer it shall be.

Palin's Diaries are very good. More enjoyable than I expected.

I'm currently reading the Dredd V Death novel and Vol. 2 of the Meg.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 02 June, 2009, 06:51:35 PM
Quote from: "faplad"Also rcently finished The Kindly Ones. The best Sandman yet and that's saying something. An absolute masterpiece with a really, really downbeat ending. Lets just say, Gaiman pulls no punches with this one. A bit sad though cos it means I only have 2 more of these to read.
Not reread Sandman in a while, but Brief Lives and Season of Mists were my favourites. I remember catching up and starting to buy it in single issues from #50; the wait between some of the installments of The Kindly Ones was absurd.  I know I could just look it up, but I thought there was only The Wake after that, and isn't this thread all about the conversation?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 02 June, 2009, 07:31:21 PM
Nearly finished "Zima Blue and Other Stories" by Alastair Reynolds.

Another hugely enjoyable collection of short stories from the "Revelation Space" author. He does BIG cosmological stuff very well, i.e not shit boring, and comes up with wonderfully bizarre worlds, alternate realities and deranged characters .

Great SF.

Just like the vast majority of his other work (with a couple of notable exception's, but hey, whatchygonnado?)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 02 June, 2009, 11:23:02 PM
Quote from: "The Cosh"I know I could just look it up, but I thought there was only The Wake after that, and isn't this thread all about the conversation?

Well, the back of the books I have list eleven. After The Kindly Ones there's The Wake and Endless Nights. Turns out now that The Wake is the end of the ongoing series and Endless Nights is a collection of one offs, one per member of the Endless.
Makes its purchase only mildly less essential but is a slight dissapointment as I thought I had slightly more of the main plot to come than is the case.

In the Library today to use their computers cos their machines load comic pages a hell of a lot faster than my laptop - still reading a lot of old IPC stuff on the sevenpenny sites, my God they're a treasure trove - and while waiting for a screen to free up I picked up All Star Batman And Robin. Nice, attractive hardback with a gushing introduction from some DC top bod about the legendary creators within. Figured  it was worth a look even though I normally avoid the Superhero genre like the plague.
Er. . . I have  next to no knowledge of what Batman is supposed to be like but I'm fairly certain this isn't it. Didn't read all of it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Devons Daddy on 03 June, 2009, 06:35:27 AM
just purchase Daryl shans vampire series,
they are for my son, whom considers them to be great,
hoping for reasonable if adolescent read in these volumes.
the intention is to get into his interests and have something of common ground we can discuss.

though his ability to get the subs envolope before i do is a heart warming moment i carry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 03 June, 2009, 09:23:43 PM
Quote from: "faplad"I picked up All Star Batman And Robin. Nice, attractive hardback with a gushing introduction from some DC top bod about the legendary creators within. Figured it was worth a look even though I normally avoid the Superhero genre like the plague.
Er. . . I have next to no knowledge of what Batman is supposed to be like but I'm fairly certain this isn't it. Didn't read all of it.
Wrly_brd discovered a wonderfully hilarious review (//http://www.2000adonline.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=24025) of this a while ago. God-damn Batman!

Quote from: "faplad"After The Kindly Ones there's The Wake and Endless Nights. Turns out now that The Wake is the end of the ongoing series and Endless Nights is a collection of one offs, one per member of the Endless.
No 11, Endless Nights is definitely worth having if you've enjoyed 1-10, even though The Wake concludes the actual story-arc. The quality of the stories and art remains high, though they did start scraping the barrel with some of the later spin-offs. Annoyingly though (for us anally retentive comic geeks) it's a wider and taller volume (well my copy is) than the other ten, thus ruining the symmetry of a  perfect set on my shelf. Yeah, petty, I know!  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 11 June, 2009, 11:31:28 PM
Just finished THE ROAD by Cormac Mcarthy.

Bloody hell it's good.

I'm looking forward to the film. Hopefully starring Will Smith.  And they should give him a gun with more than a couple of bullets in it.  I reckon he should have twin Uzi machine pistols and do that really cool thing where they strap another clip onto the bottom of the one in the gun.  And there's be some well cool action scenes - with THE MAN surfing down the road on top of his shopping trolley in a balletic slow mo orgy of violence as he blasts his guns at hordes of cannibals on either side of him as a petrol station explodes in even slower motion behind him and he outruns the explosion on the trolley.  And I reckon he should be able to start the negine of the boat he and the boy find and sail off to an island where the ash hasn't made it and it's still sunny and possibly they were filming the Hawaiian Tropic sun tan lotion advertisments there so there are loads of good looking women for him to repopulate the earth with.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 11 June, 2009, 11:42:33 PM
Reading The Stars My Destination for the second time - don't think I've ever read a book twice before.

It's well good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 11 June, 2009, 11:45:28 PM
DC Showcase: JLA vol 3. Pretty good, even when Zatanna shows up and I have to spend ages reading the backwards words and I feel like a retard.

Jeff Smith's Shazam, enormous fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: W. R. Logan on 12 June, 2009, 07:45:35 AM
This morning I am mostly reading my EASP, sure a couple of boarders will know what it is as I'm about to run the first exercise that I've planned, organised and will be running 8-?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 12 June, 2009, 09:21:01 AM
Quote from: "Tiplodocus"Just finished THE ROAD by Cormac Mcarthy.

Bloody hell it's good.

I'm looking forward to the film.

It bloody is good.
The movie doesn't have Big Willie though, but Aarogorn.  http://the-road--trailer.blogspot.com/ (http://the-road--trailer.blogspot.com/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 June, 2009, 09:54:18 AM
Quote from: "Roger Godpleton"Jeff Smith's Shazam, enormous fun.

Jeff Smith's Shazam is absolutely glorious. As it goes I'm also enjoying RASL by him as and when it comes out
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 16 June, 2009, 07:46:52 PM
Atm im reading a few things rhe michael moorcock corum series as one of the above poster's mentioned i also read the books in my teens and whilst digging out the 1st and 2nd series of cyberforce and codename strykeforce comics by image to read i came across michael moorcock..

Im all so reading a book called easy riders,raging bulls by peter biskind which is a tell all book about the film industry in the late 60's 70's and 80's and thus far seems good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 16 June, 2009, 08:42:43 PM
Almost finished John Fishers Tony Hancock biography (only taken me 3 months! It's a big heavy book to be reading five pages a night before you nod off!) and have just picked up Let The Right One In because I enjoyed the film so much earlier this year.
Comics wise I have just bought the latest Dan Dare reprint The Phantom Fleet. So that should be good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Man on 18 June, 2009, 04:47:14 AM
The last manga/comics that I have read is Manga Messiah.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 24 June, 2009, 08:21:03 PM
The latest Joe Abercrombie book "Best Served Cold" turned up today. Excellent.

His "First Book of the Law" trilogy was class. The wonderful 'Inquisitor Glotka' is one of my favourite characters to appear in any medium for ages. A delightfully twisted specimen. I'd recommend them without hesitation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 30 June, 2009, 05:40:51 PM
I've just finished "DC Universe: Last Sons" by Alan Grant, featuring Lobo, Martian Manhunter and Superman. It's a really fun ride; I was expecting only the parts with the Main Man to be interesting, but the whole book was gripping and very readable, a superhero-ish tale with a science fiction edge.

I've always maintained that Lobo comics, when written by Grant, are some of the most entertaining comics around, and this book is no different for being in prose. It's actually achieved the impossible: made me interested in reading some more stories about the Manhunter character. If you get a chance to read the book, take it - it's fab.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 30 June, 2009, 06:27:24 PM
This Thursday the 1st I'll be reading, mignola's witch finder, chew one and two by image captain America reborn, boys 32 and checking out Coleby's art on the authority 12
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TheEdge on 02 July, 2009, 10:11:12 AM
Afterblight : OPERATION MOTHERLAND

LEE Keegan [spoiler:1fdyeu3m]gets blown to shit again. I'm also extremely upset at the demise of ROWLES, but at least he got to go with a bang[/spoiler:1fdyeu3m]

Have any of you read the afterblight chronicles,
If not, WHY THE HELL NOT. ITS PRACTICALLY ESSENTIAL READING MATERIAL IN THE MIDDLE OF A SWINE FLU EPIDEMIC
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DavidXBrunt on 02 July, 2009, 10:40:25 AM
Y - The Last Man. I'd bought, and quite liked, the first 8 books but never got around to the last two. I've rectified that and am reading it at 2 episodes a night. 20 down, 40 to go.

Jack of Fables - Huge fan of Fables but I dropped Jackoffables after 5 intending to just buy the trades. Ended up buying the first 5 books in one go and catching up. I think I may have enjoyed it more in single issues actually. I'm a bit disappointed by how far behind we are on collections, Image do the sensible thing with Walking Dead of churning them out so you can keep bang up to date. Jackoffables however is nearly 12 months behind.

War and Peace, a chapter or two each day on the bus to and from work. I'm working through a selection of Rusky buks at the moment and taking the chance to read this again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 02 July, 2009, 10:47:16 AM
just bought the trades of The Boys volumes 1-4
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 02 July, 2009, 11:28:03 AM
Started reading Balzac and wondered why I never started sooner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Monarch on 02 July, 2009, 01:29:17 PM
jackoffables (god I love eliza wall for that line) is a great laugh

I still love the main fables book though its took a really cool turn after the end of the war
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 02 July, 2009, 09:13:00 PM
Quote from: "zombemybabynow"just bought the trades of The Boys volumes 1-4
say what? I've had vol 4 on pre-order with Amazon for what seems like forever (added vol 5 recently too) Must pop over and check what the latest estimated delivery is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 03 July, 2009, 01:07:54 AM
I'm reading Larry Marder's Tales of the Beanworld from 1987+, reprinted in hardback as vol.1: 'Wahoolazuma'.

(//http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/300/15/15805.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 July, 2009, 10:39:20 AM
Finally completed my collection of Beanworld a few months back and its now very close to the top of the pile and will be read sometime this summer. Can't wait as the stuff I read back in the day was brillant, brillant stuff.

Hope there's more new stuff coming after the X-Mas special
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 03 July, 2009, 03:43:06 PM
The Boys Volume No.4 came out Wednesday 1st July.

Got all the issues so far of The Authority: world's end by Abnett and Coleby, Tres, tres bon

Check it out if you haven't - even if like me you've never read the authority or wildstorm comics before.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 08 July, 2009, 08:26:20 PM
Just found my Sven Hassel books in my loft. Will take some time to plough through these again.







V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 08 July, 2009, 09:23:15 PM
Just started the Harry Potters for the first time. Quite enjoying them, too.  Finished the third on the train this morning.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grae the puppetmaker on 08 July, 2009, 10:22:50 PM
Just read The Road by Cormac McCarthy. God that's harrowing. And grim. And more harrowing.

Now re-reading my Transmetropolitan trades.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 08 July, 2009, 11:14:13 PM
I've started reading Planetes, a manga about space garbage men. It may have just been my melancholy disposition at the time but I had to stop reading at one point because of how affecting it was.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SamuelAWilkinson on 08 July, 2009, 11:47:59 PM
I'm currently re-reading, for at least the tenth time, Spike Milligan's war memoirs - Adolf Hitler, My Part in His Downfall et al. Really funny at some parts, horribly moving and affecting at others. Should be required reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 09 July, 2009, 12:23:49 AM
No blacks. No dogs. No Irish.

Not Godpleton's new sig, but Johnny Rotten's autobiography. Equal measures self-aggrandising, blame-passing, revealing and obfuscating but always fascinating and completely hilarious. It's the kind of writing which perfectly captures the rhythm of speech: you can hear him sneering out every short, clipped sentence. The insertion of commentary from a number of other people who were there makes for an interesting sense of perspective too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 10 July, 2009, 09:12:29 PM
Nearing the end of Neal Stephenson's 'The Confusion', with the first few Flashman books and some H.G. Wells lined up for after that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 11 July, 2009, 10:17:24 AM
"The New space Opera" by various writers. Ok rather than star stunning. Not really my idea of space opera either, too techie and not enough blasting those tentacled aliens. At least not so far.

Just read Christopher Moellers graphic novels "Iron Empires- Faith Conquers" and "Shiva's War",. now that is my idea of space opera plucky humans blasting oogley 'orrible aliens,a bit Warhammer 40k, but I like that sort of stuff anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: OpusAndBill on 11 July, 2009, 11:14:35 AM
Nightmare Town, a Dashiell Hammett short story collection.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 July, 2009, 12:13:15 PM
I grabbed a few books from the library recently, most of which I've read.

Recently I read a DC GN crossover with Superman and Captain Marvel (I think it was called 'First Thunder.' Awful as it sounds, it was actually fairly decent.

I also read an Anne Rice novel 'The Body Thief.' Not bad, but I'm slightly tired of the big twist at the end of her books. Don't get me wrong, I like a twist in a story, but in her case it tends to feel tacked on after the main story is finished, and rather out of nowhere just for shock value. And much as I don't mind different sexual orientations being depicted in novels (it's realistic after all) 'every character being bisexual is a little daft. (Ok, that's an exaggeration.)

I then read a Manga called 'Monster' by Kurosawa. I often avoid mangas as I find the dialogue rather excruciating, and the sheer amount of sound affects (each with speech baloons!) irritating. And this suffered from all that. To be fair there actually was a decent plot in this story though. Unfortunately it turned out to be the first volume in a series, so the stories not over yet. I'm not sure if I will bother to hunt the others or not. I'd like to know what happens, but the corny cliches and cheese is a bit overpowering.

I just started a novel, White Wolf by David Gemmell. Too early to tell how it is, but it's ok so far. Gemmells not a favourite author as such but he tells a decent yarn with interesting worlds and creatures. The 'killer with a conscience' theme is a bit repetitive though. But then it is an interesting theme.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: worldshown on 14 July, 2009, 12:30:49 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 14 July, 2009, 12:13:15 PM

I then read a Manga called 'Monster' by Kurosawa.

Is that the one with the Japanese surgeon in Germany and set in the late 80s? If so then I have seen some of the anime of it.

The anime is well plotted but it does tend to drag, though the antagonist (when he appears) is a pretty memorable villain.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 14 July, 2009, 02:18:54 PM
Hello! I figured I'd add to this impressive list:

As far as books, I've just finished a collection by Lord Dunsany, who is far and away, my favorite writer. Just this morning I cracked open Duncton Wood by William Horwood; I absolutely love animal stories, and this came highly recommended by the fellow working the thrift store counter. So far, so good.

And as for comics, I am rereading my Conan the Barbarian collection 1-375 back to back to take in the full glory (and bumps) of its amazing (by  monthly standards) run. I am currently on 212. Amazing how Roy Thomas could do no wrong for 110 issues during his first stint, and then lost it completely for his second stint at the end of the run. Also, it becomes incredibly evident how amazing Barry Smith (not yet Windsor) was in comparison to those that followed, even John Buscema. Whither art thou, BWS?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 14 July, 2009, 06:17:34 PM
Read Confederacy of Dunces for the first time which is great and also horribly depressing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 14 July, 2009, 07:35:40 PM
That's one of those ones I'm definitely going back to...one day. I've been reading "Red Mars" by Kim Stanley Robinson, again. Also "The Goon" vol.7 and I just got the third of the "Aldebaran" series by Leo from Cinebook.

If you haven't read them Kim Stanley Robinson's "Mars Trilogy",red green and blue, are a fantastic tale of the colonisation of the red planet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 14 July, 2009, 07:46:19 PM
I agree Kerrin, although the books to tend to go through some serious dry spots. A fantastic trilogy indeed, and they sit upon the shelf regulated to my favorite sci-fi. Still, as wonderful as the three of them are, combined they aren't a patch on Dune!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 July, 2009, 08:15:24 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 14 July, 2009, 06:17:34 PM
Read Confederacy of Dunces for the first time which is great and also horribly depressing.

Good grief Roger Godpleton is that you. All this modifying of avatars is making it difficult to spot people. What fun!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 14 July, 2009, 10:31:51 PM
Yeah, it's Synnamon. I'm being "postmodern" and shit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 July, 2009, 01:20:52 PM
Re-reading Name of the Rose, and frankly I'm not finding it the mind-bending experience I did all those years ago.  Is it me, or is Umberto Eco just a little bit full of stomm?  

When I read this first, I saw it as an eye-opening exercise in semiotics and hermeneutics, with a clever and colourful narrative and setting to pull the reader along.  Now it feels like a Sherlock Holmes Elseworlds.:   William of Baskerville, a tall skinny hook-nosed drug-addicted master of deductive detection, called in to investigate a locked-room mystery uncovers a labyrinthine conspiracy.   Maybe I've grown thicker with age, or maybe post-modernism is the preserve of the young and forgiving (see above).  I'll persist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 15 July, 2009, 01:52:03 PM
American Gods.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 15 July, 2009, 02:05:13 PM
About 2/3rds of the way through the Talisman by King & Straub. As much as I'm enjoying it (Not read it for many years) it hasn't aged well for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 16 July, 2009, 12:16:11 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 July, 2009, 01:20:52 PM
Re-reading Name of the Rose, and frankly I'm not finding it the mind-bending experience I did all those years ago.  Is it me, or is Umberto Eco just a little bit full of stomm?  

When I read this first, I saw it as an eye-opening exercise in semiotics and hermeneutics, with a clever and colourful narrative and setting to pull the reader along.  Now it feels like a Sherlock Holmes Elseworlds[/i.
Can it be both and can he be full of stomm and still good? I haven't read if for a while, but I've always thought it manages to integrate the two sides in a way that nothing else of his that I've read (not that much, tbh) has. Foucault's Pendulum is tedious pish though: sort of like Illuminatus without the jokes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 16 July, 2009, 12:25:51 AM
Quote from: worldshown on 14 July, 2009, 12:30:49 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 14 July, 2009, 12:13:15 PM

I then read a Manga called 'Monster' by Kurosawa.

Is that the one with the Japanese surgeon in Germany and set in the late 80s? If so then I have seen some of the anime of it.

That's the one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grant Goggans on 16 July, 2009, 02:12:06 AM
I just finished About Time 3 and the fourth Moomin book, and I'm working on Lester Bangs' Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung, Yoshihiro Tatsumi's A Drifting Life and Matt Fraction and Gabriel Ba's Casanova.  And prog 1635.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 July, 2009, 09:20:27 AM
QuoteCan it be both and can he be full of stomm and still good?

Mmmm.   I'm a bit further in now, and I'm enjoying it a lot more.  Oddly, it's the insanely enormous descriptive lists (every figure in an ornately carved doorway or manuscript margin described in detail, every herb and its effects both in moderation and in excess) that I'm finding most fun - very Neal Stephenson (as I'm sure Eco would hate to hear).  I really enjoyed Foucault's Pendulum when I read it, but that was nearly 20 years ago and I may now be viewing its memory overly positively because of comparison with its runtish bastardised offspring The Da Vinci Cock. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tweak72 on 16 July, 2009, 09:41:49 AM
Baron & Rude's Nexus.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 July, 2009, 12:10:22 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 03 July, 2009, 01:07:54 AM
I'm reading Larry Marder's Tales of the Beanworld from 1987+, reprinted in hardback as vol.1: 'Wahoolazuma'.

Well just finished reading the whole thing (all 21 issues and the recent X-Mas special) and have to say its brillant. If anybodies tempted and they should be, the second hardcover (after the one House Of read) is out now I think and this completes the original run AND THEN and this one has me very excited. There's a new original 216 page graphic novel out in November. WAYHEY!!!!!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 16 July, 2009, 12:32:26 PM
Recently finished Anathem by Neal Stevenson - top banana as per usual.

And just read vol.1 of Moore,Bissette & Totlenbom's Swamp Thing (starts at issue 12?) and it's absolute aces. I'm sure a lot of you have already read the bugger,but it takes me a while to get 'round to these things sometimes.The only very minor quibble I have is that I would really like to see the sublime artwork in monochrome - the colouring is excellent but almost too simplistic sometimes IMO.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 16 July, 2009, 12:59:27 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 16 July, 2009, 12:16:11 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 July, 2009, 01:20:52 PM
Re-reading Name of the Rose, and frankly I'm not finding it the mind-bending experience I did all those years ago.  Is it me, or is Umberto Eco just a little bit full of stomm?  

When I read this first, I saw it as an eye-opening exercise in semiotics and hermeneutics, with a clever and colourful narrative and setting to pull the reader along.  Now it feels like a Sherlock Holmes Elseworlds[/i.
Can it be both and can he be full of stomm and still good? I haven't read if for a while, but I've always thought it manages to integrate the two sides in a way that nothing else of his that I've read (not that much, tbh) has. Foucault's Pendulum is tedious pish though: sort of like Illuminatus without the jokes.

I loved the Name of the Rose (and after reading it I understood the film second time around!), but I totally agree with Cosh about Foucoult's Pendulum. I took this when I was travelling in South America last year as I thought it's size-to-density ratio made it good value, especially for the 11 hour flights. Read about 40 pages and then actually preferred the in-flight action/romcom starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey - yes, it was THAT shit. Maybe it's his fascination with cracking this devilish new Ultimate Code - a password protected Word Processor file - ooooh, spooky! Doesn't have the same thrill as a lost text by Aristotle, or even the crappy DaVinci code!

I ended up reading a Terry Pratchett and the last 2 Harry Potters, plus Hotel Honolulu by Paul Theroux, during the rest of the trip, all borrowed from the on-truck library or various hostels.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 July, 2009, 04:09:53 PM
QuoteRecently finished Anathem by Neal Stevenson - top banana as per usual.

Easily the best book I've read in the past 12 months.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 16 July, 2009, 10:11:14 PM
Re-read 1602 recently and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I quite like Gaiman when he writes about human beings before he piles on the twee crap.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TheEdge on 20 July, 2009, 08:53:50 AM
The Last Watch :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 20 July, 2009, 11:22:23 PM
Screen Burn and Dawn Of The Dumb. Pure genius. Ashamed to say that I'd never heard of Charlie Brooker before seeing these dirt cheap next to the tills in HMV. Never laughed so much in a long time.

Spooky thing is I was buying, amongst a big pile of other stuff that was in the sale, Dead Set. Totally oblivious. None the wiser till I got home. 

Also reading the various Torchwood novels. CoE reminded me that I hadn't bought any in a while so off I trundled to Waterstones and bloody hell there are millions of the buggers. How often are they releasing them? Anyway, bought the lot and know what I'm reading for the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 July, 2009, 08:34:27 AM
Quote from: faplad on 20 July, 2009, 11:22:23 PM
Screen Burn and Dawn Of The Dumb. Pure genius. Ashamed to say that I'd never heard of Charlie Brooker before seeing these dirt cheap next to the tills in HMV. Never laughed so much in a long time. 

If you get the chance check out 'Screenwipe' on BBC4 or he has a new quiz tonight on Channel 4 I think. The fella's genius.

Speaking of which started re-reading Ann Nocenti's Daredevil run this weekend. I know when it comes to DD people always talk about Miller and Jansen's run or the Bendis one, both fine fine efforts BUT for me the Nocenti run will always be the best its simply brillant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 21 July, 2009, 06:35:50 PM
Hey Faplad, Charlie Brooker usualy writes a column for the Guardian on Mondays, it's in section 2 of the paper, or online I guess. Not this Monday though, the workshy fop is on another holiday. Next Monday though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: OpusAndBill on 21 July, 2009, 07:31:44 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 21 July, 2009, 08:34:27 AM
Quote from: faplad on 20 July, 2009, 11:22:23 PM
Speaking of which started re-reading Ann Nocenti's Daredevil run this weekend. I know when it comes to DD people always talk about Miller and Jansen's run or the Bendis one, both fine fine efforts BUT for me the Nocenti run will always be the best its simply brillant.

Totally agree. It went downhill rapidly after she left.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 21 July, 2009, 07:44:11 PM
Currently about halfway through The Demolished man by Alfred Bester, which I'm enjoying but it hasn't grabbed me like The Stars My Destination did.

Also working my way through Shakara: The Avenger to refresh my memory for the new series, and just today got Wilt, the final 100 Bullets volume - can't wait to get started on that one!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 21 July, 2009, 08:31:40 PM
Quote from: radiator on 21 July, 2009, 07:44:11 PMand just today got Wilt, the final 100 Bullets volume - can't wait to get started on that one!

YEE-HA! I was thinking this wasn't out till the 28th of August, canceled the Amazon order and got one on eBay. Cheers for the heads up Radiator. Come on postie, hurry UP! Two to three working days, cuh, IwannitNOW!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 21 July, 2009, 09:05:20 PM
Started reading The Question. Good but a bit dated.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Comrade Aleksandr on 22 July, 2009, 10:47:10 AM
The History of Modern China: 1850-2009.
My Dad bought it for me since I'm studying Mao's China at college.
Really didn't enjoy it a t first, but after making myself read a chapter a day of it for the past few weeks, have really gotten into it!
I'm at the mid 1970s at the moment. Chairman Mao, the 'Great Helmsman' has finally, finally,finally died!
Deng Xiaoping is slowly rising up through the Parties ranks again after being discredited and purged durring the cataclysmic Cultural Revolution.
I'm also not far off finishing Cities in Flight by James Blish.
As soon as I hve finished it, I'm going to start on Valis by Philip K. Dick.
When I finish the China book I intend to finish Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche.
And try and get hold of Endymion omnibus by Dan Simmons.
Anyone here read Hyperion/Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 22 July, 2009, 12:06:39 PM
QuoteAnd try and get hold of Endymion omnibus by Dan Simmons.
Anyone here read Hyperion/Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons?

Indeed I have! They're all stone cold classics.
Rise of Endymion is a bit overlong, I think, but more then worth it in the end... for a reason I cannot discuss because of spoilers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 July, 2009, 12:26:53 PM
I enjoyed Hyperion a lot, but for some reason could never get into Fall of Hyperion, so went no further.  Have to give it another try  someday.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 22 July, 2009, 05:42:51 PM
I've read the collected editions of 'Hyperion' and 'Endymion', they're both good though I preferred 'Hyperion'.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Comrade Aleksandr on 23 July, 2009, 01:11:47 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 22 July, 2009, 12:26:53 PM
I enjoyed Hyperion a lot, but for some reason could never get into Fall of Hyperion, so went no further.  Have to give it another try  someday.
You really must!
The revelations at the end are astounding!
The philosophical conclusions it reaches about how an all-loving God could call Abraham to sacrifice his son is breathtaking!
There making Hyperion/Fall of Hyperion into a film you know. How the Hell you can condense the two into a single movie is beyond me. Though I'm a-praying the Judi Dench will play CEO Gladstone. And as long as it somehow involves John Hurt I'll be happy ;)
Any over cast suggestions? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 23 July, 2009, 01:22:36 PM
QuoteAny over cast suggestions?

Hurt would make a good Duré... or possibly Sol Weintraub.

Martin Silenus- Oliver Platt

Kassad- him off Lost that plays Said.




edited: got a character name wrong... the shame!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 23 July, 2009, 06:06:17 PM
Just got the Tales Designed To Thrizzle hardcover by Michael Kupperman,it's beautiful and hysterically funny. Also got All Select Comics 1 (one of them 70th anniversary Marvel books) that he has a Marvex The Super Robot story in. Its mental, but the reprints of the original Marvex stories are even mentaler!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 24 July, 2009, 12:27:16 AM
Found by sheer luck an advanced copy of the last of James Ellroy's Underworld Trilogy: Blood's a Rover. If you have never heard of it try the first American Tabloid.

Also picked up Asterios Polyp: David Mazzucelli's first comic in nearly a decade. It IS good but I am sorry to say does not live up to the hype. I am also sorry to report it is not better than Born Again so under Miller's shadow he must remain.

In better news Cooke's Parker adaptation is hot shit. All crime comic fans go snap it up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Comrade Aleksandr on 24 July, 2009, 09:04:53 AM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 23 July, 2009, 01:22:36 PM
QuoteAny over cast suggestions?

Hurt would make a good Duré... or possibly Sol Weintraub.

Martin Silenus- Oliver Platt

Kassad- him off Lost that plays Said.




edited: got a character name wrong... the shame!

I'm just hoping that it won't be another 'Dune'.
Woeful film, couldn't finnish watching it if you paid me.
Actually, you probably could... ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 31 July, 2009, 05:57:35 PM
Malcolm the ancient teddy boy, our postie at work, delivered a bumper harvest of new books today. It's always nice when stuff you've ordered days and weeks apart turn up in one delivery. So I shall mostly be reading, Orbital vol2, The Losers vol1, The Goon vol8, Wireless, a new short story collection from Charles Stross and last but by no means least Photoshop Elements 6 for Dummies. Excellent.

Still can't quite believe they're making a film of Hyperion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 31 July, 2009, 06:06:09 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 22 July, 2009, 12:26:53 PM
I enjoyed Hyperion a lot, but for some reason could never get into Fall of Hyperion, so went no further.  Have to give it another try  someday.
Hyperion's fabulous and Fall of Hyperion closes out the story well enough. I've read the Endymion ones and, while there are good sections, they drag quite a lot.

Simmons does like to make his hefty tomes. I read The Terror (a sort of horror about what might have happened on Franklin's lost expedition to find the Northwest Passage) last year and it was also jolly good but could've easily lost 200 pages.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 01 August, 2009, 10:13:01 AM
'Tide of Souls'- Abaddon books new 'Tome of the Dead'. Or new to me, anyway. Like the format-change, like the contents even more. I've been a bit lukewarm to these so far, as each one has tried to twist the zombie idea into something else, when what I've REALLY wanted to read is a stonking great zombie apocalypse story. This one, on the other hand, is doing the job. I'm about halfway through and it's all gone a bit Bravo Two Zero on me, but it's still massively entertaining.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 02 August, 2009, 03:30:51 PM
At the start of the summer I read two Shakespeare plays. Julius Caesar was alright, I suppose. There's a good clown (a cobbler) in the first scene, and there are a couple more good scenes in it: Brutus in his orchard the night before the assassination, and Mark Anthony's speech after Brutus's speech in the marketplace after the assassination. The signs and portents are so numerous and over the top it's comical. But the Civil War at the end is just awful, and it's hard to imagine it done well on stage. "Oh no! Titinius is captured! I must kill myself! *Urgh*." [enter Titinius], "Oh no! I was winning, and so was Brutus, but mistaken reports of my having been overwhelmed got back to the camp. Now we've lost." Repeat until everyone's dead.

Two Gentlemen of Verona was even worse. A very lightweight comedy with no very good characters. I recommend giving it a miss.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 04 August, 2009, 10:44:56 AM
Usher - have you ever read any of George Bernard Shaw's stuff about Shakespeare and Bardolatory? You'd dig him the most!

At the moment, I'm about halfway through To Dream of the Dead, the latest Merrily Watkins mystery by Phil Rickman. I think a lot of 2000AD readers would really enjoy them. Merrily Watkins is an Anglican priest in a small village outside Hereford, and also the diocesan "deliverance minister" (that's "exorcist" to you and me). As a result, she gets consulted by the police in any crimes with an apparent ritual or religious slant. There's never an actual supernatural element to the solution, but there's lots of stuff about religion, mysticism, folklore and art. They're really fun, well-written mysteries which, in passing have a lot to say about contemporary Britain, religion and atheism, Christianity in a multifaith society, city and country and heritage and progress. They're really atmospheric popular fiction, and I'm really surprised they haven't been adapted for TV, as I think they have a really broad audience appeal.

By the way, I'm an atheist!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 04 August, 2009, 10:54:43 AM
QuoteAt the moment, I'm about halfway through To Dream of the Dead, the latest Merrily Watkins mystery by Phil Rickman.

Good call!
I'm a fan of the Merrily Watkins books too. Great cast of characters, brilliant plots with stonking twists.
But as you point out, the best this about them is the atmosphere- they ooze it from every page.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 04 August, 2009, 12:15:20 PM
Nice to know I'm not the only Merrily admirer out here!

By the way, when I said I was an atheist, I wasn't being defensive; it's just that as soon as I say the books are about a priest, I worry people will think they're some sort of evangelical deal and be put off reading them. Which means I was being defensive, perhaps!

And, atheist or not, I must say that I fancy Merrily Watkins to bits...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 04 August, 2009, 12:20:20 PM
QuoteBy the way, when I said I was an atheist, I wasn't being defensive; it's just that as soon as I say the books are about a priest, I worry people will think they're some sort of evangelical deal and be put off reading them. Which means I was being defensive, perhaps!

Yeah, I know what you mean- I get funny looks from people who know my views on religion when I describe these books to them!
I don't think UFOs are real either, but it doesn't stop me enjoying the X Files.. (well, shit stories towards the end did, but you get my point...).

QuoteAnd, atheist or not, I must say that I fancy Merrily Watkins to bits...

Yeah... I know what you mean.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 04 August, 2009, 12:29:50 PM
Well, I'm not a militant Dawkins-style atheist; religion just doesn't work for me. I actually find Dawkins as offensive as the opposing fundamentalists he rails against. As long as people tolerate other opinions and harm no-one, I think they have the right to find whatever meaning they can in the Universe. Whatever gets you through the night, yeah?

But it is a bit weird how, as soon as you say you like a novel about a priest, people assume you must be a Christian. I mean, I like The Silence of the Lambs, but I haven't eaten anyone yet!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 04 August, 2009, 12:31:05 PM
Yet..?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 04 August, 2009, 12:42:57 PM
Well, I like to keep my options open! :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 August, 2009, 02:03:16 AM
As far as GNs are concerned I got America from the library yesterday. A nice surprise. I've seen quite a bit of recommendation for that collection as a 'classic' in the Dredd timeline. And of course connected to America Beeny, who I've seen in the comics, her being in fairly recent progs and all.

I liked it. Can certainly see why it has it's classic status. Not the first time I've seen stories from the point of view of the citizens but the way it was handled was interesting, taking a first person narration and for both Dredd and Bennett Beeny as it did. And daring actually to be quite touching in places too! (As well as disturbing. [spoiler]Bennett's fate was certainly a twist, and a slightly freaky one at that. Yet touching too...[/spoiler] )

Dredd certainly seemed harder than he is in the current strips, albeit he had his reasons. I liked America Beeny's description of him in Cadet: "You're not bad. You're just what the system made you."

And finding an ethical reason for America Jara's acts of terrorism (evil though they were) added dimension. A lot of villains in Dredd stories tend to be rather one dimensional, which isn't a bad thing for comedy strips, etc, but this more complex take is welcome.

It had the sequels Fading of the Light and Cadet too. Good stories. Part of me feels that America fits better without the second sequel though (something Wagner even referred to in his introduction.) Leading to America Beeny though, I agree with his conclusion.

Oh, and it was amusing to see Beeny treat Dredd like a perp. Heh.

Lovely art too. Colin MacNeil was artist for all stories, yet it's interesting to see the difference in style when others had colour duties. Mind you the first story is described as 'painted.' I'm not sure if that means literal oils or watercolours were used or  whether it's just a style using the usual inks.

The female faces look a bit masculine though. [spoiler]Which I guess makes sense considering Jara and Bennett(Senior)'s ending.[/spoiler]

As for other GN's I picked up Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin and The Dead Boy Detectives. I've yet to read them.

As for other books, I'm currently reading Sergei Lukyanenko's The Night Watch. I rather liked the film (The Day Watch not so much. That seemed way pretentious with the driving up flats rubbish... good though it looked) I haven't got far yet, but so far so good. I actually picked up the other books in the series too (The Day Watch and The Twilight Watch. They had the sequel book too, but I thought that was enough for now.)

For some reason the library stored them in separate places. General fiction and Science Fiction. If I hadn't accessed the computer I wouldn't have known the first and last books were in the library. (I gravitate towards the sci-fi and GN sections as you can imagine.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 05 August, 2009, 12:40:47 PM
I remember thinking Fading of the Light was a bit of a misfire when it ran in the Megazine, but when I read the three collected stories back-to-back, I thought it worked wonderfully as the "second chapter" leading into Cadet. It's interesting how much a story can be altered by context.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 05 August, 2009, 12:51:37 PM
Read "The Space Beagle" by Van Vogt...interesting golden age era sci-fi - made more interesting in that two of the tales, 'Discord in Scarlet' and 'The Black Destroyer' heavily influenced "Alien". One of the aliens captures the crew members one by one to lay its eggs in them. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 August, 2009, 03:01:55 PM
Just re-read the Firekind EE, prior to rehoming it.  Feck that's good stuff, as neat a SF story as you'd read anywhere, a sort of Ursula Le Guin meets China Mieville meets Poul Anderson thingie, with Paul Marshall's best-ever art.  Is John Smith 2000AD's most under-appreciated writer?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 05 August, 2009, 05:34:41 PM
Hardboiled Cthulhu -short story compilation by various authors. Ten-tacular so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 05 August, 2009, 05:57:58 PM
Started on Dan Simmons (Ilium) thanks to the recommendations of you fine people. I'm enjoying it so far, but some of his writing seems a tad dodgy ("Achilles is relatively stupid - a sort of infinitely more handsome Arnold Schwarzenegger".)

Also reading the newest George Pelecanos. Haven't read a single thing by him that wasn't completely absorbing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 August, 2009, 06:48:03 PM
Quote"Achilles is relatively stupid - a sort of infinitely more handsome Arnold Schwarzenegger"

So this is the novelisation of that Troy movie?  ;)

(You know, the one in which Menelaus dies and Helen escapes, and they do not, as you might have reasonably have expected, return to Sparta together).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 05 August, 2009, 11:05:52 PM
Zarjazzer - what's the title of the Cthulhu compilation? It sounds like just my cup of ichorous, blasphemous tea!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 05 August, 2009, 11:19:31 PM
Hardboiled Cthulhu is the title Sefton, Amazon have got it here,http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardboiled-Cthulhu-Two-Fisted-Tentacled-Terror/dp/0975922971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249510382&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardboiled-Cthulhu-Two-Fisted-Tentacled-Terror/dp/0975922971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249510382&sr=8-1), though so have others I expect. Quite tempted by this myself.

How do you do that nifty thing so the link just appears as a blue word of your choice as opposed to the full URL?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 06 August, 2009, 11:56:19 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 05 August, 2009, 11:19:31 PM
How do you do that nifty thing so the link just appears as a blue word of your choice as opposed to the full URL?

Wake explained this to me some time ago - the text you type BETWEEN the brackets is what shows up but if you put an = sign and the copied link after the word URL and inside the first brackets, it works, eg:
url=paste copied link here]type text you want it to appear as here[/url]
(I've removed the very first bracket so that it doesn't actually reformat it as a link)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 06 August, 2009, 12:34:35 PM
Thanks, Zarjazzer - apologies for the misunderstanding. I'll keep an eye out for that one. I recently stumbled across a book in Taunton Library, The New Weird, edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer. It's not precisely Lovecraftian, but it might well appeal to you. It's published by Tachyon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 06 August, 2009, 12:59:16 PM
Last thing I finished was 'Heart of Empire' by the estimable Bryan Talbot. Absolutley stunning colour work, but IMO overall a lighter read than the Adventures of Luther Arkwright. [spoiler]In 'Heart...' the realtively quick dispatch, when it came,of the Vatican assassin didn't really work for me- the book starts with him and I expected,indeed hoped,he'd be there for the duration as I got the impression the whole story may hinge on the Vatican's attempt to conquer Britain etc[/spoiler].

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 06 August, 2009, 06:26:37 PM
Quote from: Sefton Disney on 06 August, 2009, 12:34:35 PM
Thanks, Zarjazzer - apologies for the misunderstanding. I'll keep an eye out for that one. I recently stumbled across a book in Taunton Library, The New Weird, edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer. It's not precisely Lovecraftian, but it might well appeal to you. It's published by Tachyon.

Also newish but of a distinctly Lovecraftian bent are Charles Stross' novels "The Jennifer Morgue" and "The Atrocity Archives". They're good fun, set in the present day and concern the adventures of a guy who works for what is effectively the Ministry of Cthulhu Affairs. There's also a short story set in the same reality in Stross' latest collection of short fiction "Wireless". Another brilliant Scottish SF writer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 06 August, 2009, 07:35:03 PM
Just got Darwyn Cooke's Parker today, I'm going to start it later. It's gorgeous.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 06 August, 2009, 07:36:03 PM
I'm halfway through 'Fallen Angels by Mike Lee' and I expect to finish it tonight. It's the latest in the Horus Heresy series and is quite gripping with the action really hotting up right now.
Long live the Emperor
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 06 August, 2009, 07:37:53 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 05 August, 2009, 11:19:31 PM
Hardboiled Cthulhu is the title Sefton, Amazon have got it here,http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardboiled-Cthulhu-Two-Fisted-Tentacled-Terror/dp/0975922971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249510382&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hardboiled-Cthulhu-Two-Fisted-Tentacled-Terror/dp/0975922971/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1249510382&sr=8-1), though so have others I expect. Quite tempted by this myself.

How do you do that nifty thing so the link just appears as a blue word of your choice as opposed to the full URL?

There is also a Sherlock Holmes Vs Cthulhu collection called Shadows Over Baker Street...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadows-Over-Baker-Street-Terror/dp/0345452739
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 August, 2009, 07:28:07 AM
Quote from: satchmo on 06 August, 2009, 07:35:03 PM
Just got Darwyn Cooke's Parker today, I'm going to start it later. It's gorgeous.

Very tempted by this. I've loved everything I've read of Cooke's and while I know nowt of Parker as a character from what I've seen it looks great... maybe another one for the Amazon Wish list...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 07 August, 2009, 10:13:51 AM
Thanks to Kerrin and satchmo for helping out sefton when he inquired. I wandered off without checking. So apologies to Sefton.

Just a quick review on "Hardboiled"-fun so far only one story disappointed not because it was rubbish but just inappropriate -a sort  of celtic/viking setting instead of the sleazy bars, dodgy speakeasies and darkened alleys I'd got used to.

Also to follow up Kerrins note on Charles Stross in the back of "The Jennifer Morque" is an excellent article about why he write th e story and how Lovecraft still keeps a (tentacled?) grip on us even now.

It has a fabulous line " The harvest of fear" which I think should be a title for another anthology. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 07 August, 2009, 12:45:02 PM
No worries, Zarjazzer. Manty thanks to you, Kerrin and Satchmo for the information.

I really like the idea of bringing Lovecraft into the modern age, so I'll definitely be checking out the Charles Stross books. I'm also a massive Sherlock Holmes fan, so Shadows Over Baker Street will definitely be added to the shopping list.

I'm not sure when they're due out, but I read recently that a company called Perilous Press is planning to publish a new line of Lovecraft-inspirerd fiction. The series editor will be the noted Lovecraft scholar, S.T. Joshi, and one of the writers lined up is Brian StablefordN so it could be well worth keeping a three-lobed eye open for their stuff. Also, there's a brilliant Lovecraft-inspired tale, simply entitled N., in Stephen King's latest collection of short stories, Just After Sunset. It's not the first Lovecraft-related story King has written and, if you've never read them, I really recommend Jerusaalem's Lot [sic] and Crouch End, from Night Shift and Nightmares and Dreamscapes, respectively. I especially like Crouch End, having had a friend who lived there for a while.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 09 August, 2009, 07:13:23 PM

Just read Back To Brooklyn and The Pro but wrote about them in the Garth Ennis thread. The other one I picked up, and which I,m about halfway through is The Furies. This is Mike Carey doing The Sandman and since I'm loving the Lucifer collections I thought I'd give it a go. So far, the story seems like another example of Carey totally 'getting' Sandman. This reads, to my mind at least, as proper Sandman, totally in keeping with the style and tone of the series. Course, he could bollix it up before the end but I doubt it.

The art though. It's one step away from being a photo story it's so realistic. John Bolton, who could be a megastar for all I know but I've never heard of him, is blowing me away with this stuff. I'm usually a traditionalist whwn it comes to art but for some reason this bloke has totally won me over. I can't put my finger on why but he's completely changed my opinion of photo realistic art in comics, so well done that man.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 09 August, 2009, 08:59:37 PM
I'm reading Hellblazer 'Hooked' by Peter Milligan at the moment, having not read Hellblazer since about 2000, and I'm wondering how and where he got the scar, and how long ago. Anybody?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 09 August, 2009, 09:16:30 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 09 August, 2009, 08:59:37 PM
I'm reading Hellblazer 'Hooked' by Peter Milligan at the moment, having not read Hellblazer since about 2000, and I'm wondering how and where he got the scar, and how long ago. Anybody?
You're not the first person from here to ask that: Chicks dig scars. (http://hellblazer.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=5944&hl=scar&st=120)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 August, 2009, 10:15:21 PM
QuoteI'm reading Hellblazer 'Hooked' by Peter Milligan at the moment, having not read Hellblazer since about 2000

Coincidentally, me too.  Actually not bad, is it?  Sorry to hear about Our Cheryl, though, she'd enough to put up with over the years without that...

Thanks for the clear-up on the scar, Cosh.  Was wondering myself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 10 August, 2009, 08:55:24 AM
Well I Started American Gods yesterday, is it worth it or am i wasting my time (opinionsplease I have 3 friends that have read 2 like 1 said it was a pile of crap).
got the last 2 books of 100 Bulletts but gonna re-read them all before I get onto these last two and some more Fables (absolutly top series, only just twigged the Fables are supposed to be the Jews) and Ex-Machina (i'll take Mayor Hundred if there is no Yorick around)GN's to keep me going.

New Malazan (Steven Erickson) book is out end of the month, Queen of Dreams I think its called cant wait for that.  Epic fantasy at its most EPIC.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 10 August, 2009, 01:17:22 PM
QuoteWell I Started American Gods yesterday, is it worth it or am i wasting my time

I loved American Gods and have actually read it twice - a rare thing for me nowadays. The start is atrocious IMO - well, the first few pages at any rate - and judging by the rest of the book I always think it's intentionally written like a bog standard thriller, before the weird happens.

There are some overlong sequences late tin the book, but overall I think it hits the mark superbly.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 August, 2009, 04:00:34 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 10 August, 2009, 08:55:24 AM
Well I Started American Gods yesterday, is it worth it or am i wasting my time (opinionsplease I have 3 friends that have read 2 like 1 said it was a pile of crap).

Its ok a bit of a page turner but nothing too new for Gaiman.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 10 August, 2009, 04:04:49 PM
I haven't read American Gods myself, but I really enjoyed his Anansi Boys.  Do they cover similar ground?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 10 August, 2009, 04:36:17 PM
Yeah, pretty much. Anansi makes a brief appearance in American Gods. They're both a good read but like Mikey said you have to stick with Gods for a few pages before it really gets into its stride.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 10 August, 2009, 05:13:39 PM
Currently I am reading 'Patient Zero' by Jonathan Maberry.

It is very, very bad.

End of review.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 10 August, 2009, 08:39:03 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 10 August, 2009, 04:00:34 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 10 August, 2009, 08:55:24 AM
Well I Started American Gods yesterday, is it worth it or am i wasting my time (opinionsplease I have 3 friends that have read 2 like 1 said it was a pile of crap).
Its ok a bit of a page turner but nothing too new for Gaiman.
I'd agree with that. There are very few surprises in it, but it's alright if you're on holiday.

Tordelback, it's the same basic idea that underpins most of Gaiman's writing, just a different pantheon. At least with Anansi Boys they were less familiar to me. It also suffers from the tendency of every book I've read by a comics writer (caveat: not that many) to overdescribe everything. Presumably because they're terrified that the reader wont be able to understand what's happening without pictures.

Your own mileage may, of course, vary but I also find Gaiman's novels to be promne to sequences that might have worked in a comic but that seem stupid or cheesy in prose.
Title: Re:whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 10 August, 2009, 10:55:21 PM
Ed mcbain money money money
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: OpusAndBill on 12 August, 2009, 02:32:42 PM
A bunch of old D.C.T. Warlords for indexing purposes (and finding it mighty hard to get excited about them), and an old Terry Carr's Best Science Fiction of the Year. Some good stuff in that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 12 August, 2009, 04:28:14 PM
I've just read the latest Boys graphic novel, "We Gotta Go Now," and it's absolutely superb. The last three pages alone are worth the price, and further proof of why I love comics more than any other medium. Plus, in terms of prose fiction, recently finished the new Mark Billingham book. It rocks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DavidXBrunt on 12 August, 2009, 04:36:59 PM
Pride

and

Prejudice

and

ZOMBIES

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pride_and_Prejudice_and_Zombies
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 12 August, 2009, 05:14:13 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 12 August, 2009, 04:28:14 PM
recently finished the new Mark Billingham book. It rocks.

How New is new? Is this In The Dark or has he brought something out more recently. I ask because I absolutely love his books (despite being beaten by the twist in, oh, all of them) but I've not been on a proper book run for a while.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 12 August, 2009, 09:19:00 PM
Hiya Faplad! The Mark Billingham book is pretty much brand new, only been out a few weeks, it's called "Blood Line," and it's a new Tom Thorne one, not a stand alone like "In The Dark." It's well worth a read!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 12 August, 2009, 11:33:14 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 12 August, 2009, 09:19:00 PM
Hiya Faplad! The Mark Billingham book is pretty much brand new, only been out a few weeks, it's called "Blood Line," and it's a new Tom Thorne one, not a stand alone like "In The Dark." It's well worth a read!

Well, I know what I'm doing this weekend. Cheers for the heads up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 13 August, 2009, 11:24:05 AM
Catching up on The Goon trade paperbacks and also about halfway through David Bishop's Fiends of the Eastern Front Omnibus. Bram Stoker meets Sven Hassel - possibly the ultimate concept in pulp fiction! I can't understand why someone hasn't bought the movie rights for Fiends... yet. I'd think it was a better bet than a new Dredd movie. On a more serious note, I'm really impressed by Bishop's historical research (thanks to Hellman, Johnny Red and Panzer G-Man in Battle, I developed a deep interest in the Eastern Front and the Winter War). Some time ago, I came to the conclusion that, rather than being a tortured, misunderstood Romantic, a real vampire would basically have the psychology of a Nazi serial killer, so I think that the vampirism-as-fascism metaphor works extremely well. Good stuff. I hope there's another comic strip in the works, sometime.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 13 August, 2009, 06:04:34 PM
Just got done reading Derek Raymond's How the Dead Live. Not the strangest thing I've ever read but up there. It's like someone cut and pasted Mickey Spillane dialogue and Pessoa's Book of Disquiet.

Now reading The Goshawk by White.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 14 August, 2009, 01:06:16 AM
Currently reading The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiesen, an account of his treks in the Himalaya in the company of a naturalist mate who's keen to get a glimpse of the titular beast. So far it's been long on Buddhism and noticably short on Leopards. I'm hoping this is not going to become some sort of metaphor for the enervating search for inner peace and enlightenment which we only finally catch a glimpse of at the end after having given up on the quest and accepted our lot in life. I'd much prefer an inundation of the beautiful, furry fuckers. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbR3cUnCdJk)

I got the book in a charity shop and, despite a lack of annotations so far, it has a name - emilyhunter - at the front and on the last page, just below "Whitman, Walt, 67", there is a hastily taken note: "free puppies 748-0916." Connoisseurs will agree that the lack of an area code only enhances the effect.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 14 August, 2009, 10:52:11 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 10 August, 2009, 01:17:22 PM
QuoteWell I Started American Gods yesterday, is it worth it or am i wasting my time

I loved American Gods and have actually read it twice - a rare thing for me nowadays. The start is atrocious IMO - well, the first few pages at any rate - and judging by the rest of the book I always think it's intentionally written like a bog standard thriller, before the weird happens.

There are some overlong sequences late tin the book, but overall I think it hits the mark superbly.

M.



It was all a bit meh to me.
For me it just oozed 'Look at me! I'm a writer!'
And the writing wasn't half as clever as he seemed to think it was.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 14 August, 2009, 11:09:58 AM
For the most part, I really enjoyed American Gods, especially Mr. Wednesday. But that quirky, chirpy, gay punk girl who turns up about halfway through is one of the most annoying characters in English-language fiction.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 August, 2009, 11:17:03 AM
Interesting range of opinions on American Gods - think I'll line it up in my 'fiction' spot if I ever finish my re-read of Name of the Rose.  Currently occupying the Non-Fiction slot is Dava Sobel's The Planets, which is surprisingly engaging, and in the Comics spot is the paperback of Bish-Ops endlessly fascinating TPO.

Must confess that I actually 'read' Anansi Boys over a fortnight's commuting, through the miracle of audiobook.  It was read (performed?) by Lenny Henry, and it was a bit of a treat.  The different voices for Anansi and his 'sons' were spot-on for Lenny's range: primordial con-man, bored London office worker and Caribbean sleazebag.  Highly recommended for that alone.  

I also listened to Mrs. Henry's reading of Gaiman's Coraline, and I didn't enjoy it all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 14 August, 2009, 01:18:31 PM
I haven't got around to Anansi Boys. I should really get my skates on, because (despite the impression I may have given above) I loved American Gods and Anansi is one of the best characters in it. According to Neil Gaiman, though, Anansi Boys isn't exactly a sequel to American Gods, just a novel that shares certain themes and ideas with it.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 14 August, 2009, 01:22:39 PM
Quotejust a novel that shares certain themes and ideas with it.

Gaiman trotting out the same thing again, eh? Who'd have thunk it..!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 14 August, 2009, 02:49:37 PM
Quote from: DavidXBrunt on 12 August, 2009, 04:36:59 PM
Pride and Prejudice and ZOMBIES

That sounds like a hoot. And it sounds well written, too. The only thing about it I'm sure I would absolutely hate is the climactic scene with Lady Catherine de Burgh. I can't really believe that of her, and one thing I absolutely hate is [spoiler]ninjas[/spoiler]. I don't think they automatically improve anything they're added to, nor do I think they automatically make comedy funnier.

I do hope they make it into a film, even with [spoiler]ninjas[/spoiler] in it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 14 August, 2009, 07:19:44 PM
You're a cynical man, Your Lordship. :-)

With regards to something The Cosh said back along, about Gaiman over-describing everything in his prose - am I the only person who thinks he does that in his comics, too?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 14 August, 2009, 07:29:45 PM
Re-read Supreme recently and was tickled to see Supreme's girlfriend wearing Ignatz Mouse earrings at one point.

Started reading some Dennett stuff. S'alright.

Reading the JLA Deluxe volumes. Love the scripts but is the Porter art ever ugly or what?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 15 August, 2009, 11:38:46 AM
I'm currently reading the Roderick series of books for children. I had a good chuckle reading "Roderick Shoots a Spaniard." It took me ages to track down a copy of "Roderick Stalks an Eskimo" from an antiquarian bookseller, and frankly it wasn't worth the expense, but it's nice to have the set:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqUn5rwnROY&feature=PlayList&p=C1B51B4CAAAAFD44&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=19
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 August, 2009, 02:11:51 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 14 August, 2009, 07:29:45 PM

Reading the JLA Deluxe volumes. Love the scripts but is the Porter art ever ugly or what?

Yeah on another thread just waxed lyrical about how great the Morrison JLAs are but have to admit not a fan of Porter's art, functional at best, though to be fair the stuff I've seen of his lately has been alot better.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 15 August, 2009, 02:47:30 PM
I finished the second of "The Losers" TPBs last night. Jock's inkwork is class, really strong images from madcap lines and super sharp silhouettes. The script from Andy Diggle is good fun and he hits just the right note by not getting too special forcey.

Got the third one to start today as well, think I'll crack open a tinnie.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 17 August, 2009, 09:33:48 AM
Quote from: Sefton Disney on 14 August, 2009, 01:18:31 PM
I haven't got around to Anansi Boys. I should really get my skates on, because (despite the impression I may have given above) I loved American Gods and Anansi is one of the best characters in it. According to Neil Gaiman, though, Anansi Boys isn't exactly a sequel to American Gods, just a novel that shares certain themes and ideas with it.
Anansi Boys is in the same universe as American Gods, but where American Gods was a big budget blockbuster, Anansi Boys is a far more low-key (ha ha, I made a funny) affair.  That's by no means a criticism, I enjoyed it hugely. 

Also worth finding is Gaiman's short fiction collection "Fragile Things" which features a rather good short story starring Shadow from American Gods (and many other things that are almost as much fun).

As for what I'm reading at the moment, I'm finishing up Matter by Iain Banks - one of his Culture novels and very diverting.  My non-fiction at the moment is In The Heart of The Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick - the true story of the events that inspired Moby Dick.  Good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 August, 2009, 09:48:17 AM
QuoteAs for what I'm reading at the moment, I'm finishing up Matter by Iain Banks - one of his Culture novels and very diverting.

Really a great read, one of his best and pretty deep in places.  Be interested to know what you thought of the ending when you get there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 17 August, 2009, 09:57:23 AM
I'll be sure to let you know TordelBack.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 17 August, 2009, 10:45:05 AM
bit further into American Gods now glad you all said it was a slow starter, first couple of chapters didn't really know where it was at but by the time we hit chapter 3 [spoiler]guy eaten by a vagina[/spoiler] I now see.  Seems to have a bit of an early Clive Barker feel at the moment (more DAmnation Game/Weave World than his later kids stuff obviously).
Speaker of Barker whats he working on at the moment (I'm behind in The MEG so I haven't read the interview) I'd heard he's diving back into HArry D'amour/Art novels and gonna do a Stephen King and link his seperate books? any hints in the interview

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 17 August, 2009, 02:08:09 PM
I've just finished reading Omnivistascope 5. Yet more cracking stories and pictures inspired by the former boarder known as PVS. AND a reprint for the wonderful 'Tides & Currents' strip he did with Julia Bax for FQ 05.

Well worth picking up if you are a fan of independant comics.

Omnivistascope (http://www.omnivistascope.com/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 17 August, 2009, 02:37:53 PM
Excitement abounds !!

:)           :)           :)           :)           :)           :)           :)           :)           :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Eric Plumrose on 17 August, 2009, 03:10:22 PM
Can't justify forking out over half a week's wages for a ticket (not that I'm much of theatre-goer, anyhow), so the library ordered me a copy of Stoppard's ARCADIA.

And it's been a fucking ace read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 17 August, 2009, 03:13:22 PM
Arthur Machen's "Hill of Dreams". Second time reading it, no less enchanting - and depressing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dannbradfc on 17 August, 2009, 06:05:06 PM
i've too much to read but lucky i now have two weeks off. At one time all i got was the 2000 progs and meg. But i wanted more and mistake or not i began to search. Been a late comer to comics really i had to research but the first thing i started collecting other than 2000 was animal man. I struck gold really and i've still got a few of them to read needing only four from  the 89 vol.2 run. Consequently i've got into doom patrol and justice league europe which is great fun, all dc you may have noticed. Prob is having to work out all the multiverse's is a bit mental. And sadly i've recently dropped buying the megazine. This is in part to finding other 'new' to me stuff to read. The tank girl thing was pap, and together with the citi defence dinosaur thing it just was'nt worth the time or money. The progs are still superb though and bought every week

Indeed my voyage into other comics has proved to me the value of the prog 32 pages LITTLE OR NO ADVERTS, BIGGER PICTURES AND A POUND CHEAPER THAN SOME COMICS. The american market needs to wake up as pretty soon no-one will be buying the monthlies and only getting trade paperbacks as its cheaper and less hassle.

anyone any other suggestions of what to buy bulk wise from the bargain bins, i've been recomeneded Starman and the question
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 17 August, 2009, 06:24:34 PM
I finally joined the library today. I've had no time even to read library books since leaving Leicester in 1995, so there was little point my joining sooner, despite the library's very good opening hours and the library being on my route about 3 days of the week; but at the moment I'm buying so few comics I'm all out of bedtime reading.

On my first borrowing:

300
Civil War
Constantine/Hellblazer: The Devil You Know, Black Flowers and Reasons to be Cheerful
Superman, True Brit

Deborah borrowed Nemesis vol.1, Caballistics Inc. 'Creepshow', Lemore 'Wedgies.'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dannbradfc on 17 August, 2009, 06:29:51 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 17 August, 2009, 06:24:34 PM
I finally joined the library today. I've had no time even to read library books since leaving Leicester in 1995, so there was little point my joining sooner, despite the library's very good opening hours and the library being on my route about 3 days of the week; but at the moment I'm buying so few comics I'm all out of bedtime reading.

On my first borrowing:

300
Civil War
Constantine/Hellblazer: The Devil You Know, Black Flowers and Reasons to be Cheerful
Superman, True Brit

Deborah borrowed Nemesis vol.1, Caballistics Inc. 'Creepshow', Lemore 'Wedgies.'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dannbradfc on 17 August, 2009, 06:31:23 PM
my library is sooo far out of date and its stock is just kiddie stuff i nthe main
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 17 August, 2009, 06:35:41 PM
Quote from: dannbradfc on 17 August, 2009, 06:05:06 PM

anyone any other suggestions of what to buy bulk wise from the bargain bins, i've been recomeneded Starman and the question


Don't know if you'll find them in the Bargain bins but 100 bullets and Y the last Man would be ones I would recommend.  The other stuff worth looking into is Edginton / Disraeli's War of The Worlds adaptations and Sequels [ Scarlet Traces / Great Game ].  Scarlet Traces was reprinted in the Meg a few years back and Dark Horse has done some very nice hardback editions of all three that are insanely reasonably priced [ £11 for Great Game ].  I must also confess an affection for The Alien Legion not to mention The Last American.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 17 August, 2009, 07:20:50 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 17 August, 2009, 06:24:34 PM
I finally joined the library today. I've had no time even to read library books since leaving Leicester in 1995, so there was little point my joining sooner, despite the library's very good opening hours and the library being on my route about 3 days of the week; but at the moment I'm buying so few comics I'm all out of bedtime reading.

On my first borrowing:

300
Civil War
Constantine/Hellblazer: The Devil You Know, Black Flowers and Reasons to be Cheerful
Superman, True Brit

Deborah borrowed Nemesis vol.1, Caballistics Inc. 'Creepshow', Lemore 'Wedgies.'

Manchester Libraries have a great graphic novel collection and add to it regularly. I can usually find at least half a dozen to get out every couple of weeks, mainly stuff I haven't read, occasionally an old favourite like Preacher or a Dredd GN.

They do seem oddly distributed though - half by the SF section and half in the kiddies/young adult section, often with very little discernment. I occasionally point out stuff by Garth Ennis or Grant Morrison to the staff, just so that they get the message and I don't have to browse in the kiddie area, with all the odd glances that causes!

Oh and True Brit is a bit shit I'm afraid. Co-written by John Cleese about 20 years after he had his last funny idea. I bought it (in hardback no less) on a surge of optimism following the excellent Superman:Red Son. Should've known better!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 17 August, 2009, 08:10:19 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 15 August, 2009, 11:38:46 AM
I'm currently reading the Roderick series of books for children. I had a good chuckle reading "Roderick Shoots a Spaniard." It took me ages to track down a copy of "Roderick Stalks an Eskimo" from an antiquarian bookseller, and frankly it wasn't worth the expense, but it's nice to have the set:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqUn5rwnROY&feature=PlayList&p=C1B51B4CAAAAFD44&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=19

Roderick shoots a Spaniard?
Roderick Stalks an Eskimo?

I ain't not never heard of none of 'em!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 17 August, 2009, 08:38:59 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 17 August, 2009, 06:24:34 PM
I finally joined the library today. I've had no time even to read library books since leaving Leicester in 1995, so there was little point my joining sooner, despite the library's very good opening hours and the library being on my route about 3 days of the week; but at the moment I'm buying so few comics I'm all out of bedtime reading.

On my first borrowing:

300
Civil War
Constantine/Hellblazer: The Devil You Know, Black Flowers and Reasons to be Cheerful
Superman, True Brit

Deborah borrowed Nemesis vol.1, Caballistics Inc. 'Creepshow', Lemore 'Wedgies.'

You're welcome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 17 August, 2009, 11:25:08 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 17 August, 2009, 08:38:59 PM
You're welcome.

Cheers, I do remember you suggesting it. It's been on my 'to do' list for a long time. In fact, I joined the library in the town where I worked a year and a half ago, but it's taken me 8 years to join the one round the corner from where I live!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 18 August, 2009, 04:32:58 PM
A big pile of late eighties Eagles, liberated from my local second hand bookshop at 50p each (minus a hefty discount). All splendid stuff, blah blah, Doomlord, Survival, Ortiz, Death Wish vs Dracula, blah blah.

However, what caused the biggest chortle was some of the letters pages- you wouldn't get the like of these in comics these days. An impassioned plea to ban fox hunting, an astonishing two-paragrapher waxing lyrical about the benefits of pasteurised milk and the following joke: "What has twenty two yellow legs and two wings?" (answer: The Chinese football team!). All splendid stuff, Tharg should take note.

Steev
Off to write to 2000AD about the benefits of lard.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 18 August, 2009, 04:42:18 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 August, 2009, 09:48:17 AM
QuoteAs for what I'm reading at the moment, I'm finishing up Matter by Iain Banks - one of his Culture novels and very diverting.

Really a great read, one of his best and pretty deep in places.  Be interested to know what you thought of the ending when you get there.

Heh! Me too!

The new book's out in a month or two, and I've discovered to my delight that I, as a mod over on the Banks forum, have a proof copy of it winging it's way towards me as we speak..!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 18 August, 2009, 05:55:13 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 18 August, 2009, 04:42:18 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 August, 2009, 09:48:17 AM
QuoteAs for what I'm reading at the moment, I'm finishing up Matter by Iain Banks - one of his Culture novels and very diverting.

Really a great read, one of his best and pretty deep in places.  Be interested to know what you thought of the ending when you get there.

Heh! Me too!

The new book's out in a month or two, and I've discovered to my delight that I, as a mod over on the Banks forum, have a proof copy of it winging it's way towards me as we speak..!

Ooo nice. Let us know what you think - I'll probably put that one on my list for Santa.

I just found the time to get racking through some books I've had for a while Matter was up first and I thought it worked well. I was slightly annoyed by the ending (getting a Grant Morrison vibe from the whole thing - a wild wave of stunning ideas getting wrapped up awkwardly at the end) but then I realised there was more after the appendix and was satisfied with it. ;)

I'm currently half-way through The Prefect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prefect) by Alastair Reynolds and it is progressing nicely (as always!!). I'll then crack on with the Viriconium (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viriconium) omnibus edition.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 18 August, 2009, 07:34:45 PM
New M.Banks? WOO-HOO!

I wasn't too sure about "Matter", I enjoyed it but, I dunno, it just seemed a bit, off target somehow. Is the new one a Culture novel?

I'm going to definitely give those "Viriconium books" a look Emp'and I thought "The Prefect" was excellent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 18 August, 2009, 07:38:42 PM
Currently reading 'Marvel Platinum: The Definitive Incredible Hulk'.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 18 August, 2009, 07:44:31 PM
Quote from: Odd_Bloke on 18 August, 2009, 07:38:42 PM
Currently reading 'Marvel Platinum: The Definitive Incredible Hulk'.
oooh, I bought that a few weeks ago. It's a pretty good selection, but I would have liked to see it extend to Planet Hulk / World War Hulk. I didn't remember those 'Maestro' stories at all, but I now know how to torture the Hulk - just break his neck and then force him to have quadraplegic sex with half a dozen Betty clones. Simple!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 18 August, 2009, 07:58:45 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 18 August, 2009, 07:44:31 PM
Quote from: Odd_Bloke on 18 August, 2009, 07:38:42 PM
Currently reading 'Marvel Platinum: The Definitive Incredible Hulk'.
oooh, I bought that a few weeks ago. It's a pretty good selection, but I would have liked to see it extend to Planet Hulk / World War Hulk. I didn't remember those 'Maestro' stories at all, but I now know how to torture the Hulk - just break his neck and then force him to have quadraplegic sex with half a dozen Betty clones. Simple!
I've also borrowed World War Hulk from the library, so that'll be read in the near future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 18 August, 2009, 08:37:02 PM
Hard Boiled Cthulu. Good stuff but there is a tale that's got nothing to do with Noir more a fantasy tale. If you like short horror stories then this collection may be for you.

Available at amazon. I won't put a link 'cause I'm too stupido to do it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 18 August, 2009, 10:32:14 PM
I've just read Marvel's Civil War. I wanted to share my impressions of it, but I've been reading what people have said on here first to see what everyone else had to say. Interesting. I think I agree with a bit of everything said.

I found it really gripping. Firstly, I've waited more than 2 years to read it. Secondly, I hardly read any Marvel comics these days, so I barely have a clue who's who and what's going on in it, so it may have had a greater impact on me because there's less chance of familiarity breeds contempt.

I meant to read a chapter or two before bed, but I ended up reading 6 chapters in a row before my eyes protested too much for me to read on. It made me care what happened, so score one for Mark Millar there. I didn't care much for the artwork. There are some nice poster pieces and splash pages, but a lot of the storytelling frames are quite workmanlike.

Despite the actions of the characters being forced to fit what the plot demanded of them, for the most part their dialogue was characteristic even if their actions weren't. The same can't be said of Reed Richards and She-Hulk, who are really, really badly written. I've never read either of them written worse. The super-villains, where they appeared in walk-on roles, were mere cardboard cut-outs, and I don't recognize most of them.

The political agenda, the violence and the reliance on big science and almost insuperable technology all conspired to suggest this was the Ultimates universe spilling over into the Marvel mainstream. I like the brutality in The Ultimates, but I don't want to see it in The Avengers. I found it a really depressing read, although the effects are quite fleeting because I have had little investment in the Marvel Universe for the past 20 years or more. The deaths are horribly casual and needless, and I was sorry to see one of my old favourite characters killed off. Having said that, I was surprised to see he was still around, because I don't think he was when I stopped reading Marvel! As it goes, that character's death had a big shock impact, so it's probably justified where the others weren't.

I'm rambling now. I've not quite recovered from my jaw-dropping read yet. It was big, exciting, violent and frequently illogical. I liked where the Marvel Universe ended up when it was all over, but I hated how it got there. Most of all, I wanted to see Tony Stark's head just smashed right in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 August, 2009, 08:03:48 AM
QuoteI've also borrowed World War Hulk from the library, so that'll be read in the near future.

Definitely the best crossover epic thing I've read in years.  Great fun.  Be sure to follow on into The Incredible Hercules - a good fun read.

Inspired to give DC a go by the excellent Wednesday Comics, I'm currently picking at the New Krypton stuff over in the Superman books- it's surprisingly entertaining, except for the Supergirl segments, which must be the most unfocussed flip-flopping mess I've ever seen in an ongoing comic. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 19 August, 2009, 09:27:18 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 18 August, 2009, 07:34:45 PM
New M.Banks? WOO-HOO!

I wasn't too sure about "Matter", I enjoyed it but, I dunno, it just seemed a bit, off target somehow. Is the new one a Culture novel?

I'm going to definitely give those "Viriconium books" a look Emp'and I thought "The Prefect" was excellent.

The new one is a non-M, although it is apparently a kind of sci-fi tale... from what I hear it's in the Walking on Glass/ The Bridge mold... in fact it's being published as an Iain M Banks in the States.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 19 August, 2009, 12:05:05 PM
Have finished The Definitive Incredible Hulk and am now reading The Batman Chronicles, Volume 3.  I've really enjoyed the first couple of volumes (and have volumes 4 and 5 lined up to read in the near future), as it's interesting to see how Batman has evolved over the years, and how he was actually quite gritty and dark before the TV series came along.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: brendan1 on 19 August, 2009, 06:27:15 PM
'One' by Conrad Williams, which is a bit like a slightly lower-rent, horror film version of Cormac Macarthy's 'The Road'

Also recommend 'The Unblemished' by the same author

And as a final treat, if it hasn't been mentioned yet, you should treat yourself to 'Stone Junction' by Jim Dodge

Simply wonderful, thrilling and joyful storytelling, and a quite superb intro by Thomas Pynchon too

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 20 August, 2009, 11:09:00 AM
Finished The Batman Chronicles, Volume 3.  More old Batman goodness, with a weird foray into a fairy tale kingdom and the Joker 'dying' about three times.  I enjoy the structure of the books, as you get to the Batman issues every so often and get a Joker story and a couple of others.

I've now moved on to All Star Superman, Volume 1 though I'll probably interleave episodes of that with stories from The Batman Chronicles, Volume 4.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: starscape on 20 August, 2009, 05:56:20 PM
Captain America has been the best book on the shelves for the last two years or so. Shame Steve Rogers is just about back but what can you do.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 20 August, 2009, 10:38:47 PM
As hell will freeze over well before I ever get round to digging my old progs out of storage I got "Satan's Island" for some lovely Wagner/Walker goodness with added Willsher and Kennedy. Nice.

Also got the latest Neal Asher, "Shadow of the Scorpion", always good for a bit of Culture-lite fun, lots of giant AIs, ships, cyborgs and alien stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gavin_Leahy_Block on 20 August, 2009, 11:00:25 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 19 August, 2009, 09:27:18 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 18 August, 2009, 07:34:45 PM
New M.Banks? WOO-HOO!

I wasn't too sure about "Matter", I enjoyed it but, I dunno, it just seemed a bit, off target somehow. Is the new one a Culture novel?

I'm going to definitely give those "Viriconium books" a look Emp'and I thought "The Prefect" was excellent.

The new one is a non-M, although it is apparently a kind of sci-fi tale... from what I hear it's in the Walking on Glass/ The Bridge mold... in fact it's being published as an Iain M Banks in the States.

Fantastic news, I a big Iain Banks fan but I haven't ever been able to get into any of his Iain M Banks books. Maybe its about time i gave them another try?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 20 August, 2009, 11:29:04 PM
Absolutely Gav. If I was going to recommend one to start with it wouldn't necessarily be the first "Culture" book "Consider Phlebas", I'd go for "Use of Weapons" or maybe even "Excession". The non "Culture" books are all good as well, "Feersum Endjinn" is great fun, and "The Algebraist" is a fantastic story. I prefer his SF stuff but then I'm a science fiction fan. Geek, I believe the modern term is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 21 August, 2009, 04:12:51 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 20 August, 2009, 11:29:04 PM
Absolutely Gav. If I was going to recommend one to start with it wouldn't necessarily be the first "Culture" book "Consider Phlebas", I'd go for "Use of Weapons" or maybe even "Excession". The non "Culture" books are all good as well, "Feersum Endjinn" is great fun, and "The Algebraist" is a fantastic story. I prefer his SF stuff but then I'm a science fiction fan. Geek, I believe the modern term is.

In the Culture novels I tend to hit people with "Player of Games" and "Use of Weapons" first. That tends to work for all but the sci-fiphobic and should ease people into the Culture so the other books will make more sense.

With the non-Culture books "Feersum Endjinn"'s language can put people off, so I used to go for "Against a Dark Background" but "The Algebraist" is a damn fine novel (and AaDB is now falling apart it has been read by so many people) but I'd need to find more people annoy before I can use that as my non-Culture introduction.

Iain M. Banks is a great "gateway" author. If folks enjoy that and want something a little harder then I point them to the slabs of Alastair Reynold (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alastair_Reynolds)'s (pretty much everything in chronological order) and if they are looking for something a bit more space operay then it is over to Peter F. Hamilton (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_F._Hamilton) (Night's Dawn and then The Commonwealth Saga). If they were looking for something smaller scale and more personal then they could try Ken MacLeod (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_MacLeod).

Of course, if they don't like M. Banks' books despite my best efforts then you have to get creative. Despite my enthusiasm China Miéville (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Mi%C3%A9ville)'s Bas-Lag books can be a tricky sell to your average 'civilian' with its mix of sci-fi, fantasy and horror but if you are reading this then I think you'll like them if you haven't tried them already (which reminds me that I should get The City & the City now I'm working through my backlog - it sounds great). If all else fails Tim Powers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Powers) usually works - my Dad enjoyed Declare and I can't think I've convinced him of anything else.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 August, 2009, 07:31:50 AM
QuoteIn the Culture novels I tend to hit people with "Player of Games" and "Use of Weapons" first. That tends to work for all but the sci-fiphobic and should ease people into the Culture so the other books will make more sense.

Yeah, Player of Games is definitely the place to start with the Culture, very self-contained, followed by the rather chilling Use of Weapons.   If you don't like those, give up.  Consider Phlebas is a a much more rewarding read as a second or third Culture novel, followed by Look to Windward.  Inversions and Matter are very good stories, but leave them until you've read most of the others as they come at the Culture from a very different angle.  I never really liked Excession despite its epic scope, but plenty of wise folk love it.  Avoid State of the Art completely. In fact pretend it doesn't exist.

As to the non-Culture SF stuff: The Algebraist I thought was a terrific read right up until a disappointing ending.  Against A Dark Background is a very interesting premise.  Song of Stone is pretty poor fare.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 21 August, 2009, 09:24:25 AM
I find Banks' sci-fi a bit like blancmange. I enjoy it while I'm reading it, but the soothing prose slips down so quickly and easily that I can barely remember anything about it the next day. I like the backdrop of The Culture but the stories generally seem very slight. Excession's probably my favourite and the only one I can actually remember the plot of this morning.

Probably an easy step for anyone who's read The Wasp Factory to make though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 August, 2009, 03:12:21 PM
Update: I am now on chapter eighty (yes, you read that right) of 'Patient Zero'. It's picking up a bit. Only forty-five or so chapters to go!

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 21 August, 2009, 03:28:03 PM
Liked "Matter" a great deal, I tend to prefer my Banks without the "M" but at least his sci-fi is more consistent than his non-genre fiction (everything without the "M" since the excellent "Whit" has been simply dreadful).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 21 August, 2009, 03:29:38 PM
I'm now reading FreakAngels (http://www.freakangels.com), Batman and Superman are on hold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gavin_Leahy_Block on 21 August, 2009, 09:39:49 PM
Quote from: mikegloady on 21 August, 2009, 03:28:03 PM
Liked "Matter" a great deal, I tend to prefer my Banks without the "M" but at least his sci-fi is more consistent than his non-genre fiction (everything without the "M" since the excellent "Whit" has been simply dreadful).

I quite enjoyed The Steep Approach to Garbadale, but I can see you point, the majority of his more recent work have not been as enjoyable as his earlier novels.

Thanks everyone for the advice and as always you have most helpful. Looks like it's going to be Player of Games and Use of Weapons to get me started and maybe Excession after that then (big fan of The Wasp Factory).

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 21 August, 2009, 10:13:41 PM
For current comics, I always read Invincible, Savage Dragon, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and Conan The Cimmerian. And of course 2000AD and The Megazine, although I'm behind on those.

I'm also plowing through the 1980's G.I. Joe comics lately, since the movie is out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sefton Disney on 23 August, 2009, 07:21:45 PM
I've just finished Bad Men and The Black Angel by John Connolly. I really enjoyed his blend of hard-boiled noir and the supernatural; it put me in mind of a collaboration between Stephen Hunter and Peter Straub (which is Very Good Indeed, by the way!). I'd recommend them to anyone who enjoyed Michael Marshall's Straw Men novels, or F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack books, which explore similar territory.

At the moment, I'm reading the third Merrily Watkins novel by Phil Rickman, A Crown of Lights, then I think I'll probably start working my way through Connolly's Charlie Parker books from the beginning.

Player of Games and Use of Weapons get my vote for a newcomer's first Culture novels, too.

And, lastly, respect to Steev - your heroic perseverance with Patient Zero is an inspiration to us all. :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 23 August, 2009, 07:43:13 PM
"Fallen Angels" more on the Horus heresy in WH40k universe. Quite fun, bit ponderous in places yet still manages to keep you interested even though you know the ending.

Comic book wise apart from twoofy I was reading "Descendant" from Image but haven't yet managed to get a copy of the second one.Good cover and decent art and story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 23 August, 2009, 07:51:36 PM
Currently reading "If Chins Could Kill" by Bruce Campbell, the worlds greatest b-movie actor ever and "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson.  Enjoying both hugely. 

Last two comics I read were "Leviathan" by Edginton & D'Israeli (which I missed in the prog, it occuring during my long period of unfaithfulness.  LOVED it.  Also "Yesterday's Tomorrow's - The Collected Comics of Rian Hughes" recommended to me by this very forum.  Dare and Really & Truly were the only things I was familiar with but the rest of it is just as beautiful.  Good writing too (and I'm not a huge fan of Grant Morrison who scripted lots of this stuff so that's saying a lot).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 24 August, 2009, 01:42:35 AM
Still reading The Batman Chronicles, Volume Four.  Still enjoying the early Batman stuff.  Was slightly disappointed by the lack of The Joker in Batman #6, but he's back in #7 (which I'm part way through currently) so it's all OK.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 August, 2009, 08:19:20 AM
QuoteCurrently reading "If Chins Could Kill" by Bruce Campbell

If you're enjoying this, check out "Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way".  The wife swears by it.  Ooo-err.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 24 August, 2009, 11:08:49 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 24 August, 2009, 08:19:20 AM
If you're enjoying this, check out "Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way".  The wife swears by it.  Ooo-err.
I'll just bet she does....  That's certainly on my list, but I was constrained by what was on the 3for2 at Waterstones...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 24 August, 2009, 12:55:18 PM
Have just started reading From Hell.

I'll see you back here in about six months  :o

(Are there any other single GNs the size of phone books??)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 27 August, 2009, 09:08:16 PM
The leopards continue to be elusive, so I've had to turn elsewhere for my cheap thrills. Recently read The Black Cloud by Sir Fred Hoyle. I was surprised to stumble across this in a second hand shop as I had no idea the eminent astronomer had ever turned his hand to sci-fi. The tagline on the typically stylish Penguin jacket is "Science fiction by a scientist" and it could be seen as a deliberate attempt to demonstrate the appropriate, British way to respond to a mysterious extraterrestrial threat to life on Earth. Not terribly much happens and the characters are all essentially passive. Assumptions are made and conclusions extrapolated from them. Sometimes these are correct but, more often, something totally different happens and our boffins have to figure out why, never forgetting to remind us that that's okay as they were working from the most reasonable premise the first time. Stacks of people die offstage and nobody really minds too much; technological advances are made through a combination of Great British ingenuity and international co-operation across pointlessly obstructive political divisions.

Fred takes time out to have a few mildly amusing digs at amateur astronomers, academic rivalries and political meddling in science (why the Brits work far better than the Yanks) and everyone drinks plenty of tea. There's the odd shag and a funny Russian and it's all written in the pleasantly detached tone one would associate with a senior civil servant of the period interrupting your normal wireless programming to announce an impending nuclear strike. Good fun for fans of British sc-fi.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 27 August, 2009, 09:27:26 PM
Finished The Batman Chronicles, Volume 4 and was disappointed to discover that someone had cut all of the cover pages out of the library copy of Volume 5, so read World War Hulk instead, which was really good.  Kinda wish I'd read Planet Hulk beforehand, but it was still a very enjoyable read.  I'm now reading The Joker: The Greatest Stories Ever Told.  I'm part way through the Jokerfish arc, and I'm enjoying it a great deal.

I leave you with one page from it:
(http://www.rocketllama.com/blog-it/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Joker_patentoffice.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 27 August, 2009, 09:29:17 PM
That page is... awesome. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 August, 2009, 09:42:56 PM
Hurrah, finally finished the re-read of Name of the Rose.  All my niggles and doubts about obvious murderers and even more obviously anachronistic references vanished as the true purpose of the novel is revealed in the final pages.  Now I see why I remembered it as being so brilliant.  Well worth what turned out to be a very slow read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 27 August, 2009, 10:06:42 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 18 August, 2009, 07:34:45 PMI thought "The Prefect" was excellent.

Finished and yes indeed it was - he has yet to disappoint and I can't recommend the books highly enough. I've read most of them (House of Suns next and I'm back up to speed in time for Terminal World) and you can't really go wrong but if you are going to get into the Revelation Space stories (and you should) then it makes sense to read them in order as I suspect they make more sense that way):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alastair_Reynolds#Novels
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 27 August, 2009, 10:31:39 PM
If you are a Reynolds fan then you may want to check this (http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/audio/2009/jun/19/alastair-reynolds-scales-short-story) out. It's Alastair reading a short future war story of his called "Scales". Exclusive to the Guardian apparently, though it has to be said his writing is way better than his reading.

Can't wait for "Terminal World".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 27 August, 2009, 10:37:13 PM
Found Inherent Vice in MK Library quite by accident t'other week. It's very good, funny like Pynchon usually is even if I don't know what's going on in the first read through. Hopefully it will be a decent primer for my annual attempt at Gravity's Rainbow. I'll get all the way through it this time. Oh yes I will.

Also read Balzac's Droll Stories. I'm still a neophyte, having only read Lost Illusions so I found it almost twee at first, but all my doubts faded once I got to The Succubus.

I've read all the good GNs at MKL at least twice and most of the cape stuff there so it looks like I may be reduced to Star Wars comics *shudder*. That, or actually buying GNs.

PS. Boobs, Your Mom, Meat based sandwich etc.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 27 August, 2009, 10:42:43 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 27 August, 2009, 10:37:13 PM
I've read all the good GNs at MKL at least twice and most of the cape stuff there so it looks like I may be reduced to Star Wars comics *shudder*. That, or actually buying GNs.
Have you looked into requesting them from the library?  I know that the Peterborough libraries accept requests (though I don't know that they always fulfil them).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 August, 2009, 10:46:29 PM
Love the Joker Fish story- they adapted it for the Animated Series a number of years back.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 28 August, 2009, 08:37:33 AM
Quote from: Odd_Bloke on 27 August, 2009, 10:42:43 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 27 August, 2009, 10:37:13 PM
I've read all the good GNs at MKL at least twice and most of the cape stuff there so it looks like I may be reduced to Star Wars comics *shudder*. That, or actually buying GNs.
Have you looked into requesting them from the library?  I know that the Peterborough libraries accept requests (though I don't know that they always fulfil them).
My mate does that, if she really likes something she buys a copy for her shelf - a very wise move.  And as a result her local library is full of really good GNs, thus sorting out all her neighbours with good reading. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 August, 2009, 09:16:50 AM
 
Quote...if you are going to get into the Revelation Space stories (and you should) then it makes sense to read them in order as I suspect they make more sense that way):

I'd recommend tackling at least some of the Reynolds short story collection Galactic North first, especially the superb story "The Great Wall of Mars" (also available in the old anthology Spectrum SF, and I think the Dozois Best New SF collection for 2000 too), which is the real starting point for the Revelation Space universe and certain key characters.    It's also a cracker.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 28 August, 2009, 09:39:26 AM
I've just picked up the Ian Rankin Hellblazer graphic novel "Dark Entries" on import - got it yesterday, which made it a pretty impressive day; I also found out one of my stories has been accepted for a prose magazine :-)

I'd recommend the book to anyone who's a fan of Rankin, ghostly goings on, or the slightly satirical subject matter. If you can get your hands on it before the UK release date, still listed by Amazon as early October, do so - it's a gem.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 28 August, 2009, 11:09:52 AM
Looking forward to that one, Stronty.  What's not to like?  Constantine written by Rankin?  Sounds ideal.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 28 August, 2009, 04:02:12 PM
Just read #3 of Morrison and Quietly's Batman and Robin.


By god it's good comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 28 August, 2009, 04:06:54 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 28 August, 2009, 04:02:12 PM

By god it's good comics.

Oh, yes. Yes it is. First mainstream superhero comic in over a decade that's made me think of setting up a regular order. That's how good it is.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 28 August, 2009, 04:08:23 PM
The last page reveal gave me goosebumps. Cannot wait for the next issue!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 28 August, 2009, 04:13:19 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 28 August, 2009, 04:06:54 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 28 August, 2009, 04:02:12 PM

By god it's good comics.

Oh, yes. Yes it is. First mainstream superhero comic in over a decade that's made me think of setting up a regular order. That's how good it is.

I've got the first couple of these, and enjoyed them, so I do plan on picking up the third.

Does anyone know when Morrison and Quitely's run ends (and where I can find that sort of information myself)?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 28 August, 2009, 04:14:45 PM
Quote from: Odd_Bloke on 28 August, 2009, 04:13:19 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 28 August, 2009, 04:06:54 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 28 August, 2009, 04:02:12 PM

By god it's good comics.

Oh, yes. Yes it is. First mainstream superhero comic in over a decade that's made me think of setting up a regular order. That's how good it is.

I've got the first couple of these, and enjoyed them, so I do plan on picking up the third.

Does anyone know when Morrison and Quitely's run ends (and where I can find that sort of information myself)?

Quietly finishes with issue 3, I think, then there are 2 other artists for 3 issues stints (Frazer Irvine and someone else I can't remember) and then Frank's back for the final 3.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 August, 2009, 04:25:19 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 28 August, 2009, 04:06:54 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 28 August, 2009, 04:02:12 PM

By god it's good comics.

Oh, yes. Yes it is. First mainstream superhero comic in over a decade that's made me think of setting up a regular order. That's how good it is.

Cheers!

Jim

Couldn't agree more.  Makes me hope that Bruce Wayne stays dead for a good long time.  Fascinating to see that Batman can actually work as a 'role'  rather than a specific person.  The [spoiler]Prof Pyg(malion) stuff[/spoiler] was inspiredly horrid, and the [spoiler]Dollgirl sidekick[/spoiler] is creepy as bejayzus.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 28 August, 2009, 04:28:23 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 August, 2009, 04:25:19 PMThe Prof Pyg(mallion) stuff was inspiredly horrid.

Morrison has described the series as less grim than previous Batman stories, but more creepy ... "It's like David Lynch doing the Batman TV show." (http://uk.comics.ign.com/articles/961/961488p1.html)

Top stuff.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 28 August, 2009, 06:42:58 PM
Add to that brilliant character moments like Dick talking to Alfred and his complaining about the cloak, and Gordon and his men not being fooled by the 'new' Batman 'Wasn't he taller?'... then you've got a nigh on perfect read- and that's before you factor in Frank Quietly!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 August, 2009, 05:26:18 PM
Yeah just read the third issue and echo wants already been said. I'm loving the development of the [spoiler]Doll Girl in an 'evil Robin' role. Daimon's mistakes surely coming back to haunt him?[/spoiler]

The line of Dick's in response to Gordan's chastisment is just another of those classic Morrison moments. Lovely stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 30 August, 2009, 06:29:36 PM
Have finished The Joker: Greatest Stories Ever Told, and have now moved on to Batman: Contagion.  Enjoying it thus far.

And, yes, I've spent a good few minutes looking at that page with the full-length Joker from the Jokerfish story over the past couple of days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 30 August, 2009, 07:59:09 PM
Aside from Flesh, I also picked up the first issues of 'The Marvel Project' and 'The Ultimates 4' (or 'Ultimate Comics Avengers' as it now appears to be called) and (sigh, here we go again) 'Ultimate Comics Spider-Man'- after I'd picked myself up from being floored by the sheer vomitous hideousness of Marvel's new Ultimate cover-designs, I gave these a read last night.

The Marvels Project, on first go, appears to be MARVELS done all over again, with slightly less-impressive art and stilted dialogue. We're back in '38/'39 at the start of the Marvel Universe, back with the creation of the first Human Torch, and the Second World War is once again threatening. Once again, it's told by an "outsider"- only this time, one with a twist. It's much as you'd expect, and- excepting one magnificent sequence of the Sub Mariner attacking some Nazis which includes one of the best panels I've ever seen in a Marvel comic- pretty bland.

The Ult. Avengers is more in the style of The Ults 1 & 2, thankfully. It's lack of a numeral at least means I don't have to spend the rest of my life feintly perturbed that I'm missing the '3' trade. Millar seems to have gone minimalist with the dialogue this time, which means it's a brief read. This, coupled with the paper Marvel seem to be printing everything on these days, makes the comic seem insubstantial. It's lovely and white and I'm sure those for whom the "art is the thing" are loving it- but for a luddite like me, who wants my cash to buy something that feels worthwhile, it's bordering on "flimsy". A fairly good read, all told. I'll pick up the collection when it appears in six months.

The new Ult. Spidey is an abomination. Apparently, something called "Ultimatum" happened, killing millions of New Yorkers and necessitating the reboot of a perfectly good title, with a ridiculously crap artist. There's the stink of manga about the whole thing, and when in costume, Peter Parker's head now apparently swells up to a perfectly round balloon shape that is at once distracting and revolting. Never before have I been so offended by an artistic choice- but this pissed me off no end- after years of glorious Bagley and even that guy who followed him, this is just a bad joke. Gwen Stacy's back too. I'm several trades behind in the original series, so I have no idea if that's a new development or something familiar. Last I knew she was murdered by a symbiote. The Kingpin reappears, [spoiler]only to be immediately killed by someone looking a bit like Mysterio[/spoiler], so I don't know what that means. And the comic is pitched much lower than the "classic" Ultimate Spider-Man. Hate it with a passion. But, being a Spidey completist, I'm doomed to see it through its hopefully short run.

Oh, also picked up the Amazing Spider-Man annual. The US one, not the Panini UK thing. Claims to be "The Wedding Issue", but marvellously isn't. Cracking little story, with an unprepared-for twist that threatens twisty-turny clone shenanigans are just around the corner. Only this time, I hope, done for entertainment not for sales.

Other than that, I'm reading a book about Lake Monsters. It is good.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 30 August, 2009, 08:11:47 PM
Steev, do you buy SFX? If you check out this months issue they have a 4 page interview with Bendis about the relaunch of the Ultimate universe.

In it he bigs up the new Spidey artist. Apparently he pushed to get him. Bendis also says, of Ultimate Spiderman, "I'm gonna ride the book into the ground"  Okay. I've quoted him out of context but from what you're saying that sounds awfully prophetic.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 30 August, 2009, 08:27:04 PM
No, I'm not an SFX reader, more a Deathray man. I suppose Bendis would say that, wouldn't he? Take a look at the cover of Ult. Spidey #1- that perfectly round head is replicated throughout the comic, and isn't just an attention-grabber. It really does throw you out of the art- picks you up by the scrotal sack and heaves you out of the panel, such is its awfulness.

There's so much wrong with the comic that there aren't enough words in my computer. Why they've done this to a title that was seen by many as "Spidey's only hope" following the- er- "controversial" OMD/BND over in Amazing, is anyone's guess.

Thankfully, I have really enjoyed Amazing since One More Day, so it doesn't upset me as much as I imagine it does all those other people who rant on the Internet.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 30 August, 2009, 08:44:27 PM
Currently plowing through Dead Souls, which is certainly an illuminating read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 31 August, 2009, 12:51:56 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 30 August, 2009, 08:44:27 PM
Currently plowing through Dead Souls, which is certainly an illuminating read.
Read that last summer. I was surprised at how funny it was. Did you get the same vibe from it? I'm guessing that "plowing" means not.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 31 August, 2009, 03:58:56 PM
Currently reading The Walking Dead 10 which is, as always, great fun. If fun's the right word.

Also just about to start the new Mark Billingham book. It's over a week since I heard it was out, on this very thread I believe, but events conspired to keep me away from a bookshop until Saturday gone. I have decided that this is the one that I'm going to figure out before the end. I'm usually pretty good at this kind of thing but for some reason Billingham beats me every time. Basterd.

Locke and Keye has been a recent highlight for me. Got the first colection - Welcome to Lovecraft - from the library and devoured it in one sitting. Lovely cartoony art that shouldn't work with the horror but somehow does and the kind of expert pacing you'd expect from a seasoned pro, rather than the first timer we have here, have made it a fantastic read. It's by Joe Hill, fruit of Stephen Kings loins, and I reckon he's a definite chip off the old block. It's made me want to check out his novel and short story collection as well. If he can keep up this kind of quality I see no reason his career can't have the longvity of his dads. Hell, I'd say this is better than Kings early work. Different medium I know, but in terms of character and dialogue it beats Carrie or Firestarter hands down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 31 August, 2009, 04:45:15 PM
I certainly appreciate the humour in Dead Souls, it's brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 31 August, 2009, 06:35:38 PM
Just read and really enjoyed Cancertown by newcomers Cy Dethan and Stephen Downey. It's the story of a  man with a tumour in his head who can slip in and out of a bizarre alternate London inhabited by grotesques with cool names like Crosshair, the Corpsegrinder, the Piecemaker, Evil Twin and Babyface. He becomes involved with the power struggle between these 'players' and ultimately unravels the origin of Cancertown.

It has a few rough edges script-wise -I'm not sure I fully get the ending, and there were a couple of "HUH?" moments along the way - I'll have to have a re-read. Also, the hero is just a bit too much like John Constantine. The story has nods to Clive Barker, also Neil Gaiman's Neverworld. The art by Stephen Downey (coloured by Mel Cook and gloriously lettered by Nic Wilkinson)is really nice - here's a couple of tasters:

(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/cancertown001.jpg)   (http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/cancertown002.jpg)

It's published by Insomnia comics, who I've not come across before - you can view the whole first chapter on Cy Dethan's site: http://www.cancertown.co.uk/ (http://www.cancertown.co.uk/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 31 August, 2009, 07:15:45 PM
Just completed John Wyndham's The Midwich Cuckoos for the first time since English Literature class. Well worth your time if you've never read it. Day of the Triffids is next on the list I think.

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 01 September, 2009, 07:45:16 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 August, 2009, 09:16:50 AM
Quote...if you are going to get into the Revelation Space stories (and you should) then it makes sense to read them in order as I suspect they make more sense that way):

I'd recommend tackling at least some of the Reynolds short story collection Galactic North first

Seconded. Espesh as the prologue & conclusion of Absolution Gap* won't make much sense without familiarity with the titular story of said collection.

LoveloveloveLOVE House of suns -- think space opera rebooted to year zero via Jean Cocteau.

*Reynolds' only duff note in Stevie's eyes. Quite a trainwreck of a novel IMHO.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 September, 2009, 08:11:14 AM
Comics-wise just started into 100 Bullets.  Somebody reassure me it gets better, because the first few issues, meh.  

Aside: started and finished a Justice Society of America hardcover by Geoff Johns, set after (I think) Infinite Crisis, picked up from the library on account of a nice cover.  

It was one of the worst comic books I have ever read.  

The nephew of the Wesley Dodds Sandman's love Diane can turn into sand.  The son of Wildcat can turn into a wildcat.  And the grandson of WWII cyborg Commander Steel can turn into steel.  Why, for the love of crimminey, why?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 01 September, 2009, 10:04:26 AM
Quote from: faplad on 31 August, 2009, 03:58:56 PM
Locke and Keye has been a recent highlight for me. Got the first collection - Welcome to Lovecraft - from the library and devoured it in one sitting. Lovely cartoony art that shouldn't work with the horror but somehow does and the kind of expert pacing you'd expect from a seasoned pro, rather than the first timer we have here, have made it a fantastic read.

I've found myself flicking through this a few times in Waterstones, wondering if it was worth a punt. Must confess the cartoony art did make me wonder if it would adversely affect the horror aspect - nice to know it doesn't, because it is rather fabulous.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 01 September, 2009, 10:04:56 AM
Double post, nothing to see here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 01 September, 2009, 02:00:35 PM
Prog 662, at the moment.  My first shipment of eBay buys has arrived. \o/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 01 September, 2009, 02:29:44 PM
Nice!

Enjoy them, Odd Bloke, and keep us up to date on what you're enjoying and otherwise as you go.  We're nosey like that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hazel on 01 September, 2009, 07:27:59 PM
Can I cheekily mention my other half's debut novel:

"Joe Fury and the Hard Death" by Paul Anthony Long

It's out today and available on Amazon and in indie bookshops and some Waterstones.

It's a fast moving funny hard boiled fantasy sci fi adventure. It was reviewed by Pat Mills from 2000AD who said lots of nice things about it including that "it was a pleasure to enter Joe Fury's weird world. Hell... Eternal Wars... Giant Robots... Dinosaurs... These are the elements of classic fantasy I am very familiar with in my own world of comics and are smoothly and excitingly executed here."

For more information and details of how to order online see http://www.softeditions.co.uk/site/i...d=97&Itemid=27

Many thanks for your time.

Hazel x
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 01 September, 2009, 07:38:21 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 01 September, 2009, 08:11:14 AM
Comics-wise just started into 100 Bullets.  Somebody reassure me it gets better, because the first few issues, meh.

I found the first TPB (issues 1-5) to be the weakest of the 13, and then they get better and better. I'd say stick with it, and if you can't get on with them you may curse my name to your dog.

Seriously though, they improve immensely.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 02 September, 2009, 01:36:13 AM
I recently added Bullets to my GN rotation and the first book is inching its way ever closer to the top of the 'to read' pile so of course now is the time for someone to raise doubts about it. I took the plunge because it seemed to be universally admired. Hope this isn't the start of a backlash.

Just bought The Writers Tale. Read the first chapter tonight. Amazing to see how much of season four of Who was there in Davies head before he'd even written the Titanic episode. Also, how different some things could have turned out. I was torn over whether to get this cos it's bloody expensive and moneys tight but I got a deal on a copy with a torn dust sleeve and I'm glad I did cos that first chapter has me convinced it's gonna be a fascinatiing read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 02 September, 2009, 02:09:09 AM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 01 September, 2009, 02:29:44 PM
Enjoy them, Odd Bloke, and keep us up to date on what you're enjoying and otherwise as you go.  We're nosey like that.

Very well then.  I have read progs 660-663 thus far, and my musings thereon are contained below.

Overall, I'm impressed.  I'm dropping into the middle of quite a few storylines, which is making some things confusing.  I'll cover my brief thoughts on what I'm reading below

The Dead Man - I picked this up at episode 11 and have followed it to where it morphs into the Judge Dredd story.  I like the art on this, and I didn't find the story at all hard to pick up.  I really like how it moves from The Dead Man into Dredd, particularly how we see Dredd having to move on from the blinding of the boy with him.

Zenith: Phase 3: War in Heaven Part 2 - My least favourite thrill that I've seen thus far, by a ways.  Most of the problem is picking it up part way through; I have no idea what is going on.  But the art doesn't really help, it's too indistinct and minimalist for me to be able to easily distinguish between characters, and it distracts me from the writing too much for me to have an opinion on that.

Chopper: Song of the Surfer - Probably my favourite thrill of these 4 progs.  I pick up the story just as the race starts, which means I'm not as invested in Chopper as I might otherwise be, nor do I know anything about his competitors.  Nonetheless, it's a testament to the art and writing that I've still been drawn in by this, and am looking forward to its conclusion.

Bradley - This is a little too entrenched in the early 90s for me to really get to grips with (my second birthday was the day before the cover date of #662).  It seems a little garish and overbearing.  Reminds me of those two irritating puppets (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zig_and_Zag_(puppets)) off of The Big Breakfast.

Judge Dredd: I'm Manny, Me Fly - Alright.  Feels a bit like Tharg thought "oh crap, we don't have any Dredd for this prog" and had a droid quickly rework a Future Shocks script.

Tharg's Future Shocks - Out of the couple I've read, nothing special.

Judge Dredd: A Letter To Dredd - This is my earliest exposure to a Dredd that isn't just one-dimensional, and it's interesting to see how he reacts to this letter.  It works well as a prologue to the Tale of the Dead Man stuff.

Slaine - This is very pretty, but I have no idea what's going on.  Doesn't help that the first prog it was in was missing a page of backstory and exposition but even with that I'm confused.  But, as I say, very pretty.

Judge Dredd: Tale of the Dead Man - Seen the first two episodes of this thus far, and I like how it's developing.  It'd be interesting to know how much I'm missing having not caught the start of The Dead Man.

Bix Barton - Only caught the pilot of this, and don't really know what to expect.  Am looking forward to finding out.


Hmm, having finished all this, I wonder if this thread is really the best place for this.  I'll put it in here for now, but is there a better place to put this sort of stuff in future (somewhere in the Spoilers section, maybe?)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 02 September, 2009, 02:30:46 AM
COLINYNWA has been posting a running account of any interesting stuff in his big reread in the "other reviews" section for a while now. I reckon thats your best bet, although I doubt anyone would object too strongly if you posted in here.

The above brings up another point. Has anyone else ever been in that situation where you meet someone, and then you bump into them a few times, and pretty soon you're seeing them every day and they're calling out to you in the street and you realise that you don't know their name but you feel like you've left it too long and they'll be offended if you let on so you daren't ask? 

What does YNWA mean?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 02 September, 2009, 06:47:06 AM
Quote from: faplad on 02 September, 2009, 02:30:46 AM
What does YNWA mean?

You'll Not Want Another? ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 02 September, 2009, 06:52:23 AM
Quote(my second birthday was the day before the cover date of #662)


Drokk.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 02 September, 2009, 07:43:26 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 02 September, 2009, 06:52:23 AM

Drokk.


Funt!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 02 September, 2009, 08:53:18 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 02 September, 2009, 07:43:26 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 02 September, 2009, 06:52:23 AM
Drokk.
Funt!
Sneck!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 September, 2009, 09:15:17 AM
Quote from: faplad on 02 September, 2009, 02:30:46 AM
What does YNWA mean?

I've been asked that a couple of times recently. Apparently PJ Holden thought it was a big up to NWA BUT its actually You'll Never Walk Alone. Which is either an obsure reference to Invasion and Robusters, me showing my love of musicals OR a reference to years of following Liverpool Football Club.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 02 September, 2009, 11:24:22 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 02 September, 2009, 08:53:18 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 02 September, 2009, 07:43:26 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 02 September, 2009, 06:52:23 AM
Drokk.
Funt!
Sneck!

:D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 02 September, 2009, 01:49:18 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 August, 2009, 04:25:19 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 28 August, 2009, 04:06:54 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 28 August, 2009, 04:02:12 PM

By god it's good comics.

Oh, yes. Yes it is. First mainstream superhero comic in over a decade that's made me think of setting up a regular order. That's how good it is.

Cheers!

Jim

Couldn't agree more.  Makes me hope that Bruce Wayne stays dead for a good long time.

I think the best move would actually be for him to come back, but not retake the Batmantle (;D).  That way we don't have his miraculous resurrection hanging over us while we're enjoying the state of play.  However, if it does get to a point where Bruce Wayne is going to take over again, it can be more natural than him just appearing because sales are flagging.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 04 September, 2009, 09:12:57 AM
I've just read "The Devil in Amber," by Mark Gatiss, in pretty much one sitting. It's a great and gripping read, and also brought back fond memories of hearing the author do the voice of Judge Death . . .
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 September, 2009, 06:49:50 PM
Just started into Jack McDevitt's second Alex Benedict book Polaris.  Not as much fun as his Academy books, but then what is?

Also, seeing as the library was flat out of 100 Bullets Vol.2 I decided to give Preacher a third or fourth chance, having recently come round to liking Ennis current stiuff.  Nope, I still don't get it.  I re-read Dixie Fried over lunch.  I thought it was badly paced and unfunny. Even though it only took me half an hour to finish, I was actualy bored by the end.  Apart from their comedy accents all the characters sound the same, to-wit, they all sound like fecking arseholes.  Pages upon pages of characters laughing at Arseface, oh ha-ha-ha.  And that Bill Hicks hagiography was so clumsy as to be insulting.  Somebody explain the appeal, I've really tried.

I did like the the Neil Gaiman character though. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 04 September, 2009, 07:06:31 PM
The latest Felix Caster novel dropped through my letter-box this morning. Thus far it's pretty good, although poor Fix does seem to live in a world of woe.

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 04 September, 2009, 10:33:57 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 September, 2009, 06:49:50 PM
I decided to give Preacher a third or fourth chance, having recently come round to liking Ennis current stiuff.  Nope, I still don't get it.  I re-read Dixie Fried over lunch.  I thought it was badly paced and unfunny. Even though it only took me half an hour to finish, I was actualy bored by the end.  Apart from their comedy accents all the characters sound the same, to-wit, they all sound like fecking arseholes.  Pages upon pages of characters laughing at Arseface, oh ha-ha-ha.  And that Bill Hicks hagiography was so clumsy as to be insulting.  Somebody explain the appeal, I've really tried.

I did like the the Neil Gaiman character though.  

Interesting take. I'm a huge fan of Preacher. I do think it's a book that works best the first time around - if you find you like it, as I did when I first saw it in the meg reprints, then it works well on an episode-by-episode basis, as I was always keen to find out what happens next. I've also re-read most of it in GNs from the library (did The Meg reprint all of it? If not, I went on to read the rest), and enjoyed those, but it was a while ago. I must admit, the last time I picked one up though, I was much less impressed, but this is true of about 95% of all American comics I read. (there's a whole other discussion there)

True it's indulgent, as all Ennis' stuff is. He creates characters who proceed to indulge in various levels of danger and deviancy whilst spouting off endlessly about the author's particular obsessions and fascinations. The same could be said of most writers! The thing is, I get off on the stuff he talks about. I often quote the bit about Chaplin vs Laurel & Hardy, as it really struck a chord with me (and is absolutely true).

I can't be arsed googling to find out when Preacher was written, but I suspect that so much other stuff has been influenced by it that to someone approaching it now, it may look like a poor knockoff, whereas it was actually the ground-breaking original influence.

but if it don't float your boat, what the hey! Plenty more comics in the Sea. I don't rate 100 bullets as much as most people seem to. Loved the first couple of books, as I got off on the total mystery and the fact that within this mysterious context, they were incredibly moving individual stories; but once the backstory and explanations started appearing, it just killed it and I never enjoyed them much after that. And walking dead is another *yawn* zombie story. Chacun a son gout, mon ami!

PS - who was the 'Neil Gaiman character'? As I said, it's been a while!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 September, 2009, 10:52:35 PM
QuotePS - who was the 'Neil Gaiman character'? As I said, it's been a while!

One of the pathetic wannabe vampires Cassidy encounters in New Orleans.  He looks just like Gaiman and writes godawful pre-emo poetry, before having a successful career 'reinventing the genre'. 

The Laurel and Hardy bit (although I probably wrongly remember it as being a comparison with the Three Stooges) is the main reason I keep coming back to Preacher - i thought it was utterly brilliant (being an L&H fan myself), and made me think there must be more to the series than I was seeing.  Unfortunately subsequent worshipful sequences involving John Wayne and the aforementioned genius Bill Hicks just retread the same ground.   For me  Jesse and Cassidy just come across as Mary-Sues through which Ennis fills endless pages with his ontological project of classifying all living beings as either Mate or Wanker.  I will persevere with a re-read because there are some good jokes in there, and some inventive violence, but I don't see where all the adulation comes from.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 04 September, 2009, 10:54:58 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 September, 2009, 10:52:35 PM

(being an L&H fan myself)


I knew there was a reason I liked you!

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 04 September, 2009, 11:01:53 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 04 September, 2009, 10:54:58 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 September, 2009, 10:52:35 PM

(being an L&H fan myself)


I knew there was a reason I liked you!

Cheers

Jim

Have either of you been to the Laurel & Hardy museum up in... um, the Lake District somewhere? It's bloody fantastic! And the man who curates/ lives in it is astonishing. Anyone with even a passing interest in L & H should make an effort to go.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 04 September, 2009, 11:02:54 PM
Quote from: SpookyTheCat on 04 September, 2009, 11:01:53 PM
And the man who curates/ lives in it is astonishing.


Does he sit in a fireplace with bricks falling on his head?

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 04 September, 2009, 11:09:08 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 September, 2009, 10:52:35 PM
For me  Jesse and Cassidy just come across as Mary-Sues through which Ennis fills endless pages with his ontological project of classifying all living beings as either Mate or Wanker. 

;D ;D ;D You have just summed up the entire oeuvre of Garth Ennis in one sentence. Genius!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 04 September, 2009, 11:10:47 PM
Started Madame Bovary because I'm so fucking sophisticated.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 04 September, 2009, 11:19:04 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 04 September, 2009, 11:02:54 PM
Quote from: SpookyTheCat on 04 September, 2009, 11:01:53 PM
And the man who curates/ lives in it is astonishing.


Does he sit in a fireplace with bricks falling on his head?

Cheers

Jim

Basically- yes. The place is like a cave, chocka with period L&H memorabelia- with a DVD cinema shoved on the side. It's amazing- and the bloke is lovely, has been there since The Very Dawn Of Time, and the MOST Enthusiastic MAN in THE world!

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 04 September, 2009, 11:24:56 PM
Quote from: SpookyTheCat on 04 September, 2009, 11:19:04 PM
Basically- yes. The place is like a cave, chocka with period L&H memorabelia- with a DVD cinema shoved on the side. It's amazing- and the bloke is lovely, has been there since The Very Dawn Of Time, and the MOST Enthusiastic MAN in THE world!

Sold!

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 04 September, 2009, 11:28:09 PM
Quote from: SpookyTheCat on 04 September, 2009, 11:19:04 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 04 September, 2009, 11:02:54 PM
Quote from: SpookyTheCat on 04 September, 2009, 11:01:53 PM
And the man who curates/ lives in it is astonishing.


Does he sit in a fireplace with bricks falling on his head?

Cheers

Jim

Basically- yes. The place is like a cave, chocka with period L&H memorabelia- with a DVD cinema shoved on the side. It's amazing- and the bloke is lovely, has been there since The Very Dawn Of Time, and the MOST Enthusiastic MAN in THE world!

Steev

This has inspired me, I've wanted to see that place for years, and I may just take a spin out there very soon - it's not that far from Manchester. Their website (http://www.laurel-and-hardy.co.uk/home.htm (http://www.laurel-and-hardy.co.uk/home.htm))s brilliant in it's amateurishness. I love the way it takes a while to load (but with THAT music to keep you entertained) and then opens with the sentence "This weekend, Saturday 18th April we will be making our move to bigger, brighter and better premises at the Roxy Cinema on Brogden Street, Ulverston. "
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 04 September, 2009, 11:34:12 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 04 September, 2009, 11:28:09 PM
Quote from: SpookyTheCat on 04 September, 2009, 11:19:04 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 04 September, 2009, 11:02:54 PM
Quote from: SpookyTheCat on 04 September, 2009, 11:01:53 PM
And the man who curates/ lives in it is astonishing.


Does he sit in a fireplace with bricks falling on his head?

Cheers

Jim

Basically- yes. The place is like a cave, chocka with period L&H memorabelia- with a DVD cinema shoved on the side. It's amazing- and the bloke is lovely, has been there since The Very Dawn Of Time, and the MOST Enthusiastic MAN in THE world!

Steev

This has inspired me, I've wanted to see that place for years, and I may just take a spin out there very soon - it's not that far from Manchester. Their website is brilliant in it's amateurishness. I love the way it takes a while to load (but with THAT music to keep you entertained) and then opens with the sentence "This weekend, Saturday 18th April we will be making our move to bigger, brighter and better premises at the Roxy Cinema on Brogden Street, Ulverston. "

Ulverston! That's it. And yes, I remember now that it was soon to be moving when I was there last July... so in all probability it's now in a soulless prefabricated building, with everything sorted into neat displays and the lovable man replaced by a teenager dressed as Laurel reading from a multi-lingual guidebook.

Hope not though. It was just like someone had taken every existing L&H thing and shovelled them into a roughly-hewn cave, then put a man in to look after it, with nothing but L&H movies for company, for fifty years.

One of the autistic guys I took up there is a massive fan and he was absolutely overwhelmed.

Steev
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 04 September, 2009, 11:41:47 PM
Ah man, I've dug out my old tape from the last time BBC2 had a season, and am watching The Music Box as I type this - "1127 Walnut avenue? It's just up there, top o'the stoop..."

EDIT : Stan's just kicked a woman in the arse for laughing at him, and she's punched him in the face.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 05 September, 2009, 12:27:05 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 September, 2009, 10:52:35 PM
I will persevere with a re-read because there are some good jokes in there, and some inventive violence, but I don't see where all the adulation comes from.
I feel pretty much the same way about Preacher. Having loved Ennis' run on Hellblazer I bought the first ten or so issues thinking it would give him the canvas to expand on some of the thigns he did there and I just never got into it. I frequently think about giving it a go again but would probably prefer picking up something I've never read before.

I think Ennis (as probably captured on the "Ennis, etc" thread) veers wildly between the brilliant and puerile childishness. While never quite approaching the Django Zoon level, there are times when his zest for OTT vileness is just unpleasant while other times it can be both hilarious and affecting. On the other hand, he has a gift for that sympathetic, manly, boozy conversation that really captures something about people. There's no real difference between Jesse & Cassidy's conversations and those between John Constantinen and the Lord of the Dance or, a personal favourite, Kit and her family in Heartland other than my own affection for the characters.

I stick with The Boys out of a combination of annoyance at having missed out on Hitman & Punisher and the fact that every now and then there is a flash of real character beneath the pastiche.


And now an update on The Snow Leopard. After another fifty pages there still weren't any fucking leopards so I gave up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 05 September, 2009, 01:31:16 AM
I live in the town where Stan Laurel spent his formative years. Apparently his parents ran the local theatre. I did not know this until relatively recently because for as long as I could remember said theatre was simply a burnt out condemned wreck and no effort at all was made to emphasise it's history. Then the council decided that it was an eyesore and hads to come down. At which pont the whole town erupted into a frenzy of "save our historic theatre" madness. It was at this point that I became aware of it's significance. Didn't save the theatre though. In truth, it had been dangerous for years and was beyond repair.

They renamed the spot Theatre Corner and put up a statue of the man himself. Well, actually they built an office building and did the whole renaming and staue bit over the road where the public loo was. Oh, the sense of history. Now of course, the novelty has worn off and todays kids are no more in the know than I was.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 05 September, 2009, 01:34:11 AM
Quote from: faplad on 05 September, 2009, 01:31:16 AM
They renamed the spot Theatre Corner and put up a statue of the man himself. Well, actually they built an office building and did the whole renaming and staue bit over the road where the public loo was. Oh, the sense of history. Now of course, the novelty has worn off and todays kids are no more in the know than I was.
You should get the council to try and knock the public loo down, perhaps it'd have the same effect.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 05 September, 2009, 02:35:24 AM
Nah, the loo had to go to make way for the statue, which now stands on the exact spot. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 September, 2009, 01:08:06 PM
I'm on a bit of an Alex Robinson kick at the moment, working my way through the library's holdings, and I just misappropriated more than an hour of supposed work time reading his Too Cool to Be Forgotten in one sitting.  It's absolutely amazing, couldn't recommend it highly enough.  The guy is a serious talent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 05 September, 2009, 07:41:29 PM
At the Mountains of Madness, again. S'been a while but it still makes me go all cold and goose-pimply.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 05 September, 2009, 07:47:59 PM
Dan Abnett's Horus Heresy. Forgot how good it was.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 06 September, 2009, 01:46:22 PM
Patrick O'Brian's Master & Commander (http://www.librarything.com/work/6621).  This is at least my third time reading this, and I still love it (and the other 19 novels that follow it).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 September, 2009, 02:11:22 PM
QuotePatrick O'Brian's Master & Commander.  This is at least my third time reading this, and I still love it (and the other 19 novels that follow it
).

Love this series, with very few exceptions (the immensely improbable rescue by a raft of south-sea amazons, mainly), and actually have to force myself to stop reading lest I do all 20 in a row.  Currently I'm paused before Nutmeg of Consolation.   Master and Commander itself is a magnificent novel, but the sequence I love best is in Desolation Island where the Waakzaamheid is chasing the horrible old Leopard in the Roaring Forties - the climax of that chase is one of the most gripping, gut-wrenchingly terrifying things I've ever read.  I also rather like the sequence in Other Side of the Medal where Aubrey ends up in the Stocks.  Stirring stuff.  Oh, and the fate of the Polychrest in Post Captain!  Genius!

Aside:  in recent years I've been learning to sail with an old friend, and as the Aubrey Maturin books are about all I knew of sailing before I started pretty much all of my jargon comes from there.  Thus we are forever heeling to larboard, missing stays and sailing  on a bowline, even those all those terms are archaic and irrelevant.  Drives him mad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 06 September, 2009, 07:50:01 PM
I've just finished the new Ian Rankin book, "The Complaints." It's a quality read, anybody wondering if it's worth picking up, I'd recommend it highly. Plus just finished the last short story in the Edinburgh-themed "Crimespotting" anthology, which is one of the best collections I've read in recent memory. Great, great stuff, and for a pretty good cause, too!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 06 September, 2009, 07:50:12 PM
Quote from: mygrimmbrother on 05 September, 2009, 07:41:29 PM
At the Mountains of Madness, again. S'been a while but it still makes me go all cold and goose-pimply.

Read it again last summer- a superb piece of work.

QuoteDan Abnett's Horus Heresy. Forgot how good it was.

I've just this very afternoon bought one of the collected editions of Dan's Warhammer books to have a go at them, never having read any before.

Currently reading Steve Earle's short story collection Doghouse Roses.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 September, 2009, 09:16:34 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 06 September, 2009, 07:50:12 PM

Currently reading Steve Earle's short story collection Doghouse Roses.

Hadn't released Steve Earle had written a book. I'm assuming that's the Copperhead Road alt country Steve Earle. If so is it any good?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 06 September, 2009, 09:30:21 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 06 September, 2009, 09:16:34 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 06 September, 2009, 07:50:12 PM

Currently reading Steve Earle's short story collection Doghouse Roses.

Hadn't released Steve Earle had written a book. I'm assuming that's the Copperhead Road alt country Steve Earle. If so is it any good?

Yup, that's the one.
Steve's one of my favourite artists ever. The book is, so far very good- Steve's voice comes through loud and clear. The title story in particular is a hard read such is it's amazing honesty- it describes the life of a country rock artists who happenes to be a heroin addict...
And I was surprised to see a story called Tanneytown, which tells the same story as the song.

Yes- recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 06 September, 2009, 09:52:45 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 28 August, 2009, 04:02:12 PM
Just read #3 of Morrison and Quietly's Batman and Robin.


By god it's good comics.

Ace letterer and all-round top bloke, Todd Klein agrees with us. (http://kleinletters.com/Blog/)

Which should annoy the crap out of John Byrne, if nothing else!

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: WadesWiddleYellowBoxes on 07 September, 2009, 09:51:00 AM
Jumping between Judgement on Gotham, Sandman's Dolls House and What You Make It by Michael Marshall Smith (Superb...)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 07 September, 2009, 12:23:22 PM
In my current campaign to finish reading books I'm in the middle of, I'm reading the following (in order of start date):

Key Thinkers in Christianity, edited by Adrian Hastings (started 2009-04-19)
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (started 2009-07-18)
Koppett's Concise History of Major League Baseball by Leonard Koppett (started 2009-07-18)
Collected Short Stories by Patrick O'Brian (started 2009-07-22)
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe (started 2009-07-27)

To incentivise myself, I'm not allowing myself to read any TPBs/GNs until these are all completed (which could take a while with The Count of Monte Cristo).  However, I haven't excluded reading actual comics from this, which might be a mistake...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Nap Normal on 07 September, 2009, 10:38:56 PM
I've a few books on the go at the moment. Bernard Cornwells  Azincourt and Christopher Fowlers Bryant and May series about two detectives who's offices are above Mornington Crescent tube station.Both authors I can highly recommend.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 08 September, 2009, 12:21:03 AM
As part of my resolve to use my enforced free time constructively and start properly pursuing that writing lark I've been wittering on about for years ,I've been reading The Writers Tale. Fascinating read and a very full on warts and all account of a writers life. I've finished now though and a trip to my local bookshop - which a friend told me had an excellent section on such things - revealed that they had precisely one relevant title.  The Writers Tale.


So I picked up "If Chins Could Kill" instead.

Other than that I'm reading Mark Billinghams latest, a Torchwood book(Twilight Streets) Essenttial fantastic 4 vol.1 and some Delano era Hellblazer. So a decent selection.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: WadesWiddleYellowBoxes on 08 September, 2009, 12:28:43 PM
Quote from: faplad on 08 September, 2009, 12:21:03 AM

So I picked up "If Chins Could Kill" instead.



Fantastic read. Campbell is a hoot. I'd love to read a follow up (Make Love...don't count) which delves into his back to backs in Bulgaria and experience on Bubba Ho-Tep.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 08 September, 2009, 01:12:47 PM
To Kill a Mockingbird - Cos the wife just finished it and I feel I really should read it. So far so good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 08 September, 2009, 06:16:50 PM
"If Chins Could Kill" is flat out amazing, he's a character and it's all very good. 

I challenge anyone not to enjoy "To Kill A Mockingbird" - it's really gently done and a good tale, well told. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 08 September, 2009, 06:18:46 PM
Looks like I'll be reading issues 1 to 26 of THE INVISIBLES as Cosh has rather kindly just posted them to me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 10 September, 2009, 11:05:36 PM
Just finished the latest batch of graphic novels I got from the public library at the weekend:

Top 10 book 1 - This was a very welcome re-read of an old favourite by Alan Moore, inspired by Top 10: The 49ers (the prequel) which I took out a few weeks ago.

The Astounding Wolfman by Robert (Walking Dead) Kirkman & Jason Howard - brilliantly bonkers werewolf/superhero mash up. Recommended.

Tales of the Batman: Tim Sale - a collection of the artist's early stuff (mainly 90s). Some are okay, but oh boy, there were some bad Batman stories being told last decade. The worst, sadly and surprisingly, by Alan Grant. I can't begin to list the things I hated about "Madmen across the Water".

Fantastic Four: True Story by Paul Cornell & Horacio Domingues - Oh dear oh dear. Now I've always loved the FF, from the days when I'd pester my big brother to "show me rock-man" in his comics, and it's hard to write a FF story that I won't enjoy on some level, but this laboured voyage into the "realm of literature" was bloody awful. Imagine distilling all of Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore's worst reference-dropping tendencies, (but removing the ability to actually write convincing scripts) and then filtering the results through the brain of a 15 year old art student, whose girlfriend has added some pictures ('cos she's, like, really talented, yah?) and you'll have some feeling for this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dog Deever on 10 September, 2009, 11:09:17 PM
Just finished rereading Just A Pilgrim (Ennis / Ezquerra), both books- for the umpteenth time.
It really is good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 10 September, 2009, 11:10:09 PM
Started "The Kraken Awakes" by Juan Wind Ham.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 10 September, 2009, 11:28:40 PM
Finished If Chins... today. A very fast read but not in a bad way. I just couldn't put it down. Everyone on here who praised it were spot on. 

Trouble with fats reads is you need to replace them fast and so yet another trip out beckoned. This one netted me "My Boring Ass Life" by Kevin Smith. I've yet to be disapointed by one of his movies so I'm hoping his "voice" will come through in the book.


Can I ask a question about To Kill A Mockingbird?

  Read this at school and got really peeved at my teacher about it. During the trial the girls says something like [spoiler]"I've never kissed a boy, what Daddy does doesn't count."[/spoiler] I read this, and I wasn't alone, as a reference [spoiler]to sexual abuse[/spoiler] but my teacher flat out refused to accept it as a theory and openly mocked anyone who thougt it. He went on to tell us that if we mentioned this theory in any coursework on the book it would harm our grade.

Whose read this book? Did anyone else think this? I just remember being totally pissed off by the whole stuation. I tell you, I love dreading before Eng. Lit. GCSE but those two years pretty much sucked the joy out of it for me. I didn't read for pleasure for years afterwards which I would imagine is not the desired effect.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 September, 2009, 02:05:33 AM
Just finished Denise Mina's run on Hellblazer.  (Un)holy crap, that was poor.  The oh-so clever punchline to a year's worth of incoherent drawn-out comics appeared to be [spoiler]"Scottish footie fans support anyone against England".  [/spoiler]Not arguing the point, just wondering about the mindset of who commissioned this?  And to think they booted Eddie Campbell.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 11 September, 2009, 04:36:44 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 11 September, 2009, 02:05:33 AM
Just finished Denise Mina's run on Hellblazer.

You're obviously constructed of sterner stuff than Stevie there TordelBack; I dropped Mina's from my standing order after her second issue (cue trademark grumbling from comics retailer who is unable to comprehend anyone following creators not characters).

I generally give new teams 3 issues grace, but not being a big fan of Leonardo Manco's art didn't help things either.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 11 September, 2009, 10:06:11 AM
well finished American Gods while on holidays and glad i stuck through the first few chapter, got a bit of a Clive Barker feel to the whole thing and certainly didn't go the way I thought it would.
GOt the last two 100 Bullets collections to read now but think I'm gonna have to go back throught the first 11 to remember whats goiung on.  Also got V7 of Fables to do and V5 of Ex-Machina too.
Book wise I'm waiting for the new Stephen Erickson Malazan novel, Dust of Dreams (i think) lots more magic and destruction on the way.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 September, 2009, 04:30:48 PM
Way of the Barefoot Zombie, by "Jasper" Bark of this parish.

Had been put off by so-so reviews and jumped to 'Tide of Souls' first- which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, a hundred and thirty pages into Barefoot, and I'd say it was not only just as good- but also has added laffs.

Definately worth a punt.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 13 September, 2009, 11:34:54 PM
johnathon strange and mr norrel...well i will be reading it in a bit .got a first edition  today.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 14 September, 2009, 12:15:14 AM
Just finished Paul Auster's New York Trilogy.



What the f**k was that all about, then?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 14 September, 2009, 12:20:37 AM
I started that a couple of weeks ago and got as far as the odd chap who hires him, then a load of zap bang SF books turned up so I'll get back to it. I take it you you didn't fully engage with the book then Sharky.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 14 September, 2009, 12:52:01 AM
I tried, Kerrin. I even persevered with it all the way to the end. But I missed the point. (Unless missing the point is the point, in which case I got it...)

It's one of those books I'm going to have to read again as I'm certain that it is very clever indeed. Unfortunately, I am not very clever indeed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 14 September, 2009, 01:10:29 AM
Just started reading Neil Gaiman's Sandman.  I really need to get this in GN form, as reading off of a screen really isn't the same.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 14 September, 2009, 01:50:07 AM
Quote from: Odd_Bloke on 14 September, 2009, 01:10:29 AM
Just started reading Neil Gaiman's Sandman.  I really need to get this in GN form, as reading off of a screen really isn't the same.

Tell me about it.  I'm currently reading Swamp Thing off a website. (You may remember me ranting about Swamp Thing collections being crap) The thing is, the site is not exactly official and isn't the most technicaly sound. It doesn't handle double page spreads very well, varying between simply scanning them as seperate pages, which makes no sense storywise or scanning the spread in its entirety with a huge crease down the middle. I suppose I should be grateful the site exists at all really or eldse I'd be knackered trying to read this series.

All I need to do now is find a site that will let me ead al the Hellblazer issues I can't get hold of in GN form.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 14 September, 2009, 03:08:22 AM
demonoid.

'nuff said
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 14 September, 2009, 07:49:39 AM
Just completed the latest Felix Castor book by Mike Carey of Hellblazer fame. Not a bad read and I wouldn't say no to another book in the series, please.

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 September, 2009, 08:25:26 AM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 14 September, 2009, 12:15:14 AM
Just finished Paul Auster's New York Trilogy.



What the f**k was that all about, then?

I'm a big Paul Auster fan and while I have no doubt at all I don't get all the meanings etc I always find him an enjoyable read. Typically his books deal with indentity and effects chance and random events have on life... well that's my take but I'm certainly no expert!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 14 September, 2009, 10:11:17 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 12 September, 2009, 04:30:48 PM
Way of the Barefoot Zombie, by "Jasper" Bark of this parish.

Had been put off by so-so reviews and jumped to 'Tide of Souls' first- which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, a hundred and thirty pages into Barefoot, and I'd say it was not only just as good- but also has added laffs.

Definately worth a punt.

SBT

Yup- I've written a review for the 2000adreview site- hasn't went up yet- but I'd agree this is a damned good book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 15 September, 2009, 06:20:26 PM
"Transition", the latest Iain Banks novel turned up today, so I'll put the "Viriconium" omnibus by M. John Harrison on hold. Quite a strange book "Viriconium", there's a dreamlike quality about the atmosphere created by Harrison, intershot with lucid, infrequent moments of action and sparse exposition, not entirely taken by it to be honest.

And I'm off to see "The Thing" (John Carpenter) on the big screen tonight, hur-hur-hur, I love that film, "... on the menu tonight...Dog Surprise!"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 15 September, 2009, 10:10:50 PM
OOh I used to love those VIRICONIUM books.

Strangely, a lot of the way Sinister Dexter talks about the city reminds me of them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: stacey on 15 September, 2009, 10:51:30 PM
Quote from: Bouwel on 14 September, 2009, 07:49:39 AM
Just completed the latest Felix Castor book by Mike Carey of Hellblazer fame. Not a bad read and I wouldn't say no to another book in the series, please.

-Bouwel-

Is that Naming of The Beast? I'm halfway through it and flipping well loving it.  This is one of my favourite ongoing series, Mike Carey owns the gritty urban fantasy as far as I am concerned, the man rocks the big one!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 15 September, 2009, 10:56:34 PM
Read Batman: Death in the Family today. I like Jim Starlin and all but this was pretty hokey, spesh when The Joker becomes the Iranian Ambassador.

Also read JLA: Rock of Ages in the deluxe GM volumes today and its pretty much THE MOST AWESOME COMIC EVER.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 September, 2009, 11:02:04 PM
QuoteTransition", the latest Iain Banks novel turned up today

That's next on my list... can't bloody wait!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 15 September, 2009, 11:31:05 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 15 September, 2009, 10:56:34 PM
Also read JLA: Rock of Ages in the deluxe GM volumes today and its pretty much THE MOST AWESOME COMIC EVER.
Is that the one where Batman has a seven year battle of wills with Darkseid's head torturer? If so, it is pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 16 September, 2009, 01:24:45 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 15 September, 2009, 06:20:26 PM
"Transition", the latest Iain Banks novel turned up today,

Nice one! Let me know how you go. Stevie was eyeing that particular minx in Dymocks but the latest Egan anthology Oceanic in trade as well as Ian McDonald's River of gods & Strossy's Saturns children both in paperback were enough for one visit
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Peter Wolf on 16 September, 2009, 01:45:12 AM
I explored the somewhat limited selection of comic material in the library today so i will start working my way through them.

There is a hardback collected edition of Shakara and Charlies War for starters .

I am also 2 thirds of the way through From Hell.

Not to mention Church Archeology [English Heritage] and Understanding Small Period Houses by Amanda Laws but no one will want to know about that here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 16 September, 2009, 07:38:27 AM
Quote from: steven lenfant terrible on 16 September, 2009, 01:24:45 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 15 September, 2009, 06:20:26 PM
"Transition", the latest Iain Banks novel turned up today,

Nice one! Let me know how you go. Stevie was eyeing that particular minx in Dymocks but the latest Egan anthology Oceanic in trade as well as Ian McDonald's River of gods & Strossy's Saturns children both in paperback were enough for one visit

'River of Gods' and 'Saturns children' are both excellent reads, I keep nearly buying Ian McDonald's 'Brasyl' as well, he's a great writer. I've just noticed, while looking at amazon to remind myself how to spell 'brasyl', that he's got a collection of short stories set in his future Indian scenario, 'Cyberabad Days', out as well, cool, another one for the list.

'Transition' has started very satisfactorily.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Delingpole on 16 September, 2009, 05:16:30 PM
Home book: Iain M Banks - Inversions
Work book: Stephen E. Ambrose - D-Day

Recently read the excellent "Coward at the Bridge" - a WWII adventure set at Arnhem, by someone called James Delingpole.

No relation.

Honest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Buddy on 16 September, 2009, 05:44:04 PM
Quote from: PeterWolf on 16 September, 2009, 01:45:12 AM
I explored the somewhat limited selection of comic material in the library today so i will start working my way through them.

There is a hardback collected edition of Shakara and Charlies War for starters .

I am also 2 thirds of the way through From Hell.

Not to mention Church Archeology [English Heritage] and Understanding Small Period Houses by Amanda Laws but no one will want to know about that here.

My local library has just had a massive revamp (it's now about 4 times the original size) and I had a scoot through it recently for GN's but couldn't find any.

So here is my question... what section would I find the Graphic Novels under. If I asked the librarian 'where are the graphic novels' would I get funny looks or directions to collected volumes of my fave comics??
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 September, 2009, 05:59:42 PM
I find Comics are usually under the Applied Arts section, near sculpture, posters and ceramics (somewhere about 741 under the Dewey Decimal system).  However, a lot of libraries segregate the actual GNs from the 'how to draw comics' and 'history of comics' stuff, and stick them in the Teenage/Young Adult section of the library.  I still wince when I see Walking Dead, Preacher and Joe Matt sharing a shelf with Peanuts, Garfield and Tintin.

To save embarrassment your library probably has an online catalogue that you can browse from the safety of your own home.  Just try keyword or author searching for the big names.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 16 September, 2009, 06:21:18 PM
They're always on a separate shelf in the Teen section in Glasgow libraries.

Who actually uses the "Teen"section? It's the last place I'd have looked for anything hen I was one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 16 September, 2009, 07:48:46 PM
In Manchester they've recently acquired their own racks (there are lots of lovely comic fans in the buying dept obviously!), but before this they were split between the Sci-fi and children/young adult section (often at random with no regard to content: "would little Jimmy like Spongebob or Preacher today?")
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 17 September, 2009, 02:28:17 PM
Just purchased Ennis' 6 issue Punisher War Zone mini-series, for the ludicrous sum of £1.21, of Ebay, so I'm really looking forward to ploughing through them. A nice bundle of The Boy's back issues turned up today also! What recession?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 17 September, 2009, 02:31:18 PM
Just finished reading Lost Girls for the first time.
I'm not sure exactly what I expected of it, but I don't think that this was it!
It was a surprisingly funny book, which for some reason was something I wasn't expecting.
There are some interesting themes raised throughout. I say 'raised' rather then 'dealt with' as Moore just throws them out and then doesn't carry them to any sort of conclusion.
Still, it's a good book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 17 September, 2009, 03:05:44 PM
The Society Of Others by the writer of Gladiator... yep, Gladiator. William Nicholson, I think off memory. Its a kind of Catcher in the Rye/Kafkaian mish mash. Not as good as either, how does the Mighty Boosh song go... Taking elements of the past an Elements of the future an creating samfin thats half as good!!Ha!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 17 September, 2009, 06:50:16 PM
QuoteWork book: Stephen E. Ambrose - D-Day

I like the "I'm a destroyer man!" bit on Omaha.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - was fresh off reading BAND OF BROTHERS. I know his style isn't everyone's cup of tea* but I like Cornelius Ryan so I'm probably wrong about that as well.

I think he balances the righteousness of cause, the honour of the men doing the fighting and the ass-hattery of the men giving the orders just nicely.

* A cup of tea is, of course, what the British Troops stop for every ten minutes while letting our American cousins get slaughtered.  There's a bit of this you need to ignore as well. Or read his rather excellent PEGASUS BRIDGE - which is about the British Glider Commandos. He keeps his admiration for them up throughout (but then manages to throw in afew "Bloody Brits, didn't know what a good thing they had" in the last few pages.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bouwel on 17 September, 2009, 07:11:37 PM
QuoteWork book: Stephen E. Ambrose - D-Day

Now, I used to like his books until I started to look at other works after seeing and reading 'Band Of Brothers'. From what I can gather he was very badly thought of both as a person, writer and historian. This isn't just limited to his cherry-picking of subject matter but also to out and out plagerism of other peoples works.

If you're looking for a good WW2 read I can reccommend 'The Great Escape' by Paul Brickhill or, for something more contemporary (Vietnam era), 'ChickenHawk' by Robert Mason.

-Bouwel-
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Peter Wolf on 17 September, 2009, 10:49:21 PM

In my library the comic/GN section is in the young persons section which is possibly the best bit of the library as it is seperate from the main adult section.Also it has black leather sofas where you could sit and read all day if you liked.





The library here is a lovely bit of architecture as it is only a couple of yesars old or so but it has a pitifully small selection of books which seems to defeat the object of spending so much on a library building with hardly any books in it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 18 September, 2009, 03:02:45 AM
Quote from: PeterWolf on 17 September, 2009, 10:49:21 PM

In my library the comic/GN section is in the young persons section which is possibly the best bit of the library as it is seperate from the main adult section.Also it has black leather sofas where you could sit and read all day if you liked.

The library here is a lovely bit of architecture as it is only a couple of yesars old or so but it has a pitifully small selection of books which seems to defeat the object of spending so much on a library building with hardly any books in it.

For a moment there I thought you meant your own home libary.I think you mean the public libary. With black leather couchs, very comfy.

I've always wanted one of those  antique personal libary, reading room and study combined with comfy arm chairs, leather couchs, reading lamps, and large coffee table in the middle. Mostly affliated with well to do people.

Though, I'm quite happy with what I have at the moment.. My bed of sorts, which can be acouch and with reach of my bookshelf filled with Case files, Judge Dredd, Nemsis the Warlock, Robusters, Ace Trucking, and Strontium Dog.

Right now I pulled out the first Judge Dredd Case File and have started re-reaading it.

I had read half way through this one I first brought it and reshelved it when I started reading something else.

Completeing "Judge.Dredd vs Judge Death" has rekindled my interest in anything to do with MC - One.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 18 September, 2009, 03:42:53 AM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 17 September, 2009, 02:31:18 PM
There are some interesting themes raised throughout. I say 'raised' as opposed to 'tumesced' as Moore just dangles them in front of his audience and then doesn't bring them to any sort of climax.

Here, I fixed that for you, Your Lordship
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 18 September, 2009, 07:15:19 AM
Quote from: steven lenfant terrible on 18 September, 2009, 03:42:53 AM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 17 September, 2009, 02:31:18 PM
There are some interesting themes raised throughout. I say 'raised' as opposed to 'tumesced' as Moore just dangles them in front of his audience and then doesn't bring them to any sort of climax.

Here, I fixed that for you, Your Lordship

Ha! Cheers Steven!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Marbles on 18 September, 2009, 08:04:00 AM
Finished reading Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road' the other day. Totally blown away. What an incredible book. Read it before the film (featuring Viggo/Aragorn) comes out next month & ruins it.
Now reading the non-fiction 'Bloody Victory' a new take on the battle of the Somme in 1916. Pat Mills would not approve.

On the GN front reading Adrain Tomine's 'Summer Blonde' which is also superb.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 19 September, 2009, 05:26:02 PM
Just read "Impaler" #4, with art by board local Matt Timson. Bloody good, geddit, bloody good, huh? Great atmospheric painty art from Matt and it's a cracking story. The panel Matt has used for his current avatar is even better in context.

And I'm about half way through "Transition" by Iain Banks. A return to form after the rather, in my opinion, lacklustre "Steep Approach...". I can see why it's being sold as an Iain M Banks in the States.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 21 September, 2009, 04:07:21 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 19 September, 2009, 05:26:02 PM
And I'm about half way through "Transition" by Iain Banks. A return to form after the rather, in my opinion, lacklustre "Steep Approach...". I can see why it's being sold as an Iain M Banks in the States.

A pox on you Banksy! Looks like another purchase for Stevie...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 September, 2009, 09:12:03 AM
It's good news to be sure.  'Garbadale' annoyed me because it was a nice setup that never went anywhere, an odd cross between 'Crow Road', 'The Business' and 'Player of Games' that should have been fun but lacked [spoiler]any kind of conclusion[/spoiler].  I appreciate that this may have been the point, but it didn't stop me being let down.  

To be honest I've never really forgiven Banks for endlessly writing about games I want to play, but can't because they don't bloody exist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 21 September, 2009, 09:32:24 AM
Doing Online Survey's , inbeteent pages of "Judge Dred Caes Files NUmber One and Slaine the Exile.

I just finished "Slaine the Defiler, but I skipped a few chapters in the midddle.

Maybe thats just being sympathetic to the comic strip as I have collected it.

Even if "Defiler" finish's right where "Horned God" should start if Steven Saville was going to write another Slaine novel.

There's none of the dialge where Slaine is saying stuff like.....

IT WASN'T FOR
A WOMANS LIPS
I TOOk THIS TASK....


and...

BY
JOINING
FORCES
WITH THE
OTHER FREE
TRIBES


ENOUGH OF THESE ARGUMENTS..
OUR LAWS WISLEY PREVENT ME
TURNING INTO SOME POWER MAD DICTATOR WHO GOES ON...
AND ON... AND ON.


followed by...

ONCE THE
POWER OF THESE
FOUR MOST HOLY TREASURES ARE
COMBINED, NOTHING
CAN STOP US. WE WILL DESTROY THE DEMONS OF THE DEEP
AND TIR NAN OG
WILL FINALLY
BE FREE.


That might have lead on to a imagined "Horned God/Spoils of Annyn" inspired third Slaine Novel.


No, I'm not expecting this, but just alittle curious as to how it mighthave gone.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 23 September, 2009, 08:52:54 PM
Finished "Transition", loved it. If you're a fan of Banks, it's a good one.

Got, "The Boys" vol2 TPB and one of Neal Asher's latest "Orbus" today, looking forward to reading both. Asher does write a rollicking SF romp, there are always plenty of drones, cyborgs, big guns and nasty aliens to liven things up. Top entertainment, not what you'd call life changing but great fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 23 September, 2009, 09:36:26 PM
'Let The Right One In'- the novel upon which the recent Swedish blockbuster was based. Went into this quite sniffy and expected to be jumping up and down on it by page 100, shouting "Die! Die! Damned pretentious load of arse!". Instead, I found myself utterly gripped, and am now 300 pages into it and completely, unapologetically, in love with all the characters- and am finding it quite emotinal when bad things happen to them.

Basically, twelve year old boy with issues, falls for his mysterious twelve year old neighbour- who just happens to be a 200 year old vampire-like creature who seems to command absolute sensual mastery over anyone she meets. Woven around this are various other characters and their stories, who become more interwoven as we go along.

Haven't seen the movie- and possibly won't, as I'm enjoying this too much to maybe accept that it wasn't written entirely for me. In all likelihood probably will though, as I've fallen for the whole thing.

If I had a criticism, it's that maybe there are too many characters, maybe with too-similar names and it's become a little trying to keep up with it all. But really, it's no criticism at all, as each one is a pleasure to read.

Two hundred pages left to go and I'm mourning its passing already.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 23 September, 2009, 10:56:16 PM
QuoteFinished "Transition", loved it. If you're a fan of Banks, it's a good one.

I've just started it- so this is good to know!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 24 September, 2009, 12:00:29 AM
I've recently read a pretty little French comic book called The Professor's Daughter, by Joann Sfar and Emmanual Guibert. An Egyptologist's daughter and a 3000-year-old mummy run off together and almost have adventures. It's utterly charming, delicately painted, and written and plotted with a very light touch.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 24 September, 2009, 09:44:08 AM
I read the first of the Blackest Night: Batman's the other day, and really enjoyed it.  Think I'm going to have to check out more of Blackest Night (though I might have to wait for the trades).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 24 September, 2009, 09:57:52 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 23 September, 2009, 08:52:54 PM
Finished "Transition", loved it. If you're a fan of Banks, it's a good one.

Bah -- gonna have to wait another week or so until Bleep.com charges Stevie's Warp20 boxset* what he pre-ordered before he can think about the Banksy.

*2 new Seefeel cuts hot ding!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 24 September, 2009, 10:11:43 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 24 September, 2009, 09:57:52 AM
*2 new Seefeel cuts hot ding!!!  ;D
Really? Stuff that's not on the rerelease of Quique?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 September, 2009, 03:21:27 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 24 September, 2009, 10:11:43 AM
Really? Stuff that's not on the rerelease of Quique?

You betcha Cosh.

Lookee here http://warp.net/records/warp20/warp20-box-set-first-tracklistings-confirmed (http://warp.net/records/warp20/warp20-box-set-first-tracklistings-confirmed)

Their cover of 'Acrobat' by Maximo Park is also available separately on http://warp.net/records/releases/various-artists/warp20-recreated (http://warp.net/records/releases/various-artists/warp20-recreated)


Whilst we're talking Warp, the following news vaulted Stevie into the exact same realm of delight as small children are by an especially wobbly jelly http://warp.net/records/broadcast/new-mini-album-broadcast-and-the-focus-group-investigate-witch-cults-of-the-radio-age-out-now-to-download (http://warp.net/records/broadcast/new-mini-album-broadcast-and-the-focus-group-investigate-witch-cults-of-the-radio-age-out-now-to-download)

Bookwise, Ï was just about to embark upon Paul MacAuley's The Quiet War until learning that there is a sequel; so shall hold off until I can read both together.

I've delved instead into the geological strata of my To Read pile & surfaced with The Difference Engine. Only 20 pages in but Sterling & Gibson have done a topnotch job of worldbuilding & introducing Our Protagonist so no complaints thus far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 25 September, 2009, 03:30:46 AM
I shall be starting Triumff by Mr Dan Abnett in the next few days when play.com deliver it.
Had a good old chat with Dan about it earlier in The Grinning Demon and am really interested to see how he goes about with this trilogy in his version of now.

(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t136/commandoforces/2000ad%20Sites/Triumff.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 26 September, 2009, 01:25:22 AM
I shall definitely be picking up Triumff. This and the new Pratchett (which I had convinced myself was due much earlier in the year and have therefore been waiting very impatiently for) are the next new books on my want list. Of course I've still not read Bloodline yet, despite starting it a good couple of weeks ago. I do seem to be neglecting my books of late. Must do better.

I've read only two of Mr Abnetts previous novels - the first Gaunt book and the first Horus Heresy book, which convinced me to read the rest of the series of which I recently finished the 3rd - and since they were both shared universe tie-ins to a game system I have less than no interest in and yet still managed to hook me completely I am mucho intrigued as to what he can do when let loose on his own creations.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 29 September, 2009, 03:35:45 AM
Halfway through The Difference Engine which is thrumming along very nicely. Stevie's long rated Sterling but may need to reassess my opinion on that cove Gibson. Mallory's encounter with Hetty is an especially incisive piece of writing -- both tender & poignant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Odd_Bloke on 29 September, 2009, 07:11:28 PM
I read Dawnthief by James Barclay in the last 36 hours or so, which is brilliant fantasy.  Comes highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 29 September, 2009, 07:54:12 PM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 29 September, 2009, 03:35:45 AM
Halfway through The Difference Engine which is thrumming along very nicely.

Ooh. I'm jealous -- nothing like reading a good book for the first time, and The Difference Engine is a very good book. If it weren't the perilously unstable stack of unread books that's accumulating on the bedside table, I'd be tempted to dig that one out and read it again.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 29 September, 2009, 10:25:05 PM
I'm with Jim on that.  It's such a good read.  And this from someone who, for the most part, avoids sci-fi in novel form (don't know why, I just do).  Reading that for the first time was a rush.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 29 September, 2009, 10:38:23 PM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 29 September, 2009, 03:35:45 AM

Stevie's long rated Sterling but may need to reassess my opinion on that cove Gibson


I'm a big Gibson fan, but I think that one's appreciation of his work changes when you realize that he's actually a travel writer.

I'd actually recommend Pattern Recognition, which isn't SF at all, but which turns that neon-washed, slightly hallucinatory vision of Gibson's onto a contemporary setting with startling clarity.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 September, 2009, 08:27:40 AM
QuoteI'd actually recommend Pattern Recognition, which isn't SF at all, but which turns that neon-washed, slightly hallucinatory vision of Gibson's onto a contemporary setting with startling clarity.

Agreed, very good stuff.  The Neuromancer 'sequels' eroded my interest in Gibson, but later stuff like the Bridge books and Pattern Recognition are great.  Haven't tried Spook Country yet, any takers?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 30 September, 2009, 08:30:44 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 September, 2009, 08:27:40 AM
Agreed, very good stuff.  The Neuromancer 'sequels' eroded my interest in Gibson, but later stuff like the Bridge books and Pattern Recognition are great. 

I liked Virtual Light, but thought Idoru was really quite weak, to the extent that it put me off reading All Tomorrow's Parties until quite recently, which was a shame, because it's a fantastic book.

QuoteHaven't tried Spook Country yet, any takers?

It's in the unstable pile. Now that the winter nights are drawing in, I may well have a bash.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 30 September, 2009, 08:31:47 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 29 September, 2009, 10:38:23 PM
but I think that one's appreciation of his work changes when you realize that he's actually a travel writer.

Rightyo, All tomorrow's parties & burning chrome didn't do it for me but I'll keep that in mind
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 September, 2009, 09:15:11 AM
QuoteRightyo, All tomorrow's parties & burning chrome didn't do it for me but I'll keep that in mind

Yeah, Burning Chrome did absolutely nothing for me either.  Note to Mr. Gibson:  you are not meant to be a short-story writer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 30 September, 2009, 12:30:51 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 September, 2009, 09:15:11 AM
QuoteRightyo, All tomorrow's parties & burning chrome didn't do it for me but I'll keep that in mind
Yeah, Burning Chrome did absolutely nothing for me either.  Note to Mr. Gibson:  you are not meant to be a short-story writer.
Really? I think Hinterlands and Red Star, Winter Orbit from that collection are two of the best things he's done. Reading his later stuff I think he sees himself more in a hard-boiled noir tradition with the sci-fi trappings not much more than window dressing. Except Neuromancer, obviously.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 30 September, 2009, 08:09:44 PM
I actually preferred Burning Chrome to Neuromancer. Haven't read anything else by him though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 30 September, 2009, 08:18:56 PM
I thought "Spook Country" was middling to be honest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 30 September, 2009, 08:43:44 PM
Burning through the Warhammer 'Horus Heresy' books at the moment. I'm onto 'Fulgrim' already.

Their all a little bit similar since they follow the same plotline but from different characters points of view. A little bit samey perhaps but the action scenes are terrific and gory.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 08 October, 2009, 11:14:25 PM
Just pre-emptively started my annual holiday attempt at Gravity's Rainbow, and 80 pages in I have to say that it is a great fucking book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 08 October, 2009, 11:20:19 PM
Batman and Robin #5 ...

Good stuff. Mozza still firing on all cylinders. Very, very good stuff.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 09 October, 2009, 05:23:34 PM
I've just read "Epilogue," by Steve Niles - not read much "30 Days of Night" so wasn't sure what to expect. This is a great read, though, and I'd recommend it to any fans of either vigilante or vampire stories. One thing, though - the trade graphic novel I read only has four episodes in it - anyone know if there are any more out there?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 09 October, 2009, 08:57:25 PM
Quote from: IAMTHESYSTEM on 30 September, 2009, 08:43:44 PM
Burning through the Warhammer 'Horus Heresy' books at the moment. I'm onto 'Fulgrim' already.

Their all a little bit similar since they follow the same plotline but from different characters points of view. A little bit samey perhaps but the action scenes are terrific and gory.

I thoroughly loved the way that was done. Mr Dan Abnett & Graham McNeill are doing the same further on in the series. Dan's doing 'Prospero Burns' and Graham's doing 'A Thousand Suns' which, again show one event from different sides!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 11 October, 2009, 12:08:55 AM
I've just finished Unseen Academicals. It joins the list of stories about sport that are much more interesting than actual sport. Featuring heavily, as it does, one of my favourite character pairings in Discworld - Ponder Stibbons and Mustrum Ridcully - it was always gonna stand a good chance of impressing me but I must say I was still surprised at how good I found it. Not surprised that Pratchett span a good yarn of course, just that I was expecting the football stuff to drag it down for me. Not even remotely, as it turns out.

I have a question for any Pratchett afficionados. How do you spell afficionado? Is this right cos I'm loking at it and it just looks wrong.

No, my question is this. Is this the first Discworld book to [spoiler]have no appearance by Death?[/spoiler] It's certainly the first time I've gotten to the end of one and thought "hmmm, wheres he got to then?"  See, while I've re-read the early ones umpteen times, and can therefore immediately recall the plots of all of them, the later ones which have only been read once are a lttle more vague. Hell, there are 78 of them. Can't keep them all at the top of my head.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 October, 2009, 12:19:30 AM
Good news there, faplad.  Always look forward to a new Pratchett.  

I'd be fairly sure [spoiler]DEATH is in all the 'main' Discworld novels, although I don't think HE was in the early Tiffany Aching books (originally positioned as kids books).  [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 11 October, 2009, 12:26:37 AM
You're right of course. Now you say it it's obvious. Don't remember noticing it at the time and yet it was the first thing that popped into my head this time. Funny how the mind works.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 11 October, 2009, 12:48:37 AM
Hellblazer trade paperbacks, in haphazard order, from da library. And Fables trades too, in as close to correct sequence as possible.

I just read Azarello's first Hellblazer storyline - the one with the good ol' boys and the dog pr0n enterprise. Hugely improbable, but an entertaining yarn nevertheless.

Whereas my girlfriend, the real brains of the outfit, is reading a 30-year-old paperback book of essays about Marshall McCluhan I rescued from Oxfam's recycling box when I worked there.
Title: The same subject you see elsewhere no the thread - blame my stupid phone
Post by: Mike Gloady on 11 October, 2009, 08:13:09 AM
I think Azarrello's first storyline was actually the one before that - Hard Time. Art by Richard Corben and excellent all round to boot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 October, 2009, 08:46:33 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 08 October, 2009, 11:20:19 PM
Batman and Robin #5 ...

Good stuff. Mozza still firing on all cylinders. Very, very good stuff.

Cheers!

Jim

Just read it and yep very good stuff indeed. Not a big fan of the art at the moment but Morrison is sure turning out some fine superhero comics.
Title: Re: The same subject you see elsewhere no the thread - blame my stupid phone
Post by: House of Usher on 11 October, 2009, 12:26:18 PM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 11 October, 2009, 08:13:09 AM
I think Azarrello's first storyline was actually the one before that - Hard Time. Art by Richard Corben and excellent all round to boot.

Oh right. I was a bit tired when I read the intro!

Quote from: House of Usher on 11 October, 2009, 12:48:37 AM
A 30-year-old paperback book of essays about Marshall McCluhan

Edit: Marshall McLuhan
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 12 October, 2009, 01:38:49 PM
Just finished The Death of Grass by John Cristopher.

It's a 'cosy catastrophe' yarn that deals with the breakdown of modern society from the titular disaster, via a journey to a safe haven.

I found the tension palpable, and it's direct look at the stark choices people must make in these situations leaves a lot for the reader to consider. Unsurprisingly for a novel first published in the 1950's, horrific events are not blatantly detailed but left to the reader's imagination - which I found refreshing.

And yes, our heroes do stop for tea regularly and the ladies do the washing up!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 October, 2009, 02:23:33 PM
QuoteAnd yes, our heroes do stop for tea regularly and the ladies do the washing up!

Proper order, no need to abandon basic human decency just cause you're killing people to steal their food. 

Great book, Death of Grass.  I was suffering through a few minutes of The Day After Tomorrow the other day and was struck by the contrast between Chistopher/Youd's The World in Winter and the moronic scenes where US refugees are welcomed with open arms as they ford the Rio Grande (apparently having walked all the way from as far north as Washington...).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 12 October, 2009, 04:01:12 PM
To my shame, that's the first book of his I've read so I'm keen to pick up the rest.

Next up is around a year and a half worth of Interzone and Black Static.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 October, 2009, 04:05:17 PM
RED HULK! love it. planet hulk, world war hulk and now this. modern hulk rocks. sbt.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 October, 2009, 04:16:19 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 12 October, 2009, 04:05:17 PM
RED HULK! love it. planet hulk, world war hulk and now this. modern hulk rocks. sbt.

Small Blue Thing - you'd better run and hide as the rest of the internet is going to hunt you down with the burning touches and the pointy pitchforks, trap you in a corner with Jeph Loeb and do terrible, terrible things to you.

(I should point out I've read none of the Hulk of late (well for like 14 years! and so have no opinion of its quality or otherwise so any chasing I do with pitchforks will be purely the result of mob mentality)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 October, 2009, 06:14:12 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 12 October, 2009, 04:05:17 PM
modern hulk rocks

Totally agree.  It's been Proper Comics all the way since the start of Planet Hulk.  Hell, even spin-off book Incredible Hercules has been a blast.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 12 October, 2009, 06:19:00 PM
I was pointed toward Planet Hulk as a fairly self contained story that would help ease me into superhero comics without worrying too much about continuity and whatnot. I read it in it's entirety and I have to say that while it was a good story it felt stretched way beyond what was decent. I mean there is padding and then there is Planet Hulk.

Splash pages and others with 2 or 3 panels, most without dialogue, meant that the average issue took about 5 minutes to read. The art was nice and all that but somewtimes you want a meatier read.

Had this been told in half the page count I reckon I'd be calling it a classic but as it stands it's only a qualified success.  In my opinion of course, and qualified by saying that it's the first Hulk comic I've ever read.

I'll definitely be checking out more Hulk though. I think that the Pannini collections are about to delve into World War Hulk so I'll pick them up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 12 October, 2009, 07:57:42 PM
I'm not a fan of superheroes, but the closest I get is the occasional Batman collection.  Jeph Loeb's Long Hallowe'e & Dark Victory are both astonishngly good. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 12 October, 2009, 08:01:26 PM
I have no idea what's been going on in the world of the Hulk, but recent issues featuring a red Hulk, lots of female heroes going up against said red Hulk, and a pointless skirmish between the red Hulk and the Defenders got me dipping into it for a while, and I was very roundly entertained. I wish I had the money to follow these developments both forward and back to source!

:D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 12 October, 2009, 08:02:53 PM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 12 October, 2009, 07:57:42 PM
I'm not a fan of superheroes, but the closest I get is the occasional Batman collection.  Jeph Loeb's Long Hallowe'e & Dark Victory are both astonishngly good. 

Tim Sale's art on Long Halloween was pretty special, too ...

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 12 October, 2009, 08:11:39 PM
Oh yes.  Tim Sale is amazing.  Together with Loeb they're unbelievable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 October, 2009, 08:15:53 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 12 October, 2009, 04:16:19 PM

Small Blue Thing - you'd better run and hide as the rest of the internet is going to hunt you down with the burning touches and the pointy pitchforks, trap you in a corner with Jeph Loeb and do terrible, terrible things to you.

I know- if you dip into the comics section over at NerdCentral (Gallifreybase, to those not in the know. Or with taste) it's as if Jeph Loeb has ruined 40-odd years of perfect comics. As I see it, Hulk has always mostly been unreadable- excepting the sublime Herb Trimpe issues reprinted back in the day in the first MWOM. It's only become interesting since Planet Hulk (and maybe, going back a bit, 'Banner' and 'The End'- and I'm not sure about one of those). But the Red Hulk stories are an absolute blast! I laughed out loud at several points during the first volume- notably when he [spoiler]punches The Watcher in the face[/spoiler]. I cheered the Green Hulk, giggled at the dialogue (in a good way) and felt sorry for The A-Bomb. Job done, I thought.

The second volume was a bit problematic, as the art was a bit rubbish in parts- but the [spoiler]new Wendigos [/spoiler] were excellent (didn't they just appear in the Wolverine & The X-Men cartoon? Nice bit of cross-media pollination, if so). And the [spoiler]WendiHulk[/spoiler] was sheer gold! I've always loved the Marvel take on the [spoiler]Wendigo[/spoiler] legend, and this is an interesting new direction.

I'll be picking up more, as soon as they hit my local library- I don't BUY this stuff, Usher- I only want to read it... though I confess to contemplating an eBay trawl for collected Planet Hulk, WWH and Rulk, as I think they're worth the shelf space.

Amusingly (or not, actually) I picked up the 2004 UK Hulk annual for my eldest the other day for a quid. Behind the kid-friendly "3D" cover I was somewhat shocked to discover a 20-odd page Hulk story, in which he basically continually tries to rape She-Hulk! He wants to "mate", you see, and doesn't get that she's his cousin. It's SUPPOSED to be touching tale of how lonely the Hulk is, but Paul Jenkins completely mishandles it, and it's just a series of fights and implied attempts at rape!

Anyway... Red Hulk- yeah! cool.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 12 October, 2009, 08:21:25 PM
I'm presuming this is the same Paul Jenkins whose entire run on Hellblazer remains the longest stretch of the title to remain completely absent from the rather extensive TPB collections?

That Hulk story sounds like a laugh actually, although obviously not for the kids.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 October, 2009, 08:26:53 PM
It really wasn't. Ugly art that didn't flow, horrible colouring and lunking dialogue. Unbelievable crassness putting that in the kids' annual- and them sticking a nice friendly 3D picture on the front! Didn't they even READ it before printing?

But Mike- PICK UP RED HULK Volume One! It's mad, hilarious, packed with action and just fantastic fun!

Edit: Yes, same Paul Jenkins. He also wrote Spidey for a bit- and while not terrible, it told no new stories.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 12 October, 2009, 11:28:26 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 12 October, 2009, 04:01:12 PM
To my shame, that's the first book of his I've read so I'm keen to pick up the rest.
The Sheep Look Up was one I enjoyed a lot with a similar eco-disaster premise.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 13 October, 2009, 08:49:12 PM
Just started reading Republic Commando Triple Zero. I am quite disappointed that Atin isn't the commando from the Honour Guard story as the scarring on the face of RC Theta 2088 would have tied in with Atin's first appearance in Hard Contact. God how sad am I.







V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Noisybast on 15 October, 2009, 08:55:06 AM
Just finished Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment. Might read Nation next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 17 October, 2009, 04:29:15 PM
Just finished reading The Black Butterfly by Mark Gatiss - the latest Lucifer Box novel in paperback. Bloody brilliant! If you haven't read previous Lucifer Box books, don't worry, it's not necessary as this stands on its own as a pastiche of the James Bond novels. I mean, how can you not like a story that includes a femme fatalle and her henchman called Victoria Wine and Oddbins, a half-Turk half-Geordie called Whitley Bey and an evil organisation called A.C.R.O.N.I.M??!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 17 October, 2009, 07:01:21 PM
Quote from: Noisybast on 15 October, 2009, 08:55:06 AM
Just finished Terry Pratchett's Monstrous Regiment. Might read Nation next.

You could certainly do a lot worse. I was a bit wary of this one since it was his first non Disc book in an awfully long time but to be honest, it's excellent. Quite dark in places but it has a lot to say about faith and predestination or lack thereof. Is predestination a word? If it is did I use it correctly? Anyway, a very good read, as is par for the course with Pratchett.

Quote from: Daveycandlish on 17 October, 2009, 04:29:15 PM
how can you not like a story that includes a femme fatalle and her henchman called Victoria Wine and Oddbins, a half-Turk half-Geordie called Whitley Bey and an evil organisation called A.C.R.O.N.I.M??!!

That sounds awesome. I'v been completely oblivious to Gatiss having a series on the go. How many are there? Shouldn't tempt myself though cos I still have about 8 Horus books, 3 or possibly 4 Felix Castors and a big pile of Tempe Brennans to catch up on. Thats after I finish Bloodline which I'm finally getting stuck into properly and the book I've just picked up about The Wire.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 17 October, 2009, 08:40:25 PM
Almost done with Gravity's Rainbow.

On hols I read Born Again & Electra: Assassin back to back. They are great comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 October, 2009, 08:50:30 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 17 October, 2009, 08:40:25 PM
On hols I read Born Again & Electra: Assassin back to back. They are great comics.

They are indeed. I might not be a fan of his later work but in his day Miller was great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: amberkraken on 18 October, 2009, 10:05:58 AM
This is a huge thread to wade through it all, but comics I'm reading at the mo

Chew - this is amazing and would've fit well in 2000AD. It's a detective that gets readings from eating stuff, so has to eat victims to find out what happened!

Ink - This is a final crisis spin-off, but I don't know what final crisis was (not really a DC fan) picked up the 1st issue because of the artwork. I've been completely blown over by it.

Leah Moore & John Reppion's Holmes - pick this up when it goes collected if you haven't read it! it was really fucking good.

Adaptions of 'Ender's Game/Shadow' and 'Do android's dream...' books I never got round to reading but am enjoying them very much, can't compare to originals though.

North 40 - Cthulu with rednecks! a good start so far.

Kevin Smith and Grant Morrison's Batman - both have started well, with Grant being a lot better.

Darkest Night - Hmm, I did say I didn't really like DC, but there's quite a bit I'm picking up. This is really good too, not bothering with the endless extras, just the main one.

Sweet Tooth - only a couple of issues in, not too much happend yet, bnut looking very promising.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 18 October, 2009, 11:51:10 AM
That Dan Abnett-LEGION.(Horus Herersy)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 18 October, 2009, 07:25:18 PM
Quotehow can you not like a story that includes a femme fatalle and her henchman called Victoria Wine and Oddbins, a half-Turk half-Geordie called Whitley Bey and an evil organisation called A.C.R.O.N.I.M??!!

That sounds awesome. I'v been completely oblivious to Gatiss having a series on the go. How many are there?

He's done three; The Vesuvius Club, an Oscar Wilde/Sherlock Holmes late Victorian-type affair, The Devils' Amber a Richard Hannay/Boys' Own 1920's jaunt, and then this one, The Black Butterfly, all starring Lucifer Box. And I recommend them all!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: starscape on 18 October, 2009, 09:38:48 PM
Comicswise, just read League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Century 1910.  Boy that was a poor comic.  Very disappointing.

Bookswise, read the latest Thomas Covenant 'Runes of the Earth'.  I'd heard bad things about it but I really enjoyed it.  As good as any of his other Covenant books (which are tremendous).

In fact, I was so impressed I've been hunting for some more of similar quality but ended up re-reading a bunch of Moorcock, with some Tarzan thrown in.  Can't stand the likes of Robert(?) Jordan or David Eddings-type where it's straight fantasy without the emotion but if anyone's got any other suggestions (Gene Wolfe would be another favourite), let me know.

Chris
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 19 October, 2009, 06:18:26 PM
currently savouring Pratchett's Unseen Academicals.  This man is getting scary in his social commentary now.  Humour not as sharp as it once was but much more incisive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 19 October, 2009, 06:45:21 PM
I'm reading that at the moment as well TJM. Finding it quite enjoyable.

Quote from: superherostore.co.uk on 18 October, 2009, 09:38:48 PM
In fact, I was so impressed I've been hunting for some more of similar quality but ended up re-reading a bunch of Moorcock, with some Tarzan thrown in.  Can't stand the likes of Robert(?) Jordan or David Eddings-type where it's straight fantasy without the emotion but if anyone's got any other suggestions (Gene Wolfe would be another favourite), let me know.

I'm a big Gene Wolfe fan as well Chris, I'm just contemplating a reread all the way through The Book of the New Sun, Long Sun and Short Sun.

Have you tried Joe Abercrombie's stuff? Very enjoyable, start with The Blade Itself. Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora, and, The Red Seas, are a good romp too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 19 October, 2009, 06:45:38 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 17 October, 2009, 08:40:25 PM
On hols I read Born Again & Electra: Assassin back to back. They are great comics.
Coincidentally, I bought Batman:Year One last week. It was good (even better the second time when I discovered some extra pages which had been mysteriously stuck together before) but it was no Born Again.

I was pretty surprised to learn it was originally published in the normal Batman monthly. I'd always assumed it was a DKR style mini-series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 19 October, 2009, 11:20:41 PM
20 pages of Gravity's Rainbow left. I'm looking forward to reading it a second time in a better position to see it as a single narrative rather then as a series of vignettes. For this reason I prefer the shorter Pynchon novels and it's not just because I'm thick so fuck you. You read Terry Pratchett which makes your opinion on anything at all completely invalid in any case.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 19 October, 2009, 11:44:14 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 19 October, 2009, 11:20:41 PM
You read Terry Pratchett which makes your opinion on anything at all completely invalid in any case.

No love for Pratchett Roger? Say it aint so.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: starscape on 20 October, 2009, 09:43:35 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 19 October, 2009, 06:45:21 PM
Have you tried Joe Abercrombie's stuff? Very enjoyable, start with The Blade Itself. Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora, and, The Red Seas, are a good romp too.
Judging by the reviews on Amazon, The Blade Itself might be worth seeking out.

Thanks,

Chris
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 20 October, 2009, 10:36:27 AM
GO GODPLETON!  YOU ARE OUR GOD.

Pratchett?  First four letters are bang on, never did anything for me.  Sorry.  I feel the same about Douglas Adams.  I just wish I had trusted my instincts on both writers and left it at just the one book.  That's brain-space I could be using for other things....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 20 October, 2009, 11:45:08 AM
one thing I've always loved about this site is the diversity of taste .... that plus the blatantly obvious bating that goes on!
;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 20 October, 2009, 07:57:25 PM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 20 October, 2009, 10:36:27 AM
GO GODPLETON!  YOU ARE OUR GOD.

(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq47/spugnut/FatBuddha.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 21 October, 2009, 02:16:50 PM
Whats with the Pratchett hating ? He's one of the most original fantasy writers out there. Save the hate for plagerising hacks like JK Rowling.
Having said that reading the new Pratchett book 'Unseen academicals' at the moment and whilst written to his usual standard (which I consider good) it aint grabbing me at the mo. Nation was wonderful though and I'd reccomend it to anyone.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: worldshown on 21 October, 2009, 04:37:22 PM
Agreed. I'm about half way through Nation at the moment and whilst it is quite a departure from the Discworld stuff, I am enjoying it.

Unseen Academicals can wait 'til paperback.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 21 October, 2009, 06:12:57 PM
Quote from: James S on 21 October, 2009, 02:16:50 PM
Whats with the Pratchett hating ? He's one of the most original fantasy writers out there. Save the hate for plagerising hacks like JK Rowling.

With you all the way on the Pratchett defense but can't really go along with describing Rowling in those terms. To not like her work is one thing but plagiarising  hack seems a tad extreme.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: starscape on 21 October, 2009, 08:21:58 PM
I'm another who can't stand Pratchett.  Love Douglas Adams but Pratchett is too much...um...'I'm middle aged but proud to be a Live Action Role Player' about it...if you know what I mean (probably not).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 21 October, 2009, 11:11:16 PM
Quote from: superherostore.co.uk on 18 October, 2009, 09:38:48 PMBookswise, read the latest Thomas Covenant 'Runes of the Earth'. I'd heard bad things about it but I really enjoyed it. As good as any of his other Covenant books (which are tremendous.)

In fact, I was so impressed I've been hunting for some more of similar quality but ended up re-reading a bunch of Moorcock, with some Tarzan thrown in.  Can't stand the likes of Robert(?) Jordan or David Eddings-type where it's straight fantasy without the emotion but if anyone's got any other suggestions (Gene Wolfe would be another favourite), let me know.
I sort of enjoyed the first Covenant books. Despite being far too long and unbelievably badly written, there is something engaging about having a total shitbag protagonist, although I think making him an unapologetic rapist was possibly a step too far.

I do like Eddings first fantasy books but haven't read anything since then. Some others you may like, although there's a good chance you've already read them. Raymond Feist's alright: the Servant of the Empire ones in particular have a refreshing lack of the sort of cloying, homespun morality which plagues the genre.

George RR Martin's Song of Fire and Ice series is great, but you may want to wait until sometime around 2017 to make sure he doesn't die before finishing it. Again the individual books are far too long and teeth-grindingly repetitive at times, but there are a whole host of wonderfully vivid and nasty characters engaged in a sprawling plot that twists and turns in the most unexpected ways.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 21 October, 2009, 11:12:00 PM
whoops. double post.

Might as well add that I can't be bothered with Pratchett either. Don't thing he's shit as such, just over-rated and nowhere near as clever as he thinks he is. Something you can't really say about Pynchon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 21 October, 2009, 11:21:08 PM
A Song Of Ice And Fire is officially my faourite ongoing series of the moment but the wait between books is absolutely ridiculous.  I've taken to reading the whole thing again whe a new one comes out.  Funnily enough, this has yet to seem a chore, despite the length of them.

I actually cottoned on to this series cos I had a conversation with my local librarian, who recomended them as something to fill the time between Dark Tower books. Shortly before King found his groove and Martin slowed to a crawl. Oh well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 22 October, 2009, 12:07:33 PM
QuoteSave the hate for plagerising hacks like JK Rowling.

Ummm, you don't like her, fair enough, but accusing a writer of plagiarism is a pretty fucking serious thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 22 October, 2009, 12:15:40 PM
Unbelievably I'm still working my way through the enormous stack of 2000ad graphic novels I picked up for £2/£2.50 a pop at that cheapy book shop - with loads still left to go. Currently reading Sinister Dexter: Murder 101 - most of which is stuff I've never read before.

Also just got the new Charlie Brooker book, The Hell Of It All which will serve me well on the tube. I stopped reading The Guardian regularly a few years ago so the columns collected in this book are nearly all new to me - bliss!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 22 October, 2009, 12:16:55 PM
Agreed, that's a hell of an accusation,not to mention unproven.  

I'm very confused that you say that because I've literally no idea where you'd get that from.  
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 22 October, 2009, 01:33:07 PM
I adore Song of Ice and Fire but I've not read the last two. I'd rather just wait now 'til the whole thing's been finished, or I keep losing track of stuff between books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 22 October, 2009, 03:14:34 PM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 22 October, 2009, 12:16:55 PM
Agreed, that's a hell of an accusation,not to mention unproven.  

I'm very confused that you say that because I've literally no idea where you'd get that from.  
Maybe pagerising is a tad over the top (although there have been cases brought against her, I don't think anything has been proven) Will "deeply, deeply unoriginal with every concept" do ?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 22 October, 2009, 03:22:28 PM
Quote from: James S on 22 October, 2009, 03:14:34 PM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 22 October, 2009, 12:16:55 PM
Agreed, that's a hell of an accusation,not to mention unproven.  

I'm very confused that you say that because I've literally no idea where you'd get that from.  
Maybe pagerising is a tad over the top (although there have been cases brought against her, I don't think anything has been proven) Will "deeply, deeply unoriginal with every concept" do ?

Yup! Though where you see deeply unoriginal, I see clever riffing on the tropes of classic English children's literature.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 October, 2009, 03:31:11 PM
QuoteThough where you see deeply unoriginal, I see clever riffing on the tropes of classic English children's literature

Ditto.  Also, kids reading hundreds and hundreds of printed pages, in the same way I devoured Biggles or the Famous Five (neither of which have much literary heft).  It's a Good Thing, whatever you feel about the merit of the works themselves.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 22 October, 2009, 03:48:50 PM
Absolutely. If it gets children reading, it's a good thing. If other authors had the advertising might of Waner Brothers pimping their books at every turn I'm sure they would have a similar effect. As for comparing JKRowling with WEJohns, Johns was a hugely prolific and respected pioneering author, editor and columnist for 40 years or so. Don't write Biggles off :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 October, 2009, 04:02:42 PM
I'd never do Capt. W.E. Johns down, he was my gateway to SF even before Star Wars, and author of two of my favourite book titles: "Gimlet Bores In" and "The Camels are Coming".  But he was no master wordsmith.  And I think Rowling had enjoyed some considerable success before Warners ever got involved, on the strength of the very readable first Potter books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 22 October, 2009, 04:24:35 PM
We'll have to agree to disagree on that one then. Though Johns work is definately 'of a time', some of it being almost 90 years old, he was (in my opinion) a very good writer. I have only read the first Potter book admittedly but it read like it had been written by an ocelot on acid. I've no problem with authors taking concepts and ideas from previous works, hell even Shakespear did that. It only really works though if the resultant product is better than the original. It dismays me when I read about how wonderful and original Rowling is and how her books get children reading when the children never get a chance to read the books that had been ripped off which were in general so much better. She's a clever lady, no doubt about it, don't think she has ever given any credit to the authors that got her where she is.

sorry. I'll shut up and go back to my hole now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 22 October, 2009, 08:36:54 PM
I'm about 100 pages into Perdido Street Station by China Meiville and it is beginning to pick up- which is nice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 22 October, 2009, 09:30:43 PM
Quote from: James S on 22 October, 2009, 04:24:35 PM
It dismays me when I read about how wonderful and original Rowling is and how her books get children reading when the children never get a chance to read the books that had been ripped off which were in general so much better. She's a clever lady, no doubt about it, don't think she has ever given any credit to the authors that got her where she is.
Well I've always thought they were a sort of bastard hybrid of Mallory Towers and Earthsea, so I suppose it's 50-50 on whether the originals are better. I fail to see how kids can't read these other books though. The amazing about reading one book is it almost always (the exception being Empire of the Senseless which made me wish I had no eyes. Or fingers, in case there's a braille version) makes you want to read more books. Books by the same author, books in the same section at the library, books that sound similar, books that are completely different, books with lurid covers depicting semi-naked barbarian wenches with wanton eyes, books that inspired the one you liked, books other people mention and so forth.

Rowling always gets plaudits for getting kids reading, but I alwasy think we should take time to appreciate another Edinburgh author who successfully penetrated an even harder demographic. It may not still be the case, and it's almost certainly because I grew up near Edinburgh, but Irvine Welsh managed to shift a lot of copies of some quite structurally experimental books to a large number of young, under-educated men in their teens in twenties. Chapeau, sir.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 23 October, 2009, 09:47:41 PM
I'm abot a third of the way through Charlaine Harris's fourth Stookie Sackhouse "Southern Vampire Mysteries" novel- which most people will probably eventually know as 'True Blood series four', if it lasts that long.

I read the first three books in a week- becoming utterly obsessed and addicted to each page... but the fourth one isn't doing it for me at the moment, I'm sorry to say. I'm going to crack on then give them a rest to read 'Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter' ("She loves her country... and hates zombies!") before tackling Sookie books 5-9 in the lead-up to xmas.

Also ploughing through the first volume of 'Death Note'- the very first manga that hasn't made me want to declare war on the East and invade single-handed. Banzai-style.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 23 October, 2009, 10:09:05 PM
Well, since we seem to share absolutely none of the same tastes my recommendation might not mean much but for what it's worth I thoroughly enjoyed Deathnote. While it flags, ever so slightly, in the middle it soon recovers and is well worth the effort.  I'm also not that big a fan of manga but this one definitely won me over.

And True Blood is almost certain to last that long. I may have imagined it, cos I can't find it anywhere, but I'm sure I read somewhere that Season Three had recently launched Stateside and was smashing records. (If I have conjured this up out of thin air someone feel free to tell me)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 23 October, 2009, 10:17:26 PM
Well, I'm enjoying it so far, so your reccommendation is a good one. Did you mean it flags in the middle of volume one- or around the volumes 5 & 6 mark? I picked it up for a quid in a charity shop- which also had volumes 3, 4 and 5. But luckily not 2, or my nerdism would have demanded I buy them all.

The only thing I can't stand is this ridiculous affectation of printing them arse-about-face. Would it REALLY hurt to flip them for a Western audience- like, you know, every other book published in the English language? It's not like the art is particularly good, or that it would suffer if mirrored.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 23 October, 2009, 10:31:17 PM
I read that the guys publishing Deathnote in this country print all their stuff in the original format. Thay have quite a lot of series on the go and some of them have suffered in the past from flipped artwork. Plus, I suppose it's at least partly a marketing tool to appeal to the purists.

The flagging I referred to was meant as mid series, rather than mid volume. Without giving too much away, the story kind of peaks and then a second arc kicks in which is a bit too similar to the first to begin with. As I say though, it soon rights itself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 23 October, 2009, 10:36:20 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 23 October, 2009, 09:47:41 PM
I'm abot a third of the way through Charlaine Harris's fourth Stookie Sackhouse

Or even Sookie Stackhouse. Ha!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 23 October, 2009, 10:40:01 PM
Read the Bizarro story Eric Powell drew today. It's fun, but one thing which irritated was that the Bizarro-Green Lantern was in the Sinestro Corps, and midway through he gets called by his Ring to take part in (I presume) the Sinestro Corps War. This stuff always makes it difficult for me to fully enjoy DC Comics to the full extent of fullness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 23 October, 2009, 11:40:10 PM
I'm reading 'Fables' in trade paperbacks from the library.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 23 October, 2009, 11:48:11 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 23 October, 2009, 11:40:10 PM
I'm reading 'Fables' in trade paperbacks from the library.

That's how I read 'em - but in a weirdly disjointed order!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 24 October, 2009, 12:02:31 AM
Either of you know who the Adversary is yet?  [spoiler]good old Gepetto[/spoiler]

This was a massive let down to me.  One of the earlier books seemed to make this clear [spoiler](march of the wooden soldiers with the, well, wooden soldiers, and them all calling pinnochio 'brother' and not being supposed to hurt him.) [/spoiler] but then the series was written as though it was still a big secret so I figured I'd read to much into the earlier stuff. Then it turns out I was right all along.

The assumption all the characters made, [spoiler]that Geppetto was a slave to the Adversary,[/spoiler] made them seem like idiots. It certainly wasn't my frst thought. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 24 October, 2009, 12:13:10 AM
Clearly you haven't read the most recent issues where the real Adversary turns out to be [spoiler]your mom.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 24 October, 2009, 12:21:46 AM
Ah, didst I judge to harshly to quickly? Is it all much more complicated than I thought? Should I have had more faith?

Or did that spoiler tag hide a typically rapier like piece of wit from Mr Godpleton?

This is some kind of twisted psycological torture.
Title: The same subject you see elsewhere no the thread - blame my stupid phone
Post by: Mike Gloady on 24 October, 2009, 06:30:35 AM
How are you enjoying Fables, Usher? I really enjoyed the first three (as far as i've gotten at the moment). My recent decision to plough through Hellblazer again from the beginning has seen me just complete the Paul Jenkins era. Three plus years and it's better than i remembered. Sean Phillips is, with Leonard Manco, my favourite artist on that book. Shame mood of it will ever be collected.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 25 October, 2009, 02:12:59 PM
 I'm currently reading The Fear Machine, having recently read Original Sins and The Devil You Know. Now, without wanting to piss on anyones chips or whatever but I'm having a hard time of it with this series.

Now, I thoroughly enjoyed Moore/Veitch eras Swamp Thing and consider Sandman one of my all time favourite comics. Lucifer is fantastic (though I've not finished it yet) and I'm enjoying what little I've read so far of The Books Of Magic. What I'm saying is that I 'get' the whole Vertigo vibe in most cases.

Hellblazer though, for sme reason, just isn't doing it for me. Although I'll admit that Fear Machine is something of an improvement over the other two it still isn't 'up there'. What am I missing? Delano just seems to be trying too hard. Is he, and this initial run of Hellblazer, held in particularly high regard? Or are subsequent writers more credited with the titles longevity?

Not that it matters though because I'm about to give it up for the time being. Unfortunately, funds mean my GN purchasing is being slashed and since I know that this series is a bit of a headache to collect in the trades it's first on the block.


Oh, and I'm reading Hamlet.  :-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 25 October, 2009, 03:17:52 PM
For me Jamie Delano was ok, although it's often it's hard to find the stories he DID pretty much nail down major aspects of the character and his world that everyone after has exploited.

Garth Ennis doesn't quite do it for me either.  If Delano was too cerebral and plodding, Ennis seems to think Constantine's an action hero which is far from the truth. But again, moments of brilliance and more excellent ideas that were built upon by subsequent writers.

Paul Jenkins' era is not (and probably will never be) collected in trade paperbacks.  He addressed various contradictions, had a few cracking ideas but funstered it all up at the end by "resetting" his entire run which was a shame.

Garth Ennis' return for the five part "Son of Man" exmempliies the best of is run and is up there with Dangerous Habits for me.  Cracking stuff.

Warren Ellis' run was essentially a six-parter called "Haunted" which is very good and a few nice one offs collected in "Setting Sun" - all pretty good.  Maybe a little to similar to Ennis' stuff but with a bit mre quality. 

Brian Azarello's run starts with Constantine in an American prison for murder and the rest of the run continues in the US.  I thought this was a bit lazy of the American writer at the tie and detracted from the feel.  But now I resalise it's one of the best periods.

Mike Carey's stuff is amazing.  I won't spoil any more than that.  So is Andy Diggle's.  Denise Mina's .... isn't.  Not BAD, just not great.  And a little too over the top in places (what I mean is obvious if you read it).

Hellblazer isn't ONE series.  It's acollection of series.  Each writer's take being almost a separate animal from the last.  If you're finding Delano a trial, grab Haunted, Son of Man, Dangerous Habits, All His Engines or Diggle's whole run for a clue as to what the big deal is.  This is what libraries are for my friend.  Request a book forms are a lifesaver.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 25 October, 2009, 03:20:36 PM
Just realised, if you liked Lucifer, get Carey's six tpbs and All His Engines, a cracking OGN by Carey and Manco.  They're REASONABLY self-contained.  You've got a grounding in the character and as for those questions/niggles that crop up when reading something you've ot read from the beginning - that's what THIS place is for, mate.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 25 October, 2009, 03:20:55 PM
I've been burning through Y: The Last Man.

I have a few issues with it - I really hate the overly strong language, for one thing. But this story is absolute gold! Really clever, quite believable stuff.

I'm up to volume 6 so far. It's probably the best comic I've read since I zipped through Akira earlier this year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: fresno bob on 25 October, 2009, 05:01:51 PM
Looking forward to Victorian Undead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 October, 2009, 07:10:08 PM
Re:  Hellblazer.  Thing to remember about Delano's Hellblazer is that this was pretty much the only book of its type in production at the time.   He was stepping into Alan Moore's (!) shoes on the character at the launch of the whole Vertigo line, Sandman was still almost a year away, and he had 22 pages a month to fill with a spivvy London (or so it seemed) con artist in a blue suit.  It's remarkable that he found the direction that he did, and managed to build Moore's utterly brilliant thumbnail sketch into a rich and deeply screwed-up character.  Much of the early Hellblazer does feel awkward and as faplad says often seems to be trying to hard, but it was a real achievement for its time.  The Ennis stuff that follows is much lighter in some ways, and definitely more fun, helped by Dillon's crisp clear storytelling.  Some of the situations are cracking though.

I haven't read much of the Jenkins and Ellis stuff yet, and I notice that Mike omits Eddie Campbell's aborted run, but FWIW I agree with him entirely about Carey and Diggle - both are quite brilliant, Diggle's run in particular being a delight.   The less said about Denise Mina's misguided stab the better.
Title: The same subject you see elsewhere no the thread - blame my stupid phone
Post by: Mike Gloady on 25 October, 2009, 07:18:25 PM
Eddie Campbell's 3-4 issues are a pure joy but what else would you expect from him? The man's a comics genius, and i don't throw that word lightly.

Another highlight of Hellblazer for me is Delano's one off story detailing what the deal is with Chas's debt to constantine. Issue 84 i think, called "in another part of hell" and, i think, collected in the otherwise mostly forgettable "Rare Cuts".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 25 October, 2009, 07:22:07 PM
Has anyone else read the Chas miniseries? I thought it was glaringly inept. Carey is the bestest Blazer.
Title: Re: The same subject you see elsewhere no the thread - blame my stupid phone
Post by: House of Usher on 25 October, 2009, 08:25:26 PM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 24 October, 2009, 06:30:35 AM
How are you enjoying Fables, Usher?

Brilliant. It's my favourite escapism at the moment. My mind is currently boggling about Cinderella and Prince Charming still being married circa 1810 when their story was written about 1697, and there apparently being characters from the stories of Kenneth Grahame, Beatrix Potter and Lewis Carrol at the farm, when no fable has escaped from the Homelands for about 200 years.

But, as I say, brilliant, brilliant escapist fun. I'm on book 4 right now.

I started reading all the Hellblazer I could get from the library (gloomy stuff!) but I'm busy with Fables at the minute. Also looking forward to reading Y - The Last Man. It's great reading comics this way, whipping through them at speed and not having to squeeze £2.40's worth of entertainment out of every 22 pages!
Title: The same subject you see elsewhere no the thread - blame my stupid phone
Post by: Mike Gloady on 25 October, 2009, 08:30:57 PM
Good news. When next i buy American comics, i have to decide whether it's Y - The Last Man, DMZ and Fables. Enjoying all three at the moment. When you don't like superheroes or zombies there's not huge selection (and i hardly need it, my reading for the foreseeable future is mapped out already).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 25 October, 2009, 08:32:16 PM
Well, since I'm attempting to read the series from the beginning and in as complete a form as possible I've only read early Delano so far. As well as Moores Swamp Thing stuff with the character of course. I can appreciate the point that Delano was very much out on his own at the time and may therefore be due some slack. It's sometimes difficult to keep that kind of thing in perspective when you're coming to all this stuff after the fact. I try to keep it straight best I can - not reading Hellblazer until after the Swamp Thing arc that introduced him and putting off Lucifer until reading the Sandman arc where he abandoned Hell etc - but it isn't always easy.

I have to say though that reading the very early Hellblazer stuff was my first experience of reading a Vertigo book and immediately thinking of Garth Ennis' pisstake of Vertigo cliches in the Preacher introduction.

Not surprised to hear that Carey is so well thought of, because between Lucifer, The Furies and Felix Castor the guy has yet to fail to impress me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 26 October, 2009, 02:45:12 PM
I'm not a huge Carey fan - a lot of the titles he's written just do not appeal to me. But I did pick up Faker, and thought it was brilliant! Due for a re-read soon, I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 26 October, 2009, 07:47:56 PM
Just started "Sirens of Titan" by Kurt Vonnegut. Anybody read any "Ignition City" yet?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 26 October, 2009, 07:55:10 PM
Sirens of Titan is utterly fantastic.[spoiler] Chronosynchlastic Infundubli [/spoiler] will stay with me forever
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 October, 2009, 08:53:30 PM
I'll say it is. I'm a massive Vonnegut fan and would heartily recommend any of his books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 26 October, 2009, 09:30:44 PM
Quote from: Krombasher on 26 October, 2009, 07:55:10 PM
Sirens of Titan is utterly fantastic.[spoiler] Chronosynchlastic Infundubli [/spoiler] will stay with me forever
Thanks Krom. That phrase has stayed with me for twenty years or more, but I'd long forgotten the book, beyond probably being something I read in a Gollancz classic SF edition.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 26 October, 2009, 09:50:34 PM
Uhuh.

I was recommended Slaughterhouse 5 but when it wasn't available we went for Sirens. Since then, I got hold of Slaughterhouse ad found it nowhere near as delicious as Sirens.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 28 October, 2009, 03:02:35 AM
Well, finished The Fear Machine and while it has redeemed Jamie Delano in my eyes to an extent, being a marked improvement over the earlier stories, it still left me a little underwhelmed. I'm gonna keep reading though, for now.


I've been meaning to read a bit of Vonnegut since listening to a reading of Slaughterhouse 5 on Radio 7, which managed to impress me no end, despite the reader being rather underwhelming. The story itself was almost hypmotic. In fact, I'd venture to say that it's the only reading, as opposed to dramatisation, that I've really appreciated on 7. For some reason they don't usually work for me.

As a complete newcomer to Vonnegut, is there one book that people would recommend as a decent starting point?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 October, 2009, 10:26:26 AM
Quote from: faplad on 28 October, 2009, 03:02:35 AM
As a complete newcomer to Vonnegut, is there one book that people would recommend as a decent starting point?

Not a single work, but the collection Welcome to the Monkey House completely blew my mind when I was a youngish teenager.  
IIRC it has the awesome short 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow'. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 28 October, 2009, 10:31:12 AM
I heard that reading of Slaughterhouse 5 too - the reader wasn't exactly inspiring, but you'd have to be a stilted, monotone chump of John Major proportions to get in the way of that book.  Loved it, but again, the only Vonnegut I've read (I ran out and bought a copy after two parts and finished it in short order).

So thanks for the recommendation, Tordelback.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 28 October, 2009, 10:36:42 AM
I'm just about set forth on 'The Grey Knights Omnibus' by Ben Counter. It's another Warhammer 40,000 book. It was that or Bill Oddie's autobiography and seeing as I've just finished Roger Moore's I thought I go for a bit of action!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 28 October, 2009, 12:55:59 PM
At the moment I'm reading A Social History of English Cricket by Derek Birley. Very good, but a bit heavy going at present. Hopefully it will get easier as it goes on.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 28 October, 2009, 01:05:59 PM
The board's very own Wild Seven (aka Kate, my other half) has chucked a copy of the original Battle Royale novel at me.  Great stuff.  I struggled to read it last night with a horrible gut-ache threatening to distract me.  I fought bravely on.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 28 October, 2009, 02:44:00 PM
book 5 of Charlaind Harris's Southern Vampire Mysteries: Dead As A Doornail. Top stuff! sbt
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 28 October, 2009, 02:48:53 PM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 28 October, 2009, 01:05:59 PM
The board's very own Wild Seven (aka Kate, my other half) has chucked a copy of the original Battle Royale novel at me.  Great stuff.  I struggled to read it last night with a horrible gut-ache threatening to distract me.  I fought bravely on.

It's very good, I highly recommend it. I'm currently reading 'Epitaph for a Spy' by Eric Ambler and dipping into the short stories of M.R James (it's nearly Halloween, a good enough excuse for anyone!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 28 October, 2009, 03:14:53 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 28 October, 2009, 02:44:00 PM
book 5 of Charlaind Harris's Southern Vampire Mysteries: Dead As A Doornail. Top stuff! sbt

I shall be scouring market stalls and second hand shops for these in the near future.
Can't abide generic tie in covers and so need older editions. Still, it's more fun to hunt them down. Not to mention cheaper.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 October, 2009, 04:43:43 PM
Quote from: faplad on 28 October, 2009, 03:02:35 AM

As a complete newcomer to Vonnegut, is there one book that people would recommend as a decent starting point?

My personal favourite is "Deadeye Dick" but for more 'typical' Vonnegut you can't go wrong with the two 'famous ones' "Breakfast of Champions" and the aforementioned "Slaughterhouse 5"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 28 October, 2009, 10:16:05 PM
Almost done with Quicksilver. Up next is Proust. That's right, Proust.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 28 October, 2009, 10:49:50 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 28 October, 2009, 10:16:05 PM
Almost done with Quicksilver. Up next is Proust. That's right, Proust.
That reminds me of something.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 29 October, 2009, 04:50:33 PM
Out of curiosity has anyone been reading the collections of old US comic strips? I regularly pick up the Krazy Kats but due to my addiction to an unnamed import and crime comics I haven't really been digging in my pocket for any of the others.

My brother for my birthday got me Terry and the Pirates vol 4 and I'm pretty floored by it. It's like a lost John Ford or Howard Hawks picture. The hardest things to get used to are the repeat panels and the fact Terry and Pat never choose the girls I personally fancy. It is pricey (probably boils down to roughly 22 pounds) but it took me about a week to get through. Anyone else read this?

He also bought me the new collection of Prince Valient. Th artwork in that needs to be seen to be believed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 29 October, 2009, 04:59:44 PM
Jack of Fables: The (nearly) Great Escape. Awesome. Especially the 'breakout' issue. Really exciting, fun stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 29 October, 2009, 05:13:40 PM
I've just read this and finished it thinking that, yes, it was a really good story but also a niggling feeling that I didn't know who half the supporting characters where. Which is rather appropriate given the motives of the villain of the piece. Thats my excuse anyway. I fully intend to have a good old google session in the near future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 October, 2009, 05:15:36 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 28 October, 2009, 10:49:50 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 28 October, 2009, 10:16:05 PM
Almost done with Quicksilver. Up next is Proust. That's right, Proust.
That reminds me of something.

Was it Madeline Stowe?  Madeline Albright?  Something to do with Madelines, anyhow...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 29 October, 2009, 10:27:39 PM
CRIKEY! #12, successfully ordered from my local cornershop-of-magical-wonder. Fab! my new best mag.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 29 October, 2009, 11:48:30 PM
I'm halfway through 'The Surrogates' - intended to read it before the Bruce Willis movie came out. Failed miserably. It's kinda cool, in an improbable sci-fi sorta way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 02 November, 2009, 12:35:42 AM
Well, while I know that there is something of a baklash towards The Wire at the moment, as always seems to be the case when something becomes to popular, I'm stil fascinated by it. So I've been reading The Truth Be Told, which is marketed as essentially an episode guide but is so much more.

The bulk of the book is the guide, written by a staff writer on the show and going into a lot of detail on character arcs and the themes of the show rather than trivia. This in itself would make the book a worthwile read. But then you get the extra stuff.
An introduction by David Simon that runs almost 40 pages and includes a transcript of a letter he sent to HBO early on where he essentially tells them they'd be idiots not to run with the show. You get chapters by George Pelecanos and Bill Zorzi. Interviews with Melvin Hayes (real life drug lord turned actor) and various other cast members, and one of the most exhaustive cast and crew appendixes I've ever seen.

It's a cracker of a book. If you like The Wire of course.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 02 November, 2009, 03:20:04 AM
Quote from: faplad on 02 November, 2009, 12:35:42 AM
appendixes

I think that should be appendices. Yes? No?

God, the things that matter when you can't sleep.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 02 November, 2009, 04:45:53 AM
Yeah. Its Appendice.


Very phallic word. Timecheck 4:42am
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 02 November, 2009, 05:02:49 AM
Cheers Krombasher.  I gave up on sleep at a certain point cos I need to be up with the nephew in the morning. I know full well that if I got to sleep after 4 theres no way I'm getting up again in time to take him to school.

It'll probably be an afternoon nap for me. You know, like a toddler or a particularly old pensioner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TheEdge on 02 November, 2009, 09:53:56 AM
pride and prejudice and zombies

and

The Blade Itself
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 03 November, 2009, 09:44:10 PM
The Blade Itself is great!

Bumper Amazon parcel today with Dredd case files 3, The Boys 4 and the first Transmetropolitan. Yee-haa! And The Sirens of Titan is fantastic,  I'd forgotten how much I love Kurt Vonnegut's writing. It's one of those books I wish was longer, I'm getting worryingly close to the end.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 03 November, 2009, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: faplad on 02 November, 2009, 12:35:42 AM
Well, while I know that there is something of a baklash towards The Wire at the moment...
Really?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 November, 2009, 08:19:49 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 03 November, 2009, 09:44:10 PM
And The Sirens of Titan is fantastic,  I'd forgotten how much I love Kurt Vonnegut's writing. It's one of those books I wish was longer, I'm getting worryingly close to the end.

Yeah his writing style is such a delightful breeze to read, especially when you consider the dark subjects he covers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 04 November, 2009, 12:46:05 PM
I'd not thought of it like that, Colin, but you're absolutely right.  He really IS very easy to read which is odd considering the darkness of the material.  THere's a very wicked sense of humour in there too, a fine writer and one that I'm ashamed to say it took me so long to discover. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 04 November, 2009, 02:19:50 PM
Not only the darkness of the material but the amazing amount of complexities to understand in Sirens initially would have been, by any other writer, very difficult to absorb.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 04 November, 2009, 03:46:03 PM
Just picked up a couple of Durham Red GNs to settle me back, gently, into the world of 200AD.  ;D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 04 November, 2009, 03:48:10 PM
Excellent choice there, great stories and superb artwork.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 04 November, 2009, 06:09:26 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 03 November, 2009, 09:46:34 PM
Quote from: faplad on 02 November, 2009, 12:35:42 AM
Well, while I know that there is something of a baklash towards The Wire at the moment...
Really?

Well, maybe I'm imagining it a little but I've definitely seen anti Wire sentiment in a couple of places on the web. I seem to rmember it getting a bit of stick on here a little while back. A  thread to do with shows that people didn't like despite everyone else raving about them. I remember The Wire bing quite a (un)popular choice. That and I've overheard a couple of conversations recently with people bemoaning it's popularity.

Maybe I'm making more of it than what there is. As I say, I'm still a massive fan.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 05 November, 2009, 07:14:19 PM
About halfway through the audio book (does that count?) of Into Thin Air by John Krakauer, a first hand account of an ill-fated 1996 attempt to climb Mount Everest. It's gripping stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 05 November, 2009, 07:43:07 PM
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 04 November, 2009, 03:48:10 PM
Excellent choice there, great stories and superb artwork.

Just about halfway through Vermin Stars. I must say, it's great stuff. Engaging and fun, with some fantastic characters. Godlokin is particularly cool.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 07 November, 2009, 10:26:16 AM
"Ravenor" trilogy and Star Wars Invasion-Colin Wilson,(yes it is he) is art droid on that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 November, 2009, 10:41:11 AM
Somebody at the local library must really like Bendis-era Avengers. Sadly, after four TPBs of the stuff, I do not.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 November, 2009, 11:45:31 AM
Oh man oh man the Bendis Avengers brings out the sore nerd in me. I'm a massive traditional Avengers fan full runs (well if you include the Essentails up to 120ish) up to 320 of volume one, Full run of volume 3 and stuff like that. I REALLY gave the Bendis Avengers a full chance 'cos it was quite good comics BUT after issue 48 I gave up and let the death of [spoiler]The Wasp[/spoiler] be an end. It was an ok comic that wasn't the Avengers as I understood them. I completely accept that I'm in the minority as its so massively popular so I just need to get over it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 07 November, 2009, 01:02:56 PM
The Ghost stories of M. R. James. >shudder<
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 09 November, 2009, 07:22:57 PM
Alice In Sunderland. My first Bryan Talbot, apart from that one shot he did for one of the christmas progs. Got it out of the library on a mad whim since it's not the kind of thing I normally read but it's beeen bloody wonderful so far. He's made a fan of me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 10 November, 2009, 01:52:21 PM
Yeah, it's a cracking read Fappers. I've been warming up to re read of it myself.

I'm up to date with Interzone and have 3 or 4 Black Static to read, then it's a full read of Transmetropolitan (got the last couple of books last xmas!)

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 10 November, 2009, 01:54:44 PM
Ooh, just finished the first TPB of Transmetropolitan, it's ruddy good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 10 November, 2009, 03:00:10 PM
Reading the new HHGG book at the moment. Still not sure yet though. There is a lot of good about it but too many niggles, and too much blatant fan service. The style is nice and although the Guide appears to be more invasive than the Adams books (actually commenting on the narrative rather than an aside to the narrative) and the characters are well handled. There is however so much of it. Adams was exceedingly economical with his writing but this book, everything is cranked up to 11. Having [spoiler]Cthulu [/spoiler] appear was an odd choice too. Gonna stick with it though.

Thinking of getting Triumff next. Anyone read it? Doesn't appear to have been out in hardback though :( I hate paperbacks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 10 November, 2009, 06:38:10 PM
Still working my way through Neuromancer by William Gibson.

It's an odd read. Very compelling and delightfully character-driven, yet at times I must admit to feeling a bit lost in all the techno-jargon...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 11 November, 2009, 12:48:58 AM
Just started my third reading of The Crying of Lot 49. I think it's probably my favourite book ever written.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 11 November, 2009, 03:34:08 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 10 November, 2009, 01:54:44 PM
Ooh, just finished the first TPB of Transmetropolitan, it's ruddy good.

Ah! I have that on my shelf, waiting to be read. I read the first story arc 'Back On The Street' a while back. It is indeed the dog's danglies.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 November, 2009, 09:49:59 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 11 November, 2009, 12:48:58 AM
Just started my third reading of The Crying of Lot 49. I think it's probably my favourite book ever written.

That's the one with the historian of postal companies, Genghis Cohen and Dr. Hilarious?  If so, it's the only Pynchon I've ever read. I don't think I enjoyed it as much as you...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 11 November, 2009, 04:55:00 PM
Just received the new Stephen King book in the book, all whopping 900 pages of it. Have had a quick read of the first few pages and am looking forward to getting stuck into it. There's really nothing like a brand new King book, I look forward to it every year, I'd be lost if he ever truly did retire :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 11 November, 2009, 05:08:48 PM
Thanks for the heads up on that SD90, I always get the latest Stephen King novel for the missus and now I've just seen it on Amazon for £9 so I'm well happy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 11 November, 2009, 05:13:08 PM
Yeah, I got it for £9, too - bargain purchase, considering I don't get my first pay from my new job til the 28th! But some things are worth finding the cash for, and a new King book is definitely one of them :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 11 November, 2009, 05:59:38 PM
just read "The Umbrella Academy - Dallas"

just as good as the first volume, with Gerard Way showing immense promise with a tale that feels like a bit of vintage Alan Moore (before he went mad). In line with this, Gabriel Ba's art is like a nice cross between Kevin O'Neil and D'israli.

Well worth picking up, but you should read vol 1 first.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 11 November, 2009, 11:47:36 PM
Excellent, I thought the first volume was pretty good but then I didn't really have much of a clue who Gerard Way was, so having no preconceptions may have helped. Just lent it to a mate who's a bit of a muso and his immediate reaction was "Gerard Way? Are you sure?". Looking forward to a bit more expansion on the back story, such as, how the guy ended up with the body of a gorilla.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 12 November, 2009, 09:23:27 AM
You'll have to wait for that explanation! There's more to come though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 12 November, 2009, 10:34:20 AM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 11 November, 2009, 04:55:00 PM
Just received the new Stephen King book in the book, all whopping 900 pages of it. Have had a quick read of the first few pages and am looking forward to getting stuck into it. There's really nothing like a brand new King book, I look forward to it every year, I'd be lost if he ever truly did retire :-)

Agh! I forgot about this- that's another one to add to the pile...

I'm almost finshed rerading El Sombra by our pal Al Ewing. It really is wonderful, and it's helped by hearing Al's voice in my head while reading it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 12 November, 2009, 11:04:33 AM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 11 November, 2009, 04:55:00 PM
Just received the new Stephen King book in the book, all whopping 900 pages of it.

Good Lord! That man needs an editor!  :P

Some of King's work is amazing. Other books, however, I find terrible.

I hear this is meant to be a return to form, though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 12 November, 2009, 10:00:25 PM
Is that the "Under the Dome" one? Now I'm sure I'm wrong, and I am a King fan ('IT' is my fave) but I couldn't help thinking "Jeez, I wonder if he saw the Simpson's movie and thought 'now there's an idea with legs'".

And, I got Transmetropolitan vol2 for £2.20 on eBay, free postage.  ;D <Does smug smartypants dance>
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 12 November, 2009, 10:03:32 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 12 November, 2009, 11:04:33 AM
Some of King's work is amazing. Other books, however, I find terrible.

I know what you mean. His ouevre is one of extremes - lyrical masterpieces or borderline unreadable hackwork.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 12 November, 2009, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 12 November, 2009, 10:00:25 PM
Is that the "Under the Dome" one? Now I'm sure I'm wrong, and I am a King fan ('IT' is my fave) but I couldn't help thinking "Jeez, I wonder if he saw the Simpson's movie and thought 'now there's an idea with legs'".



Indeed- if he saw the Simpsons Movie 25 years ago, when he says he first started this book!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 12 November, 2009, 10:15:52 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 12 November, 2009, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 12 November, 2009, 10:00:25 PM
I couldn't help thinking "Jeez, I wonder if he saw the Simpson's movie and thought 'now there's an idea with legs'".

Indeed- if he saw the Simpsons Movie 25 years ago, when he says he first started this book!

I think it's more likely he's read The Midwich Cuckoos.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 12 November, 2009, 10:17:55 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 12 November, 2009, 10:12:40 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 12 November, 2009, 10:00:25 PM
Is that the "Under the Dome" one? Now I'm sure I'm wrong, and I am a King fan ('IT' is my fave) but I couldn't help thinking "Jeez, I wonder if he saw the Simpson's movie and thought 'now there's an idea with legs'".



Indeed- if he saw the Simpsons Movie 25 years ago, when he says he first started this book!

DOH!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 13 November, 2009, 09:03:14 AM
Can't get into King, tried many times.

As for your bargain, Kerrin - go you!  Transmet is a classic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 13 November, 2009, 09:19:51 AM
It is indeed "Under The Dome," and it seems a great read so far - not slow to get into things like some King books, it's straight into the action! Only problem is, the page count of 900 makes it a bit of a bugger to carry into work to read on my break . . .
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 13 November, 2009, 01:41:12 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 12 November, 2009, 10:03:32 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 12 November, 2009, 11:04:33 AM
Some of King's work is amazing. Other books, however, I find terrible.

I know what you mean. His ouevre is one of extremes - lyrical masterpieces or borderline unreadable hackwork.

So true. Carrie vs Tommyknockers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 13 November, 2009, 01:49:42 PM
I really have gone off Stephen King's writing. Everything I've read of his involves someone being sick and the 'evil atmosphere' ending up as a furry animal about as scary as the rubber suited aliens in early Star Trek. I can understand that after 30 years (?) of churning them out, the ideas might become less original but uh...  ::) Then again I found The Amityville Horror quite shivery, and I'm probably alone on that one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 13 November, 2009, 11:58:38 PM
I know some of us keep banging on about it ...

(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb36/jimcampbell2000/BR06.jpg)

But Morrison's really doing the business on Batman and Robin ...

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 15 November, 2009, 02:35:04 AM
Detective Comics. From the beginning, pre Batman. Currently issue 14, dated April 1938. They are an education I can tell you. Slam Bradley, Speed Saunders, Cosmo (master of disguise) and of course SPY. Classics one and all.

My particular favourite is Cosmo. In one issue he needs to get on board a ship. He hangs around said ship and cudgels the first crewman he sees. After hiding the body he disguises himself as a sailor by putting on a striped shirt (and changes his ethnicity by putting on a fake moustache), before continuing to hang around the ship. An officer comes from the ship looking for his crewman, sees Cosmo and the following exchange takes place :

Officer  : Hey Spick, looking for a job?

Cosmo    : Si Meester.

Hey presto, he's aboard.

The casual racism is nothing compared to the rampant sexism though. SPY is a good one for that, with a man/woman team in which the man constantly belittles his partner, despite them supposedly being lovers.

I'm loving them, if I'm honest, even if I am reading them on a probably not strictly legal scan site. Does anyone know of a way to get these stories properly, without breaking the bank? I'd imagine they are pretty much forgotten about now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 November, 2009, 09:28:31 AM
Wow its good to know there's nowt out there that you can't get hold of from these illegal file share sites!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 16 November, 2009, 12:58:58 PM
Yeah, that's good work going on there.

From a legal perspective, there may be a chance that some of the older stuff may be in 'public domain'? I'm not sure - just speculating...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 16 November, 2009, 01:06:50 PM
Hey HOO-HAA, don't know if you'd realised but the link in your sig is broken mate.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 16 November, 2009, 10:24:40 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 16 November, 2009, 01:06:50 PM
Hey HOO-HAA, don't know if you'd realised but the link in your sig is broken mate.

Cheers, mate... got a bit trigger-happy with the ol' https. Good of you to let me know :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Christov on 17 November, 2009, 11:56:09 PM
Postman willing, I should have The Question – Zen and Violence come tomorrow. I do love me some Denny O'Neil.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 18 November, 2009, 12:12:17 AM
Quote from: Christov on 17 November, 2009, 11:56:09 PM
Postman willing, I should have The Question – Zen and Violence come tomorrow. I do love me some Denny O'Neil.

I really liked that O'Neil/Cowan series -- if you've not read it before, you should really enjoy it.

Rick Magyar was a perfectly good inker for Cowan, but I think it's worth mentioning that his ideal inker was actually Bill Sienkiewicz (http://denyscowan.com/Work_Images/images/DOCZERO4.jpg), which is the only way that I could think of improving that run ...

DC are soliciting Cowan and Sienkiewicz on The Question in Jan 2010 (http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/comics/?cm=13781), by the way ...

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Christov on 18 November, 2009, 12:21:01 AM
Oh Jim, now you've got me all hyped and flustered.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 19 November, 2009, 01:38:52 PM
I have finally finished China Meiville's Perdido Street Station. I really enjoyed it, there were 'some' rather predictable moments and one rather stupendous Deux Ex, but the characters were absolutely astounding and the inventiveness of the setting was superb. Next is Grandville.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 19 November, 2009, 01:41:03 PM
Finished Grandville the other day and I would say it's possibly Talbot's best, IMO.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 19 November, 2009, 01:41:46 PM
I read that rather recently too, Bolt.  Enjoyed it quite a bit.  And it IS stupendous, isn't it?  
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 19 November, 2009, 06:03:13 PM
I'm really looking forward to getting "Grandville" when I get paid - the creator himself is doing a signing at ny local Waterstones in a few weeks, too, so might go the full nerd hog and get some stuff signed!

Just finished the new Stephen King book, too, and I'm happy to report that it's a great return to form. Well worth getting, for any lapsed fans.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 19 November, 2009, 06:40:29 PM
I'm just finishing 'Fanny Hill' - nothing like a bit of 18th century filth to while away a stormy evening!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 19 November, 2009, 08:24:14 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 13 November, 2009, 11:58:38 PM
I know some of us keep banging on about it ...

(http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb36/jimcampbell2000/BR06.jpg)

But Morrison's really doing the business on Batman and Robin ...

Cheers!

Jim

Just finished reading this issue. I'm running out of superlatives.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 19 November, 2009, 08:49:56 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 19 November, 2009, 08:24:14 PM
Just finished reading this issue. I'm running out of superlatives.

It's just a genuine pleasure, isn't it?

I haven't really read much of Morrison's mainstream US stuff -- I pretty much stopped buying US comics just as he started landing the really high profile gigs, so I think I'm going to have to rectify that. Any suggestions as to where I should start?

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 19 November, 2009, 09:03:07 PM
This book has started me picking up US books again too.
I'm doing a bit of grazing- reading 28 Days Later, the new Batgirl book, Capt America Reborn (out of curiosity more than anything else) and the odd random thing that catches me eye.
Morrison's JLA stuff is worth reading- I've got some of the trades and they are great- he really understands how the superhero thing works, and has the relationship between the Big Three down perfectly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 19 November, 2009, 09:10:15 PM
I liked his XMen quite a lot and JLA was full of great little character moments for everyone. Even bloody Aztek.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 19 November, 2009, 10:49:00 PM
QuoteCapt America Reborn (out of curiosity more than anything else)

All of the Brubaker Cap trades are brilliant comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 19 November, 2009, 11:32:20 PM
I'm reading PAINTING RUBY TUESDAY at the moment.  I'm pretty sure it's a girl's book (I borrowed it from Mrs Tips because she was laughing so much while reading it I felt honour bound to see what the fuss was about).

Oh and BATMAN and ROBIN.  STill brilliant but I wish Quietely was on interior art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 20 November, 2009, 12:58:37 AM
So I'm continuing my read of the old Detective Comics and come across an ad for the first issue of Action Comics. Ah, I think, I wonder...

Yep, the same site has all the early Action stuff too. Was surprised to see Superman on the cover of issue 1 though. I'd assumed that he came along some time later, in the same way Batman/Detective happened.

I realise my (woefully inadequate to begin with) geek credibility has just been obliterated. Never mind.

Meanwhile, in the world of words without pictures, all the talk of King has reminded me that I have yet to read Duma Key or the collection of shorts he brought out a while back. This after years of being first in line for new King material. Not sure what changed. Can't realy claim disilussionment as I enjoyed Cell and Lisey.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 20 November, 2009, 09:05:41 AM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 19 November, 2009, 11:32:20 PM

Oh and BATMAN and ROBIN.  STill brilliant but I wish Quietely was on interior art.

I can't disagree with that. On the other hand, it's nice to see a high-profile book that's maintaining something approximating a monthly schedule, which having Quitely as the sole (or even main) artist would preclude.

On balance, I like having the book come out on a reasonably reliable schedule ... if there were two and three month gaps between issues, I suspect I'd lose interest quite rapidly.

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 November, 2009, 09:19:41 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 20 November, 2009, 09:05:41 AM

On balance, I like having the book come out on a reasonably reliable schedule ... if there were two and three month gaps between issues, I suspect I'd lose interest quite rapidly.

Since there's a skip month in December according to DCs advanced solicitations Febuary will actually have two issues so it catchs up! Hows that for keeping the pace going. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Cassidy on 20 November, 2009, 09:31:21 AM
I'm currently collecting the comic version of 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' and enjoying it greatly (first time I've ever had a comic on subscription order at Forbidden Planet). Blade Runner is all well and good, but I've always wanted to see 'Sheep' done in a visual format and this is working very well. I love the fact they have gone out of their way not to simply copy designs from 'Blade Runner', aside from giving Deckard a big brown trenchcoat (but then again, surely that's what instantly springs to anyone's mind when you hear the name Rick Deckard- the coat). I'm passing the comics on to my dad when I've read them and he is enjoying them as well; I told him there'd probably be a big collected volume at the end of the run, but he said he was happy to have the individual issues! Very unusual for him...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 21 November, 2009, 07:15:28 AM
I just read the graphic novel 'Shrapnel: Aristeia Rising', which I gather has raised a bit of hype for itself. It got a feature in a digital arts magazine I read regularly a few months back, and the amazing looking artwork made me me punt it to the top of my 'stuff to buy' pile.

Oh dear.

Easily the most disappointing comic I've read this year. A real missed opportunity. I feel so badly for everyone involved.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Christov on 21 November, 2009, 08:15:00 AM
Finally got my hands on Zen and Violence after days of missing the Postman by mere minutes.

Sadly, I blasted through the whole 170-something pages in around 45 minutes, but it left me wanting more. Charming, exciting, and it captures the attention in a way few comics truly do. Lovely stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 November, 2009, 05:35:41 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 19 November, 2009, 08:24:14 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 13 November, 2009, 11:58:38 PM
I know some of us keep banging on about it ...

But Morrison's really doing the business on Batman and Robin ...

Cheers!

Jim

Just finished reading this issue. I'm running out of superlatives.

You know some things are just worth banging on about. Read this on the way to Leeds today and it is simply brillant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 November, 2009, 05:44:06 PM
I'm about to give Marvel Zombies 4 my third attempt. Loved One, Two was dismal, but made readable by Sean Phillips's art, Three was magnificent- but this, this is simply so turgid as to defy belief. Even Kev Walker's drawings can't save this one I think.

A real shame.

SBT (crying because his zombies let him down)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 21 November, 2009, 06:13:42 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 21 November, 2009, 05:35:41 PM

You know some things are just worth banging on about. Read this on the way to Leeds today and it is simply brillant.

Bolt-01 tells me I missed you at Thought Bubble, Colin ... sorry about that!

CHeers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 November, 2009, 06:31:45 PM
Didn't realise you were there Jim. To be honest a bad nights sleep, not for once due to our 5 month old but rather by wife who's suffering with a hacking cough means you didn;t miss much. Was knackered and really not on the best of form and left by about 3! Dagnabbit. Still nice to meet a couple of people and will be great to meet more at a later date.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 22 November, 2009, 11:09:43 AM
"Innocence proves nothing" by Sandy Mitchell. More Dark Heresy mayhem. Fun so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 22 November, 2009, 01:52:37 PM
Recently treated myself to the 6 volumes of Swamp Thing written by Alan Moore. It must be 15 years since I read these, but it's a testament to their quality that I remember almost every detail. There are Marvel and DC GNs that I read in the last month that I couldn't summarise if my life depended on it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 22 November, 2009, 07:39:05 PM
I finished Damnation Alley today. What a great book.

I'm on the last volume of In Search of Last Time. We get it, your fat girlfriend died, we don't need, like, 80 pages of moping. [/faux philistinism]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 22 November, 2009, 07:57:13 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 22 November, 2009, 07:39:05 PM
[/faux philistinism]

I didn't know you pretended to collect stamps Roger. That's great.

I'm halfway through rereading the 'Hyperion' omnibus and I'm trying to decide between 'The Court of the Air' by Stephen Hunt next, or 'Black Swan Green' by David Mitchell.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 22 November, 2009, 08:10:05 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 22 November, 2009, 07:39:05 PM
I'm on the last volume of In Search of Last Time. We get it, your fat girlfriend died, we don't need, like, 80 pages of moping. [/faux philistinism]
Germaine Greer had a diverting column in The Guadian the other week concerned, in amongst the posing, with the difficulty in translating style. Which are you reading?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/nov/08/germaine-greer-proust

Quote from: Kerrin on 22 November, 2009, 07:57:13 PM
I'm halfway through rereading the 'Hyperion' omnibus and I'm trying to decide between 'The Court of the Air' by Stephen Hunt next, or 'Black Swan Green' by David Mitchell.
Black Swan Green isn't as good as Cloud Atlas, but it has a poorly researched reference to 2000AD in it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 November, 2009, 08:58:20 PM
Just finished Sansom's Dissolution, the first Shardlake book.  It doesn't start well, but picks up nicely, and has a good end.  There's a very nice joke about Name of the Rose about a third of the way through that I wish had been at the start, as the comparison was painful up to that point (murder in a monastery, with religious schism and secular control as a backdrop).  Pity that I twigged the murderer as soon as they appeared.  Still, looking forward to the next one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 22 November, 2009, 09:02:13 PM
I thought they improved markedly after 'Dissolution' TB. There must be a new one on the way soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Cassidy on 22 November, 2009, 09:12:12 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 22 November, 2009, 07:39:05 PM
I finished Damnation Alley today. What a great book.

You should watch the film, I love it. I mean, it's pretty much a B-movie, but it's good fun. Plus you get John 'Hannibal Smith' AND Stringfellow Hawke together in the same film, driving a huge armoured truck! And the classic line:

"This whole town is infested with killer cockroaches, repeat, KILLER COCKROACHES!!"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: stacey on 22 November, 2009, 09:43:05 PM
Just finished reading vol 2 of The DMZ it was awesome, I enjoyed it much more than vol 1 but wonder if it was because I read it straight after reading Little Brother by Corey Doctorow, so the idea of the USA being in civil war seemed almost too real.  Both of these are awesome and very recommended reads.  I have now just started reading Jasmyn by Alex Bell which is a modern and very creepy and well written fairy story which I am enjoying very much, hope the quality keeps up throughout the book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 22 November, 2009, 10:07:49 PM
DMZ is a cracking read.  Only read the first three TPBs, but they're ace.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 22 November, 2009, 11:30:08 PM
At the moment I'm reading the second book of The Wheel of Time: The Great Hunt.
I've read all the series before but I'm ploughing my way through in preparation for when I get the new book, The Gathering Storm. It's a shame Robert Jordan died before completing the last book, but he left lots of notes (and written sections.) so I'm hoping the new chap did him proud. I've heard mixed things, but largely positive.

Speaking of series of books, where the original author died, I grabbed And Another Thing from the library a couple of weeks back. I'm surprised it even turned up that early! I've yet to read it though. (I'm not keen on reading two books at once.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 23 November, 2009, 07:38:24 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 22 November, 2009, 11:30:08 PM
At the moment I'm reading the second book of The Wheel of Time: The Great Hunt.
I've read all the series before but I'm ploughing my way through in preparation for when I get the new book, The Gathering Storm.

You're a stronger man than me Mardroid, I managed to get to halfway through the sixth book before I lost the will to carry on.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 23 November, 2009, 05:06:46 PM
Reading some of the Krazy Kat kollections again. Every panel is a work of art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 November, 2009, 10:51:17 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 23 November, 2009, 07:38:24 AM
You're a stronger man than me Mardroid, I managed to get to halfway through the sixth book before I lost the will to carry on.

Heh. I know what you mean. I read some of the middle books feeling that the story hadn't moved on much despite how much had happened. That being said I still enjoyed them, and rather like the subplots and the world as a whole.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 24 November, 2009, 07:07:27 PM
Just started to read "The Exterminators", drawn by the excellent Tony Moore. Anyone else read it? Seems cool so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 November, 2009, 07:29:37 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 24 November, 2009, 07:07:27 PM
Just started to read "The Exterminators", drawn by the excellent Tony Moore. Anyone else read it? Seems cool so far.

Read the first TPB, really enjoyed it.  Waiting on the library to get more in...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mechanix81 on 24 November, 2009, 08:56:50 PM
I've been reading 100 Bullets, an issue a day. Just read issue 89. Long, hard slog, and it's no easier to follow. Still, I love it so...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 26 November, 2009, 01:01:42 AM
I'm reading The House of M at the moment. It's ok, [spoiler]although that little psychic girl turning up out of nowhere seemed a little too convenient. On saying that, I wonder if there is a twist concerning her later which explains that.

My theory is that she is an aspect of the Scarlet Witches personality, a sane part that's aware of what's going on. Wanda isn't strictly psychic though, but then again, according to Emma Frost she isn't in the conventional sense either. Or maybe she's a plant from Xavier?[/spoiler]

I'm half way through. It'll be interesting to see how far out I am...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 26 November, 2009, 05:02:09 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 22 November, 2009, 07:39:05 PM
I finished Damnation Alley today. What a great book.

'tis indeed. On the way through did you experience the whole thing drawn in your mind's eye by Bolland & McMahon like Stevie did?

I've just begun Flood by Stephen Baxter (with Ark waiting in the wings). Must say that I'm enjoying it more than the Time's Tapestry books, but geez --& I mean this as a tribute to Baxter's writing-- the opening chapters weren't half gruelling!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 27 November, 2009, 09:33:43 PM
Just started Republic Commando True Colours.







V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 November, 2009, 10:16:57 PM
The Atheist's Guide to Christmas.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 28 November, 2009, 11:38:57 AM
Just read Frankie Boyle's autobiogrhapy, pretty much in one sitting - it's a fine, funny read. Don't know if anyone else here has read it, but the Galaxy's Greatest gets a few mentions, and a character that isn't Judge Dredd even gets mentioned by name, which was a nice surprise.

Just treated myself to "Fahrenheit 451," too, as I'm on something of a classic sci-fi read at the moment - "The Shrinking Man" by Richard Matheson I got through last week, and I couldn't help thinking it would make a great movie if re-made today - imagine how scary all the giant people (and things!) could be made to look.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 28 November, 2009, 12:02:19 PM
Boyle's book is sitting on top of my to read pile.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 28 November, 2009, 12:21:09 PM
It's a great, great read, I did it pretty much in one go - pausing only to watch "My Bloody Valentine" (lured in by the free 3d glasses) and to eat. Got a few tellings off from the other half for laughing too loudly, though - a not uncommon occurence in my life.

As well as 2000ad, he mentions others comics, and seems like a massive fan of comics in general, even saying at one point that they can be life-changing. Always nice to see a truth like that stressed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 28 November, 2009, 12:30:44 PM
QuoteAs well as 2000ad, he mentions others comics, and seems like a massive fan of comics in general, even saying at one point that they can be life-changing. Always nice to see a truth like that stressed.

Cool- and I should mention that during the HiEx weekend, Frankie is playing the same venue!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 28 November, 2009, 12:40:49 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 28 November, 2009, 12:30:44 PM
QuoteAs well as 2000ad, he mentions others comics, and seems like a massive fan of comics in general, even saying at one point that they can be life-changing. Always nice to see a truth like that stressed.

Cool- and I should mention that during the HiEx weekend, Frankie is playing the same venue!

Wow - surely there are a few stories to be had from THAT fact! I'll have to take a look at the audience on the DVD release, see if there's any obvious crossover between the two different events :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 28 November, 2009, 12:43:51 PM
Wonder if Frankie's up for wandering about with a few geeks.  That man makes me weep with laughter. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 28 November, 2009, 12:49:13 PM
The book is great - imagine his Mock The Week style humour, but without the censorship of TV. That said, it's not just an exercise in crudeness; it's pretty well written, with the humour adding to the story, not detracting from it. And I laughed pretty hard at it, but since the other half was trying to sleep next to me, it was more her doing the weeping . . .
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 28 November, 2009, 04:27:21 PM
I've been reading "The Scorpion" by Desberg and Marini as recommended by Bolt. It's a good swashbuckling story but the artwork is just unreal. Every single panel is an absolute masterpiece. I'm onto the second trade and chuffed to bits to see there's a third on the way.

Got "The Umbrella Academy; Dallas", "Hellboy" 8, "IR$" vol1 and "We3" as well. I think I may have developed a bit of a habit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 28 November, 2009, 06:47:03 PM
How annoying is this?

While trawling Amazon, I found a collection of Tokyopop manga digests based on the old Starcraft computer game (a game I devoured and went back to many a time in my mis-spent youth!) - looking it over, I saw that a number of western writers were attached to it. So I ordered the lot!

Volumes 2 and 3 arrived today, and I'm RARING to read them- chamoping at the bit, I tells ya! BUT WITH NO VOLUME 1 TO START WITH, I AM DENIIIIIIEEEED!!!

Shame. They look really excellent. I'll be reading 'em as soon as the rest of the volumes arrive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 28 November, 2009, 09:54:46 PM
DIVIDED KINGDOM by Rupert Thomson.

Dark, speculative fiction at its very best. Loving it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 November, 2009, 10:04:39 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 28 November, 2009, 04:27:21 PM
I've been reading "The Scorpion" by Desberg and Marini as recommended by Bolt. It's a good swashbuckling story but the artwork is just unreal. Every single panel is an absolute masterpiece. I'm onto the second trade and chuffed to bits to see there's a third on the way.


Have to say just checked thes eon Amazon as I'm a big fan of Zorro comics and always fancy a little bit of swashbuckling (or War, or Cowboy, or Jungle action) comics and his is entirely new to me but sounds superb. Another for the wish list!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 28 November, 2009, 11:05:08 PM
Ubik by Phillip K. Dick. Cracking, moves at a hell of a pace and races along, throwing out all kinds of brilliant ideas in huge amounts. A chapter's worth of this would, in lesser hands, be stretched out to an entire novel. Hugely entertaining. Recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: starscape on 29 November, 2009, 09:55:16 PM
'Time Out of Joint' is my fave Philip K Dick book.  I'm halfway through (but put it on hold) Man In The High Castle which is pretty decent too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 30 November, 2009, 07:44:16 PM
Quite a few stand up comedians have geeky tendencies but they don't get let out very often. 

I sometimes think it might be a nice idea to try and get a gig organised at a Con' with lots of geek firendly comedians.  But then I remember that most people go to Con's for comics, a beer and a chat and don't really fancy having to stay quiet while a comedian is on.

I think we should see if he fancies popping down the bar for a few afterwards though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 30 November, 2009, 08:47:47 PM
Six Degree's about the horror's unleashed by global warming. Some say it's all shite and the scientists have been 'massaging' the figures but still a pretty scary book.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 30 November, 2009, 10:19:39 PM
I recently read the graphic novel 'Groom Lake' by Chris Ryall and Ben Templesmith.

Dear lord. Funniest book I've read all year! Recommended to anybody who gets a laugh out of aliens butt-probing rednecks!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 30 November, 2009, 10:41:55 PM
I'm about 25% complete on Rupert Thomson's Divided Kingdom, and loving it, but Let The Right One In just popped through the letterbox, today, and I'm gagging to get stuck into it (especially after watching the flick).

I'll probably just do what I usually do and read both at feckin' once.  ::)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Goatilocks on 04 December, 2009, 02:03:04 PM
Currently reading:

Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces,

Belzec, Sobibor, Treblinka - The Operation Reinhard Death Camps,

New issue of Terrorizer,

Flesh (Rebellion graphic novel).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 05 December, 2009, 11:06:22 AM
re-reading the Diamond Throne by the late David Eddings, strange i keep finding all these rather strange inconsistancies. Oh well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 05 December, 2009, 12:08:17 PM
Just finished Arkham Asylum for the first time in over fifteen years. Been wanting it on the bookshelf for that long. Got Obama's book with the times today. Quick scan reveals its either he's a very good writer or he has the best writing staff money can buy, over the pond. A bit of Ian Rankin's Rebus to whet the taste buds as I plan to begin collecting Hellblazer in the near future. And a bit of Templar fiction I picked up cheap. Still haven't finished Next by Crichton. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: amberkraken on 05 December, 2009, 03:09:06 PM
Just finished a proof copy of Joe Hill's 'Horns'.
Wow!
This is so fucking good. It'll be the step that takes away people picking up his books because they wonder what Stephen King's son writes like, to picking up his books because everyone says how great they are.

It's about a guy who wakes up after a heavy night drinking with horns (hence the title) and he finds himself a demon, more like that devil that sits on your shoulder in cartoons! and people keep asking him if they should do things (their dark feelings) and he can make them do things. All this set with a very moving story of his girlfriend who was raped and killed. and predictably, he uses his power to find out who did it. But the way the story goes isn't so predictable. I enjoyed every last page! When it comes out, go get it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 05 December, 2009, 04:05:42 PM
I'm just about to re-read 'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks - 25 years on and still a belter
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 05 December, 2009, 07:41:26 PM
I've just picked up the novelaisation of the old Dredd movie - it was a buy two get the third free, and it was the only thing vaguely culty there. For my sins, I'll be trying to discover if the book explains any of the myriad plot holes of the celluloid piece . . .
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 05 December, 2009, 07:42:35 PM
No it doesn't and neither do the audio books ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 05 December, 2009, 07:46:12 PM
Damn! Ah well, it was free, I suppose . . .
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 December, 2009, 05:53:54 PM
Just finished Verdus in the RoboHunter Droid Files - for the very first time.  No idea how I missed it before this, I was sure I'd read it but I definitely hadn't.  It's absolutely great!  Best of all is watching Gibson's artwork literally take off, as the mountains of robots grow higher, denser and more insane, and the lines on Sam and Kidd get progressively cleaner and simple.  What a treat! 

What really struck me about Verdus is that this is a story that simply could not have appeared anywhere else other than 2000AD.  A one-year with a machine gun?  A lovesick limbless robo-meter with boobs?  A sewer droid called B.O.? [spoiler] The entire population of colonists killed in a fire - that Sam started?  [/spoiler] Fantastic!

Now on to Day of Da Droids, which I definitely have read, and love. 

 



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 06 December, 2009, 06:36:40 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 December, 2009, 05:53:54 PM
It's absolutely great!

It really is, isn't it? I still maintain that Verdus is solid fried gold for a CGI kids' series ... relentlessly inventive visually, plotted with a superb sense of escalating panic, and just enormous fun.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 06 December, 2009, 06:36:49 PM
Quote from: wild-seven on 05 December, 2009, 04:05:42 PM
I'm just about to re-read 'The Wasp Factory' by Iain Banks - 25 years on and still a belter

Yup. Pretty much a perfect book.
I revisited it again during the summer and was surprised that it was a lot funnier than I had remembered.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 06 December, 2009, 06:45:09 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 06 December, 2009, 06:36:49 PM
I revisited it again during the summer and was surprised that it was a lot funnier than I had remembered.

Oh, yeah ... in an "Oh, God, I really shouldn't be laughing at that" sort of way ...

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 06 December, 2009, 06:53:01 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 06 December, 2009, 06:45:09 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 06 December, 2009, 06:36:49 PM
I revisited it again during the summer and was surprised that it was a lot funnier than I had remembered.

Oh, yeah ... in an "Oh, God, I really shouldn't be laughing at that" sort of way ...

Cheers!

Jim

Indeed, I should have made that clear, lest folks thought I was a bit weird...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 06 December, 2009, 07:04:44 PM
I accidentally reread the first two volumes of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials this weekend. They really are extremely good books.

Then I deliberately reread Legend of the Holy Drinker. They've got a bit of a cheek charging six quid for it, but it does prove that short is often best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 06 December, 2009, 07:13:16 PM
How do you accidentally read two whole novels?

Not that I'm complaining you understand, they're great.  Just wondering how you get further than the first page or two without thinking "hey, I'm meant to be doing the washing up!"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 06 December, 2009, 07:21:53 PM
I listened to the Dark Materials audios again last month on my commute. I hate the end of the third one, it's the most utterly heartbreaking thing ever written.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 06 December, 2009, 07:24:33 PM
Libra by DeLillo which is pretty cool.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 06 December, 2009, 07:35:44 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 06 December, 2009, 07:24:33 PM
Libra by DeLillo which is pretty cool.
Of the de Lillo that I've read, Libra was the best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 December, 2009, 09:14:57 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 06 December, 2009, 07:04:44 PM
I accidentally reread the first two volumes of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials this weekend. They really are extremely good books.

The important part of this statement is 'the first two volumes'.  They're both great.  Even the bulk of the third one is good, but the resolution/revelation leaves me utterly cold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 06 December, 2009, 09:52:03 PM
I've gone a bit William Gibson mental this week, just finished Spook Country which I loved, and it led me back to Neuromancer. For the third time. The odd anachronism aside it is ageless and magnificent. And I really must finish reading the Riverworld series. Who built the bastard?! And why?!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 December, 2009, 10:16:18 PM
Quote from: satchmo on 06 December, 2009, 09:52:03 PM
And I really must finish reading the Riverworld series. Who built the bastard?! And why?!

Oh, you definitely should persevere.  I held off on reading The Magic Labyrinth and Gods of Riverworld for years, but they turned out to be quite satisfying 'conclusions' to a superb series.  I still think there's a great TV show lurking in Riverworld somewhere - I had high hopes for the abortive Kevin Smith (the other one) series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 06 December, 2009, 10:26:43 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 December, 2009, 09:14:57 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 06 December, 2009, 07:04:44 PM
I accidentally reread the first two volumes of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials this weekend. They really are extremely good books.
The important part of this statement is 'the first two volumes'.  They're both great.  Even the bulk of the third one is good, but the resolution/revelation leaves me utterly cold.
As it happens, my ex-girlfriend's brother still has my copy of the third one and it wasn't in the library yesterday so I'll probably not get to that this time. As I remember it tries to cram far too much in.

One thing I meant to comment on, given its topicality on another thread, is the neat way sex is dealt with in the books. Acknowledged but not explained or dwelt on.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 06 December, 2009, 10:35:53 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 December, 2009, 10:16:18 PM
Quote from: satchmo on 06 December, 2009, 09:52:03 PM
And I really must finish reading the Riverworld series. Who built the bastard?! And why?!

Oh, you definitely should persevere.  I held off on reading The Magic Labyrinth and Gods of Riverworld for years, but they turned out to be quite satisfying 'conclusions' to a superb series.  I still think there's a great TV show lurking in Riverworld somewhere - I had high hopes for the abortive Kevin Smith (the other one) series.

Christ, I thought it finished in a bit of a rush. So the dogfight and what have you weren't near the end at all. I'm wondering where I got up to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 06 December, 2009, 11:04:21 PM
I'm looking forward to reading properly again in my unoccupied hours as soon I start getting paid - at work - for any work-related reading I do.

This weekend I read Blood Brothers by Willy Russell on the bus to and from London for teaching purposes. I surprised myself by finding it not only a good read but also very moving in places. For 2 years though I've been disapproving of its inclusion on English Literature GCSE reading lists. "That's not literature!" I would complain. By all means put it on the reading for English language and get them to do coursework on it, but setting it for an exam seemed wrong to me.

When I wrote the outline of my English Literature GCSE course I selected The Importance of Being Earnest (Oscar Wilde) from the Pre-1914 drama list and Pygmalion (George Bernard Shaw) from the Post-1914 after consulting some prospective students. When the course began I had a couple of late joiners who asked what the books were and I told them. One asked "aren't we doing a Shakespeare?" (no) and the other asked "why don't you do Blood Brothers?" (because I don't want to teach it and I can't see the benefit of it to a class of adult learners who are in class of their own free will and don't have to be engaged by literature that speaks to their own experience in a very literal way).

Initially I objected to the implication that I had made some sort of mistake in selecting Shaw rather than Willy Russell for inclusion in a course on literature, but it soon became apparent that the reason why she would rather study Blood Brothers was because she had already read it in school and it would therefore involve less work on her part!

Anyway, I still don't have a high opinion of Blood Brothers as literature, but it's a good read and a successful piece of drama. I can see its usefulness for engaging school kids who don't really want to be in school or learn anything but who can nevertheless be reached through art (Russell's original purpose in writing it), but it's a pity if by competing with other plays for space on the curriculum it narrows rather than broadens their learning experiences, hence my view that children's exposure to the play properly belongs on the language and drama syllabus.

So, erm... I've been reading Blood Brothers then.  :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 December, 2009, 05:18:05 AM
I've a soft spot for Willy Russell, ever since I spent some happy weekends painting inner-city streetscapes and skylines on backdrops for a school production of Our Day Out. 

This was in happier days, since we got away with producing soft positively lewd images of our gorgeous leading lady for the posters.  I also drew some tragic illos for the programmes, almost my only 'published' 'art'!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 07 December, 2009, 07:06:48 AM
When playing pool in the pub, at around 17 - 24 years of age, I'd often say Pygmalion, in frustration at a bad shot. Now it is a word that has subliminally entered my psyche at this time through a glance of it elsewhere. But I've become intrigued to find whether or not, it can be quantified as a passable utterence, in cuss. And, is it worth a read?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 07 December, 2009, 05:16:25 PM
Just treated myself the Commando picture library Battle of Britain 70th aniversary collection from The Works for £6 will start tucking into this one tonight.







V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 07 December, 2009, 05:47:26 PM
Quote from: Krombasher on 07 December, 2009, 07:06:48 AM
Pygmalion - is it worth a read?

Well, that rather depends. If you mean instead of watching the film of My Fair Lady I'd say 'no' - the film is quite sufficient. But if you mean for the purpose of getting better acquainted with the original text, I'd say 'yes.' Shaw's dialogue is very well observed, and the best of it makes it through to the musical version. A more faithful film version (with the afternoon tea scene not moved to Royal Ascot) pre-dates both the musical and the Second World War.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 07 December, 2009, 06:28:52 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 07 December, 2009, 05:18:05 AM
I've a soft spot for Willy Russell, ever since I spent some happy weekends painting inner-city streetscapes and skylines on backdrops for a school production of Our Day Out.

I like Willy Russell a lot. I saw 'Our Day Out' performed the drama teacher's own form group at school, and it was marvellous. Superb performances from everyone involved, not just drama enthusiasts, and a really touching rendition of 'Why Can't it Always be like This.' The headmaster's hackles rose at the swearing, even from the girl marvelling at a crystal chandelier "Cor! Look sat that bleedin' great lampshade."

I still prefer his grow-up work though: Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine, even though the film of Educating Rita is marred by a really horrible and dated synthesizer backing track. I could even countenance teaching Educating Rita as genuine Post-1914 literature, except most of it would be lost on school kids, as it's definitely not about people who haven't left school yet. Adult learners would probably enjoy it, although some might find the themes unbearably close to home.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 13 December, 2009, 12:39:55 AM
My 4 at a time (hardback, paperback, American GN, twoth GN) rule has fallen by the wayside because of a scarcity of twoth trades. Once Droid Files and Anderson arrive from book depository I'll be back in action. They will also sadly be the last books I buy in a while. Yes, the money has finally run out. I put it off this long by getting my American trades from the library but the day has come. Never mind.

Anyway, my Hardback is Skullduggery Pleasant, which has raised a fair few chuckles so far and lead to me embarresing myself on another thread. After that it's Duma Key, as I attempt to catch up with my King. Hints have been dropped that Under The Dome may be heading my way come Christmas so now seemed the time.

In paperback I'm reading Triumff, which is everything you'd expect from Mr Abnett. Whether thaats a good thing or a bad thing is up to you but I'm loving it.

Then there is my American GN, which at the moment is the Hawkman Showcase. This is the first Showcase book to grab me properly since Jonah Hex. Probably because it's the first I've read since Hex that wasn't written by Robert Kanigher. Although he did do the back up strips in the Hex book, which made it end on a duff note so Hawkman is probably gonna have to go down as my favourite so far. After I finish this I've got a bit more Delano Hellblazer to read although without the book in front of me I can't remember the collection title. It's the collection that comes after Fear Machine chronolgically.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 13 December, 2009, 01:06:16 AM
Re: Blood Brothers (yawn!) - I checked the AQA GCSE Eng. Lit. syllabus on Friday, and Blood Brothers isn't even on it, so that's all right then! Probably why I chose the AQA syllabus in the first place.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 15 December, 2009, 08:54:42 AM
LET THE RIGHT ONE IN by John Ajvinde Lindqvist

Excellent. Better than his latest novel, Handling the Undead (also a good read, mind).

I do suspect, however, that much is lost in the translation - particulalrly with dialogue.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 December, 2009, 01:14:52 PM
Just finished reading Jack Kirby's '2001 a Space odyssey'. Wow that was good fun, the first 7 issues in particular. Its a shame when the more traditional superhero narrative of the Machine Man (nee Mister Machine, nee X-51) issues takes over as those early issues are some great craziness. I'd have loved to know where he'd have taken it had it not changed track, I assume cos of poor sales as its clear from the letters pages etc that he was building something.

Still if you can hunt down these little talked about Kirby issues I can't recommend them highly enough. Inspired.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 17 December, 2009, 01:43:24 PM
Way of the Barefoot Zombie by Jaspre Bark.

Trash- utter trash- but really enjoyable page turning trash. Great fun, but not one for lunchtimes...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 17 December, 2009, 01:59:51 PM
Quote from: faplad on 13 December, 2009, 12:39:55 AM
In paperback I'm reading Triumff, which is everything you'd expect from Mr Abnett. Whether thaats a good thing or a bad thing is up to you but I'm loving it.

I'm reading Triumff at the moment too. Like an alternate history Flashman. Really enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 17 December, 2009, 02:22:10 PM
Didn't want to start a new thread, but felt I had to warn everyone...

If anyone's considering the new Viz-style comic POOT, (issue 2 currently in the newsagents £2.50), then seriously don't. It's even worse than all the other pale imitators that came out. Very very poor indeed.

The only joke that made me even smile featured Judge Dredd oddly enough. The "gag" is that the character changes every panel - from Frankenbstein's monster to a dinosaur to a baby etc. 3 panels from the end he turns into JD while on a train - and then is the same in the next 2 panels, prompting the punchline "shit - forgot to change at Crewe"

If you think that's weak, the rest of it is much much worse.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 17 December, 2009, 04:52:22 PM
Sounds grim, Dan. :(

I'm  reminded, though, of a wonderful Viz strip from back in the day called Frankenstein's Cock, where the good doctor created a huge, stitched up, electrified, veiny member to wow the ladies. 

Halcyon days!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 19 December, 2009, 08:58:07 AM
I've just finished 'WAY OF THE BAREFOOT ZOMBIE' by Jaspre Bark.

This is a cracking little volume- it wears its heart on its sleeve, along with many other internal organs, but the plot is solid (apart from one really annoying thing near the very end) and as you would expect, the tension in places is palpable.

I was expecting this to be a 'slog' of a book, but it was entertaining, gross, funny and even informative. I never knew this much about Voodoo, and I've seen 'Live and let die!' :)

Trash genre fiction it may be- but it was a damn fine read too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: stacey on 19 December, 2009, 09:04:03 AM
I'm reading the 1st trade of The Red Seas. I haven't been enjoying this very much in the prog, I didn't really get it, and probably wouldn't have picked up the trade but I got sent it and I'm half way through now and its fooking brilliant! I really, really like it, it's funny and exciting and beautifully drawn. So I'm well pleased.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 19 December, 2009, 10:41:28 AM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 19 December, 2009, 08:58:07 AM
I've just finished 'WAY OF THE BAREFOOT ZOMBIE' by Jaspre Bark.

This is a cracking little volume- it wears its heart on its sleeve, along with many other internal organs, but the plot is solid (apart from one really annoying thing near the very end) and as you would expect, the tension in places is palpable.

I was expecting this to be a 'slog' of a book, but it was entertaining, gross, funny and even informative. I never knew this much about Voodoo, and I've seen 'Live and let die!' :)

Trash genre fiction it may be- but it was a damn fine read too.

Or to put it another way: http://www.2000adreview.co.uk/site/index.php/Book-Reviews/Way-of-the-Barefoot-Zombie.html
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 19 December, 2009, 12:31:58 PM
And that is why you are a writer and I'm a pencil monkey...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 22 December, 2009, 04:09:32 AM
I've now finished Triumff and it was a tr... No I can't do it. It was really really good though.

In its place I was going to dip back into the Horus Heresy for a book or two but instead I've gone with the Last Legion books by Chris Bunch, which on the surface appear to be a similar kind of thing. Bunch is a name that I've notice a lot over the years but never gotten around to trying so when I notice the Library had a full set of these Legion books I thought what the Hell.

I'm only a couple of chapters in so no real opinion yet although I've noticed he has an annoying habit of refering to characters by their Christian names one second and their Surnames the next, often within the same paragraph. Since the names are all of the exotic alien type and I'm not fully familiar with all the cast yet it can get a mite confusing. It can feel like there are twice as many characters in a scene.

Also, I've just hit Mark Millars run on Swamp Thing. It's a trifle strange. On the one hand he couldn't possibly be worse than Nancy Collins but on the other... the heroine goes from fragile, emotionally damaged damsel in distress to gun toting Sarah Connor wannabe in about 3 pages. There is a whole sequence set in Holland with an immortal woman who decides the best use of immortality is to be a Hooker who lets clients kill her, and his new big villain is a Big Game Hunter with an eyepatch whose built like a brick shithouse and spends a lot of time talking about being afraid of the dark. It's all a bit 'not quite right'.

Course, this could be the era everyone thinks of as the rennaisance of the title and I'm just not grasping the subtleties. Wouldn't be the first time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: OpusAndBill on 22 December, 2009, 06:22:40 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 17 December, 2009, 01:14:52 PM
Just finished reading Jack Kirby's '2001 a Space odyssey'. Wow that was good fun, the first 7 issues in particular. Its a shame when the more traditional superhero narrative of the Machine Man (nee Mister Machine, nee X-51) issues takes over as those early issues are some great craziness. I'd have loved to know where he'd have taken it had it not changed track, I assume cos of poor sales as its clear from the letters pages etc that he was building something.

Still if you can hunt down these little talked about Kirby issues I can't recommend them highly enough. Inspired.

Agreed. Issue 5 (Norton Of New York?) is one of my all-time favourite comics. You can still pick up the whole series on ebay for about a tenner, or less - at least I've seen it go for that fairly regularly. I've never been able to get my hands on the treasury issues adapting the movie, though.

Currently reading the 60th anniversary issue of F&SF.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 22 December, 2009, 06:28:12 PM
Quote from: faplad on 22 December, 2009, 04:09:32 AM
Since the names are all of the exotic alien type and I'm not fully familiar with all the cast yet it can get a mite confusing.

This is what always buggers up a book for me and that's why I can't get into fantasy stuff. Names as long as a paragraph, no thanks!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 22 December, 2009, 10:27:07 PM
Just started Seize the day on my daily commute. Man, can this Saul Bellow write. He oughta be awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature or something.

Oddly enough, a small part of Stevie is anticipating down on his luck protagonist Tommy Wilhelm discovering that he's in actual fact an android.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 22 December, 2009, 10:38:31 PM
I don't even know what I'm reading at the moment!  :o

...but at least I haven't got to read anything for school any more!

Over the Christmas break I will, however, be reading Zarjaz #08. Cheers, Bolt-01!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 22 December, 2009, 11:28:31 PM
Droid Files and Psi Files arrived today so I'll be digging into them soon enough. All new material to a relative newbie like myself so really looking forward to it.

Views in the relative thread when I'm done.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 23 December, 2009, 12:14:35 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 22 December, 2009, 10:27:07 PM
Just started Seize the day on my daily commute. Man, can this Saul Bellow write. He oughta be awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature or something.
Henderson the Rain King completely blew me away and I went out and grabbed a fistful of his other books. None of which I've been able to finish as they're all about dreary middle-aged academics having affairs. I should really give them another chance.


Over the past week, inspired by Comics Should Be Good's top 100 storylines (Dredd didn't make it), I've been rereading Sandman. I'm just over two-thirds of the way through and ,sadly, I really haven't enjoyed it this time. All the criticisms of its empty archness and gothic, pseudo-intellectual posing which I used to scoff at seem to ring true this time and I keep being brought up short by the sort of florid, horribly overwritten descriptive prose which I've always associated with Gaiman's novels.

For such a well regarded series it's interesting how pedestrian the art is for the most part. There's the odd issue illuminated by a Bryan Talbot or P Craig Russell then your straight back to Kelly Jones or Sam Kieth next issue.

There are still great moments and excellent individual issues (usually the incidental short stories like Ramadan) but, overall, I feel like I've had a faithful old hound put to sleep.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 23 December, 2009, 07:44:41 PM
Just started read 'The warriors' by Sol Yurick (you may have seen the thoroughly excellent film of it), I've only just started it and it seems like it's going to be good - had to skip the introduction though; 45 pages of rambling about existentialism*

*Blimey, I spelt this right FIRST TIME!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 24 December, 2009, 03:58:10 AM
I had a quick flip through Zarjaz #8 last night. Blimey! I'm sure it's the best one yet. Some fabulous artwork. I was especially impressed by Kenin Levell's. And Ben Clark! How long were you planning on keeping it a secret that you can draw? Nice one, dude. Well done to all concerned. That's a very fine fanzine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 December, 2009, 05:41:03 AM
Just finished Arthur Ransome's We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea (this is the level of literature my brain can handle at the moment) - it's just a perfect story!  I loved Swallows and Amazons (book and movie) as a kid, but other than Swallowdale found the sequels pretty unengaging -  Peter Duck basically derailed me, and I never went on.  If only I'd tried this one.  Highly recommended, if you can handle the conventions of 1930's middle class children's adventures (and if you learned to read in the 70's you probably had to).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 24 December, 2009, 05:56:59 AM
Raymond Roussel biography  @las press
dada's women  ruth hemud
a game of war   guy denord
a power governments cannot suppress   howard zinn

and finishing off my missing progs with a run from 1200-1400
thrill power overload indeed !!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dounreay on 24 December, 2009, 03:19:50 PM
Just finished Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy. Not a bad read with a cast of characters who are all coniving shits and/or complete bastards. Loads of blood and snotters throughout.

Holiday reading is Neal Stephenson's The Diamond Age, Neal Asher's Prador Moon and Richard Matheson's I Am Legend (cos you need to read something scary at Xmas) with the on-going Complete Tales of Para Handy for some laughs. Now how good is that?

But before all that, there is the annual re-read of A Christmas Carol, this very evening. 50-odd pages of sheer delight from Mr Dickens.

Make mine an egg-nog and Merry Crimbo to one an' all! 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 December, 2009, 11:20:41 PM
Quote from: Dounreay on 24 December, 2009, 03:19:50 PM
Richard Matheson's I Am Legend (cos you need to read something scary at Xmas)

Stevie's only recently read this myself -- it's a goodie.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: amberkraken on 26 December, 2009, 09:41:59 AM
I'm reading 'The Martian Chronicles' by Ray Bradbury. I'd not read any of his stuff before, and everyone seems to start with 'fahrenheit 451', but I'm doing a free-form RPG about the first colonisation of an alien planet and thought it apt.
So far it's really good. It's short stories that are all set in the start of the colonisation of Mars. It can be very depressing at times but is also full of very black humour that makes you laugh instead of crying.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 26 December, 2009, 02:17:04 PM
I was a devoted reader of Ray Bradbury as a teenager in the 1980s. I started with 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' and 'The Stories of Ray Bradbury' vols 1 and 2. He was a superb writer in his day.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 December, 2009, 06:05:29 PM
Just getting towards the end of "Showcase Presents: Booster Gold". Just straight forward 80s superhero comics but heavens to mergatrode such enjoyable straight forward 80s superhero comics. I thought this collection would be fun but didn't realise quite how much fun. What a romp! Fantastic stuff.

Got lots of reading for X-mas including a number of books about pirates that I'll be getting onto soon BUT next up is the new Charley's War (Volume 6) which I'm very much looking forward to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: blixab on 27 December, 2009, 05:02:10 PM
Just about to start reading - The death of Bunny Munroe by Nick Cave - lets see whether his literature is as good as his lyrics!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: amberkraken on 27 December, 2009, 06:05:36 PM
I've read Bunny Monroe. I really enjoyed it, but it's clearly not foe everyone.
Warning: He does masterbate a LOT in the book. -and I couldn't help but picture Bunny as Nick Cave! (shudder!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 December, 2009, 11:04:25 PM
Just about to start reading Handling The Undead, by John Ajvide Lindqvist, who wot wrote Let The Right One In- and very much looking forward I am too.

Just finished Grandville by Mr Bryan Talbot, of this parish, which was an xmas present from my wife- and which was a hundred pages of sheer badgery joy.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 28 December, 2009, 10:37:18 AM
my wife got me a "ripley's" book about the wierd stuff in our world included are a picture of a mans arm (sans man) in a croc's gob and a gross chinese market with oven ready dog!

also got a young bond book wich i dont really like and a nice monsters book of doctor who...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 28 December, 2009, 10:54:39 AM
I popped into town yesterday to spend some of the HMV token I was given. I spent it on books, which included a coffee table book of Salvador Dali (Taschen), The New Biographical Dictionary of Film, 1001 Pin-up Girls (Taschen), The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories, and my favourite, Sleeveface: photographs of people holding up record sleeves in front of their faces. Cute and whimsical, and only £3.

At the same time I noticed how many utter shite comedy fantasy novels there are at the moment playing with literary themes and characters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 December, 2009, 11:04:02 AM
QuoteThe Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories

Let us know how that one goes, Usher, I've been thinking about picking it up.  Feel free to keep any reactions to the 1,001 Pinup Girls to yourself though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 28 December, 2009, 11:07:10 AM
The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories was £3 in the HMV sale. I'll give a reaction as soon as I've read it or Deborah's read it for me. She's a faster reader than I am!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 28 December, 2009, 03:09:04 PM
I liked 'Oyster Boy' but then I'm a sucker for all things Tim Burton *awaits the wrath of Gloady*
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 28 December, 2009, 03:18:38 PM
No wrath, it's all subjective. 

I just get the impression that he's constantly makiing the same film/whatever (which I've not usually thought much of the previous times he made it).  I will usually watch his flicks though, there's usually SOMETHING to latch onto though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 28 December, 2009, 03:23:01 PM
Johnny Depp?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 28 December, 2009, 04:36:34 PM
"Blood Pact" been out since October  I think but I got it for Christmas.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 28 December, 2009, 05:55:23 PM
Read Ringworld on Boxing Day. Starts out great but sort of fizzles out at the end. I know there's at least one follow-up, but do we ever find out who or what built the Ringworld?

Recently had Frederick Forsyth's The Afghan thrust upon me by my cousin. The thriller is not a genre I've ever dabbled in and it was a strange read as at least half the book was flashback over the entire careers of the two main characters and the reader already knows the solution to the mystery which the security bods are trying to solve. One of the flashback strands does manage to give an excellent overview of Afghan history and politics since the Russian invasion, effectively illustrating the foolishness of viewing the Afghans as a united force under the Taliban, Islam their own notional government or anything else. That bit was good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 December, 2009, 10:44:52 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 28 December, 2009, 05:55:23 PM
I know there's at least one follow-up, but do we ever find out who or what built the Ringworld?

Yes we do, ([spoiler] it was the Pak[/spoiler]), revealed in the sequel The Ringworld Engineers.  There are at least two other sequels that I know of, and a handful of prequels, and it's part of Niven's Known Space universe, which when last I looked comprised dozens of short stories and not a few novels, even some by other authors.

There's some smart ideas there, but TBH I find Niven on his own clever but a bit dull - possibly unique amongst authors I find his collaborative novels (Footfall, Mote in God's Eye, Legacy of Heorot) muh more fun.  His politics are well dodgy (IMHO), but he did give us the short story/essay that preempted just about every dirty joke ever made about superheroes, 'Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex'.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 28 December, 2009, 10:49:06 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 December, 2009, 10:44:52 PM
Yes we do.
Ah. I read Protector years ago.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 29 December, 2009, 02:07:30 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 28 December, 2009, 05:55:23 PM
Read Ringworld on Boxing Day. Starts out great but sort of fizzles out at the end. I know there's at least one follow-up, but do we ever find out who or what built the Ringworld?

Loved Ringworld when I was  all of 12, but it's not Orbitsville or Rendezvous with Rama, is it Cosh?

Skip straight to the 4th book Ringworld's Children -- more plot than the preceding books combined in half the page count of any of the individual volumes.

Do not even contemplate Ringworld Throne Cosh. The unintentional pun of the title says everything you need to  know about this book
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 29 December, 2009, 06:17:51 AM
wheeee just finished the dredd vs aliens era progs !!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 29 December, 2009, 01:54:12 PM
I'm reading Ed Brubaker's Captain America.

It's at it's best when it avoids the sillier elements of the Marvel universe, but it seems like a precarious balancing act. For example, I keep wndering if Nick Fury is going to turn out to be a robot, or how long it takes before Civil War crashes into the ongoing storyline and derails it.

Stupid Marvel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 29 December, 2009, 04:25:29 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 28 December, 2009, 11:07:10 AM
The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories was £3 in the HMV sale.

I hadn't even heard of this until I read it here, thanks.
Mrs Albion went shopping today so got it for me in HMV. I'm a fan of Tim Burton so hopefully it will be £3 well spent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 29 December, 2009, 06:01:58 PM
id like to suggest anyone who has a deviant sense of humour to read 'crooked little vein' by warren ellis. really funny, really messed up, really dirty.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 29 December, 2009, 07:43:54 PM
Already on my list.  Yet to read anything by Ellis I didn't like.  Can't say that about many other writers....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 29 December, 2009, 07:56:28 PM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 29 December, 2009, 07:43:54 PM
Already on my list.  Yet to read anything by Ellis I didn't like.  Can't say that about many other writers....




i believe it's his only book, (not a comic)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 29 December, 2009, 08:41:11 PM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 29 December, 2009, 02:07:30 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 28 December, 2009, 05:55:23 PM
Read Ringworld on Boxing Day. Starts out great but sort of fizzles out at the end. I know there's at least one follow-up, but do we ever find out who or what built the Ringworld?
Loved Ringworld when I was  all of 12, but it's not Orbitsville or Rendezvous with Rama, is it Cosh?
I've not read Bob Shaw (or even seen any of his books, come to think of it) for years. Time to have a rummage around perhaps.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 29 December, 2009, 11:18:35 PM
I found Crooked Little Vein to be spectacularly tedious and predictable. All Ellis characters speak the same way and there aren't massive pictures to look at.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 29 December, 2009, 11:33:23 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 29 December, 2009, 11:18:35 PM
I found Crooked Little Vein to be spectacularly tedious and predictable. All Ellis characters speak the same way and there aren't massive pictures to look at.


how about brion gysin then ???
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: amberkraken on 30 December, 2009, 08:39:03 AM
I have read 'Crooked Little Vein ', but don't remember it...I think it had something to do with dinosaur sex, but now that I've written that I'm not sure I've gone mad!
I may have liked it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 30 December, 2009, 09:12:24 AM
Quote from: das on 29 December, 2009, 07:56:28 PM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 29 December, 2009, 07:43:54 PM
Already on my list.  Yet to read anything by Ellis I didn't like.  Can't say that about many other writers....




i believe it's his only book, (not a comic)
I know. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Peter Wolf on 30 December, 2009, 03:18:06 PM
I have been reading Brave New World again which was written by our favorite Eugenicist/Humanist Aldeous Huxley.

It is a work of fiction but its also a political model or a kind of political manifesto rather like 1984 which was also written by another insider by the name of Eric Arthur Blair.If you understand the subject matter then its clear that these books are not just works of fiction but are predictions of sorts.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 December, 2009, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 30 December, 2009, 03:18:06 PM
IIt is a work of fiction but its also a political model or a kind of political manifesto rather like 1984 which was also written by another insider by the name of Eric Arthur Blair.If you understand the subject matter then its clear that these books are not just works of fiction but are predictions of sorts.

I'm not sure if you're joking there, Peter, but Brave New World is an attack on/warning about the type of society it describes - not a manifesto for its creation.  Huxley is highlighting the role of conditioning rather than coercion in controlling a population - through bland mass production and ordered lives, and the dulling effect of ubiquitous sex and drugs.  This is pretty clear from the very outset, where it's described as being set in "the year of Our Ford 630".  

As to being a eugenicist, Huxley had a long and varied intellectual life, and ditched eugenics fairly early on it it.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 30 December, 2009, 04:13:16 PM
"dystopian" (the opposite of "utopian") novels such as Brave New World and 1984 (and indeed huge chunks of sci-fi in general) are not so much predictions of what the author thinks the future WILL be like, or manifesto for what it should be like; but an allegorical reflection of, or a satirical comment upon, the times in which they were written. Orwell called his novel 1984 as it was an anagram of the year in whcih it was written, 1948.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Peter Wolf on 30 December, 2009, 04:14:03 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 December, 2009, 04:09:03 PM
Quote from: Peter Wolf on 30 December, 2009, 03:18:06 PM
IIt is a work of fiction but its also a political model or a kind of political manifesto rather like 1984 which was also written by another insider by the name of Eric Arthur Blair.If you understand the subject matter then its clear that these books are not just works of fiction but are predictions of sorts.

I'm not sure if you're joking there, Peter, but Brave New World is an attack on/warning about the type of society it describes - not a manifesto for its creation.  This is pretty clear from the very outset, where it's described as being set in "the year of Our Ford 630".  

Thats very true in the same way that 1984 is a warning.Theres different ways of looking at these works.


However if you research the background of the Huxleys and the orgainisations that they were connected to then you will see that there is truth in what i am saying.My poinion here is based on the background of the Huxleys rather than just the book itself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 December, 2009, 05:56:14 PM
I have just started reading 'If chins could kill: confessions of a B movie actor' by Bruce Campbell and already I am hooked. I hope to get quite a lot read tonight whilst at work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 30 December, 2009, 05:57:36 PM
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 December, 2009, 05:56:14 PM
I have just started reading 'If chins could kill: confessions of a B movie actor' by Bruce Campbell and already I am hooked. I hope to get quite a lot read tonight whilst at work.

Oooh I got that for Xmas, it's next on my 'to read' list
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 December, 2009, 07:29:05 PM
Quote from: wild-seven on 30 December, 2009, 05:57:36 PM
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 30 December, 2009, 05:56:14 PM
I have just started reading 'If chins could kill: confessions of a B movie actor' by Bruce Campbell and already I am hooked. I hope to get quite a lot read tonight whilst at work.

Oooh I got that for Xmas, it's next on my 'to read' list

Brilliant book.  As always I'll add my unreserved recommendation for the follow-up-of-sorts Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mangamax on 30 December, 2009, 07:37:38 PM
Just finished "Tarzan Of The Apes" and am just stunned by it.
None of the films i saw in my childhood, nor the Ron Ely TV series, nor the crappy Filmation cartoon nor Greystoke, could've prepared me for the real deal - an exhilarating, tense, downright NASTY tale that fair speeds along.
Only the blimey-thats-racist-now moments betray its time period origins, the rest could quite easily be a contemperay thriller.
The last couple of chapters are quite weak though and am looking forward to the next book to see how things pan out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 30 December, 2009, 08:35:15 PM
Quote from: Mangamax on 30 December, 2009, 07:37:38 PM
Just finished "Tarzan Of The Apes" and am just stunned by it.
None of the films i saw in my childhood, nor the Ron Ely TV series, nor the crappy Filmation cartoon nor Greystoke, could've prepared me for the real deal - an exhilarating, tense, downright NASTY tale that fair speeds along.
Only the blimey-thats-racist-now moments betray its time period origins, the rest could quite easily be a contemperay thriller.
The last couple of chapters are quite weak though and am looking forward to the next book to see how things pan out.

all the tarzan books were great as i remember.  read them in order. and keep in mind that burroughs never left the usa during his life.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 30 December, 2009, 09:00:18 PM
I'm about to read Richard Matheson's 'The shrinking man'.Bless you Waterstone's Bookshop.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 30 December, 2009, 09:13:50 PM
Following my huge enjoyment of the truly EXCELLENT "Ubik" by Phillip K. Dick a few weeks ago I'm about to tuck into "The Three Stigmata of Palmer  Eldritch" by the same author.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 30 December, 2009, 09:21:45 PM
Quote from: das on 30 December, 2009, 08:35:15 PM
Quote from: Mangamax on 30 December, 2009, 07:37:38 PM
Just finished "Tarzan Of The Apes" and am just stunned by it.
None of the films i saw in my childhood, nor the Ron Ely TV series, nor the crappy Filmation cartoon nor Greystoke, could've prepared me for the real deal - an exhilarating, tense, downright NASTY tale that fair speeds along.
Only the blimey-thats-racist-now moments betray its time period origins, the rest could quite easily be a contemperay thriller.
The last couple of chapters are quite weak though and am looking forward to the next book to see how things pan out.

all the tarzan books were great as i remember.  read them in order. and keep in mind that burroughs never left the usa during his life.

If you like the Tarzan books, you'll LOVE the John Carter stories - Amazon is selling the first three in one HB volume for something like only 7 pounds. You could do worse, much worse!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mangamax on 30 December, 2009, 09:30:22 PM
Was thinking about them, as i only know the comic versions as the books never really got a proper release in the UK, but wondering if it'd be better to wait until the Pixar film is made and the inevitable "deluxe" additions come out?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 30 December, 2009, 09:35:05 PM
True about the delux editions, but if you decide to go for it at least the price isn't bad. The John Carter series is incredibly cool. I love the comics as well...I believe Dark Horse is looking to do something with the older ones (not the Marvels, which I love) similar to what they did with the old Tarzan comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 31 December, 2009, 05:49:00 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWAy on 31 March, 2009, 07:44:07 AMcomics wise ...before returning to my 2000ad reread at the 800s.
Have you really read 400 Progs this year Colin? Chapeau.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 December, 2009, 06:12:56 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 31 December, 2009, 05:49:00 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWAy on 31 March, 2009, 07:44:07 AMcomics wise ...before returning to my 2000ad reread at the 800s.
Have you really read 400 Progs this year Colin? Chapeau.

Is that a bad thing???? I read a heck of a lot of comics and have read a lot more besides 500+ Progs to be honest. I get public transport a lot and get a lot of reading done then.

Edit - Oh I should add that until Prog 1000 I was cherry picking stories rather reading the whole thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 31 December, 2009, 06:25:25 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 31 December, 2009, 06:12:56 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 31 December, 2009, 05:49:00 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWAy on 31 March, 2009, 07:44:07 AMcomics wise ...before returning to my 2000ad reread at the 800s.
Have you really read 400 Progs this year Colin? Chapeau.
Is that a bad thing????
Not a bad thing at all, it's just that I started reading again about four years ago with Prog 1450 and it's taken me until now to read the 270 Progs before it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 31 December, 2009, 07:49:08 PM
Finished reading "The Demolished Man" by Alfred Bester - a true sci-fi classic, and I'm wondering if the psychic police featured were an influence on PSI-Division? Plus just got through the newest Tomes of the Dead release "Hungry Hearts" - and it's an absolute delight, possibly the best  I've read in the series so far. For anyone who laughs at things they really shouldn't, I can't recommend it enough.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 31 December, 2009, 08:22:46 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 31 December, 2009, 07:49:08 PM
Finished reading "The Demolished Man" by Alfred Bester - a true sci-fi classic, and I'm wondering if the psychic police featured were an influence on PSI-Division?

I think it's safe to say they were an influence on Babylon 5's Psi-Corps ...

And, yes, it's a fantastic book.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Buttonman on 31 December, 2009, 10:37:42 PM
Those Christmas Books in Full :

THAT MITCHELL & WEBB BOOK : nice thick tome but not a titter to be had and no Numberwang.

Harry Hill's TV Burp Book : Pretty poor with only a couple of sherry induced smiles at best.

CHARLIE BOOKER : THE HELL OF IT ALL : A great collection of his Guardian columns. Some of it a bit dated with The Apprentice two series ago discussed in detail but funny and happily offensive.

ADRIAN MOLE : The Prostate Years : Still to read

VIZ : THE COUNCIL GRITTER : I didn't renew my VIZ sub as it was getting as unfunny as they said but this is a great toilet book format with some real laughs.

JUDGE ANDERSON : THE PSI FILES : Nice heavyweight book but it does remind you that Anderson's stuff (Ranson excluded) is largely superfluous.

DREDD CASE FILES 14 : Are my hands getting fatter (yes) or are these getting smaller? Nah I'm happy with this full colour reprint of Necropolis which had been underrated by me first time around but has now been elevated to 'pretty good' status.

To summarise this Christmas' bounty : smiles
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 31 December, 2009, 10:57:59 PM
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 30 December, 2009, 09:21:45 PM
Quote from: das on 30 December, 2009, 08:35:15 PM
Quote from: Mangamax on 30 December, 2009, 07:37:38 PM


If you like the Tarzan books, you'll LOVE the John Carter stories - Amazon is selling the first three in one HB volume for something like only 7 pounds. You could do worse, much worse!

BIGGLES of course !

and the evil part of that is that i'm american and read them all as a kid,
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 01 January, 2010, 11:49:02 AM
Quote from: Mike Gloady on 30 December, 2009, 09:13:50 PM
Following my huge enjoyment of the truly EXCELLENT "Ubik" by Phillip K. Dick a few weeks ago I'm about to tuck into "The Three Stigmata of Palmer  Eldritch" by the same author.

Just put PKD's official website on my favourites again. The comic strip (sorry Graphic Novel) of 'Do Androids dream of electric sheep?' has sold out and has been sent back to the printers for another run.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 01 January, 2010, 12:06:01 PM
It's a comic.  No such thing as a graphic novel, only fat comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 01 January, 2010, 03:51:26 PM
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg86/ToadyCat/sci%20fi/blade_runner_comic_p36-1.jpg)

How true.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 02 January, 2010, 12:53:43 AM
The Girl with Bangs

By Zadie Smith

I fell in love with a girl once. Some time ago, now. She had bangs.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 02 January, 2010, 01:06:27 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 02 January, 2010, 12:53:43 AM
I fell in love with a girl once. Some time ago, now. She had bangs.
Was she American?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 02 January, 2010, 01:11:00 AM
I dunno, I was twenty years old at the time and prey to the usual rag-bag of foolish ideas. I believed, for example, that one might meet some sweet kid and like them a lot - maybe even marry them - while all the time allowing this kid to sleep with other kids.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: critter on 02 January, 2010, 09:53:06 PM
Right now I'm reading the first installment of "The Minotaur Wars : Night of Blood", written by Richard A. Knaak. Its been a really good book and I'm hoping the other two volumes will be to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 02 January, 2010, 10:45:35 PM
now plowing through the new issue of  Tape-Op
http://www.tapeop.com/ (http://www.tapeop.com/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 January, 2010, 01:19:25 PM
Reading Dozois' Best New SF 22 (that's No. 26 to US readers), and am happy to report that so far it is a vintage year.   There's an Alastair Reynolds short in there with ideas that could happily power a half-dozen novels.  Short is the only way to go with SF, Diggle's shot-glass of rocketfuel made flesh, and the Dozois retrospective is the best of all annual collections.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 03 January, 2010, 04:41:50 PM
Quote from: Mangamax on 30 December, 2009, 09:30:22 PM
Was thinking about them, as i only know the comic versions as the books never really got a proper release in the UK, but wondering if it'd be better to wait until the Pixar film is made and the inevitable "deluxe" additions come out?

I'm not sure what you count as a "proper" release but I bought them as a kid in the Del Rey reprint when I was working my way through the pulpy science fantasy and just plain old fantasy books (at the same time as boxing off the Victorian sci-fi). Looking on Amazon they are selling for bugger all but I imagine if you went to a good well stocked second hand book shop you could scoop up the lot for buttons.

Also while the copyright situation is... trickier than I would have thought (I was under the impression there was a hard 1923 wall beyond which everything was public domain but apparently not) but an awful lot of his work is freely available with more in Australia because they used (or used) a 50 year rolling wall, as opposed to a 70 year one elsewhere:

http://www.gutenberg.org/browse/authors/b#a48
http://gutenberg.net.au/plusfifty-a-m.html#burroughs

Makes it almost worth investing in one of those fancy electronic book thingamebobs.

Good to hear Dark Horse might be doing collections of the Marvel series - I enjoyed those too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 January, 2010, 06:14:17 PM
Is that the Marvel Jon Carter. I'm loosing track. I wish they'd do some better value Tarzan reprints from Marvel and DC. I have the first of the Kubert collections as I found it at a bargain price but can't justify the expense of buying the rest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: W. R. Logan on 03 January, 2010, 06:59:37 PM
Re Reading Powers teh Definitive Hardback Collection 1 & 2 as I'm waiting for my last Christmas present to be delivered Book 3 8-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 03 January, 2010, 07:38:06 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 03 January, 2010, 06:14:17 PM
Is that the Marvel Jon Carter. I'm loosing track. I wish they'd do some better value Tarzan reprints from Marvel and DC. I have the first of the Kubert collections as I found it at a bargain price but can't justify the expense of buying the rest.

dude read the BOOKS!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 January, 2010, 12:28:28 AM
Finally settled into Terry Pratchett's Nation after a few false starts, and it fair cracks along one you get the first hundred pages under your belt.  A nice mix of actual and alternate history, it's shot through with Pratchett's humanist ideals, possibly to the detriment of realism, but that's hardly a critique given the story, and it could do with a shorter edit for younger readers, I thought.

Odd symmetry had me reading his youngster's Mirror's Edge comic (based on the game, which she also scripted).  It's quite good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 04 January, 2010, 12:39:46 AM
Quote from: das on 03 January, 2010, 07:38:06 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 03 January, 2010, 06:14:17 PM
Is that the Marvel Jon Carter. I'm loosing track. I wish they'd do some better value Tarzan reprints from Marvel and DC. I have the first of the Kubert collections as I found it at a bargain price but can't justify the expense of buying the rest.

dude read the BOOKS!!

No reason you can't read both ;)

Colin I'm talking about the Marvel series anyway:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Carter,_Warlord_of_Mars
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 January, 2010, 08:29:41 AM
Must admit I've never read an Burroughs but this conversation has left me tempted. The question is will I remember after I wade through my X-mas pile?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 04 January, 2010, 08:39:46 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 04 January, 2010, 08:29:41 AM
Must admit I've never read an Burroughs but this conversation has left me tempted. The question is will I remember after I wade through my X-mas pile?

As stated, I'm a huge John Carter fan. Read both the books and the comics if possible (there is a Barnes & Nobles HB edition collecting the first three novel which I just bought used for 1.99). The books are quite good - full of adventure, action, savagery - and the Marvel comics start off pretty nicely and boast some great Gil Kane art and remain pretty fun throughout the entire run. They're getting tougher to find not though; maybe because of the upcoming film, people are paying more attention to them. The older series (Gold Key) are even more difficult to get your hands on, but the word is that Dark Horse will be collecting these. Check them out Colin, books and comics - they're well worth it. Best Sword & Planet out there along with REH's Almaric.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 January, 2010, 08:44:30 AM
Well the Gil Kane art is certainly a selling point for the comcis. Reckon I'll go for the Tarzan books first. We'll see. I have pirates ahead me for the time being though...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 04 January, 2010, 08:50:10 AM
Read Batman-The Black Casebook over the weekend, my girlfriend got me it for Christmas. And Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus, God I love her :)

It's a great book, Robin Dies At Dawn was my favourite, just for the bit where Batman fights a Triffid. As a companion piece to Batman RIP I can't recommend it highly enough.

And I'm nearly finished The Bloody Red Baron by Kim Newman, already my thoughts are gravitating to Dracula Cha Cha Cha...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 04 January, 2010, 04:40:16 PM
Been reading World War Z for what seems like an age right now, it's good and all but I just can't seem to get into it properly. It's really staccato, just as you're getting into someone's story you're onto another one, and there's not nearly enough variety in the accounts for me. It's been relegated to bog book so I can get a chapter per poo until it's done, because I want to get onto my xmas books. Got the Nick Cave novels to look forward to and started Pride&Prejudice&Zombies last night which is good fun so far!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 04 January, 2010, 06:35:26 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 04 January, 2010, 08:29:41 AMMust admit I've never read an Burroughs but this conversation has left me tempted. The question is will I remember after I wade through my X-mas pile?

Too much meat and not enough veg = Xmas pile.

Anyway it is worth giving them a spin. I read them as a pre-teen and loved all the derring-do, but I am unsure how it'd measure up if I read them now. I reckon they'd still be OK - there is a lot of good stuff from the pre-Golden Era of sci-fi which got a slating at the time and has been partly forgotten (ERB is the main one form the early 20th Century who made it through). The great thing is the bulk of it is public domain and usually free to read online or collected in cheap volumes. You'll find Alan Moore has mined a lot of it for LoEG (like Gullivar Jones (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gullivar_Jones)) so it won't be as unfamiliar as it once was and I think Jess Nevins next book is on the pulp fiction of the time which should be good (if heavy going by his Fantastic Victoriana).

If the sword and planet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_and_planet) genre tickles your fancy then check out some of the others - I moved on to the Dray Prescott series (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dray_Prescot_series) after reading the John Carter books (as a small mountain of books will attest to). Just steer clear of the Gor series unless... "that kind of thing" is your bag.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 04 January, 2010, 06:44:10 PM
I remember liking the Gor...er...what are there, twenty-some books? ...series. But I read those when I was 12...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 04 January, 2010, 07:54:11 PM
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 04 January, 2010, 06:44:10 PM
I remember liking the Gor...er...what are there, twenty-some books? ...series. But I read those when I was 12...

I read the first one or two but there was definitely something wrong and I didn't read any more. It was only much later that the Gorean (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorean) subculture became better known and it all clickkd into place:

http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2000/05/18/gor/
http://old.disinfo.com/archive/pages/dossier/id432/pg1/index.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4996410.stm
http://tammy212.livejournal.com/18112.html
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 04 January, 2010, 10:26:47 PM
Right before I left PA to move to England the local library had a book sale - I think they get rid of everything not checked out in maybe 3 or 4 years - and on the last day they had a dollar bag sale, as in bring a bag and whatever you can fit in it is a dollar. There were say 10 or more of the Gor paperbacks, and a bunch of other S&S/S&P stuff, so I filled probably 3 bags full of the stuff. That was three years ago and I haven't even gone through any of it - but I will, someday, I will, ha.

I remember Gor being pretty well-researched as far as real historical elements being written in. As a kid, I liked the series. I was a Conan/REH nut and once i read all of those, the pastiches and then the John Carter series, I really wanted anything I could get. I was reading a book a day!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 07 January, 2010, 11:20:48 PM
Beckett's Trilogy which is the fucking bomb. According to the blurb on the back it's the fourth most important work of literature in the twentieth century so I reckon I'm Kafka away from being an expert on 20th century literature
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 08 January, 2010, 01:23:05 AM
QuoteBeckett's Trilogy which is the fucking bomb

That should be the blurb on the cover.  Always meant to get round to reading Beckett but haven't managed it yet, unless you count watching Krapp's Last Tape on Youtube. Which you couldn't really count.

Two people have told me that Beckett looks like an older version of me.  Although he's becoming a less older version all the time.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 08 January, 2010, 01:17:21 PM
QuoteBeen reading World War Z

I really enjoyed that, even though I didn't really expect to - although I read it on holiday, between naps on the sun lounger. I read 'The Stars My Destination' on the same holiday and it's fantastic...

Just finished 'Mockingbird' by Walter Tevis. I must admit I'd never heard of him before Mrs Mikey bought me it, but it was good read, if a bit obvious in places IMO. Some sections I really enjoyed, possibly because it reminded me of other things I enjoyed more.

Now onto Alan Moore Swamp Thing bk2 - and can't get enough of it. Definately recommended for those like me who had always wanted to get round to it.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 08 January, 2010, 01:41:51 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 08 January, 2010, 01:17:21 PM
Now onto Alan Moore Swamp Thing bk2 - and can't get enough of it. Definately recommended for those like me who had always wanted to get round to it.

I read these (off a mate) about 18 years ago, and just before christmas I treated myself to all 5 books of the Moore Swampies - pure class!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 08 January, 2010, 02:07:53 PM
Was it Alan Moore that wrote the story arch about the other Swamp Things? Only they turned out to be baddies? I remember something like that, and it was a very melancholy, spooky story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 08 January, 2010, 02:34:58 PM
He wrote about previous inacrnations, such as the chinese "ghost in the reeds" or somesuch, and one in the British fens - don't remember them being baddies as such. I think later wtiters may have brought them back so this may be what you're thinking of. How often has Moore created a cool caharcter or event for a single issue only to have this rich seam of creativity mined (and sometimes ruined) by people who take over his books later?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 08 January, 2010, 03:01:54 PM
Yeah, I've just read the 'previous/other swampies' revelation (but I don't know if any actual stories will come up in later volumes).

Interestingly, mentioning the beast in the fens - that's Grendle that is, as Grendle is a pronunciation of 'grindle', an old English name for fen or murky type pond! Still used in some parts of England I believe?

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: W. R. Logan on 08 January, 2010, 03:17:24 PM
Sneak reading Powers: The Definitive Hardback Collection 3
It was waiting for me on my desk at work but its too big to sneak inside any of the paperwork I'm supposed to be reading 8-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 09 January, 2010, 03:27:33 PM
CHARLIE BROOKER - THE HELL OF IT ALL

Just a collection of stuff he's written for The Guardian but given that I don't get THE GUARDIAN, it's all pretty new to me.  It's very funny stuff and he's even put the C word back in plenty of places where doubtless it was previously excised.

One slight complaint is, I can read a funny comment about CELEBRITY BIG BROTHER just now and understand it because, even though I don't watch it, I know who is on because of the blanket magazine and paper coverage. When the column is referring back to BB8 though, I haven't got a clue about half the people he is referring to. The insults are still pretty stealable though.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 09 January, 2010, 04:27:13 PM
QuoteCHARLIE BROOKER - THE HELL OF IT ALL

Have you read his two previous collections? They're both excellent and have caused serious pain with all the mirth they caused

Also this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-Mirth-Woe-Alistair-Coleman/dp/1897312121/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263054329&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-Mirth-Woe-Alistair-Coleman/dp/1897312121/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263054329&sr=1-1)
The man known as ScaryDuck offers some of the finest stories published on his mighty blog. May contain traces of Mirth, Woe and being sick-inna-hedge
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 09 January, 2010, 04:41:23 PM
Last night I finished reading Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner's Our Cancer Year which has made me more scared of chemotherapy and shingles than of cancer. Another Harvey Pekar comic that highlights what a headstrong arse he can be, firstly for electing to take a 12-week rather than 12-month course of treatment, and secondly for insisting upon contuing to go to work and not take the 9 months' sick leave he'd accrued.

Now I'm reading Gavin Baddely's Goth Chic, which is really very well written and thorough and not self-indulgent, hyperbolic or stupid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dog Deever on 09 January, 2010, 04:46:45 PM
I just got 'The Programme' (Pete Milligan / C.P. Smith) and the first collection of 'Preacher' (Ennis / Dillon) today- which I am ashamed to say I have never read despite many recommendations.

Not sure which to read first, so I keep flicking through both in a purposeless way!

I very nearly bought 'Red' (Warren Ellis / Cully Hamner) instead of Preacher, but at £10.99, when the actual comic only takes up half the book, it seemed like a bit of a rip.
Anyone red it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 January, 2010, 04:50:49 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 09 January, 2010, 04:41:23 PM
Last night I finished reading Harvey Pekar and Joyce Brabner's Our Cancer Year which has made me more scared of chemotherapy and shingles than of cancer.

It's good though, isn't it?  I've been working my way through Pekar's stuff and yes, he really s a insufferable headcase (his poor wife), but when you read  a chunk of his work the simple honesty of his observations and the raw humanity it exposes is hugely compelling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 11 January, 2010, 01:04:28 PM
Agreed - I wanted to punch the bugger while reading 'The Quitter', but the honest self appraisal is refreshing to see.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 11 January, 2010, 05:54:42 PM
ereading "Soon I will be  Invincible" again a novel about capes and supervillains, also bought "Mass Effect" comic not too bad at all. Nice art.  
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 12 January, 2010, 09:36:16 AM
Just read the latest Tomes of the Dead novel "Hungry Hearts," and I have to say it's possibly the best yet. Gory but outragously funny, it's well worth a read. Unlike, sadly, the new Dean Koontz book, which I ploughed through last week. As a hardcore Koontz fan it hurts me to say that this one is terrible - so bad that it's dissuaded me from getting his books as soon as they're released in future. I finished it a week ago, and I'm still struggling to understand what happened in it. Avoid, even if you're a fan like me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 13 January, 2010, 02:41:24 AM
I'm reading Watchmen.  I read it before years ago and wasn't over keen for some reason. However I enjoyed the film, and finding it going for a ridiculously cheap price on the internet recently, couldn't resist ordering it.

It's enjoyable so far. I've finished chapter 1 and the excerpt of Hollis Mason's 'Under the Hood' which was a lovely little read all of it's own.  I'm particularly curious that old 'Superman' comic books were one of Holis's inspirations considering I heard one of the film creators (probably the director) that that pirate comics have replaced superhero comics in this reality. If he isn't wrong. I'm assuming the disfavour of super hero comics came later.

I've just started 'The Fires of Heaven' in my reread of 'The Wheel of Time' also.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 13 January, 2010, 10:55:39 AM
Almost done with "A House for Mr Biswas" which is an illuminating read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Van Dom on 13 January, 2010, 11:02:24 AM
Finished "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" by Haruki Murakami a few days ago.
What an experience. Incredibly freaky, it gets right under your skin. At one point I swear it was going to give me an out-of-body experience. I can't describe what I mean, just what was happening and the way it was written was literally dragging me into the scene. Pretty intense.

Anyone read this?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 13 January, 2010, 12:29:52 PM
Last night I read Harvey Pekar's The Quitter in bed over two sleepless hours.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 January, 2010, 06:09:39 PM
Started reading Banks' Transition - very good so far, but some of his made-up words seem a lot silly.  It has a touch of Walking on Glass about it, which is one of his more under-rated books, so that's nice. 

Also, just read Robert Reed's short story 'Five Thrillers' - holy heck, that really is something!  Literally the plots of five SF novels, spanning decades in the wildly OTT career of one character, and the fate of the whole human race.  If you've ever struggled through the six books of Piers Anthony's endless Bio of a Space Tyrant series, this is basically a clever, well written version - in 38 pages.  Outstanding.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 13 January, 2010, 06:18:22 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 13 January, 2010, 12:29:52 PM
Last night I read Harvey Pekar's The Quitter in bed over two sleepless hours.

I couldn't get on with this. Got it out of the library last year, but found it rather unengaging. Don't think I ever finished it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 13 January, 2010, 06:55:34 PM
Bought the new Dean Koontz today. "Breathless" it's called.
Not exactly high art but it's been a couple of weeks since I read an actual novel having been reading some history tomes instead.
Should be some good, easy reads.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 13 January, 2010, 06:56:05 PM
I know where you're coming from, Dandontdare. I didn't understand the rave reviews that were splashed all over the cover. I found the circumstantial details of the times he lived in more interesting than the details of Harvey's own adolescence and young adulthood.

There were some revelations though. I'd never have sussed Harvey Pekar for a brawler, an 'A' student or a star football player if I'd not read this book.

At one point the artist gets a walk-on character's gender wrong. The text refers to Danny's friend and his date, but we actually see Danny's friend's date and another female friend of hers. The friend whose date Harvey cops off with doesn't even appear in the scene; instead some goofy girl appears who isn't even mentioned.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 14 January, 2010, 10:49:43 PM
Recently finished my reread of Sandman. The Kindly Ones was a lot better than I remembered it and Marc Hempel's art is an absolute joy. He really manages to convey the central idea of the mythic being a way of interpreting the everyday in a way none of the other artists did. There's also an extraordinary quality about his art whereby depth emerges from something that initially seems deliberately flattened. That might seem like a description of any comic art but I know what I mean.

Also just started David Peace's Tokyo: Year Zero. Not sure what to expect from it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: starscape on 15 January, 2010, 07:41:13 AM
Got a few X-Men Pocket Books, which has the Claremont/Cockrum/Byrne classic run.  I'm enjoying them far more now than I did at the time.  Can't stand Wolverine (over-exposed and not really my kind of hero either) but, as just another member of the team, although a little grouchy, he's working pretty well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 15 January, 2010, 08:34:30 AM
Just finished Dark Entries by Ian Rankin. I must confess I know next to nothing about Constantine but this was good fun with some very black humour thrown in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 January, 2010, 09:45:19 AM
I'm about 50 pages from the end of A Game of Thrones.
Great, meaty stuff. I'll certainly be reading the rest of the series, but I think a shorter book first...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 15 January, 2010, 11:47:48 AM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 15 January, 2010, 09:45:19 AM
I'm about 50 pages from the end of A Game of Thrones.
Great, meaty stuff. I'll certainly be reading the rest of the series, but I think a shorter book first...

An utterly superb book, that one, and I'm not really one for modern fantasy on the whole. So many genuinely shocking moments in that series, and Martin's casual attitude to the wellbeing of his characters really makes you fear for your favourites. It's also nice to truly wallow in the dirt and blood of the battlefield - not much fantasy seems to capture the sheer downright nastiness of mediaeval warfare quite so well.

The second book, A Clash of Kings, is very much the equal of Thrones in terms of quality. The naval battle climax is an absolute joy. The third book (published in two volumes in thw UK) wraps up the first part of the saga and brings the civil war to a close. After that things start to ramble a bit, and whether the eternally delayed fifth book ever appears is anyone's guess. I'm hoping it's not going to go all Robert Jordan...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 January, 2010, 12:17:31 PM
QuoteMartin's casual attitude to the wellbeing of his characters really makes you fear for your favourites

Damn right! I'n not a fantasy fan either- but so many folks told me this was good I could no longer ignore it.
I couldn't believe it when [spoiler]Eddard[/spoiler] was killed! I actually re-read the scene a few times to make sure I wasn't mistaken.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 15 January, 2010, 12:33:08 PM
Guys, you've got me really intrigued. Besides Tolkien I'm not a fantasy fan, but I love Sword & Sorcery, so would "Game of Thrones" appeal to me? Your descriptions make it sounds much more raw than most modern-day fantasy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 15 January, 2010, 01:07:03 PM
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 15 January, 2010, 12:33:08 PM
Guys, you've got me really intrigued. Besides Tolkien I'm not a fantasy fan, but I love Sword & Sorcery, so would "Game of Thrones" appeal to me? Your descriptions make it sounds much more raw than most modern-day fantasy.

Raw is most definately the word. It's almost more 'mediaeval fiction', if there is such a thing, as much as it is fantasy fiction - much more concerned with the politics, warfare and nitty-gritty of a fuedal world than any of the usual high-magic gubbins of fantasy.

What few magical elements there are are very low-key and underplayed. There are no elves, goblins, dwarfs, or anything of that sort, few monsters, almost no magic users. I think the original intention was to do a sort of 'War of the Roses' style saga, centered mainly around a few royal families and their Shakesperean squabbles.

I suppose I'd describe it as 'fantasy for people who don't really like fantasy.'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 15 January, 2010, 01:17:24 PM
Quote from: uncle fester on 15 January, 2010, 08:34:30 AM
Just finished Dark Entries by Ian Rankin. I must confess I know next to nothing about Constantine but this was good fun with some very black humour thrown in.


I thought this was a really great read, too, I read that Ian Rankin was supposed to be taking over the writing of the main Hellblazer comic itself at some point, does anyone know if any of that has happened yet?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 January, 2010, 01:25:52 PM
QuoteI suppose I'd describe it as 'fantasy for people who don't really like fantasy.'

Spot on- that's me that is.

Like Jimbo says, it's not 'fantasy' as it's usually (by me at least) understood. Even the few occassions when something 'fantasy' happens, there's usually enough ambiguity about it to make you think it might have happened anyway.
It's really all about the characters though- there is a Big Story going on, but they way he has choosen to tell it brings it right in and focuses it on how it affects individuals- even if that individual happens to be the king.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 15 January, 2010, 01:30:30 PM
Rac, I have to ask - has Tyrion Lannister also become one of your favourite characters in, well, just about anything ever?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 15 January, 2010, 01:42:25 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 15 January, 2010, 01:17:24 PM
I read that Ian Rankin was supposed to be taking over the writing of the main Hellblazer comic itself at some point, does anyone know if any of that has happened yet?

I have no idea but on the strength of Dark Entries I'd happily read more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 January, 2010, 01:48:48 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 15 January, 2010, 01:30:30 PM
Rac, I have to ask - has Tyrion Lannister also become one of your favourite characters in, well, just about anything ever?

Yes! He is an absolutely wonderfully realised delicious character! Even now- 800 pages in I still don't know who's side he's on! Apart from [spoiler]his own[/spoiler], that is.
I've a soft spot for Arya too. I just hope she doesn't [spoiler]die horribly[/spoiler] in the next 20 or 30 pages...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 15 January, 2010, 03:33:47 PM
Quote from: uncle fester on 15 January, 2010, 01:42:25 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 15 January, 2010, 01:17:24 PM
I read that Ian Rankin was supposed to be taking over the writing of the main Hellblazer comic itself at some point, does anyone know if any of that has happened yet?

I have no idea but on the strength of Dark Entries I'd happily read more.

My understanding was that he was discussing a story arc with Vertigo and it morphed into the graphic novel, which Vertigo used to launch their Vertigo Crime line.

Hellblazer seems fairly tied up for the next year or so, with Simon Oliver taking over from Peter Milligan (last I heard anyway), and based on Chas I am a tad worried (but it should be fine once he gets his feet under the table). Beyond that... who knows? Review of Dark Entries have been... mixed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Entries_(comics)#Reception) (why I've not bothered reading it yet) but I'm sure if he has another story up hi sleeve Vertigo would be interested, probably in a graphic novel to better target Rankin's core audience.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 15 January, 2010, 03:44:57 PM
I'd say those reviews are quite harsh,. But then I would expect no less from reviewers. I'm yet to read one (musical, literary or other), that I agree with. It's easy to slate something. They just happen to get paid at the same time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 15 January, 2010, 05:23:57 PM
Apart from the central premise being about 5 years late, I thought Dark Entries a fine entry in the Hellblazer canon.  He'd appeal to me as a future writer.

Milligan's leaving the title?  His work was certainly fun and diverting in lots of ways (despite not being a favourite creator of mine in many ways) and it's a shame he's already leaving.  Oliver's work on "The Knowledge" (the Chas Chandler mini-series) was an interesting concept but the execution felt like a first draft.  Hopefully he'll be able to continue to build on the excellent work Diggle did resurrecting this title both commercially AND artistically. 

Right, I've got an upset tum tum and I'm off to lie on my bed, listen to Susumu Yokota and reread Edginton & D'Israeli's "Leviathan"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 January, 2010, 06:24:56 PM
Quote from: starscape on 15 January, 2010, 07:41:13 AM
Got a few X-Men Pocket Books, which has the Claremont/Cockrum/Byrne classic run.  I'm enjoying them far more now than I did at the time.  Can't stand Wolverine (over-exposed and not really my kind of hero either) but, as just another member of the team, although a little grouchy, he's working pretty well.

I was the other way round (except for not really liking Wolverine which I'm completely with you on). I loved the Cockrum/Byrne Claremont run when I was younger but when I tried to read it again a couple of years ago I found it really hard work. Really hard work. I know it the day it was ground pretty exciting but I didn't think it aged well. To be honest the longer the Claremont run went on the worse it got. I even struggled to get through the John Romita Jr issues which used to be my favourites.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 15 January, 2010, 06:35:28 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 15 January, 2010, 03:33:47 PM
Quote from: uncle fester on 15 January, 2010, 01:42:25 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 15 January, 2010, 01:17:24 PM
I read that Ian Rankin was supposed to be taking over the writing of the main Hellblazer comic itself at some point, does anyone know if any of that has happened yet?

I have no idea but on the strength of Dark Entries I'd happily read more.

My understanding was that he was discussing a story arc with Vertigo and it morphed into the graphic novel, which Vertigo used to launch their Vertigo Crime line.

Hellblazer seems fairly tied up for the next year or so, with Simon Oliver taking over from Peter Milligan (last I heard anyway), and based on Chas I am a tad worried (but it should be fine once he gets his feet under the table). Beyond that... who knows? Review of Dark Entries have been... mixed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Entries_(comics)#Reception) (why I've not bothered reading it yet) but I'm sure if he has another story up hi sleeve Vertigo would be interested, probably in a graphic novel to better target Rankin's core audience.


That's a shame, I've been looking forward to reading further works on the character by Rankin. That said, "Dark Entries" has made me want to pick up some of the regular Hellblazer monthly issues, so I guess it's done its job, really. I'm just waiting for the next storyline to start up, hoping to add it to my regular comic reading pile :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gibson Quarter on 15 January, 2010, 08:25:57 PM
One of my favorite reads in the last 6 months is 'GUS' by Chris Blaine. (I think the english reprint is called 'Gus and his gang' ) This is a quirky little graphic novel that I could not put down. If you see it, I highly recommend you give it a read!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 15 January, 2010, 10:44:01 PM
I am enjoying Matter. Banks' culture stuff is good. Then again, I liked Synamon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 15 January, 2010, 11:14:27 PM
Reading Atrocity Exhibition for the first time. I liked the song better.[dullard off]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: amberkraken on 17 January, 2010, 07:55:21 PM
I love the 'Songs of Fire and Ice' series. It's amazing I'll have to admit that my favourite character is [spoiler]Jamie[/spoiler] I wont say why, incase it spoils it for people who haven't read them.
Though Adie took all the George RR Martin's when she left, so I'll have to buy and read them all again for when the next book comes out (though it's been delayed 3 years already!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 18 January, 2010, 05:21:09 AM
I enjoyed the Songs of Fire and Ice series too, that which I've read anyway. (So far I've read the third book. Or is it the first half of the third book? It appears to be distributed in 2 novels or as a collection. I've been getting them from the library and haven't been able to find the latter. That's the thing about libraries, they really are a wonderful resource, but rarely are entire series available. At least when you'd like them.)

I do like magic in my fantasy books, but then again it does exist here, just in a subtle and interesting way. [spoiler]The Stark kids and their dire-wolves for example. The girl and her dragons. The eunuch and that rather horrific experience with how he became... you know... and what's with Arya's mate with the changing face for example?[/spoiler] Just voicing a thought, if you know, don't answer, I'll find out for myself later.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 January, 2010, 08:16:02 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 18 January, 2010, 05:21:09 AM
That's the thing about libraries, they really are a wonderful resource, but rarely are entire series available. At least when you'd like them.)


Libraries being a wonderful resource normally have an ordering service whereby if you request something if its availabel they'll get it in. Talk to the best resource in your library the staff hopefully they'll help out?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 18 January, 2010, 08:45:25 AM
Another vote for a Song of Ice and Fire. It does go on a bit, but it's full of great, unpredictable characters  and unexpected plot twists. The magical elements are almost non-existent in the first couple and handled well when they do appear.

I am, however, contemplating waiting until they're all written before buying any more to avoid having to reread the whole lot every five years. Although the need to provide source material  for the tv series might speed him up a bit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 18 January, 2010, 10:23:16 AM
Well, the end of Game of Thrones..!

I had expected the [spoiler]dragon eggs hatching[/spoiler] to be the Big Event at the end of book 2... shows what I know.

Started reading Al Ewing's I, Zombie. Great so far!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 18 January, 2010, 01:57:04 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 18 January, 2010, 10:23:16 AM
Well, the end of Game of Thrones..!

I had expected the [spoiler]dragon eggs hatching[/spoiler] to be the Big Event at the end of book 2... shows what I know.

Started reading Al Ewing's I, Zombie. Great so far!

I, Zombie is a quality read, Rac, it's absolutely mental! Drop a line on here when you've finished it, I can guarantee you'll not see any of the end stuff coming :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 18 January, 2010, 03:24:39 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 18 January, 2010, 08:16:02 AM
Libraries being a wonderful resource normally have an ordering service whereby if you request something if its availabel they'll get it in. Talk to the best resource in your library the staff hopefully they'll help out?

Oh, I know I know, the thought has occurred to me. I'm just one of those quiet types who prefers to find what I can just by myself and only ask help from people if I absolutely have to. I dislike bothering people, even if it is their job being all resourceful like. ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 18 January, 2010, 10:30:32 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 15 January, 2010, 11:14:27 PM
Reading Atrocity Exhibition for the first time. I liked the song better.[dullard off]

So it's not filling you with a desire to fuck Ronald Reagan?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 18 January, 2010, 10:36:02 PM
I'd rather fuck you, darling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 18 January, 2010, 11:27:25 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 18 January, 2010, 10:36:02 PM
I'd rather fuck you, darling.

Well it's not as if Stevie hasn't heard that before. We've all our own cross to bear bebe  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 18 January, 2010, 11:46:48 PM
Your mom was really bearing my cross for 8 hours straight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 22 January, 2010, 12:52:15 AM
After a three year break I bought the third volume of Promethea last week so I've been rereading the first two. Just finished the shagging issue. JH Williams is the best artist working of the comics today.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 25 January, 2010, 03:47:14 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 15 January, 2010, 11:14:27 PM
Reading Atrocity Exhibition for the first time. I liked the song better.[dullard off]

I liked Atrocity Exhibition better the second time around after I'd read a good chunk of Ballard. The first time it felt sort of willfully obscure. The second time it felt like I was reviewing everything he'd written through some beautiful fugue. If that makes any sense. Probably not, eh?

I wish we could get it in the States without the annotations. It's hard to find a plain jane copy here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 25 January, 2010, 04:13:44 PM
Read a fuck ton of black and white comics over the weekend. Mostly because I just love a good black and white (which tooth is always good for), but also because I've been slogging through a huge stack of superhero comics my brother left behind when he stayed over for the holidays. Last week I spent many an hour with Marvel and I think I needed to get the taste out of my mouth.

The Marquis: Danse Macabre by Guy Davis. I had some trepidation at the beginning because the first issue is heavy on the exposition but once it gets going it's pretty amazing. A disturbing world and just amazing design all over the comic in every tiny detail. If there is a better artist of monsters I'm open for debate, but I think Davis takes the prize every time.

Eddy Current (Ted Mckeever Library): Very much a period piece in a good way. It belongs next to Dark Knight Returns, Electra Assassin, and Ed the Happy Clown as an interesting reflection of late Eighties America.

Torpedo by Abuli/Bernet: A mean, vicious little crime comic. Just great. Alex Toth actually draws the first two stories, but apparently US comics had not prepared him for Abuli's sense of humor and he left in a huff. He should have stayed to avoid being blown out of the water by Bernet. Some of the best work by one of the best artists alive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 January, 2010, 06:55:27 PM
In the middle of Chabon's outstanding short/novella The Final Solution.  Now that's good fanfic!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 25 January, 2010, 07:13:35 PM
Just finished Charlie Brooker's 'The hell of it all' - the man is solid gold and I think I'm beginning to nurse a rather unhealthy crush on him  :o

Also my copy of 'Amerika' arrived this morning - yay, yay and thrice yay! This after pre-ordering it from Amazon and then being sent and e-mail telling me they couldn't get hold of any copys. Which TOTALLY explains how they're selling them now....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 25 January, 2010, 10:24:01 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 18 January, 2010, 01:57:04 PM
Quote from: His Lordship rac on 18 January, 2010, 10:23:16 AM
Well, the end of Game of Thrones..!

I had expected the [spoiler]dragon eggs hatching[/spoiler] to be the Big Event at the end of book 2... shows what I know.

Started reading Al Ewing's I, Zombie. Great so far!

I, Zombie is a quality read, Rac, it's absolutely mental! Drop a line on here when you've finished it, I can guarantee you'll not see any of the end stuff coming :-)

And you were correct.
I'd like to complain that the title ofthis book was a little bit misleading...
I enjoyed El Sombra- but this was a different kettle of fish. I honestly can't remember the last time I have read anything as original as this book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dog Deever on 25 January, 2010, 11:42:02 PM
Someone at work recommended a novel to me today- I forget what it was:
"Oh, I think you'd like this... blah blah blah"
"Has it got pictures and speech bubbles?"
"Eh?"
"Fuck off then- I'll hate it for sure"

I enjoyed Peter Milligan's 'The Programme' so much that I got book 2. It's great.
Some top art in there too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 26 January, 2010, 08:02:04 PM
Republic Commando : Order 66

Just started this one.






V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Christov on 28 January, 2010, 11:57:05 PM
The Question: Poisoned Ground.

I found myself in the comic shop with £13 to spare, so...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 29 January, 2010, 12:11:26 AM
I paid £3 for my copy. HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 January, 2010, 10:40:50 AM
I think someone mentioned this before but I've just finished reading 'Showcase Presents: Batlash' and its absolutely superb. I mean really classic stuff. I've really enjoyed the stuff I've read with him before and loved this great character but to read all this original appearances in one book is a joy. Oh oh oh and that Nick Cardy art simply beautiful, beautiful (and you get some Don Speigle and George Moliterni to boot).

One of DCs true undervalued classics much as I love Jonah Hex I do wish if DC was going to go for one Western character it'd be Bat Lash
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 29 January, 2010, 06:34:46 PM
"Deliverance" by James Dickey...Again.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 January, 2010, 07:01:41 PM
I won't be reading this even though it's the latest in the 'Horus Heresy' series, I shall be listening to it tonight, at work.
Raven's Flight by Gav Thorpe and read by Toby Longworth is the latest installment in the series but it's an audio CD (75mins).
Here's the synopsis:-
After the horrors of the Dropsite Massacre, Corax and his mighty Raven Guard face a desperate struggle to survive in the caves and mountains of Isstvan V. Escape from the roaming Chaos Legions seems impossible.
Meanwhile Colonel Valerius of the Imperial army begins suffering horrific dreams, believing teh Raven Guard to be in trouble - are such nightmares enough to initiate a daring rescue?
The decimated Legion must hold out against the forces of the World Eaters long enough to reach an improbable salvation and escape this hostile world.


Death to the Chaos Legions and The Emperor Protects :D

P.S. I hate it when the word decimate/decimated is used incorrectly, don't you?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 29 January, 2010, 09:16:51 PM
Ah the Horus Heresy is great stuff. Just re-read the series up to 'Fallen Angels.' Can't wait for 'Raven's Flight'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 29 January, 2010, 11:22:42 PM
Finished Zola's The Kill. Very nearly entered the estemeed canon of books what I tugged off to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Christov on 30 January, 2010, 02:00:34 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 29 January, 2010, 12:11:26 AM
I paid £3 for my copy. HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA.

You haemorrhoid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 January, 2010, 07:40:36 AM
QuoteVery nearly entered the estemeed canon of books what I tugged off to.

It'll look pretty out of place next to all those Hardy Boys.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 30 January, 2010, 10:12:36 AM
I have a cannon I tug off with if that helps.

Tucking into Nikolai Dante: Amerika later today.  All a-tingle as it's stuff I've already read (a first in the Dante trades since book 5) and I already know it's amazing.  Be nice to read it all together though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 30 January, 2010, 03:02:23 PM
Working through Brain Aldiss' 'A science fiction omnibus' and there are some crackers alright! I'd never read 'Nighfall' by Asimov for example and a brilliant one pager called 'Answer' by Frederic Brown that would be a great future shock...

...but it also contains this - the opening paragraph from Kim Robinson's story 'Sexual Dimorphism'

"The potential for hallucination in paleogenomics was high. There was not only the omnipresent role of instrumentation in the envisioning of the ultramicroscopic fossil material, but also the metamorphosis over time of the material itself, both the DNA and it's matrices, so that data were invariably incomplete, and often shattered. Thus the possibility of pyschological projection of patterns onto the rorschacherie of what in the end might be purely mineral processes had to be admitted."

Mine eyes! That, in my opinion, is a great big stinker and no mistake. Did he not read it out loud first?

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 January, 2010, 03:15:27 PM
QuoteThat, in my opinion, is a great big stinker and no mistake. Did he not read it out loud first?
Kim Stanley Robinson doesn't write, he regurgitates, and  the more you read of him the more obvious this becomes.  Sometimes the stuff he regurgitates is interesting.   Sometimes it's just puke.

I'm trying to imagine discovering Asimov's Nightfall for the first time.  What a treat!  It's hard to overemphasise just how good Asimov really was.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 30 January, 2010, 03:49:30 PM
Yeah, nicely put TB. I've liked much of Robinson's stuff, but that was like pulling teeth to read.

And with Asimov, I've only ever read the Robot stories and wasn't too keen to be honest - that story has revised my opinion.

M
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I.K. on 30 January, 2010, 11:02:59 PM
Rorschacherie isn't even a word.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 31 January, 2010, 07:52:03 PM
Huysmans' Against Nature which I'm not getting along with. It kinda feels a bit like a precursor to a faux-literary inane twitter feed where J.K talks about whatever he saw earlier today.

Started a re-read of V. Hilarious. Pynchon is a genius.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Goatilocks on 02 February, 2010, 09:48:18 PM
Re-reading some of my old Warren EERIE & CREEPY magazines from the 1970's. Particularly enjoything EERIE # 59, featuring Dax the Damned, a darkly depressing sword 'n sorcery romp:

http://bronzeageofblogs.blogspot.com/2010/01/dax-damned.html
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 02 February, 2010, 09:58:03 PM
Been reading the House of Secrets Showcase #2. It's a bit crap, like reading the same story over and over again for 500 pages. I think most enthusiasts are mostly enthusiastic about the Nestor Redondo, Alfredo Alcala and Bernie Wrightson artwork.

Also I've been wading through the 3 months' worth of American comics that built up with my friendly neighbourhood comics stallholder in the time I was unable to get into town during my lunchbreak. Bunch of Savage Dragon, bunch of Invincible. Just getting started on the backlog of The Boys.

I envy Godpleton his reading matter, which sounds much more intellectually nourishing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 February, 2010, 06:58:30 AM
Quote from: House of Usher on 02 February, 2010, 09:58:03 PM
I envy Godpleton his reading matter, which sounds much more intellectually nourishing.

V?  I suppose it depends if it's the novelisation of the original mini-series, or just the follow-up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 03 February, 2010, 09:20:03 AM
"Juvenal? Well, I suppose it was quite childish, yeah."  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 February, 2010, 09:23:55 PM
I was saying uncomplimentary things about Kim Stanley Robinson upthread, but his interesting Fifty Degrees Below appears to be on Sky News at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 06 February, 2010, 11:55:11 PM
THE SKIN PALACE by Jack O'Connell

Very cool stuff.

I actually had the pleasure of getting a couple of books signed by Jack, on his recent tour. Very nice guy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 07 February, 2010, 01:30:01 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 January, 2010, 03:15:27 PM
QuoteThat, in my opinion, is a great big stinker and no mistake. Did he not read it out loud first?
Kim Stanley Robinson doesn't write, he regurgitates, and  the more you read of him the more obvious this becomes.  Sometimes the stuff he regurgitates is interesting.   Sometimes it's just puke.
Well, yes, he does do that a lot, but there are occasional moments of lyricism buried amongst it. There's a bit in Antarctica where he's describing being out on the icecap which is quite lovely.

I've not read any of his recent climate change books. Does he still have that thing where everything will turn out fine if we just have a big scientific conference?

It seems I've been reading nothing but comics recently. Got the second Northlanders trade last week which was decent enough: not as good as the first but I'll probably still take a look at the next one. Then the library came through with the first volumes of Lucifer and Scalped. Lucifer is an agreeably nasty cove in places and you can't argue with Chris Weston's visions of Hell. Scalped I'm not sure about. It's a decent set-up but everyone in it's a prick. Why are so many Vertigo comics so brown?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 07 February, 2010, 01:44:07 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 07 February, 2010, 01:30:01 PM
Why are so many Vertigo comics so brown?
Because they pinched so many Twoth artists in the '90s?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 07 February, 2010, 06:58:52 PM
Started Heinlein's Moon is a Harsh Mistress. I have vague premonitionary concerns that I am liable to find it spectacularly irritating.


BITCH.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Doctor Alt 8 on 07 February, 2010, 07:55:17 PM
Just started reading "And Another thing..." Pt 6 of Douglas Adams Hitch Hikers Guide ... Hmmm
And the Fortean times magazine...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 February, 2010, 08:06:24 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 07 February, 2010, 01:30:01 PM
Scalped I'm not sure about. It's a decent set-up but everyone in it's a prick.

Stick with it The Cosh, you get to see literally everyone's perspective eventually, and find out that while they are indeed all pricks, they're complex interesting pricks - even apparently random muscle has stories that are worth reading.

As to KSR, yeah, he has his moments - but he just seems to bury them under mounds of poorly disguised notes from stuff what he has just read.  The Climate Change/Science in the Capital books are okay with a pleasantly low-key style that at least acknowledges his note-taking approach. The second one in particular is interesting [spoiler]with escaped Zoo animals and the Washington homeless caught in a big freeze, the third one is a bit of a letdown.   He seems to have read a lot of Thoreau before writing the first two, and too much Buddhist literature before the third, and generally spends a lot of time pushing the benefits of outdoor life and adventure sports, but his basic point is that the sheer scale of the US military budget allows for the possibility of tackling climate change through diverting it into a science budget, and mass-producing Stirling engines and the like.  [/spoiler]  If you can stomach that, they're reasonable page turners.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Desiree on 08 February, 2010, 08:10:22 AM
Just reading Naruto Shipuden latest comic release, I am new here and it seems it only view from member in this forums become fans of Japan Anime series
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 10:38:06 AM
Sower of spam she may be, Desiree at least spares me the dishonour of yet another double-post...

Talking of KSR (well, I was), BoingBoing has a piece about a recent talk he gave, in part about the idea of 'Future Shock':

http://www.boingboing.net/2010/02/08/kim-stanley-robinson-4.html

FWIW, I don't agree with some of his points - the 'historical speed' of today is not faster than it was in the 20th C in any real way.  Would anyone that saw the changes in the world 1914 and 1924, or 1938 and 1948 really have experienced less change than those of us that lived from 2000 to 2010, be less able to cope with startling revelations of science? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 08 February, 2010, 11:03:42 AM
Having 'finally' finished slogging through EMPYRION (which I found to be in real need of a good editing!) I'm now about to start MEGA-CITY Undercover that I got from the Rebellion table at Brum-con last October.

Sheesh!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 08 February, 2010, 02:52:54 PM
Enjoy it - MCU is a fine little collection. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 08 February, 2010, 04:23:20 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 10:38:06 AM
FWIW, I don't agree with some of his points - the 'historical speed' of today is not faster than it was in the 20th C in any real way.  Would anyone that saw the changes in the world 1914 and 1924, or 1938 and 1948 really have experienced less change than those of us that lived from 2000 to 2010, be less able to cope with startling revelations of science? 

If you look at it from the perspective of the availability of information on any given event in the world and how quickly it can be accessed by quite a proportion of the world's population,and the ways howyou can access it, I think you could say we are going 'faster'. Fair enough - not much change from the late 20th C, but jeebus! it's a extremely different from when I was a nipper in the '70s & 80's.

Technological 'events' are surely more commonplace, aren't they?

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 08 February, 2010, 04:28:10 PM
I'm a couple of hundred pages into Under the Dome. Still at the 'you're making a lot of work for yourself here, Stevie' stage as he sets eveything up.
And even with that- he's already wrong footed me with a couple of arc that I assumed would play out through the rest of the book being resolved within a few pages.

Great stuff so far.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 04:44:52 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 08 February, 2010, 04:23:20 PM
Fair enough - not much change from the late 20th C, but jeebus! it's a extremely different from when I was a nipper in the '70s & 80's.

Aye, but  that's over 30+ years, and really a lot of consumer technology.  On a bigger scale, how different was Europe in 1890 and 1925?  (from Bismarck to Mein Kampf, or Van Gogh to Television, on the way taking in Duke Ellington, women's suffrage, flappers, and a World War), I'm not disputing huge technological change or geometric changes in computing cost/power ratios, but surely the changes in people's lives over that period were far greater than the arrival of the Internet and mobile phones 1975-2010?  It's the argument that we folk of the 21st are more exposed to change, more able to deal with it, and less liable to 'future shock' than our 19th/20th C ancestors - I don't buy it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 08 February, 2010, 05:00:39 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 04:44:52 PM
It's the argument that we folk of the 21st are more exposed to change, more able to deal with it, and less liable to 'future shock' than our 19th/20th C ancestors - I don't buy it.

I'm with you there. As I understand it, the point about an increase in pace is that the new thing now comes along before you're used to the old one - future shock. As an aside, I think I'm now offically 'getting on'; I can't work out how to get my video to work  :-\

History isn't my strong suit, but the changes you're talking about didn't take off so immediately did they? Or if they did, did they come into everyone's life with equal rapidity?

M.  
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 08 February, 2010, 07:40:47 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 08 February, 2010, 11:03:42 AM
Having 'finally' finished slogging through EMPYRION (which I found to be in real need of a good editing!)

It did drag on a bit, didn't it. I just recently reread "Hyperion" but baulked at tackling "Empyrion" again. 

I'm reading "A Clash of Kings" at the moment, thanks to the squaxx who recommended this series, great fun. And by the bed is also "Fafrd and the Gray Mouser" GN with Mike Mignola on pencils. I'm going to have to read the novels after I've finished it, there's some brilliantly dry byplay in the dialogue.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 08 February, 2010, 08:40:12 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 08 February, 2010, 05:00:39 PM
As I understand it, the point about an increase in pace is that the new thing now comes along before you're used to the old one

Well, I don't get used to anything, nor do I really 'buy into' anything new. I don't have time to absorb new consumer crap as it comes along: I tend to leapfrog onto whatever is about to become obsolete once it gets down to the £20-100 price bracket. Having an unattractive consumer profile makes me pretty much immune to 'future shock.' So does being chimeric and adaptable from a skills point of view: I never have the right skills set to have a proper career or earn decent money, but I'm sufficiently skilled, qualified and adaptable never to have to worry about being out of work for long, so future shock doesn't come rushing round the corner leaving me suddenly obsolete.

Quote from: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 04:44:52 PM
On a bigger scale, how different was Europe in 1890 and 1925?  (from Bismarck to Mein Kampf, or Van Gogh to Television, on the way taking in Duke Ellington, women's suffrage, flappers, and a World War

Surprised TordelBack's list ommitted the motorcar, but I suppose you can't have everything.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 09:42:09 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 08 February, 2010, 08:40:12 PM
Surprised TordelBack's list ommitted the motorcar, but I suppose you can't have everything.  :)

I considered it, but cars in prototypical form were chugging around in the 1880's, and actually in production in 1890 - and I figured if I was going stretch a point to give TV a 1925 birthday (the year of Logie Baird's first successful transmission) it wasn't fair to also be pretending cars were a post-1890 innovation.   Which compromise actually speaks to Mikey's point - how widespread and simultaneous were these kinds of changes?  It's a good question, and maybe a real difference with today's situation.  
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 08 February, 2010, 10:12:01 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 09:42:09 PM
cars in prototypical form were chugging around in the 1880's, and actually in production in 1890

E.M. Forster was still bemoaning the dramatic change the motorcar had made to life as late as 1910, though. And he was born in 1879, so would barely have known 10 years before their existence.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 10:23:24 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 08 February, 2010, 10:12:01 PM
E.M. Forster was still bemoaning the dramatic change the motorcar had made to life as late as 1910, though.

No question, it was a huge change in the 1890-1925 period - and far more relevant than my conceit that TV had impinged on people's lives by 1925, when really it hadn't (just yet).  

I suppose my real objection here is a deep-seated dislike of arguments that assert the superior abilities or capacities of contemporary peoples - it's one end of the road that starts with giants building megalithic tombs and aliens building the pyramids.  Folk in the past were different from people in the present in the lives they led and the ways they viewed the world, but they were just as canny, and just as intellectually flexible (of course also just as cruel, stupid and gullible).  I'm arguing that numerous rapid changes are nothing new, and well within the capacities of people of all eras to absorb and deal with.

I'm also wildly off-topic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 08 February, 2010, 10:25:52 PM
Didn't neanderthals have bigger brains and bodies?, they didn't last long.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 10:29:20 PM
Quote from: Garageman on 08 February, 2010, 10:25:52 PM
Didn't neanderthals have bigger brains and bodies?, they didn't last long.

I refuse to rise to your bait, Garageman!







(A minimum of 100,000 years is quite a long time)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Cthulouis on 08 February, 2010, 10:50:10 PM
They had shorter, stockier bodies, its presumed to be a surface area thing.

At Christmas I got into an argument with a guy who claimed Leonardo Da Vinci was born "ahead of his time". The fact that I was pissed out of my head prevented me from 1) walking away, and 2) providing an articulate argument against his point.

I woke up the next morning knowing that I, 1) must have seemed a it of a tw*t, and 2) that I was bloody well right.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 08 February, 2010, 10:52:43 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 February, 2010, 10:29:20 PM


I refuse to rise to your bait, Garageman!







(A minimum of 100,000 years is quite a long time)


Puny Sapien.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 08 February, 2010, 10:55:30 PM
Why did I read that as 'Leonardo diCaprio'?  ::)

I'm now imagining the sprout-faced boy actor, born into his proper epoch, going to school in a bacofoil space-suit and eating rehydrated food in pill form for dinner, prepared by a robot. In 'The Jetsons.'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 08 February, 2010, 10:56:39 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 08 February, 2010, 10:55:30 PM
Why did I read that as 'Leonardo diCaprio'?  ::)




cos you're light on your feet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 09 February, 2010, 10:26:04 AM
Quote from: Garageman on 08 February, 2010, 10:25:52 PM
Didn't neanderthals have bigger brains and bodies?, they didn't last long.

But they had wee wangers. Died of shame when Cro-Mikey Man showed up.Ask Tordelback, he knows.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 09 February, 2010, 08:55:41 PM
The Spy who came in from the cold-John Le Carre. Got the new Stephen King Under the dome in hardback. Looking forward to that one having seen Salem's Lot again on the Horror Channel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 11 February, 2010, 01:18:27 AM
Quote from: Cthulouis on 08 February, 2010, 10:50:10 PM
At Christmas I got into an argument with a guy who claimed Leonardo Da Vinci was born "ahead of his time". The fact that I was pissed out of my head prevented me from 1) walking away, and 2) providing an articulate argument against his point.

Actually a lot of the designs in his sketches were pretty prophetic*. Not that he got practical versions to work, (his 'flying machine design didn't work for example, although it's very interesting)  but I believe he even drew a tank of sorts!

Anyway, back to books. On my chug through the Wheel of Time series I'm now on Lord of Chaos. I think this is where the story tends to slow down a lot and puts some people off, but I still find it interesting.

I'm also reading a GN Gotham Central: Dead Robin.  On first look it appears to be a Batman book. While he certainly appears in it, the story is mostly told from the point of view of the Gotham City Police Department. It's basically a cop story featuring superheroes, and (certain clichés aside, particularly in dialogue, etc) it works very well!

Oh, and in my lunch break today, I went to the 99p shop in Eltham. I found there volumes of Charles Dickens hardback books going for (guess it) 99p! I picked up the Pickwick papers. (This version is in 2 volumes, but for £2 that's pretty good!)

I tend to keep mostly to fantasy and horror when I read (I'm open to sci-fi, but I seem to prefer that on TV programmes/films and comics for some reason) but I do like some Dickens, particularly David Copperfield and Great Expectations.

*Prophetic is probably the wrong word. But just as many sci-fi authors have predicted things that have since come about, the same is true for his sketches. It's understandable he would be thought ahead of his time in that regard.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 February, 2010, 08:43:04 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 11 February, 2010, 01:18:27 AM
I'm also reading a GN Gotham Central: Dead Robin.  On first look it appears to be a Batman book. While he certainly appears in it, the story is mostly told from the point of view of the Gotham City Police Department. It's basically a cop story featuring superheroes, and (certain clichés aside, particularly in dialogue, etc) it works very well!


The Gotham Central collections are something I'm eying very keenly just just about holding off buying. The team of Brubaker, Rucka and Lark is a winner and the concept is one that really intrigues me. I've no doubt I'll buckle soon and buy them and would be interested to hear what other people think of them?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Cthulouis on 11 February, 2010, 06:51:22 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 11 February, 2010, 01:18:27 AM
Quote from: Cthulouis on 08 February, 2010, 10:50:10 PM
At Christmas I got into an argument with a guy who claimed Leonardo Da Vinci was born "ahead of his time". The fact that I was pissed out of my head prevented me from 1) walking away, and 2) providing an articulate argument against his point.

Actually a lot of the designs in his sketches were pretty prophetic*. Not that he got practical versions to work, (his 'flying machine design didn't work for example, although it's very interesting)  but I believe he even drew a tank of sorts!

Perhaps, but he was still a product of the culture he grew up in. If he was born at any other time, at any other place, he probably would have been equally brilliant, but not necessarily in the same way. The guy was arguing that people in the past were thick, then along came Leo, and people were still thick, then in the 20th C, we all became brilliant. Gah.

As you say, back to books:

I am reading this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Extinction-Dinosaurs-David-Fastovsky/dp/0521811724/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1265913736&sr=8-1

I got it for Christmas, having put it on my wish list on the strength of the 2 star review. A book on evolution, apparently "Overly Devoted to Cladistic Studies". Well, fancy that. I found myself reading this "bad" review and thinking "But, that's surely what you would want from a book with that title". It's certainly what I wanted. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 11 February, 2010, 07:25:52 PM
My new word of the day - CLADISTIC (and since I looked it up, add "phylogenetic" to that list!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 11 February, 2010, 08:41:33 PM
My favourite word of today is 'voivodship.'

At work I encountered this word in a response from a foreign correspondent who used the word as an approximation of an English term which turned out to be 'domain.'

Brilliant!  :lol:

I've long known what a Voivod was, but I'd never given any thought to what one might call the territory that lies within his purview.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 22 February, 2010, 02:28:23 AM
just back from vacation in florida
and a nice 80f it was
and i got a tiny tiny bit caught up on my reading;
Burroughs' Port of Saints
a biography of raymond roussel
and a bunch of ashley wood graphic novels

best is getting back home, being an evil american, i have only in the last few months completed by 2000ad collection
and am in the middle of a run covering 2001- 2006 some 300 progs !!!
just wallowing in prog after prog

lovely overdose indeed !
(http://<img%20src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v108/weirdpixie/ubRadio%20SALON/ubsalon_109_13.jpg">)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 22 February, 2010, 09:51:31 PM
Having another whack at Stephen King's DUMA KEY.

Got bored towards the middle, last time I tried reading it. But I'm kinda in the mood for a bit of King, at the minute...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Taryn Tailz on 22 February, 2010, 10:00:05 PM
Got my hands on the Judge Dredd book "The Savage Amusement" so have just startd reading it.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 22 February, 2010, 10:07:19 PM
Started 'Under the Dome' by Stephen King. I'm hooked already!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 23 February, 2010, 12:36:27 AM
I just blew through the second collected volume of ABC Warriors - The Volgan War.

Dang it - awesome stuff! I do get the sense that things may be building to something with a note of finality to it for the Warriors, which fills me with dread.

And a point of interest - I do believe I've fallen in love with the model who plays the p[art of Lara   :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 23 February, 2010, 09:26:13 AM
Quote from: IAMTHESYSTEM on 22 February, 2010, 10:07:19 PM
Started 'Under the Dome' by Stephen King. I'm hooked already!

I'm halfway through it- but hadn't had time to pick it up over the past couple of weeks, I just dipped in again this morning and by god it's bloody good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 23 February, 2010, 11:02:55 AM
Under The Dome is brilliant, a total return to form - I'm quite chuffed that a review of it I wrote has just been posted online, too  :)

Just read "Haunted" by Chuck Palahniuk, which is a great read, a novel made up of horrible and satirical stories, and an Iron Man prose novel called "Virus," which was fun, if a bit padded.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 23 February, 2010, 09:57:16 PM
Some Ursula Le Guin. Read The Left Hand of Darkness at the weekend and I'm halfway through The Dispossessed now. Good stuff. This is what people mean when they talk about sci-fi being used to explore our own society, but I'm worried it might turn me into a feminist. Fear of Flying next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Cthulouis on 24 February, 2010, 11:35:47 AM
Late to the party I know, but I just read Maus.

Bloody hell, that was a bit good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 24 February, 2010, 11:41:44 AM
Quote from: Cthulouis on 24 February, 2010, 11:35:47 AM
Late to the party I know, but I just read Maus.

Bloody hell, that was a bit good.


Shamefully, I've not read it yet! Well, I've read the first couple of chapters so far- but I'm in the middle of a shit load of review stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: volo on 24 February, 2010, 08:40:14 PM
Quote from: Cthulouis on 24 February, 2010, 11:35:47 AM
Late to the party I know, but I just read Maus.

Bloody hell, that was a bit good.


I agree, it really is a classic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 25 February, 2010, 09:52:23 PM
On the way home this evening I bought 5 of the 7 issues of the second series of Phonogram. Sadly FP didn't have #3 or #5. I've just read the first one and I can honestly say it's one of the best single issues of any comic I've ever read. I was suffused with joy as I read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 26 February, 2010, 11:00:36 AM
Quote from: Cthulouis on 24 February, 2010, 11:35:47 AM
Late to the party I know, but I just read Maus.

Bloody hell, that was a bit good.


Went to a reading and signing of this in Waterstones years ago, but drank so much free wine waiting for my turn that my lame question came out as gibberish, and I repeated it three times because I didn't understand Spiegelman's answer. Very embarrassing.

Excellent book though. See if your library has a copy of his "in the shadow of two towers". It's a huge-format book about 9/11 and is excellent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 26 February, 2010, 12:38:58 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 25 February, 2010, 09:52:23 PM
I was suffused with joy as I read it.

A WONDERFUL endorsement!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 26 February, 2010, 01:12:09 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 26 February, 2010, 11:00:36 AM
See if your library has a copy of his "in the shadow of two towers". It's a huge-format book about 9/11 and is excellent.

Seconded - I actually own a copy! And Maus is a heart rending and brilliant with it.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 26 February, 2010, 06:11:00 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 26 February, 2010, 01:12:09 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 26 February, 2010, 11:00:36 AM
See if your library has a copy of his "in the shadow of two towers". It's a huge-format book about 9/11 and is excellent.

Seconded - I actually own a copy! And Maus is a heart rending and brilliant with it.

M.

It's not a book I'd buy becuse it's a) unfeasibly enormous to fit on a bookshelf and b) rather expensive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 02 March, 2010, 09:50:07 PM
Maus - jeez, that's a hell of a book. Really powerful.

Just commenced volume one of The Walking Dead, with volume two lined up straight after (fantasic birthday presents courtesy of my good lady).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 02 March, 2010, 10:06:02 PM
Strontium Dog: The Final Solution
Unfortunately Simon Pegg has already ruined the end for me, although I forgive him as Spaced was rather amusing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 02 March, 2010, 10:11:23 PM
Ha ha ha!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 02 March, 2010, 10:25:48 PM
As I was re-reading Madame Bovary today all that stuff with the lawnmower on Mad Men last week began to make sense.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Cthulouis on 02 March, 2010, 10:27:46 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 26 February, 2010, 06:11:00 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 26 February, 2010, 01:12:09 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 26 February, 2010, 11:00:36 AM
See if your library has a copy of his "in the shadow of two towers". It's a huge-format book about 9/11 and is excellent.

Seconded - I actually own a copy! And Maus is a heart rending and brilliant with it.

M.

It's not a book I'd buy becuse it's a) unfeasibly enormous to fit on a bookshelf and b) rather expensive.

Yeah, I've seen the big one and always assumed it must be a special edition. Is there a smaller version out there, or is this why DDD suggested a library rather than a shop?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 02 March, 2010, 10:50:12 PM
I've never seen a smaller version - I think it was designed to be a one off collectible.

And I got it wrong, it's actually called "in the shadow of NO towers"  :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 02 March, 2010, 10:59:49 PM
Still on DUMA KEY by King, with a side helping of ON WRITING.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 03 March, 2010, 10:36:41 AM
"Rise of the Iron moon" by Stephen Hunt. Quite Jules Verne but with a modern twist, steampunk influences especially. Fun though so far and I keep finding excuses to read more. :P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 03 March, 2010, 10:38:46 AM
I've just started Alan Moore's '25,000 years of erotic freedom' - it looks good and yes Roger, there ARE lots of pictures of naked ladies in it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 03 March, 2010, 11:04:52 AM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 03 March, 2010, 10:36:41 AM
"Rise of the Iron moon" by Stephen Hunt. Quite Jules Verne but with a modern twist, steampunk influences especially. Fun though so far and I keep finding excuses to read more. :P

I take it you read the first two Zarjazzer, "The Court of the Air" and "The Kingdom Beyond the Waves". I thought they were all pretty good fun. There's a new one out as well "Secrets of the Fire Sea (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Secrets-Fire-Sea-Stephen-Hunt/dp/0007289634/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267614025&sr=8-1)".

I'm about half way through the third of George R R Martin's "Fire and Ice" books. So many storylines, and all brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 04 March, 2010, 10:23:25 AM
Kerrin-er, no! I just got it as I liked the blurb on the back. I had no idea he'd done others. Luckily you don't need to know lots of what went on before to enjoy it.I shall keep the others on my to buy list as I'm really enjoying this one. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 08 March, 2010, 09:29:44 PM
Some decent holiday reading for me. The Siege of Krishnapur by Mr JG Farrell was an enjoyable microcosm of British society during the Indian Mutiny which did a good job of managing its array of different voices, even if some of them were a bit heavily symbolic.

Up the Walls of the World by Mr James Tiptree, Jr was corking good sci-fi. I'm sure I recall Wake recommending this before and you can put me down for a plus one. It's initially split into three main strands, but there's one set on a fantastically well thought out, fully realised and truly alien alien world which really stands out. Tiptree's own identity also adds a bit of a frisson to the pervasive theme of gender roles.

Just started Mr Alistair Reynolds' Revelation Space. It's a hardback, so awkward to read in bed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 08 March, 2010, 09:42:54 PM
If you're reading 'Revelation Space' for the first time you're in for a treat Cosh.

I got the hardback 'Kick-Ass' and volume 1 of 'Chimpanzee Complex' in the post today. I've actually got a backlog of trades now. Excellent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 09 March, 2010, 01:24:10 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 08 March, 2010, 09:42:54 PM
If you're reading 'Revelation Space' for the first time you're in for a treat Cosh.

I feel joy and pity for him, pity only because he is now going to have to keep reading the rest of the books until, one day, he finds he has enough bricks of books to build a kennel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Strontium Jimmy on 09 March, 2010, 11:14:09 AM
Rise of Endymion by Dan Simmons, the last in his Hyperion series. So far an entertaining and creative series if a little uneven.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 March, 2010, 01:35:06 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 08 March, 2010, 09:29:44 PM
Up the Walls of the World by Mr James Tiptree, Jr

Shouldn't that be Ms James Tiptree Jr?  An excellent tale.

Reynolds does seem inhumanly prolific, but he seldom disappoints.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 09 March, 2010, 04:05:13 PM
Quote from: Strontium Jimmy on 09 March, 2010, 11:14:09 AM
Rise of Endymion by Dan Simmons, the last in his Hyperion series. So far an entertaining and creative series if a little uneven.

I loved this book. Yes, too long, I think, but a stunning conclusion to the series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 09 March, 2010, 08:21:18 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 09 March, 2010, 01:35:06 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 08 March, 2010, 09:29:44 PM
Up the Walls of the World by Mr James Tiptree, Jr
Shouldn't that be Ms James Tiptree Jr?  An excellent tale.
As my dear, departed Gran used to say: I'm not as green as I'm cabbage looking you know.
Quote from: The Cosh on 08 March, 2010, 09:29:44 PM
Tiptree's own identity also adds a bit of a frisson to the pervasive theme of gender roles.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 09 March, 2010, 11:03:35 PM
Just started Star Wars Imperial Commando.

Just seen the new RC figure in the evolutions pack. Unless he has a new uniform in this book, this isn't Fi Skirata. It still wont stop me buying it though. And he wasn't a sergeant.
(http://www.actionfigurehq.com/starwarsnew/loose/fiskirata.JPG)
This is Fi
(http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/swmerchandise/images/4/4b/FiRC.png)



V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Christov on 11 March, 2010, 04:19:23 PM
A very battered copy of Batman: Dark Victory. Bloody hell Amazon, why do I always get dog-eared comics from you lot?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 March, 2010, 05:54:21 PM
Quote from: vzzbux on 09 March, 2010, 11:03:35 PM
It still wont stop me buying it though.

Not when this version (finally) has articulated knee joints!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Monarch on 12 March, 2010, 02:54:00 PM
Fresh from a1 comics I got the twelve:spearhead drawn by chris weston and err written by a promising newcomer to american comics called Crhis weston

its good...its really good the only downside to it is I want weston to write more twelve!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Goatilocks on 13 March, 2010, 09:07:37 PM
The Black Death - Philip Ziegler
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 13 March, 2010, 09:11:35 PM
Read the latest tpb of The Boys on Thursday. Loved the Nazi superman bit!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 13 March, 2010, 09:40:40 PM
Got the Image comics Chew first tpb (#1-#6)  great art, excellent story and can't wait to see what's going on with the [spoiler]vampires?!![/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 14 March, 2010, 11:36:51 PM
I've got four on the go right now, as per.

Duma Key, which I've been intending to read for months but never got around to. Glad I finally did though cos it's got me absolutely hooked already and I've barely scratcjed the surface.

Droid files 1. You don't need me to tell you how good this one is.I'm spinning it out, determined to make it last. Last few of these phonebooks have been gone in a flash and I'm kicking myself for the long waits.

Lucifer : Evensong. Don't want this one to end either. One of my favourite comic series since I launched myself into US comics a couple of years ago. Will probably read it again now in it's entirety. Really hoping Carey can pull off something half as good with Unwritten.

Carey again with Dead Mens Boots. Felix Castor no.3 and the character has really won me over. I'm really hoping that this series runs and runs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 15 March, 2010, 09:37:08 AM
Just over half way through Neil Gaiman's Graveyard book- which I'm enjoying loads.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 15 March, 2010, 12:29:35 PM
I'm in the middle of Bryan Talbot's Alice in Sunderland. It's all very intersting and I love the different styles, but it feels just a litle bit too ... educational, if you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 15 March, 2010, 03:27:04 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 15 March, 2010, 12:29:35 PM
but it feels just a litle bit too ... educational, if you know what I mean.

I can see where you're coming from, but I just ran with the whole thing, pored over nearly every page and was at turns surprised, fascinated and thoroughly entertained. It was right up my street - but I'm sort of familiar with the area he's talking about and already had an intetrest in some of the stuff he covers, so maybe that made a difference. You're going to tell me you're from Sunderland now aren't you?  ::)

I also seen it as a less overtly/possibly mystical Moore take on the resonance of place and history and their interactions.

I'm reading 'The Death of Bunny Monroe' at the minute, which is maybe off topic for these parts. It's vile, funny, horrific and tragic with occasional flashes of virtue. Yes, just like the Bad Seeds!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 15 March, 2010, 07:29:40 PM
just read the first Mouse Guard book - i like it.

Also Mark Evaniers biog of Jack kirby. A very good, interesting read. It's in large format with loads of cool pix as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 15 March, 2010, 09:52:51 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 15 March, 2010, 12:29:35 PM
I'm in the middle of Bryan Talbot's Alice in Sunderland. It's all very intersting and I love the different styles, but it feels just a litle bit too ... educational, if you know what I mean.

I know exactly what you mean. I got to a point with it where I though it was getting a bit bogged down by facts but I stuck with it and loved it. An amazing book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 15 March, 2010, 09:54:22 PM
Quote from: faplad on 14 March, 2010, 11:36:51 PM
Duma Key, which I've been intending to read for months but never got around to. Glad I finally did though cos it's got me absolutely hooked already and I've barely scratcjed the surface.

Yep, I agree. I'm reading it at the minute, as well. It's King at his best - both the characters and story are really grabbing me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 15 March, 2010, 09:58:00 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 15 March, 2010, 03:27:04 PMI'm reading 'The Death of Bunny Monroe' at the minute, which is maybe off topic for these parts. It's vile, funny, horrific and tragic with occasional flashes of virtue. Yes, just like the Bad Seeds!

I read Bunny soon after it came out. I enjoyed it a lot, not a perfect book but a good read. I thought And the ass saw the angel was better but it's a very different book to that. It was a bit weird reading about places I know of in the story as I am from Sussex and Nick Cave lives in Hove and set it around local areas. I'm a huge fan of Nick Cave.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 16 March, 2010, 10:28:13 AM
Quote from: albion83uk on 15 March, 2010, 09:58:00 PMI thought And the ass saw the angel was better but it's a very different book to that.

Agreed - I haven't finished Bunny Munroe yet, but in relation to the music, I would say it's more Grinderman than Bad Seeds - not a bad thing at all IMO of course, but a different set of parameters.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 16 March, 2010, 11:28:36 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 09 March, 2010, 01:24:10 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 08 March, 2010, 09:42:54 PM
If you're reading 'Revelation Space' for the first time you're in for a treat Cosh.
I feel joy and pity for him, pity only because he is now going to have to keep reading the rest of the books until, one day, he finds he has enough bricks of books to build a kennel.
Hmm. Can't say I was overly impressed. It was a reasonably entertaining pageturner but nothing spectacular and far too long. I'd get another one out of the library, but I wouldn't order it specially.

Just finished the first double-length collection of Ex Machina. An interesting premise and pretty good so far, but (didn't this come up before about Dredd trades) it really, really annoys me that the book doesn't have breaks between the individual episodes. It's not hard to tell where they are, but surely the least you could expect is a full covers gallery just so you can admire the pretty pictures the artist drew.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 19 March, 2010, 01:03:16 AM
Pride of Baghdad. Vaughan and his fucking animals. First Ampersand and now this lot. I'm starting to question my manhood.

Also been compelled to lay everything else aside to read the chronicles of narnia. Several nights a week I read to my nephew. The other nights his parents do it. He's just delving into narnia and it made me realise I've never actually read them all, in proper sequence. So now I'm trying to stay ahead of his story time so the random chapters I get stuck with don't ruin the books for me.  Surprised me by actually being much more accessible than I thought they'd be for a modern kid. For some reason I had the idea that they were very stuffy and old fashioned but not so. He seems to enjoy them anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 March, 2010, 08:28:00 AM
Quote from: faplad on 19 March, 2010, 01:03:16 AM
Surprised me by actually being much more accessible than I thought they'd be for a modern kid. For some reason I had the idea that they were very stuffy and old fashioned but not so. He seems to enjoy them anyway.

It's all good up until that horrible moment you realise you're trapped in a particularly inventive Sunday School.  

Still love 'em though.  

One of the great joys of reading to kids is finding out just how brilliantly many books are structured for reading aloud in shortish chunks.  The Hobbit in particular is an effortless joy to read aloud, with relaxing rhythms, breathing pauses and frequent repetition of lists that allow your brain to switch off entirely. 

I've also amazed to find out just how compelling kids find Enid Blyton.  It shouldn't be a surprise, seeing as I must have devoured 50 or more as a kid myself, but to see how even her 'lesser' stuff about Tooth Fairies and Noddy grips kids who are normally focussed on firefights and football is fascinating.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 19 March, 2010, 09:13:55 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 March, 2010, 08:28:00 AM
It's all good up until that horrible moment you realise you're trapped in a particularly inventive Sunday School.  
So that's halfway through the first book then?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 19 March, 2010, 09:50:04 AM
I've never read any Enid Blyton, not have I read more than The Lion, the witch...

Is that child abuse?

I picked up Ark by Stephen Baxter last night and realised it seem sto be a continuation or sequel to 'Flood'. Has anyone read Flood and should I read it before I get into Ark?

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 19 March, 2010, 09:52:56 AM
Chronicles of Narnia are arsom. Yeah they wear their intentions on their sleeve, but great childrens books.

I'm reading TPO. Finally got a copy. Looks like Mongoose are selling loads of 2000ad graphs on ebay cheap for some reason. It's a cracking read and makes you appreciate the fact the comic got past prog 50 let alone 500 and 1500
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 19 March, 2010, 01:32:11 PM
THE BROKEN WINDOW by JEFFREY DEAVER.

It's a Linoln Rhyme novel, apparently.  I haven't read one before but the main hero is a criminologist quadraplegic with a tough feisty girlfriend cop who used to be a super model.  No really.  It wrings a bell actually, I think I saw the uniformely excellent Denzel Washington play a similar character in a film whose name escapes me.

I am kind of dreading reading it because of the fantastical characters but it's alredy made some valid points about the drip feed of personal information into the public domain (though these seem to be quoted from elsewhere at times).

I'll bet a lot of us have posted enough on this forum for a determined person to work out names, domestic status and partial adresses.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 March, 2010, 05:07:16 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 19 March, 2010, 01:32:11 PM
I'll bet a lot of us have posted enough on this forum for a determined person to work out names, domestic status and partial adresses.

And in some cases, genital peculiarities.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 19 March, 2010, 05:22:33 PM
I can make mine look like the batmobile.

Just started "Terminal World" by Alastair Reynolds, and just finished "The Goon" vol 9 from Eric Powell, which was, as usual, awesome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 19 March, 2010, 06:30:52 PM
"Titanicus" by D.Abnett and  "Star Wars omnibus Emissaries and assassins" TPB. not too bad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: blakaam kaplow on 19 March, 2010, 09:13:52 PM
Fahrenheit 451 and Bury my Knee at Wounded Heart, can't recommend the former but the latter, I'm half way through and it's the best history book I've read bar none.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: blakaam kaplow on 19 March, 2010, 09:14:59 PM
Bugger; Bury my Heart at wounded Knee
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 19 March, 2010, 10:08:33 PM
HA!  Dredd gets to you, eh?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 19 March, 2010, 10:52:33 PM
Acme Novelty Library.

Brilliant, but every so often it does kind of get to the point where you want to go down to Dixons and buy a whole bunch of shit before heading to Burger King to stuff your face just because you think it would annoy Chris Ware.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 March, 2010, 02:02:02 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 19 March, 2010, 09:50:04 AM
I picked up Ark by Stephen Baxter last night and realised it seem sto be a continuation or sequel to 'Flood'. Has anyone read Flood and should I read it before I get into Ark?

Absolutely. I read 'em back to back in the new year & they're two of Baxter's finest.

Be warned: [spoiler]Flood is relentlessly bleak. Ark is just brutal.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 March, 2010, 07:38:25 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 March, 2010, 02:02:02 AM
Absolutely. I read 'em back to back in the new year & they're two of Baxter's finest.

That's good to hear - I used to read everything he put out (his NASA books remain some of my favourite SF), but his previous three series (Time's Tapestry, Destiny's Children and Manifold) did increasingly little for me to the point that I stopped reading.  Last one I really enjoyed was the utterly bleak Evolution, a corker.  Shall pick up Flood for my proposed camping holiday some months hence.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 20 March, 2010, 11:07:54 AM
Cheers Stevie - the fanboy in me proably couldn't have hacked reading a second book first! Although in P6 I read Dinosaur Planet II and never read the first.

I thought the first two Manifold books were great, but wasn't so fussed on the third right enough. And Evolution was a good 'un - have you read the Mammoth books? I loved them!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 March, 2010, 03:48:00 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 20 March, 2010, 11:07:54 AM
Although in P6 I read Dinosaur Planet II and never read the first.

Dear god!  The only good thing you can say about the ludicrous Dinosaur Planet is that it isn't as bad as Dinosaur Planet II.  It's hard to imagine how anyone could make books about a dinsoaur planet so utterly crap, not to mention wasting a perfectly arsom title.  I've been partial to a bit of McCaffrey in my time, but those books... shudder
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 20 March, 2010, 07:48:39 PM
I've been reading the hardcover graphic novel of Black Hole by Charles Burns. It's depressing stuff, and I'm glad I've finished it. It's a pity the gripping mystery that unravels at the end doesn't build over the course of the story. Things happen earlier on and you just think "huh; that's weird." You don't actually see that they were part of a mystery until the solution appears.

Critics have said the story is supposed to evoke the atmosphere of a '70s teen horror movie, but to me it just seemed melancholy and surreal, with far more pathos than horror.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 23 March, 2010, 05:11:09 PM
'Bout a hundred pages in to The Mist, which a student kindly let me borrow. BIG fan of the film, and although the novella is quite enjoyable, I must admit that the movie trimmed a lot of flab. First Stepehn King I've ever read, and I dunno, seems a bit... excruciating at times. Not doubting he's a fabulous ideas man, but I suppose I'm just one from the minimal, get-to-the-point Bukowski/Hemingway/McCarthy school.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 23 March, 2010, 06:43:10 PM
The Mist is one of King's finest moments. Great stuff!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 23 March, 2010, 06:55:17 PM
GROOM LAKE
Ben Templesmith art !!!

IDW the only OTHER comic company
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 23 March, 2010, 09:06:45 PM
I'm in that school too, MGB.  King might be more readable for me if he had a good editor who trimmed everything by a third.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 23 March, 2010, 09:16:04 PM
Joe the Barbarian, which I'm really enjoying.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I.K. on 24 March, 2010, 03:06:44 PM
Just got The Bumper Book of Solar Wind (Volume 1) through the post.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullgrin140 on 25 March, 2010, 02:44:35 PM
At the moment I'm reading the Star Trek Movie prequal, very good comic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 25 March, 2010, 11:12:08 PM
Star Trek Movie Prequel comic?  Is that the one with various next gen characters in it?  I thought (much as I loved TNG) that the comic managed to suck everything that was fun and enjoyable out of the movie.  (But there was some great art).


THE BROKEN WINDOW by JEFFREY DEAVER did, indeed, turn out to be shite. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 26 March, 2010, 09:58:23 AM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 25 March, 2010, 11:12:08 PM
I thought (much as I loved TNG) that the comic managed to suck everything that was fun and enjoyable out of the movie.  (But there was some great art).

Agreed.

Currently reading Robert Harris' magnificent Lustrum, the second of his novels about Cicero, and definitely the best historical fiction about Roman politics since I Clavdivs.  He's come a long way from his disappointing Pompeii. In fact, if you enjoyed the gloriously silly Rome TV series ("Thirteenth! Thirteenth!"), you'll enjoy this as a prequel, although there are considerably less boobies.

Also near the end of the second of Sansom's Shardlake books, Dark Fire, a fabulous murder mystery set in Tudor London after the Dissolution.  

On a bit of a historical fiction kick, it seems.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 26 March, 2010, 05:12:30 PM
Those Shardlake books by Sansom are a fantastic read TB and what's more they just get better and better. We must be due a fifth soonish. There are also quite advanced plans for a screen version I believe, involving Kenneth Branagh.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 26 March, 2010, 05:38:28 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 26 March, 2010, 05:12:30 PM
Those Shardlake books by Sansom are a fantastic read TB and what's more they just get better and better.

Really enjoyed the first one too.  It started off irritating me greatly by seeming to be a cheap Tudor knock-off of Name of the Rose, and then came the moment when Shardlake s[spoiler]pots a copy of Aristotle's lost treatise on comedy, only to be told that it's a 14th C fake from an Italian monastery...[/spoiler] From then on it was obvious that this was going to be a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 26 March, 2010, 10:46:04 PM
I am now reading The Bloody Red Baron by Kim Newman, mentioned here previously by Satchmo. At the moment I've got a keen interest in C20th warfare and fantasy, so I skipped Anno Dracula altogether and went straight to WWI.

Impressions of the first chapter: Kim Newman tells a good story, but in this particular book it's hard to see the things he's describing ("cakes of frozen snow gleamed vaguely"), it's taken for granted that the reader shares the author's frame of reference ("bundled in his trenchcoat and a useless tartan blanket"), and the reader is invited to imagine the appearance and attire of the character before the author drops in the helpful information that Lieutenant Winthrop isn't standing out in the snow, he's sitting in the passenger seat of a moving Daimler. Trying to imagine what he's describing is a bit like being a police artist and having to keep rubbing bits out in your imagination and draw them again; you can hardly say it's just like being there.

Anyway, it's mysterious and exciting, and by all accounts a scholarly achievement, and I'm looking forward to all the action and adventure and reference spotting to come.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 28 March, 2010, 06:52:51 PM
All-Star Superman. The first time I read this I thought it wasn't bad. Nice art, decent story, but I couldn't understand what everyone was going daft about. This time round it really clicked for me as a marvellously warm and engaging story about what makes Superman so great which never gets corny. With gravity guns and uranium jewellery.

Also reading Warrior which, being an anthology, ranges from the great to the mediocre, with almost nothing actively bad. It even has a range of articles on aspects of comics which verge on the interesting and a letter from one T Proudfoot decrying T'n'A covers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 28 March, 2010, 07:53:48 PM
Finished reading Wolfskin Vol 1. Plot wasn't bad, but I mainly bought it for the truly grotesque levels of violence , all beautifully rendered by the talented artists.

They didn't half curse a lot in the stone age though, bloody hell!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 29 March, 2010, 03:02:55 PM
An innocent day out in town turned sour when I was forced where I was forced - forced, I tells you! - into Forbidden Planet by invisible agents... The swines.

So now have Durham Red - Vermin Stars, ABCs - Black Hole and Forty-Five to tuck into.

So far I've only read the page of Forty-Five illustrated by Mr Timson, but that was nasty enough to guarantee my attention for the others.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 30 March, 2010, 01:47:23 PM
Bairn is alternating Narnia with Dahl so sans the need to keep aheadof him I've shelved Narnia for now and am back on my regular reads. Duma Key still ongoing. I often find myself, with books I'm realy enjoying, reading them in very small chunks, to make them last longer. People comment that they must be dragging, or a chore to read, because they take so long but it's the oppposite. I'm prolonging the pleasure.

Also, Horus:Descent of Angels, Psi-Files 1 and Savage Sword of Conan 2 (Dark Horse reprints of 70's Marvel stuff.) All three are literally just started in the last couple of days so I can't really say much about them other than a couple of observations about the Anderson book.

This is not a complaint, I understand the economics and practicalities behind the decision and I know that to have done otherwise would have made such a bumper volume impractical but some of the art in later stories - haven't read them yet but have had a quick flick - seems awfully murky. The Carlos Ezquerra stuff in particular hasn't transferred at all well. As i say,just an observation, and something I'm willing to live with for the great value of the package overall.

Secondly - "Dodder for it" is my new favourit line. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 30 March, 2010, 01:59:01 PM
Thrill-Power Overload as I have finally got a copy. Hurrah!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Goatilocks on 30 March, 2010, 02:05:50 PM
Received in the last couple of days:

Nemesis Book 2
Marvel Essential - Tales of the Zombie Vol. 1
DC Showcase - Strange Adventures Vol. 1

Waiting for JD # 9.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 March, 2010, 02:46:31 PM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 March, 2010, 02:02:02 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 19 March, 2010, 09:50:04 AM
I picked up Ark by Stephen Baxter last night and realised it seem sto be a continuation or sequel to 'Flood'. Has anyone read Flood and should I read it before I get into Ark?

Absolutely. I read 'em back to back in the new year & they're two of Baxter's finest.

Just started into Flood on Stevie's recommendation - it is indeed very good, even if all the characters will talk like they're characters in a Stephen Baxter novel.  I was completely gripped from the scene where [spoiler]the waves start to surge across the carpark of the Millennium Dome as it's being evacuated...  [/spoiler] Very John Christopher, and very scary.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 30 March, 2010, 10:14:33 PM
Currently struggling with Bill Hussey's Through a Glass, Darkly. A friend of mine once told me that he threw The Da Vinci Code across the room in disgust, and I nearly did the same with this on the bus today. I'm not sure whether I'm more annoyed by the amateurish writing and frequently lousy dialogue, or the staggering number of glowing and enthusiastic reviews on the net.

Regards

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 March, 2010, 07:25:50 AM
Quote from: Goatilocks on 30 March, 2010, 02:05:50 PM
Marvel Essential - Tales of the Zombie Vol. 1


Uh never got around to this one. It looks bloody lovely let us know how you get on with it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 03 April, 2010, 11:27:14 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 03 January, 2010, 01:19:25 PM
Reading Dozois' Best New SF 22 (that's No. 26 to US readers), and am happy to report that so far it is a vintage year.   There's an Alastair Reynolds short in there with ideas that could happily power a half-dozen novels.
Despite not being blown away by Revelation Space, I got Reynolds' short story collection Galactic North from the library and I'm glad I did. I'm enjoying his stuff a lot more in concentrated form than I did at novel length. It's also interesting to see him fleshing out some of the stuff that I had to just accept without explanation in the novel. Good show.

The library are also doing a good job serving up trades of Ex Machina. I'm up to volume 6 now and still finding it quite enjoyable even though it seems that getting a job in the mayor's office is a doddle.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 03 April, 2010, 11:37:38 PM
Just finished Alastair Reynolds "Terminal World". It's a damn good read and a pleasant change for being a more personal, character driven piece to his previous novels. You're spot on about his short fiction prowess Cosh, "Zima Blue and Other Stories" is particularly good value now they've finally reprinted it. "Diamond Dogs and Turqoise Days" is also fantastic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 April, 2010, 12:01:56 AM
The thing about Revelation Space as a novel is that the Demarchist universe draws a lot on the shorts that precede it (Great Wall of Mars in particular).  Add to that a bunch of pretty unlikable characters and I think it can be quite a hard sell as the first novel in a series.  

On a similar note I just saw a newly published Baxter Xeelee omnibus that only has the novels, not the shorts.    Not to say all the contents aren't brilliant (they are), but the shorts do a lot to give them context.

I love a big novel, even a big smelly series, but SF's optimum form is the short story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 04 April, 2010, 11:00:21 AM
just finished "Emperors Mercy" by Henry ZHou.The most entertaining book I have read in ages -just what i like military sci-fi (WH40k) with twists,betrayals and a blasting a plenty.

On to "Doomtroopers" mostly bought as I liked the cover. Still establishing the chracters though given the breathless speed of the book I just finished it seems a bit slow. Still early days yet.

After that I have one of Neil Ashers "Polity" books to read "Prador moon". I like my a blastng- the- xenos sci- fi I do. Not tried any of these Asher books before so looking forward to it.

Blimey this post is almost a novel in itself. :D

oops just realised it's called "Deathtroopers" not doom troopers that can be my novel... :P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 April, 2010, 01:39:03 PM
Had a birthday relatively recently (well last month) so I splurged on a 2000AD GN: Judge Dredd: Origins.

I'd just started buying the Prog while that was ending, so I figured it would be worthwhile to grab the rest in collection form.

I largely liked it. The historical stuff was interesting enough, and the present day stuff, while seemingly quite a basic story had a lot more complex things to say. Particularly interesting in light of the stories it spawned.

And the two headed mutant character(s) from the first story were great comedy.

I just recently (literally today) finished Captain Britain: A Hero Reborn volume 2.

I found the collection in the library recently and borrowed it mainly out of curiosity as I've read a lot of good things about Captain Britain.  This stuff was terribly corny though, although not unamusing.  I realise it wasn't really aimed at me though, this being back in the days these comics were aimed at kids. I think I might well have liked it back then too, and it was entertaining enough even now, albeit for the wrong reasons. (Sorry comes across very snobbish.)

I'm curious to see how the Alan Moore take compares with this. The basic premise of the character and his abilities, powers, etc, is interesting enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 April, 2010, 06:21:22 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 05 April, 2010, 01:39:03 PM
I'm curious to see how the Alan Moore take compares with this. The basic premise of the character and his abilities, powers, etc, is interesting enough.

Its a mile above and beyond the early stuff its great as is the stuff by Delano and later Davis after it.

The Black Knight stuff is different again and while not as good still very entertaining.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 April, 2010, 08:58:58 PM
Cheers for the feedback Colin, I'll keep my eye out for them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 11 April, 2010, 02:32:17 PM
finally giving halo jones a go.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 11 April, 2010, 03:51:19 PM
McMafia by Misha Glenny. Suffice to say some of the Balkan wars were more to do with expanding various drug empires than nationalism. Europe is wide open to these wide boys and there Kalashnikovs and their friends from Columbia are even allowed to pop over and machine gun people they believe [rightly] were cheating them.

Globalization eh, ain't it wonderful?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 11 April, 2010, 07:26:34 PM
Raffles.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: maryanddavid on 11 April, 2010, 10:18:36 PM
Just read the first two Y The last Man, and have really enjoyed them, Great writing, the art is good, but a little generic american comic art. Looking forward to reading the rest.

David
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 12 April, 2010, 06:51:45 PM
At the moment im reading alan moores watchmen and the summons by john grisham
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 12 April, 2010, 08:36:01 PM
been to the library for the first time in ages

so... reading three goon gns, marvels by alex ross and spider-man brand new day...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 13 April, 2010, 12:45:43 PM
Since I last posted in this thread I doubt I've read 20 pages combined of the two novels I'm on with.  I have however read an absolute shitload of comics.

In no particular order;

Books/Names/Age of Magic/Magick.  In which the lead character becomes progressively more obnoxious as successive writers fail miserably to tell a half decent story about him. The Molly character is qute endearing though, in the earlier series.

Unknown Soldier v1.  In which the hero is a flag waving uber patriot and the villlains, including reglar appearances by several real world Nazis, including Hitler himself, are some of the most crudely drawn characatures I've ever read and the editors congratulate themselves for the 'gritty realism' that makes their comic stand out against other publishers.

Sandman Mystery Theatre. Early days as yet, with me just delving into the second storyline but if the first - The Tarantula - is anything to go by this should be a keeper.

Jonah Hex v1.  Being the sad little completist that I am I felt compelled, before reading the well regarded new series, to go back and read the earlier incarnations. These are actually realy solid stories. I'm not overly versed in Western comics in general but this one is certainly much better than I thought it would be. Given the writer - Michael Fleiscer - I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop and the duffness to creep in but it hasn't hapened yet. Still got a lot to read and very much looking forward to it.

The Losers. What can I say? I've just read the first 20 issues over the last 3 days and I daresay I'll finish the series before weeks end. Excellent stuff, and criminal that it didn;t run for longer. Again, not well versed in the history. Did it end so soon intentionally or was sit cancelled? I know Vertigo series tend to be finite but 70ish issues seems to be the norm. 30odd seems awfully short.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 16 April, 2010, 09:08:43 PM
MAN AND WIFE by TONY PARSONS.

I've not read the first (Man and Boy) as apparently you don't have to. The missus got this free with SHE, another one of those magazines that proves, as HOU (I think) said that "Feminism has failed utterly").

Anyway, some bits of it are brilliant but I have two major problems with it.
a) the secondary characters are really badly written. Really. Like he pot rough placeholder sketches in "Character A is an arsehole" and then forgot to go and replace them with anything decent.
b) it's not funny. And this sort of book should be.

He's also projecting a lot. His kid loves Star Wars. But the original movies. I reckon most kids today would be bored rigid by the original movies (though appreciateing that they exist).  Cue everyone onthe board giving me examples of their eight year old kids loving the original movies and hating the prequels.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 17 April, 2010, 07:21:15 AM
QuoteJust read the first two Y The last Man, and have really enjoyed them, Great writing, the art is good, but a little generic american comic art. Looking forward to reading the rest.


I loved this series. I always felt it would make a good tv series a la 70s show KUNG FU, as Yorick wanders the land

I've just bought the latest Jonah Hex collection to have a go at. Now where's me cuppa and kitkat?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 April, 2010, 07:42:43 AM
Just finished Roger Stern and Tom Peyer's late 80s Atom series. Nowt like random silly 80s superhero nonsense that's really bloody good to hit the spot. Wonderful fun!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 17 April, 2010, 12:03:16 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 17 April, 2010, 07:21:15 AM
QuoteJust read the first two Y The last Man, and have really enjoyed them, Great writing, the art is good, but a little generic american comic art. Looking forward to reading the rest.


I loved this series. I always felt it would make a good tv series a la 70s show KUNG FU, as Yorick wanders the land

I just couldn't get into Y... I tried, even buying and reading the first TPB, but it just didn't connect with me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 17 April, 2010, 12:36:33 PM
I am still reading The Bloody Red Baron by Kim Newman. I'm up to page 140 and, so far, a lot of characters have been introduced and nothing has happened that has moved the plot forward. I was expecting a bit more action, to be honest.

It scores highly on the geek factor for assembling so many characters from literature and cinema into a single coherent narrative, but it's not the literary achievement Anno Dracula is trumpteted to be by the reviews printed on the dust jacket.

One chapter is just lifted straight out of Swamp Thing #83, 'Brothers in Arms,' substituting two other literary mad scientists for Anton Arcane and wasting them both.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 17 April, 2010, 03:49:09 PM
I'm in the middle of rereading Shade The Changing Man and it's predominantly great stuff. The Ernest & Jim story wasn't as brilliant as I remembered but there are plenty of others which are better. I've just read two single issues which deal with almost exactly the same things as Milligan's Scab storyline in Hellblazer and the interminable Greek Street, both with a lot more wit and in just 24 pages.

Also, I now know where Banners' avatar comes from.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 17 April, 2010, 03:57:25 PM
Okay, I apologise if this is old news to all you hardened geks out there but I'm still reading old Detective Comics and have just come across a stamp collecting column, called Stamp Detective, written by someone caled Phil Ately.  Good grief.

Oh, and in Unknown Soldier Hitler has just been briefed on how many Jews will b gassed this month and is literally dancing around the room, singing "soon there will be none left, soon there wil be none left."

Why aren't todays comics as subtle as this? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 17 April, 2010, 04:07:48 PM
QuoteI just couldn't get into Y... I tried, even buying and reading the first TPB, but it just didn't connect with me.

Same here. I think the main problem with it for me was that I was entirely unconvinced by the concept. Its an interesting idea - a world without men - but I didn't buy how it was portrayed at all - things didn't seem nearly messed up enough. I also thought that some of the dialogue was cringe-inducing and the artwork functional but bland. Brian K Vaughn seems very popular these days, but I seem to have an inexplicable aversion to his work.

I had the same thing with The Losers, Astonishing X Men, Sandman, Fables and The Walking Dead - all hyped series - all left me scratching my head wondering what all the fuss was about. I bought book one of each, all of which eventually ended up on eBay.

So far I've yet to find a US series that can fill the gap left by Transmetropolitan, Preacher and 100 Bullets.....

I recently read book one of the deluxe hardback Saga of the Swamp Thing - it's probably Moore's longest stretch of mainstream work, and I've never read it before so it's a bit of a treat. I've always tended to avoid hardback graphic novels, but it's an absolutely gorgeous book. I've been so impressed with it that I've started replacing my tattered, decade old Preacher trades with the lovely new hardback editions.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 17 April, 2010, 04:50:48 PM
Quote from: radiator on 17 April, 2010, 04:07:48 PM
So far I've yet to find a US series that can fill the gap left by Transmetropolitan, Preacher and 100 Bullets.....
I bought book one of 100 Bullets a couple of weeks ago and am looking forward to getting stuck into it. It was one of those all too familiar moments when in FB and thinking that I wanted to buy something but nothing took my fancy. (There has been a comics drought for me over last few years.) I was thinking of buying Walking Dead but opted for 100 Bullets. I like the newsprint paperstock. Ok, it will probably go yellow but I like graphic novels to be printed on the paper stock that the original comics were printed on otherwise the colouring can be really garish, as is the problem with many of the Marvel reprints (which I don't buy) and with some of the Swamp Thing reprints.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 April, 2010, 06:06:26 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 17 April, 2010, 03:49:09 PM
I'm in the middle of rereading Shade The Changing Man and it's predominantly great stuff.

Funnily enough I'm starting on re-read of Shade next with the first 19 issues. Looking forward to it as I used to love it and haven't read it since it first came out and have never read the last 20.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 22 April, 2010, 10:25:41 AM
Took delivery of Dave Langford's collected White Dwarf/Gamesmaster review columns teh other day. One to leave on teh bedside/bogside table to be immediately followed up by a visit to Amazon I think. Read the first few on the bus and he's already stuck the boot into Hubbard, Donaldson and Heinlein, been very complimentary about a non-fiction work by someone I vaguely know and given me half a dozen recommendations! This is a book that's going to cost a lot more than the cover price.
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 17 April, 2010, 06:06:26 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 17 April, 2010, 03:49:09 PM
I'm in the middle of rereading Shade The Changing Man and it's predominantly great stuff.
Funnily enough I'm starting on re-read of Shade next with the first 19 issues. Looking forward to it as I used to love it and haven't read it since it first came out and have never read the last 20.
The way I remember it, it starts to go downhill really quickly after #50 and I finished A Season in Hell (can't believe I forgot what happens at the end) last night, so I'm just about to find out. I'd be interested to see what you make of it. For me, the real standouts have been: Edge of Vision, the couple of episodes focusing on Kathy towards the end of the American Scream, Shade the Changing Woman and pretty much everything once they get to the Hotel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GlovePuppet on 22 April, 2010, 10:52:02 AM
I was reading some Sci-Fi (Heinlein, Haldeman, Herbert), but I pulled out my Father's collection of 2000AD (70s to the 90s).

So I'm reading old 2000AD.  :lol: :P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 April, 2010, 11:33:40 AM
Well a week with a fair amount of public transport has meant I've read my first section of 'Shade the Changing Man' 1-19 in just 5 days and chuff me its an interesting read. If you ever want to see an artists development over 18 months I can't think of a better example. Chris Bachalo's art comes on in leaps and bounds as he gets more confident. The only thing I've read quite like this, from the perspective of seeing an artist develop, is the early Cerebus stuff in the first trade.

As for story I was a little disappointed with the early issues. They are very good but they start to become a little repetative. Another aspect of American life exposed to madness, deal with it move on. It really comes to life when Lenny arrives, not because of Lenny herself persay, though she is an interesting character but its a useful benchmark. After this the book starts to broaden its scope, or well in fact narrow it and becomes a closer study of the characters and all the richer because of it. The issues from 8 onwards are superb mainly because of the wonderfully complex relationship between Kathy and Shade.

That said the American Scream storyline wraps up very nicely and my oh my in Troy Grenzer Pete Milligan creates one of the great comicbook villians for me.

Reading a few other bits and bobs before returning to the second chunk up to issue 50 which I'm really looking forward to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 22 April, 2010, 11:45:35 AM
Recently finished Cancertown, which was pretty good.
Currently reading a history book on the Samurai and Ian Rankin's Dark Entries. I'd guessed the twist to be [spoiler]that they're all dead[/spoiler], but he's just got rid of that halfway through, which was rather pleasing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 22 April, 2010, 01:35:13 PM
Just got 3 volumes of Lovecraft off the Mrs for my Bday. Aint ever read any of that so looking forward to getting stuck in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 22 April, 2010, 05:51:04 PM
I got a couple of "Legends of the Law" last week, the old DC version of Dredd. Not heard good things about them, but the storyline I got was written by Wagner and Grant, and I thought it was great fun - just like 2000ad Dredd but with a few changes that I thought actually worked well. Anyone else read any of them, and is the stuff written by other writers really as bad as everyone makes out?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 22 April, 2010, 06:25:16 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 22 April, 2010, 05:51:04 PM
I got a couple of "Legends of the Law" last week, the old DC version of Dredd. Not heard good things about them, but the storyline I got was written by Wagner and Grant, and I thought it was great fun - just like 2000ad Dredd but with a few changes that I thought actually worked well. Anyone else read any of them, and is the stuff written by other writers really as bad as everyone makes out?

The first few Wagner/Grant DC Dredd's issues were great in my opinion. Shame that they haven't been reprinted. As I have said before round here, it was a treat to read Wagner/Grant Dredd with entirely different pacing in longer episodes. As for the issues that followed – well, they just didn't work at all for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 22 April, 2010, 07:33:04 PM
Quote from: SuperSurfer on 22 April, 2010, 06:25:16 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 22 April, 2010, 05:51:04 PM
I got a couple of "Legends of the Law" last week, the old DC version of Dredd. Not heard good things about them, but the storyline I got was written by Wagner and Grant, and I thought it was great fun - just like 2000ad Dredd but with a few changes that I thought actually worked well. Anyone else read any of them, and is the stuff written by other writers really as bad as everyone makes out?

The first few Wagner/Grant DC Dredd's issues were great in my opinion. Shame that they haven't been reprinted. As I have said before round here, it was a treat to read Wagner/Grant Dredd with entirely different pacing in longer episodes. As for the issues that followed – well, they just didn't work at all for me.


Yeah, I suspected the non Wagner/Grant stuff wouldn't be very good - the same shop had a few issues by other writers, and I didn't get them - remembered reading that they weren't very good. The story arc I got, though - great stuff.

It would be great to see the good stuff reprinted - that and the Case Files would be a great one to pass on to the young ones out there, to get them into Dredd  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 April, 2010, 07:39:36 PM
Brubaker and Philips' Criminal.  Read the whole thing in one sitting.  Absolutely fantastic. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 22 April, 2010, 07:59:09 PM
Looks good, volume one ordered from amazon, cheers TB.

I'm about three chapters into "The Dispossessed" by Ursula LeGuin and it's great stuff. Hadn't realised, till I just looked at the Wiki page, that it's part of the same universe as "The Left Hand of Darkness", which I thought was a belter. I thought that (the left hand) must have had some influence on Iain M Banks when he came up with the concept of The Culture.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 April, 2010, 08:21:41 PM
QuoteI'm about three chapters into "The Dispossessed" by Ursula LeGuin and it's great stuff.

My absolute favourite SF novel.  It's part of what's retrospectively known as the Hainish sequence (as they tend to involves Mobiles of the Ekumen, based on the planet Hain), much of which is contained in short stories of unbelievable brilliance.  It's let down only by the first two novels, which are only so-so, but best of all all the elements work on their own.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 22 April, 2010, 08:33:50 PM
Woo-hoo! Just checked out The Hainish Cycle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hainish_Cycle) on Wiki and it looks like I got me some book buying to get done. I'm chuffed to bits there's so much more of this to read, cheers for the heads up TB. I think I'll start with some short stories, "The Wind's Twelve Quarters" methinks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 22 April, 2010, 08:43:31 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 22 April, 2010, 11:45:35 AM
Recently finished Cancertown, which was pretty good.

Yeah, I really enjoyed this one. The character-specific lettering was a little annoying after a while, but a dry script and some great looking nasties - I'm a sucker for big eye-ball creatures!

(http://i531.photobucket.com/albums/dd359/anaconda888/cancertown002.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 23 April, 2010, 04:05:25 AM
back on the Barker again, reading Imajica as there's a new print just out down here.  Fraking brilliant but very disturbed writter.  No one can get across squeamish horror and aching beuty in the same paragraph like Barker can.  last time I read this I was 16 years old and though it was worth another read (having recently been on a Barker kick after reading the Comic adaptaion of The Great and Secret Show and the Novella Nightbreed again.)

Cu Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 23 April, 2010, 02:00:44 PM
I've just read Batman: Lovers and Madmen - which, despite being yet another account of the "first" time Bruce Wayne meets The Joker, is pretty fun. One quibble, though - it kind of writes The Killing Joke out of continuity. Why would ANYONE want to write one of the greatest graphic novels ever out of continuity??
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 April, 2010, 06:22:20 PM
Which, on a bit of a tangent has apparently been paid tribute to in a recent episode of South Park.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/04/22/swipe-file-south-park-vs-the-killing-joke/ (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/04/22/swipe-file-south-park-vs-the-killing-joke/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 23 April, 2010, 06:36:01 PM
Reading A Clockwork Orange. Horrorshow novel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 23 April, 2010, 11:17:58 PM
My take on Killing Joke is that we're not supposed to take the origin sub-plot as canon in the strictest sense. It "could" be the true story, but it's anyone's guess as to whether it is or not. The fact it's in B&W shows how ultimately futile and irrelevant such guesswork is when he's crippling Barbara in colour.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 24 April, 2010, 12:41:47 AM
A long bus journey means that I've finally finished the paperback I've had on the go for weeks, Descent of Angels (part of the Horus Heresy) and gotten well stuck into my next, Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs. 

After that it will be books 4 and 5 of the Felix Castor books and then more Horus, with the return of Dan Abnett to writing duties. All told I'm quietly confident I've got some really good stuff ahead of me.

No surprises though, since they're all parts of ongoing series but Castor 5 I'm all caught up with that series so I have to pick out what to put in the fantasy/horror slot of my ocd rigid rotation.

So it's between Memory Sorrow And Thorn by Tad Williams, a couple of Clive Barker books (Weaveworld and something else the name of which escapes me) or a little series about a guy called Brak the Barbarian, which I think is just the 3 books I have, and seems to be some sort of Conan style thing.

Any suggestions which I should go for first? They are all completely new to me, yes, even Clive Barker.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 24 April, 2010, 06:52:19 AM
Weave Worlds a good Barker book to start with.  Modern fantasy story with magic and demons and all that jaz.

I was trying to explain to my non comic reading friend why i was laughing so hard at that last episode of South Park twas a good thing and I picked up what was going on really fast which is unusual for me.

Mt current toilet book is The MArs Mystery - A tale of the end of two worlds.  Its one of those non-fiction books where they grab a whole heap of scientific data and speculate about stuff, in this case trying to prove two geat civilizations existed at the same time on MArs and Earth between 10000 - 60000 years ago both wiped out by the same catastrophy.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 24 April, 2010, 10:41:52 AM
Thousand Sons of the Hous Heresy series. 120 pages in little has happened. Damn knew I should have tried a Pax Britannia books instead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 24 April, 2010, 08:18:17 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 23 April, 2010, 11:17:58 PM
My take on Killing Joke is that we're not supposed to take the origin sub-plot as canon in the strictest sense. It "could" be the true story, but it's anyone's guess as to whether it is or not. The fact it's in B&W shows how ultimately futile and irrelevant such guesswork is when he's crippling Barbara in colour.


True. But there was a Shadow of the Bat two-parter that flashed back to the same backstory as The Killing Joke, so I'd always thought it was an accepted part of the continuity.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Christov on 24 April, 2010, 09:20:52 PM
Been blazing through the hardback of Morrison's Batman & Robin.

Fackin' lahhhhvely.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 25 April, 2010, 01:05:30 AM
restricted files 1 again
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 25 April, 2010, 01:42:31 AM
I've finally got hold of A Storm of Swords 2: Blood and Gold. Trouble is, it's been a while since I read the last book so I've forgotten some of what's happened before, although the general gist is easy enough to pick up.

Good read though.

Major spoilers! Don't highlight unless you've read the book. [spoiler]What a shocker though! I expected treachery at the Frey castle (things seemed to be going too well) but I didn't expect that to happen. I've read George R R Martin is renowned for killing of main characters but it's still quite a shock when it happened to characters that main. I say characters, Robb has taken rather a back seat after the first book, taking part in major events behind the scenes but with no POV, so I suppose its not that surprising he'd die in hindsight. The other character though...?

I'm just hoping that what happened to Arya was a bit of misdirection. (Don't tell  me, I'm only about a quarter through so far.)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 25 April, 2010, 07:49:26 AM
The new Modesty Blaise collection. Brilliant stuff!
Isn't it about time they made a decent film version of this?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 27 April, 2010, 11:21:39 PM
I've just added to my reading pile 'The Audit Society ~ Rituals of Verification' by Michael Powers.

I've really had quite enough of audit and its rituals of verification in my past 3 jobs and my present one (which even involves devising them), so I thought I'd cheer myself up by reading an academic critique of the phenomena.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 28 April, 2010, 03:46:57 AM
Just finished reading volume 1 of 'Chew' by John Layman and Rob Guillory.

Best comic book I've read all year. Bloody brilliant stuff! It's highly original, side-splittingly funny and ... god dammit! I think I'm gonna read it again soon!

Y'all OWE it to yourselves to check it out. Go on - Google it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 28 April, 2010, 04:04:45 AM
My comic shop man keeps pushing that GN to me. I think I know the whole tale by now.
Apparently it was one of the top sellers of the last quarter and the first comic sells for about £100 at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 29 April, 2010, 06:25:16 AM
YIKES!

'Tis a quality read, big time. I got the trade for about eight quid. Pee'd myself laughing all the way through!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 02 May, 2010, 01:47:18 AM
Just received DOMAIN by James Herbert, which I will read alongside the SD case files (4).

An excellent combo, I hope!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 03 May, 2010, 12:39:45 AM
Just started Middlemarch. Dorothea and Celia have 100 pages to lezz up or I'm outta there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 03 May, 2010, 03:40:59 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 03 May, 2010, 12:39:45 AM
Just started Middlemarch. Dorothea and Celia have 100 pages to lezz up or I'm outta there.

Unless you are the one who stole the "mucky marginalia" edition I made, you might want to save yourself some time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 03 May, 2010, 06:57:49 PM
Mainly 2000ad GN's. I recently went through a phase of reading Will Eisner stuff, and I still do, but more things like the case files, search/destroy agency files, slaine and will hopefully buy abc warriors the meknificent seven, and i am really enjoying all of it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 03 May, 2010, 07:12:00 PM
Pride and Prejudice. And Zombies.
The graphic novel version.


Any book that starts;
"It's a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains"
can't be bad!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 03 May, 2010, 07:17:42 PM
Anybody else picking up the new "Warriors" series, "Jailbreak?" I picked it up at random in my local Travelling Man, just for something to read whilst waiting for a bus - and it was a really good read! I'd recommend it to any fans of the original movie, it gets the tone right and really captures the spirit of the characters. Plus we get to see Ajax being hard, which is always a good thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 03 May, 2010, 07:38:14 PM
Just finishing McMafia by Misha Glinney probably the most depressing book I've read on the current state of the world.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 03 May, 2010, 07:51:03 PM
Just read the collection of Alan Davis' Killraven - nice work and a solid story, he really got back to the core of the character, plus it is lovely art from him as always. Not sure what else they could do with the character and setting but this self-contained soft reboot works a treat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 03 May, 2010, 07:54:13 PM
I'm reading James Herbert's DOMAIN.

Good, honest, shoot-from-the-hip horror.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 03 May, 2010, 08:40:12 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 03 May, 2010, 07:54:13 PM
I'm reading James Herbert's DOMAIN.

Good, honest, shoot-from-the-hip horror.

Hope you started with Rats and Lair first.






VNP
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 03 May, 2010, 09:18:43 PM
Gaspipe by Philip Carlo. It's a true story of a mafia boss.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 03 May, 2010, 10:33:23 PM
I may have imagined this but I recall throwing one of Herbert's rat novels across the room because it actually used the word "scurry" on the first page.

He did start of the lovely sub genre of scary monsters and sex novels though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 03 May, 2010, 10:58:36 PM
Quote from: vzzbux on 03 May, 2010, 08:40:12 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 03 May, 2010, 07:54:13 PM
I'm reading James Herbert's DOMAIN.

Good, honest, shoot-from-the-hip horror.

Hope you started with Rats and Lair first.


I read RATS a couple of years back. LAIR I had ordered, but DOMAIN arrived first so got stuck into it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 03 May, 2010, 11:18:56 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 03 May, 2010, 03:40:59 AM
Unless you are the one who stole the "mucky marginalia" edition I made, you might want to save yourself some time.
Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell got sent to prison for that! Good for you for keeping up an ignoble literary tradition.

Quote from: Daveycandlish on 03 May, 2010, 07:12:00 PM
Any book that starts "It's a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains" can't be bad!
Oh, but I bet it can. At least it got turned into a graphic novel, which I suspect is its proper medium. Wouldn't mind seeing it on the telly either.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 04 May, 2010, 11:04:50 AM
I've got '...with Zombies' in my to read pile. It was bought for me as a christmas present and I haven't lifted it yet as I suspect it may not live up to my expectations.

I'm catching up on Interzone (again!). Some cracking stuff - but I can't remember most of the authors or story titles off hand  :-[ I have this trouble with a lot of short fiction anthologies & collections, so I usually only get a fix on the names & titles when I have a year end review.

I'll get back to you...

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 04 May, 2010, 11:10:16 AM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 03 May, 2010, 10:58:36 PM
Quote from: vzzbux on 03 May, 2010, 08:40:12 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 03 May, 2010, 07:54:13 PM
I'm reading James Herbert's DOMAIN.

Good, honest, shoot-from-the-hip horror.

Hope you started with Rats and Lair first.


I read RATS a couple of years back. LAIR I had ordered, but DOMAIN arrived first so got stuck into it.

I used to love Herbert when I was younger and read these many times.
He's run out of ideas though, and has been writing the same bloody story for the past half dozen books.

Oh- and avoid The City, the GN he did with Ian Millar. It's supposed to be a fourth Rats book, but is, in fact, rubbish.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 04 May, 2010, 01:19:30 PM
Quote
I used to love Herbert when I was younger and read these many times.
He's run out of ideas though, and has been writing the same bloody story for the past half dozen books.

Oh- and avoid The City, the GN he did with Ian Millar. It's supposed to be a fourth Rats book, but is, in fact, rubbish.

To be honest, The Rats was the first Herbert book I read - and I only read it fairly recently. I liked the concept, but didn't realise he'd written sequels until a few weeks back. His writing is very accessible and for that I enjoy it. He also takes time to flesh out the characters (often just before he kills them - which is a tad annoying).

Back at school, you were either a King reader, Herbert reader or Shaun Hutson reader. I chose King and have read a lot of his novels through the years. I like his character development (second to none) but would fire his editor - the man needs someone to power-down the word count.

I'm really enjoying Domain. Alas, I'll probably pick up The City, now you've brought it to my attention :) I did try to read that Crickley Manor book but failed at the first chapter. Just wasn't grabbing me at all...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 04 May, 2010, 01:24:00 PM
QuoteBack at school, you were either a King reader, Herbert reader or Shaun Hutson reader.

Too true!

I'm a King reader now... Hutson was fucking appalling.

QuoteAlas, I'll probably pick up The City, now you've brought it to my attention

Don't say I didn't warn you!

QuoteI did try to read that Crickley Manor book but failed at the first chapter. Just wasn't grabbing me at all...

His last few books have basically been the same haunted house story, and every bloody one ends with some sort of elemental catastrophe- be it a flood or fire.
I think the last book he did that I thought was worth anything was The Ghosts of Sleath, although Nobody True was a great high concept.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pauljholden on 04 May, 2010, 01:34:13 PM
I've just ordered up "Thor" vol 1 and "Iron Man: Enter the Mandarin" - though I shant be reading either, mostly I'll be staring and going 'OOHH' 'AAAHH' at the lovely pictures...

-pj
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 04 May, 2010, 07:44:51 PM
Received "The Wind's Twelve Quarters", a collection of short stories by Ursula LeGuin, and "Coward; Criminal vol 1" by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips in the post today. Supoib.

And Amazon tell me "The Scorpion, vol 3; The Holy Valley" is en route, even supoiber.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 04 May, 2010, 10:10:28 PM
I used to love Herbert. Formulaic maybe, but it was a good formula. My copies of The Rats, Lair and Domain were much in demand at school, everyone borrowed them. When laid down, each one would instantly flop open to the graphic sex scene that he always included.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 04 May, 2010, 10:17:36 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 04 May, 2010, 10:10:28 PM
When laid down, each one would instantly flop open to the graphic sex scene that he always included.

:lol: Yep, hold "The Rats" up by it's spine to easily find the pages where there's shagging and then some poor chap gets his feet chewed off.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 04 May, 2010, 10:35:41 PM
QuoteHe whisked off her shoes and panties in one movement, wild like an enraged shark, his dusky totem beating a seductive rhythm. Mary's body felt like it was burning, even though the room was properly air conditioned. They tried all the positions, On Top, Doggie and Normal. Exhausted, they collapsed onto the recently extended sofabed.

Then, a Hellbeast ate them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 05 May, 2010, 06:37:49 AM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 04 May, 2010, 01:24:00 PM
QuoteBack at school, you were either a King reader, Herbert reader or Shaun Hutson reader.
... Hutson was fucking appalling.


That was the joke even back at school. We used to read Hutson aloud, giggling. His thing was to go for the graphic violence, sex, the works. All very appealing to some of us twelve year olds, at the time. Is he still writing?

Quote from: Dandontdare on 04 May, 2010, 10:10:28 PM
I used to love Herbert. Formulaic maybe, but it was a good formula. My copies of The Rats, Lair and Domain were much in demand at school, everyone borrowed them.

I'm really impressed, thus far, by Domain. There's nothing fresh there at all, but it is very accessible and, therefore, enjoyable.

QuoteWhen laid down, each one would instantly flop open to the graphic sex scene that he always included.

haha! Loving Roger's 'excerpt' by the way!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 05 May, 2010, 07:40:38 AM
Okay.. I picked up Kick Ass (now a major motion picture!) Batman, The Black Glove and LOEG 1910.

Half way through the latter two and a page into the first.

I kind of like Herbert's change of pace with Sepulchre.

Rats I never got my teeth into and Shaun Hutsons riding of that cfertain camel's back cerainly convinced me not to go there. I read the Dark and Fluke too. I always wanted to read the Spear.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 06 May, 2010, 07:38:17 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 04 May, 2010, 07:44:51 PM
Received "The Wind's Twelve Quarters", a collection of short stories by Ursula LeGuin, and "Coward; Criminal vol 1" by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips in the post today. Supoib.

Stevie's quite envious of you there Kerrin, reading both Le Guin & Coward for the first time.

I'm 130 pages into Reynold's Terminal City & am quite pleased to report that the tone is more akin to the more recent material of Zima Blue than the cosmic New Space Opera of his mostly excellent Revelation Space novels.* A cracking treat.


* Redemption Ark was quite a trainwreck though, wasn't it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 10 May, 2010, 02:07:32 PM
ASTERIX.

Read a few of these when I was a kid but never a) got a lot of the jokes and b) realised how many of the buggers there actually are.

I never knew I wasn't getting the jokes of course, which is part of the beauty of the series I suppose.

Anyway, came across a big pile in the Library - possibly the same copies I was borrowing 25 years ago judging by the tattered state of some of them - and grabbed the first 4. Loving them. Will probably try to read the lot now.

I could probably look up some reviews but what the hell, I trust the opinions on here so I was wondering, given that the series seems to run for so long, is there a point where it's kind of agreed that it goes off the boil? Any unnessential ones I shouldn't worry to much about if the Library hasn't got them?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 May, 2010, 03:07:38 PM
Arh man you're on one of my favourite topics I LOVE Asterix some of the finest comics every produced. If you're reading old copies with the titles carved out of a menhir Obelix is carrying then the order isn't the same as the books were produced. A chronological list can be found here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Asterix_volumes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Asterix_volumes)

All the books have something to offer but for me they are really at a peak between 'Legionary' and 'Obelix and Co'. With 'Asterix and the Soothsayer' being my favourite. The books after Goscinny's death (Great Divide onwards) aren't a patch on the ones he wrote though I do have a soft spot for 'Black Gold'. The later one's are nice to look at still but the stories are pretty much all over the place.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 10 May, 2010, 03:40:45 PM
yep they went down hill at around '& Son' and the recent crop have been mediocre at best, although as Colin says, they still look good. Some of the original ones have been re-released recoloured I think to make up for some of the, lets say interesting, colour pallets used for the first few. Worth checking out
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 10 May, 2010, 05:35:51 PM
Asterix was great! It was my first introduction to the word 'orgy' as I recall. In fact, I have very early memories of asking my red-faced father what the word 'orgy' meant. 'It's just another word for big party', he said. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 May, 2010, 05:38:08 PM
Yeah there's bit in 'Asterix in Switzerland' that looking back I really wasn't getting... and that's no bad thing!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 10 May, 2010, 07:03:59 PM
Cheers for the responses everyone. I shall descend upon the library with that wikipedia list and see what I can scoop up.

I have to admit that I've been chuckling away at these a lot more than I expected to. I suppose if I'm honest, my reasons for picking them up were about 50/50 nostalgic/ironic. Really did have the idea that they were quite childish. Had no idea they were held in such high regard.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 May, 2010, 08:40:07 PM
Well they are children's books so its not a bad assumption. That of course doesn't mean they are not magnicient and incredibly clever.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 10 May, 2010, 08:52:57 PM
It's those open minded, non judgemental Space Marines once again in A thousand sons, a Horus Heresy book by Graham MacNeill.

Grab your Bolter and get blastin'! [oh er missus!]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 11 May, 2010, 12:11:02 AM
I've just read Nevermore, an indie graphic novel anthology adaptation of 9 Edgar Allan Poe stories, published by SelfMadeHero in 2007.

It was an impressive little book. Six out of the nine stories have very polished scripts, and the contributors are a mix of professionals and semi-/non-professionals, including big names like Jamie Delano, Steve Pugh, John McCrea and Edgington and D'Israeli.

Dan Whitehead and Stuart Tipples' adaptation of The Raven is deftly paced, and the visuals keep the situation in view when the words alone might run away with the reader, causing one to lose sight of where they came in.

There are imaginative updates of The Pit and the Pendulum, The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar, and The Fall of the House of Usher. Heretical as it may be to say so, I'm grateful to Edgington and D'Israeli for doing The Murders in the Rue Morgue in a mere 10 pages!

The real highlight for me was The Oval Portrait, adapted by David Berner and Natalie Sandells. It reads like only the cream of the crop of strips published in a 1970s edition of House of Secrets, which, if you read a lot of them in series, is a very patchy read. David Berner's writing is fantastic, and Natalie's drawing style evokes a certain vintage, specifically DC's end of the eighties Wasteland horror anthology.

A bit expensive at £12.99, but cost me nothing to borrow from the library. A nice little travel-sized volume, it helped pass the time on a long coach trip.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 May, 2010, 01:23:13 AM
I recently started reading Asterix the Gaul to my 4-next-week boy, but found myself chuckling at the puns in almost every panel, and then being forced to explain (at length) what I was laughing at - we barely made it to the second page.  Excellent stuff, and just as good as I remembered - just much, much funnier (if you share a love of supra-Abnettian puns).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 11 May, 2010, 01:26:55 AM
A absolute spudload of sources for my dissertation about Sheffield's buildings. What I have learned: people hated Sheffield's buildings.

"The old buildings of Sheffield are something of a joke. In style after style there is the demure and the second rate" Ian Nairn

"Architecturally Sheffield is a miserable disappointment" Nikolaus Pevsner

"It has a population of half a million and it contains fewer decent buildings than the average East Anglian village of five hundred" George Orwell

Sigh.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 11 May, 2010, 11:00:50 PM
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 11 May, 2010, 01:26:55 AM
"It has a population of half a million and it contains fewer decent buildings than the average East Anglian village of five hundred" George Orwell

The WJEC exam board presented Orwell on Sheffield as a comprehension piece in its Higher Tier Paper 2 English exam in June 2006. I think it was an inspired choice!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 18 May, 2010, 06:17:13 PM
Nikolai Dante: The Romanov Dynasty.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Peter Wolf on 18 May, 2010, 06:22:50 PM
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 11 May, 2010, 01:26:55 AM

"It has a population of half a million and it contains fewer decent buildings than the average East Anglian village of five hundred" George Orwell

Sigh.

I shouldnt think that Sheffields architecture is that much worse than any other Northern town/ city that expanded rapidly during the Victorian era.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 18 May, 2010, 07:41:49 PM
"Line War" by Neal Asher an AI heavy book but fun despite the mostly non-human cast.I think it would have helped if I'd started with the first book in the series as it can get a bit confusing between dragons, draco-men, polity AI's, Golems and  killer arachnid gun platforms.

Also just got "Kull the Conqueror" by Robert E Howard. Never read any Kull and as they're mostly re-hashed "Conan" stories I'm looking forward to seeing how they stand up.Some excellent illustration work in there too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 22 May, 2010, 01:11:06 AM
Earlier this week I finished the 5th Felix Castor book, The Naming of the Beasts. I meant to come on here and rave about it sooner. Suffice to say, it was fecking superb.

I've enjoyed all the books in this series but this one was just in another league. By halfway through the book I was convinced half the cast were for the chop and was genuinely distraught at the prospect, while the final confrontation between Castor and his Demonic nemesis is just an incredible, all-in, last ditch desperate struggle for survival that is absolutely gripping from start to blood soaked finish.

Highly recomended. Carey is gonna have to really go some to match this with book 6.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 May, 2010, 09:07:26 AM
Just finished 'A pirate of Exquisite Mind' a biography of William Dampier who if you've not heard of him was a buccaneer who did some incredible studies to the natural world, helped develop travel writing, inspired Jonathon Swift and Charles Darwin, sached Spainish towns and coined the word avocado amongst many other things. If that's not a life worth reading about I don't know what is. Fantastic book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 22 May, 2010, 05:06:56 PM
I'm reading two fellow Snowbooks authors; MANEATER by Thomas Emson and GHOSTS OF MANHATTAN by George Mann. You couldn't get two more different writers! Emson writes with a style so economic, it feels as if it's been relayed to you by some guy on the run. Mann's style suits his steampunk tale; comic-book, campy and fun. Bot enjoyable reads.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wild-seven on 22 May, 2010, 11:13:23 PM
A biography of Beau Brummel - influence for 'This Charming Man' FACT!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Gloady on 22 May, 2010, 11:17:27 PM
Not really a sci-fi/fantasy reader (not outside Tharg's Emerald Organ anyway), heck I'm rarely a fiction reader - but I'm on the last throes of China Mieville's Perdido Street Station and it's really rather good.  Very outside the norm, which is nothing but a good thing for me.

Now if only I wasn't too tired to read it tonight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 24 May, 2010, 11:13:44 AM
Punishermax is absolutely on fire at the moment.
I didn't think anyone could top Garth Ennis on his run, but this comes pretty darn close.
The 'Bullseye' story running at the moment is all kinds of arsom, with a side order of more arsom!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 27 May, 2010, 05:39:36 AM
Quote from: dweezil2 on 24 May, 2010, 11:13:44 AM
Punishermax is absolutely on fire at the moment.
I didn't think anyone could top Garth Ennis on his run, but this comes pretty darn close.
The 'Bullseye' story running at the moment is all kinds of arsom, with a side order of more arsom!

Oh good I'm a fan of Aaron's Scalped but not his Weapon X work. i'm glad to hear he's a good fit for Punisher.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 30 May, 2010, 06:07:28 PM
Anybody else picked up a copy of Stephen King's new novella "Blockade Billy" yet? It's a really great read, quite stripped down for his style, and has a creepy little short story thrown in as a bonus. It's highly recommended for fans :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 30 May, 2010, 08:07:12 PM
Just started on Hellbazer : Pandemonium. Seems great so far. Jocks the man as far as I'm concerned.  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 30 May, 2010, 09:22:13 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 30 May, 2010, 06:07:28 PM
Anybody else picked up a copy of Stephen King's new novella "Blockade Billy" yet? It's a really great read, quite stripped down for his style, and has a creepy little short story thrown in as a bonus. It's highly recommended for fans :-)
Didn't know this existed- but I shall track it down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 30 May, 2010, 09:41:18 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 30 May, 2010, 06:07:28 PM
Anybody else picked up a copy of Stephen King's new novella "Blockade Billy" yet? It's a really great read, quite stripped down for his style, and has a creepy little short story thrown in as a bonus. It's highly recommended for fans :-)

My main criticism of King has always been his verbose style; I love his characterisation, his storytelling and his style of writing, I just think he often overdoes it in terms of word count. For me, his best writing has been his more economic writing; Cell, Carrie etc. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 30 May, 2010, 10:42:23 PM
Finished Atwood's "The Year of the Flood" today. It's a sort of sequel to "Oryx and Crake" if you're interested.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 31 May, 2010, 12:36:59 AM
Finishing off Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs.

Then it will be Legion by Mr Abnett. I'm finding the Horus Hersy books a curious read because individually they can seem qite slight reads but the series as a whole is a quite involved Universe building exercise that manages to surpass it's big men with guns game tie-in roots and become something rather special. At first I resented the fact that the books seemed to back track and go over a lot of the same ground several times but I've realised that there is always something new in each interpretation. The series isn't designed to be a linear narrative so much as a series of snapshots. It's really grown on me. Not bad for a series that was shoved on me by a pushy mate and I never would have touched were it not for Dan Abnetts name on Book 1.

I was gonna delve into Weaveworld by Clive Barker after that, my first taste of Barker, but I've had the Joe Pitt books by Charlie Huston  brought to my attention so if the first one of them arrives at the library Mr Barker will be put on hold again. I do like an ongoing series over a standalone.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 31 May, 2010, 05:02:28 AM
Last night I finished reading 'Cursed Earth Asylum' by David Bishop. Now
i don't know what to read next. Maybe 'Nation' by Terry Pratchett.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 31 May, 2010, 08:48:44 AM
The Fabric of Sin by Phil Rickman
A Very Short Introduction to Logic (one of the huge and excellent V. Short Intro range)
Glorantha: The Second Age (a roleplaying book, all setting, no rules as such)

Regards

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 31 May, 2010, 09:18:07 AM
QuoteI was gonna delve into Weaveworld by Clive Barker after that

This one jockeys for the postion of Best Book Ever with Iain M Banks's Use Of Weapons.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 31 May, 2010, 02:49:31 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 30 May, 2010, 09:41:18 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 30 May, 2010, 06:07:28 PM
Anybody else picked up a copy of Stephen King's new novella "Blockade Billy" yet? It's a really great read, quite stripped down for his style, and has a creepy little short story thrown in as a bonus. It's highly recommended for fans :-)

My main criticism of King has always been his verbose style; I love his characterisation, his storytelling and his style of writing, I just think he often overdoes it in terms of word count. For me, his best writing has been his more economic writing; Cell, Carrie etc. 


Yeah, this one is more in line with those, and close to the "Different Seasons" set of novellas - very conversational style of writing. It's made me quite excited for the next King release, which (I think) is going to be another set of novellas. After "Lisey's Story," which I've never been able to read, it's great to be getting excited about his work again :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Stuzzle on 31 May, 2010, 06:45:13 PM
I, perusing through my local Waterstones today, am a bit late on the discovery train I realise, but I have now found Garth Eniss' "The Boys" Volume 1 'Name Of The Game'  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 02 June, 2010, 09:51:12 AM
This weekend I read issues 12 & 13 od Sgt Mike Battle- And loved 'em. Graham really does this so well. I've got 14 & 15 ready and waiting a little further down in the pile, so I'm looking forward to those immensely.

About to read Lady S from Cinebooks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 02 June, 2010, 10:00:13 AM
How Not to Grow Up by Richard Herring.
Very good so far. As expected it is funny and more than a little purile in places, but ti is also astonishingly moving and bravely honest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 02 June, 2010, 11:15:13 AM
Just started The Noise Within (staying loyal to Rebellion) after seeing the ad in the prog. It's already action packed and fun. Not the best written book in the world, it really makes you appreciate Iain M Banks' fantastic literary skills, but it's fast and exciting.

Next I've got The New Space Opera anthology and Seeds of Earth by Michael Cobley.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Marbles on 02 June, 2010, 02:49:54 PM
Just finished 'Engleby' by Sebastian Faulks, loved it. Plot :-

70's student weirdo gets obsessive about fellow female student, she then goes missing presumed, but was he involved in her disappearance ? He just can't remember...

Really well written and thought provoking.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 June, 2010, 06:20:17 PM
Just finished Shade 20-50 and boy its a great read... except... well I know that perceived wisdom says Shade goes off the boil after issue 50 but I have to be honest I thought 'A Season in Hell' (issues 45-50) wasn't quite up to the level of what'd gone before. Even the ending didn't have the impact that it should have to me.

What also struck me was my attitude to some of the characters had changed a lot since I first read the issues in my late teens early 20s. Lenny especially while more interesting to me was as cool as I remember her, in that she pissed me off at times... I'm getting old!

Still know where Banners' avatar comes from now!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 03 June, 2010, 11:15:21 PM
catching up on the hamlyn trades i missed like ,raptaur (bugger,paid 3 quid for that then ot it free a couple o weeks later in the meg ::)) fetish and babes in arms

what happened to siku? liked his take on dredd almost cariacture ike inikada or wotshis name was from regime change liked that stuff too!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 04 June, 2010, 11:49:47 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 03 June, 2010, 11:15:21 PM
what happened to siku?
He did a 'Bod cover a couple of weeks ago
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 June, 2010, 12:15:55 PM
Quote from: James Stacey on 04 June, 2010, 11:49:47 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 03 June, 2010, 11:15:21 PM
what happened to siku?
He did a 'Bod cover a couple of weeks ago

Which Pete Wells covered in his excellent Covers Blog here

http://2000adcovers.blogspot.com/2010/05/siku-red-dead-redemption.html (http://2000adcovers.blogspot.com/2010/05/siku-red-dead-redemption.html)

Which included at the bottom a linkie t Siku's website so you can see exactly what he's up to these days.

http://www.theartofsiku.com/ (http://www.theartofsiku.com/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 04 June, 2010, 02:28:51 PM
we gotta gettim back on a dredd strip!!!

just finished my hamlyn collection(thanks amazon) of blind justice book of the dead and democracy now

and dredd and lobo!!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 07 June, 2010, 04:17:11 PM
Just finished "SUPERHUMAN" by Michael Carroll of this parish. Loved it! The story and characters were spot on and I laughed out loud several times, mainly at another of Lance's quips. Aimed at the teenage market but highly enjoyable for all. If you've got a teenager buy them a copy, if you haven't, buy one for yourself. Available from the link below...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Super-Human-Michael-Carroll/dp/0399252975/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1275923658&sr=1-2-fkmr0 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Super-Human-Michael-Carroll/dp/0399252975/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1275923658&sr=1-2-fkmr0)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 08 June, 2010, 08:00:11 AM
I'm about half way through Strontium Dog Agency Files vol.1 I've never read any SD before. I had only listened to the audio dramas starring Simon Pegg.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 08 June, 2010, 08:45:31 AM
Downriver by Iain Sinclair. I think I'm missing something.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 June, 2010, 09:18:24 AM
Halfway through Chabon's Manhood for Amateurs, an original take on an autobiography.  It's very funny and frequently thought-provoking, but as it goes on I'm growing to dislike the man himself.  That he makes me feel inadequate as a person is only part of it, but it's probably a big part. Pity, because I love his work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 12 June, 2010, 10:34:21 PM
Ploughing through Rogue Trooper: Tales of Nu-Earth 02.

It's been years since I saw Cam Kennedy's B&W artwork on this, and it's chuffing brilliant!

I'm actually surprised the book is as good as it is, as a lot of the early collections have left me cold previously.

Recommend this one though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 12 June, 2010, 10:36:00 PM
Just started Walt & Skeezix vol 1.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 12 June, 2010, 11:30:50 PM
I'm on my third run with Stephen King's Duma Key. It's getting exciting, again, and hurtling towards a rather creepy finish. The man writes well, when he wants to; you have to give it to him.

After I'm done with that, I'll either return to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo or start on a rather delightful mint condition, first edition Cujo I picked up today from the charity shop I work at :D 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 13 June, 2010, 01:12:09 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 07 June, 2010, 04:17:11 PM
Just finished "SUPERHUMAN" by Michael Carroll of this parish. Loved it! The story and characters were spot on and I laughed out loud several times, mainly at another of Lance's quips. Aimed at the teenage market but highly enjoyable for all. If you've got a teenager buy them a copy, if you haven't, buy one for yourself. Available from the link below...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Super-Human-Michael-Carroll/dp/0399252975/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1275923658&sr=1-2-fkmr0 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Super-Human-Michael-Carroll/dp/0399252975/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1275923658&sr=1-2-fkmr0)

Cheers, Kerrin! Always happy to see positive reviews!
-- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 13 June, 2010, 02:19:57 AM
A couple of your books are in MK library, and I make a point of picking them up, finding another 15 items to max out my allowance so I "have" to put it back because that's how I roll.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 13 June, 2010, 02:42:46 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 13 June, 2010, 02:19:57 AM
because that's how I roll.


you must be pretty chubby.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Devons Daddy on 13 June, 2010, 10:27:08 AM
Forty five'45. Bloody awesome!!!!!   Also downloading the art of war. Two fold see how it is the iPad and as it may help in my carear development.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 13 June, 2010, 12:09:00 PM
After a truly awful week it's good to cheer yourself up with the H.P Lovecraft Omnibus: Dagon and other macabre tales.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 13 June, 2010, 01:03:44 PM
Public Enemies by Bryan Burrough, it's pretty good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 15 June, 2010, 05:02:13 AM
This morning I just finished reading Terry Pratchett's nation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 15 June, 2010, 12:21:51 PM
very excited 'bout m. lark's upcoming art on asm

other than that images chew - give the first tpb a go, only costs 7 quid
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 12:25:31 PM
Excel sheets.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 15 June, 2010, 12:39:50 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 12:25:31 PM
Excel sheets.
I love Excel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 12:56:47 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 15 June, 2010, 12:39:50 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 12:25:31 PM
Excel sheets.
I love Excel.

I don't!

200+ pages of info to type in!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 15 June, 2010, 03:37:53 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 15 June, 2010, 12:39:50 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 12:25:31 PM
Excel sheets.
I love Excel.
I love Excel. Just spent the last two days making a beautiful file.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 15 June, 2010, 03:56:07 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 12:56:47 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 15 June, 2010, 12:39:50 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 12:25:31 PM
Excel sheets.
I love Excel.
I don't!

200+ pages of info to type in!
There must be an easier way!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 04:01:31 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 15 June, 2010, 03:56:07 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 12:56:47 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 15 June, 2010, 12:39:50 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 15 June, 2010, 12:25:31 PM
Excel sheets.
I love Excel.
I don't!

200+ pages of info to type in!
There must be an easier way!

Probably... all done now anyway. I'm now typing this and looking busy!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 June, 2010, 11:58:16 PM
Dragon Warriors 'Friends or Foes' RPG sourcebook, with contributions from one Robin Low - our Robin Low?  If so, lift that bushel, man!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 21 June, 2010, 01:25:53 AM
Halfway through Strange Tales vol 1. So far Paul Pope's Inhumans and Dash Shaw doing Dr. Strange are worth the price of admission on their own. I would have to choose Pope as the ultimate fantasy Dredd artist right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 21 June, 2010, 05:06:15 PM
Got Hellboy : The Wild Hunt and The Boys : Herogasm for Fathers day. Just started on the HB one....Duncan Fegredos work on that is exceptional. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I. on 21 June, 2010, 06:06:32 PM
Mario Puzo - The Sicilian
Terry Pratchett - The Wee Free Men
Haruki Murakami - Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World - yes, this is mainstream, but I want to know what awaits me in the end )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 21 June, 2010, 06:13:14 PM
Just started Cujo by Stephen King. If you've read his book, On Writing, you'll know that Cujo was written during the worst of his alcoholism meaning he can't remember actually writing very much of it. That said, I'm actually really enjoying it so far. Quite different style of writing to the last book of his that I read; Duma Key. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 21 June, 2010, 06:52:55 PM
I'm reading The Weight of Numbers by Simon Ings. I didn't know quite what to expect. It was lent to me by a work colleague who knows the author.

It's a very well written historical novel of the 20th Century, of unlikely small-world coincidences and degrees of separation. It's impressively well researched, convincingly authentic and difficult to put down. The tone, trajectory and descriptive detail remind me of reading Iain Banks.

The plot: the prologue is a mess of fragments of the various characters' lives, then a girl called Kathleen, who has a natural mathematical aptitude, wanders around London during the Blitz and dreams of using her talents to help the war effort. College drop-out Saul Cogan flirts with the 1960s counter-culture after winding up at a squat in the aftermath of an Anti-Vietnam rally. Anthony Burden, former student of Alan Turing, struggles with his sexuality in war-torn London and marries a Jewish girl before resorting to eletro-shock therapy to make him 'normal' - that's the first 200 pages.

From the reviews on Amazon I'm expecting a great big let-down of an ending, but I don't know how much Amazon customer reviews can be relied upon. I don't care if the ending is good or not, it's just nice to have something to read that is skilfully written.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 21 June, 2010, 07:42:01 PM
faker by mike carey and art by some fella called jock entertaining stuff but [spoiler]couldnt help wonder what happened to the "poor "prof the girl blackmailed[/spoiler]  ;)

pay day and grandville later this week!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 25 June, 2010, 07:53:47 PM
waiting for Alan Moore's future shocks to arrive, bought and re-reading strontium dog: The Final solution. Hoping to get some more hellboy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 25 June, 2010, 10:02:41 PM
A third of the way through Bodyworld. You need to read this too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 26 June, 2010, 01:42:24 AM
Last night I just finished reading V for Vendetta which I had owned for a couple years but was too lazy to pick it up and read until now.

Then I started the complete D.R. and Quinch.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 26 June, 2010, 08:13:16 AM
Just ordered "The Fuller Memorandum (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fuller-Memorandum-Laundry-3/dp/1841497703/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277536091&sr=8-1)" by Charles Stross, the third of his "Laundry" books, having recently reread the second. More adventures of Bob the techy secret agent and his dealings with the denizens of the vasty deeps.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 26 June, 2010, 04:53:31 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 26 June, 2010, 08:13:16 AM
Just ordered "The Fuller Memorandum (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fuller-Memorandum-Laundry-3/dp/1841497703/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277536091&sr=8-1)" by Charles Stross, the third of his "Laundry" books, having recently reread the second. More adventures of Bob the techy secret agent and his dealings with the denizens of the vasty deeps.

Oooooooo it is out? I thought it wasn't being released until next month (or did you pre-order it?). Exciting!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 26 June, 2010, 06:22:11 PM
Yep, it's in stock at Amazon, click the link in my previous post. Ordered "The Boys" vol 6 and "Betelgeuse" vol 3 as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Strontium Jimmy on 27 June, 2010, 05:50:16 AM
The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. I'm halfway through the second book Before they are Hanged. A enjoyable romp.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 27 June, 2010, 11:15:31 AM
Joe Abercrombie's ace!

I'm reading Hammers Slammers a military sci- fi,(oh what a surprise! :)) book written by a Vietnam vet (and it shows) -brutalising and chilling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 27 June, 2010, 11:22:36 AM
I finished reading The Weight of Numbers by Simon Ings. The negative reviewers on Amazon are just carping. It does tie up and it does have a proper ending. It's quite a bold move to make a human trafficker the hero of your novel. I think the readers who didn't like it were expecting something more than just a novel, so no wonder they were disappointed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 29 June, 2010, 12:50:30 PM
Still hammering my way through CUJO by Stephen King and thoroughly enjoying it. If this is the kind of writing that alcoholism breeds, I need to get myself a drink :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 29 June, 2010, 12:55:44 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 29 June, 2010, 12:50:30 PM
Still hammering my way through CUJO by Stephen King and thoroughly enjoying it. If this is the kind of writing that alcoholism breeds, I need to get myself a drink :)

Yeah- that's what I thought too!
I'm not sure if he says it in On Writing, but he also says he cannot remember writing Cujo... now that's just not fair.

Anyway- Reading Hardcore Troubadour, a biography of Steve Earle. It's hair raising stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 29 June, 2010, 07:01:29 PM
Just finished Tony parsons MAN AND WIFE. That was hard work. Like Nick Hornby but without character, obsession or laughs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 29 June, 2010, 07:15:09 PM
A Boots Booklovers Library copy of a 1958 memoir of the 1920s by one Beverley Nichols, called The Sweet and Twenties. It's very scrappy - intentionally scrap-booky - flitting from one mane-check to another and not terribly well written, but a mine of information and opinion on life after the Great War. He knew Noel Coward, don'tcher know.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 29 June, 2010, 07:44:39 PM
Can never get enough of Savage Dragon, Invincible, Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season Eight, and Conan The Cimmerian.

And of course, 2000AD and the Judge Dredd Megazine.

Plus manga: Blade of the Immortal, Gunsmith Cats, and Bastard!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 29 June, 2010, 09:16:10 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 29 June, 2010, 07:15:09 PM
flitting from one mane-check to another

Lice?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 29 June, 2010, 11:55:24 PM
Almost finished The Wind's Twelve Quarters, Volume 2. More short stories by Ursula Le Guin which get better and better. Vaster than Empires and More Slow has been the best so far, but they all have something to give even when it's just a particularly intense passage. I also like her acerbic little intros to each story and I find the idea of her being published in Playboy quite astounding. I've always heard that it used to be a magazine that featured a lot of good writing, but I've never really been able to believe it.

On a related note, I've just spent an hour reading every post Tordelback's ever made concerning "le Guin." There's a few.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 30 June, 2010, 07:42:35 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 29 June, 2010, 11:55:24 PM
Almost finished The Wind's Twelve Quarters, Volume 2.

There's a volume 2? Class. Not long finished the first one, which it has to be said was about the finest collection of short stories I've ever read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 30 June, 2010, 11:39:17 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 30 June, 2010, 07:42:35 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 29 June, 2010, 11:55:24 PM
Almost finished The Wind's Twelve Quarters, Volume 2.
There's a volume 2? Class. Not long finished the first one, which it has to be said was about the finest collection of short stories I've ever read.
There was, but if you're copy was published in the last twenty years it probably includes both the original volumes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 June, 2010, 11:53:34 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 30 June, 2010, 11:39:17 AM
There was, but if you're copy was published in the last twenty years it probably includes both the original volumes.

S'right.

Juts finished Jack McDevitt's Seeker, one of his very best.  I actually cheered out loud (in public) at the final revelation.  Go humanity!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 30 June, 2010, 12:40:19 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 29 June, 2010, 12:55:44 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 29 June, 2010, 12:50:30 PM
Still hammering my way through CUJO by Stephen King and thoroughly enjoying it. If this is the kind of writing that alcoholism breeds, I need to get myself a drink :)

Yeah- that's what I thought too!
I'm not sure if he says it in On Writing, but he also says he cannot remember writing Cujo... now that's just not fair.

Yep, that's correct. He can't remember writing Cujo. Which annoyed him, as I recall. He likes that book (unlike Rose Madder or Insomnia which he describes as 'try hard')

The thing about Cujo is that it's riddled with adverbs, which he speaks ill off in On Writing. Good to see how he had to hone the craft like the rest of us, evolving his style with each book he wrote. Still, it's odd that it's his earlier work I always hark back to (Carrie is one of my all-time fav reads) as opposed to some of his recent, more literary output.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 30 June, 2010, 10:01:48 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 30 June, 2010, 11:39:17 AMThere was, but if you're copy was published in the last twenty years it probably includes both the original volumes.

Having read "Vaster than Empires and More Slow" (brilliant story, I always new there was something strange going on with vegetables), I should have realised that. I shall go and stand in the corner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Something Fishy on 01 July, 2010, 01:38:14 PM
Currently a collection called "The Monster Book of Horror Comics".

Just ordered the "Stainless Steel Rat Collection".  Been meaning to read them for years.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aaron A Aardvark on 01 July, 2010, 02:35:18 PM
Khrushchev: The Man and His Era by William Taubman

The Emile Heskey of tyrants, interesting stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 July, 2010, 02:39:13 PM
What he was just a big sad bear?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aaron A Aardvark on 01 July, 2010, 03:02:55 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 01 July, 2010, 02:39:13 PM
What he was just a big sad bear?

Basically yes. Just hopelessly out of his depth and the harder he tried, the worse he got, until he nearly blew up the world. If it wasn't for all the death warrants I'd feel sorry for him.

(And I bet Cappello still picks him, dumb-ass.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 01 July, 2010, 08:30:57 PM
Quote from: Something Fishy on 01 July, 2010, 01:38:14 PMJust ordered the "Stainless Steel Rat Collection".  Been meaning to read them for years.

You're in for a treat Fishy. They're great fun. It's about time there was a film of The Stainless Steel Rat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Something Fishy on 02 July, 2010, 03:31:45 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 01 July, 2010, 08:30:57 PM
Quote from: Something Fishy on 01 July, 2010, 01:38:14 PMJust ordered the "Stainless Steel Rat Collection".  Been meaning to read them for years.

You're in for a treat Fishy. They're great fun. It's about time there was a film of The Stainless Steel Rat.

Ace!

I've fancied reading them since they were in the prog years ago, just never got around to it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 02 July, 2010, 05:53:46 PM
The original novels by Harry Harrison (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Harrison) are well worth a read Fishy. Plenty more stories on top of the ones adapted for the prog.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 03 July, 2010, 01:31:24 AM
I've just finished The Gunpowder Plot, which was, as promised, a very accessible and eminently readable overview of the whole affair. I'm not widely enough read to comment on how this account may differ from others on the subject but it seemed, to this layman at least, to be pretty unbiased and evenhanded to the various factions involved.

I was surprised to reads that there is zero evidence that the plotters mined there way in to the cellars and that this is generally poo poo'd by historians as Government propoganda, because I remember it being taught as fact at my school. In fact, this book did bring back a lot of stuff from school and then poke holes in it.

I can understand simplifying the facts slightly to give kids an overview of a complicated subject but to teach a blatant lie seems slightly off to me.

Anyway, I enjoyed the book and it actually made me quite moved at the fates of some of the players as the inevitable body count started to rise. It made me realise how easily we forget, with the passage of time, that these names in a book were once real people. Not an original thought I'm sure but I can honestly (and slightly shamefully) say that I never really think about these things in any meaningful way.

In fact, I got to thinking when I finished this that I couldn't recall the last non fiction book I'd read that wasn't some kind of 'making of' a tv show or something like that. I am resolved to do better.

Not yet thugh cos I'm reading Droid Files 2. Which sadly is leaving me a little cold at the mo. I loved the first book but this one started with a footie story (I wouldn't get the gags if they were aimed at contemporary sports figures so I've no chance here) and then launched into a musical story which requires you to put the dialogue to music. Often to tunes I don't know. Very off putting and drags me out of the story. I'm hoping that the whole book isn't full of these gimmicky types of stories because I was really looking forward to more like book 1.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 July, 2010, 10:04:21 AM
QuoteAnyway, I enjoyed the book and it actually made me quite moved at the fates of some of the players as the inevitable body count started to rise. It made me realise how easily we forget, with the passage of time, that these names in a book were once real people.

That's exactly what I took away from it too, that and the reaffirmation that in behind every 'major event' of history there's at least two bunches of silly sods all pulling in different directions and tripping each other up.  Apparently it's just how we do things on my planet.  See also:  Robert Harris' outstanding Cicero novels.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 03 July, 2010, 01:55:20 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 01 July, 2010, 08:30:57 PM
Quote from: Something Fishy on 01 July, 2010, 01:38:14 PMJust ordered the "Stainless Steel Rat Collection".  Been meaning to read them for years.

You're in for a treat Fishy. They're great fun. It's about time there was a film of The Stainless Steel Rat.

You'd have filmgoers - and before it even got that far, studio executives - saying "so, where's the rat in this picture? And it's like this robot, yeah? Made of stainless steel? And this Jim Degrees fellow is hunting it down?"

::) :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Something Fishy on 04 July, 2010, 10:11:17 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 02 July, 2010, 05:53:46 PM
The original novels by Harry Harrison (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Harrison) are well worth a read Fishy. Plenty more stories on top of the ones adapted for the prog.

That's the ones I've ordered.  A collected edition of three of them. Looking forward to them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 04 July, 2010, 11:23:34 AM
ENFORCER by Matthew Ferrar a Warhammer 40 K omnibus novel type of thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 04 July, 2010, 11:58:25 AM
I'm reading Omniviscope Mk5 and Mk6.

Paul Scott's inventiveness never ceases to amaze me, and as usual there's a wealth of artistic talent bringing the stories to monochrome 2D life.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: trapperconnor on 05 July, 2010, 11:41:31 PM
Damn, got a lot on my plate at the moment, currently reading Strontium Dog Vol.4, Doctor Who: Escape Velocity, Torchwood: Border Princes, Spiderman Clone Saga Book 1 and trying to get around to reading Iron Man: Worlds Most Wanted. PHEW!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 06 July, 2010, 06:14:07 PM
stainless steel rat for me too :D :D :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 07 July, 2010, 02:40:28 AM
Last night I started Dredd Case Files Vol. 3.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Something Fishy on 07 July, 2010, 08:48:07 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 06 July, 2010, 06:14:07 PM
stainless steel rat for me too :D :D :D

The comics or books?


I only just found out they've released the GN. Funny timing that I just decided to get the books for the first time (having been reminded about about it in SFX).  I may have to get the GN too (though I have a few Dredd ones to get too).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 07 July, 2010, 11:01:23 AM
Just read The Road whilst camping, bloody amazing, I couldn't put it down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 07 July, 2010, 11:23:36 AM
The Beggar Maid by Alice Monroe.

It's a series of linked short stories following the character Rose and her changing relationship with her parents, particularly her adoptive mother Flo, as Rose moves out into the wider world. Well, Canada at any rate. Semi autobiographical, it's not genre, as I'm sure you guessed.

Munroe writes with a directness and frankness that suits the humble home life of Rose, growing up on the poor side of Hanratty. I'd describe it as part social commentary, part local history exploration of who Rose is and the social changes she witnesses.

There's some great musings on being dirt poor and not knowing it until the wider world comes knocking, and how that feels - which strikes a chord with me. The dialogue between the women, their experiences and their attitudes to the world really remind me of my own mother and her family and how, ultimately, you can take Billy out of the Hill but not the Hill out of Billy. (explains my soft spot for country!)

Great stuff!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 07 July, 2010, 07:36:51 PM

Just got Rainbow Orchid volume 2 by Garen Ewing in the post this morning
Loved this when it was in BAM! all those years ago and can't wait to start on this!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 07 July, 2010, 11:07:47 PM
Today I returned to the library a lovely coffee table book by Alan Barnes and someone else whose name escapes me at the moment that's all about Hammer films through the years.

I'll confess that I got it primarily to look at the pictures, because there is a wealth of stuff in there, from reproductions of posters, portraits of the various bits of totty  and all sorts of behind the scenes shots of cast and crew. I got sucked in by the ext though, which I expected to be not much more than glorified captions but was anything but. There is a 2/3 page article on every genre film they produced, and overviews of their other titles, like the war movies and their forays into adapting sitcoms for the big screen.

It's a few years old now I think so anyone on here with any interest has probably seen it but if not it's well worth a look. It's certainly got me on the lookout for some of the titles it talks about. I hadn't realised how prolific they actually were.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 08 July, 2010, 01:04:42 AM
Finished "The Grass is Singing" by Doris Lessing and it's probably the most overwhelming book I've ever read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 08 July, 2010, 09:28:45 AM
Super Human by some guy Carroll...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 08 July, 2010, 10:58:08 PM
The missus is hammering her way through the Twilight saga at the moment.
I on the other hand am going to go through my Titan Nemesis Book 2 followed by Judge Death.






V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: flip-r mk2 on 08 July, 2010, 11:07:25 PM
Flu by our very own HooHaa.



filip
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 09 July, 2010, 09:37:29 PM
Just finished "The Whispers" (a Charlie Parker novel) by John Connelly. A good book made better if you've read all the ones before.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 09 July, 2010, 09:42:09 PM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 07 July, 2010, 11:07:47 PM
Today I returned to the library a lovely coffee table book by Alan Barnes and someone else whose name escapes me at the moment that's all about Hammer films through the years.



I think I saw that on sale at Forbidden Planet - it was too pricey to pick up, but looked delicious. There was another one beside it called something like 'The Women of Hammer' which also... er... looked rather tasty.

Quote from: flip-r mk2 on 08 July, 2010, 11:07:25 PM
Flu by our very own HooHaa.

flip! Thanks so much for taking a chance on flu! I really hope you enjoy it, sir.

I'm currently working on the edits for my next release through Snowbooks, Drop Dead Gorgeous. Due out January 2011. Bang on time for Hi-Ex! :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Devons Daddy on 10 July, 2010, 11:28:08 AM
Medium Rare, by Anthony Bouridan.

his follow up to kitchen confidential, this is mid life crisis version, of acknowledgement to world of change in culinary terms.

great read. but am in the same place as the author, no longer a chef, and acknowledge that at this stage its a good thing.incredible details and descriptoins that truly encapsulate the meals he has eaten. how we see the industry as insiders now on the outside.

not sure how this will play to the rest of the world, but the hospitality mid lifers will enjloy this as much as his Kit/Con. the rest of the world, i think you will be intrigued and enjoy.
on amazon and Ibooks as a great download,not sure of the hard back or soft back at USD $13 its a steal.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: flip-r mk2 on 10 July, 2010, 01:26:19 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 09 July, 2010, 09:42:09 PM


flip! Thanks so much for taking a chance on flu! I really hope you enjoy it, sir.

I'm currently working on the edits for my next release through Snowbooks, Drop Dead Gorgeous. Due out January 2011. Bang on time for Hi-Ex! :)
120 pages in and really enjoying the Flu(never thought I'd ever say that)glad you didn't go with running zombies(hope they don't start speeding up later).Hope to make to Hi-Ex and maybe 2D next year if everything goes to plan, then I can get you to sign my copies of Flu and Drop Dead Gorgeous when it released.


filip
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 10 July, 2010, 01:51:58 PM
Gave up on Hammers Slammers i just couldn't get into it though the initial stories were good but it was so light on any sort of plot/interesting characters that in the end I didn't give a damn if the protagonists and their hover tanks got blown away or not.

Back to star wars with the Shadows of Minbar-okay but a bit odd as Luke is still new to the force yet can juggle/control an already  flying ship which just smacks too much of that Force Unleashed drivel that I shall say no more!

Also read some comics -AFter Dark written by Wesley Snipes of all people-quite good and more Star Wars TPB of Empire-good but with some wobbly art here and there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 11 July, 2010, 11:28:56 AM
Finished Stephen King's Cujo. A heart-breaking, powerful read centred around a rabid dog. For me, this is King at his best - simple, character-driven horror that leaves you moved at the finale. Wonderful stuff.

Going to move onto David Moody's Dog blood now.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 July, 2010, 07:07:25 PM
Read the first Young Liars trade, which finally showed up in my local library.  Oh dear.  I don't think I get Lapham at all.  More distasteful disjointed over-narrated nonsense, and seems solely to exist to set up a few ker-ay-zee splash pages.  How it's like "a really good rock-and-roll song", as the endorsements claim, I have no idea - limited range, repetitive beat and makes no sense, maybe?  It's all very nicely drawn, I admit, but basically I want that hour of my life back.  There's a reason songs are only a few minutes long.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 12 July, 2010, 10:12:59 PM
Requiem Vampire Knight vol.1 by Pat Mills and someonefrenchwhosfirstnameIcan'tremember Ledroit. It arrived today, and so far it's very good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 13 July, 2010, 01:01:26 PM
Last night I finished reading the final TPB of the Goon. I read through all ten volumes. Now I'm having withdrawals. Damn Eric Powell has created a masterpiece series. I think tonight I'll start on Dredd Case Files Vol 04.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 13 July, 2010, 02:50:56 PM
Just rocked the Button Man: The Killing Game TPB, classic classic stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 13 July, 2010, 03:12:55 PM
Over my holiday I read:

All You Need is Kill (prose novel) by Hiroshi Sakurazaka
I got this because I heard a movie adaptation is being fast-tracked into production so I wanted to be ahead of the curve! Also the premise grabbed me (Groundhog Day meets Starship Troopers, essentially). It was OK, a quick, action-packed read but at times it reads a little like fan-fiction thanks to some ripe dialogue and overuse of swearing - I think a lot of that may be down to the translation from the original Japanese. It also sort of feels like it is an adaptation of a manga or anime series - it has that vibe. Some neat sci-fi ideas, though and I look forward to seeing the movie. 6/10

Batman and Robin Volume 1: Batman Reborn by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely and Philip Tan
Posted my thoughts on this elsewhere. First half = hugely enjoyable, second half lost me a little. 7/10

Pride of Baghdad by Brian K Vaughn and Niko Henrichon
I borrowed this from the local library and having read it, am glad I didn't pay any money for it. It was OK/poor, and did little to change my mind about Vaughn, who I've long thought to be a wildly overrated writer. It started well, but the heavy handed story and dialogue just started irritating me by the end - it just kept reminding me of the similarly themed, but infinitely superior We3. The art was accomplished, but too overtly digital-looking for my tastes, and a little too Lion King-esque also. 3/10
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SMOKESCREEN:ED:9 on 13 July, 2010, 05:46:04 PM
At the moment, for all who care :-[

I'm tucking into Wolverine no.900 just got it the other day, and I'm actually pleasantly surprised at the quality. I normally don't go beyond the Inferno/1990's mark (roughly thereabouts) when it comes to X-men and marvel stuffs, but hey Can't fault it.

And alongside that I'm getting my teeth stuck into a collection of Kafka short stories. Can't get enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 July, 2010, 11:35:42 PM
Just finished Douglas Coupland's Generation A, which as far as I can make out turns out to be straight-up science fiction.  I like Coupland a lot, and look forward to each new book, but this...  I really don't know what to make of it.  More of a companion piece to Girlfriend in a Coma than Generation X.  A strange direction to take after The Gum Thief and the excellent J-Pod, although it contains elements of both.

Is it a meditation on the effects of Web 2.0 on society?  I honestly don't know.  Answers on a postcard, wiser heads.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 14 July, 2010, 12:08:24 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 13 July, 2010, 11:35:42 PMIs it a meditation on the effects of Web 2.0 on society?  I honestly don't know.  Answers on a postcard, wiser heads.
Sorry, I haven't read any Coupland since Girlfriend in a Coma.

Finished The Ringworld Engineers last weekend, which was silly, improbable fun. Started reading Inconstant Moon - a collection of Larry Niven's short stories - immediately after and so far it isn't. Most of the stories have a good central idea, but he doesn't seem able to deal with them either in enough depth or with sufficient storytelling verve to satisfy. Still, they are short so they're ideal for the bus.

Disheartened, I turned to In Search of Robert Millar, a biography of Britain's best ever cyclist. Despite the total lack of input from the subject, the details of his career are interesting. Assuming you're interested in that sort of thing. Unfortunately, the godawful, saucer-eyed naivety displayed by the author in fallling hook, line & sinker for the mythical Big Man/razor gangs/Britain's hardest pub view of Glasgow has me questioning everything else he writes. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 14 July, 2010, 12:25:28 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 13 July, 2010, 11:35:42 PM
Is it a meditation on the effects of Web 2.0 on society?  I honestly don't know.  Answers on a postcard, wiser heads.

There's a copy in the Mesozoic layer of Stevie's reading pile, so he let you know when he gets too it.

Quote from: The Cosh on 14 July, 2010, 12:08:24 AM
Finished The Ringworld Engineers last weekend, 

Don't feel shy on skipping the appositely-entitled Ringworld Throne & heading straight to Ringworld's Children -- more plot than the previous three volumes combined in half the page count count of each. Easily the best thing that Niven's written in decades.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 14 July, 2010, 08:43:27 AM
Quote from: radiator on 13 July, 2010, 03:12:55 PM
Over my holiday I read:

All You Need is Kill (prose novel) by Hiroshi Sakurazaka
I got this because I heard a movie adaptation is being fast-tracked into production so I wanted to be ahead of the curve! Also the premise grabbed me (Groundhog Day meets Starship Troopers, essentially). It was OK, a quick, action-packed read but at times it reads a little like fan-fiction thanks to some ripe dialogue and overuse of swearing - I think a lot of that may be down to the translation from the original Japanese. It also sort of feels like it is an adaptation of a manga or anime series - it has that vibe. Some neat sci-fi ideas, though and I look forward to seeing the movie. 6/10

I read this too and drew similar conclusions. Poor translation from Japanese not hitting the right tone with the dialogue. I think it could potentially make a good film though.

Reading Seeds of Earth by Michael Cobley now. Just the sort of widescreen space epic I'm into at the moment.

By the way, don't bother with The Noise Within by Ian Whates. It's poorly written, predictable, boring tripe.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proudhuff on 14 July, 2010, 02:47:25 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 28 March, 2010, 06:52:51 PM

Also reading Warrior which, being an anthology, ranges from the great to the mediocre, with almost nothing actively bad. It even has a range of articles on aspects of comics which verge on the interesting and a letter from one T Proudfoot decrying T'n'A covers.

Haha! Top that Buttonman!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 17 July, 2010, 10:24:30 AM
technically not started reading it yet but just got "alan quatermain" from a book sale at school for the bargain price of 30p
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: 4junk2pop on 18 July, 2010, 10:21:06 AM
Quote from: puggdogg on 13 July, 2010, 01:01:26 PM
Last night I finished reading the final TPB of the Goon. I read through all ten volumes. Now I'm having withdrawals. Damn Eric Powell has created a masterpiece series. I think tonight I'll start on Dredd Case Files Vol 04.

The Goon is great,  I've only read a few of the early TPB's so far. Not got around to getting anymore yet.

I'm abroad and only thing I have with me is Tank Girl TPB volume 2. I'm not great at summing it up as a whole but it was just
Absurd, random, beautiful and outdated :P
I enjoyed volume 1 more. I have volume 3 at home, I'll give that a whirl when back in blighty.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 18 July, 2010, 10:29:19 AM
i'm off for the summer soon so a trip to manc is in order to stock up on reading material for when it rains and mini mog is watching the same programmes on playhouse disney for the fourth time that day ... grandville looks interesting ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 18 July, 2010, 09:24:21 PM
Bookwise, 'Day By Day Armageddon: Beyond Exile'- the sequel to DBDA, by JL Bourne. Post-apoc zombie brilliance by a serving US naval officer (it says here...) The Permuted Press delivers another absolute blinder, and is fast becoming my favourite publishing house.

Comicwise, 'Scalped', 'Northlanders' and 'Resurrected' currently float my boat- along with the sublime 'Walking Dead' obviously. 'Crossed' by Mr Ennis knocked at the door of my middle-aged sense of reactionary wrongness, but I've decided to like it, so as to appear cool to kids.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 18 July, 2010, 10:02:47 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 18 July, 2010, 09:24:21 PM
Bookwise, 'Day By Day Armageddon: Beyond Exile'- the sequel to DBDA, by JL Bourne. Post-apoc zombie brilliance by a serving US naval officer (it says here...) The Permuted Press delivers another absolute blinder, and is fast becoming my favourite publishing house.

Comicwise, 'Scalped', 'Northlanders' and 'Resurrected' currently float my boat- along with the sublime 'Walking Dead' obviously. 'Crossed' by Mr Ennis knocked at the door of my middle-aged sense of reactionary wrongness, but I've decided to like it, so as to appear cool to kids.

SBT

A good list right there. I haven't read DBDA but Mr Bourne sure can pull a crowd amongst the zombie fans. He's an old labelmate of mine from when my debut novel, Drop Dead Gorgeous was on Permuted (due for re-release in the UK through Snowbooks in 2011). DBDA2 is being paired with FLU by Amazon UK, I notice.

Crossed is an outrageously good series. Especially the Ennis run. To be honest, for character-driven z-horror, I think it rocks the socks of even Kirkman's The Walking Dead. Brilliant stuff without compromise!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 19 July, 2010, 03:09:11 AM
Currently reading Filth, by Irvine Welsh. It's like ploughing through Ulysses as reinterpreted by Quentin Tarantino, via Rab C. Nesbit. I'm about a quarter of the way in and slowly getting used to the dialect. But I will never - ever - get used to the lack of quotation marks. I mean, the book's hard enough to understand as it is, but when you can't tell whether the narrator is speaking aloud or just pondering, it's a whole different kettle of ballgames.

That said, it's all rather enjoyable so far.

-- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 19 July, 2010, 05:03:18 PM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 19 July, 2010, 03:09:11 AM
Currently reading Filth, by Irvine Welsh. It's like ploughing through Ulysses as reinterpreted by Quentin Tarantino, via Rab C. Nesbit. I'm about a quarter of the way in and slowly getting used to the dialect. But I will never - ever - get used to the lack of quotation marks. I mean, the book's hard enough to understand as it is, but when you can't tell whether the narrator is speaking aloud or just pondering, it's a whole different kettle of ballgames.

That said, it's all rather enjoyable so far.

-- Mike


had that trouble with cormac macarthy's stuff and his penchant for suddenly having characters launch into spanish (all the pretty horses) we only did o level french at school!!!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 19 July, 2010, 07:29:11 PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vril_Dox#L.E.G.I.O.N._.2789-94


Im currently reading L.E.G.I.O.N. i have the complete 80's and 90's run of this comic so im working my way through them again.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 July, 2010, 07:40:04 PM
A history of the Workhouses of Ireland by John O'Connor.  It's a topic I've had cause to dip into before, but sweet fecking jeebus, the shower of bastards.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 19 July, 2010, 07:42:43 PM
Started Weathercraft, which I expect will take well to multiple readings. Also started Walt &
Skeezix
Vol 1.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 July, 2010, 07:55:52 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 19 July, 2010, 07:42:43 PM
Started Weathercraft, which I expect will take well to multiple readings.

Is that the Jim Woodring GN?  Is it as good as it looks, and is Frank actually in it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 19 July, 2010, 07:57:33 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 July, 2010, 07:40:04 PM
A history of the Workhouses of Ireland by John O'Connor.  It's a topic I've had cause to dip into before, but sweet fecking jeebus, the shower of bastards.

I remember studying that in school and thinking the exact same.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 19 July, 2010, 08:01:28 PM
Frank and his creepy ass dog things are most definitely in it, but Manhog is the lead. It's arsom.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 July, 2010, 08:13:17 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 19 July, 2010, 08:01:28 PM
Frank and his creepy ass dog things are most definitely in it, but Manhog is the lead. It's arsom.

Class-  off to pester the library to get a copy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 20 July, 2010, 10:15:37 PM
Chira's just died  :( and Thoth's just started plotting the downfall of mankind.
O'Neill still does it big time for me.







V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 20 July, 2010, 10:45:17 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 14 July, 2010, 12:08:24 AM
Started reading Inconstant Moon - a collection of Larry Niven's short stories - immediately after and so far it isn't. Most of the stories have a good central idea, but he doesn't seem able to deal with them either in enough depth or with sufficient storytelling verve to satisfy.
I think I've had it with this. Read one last night which surmised that living on Mars would make you "queer" and it would be okay for real men to kill you for making a pass at them. I know you shouldn't equate the writer with the character or the story, but there seemed to be no attempt to present this as unreasonable.

Started Le Guin's City of Illusions today instead. More trees.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DAJB on 21 July, 2010, 01:07:32 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 11 May, 2010, 12:11:02 AM
I've just read Nevermore, an indie graphic novel anthology adaptation of 9 Edgar Allan Poe stories, published by SelfMadeHero in 2007.

It was an impressive little book. Six out of the nine stories have very polished scripts [...] The real highlight for me was The Oval Portrait, adapted by David Berner and Natalie Sandells. It reads like only the cream of the crop of strips published in a 1970s edition of House of Secrets, which, if you read a lot of them in series, is a very patchy read. David Berner's writing is fantastic, and Natalie's drawing style evokes a certain vintage, specifically DC's end of the eighties Wasteland horror anthology.
Hey, I've only belatedly stumbled upon this post by accident.  As the writer of the adaptation of The Oval Portrait, your kind words are very much appreciated.  Thank you!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 21 July, 2010, 02:01:29 PM
Tonight I'll be reading The Chronicles Of Gengis Grimtoad by Alan Grant, John Wagner and Ian Gibson (You may of heard of them).
I've never read it before and just got it from Ebay for £2.64.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 21 July, 2010, 02:33:05 PM
I'm reading Beyond A Boundary by CLR James. Excellent read so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 July, 2010, 02:37:39 PM
Albion, since fb has died for me, ill put it here.
ian gibson was sort-of wrong in his blog. The early eighties comic in which genghis grimtoad first appeared was called 'look alive', and debuted in september 1982. However, it was by alan grant and angus mcbride back then. Dont know how long it lasted, possibly only five issues.
I knew i was right!
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 21 July, 2010, 02:47:43 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 21 July, 2010, 02:37:39 PM
Albion, since fb has died for me, ill put it here.

Facebook went weird for me then too. Gibson's art looks awesome in this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 21 July, 2010, 03:40:28 PM
A Clash of Kings.

It's bloody brilliant so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 July, 2010, 08:31:10 AM
Finally after many years got around to reading the post issue 50 Shade's. I can see why they weren't too well recieved but have to say I really enjoyed the first couple of stories and the last three parter was great. Ok so it lost a little (a lot) in the middle there, but even then had some great ideas. Love the Sinita + Suit relationship!

In some ways those middle issues had too much going on and I suspect I was missing a whole load on meaning and subtext and what not. Its just another of its was Shade and his madness what done it story and frankly it didn't grip me enough to work with it more. Added to that I'm far from Richard Case's biggest fan, just don't get on with his art on the whole meant I drifted in the middle there.

Still much to admire in these final issues and some great stuff in there and a fantastic ending that the series deserved. Good stuff.

Now I finally get to 'Flu', with apologises to Wayne who sent me it a while ago and even though it go elevated up the read pile has only just made it to the top... looking forward to this one...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 25 July, 2010, 12:24:05 AM
Still chugging through Battle for the Abyss in the Horus Heresy series. It's taking some reading to be honest. I can't quite put my finger on why but it's just not grabbing me the way the previous books have.

Once it's done I've got the last 2 Joe Pitt books waiting. These books are very quick reads but deceptively dense. Charlie Huston packs a hell of a lot of action into each installment and he's not afraid to shake up his world either. Books 2 and 3 both had endings that shattered the status quo so I'm guessing 4 will do the same, leading into the finale.

Also reading Hitman bk1. Excellent stuff so far and I've only read the origin stuff from Demon and Batman comics.  I'm trusting in Garth to really pull out all the stops once the regular issues kick in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 25 July, 2010, 12:00:56 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 23 July, 2010, 08:31:10 AM
Now I finally get to 'Flu', with apologises to Wayne who sent me it a while ago and even though it go elevated up the read pile has only just made it to the top... looking forward to this one...

Really hope you enjoy it, buddy :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 July, 2010, 12:16:06 PM
As mental comfort food, and in preparation for the alleged release of a sequel next year, I'm re-reading Vernor Vinge's A Fire Upon the Deep. He's one of the great ideas men of SF, and this is a book just bursting with high-concept.  

I love Vinge, but I wish he'd write more and faster - I hate it when I 'catch up' with an author and then have to wait years for the next fix (even his marvelous short fiction seems to just trickle out, and I don't think there's been a new collection for about a decade).  Someone needs to weld his brain to Stephen Baxter's ever-typing hands.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 25 July, 2010, 01:18:08 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 July, 2010, 12:16:06 PM
As mental comfort food, and in preparation for the alleged release of a sequel next year, I'm re-reading Vernor Vinge's A Fire Upon the Deep. He's one of the great ideas men of SF, and this is a book just bursting with high-concept.
I remember really enjoying The Peace War but I wasn't too impressed with the sequel so I haven't read anything else he's written.

In other news, I've just polished off a couple of short, early Le Guin novels - City of Illusion and Planet of Exile - in the wrong order. Couldn't find Rocannon's World while I was at my mum's during the week, but it's got to be there somewhere.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 July, 2010, 01:31:09 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 25 July, 2010, 01:18:08 PM
I remember really enjoying The Peace War but I wasn't too impressed with the sequel so I haven't read anything else he's written.

Yeah, the 'Across Realtime/Bobble' series is mostly his early work, and rough around the edges (although i still enjoyed it) - I'd strongly advise giving his later stuff a try.  Most of his short fiction is brilliant (Fast Times at Fairmont High, for example), and the two 'Deep' novels A Fire Upon the Deep and its sorta-prequel A Deepness in the Sky have magnificently weird aliens and cultures.  
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Leigh S on 25 July, 2010, 01:43:31 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 20 July, 2010, 10:45:17 PM
Started Le Guin's City of Illusions today instead. More trees.

Loving the Le Guin. Just bought a copy of The Dispossessed from a charity shop, and have ordered a couple of the newer Earthsea books from Amazon.  They could be made infinitely better by removing the sodding Neil Gaiman blurbs though..... They ought to release "the collected Gaiman recommendations" as a standalone volume (though it make take 2) for anyone interested and get em orf of my books!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 25 July, 2010, 10:16:10 PM
Almost Silent, a Jason compendium. I think Jason might be my favourite living cartoonist. (This week)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 25 July, 2010, 11:27:22 PM
Flashman by George MacDonald Fraser.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 25 July, 2010, 11:30:17 PM
The collected Solomon Kane, by Robert E Howard. And it's brilliant.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 26 July, 2010, 09:01:01 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 25 July, 2010, 11:30:17 PM
The collected Solomon Kane, by Robert E Howard. And it's brilliant.

SBT

Is the film worth picking up?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 26 July, 2010, 09:12:18 AM
QuoteThe collected Solomon Kane, by Robert E Howard. And it's brilliant.

SBT


Is the film worth picking up?

its not too bad, but couldn't coment on accuracy to the original stories.  It is very dour and dark. Looks good too.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 26 July, 2010, 09:22:27 AM
Enjoyed the film (rented), but hadnt read the stories at the time. Id say, if anything it fleshes out the character more than Howard does, at the expense of some of the mystery.
However, it looks great, plays well and id certainly be up for a sequel or two. Generally good feelings towards it, chez-bluething.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Cthulouis on 26 July, 2010, 09:35:01 AM
For me the film had a shaky start, but then he put on The Hat, and it all fell into place.

The actor (name escapes me) said in an interview that they had got the back-story out of the way for people who need such things, in the hope that in the sequels they can just dive right into the actual stories themselves. Here's hoping some sequels happen.

He even mentioned the possibility of going to Africa!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 26 July, 2010, 09:48:48 AM
Yes, Africa was conspicuous by its absence in the movie if im remembering correctly. Whereas its a constant presence throughout the stories. Here's hoping we get more!
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 26 July, 2010, 10:38:29 AM
I've finished reading Beverly Nichols' meagre and badly written memoir of the 1920s and have gone back to reading Gavin Baddely's Goth Chic again. There was a mention of Robert E. Howard's Pigeons from Hell that once again made me want to know more.

Also reading Shakespeare's Julius Caesar for a tutoring client. If enough bits and bobs of freelance work stack up I may be off the dole again by the autumn. I'm hopeful anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 26 July, 2010, 01:00:37 PM
just had a trip to the library and besides the vc and flesh trades, reading the exterminators ,deathblow and grifter.

and my sky magazine
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 28 July, 2010, 05:58:10 PM
Just picked up Hellboy, books 7 and 8 at the British heart foundation shop, 4 pound each...recently finished reading book 9, so I'm going back in time to read these!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 02 August, 2010, 05:18:10 PM
Have just finished Arrowhead by Paul Kane (didn't really get into it to be honest, enjoyed the other Afterblights more) and have finally started The Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko. A big man of the two movies and have always meant to read the books as I've heard they're a rollicking read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 02 August, 2010, 06:54:38 PM
Finished Dog Blood by David Moody: an uncompromising take on the apocalyse.

Started reading Tim Lebbon's The Thief of Broken Toys - a character-rich slice of bizarro that reminds me a lot of Asian cinema.

Also reading the wonderful Rupert Thomson's This Party's got to stop. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 02 August, 2010, 07:57:00 PM
Finished the last Scott Pilgrim volume and thought it was all right. Spent way too much time on the last battle, which somewhat jars with what I suspect may be my own, misled interpretation of the book.

Just got the new Daniel Clowes and the remainder of Walt & Skeezix vol 1 left in the unknown pleasure dome. :|
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Withnail's liver on 02 August, 2010, 10:17:07 PM
Currently reading "Feed" by Mira Grant.  Set in the near future in a world that has survived the zombie apocalypse and has learnt to cope with the massive changes to society that this has entailed.

The story focuses on a group of bloggers who are following the next bright star in the Presidential campaign.  It reads quite easily, with good detail on how things have changed, but I get the feeling that if I knew more about American politics I'd probably get more out of it...

Graphic novel-wise I've just finished volume 2 of "Chew" (Written by John Layman, Art by Rob Guillory published by Image comics)  A great comic that if you're looking for something different certainly fits the bill (book itself was great and continues from the first volume very well).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 02 August, 2010, 10:30:29 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 26 July, 2010, 10:38:29 AM
reading Gavin Baddely's Goth Chic again.

I've never actually laid eyes on a copy of that, but I believe that at least some of the photos in there are taken from the Nightbreed "Carnival of Souls" event... unless I was asked to supply them so that Gavin could have a good old wank.

It's not much of a claim to fame, but it's the best I've got.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 02 August, 2010, 11:25:35 PM
Finally finished Irvine Welsh's Filth a few days ago. It's a great book, but very intense and really, really hard to read: I've read six other books since I started it and a whole pile of GNs.

Next up on the "proper book" list is Joseph Conrad's Nostromo, which I've been putting off for years...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 03 August, 2010, 03:26:57 AM
I've got Planetary V4 coming finally and All Star Superman GN coming.  Also decided to give Saga of the swamp yThing a go as its some Moore I haven't read.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: amberkraken on 03 August, 2010, 08:09:53 AM
Just picked up the complete Calvin and Hobbes!
I love that strip of the little boy with an overactive imagination!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 August, 2010, 08:28:00 AM
For the last however many months the various Calvin and Hobbes books have been my bathroom reading. I'm half way through 'It's a Magical World' and I don't think sitting on the loo will be quite the same again when I've finished.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 03 August, 2010, 10:29:58 AM
Just got Marshall Law: Fear & Loathing from Ebay. I've never read any Marshall Law before so looking forward to reading it later.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 August, 2010, 12:01:58 PM
Marshal Law is just sheer bloody brilliance throughout. I have various trades, but nowhere near the complete set. Mr Mills is hopeful of a collected edition soon, he says on facebook, and i for one cannot wait! Enjoy!
However, i now have in my clammy grasp Walking Dead volume twelve, so if anyone wants me i'll be living through the zombie apocalypse. Bring sharpened shovels.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 03 August, 2010, 12:29:34 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 02 August, 2010, 06:54:38 PM
Started reading Tim Lebbon's The Thief of Broken Toys - a character-rich slice of bizarro that reminds me a lot of Asian cinema. 

... Aannnd finished it. An excellent read - character-rich and heart-breakingly accessible. I've actually just ordered Tim's zombie-esque novel, Beserk.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 August, 2010, 04:03:36 PM
Balls-deep in China Mieville's Kraken, which shows Neil Gaiman how an apocalyptic tale of gods in London should be done.  It's undisputably drawn (in my head) by D'Israeli, and I'm loving it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Cthulouis on 03 August, 2010, 04:50:02 PM
I'm reading Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum. Brilliant stuff, with loads of quotable lines, my favourite one of late being "... the Mormons (I read about them in a detective story, but maybe they don't exist anymore)..."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 03 August, 2010, 06:57:56 PM
The A to Z of Punishment and Torture by Irene Thompson.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 03 August, 2010, 07:01:16 PM
Quote from: Cthulouis on 03 August, 2010, 04:50:02 PM
I'm reading Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum. Brilliant stuff, with loads of quotable lines, my favourite one of late being "... the Mormons (I read about them in a detective story, but maybe they don't exist anymore)..."

Really? I adored Name of the Rose years ago, and thought FP would be a good book to take travelling on a long trip a couple of years back. HATED IT. Couldn't get past the first 50 pages (I ended up reading the last two Harry Potters that I found on the truck instead).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 03 August, 2010, 07:04:17 PM
Ken MacLeod's Execution Channel

Got about 30 pages left, then on to the latest two Tom Holt books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 August, 2010, 10:08:43 AM
Just finished Wayne Hoo-Haa's 'Flu' this morning on the way to work. I've not read a horror novel for an age and so approached this with a some nerves, a little excitment and a lot of intrigue. Have to say its a bloody fun read and an absolute page turner.

One of the reasons I no longer read horror books is the fact that often, from the books I have read all those years ago, the characters are there to serve the horror, mere vehicles for whatever nasty the book is dealing with. In 'Flu' this just isn't the case, the fact that there is a zombie plague (which is nicely handled and adds a few bits to the zombie mythos I've never seen before) is the setting the characters operate in, but for me the book is all about its characters and fine ones they are too. Chuffing loved 'um, or loved to hate 'um. They felt real and engaging and rarely slip into caricature as I feel horror story characters frequently do.

The other thing that a zombie story should have is a bit of satire or social commentry and with its specific setting of Belfast Mr Simmons certainly goes to town with that. It tackles the character and issues that its setting dictates head on and with a vigour that even though I've never been to Belfast made me feel as though I knew the place. The place outside the newsreel.

Nice epilogue too, loved that.

Anyway if zombie plague's and fine characters are your thing I'd defo recommend you all support Wayne's book, for the greater good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 August, 2010, 10:13:18 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 03 August, 2010, 07:01:16 PM
Quote from: Cthulouis on 03 August, 2010, 04:50:02 PM
I'm reading Umberto Eco's Foucault's Pendulum. Brilliant stuff, with loads of quotable lines, my favourite one of late being "... the Mormons (I read about them in a detective story, but maybe they don't exist anymore)..."

Really? I adored Name of the Rose years ago, and thought FP would be a good book to take travelling on a long trip a couple of years back. HATED IT. Couldn't get past the first 50 pages (I ended up reading the last two Harry Potters that I found on the truck instead).

Foucault's Pendulum is a bit of work at the start, but once it gets going it's a fascinating read.  Only downside is that you realise what a huge proportion of the shelf space in a modern bookshop is filled with tripe that's been either undone or done better by Eco decades earlier.

QuoteKen MacLeod's Execution Channel

A read that's just as grim as it promises to be.  Good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 04 August, 2010, 10:20:49 AM
5/8/10, tomorrow:

the boys #45 http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?aid=37143 (http://www.newsarama.com/php/multimedia/album.php?aid=37143)

hellboy the storm #2  http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-07-21-hellboy21_ST_N.htm (http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-07-21-hellboy21_ST_N.htm)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 04 August, 2010, 01:25:06 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 03 August, 2010, 03:26:57 AM
Also decided to give Saga of the swamp yThing a go as its some Moore I haven't read.

I'm reading (the current release) vol 3 of this at the moment - it's lush! (just read The Nukeface Papers & Growth Patterns) The art is utterly sublime and I think the colouring is excellent too and doesn't detract from the inks at all. The page layouts themselves are a joy to see in many cases. And the writing's pretty good too  ;) I'd describe it overall as very quiet and very powerful, with a big streak of righteous love and fury. Great stuff, looking forward to the rest.

Another vote for Execution Channel - fantastic book.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Steven Sterlacchini on 04 August, 2010, 01:38:31 PM
Thanks to OK Comics proactive "thought you might like this" costumer service.  :D

I'm now mostly ready:

- Bullet to the Head (Matz / Colin Wilson)
- Star Wars Invasion (Tom Taylor / Colin Wilson)
- True Blood
- The Simpson's Comic Store Guy
- The Killer ( Matz / Luc Jacamon)

Steven
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 04 August, 2010, 01:42:24 PM
I'm reading Swamp Thing, too - just finished the hardback volume 3. Agonising wait now til volume 4 is published February next year. Of course, I could just go and buy volume four of the old paperback edition, but doing so and then having the mismatched editions on my shelf would just be mental! Ah, how the geek mind works...

It took a while to win me over - tbh, I got about halfway through volume 2 before it really clicked - I didn't find it anywhere near as accessible as Watchmen, V for Vendetta or his 2000ad work. Personally I'm not a fan of the artwork - it's competent and tells the story well enough, but it's just a style I can't get excited about. I'm all about the writing, which is great, if a little overly wordy for a comic.

I love how, like Watchmen, each chapter/issue is just the perfect length for a bedtime read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 04 August, 2010, 01:44:30 PM
Bah! I've just bought Stewart Lee's new book, but I'm still not even halfway through A Clash of Kings... Read faster, dammit!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 04 August, 2010, 02:16:07 PM
The Phantom Chronicles Vol 1. It's a collection of prose stories based around Lee Falk's character. And it even includes a story by David Bishop.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 04 August, 2010, 04:35:17 PM
Quote from: radiator on 04 August, 2010, 01:42:24 PM
I didn't find it anywhere near as accessible as Watchmen, V for Vendetta or his 2000ad work. Personally I'm not a fan of the artwork - it's competent and tells the story well enough, but it's just a style I can't get excited about...I love how, like Watchmen, each chapter/issue is just the perfect length for a bedtime read.

I understand what you mean about the other Moore stuff being more accessible, but Swampy had me pretty quick I must say. And if you're not keen on the artwork you're dead inside. Dead I say!  :D

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 04 August, 2010, 05:57:49 PM
Quote from: radiator on 04 August, 2010, 01:42:24 PM
I'm reading Swamp Thing, too - just finished the hardback volume 3. Agonising wait now til volume 4 is published February next year. Of course, I could just go and buy volume four of the old paperback edition, but doing so and then having the mismatched editions on my shelf would just be mental! Ah, how the geek mind works...

It took a while to win me over - tbh, I got about halfway through volume 2 before it really clicked - I didn't find it anywhere near as accessible as Watchmen, V for Vendetta or his 2000ad work. Personally I'm not a fan of the artwork - it's competent and tells the story well enough, but it's just a style I can't get excited about. I'm all about the writing, which is great, if a little overly wordy for a comic.

I love how, like Watchmen, each chapter/issue is just the perfect length for a bedtime read.

I've only read the first volume of Swamp Thing with Moore but thoroughly enjoyed it. Vol 2 is sitting on the shelf awaiting my attention and I've no feckin' idea why I haven't read it (just as I've no feckin' idea why I haven't read the complete Kabuki series to date - but I digress). Moore is a very special kind of writer to me - always compelling, thought-provoking, inspiring.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 05 August, 2010, 10:13:44 AM
Just finished "Enforcer" a Judge(Arbites) set in WH40k-very good and the baddies are all "ordinary " humans showing how monstrous we truly can be. And after recommendations on this very board 'ere, I've started George Mann's "Affinity Bridge" a steampunk-ish influenced novel -very good so far with Queen Victoria as a sort of cyborg, mysterious airship crashes and zombies hunting in the streets of Victorian Lahndan Tahn.

Affinity is one of those rare books where you desperately want to turn the page to see what happens next. Fun!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 05 August, 2010, 10:26:42 AM
I'm still reading Droid Files 2 cos I'm trying to eke it out. I've just finished Farewell My Billions and a question occurs to me.

I know from prvious discussions of Peter Hogans work that he was kind of known for building arcs across several stories and that his one-offs in specials often tied in to events in the main prog. So I'm wondering whether I shuld slot the 'bonus strips' into any particular slot or is it ok to just read it cover to cover?

I looked for a Droid Files thread but couldn't find one so I just thought I'd bung my question on here.



I've also just finished reading bk1 of the Hitman trades. Very cool stuff, if only I could afford to buy more. :'(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 August, 2010, 10:41:34 AM
Ennis' Battlefields.  While I devoured war comics as a kid, I've long felt that I was done with them (Charley's War aside).  I really didn't think this would be my thing, but was tempted by the art.  Turns out it's an absolutely brilliant series, and suits Ennis down to the ground.  

Ennis' staple style of matey dialogue, cheeky chappies and an unswerving eye for cruelty and body horror finally finds a subject that elevates it to serve something more.  In the war he has a setting and a larger story that impart consequence and a level of seriousness to what (to me) have often seemed his aimless plots.  Other Ennis stories seem (to me) spun out through a series of pub chats and pillow talks, and exist only to move the same three or four characters on to another shocking mutilation, obscenity or blasphemy, and maybe another overlong hagiography of some pop-culture fave of the author, prior to another sozzled chat between bessie mates.  

In Battlefields the stories gain importance, maybe even nobility, from their setting, and I found myself breathing a sigh of relief when the characters (admittedly the usual Ennis types) were able to find time for a chinwag, a beer or a shag.  

This is one series that I would probably never have read but for the availability of illegal copies, but which I will definitely now be buying in hard copy.  Chalk one up for the pirates.

Special mention to PJ for 'Happy Valley', the best work of his career to date, and the undoubted highpoint of the whole series.  My wee boy was fascinatedly looking over my shoulder as I was reading this, and lacking as it does the explicit gore of the others, I was happy enough to read it to him (somewhat bowdlerised) - his first war comic.  Hope it hasn't set the bar too high.  
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chaingunchimp on 05 August, 2010, 10:56:51 AM
let the right one in.
very random book, gona wait untill i've finished it before i watch the film.
vampires, paedos and bullying, strange mix.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 05 August, 2010, 09:55:33 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 05 August, 2010, 10:13:44 AM
I've started George Mann's "Affinity Bridge" a steampunk-ish influenced novel -very good so far with Queen Victoria as a sort of cyborg, mysterious airship crashes and zombies hunting in the streets of Victorian Lahndan Tahn.

George is a fellow Snowbooks author. If you enjoy Affintiy, you should check out Ghosts of Manhattan, based in the same world only stateside.

I've added The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo to my list of current reading (I tend to read several books at a time). I'm keen to see what all the fuss is about. So far it's a fairly pedestrian, plot-driven thriller. Fifty-odd pages in and I'm far from hooked. But I'll stick with it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 05 August, 2010, 10:04:30 PM
Quote from: chaingunchimp on 05 August, 2010, 10:56:51 AM
let the right one in.
very random book, gona wait untill i've finished it before i watch the film.
vampires, paedos and bullying, strange mix.

Loved the novel- lived it, almost, while reading. Couldn't put it down. Utterly brilliant.

Then I saw the film. Oh dear. Barely competent, hacked-to-pieces screenplay (by the novelist, which just goes to show) that melds several fascinating characters into fewer boring ones, takes out almost every aspect of the book that made it wonderful and chugs along to its dismal conclusion. Shot on someone's knackered camcorder for tuppence. The single reason this is as well-regarded as it is by film snobs, is that it was seen as the "proper film antithesis of Twilight". Avoid at all costs, and pin your hopes on the "Hammer" remake 'Let Me In', out soon.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 05 August, 2010, 10:25:57 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 05 August, 2010, 10:04:30 PM
Barely competent, hacked-to-pieces screenplay (by the novelist, which just goes to show)

Calls to mind the amusing stories about what Neil Jordan had to do to try and salvage "Interview With The Vampire" once he finally managed to get Anne Rice to fuck off.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 06 August, 2010, 09:03:26 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 05 August, 2010, 10:04:30 PM
Quote from: chaingunchimp on 05 August, 2010, 10:56:51 AM
let the right one in.
very random book, gona wait untill i've finished it before i watch the film.
vampires, paedos and bullying, strange mix.

Loved the novel- lived it, almost, while reading. Couldn't put it down. Utterly brilliant.

Then I saw the film. Oh dear. Barely competent, hacked-to-pieces screenplay (by the novelist, which just goes to show) that melds several fascinating characters into fewer boring ones, takes out almost every aspect of the book that made it wonderful and chugs along to its dismal conclusion. Shot on someone's knackered camcorder for tuppence. The single reason this is as well-regarded as it is by film snobs, is that it was seen as the "proper film antithesis of Twilight". Avoid at all costs, and pin your hopes on the "Hammer" remake 'Let Me In', out soon.

SBT

On the novel, I couldn't agree more.

On the movie, I couldn't disagree more! It's just taken the crown from A Tale of Two Sisters to become my favourite movie of all time!

You may find this interesting, from what you've said about Lindqvist writing the screenplay: I had the pleasure of watching the film at this year's World Horror Convention with Lindqvist doing an introduction. He was asked if, having written the screenplay did he think the film surpassed the book. He said it was a tough call but eventually fell on the side of the movie. The original screenplay had the whole storyline with Thomas retained yet the director removed it. Of course there was something of a debate about that creative decision, yet, from what he was saying at WHC, I got the impression that Lindqvist finally agreed with the director.  
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Withnail's liver on 06 August, 2010, 09:14:06 AM
Try Linqvist's other book Handling the Undead. A very different take on the whole zombie thing.  I though it was an excellent read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 06 August, 2010, 09:16:46 AM
Just goes to show that we all grab different things from movies and embrace the. Glad you liked it so much, but im afraid, for me watching it immediately after being so absorbed by the novel, it just angered me and saddened me.
For a far better zero budget (and it hurts that you have to qualify that these days, lest someone moans that there are no major stars and tsunamis) vampire flick, id strongly recommend jean rollin's 'two orphan vampires', which does everything 'let the right one in' sets out to do, only with tons more style and substance.
The 'LtROI' movie upset me so much, it stopped me reading lindqvist's next novel, 'handling the undead', which is shocking, pathetic, says nothing good about me, but is true.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 06 August, 2010, 09:42:45 AM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 06 August, 2010, 09:03:26 AM
On the movie, I couldn't disagree more! It's just taken the crown from A Tale of Two Sisters to become my favourite movie of all time!

I'm with HOO-HAA block, although I haven't read the book. A Tale of Two Sisters is excellent too! Have you seen the remake (The Uninvited)? I haven't and really struggle to see why I would - it's perfect already.

(I finished Swamp Thing - now moved onto 'Drumlins Symposium'  :|)

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 06 August, 2010, 01:20:11 PM
Today I read all through The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett. I'd have to say it's more for cat lovers than it is Pratchett fans. It was funny in places but I think I'll always prefer his writing style used for the Discworld.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 06 August, 2010, 03:01:23 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 06 August, 2010, 09:16:46 AM
Just goes to show that we all grab different things from movies and embrace the. Glad you liked it so much, but im afraid, for me watching it immediately after being so absorbed by the novel, it just angered me and saddened me.
For a far better zero budget (and it hurts that you have to qualify that these days, lest someone moans that there are no major stars and tsunamis) vampire flick, id strongly recommend jean rollin's 'two orphan vampires', which does everything 'let the right one in' sets out to do, only with tons more style and substance.
The 'LtROI' movie upset me so much, it stopped me reading lindqvist's next novel, 'handling the undead', which is shocking, pathetic, says nothing good about me, but is true.
SBT

It's what makes us human, SMT! Variety is literally the spice of life.  :)

Quote from: Withnail's liver on 06 August, 2010, 09:14:06 AM
Try Linqvist's other book Handling the Undead. A very different take on the whole zombie thing.  I though it was an excellent read.

I really enjoyed it too. Very refreshing and delightfully character-driven. Utterly heart-breaking, of course...

Quote from: Mikey on 06 August, 2010, 09:42:45 AM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 06 August, 2010, 09:03:26 AM
On the movie, I couldn't disagree more! It's just taken the crown from A Tale of Two Sisters to become my favourite movie of all time!

A Tale of Two Sisters is excellent too! Have you seen the remake (The Uninvited)? I haven't and really struggle to see why I would - it's perfect already.

Good God, I couldn't bring myself to watch the remake... Ugh.

(I might grab it when it goes down to £3 in HMV - just out of curiosity. But I'm expecting it to be an abomination  :lol:).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I.K. on 06 August, 2010, 06:08:02 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 06 August, 2010, 09:42:45 AM
I'm with HOO-HAA block, although I haven't read the book.

I am too, and I have.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 12 August, 2010, 11:50:44 AM
thomas wogan is dead by david hughes and grandville by bryan talbot   and art of kenny who has dropped on the mat so reading that next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 12 August, 2010, 07:30:37 PM
Just finished The Night Watch, absolutely brilliant. Have never thought of myself as a fantasy guy but really, really got stuck into this. A corking read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 12 August, 2010, 08:25:46 PM
Finished Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut and am now reading another famous novel - The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 12 August, 2010, 08:34:48 PM
Finished Every Last Drop, now moved on to My Dead Body.

I've given up trying to predict who is going to live or die or anything else thats gonna happen in these books and I'm just along for the ride. I'm gutted that this is the last one but at the same time pleased that he hasn't strung the character out over 20/30 books like so many authors do when they cotton on to a succesful character.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 August, 2010, 08:52:45 PM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 12 August, 2010, 08:25:46 PM
Finished Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut and am now reading another famous novel - The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler.

Arh Kurt Vonnegut is my favourite author. Hope you enjoyed it. My personal favourite of his is 'Deadeye Dick' if you've not read it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 13 August, 2010, 06:36:10 PM
Not read "Deadeye Dick" yet but did read "Sirens of Titan" recently, what a fantastic book. Contains some of the finest sentences I've ever encountered.

Just received a parcel from Amazon containing "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet" (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thousand-Autumns-Jacob-Zoet/dp/0340921560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1281720629&sr=8-1) By David Mitchell, which has a wonderful cover that resembles something from the Folio Society. Sumptuous is a fitting description.

Even better than that though. I got "Batman and Robin: Batman Reborn" (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Batman-Robin-Reborn/dp/1848565380/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1281720927&sr=1-1), the hardback (which I wasn't expecting), Woo-Hoo! I've been trying to get this for reasonable money for ages. I'm struggling not to read it RIGHT NOW.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 13 August, 2010, 06:41:04 PM
Finishing Rebecca Levene's 'Anno Mortis', which has been ten thousand times better than i expected, and may be my favourite of the 'tomes of the dead' series, nudging our jaspre's 'barefoot zombie' into second place after a good run at the top of the hit parade.
Next up, a long-overdue reread of Thrill Power Overload', inspired by the thread hereabouts.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 13 August, 2010, 06:53:13 PM
A perenniel favourite, A Scanner Darkly by Philip I've taken far too many drugs than are good for me K Dick.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 13 August, 2010, 06:56:05 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 13 August, 2010, 06:41:04 PM
Finishing Rebecca Levene's 'Anno Mortis', which has been ten thousand times better than i expected, and may be my favourite of the 'tomes of the dead' series, nudging our jaspre's 'barefoot zombie' into second place after a good run at the top of the hit parade.
Next up, a long-overdue reread of Thrill Power Overload', inspired by the thread hereabouts.
SBT

Nice one, I've literally just bought both of those (Waterstones have a cushy 3 for 2 deal on)! So far with the Tomes (I've been reading them in order of release) I've anjoyed I, Zombie and The Words of Their Roaring the most. Good to know these are good 'uns.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 13 August, 2010, 07:29:55 PM
Ive found them very hard to get, as compared to the other Abaddon titles, they either sell much faster or arent stocked in the same numbers. At least in my local Waterstones.
My favourites so far have been Way of the Barefoot Zombie and Tide of Souls, but as i say, Anno Mortis may end up nudging aside the competition to take the top spot, purely on pace, sheer level of fun, for bringing Army of Darkness to mind in various places, having zombie tigers, and cheekily seemingly writing in a much-loved tv time traveller as one of the main cast in their much-argued semi-canonical ginger haired incarnation. Though i may just be reading what i want to read into that!
There's only a couple Ive not read, and i aim to pick them up as soon as i can. And if zombie fiction is your thang, and you havent already, please check out The Permuted Press.

And, lest we forget, HOO-HAR's Flu.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 13 August, 2010, 07:38:45 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 13 August, 2010, 06:41:04 PM
Finishing Rebecca Levene's 'Anno Mortis', which has been ten thousand times better than i expected, and may be my favourite of the 'tomes of the dead' series

SBT, do you listen to the Abaddon Books podcast? Rebecca's been interviewed by them in at least one episode.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 13 August, 2010, 07:46:21 PM
I havent even gotten around to listening to the 2000AD podcasts that get mentioned here with some regularity... But no, i had no idea they did one. I access the internet through my dongle (steady...) and am therefore quite nervous of anything that might eat up my purchased 3Gb allowance per month.

Plus, and this is shit but also true, i associate podcasts with Ricky Gervaise, and so feel i may have accidentally made myself allergic!

however, if you can pop me a link and reassure me as to its size, i'll certainly give it a go.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 13 August, 2010, 09:00:26 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 13 August, 2010, 07:46:21 PM
however, if you can pop me a link and reassure me as to its size, i'll certainly give it a go.


Oh dear, you're asking the wrong man about megabytes (steady)... and as for links, I subscribe via itunes?! It is well worth listening to, mind. It's one of few podcasts I subscribe to faithfully and always proves entertaining.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 13 August, 2010, 10:06:24 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 12 August, 2010, 08:52:45 PM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 12 August, 2010, 08:25:46 PM
Finished Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut and am now reading another famous novel - The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler.

Arh Kurt Vonnegut is my favourite author. Hope you enjoyed it. My personal favourite of his is 'Deadeye Dick' if you've not read it?

It was quite good. I might give Deadeye Dick a go, once I finish the pillars of unread books I've erected all around my room.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 13 August, 2010, 10:09:45 PM
Sláine: Warrior's Dawn.
I've never read Sláine before this apart from the recent Langley stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 14 August, 2010, 12:05:26 AM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 13 August, 2010, 10:06:24 PM
I might give Deadeye Dick a go

:P

(Sorry! I'm a twelve year old, I know...)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 August, 2010, 07:45:57 AM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 13 August, 2010, 10:06:24 PM
I've erected all around my room.

Your twelve year old missed Jared's punchline out!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 14 August, 2010, 04:05:16 PM
hahaha!  :lol:

Okay, back to my normal age-appropriate self. It's safe to post again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: eggonlegs on 14 August, 2010, 04:27:01 PM
fables(4/5/6/), dungeon vol 1 the night shift
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chris_askham on 14 August, 2010, 04:34:27 PM
Just finished Iain Banks' The Crow Road, and about to start The Business. I'm new to Banks and wasn't completely satisfied by The Crow Road, but there was enough good in it for me to try one of his other titles.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Pete Wells on 14 August, 2010, 04:50:27 PM
After hearing so much good stuff about it I finally got my hands on Parker: The Hunter.

I wuz quite surprised to find it was that 'Payback' film starring Mel Gibson. Enjoyable book but I don't see what all the fuss was about...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 14 August, 2010, 06:29:49 PM
Remember I mentioned trying The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? Well, 60 pages in it's back on the shelf for a second time. It's not biting with me. I think it's much too plot-driven. I didn't feel anything for the characters at all; they seem a little cliched, to be honest. Like something out of Dick Tracy.

Mind you, this book is a sensation and people are loving it the world over.

Horses for courses, I guess.

I'm still keen to see the film.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 15 August, 2010, 05:09:29 PM
Rogue Trooper Case Files #2. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the first volume of this so I snapped up a copy of this last weekend but I'm really not feeling the love half as much this time.

Also just started We Were Young and Carefree, Laurent Fignon's autobiography.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 15 August, 2010, 09:55:45 PM
Just started Extra Lives: Why Videogames Matter by Tom Bissell, and so far its a good read. He goes into a lot of depth about what gaming means to him, good and bad. Not sure yet what form the rest of the book will take but he seems to look at his gaming as something that's occasionally fulfilling but leaves him feeling pretty disgusted with himself sometimes. As someone with a real problem knowing when to put the controller down and converse with human beings I can relate.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 16 August, 2010, 02:09:11 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 14 August, 2010, 06:29:49 PM
Remember I mentioned trying The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo? Well, 60 pages in it's back on the shelf for a second time. It's not biting with me. I think it's much too plot-driven. I didn't feel anything for the characters at all; they seem a little cliched, to be honest. Like something out of Dick Tracy.

Mrs Mikey felt the same about the early section and some of the stuff she told me did sound pretty shallow. However, she persevered and really enjoyed the rest of it...

'How to find a habitable planet' by James Kasting. It's non fiction, one of the 'Science Essentials' series, this one written after NASA's funding died off for said project. It's fuckin aces! It's really well written, covers everything you need to know about the parameters for the titular search and is suitable for all levels of prior knowledge. It's one of those books that encapsulates how magnificently mental this here life is, an that (and I'm only 20 or so pages in). Sense of wonder indeed!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 16 August, 2010, 02:11:00 PM
Quote from: chris_askham on 14 August, 2010, 04:34:27 PM
Just finished Iain Banks' The Crow Road, and about to start The Business. I'm new to Banks and wasn't completely satisfied by The Crow Road, but there was enough good in it for me to try one of his other titles.

Banks fanatic here.
I love The Crow Road- even though it is essentially a number of people having nothinbg happen to them for a few hundred pages!
The Business is one of his weaker efforts, but has its moments.
Have you tried any of the Iain M stuff yet?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 August, 2010, 02:44:00 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 16 August, 2010, 02:09:11 PM
Mrs Mikey felt the same about the early section and some of the stuff she told me did sound pretty shallow. However, she persevered and really enjoyed the rest of it...

Ditto Mrs. Back and TordelMum.  Under pressure to read it now as a family duty.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 16 August, 2010, 09:03:30 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 16 August, 2010, 02:11:00 PMHave you tried any of the Iain M stuff yet?

Not directed at me, I know, but I'm currently reading Matter, which I'm really enjoying.

Just finished China Meiville's Un Lun Dun. Also pretty good, but perhaps not as good as I'd have hoped - the earlier chapters felt a little too consciously written for modern children, although it did relax later (or I relaxed, one of the two). I did particularly like the Black Windows, however.

Regards

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: worldshown on 16 August, 2010, 09:31:26 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 16 August, 2010, 02:11:00 PM

Have you tried any of the Iain M stuff yet?

Again, not addressed at me but I've read some Iain M Banks. Wasn't keen on Consider Phlebas as I hated the main character. Loved The Player Of Games and gave up on Feersum Endjinn about five chapters in.

Currently reading Mil Millington's Things My Girlfriend and I Have Argued About which unfortunately isn't quite as funny as his website.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 August, 2010, 09:54:51 PM
Quote from: Pete Wells on 14 August, 2010, 04:50:27 PM
I wuz quite surprised to find it was that 'Payback' film starring Mel Gibson. Enjoyable book but I don't see what all the fuss was about...

Agreed.  It's a very good read, and Darwyn Cooke is pretty fab, but I didn't think it was quite the 'comic of the year' masterpiece it was cracked up to be.  Will definitely read the next one though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: eggonlegs on 16 August, 2010, 10:28:02 PM
not comics related
sound unbound
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 17 August, 2010, 12:24:06 PM
The adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
I haven't read any Holmes in years and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 17 August, 2010, 02:05:38 PM
Currently reading The Shining by Stephen King, My booky Wook by Russell Brand and Rogue trooper tales of nu-earth v1 :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 17 August, 2010, 02:29:03 PM
Finished Extra Lives, pretty good read. Doesn't quite achieve what it set out to do though, initially the point seems to be to justify gaming to the uninitiated (and it goes into great detail explaining things the average gamer will already know)but eventually turns into more of a self-analysis of why he plays games and what they mean to him and the positive and negative effects they have on his life and career. From that perspective, as a gamer its a really good read.

Onto Anno Mortis now...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 17 August, 2010, 03:39:20 PM
Mr Stink, by David Walliams (bedtime book for the kids). Not bad, but a little too self conciously trying to be 'the new roald dahl'.

Action: The story of a Violent Comic, by Martin Barker. You know what this is, and how splendid.

Curse of the Full Moon, various, werewolf anthology that appears at first glance to be rammed with quality authors, but might (might, i say) just be too far up its own hairy arse to deliver proper thrills.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 August, 2010, 02:11:18 PM
Tomes of the Dead: Stronghold, by Paul Finch. Which is also the name of the OP of this thread. Are they, by chance, related?
Will be starting this tonight.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 19 August, 2010, 03:28:17 PM
I just started 'Wicked - The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.'

I was curious considering the fact the play is so highly acclaimed. I didn't even know it was based on a novel. What's more there are two sequels!

So far I've just read the prologue, but from the reviews I've read* it sounds like an interesting idea. The gossip at the start between the members of Dorothy's party already shows a quite amusing adult leaning.

Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever read the original Wizard of Oz novel either, although I know the story fairly well from the film.

I also recently read Fiends of the Eastern Front. I found the start a bit repetitive, i.e: [spoiler]set up dangerous situation for Germans and their 'Rumanian' allies. Cue Rumanians easily deal with enemy in a strange horrific way arousing suspicion (and later confirmation) of our protagonist.[/spoiler] Repeat as required. Also the style of storytelling with the captions and thought bubbles** describing to you what you can drokking well see in the panel irritated me a bit, but I'm aware that's quite a commons style for comics of that time-period. I particularly remember a scene when the main character is thinking that two vampires are approaching. In a panel where you can see him looking at two bats approaching. (Sigh.)

However, I actually found it quite exciting later. [spoiler]I guessed the twist where the Rumanians switched sides, but it was still great when it happened. And the main character and his accomplice preparing and taking the fight back to them was brilliant.[/spoiler]

I noticed continuity issues though, although they're perhaps easy enough to explain.

[spoiler]1. The soldiers fired silver bullets from a machine gun. Later on the main protagonist mentions there are two bullet remaining... in his pistol.

Explanation: We never see him shoot the pistol, but I suppose that might have happened off panel. Or maybe he only made two pistol bullets?

2. The demasking moment. It was very cool, except it was established a couple of times that sunlight hurts these vampires. And they met at the start of the comic in the day.

Explanation: It seems these vampires can come out during the day as long as they are protected from the sun as shown earlier in the story when they're inside a building. Maybe the mask was enough to protect the vampire.

3. Fire kills vampires. I wasn't convinced with the 'I can grow from a speck, even ashes' moment.

Explanation: Maybe the vampire shrunk himself before the flames finished their work.[/spoiler]

Overall it was decent read though. I would love to have seen a version written in the present day method of comics writing though. (Just my taste. I've probably gotten used to the new progs, although even as a kid I wasn't over keen on that more exposition type style. I didn't read 2000 AD then but I saw it in a lot of other comics.


Another recent read was an Avengers GN. (I forget the name off-hand but it's the one where a new bunch of Avengers are set up. And Iron-man get's turned into a rather well endowed woman called Ultron.) Not too bad, but there was a bit at the end that annoyed me.

[spoiler]After finding his wife dead, (cue going crazy. Actually this is the third book I've read where this guy goes crazy. What's with him?)  the Sentry returns to his penthouse to find her alive. And no explanation whatsoever is given. I imagine it will happen in future issues, but as this is a library book (i.e. I'm not really following the series) it was rather annoying.[/spoiler]



*A couple of Amazon reviews actually spoilt the ending. [spoiler]Not exactly a surprise considering the outcome of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but still, it's not as if other things aren't different!(Part of the point of the book.)[/spoiler] I don't mind spoilerific reviews in the right place, but I'm pretty sure a seller isn't the right place. Some people are so annoying.


** I actually don't mind thought bubbles used sparingly, although I usually prefer comics without them. I understand Alan Moore's argument that comics shouldn't require them due to their visual and therefore more cinematic expression, but they are partly text too. We see thoughts in prose novels and there are voice-overs in films sometimes (although those would probably be translated more to caption boxes). A recent Bendis Avengers GN I read used thought bubbles in an interesting way that worked.... although he did overdo it sometimes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 August, 2010, 05:00:12 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 19 August, 2010, 03:28:17 PM
[spoiler]After finding his wife dead, (cue going crazy. Actually this is the third book I've read where this guy goes crazy. What's with him?)  the Sentry returns to his penthouse to find her alive. And no explanation whatsoever is given. I imagine it will happen in future issues, but as this is a library book (i.e. I'm not really following the series) it was rather annoying.[/spoiler]

The Sentry may just be the most annoying character Marvel have ever come up with.  He originated in Marvel Knights as a hoax-character created by script droid Paul Jenkins, who pretended (along with Stan Lee, I think), that the character had been created in the Silver Age, even though this was about 1990, and gave him a fake publication history and in-universe history.   This was pretty clever stuff, and in line with the sort of retro-thing Moore was doing with Supreme and 1964.

Somewhere along the line this stopped being a joke and it was revealed  that the Sentry had made everyone in-universe forget he existed after he went all Jekyl and Hyde as 'the Void'.  Since then it has been impossible for the casual observer (me) to keep track of his supposed history and nature - is he real, is h an alien/human, is he the Void, is he amnesiac/delusional, is his wife real/alive/dead, etc. etc.  It seems to change every time he appears, presumably becasue writers and editors can't keep it straight either, and worse he seems to become more important to events (e.g. Siege) and still has an appallingly naff costume.

It's a classic case of Poochy syndrome: someone has decided we should care about this character, but we don't.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 19 August, 2010, 08:17:36 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 19 August, 2010, 02:11:18 PM
Tomes of the Dead: Stronghold, by Paul Finch. Which is also the name of the OP of this thread. Are they, by chance, related?


In a word - No. While I have been known to scribble a few words from time to time I am not published. Trust me, in the extremely unlikely event that anything I write ever ends up on the shelf you won't need to ask. I'll not have been shy with the preening/pimping.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 19 August, 2010, 08:28:34 PM
Current supergirl arc is pretty good


And the boys highland hughie #1 was really good
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 19 August, 2010, 08:52:30 PM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 19 August, 2010, 08:17:36 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 19 August, 2010, 02:11:18 PM
Tomes of the Dead: Stronghold, by Paul Finch. Which is also the name of the OP of this thread. Are they, by chance, related?


In a word - No. While I have been known to scribble a few words from time to time I am not published. Trust me, in the extremely unlikely event that anything I write ever ends up on the shelf you won't need to ask. I'll not have been shy with the preening/pimping.


Or alternatively (and this only applies if the book turns out to be good), I can neither confirm nor deny *nudge* *wink*

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 August, 2010, 09:07:46 PM
Frankly, im glad its not you- since i may conceivably meet you at a hi ex or dreddcon one day, and the book's front cover informs me that this Paul Finch has 'cold hands' and 'knos where im most vulnerable'!
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sepp Salerno on 19 August, 2010, 09:14:36 PM
Re-reading all they Kevin O'Neill's Nemesis stuff (books 1&2) for the sake of it, then I'm onto Hole by Charles Burns
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chris_askham on 20 August, 2010, 05:57:46 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 16 August, 2010, 02:11:00 PM
Quote from: chris_askham on 14 August, 2010, 04:34:27 PM
Just finished Iain Banks' The Crow Road, and about to start The Business. I'm new to Banks and wasn't completely satisfied by The Crow Road, but there was enough good in it for me to try one of his other titles.

Banks fanatic here.
I love The Crow Road- even though it is essentially a number of people having nothinbg happen to them for a few hundred pages!
The Business is one of his weaker efforts, but has its moments.
Have you tried any of the Iain M stuff yet?


Got Excession, Inversions, and Against a Dark Background on the shelf but haven't started them yet. Worth a read?

I agree with you about Crow Road, Rich, and I loved all the bits that were just about folk chatting and getting on with lives, but found the tiny piece of plot a bit shoe-horned in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 20 August, 2010, 06:03:43 PM
QuoteGot Excession, Inversions, and Against a Dark Background on the shelf but haven't started them yet.

Yes, yes and yes.
Of the three, Inversions is probably my favourite.
Excession is great, but you'd be better reading Consider Phlebas first, as it's a kind-of-but-not-quite sequel to that one.
AaDB is brilliant stuff, although not a Culture novel.
For my money though, Use of Weapons is the best of the lot, and one of my favourite books ever.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 23 August, 2010, 08:56:41 PM
Has anyone read The Slap?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 23 August, 2010, 09:34:39 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 23 August, 2010, 08:56:41 PM
Has anyone read The Slap?

Ms HOO-HAA's reading it as we speak. She says it's pretty good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: kossori on 25 August, 2010, 02:50:56 PM
Well... I'm currently reading 2000 AD and the Megazine... and...

Monthly comics: The Legion of Super-Heroes, Adventure Comics and Doom Patrol.
Just started ordering Doom Patrol and I haven't read it yet. My first issue should arrive sometime next week.

I just finished reading the 2006 edition of Best American Comics. It's mostly indie/small press stuff.

Started again last night reading the Swamp Thing trades. I intend to finish my collection on it as I have the first three volumes and I stopped. So I'm going to re-read the ones I have and try to complete Moore's run.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 25 August, 2010, 04:58:56 PM
Just finished the new Mark Billingham book - bit of a departure, good old Inspector Thorne treading some new ground. Well worth a read for fans :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 25 August, 2010, 05:47:52 PM
Just finished 'Stronghold'- which was yet another in the increasingly strong 'Tomes of the Dead' series. If people have any interest in zombie novels, they really should pick these up, as I'd be hard pressed to name one that hasn't been worth the cover price.

Tonight I will be finishing off 'Slaine: Demon Killer', in preparation for the hopeful delivery tomorrow of 'Flu' by somebody or other...

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 25 August, 2010, 05:51:20 PM
I'm slowly working my way through a bumper edition of collected Dark Horse Boba Fett comics.

There's some very Twothy talents on display, including work by John Wagner, Cam Kennedy and Chris Blythe.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 25 August, 2010, 07:15:26 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 25 August, 2010, 04:58:56 PM
Just finished the new Mark Billingham book - bit of a departure, good old Inspector Thorne treading some new ground. Well worth a read for fans :-)

Spotted this in WH Smiths the other day. At the same time I saw a new Lee Weeks paperback(bit of a guilty pleasure but I do love em)and SFX has reviews for new Pratchett and Rankin books.   I reckon I'll be pretty busy for the foreseeable future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 25 August, 2010, 08:23:02 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 25 August, 2010, 05:47:52 PM...in preparation for the hopeful delivery tomorrow of 'Flu' by somebody or other...


Possibly me! In a Postman Pat van! :D 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 25 August, 2010, 10:55:16 PM
got harlem heroes today and "zombie brittanica"

the blurby adverts in the back of harlem also states that "coming soon" is the complete meltdown man :D


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chris_askham on 25 August, 2010, 11:07:58 PM
Just finished LOEG Black Dossier and can't help thinking that it would have been more enjoyable without so many over-long text pieces. The beatnik piece alone seemed to be one joke spread across several pages of unreadable drivel. The comics pages however, were very good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chris_askham on 25 August, 2010, 11:18:45 PM
Then again, maybe that's a bit harsh as most of the text bits were actually very enjoyable.

Forget I said anything...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 26 August, 2010, 08:56:55 AM
Dont worry chris, 'unreadable drivel' pretty much sums up what i thought about much of black dossier too. And all of century 1910, if im honest. My interest in loeg begins with series one and ends with series two, when it was still high concept clever fun, and before moore sucked all the 'fun' bit out. What i liked was THOSE particular characters, doing THOSE type of things. Im not particularly interested in wanking over how clever alan moore is.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 26 August, 2010, 09:15:27 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 25 August, 2010, 10:55:16 PM
...and "zombie brittanica"
:D

Ah, that's by my labelmate, Thomas Emson. He's a really nice guy - I hung out with him at the World Horror Convention. I haven't read ZB yet, mind. It's on my pile though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 26 August, 2010, 01:40:28 PM
This weekend i'll mostly be reading:

batman #702 for tony daniel's 'lee-esque' art

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=6057&disp=table (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=6057&disp=table)

usagi yojimbo #131 because it's consistently brilliant.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=6168&disp=table (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=6168&disp=table)

and savage dragon #163, terrific comic whose hero has gone evil

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=6142

I'm also gonna read defoe 1666, to get me in the mood for prog 1700
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 26 August, 2010, 02:02:05 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 26 August, 2010, 09:15:27 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 25 August, 2010, 10:55:16 PM
...and "zombie brittanica"
:D

Ah, that's by my labelmate, Thomas Emson. He's a really nice guy - I hung out with him at the World Horror Convention. I haven't read ZB yet, mind. It's on my pile though.
i hope you werent copying each other like we did at school....no actually yes i do if its as good as yours i'll be a happy zombie


also reading zombie an anthology of the undead edited by christopher golden (who did a couple of good hellboy novels) enjoying it on the whole, a couple of duds but a nice wide variety of tales
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 26 August, 2010, 02:52:36 PM
Mogzilla: you must read zombie brittanica, it's very, very good. And then, when youve been convinced that castles are the perfect location for zombie thrills, read Stronghold, which pushes that to the nth degree.
And no, mr Hoo Haa, the postie has yet again failed to give me flu.
Syphillis, yes. But not Flu.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 26 August, 2010, 03:37:14 PM
Just finished Pandora's Star by Peter F Hamilton. It took a looooooooong time to really draw me in but the last third was dynamite. Looking forward to reading the second part, Judas Unchained.

Now I've just started Hyperion by Dan Simmons. It's a bit of a SF classic apparently and it's certainly started off well. Hopefully I'll get chance to make a dent in it whilst I recline in a static caravan on a campsite in Ayr all next week.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 27 August, 2010, 06:55:51 PM
I've been reading the first few chapters of War of the Worlds again to refresh my memory of the narrator's comings and goings to his home after the first cylinder lands, and where the hammering noises from the pit fit in regarding the first appearance of the heat ray and subsequently the arrival of the army on the scene.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 August, 2010, 06:58:23 PM
QuoteNow I've just started Hyperion by Dan Simmons. It's a bit of a SF classic apparently and it's certainly started off well.

Love that book- and the sequels.

Finished A Clash of Kings, which was every bit as magnificent as the first book.
Also read Stewart Lee's book, which I'd recommend to anyone interested in comedy or writing in general.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 27 August, 2010, 09:55:00 PM
The last Starship by Michael Carroll. I think the target audience is young teens, but what the hell.

I've also started the most recent House of Mystery series. I was thumbing through the first GN in Easons when I came across an incredibly grotesque image, which motivated me to check out the series in greater detail. Despite the fact that Bill Willingham has let me down twice now (with Fables and Jack of Fables).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: kossori on 29 August, 2010, 09:35:15 PM
Here's what I ordered for October.
http://reprep.blogspot.com/2010/08/comics-order-for-october.html (http://reprep.blogspot.com/2010/08/comics-order-for-october.html)

I've decided to get 2000 AD and the MEGAZINE through Clickwheel so they're not listed here.
And... the FABLES isn't for me- it's for a friend. DCBS had #100 at half-off.

A lot of these books I'm trying out for the first time. You'll also notice a bunch are 1st issues. I'm going to try to do 12 books a month. This may drop down to 10 if it interferes with my reading 2000 AD.

I'm going into this with only three titles already being purchased- LEGION, ADVENTURE COMICS and DOOM PATROL. So I had a lot of space to fill.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SpongeJosh on 29 August, 2010, 10:20:33 PM
Finish reading Asimov's Foundation and just started reading Foundation and Empire.

Foundation in my opinion jumps a bit in story telling but that could just be me reading it in my dinner half hour, should really read it again but Foundation and Empire "sort of" sums the first book up in the first few pages, so all is good.

Foundation's a good read and good incite into how Sci-Fi was written in to early 50's but when you read it you would think it was written in the 70's.

But hey that's just my opinion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BPP on 29 August, 2010, 10:35:33 PM
Books
Just finished - The land of green plumbs by herta muller - life under Ceausescu - sorta an extreme torture-Kafka and pretty unreadable despite excellent prose.

Just started - American Tabloid by James Ellroy. Bit of light relief after the above.

Comics -

just finished Fluorscent Black in Heavy Metal. Nathan Fox would be a good prog artist. Writing was a bit confused and the traditional 'wtf happened when this last appeared last year' problem with Heavy Metal'. Nay bad.

Just Started - nowt. Waiting for Mega City Masters to appear.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 30 August, 2010, 01:09:09 AM
Among other holiday reading, I've recently knocked back Right Ho, Jeeves. My first exposure to Wodehouse and a very pleasant experience it was too. It takes a lot of work to make something seem so effortless. I was particularly tickled by the names and still grin whenever I think of Pongo Twistleton's birthday bash.

Today, I set about the task of rereading Tour of Duty. Wanting to get a bit of perspective, I initially thought that the Mutant Camp 5 story would be the place to start and I was rather surprised to find this was over three years old. Where does the time go? Furthermore, it followed on from the first Fargo Clan vist. In the end, I decided just to go right back to Origins and I'm now up to Under New Management. Having very recently read the stories establishing PJ's return to the MC1, I decided to incorporate a Meg detour to pick up the first Beeny stories from the Meg. It's a worthwhile endeavour, but I feel slightly lightheaded now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 August, 2010, 08:15:29 AM
Quote from: SpongeJosh on 29 August, 2010, 10:20:33 PM
Foundation in my opinion jumps a bit in story telling but that could just be me reading it in my dinner half hour,

The problem with Foundation as a 'novel' is that it was originally  a series of five short stories - happily they are all great stories, but they do feel disjointed (even allowing for the depths of time described).  The next two books are composed of two novellas each, and flow much better as a result.  After that, well, it's each to their own.  Funnily enough I enjoy the Foundation books more the more time they cover - the real joy of the idea is the vast scope of Seldon's plan, and I get frustrated when things slow down to 'character pace' for whole novels, and when eventually [spoiler]the whole thing is cut short by millennia.[/spoiler] 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 30 August, 2010, 08:36:14 AM
QuoteI've recently knocked back Right Ho, Jeeves. My first exposure to Wodehouse and a very pleasant experience it was too. It takes a lot of work to make something seem so effortless. I was particularly tickled by the names and still grin whenever I think of Pongo Twistleton's birthday bash.

Wodehouse was a genius. If you liked Jeeves, try his golfing short stories (The Clicking of Cuthbert, etc). You don't need to like the sport to enjoy these silly ass tales from a time I'm sure never really existed.


I've just bought the MegaCity Undercover collection to plough through, along with the biography of Compton Mackenzie, probably best known as the writer of Whisky Galore, he was also a child prodigy, a master spy during the First World War, a satirist who was prosecuted under the Officials Secret Act, one of the first TV stars and a champion of Scottish Nationalism - the man had such an interesting life!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 August, 2010, 08:48:12 AM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 30 August, 2010, 08:36:14 AM
...along with the biography of Compton Mackenzie, probably best known as the writer of Whisky Galore, he was also a child prodigy, a master spy during the First World War, a satirist who was prosecuted under the Officials Secret Act, one of the first TV stars and a champion of Scottish Nationalism - the man had such an interesting life!

That's my Dad's Christmas present sorted early, cheers Davey.  If you haven't read Mackenzies' Gallipoli Memories, an account of his  days in the Turkish theatre from a Military Intelligence perspective,  I highly recommend it - although it'll probably reduce you to abject misery as he records one completely avoidable cock-up after another, as thousands upon thousands die pointlessly on the beaches.  My Dad lost two uncles at Gallipoli, and Mackenzie brings home how utterly unnecessary this was.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 August, 2010, 08:51:53 AM
Just in case anybody interested hasn't read it Les Carlyon account 'Gallipoli' is brillant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 30 August, 2010, 02:39:47 PM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 27 August, 2010, 09:55:00 PM
The last Starship by Michael Carroll. I think the target audience is young teens, but what the hell.

Wow... There's one from the vaults! Where'd you dig that one up, Jared? Scary thought: kids of the original intended age group for The Last Starship are now thirty years old.

I haven't read it in years, so I've no idea if it's any good. I suspect that it's not... It was written before I knew how to write (actually, that's probably true for all of my other books too).

-- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 30 August, 2010, 09:37:51 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 30 August, 2010, 01:09:09 AM
Today, I set about the task of rereading Tour of Duty... In the end, I decided to start back at Origins ... It's a worthwhile endeavour, but I feel slightly lightheaded now.
Finished my reread today and now I can't stop seeing connections and possibilities everywhere. Possible thread to follow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 30 August, 2010, 10:08:39 PM
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen. This is one arsom book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 30 August, 2010, 10:27:40 PM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 30 August, 2010, 02:39:47 PM
Wow... There's one from the vaults! Where'd you dig that one up, Jared? Scary thought: kids of the original intended age group for The Last Starship are now thirty years old.

I haven't read it in years, so I've no idea if it's any good. I suspect that it's not... It was written before I knew how to write (actually, that's probably true for all of my other books too).

I found it in a charity shop in Malahide actually. It looked prety good, so I thought I'd give it a go, even though I realised it was aimed at a, uh, slightly younger audience.

I really quite enjoyed it too. I liked the characters, and there was plenty of action and excitement. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dog Deever on 30 August, 2010, 10:50:24 PM
Been working my way through some old Western comics I got in a charity shop for 10p each- 4 'Sundance Western' from Illustrated World Library Series (2 from 1962 and 2 from 1963) and 2 'Sabre Library-Western Stories in Pictures' from 1971 and 72. There's some really nice artwork in these- they're a bit like Commando style books.

I also bought 3 other Cowboy ones for 10p each, but I didn't flick through before buying and when I got them home I discovered there were NO PICTURES in them AT ALL- all text!
Fuckin' writers...
;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JAMESCOR on 31 August, 2010, 07:58:31 AM
Death Day by Sam Hiti, picked up the vey nice prologue. Creepy scifi weirdness, Hiti's arts not everyones cup of tea but he draws rather nice brush pen monsters with clear influences of Paul Pope and Guy Davies it's worth checking out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 August, 2010, 08:41:29 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 30 August, 2010, 09:37:51 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 30 August, 2010, 01:09:09 AM
Today, I set about the task of rereading Tour of Duty... In the end, I decided to start back at Origins ... It's a worthwhile endeavour, but I feel slightly lightheaded now.
Finished my reread today and now I can't stop seeing connections and possibilities everywhere. Possible thread to follow.

Funnily enough I read Origins over the weekend and was about to put up a review thread over in that section what I haunts, but if you're doing something I might hang fire?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 31 August, 2010, 08:53:14 AM
Quote from: JAMESCOR on 31 August, 2010, 07:58:31 AM
Death Day by Sam Hiti, picked up the vey nice prologue. Creepy scifi weirdness, Hiti's arts not everyones cup of tea but he draws rather nice brush pen monsters with clear influences of Paul Pope and Guy Davies it's worth checking out.

Yep, that stuff is great fun. You can also pre-order the entire Death Day book (or read it for free online).

I git the prologue several months ago and really enjoyed it...doesn't make too much sense, but there are a lot of weird goings on, weird scenery and a sense of epic despite all the indecipherable weirdness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JAMESCOR on 31 August, 2010, 09:23:39 AM
Yeah I've got the book on the way, also I've been picking up the weird world of Jack Staff, big fan of Paul Grist and all his takes on all those old British heroes taking a while to go anywhere but it looks great.
Every now and then I actually read a real book you know the ones with no pictures, still working my way through the short stories of JG Ballard "The Drowned Giant" and " a Question of Re entry" being particular favourites. Just picked up Spook Country by William Gibson not read any of his stuff in years so interested to see how that pans out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 31 August, 2010, 10:56:54 AM
Quote from: JAMESCOR on 31 August, 2010, 09:23:39 AM
Just picked up Spook Country by William Gibson not read any of his stuff in years so interested to see how that pans out.

I tried Neuromancer a while back and, while I was enjoying the story, the characters and Gibson's imaginative/ gritty style of writing, I was put off by the constant tech talk. I regret not finishing the story but, to be honest, I kind of lost touch with what was actually happening. I've heard that Spook Country is not a techy book so will be keen to see how you enjoy it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 September, 2010, 11:41:57 AM
The in-laws are moving to a (much) smaller house, and as my father-in-law is a SF/futuristic thriller consumer of vast appetite, I've been landed with a couple of large bags of books of potential interest. Wifey has however noted that our house is much smaller than even her parents new abode, and forty new airport editions are not welcome.  Therefore I have just a few weeks to sort the grain from the chaff and read whatever is worth reading before they hit the charity shop.  Thrill to my mini-reviews as tackle this long-expected boon(?).

First up, weighing in at a hefty one day's light reading to finish, is Bill Napier's Lure.  

Holy crepe this was bad, despite having fullsome cover-mounted endorsements from personal fave New Scientist, smugfest Irish Indepenedent and Arthur C**ting Clarke.  Apparently none of them read it, or possibly the editor spent all his time carefully excerpting their reviews  to make them sound positive, because he certainly didn't have time to give the manuscript even a casual once over.  

How bad is this book?  This bad: the appalling adjectival form 'gun-metal' is used to describe light twice in the frst 20 pages.  Someone comments on the chess-motif of  main character's  t-shirt, to this reader's puzzlement as we haven't been told he's wearing one, for the good reason that he doesn't put it on until two chapters later.  The provost of Trinity College Dublin is one 'Sir' John, and responds rapidly to requests from "the" Prime Minister and agents of GCHQ without anyone passing comment, which is a little odd since it's in the Republic of Ireland.  The high-flying mathematician main character has to have the most basic physics explained to him, because he's so 'otherworldly', working alone on his maths 20 hours a day, but he can recognise a "Balliol tie" and instantly tell that someone hasn't been to Oxford because he misascribes a quote to Seneca instead of Horace (FFS).  He "knows nothing of castles or history", but happily identifies Hapsburg furniture and Belle Epoque design.  Best of all, the author forgets his own character's names, mixing up the US President's with that of his spiritual advisor in the epilogue.  What a bloody mess.

The plot?  It's the first half of Contact, or The Hercules Text, or if you prefer the first five minutes of Species, followed by some national stereotypes incompetently chasing each other around Slovakia while various heads of State ponder the appropriate tactical response to certain values of the Drake Equation.  AVOID.

Next up from the goodie bag, S.M. Stirling's Dies the Fire, which so far seems to be The Tower King meets Always Coming Home.  Which, lets face it,  could be good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 06 September, 2010, 06:58:35 PM
Liked "Space Captain Smith" by Toby Frost-a genuinely amusing read sending up the sci--fi cliches and the British Space Empire. Then "Nemesis" an excellent assassins versus Space Marines book.

Next is "Pax Britannica Blood Royal" by Jonathan Green. I'm really enjoying this steampunkish book with it's fabulous breakneck speed action.

Got a Conan comic book arriving with some Richard Corben art -can hardly wait.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 06 September, 2010, 07:44:59 PM
Just finished my reread of "The Book of The New Sun" by Gene Wolfe, God I love those books, and have finally got round to starting "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet" (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thousand-Autumns-Jacob-Zoet/dp/0340921560/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1283797422&sr=8-1) by David Mitchell. Excellent so far. I'm about four or five chapters in and whilst the structure is pretty regular by Mitchell's standards his usual skill at language and characterisation are present in aces. It would also appeal to those of you with a more historical bent I reckon.

Another blast from the past which I picked up in my local Sussex Stationers (excellent discount bookstores) is "Heartstone" (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heartstone-Matthew-Shardlake-C-Sansom/dp/1405092734/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1283798555&sr=1-1), the latest Shardlake novel from C J Sansom. I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into that, the first four were great reads.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 06 September, 2010, 08:01:01 PM
Royal Flash by George Macdonald Fraser.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 September, 2010, 08:09:44 PM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 06 September, 2010, 08:01:01 PM
Royal Flash by George Macdonald Fraser.

Absolute gold.  I love Flashman, and this first outing is brilliant.  Enjoy!

Quote from: Kerrin"Heartstone", the latest Shardlake novel from C J Sansom. I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into that, the first four were great reads.

Now this is out I'm allowing myself to (slowly) read the previous book, Revelation.  I like to stay one book behind so the wait doesn't seem so daunting.  I loved Sovereign, the brief torture scene in which was completely unexpected and downright harrowing.  Great stuff - if anyone isn't reading Shardlake, do so immediately!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 06 September, 2010, 09:16:05 PM
I've read very litle at all in the past few weeks, other than a bit of Robo-Hunter but over this weekend I made a conscious effort to get back into it and finished off the last Pitt book which had been sitting half read on the coffee table.

It was awesome. A total bloodbath with the cast dropping like flies. Charlie Huston is certainly not sentimental about his ceations. Aside from the cull of supporting castmembers the lead himself is put through some pretty nasty abuse.

I tried to think back to why I set it aside and I can't think what could have possessed me. Thoroughly recommended. I was put onto these books by someone online but I can't for the life of me remember who it was. I owe them a pint whoever it was cos this whole series has been a stonking read. Even if it did take me a while to get used the way the dialogue works.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JAMESCOR on 06 September, 2010, 09:33:26 PM
Just finished Spook Country by William Gibson, despite the rather run of the mill cover it's a cracking good read not as tech heavy as his earlier stuff but has enough invention and character quirks to set it apart from everyday thrillers. Theres some rather interesting use of i pods and virtual reality( remember that?) as art show. It's the first in a trilogy and is well worth checking out think it will appeal to a lot of boarders.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 06 September, 2010, 10:32:17 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 September, 2010, 08:09:44 PM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 06 September, 2010, 08:01:01 PM
Royal Flash by George Macdonald Fraser.

Absolute gold.  I love Flashman, and this first outing is brilliant.  Enjoy!

Gasp! Surely a true fan would remember that this is Flashy's second adventure! Still, you're right, it's good stuff. We need more heroes like Flashman!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 06 September, 2010, 10:57:09 PM
Quote from: JAMESCOR on 06 September, 2010, 09:33:26 PM
Just finished Spook Country by William Gibson, despite the rather run of the mill cover it's a cracking good read not as tech heavy as his earlier stuff but has enough invention and character quirks to set it apart from everyday thrillers. Theres some rather interesting use of i pods and virtual reality( remember that?) as art show. It's the first in a trilogy and is well worth checking out think it will appeal to a lot of boarders.

Spook Country is the second part. First part is Pattern Recognition. Read it a few weeks ago so I'm happy to hear Spook COuntry is just as good. Third is just coming out about nowish, Zero History. Get to see Gibson read Zero History on Sept 13 and extra fuckin' psyched about it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gorgo on 06 September, 2010, 11:37:41 PM
Finally after being forced by my friend im reading the first two premier IDW transformers editions and actually am loving it.
Also reading time unicorprated volume 2 and The complete sherlock holmes
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 September, 2010, 08:27:44 AM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 06 September, 2010, 10:32:17 PM
Gasp! Surely a true fan would remember that this is Flashy's second adventure! Still, you're right, it's good stuff. We need more heroes like Flashman!

Aaargh, you're right of course.  I remain permanently confused since I came to Flashman via the excellent Maclcolm McDowell film, and there to my Dad's movie tie-in edition of Royal Flash, which had a photo of a fetching young lady in her underthings on the cover.  I only came back to the first Flashman after ploughing in through Charge and Great Game and on, and I've bizarrely never read Flash for Freedom the third (?) one.  A proper thorough read is in order, but whether in publication order or chronological order?

EDIT:  I just fruitlessly googled the movie tie-in cover to share in order to share its hypnotic power, and let me dissuade you all from ever trying an image search for "royal flash".  

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 07 September, 2010, 10:05:43 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 30 August, 2010, 10:08:39 PM
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen. This is one arsom book.

Yep, it's fantastic. Have you read anything else by Franzen? I keep meaning to pick up another one of his.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 07 September, 2010, 10:23:31 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 07 September, 2010, 08:27:44 AM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 06 September, 2010, 10:32:17 PM
Gasp! Surely a true fan would remember that this is Flashy's second adventure! Still, you're right, it's good stuff. We need more heroes like Flashman!

Aaargh, you're right of course.  I remain permanently confused since I came to Flashman via the excellent Maclcolm McDowell film, and there to my Dad's movie tie-in edition of Royal Flash, which had a photo of a fetching young lady in her underthings on the cover.  I only came back to the first Flashman after ploughing in through Charge and Great Game and on, and I've bizarrely never read Flash for Freedom the third (?) one.  A proper thorough read is in order, but whether in publication order or chronological order?

Ah, I'm currently in the middle of an on-off Flashman readthrough, my first time with any of the books. I've plumped for chronological order, and I've just finished the fourth book, Flashman and the Mountain of Light, which in my humble opinion was the best yet - surprisingly so, though, as the reviews on Amazon were a bit lukewarm to this one. Stuff and nonsense!

I find Flashman works best on the military outings, rather than the general adventuring jaunts, but that may be because I've got a fascination with the British Empire of that era and how they (mis)managed the various campaigns. It's also (as read in chronological order) quite a neat sequel to the first book, as he returns to India and gets reunited with various military chums from Afghanistan. Add in healthy amounts of espionage, double-bluff and back-stabbing, (an enviroment the character thrives in) and plenty of larger-than-life you-wouldn't-believe-them-if-they-weren't-real-people characters, and you've got yourself a winner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 September, 2010, 11:02:16 AM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 07 September, 2010, 10:23:31 AM
I've just finished the fourth book, Flashman and the Mountain of Light, which in my humble opinion was the best yet - surprisingly so, though, as the reviews on Amazon were a bit lukewarm to this one. Stuff and nonsense!

Oddly that was my favourite too, and the only one I read more-or-less at the time of publication.  There's something rather noble about Flashy in that one, even if he's never quite the cad he likes to make out he is in any of them.  Seeing as it's a sequel-of-sorts to Flashman and also a prequel-of-sorts to The Great Game I was a bit worried that a chrionological re-read might expose flaws.  It appears not. Chronological it is so, once I get through the in-law book mountain, and the Shardlake I just started, and the Lindsey Davis I haven't quite finished yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Beeks on 07 September, 2010, 11:12:43 AM
Just finished Death and the Penguin by Andrey Kurkov

If anyone is unfamiliar with his work I strongly recommend a read
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 07 September, 2010, 09:05:26 PM
Only read a few of the Flash books but they're fun. As historically educational as Asterix and almost as witty!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 07 September, 2010, 09:35:55 PM
The Caves of Steel - Asimov.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 07 September, 2010, 09:42:58 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 07 September, 2010, 08:27:44 AM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 06 September, 2010, 10:32:17 PM
Gasp! Surely a true fan would remember that this is Flashy's second adventure! Still, you're right, it's good stuff. We need more heroes like Flashman!

Aaargh, you're right of course.  I remain permanently confused since I came to Flashman via the excellent Maclcolm McDowell film, and there to my Dad's movie tie-in edition of Royal Flash, which had a photo of a fetching young lady in her underthings on the cover.  I only came back to the first Flashman after ploughing in through Charge and Great Game and on, and I've bizarrely never read Flash for Freedom the third (?) one.  A proper thorough read is in order, but whether in publication order or chronological order?

EDIT:  I just fruitlessly googled the movie tie-in cover to share in order to share its hypnotic power, and let me dissuade you all from ever trying an image search for "royal flash".  

Blimey, I was just wondering why no-one ever made a film based on these books, but there you have it. I'll have to check those out!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: maryanddavid on 07 September, 2010, 11:44:49 PM
Caves of Steel is great, I love Asimovs stuff.

I am reading the Walking Dead at the minuit, and its F###UCKING BRILLIANT. Im on vol 5, I have read the last 4 over the last 4 nights. Bought the first 10 vol cheap and Im glad I did, I cant put it down. The only downside is it can be hard to make out who some of the bit part player are, but looking forward to reading the rest.

David
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 08 September, 2010, 09:01:16 AM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 06 September, 2010, 10:57:09 PM
Quote from: JAMESCOR on 06 September, 2010, 09:33:26 PM
Just finished Spook Country by William Gibson, despite the rather run of the mill cover it's a cracking good read not as tech heavy as his earlier stuff but has enough invention and character quirks to set it apart from everyday thrillers. Theres some rather interesting use of i pods and virtual reality( remember that?) as art show. It's the first in a trilogy and is well worth checking out think it will appeal to a lot of boarders.

Spook Country is the second part. First part is Pattern Recognition. Read it a few weeks ago so I'm happy to hear Spook COuntry is just as good. Third is just coming out about nowish, Zero History. Get to see Gibson read Zero History on Sept 13 and extra fuckin' psyched about it.

I'll have to give SC a go, then. A less techy Gibson would work for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chris_askham on 08 September, 2010, 08:51:24 PM
Quote from: maryanddavid on 07 September, 2010, 11:44:49 PM

I am reading the Walking Dead at the minuit, and its F###UCKING BRILLIANT. Im on vol 5, I have read the last 4 over the last 4 nights. Bought the first 10 vol cheap and Im glad I did, I cant put it down. The only downside is it can be hard to make out who some of the bit part player are, but looking forward to reading the rest.

David

Looking forward to starting this myself, got the first volume on the way from Amazon, in preparation for the tv series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 09 September, 2010, 02:59:20 AM
Currently re-reading Y: The Last Man... Comics have rarely been this good!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Beeks on 09 September, 2010, 08:43:03 AM
I've now just started reading 'The Gangs Of New York' by Herbert Asbury which the film of the same title was loosely based on

It's not fiction...just accounts on the history of the cities gangs and I must admit I can't put it down at the moment

For those that don't know 'Bill The Butcher' was an actual gang member called William Poole who was a feared pugelist
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 09 September, 2010, 11:15:22 AM
I'm reading The Last Theorem, by Arthur C Clark and Frederik Pohl.
I love me a bit of Clark, but this is a real struggle. The ideas are, as always, superb, but some of the character writing is appalling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 09 September, 2010, 01:00:06 PM
Currently reading the death of superman and the alpha flight collection i bought last week :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 12 September, 2010, 12:19:30 AM
Just a little heads-up - we've been chatting about William Gibson on this thread. This month's SCI-FI NOW has a wonderful feature on Gibson. Well worth picking up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 14 September, 2010, 06:46:37 PM
"The Evolutionary Void" by Peter F Hamilton. Final part of a trilogy and as I can just about remember who the hell everyone is, very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 14 September, 2010, 08:03:57 PM
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 14 September, 2010, 08:27:41 PM
Just put down "Anno Mortis" by Rebecca Levene (a wee Tomes of the Dead number). Took me yonks to get through it because it really didn't do much for me for about the first 150 pages, but then inexplicably got brilliant. Loved it from then on.

Debating what to read next, am thinking Nick Cave's The Death Of Bunny Munro, its the oldest thing in the "to read" pile currently.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 14 September, 2010, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 14 September, 2010, 08:27:41 PM
...am thinking Nick Cave's The Death Of Bunny Munro, its the oldest thing in the "to read" pile currently.

I tried that 'Ass kissed the whatever' one of his and couldn't get on with it at all. A little on the overwritten side for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 15 September, 2010, 09:45:51 AM
Heh! I presume you mean 'And the Ass saw the Angel', Hoo Haa.

I'd say it's superbly written! May not be up to scrutiny in other aspects but I  loved the style and use of language. More of a fevered mood piece I reckon.'...Bunny Monroe' on the other hand doesn't have that same lyricism.It's just grim as fuck.

I still haven't finished the Search for Habitable Planets book - haven't been reading much more for fun other than the prog and Meg recently.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 15 September, 2010, 10:17:54 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 15 September, 2010, 09:45:51 AM
Heh! I presume you mean 'And the Ass saw the Angel', Hoo Haa.

I'd say it's superbly written! May not be up to scrutiny in other aspects but I  loved the style and use of language. More of a fevered mood piece I reckon.

Yeah I really enjoyed it too. Well I say enjoyed, feverish sums it up perfectly, its got a kind of queasy unsettling momentum to it. I can get why it would come across as overwritten, he seems to write in the same way he writes lyrics, so every line is loaded with meaning and metaphor and layers, so its not an easy read but still a very worthwhile one I thought.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 15 September, 2010, 11:10:01 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 15 September, 2010, 10:17:54 AM
...so every line is loaded with meaning and metaphor and layers, so its not an easy read...

Yeah, that's what I mean by 'overwritten'. I find his lyrics a lot more accessible, to be honest. I love Ol' Nick's music. I guess, though, with lyrics there is more scope for a richer style of writing to remain acessible. Perhaps we listen to lyrics and poetry with different ears than a line of dialogue or a paragraph in a novel? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 15 September, 2010, 11:17:45 AM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 15 September, 2010, 11:10:01 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 15 September, 2010, 10:17:54 AM
...so every line is loaded with meaning and metaphor and layers, so its not an easy read...

Yeah, that's what I mean by 'overwritten'. I find his lyrics a lot more accessible, to be honest. I love Ol' Nick's music. I guess, though, with lyrics there is more scope for a richer style of writing to remain acessible. Perhaps we listen to lyrics and poetry with different ears than a line of dialogue or a paragraph in a novel? 

Absolutely! Even though I enjoyed it you've still got a valid criticism there, I reckon the approach works better with songs because they're short experiences that you can then get more and more out of on further listens, so the denser the lyrics the better really. In a novel its fairly gruelling and you do feel a bit like you're being battered around the head with it. I quite liked it because it gave everything an overwrought almost biblical sense, which I thought worked given the subject and the main character's view of events. Only a few chapters into Bunny Munro but he does seem to have reigned it in a bit. Bunny's got a bit of a one track mind though!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 16 September, 2010, 11:03:59 PM
Just started The Witches of Eastwick, just finished The Sirens of Titan. Going on a Coetzee binge next.

Anyone else looking forward to that new Franzen?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Pyroxian on 17 September, 2010, 10:01:07 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 14 September, 2010, 06:46:37 PM
"The Evolutionary Void" by Peter F Hamilton. Final part of a trilogy and as I can just about remember who the hell everyone is, very enjoyable.

I've just started that, but spent the last two weeks re-reading the first two parts.

    Steve
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 17 September, 2010, 10:37:18 AM
Just started Ben Goldacre's Bad Science.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 17 September, 2010, 10:42:27 AM
I doubt I shall ever live long enough to become as well read as Roger Godpleton.  :|
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Demon Chicken on 17 September, 2010, 10:54:25 AM
I've started re-reading Robin Hobb's "solider son" trilogy, mainly since I haven't worked up the courage to try and tackle the original HC Anderson kiddie stories in the original Danish yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 19 September, 2010, 11:25:13 AM
Finished Blood Royal by Jonathan Green almost breathless such is the books unflagging pace. Bought a book Twilight of Kerberos -Engines of the Apocalypse (what a happy title) by Mike Wild. I really got it cos of th cover which I liked and who was it done by?

Why a certain Mr Greg Staples...

He'll go far that boy mark my words young uns! :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 19 September, 2010, 11:57:35 AM
Finished Richard Matheson's Earthbound. Good ghost story despite the somewhat clumsy erotica lumped in. I must admit it's only the second Matheson book I have read (I am Legend, of course, being the first) but I find his style of writing very accessible and his characters to be well developed. I have Hellhouse on the 'to read' pile but may leave it a while as I just watched the movie adaptation last night. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 19 September, 2010, 12:11:15 PM
H P Lovecraft Omnibus 3: The haunter in the Dark.

It's just as well I'm reading it on the bog as I'm pooing myself with terror. Very racist but it was a different age Mr Lovecraft grew up in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 19 September, 2010, 02:48:34 PM
Judge Dredd Eclipse
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 19 September, 2010, 05:46:03 PM
Nation by Terry Pratchett, so far it's a bit different to his discworld stuff
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 September, 2010, 06:24:23 PM
HOO-HAA: Hell House is magnificent. I devoured it shortly after first seeing the movie in the mid nineties, and it started a love affair with matheson that continues to this day.
Move it to the top of the pile!
Im ploughing through the Sinister Dexters i bought from mongoose in the sale, and i can honestly say that the strip is up in my top five of things tharg has run. Downlode, as a city, is- for me- even more evocative than mc1, and i get the same sense of 'knowing it' from abnett's work as i do from china mieville's London, or novels like Pedido Street Station.
On my phone, cant check, but what other trades have rebellion put out beyond the first three dc ones?
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 20 September, 2010, 12:35:22 AM
Quote from: pops1983 on 19 September, 2010, 05:46:03 PM
Nation by Terry Pratchett, so far it's a bit different to his discworld stuff

Nation was the first non-DW book I've read by Pratchett. I liked it quite a bit but not as much as some others. I think Good Omens is his best non-DW book.

Pratchett is my favourite author. My second daughters middle name is Pratchett.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 20 September, 2010, 05:08:00 AM
Been reading Warren Ellis' Transmetropolitan over the last few days.

Just finished the arc with the oh-so-memorable Stomponato the dog. The culmination of his character arc made me cry with laughter!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 20 September, 2010, 08:49:28 PM
Loved Transmetropolitan, there's rumours kicking about that none other than Patrick Stewart wants to make it into a movie
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ghostpockets on 21 September, 2010, 05:11:38 AM
A new city means a new library, and this one has a monster crop of graphic novels (or bande dessinée as they are called in these parts). They haven't got any 2000ad trades in yet, but I was surprised and heartened to see a complete run of Charley's War on the shelves. I lugged home a healthy crop of genius today and am making steady progeess through them already. If you'll entertain me I will regale ye with my take on what I read so far.

Art Speigelman's In The Shadow of No Towers essentially recounts his experience of and reaction to 9/11. This is more akin to his Breakdowns book than Maus and the first half is just as ingenious. Unfortunately the second half is merely reprints of old newspaper strips from the 1900s which are tenuously linked Art's earlier strips (earlier in the book I mean, not time. He is not as far as I know a time traveller). They are great and all, especially the page depicting the Kinder Kids sailing away from New York in their tin bath, but I wanted real art... um, I mean Art. This was a deceptively slim volume, deceptive in the fact that all the pages are thick cardboard giving it the outward appearance of a hefty tome, and left me wanting more. Annoyingly in the introduction Art describes strips that he had wanted to do but hadn't the time/inclination for. All in all a very nice book for your coffee table but far less fulfilling than his earlier works.

Chester Brown's The Playboy, an early effort by a local genie arse of my adopted city. Canada is a breeding ground for these alternative comix autobiography types it seems. This book could have easily been subtitled Confessions of a Teenage Wanker. Twas enjoyable but not a stone cold classic, I have taken one of his later efforts out as well and have higher hopes for that.

I am about half way through Doug Tenapel's Ghostopolis, great cartoony stuff from the creator of Earthworm Jim. Already enjoying this a lot. There is a hilarious sequence detailing a battle between a skeletal horse and a fossilised velociraptor which is worth the admission price alone (and I'm just renting it so am really winning :D).

I have another six books that I shall be wading through over the next week so I expect I shall be back to chat about them soon. Huzzah!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 21 September, 2010, 10:31:06 AM
Quote from: ghostpockets on 21 September, 2010, 05:11:38 AM
I am about half way through Doug Tenapel's Ghostopolis, great cartoony stuff from the creator of Earthworm Jim.

Just googled this as I didn't think I'd heard of him, but it turns out I HAVE read one of his books - Black Cherry - an insane and very enjoyable story of gangsters, priests and aliens. I'll have to seek out the rest of his stuff - any recommdations?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Strontium Jimmy on 21 September, 2010, 12:18:08 PM
'Anathem' by Neal Stephenson. Not many writers could produce a story about an order of monk-like characters who live in seclusion and mainly research, ponder and discuss mathematics, cosmology and the like their whole lives and make this entertaining.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 September, 2010, 01:08:19 PM
Quote from: Strontium Jimmy on 21 September, 2010, 12:18:08 PM
'Anathem' by Neal Stephenson.

Absolutely loved Anathem start to finish.  A huge and very rewarding read, and not remotely as difficult as some reviewers made out at the time.

For myself, I'm still struggling manfully through my father-in-law's mound of castoffs.  S.M. Stirling's Dies the Fire was as predicted The Tower Kingset in Oregon, but grud help me I loved it.  It takes a refreshingly explicit anthropic viewpoint, whereby the 1% of the population who survive this inexplicable apocalypse are by definition those with odd conjunctions of appropriate skills and attitudes, and further that belief spreads through necessity.  Offputtingly this means that Tolkien LARP'ers, historical re-enactors, pagan hippies and craft blacksmiths will inherit the Earth, but it's all done so briskly and good-naturedly that I've put the sequel on my Christmas list.  

Recommended, with the caveat that there's a lot of earth goddess worshipping and harvest festivals in between the mounted archery and cannibal cook-outs.

Next on the heap is The Eternity Artifact my first-ever L. E. Modesitt Jr. book, an author I always thought was female while avoiding (her) vast acres of shelf space in every bookshop that has a SF section,  but it turns out that it's a bloke called Leland who is indeed more prolific that Pratchett.  I'm halfway through, but so far this is a pretty good pastiche of a later Clarke novel, using four disparate narrators on an intergalactic archaeological expedition of huge political importance, and I'm quite keen to see how it plays out.  

Unfortunately the writing is painful, especially when Leland tries to make his narrators distinctive by either using an online thesaurus on every single word (for the Academic, who we are repeatedly told is Wordy) or dropping random pronouns (for the Pilot, who we are repeatedly told is Terse).   The editing is also non-existant - there's a major typo every couple of pages, and a page-and-half long speech by a politico is repeated verbatim when two different narrators expereince it.  The fact that there's also an awful lot of long repetitive pre-flight checklists suggests to me that Leland has his eye on the page count.  Still, it's holding my interest.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 September, 2010, 02:23:57 PM
'The Only Good Dalek', by justin richards and mike coilins- first in potentially a new range of hardback bbc dr who graphic novels. 128 pages, £12.99 (or £9.99 from waterstones).
Havent actually started it yet, but i bought this to support the form, if not the execution. I dont know quite what to say about the art other than i really liked mike collins's slaine back in the day. But as i say, i havent read yet, and am hoping that it flows well. But! it has ogrons and space battles and jungle planets in it! that's MY dr who. Sadly, it's also got the current dimwit and his blank companion, so it's not. I may go through it later with a pen and turn all the pictures of the new boy into pertwee (wouldnt be too hard actually) and then give it a go.
Be interested to see what others make of this...
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ghostpockets on 21 September, 2010, 03:26:45 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 21 September, 2010, 10:31:06 AM
any recommdations?

I haven't read much of his stuff myself to be honest but this one is really winnng me over. Here's a list of his other comics http://tennapel.com/comics.html (http://tennapel.com/comics.html) which all sound great. Ethan Nicolle (Axe Cop) was bigging him up on his blog a while back and particularly recommended Creature Tech.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 21 September, 2010, 08:24:12 PM
Just finished "The Death of Bunny Munro" this minute, and it was a pretty strange experience. He's such a horrible character, and being in his mind for a couple of hundred pages made me feel a bit dirty (and concerned for Nick Cave at points). I'm surprised to say it actually shocked me on several occasions, just in how candid and constant the sexual content was.

The downward spiral structure makes it easy to get lost in and tough to put down, and despite all that I found at times it was incredibly touching. Bunny's son is so sweetly observed and brilliantly written, and the parts from his point of view are such a contrast that its really disarmingly heart-wrenching, and ultimately I found it a pretty powerful read. I did wonder if it could have achieved the same effect without quite as much depravity, as that stuff will likely put off a lot of readers who otherwise would get a lot from it. Then again it might be that contrast that makes it work.

Overall a brilliant read, but probably not one I'll pass on to my girlfriend's mum, despite her liking the blurb on the back.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 21 September, 2010, 08:47:17 PM
I enjoyed Bunny Munro too but I prefered And the ass saw the angel. I hope he writes more. I loved The Proposition movie too. I believe Bunny was supposed to be a film also but I'm not sure what's happening with that now.
Everytime I see a Dudman's lorry driving around I instantly think of Nick Cave now.  :)
I'm a big fan of Nick Cave and I am looking forward to seeing Grinderman next month.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 21 September, 2010, 10:32:46 PM
Quote from: Albion on 21 September, 2010, 08:47:17 PM
I enjoyed Bunny Munro too but I prefered And the ass saw the angel. I hope he writes more. I loved The Proposition movie too. I believe Bunny was supposed to be a film also but I'm not sure what's happening with that now.
Everytime I see a Dudman's lorry driving around I instantly think of Nick Cave now.  :)
I'm a big fan of Nick Cave and I am looking forward to seeing Grinderman next month.


That reminds me, I still haven't bought Grinderman 2! Enjoy the gig! Funnily enough there were points in Bunny Munro where I thought it would work great as a movie, a lot of the more intense internal stuff would obviously be missing but you'd be left with something a bit more commercial and probably a very touching and funny black comedy/drama. It might have a shot at doing really well in that form.

edit: After a little googling I found John Hillcoat saying they're trying to get it turned into a mini-series for BBC2 or C4. Nice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 22 September, 2010, 10:47:53 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 21 September, 2010, 10:32:46 PM
After a little googling I found John Hillcoat saying they're trying to get it turned into a mini-series for BBC2 or C4. Nice.

That's interesting.
I think the Bunny Munro movie was originally put on hold because John Hillcoat was doing another movie first. I believe Ray Winstone was going to play Bunny.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chris_askham on 22 September, 2010, 03:18:24 PM
I've been meaning to pick up Bunny Munro for months now, but haven't got round to it for one reason or another. Really should get my act together. Off to see Grinderman on saturday. Can't wait - never seen Nick Cave live before.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: RJMooreII on 22 September, 2010, 04:32:59 PM
I'm reading the old Strontium Dog stories from Starlord right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 22 September, 2010, 05:46:15 PM
Quote from: chris_askham on 22 September, 2010, 03:18:24 PM
I've been meaning to pick up Bunny Munro for months now, but haven't got round to it for one reason or another. Really should get my act together. Off to see Grinderman on saturday. Can't wait - never seen Nick Cave live before.

He's goooooooooood, should be a stormer. He was also responsible for one of my favorite gig moments ever...

Audience member: (indecipherable screaming continuously for about 5 songs)
Nick Cave: Sorry, what's that? You keep shouting at me but I can't understand what you're saying.
Audience member: STAGGER LEE! STAGGER LEE!
Nick Cave: Oh, I see, I understand now, but you're still a c*nt.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: noodles on 24 September, 2010, 01:50:24 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 17 September, 2010, 10:37:18 AM
Just started Ben Goldacre's Bad Science.

That is an awesome read -I had to read some bits involving the stats twice (I'm not a numbers person) but it is truly a shocking expose. I'd thoroughly recommend the Saturday Guardian Bad Science Strip too.

Just finished 'Life of Pi' -absolutely magical and sacked Arthur Koestler's 'Darkness at Noon'in favour of it. Now going onto 'Captain Correlli's Mandolin' and then back onto some Cormac McCarty action.

Mignola's 'Baltimore' release is managing not to step into well-worn vampire cliche.

Crossed Family Values iss.3 -!!!


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 25 September, 2010, 12:34:36 PM
Just finishing up a compendium of Boy and Going Solo by Roald Dahl - two books I've wanted to read since I was young but never got round to. I've always greatly admired Dahl for his children's books but from what I've read so far, he was also quite a remarkable person in real life too. An absolute joy to read.

Don't know if it counts, but I'm also just finishing the audiobooks of the His Dark Materials trilogy, which I listen to whilst jogging or on the train. I read the books many years ago and it's been nice to revisit them in this way. If anything I enjoyed Northern Lights and The Subtle Knife even more this time round (love the bits with Grumman/Jopari, who for some reason I imagine as looking identical to Alan Moore!).

The Amber Spyglass is pretty hard going - I remember it being quite a slog before, but man it's even more of a mess than I recall. Some wonderful, imaginative ideas, but too preachy and longwinded.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 25 September, 2010, 03:18:03 PM
Radiator, it's only now that I can see such a steampunk vibe to the HDM trilogy.

Quote from: radiator on 25 September, 2010, 12:34:36 PM
The Amber Spyglass is pretty hard going - I remember it being quite a slog before, but man it's even more of a mess than I recall. Some wonderful, imaginative ideas, but too preachy and longwinded.

.... and I agree with that completely. In fact, I can't remember finishing TAS! 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 25 September, 2010, 04:07:07 PM
I recently read Nikolai Dante: The Romanov Dynasty.  It was nice to see how it all started, and it was a good volume all in all. (The Full Dante though? Dear me!) He used to come out with some majorly tacky one-liners in those days though didn't he? Not so much innuendo as... well... filth. Heh. Some funny stuff there though. I find the romance (if you can call it that in the early books) is a bit cringe-worthy (latter books included) but that's okay as it's not the part of the story that most interests me anyway.

Great to learn more about how the weapons-crests work and that a certain assumption I had was actually incorrect. I thought that each crest gives a person a specific ability/power. While that's true, it seems they're actually determined more by the person's personality and natural abilities than anything specific to the crest. I.e. I had an idea that Dante's crest specifically gave bio-blades, Lulu's critters, Konstantin- fusion powers, etc when in fact it's their personalities that caused the crest to provide those powers. Hence if Dante got Lulu's crest he'd probably still be sprouting swords rather than bugs... if you get what I mean.

The Huntsman 5000 was interesting too, although I found it's use against the White Army Reiver thing a bit contradictory. I.e. it's supposed to provide a bullet that will kill the designated target.... yet the Reiver (possibly misspelt) is able to adapt itself to combat this. Now the only way I can see that really working is if the Reiver somehow altered itself after the bullet had left the barrel but had yet arrived on target. Once it's hit, surely that would be too late, if the aimer was a good shot? It seemed clear that it was hit and suffered damage.... before regenerating. (Maybe it's because she missed the head? Incidentally I remember that the other White Army characters in a recent(ish) story died when hit, but I assume that's because they were a different kind and the reivers are special. The others retained their humanoid form, for one thing.)

I'm probably over-thinking it though, and generally speaking it was all a cracking read.

I'm also reading Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic and I just finished the last issue of the Dark Tower comic series: The Gunslinger- The Journey Begins. Not a bad read actually, although it could have been better.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 September, 2010, 04:19:24 PM
Quote from: noodles on 24 September, 2010, 01:50:24 PM

Just finished 'Life of Pi' -absolutely magical... Now going onto 'Captain Correlli's Mandolin'


Thats some fine reading right there. 'Life of Pi' is possibly my favourite book ever.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 25 September, 2010, 04:23:08 PM
Quote.... and I agree with that completely. In fact, I can't remember finishing TAS!

I just don't like the way the story goes, really. After the dramatic finale of the second book - it feels as if it's building towards an exciting and action-packed final book, and then.... it just... gets really boring. The whole thing gets really side tracked with the meandering and ponderous [spoiler]'land of the dead' and 'mulefa'[/spoiler] sections, which tonally seem to have been lifted from a different book, and it becomes clear by the end that Pullman is just completely making it up as he goes.

Characters and their motivations just abruptly change to suit the story ([spoiler]the rehabilitation of Asriel and Coulter[/spoiler] is particularly irksome) and the plot gets very, very contrived. It's a shame as there are plenty of glimpses of brilliant invention and a few exciting moments that are reminiscent of the previous two books.

For example, the [spoiler]Gallivespian spies[/spoiler] are wonderful addition, a really cool idea - it's just a shame they are given so little to do!

One thing that I've really wondered this time round : how on Earth did anyone ever seriously think this series could be made into a successful live action film trilogy?!?! The themes and complexities present in Northern Lights are a tough sell cinematically - and it's no wonder that the film adaptation doesn't work at all - but books two and three? Even the best production team in the world would struggle to make a coherent movie out of that lot!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 September, 2010, 06:53:57 PM
Agree entirely with Radiator on TAS.  I did enjoy it, but it's hard to see it as a coherent development from Northern Lights and Subtle Knife, and is ultimately disappointing as a result.

Blimey, reading a hillock of free SF books isn't as easy as it first appeared.  

Finally finished The Eternity Artifact, and while the story was okay if unoriginal, and the setting mildly interesting, the writing was a complete embarrassment and the central 'romance' utterly toe-curling.  The climactic 'revelation' was repeated no less than four times, each time built up to be this incredible secret that once known would change the universe forever... and then the exact same dull guff was trotted out, on two occasions  by the same character. Repetition, deviation and hesitation, gah! That was my first and last L. E. Modessit Jr book - he blatantly doesn't care, and nor does his publisher (Tor).  

Next up from the mound came "a Ray Hammond omnibus" of Extinction and The Cloud (you can see my father-in-law is a creature of habit - that's another apocalypse and another alien signal, for those keeping score).  Wary after my recent mauling at Leland's hands, I read a few random sample chapters from each before committing.  No, and no.  The former features characters called Nick Negromonte and Dr. Emilia Knight and the line "the Geiger's song shot into the treble".  Life is too short, back into the pile with those two.

So I'm onto hopefully safer ground with  Peter Hamilton's Pandora's Star.  I like Hamilton, but feel his setups are better than his resolutions, and he does have a habit of sending vast casts wandering about for ages to get there.  Still, it's 1200 pages and the first few chapters have grabbed me.  A wormhole network navigated by trains, I like.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 25 September, 2010, 09:51:49 PM
Just finished Rabbit at Rest, so I've just got Redux to go, if it turns up in the library. I'd prolly say the one where he tries to shove money up his wife's vag is the neatest.

Today I read Foundation & Empire in one sitting. (Give or take.) I really should stop alternating between SF and literary novels on such a singular basis as my crypto-snobbish tendencies always seem to be aroused and things become either leaden, gimmicky or blandly idiosyncratic in be my bedazzled visioneering.

Can't wait for New Stories #3.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 26 September, 2010, 09:45:16 AM
"Pandora's Star" and "Judas Unchained" are belters TB. They actually work much better as a piece than the most recent trilogy IMHO.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 26 September, 2010, 02:47:24 PM
Just finished The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume 1. I've read it before, about 6 years ago, but enjoyed it a lot more this time round, so much so that I've just impulsively ordered LOEG Volume 2, The Black Dossier and Century.

I've never read the latter two titles, and am a bit ambivalent as I've heard the whole thing kind of disappears up it's own arse a bit, but I'm willing to give them a try - the whole order only came to £20ish, so can't complain really.

Really loved Volume 1 this time round - quirky, funny, exciting and a light read, while still having plenty to get your teeth into. Just wish Moore did more of this sort of thing these days!

Also really makes me want to investigate the source materials, having never read any of them properly. Where should I start?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 26 September, 2010, 03:10:46 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 21 September, 2010, 01:08:19 PM
Next on the heap is The Eternity Artifact my first-ever L. E. Modesitt Jr. book, an author I always thought was female while avoiding (her) vast acres of shelf space in every bookshop that has a SF section,  but it turns out that it's a bloke called Leland who is indeed more prolific that Pratchett.
Bizarrely, I've always thought that too and I've no idea why. I've since checked and C.J. Cherryh is still a woman. Not sure about this J.K. Rowling though.

Read an old Stanislaw Lem this morning: The Invincible. A bit of a curio concerning a spaceship crew investigating the disappearance of their mates who come up against a form of machine intelligence. Contains mild divagations into the notion of inorganic evolution, but the most interesting thing about it is that it was translated from the German edition rather than the original Polish. Not sure what potential errors, elisions and compromises this might've engendered but it then got me thinking that there must be tonnes of genre fiction out there that's never been translated into English at all. Anyone care to recommend any languages worth learning just to read decent sci-fi?

The other night I finished Need for the Bike by Paul Fournel, a fabulous book and so outrageously French it should come with its own accordion and beret. It's a collection of autobiographical reflections, essays and/or pensees all thematically linked by cycling and bikes. Each piece brings an intense pleasure either through the smile of recognition, a gentle opening up of the author's family history or the clever way he twists a theme round to jab you with something to think about. Really it's the kind of thing you should have sitting on the bedside table and read one or two a night, but that sort of self-control is beyond me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 26 September, 2010, 06:25:02 PM
Not meaning to lower the tone too much, I've just started to read the 'Essential Marvel Team-ups : Vol 1'. Obviously very dated and quite camp (!) but for nostalgia value alone, excellent! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 26 September, 2010, 06:39:40 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 26 September, 2010, 06:25:02 PM
Not meaning to lower the tone too much, I've just started to read the 'Essential Marvel Team-ups : Vol 1'. Obviously very dated and quite camp (!) but for nostalgia value alone, excellent! :D

I bloody love the Marvel Essential editions- some awesomely value for money comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 26 September, 2010, 08:31:35 PM
Flash for Freedom by George MacDonald Fraser
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 26 September, 2010, 09:36:56 PM
Really bringing this down into the realms of whispered admissions, im currently reading 'Prime Directive', a Star Trek novel by judith and garfield reeves-stevens.

Now, i love me a bit of kirk/spock/mccoy action from time to time, and the books are where my love of trek really begins and ends. If i feel like something science fictiony, with deep space exploration and cosmic vistas, generally i just pick up a trek novel because i know and like the classic series characters and most of the time the books are a comforting time waster for 40 year old men in much the same way as mills and boon are for women of a certain age.

Prime Directive ticks all the boxes, and is currently killing an hour or so each night quite painlessly.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 26 September, 2010, 11:37:30 PM
Currently flying through Brian Keene's Darkness on the Edge of Town. Very accessible read - highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Buttonman on 27 September, 2010, 01:22:26 PM

Read 'The Lovely Bones' on holiday and as good as it was I prefered the film - how often do you hear that?!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 September, 2010, 01:32:42 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 26 September, 2010, 09:36:56 PM
Really bringing this down into the realms of whispered admissions, im currently reading 'Prime Directive', a Star Trek novel by judith and garfield reeves-stevens.

Secret TOS Trek novel junkie myself - Prime Directive is a good 'un. My personal favourite is John M. Ford's The Final Reflection, but I also have a soft spot for Barbara Hambly's Ghost Walker and Vonda McIntyre's Enterprise.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 27 September, 2010, 01:52:42 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 26 September, 2010, 09:45:16 AM
"Pandora's Star" and "Judas Unchained" are belters TB. They actually work much better as a piece than the most recent trilogy IMHO.

Pandora's Star is the first and only Hamilton book I've read. It took me about 2 years to read it, during which time I read 3 Iain M Banks books, 2 Alastair Reynolds books, Seeds of Earth by Michael Cobley, The Noise Within by Ian Whates and a book of short SF stories.

I kept losing interest with the meandering, seemingly directionless plot and enormous cast of characters. It started to get much more gripping about two thirds of the way through and held my interest til the end. It just took it's sweet time to get it's hooks into me.

I intend to read the sequel though, so that's a good sign.

PS. If anyone has yet to read House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds, I strongly recommend it. It's proper good and that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 27 September, 2010, 05:28:54 PM
Quote from: Buttonman on 27 September, 2010, 01:22:26 PM

Read 'The Lovely Bones' on holiday and as good as it was I prefered the film - how often do you hear that?!

Not often at all!

Interestingly enough, the last person I heard to utter similar words was John A Lindqvist, talking about Let the Right One In.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 September, 2010, 06:55:33 PM
Interview with a Vampire is another book-better-than-film one.
As is: http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2010/06/bored-of-rings.html
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 September, 2010, 07:02:11 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 27 September, 2010, 06:55:33 PM
As is: http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2010/06/bored-of-rings.html

Oh Richmond.  How could you.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 27 September, 2010, 07:05:05 PM
Well I got my copy of Freedom today, only to find that Franzen ripped off he post I made on the Minor Impediments thread about a trip to the chip shop last week.  ::)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 September, 2010, 07:08:14 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 27 September, 2010, 07:02:11 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 27 September, 2010, 06:55:33 PM
As is: http://www.forcesofgeek.com/2010/06/bored-of-rings.html

Oh Richmond.  How could you.

Surprisingly easily!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 01 October, 2010, 01:54:24 PM
Reading the new one by Terry Pratchett, I Shall Wear Midnight 

It's a Discworld featuring Tiffany Aching, who wasn't one of my favourite characters when she first appeared but has won me over in the intervening books.

I'm only 4 chapters in but this one seems to be going to some very dark places already. This one might be a hard slog, in the best possible way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 01 October, 2010, 08:31:23 PM
Just started Terminal by Brian Keene. Loving it so far - echoes of early King.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 October, 2010, 09:25:23 PM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 01 October, 2010, 01:54:24 PM
Reading the new one by Terry Pratchett, I Shall Wear Midnight  

Cool, I didn't know there was a new Tiffany Aching book.  My favourite Pratchett character (after Granny Weatherwax, of course), and probably his most thought-provoking books.

Just finished C J Sansom's Revelation, the fourth Shardlake book.  Phew, that was some pretty heavy stuff in places.  However, there were a few plot problems,[spoiler] for example:  when the murderer abandons his pedlar's cart outside Lincoln's Inns when he's confronted by the lads, it mysteriously reappears back in his workshop.  Okay, he's nuts, but did he really go back for it?[/spoiler].  That niggle aside, it was a superb read.  Trying to resist temptation to dash straight into the current one!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 01 October, 2010, 09:51:02 PM
Okay, I read some of ...Midnight tonight and got genuinely very excited (not like that) at the growing realisation that none other than [spoiler]Esk     [/spoiler] was back. As an old school Discworld fan of very long standing it was a bit of a geek out moment for me.

Quote from: TordelBack on 01 October, 2010, 09:25:23 PM
Cool, I didn't know there was a new Tiffany Aching book.  My favourite Pratchett character (after Granny Weatherwax, of course), and probably his most thought-provoking books.

I'll be honest, Granny was never a fave (relatively speaking,cos any Pratchett is gonna be great)and I was actually hoping she was gonna die in Lords And Ladies. (God, it seems like yesterday, these books have been going forever haven't they?). I've always been more of a City Watch guy myself.

That said, Tiffany has won me over to the witches stories and you're right about her being thought provoking. To say these books are supposedly aimed at a younger audience he is pulling no punches at all here. I'd say that what happens early on in this book is some of the worst (in a good way) stuff in Discworld ever.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 02 October, 2010, 09:42:18 PM
 Got Best American Comics 2010 in the post today, I've just had a quick look in the contents and Gaiman's picked all the usual suspects (Crumb, Bagge, Ware, Beto) but Dash Shaw is nowhere to be seen which is farkin lame.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 02 October, 2010, 09:50:41 PM
Kafka's America.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 02 October, 2010, 10:13:20 PM
Flashman at the charge by George MacDonald Fraser.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 03 October, 2010, 11:26:32 AM
Finally I have started reading From Hell.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 03 October, 2010, 11:36:52 AM
sorta started zombie brittanica but due to the doc raising my medication feeling a little under par and unable to concentrate as i feel sick and dizzy a lot....bleeurgh :sick:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 October, 2010, 11:52:33 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 03 October, 2010, 11:36:52 AM
sorta started zombie brittanica but due to the doc raising my medication feeling a little under par and unable to concentrate as i feel sick and dizzy a lot....bleeurgh :sick:

Sorry to hear that you're feeling shitty, Mogz. Hope you enjoy Zombie Brittanica- I thought it was rather special. Was it you who mentioned this a while ago, and I said that a good follow-up read would be Tomes of the Dead: Stronghold? If so, I still stand by that.

One great side effect is that when the little ones get their castles out, you can amuse yourself defending it from imaginary zombie attacks.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 03 October, 2010, 12:10:15 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 03 October, 2010, 11:52:33 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 03 October, 2010, 11:36:52 AM
sorta started zombie brittanica but due to the doc raising my medication feeling a little under par and unable to concentrate as i feel sick and dizzy a lot....bleeurgh :sick:

Sorry to hear that you're feeling shitty, Mogz. Hope you enjoy Zombie Brittanica- I thought it was rather special. Was it you who mentioned this a while ago, and I said that a good follow-up read would be Tomes of the Dead: Stronghold? If so, I still stand by that.

One great side effect is that when the little ones get their castles out, you can amuse yourself defending it from imaginary zombie attacks.

SBT



probably, i remember picking it up after i was high off "flu" and i'm soooo looking forward to the walking dead series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 03 October, 2010, 03:31:21 PM
Quote from: mogzilla on 03 October, 2010, 11:36:52 AM
sorta started zombie brittanica but due to the doc raising my medication feeling a little under par and unable to concentrate as i feel sick and dizzy a lot....bleeurgh :sick:

Ah, Zombie Britannica by fellow Snowbooker, Thomas Emson! Hope you enjoy it, mate! It's on my to-read pile as well. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: adi on 06 October, 2010, 09:13:33 PM
Elephantmen - just finished volume two
Sin City -  about to start the whole run
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 October, 2010, 10:21:08 PM
Right, after a fortuitous sighting of a decent run of trades 1-7 in t'library, I'm making my third or fourth attempt to read the much-praised Preacher without getting utterly fed up after a few issues.  Ennis' terrific work on Battlefields, The Boys and even Crossed have led me to try to revisit his older stuff, and while his Hellblazer years did not hold up at all well to recent scrutiny, I have middling hopes that this time something will click and the scales will finally fall from my eyes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 October, 2010, 10:35:49 PM
You like The Boys but not Preacher? That's perverse!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 06 October, 2010, 10:48:30 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 03 October, 2010, 11:26:32 AM
Finally I have started reading From Hell.

That's been looking at me from the shelf for the past week or two, demanding a reread. Soon, my pretty, soon...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 06 October, 2010, 11:39:42 PM
Preacher is pretty much just "My First Grown-ups Funnybooks".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: maryanddavid on 06 October, 2010, 11:58:07 PM
I have From Hell sitting on my shelf for the last 4 or 5 years, never read. Ill take a fit someday and read it.
Ennis is a funny fish, loved Preacher, Liked Hellblazer, Bloody Mary,Just a Pilgrim and Rifle brigade were just OK, bit by the numbers, Carlos art helped them up.
Of his newer stuff, didnt like the boys, Kev was ok, Marvel Knight Punisher was good but the joke wore thin quick, punisher Max was good fun, but the real shame is that his best story ever has never been collected. Search out the back issues of Hitman for a real treat and some great art.

David
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 07 October, 2010, 12:08:52 AM
Quote from: maryanddavid on 06 October, 2010, 11:58:07 PM
Search out the back issues of Hitman for a real treat and some great art.

David

Hitman is finally getting collected. There are at least 2 books out, I suppose whether or not they keep coming depends on whether it sells. I have the first one (Rage In Arkham), it contains some Demon and Batman stuff showing Tommys origins and then the first 3 issues of the regular title.

It is indeed awesome stuff. I nearly didn't buy it because my comics budget has been slashed but recomendations on this board talked me round. I'll definitely be picking up further volumes as and when I can.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 October, 2010, 09:58:28 AM
Quote from: radiator on 06 October, 2010, 10:35:49 PM
You like The Boys but not Preacher? That's perverse!

That was my thinking too, however...

I'm now in the middle of Volume 2, and enthusiasm is flagging fast.  It's certainly suiting my mood, but that's not a compliment at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aaron A Aardvark on 08 October, 2010, 09:36:53 AM
The first non-2000 AD comics I've read this century: Top Ten & Preacher Gone to Texas

Top 10 was amusing but nothing special.

Preacher I got bored really quickly. There's just nothing in it I haven't seen before. And the characters just don't interest me.

I guess I won't be getting back into comics after all, I seem to have lost the taste for them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 08 October, 2010, 10:07:34 AM
Quote from: Aaron A Aardvark on 08 October, 2010, 09:36:53 AM
I guess I won't be getting back into comics after all, I seem to have lost the taste for them.

Try Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead and Garth Ennis' Crossed before writing them off completely...

I've started reading Acts of Violence by Ryan David Jahn - so far a wonderfully accessible read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 October, 2010, 02:51:02 PM
Well, well, made it to the end of a dreary Volume 3 of Preacher over lunch, and finally something interesting:  the Cassidy origin story.  Yes, this is Ennis' stock Oirish tale of feckless kids in bars and the Brendan Behan clones who befriend them, but it's done well, and I like his predictable but still clever take on the Easter Rising (although he does go completely arseways in having Pearse quote the Yeats line "a terrible beauty is born", from the poem Easter 1916 which wasn't composed until May of that year).  Onwards in hope.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 08 October, 2010, 03:04:29 PM
Because I've got a new private tutee who's retaking an English exam in November for the International Baccalaurate, I'm reading Wuthering Heights, Tess of the D'Urbervilles and a novel by Iris Murdoch. I need to absorb as much as possible of all three by Tuesday. Needless to to say, between now and November the gig won't be paying much, but just doing the reading is good for me, and need not be a chore.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 08 October, 2010, 06:22:47 PM
Just started today, the first book of Michael Palins diary. '69-'79.

Am up to '72 ('69 and '70 are blink and you'll miss them with very few entries) and so far there has been much talk of PM Heath and power cuts. All before my time so quite interesting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SquashedFly on 08 October, 2010, 08:14:26 PM
I have a bad habit of starting a book then not finishing it and then starting something else, so there are a load of them that I have had on the go for months and need to work through

The Bourne Identity,Men At Arms, '48,The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I think I even started Lord of the Rings as well :o I need to finish the Hobbit first  ::)

and to add to matters the first volume of Tales of Nu-Earth is on the way as well  :)

god I am an idiot  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 08 October, 2010, 10:11:41 PM
I was hoping to say that I'm reading Surface Detail by Iain M Banks but the wife nipped out for 10 minutes earlier and the postman too the opportunity to stick a card through the door ::).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 08 October, 2010, 10:12:37 PM
Got the new Darwyn Cooke Parker book today. It'll be stuck in the To Read pile for a while but it is a gorgeous glance through book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 08 October, 2010, 10:25:24 PM
Quote from: Rog69 on 08 October, 2010, 10:11:41 PM
I was hoping to say that I'm reading Surface Detail by Iain M Banks but the wife nipped out for 10 minutes earlier and the postman too the opportunity to stick a card through the door ::).

Cheers Rog, forgot that was out, thought it was next month. Ordered.

Just finished "Heartstone" by C J Sansom. I was a bit worried when I started it that it would suffer in comparison with "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet" which I read immediately beforehand. But whereas Sansom's writing is more workmanlike than David Mitchell's wonderfully poetic prose, it was nonetheless thoroughly enjoyable and a proper pageturner.

Reading the first volume of "Scott Pilgrim" and "The Flint Collection" at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 10 October, 2010, 06:42:06 PM
Since i never, ever, read straight science fiction, and have an absolute hatred of big fat books that come in trilogies, i thought id buy a big fat science fiction novel that's the first in a trilogy. Ahem.
So, after half an hour staring at the shelves in waterstones and becoming increasingly annoyed at the shitness of most things i picked up, i plumped for 'the reality dysfunction' by peter f hamilton. 1200 pages of a 'vast canvas of classic space opera', im forty pages in and am really enjoying it. Though being familiar with blitzspears, im seeing parallels already.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 10 October, 2010, 06:52:46 PM
I really enjoyed Engines of the Apocalypse, non stop bonkers action, trying The Hunt for Voldorius a okay Wh40k book and then its The Amulet a Lovecraftian private eye story set in Glasgow!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 10 October, 2010, 08:17:06 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 10 October, 2010, 06:42:06 PM
Since i never, ever, read straight science fiction, and have an absolute hatred of big fat books that come in trilogies, i thought id buy a big fat science fiction novel that's the first in a trilogy. Ahem.
So, after half an hour staring at the shelves in waterstones and becoming increasingly annoyed at the shitness of most things i picked up, i plumped for 'the reality dysfunction' by peter f hamilton. 1200 pages of a 'vast canvas of classic space opera', im forty pages in and am really enjoying it. Though being familiar with blitzspears, im seeing parallels already.
SBT

Loved that series, and possibly enjoyed the two Commonwealth books even more. Avoid Misspent Youth unless you actively enjoy loathing every character in a book.

Regards

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 10 October, 2010, 09:57:17 PM
There's some pretty good horror mixed in with the space opera loveliness as well SBT.

Robin, you're spot on about Misspent Youth. Couldn't work out where Hamilton was coming from with that one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 11 October, 2010, 05:54:54 PM
At the moment I'm reading Priestess of the White by Trudi Caravan.

I haven't read all that much yet, so it's too early to say whether it's much good. I'm not over keen on the style, but it's not bad so far. The religious and magic system of the world is intriguing.

As far as GNs are concerned I picked up a crossover Spider-man and Red Sonia. I've yet to read it, and it's probably pure trash.

On the other hand, there's a well endowed red haired hottie in a chain-mail bikini...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 14 October, 2010, 04:02:27 PM
Yeah, another vote for the Reality Dysfunction (and the others!).Great scope and great fun and gets a bit nasty as Kerrin says. Please don't read this next bit SBT! (or any others who want to read it!) [spoiler]I was so disappointed with the ending of the Naked God. It just fizzled out! So if we're all just nice everything'll be fine?! And I really didn't think Joshua would've hung up his space boots so easily...[/spoiler] One of my all time favourite short stories (of all time) is 'Sonny's Edge' in 'A Second Chance at Eden', a collection set in the same universe. Chilling!

I just read Mr Screw On Head - it was lush! Really charming and funny and too damn short. I'm going to have to buy the Hellboy Trades, Mignola is great.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 14 October, 2010, 05:07:14 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 14 October, 2010, 04:02:27 PMI just read Mr Screw On Head - it was lush! Really charming and funny and too damn short. I'm going to have to buy the Hellboy Trades, Mignola is great.

Too damn short is too damn right Mikey. It does contain some great lines though. And lot's of beautifully dark Mignola art. Get the Hellboy trades, they're tremendous.

I agree about the Hamilton by the way. DON'T YOU DARE LOOK UNDER THOSE SPOILERS SBT!

Just got the new Iain M Banks Culture novel "Surface Detail", so far, so good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 14 October, 2010, 05:38:05 PM
While spoilers dont appear on my phone under black boxes, i luckily has a very speedy scroll function, so i whizzed past!
Im really enjoying the reality dysfunction so far. Only about 200 pages in, but the characters, worlds, and tech are so well realised it feels like ive read two or three books already. The Ruin Ring especially, and the scavenging, was exactly the sort of scifi i hoped for when i bought it. Looking forward to spending another few months pootling through this world.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: noodles on 14 October, 2010, 09:35:54 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 25 September, 2010, 04:19:24 PM
Quote from: noodles on 24 September, 2010, 01:50:24 PM

Just finished 'Life of Pi' -absolutely magical... Now going onto 'Captain Correlli's Mandolin'


Thats some fine reading right there. 'Life of Pi' is possibly my favourite book ever.

What else would you recommend?

Captain Corelli's Mandolin was beautifully visualised. I found it getting a bit dusty as I went through the final chapter -it was ssssoooooo sad! I kind of finally appreciated Kafka's comment of literature being the axe for the frozen sea within us and that's having survived the denoument of Iain Banks' 'Use of Weapons'!

Now reading Bertrand Russell 'History of Western Philosophy' (at about a page a month).

Just finished Alan Moore's 'Neonomicon' iss.3 which is turning out to be as distasteful as anything in 'Crossed -Family Values'. The latter has served to depress me even more than the original series.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 14 October, 2010, 10:14:07 PM
having another go at Finnegan's Wake. So far it's the shit, well worth the effort of sounding out all the words in a ludicrous leprechaun accent in my head.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: exilewood on 14 October, 2010, 11:15:58 PM
You should listen to Billy Joe Shaver whilst reading it & pretend thay you're Bob Dylan.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 15 October, 2010, 07:39:56 AM
Just started John A Lindqvist's THE HARBOUR and Nancy Holzner's DEADTOWN (my first dabble in Urban Fantasy).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 October, 2010, 08:52:15 AM
Quote from: noodles on 14 October, 2010, 09:35:54 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 25 September, 2010, 04:19:24 PM
Quote from: noodles on 24 September, 2010, 01:50:24 PM

Just finished 'Life of Pi' -absolutely magical... Now going onto 'Captain Correlli's Mandolin'


Thats some fine reading right there. 'Life of Pi' is possibly my favourite book ever.

What else would you recommend?

Anything by Kurt Vonnegut or Paul Auster for starters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 15 October, 2010, 10:26:56 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 15 October, 2010, 08:52:15 AM
Quote from: noodles on 14 October, 2010, 09:35:54 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 25 September, 2010, 04:19:24 PM
Quote from: noodles on 24 September, 2010, 01:50:24 PM

Just finished 'Life of Pi' -absolutely magical... Now going onto 'Captain Correlli's Mandolin'


Thats some fine reading right there. 'Life of Pi' is possibly my favourite book ever.

What else would you recommend?

Anything by Kurt Vonnegut or Paul Auster for starters.

And if Vonnegut & Auster float your boat, try some John Irving, especially A Prayer for Owen Meaney (one of my all time faves) and The World according to Garp.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 October, 2010, 10:36:10 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 15 October, 2010, 10:26:56 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 15 October, 2010, 08:52:15 AM
Quote from: noodles on 14 October, 2010, 09:35:54 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 25 September, 2010, 04:19:24 PM
Quote from: noodles on 24 September, 2010, 01:50:24 PM

Just finished 'Life of Pi' -absolutely magical... Now going onto 'Captain Correlli's Mandolin'


Thats some fine reading right there. 'Life of Pi' is possibly my favourite book ever.

What else would you recommend?

Anything by Kurt Vonnegut or Paul Auster for starters.

And if Vonnegut & Auster float your boat, try some John Irving, especially A Prayer for Owen Meaney (one of my all time faves) and The World according to Garp.

Funnily enough almost out John Irving on my short list!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 15 October, 2010, 11:06:08 AM
I've just read Madame Samurai, after picking it up at Bristol, and I'm currently enjoying the collected 'WEST; Justice' That I also got in Bristol.

Madame Samurai was a lot of fun- despite some issues with the lettering and a couple of storytelling decisions I want to speak to dave Hitchcock about when I see him next.

WEST is a treat and a half. The collected edition has been relettered throughout and the art has had a sweeping of greys added to unify the package. The story is every bit as good as I remebered it from the comics.

Of course I'm hoping to get a copy of the new West issue this weekend.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rook on 16 October, 2010, 04:49:47 PM
I had a trip to the local library yesterday; quite a few 2000AD books around, so I grabbed The Complete America and Judge Anderson: Shamballa. Have started reading the latter - I hadn't come across Ranson's art before, but I like it a lot, and I like the use of lots of spiritual/religious references, one of the things which make it all very different to Dredd fare I've read...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 16 October, 2010, 05:36:24 PM
my current bed time book

http://losingit.me.uk/2010/09/27/robert-rankin-the-japanese-devil-fish-girl-and-other-unnatural-attractions (http://losingit.me.uk/2010/09/27/robert-rankin-the-japanese-devil-fish-girl-and-other-unnatural-attractions)

fabulous
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 16 October, 2010, 09:43:45 PM
Johnny Ryan's Prison Pit.


Comic of the decade.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium71 on 16 October, 2010, 10:00:48 PM
Just started Simon Pegg's Nerd do Well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 October, 2010, 06:41:31 AM
Not wishing to be obsessive (he says typing his 3000ish post) but I do wonder if 2000ad will get a mention in that?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 17 October, 2010, 09:46:10 AM
Quote from: Rook on 16 October, 2010, 04:49:47 PM
Judge Anderson: Shamballa.

Very cool book.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 17 October, 2010, 12:41:55 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 17 October, 2010, 06:41:31 AM
Not wishing to be obsessive (he says typing his 3000ish post) but I do wonder if 2000ad will get a mention in that?

He mentioned 2000ad on Chris Moyles show the other day, and there's a strip drawn by Bisley in it too apparently. There are also sketches by Pegg, one of which he said he hoped toothy didn't sue him for as it's a direct lift (don't know of what).

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 17 October, 2010, 01:05:43 PM
Taking a brief hiatus from the reality dysfunction, to enjoy 'futureworld', subtitled 'where science fiction becomes science', by prof. Mark L Brake and rev. Neil Hook, boxtree/science museum, £9.99.

If you miss all those glorious large format books and annual features from the seventies and eighties, that tried to inspire kids to be interested in science and space, complete with illustrations cribbed from movies and the pulps- then this is for you.
Only this is what all of those should have been like. I love it already, since it features flying cars, quantum theory, aliens, and much more.
And there, on page thirteen, illustrating the 'arcology' section, is the freebie giveaway subs poster of mega city one in all its glory.
Utterly magnificent book. Buy it for yourself, or your older kids. Or buy two.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 17 October, 2010, 07:10:14 PM
Fight Club.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DrRocka on 17 October, 2010, 07:19:47 PM
Big Man: the Clarence Clemons story, and The Annotated Mona Lisa. Both rather fine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: noodles on 17 October, 2010, 10:08:59 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 15 October, 2010, 10:36:10 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 15 October, 2010, 10:26:56 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 15 October, 2010, 08:52:15 AM
Quote from: noodles on 14 October, 2010, 09:35:54 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 25 September, 2010, 04:19:24 PM
Quote from: noodles on 24 September, 2010, 01:50:24 PM

Just finished 'Life of Pi' -absolutely magical... Now going onto 'Captain Correlli's Mandolin'


Thats some fine reading right there. 'Life of Pi' is possibly my favourite book ever.

What else would you recommend?

Anything by Kurt Vonnegut or Paul Auster for starters.

And if Vonnegut & Auster float your boat, try some John Irving, especially A Prayer for Owen Meaney (one of my all time faves) and The World according to Garp.

Funnily enough almost out John Irving on my short list!

I've read a few Vonnegut novels and 'New York Trilogy' by Auster -by means of further coincidence, my missus recommended 'Moon Palace' by Auster just the other day!

The piece of reading that's affected me the most though is still 'The Road' -as bleak, as black and as nihilistic as it gets. That reminds me, I need to refresh my Prozac prescription...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 18 October, 2010, 02:49:13 PM
I'm reading Nerd Do Well and there is indeed a 2000ad reference. Blink and you'll miss it but it is at least  very positive.

As for the comedy bits, if any of them are a direct 2000ad steal I've not spotted it so far but then if it's old school I probably won't.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 18 October, 2010, 03:34:25 PM
Got Nerd Do Well, too. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm really enjoying it so far - Pegg comes across as still being very down to earth, despite his success. The Bisley contribution is a single pen and ink illustration rather that a strip, but sadly it's visibly pixellated and low-res as presented in the book.

In audiobooks, The Amber Spyglass is all but finished - the ending was tedious and massively long-winded - even more so than I remembered. Speaking of long-winded, I've got all seven Harry Potter books (as read by Stephen Fry) cued up as a replacement to listen to when I'm out jogging - I've seen the movies many times, but only read each of the novels once before, so have forgotten a lot of the minor subplots that didn't make the cut.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 October, 2010, 04:33:36 PM
Just finished 'Trinity' by Matt Wagner this morning. Now I love me some Matt Wagner (why oh why I haven't checked out Grendal yet I'll never know) but this is something else again. Seriously if you were looking for the definitive Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman story this is it. For reasons that escape me it seems lost in the shadows of such books from around the time (ish) of its release as 'Kingdom Come'  and 'New Frontier' (which is excellent don't get me wrong) but it really should be outshining them.

To take such iconic characters about whom so many stories have been written and make them seem fresh and new is truly a feat to behold.

Glorious comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 18 October, 2010, 04:48:04 PM
Matt Wagner, like Alan Davis, is one of my comics gods. I would read a work of his without knowing anything about it.

Grendel is awesome, but it is MAGE you want.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 18 October, 2010, 06:14:14 PM
Hellboy: masks and monsters  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 20 October, 2010, 06:53:32 PM
An excellent PI book featuring Lovecraftian horror in Glasgae! The Amulet by Williams Meikle-the seedy world of noir and the gibbering extra planar horror might seem a bit of a clash but it works.

Hellboy-The Wild Hunt a really enjoyable read. Also  Heavy Metal from September-quite a disparate set of styles in it and Lorna-The Black castle by Alfonso Azpiri -pretty much what you expect from a latin based Euro-comic -i.e. killer babe in bondage and bonking space epic.

The Catholic Church has alot to answer for. :)

Very good art reminds me of the great Mister Ian Gibson in parts.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 20 October, 2010, 08:15:10 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 20 October, 2010, 06:53:32 PMHellboy-The Wild Hunt a really enjoyable read.

I just got that today! Also in the same lovely parcel from Amazon was SCI-FI ART NOW, with art from some of our esteemed boarders. Go and buy a copy NOW!    LINK TO AMAZON (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sci-Fi-Art-Now-John-Freeman/dp/1905814984/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1287601988&sr=8-1)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rook on 20 October, 2010, 08:17:35 PM
I finished Judge Anderson: Shamballa. Some amazing stories in there, especially "Satan", the brilliantly surreal "R*volution" and the wonderful little one-shot "The Protest". Really makes me want to read some more Anderson, good job they have Triad in the library too!

Just started reading "The Complete America" now, the volume with "America" and "Fading of the Light". Great so far...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 20 October, 2010, 08:25:13 PM
Quote from: Rook on 20 October, 2010, 08:17:35 PM
especially "Satan"

One of my favourite Anderson stories. And the artwork is particularly fine...

Today I grabbed myself a copy of Brian Keene's DEAD SEA. I'm trying to pick up any Keene I see these days, before his Leisure titles vanish from book stores altogether....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 October, 2010, 08:40:36 PM
Glad to hear you liked R*volution I thought it was great and have shared some thoughts here
http://www.2000adonline.com/forum/index.php/topic,27422.0.html (http://www.2000adonline.com/forum/index.php/topic,27422.0.html)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 20 October, 2010, 09:42:36 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 20 October, 2010, 08:15:10 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 20 October, 2010, 06:53:32 PMHellboy-The Wild Hunt a really enjoyable read.

I just got that today! Also in the same lovely parcel from Amazon was SCI-FI ART NOW, with art from some of our esteemed boarders. Go and buy a copy NOW!    LINK TO AMAZON (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sci-Fi-Art-Now-John-Freeman/dp/1905814984/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1287601988&sr=8-1)

Now that's a recommendation. Tis winging it's way to Barad-Durjazzer as I type.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 23 October, 2010, 05:38:03 PM
After putting Nerd Do Well to bed I returned to the Michael Palin Diaries for a couple of years but have now picked up 'Kiss and Die' by Lee Weeks.

This is the 4th book in the Johnny Mann series, which I like to describe as Matrioshki meets Arnie (c.raw deal), with a dash of ninja action, and is as ridiculous as that sounds. It's as far from high literary art as you are likely to get but I love 'em and grab them as soon as I see a new one out.

It could be seen as bad taste I suppose to mix the serious and very real issues of slavery and sex trafficking with the gung-ho 'blow up the henchmen with the helicopter gunship then take out the evil mastermind with a throwing star to the head' brain dead action genre but what the hell.

They tend to be quick reads so I've got Retromancer lined up next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 23 October, 2010, 10:26:29 PM
I'd heard good things about Mesmo Delivery, and sure enough there were some mightily purdy pictures in there. However, the script is a (oddly mundane) oscillation between sub-Miller and sub-Tarantino.

I must stress, though, that the art is amazing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 23 October, 2010, 10:36:05 PM
Just finished The Code Book, by Simon Singh. It's a history of encryption and espionage methods, it's a textbook on the mathematical algorithms involved in secret communication mixed up with great spy stories. I really enjoy Simon Singh's Pop Science, I'd also recommend Fermat's Last Theorem
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: puggdogg on 24 October, 2010, 10:52:24 AM
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 October, 2010, 11:35:43 AM
The Zombies of Lake Woebegotten, by 'Harrison Geillor'. Which as astute bbc7 listeners among you might realise, is very reminiscent of Garrison Keillor and his radio shows from lake woebegone.
I dont know if it's a pisstake of him, or what. But it reads a lot like his 'voice'- which can only be a good thing as far as im concerned. But it's completely baffling in all other senses.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 24 October, 2010, 06:10:07 PM
A pile of 32 American monthly comics that had built up in my regular order since I've been out of regular work (the shop is in the town where I worked). It has been a pleasure catching up with 6 issues of The Walking Dead and Savage Dragon, but all the product Mike Mignola's been churning out while my back was turned just looks like money that would have been better spent on something else like November's mortgage payment.

I have resolved to cancel my regular order, and stop reading Hellboy and BPRD for what enjoyment they bring me. Regretfully I am also going to stop buying The Walking Dead on a monthly basis and just buy the trade paperbacks like everybody else does, because it's much more economical. Unlike the monthly issues, those trade paperbacks are dirt cheap!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 24 October, 2010, 06:43:42 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 24 October, 2010, 06:10:07 PM
A pile of 32 American monthly comics that had built up in my regular order since I've been out of regular work (the shop is in the town where I worked). It has been a pleasure catching up with 6 issues of The Walking Dead and Savage Dragon, but all the product Mike Mignola's been churning out while my back was turned just looks like money that would have been better spent on something else like November's mortgage payment.

I have resolved to cancel my regular order, and stop reading Hellboy and BPRD for what enjoyment they bring me. Regretfully I am also going to stop buying The Walking Dead on a monthly basis and just buy the trade paperbacks like everybody else does, because it's much more economical. Unlike the monthly issues, those trade paperbacks are dirt cheap!
i'm gonna assume you didnt actually read the storm part 3? the first bits where a bit daft with arthur etc but that reveal at the end! never liked bprd meself and the ghost ships of baltimore lost me as soon as i read "vampire"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 24 October, 2010, 06:53:37 PM
Quote from: mogzilla on 24 October, 2010, 06:43:42 PM
i'm gonna assume you didnt actually read the storm part 3? the first bits where a bit daft with arthur etc but that reveal at the end!

Haven't read it yet, but I will do. It's at the bottom of the pile. I've got a bunch of Invincible and The Boys to plough through first. Great big delicious slice of chocolate fudge cake first, thin watery soup last.
;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: exilewood on 25 October, 2010, 02:09:55 AM
Just come to the end of a serious Kerouac jag - 'On The Road - the original scroll' - which is quite simply, astonishing. And then 'And The Hippos Were Boiled In Their Tanks' - which was fun. Then a friend of mine got me a signed copy of 'Little,Big' by John Crowley, which is one of my favourite novels, so I read that again.
Next, I guess, I'm going to read Keith's book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 25 October, 2010, 10:38:03 AM
Moomin Vol 3. I think this may be my favorite comic strip ever.

The Terrible Axe-Man of New Orleans. A True Crime GN by Rick Geary. Gonna read the rest in the set.

Up next is X'ed Out and then Love and Rockets New Stories #3.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chaingunchimp on 25 October, 2010, 11:36:04 AM
just got a hold of the orginal issues of the old peter david run on the Huk.
fantastic stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 25 October, 2010, 12:45:21 PM
Quote from: puggdogg on 24 October, 2010, 10:52:24 AM
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Really enjoyed that, surprising how sneaking some zombies in suddenly gets me engaged in period romance.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 25 October, 2010, 07:30:06 PM
Just finished 'Honour Be Damned' a Nikolai Dante novel by David Bishop
Pretty good, some well funny bits in it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 25 October, 2010, 07:55:02 PM
Are the esteemed Mr Bishops 2000ad novels good then?

I picked up a Fiends of the Rising Sun book for 20p at a car boot but I've put off reading it so far. For some reason I had it in my head that they weren't that well regarded.

If I do read it, do I need to pick up the Eastern Front books first? Are they interlinked or completely standalone? I'm paranoid about reading stuff in chronological order if it makes even the slightest difference.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 25 October, 2010, 08:01:50 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 25 October, 2010, 12:45:21 PM
Quote from: puggdogg on 24 October, 2010, 10:52:24 AM
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Really enjoyed that, surprising how sneaking some zombies in suddenly gets me engaged in period romance.

Gets you engaged. I suspect it would get me enraged.  ;)

So, Lady Catherine DeBurgh as a ninja zombie-fighter: how does that work? In the original novel she struck me as a bit of a frail old biddy. Does the inclusion of ninjas seem natural and logical, or a bit forced? I'm interested to know!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 25 October, 2010, 08:35:23 PM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 25 October, 2010, 07:55:02 PM
Are the esteemed Mr Bishops 2000ad novels good then?

I picked up a Fiends of the Rising Sun book for 20p at a car boot but I've put off reading it so far. For some reason I had it in my head that they weren't that well regarded.

If I do read it, do I need to pick up the Eastern Front books first? Are they interlinked or completely standalone? I'm paranoid about reading stuff in chronological order if it makes even the slightest difference.

Yeh, i was gonna ask that cos i've got that next & i've got the Fiends GN
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 26 October, 2010, 05:02:03 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 25 October, 2010, 08:01:50 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 25 October, 2010, 12:45:21 PM
Quote from: puggdogg on 24 October, 2010, 10:52:24 AM
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Really enjoyed that, surprising how sneaking some zombies in suddenly gets me engaged in period romance.

Gets you engaged. I suspect it would get me enraged.  ;)

So, Lady Catherine DeBurgh as a ninja zombie-fighter: how does that work? In the original novel she struck me as a bit of a frail old biddy. Does the inclusion of ninjas seem natural and logical, or a bit forced? I'm interested to know!

The inclusion of ninjas surprised me, after all ninjas aren't really tied into Pride and Prejudice or zombies. It worked for me though because ninjas are like, totally rad and stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 26 October, 2010, 05:42:35 PM
"the only good dalek.." by the beeb books got £3 off at waterstones...not too bad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Lucifal on 26 October, 2010, 06:21:23 PM
Just about to start Treasure Island. A book that features in the next block of my OU course on Children's Literature.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 26 October, 2010, 06:49:13 PM
For years I thought I'd read Treasure Island and it wasn't much cop. Turns out what I'd read had been a massively abridged version - somewhat more involved than the average pcture book version kids get, hence my confusion, but still nowhere near the full text.

It was in a set with a bunch of other classics, which I also thought I'd read but were similarly abridged. Monte Cristo and Mutiny on the Bounty spring to mind and there were a couple of Dickens as well. A Tale of Two Cities definitely and I think David Copperfield.

When I found out I vowed to read the full things but I never did get around to most of them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 26 October, 2010, 09:00:50 PM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 26 October, 2010, 06:49:13 PM
For years I thought I'd read Treasure Island and it wasn't much cop. Turns out what I'd read had been a massively abridged version - somewhat more involved than the average pcture book version kids get, hence my confusion, but still nowhere near the full text.

It was in a set with a bunch of other classics, which I also thought I'd read but were similarly abridged. Monte Cristo and Mutiny on the Bounty spring to mind and there were a couple of Dickens as well. A Tale of Two Cities definitely and I think David Copperfield.

When I found out I vowed to read the full things but I never did get around to most of them.

Treasure Island was one of the first pieces of proper literature I ever read when I was about ten and dragged on a caravan holiday. I still love it to this day. Have you read Jekyl and Hyde? Short but sweet
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 26 October, 2010, 09:32:58 PM
Not yet but I did pick it up in a 3 for a fiver in The Works a while back. Got it with Dorian Gray and The 39 Steps. Trouble is, I pick up these classics with all good intentions then inevitably put them aside in favour of shiny new releases.

It's a habit I need to break.  I've been talking about Weaveworld for months but it got pushed back for the last Pitt book, then the new Pratchett and now Robert Rankin. It will definitely be my next fantasy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 26 October, 2010, 09:50:11 PM
The complete Humbug:Harvey Kurtzman, Will Elder, Arnold Roth... Really classic stuff. Impossible to believe that it's more than 50 years old.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 26 October, 2010, 10:18:57 PM
Almost finished LOEG: Black Dossier. Really loved revisiting volumes I and II, and was worried I wouldn't like BD from what I've heard about it, but have really enjoyed it so far. Some of the text sections are a bit of a slog, but they're fairly short, and a few of them are very enjoyable - Jeeves and Wooster vs Cthulhu in particular was cool.

Century 1910 up next...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 October, 2010, 01:34:05 PM
Quote from: Lucifal on 26 October, 2010, 06:21:23 PM
Just about to start Treasure Island. A book that features in the next block of my OU course on Children's Literature.

It is, without hyperbole, one of the greatest books ever written.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 27 October, 2010, 02:00:01 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 27 October, 2010, 01:34:05 PM
Quote from: Lucifal on 26 October, 2010, 06:21:23 PM
Just about to start Treasure Island. A book that features in the next block of my OU course on Children's Literature.

It is, without hyperbole, one of the greatest books ever written.

Agreed
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 27 October, 2010, 02:40:18 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 27 October, 2010, 02:00:01 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 27 October, 2010, 01:34:05 PM
Quote from: Lucifal on 26 October, 2010, 06:21:23 PM
Just about to start Treasure Island. A book that features in the next block of my OU course on Children's Literature.

It is, without hyperbole, one of the greatest books ever written.

Agreed

I vote the same. One of those books I picked up out of mild curiosity and was floored by the level of craft. Oh Long John Silver > Jekyll/Hyde. He's just fuckin scarier.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Doctor Alt 8 on 27 October, 2010, 04:46:19 PM
A pantomime script.
I have just been made promt so I need to learn the bloody thing...


Watch as it's inanity kills off my few remaining brain cells...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 27 October, 2010, 06:11:30 PM
A few pages off finishing George Mann's The Affinity Bridge. I won't be rushing to read anything else by Mann. The book's not awful, but it is derivative and entirely predictable from beginning to end, with not a single surprise or original idea.

Okay, just read the epilogue, and I suppose there is a very mild surprise, but it's still a medicore read.

Regards

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 27 October, 2010, 06:26:49 PM
The Last Hero by Terry Pratchett, art by Paul Kirby.

I've just started it, but it's decent enough so far with the usual delightful Pratchett humour.  The writing style is a bit more economical as this book is as much about the lovely artwork which includes something on nearly every page and also some 2 page spreads. I actually miss the longer style of writing but on the other hand the art is lovely.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 27 October, 2010, 06:58:03 PM
Just finished The Day Watch today. Loved it again, but maybe slightly less than the first book. Was fascinating to see things from the other side, and the quality of the stories was still really high. The writing seemed quite clunky though, particularly in the 3rd story where there's a bit too much banter about strategic analysis and what-not. There's a good chance that's down to the translation though, and otherwise it was again hugely enjoyable.

Not sure what I'll start on now, have the 2nd Mass Effect novel on the way from Amazon and that Barefoot Zombie one from Tomes of The Dead. Might toss a coin.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 27 October, 2010, 07:59:13 PM
I shall probably finish 'His Last Command' tonight, it's the second book in 'The Lost' omnibus by Dan Abnett.

Now shall I move straight onto the next part, or seeing as I had the next book in the Horus Heresy delivered this morning, 'The First Heretic' by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, shall I read that :-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 28 October, 2010, 06:12:14 PM
Decided to start on the 2nd Mass Effect novel (Ascension), only a couple of chapters in but my love for all things Mass Effecty mean I'm excited already.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aaron A Aardvark on 28 October, 2010, 06:49:28 PM
A History of Christianity by Diarmid MacCulloch - very thorough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 28 October, 2010, 07:04:22 PM
Fighting Ships 1850-1950, Sam Willis
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 28 October, 2010, 07:21:14 PM
You'd need a hell of a punch to fight a ship.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 28 October, 2010, 07:37:36 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 28 October, 2010, 06:12:14 PM
Decided to start on the 2nd Mass Effect novel (Ascension), only a couple of chapters in but my love for all things Mass Effecty mean I'm excited already.

There's  Mass Effect novel? Aye carumba! :o  As I enjoyed the recent comic series i'd have a gander at this.

Currently reading Cthulhu 2000 a collection of short Mythos influenced stories all enjoyable so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 28 October, 2010, 07:40:49 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 28 October, 2010, 07:37:36 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 28 October, 2010, 06:12:14 PM
Decided to start on the 2nd Mass Effect novel (Ascension), only a couple of chapters in but my love for all things Mass Effecty mean I'm excited already.

There's  Mass Effect novel? Aye carumba! :o  As I enjoyed the recent comic series i'd have a gander at this.

Currently reading Cthulhu 2000 a collection of short Mythos influenced stories all enjoyable so far.

I think there's 3 now actually! The first one, "Revelation" is a prequel to the first game and this 2nd one takes place just after it. They're written by the lead writer on the games too so can be considered proper canon and that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 30 October, 2010, 01:19:08 AM
Quote from: El Chivo on 25 October, 2010, 08:35:23 PM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 25 October, 2010, 07:55:02 PM
Are the esteemed Mr Bishops 2000ad novels good then?

I picked up a Fiends of the Rising Sun book for 20p at a car boot but I've put off reading it so far. For some reason I had it in my head that they weren't that well regarded.

If I do read it, do I need to pick up the Eastern Front books first? Are they interlinked or completely standalone? I'm paranoid about reading stuff in chronological order if it makes even the slightest difference.

Yeh, i was gonna ask that cos i've got that next & i've got the Fiends GN

Anyone wanna weigh in on this one. I ask because I ordered the fiends GN from the library today. They could get the novels as well but I stuck with the GN for the time being.

Twas a bit of a palaver mind. The assistant couldn't spell Fiends. He also refused to believe that Dredd could be spelled Dredd and not dread when I tried to order casefiles 16. When he finally relented and typed it in they couldn't get it anyway. Or Harlem Heroes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ghostpockets on 03 November, 2010, 05:39:04 AM
Do not adjust your visual receptors, this thread now has a case of GhostPockets! I got lotsa stuff to be doing and as such my inner demon, Procrastor, compells me to regale you all with my latest reading conquests. Oh yes I read these suckers good.....

First off Doug Tenapel's Ghostopolis, which fulfilled the promise I spake of in my last post. A great fun romp with lotsa action and some real heartwarming moments, [spoiler]only slightly soured by a Deus Ex Machina ending.[/spoiler]

Andrew Boyd and Ryan Yount's Scurvy Dogs: Rags to Riches was initially a self-published comic that made it good and was then bundled into a trade. It tells the tales of a group of anachronistic pirates trying to make their way in the modern world.  This Director's Cut edition includes introductions to each issue and commentary on selected strips where the creator wax lyrical about their experiences and influences at the time. Chief amongst this is cajun food (they are Americans so belly fuel is obviously their primary concern) but also mentioned is a certain British Sci-Fi weekly. The artist cites McMahon's Block Mania as his biggest influence and even has a half-assed Ezquerra style outline on the main character in the first panel of the first strip. I say half-assed as the outline only covers the characters right shoulder, but the intention is there. Seeing as the dude is a squaxx I'd love to praise this to the higest heavens, but I'm afraid I can't as the story is meh to say the least. The first issue starts off okay with the pirates trying to get jobs on dry land, predictable and with some really terrible jokes but pretty enjoyable. However, it quickly descends into Family Guy territory with obscure American pop culture references and irritating running gags. Meh indeed.

Dylan Horrock's Hicksville is initially very engaging but I felt it trailed off somewhat by the end [spoiler]with the mystery not properly resolved[/spoiler]. My favourite aspect of this was the comics within a comic, I would gladly have just read a collection of Sam's autobiographical strips. Will probably reread this at some point to see if I missed something.

Asterios Polyp is a beautiful piece of GRAPHIC storytelling. Wrought by David Mazzucchelli of Batman: Year One fame, this is something completely different. It is done in such a way that the story could not be told in any other medium other than comics. It's not just words and pictures y'know, through use of graphic devices such as colour and negative devices Mazzucchelli has created a classic that not only bears but demands rereading. You NEED to read this A.S.A.P.!

Larry Mader's Beanworld is sheer genie arse, the very anus of a djinn. "A most peculiar comic book experience" and one I can't be arsed to explain here. Suffice to say it blew my already mangled brain (years of thrillpower y'know). I'd recommend going into it with no preconceptions as I did, [spoiler]but ther terminally curious can go here... http://www.rdrop.com/~half/Creations/BeanWeb/Introduction.html (http://www.rdrop.com/~half/Creations/BeanWeb/Introduction.html)[/spoiler]

Alex Robinson's Box Office Poison is massive. A chunky doorstep of a book, this one took me over a week to read and I actually felt depressed when I finished it. Luckily there is a collection of short stories out there with the same characters so I will have to hunt that down. This is a graphic novel in the truest sense. It revolves around a year in the lives of six New Yorkers, and the depth of characterisation is such that it is easy to immerse yourself in that world. You will fall in love with each character at some point, and be equally repelled by the same character at another. I highly HIGHLY recommend this one.

Bottomless Belly Button by Dash Shaw. Another weighty tome and one I imagined would consume my week as B.O.P. did. I was wrong. I got about 20 pages in before I gave up exasperated. Ugly charmless art paired with a dull pretentious writing style is not a winner in my eyes. DISRECCOMEND!

Joann Sfar is a genius! A prodigous talent from France, he has created over 100 books since the early 90s. Only a smattering have thus far been translated into English, but the rest will come in très utile once my French lessons kick in. My eyes and soul gleefully ingested both Vampire Loves and Little Vampire in one sitting and they are hungry for more. I already have The Rabbi's Cat 1 and 2 in my book bag and will surely have finished them in a coupla days depending on whether I do any work or not.

Seizure laters, Alan Gator! Innards vile, Colin Dahl!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 November, 2010, 08:07:05 AM
Quote from: ghostpockets on 03 November, 2010, 05:39:04 AM
Larry Mader's Beanworld is sheer genie arse, the very anus of a djinn. "A most peculiar comic book experience" and one I can't be arsed to explain here.

You're not wrong there. Big fan of Beanworld. Hopefully book 4 won't be too much longer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 03 November, 2010, 10:56:29 AM
Quote from: ghostpockets on 03 November, 2010, 05:39:04 AM
Joann Sfar is a genius! A prodigous talent from France, he has created over 100 books since the early 90s. Only a smattering have thus far been translated into English, but the rest will come in très utile once my French lessons kick in. My eyes and soul gleefully ingested both Vampire Loves and Little Vampire in one sitting and they are hungry for more. I already have The Rabbi's Cat 1 and 2 in my book bag and will surely have finished them in a coupla days depending on whether I do any work or not.

I've read and recommend The Professor's Daughter. Utterly charming and very, very funny. I suppose it helped that I've a soft spot for Victoriana. Always meant to seek out more of his stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ghostpockets on 03 November, 2010, 03:07:57 PM
Cheers Jimbo, will def check that one out. Would the Professor in question be Professor Bell? He had a cameo in Vampire Loves and I'd love to see more of him. It's a good thing I have to learn French anyway as I will get to read them all eventually, and the Asterix books with different puns.

I only read volume 1 of Beanworld so far so hopefully book 4 will come out not long after I catch up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 November, 2010, 06:01:17 PM
'Night of the Living Trekkies' by kevin david anderson and sam stall. Bought on a whim, despite my inner voice screaming that it'd be awful. Basically a zombie apocalypse centred around a star trek convention. Amusing, well-written and short, i'm enjoying it as a buffer until my copies of The Living Dead 2 and Requiem Vampire Knight 3 and 4 arrive. Each chapter is named after a trek episode (including some i recognise) and the cover, by glen orbik, might just be my favourite this year.

Sort-of recommended. If you love zombies and like star trek.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 03 November, 2010, 06:14:32 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 03 November, 2010, 06:01:17 PM
'Night of the Living Trekkies' by kevin david anderson and sam stall. Bought on a whim, despite my inner voice screaming that it'd be awful. Basically a zombie apocalypse centred around a star trek convention. Amusing, well-written and short, i'm enjoying it as a buffer until my copies of The Living Dead 2 and Requiem Vampire Knight 3 and 4 arrive. Each chapter is named after a trek episode (including some i recognise) and the cover, by glen orbik, might just be my favourite this year.

Sort-of recommended. If you love zombies and like star trek.

SBT

Yeah, I saw that and Trekkie thing and laughed, Steev. Seems to be getting decent reviews too.

Me, I'm on a real Brian Keene bender at the moment. Read DEAD SEA in like a week (really fast for me) and am now blowing through DARK HOLLOW.

Both good stuff in very different ways. DH is his 'writer = proteganoist' novel. I guess every writer's got to have one of those! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 03 November, 2010, 09:05:12 PM
Back on the Philip K Dick short stories The Father Thing and others.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 03 November, 2010, 09:33:56 PM
Dresden Files Book 9 - White Night by Jim Butcher.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 05 November, 2010, 10:45:52 AM
Cthulhu 2000 was okay but some of the stories had only the most tenuous link to the mythos. The best one IMHO  being (no surprise) Harlan Ellison's tale. Onto a new book the Black hand Gang -the lady in Waterstones didn't like the cover but I loved it. A story of a company of WW1 British troops transported to another planet/galaxy/dimension-sounds like a jolly twoofy story.

And now a major disappointment I got the Force Unleashed 2 GN (never played th e game but thougt I'd check it out), and the art is very good. The story is fine up to the ending which I  just found ridiculous. [spoiler]There is no way Boba Fett would not take a shot because he suddenly felt "sympathy" or -frankly i couldn't understand why he didn't shoot that over powered git other than no more Force Unleashed.[/spoiler]
Maybe I missed a page... :|
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 09 November, 2010, 02:15:26 AM
Bit of a long shot, but has anyone in the US read this new Alex Toth bio? I'm sad to report that I'm a neophyte when it comes to Toth and it's a bit pricey so I'm a still a bit reluctant to pre-order it if there's a better entry point.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 09 November, 2010, 04:06:36 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 09 November, 2010, 02:15:26 AM
Bit of a long shot, but has anyone in the US read this new Alex Toth bio? I'm sad to report that I'm a neophyte when it comes to Toth and it's a bit pricey so I'm a still a bit reluctant to pre-order it if there's a better entry point.

Hmmm the problem with Toth is that he didn't stay with any comic for any length of time with one exception. So a Toth anthology or biography is a handy thing indeed. My big Toth entry was the exception: his work on Zorro. Beautiful stuff and a fun engaging comic. The only problem is it has a fair amount of talk and you don't get to see as much of his skills at drawing... well everything. Hard to explain properly. I just wish there had been more establishing shots, more panels without dialogue so I could see the background etc. But I do love my Zorro collection so I recommend it.

I do think Toth is a subject worth following. I think more than any other artist his influence in terms of comicbook art has been one of the best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 November, 2010, 01:23:44 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 09 November, 2010, 04:06:36 AM
But I do love my Zorro collection so I recommend it.


I echo that.Be aware that it is what it is however, reprints of 50's Disney comics and so its not what you'd call hard hitting! That said the art is exceptional
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 10 November, 2010, 12:01:37 AM
Gould's Book of Fish by Richard Flanagan. Could so easily have been completely up itself, but the wild mix of the ludicrous and the lyrical and its flights of deliberately over-inventive prose have me gasping and guffawing in equal measure.

Easily the best thing I've read since, oh, about six months ago when I read Dreams of Rivers and Seas.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 November, 2010, 08:03:09 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 10 November, 2010, 12:01:37 AM
Gould's Book of Fish by Richard Flanagan. Could so easily have been completely up itself, but the wild mix of the ludicrous and the lyrical and its flights of deliberately over-inventive prose have me gasping and guffawing in equal measure.

Yeah I really enjoyed 'Gould's Book of Fish' which I bought simply cos of the for the wonderful title!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 10 November, 2010, 10:49:06 AM
Watching the Fire-eater by Robert Minhinnick, for a tutoring assignment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Strontium Jimmy on 12 November, 2010, 06:27:14 AM
The Commonwealth series by Peter F. Hamilton. Just on to the second volume Judas Unchained. Every bit as good as his Night's Dawn trilogy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NeilFord on 12 November, 2010, 08:58:12 AM
Last Night in Twisted River (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Night-Twisted-River-Irving/dp/1408801841) by John Irving.

Finding it heavy weather, may have to abandon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 12 November, 2010, 09:33:03 PM
Flashman and the Great Game by George Macdonald Fraser.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 13 November, 2010, 04:39:46 AM
The Mark of the Beast and Other Fantastical Tales by Rudyard Kipling.

It's a book of shorts stories largely set in India during the time of the British Raj. It's dragging a bit. Don't get me wrong, the stories aren't bad, I'm just finding it a bit of a slog. Probably because

a) I've recently bought a new novel I'd like to get into soon, (but I wanted to read this first being a library book) and

b) the short stories, while okay, are very short. So while I find myself interested in individual stories, they don't last long so the volume as a whole drags a bit. I guess I prefer a bit more to get my teeth into.

I've decided to take a bit of a break from it and I've also started another library book called Only You Can Save Mankind by Terry Pratchett.

This is the first non disk-world book of his that I have read, and it's proving to be very interesting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 13 November, 2010, 12:49:34 PM
Only You Can Save Mankind is the first in a trilogy. I read them all as a teen and I seem to remember 'Johnny and the Bomb', which is the 2nd or 3rd, I'm not sure, being absolutely brilliant.

The beebs adaptation a few years ago was worth a watch as well. Although ITVs adap of 'Johnny and the Dead' was a bit weak.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 13 November, 2010, 01:04:19 PM
The latest Wheel of Time book, hey i know but i deserve it I've been reading this series since I was a teenager and when JOrdan died thourght i'd never see the end (even though the series had lost its shine i'd invested too much time in it to not mourn) but luckily this Sanderson guy who's finishing it seems to have the chops to get to the point and I'm finding myself enjoying series again as it winds up.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 13 November, 2010, 11:42:46 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 13 November, 2010, 01:04:19 PM
The latest Wheel of Time book

You're a better man than me Gungha Dhin. I managed till half way through the sixth book before I lost the will to live.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 13 November, 2010, 11:52:43 PM
The Wheel of Time series suffers fro the same problem as the Sword of Truth books in that the sub plots and supporting characters are so much more interesting than the main story.

The Sword of Truth had the added hindrance of bing written by a man who believes his audience to be cretinous and therefore feels the need to explain every metaphor and repeat every conversation 17 times.

I intend to return to the Wheel of Time books at some point (I got to book six as well I think) but I doubt I'll do the same for Sword of Truth, which I also dumped mid series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 14 November, 2010, 02:10:10 AM
yeah I'd agree the sries did go a bit stale but as I said already so much time on the things, plus the series does pick up again about book 10 or so and the last one (the first non-Jordon one) uis a pretty fast read (not blaoted like Jordans style) its really getting to the point.  Finaly  seeing the main characters reach their potential is really paying off.
(I've also read the whole of  The Sword of Truth series, man that has some strange ethics going on.  And it spends the last four or five books beating you over the head with them).

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 14 November, 2010, 02:35:18 AM
Yeah, as I say, I will be finishing off the Wheel Of Time. To be honest, I didn't leave it because it bored me or was taking to long or anything. It was just that I'd read a few of them off the trot and decided I needed a break, then just never got around to going back.

When I do go back though, it'll be for Perrin and Faile rather than the tedious Rand or Egwene. But that's just me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 November, 2010, 01:49:23 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 13 November, 2010, 01:04:19 PM
The latest Wheel of Time book, hey i know but i deserve it I've been reading this series since I was a teenager and when JOrdan died thourght i'd never see the end (even though the series had lost its shine i'd invested too much time in it to not mourn) but luckily this Sanderson guy who's finishing it seems to have the chops to get to the point and I'm finding myself enjoying series again as it winds up.

That was the new novel I bought! I've yet to read it, but I agree concerning Sanderson from my reading of The Gathering Storm.  That being said I don't dislike any of RJ's WoT books, but they do meander from the main plot points somewhat. (I remember getting bored particularly with the Perrin chasing Faile thread, although I like Perrin's character and powers. And the plot back in the Two Rivers was great!) I think it's largely because I like the world though, so I don't mind a lot of these other threads.

The Matt stuff has been great (I found the character irritating at the start but he really came into his own later) and I like the Egwene thread(s) to some extent although I find the character rather annoying. I also liked the girls chasing forsaken stuff. I do find the females rather irritating though. But the annoying characters are part of the fun of the story, if that makes sense.

Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 13 November, 2010, 12:49:34 PM
Only You Can Save Mankind is the first in a trilogy.
I didn't know that! Might be worth checking out.

QuoteThe beebs adaptation a few years ago was worth a watch as well. Although ITVs adap of 'Johnny and the Dead' was a bit weak.

Or this.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 14 November, 2010, 02:07:49 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 13 November, 2010, 11:42:46 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 13 November, 2010, 01:04:19 PM
The latest Wheel of Time book
You're a better man than me Gungha Dhin. I managed till half way through the sixth book before I lost the will to live.
Earlier this year, Adam Roberts undertook the mammoth task of reading and reviewing the entire Wheel of Time series (http://punkadiddle.blogspot.com/2010/06/robert-jordan-wheel-of-time-1990-2005.html) to date. Some of the posts are long and detailed critiques others simply bilious spleen-ventings but overall its a pretty entertaining undertaking. I read the first few years ago as a flatmate had them and I can totally identify with the initial enjoyment slowly turning to bafflement that an 800 page novel could contain absolutely no forward plot movement before giving up around number 6.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 November, 2010, 03:29:00 PM
The books do largely move the plots forward, just at a rather slow pace. (It does pick up later.)

A lot of the seemingly irrelevant slide plots, etc (which I don't mind, as I said. Some of those stories are good in themselves.), do have some relevance though even if only to develop the characters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 14 November, 2010, 03:52:12 PM
Charley's War volume 7, Tombs of the Dead: Hungry Hearts, The Living Dead 2 and Zombies: The Recent Dead (the last two both anthologies).
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 14 November, 2010, 06:23:29 PM
a book aboout myths legends and folklore of britain.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 16 November, 2010, 05:37:38 PM
Strontium Dog S/D Files 2
I just finished Portrait of a Mutant. A good tale, although I think I'd enjoy reading it better piece by piece rather than in one fell swoop, like I did. For some reason it seems to drag a little. I think that might just be due to the recap each chapter, or maybe the continuous warfare. (War seems like a fun thing to see in a comic in that there's plenty of action, but if it continues for a while I find it a bit numbing for some reason.)

It was a very good tale though. I knew some of this already but it was good to get the full story.

One question, what actually are thwup guns? I know they're guns that make a 'thwup' sound (dur) I'm just curious as to what they fire, etc. Are they energy beam weapons? It's the first time I've come across them, and they seem to be the standard weapon used by the mutant army.

Wheel of Time: Towers of Midnight.
Couldn't put it off any longer! I'm still in the rather long prologue at the moment, but it's already highly enjoyable, (spoiler)[spoiler]including a twist that I hadn't quite seen coming.
I suspected a certain character might have escaped, but seeing how the attack and the result was portrayed in the previous novel, The Gathering Storm, it seemed pretty conclusive. In hindsight it seems so obvious. Cleverly done.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 16 November, 2010, 10:20:47 PM
Vol 1 of "The Walking Dead" trades and vol 1 of "Chew". Both excellent. Also rereading "The Blade itself" from Joe Abercrombie.

There are a couple of options for my next purchase of Walking Dead trades, there's a hardcover (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Dead-Book-Bk/dp/1582406197/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289945675&sr=1-1) collecting the first 12 issues (I can give the Vol 1 TPB I've just read to someone for Christmas or flog it) which looks nice OR there's a phonebook (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Dead-Compendium-1/dp/1607060760/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289945675&sr=1-4) which has the first 48! Does anyone know if the quality of the hardback issue outweighs the apparent value for money of the phonebook? Advice welcome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 16 November, 2010, 11:01:29 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 16 November, 2010, 10:20:47 PM
Vol 1 of "The Walking Dead" trades and vol 1 of "Chew". Both excellent. Also rereading "The Blade itself" from Joe Abercrombie.

There are a couple of options for my next purchase of Walking Dead trades, there's a hardcover (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Dead-Book-Bk/dp/1582406197/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289945675&sr=1-1) collecting the first 12 issues (I can give the Vol 1 TPB I've just read to someone for Christmas or flog it) which looks nice OR there's a phonebook (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Dead-Compendium-1/dp/1607060760/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1289945675&sr=1-4) which has the first 48! Does anyone know if the quality of the hardback issue outweighs the apparent value for money of the phonebook? Advice welcome.

Personally, I stick with the trades- for completely nerdy reasons of liking the way they look on the shelf, and having bought the first twelve it seems a pity to "upgrade".

The hardbacks are lovely, but due to being oversized, they take up way too much space and I find them difficult to read while lounging on my sofa, cocktail in hand. Due to their weight, they leave an unsightly crease across the nipples.

The "phonebook" is small, on grottier paper, but is spectacular value (I think I saw it in FP on Saturday for about £35) AND it contains the 6 page "Christmas Story", featuring Morgan and his son- that'll be "the man who moved next door to Rick in volume one" to you- that isn't reprinted in either the trades or the hardbacks. BUT- containing as it does 8 trades-worth, there's a long wait between editions- with no firm guarantee that they will continue to publish in that format.

I just READ the 6-pager in a shop. It's not part of the main storyline, so it makes no odds to me.

Glad you're enjoying. I'd stick with the trades and get them off the net. I don't usually pay more than about £8 for them due to shopping around.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 16 November, 2010, 11:04:24 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 16 November, 2010, 10:20:47 PM
Vol 1 of "The Walking Dead" trades and vol 1 of "Chew". Both excellent. Also rereading "The Blade itself" from Joe Abercrombie.


'Chew' is absoultely fantastic! i cackled all the way through that one.

Volume 2 didn't hit the same heights for me. But I look forward to volume 3 with high hopes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 17 November, 2010, 12:45:55 AM
So yesterday I read some 'mics.

First off I read Parker: The Outfit, the second Darwyn Cooke adaptation. More so than the first volume, you really get the feel that Cooke is trying to do so much more than a straight adaptation. The nearest comparison this neophyte can make is to something by Chris Ware, when form is equally as important as content. You should read this.

Then it was Love & Rockets: New Stories #3. I enjoyed this more than the previous two volumes, possibly because there weren't any T-Girls, but I maybe would have liked some more standalone stuff. I realized today what I like most about L&R: There's always something new we want to learn. Sometimes it's in the earlier stuff, other times it's yet to come. You should read this, but only if you've read L&R before.

Finally came X'ed Out, the new Charles Burns undertaking. You need to read this for yourself. You should read this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Christov on 18 November, 2010, 11:48:36 AM
Every Bat-title under the sun since the Inc. relaunch.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: uncle fester on 18 November, 2010, 01:21:11 PM
Silent Hill - "Past Life" pt.1(IDW)

Gorgeous looking tale of two settlers in 1867 seeking a new life in a new town, courtesy of a house left in a will.

Possibly not the most original plot (or synopsis) ever, but I rarely buy single comics for anything other than strong original art. Which this has by the bucketload.

Oh and it's very creepy too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 21 November, 2010, 12:16:52 AM
I've just started another Tempe Brennan book by Kathy Reichs called Break No Bones. I've been wading through this series for a while now.

I really enjoy them but some of the science takes a few rereads to get my head around. I'm sure it's not that complicated but on the list of disciplines I fail at Science comes pretty near the top.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 21 November, 2010, 12:23:37 AM
The Left Hand of God.

I'm going through it quite quickly so i must be enjoying it but i think thats down to the contents of the page i'm reading at the time.When i stop and think about the story so far there seems to be holes in the plot,almost as if the authour himself hadn't decided on the ending or main plot.
Might be a deliberate ploy and it'll all work out in the end(i'm only half way through and there is apparently another book coming)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: maryanddavid on 21 November, 2010, 12:33:51 AM
Finished the Criminal collection by Brubaker and Philips, got it last christmas and never read it, great collection, first two stories are pretty strong, second half not as good, more wrapping up the first two stories, still good though.

Good comics.

David
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 21 November, 2010, 01:04:23 AM
Quote from: Emp on 21 November, 2010, 12:23:37 AM
The Left Hand of God.

I'm going through it quite quickly so i must be enjoying it but i think thats down to the contents of the page i'm reading at the time.When i stop and think about the story so far there seems to be holes in the plot,almost as if the authour himself hadn't decided on the ending or main plot.

Maybe he actually hadn't when he was writing it!  While many authors plan out their books to start with, writing out a plot outline, etc, there are some who start with a main character and situation and expand on from there, essentially experiencing their own story the way a reader would.

That's how Stephen King tends to write, the way he suggests in his book 'On Writing'.

I think their are pros and cons with each way. I think the former is better in tying everything together properly and keeping one from writing oneself into a rut, but the latter is probably more fun for the author and possibly more dynamic for the reader.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 21 November, 2010, 01:14:53 AM
I agree,my own prefered way of writing is to have a begin,and an end and let the character guide me there but this one seems a bit........i dunno feels wrong.

Without spoiling it for anyone who wants to read it, it's starts of in a medieval/fantasy training ground/monastary/barracks but people seem not to know what is going on and while that could be acceptable in a Gormenghast sized place this doesn,t have that feel, maybe i'm being picky.

I'm still enjoying it,just as i said,once i stop reading it i get the feeling that it doesn't sit right.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 21 November, 2010, 09:16:34 AM
Asterix in Switzerland, which I've not read in 30 years
The Revenger's Tragedy (Tourner or Middleton)
The Wife of Bath's Tale (Chaucer)
Hamlet (again)
Macbeth (again)
Watching the Fire-eater (Robert Minhinnick)
The Lost Continent (Bill Bryson)
York Notes on Hamlet, Macbeth and The Wife of Bath's Tale
Shakespeare's Language (Frank Kermode)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 21 November, 2010, 11:16:07 AM
Quote from: House of Usher on 21 November, 2010, 09:16:34 AM
Asterix in Switzerland, which I've not read in 30 years

Ha! I remember that one well. Quite a few orgies in it, as I recall.

"Mummy, what's an orgy?"

"Er, just a big party..."

I'm reading Stephen King's BAG OF BONES. Great so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 21 November, 2010, 11:45:05 AM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 21 November, 2010, 11:16:07 AM
"Mummy, what's an orgy?"

How did you know how that conversation went in my house?


My fondest memory of the book was of the fondue cauldron at the Swiss orgies, and the forfeits for losing your piece of bread. We were getting some Asterix books from the library and I insisted we look for this one in particular.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 November, 2010, 11:53:20 AM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 21 November, 2010, 11:16:07 AM

I'm reading Stephen King's BAG OF BONES. Great so far.

Bag of Bones is one of my favourite latter King books- and the one I use when people trot out the old adage that King's new work doesn't compare to his initial batch. Genuinely myseterious and unsettling, it's King wrapped up in story and character without even half an eye on how "cinematic" it might be.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 21 November, 2010, 01:02:18 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 21 November, 2010, 11:53:20 AM
...the one I use when people trot out the old adage that King's new work doesn't compare to his initial batch.

Am I the only one that actually thinks it's the other way around? I've read a lot of King over the years, though by no means everything, and I've always found his earlier works to be quite hard going, in a 'I'm really not enjoying this' rather than the 'this is quite dark and creepy' way that you want from horror.

Apart from Pet Semetary, which I believe was quite early (and which freaked me out good and proper) I've always much prefered his later stuff.

This may be a generational thing of course. I started with his later books, it was these I fell in love with, and so when I backtracked the earlier ones didn't feel like proper King, rightly or wrongly. Had I started at the beginning I may be singing a different tune right now.

I'll agree that Bag Of Bones is superb.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 November, 2010, 03:03:33 PM
Other than Cujo, i dont think ive ever read a king novl or short story that hasn't left me in a state of admiration for the man's ability. But yes, i started reading them at school with Night Shift and have read all of them as published, so my opinions probably differ from yours.
My absolute favourite is The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon- which i found so engrossing, so unpleasant and so creepy that i missed my station, glanced up an hour later and then had a three hour journey home.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 21 November, 2010, 03:14:20 PM
King's new stuff has been an amazing return to form - to anyone who hasn't read the newest collection "Full Dark, No Stars" yet I'd recommend it highly - four really dark and creepy stories, one of them that will make anyone possessing a dark sense of humour most likely snort laughter.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 21 November, 2010, 03:24:24 PM

Hah, I had a mate at work who was a massive King fan, completely unbeknownst to me. First I knew about it was when I was reading ...Tom Gordon and he made a big deal of the fact that it was the first King in years he had no intention of reading, based purely on the title.

Takes all sorts I suppose.

The King that has left the most lasting impression on me (although I've only read it once, many years ago) was one of the Richard Bachman novellas, The Long Walk. I vividly remember reading it in one sitting and being completely blown away. Sections of it are still crystal clear in my head 15 years later.

Of course, I was a kid when I read it so there may be some rose tinted specs happening. I used to think it would make a cracking movie (I was thinking along the lines of The Body/Stand By Me) but then I saw what happened to The Running Man and now fervently hope it doesn't happen.


I must catch up with my King. About 3 books behind on his recent stuff. Dome is sitting on my shelf looking lonely but I don't really want to start it until I can commit some serious time to it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 November, 2010, 03:30:22 PM
I'm the same, and have hardbacks of duma key, lisey's story, under the dome (and soon full dark no stars) to read when i can commit the time.
Aiming to get onto them once ive finished hungry hearts, empire of salt and autumn.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 21 November, 2010, 03:32:23 PM
The biggest Stephen King letdown ever was the ending of The Stand, where [spoiler]nothing any of the characters did many any difference to the outcome of the story whatsoever[/spoiler].
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 November, 2010, 07:39:24 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 21 November, 2010, 11:16:07 AM
Quote from: House of Usher on 21 November, 2010, 09:16:34 AM
Asterix in Switzerland, which I've not read in 30 years

Ha! I remember that one well. Quite a few orgies in it, as I recall.


Along with Soothsayer probably my favourite of them all. Mighty comics
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 22 November, 2010, 08:52:56 AM
I used to be a big King fan until I got to Insomnia and Rose Madder which were just plain awful.

I may check out some of his newer stuff though if he's got his form back, I loved most of his earlier stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 22 November, 2010, 11:03:47 AM
Really enjoyed Lisey's Story and Duma Key, Under The Dome is on my reading pile but as it's a biggy I'm trying to get through some other stuff first.

Just started The Way Of The Barefoot Zombie (from Tomes of the Dead), mainly because I'm all about the zombies right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 22 November, 2010, 11:46:49 AM
Glad to hear you have jooooiiinnneedddd uuuusssss. Barefoot is great, in fact barring one or two the whole t.o.t.d series has been excellent so far. Try Stronghold, it's really something special.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: noodles on 22 November, 2010, 12:14:57 PM
I'm supposed to be revising so I have taken to reading the entirety of the interweb, hyperlink by drivel filled hyperlink.

This http://lonelymachines.org/mall-ninjas/ (http://lonelymachines.org/mall-ninjas/) is what has got me grinning at the moment. I started grinning, then the grin got wider and I just did a little wee in my pants I was laughing so much.

Step away from the Tom Clancy!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 22 November, 2010, 01:03:40 PM
My girlfriend got me the Complete Calvin and Hobbes box-set recently (something I'd had my eye on for years), so I've been reading through that. It's a stunning set of books, but each volume weighs an absolute tonne! It's lovely to be able to dig into every single strip in chronological order, and presented in such a lavish way, and it's amazing how few of them I remember.

Overall, C&H seems a bit more twee than I remember from reading them as a kid and the strips have less edge and bite to them than I recall, but I'm still only halfway through book 1, so it's still early days for the strip. I guess it gets more sophisticated as it goes as Watterson grows in confidence and ability. I remember some of the 'snowman' episodes as being especially dark...

Still, perfect bedtime reading...

(http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1167544241l/24812.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 22 November, 2010, 01:10:07 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 21 November, 2010, 11:45:05 AM
My fondest memory of the book was of the fondue cauldron at the Swiss orgies, and the forfeits for losing your piece of bread. We were getting some Asterix books from the library and I insisted we look for this one in particular.

Ah, you're bringing me back now - remind me of the forfeit?

Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 21 November, 2010, 03:03:33 PM
Other than Cujo, i dont think ive ever read a king novl or short story that hasn't left me in a state of admiration for the man's ability. But yes, i started reading them at school with Night Shift and have read all of them as published, so my opinions probably differ from yours.

My absolute favourite is The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon- which i found so engrossing, so unpleasant and so creepy that i missed my station, glanced up an hour later and then had a three hour journey home.
SBT

The interesting thing about King is that he offers something for everyone. Even amongst his fans. Me? I loved Cujo! And - believe it or not - I placed The Girl who loved Tom Gordon back on the shelf, recently, in favour of lifting Bag of Bones.

I tend to favour King's earlier novels, which tend to be shorter - he can get a little too verbose at times, I feel - however, Duma Key is one of my all-time favs of his. As is Cell. Cell in particular was a real page-turner.

Quote from: Rog69 on 22 November, 2010, 08:52:56 AM
I used to be a big King fan until I got to Insomnia and Rose Madder which were just plain awful.

He talks of both of those books being his own least favourites in On Writing. Personally, I really enjoyed Rose Madder (with the exception of the trippy Narnia bit at the end).

Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 21 November, 2010, 03:30:22 PM
I'm the same, and have hardbacks of duma key, lisey's story, under the dome (and soon full dark no stars) to read when i can commit the time.

Aiming to get onto them once ive finished hungry hearts, empire of salt and autumn.
SBT

SBT, Autumn is a powerful read. Good choice.

I too plan on reading FDNS once I finish Bag of Bones and Dark Half (which I just added to the pile today). I always find when I'm writing a lot, the most comfortable and non-intrusive thing to read is King. Got myself a deadline for Xmas, so my reading's all about Stevie-Boy up until then at the very least.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 22 November, 2010, 01:20:10 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 22 November, 2010, 01:10:07 PM
Ah, you're bringing me back now - remind me of the forfeit?

Lose a piece of bread in the cauldron and you get beaten 5 times with a stick. Lose a second piece of bread and you get 20 lashes with the whip. Lose a third piece of bread and you get thrown in the lake with weights tied to your feet!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 November, 2010, 03:04:07 PM
Quote from: radiator on 22 November, 2010, 01:03:40 PM
My girlfriend got me the Complete Calvin and Hobbes box-set recently (something I'd had my eye on for years), so I've been reading through that. It's a stunning set of books, but each volume weighs an absolute tonne! It's lovely to be able to dig into every single strip in chronological order, and presented in such a lavish way, and it's amazing how few of them I remember.

I'm incredibly jealous of you. I'd love to own these. Have all the strips in the various individual volumes and have re-read them all recently as my bathroom reading, glorious fun. Man though if ever there was a strip that deserved a lavish product like this its Calvin and Hobbes.

That last strip still brings a lump to my throat every time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: leebrown1990 on 22 November, 2010, 08:35:39 PM
Those Calvin & Hobbes collections are gorgeous.

Anyway; finally got round to reading The Marvels Project. I think it treads on the feet of Marvels a little too much, especially since it's narrated in a style I wouldn't associate with Brubaker. But obviously given the creative team there are some very cool moments, beautifully illustrated.

It does make me crave for Twelve to be finished though! And I can't help but think another Chris Weston super hero story would work work in the Prog. I know we have a no super hero policy (Unless we are ripping the piss out of them,) but I think a very british take on super heroes during WW2 could make for an ARSOM read.

Either that or they should just let Weston finish The Twelve, the guy has already proved he can write it with the Spearhead One Shot.

Cheers,
Lee
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 26 November, 2010, 10:37:32 PM
Speaker for the Dead - Orson Scott Card.
The sequel to Ender's Game and another fine read, I'm really enjoying this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 27 November, 2010, 01:12:54 PM
I recently finished Wheel of Time: The Towers of Midnight, and a great read it was too.

I have just started, Dracula: The Undead by Dacre Stoker and Ian Holt.  It's described as being 'The Official Sequel'. Apparently Dacre Stoker is a descendant of Bram Stoker, as the Surname suggests.

Although I've only just started, I have already noticed a slight contradiction with the first book though, mainly in a changing of rules. In the original book, Dracula could walk during the day without harm, although he does lose some of his power during that period.  In fact there is a scene where Jonathan Harker sees him walking on a London street during the day, and another when a group of them confront him in a house.

In this book they're going with the 'sun destroys vampires' rule that most vampire stories seem to follow. (Interestingly, I think it first appeared in the original Nosferatu, which was loosely based on Dracula.)

I don't mind the sun destruction rule, but I can't help thinking that if this is an official sequel, shouldn't they stick with the rules of the first book?

Anyway, I've only read a couple of chapters so far, and I'm liking it a lot. Apart from the Prologue, which is a letter from Mina Harker to her son Quincey giving the reader an overview of what happens in the first book*, the book is written in a more contemporary third person style, rather than being made up of diary entries and articles like the original novel. I thought the style of the original was very interesting, but I think I prefer the ordinary style as you get more detail, as if you're there with them rather than a diary account afterwards which feels a little like an overview.

I've already encountered a scene which was rather disturbing and grim and rather raunchy. And I've noticed a little error. [spoiler]A young lady has her clothes cut off and her crucifix is cut off by a vampire, leaving a prick of blood at the base of her throat from the knife. She is then strung up upside down and the book mentions that the blood flowed down to her chest. Now unless they're following the rule of the film Bram Stoker's Dracula, where you see liquids dripping up to the ceiling....[/spoiler]

Oh, and interestingly, it would appear one of the main vampires of this story is in fact [spoiler]Countess Elizabeth Bathory[/spoiler]! Whether the main man has made a return from the dead, I've yet to see.

*[spoiler]Although she claims it was the light of the setting sun which caused Dracula to crumple into dust. To be fair, I think she was mainly out of it during that period.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 November, 2010, 01:20:08 PM
QuoteI'm reading Stephen King's BAG OF BONES. Great so far.

I love Bag of Bones.
I live his use of repetition to lull the reader into a false sense of security and the most audacious thing about the book, of course, is MAJOR SPOILER- [spoiler]that the title gives away the ending![/spoiler]

Also like the cameos from Ralph and Joe from Insomnia.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 28 November, 2010, 10:45:31 AM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 27 November, 2010, 01:20:08 PM
QuoteI'm reading Stephen King's BAG OF BONES. Great so far.

I love Bag of Bones.
I live his use of repetition to lull the reader into a false sense of security and the most audacious thing about the book, of course, is MAJOR SPOILER- [spoiler]that the title gives away the ending![/spoiler]

Also like the cameos from Ralph and Joe from Insomnia.

Yeah, I love it when King references other titles in his books. ROSE MADDER had a character reading a book written by Paul Sheldon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 29 November, 2010, 08:45:53 AM
Quote from: Albion on 26 November, 2010, 10:37:32 PM
Speaker for the Dead - Orson Scott Card.
The sequel to Ender's Game and another fine read, I'm really enjoying this.


It's a superb novel I enjoyed it even more than Enders. It's a shame that Xenocide, the next book in the series is such a mess.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 November, 2010, 09:12:44 AM
After many distractions and delays, I finally finished Hamilton's Pandora's Star at about 12.30am last night.  And had to immediately start the second part Judas Unchained (cleverly acquired from the library last week, just in case), which I read until 2am.  Absolutely brilliant, an endless chain of throwaway novelworthy ideas and successful misdirection, and it features an actual bona fide cliffhanger, even if it is one cogged from The Colour of Magic.  Terrific book(s).

Somewhere over the past month I also read Michael Chabon's Yiddish Policeman's Union, which I wasn't even aware was a proper SF book until I was several chapters in - I'd thought it was a Lake-Wobegone-Days-with-Jews-instead-of-Norwegians style thing (which it sort of is).  On finishing what was probably the best book I've read this year I ran about telling everyone who'd listen how I'd discovered this amazing unrecognised SF masterpiece, only to discover that it had won just about every SF and Fantasy award for two years either side of its publication...  That said, if you haven't read it, do so now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 November, 2010, 09:15:22 AM
Just finished the final 'Jack Kirby's Fourth World' omnibus this weekend. And ok so volume 4 isn't up to the standard of the previous three but still the whole collection is an absolute masterpiece.

Where is that 'Must read comics' thread?

Oh and Tordelback is certainly right about Michael Chabon's 'Yiddish Policeman's Union' great stuff. Need I mention how good 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay'is as well?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 29 November, 2010, 09:50:15 AM
After a recommendation on this 'ere forum I finally got Mass effect Retribution-novel, pretty good so far. Also Star Wars Knight Errant comic 1&2 good art, okay story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 29 November, 2010, 01:49:57 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 29 November, 2010, 09:12:44 AM
I finally finished Hamilton's Pandora's Star at about 12.30am last night.  And had to immediately start the second part Judas Unchained

Somewhere over the past month I also read Michael Chabon's Yiddish Policeman's Union...  That said, if you haven't read it, do so now.

Nice to see ye back Tordels!

I was feeling a bit of a hankering for some space opera just last week, sounds like a plan then...I kind of went off Hamilton after the Nights Dawn Trilogy (it was a lot of reading!), but he's responsible for one of my absolute favourite short stories - 'Sonny's Edge' - set in the same universe as Night's Dawn. And I bought 'Yiddish Policeman's Union' for Mrs Mikey a few years ago and neither of us has read it yet...

I've just finished 'Flood' by Stephen Baxter, after getting 'Ark' and finding it was the second in the series. I like Baxter a lot, but this seemed a bit straightforward or lacking in the big ideas department(apart from the premise of course) and I couldn't quite reason as to why some of the main characters were hostages at the start. It didn't seem to have much bearing on them in the book beyond knowing each other. I also found some of the writing a bit 'info dump', leading to stuttering conversations that jarred and a lack of characterisation. And that's from someone who enjoyed his Mammoth trilogy! It's certainly a bleak read at time, overall I'd give it an OK and I'll still read Ark.

Moved swiftly on to 'Stories', a collection compiled and edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio. I've read the first few yarns and it's looking like a great collection - the opener 'Blood' by Roddy Doyle was a pleasant surprise as I don't think I've read any of his stuff before and it was excellent! Beyond that I've read the Joyce Carol Oates, Joanne Harris (both new to me and both good, esp Oates) and Gaiman entries. The Gaiman one, 'The Truth is in a Cave in the Black Mountains', is typically Gaiman - whether that's good or not is down to your opinion of him.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 05 December, 2010, 07:35:31 PM
I had always thought Stevie Smith was old, American and black. Imagine my surprise to discover she was in fact young (at least when she wrote thisl; she'd be old now if she wasn't dead), white and English. At least I knew she was a woman. Started reading her Novel on Yellow Paper last night and it's a lot of fun. It's full of witty wordplay and little recurring phrases that pull you breathlessly along on the amusngly in-yer-face stream of consciousness. Then there's a page of bewildering anti-semitism sitting unremarked in the middle of it which makes me somewhat wary of what's to come.

Quote from: Rog69 on 29 November, 2010, 08:45:53 AM
Quote from: Albion on 26 November, 2010, 10:37:32 PM
Speaker for the Dead - Orson Scott Card.
The sequel to Ender's Game and another fine read, I'm really enjoying this.
It's a superb novel I enjoyed it even more than Enders. It's a shame that Xenocide, the next book in the series is such a mess.
Agree on all points, but why do the aliens have to be called Buggers?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: exilewood on 06 December, 2010, 03:40:15 AM
Just read "Way Station" by Clifford D. Simak. - read it in the bath, took me about an hour. Bloody good book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 December, 2010, 11:45:13 AM
This is how great Peter Hamilton's Judas Unchained is:

(MILD SPOILERS, IN THAT IT NAMES NO NAMES)

QuoteToday, he'd turned a star nova to neuter the greatest threat the human race had ever faced, then gone on to work out how to save thirty-two billion human lives; now he'd found out the war which had destroyed their stars was mostly his fault to begin with.  'Oh holy fuck'.

This is at least one of the reasons I read SF. 

And I'm only halfway through.  What a book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 15 December, 2010, 12:04:28 PM
I was in a charity shop the other day and spotted a hardback called The Book of Predictions, which after flicking through, I decided I had to buy.

It was published in 1980 and contains predictions made for the (then) next 50 years by scientists, writers (including, as it turns out; Philip K Dick, Timothy Leary, Joe Haldeman and Isaac Asimov) and best of all, 'psychics'. The predictions tend to be either hilariously and endearingly naive, unremittingly bleak, or just plain bonkers. Occasionally there is also something too accurate for comfort. It's very clearly written in the late 70s era and very much in the shadow of the Cold War - every other person suggests some form of nuclear holocaust is inevitable, and everyone seems to think we would have a space colony by now. Pretty much all of them fail to predict the internet revolution, though one pundit does sort of foretell the invention of iTunes - albeit in laughably archaic terms. It certainly makes 1980 seem like a very long time ago!

There's something funny on every page - best £1.35 I have ever spent!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 17 December, 2010, 02:22:48 AM
Quote from: radiator on 15 December, 2010, 12:04:28 PM
I was in a charity shop the other day and spotted a hardback called The Book of Predictions, which after flicking through, I decided I had to buy.


Stevie wants one!

Or, failing that, perhaps you could arrange for Karen Gillian to read him your copy tucked up in bed each night?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 17 December, 2010, 03:12:08 AM
American Gods by Neil Gaimen

The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien

Planet Hulk.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 December, 2010, 07:02:19 AM
Quote from: Krombasher on 17 December, 2010, 03:12:08 AM
The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien

Now there's a book.  As have I no doubt mentioned before, one of the reasons I bought my albatross house is because it was in a place called deSelby.

Planet Hulk is pretty good too, but I ain't buying a house there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: one_mad_dog on 17 December, 2010, 07:27:51 AM
Hellblazer : Original Sins TPB by Jamie Delano. Really enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 17 December, 2010, 07:54:48 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 December, 2010, 07:02:19 AM
Quote from: Krombasher on 17 December, 2010, 03:12:08 AM
The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien

Now there's a book.  As have I no doubt mentioned before, one of the reasons I bought my albatross house is because it was in a place called deSelby.

Planet Hulk is pretty good too, but I ain't buying a house there.

Possibly my favourite book bar non. I think I've got three different editions floating about the place in various states of repair, time for a reread over Christmas methinks. At-Swim-Two-Birds is also a fantastic literary romp but can bewilder some readers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 December, 2010, 08:08:02 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 17 December, 2010, 07:54:48 AMAt-Swim-Two-Birds is also a fantastic literary romp but can bewilder some readers.

While I slightly prefer The Third Policeman as whole, At Swim Two Birds does have my favourite Flann O'Brien line [paraphrased from bad memory]:  "Your conclusion is fallacious, being based upon licensed premises".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 17 December, 2010, 06:26:56 PM
 :lol:

Great, now I'm going to have to reread that as well TB. Thanks a bunch.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 17 December, 2010, 06:54:01 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 December, 2010, 07:02:19 AM
Quote from: Krombasher on 17 December, 2010, 03:12:08 AM
The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien

Now there's a book.  As have I no doubt mentioned before, one of the reasons I bought my albatross house is because it was in a place called deSelby.

Planet Hulk is pretty good too, but I ain't buying a house there.

Did you also use deSelby's reference guide to housing when buying said house? :)

The book itself was recommended to me by a Belfast Chile.On top of that, Anthony Burgess highly recommends the author and comparisons to James Joyce have enthused my reading, him. So far I'm on the road to the Police barracks having just met the "tricky looking man". And already I'm seeing an influence on Ted Hughes' Crow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 22 December, 2010, 07:22:29 PM
COUNT ZERO by William Gibson. Also reading Jack O'Connel's noir classic, WORD AS FLESH. Picked up a load of GNS from Forbidden Planet, including the wonderful FELL.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 23 December, 2010, 02:41:46 AM
Fermat's Last Theorem by Simon Singh. Good stuff
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 23 December, 2010, 11:03:04 PM
Warren Ellis' FREAKANGELS.

And here's me thinking I didn't like steampunk...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 December, 2010, 06:29:44 PM
I'm reading The Father Christmas Letters to my sprogs tonight, an early and unexpected present from the brother-in-law.  Talk about keeping kids spellbound!  I'd planned to read just the one, but now I've apparently entered into some contractual readathon.  For all his alleged crimes against literature that Tolkien knew exactly what captures a kid's imagination.  And he could draw.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 24 December, 2010, 07:47:17 PM
Just picked up Resurrection Day.

Its a sci-fi(what if)political drama based around the idea if the Cuban missile crisis had have ended the other way.

Not do you remember where you were when Kennedy was assinated and more do you remember where you were when Kennedy got the bombs dropping.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: noodles on 24 December, 2010, 08:21:01 PM
'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak -it has Death (a character not an abstract), Nazis, and girl who collects books. Pretty good  so far -an original way of presenting a medieval morality tale.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: lackey on 24 December, 2010, 09:12:02 PM
burning island by bernard cornwell (book 5 of the ulthred series).
its about vikings killing saxons, then saxons killing vikings. this book heavily features killing. and apparently the sentance "i drew wasp-sting, the short blade being more practical in a shield wall than the longer bladed serpent-breath" anytime theres a shield wall,theres this one damn line. great books though
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 December, 2010, 10:13:16 PM
Quote from: Emp on 24 December, 2010, 07:47:17 PM
Just picked up Resurrection Day.

Very enjoyable read that one, great sense of the subdued atmosphere of its other America.

Quote from: lackey on 24 December, 2010, 09:12:02 PM
burning island by bernard cornwell (book 5 of the ulthred series).

Dead right about the repetition in the shield wall sequences, something that extends right back to the Arthur series.  But as you say, they're gripping books, and my favourite of his many series - I always look forward to each new one.  He has established Uthred as a character who is trapped in an endless cycle of behaviour, so I can certainly live with him as narratoe repeating himself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: maryanddavid on 24 December, 2010, 10:54:22 PM
Ive just started Jeff Hawke Cosmos, bought a couple from the fan club and they are great, if a little pricey. Worth checking out if the Titan collections have whetted you appetite.

David
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: lackey on 24 December, 2010, 11:47:35 PM

alas, i havnt read the arthur series, but im meaning to
. whilst doing reenactment, iv fought in a shield wall, and it is incredibly repetitive. push, hack, push, hack. but i think the repetitive shield wall sequences also serve to highlight the "sword-song" uthred feels in combat. as the story is being told by uthred reflecting on his youth, i can imagine that an old man wouldnt be able to look back and remember exact details during combat if hes entirly fuelled by adreneline and passion. he may remember feeling the sword-song,but is it possible to remember recapture thesmaller elements of combat that makes each fight so unique.
or possibly its just highlighting the repetitive butchering that was dark-age mass combat.
very sorry if this seems pretentious and full of awful typos and grammar, but iv just taken alot of painkillers! il edit this post when im a more suitable frame of mind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 29 December, 2010, 08:20:18 AM
Reading my xmas stocking book from my mam, Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith. Can't say I've heard of it or him but so far it's a right page turner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 December, 2010, 12:02:26 PM
Quote from: lackey on 24 December, 2010, 11:47:35 PM
. but i think the repetitive shield wall sequences also serve to highlight the "sword-song" uthred feels in combat. as the story is being told by uthred reflecting on his youth, i can imagine that an old man wouldnt be able to look back and remember exact details during combat if hes entirly fuelled by adreneline and passion. he may remember feeling the sword-song,but is it possible to remember recapture thesmaller elements of combat that makes each fight so unique.
or possibly its just highlighting the repetitive butchering that was dark-age mass combat.

Without wanting to wax too lyrical about an author whose writing is perhaps best described as 'workmanlike', I think you've hit the nail on the head here.  With the Saxon books and Uthred himself Cornwell has found himself a surprisingly interesting voice, and the repetitive nature of 'dark age' combat combined with unique details is a key part of this - I love how he spends time on some tiny aspect of the battlefield, a pockmarked face or a stand of bare trees on the horizon or a flight of birds, often unconnected to the story but clearly the thing that distinguishes that day in Uthred's memory.  It's a clever evocation of the oral saga (although Uthred is writing his), with its shortcuts and boilerplates and bright hooks. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 29 December, 2010, 02:29:27 PM
Zima Blue, the short story collection by Alastair Reynolds. Only just started it but I always love his stuff.

If you live in Leeds (or any other town that has one) they've got this in The Works, the discount book shop, for £2.99. Bargain.

They've also got a couple of Stephen Baxter books in Poundland at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 29 December, 2010, 04:43:47 PM
On a Ben Bova kick at the moment (as opposed to Ben Dover, whom the shop assistant 'hilariously' thought i was asking for the other day), after having thoroughly enjoyed 'mars' and currently awaiting 'return to mars' in the post . Reading 'the precipice' while i wait. Great stuff, chunky, scientific science fiction, with a real sense of wonder.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 29 December, 2010, 05:21:47 PM
I started reading Dan Abnett's latest in the Gaunt's Ghosts novels BLOOD PACT last night, at work. It started off nice and slow, lot's of descriptive stuff about the location as characters are introduced and then before you know it the action kicks in and it hasn't stopped yet. With a bit of luck I should finish this at work tonight  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 January, 2011, 07:06:23 PM
Just finished reading Flash 45-47 (Wally West Flash that is) and they are truly brilliant.

Now its fair to say I'm a pretty big Flash fan, particularly when it comes to Mr West, so I have a bias. After finishing my 2000ad re-read I'm working through all the 1987 series. While the Mike Baron stuff was great fun and the rest of the Messner-Loeb stuff is absolutely fantastic its always been these three issues, with the chilling Gorilla Grood as villain, that are not only a highlight of his run but the series as a whole. Which is pretty impressive when you consider that its the best long running superhero series I've ever read (230 issues), see I said I was bias!.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 02 January, 2011, 08:09:30 PM
Halfway through SABBAT WORLDS, which is a Warhammer 40,000 anthology!

It contains 8 stories all about the conflicts going on in the title. I managed to get this signed by Dan and his lovely wife (she's written a story about an enemy occupied planet).
I do like an anthology, as I can normally read a complete story each night, at the very least!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 03 January, 2011, 12:17:24 AM
Quotewith the chilling Gorilla Grood as villain

Dude, he's a fucking monkey.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 03 January, 2011, 04:42:02 AM
He's an ape!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 03 January, 2011, 05:12:36 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 03 January, 2011, 12:17:24 AM
Dude, I'm a fucking a primate.

Glad to hear that you've that gotten religon there Roger.

Stevie's just finished re-reading the first 3 Swamp Thing hardcovers as a refresher for the impending publication of the fourth.

He quite evidently had forgotten about all the vulvic imagery sprinkled throughout Moore's run.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 January, 2011, 06:16:32 AM
Quote from: Jared Katooie on 03 January, 2011, 04:42:02 AM
He's an ape!

Well said that man. The whole ape / monkey thing is one of my bugbears.

As for Gorilla Grood, surely his primate nature is the last thing that should be used to dismiss any sense that he can be chilling. The fact that he's called Gorilla Grood should get top honours?

Still very scary mammal with no tail and self awareness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 January, 2011, 10:03:30 PM
Have you see The Brave and the Bold cartoon episode where Grodd turns Bats into a gorilla, and naturally the tables get tunred and Grodd gets turned into a human?  Arsom stuff!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 03 January, 2011, 10:50:03 PM
"Memoir of a British Agent" by R.H Bruce Lockhart, a most redoubtable Scot. I thought it may turn out to be a bit dry but it's a damn good read. The Bolshevik Revolution and that surrounding area of history is not something I was previously au fait with. This recounting, whilst lacking the full barbaric details, takes you back to the time in both language and atmosphere. Excellent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 03 January, 2011, 11:37:45 PM
Just polished off book 1 of the walking dead today. Couldn't put it down.






V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 04 January, 2011, 12:46:24 AM
You poor man.


Just joking! It gets worse as it goes on (in my opinion).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 January, 2011, 08:13:42 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 03 January, 2011, 10:03:30 PM
Have you see The Brave and the Bold cartoon episode where Grodd turns Bats into a gorilla, and naturally the tables get tunred and Grodd gets turned into a human?  Arsom stuff!

Alas not seen that one. Do love me some Brave and the Bold must track down the DVDs
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 January, 2011, 10:18:08 PM
Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

I only found out after borrowing it that it's the same author as Let the Right One In, (which I haven't read, or watched yet).

Anyway, it's a very interesting handling of the ol' Zombie story*. Really a story about bereavement and coping with it. ([spoiler]Particularly when your dead ones come back. Sort of.[/spoiler])

*[spoiler]For one thing, these zombies are not aggressive and don't eat people. (So far) Yet they are still rather chilling in their own way.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 January, 2011, 10:37:23 PM
On the comic front, I bought a PSP recently and downloaded a couple of free comics for the application. The first episode of Ex Machina was available, and I've read good things so I thought I'd give it a go. Not bad as a start out episode.

As for the comic reader application, it works pretty well. It's not as good as having a physical comic in you hands, and I can certain see why people favour the Ipad for this type of thing (bigger really is better for these things...although I've noticed a whole bunch of other tablet PC things that are way cheaper than Ipad... Archos for example. I'm not sure how well they fare with comic applications and the large graphic files involved, though.) but the reader application really does make good use of the size. Autoflow feels a bit like one is chasing the speech bubbles, but used alongside standard scroll it works pretty well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 January, 2011, 10:27:20 AM
Finished Charley's War book 7 The Great Mutiny last night. Now not sure if I imagined it but I seem to remember someone here saying that even by the high standards of this series this volume was particularly good, if they did I whole heartily agree. Superb stuff with such a great diversity of ways the tales are told and the seamless way Charley changes role so different aspects of the conflict are examined. The other thing that struck me, even by 2000ad standards there's so much story in the 90ish pages here. Doesn't seemed rushed in anyway just compact and brilliantly told.

Long may this series continue.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 08 January, 2011, 11:05:57 AM
Reading 'Ancient My Enemy' short stories by Sci Fi author Gordon R Dickson. Bit different from my usual Military tech or Phildickian Cyber Punk schlock.

Very misanthropic [so far] about human nature and the civilizing effect that technology is supposed to bring to us. No wonder I'm enjoying it so.

The one about the smug Lawyer who bamboozles a Super computer to humilate a meterologists faith in his new computer infrastructure is nicely acidic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 08 January, 2011, 12:34:32 PM
"Fable" (as in the computer game) by Peter David which is the reason I tried it. Good yet I found it a bit of a chore about two thirds through. It was rolling along nicely enough only parts seemed very contrived(all stories are I suppose), but the ending made me glad I stuck with it.

that said I'll stick to my military sci-fi I think for the moment.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 08 January, 2011, 10:22:53 PM
I started reading Twelfth Night on Twelfth Night, but I came to the conclusion after Act II that it was a bit shit. I'll finish it when I can fit it in around work.

Then there's work, for which I'm reading Hamlet. Notes made up to the end of Act II. Act III to follow within the week, plus some Macbeth. I'll be glad when the reading/teaching is done, then I can actually do some writing.


(The Mighty Emperor knows which writing I'm on about!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 08 January, 2011, 11:37:54 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 08 January, 2011, 10:27:20 AM
Finished Charley's War book 7 The Great Mutiny last night. Now not sure if I imagined it but I seem to remember someone here saying that even by the high standards of this series this volume was particularly good, if they did I whole heartily agree. Superb stuff with such a great diversity of ways the tales are told and the seamless way Charley changes role so different aspects of the conflict are examined. The other thing that struck me, even by 2000ad standards there's so much story in the 90ish pages here. Doesn't seemed rushed in anyway just compact and brilliantly told.

Long may this series continue.

Just about to start mine.



V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 09 January, 2011, 10:24:14 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 04 January, 2011, 10:18:08 PM
Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

Excellent book! :)

Very melancholic take on the zombie formula. Very much a character-driven story that one would imagine would be difficult to translate to the big screen. However, at the World Horror Con last year, John confimred the rights to the movie had been picked up.

I'm re-reading Philip K  Dick's DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP. It's certainly good, but I would have to say that for me the BLADERUNNER movie is better.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 January, 2011, 10:52:47 AM
Reading the 18th (of 20.5) of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin novels, The Yellow Admiral.  I've been rationing my reading of this, for my money the greatest series of historical novels ever produced, but every time I pick one up I seem to hurtle through it and straight into the next one.  Even re-reading the early ones barely seems to slow progress.  O'Brian has been doing something similar for the past dozen books, freezing his characters in an endless largely ship-bound 1813  so that they don't run out of Napoleonic War, but with this installment they rejoin 'real' chronology as the end of the war finally looms.  Despite the early part of the book being about the politics and economics of the enclosure of commons, picking it up is like slipping into a deliciously warm bath.

If you've never tried one of these, do yourself a favour and at least read the first (and undoubtedly one of the best) Master and Commander, largely unrelated to the (fine) film version, and entirely self-contained.  A triumphant mixture of adventure, history and technical writing that really does skirt the borders between pure fun and genuine art.  

I can't believe I only two have two left (and an unfinished final volume) to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 09 January, 2011, 01:32:23 PM
A resounding recommendation TB. I've been looking for something decent to get stuck into, I'll give them a try.

I've been rereading "The Third Policeman" by Flann O'Brien, and as is the case every time I treat myself to this most joyfully lyrical of books I'm delighted by the sheer exuberance of O'Brien's writing all over again.

I was lucky enough to find a copy of the Folio Society edition going for a song on eBay (completely misspelt ((this spellchecker thinks misspelt is misspelt)) listing), which as well as being beautifully bound and slip cased also has several excellent illustrations by David Eccles. I'm not a huge fan of illustrations in novels but these are wonderfully thought out and executed. If you are a fan of the book you could do worse than to search out a copy of this edition, it's a lovely thing to read and shelves very pleasingly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 09 January, 2011, 04:57:08 PM
Titan, by ben bova. Which i borrowed from the library in an attempt not to further infuriate my wife by buying another book.
As usual with bova, it's a cross between hard science-porn and a rollicking character-led adventure. Several characters from earlier bova novels turn up, which was most welcome and a surprise, and events are referenced, but not so many that i feel lost by having only read two of them.
A robot pube sent to Titan goes haywire, while the polical machinations on the orbiting habitat above get interesting. Fascinating stuff.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 09 January, 2011, 05:11:31 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 09 January, 2011, 04:57:08 PM
As usual with bova, it's a cross between hard science-porn
...
A robot pube sent to Titan goes haywire
...
Sounds like an eye-watering thrill ride!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 09 January, 2011, 05:44:23 PM
PROBE! i meant probe. Im sure i tapped probe out using my stick, but no, it says pube. Sigh.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 09 January, 2011, 05:46:47 PM
I read pube and political and thought that it was probably right, politicians being  like they are.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 09 January, 2011, 07:59:10 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 09 January, 2011, 10:24:14 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 04 January, 2011, 10:18:08 PM
Handling the Undead by John Ajvide Lindqvist.

Excellent book! :)

Very melancholic take on the zombie formula. Very much a character-driven story that one would imagine would be difficult to translate to the big screen. However, at the World Horror Con last year, John confimred the rights to the movie had been picked up.

I just finished it last night. I agree, a great book. Part of me would have liked more answers, but on the other hand, maybe it's fitting we didn't.

Don't highlight if you haven't read or mind being spoiled:

[spoiler]Interesting that the 'caterpillars' were not what I thought they were! And the twist concerning Death...
 
The telepathy thing seemed a bit confused to me. I.e. being around the reliving causes a field where living people can read each others thoughts but not the reliving. BUT a couple of characters do communicate directly with the reliving... I suspect this is to do with a) level of psychic talent of the individual and b) how far forward the souls of the reliving can come, especially as they seem rather confused and afraid of The Fisher. I.e. it seems the reliving's souls are present but they obviously don't have the same level of control as they did in life, hence the robotic nature of the bodies responding to emotional stimulus, etc.

That's not really a criticism on my part though, I'm just not sure I fully understand it all.


Flora and Iva's thread didn't really end satisfactorily for me, but I understand that it wasn't meant to be an entirely happy ending. I suspect the point there was that life will go on as it always has, and nothing much has really changed. At least the main characters seemed to have some personal closure.[/spoiler]

A great alternative take on the zombie genre book. I highly recommend.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 10 January, 2011, 01:11:32 AM
My partner has just finished reading The Time Traveller's Wife. She's been telling me bits of plot and reading bits aloud to me. I've spotted a minor plot hole that has nothing to do with time travel and everything to do with the predicament of [spoiler]waking up naked in the snow[/spoiler].
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: terrence123 on 10 January, 2011, 05:12:32 AM
Reading  "The Help" by Kathryn Stockard. It was very well written and a very moving book about a town in Mississippi in the 1960's. I would recommend it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 10 January, 2011, 05:34:52 AM
Alternating between Constantine collections and chapters of Iain Sinclair's Lights Out For the Territories. Not intended as a project. Just happened to crave those two things at once. But it is now. It's amazing how the subject matter and the casts of characters overlap. Maps, Thatcher, disrespect towards history from the present, the meshing of crimes from differing timelines etc etc blah blah. Thank god I'm no longer a humanities student or I'd feel compelled to put out a monograph on the subject.

Sort of wandering blindly through the most recent collections. I picked up Milligan's Scab which shows promise but isn't putting a lot of weight behind the punches. That was kind of the reason I drifted off during Carey's years. I'm a Delano man at heart any suggestions for the later authors? Hows Diggle's run?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mrpepperami on 10 January, 2011, 11:11:30 AM
Re-reading Lucifer by mike Carey. One of the best set of graphic novels I have ever read. Also reading walking dead an sweet tooth
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: gurnard on 10 January, 2011, 11:31:01 AM
Chew 2 and Amulet 2 both very entertaining and visually exciting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 10 January, 2011, 08:28:29 PM
Reading The complete Ro-Busters at the moment and loving it. It was one of my favourites when it was originally in Star Lord.

Next up will be Grandville then Chew book 2.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 11 January, 2011, 01:02:41 PM
Just started on Andy Remic's KELL'S LEGEND. First fantasy novel I've read in over twenty years! So far, I'm loving it :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 11 January, 2011, 01:06:12 PM
When she was good which is by far my favourite Philip Roth book. Blistering stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 January, 2011, 01:55:55 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 11 January, 2011, 01:06:12 PM
When she was good which is by far my favourite Philip Roth book. Blistering stuff.

What other Roth stuff do you recommend, Roger?  I read a some of his lighter stuff (Portnoy's Complaint etc.) for the rude bits when I was a teenager, but I haven't been back since.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 11 January, 2011, 02:23:10 PM
I'm not really an expert, just more of a fan, so I've not read everything (prolly less than half). I'd say that Plot Against America is the one really essential book that deals with broader themes of time and place (it does get a bit silly though) and that Portnoy is the one really essential character study. I'm not a huge Zuckerman fan, but they're good entry points, particularly Exit Ghost.

Basically I enjoyed all of the following:
Letting Go
Exit Ghost
The Dying Animal
The Human Stain (The characterization is piss-poor in this one, but Roth's editorializing and lectures on art are still quite compelling)
When She Was Good
Portnoy's Complaint
I Married A Communist
The Ghost Writer
Everyman

Indignation is appalling and so is The Humbling (I've heard). Nemesis is dull, especially if you've read Camus.

I'd generally say that I prefer Updike, but Roth is the most accessible (for want of a better word) of the big three US post-wars.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 January, 2011, 02:45:11 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 11 January, 2011, 02:23:10 PM
Nemesis is dull, especially if you've read Camus.

I should be okay so.

Thanks very much for that list, I've only read two of those (Letting Go and (I think) The Ghost Writer), so I might grab another from the library this week.

Similarly, with Updike I've only read the first three Rabbit novels and The Witches of Eastwick.  I seem to have stopped reading contemporary novels entirely some time in the mid-90s, and I can't even blame this one on Mark Millar.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 13 January, 2011, 04:07:15 PM
True Grit. Yes, I'm one of those much hated people who's only reading a book because they've heard a new movie is coming out about it. Still, let's hope the new film is better than John Wayne's one, although I think it was the only film he won an Oscar(I think) for, I didn't like it that much, although I did see it a few years a go. It was alright, but apparently the new one is more like the book, which so far is good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 January, 2011, 02:26:22 AM
Locke and key: Welcome to Lovecraft

I bought the collection a short while ago. First purchase* for the PSP.

I've only read issue one so far, but this is very promising.

*Apart from the single issue freebies
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 15 January, 2011, 04:34:54 PM
Bit of an update on Locke and Key: I've read a few issues now, and it really is cracking, intriguing, all round highly enjoyable stuff!

From an age point of view it's in a weird place. On one hand it's about kids and going through magic doors which open different possibilities, stuff that should appeal to kid readers.  On the other hand there are large levels of gore and some genuine horror too, and a sexual scene (although that is disguised somewhat. It's the sort of thing an adult would get straight away, but a kid might not quite understand what's going on...) so on that level it's really not one for the youngsters. (Although they'd probably love it for that reason.) Rather a 17+ story I'd say.

I'd highly recommend it anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 January, 2011, 05:36:41 PM
Just read my first of Rick Geary's Victorian Murder comics, The Beast of Chicago.  I can honestly say it's one of the most disturbing things I've ever read. The style is fascinating (panels used akin to a slide show rather than a conventional narrative comic, with lovely page designs, cartography and isometric drawings thrown in), but the case it describes (1890's serial killer H. H. Holmes, estimated to have killed anywhere between 50 and 200 people) is simply astounding.  Recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 17 January, 2011, 01:07:31 PM
Almost finished Andy Remic's KELL'S LEGEND and I must say I'm most impressed! My ghoulfiend remarked how she's never known me to read a book so quickly (I'm a ridiculously slow reader).

I'll be honest, I was worried that all fantasy books involved detailed maps and pages and pages of world-building. But Remic focuses more on the action and the characters, with some really unique ideas; such as vampire/ machine hybrids that run in a semi-steampunk fashion.

Already picked up the second in the series. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BPP on 17 January, 2011, 02:15:48 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 11 January, 2011, 02:23:10 PM
I'm not really an expert, just more of a fan, so I've not read everything (prolly less than half). I'd say that Plot Against America is the one really essential book that deals with broader themes of time and place (it does get a bit silly though) and that Portnoy is the one really essential character study. I'm not a huge Zuckerman fan, but they're good entry points, particularly Exit Ghost.

Basically I enjoyed all of the following:
Letting Go
Exit Ghost
The Dying Animal
The Human Stain (The characterization is piss-poor in this one, but Roth's editorializing and lectures on art are still quite compelling)
When She Was Good
Portnoy's Complaint
I Married A Communist
The Ghost Writer
Everyman

Indignation is appalling and so is The Humbling (I've heard). Nemesis is dull, especially if you've read Camus.


Thought Nemesis was excellent - a return to his 90s form. When She was Good is a classic - in many ways a precursor to American Pastoral. Nemesis invokes the spirit of the age so beautifully (much like Toibin's Brooklyn)and is merciless on the 'hero' whereas the Plot Against America was some counter-factual indulgence. Surprised no The Breast and Our Gang on your list. The library of America edition that contains these as well as When She Was Good and Portnoy's Complaint is an excellent introduction to Roth.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 18 January, 2011, 01:31:42 PM
Raymond Chandler collection.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 18 January, 2011, 01:52:25 PM
Lady Usher is currently reading Frank Herbert's Dune. She's almost a third of the way through. I think she both brave and patient.

Me: "Is it good?"
Her: "Not really."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 18 January, 2011, 06:48:05 PM
Just finished the new Dean Koontz book. Thankfully, it's a great return to form. Not quite up there with "Velocity," but I'm not sure he - or many other people - will be able to top that one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 January, 2011, 06:58:40 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 18 January, 2011, 01:52:25 PM
Me: "Is it good?"
Her: "Not really."

I've been reading a Steven Erikson novel that was recommended to me by a rather sensitive colleague in the very strongest tones, mixed with pure disbelief that I had not already been converted, and subsequently forcibly pushed into my hands.  On returning it, the best I could manage by way of a review was:  "that was pretty grim!".  Thankfully it was taken in a sense entirely opposite to the one that deep down I was intending, but now I have to find ways to refuse a loan of the dozen-or-so sequels.  "Sorry, I'm gouging out my eyeballs this evening", maybe?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: exilewood on 18 January, 2011, 07:18:54 PM
Just finished re-reading some Dickens (great as ever) & Johnny Cash's & Keith Richards' autobiographies - both shot through with glimpses of brilliance.

But right now I'm reading Stephen King's 'IT' - odd, because I really dig SK and have read almost all his novels, but for some reason I'd never got around to this, one of his most famous books. I saw the TV film when I was about 18/19 (that's 18/19 years ago) but I was 'heavily sedated' at the time & consequently remember very little of the story. Anyway - it's a brilliant piece of work, as I'm sure many, many of you already know. As it's a 1000 pages-plus novel that I started a couple of days ago - I'm just over two-thirds of the way through, which says a lot.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 18 January, 2011, 07:30:14 PM
"It" is awesome - I first read it when I was a teenager, and that and "Salem's Lot" got me into horror for life.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: exilewood on 18 January, 2011, 07:47:13 PM
Yeah, I'm digging it. DON'T SPOIL THE ENDING! Sorry to shout. And as we're on a 'reading thread', wonder what Rimbaud would have made of it?

Thus far, it's right up there with 'Desperation' & 'The Stand' - great books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 18 January, 2011, 07:49:21 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 18 January, 2011, 01:52:25 PM
Lady Usher is currently reading Frank Herbert's Dune. She's almost a third of the way through. I think she both brave and patient.

Me: "Is it good?"
Her: "Not really."
You haven't noticed her being consumed by a sense of terrible purpose have you?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 January, 2011, 07:54:38 PM
Quote from: exilewood on 18 January, 2011, 07:47:13 PM
And as we're on a 'reading thread', wonder what Rimbaud would have made of it?

He'd have shouted "they drew first blood!" and opened up with the M-60. 





Sorry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 18 January, 2011, 08:03:42 PM
Quote from: exilewood on 18 January, 2011, 07:47:13 PM
Yeah, I'm digging it. DON'T SPOIL THE ENDING! Sorry to shout. And as we're on a 'reading thread', wonder what Rimbaud would have made of it?

Thus far, it's right up there with 'Desperation' & 'The Stand' - great books.

I'll try not to.

If you like "The Stand," I'd recommend "Swan Song" by Robert McCammon, too - that's well worth a read, if you've not come across it yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: exilewood on 18 January, 2011, 08:12:21 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 18 January, 2011, 07:54:38 PM
Quote from: exilewood on 18 January, 2011, 07:47:13 PM
And as we're on a 'reading thread', wonder what Rimbaud would have made of it?

He'd have shouted "they drew first blood!" and opened up with the M-60. 





Sorry.


I kind of opened the door and hung a "come on in!" sign out !
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 19 January, 2011, 02:57:18 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 18 January, 2011, 07:49:21 PM
You haven't noticed her being consumed by a sense of terrible purpose have you?

Friend of Stevie's was recently gushing about how much she loves these books.

He asked, "So where does the oxygen come from?"

She chased him a up flight of stairs, out of the building & halfway down the street.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Michaelvk on 19 January, 2011, 07:22:35 AM
Just finished Firestrike 7/9.. Excellent read if you're into that stuff..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SquashedFly on 19 January, 2011, 07:29:58 AM
Quote from: Michaelvk on 19 January, 2011, 07:22:35 AM
Just finished Firestrike 7/9.. Excellent read if you're into that stuff..

I just put that into Amazon and noticed it has the number of kills on the front cover.

I wish certain films did this. Then I could tell how bored I would get throughout it. When it comes to movies that are supposed to focus on action anyway...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 19 January, 2011, 10:14:51 AM
Just finished 'The Walking Dead' up to the current one
Loved it, i'm hooked
Hoping the TV show will live up to it

Chi
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 19 January, 2011, 10:24:50 AM
Just finished the lsat few pages of World War Z, man what a read.  Had it lying around in the bookshelf for ages and for some reason never really bothered with it, picked it up Monday night and haven't really stopped till today (barring work of course).  Very well written and i could honestly believe it was a real historical book.  Only wish some of the stories went a bit longer but i guess thats the nature of the book.  Did i hear somewhere this was being turned into a movie, be interesting how they do it if it is.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 19 January, 2011, 10:28:53 AM
Star Wars Legacy war 1 -art good, story I felt was a bit of a giant "Nam" style flashback disease.

Re-read Grave Peril by Jim Butcher. re-reading alas can often bring out all the ludicrous bits you missed in the excitement of the first read.And it did so in this case, all I kept thinking was wth? He's been poisoned,shot, blasted by magic and still going?

On to Orbus a book I bought entirely for the cover art which is lovely  and seems good so far even though it's third in a series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 19 January, 2011, 11:08:20 AM
Waiting on the postie for John Wyndham's Plan For Chaos, finally out in paperback and not the 60 quid university edition. It's an unpublished novel that he wrote at the same time he was writing Day of The Triffids. Supposedly it's not great, but it has clone Nazis in it so I don't see how. I'm really quite excited.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 19 January, 2011, 02:54:18 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 19 January, 2011, 10:24:50 AM
Just finished the lsat few pages of World War Z, man what a read.  Had it lying around in the bookshelf for ages and for some reason never really bothered with it, picked it up Monday night and haven't really stopped till today (barring work of course).  Very well written and i could honestly believe it was a real historical book.  Only wish some of the stories went a bit longer but i guess thats the nature of the book.  Did i hear somewhere this was being turned into a movie, be interesting how they do it if it is.

CU Radbacker

I loved this book. I don't usually read horror (although it's not really horror) and I didn't expect to like it much but it really is brilliantly written. As you say, you feel as if you're reading accounts of a real event.

I hope that if they do make a film, they do it justice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 19 January, 2011, 03:41:53 PM
Uther by Jack Whyte.

I found out after picking it up that it's the last in a series... (sigh). That's one problem with libraries. I love them, but most of the books I find tend to be part of a series (which is fine, more to read!) but rarely does the first seem to be there.

I decided to give it a go anyway. It actually seems to be pretty self contained so far so I'll probably stick with it. I'm not too keen on the fact druids are depicted, so far, as 'bad', Celts* as barbaric** and Roman descended Britons as 'civilised'. I don't think it was ever quite as simple as that. To be fair this is from one person's (a Romano Briton) point of view. It is rather interesting so far though, and I'm probably nitpicking.

*Or even that the word 'celt' is used. I think that term actually comes from the Greeks and was little used by the actual celtic people of the time period.

**There is one depiction in the prologue of multiple human sacrifice. While there is some evidence this happened in the Celtic ancient world I don't think it was as rife as certain scholars made out. Certainly not in the post Roman time period in which this story is set.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 20 January, 2011, 02:36:24 AM
Actually concerning the human sacrifice... turns out it's not exactly the norm for those people either. (Not much of a spoiler as this is covered in chapter 1 after the prologue. That's what I get for jumping to conclusions before reading on a bit. [spoiler]Basically it was the work of dark druids working up the people.[/spoiler]

I saw another possible error though. A celtic character located in Cambria (Southern Wales) refers to his people as 'Gael'. Those were the Irish and Scots Celts not those of the rest of Briton! That being said I do believe some Irish invaders did historically settle in part of Wales too, although they remained a minority there. Maybe these are their descendants.

Dear me I'm nitpicking. I am enjoying the book though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 20 January, 2011, 08:55:04 AM
Halfway through 'The Strain' by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan, really enjoying it. It feels like ages since I read a straight horror novel. Curious what the collaboration was, wondering if Del Toro was the ideas man while Hogan 'wrote' it if you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 20 January, 2011, 01:02:32 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 20 January, 2011, 08:55:04 AM
Halfway through 'The Strain' by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan, really enjoying it. It feels like ages since I read a straight horror novel. Curious what the collaboration was, wondering if Del Toro was the ideas man while Hogan 'wrote' it if you know what I mean.

Yeah, this has been on my 'curious to read' list for a while. And I wondered myself where Del Toro fits in - I haven't read any Hogan, but is the writing very much his style?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 20 January, 2011, 01:13:36 PM
 despite having a few Hellboy novels gathering dust i have only just started getting round to reading them ,on "the fire wolves" now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 21 January, 2011, 02:39:39 AM
Quote from: satchmo on 19 January, 2011, 11:08:20 AM
Supposedly it's not great, but it has clone Nazis in it so I don't see how. I'm really quite excited.

Having stalled on the first couple of chapters on 4 separate occasions, Stevie is mighty interested to hear how you go with this Satchmo.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 21 January, 2011, 03:59:32 PM
I'll let you know Stevie, if the swine ever turns up! In the meantime I'm reading Alastair Reynolds' Revelation Space, thanks to the generosity of our Enigmatic Dr X. Enjoying it so far, intrigued why all these people are a bit French...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 January, 2011, 04:26:35 PM
Read Charles Burns' X'ed Out, which the county library was uncharacteristically quick about getting in.  Really fantastic stuff, hadn't realised it was a multi-volume project and was totally delighted to see a 'Next:' on the last page.  A book I had to re-read the minute I finished it, and then again this morning:  dense, unsettling, beautifully designed and intriguing.  Highly recommended, but how long until the next part?  Who does he think he is, Kevin O'Neill?   ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 22 January, 2011, 01:03:54 PM
Edward Tufte's Visual Display of Quantitative Information. Very interesting stuff on the whys and wherefores of useful and meaningful graphing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 22 January, 2011, 03:55:10 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 20 January, 2011, 01:02:32 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 20 January, 2011, 08:55:04 AM
Halfway through 'The Strain' by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan, really enjoying it. It feels like ages since I read a straight horror novel. Curious what the collaboration was, wondering if Del Toro was the ideas man while Hogan 'wrote' it if you know what I mean.

Yeah, this has been on my 'curious to read' list for a while. And I wondered myself where Del Toro fits in - I haven't read any Hogan, but is the writing very much his style?

Never read him either, I just assume he's probably handling the prose side of things because I've always got the impression Del Toro's english (while brilliant) isn't quite this slick. It really is a well written wee page-turner so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 22 January, 2011, 10:00:16 PM
Thanks largely to the incredible generosity of this board, and some sickness which has led me to having a great deal of time to read over the last week, ive been ploughing through Arthur C Clarke's 'monolith' books.
I have no idea why i assumed these would be dull or plodding, because my lovely grud, they're stonking. Fast paced, obviously very clever in their inclusion of contemporary scientific theory, with surprisingly honest characterisation. I expected sterility in the characters and grand, sweeping science- instead, the people are vibrant, the locations vivid and the science, obviously, breathtaking.
Im about to start the final book, 3001, and am genuinely sad to be winding it all up. I also cant wait to find out what the monoliths want, if anything.

Yes, there are problems. The repetition of passages from book to book is annoying, and Clarke's changing of the narrative in 2010 to fit kubrick's version of 2001 smacks of his preference to rolling over in the face of the film maker's bullying (hinted at in Clarke's intros). I'd've liked him to stick to his version, especially as ive not seen either movie in decades, and didnt particularly enjoy either.

Anyway, loved them so far. Clarke rules.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 22 January, 2011, 10:17:36 PM
Sacco's Footnotes in Gaza. For some reason I have previously overlooked Sacco's prowess as a visual artist, but he really gets inside of his subjects.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 22 January, 2011, 10:39:31 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 22 January, 2011, 10:17:36 PM
Sacco's Footnotes in Gaza. For some reason I have previously overlooked Sacco's prowess as a visual artist, but he really gets inside of his subjects.
who are you and what have you done with roger? ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 22 January, 2011, 11:03:59 PM
I'm reading The Revenger's Tragedy. Again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 23 January, 2011, 10:09:13 AM
Revisiting the Dragonlance Chronicles from my youth, kicking off with Dragons of Autumn Twilight. Brilliant stuff!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Michaelvk on 23 January, 2011, 01:17:18 PM
Just bought Anthony Beevor's D-day..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 January, 2011, 05:07:18 PM
Quote from: Michaelvk on 23 January, 2011, 01:17:18 PM
Just bought Anthony Beevor's D-day..

Outstanding stuff.  I'm not much of a one for the military histories, but everything about D-Day, and Beevor's account, is gobsmacking. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 23 January, 2011, 05:48:21 PM
Finally got round to reading Alan Moore's Swamp Thing Saga. Got the first two volumes for Christmas, now I'm annoyed I didn't read them earlier. Crackin stuff. I knew it would be, but bloody hell, I enjoyed it even more than I thought possible. [spoiler]The man weaves sci-fi, body horror and mythology together seamlessly, and as a result, ye care about what happens to this inhuman lump of sentient cellulose.[/spoiler] The few criticisms I could level at it are nit-picky and not really worth mentioning.

Now I'm going back to the present my dad got me. A job lot of 73 pulp fiction books he got for me from ebay. Mostly Sci-Fi and Horror stuff. The blurbs on these things alone are priceless, words like 'incredible','astounding' and 'fantastic' are used in abundance. I think I'll read 'The Glory Trap' now, sounds dirty
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 23 January, 2011, 10:30:09 PM
Reread Joe Haldeman's All my sins remembered. Even more sarky & cynical than Stevie remembered it. Cracking stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Michaelvk on 25 January, 2011, 06:13:15 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 23 January, 2011, 05:07:18 PM
Quote from: Michaelvk on 23 January, 2011, 01:17:18 PM
Just bought Anthony Beevor's D-day..

Outstanding stuff.  I'm not much of a one for the military histories, but everything about D-Day, and Beevor's account, is gobsmacking. 

Stalingrad and Berlin were also awesome pieces of writing, describing how unfathomably grim those battles were...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: gurnard on 26 January, 2011, 11:52:45 AM
Chew 3.  Love the quirky artwork in this real kind of comic book art if you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 26 January, 2011, 01:04:47 PM
A bit of a round up from me...

I finished 'How to Survive in a Science Fictional Universe' by Charles Yu. I didn't like it much, it seemed a bit earnest and without conviction as to what sort of book it actually was. It's basically about his relationship with his father, which is generally a yawsome prospect in my opinion. Time travel and literary theory are thrown together too, but dont gel in any meaningful way.

Also finally read 'Wilt', the last 100 Bullets book! Woo, and quite literally, hoo! Thought it was a great finish that kept me guessing right up to the last few pages - a superb series of comics without a doubt. I felt a bit disappointed the minute I put it down, but I realised that was probably down to the fact there's no more to come.

Current read is 'Surface Detail' by Banks. So far, so good - the main players are in place, SC are playing a role, the ship names are making me chuckle and it's ripping along without a care in the world. I never know what's going to happen in the Culture books, I think because I usually just get absorbed by the characters. Looking good...

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 26 January, 2011, 01:24:01 PM
Finished 'The Strain' last night, thoroughly enjoyed it. The tension in the first half was more to my liking than the more action-packed second half (it gets a bit more Blade 2 than Chronos towards the end) but it still works really well. The treatment of vampirism in it is really grimy and satisfying, none of the romance, just the nasty reality of a horrendous viral outbreak.

The second book is on my pile, but I'm gonna space it out by jumping onto the Simon Pegg biog next.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Noisybast on 26 January, 2011, 03:40:18 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 26 January, 2011, 01:24:01 PM
Finished 'The Strain' last night, thoroughly enjoyed it. The tension in the first half was more to my liking than the more action-packed second half...

Are we talking about a book here, or did your constipation finally clear up? ;)
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 26 January, 2011, 07:19:19 PM
Quote from: Noisybast on 26 January, 2011, 03:40:18 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 26 January, 2011, 01:24:01 PM
Finished 'The Strain' last night, thoroughly enjoyed it. The tension in the first half was more to my liking than the more action-packed second half...

Are we talking about a book here, or did your constipation finally clear up? ;)

You can't see me, but I'm giving that comment the slow clap it so richly deserves :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 27 January, 2011, 12:01:51 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 26 January, 2011, 01:04:47 PM
Current read is 'Surface Detail' by Banks. So far, so good - the main players are in place, SC are playing a role, the ship names are making me chuckle and it's ripping along without a care in the world. I never know what's going to happen in the Culture books, I think because I usually just get absorbed by the characters. Looking good...

Really enjoyed this. A return to form with the Culture novels after the relatively disappointing (to me) 'Matter'.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 27 January, 2011, 01:53:11 AM
I'm ploughing through a couple of instalments per night of Judge Dredd: Mean Angel and IDW's Metal Gear Solid comics omnibus.

We all know the Dredd strip, I guess. But the MGS comics are quite neat. Art's by Ashley Wood, and after an awkward start the writing is pretty good. Metal Gear is total bunk story-wise, but that's half the fun!
Title: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Noisybast on 27 January, 2011, 10:37:31 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 26 January, 2011, 07:19:19 PM
You can't see me, but I'm giving that comment the slow clap it so richly deserves :)

No love for the toilet humour? :(
Title: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 27 January, 2011, 10:42:03 AM
Quote from: Noisybast on 27 January, 2011, 10:37:31 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 26 January, 2011, 07:19:19 PM
You can't see me, but I'm giving that comment the slow clap it so richly deserves :)

No love for the toilet humour? :(

Ah, you misunderstand, I found it very, very funny, and felt a slow clap was the only way to give it the respect it deserved. Am I mis-using the slow clap? Maybe this is why no-one ever joins in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SquashedFly on 27 January, 2011, 10:55:39 AM
Tis the Tinternet, the sarcastic slow clap and the non-sarcastic are indistinguishable in some circumstances.  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 January, 2011, 10:59:03 AM
Just finished G. Hernandez'  High Soft Lisp, a collection I picked up from the library ages ago and haven't got round to reading, just endlessly renewing while I wait for New Stories 3.  I didn't dive straight in because while I'm a huge fan of the Palomar stories, I'm perhaps not quite so keen on the characters' adventures in LA, and less so again when it comes to the more 'idealised' big-boobs-and-giant-willies fantasies that Beto sometimes wanders off into.  I suppose I imagine that I prefer the more grounded stuff, in so far as that ever applies to Palomar.  

As usual Beto utterly confounds my expectations with some very funny and exquisitely drawn stories that work really well together to cast a whole new light on Fritz, and more specifically her ex-husband motivational speaker Mark Herrero and his many, many other ex-wives.  Yes, there are some ludicrously large boobs, and a particularly odd version of Pipo, but it was firmly in the unputdownable category.  Now I feel the need to re-read all my Palomar books again.

With the proviso that I have a great weakness for Beto and Palomar, highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 27 January, 2011, 12:47:51 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 27 January, 2011, 12:01:51 AM
Really enjoyed this. A return to form with the Culture novels after the relatively disappointing (to me) 'Matter'.

For shame! It was a bit of an abrupt finish...

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 January, 2011, 12:54:38 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 27 January, 2011, 12:47:51 PM
For shame! It was a bit of an abrupt finish...

Aye, I loved Matter, and while a little taken aback by the rapid Chekov's Gun resolution, I thought it was one of his richest, most thought-provoking Culture outings.  I have Surface Detail teasing me from across the room, but I'm saving it for when I really need it.  For now Stephen Baxter's Ark is keeping me entertained. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 27 January, 2011, 03:04:17 PM
Ark is still languishing on my to read, um, mound I suppose is the only way to describe it at the minute. How does it measure up to Flood? I wasn't so keen on Flood personally (as I probably mentioned on here) and it's put me off a bit. Though there will be space ships an that I take it? Any talking squid?

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 January, 2011, 03:36:21 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 27 January, 2011, 12:54:38 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 27 January, 2011, 12:47:51 PM
For shame! It was a bit of an abrupt finish...

Aye, I loved Matter, and while a little taken aback by the rapid Chekov's Gun resolution, I thought it was one of his richest, most thought-provoking Culture outings.  I have Surface Detail teasing me from across the room, but I'm saving it for when I really need it.  For now Stephen Baxter's Ark is keeping me entertained. 

Yes, me too- Surface Detail is taunting me... but I've just got another book through to review after thinking after the one I'm reading at the moment I could get to one of my own choice...


I adored Matter, although I admit the ending was... something of a shock. I love the enormous pun he has injected into the plot though- the literal [spoiler]deus ex machina[/spoiler] is quite brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 27 January, 2011, 05:11:43 PM
Just finished The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon - Stephen King
Really good, any other recommendations in the 'triumph over adversity' genre?
If not gonna give World War Z a go

Cheers

Chi
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 January, 2011, 05:19:43 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 27 January, 2011, 03:04:17 PM
How does it measure up to Flood?

I'm about halfway through, and I'm really enjoying it.  I was a bit surprised that I enjoyed Flood as much as I did (I only got as a bit of an afterthought due to a Waterstones 3 for 2 deal, since I'm trying to avoid end-of-the-world stuff these days), but I thought it had some fantastic scenes and images, and a suitably relentless type of horror to it, albeit softened by the improbability of the disaster.

Ark addresses the same story from a very different angle, one of hope and ingenuity amidst the desperation, rather than the despair and disintegration that characterised Flood.  Its message is 'think big - no, bigger than that', and it's a good one.  If I'd been Baxter I'd possibly have made them into one longer cheerier book, because so far they seem more like parallel tales than a series, but I'm sure there are economic considerations there.  

It also makes a very interesting companion volume to Baxter's earlier classic Titan, combining the harsh reality of that novel with a more forgiving scientific environment, presenting fairly far-out solutions to essentially the same logistical problems.  I don't know where it's going yet, but I love a good generation-ship story, and survival/colonisation at the end, so I'm hoping for both of those

So yes, there is a very awesome spaceship, and I'm still holding out for talking squid.  There are few stories that can't be improved by the addition of exotic cephalopods.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 27 January, 2011, 06:26:03 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 27 January, 2011, 12:47:51 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 27 January, 2011, 12:01:51 AM
Really enjoyed this. A return to form with the Culture novels after the relatively disappointing (to me) 'Matter'.

For shame! It was a bit of an abrupt finish...

'Relatively' disappointing is the key there, I'll still be rereading it this year and, as with all the 'M' Banks books, enjoying it more on a second run. I honestly didn't think I'd get the same 'hit' from rereading 'Excession' or 'Use of Weapons', but whadya know? 'Matter' knocks most other modern sci-fi into a wittily sentient heavily armed hat but compared to my Culture favourites it just didn't quite do it for me.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 27 January, 2011, 07:15:51 PM
Yeah, fair do's - Excession didn't really do it for me as it happens.

M
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 31 January, 2011, 07:40:42 AM
Joe Abercrombie's latest 'The Heroes'. So far, so good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 31 January, 2011, 09:22:38 AM
Drop Dead Gorgeous by... some guy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 31 January, 2011, 12:24:42 PM
Well, after loving arthur c clarke's rendezvous with rama, i gave rama 2 two hundred pages before giving up. Horrible, boring characters, appalling dialogue, a snail's pace and most importantly it doesnt even seem to exist in the same 'universe'. Everything is wrong, and it reads like a belated rewrite, attempting to dismiss the original's more charming elements. Like a modern remake of a classic film. Just... Yuck.

So ive moved on to good old ben bova, and another of his 'grand tour' novels: this time, mercury. All good so far, though the image of george takei as the central character is distracting.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 31 January, 2011, 12:31:32 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 31 January, 2011, 09:22:38 AM
Drop Dead Gorgeous by... some guy.

Aha! Did Snowbooks send you one, then?

How's it going for you?

(please like it!)

:P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 31 January, 2011, 12:48:44 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 31 January, 2011, 12:31:32 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 31 January, 2011, 09:22:38 AM
Drop Dead Gorgeous by... some guy.

Aha! Did Snowbooks send you one, then?

How's it going for you?

(please like it!)

:P

Yeah- I just asked for a pdf- quicker ans easier!

And so far so good!
I never get tired of the 'I know where that is!' feeling!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 31 January, 2011, 02:42:53 PM
I'm currently half way through the Culled by Si Spurrier. Got it from ReadItSwapIt and I'm really enjoying it. Throwaway page turning trash culture. Result!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 31 January, 2011, 02:57:38 PM
I'm still re-reading the Dragonlance Chronicles from my youth. Good, clean dragon-slaying fun! :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 02 February, 2011, 05:07:15 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 31 January, 2011, 12:24:42 PM
Well, after loving arthur c clarke's rendezvous with rama, i gave rama 2 two hundred pages before giving up.

Wise move SBT. You don't need to claw through 1000 pages to learn that [spoiler]Rama was built by God.[/spoiler][spoiler] Dead set.[/spoiler]  ::)

Clarke's collaborations are mostly the work of his co-authors (Arthur was generally involved in the initial plotting) & for the most part aren't generally  recommended even for completists. Even the ones with Baxter are pretty underwhelming in comparison to either's solo output.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 02 February, 2011, 05:24:53 PM
This week I am mostly reading Strontium Dog Agency Files vol.2
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 02 February, 2011, 07:54:16 PM
Re: Rama and god. Really?! Blimey, thanks for saving me from the guilt associated with not finishing a book. Though i may give the final one a go, just to experience the mounting horror as that particular revelation comes to pass. Astonishing that Clarke would put his name to it, but it does somewhat explain some of the changes between Rendzvous and the subsequent novel(s?).
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 02 February, 2011, 08:20:42 PM
It's been a long time since I read the series, but I have absolutely no recollection of [spoiler]God [/spoiler]coming into it - and I'd have been equally surprised to have seen Clarke of all people going down that road.  In fact I remember something entirely different, which tied back into some earlier Clarke stories.  The series in totality is a long haul, but I remember it as having a satisfying resolution.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 03 February, 2011, 02:03:26 AM
Haven't read any of the Rama sequels* since they were published but that certainly is the implication which Stevie took away from the final volume.

He did have bronchitis at the time though; his other abiding memory of this book is [spoiler]spontaneously unleashing [/spoiler][spoiler] a cup full of expectorant [/spoiler][spoiler] over an early chapter).[/spoiler]

If you enjoyed Rendezvous then your best place to start with Alastair Reynolds is his stand-alone Pushing ice which begina as a more blue-colar take on this scenario before transporting the reader in a completely different direction.

*unneccessary as they are; everything one needs to know about Rama is right there in arguably the most perfect of Clarke's books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 03 February, 2011, 11:21:56 AM
Just got a collection with the Stainless Steel Rat in it. I'm excited.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 03 February, 2011, 06:22:35 PM
Jane Eyre and I are going to be constant companions throughout February. If I had ever said you'd have to pay me read it, I'd have spoken truer than I'd intended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 03 February, 2011, 08:41:45 PM
Think I'm going to bring Citadel of Chaos on my adventures to the SFX WEEKENDER. Nothing like a bit of Fighting Fantasy to pass time in an airport :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 03 February, 2011, 11:07:24 PM
...and Strontium Dog Agency Files vol.4 arrived in the post today.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: exilewood on 04 February, 2011, 02:08:42 AM
Does that have 'The Killing' in it? I loved that so much first time around.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 04 February, 2011, 10:41:14 AM
'The Killing' is in volume 2.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 04 February, 2011, 11:02:29 AM
Micro-Bolt has read S/D Case files 02 several times now- and IMO it is the greatest single volume of thrills, ever. It has also inspired the lad to come up with his own S/D- Tommy Four-arms. Think I'll be drawing him over the weekend!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 04 February, 2011, 11:47:12 AM
I'll tell you what I'm NOT reading, and that's Blackest Night. When will DC get the message that people who don't collect monthly comics and won't pay the extra £5-£7 for a hardback are still willing to throw money at them for paperbacks of the major stories? How long is it since blackest night was out? Still no TPBs. marvel would have had them out in individual volumes months ago and have a collected deluxe edition on the shelves by now. GRRRRR.

Still, not a totally wasted journey to the comic shop, as I picked up vol 1 of Elephantmen, which I'm enjoying immensely.

I've also been revisiting Doom Patrol, 100 bullets and Transmetroplitan from the library.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 05 February, 2011, 01:29:23 AM
Quote from: House of Usher on 03 February, 2011, 11:07:24 PM
...and Strontium Dog Agency Files vol.4 arrived in the post today.

Ah SD Vol 4. It's not Vol 5, which makes it good times.

Reading The Windup Girl by Bacigalupi. Didn't think I'd like it, the title made me think it would be a prose artificial girl manga. Those drive me nuts. But it's quite good so far. Set in Thailand in a future where all foods and some people have been genehacked. While that is interesting, the best parts are the various character in government and commerce fighting for advantage of one form or another.

Also reading Rogue Trooper Vol 2. I have no idea why it is readable. Someone smart should explain it to me. I mean it is. Readable. But why???
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 05 February, 2011, 01:35:56 AM
Reduced to reading Shaun hutchson Outcasts.............found it tucked away in the back of the bookcase.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Strontium Claw on 05 February, 2011, 10:41:44 AM
I've read a ton of GN's recently including:

Mezolith - Strange and intriguing, It left me wanting more, Will there be any further stories?

It Was the War of the Trenches - A brilliant anthology of stories depicting the horror of WW1 from a French perspective. Works well as a companion piece to Charley's War.

Scalped vol 6 The Gnawing - The latest TPB of the Native American crime drama, quite simply the best ongoing title currently published by DC.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 05 February, 2011, 10:50:08 AM
Mr claw, you have good taste. Agree completely about Scalped, but sadly im several volumes behind as i rely on my local library in this case. As for the war in the trenches thing- that sounds interesting, i'll have to look that up. Who's it published by?
And yes, the idea was stated to be for further volumes of Mezolith to come along in due course, but as yet ive not heard anything. Brilliant album though, and i'd snap up a second like a shot.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 05 February, 2011, 11:35:55 AM
I'm almost to the end of Outlaw in Strontium Dog Agency Files vol.2. It's a real treat. I had forgotten most of the story, so it's like reading something new. The bits with Scots language are great, it's very funny in places, and there has scarcely been a Strontium Dog story this action packed. The way the situation escalates from one instalment to the next is a really impressive demonstration of the comic book writer's skill, and Carlos Ezquerra's artwork is perfection as always.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 05 February, 2011, 11:55:00 AM
getting close to the end of Gibson's Zero History.  Much better read than Spook Country and tying in threads from Pattern Recognition.  I know he's moved a long way from his SF roots but a lot of his preoccupation with the subversion and utilisation of different kinds of technology is still there.  Wish I could explain better why it is such a good read.

On the GN front Johnny Red has finally arrived after nearly two years of waiting looking at the original Amazon order!  Would be nice to think that this is the start of a new series a la Charley's War but even if it is just a one off it is thoroughly satisfying.  A trailer at the back is promoting Darkie's Mob, Rat Pack and Major Eazy.  Hope it is not just teasing!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 February, 2011, 01:26:55 PM
Quote from: Strontium Claw on 05 February, 2011, 10:41:44 AM
Scalped vol 6 The Gnawing - The latest TPB of the Native American crime drama, quite simply the best ongoing title currently published by DC.

Scalped is incredibly good, and somehow manages to keep a tight focus on plot while haring off all over the place following innumerable characters' stories, but like SBT I'm  a bit behind thanks to the irregular library purchasing and glacial slowness of inter-library loans - I've been waiting for Volume 1 of Y: The Last Man since last Summer (although I'm beyond grateful that the service exists at all).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Strontium Claw on 05 February, 2011, 06:33:37 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 05 February, 2011, 10:50:08 AM
As for the war in the trenches thing- that sounds interesting, i'll have to look that up. Who's it published by?

Hey SBT
The new English language edition of It Was the War of the Trenches written and drawn by Jacques Tardi was published in the USA last year by Fantagraphics, although it first appeared in France in 1993/94.

On a similar theme, if you like mature war comics you should check out another title from Fantagraphics:
Blazing Combat which reprints all 4 issues of the short-lived 1965 title written by Archie Goodwin featuring such stellar artists as Alex Toth, Reed Crandell, Gene Colan and Joe Orlando. Classic stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SquashedFly on 06 February, 2011, 12:56:24 AM
I started to read '48 again last night. I think this is the third attempt after trying twice without finishing it. Hopefully I can finish it before I lose track of where I am and start reading something else.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 06 February, 2011, 06:05:59 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 04 February, 2011, 11:47:12 AM
I'll tell you what I'm NOT reading, and that's Blackest Night.

Surely Stevie's not the only one who is constantly misreading the follow up as Sunshine Day (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o59S7C1nYfc&feature=fvst)?

If DC had any creative balls they'd be rounding off the thematic trilogy with Afternoon Delight (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz1ex78QeQI).

Am halfway through Robert Silverberg's 1969 The Man in the Maze. A vanished alien civilization. A deadly maze. A desperate expedition to retrieve the man hidden in its centre. A man who has been changed &, since his apotheosis, does not wish to be found.

Compelling stuff from halfway through that extraordinary fecund decades worth of work wherein the reliable Golden Age wunderkind hothoused himself into a trailblazer of the New Wave.

Silverberg announced his (thankfully temporary) retirement in 1976 in sheer frustration with reactionary American SF publishers who, spearheaded by the likes of Lester Del Ray, didn't want none of that lit'ry shiz round here no siree.  

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 February, 2011, 03:57:20 PM
Finished Stephen Baxter's Ark at last.

Sometimes I think Baxter is the cruelest, bleakest SF author I've ever read, and up to now I had thought he might have got the worst of it out of his system with grim books like Raft, Moonfall and indeed Flood.  At one level this book is a magnificent celebration of human ingenuity, endurance and optimism, at many others it's a gripping account of the simply appalling sacrifices his characters must make to even come close to achieving their goal. 

I had thought, early on, that this book was the 'convenient SF science' version of his horrific interplanetary slog Titan, with some of the harsher intractable realities of long-term spaceflight  'solved' for the sake of a workable story.  To an extent this is true, but apparently only so that other, even harsher, realties can be inflicted on his poor characters, and humanity in general.  From the suicidal defenders of Earth's last space launch facility to what it really means to assert that some ends justify any means, parts of Ark are an almost unbearable read.

If you had the stomach for Titan, this is a must-read.  I really hope there'll be another book in this series, I must know what happened next, even if I know it's going to hurt.  A lot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 07 February, 2011, 04:52:28 PM
Yeah, but did the talking squid turn up or not?  ::)

But in all seriousness, this might move to the top of my list - I like grim!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2011, 08:22:44 AM
Well, don't take my enthusiastic ramblings too seriously.  It was exactly the type of book I was looking for when I picked it up, in a sub-genre of hard SF exploration that I favour, and had at least one great twist, a lot to say about the closeness of the best and worst of human nature, and some very nice ideas about the problems of goldilocks planets, but as always Baxter's characters are a little flat (for me).  That I found it so very engaging may be down to a thick wodge of my always-dubious personal taste.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 08 February, 2011, 09:43:40 AM
That reminds me, I've got a trilogy of his and only ever read the first one, I might continue with that sometime. Think it's called Behemoth? About mammoths in space. I think.

Reading Case Files 16 just now myself (as well as the Pegg biog which is fairly amusing).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2011, 10:01:44 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 08 February, 2011, 09:43:40 AM
Think it's called Behemoth? About mammoths in space. I think.

Hmm, one I haven't read - when the first one came out it was marketed as kid's book, and I passed it over in favour of the crushingly depressing Evolution.  The one I'm looking forward to reading is Stone Spring, whenever the library delivers.  More flood shenanigans, but this time in the Mesolithic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 08 February, 2011, 10:35:37 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 05 February, 2011, 10:50:08 AM
And yes, the idea was stated to be for further volumes of Mezolith to come along in due course, but as yet ive not heard anything. Brilliant album though, and i'd snap up a second like a shot.
SBT

I had a chat with the artist, Adam Brockbank, at the Thought Bubble festival in Leeds about this. He said there is a story planned and both he and the writer would like to do more but it's unlikely to happen.

Adam, apparently, mainly works as a concept artist on films (such as Harry Potter) and he said that drawing comics is so labour intensive and poorly paid compared to the design work that it's not viable to devote the time required to do it.

A shame, as Mezolith is one of my favourite comics in a long time.  

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 08 February, 2011, 10:46:06 AM
Strontium Dog Agency Files, vol.3 !!!  :D



Only one story in so far and already they've recycled the plot of The Killing. It's great stuff though. More comedy Scotsmen, and Middenface on a tractor. Hooray!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 09 February, 2011, 11:28:06 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 08 February, 2011, 09:43:40 AM
That reminds me, I've got a trilogy of his and only ever read the first one, I might continue with that sometime. Think it's called Behemoth? About mammoths in space. I think.

I read the first two mammoth books and thought they were great! Prior to publication of the first, he had the (modified) first chapter in Interzone which convinced me to read on.I was impressed that he was able to make me engage with anthropomorphism of extinct hairy beasties in the yarns and many more in Evolution. I understand the third 'shifts locales' but I've yet to read it (I wandered off for some reason - on a slightly related note I've only just recently bought The Third God by Ricardo Pinto, about 10 years after the trilogy began and a few years after it was finally published.It's like a custom.)

I'm still reading Surface Detail - about a fifth to go! [spoiler](and it's all went intelligent AI replicator swarm tastic!)[/spoiler] Great stuff, this is.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 10 February, 2011, 01:13:41 PM
I just read the two hardback editions of 'Ultimate Iron man'.

I don't generally enjoy Marvel comics, but talk of this series being self contained (plus, I picked up both volumes SUPER cheap) won me over.

Solid read. However, I did find the content quite sadistic in places. And the final chapter was a bit messy, with some pretty jarring storytelling.

Big spoiler:
[spoiler]I was NOT a fan of Niafra getting a bullet in the head while she was tied up and defenseless. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 10 February, 2011, 05:06:18 PM
I've been threatening to read it for months (and have actally owned it for years, carting it along on 3 seperate house moves)but have nevergoten around to it until now, despite eveyone tellingme it wasabsoluey awesome. Everyone was right.

Weaveworld. loody beautiful. Couple of hundred pages to go. Don't want it to end.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 10 February, 2011, 06:09:50 PM
QuoteWeaveworld. loody beautiful. Couple of hundred pages to go. Don't want it to end.

Yes. One of my favourite books ever.
"Nothing ever begins."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dunk! on 10 February, 2011, 06:24:23 PM
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.

Beautifully written, but so harsh as to take your breath away.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 10 February, 2011, 06:55:55 PM
Finished the Pegg book (Nerd Do Well) last night. Really enjoyed it, it's less about his life story (although there is some of that in there he doesn't get into too many juicy details) and more about how all his childhood geeky dreams have come true. I did occasionally find myself feeling insanely jealous at all the childhood heroes he's now mates with, then remembered that I never wrote Spaced or Shaun of The Dead so it's hard to grudge him his good fortune. A likeable chap, a good book.

Reckon it's the second Del Toro book for me now ('The Fall').
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 10 February, 2011, 07:58:23 PM
I'd like to apologise for the shocking spelling and whatnot in my earlier post.

As good as Weaveworld is, it's wonders have not melted my bran to the point that I can no longer type, but rather my keyboard is playing silly beggars. Again. Only registering half of my keystrokes.

Took me almost 10 minutes to type this. Nightmare.

I mean come on! wasabsoluey! What's all that about?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 10 February, 2011, 08:38:07 PM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 10 February, 2011, 07:58:23 PM
I'd like to apologise for the shocking spelling and whatnot in my earlier post.

As good as Weaveworld is, it's wonders have not melted my bran to the point that I can no longer type, but rather my keyboard is playing silly beggars. Again. Only registering half of my keystrokes.

Took me almost 10 minutes to type this. Nightmare.

I mean come on! wasabsoluey! What's all that about?

That's ok, Weaveworld rendered me a bit mental too. Can't rave about that book enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 11 February, 2011, 02:55:32 AM
Cross Game Vol 1- a baseball/romance manga by Mitsuru Adachi. I know it's not going to sound at all worthwhile to the readers of tooth but I'd still recommend it. I consider Adachi to be the Austen of manga. His stories are on one hand just good fun, but underneath it all is a hint of melancholy and an enormous amount of craft. And the baseball thing I think could be easily overcome, I've read some of Wodehouse's cricket stories despite knowing nothing about the game.

The Fourth World Omnibus Vol 3. Ah Kirby, he was both too naive and harsh for me as a boy but now in my thirties I get it. He belongs to a group of comic artists I refer to as The Immoderates. Other Immoderates include Gilbert Hernandez, Osamu Tezuka, Pat Mills, and Alejandro Jodorowsky.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 February, 2011, 08:28:07 AM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 11 February, 2011, 02:55:32 AM
The Fourth World Omnibus Vol 3. Ah Kirby, he was both too naive and harsh for me as a boy but now in my thirties I get it. He belongs to a group of comic artists I refer to as The Immoderates. Other Immoderates include Gilbert Hernandez, Osamu Tezuka, Pat Mills, and Alejandro Jodorowsky.

With you there I'm on a real Jack Kirby thing at the moment. Mainly as a writer. Don't get me wrong I love his art (these days when I was younger didn't really get him) but his writing is just imagination unbound and I love it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 11 February, 2011, 10:18:44 AM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 10 February, 2011, 07:58:23 PM
wasabsoluey!

I think this should become part of the forum lexicon, much like 'arsom' has. It has a nice, organic feel to it I think. Or it makes you sound like Alan Hanson - 'Tha' defendin wasabsoluey crap'

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 11 February, 2011, 12:02:11 PM
My mate's just got Top best selling sci-fi book, Orson Scott Card's Enders Game.

Is it a worthy winner, to those who have read it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 February, 2011, 12:57:23 PM
Quote from: Krombasher on 11 February, 2011, 12:02:11 PM
My mate's just got Top best selling sci-fi book, Orson Scott Card's Enders Game.

Is it a worthy winner, to those who have read it?

Yes, it's a very good story, perhaps a little padded up from the original shorter version.  OSC is an oddball, and some of his views are pretty odious, but he can write - his Maps in a Mirror short story collection is magnificent,
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 11 February, 2011, 01:20:30 PM
Quote from: Krombasher on 11 February, 2011, 12:02:11 PM
My mate's just got Top best selling sci-fi book, Orson Scott Card's Enders Game.

Is it a worthy winner, to those who have read it?

I liked it but the second one, Speaker for the dead is much better. I haven't read any more of the Ender books, I've heard that some are very poor.

Totally agree with the others who give high praise to Weaveworld. Arsom book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: exilewood on 11 February, 2011, 02:51:17 PM
On a bit of an American kick - "Grapes of Wrath" - one of those books I never got 'round to before & it's fantastic.

And also "Maggie Cassidy" by Kerouac. I've read this before, but I'm systematically re-reading all Kerouac's books at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 11 February, 2011, 04:22:45 PM
Just read "The Hilliker Curse: My Pursuit of Women" by James Ellroy - got through it in one five hour stretch. It's a pretty intense and yet strangely uplifting little memoir.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 12 February, 2011, 11:40:25 PM
Just read Case Files 16, pretty patchy in places but still very enjoyable. Stuff like Raptaur is great and looks sublime, but the filler quota is pretty high in it. Still essential reading obviously.

Also picked up the first Aliens omnibus of the old Dark Horse comics. Used to read them as a kid so it's a good nostalgia kick. Have only read the first story so far and have noticed they've renamed Hicks and Newt to try and keep it canon post-Alien 3. This, despite there being flashbacks to LV42something (now renamed The Rim) and Drake and Vasquez and whatnot all getting mentioned. That's a little weird, and the artwork in the first story is well ropey. Still, I'm on a real Aliens kick at the moment so am enjoying having something extra outside the films to dig into.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 February, 2011, 11:46:49 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 12 February, 2011, 11:40:25 PM
Have only read the first story so far and have noticed they've renamed Hicks and Newt to try and keep it canon post-Alien 3. This, despite there being flashbacks to LV42something (now renamed The Rim) and Drake and Vasquez and whatnot all getting mentioned.

Cheeses Fapping Crust.  That is officially the most pathetic thing I've ever heard.  And I'm a Star Wars fan.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DrJomster on 12 February, 2011, 11:52:09 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 12 February, 2011, 11:40:25 PM
Just read Case Files 16, pretty patchy in places but still very enjoyable. Stuff like Raptaur is great and looks sublime, but the filler quota is pretty high in it. Still essential reading obviously.

Have to say, I do want to read ALL the case files but I am holding off till they go digital. I was "away" in the nineties and am a little concerned that it might be hard going. I think it might be more palatable digitally however. Not quite sure why... The lower price point will obviously help though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 13 February, 2011, 02:42:30 AM
Captain Britain, Alan Davis. The stories with the Technet etc. Its been gathering dust on a shelf for years so thought it was time to take another look, just sorry i dont have the stories relating to the Jaspers Warp now that i read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 13 February, 2011, 11:05:30 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 12 February, 2011, 11:40:25 PM
Also picked up the first Aliens omnibus of the old Dark Horse comics. Used to read them as a kid so it's a good nostalgia kick. Have only read the first story so far and have noticed they've renamed Hicks and Newt to try and keep it canon post-Alien 3. This, despite there being flashbacks to LV42something (now renamed The Rim) and Drake and Vasquez and whatnot all getting mentioned. That's a little weird, and the artwork in the first story is well ropey. Still, I'm on a real Aliens kick at the moment so am enjoying having something extra outside the films to dig into.

Yeah, I found that in the bargain bin of my local FPI and had a good ol' chuckle to myself. It's not the George Best, for sure. The front cover is quite fetching as I recall...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 13 February, 2011, 06:44:28 PM
Emp, as it happens panini have just published 'captain britain: vol 4 the seige of camelot', collecting hulk comic #42 - 55, 57 - 63, marvel superheroes #377 - 389 and the daredevils #1 - 11, jaspers warp included. Also brilliant work by dave thorpe, steve parkhouse, paul neary and john stokes. £15.99.
Im reading it as i type.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 13 February, 2011, 06:48:29 PM
I'm reading "Hippo eats Dwarf", it's basically a list of various hoaxes and stuff. It's not great, but it's sporadically interesting. I'm also reading "Blackest Night" which has been quite good so far.

I was reading Robohunter: Day of the Droids earlier too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 13 February, 2011, 06:52:52 PM
Forgot to mention, the latest cap britain volume also features cover art by our very own mr staz johnson. Who not only adds a layer of grittiness to john stokes and alan davis's designs, but proves to be one of few artists ive seen who can draw the captain's original, and best, costume. Splendid stuff.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 13 February, 2011, 09:33:31 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 13 February, 2011, 06:52:52 PM
...who can draw the captain's original, and best, costume.

With the 70s/ 80s amulet?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 14 February, 2011, 08:19:27 AM
Yes, though i read your post as '70s/80s mullet', which confused me.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 14 February, 2011, 08:26:55 AM
Stevie's halfway through Promethea.

Take everything that you've heard about J.H. Williams III's art & multiply it by itself.

The multiply the sum by itself again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 14 February, 2011, 09:45:24 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 14 February, 2011, 08:26:55 AM
Stevie's halfway through Promethea.

Take everything that you've heard about J.H. Williams III's art & multiply it by itself.

The multiply the sum by itself again.

Promethea is my favourite Alan Moore comic, hands down. I know it's not to everyone's tastes but to me it's a masterpiece.

How are you finding it Stevie?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 16 February, 2011, 11:03:53 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 February, 2011, 11:46:49 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 12 February, 2011, 11:40:25 PM
Have only read the first story so far and have noticed they've renamed Hicks and Newt to try and keep it canon post-Alien 3. This, despite there being flashbacks to LV42something (now renamed The Rim) and Drake and Vasquez and whatnot all getting mentioned.

Cheeses Fapping Crust.  That is officially the most pathetic thing I've ever heard.  And I'm a Star Wars fan.

Just to confuse things even more, when Ripley eventually appears she's still called Ripley. 'Billie' and 'Wilks' are well pleased to see her after everything they went through back in the day.

Started 'The Fall' by Del Toro and Chuck Hogan, too early to tell but I think it's going to be another doozy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 16 February, 2011, 05:22:38 PM
A sele tion of Meg floppies, grabbed randomly before leaving for work. Pulp Sci-Fi consistently made me laugh, the Colin Wilson collection contains one of my favourite latter Dredds; Relentless, and the Jock collection is just page after page of brilliance. Utterly love Shirley Temple of Doom.

Sadly, i seem to have given myself eyestrain in the process, and now only a few paracetamol and ibuprofen from an overdose, and have had to resort to reading glasses.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: exilewood on 16 February, 2011, 06:38:12 PM
Quote from: Lee Bates on 14 February, 2011, 09:45:24 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 14 February, 2011, 08:26:55 AM
Stevie's halfway through Promethea.

Take everything that you've heard about J.H. Williams III's art & multiply it by itself.

The multiply the sum by itself again.

Promethea is my favourite Alan Moore comic, hands down. I know it's not to everyone's tastes but to me it's a masterpiece.

How are you finding it Stevie?

'Promethea' is bloody brilliant! You'll enjoy the ending!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 February, 2011, 03:22:46 PM
A pre-work hobble into waterstones revealed no lovely shiny casefiles 17 to spend my points on, so i settled for H.P. Lovecraft's The Colour Out Of Space; penguin modern classics edition, £3, 78 pages, collected with The Outsider and The Hound- none of which i'd previously read. All good stuff.

Later i shall be reading Whiteout and Whiteout: Melt, maybe giving Mezolith another go, and continuing with Ben Bova's Mercury. All dependent upon what my guys want to do tonight and what time they go to bed.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 19 February, 2011, 09:21:31 PM
Finally finished Orbus an excellent Neil Asher book featuring ancient aliens as mutant viruses and why immortality can be a curse. Also turning over a rock may call back some things that used to move solar systems for their own amusement.

More ideas and rail guns blasting and lasers conveying viruses, worms and trojans to corrupt artifical intelligences than is good for my feeble mind.

:o

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 19 February, 2011, 09:24:35 PM
I read a very specific part of Case Files 17.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 20 February, 2011, 05:47:16 PM
Got the collected Daytripper this afternoon. Didn't know much about it, just seen it recommended by a couple of people I can usually trust, so the end of the first issue came as a bit of a shock. The end of the second even more so.
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Noisybast on 20 February, 2011, 06:17:27 PM
Finally got round to starting Clive Barker's Cabal.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 February, 2011, 06:24:07 PM
I think i quite enjoyed cabal, which i bought when it came out and queued for hours to get barker to sign. Huge fan of nightbreed, so was gutted he never continued with the story, as it would have salved the gaping wound that the lack of sequels left.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 February, 2011, 06:56:31 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 20 February, 2011, 05:47:16 PM
Got the collected Daytripper this afternoon. Didn't know much about it, just seen it recommended by a couple of people I can usually trust, so the end of the first issue came as a bit of a shock. The end of the second even more so.

I think Daytripper is one of the best things I have ever read, right up there with Palomar and Halo Jones in its power to move me, but I'm afraid my money ran out halfway through the run and I had to shamefully resort to teh torrentz to see it through.  I have one last book token to my name, and have resolved to spend it on the collected edition to make recompense. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 20 February, 2011, 07:21:25 PM
Re-reading Vineland. It's one of the lesser Pynchon novels, probably suffering because it's his most straightforwardly political novel, but it's still the bomb, yo. I'd say it's the most accessible one, maybe.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 21 February, 2011, 05:35:27 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 February, 2011, 06:56:31 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 20 February, 2011, 05:47:16 PM
Got the collected Daytripper this afternoon. Didn't know much about it, just seen it recommended by a couple of people I can usually trust, so the end of the first issue came as a bit of a shock. The end of the second even more so.

I think Daytripper is one of the best things I have ever read, right up there with Palomar and Halo Jones in its power to move me, but I'm afraid my money ran out halfway through the run and I had to shamefully resort to teh torrentz to see it through.  I have one last book token to my name, and have resolved to spend it on the collected edition to make recompense. 

I'll have to pick this up. Love the art of Moon and Ba. They did great work on BPRD 1947, Casanova, and Umbrella Academy. Glad to hear they can write as well.

Just finished the second Milligan Hellblazer Vol, Hooked. That is more like it! Scab had good moments but was a little choppy overall. And Milligan's not the only one shining like a new penny. I haven't seen Bisley look this good since his time at tooth.

Now going to bed to read Leviathon for the first time. Envy me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 21 February, 2011, 06:56:20 AM
I wish Barker would write some more Cabal novels.

I'm reading Feast of Crows again at the moment in preperation for the Game of Thrones TV series and hopefully the next book.  (C'mon George it's only been 5 years for a book that was supposidly half finished when you did the last one :-[ :-[)
No GN's lately but I belive i will visit my friend with all the BOys to catch up.

CU Radabcker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 February, 2011, 03:22:47 PM
Phonogram.  Hey, that was pretty good!  It's a pity some of the celebrity likenesses weren't a bit easier to identify (Damon Albarn in particular looked more like Alex James, which is a little too confusing, if you ask me), but as an argument from the very specific to the universally general it was very clever.  I'm thinking of trying to track down The Singles Club, is it worth my while?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 22 February, 2011, 03:55:51 PM
I've been re-reading Cerebus lately... Still on the second-last book (Latter Days) but it's really tough going, even though this latest re-read is very much in "skip all the boring text bits" mode.

It really does feel like Dave Sim ran out of steam after Church & State (books 3 & 4) and then just coasted for the next fifteen or so years, making up the rest of the story as he went along. The following twelve books do contain a few moments of sheer genius amid the deluge of anti-church / pro-faith polemic, but they're widely-spaced and hardly worth the trouble.

I sure am glad I wasn't buying the comic on a monthly basis: I can only imagine the utter despair at receiving each new issue and discovering that, yet again, all it contains is twenty pages of Cerebus tied to a chair while the Three Stooges (who are even less funny in Cerebus than they were in their movies) run around dressed as priests. Or twenty pages of alternating identical panels laid out in checkerboard format while Ernest Hemingway mopes wordlessly in front of a campfire (Form & Void). Or F. Scott Fitzgerald drinking himself to death on a riverboat (Going Home). Or drawn-out scenes of Oscar Wilde dying slowly interspersed with scenes of Cerebus sitting alone in front of a cafe (Melmoth).

See, this is what comes out when people put their desire to create literature over their desire to create entertainment...

-- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 February, 2011, 04:04:06 PM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 22 February, 2011, 03:55:51 PM
I sure am glad I wasn't buying the comic on a monthly basis: I can only imagine the utter despair at receiving each new issue and discovering that, yet again, all it contains is twenty pages of Cerebus tied to a chair while the Three Stooges (who are even less funny in Cerebus than they were in their movies) run around dressed as priests.

That about sums it up.  Although for me it was the combination of a gloomier-than-usual Woody Allen and a complete re-write of the Book of Genesis-according-to-Dave in 6 point type that really depressed me.  Personally I enjoyed Melmoth (different, certainly), much of Mothers and Daughters (lots to think about and some very clever tricks and spoofs) and especially Guys (some very funny stuff there), but once Rick's Story showed up it really started to drag on a monthly basis.  Occasional flashes of genius stlll in there, and some interesting (if bizarre) 'opinions' on Fitzgerald and Hemmingway but Going Home and Latter Days were a long, painful slog to the [spoiler]underwhelming sphinx-based[/spoiler] finish [spoiler](huh?)[/spoiler].
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 22 February, 2011, 04:06:26 PM
To Sail Beyond The Sunset, by Robert Heinlein. Allegedly his most controversial novel, being as it is a bawdy memoir of an impossibly old, time travelling woman whose life has been chocka with sex, incest, underage sex, more sex and cats who walk through walls. It's quite pissibly the most fantastic and enjoyable novel ive read in months and even though im not even halfway through, im already mourning its end.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 22 February, 2011, 04:08:11 PM
"pissibly"! :-D good moaning, ive come for ze fallen madonna with ze big boobies!
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 February, 2011, 04:24:11 PM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 22 February, 2011, 03:55:51 PM
I've been re-reading Cerebus lately...

It really does feel like Dave Sim ran out of steam after Church & State (books 3 & 4)

A re-read of Cerebus is getting close to the top of my re-read pile (now merged with my read pile to make sure things get read that I've been dieing to re-read but get by passed by new stuff). This has left me with a bit of a dilemma. I remember really enjoying it beyond 'Church and State' and into 'Jaka's Story' and 'Melmoth' and even beyond into the first half of 'Mother and Daughters' at least. Then for one reason or another I stopped reading comics. Now the bits of 'Guys' I've read I enjoyed (this was some time ago) and 'Rick's Story' has always intrigued me. Then I read the last 15 or so issues and it was a slog. The dilemma I mentioned before wittering on, was whether to pick up the latter trades. Everything I've read about them says "no really not worth it". The completest in me just won't let it go. So should I go for it and try to read the lot. Or just stick with the bits I think I can trust?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 February, 2011, 04:53:50 PM
My advice as a diehard Cerebus fan would be to stick it out.  Post-Mothers and Daughters, the central idea is that Cerebus cocked up and missed out on the great messianic role that destiny had mapped out for him in the first 200 issues, and these last 100 issues map out what happens for the rest of his life, partly repercussions of the above, partly just life's vagaries. It's a bit like The Last Temptation of Christ, but with lots more Bible, and no happy ending.  It's also a unique project.

I'd definitely go back and read Guys in full anyway, it's very funny, especially if you were into the B&W self-publishers of the day, and features the best use of speech balloons ever seen in comics.  Rick's Story is virtually meritless, IMHO, but it does set up the 'plot' for remainder of the series.  In trade-form the last two books (broken into four trades, Going Home, Form and Void, Latter Days and Last Days) just can't be as painful as they were month-to-month, and some of Dave's angry witterings about Hemmingway in Form and Void are genuinely hilarious in their weirdness ([spoiler]he liked the missus to shove things up his bum, apparently, and once ate lion meat - for these violations of the natural order he was DAMNED by THE LORD[/spoiler]).  The art is amazingly good throughout, and you owe yourself a stab at working out WTF the end is about.  You should probably have a high tolerance for fart jokes, though.  And Woody Allen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 February, 2011, 05:05:14 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 22 February, 2011, 04:53:50 PM

I'd definitely go back and read Guys in full anyway, it's very funny, especially if you were into the B&W self-publishers of the day, and features the best use of speech balloons ever seen in comics. 

Well fingers crossed I get this bit done at least. Even just reflecting back on the copies I borrowed of 'Guys' when typing away just then lead me to eBay... a pretty cheap copy (if I win) and the realisation that as my re-read starts I think the rest might come a calling...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 22 February, 2011, 06:26:18 PM
Two issues of Dogbreath arrived on my mat yesterday. (Issues 7 and 17 to be precise. I know it probably looks strange to have 10 issues in between but this is my first read of this mag, and I wanted an example of the older issues and the newer ones (FQP onwards) ). They both contain self contained stories so there isn't a continuity issue.

Anyway it was interesting to see the difference in format, one A4, one A5 with a shiny cover!

Anyway, I munched my way through DB 7 yesterday. I was a tad disappointed to start with that there was only one comic strip. I needn't have been. The text stories were rather good, probably the best bit! (Not knocking the strip, it was more a light weight humour piece and worked well too.)

The first story Zero, was actually pretty nasty. (In a 'subject matter' sense not quality sense.) It was well told. The second text story Target was a great mixture of bounty hunter action and mystery story. All round rather good. The accompanying art was lovely.

The only criticism I'd give was that there was a bit too much swearing. They do use the word 'sneck' as well, after all.  I understand they're going for a more adult feel, but it surprised me somewhat due to the lack in the comics. I figure just stick with the comic invented swear words. The content is still edgy and adult enough in itself. (Oh, and I'd have used a different mutant than Angel, as that seemed a bit too close to X-Men to me, although the character was very different, mutation aside.)

I've yet to read 17, apart from the 'case files' sections, but I've noticed the ratio of strip to text piece is more even. I'll probably read this tonight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 23 February, 2011, 08:56:00 AM
I'm kinda reading the polar opposites of Fantasy literature - Andy Remic's pulpy sequel to KELL'S LEGEND, SOUL STEALERS, and Karen Miller's more character-driven EMPRESS. Both excellent books in very different ways... :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 23 February, 2011, 11:28:21 AM
Just read CHEW - fan-bloody-tastic. This had completely passed under my radar, but I bought the first book on a friend's recommendation and immediately orederd the next two. Insane premise, lovely art and really funny. Chomp!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 23 February, 2011, 11:33:29 AM
Just read the first two volumes of The Chimpanzee Complex- very very good indeed, but I need volume three!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: johnnystress on 23 February, 2011, 12:39:42 PM
this, and loving it

(http://dyn4.media.titanbooks.com/products/3951/johnnyred.jpg.size-230.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 February, 2011, 01:05:02 PM
It is great
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 23 February, 2011, 07:47:34 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 22 February, 2011, 03:22:47 PM
Phonogram.  Hey, that was pretty good!  It's a pity some of the celebrity likenesses weren't a bit easier to identify (Damon Albarn in particular looked more like Alex James, which is a little too confusing, if you ask me), but as an argument from the very specific to the universally general it was very clever.  I'm thinking of trying to track down The Singles Club, is it worth my while?

Well, I wouldn't want to oversell it or anything, but here's what I thought:
Quote from: The Cosh on 25 February, 2010, 09:52:23 PM
On the way home this evening I bought 5 of the 7 issues of the second series of Phonogram...I've just read the first one and I can honestly say it's one of the best single issues of any comic I've ever read. I was suffused with joy as I read it.

The second series isn't as cohesive as the first and none of the rest of it really lived up to that over the top description but it's still a lot of fun. The thing that made the first series work so well for me was that I was familiar with about 90% of the music they were referencing but I wasn't a big fan of much of it and certainly didn't agree with their view of "Britpop." This meant I got to appreciate all of the snobbery and bitchiness, wince in recognition at stupid things I've done or said and still be able to look down my nose at them all for having rotten taste!

Also, Mr Gillen draws the ladies pretty.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 23 February, 2011, 09:19:03 PM
Just finished Alan Campbell's Scar Night. It was intriguing right from the start and very readable, but at the same time I didn't feel the need to read it at every opportunity. However, it picked enormously in the latter stages, becoming a bit of a page-turner. I did enjoy it, and I'm looking forward to picking up the next two books.

Regards

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 24 February, 2011, 01:00:53 AM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 22 February, 2011, 03:55:51 PM
I've been re-reading Cerebus lately... Still on the second-last book (Latter Days) but it's really tough going, even though this latest re-read is very much in "skip all the boring text bits" mode.

It really does feel like Dave Sim ran out of steam after Church & State (books 3 & 4) and then just coasted for the next fifteen or so years, making up the rest of the story as he went along. The following twelve books do contain a few moments of sheer genius amid the deluge of anti-church / pro-faith polemic, but they're widely-spaced and hardly worth the trouble.

I'll second most of what Tordelback said. Loved Jaka's Story, Guys, and found Melmoth, Going Home and Form and Void both worthwhile.

Mothers and Daughter's is hard to wrestle with but if I leave out the non-comics portion of Reads (Yes, that is most of it I know)I think it's a pretty important comic. It always read to me like a retelling of the history of Iran in the seventies coupled with some of the more bizzare Feminist tracts like Valerie Solanas wrote. It would have worked better if I hadn't read any of the essays and Sims railing against his longtime friends and readers.

My suspicion was that Sim is not a misogynist but instead a paranoid schizophrenic whose paranoias concentrate on women instead of the government.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 February, 2011, 01:42:34 AM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 24 February, 2011, 01:00:53 AM
My suspicion was that Sim is not a misogynist but instead a paranoid schizophrenic whose paranoias concentrate on women instead of the government.

I wouldn't know enough myself to put a name on Sim's mental illness (although he was diagnosed with schizophrenia in the early '80's, while doing what most consider his best work), but it's real and apparently ever-worsening.  Catching a bad dose of religion in the mid-90s really didn't help.  It's a real shame, not least because he's one of the real geniuses of comics.  Andrew Rilstone (another religious type) has some great essays on his blog weighing up the man and his work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 24 February, 2011, 03:25:36 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 24 February, 2011, 01:42:34 AM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 24 February, 2011, 01:00:53 AM
My suspicion was that Sim is not a misogynist but instead a paranoid schizophrenic whose paranoias concentrate on women instead of the government.

I wouldn't know enough myself to put a name on Sim's mental illness (although he was diagnosed with schizophrenia in the early '80's, while doing what most consider his best work), but it's real and apparently ever-worsening.  Catching a bad dose of religion in the mid-90s really didn't help.  It's a real shame, not least because he's one of the real geniuses of comics.  Andrew Rilstone (another religious type) has some great essays on his blog weighing up the man and his work.

It's not just a shame, it's creepy. Douglas Wolk pointed out that while Sims storylines were thrown off track by his religion/politics/paranoia his artistic ability only kept getting better and better. However much I find Rick's Tale and Latter Days unreadable I have to admit they are fucking gorgeous.

The schizophrenia stuff is all on display. Worries about mind reading? Check. Belief that the force in question is stealing your powers? Check. Long rambling diatribes that the sufferer in question writes to help save the world from the force in question? Oh checkity-fuckin-check.

I always kind of understood Sim's paranoia about women. I don't agree at all but I kind of get it. There are more than a few points in my life where I had to change a part of who I was for the woman I was with. For instance, leaving a job I liked but that paid miserably to pursue a job with which I was less comfortable. And when I did I would get this flash of resentment and oppression that were just off the charts. And I wonder, what if those moments had been turned up to eleven? Would I have become Dave Sim?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 24 February, 2011, 09:01:58 AM
Quote from: johnnystress on 23 February, 2011, 12:39:42 PM
this, and loving it

(http://dyn4.media.titanbooks.com/products/3951/johnnyred.jpg.size-230.jpg)

Hell, I used to enjoy the hell out of Johnny Red when he was in Battle in the 80s...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 25 February, 2011, 12:11:10 PM
I just picked this up, sadly they only had issues 1&4 which is a little annoying. That's what I get for picking it up late. I know he's got his knockers, but I've always enjoyed Zombie's comics. I'm still waiting on him turning The Nail into a movie. Grabbed the latest Case Files while I was at it, so gonna have me a comics afternoon I think :)

It was the very pretty girl in FP who served me though so I felt a tad ashamed of all the boobs on the cover.

(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/3/38780/1243379-whatever_happened_to_baron_von_shock_1_large.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 February, 2011, 12:28:35 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 25 February, 2011, 12:11:10 PM
It was the very pretty girl in FP who served me though so I felt a tad ashamed of all the boobs on the cover.

Your local FP has topless staff?  :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Fredric Wertham would be spinning like an infernal rotisserie chicken if he knew.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 February, 2011, 12:31:35 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 25 February, 2011, 12:11:10 PM
I'm still waiting on him turning The Nail into a movie.

I just read The Nail recently and somewhat accidentally, foolishly thinking it was that JLA Elseworlds story of the same name.  

It was awful. But also  brilliant. The Nail's internal monologues were the highlight, so any movie would need VO narration.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 February, 2011, 12:32:40 PM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 February, 2011, 12:28:35 PM
Fredric Wertham would be spinning like an infernal rotisserie chicken if he knew.

It's more likely he'd be fapping like an eavesdropping Godpleton.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 February, 2011, 02:30:16 PM
Just finished Hoo-Haa's 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' its bloody great and I say more about it here

http://www.2000adonline.com/forum/index.php/board,12.0.html (http://www.2000adonline.com/forum/index.php/board,12.0.html)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 25 February, 2011, 04:20:55 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 February, 2011, 12:31:35 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 25 February, 2011, 12:11:10 PM
I'm still waiting on him turning The Nail into a movie.

I just read The Nail recently and somewhat accidentally, foolishly thinking it was that JLA Elseworlds story of the same name.  

It was awful. But also  brilliant. The Nail's internal monologues were the highlight, so any movie would need VO narration.

Yeah, his stuff isn't exactly high art but it gives me a chuckle. After Devil's Rejects he said he'd be adapting it into a movie called Tyrannosaurus Rex, he even released a teaser poster and everything, with a truly fantastic tagline.

(http://chud.com/articles/content_images/125/trex%20shite.jpg)

Thinks he's ditched it to make Lords of Salem though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 25 February, 2011, 06:05:28 PM
After several hints from me my girlfriend got me Scarlet Traces and ST: The Great Game for Christmas. Finished ST the other night, and I'm now half way through The Great Game.

I dimly remember ST running in the Meg, but I was drifting away from comics at the time and didn't really remember much about it over than that I quite liked it. Now I've read it properly, I've learned that it is in fact AMAZING stuff - so good that it has overtaken Leviathan as my favourite of Edginton and D'Israeli's works.

Only problem is that I'd really like a copy of their WoTW adap to complete the set, but it appears to be out of print - the only reasonably priced copy I can find is a battered ex-library one on Amazon Marketplace, which I ain't paying £15 for...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 25 February, 2011, 06:51:10 PM
Quote from: radiator on 25 February, 2011, 06:05:28 PM
After several hints from me my girlfriend got me Scarlet Traces and ST: The Great Game for Christmas. Finished ST the other night, and I'm now half way through The Great Game.

I bloody LOVED those books - I think twelve pounds (or so) is a small price to pay for their War of the Worlds. It's fckincredible. I had the added benefit of buying it from the Sheffield Space Centre and having the guy behind the counter regale me of a young Matt Brooker visiting...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 25 February, 2011, 07:12:34 PM
Quote from: radiator on 25 February, 2011, 06:05:28 PM
After several hints from me my girlfriend got me Scarlet Traces and ST: The Great Game for Christmas. Finished ST the other night, and I'm now half way through The Great Game.

Whatever happened to the mooted collection of this including all three books and lots of lovely extras? Seems to be taking it's own sweet time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 25 February, 2011, 07:17:35 PM
QuoteWhatever happened to the mooted collection of this including all three books and lots of lovely extras? Seems to be taking it's own sweet time.

I was waiting on this, but after five years or so I'd given up hope of it ever geting published. Dark Horse have put out all three books in lovely mini-hardback format with matching cover designs, which is the next best thing.

QuoteI bloody LOVED those books - I think twelve pounds (or so) is a small price to pay for their War of the Worlds. It's fckincredible.

Sure, but as I said the only copy I can find online in that price range is a damaged ex-library copy, which I don't want to pay over the odds for - everywhere else it's the usual demented Amazon Marketplace out of print books pricing - £40-120!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 25 February, 2011, 07:41:31 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 25 February, 2011, 12:11:10 PM
(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/3/38780/1243379-whatever_happened_to_baron_von_shock_1_large.jpg)

I quite enjoyed this, actually. Doesn't take itself too seriously - good, old-school horror fun. Kinda like Elvira only Rob-Zombie-style :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 February, 2011, 07:42:31 PM
Quote from: radiator on 25 February, 2011, 07:17:35 PM
...everywhere else it's the usual demented Amazon Marketplace out of print books pricing - £40-120!

Tempted to flog my copy now.  But it's one of my favourite books, so it's not going to happen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 February, 2011, 07:52:34 PM
Quote from: radiator on 25 February, 2011, 06:05:28 PM
Only problem is that I'd really like a copy of their WoTW adap to complete the set, but it appears to be out of print - the only reasonably priced copy I can find is a battered ex-library one on Amazon Marketplace, which I ain't paying £15 for...

It might be worth trying contacting Matt Brooker himself direct via his blog? When I went to a talk of his before X-Mas he had a small stash left that he was selling for £15 (with signature) don't know if he has any left but worth a try?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 25 February, 2011, 11:21:55 PM
QuoteTempted to flog my copy now.  But it's one of my favourite books, so it's not going to happen.

I doubt anyone would actually pay that for it, though!

QuoteIt might be worth trying contacting Matt Brooker himself direct via his blog? When I went to a talk of his before X-Mas he had a small stash left that he was selling for £15 (with signature) don't know if he has any left but worth a try?

That's a good idea, thanks!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 26 February, 2011, 11:01:01 AM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 25 February, 2011, 07:41:31 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 25 February, 2011, 12:11:10 PM
(http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/3/38780/1243379-whatever_happened_to_baron_von_shock_1_large.jpg)

I quite enjoyed this, actually. Doesn't take itself too seriously - good, old-school horror fun. Kinda like Elvira only Rob-Zombie-style :)

Did the good Baron die of exhaustion by any chance?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 26 February, 2011, 05:15:56 PM
despite fruitlessy searching for drop dead gorgeous by wayne simmons i did manage to find the reprinted "autumn" by david moody so now i can see what the fuss was about.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 February, 2011, 11:52:02 AM
Well, i finished 'to sail beyond the sunset' last night, and thought i'd stick some ponderings here.
This is the first heinlein book ive read, and it wont be the last. Yes, in this instance his political bent is somewhat obvious, and doesnt tally with mine, but that's okay since his narrator is just so bloody likeable in all other ways. I fell for maureen johnson/smith hard, and her presence throughout the novel was like spending time in the company of the mother/daughter/sister/lover/wife who is so perfect she sadly could only exist in fiction.

That she is all the things i mentioned- often to the same individual, probably gives the book its reputation, and since she spends the entirety of the book benefiting financially from the predictions of her timetravelling brother/son/husband/lover and trying to resurrect her father so she can bed him, should make the novel distasteful. But it never does. Maureen is more than a 'free spirit', she's everything halo jones could have been over the course of her very long life, removed from the expectations of weekly childrens' comics.

In fact, there's more than a whiff of halo about the whole thing, except it's more convincing and the characters shine more brightly.

Safe to say i loved the book more than any ive read in an age- it's funny, filthy, complicated, full of marvellous period detail and gorgeously expansive visions of the future. And i love maureen. Have i said that?

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 27 February, 2011, 04:08:42 PM
Lent the first two vols of Rick Remender's Punisher. Not bad. He's at his best when he's putting Punisher in ridiculous ultaviolent situations. He also has a good eye for collaborators: Pearson, Opena, Haut are strong and individual styists that can't be confused for the Marvel house style. Remender does kind of start to lose control when he gets into the motivations of the characters. Leave that shit to Garth Ennis I say and back away.

Hellblazer: India. Milligan still doing great with Constantine. Camuncoli/Landini and the Biz make one of the best illustrator relays for a single character I've seen in some time.

Woodrell's Winter's Bone. Friend pushed this on me. Pretty close to the movie but gives a greater sense of the girl's world.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 27 February, 2011, 04:18:53 PM
Quote from: mogzilla on 26 February, 2011, 05:15:56 PM
despite fruitlessy searching for drop dead gorgeous by wayne simmons i did manage to find the reprinted "autumn" by david moody so now i can see what the fuss was about.

Where were you looking, dude?

Oh, and Autumn...? Yeah, my all-time favourite apoc-novel. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 27 February, 2011, 05:23:48 PM
With all their sordid info-accumulation facebook sends me an ad I find useful for once.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/1906735395/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=266239&s=books (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/images/1906735395/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=266239&s=books)

Not sure how Al Ewing feels about it as he's forever raging against the spam on there. *shrugs*

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 March, 2011, 09:28:59 AM
Planetary.  Have always wanted to try this, having heard good things. Finally managed to borrow the first trade, and I'm 3/4 of the way through.  Somebody please tell me it gets better than this - I'm having trouble staying awake.  I like Cassaday's art, but the individual stories feel like back-up strips to something else, or shorts from Tom Strong's Terrific Tales.  Is this all it is, a series of homages to other genre stuff with cynical X-Files superfolk commenting on it while snapping at each other?  I'll persevere to the end of this one, but I do wonder if I'll bother trying to bully a second trade out of the library...

Transmetropolitan it ain't.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 01 March, 2011, 01:59:13 PM
I really liked that aspect of the first Planetary book TB. To me it felt like a themed anthology, sort of like 'The Twilight Zone'. The story becomes much more, um , coherent as it continues IIRC, so I'd say stick with it a while yet.

My reading round up; Surface Detail was up to the usual fantastic standard and has given me a new favourite line - 'All you ever were was a small piece of the Universe, furiously thinking to itself.' I'll say no more than it's a great read!

I've also been catching up with The Walking Dead vols.8-11, up to vol.10 now. It still engages and surprises me and can be unrelentlingly grim, but I think it may be starting to lose me a bit. I've always thought the dialogue was a bit am dram, but now it's starting to grate a bit. Adlard has done a superb job on it of course, but I'll see how I feel after vol.11.

Next in line is likley The Third God by Ricardo Pinto, the third book in the 'Stone Dance of the Chameleon' books. I loved the first, enjoyed the second immensely, but it's been around 7-8 years I think since then. It took him a while!Has anyone read the series including the third?

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 01 March, 2011, 02:02:46 PM
QuotePlanetary.  Have always wanted to try this, having heard good things. Finally managed to borrow the first trade, and I'm 3/4 of the way through.  Somebody please tell me it gets better than this - I'm having trouble staying awake.  I like Cassaday's art, but the individual stories feel like back-up strips to something else, or shorts from Tom Strong's Terrific Tales.  Is this all it is, a series of homages to other genre stuff with cynical X-Files superfolk commenting on it while snapping at each other?  I'll persevere to the end of this one, but I do wonder if I'll bother trying to bully a second trade out of the library...

Yeah, I never got the fuss about it either. Read the first two trades and certainly wouldn't rate it as anywhere near Ellis' best work. The Authority is much more fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 01 March, 2011, 02:07:23 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 01 March, 2011, 09:28:59 AM
Planetary.  Have always wanted to try this, having heard good things. Finally managed to borrow the first trade, and I'm 3/4 of the way through.  Somebody please tell me it gets better than this - I'm having trouble staying awake.  I like Cassaday's art, but the individual stories feel like back-up strips to something else, or shorts from Tom Strong's Terrific Tales.  Is this all it is, a series of homages to other genre stuff with cynical X-Files superfolk commenting on it while snapping at each other?  I'll persevere to the end of this one, but I do wonder if I'll bother trying to bully a second trade out of the library...

Transmetropolitan it ain't.

That was kind of my assessment Tordelback. Ellis now and then would say something interesting (I'd never realized how important Thatcher was to the Vertigo brand), but the main characters were dull as ditchwater. Get it through your local library if possible. Would have prefered more issues of Fell personally.

I thought this comparison of Planetary to Astrocity was pretty good. The writer is more pro-Planetary than I am but that kind of helped.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/astro-city-vs-planetary-superhero-reconstruction-v,41795/ (http://www.avclub.com/articles/astro-city-vs-planetary-superhero-reconstruction-v,41795/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 08 March, 2011, 09:37:07 PM
Fear Nothing by Dean Koontz

Interesting story that's actually got quite creepy.

Strontium Dog S/D Agency Files 01.

I got this at FP. (Last time I was there, I couldn't find any and ended up getting 02 instead. There were a few there this time.)

I've heard it said that the second was when S/D really took off, but I'm really enjoying volume one, pretty much from the start.

Only complaints I would make is that the print reproduction is a bit iffy on the earlier Starlord strips. There's part where the black has leaked into speech balloons. I also get the impression that much of the earlier Starlord pages were actually in colour and the conversion to greyscale here doesn't entirely work. Don't get me wrong, I like grey-scale art when it's created that way, but there are contrast issues here.

I also found it a bit difficult to read certain captions as it's black writing on grey (possibly another colour originally) background. And of course there are certain double page spreads where the speech balloon pans across the spine of the page. Something that would work in the central spread of a comic, but is distorting in a collection format. Some of the line work is a bit faint here and there too, particularly on the Gibson drawn story in Starlord. (The second part, with the T/K alien who reforms matter.)

These are small issues though, and are all to do with the reproduction rather than the original art which is largely cracking.

It's interesting to see how much S/Ds armour style and weapons seem to change, even compared to Dredd! I noticed the primary blaster he wielded in the Starlord period has a barrel rather like the Lawgiver mark 1. On a quick flick ahead I spotted the big 3 barrel blaster, but I know that design changes back and forth a bit later. (Or he has a few. I'd imagine Westinghouse have a number of models. ;) )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 09 March, 2011, 01:27:09 AM
QuoteIt's interesting to see how much S/Ds armour style and weapons seem to change, even compared to Dredd!

Apparently that's very deliberate by Carlos - he reasons that a bounty hunter like Johnny wouldn't have a 'uniform' as such, so his clothes and weapons chop and change between stories - while keeping to a similar style.

The repro issues are because the Starlord strips were full colour and I think there's also a difficulty reprinting that stuff because of the different paper/production method of the comic - it wasn't newsprint like 2000ad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 09 March, 2011, 01:58:27 AM
QuoteApparently that's very deliberate by Carlos - he reasons that a bounty hunter like Johnny wouldn't have a 'uniform' as such, so his clothes and weapons chop and change between stories - while keeping to a similar style.

Thanks for the feed-back that makes sense.

I've notice he's lost his guns a couple of times already too! [spoiler]Once in a sun and in Hell world swamp so far. Heh.

Electronux underwater though? He's lucky he just came out of that one stunned.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 09 March, 2011, 08:38:31 AM
Mardroid, i read that as 'electronux underwear'. :lol:

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Teivion on 09 March, 2011, 11:22:53 AM
'Wrong About Japan' by Peter Carey.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 10 March, 2011, 08:46:33 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 27 February, 2011, 04:18:53 PM
Quote from: mogzilla on 26 February, 2011, 05:15:56 PM
despite fruitlessy searching for drop dead gorgeous by wayne simmons i did manage to find the reprinted "autumn" by david moody so now i can see what the fuss was about.

Where were you looking, dude?

Oh, and Autumn...? Yeah, my all-time favourite apoc-novel. :)

looked in every bookshop in york and waterstones in my home town preston but to no avail,will have to do the online route methinks along with the autumn sequel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 11 March, 2011, 04:19:06 PM
Dropped what I was on with (A Thousand Sons) when my first shopping trip in ages furnished me with The Hell Of It All.

Of course, 24 hours later and I'm well past the half way mark. Can't seem to ever ration this stuff. "Just one more column" into the wee small hours.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 12 March, 2011, 10:12:53 AM
Reading the kick ass graphic novel for teh first time....loving the extreme violence.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 13 March, 2011, 07:27:22 PM
'Master and Commander' by Patrick O'Brian (after Tordelback's resounding recommendation).

At first I found myself somewhat dumbfounded by the sheer density of nautical and seafaring terms that the reader is expected to absorb, bewildering to say the least. However, we have the similarly nonplussed physician, Stephen Maturin, as a landlubberly companion who has many of these intricacies explained to him (and us) by various understanding Midshipmen and the such. Once you've got your mizzen topgallant sorted from your spanker the story fair flies along. The historical detail is fascinating, characters wonderfully wrought and action rousing. The language is at times hilarious in it's arcane accuracy, who knew you could secure a cannon with a cunt-splice? The way that nautical warfare was fought at the time is a real eye opener. Fierce engagements followed by the most gentlemanly of conduct once surrender has been proffered.

I've got about ten pages to go and inadvertently stayed up till 3am reading last night, bloody brilliant. Next one is ordered already.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 15 March, 2011, 05:28:32 PM
Slow reader that I am, I've just started Strontium Dog Agency Files vol.4. In volume three I found The Ragnarok Job less satisfying as a sustained narrative than I did when it was serialized in weekly parts. The sequel, Rage, took a long time to get going, and it didn't get interesting until Johnny caught up with the first of Wulf's killers.

Volume 4 gets off to a slow start with the debut of Durham Red. The plot makes good use of Ronald Reagan and the humour hits the target most of the time, but Durham Red's role seems to be mostly to give Johnny Alpha something else to worry about in relation to the safety of his captive. I enjoyed The Royal Affair. The Rammy looks like it'll be good entertainment, even though it recycles a familiar plot. Already Wulf seems a distant memory and it's business as usual for Johnny.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mangamax on 15 March, 2011, 05:57:16 PM
Getting through "Seeing Things", Oliver Postgate's autobiography. It's good stuff and the kind, eccentric, witty, imaginitive person he was really comes across.
Just got to where he's told Ivor The Engine was a sucess and could they have more? and he hasn't a clue what to do as he'd figured the story was told as far as he was concerned.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 March, 2011, 06:41:54 PM
Joe Haldeman's 'the forever war'; a science fictional vietnam allegory, that is fabulously written but best digested in small bits i've found. Ive also discovered it's the first of a trilogy, which upsets me somewhat, as i was hoping to move onto some asimov afterwards.

Comicswise, i guess im reading Hellboy. Or at least, i bought Witchfinder yesterday and today found myself hunting around for my near-20-year-old early Hellboy trades, with a view to rereading, and have thoughts of buying BPRD, lobster johnson, etc. I've always *liked* the series, but only reading witchfinder did it really 'click' for me as a 'world'.

Oh, and lots of old dr who monthlies that accidentally fell on me while i was sorting out some other comics.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 March, 2011, 07:08:53 PM
Currently working through the second half of my Grimjack trades. Some mighty fine reading in there but of more note in a special story reprinted from issue 24 Grimjack hallucinates and amongst the people who join him in Mundane's Bar are his three 'brothers' as he calls them. They are, cast in shadows, Nick Fury some fella I don't recognize and 'Joe' who... you guessed it is our very own Joe Dredd. Nice bit of trivial there... well for me at least.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 15 March, 2011, 07:21:30 PM
Reading APOCALYPSE OF THE DEAD by Joe McKinney, with a side-order of THE KILL CREW by Joseph D'Lacey. Good, honest-to-hell apoc-horror!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 15 March, 2011, 07:25:05 PM
Finished "Master and Commander", brilliant. Finished "The Devil in a Forest" by Gene Wolfe, not a bad little story, remarkably linear for Wolfe. Started "The Life of Pi" by Yann Martell. I bought this because I found a lovely hardback illustrated version in 'The Works' for a fiver and thought "looks nice, why not?". What a wonderful, wonderful book. I'm about 14 chapters in (some are very short), and it is magical.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 15 March, 2011, 07:55:56 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 15 March, 2011, 06:41:54 PM
Joe Haldeman's 'the forever war'; a science fictional vietnam allegory, that is fabulously written but best digested in small bits i've found. Ive also discovered it's the first of a trilogy, which upsets me somewhat, as i was hoping to move onto some asimov afterwards.
It's quite interesting to see the way you approach this old sci-fi stuff you're reading at the moment. The Forever War survived perfectly well for thirty years without being part of a trilogy. Right up until Joe decided he needed a new car or whatever, so you shouldn't feel any need to read the sequels until you're really short of something.

I offer this advice because I feel you need to break this habit now, before you start on the Asimov. Under no circumstances should you attempt to read any of the Foundation books beyond the original trilogy.


As it happens, I bought The Blade Itself this afternoon having seen it recommended on here a few times. I was a bit annoyed to discover it was the first volume of a trilogy so I hope I don't like it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 March, 2011, 08:01:46 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 15 March, 2011, 07:25:05 PM
tarted "The Life of Pi" by Yann Martell. I bought this because I found a lovely hardback illustrated version in 'The Works' for a fiver and thought "looks nice, why not?". What a wonderful, wonderful book. I'm about 14 chapters in (some are very short), and it is magical.

It is indeed. Possibly my favourite book of all time. I keep seeing the illustrated hardback in The Works but pass cos I'd probably always reverted to reading the well thumbed copy we have already as its more convenient. Love this book so much I suspect I'll break one day soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 March, 2011, 08:07:48 PM
I find myself having to read series in one go, if the first one impresses me beyond vague feelings of pleasure. My ageing brain is unable to retain details for long, and if i read other stuff between novels i find myself hopelessly lost and spend the first hundred or so pages of book two wondering if this was the one with the martians, or the one with the space zombies- if you see what i mean.

This was a particular pain when reading bova's mars trilogy- while i think a kindly boarder furnished me with the second book, the third took me months to get due to multiple ebay cockups and the wrong ones being sent. As a result, i felt a bit lacking in the minor details that my stupid head had jettisoned.

But yes, you're right. Though i didnt know of the huge gap in the forever trilogy; for probably good reasons this reduces my willingness to read the sequels.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 15 March, 2011, 09:01:52 PM
Steve, I read "The Forever War" when I bought a load of these Gollanz classic SF paperback editions (lovely jacket design with the bumbf on the back printed landscape and all the page corners round cut).

(http://i432.photobucket.com/albums/qq47/spugnut/IMG_0063.jpg)

Thoroughly enjoyed it, but, I've avoided the sequels after reading a few reviews here and there.

The only one of the books pictured above that I've had any trouble with is James Blish's "Cities in Flight", which I should have another crack at someday. Just didn't do it for me and I only managed to get about halfway through it.

There's a few more in this format which I'm still to pick up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 March, 2011, 09:30:55 PM
My grud, that's a fabulous picture Kerrin - five of those are high in my personal top 20 SF books.  As to Cities in Flight, it's an odd one, but its definitely worth persevering - it gets more interesting as it goes along and things get wilder and more sociological.  My problem with it was the Depression-era slang, which I found pretty confusing and a bit out of place.  I can only take so many okies and bindles before I get spindizzy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 15 March, 2011, 09:37:50 PM
Almost exactly the problem I had with it TB.

Incidentally, the other books in this Gollanz Classic SF 'series' are, "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes, "Lord of Light" by Roger Zelazny and "Ubik" by Philip K.Dick.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 March, 2011, 10:21:19 PM
Classics indeed.  This is all old hat, even for this thread but....  'Lord of Light' is just brilliantly clever, and while 'Flowers for Algernon' always feels like it should be a short story it's still great.  As to the rest, 'The Dispossessed' is my all-time No. 1 SF book by my all-time favourite SF author, and as I think has been conclusively demonstrated time and again 'The Stars my Destination' is the best book to give to anyone who claims to have no interest in reading SF - I've never met anyone who doesn't love that book once they've tried it.

I've finally given in, and started into Banks' Surface Detail - a quarter of the way in, and it's fantastic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 15 March, 2011, 10:44:52 PM
I've finally given in and am reading A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. I'm surprised by how much I'm enjoying it, since I had it pegged as one of those flowery language Lord of The Rings clones. If you've written it off for this reason, I urge you to reconsider. It's well worth a luck.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 16 March, 2011, 04:21:39 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 15 March, 2011, 09:01:52 PM
Steve, I read "The Forever War" when I bought a load of these Gollanz classic SF paperback editions (lovely jacket design with the bumbf on the back printed landscape and all the page corners round cut).


Waaaant soooo baaaad. Nothing in the 10 Commandments about not coveting a geeky book collection so I think I'm safe.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 16 March, 2011, 03:51:35 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 March, 2011, 10:21:19 PM
I've finally given in, and started into Banks' Surface Detail

Hurrah! One of the Ships has become one of my favourite Ships. (This might confuse those unfamiliar with The Culture!) I'm not sure if it turns up in the first quarter of the book, so I'll say no more.

Just to digress, having read many a penny dreadful in my time, I think The Culture is the only literary construct I really want to be real. I actually want to live in The Culture. sigh

My reading round up; got up to speed with The Walking Dead trades and it's kept me on board after starting to doubt the penultimate one. Also read book 4 of Moore's Swamp Thing - a few of the episodes lost me a bit, but this is some good stuff for the art alone. Now catching up on Interzone and Black Static (again!), to be followed by Cloud Atlas...

P.S. Mrs Mikey recently read The Stars... and utterly loved it! She's not SF averse per se, but this has sent her hoking among the good end of the bookshelves :D

M.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 16 March, 2011, 04:56:21 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 March, 2011, 10:21:19 PM
Classics indeed.  This is all old hat, even for this thread but....  'Lord of Light' is just brilliantly clever, and while 'Flowers for Algernon' always feels like it should be a short story it's still great.  As to the rest, 'The Dispossessed' is my all-time No. 1 SF book by my all-time favourite SF author, and as I think has been conclusively demonstrated time and again 'The Stars my Destination' is the best book to give to anyone who claims to have no interest in reading SF - I've never met anyone who doesn't love that book once they've tried it.

I've finally given in, and started into Banks' Surface Detail - a quarter of the way in, and it's fantastic.

Bester is the Gateway drug to Sci Fi no question. Definitely turned me. If a hardcore LeGuin man says Banks is okay I'll give him a shot.

SweetTooth Vol 1 & 2: Not bad Canadian post-apocalyptic story. Read it while I was on the train listening to Sufjan Stevens and I think that helped. Feels like small press on a large press schedule. Not a massive fan of Lemire's drawing but I really like when he gets creative with his paneling.

Locke & Key Vol 1: By Joe HIll, Stephen King's kid, and there is a lot of his dad in this story for me. Very creepy and suspenseful and Gabriel Rodriguez brings a great deal to the table. I am both turned on and turned off by how Rodriguez draws faces, but his eye for detail in the backgrounds is unquestionably impressive. For this one I'm on board.

The Long Ships by Bengtsson:This is really good. Has anyone read it before? A viking story with a very sardonic narrator telling the tale of a lucky hypochondriac viking named Red Orm.
Just started it but it's already had one of my favorite scenes where the vikings come across and puzzle over a Jew fleeing captivity. So why won't this Jut row on Saturdays?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 16 March, 2011, 06:17:38 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 16 March, 2011, 04:56:21 PM
Locke & Key Vol 1: By Joe HIll, Stephen King's kid, and there is a lot of his dad in this story for me. Very creepy and suspenseful and Gabriel Rodriguez brings a great deal to the table. I am both turned on and turned off by how Rodriguez draws faces, but his eye for detail in the backgrounds is unquestionably impressive. For this one I'm on board.

I got that one on the PSP comic ap. I really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 16 March, 2011, 06:25:10 PM
"Wrath of the Lemming men" by Toby Frost a rollicking good read so far with allusions to a famous twoofy story right at the beginning. "Piles of severed heads, corpses of lemming men ,these are pleasing words to us..."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 17 March, 2011, 12:55:43 PM
Just finished reading Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future: A Biography by Daniel Tatarsky. I enjoyed it, but I couldn't help feeling that a lot of stuff was missed out or very quickly glossed over. I realise it's chiefly about Dan Dare and the creation of same, but the sections on the creation of Eagle comic were just as interesting, and I felt a little short-changed that Eagle's sister publications (Girl, Swift and Robin) were only mentioned in passing: no word on when they were created, by whom, how long they lasted and what impact, if any, they had on the market.

Likewise, I'd like to have seen a lot more about the post-Eagle versions Dare in 2000 AD, the revived Eagle, and Revolver. Also, there is - criminally - no mention of Termight Replicas (http://www.termight.co.uk)!

Still, worth a read if you're a fan of the character, and definitely worth it if you want a pretty decent glimpse of what life in Britain was like in the decades following WWII.

-- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 18 March, 2011, 11:37:12 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 15 March, 2011, 07:55:56 PM
As it happens, I bought The Blade Itself this afternoon having seen it recommended on here a few times. I was a bit annoyed to discover it was the first volume of a trilogy so I hope I don't like it.
After six hundred pages, they've only just decided they need to go on some sort of fucking quest. I don't know that I'd recommend it. Seems too obviously in thrall to A Song of Ice and Fire in structure (and one particular character) without being as good or offering enough of its own, but it's definitely a page turner. Got the second volume, Before They Are Hanged, from the library today.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 19 March, 2011, 09:21:43 AM
Getting to the end of Strontium Dog Agency Files Vol. 4, now. The Rammy was one of the funniest things I've read in comics in ages, and it's a shining example of good, dense, well structured and action-packed storytelling. Stone Killers, which followed it, was a bit flabby but still good fun. Then I got to The No-Go Job, and I was surprised to find it wasn't just the art that let it down; it's like Alan Grant was having an off day when he wrote that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 March, 2011, 10:17:00 AM
Having finished the forever war, it's time to move on to asimov's the caves of steel. Sadly, i got waylaid last night with library copies of BPRD- the soul of venice and plague of frogs. Meh. The Venice collection was bordering on being just a bad, boring comic, and frogs was okay, ish.
As for the forever war; i couldnt help thinking throughout that it's made to be a play, perhaps a musical. Certainly its gay theme and the changing evolution of human sexuality would make a strong hook for a musical. I really enjoyed it, but wont be reading the other two just yet.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 21 March, 2011, 01:27:12 PM
Beasts of Burden: Read this last night and was blown away. About a pack of dogs and one marmalade cat protecting their neighborhood from the supernatural. It IS as cute as you would imagine that scenario to be but it is also horrifying and incredibly moving. The stakes are very real and you don't put the book down thinking Disney could easily adapt it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 21 March, 2011, 01:32:31 PM
A bit of pulp: JOY HOUSE by Day Keene.

I've also just received URBAN GOTHIC by Brian Keene.

So, it's all about the Keenes, I guess!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 March, 2011, 01:38:35 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 19 March, 2011, 10:17:00 AM
Having finished the forever war, it's time to move on to asimov's the caves of steel.

Don't half envy you SBT - have you really never read Caves of Steel before?  You lucky beggar, what a treat!  The next two are great too, but after that you're on your own...

BTW, when is someone going to hurry up and make those multi-lane travelator highway wotsits a reality?  I can never slog towards an airport departure gate without imagining myself hopping from lane to lane, deftly avoiding the waddling gentlemen and the ladies with their suitcase encampments...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 21 March, 2011, 07:36:22 PM
Just After Sunset by Stephen King

I got this for 1.99 at The Works clothing down sale. Great deal for a hardback book.

Still too early to tell yet how good it is, but the first story, Willa, was interesting, although I guessed the twist. The second story The Gingerbread Girl is good so far, and kinda nasty.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 21 March, 2011, 09:07:34 PM
Quote from: Mardroid aka Mardclaw! on 21 March, 2011, 07:36:22 PM
Just After Sunset by Stephen King

I got this for 1.99 at The Works clothing down sale. Great deal for a hardback book.

Still too early to tell yet how good it is, but the first story, Willa, was interesting, although I guessed the twist. The second story The Gingerbread Girl is good so far, and kinda nasty.

I've heard it's his best work in years.

Have it in the house, myself, but haven't read any of it yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 March, 2011, 09:34:58 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 21 March, 2011, 01:38:35 PM
Don't half envy you SBT - have you really never read Caves of Steel before?  You lucky beggar, what a treat!  The next two are great too, but after that you're on your own...

Funnily enough, I bought it for my mum donkey's years ago, as a random birthday present, with a really cool cover that I loved at the time. When I recently asked her for a lend (and found out she'd given it away years ago) I realised how much I regretted not reading it at the time, so picked up a 50p paperback edition in town, with a shit swirly mess cover I didn't like.

Sad to say, I started it the other night and didn't get very far. Now, there's nothing wrong with it at all, and I really think it was just overfamiliar. Decades of 2000AD have shown me mega-cities, moving walkways, robots who pass for men in a city full of robots that don't, procedural murder stories with mismatched partners, etc etc. Like I say, nothing about it I didn't like, just nothing that spurred me to go past forty pages or so. I jumped, and went to 'Jupiter' with Ben Bova; a writer who's previous work I've loved almost in entirety (aside from giving up on 'Mercury' for no good reason a while back- but I'll come back to that I'm sure).

I confess to being completely taken in by Bova's "Grand Tour of the Solar System" novels. I love the whole "New Morality" backstory- which scares me and makes me cross equally, and I love that Bova spins this against his main characters, who don't seem to usually be the kind of dry scientists the New Morality fears so much, instead being 'normal' people, with questions about Faith of many kinds. And, mostly, I love the Real Science behind them. I've learned more science in the last year, thanks to Brian Cox, Ben Bova and Arthur C Clarke, than I have in the previous forty.

So, anyway, I'll be on Jupiter for the next week or so, if anyone wants me.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 21 March, 2011, 11:11:55 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 21 March, 2011, 09:07:34 PM
Quote from: Mardroid aka Mardclaw! on 21 March, 2011, 07:36:22 PM
Just After Sunset by Stephen King

I got this for 1.99 at The Works clothing down sale. Great deal for a hardback book.

Still too early to tell yet how good it is, but the first story, Willa, was interesting, although I guessed the twist. The second story The Gingerbread Girl is good so far, and kinda nasty.

I've heard it's his best work in years.

Have it in the house, myself, but haven't read any of it yet.

I love The Gingerbread Girl- one of his best short stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 21 March, 2011, 11:21:57 PM
Currently reading Volume 3 of The Spectre. Only read a few, but they're pretty darn good.

It touches on intruiging moral and philosophical questions - with lots of gruesome killin's!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 22 March, 2011, 12:29:48 AM
Just polished off all my Swamp Thing trades. Pissed off that it's over now
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 March, 2011, 08:47:55 AM
Just finished the second half of Grimjack trades from IDW which is fantastic series and then read the 'Munden's Bar' trade which is a collection of short stories that appeared as a back up in 'Grimjack'. Its a fantastic collection and has a real 2000ad meets comix vibe to it. Aided by the fact that there's a brilliant Bolland short story rounding the collection off. I'd heartily recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something a little but different.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 22 March, 2011, 01:02:28 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 22 March, 2011, 12:29:48 AM
Just polished off all my Swamp Thing trades. Pissed off that it's over now

That's GRADE-A reading right there (if you're talking Moore's run)!...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 22 March, 2011, 06:46:11 PM
Yup, Moore's run. I'd only read the first trade before, but the whole thing is bloody brilliant. Should have rationed it out more
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 22 March, 2011, 09:56:52 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 22 March, 2011, 12:29:48 AM
Just polished off all my Swamp Thing trades. Pissed off that it's over now

Sorry Pop, but on the bright side it rereads great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 22 March, 2011, 11:17:42 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 22 March, 2011, 09:56:52 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 22 March, 2011, 12:29:48 AM
Just polished off all my Swamp Thing trades. Pissed off that it's over now

Sorry Pop, but on the bright side it rereads great.

They are great, aren't they? Still some of the best comics ever written!

I'd love to re-read my copies - the first Titan trades, in glorious black and white - but I lent them to a friend about, oh, five years ago. She's reading them at the rate of one a year... And this from a girl who claims to be an Alan Moore fan!

-- Mike

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 24 March, 2011, 02:10:43 AM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 22 March, 2011, 11:17:42 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 22 March, 2011, 09:56:52 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 22 March, 2011, 12:29:48 AM
Just polished off all my Swamp Thing trades. Pissed off that it's over now

Sorry Pop, but on the bright side it rereads great.

They are great, aren't they? Still some of the best comics ever written!

I'd love to re-read my copies - the first Titan trades, in glorious black and white - but I lent them to a friend about, oh, five years ago. She's reading them at the rate of one a year... And this from a girl who claims to be an Alan Moore fan!

-- Mike


That's some impressive rationing. She's not getting caught in pop1983's predicament, no sir! OOh I bet Bissette and Totleben look great in b&w.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 24 March, 2011, 12:06:07 PM
Oooh, I'd love to see that B&W art too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 24 March, 2011, 02:19:40 PM
I've been picking up the hardback editions as they come out and although I'd also love to see the pages in B&W, I reckon the colouring job is fantastic and doesn't detract from the line work at all. They are superb comics, no doubt!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 March, 2011, 08:03:47 PM
Oh
  thank
       fuck
           for
              that!

FINALLY, I have finished reading The Magician's Nephew by CS Lewis to the boys (as their bedtime story). Fifteen long chapters of the most hateful, dull, pissy, shitheaded prose and nasty-minded wank, of the kind that actually made me seethe with anger while reading every horrible sentence, every crap and overwritten cliche, every syllable of which dug into me like a tiny word-knife designed to suck all the fun out of reading. I want to fucking beat that self-important lion Aslan to death and stick his head on the wall of the special secret room I keep for dead literary characters of the fucking irritating persuasion. It's an old toilet, reeking of piss, and you get in by pushing through a hidden door in the back of a wardrobe. I like to think it's apt.

Is it too late to write an alternative series of follow-up novels, in which the Witch returns from the Northern lands, triumphant, and slaughters all the elves and fawns and satyrs, wades through their dismembered bloody corpses and stabs that bloody lion with a big sword?

ARGH! I have never been so cross with a book. Utter, utter, shit.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 24 March, 2011, 08:10:19 PM
So... not a CS Lewis fan then, SBT?

:lol:

Me neither. Pious twaddle the lot of it.

I did enjoy Screwtape Letters, mind, mainly because of how some stupid christians were said to have burned it ( :lol: ) but also because it gave me the distinct impression that Lewis wished he had chosen a more demonic path and had a bit of craic (as we say here in Belfast) during his life. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 March, 2011, 09:48:21 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 24 March, 2011, 08:03:47 PM
Is it too late to write an alternative series of follow-up novels, in which the Witch returns from the Northern lands, triumphant, and slaughters all the elves and fawns and satyrs, wades through their dismembered bloody corpses and stabs that bloody lion with a big sword?

White Queen aside, isn't that more-or-less what happens in The Last Battle?  

I think you have to first read Lewis at an age where you're unaware of the sermonising to enjoy him at all later on - and The Magician's Nephew isn't a great one, suffering as it does from prequelitis.  That said, if you can't stand pompous allegory and Blytonesque kids, it may be better to find out after just the one.

Personally I like Lewis a lot, but then i was a religious little spode when I first encountered him, and despite subsequent evangelical atheism I even enjoyed a reasonably recent re-read (well, before the first film version came out).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 25 March, 2011, 01:06:44 AM
I remember reading the Chronicles of Narnia when I was but a lad. And I didn't enjoy them all that much. I had just finished Tolkien's Opus, and my Father (a devout Born-againist), recommended I read these next, and I just didn't like them. I haven't read them since, and I couldn't really say why I didn't like them. But, since I started them, Magnus Magnussen style, I had to finish. And then I read Treasure Island, a book I make a point of reading at least once a year. My Favourite Book Ever.

Currently reading The Case of Charles Dexter Ward by H.P. Lovecraft. I hadn't read anything by this Author before now, so far I've only finished At the Mountains of Madness, and I'm bloody loving every sentence. The letters in 'ye olde inglishe' are a delightful  challenge. I think if I had read his works when I was younger, I might not have enjoyed them as much.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 March, 2011, 07:07:38 AM
Quote from: pops1983 on 25 March, 2011, 01:06:44 AM
And then I read Treasure Island, a book I make a point of reading at least once a year. My Favourite Book Ever.

A truly amazing book - wrongly pigeonholed as solely a children's book, it's just a fantastic adventure story.  

Yeah, I can see how Narnia would be very disappointing after finishing LotR.  Certainly should be read first.  That was always my problem with Tolkien - I seemed to waste a good few years casting around looking for the next great fantasy book, ending up with fare like Thomas Covenant, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser or the Belgariad.  Fun books in their own right, but, well, really not the same.  Things improved when I discovered Moorcock, Wolfe and Vance, but at some level I've never really recovered from my early disappointments with fantasy as a genre.

Just read a superb steampunk short by Paul Cornell, 'One of our Bastards is Missing'.  Enough ideas and characters for a novel in about 20 pages.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 March, 2011, 08:53:01 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 March, 2011, 07:07:38 AM
Yeah, I can see how Narnia would be very disappointing after finishing LotR.  Certainly should be read first.  

Well, considering that Stevie abandonned LoTR uncompleted because Yes, The Worldbuilding & Prose Are All Very Nice But It's Not Exactly Gormenghast, Is It? then that the Narnia books well & truly erased from the geolgical stata of his To Read Pile.

However, add his voice to the resounding chorus of Screwtape Letters Is Fucking Ace SBT. Quite simply put it details the advice of a senoir Demon to his nephew on how to corrupt a Christian & as such Stevie is sure that your boys would find it thoroughly more edifying as bedtime material.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 25 March, 2011, 09:15:31 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 March, 2011, 08:53:01 AMWell, considering that Stevie abandonned LoTR uncompleted because Yes, The Worldbuilding & Prose Are All Very Nice But It's Not Exactly Gormenghast, Is It?


Is it supposed to be?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 25 March, 2011, 09:29:28 AM
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 25 March, 2011, 09:15:31 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 March, 2011, 08:53:01 AMWell, considering that Stevie abandonned LoTR uncompleted because Yes, The Worldbuilding & Prose Are All Very Nice But It's Not Exactly Gormenghast, Is It?

Is it supposed to be?

Stevie speaks the truth. I actually read the Gormenghast books before LOTR (I was a bit late, I was in my 20's!) - a much more rewarding fantasy and no mistake.

Speaking of Narnia, last night I read the sublime Nick Lowe's film review of 'Voyage of the Dawn Treader', where he describes it as 'Pirates of the Anglican Communion.' LOL-OCAUST!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 25 March, 2011, 09:43:47 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 March, 2011, 08:53:01 AM
However, add his voice to the resounding chorus of Screwtape Letters Is Fucking Ace SBT. Quite simply put it details the advice of a senoir Demon to his nephew on how to corrupt a Christian & as such Stevie is sure that your boys would find it thoroughly more edifying as bedtime material.

I have a copy of the Screwtape Letters knocking about somewhere actually, unless I left it out for the gypsies in my last wife-directed clearout. I only read them The Magaician's Nephew as eldest had been making vaguely interested noises regarding the concept of Narnia, after playing the tLtW&tW game on the ps2 (and I think, his religious nutter teacher mentioning it in a lesson). I basically wanted to see if youngest could handle a whole book that wasn't just a series of gags. The good news is, he could, but neither of them particularly enjoyed it and we certainly won't be reading any of the rest anytime soon. (Next up: Scream Street 2: Blood of the Witch, or whatever it's called).

As for Gormengast and Lord of the Rings- both just bore the absolute tits off me. Dreadful old shit, the lot of them. I have fond memories of reading The Hobbit as a kid- but that's more to do with the circumstances around how I read it; in a classroom with a teacher I really liked, than much to do with the book itself. To be honest, I can't really remember much about it and it's not a book I'd read out of choice as an adult.

Treasure Island, on the other hand, is brilliant and I love it to bits. Along with Moby Dick, and several other books about pirates and maritime legends it forms a very special section of my library devoted to "the sea".

Away from novels, I'm ecstatic to report that my eldest has fallen in love with Calvin & Hobbes. This surprises me greatly, as it never struck me as a strip with a particular appeal to seven year olds, but what do I know, because he's carrying them around like a... well, like a boy carrying a stuffed tiger, and keeps making me read bits that make him laugh. Quite obviously the Transmogrifier and the Snow Goons are his absolute favourite.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 25 March, 2011, 09:50:12 AM
Fans of Treasure Island may be interested in this: http://hiexcomics.blogspot.com/2011/03/long-john-silver-vol-1-cinebook-review.html
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 25 March, 2011, 11:17:55 AM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 25 March, 2011, 09:50:12 AM
Fans of Treasure Island may be interested in this: http://hiexcomics.blogspot.com/2011/03/long-john-silver-vol-1-cinebook-review.html

Holy Fucksticks that looks cool. Did not expect anything that good when I clicked on the link, Clement. Love Stevenson like any sane human being, and Treasure Island is a revelation. Read it in my 20's and it floored me. I'm a firm believer That Long John Silver is Stevenson's best meditation on good and evil, much more so tha Jekyll/Hyde.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 26 March, 2011, 12:07:53 AM
I'm reading, and thoroughly enjoying, The Monkey Wrench Gang (1975) by Edward Abbey.

The book's four main characters are ecologically-minded misfits — a Jack Mormon river guide (Seldom Seen Smith), a surgeon (Doc Sarvis), his young assistant (Ms Abbzug), and a rather eccentric Green Beret Vietnam veteran(George Washington Hayduke). Together, though not always working as a tightly-knit team, they form the titular group dedicated to the destruction of what they see as the system that pollutes and destroys their environments, the American West. As their attacks on deserted bulldozers and trains continue, the law closes in.

Here's an extract I just read that made me smile (the book's full of 'em!):

***

     "You had your chance, Hayduke, and you blew it. Now sweat."
     "Sweat? I never sweated over any woman in my life. I never knew a woman that was worth the trouble. There are some fucking things more important than women, you know."
     "If it weren't for women you wouldn't even exist."
     "I didn't say they weren't useful. I said there are some things more important. Like guns. Like a good torque wrench. Like a winch that works."
     "Good God, a whole nest of them. I'm surrounded by idiots. All three of them would-be cowboys. Nineteenth-century pigs. Eighteenth-century anachronisms. Seventeenth-century misfits. Absolutely unhip. Out of it, nowhere, just simply nowhere. You're obsolete, Hayduke."
     "Like a decent valve job. Like a decent - well, I mean, like drawing trips to a pair. Like-"
     "Unhip. Unhip. An old man at twenty-five."
     "-like a good coon dog. Like a cabin in the woods where a man can piss off the front porch - wait a minute - where a man can piss off the front porch anytime he by God fucking well feels like it!" He stopped, unable to think of any more withering similes.
     Abbzug smiled her specialty, the scornful smile.
     "History has passed you by, Hayduke." With a fling of her wonderful hair she turned her back on him. Crushed and silent, he watched her walk away.
     Later, crawling into his greasy fartsack under the blinking fiery stars, he thought (too late) of the right rejoinder: Today's hip is tomorrow's hype, kid.

***
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 26 March, 2011, 12:18:03 AM
I have tried several times, starting around the age of twelve, to read the Gormenghast books but I've never managed more than two or three chapters before the ponderous weight of the overwrought prose completely anaesthetises me and the book slips from my nerveless grasp to the floor where it lies for another five years.
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 March, 2011, 07:07:38 AM
That was always my problem with Tolkien - I seemed to waste a good few years casting around looking for the next great fantasy book, ending up with fare like Thomas Covenant, Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser or the Belgariad.  Fun books in their own right, but, well, really not the same.
Sadly, I have paddled my canoe down that river too.

Just started C by Tom McCarthy. The first chapter was full of the sort of florid over-description which makes my teeth grind, but there is hope for better to come.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 26 March, 2011, 12:37:11 AM
When I got stuck into one of those "SF & Fantasy bookclub" deal years ago, I bought the Gormenghast trilogy, cos they were classics,  but I have still have never managed to read them. I thought the TV version may help, but no - why does this established 'classic' not do it for me? I've read LOTR 4+ times, so is it just me?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 26 March, 2011, 02:53:06 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 26 March, 2011, 12:37:11 AM
When I got stuck into one of those "SF & Fantasy bookclub" deal years ago, I bought the Gormenghast trilogy, cos they were classics,  but I have still have never managed to read them. I thought the TV version may help, but no - why does this established 'classic' not do it for me? I've read LOTR 4+ times, so is it just me?

No no no lots of people go up against it like it was a brick wall. They're not at all similar, so there's no reason why you should like Gormenghast. Personaly I love it but I could see why other's wouldn't. The characters are more exaggerated in appearance and in character and very few are "likable." The world is more boxed in and gothic. And there is waaay more intrigue and back-stabbing between the characters, very different from the good and evil world of LOTR. Which is why I can never get through LOTR. Where's all the crazy decriptions of unlikable characters wrecking each other's lives I ask you?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 26 March, 2011, 01:24:36 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 26 March, 2011, 02:53:06 AM
... Where's all the crazy decriptions.....

Yeah

I haven't read Gormenghast in ages but I seem to remember Peake taking two whole pages to describe an event which took place in a split-second

Madness

But the cool-crazy-uncle type of madness, not the painting-your-nightmares-with-your-own-faeces-and-then-eating-the-painting type of madness
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 26 March, 2011, 01:37:32 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 26 March, 2011, 01:24:36 PM
I haven't read Gormenghast in ages but I seem to remember Peake taking two whole pages to describe an event which took place in a split-second

Madness

But the cool-crazy-uncle type of madness, not the painting-your-nightmares-with-your-own-faeces-and-then-eating-the-painting type of madness

An ex once bought me Gormenghast, in some lovely special edition thing, and inscribed it "You will walk these halls for the rest of your life". Sadly- or not- I stuck my head round the door, took a look at the sort of people already in there, and didn't even unpack my bags.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 26 March, 2011, 04:19:09 PM
From the very minute I began reading Titus Groan, I was hooked. The books spoke to me in a way that other books never had, or have since. The best way I've found to describe it to others is that it's grotesque baroque.

I loved it's use of language - it reflects what Gormenghast itself is, being slightly ponderous, portentious, sprawling and convoluted for apparently no good discernable reason. Mervyn Peake's other books aren't written with the same style, which reinforces my point.

Gormenghast is just about my favourite book, like, ever dude. I can quote passages from it an that and there's a certain incident which to me is so utterly tragic, it pulls at my heart everytime I think of it.

So, yeah, if you don't like it you can fuck right off, ye 'Bastard whelp of a whore rat!' :D

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 26 March, 2011, 06:55:18 PM
Fascinating.  I could never get to grips with Gormenghast as a kid, although I  tried more than once.  Judging by the above comments from boarders whose opinions I at least occasionally permit to glance off my brain, I may have to schedule a new campaign.

In other news, my attempt to ration and thus prolong my consumption of Surface Detail is crumbling in the face of my increasingly rapt enjoyment one of the richest Banks novels in many years.  A splendidly fresh treatment of a pretty neglected subject in SF.  I suspect I'll end up finishing this off in a wasteful late night orgy (of reading).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 26 March, 2011, 07:18:57 PM
Still trundling through the Horus Heresy (sci-fi), Vampire Diaries (fantasy) and Tempe Brennan (non-genre) series on rotation so nothing new to report.

However, a recent visit to the library to attempt to order some Hellblazer trades (no luck) saw me accosted by the two women who work there, both ever so keen to show me a new range of 'graphics' (not graphic novels, graphics, is this librarian speak or person who doesn't 'get' the medium speak?).

They seemed quite excited, and had apparantly discussed it amongst themselves at great length and decided that I would love these books. Seemingly based purely on the basis that I read comics, mind you. I didn't have the heart to say no.

Anyway, they are manga style (published by Tokyo Pop) and are based on games which I've never played. There is a sci-fi series called Starcraft and a fantasy one called Warcraft (possibly based on world of warcraft?) 

They seem to be collections of short stories rather than a continuing narrative, and I've only read a couple of the sci-fi ones so far but they seem kind of okay. Nothing mindlowing, and a little cliched maybe but certainly not offensive. Whether I'll go further than the 4 I picked up (first 2 from each genre) is a coin toss at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 26 March, 2011, 07:53:24 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 26 March, 2011, 04:19:09 PM
From the very minute I began reading Titus Groan, I was hooked. The books spoke to me in a way that other books never had, or have since.

Same here, Mikey.

There aren't many books that have stayed with me so long after finishing it, or made me feel that I'm actually a more rounded person for having read it (pretentious wank, I know, but sadly true). I've never felt so invested in a cast of characters before or since, never cared about their plights quite so much as I did with these guys. When characters died, it seemed to matter.

I even embarked on a long term on-off project to draw every single one of the 50+ characters. http://darkjimbo.deviantart.com/gallery/182746

It's by no means a perfect book, by no means for everybody, and it asks a hell of a lot of the reader - it demands you put a bit of work in. By god it's worth the effort, though. There's simply nothing else like it - a law unto itself. As you say, even the rest of Peake's own work reads totally differently. Utterly unique.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 26 March, 2011, 08:03:01 PM
Great stuff Jimbo!! Just wish I could see Flay's knees.

Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 26 March, 2011, 07:18:57 PM
However, a recent visit to the library to attempt to order some Hellblazer trades (no luck) saw me accosted by the two women who work there, both ever so keen to show me a new range of 'graphics' (not graphic novels, graphics, is this librarian speak or person who doesn't 'get' the medium speak?).

They seemed quite excited, and had apparantly discussed it amongst themselves at great length and decided that I would love these books. Seemingly based purely on the basis that I read comics, mind you. I didn't have the heart to say no.

Anyway, they are manga style (published by Tokyo Pop) and are based on games which I've never played. There is a sci-fi series called Starcraft and a fantasy one called Warcraft (possibly based on world of warcraft?) 


Took a look at that faux manga at the Tokyopop website. You are a much nicer and more tolerant man than me. Or those librarians were fuckin' smoking hot. Do love that stuff. Love football? Try jai alai!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 26 March, 2011, 08:12:15 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 26 March, 2011, 08:03:01 PM
Or those librarians were fuckin' smoking hot.

Nail. Head.  Well, one of them anyway. And the other has her own mumsy charms.

Nah, the truth is I'm just hardwired to never say no to people who think they are being helpful. It's why when I got my own house for the first time I had a cupboard filled with more net curtains than the wall had bricks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 26 March, 2011, 10:20:31 PM
It's okay. It's nice to be nice.

Manga isn't really my thing (although to be fair, I haven't read all that much to judge)  but I picked up Museum of Terror volume Three recently.

I read the first volume, Tomie, some while back and enjoyed it.

This is a selection of stories, (volume 1 had a few stories too, but they were all based on that strange young lady, Tomie) and as such, some are better than others, and the dialogue, or possibly the translation, is a bit... odd (although I understand what's going on). Most seem to fit into the subgenre (if there's such a thing) 'body horror' and as such come across a bit repetitive, but not bad. To be fair, I think the stories were initially printed separately as part of other anthologies.

The title given to this volume was The Long Hair which is rather inaccurate, that being just one small story in the volume. It's a messed up disturbing one though!

The art is good and not the over large eyed stereotypical style many associate with it. The horrific scenes really do look suitably horrific.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 27 March, 2011, 04:27:50 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 26 March, 2011, 07:53:24 PM
I even embarked on a long term on-off project to draw every single one of the 50+ characters. http://darkjimbo.deviantart.com/gallery/182746

Nice work there Jimbo - I especially like Cora and Clarice. Funnily enough, when I first read the books I found myself sketching the characters and scenes whenever possible and I'm an unartistic wretch! It must be the rich description...

Quote from: TordelBack on 26 March, 2011, 06:55:18 PM
In other news, my attempt to ration and thus prolong my consumption of Surface Detail is crumbling in the face of my increasingly rapt enjoyment one of the richest Banks novels in many years.

Superb, isn't it?

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 March, 2011, 05:52:54 PM
QuoteQuote from: TordelBack on March 26, 2011, 06:55:18 PM
In other news, my attempt to ration and thus prolong my consumption of Surface Detail is crumbling in the face of my increasingly rapt enjoyment one of the richest Banks novels in many years.

Superb, isn't it?

Dammit- I'm still at least two books away from it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 27 March, 2011, 06:15:02 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 27 March, 2011, 05:52:54 PM
Dammit- I'm still at least two books away from it!

Are you quite mad sir?!

It's the best Culture book for ages and has one of the coolest ships yet. Total Culture geekfest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Eric Plumrose on 27 March, 2011, 07:47:31 PM
FALLEN, a 244-page novel by David Maine. My lazy-arse description: "It's a MEMENTOesque retelling of the Cain and Abel tale".

To my shame, I've read next to fuck-all literature. If it isn't in some kind of comic book format I'm unlikely to finish it, hence my preference for short story anthologies. Determined to actually finish the bastard and, thus far, I'm about half-way through and hoping to have it completed in a week or two.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 March, 2011, 08:40:09 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 27 March, 2011, 06:15:02 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 27 March, 2011, 05:52:54 PM
Dammit- I'm still at least two books away from it!

Are you quite mad sir?!

It's the best Culture book for ages and has one of the coolest ships yet. Total Culture geekfest.

I know, I know- but review stuff is coming in thick and fast at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: satchmo on 27 March, 2011, 08:50:09 PM
Just read Jonathan Lethem's book of film criticism about John Carpenter's They Live. It's nice of them to write books just for me. Next they'll be doing a collection of all The Taxidermist stories or something  :D

It's a good laugh IF you really love the film, like what I do. It can be a bit full of itself with it's fancy talk and store bought britches but it's a perceptive look at one of my all time favourite films. And not a book I ever thought would exist!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 28 March, 2011, 08:16:08 AM
QuoteJonathan Lethem's book of film criticism about John Carpenter's They Live.

An entire book? I never cease to be amazed at how niche a niche can be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 29 March, 2011, 08:11:12 PM
Lets see,

Words - Into the Out Of, by Alan Dean Foster.  Ancient African spirit/demon/things from another dimension try to destroy the world and its up to an elderly Massai wiseman, an American secret agent (FBI actually), and a tele-saleswoman(!?) to try and stop them.  First read it about twenty years ago and was pleased to discover I could get it print on demand through Waterstones.  The bit where the air hostess gets dragged into the toilet (the bowl, not the room) on a 747 still creeps me out.

After that I think I might give the first Ciaphas Cain trilogy another go, I got distracted twenty or so pages into the first book.

Graphic Novels - Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service Vol.2, Eiji Otsuka and Housua Yamazaki.  Buddhist students track down the recently deceased and help grant their last wishes, for a profit if possible.  Covers everything from student suicides over lost love to WWII veterans wishing to apologise to comrades they killed.  Not afraid to mention Japan's bad behaviour in China in the 1930's and 40's either, which is rare.  The art is pretty gruesome as well, even in black and white - mop handle through zombie heads anyone?

On a trip to York today I saw the Origins trade paperback in the window of Oxfam, £6.99 don't mind if I do.  That made the coach trip home a lot easier.  Now I'm just waiting for Case Books 16 and 17 to show up.

On the Kindle - Rivers of London, Ben Aaronovich.  Newbie copper gets dragged into the murky world of magic in the Met.  Very funny (including a couple of gentle digs at Harry Potter and the Twishite, sorry Twilight books), and featuring some very sexy river goddesses.  Looking forward to the sequel in a month or so.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 29 March, 2011, 08:36:22 PM
Just picked up 'I'm In The Band' by Sean Yseult, all about her days in White Zombie. It's kind of like a photo diary/biog, haven't read anything but have had a flick through it. Seems great stuff, not least because Ms Yseult made quite the impression on me as a youngster.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 29 March, 2011, 11:23:32 PM
The Greek Seaman / Jacqueline Howett

Some interesting reviews...


Chi
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 29 March, 2011, 11:31:36 PM
Quote from: El Chivo on 29 March, 2011, 11:23:32 PM
The Greek Seaman / Jacqueline Howett

Some interesting reviews...


Chi

Fuck off ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 30 March, 2011, 12:04:02 AM
Quote from: pops1983 on 29 March, 2011, 11:31:36 PM
Quote from: El Chivo on 29 March, 2011, 11:23:32 PM
The Greek Seaman / Jacqueline Howett

Some interesting reviews...


Chi

Fuck off ;)

Yeh, that was it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 30 March, 2011, 12:45:07 AM
Not so much reading as recently read today (it was quite a short story):

Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale

Written  By Joss Whedon, Zack Whedon
(The Outline was by Joss but it was written by Zack)

One of the things that bugged me about the short life of Firefly, and certain events in the follow up film, Serenity, is what little we learned about the mysterious Shepherd Book's background information.

Not any more, the answers are in this book. [spoiler]I was a little disappointed in that one thing I suspected turned out to be pretty close to the mark... then read a bit further and there was a whole other twist![/spoiler]

I really enjoyed it, although I imagine some people will not. (I say this because I like the other two Serenity GNs too, then come on-line and they got panned!) This is rather different from those others though, and the format does take a little getting used to. (I.e we keep jumping a few years back in time, so it's a bit like a Memento experience.) There's a certain pay-off which makes it worth it I think.

Presentation wise, it's a thin shiny (in both meanings of the word) hardback book, Cover art in nice muted tones by Steve Morris. The Art inside is by Chris Samnee and Dave Stewart. Starting out, I found myself wishing a bit for more colour tones, but I got used to it. It works well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 31 March, 2011, 06:55:02 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 30 March, 2011, 12:45:07 AM
Not so much reading as recently read today (it was quite a short story):

Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale


I've been meaning to pick up the Serenity GNs. Do they move the story on, from after the movie? Or bridge the gap between series and movie? Or both, maybe?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 March, 2011, 07:10:07 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 31 March, 2011, 06:55:02 PM
I've been meaning to pick up the Serenity GNs. Do they move the story on, from after the movie? Or bridge the gap between series and movie? Or both, maybe?

Little bit of both.  I haven't read The Shepherd's Tale, but Better Days and  Those Left Behind are both set between the series and film (Those Left Behind is a clumsy bridging tale wrapping up loose threads from the series) and AFAIC are not the best comics ever written.  The single-issue Float Out on the other hand isn't at all bad, centering on a memorial-of-sorts for Wash, but it has a slightly predictable twist which does develop the story beyond the movie just a teeny bit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 31 March, 2011, 08:58:37 PM
And the Shepherd's Tale starts at the moment when Shepherd Book is (Serenity Spoiler) [spoiler]mortally wounded in Serenity, i.e. shortly before the Serenity crew return to Haven and finds it decimated,[/spoiler] then jumps back a few years at a time and ends in his childhood.

I liked Those Left Behind, although I hoped for more of a pay off with [spoiler]the men with blue gloves[/spoiler]. Actually, I didn't think the other was bad, although I thought it the weakest of the GNs. It had cool robots in it though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 April, 2011, 09:40:11 PM
Despite every attempt to prolong my reading of Surface Detail, including restricting myself to one chapter at a sitting, I've reached the end all too soon - but what an end!   As it wrapped up, I was thinking to myself "well, that was by far the best Culture book since Use of Weapons", and then I read the final line...

A truly great read, it adds some clever new elements to the Culture, deals in original and thought-provoking fashion with some big under-explored SF concepts, every character was engaging (particularly the wonderfully vile villain), and it has a gripping twisty underlying plot.  

And yes, the Falling Outside the Normal Moral Constraints is officially my favourite foul-mouthed Ship.  

Just brilliant to see Banks back on top form.  Get on with it Richmond.

And now onto my long-promised chronological-order attempt on the Flashman papers, which will include several volumes I've never read.  I've just to get my pocket atlas out and we're off...



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 04 April, 2011, 08:06:35 PM
on their way is" drop dead gorgeous" and "autumn:the city" courtsey of amazon and the elder scrolls morrorwind for a bit of retro rpg goodness....i hope,is it any good?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 05 April, 2011, 10:36:46 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 04 April, 2011, 08:06:35 PM
on their way is" drop dead gorgeous" and "autumn:the city" courtsey of amazon

Thank you, sir, for giving DDG a whirl! Really hope you like it! :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 05 April, 2011, 05:06:15 PM
your welcome sirrah! still not landed yet tho' grrr...hows the flu sequel coming along?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 05 April, 2011, 05:43:03 PM
Well, after taking a break from the 'classic scifi' ive been reading since the year turned, ive gone through a couple of 'missing dr who adventues', courtesy of virgin books, before jumping back aboard the scifi train. Tonight i start 'the age of ra' by james lovegrove. I know nothing about it, other than the bookseller magazine and sfx are quoted as saying nice things, and that i like the cover enough to read the back. Sounded intriguing enough (in a 'lost 2000ad strip' kind'a way) to gamble eight quid on.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Lucifal on 05 April, 2011, 08:47:32 PM
Picked up Albion and King of Crooks, published by Titan, in hardback from The Works the other day. Now they bring back memories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 05 April, 2011, 09:31:16 PM
Quote from: mogzilla on 05 April, 2011, 05:06:15 PM
...hows the flu sequel coming along?

Thanks for asking! It's ongoing, mate. Shaping up real nice, I think, and should be well scrubbed up for Halloween release! :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 05 April, 2011, 09:46:13 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 05 April, 2011, 09:31:16 PM
Quote from: mogzilla on 05 April, 2011, 05:06:15 PM
...hows the flu sequel coming along?

Thanks for asking! It's ongoing, mate. Shaping up real nice, I think, and should be well scrubbed up for Halloween release! :)



big happy face.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 April, 2011, 11:32:15 PM
The first Flashman down, onto Flashman's Lady (allegedly the next one chronologically).

The original Flashman is an even better book than I had remembered, although I was surprised just how many of the really memorable events and set-pieces from the series are in this first one.  It feels very odd to be reading about the British army in Kabul, Kandahar and Jalalabad- when I read this book originally I only knew Afghanistan in the context of the Soviets and Massoud's mujahadeen, and now we seem to be a strange sort of full circle.  It's hard not to feel tragic resonances.

Coming at these essentially light books with and older mindset, Flashman seems not half the irredeemable cad he makes himself out to be.  Apart from his violent treatment of women and period racism (both of which are the specific and direct causes of many of his problems, if he could only see it), there's not a lot about Flashy that I can't empathise with - time and again I find myself thinking "in that situation, would I do anything different?".    What's more, it's interesting to speculate just how many legendary heroic actions have a figure closer to Flashman at their heart than even he allows.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 April, 2011, 10:32:33 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 April, 2011, 11:32:15 PM
The first Flashman down, onto Flashman's Lady (allegedly the next one chronologically).

Techincally you ought to read the first third or so of Royal Flash first; then Lady, Mountain, and the rest of Royal.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 06 April, 2011, 12:59:14 PM
Im currently reading frank herbert's dune,i read it last about 20 years ago and just wondering if its still as good now as it seemed back then.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 06 April, 2011, 02:30:29 PM
Quote from: klute on 06 April, 2011, 12:59:14 PM
Im currently reading frank herbert's dune,i read it last about 20 years ago and just wondering if its still as good now as it seemed back then.

ooh freaky coincidence time - as there was bugger all on telly last night, I rifled through my stack of free newspaper DVDs and ended up watching Dune again. A pretty good version I thought, but it does try to cram way too much plot in very quickly. After Paul and his mum are stranded in the desert, things just zip along almsot too fast to follow. I must go back and read the books again sometime.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 06 April, 2011, 07:10:55 PM
now reading the prog and drop dead gorgeous. happy days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 06 April, 2011, 07:27:45 PM
Quote from: mogzilla on 06 April, 2011, 07:10:55 PM
now reading the prog and drop dead gorgeous. happy days.

A good combo!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 April, 2011, 07:37:03 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 06 April, 2011, 10:32:33 AM
Techincally you ought to read the first third or so of Royal Flash first; then Lady, Mountain, and the rest of Royal.

So I gathered, but I've read Royal Flash a few times so I remember the Lola Montez/Bismarck stuff pretty well and figured it wasn't worth chasing up a copy when I was eager to read Flashman's Lady for the first time (which is great fun so far, and gels well with my new-found interest in cricket).  My real dilemma is what to do with Flashman and the Redskins when I get there, which I've also never read, and which I understand from Wikipedia should be both No. 6 and No. 12 in the reading order.. that one I think I'll have to get out twice.

The other thing I finished today was Sláine: Lord of Misrule, which warrants a separate longer discussion elsewhere - not what I was expecting at all, and while badly flawed in terms of structure, it was really enjoyable and actually pretty fascinating.  Langley's insanely detailed pen-and-ink work was a revelation - his Blood God is a very impressive creation. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 06 April, 2011, 07:42:01 PM
I wish I were reading Flashman!  :D

I have been reading The Rape of the Lock by Alexander Pope. I have never read anything by Pope before. I have heard great things about Pope, mostly written by other long-dead poets and literary critics. I thought it might be a touch old-fashioned and of little relevance to me or anyone else living in the 21st century, and I am now confirmed in this view.

The Rape of the Lock is a comic, satirical, mock epic poem about a real-life incident, the cutting off by surprise of a prized lock of a beautiful debutante's hair by an infatuated suitor unable to control himself, and the enmity that persisted afterward between their two families. It's about 24 pages long.

Please defend it if you read it and liked it. I am indifferent to it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 06 April, 2011, 07:45:34 PM
Just finished 'The Strain' today, was a cracking read. Being the second book it just dives right into things, so it lacks the creepy suspense of the first book, but the action is handled a lot better this time round I thought and it's rolls along at some pace. Very interested to see where book 3 goes.

Going to move onto either 'Things I Have Learned' by Karl Pilkington or 'I'm In The Band' by Sean Yseult next. The Yseult book is too big to lump around so will maybe read that but make Pilkington my on the move read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 06 April, 2011, 07:48:16 PM
I've never read any Flashman but I did pick up the complete McAuslan omnibus, figuring it would be an easier introduction to Fraser than such a long series as the Flashman books.Then I put it in a box and never read it.

This thread is forever reminding me of books I meant to read but never got around to. Like Klute and Dune. Bought all the Frank Herbert books when Sci-Fi did their first mini series and have yet to read any of them.

I think I had far more money than sense back then.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 06 April, 2011, 07:55:33 PM
Why not come and read some interesting conversations in tonight's Yap Shop session?

(Shameless Publicity Dept.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 09 April, 2011, 01:40:02 PM
All the Akira film fuss reminded me that I still haven't read the last book. Not sure why, think money reasons meant I just couldn't buy it and then the moment was gone. At any rate, I rectified that this morning. Akira is bloody marvelous.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 09 April, 2011, 02:48:58 PM
Just finished the First Heretic a tale of the first chaos marines in WH40k. Some bits tho i found a bit odd still overall a good read. And for a princely £3.99 today I got Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth, though I've seen the various movies I've never read the orginal so I'm looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 09 April, 2011, 09:16:06 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 April, 2011, 11:32:15 PM
Apart from his violent treatment of women and period racism (both of which are the specific and direct causes of many of his problems, if he could only see it), there's not a lot about Flashy that I can't empathise with - time and again I find myself thinking "in that situation, would I do anything different?".

While I too find it easy to empathise with Flashman, I still believe he is an iredeemable villain. You might want to reserve judgement until you've read Flash for Freedom, where he is at his most despicable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Chris Fain on 12 April, 2011, 12:40:22 AM
I'm in the process of reading some recollected issues of Creepy Magazine. Creepy Magazine, for those who might not know, was a very popular horror mag begun in the 1960's running until sometime in the 1980's. It's popularity notwithstanding, it was very well done and featured many stories by the great Archie Goodwin among others. Featuring artwork from Reed Crandall, Joe Orlando, and Alex Toth and many others, and beautiful covers from Frank Frazetta made it wonderful. I would recommend it to just about anyone interested in reading classic works with a very modern feel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 12 April, 2011, 08:13:03 AM
On such a Blade Runner kick at the moment that I dug out the sequel novels (well I found the first one, but I know the others are in one of these boxes somewhere) so am giving them another read. Seem to remember really enjoying them, if getting a bit bored with the constant 'is he/isn't he' games it plays with Deckard. Will see how I get on this time. Oddly I've never read Philip K. Dick's original, I should probably do that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 12 April, 2011, 10:27:57 AM
autumn : the city much of a muchness but enjoyable
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 12 April, 2011, 09:58:51 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 12 April, 2011, 08:13:03 AM
On such a Blade Runner kick at the moment that I dug out the sequel novels (well I found the first one, but I know the others are in one of these boxes somewhere) so am giving them another read. Seem to remember really enjoying them, if getting a bit bored with the constant 'is he/isn't he' games it plays with Deckard. Will see how I get on this time. Oddly I've never read Philip K. Dick's original, I should probably do that.

Ohh, I was really keen on finding those at one stage, then forgot about them. Any good? Who writes them?

Quote from: mogzilla on 12 April, 2011, 10:27:57 AM
autumn : the city much of a muchness but enjoyable

The original Autumn is my favourite survival horror of all time. Enjoy, dude! :)

(Pssst was that latest Amazon review of DDG your work, Mog? Mucho appreciated, if so)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 12 April, 2011, 10:40:22 PM
I seem to remember reading at least the first, possibly the second, Blade Runner sequel when I was quite young. K W Jeter was the aauthor I think.

Can't really remember much about them, good or bad, except that (and I may be completely imagining this), [spoiler]one of the replicants from the movie (I wanna say Hauers character but not sure) is somehow alive as some kind of sentient briefcase?[/spoiler] Have I gone mad? As I say, it was a long time ago.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 12 April, 2011, 10:42:24 PM
Ah, Jeter. A bit of a cyberpunk master, I think. Wrote Noir, didn't he?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 April, 2011, 11:12:08 PM
Finished Flashman's Lady, started Flashman and the Mountain of Light.

The former was brilliant fun, and (as usual) worryingly educational - I had somehow never heard of James Brooke, the pirate-hunting 'White Raja', despite his apparently being the model for Lord Jim, one of my favourite books.  The stuff about Madagascar is batshit insane, but apparently true in broad outline (an estimated 50% of the population died from forced labour, war or were executed in a period of just 5 years under the rule of Queen Ranavalona) and a fine companion to the recent Attenborough series.  

The latter is my favourite of the Flashman books that I've previously read, and I'm delighted to see how well this novel (No. 9) gels with the 'earlier' two (No. 1 and No. 6).  He was a clever man, that GMcDF.

Also started James Gleick's The Information.  I've never much liked Gleick's style, but this looked very interesting.  Too early to say, really.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 12 April, 2011, 11:20:43 PM
Yeah it was Jeter, loved them years back and so far the first one if holding up really well. It sometimes seems a bit much how much he tries to tie everything from the movie into them (pretty much the whole plot of the first one relies on the whole '6 escaped/1 was killed/4 are on the loose' miscount which Scott has since edited out of the film) but he captures the feel of it really well and as far as tie-ins go they're great. Hadn't realized Jeter had a reputation outside of these, might give more of his stuff a go. Wikipedia says he was the first person to use the phrase 'steampunk' which is some claim to fame.

As for the briefcase, that's an impressive leap of imagination! [spoiler]Hauer appears (or rather another Roy Batty Nexus 6 does) with a briefcase at one point which acts as a portable life support system so he can kidnap a terminal patient from a hospital. [/spoiler] The sentient briefcase thing sounds infinitely cooler though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 14 April, 2011, 08:56:04 AM
Well im almost finished the epic dune and love it as much as i did 20 years ago so ive decided to dig out dune messiah,children of dune,god emperor of dune again its been 20 year since i last read them.

No point looking at them sitting on the book shelf,plus i also have the complete ro-busters and robo-hunter droid files v1 to find time to read
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 14 April, 2011, 06:39:38 PM
Lady Windermere's Fan (Oscar Wilde) and A Handful of Dust (Evelyn Waugh)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 April, 2011, 08:58:33 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 14 April, 2011, 06:39:38 PM
Lady Windermere's Fan (Oscar Wilde) and A Handful of Dust (Evelyn Waugh)

Love both of those.  I could read Wilde and Waugh until [insert prosaic but distant event].
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 14 April, 2011, 09:05:49 PM
Quote from: klute on 14 April, 2011, 08:56:04 AM
Well im almost finished the epic dune and love it as much as i did 20 years ago

I read them all again a few years ago and like you, still loved the original as well as the rest. I've never bothered with the others written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson as I've heard bad things about them.

I recently read Turn Coat (Book 11 of The Dresden Files). Very enjoyable with some great characters, lots of action and some elements of previous books were tied up and there were hints at things to come too.

Just finished Neuromancer by William Gibson. I struggled with this a bit at times and found it a chore to get through. Some great ideas but it just didn't grab me as much as I thought it would. I had a feeling of deja vu with it too. I know I haven't read it before but there were certain names and phrases I seemed to recognise. Odd.

Next I'll be reading The stars my destination by Alfred Bester because I have heard good things about this book on this very forum.

I'll also be reading the second Northlanders trade and The Taxidermist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 14 April, 2011, 09:11:51 PM
Quote from: Albion on 14 April, 2011, 09:05:49 PM
Just finished Neuromancer by William Gibson. I struggled with this a bit at times and found it a chore to get through. Some great ideas but it just didn't grab me as much as I thought it would.

Yeah, I enjoyed the 'noir' more than the 'tech' in that book. Same with the sequel. Gibson's a great writer with wonderful ideas, but you need to be wide awake reading him...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 14 April, 2011, 09:19:58 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 14 April, 2011, 09:11:51 PMGibson's a great writer with wonderful ideas, but you need to be wide awake reading him...

Yeah, totally agree with that Hoo-Haa. It hasn't put me off of reading more by him.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 14 April, 2011, 09:42:17 PM
Recently finished Flashman and the Mountain of Light. It was quite enjoyable, but perhaps not so much as some of the other installments in the series. Some of the historical figures mentioned have such incredible lives they almost make Flashman's fictional exploits seem credible.

Tomorrow I start A clash of Kings, the follow-up to A Game of Thrones which started well but kind of lost me a bit as it went on (oddly enough as the action started to pick up). The ending was ridiculous.

Still, looking forward to see what the next volume has in store.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 15 April, 2011, 01:55:24 AM
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

I started this on-line, and when a friend gave me an Amazon voucher for a birthday present I decided to pick up the novel.*

Interesting world and story so far. I'm a little undecided on Sanderson's writing style. I enjoyed his work in the last two Wheel of Time books though.  This is one of his earlier books so maybe he has progressed, or maybe he was matching his style more to Robert Jordan in the WoT books. (It's still different but it fits well.)

Don't get me wrong, his writing style, isn't bad. It does the job, and certainly doesn't put me off the story. Maybe it's just the contrast having just finished a Stephen King book.** The Final Empire is a page turner, which is the main thing. It has a kind of Magnificent Seven vibe too, which should be fun in a fantasy novel. (Not the first I've read to have that theme, mind you. Wolves of the Calla the fifth book in King's The Dark Tower cycle for example.)

The magic system is very original. It's called 'allomancy' and it involves the allomancer imbibing flakes of metal. He/she can then gain powers by burning those metals.  Different metals grant different powers. Most allomancers are 'Mistings' who can only process one kind of metal but a minority, 'Mistborn' can process them all. Very odd, strange, slightly unsettling in a stomach churning way, but kinda cool too.

*I got the first volume of Kick-ass too. I've seen the film and loved it, so I figured, might as well pick up the source. Especially as I'm reading KA2 in Clint anyway.

**Just after Sunset, by the way. I mentioned it here earlier, but I'd just like to add, having now finished, it's cracking!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 15 April, 2011, 01:23:59 PM
Quote*I got the first volume of Kick-ass too. I've seen the film and loved it, so I figured, might as well pick up the source. Especially as I'm reading KA2 in Clint anyway.

I got that a few weeks back in all honesty i wish i'd read it before watching the film.
As Has happened in the past seeing the film ruined the GN to a degree but i still loved it and cant wait for the full 2nd volume
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 15 April, 2011, 08:04:50 PM
Finishing up Banks' Consider Phlebas. Picked this up at the local used book shop since many of the folks on this site love the Culture books. At first thought I'd made a mistake. Just another cosmic opera, I thought. Then they got to the megaship and I was all in. It's a very strange book. At times it reminds me of The Narrative of Arther Gordon Pym and at others The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Also my feelings toward the Culture fluctuates. I may agree with them but their self satisfaction grates. What this boils down to is I want to read another, and immediately.

So I've got a choice at my local bookshop for Use of Weapons or Surface Detail. Which, hivemind, do you suggest?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 April, 2011, 08:12:23 PM
QuoteSo I've got a choice at my local bookshop for Use of Weapons or Surface Detail. Which, hivemind, do you suggest?

I've yet to read Surface Detail, but I am lead to believe it is excellent.
Use of Weapons on the other hand, is close to being my favourite book ever.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 15 April, 2011, 08:13:54 PM
'Use of Weapons' Monster. You will absolutely love it.

And then, if I may suggest, 'The Player of Games', 'Excession', 'Inversions', 'Look to Windward', 'Matter' and 'Surface Detail'. Not forgetting the short stories in 'State of the Art'.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 April, 2011, 08:28:00 PM
Finished 'the age of ra' last night. Hmm, it kept my interest throughout, and the 'gods' bits were entertaining, but it was all a bit underwhelming in the end. The plot twist was obvious and it just sort of petred out.

Next up is Jonathan Maberry's 'the dragon factory', sequel to 'patient zero', which i read last year and which still lingers in my head.

Hoping this is as good, though the potential lack of zombies this time may be a dealbreaker.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 15 April, 2011, 08:35:03 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 15 April, 2011, 08:28:00 PM

Next up is Jonathan Maberry's 'the dragon factory', sequel to 'patient zero', which i read last year and which still lingers in my head.

To my shame, I haven't read Maberry yet, even though he was kind enough to volunteer nice words on both FLU and DDG. He's on my list. No idea what to expect, although all I've heard has been very positive. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 April, 2011, 08:41:43 PM
Patient Zero was the first ime i'd ever knowingly read a novel that was blatantly trying to be a movie pitch. And to be fair to it, it's absolutely a movie i want to see. It's an unashamedly macho action romp, sort of 'bravo two zombies', with a bunch of political homeland security post-sept 11 shenanigans woven in. It's written to be a balls-out breakneck thriller that's collided with the biggest zombie movie you can imagine, and it mostly succeeds. Whether the main character, joe ledger, is entertaining enough to support further outings... I'll tell you in about a week!
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 15 April, 2011, 08:48:46 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 April, 2011, 08:58:33 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 14 April, 2011, 06:39:38 PM
Lady Windermere's Fan (Oscar Wilde) and A Handful of Dust (Evelyn Waugh)

Love both of those.  I could read Wilde and Waugh until [insert prosaic but distant event].

I've got to Act Three of Lady Windermere's Fan. It hasn't remotely got good yet. I can't see the story going anywhere interesting and the speeches are altogether too long without many epigrams. It's not The Importance of Being Earnest, that's for sure.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 April, 2011, 09:18:55 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 15 April, 2011, 08:13:54 PM
'Use of Weapons' Monster. You will absolutely love it.

And then, if I may suggest, 'The Player of Games', 'Excession', 'Inversions', 'Look to Windward', 'Matter' and 'Surface Detail'. Not forgetting the short stories in 'State of the Art'.

Agreed.  Although the sequence of Culture novels isn't very important due to their standalone nature, there is at least an implicit reading order from the incomparable Use of Weapons, to Look to Windward and then Surface Detail.  Certainly the outstanding Surface Detail benefits from being read later on.

I didn't like the title story in State of the Art - I still think it was a bit of a mistake.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 16 April, 2011, 08:54:05 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 April, 2011, 09:18:55 PM
I didn't like the title story in State of the Art - I still think it was a bit of a mistake.

I can see what mean with that TB but I won't get into it here to avoid spoiling for others.

I am currently reading "HMS Surprise" by Patrick O'Brian, the third of the Aubrey/Maturin novels. I am a zealous convert to Mr.O'Brian's work and won't do them the injustice of my stumbling qualifications, but will say that if you have any interest in historical fiction of an entertaining and authentic nature, give them a shot.

Also on the go is the Self Made Hero "H.P.Lovecraft Anthology" compiled and mostly adapted by Dan Lockwood. I've only read the first tale in it so far by a couple of what, I assume, are newcomers to the comics game, Ian Edgington and D'Israeli. They've made a fair fist of it and I expect to see them do well. It's ace! And, there's a second anthology out in March 2012 according to the Self Made Hero catalogue (http://www.selfmadehero.com/catalogue.php), which is a wonderful little read in itself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 16 April, 2011, 10:42:44 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 15 April, 2011, 08:41:43 PM
Patient Zero was the first ime i'd ever knowingly read a novel that was blatantly trying to be a movie pitch. And to be fair to it, it's absolutely a movie i want to see. It's an unashamedly macho action romp, sort of 'bravo two zombies', with a bunch of political homeland security post-sept 11 shenanigans woven in. It's written to be a balls-out breakneck thriller that's collided with the biggest zombie movie you can imagine, and it mostly succeeds. Whether the main character, joe ledger, is entertaining enough to support further outings... I'll tell you in about a week!
SBT

Looking forward to your report! I really enjoyed Patient Zero, like you say it was big blockbuster thrills, and I thought the cross between 24 and 28 Days Later (24 Days Later?) worked really well. Always assumed a sequel would appear but seem to have missed it sneaking out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 16 April, 2011, 10:49:11 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 16 April, 2011, 10:42:44 AM

Looking forward to your report! I really enjoyed Patient Zero, like you say it was big blockbuster thrills, and I thought the cross between 24 and 28 Days Later (24 Days Later?) worked really well. Always assumed a sequel would appear but seem to have missed it sneaking out.

There's a third, apparently, due this month:

http://www.play.com/Books/Books/4-/14955362/The-King-of-Plagues/Product.html?searchtype=allproducts&searchsource=0&searchstring=jonathan+maberry&urlrefer=search

So I guess he survives this one!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 16 April, 2011, 10:58:04 AM
Spoilers!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 16 April, 2011, 01:14:25 PM
Just finished Christa Faust's MONEY SHOT. I reviewed it on my blog:

Basically, I said: MONEY SHOT is an addictive book. A balls-to-the-wall ride, loaded with sex, drugs and violence. It's got everything a page-turner needs: good characters, engaging plot, romance and action by the bucket-load. You'll find it hard *not* to read all 250 pages in one sitting. And that's probably the best compliment a writer could ever get.

READ MORE:

http://waynesimmons.org/blog/?p=431
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 16 April, 2011, 02:10:17 PM
I have a few things im reading atm but im going to buy the game of throne books as recommended on here :)

Whilst im buying them can anyone recommend The Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay???

My friend mentioned it in passing but knows little about it which is why i ask here as most of us share similar tastes
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 17 April, 2011, 03:35:31 PM
Well, the dragon factory's okay so far. Yeah, it's missing its zombies and the 'bad guys' are so camp and clichéd it's untrue, but it's pretty high octane stuff.
Ive also just begun a reread of the complete nikolai dante (or at least, of the first seven volumes, all that i have without getting the progs out), and am up to the start of 'the gentleman thief'. It's easy to forget, after years of doom and gloom, how much fun this strip was at the start. I'd honestly urge anyone coming to dante afresh to start at the top; that way when the tragedy strikes, you feel it all the more. Some days i just think nikolai dante is probably the best thing 2000AD's ever run, and what halo jones could have been like with a better writer, a better artist and the space to breathe.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 April, 2011, 03:40:34 PM
Once I've finished my Cerebus re-read (which seems to be expanding as time goes on!) a full Dante re-read is on the cards. I'm really looking forward to it, well aside from the fact that being tradeless it'll involve pulling all the progs from the shelves... which can only lead to distraction (after that Sinister Dexter I think)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 17 April, 2011, 05:26:21 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 17 April, 2011, 03:35:31 PM
Well, the dragon factory's okay so far. Yeah, it's missing its zombies and the 'bad guys' are so camp and clichéd it's untrue, but it's pretty high octane stuff.

So, do the zombies only appear in PATIENT ZERO?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 17 April, 2011, 05:34:00 PM
Just finished The Case of Charles Dexter Ward and The Dream in the Witch House by H.P sauce Lovecraft. Great imagination. The former was a tad predictable but no less enjoyable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 17 April, 2011, 06:01:32 PM
So far, Wayne, so far... But im only a hundred or so pages in.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 19 April, 2011, 06:48:35 PM
Just finished Journey to the centre of the Earth by that Jules Verne.How Hollywood has changed the original. Lidenbrocks a German, there's no women and no rival fighting the team in the depths.

On to The Lost Fleet- Dauntless, a sci-fi war story -i thought it would be a bit Trek but it's more like the Honour Harrington books but without the endless and boring political cook ups going on in the background-no messing straight into the action.

Weirdest of all is the Dragons Claws a Marvel uk late eighties book I got on a whim as Simon Furman who created Deaths head had written it. It's a -wait for it a futuristic post apocalypse gladiatorial team book-phew. Has strong elements of and pays tribute in the forward too 2000AD. yay! :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 19 April, 2011, 06:59:58 PM
Continuing my new love affair with HARD CASE CRIME (www.hardcasecrime.com), I'm reading SOMEBODY OWES ME MONEY by Donald E. Westlake.

Cracking read. Mob Noir type book - very amusing, even slapstick in places.

Expect a full review very soon. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 19 April, 2011, 08:29:59 PM
Just finished my re-read of Blade Runner 2: Edge of Human, and despite having read it before I was totally gripped! Pretty embarrassing really, as that shows how poor my memory must be. I still like it a lot, it does try too hard to cram the movie characters in and give them something to do, but it all feels very Blade Runner and comes across as how you would imagine a movie sequel to turn out. ie. A lot like the first movie but with bigger plot twists and massive explosions and action scenes. I'm ok with that, and glad it happened in print and not on film.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 19 April, 2011, 08:52:02 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 19 April, 2011, 08:29:59 PM
Just finished my re-read of Blade Runner 2: Edge of Human, and despite having read it before I was totally gripped! Pretty embarrassing really, as that shows how poor my memory must be. I still like it a lot, it does try too hard to cram the movie characters in and give them something to do, but it all feels very Blade Runner and comes across as how you would imagine a movie sequel to turn out. ie. A lot like the first movie but with bigger plot twists and massive explosions and action scenes. I'm ok with that, and glad it happened in print and not on film.

So, is it a sequel to the flim as opposed to PK Dick's novel?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 19 April, 2011, 09:06:25 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 19 April, 2011, 08:52:02 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 19 April, 2011, 08:29:59 PM
Just finished my re-read of Blade Runner 2: Edge of Human, and despite having read it before I was totally gripped! Pretty embarrassing really, as that shows how poor my memory must be. I still like it a lot, it does try too hard to cram the movie characters in and give them something to do, but it all feels very Blade Runner and comes across as how you would imagine a movie sequel to turn out. ie. A lot like the first movie but with bigger plot twists and massive explosions and action scenes. I'm ok with that, and glad it happened in print and not on film.

So, is it a sequel to the flim as opposed to PK Dick's novel?

Weirdly I think it's both! I've never read the original (shameful I know) so I don't know how closely the movie followed it, but I'm told this has characters from the original novel in it and tries to reconcile the differences between the two. I remember someone telling me that the Sebastian character in the movie was based on a guy called Isidore, who appears in this book. Plus the blurb says Jeter was sanctioned by PK Dick's estate to 'continue his story', which gives the impression it's a follow up to the novel. Just reads like a sequel to the movie to me though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: spireite68 on 19 April, 2011, 09:22:05 PM
The Tim Vine joke book. Fantastic!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 19 April, 2011, 10:45:03 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 19 April, 2011, 09:06:25 PM
QuoteSo, is it a sequel to the flim as opposed to PK Dick's novel?

Weirdly I think it's both! I've never read the original (shameful I know) so I don't know how closely the movie followed it, but I'm told this has characters from the original novel in it and tries to reconcile the differences between the two.

I'd say it's very much a sequel of the film rather than the book. It does play more on certain themes from the book though, [spoiler]i.e. the thread in which Deckard might be a replicant, etc.[/spoiler] That is suggested in the Director's/Final Cut of the film with the incorporation of [spoiler]the unicorn dream sequence[/spoiler], but in the original book it's speculated about outright. I'm pretty sure the book sequels were written before that scene was included into the film too.

I quite liked the book sequels although there was thread later which I wasn't too sure about. I forget the specifics, and I won't spoil much here, but it was essentially [spoiler]another twist investigating the nature of humanity and the overlap between humans and replicants even further.[/spoiler] While it was interesting, I think it went too far and created more confusion than anything.

Okay, last book I read: Kick-Ass. (I mentioned I got it in an earlier post, but now I've actually read it.)

I largely liked it. The film is pretty faithful to it, isn't it? It's interesting to see the differences though. Actually the comic story seems a lot closer to the idea of 'heroes/vigilantes in the real world' than the film, although I think the film was largely better fun. By 'more fun' I'm not saying it was better, just different. Both are good in their own ways.

There were elements of extra nastiness in the comic which I thought wasn't really needed. (I don't mean the gore. That WAS nasty, but it's so outrageous it verges on comedy.) [spoiler]And his 'sort of girlfriend' was a nicer person in the film. I am glad they didn't end up together though. That's so much more believable. The 'photo' that was sent him, is an example of what I mean by nastiness though. She isn't interested. We get it. But I don't think a girl would do that. Assuming it was her.  [/spoiler]

I suppose Millar likes to go for the shock factor for the sake of it, but there's plenty of other stuff in the stripto prove he's capable of better than that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 20 April, 2011, 09:58:45 AM
After Blade Runner I've decided to stick with the dystopian cyberpunk theme and have started Jeff Somers' 'The Eternal Prison'.

Loved 'The Electric Church' and 'The Digital Plague' and only realized recently there were more! Nice. Think 'The Electric Church' is being made into a movie too if imdb is to be believed. Which it probably isn't.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 April, 2011, 10:47:19 AM
After finishing my reread of Dante (up to and including vol 7 of the trades), and having stalled on The Dragon Factory, I decided on a slight change of pace and went for:

The Buster Book 1976, which I picked up for £2.50 in a bookshop yesterday. Odd that an annual should be paperback, but that appeals to me somewhat I admit. I only read Buster as a kid from time to time, but some of the strips are familiar: FACEACHE especially; which even now disturbs me. I remember finding this terrifying as a child, and to be honest it's still deeply creepy. There's a genius to the designs of the monsters he scrunges into, and the way they always seem to be looking out of the page and into the reader's eye is utterly horrible. Some magnificent mid-seventies parental violence too- as Faceache rapidly scarpers from the house before his dad flies into one of his "uncontrollable rages". Anyone up for an analysis of the strip along the lines of it being about the impact of physical discipline on small boys and their inevitable journey from the abused to the abuser (Faceache's ability to turn into monsters proportional to his suffering of "whacks" from dad's slipper)? No, thought not.

There's a lot of great stuff between the pages- and a lot of stuff that just isn't funny, and I suspect wasn't funny even to eight year olds in 1975. But standout for me must be FISHBOY: DENIZEN OF THE DEEP. Briefly, a lad washed up on a desert island "learns to breathe underwater and develops webbed hands and feet". Finding his parents are English, he sets out to swim across the world to England, getting into all sorts of adventures along the way. Oh, and he can also talk to fish in their own language- and it's the dialogue for these exchanges that gives the most chuckles.

PAGE TWO, PANEL ONE:

A woman in a bathing costume lies on the ocean bed, surrounded by jellyfish. Fishboy approaches.

CAPTION: FISHBOY CIRCLED THE MASS Of STINGING JELLYFISH, AND ANGRILY SPOKE TO THEM IN THE STRANGE UNDERSEA LANGUAGE THEY UNDERSTOOD.

FISHBOY: ALGAN! SLORP!

JELLYFISH: ZZZZT!

PANEL TWO:

Fishboy punches a jellyfish as the woman floats to the surface.

FISHBOY: (Thought bubble) SO YOU WOULD ARGUE WITH FISHBOY, EH? WELL, TAKE THAT, SLIMY SCOURGES OF THE SEA!

JELLYFISH: CCCRP! CCCRP!

And there's more, and it's all brilliantly, delightfully mad. Written by Scott Goodall MBE, author of Captain Hurricane and Rat-Trap, amoungst others. Could be drawn by John Stokes, but I'm not sure. Fishboy is one of several adventure strips in the book, the others being SAMMY BREWSTER'S SECRET SKI-BOARD SQUAD (kids with motorised skateboards and masks help an inventor- and the British Government- reclaim secrets stolen by a spy in the Lake District), UNCLE IRONSIDES (Kid with a robot sent to him by his inventor uncle in Australia, stops thieves in a department store at Christmas), CHARLIE PEACE- ARCH ROGUE OF VICTORIAN LONDON (Gaw blimey guvner thief infiltrates a posh nobs masquerade party dressed as, er, himself, and almost makes off scott-free with jewels), PETE'S POCKET ARMY (Young Peter Parker has been adopted by six tiny aliens from the planet Liturnus who are stranded on Earth. With their help he stops thieves at a boot fair) and GALAXUS: THE THING FROM OUTER SPACE (Giant friendly apelike space creature who eats musrooms and can shrink to pocketsize befriends two kids on Earth and goes on the run from the US Army. And here, gets stuck in quick drying concrete). I'd love to see a collection of more of this stuff- it's all beautifully drawn, very funny in retrospect and a perfect example of why British comics of the time were much, much more fun than their American counterparts.

Two thumbs up from me!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 20 April, 2011, 07:14:32 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 20 April, 2011, 09:58:45 AM
After Blade Runner I've decided to stick with the dystopian cyberpunk theme and have started Jeff Somers' 'The Eternal Prison'.

Loved 'The Electric Church' and 'The Digital Plague' and only realized recently there were more! Nice. Think 'The Electric Church' is being made into a movie too if imdb is to be believed. Which it probably isn't.

I'll bet it is! Cyberpunk's the new black! New Bladerunner movies on the horizon! Tron!

(crosses fingers for latest manuscript submission)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 23 April, 2011, 12:41:50 PM
I'm on with the second (or 3rd and 4th, since I am apparently reading 2book omnibuses, although the individuals seem too slight to have been released on their own) Vampire Diaries book. 

Same as with the first, it is very obviously aimed at teenage girls, but the horror quotient, although not particularly well written, does seem to be increasing as I head to the conclusion.

Reading this as a counterpoint to the (really rather good) tv version. Would probably have been a good idea to wait, and read it between seasons of the show rather than at the same time, because while it is massively different with wildly diverging storylines ([spoiler]the lead in the show is now dead in the books[/spoiler], although I suppose that could change)*,it is similar enough to cause a little bit of confusion if I let my mind wander.

As I say, content wise these books are most definitely not aimed at me so I can't really complain that I'm not getting much out of them, but on a purely technical level the writing is really rather poor as well. Characterisation is particularly bad; I find it hard to believe that these books were written by a woman, because all of the female characters are such airheaded bimbos, obsessed with hairstyles and boys. Feminism, thy name is most definitely not LJ Smith.

I could understand it if this was the start point from which the characters would then develop, but I'm coming to the big finish, half the cast are dead, the small town is about to be destroyed by some unthinkable evil (who will probably turn out to be a, like, really really hot guy) and the main girl is still obsessing over the fact that this one guy has really nice cheekbones.

I am giving these books far more consideration than they deserve aren't I?

*I realise just how unlikely it is that anyone on here is gonna read these books, I can't quite believe I'm reading them myself, but I spoilered that just on the mild off-chance.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 24 April, 2011, 06:03:48 AM
The Colorado Kid, by Stephen King.

A mystery novel, actually originally published for a Pulp publishing project a couple of years back. It's rather good so far. I'm a little aprehensive as it's already been made clear this early that [spoiler]this mystery will not be solved[/spoiler]. I wonder how satisfying the conclusion will be if that is the case. I don't need everyting to be spelled out, but I do hope King leaves food for thought.

It reads well anyway, and I love the three main characters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 24 April, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
Quote from: House of Usher on 14 April, 2011, 06:39:38 PM
Lady Windermere's Fan (Oscar Wilde) and A Handful of Dust (Evelyn Waugh)

I am really enjoying A Handful of Dust. Great understated comedy. Vividly draws a picture of 1930s polite society, satirizing hypocrisy and fashionable behaviour. Evelyn Waugh has a very easy writing style and economy with words. There are not many very likeable characters - Brenda especially is horrible - but I absolutely love the Shameless Blonde. She's a fruitcake. I imagine her played by Victoria Tennant the way she appeared in L.A. Story.

(Lady Windermere's Fan, on the other hand, was a chore)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 24 April, 2011, 11:22:26 AM
Journey to the centre of the Earth by Jules Verne.

It's the parred down version re issued for a mere £3.99 from Waterstones.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 24 April, 2011, 11:27:45 AM
I got a copy of Around the World in Eighty Days from a charity shop yesterday.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 24 April, 2011, 11:35:15 AM
Well spotted Sir!

I must admit I haven't been to the local Charity shops for a while now. Must go and have a wander to find a joyous book bargain.

Picked up a much thumbed 'Diary of a Spaceperson' by that psychedelic genius of the seventies Chris Foss. Giant Robots and semi naked women. You just can't beat that combination. ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 24 April, 2011, 12:40:17 PM
There was also a pristine copy of Moll Flanders with Alex Kingston on the cover, for £1.50, but I passed it up because I've got one already, albeit a different edition. There was a Penguin Popular Classics edition of Three Men in a Boat which I may go back for. Deborah looks in the charity shops once a week and she passed that one up too as she wasn't sure how much pleasure we'd get from it and if it's worth 99p when we can borrow it from the library for nothing.


She's currently reading The Coming Race by Edward Bulwer-Lytton and not enjoying it very much.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 24 April, 2011, 01:01:16 PM
It's been a few years since I read Three Men In A Boat, but I seem to remember enjoying it. I would recommend it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 24 April, 2011, 01:25:58 PM
Three Men in a Boat is a great read - also the sequel, Three Men on the Bummel, is a great  read too. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 April, 2011, 02:01:58 PM
I think i saw a film adaptation of 'three men in a bummel' in a little shop in soho, last time i was up there. Something like that, anyway.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 24 April, 2011, 03:27:51 PM
Starring Arsen Vader, no doubt...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 25 April, 2011, 08:34:13 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 24 April, 2011, 06:03:48 AM
The Colorado Kid, by Stephen King.

A mystery novel, actually originally published for a Pulp publishing project a couple of years back. It's rather good so far. I'm a little aprehensive as it's already been made clear this early that [spoiler]this mystery will not be solved[/spoiler]. I wonder how satisfying the conclusion will be if that is the case. I don't need everyting to be spelled out, but I do hope King leaves food for thought.

It reads well anyway, and I love the three main characters.

I've heard good things about that book. Is it the Hard Case Crime edition you have? They do great covers...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 April, 2011, 09:16:51 AM
It's a clear sign that the stress levels are at set to Elite when I turn to reading role-playing manuals for games that there's a 05% chance (d100, subtract Wisdom bonus from roll) of my ever playing, but I am greatly enjoying Hackmaster Basic from Kenzer Co, of Knights of the Dinner Table fame.  I'm currently working through an illicitly purloined PDF because I'm basically a bad person, but will definitely be buying the hardcopy and at least the first setting book.  It's a joy, a note-perfect evocation of the innocent fun of Basic D&D with the best bits of 1st-3rd Ed AD&D glued on, and as far as I can tell it actually works. The magic system is genuinely both amusing and exciting, the combat system is literally seamless, and the (totally new to me) shield rules look like being huge fun. A lovely balance of 'realistic' rules in the service of fast, simple play and mechanically rewarded roleplaying.  I'm not so keen on the world, Kalamar/Tellene, which I could never get excited about when it was a D&D setting.  Now if only wolves, bears and heir numerous variants didn't account for about half of all the listed monsters...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 25 April, 2011, 10:02:16 AM
Real world monsters always were pretty dull in fantasy role playing games. I'm sure I never used to make much use of them. My players might have encountered the occasional bear, wolf pack or lion when travelling between locations, but an evil knight, a pair of gnolls or some hobgoblin bandits were always more likely.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 25 April, 2011, 10:40:52 PM
I'm about a third of the way through Perdido Street Station by China Mieville. I've had this house brick of a book sitting on my in-pile since Christmas but I am so glad I've finally gotten around to it because I'm enjoying it immensely.

It's the first one of his that I've read too, so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of his work.

Prior to that I read The Affinity Bridge by George Mann, it was quite enjoyable if a little predictable but I did like the alternate Victorian era steam punk setting so I'll probably look out the next on in the series too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 April, 2011, 10:47:37 PM
Quote from: Rog69 on 25 April, 2011, 10:40:52 PM
I'm about a third of the way through Perdido Street Station by China Mieville.

Stunningly good, isn't it?  I find Mieville a bit uneven, but Perdido Street Station, The Scar and the magnificent Kraken more than justify his place of honour on my shelf.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 25 April, 2011, 10:51:30 PM
I too have had Perdido...sat gathering dust for a good while, another one of those bought with good intentions and then forgotten about. I bought it with another one of his which I can't remember the name of at the moment. Not that City and the City one that everyone raved about, it was before that came out. Gah, that's gonna plague me now.

Anyway, I had been debating with myself whether I should start reading them once I finally get caught up with the Horus Heresy stuff. (I'm about to start Nemesis, so not long now.)

It's either going to be him or the Otherworld stuff by Tad Williams. The problem with that is I was kind of thinking of the Memory... books as my next fantasy sequence after the (god-awful) Vampire Diaries and two seperate series by the same author might not be the best idea.

None of which is gonna happen until I finish 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs, although her stuff is usually a quick'ish read once you settle into it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 25 April, 2011, 10:54:21 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 April, 2011, 10:47:37 PM
the magnificent Kraken

That's good enough for me. I was a bit disappointed by 'The Iron Council' but I'll give 'Kraken' a shot on that recommendation TB.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 25 April, 2011, 11:12:58 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 25 April, 2011, 10:54:21 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 April, 2011, 10:47:37 PM
the magnificent Kraken

That's good enough for me. I was a bit disappointed by 'The Iron Council' but I'll give 'Kraken' a shot on that recommendation TB.



Yeah, and me. I've been reading Mieville since 'King Rat'- which doesn't seem to be available anymore, and I've lost my copy- and found 'Perdido Street Station' utterly immersive and breathtaking. So much so, that I don't think I ever finished it because the thought of it actually ending began to feel like a personal loss, and I put it aside "to pick it up later". Never did. Probably subconsiously on purpose.

It really is the betelgeusian's bollocks. One of the most astonishing and marvellous books I've ever nearly read all of. I've yet to read 'Kraken', but have been sniffing and fondling it in Waterstone's since it was in hardback. I'll get it this week, as I really don't think I'm going to finish 'The Dragon Factory'- last night a unicorn appeared in it. That's enough for me.

Interestingly (or not) Mieville is a good friend of a good friend of mine. The same one who knows Frankie Boyle. I spend my time playing great "Six Degrees of Separation" games here!

SBT

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 April, 2011, 11:15:16 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 25 April, 2011, 10:54:21 PM
I was a bit disappointed by 'The Iron Council'

Me too - I subsequently read a short-story collection of Mieville's that I found very repetitive, and decided I'd had enough of him for a while.  Kraken changed my mind completely.  It's a different beast altogether, some familiar Gaimany tropes given wonderful exuberant life, with a mass of engaging characters, a cohesive world and most significantly a satisfying mystery at the heart of the plot.  I finished it heartily wishing there would be a sequel, just so I could spend some more time with the characters.  That's good writing in my book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 25 April, 2011, 11:36:02 PM
Ordered! And what's more I got the hardback, new, P+P included, for £3.65 on Amazon marketplace. Blimey. Ordered the next (for me), in the Aubrey/Maturin odyssey by O'Brian as well, 'Desolation Island'. I can't get enough of these at the moment, they're some of the finest writing I've ever had the fortune to enjoy. Worth it just for the dry wit displayed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 April, 2011, 11:50:03 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 25 April, 2011, 11:36:02 PM
Ordered the next (for me), in the Aubrey/Maturin odyssey by O'Brian as well, 'Desolation Island'.

There's a scene in that one that may be my favourite action sequence in any novel, ever. The sheer terror of it gives me goosebumps even writing about it now.  Enjoy!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 25 April, 2011, 11:57:42 PM
Just finished Alastair Reynolds' Redemption Ark.  I wasn't terribly keen on Revelation Space, but really enjoyed the short story collection I read, so picked this up from the library. Unfortunately, like it's predecessor, this book could easily have stood to lose 300 pages. It follows what appears to be the standard template for sci-fi in the Iain M Banks age. Two or three seemingly unconnected characters whose narratives meander inconsequentially all over the place as they gradually intertwine, leading to a final tenth of the book where something actually happens.

I feel certain I will be compelled to read the third one at some point but I'm not really looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 26 April, 2011, 11:45:55 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 25 April, 2011, 11:57:42 PM
Just finished Alastair Reynolds' Redemption Ark.  I wasn't terribly keen on Revelation Space, but really enjoyed the short story collection I read, so picked this up from the library. Unfortunately, like it's predecessor, this book could easily have stood to lose 300 pages. It follows what appears to be the standard template for sci-fi in the Iain M Banks age. Two or three seemingly unconnected characters whose narratives meander inconsequentially all over the place as they gradually intertwine, leading to a final tenth of the book where something actually happens.

I feel certain I will be compelled to read the third one at some point but I'm not really looking forward to it.

I've just ordered Redemption Ark from Amazon. I did really enjoy Revelation Space though, and I'm looking forward to this one. I know what you mean about the page count but having just read Pandora's Star and Judas Unchained by Peter F Hamilton, both with over 1,000 pages, Alastair Reynolds books seem quite light by comparison.

Was Zima Blue the short story collection you read? I got that in The Works for 3 quid and bloody loved it.

Have you read House of Suns, also by Reynolds? It's fantastic and one of my favourite SF books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 26 April, 2011, 01:44:16 PM
Quote from: Lee Bates on 26 April, 2011, 11:45:55 AM
Was Zima Blue the short story collection you read? I got that in The Works for 3 quid and bloody loved it.
No, it was Galactic North. I did buy Zima Blue from The Works a few weeks ago, but it's languishing beneath a pile of library books at the moment. I've not read any other Reynolds.

1000 pages of anything is too much. Except the Bible and that's more of a greatest hits compilation anyway. Do writers think that long is the same as epic? And don't they have editors?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 26 April, 2011, 07:15:17 PM
I find Alastair Reynolds a bit odd in as much that his short stories are almost all superb and full of wonderful characters, whereas his longer fiction, especially the earlier stuff, seems rather cold and inhuman. Yeah, I know it's sci-fi, and largely concerned with galaxy gobbling swarm entities and what have you but there's an odd metallic tang to them. Sorry, that's somewhat synaesthesic. The ideas are brilliant and the environments wonderfully realised, yet rather remote on an individual character level and carbon cold in the immediate scenery. A notable exception is "Century Rain", where I actually found myself giving a shit about the characters. Mind you, that's more of an alternate reality story than deep, interstellar sci-fi.

His later stuff has improved on this front though. In my 'umble opinion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 26 April, 2011, 07:21:01 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 26 April, 2011, 07:15:17 PM
I find Alastair Reynolds a bit odd in as much that his short stories are almost all superb and full of wonderful characters, whereas his longer fiction, especially the earlier stuff, seems rather cold and inhuman. Yeah, I know it's sci-fi, and largely concerned with galaxy gobbling swarm entities and what have you but there's an odd metallic tang to them. Sorry, that's somewhat synaesthesic. The ideas are brilliant and the environments wonderfully realised, yet rather remote on an individual character level and carbon cold in the immediate scenery. A notable exception is "Century Rain", where I actually found myself giving a shit about the characters. Mind you, that's more of an alternate reality story than deep, interstellar sci-fi.

His later stuff has improved on this front though. In my 'umble opinion.

I certainly felt a similar way about the writing of the characters in Revelation Space although it didn't really spoil my enjoyment of the book.

The aforementioned House of Suns is populated with really well written, sympathetic characters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 26 April, 2011, 07:29:41 PM
Quote from: Lee Bates on 26 April, 2011, 07:21:01 PM
The aforementioned House of Suns is populated with really well written, sympathetic characters.

Absolutely Lee! His later work has really picked up in that department. Like you, I did enjoy the earlier books but there was a weird background vibe to them. It could be as simple as Reynolds coming from a scientific background and gradually developing his character writing under the guidance of helpful editorial staff who spotted the same thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 26 April, 2011, 07:41:39 PM
Just finished Brian Keene's URBAN GOTHIC.

I reviewed it on my weblog, as I intend to do with everything I enjoy...

'After their car breaks down in inner-city Philadelphia, a young group of friends seek solace in an old, ruined house. When the teenagers don't emerge, a group of local kids seek the help of disillusioned old stalwart, Perry Watkins, to lead the rescue party. But deep inside the house are monstrosities that neither local nor outsider can fathom...

I've enjoyed several of Brian Keene's horror novels prior to reading URBAN GOTHIC, his tribute to horror veteran, Edward Lee (here seeing re-release through Deadite Press). Keene once described himself as a blue collar horror writer. I love to read about ordinary people in extraordinary situations and Keene writes 'working class' (for want of a better expression) characters that are believable, flawed and engaging...' 

READ MORE: http://waynesimmons.org/blog/?p=474

Up next, Guy N Smith's BLOODSHOW...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 26 April, 2011, 08:19:39 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 26 April, 2011, 07:41:39 PM
Just finished Brian Keene's URBAN GOTHIC.

I reviewed it on my weblog, as I intend to do with everything I enjoy...

'After their car breaks down in inner-city Philadelphia, a young group of friends seek solace in an old, ruined house. When the teenagers don't emerge, a group of local kids seek the help of disillusioned old stalwart, Perry Watkins, to lead the rescue party. But deep inside the house are monstrosities that neither local nor outsider can fathom...

I've enjoyed several of Brian Keene's horror novels prior to reading URBAN GOTHIC, his tribute to horror veteran, Edward Lee (here seeing re-release through Deadite Press). Keene once described himself as a blue collar horror writer. I love to read about ordinary people in extraordinary situations and Keene writes 'working class' (for want of a better expression) characters that are believable, flawed and engaging...' 

READ MORE: http://waynesimmons.org/blog/?p=474

Up next, Guy N Smith's BLOODSHOW...


Yeah, Brian Keene is pretty awesome. You read his collection "Jack's Magic Beans?" Just read that and it's a great little book - the title novella and a couple of shorts, but better than full length novels from a lot of horror writers in my honest opinion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 26 April, 2011, 10:01:02 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 26 April, 2011, 08:19:39 PM
Yeah, Brian Keene is pretty awesome. You read his collection "Jack's Magic Beans?" Just read that and it's a great little book - the title novella and a couple of shorts, but better than full length novels from a lot of horror writers in my honest opinion.

I haven't read Jack as yet, Stront, but I do agree with you: Keene writes to entertain. A lot of contemporary horror fiction, that I've read in recent years, seems to have lost sight of that.

Reading Guy N Smith's BLOODSHOW now and it's similarly entertaining.     
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 26 April, 2011, 11:20:56 PM
Just started A Game of Thrones, thanks to recommendations here.  :o  Cor blimey, it's a bit good so far.  Talk about gripping you from the first page.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 27 April, 2011, 12:34:35 AM
Just finished The Company Man by Robert Jackson Bennett (http://shufflingandmuttering.blogspot.com/), a gripping mix of crime and science fiction set in an alternate 1919, where one company has rocketed to dominance with inventions well ahead of its time and built a vast city to match its ambition. However, it is being torn apart by the clash of capitalism and the unions, with the secret of the company's success hidden just below the surface with a detective and a company man getting dangerously close to the truth. I'm definitely going to check out his first book, Mr Shivers, a hunt for a mysterious killer across Depression hit America.

www.amazon.co.uk/Company-Man-Robert-Jackson-Bennett/dp/1841497924/

Quick review from the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/apr/02/eric-brown-science-fiction-fantasy-reviews
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: John Caliber on 27 April, 2011, 12:37:56 PM
I have been reading, for quite some time, the Fantagraphics reprints of EC Segar's Thimble Theatre Popeye series, and Volume one of the Ray Bradbury Stories, a mighty, two-volume collection of all his short stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 27 April, 2011, 06:39:45 PM
Quote from: John Caliber on 27 April, 2011, 12:37:56 PM
Volume one of the Ray Bradbury Stories, a mighty, two-volume collection of all his short stories.

Nice! Volume Two is even better.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 27 April, 2011, 08:07:51 PM
I've been slowly working through some of Joss Whedon's run on 'Astonishing X Men'.

I'm not generally a superhero kind of guy, but I was feeeling the need to try something different.

The first trade, 'Gifted' really dodn't do it for me. I got too much of a sense of Whedon sitting back and going 'Oooh! Lookit all the lovely toys I have to play with!!!' - but thankfully, by the second trade, 'Dangerous' things seem to have kicked into gear. There's more of Whedon's wit and style about it. I particularly like d Wolverine's line 'I really like beer.'

Overall, my stance remains unchanged. I'm really NOT a superhero fan, it seems. So I decided to try out the modern Red Sonja comics. And a nice glossy collected edition of Danger Girl.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 28 April, 2011, 12:41:28 PM
Just read book 4 of The Boys and really enjoyed it. It's not something I devour hungrily, but my mate buys them now and then and passes them on and they're always a fun read. This was pretty dark in places, surprisingly so.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 28 April, 2011, 12:58:55 PM
QuoteI've been slowly working through some of Joss Whedon's run on 'Astonishing X Men'.

I'm not generally a superhero kind of guy, but I was feeeling the need to try something different.

You should check out Grant Morrison's New X Men - which is the series that Astonishing X Men is a continuation of. It's really, really good.

Didn't get on with Astonishing myself - read the first two trades but no more after that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 28 April, 2011, 01:52:41 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 26 April, 2011, 11:20:56 PM
Just started A Game of Thrones, thanks to recommendations here.  :o  Cor blimey, it's a bit good so far.  Talk about gripping you from the first page.

Me too. I wonder how much coin this new TV series has earnt George RR Martin with folks buying the book.

I want to read the book before I watch the program so I can imagine the characters for myself instead of a load of actors.

Just finished Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion in a great big, back-breaking omnibus edition. Carting that bugger to and from work every day didn't do my posture much good.

I loved the first book with it's short stories of each of the main characters but felt that it ended just as something was going to happen. The second book veeeeeery slooooooowly gets round to letting you know what does happen but takes it's sweet time getting there. Viewed as a whole, it's a very good story and the second book goes a long way in fleshing out the details of the world these characters inhabit.

I'll let my poor spine recover for a couple of months and then I'll get the Endymion omnibus to complete the series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 28 April, 2011, 02:51:39 PM
'Can YOU Survive The Zombie Apocalypse?', by Max Brailler. An adult 'fighting fantasy' type thing, published by gallery books, an imprint of s&s. Good so far!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 28 April, 2011, 05:05:29 PM
Quote from: radiator on 28 April, 2011, 12:58:55 PM
QuoteI've been slowly working through some of Joss Whedon's run on 'Astonishing X Men'.

I'm not generally a superhero kind of guy, but I was feeeling the need to try something different.

You should check out Grant Morrison's New X Men - which is the series that Astonishing X Men is a continuation of. It's really, really good.

Didn't get on with Astonishing myself - read the first two trades but no more after that.

Agreed, its OK and got some of the Whedon fans into checking out AXM but I didn't really feel like there was much new in there, where Morrison had really thrown wild ideas in and pushed the envelope.

It probably isn't a good place for a non-superhero reading 2000AD fan to dip their tow into the world of capes. I suspect there is another thread on this but you'd want to start with The Authority is worth checking out, Morrison's All-Star Superman, perhaps the Green Lantern reboot that led into the Sinestro Corps War, the Marvel Cosmic reboot that started with Annihilation. Or rewind to the classics - Jack Kirby on... anything and there are great Essential collections of Fantastic Four, Thor and Avengers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dounreay on 28 April, 2011, 09:50:01 PM
Count me in on the Games of Thrones thing. It's kind of neat reading and watching the same thing. Impressed with the book and the telly in equal measure so far.

Just read Zoo City by Lauren Beukes. Brilliant ideas, cracking writing but let down by a bit of a patchy plot. The Disappearing Spoon by James Kean, on the other hand, manages the well nigh impossible of making chemistry entertaining. Buy it, borrow it, nick it, read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 28 April, 2011, 11:56:51 PM
Quote from: Dounreay on 28 April, 2011, 09:50:01 PM
Count me in on the Games of Thrones thing. It's kind of neat reading and watching the same thing. Impressed with the book and the telly in equal measure so far.

I've avoided all press for potential spoilers on this show, quite intentionally, so I don't know, but is this series a proper adap or 'based on' in the same way as the likes of Dexter, wildly diverging the longer it runs? Do we know what they are planning?

The only comment I have read (in an interview with Martin, cos I figured he would be savvy enough to not give anything away) was that they had done Game of Thrones in one season and could do Clash of Kings in one if they get the go ahead. This would seem to suggest a faithful adap.

All of which is just my really long winded way of saying, if it is faithful, people need to finish the book before they see the final episodes. Seriously. As endings go, it's an absolute cracker, and it deserves to be read cold. You won't see it coming.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 29 April, 2011, 12:20:15 AM
Quote from: Dounreay on 28 April, 2011, 09:50:01 PM
Just read Zoo City by Lauren Beukes.

Just won the Arthur C. Clarke awar. That's another onto the teetering space elevator of Stevie's To Read list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 29 April, 2011, 12:30:19 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 29 April, 2011, 12:20:15 AM
Quote from: Dounreay on 28 April, 2011, 09:50:01 PM
Just read Zoo City by Lauren Beukes.

Just won the Arthur C. Clarke awar. That's another onto the teetering space elevator of Stevie's To Read list.

Yes I just heard that too and someone had already spoken highly of it so I think I'll be picking it up in eBook form (Angry Robot have been doing a good job with their pricing there making it well worth it).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 29 April, 2011, 10:26:54 AM
QuoteSeriously. As endings go, it's an absolute cracker, and it deserves to be read cold. You won't see it coming.

I'd echo that. It was the ending I thought was coming at the end of book two or three.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 April, 2011, 12:32:01 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 29 April, 2011, 10:26:54 AM
QuoteSeriously. As endings go, it's an absolute cracker, and it deserves to be read cold. You won't see it coming.

I'd echo that. It was the ending I thought was coming at the end of book two or three.

I'm only about a fifth of the way in now, but even at this point I have to give hearty thanks to all on this thread who recommended, nay insisted, I give it a go.  I thought I was completely done with fantasy novels (bar Pratchett), but this is just supoib, and I have no idea where it is going. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 29 April, 2011, 01:19:36 PM
Quote from: Lee Bates on 28 April, 2011, 01:52:41 PMJust finished Hyperion and Fall of Hyperion in a great big, back-breaking omnibus edition.

Read these about ten years ago and thought they were excellent. Have just finished reading Simmon's Ilium, which is smart, brilliant, and not at all what I expected. Immediately ordered the continuation, Olympos, which is a hugely chunky tome. However, I will be finishing The Circus of Dr. Lao and Marco and the Blade of Night before I make a start on it.

Regards

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 29 April, 2011, 08:50:30 PM
Thanks to all who chipped in on the Astonishing X Men stuff.

Quote from: Emperor on 28 April, 2011, 05:05:29 PM

Agreed, its OK and got some of the Whedon fans into checking out AXM but I didn't really feel like there was much new in there, where Morrison had really thrown wild ideas in and pushed the envelope.

It probably isn't a good place for a non-superhero reading 2000AD fan to dip their tow into the world of capes.

I really only picked the books up to see what (if anything) I was missing in superhero books, and also because I'm a fan of Joss Whedon's writing.

I'm gonna continue witht he run, because Whedon's weaving what looks like a neat over-arcing story. I plan to pick up the Warren Ellis penned books as well - mostly coz Ghost Box looks amazing - but no more after that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 April, 2011, 09:32:52 PM
I enjoyed Astonishing X-Men a lot, but boy did they make us wait for the final issue.  When you're done with Whedon's run you might be interested to know that the great Kieron Gillen is currently returning much the same team to the Breakworld over in Uncanny X-Men
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 May, 2011, 04:17:12 PM
Just about finished reading Alan Davis' run on 'Batman and the Outsiders'. His wonderful art aside nothing interesting enough to comment about here, just pretty standard superhero fare (which of course means I'm enjoying it quite a lot!). What has peaked by interest however is the letters columns. Its seems that Mr Davis was far from an instant hit over in the US.

The readers of the title seem overall to have taken quite some time to settle in with his work. Now admittedly he was was following on from Jim Aparo, who many regard as one of the definitive Batman artists (while I like his work I've never been that excited about it). So maybe I shouldn't be so surprised by how tepid his reception seems to have been as they adjusts to his style, or maybe he adjusts to the American's style whichever way around that should be.

Anyway I personally always loved his work here and thought he really hit the ground running with this series. I also thought (clearly quite wrongly) that his style was one that would be an instant hit in the US market... not so, how interesting...

...well to me at least!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: John Caliber on 01 May, 2011, 04:34:47 PM
I read 'Wolfen' a few weeks ago. It's probably the movie version that most people know, but the book - while quite different - is equally enthralling. With the 1970's level of SFX the novel would have been unfilmable. It's a brutal but beautiful clash of civilisations, between human and Wolfen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 01 May, 2011, 04:52:04 PM
Great to see some love for Wolfen- i read that long, long before i saw the film, and was therefore massively hyped to eventually buy it on sell-through video at the arse-end of the eighties. While it's a pretty good little film in its own right, it's relationship to the novel is roughly equivilent to that of stallone's dredd to the source material.
Now, excuse me as ive just had a cup of tea from a mug that hadnt been washed up properly, and as a result my hands and mouth are entirely coated with washing up liquid. Bleuuh!
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 01 May, 2011, 09:47:48 PM
And keeping with the retro vibe, in today's DCS post, I review BLOODSHOW by Guy N Smith...

'I'm a pulp horror fan. Always have been, always will be. I went to school in the 80s, a boom time for pulp horror fiction. All of the lads I hung about with read horror. It was the thing to do. But not just any horror: You were expected to choose one writer only, stand by them and fight their corner – much like a football team – slamming everyone else's choice. I chose King, at the time. Others chose James Herbert or Guy N Smith, while the most extreme thrillseekers chose Hutson. And while I've long since given up my King exclusivity, I've only just this very second finished my first Guy N Smith novel...'

(READ MORE: http://darkcentralstation.com/?p=1534)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 02 May, 2011, 08:08:49 AM
QuoteI've avoided all press for potential spoilers on this show, quite intentionally, so I don't know, but is this series a proper adap or 'based on' in the same way as the likes of Dexter, wildly diverging the longer it runs? Do we know what they are planning?

The only comment I have read (in an interview with Martin, cos I figured he would be savvy enough to not give anything away) was that they had done Game of Thrones in one season and could do Clash of Kings in one if they get the go ahead. This would seem to suggest a faithful adap.

All of which is just my really long winded way of saying, if it is faithful, people need to finish the book before they see the final episodes. Seriously. As endings go, it's an absolute cracker, and it deserves to be read cold. You won't see it coming.
from the first couple op episodes I'd say Game of Thrones is gonna be a pretty close adaptation of the first novel at least so i'd say read em before the TV series spoils the supprise (oh and as mentioned a cracker of a supprise it is too)

finally the last book in the Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erickson
"The Crippled God" - this has been one of my favorite series ever and hopping the final book lives up to the epic build up (10 books 800+ pages each, though its only the last few books that really need to be read in sequence).  You know how most fantasy series deal with big world ending threat but you never really know what goes on on other continents in the world its set, this series does the whole world. Also contains some of my favorite characters ever.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 03 May, 2011, 09:53:49 AM
While in the US of A, I picked up two smashing comics - Achewood - worst song played on ugliest guitar (Chris Onstad) and Safe Area Gorazde by Joe Sacco. Two wildly different titles...

'Achewood' is mental and hilarious. I don't know how to describe it really - it's about a bunch of animals (three cats, a bear, a squirrel, an otter who was posted there by mistake, a tiger, a robot...) hanging out an stuff, told in stark line work. It reminds me a bit of 'Red Meat'. I love it to bits...here, read about it first if you like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achewood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achewood)...and have a chuckle at this 'un! http://achewood.com/index.php?date=01102002 (http://achewood.com/index.php?date=01102002)  [spoiler](I can reveal that Teodor says 'Shivering anus!')[/spoiler]

'Safe Area...' is a much more sombre tome as I'm sure you can imagine! I've read 'Palestine' by Sacco, plus a few singles, and I really like what he does, taking a personal route to tell people's story. His art is sublime and the subject matter is heavy going at times, naturally. I recall the events, but to hear or see some of the details again makes me angry, exasperated and grateful all at once. He can come accross as a bit of a tube, but I take that as him being honest about himself and his own place in these things.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 03 May, 2011, 11:44:04 AM
Game of Thrones is bloody good isn't it? I'm about 200 pages in and enjoying it tremendously.

I don't read fantasy novels much, I read Lord of the Rings about 10 years ago and I've read all the Elric books (brilliant) but that's it.

It's got me all excited about fantasy again and I've ordered The Blade Itself by Joe Abacrombie and book one of The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson as recommended by Radbacker.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 03 May, 2011, 01:12:22 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 03 May, 2011, 09:53:49 AM
While in the US of A, I picked up two smashing comics - Achewood - worst song played on ugliest guitar (Chris Onstad) and Safe Area Gorazde by Joe Sacco. Two wildly different titles...

I picked up that Achewood book for my girlfriend one xmas after I found her leafing through it in the shop and laughing so hard she might break! The first book (The Great Fight) is pretty surreal and quite fun but 'Worst Song...' is just hilarious. The whole french frie saga is mental. We actually only just got the 3rd book through last week after unsuccessfully ordering it from various places for months on end, haven't read it just yet. A really unique wee series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 03 May, 2011, 01:26:28 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 03 May, 2011, 01:12:22 PM
I picked up that Achewood book for my girlfriend one xmas after I found her leafing through it in the shop and laughing so hard she might break!...The whole french frie saga is mental.

Funnily enough, Mrs Mikey had the same reaction which is why I bought it - the clincher was Ray's lost poster and the follow on. I'm going to pick up the other books soon...and yes, the French frie saga was muchly chortlesome; "Heellllppp!"  :lol:

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 03 May, 2011, 03:12:24 PM
QuoteIt's got me all excited about fantasy again and I've ordered The Blade Itself by Joe Abacrombie and book one of The Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson as recommended by Radbacker.

The Malazan books are rather epic, you'll know after the first book if its what your after.  World building at its greatest.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 04 May, 2011, 09:42:57 AM
Just finished The Eternal Prison, and loved it. Oooft it was good, possibly the best I've read in the series so far. It's like Snake Plisskin running around the world of Blade Runner, and the action is brilliantly done (one of the trickiest things with novels I think, it's rare that an action scene really grabs me in a book to be honest). If you like sci-fi action thriller novels and haven't read these then I heartily recommend grabbing 'The Electric Church' and getting stuck in.

Just getting started on Level Up: The Guide To Great Game Design. A friend got me it as a gift when I was working as a tester/audio guy at a game studio, and I'd been talking about maybe wanting to get into scripting and design. I've since left that job so don't really have my foot on that ladder anymore, but I am learning to program so it should still be a useful and interesting read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 04 May, 2011, 05:02:16 PM
After a week of dipping in and out of "Can You Survive The Zombie Apocalypse?", and ending up each time at "An End"- dead, trapped, zombified, or escaping into a life far worse that the one I felt behind- I finally reached "THE End"- which is so mind-bogglingly brilliant, hilarious, and punch-the-air wonderful that I want to shout about it. However, since there is the chance one of you may try this out at some point, I won't. Just take solace in the fact that "THE End" does exist, and it's madder than you could imagine.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MacyMoore on 05 May, 2011, 12:16:00 PM
I am reading My Life in Orange by Tim Guest for the second time. I plan to go get Memoirs of a Geisha this weekend or whatever I see that looks good. Suggestions?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 07 May, 2011, 01:01:17 AM
About a year or so back I gave up on all my GN purchasing because of money troubles. Since I am now in a position to possibly pick up again (although to nowhere near the level I was at before) I've decided to re-read all the volumes I have of series I never finished, as a refresher.

So today I started First Shot, Last Call, which is of course book 1 of 100Bullets. I have the first 5 of them, then a couple of The Boys books, a few Fables and the first 4 Buffy Season 8. As well as the first Hitman. Hopefully I should be able to get caught up some time soon.

Rationing them at the minute though because my first priority once the money is flowing again will be catching up on the 2 Casefiles, Harlem Heroes, Stainless Steel Rat, Fiends... etc that I've missed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 07 May, 2011, 06:57:52 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 04 May, 2011, 05:02:16 PM
After a week of dipping in and out of "Can You Survive The Zombie Apocalypse?", and ending up each time at "An End"- dead, trapped, zombified, or escaping into a life far worse that the one I felt behind- I finally reached "THE End"- which is so mind-bogglingly brilliant, hilarious, and punch-the-air wonderful that I want to shout about it. However, since there is the chance one of you may try this out at some point, I won't. Just take solace in the fact that "THE End" does exist, and it's madder than you could imagine.

SBT

Man, that sounds like a lot of fun.

I used to love the old Fighting Fantasy books - how does it relate to them? Is there a combat system (to ignore)?

After finishing James Herbert's Haunted, I'm on the Guy N. Smith again - this one being a first edition 1987 novel called Neophyte. Pure Satanic-Panic stuff. Very good so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 07 May, 2011, 08:15:33 AM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 07 May, 2011, 01:01:17 AM
About a year or so back I gave up on all my GN purchasing because of money troubles. Since I am now in a position to possibly pick up again (although to nowhere near the level I was at before) I've decided to re-read all the volumes I have of series I never finished, as a refresher.

So today I started First Shot, Last Call, which is of course book 1 of 100Bullets.

I absolutely adored 100 Bullets! I found I had to re-read the first few once I got about halfway through because once all the strands start tying together it gets pretty complex and I'd forgotten a ton of stuff. One of the coolest things about it is most of the stories work really well as great standalone crime stories, but with a big plot running through the whole thing. Brilliant series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 07 May, 2011, 04:17:52 PM
I seem to remember that Bullets was starting to move away from sef contained arcs and into exploring the wider mythology when I gave it up, although it hadn't gone too far that way yet. It was partly for that reason that I figured I'd be better off starting from scratch and making sure I had the groundwork straight in my head.

And if I was doing that for Bullets, I might as well do it for everything else as well. Besides, you don't really need a reason to re-read stuff this good.

Quote from: HOO-HAA on 07 May, 2011, 06:57:52 AM
I used to love the old Fighting Fantasy books - how does it relate to them? Is there a combat system (to ignore)?

Frankly, I am shocked and apalled at the very notion that one might ignore the rules of combat in those books. Thats cheating. Cheating I say!

I must have been dense because it never even occured to me to do that. Did loads of those books and followed the instructions to the letter. If I died in battle it was right back to the start I went. Took me longer to win I suppose(but at least mine were all honest victories  :P )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 07 May, 2011, 09:41:02 PM
Nah, there's no combat system involved; just choices. If there was a combat system, i'd probably ignore it in exactly the same way i used to with the ff gamebooks at school, where trevor slater managed to get citadel of chaos 'done' in 45 seconds.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 May, 2011, 09:59:24 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 07 May, 2011, 09:41:02 PM
...where trevor slater managed to get citadel of chaos 'done' in 45 seconds.

It's not the longest one by any means, but the solution to Citadel involves about 20 locations and probably twice that number of paragraphs.  Let's be generous and say 1.5 seconds to read one and find the next.  That's bloody impressive, seeing as I never won it in one go.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chris_askham on 07 May, 2011, 10:01:05 PM
That zombie gamebook sounds like a good laugh.

I'm currently reading Catcher In The Rye (there was an old copy kicking about at work and it was about to get binned, so I thought I'd give it a go) and the fourth volume of The Boys, which so far has been the best yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 08 May, 2011, 12:03:21 AM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 07 May, 2011, 04:17:52 PM
Frankly, I am shocked and apalled at the very notion that one might ignore the rules of combat in those books. Thats cheating. Cheating I say!

... Took me longer to win I suppose(but at least mine were all honest victories  :P )

:D

I developed the dexterity of Mr Fantastic doing those books, fingers everywhere (oo-er!), never straying from the last two or three choices in case I hit a bum note with my next move. But then they introduced some weird code number shit in Appointment with Fear and my cheatin' ass days were over...   

Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 07 May, 2011, 09:41:02 PM
...where trevor slater managed to get citadel of chaos 'done' in 45 seconds.

:lol:

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: maryanddavid on 08 May, 2011, 01:18:46 AM
More Jeff Hawke from the fan club and they are so good, why are british comics so underated outside 2000ad?

David
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 08 May, 2011, 12:04:52 PM
I've reviewed HAUNTED by James Herbert over at my blog....

http://darkcentralstation.com/?p=1600
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 08 May, 2011, 09:31:26 PM
Kraken by China Miéville after decent reviews here. Very enjoyable, very Miéville but with a touch of Stross' 'Laundry' books. About a third in and there are already a plethora of brilliant characters.

I didn't realise till I went looking for this on Amazon but Miéville has got a new book out as well, Embassytown (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0230750761/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE), which according to the bumpf is a foray into sci-fi. It's now on my list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 09 May, 2011, 07:08:28 PM
Just started Kraken by young Mr Mieville myself. i got it partly as it features the Natural History museum one of my fave museums in Londinium. When I bought Kraken the staff at Waterstones kept saying he's got a new book out and why don't you buy it? Well let me read this one first. Hard sell means no sale to me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 11 May, 2011, 01:13:03 AM
Just read The Embedding by Ian Watson. An engaging yarn about attempting to understand alien consciousnesses and whether we can force our own minds into completely new ways of thinking. Short and sweet. Highly recommended.

I've got another couple of his - Alien Embassy and Miracle Visitors - lined up next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 11 May, 2011, 02:31:51 AM
You're in for a real real treat there Cosh. Ian Watson is da shiz.

Enough ideas per short story to fuel another author's novel. novels brimful as other's trilogies.

& he never repeats himself.

Miracle visitors is possibly Stevie's fave.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 11 May, 2011, 06:54:21 AM
THE RESIDENT by Francis Cottam. Film tie-in from new HAMMER press. So far, so good...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 11 May, 2011, 07:02:35 PM
Currently reading Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett

Witches versus Vampires! But like many of Pratchett's books, these are largely the toys used to explore something deeper. It's really a story about choices on the edge and being of two minds*.

Interesting stuff.

*[spoiler]Quite literally in one character's case.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 May, 2011, 10:20:05 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 11 May, 2011, 07:02:35 PM
Currently reading Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett

Carpe Jugulum is a good one, and begins an excellent run for the series: ideas first encountered here run into The Fifth Elephant, The Truth, Going Postal, and perhaps best of all, The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents (a book that deserves a follow-up of its own).  Definitely a turning point for my up-to-then flagging enjoyment of Discworld.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 12 May, 2011, 12:30:34 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 11 May, 2011, 02:31:51 AM
Miracle visitors is possibly Stevie's fave.
Good to hear. I dug them out after reading this piece (http://punkadiddle.blogspot.com/2011/04/ian-watson-miracle-visitors-1978.html) about that one. I remember starting The Jonah Kit when I was about 12 or 13 and not managing more than a chapter or two. Idiot!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 12 May, 2011, 08:59:37 PM
I recently read Alfred Bester's The stars my destination.
I read it after hearing good things about it on this very forum. I liked it but not as much as some on here. The story jumped along a bit too quick for me at times. I felt that some parts would have been better if they were a bit longer.

I got Black Butterfly by Mark Gatiss for my birthday this week. In the acknowledgements he mentions Ben Willsher. Anyone know if this is the 2000AD artist?


Edit:
I might have answered my own question. There is a commission of the lead character Lucifer Box, on Ben Willsher's website.

http://www.benwillsher.co.uk/photo_3533989.html
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 12 May, 2011, 11:32:56 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 11 May, 2011, 10:20:05 PM
Carpe Jugulum is a good one,

I agree! I finished it earlier today.

Quoteand begins an excellent run for the series: ideas first encountered here run into The Fifth Elephant, The Truth, Going Postal, and perhaps best of all, The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents (a book that deserves a follow-up of its own).  Definitely a turning point for my up-to-then flagging enjoyment of Discworld.

I've read The Fifth Elephant and Going Postal already. I appear to be reading them all out of order! (In my defence I've borrowed all Pratchett's books from the library.)  Heh. On the plus side you can get away with that with most of the disk-word books. I did sense the it was a bit of an introduction to characters/vampires I'm already acquainted with though. (The Pictsies for example. And possibly the vampires too.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 13 May, 2011, 02:29:56 AM
That's something I love about Pratchett, there's no right order to read the books. Everyone jumps on the Discworld series at different points and works through it in their own way. It gives rise to a variety of different interpretations of the characters/themes. He's a very clever man is Pratchett.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 27 May, 2011, 08:40:39 AM
To Kill a Mockingbird

I'm five chapters in, but I was hooked from page one. Harper Lee is a startlingly talented writer. The most wonderful thing about the book is the faux naive, tongue-in-cheek narrator's voice: it's the adult Scout (Jean Louise Finch) faithfully recalling the experiences and thought processes of the eight-year-old Scout in her childhood in 1930s smalltown Alabama. Incidentally, the film starring Gregory Peck was a superb cinematic adaptation of the novel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 May, 2011, 08:52:35 AM
Paying For It, by Chester Brown.  Now Chester isn't my favourite of the former Toronto Three, but this is a pretty amazing piece of work.  A savagely honest and thought-provoking account of a decade of having sex with prostitutes as an alternative to indulging in 'romantic love', with obligatory appearances (and commentary) by Seth and Joe Matt.  It has what to me seems a wildly improbable conclusion, but to judge by the dozens of pages of footnotes and comments at the back, it's a completely true story, and given what Chester has already laid bare in his previous books I don't see why he'd indulge in fantasy at this point.  
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 27 May, 2011, 09:41:59 AM
Whereas 'romantic love' is all some of us can afford. Heh. But given the choice it's still what I'd prefer. I've heard of this book; I may read it one day. I've just finished reading a trashy memoir, Blue Period: Notes from a Life in the Titillation Trade by Nicholas Whittaker. Someone had pressed a peeled-off £1.99 price sticker from The Works onto the inside back cover, giving some idea of its pre-charity shop retail destination.

The book's main payoff for me was partial delineation of the origins and genealogy of British top shelf publications in the 1980s (e.g. Razzle was started as a direct competitor to the downmarket Fiesta, and founded by an ex-Fiesta editorial team for a rival publisher). The secondary payoff was the author's rumination on the aspirational qualities of the magazine Club. The publisher intended it to conjure up associations with gentlemen's clubs, flying Club Class and Canadian Club whisky, but all it made the council-estate raised freelancer who wrote for it think of was the advertising jingle "if you like a lot of chocolate on your biscuit join our club." Best gag in the book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 May, 2011, 09:54:03 AM
Quote from: House of Usher on 27 May, 2011, 09:41:59 AM
Whereas 'romantic love' is all some of us can afford.

Oh don't worry, he works to a strict budget, based on a cost-benefit analysis of maintaining a 'girlfriend' relationship.  Live the dream.  The best bits of the book are where he strives not to offend women he doesn't find attractive, and his gradual descent from the courtesy of tipping every woman regardless to a snarky omission if the experience is sub-par. 

Quote
The book's main payoff for me was partial delineation of the origins and genealogy of British top shelf publications in the 1980s (e.g. Razzle was started as a direct competitor to the downmarket Fiesta, and founded by an ex-Fiesta editorial team for a rival publisher).

Why do I find this completely fascinating?  What's wrong with me!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 27 May, 2011, 10:09:44 AM
There isn't much more information than that apart from grouping together the titles by the two publishers the author worked for, thus omitting Gold Star Publications which he didn't. Fiesta was started in 1968. The bulk of the book is divided between autobiography and portraying the unsurprising shabbiness of the magazine premises and what went on behind the scenes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 27 May, 2011, 05:22:45 PM
Finished novelisation of THE RESIDENT (Francis Cottam). An entertaining read. Pretty much adds up to a thriller/ slasher horror story, borrowing a little from that Michael Keaton movie where he's the neighbour from hell. I'd definitely recommend it.

Reading LITTLE GIRL LOST by Richard Aleas now, with Brian Keene's A GATHERING OF CROWS awaiting... 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 27 May, 2011, 06:18:57 PM
Decided to continue my dabbling with super hero comics by grabbing the entire collection of Ms Marvel trades.

The quality veers from 'somewhat lame' to 'really quite brilliant' - on the whole, I'm enjoying this stuff. But I'll say this - Marvel's habit of embroiling their characters in massive, multi-title crossovers and events is REALLY annoying.

So - as with Astonishing X Men before it, this confirms my feeling of 'quite good fun, but never again.'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 27 May, 2011, 08:43:30 PM
The Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett.

I think it's one of the novels aimed more for younger readers, but I'm enjoying it as much as the other discworld novels. (Partly cos I like the witch stories.) This has an interesting unusual premise. Very interesting so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 May, 2011, 09:45:00 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 27 May, 2011, 08:43:30 PM
The Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett.

Excellent book, totally gripping.  'Younger Readers' they may be, but the Tiffany Aching books are as good as anything Pratchett has ever done, and some thought-provoking sequences may be his very best. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 27 May, 2011, 09:49:26 PM
Quote from: HdE on 27 May, 2011, 06:18:57 PM
Decided to continue my dabbling with super hero comics by grabbing the entire collection of Ms Marvel trades.

My childhood favourite (the only Ms Marvel comic I had!) was the one that featured Modok, the Agents of A.I.M. and Deathbird!!! Yaaaay!

:D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 27 May, 2011, 11:28:55 PM
Y'know, I gotta say - before it comes off as I only have lukewarm / negative stuff to say about the Ms. Marvel stuff  - the way the collections are handled is really great. Annuals and specials are in there as well as the core stories. I approve.

And in fact, one volume contains the one shots 'Scavengers' and 'Return Of The Storyteller' - both very fine efforts.

'Scavengers' co-stars Spider Man, and is a lot of fun just for the spiky banter the two heroes sling back and forth. 'Return of The Storyteller is just a masterfully written comic with some neat ideas in it. It's a really amusing flight of fancy. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 27 May, 2011, 11:34:45 PM
Plus, Ms Marvel is insanely hot.

:D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 May, 2011, 07:19:51 AM
Not wishing to cover stuff that should be in Classified I'm going to be putting a load of Ms Marvel comics onto eBay tomorrow. Including a complete run of the first series... you know if people want to see how insanely hot she is!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I.K. on 28 May, 2011, 01:08:40 PM
Bought a new copy of the first Pan Book of Horror Stories yesterday. Hope they reprint some of the others. I've got loads of Fontana collections and a couple of Armadas from when I was a kid, but not many Pans.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 28 May, 2011, 03:37:27 PM
MIK, my local 2nd hand bookshop usually has a selection of the less-rare pans going for a quid or so each, if you want dibs.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I.K. on 28 May, 2011, 04:50:13 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 28 May, 2011, 03:37:27 PM
MIK, my local 2nd hand bookshop usually has a selection of the less-rare pans going for a quid or so each, if you want dibs.
SBT

No, s'alright. They're one of those things I'll buy straight away if I see them in front of me, but I'm not so bothered about going to any great lengths to acquire, (and there seems to be loads for sale online for practically nothing anyway).

Thanks for the offer, though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 29 May, 2011, 12:21:53 PM
Added Shaun Hutson's HEATHEN to the current reading pile. It's my first Hutson book (I was mostly into King and Herbert, as a kid) and I'm absolutely loving it. Surpisngly emotive and character-driven, despite what I've heard from critics of Hutson's work...   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 29 May, 2011, 01:47:46 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 29 May, 2011, 12:21:53 PM
It's my first Hutson book (I was mostly into King and Herbert, as a kid) and I'm absolutely loving it. Surpisngly emotive and character-driven, despite what I've heard from critics of Hutson's work...   

His early stuff is much, much different. More trashy, I guess. The newer stuff is cool.

I've just finished Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe and it's brilliant! I'm already in the second book, Claw of the Torturer. I can easily say it's like no fantasy or sci-fi I've ever read - a first person narrative in which the narrator is possibly a liar!!!

Thanks to Kerrin for sending me these books. I don't know why I've delayed in reading them until now. I read SotT in three days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 29 May, 2011, 02:33:40 PM
Quote from: locustsofdeath! on 29 May, 2011, 01:47:46 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 29 May, 2011, 12:21:53 PM
It's my first Hutson book (I was mostly into King and Herbert, as a kid) and I'm absolutely loving it. Surpisngly emotive and character-driven, despite what I've heard from critics of Hutson's work...   

His early stuff is much, much different. More trashy, I guess. The newer stuff is cool.


This one's 1991, I think. So it's kinda early-ish. The author pic at the back is fantastic - big glasses, full-on poodle-perm mullet and Rob Halford-esque leather jacket. Priceless!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 29 May, 2011, 02:46:48 PM
Oh yeah, that pic is classic! I also love all the heavy metal bands he thanks!

I have read Slugs, Spawn and Erebus (all in one volume, put out by Index) and Victims; out of the four, Victims is the only one with any sort of character development. The rest are good, trashy fun loaded with sex and gore and little else!

Search a fe of his interviews on youtube - they're soooo hilarious. There's one in which he takes Slugs so seriously it's hard to tell if he's taking the piss or not.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mangamax on 10 June, 2011, 05:25:30 PM
Just got "Sci-Fi Art A Graphic History" by Steve Holland and would recommend it to anyone into SF design work.
It starts from the illustrations for the likes of the original printings of Wells and Verne, up through the pulp covers of the 30's to 50's, comic art (including 2000AD), preproduction art of film and telly, promotional art for films, SF paperback covers and on and on and on.
Only downside is its quite small to show off all the brilliant art, and the binding ain't too good.
But, an insperational read.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/Mangamax/0sfa.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 10 June, 2011, 06:55:34 PM
I recently finished Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman.

A very entertaining read, although I wasn't over keen on how a few of the characters [spoiler]just happened to turn up on the Caribbean island. To his credit Gaiman actually did make a reference to the apparent coincidence in the book, stating that things like that do happen in real life (and he's right, they sometimes do), but I felt this stretched things a bit much.[/spoiler]

There were some great characters and interesting ideas though. Writing a novel based on the mythology of Anansi the Spider was a great idea.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 10 June, 2011, 07:16:02 PM
Sigh. I edited the post with more stuff, but it timed out on me.


I also recently read a Star Wars book Outbound Flight by Timothy Zahn.

While I love the Star Wars universe, I've avoided many of the novels since The Prequels came along and contradicted some of the stuff established. I was interested in this book though as

a)It's written by Zahn, and is set in the prequel time period (between episode 1 and 2 to be precise) and

b)It involves two characters that featured in some other Zahn books which I read before the prequel films came along, namely Thrawn and Jorus C'Baoth. (Strictly speaking the latter featured indirectly, as the character in the other book was a [spoiler]clone[/spoiler] called Joruus.
and
c) I was interested in how Zahn would tie his version of history with the official prequels. I.e. in his other books he refers to a great war between the Federation and The Clone Masters, which turned out to not be what The Clone Wars was about. To be fair, the contradiction here isn't really George Lucas's fault as the remit in those days was that the Clone Wars time period was out of bounds, for authors, so most set their novels after RoTJ. Zahn was one of these, but he and others bent the rules somewhat by still referring to events of that time period. He didn't go into detail but he left in enough to give a rather different impression of what they were about. (I'll admit, his version is very interesting though.) You'd have thought the  editing team would have sorted that out, but I guess they weren't that fussed really.

Anyhow, the novel didn't really do much to cover point c, but it was an interesting enough read just the same, particularly seeing Thrawn's role before he became a Grand Admiral of the Empire. C'Baoth, while not as dark [spoiler]as his later Clone, who is pretty much an outright Sith wannabee[/spoiler] is a somewhat unusual Jedi Master. Not a particularly likeable character though.

Anyway. The story wasn't bad, but I'm not over keen on Zahn's writing style.

I'm currently reading a fantasy novel: The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch.
Early days yet, but it's okay at the moment. A lot of swearing for a fantasy novel though!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 10 June, 2011, 07:43:16 PM
Anansi Boys is a great read - I may have mentioned on here that I actually listened to the audio book, read performed by Lenny Henry, and he made me laugh more than he has at any point since the early '80s.

Outbound Flight is an odd one.  On the one hand, I love books with plans of really big starships at the front, and it was interesting to see L'il Thrawn in action and see the Jedi in a different more Star Trekky mode.  The bit I didn't get was the huge number of pages devoted to one Jorg Car'das (obviously a version of George Lucas), who I have been informed by nerds nerdier than I is everywhere in the Star Wars EU, having hung out with Yoda on Dagobah and been given Force powers by him, created Talon Karrde's crime syndicate for him, learned to teleport using the Force... etc. etc.  No thanks, Tim.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 10 June, 2011, 08:37:53 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 10 June, 2011, 07:43:16 PM
Outbound Flight is an odd one.  On the one hand, I love books with plans of really big starships at the front, and it was interesting to see L'il Thrawn in action and see the Jedi in a different more Star Trekky mode.  The bit I didn't get was the huge number of pages devoted to one Jorg Car'das (obviously a version of George Lucas), who I have been informed by nerds nerdier than I is everywhere in the Star Wars EU, having hung out with Yoda on Dagobah and been given Force powers by him, created Talon Karrde's crime syndicate for him, learned to teleport using the Force... etc. etc.  No thanks, Tim.

I liked the character of Car'das in the book, but... I didn't know that! That does sound rather dodgy!

I am curious about the idea of a non force sensitive gaining force powers. Considering the idea that midichlorians (ugh, yes I know) are the interface with the force, what would happen if a normal bloke got a blood transfusion from a Jedi? (Assuming they were of the same blood type obviously.)

I'd imagine the affects (if there were any) would be minimal, even temporary, but... well. I'm curious. Of course in the thousands of years of history I'd have thought someone would have tried it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 10 June, 2011, 11:37:19 PM
Death Masques....the Dredd paper back. Its not to bad...from the 1st chapter but
since i'm only starting it are there any of these i should really get or really avoid?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 17 June, 2011, 04:30:30 PM
'Pushing Ice', by Alastair Reynolds, grabbed on a whim and a desire not to get involved in a trilogy such as his 'revelation space' books. Very good stuff, so moreish that ive been setting aside time to read this, rather than just cramming it into available periods of the day.
Basically, Saturn's moon Janus breaks orbit and makes a rapid beeline for distant star Spica, shedding its ice and revealing machinery underneath. An asteroid-mining ship is the only available thing to follow it, and her crew are given the job of catching up and studying it briefly, before returning home. But things go very wrong indeed.
About halfway through, and its bringing to mind the best aspects of 'rendezvous with rama', but coupled with the level of characterisation and interpersonal plotting that the rama sequels aimed for, but failed so dismally. Rapt, i am.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 17 June, 2011, 09:34:02 PM
Man Walks Into A Pub: A Sociable History of Beer by Pete Brown.
A fascinating history of beer drinking, brewing and of course, the pub. It's the second of his books that I've read and again I find it hard to put down.

More relevent to this parish, my to "to read" pile is currently the first three Hellboy trades that I've finally got round to buying and book 4 of Northlanders.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 18 June, 2011, 12:05:32 AM
Quote from: Albion on 17 June, 2011, 09:34:02 PM
More relevent to this parish, my to "to read" pile is currently the first three Hellboy trades that I've finally got round to buying and book 4 of Northlanders.

Be patient with the first Hellboy book. It's a bit clunky compared to the rest. I attibute that to John Byrne's "help."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 18 June, 2011, 07:51:37 PM
GAME OF THRONES! on offer in gamestation for a fiver when we got the nippers ds and ive just bought the next four for a fiver each off play.com !  should keep me out of mischief for a while. ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 18 June, 2011, 07:53:30 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 18 June, 2011, 12:05:32 AM
Quote from: Albion on 17 June, 2011, 09:34:02 PM
More relevent to this parish, my to "to read" pile is currently the first three Hellboy trades that I've finally got round to buying and book 4 of Northlanders.

Be patient with the first Hellboy book. It's a bit clunky compared to the rest. I attibute that to John Byrne's "help."

agreed, though i prefer the ones with the short stories "chained coffin" and "right hand of doom" meself
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 18 June, 2011, 11:52:40 PM
I got around to reading the Serenity graphic novel 'The Shepherd's tale' tonight, after having it on my shelf since Xmas.

Oh dear. Not a fan.

After two very, very good Serenity graphic novels, this one comes off very badly, in my opinion. It spoils the potential of telling Shepherd Book's origins with a slightly-too-adventurous storytelling device of jumping backwards in time at regular intervals. It starts well, but moving backwards all the time, I can't help but feel it loses momentum rather than gains it.

A real shame.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 19 June, 2011, 12:34:42 AM
I found that device took a bit getting used to, but I largely liked it. Some interesting twists!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 19 June, 2011, 03:03:35 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 18 June, 2011, 07:53:30 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 18 June, 2011, 12:05:32 AM
Quote from: Albion on 17 June, 2011, 09:34:02 PM
More relevent to this parish, my to "to read" pile is currently the first three Hellboy trades that I've finally got round to buying and book 4 of Northlanders.

Be patient with the first Hellboy book. It's a bit clunky compared to the rest. I attibute that to John Byrne's "help."

agreed, though i prefer the ones with the short stories "chained coffin" and "right hand of doom" meself

I tend to prefer the longer stories just because it gives Mignola a chance to wander off topic which tends to delight me. That said I don't think any comic artist does better short stories. Their almost like poems. And "Chained Coffin" is possibly the greatest comicbook short story of all time. I've read it dozens of times and it never fails to make me happy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 19 June, 2011, 09:24:43 AM
I am getting to the bottom of my book backlog (there are some advantages of not being very busy at work) and I just finished Zima Blue, a collection of short sci-fi stories by Alistair Reynolds. I don't often read collections like this and it found it's way to me by accident (my mum confusing my Amazon wish list and the "people also bought section") but I'm really glad it did, it's a superb collection.
I'm now looking forward to getting stuck in to the rest of his work, Revelation Space is already on it's way to me.

I've just started reading Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, despite reading everything else of his, this one has always slipped by me until now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Buddy on 19 June, 2011, 11:36:08 AM
Adobe InDesign one on one, 'cause it's sbout time I taught myself it as more and more employers are asking for it.

And I have to say it's quite an impressive bit of software.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 June, 2011, 11:55:05 AM
Quote from: Rog69 on 19 June, 2011, 09:24:43 AM
I am getting to the bottom of my book backlog (there are some advantages of not being very busy at work) and I just finished Zima Blue, a collection of short sci-fi stories by Alistair Reynolds. I don't often read collections like this and it found it's way to me by accident (my mum confusing my Amazon wish list and the "people also bought section") but I'm really glad it did, it's a superb collection.
I'm now looking forward to getting stuck in to the rest of his work, Revelation Space is already on it's way to me.

I have Zima Blue, or Galactic North, pencilled in for later in the month, after I finish Pushing Ice and hopefully whizz through an Arthur C Clarke I picked up the other day. I'm really impressed with Reynolds- Pushing Ice is quite long and exceedingly dense, but it's flown by. I've been eating it up each day, and the characters have absolutely lived for me. It's effortlessly readable, despite being chocka with the kind of 'hard sf' theory and technology that has proven hard for me to get my head around in other books. The Revelation Space trilogy is looking less like a scary 1500+ of close-packed type that I'll probably never finish, and more like a magnificent playground world that I'll never want to leave, with every passing word of his other works.

I think my upcoming book schedule may be something like this: Finish Pushing Ice, A C Clarke's Ghost From The Grand Banks, Galactic North or Zima Blue, Revelation Space trilogy, Feed, Stranger In A Strange Land, Leviathans of Jupiter (Oct paperback).

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 19 June, 2011, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 19 June, 2011, 11:55:05 AM
I think my upcoming book schedule may be something like this: Finish Pushing Ice, A C Clarke's Ghost From The Grand Banks, Galactic North or Zima Blue, Revelation Space trilogy, Feed...

I'll be interested to hear what you think of Feed, dude. I've been hearing mixed reviews of it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 June, 2011, 03:10:52 PM
I started it aaaaages ago, wayne, but gave up after about thirty pages. Possibly though, i was suffering zomboverload, after seven or eight on the trot. I remember thinking it was quite bland, in comparison to some i'd read recently. Willing to give it another go, as fellow zom-heads have said good things. We'll see. How's Fever coming on?
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 19 June, 2011, 04:06:51 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 19 June, 2011, 11:55:05 AMI think my upcoming book schedule may be something like this: Finish Pushing Ice, A C Clarke's Ghost From The Grand Banks, Galactic North or Zima Blue, Revelation Space trilogy, Feed, Stranger In A Strange Land, Leviathans of Jupiter (Oct paperback).

SBT

Two of the six books remaining in my in-pile are The ghost from the grand banks and Stranger in a strange land.

Before Zima Blue I re-read Rendezvous with Rama, I hadn't read it for years and I'm now interested in the sequels but I hear they are not so great, anyone else read them?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 June, 2011, 04:21:44 PM
I confess to getting halfway through Rama 2 before losing the will to live. Rama i found astonishing; so much so that i found myself calling it my 'favourite book' in that facebook thing that's going around at the moment- which surprised me, because ive only read it recently. But i really havent stopped thinking about it since, and was so, so dissappointed by 2. Turgid, dispiriting prose, just going on and on, with dreadful characters examined in detail whom you'd really prefer were just forgotten. I understand, from those here far more in the know than me, that clarke basically had fuck-all to do with them- which makes sense, because they really dont read like him at all. And Rama 2 ignores everything about the first that made it so distinct, warping it into some featureless, bland, doorstop nerd-fiction.

I have to go read Rama again now. See? Always on my sodding mind.

SBT

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 19 June, 2011, 06:58:08 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 19 June, 2011, 03:10:52 PM
I started it aaaaages ago, wayne, but gave up after about thirty pages. Possibly though, i was suffering zomboverload, after seven or eight on the trot. I remember thinking it was quite bland, in comparison to some i'd read recently. Willing to give it another go, as fellow zom-heads have said good things. We'll see. How's Fever coming on?
SBT

It's going grand, thanks for asking! Visited a laboratory over the weekend as research for it. It's due in for August 1st, which should be okay; I'm about halfway through the 3rd draft.

Reading-wise, I'm digging into a lot of Shaun Hutson at the moment. Reading Purity at the moment and really enjoying it. It's the most character-driven and moderately paced of his work that I've read thus-far.

I'm hearing a lot of good things about the late Richard Laymon and so picked up one of his (delightfully titled BEWARE!) which I'm very much looking forward to checking out. Ironically, I've become a little disenfranchised with comtemporary horror and seem to be reaching for books from the 80s/ 90s. Maybe it's a comfort thing; those were my formative years in terms of getting into horror books. But I'm loving what I've discovered/ rediscovered so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 June, 2011, 08:10:32 PM
Richard Laymon was a particular favourite of mine for a year or so a good while back. He has one series, something '...house' (or something like that. Im at work and cant check) that are blindingly good. Or at least, i remember them being so, even though the details are hazy now to say the least!
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 June, 2011, 08:51:35 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 19 June, 2011, 04:21:44 PM
I have to go read Rama again now. See? Always on my sodding mind.

Snap.  Rama is one of on two books that Stevie can categorically state that he's read in every decade of his life.  In fact, he was re-reading this, 2001 & Childhood's End on a annual basis through his high school years. All three are currently sitting in his To Read pile even as he types.

In his teens he would have named Childhood's End as being Clarke's finest. In his twenties: The Fountains of Paradise.

But Rama... Rama is a perfect as any book could wish to be.

Was underwhelmed by The Ghost of the Grand Banks when it was first published a recent re-read shows how mistaken Stevie was.

The other book read every decade is Joe Haldeman's The Forever War . To his undying shame, Stevie didn't read The Time Machine again after grade 5 until Stephen Baxter's The Time Ships was published in the 1990s.  :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 20 June, 2011, 09:25:11 AM
QuoteRichard Laymon was a particular favourite of mine for a year or so a good while back. He has one series, something '...house'

Beast House. The first one is 'The Cellar', whcih is an aweseom book. Laymon worte some astonishing horror books.
Wayne, I've got a number of them here in HB, if you're still looking for some of them next time we're in the same location, you can have them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2011, 09:33:59 AM
Beast House! That's the one- and i remember The Cellar as being utterly disturbing, and very, very nasty.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 20 June, 2011, 09:36:03 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2011, 09:33:59 AM
Beast House! That's the one- and i remember The Cellar as being utterly disturbing, and very, very nasty.
SBT

It is indeed. There's one of his called Endless Night that even I think may go 'too far' at times.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2011, 09:42:20 AM
I spent a good few months working my way through a number of Laymon's books- so, from a distance of some years, they do sort of merge into one. But i remember being astonished at how far he was prepared to go, and confused why i'd not heard of him during the horror 'golden years' of 13 to 20 (83-90). Was he just not distributed in the uk back then? It was all king, herbert, smith, hutson, etchinson and the exorcist on any self-respecting teenager's shelves.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 20 June, 2011, 09:51:19 AM
Yeah- he really is your classic example of an overlooked talent. He's easily up there with the best of them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 20 June, 2011, 01:45:21 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 20 June, 2011, 09:25:11 AM
Wayne, I've got a number of them here in HB, if you're still looking for some of them next time we're in the same location, you can have them.

Wow, that's very kind of you, Rich! :)

Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2011, 09:42:20 AM
Was he just not distributed in the uk back then? 

I think he's fairly widely distributed now in the UK (can't remember the publisher - but they're pretty big). Oddly, Laymon was only published in the US in later years (maybe even after his death?) by the ailing Dorchester; under their Leisure imprint.

Quote from: Richmond Clements on 20 June, 2011, 09:51:19 AM
Yeah- he really is your classic example of an overlooked talent. He's easily up there with the best of them.

Excellent! You boys are really selling this guy to me. He's just moved up the pile to next-on-the-list :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 20 June, 2011, 01:47:18 PM
QuoteWow, that's very kind of you, Rich!

Not at all! I have one eye on clearing some shelf space!

Should be over in NI sometime the middle of next month...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 20 June, 2011, 03:05:10 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 20 June, 2011, 09:36:03 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2011, 09:33:59 AM
Beast House! That's the one- and i remember The Cellar as being utterly disturbing, and very, very nasty.
SBT

It is indeed. There's one of his called Endless Night that even I think may go 'too far' at times.

I read a lot of Laymon in my teens and as someone said, they can merge into one but Endless Night is as clear in my head now as the first time I read it. Seriously disturbed stuff but so relentlessly paced that you just can't bring yourself to stop. I read it in one sitting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 20 June, 2011, 06:50:10 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 20 June, 2011, 01:47:18 PM
QuoteWow, that's very kind of you, Rich!

Not at all! I have one eye on clearing some shelf space!

Should be over in NI sometime the middle of next month...

What say I relieve you of all that pulp horror, Rich, in exchange for a pint or two at a local tavern of your choice! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 20 June, 2011, 06:52:05 PM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 20 June, 2011, 03:05:10 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 20 June, 2011, 09:36:03 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2011, 09:33:59 AM
Beast House! That's the one- and i remember The Cellar as being utterly disturbing, and very, very nasty.
SBT

It is indeed. There's one of his called Endless Night that even I think may go 'too far' at times.

I read a lot of Laymon in my teens and as someone said, they can merge into one but Endless Night is as clear in my head now as the first time I read it. Seriously disturbed stuff but so relentlessly paced that you just can't bring yourself to stop. I read it in one sitting.

I love that pacey stuff. Shaun Hutson has that quality too: the 'okay, one more chapter' kind of draw that keeps you motoring way past sleepy-sleep time :) Can't beat a bit of that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2011, 08:28:37 PM
I thought Flu had an echo of that 80s style page-turner pace, mr simmons. And that's the last bit of bum-suckery you get from me til i at least receive a signed copy of Drop Dead Gorgeous!
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 20 June, 2011, 09:26:37 PM
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch is proving an interesting read. Basically it's thieves and con merchants pulling a major scam (amongst other things) in a fantasy setting in a culture reminiscent of late medieval Spain or Italy. Quite different from the kind of fantasy that I'm used to, but welcome. Apparently it's the first in a series of books called 'The Gentlemen Bastards sequence.'

Con merchants in the real world are terrible people considering what they do, and the bereft people they leave in their wake, but I'll admit I find scams interesting to read about. These people are bad... but they're clever and entertaining to read about. If you've seen Dirty Rotten Scoundrels or even The Real Hustle, you may know what I mean. Putting that in a fantasy setting with likeable rascals (they steal from the rich to... well... give to themselves but they're very likeable characters) pulling the wool over the eyes over both their Capa* and the law is a fun read. Mix in a bit of magic too, but used in a very interesting specific way (and not by them)... a recipe for a great read.

*A kind of criminal boss.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 20 June, 2011, 10:09:59 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2011, 08:28:37 PM
I thought Flu had an echo of that 80s style page-turner pace, mr simmons. And that's the last bit of bum-suckery you get from me til i at least receive a signed copy of Drop Dead Gorgeous!
SBT

Well that's what I was aiming for... Hell, it's all I know! 80s horror made me the man I am today :)

(oh and thanks, man. Bum-suckery always appreciated). 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 22 June, 2011, 01:51:13 AM
Finally got myself a copy of "The Complete Maus" off Amazon after it's been on my To Buy list for yonks.

I'm about half way through Book I - just can't put it down. Nothing I can say would come close to doing such a work justice. If you haven't read it, you're missing something.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 22 June, 2011, 08:28:11 PM
'Black Hand Gang' by Pat Kelleher set in WW1. Soldiers waiting to attack an impregnable German Trench  find themselves facing Alien adversaries instead. Sort of Charlies War meets H.P Lovecraft.  Great idea though there is a computer game called NecroVision that had a similar theme to it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 June, 2011, 10:05:22 PM
Quote from: IAMTHESYSTEM on 22 June, 2011, 08:28:11 PM
'Black Hand Gang' by Pat Kelleher

Must admit I'm quite tempted by this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 22 June, 2011, 10:54:02 PM
I just read the Dredd Case Files, volume 14.

Holy cow! I've never read 'Necropolis' before. Didn't think I'd enjoy it. But... what a rattling good read!

I even found myself wailing 'NOOOOO!' when it looked like [spoiler]Anderson got squished by that tank![/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 22 June, 2011, 11:46:01 PM
Half way through 'Twitchhiker' by Paul Smith. An entertaining enough read but I'm pushing on as I've got a lovely big book about PIXARs short films to read next; and after that it will be Long John Silver!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 23 June, 2011, 01:55:56 PM
I'm reading GCSE English syllabus stuff.  :|

I'm alright with Of Mice and Men because I've taught that before. It's very studyable.
I loved To Kill a Mockingbird.
Heroes was not a bad novella for the young adult market by an author whom teachers are very keen on, Robert Cormier.
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress was enjoyable but a bit limited for a study text.
That's my week so far. Today I'm reading the (Australian) factual book Riding the Black Cockatoo.

I've another three books to get through after that, but I'm behind schedule. I've got to mark exam papers on this stuff starting Monday.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 27 June, 2011, 06:42:28 PM
Kraken was good with more ideas per page than many a one I've read. Deaths Head is a future sci-fi war which kept me reading though the main character Sven is a utter bastard.  Just started Anno Frankenstein which is a great read -a sort of steampunk world where Britain faces off with the dastardly Nazis and their undead soldiers.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 27 June, 2011, 08:50:52 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 27 June, 2011, 06:42:28 PM
Just started Anno Frankenstein which is a great read -a sort of steampunk world where Britain faces off with the dastardly Nazis and their undead soldiers.

Hah! Who's the author? Sounds quite Abaddon Books...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 27 June, 2011, 09:25:26 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 27 June, 2011, 08:50:52 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 27 June, 2011, 06:42:28 PM
Just started Anno Frankenstein which is a great read -a sort of steampunk world where Britain faces off with the dastardly Nazis and their undead soldiers.

Hah! Who's the author? Sounds quite Abaddon Books...

You are correct, sir! It is young Jonathan Green and is a Ulysses Quicksilver tale.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 28 June, 2011, 03:50:46 PM
Bear with me on this one - I think it's the best place for it.

I'm currently reading 'Word Origins and How We Know Them' by Anatoly Liberman. It's absolutely fantastic (if you like etymology that is!). What I really want to share is this...

...my ma would often refer to thunder storms as 'thunner plumps'. Now, a lot of the phrases and words she used are pretty mental but were sometimes easily deciphered, but this one always stumped me. 'Thunner' is simply a thinning of thunder of course, but 'plump' in this context always stumped me. I thought it might be related to French 'pleut', or Icelandic 'blautur' (she also would say 'plutin' for rain), but never came accross anything to confirm this (apart from a French influence on some Scots I understand). Her accent/dialect was that there Scots-Irish, so I presume a lot of the phrases and words were likely from around 17th Century (!). Turns out 'plump' has a provenance from the 14th Century German, as a verb meaning 'to come down or fall with great force'. Fuckin amazing or what?!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 June, 2011, 04:00:21 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 28 June, 2011, 03:50:46 PMTurns out 'plump' has a provenance from the 14th Century German, as a verb meaning 'to come down or fall with great force'. Fuckin amazing or what?!

Cool indeed. Would that lead into the idea of 'I'll plump for that one', when making a choice?  As in, to come down heavily on that side.  Not to be confused with one-time top shelf mainstay Plumpers.  I presume.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 28 June, 2011, 04:02:57 PM
Oh i dont know, ive come down heavily on a plumper or two in my no no i'll shut up right there.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 28 June, 2011, 04:18:21 PM
[quote author=TordelBack link=topic=24633.msg613999#msg613999
Would that lead into the idea of 'I'll plump for that one', when making a choice?  As in, to come down heavily on that side.  [/quote]

Possibly...I would say 'plum' for that one, so ultimately the etymon may be the same as 'plumbum', which is supposed to have originated as the vernacular for the sound of the device used for drawing water made when it was dropped into the water. It came to be associated with the metal it was made from (according to Liberman).

I can't speak for the magazine title I'm afraid (very afraid), though 'plumping' your seat doesn't have the same etymology.... but SBT might be the expert on that too by the sounds of things!

M.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 28 June, 2011, 04:20:52 PM
Ive plumped a few seats in my- oh i give up.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 29 June, 2011, 05:57:57 AM
Stevie enjoyed Poul Anderson's The High Crusade far more than he expected. However, in doing so this leaves him uncertain whether to charitably forgive the glaring logical flaw  in the denouement or become more resentful of it. Bah humbug.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 29 June, 2011, 05:59:50 AM
DOUBLE POST.  ::)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 29 June, 2011, 01:41:21 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 28 June, 2011, 04:18:21 PM
Possibly...I would say 'plum' for that one, so ultimately the etymon may be the same as 'plumbum', which is supposed to have originated as the vernacular for the sound of the device used for drawing water made when it was dropped into the water. It came to be associated with the metal it was made from (according to Liberman).

I thought that was from the Latin for lead - or maybe they got THAT word from the sound? Etymology is fascinating though.

A nice bit of trivia is trivia itself - apparently* there was a spot in ancient Rome where three roads met (TRI VIA) and it's where the women going to market would stop and gossip apparently, hence any tittle-tattle from the three roads was dismissed as trivia.

*there are other less interesting possible meanings, but I like this one!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 30 June, 2011, 03:41:54 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 29 June, 2011, 01:41:21 PM
I thought that was from the Latin for lead - or maybe they got THAT word from the sound? Etymology is fascinating though.

Yup - that's what I meant, not that it was clear from my post.

QuoteA nice bit of trivia is trivia itself - apparently* there was a spot in ancient Rome where three roads met (TRI VIA) and it's where the women going to market would stop and gossip apparently, hence any tittle-tattle from the three roads was dismissed as trivia.

Good work lad! The mighty Dictionary of Etymology agrees - although it's more general than specifically women going to market, just a common meeting place.

I'll share just one (or two) more - 'Lord' comes from Old Engl. 'hláfweard' (hláf - loaf, pron.approx hlowv i think]) which literally means 'bread keeper' and 'Lady' from 'hlæfdige' (hleyevdee), meaning 'bread kneader'. Maybe this 'kneads' it's own thread!  :D

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 30 June, 2011, 03:54:06 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 23 June, 2011, 01:55:56 PM
I loved To Kill a Mockingbird.
\
Just finished reading this and found it extremely enjoyable, the last few chapters made me nearly shed a manly tear!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 01 July, 2011, 09:59:33 PM
Quote from: IAMTHESYSTEM on 22 June, 2011, 08:28:11 PM
'Black Hand Gang' by Pat Kelleher

Awaiting delivery, sounds good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 02 July, 2011, 04:55:30 PM
Quote from: Emp on 01 July, 2011, 09:59:33 PM
Quote from: IAMTHESYSTEM on 22 June, 2011, 08:28:11 PM
'Black Hand Gang' by Pat Kelleher

Awaiting delivery, sounds good.


It's a bit strange and I'm afraid it's going down the path of most Doug Mclure movies at the moment but it is an interesting idea if not quite what I hoped it would be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 02 July, 2011, 08:03:10 PM
I just read WE3.

It was alright.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 03 July, 2011, 03:54:13 PM
Currently reading Ian Banks' The Wasp Factory.
Fairly grim so far but enjoyable. There's a nice flow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 03 July, 2011, 03:55:46 PM
Quote from: nev on 03 July, 2011, 03:54:13 PM
Currently reading Ian Banks' The Wasp Factory.
Fairly grim so far but enjoyable. There's a nice flow.

One of my favourite books ever.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 03 July, 2011, 03:59:38 PM
Would you recommend any of his other stuff for after this? Not sure about touching any of his sci-fi yet as I've got a pile of scifi to get through.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 03 July, 2011, 04:05:02 PM
Quote from: nev on 03 July, 2011, 03:54:13 PM
Currently reading Ian Banks' The Wasp Factory.
Fairly grim so far but enjoyable. There's a nice flow.

Is that the one where it turns out...

Only joking, Enjoy!

Chi
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 03 July, 2011, 09:12:35 PM
Currently reading the Necronomicon. That's the collection of Lovecraft tales rather than the book of black magic by an ancient mad Arab bloke.

Not bad so far. I like his writing style. The tales themselves have been rather basic though, but I've only gotten a couple of stories in so far. I did read another volume of Lovecraft a while back and (to be honest) wasn't all that impressed. On seeing this big leather volume in the library I thought I'd give him another chance though as I've heard a lot of good things about him.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 July, 2011, 09:18:51 PM
Quote from: nev on 03 July, 2011, 03:54:13 PM
Currently reading Ian Banks' The Wasp Factory.
Fairly grim so far but enjoyable. There's a nice flow.

Jeebus, there's a book you could really screw up with spoilers...

Astonishingly good.  I've only read it once, a quarter century ago, but i feel like I can remember every single page.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: nev on 03 July, 2011, 09:21:28 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 03 July, 2011, 09:18:51 PM
Jeebus, there's a book you could really screw up with spoilers...

Astonishingly good.  I've only read it once, a quarter century ago, but i feel like I can remember every single page.
Luckily I'm finished now, so no need to worry about the spoilers. I thought it was utterly fantastic. Although I was keeping my eyes out for a twist since el chivo mentioned it  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 03 July, 2011, 09:55:54 PM
Quote from: nev on 03 July, 2011, 03:59:38 PM
Would you recommend any of his other stuff for after this? Not sure about touching any of his sci-fi yet as I've got a pile of scifi to get through.

The Bridge is probably his finest 'mainstream' book (IMO, obviously). Espidair Street, Whit, The Crow Road, Walking on Glass- all brilliant. SOme of the others, I'm thinking Song of Stone, can be hard work though.

But you really should read Consider Phelbas and Use of Weapons...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 03 July, 2011, 10:19:36 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 03 July, 2011, 09:55:54 PM
Quote from: nev on 03 July, 2011, 03:59:38 PM
Would you recommend any of his other stuff for after this? Not sure about touching any of his sci-fi yet as I've got a pile of scifi to get through.

The Bridge is probably his finest 'mainstream' book (IMO, obviously). Espidair Street, Whit, The Crow Road, Walking on Glass- all brilliant. SOme of the others, I'm thinking Song of Stone, can be hard work though.

But you really should read Consider Phelbas and Use of Weapons...


From his mainstream novels I would say The Business is my favourite. Canal Dreams and Song of Stone are probably his weakest but they are still OK reads, Song of Stone is pretty bleak and Canal Dreams is a bit odd, kind of like he was writing it with a view to getting an action movie made.

Use of weapons would be my choice from his Sci-fi novels, but they are all pretty damn good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chris_askham on 03 July, 2011, 11:10:13 PM
Quote from: Rog69 on 03 July, 2011, 10:19:36 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 03 July, 2011, 09:55:54 PM
Quote from: nev on 03 July, 2011, 03:59:38 PM
Would you recommend any of his other stuff for after this? Not sure about touching any of his sci-fi yet as I've got a pile of scifi to get through.

The Bridge is probably his finest 'mainstream' book (IMO, obviously). Espidair Street, Whit, The Crow Road, Walking on Glass- all brilliant. SOme of the others, I'm thinking Song of Stone, can be hard work though.

But you really should read Consider Phelbas and Use of Weapons...



From his mainstream novels I would say The Business is my favourite. Canal Dreams and Song of Stone are probably his weakest but they are still OK reads, Song of Stone is pretty bleak and Canal Dreams is a bit odd, kind of like he was writing it with a view to getting an action movie made.

Use of weapons would be my choice from his Sci-fi novels, but they are all pretty damn good.

I was quite enjoying The Business, [spoiler]but then right at the end it turns into a Richard Curtis Rom Com[/spoiler], which kind of spoilt it for me...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 06 July, 2011, 02:38:14 PM
A DANCE WITH DRAGONS!!!

The bookstore on base put them out a week early!!! Woohoo!!!

I'm into the second chapter now...my impression so far is the same as it has been with every ASOIAF book (excepting GoT): GRRM can write a freakin' tedious prologue, can't he? But then the first chapter comes along with some familiar faces and old friends and all is right in the world...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 06 July, 2011, 03:27:46 PM
I've read all of these books except the latest, and thoroughly enjoyed them.... yet I don't own any of them. They were all picked up from libraries.

I'm strongly tempted to buy this though rather than wait for it to hit the libraries.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 06 July, 2011, 05:19:46 PM
[spoiler]A DANCE WITH DRAGONS!!!

The bookstore on base put them out a week early!!! Woohoo!!!

I'm into the second chapter now...my impression so far is the same as it has been with every ASOIAF book (excepting GoT): GRRM can write a freakin' tedious prologue, can't he? But then the first chapter comes along with some familiar faces and old friends and all is right in the world...[/spoiler]
You bastard :) It friggen 12 midnoght here, looks like a trip to the book shop tommorow got half a week of holidays left days now full.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 06 July, 2011, 05:45:40 PM
Currently reading: Darker Than You Think (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darker_Than_You_Think) and enjoying it, even though I'd usually steer clear of werewolf stories unless they came up with a new take on things.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 06 July, 2011, 07:46:10 PM
Isaac Asimov's Foundation. Really enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 July, 2011, 08:10:31 PM
Just finished Clash of Kings.  That man does not mess about.  After a sequence of 3 or 4 chapters in the second half so horrible that I had almost decided to stop reading until it turned out that All Was Not As it Seemed, the last few chapters turned out to be only marginally less grim... but still completely gripping.

Keep meaning to ration and/or pace myself, but as soon as my name comes to the top of the waiting list in the library it's Storm of Swords time...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 July, 2011, 08:31:57 AM
Yike meant to mention this a couple of weeks ago but forgot. I'm currently slowly working through 'DC Comics Chronicle'. Its a really beautiful DnK book, hardcover in a slip case and all that produced as part of DC's 75th Anniversary last year. The reason I particularly wanted to mention it here was that I picked it up from Sheffield's The Works for a measly £12.99 rrp £35. So if this is the type of thing that floats your boat (and it is mine) might be worth checking out you local works and see if they have a copy in.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/DC-Comics-Chronicle-Alan-Cowsill/dp/1405350806/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310023721&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/DC-Comics-Chronicle-Alan-Cowsill/dp/1405350806/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310023721&sr=8-1)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 07 July, 2011, 12:51:26 PM
Just picked up a huge book on preston flea market.
Cartoon aid : a huge tome full of cartoon strips for band aid which i missed the first time

asides from
JUDGE DREDD :pingboing wizard there are loads of gems including
mickey mouse
lucky luke
snake!
hagar the horrible
winnie the pooh
tom and jerry
alley oop
gummi bears
superman
garfield
alias the jester
cwaig and mike
pink panther
paddington bear
archie
the spectacular spider-man
peanuts
rupert
star bears
batman
bugs bunny
fred basett
asterix
top cat
frank sidebottom
the incredible hulk
basil the great mouse detective
captain america
the far side
dennis the menace and gnasher
superted
masters of the universe
the muppet show
desperate dan
tin tin :the complete black island
flintstones

and many more!!!

only £3...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 07 July, 2011, 12:52:37 PM
Geez, Mog. How many pages?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 07 July, 2011, 12:59:41 PM
i aint counting them! ;)

its a4 size and about the same thickness of the early case files! though probably thicker,its hefty!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 07 July, 2011, 07:55:20 PM
and as im reading it a bit more i noticed alias the jester is drawn (or doodled might be a better description ) by none other than arthur ranson!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 08 July, 2011, 01:23:57 PM
just read dc flashpoint #3 - have never seen anything so interestly done with  superman for years
ps. spoiler [spoiler]it's always brill seeing a super hero regain their powers ie. the flash[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 08 July, 2011, 07:34:15 PM
'Venus' by Ben Bova.

Now, im quite enamoured with Mr Bova's 'Grand Tour of the Solar System' series- some, such as the 'Mars' Trilogy, 'Titan', and 'Jupiter' are among my favourite reads of the last few years. And im quite okay with him bringing in characters and themes from his 'Asteroid Wars' books as well, as it all (mostly) fits together beautifully, giving a consistent 'future history' of Man's exploration of our nearest neighbours. Plus, you learn loads of fab space facts along the way.

But 'Venus'... Never was the word "meh" so appropriate. It's like he's writing two books at once, and this one is where he dumps all his clichéd characters and exposition. We have a gruff pirate captain and his crew of almost-racist Asian rockrats. We have a puny weed hero who's on a quest, and has a Very Bad Very Rich father who squats over the book affecting all the characters in turn. And we have yet more biological entities in the last place you'd think of looking for them. Im 300 pages in; which has taken weeks, and they're still orbiting the bloody planet, no closer to their goal.

October sees his Jupe sequel 'Leviathans of Jupiter' go to paperback, which i am more than a little excited about. But this- oh grud, this, this is as slow and hellish as the world he describes.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 12 July, 2011, 10:18:00 AM
VICTIMS by Shaun Hutson. It's all about Laymon and Hutson in this house: my ghoulfiend and I are both interchangeably reading these two veterans and loving it.

Oh, and did you hear? Hutson's been commissioned to write three of the new Hammer imprint's movie adaptations, starting with TWINS OF EVIL.

In other news, just finished Marvel's SECRET WARS as donated very kindly by fellow boarder, Dandontdare. A fun albeit outrageous read. Mostly a trip down memory lane, but some nice ideas and character development - in an 80s kind of way.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 12 July, 2011, 01:02:00 PM
Did Hutson write that one about the saint's bones that revive the dead and some gangsters come back as zombies?  I recall reading that when I was 10 or so and it's remained with me as being one of the worst things I had ever read - Exhibit A in my brain as to how you can't disguise bad writing with lots of squick.

Currently reading Death Got No Mercy by board and prog regular Al Ewing.  It's not quite as unhinged as Zombo or Al's small press work, though I imagine there's only so much he can do with the inherited post-apocalyptic setting.  The sample of another Afterblight book at the back of it left me unfussed about checking out any other entries in the series, but this one's a decent page turner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 12 July, 2011, 01:22:20 PM
QuoteCurrently reading Death Got No Mercy by board and prog regular Al Ewing.  It's not quite as unhinged as Zombo or Al's small press work, though I imagine there's only so much he can do with the inherited post-apocalyptic setting.  The sample of another Afterblight book at the back of it left me unfussed about checking out any other entries in the series, but this one's a decent page turner.

I'm almost finished Kill or Cure in the Afterblight omnibus edition- Al's book is up next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 12 July, 2011, 05:51:15 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 12 July, 2011, 01:02:00 PM
Did Hutson write that one about the saint's bones that revive the dead and some gangsters come back as zombies?  I recall reading that when I was 10 or so and it's remained with me as being one of the worst things I had ever read - Exhibit A in my brain as to how you can't disguise bad writing with lots of squick.

Could well have done. Haven't read it, mind.

'll be honest, I always had suspected Hutson would be a terrible read, based on what I've heard. Alas, the books of his I've grabbed thus far have been very entertaining indeed. In fact, I've belted through them. And so has my ghoulfiend, who's reading his RENEGADES as I type.     
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 12 July, 2011, 08:50:29 PM
I'm currently reading a trade collection of 'X men: The End' by Chris Claremont.

I just...don't get Claremont. I mean... I know the guy has fans, but so much of this stuff comes off as random and devoid of structure. I picked this up thinking 'That has potential to be cool,' but... it's really not.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 July, 2011, 10:36:59 PM
Quote from: HdE on 12 July, 2011, 08:50:29 PM
I'm currently reading a trade collection of 'X men: The End' by Chris Claremont.

I just...don't get Claremont. I mean... I know the guy has fans, but so much of this stuff comes off as random and devoid of structure. I picked this up thinking 'That has potential to be cool,' but... it's really not.

As a young teenager, I idolised Chris Claremont. That run on X-Men with John Byrne and then Paul Smith and John Romita Jnr (with poor old Dave Cockrum threaded through) was absolute bliss from the age of about twelve to fifteen. It's such monumental tragic/Romantic hogsbollocks, that I defy any teenager not to fall for it. It was our version of Twilight. Wordy, with crap characters and massive pronouncements of undying love, the returned dead and a big fight every issue.

A few years ago I bought Essential XMen 1, to see what the adult me thought of it, and- well, basically it's the only one of Marvel's black and white Essentials series that I've given to my youngest as a colouring book.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 July, 2011, 11:07:36 PM
You're playing my tune, SBT!  I loved Claremont's X-Men when I was a teenager, for all the reasons you cite, but subsequent re-reads were near agony, and I really cannot handle any of his newer stuff.  His '80s New Mutants OTOH hold up quite well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 July, 2011, 11:18:44 PM
Ive got a few of his new mutants from back then, and yeah i think the characters were just that bit more interesting. Especially the demon bear saga he did with bill sinkywinkywankywitch. I also loved his early captain britains; which on recent reread i thought didnt stand up so much as wobble about groping for purchase, but were fun all the same.
But those xmen... I utterly fell for the whole jean grey saga, and that paul smith issue when scott meets her looky likey at the airport long after her death- well, that fuelled a years worth of tragic girlfriendless unread poetry. The hellfire club, wolverine in japan, magick the limited series, happy happy times. But my grud, reading it now is like being forced to read an unending stream of a fourteen year old's facebook statuses, after they've been dumped.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chris_askham on 12 July, 2011, 11:29:39 PM
I read the first couple of Essential X-Men recently and really didn't think they were all that bad. Of course, I didn't originally get into the X-Men until around the Fall Of The Mutants era, so that probably makes all the difference. I can read these old stories and take them for the dodgy 70's and early 80's Marvels they are.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 12 July, 2011, 11:47:44 PM
Finally got around to reading the complete V for Vendetta, something I've been meaning to do since Warrior folded some time after the end of the last Ice Age. I remember it being better, to be honest, and, somewhat sacrilegiously, I think the movie had a better ending. Even so, still well worth reading.

Next up, I just found a couple of GNs from way back in the early to mid 70s that I'd forgotten I bought from a remainder store when I was a callow youth: Yragael Urm and Lone Sloane - Delirius by Philippe Druillet. I remember these being mad as a bluebottle's nightmares...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 13 July, 2011, 07:20:31 AM
Leggy Shark, re V for Vendetta- the movie's just better than the comic, full stop.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 13 July, 2011, 07:25:10 AM
 :) :D :D Just got a call from the local book shop informing me they have a noce fat copy of Dance of Dragons waiting there for me to pick up, see if i can knock off work a bit early topday me thinks.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JAMESCOR on 13 July, 2011, 08:08:51 AM
Picked up the latest les sentinilles by dorsian and breccia my French is dodgy but the books look great it's basically war wounded transformed into iron men types during world war one

Got the latest l incal too drawn by laddron even if my French was up to scratch I am not sure it would make much sense the moebius ones did not either it is a truly beautiful book though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 13 July, 2011, 09:06:38 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 12 July, 2011, 11:18:44 PM
...Especially the demon bear saga he did with bill sinkywinkywankywitch. I also loved his early captain britains; which on recent reread i thought didnt stand up so much as wobble about groping for purchase, but were fun all the same.
But those xmen... I utterly fell for the whole jean grey saga, and that paul smith issue when scott meets her looky likey at the airport long after her death- well, that fuelled a years worth of tragic girlfriendless unread poetry. The hellfire club, wolverine in japan, magick the limited series, happy happy times.

I always thought the 80s New Mutants had a real Satanic Panic vibe about them...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 13 July, 2011, 09:10:06 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 13 July, 2011, 07:20:31 AM
Leggy Shark, re V for Vendetta- the movie's just better than the comic, full stop.
SBT

Oddly, the V movie was a dealbreaker for Moore. He thought they had pissed all over his story and turned his back (and wallet) on Hollywood for good. Which is a shame because, no matter how much they played around with V, the WATCHMEN movie was pretty much panel-by-panel true to his comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 13 July, 2011, 09:35:37 AM
V for Vendetta movie better than the comic? Give me a break - the film was shite! A woeful pastiche of the original work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 13 July, 2011, 09:36:15 AM
Yeah, but it's still better than the comic. One of those rare movies that, if i happen upon it, i have to watch all the way through. And as soon as it ends i want to watch it again. It's also probably the only film upon which my wife and i completely agree. Oh, that and moulin rouge.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 13 July, 2011, 10:11:42 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 12 July, 2011, 10:36:59 PM
[As a young teenager, I idolised Chris Claremont. That run on X-Men with John Byrne and then Paul Smith and John Romita Jnr (with poor old Dave Cockrum threaded through) was absolute bliss from the age of about twelve to fifteen. It's such monumental tragic/Romantic hogsbollocks, that I defy any teenager not to fall for it. It was our version of Twilight. Wordy, with crap characters and massive pronouncements of undying love, the returned dead and a big fight every issue.

A few years ago I bought Essential XMen 1, to see what the adult me thought of it, and- well, basically it's the only one of Marvel's black and white Essentials series that I've given to my youngest as a colouring book.

Quote from: TordelBack on 12 July, 2011, 11:07:36 PM
You're playing my tune, SBT!  I loved Claremont's X-Men when I was a teenager, for all the reasons you cite, but subsequent re-reads were near agony, and I really cannot handle any of his newer stuff.  His '80s New Mutants OTOH hold up quite well.

I also loved the Claremont/Byrne X-titles, but find them really hard going now - Big hair, big muscles and soapy plots. I think it's not always a good idea to revisit fave comics from the past - That's why I was happy to get rid of that Secret wars book - that was a happy memory that should not have been revisited!

I've just got through Elephantmen vol 3, briliant stuff; and also picked up vertigo's The Exterminators -- a slight but interesting tale about bug sparayers vs mutant cockroaches.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 July, 2011, 11:51:36 AM
I Shall Wear Midnight:  I love Prachett's Tiffany Aching books, I even prefer the character to Sam Vimes, and this one is off to a great start as our heroine contemplates the sharp end of adulthood. 

However, I think it's a huge mistake bundling this in with the Discworld list as "No. 38", since the four books (Nos. 30, 32, 35, 38 - good grief, how very accessible) are a fantastic tweenager-friendly series all of their own, and you get no sense of this from the paperback dress on my edition.  The only thing distinguishing this as being for 'Younger Readers' is the larger print, especially as the text dives straight into matters sexual, with [spoiler]the Cerne Abbas giant's willy (Discworld equivalent) and a miscarriage[/spoiler] in the first 25 pages.

I presume the publisher is playing on the compulsion to read 'the new Discworld novel!', but I think younger kids might be missing out on a thought-provoking treat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 13 July, 2011, 02:38:05 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 13 July, 2011, 10:11:42 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 12 July, 2011, 10:36:59 PM
[As a young teenager, I idolised Chris Claremont. That run on X-Men with John Byrne and then Paul Smith and John Romita Jnr (with poor old Dave Cockrum threaded through) was absolute bliss from the age of about twelve to fifteen. It's such monumental tragic/Romantic hogsbollocks, that I defy any teenager not to fall for it. It was our version of Twilight. Wordy, with crap characters and massive pronouncements of undying love, the returned dead and a big fight every issue.

A few years ago I bought Essential XMen 1, to see what the adult me thought of it, and- well, basically it's the only one of Marvel's black and white Essentials series that I've given to my youngest as a colouring book.

Quote from: TordelBack on 12 July, 2011, 11:07:36 PM
You're playing my tune, SBT!  I loved Claremont's X-Men when I was a teenager, for all the reasons you cite, but subsequent re-reads were near agony, and I really cannot handle any of his newer stuff.  His '80s New Mutants OTOH hold up quite well.

I also loved the Claremont/Byrne X-titles, but find them really hard going now - Big hair, big muscles and soapy plots. I think it's not always a good idea to revisit fave comics from the past - That's why I was happy to get rid of that Secret wars book - that was a happy memory that should not have been revisited!

I've just got through Elephantmen vol 3, briliant stuff; and also picked up vertigo's The Exterminators -- a slight but interesting tale about bug sparayers vs mutant cockroaches.

I think the Mutant Massacre storyline holds up very well and can still be read now without any problems. The only slight problem for me is that the trade ends without finding out exactly the full impact of the injuries on the X-Men characters, but that's a slight quibble for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 July, 2011, 04:38:07 PM
Without wishing to turn this into a Claremont X-Men thread I'm with the 'I really struggle with his stuff' team.

When I first collected I lapped his stuff absorbed it, loved it and looked on with lust at the issues I didn't have. Oh how I wanted those Paul Smith issues and the few Romita Jr ones I didn't have. Each one I didn't own gained this weird heighten significance.

When I returned to comics the Essential volumes put pay to that envy and also alas any nostalgia I had for his work. I even struggled to make it through the Byrne and Austin material. His plotting was generally fine, well when he didn't drift off and leave things unresolved, but his scripting and dialogue I just don't like any more. At all. In the end I gave up half way through the Paul Smith stuff and just skim read the rest. 

It was like my teenage self finally getting to kiss Kirsty Walsh (The bar maid at the Fox and Hounds) and finding out she was a bit of a rubbish kisser (I should point out I never kissed Kirsty Walsh and have no knowledge of how good a kisser she is!I also doubt she still works at the Fox...)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 13 July, 2011, 09:50:43 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 13 July, 2011, 11:51:36 AM
I Shall Wear Midnight:  I love Prachett's Tiffany Aching books, I even prefer the character to Sam Vimes, and this one is off to a great start as our heroine contemplates the sharp end of adulthood. 

I've got that in the pile to read; first is Unseen Academicals (just started that) and then Philip Palmer's Version 43 (having picked up Red Claw on the recommendation of someone in this thread, and enjoyed it immensely*)

I loves a bit of Pratchett, me.




* Except for one brain-manglingly annoying detail: one of the scientists in the book, dealing with the business of describing and classifying all the alien life they encounter, repeatedly uses 'genuses' to describe more than one genus... Why couldn't someone have pointed out that the plural of genus is genera and thus help preserve the tattered remnants of my sanity?  (I only make a fuss about this as biological systematics is kind of the business I'm in)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 13 July, 2011, 10:39:41 PM
Thanks to everybody who shared their views and memories of Chris Claremont's previous works. I genuinely, sincerely find it interesting to hear what you guys think about this stuff.

I'm still chewing my way through 'X Men: the End' - and I think I've worked out what my problem with his writing is. It's like he has loads of ideas, and some of them are GREAT ideas... but the execution of them is what spoils them for me. It struck me as I was reading the second half of what was the first mini; There's a goodly stack of pages devoted to set-up, but when the obligatory action arrives, it's full of really cringe-inducing dialogue. I can chalk some of the guy's delivery down to my own personal tastes, but when I was reading this comparatively recent series, I had to remind myself that it wasn't a much, much older book.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 July, 2011, 09:30:01 AM
One thing I forgot to say about Claremont is he did combat really well. I always found that the superhero battles he did felt 'real' and convincing and had a real tension to them. You really didn't know who was going to come off the best and he respected his villains which made them all the more scary.

I remember really thinking fighting a Sentinel was hard (alas no more), Freedom Force were at least as powerful as the X-Men and that battle in the park with Nimrod and The Hellfire Club was just brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 July, 2011, 09:58:46 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 14 July, 2011, 09:30:01 AM
... that battle in the park with Nimrod and The Hellfire Club was just brilliant.

That was a truly brilliant sequence - Claremont had a way of making everyone involved relevant to a fight scene, and his handling of that type of three-way was terrific, the interplay of powers and attitudes.  That particular run - from Secret Wars II to the Barry Windsor Smith Wolverine issue through the Mutant Massacre - does hold up better than most. Things start slipping as Mojo and the ridiculous Mr. Sinister come to the fore (IMHO). I also have a soft spot for the Power Pack issues that cross over around that time (a love of Louise Simonson's run on Power Pack is my secret shame).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 14 July, 2011, 10:21:23 AM
My personal Claremont highpoint is the Australia-era and the destruction of the team. As has been suggested, Claremont is (was) very good at creating a real sense of peril, and the way the X-Men get whittled down to the point of irrelevancy (deliberately so) is one of my favourite aspects of this era. Rogue goes through the Siege Perilous, Longshot quits, Logan's too busy taking care of his own business, Havok accidentally 'kills' Storm – they're falling to pieces as a team, but their struggle to fight on is very appealing. Their foes in this era, the Reavers, come across as extremely menacing and very, very dangerous, and the bit when they advance on the hopelessly outgunned and isolated X-Men (down to just Dazzler, Havok, Colossus and Psylocke by this point), ready to kill them, is one of the high points. (Of course, Psylocke telepathically manipulates the other three into going through the Siege Perilous to be reborn – the team is forced into the most complete act of running away it's possible to engage in.) Love it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 14 July, 2011, 10:31:04 AM
The Reavers were great. Until they turned up in The Punisher and he put on some stupid exo-skeleton armour type thing to fight them. I loved (and still do) that Punisher series but that bit stank.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 14 July, 2011, 10:56:45 AM
Quote from: Colin Zeal on 14 July, 2011, 10:31:04 AM
The Reavers were great. Until they turned up in The Punisher and he put on some stupid exo-skeleton armour type thing to fight them. I loved (and still do) that Punisher series but that bit stank.

My friend was a big Punisher fan at the time, but those were the only two issues I bought, 'cos the Reavers were in 'em. In a rather nice continuity touch, in a later Jim Lee-era issue of X-Men (I think it's the one where Rogue returns) we see Prettyboy wearing The Punisher's shirt, with a red circle with a line through it painted over the skull. But yeah, the Reavers were brilliant. They crucified Wolverine! And not metaphorically, either.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 July, 2011, 11:20:25 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 July, 2011, 09:58:46 AM
I also have a soft spot for the Power Pack issues that cross over around that time (a love of Louise Simonson's run on Power Pack is my secret shame).

Heck on that front I'm out and I'm proud. I picked this up a while back at mart after having fond but vague memories of them from some Marvel UK comic (I forget which) and read them a couple of years back. They are bloomin' brilliant. I might have even said so here. Strangely in that time of grim and gritty a comic about a punch of kids was the most 'mature' thing Marvel was doing. Louise Simonson did that rarest of things too in mainstream comics, she wrote children in comics that were like real children of age they were meant to be.

Brilliant stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 July, 2011, 11:33:25 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 14 July, 2011, 11:20:25 AMLouise Simonson did that rarest of things too in mainstream comics, she wrote children in comics that were like real children of age they were meant to be.

Agreed - there was real cleverness in the setup too.  For example, there was huge character mileage in setting up Katie, the youngest (and is this context that's very young), as superficially the most powerful, and in her resistance to being used as a weapon by her bossy brother.  Also, when their powers were swapped, and Alex became the point-and-shoot guy he'd always wanted to be, his dismay at seeing his brother put his own former 'useless' power to new and amazing uses.   The way the powers and their adventures caused the relationship of the siblings to develop was like a really good novel of childhood.

So definitely demand for a support group, then.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 14 July, 2011, 11:37:50 AM
I was tempted to buy the collected Power Pack while in FP the other week, but the price of £22.50 put me off. I'll have to see if I can get it online cheaper.

I assume the Reavers/X-Men run has been collected in a trade. Anyone know what it's in?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 14 July, 2011, 11:45:58 AM
Quote from: Colin Zeal on 14 July, 2011, 11:37:50 AM
I assume the Reavers/X-Men run has been collected in a trade. Anyone know what it's in?

It's in Essential X-Men 8 & 9. The first Reavers story is the first issue in 8.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: locustsofdeath! on 14 July, 2011, 11:58:31 AM
Has anyone started A Dance With Dragons? I need someone to chat with about it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 14 July, 2011, 12:03:46 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 14 July, 2011, 11:45:58 AM
Quote from: Colin Zeal on 14 July, 2011, 11:37:50 AM
I assume the Reavers/X-Men run has been collected in a trade. Anyone know what it's in?

It's in Essential X-Men 8 & 9. The first Reavers story is the first issue in 8.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 14 July, 2011, 12:33:41 PM
Last couple of questions on the Essential X-Men trades. Are they b&w or colour? If b&w are they collected in colour anywhere else?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 14 July, 2011, 12:53:03 PM
They're b & w, phonebook-style. Colour collections... nothing in-print that I am aware of re: the Reavers stories, though I'm pretty sure there's a colour collection of the Infero stuff (which falls in the middle of the Australia era) out there, plus definitely earlier stuff like the Mutant Massacre.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 14 July, 2011, 01:59:48 PM
Yeah, I've got those trades already. Wouldn't mind collecting more of a run of the stories. The b&w doesn't really bother me but would prefer to have them in colour. They can go on my long list of trades to buy that I don't have the money to pay for.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 14 July, 2011, 02:03:20 PM
A lot of claremont's xmen run is collected in a series of colour uk 'pocketbooks', and available in whsmiths, etc, for under a fiver each (3.99 i think) usually found in the kids books or graphic novels. They're small, and the paper is disgusting, but they're fantastic value for money. But remember to also buy reading glasses of a magnifier at the same time.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 15 July, 2011, 12:12:54 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 July, 2011, 09:58:46 AM(a love of Louise Simonson's run on Power Pack is my secret shame).

Dunno why the shame, TB - I always liked the title but I've read the recent trades (with cleaned-up art and colours) and it not only holds up well compared to more contemporary 'young superhero' books like Runaways and Young Justice, it hasn't dated as much as they have despite being over twenty five years old, and the art is amazing, with photorealistic lines combining with the Marvel style of Dutch angles and clear storytelling where contemporary books would plump for some ghastly sub-manga style of characters posing against blank backgrounds while gritting their teeth at each other.
Probably the biggest shock of reading it was seeing the odd elevation of the written word rather than the constant tv and movie references that choke everything 'youth' oriented these days.  I was quite chuffed at figuring out the reference to Anne McCaffery's science-created dragons in the issue featuring Dragon Man, for instance, but the title is dripping with love for the written word, from simply name-dropping books to having issue-long Little Nemo homages that you could see the Punisher-worshipping teens of the late 1980s gnashing their teeth about being "too silly" rather than perfectly capturing the anything-goes mentality of superheroic adventures.
The post-Simonson stuff was often utterly terrible, but Jon Bogdanove had his moments and I'd recommend Power Pack without shame to anyone who loves comics.

Unseen Academicals - I've never had such a slog through a Pterry novel, but this one was unfortunately about footy, a sport for which I have nothing but a deep and heartfelt loathing, so my opinion and the reading experience that informed it may be clouded by that.  A decent enough book, all told, but not one of the better Discworlds.  I suspect it might have been formulated to be better-adapted as a TV special, but to be honest I found those remarkably laugh-free and don't see what might translate from this book onto the screen any better than Going Postal, so maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 15 July, 2011, 03:32:36 AM
oddly enough, I was having a conversation about Power Paack with the guy who runs my LCS not too long ago.

DEFINITELY adding that to my 'stuff to pick up' list. I adored it as a child!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 July, 2011, 07:29:38 AM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 15 July, 2011, 12:12:54 AM
Dunno why the shame, TB

Ah, that's easy to explain - I endured considerable slagging when I was buying it, even from the nerdiest of nerds.  Comics about little kids were plainly for little kids, y'see.  Then when Louise Simonson moved on to New Mutants (after a pretty successful run on X-Factor) and utterly destroyed the book, I began to feel I'd made some terrible error of judgement.  When Liefield and Cable appeared, I knew I'd been championing a monster, and stopped reading Marvel altogether.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: maryanddavid on 15 July, 2011, 10:09:09 AM
I read Batman The long Halloween last night, and its a great read, the first superhero book Ive read in a while. Just one thing struck me, its a chunky book, and I read it in about an hour, most of the pages had only three panels!  Still the art looks great, worth a look if a Bats fan.

David
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 15 July, 2011, 12:22:59 PM
Just started Game of Thrones. Only a couple of chapters in but it seems ok so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 July, 2011, 12:31:05 PM
Atavar 1,2 and 3, and AHAB. Im partway through atavar 2, and i am LOVING richard elson's art. Also, mixed among these are some telguuths i'd forgotten about, and some very silly terror tales. Great stuff.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 July, 2011, 12:34:30 PM
NM.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 15 July, 2011, 01:43:48 PM
Treasure Island.
I just got an Android phone and this came with the Kindle app so I thought it was about time I actually read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 July, 2011, 01:59:09 PM
Yer in fer a rare kind o'treat thar, Albion lad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 July, 2011, 02:01:09 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 July, 2011, 01:59:09 PM
Yer in fer a rare kind o'treat thar, Albion lad.

Yup- there's a reason this book is a classic. I bloody love it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 17 July, 2011, 08:22:07 PM
Quote from: maryanddavid on 15 July, 2011, 10:09:09 AM
I read Batman The long Halloween last night...most of the pages had only three panels!

Some people criticise Jeph Loeb for writing Splash page after Splash Page, but when he works with Tim Sale, it really works. Tim Sale is a master at using negative space.With only a few amorphous, tone-contrasting shapes  a coupl'a'dozen carefully placed lines he establishes everything I need to follow the plot. It's bloody good fun too. It's on the list of Comics My Girlfriend Likes, below the first two Buttonmans and Skizz.

I'm about halfway through my anthologies of H.P. Lovecraft.

The shorter stories, that run to about a dozen pages, I enjoy the same way I enjoy a good Future Shock. Just because I might see the twist coming, doesn't mean I enjoy it any less. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 17 July, 2011, 08:57:18 PM
A little update for those following the saga of my slog through 'X Men : The End':

I've been reading a couple of issues' worth of this whenever I get a bit of spare time (which, considering I'm contending with a house full of relatives and a dying grandmother, isn't all that often). Just managed to finish the second mini-series - and to my surprise, I stood back from the last couple of issues and realised 'Gosh... I actually ENJOYED that!'

It's still not what I'd call great, but there's a definite upswing in quality there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 17 July, 2011, 09:01:18 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 15 July, 2011, 02:01:09 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 July, 2011, 01:59:09 PM
Yer in fer a rare kind o'treat thar, Albion lad.

Yup- there's a reason this book is a classic. I bloody love it.

Beats Jekylle and Hyde hands down IMO. My other favorite by him is New Arabian Nights.

Just finished The Anubis Gates. My Brother's been bugging me to read Tim Powers for ages, but fantasy tends to rub me the wrong way so I've been putting it off. Have to admit I quite liked it. I especially approved of Power's putting as much thought and invention into his magic as good Sci Fi authors put into their worlds.

Currently reading Gotham Central Vol 2. Considering it collects 12 issues of the comic it is a steal of a price. When running on all cylinders it's damned gripping; I have a hard time not flipping ahead to see what happens next. I like it when the politics of running a police force and the world of superheroes bump heads or try to compensate for each other. They also do a good job of communicating what it's like to have a professional partner: the strange responsibilities and possessiveness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: das on 18 July, 2011, 12:25:21 AM
over the last month i have been chugging through 12 years of heavy metal mags won on e-bay....all the 2000's,  a lot of lame tit & ass but here in the middle of it all,
Pat Mill's REQUIEM.
while not as all out shocking as Marshal Law was, it certainly is head & shoulders above most comic anthology capers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 18 July, 2011, 12:53:15 PM
While I was doing some tidying up over the weekend I had a flick through some of my issues of The Punisher from the early 90s. I noticed that the writer for some issues (the Eurohit storyline) was a Dan Abnett. Would this be the same one who writes for the prog or just a coincidence?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 18 July, 2011, 03:03:07 PM
Quote from: Colin Zeal on 18 July, 2011, 12:53:15 PM
While I was doing some tidying up over the weekend I had a flick through some of my issues of The Punisher from the early 90s. I noticed that the writer for some issues (the Eurohit storyline) was a Dan Abnett. Would this be the same one who writes for the prog or just a coincidence?

Yup, that's him. From Wiki:

QuoteHis work for Marvel includes runs on Death's Head 2, Battletide, Knights of Pendragon (all of which he co-created), The Punisher, War Machine, Annihilation: Nova and various X-Men titles.

He's also worked for DC and Dark Horse, not to mention Games Workshop!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 18 July, 2011, 06:37:06 PM
Daemonifuge by Kev Walker and Jim Campbell. It's an odd size more like A4 than a standard comic book but  that  just lets you appreciate the terrific art and story more.  I never did get all the originals so this TBPK filled a few missing episodes. Kev Walker makes a convincing Space Marine and there's a picture of Jim Campbell (once of these 'ere boards-come back soon Jim! )  in a black hat!

Painful memories for some but this is a must for a Black Library and 40k  fan like me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 July, 2011, 11:16:37 PM
Holidays on Ice, by David Sedaris.  Opens with an detailed autobiographical account of working as an Elf in Santa's Grotto at Macy's in Manhattan, which is genuinely one of the funniest things I have ever read.  If you liked Bad Santa (and only the wrong-of-head don't), you will love the reality as meticulously described here.   

I heard a live reading of a few of his essays on Radio 4 a while back, and now I can't get enough of this guy's writing.  It's as if Michael Chabon and Garrison Keillor had a gay daytime-soap-addicted baby. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 20 July, 2011, 12:20:55 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 July, 2011, 11:16:37 PM
It's as if Michael Chabon and Garrison Keillor had a gay daytime-soap-addicted baby.


Enough about yourself...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 July, 2011, 08:22:17 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 July, 2011, 11:16:37 PM
Holidays on Ice, by David Sedaris.  Opens with an detailed autobiographical account of working as an Elf in Santa's Grotto at Macy's in Manhattan, which is genuinely one of the funniest things I have ever read.  If you liked Bad Santa (and only the wrong-of-head don't), you will love the reality as meticulously described here.   

I heard a live reading of a few of his essays on Radio 4 a while back, and now I can't get enough of this guy's writing.  It's as if Michael Chabon and Garrison Keillor had a gay daytime-soap-addicted baby.

I'm really into David Sedaris's spoken word stuff and have been meaning to check out his writing. Really must get on with that the fella's hilarious.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 20 July, 2011, 11:26:55 AM
Heads up - the most recent series of Meet David Sedaris is currently on the iPlayer - enjoy his stuff but much more so when it is read in front of an audience by the man himself.

Especially like his essay about Santa, and the variations on the Santa myth around the world.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 July, 2011, 11:29:31 AM
Quote from: radiator on 20 July, 2011, 11:26:55 AM
Especially like his essay about Santa, and the variations on the Santa myth around the world.

"Six-to-Eight Black Men" - that was the first one i heard on Radio 4 and I nearly crashed the car laughing.

Here's the You-Tube version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYdpte1W0vk

He is the king of Santa humour.  I actually like his studio readings better than his live ones - the audiences seem horribly smug.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 20 July, 2011, 04:05:23 PM
The Hobbit

I've read it before (more than once) but what with all the release of the dwarves' pictures on the film thread and all, I felt like giving it another go.  Still an enjoyable story. 

[spoiler]Apart from Orcrist and some knives (and some bows they got from Beorn) the dwarves are  unarmed though. (Maybe they pick up that other cool stuff in the Lonely Mountain.) Or the film is just departing from the book to make them realised action heroes rather than a bunch of grumpy beardies needing to be rescued by Gandalf and Mr Baggins all the time. Actually I wouldn't mind that change, as long as Bilbo still gets to do his stuff.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 26 July, 2011, 08:26:19 PM
I'm currently ploughing through the excellent A Game of Thrones by George R R Martin. Really enjoyed the TV series, and essentially it's like watching a directors cut of that if you see what I mean. The only problem is that I'm going to have a hard time resisting going straight to book two of the series when I'm done with this one when ideally I'd like to wait for the second series of GoT, watch that, then read book two.

I've heard good things about it, so I've just ordered Joe Abercrombie's The Blade Itself, hopefully that will act as a sort of sword and scorcery nicotine patch to tide me over until next year...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HatefulCactus on 27 July, 2011, 12:16:37 AM
Digital issues of Animal Man by Grant Morrison. I recommend issue #5 for any Looney Tunes fans out there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 27 July, 2011, 03:16:19 AM
my life is empty again, just finished Dance With Dragons.  PLease Mr martin try not to take 6 yerasfor the next one it will be unbearable.  It was good to catch up with the Imp, Danny, jJon and Bran after such a long wait (nearly 10 years since any new Imp chapters).
quick spoiler thoughts/questions to any one that has read it
repeat absolutly do not read this if you are watching the TV serieds or not finished book 5
[spoiler]I'm seroise you'll only have yourself to blame[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Ok JOn Snow dead or not? I hope not seems a bit excessive and well I dont see how it can serve the story like Robs and Eds deaths.  I honestly dont think he's dead remember Theons final chapter was rather grim and semed to be an end for the character but he was back this book (although without a few fingers), hopefully even though he copped at least 3 knives he survived.  Danny's dragons are truelly terrifying beasties and I cant wait to see them in battle.  Poor Price Martell of Dorn guess he's not one of the Heads of the Dragon.  Interesting that he's introduced a new Targeryian, might muddy the succession up a bit.[/spoiler]

CU Radbacker 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 July, 2011, 07:24:20 AM
Finished Going Postal, which I started about six months ago and then had a massive sojourn into reading review copies for the next half year. It is bloody good. I forget just how good a writer TP is...

So now, at long last, I'm reading Surface Detail!

I still have a pile of review books to read, but I'm having a break!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 July, 2011, 08:32:20 AM
Quote from: HatefulCactus on 27 July, 2011, 12:16:37 AM
Digital issues of Animal Man by Grant Morrison. I recommend issue #5 for any Looney Tunes fans out there.

Those are some great, great comics. Up there amongst my favouritte of all time. In fact as I recall last time I did a list (for whatever online poll?) I think it might have been my number one?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 July, 2011, 09:23:58 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 27 July, 2011, 08:32:20 AM
Quote from: HatefulCactus on 27 July, 2011, 12:16:37 AM
Digital issues of Animal Man by Grant Morrison. I recommend issue #5 for any Looney Tunes fans out there.

Those are some great, great comics. Up there amongst my favouritte of all time. In fact as I recall last time I did a list (for whatever online poll?) I think it might have been my number one?

The Coyote Gospel- one of the single best issues of a comic ever. Totally heartbreaking.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 27 July, 2011, 01:58:15 PM
You guys were right about Treasure Island. A fine read indeed.
I've gone in a completely different direction now and have started reading Mustaine: A Life in Metal, the autobiography of Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 July, 2011, 02:09:53 PM
Eclectic, thy name is Albion!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 27 July, 2011, 02:45:19 PM
Judt finished Vol 1 of Long John Silver from Cinebooks (cheers again, Rich) and it is as wonderful as I thought it would be. Next up is Artemis Fowl- The Atlantis Complx; I've read all the other books (started getting them for Mini-bolt when he was of an age, but I actually bought this one for Nano-Bolt.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chaingunchimp on 27 July, 2011, 04:47:12 PM
more Peter David Hulk.
from the gray years.
brilliant
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 27 July, 2011, 05:42:42 PM
Tonight I shall be reading the TPB of Jericho (Season 3 - Civil War) and I have been waiting for this at my comic shop for bloody ages. It continues from where the TV series ended!

I shall follow this up with SFX #212 as it has a 4 page article all about Starlord starting on page 76  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 27 July, 2011, 05:47:48 PM
Man, I loved JERICHO. Let us know how you get on with this one.

I'm reading UNMARKED GRAVES by Shaun Hutson with all three NO MAN'S LAND trades on the side. It's a Batman set from the turn of the century. So far, so good. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 27 July, 2011, 06:46:38 PM
Quoteall three NO MAN'S LAND trades on the side.

Don't you mean five? As well as Cataclysm as your first course..?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 27 July, 2011, 08:10:59 PM
Been reading a Dragon Age spin-off novel (called 'The Calling') and it seems to have mirrored my experience with the game almost exactly, in that I got really absorbed in the first half and am now finding it a real chore that I'm only really persisting with to get it finished. Probably not a fault of the novel, I get that way with a lot of fantasy for some reason, maybe it's just not my thing.

So, when I can't be bothered reading that I'm dipping in and out of the Necronomicon. I've never read Lovecraft and decided that's just not right, so far it's tremendously creepy stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 July, 2011, 08:24:43 PM
Finished Steve King's 'Full Dark, No Stars', which was by far the best thing of his i've read in many years. The first story, '1922', especially was magnificent, but everything in it was of such high quality, it makes me feel bad for having taken a sabattical from the man's work.

Now reading 'Starbound' by joe haldeman, the sequel to 'marsbound', which i had previously enjoyed. This one sees our heroes off towards the planet they believe mankind's almost-destroyers, 'the others' inhabit. It's full of the same warm characterisation, hard science ideas, and amusing bits. Fly-In-Amber gets some pagetime and it's impossible not to fall for haldeman's 'martians'. Loving it so far.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 27 July, 2011, 09:10:34 PM
still ploughing through a storm of swords
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 27 July, 2011, 09:27:26 PM
Just about to start 'The life of Luke Skywalker'
This will be followed by 'The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi' then 'The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader'.
Scored these in TK MAXX for £6.




V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 27 July, 2011, 10:58:28 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 27 July, 2011, 06:46:38 PM
Quoteall three NO MAN'S LAND trades on the side.

Don't you mean five? As well as Cataclysm as your first course..?

I think the trades collect two or three stories each (maybe?). I picked them up in a charity shop. Just grabbed all they had, so you could be right: I could be missing the final two trades!   :-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 July, 2011, 11:23:40 PM
Ian McEwan's Solar.  Now I like McEwan a lot, particularly his short fiction collections, but with his later books I'm finding him progressively more flawed as a novelist.  This started with Enduring Love (which was a great book largely ruined (for me) by its bafflingly unnecessary  appendix) and continued in subsequent books (although I haven't read On Chesil Beach), but it really peaks in Solar.  He presents some interesting ideas about physicists, environmentalists and those in the humanities, creates a loathsome but engaging central character with a web of interesting relationships and a fascinating trajectory, then for some reason [spoiler]ties the second half of the book around the usual 'cover up an accidental death in case anyone thinks it's a murder' [/spoiler]plot, with some added immorality, and then leaves the fate of his protagonist hanging on the familiar [spoiler]farce element of 'when will his misdeeds be found out?[/spoiler]'.  It could have been a really interesting novel about its characters and the topical conflict of their ideas and ideals, but instead it's a disappointing jumble of unnecessary melodrama, zeitgeist and insight.

I won't deny that the conclusion resonated strongly with me, but the good bits could have stood free of what felt like a tacked-on plot. 







>>>>>>P minus 4<<<<<<
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 27 July, 2011, 11:42:32 PM
Did he do Amsterdam?

Cos all I'm saying is that it was nothing like any of my visits.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 28 July, 2011, 03:06:24 AM
'The Truth' By Terry Pratchett.

Picked this up as a second hand hardback, it was missing the jacket* so there was no blurb and whatnot. I had no idea what this one would be about. I do enjoy Anhk Morpork stories. Soul Music was the first Pratchett book I ever read and it's bloody cool how the city has developed it's own personality and become a(n insane) city in its own right, after its humble beginnings as a parody of Dickensian London (But with Trolls, and Dwarfs and suchlike) .

[spoiler]In light of recent developments in the (boring) real world, I found this story of a burgeoning Paper  of News to have a bit more of an edge than it otherwise would have.[/spoiler][spoiler]They break the story by listening to someones private message, and then cover for the guilty parties, for example.[/spoiler][spoiler]Having Vetinari sleeping for most of the book irked me slightly, but only because some of my favourite Pratchett lines concern His Lordship's facial expressions (or lack thereof).[/spoiler]

Unseen Academicals is next in the pile.

*£1.25, bargain
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 28 July, 2011, 10:31:17 AM
Quote from: pops1983 on 28 July, 2011, 03:06:24 AM
I do enjoy Anhk Morpork stories. Soul Music was the first Pratchett book I ever read and it's bloody cool how the city has developed it's own personality and become an (insane) city in its own right, after its humble beginnings as a parody of Dickensian London (But with Trolls, and Dwarfs and suchlike) .

I always read it as more of a riff on Lankhmar, myself, with bits of London/Cairo/Paris etc as the stories require it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 28 July, 2011, 05:03:34 PM
The revamped Dark Horse Presents ( Paul Chadwicks Concrete returns for the first three issues ).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 29 July, 2011, 01:34:56 PM
restricted files 3 and my ltd edition hellboy seeds of destruction hardcover i got with the pvc hb for a quid on ebay! bargain of the week!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HatefulCactus on 29 July, 2011, 10:18:34 PM
2000 AD digital progs 1730-1741. Trying to catch up with everyone else.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 30 July, 2011, 03:38:41 AM
Batwoman- This was better than expected. I'd heard good things but it just sort of sounded like a novelty; a lesbian vigilante, meh. But JH Williams is amazing in his switching of styles to tell us where we are in time and in his baroque paneling.  Rucka also did a great job making the character believable and giving her a novelty beyond her sexuality. I like how her father, who plays the Q/Alfred role, and she speak in military jargon when determining their next moves.

Queen & Country Vol2- Good stuff. I'm a huge fan of the Sandbaggers and I think Rucka's stealing from Ian MAcKintosh a gift to the world. Why didn't someone do it sooner? He doesn't quite get that feeling you get watching the show that you have visited an alien planet where no one will do anything you would. I always found the show psychologically dumbfounding. But here it's a good yarn with plenty of surprises of the normal variety.

Declare- My second book by Tim Powers. Pretty impressed by the idea or game of it. Powers when writing his espionage fantasy set in the cold war stuck slavishly to the facts of the Kim Philby case. So basically you could read your history book and Declare and though the latter isn't true it won't contradict the former. Has anyone done this before? I've read alternate histories, but never one that was built to be laid on top of reality.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Cpt Rhodes on 30 July, 2011, 01:29:19 PM
I've been working my way through the back catalogue of Chaos Comics, Lady Death /Evil Ernie. Some of the dialogue is cheesy to say the least but the art of Steven Hughes is just amazing. I don't know why I didn't catch onto him a long time ago. Sad to hear that he died at such a young age.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 03 August, 2011, 08:32:34 PM
Charles Stross' Rule 34 - usual brand of insanity.  Love the literary style of this as well.  Prefer his Laundry stuff for the laughs, only stuff I haven't enjoyed of his as much is the Merchant Prince's series.

X-men Omnibus vol 2.  Slowly savouring this.  Know a taste for the X is considered heresy  in some quarters and admittedly of late even I have struggled to maintain an interest but ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 03 August, 2011, 09:04:28 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 03 August, 2011, 08:32:34 PM
Know a taste for the X is considered heresy  in some quarters and admittedly of late even I have struggled to maintain an interest but ...

It's finally getting good again, y'know. Decent writers (Aaron, Gillen, and the ongoing genius of PAD and Rick Remender on the two satellite teams), the prospect of individual teams with limited rosters rather than the sprawling mess of the last couple of years... hallelujah!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 03 August, 2011, 10:13:16 PM
Just finished Philip Palmer's Version 43...  All in all, great stuff.

What should I pick up next?  Any recommendations in a similar vein?

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 August, 2011, 10:26:14 PM
Currently im about a third of the way through 'outpost' by adam baker- which has finally come out in decently-sized paperback, after months of whispering at me in a ridiculous, oversized, trade edition that i couldnt justify.

End of the world, viral outbreak, isolated oilrig survivors in the barents sea, lots of cold, lovely lovely.

However, a hundred and fifty or so pages in, and it's all gone a bit zombie- which i wasnt expecting. Oddly, i feel a bit let down by this, which is most unlike me, and which im putting down to tonsilitis.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HatefulCactus on 04 August, 2011, 06:16:43 AM
My first issue of Judge Dredd Megazine 313 along with Mercy Heights.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 04 August, 2011, 08:26:15 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 03 August, 2011, 08:32:34 PM
Charles Stross' Rule 34 - usual brand of insanity.  Love the literary style of this as well.  Prefer his Laundry stuff for the laughs, only stuff I haven't enjoyed of his as much is the Merchant Prince's series.

Quick question, somebody bought me the Fuller Memorandum but I haven't read any of the previous books in the laundry series, is it readable in it's own right or do I really need to have read the first two books?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 04 August, 2011, 05:44:50 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 03 August, 2011, 10:26:14 PM
However, a hundred and fifty or so pages in, and it's all gone a bit zombie- which i wasnt expecting. Oddly, i feel a bit let down by this, which is most unlike me, and which im putting down to tonsilitis.

SBT

Complaining about zombies, SBT?! YOU?!

Geez, I better find myself something new to peddle if even you are sick of zed-heads!

:D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 04 August, 2011, 05:51:14 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 30 July, 2011, 03:38:41 AM
Batwoman- This was better than expected. I'd heard good things but it just sort of sounded like a novelty; a lesbian vigilante, meh. But JH Williams is amazing in his switching of styles to tell us where we are in time and in his baroque paneling.  Rucka also did a great job making the character believable and giving her a novelty beyond her sexuality. I like how her father, who plays the Q/Alfred role, and she speak in military jargon when determining their next moves.

I picked up Batwoman 0, part of the new DC reboot. To be honest, although I really wanted to like it, it just wasn't biting.

Maybe I'll let it settle and pick up the first trade.

One of my problems with it is something that might be an issue across the whole Gotham series with the reboot: Batman/ Bruce Wayne looks too damn young. I had always imagined him as a well preserved late 30s/ early 40s. But in BW 0, he looks about 25.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 04 August, 2011, 06:14:19 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 04 August, 2011, 05:44:50 PM
Complaining about zombies, SBT?! YOU?!

Geez, I better find myself something new to peddle if even you are sick of zed-heads!

:D

Ah- but these are sort-of zombies where I wasn't expecting them! I was hoping for a neat thriller thing set in one of my favourite types of locales, and instead I'm now halfway through a mediocre zomnov. Still, 200 pages left to go- at this rate, anything could happen!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 04 August, 2011, 11:04:14 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 04 August, 2011, 05:51:14 PM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 30 July, 2011, 03:38:41 AM
Batwoman- This was better than expected. I'd heard good things but it just sort of sounded like a novelty; a lesbian vigilante, meh. But JH Williams is amazing in his switching of styles to tell us where we are in time and in his baroque paneling.  Rucka also did a great job making the character believable and giving her a novelty beyond her sexuality. I like how her father, who plays the Q/Alfred role, and she speak in military jargon when determining their next moves.

I picked up Batwoman 0, part of the new DC reboot. To be honest, although I really wanted to like it, it just wasn't biting.

Maybe I'll let it settle and pick up the first trade.

One of my problems with it is something that might be an issue across the whole Gotham series with the reboot: Batman/ Bruce Wayne looks too damn young. I had always imagined him as a well preserved late 30s/ early 40s. But in BW 0, he looks about 25.

Haven't read #0, so can't say. Might be a slip up of the artist. Batman should be at the age you say, since Dick Grayson is supposed to be in his twenties. Sure it wasn't the Grayson Batman? Ye Gods, continuity makes my mouth full of wrong. The trade feels pretty self contained which is part of the reason I liked it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 05 August, 2011, 03:19:15 AM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 04 August, 2011, 11:04:14 PM
Haven't read #0, so can't say. Might be a slip up of the artist. Batman should be at the age you say, since Dick Grayson is supposed to be in his twenties. Sure it wasn't the Grayson Batman? Ye Gods, continuity makes my mouth full of wrong. The trade feels pretty self contained which is part of the reason I liked it.

Nope, definitely Bruce. The reboot is set 5 years after origin stories, I think, which could explain the youth (or it might be the artist, as you say).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 05 August, 2011, 05:42:00 AM
Quote from: Rog69 on 04 August, 2011, 08:26:15 AM

Quick question, somebody bought me the Fuller Memorandum but I haven't read any of the previous books in the laundry series, is it readable in it's own right or do I really need to have read the first two books?

Can't remember too many in jokes that require previous knowledge of the series.  Not quite like the Merchant Princes.  Most of the references tend to be from other sources.  An enjoyable read in its own right and I would recommend the rest of them anyway but no, fine on its own.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 07 August, 2011, 02:44:20 AM
Bob Shaw's A wreath of stars. The self-imposed human neutrino  Gilbert Snook (geddit? Stealthy genius!) who becomes unwittingly entangled in  the discovery on an anti-neutrino planet set against a background of turbulent Third World politics.

Simply beyond brilliant.

So what's the deal with the British Isles consistently producing the highest standard in SF writers per head of population & allowing them to go out of print huh?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 07 August, 2011, 05:25:44 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 05 August, 2011, 05:42:00 AM
Quote from: Rog69 on 04 August, 2011, 08:26:15 AM

Quick question, somebody bought me the Fuller Memorandum but I haven't read any of the previous books in the laundry series, is it readable in it's own right or do I really need to have read the first two books?

Can't remember too many in jokes that require previous knowledge of the series.  Not quite like the Merchant Princes.  Most of the references tend to be from other sources.  An enjoyable read in its own right and I would recommend the rest of them anyway but no, fine on its own.

Thanks, I'll move it to my in pile and give it a try :).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 07 August, 2011, 06:24:53 PM
A colleague at work has been very kindly passing the DMZ books onto me, on book 4 now and really enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 07 August, 2011, 07:58:41 PM
Cycle of the Werewolf, by stephen king, which ive been reading to my boys as their bedtime story over the past week. Judicious on-the-fly censorship of naughty words aside, it's been an absolute pleasure. The boys love it, the chapters are short, and bernie wrightson's illustrations cause squeals of delight and horror in equal measure.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 07 August, 2011, 10:14:54 PM
That's one Stephen King book I never got round to reading, and I've read most of his stuff!

I quite enjoyed the film 'Silver Bullet' that was based on it though. (I've seen that film derided on the web, but I thought it was quite fun.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 August, 2011, 10:37:49 PM
C. J. Sansom's fifth Shardlake book, Heartstone.  I've been trying to hold off on this latest indulgence until there was a least a hint of the next one coming out, but the library unexpectedly threw a paperback out of its eternal reserve queue (any sign of Storm of Swords there, lads? It's been 5 weeks and it'll be at least 5 more...) and I couldn't resist its sweet if anachronistic charms.  Och this is a lavish, compelling feast of rather implausible Tudor wranglings, with a worryingly large number of threads and characters from past books being woven into the tightening net - but as soon as the words Mary Rose appeared, I knew this was going to be right up my street.

Said it before, but if you haven't read Sansom's Shardlake books, your eyes are just not being used to their full potential.  They are in the very finest tradition of 'unputdownable' - I'll blindly ignore work, the kids, the cats, and especially sleep once I'm in the grip of the multiple mysteries, vicariously sharing Shardlake's latest stubborn obsession until 4am.

Also on the go, but temporarily on hold until the guilty of the 16th C are exposed, are:

Urchin in the Storm, a brilliantly illuminating collection of book reviews by the late great Stephen Jay Gould.

Flash for Freedom, by the equally late equally great George McDonald Fraser, in which Flashy takes the middle passage.  Never read this one, great if grim stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 08 August, 2011, 06:07:23 AM
Stevie found Dark side of the Sun at his local library & thought, "It's a mere slip of a thing, something that could be read in a single sitting without too much effort. So let's make his first Pratchet book be Pratchet's first book."

After picking it up & putting it down several times over the weekend Stevie's come to the realisation 60 pages in that, after the high concept extrapolation of Bob Shaw, this jaunty Vancian wink at Asimov just isn't what he's looking for at the moment.

So he's returned instead to one of his well springs: Arthur C Clarke's Expedition to Earth. The New English Library edition with that magnificent Tim White cover with the spacemen gazing out of their hovering, Foss-like craft over the African savannah.

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5766502727_fee28033aa.jpg)

Now that hits the spot yessiree.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 10 August, 2011, 08:14:40 PM
Just finished Titan book's Darkie's Mob collection, and John byrnes Next Men # 8.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 August, 2011, 11:58:43 AM
Got a couple of things on the go at the moment- firstly, China Miéville's 'Kraken', which i'm finding a bit of a chore to be honest. Now, i like China's books, and have read him since King Rat came out in paperback, attracted by his Romanticism of London's underworld and 'secret history'. But, while Kraken is as straightforward an adventure as you can get, i cant help feeling he's guilty of massively over egging several puddings, and deliberately muddying his tale with the most dense language possible. It's like he knows he's basicalling telling stories ripped from old british comics (kraken wouldnt be out of place in Lion, or drawn by d'israeli in the prog), but seeks to disguise it by clouding the prose as much as possible.

That said, his characters are fun, and when he writes a paragraph in plain english, he's unbeatable. Here though, it's all too familiar- two characters especially, Goss and Subby, intended to be magnificently creepy bastards who crawl under your skin, just seem lifted wholesale from an old Hellblazer, an old Stickleback, an old Cursitor Doom.

Im about halfway through, and it's very wearying. Not a patch on the novels ive previously read, but there's still a glimmer of hope so i'll continue. I can see why the literary establishment creams its jeans over his work, but all im seeing is a middling vertigo miniseries without the pictures.

The second book is altogether better; 'Lob', by Linda something, which i'm reading to the boys. It's a gorgeous tale of a litle girl who shares a secret with her grandfather- they can both see Lob, the spirit of the hedgerows, the Green Man. Then tragedy strikes, and both the girl and Lob have to make their way in the world, alone. It's obsessed with the mechanics of gardening and the turn of the year, is mysterious and powerful and lyrical, and has my boys rapt. Recommended for parents searching for bedtime stories.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 August, 2011, 03:19:15 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 15 August, 2011, 11:58:43 AM
Got a couple of things on the go at the moment- firstly, China Miéville's 'Kraken', which i'm finding a bit of a chore to be honest.

Coincidentally, I've just started Mieville's Embassytown, plucked unread from the Library's New Acquisitions shelf (mmmm, deflowering novels is a particular vice) and I'm finding it hard to get into (ooo-err).  Kraken on the other hand I thought was magnificent, his best since Perdido Street Station.  There's no doubt that it feels very Vertigo, but I thought the characters and humour really carried it through its many, many pages.  The tribulations of Wati and his mates alone would have kept me entertained through a far longer book.  The language and vocabulary are self-consciously overwrought, I completely agree, but I thought that went a long way to to giving each sub-group and mini-cult, even each of the innumerable characeters, their own identity in the midst of strong competition.

Ultimately I really enjoy this kind of vast, sprawling book that builds a huge complex diverse world and then draws it all together in an apocalyptical plot convergence.

(I also see a lot of Kraken in Absalom, which is no bad thing).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 August, 2011, 03:39:14 PM
Yes, as i say i do generally really like his books. Perdido, especially, is just incredible. Simply as an exercise in world building it takes your breath away, and i'd not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. It also helps that i have it on good authority from a friend who is reasonably close mates with ol' china, that he's a top bloke and completely unaffected by his considerable success.

As for Kraken, there's something about it that's making me continue with it. I spend all day aware of its heavy presence in my bag, or on the chaise, and dreading picking it up- but once i do, it absorbs me completely for an hour or so. I'm only halfway through- and i seem to remember feeling something similar about perdido at this point, so i will keep going.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 15 August, 2011, 07:09:03 PM
started " a feast for crows" in the song of fire and ice saga... ok so far but no tyrion in this 'un! but brienne gets her own sections so that has to be good....seen who theyve got to play  her in series 2 shes too pretty! unless they go for a heavy makeup /austin powers teeth get up...trying to resist buying the new one til it comes out in paperback....unless i find a good deal....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 15 August, 2011, 08:36:51 PM
Currently reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman, and thoroughly enjoying it.

I actually read Anansi Boys first, not realising it was a spin-off from this novel (not that it matters. They're both self-contained, and the only real spoiler is that [spoiler]Mr Nancy survives the 'war' in American Gods.[/spoiler]

A very interesting, intriguing, idea. It's a much slower paced novel to Anansi Boys, and it's quite a meandering novel, probably even more so than the first version that was published. (This is Gaiman's preferred version including text that hits the cutting room floor in the first edition.) For people who like a nice tight story that keeps to the  main plot, this might not be for them. Personally I really like it though, and I'm happy to take little detours exploring this world further. If they ARE detours, they might have a point at the end.

It's not as funny as Anansi Boys, but I think overall I'm enjoying it more.  There are some rather eye popping sex scenes some rather grotesque. The scenes seem to be rather pointless, and I'm not keen on that stuff just for the sake of it*. A slight shock when considering most of the raunch happens off-page in Anansi Boys. That's a small quibble though, even if it even counts.

*Okay, part of me likes the sexy stuff, but at the end I'm just a single bloke reading about someone else getting lucky. Or unlucky if you include [spoiler]the bloke who got gobbled up, quite literally, near the start of the book. He seemed to die happy though.[/spoiler] Best to avoid that stuff, I find.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 16 August, 2011, 08:07:41 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 August, 2011, 03:19:15 PM
The language and vocabulary are self-consciously overwrought...

As a reader, I avoid this sort of thing like the zombie plague itself. Haven't read China's work, mind, so can't speak from experience, but I much prefer an underwritten style of writing to overblown prose which, as SBT says, simply pulls me out of a story.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 August, 2011, 09:08:06 AM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 16 August, 2011, 08:07:41 AM
As a reader, I avoid this sort of thing like the zombie plague itself. Haven't read China's work, mind, so can't speak from experience, but I much prefer an underwritten style of writing to overblown prose which, as SBT says, simply pulls me out of a story.

I'd tend to agree, but here the overwriting is more in the distinctive dialogue than any overly descriptive prose - obscure involuted language is used by (many of) the characters because they are pretty much all members of diverse and deeply specific cults or religious/magical groups, with their own deep histories and obsessions. 

As an example, and without spoiling anything, several of the characters are members of an ancient cult that worships giant god-squid, and they parse the world through a mix of antiquated and modern squid metaphors and terminology.  Another (superb) character is an ancient egyptian worker's leader, and his dialogue is a mix of union cant and pharonic workings.  Others are garrulous occult cops, and their dialogue is that of The Sweeney and The Bill, mixed up with pentacles and wards.

It certainly takes some unpicking, but in terms of establishing the detail and history of the secret world that is its focus, and as a means of distinguishing a sometimes bewildering array of characters, it definitely worked for me.  The set-up would be a much harder sell if everyone sounded like a modern Londoner, even when they look like one.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 18 August, 2011, 07:33:57 PM
Decided to have a crack at Wells' "Shape of Things To Come" during the summer lull.  Read most of his Sci Fi stuff and enjoyed it.  The first chunk really took a while to get into since it is written as  a fictional History text (and trying really hard to ignore all the poststructural literary theory that from Uni that is simply screaming at that one!) and his eugenic philosophy and reactionary politics are sometimes quite blatant but it makes for an interesting if disturbing read, particularly in light of recent events.  Some of the stuff he talks about with regard to the 'common man's' reaction to the depression years could almost be lifted from current commentary on events of the last few weeks!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 19 August, 2011, 06:47:51 PM
Just got through Mark Billingham's new Thorne book "Good As Dead" in one sitting. It's a major return to form after "From The Dead," which I found a bit lackluster. Well worth a read for those of us into crime and suspense fiction - most of us, right?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 19 August, 2011, 10:33:18 PM
Just started Dicky Laymon's COME OUT TONIGHT. So far, so Laymon  :D

Also wrapping on Jack Clark's NOBODY'S ANGEL. Another cracking pulp thriller from those good people at Hard Case Crime (http://www.hardcasecrime.com). Very character driven this one, told from the perspective of a world-weary taxi driver. But the character on display isn't Eddie the book's protagonist, or even real life cabbie and author, Jack Clark. The character that lives and breathes the most in this book is the city of Chicago. Very highly recommended. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 20 August, 2011, 06:20:27 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 19 August, 2011, 10:33:18 PM
Just started Dicky Laymon's COME OUT TONIGHT. So far, so Laymon  :D

Also wrapping on Jack Clark's NOBODY'S ANGEL. Another cracking pulp thriller from those good people at Hard Case Crime (http://www.hardcasecrime.com). Very character driven this one, told from the perspective of a world-weary taxi driver. But the character on display isn't Eddie the book's protagonist, or even real life cabbie and author, Jack Clark. The character that lives and breathes the most in this book is the city of Chicago. Very highly recommended. 

Both good choices! Come Out Tonight is one of the better later Laymon novels, and at the time I was reading it, I was working with someone whose name was almost identical to that of the book's villain - which crept me out a fair few times!

The Hard Case Crime books are great, too - just read one called "No House Limit," a classic nor set in the casinos of Vegas. Well worth a read if you can put a hand upon it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 21 August, 2011, 12:38:37 PM
Black Dosier, I've had it a while but just not been in the mood.  Not bad but really got nothing on the first two (which i absolutly loveand are probably my third favorite Moore comics next to Watchmen and Top 10), the text pieces keep on slowing it down and i've just put it aside to read the latest SFX and dont really feel the need to go back :(  Have 1910 sitting there unread aswell.  And a couple of Fables and my last Megazine, whats happening I'm going through the comics doldrums and just cant get the huff up to reading them normally I'd devour that stuff the day i got it.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 21 August, 2011, 01:44:28 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 20 August, 2011, 06:20:27 PM
Both good choices! Come Out Tonight is one of the better later Laymon novels, and at the time I was reading it, I was working with someone whose name was almost identical to that of the book's villain - which crept me out a fair few times!

The Hard Case Crime books are great, too - just read one called "No House Limit," a classic nor set in the casinos of Vegas. Well worth a read if you can put a hand upon it.

Yeah, I'm only now getting into Laymon. The last of his I read was BEWARE! and I enjoyed it despite the slightly rushed feeling of the book from around the middle onwards.

I'm devouring HCC books. For a while there I was reading one a week. Very, very cool stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 August, 2011, 07:31:26 PM
Just finished Dredd Vs. Aliens, Incubus. My first trade paperback that I needed to do ip-dip-blooming-do to decide between this and The 86'ers. :lol:
Anyway, very pleased with it, the Xenomorpths fitted in well to the Dredd Mythos, I pressume it's cannon? As all Dredd storys pass in real time this crossover should be cannon like the Batman crossovers. Also, which story did Mr Bones previously appear in?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 30 August, 2011, 06:40:38 PM
After giving up on Kraken because it was depressing me in the same way Hellblazer does, i returned to an old favourite: Mr Ben Bova. China's still on the chaise though, so i might go back to it.

I know, Bova reads like an airport blockbuster novelist, he's guilty of occasionally cliched characters, some sexism and is never one to give us a novel when a whole series can be squeezed from the plot, but i love him.

Voyagers, this time. I ate the first book up and was left desperate to find out what happens next... so I wandered upstairs and grabbed Voyagers 2 from my scifi bookcase on the top landing.

Both are pacy, there's a narrative leap between the two books that disorientates but moves bova's plot forward to where his interests lie, missing out entirely what other authors would have spent a novel documenting. It's cracking stuff, and i was very pleased to see there's a fourth book beyond what i assumed was a trilogy. After a number of novels that ive chugged on with without greatly enjoying, it's nice to be in the position of clockwatching, waiting for my opportunity to read, again.

With the kids, despite the horror that was the first book in the Narnia series, my youngest requested The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe... Thankfully, it's much better than the last one, despite being just as annoying, preachy and propagandist. I dread them wanting the third one now, as im sure this is a blip and they get worse from here on in.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 30 August, 2011, 08:08:11 PM
Finished Tim Power's Declare: If you, like myself, belong in the Venn diagram of Le Carre reader and 2000ad reader I suggest this.

The Finder Library Vol 1 by Carla Speed McNeil: An American black and white sci fi comic. Reminds me a little of Ursula K. LeGuin and Octavia Butler. At the very least its a bargin at $25 (I'm assuming that converts to a pound) for over 600 pages. Her main weakness for me is her tech and architecture never quite match the genius of her made up anthropology. I, however, absolutely love how she draws people and how they interact.

The Ministry of Fear: I know it's a cliche, but for something labeled an "entertainment" his thrillers can be damned harsh. Which isn't to say Greene isn't entertaining and gripping. Always is. I'm just saying he is very rarely larky.

20th Century Boys # 12-15: I'm a pretty big fan of Naoki Urasawa. His thrillers are arguably too long, but I never think that when I'm reading him. Kenji or the idea of Kenji in these comics is genuinely inspiring to me. A failed rock musician, he never gives up in his dreams for justice or his art in the face of a nation wide cult take over of his country.

Locke and Key Vol 2-3: Is anyone else reading this? Joe Hill can definitely compete with his dad, Stephen King, as a horror writer. Not quite up to the level of scarey that the first volume managed to achieve, but that's probably best since I'm not sure my heart could have taken it. Everytime they find a new key a feeling of glee comes over me in anticipation of the damage to come.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 30 August, 2011, 08:17:52 PM
Cyborg 009 #1-#3
Prity Damn good IMHO.
I have ordered skull man #1-#5 on ebay and Bleach #35-#36 on amazon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 30 August, 2011, 09:51:06 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 30 August, 2011, 08:17:52 PM
Cyborg 009 #1-#3
Prity Damn good IMHO.
I have ordered skull man #1-#5 on ebay and Bleach #35-#36 on amazon.

Love that, old school manga, Shotaro Ishinomori stuff. Especially when he's drawing it. A great deal of manga that's been produced recently feels too slick and anonymous, which is exactly my same beef with many of the American artists working for the Big Two.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 August, 2011, 10:11:22 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 30 August, 2011, 06:40:38 PMI dread them wanting the third one now, as im sure this is a blip and they get worse from here on in.

I'm about to start into the Narnia books with my eldest (right now we're ploughing through the first few Famous Five books - don't ask, please), but I'm definitely not going to start with snoozefest The Magician's Nephew.  It's chronologically first, but it's written as a prequel whose only real interest comes from finding out How Things Came To Be in the later books you've already read. 

I suspect you'll be tempted to go on to The Horse and His Boy as the chronologically third one, and while it's not a bad story, it too was written later in the sequence, and is pretty unnecessary.  You'd be better (in my opinion) jumping into Prince Caspian and then scooting through it as quickly as possible to get to the more entertaining Voyage of the Dawn Treader and (my personal favourite) The Silver Chair.  I loved Narnia as a kid, but I've liked it less and less ever since, so good luck!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 31 August, 2011, 07:59:51 AM
Quote from: Ignatzmonster on 30 August, 2011, 09:51:06 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 30 August, 2011, 08:17:52 PM
Cyborg 009 #1-#3
Prity Damn good IMHO.
I have ordered skull man #1-#5 on ebay and Bleach #35-#36 on amazon.

Love that, old school manga, Shotaro Ishinomori stuff. Especially when he's drawing it. A great deal of manga that's been produced recently feels too slick and anonymous, which is exactly my same beef with many of the American artists working for the Big Two.
Yeah, it has a very unique feel to It doesn't it.
I'm particularly looking forward to skull man, apparently it features cameos from 009/Joe Shimuramaru and Kamen riders. Crossovers in manga are Prity damn hard to come by.
I do generally feel like alot of manga released these days is to slick aswel but not all.
Black Lagoon, Death Note, Tegami Bachi, and Monster from viz media, Hellsing, Blood+, and Gantz from Dark horse etc all these are of very high quality from both respective creators/artists and distributors.
Ps Bleach is just a guilty pleasure.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 September, 2011, 12:58:33 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 August, 2011, 10:11:22 PM
...I'm definitely not going to start with snoozefest The Magician's Nephew.  It's chronologically first, but it's written as a prequel whose only real interest comes from finding out How Things Came To Be in the later books you've already read.

Nobody seems to like that one much, but it's been one of my favourites by far since I first read the series aged about seven. I like the strong Edwardian vibe, all creepy attics, gas lights and hansom cabs, and the occult elements feel more magical for being contrasted against this, especially when everything spills back into London. I also like the break with the narrative pattern that most of the others slipped into - what with the magic rings and the forest pools and whatnot taking everyone backwards and forwards throughout several different worlds, it really feels like all bets are off and anything could happen; rather than the straight 'end up in Narnia - have adventure - go home' of other books. It's got a great cast, a cracking villian, creepy atmosphere... it's just great. Far and away one of the best.

I often wonder what I'd think of the Narnia books if I hadn't read them first at such a young age. I doubt I'd like them half as much, to be honest - possibly not at all. A strong part of their appeal for me is the memory of sneaking a torch to bed and reading under the covers twenty years ago, and getting totally wrapped up in the plots.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kirbs on 06 September, 2011, 01:08:52 PM
Reading the League of Extrordinary Gentlemen volume one. Quarter of the way in and loving it, can't believe I've waited this long to read it. I'm very far behind on graphic novel I should read, bad geek :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 September, 2011, 02:10:30 PM
Doctor who Magazine comic- The child of time part one
Axos cameo!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 06 September, 2011, 04:27:14 PM
Going against the advice of a few chums who warned me off it, I started reading 'Punisher: War Journal' last night.

The series spins out of Marvel's Civil War storyline, and I have to say, it's absolutely great! There were a few blips in the storytelling I could have done without, where things aren't too clearly explained in the narrative. But those infrequent problems aside, this is gnarly stuff. Issue #4, which features a pub full of despondent super-villains, is especially great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bhuna on 06 September, 2011, 05:19:16 PM
I've just picked up a copy of Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli. Really looking forward to reading it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 06 September, 2011, 06:59:02 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 06 September, 2011, 12:58:33 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 August, 2011, 10:11:22 PM
...I'm definitely not going to start with snoozefest The Magician's Nephew.  It's chronologically first, but it's written as a prequel whose only real interest comes from finding out How Things Came To Be in the later books you've already read.

Nobody seems to like that one much, but it's been one of my favourites by far since I first read the series aged about seven.

You're not alone. The Wood between the Worlds remains one of the most thrilling and inspiring things I've ever experienced - perhaps I would be unimpressed now, but aged 10 it was something incredibly special. Oddly enough, the book was mentioned at work today and one of my colleagues was full or praise for many aspects of it, including the creepy attics you mention.

Regards

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 September, 2011, 07:43:24 PM
Quote from: Robin Low on 06 September, 2011, 06:59:02 PM
The Wood between the Worlds remains one of the most thrilling and inspiring things I've ever experienced - perhaps I would be unimpressed now, but aged 10 it was something incredibly special.

There you go! I found stuff like that and the rings gripped my imagination far more than anything in the later books - (except perhaps Tash and the scenes on Stable Hill in The Last Battle.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 September, 2011, 02:48:45 PM
A couple of day ago I finished the four 'The Scorpion' albums from Cinebooks which contain the first 6 Belgium albums and what a mighty fine yarn they are. Real ripe snorting rompery. The led isn't a million miles from Dante, okay so not quite Dante good but he has similar qualities and tone of the books ain't a million miles off either.

I know a few other people have popped on here and said this but they really are well worth reading and though they aren't Sci-Fi (set in a pretty accurate (to me at least) mid 18th Century) they do feel quite 2000ad. Either way rollicking good fun and highly recommended.

We're 3 volumes behind here, come on Cinebooks get the rest out will ya.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 07 September, 2011, 03:41:05 PM
Complete joy overwhelmed me this morning as i popped into oxfam to recuperate from having a finger shoved up my bum by a woman half my age. I found this:

DEVIL WORSHIP IN BRITAIN
by A.V. Sellwood & Peter Haining (Corgi, 1964, original price 3/6)

"A startling exposé which reveals the shocking facts of satanism today. An obscene rite in the west country... Voodoo... The nude dancers of the north... The tiki ritual murders... A black mass at clop-hill... SEXUAL ORGIES... The temple of paganism in hertfordshire... The death curse... The blood-filled chalice at chideock... These are a few of the horrifying aspects of satanism described in this FASCINATING AND OUT-SPOKEN BOOK"

Bloody great. A marvellous example of the early sixties' lurid fascination for all things satanic. And from the pen of arch-hack Peter Haining, too. Could it get any better?

It tries hard to adopt a moralistic, learned tone, but lets itself down rather by advertising the following works in the back: The Philanderer, Nurse Off Camera, The Bridal Bed, Sexual Behaviour, and my personal favourite; Lady Behave.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 07 September, 2011, 04:18:26 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 07 September, 2011, 03:41:05 PM
Complete joy overwhelmed me this morning as i popped into oxfam to recuperate from having a finger shoved up my bum by a woman half my age.

I refer you to my learned colleague's comment on another thread:

Quote from: Lee Bates on 07 September, 2011, 03:31:31 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 07 September, 2011, 09:13:50 AM
you sometimes have to crack the spines to work out what's going on in the crease.

Must you constantly bring up your appalling sexual proclivities?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MikeONeill on 07 September, 2011, 05:21:35 PM
Lately I've been getting into the sub-genre of 'comics journalism'. I've recently finished reading both Guy Delisle's Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea and Joe Sacco's Palestine. Each documenting the author's journey through a foreign country. Delisle's book is especially interesting - a glimpse into the strange, disquieting and sometimes surreal world of North Korea, or at least the few parts of it they're willing to show foriegners.

I'm currently reading Joe Sacco's Footnotes in Gaza. The story follows the author's attempts to track down information on a near-forgotten massacre during the Suez War - one of the 'Footnotes' of the title. The book weaves half-remembered and time-worn memories of 1956 with the daily lives of people in a land that generates both history and grievance day by day.

If you're interested in real-life stories told through the medium of comic books, I'd recommend both authors - but I'd especially recommend Sacco. He's won prizes for a reason...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 07 September, 2011, 06:46:54 PM
Quote from: MikeONeill on 07 September, 2011, 05:21:35 PM
I'm currently reading Joe Sacco's Footnotes in Gaza. The story follows the author's attempts to track down information on a near-forgotten massacre during the Suez War - one of the 'Footnotes' of the title. The book weaves half-remembered and time-worn memories of 1956 with the daily lives of people in a land that generates both history and grievance day by day.

If you're interested in real-life stories told through the medium of comic books, I'd recommend both authors - but I'd especially recommend Sacco. He's won prizes for a reason...

Yeah I always feel a little broader in mind after reading Sacco. It's not just facts. You feel like you've met the people affected and shared a little of their perspective. Will give Delisle a try.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 07 September, 2011, 07:20:51 PM
Im 65 pages into DEVIL WORSHIP IN BRITAIN and am absolutely aghast at the level of bigotry, casual racism, intolerance, and pro-christian and anti-permissive society scaremongering bandied about by haining and sellwood.

I have no religious beliefs whatsoever, other than to call it all bollocks, whatever creed it pretends to be. And that includes witchcraft. However, i despair at this book. It's almost hilarious, if it werent a mass market paperback from a major publisher that would have been read by many thousands over the last fifty years. Ye gods. Some of my favourite bits so far:

"threats and obscenities come naturally from the kinky." Which may become my new sig, if im honest.

Following some animal remains being found in bedfordshire, "the first tendency of the police and the inspector was to look for a rational explanation. Gypsies had been active in the area."

Everyone interviewed is either 'furtive', a 'weakling', 'confused', or if they are female, 'comely'. Books on witchcraft by 'learned men' are excusable, those by women, or costing £5, are not. Because it wouldnt be reasonable to suggest small print runs lead to higher costs, would it? Of course, twenty years later haining would voice no concerns about his own 'dr who a celebration' being so massively overpriced i had to literally beg for it as my main xmas present...

Throughout the book so far, witchcraft is straightforwardly painted as 'rubbish, but dangerous rubbish'. The authors call for a ban, or 'registration' of covens, championing the cause of cmmr j s kerans, who called for parliament to ban witchcraft- oh, and also for the 'mercy killing of thalidomide babies'.

It goes without saying, that 'science fiction, television, 'x' films and pornographic literature' have just been introduced on page 63 as behind it all. It seems, despite practicioners being 'deluded', witchcraft is 'inherently evil' and therefore dangerous.

I cannot wait to see what pages 66-124 bring, and am already excited at the mention of my neck of the woods, coming up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 08 September, 2011, 06:50:09 PM
Lately I have rushed through "Dead men walking" and "Atlas Infernal" both jolly WH40k books and have just finished the latest George Mann "Immorality Engine" a steam punk-ish book which was a rip roarer. Just got Vendetta in Gotham Batman versus a certain Judge  which had great Cam Kennedy artwork. Thought Grant and Wagner  had d gone mad about half way through it but it all got right in the end.

Classy Heavy Metal arrived to day as well, some amazing art in it but haven't yet read the stories as yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 September, 2011, 08:05:22 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 08 September, 2011, 06:50:09 PM
Lately I have rushed through "Dead men walking" and "Atlas Infernal" both jolly WH40k books and have just finished the latest George Mann "Immorality Engine" a steam punk-ish book which was a rip roarer. Just got Vendetta in Gotham Batman versus a certain Judge  which had great Cam Kennedy artwork. Thought Grant and Wagner  had d gone mad about half way through it but it all got right in the end.

Classy Heavy Metal arrived to day as well, some amazing art in it but haven't yet read the stories as yet.
I haven't actualy read ANY of the Batman and Dredd crossovers.
I have heard many good things about them, but I will wait and see if another files book will be released.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 08 September, 2011, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 08 September, 2011, 08:05:22 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 08 September, 2011, 06:50:09 PM
Lately I have rushed through "Dead men walking" and "Atlas Infernal" both jolly WH40k books and have just finished the latest George Mann "Immorality Engine" a steam punk-ish book which was a rip roarer. Just got Vendetta in Gotham Batman versus a certain Judge  which had great Cam Kennedy artwork. Thought Grant and Wagner  had d gone mad about half way through it but it all got right in the end.

Classy Heavy Metal arrived to day as well, some amazing art in it but haven't yet read the stories as yet.
I haven't actualy read ANY of the Batman and Dredd crossovers.
I have heard many good things about them, but I will wait and see if another files book will be released.

That might be wise as Die Laughing seems very expensive indeed. Vendetta is basically a prequel to Die Laughing though I bought it for Cam's art alone. Ultimately the story in this was a bit "thin." I liked the first one, disliked the Riddler one but loved the art and the maniac captives of the not-so mysterious Xero.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Van Dom on 09 September, 2011, 05:15:03 PM
Just finished Dean Koontz' Odd Thomas, my first Koontz novel since "By the Light of the Moon" in 2003. I used to be a huge Koontz fan, picked up all his books as soon as they came out, but "By the Light of the Moon", and a few others before it, disappointed me so I decided to take a break from him for a while. 8 years to be precise. I saw a "2 for 1" offer in Easons last week and noticed two Koontz books that seemed to be about the same character (Odd Thomas) so I decided to have a go at them. The first one was brilliant, classic Koontz, a thoroughly engrossing and satisfying read. The man is back on form. Interestingly, now that I have done a wikipedia search to see how many books I have to catch up on, I noticed that this book was his very next release AFTER the offending "By the Light of the Moon"!!!! I have forsaken the man all these years for nought! Am now starting on the second book in this Odd Thomas series, Forever Odd, and this one seems good as well.

Noticed he has a 4 part series called "Dean Koontz' Frankenstein" out as well now--anyone know what this is like? Is it a modern re-telling of the story, or the actual Frankenstein story ? Any good?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CommanderJobson on 09 September, 2011, 07:34:11 PM
I just finished reading Justice by Alex Ross & Jim Krueger. I picked up the single volume hardcover edition. Gorgeously detailed interior art & a masterfully written story makes this a must read for any DC Comics fan.

I also read the first two volumes of Supreme Power by J. Michael Straczynski earlier this week. I hadn't read anything pertaining to Squadron Supreme before this, but his three volume set of Supreme Power warrants multiple readings.

I have about 30 pages left on volume 1 of the Savage Sword of Conan (I'll end up finishing it sometime tonight), and I have a ton of books to read after I finish it. The Whisperer in the Darkness by H.P. Lovecraft; The Voice of the Fire, Lost Girls, & From Hell by Alan Moore; Iron Man: Deadly Solutions & Iron Man: War of the Iron Men; and both volumes of Showcase Presents: The House of Secrets.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 09 September, 2011, 08:15:22 PM
Quote from: Van Dom on 09 September, 2011, 05:15:03 PM
Just finished Dean Koontz' Odd Thomas, my first Koontz novel since "By the Light of the Moon" in 2003. I used to be a huge Koontz fan, picked up all his books as soon as they came out, but "By the Light of the Moon", and a few others before it, disappointed me so I decided to take a break from him for a while. 8 years to be precise. I saw a "2 for 1" offer in Easons last week and noticed two Koontz books that seemed to be about the same character (Odd Thomas) so I decided to have a go at them. The first one was brilliant, classic Koontz, a thoroughly engrossing and satisfying read. The man is back on form. Interestingly, now that I have done a wikipedia search to see how many books I have to catch up on, I noticed that this book was his very next release AFTER the offending "By the Light of the Moon"!!!! I have forsaken the man all these years for nought! Am now starting on the second book in this Odd Thomas series, Forever Odd, and this one seems good as well.

Noticed he has a 4 part series called "Dean Koontz' Frankenstein" out as well now--anyone know what this is like? Is it a modern re-telling of the story, or the actual Frankenstein story ? Any good?


Van Dom, The Frankenstein series is a bit of both - there are nods to how Koontz's "real" version of the story ties into the actual "fictional" Shelley version, which is quite cleverly done. It's a great little series, his usual cross-genre style he usually uses with elements of crime, horror and sci-fi - I'd recommend them highly.

It's actually a five part series, though - the newest is "The Dead Town," and it's a great end to the series. If you're going to get into Koontz again, they're a good way to go!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kirbs on 09 September, 2011, 09:45:29 PM
Just finished reading Grandville by Bryan Talbot. Absolutely loved it, I'll be ordering the second one ASAP.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MikeONeill on 09 September, 2011, 10:13:48 PM
Just ordered Judge Dredd: Mandroid on the recommendations from the 'First Dredd' thread. I also stopped off in Waterstones on the way back from work and was thumbing through a copy of Tour of Duty: Backlash. I really enjoyed what I read of that and I seemed to get all the continuity references. I'll likely be picking that up next.

As an aside, where does Tour of Duty sit in relation to Backlash? Is it a sequel or a prequel?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 09 September, 2011, 10:32:50 PM
Michael Moorecocks "Von Beck" series. To be honest i always thought there was only "The Warhound and the worlds Pain" until i couldn't find my copy and went an an ebay hunt only to find that its a trilogy.

So far halfway through the first book (the warhound and the worlds pain)...its typical Moorecock stuff, though this time a god/satan affair more than law/chaos....still lots of thinking involved, clever wordplay and damn enjoyable.

just pushing on til i get to the 1st book which i have read numerous times...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 09 September, 2011, 10:42:18 PM
Quote from: MikeONeill on 09 September, 2011, 10:13:48 PM
As an aside, where does Tour of Duty sit in relation to Backlash? Is it a sequel or a prequel?

I always thought "backlash" was an odd title for the first half of a story - it makes it sound like a sequel or at least part two. "Mega City Justice" collects the second half of the 'tour of duty' storyline
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MikeONeill on 09 September, 2011, 11:26:56 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 09 September, 2011, 10:42:18 PM
I always thought "backlash" was an odd title for the first half of a story - it makes it sound like a sequel or at least part two. "Mega City Justice" collects the second half of the 'tour of duty' storyline

Yeah, I think that was what was confusing me as well. Cheers for clearing that up.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 10 September, 2011, 08:40:05 AM
I always assumes they would call it 'Mutants in Mega-City One', though maybe thats a bit of a naff title if you don't get the reference?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 11 September, 2011, 01:10:18 AM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 06 September, 2011, 12:58:33 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 August, 2011, 10:11:22 PM
...I'm definitely not going to start with snoozefest The Magician's Nephew.  It's chronologically first, but it's written as a prequel whose only real interest comes from finding out How Things Came To Be in the later books you've already read.

Nobody seems to like that one much, but it's been one of my favourites by far since I first read the series aged about seven. I like the strong Edwardian vibe, all creepy attics, gas lights and hansom cabs, and the occult elements feel more magical for being contrasted against this, especially when everything spills back into London.

I really enjoyed the book, all that stuff included, too.

And the Charn stuff. Now THAT was spooky. And it was great to see other worlds than Narnia.

I mentioned earlier that I just started Let the Right One In. I'm no over half way through, and the novel, so far, doesn't disappoint. It's quite a bit more disturbing than the film in places, which isn't a complaint.  And so far the film remains faithful to the book, although there's obviously more material in the book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 11 September, 2011, 05:11:07 PM
Recently finished Dresden Files book 12 - Changes. I've enjoyed all of these. Fun to read with some great characters.

Also just read BPRD - Hollow Earth. I finally got round to getting this. I have read it before and I'm a big fan of Mignola's BPRD and Hellboy.

I'm now reading World War Z by Max Brooks. Not interesting me at all so far. Just can't get into it and may give up soon and move on to something else.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 11 September, 2011, 06:13:31 PM
Re: Let The Right One In- yes, i loved the novel. So much so that watching the movie afterwards was a huge disappointment and i actively disliked it.

Re: World War Z- my favourite book, bar none, until I read Rendezvous With Rama. For years my favourite novel was something i read when i was fifteen, and didnt expect to get a new one- let alone two- this late in life. I cannot praise it highly enough, so am sad you're not enjoying it Albion.

Im reading Stranger In A Strange Land by Robert Heinlein at the moment, after being very impressed with To Sail Beyond The Sunset. Sadly, im finding this a real chore and after a hundred pages am considering stopping. There's nothing 'bad' about it, but it's just doing nothing whatsoever for me im afraid.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 11 September, 2011, 07:04:57 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 11 September, 2011, 06:13:31 PM
Re: World War Z- my favourite book, bar none, until I read Rendezvous With Rama.

Im reading Stranger In A Strange Land by Robert Heinlein at the moment, Sadly, im finding this a real chore and after a hundred pages am considering stopping.

Wow, opposites eh?

Your feelings about Stranger In A Strange Land are the same as mine about World War Z but when I read Stranger In A Strange Land last year I loved it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 11 September, 2011, 07:59:02 PM
Nineteen eighty-four by George Orwell
Went into this expecting to compare it to Animal farm. How clever is this book?! I'm loving it so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 11 September, 2011, 09:36:48 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 11 September, 2011, 06:13:31 PM
Re: Let The Right One In- yes, i loved the novel. So much so that watching the movie afterwards was a huge disappointment and i actively disliked it.

I don't think that will be the case for me when I rewatch the film, but then my situation is different having seen it first. I think my reaction would be the same though.

In many ways, the book is certainly better. There's so much more stuff for one thing (although some of it feels a bit like padding, albeit highly readable padding, and I don't mind that in a novel) and there is one thing that has happened that makes me realise there's a possible dangling plot thread in the film.

On the other hand I find the film very magical.

Interesting to see Oskar was meant to be chubby. That makes the bullying all the more believable, although I think the kid who played him in the film did an excellent job.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 12 September, 2011, 08:55:51 PM
I'm in the middle of the Honor Harrington series by David Weber. Also I'm reading Market Forces by Richard Morgan. I have a TBR pile that seems to grow daily. Sigh.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 15 September, 2011, 10:15:18 AM
Just finished Clash of Kings, book 2 of A Song of Ice and Fire.

It's just as engrossing and thrilling as Game of Thrones with loads of plot and character development, skullduggery, backstabbing, plotting, murder and epic battles.

There are a couple of great twists which I won't go into but suffice to say, I couldn't put this book down.

I can't wait to see [spoiler]the climactic battle of Blackwater[/spoiler] when it appears in the TV series. Apparently, the script for that episode has been written by George RR Martin himself, and will be directed by Neil Marshall who directed Dog Soldiers, Doomsday, Centurion and The Descent. Should be amazing.

I'm now well into Surface Detail by Iain M Banks and loving it. I'm an unashamed drooling Banks fanboy and this new novel is certainly doing the business so far. I really want to live in The Culture...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robert Frazer on 15 September, 2011, 11:21:27 AM
"The Culture" is basically Heaven, except with nauseatingly, toe-curlingly and humiliatingly bad sex.

Which illustrates the problem with the whole society, I think. The Culture may be presented as a post-scarcity paradise where the rivers literally flow with milk and honey and there are orgasms on tap, but when I was reading I saw it as a harrowing dystopia. The place is enervating, stupefying, a gilded cage; with the omniscient and omnipresent Minds having analysed and interpreted all of your potential actions and gauged appropriate responses to exact the desired reaction from you in the time it takes for you to inhale, and even if you deny them it's only part of a matroyshka of shell games they're playing, it's a deranged and confounding Kafkaesque prison of illusory mirrors.

Seriously, if I was invited to become the Culture's strongman like Cheradenine Zakalwe in Use of Weapons (which to be fair to it did have an intriguing structure with a great twist), I'd probably top myself right then and there. Not as if it'd make any difference - they'd already have used their technomagic to scan my brain and be able to grow a clone with a couple of helpful tweaks to make the new me compliant, so what's the point of my being there in the first place? it's at that point you're slammed against the wall of the awful enormity of your own irrelevance, left to scratch in the chicken-run by some gently bemused keeper. What makes it even more awful and dangerously forbidding is that Banks actually admires his monstrosity and considers it a model for future human development...

And those sex scenes are really bad.  :-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 15 September, 2011, 11:40:43 AM
Is it sacrilege that I thought that the TV series of Game of Thrones was actually better than the novel?

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the novel - and having read it I now have a far greater understanding of the history, geography and culture of Westeros which is great and it was fascinating to learn little things like the fact it was [spoiler]Ned Stark's own sword that was used to kill him[/spoiler] etc. But for me the TV show made several big improvements, especially the dialogue (much punchier in the show) and fleshing out characters who are little more than sketches in the book (Robert, Cersei).

Great book, but an excellent TV show.

I'm still holding out for series two before I read Clash... It's pretty painful as I have a holiday coming up and would love to take it with me.... but nah, I'll wait.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 15 September, 2011, 12:04:52 PM
Quote from: Robert Frazer on 15 September, 2011, 11:21:27 AM
"The Culture" is basically Heaven, except with nauseatingly, toe-curlingly and humiliatingly bad sex.

Which illustrates the problem with the whole society, I think. The Culture may be presented as a post-scarcity paradise where the rivers literally flow with milk and honey and there are orgasms on tap, but when I was reading I saw it as a harrowing dystopia. The place is enervating, stupefying, a gilded cage; with the omniscient and omnipresent Minds having analysed and interpreted all of your potential actions and gauged appropriate responses to exact the desired reaction from you in the time it takes for you to inhale, and even if you deny them it's only part of a matroyshka of shell games they're playing, it's a deranged and confounding Kafkaesque prison of illusory mirrors.

Seriously, if I was invited to become the Culture's strongman like Cheradenine Zakalwe in Use of Weapons (which to be fair to it did have an intriguing structure with a great twist), I'd probably top myself right then and there. Not as if it'd make any difference - they'd already have used their technomagic to scan my brain and be able to grow a clone with a couple of helpful tweaks to make the new me compliant, so what's the point of my being there in the first place? it's at that point you're slammed against the wall of the awful enormity of your own irrelevance, left to scratch in the chicken-run by some gently bemused keeper. What makes it even more awful and dangerously forbidding is that Banks actually admires his monstrosity and considers it a model for future human development...

And those sex scenes are really bad.  :-\

It's certainly true to say that humans have defered to the AI Minds in The Culture, allowing them to enjoy a life of leisure devoted to...whatever they want to devote their lives to.

Not forgetting the perks, including endless freetime, effortless body or mind modification, limitless possibilities for exploration, learning and development, almost limitless life extension, built in neural net which provides instant downloads of virtually any database, built in drug glands so you can get off your tits whenever you feel like it. I could go on.

What's bad about that? It sounds, to me, like an ideal way of life but then, I am a lazy bastard.

Banks does explore the idea that humans are basically pets, kept around to amuse the Minds, and has approached the subject from many different perspectives throughout the Culture novels. Not all Culture citizens are happy with the way things are and are free to leave, or rejoin whenever they wish.

Also, it's been long established that the Minds would certainly not clone someone, revent them after death or tinker with them genetically without their consent so the situation you describe with Zakalwe couldn't happen.

And I don't remember any bad sex scenes to be honest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 16 September, 2011, 03:10:57 PM
I finished Let the Right One in last night/this morning. A great read overall. My only complaint would be the [spoiler]literal deus ex machina moment in the conflict between Hakan and Tommy. Tommy prays for help while he is blind in the dark , and there's a flash of blue/white light so he can see! I understand that this is a story with vampires and I'm not opposed to a higher power being a factor in these kinds of story, but that seemed rather out of nowhere. I know we have glowy crosses, etc, in Stephen King's Salem's Lot, but that is shown to be a major part of the rules for that world quite early on, while here it isn't.[/spoiler]

I can see how a person reading the book would be disappointed by the film as it cuts a LOT out, including entire sub-plots. I think the tighter story focussing just on Oskar and Elli works though. They're both good, just in different ways. I think I might enjoy the film a bit more, but I was grateful for the extra material in the book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 16 September, 2011, 08:55:24 PM
Dead Island, by Mark Morris.

Yes, it's the tie-in novel to the badly-received and probable flop videogame. But while im not interested in playing it, the book is a riot. Morris is a skilled wordsmith, whose books ive enjoyed over the years going right back to Toady, so the combination of him and zombies cant fail to tickle my biffin's bridge.

The requisite nasty stuff, sufficiently likeable characters, survival horror- yep, worth £2.99 from game (price if bought with any other purchase- yes, even a 49p football game for the ps2- the one with michael berryman on the front blowing a whistle for some reason.) Game went in the bin as soon as i was outside, book was started that night.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 16 September, 2011, 09:34:55 PM
I'm also reading a videogame tie-in at the moment, Homefront: The Voice of Freedom, and it's dreadful so far.  The only bits that work are the first-person journal entries of the jaded reporter main character as he makes a journal of a ground invasion of America by North Korea, but these are few and far between and the rest is some pretty poor prose that I would almost think I could have written myself if I was still in school and my balls hadn't dropped.  Not good.
If Alex Garland did a novel of his videogame story for Odyssey to the West I'd be all over it, mind, so I don't think the tie-in water has been sufficiently pissed into for me just yet.

I Shall Wear Midnight is an odd Pratchett joint - a book for younger readers, apparently, but it seems really distracted by the twin themes of growing old and death despite being about a sixteen year old girl.  Between this and starring in a show called Terry Pratchett: Choosing To Die, I worry where Discworld may be going in the future, but that's small beer compared to Pterry's health issues, obviously.  A good read, all the same, and I may be wrong in thinking the tone lends weight to a slight story, but it works as one of the better Discworlds for me.  But then I liked Pyramids and Reaper Man, too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MikeONeill on 16 September, 2011, 09:45:42 PM
Finished reading Mandroid yesterday. Really enjoyed it, and I can see why people would recommend that as a novice introduction to Dredd. I finished reading Tour of Duty: Backlash, so I'm going to get my own copy as soon as finances allow. At the same time I'm looking to get Tour of Duty: Mega-City Justice, so that'll probably be my next read.

All the above has made me realise I have enough background knowledge of the Dreddverse to be getting on with - so any suggestions of slightly deeper TPB's I should read would be greatly appreciated!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 16 September, 2011, 11:30:18 PM
That's good to hear, mike. I would highly recommend America and The Pit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 17 September, 2011, 09:45:15 AM
Quote from: MikeONeill on 16 September, 2011, 09:45:42 PM
Finished reading Mandroid yesterday. Really enjoyed it, and I can see why people would recommend that as a novice introduction to Dredd.

When Mandroid first ran in the Progs my opinion was "Meh, seen better", don't know why but it just didn't appeal to me at all.  Last year though I had a bit of a prog slog whilst sorting out my library and when I re-read it I thought "Wow, this is a cracking read why did I dis it first time round".   Have to get round to buying the trade at some point.

I bought volume 26 of Fullmetal Alchemist the other day and realised I'd forgotten the plot of the series so I've started from the beginning again.  Up to volume 16 so far and I'd also forgot how complex the actual plot is and how many characters there are in it.  Still it's a cracking read and very funny at times.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 September, 2011, 09:51:05 AM
Edward Elric!!!!!!! FMA is probably the greatest manga of modern times. Probably what Adtro Boy was to the Japanese of 1940's.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robert Frazer on 20 September, 2011, 09:40:19 PM
Quotea book for younger readers, apparently, but it seems really distracted by the twin themes of growing old and death despite being about a sixteen year old girl.

I don't know about that, I think that it's quite healthy for younger readers to have an opportunity to consider death. Life has a 100% fatality rate, let's not forget, and the recent trend of trying to sanitise death and hide it away in hospitals and crematoria leaves our comprehension of people's passing underdeveloped and doesn't really improve society.

I've not been keen on the recent Discworld novels (Unseen Academicals was a chore) but I might give this one a look.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 September, 2011, 03:46:08 PM
Recently read Sean Manchester's 'The Highgate Vampire' book. Heh. What makes this great is that he maintains it happened as he claimed.What he's done is he's simply taken the plot of Dracula, transplanted it to north london and written a mid-eighties version of the blair witch project (in the sense of being a 'mockumentary'). It's appallingly written- the opening two sentences alone contain 160 words. Lavishly illustrated, and very funny, i'm not sure if it's a work of genius or of spiralling madness, but i very much enjoyed it. It spawned a cottage industry in highgate vampire books by both manchester and his nemesis, david farrant (here described as 'a pathetic individual living in a coal cellar') that continues to this day. Fascinating, and mad.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 21 September, 2011, 04:41:49 PM
Quote from: Robert Frazer on 15 September, 2011, 11:21:27 AMWhat makes it even more awful and dangerously forbidding is that Banks actually admires his monstrosity and considers it a model for future human development...

To date I have managed two Culture novels (one of which was Use Of Weapons - found it a bit dull), but they didn't really float my boat as there seems to be no real barriers to what can be achieved within the context of this society and there's no escaping the suspicion that any real challenge or struggle is for amusement either for the character doing the struggling or for their genteel taskmasters, and that might work once, maybe twice, but after that you need a new story.
Mind, I've only read two novels and that's hardly a basis for thinking I've got them all sussed, though I do recall some commentators pouring scorn on the idea that Banks wrote good female characters, most notably that he only wrote faux-action girls "in order to watch them squirm later", though I'm pretty sure this is basic drama writing for male and female characters both, otherwise you end up with a Mary Sue and likely little in the way of tension.

Finished Homefront: The Voice Of Freedom, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it enjoyable on some level even though it is without a doubt one of the worst-written books I've ever come across, alongside that Terminator 2 movie adaptation and Shaun Hutson's Assassins.  It really is quite terrible, with the prose making Simspons-esque soundbites to the reader, such as when it's revealed that the Mississippi has been irradiated by the invading Koreans to create a natural (?) barrier between east and west (occupied) America and we're told "it was Old Man River no longer.  Now it was DEAD MAN RIVER."  I didn't expect much from a video game tie-in, but I did expect more from John Milius.  Still, there was something entertainingly bad about it all, like a Clive Cussler novel or something, though I was worried that even I was picking holes in much of the science, such as how radiation works, how tap water works, or how the Koreans crack the resistance's radio code in one chapter and the next chapter sees the resistance use exactly the same code to evade pursuit by the very same guy who cracked the code in the previous chapter, but damn it, this kind of stuff just made me like it more for the rough-edged pulp feel of it all.  It is not a good story, mind, and the dialogue is brutal, but all told I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 22 September, 2011, 01:20:21 PM
Quote from: Robert Frazer on 15 September, 2011, 11:21:27 AM
What makes it even more awful and dangerously forbidding is that Banks actually admires his monstrosity and considers it a model for future human development...

:|

Quote from: Lee Bates on 15 September, 2011, 10:15:18 AM
I'm now well into Surface Detail by Iain M Banks and loving it. I'm an unashamed drooling Banks fanboy and this new novel is certainly doing the business so far. I really want to live in The Culture...

:D

I'm with Bates Block! I think Surface Detail is actually now my favourite Banks and yes, I would also love to live in the Culture, the only construct or literary backdrop that I have ever said that about. I think the Culture set up allows, at times anyway, a more scrutinizing look at what 'people', be they Affront, Idirans, Humans or whatever are actually about. That and the tide of fun the books are, with big explosions and cool tech.

Oh! And I'm about to start reading 'The Third God' by Ricardo Pinto. Just catching up with a synopsis of the story so far now...it's been 8 years or so since I read the previous one!

M
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robert Frazer on 24 September, 2011, 02:58:59 PM
QuoteTo date I have managed two Culture novels (one of which was Use Of Weapons - found it a bit dull), but they didn't really float my boat as there seems to be no real barriers to what can be achieved within the context of this society and there's no escaping the suspicion that any real challenge or struggle is for amusement either for the character doing the struggling or for their genteel taskmasters, and that might work once, maybe twice, but after that you need a new story.

Yes, that's another issue I have with the Culture books - the sheer scale of the magical technow**k that pervades the setting kills any drama that the story might generate. Look to Windward was an appalling perpetrator in this regard - [spoiler]"The Minds will never read your thoughts!"; "Actually, we will. Sucks to be you, huh?"[/spoiler]. It may be said that the Culture books are about the social commentary more than thrills'n'spills, but you still have to trudge through all of the dreary novelising before you get to the next speech - I could get the same sentiments from a copy of New Statesman and it'd be cheaper and easier to carry around in my bag.

Banks can generate some imaginative and engagingly elaborate worldbuilding - I enjoyed Against a Dark Background and The Algebraist for this reason (although I notice he's starting to plagiarise himself, copying the sex-in-Morse-Code scene from The Crow Road into the newer book) - but his Culture books are desolate and uninspiring, sometimes even repellent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 25 September, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
Quote from: Robert Frazer on 24 September, 2011, 02:58:59 PM
but his Culture books are desolate and uninspiring, sometimes even repellent.

:o

Criminy! You really don't like 'em!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 25 September, 2011, 02:00:12 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 25 September, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
Quote from: Robert Frazer on 24 September, 2011, 02:58:59 PM
but his Culture books are desolate and uninspiring, sometimes even repellent.

:o

Criminy! You really don't like 'em!

Heh. I's recommend not reading them in that case.

See, to me, the Culture as Banks portrays it, is a contradictory place, while it does have many cool elements, he is not afraid of pointing out that they are utter bastards most of the time.

And on a related note - I have just this very morning finished reading Surface Detail. It was, I have to admit, a bit of a slog at times, but when it hit the last hundred pages and everything, even most of the stuff that seemed like padding (although not all of it) started to come together, it really picked up.
And to be honest, I would have waded through another couple of hundred pages for that last line!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 10 October, 2011, 07:36:57 PM
Love and Rockets New Stories 4.

I don't know if this is the last Maggie story, but it's an astonishing ending. Read it now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 11 October, 2011, 05:35:03 PM
The Tesseract by Alex Garland, in which several lives intertwine during one night in Manila, the story jumping backwards and forwards in non-linear fashion to show how everything is connected Degrees of Kevin Bacon style.  A bit lightweight and I could have done with more from some of the minor characters, but it was an enjoyable enough read even if I couldn't quite wrap my head around the locale beyond that it's supposed to be a bit warm and there's a lot of poor people knocking about.  Some threads - the psychologist - don't really contribute much beyond being related by some minor quirk to the other stories (file under Themes) and inform the title of the book, but perhaps I just didn't find him that interesting even with the stuff about Filipino psychology and western psychology being different by dint of culture being something I could have read more about quite happily.

The Quantum Prophecy by Michael Carrol, which I re-read in order to get get stuck into the rest of the series.  The story concerns the ten year anniversary of the disappearance of the world's superhuman population as their offspring start to develop powers of their own and square off against the usual conspiracy.  It's a younger readers book, but it handles action a lot better than 'mature' novels and brings a cinematic feel to action scenes that I didn't realise had gone missing from comic books to a great extent in the last decade or so.  I was a bit confused where it was supposed to be set in the early chapters (England somewhere), but apart from that, it's a good page turner.

The Finder Library Vol. 1 centers around a seemingly immortal cast and the lives eked out in the ruins of a civilisation they no longer fully understand but seem to be perpetuating nonetheless.  I'd never heard of this despite it being a long-running US sci-fi comic book and while it seems very European in sensibility the art avoids the ligne claire school in favor of a rough manga style that comes off as inconsistent and occasionally rough in places, but it does the job.  Seems decent enough so far, but there's a heck of a chunk of it to get through.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 11 October, 2011, 06:33:05 PM
Just starting Salvations Reach by Dan Abnett. More Gaunt's Ghosts.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 11 October, 2011, 08:19:42 PM
Cant believe nobody's commented on Roger being back, as evidenced above! Yay!

Anyway, currently reading 'Red Mars' by Kim Stanley Robinson- which is a massive, very detailed doorstop of a novel, and the first part of a trilogy that together could easily kill you if it landed on your head unexpectedly.

For all that, it's begun in a truly magnificent way. The first two hundred and fifty pages packed with incident and science as mankind slowly crawls across Mars, beginning to make inroads into terraforming. The main character so far, a dumpy russian engineer called nadia, grows in your affections to the point where when she finally finds a spot of happiness in a stricken dirigible while trying to drop windmills onto the martian surface, i had a little tear in my eye and whispered a quiet 'you go girl'.

After a long run of books that were a struggle to get through, and several that just plain beat me, this is proving to be one of those rare novels that i'd happily live in. That ive got nearly 2000 pages to go til i finish the story makes me ridiculously happy.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 11 October, 2011, 09:19:23 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 10 October, 2011, 07:36:57 PM
Love and Rockets New Stories 4.

I don't know if this is the last Maggie story, but it's an astonishing ending. Read it now.

Never miss it. How'd Beto do? I'm a big fan of his, and unlike many I've been enjoying his B-Movie phase, but his output in the New L&R hasn't always been his best stuff.

Quote from: Professah Byah on 11 October, 2011, 05:35:03 PM
The Finder Library Vol. 1 centers around a seemingly immortal cast and the lives eked out in the ruins of a civilisation they no longer fully understand but seem to be perpetuating nonetheless.  I'd never heard of this despite it being a long-running US sci-fi comic book and while it seems very European in sensibility the art avoids the ligne claire school in favor of a rough manga style that comes off as inconsistent and occasionally rough in places, but it does the job.  Seems decent enough so far, but there's a heck of a chunk of it to get through.

I really enjoyed this. It seemed less manga influenced to me, as much as black and white independants from the late eighties and early nineties. Something about her faces reminds me of Evan Dorkin in his Pirate Corps days. I do like the way she draws people, they seem to have real substance. I say keep going, you don't want to miss the last chapter.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 11 October, 2011, 11:55:08 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 11 October, 2011, 08:19:42 PM
Anyway, currently reading 'Red Mars' by Kim Stanley Robinson
...
After a long run of books that were a struggle to get through, and several that just plain beat me, this is proving to be one of those rare novels that i'd happily live in. That ive got nearly 2000 pages to go til i finish the story makes me ridiculously happy.
All three are good (and the way he gets away with having a lot of the same characters throughout is pretty neat) but the first is far and away the best. If you're still in the mood once you've worked your way through the lot, Antarctica is a pretty good prequel of sorts (in that I think they mention Antarctic training in Red Mars so it's clearly spun out of the same thread, but it doesn't use the same characters.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 12 October, 2011, 10:35:15 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 11 October, 2011, 08:19:42 PM
Cant believe nobody's commented on Roger being back, as evidenced above! Yay!

Anyway, currently reading 'Red Mars' by Kim Stanley Robinson- which is a massive, very detailed doorstop of a novel, and the first part of a trilogy that together could easily kill you if it landed on your head unexpectedly.

For all that, it's begun in a truly magnificent way. The first two hundred and fifty pages packed with incident and science as mankind slowly crawls across Mars, beginning to make inroads into terraforming. The main character so far, a dumpy russian engineer called nadia, grows in your affections to the point where when she finally finds a spot of happiness in a stricken dirigible while trying to drop windmills onto the martian surface, i had a little tear in my eye and whispered a quiet 'you go girl'.

After a long run of books that were a struggle to get through, and several that just plain beat me, this is proving to be one of those rare novels that i'd happily live in. That ive got nearly 2000 pages to go til i finish the story makes me ridiculously happy.

SBT



rogers back! yay indeedy!!! welcome back rog
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 October, 2011, 10:38:37 PM
Cosh: cheers for that, i had no idea. Will look that out if and when i get to the end of the trilogy (at this rate, due to distractions such as my wife SETTING FIRE TO THE CARPET TONIGHT, about next august.)

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 12 October, 2011, 11:02:38 PM
Just finished listening to the audiobook of I, Partridge: We Need to Talk About Alan - the autobiography of Alan Partridge.

Predictably it's a bit patchy, with some truly hilarious stuff mixed in with a fair bit of padding. Interesting how it smoothes out the 'continuity' of Partridge, filling in the bits between all of his various roles and TV appearances.

Worth a listen/read, but I'd say it's for devotees only.

Bit of a guilty pleasure this one - the Space Marine videogame momentarily rekindled my interest in Warhammer 40,000, so I loaded up my iPhone with the first few Horus Heresy novels to read while on a recent holiday to indulge in a bit of nostalgia.

Of the ones I've read, the first, Horus Rising by Dan Abnett was by far the strongest. The two subsequent books were OK, but my interest started to tail off towards the end of the third. I'm now reading the fourth and can feel my interest really flagging. It's all very repetitive - battle, exposition, battle, exposition etc etc - and the characters - asexual, superhuman clones who live only to fight - all kind of blur into one after a while, to the extent that I'm starting to forget who's who. Abnett cleverly got round this by building a solid supporting cast of poets, academics and war reporters, and showed us the conflict through their eyes which made for a much more engaging read.

I might just skip straight to the rest of his entries in the series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 12 October, 2011, 11:05:30 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 12 October, 2011, 10:38:37 PM
Cosh: cheers for that, i had no idea. Will look that out if and when i get to the end of the trilogy (at this rate, due to distractions such as my wife SETTING FIRE TO THE CARPET TONIGHT, about next august.)

SBT

Them friction burns can be a killer.

Oh, and I just started Surface Detail yesterday. Read 90 pages on a flight to/from Stanstead. Which is good going for me as I find it hard to read on a plane. So colour me enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 13 October, 2011, 08:46:50 AM
Pratchett's Snuff about to download to my kindle any mo'

i think it's about dwarf-death-porn?!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chaingunchimp on 13 October, 2011, 09:05:36 AM
Was given  the Death Note boxed set for my birthday last month, so far I've read halfway through.
Very very impressed with this, and can totally see what all the fuss is about.
Very intricately plotted, extremely complex but never boring series.
Lots of nice twists and turns and some cool character design.
Love it!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 13 October, 2011, 07:09:26 PM
Hammer Films have started releasing novelisations (is that a word?!) of their films

http://hammerfilms.com/

and I've just started reading Kronos by Guy Adams adapting the 70s film Captain Kronos - one of my favourites (and a big influence on my Jikan character in PARAGON).

Shaun Hutson adapted Twins of Evil - that's next on my list!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 October, 2011, 07:23:08 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 11 October, 2011, 11:55:08 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 11 October, 2011, 08:19:42 PM
Anyway, currently reading 'Red Mars' by Kim Stanley Robinson
...
After a long run of books that were a struggle to get through, and several that just plain beat me, this is proving to be one of those rare novels that i'd happily live in. That ive got nearly 2000 pages to go til i finish the story makes me ridiculously happy.
All three are good (and the way he gets away with having a lot of the same characters throughout is pretty neat) but the first is far and away the best. If you're still in the mood once you've worked your way through the lot, Antarctica is a pretty good prequel of sorts (in that I think they mention Antarctic training in Red Mars so it's clearly spun out of the same thread, but it doesn't use the same characters.)

the gold coast and pacific edge also follow some of his ecological themes and are a much lighter read.  Finished running through the mars trilogy this summer after a hiatus of a few years.  read Red Mars then just couldn't get round to Green and Blue.  Had another stab on the whole in one go and found it well worth it.  Thinking of having a go at his number novels (50 days and counting, 40 days of rain, etc ).  Anyone tried them?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Devlin Waugh on 18 October, 2011, 12:09:12 AM
just finished "1984" by George Orwell.

We've always been at war with Eastasia
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Devons Daddy on 18 October, 2011, 03:47:53 PM
100 bullets is the current standard download on the Ipad,

also enjoying some of the free tasters they put up on COMICX which is an incredible site.

shall be placing some orders soon, based on the enjoyment i have on a couple of titles.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 18 October, 2011, 04:24:11 PM
I'm in the middle of Michael Caine's latest autobiography The Elephant To Hollywood and a very interesting read it bloody well is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 18 October, 2011, 07:13:45 PM
Sakkara by the board's own Michael Carroll, the second in his New Heroes trilogy and a great little book full of comic book conceits like expository third-person prose, teenage superheroes changing their name at random when they get a new power or costume, team-ups, and big splosions.  As with the preceding Quantum Prophecy there's a cinematic pacing to the action scenes and the infodumps about characters' pasts really give the impression that you're seeing small parts of a larger comic book universe, but it all works as a prose adventure without feeling like an ill-advised switch in mediums as most such books like this tend to, and there's some nice cliffhangers and twists in there, too, like I used to enjoy in comics before Bryan K Vaughan went and made such things tedious - but here they add to proceedings rather than detract from the narrative, so fair play.
It's a bit of a quick read, and very 'Mid Atlantic', but these are minor niggles in what's been a very enjoyable series so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 18 October, 2011, 10:59:02 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 13 October, 2011, 07:09:26 PM
Hammer Films have started releasing novelisations (is that a word?!) of their films

http://hammerfilms.com/

and I've just started reading Kronos by Guy Adams adapting the 70s film Captain Kronos - one of my favourites (and a big influence on my Jikan character in PARAGON).

Shaun Hutson adapted Twins of Evil - that's next on my list!

and speaking of Twins of Evil, this is on e-bay at the moment,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=%20220875087971
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 19 October, 2011, 05:33:15 AM
The Stars My Destination. Chapter 2. Its interesting that its bad review reflects its good review at this stage. The jumps from location to location to the actual description in depth, of jaunting are flawed yes. But it's fifty's noirish pace is its charm too. It's just sometimes a little jarring with its science fiction in places. I'm stumbling through it never the less. Terms like "Negro teacher " and Foyle's bullish attitude may be a bit dated but in its way this makes the bookquite the early science fiction artefact.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 19 October, 2011, 08:02:09 PM
The Men Who Stare at Goats.

Incredible stuff. The story of how US Military Intelligence [*insert mandatory joke about how that's a contradiction in terms*] was so psychologically scarred by Vietnam that it was prepared to indulge a bunch of nutty cranks. There are some interesting insights into the kind of thinking behind the atrocities of Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib.

It's presented rather impartially too, or at least it's as impartial as a writer can be when not wanting to piss off crazy spooks. All the unbelievable stories are presented coherently and are presented in a way that they flow into one another smoothly.

Next in the pile is my long sought after book about Jack Garcia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaqu%C3%ADn_%22Jack%22_Garc%C3%ADa).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 October, 2011, 08:39:23 PM
Absolute Power, the third in Michael Carroll's New Heroes/Quantum Prophecy trilogy.  I reckon the epilogue was a mis-step, but only because it creates further threads that won't be resolved, though I do suppose it's in keeping with the series' use of comic book tropes and idioms such as the 'shared universe' that dictates that even though a comic book series comes to an end the final issue is littered with notes from the editor about where the characters might end up next among all the happy ending stuff.
As ever, the scraps are well done, with superhero in-fighting ala 1980s X-Men that ends up with kids battering each other in the Grand Canyon using their own dismembered arms as weapons at one point, though I would have liked to see where all the references to "ordinary people" was going, as it doesn't get resolved or addressed in the book.  Also features a cameo from board members in long standing RAC and Queen Firey Bou.

A very enjoyable and recommended book and trilogy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 23 October, 2011, 09:14:57 PM
Quote.  I reckon the epilogue was a mis-step, but only because it creates further threads that won't be resolved

You know that Mike's currently two books into the prequel series..?

QuoteAlso features a cameo from board members in long standing RAC and Queen Firey Bou.

Yeah, that was rather cool!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 October, 2011, 10:25:00 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 23 October, 2011, 09:14:57 PMYou know that Mike's currently two books into the prequel series..?

I knew the Superhuman stuff was a prequel, but didn't know it addressed what came after New Heroes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 24 October, 2011, 01:17:43 AM
Glad you enjoyed the books, Prof!

The prequel trilogy (Super Human, The Ascension and next year's novel, Stronger) are indeed all tied in with the first trilogy. They don't necessarily address what comes after the first trilogy, but they do plant a lot of seeds.

My initial plan was to have the fourth novel continue directly on from the events of the third book, but my original editor at HarperCollins left for pastures new, and his successor had little interest in continuing the series: the books sold very well, but apparently not quite well enough.

However, the powers that be at Penguin, who published the US editions, were interested in more superhero novels. There was one catch, though: pushing Book Four of a moderately successful series into a crowded marketplace isn't nearly as easy as starting fresh with a brand-new series, so that's what they wanted me to do. I came up with the prequel trilogy as a handy compromise: it meant that new readers could jump on without having to be familiar with the existing books, plus I could expand on lots of background stuff that I'd been planning to present in flashbacks in the fourth and subsequent books.

I'm about to begin the first draft of the seventh novel. It's set a few months after the end of Absolute Power (or The Reckoning, as it's called in the US), and continues the adventures of Colin Wagner and the other New Heroes. This is the first in a sequence that will wrap up all the loose ends from both trilogies in one great big satisfying conclusion (I hope!).

I've still not yet decided whether I'll do two or three in this sequence... Three would be nice: three trilogies! Nine novels, plus the short story collection (some of the stories can be found on the website (http://www.quantumprophecy.com))... That makes for a decent-sized series.

Anyway, as I said, glad you like the books, and thank you for the reviews: Not nearly enough people have read these books!

-- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Buttonman on 24 October, 2011, 12:41:40 PM

'I, Partridge' by Alan Partridge.

Really enjoyed it - great to see Alan's behind the scene remenises about 'The Day Today' and various other humiliations. Laughed out loud at his telling of the day when he was upgrated to a Burton's gold card even though he hadn't spent the required £500. This was when he knew he's made it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 October, 2011, 01:56:09 PM
Still ploughing through kim stanley robinson's 'red mars', which responds well to very close reading, and so is taking me forever. While doing that, ive taken a break for a few days to read 'the walking dead: rise of the governor'.

Went into it not expecting much- i love the series as a comic, enjoyed the tv vesion but feel no great desire to hurridly watch season 2, and was expecting this to a quick tv-friendly tie-in. It's not.

What it is, is one of the best zombie novels ive ever read.

If you're a fan of the comics, you know who the governor was, and how his shadow falls over the book to this day. This tells his origin story- which, in the world i inhabited before finishing the novel, i felt would be massively unnecessary and irrelevent. In the world i inhabit now however, id happy to urge people to read this with all the fervor or a lay-preacher.

So, that done, im back to mars now- pausing briefly to tug out a couple of stories from solaris books' 'end of the line' anthology- there's a nice, lovecraftian antarctic tale by gary mcmahon that id urge you to read, and our good old mr jasper bark acquits himself very well with a very twilight zoney piece. I look forward to going through the rest over the next week or so.

Oh, and also dynamite entertainment's trade collection of their six issue 'freddy vs jason vs ash', an adaptation of what would have been the cinema follow up to 'freddy vs jason'- but which im very glad wasnt, because it's a confused, rambling mess that's built around a series of escapes from certain death, sees ash played as the middleaged butt of teenagers' jokes, and freddy once more in full-on bob monkhouse mode. The central plot line, of people trying to grab the necronomicon is baffling and confusing and ultimately disappointing. It plays up the weaknesses of all three franchises and absolutely none of their strengths. Dismal.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 25 October, 2011, 12:39:40 PM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 24 October, 2011, 01:17:43 AMGlad you enjoyed the books, Prof!

I did indeed.

There are a lot of 'new universes' of comic book characters in various media these last few years that seem to originate with the notion of "what if superheroes existed in real life?" rather than "what if I could mine the possibilities of a genre that straddles sci-fi, magic and soap opera?" and sooner or later these tales - with the exception of Love And Capes - devolve into bloody fights or murder conspiracies and you wonder if it's actually possible for writers to do a superhero story about original characters that isn't a poor man's Watchmen.  I think that is when you need to find New Heroes, which is rich with ideas and a hoot to read.

Or, I dunno, maybe you could just read those countless Watchmen knock-offs like that one I read recently with the supervillain who chops off a superheroine's head and then drives around with it in a duffel bag occasionally having sex with it because this is the kind of portfolio piece that gets you a writing gig on a Marvel teen book these days.



Run Silent, Run Deep
- a bit heavy on the technical side of running a submarine, but the human stuff is blunt and to the point and smacks of a realism of what men are like in close quarters and high stress environments.  It's a pretty good war adventure yarn with some likable characters that get you through the long-winded battle sequences, and though I didn't realise it until until quite late, devoid of the class system politics that inform a lot of British war fiction, which makes a nice change.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Doctor Alt 8 on 25 October, 2011, 04:12:08 PM
The Pano script for Alladin (Yes it's THAT time of year folks) It's not that good because our group insists on writting it's own material to avoid paying performance rights... but they really ought to watch a few pantos first to see how it's done right... (And as usual there are too many bloody songs and I can't sing) but we do raise money for charity.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 25 October, 2011, 09:36:07 PM
The Zebra-Striped Hearse by Ross MacDonald: I'm more into crime novels about criminals than detectives but I do now and then like a Lew Archer book. The difference between him and other detectives is the sense of mercy he has. He feels bad that he has to dig up the shameful secrets his clients would rather hide, but once he starts digging he's compelled to continue. He feels to me like a curse someone accidently called down.

Winter's Bone by Woodrell: I put off reading this for a year, because I was so moved by the movie that I was afraid it would take over the images in my head while I read. The year didn't help. Still saw the actors play all the roles while I read. Still a great read though. There was some fleshing out of characters and scenes so I think it's time well spent.

Butcher's Moon by Richard Stark: It's follow up to Slayground, and perhaps the best of the Parker novels I've read. If you've checked out Cooke's Parker you owe it to yourself to check out the original novels. Parker is a unique character in crime fiction. Neither a psychopath nor a hero, he's a thief that when the job is on that is all he sees or deals with, and God forbid you interfer with the job or take the cash which in his mind he rightfully stole.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Eric Plumrose on 10 November, 2011, 07:58:40 AM
TOM STRONG Book Two.

Wow. What happened? The first collection was a homage of fun with some nifty artist breaks. Book Two is this wretched pastiche that's only slightly more readable than Moore's run on WildCATs.

Bah!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 November, 2011, 10:36:59 AM
Habibi, by Craig Thomson.  On reflection I was a bit underwhlemed by Blankets, which while capturing first-love rather beautifully, didn't half drift along through endless pointless pages doing it.  This, on the other hand, is something else - a truly beautiful absolutely huge production, which I can't believe I'm only half way through.  Set in a timeless apocalyptical middle east, mixing mysticism, the Torah, the Qur'an, Burton's version of the 1001 Nights, Paul Pope's THB, magical realism... I don't know where to stop, and nor does it.  Thank you county library!

A Storm of Swords, by George Martin, I think this (both parts) is one of the best fantasy novels I've ever read.  Even weighing in at something like 1200 pages, and the third part of a series, I don't think there's an inch of flab on this story - every single chapter delivers on characterisation, action and twisty, turny, insanely gripping plot.  How there can be so many dramatic reversals, rug-pulls and revelations in one book, and yet each one still be satisfying, is beyond me.  As schlocky pseudo-medieval melodramatic silliness goes, this is the undisputed King on the Iron Throne.  Outstanding.

Death of Kings, by Bernard Cornwell.  Uthred's tale continues, and despite the painful historical self-consciousness of the late 9th C characters ("Do you consider yourself English?"), this is another worthy chapter in Cornwell's most satisfying series, chronicling the clash of the Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Christian worlds in the forging of England, with added shield-wall and groin-gouging action.  I wonder is he ever going to admit to all his books being in the Eternal Champion mode, what with each series featuring a through-the-ranks trickster war leader, his highborn forbidden love, and his doughty Irish sidekick?  Not that I'm complaining, more please!

Fungi: New Naturalist Library Vol. 96, by Spooner and Roberts.  You have to love a popular science book that starts with the question "Animal, Mineral or Vegetable?".  A brilliantly readable overview of current thoughts on the Fifth (or is it Seventh?) Kingdom, and a great accompaniment to my autumn mushroom hunts (made a lovely roux sauce-thing of Wood Blewitts on rolled and grilled bread last night, washed down with the wife's homemade cider, yum yum yum).   

Time Travellers Never Die, by Jack McDevitt.  I consider myself one of McDevitt's biggest fans, but a third of the way in his I've-never-really read-any-SF-myself approach to well-worked SF concepts is wearing a bit thin.  The blasé way his Academy or Alex Benedict characters operate works well with those far-future settings, but it's a little harder to buy such nonchalant adventuring from a book set in the early 21st.  Still, he's never yet disappointed me, so I'll see how it goes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 21 November, 2011, 12:29:24 AM
The rather shiny new collected edition of The Incal. I really want to like it but it's just too disjointed and silly in places. Suppose it's a bit like a Jodorowsky film in its quick succession of loony ideas and images but the problem with the films is lack of logical connection while here it's more the simplistic way each new daft episode is linked by someone saying "I think I went on a training mission to the secret space-chameleon base once so lets all modify the shape of our amygdalas and follow him there." I wasn't entirely convinced by the translation either, especially in the first volume.

It's got some pretty nice Moebius art, which might make it worth a look if you're more interested in that, but for me that's not really enough to save it from being classed as "sort of interesting, but..."

Quote from: TordelBack on 18 November, 2011, 10:36:59 AMA Storm of Swords, by George Martin, I think this (both parts) is one of the best fantasy novels I've ever read.  Even weighing in at something like 1200 pages, and the third part of a series, I don't think there's an inch of flab on this story - every single chapter delivers on characterisation, action and twisty, turny, insanely gripping plot.  How there can be so many dramatic reversals, rug-pulls and revelations in one book, and yet each one still be satisfying, is beyond me. As schlocky pseudo-medieval melodramatic silliness goes, this is the undisputed King on the Iron Throne.  Outstanding.
Yeah. I would maybe dispute the lack of flab (there's a lot of repetition, often used to drive home a particular quirk of speech or mannerism a character has) but I can't argue with any of the rest. By this point pretty much every character's initial (and in some cases, secondary) motivation has been turned inside out and all sorts of ridiculous twists have taken place yet they never seem forced in just to move the plot forward.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 21 November, 2011, 12:30:56 AM
Swamplandia!

I'm reading Swamplandia!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 21 November, 2011, 06:34:37 PM
Just read the first collected edition of Marvel's 'Moon Knight', by Charlie Huston, with art by David Finch.

This shouldn't really be my kind iof book, but I actually enjoyed it a great deal. It's spoilt by some confusing colouring in places, and some overly busy art, but the writing really pushes it above those problems. It really is PROPER barking mental - but in that finely crafted, stays-on-the-rails way that stops it becoming a mess and keeps the story focused. Very clever stuff. Roll on volume 2!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 21 November, 2011, 06:41:38 PM
I have just finished The Gabble (anthology by neal Asher) a real good read with the tragic gabble ducks to the fore, 2000Ad trades Bison and Shimura I finally got round to finishing and Bison might have some critics but I thought the body swapping was a good idea and prety well thought out. Shimura was a real joy though some of the near psychotic art made my head hurt. I tend to prefer the b&w art on that. Also tried a couple of cheapy Star Wars adventures-The will of Daft Vader and Boba Fett the Shit of fear. Typos? What typos? Anyway these were a good fun read without any messing about and straight into the action. Now all I have to do is wait a few weeks and my Insurrection tirade arrives.

@HdE I might try Moon Knight again I always liked that character.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Van Dom on 21 November, 2011, 09:05:50 PM
The People Next Door by Christopher Ransom. Tis not the best, to be honest. Started off promising, nice little mystery, hints of supernatural forces and all, but by about page 200 it had started spinning its wheel and by page 300 they're still not bloody going anywhere. Its only since I started submitting comic scripts to places that I realised the utmost importance of an editor, and now I am very conscious of where a good edit was necessary when reading anything. I'm sure this book had an editor, but he left in an awful lot of waffle that didn't need to be there. I still want to know how it ends though so I'll have to stick it out, but I've started that thing of skim-reading paragraphs, or just reading the dialogue bits to get through each page, which is never a good thing.
This author had a bestseller called The Birthing House. No idea whats that about but it would have to be a lot better than this if its a bestseller.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 November, 2011, 09:38:07 PM
I started, and gave up on, The Birthing House earlier this year. To be honest and from what i remember, it was a plodding, very old fashioned ghost story which reminded me of umpteen nineteenth century novels and didnt do a single new thing in any of the hundred or so pages i gave it before putting it back on the shelf, where it sits now. My local bookshop got it in at the same time as The Leaping by Tom Fletcher: which i then went on to, and which turned out to be a demented, glorious thrill-ride of the first order.

Currently, im reading Leviathans of Jupiter, by Ben Bova- another of his 'grand tour of the solar system' novels- and as usual it's fantastic. There may well be a formula to these, and Bova is just as guilty of rampant sexism, stupid plotting and general silliness as any fat airport blockbuster, but bloody hell he can trick you into thinking he's a master. Im eating this one up, and enjoying every page of big science fiction ideas and predictable adventure.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Van Dom on 21 November, 2011, 09:45:01 PM
Cheers SBT. So - sounds like a common complaint with this author then? Screw it, I'll get to the end of this one somehow then that will be it, might check out that other one you mentioned. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 22 November, 2011, 02:06:16 PM
I really like Bova, but SBT is spot on about his writing. Still, it doesn't stop me reading his books. For one of his earlier works give The Dueling Machine a try. It can be downloaded as an ebook. I read this back in the stone ages and have fond memories of it.

JvB
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 22 November, 2011, 02:54:50 PM
Im working my way through his entire 'grand tour', including the rock rats and moon books, and taking little side roads into his voyagers series along the way. Bova's one of the most readable authors ive ever found, and any criticisms i may have are not in any way intended to put anyone off. He reminds me of early to mid stephen king, in that respect.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 November, 2011, 03:03:05 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 21 November, 2011, 12:29:24 AMBy this point pretty much every character's initial (and in some cases, secondary) motivation has been turned inside out and all sorts of ridiculous twists have taken place yet they never seem forced in just to move the plot forward.

When I originally discovered that [spoiler]Jamie Lannister[/spoiler]was going to be a POV character in SoS I was actually quite annoyed - who the hell wants to know what that bastard thinks?  How wrong I was. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 November, 2011, 11:38:33 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 21 November, 2011, 06:41:38 PM
I have just finished The Gabble (anthology by neal Asher) a real good read with the tragic gabble ducks to the fore, 2000Ad trades Bison and Shimura

I'm reading Shimura at the moment. Pretty good so far* although I find it a bit hard to tell whats going on in certain panels. There was a really confusing moment earlier where they interspersed two threads on the same page. Some great ideas, good story but the story-telling itself looks like it could use some work (but maybe I'm just thick.)

I'm also rereading Rose Madder at the moment. Apparently King himself wasn't keen on his writing on this, but I have a soft spot for it. The story certainly has it's issues, but there are areas that are dealt with with real sensitivity. And I'm a sucker for stories involving everyday objects becoming portals to other worlds, right back to when I read the Narnia books as a kid.

*Incidentally where did the samuraiesque Hondo-city judge helmets go in the last series featuring Inaba in the Megazine? As I hadn't read Shimura then I didn't miss them, but seeing what they started with, it seems a shame they've been dropped.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 24 November, 2011, 04:18:26 PM
I've just finished reading Supergods by Grant Morrison so time to have another crack at A Dance With Dragons. I've really enjoyed the series so far, but after starting ADWD for some reason I just stopped reading and didn't go back to it. I never do that with books so I guess I just got fed up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 01 December, 2011, 03:48:28 AM
Picked up at the library Vertigo's 2010 graphic novel Dark Rain: a New Orleans story by Mat "no, not the one that you're thinking of because that's two Ts" Johnson & Simon Gane.

Ostensibly a heist that takes place in the wake of Hurricane Katrina it felt alot like reading Crisis.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 01 December, 2011, 09:15:50 PM
Since this year's exam marking ended I've read Othello, An Inspector Calls, Anita and Me (Meera Syall) and Rani and Sukh (Bali Rai).

Othello is one of the most boring Shakespeare plays I've read, and it lived up to my expectations. Full of pitifully flawed characters. The villain is the best part and has all the best lines.

An Inspector Calls was a different read this side of the financial collapse. Its text is the social responsibility of individuals, and how the wealthy in particular shirk theirs.

Anita and Me was warm and comic and useful as social history giving insight into a 1970s childhood and the lives of Indian families in Britain, but it was a messy, unfocused, undisciplined novel with a seemingly rushed and tacked-on ending.

Rani and Sukh is quite a contrasting novel to set alongside Anita and Me. It's about two Sikh teenagers in love whose relationship has to be kept secret from her family or there will be trouble. I haven't finished it yet but it's quite gloomy to start with and so far it has had nothing positive to say about Sikhism or ethnic minority communities, both of which come across as a source of repression and nothing else. On the plus side it is better structured than Anita and Me and the story always seems to be going somewhere.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 04 December, 2011, 11:24:23 AM
Omnivistascope. What?  you ask-a softbook sized sci-fi  anthology in b&w by some of the boarders on these 'ere boards. Chris Askham and Paul Von Scott, Matt Timson, Leigh Shepherd and possibly others who I only know by avatar. It is a sublime combination of genius (54 Jones) to insanity (Dirk Despair the morose hero of the galaxy), and all i can say is all "All you freaks out there, better keep outta my way, you hear?". Some of the art is more than prog worthy but it's the breadth of ideas that is so fun. Wow. Best £2 I've spent in a while.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 04 December, 2011, 12:01:00 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 04 December, 2011, 11:24:23 AM
Omnivistascope

I've got #7 on order, £5.00 + £1.00 p&p.

http://www.omnivistascope.com/shop2.html (http://www.omnivistascope.com/shop2.html)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 December, 2011, 05:33:59 PM
I'm currently reading 11.22.63, the time travel story by Stephen King surrounding the JFK assassination.

I was a bit uncertain of this since the idea isn't exactly original. Red Dwarf did it. So did Quantum Leap (although I never watched that one all the way through.) I think I also read a spoiler from King himself concerning this story before he decided to publish it. (I believe that was an earlier version and he has rewritten it since then, so hopefully there'll be changes.)

I am enjoying it so far though! I actually wonder if the earlier plot concerning Derry and The Janitor (not to spoil anything) will be more interesting than the JFK stuff to come later. And it was nice to see [spoiler]Richie and Bevvie from IT[/spoiler] again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 04 December, 2011, 07:50:36 PM
QuoteRed Dwarf did it. So did Quantum Leap

Those are some illustrious forebears right there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 December, 2011, 11:17:34 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 04 December, 2011, 07:50:36 PM
QuoteRed Dwarf did it. So did Quantum Leap

Those are some illustrious forebears right there.

The second was pretty popular (although not personally my cup of tea, I found the format too repetitive) and the first has a new series coming out next year. And that one was totally my cup of tea.  It was a good comedy it had some good sci-fi stories too.

Anyhow, granted tastes are subjective. My point stands it's been done before, and probably otherwise than the examples given. I'll enjoy seeing King's version though, and the other Derry stuff is worthwhile.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Buddy on 04 December, 2011, 11:30:12 PM
Finally got round to reading The Walking Dead (with great thanks to King Trout)

Book one done... half way through book two.

Surprised to see how much the TV strayed from the comic, some of my fave characters from the TV aren't even in the book... well, not yet anyway.

Like both, and readaing the book makes my zombie sketch from Charlie all the better!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 05 December, 2011, 11:22:10 AM
Just read Neonomicon- Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows as I quite enjoy the odd Cthulu yarn and will revisit Haunt Of Horror on the strength. Omnivistascope #7 is good too not like Im biased or owt...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 08 December, 2011, 04:31:07 PM
Transmetroplitan books 1 and 2 - a great series, I want to read some more.

Elephantmen book 1 - Intriguing, hopefully worth pursuing some more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 December, 2011, 07:00:55 PM
The library threw up three interesting new GNs this week:

Ascent, by Jed Mercurio and Wesley Robins.  I loved this, it was so up my street it had my bins outside.  An orphan of the Great Patriotic War becomes a jet fighter ace in Korea, and from there... well, you'd never forgive me if I spoiled it, suffice to say the ending is magical and tragic in equal measure.  A fabulous mix of Battlefields: Happy Valley, [spoiler]The Right Stuff[/spoiler] and [spoiler]Ministry of Space[/spoiler].  Art is beautifully undertstated, combining rather expressionist characters with precisely drawn materiel, and getting noticably better as the book goes on.   Apparently adapted from the writer's own novel, which I'll have to check out. A corker of a read, 9/10.

Mr. Wonderful by Dan Clowes.  I really like Clowes, but lately I've found his books a bit miserable and samey (Wilson, for example - it's very good, but jeebus, reading it left me down in the dumps).  Happily, this one is different, an oddly formatted (I can't decide if it's 'lavish' or 'outrageously padded out') short tale of a first date between two middle aged divorcees.  Some masterful use of the medium (in one example, the captions of the main character's self-absorbed internal monologue continuously block out his date's speech bubbles, even as he tries to listen to what she's saying) and believable characters, all with a refreshingly tight focus.  Very good example of how comics can deliver satisfying short stories in a unique way.  7/10

American Vampire Vol. 1, by Scott Snyder, Stephen King and Rafael Albuquerque.  A spin through American history from the perspective of warring vampire breeds and the people who hunt them, sounds standard enough fare.  It certainly starts out well enough, with Snyder's opening episode, but once King starts into the backstory and Albuquerque switches styles to distinguish the time periods, it becomes turgid and unlikeable.  Halfway through I was thinking that King (an author I really enjoy) had screwed up a promising   
premise, but by the second half it was obvious that Snyder was doing just as bad a job. Atrocious dialogue, art that is by turns crisp and murky but usually confusing, and a truly baffling bunch of villains, but still with some moments of interest, I thought this was overall an incoherent mess.  4/10.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 15 December, 2011, 03:44:23 AM
The Omen Machine - By Terry Goodkind.  Wasn't sure if I was going to get this one but caved in last week and grab it, rather light and sparse tale set in the same universe as Goodkinds Sword of Truth series (with the same characters and set after the War with the Imperial Order so i suppose you'd call it a sequal) but infinatly more entertaining than the last few Sword of Truth books (no more beating his reader over the head with the same mesage again and again, ok we get it communism is bad, people need to think for themselves and be pro-activ in life, no need to keep repeating it for 4 books).  Very nasty baddy and some rather horrorish sequences for a fantasy book.

CU Radabcker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 15 December, 2011, 07:16:40 PM
Killing Pablo.

An account of the rise and fall of notorious Columbian drug baron Pablo Escobar. I've been reading a lot about criminals, and for all their faults, there was something to be admired about their sheer audacity and deviousness. Not Pablo Escobar though, he was just a brutal savage who killed his way to the top of Columbia's Criminal Cartels. It would be interesting to see how the current iteration of the Internet community would react to his assassination
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 December, 2011, 03:26:00 PM
Just finished the latest Charley's War Volume (8; Hitler's Youth) and have to say its a blinder. Not only is the story and art as wonderful as ever the real joy of this volume is the quality of the reproduction finally matches the story. A lot more of the material is reprinted from the original art and it makes the package as a whole an absolute joy.

On top of that they are still advertising Rat Pack and Major Eazy, so you never know they might actually see the light of day still?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: StrayCatBlues on 29 December, 2011, 11:11:55 PM
I have just finished the Hunger Games, really enjoyed them and that third book covers some pretty brutal topics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 31 December, 2011, 02:51:04 PM
Read through 'The People Next Door' by Christopher Ransom which was part of my xmas book bundle from my mum :) Looking at Amazon it seems to have universally awful reviews which I find really surprising because I couldn't put it down for the day and a half that I ploughed through it in. It's very rare (especially these days) that I'll rattle through something that quickly, and maybe being at the in-laws for a couple of days factored in but I loved it.

Just started Game of Thrones, which seems very more-ish, I can see why people get so absorbed in it and I'm only 5% through it according to my kindle. As with most fantasy there's so much setting up of the world and so many names flying around that I'm not really taking any of them in, but I'm sure over the course of the books the world will solidify for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 01 January, 2012, 01:55:28 AM
Bit by bit I'm working my way through the first Red Seas volume. It's not slow going because it's bad (it's actually rather good, one bit of silliness aside). I've just been reading the new Stephen King book 11.22.63 too. (Just finished that one. It was good too but not one of his best for me.) Now I've finished that one I'll plough through the rest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 01 January, 2012, 01:17:56 PM
The Dead Man ace writing and art by Wagner and Ridgway-i really enjoyed it and I may buy Dreddy case files 14.

And an anthology book Lovecraft Unbound-mmmm a very expensive book -it's not OTT Lovecraft pastiches but some of the tales so far seem slightly misplaced and are just the usual horror fare with vague Lovecraft elements. Okay but probably not worth £14.99. Not enough tentacles IMHO. :)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 01 January, 2012, 01:29:24 PM
Mum got me the Booker shortlist for Xmas and one of them, Pigeon English is the biggest, most patronising piece of shit I have ever read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 01 January, 2012, 01:53:36 PM
Finished 'The Outcast Dead' by Graham McNeill the latest in the War Hammer 40k Horus Heresy series. Slower than some of the others but certainly worth a read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NorthVox on 03 January, 2012, 05:59:14 PM
Just picked up Durham Red: The Scarlet Cantos, halfway through my yearly Watchmen re-read, and awaiting a delivery from Amazon for Midnighter: Assassin8 and Midnighter: Anthem. Good start to the year methinks!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 03 January, 2012, 07:08:13 PM
The first Harry Potter book.

Quite good so far. Pretty close to the film (or rather the film is pretty close to this) but still better overall.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 04 January, 2012, 09:52:49 PM
I bought the latest couple of Requiem: Vampire Knight collections before Christmas so I've been rereading the story so far. As has been discussed at length, the setup is mental in a good way and the first five or six books rattle along at a frenetic pace. There's the odd bit that doesn't make a lot of sense, but the demented energy, cascade of novelty, continual reversals of what we think we know and lovely art all conspire to take your mind off it. The early introduction of Torquemada as a werewolf whose human side is indistinguishable from the lovable rogue we know from Nemesis seems perfectly logical and a nice little reference for those that get it.

It's started to get a bit drawn out now, however. Book 7 is largely set in a mock-Elizabethan britain populated by lizards which seems like a step too far towards a sexed-up Dinosty. Book 8 is basically one long fight interspersed with Pat's familiar imaginative weapons-porn wrapped in a fascinating series of jibes at the "fan" or "collector." There's also a sexy, evil chick with Black Siddha's sword.  Got the latest volume with books 9 & 10 to get into sometime soon, so hopefully this is just a temporary lull.

I also started reading Rabbit, Run by John Updike but that's all words and feelings of being trapped and stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 04 January, 2012, 11:31:54 PM
Day of the Triffids, which I got for Christmas.

Quite enjoying it, but it's bloody weird, not quite what I was expecting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 05 January, 2012, 11:59:49 AM
Triffids has been one of my favourite books since I was about twelve, and it's always really interesting to hear people's thoughts on reading it for the first time - usually their surprise at the lack of actual triffids throughout the first two-thirds of the book! I think it's all the stronger for that, though. It's those images of 'blind London' that have stayed with me all these years, more so than the triffids (glorious though they undoubtedly are).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 05 January, 2012, 12:40:59 PM
Eh? Triffids are a constant presence throughout the first third of the book  - there's a whole chapter explaining what they are and where they came from, and I've just read a section where the two leads are being chased by a load of them.

I'm finding some of it a bit of a stretch. The idea that newly blind people could subdue and take prisoner a seeing person seems extremely unlikely to me.

I'm also finding it very difficult to relate to the narrator. He's explaining events in such a matter of fact, detached way, when any sane person would be freaking out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 05 January, 2012, 01:12:05 PM
Books is pretty much all I gots for Christmas this year (which suits me fine). Got a right mix too - The Forever War (the omnibus edition), The Communist Manifesto, Volumes 2 & 3 of the french Long John Silver GNs (thanks to Dunk! for the tip-off there), Valerian vol 1 (also a cinebook GN), The Edinburgh Dead, The Sickness unto Death (Kierkergaard) and Existentialism & Humanism by Satre.

Decided to finally have a go at reading some philosophy, hence the last 2. In fact, if I've had a New Year's Resolution at all this year, it's to finally read some stuff I should have read years ago, so that's Jules Verne, R.E. Howard, The Golden Bough and more Conan Doyle I reckon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 05 January, 2012, 01:53:55 PM
I decided to treat myself to a few comic books with my xmas bonus.

The Complete Nemesis the Warlock Book III - I've been trying to lay my hands on this for ages now and thanks to a tip off from SBT I managed to mail order this copy from a shop in Brighton. I'd never read these last 3 books before as they were in 2000 AD during my 'off' periods.

To be honest, I'm a bit underwhelmed by what we're offered. Book 8 is a flashback to Purity's early days as part of the rebellion and her first encounter with, and manipulation by, Nemesis. It's decent enough with 'too clean' artwork and the odd plot twist but nothing too earth shattering.

After the stunning book 7, I was expecting great things from book 9 which sees John Hicklenton return to provide the art. This is, unfortunately, the worst Nemesis book of all. The story makes no sense, most of the characters serve no purpose whatsoever (apart from to irritate) and the confrontations between Nemesis and Torquemada seem tired and boring. The art is as mental as usual from Hicklenton but as he usually doesn't bother too much with background detail, you're left struggling to place the events in any context and it all seems to take place in a blurry, dirty cave.

Book 10, with the gorgeous Henry Flint art was like a breath of fresh air after the muddled mess of book 9 but it still has problems. The story has gone back to basics with a return to the simple thrills of Nemesis and Torquemada duking it out at high speed in the Travel Tubes and Torquemada plotting to unleash his 'ultimate weapon'.

It all ends rather suddenly and a bit unsatisfactoraly however, as if Pat Mills just wanted to call it a day. Nice to see Kev O'Neill back though, even for just one episode.

The extra's at the back are of mixed quality with nothing particularly essential included. I can't help but wish that the 'filler' stories which were originally published between books 9 and 10 had been placed in the book in that order. It would have made more sense and bridged the gap between the two.

I was going to talk about a couple of other books I bought but as I've rambled on for too long about Nemesis, I'll save them for another post.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 05 January, 2012, 02:02:51 PM
It did go downhill towards the end. It's what made Deadlock good though as that was more of a return to form. Pity it only had a short run.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 06 January, 2012, 10:30:33 PM
Read the first issue of Brubaker and Philip's Fatale....and I'm in love.

I knew I would be. I've been having a long-term dalliance with their work for many years now. Thankfully, my wife's ok with it. But they're at a new level now. Their sense of pacing, their craftsmanship, their confidence in storytelling...it's just gotten better over the years.

I could honestly break down every single page, and every single panel, and describe in detail how the work they're doing is head over heels above almost everyone else working in North American comics right now...but I'll let the work speak for itself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 07 January, 2012, 04:52:55 PM
Ministry of Space. What a lovely book.

I've always consciously avoided Warren Ellis as I had him pegged as an unpleasant, haranguing cynic. Not sure why, possibly on the strength of only ever having read the first collection of Transmetropolitan. Whatever the reason, I wasn't expecting this to have the tone it does. If you've read it, you'll know there is a darker undercurrent towards the end - the worm in the wood as it were - but I found that to be a gentle and possibly necessary corrective to all that had gone before.

There's not really much of a story. It's own alternative history is the story, with a tacked on strand about the rather obvious source of the eponymous Ministry's funding, but it's told with heart and just the right amount of irony in its stiff upper lip and it has Chris Weston essentially drawing Dan Dare before he really drew Dan Dare.

I suppose the real reason I liked it so much is expressed by Mr Ellis in his afterword where he talks about his own feelings on the exploration of space. How it could have been, how it was, how it is. The bottom line is that I fucking love the idea of space. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taB9mFqDx9c (http://i'd%20pay%20a%20million%20pounds%20or%20more%20to%20go%20for%20an%20hour,%20or%20even%20half%20an%20hour,%20although%20a%20day%20would%20be%20better). So when he talks about the universality of identification with astronauts I know exactly what he means. The space race was obviously driven by national and military ambitions and scoring any major advance would be a PR coup for the winners. Yet, I've always felt that when somebody, a human being, walks out onto the moon it really doesn't matter whether they're American or Russian or Chinese or Ethiopian. It's their shared humanity that speaks to the idealist fool in me.

So, anyway. Ministry of Space. It's better than The Boys or The Walking Dead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 08 January, 2012, 12:45:08 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 07 January, 2012, 04:52:55 PM
Ministry of Space. What a lovely book.

Hear hear. I don't own this but I've taken it ouit of the library several times in recent years. Top stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 January, 2012, 02:45:17 PM
It is marvelous stuff.  The underplayed way the final twist (the snake in the garden, as it were) is delivered makes it doubly powerful, and its bite permits the rest of the story to be pure glorious space porn. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 09 January, 2012, 02:57:03 PM
Started reading Oliver Twist - my first Dickens and enjoying it immensely.  Just got past the 'can I have some more' part in the workhouse.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 09 January, 2012, 10:53:00 PM
I'm reading 'With the Old Breed', the personal account of Eugene B Sledge ('Sledgehammer') who served as a US Marine in the Pacific in WWII.

Part of HBO's 'Pacific' series is based on his story. I bought the 'Pacific' DVD box set months ago and managed to watch it over Xmas, so then decided to download 'With the Old Breed' from iTunes. (I'm reading it on my iPhone which I'm finding very handy. I like the fact that it's always with me and I can read it wherever I am.)

The book is a gripping, shocking read. What those guys endured and witnessed was just off the scale. Sledgehammer refers to the war as a "meat grinder". He states that there are two wars. The war fought on the front line and the war fought away from the front line. He says that even those 100 yards behind the front line don't know what goes on and that he cringes whenever politicians say they are going to war. As a US Marine he was in the thick of it.

My interest in this topic kicked off having watched the documentary series 'Hell in the Pacific' on 4OD – a must see series for anyone with even a passing interest. US and British servicemen are interviewed in this. Regarding fighting between the Japanese and US, the narrator states that "both sides cast off civilsed taboos". 

Neither book or the TV series glorifies war. Both tell it how it was.

As for the HBO 'Pacific' series I thought that also was brilliant. I found it rather schmaltzy for first three or so episodes but then it really picked up.

The four part documentary:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/hell-in-the-pacific/4od

Book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/279-1630458-5748866?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=old+breed&x=0&y=0

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/with-the-old-breed/id435967920?mt=11
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JAMESCOR on 10 January, 2012, 09:50:31 AM
Read the new translation of The Incal not that it makes much more sense in English, terrific fun though. Second volume of Valerian which improves on the first and from what I've seen of the French ones it tends to get better as it goes on. Bargain buy of the holiday season though was volume 2 of TV21 only a fiver in Gosh well worth it for some vintage Bellamy, Noble and Embelton.Rob Davis' Don Quixote is well worth a look it's kind of been over shadowed by his involvement in Nelson. Finally on the comic front my guilty pleasures is again from Cinebook the early volumes of Blake and Mortimer and Lucky Luke.

Never seem to find much time for you know proper books but The Milkman in the Night by Kurkov was a bleakly funny treat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NorthVox on 10 January, 2012, 05:33:13 PM
Fired my way through Durham Red: The Scarlet Cantos last night, gonna get cracking on Vermin Stars and Emptry Suns tonight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 12 January, 2012, 02:42:31 AM
I just read the Transformers one-shot 'The Death Of Optimus Prime' tonight.

No laughing at the back there!

This book is a starting point for two new ongoing series from IDW, co-written by John Barber and James Roberts, the two scribes of the respective series.

Now, I can't stress this enough - not only is this one of the best Transformers comics I've ever read (for those with an interest in such things) but it's also oneof the best single issues of a comic book I've read in the last... forever.

It's a really dense, full read, and manages to do a great job of setting up the two new books without ever feeling like a set up! There's plenty of great drama and dialogue, and the art, by Nick Roche, is absolutely stellar.

I STRONGLY recommend this book, as well as the first issue of 'Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye', by James Roberts (with Nick on art again). Both books are of uncommonly good quality, and I honestly believe they'll entertain even non-fans. Go grab 'em!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 12 January, 2012, 07:48:48 AM
oooh, me likey Transformers comics but the last few I've got had atrocious art, poor colouring and the art just didn't flow, all the characters looked the same.  Mught give this a burl though, whats the art like?

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 January, 2012, 08:41:05 AM
Orc Stain Vol 1, by James Stokoe.  I'd completely ignored this book, generally not enjoying D&D, LotR or WH40K spin-off comics, until the great Colin Smith gave it a thumbs-up shortly before I stumbled across a copy.  It's brilliant, really, really brilliant, and doesn't involve any of those orc-ridden franchises or any element of the wider fantasy genre at all.  The art is a mix of Paul Pope and Moebius coloured by Brendan McCarthy (even writing that makes me drool - you may have seen his hyper-detailed Galactus in Strange Tales), the story and characters are very like early Cerebus without the pastiche, the insane organic world is rich, dramatic and hilarious. 

Unfortunately the schedule seems to be more at the Paul Pope end of the spectrum than the Dave Sim one, I think he's currently only 2 issues beyond the first trade, which was published in 2010 - totally understandable when you see the work in even a single panel, but still a pity.  Even so, buy it, support this man, his story must be told!  Just a shame about the title.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 12 January, 2012, 09:29:30 AM
Quote from: HdE on 12 January, 2012, 02:42:31 AM
I just read the Transformers one-shot 'The Death Of Optimus Prime' tonight.

No laughing at the back there!

TBH I would never think to read a Transformers comic but your review and the fact that its a one-shot has got me intrigued.  Still undecided though - may take a look in the shop  :-\

Quote from: TordelBack on 12 January, 2012, 08:41:05 AM
Orc Stain Vol 1, by James Stokoe. 

Sounds good - added to wish list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 13 January, 2012, 01:19:28 AM
Caballistics Inc: Going Underground.

Very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 13 January, 2012, 04:56:17 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 12 January, 2012, 07:48:48 AM
oooh, me likey Transformers comics but the last few I've got had atrocious art, poor colouring and the art just didn't flow, all the characters looked the same.  Mught give this a burl though, whats the art like?


Art is by Nick Roche in this partick-lee-ar instance ( I believe he is known to PJ Holden on these boards, at least. )

Nick is quite a cartoonist, and he has this really lively, energetic and bouncy style. Suits the books to a tee! All the characters have their own unique visual cues, all present and correct, which makes his work a delight to behold.

There are previews for both 'The Death Of Optimus Prime' and 'More Than Meets The Eye' scattered about on the various comics sites right now. They're getting entirely deserved acclaim over there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 13 January, 2012, 10:45:17 PM
Just finished The Making of The Empire Strikes Back by J.W Rinzler and Alien Vault by Ian Nathan.
Not a lot of new revelations in either of them for long term fans, but very handsome (and in Alien, quite lavish) books nonetheless.
Reading between the lines, its interesting to note producer Gary Kurtz falling from favour and being sidelined during the making of ESB, and later on, Lucas taking Kershner to one side, after filming was completed, informing him that his sevices wouldnt be needed anymore, or ever again. Shame, as most people have Empire as their favourite. Also, great to read about, in pre-CGI days, just how much of a struggle it was to realise a big SFX film. A lost art, methinks.
Looking forward to getting Rinzler's Making of Jedi, which should be along sometime next year?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 16 January, 2012, 12:00:45 PM
Lovecraft Unbound-note the name yes it's modern versions of Lovecraft but unfortunately it just isn't. This book should have the trades description act read to it's editor. Only a few of the stories have any real Lovecraftian elements the best IMHO is The Mongoose-a scifi lovecraft set on board a space station.

many of the others are just average horror fare pretending to be lovecraft and to have a book with boring, "devil worship" in a Lovecraft anthology and no discernible Mythos connections at all is a travesty too far. These stories are not terrible but they are not what you think you're buying.
"No tentacles", as the editor opines in the beginning and all in the end I felt was this was a bunch of rather oh-so clever  authors somewhat embarrassed that they like Lovecraft.

Maybe I shouldn't moan but at £14.99 I could have got two decent novels or a twoofy TPB.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 16 January, 2012, 02:21:39 PM
Last two months:

Complete Case Files #11
Complete Case Files#13.
Restricted Case Files #1
Judge Dredd: The Henry Flint Collection
ABC Warriors: The Meknificent 7
Zombo
Slaine: The Horned God
Walking Dead vol 1
Chew vol 1
Enigma (Vertigo)
Cities of Glass
Black Hole

And I ordered 13 more books on the 2000AD sale! 


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 16 January, 2012, 02:28:54 PM
Quote from: Lee Bates on 05 January, 2012, 01:53:55 PM

Book 10, with the gorgeous Henry Flint art was like a breath of fresh air after the muddled mess of book 9 but it still has problems.

Flint's run makes the whole volume worth getting. Best work he's done IMHO.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 17 January, 2012, 12:19:19 PM
"The Luck in the Head" graphic novel by Harrison/Miller.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 18 January, 2012, 10:22:00 PM
Just posted a mini review of Brandon Graham's Prophet on the Prophet thread.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 19 January, 2012, 12:48:18 AM
American Vampire.

It's pretty good although there are minor things that cold be a bit clearer in the art. From a story-telling POV I mean, the art itself is lovely.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 19 January, 2012, 01:47:22 PM
Shakey Kanes Monster Truck.It reminds me of the scenarios I used to draw as a kid, giant bugs a souped up cars- fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 19 January, 2012, 02:58:19 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 19 January, 2012, 12:48:18 AM
American Vampire.

It's pretty good although there are minor things that cold be a bit clearer in the art. From a story-telling POV I mean, the art itself is lovely.

See what you mean Mardroid, but all in all I'm a huge fan. Rafael Alberquerue (sp?) isn't it?

Funnily enough this leads on nicely to my re-read of 'El Diablo', the 4 issue Vertigo series from 2001. Decided to unearth it for a re-read because a) I suddenly remembered it was painted by Daniel Zezelj and I love him, and b) because I might be drawing a page or two of Locust's El Bigote later in the year, and I thought it'd help me get in character so to speak. On reflection I'm not too taken with Azarello's dialogue in places, but as I said Zezelj's art is sumptious, self-assured, chunky and full of atmosphere. So worth it then.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ICONIC_TM on 19 January, 2012, 03:05:48 PM
His dark materials, Just to see what all the fuss was about?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 January, 2012, 04:06:00 PM
Quote from: mygrimmbrother on 19 January, 2012, 02:58:19 PM

Funnily enough this leads on nicely to my re-read of 'El Diablo', the 4 issue Vertigo series from 2001.

Funnily enough I bought my wife a copy of this for X-Mas, she loves western comics. I'm itching to get my hands on it but she's not got around to reading it yet herself and seems a bit rude to read her present from me before she does!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: flintlockjaw on 19 January, 2012, 04:55:59 PM
Just finished 'Superman v Muhammed Ali' and halfway through 'Flesh' now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 19 January, 2012, 07:21:43 PM
Just had to turn off the audiobook of Stephen Fry's childhood memoirs Moab is My Washpot. An hour was all I could take.

Love the man but fucking hell, what a tedious, self-indulgent load of waffle. Meandering, pointless, achingly dreary anecdotes and digressions that sound like something Grandpa Simpson would come out with.

At times he is literally just dictating articles from magazines, verbatim, and at great length. Reminded me of the bit in Alan Partridge's recent autobiography where he starts reading out Wikipedia definitions of radio technology to fill out the word count.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 January, 2012, 07:42:31 PM
Quote from: radiator on 19 January, 2012, 07:21:43 PM
Just had to turn off the audiobook of Stephen Fry's childhood memoirs Moab is My Washpot. An hour was all I could take.

Bugger! Just got this out of the library and was looking forward to it, having enjoyed The Liar and his Treyfusis stuff on audio, as well as his readings of the Potter series.  I'll see if I have the same reaction...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DoomBot on 19 January, 2012, 07:48:22 PM
Reading nikolai dante: sword of the tsar. Loving it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: vzzbux on 19 January, 2012, 08:26:18 PM
Got through The Walking Dead book 2 in one sitting.
Charley's War : Hitler's Youth next.





V
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 19 January, 2012, 09:26:35 PM
I only have a small chunk of Game of Thrones left and flipping heck that's a good read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 19 January, 2012, 09:29:18 PM
Just about to start on H.M. Dredd.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 19 January, 2012, 09:54:33 PM
I got me one of them Kindle yoks for Christmas. I can't find the Kindle thread, so I'm just going to drag this thread off topic for a wee minute. I know that sort of thing is seen as a cardinal sin on this here Forum, try not to over react lads ;)

It's a neat piece of kit. Once you start reading and are drawn into the text, you don't really notice any differences to reading a book. Oh, you have to push a button instead of turning a page, but I've found that to be preferable.

So I've had a few things on the go.

I'd never read any Sherlock Holmes before, but since it was free (on kindle), I gave it a whirl. Thoroughly enjoyable. Great way to kill the guts of an hour.

I've be slogging through The Song of Ice and Fire.I'm about half way through the third book. The first book sets up the world and the characters nicely. The second book sees all the various factions' machinations escalate, but now in third book, there seems to be a lot of wondering around the country side. Now, it's all very well written and greatly entertaining adventures in the wilderness, but it seems like no one is really sure about what to do next. Or Maybe at this point GRRM wasn't all that sure what to do next. But I'm being unfair, I haven't finished the thing yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 19 January, 2012, 11:56:29 PM
Quote from: mygrimmbrother on 19 January, 2012, 02:58:19 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 19 January, 2012, 12:48:18 AM
American Vampire.

It's pretty good although there are minor things that cold be a bit clearer in the art. From a story-telling POV I mean, the art itself is lovely.

See what you mean Mardroid, but all in all I'm a huge fan. Rafael Alberquerue (sp?) isn't it?

That's him, and he is certainly very good. It was just a few things that bugged me really.*  And some of that could just be me being a div. I didn't mean that as too heavy a criticism. I certainly plan on picking up the later collections.

* [spoiler]An example would be the part where Skinner Sweet bursts out of his underwater coffin after being buried for a decade. It war remarked that he was was too weak to break out being alone in the dark and starving**. A diver appears to grasp at a chunk of wood presumably opening the coffin lid (although that's not clear) then Skinner bursts out.

Now if he'd just sat up or jumped out of the open coffin when exposed to the sun (it only takes a little, I think as it's only the moonless nights that species are weak) but he pretty much shatters the box, wood shrapnel, etc. It's a brilliant dramatic scene, and it highlights the design of this new monster wonderfully, but seems a bit contradictory of his weakened state, if that makes sense. Perhaps just a panel in between would clarify things more. And on writing this it occurs that could be a scripting issue as much as art. In hindsight I worked out what happened, but I felt a bit like I was filling in the blanks.

** I was also bit puzzled that he didn't tear his way out before he got to that starved state, but as he is newly turned and his species are powered by the sun that could be the explanation.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 January, 2012, 01:23:36 AM
Haven't revisited Daniel Clowes' Death Ray since it first appeared in Eightball # 23 back in 2004. Today it reads as Kick Ass, but for grown ups.

Stevie knows which of the two he prefers.  ;).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 January, 2012, 07:44:13 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 January, 2012, 01:23:36 AM
Haven't revisited Daniel Clowes' Death Ray since it first appeared in Eightball # 23 back in 2004. Today it reads as Kick Ass, but for grown ups.

Read it for the first time last year in a wonderfully shiny oversized hardback - it's pretty great.  Clowes' characters are so brilliantly layered, and change (or don't) so plausibly over time, there's always far more there than meets the eye.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 20 January, 2012, 03:42:36 PM
Sin Titulo web comic - got through the first 100 entries since yesterday.  Enjoying it a lot, gonna be a shame when I get to the end (presume it has finished as the last entry on the archive was August 2011).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 20 January, 2012, 04:38:42 PM
Quote from: Davek on 20 January, 2012, 03:42:36 PM
Sin Titulo web comic - got through the first 100 entries since yesterday.  Enjoying it a lot, gonna be a shame when I get to the end (presume it has finished as the last entry on the archive was August 2011).

Glad you're liking it...be patient with it though. There's still more to come. He's taken this much time between strips before. He will finish it for sure, and there's actually a collected print version coming once it's all done. He's said that when paying gigs come in, he takes a hiatus on Sin Titulo, which makes perfect sense. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 20 January, 2012, 05:08:46 PM
Quote from: Evil Pants on 20 January, 2012, 04:38:42 PM
Quote from: Davek on 20 January, 2012, 03:42:36 PM
Sin Titulo web comic - got through the first 100 entries since yesterday.  Enjoying it a lot, gonna be a shame when I get to the end (presume it has finished as the last entry on the archive was August 2011).

Glad you're liking it...be patient with it though. There's still more to come. He's taken this much time between strips before. He will finish it for sure, and there's actually a collected print version coming once it's all done. He's said that when paying gigs come in, he takes a hiatus on Sin Titulo, which makes perfect sense.

Ah yes, thanks Evil Pants - I found Sin Tintulo on your blog I think.  I'm not surprised that they are going to print it when it is finished as the story is fantastic.  Might need sprucing up for print though (the colour scheme is fine for one entry a week but may get a little tiresome in a collected print version?).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 20 January, 2012, 05:35:17 PM
Quote from: Davek on 20 January, 2012, 05:08:46 PM
Quote from: Evil Pants on 20 January, 2012, 04:38:42 PM
Quote from: Davek on 20 January, 2012, 03:42:36 PM
Sin Titulo web comic - got through the first 100 entries since yesterday.  Enjoying it a lot, gonna be a shame when I get to the end (presume it has finished as the last entry on the archive was August 2011).

Glad you're liking it...be patient with it though. There's still more to come. He's taken this much time between strips before. He will finish it for sure, and there's actually a collected print version coming once it's all done. He's said that when paying gigs come in, he takes a hiatus on Sin Titulo, which makes perfect sense.

Ah yes, thanks Evil Pants - I found Sin Tintulo on your blog I think.  I'm not surprised that they are going to print it when it is finished as the story is fantastic.  Might need sprucing up for print though (the colour scheme is fine for one entry a week but may get a little tiresome in a collected print version?).

Oh really? The colour scheme is one of the things I love about it the most :D The sepia tone just adds a moodiness that fits quite well, me thinks. Just MO, of course! For those who don't know Sin Titulo, it's about as good a mystery comic as you'll be lucky enough to read these days: www.sintitulocomic.com
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 20 January, 2012, 05:38:59 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 January, 2012, 07:44:13 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 January, 2012, 01:23:36 AM
Haven't revisited Daniel Clowes' Death Ray since it first appeared in Eightball # 23 back in 2004. Today it reads as Kick Ass, but for grown ups.

Read it for the first time last year in a wonderfully shiny oversized hardback - it's pretty great.  Clowes' characters are so brilliantly layered, and change (or don't) so plausibly over time, there's always far more there than meets the eye.

Love Death Ray! I picked up the hardcover of that as well. However, for me the real Clowes discovery of 2011 was Mr. Wonderful. It was originally created for New York Magazine, and I honestly think it stands up quite well among his very best work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 January, 2012, 05:42:47 PM
Quote from: Evil Pants on 20 January, 2012, 05:38:59 PM
Love Death Ray! I picked up the hardcover of that as well. However, for me the real Clowes discovery of 2011 was Mr. Wonderful. It was originally created for New York Magazine, and I honestly think it stands up quite well among his very best work.

Absolutely agree.  Mr. Wonderful is one of his best, as I think I droned on about earlier in this thread, it's a brilliant example of the kind of storytelling the medium is capable of. Didn't care for Wilson though - way too grim. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 20 January, 2012, 05:46:39 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 January, 2012, 05:42:47 PM
Quote from: Evil Pants on 20 January, 2012, 05:38:59 PM
Love Death Ray! I picked up the hardcover of that as well. However, for me the real Clowes discovery of 2011 was Mr. Wonderful. It was originally created for New York Magazine, and I honestly think it stands up quite well among his very best work.

Absolutely agree.  Mr. Wonderful is one of his best, as I think I droned on about earlier in this thread, it's a brilliant example of the kind of storytelling the medium is capable of. Didn't care for Wilson though - way too grim.

Agreed! It wasn't just the story, it was HOW he told the story. He was using narrative techniques that I've never seen him use before. He's at the top of his game, IMO. I hope he comes out with something new this year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 21 January, 2012, 01:46:22 PM
"The Pentateuch Retold The Second Earth" by Patrick Woodroffe. Pub. Paper Tiger. This guy's a DaVinci! WOW!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 22 January, 2012, 12:05:34 AM
Read Prophet # 21 and Fatale # 1 today.

Never read the original Prophet series, but this was a great start to the reboot of the series.  Looking forward to seeing how the setting develops (some weird and wonderful ideas in the first issue).

As much as I enjoyed Prophet though, Fatale was the one for me.  I am new to Brubaker but it was a great start to a Lovecraftian pulp crime drama (great combo) with a good cliffhanger at the end of the first issue.  Big incentive for me to pick up Brubaker's Criminal as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 22 January, 2012, 03:39:39 PM
I finally caved and started reading Watchmen.

No, I don't think this book deserves the legendary status it's garnered over the years.

That said, it is very, VERY good! It's not often that a comic book draws me in the way this one has - and that's saying something, considering I was subjected to the dreadful movie before I began reading a single page.

I just finished chapter 4, where Dr. Manhattan is in exile on Mars. That's some very strong writing indeed, and great science fiction.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: W. R. Logan on 22 January, 2012, 04:16:55 PM
When you've finished all 12 chapters and then read it again, then see what you think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 22 January, 2012, 06:15:56 PM
Yesterday I recieved from Ebay the first collection of Marvel/DC crossover storys. I hear the scripts are a bit whack, but I've wanted to read these strips for years. Superman and Spiderman! The Hulk and Batman, fer chrissakes! Sounds sooo bad, it may be good. :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 22 January, 2012, 09:17:12 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 22 January, 2012, 06:15:56 PM
Yesterday I recieved from Ebay the first collection of Marvel/DC crossover storys. I hear the scripts are a bit whack, but I've wanted to read these strips for years. Superman and Spiderman! The Hulk and Batman, fer chrissakes! Sounds sooo bad, it may be good. :lol:
Is that the 'Amalgam' stuff, or just general crossovers?
I loved the Amalgam comics in the 90's- head trippin, and some really good concepts too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 23 January, 2012, 02:13:38 AM
I bought all that Amalgam stuff, it's in the dirty corner of the cellar  :-[

The crossover stuff, wasn't that when people had to vote to see who would win the fights between DC & Marvel characters. Those are also in the dirty corner!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 23 January, 2012, 09:54:51 AM
After watching the film I'm reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Is this the first ever science fiction story?
I'm suprised how articulate the monsters speech is in this novel. Nothing like the way he's portrayed in the pulps. A sensitive and intelligent monster?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 23 January, 2012, 10:45:59 AM
Quote from: wonkychop on 23 January, 2012, 09:54:51 AM
After watching the film I'm reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Is this the first ever science fiction story?
I'm suprised how articulate the monsters speech is in this novel. Nothing like the way he's portrayed in the pulps. A sensitive and intelligent monster?

I read that not so long ago - a great read, still relevant, and very moving in parts.  I tried watching the De Niro version of the film after reading the book but had to stop as it was so poor. 

Not too sure about if it was the first science fiction novel, but the copy of Frankenstein I had included Vampyre by John Polidori which I think was the first English language vamprire story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 23 January, 2012, 01:08:24 PM
Thanks DaveK. I've seen the Branagh film too, I thought it was very good. There is a scene in it which doesn't occur in the novel. This is the part where Victor resurrects Elizabeth Lavenza after the monster has strangled her. Needless to say it all ends tragically for all involved. This scene was a deviation from the original Shelley plot, but I thought the story as a whole was actually better for inserting that scene into it. And what a grisily scene it is!

I've not read Vampyr so I can't judge, but in Shelley's Frankenstein, 1830's, (there is a slightly earlier version) I believe it is the first time science has been portrayed accomplishing something that in the reality of the early 19th century was just fiction.

There have been so many film versions of Frankenstein! I hope we get as many Dredd films!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 23 January, 2012, 01:10:15 PM
Quote from: wonkychop on 23 January, 2012, 01:08:24 PM
Thanks DaveK. I've seen the Brannagh film too, I thought it was very good. There is a scene in it which doesn't occur in the novel. This is the part where Victor ressurrects Elizabeth Lavenza after the monster has strangled her. Needless to say it all ends tragically for all involved. This scene was a deviation from the original Shelley plot, but I thought the story as a whole was actually better for inserting that scene into it. And what a grisily scene it is!

I've not read Vampyr so I can't judge, but in Shelley's Frankenstein, 1830's, (there is a slightly earlier version), I believe it is the first time science has been portrayed accomplishing something that in the reality of the early 19th century was just fiction.

There have been so many film versions of Frankenstein! I hope we get as many Dredd films!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 23 January, 2012, 06:00:09 PM
Asterix and the Goths. These fellas are flipping violent! :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 23 January, 2012, 06:25:51 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 22 January, 2012, 09:17:12 PM
Is that the 'Amalgam' stuff, or just general crossovers?
I loved the Amalgam comics in the 90's- head trippin, and some really good concepts too.

Just the normal crossovers, starting with the Spidey/Supes from 1976. Quite a fun read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 23 January, 2012, 07:05:38 PM
I must look that 70s stuff up- a great era for kinda whacy American comics.
Best crossover ever must of course be 'Judgement on Gotham'...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ignatzmonster on 23 January, 2012, 09:10:37 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 23 January, 2012, 06:25:51 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 22 January, 2012, 09:17:12 PM
Is that the 'Amalgam' stuff, or just general crossovers?
I loved the Amalgam comics in the 90's- head trippin, and some really good concepts too.

Just the normal crossovers, starting with the Spidey/Supes from 1976. Quite a fun read.

I think I remember that. Quite liked it as a youngster. Parasite was the villain? I also liked the crossover between X-Men and Teen Titans which had some great art by Walter Simonson.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NorthVox on 24 January, 2012, 08:08:25 AM
Just re-read the reprints I have of Spider-Man 2099. Contemplating re-reading Midnighter or Wanted, in the mood for something silly and violent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 24 January, 2012, 08:14:31 AM
Try "Asterix The Gaul". Two French who go around bashing the hell out of Romans. It's both silly and violent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 24 January, 2012, 04:57:40 PM
Quote from: wonkychop on 24 January, 2012, 08:14:31 AM
Try "Asterix The Gaul". Two French who go around bashing the hell out of Romans. It's both silly and violent.

I love Asterix. Funniest in french, but the translations (to english anyway) are still excellent.

JvB
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 24 January, 2012, 10:25:25 PM
Just read 'Don't Blink' by James Patterson. I've never heard of him, although I did get my dad one of his novels for xmas. My mum got me this one for my xmas mainly as a joke because she likes to remind me how much I shat myself at the 'Blink' episode of Who.

This was a weird one, a workmate who saw me reading it warned me that Patterson is total trash, and it is incredibly trashy, with the writing coming across as really dumbed down and juvenile. It's even printed in massive text, so before I knew it I'd cleared 100 pages just on my morning commute, and decided as trashy as it was I'd see it through to the end because it wasn't going to take long. By the end though, I couldn't quite work out if I was reading it so heavily to get it finished anymore, or if I was actually getting really into it. I suspect, guiltily, that it was the latter. I even gasped a little bit (just a tiny, macho bit) at a couple of the closing revelations. Not sure if I'd read another Patterson, although I wouldn't actually be dead against it to be honest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 January, 2012, 10:28:33 PM
Interesting.  My Dad, normally a fairly serious reader of weighty tomes, has been pushing James Patterson on me in much the same terms you use Keef.  Maybe I should give in - the last highly unlikely thing he bullied me into reading was this kids' book called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and that worked out okay. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 25 January, 2012, 06:57:48 PM
Quote from: Judge von Boom on 24 January, 2012, 04:57:40 PM
Quote from: wonkychop on 24 January, 2012, 08:14:31 AM
Try "Asterix The Gaul". Two Frenchmen who go around bashing the hell out of Romans. It's both silly and violent.

I love Asterix. Funniest in french, but the translations (to english anyway) are still excellent.

JvB

I can imagine it's better in it's original language, and I'm reassured the English doesn't dertract from the enjoyment of it.
It was made into a film but wasn't very good. Reading Asterix and the Normans it occurs to me that this is quite similar to the one I've just read. :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 25 January, 2012, 07:46:09 PM
Asterix and the Mansion of the Gods was my personal favourite.

Finished the third book of George R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. It's in two parts, not much happens in the first part and then the shit hits the fan in the second. The plot has been progressing in fits and starts throughout the whole series. A lot of travelling and plotting while the plot stagnates, then masses of revelation and bloodshed. Thoroughly engaging nevertheless
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 26 January, 2012, 07:02:28 AM
Just read the first issue of David Hines & Shaky Kane's Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred, and I'm smiling from ear to ear. You can call it pastiche, homage, or even parody, but I just call it good. Part EC Horror, part Ditk-Objectivist tribute, part Allredian bombast, and all parts good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 26 January, 2012, 08:40:33 AM
Quote from: Evil Pants on 26 January, 2012, 07:02:28 AM
Just read the first issue of David Hines & Shaky Kane's Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred, and I'm smiling from ear to ear. You can call it pastiche, homage, or even parody, but I just call it good. Part EC Horror, part Ditk-Objectivist tribute, part Allredian bombast, and all parts good.

I was thinking about going for this but decided against it in the end (I hadnt read the first Bulletproof Coffin series).  I was a bit put off about the write up I saw as it mentioned superheroes (which generally isnt my thing).  May take a look inthe shop.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 26 January, 2012, 04:18:57 PM
Quote from: Davek on 26 January, 2012, 08:40:33 AM
Quote from: Evil Pants on 26 January, 2012, 07:02:28 AM
Just read the first issue of David Hines & Shaky Kane's Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred, and I'm smiling from ear to ear. You can call it pastiche, homage, or even parody, but I just call it good. Part EC Horror, part Ditk-Objectivist tribute, part Allredian bombast, and all parts good.

I was thinking about going for this but decided against it in the end (I hadnt read the first Bulletproof Coffin series).  I was a bit put off about the write up I saw as it mentioned superheroes (which generally isnt my thing).  May take a look inthe shop.

Yeah, I guess technically it's superheroes...but also not really. This is the first issue of the first series: http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=5540

It gives you a good sense of the tone of the piece.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 26 January, 2012, 07:06:57 PM
"Metamorphosis" - Franz Kafka. You are meant to laugh... really..! ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 26 January, 2012, 07:17:26 PM
I just started book 18 in the Horus Heresy series last night, Deliverance Lost by Gav Thorpe. Hope to get a couple of hundred pages read while at work tonight as the first two chapters flew by with intrigue and fighting this morning in bed. I had to force myself to put it down and go to sleep.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 27 January, 2012, 10:51:03 AM
Reading Slaine Time Killer (picked up the two 'Best of' issues).  First time I have read it.  Have previously read Tomb of Terror and thought that was OK although not so keen on the Cythrons.  Probably not enjoying this as much as Tomb of Terror so far - its all a bit too detached from the Slaine landscape that I like.  Have enjoyed the Battle of Clontarf bit though (prefer it to the Clotarf special from 85 annual).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 January, 2012, 03:54:42 PM
Having a non-prog comics blitz at the moment, and have gone through every spidey story from 'one more day' up to and including 'spider island', plus a whole bunch of nineties spidey limited series, and last night 'mezolith'- which again makes me very sad that we likely wont be seeing any more. As far as the spider-man stuff goes, i can hand on heart say that i havent enjoyed the series this much in years- and ive been reading it intermittently since i was six years old. The changes wrought by marvel in 'omd' and then 'brand new day' completely refreshed the character and gave it a whole new lease of life. Im happy to continue buying the trades second hand (so the bastard mouse gets none of my money) and it's really reinvigorated my love of the character.

Also am reading 'rogue moon' by algis budrys, as part of the gollancz 'sf masterworks' series; which is taking an age to get going.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 January, 2012, 04:14:04 PM
I love a bit of Spidey and have been lapping up the Essentials in all forms as they've been released. The thing is I've not enjoyed anything I've read since about issue 300 (well I do have a soft spot for the MacFarlane drawn issues) but I have heard good things about the stuff the more recent stuff... just seems so much of it... Any particular highlights?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 January, 2012, 04:36:03 PM
Certainly not 'spider island', which despite marking dan slott's ascention to sole regular writer after a few years of the 'brainstrust' approach, i found to be forced and dripping with all the associated crap that these kind of marvel 'events' tend to have. Probably very exciting if youre fourteen, but it doesnt play to any of the strengths that we elder readers look for, i think. Except in regards to the ongoing mary jane saga, which slott amps up a bit to tease we oldies.

I'd recommend the 'gauntlet' arc, which is told across five trades (or six, as it concludes in 'the grim hunt', which has just concluded in panini's uk editions and so would be available cheaply off ebay, i'd think.
'Gauntlet' includes one of the best modern spidey tales ive read- 'shed', in the 'lizard' volume- which i found quite affecting in a similar was as classics like 'the night gwen stacy died' and 'the death of jean dewolfe'. Roger stern also writes a thumping sequel to his classic 'nothing can stop the juggernaut', in (cont...)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 January, 2012, 04:42:27 PM
(cont) 'something can stop the juggernaut?!', and there's a whole new, and deadly, vulture who owes quite a lot to the version from the 'noir' videogameverse. The supporting cast is treated with respect and given loads to do, new characters feel 'right' (pete's new girlfriend and his roommate especially) and there's tons going on in the subplots, as it should be. Yeah, 'gauntlet' is where i'd start. Pick up volumes 4 & 5 (juggernaut and lizard), then read the rest if they appeal.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 January, 2012, 05:07:39 PM
There's also a pleasing lack of humberto ramos on art duties during the whole of the 'gauntlet' saga. If there's one artist who shouldnt be let anywhere near spidey, it's him. Instead, you get a whole bunch of brilliant different styles- including our own barry kitson. And even typing his name takes me back!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 27 January, 2012, 06:45:49 PM
Mega City Undercover. I can hardly praise this enough. I knew next to to nowt about Lenny Zero and the origins of Dirty Frank-it's a real gem of a comic with cracking script and b& w art. Lovely. Low life has never looked better. Still plenty to get through as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dr Feeley Good on 27 January, 2012, 08:27:06 PM
Paul scholes autobiography...... Well you did ask !!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 28 January, 2012, 11:53:51 PM
Quote from: Davek on 27 January, 2012, 10:51:03 AM
Reading Slaine Time Killer (picked up the two 'Best of' issues).  First time I have read it.  Have previously read Tomb of Terror and thought that was OK although not so keen on the Cythrons.  Probably not enjoying this as much as Tomb of Terror so far - its all a bit too detached from the Slaine landscape that I like.  Have enjoyed the Battle of Clontarf bit though (prefer it to the Clotarf special from 85 annual).

Finished reading Time Killer.  Definitely not my favourite Slaine story but there were some good parts e.g. Battle of Clontart and Slaine's gladiator turn.  Quite liked the sections where the influence of the Cythrons on Earth was explained.

Started reading Cattle Raid of Cooley tonight.  Got through Chapter 1 online and enjoyed it a lot.  The art is interesting and love the setting (although find it a little difficult to follow the names sometimes).  Debating whether to buy printed copies instead of reading on with the web comic ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 29 January, 2012, 10:02:31 AM
It's got down to a matter of space with me. I don't want to throw stuff out but don't want my home overrun with books. Bearing this in mind I'm rereading Frankenstein.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: AntonyCatton on 29 January, 2012, 07:49:58 PM
I've been reading through my huge pile of 2000ad graphic novels this weekend.
Only been reading 2000AD for just over a month now but am already amassing a extensive collection of novels.this weekend I finished:
Stone island,leviathan,Ampney Crucis Investigats and stickleback by Ian Edgington.
Asylum by Rob Williams.
Carver Hale by Mike Carey
Progs 1766 &1767
Next up is DR and Quinch.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Chris Fain on 29 January, 2012, 11:38:20 PM
Just finished reading Criminal: The Last of the Innocent, and all I can say is wow. I'm a huge fan of Ed Brubaker, but, this time around, I'm even more impressed than usual. Only a master writer could turn Archie and his friends into a bunch of selfish irresponsible douchebags, and not make me run in the other direction. Luckily, Brubaker is that writer, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Sean Phillips art, on the other hand, is beautiful. It captures the spirit of those old Archie comics, and then subverts the charm. Under Sean Phillips' hand , Archie's world seems more real than our own.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ghastly McNasty on 30 January, 2012, 10:01:23 AM
Just read Judgement on Gotham. Very cool. Loved the Judge Death at the rock concert bit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 30 January, 2012, 09:59:35 PM
I've just finished the last few comics from the year 2011 that I wanted to read.

Criminal: The Last of the Innocent. Worked as a tone piece due to the competency of the protagonist, but competency is not detrimental in Brubakerian milieus. Not being well versed in this colour of Americana I felt not as dazzled as intended but I was always allured.

Empire State. Hugely compelling visually, proving the "detail"-hounds wrong as ever. I appreciated this book's portrayal of nerddom being somewhere where some should not wish to dwell. Devastating kiss-off.

Mid-Life. The type of bruising kitchen-sink drama that makes you why you are wasting time with genre pap. Felt like a more focused 90s Dorkin comic, not least in the art style. IT'S FUNNY GUYS, DON'T WORRY.

The Cardboard Valise. One of the very best books of last year. Belongs as the very standard for trawls through cultural detritus, with the most audacious turns of phrase in every single panel. I might protest that it felt like a series of illustrations for the language but it synchronizes enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 01 February, 2012, 12:18:04 PM
Had a quiet afternoon to myself so I read "Gone With The Wind". I'd been meaning to read it for years, and so while I was without any power for a couple of hours yesterday I read it through :

"Feisty independent female tames powerful man,
feisty independent female loses powerful man."



I do enjoy a story with a twist to it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 01 February, 2012, 12:20:15 PM

[/quote]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 01 February, 2012, 06:44:14 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 30 January, 2012, 09:59:35 PM

Criminal: The Last of the Innocent. Worked as a tone piece due to the competency of the protagonist, but competency is not detrimental in Brubakerian milieus. Not being well versed in this colour of Americana I felt not as dazzled as intended but I was always allured.

I read that just a couple of days ago. BLOODY BRILLIANT! I love the Criminal books. Have to say, it did NOT turn out the way I expected it to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 02 February, 2012, 11:22:26 AM
Read Slaine Queen of Witches from progs 889-896 (I think) last night.  Quite enjoyed it actually, and overall preferred Demon Killer to Time Killer.  Arrived home to a box of progs consisting of the majority of uncollected Slaine work so will be working my way though those in the weeks ahead.

Started reading The Sisters Brothers by Patrick Dewitt as well.  Was shortlisted for last year's Booker - a western black comedy.  Its OK so far, not overly keen on the first person writing style though. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 05 February, 2012, 08:38:10 PM
Read over the weekend:

- Fatale # 2 - carries on from the strong 1st issue and ends with another cliffhanger.  Picked up Issue 1 late so gutted I have to wait a whole month to pick up # 3!

- Slaine King of Hearts, Grail War, Secret of Grail (not quite as bad as the other 2).  Catching up with Slaine and have to admit that these are probably the most disappointing Slaine stories I have ever read.  Convoluted plots, tiresome dialogue.  I'm not surprised that Slaine was regularly polling as the worst strip in 2000ad at this time....  thankfully Lord of The Beasts pulled it back for me.  Amazing art by Rafael Garres - I wish there could be a Slaine comic like this more often.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 08 February, 2012, 12:57:51 PM
Found CASE FILES TWELVE under my bed and continued where I left off six months ago...

Really loving the PJ MAybe stuff.  I don't know if I'm valuing it more because now I know that it's a villain that will run and run.

By the way, Did they ever follow up the BRAINSTEM MAN stuff (citizen randomly mutates into a lizard). I have a vague recollection of Anderson dealing with something similar (David Roach art - hot girls, nice clean lines and storytelling, pretty much dreadful design on everything else)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 08 February, 2012, 01:06:10 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 08 February, 2012, 12:57:51 PM
Did they ever follow up the BRAINSTEM MAN stuff (citizen randomly mutates into a lizard). I have a vague recollection of Anderson dealing with something similar

You're right, the 'sequel' was an Anderson story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Michael V. Bramley on 08 February, 2012, 02:14:11 PM
I just picked up the introductory volume of American Vampire. I'm about three issues in and it's not at all bad!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 08 February, 2012, 02:37:35 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 08 February, 2012, 01:06:10 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 08 February, 2012, 12:57:51 PM
Did they ever follow up the BRAINSTEM MAN stuff (citizen randomly mutates into a lizard). I have a vague recollection of Anderson dealing with something similar

You're right, the 'sequel' was an Anderson story.

Yeah, it's Judge Anderson: Helios (progs 614 to 622.) Featured the memorable sight of Anderson and Corey out clubbing together.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Doctor Alt 8 on 08 February, 2012, 04:56:46 PM
I just finnished Robert Rankins "The Mechanical Messiah"  A highly enjoyable piece of humerous steampunk fluff! Although I didn't like the fact that one iof the main Chareters died near the end...  :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 09 February, 2012, 12:21:51 PM
Just finished reading a couple more slaine stories that I hadnt read before:

The Banishing - can literally remember nothing about it now so couldnt have been very good.
Macha - Was quite good - one of the better 'Lost Years' stories
Kai - not keen, a bit too Harry Potter esque
Secret Commonwealth - the most thought provoking of these more recent stories I read.  At first I hated the art but as the story progressed there were some great scenes.  I felt the dalogue was a bit stilted in place but I'm not sure if it just didnt go well with the art?  Overall I think I disliked the story more than I liked it - almost felt like it was what a Marvel Slaine comic would be.

And also re-read some classic Slaine - I think these episodes are actually my favourite Slaine ever.

Time Monster - a shame Angela Mills didnt do any more art for Slaine.
Beast in the Broch - just love the story for sentimental reasons (it was my first exposure to Slaine and 2000ad as a child)

And also finished reading the Sisters Brother by Patrick Dewitt.  Rattled through this novel in a few days - very understated, a lot happens but it doesnt seem like much is happening if that makes sense.  Some funny moments - feels a bit like a Coen Brothers film.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 February, 2012, 06:35:53 PM
just finished Kim Stanley Robinson's Environmental Catastrophe Trilogy:  Forty Signs of Rain, Fifty Degrees Below, Sixty Days and Counting.  Not in the same class as the Mars Trilogy but rewards perseverance.  Unfortunately does seem to trail off a bit, leaving the reader to try and see the key point.

Finally getting round to reading Wells' 'The Sleeper Awakens' before having a reread of Pratchett's Strata and Dark Side of the Sun, two novels that I recall never quite pulling off the quality of the punchline on the back cover.  By the time that is worked through the new Ken Macleod should be here ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 13 February, 2012, 11:24:57 PM
I recently read Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. I suppose it's nice enough if you're a condescending literary critic looking to do an easy piece on how comics aren't just for kids anymore. The wealth of literary reference gives it a veneer of sophistication while the way it's spelled out allows you to feel superior for recognising something in advance. With this and Persepolis (admittedly only the film) I was left with the worrying impression that these comics that aren't for kids are overwhelmingly comprised of tedious autobiographical coming of age tales by undoubtedly talented young ladies with way too much self-regard.

Currently halfway through Craig Thomson's Habibi. All I can really say is: Blam! Kapow! Comics aren't just for kids anymore. Seriously good stuff so far in both text and art. Some of the page layouts and designs are simply beautiful Will need to finish it to give a proper view but I'm already thinking of buying my own copy for the reread. Especially now the library want their's back. Might have a read of Holy Terror after this for contrast.

So, what else is there out there which has actual made-up stories that isn't Love & Rockets or Cerebus?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 14 February, 2012, 07:50:04 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 13 February, 2012, 11:24:57 PM
I recently read Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. I suppose it's nice enough if you're a condescending literary critic looking to do an easy piece on how comics aren't just for kids anymore. The wealth of literary reference gives it a veneer of sophistication while the way it's spelled out allows you to feel superior for recognising something in advance. With this and Persepolis (admittedly only the film) I was left with the worrying impression that these comics that aren't for kids are overwhelmingly comprised of tedious autobiographical coming of age tales by undoubtedly talented young ladies with way too much self-regard.

Currently halfway through Craig Thomson's Habibi. All I can really say is: Blam! Kapow! Comics aren't just for kids anymore. Seriously good stuff so far in both text and art. Some of the page layouts and designs are simply beautiful Will need to finish it to give a proper view but I'm already thinking of buying my own copy for the reread. Especially now the library want their's back. Might have a read of Holy Terror after this for contrast.

So, what else is there out there which has actual made-up stories that isn't Love & Rockets or Cerebus?

Well, I might not be the one to ask considering that I think that Fun Home is brilliant :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 14 February, 2012, 11:13:14 AM
Just started reading The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins.  A version has apparently been done for the screen to be on BBC at Christmas.

Have only read the first few chapters.  Does anyone know if the story or it's elements has ever been used in a comic?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 February, 2012, 10:00:37 AM
Right, I've read and enjoyed Jim Woodring's Frank stories over the years, but never really understood the devotion of its most ardent fans.  However, an inter-library loan has just delivered the massive 2003 hardback collection The Frank Book.  Seeing so much of the material together, at A4 size with luscious repro, is an entirely different prospect.  It's like I've been completely pulled into the world, to the point of ignoring everything going on around me, including the passage of time.  I find myself reading and re-reading pages, flipping back and forth to half-remembered details.  When I'm not reading it I find myself thinking about it.  It's so complete, so intriguing, and such a perfect use of the medium.

Reading The Frank Book is quite simply an incredible experience, deserving of all possible praise.  I think I have to buy a copy of my own.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 15 February, 2012, 10:05:36 AM
Tolstoy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 February, 2012, 02:06:23 PM
Having been sick as a dog now for ten days, I've been reading nothing at all- I could barely get it together to read the prog last week, let alone a book. However, I'm feeling marginally better, so am about to start a couple of things I've been meaning to get to: 'The Ritual' by Adam Nevill (which I started as I was becoming ill, but have mostly forgotten, so will be restarting) and on the comics front, 'American Vampire' volume one, by Snyder and King.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 February, 2012, 02:39:54 PM
By nefarious means I came into possession of New Mutants 37.  I'm a New Mutants fan of long standing, it was the first American book I ever bought regularly (having previously sponged off friends and subsisted on annuals, digests, parish sales and random newsagent offerings), and I've hated pretty much everything done with that team since Claremont was replaced by Louise Simonson and later far worse, until the current reinvention (Volume 3, I think), where Zeb Wells did some good work until his replacement by Mike Carey. 

The issue in question is written by our own Dan Abnett (which is why I mention it here) and perennial siamese twin Andy Lanning, and it's actually Very Good.  Abnett and Lanning have got into their considerable stride with the series, and this is a nice character piece where the Devil (and here I'm not clear whether Marvel's 'Mephisto' is actually Satan or 'the' Devil or what, and nor do I care) and poster-girl-for-disastrously-retconned-backstories Magma go on a date, in fulfillment of her part of one of those sorts of deals made during the Fear Itself clusterfeck.  New Mutants has always suffered terribly from being derailed by crossover events in the X-Universe, in the way that X-Factor has not, and it's nice to see one actually giving something back in the shape of an interesting character thread. 

BTW, the X-books have a great set of writers at the moment, Gillen on Uncanny X-Men(the Cyclops team book), Aaron on Wolverine and the X-Men, David ploughing his own furrow on X-Factor and Abnett and Lanning on New Mutants (haven't a clue about the rest).  For some inexplicable reason Gillen was taken off the great Generation Hope, which i believe is now being cancelled.  Shame.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 15 February, 2012, 02:58:00 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 15 February, 2012, 02:06:23 PM
Having been sick as a dog now for ten days, I've been reading nothing at all- I could barely get it together to read the prog last week, let alone a book. However, I'm feeling marginally better, so am about to start a couple of things I've been meaning to get to: 'The Ritual' by Adam Nevill (which I started as I was becoming ill, but have mostly forgotten, so will be restarting) and on the comics front, 'American Vampire' volume one, by Snyder and King.

SBT

Have you tried "The Glass of Blood" by Jean Lorraine?

http://dedalusbooks.com/our-books/reviews.php?id=00000005&pg=1 (http://dedalusbooks.com/our-books/reviews.php?id=00000005&pg=1)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 February, 2012, 03:34:42 PM
Quote from: wonkychop on 15 February, 2012, 02:58:00 PM


Have you tried "The Glass of Blood" by Jean Lorraine?

http://dedalusbooks.com/our-books/reviews.php?id=00000005&pg=1 (http://dedalusbooks.com/our-books/reviews.php?id=00000005&pg=1)

That book looks great! I shall recommend that to certain friends of mine... Cheers.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 15 February, 2012, 05:37:16 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 February, 2012, 02:39:54 PM
BTW, the X-books have a great set of writers at the moment, Gillen on Uncanny X-Men(the Cyclops team book), Aaron on Wolverine and the X-Men, David ploughing his own furrow on X-Factor and Abnett and Lanning on New Mutants (haven't a clue about the rest).  For some inexplicable reason Gillen was taken off the great Generation Hope, which i believe is now being cancelled.  Shame.

I must concur - I would be very hard-pressed to think of a time when the writing on the X-titles was as consistently strong as this (with the exception of Victor Gischler on 'X-Men', a deeply purposeless book.) Rick Remender deserves particular praise as probably one of the strongest writers Marvel have - he can be hit and miss, but when he's on form, he's superb. Meanwhile, Kieron Gillen is really establishing himself as a glorious British talent - big ideas, whimsy, eccentricity, sharp dialogue, charm, and all whilst maintaining a satisfying edge to his work. He comes very highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 February, 2012, 06:50:11 PM
In the space of a year or two Gillen has moved from "who he?" to "I will automatically read anything he writes" in my personal pantheon.  This began with New Universal (another guilty pleasure born of my teenage affections), then a catch-up read of the glorious Phonogram, and proceeded with his X-stuff, SWORD and the amazingly good Journey into Mystery.  Austerity measures prevent me following him as religiously as I'd like, but he really is that good.  See also: Jamie McKelvie.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 15 February, 2012, 11:50:24 PM
I adore Phonogram yet I've never felt the slightest inclination to read any of Gillen's Marvel stuff. What's easily accessible?

I've just finished reading Sinister/Dexter. It has its ups and downs. More of the former, but the current scheduling really works against the way the strip has traditionally operated. The Prog 2012 story had a real Final Hit vibe to it, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 16 February, 2012, 01:57:41 AM
In the spirit of the series featuring beings who do not operate within the confines of linear time from which the novel derives, Deep Space Nine: Saratoga is a book which, written about fifteen years ago, still managed to see me coming.  An awful reading experience, I have no idea why I expected anything else but somehow got it into my head that as long as the characters sounded or acted remotely like their tv counterparts it might be a wheeze to give me a break from the Rage novel written in big letters that I cannot for the life of me finish.  They don't, and it isn't.  I wonder sometimes how hard it must be to churn one of these novels out, as fanfiction writers put more effort in than is displayed here, though admittedly whoever wrote this hasn't put in quite as many scenes of Worf and Sisko bumming.

Wasteland Vol 1 and 2, which is disappointing, but not actually bad, it just had me going in thinking it was a book like the Walking Dead but with a nuclear apocalypse instead of a zombie one.  Disappointing that it isn't that, but like I say, on its own terms it isn't that bad, taking a very manga-ish sci-fi story and making it a western comic, though this works against it in some ways, as the inclusion of strange powers and mysterious backstories going back centuries (anime/manga staples) deny it a human face, which is something necessary when you deal with such subjects as slavery and religious persecution.  Those elements also heighten that you aren't reading something about salt of the earth types eking out an existence in the wake of disaster or the breakdown of society, you're reading something that could be a Trek spin-off about one of the made-up alien races they come across in Voyager, the main villain being one guy acting a rotter in one room reinforces that notion further.
Not a classic, but readable.  I could see it being a decent cartoon show.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 February, 2012, 06:50:46 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 15 February, 2012, 11:50:24 PM

I've just finished reading Sinister/Dexter. It has its ups and downs. More of the former, but the current scheduling really works against the way the strip has traditionally operated. The Prog 2012 story had a real Final Hit vibe to it, unfortunately.

Just finished mine a few days ago too (wittering about it elsewhere). I thought it was remarkably consistent as a whole once it got going until the recent stuff. 'The War of the Moses' is a fantastic read badly served, as you say, by it's scheduling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 February, 2012, 08:27:25 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 15 February, 2012, 11:50:24 PM
I adore Phonogram yet I've never felt the slightest inclination to read any of Gillen's Marvel stuff. What's easily accessible?

Sadly a lot of Gillen's Marvel stuff is tied up with Unending Crossover Madness, making it all the more remarkable that he manages to tell solid, complex stories with believable characters (most of the time).

I'd like to point you to his ongoing run on Thor, which turned into Journey Into Mystery, which features some art from our very own Richard Elson (who should be hard at work on more Kingdom instead, or failing that Marauder).  However, this is mostly part of the Siege and Fear Itself crossovers, but Gillen's stuff is collected in the Thor Ultimate Collection  (http://www.amazon.com/Thor-Kieron-Gillen-Ultimate-Collection/product-reviews/0785159223) ,and then in a couple of collected volumes of Fear Itself: Journey into Mystery, which I haven't seen yet.  And they wonder why no-one buys comics any more.

Easier to manage, although it will require some patience with X-Men stuff, is the very fun S.W.O.R.D. run, collected as X-Men: S.W.O.R.D: No Time To Breath, which is basically Beast defending the Earth in an orbitting Men in Black setup, and is pretty self-contained and should have run forever instead of a handful of issues.

Finally Generation Hope, a spin-off from the (-deep sigh-) Mutant Messiah X-Book 'event', which is a very engaging attempt at a new 'getting the band together' book for a new generation of teenage X-Men.  Also fairly self-contained, and as fresh a piece of writing as you're ever likely to see with the word 'mutant' in the brief.  I think there's two collections of this out now, and it's well worth a look. 

I won't recommened the core X-Men stuff, because it suffers from the most appalling art you're ever likely to see, and really struggles to recover from deep continuity and requirements of linewide editorial fiat.

None of this is high art, but it is nice to see that you can write superhero books in one of the big universes and still do something cohesive and enjoyable.  Although the comparison is probably unwelcome, and the outcome in no way as spectacular, it's reminds me of the magic Moore was somehow able to shoehorn into DC.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 16 February, 2012, 09:11:48 AM
American Vampire volume one, by scott snyder, stephen king and raphael alberquerque.

I get what they're trying to do, and certainly the story's structure and potential reach throughout american history is something i fully support. However, i found it a confusing mess, with characters i couldnt tell apart, lousy art and vampire cliches by the jugular-spurt. This seems to have been written as if the past few years (twilight, true blood, underworld, etc) were the only vamps ever written, and therefore skinner sweet were something dangerous and new. Well, he's not. He's every pre-twilight 'savage' blodsucker, only played by brad pitt- which almost destroys the point of what they were trying to do.

It also heavily shadows moore's run on swamp thing in places, only again being less effective.

Im glad waterstones only had volume one in paperback, and that i didnt get it and two in hardback, as had crossed my mind. Very much doubt i'll bother with the next one. It's sure as hell no Scalped.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 16 February, 2012, 01:28:07 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 16 February, 2012, 08:27:25 AMSadly a lot of Gillen's Marvel stuff is tied up with Unending Crossover Madness, making it all the more remarkable that he manages to tell solid, complex stories with believable characters (most of the time).

It might just be me, but Gillen also seems to be the clean-up man for these crossover events, taking utter turds and turning in gold bars.  His sidestories for Fear Itself and Siege offered up ideas for how illogical storytelling was actually something that all along (like Loki secretly being the "voices" Norman Osbourne was hearing in his head during Dark Reign and Siege rather than their being a cliched version of insanity) perhaps wasn't particularly original as stories or plot twists go, but did at least make a sprawling disconnected mess seem like they had it planned all along and weren't just throwing shite at the wall safe in the knowledge their readers were a comfortable mix of morons and a captive audience.  Of course, I suspect that Gillen has simply made more of an effort than his more well-known co-workers have - sad, then, to see so little of it is acknowledged in the main crossover books, if not actively contradicted shortly thereafter.

It's sad to see him so happy with being spoonfed poop over at Marvel, as I'd like to see him do something creator-owned in the superhero milieu.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 16 February, 2012, 09:59:38 PM
Judge Dredd  - Complete Case Files 10
Stickleback – England's Glory
Shakara – The Avenger
ABC Warriors - Hellbringer

I want to get started on Nikolai Dante next. Peaple have been recommending it like crazy...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 17 February, 2012, 10:13:44 AM
Read the New Adventures of Hitler from Crisis magazine (thanks to some forum generosity) yesterday.  I thouhgt it was good and an intersting take on Hitler's 'inspiration'.  Surprised there was apparent controversy on its release - dont think it does anything to glorify Hitler  :-*
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 February, 2012, 11:40:25 AM
Offendables gonna be offended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 February, 2012, 11:55:09 AM
Quote from: Davek on 17 February, 2012, 10:13:44 AM
Surprised there was apparent controversy on its release - dont think it does anything to glorify Hitler  :-*

See, you've naively (but reasonably) assumed that the folks causing the hue and cry had actually read it. Which, of course, they hadn't. 'Hitler? In a comic? On a slow news day?! The world must be alerted!'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 17 February, 2012, 12:15:13 PM
It did say The Sun picked the story up on Wikipedia.  I dont think it is naive to presume The Sun would cover the story in anything but a professional and balanced way  :-*  :lol:  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 February, 2012, 12:28:47 PM
You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 17 February, 2012, 01:18:59 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 17 February, 2012, 11:55:09 AM
Quote from: Davek on 17 February, 2012, 10:13:44 AM
Surprised there was apparent controversy on its release - dont think it does anything to glorify Hitler  :-*
See, you've naively (but reasonably) assumed that the folks causing the hue and cry had actually read it. Which, of course, they hadn't. 'Hitler? In a comic? On a slow news day?! The world must be alerted!'
Was it this or Skin which was canned because of Pat Kane's objections? That man really is a titanic cunt and the smooth blandness of his music is more offensive than Frankie Boyle in a Klan hood.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 18 February, 2012, 11:27:34 PM
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" , Oscar Wilde's famous novel of the portrait in the attic that grows old as the foppish Dorian lives a double life : experimenting with every vice in the world available to him, whilst maintaining a respectable outer image to Victorian society.
          When it was first published it was viewed as degenerate and corrupting to the mind of gentle readers everywhere. A modern day reader would soon recognise Dorian's double personality as being pretty much an authentic mode of living and would have no qualms about his hedonism and lack of responsibility; they might be a bit nonplussed at his good manners though. Especially after he's murdered, wondering why, perhaps, he isn't boasting about his nocturnal activities to his friends on a social network.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 19 February, 2012, 06:59:11 PM
WORLD WAR Z

It's not brilliant by any stretch of the imagination (I actually groaned out load at the "twist" reveal in the tale of the air force pilot fighting her way back to saftey) and Brooks has a knack of incorrectly focusing on bits that aren't as interesting as some of the background nuggets  but it is a very quick and easy read.

And I do like the optimism of it all - [spoiler]that the world doesn't completely go to hell in a hand basket.[/spoiler]

I think this would have mad for a great short telly series rather than a two hour film. You know, each episode (or half episode) could focus on a slightly different aspect of the war.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 19 February, 2012, 07:00:45 PM
Currently reaquainting myself with Quatermass by Nigel Kneale, which is perhaps my all time favourite read, and one that captures my imagination everytime.
Just superb, and not a word wasted, helped no doubt, by this story having the longest gestation period of all the Quatermass serials. I usually read it straight through, or at most, in a couple of sittings.
A real shame he didnt choose to branch out from being a television and film writer to write more novels, (the only other book he wrote was a collection of short stories - Tomato Kane, which unfortunately i havent had chance to read).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: bigjobs67 on 19 February, 2012, 09:54:37 PM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 19 February, 2012, 07:00:45 PM
Currently reaquainting myself with Quatermass by Nigel Kneale, which is perhaps my all time favourite read, and one that captures my imagination everytime.
Just superb, and not a word wasted, helped no doubt, by this story having the longest gestation period of all the Quatermass serials. I usually read it straight through, or at most, in a couple of sittings.
A real shame he didnt choose to branch out from being a television and film writer to write more novels, (the only other book he wrote was a collection of short stories - Tomato Kane, which unfortunately i havent had chance to read).
Will give that a go. Loved the films and TV series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 19 February, 2012, 11:12:25 PM
A copy or three are always on E-bay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Quatermass-Nigel-Kneale-Paperback-1979-/250997614561 and can usually still be found in most 2nd hand book shops as well, so tracking one down shouldnt be a problem if your interested. Enjoy

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: bigjobs67 on 19 February, 2012, 11:34:46 PM
Cheers Jack. I'm all over that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judo on 20 February, 2012, 01:55:55 AM
I got a beautiful mint 1st ed copy of Arthur C Clarke's Fountains of Paradise which im looking forward to re-reading as I love his work .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fountains_of_paradise

In comics, I am reading Lemire's Sweet Tooth - kinda black whole meets mad max.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Tooth_(Vertigo)

x x
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 20 February, 2012, 02:18:25 AM
Picked up Starblazer #71 in a secondhand book shop* - forgettable story but lovely Mick McMahon art.

* I always keep an eye open for some of the Grant Morrison/John Smith issues and anything from an art droid - I had a dozen or more but either binned them or misplaced them,
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 February, 2012, 02:19:37 AM
Quote from: Judo on 20 February, 2012, 01:55:55 AM
I got a beautiful mint 1st ed copy of Arthur C Clarke's Fountains of Paradise which im looking forward to re-reading as I love his work .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fountains_of_paradise

Nice one! Possibly Stevie's fave Clarke after Rendezvous with Rama.

Meanwhile Cavor & the narrator have just been captured by the Selenites in HG Well's The First Men in the Moon. Cracking stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: bigjobs67 on 20 February, 2012, 09:43:39 AM
Finished "The Sisters Brothers" by Patrick DeWitt not so long ago and absolutely loved it. Well worth checkin out. I'm now re-reading "The Perfect Fool" by Stewart Lee. Also good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 20 February, 2012, 12:36:49 PM
AMERIKA, Franz Kafka wrote this novel with ideas he took from travel journals and memoirs; he rarely travelled and never left Europe.
(http://i.imgur.com/094Vg.jpg)
Kafka readers are quick to emphasise the difference of this novel's mood in relation to The Trial and The Castle, reading into it an optimistic streak of Kafka's personality altogether lacking in earlier writings. Critcs of Kafka like to interpret the novel's character K as reflecting Kafka's feelings of a sense of isolation and existential angst, hopelessness and absurdity in Prague. They point to the fact of him writing in the confines of a mixed German, Czech, Jewish, Austrian culture and explain his physical ill health and mental instability as inspiration for his writing.

Many critics have looked upon his works as describing the quest for God by a solitary individual.

(http://i.imgur.com/UmCcK.gif)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: bigjobs67 on 20 February, 2012, 01:15:23 PM
Ooooh! Get you Fonk. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 20 February, 2012, 02:16:48 PM
Quote from: fonky on 20 February, 2012, 12:36:49 PM
AMERIKA, Franz Kafka wrote this novel with ideas he took from travel journals and memoirs; he rarely travelled and never left Europe.
(http://i.imgur.com/094Vg.jpg)
Kafka readers are quick to emphasise the difference of this novel's mood in relation to The Trial and The Castle, reading into it an optimistic streak of Kafka's personality altogether lacking in earlier writings. Critcs of Kafka like to interpret the novel's character K as reflecting Kafka's feelings of a sense of isolation and existential angst, hopelessness and absurdity in Prague. They point to the fact of him writing in the confines of a mixed German, Czech, Jewish, Austrian culture and explain his physical ill health and mental instability as inspiration for his writing.

Many critics have looked upon his works as describing the quest for God by a solitary individual.

(http://i.imgur.com/UmCcK.gif)

Quote from: bigjobs67 on 20 February, 2012, 01:15:23 PM
Ooooh! Get you Fonk. :D

check out "Metamorphoses" by Kafka bigjobs; the main character wakes up one morning to find he's transformed overnight into a disgusting, huge insect.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 February, 2012, 02:40:43 PM
Quote from: fonky on 20 February, 2012, 02:16:48 PM... the main character wakes up one morning to find he's transformed overnight into a disgusting, huge insect.

Sounds like my life.  Except I went to sleep that way too, and I'm not the main character.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 20 February, 2012, 04:17:16 PM
There is a lot to be said for turning into an insect and having a decentred ego Tordell; I'm quite envious. What's the secret?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judo on 20 February, 2012, 04:27:38 PM
thankyou stevie. Are you referring to yourself in third person or talking about another stevie? Best to clear that up early. It is so very rare and a sign of excellence to win the double hugo and nebula awards. Being well publicised and 'of the moment' can sometimes win the fans choice, while being pretentious and 'arsey' can sometimes take the critics choice. But you can't fool all the people all of the time ;)

Plus I luurve the old scifi covers so lovely :) very nice morbid book shop lady informed me that its the perfect time for 60s and 70s first eds due to the inevitable tumble of nature x x
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 February, 2012, 06:11:28 PM
Quote from: fonky on 20 February, 2012, 04:17:16 PM
What's the secret?

A chitin-rich diet and complete submission to the nest-queen. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 20 February, 2012, 06:17:57 PM
Shakara!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: bigjobs67 on 20 February, 2012, 06:45:11 PM
check out "Metamorphoses" by Kafka bigjobs; the main character wakes up one morning to find he's transformed overnight into a disgusting, huge insect.

I know. I've read it. ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 20 February, 2012, 08:48:33 PM
Quote from: bigjobs67 on 20 February, 2012, 06:45:11 PM
check out "Metamorphoses" by Kafka bigjobs; the main character wakes up one morning to find he's transformed overnight into a disgusting, huge insect.

I know. I've read it. ;)

You have? Is there a pop up edition then?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 20 February, 2012, 09:16:36 PM
Skeleton crew by Stephen King.

Well re reading it. The Mist is still brilliantly menacing and The Raft is very good too. A few of the tales aren't really horror more mysterious happenings but I'm enjoying it so what more could you ask from a book you first read years ago.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: bigjobs67 on 20 February, 2012, 09:18:15 PM
LOW FUKIN BLOW BITCH!!! . As it happens yeah.That shit really comes to life when you do it like that. All the classics should be available in POP UP form for dumb ass proles like me. Can you imagine the bull fightin scenes in "Death in The Afternoon". Horn's cumin right @ ya boy.
Not to mention the sperm outa Moby's Dick.
Messy. ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 20 February, 2012, 09:30:38 PM
You're the worst character ever, Towelie.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 20 February, 2012, 10:00:46 PM
Quote from: Alski on 20 February, 2012, 08:48:33 PM
Quote from: bigjobs67 on 20 February, 2012, 06:45:11 PM
I know. I've read it. ;)

You have? Is there a pop up edition then?

I THOUGH I WAS ALONE! :'(
Hi. I'm Jim and I'm a Kafka reader! :D

not exactly pop up...
http://culturecatch.com/literary/crumb-transmutes-kafka (http://culturecatch.com/literary/crumb-transmutes-kafka)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: bigjobs67 on 20 February, 2012, 10:48:15 PM
Nice. I love Crumb. He loved him some big ladies. When I was in Prague I walked the streets he would have done and it was as cheap as fuckin chips. A Litre bottle of Finlandia for about a 5ver. Fuckin Ace.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 21 February, 2012, 10:16:27 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/nEGUx.jpg)

This.
Really enjoyed reading this as an example of the classic Freudian struggle between the ego and the id. This links in with my other reading of Metamorphoses and Dorian Gray, as attempts to try to portray the other, expunged parts, of man's psyche. It's true that poets and writers discovered the unconscious long before Freud, and that a lot of Freud's work is literary rather than scientific.

Like Frankenstein this is a novel that has made it's way into day to day language without people noticing it's literary origins, and like Frankenstein it has spawned many different versions that do not refer back to their origins in these fine works of fiction.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 21 February, 2012, 07:41:30 PM
"Horns" by Joe Hill (Steven King Jr)

Fucking brilliant so far. His debut was one of the best horrors in years.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 21 February, 2012, 08:15:48 PM
Finished the Complete Case Files 10 and tracked down a copy of Metalzoic. Loving Kevin O'Neill in this. Next stop Marshall Law - well, if DC goes ahead with the reprint - no sign of it yet.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 22 February, 2012, 07:20:59 AM
Quote from: Alski on 21 February, 2012, 07:41:30 PM
"Horns" by Joe Hill (Steven King Jr)

Fucking brilliant so far. His debut was one of the best horrors in years.

Great book. The Cape mini that is based on one of his short stories is really quite good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judo on 22 February, 2012, 03:58:43 PM
 stephen king is a master of atmosphere and has some genuinely quite creepy stuff to be reading on your own in a dark house. Sometimes I forget just how good he is as he is so cliched these days but everytime I start reading I'm amazed just how good he is :) x
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 22 February, 2012, 10:22:54 PM
Finally got round to reading "Island of the Damned" which came with MEG 319. Yes I really enjoyed that story.

I had a hardback book collection of short stories by Stephen King, many moons ago, which was one of my most treasured possessions, Judo. It had a picture similar to this on the cover: (http://i.imgur.com/2uJlu.jpg)

Around this time I started getting interested in tarot cards. Which me brings me to my latest read .... "Moonchild" by English occultist Aleister Crowley. What I like about this one is the way it shows how people can be drawn into a religous cult, it shows some of the psychology into that process of brainwashing.







Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judo on 23 February, 2012, 02:33:29 PM
I used to read tarot at weddings - something about booze and watching other people being happy which = mega bucks. I would take a couple of the bad cards out (the tower and a couple of the swords), I know that's cheating but hey noone wanted bad news, only a little hope for the future! Would be tempted if funds ran low. crowley is such an interesting character I'm expecting a big biopic at some point. I had the pleasure of leafing through a first ed of one of his satanic bibles after chats with a very nice book lady. Copies sell for over a grand! x
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 February, 2012, 02:48:24 PM
Quote from: Judo on 23 February, 2012, 02:33:29 PM
I used to read tarot at weddings

There's a Future Shock in that somewhere!  Well, it shocks me at least - people have tarot readings at weddings?  I'm used to all the promises and entreaties to the Sky Man that tend to go on at other people's weddings, but actual divination is a new one.  The only time Tarot has really interested me outside of an Alan Moore book is when Jane Seymour drew The Lovers, and I'd have thought entrails would have had more impact.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 23 February, 2012, 07:41:20 PM
Freida Harris who painted the Crowley pack married Lovecraft if I'm not mistaken.

Divination using cards is just superstition of course Tordel, I like the symbols and secret codes in the cards and see it more as a story book than as something with mysterious qualities. I like the cheap vulgar fairground booth smell of the tarot, and it's opposition to the neat enclosed boundaries of a normal novel which is divided up into chapters and so on.

Judo, didn't Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden make a film not so long ago? Think it got some bad reviews. If you don't admire him for his views you can at least admire his moutaineering skills. As you say, an interesting character in some ways, a lot of his philosophy doesn't appeal to me though at all, at all.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 23 February, 2012, 08:35:09 PM
I'm currently reading (and enjoying now that I've gotten a quarter of the way through) Nemesis by James Swallow. It is a novel set in the Warhammer universe.

Fonky- I believe that the King collection you had was Danse Macabre- which if memory serves is the original home for the mist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 23 February, 2012, 08:55:01 PM
Quote from: fonky on 23 February, 2012, 07:41:20 PM
didn't Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden make a film not so long ago?

Bruce made the film The Chemical Wedding, in which a professor is possessed by the spirit of Aleister Crowley.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0974536/

It's not very good.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 23 February, 2012, 09:08:07 PM
Quote from: Albion on 23 February, 2012, 08:55:01 PM
It's not very good.

It's very VERY good ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 23 February, 2012, 09:15:57 PM
That's the one Bolt, thanks I remember now. Along with a collection of Edgar Allen Poe it was my favourite book!

I'll have to watch this film.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 February, 2012, 09:00:25 AM
Daredevil #9, by Waid, the Riveras and Rodriguez.  Now I'm not much of a Daredevil fan, but on th advice of some here I've been drifting in and out of this new run through fair means and foul, and with this issue I'd have to conclude that if you don't enjoy this, you probably don't like comics much. 

Seriously, it has this in it:

(http://cdn.theothermurdockpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DD9subterranea.jpg)

That, for the spoiler-inclined is[spoiler] a procession of the Mole Man's creatures stealing all the coffins from a cemetery, including Matt's father's, and carting them off through the lava-filled karstic caverns and subterranean rivers that run under Manhattan (which actually has a hard metamorphic schist/gneiss/marble bedrock, hence the skyscpaers, but I digress...), for undisclosed purposes.  Meanwhile, the Black Cat is cracking an adamantium safe in Matt's apartment that contains a mysterious Fantastic Four chest-logo...[/spoiler].  A better use of the inherent craziness of living in an old superhero universe, and a double splash page, I have seldom seen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 February, 2012, 10:21:01 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 24 February, 2012, 09:00:25 AM
Daredevil #9 and with this issue I'd have to conclude that if you don't enjoy this, you probably don't like comics much. 

I've not read this particular issue as I'm a DD trade-waiter, but I've blathered about the current DD run elsewhere on the forum. As you say the current run is almost a love letter to the medium. It uses comics and their strengths as a storytelling medium and art form in a way that so few comics do, mainstream or otherwise do. I've say the current Flash run tries similar things but far less successfully.

In a world were comics can often try to model themselves on perceived common ground they have with movies (or be used to market themselves as possible movie material in the worst cases), its such a delight to read something that delights in being a comic and doesn't forget that they are an art form unfettered by the boundaries that limit other media, particularly cinema and TV.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 24 February, 2012, 11:23:56 AM
Mr Postman has just delivered Next Men - Aftermath, which is a 5(?) issue epilogue for John Byrnes Next Men which finished last year.
Originally it was intended to run for 10 or more issues, but Mr Byrne claims that a recent Dr Who beat him to the punch story-wise, so re-writing and scaling down has shaped this conclusion.
I must admit ive greatly enjoyed this series since it started in the early 90's. One of those rare beasts in my collection that i bought by recommendation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 25 February, 2012, 09:59:57 PM
Crossroads that came with MEG320. Didn't think it was much cop to begin with but after a second perusal I found it to be better than I thought at first. I liked the feminine perspective and the mirror motiff interwoven with Durahm Red's fantasy of devouring the planet then the galaxy and finally the universe. The usual zombies and vampires were o.k as well.

Reading Aldous Huxley's "Ape and Essence" which is a story (film script to be precise) within a story. I like the fact that as events are related we are aware of the fictitious author's presence in the construction of his saga. We notice his personality as script writer printed on the telling of the events in the story, which gives it the atmosphere of an old bmovie with rickety scenery and unconvincing special effects.

The film script itself takes place in a sort of Mad Max post nuclear world. There is a soundtrack to it with singing apes, two Einstiens on opposing sides of armies, weird post atomic mutations and scavenger groups with bizarre rituals and beliefs. The old writer even includes his gravestone at the end of his film (which never got made) that the two main characters discover and ponder on.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 25 February, 2012, 10:14:18 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 23 February, 2012, 08:35:09 PM


Fonky- I believe that the King collection you had was Danse Macabre- which if memory serves is the original home for the mist.

I think you're thinking of Skeleton Crew.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 26 February, 2012, 05:56:33 AM
(http://i.imgur.com/pffV2.jpg)

This is it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 26 February, 2012, 05:11:10 PM
Just bought me the graphic novel of At The Mountains of Madness by INJ Culbard.
Now for a cup of tea and a good read...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 26 February, 2012, 06:16:49 PM
Came across a couple of old Warlord annuals ('77 and '78) in a second hand shop yesterday for £1.50 each.
Had both these back in the day, and though ive maybe not seen and re-read these for a good 30 years or so, each story was like a moment of total recall. Good, if incredibly dated and cheesy fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 26 February, 2012, 08:58:34 PM
What stories are there in them Judge Jack?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kirbs on 26 February, 2012, 10:28:28 PM
I'm reading The Dead Man and re-reading Bad Moon Rising .
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NorthVox on 26 February, 2012, 11:40:05 PM
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9blIObGDh0/TcTP2iedbtI/AAAAAAAAGFQ/u3IIetf9-4c/s1600/Crossover.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 February, 2012, 07:40:56 AM
That review-blurb-thing is very confusing to me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 27 February, 2012, 09:30:37 AM
Cassandra Kresnov has more fury than Hell, but Hell doesn't know this yet be...oh forget it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 27 February, 2012, 06:32:19 PM
Quote from: fonky on 26 February, 2012, 08:58:34 PM
What stories are there in them Judge Jack?

Oh, the usual UK annual mix of comic regulars - Union Jack Jackson, Lord Peter Flint : Codename Warlord, Killer Kane etc, and one off short stories, ranging from the sublime to the fucking bonkers.
Plenty of superb art (as always) on show by Ian Kennedy.
Must have read and re-read these annuals for them to have been imprinted onto my brain like this.
Was you a Warlord fan back in the day, Fonky?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 27 February, 2012, 06:56:56 PM
Yes Judge Jack, Victor too. And Battle of course. I'd really need to see a copy of Warlord to jog my memories though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 27 February, 2012, 07:09:13 PM
Yep, Victor, Warlord, Battle, Action, and when Sci-Fi replaced WWII, it was onto Star Wars Weekly and of course the Galaxys Greatest.
Think most 40 somethings went down that route. I had seen the Warlord annuals on E-Bay from time to time, and had wondered about buying them. Glad i did really, id forgotten how much i liked the comic. If you can snag yoursen a copy for peanuts Fonky, then why not.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 27 February, 2012, 07:16:04 PM
Well I've got no end of other stuff to read for a start, getting swamped with books actually. I'm looking forward to getting a copy of Major Eazy in May!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jared Katooie on 28 February, 2012, 12:09:59 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 27 February, 2012, 07:40:56 AM
That review-blurb-thing is very confusing to me.

I think it's saying that hell should arrange a meeting with Cassandra Kresnov with a view to buying, or at least leasing, some of her fury - as their own stock of fury is decidedly inferior by comparison.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 28 February, 2012, 09:48:20 AM
Yeah but Cassandra Kresnov is a woman. So if we already know hell hath no fury than a woman spurned, why bring another woman into the equation?

Hell hath no fury than a woman spurned, or Casandra Kresnov, who's also a woman.

Maybe we should read the book. Could be she's a mutant or robot?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 28 February, 2012, 10:02:19 AM
Ive been reading a lot of contemporary thrillers recently, travelling on the train and a need for small sized chapters.  Most interesting are the Nordic ones. 

Yesterday I just finished The Sisters Brothers, which I think has the best cover of a book in a long time.  Its also a damn good read.   
(http://www.thewinnipegreview.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/The-Sisters-Brothers-cover.jpg)
Its described as cowboy noir and its an apt description.  Everyone and everything seems covered in dirt.  Id add that this is not a book of gunfights and horses, its more a book of characters and horses.    :lol:

From the 1st of March Ive decided to re-read Dune, as its been a while.  :o
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 28 February, 2012, 09:08:19 PM
Another dystopian fantasy "Fahrenheit 451". Books are illegal in this story and so are burnt. Resistance to this by people takes the form of commiting to memory whole books. So one person is a walking "War and Peace", and another is a walking "Oliver Twist" and so on. Books cease to be objects just exsisting on  paper and on peoples' shelves or in libraries and become instead oral performances, much as in the days of Homer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 28 February, 2012, 11:21:51 PM
You know, there's a far stronger argument for Fahrenheit being sf than The Martian Chronicles.

It was Bradbury's damning critique of the cultural shift from print & radio where the audience are an active participant in the work to the passive  observer of  television.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 29 February, 2012, 08:42:58 AM
If you're seen with a book in your hand when you are on a train journey or in a cafe, you are regarded as a freak. Walking down the street oblivious of the world and people around you, while playing with your mobile or waffling away to someone on it is now regarded as normal behaviour.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 February, 2012, 08:48:13 AM
Quote from: fonky on 29 February, 2012, 08:42:58 AM
If you're seen with a book in your hand when you are on a train journey or in a cafe, you are regarded as a freak.

Do you really think that or is that for some dramatic effect? If you do believe that - wow!

What I can say for sure is where I live and commute that is simply not the case.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 February, 2012, 08:53:16 AM
Quote from: fonky on 29 February, 2012, 08:42:58 AM
If you're seen with a book in your hand when you are on a train journey or in a cafe...

I would guess 1 in 3 of solo adults on my most regular train journey are reading a book, and 50% of all solo adults in my favourite caf.  That's including the Kindlers but not counting the iPadders, who might very well be doing likewise.  And I live in an area that would not have much of a reputation for literacy.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MolIAKCJG7w

You are of course dead right about the mobile phonery.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 29 February, 2012, 09:02:13 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 29 February, 2012, 08:48:13 AM
Quote from: fonky on 29 February, 2012, 08:42:58 AM
If you're seen with a book in your hand when you are on a train journey or in a cafe, you are regarded as a freak.

Do you really think that or is that for some dramatic effect? If you do believe that - wow!

What I can say for sure is where I live and commute that is simply not the case.

O.K. Colin, not a freak, but very old fashioned and a little quaint. ::) ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 29 February, 2012, 12:07:50 PM
Quote from: fonky on 29 February, 2012, 08:42:58 AM
If you're seen with a book in your hand when you are on a train journey or in a cafe, you are regarded as a freak.

Aaaaaaabsolute rubbish. A healthy 50% of the other commuters on my train read books. In twenty-six years nobody's ever looked at me 'like I was a freak' simply because I was reading a book. What on earth do you base your wild assumptions on?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 29 February, 2012, 12:16:44 PM
The fact that you can't hear yourself think long enough to concentrate on a book because of all the jabbering of mobile users....."Hello. It's me. Yes. I'm on the train. See you in about half an hour. O.k. See you." and so on through the whole journey.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 29 February, 2012, 09:51:27 PM
A.E. van Vogt. Mankind is kept docile by women and alien invaders by the use of implants and special glasses they are forced to wear.
When a pair of glasses cracks while a subservient male is wearing them, resistance reluctantly begins.
(http://i.imgur.com/28LpQ.jpg)
I think my glasses must have shattered a long time ago.
Everywhere I look I see people connected up to gadgets.
Seriously though, they've designed glasses you can wear for walking down the street in, which you can see and access the internet on. They give directions on the lenses, a bit like satnav crossed with google earth, to let you know your location and points out shops which you might be interested in as you walk by them, this and the usual apps to chat and read your mates' texts messages.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 03 March, 2012, 08:36:36 AM
Quite enjoyed this story of two wigged out professors who extend their consciousnes by means of a small metallic implant inserted into the frontal lobes of the brain. Needless to say it turns them into superman and gives them knowledge of superior beings who have kept mankind in it's place.

(http://i.imgur.com/EMBYx.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 03 March, 2012, 04:52:28 PM
The Dead Man.

This arrived yesterday. It was a bit thinner volume than I was expecting, but on reading it, I think it was just the right size.

While the identity of the Dead Man* had been mentioned on this forum, I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. Interested to see that it's more than just a post-apocalyptic western, about a man finding himself, but a genuinely chilling horror story too.

A great read and I'm interested in picking up the stuff surrounding the story (i.e. set before and after).

*[spoiler]I couldn't help finding some of his speech a bit off though. While he is suffering from amnesia, it's understandable as, in quite real sense, he isn't himself. Or rather he IS at his core it's the rest of the charred apple I'm talking about. However there is one particular line he states that comes from before he lost his identity "What manner of devilment is this?", or words to that effect. Doesn't seem a line that particular person would come out with.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 03 March, 2012, 06:15:17 PM
Brilliant stuff, the Dead Man. A real favourite of mine - and one i often re-read.
Love Ridgway's art on it as well. Its a far better story than the Epic it foreshadowed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 03 March, 2012, 09:33:37 PM
"Diary of a Drug Fiend" by Aleister Crowley. This gives a good account of a descent into hell and debauchery brought about by drug addiction. The psychology of addiction is vividly portrayed in this novel. I like the fact that the two victims of drug addiction in this story are well to do upper class people, and not criminals trying to escape from a deprived social setting, but people with all the advantages wealth can bring. It shows drug problems can affect all classes of our society.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 04 March, 2012, 03:19:35 PM
"trinity" a batman ww and supes team up as part of my new "must use my library card and expand my horizons" pledge also got an ultimate spidey lined up with solomon kane and having just read a batman gn with an anti-bats called "wrath"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 04 March, 2012, 05:13:51 PM
Gotham Central (Vol 3): Unresolved Targets

If you're familiar with the series you'll know this is basically a police procedural comic, with the  spin of it being set in Gotham City.

If you were only to buy one GC trade, this would be it. I'd almost go as far as to suggest that if you were only to buy one Batman trade, this would be it. It has the best written Joker I've ever read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 05 March, 2012, 12:01:29 AM
Having read Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha and About A Boy this year (for work), I am now reading UK small press comics picked up at the Cardiff Comic Expo.

So far I've read several issues of Zarjaz, two of Dogbreath, Into the Woods, edited by Stacey Whittle, and issue #2 of Lou Scannon by a bunch of lads in Cardiff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: brendan1 on 05 March, 2012, 09:14:19 AM
Quote from: Slips on 28 February, 2012, 10:02:19 AM
Ive been reading a lot of contemporary thrillers recently, travelling on the train and a need for small sized chapters.  Most interesting are the Nordic ones. 

Yesterday I just finished The Sisters Brothers, which I think has the best cover of a book in a long time.  Its also a damn good read.   
(http://www.thewinnipegreview.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/The-Sisters-Brothers-cover.jpg)
Its described as cowboy noir and its an apt description.  Everyone and everything seems covered in dirt.  Id add that this is not a book of gunfights and horses, its more a book of characters and horses.    :lol:

From the 1st of March Ive decided to re-read Dune, as its been a while.  :o

I finished that over the weekend. It's really enjoyable. I think one of the cover quotes says something like "Cormac McCarthy with a sense of humour" and that is pretty accurate.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 05 March, 2012, 10:52:43 AM
BATMAN/JUDGE DREDD -Die Laughing part 2.

Lovely work by Jim Murray. Forgot what a great artists he is particularly the Mirror scene and when Joe Dredd dispatches Judge Death.  Cracker!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 05 March, 2012, 01:01:02 PM
My Hallowscream comics have arrived! What a great birthday present! Also Kingdom- Promised Land I'm a loving it in a non-carnal fashion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 05 March, 2012, 02:47:35 PM
Reading THE LIGHT AT THE END by John Skipp & Craig Spector. Oh my word, what a book! Pulp horror gem. Great characters, wonderful flow to the writing. So far, it's a 10 out of 10!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 06 March, 2012, 03:54:59 AM
Some new comic reviews by me. The original post can be found here:

http://fourcoloursandthetruth.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/wednesday-comics-woundup-near-death-bulletproof-coffin-and-the-silence-of-our-friends/

Near Death by Jay Faeber & Simone Guglielmini (Image)

Faeber has been slowly gaining a rep for his interesting take on a dysfunctional superhero family in Noble Causes, but I never really thought him as anything other than a talented, underrated superhero writer.....until Near Death. It's the story of Markham, a badass hitman who starts our story badly shot and....wait for it....NEAR DEATH. Heh. While under the knife, he has a vision of what he identifies as Hell, where his dead victims tell him that he needs to make up for what he's done.

The beauty of Faebers' tight scripting is that not only are we told all of this by page 12 of the first issue, but we're well into Markham's new mission of redemption by page 13. Faeber credits the TV work of Stephen Cannel for the inspiration behind Near Death, and while that shows, its other 80′s TV shows like The Equalizer that really came to mind while reading this. Each story is fairly self-contained to one or two issues, with a larger theme of attempted redemption being ever-present, but rarely an actual plot point. The TV feel is prevalent in the writing, but Simone Guglielminis' fine, expressive artwork is what grounds this story firmly in the comic book medium.

This book was an extremely welcome surprise. It's a well-crafted, exciting, and hard-hitting addition to the 'hitman" genre, and fits well alongside books like classics like The Killer or Button Man.

Rating: A

The Silence Of Our Friends by Mark Long, Jim Demonakos, & Nate Powell (First Second)


This is the story of Jack Long, a white reporter specializing in "race stories" in 1967 Houston, and his family. It's also the story of Larry Thompson, a black professor trying to organize SNCC campus marches, and his family.

Silence is an autobiographical account of how those two families came together, but it's also a snapshot of one of several "ground zeros" of that era of American history. Co-written by Long's son Mark, the script is an emotionally powerful one, but it never delves into melodrama. It's the shades of grey that I particularly appreciated, with much care and detail given towards making the characters (and as a result the story) as well-rounded and objective as possible. Both men truly want to "do the right thing," to steal a phrase, but they're also not immune to societal pressures, and their motivations are not all together pure.

And yes, it's that Nate Powell that handles the art chores here and he continues to showcase why he's become one of the most distinctive voices in modern comics. The man captures movement more effectively, than almost any artist working today, and things as simple as weather, or a choir singing, become characters in their own right, under Powell's hand. My only question would be how First Second could have possibly have allowed pages as beautiful as these to be condensed into a digest size book?

An early pick for "Best of The Year" consideration.

Rating: A

Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred by Shaky Kane and David Hines

This second volume of Bulletproof Coffin is a love letter to 1950′s and 1960′s comics, as seen through the eyes of Shaky Kane and David Hine. I find it ridiculously difficult to explain what BC is actually "about," so I usually just say that  it's about cliches...specifically comic clichés.

On its surface, the first issue is a typical superhero origin story, with the Shield Of Justice telling us exactly how and why he became a costumed vigilante. It's only upon a closer look that we find that its really the near-terrifying diary of a crazy person using superhero trappings to disguise his ever-increasing paranoia.

The second issue continues along the same path, with Tales From The Haunted Jazz Club, an homage to not only EC comics but also the horror anthology books that DC made so famous in the 1970s. The issue contains three stand-alone horror stories, as told by patrons of a 1950s beatnik jazz club. The horrors here are all physical in nature, and are all variations of the "mad scientist going one step too far" genre.

These stories have been told a thousand times, to be sure. And that's kind of the point. These talented creators show how even the most hackneyed of stories can read as eminently fresh, with Hine and Kanes' absolute love for this medium shining through on every page.

Rating: A+
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 06 March, 2012, 07:34:49 PM
Richard Wright's "Native Son" is a difficult book to read. Oh, it's well written, I could read a section of it in one evening. It's knowing what to make of it afterwards. Are these just blatant cultural stereotypes? How can anyone be so cold blooded? And some of the sequence of events are just too unbelievable, like Bigger's stakeout on the Chicago rooftops. Still I was gripped by it. There is something in Wright's character in this that resonates, he seems all too familiar.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 06 March, 2012, 10:18:38 PM
Quote from: fonky on 06 March, 2012, 07:34:49 PM
Richard Wright's "Native Son" is a difficult book to read. Oh, it's well written, I could read a section of it in one evening. It's knowing what to make of it afterwards. Are these just blatant cultural stereotypes? How can anyone be so cold blooded? And some of the sequence of events are just too unbelievable, like Bigger's stakeout on the Chicago rooftops. Still I was gripped by it. There is something in Wright's character in this that resonates, he seems all too familiar.
How odd. I picked this up in a charity shop the other week having never heard of the book or the author and I'm currently about two-thirds of the way through it. It's equal parts interesting and frustrating. All the characters except Bigger (and to a lesser extent his mates) are pretty broad types but it's a very unusual viewpoint for the time and place. Wright does what feels to me like a bang up job of expressing the pressures pushing down on a poor, disenfranchised, black criminal. There's always a problem for me in a writer articulating feelings that his character can't articulate, particularly here where much is made of the frustration coming from the inability to express the feeling, but I suppose that's what a writer's for.

I wonder how he'll get out of the mess he's gotten himself into...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 07 March, 2012, 10:25:01 AM
It's a difficult one ain't it Cosh. It seems a pretty sensationlist story, but there is something about Bigger's character that we can recognise which gives the book it's momentum. What a thing to admit to though, that you actually identify with a character who is a rapist and a murderer. Like I said a difficult book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 March, 2012, 02:48:33 PM
Mezolith Book 1, Haggarty and Brockbank.  I want to live my life over again and this time spend every waking moment working at becoming an artist so that I can one day be as good as Adam Brockbank and get to draw this almost perfect book. 

Thank you County Library, thank you so much for thus unexpected treat.  I'd heard good things and liked the idea, but had never seen Mezolith, until today. Back when I still thought I had some sort of chance at writing comics (1986-1994, I think), this was the story I wanted to produce.  I even have a script in an old notebook somewhere (which I wrote on the overnight train from Holyhead to London), which if it could be translated into something good by an actual writer, would fit nicely in between episodes 2 and 3 of this collection.  I have a pile of wildly-variable Stone Age comics (the best of which is the wordless Taitou) which I have bought over the years in the hope of finding something half as good as this.

Who do I have to kill to get more of this made.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 March, 2012, 06:51:50 PM
Quick correction:  the wordless Upper Palaeolithic comic I referred to is actually called Ticayou.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 09 March, 2012, 07:42:45 AM
Absolutely. Mezolith is one of the best comics ive ever read and that we likely wont see any more is a tragedy. Perfect synthesis of story, art and format. I want a volume two of this more than i want food on my table tonight.

And i really want Adam Brockbank on Slaine.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 10 March, 2012, 04:48:58 PM
Nikolai Gogol's unfinished novel "Dead Souls" reads to me as a story that rings in with today's spirit of the age. Although it was first published in 1842 in the then Russian Empire, few readers will have trouble recognising the central character Chichikov in a lot of contemporary behaviour in Britain.

Chichikov is more or less a confidence trickster who is travelling the Empire in a horsedrawn carriage trying to make a fast buck from the people and places he stops at. His money making scheme is ingenious and involves a scam that was more or less reported in the papers a few weeks ago. This was the story about some NHS local health practices that had kept a lot of deceased people registered on their lists, and so were receiving extra funding from the government for these non existent patients. Chichikov hatches an almost identical scheme.

The author's style throughout this novel is one of caricature and satire, of a social outcast wandering through the world. It was unfinished and believed to have meant to have religous overtones for the ending.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 10 March, 2012, 10:03:14 PM
Didnt have a chance to pick up my comic order today so ended up reading my daughter's Ralph Wiggum Simpsons one shot:

(http://i42.tinypic.com/k2ctxg.jpg)

Had me laughing and I'm looking forward to getting the next in the series (Milhouse)...for my daughter  ::)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 March, 2012, 06:18:39 PM
Sorry* to bang on about this, but I'm currently reading Mezolith again, this time with my son.  He is absolutely captivated, with an intensity I don't think I've ever seen in him with a comic. 

The Swan Girl episode, which ends so tragically, led us to my little library, where we spent time reading about the Bøgebakken cemetery at Vedbaek in Denmark, where Grave 8 is quite obviously the swan girl's final resting place.  How fascinating to read the (fictional) folklore of a mesolithic people, then be able to look on the actual skeleton (ca. 4500BC) of one of the folkloric characters.  There's a power there that's hard to communicate in writing a post like this, but it's one that only the best art has. 

Seriously, this comic is incredible.   



*not really.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 11 March, 2012, 06:43:51 PM
Just read Death Planet that came with MEG 321. It's refreshing to read one as unintentionally funny as this. I enjoyed it as a nostalgia piece and as a stark contrast to present day sophisticated strips. It really is a jolt to read stuff as crudely constructed as this is, yet it's interesting to recognise familiar action, scenes and characters that seem out of place due to rough handling by the script. Just when you think the story couldn't become any more basic, part two of the floppy springs "Angel" onto the reader. This is like anything goes, as long as it keeps the plot moving forward type of story. Reading it you become aware of the step by step formulaic construction of the story, almost from one panel to the next, which more sophisticated strips conceal as a naturally flowing and unfolding of adventure. It was fun to read. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 March, 2012, 08:05:54 PM
Just finished reading Walt Simonson's 2000 Orion series based on Jack Kirby's New Gods. I'm a big Kirby fan (well his 70s stuff in particular) and so was really chuffed with quite how tasty this stuff was. It seems to perfectly capture the feel and tone of The King's masterpiece, without being slavish in terms of style. Big world's mixed in equal measure with big ideas, a pleasant dosh of melodrama, so as not to over power, all baked in some glorious art. Now that's makin' some damned fine comics and I'd heartily recommend it to all fans of the originals.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 11 March, 2012, 10:54:27 PM
I'm almost about to wrap on David Moody's AUTUMN: AFTERMATH. It's the last in the series and features some very cool ideas on how zombies may deteriorate over time. I'll have a full review for you once I'm done but safe to say it's pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 11 March, 2012, 11:30:05 PM
Not a novel, but today I read The Night Owls on my PSP*.

A very amusing quirky supernatural comedy comic set in the 20s. Very different from anything on 2000 AD or the Meg does, but highly recommended.

*Actually this could be one for the What do you do on the Throne thread. Heh.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 12 March, 2012, 01:23:16 AM
Been delving into eurocomics of late: Aldebaran is great tale undone by the pages falling out of the fucking book as I read it.  Nice production values, Europe - this is why people stick to Batman.  It's little more than the tale of two teens on a journey after their fishing village is destroyed by an unseen sea beast and gets a bit silly in the odd moment but remains largely enjoyable nonetheless.  It's set on another planet but has a nice human face to it, though as with many foreign comics where certain archetypes don't translate to English very well, I felt that the story suffered because not enough "quirky" characters got a slap in the gob.
I feel bad saying that I think Valerian: City of Shifting Waters sucks, but it kind of does.  A great high concept of a flooded NYC and the adventure therein gives way to some running about in a park and some caves later, and spectacle takes precedence over sense, pacing, or a decent story.  It looks nice and it's knockabout stuff for the most part, but it also has the main character's female partner from the future show up to help and she's immediately told to make dinner.  Not really for me, this one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 12 March, 2012, 08:57:01 AM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 12 March, 2012, 01:23:16 AM
Been delving into eurocomics of late: Aldebaran is great tale undone by the pages falling out of the fucking book as I read it. 

Yeah this happened to me (and a few other people going by the reviews on Amazon) it hasn't happened to any other volumes though.  The latest book in the series, Antares Vol.2, is out in a couple of months
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 March, 2012, 09:37:38 AM
Couple of things on the go- 'report from planet three, and speculations on the future' (title may not be accurate, im at the bus stop) by arthur c clarke- A collection of essays and talks by clarke about the immediate future of mankind, from the years before the moon landings, which is both scarily accurate and hugely entertaining, proving that old arthur knew his stuff.

And Swamp Thing. I found about ten years of these in a recent attic attack, so have started from the top with the issues i have from the original run, early ones pre-moore, and then on to moore himself. Now the early ones have been somewhat erased from history following moore's barnstorming run on the title- but a reread shows this to be mostly unfair. The marty pasko issues, especially, are audacious, and highlights include a carribbean island populated by paranormally-active vietnam vets, a serial killer of black children who is revealed to be a demon, a town of punk vampire teenagers deep in the bayou who are running out of food (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 March, 2012, 09:47:16 AM
(cont) and best of all, a lovecraftian octopoid sea creature from space, who was once a bacteria and who merged with an 'experimental herpes virus', grew to giant size, infects people turning them into sea demons, and attacks shipping so he can cannibalise the parts to build a spaceship. There's so much fun to be had in the first nineteen issues of volume two, that it's a kicker to realise that dc havent reprinted them, preferring instead to start their collected editions with the moore run.

My own collection jumps about a bit until issue 30, so im coming in to moore this time a bit late- i guess i sold the earlier ones at some point, as i bought them all from 'the anatomy lesson' onward, yet they've gone. Going over them again, its clear that moore was in class of his own back then, and while they are no longer as fresh as they once were, issues like 'the nukeface papers pt 2' and 'growing pains' are still very powerful.

Ahead of me i have a complete run to the end of volume two- all through the (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 March, 2012, 09:53:40 AM
(cont) Moore issues, and into veitch, wheeler, collins, morrison, and millar' under whose authorship the series died. I cant remember enjoying it past veitch, to be honest, but i bought til almost the end and have since picked up the last six issues from ebay, while simultaneously filling in some earlier gaps and trying stuff from later volumes. At about three issues a night, it's going to take me a while to get through them, but it's already surprising me and my thirty years distance is revealing some hidden gold.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 15 March, 2012, 10:36:22 AM
I'd love to know who sbt is calling a cont.

I'm reading Titus Groan, first in the Gormenghast trilogy by Mervyn Peake. This is a great metaphor for English society today, with a totally barmy royal family and worn out tradition and rituals. I love Mervyn Peake's caracitures and the pervasive gloom of this epic. So brilliantly and poetically written Peake is a strange case by continuing to remain fairly unknown and yet influencing so many other works (the Termite Empire comes to mind).

                                         (http://i.imgur.com/9pVw6.jpg)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 15 March, 2012, 10:56:01 AM
Quote from: Tombo on 12 March, 2012, 08:57:01 AM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 12 March, 2012, 01:23:16 AM
Been delving into eurocomics of late: Aldebaran is great tale undone by the pages falling out of the fucking book as I read it. 

Yeah this happened to me (and a few other people going by the reviews on Amazon) it hasn't happened to any other volumes though.  The latest book in the series, Antares Vol.2, is out in a couple of months

Me too - Chimpanzee Complex Vol 2 or 3 it was, the whole binding just came away from the cover. Still, it's a great read, a real sense of loss and tragedy with a hint of transcendentalism too. Also loved Long John Silver - will we get a fourth volume I wonder? Orbital's pretty entertaining too.

Have to agree with Byah about Valerian - I got that one for Christmas and I've only read the first few pages, not had any real desire to go back and finish it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ghastly McNasty on 15 March, 2012, 11:07:22 AM
Quote from: fonky on 15 March, 2012, 10:36:22 AM
I'm reading Titus Groan, first in the Gormenghast trilogy by Mervyn Peake.

Amazingly descriptive writing. He really builds a beautiful world and transports you in to it. Only read the first, should try the others really.

Just read trades 2, 3+4 of Locke & Key. I was stunned by the quality of the writing and the ideas within the comic. In fact, it's my new favourite series (along with Sweet Tooth)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 15 March, 2012, 01:16:04 PM
Re-read issue 1 of Manhattan Projects this morning.  Wast too impressed after the first read but seemed a bit better second time around.  Good character twist to get the series started.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 15 March, 2012, 08:14:57 PM
Just about to wrap on John Skipp & Craig Spector's THE LIGHT AT THE END.

It's a vamp novel but don't let that put you off: this is awesome stuff and as far from Stephanie Meyer or Anne Rice as England was to France back in the bad old days.

Set in 80s New York, and mostly night time, this book has a real Noir feel to it. The characters are as hard boiled as you like; our  unlikely heroes being the D&D obsessed employees of a delivery company, our main vamp a grumpy old goth with more in common with Iggy Pop than the Vampire Lestat.

In short, I'm loving it. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 15 March, 2012, 09:04:49 PM
Quote from: Ghastly McNasty on 15 March, 2012, 11:07:22 AM

Just read trades 2, 3+4 of Locke & Key. I was stunned by the quality of the writing and the ideas within the comic. In fact, it's my new favourite series (along with Sweet Tooth)

Glad to hear a fellow Earthlet is digging L&K, Ghastly...I got the penultimate issue of book 5 yesterday, I'm happy to report the quality doesn't dip for a second.
If you havent read Hill's books I'd recommend em too- speaking of which...what I'm currently reading is Joe Hills '20th Century Ghosts', great anthology, and the inaugural story 'Best New Horror' has to be one of the best metatextual pieces Ive had the pleasure of reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 15 March, 2012, 10:00:03 PM
Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein.

Well we all know that a lot of people find it's quasi Militaristic Society offensive but it's not really it's theme that's bothering me.

The idea that only those who have defended the group with their most precious possession i:e their lives can be trusted with power is an interesting one.

I think it's just too elitists these days to believe such an idea and obviously rule by the Military isn't exactly a barrel of laughs as lot's of unhappy Histories around the world demonstrate all to clearly.

It is also a bit boring I'm sorry to say. Long winded descriptions of Mobile Infantry Regimental Doctrines are not that interesting. The Bugs are described as Red Spider like horrors with futuristic weaponry which sounds great. That's it. A few references to how burning off a limb won't slow 'em down but not a lot of details about the actual battles that take place! Heinlen seems to skim over these.   

Haven't got to the end yet so hopefully Planet P will offer some Warhammer type blood letting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 15 March, 2012, 11:32:02 PM
It doesn't, from what I recall. There is a battle of sorts but it's rather dull, much like the rest of the book.

For future war fiction I much preferred The Forever War. That actually has a story and characters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 16 March, 2012, 11:14:39 AM
Starship Troopers and The Forever War are two sides of the same coin. I enjoyed both, but The Forever War has the benefit of being written after Starship Troopers.

JvB
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ghastly McNasty on 16 March, 2012, 12:52:40 PM
I got Starship Troopers lined up and ready to take on me hols with me next month. Will grab a copy of 20th Centrury Ghosts and will be taking a collection of Lovecraft short stories too. Awesome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 16 March, 2012, 01:12:48 PM
Ive been looking for a reasonably priced copy of 'starship troopers' for ages. I read heinlein's 'to sail beyond the sunset' last year, and loved it. And the movie version of st is a personal favourite. However, i really didnt get on with 'stranger in a strange land', so its slipped down my list a wee bit.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 16 March, 2012, 01:39:59 PM
I've just finished my Dune Reread (about the 12 time) and loved it again.  It is amazing how you can go back and see different things in books at different times in your life.  The one thing Ive never noticed, as a negative is the damp ending, its all very rushed I think. 

Ive started reading the Magic of Reality by Dawkins
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/57/TheMagicofReality_Dawkins_Bantam2011.jpg)
Its a cracking read and his explanation of genetic drift and ancestors is worth the price of it alone.  The art is wonderful as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 16 March, 2012, 01:51:27 PM
I've never participated in this massive thread, mainly because I fell out of love with reading.

Then my wife bought me a Kindle. What a marvellous thing it is. I've been steaming through all sorts of books.

Currently I'm reading The Hashish Man and Other Tales by Lord Dunsany. It's all sorts of creepy short stories set in the upper strata of English society at the turn of the 20th century. I'm enjoying it a lot, especially The Exiles Club.

- Trout
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 16 March, 2012, 02:40:35 PM
Nearly three months into the year, here's a brief summary of everything I've read since Christmas:

My Flashman re-read (chronological order) has reached the end of Flashman and the Dragon - a great precis of the Teiping Rebellion and the British Army's march to (and subsequent destruction of) the Forbidden City, which previously I knew very little of. Harry's his usual caddish self and there's plenty of bedroom hijinks - the only sour note comes from the fact that I now only have two and a half Flashman books left!

Following up a read of King Solomon's Mines and Allan Quatermain a few years ago, I've started reading through the rest of H Rider Haggard's Quatermain books, in the order he wrote them. To be quite honest, the first novella - Allan's Wife - was a bit of a dissapointment. The first half of the narrative feels aimless and unfocused; events happen without much emotional engagement from either the hero or the reader, and the early years of the hero's life are dismissed within the first chapter. It feels like Haggard on auto-pilot, to be honest. It picks up when he meets his wife-to-be in the obligatory 'lost' land, and the villian of the piece - a feral woman raised by baboons - is a cracker. Fortunately the follow-up, Marie, is much better. It's the sort of exploration of young Allan's life that I was expecting from its predecessor, with its evocative description of growing up in early 19th-century South Africa - his first meeting with the zulu tribes, his mastery of guns and rifles, and plenty of tension between the British and Boers. Proper Boy's Own stuff, in the classic mold.

Comics-wise I'm two books into the three-book Mazeworld collection - stunning stuff from Arthur Ranson - and I've embarked on a read-through of Promethea. I'd read the first two TPBs before now and then let it lapse for some reason; since then I've invested in the Absolute editions and started a re-read from the beginning. Still astounded at just how much is going on in this series - sub-plot upon sub-plot, and the art's a masterclass in graphic storytelling. I've also not long finished a complete re-read of the Caballistics saga, courtesy of Tharg's January sale, which has me in love with the series all over again and already jonesying for the next Absalom series.

Also read since Crimbo - finished my re-read of A Song of Ice and Fire series with Storm of Swords (but I doubt anyone on the board needs me to tell them how good that is); the Alan Partridge biography; and my ongoing Aubrey-Maturin read reached The Mauritius Command, which didn't quite hit the heights of the preceeding HMS Surprise but was a cracking read nonthless. My heart is breaking for Stephen Maturin - laudanum's never the answer, chap!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 March, 2012, 03:24:29 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 16 March, 2012, 02:40:35 PMMy heart is breaking for Stephen Maturin - laudanum's never the answer, chap!

Just wait 'til he discovers cocaine in about 10 books' time!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 17 March, 2012, 12:18:56 AM
Couple of reviews for y'all...

25th Anniversary Edition of THE LIGHT AT THE END by John Skipp & Craig Spector.

The gist: 'To be honest, I can't recommend this book enough. It's got everything I love in a horror story: thrills, chills, great characters, loads of gore and a well layered plot... Simply put, I loved it.'

And here's the whole thing:

http://waynesimmons.org/blog/?p=1121


Aaaand...

AUTUMN AFTERMATH by David Moody.

The gist: 'The Autumn series is as realistic an account of the zombie apocalypse as you're going to find. Aftermath is an emotional book: a fitting end to a traumatic story about the human condition. Fans of the series will feel satisfied, if not a little sad at waving goodbye to those characters they've spent time getting to know. And with a beautifully emotive afterword from the author himself, you know that David Moody is right there with them.'

And here's the whole thing for that one:

http://waynesimmons.org/blog/?p=1115

Hope they're of some use :)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 17 March, 2012, 06:42:40 AM
Events are darkening considerably in "Gormenghast", the second installment of Mervyn Peake's fantastic epic. There is a sinister number of events occuring within the walls of Gormenghast which start to menace the fabric of it's existence. The world of Gormenghast is being undone by a poisonous thing that has been nurtured within it's ancient stones and towers. Change, that most deadly apostasy, is reaching for Gormenghast's decrepit soul with batlike wings of violence and murder in the figure of the deformed Steerpike. 

                                              (http://i.imgur.com/Fk72U.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 17 March, 2012, 05:03:10 PM
Quote from: King Trout on 16 March, 2012, 01:51:27 PM
Then my wife bought me a Kindle. What a marvellous thing it is. I've been steaming through all sorts of books.

I recently bought a Kobo Touch. I opted for it over a Kindle as it's cheaper even with the touch-screen (at least it is if you get it from W H Smiths). And apparently you can access other stores like the Kindle too with the Kindle app. (I think Kindle force you to just get stuff from Amazon... although granted I tend to get most of my stuff from there anyway.)

Trouble is... while it is definitely a nice gadget, there does seem to be some issues with touch-sensitivity.
I wonder if this is common for this device. I get the impression it's a software issue (all uptodate by the way. It did that with the first sych)  rather than the hardware. I used the internet browser the other day and it worked rather well.

I'm thinking of sending it back. Rather than getting a Touch edition as replacement and risking the same issues, I think I might opt for the regular Kobo. I love the idea of touching things directly on screen but I can live without it and can imagine less going wrong with regular controls.

I downloaded Metamorphosis free from the Kobo store. I understood it was a classic, and while it's an interesting premise, with the whole 'guy wakes up to find he has inexplicably turned into a giant beetle' idea, I found it a bit disappointing.  The writing style is a bit odd, but I think it might have been written in a different language originally so this might be a translation issue. The story itself was a page turner... but it seemed a bit of a lost opportunity. So much more could have been done with the story. Kudos for the [spoiler]downbeat, or is it?[/spoiler] ending though!

I also recently got my latest issues of the Marvel Ultimates collection too. I actually quite enjoyed my reread of The Ultimates. I realise my disappointment concerning certain aspects of the story coloured my memory of the rest. I left the story feeling Millar has a tendency to go to a nasty place just for the sake of it, ([spoiler]I'm thinking of the fight between Giant Man and The Wasp[/spoiler])  but it was an interesting read. Even the nasty bits. Captain America isn't a particularly favourite superhero of mine (and I'm not sure what the big deal is with the Supersoldier Serum as it seems every other superhero is more powerful) but Millar's version is interesting, and the part when he reunited (or not) with old friends was actually very touching. Credit to Millar he can do that stuff too. He's not just about the controversy. (I'm not keen on the selfish Bruce Banner though, although I get the characters motivations somewhat.)

I'm reading The Birth of Venom right now and enjoying it a lot, although I'm not keen on the over captioning and excessive thought bubbles. A tad corny but good stories.*

Oh, and I picked up Clint** #10 recently. (Seems the Titan site hasn't long sorted out their back-issues ordering system. Pretty recently they only seemed to deliver to the US for some reason.) Not bad so far,  but dear me did Kick Ass go to a nasty place this issue! Shall I continue with this? Not sure. I don't dislike it like many on this board, but the violence in this issue was actually a bit off-putting. Ironic for a 2000 AD reader to say, I know. It's far out enough to be kinda amusing though. (How many crushed skulls with popping eye-balls were in Officer Downe?) I'd like to see the rest of Kick-Ass2 and Who is Jake Ellis is an intriguing story that wouldn't be out of place in 2000 AD.

*Plural intended as it's a series of stories featuring the Venom arc.

** I refuse to type the letters the way they do it. The name in itself isn't bad for a lad's comic but the sweary joke is cheap and (overused but relevant word here) nasty.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 17 March, 2012, 05:32:12 PM
Have just read the graphic novel My Friend Dahmer, in which author / artist Derf Backderf recounts the true story of his 1970s teenage years as a contemporary  of the infamous Jeffrey Dahmer. I'm not sure if 'enjoy' is the right word for a comic that sees Dahmer collecting and dissecting dead animals, becoming a teenage alcoholic and making plans to bludgeon a local jogger so as to render him helpless to Dahmer's advances, but it's a remarkable piece of work. Despite its focus on Dahmer slowly, pitifully and inexorably drifting towards his horrific destiny, the book rather surprisingly has a few humorous moments - Dahmer was a cult figure / freak-mascot among some of the local teens, and his unsettling 'spaz' impersonations, as the author puts it, end up part of their vocabulary. The most impressive thing about the book is that although you read it knowing how things eventually turn out for Dahmer,  when the moment of no return finally arrives towards the end of the book, it still feels utterly shocking - part of you hopes that Dahmer somehow won't cross the line, even though you know he does. Haunting stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 17 March, 2012, 06:19:33 PM
QuoteFollowing up a read of King Solomon's Mines and Allan Quatermain a few years ago, I've started reading through the rest of H Rider Haggard's Quatermain books, in the order he wrote them

I always thought Rider Haggards books were ripe for comic strip adaptation - imagine Frank Bellamy illustrating these, they'd be fantastic - and did consider it for my small press comic. Then Alan Moore did LXG and it fell by the wayside...

I've just bought the third book of cinebooks Chimpanzee Complex, so that's me sorted for the evening
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ghastly McNasty on 17 March, 2012, 10:33:48 PM
Although I loved Kick Ass 1, I've just finished Kick Ass 2 and, not wanting to be a hater, thought it was pretty rubbish. Shame really.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 18 March, 2012, 09:45:00 PM
Saga, the latest offering from BKV and Fiona Staples, which is an ongoing sci-fantasy about two fugitives in an alien warzone narrated by their newborn child.  It's rather reliant upon cliche, though that could just be my own genre familiarity scratching at my critical faculties, as one sequence in particular did bring me out of the story to think that it's nice one or more of the creators is a Final Fantasy fan.  An okayish first issue - not great, but not terrible, either.

Serenity: Better Days is also reliant upon cliche - and coincidence - more than is healthy for a story, and somewhere along the lines it stopped being about cowboys in space, too.  A couple of out of character moments occur, though I suspect this is just to give certain characters something to do, even if that means Book has to battle a robot with a sword.  Not great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 18 March, 2012, 10:25:24 PM
Read a couple of GNs in the car today, starting with Fanta's Joost Swarte collection, Is That All There Is? which is highly recommended, especially if you're a neophyte like I was. His linework is some of the best you'll ever see, with more than one page leaving me astounded. The humour often seems aggressive, but the cartooning expresses it almost perfectly, effortlessly relaying the intent whilst still conveying the sense of isolation and confusion that I always look for in art and fiction.

Next was Athos in America. Jason is my favourite living cartoonist, and this feels like his darkest and most personal body of work yet, with a rigid four panel page structure being used to a practically bludgeoning extent. It's still hilarious, of course, but never before has he conveyed the feelings of alienation and loneliness that have always been present in such a piercing manner.

A good day's reading, in all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 19 March, 2012, 11:44:17 AM
Artifacts #14. Glad to see this series picking back up after the mess it became around 6 with nothing more than panel after panel of second-tier characters slapping each other.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 20 March, 2012, 10:59:02 PM
"Waiting For Godot" by Samuel Beckett. Nothing happens in this play. Twice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 21 March, 2012, 10:52:51 AM
Quote from: fonky on 20 March, 2012, 10:59:02 PM
"Waiting For Godot" by Samuel Beckett. Nothing happens in this play. Twice.

Ha! I studied that back in school.

*despairing ah*
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 21 March, 2012, 11:10:25 AM
I studied it too. Nothing happens in both acts but lots happens between them if I remember correctly. I saw a good version in London once with Rik Mayall and Ade Edmonson, but our teacher was very unhappy the line 'People are apes' was changed to 'people are cunts'. I felt it gave it more gravitas.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 21 March, 2012, 12:12:49 PM
Well it brought it to a wider audience with those two in it I suppose. People can always read the original version for themselves if they don't like a particular interpretation of it. Reading some poetry by Sylvia Plath at the moment...


         WORDS

Axes
After whose stroke the wood rings,
And the echoes!
Echoes travelling
Off from the centre like horses.

The sap
Wells like tears, like the
Water stiving
To re-establish its mirror
Over the rock

That drops and turns,
A white skull,
Eaten by weedy greens.
Years later
I encounter them on the road---

Words dry and riderless,
The indefatigable hoof-taps.
While
From the bottom of the pool, fixed stars
Govern a life.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 21 March, 2012, 01:02:48 PM
Rage, the novel based on the videogame of the same name, which I bought because I am a sucker for trash like this in general, but also because I have a jones for post-apocalyptic fiction at the minute.  It's hard to apply objective criticism to something like this, and that is good because by all objective standards of criticism it fails: non-existent plot, typos, poor grammar (on at least one occasion I spent more time trying to make sense of one line of prose than it took me to read the page around it), a nonentity main character, no humour or awareness... and yet even by the relative standards of the expectations I had of a cash-in novel based on a first person shooter that averages a hundred or so words a page and has chapter breaks every five or six pages, it also fails in many ways which can be condensed down to one difficulty it has above all others: it has nothing to do with the game.
While writers could be forgiven for making up their own plot for an adaptation of Jetpac, a 21st century multi-platform videogame comes with a detailed fictional world in which different media like novels, audiobooks, comics, movies, iPhone apps can exist without contradicting each other (see Fallout, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, etc) - making up a plot is a dumb idea even before you get to the problem that the novel's plot is actually worse than the plot of the game, which is saying something.  It does have one thing in common with the game, though, and that's an utterly uninteresting main character who wakes up from a slumber and is told by some people to go kill some other people so that's what he does in both game and novel, though I actually prefer the game's lack of a rationale for the main character to do anything over the novel's lazy cliches.  Action is described in a very pedestrian manner, too, and there are chapters - not every chapter, just the odd one - where for... some reason everybody... speaks with ellipses dropped at... random into sentences and it is impossible... to see what the author intends in terms of the cadence or rhythm... of the speech.  I have read some very entertaining pulp novels tied into larger fictional worlds that helped give the impression the writers weren't just tossing off pages over a beer or ten, but I have a genuine suspicion that the writer of Rage might have given the odd chapter of this to his mates to write while they were all down the pub, which I admit sounds like a great job to have.
All the same, this is a dreadful book, and that is coming from someone who liked The Postman.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 21 March, 2012, 02:34:00 PM
Infinite Vacation: a comic mini-series based around the fantastic idea of buying a holiday in a parallel universe as an alternate version of you. There's some really good storytelling going on in this title but it's been hampered by a terrible release schedule. I'd suggest waiting for the trade.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 23 March, 2012, 10:11:40 AM
Currently reading Guant's Ghosts Founding by Dan Abnett.  Its err... OK probably better than OK.  But its not a riproaring page turner, which would suit my hour on the train!
Im not normally a Warhammer Fan, so maybe my unfamilairity with the source material doesnt help! 


(http://img.getglue.com/books/gaunts_ghosts_founding/dan_abnett/normal.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 23 March, 2012, 11:39:40 AM
Me, I'm reading Amo, Amas, Amat, a jocular book about learning Latin, by Harry Mount.   It has interesting moments, but suffers from the author thinking he's PG Wodehouse (he isn't) and from overquoting of funny stuff he's heard - like the Latin-Pedant-Centurion scene from Life of Brian in it's entirety. 

I'm also checking out 'Modern Manners' from back when PJ O'Rourke was funny.  All the Reagan and cocaine jokes seem a little dated (especially the latter) and there is a bizarre attempt to English-ize it; so 'episocopalians' become Angicans, Dartmouth becomes Sussex, that sort of thing.  Not only does this weaken the book a bit, it seems pretty unneccesary because it's obviously not a British effort and surely poms would be able to work out the American dialogue.  Oh well, must have been before he was famous.

Also reading the Guardian Weekly and the London Review of Books, both of which are terrific.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 March, 2012, 02:23:53 PM
Thought I'd swim against the current of the forum these days and post something about 2000AD...

I've just finished a re-read of my very small selection of non-Casefiles Dredd GNs.  These are Blind Justice, The Pit, The Hunting Party and The Scorpion Dance (also have America, but that's a seperate tale).  I bought most of these after my return to squaxxdom in 1999 in an effort to bring myself up to speed on the supporting cast Dredd seemed to have accumulated while I was away (Guthrie, DeMarco, Edgar, Buell etc.). 

Anyway, read together those four books make for a fantastic ongoing series, with a strong central theme of the ageing Dredd's role within Justice Department, as both mentor and antagonist, explored through a wide range of settings and situations.  DeMarco's story is much more coherent than I remembered, and it's a pity that she hasn't really found a home as a post-judicial character despite variable efforts in DeMarco PI and The Simping Detective.  Maybe she could meet Beeny and Vienna for cocktails in the Quite Nice Bar every now and again, have a natter and a moan.

It's really engaging stuff, and I enjoyed seeing the lead-up to The Pit in 'The Cal Tapes' (which I hadn't noticed before), and it's brilliantly reversed epilogue in 'Beyond the Call of Duty' and 'The Scorpion Dance'.  Looking forward to seeing all this in order in the Casefiles.

One of the big surprises for me was the art on The Pit.  I'd always thought that Lee Sullivan's and particularly Alex Ronald's art let down what was otherwise a brilliant story, bookended by divine Ezquerra work.  Now, returning with a critical eye after a dozen years, I find that's not the case at all.  There's some problems with computer colouring that doesn't quite gel with Ronald's lines, especially on faces, but overall it's all pretty good stuff, with some nice character work and action.

I feel bad about my years of dismissive attitude, and wonder what has changed in my own tastes that I see real strengths in both artists' works that I completely overlooked before.   

One question I had, and here I hesitate lest I awaken the shade of Sc*j*, was about 'The Cal Tapes': do we ever find out if Dredd actually looked at the DNA evidence indicating Polders was his aunt, not his mother?  It seems to be left open as to whether his dismissal of the accusation as faked by Cal is based purely on determination or knowledge.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 23 March, 2012, 03:31:55 PM
I should dig out some of my old progs. I remember really enjoying The Cal Files and all the intrigue. Does anyone know if Edgar's still alive? She and Dredd had a fantastic dynamic going on between them. Talking about this era of 2000AD, does anyone remember Luke Kirby? I enjoyed those stories. Must find out if they ever released any trades.

Anyway, a recap on my own reading, because I just know you're dying to hear about it.

I'm up to speed on the Song of Fire and Ice Saga, having read all 5 available books. To be honest I think he (GRRM) could have told the same story in three and a half books, but then again, I haven't read the whole series so some of the 'extra' threads might be needed to tie the whole thing together at its conclusion. [spoiler]E.g Arya Stark, I have no idea what the point of her plotline is. She's learning to be an assassin now, but its not clear how that's going to fit in with the rest of plot.[/spoiler]

Also read The Wee Free Men by Pratchett. Lots of fun. Hat Full of Sky next and I'm looking forward to it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 March, 2012, 03:41:31 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 23 March, 2012, 03:31:55 PMDoes anyone know if Edgar's still alive. She and Dredd had a fantastic dynamic going on between them.

Alas Judge Edgar died of natural causes (in 'The Edgar Case') back before Tour of Duty (but not before eroding Dredd's powerbase in the upper echelons of the Dept, leading into the Sinfield situation...).  And you're right of course, Cal Files, not Cal Tapes (thinking of The Falucci Tape there).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 23 March, 2012, 04:13:03 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 23 March, 2012, 03:31:55 PM
...does anyone remember Luke Kirby? I enjoyed those stories. Must find out if they ever released any trades.

Certainly do - some great stuff there and I've actually kept the progs off my disposal schedule. Do I remember there was some kind of falling out between the creative team and editorial about ownership?

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 23 March, 2012, 09:20:30 PM
Quote from: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 23 March, 2012, 10:11:40 AM
Currently reading Guant's Ghosts Founding by Dan Abnett.  Its err... OK probably better than OK.  But its not a riproaring page turner, which would suit my hour on the train!
Im not normally a Warhammer Fan, so maybe my unfamilairity with the source material doesnt help! 

After you've read a few Gaunt books switch over to the Caiphas Cain series for a bit, similar theme (commissar with a Guards regiment) but a lot, lot funnier, much less grimdark, and much more reader friendly (Cain and the series' in universe editor explain quite a bit about the background to events).

Cain is a totally different character compared to Gaunt though, by his own admission he's a coward (possibly), a womanizer (certainly), a drinker, a gambler, an unreliable narrator, and an all round rogue.  He reminds me a lot of Dante without the cyberweapons (although Cain is an excellent swordmans with a chainsword).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 23 March, 2012, 10:03:02 PM
I'm reading Romeo and Juliet for the first time in about 27 years, but this time in graphic novel form, published by Classical Comics in both original text and plain text (translated) versions.

It's not as hateful as I remember it. The premise is neat, but I can't bring myself to believe in the teen romance or care about any of the characters. The graphic novel adaptation is excellent, by the way. It helps you see the action, but there's more to it than that - the creative team had to design everything, including locations, and invent things for the characters to be doing while speaking the lines. Instead of being static on stage, the characters do quite a lot of walking around! It's an excellent study aid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 March, 2012, 10:07:21 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 23 March, 2012, 04:13:03 PMDo I remember there was some kind of falling out between the creative team and editorial about ownership?

I think the problem was that 'the creative team and editorial' were one and the same. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 23 March, 2012, 10:32:22 PM
Blue by Pat Grant. Some of the best cartooning that's likely to be seen this year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 23 March, 2012, 11:48:19 PM
Quote from: Tombo on 23 March, 2012, 09:20:30 PM
Quote from: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 23 March, 2012, 10:11:40 AM
Currently reading Guant's Ghosts Founding by Dan Abnett.  Its err... OK probably better than OK.  But its not a riproaring page turner, which would suit my hour on the train!
Im not normally a Warhammer Fan, so maybe my unfamilairity with the source material doesnt help! 

After you've read a few Gaunt books switch over to the Caiphas Cain series for a bit, similar theme (commissar with a Guards regiment) but a lot, lot funnier, much less grimdark, and much more reader friendly (Cain and the series' in universe editor explain quite a bit about the background to events).

Cain is a totally different character compared to Gaunt though, by his own admission he's a coward (possibly), a womanizer (certainly), a drinker, a gambler, an unreliable narrator, and an all round rogue.  He reminds me a lot of Dante without the cyberweapons (although Cain is an excellent swordmans with a chainsword).
Thanks Ill put it down for a new read, next is Dune Messiah (Im on a great Dune reRead) and Game of thrones.  I so need a kindle to help me carry this stuff.....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 23 March, 2012, 11:58:10 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 23 March, 2012, 10:32:22 PM
Blue by Pat Grant. Some of the best cartooning that's likely to be seen this year.



True dat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 24 March, 2012, 04:26:06 PM
Thundercats issue 001: A UK-based mag with free toys on the cover and a short comic strip in the pagey bit, which I decided to check out for some reason, only to be reminded why I don't normally bother with these cash-in thingys and why the death of original Marvel UK content was probably a good thing.
The comic portion of the book is pretty terrible and falls into the trap of the worst kind of adaptations in that it seems to have been written before the writer had actually seen the show (I assume since writing this is now his job, he has actually watched it by now), with Wilycat saying things like "It's way creepy" and Tygra saying "Whoa!" as early as the second page, the first page being reserved for typos like "Yeah, I seem them now."  The 'toon is pretty accessible, but not actually that LCD as seems to be assumed by the people behind this comic, which just sort of meanders along ticking off the boxes as characters say things like "only victory matters here, female!" and I know as adults we're supposed to have a low opinion of the intelligence of kids, and that the disc-firing Sword Of Omens that comes free with the magazine is the main selling point and not the pesky bit with words joined together in some kind of fashion, but I would have thought if you're a grown man making comics within a cottage industry like what the UK has, you'd not just be throwing together charmless fun-free join-the-dots trash like this and instead having some fun with it as the makers of the 1985 Thundercats UK comic often did - I would assume there to be some evidence of a love of comics and the potential of the form, basically.  Here, there is none.
The figure art is good, though it's highly stylised and thus I can see a significant portion of kids hating it, especially since the actual storytelling from panel to panel is quite weak, relying heavily upon close-in shots of the characters and little in the way of backgrounds or expository dialogue, which I normally shun but given the weak script here wouldn't do much actual harm to the strip and would at least help in figuring out what's going on in the messy fight pages.  The lettering is pretty gash, too, if you care about that kind of thing.
Nice toy, crappy comic.

Mobot High, which I did a disservice by assuming it to be some sort of Viz-type brusque parody based on the huge size of the collection, the hardcover, "Mobot" being a derogatory term for a homosexual sci-fi fan, and the big robot on the cover having a huge pink sex organ on its chest, but it is actually an accessible and fun high school drama about bullying and Big School being different.
It falls into a great many traps when it comes to stereotypes, though this is probably intentional as the story and characters are  a matter of broad strokes that encompass a great many familiar tropes, especially so for any reader with a passing familiarity with anime or the cartoons of the last few years coming out of the US like Generator Rex, or Euro-toons like Totally Spies.
The rendering of the Mobots, while sometimes an eyestrain, also make me think the author was trying to get across that if anyone was wanting to make a series based in high school that could get away with blatantly obvious cgi (ie: cheap) robot fights, they need look no further, though the choice of fighting as the central conceit would make that deeply unlikely as tv programmers tend to look at things in terms of whether it's aimed at boys or girls, and fighting is a boys thing and the consensus is that while girls would watch a show with a male lead, boys won't watch a show with a female lead, which I think the author did address slightly in having the girls in the story go all squee to customise their robots with patterns and flowers and stuff to offset the manliness of the giant robot part of the concept.
None of which is important to the actual book itself, which is fun and looks great as a collected tome, with a nice hardcover around oversized pages giving it that old-school annual look.  Great stuff.

Mezolith, which makes me sad that UK comics are so slavishly tied to either being a 2000ad knock-off or charmless cash-in crap like Thundercats, as away from the demands of the omnipresent "twist" in the tail of the short story there is clearly mileage in just getting on with good storytelling and trusting that for the reader the payoff is the actual reading of the story and not the brief bit at the end where the main character was the killer all along or aliens/time travel has resulted in petard-hoisting from an unexpected quarter.  In Mezolith the tedious unpredictability of the twist ending is discarded in favor of the familiarity of the folk tale and the open-endedness of a book that is basically a soap opera that happens to be set a few thousand years ago (but without the constant bawling about murder or incest or whatever teen lesbianism plot has surfaced that is in no way a Freudian insight into the mind of the writers).
Mezolith is fantastic, looks absolutely beautiful, and was clearly the jewel in the crown of the DFC when it was being published even if I have no idea what people expecting another Beano or Dandy made of it.


These three books also remind me what an utter sewer British comics have become these days, as Thundercats is shite that's available anywhere while Mezolith and Mobot High couldn't be found on news stands as no matter how hard I tried I couldn't find the DFC anywhere, a problem that sank it and which I assume will also sink its successor The Phoenix, which I also can't find anywhere.  Sad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 24 March, 2012, 07:48:47 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 24 March, 2012, 04:26:06 PM
These three books also remind me what an utter sewer British comics have become these days, as Thundercats is shite that's available anywhere while Mezolith and Mobot High couldn't be found on news stands as no matter how hard I tried I couldn't find the DFC anywhere, a problem that sank it and which I assume will also sink its successor The Phoenix, which I also can't find anywhere.  Sad.

I agree. Even 2000AD...In my local FP the GNs are buried on the bottom shelf in the back corner on the second floor. It's not even worth checking if they have the prog on time. And Strip magazine...Jesus. They took 2 months to get issue 2 in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 24 March, 2012, 08:06:32 PM
I've just started a re-read of Planetary as I got the final trade but it has been so long since I've read the others I think I'd be doing it a disservice to read cold. Good stuff so far but it does rather show its homework (as much of wicked uncle Warren's comics do, that is part of the fun) and the team is oddly reactive (or even inactive), turning up at places, witnessing the wonders and buggering off, but again that seems to be part of the point (although I seem to recall this was a niggle last time I read it through, I'm hoping doing it all in one go while make it seem more coherent, as there are broader storylines at work). That said I am enjoying it, for what it is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 March, 2012, 08:54:11 PM
Loads on the go at the moment- as I've had more or less a couple of weeks off due to illness.

The Saga of the Swamp Thing.

I'm reading all my recently-rediscovered back issues. Having worked through what I have of the first series, I moved onto the second, and have recently finished the Alan Moore run and when I left it last, was hip-deep in Rick Veitch. Meh. Man can't write. Maybe he gets better- but memory fails me on that.

Batman- Shadow of the Bat.
I found the first sixteen or so issues of these, so have brought the first four downstairs for a read- The Last Arkham, by Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle.

Seven Soldiers of Victory- collection volume two.
Cheers, Locusts! Have read a weeny bit, and will be cracking on with that a bit later, when I get off the <mumbleting> Internet.

Fever, by some old soak.

Zombie shenanigans, which so far I am very much enjoying. I read the first seventy-five pages in one sweaty sitting, but then got the screaming shits and vomits, so haven't been back to it. But it's rare for a book to grip so thoroughly so immediately.

The Hammer of God, by Arthur C Clarke.
Sheer bollocking brilliance by the master of just about everything (except maybe tax).

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 24 March, 2012, 10:06:59 PM
The Laundry files, 3 books by Charles Stross...The Atrocity Archives, The Jennifer Morgue & The Fuller Memorandum.  James Bond meets Cthulhu.

It was a description that put me onto these :

There are things out there, in the weirder reaches of spacetime where reality is an optional extra. Horrible things, usually with tentacles. al-Hazred glimpsed them, John Dee summonded them , HP Lovecraft wrote about them, and alan Turning mapped the paths from their universe to ours. the right calculations can call up entities from other, older universe or invoke their powers. Invisiblity? Easy! Animating the dead? Trivial! Binding lesser demons to your will? Easily doable!

Opening up the way for the Grat Old Ones to come through and eat our brains? Unfortunatley, much too easy.

Thats where the Laundry comes in - it's a branch of the British Secret Service, tasked with preventing hideous alien gods from wiping out all life on earth (an more importantly the UK). The hours are long, the pay is sub par, the co-workers are ..interseting (in the Chinese curse sense of the word) and the bureaucracy is stifling - but theres always the basilisk guns and bullet wards, and missions to quaint, legend haunted Wigan and cursed Slough.

On the down side of these, well trhe 1st anyway, the proof reader was either disgruntled or lazy as there are  times when you need to look at a sentence twice and work it out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 24 March, 2012, 10:52:05 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 24 March, 2012, 08:54:11 PM

Fever, by some old soak.

Zombie shenanigans, which so far I am very much enjoying. I read the first seventy-five pages in one sweaty sitting, but then got the screaming shits and vomits, so haven't been back to it.

Geez, man, it's not that bad, is it?

QuoteBut it's rare for a book to grip so thoroughly so immediately.

Aw shucks, man  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 24 March, 2012, 11:23:26 PM
Quote from: Emp on 24 March, 2012, 10:06:59 PM
The Laundry files, 3 books by Charles Stross...The Atrocity Archives, The Jennifer Morgue & The Fuller Memorandum.  James Bond meets Cthulhu.

I've enjoyed them, the first stories are a bit rough around the edges but enjoyable. Also read his A Colder War:
http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/stories/colderwar.htm

If you like those then give Tim Power's Declare a spin.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 25 March, 2012, 11:45:06 AM
Saucer Country: an interesting start to this comic about a presidential candidate being abducted by aliens. I'm on board for the next few issues at least.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judo on 25 March, 2012, 03:06:27 PM
I was at a guys house reading a really cool photocopied comic. Black Eagle (empire comics I think) and it had Colin Macneil, Frank Quitely, Zander, john mcshane and some others in it. Must. Obtain. Oddity. anyone seen/heard/own this? x
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 27 March, 2012, 12:27:31 AM
Because of this thread and the sense of high regard this forum seems to have for the series, I decided to give Harry Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat a try.

I wasn't dissapppointed.

I started with A Stainless Steel Rat is Born. I've decided to read the series in chronological order, and I would like to know what those that are familiar with the books think of this approach. Also, are there reprints of the adaptations from the prog?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 27 March, 2012, 12:44:07 PM
I'm close to finishing Jim Dodge's Stone Junction, which I can honestly say is one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read.  The only work of his I've read before was Fup, and I've spent far too long with Stone Junction sitting in my pile of books-to-read-when-I-get-time.  I should have made time available for this sooner.

Might get my nose stuck into another Philip Palmer book after this one (Artemis; thoroughly enjoyed Version43 and Red Claw*)




* despite the teeth-grindingly annoying use of 'genuses' - gah!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 27 March, 2012, 12:45:55 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 27 March, 2012, 12:27:31 AM
I started with A Stainless Steel Rat is Born. I've decided to read the series in chronological order, and I would like to know what those that are familiar with the books think of this approach. Also, are there reprints of the adaptations from the prog?

It's not essential to read them in order but it's not a bad idea to do so. Great books.

Collected 2000AD version here....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Stainless-Steel-Harry-Harrison/dp/1906735514/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332848684&sr=1-3
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 27 March, 2012, 02:00:00 PM
The latest Dark Horse Presents. First time I haven't liked this anthology. Too many simplistic stories where not much happens. Felt like a filler purge.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Monarch on 27 March, 2012, 02:01:56 PM
Nikolai dante....err not that I am doing anything or err...yeah
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 March, 2012, 03:02:06 PM
Funnily enough I just started my re-read of Dante (Too Cool one not Inferno one) last night. Hopefully it'll be staggered enough that by the time I get to the end it will be finished in the Prog!

Also just about to finish 'Adventures of Tom Sawyer' which I've taken an age to get around to after read Huckleberry Finn a few years ago and it becoming one of my all time favourite books. I tell you what, 20 odd part television programmes in the pre-Newsround cartoon slot, when I was a kid, went a long way to making me almost miss these bloody wonderful books, so glad I finally got around to reading them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 March, 2012, 03:17:27 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 27 March, 2012, 03:02:06 PMI tell you what, 20 odd part television programmes in the pre-Newsround cartoon slot, when I was a kid, went a long way to making me almost miss these bloody wonderful books, so glad I finally got around to reading them.

Heh.  I used to have nightmares about the scene in the TV programme where we see the Duke and the Dauphin [spoiler]tarred and feathered[/spoiler].  Put me off reading Huckleberry Finn until we were forced to in school - whereupon I fell in love with it.  Mainly because I didn't have to look at that lanky floppy-haired git in his baggy dungarees when I was reading it, or endure that out-of-tune opening theme.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 27 March, 2012, 03:51:35 PM
In its favour, it wasn't Johnny Briggs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judo on 27 March, 2012, 04:05:57 PM
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p313/Starbug360/Motivational%20Posters/ND.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 27 March, 2012, 04:46:01 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 27 March, 2012, 12:27:31 AM
Because of this thread and the sense of high regard this forum seems to have for the series, I decided to give Harry Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat a try.

I wasn't dissapppointed.

I started with A Stainless Steel Rat is Born. I've decided to read the series in chronological order, and I would like to know what those that are familiar with the books think of this approach. Also, are there reprints of the adaptations from the prog?

Reading them in chronological order is a good way to do it. It's been a while since I read them, but I read them in the order they were published in. Had to since I read them as they were published.

There could be references that might seem out of place by reading them in chronological order, but I doubt it would hinder your enjoyment of an excellent series of books.

JvB
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 March, 2012, 05:15:30 PM
Yeah, what JvB said.  I read them in publication order then re-read them in chronological order.  The only issue might be that if SSR is Born or SSR Gets Drafted mightn't grab you as a start point quite the same way TSSR does, but once you're over that hurdle you should be grand.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 27 March, 2012, 06:37:48 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 27 March, 2012, 05:15:30 PM
Yeah, what JvB said.  I read them in publication order then re-read them in chronological order.  The only issue might be that if SSR is Born or SSR Gets Drafted mightn't grab you as a start point quite the same way TSSR does, but once you're over that hurdle you should be grand.
I'd say you're always better off reading them in publication order. I didn't think ...Born was up to the standard of the earlier books at all and a quick look at the wikipedia entry inidicates that there are now twice as many books as when I first read them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 27 March, 2012, 07:01:20 PM
I picked up a lovely hardback edition of The Stainless Steel Rat Wants You while I was in NYC last month - one I'm sure I've never read (and now in the 'to read soon' pile).

Also picked up a copy of The Forever War at the same time, as I can't remember whether I've read that one or not..  :-[

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 28 March, 2012, 02:51:39 PM
Crossed: Wish You Were Here.

How can you not love a comic that opens with a psychopath having sex with a shark?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 28 March, 2012, 06:50:29 PM
Started Embassytown (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embassytown) by China Mieville, he hasn't let me down yet.

Quote from: GordyM on 28 March, 2012, 02:51:39 PM
Crossed: Wish You Were Here.

How can you not love a comic that opens with a psychopath having sex with a shark?

Its a dolphin, which makes it worse :(

For zombie/shark action see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F3fin4MjVw
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 28 March, 2012, 07:01:10 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 28 March, 2012, 02:51:39 PM
Crossed: Wish You Were Here.

How can you not love a comic that opens with a psychopath having sex with a shark?

Who's writing this one, Gordy? Wasn't overly fond of the second run, after Ennis left...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 28 March, 2012, 07:02:36 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 28 March, 2012, 07:01:10 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 28 March, 2012, 02:51:39 PM
Crossed: Wish You Were Here.

How can you not love a comic that opens with a psychopath having sex with a shark?

Who's writing this one, Gordy? Wasn't overly fond of the second run, after Ennis left...

Here is the thread on it:

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,33168.0.html
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 28 March, 2012, 07:54:26 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 27 March, 2012, 06:37:48 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 27 March, 2012, 05:15:30 PM
Yeah, what JvB said.  I read them in publication order then re-read them in chronological order.  The only issue might be that if SSR is Born or SSR Gets Drafted mightn't grab you as a start point quite the same way TSSR does, but once you're over that hurdle you should be grand.
I'd say you're always better off reading them in publication order. I didn't think ...Born was up to the standard of the earlier books at all and a quick look at the wikipedia entry inidicates that there are now twice as many books as when I first read them.

Well I finished ...gets born and I enjoyed it muchly. If that's not one of the better books in the series it looks like I'm in for a treat.

I've also been reading Pratchett's Tiffany Aching books. Great fun as is usual for Sir Terry. One of things I've enjoyed about Pratchett's latest books is the wee bit at the end where he explains all the wee bits of real folklore he smuggled in. Apparently he's written a book on folklore, which I'm going to add to my 'to read' list.
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 March, 2012, 08:11:38 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 28 March, 2012, 07:54:26 PM
I've also been reading Pratchett's Tiffany Aching books. Great fun as is usual for Sir Terry.

My current favourite Discworld sub-series, a better overview of life-as-she-is-lived I've seldom read in a genre work, and so much the better that it's pitched at kids. A series that handles miscarriage and washing corpses so deftly is a treasure.  I really enjoyed I Shall Wear Midnight, which has some lovely folklorey bits. It also has a worrying, if understandable, air of finality about it.  I'm going to miss Pratchett terribly. 
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 28 March, 2012, 08:39:39 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 March, 2012, 08:11:38 PM
I'm going to miss Pratchett terribly.

Me too. Looking through the list of his books, the only two novels I have yet to read are Snuff and The Thief of Time. I shall have to ration them out
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 29 March, 2012, 12:57:12 PM
I don't even want to think about a time when Pratchett's gone. A new Discworld is a yearly highlight and more importantly than that he's a great person who'll be a true loss to the world.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 29 March, 2012, 12:59:03 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 28 March, 2012, 07:02:36 PM
Quote from: HOO-HAA on 28 March, 2012, 07:01:10 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 28 March, 2012, 02:51:39 PM
Crossed: Wish You Were Here.

How can you not love a comic that opens with a psychopath having sex with a shark?

Who's writing this one, Gordy? Wasn't overly fond of the second run, after Ennis left...

Here is the thread on it:

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,33168.0.html

Yes, Lapham. That was his name. Might give this one a go, then, if they've got a new guy in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 30 March, 2012, 09:22:02 AM
Started reading Haggard's King Solomon's Mines.  Onyl started yesterday but it is pacy and fun so getting through it quickly. One of the main characters from LOEG that I have not read the source story of.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dullnickname on 30 March, 2012, 09:38:20 AM
i'm reading Cages at the mo but i'm not really feeling it. It's a bit mmmmmmmmmm full of its self.
Anyone else felt this. I'm gonna move on to Ronin as that looks very exciting, is it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 30 March, 2012, 12:05:26 PM
Quote from: Davek on 30 March, 2012, 09:22:02 AM
Started reading Haggard's King Solomon's Mines.  Onyl started yesterday but it is pacy and fun so getting through it quickly. One of the main characters from LOEG that I have not read the source story of.

Haggard is great. If you like KSM you should definitely look into She.

JvB
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 30 March, 2012, 02:08:49 PM
Deadpool Max: big, dumb messy fun. Sometimes that's all you need from a comic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 30 March, 2012, 03:23:49 PM
I've started reading Garth Ennis' Punisher stuff. Despite being a huge fan of the character as a kid I've only just got into this but it's very good so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 30 March, 2012, 03:41:10 PM
Quote from: Judge von Boom on 30 March, 2012, 12:05:26 PM
Quote from: Davek on 30 March, 2012, 09:22:02 AM
Started reading Haggard's King Solomon's Mines.  Onyl started yesterday but it is pacy and fun so getting through it quickly. One of the main characters from LOEG that I have not read the source story of.

Haggard is great. If you like KSM you should definitely look into She.

JvB

Cheers, will take a look at that  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 30 March, 2012, 04:48:42 PM
Aldebaran vols 2 and 3 and Betelgeuse vols 1 and 2 by Leo.  Not quite "one of the greatest science fiction series known to man" as is claimed on the back cover, unless they have a very low bar in Leo's native Brazil and Starcrash is some sort of benchmark for the genre, but it's a decent sci-fi drama about two teenagers as they flee their destroyed village on distant Earth colony world Aldebaran and inevitably fall in love as they grow older, and then go to another planet to get away from their messy break-up - as one does.  There's other stuff in there (the sci-fi element) about a giant creature whose actions are capricious and reduce the story to one of characters being entirely reactive, but largely it's a fantastically-illustrated walkabout on strange worlds with the art carrying it for the most part when the terrible dialogue and incredibly punchable characters make your teeth grit.
As desperately in need of a punch as they are, there is actually some great character work in the books, with the dull Mark resisting the need to grow up both emotionally and (thanks to alien sci-fi gubbery) physically, the best he can manage over the five books I've so far read being his evolution from a dullard in Aldebaran into an idiotic fanny-hound in Betelgeuse.  His companion and sometimes-girlfriend Kim is also similarly emotionally stunted, at one point confronted with the death of a team-mate and reduced to screaming at the heavens how terrible this turn-up has been for her.
The art has an impressive clarity and confidence reminding me of the Steve Dillon who used to do backgrounds, and as mentioned, is the main attraction when the books start to let you down on the production front, the translation being of that overly-literal kind where the publishers have given up on making the books accessible to anyone but nerds willing to forgive stiff and unconvincing speech, but there's also censorship at work where nipples are clumsily covered up with magically-appearing underwear but a woman getting snapped between the jaws of a space-crocodile, a man being impaled, or an animal having its head exploded between the jaws of a predator is perfectly acceptable, which is an editorial stance I find deeply troubling.  Add to this the bad glue job on the books themselves and the poorly-measured collections which adds the first part of Betelgeuse to the second half of Aldebaran, meaning "volume 1" of Betelgeuse begins a full fifth of a way into the story, it all makes up a cack-handed reproduction job of what should be an attractive and accessible adventure comic, but is really just another slightly impenetrable foreign work that feels like a bit of a slog to get through.  A shame, really, because I've enjoyed it despite my misgivings so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 02 April, 2012, 05:07:32 AM
Am a quarter of the way into his first novel by that other famous Stevie. Being Mister King's latest offering  11/22/63.

ENOUGH WITH THE RAY BRADBURY REFERENCES!

The whole Jack Finney vibe, on the other hand, is class.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NorthVox on 03 April, 2012, 10:18:41 PM
Just got done reading Batman: Officer Down, gonna get cracking on The Authority: Prime tonight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 03 April, 2012, 10:24:11 PM
Quote from: NorthVox on 03 April, 2012, 10:18:41 PMgonna get cracking on The Authority: Prime tonight.

You have my sympathies.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judo on 04 April, 2012, 12:20:28 AM
I just read Harlan Ellis's Paladin of the Lost Hour. Bit sappy but bloody good 10/10. Harlans a Leg Endx
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 04 April, 2012, 02:11:59 AM
But not quite as big a leg end as Harlan Ellison believes himself to be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 04 April, 2012, 02:20:38 AM
Ellison, didn't he create absolutely everything in modern SF?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 04 April, 2012, 03:10:17 AM
Sure did.

& he flew across state just to punch the blind poet Homer in the back of the head to prove it too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judo on 04 April, 2012, 09:26:24 AM
write EVERYTHING. Win EVERYTHING. Sue EVERYONE. Continue to complain.

There is nothing I have ever heard about harlan that doesn't make me love him more x
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 April, 2012, 11:46:09 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbRJ8bGIUZ0
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judo on 04 April, 2012, 12:43:49 PM
lol love it. Not as good as neil gaiman in a falafel in an episode on Arthur. You can search that shit on youtube cos I cannae link on my phone and its heavies lols x
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 04 April, 2012, 04:17:47 PM
Harlan Ellison wrote me letter when i was fifteen. True fact!

Just finished the xfiles/ thirty days of night crossover from dc/idw, written by steve niles and some metal bloke from some band and drawn by someone i cant remember, but who is very good.

Cant remember a crossover i enjoyed as much as this one- not only does it feel like a proper xf episode, but also like a proper horror story. No mean feat. Bits are genuinely upsetting, and the characters of mulder and scully are very true to their (early) tv selves. There's a lot of story for your fifteen quid, as the book has a deceptively high page count due to slick, thin, paper (which i hated- almost as much as i hated the paper used in the 7 soldiers hardbacks... Is that dc standard? It's just nasty) and as a result takes a while to read. I was never an admirer of 30DoN's painted art, so this more standard illustrated style impressed me more. Well worth picking up if youre a fan of either franchise, or worth a punt if, like me, you just fancy it.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 April, 2012, 01:40:27 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 04 April, 2012, 04:17:47 PM
Harlan Ellison wrote me letter when i was fifteen. True fact!

Was it a 'cease and desist'? (Just playing the odds here)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 05 April, 2012, 05:39:27 AM
American Barbarian - Tom Scioli

I pick up pretty much everything Adhouse puts out. I don't think there's another small comics press in the US that has the love of comics that these guys do, and I've found that I usually learn to love even the books with genres or styles that I didn't think I would like. So it is with Tom Scioli. When you look at his artwork, really only one word comes to mind: Kirby. And while Godland is a tribute to space epic Kirby, American Barbarian is a pastiche of Kamandi-era Kirby: The last hero on earth fights for his future. While I might not have loved it quite as much as I do Godland, any fan of big, goofy 70's era comics should give this a shot.

Murderbook Vol. 3 by Ed Brisson

Ed Brisson is a name you're going to hear a LOT of in the next year, as he's got a bunch of projects coming out from some high profile companies. He's also a friend of mine, which is neither here nor there. He's been doing short crime comics for free on his website for a few years now, and this is the 3rd collection of those that he's put out. He is one of the 3 or 4 very best crime comic writers out there right now, and that's no hyperbole. If you like your crime comics well-plotted, with a side order of nasty, he's the guy for you. Highly recommended. 

Cura Te Ipsum by Neal Bailey and Derek Wee

I've talked about this ambitious webcomic on my blog before, but I was able to pick up the first 2 collections in Seattle at ECCC this past weekend from Bailey himself. I mention it only because I think that any serious fan of science fiction comics would be well served to try this out. A man about to kill himself is stopped...by himself. It turns out that there are thousands of alternate versions of our hero out there, but one of them has gone rogue and wants to kill the rest. Good concept, solid execution. Fantastic art.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: johnjowens on 05 April, 2012, 06:23:01 AM
Just started reading The Bodysnatchers by Jack Finney. Will let you know if I like it

Prior to that, I had finished reading Flesh House by Stuart MacBride. It read like a horror than a detective story. Not as good as his previous ones.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 05 April, 2012, 07:51:52 AM
Quote from: Judo on 04 April, 2012, 09:26:24 AM

There is nothing I have ever heard about harlan that doesn't make me love him more x

If you dig Ellison's prose just wait until you read Norman Spinrad, Thomas Disch, JG Ballard, Roger Zelazny, Samuel Delaney & the late 60's => mid 70s output of Robert Silverberg. Now that's writing.

Quote from: johnjowens on 05 April, 2012, 06:23:01 AM
Just started reading The Bodysnatchers by Jack Finney. Will let you know if I like it

Odds are that you will Johnjowens.

PS It's most definitely [spoiler]not about [/spoiler][spoiler]McCarthyism[/spoiler].
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 05 April, 2012, 10:16:01 AM
Just started reading the walking dead compendium,it's teh first time i've read anything walking dead based it's a good ready so far......i wish i'd read it before seeing it on tv
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 06 April, 2012, 09:26:48 AM
I usually have a few books on the go at once, at the moment I'm reading David Drakes Starliner - not sure if I like his style, though it's entertaining enough -: Acid Temple Ball, a delirious bit of 60's acid-head erotica by Mary Sativa: and James Lovegrove's Age of Zeus.

As you might guess from that list, I'm on a bit of a trash/pulp binge at the moment. . .
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 06 April, 2012, 09:32:23 AM
Quote from: Judge von Boom on 30 March, 2012, 12:05:26 PM
Quote from: Davek on 30 March, 2012, 09:22:02 AM
Started reading Haggard's King Solomon's Mines.  Onyl started yesterday but it is pacy and fun so getting through it quickly. One of the main characters from LOEG that I have not read the source story of.

Haggard is great. If you like KSM you should definitely look into She.

JvB

Haggard is great. I'm slowly working my way through all the Quartermain novels, finished the third one, Allan's Wife, a couple of weeks ago. Not quite as good as the first two, but still quality. And it features a woman raised in the jungle by baboons, which is always a plus.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 06 April, 2012, 12:06:14 PM
One of the most famous books ever written from an animal's point of view has to be Anna Sewell's novel "Black Beauty".  Unlike the Houyhnhms in "Gulliver's Travels" there is not any satire intended in Sewell's depiction of a talking horse. It also raised an awareness of animal welfare to a contemporary society which Swift's portayl of intelligent, feeling animals, did not. The Victorians are well known for their sentimentality, and "Black Beauty" tapped into that feeling, as is evinced by the number of copies sold.

At the same time, Tolstoy also used this technique of horse as narrator in his story "Kholstomer" (Strider); which also shows human beings as being ignorant, brutal and cruel towards animal suffering. Unlike "Black Beauty" Tolstoy's story does not end so happily.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 06 April, 2012, 05:31:50 PM
Axe Cop Volume 3.

It's the gloriously demented story of, well, a cop with an axe who teams up with his best friend Dinosaur Soldier to fight EVERYTHING. Written by a seven-year-old, drawn by his thirty-year-old brother, it's really funny and really daft. Recommended!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 11 April, 2012, 07:56:06 PM
Just finished "Blue Remembered Earth" (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Remembered-Earth-Poseidons-Children/dp/0575088273/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334170300&sr=1-1) by Alastair Reynolds. It's an enjoyable Sci-fi adventure with some interesting takes on the nearish future. Nice to see that Reynolds is really starting to get a handle on writing characters and has lost the sterility of his earlier "vast cosmic disaster" stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 11 April, 2012, 11:45:55 PM
Kerrin, can you recommend one of his 'earlier, more sterile, cosmic destruction' books? I like reynolds off and on, but havent yet read anything to equal 'pushing ice', which i found almost worthy of clarke. I started revelation space, but didnt get on with it.

I, on the other hand, am reading 'last and first men' by olaf stapleton (and not, as i mentioned to the lady in waterstones when looking for it, 'oleg mcnoleg'), which has no characters whatsoever, but is instead a future history of the next 2000,000,000 years of human evolution. Written in 1930, it's very wrong about the remainder of the twentieth century, but as soon as we get past that it becomes an absolutely engrossing read. Old arthur called it 'awe-inspiring' and 'the book that changed my life'. It's certainly the former.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 12 April, 2012, 05:59:14 AM
Just finished reading Orc Stain, book 1. I started reading it about a year ago and, for some reason, put it aside. It really is fantastic. Amazing art, really funny action heavy story. Loved it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 12 April, 2012, 07:28:30 AM
Just finished Bear Grylls autobiography (Mud, Sweat and Tears) which is not half as bad as I thought it would be.  It was a present so seemed rude not to at least give it a go. 

Ive found it rather difficult to find Dune Messiah in my local town (and the neighbouring city).  So Ive started the Devotion of Suspect X by Kelgo Higashino, Im a third of the way through and its more a plodding police procedural than a page turning rip roaring thriller that "He is the Japanese Stig Larrson" suggests.  That might be due to the actual cultural differences more than anything.   

Maybe Im damning it with feint praise.  Ill decide once Im finished. 

(http://www.eurocrime.co.uk/reviews/TDoSXpb.jpg)
 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 12 April, 2012, 09:22:47 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 11 April, 2012, 11:45:55 PM
I, on the other hand, am reading 'last and first men' by olaf stapleton (and not, as i mentioned to the lady in waterstones when looking for it, 'oleg mcnoleg'), which has no characters whatsoever, but is instead a future history of the next 2000,000,000 years of human evolution.

Oddly enough, so am I. I love this sort of thing ('Man After Man', a book of speculative naturalism, is another favourite), and you are indeed right - once it breaks free of the trappings of the retrospectively known and into the wild blue yonder of charting the destiny of the species, it becomes remarkable. Have you read Stapledon's 'Star Maker'? It's similar but on a much grander scale - the history of life in the universe. Trance-inducing stuff (in a good way. Reminds me oddly of the really trippy space-travelling bit in my favourite book, 'The House on the Borderland' by William Hope Hodgson.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 April, 2012, 09:43:50 AM
Star Maker is next on my list, Greg. I would have read it first, as i'd picked it up months ago and fallen in love with the idea based on the back cover blurb, but then i found FaLM and thought id go through them in order. Im just past the martians, and cant put it down.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 12 April, 2012, 09:57:11 AM
Or even LaFM!

Duh...

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 12 April, 2012, 11:01:54 AM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 12 April, 2012, 05:59:14 AM
Just finished reading Orc Stain, book 1. I started reading it about a year ago and, for some reason, put it aside. It really is fantastic. Amazing art, really funny action heavy story. Loved it!

Everyone should read Orc Stain! It's like nothing else on the shelves and the art is stunning.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 13 April, 2012, 01:00:09 AM
Alice in Wonderland. Don't laugh. I got it as a free download for my Kobo ereader. I'm not sure I've ever read the original story all the way through and I was curious. I actually read Peter Pan for the first time in my 30s purely out of curiosity. (I wasn't that impressed mind you, although there was a particular passage that gave me the shivers in a good way, but I'm deviating from the topic of this thread.)

Boy is it an odd story! I'm not sure if I like it or not. I quite like the writing style, but all this business of Alice finding what she needs laying around in the near vicinity I find a bit irritating. And I think they might be overdoing the whole size changing thing. I remember that vaguely from the film or possibly a shorter version of the story, but in the orginal book she seems to change size for each little adventure.

To be fair I'm not really the target audience... but I'm finding it quite readable, even entertaining in places nonetheless.

I also came home to find the last two Marvel Trades in the Marvel Ultimate collection had arrived. A Thor book and a Captain America book. I'm not all that taken with Caps but then again, I haven't read much Captain America stuff. I'm looking forward to giving it a try.  I actually quite enjoyed his treatment in The Ultimates book. I think Thor might be more my cup of tea though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 13 April, 2012, 04:40:53 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 11 April, 2012, 11:45:55 PM

Kerrin, can you recommend one of his 'earlier, more sterile, cosmic destruction' books? I like reynolds off and on, but havent yet read anything to equal 'pushing ice', which i found almost worthy of clarke. I started revelation space, but didnt get on with it.



Chasm City is what  you need to get your chops around SBT. Not merely whole heartedly  deserving of it's 2002 British Science Fiction Association Award it reads like Wagner & Grant drawn by Ezquerra. It takes place in the Revelation Space milieu but can be read independently of the other books.

Which,  contentious as this may be, are on the whole  Reynold's weakest. Revelation Space is very much the promising debut novel – vertiginously high concept, an engaging setting let down by inordinate pages  developing characters who are ultimately not that interesting.  Redemption Ark is a corker which could do with a bit of a trim in places. But Absolution Gap?

Oh dear. ISHO it's a literary trainwreck of Trans-Siberian proportions  that feels as if  Reynolds had written it because Gollancz asked it of him.

The Prefect is a solidly written SF procedural that's reminiscent of Larry Niven's Gil Hamilton stories (there's a lot of Niven in early Reynolds) but Stevie's Pick of Reynolds' Novels are the later stand alones.

Both House of Suns (Edmund Hamilton & Doc EE Smith's rebooted in a 21st  Century Space Opera Year Zero)  & Terminal City   (simultaneously a homage to Clarke's City & the Stars, a critique of steampunk & the history of science fiction as a genre rendered as narrative) are just stunning.

That said, if the Clarkean Blue Remembered Earth is anything to go by this new trilogy will be the business.


Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 11 April, 2012, 11:45:55 PM

I, on the other hand, am reading 'last and first men' by olaf stapleton (and not, as i mentioned to the lady in waterstones when looking for it, 'oleg mcnoleg'), which has no characters whatsoever...



Yet arguably –paradoxically-- it is the greatest science fiction novel ever written...


Quote from: Greg M. on 12 April, 2012, 09:22:47 AM

and you are indeed right - once it breaks free of the trappings of the retrospectively



...& a young Elizabeth II being impaled upon railings is the best bit!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 April, 2012, 09:00:26 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 13 April, 2012, 01:00:09 AM
Alice in Wonderland. Don't laugh. I got it as a free download for my Kobo ereader.

Why would we its a fantastic book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 13 April, 2012, 06:45:08 PM
Anno Dracula by Kim Newman a really refreshing look at vampires with the British Empire now run by Vlad (Dracula) who has enamoured Queen Vic. Meanwhile a killer stalks Whitechapel murdering vampire ladies of the night. Quite alot of characters but it worked out pretty well in the end. Good but grim fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 13 April, 2012, 06:46:30 PM
Reading The Hot Kid by Elmore Leonard. Read about 1/3 of it, sharp concise dialogue-would recommend so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 13 April, 2012, 08:17:11 PM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 13 April, 2012, 04:40:53 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 11 April, 2012, 11:45:55 PM

Kerrin, can you recommend one of his 'earlier, more sterile, cosmic destruction' books? I like reynolds off and on, but havent yet read anything to equal 'pushing ice', which i found almost worthy of clarke. I started revelation space, but didnt get on with it.


Stevie's Pick of Reynolds' Novels are the later stand alones.

Both House of Suns (Edmund Hamilton & Doc EE Smith's rebooted in a 21st  Century Space Opera Year Zero)  & Terminal City   (simultaneously a homage to Clarke's City & the Stars, a critique of steampunk & the history of science fiction as a genre rendered as narrative) are just stunning.

That said, if the Clarkean Blue Remembered Earth is anything to go by this new trilogy will be the business.


Stevie speaks the truth Brother Blue Thing.

Having finished "Blue Remembered Earth" I think I might have a reread of Ken MacLeod"s "Engines of Light" series. Enough time has now passed that I can't remember a damn thing about them.

Giant squids and aliens swim languidly to mind though.





Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 14 April, 2012, 12:31:31 AM
I am only just now reading Lord of The Flies.

Again, for work. And I am really glad. I've wanted to read it for about 25 years but never got round to it. No time, and I found the two film versions so harrowing I didn't feel brave enough for the print version.

But it is a wonderful book, every bit as good as I've ever heard it is, and as an object of study it's an absolute gift. If you've thought about reading it but not taken the plunge, think about the fact that it's not much more than 200 pages long and mostly speech. It's a quick read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 14 April, 2012, 01:19:27 AM
I wouldn't laugh at anyone reading Alice In Wonderland either, unless they were wearing something very funny at the same time. 

I've started reading 'A Princess of Mars' which is fun in a very old fashioned way.  The writing is good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 April, 2012, 03:04:29 AM
Reading Thor: Reborn at the moment.

Not bad. It strikes me as a slightly odd book to introduce the character to a new audience though. The 'story so far' at the start serves it pretty well but there's still that sense of jumping on quite a way into a journey. As an introduction to the character from a personality perspective rather than  his story, I guess it works very well though.

Anyway, I'm undecided at present how much I like it. The ideas are certainly very interesting. The plot feels a little disjointed. I'll see how it fares at the end. The art is smashing. Even if I end up disliking the story I think I'll still find it very readable, although would I come back to it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 14 April, 2012, 07:09:53 PM
reading plays is difficult as they are supposed to be watched. In "The Taming of the Shrew" the character Petruchio role is to domesticate his newly aquired bride Katherina. According to the play Petruchio manages this by cruelly inverting the situation between him and his wife by escalating and redoubling her so called bad behaviour by "acting" more angrier, tempermental, perverse and noisier than Katherina. In this way Petruchio moulds his wife into a norm of female good behaviour that is recognised, sanctioned by the institutions of the State and the Church.

As the play progresses the moral judgements that constitute the differences between good and bad behaviour become less and less distinct as each character is revealed as just that : an actor playing a role.

Then, God be blessed, it is the blessed sun.
But sun it is not, when you say it is not,
And the moon changes even as your mind.


On the stage created by Shakespeare's play, there is not any fixed identity, it is mask upon mask.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: markgr on 14 April, 2012, 10:42:19 PM
Just finished The Ganymede Takeover by Ray Nelson/Phil K Dick-I enjoyed it better than his collaboration with Roger Zelazny.

And just finished the GN, To the ends of nu earth (Rogue Trooper)-Haven't read it in years, but still classic and enjoyable stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 15 April, 2012, 11:18:52 AM
Quote from: fonky on 14 April, 2012, 07:09:53 PM
reading plays is difficult as they are supposed to be watched. In "The Taming of the Shrew" the character Petruchio role is to domesticate his newly aquired bride Katherina. According to the play Petruchio manages this by cruelly inverting the situation between him and his wife by escalating and redoubling her so called bad behaviour by "acting" more angrier, tempermental, perverse and noisier than Katherina. In this way Petruchio moulds his wife into a norm of female good behaviour that is recognised, sanctioned by the institutions of the State and the Church.

As the play progresses the moral judgements that constitute the differences between good and bad behaviour become less and less distinct as each character is revealed as just that : an actor playing a role.

Then, God be blessed, it is the blessed sun.
But sun it is not, when you say it is not,
And the moon changes even as your mind.


On the stage created by Shakespeare's play, there is not any fixed identity, it is mask upon mask.


Discuss with close reference to the extract. [20 marks]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 15 April, 2012, 12:51:05 PM
Quote from: fonky on 14 April, 2012, 07:09:53 PM
reading plays is difficult as they are supposed to be watched.

I like reading plays.  In particular, George Bernard Shaw's plays are fun to read, because they're so interesting.  Shakespeare's plays are good to read for the convoluted interesting language. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 15 April, 2012, 02:48:38 PM
Quote from: fonky on 14 April, 2012, 07:09:53 PM
reading plays is difficult as they are supposed to be watched.

Agreed: it really helps a lot if you can visualize what is going on. The graphic novel adaptations by Classical Comics are a great aid to understanding for GCSE students in particular. Not only do they come in original and translated editions (including a simplified 'quick text'), but the characters move around and do things naturalistically while they are speaking, which makes it livelier and more dynamic than reading the text alone.

I like reading plays too. I've found George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Joe Orton, Harold Pinter, Samuel Beckett and Shakespeare pleasant enough to read. I found An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley a bit of a chore at first but it gets easier every time you read it. I hated Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde, but loved The Importance of Being Earnest. I liked The Crucible by Arthur Miller but struggled with Death of A Salesman over and over again because I found it such a bore.

Blood Brothers by Willy Russell is a perennial favourite with GCSE exam boards but it doesn't make great reading - far better off being performed, and sung, on stage.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 15 April, 2012, 06:11:27 PM
Wilde's Salome is an interesting one. You can justifiably say that one is quite a misogynistic drama; this accusation has been leveled unfairly at "The Taming of the Shrew" by critics who just do not get what the play is about.

A really good one to read is Sophocles' Oedipus plays; generally these plays are more reliant on narrative than action because all the major events happen off the stage and are only related to the audience through the dialogue between characters. The events of the tragedy are told, not acted out; the audience does not even get to see Oedipus' act of self mutilation.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 17 April, 2012, 12:23:21 PM
                            WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
           
                     Not if men's tongues and angels' all in one
                       Spake, might the word be said that might speak
                            Thee.
                       Streams, winds, woods, flowers, fields, mountains,
                             yea, the sea,
                      What power is in them all to praise the sun?
                       His praise is this,-he can be praised of none.
                         Man, woman, child, praise God for him ; but he
                         Exults not to be worshipped, but to be.
                       He is ; and, being, beholds his work well done.
                       All joy, all glory, all sorrow, all strength, all mirth,
                       Are his : without him, day were night on earth.
                          Time knows not his from time's own period.
                       All lutes, all harps, all viols, all flutes, all lyres,
                       Fall dumb before him ere one string suspires.
                       All stars are angels ; but the sun is God.

by A. C. Swinburne


This Victorian poet regarded Shakespeare works as outliving all other creative works because it contained the whole of nature and experience, it was complete in every sense of the word. Swinburne places Shakespeare words higher than the ones found in Genesis. For this poet, Shakespeare transcends all time and history, and this is what makes his works monumental for Swinburne. Shakespeare is still monumentally important in our own era, whilst Swinburne's fame is a lesser known one.   

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 17 April, 2012, 03:32:44 PM
The End Specialist - Drew Magary

A very interesting look at what would possibly happen if scientists developed a way of stopping our bodies from ageing and basically make anyone who takes the cure immortal. It's taken from the POV of an average guy who gets the cure, keeping it nicely grounded and showing us how society would change from the bottom up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 18 April, 2012, 03:17:02 AM
I'm reading 'A Princess of Mars' by ER Burroughs.  It's pulpy fun, with some nice long-winded writing.  There's a very Ayn Randisih bit about how the Martians have everything in common and this has lead to them having a crummy barbarous society, and a rather greeny bit about the oxygen plants and the need for everyone to work together to keep them going.  Oh and the Princess is nude ('destitute of clothing'), apart from jewellery, so John Carter is learning Barsoomian extra-fast, the better to get into her non-existent pants
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 18 April, 2012, 10:57:16 AM

RUSSELL EDSON

                                         The Toy-Maker

         A toy-maker made a toy wife and a toy child. He made a toy house
     and some toy years.

         He made a getting-old toy, and he made a dying toy.

         The toy-maker made a toy heaven and a toy god.

         But, best of all, he liked making toy shit.

                                                                                                1976 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 18 April, 2012, 11:35:46 AM
Game of Thrones...  about 50 pages or so in and its OK but not much is happening except a lot of character introductions and there seems to be a lot of them.  Im a Joe Abercrombie fan and a friend said they were similar in a brutal low fantasy type way.   So I decided to see what the fuss was about. 

The Devotion of Suspect X, I mentioned it previously on this thread, turned into a little gem.  More a police procedural than a gripping thriller, as we knew exactly who the killer was at the start.  The genius of the book lay in its ability to pull the carpet out from under the feet of the reader with twists and turns, especially towards the end.  Well worth the read and it is pretty short.  Is all Japanese fiction like this?         
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 18 April, 2012, 01:57:51 PM
The Boxcar Children, a depression-era GN which I bought blind from Amazon because it was quite cheap, about some kids who run away from care and live in an abandoned train car they find in the woods.  My first instinct was to assume it would end in much the same way that Seita and Setsuko's story does, but despite some ominous portents here and there it's presented as a peril-free adventure that ends happily for all concerned.  Needless to say, this is actually a tale for younger readers and teenagers and upwards more used to reading Spider-Man would balk at the lack of murder, cannibalism and incestuous rape, and while I thought the art and dialogue was too basic for me to really get into it (that and the short length of the story), I found it more accessible than manga or eurocomics and wished someone would do a decent all-ages version with the mystery elements that were present in the original novel.

Glister and the Family Tree - a whimsical tale of a young girl who lives in a house that has a mind of its own, who decides to grow her own extended family by putting her baby teeth into the bark of a huge and barren tree.  Smarter than you might think it is, the real charm is in the telling rather than the tale itself, the art especially is fantastically clear and expressive and reminiscent of the best of UK kids' comics.  Surprisingly enjoyable for a kiddie book.

The Complete Stainless Steel Rat.  Somehow I have never read these stories before, though I think I read one of Harrison's Bill novels and they're reminiscent of what I remember of that: episodic, light-hearted, and very dated.  They're still good fun even if a little unbalanced and lacking in any real sense of danger to the protagonists, but it's always a laugh seeing earlier versions of big dumb sci-fi ideas like the orbital drop sequence that would later become a setpiece in the Star Trek reboot, yet here is but one of a myriad of ideas burnt through in the space of a couple of panels while the characters are on their way to bigger problems and more outrageous solutions.  If this kind of story appeared in the progs today I would find the smarmy main character deeply irritating very quickly, but as a relic of the early days of 2000ad this is a minor gem.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 18 April, 2012, 02:47:58 PM
I recently finished Alice in Wonderland. I know it's a classic but it wasn't really my cup of tea. An interesting enough read though.

Reading Varney the Vampire now. I read an excerpt a while back (I'm not sure if it was part of the novel or a sequel as these books were published in instalments, a common occurrence in the Victorian days. Much of Dickens's works were published that way.)  but never read the story from the start. I saw it on the Kobo site going free, and figured, why not?

A review I read stated that it was pretty bad, but as a pre-Dracula novel, I'm curious. Too early to judge yet. So far there's been a massive storm with a hurricane and hail and the main antagonist has just done that archetypal thing of letting himself in the window of a young lovely and helped herself to her neck. That obviously seems quite a cliché now, but bearing in mind the time period in which it was written, it was probably new then.

I've noticed the whole 'they can't come in unless you invite them' rule doesn't seem to apply to Varney like it does Dracula. He just breaks the window and undoes the latch like a regular human would.*

Oh, and he does that same thing with his long nails that Max Shreck does in Shadow of he Vampire. Hee, hee.

I quite like the writing style so far.


*Mind you I think Stoker might have broken his own established rules within his own novel, as I don't remember it being established that Lucy invited him in when she was finished off. She was pretty much in his thrall then, so she probably did.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 18 April, 2012, 03:42:56 PM
I've had Varney sitting on my shelf for a while, but much as I love the unashamedly purple prose of penny dreadful fiction I can't quite bring myself to start such a MA-HOO-SIVE book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 18 April, 2012, 05:00:02 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 18 April, 2012, 03:42:56 PM
I've had Varney sitting on my shelf for a while, but much as I love the unashamedly purple prose of penny dreadful fiction I can't quite bring myself to start such a MA-HOO-SIVE book.

That big eh? There's a note at the start of my edition stating:
"This edition does not include the entire 109 episodes, which were published in three volumes."

Maybe yours has the full amount. It's not made clear as to the page count (Kobo books pages reset at 1 each chapter) but it seems I've got 96 chapters worth.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 18 April, 2012, 05:08:38 PM
Perhaps yours is abridged, then - mine's certainly the full thing! 220 chapters, 1166 pages, rough average 600 words to a page for an equally rough wordcount of 700,000 - it's the book that 'doorstop' was invented to describe. And yet only £2.50 on Amazon. Bargain!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Noisybast on 18 April, 2012, 06:31:36 PM
Not prog 1779!  :(

Obviously, we know what happens by now, but I'm trying to avoid specifics of exactly how. Not easy when details keep popping up all over the place! I rushed to my local progsmith after work today, but they were closed by the time I got there.  Bum...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Evil Pants on 19 April, 2012, 07:17:05 AM
Posted these over in the new comics thread...but thought they might make sense here too. This week's comic haul.

3 Story: Secret Files Of The Giant Man by Matt Kindt (Dark Horse)

3 Story was a graphic novel by Matt Kindt from a few years ago that I really liked. It didn't have the plotting complexities that some of his other work like Super Spy or Revolver had, but in terms of emotional resonance it had plenty. Secret Files is a collection of random apocryphal shorts that fit in nicely with the 3 Story mythos, without distracting from the main story. They were originally part of Dark Horse's Myspace project. Not sure this will mean much to those who haven't read the original, but for those of who have it provides a nice epilogue.

The best part however, is that there's a free preview that comes with this issue promoting Kindt's new series: Mind MGMT. Kindt gives us far more with a 5 page preview than most creators give us with 3 issues, and as such we feel as if we really get a sense of the new series is all about: 2 years ago a flight is forced to emergency land when every single passenger and crew member on board loses their memory. This was a great preview. Good character building, but also sets up the premise well. Looking forward to this.


Manhattan Projects #2 by Jonathan Hickman and Nick Pitarra (Image)

How do you follow up an amazing first issue? Do an amazing second issue. And that's what Hickman has done here. He took the "HOLY CRAP HOW ARE THEY GOING TO FOLLOW THAT UP" that he left with us on the last page MP #1, and....well, he followed it up.  And well, I might add. This is the story of an alternate past that isn't so alternate if you're a conspiracy theorist. To those folks, the inmates have been running the asylum for a long time now, and that's what Projects is about. Evil people, having way too much power over evil things. If you believe that science is an enemy to be feared...you definitely don't want to read this. 

Resident Alien #0 by Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse (Dark Horse)

This collects the first 3 Resident Alien stories originally published in DHP, and gives us a great framework to the upcoming ongoing. Our hero here is an alien who has been trapped on our planet for decades. He just wants to go home, but somehow gets roped into becoming a family doctor in a small American town, solving a small town murder ysteries. The premise is sound, and the execution strong. It's not going to blow anyone away, but I really enjoyed how character focused this was. 

Ragemoore #2 - by Jan Strnad and Richard Corben (Dark Horse)

Second issue of a new horror epic by the Lee/Kirby of horror comics. The gothic sensibilites that oozed through issue #1 are on full display here, with us learning a bit more about the worst haunted house in the world. I didn't find issue two to be quite as compelling as issue one, as the whole thing just felt like a bit of a Edgar Allen Poe rip-off. Still, Richard Corben is a frickin' genius with shadow.

Prophet #25 by Brandon Graham & Farel Dalrymple (Image)

2012 is turning out to be an awesome year for creator owned and independent comics, but it's also turning out to be a great year for science fiction comics. Between Saga, Manhattan Projects, Casanova, and of course Prophet, there's a dearth of smart sci-fi out there. Prophet is as much of a quest/adventure book as it is a pure sci-fi comic, but it defintely wouldn't be out of place in Heavy Metal or 2000AD. The plan on this book is to constantly be changing artists, with each artist doing 1-3 issues each. Our star here is Farel Dalrymple, one of my favourite indie cartoonists. The style here is very different than the last few issues, but still working well from a tonal perspective with what we've seen before.

Secret History Of DB Cooper #2 by Brian Churilla (Oni Press)

What's the premise you ask? D.B. Cooper is a psychic assassin working for the CIA. He enters something called "The Glut"...kind of information superhighway for psychics. It allows him to go from one mind to another, killing whomever needs killing. If that's not a winner of a premise, I don't know what is. Plus, Brian Churilla is in Powell/Mignola/Davis/Corben territory when it comes to drawing monsters.

Issue one of this just blew me away. One of my favourite reads of the year thus far, as it combined so much of what I love about comics. Issue 2? Well....I didn't love issue two quite so much. Churilla is obviously an artist first, writer second. And it's because he's such an amazing artist that he can afford to be just an ok writer. But there's a clumsiness in his dialogue here that I found distracting, though not enough to stop me from enjoying the whole book.

Reset #1 by Peter Bagge (Dark Horse)

I've been reading quite a bit of Bagge's work lately, and thought I'd try his newest mini right at the beginning. He's got a 60's counterculture cartoony style that won't be for everyone, but it's an interesting backdrop for the sci-fi story he's telling. Reset is the story of Guy Krause, a has-been actor who gets drafted for an experimental mental procedure that allows one to "redo" painful moments of your life. Although Krause is hardly likable (although positively warm and cuddly compared to most Bagge lead characters), he's still sympathetic. That, combined with the solid premise, was enough to make sure I'll check out issue 2.

Rachel Rising #7 by Terry Moore (Abstract)

I've been losing confidence in this horror book, but issue 7 got me back. Rachel Rising is the story of a woman who was brutally murdered, but has come back to life. Her search for her killers, and for the reason why she's still alive, is what the book is about. Fantastic emotional storytelling by Terry Moore, who draws some of the most beautiful women in comics. I found it interesting to see a guy buy this today along with issues of Transformers and Walking Dead. I told him how good it was, and he said that he didn't care, he was buying it because there was a preview in the Walking Dead and so he expected it to go up in value. Oh, and he had 10 copies of the latest WD issue. Sigh....

The Sixth Gun #21 - by Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt

Holy crap was that a lot of comic. No words, no dialogue, just 30 pages of pure adventure and action. Wow. Anyone that''s looking to learn how to frame action sequences for comics needs to study this issue religiously.

Dark Horse Presents #11

A slightly more mixed bag as usual. Some highlights included Francesco Francavilla's Black Beetle, the Evan Dorkin Milk & Cheese explosion in the middle of the book, and John Arcudi's The Creep. The Creep in particular really grabbed me. Arcudi is probably the best writer in comics that no one seems to know about. Great noir story. I enjoyed the Black Beetle as well, though I'm not sure why we needed it when we have MIke Mignola's Lobster Johnson.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gonk on 19 April, 2012, 12:03:22 PM


Today I'm mainly reading frank zappa by Barry Miles. Is there any famous celebrity Miles hasn't known personally? This biography makes for some amazing reading for a Frank Zappa fan such as myself. I never knew Zappa appeared in an episode of "The Monkeys", and had a walk on part in their only film.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 19 April, 2012, 12:39:42 PM
Batman #8 was a lot better than I was expecting (couldn't help feeling bringing back the Court of Owls so soon was maybe a mistake). Actually excited about how this mini-cross over will develop.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 19 April, 2012, 12:50:24 PM
Quote from: klute on 05 April, 2012, 10:16:01 AM
Just started reading the walking dead compendium,it's the first time i've read anything walking dead based it's a good ready so far......i wish i'd read it before seeing it on tv

Well i finished the compendium fuck me!!!! [spoiler]how the hell are they going to film anything relating to the governor what a sick twisted piece of shit he was.
I can't wait to see who they kill off (if any different to the book)[/spoiler]

Question???? [spoiler]in the book Lori is shot assumed dead from said shot and yes whilst it look's like she's landed ontop of baby Judy it isn't clear if the baby was hit with the same shot as Lori???[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 April, 2012, 01:07:10 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 19 April, 2012, 12:39:42 PM
Batman #8 was a lot better than I was expecting (couldn't help feeling bringing back the Court of Owls so soon was maybe a mistake). Actually excited about how this mini-cross over will develop.

Can I ask does it seem like the individual comics storylines in 'Night of the Owls' will be independent of each other, or at least read as such. At the end of Batman 8 will the story carry on in Batman 9 or are you directed to go pick up anything else first?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 19 April, 2012, 01:26:30 PM
Quote from: fonky on 19 April, 2012, 12:03:22 PM
I never knew Zappa appeared in an episode of "The Monkeys", and had a walk on part in their only film.

Here he is in The Monkees movie, Head.

http://youtu.be/JOI-SDYGviM
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 April, 2012, 03:19:53 PM
Quote from: klute on 19 April, 2012, 12:50:24 PM
Quote from: klute on 05 April, 2012, 10:16:01 AM
Just started reading the walking dead compendium,it's the first time i've read anything walking dead based it's a good ready so far......i wish i'd read it before seeing it on tv

Well i finished the compendium fuck me!!!! [spoiler]how the hell are they going to film anything relating to the governor what a sick twisted piece of shit he was.
I can't wait to see who they kill off (if any different to the book)[/spoiler]

Question???? [spoiler]in the book Lori is shot assumed dead from said shot and yes whilst it look's like she's landed ontop of baby Judy it isn't clear if the baby was hit with the same shot as Lori???[/spoiler]

Kirkman [spoiler]addresses this in the letters page of the latest Walking Dead (#95). Asked why Rick didn't go back to finish off the zombies of Lori and (potentially) baby Judy after the devastating attack on the prison, as he had done for the wandering corpse of Shane, Kirkman replied:[/spoiler]

"I would take [spoiler]Rick's moving onward as a sign of how far he's come since he dug up Shane and killed him. Rick's values have definitely changed, and I would say that the events leading up to and including the raid on the prison basically gave us the Rick we have now. While I'd like to flirt and say there's a chance of revisiting the barren prison, there's a lot going on in this Larger World...[/spoiler]

That, and [spoiler]Rick's smart enough to know that with that many zombies around-- what's left of Lori and Judy (which isn't much) is going to get eaten to the point that it WON'T come back as a zombie. Those two people got devoured, I'm afraid."[/spoiler]

So there, you are- [spoiler]dead deady dead. [/spoiler]

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 19 April, 2012, 04:22:39 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 19 April, 2012, 03:19:53 PM
Quote from: klute on 19 April, 2012, 12:50:24 PM
Quote from: klute on 05 April, 2012, 10:16:01 AM
Just started reading the walking dead compendium,it's the first time i've read anything walking dead based it's a good ready so far......i wish i'd read it before seeing it on tv

Well i finished the compendium fuck me!!!! [spoiler]how the hell are they going to film anything relating to the governor what a sick twisted piece of shit he was.
I can't wait to see who they kill off (if any different to the book)[/spoiler]

Question???? [spoiler]in the book Lori is shot assumed dead from said shot and yes whilst it look's like she's landed ontop of baby Judy it isn't clear if the baby was hit with the same shot as Lori???[/spoiler]

Kirkman [spoiler]addresses this in the letters page of the latest Walking Dead (#95). Asked why Rick didn't go back to finish off the zombies of Lori and (potentially) baby Judy after the devastating attack on the prison, as he had done for the wandering corpse of Shane, Kirkman replied:[/spoiler]

"I would take [spoiler]Rick's moving onward as a sign of how far he's come since he dug up Shane and killed him. Rick's values have definitely changed, and I would say that the events leading up to and including the raid on the prison basically gave us the Rick we have now. While I'd like to flirt and say there's a chance of revisiting the barren prison, there's a lot going on in this Larger World...[/spoiler]

That, and [spoiler]Rick's smart enough to know that with that many zombies around-- what's left of Lori and Judy (which isn't much) is going to get eaten to the point that it WON'T come back as a zombie. Those two people got devoured, I'm afraid."[/spoiler]

So there, you are- [spoiler]dead deady dead. [/spoiler]

SBT

Cheer's SBT The walking dead is very new to me i started watching exactly at the last episode of season 1 from there i was hooked,the book's i knew little or nothing about.
The Book about due to s friends recommendation but rather than go down the issue route i've bought the compendium which mean's i'm now ahead of event in season 2 BUT behind in the comic side of thing's  i'm hoping the 2nd compendium will sort that out...i suspect that waiting (if one happen's) for a 3rd compendium will be a longggggggggg wait :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 19 April, 2012, 05:18:40 PM
The second compendium, collecting #49 to #96, is out 'this fall', according- again- to kirkman in the #95 letters page. So probably october.

Glad you're enjoying- i used to trade-wait walking dead, but couldn't stand the gap between volumes so now buy the (now three-weekly) comics. Id strongly advise against waiting for compendium 3- which will take us up to #144!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 April, 2012, 09:55:14 AM
The original fourteen issue run (plus preview freebie) of marv wolfman and gene colan's 'the night force'.

Yes, volume one- despite what the indicia confusingly says.

Ive always been fond of marvel's 'tomb of dracula', having read the weekly uk reprints back in the day and liked the cartoon movie at the time- and i remember the young me very much enjoying their next gothic go (this time for dc) when it came out. A reread reveals it's mostly still rather splendid, although the first seven and a half issue storyline does drag in places and relies a little too much on science fiction elements that colan has trouble with. His siberian research facility and turbo escape capsule end up looking like the daleks' city on skaro circa 1963 and a flash gordon spaceship respectively. There's also too much reliance on what i think may have been a new printing process in 1982- where some of the art is printed in one colour, without black lines, to enhance its 'ethereal' nature. Here we have pages and pages of fully (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 April, 2012, 10:00:27 AM
(cont) inked people cowering from orangey demons that, to my eyes anyway, make the pages lack that usual colan beauty. And my grud, when he's on a roll he's good.

The second story- #8-10 is better, and is in fact genuinely quite eerie. It's the one with the sealed tenement possessed by the alien octopus thing that eats the bodies of the dead, with all the suicide and threatened rape you'd not expect in a pre-vertigo dc newsstand comic.

Everything about 'night force' is pure pulp- from the dialogue to the situations. It' a bit purple, like much of wolfman's work, but im loving it so far.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 20 April, 2012, 10:17:27 AM
Quote from: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 18 April, 2012, 11:35:46 AM
The Devotion of Suspect X, I mentioned it previously on this thread, turned into a little gem.  More a police procedural than a gripping thriller, as we knew exactly who the killer was at the start.  The genius of the book lay in its ability to pull the carpet out from under the feet of the reader with twists and turns, especially towards the end.  Well worth the read and it is pretty short.  Is all Japanese fiction like this?       

I just started this the other day. I'm not sure if it's my sort of thing, but I'll stick with it. Thanks for mentioning it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 20 April, 2012, 10:50:21 AM
Quote from: Trout on 20 April, 2012, 10:17:27 AM
Quote from: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 18 April, 2012, 11:35:46 AM
The Devotion of Suspect X, I mentioned it previously on this thread, turned into a little gem.  More a police procedural than a gripping thriller, as we knew exactly who the killer was at the start.  The genius of the book lay in its ability to pull the carpet out from under the feet of the reader with twists and turns, especially towards the end.  Well worth the read and it is pretty short.  Is all Japanese fiction like this?       

I just started this the other day. I'm not sure if it's my sort of thing, but I'll stick with it. Thanks for mentioning it!

Its exceptionally slow at the start and Im not sure if the author does characters as such.  Compared with the tome like Game of Thrones where characters get a real chance to breath and grow, this is a claustrophobic tightly plotted book, but its really worth sticking with to the end.  The last couple of paragraphs are very clever and rather suprising.   

In retrospect it might actually be better as a film or TV show.  With Characters more recognisable and stand out...
(I think there is a film)   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 20 April, 2012, 05:01:37 PM
I must be going for a bit of a phase at the moment because I'm hitting U.S comics with a vengeance!

Any road up, here goes:

Bulletproof Coffin- Shakey Kane pulp insanity and gloriously addictive.

Fatale- more pulpy goodness with a noir/Lovecraft twist.

Saga-compeling space opera and universe builder, a bit like babylon 5 with more bonking.

Saucer Country-great alien abduction/UFO conspiracy tale.

The Boys-still enjoying Ennis subversion of the genre, not many more issues to go!

Jennifer Blood-Al Ewing's deliciously bonkers gore fest, equal parts funny and blood drenched-The Punisher in a G-String.

The Ninjettes-more Ewing mayhem. More gouged eyeballs and decapitations than you can throw a soggy stump at.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 20 April, 2012, 07:22:37 PM
The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks. These are the only books one of the guys at my work has ever read and he's desperate to talk about them with someone else. They contain every fantasy cliché I can think of and the prose is full-on Jeffrey Archer-he wiped his nose with all the assurance of a man who'd fought his way up from the wrong side of the tracks and adjusted his hat as if to say "yes, I was educated at Oxford, gaining a double first"- awful.

650 pages of that shite in the first book alone, but I don't want to dampen my neeghbur's enthusiasm for reading by telling him the whole truth. So far in our discussions, I've managed to stick to ambiguous banalities like he keeps things moving along, doesn't he and I can't believe they killed him!, but I don't know if that'll suffice for another two or three thousand pages.

Some of you are critics of one kind or another; how do I talk about this pile of wank without hurting his feelings? And how do I discourage him from taking up any more of my reading time with his next discovery? I'd thought about giving him some Umberto Eco or James Joyce to plough through ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 20 April, 2012, 07:57:16 PM
Give him something good that he'll enjoy - "If you thought that was good, wait until you read..."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 20 April, 2012, 08:06:38 PM
Quote from: dweezil2 on 20 April, 2012, 05:01:37 PMSaga-compeling space opera and universe builder, a bit like babylon 5 with more bonking.

The "space opera" tag, I suspect, will sink this for a lot of people, as it's less Star Trek and more Final Fantasy (it even has FFXIII's Long Gui in one splash sequence).  It also answers the long-asked question "what does a Telebug's cock look like?"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 20 April, 2012, 09:12:26 PM
I seem to be reading just comics at the moment and recently it's been the books I got from the Cinebooks table at Hi- Ex. My first from them and very good they are too.

I got.....

Crusade - Book 1
I'll start with the worst of the bunch. It wasn't bad but the story just didn't grab me as much as I had hoped it would. Nice art but I don't think I'll get any others of this series.

The Chimpanzee Complex - Book 1

Absolutely loved this and I will be getting the other two books soon. Fantastic sci-fi story, well told. The artwork is great but somehow not quite to my tastes. A little too realistic if you know what I mean.

Long John Silver - Books 1- 3

Loved these too. Great storytelling, excellent characters, stunning artwork and I really can't wait for book four to come out. I got all three as I had heard these were great and I wasn't disappointed.

Western

A one off story set in, you guessed it, the wild west. Lovely art again with some very nice double page paintings inbetween the story. Really enjoyed this.

Aldebaran - Book 1

More sci-fi. Another great tale with some very nice artwork again. The dialogue didn't feel quite right at times but that may be a translation thing. I enjoyed this and it makes me want to get more to see what happens next.

This was the book that fell apart as soon as I read it. I emailed Cinebooks about it and got a very quick reply and a replacement was sent to me very quickly. Well done Cinebooks.
Apparently the wrong adhesive was used on these so be aware of this if you think of buying it as you may have the same problem. A new batch is being delivered in May that should be OK.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 22 April, 2012, 04:58:19 AM
Princess of Mars has an Ayn Randish bit about how having things in common leads to moral decay, so don't do it. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 22 April, 2012, 10:59:00 AM
Just read the Rebellion trades for Judge Dredd Origins and the Chief Judge's Man. I'd really been looking forward to Origins to find out how it all started but I was left a little disappointed by it. That's not to say I didn't enjoy reading it, but I felt the tone of the Cursed Earth sections jarred against the retellings and so the pace was a bit inconsistent. I suppose long-term readers don't need to be explained certain things again, so a certain amount is assumed known and not dwelt on. I don't know, I just felt unmoved by it.

At the same time, I love Kev Walker's noirish artwork in this and Mandroid (which I read at Christmas). I can't believe it's the same artist who painted ABC Warriors back when I read the prog. Why the dramatic style change?

I really enjoyed the Chief Judge's Man. Maybe because in contrast to Origins the story unfolded as I read but especially I loved the varied, quality artwork throughout. Colin MacNeil's brightly coloured MC1 will always be my favourite, giving to me the right sense of a vast, future urban space but with dark, hidden corners. You could say Origins is a more original (no pun) story than Dredd pursues and confronts an almost unbeatable enemy, but the visual atmosphere of MC1 won it for me.

Next read: the Final Solution.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 22 April, 2012, 12:00:10 PM
I believe Kev Walker changed his style to speed up his working, though he has said that the deceptively simple linework  can take almost as long as his superdetailed old stuff, as its quite a demanding style to draw in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 22 April, 2012, 02:44:50 PM
Well done for reaching inside my head and expressing some of my thoughts as if they were your own, Third Estate Ned (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXWEM4gZhg4). Origins is great fun to read, but- as noted elsewhere (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,29908.0.html)- it was very much establishing the necessary conditions for the last five years of unparalleled excellence from Wagner. I was never entirely convinced that Fargo had to undergo the pre-and-post-mortem indignities heaped upon him just to facilitate that brilliant final exchange (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cmoMeISWzmE/TEOUiPtQmUI/AAAAAAAABdo/T0OhawIRRIg/s1600/Fargo+Old.jpg) with Dredd.

Dredd taking a mixed lot of young judges into the Cursed Earth is a reliable shortcut to storytelling gold, but the real thrill of that story was in seeing Dredd and Rico working the streets together; and Tour of Duty called back to that, with the twist of pairing Dredd with a younger version of Rico/himself. I wouldn't complain if we're treated to more stories showing the two Dredds' early days in the Academy or patroling the slab.

I'm can't remember Kev Walker talking about the change in his approach (I'd be grateful if anyone can provide a link), but in David Bishop's useful Thrillpower Overload (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/1905437951/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new) he talks about the experience of producing countless painted art pieces for the 1995 Judge Dredd film as an exhausting and traumatic one.

It's possible Walker felt he'd taken his painted style as far as he wanted; and, from an economic perspective (even taking Radiator's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qrl3n2ZtK2E) point into account), the advent of computer colouring means it's more cost-effective to produce coloured line art than spend hours fiddling with an air compressor and masking film. It's pure speculation on my part to suggest that the sight of US artists like JH Williams III (http://cdn.comicartfans.com/Images/Category_19908/subcat_35816/jh1web.jpg) and Mike Mignola (http://www.2000ad.org/covers/specials/hires/batman2.jpg) bringing their high-contrast, heavyily inked styles to Dredd- and making much of the painted art (http://images.wikia.com/marvel_dc/images/5/58/Batman_Judge_Dredd_The_Ultimate_Riddle_Vol_1_1.jpg) then-dominant in 2000ad look awfully mediocre- could have played a part too.

MacNeil's early take on the city is always going to rank right up there with McMahon for me, but new(er) guns like Bagwell (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YVkIXwI6gRw/T5KZCVa1kHI/AAAAAAAAEIQ/xgBPXjEPiIc/s1600/Cadet+Anderson+Bagwell+colour.jpg) do equally impressive (if less colourful) work too. You do know The Final Solution doesn't end .. well, don't you?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 22 April, 2012, 03:06:23 PM
The build up to the notorious ending is the main reason for getting my hands on it. I only ever read bits of it at the time because I bought the prog sporadically then. Simon Harrison's sometimes derided artwork was actually one of my first points of access into 2000ad. I saw the Prog 620 Revere cover in a comic shop (Nu Earth in York) and it made me pick it up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 22 April, 2012, 09:42:58 PM
I loved Simon Harrison's art too, Third Estate Ned (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xan2xU-ZFic). Everyone read The Final Solution sporadically; for various reasons- not least the change in artists and the move to full colour- it took Alan Grant two long years to finish poor Johnny Alpha off. Once it was clear where the story was headed, it just felt plain sadistic.

The Final Solution is one of the few comics I'd recommend reading using the Joey Tribiani (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_2ZW7rMXgc) method, and I've never gone back and read all of it in one go- let us know what you think when you're finished.

P.S, the Kev Walker quote Radiator alluded to earlier from Megazine 290: "Painting comics is even more labour intensive than drawing them and, at a rate of a page every four days, something had to give. "The decision to go to ink drawing was purely out of practicality. I was broke and needed to earn money quicker than I was capable of doing while painting ... I was going into insane detail, and I just needed to change ... it's not as easy as it looks. I have to labour over every pencil line ... there's none of the speed and vigour I'd wanted when I was painting comics. ". So Walker stopped painting to speed up his process ... but it didn't.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 23 April, 2012, 12:44:00 PM
More Richard Laymon, this time his Mummy chiller, TO WAKE THE DEAD. It's what you'd expect from Laymon - good fun so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 23 April, 2012, 01:48:13 PM
Just started Our Man in Havana.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 April, 2012, 10:46:54 PM
A stack of old british comics i bought today for 50p each- most notable for 2000AD fans is a strip in Champion from 1966 called 'return of the stormtroopers', that may be drawn by eric bradbury, and is summed up thus:

"in the year 2046, general otto von stern and his stormtroopers awoke from a century of frozen sleep and invaded england. Young bill churchill was doing his best to oppose them..."

I must find more of these now, and find out how closely it mirrors Invasion.

Also The Skipper, from 1931, which is going for the record for the number of times things can be described as "queer", and under the column heading "queer trade" promises a exciting story next week, called "the pants that raised a riot".

Oh, and Walking Dead #96.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 25 April, 2012, 08:39:38 PM
Wow I'm reading another Warhammer 40k novel the Battle of Calth by Dan Abnett. How surprising  some might say but even though it's the upmteenth novel in the Horus heresy series I'm still enjoying it. Betrayal, epic battles and warp demons so fun all round.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 26 April, 2012, 11:10:57 PM
I'm reading some cack high school novel for adolescents written specifically for the schools market, as if there were not already an abundance of actual literature kids could be reading in school instead.

After that I'll be reading Touching the Void, by Joe Simpson, for this year's GCSE exam marking, and probably not enjoying it very much, but no doubt learning a lot about mountain climbing, about which I don't really care to any extent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 26 April, 2012, 11:12:40 PM
Glad to see House of Usher shows the same enthusiasm for educating people that he does for moderating this forum.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 26 April, 2012, 11:13:49 PM
You are such a rude young man, Roger.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 26 April, 2012, 11:39:14 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 26 April, 2012, 11:13:49 PM
You are such a rude young man, Roger.

He's just crying out for some moderation, HoU.  Moderate him good!  Moderate him back to the Stone Age!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 26 April, 2012, 11:46:14 PM
Rude is taking a £70,000 per annum moderating job and then not doing any moderating.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 30 April, 2012, 07:57:51 AM
Dunno if this calls for moderation or not,but I'm reading 'Another Self' by James Lees-Milne, in a beautiful Slightly Foxed edition, as part of my read-every- book-I-recieve-as-a-gift project. So far it's not very engaging, but maybe it'll grow on me.  I'm also reading 'A Princess of Mars', which is much more fun.
  And a big hello to HoU, who I remember as a funster in the chatroom way back
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NorthVox on 03 May, 2012, 09:58:38 AM
Why, Harry Kipling (Deceased) of course!  :P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 May, 2012, 10:07:28 AM
Currently, im nearing the end of Judge Dredd: Bad Moon Rising, a novel from the Black Flame range, written by David Bishop.

I love comics, and i love books. However, when comics and books collide i nearly always dont love the results. Previously, my favourite of the Dredd ranges has been the old Virgin Dredd one also written by David Bishop, so i had not-unreasonable hopes for this. So far, it's not let me down- perfectly readable, nothing jumps out as being 'wrong' and with a clear (if obvious) through-line. I dont think ive finished a single one of the BF Dredd books previously, so this is already beating the others hands-down.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 03 May, 2012, 11:45:37 AM
Read Batman:The Long Halloween last night and it was top stuff. Full roster of rogues and a story that reads like a good Frank Miller. In which I mean it's a quite gritty noirish tale. Arts lovely as well.

Anyone else read this as when I bought it last week the guy in FP tried to put me off it so I wondered if it wasn't that well received?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 May, 2012, 12:11:10 PM
I have very little time, or shelfspace, that i choose to give to batman, but 'the long halloween' is one of the ones that do it for me. There's at least one more by jeph loeb and tim sale, 'dark victory', but ive never read it. 

I can also recommend their marvel efforts: spider-man- blue, hulk- grey and daredevil- yellow.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 03 May, 2012, 01:20:59 PM
Game of Thrones, which Ive just finished.  It also has some parrallels with Dune, which I read earlier in the year.  Inspite of the skill of the author, the character driven plot, some great characters and lack of any real action being huge pluses, I just couldnt help feel a little let down at the end. 

It just seems like one long prologue to another book.  Like its all a big setup. 

Im now reading another Nordic thriller before venturing into more of Game of Thrones. 

yer Slips
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 03 May, 2012, 08:56:07 PM
I got the new big Daniel Clowes retrospective book. It is very large and is printed on nice paper. It has a number of things Dan Clowes has drawn.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 May, 2012, 03:07:19 AM
On the comic front I'm reading Ultimate Spiderman volume 2. I think I read it before a while back, but it was long enough ago to seem quite fresh. Pretty good.

On the novel front I'm still chugging my way through Varney the Vampire.

I'm finding it highly readable, but boy is it bloated! Lots of 'blah, blah', Victorian types stating the obvious for expositionary purposes...

I can sort of see now why it's thought of badly. As I said, it's still highly readable and  I think there might be an interesting twist coming. I've got to the stage where I'd like to finish it quickly and move onto the new Dark Tower novel I recently bought Wind Through the Keyhole. I've been looking forward to that for a while.

I also found volumes 11-13 of The Walking Dead at the local library. I resisted picking them up because there's a whole lot of volumes set before that I haven't read. I think I got up to 6 or 7. They were still based at the prison. [spoiler]It involved Rick and the woman with the Samurai sword - I think her name is Michonne- fall foul of a nasty piece of work. Pretty disturbing stuff, particularly what happens to her. I got to their escape and her understandable but equally disturbing vengeance....[/spoiler]

I'm wondering if jumping back on this late into the saga was a mistake. Trouble is the library doesn't seem to stock the books in between, or if it does, some blighter's had them on loan for years. I may see if one of the other local libraries (I'm blessed with three of em) has the other copies. If I can't find them - and I don't really want to buy them at the moment, although that might change in future - I may just take a chance. My memory isn't that great anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 05 May, 2012, 07:07:44 PM
on the las bit of "fever" by our very own hoo haa ,cracking as i expected and quite liked the whole prequel to present thing! go buy it NOW!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 May, 2012, 08:15:33 PM
The Children's Illustrated Bible - actually two of them, the Hamlyn version from the late 70's, and the Noughties DK version.  The wife and I are atheists of long sad conviction, but I've been feeling guilty about the huge lacuna in my kids' education that is the whole sweep of Judaeo-Christian myth. 

We've read several versions of the Greek myths, Roman myths, two versions of the 1,001 Nights, D'Aulaire's fabulous version of the Norse myths (highly recommended), British legends, Irish myths, and many of them multiple times. We've visited important 'real world' locations featured in many of those myths and proto-hostories, and acted out key scenes.  What we haven't ever read are Bible stories.  Closest we got was Narnia.

So I initially borrowed the Hamlyn volume from a religious friend, and having worked through as far as Numbers, and jumped forward to Daniel & Co, I figured it was proving enjoyable enough to get our own more modern copy.  Taken as another set of Old World myths, the Old Testament is great if horrible fun, perfectly full of gore, magic and spectacle for the Boy, although I did find myself skipping some of the vilest bits (even in the Kids' version it gets pretty rough).  He's liking it fine, with Exodus and the Plagues on Egypt a particular favourite.  The Hamlyn illos are better paintings, but there are far more in the DK one.  We haven't made it to the New Testament yet, which looks decidely boring compared to the genocides and burning cities of the earlier stuff. 

What really strikes me, who as a formerly highly religious spode who actually took extra Bible classes as a teenager, is the contrast between the adventures of Jehovah/Yahweh and those of the gods and powers of other myth cycles.   I mean no disrespect to those who hold these stories as divine Truth, but I'm approaching them as myths, and in the context of myth Jehovah comes across as a colossal prick.  Where the Bible differs is that his rampant dickery goes completely unpunished - in any other body of myth, a god who carries on like God does would get their arse handed to them.  Having watched (for example) the Norse gods uttelry destroyed because they couldn't keep their promises or uphold the rules of hospitality, or the Titans brought down because of the way they treated their kids, it's very odd to see Jehovah throwing hissy fits and scattering his toys about the Holy Land, and reaping nothing more than obedience from his abused worshippers.  I'd go so far as to say He sets a very bad example. 

Anyway, these are good stories, beautifully illustrated.  Shame about the morality, but at least it's better than we encountered in the later Famous Five books.

.   



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 06 May, 2012, 04:07:43 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 May, 2012, 08:15:33 PM
The Children's Illustrated Bible -

Anyway, these are good stories, beautifully illustrated.  Shame about the morality, but at least it's better than we encountered in the later Famous Five books.

.   

I liked your post, TordelBack.  My only memory of Famous Five is when they see a man with long hair and one of them knows he must be evil because her Dad said long-haired men aren't to be trusted.  I must have missed the bit where Timmy the dog slays the first-born of Egypt.  Seriously, what do you mean about the Famous Five morality?
  Not wanting to get into an argument or anything, I'd say the old Testament Yahweh is a very different character to those other gods.  For a start, he's much less anthropomorphised - not so many human touches like bonking human ladies or fighting with his relatives.  That's just an observation; not meaning to excuse the massacring etc
Myself, I've almost finished the very-pulpy A Princess of Mars and I'm liking it.  John Carter does a lot of casual killing after his little sermons about what a callous commie bunch the Green Men are.  Then again, he's doing it all for love of the bereft-of-clothing Dejah Thoris, so that's fair enough.   He has just introduced one of the nicer Martians to the human idea of 'friend' and is hoping to introduce Dejah Thoris to this earth thing called 'a quick root', so I'll read on
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 07 May, 2012, 03:18:58 PM
Just finished The Final Solution. Since it's such a controversial issue I was expecting something special and so was a bit underwhelmed by the story. In comparison I've just read Judge Dredd Satan's Island, which you might consider a less consequential one-off, and I enjoyed it a whole lot more. Maybe because it's been talked up into a such a big event, I expected the build up to be more monumental but ultimately it was quite unengaging. I guess if you already know the shock ending, there's no pay off.

I've previously said on here that I loved the artwork and I stand by that but since it's concentrated in one volume there were some things about it that got on my tits a bit in one read, including the common criticism that it's hard to tell what's going on sometimes. When Feral presents himself flicking the middle finger, leather jacketed, replete with skateboarding pals, it made me cringe and was every bit the same as Poochie's introduction into Itchy and Scratchy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEzjm7I5YCQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEzjm7I5YCQ)

The graffiti announcing every band Harrison was ever into added to that impression. The Top Dog extra was a treat compared to the disappointment I felt about the main attraction. Never mind, eh?

Currently halfway into Mega City Undercover and I absolutely love it. It captures the atmosphere of earlier Dredd stories but Flint's artwork is something else. Is there any more Lenny Zero collected out there or did he just promise to enjoy Mega City One and leave it at that?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 07 May, 2012, 04:23:58 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 07 May, 2012, 03:18:58 PM
Currently halfway into Mega City Undercover and I absolutely love it. It captures the atmosphere of earlier Dredd stories but Flint's artwork is something else. Is there any more Lenny Zero collected out there or did he just promise to enjoy Mega City One and leave it at that?

That's it to date, hence the lack of a dedicated 'Lenny Zero' trade and the existence of 'Mega City Undercover' instead - a nice idea, but it did mean that 'Low Life' got stiffed on a trade line of its own because of the need to pad out the Lenny Zero stuff to book length.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 07 May, 2012, 04:30:23 PM
Ta for the answer. Couldn't they just put out a second Mega City Undercover volume and continue the Low Life strips?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 07 May, 2012, 04:37:22 PM
They have done - but it means that Low Life may be the only series getting collected under a different name.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 07 May, 2012, 04:51:05 PM
Gah, shows what I know. I've even seen this before and it didn't register.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mega-city-Undercover-Living-Low-Life/dp/1781080410 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mega-city-Undercover-Living-Low-Life/dp/1781080410)

I suppose it gives the publishers scope to draft in any other stories that might fit the Wally Squad description if they issue a third trade. Here's hoping for more Lenny Zero in the future, then.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 07 May, 2012, 04:56:21 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 07 May, 2012, 04:51:05 PM
Here's hoping for more Lenny Zero in the future, then.

Well...
http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,35334.msg664344.html#msg664344
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 07 May, 2012, 05:03:38 PM
There you go, then. There are two interesting combinations here. The Diggle/Jock one that seems to work extremely well and then, providing he's in it, the Dredd/Zero conflict. And it does leave you conflicted being that they're both anti-heroes and they both have qualities that make for interesting reading. You can't decide who should lose out in the end because, as is stated in the story by one of the characters, Zero is so self-pitying.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 07 May, 2012, 05:09:25 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 May, 2012, 08:15:33 PM
Taken as another set of Old World myths, the Old Testament is great if horrible fun, perfectly full of gore, magic and spectacle for the Boy, although I did find myself skipping some of the vilest bits (even in the Kids' version it gets pretty rough).

A disappointing lack of monsters and human-animal hybrids, though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 07 May, 2012, 05:15:45 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 07 May, 2012, 05:09:25 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 May, 2012, 08:15:33 PM
Taken as another set of Old World myths, the Old Testament is great if horrible fun, perfectly full of gore, magic and spectacle for the Boy, although I did find myself skipping some of the vilest bits (even in the Kids' version it gets pretty rough).
A disappointing lack of monsters and human-animal hybrids, though.
Leviathan and Behemoth not good enough for you?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 May, 2012, 06:03:48 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 07 May, 2012, 05:09:25 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 May, 2012, 08:15:33 PM
Taken as another set of Old World myths, the Old Testament is great if horrible fun, perfectly full of gore, magic and spectacle for the Boy, although I did find myself skipping some of the vilest bits (even in the Kids' version it gets pretty rough).

A disappointing lack of monsters and human-animal hybrids, though.

My son's main objection so far has been on a point of continuity.  One of the earlier of the Plagues on Egypt is the death of all the livestock, which our version makes very clear amounts to every single animal.  A few plagues later (which seems like at most a few days, because God is plainly in a hurry here), and Yahweh is telling the Israelities to kill a lamb and do the lintel-daubing tango, and shortly thereafter every first-born creature, explicitly including cattle and sheep, is keeling over dead.  Where, my boy wanted to know, did they get the new animals.  I tried to rationalise this by saying that the Israelite's herds were spared originally (and their presence during the exodus suggests this), but why did the Egyptians allow their slaves to hang on to animals when all theirs were dead?

Again, I don't intend to be offensive to those who believe in the Abramic God, obviously there's a huge body of interpretation that accounts for all this within any given system of actual belief:  I'm just taking these as myths as presented in two specific kids' books.

As to Floyd's questions, well I was being a little cruel at Enid Blyton's expense.  As I believe is related earlier in the thread some of last year was given over to the Famous Five, which I devoured as a kid, and which my son also seemed to enjoy.  The first book is almost a perfect kids' novel, quite brilliant.  Subsequent volumes less so. The immorality I refer to is really in the way the children treat adults of a 'lower station': Julian in particular, who is all of 12, plays the Young Master like a complete shit, haughtily demanding service and issuing threats to anyone found within earshot of a kitchen.  Even the pets of the poor are fair game: Timmy mercilessly terrorises any mangy mongrel he comes across to the amusement of all.  Admittedly those who experience the worst treatment from their Youngers and Betters are Up To No Good, and the more obedient peasant class get away with a gentle patronising and an acknowledgement of their impaired intelligence, but it can still get pretty uncomfortable for the modern parent who's trying to instill respectful behaviour in their brood.

Granted it's not quite up there with deciding to kill everyone for the heinous crime of worshipping a golden calf, just one book after You've faithfully promised not to do exactly that ever again, and then being argued down by Moses to an even 3000 random executions 'cos Thou art so very merciful.

As to the contrastingly non-anthropomorphic nature of the God of the Pentateuch and subsequent books, I'm not so sure.  Obviously he hasn't got other gods to contest and/or rut with, being the One God and all that, even if he certainly seems deeply bothered by the possibility.  He shows up far more often than I remembered, and the two versions we've been reading differ on quite how many of his Away Missions are accomplished by His angels, and how many He does in person. There's certainly an awful lot of folk averting their eyes for fear of beholding Him for a god that supposedly stays upstairs all ineffable and suchlike. 

I hadn't remembered, for example, that there's a fourth figure in the furnace with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel that Nebuchadnezzar cannot bear to look upon.  An angel?   Or Yaweh in physical form?  I believe the orthodox interpretation is that it's Michael, but read as a myth, it looks an awful lot like the type of switcheroo that Loki, Hera and Zeus regularly get up to.  The DK version suggests at one point that the Pillar-of-flame-by-night/pillar-of-smoke-by-day is actually Jehovah, burning-bush stylee, which was news to me. 

I'm going from the Children's versions here, those being the myth versions we're using - I haven't the will or the heart to open the KJV or the New English that I see out of the corner of my eye, shelved there beside the Koran and the Book of Mormon.  For an atheist I seem to have a lot of bibles.

Of course in the sequel He really does go all Zeus and does some old-school mortal-impregnating, but at least Ennis got him off the hook on that one.  But we're trying to do this in order.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 07 May, 2012, 06:07:14 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 07 May, 2012, 05:15:45 PM
Leviathan and Behemoth not good enough for you?

No, not really. What does either of them actually do? Are they involved in any spectacular battles? Both of them have the special power of being gigantic, and Leviathan can breathe fire, but each seems merely to be pointed at and observed rather than playing an active part in any story.

Even the sea snakes which eat Laocoon's children in the Iliad play a more developed role in proceedings than that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 08 May, 2012, 10:10:06 PM
Just finished Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk. Porn actress whos passed it decides to end her career by fucking 600 men in one day. Its told from the point of view of Mr 72, 137 & 600. Ones a failed TV star, ones an aged porn star and the other might just be the kid she gave up for adoption.

Funny & short but not his best. Cant really recommend it truth be told.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 08 May, 2012, 10:46:58 PM
Quote from: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 20 April, 2012, 10:50:21 AM
Quote from: Trout on 20 April, 2012, 10:17:27 AM
Quote from: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 18 April, 2012, 11:35:46 AM
The Devotion of Suspect X, I mentioned it previously on this thread, turned into a little gem.  More a police procedural than a gripping thriller, as we knew exactly who the killer was at the start.  The genius of the book lay in its ability to pull the carpet out from under the feet of the reader with twists and turns, especially towards the end.  Well worth the read and it is pretty short.  Is all Japanese fiction like this?       

I just started this the other day. I'm not sure if it's my sort of thing, but I'll stick with it. Thanks for mentioning it!

Its exceptionally slow at the start and Im not sure if the author does characters as such.  Compared with the tome like Game of Thrones where characters get a real chance to breath and grow, this is a claustrophobic tightly plotted book, but its really worth sticking with to the end.  The last couple of paragraphs are very clever and rather suprising.   

In retrospect it might actually be better as a film or TV show.  With Characters more recognisable and stand out...
(I think there is a film)

Exceptionally slow? Oh yes. I was 80% of the way through it (Kindle gives the percentage) before it sped up. It took me weeks to read the first 80%, and less than two hours to read the rest.

What a cracking ending, though.

- Trout
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 09 May, 2012, 12:33:06 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 May, 2012, 08:15:33 PM
The Children's Illustrated Bible

The Children's Bible we had was a replica of a Gutenburg and featured an illustration by Aubrey Beardsley - his Salome one. Good!

I'm reading REAMDE by Neal Stephenson, only 300 pages in so in common with some of his other works, it's only really starting. It's got ex Spetznaz security men, Russian gangsters, Hackers, ranch men, guns,Chinese teenagers, Islamists, Special Forces, discussions on language structure, coding and a MMORPG...well, it is a Neal Stephenson novel. Reviews I read were lukewarm, but it's cracking along at a good pace and it's made me smile on occasion. The characters are a bit off his shelf, it's true, but he's weaving a good, convincing and fun yarn. I don't expect a head spin but so far I'd recommend it.


M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Prodigal on 09 May, 2012, 07:29:50 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 May, 2012, 08:15:33 PM
The Children's Illustrated Bible - actually two of them, the Hamlyn version from the late 70's, and the Noughties DK version.  The wife and I are atheists of long sad conviction, but I've been feeling guilty about the huge lacuna in my kids' education that is the whole sweep of Judaeo-Christian myth. 

We've read several versions of the Greek myths, Roman myths, two versions of the 1,001 Nights, D'Aulaire's fabulous version of the Norse myths (highly recommended), British legends, Irish myths, and many of them multiple times. We've visited important 'real world' locations featured in many of those myths and proto-hostories, and acted out key scenes.  What we haven't ever read are Bible stories.  Closest we got was Narnia.

So I initially borrowed the Hamlyn volume from a religious friend, and having worked through as far as Numbers, and jumped forward to Daniel & Co, I figured it was proving enjoyable enough to get our own more modern copy.  Taken as another set of Old World myths, the Old Testament is great if horrible fun, perfectly full of gore, magic and spectacle for the Boy, although I did find myself skipping some of the vilest bits (even in the Kids' version it gets pretty rough).  He's liking it fine, with Exodus and the Plagues on Egypt a particular favourite.  The Hamlyn illos are better paintings, but there are far more in the DK one.  We haven't made it to the New Testament yet, which looks decidely boring compared to the genocides and burning cities of the earlier stuff. 

What really strikes me, who as a formerly highly religious spode who actually took extra Bible classes as a teenager, is the contrast between the adventures of Jehovah/Yahweh and those of the gods and powers of other myth cycles.   I mean no disrespect to those who hold these stories as divine Truth, but I'm approaching them as myths, and in the context of myth Jehovah comes across as a colossal prick.  Where the Bible differs is that his rampant dickery goes completely unpunished - in any other body of myth, a god who carries on like God does would get their arse handed to them.  Having watched (for example) the Norse gods uttelry destroyed because they couldn't keep their promises or uphold the rules of hospitality, or the Titans brought down because of the way they treated their kids, it's very odd to see Jehovah throwing hissy fits and scattering his toys about the Holy Land, and reaping nothing more than obedience from his abused worshippers.  I'd go so far as to say He sets a very bad example. 

Anyway, these are good stories, beautifully illustrated.  Shame about the morality, but at least it's better than we encountered in the later Famous Five books.

.   


Great post and an interesting take. I am a God-botherer though often a "pilgrim septic with doubt" and at odds with the sub culture that often goes with it If you want an interesting interpretation of that Old Testament material including the "problem stuff" often ignored by the sweet smiling have a look at authors like Gregory Boyd or Philip Yancey. They are refreshingly honest and not into some propoganda angle.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 May, 2012, 08:13:44 PM
Quote from: The Prodigal on 09 May, 2012, 07:29:50 PM... have a look at authors like Gregory Boyd or Philip Yancey.

Might do that - Yancey's hair alone is fascinating!  Actually I'm also currently reading Saving Darwin by Karl Giberson, which is an interesting and well-written, if so far unsuccessful, attempt to reconcile evolution through natural selection with Christianity (well, the CoE at least). 

Incidentally, my son (almost 6) today announced he believed in 'the Christian god' (having abandoned his previous faith in Zeus).  When asked what prompted this conversion, he cited the Plagues on Egypt [Old Testament stick] and the Resurrection [New Testament carrot].  That's probably useful marketing information for some evangelist somewhere.

Had an interesting discussion about Isaac versus Ishmael too, which suggests the Koran (which I own but have only ever read third-party outlines of) should be next. Anyone tried it?  Are there any good simplified versions?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 10 May, 2012, 09:15:57 AM
Quote from: Trout on 08 May, 2012, 10:46:58 PM
Quote from: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 20 April, 2012, 10:50:21 AM
Quote from: Trout on 20 April, 2012, 10:17:27 AM
Quote from: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 18 April, 2012, 11:35:46 AM
The Devotion of Suspect X, I mentioned it previously on this thread, turned into a little gem.  More a police procedural than a gripping thriller, as we knew exactly who the killer was at the start.  The genius of the book lay in its ability to pull the carpet out from under the feet of the reader with twists and turns, especially towards the end.  Well worth the read and it is pretty short.  Is all Japanese fiction like this?       

I just started this the other day. I'm not sure if it's my sort of thing, but I'll stick with it. Thanks for mentioning it!

Its exceptionally slow at the start and Im not sure if the author does characters as such.  Compared with the tome like Game of Thrones where characters get a real chance to breath and grow, this is a claustrophobic tightly plotted book, but its really worth sticking with to the end.  The last couple of paragraphs are very clever and rather suprising.   

In retrospect it might actually be better as a film or TV show.  With Characters more recognisable and stand out...
(I think there is a film)

Exceptionally slow? Oh yes. I was 80% of the way through it (Kindle gives the percentage) before it sped up. It took me weeks to read the first 80%, and less than two hours to read the rest.

What a cracking ending, though.

- Trout
I think that the ending more than makes up for the plodding procedural it is.  I probably read it quicker than you.  Its chapters fitted rather well on a train journey, so I go through it a lot quicker. 

Ive just finished She's Never Coming Back by Hans Koppel, another Nordic Thriller which reads like an exploitation film.  Theres some clever stuff in it, like the disection of the mind of the kidnapper and the Kidnapped but a lot of gratious sex as well.  Trying for the thirds time to read Priestess of the White but its not very good and slow.  Actually its shit  :( 

I may need to continue my great Dune reread next week!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Wils on 10 May, 2012, 12:00:46 PM
This cat's currently reading...

(http://img2.ranker.com/list_img/1/270489/full/ernest-tidyman-books-and-stories-and-written-works.jpg?version=1323742567000)

Shaft Among the Jews next!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 10 May, 2012, 12:50:59 PM
Do you dig it?

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 10 May, 2012, 02:28:46 PM
I've nearly reached the end of Homer's Odyssey it's a fine read though in some place's long winded.

Maybe it's just me but i wish the main character Odysseus would stop pussy footing about [spoiler]and kill the "suitors" what a bunch of cunts[/spoiler]

next i have a choice of either the Illiad, Dante's Divine Comedy or Plato the last days of Socrates.......

Not sure which one to start with though really i should have read the Illiad before the Odyssey and suggestions on which to start with of the above three???
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 May, 2012, 08:40:28 PM
Quote from: klute on 10 May, 2012, 02:28:46 PM
Not sure which one to start with though really i should have read the Illiad before the Odyssey and suggestions on which to start with of the above three???

Iliad!  Iliad!  S'quite brilliant, if lacking the completeness of the Odyssey.  I love the Fagles translation, having struggled unhappily through the Chapman as a callow youth. 

Speaking of classics, I've just started in on 20th Century Boys by Naoki Urasawa.  Only have the first volume at present, but it is amazingly compelling stuff and I suspect will be pestering the library until they've got the lot  This is (confession) the first Manga I've ever really enjoyed.  It's also the first time I've read a right-to-left translation, and after a few pages it works fine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 11 May, 2012, 09:01:22 PM
The Wasp Factory, which is good, but I probably would have gotten a lot more out of it as a teenager.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 11 May, 2012, 09:15:43 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 11 May, 2012, 09:01:22 PM
The Wasp Factory, which is good, but I probably would have gotten a lot more out of it as a teenager.

That's a perceptive thing to say. It does have those shocks that seem more shocking when you lack life experience. As time's worn on, I've found the only Banks I can re-read is his science fiction.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 May, 2012, 09:19:03 PM
Quote from: Trout on 11 May, 2012, 09:15:43 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 11 May, 2012, 09:01:22 PM
The Wasp Factory, which is good, but I probably would have gotten a lot more out of it as a teenager.

That's a perceptive thing to say. It does have those shocks that seem more shocking when you lack life experience. As time's worn on, I've found the only Banks I can re-read is his science fiction.

Sad but true. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 11 May, 2012, 09:24:27 PM
But his science fiction is amazing. I think he's made a really important contribution to the genre. I particularly love the Player of Games.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 May, 2012, 09:38:26 PM
Yeah, it's terrific stuff. I thought his last two Culture books, Matter and Surface Detail, were amongst his very best.  I also really enjoy his 'regular' fiction, but with the exception of Espedair Street and maybe The Crow Road I don't see myself re-reading any of them any time soon.  I did however adore them as a teenager.  His SF still excites.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 11 May, 2012, 09:46:14 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 11 May, 2012, 09:38:26 PM
His SF still excites.



That'll be on the cover of his next book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 11 May, 2012, 09:57:20 PM
Quote from: Trout on 11 May, 2012, 09:24:27 PM
But his science fiction is amazing. I think he's made a really important contribution to the genre. I particularly love the Player of Games.

Use of Weapons would have been my candidate to replace Stainless Steel Rat if Carlos fancied a change of material to adapt. Given Ezquerra's aptitude for grand guignol, I'd love to have seen his version of that piece of furniture.

The Bridge and its hilarious Oor Wullie use of colloquial Scots (i) stands out in my memory, but you won't need to be Derren Brown to see where the story's headed. Every time I venture into the spare room that's increasingly dominated by my books, comics and CD's, I'm reminded of the living arangements of Walking On Glass's Grout. Clever metaphor, from the boy Banks, there.

(i) See also, Feersum Ennjin.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 11 May, 2012, 11:29:22 PM
Quote from: bikini kill on 11 May, 2012, 09:57:20 PM

Use of Weapons would have been my candidate to replace Stainless Steel Rat if Carlos fancied a change of material to adapt. Given Ezquerra's aptitude for grand guignol, I'd love to have seen his version of that piece of furniture.


That's quite a thought: it'd give the story a weird pulp feel, that's for sure.

I think my favourite of his sci-fi is another of his non-Culture novels, Against a Dark Background.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 11 May, 2012, 11:31:20 PM
Not reading them yet, but I just purchased the 1978 2000ad Annual and the 1983 Misty Annual online. Looking forward to them arriving, Misty in particular, as I've read a bit about the comic but never any of it. Hopefully there's some Pat Mills reprints in there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: U.S.S.R on 12 May, 2012, 12:02:21 AM
Bit behind everyone but oh well, Im reading game of thrones which is great. So glad i decided to get it after seeing the tv series :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 12 May, 2012, 11:46:27 AM
Quote from: Trout on 11 May, 2012, 09:24:27 PM
But his science fiction is amazing. I think he's made a really important contribution to the genre. I particularly love the Player of Games.

Not read much of his sci fi stuff but that one blew me away! Wasp Factory was good if a tad obvious were it was going.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 12 May, 2012, 12:34:56 PM
Quote from: Syne on 11 May, 2012, 11:29:22 PM
Quote from: bikini kill on 11 May, 2012, 09:57:20 PM

Use of Weapons would have been my candidate to replace Stainless Steel Rat if Carlos fancied a change of material to adapt. Given Ezquerra's aptitude for grand guignol, I'd love to have seen his version of that piece of furniture.


That's quite a thought: it'd give the story a weird pulp feel, that's for sure.

I think my favourite of his sci-fi is another of his non-Culture novels, Against a Dark Background.
I love that book.  I think that often Banks tries to squeeze in to many shocks so you almost expect a twist.  For me Complicity is probably his best (and straightest) book.   

For his Sci Fi writing I think Use of Weapons is probably the best Culture book, as Trout said earlier he really has created something in the Sci Fi field beyond his ability to shock in his "contemporary" books. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 12 May, 2012, 03:43:42 PM
Quote from: the 'artist' formerly known as Slips on 12 May, 2012, 12:34:56 PM
Quote from: Syne on 11 May, 2012, 11:29:22 PM
Quote from: bikini kill on 11 May, 2012, 09:57:20 PM
Use of Weapons would have been my candidate to replace Stainless Steel Rat if Carlos fancied a change of material to adapt. Given Ezquerra's aptitude for grand guignol, I'd love to have seen his version of that piece of furniture.
That's quite a thought: it'd give the story a weird pulp feel, that's for sure.
I think my favourite of his sci-fi is another of his non-Culture novels, Against a Dark Background.

I love that book.  I think that often Banks tries to squeeze in to many shocks so you almost expect a twist.  For me Complicity is probably his best (and straightest) book. For his Sci Fi writing I think Use of Weapons is probably the best Culture book, as Trout said earlier he really has created something in the Sci Fi field beyond his ability to shock in his "contemporary" books.
If it's the fucked up nastiness of Banks that appeals, Use of Weapons and Complicity probably represent the twin apogees of that strain of his writing, and they demonstrate that there's much more read-across between his two pen names than is often credited. The video games Colley plays, his drug use, the meaningless fucking, the amoral political violence; all echo the concerns of his spaceship-y stuff.

Like Wagner, one of the things that appeals to me about Banks's work is the way, even when they're working within the confines of a genre, their stories reach out to the politics, culture and concerns of the real world for inspiration- even when they involve implausible violations of the human body and bizarre sexual transgression.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 May, 2012, 05:04:06 PM
Quote from: bikini kill on 12 May, 2012, 03:43:42 PM
If it's the fucked up nastiness of Banks that appeals, Use of Weapons and Complicity probably represent the twin apogees of that strain of his writing...

I think you'd have to go a long way in anyone's writing to match the 'fucked up nastiness' of Surface Detail.  From indented intagliation to the concept and details of the Hells themselves, that is one seriously twisted book. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 12 May, 2012, 08:07:26 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 May, 2012, 05:04:06 PM
I think you'd have to go a long way in anyone's writing to match the 'fucked up nastiness' of Surface Detail.  From indented intagliation to the concept and details of the Hells themselves, that is one seriously twisted book.

Yup. The sequence before and after Donalmacintyredisguisedasabugdemon commits a small, selfish act of betrayal in saving himself before the Mariecolvinelephantalien that he loves is just heartbreaking and an effective metaphor for the cruelty of a construct such as Hell.

The book's exploration of what psychological impulse lies behind the need to punish, and the social function of discriminating between the worthy and the damned, demonstrates how the relevance of books that deal with imagined realities can often be greater (and less tediously wanky) than those that describe life in Hampstead.

There's lots of cool stuff with armoured battle suits, inventive narcotics and wrong sex too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 12 May, 2012, 08:31:34 PM
Quote from: bikini kill on 12 May, 2012, 08:07:26 PMdemonstrates how the relevance of books that deal with imagined realities can often be greater (and less tediously wanky) than those that describe life in Hampstead.


More honest too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 12 May, 2012, 09:52:09 PM
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 12 May, 2012, 08:31:34 PM
Quote from: bikini kill on 12 May, 2012, 08:07:26 PMdemonstrates how the relevance of books that deal with imagined realities can often be greater (and less tediously wanky) than those that describe life in Hampstead.
More honest too.

Correct. Martin Amis points out that religous nutters of one faith are just as dangerous as anyone who values adherence to an ideology over the rights of the individual, and he takes pelters from the same tossers who used to fawn over his every word.

If he'd written an episode of Doctor Who where the normalising, fascist zealots were the Cybermen, painfully sincere geeks would have listened to the substance of what he was saying, debated it endlessly on the internet, and financed his cosmetic dentistry for years to come with lucrative convention appearances.

Hay on Wye is Comic Con for Culture Show viewers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 May, 2012, 10:21:19 PM
Quote from: bikini kill on 12 May, 2012, 08:07:26 PMThe sequence before and after Donalmacintyredisguisedasabugdemon commits a small, selfish act of betrayal in saving himself before the Mariecolvinelephantalien that he loves is just heartbreaking and an effective metaphor for the cruelty of a construct such as Hell.

It's amazing that the sheer tinyness of that undetectable betrayal, just a slight shift in position in a moment of doubt, somehow forms the centre of a whole book that deals with interstellar ideological warfare on a massive scale (and miniature battleships).  Great stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 13 May, 2012, 04:58:39 PM
Just read Straczinski's "Silver Surfer: Requiem" for the first time. Absolutely brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 13 May, 2012, 05:55:29 PM
Finished 'Judge Dredd: Bad Moon Rising' last night. As I think I said before, while I've started a good few of these- I think I've only managed to finish this and one of the original Virgin range- also written by David Bishop, as it happens. It wasn't bad, Dredd seemed quite out of character towards the end and I still couldn't draw you a picture of an R'Qeen if my life depended on it, but hey-ho. There were enough elements from the strip included for me to feel reasonably at home. Shocking, absolutely bloody shocking, proof-reading (or whatever it is that they do to novels these days)- I stopped bothering to count the spelling/ grammar errors about halfway through. And the glossary at the back defines an Iso-Cube as "A block full of very small isolation cubes". Hmm.

But, on the whole, a pretty good story, pretty well told. I imagined this one drawn by Cam Kennedy, for some reason.

SBT

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 13 May, 2012, 06:07:41 PM
Only one I've read of the paperbacks is The Final Cut by Matt Smith. I think it's excellent and even though Dredd ain't the main character, his characterisation is fairly spot-on. Tightly plotted and well written.

[spoiler]The last image of Dredd in the Resyk, and the notion the main character leaves him with is a great send off.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 May, 2012, 06:19:18 PM
Gentlemen of the Road, by Michael Chabon.  Now just how this escaped my OMG-I-must-read-everything-this-man-has-ever-written frenzy that followed my 'discovery' of The Yiddish Policeman's Union a few years back I have no idea, but I'm glad it did!  It's basically the best Fahfrd and the Grey Mouser novel you've never read, only this time the adventurous duo are replaced by two Jewish scoundrels embroiled in swash-buckling schemes in a well-researched 10th C Khazakstan.  It's absolutely brilliant, but way too short! 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 14 May, 2012, 01:13:28 AM
I treated myself to this on Saturday. 

http://instagr.am/p/KkWPp-gSjx/

Tom Baker is my Doctor, and Dave Gibbons is in my top ten favourite artists, so this was an insta-buy.

Working my way through it at the mo - the Wagner/Mills stories are a hoot! They've really captured the quirky cheek of the 5th Doctor.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 May, 2012, 08:43:39 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 14 May, 2012, 01:13:28 AM
I treated myself to this on Saturday. 

http://instagr.am/p/KkWPp-gSjx/

Tom Baker is my Doctor, and Dave Gibbons is in my top ten favourite artists, so this was an insta-buy.

Working my way through it at the mo - the Wagner/Mills stories are a hoot! They've really captured the quirky cheek of the 5th Doctor.

I really lust after that as it looks bloody lovely. Since however I have all those strips in the Panini volumes and there's so much stuff out there I don't yet own I'm trying to be good and not get it. It does look absolutely great though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge_T on 14 May, 2012, 02:58:56 PM
Just picked up Dredd Case Files 6-18 so I'll be reading that for awhile  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 14 May, 2012, 03:03:16 PM
Just started Knots & Crosses by Ian Rankin. I've been reading a lot of sci fi lately and decided to switch to something else for a while. Enjoying it so far, but I have heard good things about Rankin already.

JvB
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 14 May, 2012, 04:00:23 PM
Just finished Anno Dracula - The Bloody Red Baron. Ridiculously, riotously entertaining. Like its predecessor, it's teeming with cameos (both actual real life folk and fictional characters), but these never feel gimmicky and just make me grin. I consulted the wiki page though and was stunned to see Tolkien listed as a minor character - missed that one!

Was left feeling that - like the first book - they'd make wonderful TV. HBO - if you're looking for another genre-busting show, you could do worse than this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 14 May, 2012, 04:50:39 PM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 14 May, 2012, 01:13:28 AM
I treated myself to this on Saturday. 

http://instagr.am/p/KkWPp-gSjx/

Tom Baker is my Doctor, and Dave Gibbons is in my top ten favourite artists, so this was an insta-buy.

Working my way through it at the mo - the Wagner/Mills stories are a hoot! They've really captured the quirky cheek of the 5th Doctor.

Bought this some montsh ago - Amazon stupidly cheaper than FP! Beautiful volume indeed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 14 May, 2012, 11:08:11 PM
I foolhardishly attempted to re-read Gravity's Rainbow and quickly found myself in that familiar Pynchony quagmire. I was in no mood to just look at the pretty words as a set of vaguely related vignettes a second time so I decided to ease myself into the Thomist scheme of things by wrapping myself in my Vineland-shaped security blanket.

Cultural Detritus Trawlage is probably my favourite activity in fiction, and this is perhaps the greatest, or at least the most literary, example of such undertakings. I even sort of enjoyed Snow Crash, which is a blatant rip-off.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 14 May, 2012, 11:39:12 PM
You should've defenestrated.
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 14 May, 2012, 11:08:11 PM
I foolhardishly attempted to re-read Gravity's Rainbow and quickly found myself in that familiar Pynchony quagmire. I was in no mood to just look at the pretty words as a set of vaguely related vignettes a second time so I decided to ease myself into the Thomist scheme of things by wrapping myself in my Vineland-shaped security blanket.


I defenestrated your mom.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 15 May, 2012, 12:09:13 AM
The line is "transfenestration".

Times go on, we never change, now Joe, you're no bar fighter, I can see the thirst for new experiences, but a man's better off sticking to a speciality, your own basically being mom-cuccoldedness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 May, 2012, 08:35:43 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 14 May, 2012, 11:08:11 PM
I foolhardishly attempted to re-read Gravity's Rainbow and quickly found myself in that familiar Pynchony quagmire.

I'm ashamed to say I jumped ship on this one a few years back, not many books I give up on, but this one beat me to a confused pulp.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 15 May, 2012, 06:55:58 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 14 May, 2012, 11:08:11 PM
I foolhardishly attempted to re-read Gravity's Rainbow and quickly found myself in that familiar Pynchony quagmire. I was in no mood to just look at the pretty words as a set of vaguely related vignettes a second time

Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 15 May, 2012, 08:35:43 AM
I'm ashamed to say I jumped ship on this one a few years back, not many books I give up on, but this one beat me to a confused pulp.

Now that seems like the throwing of a gauntlet  "foolhardishly" (sic) to the floor. Let's see who among us can put up with the greatest amount of meretricious literary wankery ... to Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/0099533219/sr=1-1/qid=1337104388/ref=olp_pg_used?ie=UTF8&coliid=&startIndex=0&qid=1337104388&sellerID=&sr=1-1&colid=&condition=used)!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 15 May, 2012, 08:10:36 PM
Well, Pete Campbell was reading The Crying of Lot 49 the other week and he didn't seem to mind. Are you squarerer than Pete Campbell?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 15 May, 2012, 08:44:50 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 15 May, 2012, 08:10:36 PM
Well, Pete Campbell was reading The Crying of Lot 49 the other week and he didn't seem to mind. Are you squarerer than Pete Campbell?

I don't have Sky, so I'm going to have to wait until the box set arrives to hit back with a zinger that references anything more current than where BBC4 left off. "Once again, Dr Jones, we see there is nothing you can enjoy watching which I cannot take away", see also e.r., The Sopranos, Buffy, Friends, Lost, (although I think he did me a favour there) ...

Please insert the customary reference to Jocasta here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 16 May, 2012, 01:36:38 PM
Pynchon's V was fun.  A bit of a quagmire, but fun.
  Me, I've just finished a re-read of almost all of Garth Ennis' Hitman.  It's so much fun, I'm tempted to try to get hold of the lot some time.  Great characters, good mimicry of superhero tropes*, action, violence, Batman........it's dead good.
  Now back to the Mars books



*his Satanus send-up is a hoot
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dracula1 on 16 May, 2012, 01:55:29 PM
Just purchased and read Frankenstein alive,  alive which see's the return of Wrightson to his beloved visual creation. All l can say is by grud!   .... Read it and see of yourselves. Enjoyed the first episodr even better as l had Drokk the sound track on my headphones while reading it and they seemed to marry up perfectly. Can not wait till issue two ... It's alive ...alive!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 16 May, 2012, 07:31:49 PM
Just finished Pandaemonium by Christopher Brookmyre. Its DOOM set in Scotland. Army experiment goes tits up while nearby kids are on a trip to help get over a murder that happened at their school and all hell breaks loose. Its stupid, funny and gory. I got fed up with Brookmyres schtick a while back and this isnt his best but its nowhere near his worst.

Imagine it would make a good read on yer hols.

Now onto Dance with Dragons. Be back in a few months.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 17 May, 2012, 04:17:10 AM
Just about to start reading "Moonchild," a Pat Mills story drawn by John Armstrong and originally published in Misty back in 1978. I'm curious to see how Mills wrote for a young female audience.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 17 May, 2012, 10:15:15 AM
"STOP BEING A GIRL."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 May, 2012, 01:21:12 PM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 17 May, 2012, 10:15:15 AM
"STOP BEING A GIRL."

An interesting choice of reading material.  Has it helped any? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 17 May, 2012, 07:16:42 PM
Talking of girls, I gave my daughters The Judge Dredd Mega Collection to read.  We now have Judge Baby Rosy, Judge Mouth and Judge Death patrolling the living room. My eldest split apart her nunchakus from her ninja outfit to turn them into Daysticks, and promptly started beating me around the head with them. I very nearly sentenced her to bed with no supper.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 18 May, 2012, 12:56:19 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 17 May, 2012, 07:16:42 PM
Talking of girls, I gave my daughters The Judge Dredd Mega Collection to read.  We now have Judge Baby Rosy, Judge Mouth and Judge Death patrolling the living room. My eldest split apart her nunchakus from her ninja outfit to turn them into Daysticks, and promptly started beating me around the head with them. I very nearly sentenced her to bed with no supper.

You need to make yourself a SJS uniform  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 18 May, 2012, 12:57:16 AM
Quote from: Roger Godpleton on 17 May, 2012, 10:15:15 AM
"STOP BEING A GIRL."

But it feels so good. . .
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 18 May, 2012, 01:10:23 AM
Moonchild is a lot of fun. Most obvious difference from the stuff Mills was writing for boys back then is the lack of carnage: there's only one death, which, while it is quite violent, is depicted in a flashback set decades before the main storyline. There's one quite freaky moment, early on, when the main character's telekinetic kicks in: her eyes are shown "doubled," like the irises and pupils have become detached and are floating in front of themselves. This only occurs once, which makes me wonder if it was deemed too weird an image to be repeated.

The strip has really made me think about issues of originality though. People nowdays are so eager to accuse writers of plagiarism, yet ripping off tv shows and movies was standard practice for Mills and his fellow creators. Moonchild is, of course, based on Carrie, and the main character is named "Rosemary," a blatant lift from another iconic horror story. If Mills pulled a stunt like that now, the outraged shrieks of readers would be echoing across the internet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 18 May, 2012, 01:14:30 AM
How to Not Be The Guy Who Won't Shut Up About His Dumb Kids.

A very informative self-help book, it has an interesting introduction written by Professor of Roads David Knight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 19 May, 2012, 06:11:19 AM
Still chugging my way through Varney. (That reads wrong.) I lost my e-reader day before yesterday though*, so decided to start on the new King Dark Tower novel 'The Wind Through the Keyhole'.

Too early to tell if it's any good yet, but so far I'm enjoying it.

*It's been found since then. I left it in Starbucks. Not sure quite how I did that as I didn't even read it in there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 19 May, 2012, 11:40:06 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 19 May, 2012, 06:11:19 AM
Still chugging my way through Varney...

Is it a Gutenberg ebook? I'm interested in old pulp fiction, so might check it out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 19 May, 2012, 03:55:20 PM
Fleshmarket Close, by Ian Rankin.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 19 May, 2012, 05:19:29 PM
Quote from: Syne on 19 May, 2012, 11:40:06 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 19 May, 2012, 06:11:19 AM
Still chugging my way through Varney...

Is it a Gutenberg ebook? I'm interested in old pulp fiction, so might check it out.

I'm not sure, but I downloaded it free on the Kobo. It's not the full version but it seems pretty hefty just the same. It's not bad, quite intriguing in places. The writing style is somewhat repetitive, but that might be due to the original form of publishing as a penny dreadful.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I.K. on 20 May, 2012, 03:35:28 AM
I've got a physical, (Wordsworth Editions), copy of Varney the Vampire, (no pictures, unfortunately). I was surprised to see how many of the well-worn vampire tropes are in there, right at the start of the story. Probably where a lot of them came from.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 May, 2012, 09:38:47 AM
'Chasm City', by Alastair Reynolds.

I'm fifty pages in, after a pathetic year wherein the only novel I've managed to finish to finish has been an old Dredd one.

Already this has consumed me- completely brilliant and i cannot wait til ten o'clock tonight, when i can continue.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 20 May, 2012, 04:44:16 PM
Quote from: M.I.K. on 20 May, 2012, 03:35:28 AM
I've got a physical, (Wordsworth Editions), copy of Varney the Vampire, (no pictures, unfortunately). I was surprised to see how many of the well-worn vampire tropes are in there, right at the start of the story. Probably where a lot of them came from.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Varney functions well out and about in the sunlight, but then again Dracula comes out in the sun too (although he uses most of his power during the day). I get the impression that it's the film Nosferatu which brought up the 'sunlight as a killer' concept. (Which still shows it's not as modern as some may think considering how old that film is!)

I think this is the first time I came across the idea that moonlight is restorative to vampires.

[spoiler]Also those that think the idea of vampires as 3 dimensional characters with a conscience is a modern concept may be surprised when reading Varney. As a Vampire novel, I think I prefer Dracula (it's definitely the scarier of the two, and Varney is a very bloated story) but Varney is a much more complex character. (The Count does show some complexity at the start in his interview with Harker, but there's a sense this is a front. He is described later as being intelligent but having a 'child mind'.)  I'm not saying that I prefer that kind over the more one-dimensional blood guzzling fiend, mind, as that is a scary concept. I guess I like both in different ways.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 20 May, 2012, 09:15:16 PM
Bodycount by Shaun Hutson. So far, it's his best yet: tightly plotted, some solid character development and feels more than ever like you're watching a movie rather than reading a book.

More thriller than horror, but that's the way of latter day Shaun Hutson, I feel.

In fact, he talks about horror and identity in this excellent column:

http://www.thisishorror.co.uk/columns/the-gorefather/has-traditional-horror-lost-its-identity/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 21 May, 2012, 04:43:13 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 20 May, 2012, 09:38:47 AM
'Chasm City', by Alastair Reynolds.

About 600 pages in Reynolds repeats the same word twice in a paragraph.

Other than that it's flawless.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 21 May, 2012, 06:27:07 PM
The Forever War, by Joe Haldeman.  I thought I'd probably already read this but it turns out I was wrong.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 22 May, 2012, 12:28:06 AM
Quote from: Trout on 11 May, 2012, 09:24:27 PM
But his science fiction is amazing. I think he's made a really important contribution to the genre. I particularly love the Player of Games.
Perhaps I owe it to Banks to revisit his work at some point given how well regarded he is here. I've read and superfically enjoyed most of his sci-fi without any of it – other than Excession– ever making much of an impression on me.

Having said that, I do think he's come up with a great backdrop for his fiction. It's like a lovely, fictional toad in the hole, with the unique setting of each story a juicy sausage nestled in the airy, enveloping batter of the Culture. It gives cohesion and a touch of strange familiarity without getting bogged down in pointless continuity beyond a few obligatory mentions of the Idiran war.

Quote from: TordelBack on 11 May, 2012, 09:38:26 PM
Yeah, it's terrific stuff. I thought his last two Culture books, Matter and Surface Detail, were amongst his very best.
Now I just read Matter a few weeks ago. Despite being at least 200 pages too long it's a typically easy read but with an almost formulaic Culture plot. Two separate strands gradually converge over the first two-thirds of the novel. Shortly after they meet, a third element (usually vaguely hinted at up to now) emerges and has to be confronted. In the final 30 or 40 pages, increasingly absurd levels of weaponry are discharged and proven ineffective before the threat is finally overcome and most of the protagonists die.

This all happens here to entertaining effect but the novel is hamstrung by the aforementioned 200 pages. As the action moves up through the levels of the Shellworld and beyond, Banks feels the need to detail the nature, origins and political or social ordering of the denizens of every level for no real gain. As a result, whole sections of the book read more like a Traveller campaign manual than a novel.

The paperback copy I read contains a revealing interview with the author where he discusses his worries at not being able to maintain the same level of invention required for the setting of new sci-fi work and I got the distinct impression this particular was the victim of a man trying to prove to himself he still has what it takes. It might've been better to go for a new collection of short stories and give each creation a purpose beyond simply existing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 22 May, 2012, 01:59:54 AM
Quote from: ming on 21 May, 2012, 06:27:07 PM
The Forever War, by Joe Haldeman.  I thought I'd probably already read this but it turns out I was wrong.

Now that's a good read. I need to reread it myself one day. There are also a couple of sequels I haven't got to yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 22 May, 2012, 02:02:13 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 19 May, 2012, 05:19:29 PM
Quote from: Syne on 19 May, 2012, 11:40:06 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 19 May, 2012, 06:11:19 AM
Still chugging my way through Varney...

Is it a Gutenberg ebook? I'm interested in old pulp fiction, so might check it out.

I'm not sure, but I downloaded it free on the Kobo. It's not the full version but it seems pretty hefty just the same. It's not bad, quite intriguing in places. The writing style is somewhat repetitive, but that might be due to the original form of publishing as a penny dreadful.

I've found it on Gutenberg now, it may be the same version - the compilers state that it is abridged though, as you mention, it's still a pretty massive hunk of text. Think I might just read it a chapter a week or so: suspect if I tried to tackle it in one chunk I would burn out pretty quickly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 22 May, 2012, 02:09:19 AM
Read Smith's Cradlegrave last night, very impressive. The ending did seem a little rushed, but that's my only reservation.

Especially good how the 6-page installment format translated seamlessly into a graphic novel. I had to go back afterwards and count the pages in order to see where the weekly breaks had occured, and noticed that, while there did tend to be mini-cliffhangers at those points, they blended easily into the surrounding narrative. A good example of writing for two formats simultaneously.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 22 May, 2012, 10:14:14 PM
Quote from: Syne on 22 May, 2012, 01:59:54 AM
Now that's a good read. I need to reread it myself one day. There are also a couple of sequels I haven't got to yet.

I read The Forever War and the sequel Forever Peace - The Forever War isn't perfect, I like it, but I felt really disappointed reading the sequel. Anyone else read it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 May, 2012, 10:24:04 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 22 May, 2012, 10:14:14 PM
I read The Forever War and the sequel Forever Peace - The Forever War isn't perfect, I like it, but I felt really disappointed reading the sequel. Anyone else read it?

Well it isn't a sequel to The Forever War for a start.... That'd be Forever Free. It's more of a quasi-prequel/variation on a theme.  It's okay.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 22 May, 2012, 10:55:57 PM
Sorry meant to say Forever Free - I've never read Forever Peace or any other Joe Haldman works - any recommendations?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: W. R. Logan on 22 May, 2012, 11:21:26 PM
Forever Wars a good read, Forever Free's ok
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 22 May, 2012, 11:31:02 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 22 May, 2012, 12:28:06 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 11 May, 2012, 09:38:26 PM
Yeah, it's terrific stuff. I thought his last two Culture books, Matter and Surface Detail, were amongst his very best.
Now I just read Matter a few weeks ago. Despite being at least 200 pages too long it's a typically easy read but with an almost formulaic Culture plot. Two separate strands gradually converge over the first two-thirds of the novel. Shortly after they meet, a third element (usually vaguely hinted at up to now) emerges and has to be confronted. In the final 30 or 40 pages, increasingly absurd levels of weaponry are discharged and proven ineffective before the threat is finally overcome and most of the protagonists die.

This all happens here to entertaining effect but the novel is hamstrung by the aforementioned 200 pages. As the action moves up through the levels of the Shellworld and beyond, Banks feels the need to detail the nature, origins and political or social ordering of the denizens of every level for no real gain. As a result, whole sections of the book read more like a Traveller campaign manual than a novel.

Nail on the head there Mr.Cosh. I thought Surface Detail was by far the better of the two, well worth a read if you haven't already.

I recently revisited Use of Weapons and Excession. Now there's a couple of entertaining books, totally forgot how many chuckles there are in Weapons.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 May, 2012, 11:35:01 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 22 May, 2012, 10:55:57 PM
I've never read Forever Peace or any other Joe Haldman works - any recommendations?

I really enjoyed the Worlds trilogy, a sort-of updated Cities in Flight but with post-apocalytpic acromegaly, and The Hemingway Hoax but it's been years since I read them, so I'm not sure how they hold up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 May, 2012, 11:38:32 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 22 May, 2012, 12:28:06 AMAs the action moves up through the levels of the Shellworld and beyond, Banks feels the need to detail the nature, origins and political or social ordering of the denizens of every level for no real gain. As a result, whole sections of the book read more like a Traveller campaign manual than a novel.

This is a more-than fair point, and I almost hate to admit that I really love that sort of stuff, and this in particualr.  I also enjoyed the speculation on relevance and the 'simulation hypothesis', the purpose of the shellworlds, and yes, the very abrupt perfunctory ending.  But I agree, Surface Detail is by far the better novel, and what a luverrly bit of fanservice on the last pages.

Of Banks recent SF novels* the only one that disappointed me was Transition, which despite being a healthy page-turner turned out to contain one really good idea and a heap of poorly thought-out ones. 


*I know.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 23 May, 2012, 06:07:28 AM
Reading Bridge of Darkness by Shotaro Ikenami, English translation by Gavin Frew. Four short stories about Baian, an acupuncturist in 17th Century Japan who moonlights as an assassin. An assassin who uses acupuncture. Steel needles in the back of the neck galore. Very enjoyable. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 24 May, 2012, 08:34:45 AM
I've been reading Gridlinked by Neal Asher.  I had previously picked and read an Ian Cormac book, not realising it was part of a series, so have doubled back to the start.  I'm not finding this as entertaining to be honest, and after a chapter I always find myself struggling to stay awake. It could be these late shifts at work, or it could be the book just isn't engaging me.

I'm also coming to the end of the Dave Gibbon Dr Who Omnibus.  That's a blast, though the Wagner/Mills stories are way better than the Parkhouse ones IMHO. 

Slightly off topic - I know Baker is considered the 4th Doctor, but what about Cushing's earlier film? Wouldn't that push Baker to 5th? After all, McGann is considered the 8th Doctor, after only having starred in one pilot/film.  Not that I'm obsessed about it or anything - just curious!  If anyone has an answer I'd be interested to hear it.

Anyway, back to books - I'm quite tempted to put Gridlinked to one side for a while, and read Pratchett's Snuff instead.  His stuff is usually easy reading, and quite amusing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 24 May, 2012, 10:50:27 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 24 May, 2012, 08:34:45 AM

Slightly off topic - I know Baker is considered the 4th Doctor, but what about Cushing's earlier film? Wouldn't that push Baker to 5th? After all, McGann is considered the 8th Doctor, after only having starred in one pilot/film.  Not that I'm obsessed about it or anything - just curious!  If anyone has an answer I'd be interested to hear it.

As I understand it, the Cushing film isn't part of the official cannon. Though I'm sure there are fans out there who have developed some complex theory by which to fit it in ;).

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 24 May, 2012, 10:56:46 AM
I myself, I might add, believe that Sylvester McCoy was the last Doctor and that everything since is a communal fever-dream dreamt by alien kindergarten students with short attention spans and penchants for overdone background music.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 May, 2012, 11:03:05 AM
And the further we get into nuwho, with its upcoming 'dinosaurs on a spaceship' and convoluted bollocks storytelling, the more i agree with syne. Though im prepared to accept that mccoy regenerated into mcgann- and went on to have adventures beyond the tv movie... But there's no way eccy, tennant and smith are part of my canon. Some of their stories are fun, yes, but theyre no more dr who than ant and dec are bob and terry. Or those americans are dad's army.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 24 May, 2012, 12:30:52 PM
Oops, I really didn't mean to derail this thread - apologies!

Books, dear fellows, books!!!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 24 May, 2012, 02:34:56 PM
The Lovecraft Anthology 2 -various short comic book adaptions of HP Lovecraft stories such as Pickmans Model, the Temple and the Hound. A variety of artists and writers but so far they have been genuinely otherworldly and creepy especially the version of From Beyond.

Enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hoagy on 24 May, 2012, 02:53:39 PM
Visitors From Space, by, John Keel. Great material but his singular pacing is a bit boring. And the fact that he's taken in by Uri Geller's spoon and fork bending immediately sets his credibility at a less respectable level.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 May, 2012, 04:13:19 PM
Re Lovecraft Anthology 2- im about halfway through, and am finding it a bit hit and miss. Best so far is From Beyond, yes, but i have a feeling (from flicking forward) that the mick mcmahon-drawn 'the picture in the house' is going to be the one to beat. Anyone who perhaps thinks mcmahon's newer stuff is not to their taste is advised to at least have a look at this. It may change your mind a bit.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 24 May, 2012, 09:59:19 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 24 May, 2012, 04:13:19 PM
Re Lovecraft Anthology 2- im about halfway through, and am finding it a bit hit and miss. Best so far is From Beyond, yes, but i have a feeling (from flicking forward) that the mick mcmahon-drawn 'the picture in the house' is going to be the one to beat. Anyone who perhaps thinks mcmahon's newer stuff is not to their taste is advised to at least have a look at this. It may change your mind a bit. SBT

http://tuggingyourcoat.com/2011/08/16/at-last-something-new/ (http://tuggingyourcoat.com/2011/08/16/at-last-something-new/)  Fuckin' awesome.

I'd always assumed that McGann and Ecclestone's characters were one and the same.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 May, 2012, 11:57:09 PM
Quote from: bikini kill on 24 May, 2012, 09:59:19 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 24 May, 2012, 04:13:19 PM
Re Lovecraft Anthology 2- im about halfway through, and am finding it a bit hit and miss. Best so far is From Beyond, yes, but i have a feeling (from flicking forward) that the mick mcmahon-drawn 'the picture in the house' is going to be the one to beat. Anyone who perhaps thinks mcmahon's newer stuff is not to their taste is advised to at least have a look at this. It may change your mind a bit. SBT

http://tuggingyourcoat.com/2011/08/16/at-last-something-new/ (http://tuggingyourcoat.com/2011/08/16/at-last-something-new/)  Fuckin' awesome.

Oh my word.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Craig Daley on 27 May, 2012, 02:24:25 AM
Lost it with Marvel due to age, restricted to early Essentials mainly, I can't get passed the fact that Reed Richards and Tony Stark should be over a 100 by now, always wished they had gone with real time development. Otherwise superheroes mainly restricted to flashback WWII narratives, that's where they belong for me.
Love Mignola's stuff, reminds me slightly of the old EC Comics with more research, but the macabre twists are sometimes missing, not quite Twilight Zone.
Had enough Walking the Dead, 28 days ago, but I suppose Zombies are Survivors, pretty sure they are using dialogue from Soaps, give me Romero or EC Comics every time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 27 May, 2012, 05:00:40 AM
So far this year Stevie has been reading either comics (most recently all of Zombo to date –is Stevie the only squaxx who prefers the second series to the first?-- & a SBT-inspired revisit to Alan Merkin's run on Damp Thong), weighty tones (11/22/63. Blue Remembered Earth, excellent as always Robert Charles Wilson's Darwinia)  or abandoning Campbellian Golden Age SF partway through (neither Heinlein nor Van Vogt were what Stevie is currently looking for: clearly  the middle initial  'C').

So Heads by Greg Bear really hit the spot.

This mere slip of hard SF, practically a novella, with it's mix of Lunar politics, cryogenics & speculative physics resulting in a far  more successful ghost story than Bear's contemporary horror novel Dead Lines.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 May, 2012, 11:13:28 AM
Glad to see Anal? More!'s run on Stink Wang getting a reread over at oh lucky stevie's gaff- i've been dilligently buying a single issue of Stinky per week (sometimes two) inorder to complete the set. As of yesterday, im missing 68 issues across the five volumes, and it's been great fun reading the various versions. While the obvious is the best written and most worthy, my favourite is absolutely the original run, and volume 1, #24 is the comic i would most happily own at the moment. Still, birthday's a-coming.

After The Shat's appearance on hignfy the other night, and subsequent viewing of 'the doomsday machine', i went a bit mad and bought a brand new star trek novel- something called 'the rings of time'. It promises saturn, and fish-out-of-water kirk stuck in the 21st century, orbiting said planet in a nasa spacesuit. An initial dive after eurovision suggests it may be quite fun.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 27 May, 2012, 02:13:41 PM
I read The Forever War ages ago - vaguely remember it being a good read.
  I'm reading all of The Boys that I can get my hands on.  It's Ennis at the absolute top of his game, for mine. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 28 May, 2012, 03:58:15 PM
I just finished Stephen King's new Dark Tower novel, The Wind Through the Keyhole.

It didn't disappoint. Not so much one story as 3 in one, all set within each other. Interesting that it actually contradicted some of the historical stuff that Robin Furth set up in her 'History and legends of Mid-World' prose piece in the back of the Dark Tower comics. (Or not really. It just means that stuff is now more in the legendarythan historical category.)

If I had any complaints it would be that I'd have liked more material in The Skin Man sections of the book. It was still a decent story though.

I'm currently reading the second Mistborn novel The Well of Ascension. I was introduced to the author Brandon Sanderson when he too up The Wheel of Time novels after Robert Jordan's death. He's doing a good job on those stories so far and I enjoyed the first Mistborn novel. I'm not over taken on the writing style (but that might just be after reading King) but it's an interesting world and story he's created. Still early days yet but it's good so far. The Mistborn novels also have a couple of the most original magic systems I've come across in fantasy novels.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 28 May, 2012, 04:07:06 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 27 May, 2012, 11:13:28 AM
Glad to see Anal? More!'s run on Stink Wang getting a reread

I don't know if this be typos or I've genuinely missed a classic somewhere.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 May, 2012, 04:27:36 PM
Gary Spencer Millidge's Alan Moore: Storyteller.  An unexpected treat courtesy of the library (really must find out who their buyer is and shake his/her hand), this is a fantastic book. 

A quick peruse of the 'further reading' at the back confirms that I have all-bar-one of the other Moore-o-graphs on my Mooreshelf, so this should all have been old hash-smelling hat, but it's beautifully structured and illustrated (including loads of things I've never seen before - his sacrificial painting of Asmodeus has to be seen to be believed), and best of all it had an unscratched ungummed CD in the back! 

To my amazment I really enjoyed Moore's music and performances - I mean, I always liked 'March of the Sinister Ducks', but I wasn't sure I wanted to hear any more in the same vein, and TBH I always found his readings of his own work on TV faintly embarrassing.  But this, this is quite brilliant stuff that has moved straight to my MP3 player in its entirety.  His 'Asmodeus' track is some freaked-out stomm and no mistake. Current favourite however is the hilarious 'Dorothy Parker'. 

This book is a must-buy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 28 May, 2012, 04:54:09 PM
Just finished my first Neil Gaiman text novel, Anansi Boys, today.  Douglas Adams has a worthy successor, I'm pleased to say.

Also just started Shaun Ryder's autobiography - Jesus, but my childhood was lame.

Both books were found in Thai guesthouses.  People leave good shit behind sometimes
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 May, 2012, 06:25:45 PM
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 28 May, 2012, 04:54:09 PM
Just finished my first Neil Gaiman text novel, Anansi Boys, today.  Douglas Adams has a worthy successor, I'm pleased to say.

Hadn't made that connection, but you're not wrong with the comparison - I was surprised how much I enjoyed Anansi Boys.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 28 May, 2012, 07:26:49 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 May, 2012, 06:25:45 PM
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 28 May, 2012, 04:54:09 PM
Just finished my first Neil Gaiman text novel, Anansi Boys, today.  Douglas Adams has a worthy successor, I'm pleased to say.

Hadn't made that connection, but you're not wrong with the comparison - I was surprised how much I enjoyed Anansi Boys.

Yes, it's a good read. And Mr Nancy is a great character. I enjoyed American Gods too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 28 May, 2012, 07:59:59 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 May, 2012, 04:27:36 PM
Gary Spencer Millidge's Alan Moore: Storyteller.  An unexpected treat courtesy of the library (really must find out who their buyer is and shake his/her hand), this is a fantastic book.  This book is a must-buy.

This has been in my basket for a while, but you've convinced me to stop with the dithering, Tordel. I'm glad someone else shares my feelings about Moore's bloody awful Rorschach voice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SNKRo0Zalk); but just typing that feels like telling my Mum she's got a shite haircut.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 28 May, 2012, 09:54:46 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 28 May, 2012, 07:26:49 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 May, 2012, 06:25:45 PM
Quote from: JayzusB.Christ on 28 May, 2012, 04:54:09 PM
Just finished my first Neil Gaiman text novel, Anansi Boys, today.  Douglas Adams has a worthy successor, I'm pleased to say.

Hadn't made that connection, but you're not wrong with the comparison - I was surprised how much I enjoyed Anansi Boys.

Yes, it's a good read. And Mr Nancy is a great character. I enjoyed American Gods too.


American Gods is great, my favourite Gaiman novel. He's planning a sequel to it and there is a TV series in development too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 28 May, 2012, 10:09:11 PM
Twisted Tales! And Alien Worlds, and Corben Special: House of Usher (Fall of, not our floppy-haired brethren) and various other Pacific Comics from the start of the eighties. Bruce Jones was really on a roll, wasn't he? But there was quite an overuse of Richard Corben, an artist i run hot and cold on. Some times i look at his work and become convinced the man can't even draw competently, let alone with any great style... and others, i fall in love with his stuff completely. The House of Usher adaptation is notable here for the magnificent breasts throughout. It's no exaggeration to say this particular comic is probably the most-thumbed thing i owned as a young teenager. Well, maybe the second most-thumbed.

Also found 'Alan Moore's Yuggoth Cultures and other growths', from 2003, which may have been what i was misremembering as the bit of the neonomicon i thought i might have. It seems i don't, so i can buy that with a clear conscience. Especially as Trout said it was filthy.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 28 May, 2012, 10:19:50 PM
Quote from: Rog69 on 28 May, 2012, 09:54:46 PM
American Gods is great, my favourite Gaiman novel. He's planning a sequel to it and there is a TV series in development too.

Love American Gods too. I told Gaiman at a signing that I was once stuck in Manchester airport for a whole day, and devoured the entire book. It quite literally kept me from going insane.
His quite cool reply; "Of course, that's the reason I wrote it".

Hadn't heard about the sequel, nice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 28 May, 2012, 10:25:35 PM
Speaking of sequels, Fun Home 2: The Truckening is out this week!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 30 May, 2012, 02:31:27 PM
well i've run out of Fantasy at the moment so i thought i'd give some Sci-Fi a try.  2/3rds of the way through Iain M Banks Exession and must say i am really enjoying it, was a bit wary to begin with as no human characters turn up for quite a while and i've never read a Hard Sci-Fi novel before but after a few chapters it really grabbed me.  Supprised at how humurous it is, the Minds and drones etc have a very dry witt and the first message board type communication was very funny.  Not too sure on the where i sit on the whole Culture themselves am i right in thinking its run by their Minds and the HUmans/other species dont really have much say in things? 
Noticed there's quite a few books set in the Culture universe is there any order they should be read in? also any stand outs i should go for next?
Also stocked up on my GN's while i was in Perth, filled in a few gaps so i can finish  Ex MAchina and also started a couple of newer series, Chew Book 1 & 2, All Hail Megatron book 1 to 4 (best TF comic i've read in  awhile) spome more Fables and Book 2 in my Hardback Alan Moore SwampThing GN's.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 30 May, 2012, 02:54:28 PM
I love Banks. There is no real continuity in the Culture novels and CAN be read in any order, but I usually opt for reading in the order of publication. In that case you'd want to backtrack to Consider Phlebas.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 30 May, 2012, 03:39:57 PM
I was looking for that one but the earliest i could get from the book shop was Excession, will trek to the Library for further novels as $25A for a paperback was a bit steep but i really needed something to read on the train.  Would go the digital option but i just cant read off a screen no matter how book like it is.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 30 May, 2012, 04:07:51 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 30 May, 2012, 02:31:27 PM
2/3rds of the way through Iain M Banks Exession and must say i am really enjoying it ...  Supprised at how humurous it is, the Minds and drones etc have a very dry witt and the first message board type communication was very funny.  Not too sure on the where i sit on the whole Culture themselves am i right in thinking its run by their Minds and the HUmans/other species dont really have much say in things? 

The Minds, Drones etc are regularly some of the best characters IMO and Excession gives them plenty of room to shine. Saying that, it's not one of my favourite overall - that's currently Surface Detail, the last one I read and latest Culture book (next one along later this year).

I agree with von Boom about checking out Consider Phlebas - I think it sets the whole thing up well and is a great book, though if you're enjoying Excession you're already there. I'd say the Culture is 'run' by the humans, but all the nitty gritty details are dealt with by the Minds.

...

Still on REAMDE. Flagging a bit.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 30 May, 2012, 05:48:17 PM
Re Banks, agree totally about Consider Phlebas, but my fave Culture novels are easily Use of Weapons and Player of Games. The latter really summed up gaming in general, and the ending was just impossibly brilliant!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 31 May, 2012, 01:45:51 PM
Frankie Boyle's book, which I found in a hostel.  Rating: A bit shit so far, not sure I'll make it through.  At least he reads comics
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 May, 2012, 02:19:11 PM
Duma Key, by Stephen King.  What is it about me and King's books?  Every couple of years I seem to forget how much I enjoy his stuff, and shuttle him off to a portion of my mental filing system labeled 'Overlong Formulaic Shlock' and avoid him completely.  Then I get stuck for something to read, pick up an unread one (they're so freely available!) and am instantly ensnared and reminded of just how good he is.  The last one I read prior to this was Lisey's Story, which I loved, so I've no idea why it's been three or more years before I came back to him again.  I blame Needful Things, which was the last book I read in my orginal-original King-phase, and which I didn't particuarly enjoy, and The Dark Tower, which I've never read due to over-enthusiatic supporters insisting that I'd love it.  Other than that, I've loved 'em all.

Anyway, not too far in and Duma Key is a fine gripping example, complete with creative type recovering from life-changing accident in an isolated house, and I swear I won't forget this time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 03 June, 2012, 03:10:14 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 31 May, 2012, 02:19:11 PM
Anyway, not too far in and Duma Key is a fine gripping example, complete with creative type recovering from life-changing accident in an isolated house, and I swear I won't forget this time.

For me, this one was a cracker up until the end: loved the characters and setting and main thrust of the story;  but then it tool a bizarre twist and I ended up feeling somewhat underwhelmed by the book's closing chapters.

My problem with King is not with him: it's with the cowardice of his editing team. I love the likes of CARRIE and CUJO, his shorter and more pulpy reads, but later efforts seem to meander far too much in the middle, using waaaay too many words, and I ultimately either set the book down unfinished or fast-forward to the end.     
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 03 June, 2012, 03:44:50 PM
I have to read one more book for work-related reasons this year (and hopefully none at all next year):
Touching the Void by Joe Simpson.

Mountain climber breaks his leg and gets dropped off a mountain in Peru. Has to crawl back to camp on his own without provisions.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 June, 2012, 09:42:16 PM
Just finished reading 'Pogo - the complete syndicated comic strips: Volume 1' and its everything you think it should be... well almost. Its so close to being what I'd hoped but not, quite, not yet.

First things first its bloody gorgeous. Walt Kelly is one of the great cartoonists and no mistake. Second things second its seminal. There are so many bits, be it the strips over all style, to individual panels that are clearly an influence on so much other material that I love. There's even a couple of characters that I'm convinced (though very possibly completely wrongly) that influenced Sir Digby Chicken Caesar and Ginger from Mitchell and Webb. So much seems to stem from this, stuff I love.

Its also laugh out load funny at times and though it dances with being twee and cute, it always just about managers to avoid tipping over the edge (well the odd Sunday strip aside). The thing is my concern when approaching this was that I wouldn't have the necessary references to get the political stuff the strip is famous for. In these first couple of years though there's not a great deal of it here. When it is the strip is actually at its strongest and while there are notes on the history and figures that are being parodied, I choose only to read them until afterwards, hoping that a good strip would carry by itself, without having to constantly look back at these for detail. They do, the figures are easily identified on general terms and hilarious. Superb satire.

The thing is will this still carry when the politics gets more and more important to the series? I'll have to wait for the next volume to see. I'll certainly be getting it as this is fantastic stuff, really fantastic. I just hope it can get even better!

If you like your comics history this is a must.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 June, 2012, 09:01:23 AM
Well my dabblin' with da classics has seen me read Titan's first volume of the complete Alex Raymond Flash Gordon Sundays and a few really annoying printing errors (a couple of strips repeated, one completely out of sequence and as a consequence a couple missing) its bloody brilliant. Its fast moving beyond belief, but the imagination and wonder that goes into the stories is simply incredible and so very beautifully realised. Its astonishingly well crafted and great fun to read as the story moves at breakneck speed. Its very of its time but so utterly entertaining.

Another one that deserves its classic status.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 09 June, 2012, 10:18:44 AM
Cheers for that, Colin. I've been meaning to read Pogo for donkeys' years- probably since... well, you can probably guess when someone of my age first discovered Pogo and Walt Kelly can't you- yeah, in the pages of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing and 'Pog'. Obviously.

Talking of Alan Moore- I read 'Neonomicon' last night. Blimey.

Over the last few months I've been going through, and amassing along the way, a large collection of horror comics- starting with Swamp Thing, of which I'm slowly completing the set- and moving through Twisted Tales (and all the associated Bruce Jones gubbins- Alien Worlds, Corben/ Bolton specials, Tales of Terror, etc) and finally onto Tales From The Crypt/ Shocking SuspenStories/ Vault of Horror, through reprint collections in that case, as I'm not a snecking millionaire. Along the way, my three-weekly treat of The Walking Dead has turned up, proving that horror comics have never been in better shape. Oh yes, we may have had that Crypt one about the baseball field back in the fifties, then Moore's run on Swamp Thing, 'Banjo Lessons' in Twisted Tales #5- which is surely one of the best and most gut-wrenching horror stories ever told in comics... but have you read Walking Dead #98? Holy funt.

Anyway- Alan Moore and Neonomicon, which as I say, I read last night. I'm not one to venerate the beardie one beyond a few 'core' texts. V For Vendetta, Halo, his early Swamp Things and From Hell aside, there are numerous writers I prefer. But, christ. Neonomicon. I can't remember the last time I read a comic, then fell asleep and had vivid dreams about the characters and powerful nightmares about the situations and that comic's world. Last night I was swimming underwater in the ocean, and looking down, I could see the Great Old Ones and their kin swarming below me. There were... things, in the water with me. even when the dream changed, and I was back on dry land, they were there. Just at the edge of my vision. people looked... fishy. And they spoke... oddly. Their language was as nonsense. But I understood it- which terrified me.

So- Neonomicon. An FBI investigation deep in Lovecraft country, down by the shores of Innsmouth, via the twisted fantasies of a bestiality-obsessed sadist and serial killer. Starring a recovering nymphomaniac female agent and her partner and, earlier, an agent gone too deep undercov'wgah.

To say I ph'nglui this would be an understatement. It crept nafh my skin and is still with h'gluih this morning. Ph'nglui mglw'nafh. Just go and buy ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn. Fhtagn. R'lyeh.

S'BT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 09 June, 2012, 04:34:44 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 09 June, 2012, 10:18:44 AM

Talking of Alan Moore- I read 'Neonomicon' last night. Blimey.


Anyway- Alan Moore and Neonomicon, which as I say, I read last night. I'm not one to venerate the beardie one beyond a few 'core' texts. V For Vendetta, Halo, his early Swamp Things and From Hell aside, there are numerous writers I prefer. But, christ. Neonomicon. I can't remember the last time I read a comic, then fell asleep and had vivid dreams about the characters and powerful nightmares about the situations and that comic's world. Last night I was swimming underwater in the ocean, and looking down, I could see the Great Old Ones and their kin swarming below me. There were... things, in the water with me. even when the dream changed, and I was back on dry land, they were there. Just at the edge of my vision. people looked... fishy. And they spoke... oddly. Their language was as nonsense. But I understood it- which terrified me.


Wow, you've sold me!  I've just bought a shitload of Dredd case files, but I guess I'd better add this to my Amazon basket too!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 13 June, 2012, 02:00:00 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 09 June, 2012, 10:18:44 AM
Talking of Alan Moore- I read 'Neonomicon' last night. Blimey.


There seems to be a lot of negative noise about that one, particularly the 'rapey' elements. Even Moore comes across a bit apologetic when discussing it. It's nice to hear something positive for a change, and I'll def. be putting it on my to read list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 13 June, 2012, 02:09:18 AM
Started reading M. John Harrison's Viriconium Nights last night. I'd previously given up on his The Pastel City and felt a little put-off by his self-proclaimed 'anti-fantasy' stance, but wow! Nights is amazing. Reminds me of Mervyn Peake in its grimy baroque detail, only a lot more concise and less exhausting to read. Nightmarish and beautiful.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 13 June, 2012, 04:50:53 AM
Quote from: Syne on 13 June, 2012, 02:00:00 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 09 June, 2012, 10:18:44 AM
Talking of Alan Moore- I read 'Neonomicon' last night. Blimey.


There seems to be a lot of negative noise about that one, particularly the 'rapey' elements. Even Moore comes across a bit apologetic when discussing it. It's nice to hear something positive for a change, and I'll def. be putting it on my to read list.

It's nowhere near his best work but I do find Neonomicon an interesting comic to discuss. I've seen a lot of that negative noise about it too. I will say that my interpretation of what Moore was trying to do here was to demonstrate just how awful and disgusting and disturbing the act of rape is. He has given out in the past about how representations of women in mainstream comics often deal with them in a sort of ugly, dismissive way, and often trivialises rape/sexual assault in a sort of quietly aggressive way. And it's often done as a way to 'get at' the male hero or to demonstrate just how badass the villain is. A recent issue of Mark Millar's Kick Ass 2 is a very good example of the latter (an issue I found repugnant on so many levels I actually dropped the book).

While I would agree with Moore's point, I'm not sure I agree with his execution here. Moore's comics work has featured a lot of sexual assault on women as well but I would argue his execution of it is done in a much more mature and intelligent way than other examples in comics. Mina Harker, for example, remains a strong character and it's the perpetrator of the assault who is seen as pathetic and weak.

I don't think it's an issue that should be treated trivially but there sure is a lot of it going on in comics, films and television to massively different degrees. The comics industry is so overtly male-dominated and geared toward male fantasy that I do find it's repetitive use in the medium a little creepy and off-putting (hello David Lapham's Crossed!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 13 June, 2012, 08:15:15 AM
I've just finished 'The Visitor' by Lee Child - pretty banal stuff, with twists from the 'do plot twists just like Agatha Christie' book and some pretty rubbish writing.  However, once you start it's hard to put down. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 13 June, 2012, 12:26:47 PM
The Strain Trilogy. Not very good, but an easy read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 13 June, 2012, 02:46:12 PM
My wife's bought me the George R.R.Martin  Game of Thrones collection (to date ofc) and the the Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay

Can't wait to read the lot i now just have to toss a coin as to which collection to read first
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 13 June, 2012, 02:56:06 PM
Read Kay. Excellent writer who knows at least how to finish a story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 13 June, 2012, 05:53:58 PM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 13 June, 2012, 04:50:53 AM
A recent issue of Mark Millar's Kick Ass 2 is a very good example of the latter (an issue I found repugnant on so many levels I actually dropped the book).

Yeah, I came to that in the last issue of Clint I read*, and I was considering dropping it too. I probably won't though as we're coming near the end of that story and I'd like to see how the rest of it turned out, but I really don't think they should have gone there.

[spoiler]I think they could have taken a different route to show how bad Red Mist has become... or does he really need to be portrayedthat evil? I think I preferred the three dimensional version we saw in the film. A lonely rich kid who really just wanted to be liked before going to the dark side. Sure, he should be worse now, but Millar has this habit of going to extremes just for shock value. Not that there shouldn't be shocks in comics or any story-based medium, but the execution should be better, in my view.[/spoiler]

*Shows how far back I am. Heh. I tend to pick up back issues when I visit FP in London, which isn't that often.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 13 June, 2012, 06:49:03 PM
Moore is a special case because he said superhero comics were silly and not very inventive and that made me feel bad about my hobby and by extension myself, so it's only fair I shout on the internet that he doesn't use about what an arsehole he is, and how he's not that great a writer anyway.  Walking Dead, now that's a comic!  This guy totally bites this other guy's dick in this month's issue - that is some hardcore shit right there, not like that waitress in space bullshit that Moore did that only a homo would want to read.

Orbital vol 1 is probably the first of the Cinebook titles where the lack of any effort in the translation utterly derails the story for me, particularly the unconvincing exchanges between the main character and her daughter, the rationale for going to the moon which seems to be little more than an illogical whim, and the constant and unconvincing straight-translation dialog hack job that makes a mockery of the arguments against scanlators, because scanlation groups would be ashamed to put something like this on the net for free even though Cinebook are asking actual money for it.  It is a horrendous read, a total slog to get through, and it's not all the fault of whoever decided that a localised translation wasn't the way to go because there are glaring logical flaws in the original plot, particularly [spoiler]the sudden ending where everyone on a lunar expedition just decides to go to Mars now since they are already in space[/spoiler].  The art is very pretty, like Greg Land gone right, with these strange things on the character heads that I think might have been "facial expressions", and behind them all these weird pictures of the places where the characters were supposed to be are in every panel, so as a superhero reader this was quite disorienting - no photoshopped pictures from Imagestock.com of oil rigs or anything, the artist had actually drawn the places!
Nice pictures, but a terrible story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 13 June, 2012, 07:25:47 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 13 June, 2012, 06:49:03 PM
Orbital vol 1

D'oh!  I confused Orbital with The Champanzee Complex - both Cinebooks, but very different stories.  I hold out hope Orbital may still be good even if tCC was not.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 13 June, 2012, 07:44:01 PM
I have just finished The Scar by China Mieville.

It was no where near as good as Perdido Street Station but still not a bad read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kirbs on 13 June, 2012, 07:54:00 PM
Just starting to read Judge Dreed the complete case files vol 2. Yes I know I'm miles behind!! :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 13 June, 2012, 08:39:39 PM
Quote from: Kirbs on 13 June, 2012, 07:54:00 PM
Just starting to read Judge Dreed the complete case files vol 2. Yes I know I'm miles behind!! :)

Don't worry, I've only read the first volume of the Case files. I read it three or four years back (or is it five now? Time seems to speed up as you get older) when I considered getting the prog, but from a 2000 AD big volume POV I've just been working through the S/D Agency files so far, and I haven't finished those yet. Oh, and the Dante collections but they're not that big.

I mean, I've read plenty of Dredd elsewhere, I'm just referring to the Case Files volumes here. I've yet to read any of the Cursed Earth stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kirbs on 13 June, 2012, 09:04:45 PM
Thanks Mardroid :). I've read loads of Dreed over the years but have forgotten loads. I don't have the room to collect the prog or meg every week/month so the Trades and GN collected files are great. I'm also reading SD vol 1 too, can't get enough of Alpha and Wulf.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 14 June, 2012, 02:57:15 AM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 13 June, 2012, 04:50:53 AM

I don't think it's an issue that should be treated trivially but there sure is a lot of it going on in comics, films and television to massively different degrees. The comics industry is so overtly male-dominated and geared toward male fantasy that I do find it's repetitive use in the medium a little creepy and off-putting (hello David Lapham's Crossed!)

I'm more familiar with Ennis's Cross than with Lapham, but rape and the threat of rape seem hard-wired into the story, I mean that's the Crosseds' big thing right? Super-sadistic-psychosexual-mega-maniacs on the rampage, to coin a phrase.

Rape is horrible, so I guess it's natural that writers intent on plumbing the depths of horror are going to gravitate towards it sooner or later.

Where it get's dodgy is when the titillation factor creeps in, as exemplified by pretty much all Hollywood depictions of the act. One of the few instances where any trace of eroticism is successfully excluded (that I know of) is in Peter Greenaway's The Baby of Macon. Just harrowing minute after minute of someone screaming off-screen. I love the movie, but I hate that scene.

Coming back to comics, there's also the problem of sexual violence against a female character being used as motivation for a male hero. Pat Mill's Marshall Law, fantastic as it is in most ways, being a case in point.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 14 June, 2012, 03:00:31 AM
Quote from: Rog69 on 13 June, 2012, 07:44:01 PM
I have just finished The Scar by China Mieville.

It was no where near as good as Perdido Street Station but still not a bad read.

I'm going to have to read some Mieville, and soon. M. John Harrison, mentioned above, seems in the same vein, but I'm a little intimidated by the density of Mieville's prose.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 14 June, 2012, 07:10:05 AM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 13 June, 2012, 07:25:47 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 13 June, 2012, 06:49:03 PM
Orbital vol 1

D'oh!  I confused Orbital with The Champanzee Complex - both Cinebooks, but very different stories.  I hold out hope Orbital may still be good even if tCC was not.

I really liked the Orbital books. I was wondering what to make of that Greg Land comment!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 14 June, 2012, 12:40:30 PM
Easy Riders, Raging Bulls.

It's all about the excess and craziness of Holywood during the 70s and 80s when the old guard were replaced by the likes of Coppola, Scorcese etc. Fascinating stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 June, 2012, 09:39:10 AM
Can we briefly retitle this thread 'what were you thinking of reading, but quickly gave up because it's so shit'? Then i can talk about EPIC COMICS' CLIVE BARKER'S NIGHTBREED series from the early nineties.

Ye gods! I dug a bunch of these out of a longbox recently, with a view to a read, as the director's cut of the movie is at last crawling towards wider release. Last night i waded through the mud that was #13 to #16, otherwise known as 'Nightbreed Vs Rawhead Rex', and it might just be the worst comic ive read this year. Decade. Life.

An Aleister Crowley- alike black magician cant have children with his long-time slave, so he decides to bring Rawhead back to life as a surrogate 'son', by feeding the corpse the newborn baby of nightbreeds bloody bones and sathan. It works, up pops rawhead (with baby living in gullet), magician panics and shotguns its bollocks off- accidentally also shooting his slave girl in the vagina. However, the shotgun blast transfers rawhead's massive sperm into her and a (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 June, 2012, 09:51:56 AM
(cont) hybrid child is conceived.

Meanwhile, nightbreeds peloquin (a bisexual wolverine character, whom epic thought might leech some of wolvie's popularity. He didnt.) some goth with a burning, paralysing, 'hand of glory', that moon-faced one and bloody bones- literally a pink shape/cushion with a face- rack down the kidnappers and try to get the 'breed child back.

All this would be as far beyond bollocks as it's possible to get, if it werent for the art going that bit further. Ten artists work on the four issues in total- with five on #15 alone. The painters are the worst, with whoever does the last few pages of #15 being particularly awful. But mark texeira, who kicks the series off, being pretty close.  so many styles are on show here- imagine the early 2000AD dredd ethos (circa day the law died) only drawn by a combination of people who sent pictures to the nerve center, and a cat with paint on its paws.

You wont be surprised to hear this was written by dan chichester- responsible i believe (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 June, 2012, 09:56:44 AM
(cont) for all those dreadful HELLRAISER comics epic also put out at the same time.

Utterly lacking in merit and notable only for venerable old ricardo villagran inking the final issue- fresh from dc's star trek maybe- lending a mainstream respectability to it all in the final stretch, which immediately increases its ludicrousness a hundredfold.
Yes, i stand by this: nightbreed vs rawhead rex is the worst comic story i have ever read. I am ashamed to have it in my collection.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 15 June, 2012, 01:06:30 PM
i've got a couple of the earlier Nightbreed comics i picked up somewhere that picked up after the movie and it had a guy who could fill his mouth with all sorts of cutlery and shards of broken crockery and munch down on people, it was prty cool sad to hear the series went to shit. (actually cant of been that cool if thats all i remember about it)

Finally had time to devour my goodies from my last trip to the big smoke.  I've just finished Chew V1 & V2, man thats some fine tasting comic, utterly bizzare but completly engrosing i can safely say i have never read the likes of it. A true original.  Finished FAbles V11, V12 and V13 this is becoming my favorite Vertigo ongoing you'd really think after the War and taking the Homelands back there'd be nothing left to do but it keeps on trucking and doesn't suck. Not to blaspheme but I think Willingham is up there with Wagner in the writting stakes, anyone got any sugestions for more of his stuff? Also giving HItman a go, heard good things and Ennis giving the finger to the DC universe sounds good, V1 took a while to grab me but was into it by the end, half way through V2 and really enjoying it.  Next up Inviincable V6, super heroes done right, always enjoyed this just have to get my collection up to date.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 15 June, 2012, 09:07:21 PM
hah, I've read a Lynda La Plante novel and lived to tell the tale.  To be fair, her story* wasn't illustrated.

Now I'm re-reading The Boys slowly and alternating it with James Lees-Milne's memoir 'Another Self'. I'd heard that he was a terrific writer, great snob but aesthetic genius etc.  So far he just seems to be a self-obsessenarcissitic  snob with no self-awareness - every stupid thing his family do is brilliant in some vague way because they're rich.  He's like Quentin Crisp but without the wit.
  The Boys, on the other hand is almost all genius.  A bit over the top at times, but Ennis being lovable most of the time.
*I say 'story', but it was more like a bookfull of tabloid headlines strung together by someone who just can't write (or as La Plante would say 'just; can't; write'.  I was cheered by seeing the semicolon make a comeback then depressed to see she didn't have a clue how to use it)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 15 June, 2012, 10:01:51 PM
In theory, Rawhead Rex vs Nightbreed sounds like it should be the most awesome crossover of all time!  It still might be, as , well, how can I put this..?  Here goes: my critical faculties and SBTs at some point take a divergent path...
Wow, who would have thought that it was that easy to disagree with SBT without coming off as a massive jerk?  I wonder if [spoiler]NAME REMOVED BY MODERATOR[/spoiler] was aware this is actually possible?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 June, 2012, 10:21:50 PM
Prof, believe you me- if you love nightbreed as much as me and are as much as a gushing fanboy of rawhead as me (have the top of the first story page in books of blood signed by barker and have done the hair extensions of the woman who used to be the little girl in the movie) a team-up SHOULD be a mouthwateringly jubilant thing- but my christ, it's bad. Reams of tugid captions, appalling art- just shitness. In fact, prof, if you pm me your address and if you promise to send them back, i'll send them to you so you can see. I really want someone else to read them so i can prove it's not just me.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 15 June, 2012, 10:32:51 PM
On a related note: some fans discovered a vhs copy of the full version of Nightbreed:



(http://www.clivebarker.info/caballosangeles1.jpg)


http://www.clivebarker.info/morenightbreed.html

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 June, 2012, 10:32:59 PM
Or you could come along to the southern contingent get-together next week and i could just give it to you.

If you even live in england- with this board, i lose track of who's who and where people are- and you're probably in ireland or scotland like most people here anyway.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 15 June, 2012, 11:22:37 PM
Apparently thanks to a petition the film rights holders of Nightbreed [whichever Hollywood bastards they are] have green-lighted a dvd/blueray realease including the extra footage: but the fans have to raise the funds first. Or something like that.

I've just recently started reading Barker. The Hellbound Heart was pretty good, volume 1 of Books of Blood was okay, but I'm actually liking Arabat the most. I have nothing against gore, but I find his more playful surrealism more diverse and interesting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 16 June, 2012, 12:04:45 AM
The Chimpanzee Complex is featured in the 1001 Comics You Must read Before You Die book. Thoughts on that anyone?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 16 June, 2012, 08:50:04 PM
Reading Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K Jerome. 

And also read issue 1 of The Scarifyers today.  Was OK - felt a bit like one of the Holmes adaptations by Edginton and Culbard.  Hopefully subsequent issues are released regularly.  Was actually surprised to see this on the shelves at FP Leicester today ... may be something to do with the glowing review on the FPI blog.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 17 June, 2012, 11:27:05 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 15 June, 2012, 10:32:59 PMand you're probably in ireland or scotland like most people here anyway.

I am a Northern Irelander, SBT, but thank you for your kind offer.  I am almost tempted to take you up on it just so I can stuff the return box with Will Smith dvds.  Because I know it is what you secretly want to happen.

Orbital Vol1 - after the unconvincing Chimpanzee Complex, this was a great reminder of the kind of stuff Cinebook can bring to English-reading audiences.  There's some redundant phrasing and stiff exposition here and there, but the translation job is otherwise pretty good even if the characters don't have any individual voices, but the art helps there as every character is visually distinct in constantly new and inventive ways to the point it almost seems a shame to be reading it as a comic as there's so much in the backgrounds of each panel I felt I should be examining each one carefully and taking notes on how to draw ludicrously large-scale space empires rather than reading a story about two people trying to talk some beardy xenophobes out of being dicks.
It's basically everything I'd expect of a sci-fi romp.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 18 June, 2012, 12:13:15 AM
Re-read the last two issues of Prophet today.  Found them slightly confusing first time round but much better this time. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 18 June, 2012, 06:45:55 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 17 June, 2012, 11:27:05 PM
Orbital Vol1 - after the unconvincing Chimpanzee Complex, this was a great reminder of the kind of stuff Cinebook can bring to English-reading audiences.  There's some redundant phrasing and stiff exposition here and there, but the translation job is otherwise pretty good even if the characters don't have any individual voices, but the art helps there as every character is visually distinct in constantly new and inventive ways to the point it almost seems a shame to be reading it as a comic as there's so much in the backgrounds of each panel I felt I should be examining each one carefully and taking notes on how to draw ludicrously large-scale space empires rather than reading a story about two people trying to talk some beardy xenophobes out of being dicks.
It's basically everything I'd expect of a sci-fi romp.

I really liked this series as well. Lovely art, fantastic sci-fi visuals! I think there are four books in total, covering two stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 18 June, 2012, 06:48:55 PM
Just started reading the Matt Scudder novels by Lawrence Block.

I do like a bit of pulp noir and these are terrific. Just finished the fifth one and have ordered the remaining 12 from a local retailer.

Superb.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 18 June, 2012, 07:40:42 PM
Triplanetary by E E Doc Smith.

Looks like Hollywood is going to turn this into a Movie so thought I'd better have a look again. Bit confusing with Atlantis being attacked by missiles but you know it is Space Opera not History. Great Cover work from Chris Foss.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 18 June, 2012, 11:48:40 PM
Quote from: IAMTHESYSTEM on 18 June, 2012, 07:40:42 PM
Triplanetary by E E Doc Smith.

Looks like Hollywood is going to turn this into a Movie so thought I'd better have a look again. Bit confusing with Atlantis being attacked by missiles but you know it is Space Opera not History. Great Cover work from Chris Foss.

Gotta admit, I gave up on that one after a few chapters. I think it was the "fight scene" which composed of about two lines of dialogue - "blind the robot!" "okay! I've blinded the robot!" - that blew my (usually high) bad writing tolerances.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 18 June, 2012, 11:49:18 PM
A friend bought me the complete Hyperion series in two giant omnibuses (omnibi?).

I now feel quite a bit of pressure to read it all but it's a bit daunting and frankly so far it's all very dry and rather dull.....

...does it get good any time soon?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 18 June, 2012, 11:53:00 PM
Quote from: radiator on 18 June, 2012, 11:49:18 PM
A friend bought me the complete Hyperion series in two giant omnibuses (omnibi?)
...does it get good any time soon?
How far in are you? I think the first one's great and the second, while inessential, closes off the storylines quite satisfyingly. The Endymion ones would make a good 300 page follow up but really aren't worth the hernia.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 18 June, 2012, 11:56:23 PM
Only 20 pages so far but I'm finding it hard to force myself to keep reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 20 June, 2012, 02:06:08 AM
I read the Hyperion omnibus a couple of years back and they were OK, not the sci-fi classics I was led to believe they were. I have the Endymion omnibus sitting on my shelf unread and I can't really gather the enthusiasm to start it.

I much prefer Illium and Olypos by the same author and The Terror is a very good read too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 20 June, 2012, 08:40:10 AM
I must say its hardly the most interesting of starts. Some bloke goes to a ship to meet some other blokes who are going on some sort of pilgrimage. Then they sit round a table and one bloke starts talking about his experience of the planet they are headed for - via the diary entries of some OTHER bloke.

I'm a sci fi fan, but I tend to like stuff with a bit of punch, a bit of edge. This isn't really doing anything for me, nothing remotely interesting has happened so far. I kind of feel duty bound to read it out of politeness though. Really wish my friend had just bought me the first novel!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 20 June, 2012, 05:39:47 PM
Just finished reading Batman : Black Mirror, which I was lucky enough to get for Fathers Day. Utterly fantastic book. Brilliantly written. Amazing visuals. Not just one of the best Batman storys I've ever read, but one of the best comics full stop. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 June, 2012, 07:42:14 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 20 June, 2012, 05:39:47 PM
Just finished reading Batman : Black Mirror, which I was lucky enough to get for Fathers Day. Utterly fantastic book. Brilliantly written. Amazing visuals. Not just one of the best Batman storys I've ever read, but one of the best comics full stop. :)

I agree it is a wonderful story. More so i think as Dick G really made a great Batman, in so far as he really offered something different while keeping it routed. Genuinely creepy, scary villains as well which is all too rare.

On top of some stunning Jock work Francesco Francavilla adds a perfect accompaniment. Scott Snyder (where does that 'y' go?) really knows how to play to an artists strengths.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 20 June, 2012, 07:52:40 PM
I'm currently reading Aleister Crowley and the Aeon of Horus: History. Magick. Psychedelia. Ufology (http://www.amazon.com/Aleister-Crowley-Aeon-Horus-Psychedelia/dp/0955769612). Early days yet but I'm already finding useful material, it is starting to fill up with scraps of paper marking occult trivia to mine in the future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 20 June, 2012, 07:53:17 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 20 June, 2012, 07:42:14 PM
On top of some stunning Jock work Francesco Francavilla adds a perfect accompaniment. Scott Snyder (where does that 'y' go?) really knows how to play to an artists strengths.

Oh yes. Francavillas work is stunning here, as is Jocks, of course.  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Roger Godpleton on 20 June, 2012, 07:57:16 PM
Dan Simmons is perhaps the clearest example of genre bods who marry exciting ideas to lousy writing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2012, 08:00:17 PM
Ive been looking at that batman: black mirror book for a while now, and wondering... I quite like scott snyder- while i dont think he's a particularly interesting wordsmith, like moore or smith, or even an ingenious plotter like abnett or wagner, there's something about where his mind seems to go that makes him massively readable, and despite initially being unimpressed with both his take on swampy and american vampire, i find myself now looking forward to both greatly. When i find black mirror cheap (or paperback) i may well pick up, despite not being interested in batman in the slightest.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 20 June, 2012, 08:07:33 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 20 June, 2012, 07:52:40 PM
I'm currently reading Aleister Crowley and the Aeon of Horus: History. Magick. Psychedelia. Ufology (http://www.amazon.com/Aleister-Crowley-Aeon-Horus-Psychedelia/dp/0955769612). Early days yet but I'm already finding useful material, it is starting to fill up with scraps of paper marking occult trivia to mine in the future.

But when stuttering fans nervously grab the mic at conventions to ask you 'where do you get your ideas from?', you're obliged to trot out the same line as every other writer: reading the papers, overheard conversations on public transport, drugs, travelling ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 20 June, 2012, 09:23:53 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2012, 08:00:17 PM
Ive been looking at that batman: black mirror book for a while now, and wondering... I quite like scott snyder- while i dont think he's a particularly interesting wordsmith, like moore or smith, or even an ingenious plotter like abnett or wagner, there's something about where his mind seems to go that makes him massively readable, and despite initially being unimpressed with both his take on swampy and american vampire, i find myself now looking forward to both greatly. When i find black mirror cheap (or paperback) i may well pick up, despite not being interested in batman in the slightest.

SBT

Black Mirror is quite good, particularly the second half. Snyder's co-written Image series Severed is also worth a look.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 20 June, 2012, 09:46:59 PM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 20 June, 2012, 09:23:53 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 20 June, 2012, 08:00:17 PM
Ive been looking at that batman: black mirror book for a while now, and wondering... I quite like scott snyder- while i dont think he's a particularly interesting wordsmith, like moore or smith, or even an ingenious plotter like abnett or wagner, there's something about where his mind seems to go that makes him massively readable, and despite initially being unimpressed with both his take on swampy and american vampire, i find myself now looking forward to both greatly. When i find black mirror cheap (or paperback) i may well pick up, despite not being interested in batman in the slightest.

SBT

I'll second that thumbs up.
I found Snyder's run on Detective Comics to be a something of a companion piece to Year one.
Great, great stuff.

Black Mirror is quite good, particularly the second half. Snyder's co-written Image series Severed is also worth a look.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 20 June, 2012, 10:37:26 PM
This year I have found myself mostly rereading shitty science fantasy series that I enjoyed when I was a lad. Some are still enjoyable, some not. I seem to have gotten over that now and actually read some new books in the past week.

Embedded is light and breezy sci-fi from Dan Abnett of this parish. A war correspondent covering what appears to be an escalating struggle over resources on a frontier planet finds his only way to get close enough to the action is to be implanted into the mind of a front line soldier. This allows for the Generation Kill character arc of initial revulsion to bonding and respect to play out within a single body. As ever with Abnett there is wordplay to spare, although the frequent target of deliberately dissociative military terminology is rather an easy one.
The one thing that hampers the flow of the book is an overabundance of military hardware fetishism. Having never read one, I assume this is a feature of his WH40K novels and is included here as something familiar for any stray fans of those who should happen along.

Michel Houllebecq's Atomised is altogether more French. It contains a number of characters who are there solely to represent certain ideological or philosophical positions the author wishes to attack, significantly more public masturbation than I expected and a rather daft ending. It's also laugh out loud funny in places, in others quite touching on the subject of mortality and enjoyably aggravating throughout. I am keen to read another.
The translation seemed excellent too, managing to retain a deceptive simplicity to the prose.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 20 June, 2012, 11:20:49 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 20 June, 2012, 07:52:40 PM
I'm currently reading Aleister Crowley and the Aeon of Horus: History. Magick. Psychedelia. Ufology (http://www.amazon.com/Aleister-Crowley-Aeon-Horus-Psychedelia/dp/0955769612). Early days yet but I'm already finding useful material, it is starting to fill up with scraps of paper marking occult trivia to mine in the future.

Have you read his Hagliography?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emperor on 21 June, 2012, 01:22:47 AM
Quote from: bikini kill on 20 June, 2012, 08:07:33 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 20 June, 2012, 07:52:40 PM
I'm currently reading Aleister Crowley and the Aeon of Horus: History. Magick. Psychedelia. Ufology (http://www.amazon.com/Aleister-Crowley-Aeon-Horus-Psychedelia/dp/0955769612). Early days yet but I'm already finding useful material, it is starting to fill up with scraps of paper marking occult trivia to mine in the future.

But when stuttering fans nervously grab the mic at conventions to ask you 'where do you get your ideas from?', you're obliged to trot out the same line as every other writer: reading the papers, overheard conversations on public transport, drugs, travelling ...

Pfft. I'll answer "books, films and shit" as I do all my best thinking on the throne, while reading a book and having watched a film.


Quote from: Syne on 20 June, 2012, 11:20:49 PM
Quote from: Emperor on 20 June, 2012, 07:52:40 PM
I'm currently reading Aleister Crowley and the Aeon of Horus: History. Magick. Psychedelia. Ufology (http://www.amazon.com/Aleister-Crowley-Aeon-Horus-Psychedelia/dp/0955769612). Early days yet but I'm already finding useful material, it is starting to fill up with scraps of paper marking occult trivia to mine in the future.

Have you read his Hagliography?

Nope and a Google doesn't help. Got a link?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 21 June, 2012, 01:37:40 AM
Quote from: Emperor on 20 June, 2012, 11:20:49 PM

Nope and a Google doesn't help. Got a link?

My mistake: correct title is "The Confessions of Aleister Crowley: An Autohagiography." He's a fun writer, though of course you never know how far his tongue is stuck in his cheek (or other orifice). Lots of mountain climbing, adventuring in the Far East, and of course a bit of the old hocus-pocus.

On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Confessions-Aleister-Crowley-Autohagiography/dp/0140191895

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 23 June, 2012, 11:54:55 AM
Planetoid, Star Wars Ghost Prison and Baltimore Dr Leskovar's remedy. All pretty good art and story wise. Baltimore just wins by having an incredibly creepy last panel. Planetoid was also extremely good a guy crash lands on a planet of junk with dangerous AI beasties.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hoops on 23 June, 2012, 01:01:52 PM
Just finished The Hills Have Eyes - The Beginning, which was very cool.

Reading Moon the Loon by Dougal Butler, and Roadshow: Landscape With Drums: a Concert Tour by Motorcycle by Neil Peart.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 June, 2012, 05:33:02 PM
After I read Smile by Raina Telgemeier, I went shopping and the bookshelves in Tesco were heaving with YA books about teens who were werewolves or vampires or spies or wizards, and I picked one up at random and snidely guffawed at the huge font size and low page count, so I'm still a smug jerk and must simply conclude that Smile is a good book and happy drugs weren't what made me have such a good impression of it and the upbeat message it conveys.
It's a tale of first world problems, admittedly, but unlike something like that thing where Magneto got his cock out and cried because he was having too much sex and had more money than he could spend, a child with social anxiety and body issues is always a sad thing in my eyes, a bit like seeing a limping dog or a shivering cat.  There's no twists in the tale and no sci-fi, it's just a look at the drama of going through your school years with no front teeth and random bouts with dental surgery of varying degrees of success and competence on the part of staff, though there's also major earthquakes and 8 bit Nintendo games along the way to comment upon.
A lovely little book with that not-seen-often-enough message that things are gonna be okay and a wonderful antidote to the pseudo-miserableness of Before Watchmen: The Comedian.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 23 June, 2012, 06:48:18 PM
My copy of 'Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye - volume 1' arrived in the post today.

Now, you may sniff. But this is a BLOODY good comic. Bags of character and energy to it. There's a neat lien of sci-fi, humour and action in this. Very much worthy of a peep if any of you guys are even remotely curious.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 24 June, 2012, 10:08:08 AM
After discussing Iain M Banks a few pages ago I decided to start 'Player of Games' again.  I'm halfway through, and it's as brilliant as I remember it.  He really captures the feel of how a game can completely involve you to the exclusion of all other senses, and how your brain starts operating on a multitude of levels to solve a series of problems and possibilities.  That used to happen to me a lot when I used to play 12 man Risk.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 June, 2012, 02:01:11 PM
After the slightly disappointing end to the otherwise good Duma Key, I've moved on to some comfort re-reading of autobiographies of some of my favourite people, with the sublime Alec: The Years Have Pants by one of my comics idols Eddie Campbell and Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman by one of my science idols Richard Feynman.  With their disjointed anecdotal structures, these work surprisingly well as companion pieces. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 24 June, 2012, 04:07:55 PM
Currently reading You Shall Die By Your Own Evil Creation! by Fletcher Hanks.

Completely mental and thoroughly recommended comics from 1941.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 24 June, 2012, 08:03:22 PM
Reading my first Elmore Leonard novel, Hombre.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 June, 2012, 08:23:53 PM
Tonight, unless I fall asleep first:

Walking Dead #99
Wonder Woman #10
Night Force #4
Frankenstein, Agent of Shade #10
All-Star Western #9
Spider-Men #1
Cinebooks' Long John Silver 1
XIII #9, #10
Requiem Vampire Knight Volume 5

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 24 June, 2012, 11:59:22 PM
Read Algernon Blackwood's The Willows last night. One of those early horror writers who could create a terrifying atmosphere from such simple ingredients (in this case: willows). And so freakin' weird, man, weird in such an alien, harrowing way. Haunting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 25 June, 2012, 12:06:43 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 24 June, 2012, 08:03:22 PM
Reading my first Elmore Leonard novel, Hombre.

I really enjoyed his Rum Punch, the novel Jackie Brown was based on. Great hard-boiled poetry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 25 June, 2012, 12:12:30 AM
Quote from: Skullmo on 24 June, 2012, 04:07:55 PM
Currently reading You Shall Die By Your Own Evil Creation! by Fletcher Hanks.
Let us know how that goes. I've had my eye on I Shall Destroy All the Civilised Planets for some time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 25 June, 2012, 07:37:33 AM
Quote from: Syne on 25 June, 2012, 12:06:43 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 24 June, 2012, 08:03:22 PM
Reading my first Elmore Leonard novel, Hombre.

I really enjoyed his Rum Punch, the novel Jackie Brown was based on. Great hard-boiled poetry.

Hombre is excellent, Valdez is Coming is similar but even better.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 27 June, 2012, 12:38:00 AM
Strontium Dog S/D Files 04.

I'm already over half way through and I'm enjoying it. What strikes me, is just how light hearted this is compared to the previous volume which (while also good) was pretty grim in places. And this is no bad thing. I don't say that as a criticism of S/D Files 03. Grim stories are good too. It's just great to have both, particularly when in such close juxtaposition.

Some of the comedy in Bitch had me chuckling out loud. [spoiler]They really poured it on with Ronald Reagan didn't they, making him look somewhere between a child and a, well, cretin. Possibly too strong, but very funny for all that.
"Is it a birdski?"
"Is it a planeski?"
"Nopeski! it's Super Ron!"

Riding on his thermonuclear missile steed no less. Dear me.[/spoiler]

Seeing Durham Red in this strip is interesting as she shows a different side to her character when compared to the other stories I've seen her in. So far that's been the brief snippet in The Final Solution, the comics that came with the Meg a few months back, and the current (rather good) prequel story running in the Prog. (I've yet to read any of the future Red stuff.)

[spoiler]She is a lot more Machiavellian in this, and displays a lot more sauciness and humour in her character. I don't really see that as contradictory when compared to the later written strips though. More a progression of the character. I.e. in the prequel story she's on her first proper job, making her stamp, finding her way. She hasn't become quite as dark and ruthless as she will in the Bitch time period. And I assume she underwent changes after that making her a more relatable, more moral protagonist in the strips where she is the main character. [/spoiler]

Like the earlier rendition of Anderson, I think they should have kept some of that quirky cheek though. It's a fun part of the character. Then again, maybe they did, there's still more to read.  I'm curious to see if she'll turn up again in this volume.  [spoiler]They didn't exactly leave on great terms in Bitch, but I got the impression they were on good terms in the other strips, so I imagine there'll be something unless they just met up again off-stage as it were.[/spoiler] I'm reading The Rammy at the moment. The court-room framework is interesting!

And as for Johnny, anyone who thinks he is very Dredd-like, [spoiler]that catapult target practice shows the difference right there.[/spoiler] Very funny stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 27 June, 2012, 07:52:40 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 25 June, 2012, 12:12:30 AM
Quote from: Skullmo on 24 June, 2012, 04:07:55 PM
Currently reading You Shall Die By Your Own Evil Creation! by Fletcher Hanks.
Let us know how that goes. I've had my eye on I Shall Destroy All the Civilised Planets for some time.

Oh its brilliant! I have 'I Shall Destroy' that is excellent too. But then I like that sort of thing. There have been some excellent collections of early comics out over the last year and more to come. Four Color Fear is one of the best I have read but it is now sadly out of Print.

I have also been reading the Incal by Moebius. This was another great book that was available for a couple of weeks and then went out of print.

And of course Wally Wood's Artist Edition published by IDW which is one of the most amazing books I have ever seen and needs it's own comic room to store it. I really recommend this book to anyone who loves comic art, even at the hefty £150 odd price tag. It has gone into its second printing now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 27 June, 2012, 08:38:30 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 27 June, 2012, 12:38:00 AM

And as for Johnny, anyone who thinks he is very Dredd-like, [spoiler]that catapult target practice shows the difference right there.[/spoiler] Very funny stuff.

I agree. There's an extremely campy bit at the end of one of the Starlord Strontium Dog stories where Johnny plays a joke on the Gronk and ends the episode in a burst of laughter (admittedly, the camp element is increased somewhat by the polkadot headscaft he's wearing at the time). His character got a lot darker after Wulf departed, but he's still nowhere near as machine-like as Dredd.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 27 June, 2012, 10:07:48 AM
I think Johnny had a really hard time as a kid which lead to trouble opening up to people. It didn't help that his best friend got killed and probably ocnfirmed all his fears.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Bissler on 27 June, 2012, 10:45:17 AM
I recently re-read the S/D files 1-4 and noticed the complete change of tone also. I got the feeling that maybe they wanted to lighten the tone after the grim events of book 3.  I did enjoy some of the humour but did think the Reagan stuff was just too daft.
For my money the second book was the best, but I always suspected it would be since it featured my favourite SD tale, the epic "Outlaw!".  One of the reasons I liked that one best is that there is a good balance between the grimness and humour (as a Glaswegian I always find the Middenface stuff very funny).  The story is very strong, features great villains, and is exciting all the way through.  While there are many more SD stories that I loved, I never felt any were quite as good as that one...

Oh yes, and I've just been given a loan of the complete Y the Last Man.  Read 1st book last night, seems pretty good, intriguing so far!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 27 June, 2012, 11:04:28 AM
My favourite SD story was the Rammy. I though that was amazing. It was also the last Wagner/Grant SD tale. They made an excellent writing team.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 27 June, 2012, 08:15:40 PM
The Devils Nebula by Eric Brown,strangely old fashioned feeling despite the far future setting.Disparate group have to help the authorities they hate to save da universe, maahhn, from the big bad.

Good fun but some odd character and plot developments that seemed to jar occasionally. Despite that I hope I get to read more of what's left of the crew in weird space. Absolutely storms along with little waffle or mess.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 27 June, 2012, 08:46:39 PM
I read Engineman a while back and really enjoyed it right up until the end. It ended too abruptly and felt the story should have explained a few things better at the very end. Maybe I was just enjoying it too much and wanted more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 June, 2012, 08:48:27 PM
The Devil's Nebula is turning into one of those books that is impossible for me to find on the shelf. Ive tried four fairly large bookshops with big scifi sections so far, and nothing. I may have to (deep breath) order it off the internet. Looks great though.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 27 June, 2012, 10:15:38 PM
This is why God invented Kindles, SBT.  And then the Devil invented the 30 quid Argos knock-offs that are just as good but won't let Amazon cancel your licence to read something on it whenever they want to.
A good side-effect of ereaders is the direct payment to the publishers/writers instead of perpetuating a second-hand market that makes certain books harder to find in the long run.  Might be worth considering that route.

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol is a neat OGN about a teenage immigrant who falls in a well while out having a crafty fag and strikes up a conversation with the current occupant, the spirit of a murdered child called Emily who is doomed to haunt her own unconsecrated corpse on the spot where it lies.  Anya takes a finger bone from the skeleton with her so that Emily can leave her tomb for the first time in nearly a hundred years and the two soon become friends, but boy troubles lead Emily to become fixated on the "forever" part of BFF and murder attempts are soon afoot.
The art might be off-putting to anyone who doesn't like that seemingly child-oriented webcomic look to things, but get past it and there's a really good story with some nice character moments.  It's perfectly safe for all-ages and I wouldn't be surprised if it's been optioned as a movie already by an animation company.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 June, 2012, 10:24:00 PM
As usual prof, all very good points well-made. You may yet change my mind about a kindle or (more likely) knock-off.

On the other hand, they rip the bleeding arteries out of the secondhand books market, and as those kinds of shops is where i fully intend to be buried (under a slid pile of battered guy n smiths and peter hamiltons) when my time comes, my conscience may yet not let me.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 28 June, 2012, 12:52:15 AM
The second hand book market isn't going anywhere.  I can get any comic I want to read off the web and put on my cheapo tablet but I still buy pretty much every comic I plan on reading (webcomics and out of print/copyright material - Marvel's PotA adaptations, Zoids, ROM, etc - being the exception to this).  I'm not militant about paying creators their due, or even slow to embrace digital, it's just how things are done, dammit.

(http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/web04/2012/6/19/13/enhanced-buzz-5262-1340127249-17.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 28 June, 2012, 01:47:03 AM
In the ten or so years I've lived in this city, about half of the second hand bookstores have closed down. Thing is though, they all closed before the ebook boom hit. What did them in, I think, was online shopping: places like TradeMe (the NZ version of Ebay).

All the surviving stores are located away from the center of town, in what I presume are low-rent areas. Hopefully they'll manage to survive. I spend money there when I can.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 28 June, 2012, 10:58:27 AM
Anyone tried libraries?  My dad gave me the book '1001 Comics to Read Before You Die', and I discovered I could order about 1 in 20 of the titles therein to Splott Library!  Good times!!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 28 June, 2012, 12:11:55 PM
recently got into http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Sacred-Stealing-Christopher-Brookmyre/dp/0349114900/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_11#reader_0349114900

especially the above title. now reading the prequal which is excellent and then going to dip into http://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Island-Carl-Hiaasen/dp/0751543330/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

as it's a book my wife would have read

any other recommendations in the ilk of brookmyre? (kinda reminds me of the enjoyment i used to get reading all the chuck palahniuk books in my mid-twenties
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 28 June, 2012, 12:53:25 PM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 28 June, 2012, 10:58:27 AM
Anyone tried libraries?  My dad gave me the book '1001 Comics to Read Before You Die', and I discovered I could order about 1 in 20 of the titles therein to Splott Library!  Good times!!!

My local public library has an absolutely dismal graphic novel collection - and half of those have been defaced by some weirdo who's outline any suggestion of female buttock or breast in ball-point pen.

My university library clearly has a sadist on their staff. They have all the volumes of Promethea and Planetary. . . except for the last volumes of each series.

My non-local library, however, has an amazing collection of comic books - but it costs $5 per item to interloan 'em. Oh well!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 28 June, 2012, 12:57:10 PM
Picked up a pile of old Chester Himes "Harlem" detective novels from one of the aforementioned secondhand bookstores today. Started reading A Rage in Harlem, which opens with a rube losing his life savings through a scam that promises to magically transform $10 notes into $100 notes

Pretty good, but then any book where the lead characters are named "Coffin Ed Johnson" and "Gravedigger Jones" has to be good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 June, 2012, 07:27:33 PM
Stone Spring, by Stephen Baxter.  After the agonising but ultimately uplifiting Ark, it looks like Baxter is back on a roll:  this is great fun.  Baxter's usual bunch of placeholder humans inhabit an exciting alternate Mesolithic which they comment on in various anachronistic ways, but it includes a prehistoric European travelogue which covers in a dozen pages what took Jean Auel 3,000-odd.  Only half-way through, but really enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 28 June, 2012, 07:30:09 PM
On Saturday, I get to visit Forbidden Planet, Southampton. I have about 20-30 quid to slpurge on comics. Can anyone recommend any good ones out at the mo? I'm a little out of the loop when it comes to comics these days, apart from the Prog, obviously.... :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 28 June, 2012, 07:33:54 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 28 June, 2012, 07:30:09 PM
On Saturday, I get to visit Forbidden Planet, Southampton. I have about 20-30 quid to slpurge on comics. Can anyone recommend any good ones out at the mo? I'm a little out of the loop when it comes to comics these days, apart from the Prog, obviously.... :D

Lobster Johnson - The Burning Hand if you like your pulpy Hellboy offshoots  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 28 June, 2012, 08:35:21 PM
Quote from: mygrimmbrother on 28 June, 2012, 07:33:54 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 28 June, 2012, 07:30:09 PM
On Saturday, I get to visit Forbidden Planet, Southampton. I have about 20-30 quid to slpurge on comics. Can anyone recommend any good ones out at the mo? I'm a little out of the loop when it comes to comics these days, apart from the Prog, obviously.... :D

Lobster Johnson - The Burning Hand if you like your pulpy Hellboy offshoots  :)
Good call, Matt. I'll check it out.  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 29 June, 2012, 03:55:04 PM
Finally catching up on the Dredd 'Day of Chaos' epic and it is indeed f***ing epic! Shaping up to be the best one since the Apocalypse War.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 29 June, 2012, 03:58:25 PM
Spectral Press' recent output, including 'the respectable face of tyranny' and 'abolisher of roses' by gary fry, 'the eyes of water' by alison littlewood, which was one of the best short stories ive read in an absolute age, and simon kurt unsworth's 'rough music', which wasn't.

The last two while waiting to be prodded by the doctor.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 02 July, 2012, 03:03:58 PM
Thanks to Cardiff Central Libraries I've had a whale of a time going through graphic novels, mostly Alan Moore.

Neonomicon - holy shit, that's one messed up read.

Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? - meh.

The Ballad of Halo Jones - read it for the fourth time, always worth a re-read. Still gutted the series was discontinued.

I also have the first four in the Death Note series, which is good fun so far. 

As well as these, I've started to re-read Banks's Use of Weapons, after completing Player of Games last week.

So, some new stuff, plus a nostalgia-fest recently!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 02 July, 2012, 03:25:42 PM
I took a break from REAMDE there and filled it with some Hate trades which were great! I had only read a few isloated Buddy strips before now, so I really enjoyed these especially ...Does Seattle which is a bigger hoot than...Does Jersey.

However all this pales into insignificance as I lifted The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon as it was easier to carry around than REAMDE. What an utterly marvellous and sad book - I totally loved it from the word go and had tears in my eyes for most of it, both of joy and sadness. For those who don't know, it's about a Jewish refugee landing in New York at the start of the second world war and the Golden Age of comics, that he and his cousin become fully involved in. It really captured the joy and purpose of reading comics at times and, naturally, reads as a ponder or two on the Jewish creators of the iconic superhero characters. This was also my first read of Chabon, despite having got the Mrs into him! So there's Wonder Boys and The Yiddish Policeman's Union on the shelf too...sweet!

Adrift in a sea of awesome about it.

M
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 02 July, 2012, 03:50:31 PM
have now started to read colin bateman's driving big davey - half way through and haven't stopped laughing  genius
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 03 July, 2012, 04:34:29 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 02 July, 2012, 03:25:42 PM
I took a break from REAMDE there and filled it with some Hate trades which were great! I had only read a few isloated Buddy strips before now, so I really enjoyed these especially ...Does Seattle which is a bigger hoot than...Does Jersey.
M

The Poliomobile  :P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 03 July, 2012, 05:29:48 PM
The Bulletproof Coffin issue 1 (the comic). Signed by David Hine and Shaky Kane of course. I've had it for over a year but haven't had time/got round to reading it. Brilliant stuff and I must get the GN.

Just finished Requiem Vampire Hunter – the first GN. I got the hard sell at the Panini stand at Kapow. I didn't go for this when it came out (despite being a big Pat Mills fan) as I thought the art wouldn't be my cup of tea but it really grew on me. Sure, it still isn't exactly my favourite art style but I can appreciate it is excellent. Some totally bonkers intriguing concepts in there. Will definitely get more of this.

Judge Dredd Case Files 1 would you believe it? (You see what I mean when I say I'm busy Unclefester?!!) What strikes me about reading these stories again, all those decades on is how so many aspects of Dredd's world were there from the outset: weather control, face changing machines, muties. Somehow for yonks I wasn't sure which early episodes were drawn by Ezquerra or McMahon but this seems so obvious now. What I'm really surprised at is just how accomplished Ezquerra's art was compared to McMahon's. So much so that I thought there might've been a mistake and the first (full) Ezquerra episode was from an annual. (In fact it probably was scanned from an annual or some other reprint hence the credit card box.) McMahon's art here shows in places a real 70s style which I hadn't noticed before. But his work was dynamic right from the outset – he really nailed it from day one. Looked forward to reading more of this. The short stories make this great for dipping in for quick reads.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 04 July, 2012, 12:50:39 AM
Halo Jones is great stuff.
What with all this shuffling through my 2000AD collection, I'm tempted to reread the lot, but just don't have the time.  Instead I'm reading:
- Here come the Camels - the very first Biggles book. Originally written for adults, it's one of the best of the WW1 books.  I'm reading it to my son.
- The Boys  - just finished  vol 8.  The series needs a lull and the Highland interlude is pretty well-written, but I still want to get back to the rest of The Boys' mentalism.  There's a funny incidental character who speaks like a Viz headline, with lots of 'eh, readers?'.

Still trudging through James Lees Milne's memoir. All the upper class double think* is exacerbating my commie tendencies


*I mean the way in which the class system is very very important to him, but he insists that he doesn't like class barriers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 July, 2012, 09:23:52 PM
I recently read the last two Mistborn books.* Very enjoyable.

Currently reading The House of the Vampire, a free ebook on my ereader. I found the author's writing style a bit irritating (his repetition of certain words like 'sensuous' and 'voluptuous', for example). And I find the characters rather pretentious. That being said, it's proving to be a rather interesting story. [spoiler]And the vampire in question isn't your typical vampire. Although in a sense... he is. I think you'll understand what I mean if you('ve) read it.[/spoiler]


*Last two in the original trilogy, that is. There's another one called Alloy of Law now, set a few hundred years later. I hope to get that soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 July, 2012, 09:55:40 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 02 July, 2012, 03:25:42 PMThis was also my first read of Chabon, despite having got the Mrs into him! So there's Wonder Boys and The Yiddish Policeman's Union on the shelf too...sweet!

Oh that's some terrific reading ahead of you!  Chabon is a marvel, Yiddish Policemen's Union being one of my all-time favourite books.

Also, do not miss Gentlemen of the Road, about which I got all evangelical about somewhere upthread.  Absolutely brilliant, Fritz Leiber done very right.

Possibly steer clear of the autobiographical Manhood for Amateurs, which I found coyly self-serving.  But that may be because it made me feel inadequate, even more than usual, I mean. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 05 July, 2012, 01:25:38 AM
Just finished Clive Barker's Books of Blood vol. 1. The last story, "In the Hills, the Cities," is the stand-out. As I was reading it I was thinking how ridiculous the central concept was, but by the end it had come together in a very real and disquieting way. I keep catching myself thinking it'd almost be possible, then have to remind myself that it wouldn't, not really....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 05 July, 2012, 07:45:09 AM
"In the Hills..." is quite astounding, isn't it? There was a comic version many many years ago drawn by John Bolton. Worth tracking down.
Isn't "Dread" in volume 1? It's been a long time since I read them...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 July, 2012, 08:23:36 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 July, 2012, 09:55:40 PM

Possibly steer clear of the autobiographical Manhood for Amateurs, which I found coyly self-serving.  But that may be because it made me feel inadequate, even more than usual, I mean.

Arh don't say that , that's next on my book read pile after I finish Supergods by our Grant (bloody good so far and I'm just about to start on his salute to the mighty 70s Kirby).

I'm a big fan of Yiddish Policemen's Union and the aforementioned Kavalier and Clay. The one of his I've not enjoyed is 'Summertime' which I found to be cute, generic, nufantasy. Shame as there's some good ideas in there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 July, 2012, 09:01:12 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 05 July, 2012, 08:23:36 AMArh don't say that , that's next on my book read pile..

Don't get me wrong, it's a good entertaining read with some great anecdotes, but the self-depreciating tone just rang false for me.  That Chabon comes across as a better husband, father and person than me is hardly his fault, I just didn't care for the vague sense that he knew exactly how well he was coming across despite the 'I'm useless, me' delivery, and was just fishing for compliments.  To put it another way i didn't come away liking the man behind the author as much as resenting his coolness.  But as I say, it's probably my own insecurities that are chafing. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 05 July, 2012, 12:01:17 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 05 July, 2012, 07:45:09 AM
"In the Hills..." is quite astounding, isn't it? There was a comic version many many years ago drawn by John Bolton. Worth tracking down.
Isn't "Dread" in volume 1? It's been a long time since I read them...

Looks like "Dread" is in the next volume. It's on my to-read-(soon) list.

Vol 1 has:

The "Book of Blood" frame story
The Midnight Meat Train
The Yattering and Jack
Pig Blood Blues
Sex, Death and Starshine
In the Hills, the Cities

"Midnight Meat Train" is pretty good, the others are okay - but yeah, "In the Hills, the Cities" is something else.

I actually started reading it with low expectations. I assumed it was going to be a Hostel-style "aren't-Eastern-Europeans-terrifying" thing. I misjudged Mr Barker!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 05 July, 2012, 12:56:55 PM
Love "The Yattering and Jack" too. There's a Bolton GN of that one also. Written by Steve Niles.
But "Dread"... Oh man...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 05 July, 2012, 03:19:31 PM
Quote from: Syne on 05 July, 2012, 01:25:38 AM
Just finished Clive Barker's Books of Blood vol. 1. The last story, "In the Hills, the Cities," is the stand-out. As I was reading it I was thinking how ridiculous the central concept was, but by the end it had come together in a very real and disquieting way. I keep catching myself thinking it'd almost be possible, then have to remind myself that it wouldn't, not really....

Yuh huh. That's a hell of a story that - the tone is just perfect.

Quote from: Richmond Clements on 05 July, 2012, 12:56:55 PM
But "Dread"... Oh man...

Yuh huh. Seriously good, hair raising yarn.  Anyone seen the film? I haven't and I really don't need to if I'm honest.

Those are both perfect examples of why I love short fiction - I'm of the opinion that there may be no such thing as a perfect novel, but there are examples of perfect short stories. Also, this all reminds me that I got rid of my copies of Books of Blood. Hear that sound? That's me kicking meslef in the arse.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 05 July, 2012, 03:22:50 PM
Heh. I'm gonna re-read Books of Blood now. I thought Lord of Illusion was class. The film was... not so good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 July, 2012, 11:40:42 PM
Finished House of the Vampire last night. Not bad. Not great.

I'm reading The Turtle Boy now. Pretty good so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Bissler on 07 July, 2012, 12:33:47 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 05 July, 2012, 03:19:31 PM
Quote from: Syne on 05 July, 2012, 01:25:38 AM
Just finished Clive Barker's Books of Blood vol. 1. The last story, "In the Hills, the Cities," is the stand-out. As I was reading it I was thinking how ridiculous the central concept was, but by the end it had come together in a very real and disquieting way. I keep catching myself thinking it'd almost be possible, then have to remind myself that it wouldn't, not really....

Yuh huh. That's a hell of a story that - the tone is just perfect.

Quote from: Richmond Clements on 05 July, 2012, 12:56:55 PM
But "Dread"... Oh man...

Yuh huh. Seriously good, hair raising yarn.  Anyone seen the film? I haven't and I really don't need to if I'm honest.


M.

I've seen the film, thought it was pretty decent.  A nice slow build-up and some good time spent getting to know the characters before things got horrible.  Once they did, there were some genuinely upsetting moments.  I read the books about 20 years ago so I can't remember how close to the short story it was.

I recently reread Weaveworld again and would highly recommend it to anyone.  Barker at his best!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 07 July, 2012, 10:19:20 AM
The 6th edition of Warhammer 40k and I still can't work out who shoots who when, anyway also Rogue Trader not alas the evil bankers but more sunny, uplifting times in the Eastern Rim of the galaxy.  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 07 July, 2012, 04:11:37 PM
I'm working through Death Note at the mo, up to volume five.  Interesting stuff.  The way the two main characters interact, you'd think the writer had a split personality!

Use of Weapons is on the go too. That's a return read for me.  I must have read it well over a decade ago, and retained some sense of how good it is.  It's even better on a second read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 08 July, 2012, 12:12:44 AM
'Loss of Separation', by Conrad Williams, which is published by Solaris, which is owned by Rebellion. Oddly, this fact caused me to think twice before buying as, while a many of the Solaris and Abaddon novels have been massively entertaining, very few have been particularly clever or memorable or groundbreaking, and i was the mood for something of that ilk.

The good news is, fifty pages in, 'Loss' is very promising. It seems to be mining a similar seam of horror as a number of the 'quiet' fictions ive been reading of late- the output of Spectral Press, and Adam Neville's 'The Ritual', for instance- and is getting under my skin quite nicely.
Google it to see what the book's about, as im far too high on diazepam and tramadol a present to type much more, but safe to say if you're canny enough to have been following the 'new wave of british horror writers'- Gary McMahon, Adam Neville, Gary Fry, Tom Fletcher, our own Wayne Simmons, and Alison Littlewood, etc- then this should be high on your 'to read' list.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 08 July, 2012, 01:25:53 PM
The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

I remember seeing Harlan Ellison on YouTube mentioning Conan Doyle as an inspiring writer to look to. The Hound of the Baskervilles is the first story in this collection. A true classic.   

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 08 July, 2012, 02:04:19 PM
Just finished reading "Ultimate X : Origins". I must admit, I got this primarily for the artwork by Arthur Adams, which is mind-blowingly gorgeous. I ended up enjoying the story, too, although I'm not really a fan of X-Men. Love to see Adams on Dredd.....can just imagine it!  :o
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 09 July, 2012, 12:31:33 AM
Night Watch, Terry Pratchett. Takes skill to be so cutting in such a likeable, funny way. If Pratchett had been a politician, all would have fallen before him.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 09 July, 2012, 11:23:02 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 07 July, 2012, 04:11:37 PM
I'm working through Death Note at the mo, up to volume five.  Interesting stuff.  The way the two main characters interact, you'd think the writer had a split personality!

I'm re-reading this at the moment and I'm up to volume 6 now. It's great, even when you know what will happen. The next few volumes will blow you away.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 09 July, 2012, 12:10:06 PM
Carl Hiaasen - Star Island.  First time i've entered the odd florida world but wow, incredibly well written (and quirky,) characters
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 09 July, 2012, 12:17:32 PM
I've just started Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson. It's a free novel downloadable from his website, here (http://brandonsanderson.com/portal/Warbreaker).

So far quite promising. An unusual magic system (he likes his magic systems does Brandon) which is interesting which seems to resolve around colours and animating objects. Different again from the flying/TK metal manipulation stuff of the Mistborn books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 09 July, 2012, 12:41:30 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 07 July, 2012, 10:19:20 AM
The 6th edition of Warhammer 40k and I still can't work out who shoots who when

I hear it's still an improvement on 5th edition though! (but that was a mess so...)
I'm still happily playing 4th ed anyway :D

I bought an ereader as a graduation present for myself last week and am currently ploughing through much of Project Gutenberg's back catalogue. A Princess of Mar (Edgar Rice Burroughs) and the Bible (King James Version) are on my current list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 09 July, 2012, 02:56:53 PM
Thanks, Mardroid. Downloaded. Still haven't got round to checking out his WoT novels yet though, since I'm waiting until the series ends, so I have no idea how well he's handled the takeover. Anyone read them? How did he do?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 09 July, 2012, 05:52:59 PM
Quote from: DeFuzzed on 09 July, 2012, 02:56:53 PM
Thanks, Mardroid. Downloaded. Still haven't got round to checking out his WoT novels yet though, since I'm waiting until the series ends, so I have no idea how well he's handled the takeover. Anyone read them? How did he do?

I've read both  instalments (still waiting for the series finale of course)  and in my opinion he has done very well. Of course it's co-written with Jordan, but his voice works well in the series.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 09 July, 2012, 06:02:12 PM
Quote from: Aonghus on 09 July, 2012, 12:41:30 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 07 July, 2012, 10:19:20 AM
The 6th edition of Warhammer 40k and I still can't work out who shoots who when

I hear it's still an improvement on 5th edition though! (but that was a mess so...)
I'm still happily playing 4th ed anyway :D



Ah they all have their bonkers quirks but can a terminator still get shot deed with a laspistol? Yes it looks like it can! :o
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 July, 2012, 10:32:55 PM
Athos in America, by Jason.  The last Jason book I read was Werewolves of Montpelier, and while it was his usual clever stuff it didn't really grab me.  This collection of shorts, kindly provided by the county library, is much more my thing.  Glorious and incredibly refined art and some really wonderful stories - the title story is terrific, but the stand-outs for me were the kidnap caper 'So Long, Mary Ann' and the Altmanesque 'Tom Waits on the Moon'.  Mad scientists and musketeers abound, much wine is drunk, many memorable moments are served.  Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 12 July, 2012, 07:29:12 PM
Terrry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter's The Long Earth - never tried any Baxter but as a lifelong Pratchett fan it was always going to be a must read, particularly as Good Omen's was a cracking read at the time.  Can see a lot of Pratchett's standard tropes coming through so makes for an enjoyable read but the implications of infinite space for expansion and its impact on civilisation puts me in mind of Baxter's Space, Time, Origin trilogy of which Time struck me as potentially one of the most depressing books I had ever read with the quasi nomadic society on one of the Jovian (I think) moons.  Interesting stuff when you take two writers of this calibre and put them together.  Quite a change of pace from Pratchett's 'World of Poo'!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 13 July, 2012, 10:57:35 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 12 July, 2012, 07:29:12 PM
Terrry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter's The Long Earth - ..... Interesting stuff when you take two writers of this calibre and put them together.  Quite a change of pace from Pratchett's 'World of Poo'!

I never even knew Pratchett had done that, will hunt for it next. And World of Poo is a classic :) - Reading Snuff right now and it just reminds me that I'd love to see a cop show based on Vimes and the Watchmen. I think there was talk of it somewhere, hope it happens.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 13 July, 2012, 12:33:09 PM
IS this the right place for this? Can't find a LAST COMIC or TRADE READ thread?

Anyway, WALKING DEAD: A LARGER WORLDI right enjoyed this despite it having a beardy character who refers to himself as Jesus in it and some of Andrea's dialogue sticking a PLEASE KILL ME NOW sticker on her. 

There are some nicely played out fight scenes, some nice character beats and the introduction of, as the title would suggest, new communities and "a larger world". Some nice Carl moments as well. He's an intensely disliekable child.

Rick goes through two remarkable turnarounds during the course of the 100 odd pages. The first, where he suddenly decides [spoiler]"that maybe we should trade with The Hilltop people[/spoiler]" in the middle of slaughtering zombies is a bit of a stretch to believe and rushed but the final conclusion of [spoiler]"we can build an army and start living not just surviving"[/spoiler] is a nice and natural progression.

I'm always a sucker for the art and graytones (a few mutated views of Paul/Jesus face notwithstanding).

The wait between trades is killing me(I'd love to buy the comics to get up to speed but that'd just muck up my bookshelf),
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 13 July, 2012, 01:46:56 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 13 July, 2012, 12:33:09 PM
IS this the right place for this? Can't find a LAST COMIC or TRADE READ thread?

Anyway, WALKING DEAD: A LARGER WORLDI right enjoyed this despite it having a beardy character who refers to himself as Jesus in it and some of Andrea's dialogue sticking a PLEASE KILL ME NOW sticker on her. 

There are some nicely played out fight scenes, some nice character beats and the introduction of, as the title would suggest, new communities and "a larger world". Some nice Carl moments as well. He's an intensely disliekable child.

Rick goes through two remarkable turnarounds during the course of the 100 odd pages. The first, where he suddenly decides [spoiler]"that maybe we should trade with The Hilltop people[/spoiler]" in the middle of slaughtering zombies is a bit of a stretch to believe and rushed but the final conclusion of [spoiler]"we can build an army and start living not just surviving"[/spoiler] is a nice and natural progression.

I'm always a sucker for the art and graytones (a few mutated views of Paul/Jesus face notwithstanding).

The wait between trades is killing me(I'd love to buy the comics to get up to speed but that'd just muck up my bookshelf),

I couldnt wait for the next trade either, so downloaded the next few...1/2 price this week on Image / Comixology App.
Though the bookshelf would be a problem going that route I suppose!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 13 July, 2012, 06:39:30 PM
reading my "savage" tpb that popped through the post today (thanks to lady festina,molcher and of course tharg) and as soon as i get paid i'll be getting the absalom trade... :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 13 July, 2012, 07:32:55 PM
Quote from: DeFuzzed on 13 July, 2012, 10:57:35 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 12 July, 2012, 07:29:12 PM
Terrry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter's The Long Earth - ..... Interesting stuff when you take two writers of this calibre and put them together.  Quite a change of pace from Pratchett's 'World of Poo'!

I never even knew Pratchett had done that, will hunt for it next. And World of Poo is a classic :) - Reading Snuff right now and it just reminds me that I'd love to see a cop show based on Vimes and the Watchmen. I think there was talk of it somewhere, hope it happens.

Think Sky was lined up to do one of the city Watchs books with the late Pete Postlethwaite as Vimes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 13 July, 2012, 09:23:34 PM
Much as I liked Postlethwaite, I would have rather they went younger, possibly beginning from the John Keel moment which would also give us an up and coming Vetinari too. Follow the two through the years and practically see a huge swathe of the Discworld people/events in the process.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 14 July, 2012, 01:11:58 PM
Picked up 'Creepy' Presents Richard Corben' from FP yesterday. A hefty collection of his work from Eerie and Creepy, beautifully presented with an excellent introduction by Jose Villarubia. His storytelling, composition and rendering throughout is a joy. I found Corben's work later on Heavy Metal with Den, Jeremy Brood, Vic And Blood and Mutant World so the majority of this book is new to me. It also includes covers (some of which some of you will have seen in portfolio collections over the years). The best find Ive chanced on in a while.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fisticuffs on 14 July, 2012, 02:20:48 PM
Batman issues #9 and #10. Awesome stuff, I just love it. The Night Of The Owls is a true epic, just a shame I can't stand any other of the Big Two's comics....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 14 July, 2012, 02:31:06 PM
Amazing Spider-Man 'Flying Blind', the latest hardback collection containing ASM #674-677 and Daredevil #8, in which adrian tooms, the original vulture, hires a gang of runaways to become his gang, and the nearly-dead and unrecognisable doctor octopus's sinister six go after modok and his intelligencia to see who's smarter, and finally spidey and daredevil investigate a theft from horizon labs that may or may not have been committed by the black cat.

As usual, it's a fantastic romp, perfectly-pitched and benefitting from a whole bunch of artists, which lends modern spidey the same kind of feel as classic judge dredd- in that it's mostly written by one team who absolutely get it right every time and drawn in many conflicting yet complimentary styles.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 15 July, 2012, 05:32:06 PM
Quote from: Emp on 13 July, 2012, 07:32:55 PM
Quote from: DeFuzzed on 13 July, 2012, 10:57:35 AM

I never even knew Pratchett had done that, will hunt for it next. And World of Poo is a classic :) - Reading Snuff right now and it just reminds me that I'd love to see a cop show based on Vimes and the Watchmen. I think there was talk of it somewhere, hope it happens.

Think Sky was lined up to do one of the city Watchs books with the late Pete Postlethwaite as Vimes.

Saw a stage production of Guards, Guards years ago in Blackpool with Paul Darrow in the role of Vimes.  Absolutely superb and perfectly cast.  Personal highlight was having him standing on stage in a pair of fluffy slippers, with a toy dragon on his hand spouting the 'do you feel lucky' line!  He just had the jaded, world weary cynicism down to a t. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 16 July, 2012, 12:24:25 AM
Quote from: DeFuzzed on 13 July, 2012, 09:23:34 PM
Much as I liked Postlethwaite, I would have rather they went younger

Actually, Pratchett has said that his ideal Vimes was always a young Pete Postlethwaite, if this were a just universe. Nice to know you're working on the same wavelength as the great man, eh? :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 16 July, 2012, 01:41:24 AM
Quote from: judgefett on 14 July, 2012, 01:11:58 PM
Picked up 'Creepy' Presents Richard Corben' from FP yesterday. A hefty collection of his work from Eerie and Creepy, beautifully presented with an excellent introduction by Jose Villarubia. His storytelling, composition and rendering throughout is a joy. I found Corben's work later on Heavy Metal with Den, Jeremy Brood, Vic And Blood and Mutant World so the majority of this book is new to me. It also includes covers (some of which some of you will have seen in portfolio collections over the years). The best find Ive chanced on in a while.

I'm fascinated by Corben's art. The first time I saw it I found it repugnant, but since then I've got to like it more and more. The solidity and weight of his figures, the way they look like they're made from compressed sausage meat, the grotesque anatomy of his nudes (especially Den, in which "sausage" is especially appropriate). Also those incredibly rich colours. He's one of a kind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 16 July, 2012, 02:46:53 AM
Death got no mercy by one Al Ewing.

Look, it's got the words "DEATH" & "AL" & "NO MERCY" & "EWING" on the the cover. Plus a picher of a man punching out a Goddamn bear. So what else do you lily-livered Fotherington-Thomases need to know?

Quote from: TordelBack on 28 June, 2012, 07:27:33 PM
Stone Spring, by Stephen Baxter.  After the agonising but ultimately uplifiting Ark, it looks like Baxter is back on a roll:  this is great fun. 

Oh goody. Stevie stockpiles his set your watch by his publishing schedule Baxters until the whole sequence is published then reads 'em in one go. Glad to hear.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 16 July, 2012, 08:46:15 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 15 July, 2012, 05:32:06 PM

Saw a stage production of Guards, Guards years ago in Blackpool with Paul Darrow in the role of Vimes. 

Pratchett has an amazing way with words and I'd love to see how it transfers to a stage. Never managed it yet unfortunately. His Nation was at the National and I missed it. Had no idea it was on until it was done and dusted.

Quote from: Aonghus on 16 July, 2012, 12:24:25 AM
Quote from: DeFuzzed on 13 July, 2012, 09:23:34 PM
Much as I liked Postlethwaite, I would have rather they went younger

Actually, Pratchett has said that his ideal Vimes was always a young Pete Postlethwaite, if this were a just universe. Nice to know you're working on the same wavelength as the great man, eh? :D

:) - It is nice actually. And in that case, if the project is still greenlit and they listen to his wants, I'm more hopeful about what we'll get.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SMUDGE10 on 17 July, 2012, 09:05:10 PM
Currently reading 'Ancient Rome' by Simon Baker.
On Audio I have the second of the 'Dark Tower' series by King and the 'Third Chimpanzee' by Jared Diamond.
Dipping into Marvel Essentials Kirby FF too....

:)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 July, 2012, 09:26:15 PM
My pull-list in the local library yielded a rich harvest today - Reamde by Neal Stephenson and the long, long-awaited Children of the Sky by the almighty Vernor Vinge were both waiting for me.  But which to read first!  The agony of indecision!

I made this discovery while returning One Soul by Roy Fawkes, a very clever idea for exploring our common humanity by following 18 characters from birth to death through one panel each per double spreads of 9-panel grids, which was even more dull in execution than it sounds, and post-WWI utopian nuthouse Black Paths by David B. which confirmed suspicions formed from reading his earlier Epileptic that he's a very talented writer/artist whose work I enjoy not one single whit.  Ah well, they can't all be Jim Woodring or Jason.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 17 July, 2012, 11:42:02 PM
I went to the library today and I was happy to find the following:

A Dance with Dragons: Volume 1 by George R Martin. - I've wanted to get this (well the full version really, but this was what was available) for a while. Considering how large this is, I'm amazed there is a full volume edition out there.)

A Kingdom Beseiged by Raymond Feist. - I'm not over keen on Feist's writing style, but the stories are quite good and multi-world premise of these books are interesting.

I've also pulled the following comic collections:
Sweet Tooth: In Captivity by Jeff Lemire
The Losers (books 1 and 2) by Andy Diggle and Jock

I'll probably make a start on Sweet Tooth first. When I have a mixture of prose and comics, I usually read the comics first as they're a lighter read but I'm rather keen on jumping into A Dance... so I might have a couple books going at the same time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Bissler on 18 July, 2012, 02:42:17 PM
Finished reading the full collection of Y The Last Man graphic novels.  Funny, sad, clever, great characters and always intriguing, I'd highly recommend it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 18 July, 2012, 04:29:29 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 July, 2012, 09:26:15 PM
My pull-list in the local library yielded a rich harvest today - Reamde by Neal Stephenson...

I finished Reamde on Monday night. My short, spoiler free review (that can be stitched together with my previous comments, for those bored souls out there) is that I thought is was really good. Some reviews were a bit lukewarm and some criticisms I thought were valid, but I found it written in his usual easy to read, pulling you along way with an end sequence both tense and satisfying. Though I was quite glad to finish it as it's over 1000 pages! It's more akin to Cryptonomicon than Anathem but I imagine you've gathered that already.

Last night though, I finally read 100 Months. I've had it for a while and kept putting off reading it as I wanted to have the time to really devote to it, plus I was a bit nervous about reading Johnny's last work and didn't know how it might feel.

It felt magnificent! Jaw dropping and grotesque, it'll take a lot more absorbtion to really appreciate what's on those pages. I found it absolutely uplifting too and it immediately started playing this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVLP-URFgQo) in my head. I can't really describe it to be honest, but I can say that it's truly like nothing else. Just like all his art really.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 18 July, 2012, 04:40:50 PM
Apartment 16 a horror novel. Good so far and different to my usual warhammer fare quite scary as well. No avoiding the cliches scary visions in mirrors etc, but i'm hooked.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 18 July, 2012, 04:46:58 PM
To take the liberty of quoting myself:

Quote from: Mardroid on 17 July, 2012, 11:42:02 PM
I went to the library today and I was happy to find the following:
Sweet Tooth: In Captivity by Jeff Lemire

I read this last night. A great read. I'll probably try to hunt down the first issues/volume at some point and the latter issues too. Of course I know how the first volume ends now, but I'm sure there'll be other stuff in the journey.

Just started A Dance with Dragons. Good stuff so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 July, 2012, 06:57:37 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 18 July, 2012, 04:29:29 PM
It felt magnificent! Jaw dropping and grotesque, it'll take a lot more absorbtion to really appreciate what's on those pages. I found it absolutely uplifting too and it immediately started playing this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVLP-URFgQo) in my head. I can't really describe it to be honest, but I can say that it's truly like nothing else. Just like all his art really.

That's a great recommendation Mikey, I'll have to take the plunge.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 18 July, 2012, 07:01:52 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 18 July, 2012, 06:57:37 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 18 July, 2012, 04:29:29 PM
It felt magnificent! Jaw dropping and grotesque, it'll take a lot more absorbtion to really appreciate what's on those pages. I found it absolutely uplifting too and it immediately started playing this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVLP-URFgQo) in my head. I can't really describe it to be honest, but I can say that it's truly like nothing else. Just like all his art really.

That's a great recommendation Mikey, I'll have to take the plunge.

An astonishing book.
Here's my review from last year: http://hiexcomics.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/john-hicklentons-100-months-review.html
</plug>
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 July, 2012, 07:33:32 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 18 July, 2012, 07:01:52 PM
An astonishing book.
Here's my review from last year: http://hiexcomics.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/john-hicklentons-100-months-review.html
</plug>

Ach, sure I read your review at the time, but you're a known promoter of any old tosh.  Mikey's got an -ology.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hoops on 18 July, 2012, 07:38:25 PM
I got 100 months when it came out and i find myself going back to it time and time again...an incredible book and for Hicklenton fans i think it's a must have.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hoops on 18 July, 2012, 08:07:47 PM
P.S. reading the first two collections of Scott Snyder's American Vampire...great stuff!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 18 July, 2012, 08:08:09 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 18 July, 2012, 07:33:32 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 18 July, 2012, 07:01:52 PM
An astonishing book.
Here's my review from last year: http://hiexcomics.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/john-hicklentons-100-months-review.html
</plug>

Ach, sure I read your review at the time, but you're a known promoter of any old tosh.  Mikey's got an -ology.

He's got an ology??? well... I can't really remember any more of the 30 year old TV advert..!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 July, 2012, 08:37:41 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 18 July, 2012, 08:08:09 PM
He's got an ology??? well... I can't really remember any more of the 30 year old TV advert..!

Somewhat non sequitoristic, but I liked this:

(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/geology.png)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 18 July, 2012, 08:53:39 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 18 July, 2012, 08:37:41 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 18 July, 2012, 08:08:09 PM
He's got an ology??? well... I can't really remember any more of the 30 year old TV advert..!

Somewhat non sequitoristic, but I liked this:

(http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/geology.png)

Excellent!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 18 July, 2012, 08:57:14 PM
A bit of Clint and Grike wets your Crevice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 18 July, 2012, 09:13:54 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 18 July, 2012, 07:33:32 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 18 July, 2012, 07:01:52 PM
An astonishing book.
Here's my review from last year: http://hiexcomics.blogspot.co.uk/2010/11/john-hicklentons-100-months-review.html
</plug>

Ach, sure I read your review at the time, but you're a known promoter of any old tosh.  Mikey's got an -ology.

He won't want me to say this, he's far too nice, but Richmond helped me with the big words.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 19 July, 2012, 09:17:54 PM
just for fun, I'm re-reading 'The Iron Legion', a collection of old Dr Who comics written by John Wagner and Pat Mills and drawn by Dave Gibbons and Steve Moore.  Good pulpy fun.
  I'm also reading the very first Biggles book to my son.  Take that, Boche!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 July, 2012, 10:20:29 AM
Batman #521 and #522

I had no idea this existed- in fact, despite knowing that i love killer croc and swamp thing, and enjoy the comical works of mr doug moench and mr kelley jones, a batman-liking friend failed to mention this during a  long conversation a month or two ago. Tut.

Basically, killer croc escapes from 'new arkham', after being contacted by swamp thing promising peace in 'the wet dark'. Croc hijacks a steam train and drives it to houma, pursued by batman in the batmobile- who for some reason cant stop him.

They get to the swampland and croc disappears into its wet, dark embrace, while batman squares up against swampy to find out why these two issues have happened in the first place.

It's an absolute delight. Orchestrated entirely to allow kelley jones to draw steam engines, swamps and gothic architecture, it's a joy. I have no idea if they ever followed up this strand of killer croc's story, or if this stands as a one-off, but if batman read like this more often i might be tempted to (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 21 July, 2012, 10:23:13 AM
(cont) pick up the book more often. As it stands, im definitely going to get the whole of the moench/jones run, however long it lasted.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SMUDGE10 on 21 July, 2012, 04:30:59 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 21 July, 2012, 10:23:13 AM
As it stands, im definitely going to get the whole of the moench/jones run, however long it lasted.

SBT

Twas a mighty fine run! A good year or two I think.
I have most of them under a layer of dust somewhere....

Wonder what Kelly Jones is doing these days?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 21 July, 2012, 05:10:09 PM
Recently picked up an old copy of Boba Fett: Death, Lies and Deception (or something) in a second hand book store, entirely due to the fact that John Wagner and Cam Kennedy were the creative team.

Having not read many Star Wars comics, I loved this! It had Wagner's vein of black humour throughout and absolutely lovely art by Cam Kennedy. Boba Fett in particular looked great, as if his armour had been dragged along the ground and was all roughed up. It had been a  long time since I'd seen Cam Kennedy's art too and it made me really want to see him on Dredd again! Surely it's time for a new installment of Kenny Who? !?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 21 July, 2012, 05:23:22 PM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 21 July, 2012, 05:10:09 PM
It had been a  long time since I'd seen Cam Kennedy's art too and it made me really want to see him on Dredd again! Surely it's time for a new installment of Kenny Who? !?

Hate to be the one to have to break this to you but Cam's eyesight has deteriorated in recent years to the point where he can no longer draw - so we've had our lot from the great man. And a sad smiley seems a horribly glib and insincere thing to add to that, but the sentiment is heartfelt -  :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 21 July, 2012, 06:04:08 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 21 July, 2012, 05:23:22 PM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 21 July, 2012, 05:10:09 PM
It had been a  long time since I'd seen Cam Kennedy's art too and it made me really want to see him on Dredd again! Surely it's time for a new installment of Kenny Who? !?

Hate to be the one to have to break this to you but Cam's eyesight has deteriorated in recent years to the point where he can no longer draw - so we've had our lot from the great man. And a sad smiley seems a horribly glib and insincere thing to add to that, but the sentiment is heartfelt -  :(

Ah that's terrible news, I hadn't heard that. He's a great artist, sad to hear we won't be seeing any new work from him.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 22 July, 2012, 01:18:53 AM
That is sad. Kennedy's art is synonymous with classic 2000ad for me, and I'm sure for many others. Hope he's enjoying his retirement, eyesight problems notwithstanding.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Bissler on 22 July, 2012, 06:15:16 AM
I'm really saddened to hear that news about Cam Kennedy.   I loved the V.C.s as well as his work on Dredd and Rogue Trooper. 
Of particular joy to me as a teenager was his art in "The Midnight Surfer" which featured Chopper's first outing in the Supersurf.  Cam's art brought to life a brilliant Dredd tale and his illustration of Chopper's antics on the powerboard gave me a real thrill, so much so that it was a story that I revisited on numerous occasions (and think I may do so again now).  Definitely one of my all-time favourite 2000AD artists.     
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 22 July, 2012, 07:24:41 AM
"Saturday Night Fever" part 1, the Dredd story in prog 417, was one of the first Dredds I ever read. The final frame - where the Rodentine Sewer Gas starts to corrode the faces of the rioters - introduced me to the kind of ghastly thrills 2000ad could provide.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 22 July, 2012, 06:52:50 PM
Quote from: Syne on 22 July, 2012, 07:24:41 AM
"Saturday Night Fever" part 1, the Dredd story in prog 417, was one of the first Dredds I ever read. The final frame - where the Rodentine Sewer Gas starts to corrode the faces of the rioters - introduced me to the kind of ghastly thrills 2000ad could provide.

That exact scene burned into my young mind too Syne. Genius on a level that is indescribable.
Very sorry to hear about Cam Kennedy's eyesight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 July, 2012, 07:51:43 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 21 July, 2012, 10:23:13 AM
(cont) pick up the book more often. As it stands, im definitely going to get the whole of the moench/jones run, however long it lasted.

SBT

Its a run I've always toyed with getting, but surely I don't need any more Batman comics... but they look so good... anyhoo great article about the run here.

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/04/20/comics-you-should-own-flashback-batman-515-552/ (http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/04/20/comics-you-should-own-flashback-batman-515-552/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 22 July, 2012, 11:54:35 PM
I'm re-reading 'Journey to the West' (which is more commonly called 'Monkey'), this time a more thorough translation, with nothing omitted.

The introduction has a wonderful comment about Sun Wukong's popularity:

'The humorous and knowing twinkle in Monkey's eyes is able to penetrate to the core of a tradition which has congealed over thousands of years. His power of insight comes from his straightforward and natural boyish heart, and his grasp of the reasons for things. The main theme is mockery and scorn directed at authorities and order of society, revealing man's naturally pure and childlike heart. And because this story conveys boyish delight, transcending political, religious, national and territorial boundaries, it brings joy to the whole world.'

Yeah, that's why I've got Monkey on my back, and why I urge everyone to get a copy of this book, and absorb it's many delights.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-West-Chengen-Wu/dp/7119016636
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 July, 2012, 08:19:21 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 22 July, 2012, 11:54:35 PM
I'm re-reading 'Journey to the West' (which is more commonly called 'Monkey'), this time a more thorough translation, with nothing omitted.

I'd never imagined Monkey to be anything other than the TV series when I bought a tattered edition of this book in a secondhand shop, many years ago.  Reading it I had the strangest sensation of unreality as I saw Monkey, Pigsy, Sandy and Tripitaka snap into place with the characters... it was as if I'd just discovered that Scooby Doo was closely based on an ancient Assyrian frieze.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 July, 2012, 10:37:41 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 22 July, 2012, 11:54:35 PM
I'm re-reading 'Journey to the West' (which is more commonly called 'Monkey'), this time a more thorough translation, with nothing omitted.

.

I found it a fascinating read, though I have to say as it progressed the stories became a bit repetitive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Syne on 23 July, 2012, 10:49:48 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 22 July, 2012, 11:54:35 PM
I'm re-reading 'Journey to the West' (which is more commonly called 'Monkey'), this time a more thorough translation, with nothing omitted.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-West-Chengen-Wu/dp/7119016636


Haven't read the book, but I'm fascinated by the impact it's had across Asia. Years go I went to the Vegetarian Festival in Trang, Thailand, which involved designated locals dressing in the costumes, going into trances, and invoking the spirits of Sun Wukong and co. I don't know how genuine the trances were, but there was something unearthly about seeing the Monkey King running around at the head of a parade, twirling his staff and chattering at the spectators.

I've also read that prostitutes in Singapore pray to Pigsy as their patron deity. Even if that's just a urban legend, it's shows how deep the characters have sunk into local culture.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 July, 2012, 11:26:15 AM
The Trances are real, but over here we call it The Method, darling.

Elk's Run is the tale of an isolated gated community founded by Vietnam veterans whose kids are coming to the conclusion they want out of the place.  It took me a while to cotton on that the narrative eschews the now-tedious structure of setup/splash-page/sound bite that dominates the post-Mark Millar US comics scene in stuff like Saga and Morning Glories (not to say these are bad comics or anything, only that their structure is ubiquitous), and as a result Elk's Run comes off as far more shocking in the long run, the characters rounded off in so minimal a fashion without stereotyping as character shorthand (the town is stuck in a mid-1970s aesthetic, meaning no punks, nerds, goths, etc) that it took me ages to cotton on to the nature of the town.  I genuinely didn't see it coming as some of the clumsy earlier chapters - particularly the ham-fisted Vietnam flashbacks - set me up thinking I was in for some equally-clumsy reveals and soundbites down the line, possibly about time travel or aliens, but even when realisation dawns that the town is [spoiler]basically a cult compound run by a survivalist nutjob[/spoiler], this isn't a twist so much as something I should have seen all along in the characters and the setup.
Elk's Run is a linear and engrossing drama about regular folk caught up in a larger story, and the fact they don't make pithy remarks to display their pop-cultural knowledge in the middle of stressful situations just makes them seem far more real as people even as it probably alienates the vast majority of readers waiting for the big twists that never come.  A damn good read, just don't ruin it for yourself by reading any of the product descriptions or the blurb on the back, which tend to oversimplify the story and make it sound like a horror or something along the lines of The Walking Dead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 23 July, 2012, 05:53:30 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 23 July, 2012, 08:19:21 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 22 July, 2012, 11:54:35 PM
I'm re-reading 'Journey to the West' (which is more commonly called 'Monkey'), this time a more thorough translation, with nothing omitted.

I'd never imagined Monkey to be anything other than the TV series when I bought a tattered edition of this book in a secondhand shop, many years ago.  Reading it I had the strangest sensation of unreality as I saw Monkey, Pigsy, Sandy and Tripitaka snap into place with the characters... it was as if I'd just discovered that Scooby Doo was closely based on an ancient Assyrian frieze.

Brilliant observation, absolutely bang on!  As a child I was a massive fan of the TV series, which in adult life led me to the book.  I had exactly the same sensation! It was as if the TV caricatures were given flesh and made real.  You win my prestigious 'quote of the day' award.  Shitloads of kudos coming your way!   ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 July, 2012, 08:32:02 PM
I finished the first Dances With Dragons book today. A great read. I think the author goes too far in certain places, but overall very enjoyable. I hoped to pick up the second at the library today, yet despite the catalogue stating it was in, I couldn't find it. I wonder if it's just been returned and hasn't migrated to the shelf yet.

On the plus side I found two Joe Hill novels, Horns and 20th Century Ghosts. I haven't read any of Joe Hill's prose yet. I enjoyed his first two Locke and Key books. (I've yet to read the rest.)

On the GN front I just started The Losers (Andy Diggle and Jock.) So far, not bad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 23 July, 2012, 08:52:53 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 23 July, 2012, 08:32:02 PM
I finished the first Dances With Dragons book today. A great read. I think the author goes too far in certain places...

If you're referring to the dry lists of information about food and clothes, then I agree. It's a problem throughout the entire series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 July, 2012, 09:03:42 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 23 July, 2012, 08:52:53 PM
If you're referring to the dry lists of information about food and clothes, then I agree. It's a problem throughout the entire series.

Actually, no, but I know what you mean. I actually quite like the descriptions of feasts but I'll admit the descriptions of clothes and flags, etc, can get a bit boring.

A good example of what I mean is a scene involving [spoiler]the Bastard Bolton and his child bride.[/spoiler] The bit where [spoiler]Theon Greyjoy is commanded to 'prepare her'[/spoiler].  He's a scum bag, and I get that he is to be established as a hateful character [spoiler](and maybe Theon will get some revenge. It can't be a coincidence that last POV chapter he is referred to by name, rather than 'Reek' suggesting he is getting over his abusive indoctrination and reclaiming his true identity.)[/spoiler] But, that's already been established at this stage. They didn't need to go there.

[spoiler]I've no doubt he would abuse her but some stuff can be left off-stage as it were.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 23 July, 2012, 09:57:15 PM
I read that scene as the point [spoiler] Theon is pushed too far. After that, after the abuse got to be too much, glimmers of a possible redemption start to show.[/spoiler] It did go too far, but I think that was the point. [spoiler]Showing the absolute depths Bolton's Bastard's depravity, not to the reader, but to Theon so that the reader is informed of how Theon deals with it.
I would agree that this one example is a bit repellent, but the overall unpleasantness of the various nutters with authority involved in the series is never ever glorified.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 July, 2012, 11:25:39 PM
Quote from: pops1983 on 23 July, 2012, 09:57:15 PM
[spoiler]the overall unpleasantness of the various nutters with authority involved in the series is never ever glorified.[/spoiler]

That's a very good point. I'm certainly looking forward to the next half of the novel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hoops on 24 July, 2012, 10:02:58 AM
Batman - Heart Of Hush (Detective Comics #846-#850)...Hush origin and excellent story as a whole.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 24 July, 2012, 10:31:27 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 22 July, 2012, 06:52:50 PM
Quote from: Syne on 22 July, 2012, 07:24:41 AM
"Saturday Night Fever" part 1, the Dredd story in prog 417, was one of the first Dredds I ever read. The final frame - where the Rodentine Sewer Gas starts to corrode the faces of the rioters - introduced me to the kind of ghastly thrills 2000ad could provide.

That exact scene burned into my young mind too Syne. Genius on a level that is indescribable.
Very sorry to hear about Cam Kennedy's eyesight.

For those who haven't seen it, Cam has a sketchbook available...

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,26974.0.html


I'm reading Doctor Who - The Iron Legion*, although I should be finishing Michael Chabon's Gentlemen of the Road.





* I haven't read these strips since they were in Doctor Who Weekly; any similarity to The Day The Law Died went right over my head at  the time.  Still, it has Space Vespas, which are great.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 24 July, 2012, 02:58:02 PM
The iron legion must surely be one of the most-reprinted british adventure strips in history, what with summer specials, classic comics magazines, marvel premier, idw, panini and the like. That it's so bloody good is a bonus. Along with the dogs of doom, city of the damned/cursed and the star beast, we were spoilt beyond belief back then, and it's rewarding to have them in 'ultimate' editions all these years on. Other than ridgway's run on colin baker stories, the dr who comic strip was never anywhere near as good again, and likely never will be.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 July, 2012, 08:04:53 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 24 July, 2012, 02:58:02 PM
Other than ridgway's run on colin baker stories, the dr who comic strip was never anywhere near as good again, and likely never will be.

SBT

Well said good sir! The latter Baker's tenure wasn't helped by the fact that whatever JNT was putting on the box couldn't hold a candle to Once Upon A Time Lord or the monumental magnificence of Voyager.


That said, Dan Abnett's The Silent Stars Go By is the best of the new, lichurry type Who hardcover novels. So one would imagine that either he, John Smith or Alec Worley could give those black & white classics a good run for their money.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 July, 2012, 08:11:25 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 25 July, 2012, 08:04:53 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 24 July, 2012, 02:58:02 PM
Other than ridgway's run on colin baker stories, the dr who comic strip was never anywhere near as good again, and likely never will be.

SBT

Well said good sir! The latter Baker's tenure wasn't helped by the fact that whatever JNT was putting on the box couldn't hold a candle to Once Upon A Time Lord or the monumental magnificence of Voyager.


That said, Dan Abnett's The Silent Stars Go By is the best of the new, lichurry tipe Who hardcover novels. So one would imagine that either he, John Smith or Alec Worley could give those black & white bonafide Classics a good run for their money.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 25 July, 2012, 08:32:13 AM
Abnett, worley, smith or not, im unsure if i could bring myself to read a nuwho novel or strip. Just the thought of having to picture eccleston, tennant or the current one while reading puts me off. And money spent on nuwho guff is money removed from the ongoing fund to one day buy 'dr who and the invasion from space' (or 'invaders from space', i forget)- the first, hartnell, piece of original fiction- which normally goes for just south of a hundred quid. That, and the original dalek book.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 25 July, 2012, 01:26:32 PM
Tar Aiym Krang, by Alan Dean Foster.

Read this decades ago and rereading it again. Good stuff. I remember wanting a Pip of my own and the yearning's come back all over again. Love to see this on TV or the movies too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 25 July, 2012, 02:14:47 PM
more of Dragon's Claw tonight (Tom Baker Doctor Who comic stuff) and a skerick of 'Another Self' by the very very annoying James Lees-Milne, then a bit of 'Gimlet Comes Home' by none other than Captain W.E. Johns


By the way, I heard in a radio interview with Alan Moore years ago that he had written Dr Who comics for a bit.  Has anyone read these?  If so, how were they?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 27 July, 2012, 12:41:25 PM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 25 July, 2012, 02:14:47 PM
more of Dragon's Claw tonight (Tom Baker Doctor Who comic stuff) and a skerick of 'Another Self' by the very very annoying James Lees-Milne, then a bit of 'Gimlet Comes Home' by none other than Captain W.E. Johns


By the way, I heard in a radio interview with Alan Moore years ago that he had written Dr Who comics for a bit.  Has anyone read these?  If so, how were they?

Might want to try this http://waveyourgeekflag.blogspot.com/2012/01/alan-moores-doctor-who-comic.html (http://waveyourgeekflag.blogspot.com/2012/01/alan-moores-doctor-who-comic.html)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 27 July, 2012, 01:56:15 PM
absalom, the life and death of johnny alpha and the walking dead "rise of the guvnor" and zarjaz!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 27 July, 2012, 02:19:20 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 27 July, 2012, 12:41:25 PM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 25 July, 2012, 02:14:47 PM
more of Dragon's Claw tonight (Tom Baker Doctor Who comic stuff) and a skerick of 'Another Self' by the very very annoying James Lees-Milne, then a bit of 'Gimlet Comes Home' by none other than Captain W.E. Johns


By the way, I heard in a radio interview with Alan Moore years ago that he had written Dr Who comics for a bit.  Has anyone read these?  If so, how were they?



Might want to try this http://waveyourgeekflag.blogspot.com/2012/01/alan-moores-doctor-who-comic.html (http://waveyourgeekflag.blogspot.com/2012/01/alan-moores-doctor-who-comic.html)



WarDog and his gang crossed-over into Moore's Captain Britain story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 July, 2012, 08:00:04 PM
Just finished Grant Morrison's Supergods. I absolutely loved the first half it really managed to balance its three strands, a retrospective on comics of the day; linking that to how society shaped them and how in return comics affect the world outside and finally from the 60s on all of this is shadowed by biography. It all fits together seamlessly and is a fantastic read.

As Grant starts his career the book is on fine form, but the further into his career it goes the more the cohesion between the three aspect starts to unravel. Until by the end it all seems like a bunch of short unrelated mind farts... oh and he has a nasty story about Sheffield which of course made me made as a badger  on meths (actually its pretty funny if a bit disturbing. I hope he's been back since???). The individual stories are often fine but it lacked the insights, aside from some delightful personal stories. Where as the first half made sense you almost suspect he was too close to what was going on in the industry to really add any useful analysis.

Shame it all started so well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 29 July, 2012, 03:16:55 AM
In an uncharacteristic move, I just bought the first two volumes of Marvel's 'Cable Classic' series.

Brief history in a nutshell: We took in a young fella from London a few years bac, and he had a shoebox full of Marvel comics. The guy in question was a horrible twat, and eventually came to a sticky end. But I DID enjoy reading his Cable comics.

So... I bought these hoping for more of the same. They're a bit more retro than I had expected, but solid so far. Lots of guns-blazing tough-guy fun!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: KingMonkeysUnkle on 29 July, 2012, 06:59:35 AM
Elephantmen is my current vice. I was dubious at first but thought the art looked tasty, and now I'm hooked. The story flits and skips around each issue but you never feel like your dislocated from the plot. Really good stuff.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 July, 2012, 09:56:15 AM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 25 July, 2012, 02:14:47 PM...then a bit of 'Gimlet Comes Home' by none other than Captain W.E. Johns

I used to love Gimlet, even preferred his commando antics to Biggles - does it stand up to adult re-reading? 

Gimlet Bores In must be one of the greatest book titles of all time, plus it has Biggles in it (doing taxi duty).

In other Johns news, I tried to re-read Kings of Space recently, the start of a series that was probably my favourite thing in the world when I was 9 and desperately waiting for Empire Strikes Back to come out, and it was... disappointing.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 29 July, 2012, 03:06:20 PM
Took a break from Cable Classic today to read 'Batman: A Death In The Family', which is described on the cover as a 'ground breaking classic'.

It's neither. In fact, I found it surprisingly twee and dated, even considering its age. I want my money back.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 02 August, 2012, 07:25:37 PM

Salem Brownstone: All along the Watchtowers
DeathNote vol. 1
Tank Girl - Visions of Booga

Death Note was the best of the three. Salem Brown is well illustrated and the story is good, but the two just don't seem to match. Tank Girl, I find, is good in short spurts but less so in anything with a plot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 03 August, 2012, 06:08:49 PM
Started using old Fighting Fantasy books to get my son into reading. Started with Deathtrap Dungeon as that was my fave as a kid and so far its worked a charm.

So bought one of the new ones, Howl of the Werewolf (by Jonathon Green) which was easier than the old ones but was bursting with great classic horror ideas. Everything from werewolves, vampires, headless horseman,Frankenstein and more. We've had such a laugh that while looking for others I saw theres a new one out this week to celebrate its 30 years since Firetop Mountain.

Its called Blood of the Zombies (cover by Greg Staples) and it just came in the post from Amazon. Mine & sons thoughts will follow.

Oh and is it really that long since I took along the Sorcery books to while away my hols in Tiree? Christ I'm getting auld.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 03 August, 2012, 06:18:47 PM
Tales of the Buddha Before He Got Enlighted, by Alan Grant, Jon Haward and Jamie Grant.

http://www.renegadeartsentertainment.com/comics/tales-of-the-buddha-before-he-got-enlightened (http://www.renegadeartsentertainment.com/comics/tales-of-the-buddha-before-he-got-enlightened)

It's funny, offensive and barely three quid.

- Trout
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 August, 2012, 07:36:15 PM
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by, um, Jules Verne- just started this with the boys as their bedtime story after we became so bored with the final harry potter book we'd stopped reading anything. Judging from the first night, while 20,000 may not be seen as the most exciting book ever (so far), they're understanding and following it- which is quite impressive for their ages, i thought.

Im reading 'daybreak', by brian ralph- the drawn and quartered hardback promoted as "an art-house take on the classic zombie genre". It was almost worth buying just for the sheer amount of things wrong with that sentence, but as it happens it's quite fun if not exactly original, either from a comics standpoint, or 'the classic zombie genre', whatever that might reasonably be.

Oh, and DC's 'batman' from #515 onwards, better known as the doug moench/kelley jones issues (mostly). So far, incredible stuff. Man i love me some kelley jones...

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 03 August, 2012, 09:32:48 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 03 August, 2012, 07:36:15 PM
Im reading 'daybreak', by brian ralph- the drawn and quartered hardback promoted as "an art-house take on the classic zombie genre". It was almost worth buying just for the sheer amount of things wrong with that sentence, but as it happens it's quite fun if not exactly original, either from a comics standpoint, or 'the classic zombie genre', whatever that might reasonably be.

You didn't find the first person view through the panels original? I'd disagree with Drawn & Quarterly calling it a zombie comic too.

[spoiler]The Drawn & Quarterly edition adds a extra section thus creating a new ending, very different in tone from where the original three issues end.[/spoiler]

By the way, SmallBlueThing, have you ever read Tokyo Zombie?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 August, 2012, 09:44:26 PM
Dont get me wrong, it's lovely piece of work. Ive been meaning to buy it for ages, and today it was either that or cf19. Im only halfway through at present, so will reserve judgement til i finish- my comments were more to do with the blatant pretension of the back cover line. But, i guess, the book's not really marketed at me- it's packaged to appeal to those for whom comics are those low-brow gaudy things that idiots buy.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 04 August, 2012, 02:16:33 AM
just started another Culture Novel by Banks, Surface Detail which i think is one of his latest ones.  Confusing at the start as usual but can see it starting to turn into something more coherent.  More mention of the Idirian War which sound like an interesting time, has it ever been put to page or do you think it would sort of ruin it like finaly seeing the Clone Wars in Star Wars (which was nothing like what my 6 year old head dreamed up when i saw Star Wars (thats Star Wars not A New Hope), i always imagined resurected armies of bad arse light sabre weilding soldiers, where death on the battle field is not the end you just get put in a new body).

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: QuickQuag on 04 August, 2012, 04:44:44 AM
Trying to get into Graham Greene's The Heart of the Matter. I've not read much of his stuff at all, and only saw The End of the Affair recently, but jeez this one's grim.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 August, 2012, 03:54:30 PM
The last couple of books in the Chimpanzee Complex trilogy, which are bafflingly terrible.
There's a bunch of pull quotes from Comicsbulletin and Forbidden Planet International that makes me wonder if I read the same book, so glowing and effusive are the reviews for what I found to be a poorly-translated, badly-plotted and ham-fisted eurocomic with some really clumsy characterisation and arbitrary changes in the course of the plot, like a character who comes back from space being told that she's a clone or a copy like the copies of Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong who came back in an earlier book and then died shortly afterwards, yet the woman doesn't die, and several pages later the plot has changed to suggest she isn't a copy and never came back at all, or at least this seems to be the working assumption of anyone with a speaking part.
Nonsensical, dull, and utterly pointless, it says nothing about its characters, the sci-fi element is little more than a recycled second act from the movie version of Lost In Space, and while the art is fantastic, it's wasted on what I will refer to as "the story" only for reasons of clarity within the context of this review, but "the story" is terrible and makes no sense, displaying a logic that would be laughed at if it appeared in a  Jeph Loeb superhero book.
An awful, awful graphic novel series that I erroneously believed couldn't get any worse - and then the book physically fell apart when I turned the pages.  I am now done buying Cinebook products.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 04 August, 2012, 06:23:02 PM
Quote from: QuickQuag on 04 August, 2012, 04:44:44 AM
Trying to get into Graham Greene's The Heart of the Matter. I've not read much of his stuff at all, and only saw The End of the Affair recently, but jeez this one's grim.

Read Our Man in Havana few weeks back, didn't enjoy it that much to be honest.

Have been reading Slaine Treasures of Britain (better than I thought it would be, although hard to take in another Arthurian interpretation). Have just started volume 1 of Books of Invasion (finding it hard to get into as the art is almost too good, if that makes sense???).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 05 August, 2012, 04:48:13 PM
Not sure if this should be here, or in the 'dc new 52' or 'animal man?' threads- but anyway, i received my latest batch of comics from various suppliers (A Place In Space being, for the mumblety month in a row the speediest at getting comics through my door after ordering via ebay- less than 36 hours this time). This batch included animal man 12, swamp thing 12, dial h 2&3, wonder woman 11 and american vampire: lord of nightmares 2.

The 'rotworld' storyline, beginning in this month's swampy and animal man is further pushing my favourite shambling muck-encrusted mockery of a man (well, next to large48 anyway) down avenues that i dont really want him to go. While the very last thing id want is more rick veitch/ nancy collins/ doug wheeler-esque odes to the very soul of plantkind and do, in theory, appreciate a return to the pre-moore monster/ anton arcane centric swampy, i cant help but feel this particular iteration of the book is lacking substance or direction. Animal man reads just like swampy (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 05 August, 2012, 04:58:50 PM
(cont) which is hardly surprising considering the two books are co-plotted and scripted by the same writers, while the art is very much the current house style. S'okay, i guess, though swampy himself looks bloody ridiculous and is an affront to wrightson's original design. Some sloppy bits too, when a 'gator' becomes a 'croc' and one other bit that stuck out but which escapes me now.

Wonder woman continues to be consistently surprising and brilliant, while dial h has been officially dropped- i struggled through ish 2 and gave up partway through 3. It's unreadable, with some stupid ideas that im sure mieville finds hilarious and painfully-contrived 'wacky' heroes- and again suffers from boring art.

Best of the new comics that landed on my mat was lord of nightmares 2. Im not especially following the parent title (i have the first trade, but wasnt overly impressed) but luckily this reads perfectly well on its own, and is fun and serious enough to make me go against my personal 'no vampires, unless by (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 05 August, 2012, 05:02:30 PM
(cont) marv wolfman and gene colan' rule. If i had to recommend a single comic this month that wasnt 2000AD or TWD, this'd be it.

The next batch of new titles will be frankenstein: agent of shade 12, nightforce 6, walking dead 101 and then the first round of #0s.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgeblake on 05 August, 2012, 05:47:14 PM
Reading Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Conrad -
Apparently hugely influential, tells the story of how the hero and the story of the hero has permeated culture, myth, religion, psychology etc I heard writers/directors like Christopher Nolan for instance have been influenced by the revelations in this book. Finding it hard to find time to get some reading of this book in though due to the fact I'm looking at Dredd Case Files as well as my bath being on the blink (alot of reading time lost lol).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 05 August, 2012, 06:55:56 PM
Quote from: judgeblake on 05 August, 2012, 05:47:14 PM
Reading Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Conrad -
Apparently hugely influential, tells the story of how the hero and the story of the hero has permeated culture, myth, religion, psychology etc I heard writers/directors like Christopher Nolan for instance have been influenced by the revelations in this book. Finding it hard to find time to get some reading of this book in though due to the fact I'm looking at Dredd Case Files as well as my bath being on the blink (alot of reading time lost lol).

Skim read it, you'll still get the gist. It's like all those books that promise to explain that there are only six/seven/twelve/twenty basic stories (they can't agree), upon which all others are based. On one level they're quite interesting; on another, their observations border on the blindingly obvious.

If you ever watched Star Wars as a kid and thought the Empire were a bit like the Nazis and the Rebellion were a bit like the Allies, there's not much Campbell can teach you. If you're already familiar with or are currently reading some of the stories he discusses, his comments will be more interesting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 05 August, 2012, 07:08:09 PM
Quote from: judgeblake on 05 August, 2012, 05:47:14 PM
Reading Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Conrad -
Apparently hugely influential, tells the story of how the hero and the story of the hero has permeated culture, myth, religion, psychology etc I heard writers/directors like Christopher Nolan for instance have been influenced by the revelations in this book. Finding it hard to find time to get some reading of this book in though due to the fact I'm looking at Dredd Case Files as well as my bath being on the blink (alot of reading time lost lol).




More than likely the result of a publishers blurb or just people waffling that the book's reponsible for every film involving a central character. It's a book propagated by studios and Lucas for decades. It's not bad or unworthy of a read but you could get as much from a bullet-point version.


Nolan: I've never read Joseph Campbell, and I don't know all that much about story archetypes.


http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/11/pl_inception_nolan/



Stick with the Dredd Case Files, you'll learn more about how a central character doesn't need to fit neatly into the catch-all Hero with a 1000 Constipations.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 06 August, 2012, 05:53:59 PM
Apartment 16 an okay and slightly scary modern horror. Dungeons and dragons comic book fun quite fun very fast plot and not too much time for character but I found it engaging.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 06 August, 2012, 08:50:59 PM
Recently started John Ajvide Lindqvist's HARBOUR. Interesting enough so far. I'd enjoyed LET THE RIGHT ONE IN but not HANDLING THE UNDEAD.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 06 August, 2012, 09:42:21 PM
No, like you i didnt enjoy 'handling the undead'- in fact, i dont think i finished it. 'let the right one in' was, as i hope most know, a superb and riveting read- one of those very rare books that i found i "lived" rather than just read, and which it was honestly upsetting to have to finish. I jumped straight into 'undead' afterwards, which in retrospect was probably a mistake as there was no way it could ever compare. Maybe it's long enough now that i could give 'harbour' a go.

Not being one for vampires usually, the only other contemporary bloodsucker novel i'd recommend (and maybe because i thought it shared a lonely tonal similarity) is robert masello's 'blood & ice'- which can be obtained from tesco for peanuts at present.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 06 August, 2012, 11:13:30 PM
Cheers- I'll keep an eye out for that. Looks like the stack of books I'm working my way through is destined to keep on growing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 06 August, 2012, 11:53:45 PM
Dr Who Classic Comics, a pile of random early 90s issues of the Marvel UK series reprinting the adventures of the first seven incarnations of the Doctor, and it's a mixed bag as might be expected but so far there have been some solid mini-adventures from reliable hands like Alan McKenzie, John Freeman, Steve Parkhouse, John Ridgeway and Geoff Senior that I prefer to some of the more recent longform IDW outings, though I grant their brevity may be in their favor more than anything else.
Some good readin' all the same.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 August, 2012, 08:29:55 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 18 July, 2012, 04:29:29 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 July, 2012, 09:26:15 PM
My pull-list in the local library yielded a rich harvest today - Reamde by Neal Stephenson...

I finished Reamde on Monday night. My short, spoiler free review (that can be stitched together with my previous comments, for those bored souls out there) is that I thought is was really good. Some reviews were a bit lukewarm and some criticisms I thought were valid, but I found it written in his usual easy to read, pulling you along way with an end sequence both tense and satisfying. Though I was quite glad to finish it as it's over 1000 pages! It's more akin to Cryptonomicon than Anathem but I imagine you've gathered that already.

Finally finished Reamde last week, thought it was great fun - a plain old modern thriller with a cleverly assembled cast, much lighter and simpler than some of Stephenson's stuff, but no worse for it.  Haven't read any reviews, but I can imagine some of the criticisms centre on the [spoiler]rampant islamaphobia, survivalist gunporn and obsession with Walmart[/spoiler], but I got over those hurdles pretty rapidly myself and went with it.  The enormous set-piece ending is undoubtedly contrived and flagged well in advance, but very exciting nonetheless.

My one gripe would be that the [spoiler]titular plot and its instigator seemed to get dropped entirely 3/4 of the way through[/spoiler], which was a pity.  Less of an issue was the way everyone seemed to forget about [spoiler]the helicopter cops that got blown up [/spoiler]near the end.

I enjoyed the realisation that most of Q's wildest spy-gadget dreams were now available to all in Argos, or to put it another way "what a contemporary globe-trotting spy thriller should be like when you can get Google Earth on your phone".     

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 07 August, 2012, 11:00:41 AM
elephantmen vol 1
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 07 August, 2012, 11:05:13 AM
I've just finished Diana Wynne Jones: Howl's Moving Castle.

We got this for Nano-Bolt to go with the DVD of the Miyazaki film, and to my delight the book is a total pleasure to read. Very different from the film in places and really enjoyable. Might hunt up the sequels.

Next up is Michael Carroll: Stronger, which I'm not the first to read. I had to pass this straight to Micro-Bolt so he read it before me!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 08 August, 2012, 10:10:46 AM
I'm reading a rather good comic book called 'Voyager', about the 6th Doctor Who - some wonderful art and fun, wacky story telling in there.  At one point it adopts the format of the old Rupert the Bear comics.

I've just picked up my old copy of Gore Vidal's 'United States', an awesome large collection of his wonderful essays.  My only problem with it is that it's in three massive clumps - literature, history and politics, whereas the indiviedual collections like 'Pink Triangle, Yellow Star' have a nice mix which is more fun to read.

Oh and I'm part-way into 'Gimlet Goes Home' by Captain WE Johns, the Biggles guy.  It's not one of his best.  I'm reading one of the first Biggles books to my son and that is really good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 August, 2012, 11:09:03 AM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 08 August, 2012, 10:10:46 AM
I'm reading a rather good comic book called 'Voyager', about the 6th Doctor Who - some wonderful art and fun, wacky story telling in there.  At one point it adopts the format of the old Rupert the Bear comics.


Is that the recent(ish) Panini collection, if so its bloody great. Some wonderful John Ridgway art, great stories and in Frobisher one of the best companions the telly show never had.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 08 August, 2012, 11:23:08 AM
I read stronger in a single day. All 374 pages of it. I literally could not put it down. Superb storytelling and a fantastic end to this chapter. Recommended so much it is scary.

Next- the 'last' Artemis fowl book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 08 August, 2012, 02:02:41 PM
After some discussion here i got me Haunted Gotham a sort of alt universe Batman. Still reading it but it's an enjoyable read.Baroque art from Kelly Jones.Bats iis alot more ruthless a real killer in this tale.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 08 August, 2012, 02:23:09 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 29 July, 2012, 09:56:15 AM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 25 July, 2012, 02:14:47 PM...then a bit of 'Gimlet Comes Home' by none other than Captain W.E. Johns

I used to love Gimlet, even preferred his commando antics to Biggles - does it stand up to adult re-reading? 

Gimlet Bores In must be one of the greatest book titles of all time, plus it has Biggles in it (doing taxi duty).

In other Johns news, I tried to re-read Kings of Space recently, the start of a series that was probably my favourite thing in the world when I was 9 and desperately waiting for Empire Strikes Back to come out, and it was... disappointing.
The Gimlet books do stand up to adult re-reading yes. Gimlet Mops up even has Nazi werewolves in it. Not bad for a book from the 40s. The space books really haven't dated well at all. There is much better junior sci fi from the time, like the Angus MacVicar books.
I'm actually reading Biggles Charter Pilot again at the moment and it actually holds less mad 1940s pseudo science than I remember. (Although 5 foot carapaces on crabs is still about 3 foot bigger than the largest ever recorded)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 08 August, 2012, 05:11:56 PM
Quote from: mogzilla on 07 August, 2012, 11:00:41 AM
elephantmen vol 1

I love these books. The storytelling is slow - relatively little happens over four fat volumes - but the artwork is just gorgeous. And while I often get annoyed at the amount of 'filler' at the backs of TPBs, I do like the idea  collecting convention sketches as they do in these.

Quote from: James Stacey on 08 August, 2012, 02:23:09 PMThere is much better junior sci fi from the time, like the Angus MacVicar books.

Now that has unearthed a long-fogotten memory. My brother used to have a collection of books that I devoured as a kid, but I can't for the life of me remember the name. They were sci-fi from the 50s or early 60s all had titles such as "<insert name> and the something something" and were slim hardback books with great cover illustraions. Very close in feel to Dan Dare or Rick Random type stories. I'd entirely fotgotten about them, but the memory has just bubbled to the surface. Anyone help me remember the name?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 08 August, 2012, 07:13:37 PM
Never mind, Google came to the rescue - It was the Tom Swift books - I was amazed to find that this series began in 1910 and was relaunched several times with different authors, with the most recent published in 2007. the ones I remember were probably the 1954-1971 series published under the pen-name "Victor Appleton"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 10 August, 2012, 03:10:07 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 07 August, 2012, 08:29:55 AM
Haven't read any reviews, but I can imagine some of the criticisms centre on the [spoiler]rampant islamaphobia, survivalist gunporn and obsession with Walmart[/spoiler], but I got over those hurdles pretty rapidly myself and went with it.  The enormous set-piece ending is undoubtedly contrived and flagged well in advance, but very exciting nonetheless.

My one gripe would be that the [spoiler]titular plot and its instigator seemed to get dropped entirely 3/4 of the way through[/spoiler], which was a pity.  Less of an issue was the way everyone seemed to forget about [spoiler]the helicopter cops that got blown up [/spoiler]near the end.

Bingo on the reviews pretty much, also the lack of Big Ideas as summed up in Zula's line [spoiler]"When will the pirates on dinosaurs show up?" [/spoiler] I don't know about the [spoiler]Islamophobia so much - they came across as mostly scumbags which fundamentalist terrorists undoubtedly are and I found Jones at least a convincing antihero.[/spoiler] I was ok with the [spoiler]gunporn and survivalists[/spoiler] and I take the [spoiler]Walmart (does that really need a spoiler? Ach, it get's one anyway)[/spoiler] thing as a mark of consumerist ubiquity, and despite their lofty ideals the terrorists see no irony in buying from it.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgeblake on 10 August, 2012, 07:16:21 PM
Just read Dredd Case Files Vol. 3 - ending in the first Judge Death case and Anderson's sacrifice, as well as Judge Miny's long walk - sheer brilliant genius!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 12 August, 2012, 12:56:43 PM
Latest comic:

Think Tank #1. A GREAT read about a reluctant weapons designer working for DARPA. Strongest first issue I've seen in a long time.

Latest book:

The Apocalypse Codex - Charles Stross. It's the latest in Stross' 'Bob Howard/The Laundry' series that transplants HP Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos into the modern day and shows how the British government would try to deal with it (what's worse - fighting Dagon or trying to justify the expenses afterwards?). Can't recommend this series enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 16 August, 2012, 07:10:02 PM
Just finished John Ajvide Lindqvist's HARBOUR and reached the conclusion I won't be bothering with any of his next releases (which is quite fitting seeing as he's described as "the new Stephen King" and I swore some years back to never read another release of King's...). I'll be starting Jonathan Carroll's KISSING THE BEEHIVE in the next couple of days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 16 August, 2012, 11:53:30 PM
Judge Dredd Case Files 09-14, just to fill in the gaps in my Dredd reading, and it's rather good, isn't it?  The biggest thing I noticed - apart from the liberal use of the word "nips" to refer to anyone Japanese - is after the dissolution of John Wagner's heterosexual writing partnership with Alan Grant and the two go their separate ways, Dredd as a character begins immediately - and I mean literally with the first story after Oz concludes (The Hitman) - to feel lost and old, though tellingly it's only in the Wagner-penned tales that this is anything other than glibness on the part of Dredd or other characters, with this new angst informing almost every character arc leading up to Tale of the Dead Man in which Dredd finally quits.  After Necropolis, of course, Wagner hand-waved the "I feel old" stuff with some rejuve and handing the strip off to pretend-Irishman Garth Ennis and it doesn't really come up much because it was really just a theme running in the background of the strip from Dredd's first doubts about his role in the Judge system that comes with the first real public failure of his authority and his wondering if he's the good guy in his own story that occurs with his hesitation to shoot Chopper in the back at the end of Oz, and it's only twigging for me now why Dredd being old has never interested me much as a story* - after Necropolis, that story is irrelevant because "Dredd being old" has already been done.  More than that, Dredd has doubts (undermining the resolve and certainty of character that defined him since the very beginning of the strip), quits his job and goes off into the wilderness and then dies - there is literally nothing else that can be told in that story, especially as his death doesn't even take and he comes back to his job and in the process literally beats Death.  Dredd getting old is... old.  The only surprise that could possibly come from "the last Judge Dredd story" is if he retires to raise a family and dies happy.
Anyhoo, that being said, the transitionary volume is probably CF12, where Wagner began to take control of Dredd and his world and Grant settled into filler tales and setup for Anderson solo stories.  From this point on, it's Wagner's baby and the tone begins to shift as Dredd becomes contemplative and rather than softening his image as a hard nut it just underscores the brutality and injustice of his world.  These five volumes are a hefty chunk of solid-gold storytelling with some gorgeous artwork to match and strange but true, I never used to care much for Cam Kennedy as an artist, but looking through his contribution to Dredd has me wondering what I was on at the time, as his draftsmanship elevates even politically-incorrect crud like the Seven Samurai stuff into something sublime, while The Big Sleep is just perfect.  I know we've lost Cam to the ravages of time, but to me this just says we need to encourage more clones - maybe break that Dwyer kids' legs so he can't go to America to do them Star Wars comics.**  There's the inevitable duff artistic note from the revolving door policy in place for 2000ad's flagship character, but hey, when you're competing with hundreds of Cam Kennedy pages on either side, you're doing well if you come out of it without people outright hating you.

If I have a gripe, it's that there's not much Cursed Earth or Undercity in this run, but I suppose that part of Dredd's world had already been built and stuff like Oz, Banana City and Our Man In Hondo was arguably now necessary.  Fantastic stuff, all the same.



*Apart from the fact that he's been yapping about being over the hill since 1988 - 24 fucking years ago.
**JK.  Obv.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 August, 2012, 08:55:18 PM
Just finished the four trades of Mark Millar and Bryan Hitches 'The Ultimates' (I promise I do read 'real' books as well, just never have as much to say about them!) and its bloody infuriating, it shows everything that I drives me nuts about Mark Millar... its not that I don't enjoy it... well kinda, its just that at times it drives you to distraction.

Millar plots a wonderfully tight action story. At times he uses some smart ideas fleshed out with sassy, sharp dialogue. He even creates some fantastic character moments and some real emotional punch. Its just that he can't bloody rein himself in. All the individual stories are by far and away at their strongest in the early stages, during the quieter, set up when everything is more human and restrained. When he focuses on character and people he has some pretty great moments (though I'll return to that). Its just when ever everything gets going he just goes over the top and things just get silly. This set pieces at the end are certainly action packed, its all very dramatic, its all just so overblown and 'staged' that it really gets a little dull. So many 'moments' so many points where I felt I was meant to be blown away that by the end they were washing over me. He even allows that sort of stuff to creep into this quieter stuff.

When Iron Man proposes to Nastasha its with 3 million people spelling out his desire. Its such a straightforward demonstration of 'look, look how someone like Tony Stark would deal with this moment' I can imagine him so satisfied with himself, thinking how smart he was with that one (note I said imagine, I have no idea) but its a bit rubbish. See over all 3 million is just too carried away, I know its meant to be overblown and BIG but why make it so much so as to jerk the reader out of the story (or this reader at least). Also its a crappy character moment. If this relationship is so different wouldn't be act different. I guess the counter to that might be to say since he doesn't know how to really handle how he feels he just hides behind this grandeur. That loses impact for me and cheapens something  that we see time and again Stark (this Stark) is able to deal with in different ways.

For me the whole thing is in many ways summed up by the 8 page gatefold (was it 8, or more?) spread of the Ultimates fighting in the last book. It expertly crafted, it takes some taking it, its staggering. It has impact and some really smart touches. But when it comes to the storytelling its pretty annoying. The amount of time spent looking at it, this captured moment, takes away the speed and kinetic energy of the instant it represents and the power of the battle. Its self indulgent and defeats its purpose.

The number of big moments this series has really does set this in my mind as Millar doing a big movie in a comic (and I don't think he disputes this?) the trouble is he forgets its a comic. Often said about Mr Millar but no more evident (well aside from the bit of Nemesis I read in Clint) that here.

Silly, infuriating if fun nonsense.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 23 August, 2012, 06:43:26 PM
Starblazer a 1980's British b&w comic by DC Thompson i'd never heard of it but it had fine art but a very old school style story of space knights maaahnn.

Priests of Mars a wh40k book ok but not much happens until well into the book. Not finished it yet but I'm wondering if this is some trilogy or two parter.

Hellboy Storm and the fury-I found it odd, parts were great but it seemed full of deux ex machina magic swords turning up just at the right time, etc. Genuinely original yet it seemed as though too much was left up in the air.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 24 August, 2012, 08:56:21 AM
Quote from: GordyM on 12 August, 2012, 12:56:43 PM
The Apocalypse Codex - Charles Stross. It's the latest in Stross' 'Bob Howard/The Laundry' series that transplants HP Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos into the modern day and shows how the British government would try to deal with it (what's worse - fighting Dagon or trying to justify the expenses afterwards?). Can't recommend this series enough.

Couldn't agree more, although this one seems to have a more mature voice than some of the earlier in the series.  I constantly find myself amazed at how versatile Stross is as a writer.  He strays from this to alternate history / parallel earth to murder mystery to hard si fi.  For me the weakest stuff was the Merchant Prince stuff.  Can't really put my finger on what it was about it that didn't sit great just came away feeling like I wasn't really reading Stross.

Currently on Macauley's 400 billion stars.  Read Fairyland a long time ago and enjoyed it, picked up Eternal Light and couldn't get on with it until I realised that it was a sequel.  Good read, interesting ideas.  Will see if I get on with Eternal Light any better.

That plus The Rat Pack courtesy of our friends at Titan who are now hammering my bank balance with their reprint series.  Superb!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 24 August, 2012, 01:48:08 PM
Just finished Jonathan Carroll's excellent Kissing the Beehive, another great by the man responsible for Voice of Our Shadow and The Land of Laughs.
"(Carroll) has the magic. He'll lend you his eyes; and you'll never see the world in quite the same way ever again" - Neil Gaiman
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 27 August, 2012, 09:33:50 PM
Reading Nemesis for the first time! I've actually had Volume 2 sitting there for a while (Tharg sent it for printing my letter) but only just got round to picking up the first. Really enjoying it, it's pretty inventive stuff and loads of fun. I particularly like that his head is the same shape as the Blitzspear, looks awesome. The first few episodes have a real sense of Shakara about them too.

Also reading book 3 of The Lost Fleet and it's the best one yet, and after that I've got that new Dredd e-novel by Matt Smith to read. Good times.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 27 August, 2012, 10:43:12 PM
Just finished the first book of Orc Stain - I thought it was great, excellent writing and art.

There aren't many comics I follow these days apart from 2000ad, but this is now one of them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 28 August, 2012, 01:52:36 AM
Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King.

I like novellas. (Although the word seems a bit naff.) A nice size - large enough to be substantial but not too padded out.

So far a great read. I haven't quite finished it yet (I'm on A Good Marriage and it's quite a cracker) but I enjoyed them all, although I found Fair Extension a bit disappointing. [spoiler]The premise was great but I was hoping for more twists and turns. Like the main character feeling guilty and attempting to renounce his deal with Mr Elvid,  but then the fact that seems to be the obvious route is probably the reason King decided not to got there. It's just after the first twist (and it was a good 'un) there seemed little more.[/spoiler]

All in all a good read. I think my favourites are Big Driver, and possibly this one, although it's too early to tell yet and there's one more story to go.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 28 August, 2012, 06:08:23 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 28 August, 2012, 01:52:36 AM
I like novellas. (Although the word seems a bit naff.) A nice size - large enough to be substantial but not too padded out.

Just call them 'smaller novels'.  Leslie Charteris, who wrote the Saint stories, said he wrote his to be long enough to fill in the time spent waiting for the wife to get ready for a formal party. 

Me, I'm reading:
- The Book of Damiel - biblical mentalness, combining the stories about the lions' den, throwing people in fires with weird allegorical dreams and bits of God-praising songs
- The London Review of Books - never miss it. recent issues reveal that Gandhi wasn't as nice and wise as is popularly assumed
- United States by Gore Vidal - can't wait to get up to the essays on Edith Nesbit, Rice Burroughs and Baum
- World Shaper - bunch of Doctor Six Who comics with Doc 6, an unrecognizable Peri and the penguin dude.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 28 August, 2012, 08:08:19 AM
Continuing my retro -comics kick by reading through the first volume of IDW's 'Transformers Classics', which re-prints the old Marvel comics run from the '80s.

Actually, quite surprisingly, some of this is really good fun. And some of it, like a double page spread where the characters all stand around talking and introducing themselves by name and improbably carping on about their powers and abilities (and shelf price and points of articulation), is dreadful.

I ALSO have one of the companion volumes, which contains reprinted UK-originated material that was commissioned to fill out the publishing schedule over here. I dipped into that and read the story 'Man Of Iron', which Transformers fans have told me for ages is a supposedly incredible piece of era-defining fiction. It's not. Although, it is indeed very, VERY good.

I've been balancing out the retro stuff by reading the first collected edition of Deadpool and Cable. Bonkers stuff, and too fast-paced for my liking, but great fun! It also contains some Rob Liefeld cover illustrations that - SHOCKINGLY - aren't laughably hideous.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 28 August, 2012, 09:06:42 AM
Quote from: radiator on 27 August, 2012, 10:43:12 PM
Just finished the first book of Orc Stain - I thought it was great, excellent writing and art.

There aren't many comics I follow these days apart from 2000ad, but this is now one of them.

Stokoe's a bit of a 2000AD fan apparently. Really hoping the House of Tharg can convince him to do a cover or an episode of Dredd or Rogue Trooper someday!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 30 August, 2012, 09:44:19 PM
Read LOEG Black Dossier, 1910 and 1969. Actually I didn't finish 1969 as I was massively disappointed and they were almost unreadably bad IMO. The only bit I actually enjoyed was the Jeeves and Wooster Cthulu story from the Black Dossier.

Also read I'm Alan Partridge (hilarious) and the Psycopath Test by Jon Ronson (few interesting bits but felt a little contrived in places).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 30 August, 2012, 09:54:31 PM
Quote from: Davek on 30 August, 2012, 09:44:19 PM
Read LOEG Black Dossier, 1910 and 1969. Actually I didn't finish 1969 as I was massively disappointed and they were almost unreadably bad IMO. The only bit I actually enjoyed was the Jeeves and Wooster Cthulu story from the Black Dossier.

1969 is the low, 2009 is a great improvement IMO.

I've just read "Sweet Tooth in captivity" by Jeff Lemire - a fascinatingly grim graphic novel (vol 2 apparently) - think Bambi mixed with The Walking Dead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 30 August, 2012, 10:36:44 PM
Quote from: HdE on 28 August, 2012, 08:08:19 AMI ALSO have one of the companion volumes, which contains reprinted UK-originated material that was commissioned to fill out the publishing schedule over here. I dipped into that and read the story 'Man Of Iron', which Transformers fans have told me for ages is a supposedly incredible piece of era-defining fiction. It's not. Although, it is indeed very, VERY good.

Even as a nipper, I viewed the UK and US material as different continuities for some reason printed in the same book.  I'm not sure what I thought were their reasons for doing this, or how or why I came to this conclusion in the first place, but there was a big enough disparity between the Budiansky and Furman stuff that it seemed to make sense.
Incidentally, Furman reunited with Andy Wildman at IDW to continue directly from the last issue of the Marvel series with Transformers #81.  It's pretty decent old-school sci-fi stuff so far, though a bit decompressed compared to the original UK strips and rather sloppily assumes you've tracked down some mini/giveaway issue 80.5 that it refers to in what's supposed to be the first part of a story - might be one to trade-wait upon, I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 31 August, 2012, 02:32:11 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 27 August, 2012, 09:33:50 PM
Reading Nemesis for the first time!

Lucky swine.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 31 August, 2012, 02:51:37 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 31 August, 2012, 02:32:11 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 27 August, 2012, 09:33:50 PM
Reading Nemesis for the first time!

Lucky swine.

M.

That good, is it? It's on my to-read list, along with Shakara and Judge Dredd Case Files 2.

Just finished Snuff by Terry Pratchett this morning- Feels less Discworldy than some of his books, and I feel that's been a trend in his last few, but was still an excellent bit of Sam Vimes-ing.

I'm also ploughing my way through An tOileánach by Tomás Ó Criomhthainn, which is like if Peig was written by someone who actually knew what a smile was. Fun times!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 31 August, 2012, 03:03:56 PM
I must say, I really enjoyed Snuff. I remember hearing there was an Ankh-Morpork City Watch Police Procedural show in the pipeline. I don't suppose anyone knows anything about that?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 01 September, 2012, 08:54:18 AM
I'd say so Aonghus,yeah-some of the finest art ever to grace the prog appeared in Nemesis (O'Neill and Hicklenton for me) and it's properly Mills bonkers in the nut fun too.

M
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 01 September, 2012, 03:34:19 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 01 September, 2012, 08:54:18 AM
I'd say so Aonghus,yeah-some of the finest art ever to grace the prog appeared in Nemesis (O'Neill and Hicklenton for me) and it's properly Mills bonkers in the nut fun too.

M

Excellent! Just did a quick search, Vol. 1 is in my local library, so I'll be running down to get that in a few days ^_^

Pops: :O I never heard aboutthat! To Google!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 01 September, 2012, 10:30:04 PM
Recently finished Strontium Dogs complete files 1. Thought it was pretty good on the whole except for the early annual stories that were right at the back. The Hitler story was my personal favorite.
Going to try Dredd complete vol 1 again. I started reading it awhile back but found the earliest stories a bit
dull.
:)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 02 September, 2012, 02:00:28 AM
I don't care much for case files 01, the return of rico aside.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Bissler on 02 September, 2012, 12:24:17 PM
I'd agree that Case Files 1 aren't particularly great - indeed a lot of it feels a bit daft and aimed at a younger audience - but I did enjoy them from the point of view of seeing how it all began and learning how Dredd evolved.  But once you get past this book there is so much to enjoy; Case Files 2 is great with the back to back epics "The Cursed Earth" and "The Day the Law Died", CF3 introduces Judge Death, and then from CF4 onwards you are into what I consider to be absolutely classic Dredd!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 02 September, 2012, 12:40:03 PM
For me, the big highlight of Case Files 01 is 'The First Luna Olympics' / 'Luna 1 War' - aside from being gorgeous to look at, both seem to encapsulate all that the series would become: blackly comic, satirical, clever and violent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 02 September, 2012, 12:45:01 PM
I must protest, a bit. Case files volume one is great. Elvis! The moon! Call Me Kenneth! Rico! Krong! Mutie The Pig! Yes, it may be very different to modern Dredd, but in many ways i much prefer it. It's the only time the strip shows its british comics heritage to the extent of not appearing like anything that could possibly have come from across the pond, as the series does from cf2 onwards. Cf1 could almost be reprints from 'lion' or somesuch- and i love all that.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Bissler on 02 September, 2012, 01:53:55 PM
It isn't my cup of tea, but each to their own SBT!  I'm glad you enjoyed it more than I did.
Totally agree with Greg M. that the Lunar Olympics / Luna 1 War was one of the better stories (apart from the fact that I absolutely love anything drawn by Mr Bolland) and that it does hint towards the more satirical tales to come.  More importantly for me though is that this story is the first to set up the tensions that exist between MC1 and East Meg 1, tensions that will prove to be so important a few books later... 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 02 September, 2012, 07:35:43 PM
Quote from: Aonghus on 01 September, 2012, 03:34:19 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 01 September, 2012, 08:54:18 AM
I'd say so Aonghus,yeah-some of the finest art ever to grace the prog appeared in Nemesis (O'Neill and Hicklenton for me) and it's properly Mills bonkers in the nut fun too.

M

Excellent! Just did a quick search, Vol. 1 is in my local library, so I'll be running down to get that in a few days ^_^

It really is great! Just finished Book III and it's such a nicely realized world, full of the kind of bizarre invention that no-one really does like 2000AD. The appearance of [spoiler]Mek-Quake had me particularly excited and got me in the mood to pick up some ABC Warriors collections (my reading of that has been pretty scattershot in the past).[/spoiler]

Read Matt Smith's 'Judge Dredd Year One: City Fathers' e-book and really enjoyed it. It's pretty short and sweet and pacey so pretty quick to rattle through. It's also only £2.99 so I'd recommend it to any kindle-friendly boarders.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 04 September, 2012, 01:55:51 AM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 30 August, 2012, 10:36:44 PM
Incidentally, Furman reunited with Andy Wildman at IDW to continue directly from the last issue of the Marvel series with Transformers #81.  It's pretty decent old-school sci-fi stuff so far, though a bit decompressed compared to the original UK strips and rather sloppily assumes you've tracked down some mini/giveaway issue 80.5 that it refers to in what's supposed to be the first part of a story - might be one to trade-wait upon, I think.

Ah yeah! Glad somebody mentioned this!

That is indeed ongoing as we speak. I'm really quite excited about it - more than I thought I would be. Of course, I'm happy to support it, even if only to show my support for Simon and Andy, who are two genuinely lovely guys. Likewise the book's colourist, John-Paul Bove, who, I hear, will be splattering some lovely colours on Judge Dredd soon...

But, yeah - enough shameless name dropping! Regeneration One (for that is the book's title) is worth checking out - it's quite unique among today's crop of comics by a long way. I was surprised hwo much fun I had with what little of it I've read so far!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 04 September, 2012, 05:06:39 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 02 September, 2012, 07:35:43 PM

It really is great! Just finished Book III and it's such a nicely realized world, full of the kind of bizarre invention that no-one really does like 2000AD. The appearance of [spoiler]Mek-Quake [/spoiler]



That is without a shadow of a doubt the Most Exciting Thing That Happened in a Comic. Ever.

Book III is jaw to the floor magnificent from go to woe.

Clearly to avoid the delays with O'Neill's art that held up Book 1 Mills scripted 10 episodes of 4 pages each. The first two pages of which are double page spreads.

Yet he still managed to cram into those 4 pages more storytelling than you'll find most 22 page US monthly comics.

The other books aren't too shabby either  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 04 September, 2012, 11:05:19 PM
Ranxerox: Ranx in NY and eagerly awaiting Cerebus vol one in the post. I've always avoided the latter, but now, having done my own not quite polished first graphic novel, I think I'm ready for it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 September, 2012, 06:24:27 AM
Quote from: Sparkonaut on 04 September, 2012, 11:05:19 PM
Cerebus vol one in the post. I've always avoided the latter, but now, having done my own not quite polished first graphic novel, I think I'm ready for it.

Is it your first Cerebus? If so be patient with it as its the work of a man and character finding their place and developing. In many ways the second book 'High Society' is a better place to start (bit like The Case Files really)... of course you may well know this in which case ignore me!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 09:48:57 AM
That's really handy advice, Colin. I've just ordered the second book, and at 500-odd pages for under a tenner that's insane value.

I've wanted to read more after reading an old Penguin publishing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collection I had at school and Cerebus was in it. I'd forgotten all about him till now. Losing books is the worst thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 September, 2012, 01:04:33 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 09:48:57 AM
That's really handy advice, Colin. I've just ordered the second book, and at 500-odd pages for under a tenner that's insane value.


Its insanely good too. High Society really works well as a stand alone story and as part of the larger saga. I could debate 'til I'm blue in the face which is the best book, but you can't go wrong with Book 2 its just wonderful comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 05 September, 2012, 01:37:05 PM
I'm starting a timely Dredd marathon, starting at Case Files 05 I'm going to cover all of the classic era - probably finishing with Necropolis. Haven't read this stuff in years!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 05 September, 2012, 07:28:52 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 05 September, 2012, 06:24:27 AM
Quote from: Sparkonaut on 04 September, 2012, 11:05:19 PM
Cerebus vol one in the post. I've always avoided the latter, but now, having done my own not quite polished first graphic novel, I think I'm ready for it.

Is it your first Cerebus? If so be patient with it as its the work of a man and character finding their place and developing. In many ways the second book 'High Society' is a better place to start (bit like The Case Files really)... of course you may well know this in which case ignore me!

Nah, I've read High Society; Church & State vol 1 & 2; Minds and Guys and have loved everything. Problem is I'm just such a sucker for those awesome gothic backdrops that I've always bought forward from that point on rather than going back. I've been reading a lot of early indie comics lately and feel I'm in the right mindset for it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 07:48:31 PM
Quote from: Sparkonaut on 05 September, 2012, 07:28:52 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 05 September, 2012, 06:24:27 AM
Quote from: Sparkonaut on 04 September, 2012, 11:05:19 PM
Cerebus vol one in the post. I've always avoided the latter, but now, having done my own not quite polished first graphic novel, I think I'm ready for it.

Is it your first Cerebus? If so be patient with it as its the work of a man and character finding their place and developing. In many ways the second book 'High Society' is a better place to start (bit like The Case Files really)... of course you may well know this in which case ignore me!

Nah, I've read High Society; Church & State vol 1 & 2; Minds and Guys and have loved everything. Problem is I'm just such a sucker for those awesome gothic backdrops that I've always bought forward from that point on rather than going back. I've been reading a lot of early indie comics lately and feel I'm in the right mindset for it.

I read in a review about there being an improvement in the strip following the involvement of Gerhard. Is he responsible for the gothic backdrops you mention?

Also, I remember reading on this board something about the writer's worldview detrimentally affecting the stories after a certain point. Is this right?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 05 September, 2012, 09:00:15 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 07:48:31 PM
I read in a review about there being an improvement in the strip following the involvement of Gerhard. Is he responsible for the gothic backdrops you mention?

Yep, that's him. A visual improvement for sure. High Society is, however, amongst the best of the books I've read despite it being prior to his involvement. After the series finished he released his own artbook based just on the backdrops called "World without Cerebus" (I think). I still need to track this down myself, but looks lovely!

Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 07:48:31 PM
Also, I remember reading on this board something about the writer's worldview detrimentally affecting the stories after a certain point. Is this right?

Controversy sells, last I heard.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 05 September, 2012, 09:09:28 PM

Quote from: Keef Monkey on 02 September, 2012, 07:35:43 PM

It really is great! Just finished Book III and it's such a nicely realized world, full of the kind of bizarre invention that no-one really does like 2000AD. The appearance of [spoiler]Mek-Quake [/spoiler]


It also contains some of Henry Flint's finest work!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 09:15:20 PM
Quote from: Sparkonaut on 05 September, 2012, 09:00:15 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 07:48:31 PM
I read in a review about there being an improvement in the strip following the involvement of Gerhard. Is he responsible for the gothic backdrops you mention?

Yep, that's him. A visual improvement for sure. High Society is, however, amongst the best of the books I've read despite it being prior to his involvement. After the series finished he released his own artbook based just on the backdrops called "World without Cerebus" (I think). I still need to track this down myself, but looks lovely!

Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 07:48:31 PM
Also, I remember reading on this board something about the writer's worldview detrimentally affecting the stories after a certain point. Is this right?

Controversy sells, last I heard.

Try telling Gary Glitter that. But thanks for the info about Cerebus. I sense a wallet draining near future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 September, 2012, 09:18:43 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 07:48:31 PM
Also, I remember reading on this board something about the writer's worldview detrimentally affecting the stories after a certain point. Is this right?

I wittered about it here and Tordelback as ever expressed things more eloquently than I.

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,34683.0.html (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,34683.0.html)

For me I struggled with Guys, though I know many like it. Most people say Rick's Story is the big problem. Mind you got soooo much good stuff to get through before you have to worry about any of that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 05 September, 2012, 09:24:57 PM
Bloody hell! I've just glanced at that linked thread and while I thank you for acknowledging my request and taking the trouble to do that, I think I'll wait till tomorrow to digest it all when I've had less fine, fine Hofbrau Schwarze Weisse. That, at least, I can recommend without regrets.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 September, 2012, 09:48:06 PM
Complete Ro-Busters and ABC Warriors (glorious McMahon cover Titan reprint Vol 2).  The arrival of Ro-Jaws (and poo) in the house prompted a surge of interest in the character from my son, so we've been working through the above with enormous gusto.  We'd tried ABC Warriors with some success last year when Mongrol came to stay, but Ro-Jaws just seems to have caught his imagination in a whole different way, then the whole disaster squad setup and by extension back to Hammerstein and Mek Quake as characters.  His first real 2000AD obsession, what fun!  Best of all, Godders isn't here to mock me for my brain-washing ways (sniff, come back soon Rog, it's just not the same here).

So far we've skimmed ahead to Nemesis Book 3 and the Gothic Empire to see what becomes of our heroes, and now we're deep into the Ro-Busters phonebook, and loving every kid-chomping insane-gator cliff-hanging page of it. 

And now a quick question:  Lacking the current Nemesis Vol 2 and being unwilling to tackle the Attic of Doom I can't remember to what extent the ABC Warriors feature in 'Vengeance of Thoth' - would it be safe enough just to grab the current Black Hole trade and hand-wave the events since the end of Gothic Empire?  Mind you, a giant Satanus in the tubes might actually be worth an attic extraction....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 06 September, 2012, 06:21:28 PM
Just finished Pt2 of A Storm of Swords.
Wow. And triple Wow!
Amazing twists and turns all the way through... and then that final scene! Awesome stuff. I can't see any other book in the series topping this one!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 06 September, 2012, 06:25:45 PM
There's a dilemma now regarding the parallels between GoT the televised series and the books. I've seen both series and wanted to read the books, but on starting the first one I found myself thinking yes, yes, I know all that. On the other hand, if you read the books first, although I know there are differences, the impact of the show would be taken away.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 06 September, 2012, 06:30:42 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 06 September, 2012, 06:25:45 PM
There's a dilemma now regarding the parallels between GoT the televised series and the books. I've seen both series and wanted to read the books, but on starting the first one I found myself thinking yes, yes, I know all that. On the other hand, if you read the books first, although I know there are differences, the impact of the show would be taken away.

Bit of both, I'm finding. Know what is coming is cool because a) I'm looking forward to seeing my favourite scenes come to life like the[spoiler] final scene in season 1[/spoiler]. Or, and this is the best, looking forward to the reactions of people who haven't read the books to events like the [spoiler]death of Ned Stark[/spoiler].
But I was finding on reading this I was seeing certain characters - like Samwell and Sansa - as the actors rather than as they appeared in my head previously. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 06 September, 2012, 06:37:43 PM
I can't recommend The Underwater Welder graphic novel by Jeff Lemire highly enough (a wee review of it can be found here: http://talkcomix.com/index.php?view=review&cat=2-most+recent&rev=89-&option=com_simple_review&Itemid=59 (http://talkcomix.com/index.php?view=review&cat=2-most+recent&rev=89-&option=com_simple_review&Itemid=59) where I spraff silly over it).

Possibly comic of the year. It's definitely gonna snap up an award or three.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 06 September, 2012, 06:46:17 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 06 September, 2012, 06:30:42 PM
But I was finding on reading this I was seeing certain characters - like Samwell and Sansa - as the actors rather than as they appeared in my head previously.

I know what you mean, most likely all future generations will think Legolas from Lord of the Rings looks like Orlando Bloom.

I read the books first, specifically to avoid colouring my interpretation of the characters beforehand. Even so, when I started reading the second book (after watching season 1), I found that many of the characters' accents had changed in my head.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 07 September, 2012, 12:59:45 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 06 September, 2012, 06:37:43 PM
I can't recommend The Underwater Welder graphic novel by Jeff Lemire highly enough (a wee review of it can be found here: http://talkcomix.com/index.php?view=review&cat=2-most+recent&rev=89-&option=com_simple_review&Itemid=59 (http://talkcomix.com/index.php?view=review&cat=2-most+recent&rev=89-&option=com_simple_review&Itemid=59) where I spraff silly over it).

Possibly comic of the year. It's definitely gonna snap up an award or three.

Cheers Gordy, that slipped under my radar (*sigh*). Will pick up on Comixolgy later.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 09 September, 2012, 11:48:47 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 07 September, 2012, 12:59:45 PM
Cheers Gordy, that slipped under my radar (*sigh*). Will pick up on Comixolgy later.

You're welcome. I'm just glad one of the guys in a comic writer group I'm a part of flagged it up or I would've missed it too. I wish it had been better publicised as it deserves to be a massive hit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 09 September, 2012, 09:16:36 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 09 September, 2012, 11:48:47 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 07 September, 2012, 12:59:45 PM
Cheers Gordy, that slipped under my radar (*sigh*). Will pick up on Comixolgy later.

You're welcome. I'm just glad one of the guys in a comic writer group I'm a part of flagged it up or I would've missed it too. I wish it had been better publicised as it deserves to be a massive hit.

It certainly does.
And by the way- actually 3 quid cheaper on iBooks (only €4.99).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 13 September, 2012, 10:55:04 PM
I received a pile of batman comics from a frend the other day, and while reading through them i came upon 'batman and robin the boy wonder' #5, by frank miller and jim lee, in which wonder woman hates men- bloody hates them. Especially superman. But after he demonstrates he can beat her up, she snogs him. And then batman saves a woman from being raped, so she calls him 'sir' a lot and says she loves him, but he doesnt believe her 'because nobody can love anybody these days' . And frank miller's really lost it these days, hasnt he? 

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 14 September, 2012, 04:10:17 AM
Throw in erotic impalment resulting from a nail bomb explosion & you've got the first half of Holy Shit Terror right there SBT.

Stevie's just followed his reread of Al Ewing's Pax Britannica trilogy with I, Zombie. Although beardy-boy was clocking his dance moves from Richard Matheson & styling his hair after Arthur C Clarke for this one, there's no mistaking it for being none other than the bullet time love child of Howard Phillips & Herbert George.

May 2013 & The Fictional Man (http://books.simonandschuster.com/Fictional-Man/Al-Ewing/9781781080948) can't come soon enough for this Stevie.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eCNeuIKDL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 14 September, 2012, 09:37:44 AM
It's probably a topic for a thread all of its own, but why is modern batman so diabolical? I can understand a lot of people liked the 'hush' storyline and were impressed by jim lee's art- but is there any reason all batman now has to look like its traced over jim lee's discarded pencils? The comic i mentioned above is obviously the product of a diseased mind and lee is only mirroring it in his halfhearted art; which in comparison to 'hush' is plainly the man giving it all the attention it deserves, but ive also picked the first three issues of titan's monthly A4 reprint, and the two strips it prints are impossible to tell apart. Both look like 'hush' with the brightness turned down.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 September, 2012, 10:14:41 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 14 September, 2012, 09:37:44 AM
It's probably a topic for a thread all of its own, but why is modern batman so diabolical?

I suspect you're not talking about all of the current Batman stuff there SBT, and we, and most people, are in complete agreemet re: Miller's All Star Batman and RtBW (which is now in the past, thankfully).

There are at least two genuinely good Batman books out there at present, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman and Grant Morrison and Chris Burnham's Batman Incorporated - both are inventive and fun, and look (IMHO) great. Yes, Capullo has shades of Jim Lee and I'm not mad about the regular inker, but he's far more restrained and focussed on action and image rather than scratchy static tableaux.  And no-one could accuse Burnham of being anything but brilliant. 

I'm quite a bit behind in both books, but what I have read was great, and if you need convincing, I give you Batcow:

(http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120530050916/marvel_dc/images/2/2d/Bat-Cow_01.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 September, 2012, 10:20:43 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 September, 2012, 10:14:41 AM

There are at least two genuinely good Batman books out there at present, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman and Grant Morrison and Chris Burnham's Batman Incorporated - both are inventive and fun, and look (IMHO) great. Yes, Capullo has shades of Jim Lee and I'm not mad about the regular inker, but he's far more restrained and focussed on action and image rather than scratchy static tableaux. 


This is absolutely right... well as you see I dropped a tiny bit off the end, but the rest is spot on.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 14 September, 2012, 10:41:47 AM
Hush looked pretty good but I really dislike Jim Lee's design's for the new look Justice League. All those high collars and intricate seams just look awful.
It's like he's been inspired by Frank Quitely but hasn't been able to pull it off.

Grant Morrison put forward some really nice Batman costume ideas which are in the back of one of the Batman and Robin collections. These designs included training shoe style boots and an illuminated Bat-signal chest emblem.
I wish DC had gone with these designs - and kept the flying Batmobile - in it's main New 52 continuity. It just seemed more radical and forward looking.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 14 September, 2012, 04:56:34 PM
No More Heroes 3 a great read and art. some brutal first panels but lovingly done in b&w. Written by someone on these 'ere boards.intriguing last panel.
Great cover too red eyes on a black b/g.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 15 September, 2012, 01:53:49 PM
Dodger, Terry Pratchett, 2012.

Set in Victorian London, full of cockney slang, a fun fantastical-yet-realistic twist on the Artful Dodger which I much prefer. Not just a fun story too, pretty educational, and I wish my history lessons had been taught by Prof Pratchett.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 September, 2012, 02:31:27 PM
DOCTOR WHO: THE DALEK PROJECT

120 page hardback original graphic novel by justin richards and some bloke called martin carrott or something. A delayed follow-up to 'the only good dalek' from TWO YEARS AGO, that some of us have been waiting an awfully long time for. Two years in fact. Two years- we are not getting younger, you know.

Anyway, this looks as fantastic as the last one, which is one of my favourite 'nu who' things ever and of which ive bought four copies- one for me, one each for my boys, and one for one of their friends' birthday present. Hope this one is as good- it features the first world war, so already its full of win. If only mr carrott or whatever his name is would tell us whether there will be a third.

And- tharg, if you're listening- original graphic novels in this format for the xmas market (series one; dredd, slaine, stront) would go down a treat. Thanks!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hoops on 15 September, 2012, 06:48:03 PM
Biomega #1 by Tsutomu Nihei...
very cool
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 16 September, 2012, 12:22:12 PM
Killing Floor, Lee Child, 1997 - (Jack Reacher, Book One)

I wanted to read the Jack Reacher novels before Tom Cruise's movie comes out, and it was a fast, easy read. First person, which I normally don't like, and it took a few pages before the way he talked/thought in short, abrupt sentences, ceased to be an annoyance and became accepted as just the way Jack was.

Interesting feel to it, because although obviously set in modern times, it felt noir, fedora and broads just itching to be on the page - but not in a fake, I'm-being-radical-and-making-it-noir way. Natural noir *g* - read it and tell me what I mean.

Anyway, from this first book you get a description of Jack - 6'5, thin, blond, blue eyes - so I can see why fans might have had a problem with Cruise in the role. I'm betting there would have been strong words if Dredd was played by a short/chubby/black/woman too . But on the other hand, if you get the character right and the tone of the movie, good things can come out of shaking things up that way.

Ex-military policeman who's turned wanderer since he was let go, Jack Reacher, ends up in small town America and discovers foul goings-on. Unwillingly discovers. He doesn't want to know, he just came by to satisfy his curiosity about a guitar player called Blind Blake, but instead, he gets stuck in the middle of a whole pile of ugliness.

Strong visuals in this book, action galore, well-drawn characters. Should make for a good movie, all that, but nothing really sticks out as new, original - but since that's not necessary for me to enjoy a good action movie as long as it's a good action movie, I'm completely fine with it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 17 September, 2012, 09:34:19 AM
Die Trying, Lee Child, 1998 - (Jack Reacher #2)

No more first person, which is a relief even though I got used to it in the first novel. Again, he's accidentally involved in something which turns into something much bigger. I thought his dialogue could be better, some were just right off, and the ending was a bit of an anti-climax. However, strong characters again and visuals, good fun read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MIKE COLLINS on 17 September, 2012, 01:52:05 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 15 September, 2012, 02:31:27 PM
DOCTOR WHO: THE DALEK PROJECT

If only mr carrott or whatever his name is would tell us whether there will be a third.

And- tharg, if you're listening- original graphic novels in this format for the xmas market (series one; dredd, slaine, stront) would go down a treat. Thanks!

SBT

MARTIN CARROTT WRITES...
Well, if this sells well enough (and the last one is still in hardback, so fingers crossed) we could well do another!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 17 September, 2012, 04:15:09 PM
Yes! Please do another! In all seriousness, these are pieces of serious quality and i would hope will be looked upon with the same affection as sixties items such as 'the dalek book' and 'invasion from space' are today. I read the new one friday night, and the sheer joy of pages of new dalek designs was incredible. Magnificently silly, yet exactly right. And if i may so a damn site better as a story than that tv thing which caused it to be delayed by a couple of years.
Ive already had to buy a second copy for the boy, hope it sells in quantities hitherto unheard of. And please do more- this needs to be a dalek trilogy at least. And again, in all seriousness, thanks.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 17 September, 2012, 05:48:17 PM
Remember back when you first read Preacher and got to a bit and then went "oh no they didn't"?  Well Al Ewing's Jennifer Blood: Beautiful People is basically you being that guy again before you got jaded at the sight of yet another trench-coated ex-squaddie smoking a cigarette while shooting someone or saying the superhero comics you grew up with are actually for retards because real men who are adults are into stories where soldiers shag lots of women and then kill small armies single-handedly while bro-fisting.
I suspect Al might have turned some of the story into metacommentary about taking over an Ennis book, with the character always telling us she's going to do something else other than shoot people to death and she'll do it aaaaaany minute now, but this really does read like what you remember Garth Ennis being like, hopping between energetic, shocking and inventive with what looks like ease, and that's what I take away from this: that even when he's shoehorning in a "fuck you" to Spider-Man editor Steve Wacker's idiotic defence/dismissal of torture, Al makes this look easy.  He's just waltzed in and put his feet under the table of a pretty generic premise and seemingly spat out one of the most entertaining comics I've read in ages like it ain't nothing.
The art is where the problem lies for me - not with Kewber Baal and Eman Casallos' interior work, but Tim Bradstreet and Ale Garcia's tits-n-ass covers which really do dwell a bit too much on the sexy lady element of the premise, which I do not actually have a problem with in theory until it starts overpowering the book's image and gives entirely the wrong impression of the contents, in this case being that it's a typical bad girl comic like you look at once and then never again because if you really need to masturbate to one of those covers that badly you can just check 'em out online.  I get the impression from covers like Bradstreet's image of a lady with big boobs just sitting on the floor in her undercrackers that Dynamite haven't the first clue what they're publishing or how to brand or market it, which is a shame as it's actually the best Punisher book in years, and given that the actual Punisher is going all supervillain-hunty soon in the upcoming Marvel reboot, it seems they're missing out on a chance to capitalise on jumping-off readers.

Still: a top book.  Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 17 September, 2012, 06:24:23 PM
Ever growing pile here of half read comics I just can't get through. The fact that I still haven't finished reading Dredd case files 1 illustrates how far behind I am.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 17 September, 2012, 09:37:28 PM
More H P Lovecraft , Omnibus 3 The Haunter of the Dark.

Exquisitely Cover by Tim White.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 September, 2012, 10:13:01 PM
Berlin, by Jason Lutes.  I recently got hold of a copy of issue 18, prompting a re-read of the whole seriesso far.  I've been buying this since the start, which was sometime late last century, so there's been an issue-or-so a year (it was a wee bit faster earlier on), and it's easy to forget who is who in the large cast. 

Read in one go it is an awe-inspiring, moving, informative and very beautiful thing.  Starting in the late 1920s it explores every aspect of life in Berlin as the Weimar Republic starts to come apart, taking in artists, revolutionaries, street kids, students, Nazis, Communists, Jews, pacifists, veterans, industrialists, newspapermen, lesbians, factory workers, middle class couples, jaded libertines, cops, cabaret singers, prostitutes, scholars, road gangs, landladies and black Jazz combos from the States. For all this, the numerous characters have their own compelling stories that overlap and intertwine.  It's pleasingly light on historical celebrity cameos, so when they do happen they usually come as a pleasant (or unpleasant) surprise. 

Bubbling under and to an extent driving the narrative is the 'war for the streets', the escalating clashes of National Socialists and Communists through papers, demonstrations and endless violence, which shapes so much of popular opinion, and ultimately populist politics. I think the best example of its well-judged breadth is when Otto, one of the key Red faction characters, tries to deter the daughter of a victim of the police from getting involved in the Communist cause.  At this point, the end of the second arc City of Stones, our sympathies lie substantially with the Reds, poor, outclassed by the Brownshirts, targeted by the police, but a recently-injured Otto observes: "You've seen th' blokes hang around here, my 'comrades'.  Good mates, that's a truth, looking after me the way they have...  But good Communists?  Layabouts 'n thugs more like".  There are Brownshirts just trying to raise their kids, brutal Communist murderers, open-minded bourgeoisie and close-minded tramps.  All human life is here, both making up and tossed upon the tides of history.

Highly, highly recommended.  Apparently another 6 years or so will see it finished, you could wait until then but I certainly can't.     
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 18 September, 2012, 09:22:53 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 17 September, 2012, 10:13:01 PM
Berlin, by Jason Lutes.  I recently got hold of a copy of issue 18, prompting a re-read of the whole seriesso far.  I've been buying this since the start, which was sometime late last century, so there's been an issue-or-so a year (it was a wee bit faster earlier on), and it's easy to forget who is who in the large cast. 


I recently bought Books one and two of this. Not sure how much those collections cover but I'm really looking forward to reading them after that review!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 18 September, 2012, 09:33:19 AM
"Fog Devils of the Cursed Earth"-yes! beat that for a title-a short story with some illos by Mike Mcmahon (for it is he) in the JD Annual 1984. Fabulous, fast paced story[spoiler] with a time machine,implosion grenades (what are they)  and a cool ending. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 18 September, 2012, 10:23:38 AM
'On the Road' by Kerouac.  I tried it years and years ago, and found it dull, so only got a couple of chapters in.  This time around I'm really enjoying it.  Just chipping away, a few chapters an evening - perfect  bedtime reading before lights out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Delboy on 18 September, 2012, 10:46:49 AM
Just started Umberto Eco's The Prague Cemetery
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 18 September, 2012, 11:00:39 AM
Tripwire, Lee Child, 1999 - (Jack Reacher #3)

My favourite out of the three, not least because it looks like the 'different love interest in each novel' format is going to be dispensed with. Dialogue better too.

Starting the fourth book now; I'm getting through them at a book a day - one of the few upsides to unemployment! At a point now where I'm really looking forward to the movie to see how they've adapted it for the big screen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 September, 2012, 04:14:57 PM
Quote from: jaylcookie on 18 September, 2012, 10:46:49 AM
Just started Umberto Eco's The Prague Cemetery

Ack!  I started Praque Cemetery but never finished it, no idea why because I love Eco, and if I remember rightly I was really enjoying it.  Time to dig it out again, I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 19 September, 2012, 10:56:25 AM
Intrigued by some of the images in Cam Kennedy's recent sketchbook (along with seeing some original art, for this, online) ive picked up, for the first time, The Light and Darkness War six issue mini-series set off of e-bay, and Mr Postman has just delivered them.
A quick flick through them reveals page after page of Cam Kennedy goodness, so looks like some good reading ahead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 19 September, 2012, 02:16:28 PM
'Stories': a collection of, yup, stories by the likes of Neil Gaiman, Joe Hill, Joe R Lansdale and about 20 others. Very entertaining!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 19 September, 2012, 02:20:50 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 19 September, 2012, 02:16:28 PM
'Stories': a collection of, yup, stories by the likes of Neil Gaiman, Joe Hill, Joe R Lansdale and about 20 others. Very entertaining!

There's some great stuff in there - particularly the Chuck Palahniuk one  :)

Just read the novelaisation of the first "Dirty Harry" movie - impossible to read without hearing Eastwood's voice, and also the villain is a lot more fleshed out than in the film, and even scarier because of it. I hope no one is thinking right now of re-making this movie, though it's probably inevitable at some point.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 19 September, 2012, 02:30:59 PM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 19 September, 2012, 02:20:50 PM
Just read the novelaisation of the first "Dirty Harry" movie - impossible to read without hearing Eastwood's voice, and also the villain is a lot more fleshed out than in the film, and even scarier because of it. I hope no one is thinking right now of re-making this movie, though it's probably inevitable at some point.
I recently bought that from my local Oxfam. What a brilliant cover (and back cover).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hap Hazzard on 20 September, 2012, 05:13:52 AM
I'm quite lucky in that my work gives me lots of downtime where I can read. So I keep one book on the go at work, and one at home at the same time.  Currently reading the new Dredd novel, set after he's only got a year on the streets. Very good so far. At home I'm reading for the second time The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Great book. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 September, 2012, 08:19:05 AM
Quote from: Hap Hazzard on 20 September, 2012, 05:13:52 AM
At home I'm reading for the second time The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Great book.

Isn't it just, one of my all time favs. Always doing the rounds with my friends but must get to a read myself at some point.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hap Hazzard on 20 September, 2012, 07:23:35 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 20 September, 2012, 08:19:05 AM
Quote from: Hap Hazzard on 20 September, 2012, 05:13:52 AM
At home I'm reading for the second time The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Great book.

Isn't it just, one of my all time favs. Always doing the rounds with my friends but must get to a read myself at some point.

Yeah it's superb. I do think Chabon's The Yiddish Policemans Union is the better book though by a margin, but jeez that guy can write a good book.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 22 September, 2012, 10:55:23 AM
Jack Reacher books up to #11, by Lee Child

Despite some clunky dialogue here and there, this is a truly entertaining read. And this is also despite Jack failing to see some things that he really should, being a great investigator and all. He's one helluva vigilante, and you're not going to get any deep soul-searching stuff which is refreshing. Own moral code, anger issues, huge beast of a guy and his physicality really is a big part of Jack Reacher, so now more than in the beginning when I first started reading this series, I'm really curious how the movie is going to tackle that.

The nouveau noir feel is not present anymore, or maybe it's just me sinking into the books and feeling comfortable in there. No idea. All I know at this point - eleven books down, 6 to go - I'm definitely a fan now despite the little and not so little annoyances. Good outweighs the bad. Good stuff.

Quote from #10, The Hard Way:  '.... the remorse gene was missing from his DNA. Entirely. It just wasn't there. Where some men might have retrospectively agonized over justification, he spent his energy figuring out where best to hide the bodies....'

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 22 September, 2012, 07:23:44 PM
I have two books on the go at the moment. In the comics area I've got Judge Dredd Case files 2. On the more traditional front* I'm reading 20th Century Ghosts a book of short stories by Joe Hill. I was expecting and (I'll admit) hoping they'd all be ghost stories. They're not. At least not in the literal sense. They're not all even supernatural.  They are however mostly good stories, which is all that matters really, although  I prefer some to others, which is usual with these things, and those less liked are still highly readable.

If I had a criticism at all, it would be that I sometimes come suddenly to the end of a particular tale hoping for more. That was the case in the last story I read 'The Black Telephone', but on thinking about it more, the ending for that was perfect. [spoiler]"It's for you." It really was.[/spoiler] A small spoiler there, but nothing you should get without context.

*Although that's debatable considering some of the earliest forms of writing were comics of a type.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 September, 2012, 08:30:25 PM
The Life of Pi, Yann Martel.  Spotted this down the recycling center this morning and decided that the fates had clearly decreed it was time to get round to reading a book that has been recommended to me by several dozen people.  It starts well, anyway.

(Also found, a brand new copy of Dora the Explorer: Let's Explore!  As a second child whose new book intake is mainly from the library and/or parish sales, I think my daughter was astonished to find that some lift-the-flap books actually have flaps, and not just Daddy's rapidly-substituted hand).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 September, 2012, 08:53:30 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 22 September, 2012, 08:30:25 PM
The Life of Pi, Yann Martel.  Spotted this down the recycling center this morning and decided that the fates had clearly decreed it was time to get round to reading a book that has been recommended to me by several dozen people.  It starts well, anyway.

I called a book on here one of my all time favourites, well this one is up there and possibly scrapping for number one spot. Bloody love it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 September, 2012, 12:24:23 AM
Sword of Sorcery, a comic I bought on the basis that I realised I'd dumped every other DC title I was reading and didn't want to be seen as a purely Marvel snob.  Despite the name, it's more of a sci-fi anthology, and I thought opening tale Amethyst was good, if a little derivative of a lot of po-faced smoldering YA/teen fiction like Twilight that really doesn't gel well with the stuff in the premise clearly aimed at young girls, mainly a blonde-haired barbie doll princess on a quest to reclaim the throne of Gemworld from her wicked aunt.  But lawks o' lawdy - it is actually a pretty decent opener in what seems like a dedicated fantasy tale of dual worlds with some minor superhero trappings: think of other kids' properties like W.I.T.C.H. or that oversexed Italian shit with the fairies - Wopz or whatever it's called - and you're not far off, or She-Ra banged onto Stargate SG1.
The gender balance is off with there being no male characters in the cast at all beyond a trio of high school gang-rapists who show up in a scene that has garnered some unfortunate buzz for the book that I can't quite muster up any enthusiasm to join in with seeing as it seems to stem from a misplaced belief that rape has no place in comic books because it didn't used to be in them*, but the sad fact is that a lot of young women get their first experiences of being viewed sexually from an unwelcome quarter, and at an inappropriate age**, and it's not victimising the female readership to acknowledge this in fiction as much as it is acknowledging that it exists and is viewed by sensible people as abhorrent.  The benefits of acknowledging it outweigh the benefits of sticking to plain old murder and genocide to drive comic book stories, but having said all that, the scene is drawn in rather a sensational fashion that for me doesn't gel with the way it's written and I can see why it takes some readers out of the story.  For me, what takes me out of the story is the shoehorning-in of John Constantine in four panels for some reason that will probably result in Amethyst being inducted into some superteam or other and thus prompt writer Christy Marx to join what seems like every other writer in North America in an exodus from the company saying her stories were chopped off at the knees in some way, which would be a shame as there's a ton of stuff in here that I haven't seen in a while in the superhero book that would be undermined by jumping into the DCU paddling pool too quickly and abandoning the world of Nilaa where the bulk of the action is designed to take place.

By contrast, Beowulf is overly-familiar to the point that it was described to me as being "just fucking Skyrim", but that's unfair... there's a good bit of Rage and Fallout 3 in there, too.  The problem is that so much of the mythology and lexicon of Beowulf has appeared elsewhere in popular culture in the last decade that it's hard to shake the suspicion that the writer just strip-mined whatever SyFy "original" movie he just watched or videogame he was playing to flesh out a pretty basic story: three house slaves in a post-apocalyptic future defrost a warrior from stasis and he kills them - that is literally it.  It looks great, but there's nothing of interest to latch onto and if I wanted this kind of thing I'd just read a third of an issue of Wasteland instead.  Still, I can see it might have some fans who don't want to admit they like reading the girly first half of the anthology and I suspect that's why it's here instead of an update of the far more well-known Kamandi, who's been in quite a few episodes of Brave and the Bold recently and has the Jack Kirby factor in his favor.  "Beowulf?  Who cares?"

Sword of Sorcery is at least half decent, then, and worth a punt at just 15p more than an issue of 2000ad, and without the swearing and nudity.



* I'm reading the original Amethyst comics (from 1983) at the minute, spurred on by SoS and though only halfway through the second issue, the 13 year old main character has been almost raped twice, and when I put the book down last she was in the process of being groped on the back of a robot tiger...
** Thanks for ruining my Twitter feed forever, @EverydaySexism
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 23 September, 2012, 12:44:43 PM
Catcher in the Rye for the first time. Love all that 50s Ivy League preppy style.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 24 September, 2012, 02:00:32 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 23 September, 2012, 12:24:23 AM

By contrast, Beowulf is overly-familiar to the point that it was described to me as being "just fucking Skyrim", but that's unfair... there's a good bit of Rage and Fallout 3 in there, too. 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

You win the prestigious 'shaolin_monkey's favourite quote of the week' award.  Sit back and bask in the kudos, my friend.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 29 September, 2012, 11:02:49 AM
Rocket Raccoon Guardian of the Keystone Quadrant -never have I read such insane storytelling or coked up madness disguised as a comic. We have a talking raccoon and walrus aiding the Hulk against killer clowns and murderous black rabbit assassins. It's like th e ultimate 60's trip to Marvel cosmicdom where Cthulhu was in the bullpen as opposed to Stan Lee. I haven't even finished the first story and my mind is just reeling at the bonkersness of it all.    :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 29 September, 2012, 06:08:56 PM
Currently getting stuck into Avengers : The Heroic Age, a huge wodge of hardbacked, super-heroic fun. Seems pretty good storywise, involving time travel, huge beasties and lots of fighting. The first few chapters are drawn by our very own Alan Davis. Truly beautiful artwork. The later part of the book has John Romita Jr, another favourite of mine.  Lovely stuff!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 30 September, 2012, 08:23:19 PM
Bought Leviathan the other day, mainly for that beautiful D'Israeli artwork, but the story itself was cracking as well! I was really chuffed with it, left me wanting more.

On a similarly nautical theme, I'm pondering The Massive by Wood and Donaldson as my next purchase; any opinions on it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 30 September, 2012, 08:51:54 PM
I'm reading Y The Last Man (Deluxe Hardcover) book 2, just halfway through and really enjoying it ! Pia Guerra's artwork is absolutely brilliant. I know a lot of fans have commented on how its too 'pop arty' but I think it complements the story really well. Also reading Judge Dredd Case Files 05; had it delivered (from Amazon) a few days back and have been thoroughly entertained by it!  :D On top of all that just finished 2000AD prog 1802 last night - in a word, superb!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 30 September, 2012, 08:59:50 PM
Quote from: Aonghus on 30 September, 2012, 08:23:19 PM
Bought Leviathan the other day, mainly for that beautiful D'Israeli artwork, but the story itself was cracking as well! I was really chuffed with it, left me wanting more.

On a similarly nautical theme, I'm pondering The Massive by Wood and Donaldson as my next purchase; any opinions on it?

Leviathan is on top of my (comic book) shopping list! Heard nothing but praise for it. And seeing as I'm enjoying Ian Edginton's Brass Sun in the Prog's, I thought it a must buy!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 30 September, 2012, 09:30:15 PM
Quote from: Hap Hazzard on 20 September, 2012, 07:23:35 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 20 September, 2012, 08:19:05 AM
Quote from: Hap Hazzard on 20 September, 2012, 05:13:52 AM
At home I'm reading for the second time The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Great book.

Isn't it just, one of my all time favs. Always doing the rounds with my friends but must get to a read myself at some point.

Yeah it's superb. I do think Chabon's The Yiddish Policemans Union is the better book though by a margin, but jeez that guy can write a good book.

After reading this I got hold of both the books mentioned. I'm about half way through Kavalier and Clay and can happily report it's one of the best drokkin' books I have ever had the pleasure to read! I would unreservedly recommend it to anyone. Thanks fellas.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 01 October, 2012, 12:27:20 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 30 September, 2012, 08:51:54 PM
I'm reading Y The Last Man (Deluxe Hardcover) book 2

Love Y and really wish it was on HBO  :)

Oh and you're in for a treat with Leviathan.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 01 October, 2012, 12:51:14 AM
Quote from: Satanist on 01 October, 2012, 12:27:20 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 30 September, 2012, 08:51:54 PM
I'm reading Y The Last Man (Deluxe Hardcover) book 2

Love Y and really wish it was on HBO  :)

Oh and you're in for a treat with Leviathan.

Thanks mate! Looking forward to reading it. As for Y, I agree, a mere film cannot do it justice, it would have to be a series like The Walking Dead, although much shorter than that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hap Hazzard on 01 October, 2012, 05:05:31 AM
Quote from: Kerrin on 30 September, 2012, 09:30:15 PM
Quote from: Hap Hazzard on 20 September, 2012, 07:23:35 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 20 September, 2012, 08:19:05 AM
Quote from: Hap Hazzard on 20 September, 2012, 05:13:52 AM
At home I'm reading for the second time The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. Great book.

Isn't it just, one of my all time favs. Always doing the rounds with my friends but must get to a read myself at some point.


Yeah it's superb. I do think Chabon's The Yiddish Policemans Union is the better book though by a margin, but jeez that guy can write a good book.

After reading this I got hold of both the books mentioned. I'm about half way through Kavalier and Clay and can happily report it's one of the best drokkin' books I have ever had the pleasure to read! I would unreservedly recommend it to anyone. Thanks fellas.



You're welcome. Wait until you read Yiddish Policemens Union.  Superb alternate history crime thriller.  Fantastic book.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 01 October, 2012, 08:48:11 PM
On Saturday I picked up "The Nao of Brown", by Glyn Dillon. It's a strange one, but utterly fantastic so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 01 October, 2012, 08:57:57 PM
I'm reading ASH by James Herbert at the moment. I wish he would write faster, as I've waited 6 years for this one!

Once I've finished this it's back to the Horus Heresy novels, as the latest one turned up the other day.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 01 October, 2012, 09:16:12 PM
At the library today I found Pratchett's discworld novel: The Last Continent.

Then on the way out, on checking the returned section I came across two classic sci-fi books: Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney.

I've seen the films of both (three of them in the case of The Body Snatchers -incidentally the 70s version Invasion of the Body Snatchers* is  my favourite) but heard little of the books, so I'm intrigued how they'll be.

Despite reading 2000 AD and generally liking science fiction as a genre, I'm not really into it from a prose fiction POV, tending towards horror and fantasy where that is concerned, so this should be interesting.

*I'm not usually a fan of remakes, unless the previous version(s) are bad. The earlier Body Snatchers film was fine, bu in my defence, Invasion.. was the first version of the film that I ever saw, not even realising it was  remake at the time. I saw Bodysnatchers later and, while it was okay, I much prefer the 70s version. It has such wonderful quirky characters, and there was something about the older style that drew me in less. Infidel that I am.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 02 October, 2012, 07:55:30 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 01 October, 2012, 09:16:12 PM
Despite reading 2000 AD and generally liking science fiction as a genre, I'm not really into it from a prose fiction POV, tending towards horror and fantasy where that is concerned, so this should be interesting.

Snap! Stevie's not a fan of fantasy or horror per se, but some of his favourite authors are.

Read Jack Finney's The Body Snatchers last year. You're in for a real treat there Mardroid..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 02 October, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
I just finished reading the first volume of Sweet Tooth last night - and it was drokkin' awesome! Lemire's artwork is stunning. I read The Underwater Welder not too long ago and fell in love with his storytelling. He's a name I will definitely look out for in the future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: DeFuzzed on 04 October, 2012, 07:26:53 PM
Jumper, by Steven Gould.

Nothing like the movie. I think the only thing they had in common was the name Jumper and the jumping. Everything else, including the main character, completely unlike the one I saw in the movie. Reminded me of the Bourne Identity - I read that after seeing the movie first too, and it was quite a shock to see how different it was.

The book was full of bad dialogue and bad plots and bad scenes and truly dumb scenes, so it really should thank the film for making it cooler than it originally was. And here I was thinking the film wasn't all that good, but yep, definitely appreciate it more now I see what a true adaptation could have been like.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 04 October, 2012, 07:38:54 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 02 October, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
I just finished reading the first volume of Sweet Tooth last night - and it was drokkin' awesome! Lemire's artwork is stunning. I read The Underwater Welder not too long ago and fell in love with his storytelling. He's a name I will definitely look out for in the future.

I found 'sweet tooth in captivity' in the library recently, but haven't read the first one. Grim as fuck. I think I described it a few pages back as 'Bambi meets the Walking Dead'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 04 October, 2012, 11:20:48 PM
Thanks to the forum's resident Thrill-pusher betel_uk, a big wodge of back progs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 05 October, 2012, 07:07:20 AM
The Great Game book 2 of Nikolai Dante

Working my way thru the back catalogue having jumped in on this half way thru
Love it, really cool to see how characters are introduced & develop

Chi
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 05 October, 2012, 12:39:10 PM
The Tower Chronicles scribed by Matt Wagner and illos by Simon Bisley. Basically a  bounty hunter/merc with a mysterious past hunts ghosts and ghoulies in a modern setting. Whilst very influenced by the Bat and Blade I found it a very good read. I was never bored and the story fairly raced along ably helped by Bisley's work. A dark hero obviously but not like the 90's-Tower even has his own lawyer. I have a terrible cold at the moment and reading it helped me forget the snuffles, sneezes and snorts for a little while. Some chuckles like naming a vampire Davros-perhaps they're Dr Who fans secretly.

A little snippet at the end by Matt Wagner on how he came up with the character and links between comics and film.Alas no extra bits for Bisley's art or Jim Lee's cover.

Probably be coming to cinema near you eventually.No bad thing and part two is out in November. I'll be getting that as well. i hope they do some extras like in the twoofy trades.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 October, 2012, 03:55:44 PM
I might well pick that up this weekend (assuming they have it in my LCS) normally anything by Matt Wagner is a defo for me but everything I read about the made it sound so uninspiring and I'm not the biggest fan of Bisley's work of late, though that said it seems to have been inked really well... who am I kidding I'll end up getting it so glad to hear some positive words about it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 05 October, 2012, 09:50:13 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 05 October, 2012, 03:55:44 PM
I might well pick that up this weekend (assuming they have it in my LCS) normally anything by Matt Wagner is a defo for me but everything I read about the made it sound so uninspiring and I'm not the biggest fan of Bisley's work of late, though that said it seems to have been inked really well... who am I kidding I'll end up getting it so glad to hear some positive words about it.

Doubt it will win many awards for originality -it is formulaic but the formula works IMHO.I got Four horseman by teh BIZ and that is good but this is slightly better in that it's coloured and inked well. The hero John Tower looks more like he's stepped out of a D&D game rather than the usual "dark-cape".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 06 October, 2012, 02:49:49 PM
I've been reading Seamus Heaney without any real enjoyment, but it's work and all that matters is being able to respond to it. I'm also reading Jane Eyre but without having the time to make much headway more than a chapter a day. That's the slow way to get through it.

I'm re-taking A-level English with 23 years having elapsed since last time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 October, 2012, 09:06:53 PM
 
Quote from: Dandontdare on 04 October, 2012, 07:38:54 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 02 October, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
I just finished reading the first volume of Sweet Tooth last night - and it was drokkin' awesome! Lemire's artwork is stunning. I read The Underwater Welder not too long ago and fell in love with his storytelling. He's a name I will definitely look out for in the future.

I found 'sweet tooth in captivity' in the library recently, but haven't read the first one. Grim as fuck. I think I described it a few pages back as 'Bambi meets the Walking Dead'

It is pretty grim Dandontdare, but if you can, then I really recommend you to read the first volume because you get a clearer picture of how Sweet Tooth (Gus) came to be where he is. Its a really great read, a cross between The Road and Mad Max.

Have you read The Underwater Welder also by Lemire? It is quite possibly the best graphic novel of the year - absolutely stunning (although Brandom Graham's awesome Prophet volume 1 comes close).

At the moment I'm reading Dan Abnett's awesome Kingdom Volume 1 and 2! I love the whole premise, not to mention Gene the Hackman! ''GET WHET''! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 08 October, 2012, 11:23:13 PM
Not long finished Dark Fire, CJ Sansom's second Shardlake yarn. The central mystery is rather more far-fetched and far less satisfying than the first book's Name of the English Rose. The real meat of the book, however, remains the evocation of Tudor England and the social change it was undergoing. It's a fascinating period and he really brings to life the impact of the tremendous political, religious and social upheaval which was going on. Something I've never had any real empathy for.

Just about finished Death of A River Guide, by Richard Flanagan. Man, this guy can write a bit. About Tasmania. Like all his other books. To be fair, this was his first and you can already see flashes of the fireworks that illuminated Gould's Book of Fish and, fully formed, the desire to spin one story straight out from another in an endless chain of invention which made that work.

Also about halfway through the giant doorstop collection of Pete Milligan's X-Statix. I wasn't really enjoying the early part of it and was worried that this was an early product of the modern Milligan who I've finally given up on. However, once it drops the X-Force banner and becomes its own title, the whole enterprise becomes much more entertaining.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 08 October, 2012, 11:57:48 PM
Bob Byrne's Mister Amperduke, which is exactly the kind of project creators cutting their teeth on 2000ad need to show the world after their tenure with Tharg, rather than some rehashed sub-Vertigo tosh or whatever pre-plotted spandex bullshit they've been handed by the DC/Marvel round table.  Most here on the board will likely hate it because it doesn't feature some sneering elitist with superhuman abilities making sarky remarks or being humorlessly macho as he wades through an ocean of gore drawn from faceless corpses, but they are wrong as usual and you'd think they'd be tired of it by now.
Mister Amperduke is fantastic, shifting between whimsical and horrifying as it relates the wordless tale of the titular Sherman Amperduke and his lovably-crafted little town of Lego people that he keeps in his basement and tends during the retirement he has earned as this is a dude who has Seen Some Shit in the wars, man, and while Byrne has a keener eye than a surface reading of the material might suggest, capturing the visual quirks of dismissive kids and bastard grandkids well, he kind-of-sort-of cheats on the "wordless" part of the book's remit in a clever pictographic way that I will be shocked if it hasn't been nicked already by the usual suspects.  It's not as surreal as you might think, merely running with the outlandish setup and deriving the various stories from it (the book comprises six chapters, one epilogue, and two shorter stories and backup material), but it's rewarding stuff and well worth a read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 October, 2012, 12:27:40 AM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 08 October, 2012, 11:57:48 PM
Bob Byrne's Mister Amperduke, which is exactly the kind of project creators cutting their teeth on 2000ad need to show the world after their tenure with Tharg...

Amperduke of course precedes Bob's dalliance with Betelgeusian green.  And truly brilliant it is too. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 09 October, 2012, 12:33:31 AM
https://vimeo.com/43558154


Whatever happened to the sequel...


(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5fwZNyyCwSo/SuFpGVk59jI/AAAAAAAAAHE/aaalXlSo84A/s1600/coming-soon.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 09 October, 2012, 01:16:49 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 09 October, 2012, 12:27:40 AMAmperduke of course precedes Bob's dalliance with Betelgeusian green.

Hence my carefully-worded phrasing!  There's a strip in the back (reprinted from Spazzmoid/Clamnuts, I presume) that details the creation of the book over a tortuously long period and brought to mind my own struggles to get a GN finished, but it leaves no doubt that it precedes the dalliance with The Green One - though it doesn't stop them putting "acclaimed 2000ad writer and artist" on the back to help shift the book.
"Acclaimed" - that shit's in print, haters.  SUCK IT.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 09 October, 2012, 01:20:06 AM

The long-form comic (2008) didn't get finished till after he'd gotten Bob Byrne's Twisted Tales first published in 2000AD (2007).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 09 October, 2012, 01:43:33 AM
Mr. Amperduke is fantastic. I love Byrne's work in 2000AD, it's great to see something from a little left-field get into the Prog and gives it a nice sense of variety. Would love to see him do something like a Mr. Amperduke-style story of a bunch of 2000AD characters.

Or ABC Warriors  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 09 October, 2012, 02:11:46 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 09 October, 2012, 12:27:40 AM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 08 October, 2012, 11:57:48 PM
Bob Byrne's Mister Amperduke, which is exactly the kind of project creators cutting their teeth on 2000ad need to show the world after their tenure with Tharg...

Amperduke of course precedes Bob's dalliance with Betelgeusian green.  And truly brilliant it is too.

Speaking of his pre-Tooth days, do any of you remember The Shiznit, the free comic he pretty much singlehandedly drew, wrote, and produced, back aroun '07 '08? AFAIK you could only get it in the odd place in Dublin, but it was a sign of things to come. I was pondering them having read his most recent Twisted Tale, but dang if I can't find where my old copies are...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 09 October, 2012, 11:20:20 AM
The Shiznit is still the funniest comic on Earth, but there are certain gags you'd only get as a child of Eire.
I think it only went up to 4 or 5 issues though. Would love to own a collected edition...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 October, 2012, 01:20:51 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 09 October, 2012, 11:20:20 AM
The Shiznit is still the funniest comic on Earth, but there are certain gags you'd only get as a child of Eire.
I think it only went up to 4 or 5 issues though. Would love to own a collected edition...

I treasure my Shiznits, and my Mblehs! (for some reason I want to say 'milky milky' now), they're in the go-to pile for emergency cheer-up reading.  They were readily available by the till in FP Dublin up to a few years ago.  A lot of the really good stuff has since been re-presented on Bob's Clamnuts site. 

Cheers for the clarification on the dates of Amperduke, Joe, I'd have sworn it was the other way round - possibly because of the short that ran in the Meg's small press section?  Even so, he must have had it substantially completed before Twisted Tales kicked off.  Later, I used to love browsing the huge pages in the windows of the Crow Street comics shop.

As to the sequel, he seems to be doing a good bit of paying work at the mo, more power to him, but I presume now he's finished Today We Worship Michael Landon he'll get it out fairly soon.  To  my eternal shame I still haven't bought the print version of that piece of genius.





Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 09 October, 2012, 04:28:50 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 09 October, 2012, 11:20:20 AM
The Shiznit is still the funniest comic on Earth, but there are certain gags you'd only get as a child of Eire.
I think it only went up to 4 or 5 issues though. Would love to own a collected edition...

I had all of them bar one, a fact that still rankles :(

Quote from: TordelBack on 09 October, 2012, 01:20:51 PM
A lot of the really good stuff has since been re-presented on Bob's Clamnuts site. 

[...]

I used to love browsing the huge pages in the windows of the Crow Street comics shop.


Ooh, didn't know about the website; thanks for the tip TB!
Man, I miss that shop too... Tales of Dublin past, that's what this thread's becoming  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 09 October, 2012, 10:56:49 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 08 October, 2012, 09:06:53 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 04 October, 2012, 07:38:54 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 02 October, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
I just finished reading the first volume of Sweet Tooth last night - and it was drokkin' awesome! Lemire's artwork is stunning. I read The Underwater Welder not too long ago and fell in love with his storytelling. He's a name I will definitely look out for in the future.

I found 'sweet tooth in captivity' in the library recently, but haven't read the first one. Grim as fuck. I think I described it a few pages back as 'Bambi meets the Walking Dead'

It is pretty grim Dandontdare, but if you can, then I really recommend you to read the first volume because you get a clearer picture of how Sweet Tooth (Gus) came to be where he is. Its a really great read, a cross between The Road and Mad Max.

Have you read The Underwater Welder also by Lemire? It is quite possibly the best graphic novel of the year - absolutely stunning (although Brandom Graham's awesome Prophet volume 1 comes close).

At the moment I'm reading Dan Abnett's awesome Kingdom Volume 1 and 2! I love the whole premise, not to mention Gene the Hackman! ''GET WHET''! :D

I already plan to seek out more Sweet Tooth, but I'll look out for the Undwerwater Welder too.

And I heartily agree about Kingdom. Sadly, the next instalment seems to be endlessly delayed as both creators are busy putting out for DC.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 09 October, 2012, 11:49:59 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 09 October, 2012, 10:56:49 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 08 October, 2012, 09:06:53 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 04 October, 2012, 07:38:54 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 02 October, 2012, 09:09:10 AM
I just finished reading the first volume of Sweet Tooth last night - and it was drokkin' awesome! Lemire's artwork is stunning. I read The Underwater Welder not too long ago and fell in love with his storytelling. He's a name I will definitely look out for in the future.

I found 'sweet tooth in captivity' in the library recently, but haven't read the first one. Grim as fuck. I think I described it a few pages back as 'Bambi meets the Walking Dead'

It is pretty grim Dandontdare, but if you can, then I really recommend you to read the first volume because you get a clearer picture of how Sweet Tooth (Gus) came to be where he is. Its a really great read, a cross between The Road and Mad Max.

Have you read The Underwater Welder also by Lemire? It is quite possibly the best graphic novel of the year - absolutely stunning (although Brandom Graham's awesome Prophet volume 1 comes close).

At the moment I'm reading Dan Abnett's awesome Kingdom Volume 1 and 2! I love the whole premise, not to mention Gene the Hackman! ''GET WHET''! :D

I already plan to seek out more Sweet Tooth, but I'll look out for the Undwerwater Welder too.

And I heartily agree about Kingdom. Sadly, the next instalment seems to be endlessly delayed as both creators are busy putting out for DC.

Do seek Sweet Tooth out mate, you won't be disappointed. Same goes for The Underwater Welder; its a really moving, heart-wrenching (not to mention spooky!) tale about dealing with loss of a loved one. By the end I had a tear in my eye!

And I've just finished the 2nd volume of Kingdom (Call of the Wild) and I thought it was an absolutely brilliant read! Simply superb no questions about it. And I look forward to the next book with great fervour! : )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 October, 2012, 01:44:53 AM
I'm reading Judge Dredd Case Files 15 and Restricted Files 04 and I have to say I haven't laughed so much as I did reading them, especially the latter! :D

Absolutely brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 October, 2012, 08:33:07 AM
Library trip finally yielded ASoFaI: Dance of Dragons, after a wait of over a year now, although perversely I find myself not in the mood, just having finished the surprisingly terrific first volume of The Anvil of Ice, by Michael Scott Rohan, and wanting to track down the second.  The latter book is one I would have sworn from the cover that I had already read and dismissed in the late '80s, or at the least the kind of sub-Tolkein muck Dave Langford would have defended me from, but in turned out to be a very good high-concept fun, po-facedly setting a highish fantasy world in the Pleistocene of North America on the cusp what I presume is the Wisconsin glaciation, complete with (predictably) Neanderthals for Dwarf-analogues, Mammoths and Smilodons.  All very silly, but well sustained and engaging.

Also in the library-run grab-bag were Psi-Files 2 and Restricted Files 2.  Now I would have said that I didn't care that much for the contents of either two volumes, particularly their latter parts, hence I've not got round to buing them. Yet again I was wrong - these are big collections, deceptively so with their slimmish high-quality-paper size, but both are brimming with little and not-so-little gems.  Standouts on first skim are Ranson's incredible page designs in Anderson, and all of McCarthy's and Higgins' contributions to Restricted Files.  Amazing looking stuff.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 11 October, 2012, 08:47:01 AM
Fables volume 1. Thought I'd give it a try as I picked it up cheap in Smiths. It's rather good isn't it? Does it maintain the standard for the rest of the run? I know I'm way behind in the collections but are they worth getting?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 October, 2012, 09:45:04 AM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 11 October, 2012, 08:47:01 AM
Fables volume 1. Thought I'd give it a try as I picked it up cheap in Smiths. It's rather good isn't it? Does it maintain the standard for the rest of the run? I know I'm way behind in the collections but are they worth getting?

Yeah, Fables is pretty awesome! Theres a lot of volumes to get through though (i think 17 last time I checked), but its well worth your time. I read the first few volumes only, so cannot really comment on the later ones. When you're done reading them, might I suggest you read Jack of Fables - its an offshot of the original series but really good fun!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 11 October, 2012, 10:18:29 AM
I too have just read Jeff Lemire's Underwater Welder. It really is very good. A moving and thoughtful tale.
I'm a huge Fan of Sweet Tooth too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 October, 2012, 10:48:30 AM
Quote from: Albion on 11 October, 2012, 10:18:29 AM
I too have just read Jeff Lemire's Underwater Welder. It really is very good. A moving and thoughtful tale.
I'm a huge Fan of Sweet Tooth too.


Glad you liked it mate! It really is a superb story. I've read a (very) few criticsms about Lemire's artwork, but I personally love it. It remind's me of William Blake's brilliant line drawings in the Roald Dahl tales, which I used to love as a kid. I also love the presentation of the book itself. Reminds me of the awesome From Hell paperback.

Sweet Tooth is another great comic. I've yet to read volume 2 and the rest, but thats definitely on my shopping list (as soon as I finish collecting the remainder of the Y The Last Man deluxe volumes - i've read the first two books, just waiting for the third to be delivered - Royal Mail are a royal pain in the ass! :D). But I heard Lemire's Essex County and in particular The Nobody is really great also, so a lot of reading material lined up! : )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 11 October, 2012, 10:59:51 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 11 October, 2012, 10:48:30 AM
But I heard Lemire's Essex County and in particular The Nobody is really great also, so a lot of reading material lined up! : )

Essex County gets a lot of praise but I wasn't so keen on it as I am his other stuff. It's good but for me it's not his best.  I haven't read The Nobody.
I understand the criticisms his art gets but I like it too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 11 October, 2012, 10:06:24 PM
The Haunter of the Ring Robert E Howards (most famous for Conan) Horror stories.There's no getting past it Howard was a racist by our standards, the baddies invariably Oriental or Latins. The heroes upstanding Yanks with the occasional Afghan/Arab thrown in. I acknowledged it reflected the times they were written and tried to read them as best I could. Some I had read before (the Hyena) but others "Haunter of the Ring" and the "Fire of Asshurbanipal" were new to me. Pulpy and mad with Lovecraft elements Asshurbanipal was definitely the best-most others were middling to okay.Some of them were even scary.  At least it's made me want to read some Clark Ashton-Smith and the lesser known british writer John S Glasby and got me a nerding some of the Conan and pulp/horror blogs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 11 October, 2012, 11:02:07 PM
The City and the City by the ever-great China Mieville. I was put off reading this by my missus, who gave up on it. Dunno why. It is incredibly good. Got about 30 pages to go, so I'll finish it on the train in the morning.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 11 October, 2012, 11:45:24 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 11 October, 2012, 08:33:07 AM
Library trip finally yielded ASoFaI: Dance of Dragons, after a wait of over a year now

That reminds me, I've been waiting for Nemesis Vol. 1 from my library for months. Who's hoarding the damn things?!

I'm slogging through Bukowski's Women- I hope it'll pick up soon, because it's mainly the exhortations of a mate that've kept me going through it so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 October, 2012, 12:12:04 AM
Quote from: Aonghus on 11 October, 2012, 11:45:24 PM
That reminds me, I've been waiting for Nemesis Vol. 1 from my library for months. Who's hoarding the damn things?!

There was one on the shelves in Tallaght quite recently.  Mind you, South Dublin Libraries have 14 copies of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in softback alone, and can I get hold of one for my kid?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 12 October, 2012, 05:37:39 PM
I had a go at that Dredd: Year One Novel. I never read a novellized version of any comic book character, but I enjoyed this. It passed the afternoon. I liked the plot, 'twas a solid story, but I found it to be a bit expositiony in parts. Mind you, I use words like 'expositony', so what to I know about writing?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 13 October, 2012, 12:07:45 PM
I just finished 'Stitches' by David Small:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0393068579/ref=mp_s_a_1?pi=SL75&qid=1350126425&sr=8-1

Brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 13 October, 2012, 01:14:11 PM
Read Buttonman: Killer Killer last night. I enjoyed Buttonman: The Confessions of Harry Exton, but found it really gri and couldn't sympathise with Harry at all. But for some reason I was compelled to get Killer Killer out of the library, and it was great!

Bizarrely,  it was less grim in tone than the first volume despite the events taking place. I suppose it's that the plot is less tense in ways than the previous one, but I got more of a laugh out of this one, and actually DO want to get the next volume!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 13 October, 2012, 02:08:13 PM
The Hydrogen Sonata, the latest Iain M Banks Culture book. Even though I swore I would never pay the ridiculous price for new releases, I caved and pre-ordered it through the kindle store. I'm too much of a fan of the series to wait and having it pop up on my Kindle while sat with my morning coffee on the day of release was pretty cool.

I'm about a third of the way through and its very good indeed, its pretty much classic culture so far. I'm enjoying it more than the last couple in the series (not that there was anything wrong with them), Excession is one of my favourite stories in the Culture universe and this is pretty close in tone to that.

On a separate note, the wife has now finished her marathon back-to-back read of the 50 shades trilogy and bedroom activity is once again returning to normal levels, any suggestions as to what I can stick on her kindle next?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 13 October, 2012, 07:45:24 PM
Quote from: Rog69 on 13 October, 2012, 02:08:13 PM


On a separate note, the wife has now finished her marathon back-to-back read of the 50 shades trilogy and bedroom activity is once again returning to normal levels, any suggestions as to what I can stick on her kindle next?

the Story Of O might give her a few ideas...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 13 October, 2012, 08:52:44 PM
Just read Sweet Tooth vol. 1. Brilliant. Read it in one sitting in about 20 minutes which is unusual for me!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 October, 2012, 09:09:30 PM
Quote from: willthemightyW on 13 October, 2012, 08:52:44 PM
Just read Sweet Tooth vol. 1. Brilliant. Read it in one sitting in about 20 minutes which is unusual for me!

Same here! :D

I've got the urge to read it again, and will do so as soon as the kids are in bed. It's such an awesome comic, really need to seek out volumes 2, 3 and 4.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 13 October, 2012, 09:24:37 PM
Definitely! That and Chew are two indie books where, I've read the first one, loved it, and need to get the others!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 13 October, 2012, 09:27:21 PM
Belgariad ..again. Only cus the wife has hidden all my good new buys for the holiday we are going on shortly. Don't know if i should praise or curse her :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 14 October, 2012, 12:01:07 AM
David Lapham's Silverfish.
Suspensful. Amazing. Intense. Completely distinct from any other graphic novel I've ever read.

Goin for about a fiver in Chapters on Parnell St for any boarders living in Baile Atha Cliath.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 October, 2012, 12:10:59 AM
As mentioned in a previous post (which is already three pages back, boy does this thread move on) I recently got Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury from the library.

I recently finished it. An very interesting intriguing read. I saw the film a while back and it's nice to see the film seems pretty faithful to the book [spoiler]apart from what happened to the girl[/spoiler]. I found Bradbury's use of language unusual.  A little hard to get used too, but ultimately rather clever. (While I know the name well, I think this is the only bit of his work that I've actually read.)

I wasn't so keen on the ending though Not what happened to the main character so much as (MAJOR ENDING SPOILER ALERT - don't highlight if you haven't read unless you don't care), [spoiler]the sudden culmination of the war. I understand that the point is that they're going to re-educate the world, bit by bit, but the sudden destruction of the major cities, and just after the main character's escape too, does seem rather convenient in promoting that aim.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 14 October, 2012, 12:21:53 AM
Psalms, Matthew, Book of Amos, all very slowly.  No, I'm not from Northern Ireland.
I'm reading 'Doctor Who: The Final Sanction', by Steve Lyons. It's that rarest of things, a Doctor Who novel that  doesn't suck. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 14 October, 2012, 12:25:07 AM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 14 October, 2012, 12:21:53 AM
Psalms, Matthew, Book of Amos, all very slowly.  No, I'm not from Northern Ireland.


you saying we slow readers? :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 14 October, 2012, 12:50:50 AM
I think he is saying we have a bit of religion going going about, though I'm pretty sure Aussies read the bible, too.  Mel Gibson does.

Rosalie Lightning, cartoonist Tom Hart's attempt to make sense of the loss of his infant daughter to SIDS. http://issuu.com/tomhart/docs/rl-book1/1
I'm not sure if this is the entirety of it or if it's part of a greater whole, but either way it's affecting and heartbreaking stuff told with a brevity that really underlines rational people looking for sense or meaning in tragedy.  "Portents that are not portents" and "did she know she was leaving?" still get me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 14 October, 2012, 06:53:26 AM
I was just trying to be funny with ref to comments on other threads about people from somewhere called Norn Iron.  Australians do indeed read the Bible (dunno about Mel Gibson). I This site aside, the only Norn Irish person I've ever known was a pastor from Belfast, who spoke good Japanese with a strong Irish accent.  Oh and I've heard Garth Ennis is from there, which makes the place officially awesome.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 14 October, 2012, 10:24:02 AM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 14 October, 2012, 06:53:26 AM
I was just trying to be funny with ref to comments on other threads about people from somewhere called Norn Iron.  Australians do indeed read the Bible (dunno about Mel Gibson). I This site aside, the only Norn Irish person I've ever known was a pastor from Belfast, who spoke good Japanese with a strong Irish accent.  Oh and I've heard Garth Ennis is from there, which makes the place officially awesome.

But what ever you do, don't ask Garth Ennis about the Bible! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 14 October, 2012, 06:58:20 PM
Just read Bigfoot #1 over at ComicXology, I thought it was superb. The artwork by Richard Corben is brilliant. Ever since I saw his artwork for The Crooked Man (Hellboy Vol 10); I fell in love with his really spooky and atmospheric style. (I urge comic lover's to read Crooked Man; it's one of the most scariest and creepiest comic i've read!). I tried looking over at Amazon if they. Had Bigfoot TPB, but they were going for £50 to £60 a pop! That is way out of my budget. I think it's out of print hence the insane valuation.  :-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 14 October, 2012, 09:32:59 PM
I just read Dan Simmons' Hyperion Omnibus (picked up for two quid and forgotten about until a miraculous week away, without kids and with just enough rain to devote some time to reading).  A lot to get through in a week but it didn't feel like it overstayed it's welcome, so now suppose I'll have to pick up the Endymion books as well - anyone read those?

In the meantime, I'll probably turn to Snuff (Pratchett, not home-movie making) and / or Zone One.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 October, 2012, 10:11:37 PM
Speaking of Pratchett, I've just started The Lost Continent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 15 October, 2012, 01:07:40 PM

My order for Y The Last Man Deluxe Book 3, just arrived this morning - more than a week overdue! What a relief!  :D

Normally, I receive my orders within 2-3 working days, so naturally I was concerned that those tits at The Royal Mail had lost it. I have to say that the team over at The Book Depository are absolutely brilliant. They offered a refund or a replacement almost straight away - normally in other online book outlets you'd have to wait near a month!

So looking forward to reading it later on! : )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 October, 2012, 01:43:29 PM
Various BEST OF 2000AD SPECIAL EDITIONS with the boys- although we are disappointed they repeat he same rogue trooper story across a couple and drop from 132 pages to eightysomething, it's been an absolute pleasure. Somewhat bizarre to have a conversation over dinner about 'the secretary life of the blitzspear', 'the visible man', 'top dogs', 'the alien zoo', 'max normal' and 'robusters'. But fab to reread at full size with such lovely print quality. I got them out to check them over and have been passing them around. Think they're in my youngest's bedroom at the moment. Happy days!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spicy Biscuit on 15 October, 2012, 03:33:26 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 15 October, 2012, 01:07:40 PM

My order for Y The Last Man Deluxe Book 3, just arrived this morning - more than a week overdue! What a relief!  :D

I finished that series only a few months ago. Was a brilliant ride through and through. The art-style originally turned me off but I learned to appreciate the panel work. Makes me believe this book can easily work as an HBO television series.

Currently reading Leviathan Wakes by James Corey. Any time the terms crime and space sci-fi cross I latch onto it. Had a few hiccups in the beginning but it's slowly coming around for me.

As for comics I'm currently reading China Miéville's Dial H (have the first issue signed, sorted) which I highly recommend anyone to pick up if you enjoy the more bizarre aspects of cape comics and James Stokoe's Godzilla: The Half-Century War. You cannot go wrong with Stokoe, one of my favourite artists.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: chaingunchimp on 16 October, 2012, 03:14:42 PM
Picked up issue one of the Evil Ernie: Origin of Evil reboot from  Dynamite last week.
Great start, not too sure on the character redesign but hopefully he'll rot down to a more familiar look eventually.
Well pleased someone finally brought him back tho, gotta be my favourite comic character of all time (to the point where I have tattoos)
Going to be interesting to see how the Chaos characters work without the central hub of Lady Death.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 16 October, 2012, 03:59:00 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 14 October, 2012, 06:58:20 PM
Just read Bigfoot #1 over at ComicXology, I thought it was superb. The artwork by Richard Corben is brilliant. Ever since I saw his artwork for The Crooked Man (Hellboy Vol 10); I fell in love with his really spooky and atmospheric style. (I urge comic lover's to read Crooked Man; it's one of the most scariest and creepiest comic i've read!). I tried looking over at Amazon if they. Had Bigfoot TPB, but they were going for £50 to £60 a pop! That is way out of my budget. I think it's out of print hence the insane valuation.  :-\

Bigfoot is superb- track down the collected trade, its lovely and would make a great horror movie (its co-written by Steve Niles and Rob Zombie).
If you like Corben and horror Id suggest you track down the recent 'Creepy- Richard Corben' collection. Superb hardcover collection with essays and covers too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 October, 2012, 05:59:46 PM
Quote from: judgefett on 16 October, 2012, 03:59:00 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 14 October, 2012, 06:58:20 PM
Just read Bigfoot #1 over at ComicXology, I thought it was superb. The artwork by Richard Corben is brilliant. Ever since I saw his artwork for The Crooked Man (Hellboy Vol 10); I fell in love with his really spooky and atmospheric style. (I urge comic lover's to read Crooked Man; it's one of the most scariest and creepiest comic i've read!). I tried looking over at Amazon if they. Had Bigfoot TPB, but they were going for £50 to £60 a pop! That is way out of my budget. I think it's out of print hence the insane valuation.  :-\

Bigfoot is superb- track down the collected trade, its lovely and would make a great horror movie (its co-written by Steve Niles and Rob Zombie).
If you like Corben and horror Id suggest you track down the recent 'Creepy- Richard Corben' collection. Superb hardcover collection with essays and covers too.

Thanks for the tip mate!  I just love Corben's artwork, and the Bigfoot story was absolutely brilliant! Such a shame I can't get hold of the TPB :(

But i'll definitely have a look into the title you mentioned!

Cheers!




Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 16 October, 2012, 06:02:02 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 14 October, 2012, 12:50:50 AM
Rosalie Lightning, cartoonist Tom Hart's attempt to make sense of the loss of his infant daughter to SIDS. http://issuu.com/tomhart/docs/rl-book1/1
I'm not sure if this is the entirety of it or if it's part of a greater whole, but either way it's affecting and heartbreaking stuff told with a brevity that really underlines rational people looking for sense or meaning in tragedy.  "Portents that are not portents" and "did she know she was leaving?" still get me.

Thanks for posting this, Prof. Just incredibly moving and very, very human.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 October, 2012, 06:07:22 PM
Quote from: Spicy Biscuit on 15 October, 2012, 03:33:26 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 15 October, 2012, 01:07:40 PM

My order for Y The Last Man Deluxe Book 3, just arrived this morning - more than a week overdue! What a relief!  :D

I finished that series only a few months ago. Was a brilliant ride through and through. The art-style originally turned me off but I learned to appreciate the panel work. Makes me believe this book can easily work as an HBO television series.

Currently reading Leviathan Wakes by James Corey. Any time the terms crime and space sci-fi cross I latch onto it. Had a few hiccups in the beginning but it's slowly coming around for me.

As for comics I'm currently reading China Miéville's Dial H (have the first issue signed, sorted) which I highly recommend anyone to pick up if you enjoy the more bizarre aspects of cape comics and James Stokoe's Godzilla: The Half-Century War. You cannot go wrong with Stokoe, one of my favourite artists.

I concur mate, Y is something else entirely! I'm really enjoying it, I've just finished Book 3 today (which comprised of Vol 5 and 6); I thought it was bloody brilliant! And yes, Pia Guerra's artwork is superb. I was one of the ones that loved her style from the off. I've got Book 4 and 5 to go, unfortunately Amazon and The Book Depository are out of stock for Book 4; so i'll most probably have to skip to Book 5 which is a bummer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 16 October, 2012, 06:53:27 PM
Agreed that Y: The Last Man is a real page turner. Definitely worth hunting down book 4. it's not the sort of series where you can really afford to miss anything.

Over here, I've decided that I really need to cut into my reading pile, as it has grown MONSTROUSLY out of control. So, presently, I'm reading through the Dredd case files vol 2, The complete Deadpool and Cable (or Cable and Deadpool, if you want to be picky) volume 2, as well as the Brian Reed halo comics. Gotta say - those are something a bit neat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 16 October, 2012, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 16 October, 2012, 05:59:46 PM
Quote from: judgefett on 16 October, 2012, 03:59:00 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 14 October, 2012, 06:58:20 PM
Just read Bigfoot #1 over at ComicXology, I thought it was superb. The artwork by Richard Corben is brilliant. Ever since I saw his artwork for The Crooked Man (Hellboy Vol 10); I fell in love with his really spooky and atmospheric style. (I urge comic lover's to read Crooked Man; it's one of the most scariest and creepiest comic i've read!). I tried looking over at Amazon if they. Had Bigfoot TPB, but they were going for £50 to £60 a pop! That is way out of my budget. I think it's out of print hence the insane valuation.  :-\

Bigfoot is superb- track down the collected trade, its lovely and would make a great horror movie (its co-written by Steve Niles and Rob Zombie).
If you like Corben and horror Id suggest you track down the recent 'Creepy- Richard Corben' collection. Superb hardcover collection with essays and covers too.

Thanks for the tip mate!  I just love Corben's artwork, and the Bigfoot story was absolutely brilliant! Such a shame I can't get hold of the TPB :(

But i'll definitely have a look into the title you mentioned!

Cheers!

If you read German, BIGFOOT is available in hardback from Amazon for less than twelve quid, including postage. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3936480982/sr=8-2/qid=1350410436/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1350410436&seller=&sr=8-2

But you have to read German, because it's the German language edition. Which is an arse.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 October, 2012, 07:32:15 PM
Quote from: HdE on 16 October, 2012, 06:53:27 PM
Agreed that Y: The Last Man is a real page turner. Definitely worth hunting down book 4. it's not the sort of series where you can really afford to miss anything.

Over here, I've decided that I really need to cut into my reading pile, as it has grown MONSTROUSLY out of control. So, presently, I'm reading through the Dredd case files vol 2, The complete Deadpool and Cable (or Cable and Deadpool, if you want to be picky) volume 2, as well as the Brian Reed halo comics. Gotta say - those are something a bit neat.

Case Files 02 has to be my favourite volume because it has two of my favourite Judge Dredd stories: The Cursed Earth (saga) and The Day the Law Died (or The Emperor Cal-igula saga! :D)

And I agree that missing a book of Y will spoil everything. So I was quite pleased to find Y volume 7 in my local library earlier this evening. Just finished reading it - the reason being that if I don't manage to find Book 4, then at least i'll know what went on before I jump onto Book 5. Of course that still wouldn't help as I would still miss volume 8! :D, I think i'll hold out until I find said volume from somewhere! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 October, 2012, 07:39:46 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 16 October, 2012, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 16 October, 2012, 05:59:46 PM
Quote from: judgefett on 16 October, 2012, 03:59:00 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 14 October, 2012, 06:58:20 PM
Just read Bigfoot #1 over at ComicXology, I thought it was superb. The artwork by Richard Corben is brilliant. Ever since I saw his artwork for The Crooked Man (Hellboy Vol 10); I fell in love with his really spooky and atmospheric style. (I urge comic lover's to read Crooked Man; it's one of the most scariest and creepiest comic i've read!). I tried looking over at Amazon if they. Had Bigfoot TPB, but they were going for £50 to £60 a pop! That is way out of my budget. I think it's out of print hence the insane valuation.  :-\

Bigfoot is superb- track down the collected trade, its lovely and would make a great horror movie (its co-written by Steve Niles and Rob Zombie).
If you like Corben and horror Id suggest you track down the recent 'Creepy- Richard Corben' collection. Superb hardcover collection with essays and covers too.

Thanks for the tip mate!  I just love Corben's artwork, and the Bigfoot story was absolutely brilliant! Such a shame I can't get hold of the TPB :(

But i'll definitely have a look into the title you mentioned!

Cheers!

If you read German, BIGFOOT is available in hardback from Amazon for less than twelve quid, including postage. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/3936480982/sr=8-2/qid=1350410436/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1350410436&seller=&sr=8-2

But you have to read German, because it's the German language edition. Which is an arse.

SBT

That is an arse! :D

Thanks for the link anyhow, SBT - I'll keep trying. And if I cannot find any copies then I'll maybe consider the German edition :D, But I have to say that Bigfoot is worth it in any language just for Richard Corbens awesome artwork alone!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spicy Biscuit on 16 October, 2012, 09:04:09 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 16 October, 2012, 06:07:22 PM
I've got Book 4 and 5 to go, unfortunately Amazon and The Book Depository are out of stock for Book 4; so i'll most probably have to skip to Book 5 which is a bummer.

I like to support my LCS any chance I get but most of the HC editions I find in the bigger stores have been in some pretty appalling states.  :-\

I'm sure my LCS can always order in fresh ones if I asked.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 16 October, 2012, 09:12:42 PM
My dad cleared out his loft and found a load of comics that are approx 20+ years old. Included were issues 1-17 of The Complete Judge Dredd so enjoying reading Judge Dredd from scratch (love the corny Dredd speech at the end of the first few progs). Was vaguely thinking of buying Case Files but no need for now!

Am also reading Red Badge of Courage, poetic description of a soldier's experience in the American Civil War.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Bissler on 17 October, 2012, 06:13:09 AM
Just read Harry 20 on the High Rock.  It was actually quite enjoyable but the A-Team-esque plotline of [spoiler]Harry building a landing craft in the middle of a high-security prison [/spoiler] really annoyed me!  I'm always up for a bit of suspension of disbelief but there are limits!  I'm surprised the editorial team at 2000AD let such a daft idea pass.  It would have been far better to have had Harry involved in some more credible escape plots, or even just put a bit more focus on how day-to-day life would have been in the High Rock.
So in conclusion, enjoyable nonsense with some lovely Alan Davis artwork!

Also, I noticed a few people discussing Y The Last Man.  Please read these books in order if you can!  I feel you will really miss out if you don't.  It's a great story with a terrific ending.  I will say no more than that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 October, 2012, 07:45:34 PM
Quote from: Spicy Biscuit on 16 October, 2012, 09:04:09 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 16 October, 2012, 06:07:22 PM
I've got Book 4 and 5 to go, unfortunately Amazon and The Book Depository are out of stock for Book 4; so i'll most probably have to skip to Book 5 which is a bummer.

I like to support my LCS any chance I get but most of the HC editions I find in the bigger stores have been in some pretty appalling states.  :-\

I'm sure my LCS can always order in fresh ones if I asked.

Thats great to hear mate, and I know what you mean about the HC's being in appaling condition, trust me! I've actually been quite put off by the state of some of the books. But regarding your LCS, they should order more in if you request it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 October, 2012, 07:51:29 PM
Quote from: The Bissler on 17 October, 2012, 06:13:09 AM
Just read Harry 20 on the High Rock.  It was actually quite enjoyable but the A-Team-esque plotline of [spoiler]Harry building a landing craft in the middle of a high-security prison [/spoiler] really annoyed me!  I'm always up for a bit of suspension of disbelief but there are limits!  I'm surprised the editorial team at 2000AD let such a daft idea pass.

Ahem... Do you not think it was maybe based on this famous true story? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colditz_glider
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 October, 2012, 07:53:16 PM
I'm reading Judge Dredd restricted case files 02 right now, there's some really nice stuff in there - I loved the superb black and white story 'Beyond the wall' by T.B Grover and Steve Dillon. A really poignant tale - the two page colour spread at the end was beautiful to say the least.

Also, I finished The Meg and the Prog earlier - really drokkin' enjoyable stuff and i'll post my views on it soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 17 October, 2012, 09:39:08 PM
got my judge dredd "cry of the werewolf" trade today an excellent read with the classic tail and the 'sequel' with a couple of other strips with art from messers gallagher and irving

and all for £7 from amazon
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 17 October, 2012, 09:42:21 PM
QuoteI'll have to pick up the Endymion books as well - anyone read those?

Yup. Brilliant stuff. They plod a bit in the middle, but everything is worth it for the revelation about [spoiler]The Shrike[/spoiler].
(and I KNOW you want to look at that spoiler!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 17 October, 2012, 10:37:45 PM
Is that american 'cry of the werewolf' still black and white, or have they coloured it?

I'd very much like a colour edition, if only so it would finally settle all those arguments as to 'what to give newbies to get them into dredd'.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 October, 2012, 11:17:23 PM
And it'd be a nice companion volume to Dredd vs Aliens.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 October, 2012, 09:20:41 PM
Dan Abnett's 'Doctor Who - The silent stars go by.'

I've always been intrigued by the idea of Dan Abnett's prose work given his breezy use of language in comics but I'm not that interested in the Warhammer 30000 world (or whatever it is) so when I saw he did a Doctor Who book I thought that was more all my street and I have to say it was great fun. Really enjoyed it. He has a real eye for getting the characters but the plot felt more like classic Who. So all in all a nice fun, exciting light read which I'd heartily recommend if your in the mood for that kinda thing.

Loved it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Bissler on 18 October, 2012, 11:47:57 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 17 October, 2012, 07:51:29 PM
Quote from: The Bissler on 17 October, 2012, 06:13:09 AM
Just read Harry 20 on the High Rock.  It was actually quite enjoyable but the A-Team-esque plotline of [spoiler]Harry building a landing craft in the middle of a high-security prison [/spoiler] really annoyed me!  I'm always up for a bit of suspension of disbelief but there are limits!  I'm surprised the editorial team at 2000AD let such a daft idea pass.

Ahem... Do you not think it was maybe based on this famous true story? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colditz_glider

I wasn't aware of that historical reference.  I take your point Dark Jimbo but stand by what I said about it being absurd.  Even if I accept that they may have been able to hide such a thing in plain view, [spoiler] NASA's space programme has tragically taught us that building craft that can withstand re-entry to earth's atmosphere is no easy feat even with the greatest scientific minds of the day working on it.  The idea that a couple of cons could knock together something like that beggars belief.   [/spoiler] 

Anyway, it's just my opinion, if other people enjoyed that aspect of the story then more power to them.  It just wasn't for me!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 19 October, 2012, 01:53:55 AM
I would not dream of asking Garth Ennis about the Bible!  Although I'm sure he'd be entertaining about it.

Now I'm catching up on my London Review of Books sub and reading some long articles about Indian history.  Turns out Ghandi wasn't as nice as I'd thought and Nehru screwed things up a bit.  Next up a fun article by Terry Castle, my favorite literary lesbian
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 19 October, 2012, 05:42:45 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 17 October, 2012, 10:37:45 PM
Is that american 'cry of the werewolf' still black and white, or have they coloured it?

I'd very much like a colour edition, if only so it would finally settle all those arguments as to 'what to give newbies to get them into dredd'.

SBT


only colours are from what i assume are the first pages in the centre spread? the other more modern strips are lovely though especially with carl critchlow on the following story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 19 October, 2012, 10:28:07 PM
Star Wars The Jabbah Tape written by John Wagner for it is he and art by Killian PLunkett a weird extra to the Shadows storyline basically following two swoop scum from that story. Okay but an oddball adventure.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 20 October, 2012, 01:34:34 AM
The Apocalypse Codex, 4th book of the Laundry files by Charles Stross. The British secret service vs Cthulhu types, whats not to like?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: bluemeanie on 20 October, 2012, 01:56:15 AM
Batman issue 13

May be the best single issue I've ever read. Seriously.

Cant remember being so wired after reading a comic as I was after this one. Granted I'm a Batman/Joker fan but still..... daaaamn. Main story blew me away then the Jock backup story put a nasty spin on it all.

Just brilliant
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 20 October, 2012, 01:59:27 AM
That a self contained story?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: bluemeanie on 20 October, 2012, 02:19:38 AM
Nah, its the opener to the bat titles crossover that's bringing back the Joker

That said, it really works as a single issue being that its the first part. Just got the wife to read it and she's got pretty much zero Bat continuity knowledge. Got to her too, especially the Jock ending

Cant recommend it enough
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 20 October, 2012, 02:23:34 AM
Wouldn't go out of my way to pick up a bats comic but i do love a good Joker story...might have to pick this up.

Still on the hunt for a paper back of Joker origins and short stories that came out in the late 80s. A book that i had an lent out..... :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 October, 2012, 05:42:51 AM
Quote from: bluemeanie on 20 October, 2012, 02:19:38 AM

That said, it really works as a single issue being that its the first part. Just got the wife to read it and she's got pretty much zero Bat continuity knowledge. Got to her too, especially the Jock ending


Synder swears blind that the Batman story (what is it 4 parts?) is self contained, if not the individual titles. He managed that in Night of the Owls so I hope he does here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 20 October, 2012, 02:44:16 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 20 October, 2012, 05:42:51 AM
Quote from: bluemeanie on 20 October, 2012, 02:19:38 AM

That said, it really works as a single issue being that its the first part. Just got the wife to read it and she's got pretty much zero Bat continuity knowledge. Got to her too, especially the Jock ending


Synder swears blind that the Batman story (what is it 4 parts?) is self contained, if not the individual titles. He managed that in Night of the Owls so I hope he does here.


Good to hear Colin, couldn't be really arsed tracking down the (sold out) tie-ins.
And as I mentioned in another thread: I LOVED Batman 13.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 October, 2012, 03:27:19 PM
Uncanny X-Men: Fall of the Shi'ar Empire, Brubaker and Tan.  Bloody hell, am I glad I got this from the library, and didn't have to pay for any of it - and I generally enjoy X-doings and their silly space outings in particular. 

In quasi-spoilery summary, the world's dullest X-team embark on an interminable character-less space-quest-thing to a bland space empire with awful, awful hair, featuring some of the worst character designs and face-rendering I have ever seen committed to paper.  This apparently ran for what must have been 12 long, long months during the Marvel Civil War event in 2008 as a 'self contained' X-antidote to everything else crossing over.  Chummer, you would have been better off embracing the crossover. 

Look, Brubaker and Tan are obviously very talented chaps, but this is poor, poor fare indeed. There's extensive back matter where they congratulate themselves on their extreme cleverness in creating this and its predecessor Dark Genesis, which story I now know I will forever avoid, said cleverness mainly consisting of inventing a third secret ripped-from-his-mother's-womb-by-aliens Summers brother to go with Havok and Cyclops and making him super-dooper-dooper powerful so he can go all evil and beat up everyone and fly through space killing people.  Meanwhile, all those cool x-characters you know and love speak with exactly one identical voice (as do all the aliens), and do very little except kill people left and right while muttering about not ever killing people. 

And then as a dramatic finale they kill off a peripheral space character that I quite liked back in the '80s to zero emotional or plot effect.  And then to add insult to injury the Shi'ar Empire [spoiler]doesn't fall[/spoiler]. It's shi'ite. Avoid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 20 October, 2012, 03:43:48 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 October, 2012, 03:27:19 PM
There's extensive back matter where they congratulate themselves on their extreme cleverness in creating this and its predecessor Dark Genesis, which story I now know I will forever avoid, said cleverness mainly consisting of inventing a third secret ripped-from-his-mother's-womb-by-aliens Summers brother to go with Havok and Cyclops and making him super-dooper-dooper powerful so he can go all evil and beat up everyone and fly through space killing people.

It takes Dan Abnett to eventually do something half-way interesting with Vulcan / Gabriel Summers in 'War of Kings', where he basically plays him as Caligula. Even then, there's a limit to what you can do with an entirely unnecessary third Summers brother (we all know that infamous set-up was for the mercifully sidelined Adam X the X-Treme anyway, thought I believe Claremont makes Gambit the third Summers in an out-of-continuity mini-series.)

As for the actual X-team though - the disappointment is that on paper this is a fantastic team, but it just doesn't come across that way. Nightcrawler, Havok and Rachel teaming up with space pirates? That should be gold. (If Abnett and Lanning had written it, maybe it would have been.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 October, 2012, 04:13:39 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 October, 2012, 03:43:48 PM...the disappointment is that on paper this is a fantastic team, but it just doesn't come across that way. Nightcrawler, Havok and Rachel teaming up with space pirates?

Well, Havok and Lorna have never done much for me, but Nightcrawler and Rachel have previously shown themselves to be great characters, not least when they were together in Excalibur.  Here, what the hell is going on, why are they here?  I don't think Kurt does one interesting thing the whole time - he never cracks a joke, or swashbuckles, and he randomly teleports a Skrull guy into the vacuum of space to (presumably) die prior to discovering that he has a magic spacesuit that saves him. Huh?  Rachel wanders around in a belly-top version of her mother's 60s costume looking by turns vacant and dazed and then magically makes herself a new, even more awful leather hip-hugger costume and then kills lots and lots and lots of people.  Prof X spends the whole time unconscious or being tortured, and Darwin  and Thunderbird are complete voids.  And the damn thing is as long as Watchmen.  UGH.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 20 October, 2012, 04:47:06 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 October, 2012, 04:13:39 PM
I don't think Kurt does one interesting thing the whole time - he never cracks a joke, or swashbuckles, and he randomly teleports a Skrull guy into the vacuum of space to (presumably) die prior to discovering that he has a magic spacesuit that saves him.

If memory serves, you are absolutely right - and the sad thing is that this is a scenario that at first seems like it's going to be tailor-made for him. Intergalactic highjinks! Piracy! Grand cosmic fuzzy elf adventures ahoy, right?

No. He does none of it. Mind you, I think the last time Kurt was a fun character was probably the mid-90s. Though he was my favourite of the X-Men, I was almost glad when they killed him off, as he'd become a kind of joyless mutated wallpaper. I remember when Fraction took over on Uncanny in the wake of multiple interviews where he declared Nightcrawler his favourite too - and he then proceeded to do pretty much nothing with him either. You wouldn't think he'd be a hard character to write well, would you?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 20 October, 2012, 06:05:45 PM
They've fixed Nightcrawler now - he's been killed off and replaced with a grim and angsty murderer in the apparently popular X-Force.  I'm sure if he had any fans they would be most grateful for this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 October, 2012, 07:00:36 PM
Having finally bought the nissing Charley's War volumes, i've begun a complete reread in preparation for the penultimate volume's publication in a week or so. Again, i'm convinced that this is the best comic strip to come out of britain, and yes, that does include Watchmen. Being disciples of Tharg here, we naturally discuss Pat Mills's side of things when CW gets mentioned, Joe Colquhoun never having sharpened his pencils for old green arse. However, with this reading i'm taking more notice of his art than ever before- in fact, this time i'm reading it FOR the art, as i know the story's beats off by heart now. Doing this has rendered it fresh and new all over again. His storytelling alone is masterful even divorced from his individual character designs and beautiful backgrounds. His poses are real and fluid, and the man had a grasp of lighting that ive only seen equalled elsewhere by David Lloyd. In short, while we may sometimes read interviews with Mills and wonder if he need to (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 20 October, 2012, 07:49:38 PM
(cont) sell Colquhoun's art QUITE so hard all the time, it's only when actually looking at it with fresh eyes that Mills's words become not just loyalty to a creator who gave him his greatest creative success, but genuine enthusiasm for an artist who has never been bettered. Mills raves about him, because he's worth raving about. And to think, there are people out there reading comics who think Jim Lee is good...

Just briliant, Charley's War is. Can you imagine what Pat and Joe could have done for 2000AD...

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 20 October, 2012, 08:02:34 PM
Spot-on there, SBT. Those books are brilliant, arent they. Really do the series justice.
Back in the day, Johnny Red and Charleys War were firm faves of mine, for the simple reason that Joe had drawn them.

Saw some of his original art for sale a few years ago at a Sheffield Golden Orbit show (it may have been a page from Roy of the Rovers - did Joe ever draw for that strip?), and it was a pleasure just to hold it in my hands, and pore over it for a while.
One of the best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 21 October, 2012, 02:28:05 PM
Had a bit of a shelf tidy up, and are now perusing various chapters in Wayne Kinseys two Hammer films books - the Bray studio years, and the Elstree studio years.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 21 October, 2012, 02:48:10 PM
Jeff Lemire's The Underwater Welder, based purely on recommendations a few pages back from Mabs  and Albion. I thought the title may be metaphorical, but no, turns out to actually be about a man who welds underwater. Cracking stuff, I can't do better than the cover quote "the best episode of the Twilight Zone you've never seen"; and I did shed a small tear at the end. Beautiful.

And did anyone spot the tiny Sweet Tooth cameo?  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 21 October, 2012, 03:55:52 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 21 October, 2012, 02:48:10 PM
Jeff Lemire's The Underwater Welder.......
And did anyone spot the tiny Sweet Tooth cameo?  :D

Yes, loved that cameo. Glad you liked it. I also thought the title was going to be a metaphor for something.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 21 October, 2012, 05:15:27 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 21 October, 2012, 02:48:10 PM
Jeff Lemire's The Underwater Welder, based purely on recommendations a few pages back from Mabs  and Albion. I thought the title may be metaphorical, but no, turns out to actually be about a man who welds underwater. Cracking stuff, I can't do better than the cover quote "the best episode of the Twilight Zone you've never seen"; and I did shed a small tear at the end. Beautiful.

And did anyone spot the tiny Sweet Tooth cameo?  :D

Glad you liked it mate, it really is a touching tale. By the way, I didn't spot the Sweet Tooth cameo! I must check my copy out right now! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 21 October, 2012, 06:21:31 PM
I finished reading the Saga trade last night, and if there was one word to some it up it would be this;

WOW!

SAGA

I was totally blown away by it! Its like Star Wars for grown ups, and the characters - my god! In which other comic can you find characters as awesome and terrifying as The Stalk? Or cool and brooding as The Will? Or tree's that turn into rocket ships? Or a robot with erectile dysfunction?

It was such a cool read. And as I sit here right now, there's only one thought in my head and that is the question of when I will get to read the next volume, because upon finishing I wanted more. I almost dreaded to see it finish. So enthralled was I, immersed in the breath-taking universe that Vaughan had created.

The story revolves around two character's, Alana and Marko two soldiers from an opposite side of a galactic war between the planet 'Landfall' and it's moon 'Wreath' . Contrary to their races hostility to one another  - they fall in love. They conceive a baby daughter together called Hazel. But these are dangerous times, and bringing a fragile thing as this new life into the world does not go unnoticed. Soon Freelancer's (Bounty hunters/ assasins) and the Landfall military, lead by Robot Prince IV are on their trail.

Brian K Vaughan has created a stunning grown up science-fiction epic; his writing is very witty, and heartfelt aswell. You know you are witnessing something special when you start caring for the characters in the story, and worried about what happens to them. He is my favourite writer right now alongside Brandon Graham. I love his prior works such as Y The Last Man - it is one of the best comic series of recent memory. And Pride of Baghdad was a joy to read; stunning and heartbreaking in the same breadth. But with Saga he has started something very special indeed.

But the reason why Saga is such a revelation is due to Fiona Staples stunning artwork; it is absolutely superb. It is a joy to behold. Her style is very original, and her lettering is beautiful too - especially Hazel's account. Her cover art for each of the six issues in this volume are just gorgeous to look at and it is amazing to think she is responsible for everything, not only interior artwork but the covers and the lettering too. Holding this volume in my hand, I felt I was in possession of something very special indeed.

Aswell as Stapleton's artwork, another key reason why Saga is such a joy to read (as well as our protagonists journey), is all the weird and wonderful characters on show, chief among them being 'The Stalk'. She is both beautiful and terrifying at the same time. I almost had a heart attack when I turned the page and saw her standing there! But that was nothing compared to what was underneath that black dress. Another freelancer The Will was another excellent creation - he's like a brooding, bald Han Solo with a cat instead of Chewie - a cat which can tell if you're lying. Or the odd sex club hostesses we meet on Sextillion, resembling a giant head on a pair of legs! Or the TV headed robot's - and whats more, a 'Royal' robot with erectile dysfunction! These creations make Saga such a unique and fascinating read.

Image Comics are definitely on the ascendency right now -  with Elephantmen, Prophet and now Saga -  it has never been a better time to be a science fiction/ comic book fan than right now.

5/5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 21 October, 2012, 06:35:11 PM
I only ever managed to read one episode of SAGA as it was selling out quickly. Same with Planetoid another Image good 'un.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 October, 2012, 06:41:15 PM
Fables Vol 15: Rose Red.  I was an avid Fables trade reader for a while, then lost interest and wasn't encouraged back by Willingham's statements on certain geopolitical issues. However, this unread volume presented itself in the library, and despite having missed more than several books since I last dropped in, I thought it was a very good read. May well have to track down what I've missed.

High points: 
- Inaki Miranda's art on one of the middle chapters, gosh he's amazingly good! 
- Frau Totenkinder's duel, nicely sustained, and always one of my favourite characters.
Low points:
- The decision to put misty photo-realistic pictures of Rose Red in skimpy undies on almost all the covers, the tenuous link to the content being that Rose is bed-bound by grief.
- Repetitive plotting - more retreating, more babies-with-a-dark-secret.
- Snow still talks in complete speeches.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 October, 2012, 08:05:25 PM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 20 October, 2012, 08:02:34 PM

Saw some of his original art for sale a few years ago at a Sheffield Golden Orbit show (it may have been a page from Roy of the Rovers - did Joe ever draw for that strip?), and it was a pleasure just to hold it in my hands, and pore over it for a while.
One of the best.

Yeah as I recall (and for the life of me I can't remember how I know this) he was the first artist on the title... in fact that might have been mentioned in one of the introductions to the glorious Charley's Wars books that everyone has rightly been saluting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 21 October, 2012, 08:46:35 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 21 October, 2012, 06:35:11 PM
I only ever managed to read one episode of SAGA as it was selling out quickly. Same with Planetoid another Image good 'un.

I'm not surprised! I really urge you to buy the trade, I bought mine for only £6.63 from The Book Depository - which is a bargain if you ask me!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 23 October, 2012, 07:40:37 PM
I finished the Ballad of Halo Jones today. I finally see what all the fuss is about!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 24 October, 2012, 02:50:18 PM
Recently finished the last part of the Sin Titulo web comic, which re-started after a long break not so long ago.  There were some great pages towards the end, but I felt the ending was a little underwhelming overall.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 24 October, 2012, 03:53:21 PM
Comics I'm currently enjoying include John Arcudi's excellent The Creep from Dark Horse, and in the continuing spirit of singing Image's praises, post-zombie-incident 'rural noir' Revival.

BPRD continues to tick all of my boxes and I look forward to it more than any other comic out there by miles.

The Saga trade is en route as we speak and I'm positively champing at the bit for it now  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 24 October, 2012, 04:32:21 PM
Prophet, the first trade collection of the relaunch of Rob "the" Liefeld's Wolverine knock-off, in which the superhero trappings of the previous 20 issues are discarded in favor of a Nausicaa-meets-Fallout 3-meets-Iain M Banks style travelogue that's initially ambitious, but soon becomes mired in the kind of illogical story progression and muddled visuals that sank most anime for me once my balls dropped and I started taking an interest in stories and character instead of defining my cultural intake by the level of excess it could indulge.  Brandon Graham is clearly a fan of the same anime shows as I am, because there are plenty of story elements that will seem familiar to viewers of Ghost in the Shell and Appleseed, but Prophet is still probably the closest US comics have yet got to non-English sprawling epics of the like of Betelgeuse, but it's ruined in the final pages by yet another Wolverine analogue showing up and killing everyone in a badass way, jarring it from interesting and ambiguous science fiction to something that ultimately feels like an overly-decompressed superhero origin story and in retrospect gives the impression that it wasn't even trying at all.  For the first four chapters' worth of book, mind, it was pretty great.
There's also an Emma Rios short at the back that I couldn't make heads nor tails of.  Literally could not understand what was going on or what I was even looking at, so I imagine that it was "inventive and ambitious" or something.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 24 October, 2012, 07:07:58 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 24 October, 2012, 04:32:21 PM
Prophet, the first trade collection of the relaunch of Rob "the" Liefeld's Wolverine knock-off, in which the superhero trappings of the previous 20 issues are discarded in favor of a Nausicaa-meets-Fallout 3-meets-Iain M Banks style travelogue that's initially ambitious, but soon becomes mired in the kind of illogical story progression and muddled visuals that sank most anime for me once my balls dropped and I started taking an interest in stories and character instead of defining my cultural intake by the level of excess it could indulge.  Brandon Graham is clearly a fan of the same anime shows as I am, because there are plenty of story elements that will seem familiar to viewers of Ghost in the Shell and Appleseed, but Prophet is still probably the closest US comics have yet got to non-English sprawling epics of the like of Betelgeuse, but it's ruined in the final pages by yet another Wolverine analogue showing up and killing everyone in a badass way, jarring it from interesting and ambiguous science fiction to something that ultimately feels like an overly-decompressed superhero origin story and in retrospect gives the impression that it wasn't even trying at all.  For the first four chapters' worth of book, mind, it was pretty great.
There's also an Emma Rios short at the back that I couldn't make heads nor tails of.  Literally could not understand what was going on or what I was even looking at, so I imagine that it was "inventive and ambitious" or something.

Which illogical storylines do you feel Prophet is getting mired in? I find some aspects challenging but all seems to make sense to me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 October, 2012, 08:12:47 PM
Just finished a re-read of Zot! and its as magnificent as I remember, bloody love it. Even at the times, in the later issues when some of the 'issues' are handled with a lack of subtly the wonderful characters shine through. Zot! was and still is such a breathe of fresh air and the end to 33 is still of the all time great endings. 9-Jack-9 is one of the all time great villains. Zot! himself is one of the all time great leads in a comic strip. If you've never read it I can't recommend it highly enough. Reading it in one go you can almost sense Scott McCloud working out the ideas for his equally brilliant 'Understanding Comics'

I bloody love this series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 24 October, 2012, 09:06:44 PM
Quote from: Davek on 24 October, 2012, 07:07:58 PMWhich illogical storylines do you feel Prophet is getting mired in? I find some aspects challenging but all seems to make sense to me.

As I said, from issue 4 onwards (once the setup is established), the visuals become cluttered and how the eye is supposed to progress around some pages (the Appleseed homage sequences especially) is unclear without stopping and deciphering what is in the end just messy rather than intricate.  Complex layouts that reward repeated viewings are good when done well - see JH Williams' work in general - but it shouldn't be a chore to tell what's supposed to be going on, that's just sloppy work - there were pages I did not even know what I was looking at in some panels beyond that whatever was going on, it was happening in mud.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 25 October, 2012, 01:43:21 AM
I must confess that I've recently read book one of Graham's Prophet, and had quite a lot of trouble following it.

I was told that no prior knowledge of the character was required, but felt like I was really missing something towards the end.

I'm now reading King City, and frankly I'm even more baffled. If it doesn't get good (or at least coherent) soon it's going straight on eBay.

A friend recommended me Graham's work as I really liked Orc Stain, but I can't really see the similarity to Stokoe - I thought Orc Stain was much more accessible and to my taste.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 25 October, 2012, 10:04:18 AM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 24 October, 2012, 09:06:44 PM
As I said, from issue 4 onwards (once the setup is established), the visuals become cluttered and how the eye is supposed to progress around some pages (the Appleseed homage sequences especially) is unclear without stopping and deciphering what is in the end just messy rather than intricate.  Complex layouts that reward repeated viewings are good when done well - see JH Williams' work in general - but it shouldn't be a chore to tell what's supposed to be going on, that's just sloppy work - there were pages I did not even know what I was looking at in some panels beyond that whatever was going on, it was happening in mud.
I remember "Rub the Blood" Liefeld's Prophet; I remember somebody else from the Image crowd eventually took over the storytelling and it was supposed to have improved the title but I can't remember the guy's name. I think he was largely an illustrator beforehand and he had a brief title named Hell Child or something along those lines.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 25 October, 2012, 11:51:02 AM
reading the whole song of ice and fire again - inbetween kindle new downloads

just about to read the new colin bateman mystery man novel - the prisoner of brenda

very funny and well written enough to like the main protagonist who's a right get!

no. 4 of the books - check out the first; mystery man - you'll laugh every 3 pages and chapters are short which is perfect for commuting:-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mystery-Man-ebook/dp/B004XCGLAY/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351162220&sr=1-9#reader_B004XCGLAY (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mystery-Man-ebook/dp/B004XCGLAY/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351162220&sr=1-9#reader_B004XCGLAY)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 October, 2012, 12:16:55 PM
 
Quote from: mygrimmbrother on 24 October, 2012, 03:53:21 PM
Comics I'm currently enjoying include John Arcudi's excellent The Creep from Dark Horse, and in the continuing spirit of singing Image's praises, post-zombie-incident 'rural noir' Revival.

BPRD continues to tick all of my boxes and I look forward to it more than any other comic out there by miles.

The Saga trade is en route as we speak and I'm positively champing at the bit for it now  :)

BPRD is absolutely awesome! I bought the Plage of Frogs hardback book 1 a while ago and its really superb. The actual Plage of Frogs story begins in volume 3, and the artwork by Guy Davis is really something special indeed. Having said that, I need to get Book 2 soon, I think theres 4 in total.

And Saga - just wait until you read it! : )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark-Flux on 25 October, 2012, 12:32:25 PM
My current pull consists of:

DC
Action Comics
Wonder Woman
Batman
Detective Comics
Swamp Thing
Animal Man
Frankenstein Agent of SHADE
Stormwatch
Talon
Team 7

Marvel
Daredevil
Hawkeye

Image
Saga
Manhattan Projects
Prophet
Glory
Bloodstrike
Supreme
Witchblade
Darkness
Artifacts
Cyberforce
Spawn
Haunt
Hell Yeah
Danger Club
Shinku
Savage Dragon

Valiant
X-O Manowar
Harbinger
Bloodshot
Archer & Armstrong

Plus Jennifer Blood, TMNT and 2000Ad.

Need more moneyz...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 25 October, 2012, 08:22:30 PM
Heavy Metal MAgazine Monster massacre special only a glimpse so far but very good indeed. Pariah a -wh40k Imperial Inquistion (who no one ever expects)  book and I can start it when i've finished Fear to Tread from the Horus Heresy series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 October, 2012, 08:37:13 PM
Sorry thats supposed to be 'plague' not plage, bloody phone keys.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 October, 2012, 08:40:02 PM
By the way, I'm reading Strontium Dog agency files 02 right now...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Bissler on 25 October, 2012, 08:45:57 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 October, 2012, 08:40:02 PM
By the way, I'm reading Strontium Dog agency files 02 right now...

Really interested to see what you make of it, whether you agree with the favourable reports myself and many others gave it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 25 October, 2012, 09:18:39 PM
A medley of several recent ebay purchases, including
Wildcat Winter Special 1989
Eagle #1, #2 and Best of Eagle Monthly #1
Crisis Presents XPRESSO special (Manara cover)
Eagle presents Robo Hunter #1-#5 (yes, there are subtle art changes in #1 that ive noticed- including one baffling substitution of a close up of sam's face)
Space Voyager magazine #12 (favourite, and first 'grown-up'magazine of my youth, all mysteriously lost)
and Legends of the Law #11, #12 and #13- a fairly good 'vampires in mega-city one' tale, pencilled by nigel dobbyn, which despite being as wrong as these american attempts always are, is the best of them, i think. I especially like the cultured 'good' vampire's attempt to seduce dredd. It's why the book fails, but also why it's such fun. Despite dredd's harshly-spat "deviant!" referring to his bloodsucking, it's hard not to see it as an uncharacteristic bit of homophobia on joe's part. Has he ever commented on different sexualities before? I find it hard to believe we (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: COMMANDO FORCES on 25 October, 2012, 09:23:13 PM
I bought the latest issue of 2000 AD today!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 25 October, 2012, 09:26:31 PM
(cont) didnt have a comedy pooftah crim back in the early eighties, along with all the japanese tourists.

Anyway, it's not bad, the art isnt as lovely as dobbyn's contemporary stuff in the meg and elsewhere, as i guess he was trying to learn the american way of doing things and only pencilling after all. It's still the best of all the art from the 31 US DC comics. Worth picking up.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 25 October, 2012, 09:47:20 PM
Always see the Solaris ads on the back of the prog, but the one for Helix Wars jumped out at me, so I've bought the first one (Helix) to give it a try. If I enjoy it I can see me grabbing some of the other Solaris books that look interesting, I'm trying to take a random punt on sci-fi novels lately.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 26 October, 2012, 12:22:34 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 October, 2012, 12:16:55 PM

BPRD is absolutely awesome! I bought the Plage of Frogs hardback book 1 a while ago and its really superb. The actual Plage of Frogs story begins in volume 3, and the artwork by Guy Davis is really something special indeed. Having said that, I need to get Book 2 soon, I think theres 4 in total.

The fourth hardback should be released in the next few weeks. They really are a fantastic read and those omnibus editions are lovely (both hardback and paperback!) and a perfect way of reading the series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 26 October, 2012, 10:01:44 AM
Erm, am I missing something with King City?

What do people see in this? It's just wall to wall quirk, complete style over substance. The 'story' so far is crap - no explanation for anything, no introduction, no reason for me to care about any of the characters. I really want to like it, but theres very little to get my teeth into, just wafer thin characters spouting self-conciously quirky dialogue. Reminds me of Scott Pilgrim, but at least I could kinda tell where SP was coming from.

What a let down. Looks like ill be selling my copy on.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 26 October, 2012, 10:29:04 AM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 24 October, 2012, 09:06:44 PM
Quote from: Davek on 24 October, 2012, 07:07:58 PMWhich illogical storylines do you feel Prophet is getting mired in? I find some aspects challenging but all seems to make sense to me.

As I said, from issue 4 onwards (once the setup is established), the visuals become cluttered and how the eye is supposed to progress around some pages (the Appleseed homage sequences especially) is unclear without stopping and deciphering what is in the end just messy rather than intricate.  Complex layouts that reward repeated viewings are good when done well - see JH Williams' work in general - but it shouldn't be a chore to tell what's supposed to be going on, that's just sloppy work - there were pages I did not even know what I was looking at in some panels beyond that whatever was going on, it was happening in mud.

We'll have to agree to disagree (for me the story became more interesting when it moved away from the prophets assembling - think that was around issue 4?I cant wait to see how the different arcs come together).  I enjoy stopping and deciphering the complex scenes, as otherwise the comic is just another title that you race through in 5 mins. 

On a related note - I started Multiple Warheads last night, and did find that more difficult to follow - mainly I think due to the off kilter dialogue.  I'm guessing Multiple Warheads is closer to King City that Prophet (I've not read King City but did plan to).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 26 October, 2012, 10:59:30 AM
Quote from: The Bissler on 25 October, 2012, 08:45:57 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 October, 2012, 08:40:02 PM
By the way, I'm reading Strontium Dog agency files 02 right now...

Really interested to see what you make of it, whether you agree with the favourable reports myself and many others gave it...

I'll let you know straight after i finish reading it mate, first impressions are really good. I'm in the opening chapters (portrait of a mutant) and i'm really enjoying it. Carlos Ezquerra's artwork is absolutely stunning !
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 26 October, 2012, 02:14:54 PM
Quote from: Davek on 26 October, 2012, 10:29:04 AMWe'll have to agree to disagree (for me the story became more interesting when it moved away from the prophets assembling - think that was around issue 4?

You misunderstand.  My problem is not with the story, it is with the muddled narrative techniques which are used to tell that story.  Once the Masamune Shirow homage kicks in with the mech suits, the pages are a mess in some places, and the end of the book is basically a level from Shadow of the Colossus where Space Wolverine jumps out of the monster for some reason.

QuoteI cant wait to see how the different arcs come together).

I suspect you have made my point here: the arcs have already come together.  The disparate characters meet up and are killed in service to the living ship whose avatar is the little white ghost girl.  By the time the story picks up in issue 6-ish, some characters have been killed off-panel.

QuoteI enjoy stopping and deciphering the complex scenes, as otherwise the comic is just another title that you race through in 5 mins.

Fair play.  Personally, I don't enjoy not knowing what I am looking at.  I have this crazy idea that first and foremost a page should be visually functional in that it clearly illustrates the story - Prophet does not always manage this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 26 October, 2012, 02:29:46 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 25 October, 2012, 09:47:20 PM
Always see the Solaris ads on the back of the prog, but the one for Helix Wars jumped out at me, so I've bought the first one (Helix) to give it a try. If I enjoy it I can see me grabbing some of the other Solaris books that look interesting, I'm trying to take a random punt on sci-fi novels lately.

Love to know what you think - I've only ever read his short fiction (which I really like) so have been thinking about picking this up too. 

I haven't read any prose in the last 3 months or so, it's been all comics! Have had a blast through a bunch of 2000ad trades and am now reading book six of Moore's Swamp Thing. Really didn't care for the Adam Strange/Rann yarn to start with and was just a bit meh about Loving the Alien. There were far too many words and it seemed very self concious and I just didn't get it overall. Finished last night with All Flesh is Grass which was much more up my bayou and what I want from Swampy - a bit mental, a bit scary, all depicted with no little expertise by Veitch, Alcala and Wood. Put me in mind of Barker's In the hills, in the cities which is no bad thing either.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 26 October, 2012, 05:14:01 PM
Just had the final Nikolai Dante book delivered today. Question is, do read it now or go back to the very beginning and start again? Decisions, decisions...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 October, 2012, 06:48:50 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 26 October, 2012, 05:14:01 PM
Just had the final Nikolai Dante book delivered today. Question is, do read it now or go back to the very beginning and start again? Decisions, decisions...

Uh uh start from the beginning start from the beginning. i did a re-read a wee bit ago and chuffin' loved it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 27 October, 2012, 06:16:51 PM
I'd like to continue reading the Dante trades, but in order. (In other words, I have the first two trades, and last I checked - which to be fair was a while -the third wasn't readily available).

I just finished The Last Continent by Terry Pratchett. Basically Discworld does Australia. With wizards. Very enjoyable. I rarely feel that inclined to actually buy Pratchett's work though. I enjoy it, but as a light read from the library, if that makes sense. There are exceptions mind you. I don't intend that as a slight of his work in any way.

Speaking of library books, I've got a bunch to get through. Oh and a Dredd Case Files #8 that I picked up recently from a Classified's ad on this very site! I have #2 and intended to get them in order, but as it was there, and a decent deal, I thought, why not? Most Dredd stories are pretty self contained anyway.

More on the other library books when I get to them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 28 October, 2012, 12:25:27 AM
Masters of the Universe, the latest comic book adaptation of the 1980s pop cultural phenomenon, and at least the second update of a 1980s cartoon show and toy line that I've seen where the writer seems determined to work out some of the sexual fantasies they had about the characters they grew up with while their puds were starting to sprout, as like that Thundercats update where Wilykat was Mumm-Ra's underage sex slave and Cheetara spent all her time chained to a pillar because it made her easier to rape, MotU features an update of Teela where she's not a warrior of any sort but a "handmaiden" to Trapjaw who waits about to be rescued by Adam - yes, Adam, and not He-Man, which if you are unfamiliar with MotU lore is a bit like Lois Lane being rescued by Clark Kent instead of Superman.  Between this and actual fanfiction, I'm beginning to worry that I never had any violent rape fantasies about female cartoon characters while I was growing up.

The gist of a so-far aimless story* is probably that Skeletor has altered the memories of the MotU cast to make them forget they were badasses, a one-issue story at best that seems to be a 6 or 12 part tale by the looks of things three issues in, and I have absolutely no idea who this book is aimed at: regular comic book readers have seen this story done a thousand times before, MotU fans will be uninterested in seeing their characters act out of sorts for a story the cartoon has done a couple of times already, and beyond that there is literally nobody left to read this.  Even I picked it up on a whim and I am more frustrated and baffled by it than compelled to see how things turn out, though I imagine there's probably some kind of props due to any creative team that can fail to write a story that lives up to anything that has gone before when the bar is the cartoon, comic and movie versions of Masters of the Universe.
They have found a new way to fail, and I'll admit I can't take that away from them.

* I do not use the term "aimless" lightly - Adam is a lumberjack and one day, he just decides to go on a journey and he meets the evil MotU characters as he goes.  This is the actual plot of this book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 28 October, 2012, 12:31:45 AM
Wow ..i stopped after the 1st paragraph....two tv cartoons i remember from my childhood which always had a moral twist at the end (which i remember despising) now involving bondage and rape!!  It's more than my delicate constitution can take....it's like Paddington Bear the peado.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 October, 2012, 10:52:44 AM
Just caught up with the first three trades of Li'l Depressed Boy and what a joy these were the read. Surprised no one seems to be talking about this comic. Its wonderfully observed reflections on modern life can be both charming, hilarious and heart breaking. It all feels so wonderfully similar and yet as I'm older myself now safely distant.

Only problem with it is its so quick to read. Each trade, reprinting 4 issues only really taking me 30 minutes. Still brilliant while it lasted.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 31 October, 2012, 11:59:15 AM
Quote from: The Bissler on 25 October, 2012, 08:45:57 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 October, 2012, 08:40:02 PM
By the way, I'm reading Strontium Dog agency files 02 right now...

Really interested to see what you make of it, whether you agree with the favourable reports myself and many others gave it...

*Minor spoilers*

Fret not mate; i finished reading it last night and theres one word to sum it all up.....DROKKIN' AWESOME! Okay, thats two words but it was a fantastic read!

Let me first start off by saying that Carlos Ezquerra's artwork is simply superb. The consistency and the detail for each story is bloody brilliant. As for the story - Wow! Its like Star Wars via The Spaghetti Westerns!

My favourite story in this collection has to be The Killing followed by Outlaw. The Moses Incident was also another one i loved, not to mention The Kid Knee Caper - the ending was really tragic! I took a liking to the title character and was gutted by his sad demise *sob*.

The first story Portrait of a Mutant was a great introduction to the character of Johnny Alpha. It was one of the reasons why i chose to buy file 2 as a starting point rather than 1 ( but i will definitely read these case files in the near future).

One of the reasons why Strontium Dog is such a joy to read is the characters; we have Johny Alpha and Wulf not to mention the lovable Gronk, but also the other muties such as Middenface, Cracton Fuzz and The Torso from Newcastle! :D

Strontium Dog S/D  File 2 was a joy to read; memorable characters, awesome settings complemented by Ezquerra and Grant's beautiful artwork and humourous writing respectively - being a fan of sci-fi, and having grown up on British shows such as Red Dwarf and Doctor Who - i lapped it all up with joyous gusto! I have been familiar with Judge Dredd for a long time - since a young boy to be precise - but this is my first proper introduction to SD; and i must confess i am now a fan!

I cannot wait to read the rest of the files.

5/5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 31 October, 2012, 12:04:51 PM
By the way, i had MAZE WORLD and STRONTIUM DOG: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JOHNNY ALPHA delivered today! Cannot wait to get stuck in! : )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 02 November, 2012, 06:59:25 PM
Just finished Total War and enjoyed the whole book thoroughly. The art is top quality throughout and although it looked familiar it didn't click that Jason Brashill was the hand of Tim Bisley until I looked him up after.

I'm sure I've seen worse in Dredd but for some reason the two instances of Judges [spoiler]bloodily inserting technology into people's heads and manipulating them for their own ends[/spoiler] really left me feeling uneasy. Even more so since Sonny seems so eager to recount the novelty of what he thinks happened to him. I suppose that's the element that drew me to the comic in the first place.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 02 November, 2012, 07:35:16 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 31 October, 2012, 11:59:15 AM
Quote from: The Bissler on 25 October, 2012, 08:45:57 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 October, 2012, 08:40:02 PM
By the way, I'm reading Strontium Dog agency files 02 right now...

Really interested to see what you make of it, whether you agree with the favourable reports myself and many others gave it...

*Minor spoilers*

Fret not mate; i finished reading it last night and theres one word to sum it all up.....DROKKIN' AWESOME! Okay, thats two words but it was a fantastic read!

Wait till you get to vol. 3 and 'Rage' - your head will explode from thrillpower!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 03 November, 2012, 05:45:19 PM
Just finished the Mechanismo TPB. A bit of an odd blend of old- and new-style Dredd (speaking from very little experience here), but it was interesting seeing a glimpse of McGruder's deterioration...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 03 November, 2012, 07:04:23 PM
Reading the Cursed Earth at the moment (Dad gave me a bunch of my old 'Complete Judge Dredd' from his loft the other day).  Great escapism - love the McMahon art episodes (just been looking at his latest blog post - a rough sketch of Slaine).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Taryn Tailz on 03 November, 2012, 11:06:28 PM
Just read the first fifty pages of the Harry Turtledove novel "Hitler's War". Haven't read any of Turtledove's work before but so far I'm really enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 03 November, 2012, 11:27:54 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 02 November, 2012, 07:35:16 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 31 October, 2012, 11:59:15 AM
Quote from: The Bissler on 25 October, 2012, 08:45:57 PM
Quote from: Mabs lin=topic=24633.msg721784#msg721784 date=1351194002
By the way, I'm reading Strontium Dog agency files 02 right now...

Really interested to see what you make of it, whether you agree with the favourable reports myself and many others gave it...

*Minor spoilers*

Fret not mate; i finished reading it last night and theres one word to sum it all up.....DROKKIN' AWESOME! Okay, thats two words but it was a fantastic read!

Wait till you get to vol. 3 and 'Rage' - your head will explode from thrillpower!

Lol! I'll definitely make note of that! I finished reading Maze World earlier today and i was absolutely rivetted by Grants dark nightmarish fantasy storytelling coupled with Ranson's fu*king awesome artwork! Its a really dark story, with buckets of blood and some really powerful and fantastic imagery. When i got to the first double page spread - the one where Cadman tumbles into Maze World - seriously my jaws just hit the ground! I'm definitely going to give it a re-read soon.

I just started Judge Dredd Case File 14 a little while ago. Been meaning to read the Necropolis storyline for a long time now.

By the way, has anyone read Northlanders - in particular volume 3? It is bloody brilliant! The opening story had some of the most beautiful artwork i have seen in comics (by Dean Ormston)! The two page spread of the viking ships coming ashore and the figure of the little boy in the background - just took my breath away!

Oh, just remembered- i also finished Snyder's Swamp Thing vol 1 yesterday, it was a really entertaining read. Really enjoyable stuff especially the awesome artwork by Yanick Paquette. Highly recommended!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 04 November, 2012, 09:00:05 AM
Mark Millar's run on Swamp Thing. Starting with (vol 2) #140, his first four were co-written with Grant Morrison, and to be honest aren't very good. However, as soon as he dumps Morrison (who pootles off to write The Invisibles) things take off and we are treated to an extended run of Millar trying to shock. You may find this adolescent and irritating and indicative of Millar's childishness as a writer, but i do not. I enjoy writers trying to upset their audience- in fact, 75% of the things i love could be grumpily summed up in such terms.

Anyway, last night i went through #140 to #150. Hopefully i'll be able to crack on with the next five tonight and so on until i finish the run on wednesday, at which point i will go back and attempt the previously-avoided Nancy Collins issues :-/

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 04 November, 2012, 10:27:54 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 26 October, 2012, 02:29:46 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 25 October, 2012, 09:47:20 PM
Always see the Solaris ads on the back of the prog, but the one for Helix Wars jumped out at me, so I've bought the first one (Helix) to give it a try. If I enjoy it I can see me grabbing some of the other Solaris books that look interesting, I'm trying to take a random punt on sci-fi novels lately.

Love to know what you think - I've only ever read his short fiction (which I really like) so have been thinking about picking this up too. 

I haven't read any prose in the last 3 months or so, it's been all comics! Have had a blast through a bunch of 2000ad trades and am now reading book six of Moore's Swamp Thing. Really didn't care for the Adam Strange/Rann yarn to start with and was just a bit meh about Loving the Alien. There were far too many words and it seemed very self concious and I just didn't get it overall. Finished last night with All Flesh is Grass which was much more up my bayou and what I want from Swampy - a bit mental, a bit scary, all depicted with no little expertise by Veitch, Alcala and Wood. Put me in mind of Barker's In the hills, in the cities which is no bad thing either.

M.

Blown away by Helix, would wholeheartedly recommend it! Really interesting world, some properly big ideas and great characters. I was totally gripped and have bought the sequel, it's the kind of world-building stuff where you're really intrigued to see where else he takes it. Will definitely give more of his stuff a go, and some other Solaris books that look interesting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 04 November, 2012, 10:48:52 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 04 November, 2012, 10:27:54 AM
Blown away by Helix, would wholeheartedly recommend it!

Hurray! I think I'll put that on me letter to Santa this year then.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spicy Biscuit on 04 November, 2012, 12:57:51 PM
Was finally able to start digging back through the Hellboy trades. I really love the pop culture like take on the paranormal and folklore, Mignola knows what he's doing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 November, 2012, 10:54:28 AM
Quote from: Spicy Biscuit on 04 November, 2012, 12:57:51 PM
Was finally able to start digging back through the Hellboy trades. I really love the pop culture like take on the paranormal and folklore, Mignola knows what he's doing.

I drokkin love the big red ape! Some really cool stories over the years and the talents involved is insane. I'm just re-reading vol 10: The Crooked Man right now. Corbens artwork is really special, atmospheric and creepy to boot. Its one of my favourite Hellboy stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 November, 2012, 11:00:15 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 04 November, 2012, 09:00:05 AM
Mark Millar's run on Swamp Thing. Starting with (vol 2) #140, his first four were co-written with Grant Morrison, and to be honest aren't very good. However, as soon as he dumps Morrison (who pootles off to write The Invisibles) things take off and we are treated to an extended run of Millar trying to shock. You may find this adolescent and irritating and indicative of Millar's childishness as a writer, but i do not. I enjoy writers trying to upset their audience- in fact, 75% of the things i love could be grumpily summed up in such terms.

Anyway, last night i went through #140 to #150. Hopefully i'll be able to crack on with the next five tonight and so on until i finish the run on wednesday, at which point i will go back and attempt the previously-avoided Nancy Collins issues :-/

SBT

I've still to read Millar's run. I'll definitely keep an eye out!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 08 November, 2012, 12:33:52 PM
Finishing the last two tonight, but it's definitely my fabvourite swamp thing run after moore.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 08 November, 2012, 05:21:35 PM
The Third World War: The Untold Story by Sir John Hackett.
Snagged a cheap copy off of E-bay, after catching a link which led to this, over on the political thread.
Its the follow-up to his 1978 book - The Third World War: August 1985. [spoiler]Its a good, if a little dry, telling of a fictional conventionally fought third world war, that only becomes a (limited) nuclear one, as the Soviets face defeat.[/spoiler]

Funny how, though written in the early 80's, certain political attitutes, depicted in the book, are still very much present today. Somethings never change, i guess
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 09 November, 2012, 10:57:20 AM
Ian M Banks' new Culture novel 'The Hydrogen Sonata'.

About half way through it. The story itself is slight (so far, anyway) but learning the Culture's origins and what happens when a species Sublimes is making for an engrossing read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 09 November, 2012, 02:23:51 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 09 November, 2012, 10:57:20 AM
Ian M Banks' new Culture novel 'The Hydrogen Sonata'.

Fuckballs! I forgot that was out!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 09 November, 2012, 02:53:42 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 09 November, 2012, 02:23:51 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 09 November, 2012, 10:57:20 AM
Ian M Banks' new Culture novel 'The Hydrogen Sonata'.

Fuckballs! I forgot that was out!

M.


Nuts, hardback - I'll wait for the paperback to come out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 November, 2012, 11:21:35 AM
Just had the City of Dust TPB along with Case Files 04 delivered today! Really looking forward to reading them both! : )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Buttonman on 10 November, 2012, 11:30:11 AM
Just finished 'The Lost Symbol' by Dan Brown. I enjoyed his previous books and defended them against those who looked down on them as being for thick people. This one was however shee-ite and was essentially a love letter to the masons with the albino character from 'The da Vinci Code' resurrected with a new name. Even the puzzles were pish. A must not read.

Now onto 'The Cain Mutiny' by Herman Wouk, and it is far more enjoyable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 10 November, 2012, 12:25:27 PM
Do people really slag Dan Brown for being an airport novelist?  On a comic book forum?  Seems a bit like people on footy forum slagging Warhammer fans for having a silly hobby.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 10 November, 2012, 12:44:09 PM
"Football's not a matter of life and death its much more important than that"
Bill Shankly 1913 - 1981.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 10 November, 2012, 12:57:32 PM
Parker: The Hunter just arrived. It's a very sexy book.
I love Darwyn Cooke, Point Blank, and Payback, however I've never read the original novel, first I'm going to read this!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 November, 2012, 01:21:23 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 10 November, 2012, 12:25:27 PM
Do people really slag Dan Brown for being an airport novelist?  On a comic book forum?  Seems a bit like people on footy forum slagging Warhammer fans for having a silly hobby.
What so are you really suggesting its not possible for comics, an entire medium, or dare I say art form, to produce a work of greater critical or literary value than an airport novel?. Really? Hope I'm wrong but if so the real surprise is that you'd do that on a comic forum!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 10 November, 2012, 02:58:52 PM
I've started threads calling each and every one of you a gaylord and this is what surprises you?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 10 November, 2012, 03:45:38 PM
BPRD Plague of Frogs 4. Nice chunky hardback. Should keep me entertained for the evening
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 10 November, 2012, 03:57:22 PM
Just finished A Dance with Dragons.  I thought it was a terrific read as these things go, with some wonderful sequences and images, and my only real criticism is George Martin why you not write more faster.  What the hell is going to happen next?

ASoIaF has now been slotted firmly into the the coveted No. 3 position of my Fantasy Novel Series League Table, just behind Earthsea.  Somehow the world-building in this one really took off, merging the more high-fantasy elements with the faux-medieval background much more convincingly than previously.  The Slavers' Bay/Old Valirya/Free Cities milieu was pretty compelling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 10 November, 2012, 04:25:18 PM
The Nancy Collins run on Swamp Thing, and selected recent Hellblazers.

After my reading of the Mark Millar Swampies, which unexpectedly i enjoyed easily as much as the better-remembered Anal Minnow issues, i thought i'd go back a bit and plunge into the Nancies. Not an expression i ever thought i'd use, but one now destined to become my next facebook status.

Yes, im circling the Doug Wheeler issues, like a man swimming around a murky turd glimpsed on the bottom. The Collins run (vol 2, 110-138) is what originally killed the series stone dead for me, back in the day. This time, however, im finding ive a growing fondness. It's the last hurrah of the Moore-created soapy swampy family, soon to be brutally torn apart and cast to the winds. Collins's dialogue is worse than i remember, but there's a germ of genius there, as the cliches become ever-so-slowly twisted.

As for the Hellblazers, id already decided to add the title to my monthly purchases before the news of its cancellation broke, so as a (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 10 November, 2012, 04:28:55 PM
(cont) lapsed-but-returned regular reader im allowed to assume the moral highground above those who this week have been moaning, but who havent bought it in years. Phew. I havent really formean opinion on the milligan issues- i think the art is distracting me. However, as milligan is the writer of one sixth of the entire run, im giving it my full attention. As to its death: fuck you dan didio, you're a moron.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 November, 2012, 06:06:03 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 10 November, 2012, 02:58:52 PM
I've started threads calling each and every one of you a gaylord and this is what surprises you?

Well I'm never quite sure with some of the silly things you say if your joking or not. Often its so ridiculous I assume so, or times I wonder but allow things to wash over me, or times, like now I'm genuinely curious. Simply my ignorance in getting where your coming from. Attempt at parody or not?

As for a thread calling us all gaylords well I can't say I'd noticed, but since most folk here went to school at a certain time I'm quite sure we've all been called gaylords enough time for it not to matter. Jimmy reckonnnn
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 10 November, 2012, 07:37:14 PM
Just finished reading Cursed Earth saga (great art from McMahon, but story a little dated).  Just started The Day The Law Died - loving the Chief Judge Cal mentalness  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 10 November, 2012, 10:27:32 PM
In the process of reading Non-Stop by Brian Aldiss.
Slow start, but hotting up and getting quite gripping.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 12 November, 2012, 01:27:56 PM
Just finished The Judge Child Quest (from Case File 04) and theres just one word to sum it up......WOW!

An absolutely brilliant and hilarious thrill ride! How could you not love the first introduction of the Angel gang and Hershey?! Not to mention Judge Lopez' magnificent tache! Or the Jigsaw disease or micro judges! :D and all the weird and wonderful creatures and worlds on show. All brilliantly realised by some mesmerising artwork - some of the best stuff i've seen in the case files.

I absolutely loved it! So much so i was really gutted to see it end  :(

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 12 November, 2012, 05:05:50 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 November, 2012, 01:27:56 PM
Just finished The Judge Child Quest (from Case File 04) and theres just one word to sum it up......WOW!

Good call! The Judge Child Quest, for me, has always felt like the forgotten Dredd epic.
Perhaps being equidistant between the twin titans that are the Cursed Earth, and the Apocalypse War, its often overshadowed a wee bit. As you say, there's just so much good stuff on show. Highlights for me are the Jigsaw Man episodes (the first time i really took notice of, and rated TBH, Mr Bollands art) and the episode featuring the Alien salesman (again, the first time that Ron Smith's work really grabbed hold of me).

Be nice if IDW gave this a deluxe reprinting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 November, 2012, 06:51:06 PM
Grant Morrison's Supergods showed up in the library today, so I pounced.  Now I like most of Grant's work a lot, and will give almost anything of his a go, but in the author's photo on this one he appeared to cosplaying Neo circa Matrix Reloaded, and I confess all I want to do is punch that stupid face.  Best get this one read quickly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 12 November, 2012, 08:55:03 PM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 12 November, 2012, 05:05:50 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 November, 2012, 01:27:56 PM
Just finished The Judge Child Quest (from Case File 04) and theres just one word to sum it up......WOW!

Good call! The Judge Child Quest, for me, has always felt like the forgotten Dredd epic.
Perhaps being equidistant between the twin titans that are the Cursed Earth, and the Apocalypse War, its often overshadowed a wee bit. As you say, there's just so much good stuff on show. Highlights for me are the Jigsaw Man episodes (the first time i really took notice of, and rated TBH, Mr Bollands art) and the episode featuring the Alien salesman (again, the first time that Ron Smith's work really grabbed hold of me).

Be nice if IDW gave this a deluxe reprinting.

The Jigsaw Man and the alien salesman were my favourite moments! And i agree- Bollands artwork is magnificent, same as Ron Smith and Mike McMahon's.

And i concur, it would be great if we were to get a deluxe hardcover edition of this aweseome epic! I would order it without question. In terms of the enjoyment factor i would honestly rate this above the Apocalypse War.

Absolutely brilliany stuff!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 November, 2012, 09:13:58 PM
On the train just now finished reading the 'Sister Brothers' absolutely great book. I'm a fan of the western and so when you get one that feels true to its roots and offers such so much more its an absolute delight. Fantastic book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 12 November, 2012, 09:48:53 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 November, 2012, 06:51:06 PM
Grant Morrison's Supergods showed up in the library today, so I pounced.  Now I like most of Grant's work a lot, and will give almost anything of his a go, but in the author's photo on this one he appeared to cosplaying Neo circa Matrix Reloaded, and I confess all I want to do is punch that stupid face.  Best get this one read quickly.

Go straight to the bit where he talks about losing his hair and use that one moment of humility to see you through the rest of the book. I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 13 November, 2012, 12:20:25 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 November, 2012, 08:55:03 PM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 12 November, 2012, 05:05:50 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 November, 2012, 01:27:56 PM
Just finished The Judge Child Quest (from Case File 04) and theres just one word to sum it up......WOW!

Good call! The Judge Child Quest, for me, has always felt like the forgotten Dredd epic.
Perhaps being equidistant between the twin titans that are the Cursed Earth, and the Apocalypse War, its often overshadowed a wee bit. As you say, there's just so much good stuff on show. Highlights for me are the Jigsaw Man episodes (the first time i really took notice of, and rated TBH, Mr Bollands art) and the episode featuring the Alien salesman (again, the first time that Ron Smith's work really grabbed hold of me).

Be nice if IDW gave this a deluxe reprinting.

The Jigsaw Man and the alien salesman were my favourite moments! And i agree- Bollands artwork is magnificent, same as Ron Smith and Mike McMahon's.

And i concur, it would be great if we were to get a deluxe hardcover edition of this aweseome epic! I would order it without question. In terms of the enjoyment factor i would honestly rate this above the Apocalypse War.

Absolutely brilliany stuff!

It just so happens I reread it for the first time in two decades this weekend, and while I was awestruck at how good the artwork was/is, I think my rosetinted nostalgic reading specs had made me think it was more of an epic than it actually is.  Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I can understand why it's the forgotten Dredd epic, because it seems so surreal, and so far removed from events in and around Mega City One.  In fact, I found the best writing to be [spoiler]at the end when the Council of Five were sat around the table discussing Dredd's decision[/spoiler].

That said, it's still recommended reading!

This weekend I also read:
Bone: Out of Boneville - a lot of fun!
1602 - A fun little Gaiman take on Elizabethan Marvel characters.
Blankets - A very bittersweet personal recounting of an artist's first love.  That took me back to my teens, I tell you!
Habibi - Also by Craig Thomson, author of Blankets.  An epic tale of love from childhood in a very harsh environment.  Very good.

I also read a really good vampire graphic novel, but I can't remember the name of it.  I devoured it quickly in my local library while my kids were in Taekwondo.  It was certainly better than True Blood anyway!

So yeah, I've been on a complete graphic novel bender over the last few days.  It's been great!  I love libraries.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 13 November, 2012, 12:31:56 PM
I remember reading an interview with Morrison in which he claimed he shaved his head by choice, not out of necessity because he was going bald, and I remember thinking 'chinny reckon'.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 13 November, 2012, 01:19:35 PM
I found Supergods problematic for Morrison's image as it really dispels the notion of him as a punk indy outsider eventually cracking the mainstream, tracking as it does his career through one high-profile gig after another and explaining how he was motivated to engage with many projects on the basis of how much money he could make in the long run.  He does come off as very mercenary, and his comments about Stan Lee and Marvel - while not unreasonable - seem like a mix of sour grapes and corporate shilling for DC.  He also seems very coy about debts to Alan Moore - his JLA and All Star Superman's debt to Moore's Supreme passes without comment, which is a little disappointing given Morrison's recent enthusiasm to accuse Moore of not acknowledging debts to earlier writers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 13 November, 2012, 02:21:28 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 12 November, 2012, 09:13:58 PM
On the train just now finished reading the 'Sister Brothers' absolutely great book. I'm a fan of the western and so when you get one that feels true to its roots and offers such so much more its an absolute delight. Fantastic book.

I enjoyed the book. Felt like the Western the Coen brothers should have made.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 13 November, 2012, 02:30:47 PM
Finished reading The Underwater Welder at lunchtime.
It really is quite brilliant. Very emotional, very very moving and it looks astounding.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 November, 2012, 09:26:09 PM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 13 November, 2012, 12:20:25 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 November, 2012, 08:55:03 PM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 12 November, 2012, 05:05:50 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 November, 2012, 01:27:56 PM
Just finished The Judge Child Quest (from Case File 04) and theres just one word to sum it up......WOW!

Good call! The Judge Child Quest, for me, has always felt like the forgotten Dredd epic.
Perhaps being equidistant between the twin titans that are the Cursed Earth, and the Apocalypse War, its often overshadowed a wee bit. As you say, there's just so much good stuff on show. Highlights for me are the Jigsaw Man episodes (the first time i really took notice of, and rated TBH, Mr Bollands art) and the episode featuring the Alien salesman (again, the first time that Ron Smith's work really grabbed hold of me).

Be nice if IDW gave this a deluxe reprinting.

The Jigsaw Man and the alien salesman were my favourite moments! And i agree- Bollands artwork is magnificent, same as Ron Smith and Mike McMahon's.

And i concur, it would be great if we were to get a deluxe hardcover edition of this aweseome epic! I would order it without question. In terms of the enjoyment factor i would honestly rate this above the Apocalypse War.

Absolutely brilliany stuff!

It just so happens I reread it for the first time in two decades this weekend, and while I was awestruck at how good the artwork was/is, I think my rosetinted nostalgic reading specs had made me think it was more of an epic than it actually is.  Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I can understand why it's the forgotten Dredd epic, because it seems so surreal, and so far removed from events in and around Mega City One.  In fact, I found the best writing to be [spoiler]at the end when the Council of Five were sat around the table discussing Dredd's decision[/spoiler].

That said, it's still recommended reading!

This weekend I also read:
Bone: Out of Boneville - a lot of fun!
1602 - A fun little Gaiman take on Elizabethan Marvel characters.
Blankets - A very bittersweet personal recounting of an artist's first love.  That took me back to my teens, I tell you!
Habibi - Also by Craig Thomson, author of Blankets.  An epic tale of love from childhood in a very harsh environment.  Very good.

I also read a really good vampire graphic novel, but I can't remember the name of it.  I devoured it quickly in my local library while my kids were in Taekwondo.  It was certainly better than True Blood anyway!

So yeah, I've been on a complete graphic novel bender over the last few days.  It's been great!  I love libraries.

I agree Judge Child is quite surreal, but i feel thats the reason why i enjoyed it so much! I found it more entertaining and engaging than a couple of the other epics i've read. I think so far my list would look like this on terms of favourites;

1. The Cursed Earth (Saga)
2. The Day the Law Died
3. The Judge Child (Quest)
4. Apocalypse War
5. Necropolis
6. Block War

I've yet to read the Days of Chaos storyline, so the list is subject to change.

By the way great to see you've read Habibi! It's an absolute beauty of a graphic novel. Craig Thompson's artwork including the Arabic caligraphy and imagery is just breathtaking to look at. His main objective was to show the shared heritage of Christianity and Islam. The story is really engaging and moving. I loved the moment with the the fisherman! Its also really shocking in places especially the....you'll know which part i'm talking about!

I've still to read Blankets however, i'll have to add it to my shopping list soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 13 November, 2012, 11:32:31 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 13 November, 2012, 02:30:47 PM
Finished reading The Underwater Welder at lunchtime.
It really is quite brilliant. Very emotional, very very moving and it looks astounding.

Some well documented and deserved love for this on the forum.
Graphic novel of 2012?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 14 November, 2012, 07:51:13 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 13 November, 2012, 11:32:31 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 13 November, 2012, 02:30:47 PM
Finished reading The Underwater Welder at lunchtime.
It really is quite brilliant. Very emotional, very very moving and it looks astounding.

Some well documented and deserved love for this on the forum.
Graphic novel of 2012?
I think so, yes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 14 November, 2012, 09:20:00 AM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 14 November, 2012, 07:51:13 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 13 November, 2012, 11:32:31 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 13 November, 2012, 02:30:47 PM
Finished reading The Underwater Welder at lunchtime.
It really is quite brilliant. Very emotional, very very moving and it looks astounding.

Some well documented and deserved love for this on the forum.
Graphic novel of 2012?
I think so, yes.

Definitely! As a stand alone story. A deeply moving, beautifully realised masterpiece.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robert Frazer on 14 November, 2012, 12:45:41 PM
I've tried to get into Image Comics' Secret. The first two issues were shaping up quite nicely into a shadowy corporate-espionage thriller entwined with a bitter family saga... only the mystery is now completely opaque because I can't find the later issues anywhere. My local Travelling Man has literally ten copies of Issue 2... nothing else!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 November, 2012, 03:45:19 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 14 November, 2012, 09:20:00 AM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 14 November, 2012, 07:51:13 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 13 November, 2012, 11:32:31 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 13 November, 2012, 02:30:47 PM
Finished reading The Underwater Welder at lunchtime.
It really is quite brilliant. Very emotional, very very moving and it looks astounding.

Some well documented and deserved love for this on the forum.
Graphic novel of 2012?
I think so, yes.

Definitely! As a stand alone story. A deeply moving, beautifully realised masterpiece.

As it goes Amazon almost agree with you putting it at 6 in their list of the year.

http://comicsbeat.com/amazon-annouces-their-best-graphic-novelsof-the-year/ (http://comicsbeat.com/amazon-annouces-their-best-graphic-novelsof-the-year/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Leigh S on 14 November, 2012, 04:12:55 PM
Lest Earth Be conquered by Frank (Hounds of Tindalos) Belknap Long...

So bad it goes beyond being good into just being plain plain bad.  Still, some charity somewhere has my quid!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 14 November, 2012, 05:53:14 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 14 November, 2012, 03:45:19 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 14 November, 2012, 09:20:00 AM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 14 November, 2012, 07:51:13 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 13 November, 2012, 11:32:31 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 13 November, 2012, 02:30:47 PM
Finished reading The Underwater Welder at lunchtime.
It really is quite brilliant. Very emotional, very very moving and it looks astounding.

Some well documented and deserved love for this on the forum.
Graphic novel of 2012?
I think so, yes.

Definitely! As a stand alone story. A deeply moving, beautifully realised masterpiece.

As it goes Amazon almost agree with you putting it at 6 in their list of the year.

http://comicsbeat.com/amazon-annouces-their-best-graphic-novelsof-the-year/ (http://comicsbeat.com/amazon-annouces-their-best-graphic-novelsof-the-year/)

Wow! Great to see Saga and Prophet in the list. As continuing arcs nothing can beat those two. As for Building Stories which takes first place - i've yet to read it. Definitely one for the near future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 14 November, 2012, 06:16:50 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 13 November, 2012, 02:30:47 PM
Finished reading The Underwater Welder at lunchtime.
It really is quite brilliant. Very emotional, very very moving and it looks astounding.

It is rather good isn't it? have you read any of his Sweet Tooth comics/trades
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 14 November, 2012, 06:48:02 PM
I've just finished re-reading Origins: just spotted a blunder on the cover- they've misspelt Carlos Ezquerra's name.  :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 14 November, 2012, 06:54:26 PM
About to start reading Ubik by Philip K. Dick, I've heard nothing but good things. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 14 November, 2012, 10:26:35 PM
Quote from: Robert Frazer on 14 November, 2012, 12:45:41 PM
I've tried to get into Image Comics' Secret. The first two issues were shaping up quite nicely into a shadowy corporate-espionage thriller entwined with a bitter family saga... only the mystery is now completely opaque because I can't find the later issues anywhere. My local Travelling Man has literally ten copies of Issue 2... nothing else!

Hickman mentioned Secret in the back of the latest Manhattan Projects.  I dont have it to hand atm - if memory serves me he basically apologized for the delay and confirmed that there arent plans for regular issues right now - but that there will be another issue this year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 15 November, 2012, 12:00:16 AM
I bought William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist today because I've never read it before. I picked up the 40th Anniversary Edition because it was £1 less than the copy next to it but read the author intro on getting home and couldn't help but slap my forehead because- although Blatty says this is how he had wished the book had been on its original printing- he says there is an extra scene (he might even say a full chapter) and a character who never made the original printing. I can't help but think maybe I should rush out and buy the 'original' text before starting this one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 November, 2012, 08:46:09 AM
Just finished Jew Gangster by Joe Kubert. Its not a particularly new or different story following a similar, well worn path of so many 'gangster rights of passage' stories (or parts of stories), but by Jiminy its quite brilliant. Has there ever been an artist quite as expressive and powerful as the late great Joe Kubert? Its realised so absolutely perfectly. The ending is quite brilliant as well.

Can't recommend this enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: willthemightyW on 15 November, 2012, 07:36:08 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 15 November, 2012, 08:46:09 AM
Just finished Jew Gangster by Joe Kubert. Its not a particularly new or different story following a similar, well worn path of so many 'gangster rights of passage' stories (or parts of stories), but by Jiminy its quite brilliant. Has there ever been an artist quite as expressive and powerful as the late great Joe Kubert? Its realised so absolutely perfectly. The ending is quite brilliant as well.

Can't recommend this enough.

Really been wanting to read that! Glad to hear it's good!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 15 November, 2012, 08:02:21 PM
3001: the final odyssey is getting a re-read, along with the rest of the series.
I suppose the clues in the title, but i often wonder if Mr Clarke worked on idea's to continue the series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 15 November, 2012, 08:51:41 PM
Quote from: willthemightyW on 14 November, 2012, 06:54:26 PM
About to start reading Ubik by Philip K. Dick, I've heard nothing but good things. Any thoughts?

Been well over a decade since I read it, but I remember enjoying it. Definitely one of his better ones, I feel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 15 November, 2012, 09:22:48 PM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 15 November, 2012, 08:02:21 PM
3001: the final odyssey is getting a re-read, along with the rest of the series.
I suppose the clues in the title, but i often wonder if Mr Clarke worked on idea's to continue the series.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. Didn't expect to like is, as Clarke's output in his declining years wasn't his best.
I think he said that he only wrote this one because they offered him so much money he couldn't say no!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 November, 2012, 09:45:23 PM
I cant remember exactly what i thought of 3001, as i read- or should i say 'devoured'-  all four in rapid succession a couple of years ago, and as a result they all merge into one huge book. But, given the chance to rescue ten novels in the frantic last seconds before i escape planetary armaggeddon using my personal space-transporter (and yes, bbc radio 4 you can have that set-up as the idea behind a 'cult' version of desert island discs) they'd be first on my list, along with Rendezvous With Rama.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 15 November, 2012, 09:45:33 PM
After finishing A Thunder Rising by David Weber (I've spent the last 18 months catching up on this series), I've started Mardock Scramble by Tow Ubukata. I've only finished the first chapter, but I like what I've read so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 16 November, 2012, 11:02:50 AM
My birthday presents arrived 30 mins ago and I am at home alone this afternoon so will be readings one of these:
Orc Stain Vol 1
The Shadow: Blood and Judgement

(it will probably be the latter as at first glance, it looks very good)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 16 November, 2012, 12:38:07 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 15 November, 2012, 09:45:23 PM
I cant remember exactly what i thought of 3001, as i read- or should i say 'devoured'-  all four in rapid succession a couple of years ago, and as a result they all merge into one huge book.

For a set of books that differ, continuity wise - and quite fundamentally in places to each other, thats not a bad suming up. And works surprising well.
Out of them all, 2001 is the one i least return to, as maybe the film casts a long shadow over that, but the rest - especially 2061 and 3001 are regularly re-read.

Also a very good companion book to the series is The Lost Worlds of 2001.


Quote from: Richmond Clements on 15 November, 2012, 09:22:48 PM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 15 November, 2012, 08:02:21 PM
3001: the final odyssey is getting a re-read, along with the rest of the series.
I suppose the clues in the title, but i often wonder if Mr Clarke worked on idea's to continue the series.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. Didn't expect to like is, as Clarke's output in his declining years wasn't his best.
I think he said that he only wrote this one because they offered him so much money he couldn't say no!

I know some people were frustrated by [spoiler]chapter after chapter detailing a fairly mundane life in the next millenium, but they made those little nuggets he dropped into the mix shine brighter, which was probably his point - the chilling Nova Scorpio references, for example really grabbed me, and the fact that the series ended on the ultimate cliff hanger left me wondering, from the release of 3001 until his death, was other idea's/storylines jotted down, even in rough form. If such a notebook did exist, it may be very intriging to read it [/spoiler] 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 16 November, 2012, 10:09:00 PM
Ann Brashares' My Name Is Memory, which is fun romantic fiction with a sci-fantasy twist, as the protagonist is constantly reincarnating in an attempt to both keep ahead of an immortal pursuer, and to  jog the memory of his soul-mate.  I'm sure I've seen this premise somewhere else, but it's still a pretty breezy read with a couple of decent twists and likable characters if you don't mind chick-lit - I only read it because I fought it was sci-fi, honest!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 17 November, 2012, 12:11:26 PM
Volume 9 of Charley's War in a very short space of time.  The wait of a whole year for an evening's delectation almost doesn't seem fair.  Now returning to volume 1 to reread the whole lot in one go.  I get impression (form a website interview recently read) that Mr Mills is content to let the series end with the first world war which would be a shame as I would love to see the Russian Front stuff again.  More than happy to skip over the WW2 stuff.  If push comes to shove may have to track down the original issues although a little leery of that since it may morph into a full blown Battle Collection which is likely to prove expensive! (but possibly worth it ..... )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 17 November, 2012, 12:15:23 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 17 November, 2012, 12:11:26 PM
If push comes to shove may have to track down the original issues although a little leery of that since it may morph into a full blown Battle Collection which is likely to prove expensive! (but possibly worth it ..... )

Thats how it starts, isnt it. Just a few particular issues needed, but before you know it..   ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grey M@a on 17 November, 2012, 04:31:26 PM
Just finished reading Declare by Tom Powers, great book, sci-fi, cold war, spy, supernatural all wrapped in one, got given it in July by a friend for my birthday and finally got around to reading it over the last week, not been able to put it down. Highly recommended.

Now moved on to the next book in the pile (really need to get through these books, buying ore than I am reading atm and the pile is growing out of control)

Kraken by China Mieville, good book so far but only got as far as chapter 35.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 17 November, 2012, 06:20:40 PM
Quote from: Professah Byah on 16 November, 2012, 10:09:00 PM
Ann Brashares' My Name Is Memory, which is fun romantic fiction with a sci-fantasy twist, as the protagonist is constantly reincarnating in an attempt to both keep ahead of an immortal pursuer, and to  jog the memory of his soul-mate.  I'm sure I've seen this premise somewhere else, ...

It reminds me of Orion, by Ben Bova. Although I've never read My Name is memory, so can't say for sure, but the premise seems similar. And there was a kind of immortal pursuer too. I remember enjoying it a lot. It was the first of a series of Orion novels apparently, although I have only read the first.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 18 November, 2012, 12:54:56 PM
I'm just halfway through reading The Pit. Its a really enjoyable story, intriguing with a lot of strands coming together nicely. Its like Dredd via The Wire! Once again some nice artwork by Ezquerra, Macneil and others, although i'm not too keen on the digital backgrounds. Its brilliant how Wagner wrote the various characters, each with his/ her own problems. So far loving this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 19 November, 2012, 02:41:12 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 15 November, 2012, 09:45:23 PM
  But, given the chance to rescue ten novels in the frantic last seconds before i escape planetary armaggeddon using my personal space-transporter (and yes, bbc radio 4 you can have that set-up as the idea behind a 'cult' version of desert island discs) 

Quite apropos to Clarke, the BBC beat you to this 60 years ago (http://archive.org/details/UpdateTalesOfTomorrow-AllTheTimeInTheWorld1952).

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 19 November, 2012, 06:02:37 PM
The Bodysnatchers.

I know the basic story having seen all three films, but it's a good read just the same.

The introduction was a bit annoying though. (Yes I'm one of those people who reads that stuff.) Why do these people feel the need to give away major plot points in their essays?* Okay, so I have an idea of how things go, from the films, but I don't know how alike they are. I've already spotted some differences.

Still intriguing so far!

*It tends to for books that have been around for a while. (In this case the book was came out in 1955, although the Author did a revised version in the 70s. This is the original.) It's as if the introduction writer (a different person) assumes you've read the story already and just picked this version for a reread.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 19 November, 2012, 08:07:39 PM
Pariah -by that scamp like scribe  Dan Abnett, okay but you should really have read some of the earlier novels like Eisenhorn or the Ravenor series or else you might be a tad lost as to who spoiler alert-[spoiler]Cherubael [/spoiler]is and why it is significant. A bit of a long winded -I meant character building excercise, frankly it seemed a bit stretched as to who was plotting gainst whom I began not to care which is unusual for me and a WH40k book.

of course Warhammer 40k features ghastly, other universe entities trying to take over ours so for a change I've started Orphan Stars a pulpy sci fi cbook about ahem ghastly, other universe entities trying to take over ours. Um- :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 November, 2012, 08:25:08 PM
Just finished Richardo Delgardo's (what a name!) Age of Reptiles Omnibus. All I can say is DINOTASTIC!!!!

Well actually I can say a but more, some of the finish storytelling around. Its only fault is being wordless its as quick a read as Jason, though you can get lost in the art for hours... oh sod it...

DINOTASTIC!!!!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 20 November, 2012, 02:20:47 PM
Just read The Flith - really really enjoyed it.

And the followed that up with Flex Mentallo. Also excellent
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 November, 2012, 03:58:56 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 19 November, 2012, 08:25:08 PM
Just finished Richardo Delgardo's (what a name!) Age of Reptiles Omnibus. All I can say is DINOTASTIC!!!!

Well actually I can say a but more, some of the finish storytelling around. Its only fault is being wordless its as quick a read as Jason, though you can get lost in the art for hours... oh sod it...

DINOTASTIC!!!!!

Brilliant! Not enough people have read that. Your favourite of the three, Colin, out of interest...?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 November, 2012, 05:02:18 PM
I'm tempted to say 'The Hunt' as I love Allosaurus, the aerial scene is just breath taking and the scope of it more 'personal', oh and the ending is just superb... but maybe 'The Journey'... oh tough question... not Tribal War, which is good and all, but its not that one!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 20 November, 2012, 08:28:18 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 20 November, 2012, 02:20:47 PM
Just read The Flith - really really enjoyed it.

heh yes, this is always been one of my faves. Totally bonkers, but I've lent it to people who have hated it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 21 November, 2012, 10:50:24 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 20 November, 2012, 03:58:56 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 19 November, 2012, 08:25:08 PM
Just finished Richardo Delgardo's (what a name!) Age of Reptiles Omnibus. All I can say is DINOTASTIC!!!!

Well actually I can say a but more, some of the finish storytelling around. Its only fault is being wordless its as quick a read as Jason, though you can get lost in the art for hours... oh sod it...

DINOTASTIC!!!!!

Brilliant! Not enough people have read that. Your favourite of the three, Colin, out of interest...?

I read this last week too and loved it! I think the first story was my favourite, though it's The Journey that I keep thinking back to. Don't think the colouring was as good in the second story but the artwork throughout was fantastic.

I ended up having a nightmare that night about being eaten by a dinosaur too. So it clearly made an impression on me  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 22 November, 2012, 07:35:35 AM
I'm reading this
http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,37446.0.html

It really is rather good - go and buy it. Support one of our own!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 22 November, 2012, 08:39:30 AM
Salem Brownstone, by (muttermutter), borrowed from the children's library- a big old hardback, black and white graphic novel, about the titular shyster who inherits his dead magician father's house (or 'manse', as the book continually calls it) and so gets sucked into an occult nightmare of circus freaks, attack-dog monsters the 'shadow boys', and a horrific underground (i think) city populated by mad scheming giants. Or anyway, that's what it seems to be about- im halfway through.

To be honest, much of the time this reads like the result of a talented english student meeting a talented art student and them deciding to do a graphic novel on the grounds ir must be easy and mummy has links in publishing. The writing is forty years old, with over-written captions and everything explained for the reader endlessly, whether it appears in the panel or not. But this is probably what comics look like in your head, if you've not read one since you were a kid and have zero respect for the medium.

The art is (cont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 22 November, 2012, 08:45:05 AM
(cont) endearingly amateurish, but with flashes of sheer creepy brilliance. Page after page of clumsy panels, and then suddenly it'll hit you with something absolutely terrifying and/or so well-designed, that flows so well, it'll make you gasp. The first view of the 'second city', all grey-tones and mad giants, is one such page.

In truth, i dont know what to make of this. Alan Moore liked it, and is quoted on the back saying comics should maybe be like this, but i cant help think it's maybe an out of context comment intended to inspire a promising student. I don't know- im halfway through, but i do hope to finish it- which is more than i do lot of this kind of thing these days. Worth a look, anyway.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 22 November, 2012, 10:32:28 PM
Recently finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo*, which I never really had much of an interest in but different friends who have opinions I listen to had all read it and gave reviews- some good, some bad- so I decided to give it a go and got the whole trilogy because it was on offer. I didn't think much of the first part at all, maybe because I read Thomas Harris's excellent Red Dragon years back and now every investigative piece of fiction will be compared to that in my mind, maybe because I just didn't particularly care for any of the major characters! I started reading the sequel and got a couple of chapters in before deciding I had no interest, so the trilogy has been donated to Oxfam and I'll soon be starting The Exorcist.
*Did anybody else who read this think the dragon tattoo was of incredibly little significance? The wasp tattoo seems more important and the actual dragon tattoo isn't mentioned until around page 300 of a book around 400 pages in length!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 November, 2012, 11:30:32 PM
Spurred on by very mixed feelings about Supergods (about which more later), I decided to tackle The Invisibles, a comic I never warmed to when it was running and for some reason have never gone back to check on.  Armed with an understanding of what Grant (claims he) was up to, and somewhat inoculated by long-term exposure to The Legendary Shark, I grabbed Books 1 and 2 from the library to see how it all turned out on paper... and couldn't put them down.  Initially unimpressed with the ghastly oik that is Dane/Jack, and the poncey Mary Sue that is King Mob, I very rapidly Got With The Programme.  Terrific stuff, and not at all what I was expecting - Lord Fanny in particular is enthralling.

Hard to credit that this stuff is 20 years old, except where you can see the half-understood influence it has had on lesser creations like The Matrix and a good chunk of Vertigo's weaker output, and apart from the period colouring job. 

Dear grud, the colouring. 

I can't imagine what technical limitations Danny Vozzo was labouring under in the early '90s, but how many otherwise good-looking books did his flat tope and grey blocks and three shades of purple and orange deface and obscure?  If this is all he could get out of the processes why did anyone bother with colour at all? And if they were going to sacrifice line art to this paint-by-numbers shite, why couldn't they get it right?  Almost ever page has randomly changing skin colours, vanishing facial hair on major characters, clothes that swap colours between wide and close-ups, feck it's awful.  And don't try to tell me it's deliberately unsettling and slippery, 'cos no-one is that good.

I'm sick of looking at it, I can tell you that. 

Anyway, even the colour improves marginally as we move through Vol 2, somebody mercifully decides to let Jill Thompson ink her own work (rescuing her lovely spidery hatching from a succession of unsympathetic and monotonous .50 nibs), and stalwarts like Parkhouse, Weston and Ridgway arrive to show everyone how you can survive having your work painted over by a roller daubed with Dulux's Ribena Vomit range.

By the end of Vol 2 I'm hooked and want more.
   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 23 November, 2012, 12:09:11 AM
Great stuff TB. The first volume of The Invisibles (I think that's up to the third collection) is one of my favourite comic things and one I can regularly reread and find something new.  I like it all, but it's those ones I love the most. It probably helped that I loved Dane from the start: he's the complete opposite of that little twat from Books of Magic.
There was a thread a couple of years ago where a few people ended up rereading it and trying to answer some of the questions you're left with but, unsurprisingly, I can't find it.

One terrible consequence of reading it in trades is you miss out on the classic letter column where Grant exhorts the dwindling readership to masturbate in an attempt to halt the decline.
Quote from: TordelBack on 22 November, 2012, 11:30:32 PM
Hard to credit that this stuff is 20 years old, except where you can see the half-understood influence it has had on lesser creations like The Matrix and a good chunk of Vertigo's weaker output, and apart from the period colouring job.
I'd be a bit more sympathetic to Morrison's complaints about this sort of thing if The Invisibles itself didn't owe such a massive debt to the Illuminatus books and if the whole Barbelith sequence in #16 wasn't an almost straight lift from Ian Watson's Miracle Visitors. Luckily I hadn't read either of those before the Invisibles and I don't really mind as they're all good (and Grant's Jesus gets better lines) but what goes around comes around: "So we return and begin again."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 23 November, 2012, 03:57:45 AM
The Invisibles? That's The Tomorrow People with swears, innit?  ;)

Which, In Stevie's book, is most decidedly a mighty good thing.

As chance would have it* Stevie's recent purchase of the oversized omnibus edition has this set for a re-read straight after he has finished Stephen Baxter's wondrous The Wheel Of Ice.


Quote from: TordelBack on 22 November, 2012, 11:30:32 PM

Dear grud, the colouring. 



Absolutely agreed with you on that one TB. It is especially difficult to reconcil Vozzo's work on the title withthe sort of magic he was conjuring on the Ramadan issue of Sandman & the all the different palettes invoked when the Doom Patrol enter The Painting That Ate Paris during the two years previous.

 
Quote

One terrible consequence of reading it in trades is you miss out on the classic letter column where Grant exhorts the dwindling readership to masturbate in an attempt to halt the decline.



The omnibus has it (ahem) in the rear.


*Or is it now?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 November, 2012, 10:12:36 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 23 November, 2012, 12:09:11 AM...I loved Dane from the start: he's the complete opposite of that little twat from Books of Magic.

This very simple aspect of the book is extraordinarily clever in establishing the tone and themes (as I understand them).  There are your standard anti-heroes, and then there are intensely antagonistic unsympathetic gits like Dane.  I was shaking my head at his inconsistencies, misapprehensions and general stupidities (burning a library, the unmitigated fucker) for the first several episodes, and then it suddenly clicked just what a great character he is, and how well thought-out his unheroic escapades are.  It's L'il Zenith taken to inspiring extremes, and then pushed beyond.

Yeah, it's good stuff.  Can't wait for my inter-library request to bear fruit!

Also on the boil courtesy of my anonymous fairy godfather in the county libraries system, Mary Talbot and Brian Talbot's extraordinary Dotter of her Father's Eyes.  It might sound like gross sentimentality, but halfway through reading this amazing and unique piece of work they shoved my relationship with my own wee daughter right in my face, and one of those rare but shocking epiphanies rolled down from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes to irrevocably change every cell of my body.  I'm going to write to Mary and Brian and thank them for actually altering how I see and live my life, but first I want to read it again.  Recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 23 November, 2012, 11:06:02 AM
Haven't read The Invisibles for a while. I remember it being good but I also remember being annoyed at Morrison hinting at things/bring something in which you think will be important but it soon seems forgotten about.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 23 November, 2012, 12:29:22 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 20 November, 2012, 08:28:18 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 20 November, 2012, 02:20:47 PM
Just read The Flith - really really enjoyed it.

heh yes, this is always been one of my faves. Totally bonkers, but I've lent it to people who have hated it.

I can see how it would divide people! :D

I thought that it worked really well. A lot of the reviews on amazon said that it was disjointed but I think that was intentional.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 23 November, 2012, 03:18:42 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 23 November, 2012, 10:12:36 AM
Also on the boil courtesy of my anonymous fairy godfather in the county libraries system, Mary Talbot and Brian Talbot's extraordinary Dotter of her Father's Eyes.  It might sound like gross sentimentality, but halfway through reading this amazing and unique piece of work they shoved my relationship with my own wee daughter right in my face, and one of those rare but shocking epiphanies rolled down from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes to irrevocably change every cell of my body.  I'm going to write to Mary and Brian and thank them for actually altering how I see and live my life, but first I want to read it again.  Recommended.

I mentioned on this thread that I'd consider 'The Underwater Welder' graphic novel of the year.
'Dotter of her Father's Eyes' is a close second (and I don't even have any kids!).

TB- you may despair that you didnt get a copy signed by Bryan & Mary in FP Dublin earlier this year.
Yes, you just may.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 23 November, 2012, 03:27:16 PM
I was just thinking about "The Underwater Welder" earlier, and started crying. It's an insanely powerful book. Really hits you right in the fatherhood.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 23 November, 2012, 06:57:11 PM
just got my batman judge dredd crossover hardback from amazon! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 23 November, 2012, 07:18:40 PM
Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows' Neonomicon- for about the fourth time, on a train journey to Chatham. I think this might just be my favourite Moore thing since From Hell. Just really well written, and while it might centre on the hoary old hairy Moore cliches of writers' works bleeding into reality and not being fiction at all, at least it does it with more style than his recent League misfires. Besides, it never did Steve King much harm- and 76.24% of his written works post- The Stand have followed exactly the same line.

But Neonomicon- yeah, just brilliant!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 24 November, 2012, 08:08:19 PM
Picked up a copy of Kim Newman's Dracula Cha Cha Cha from Forbidden Planet today (reprinted edition with the extra material to sit with the previous two parts in my book collection)- signed and with £2 off the rrp! The wait for Johnny Alucard is ongoing...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 25 November, 2012, 09:53:29 AM
Orc Stain Vol 1 - similarities with Brandon Graham's style are clear.  Its OK but the art doesn't  sit quite right with me.  Some good ideas though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 11:57:34 AM
I read this stunning little comic over at comiXology last night called 'Guerillas'. It was the first issue, i knew nothing about it prior to reading. It was a gripping read about a young grunts view of the Vietnam War. I love war comics and i felt i had discovered a gem. It was brutal, unflinching and then i got to the last panel and my eyes nearly exploded out of its sockets! I tell you what - i never saw that coming! Wow! Now i'm seriously thinking about investing in the trade (theres two volumes available by Image comics). I'd love to hear from fellow forumites who've read it and if it carries on the awesome storyline as the opening issue. Everything about that issue was stunning, not to mention the black and white artwork and the superb lettering.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 11:59:24 AM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 23 November, 2012, 03:27:16 PM
I was just thinking about "The Underwater Welder" earlier, and started crying. It's an insanely powerful book. Really hits you right in the fatherhood.

Yes it does.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 12:19:48 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 23 November, 2012, 07:18:40 PM
Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows' Neonomicon- for about the fourth time, on a train journey to Chatham. I think this might just be my favourite Moore thing since From Hell. Just really well written, and while it might centre on the hoary old hairy Moore cliches of writers' works bleeding into reality and not being fiction at all, at least it does it with more style than his recent League misfires. Besides, it never did Steve King much harm- and 76.24% of his written works post- The Stand have followed exactly the same line.

But Neonomicon- yeah, just brilliant!

SBT

Wow thats quite refreshing to hear mate as most who've read it thought it was poor. Myself? I was on the fence. However after reading it a second time i found it more how should i say it, palpable. Its really unsettling in places especially the prolonged rape scene. But you cannot fault Moore's ambition or sheer balls. I always saw Neonomicon as his way of sticking two fingers up at the comics establishment! :D

But you're right, FROM HELL is absolutely fucking fantastic! I live in Whitechapel just a stones throw away from where the killings took place. I remember reading it last winter and after finishing one chapter i stood near my window looking out at the cold winter streets below and i had a chill go down my spine,  thinking about how things must have been like a 100 years ago! Seriously it really impacted on me. A lot has changed though, the East End is losing its history and it pisses me off. The famous Royal London Hospital where i was born, and the legendary John Meyrick once stayed is no longer in use. They've built another hospital down the road which looks like The Wizard of Oz's abode. But the famous Hawksmoor church and the Ten Bells pub of the graphic novel is still there in Spitafields. Sorry i've gone on a tangent!

But yeah, From Hell is awesome!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 25 November, 2012, 01:07:49 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 12:19:48 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 23 November, 2012, 07:18:40 PM
Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows' Neonomicon- for about the fourth time, on a train journey to Chatham. I think this might just be my favourite Moore thing since From Hell. Just really well written, and while it might centre on the hoary old hairy Moore cliches of writers' works bleeding into reality and not being fiction at all, at least it does it with more style than his recent League misfires. Besides, it never did Steve King much harm- and 76.24% of his written works post- The Stand have followed exactly the same line.

But Neonomicon- yeah, just brilliant!

SBT

Wow thats quite refreshing to hear mate as most who've read it thought it was poor. Myself? I was on the fence. However after reading it a second time i found it more how should i say it, palpable. Its really unsettling in places especially the prolonged rape scene. But you cannot fault Moore's ambition or sheer balls. I always saw Neonomicon as his way of sticking two fingers up at the comics establishment! :D

But you're right, FROM HELL is absolutely fucking fantastic! I live in Whitechapel just a stones throw away from where the killings took place. I remember reading it last winter and after finishing one chapter i stood near my window looking out at the cold winter streets below and i had a chill go down my spine,  thinking about how things must have been like a 100 years ago! Seriously it really impacted on me. A lot has changed though, the East End is losing its history and it pisses me off. The famous Royal London Hospital where i was born, and the legendary John Meyrick once stayed is no longer in use. They've built another hospital down the road which looks like The Wizard of Oz's abode. But the famous Hawksmoor church and the Ten Bells pub of the graphic novel is still there in Spitafields. Sorry i've gone on a tangent!

But yeah, From Hell is awesome!

On From Hell; yes, it is amazing. Probably one of my top five most likely books to grab in an apocalypse. I have the individual comics, as opposed to the collected edition, and I remember being utterly obsessed with the Whitechapel Murders during the entirety of their publication schedule. Which if you're aware of their publication schedule you'll know is some time! Every now and again I dip back into Ripperlore, but while there's a lot of very good fiction out there- and arguably no fact- I don't think anything has been as good as From Hell. I even like the movie!

Re Neonomicon- so much of the criticism I've read can be summed up as "lots of rape: bad Alan, as if the reviewers were writing with their girlfriends looking over their shoulder and aware that to praise would mean no sex tonight. For me, the dialogue is superb, the pacing and story engrossing, and the designs and art of the kind I wish more comics were like. It's a magnificent little spunking of Lovecraftian horror, and they'd better make a movie sharpish. It's not often I call for a thing in one medium to be adapted into another- but in this case- well, an adaptation of Neonomicon would blow the cobwebs off the horror genre, I feel. And done correctly could be the next Silence of the Lambs, in the sense of a breakout hit.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 02:00:07 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 25 November, 2012, 01:07:49 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 12:19:48 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 23 November, 2012, 07:18:40 PM
Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows' Neonomicon- for about the fourth time, on a train journey to Chatham. I think this might just be my favourite Moore thing since From Hell. Just really well written, and while it might centre on the hoary old hairy Moore cliches of writers' works bleeding into reality and not being fiction at all, at least it does it with more style than his recent League misfires. Besides, it never did Steve King much harm- and 76.24% of his written works post- The Stand have followed exactly the same line.

But Neonomicon- yeah, just brilliant!

SBT

Wow thats quite refreshing to hear mate as most who've read it thought it was poor. Myself? I was on the fence. However after reading it a second time i found it more how should i say it, palpable. Its really unsettling in places especially the prolonged rape scene. But you cannot fault Moore's ambition or sheer balls. I always saw Neonomicon as his way of sticking two fingers up at the comics establishment! :D

But you're right, FROM HELL is absolutely fucking fantastic! I live in Whitechapel just a stones throw away from where the killings took place. I remember reading it last winter and after finishing one chapter i stood near my window looking out at the cold winter streets below and i had a chill go down my spine,  thinking about how things must have been like a 100 years ago! Seriously it really impacted on me. A lot has changed though, the East End is losing its history and it pisses me off. The famous Royal London Hospital where i was born, and the legendary John Meyrick once stayed is no longer in use. They've built another hospital down the road which looks like The Wizard of Oz's abode. But the famous Hawksmoor church and the Ten Bells pub of the graphic novel is still there in Spitafields. Sorry i've gone on a tangent!

But yeah, From Hell is awesome!

On From Hell; yes, it is amazing. Probably one of my top five most likely books to grab in an apocalypse. I have the individual comics, as opposed to the collected edition, and I remember being utterly obsessed with the Whitechapel Murders during the entirety of their publication schedule. Which if you're aware of their publication schedule you'll know is some time! Every now and again I dip back into Ripperlore, but while there's a lot of very good fiction out there- and arguably no fact- I don't think anything has been as good as From Hell. I even like the movie!

Re Neonomicon- so much of the criticism I've read can be summed up as "lots of rape: bad Alan, as if the reviewers were writing with their girlfriends looking over their shoulder and aware that to praise would mean no sex tonight. For me, the dialogue is superb, the pacing and story engrossing, and the designs and art of the kind I wish more comics were like. It's a magnificent little spunking of Lovecraftian horror, and they'd better make a movie sharpish. It's not often I call for a thing in one medium to be adapted into another- but in this case- well, an adaptation of Neonomicon would blow the cobwebs off the horror genre, I feel. And done correctly could be the next Silence of the Lambs, in the sense of a breakout hit.

SBT

I too quite enjoyed the film. Okay it may not be a patch on Moore's original story but its a heck of a lot better than most adaptions or horror films around that time. I loved the production design, you'd imagine thats how Whitechapel would look  circa 1888. I loved how Depp pronounced 'Whiiiteshapel'  Lol! He got the Cockney accent almost spot on. Ian Holmes as Jack was a great choice. His potrayal is really chilling. Pay attention to how his eyes become scarily dilated when he's doing his dastardly deeds.  :(

As for Neonomicon i think if it were to be adapted as a film it would most certainly be something very interesting to see! A cross between Lynch and Cronenberg - in the right hands it could be a great horror film.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 25 November, 2012, 02:04:23 PM
Just finished Blatty's The Exorcist. It was a fantastic read- I enjoyed how much time it spent offering scientific explanations for Regan's behaviour as well as the police investigation. The time it takes for the exorcism itself to be done also makes it appear more powerful. I'll be starting David Seltzer's The Omen soon because as far as the film adaptations go, I've always preferred the latter so it will be fun to see how the source materials weigh up against one another.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 02:10:11 PM
Quote from: Charlie boy on 25 November, 2012, 02:04:23 PM
Just finished Blatty's The Exorcist. It was a fantastic read- I enjoyed how much time it spent offering scientific explanations for Regan's behaviour as well as the police investigation. The time it takes for the exorcism itself to be done also makes it appear more powerful. I'll be starting David Seltzer's The Omen soon because as far as the film adaptations go, I've always preferred the latter so it will be fun to see how the source materials weigh up against one another.

We were just discussing The Exorcist over at the Empire forum. It really is one of the greatest horror film ever made. Unfortunately i've yet to read Blatty's novel. Reading your post i feel thats something i need to rectify fast!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 25 November, 2012, 02:16:48 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 02:10:11 PM
We were just discussing The Exorcist over at the Empire forum. It really is one of the greatest horror film ever made. Unfortunately i've yet to read Blatty's novel. Reading your post i feel thats something i need to rectify fast!
Mate, it is a great read. I don't know if you noticed earlier on in the thread but I mentioned buying the 40th Anniversary Edition because it was £1 cheaper than the copy next to it. I expected the book just to have a couple of notes following the end or something but in the author introduction, Blatty states this is how he would rather have seen it on first release and there's an extra scene and an introduction of a new character. Having never read it before, I couldn't help but wonder from time to time how the text I was reading would differ to my older brother's "original" edition. I guess it's up to you what copy you buy knowing this!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 25 November, 2012, 04:32:35 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 25 November, 2012, 01:07:49 PMRe Neonomicon- so much of the criticism I've read can be summed up as "lots of rape: bad Alan, as if the reviewers were writing with knee-jerk internet fanboys egged on by writers frustrated at Moore's success and unable to process criticism looking over their shoulder and aware that to praise would mean someone might notice rape has been a popular mainstay of superhero comics long before Moore came along and still is, long after he buggered off.

FTFY

Always found it very odd that the one writer of comics who goes out of his way to make rape look horrible and as far from titillating as is humanly possible is the one who ends up getting used as a poster boy for its casual use in comics.

As for League of late, I find it works much, much better if you read it as a broadside at convoluted shared universes where knowledge of minutiae of the details of what happened in some book that came out 20 years ago may be a requirement of understanding what the fuck is going on at any given moment.  I am, of course, straining to think of what Moore might be taking the piss out of there...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 07:53:40 PM
Quote from: Charlie boy on 25 November, 2012, 02:16:48 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 November, 2012, 02:10:11 PM
We were just discussing The Exorcist over at the Empire forum. It really is one of the greatest horror film ever made. Unfortunately i've yet to read Blatty's novel. Reading your post i feel thats something i need to rectify fast!
Mate, it is a great read. I don't know if you noticed earlier on in the thread but I mentioned buying the 40th Anniversary Edition because it was £1 cheaper than the copy next to it. I expected the book just to have a couple of notes following the end or something but in the author introduction, Blatty states this is how he would rather have seen it on first release and there's an extra scene and an introduction of a new character. Having never read it before, I couldn't help but wonder from time to time how the text I was reading would differ to my older brother's "original" edition. I guess it's up to you what copy you buy knowing this!

Hmm, the 40th anniversary one does sound tempting! I might go for that - i mean the author himself states this is his preferred version. I'll look into it. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 26 November, 2012, 02:37:42 PM
I finished The Bodysnatchers just the other day.

It really is a good read.

This may seem blasphemous, but I think I largely prefer the 70s film remake though.  [spoiler]It's just so much more unsettling with the eerie pointing and shrieking when one of the 'pod people'  alerts the others to a regular human, and the downbeat ending. (I forget if the original Bodysnatchers film had that ending. And I haven't seen the last remake with Nicole Kidman, and am not in any rush to do so.)[/spoiler] Or maybe I should say I prefer it in certain ways., reading being such a different experience, getting into the minds of the character in a way that films rarely do.

I just started Lindquist's novel The Harbour. So far, it's not bad, if a bit wordy for my taste in places. I enjoyed the other two novels, so hope for good things here. Too early to tell yet, but it bodes well so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 26 November, 2012, 06:20:31 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 26 November, 2012, 02:37:42 PM
I finished The Bodysnatchers just the other day.

It really is a good read.

This may seem blasphemous, but I think I largely prefer the 70s film remake though.  [spoiler]It's just so much more unsettling with the eerie pointing and shrieking when one of the 'pod people'  alerts the others to a regular human, and the downbeat ending. (I forget if the original Bodysnatchers film had that ending. And I haven't seen the last remake with Nicole Kidman, and am not in any rush to do so.)[/spoiler] Or maybe I should say I prefer it in certain ways., reading being such a different experience, getting into the minds of the character in a way that films rarely do.

In the black and white version [spoiler] she falls asleep and gets snatched. He carries on running and makes it out of town. He reaches a police station where he tells his tale. The police don't believe him until a report comes in of a truck overturned on the motorway, spilling giant pea pods all over the road. The film ends. [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 26 November, 2012, 11:02:25 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 23 November, 2012, 03:18:42 PMI mentioned on this thread that I'd consider 'The Underwater Welder' graphic novel of the year.
'Dotter of her Father's Eyes' is a close second (and I don't even have any kids!).

Dotter of her Father Eyes is on the shortlist of Costa Biography Award for 2012, Days of the Bagnold Summer is up for the Costa Novel Award for 2012, leading the Man Booker Prize chairman to ask for graphic novel submissions for the prize.

Essex County Trilogy made the ten book shortlist of Essential Canadian Book of the Decade, didn't win because of the judges vote (not words in it they felt....) but the results from the peoples vote showed it would have won the popular vote. So don't be surprised if The Underwater Welder starts picking up mainstream notice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 27 November, 2012, 12:53:30 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 26 November, 2012, 06:20:31 PM
In the black and white version [spoiler] she falls asleep and gets snatched. He carries on running and makes it out of town. He reaches a police station where he tells his tale. The police don't believe him until a report comes in of a truck overturned on the motorway, spilling giant pea pods all over the road. The film ends. [/spoiler]

Hmm.[spoiler] I think I prefer the 70s ending but that beats the book ending, for me.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 27 November, 2012, 12:10:48 PM
Just finished a mammoth slog through American Vampire - needed something to fill the void after I caught up with about 10 years' worth of BPRD comics in the space of about a year. It can't hold a candle to BPRD but it's solid and enjoyable nonetheless. The best arcs so far have been the WWII stories - Ghost War and Survival of the Fittest. Sean Murphy, for me, just pips Albuquerque as the best artist on the series so far. Also loved the character of Travis Kidd, a 50's greaser, rebel-with-a-cause vamp hunter who likes to 'bite them back' with a set of wooden teeth!

Also, because I haven't read an actual novel for far too long, I've just started Kim Newman's latest Anno Dracula - the 'Cha Cha Cha' one, which locates the action to Rome in the late 50s, and adds a certain famous British spy to the already mindboggling cast. Awesome so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 November, 2012, 12:21:06 PM
Did you read the 'Lord of Nightmares' American tampon spin-off mini-series? I thoroughly enjoyed that, despite only having read the first AV trade- but i was shocked at artist Dustin Nguyen's (sp?) inability to draw animals- wolves i think being his particular unspeciality. From memory it's #4 that holds the best laughs on this front. But all-in-all it's a fantastic little mini that deserves to be read quite widely. A damn site more entertaining than the Night Force seven-parter that ran at the same time, anyway.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 November, 2012, 12:22:11 PM
Tampon, not tampon.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 27 November, 2012, 12:22:59 PM
Oh just fuck you Sony Ericsson!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 27 November, 2012, 12:41:04 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 27 November, 2012, 12:22:11 PM
Tampon, not tampon.

SBT

A Freudian smorgasbord...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 27 November, 2012, 12:53:49 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 27 November, 2012, 12:41:04 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 27 November, 2012, 12:22:11 PM
Tampon, not tampon.

SBT

A Freudian smorgasbord...

:lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 November, 2012, 08:53:51 AM
I've just finished reading Pete Milligan's entire run of Human Target from the mini series to the end of the ongoing (thanks in large to 'The Cosh' of these parts, a BIG thanks as you will see.) and I have to say its stunning. Absolutely stunning a quite brilliant piece of work. You have to be a little careful about saying what I'm about to, after reading something you've really enjoyed and thus not quite having the correct context with which to make the judgement (I really must get an X-Force / X-Statix re-read on my list) BUT this is very possibly my favourite ever piece of work by the man, certainly long form. Its absolutely brilliant.

It covers a lot of the the themes of identity that Milligan uses so often in his work. Given the nature of the character though (Christopher Chance, The Human Target, substitutes himself for people in trouble and danger, taking over their lives for a while, for those that don't know) this theme is tackled head on and far more obviously and directly than he often does. This might not sound like a great strength, but it really is. Its has an honestly and clarity that his more 'complex' work sometimes lacks. Its very clear and strong but the storytelling is sharp, simple and utterly entertaining. Where some of his work can feel cluttered with ideas and themes, this is cut back and precise.

Which is just exactly how I'd describe the art throughout. The whole thing looks absolutely fantastic with art almost exclusively by Javier Pulido and Cliff Chiang after Edvin Biuković's work on the first mini. There's moments when its all quite breath-taking.

The entire run from the 1999 mini-series to the end of the Vertigo ongoing, feels absolutely complete and as if the whole thing was perfectly executed from start to finish to be exactly as it turned out.

Not sure how available this series in in trade, but if you like Pete Milligan and haven't read this, pick it up if you can, its superb.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 28 November, 2012, 01:55:52 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 27 November, 2012, 12:21:06 PM
Did you read the 'Lord of Nightmares' American tampon spin-off mini-series? I thoroughly enjoyed that, despite only having read the first AV trade- but i was shocked at artist Dustin Nguyen's (sp?) inability to draw animals- wolves i think being his particular unspeciality. From memory it's #4 that holds the best laughs on this front. But all-in-all it's a fantastic little mini that deserves to be read quite widely. A damn site more entertaining than the Night Force seven-parter that ran at the same time, anyway.

SBT

Sorry SBT - just realised I didn't actually answer your question. Yes, I have read the Lord of Nightmares mini-series, liked it a lot (not as much as Survival of the Fittest though). I actually quite liked the art, and think it's a bit harsh to say he really can't draw animals. They're perhaps not his strong point, but I could forgive it because I love the messy watercolour/inky washes and the expressive faces. So yeah, all in all another worthy addition to the series. Quite like how AmVamp flits about to different eras, it works well. Wonder how up to date they'll bring the series before it all wraps up?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 28 November, 2012, 03:52:57 PM
Ive not even heard of survival of the fittest- will go home and check that out. I remember being unimpressed with AV on first reading thr first trade, but it's grown on me as ive become more accustomed to scott snyder, via swamp thing etc. It's certainly a series i will slowly collect in trade format i think. I have to have something now northlanders and scalped are no more.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 28 November, 2012, 10:16:20 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 28 November, 2012, 08:53:51 AMNot sure how available this series in in trade, but if you like Pete Milligan and haven't read this, pick it up if you can, its superb.

Chance Meetings collects the Vertigo miniseries and the OGN Final Cut. Second Chances collects issues #1-10 of the ongoing series. #11-21 were never collected.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 29 November, 2012, 12:07:41 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 26 November, 2012, 02:37:42 PM
I finished The Bodysnatchers just the other day.

It really is a good read.

This may seem blasphemous, but I think I largely prefer the 70s film remake though.

Been a while since ive read the PB - think ive got the 70's remake in fotonovel form as well! Ah Fotonovels - remember those? , so once my decks are cleared ill have to dig it out, and no its not wrong to prefer the 70's remake of the film. Glorious
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 November, 2012, 08:22:38 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 28 November, 2012, 10:16:20 PM
Chance Meetings collects the Vertigo miniseries and the OGN Final Cut. Second Chances collects issues #1-10 of the ongoing series. #11-21 were never collected.

Well there's a glaring omission on DC's part. Some more great stories in the vault that need to get out there. Isn't there a TV series or something as well at the moment? Mind I suppose the series might be very different to the comics and hence they're keeping it under wraps?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 29 November, 2012, 01:29:20 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 28 November, 2012, 08:53:51 AM
I've just finished reading Pete Milligan's entire run of Human Target from the mini series to the end of the ongoing (thanks in large to 'The Cosh' of these parts, a BIG thanks as you will see.) and I have to say its stunning. Absolutely stunning a quite brilliant piece of work. ...
It covers a lot of the the themes of identity that Milligan uses so often in his work.
Glad to hear how much you liked it Colin. As I said at the time, I found it to be more of a tepid reheat of his previous stuff than the distillation you've experienced.

Quote from: Colin_YNWAIsn't there a TV series or something as well at the moment? Mind I suppose the series might be very different to the comics and hence they're keeping it under wraps?
I watched a couple of episodes and it was more of a straightforward detective/adventure series with none of the psychological elements of the comic you've just read. I assume, if it bares any relation to the source material, it's to the original comics but I have nothing to base this on. I'd say Dollhouse actually made a pretty decent stab at exploring some similar ideas on telly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 29 November, 2012, 01:48:03 PM
kevin hearne's latest of the iron druid downloaded to my kindle this morning - hoorah

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trapped-Druid-Chronicles-Kevin-Hearne/dp/0356501973/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1354196841&sr=8-8 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Trapped-Druid-Chronicles-Kevin-Hearne/dp/0356501973/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1354196841&sr=8-8)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 29 November, 2012, 02:18:19 PM
Just finished the last volume of the English translation of Oishinbo by Tetsu Kariya and drawn by Akira Hanasaki.

The seven volumes comprise only a small portion of Oishinbo since it has been in publication since 1983. If you like Japanese food or culture give it a try.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 November, 2012, 02:38:36 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 29 November, 2012, 01:29:20 PM

Glad to hear how much you liked it Colin. As I said at the time, I found it to be more of a tepid reheat of his previous stuff than the distillation you've experienced.


I was hoping you'd pop along and see my wittering. Yeah I can defo see how the way you read it is a very valid take on the series. I guess I just need me Milligan stripped down otherwise it confuses me noggin! Of course the selfish side of me is very glad you didn't get on with it, as otherwise I'd have probably not got my grubby mitts on it. It comes from the back end of my wilderness years from comics and there's so much from that period I've never caught up with (to this day not a single page of Preacher) I doubt it'd have hit my radar yet.

Quote from: The Cosh on 29 November, 2012, 01:29:20 PM
I watched a couple of episodes and it was more of a straightforward detective/adventure series with none of the psychological elements of the comic you've just read. I assume, if it bares any relation to the source material, it's to the original comics but I have nothing to base this on. I'd say Dollhouse actually made a pretty decent stab at exploring some similar ideas on telly.

Heard a lot about that show. Don't get so much time for tv these day, so many comics to read, but might try to catch this... but that's for another thread.

Thanks again Cosh (or do you prefer The Cosh?) always meant to ask!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 02 December, 2012, 12:11:16 AM
THE DRESDEN FILES - STORM WARNING

First book of the Dresden Files - actually quite good despite the back cover blog of " the best post Buffy series..."

Done in first person, it has elements of Bogey and our Sam C Slade and is quite an easy read, finished it in a few days.

This first book hints at a lot of the backstory, which i assume will be cleared up in subsequent books.

There was a tv show based on the book that  i remembered .....but after a quick youtube search i can understand why it got canned.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 02 December, 2012, 12:09:00 PM
I've just finished "The Nao of Brown" by Glyn Dillon from Self Made Hero. It is, without going in to hugely hyperbolic frothing nerdism, one of the best things I have ever read in any format. Beautiful (incredibly well observed artwork), upsetting, fascinating, cruel, funny, thought provoking, cute, ugly and above all brilliant. It shines.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 02 December, 2012, 04:25:23 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 02 December, 2012, 12:09:00 PM
I've just finished "The Nao of Brown" by Glyn Dillon from Self Made Hero. It is, without going in to hugely hyperbolic frothing nerdism, one of the best things I have ever read in any format. Beautiful (incredibly well observed artwork), upsetting, fascinating, cruel, funny, thought provoking, cute, ugly and above all brilliant. It shines.

That's the 4th incidental occasion I've read a rave review for this.
It's just made 'Dradis contact' on my wish list nerdar.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 03 December, 2012, 11:02:08 AM
Picked up the collected 'Ragemoor' hardback the other day by Jan Strnad and Richard Corben as I only came across a couple of issues of the comic itself. Great Lovecraftian horror fare, well reccomended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 December, 2012, 01:15:52 PM
Not so much reading as listening to (because, as a man who reads comics, im too thick to read a book, at least according to the uk 'quality' newspapers and that Coren twat) various unabridged readings of HP Lovecraft at the moment. Started with Ianto off Torchwood having a good stab at The Call of Cthulhu- which, despite finding the long words problematic and the sentences too long for him to keep up a single tone of expression, meaning often sentences would start in one manner and then become menacing halfway through as he realised the intent, i thoroughly enjoyed. Halfway through an epic four and half hour reading of AtMoM at the moment. Ive found them curiously powerful and, despite the lack of any type of audio enhancement, extremely frightening.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 03 December, 2012, 01:59:24 PM
AtMoM is a work of unparrallelled genius. In a story where, to be honest, nothing much happens, there is an amzing sense of all prevading dread running through the whole thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 December, 2012, 03:50:50 PM
There certainly is- as im finding with many of Lovecraft's 'mythos' stories, Call of Cthulhu especially. That very much put the wind up me. However, the antarctic locations of AtMoM would sell it to me even if the story were pants. As it is, the most overpoweringly beautiful and frightening place on earth gets the most overpoweringly beautiful and frightening story Lovecraft wrote.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 03 December, 2012, 04:22:29 PM
I have this collection of HPL story's including many of his Mythos builders and it's zeh absolute shitz!
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Tpnvp22ZL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 03 December, 2012, 10:30:12 PM
I've got that as well Hawkmonger. It's a great collection with some excellent illustrations. It may have been a mistake to read it all in one go though. Haven't quite felt right since. There's this strange buzzing noise like vast cosmic wasps coming from the fridge and some joker keeps writing "Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah,nagl fhtagn" on the bathroom mirror with soap.

I think it might be me...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 03 December, 2012, 10:32:32 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 03 December, 2012, 10:30:12 PM
It may have been a mistake to read it all in one go though. Haven't quite felt right since. There's this strange buzzing noise like vast cosmic wasps coming from the fridge and some joker keeps writing "Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah,nagl fhtagn" on the bathroom mirror with soap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGTEOrX_I08
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 03 December, 2012, 10:37:56 PM
I love you guys. If i didnt have absolutely no room in my house for any more cult scifi/ horror nonsense, i'd be buying up everything i could find even remotely linked to Lovecraft. I've read him periodically my entire life- i even remember a whiskey-and-heart-pills evening with Brian Lumley talking about him and his work- but it's never really clickewith me as it has done this time. I feel like im drowning in it- but it's a very pleasant way to go.

Off to listen to second half of AtMoM. Those who havent, check out cthulhulives.org (or .com, whichever) for where my obsession is likely to take me...

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 03 December, 2012, 10:44:56 PM
Quote from: judda fett on 03 December, 2012, 11:02:08 AM
Picked up the collected 'Ragemoor' hardback the other day by Jan Strnad and Richard Corben as I only came across a couple of issues of the comic itself. Great Lovecraftian horror fare, well reccomended.

Really enjoyed this too. Wonder if he has any new stories lined up next year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 05 December, 2012, 04:05:26 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 03 December, 2012, 10:44:56 PM
Quote from: judda fett on 03 December, 2012, 11:02:08 AM
Picked up the collected 'Ragemoor' hardback the other day by Jan Strnad and Richard Corben as I only came across a couple of issues of the comic itself. Great Lovecraftian horror fare, well reccomended.

Really enjoyed this too. Wonder if he has any new stories lined up next year.

I hope so. Ancient Otter there is a collection of Corbens work for Creepy that came out recently, a handsome hardback tome definately worth a look. Also an adaptation of the Conqueror Worm by Poe is out now (one off comic) plus a recent Dark Horse Presents and also Creepy anthologys have both included Corben stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 05 December, 2012, 04:21:38 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 03 December, 2012, 10:37:56 PM
I love you guys. If i didnt have absolutely no room in my house for any more cult scifi/ horror nonsense, i'd be buying up everything i could find even remotely linked to Lovecraft.

You'll want the kids to explain these new-fangled videogames to you, then, and get yourself a copy of Fallout 3: Game of the Year.  I've had mates with only cursory interest in videogames asking "What the fuck was THAT about?" in relation to wandering around "The Dunwich Building" seeing momentary glimpses of the pre-war occupants (the only time and place in the entire game where something like this happens) and getting shit up, then frustrated at the game not explaining things to them.  You can piece together what's going on only if you're a Lovecraft fan because it isn't a quest or anything in the game, it's just one huge, sprawling Lovecraft Easter egg homage set in a retro-futurism version of post-holocaust America.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 05 December, 2012, 05:29:28 PM
Quote from: Unicorn Bukakke on 05 December, 2012, 04:21:38 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing on 03 December, 2012, 10:37:56 PM
I love you guys. If i didnt have absolutely no room in my house for any more cult scifi/ horror nonsense, i'd be buying up everything i could find even remotely linked to Lovecraft.

You'll want the kids to explain these new-fangled videogames to you, then, and get yourself a copy of Fallout 3: Game of the Year.  I've had mates with only cursory interest in videogames asking "What the fuck was THAT about?" in relation to wandering around "The Dunwich Building" seeing momentary glimpses of the pre-war occupants (the only time and place in the entire game where something like this happens) and getting shit up, then frustrated at the game not explaining things to them.  You can piece together what's going on only if you're a Lovecraft fan because it isn't a quest or anything in the game, it's just one huge, sprawling Lovecraft Easter egg homage set in a retro-futurism version of post-holocaust America.

And its f-ckin brilliant to boot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 05 December, 2012, 05:47:55 PM
I always wondered what that was about! I left that building freaked out, but scratching my head in bewilderment. Now I know!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 05 December, 2012, 06:03:38 PM
I'm pretty sure no-one but Lovecraft fans would get that you have to retrieve a book written by "Alhazred", but you couldn't get the book until after the Point Lookout DLC was released as you had to travel to Maryland to find Blackhall Mansion (another Lovecraft reference).

Quote from: Link Prime on 05 December, 2012, 05:29:28 PMAnd its f-ckin brilliant to boot.

Yes.

Yes it is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NorthVox on 10 December, 2012, 10:27:00 PM
Read Judge Dredd Year One: City Fathers on my Kindle the other day. Great stuff, nice break from my other not so easy read, Plato's The Republic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 December, 2012, 10:39:58 PM
A few days ago i finished reading Jeff Smith's BONE: ONE VOLUME EDITION and was absolutely blown away. A beautiful, stunning, heartfelt, funny masterpiece. Smiley Bone and his friendship with Bartleby just melted my heart! Theres a moment in the comic he has to say goodbye to Bartleby (well not a proper one as he doesn't get the opportunity to say it) and he stands there, a feeling of sadness and woe which is visible by his body language. It just broke my f***ing heart.  :( This emotion i felt for all the characters in this beautiful graphic novel was definitely down to Smith's mesmerising artwork and writing. Its been called Disney meets Lord of the Rings but BONE is so much more.

After finishing this giant 1300 page book, i bought the prequel to it; ROSE, which i finished reading the other day. Although Jeff Smith isn't on artistic duties, nonetheless Charles Vess' beautiful painted artwork is magnificent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 December, 2012, 07:47:59 AM
Uh a re-read of Bone is getting very close to the top of my read list and I can't wait, I love it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 11 December, 2012, 08:11:57 PM
Quote from: judda fett on 05 December, 2012, 04:05:26 PMI hope so. Ancient Otter there is a collection of Corbens work for Creepy that came out recently, a handsome hardback tome definately worth a look. Also an adaptation of the Conqueror Worm by Poe is out now (one off comic) plus a recent Dark Horse Presents and also Creepy anthologys have both included Corben stories.

Thanks for the heads up Judda Fett. Have the Dark Horse Creepy collection, the Murky World collection from Dark Horse Presents and The Conqueror Worm is on the way to me. Going to track down Starr The Slayer and the Haunts of Horror Omnibus. Have his A Boy and His Dog adaptation of the Harlan Ellison stories, Vic and Blood from years ago too. But the amount of his work that is out of print is shocking.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 13 December, 2012, 09:44:14 PM
The new Robert Rankin novel 'The Educated Ape' is fantastic. How can you go wrong with a story that features a talking monkey detective?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 15 December, 2012, 05:04:41 PM
Meltdown Man a toothy classic I don't really remember so it all seems new to me. A very much old school writing with explain the panel dialogue (that I secretly love) and mad art from Belardinnelli it's a rip roaring fast spaced read with british S.A.S man Stone nuked into the furry future where wicked humans oppress the human/animal hybrids mahhnn.

Really good fun and i haven't finished it yet.Great cover art as well.

Also No More Heroes 4 by GordyM of these here boards.A fantastic twist that I never saw coming wraps the final episode up in a fine read that puts many a Big 2 comic to shame.This is a very clever book and I hope there's a new series.Quite a moral tale as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 15 December, 2012, 06:20:09 PM
Meltdown Man is just brilliant. Massimo at his very best, and a cracking story to boot.
A definite firm favourite of mine.

And unbelievably, this chap (http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?Order=Title&GSub=11192) is just a few pages away from owning it all!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 15 December, 2012, 07:41:55 PM
THE TRAIL OF CTHULHU by August Derleth.

A selection of short stories forming a loose novel, detailing the persuit of the Great God Cthulhu and the threat of his minions. Written over the decade following 1943, each of the five tales delves deeper into the "Cthulhu Mythos", that bowels-loosening pantheon of gods and ideas laid down by HP Lovecraft, but only later termed as such by Derleth.

For anyone who finds Lovecraft "difficult"- and that's probably anyone reading  from 1970 onwards- Derleth thankfully writes is a subtly more modern manner and parlance. While he goes over familiar ground, it's all far more contemporary than HP, despite now being nearly seventy years old.

Amusingly, the first story, 'The House on Curwen Street', begins in a manner so similar to The League's 'Psychoville' to be coincidence. It's a testament to the power of Derleth's prose that this similarlity doesnt bugger the narrative at all. Great stuff.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 16 December, 2012, 01:40:29 AM
Just read the whole of Death Note. And it was one of the best comics I have read, really exciting all the way through (although it felt like it dipped a bit in the middle it was only because the first half was so good). I really recommend this series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 16 December, 2012, 01:44:22 AM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 15 December, 2012, 06:20:09 PM
Meltdown Man is just brilliant. Massimo at his very best, and a cracking story to boot.
A definite firm favourite of mine.

And unbelievably, this chap (http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?Order=Title&GSub=11192) is just a few pages away from owning it all!

I only read it when it was reprinted in the Extreme Editions. I was stupid to assume because it had not yet been reprinted it was going to be rubbish (like mean arena), but it was amazing!

I hope he can track down the remaining pages!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 20 December, 2012, 05:21:17 PM
Had Judge Dredd: Mandroid and Absalom: Ghosts of London, delivered today! Really looking forward to reading them! :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 December, 2012, 09:46:01 AM
A strange, flat, TPB sized amazon package arrived this morning, followed by a second one that felt like a phonebook edition of something. Rather interested as to what christmas may hold for me now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 21 December, 2012, 12:56:34 PM
Had another delivery for Leviathan also, its really bloody hard to find a copy so very pleased indeed!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 21 December, 2012, 02:22:21 PM
Just starting the copy of the collected Lilly Mackenzie that I got from Simon Fraser at Thought Bubble. A lovely little collection and the strip reads brilliantly in this format.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 21 December, 2012, 02:34:47 PM
Re reading Le Guin's Earthsea Quartet (although never actually read the original 4th part).  Nearly finished Tombs of Atuan and keep being struck by similarities by one of the early Slaine stories involving Slough Feg and Medb (on Belardinelli's run).

Also grabbed The Incal.  Gorgeous hardcover edition, superb art, bonkers story.  Well worth it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 23 December, 2012, 10:28:43 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 21 December, 2012, 02:34:47 PM
Re reading Le Guin's Earthsea Quartet (although never actually read the original 4th part).  Nearly finished Tombs of Atuan and keep being struck by similarities by one of the early Slaine stories involving Slough Feg and Medb (on Belardinelli's run).

Also grabbed The Incal.  Gorgeous hardcover edition, superb art, bonkers story.  Well worth it!

I so wanted to read the Earthsea stories that recently i requested my library to order in a copy. Only problem was it was 'Tales of Earthsea' which is not the original trilogy of stories. So a bit gutted nonetheless will try again.

I finished Absalom : Ghosts of London a while ago and loved it! Absolutely superb. Just a question though,[spoiler] is the demon doppelganger Harry encounters at the hospital a demon or death i.e the grim reaper? [/spoiler] any help will be much appreciated.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 December, 2012, 10:40:01 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 21 December, 2012, 02:34:47 PM
Re reading Le Guin's Earthsea Quartet (although never actually read the original 4th part). 

My favourite fantasy series, from my favourite author in any genre (it's worth noting that there are now 5 novels and 2 short story collections).  The first is the best, but the latter books are fascinating and frequently moving.   It's well worth seeking out The Wind's Twelve Quarters, a LeGuin short story collection, for the first two Earthsea stories both 'chronologically' and in the order of writing.  It's also a terrific collection - LeGuin is at her best in the short form, indeed I'd go so far as to say she is the best short SF/Fantasy story writer of them all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 23 December, 2012, 04:42:06 PM
Am having a big ol' reading sesh each night after work to see if I can't make a dent in my reading pile of trade paperbacks.

Am on a bit of a retro kick right now, reading through a couple of episodes of Judge Dredd from Case Files vol 3 (just finished 'The Forever Crimes) and the Complete Nemesis The Warlock. I'm bookending this with a bit of Deadpool and Cable and Marvel era Transformers, just for laughs.

Thoughts:

Just how ridiculously good is that Dredd stuff? I'm REALLY enjoying the stories for their simplicity, and the artwork is just masterful. Ron Smith is possibly my new favourite Dredd artist. His every page is just gorgeous.

Nemesis The Warlock has spurred my resolution to re-read some of the stuff on my shelves. Last time I made the effort, I came away thinking 'it's not as great as I remember'... but that opinion has changed. The sheer lunacy of Pat Mills' early Nemesis scripts and the INSANE detail in Kevin O'Neill's artwork are enormous fun to behold.

Deadpool and Cable (or Cable and Deadpool, depending on how you remember it) is a lot of fun, although I do tend to read it with the feeling there's a bit of a sugar rush going on. It's a hyperactive read, and I sometimes feel like it's breezed by too quickly, but it makes me laugh out loud, so it's all good.

As for the old-timey Transformers... I have that in several nice, chunky IDW reprint collections. I'm kinda going through it for the nostalgia value, but it really is good fun in places. I just started reading the Underbase Saga... so much death!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 23 December, 2012, 07:33:20 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 16 December, 2012, 01:40:29 AM
Just read the whole of Death Note. And it was one of the best comics I have read, really exciting all the way through (although it felt like it dipped a bit in the middle it was only because the first half was so good). I really recommend this series.
Indeed. Death Note is quient essential reading, comic/ manga or other wise.
[spoiler]I agree with your sentiment that the series dip's after the death of L, Near and Mello try so hard to fill in his boot's but at the end of the day it's the suporting cast (Light's Dad, Matsuda etc) that pull it all together. Oh, and the ever awsome Ryuk.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 23 December, 2012, 07:42:30 PM
QuoteIt's well worth seeking out The Wind's Twelve Quarters, a LeGuin short story collection, for the first two Earthsea stories both 'chronologically' and in the order of writing.  It's also a terrific collection - LeGuin is at her best in the short form, indeed I'd go so far as to say she is the best short SF/Fantasy story writer of them all.

Noticed our market's book stall had that one at the weekend.  Nearly grabbed it but ended up with Asimov's I, Robot and The Rest of The Robots.  Will nip back and see if it is still there.  Would agree wholeheartedly on your appraisal.  My all time favourite book is one of hers: The Lathe of Heaven.  Absolutely cracking read. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 23 December, 2012, 08:15:31 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 23 December, 2012, 07:42:30 PM
QuoteIt's well worth seeking out The Wind's Twelve Quarters, a LeGuin short story collection, for the first two Earthsea stories both 'chronologically' and in the order of writing.  It's also a terrific collection - LeGuin is at her best in the short form, indeed I'd go so far as to say she is the best short SF/Fantasy story writer of them all.

Noticed our market's book stall had that one at the weekend.  Nearly grabbed it but ended up with Asimov's I, Robot and The Rest of The Robots.  Will nip back and see if it is still there.  Would agree wholeheartedly on your appraisal.  My all time favourite book is one of hers: The Lathe of Heaven.  Absolutely cracking read.

Love the Lathe of Heaven, Winds 12 Quarters too.  Another standout for me is The Left Hand of Darkness, although my absolute favourite is The Dispossessed - a gripping adventure yarn hiding a treatise on a workable anarchic society. It almost makes you believe such a society could be possible by the end of the book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Kerrin on 23 December, 2012, 08:26:14 PM
"The Wind's Twelve Quarters" is superb. As are left hand and the dispossesed.

Recent stuff for me has been, in no particular order,

"The Right Stuff", Tom Wolfe. A wonderful read. I've read some Wolfe which I didn't get on with but this was excellent.

"The Pack", Jason Starr. Werewolfs in Manhattan. Utter toss.

"Cyberabad Days", Ian McDonald. This is a series of loosely connected short stories which follow on from and are set in the same future India as his "River of Gods". Great stuff and well worth a read.

"The Yiddish Policemen's Union", Michael Chabon. Brilliant. Read it.

"The Hydrogen Sonata", Iain.M.Banks. Culture. Love it.

I've just started reading the amended "Magician" by Raymond.E.Feist but I think I'll leave it at that this time. Can't be arsed with the thirty thousand sequels.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 23 December, 2012, 09:05:33 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 23 December, 2012, 08:26:14 PM

"The Hydrogen Sonata", Iain.M.Banks. Culture. Love it.


Yeah. I finished that last week. I can't believe how quickly I got through it - a real page turner. The ship Minds were the stars of the book, as is becoming the norm in his stuff now!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 December, 2012, 10:19:44 PM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 23 December, 2012, 08:15:31 PM...my absolute favourite is The Dispossessed - a gripping adventure yarn hiding a treatise on a workable anarchic society. It almost makes you believe such a society could be possible by the end of the book.

My favourite book of all, and you're right, it really does sell the idea of a workable anarchy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 24 December, 2012, 12:37:56 PM
Dredd/Batman collection.

A good read overall, but a few minor giggles.

Judgement on Gotham: best of the lot. The story was told very well and the artwork stunning.

Vendetta: I wasn't overly impressed with this one. The art seems a bit dodgy when compared with the other tales in this collection (only Lobo looks worse). And the story itself seemed like filler material. (the whole purpose of this story is just a set-up for Die Laughing).

Ultimate Riddle: I like this one; great story/art, but its a little short. Should have been made as a 2-parter, and the Riddler doesn't feature enough.

Die Laughing: second best of the bunch. Good overall but some small sections of county dialogue. Good to see Mortis as more of a major player.

Lobo: I've only glanced at this at the moment. The artwork looks like 90's X-men, which doesn't look right for Dredds world, IMO.

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 24 December, 2012, 12:41:06 PM
Apologies for double post but 'county' should actually be 'dodgy'.

Effin smartphones!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 26 December, 2012, 02:10:32 PM
currently on the dredd year one kindle book enjoyabnle..

  ihave also downloaded all the later blakck flame dredds and a selection of freebies to try oh and the sherlock holmes complete collection free!!!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 26 December, 2012, 08:03:50 PM
Jules Verne 'Master of the World.' Looking forward to it as it's quite difficult to get hold of.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 28 December, 2012, 10:50:19 PM
Just finished the Ragemoor tpb which was good.  My first experience of Corben's work - I was pleasantly surprised at the Lovecraftian slant on the story.  The only minor negative was the slightly cartoony artwork in places (a small niggle though).

Currently 40 odd pages into V for Vendetta for the first time.  Too early to say much so far but am finiding it hard to put down  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 29 December, 2012, 12:12:15 PM
Christmas goodies included Grandville Bette Noir, which is as excellent as the preceeding two volumes.

Also got book 1 of Stuff Of Legend, which was totally new to me. It's a bout some toys whose "Boy" is taken by the Boogie Man, so they go into The Dark to get him back, where they are transformed into real people and creatures. Very bloody good, with striking art, I have ordered the next 2 volumes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 31 December, 2012, 12:01:43 PM
Quote from: House of Usher on 30 March, 2009, 11:37:12 PM
It's with a mixture of pride and shame that I have to report I'm re-reading Paradise Lost. It was seeing Uriel as a fallen angel in Necrophim that drove me to it: "But but but.... that's just wrong!"

<img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_lol.gif" alt=":lol:" title="Laughing" />

I'm tutoring a girl who's studying Animal Farm, so I read that again yesterday, and I've recently read Of Mice and Men, and I'm currently reading it with my adult ed. GCSE class.

Necrophim is just wrong anyway, no matter what else you're reading.  Me,  I'm still reading the London Review of Books. Highlights include a John Lanchester piece about Marx's 173rd birthday (way more fun than that sounds), fun stuff about famous lesbians by Terry Castle and a letter from an indignant Tea Party London Review of Books subscriber complaining about whatsisname Ryan bashing. 

Oh and I've started on my Christmas present from my UK based sister - an anthology of Simon Hoggart's parliamentary sketches.  Occasionally fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 31 December, 2012, 01:12:43 PM
I've not long started ROBOPOCALYPSE by Daniel H Wilson. About 60 pages in and it is superb. Very much feels as if John Smith was writing Robo-Hunter. The droids in this are pretty terrifying. I'm hoping for a very enjoyable time reading the rest.

I've also recently caought up on some of the comics from Thought Bubble and the collection of strips by Paul Scott and Paul Macaffrey from OMNIVISTASCOPE deserves praise. A really good collection of 'hard SF' comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 31 December, 2012, 01:39:14 PM
Recently I've been reading Brandon Sanderson stuff. Yesterday I read his novella entitled Legion. A rather interesting story concerning a PI type character, a kind of genius who taps into the vast knowledge he accumulates through other personalities that only he can see. (By that, I mean he will actually hallucinate an expert in a particular field who will impart their knowledge to him when he requires it. From his POV, he doesn't have that knowledge at all. He just perused a book, etc, but somehow the knowledge went in and became that hallucination.) He refers to them as aspects.

A very interesting premise as it could be taken as a kind of super-power and mental illness in one. He knows they're not real (and so by large do they) and he largely functions just like anyone else so doesn't consider himself insane. It's an odd experience for other real people in his vicinity who see him conversing with, well, empty space...

Anyway. A novella, but I wouldn't be surprised if Sanderson returned to the character and created new stories around him.

I also just started the latest Mistborn Novel Alloy of Law. This is set in a later time period to the previous Mistborn novels and is an interesting mixture of the metal related magic systems of the previous novels, and western. Early yet, but pretty good so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 31 December, 2012, 02:14:36 PM
Rogue trooper Tales of Nu earth vol3 This is just super fun. Even though much of it so far isn't on nu Earth at all. Anywya half way through already and the Ortiz and Dillon b&w art is just fabulous but the stories seem to change a bit too much in tone after the Gerry Findlay Day ones.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 31 December, 2012, 03:34:29 PM
I finished Leviathan and Absalom: Ghosts of London a few days back (you can find my review for both in the 'Other Reviews' thread) aswell as Mandroid which i thought was bloody superb. The sequel not so much. Kev Walker's artwork for the first story was outstanding.

At the moment i'm reading Y The Last Man (Deluxe Hardcover) Book 4; just had it delivered today. Since the first book i've been hooked on this brilliant series. I'm dreading the thought of seeing it finish...its been one hell of a ride.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 31 December, 2012, 03:43:54 PM
Quote from: Alski on 29 December, 2012, 12:12:15 PM
Christmas goodies included Grandville Bette Noir, which is as excellent as the preceeding two volumes.

Also got book 1 of Stuff Of Legend, which was totally new to me. It's a bout some toys whose "Boy" is taken by the Boogie Man, so they go into The Dark to get him back, where they are transformed into real people and creatures. Very bloody good, with striking art, I have ordered the next 2 volumes.

I read the first issue over at comiXology and had no prior knowledge of the comic, well i have to say i loved it! The sepia toned artwork is just stunning! Could i ask you one thing mate- how is the binding and general quality of the volume you have at the moment? I was very tempted to order the first volume but then i read a review saying how the binding was poor and the pages fell out or what not. And i don't think its been released in hardcover. I'd be grateful if you can get back to me; its really high up on my shopping list!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Alski on 04 January, 2013, 10:59:43 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 31 December, 2012, 03:43:54 PM
Quote from: Alski on 29 December, 2012, 12:12:15 PM
Christmas goodies included Grandville Bette Noir, which is as excellent as the preceeding two volumes.

Also got book 1 of Stuff Of Legend, which was totally new to me. It's a bout some toys whose "Boy" is taken by the Boogie Man, so they go into The Dark to get him back, where they are transformed into real people and creatures. Very bloody good, with striking art, I have ordered the next 2 volumes.

I read the first issue over at comiXology and had no prior knowledge of the comic, well i have to say i loved it! The sepia toned artwork is just stunning! Could i ask you one thing mate- how is the binding and general quality of the volume you have at the moment? I was very tempted to order the first volume but then i read a review saying how the binding was poor and the pages fell out or what not. And i don't think its been released in hardcover. I'd be grateful if you can get back to me; its really high up on my shopping list!

No problems at all with my copy, feels as good as any other softcover and I was not worried about pages falling out of any of that old guff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 04 January, 2013, 11:33:22 AM
Christmas hols and in-laws means help with the kids and time to put my feet up and read (a rarity*).

+ Zone One (Colson Whithead) - good take on the day-after-zombie-apocalypse but the survivors should have read Judgement Day to deal with things properly.

+ Snuff (Pratchett) - great to see Sam Vimes back in the saddle.

+ Broadcast (Henry Flint; I'd briefly gone through this little wonder when I first picked it up, but having more time to pore over the drawings and absorb the text was very welcome)



* Last time I read a book was a wet climbing holiday (sans offspring) in October but I managed to get through the mahoosive Hyperion omnibus (Dan Simmons) in a week, so that was fairly good going.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 04 January, 2013, 11:41:37 AM
Quote from: Alski on 04 January, 2013, 10:59:43 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 31 December, 2012, 03:43:54 PM
Quote from: Alski on 29 December, 2012, 12:12:15 PM
Christmas goodies included Grandville Bette Noir, which is as excellent as the preceeding two volumes.

Also got book 1 of Stuff Of Legend, which was totally new to me. It's a bout some toys whose "Boy" is taken by the Boogie Man, so they go into The Dark to get him back, where they are transformed into real people and creatures. Very bloody good, with striking art, I have ordered the next 2 volumes.

I read the first issue over at comiXology and had no prior knowledge of the comic, well i have to say i loved it! The sepia toned artwork is just stunning! Could i ask you one thing mate- how is the binding and general quality of the volume you have at the moment? I was very tempted to order the first volume but then i read a review saying how the binding was poor and the pages fell out or what not. And i don't think its been released in hardcover. I'd be grateful if you can get back to me; its really high up on my shopping list!

No problems at all with my copy, feels as good as any other softcover and I was not worried about pages falling out of any of that old guff.

Thanks for that mate, I might order it next time!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 04 January, 2013, 02:39:24 PM
I've just started listening to the audiobook of Temeraire: His Majesty's Dragon.

It's an alternative historical series set in the Napoleonic era, where dragons exist and are used in aerial combat.

I'd heard of the series before and was intrigued by the idea but thought it might be a little dry - but it's really accessible and I'm enjoying it already. It's crying out for adaptation - apparently Peter Jackson has the rights.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 January, 2013, 01:15:37 PM
The Chimpanzee Complex Vol 1-3; Just had it delivered this morning.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MercZ on 07 January, 2013, 06:31:18 PM
I am currently reading Storm of Swords, continuing from the previous two books in that Song of Ice and Fire series. I have been reading them since November and have enjoyed them. I haven't actually read anything related to fantasy in awhile (I've mostly been stuck in either normal fiction, sci-fi, or history for the past year or so), so it is a change from what I usually do.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 January, 2013, 07:28:06 PM
Sandman Vol 10: The Wake. Just nearing the end and what a fine end it is to a magnificent series. There will never be another comic series as fucking brilliant as Sandman.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 10 January, 2013, 08:45:40 PM
Scrambled egg on toast, a bottle of wine, and five vols of Y: The Last Man, from the library!  Does life get better than this?!?

Well, yes, but this'll do for now!   :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 10 January, 2013, 09:54:10 PM
Progs 530 to 559 courtesy of E-Bay.  My new years project is to pick up all of the Progs, specials and annuals containing Zenith (either one prog a week or in job lots where available) and then maybe fill in the gaps until I reach Prog 800, which is as far back as the main body of my collection goes for now.  Phase one* of the project is now complete thanks to three job lots of ten progs for just £20 the lot.

The original version of the Project also involved getting the missing stories of Luke Kirby, but this turned out to be just Summer Magic which I got in a single job (Progs 570-579) lot last month.  I just need to pick up the specials and annuals through the year.

*Do you see what I did there
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 11 January, 2013, 12:45:25 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 10 January, 2013, 08:45:40 PM
Scrambled egg on toast, a bottle of wine, and five vols of Y: The Last Man, from the library!  Does life get better than this?!?

A bit of brown sauce splashed across the scrambled egg maybe.... ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 11 January, 2013, 12:53:35 AM
Memories of Light, final book in the Wheel of time servies, at last it finally ends.  Ive enjoyed the last two of these that Brian Snderson delivered and about 100 pages into this and its still in the Prolog!!
hope hes able to wrap it up.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 11 January, 2013, 01:03:23 AM
I just bought that today! I haven't started it yet.

I usually order these things online to save money but decided to buy this in Waterstones instead. (Actually I intended to get it in W H Smiths as they're cheaper but they appear to be out of copies.)

While I find myself wincing a bit concerning the difference in price between Waterstones and Amazon, it felt kinda nice to support a physical shop. And it was still £7.00 of the RRP. Not that I'm intending to get on my high horse about this. I've bought plenty by the web in the past and I'm sure I'll continue to do so. But it would be a shame for these places to die out. As it is I know of three other book shops that closed in Bromley, although one seems to have taken over the current Waterstones premise which used to be Ottakers.

I'll admit a large part of the choice was getting my mitts on the book ASAP rather than having to wait...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 11 January, 2013, 12:22:05 PM
I pick up Memories of Light yesterday as well. Haven't started yet. I will be both happy and sad to see the series end. I've been invested in this series for more than twenty years.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 11 January, 2013, 03:47:21 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 10 January, 2013, 07:28:06 PM
Sandman Vol 10: The Wake. Just nearing the end and what a fine end it is to a magnificent series. There will never be another comic series as fucking brilliant as Sandman.

yes indeedy. There is a volume 11 too - Endless Nights - a collection of short self-contained stories featuring each of the Endless siblings. Features art by Glenn Fabry and Frank Quitely among others.

Annoyingly (this is one for the Spines thread) my copy is taller and wider than volumes 1-10 so sticks out on my shelf. Grrrr!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 25 January, 2013, 12:04:26 PM
Warren Ellis' new novel 'Gun Machine' is a great read. Dark and funny (of course!) with a nice central mystery.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 25 January, 2013, 06:52:50 PM
I'm re-reading 'Consider Phlebas' for the first time in 20 years.  It's much harder going than I remember.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 25 January, 2013, 09:22:43 PM
Just finished The Shoot Horses, Don't They? and considering Captain Alatriste next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 25 January, 2013, 10:57:15 PM
Tracked down and read The Jock Collection that came with Meg 275. YES! Also got Al's Baby in the Exxtreme Edition and a bunch of stray progs I wanted.

Related to this, Megacity Comics are having a sale 50p for a prog, 1.99 for a Meg. Seems someone went and dumped their near complete collection on their counter.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 26 January, 2013, 02:43:24 AM
Quote from: GordyM on 25 January, 2013, 12:04:26 PM
Warren Ellis' new novel 'Gun Machine' is a great read. Dark and funny (of course!) with a nice central mystery.

In Stevie's Too Read Pile.

Stayed up all Monday night reading his debut novel Crooked Liitle Vein that was started on the bus home from work. Why isn't this man writing Doctor Who?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 28 January, 2013, 12:19:11 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 11 January, 2013, 03:47:21 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 10 January, 2013, 07:28:06 PM
Sandman Vol 10: The Wake. Just nearing the end and what a fine end it is to a magnificent series. There will never be another comic series as fucking brilliant as Sandman.

yes indeedy. There is a volume 11 too - Endless Nights - a collection of short self-contained stories featuring each of the Endless siblings. Features art by Glenn Fabry and Frank Quitely among others.

Annoyingly (this is one for the Spines thread) my copy is taller and wider than volumes 1-10 so sticks out on my shelf. Grrrr!

Yeah i read volume 11; really enjoyed that. Glenn Fabry does some great stuff in it along with all the other artists. I also read Dream Hunters which i must say was an absolute joy to read.

After reading Sandman i felt a bit depressed - because i knew i won't encounter anything as enthralling and beautiful as Gaiman's series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 28 January, 2013, 12:28:23 PM
In terms of most recent reads, i just finished The Walking Dead Compendium One last night; near the end of the volume i felt sick, like someone had hit me with a sucker punch in my guts. I started reading it last Friday, which is over a week ago and finally managed to finish this massive volume into the early hours of the morning, and what an engaging and brilliant read it was too. Charlie Adlard's artwork was outstanding, never once faltering regardless of the length. I hope to carry on with the series soon.

As for now, i'm just getting started on B.P.R.D Plague of Frogs HC Volume 2; i really enjoyed the first collection so really looking forward to this. Guy Davis' art is really beautiful to behold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 28 January, 2013, 12:50:09 PM
Currently reading:
Skullduggery Pleasent: kingdom of the Wicked
D.Gray-Man volume 22
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mygrimmbrother on 28 January, 2013, 12:59:06 PM
Approaching the end of the first 'Charley's War' hardback. The first day of The Somme, with the British troops walking across no man's land after the top brass assured them the German defenses would be reduced to rubble, and the inevitable horrific outcome was very emotional and hard to read. What an uncompromising tribute to the men who died in their millions during that awful conflict. I have to admit to not being a fan of Mills' recent output but this one is a fantastically crafted saga. Joe Colqhoun's art too - the hours he must have put in researching all the period detail alone, and without Google images too. An Herculean effort.

Gonna be ordering the next one in February I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 28 January, 2013, 01:02:27 PM
Because I'm retaking A-level English after 23 years, I'm currently reading

* 'Journey's End' by C. J. Sheriff,
* Complete Poems by Keith Douglas
* 'King Lear' (which I hate! - I once sat through a very tedious performance of it), and
* 'Oedipus Rex' by Sophocles.

There were seven other texts before Christmas and there's The Wife of Bath's Tale and Prologue to come.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 28 January, 2013, 01:29:26 PM
Thanks to Santa, I've just finished the America TPB and finally got to see what all the fuss is about. I imagine it would have had more impact at the time, but it's still a tour de force today. I love these 'citizen's eye view' type stories anyway but this is easily one of the best of the lot, and Macneil's art is frabjous. I was already reading Tharg's goods by the time the third story appeared in the Megazine, but I skipped it because I wanted to read the others first if possible - in retrospect I probably wouldn't have done if I'd realised what a massive role Beeny was going to play in the years to come, but it did mean I could approach the first two relatively spoiler-free, and the third story had a much greater impact than I imagine it otherwise would.

What surprised me most, given that I'd never even heard him mentioned before in discussions of America, was that it was Robert who emerged as my favourite character -  as the only character (other than Dredd) to appear (living) in all three stories, he inadvertently becomes the emotional heart of the piece - particularly in the slightly weak second outing, when he more or less carries the last few parts, and it's his death that serves as the end coda to the whole saga. He conjured up fond memories of Simon, Judge Death's equally loyal robot butler, from My Name is Death - Wagner just has a way of writing robots, with an understated way of speaking that cuts straight to the heart of the matter at hand. I wonder if this is an effect of reading all three stories back-toback over three days? Maybe his impact was less noticeable when these stories originally ran stretched over several years.

It was lovely to see some really explicit links drawn between the USA and Mega-City One - obviously we know one eventually became the other, but it's usually only implied. It's interesting that they see themselves as a distinct entity now. Also nice to finally see where Total War came from! The've been a fairly ubiquitous prescence in Dredd since I started reading in late 2000, but I'd never realised they had an origin story as such. A great read overall, and I suddenly feel much more invested in the character of Beeny as a result.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 28 January, 2013, 01:34:28 PM
You've just strongly persuaded me to re-read America tonight DJ.
A stone-cold classic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 28 January, 2013, 02:15:00 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 28 January, 2013, 01:29:26 PM
Thanks to Santa, I've just finished the America TPB and finally got to see what all the fuss is about. I imagine it would have had more impact at the time, but it's still a tour de force today. I love these 'citizen's eye view' type stories anyway but this is easily one of the best of the lot, and Macneil's art is frabjous. I was already reading Tharg's goods by the time the third story appeared in the Megazine, but I skipped it because I wanted to read the others first if possible - in retrospect I probably wouldn't have done if I'd realised what a massive role Beeny was going to play in the years to come, but it did mean I could approach the first two relatively spoiler-free, and the third story had a much greater impact than I imagine it otherwise would.

What surprised me most, given that I'd never even heard him mentioned before in discussions of America, was that it was Robert who emerged as my favourite character -  as the only character (other than Dredd) to appear (living) in all three stories, he inadvertently becomes the emotional heart of the piece - particularly in the slightly weak second outing, when he more or less carries the last few parts, and it's his death that serves as the end coda to the whole saga. He conjured up fond memories of Simon, Judge Death's equally loyal robot butler, from My Name is Death - Wagner just has a way of writing robots, with an understated way of speaking that cuts straight to the heart of the matter at hand. I wonder if this is an effect of reading all three stories back-toback over three days? Maybe his impact was less noticeable when these stories originally ran stretched over several years.

It was lovely to see some really explicit links drawn between the USA and Mega-City One - obviously we know one eventually became the other, but it's usually only implied. It's interesting that they see themselves as a distinct entity now. Also nice to finally see where Total War came from! The've been a fairly ubiquitous prescence in Dredd since I started reading in late 2000, but I'd never realised they had an origin story as such. A great read overall, and I suddenly feel much more invested in the character of Beeny as a result.

Glad you liked it Dark Jimbo! America is easily my favourite Dredd story, and high up in my list of favourite comics overall.

I did a review of it over at Empire which you can find here: http://www.empireonline.com/forum/tm.asp?m=3248389&mpage=31&key=

Its such a great story, and as you say, MacNeil's artwork is really special. Like you, one of my favourite character's in the entire story was Robert the robot butler! Such a great character and as you've mentioned, Wagner does a grand job bringing him alive. A superb collection overall.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 28 January, 2013, 06:48:37 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 02 December, 2012, 12:09:00 PM
I've just finished "The Nao of Brown" by Glyn Dillon from Self Made Hero. It is, without going in to hugely hyperbolic frothing nerdism, one of the best things I have ever read in any format. Beautiful (incredibly well observed artwork), upsetting, fascinating, cruel, funny, thought provoking, cute, ugly and above all brilliant. It shines.

My flatmate got this for Xmas - Kerrin has just saved me the bother of writing out all those adjectives. Top stuff. Beautifully designed too - there's a relief Enso under the dust jacket that you discover with your fingertips first.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 28 January, 2013, 06:58:37 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 28 January, 2013, 06:48:37 PM
Quote from: Kerrin on 02 December, 2012, 12:09:00 PM
I've just finished "The Nao of Brown" by Glyn Dillon from Self Made Hero. It is, without going in to hugely hyperbolic frothing nerdism, one of the best things I have ever read in any format. Beautiful (incredibly well observed artwork), upsetting, fascinating, cruel, funny, thought provoking, cute, ugly and above all brilliant. It shines.

My flatmate got this for Xmas - Kerrin has just saved me the bother of writing out all those adjectives. Top stuff. Beautifully designed too - there's a relief Enso under the dust jacket that you discover with your fingertips first.

Ditto, finished it today.  Will be looking out for future Glyn Dillon books on the strength of this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 28 January, 2013, 09:48:35 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 28 January, 2013, 12:19:11 PM

After reading Sandman i felt a bit depressed - because i knew i won't encounter anything as enthralling and beautiful as Gaiman's series.

Except maybe his new Sandman series :) Can't wait for it later this year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 29 January, 2013, 12:01:00 AM
Quote from: Sparkonaut on 28 January, 2013, 09:48:35 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 28 January, 2013, 12:19:11 PM

After reading Sandman i felt a bit depressed - because i knew i won't encounter anything as enthralling and beautiful as Gaiman's series.

Except maybe his new Sandman series :) Can't wait for it later this year.

Yeah,  i read about it. I cannot wait!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 January, 2013, 08:47:33 PM
Just finished a re-read of Bone. Wow simply wow, now that is a good comic.

I do follow the common view that the first half is the best. In fact its some of the finest comics I've ever read AND boy have I read too many of them. The second half, more plot driven isn't quite as good but its still an exceptional adventure tale and when it pauses from its breakneck pace it often drops in some wonderful character moments that remind of what it is on other levels.

If you've never read Bone its readily available and one of the best examples of long form comic storytelling anywhere. I simply can't wait until my kids are old enough to read it (I'm already reading bits of Asterix to my daughter YAH!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 29 January, 2013, 11:34:20 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 29 January, 2013, 08:47:33 PM
Just finished a re-read of Bone. Wow simply wow, now that is a good comic.

I do follow the common view that the first half is the best. In fact its some of the finest comics I've ever read AND boy have I read too many of them. The second half, more plot driven isn't quite as good but its still an exceptional adventure tale and when it pauses from its breakneck pace it often drops in some wonderful character moments that remind of what it is on other levels.

If you've never read Bone its readily available and one of the best examples of long form comic storytelling anywhere. I simply can't wait until my kids are old enough to read it (I'm already reading bits of Asterix to my daughter YAH!)

Same here! I've put my copy away safely so my boy and girl can read it when older. Its such an awesome comic, with heart and thrills aswell as beauty. There's a moment maybe halfway through which just took my breath away; nothing much happens but its just around six panels where we see Smiley standing alone, sad because he's friend Bartleby has left with the Rat Creatures. Just look at his body language. It immediately conveys a feeling of loss and helplessness, seeing those panels damn near broke my heart  :'(, excellent storytelling at its best, without even a speech or thought bubble in sight. Upon finishing Bone i just sat there, pondering about what i had just read (only Alan Moore's From Hell and a few other comics have had that effect on). Basically its a masterpiece, no questions about it.

Just wondering Colin, have you read the prequel to Bone, Rose by any chance? If not you should check it out. Jeff Smith isn't on art duties (although he writes), but Charles Vess' artwork is still a joy to behold. Its quite a short read (and in colour unlike Bone)but still a nice prequel story methinks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 January, 2013, 08:23:43 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 29 January, 2013, 11:34:20 PM
Just wondering Colin, have you read the prequel to Bone, Rose by any chance? If not you should check it out. Jeff Smith isn't on art duties (although he writes), but Charles Vess' artwork is still a joy to behold. Its quite a short read (and in colour unlike Bone)but still a nice prequel story methinks.

No I've not but I've got that and a copy of 'Tall tales' on my shopping list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 30 January, 2013, 10:33:58 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 30 January, 2013, 08:23:43 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 29 January, 2013, 11:34:20 PM
Just wondering Colin, have you read the prequel to Bone, Rose by any chance? If not you should check it out. Jeff Smith isn't on art duties (although he writes), but Charles Vess' artwork is still a joy to behold. Its quite a short read (and in colour unlike Bone)but still a nice prequel story methinks.

No I've not but I've got that and a copy of 'Tall tales' on my shopping list.

I had such a crush on Thorn.  Damn, she was hot, but it feels a bit weird falling for a comic character...? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 January, 2013, 10:51:04 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 30 January, 2013, 10:33:58 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 30 January, 2013, 08:23:43 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 29 January, 2013, 11:34:20 PM
Just wondering Colin, have you read the prequel to Bone, Rose by any chance? If not you should check it out. Jeff Smith isn't on art duties (although he writes), but Charles Vess' artwork is still a joy to behold. Its quite a short read (and in colour unlike Bone)but still a nice prequel story methinks.

No I've not but I've got that and a copy of 'Tall tales' on my shopping list.



I had such a crush on Thorn.  Damn, she was hot, but it feels a bit weird falling for a comic character...?

Ellen Baker for me, Buddy Baker's (Animal Man) wife, I had a teenage crush on her. As you say its disturbing and a little weird, but I'll not deny my love!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 30 January, 2013, 11:01:44 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 30 January, 2013, 10:33:58 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 30 January, 2013, 08:23:43 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 29 January, 2013, 11:34:20 PM
Just wondering Colin, have you read the prequel to Bone, Rose by any chance? If not you should check it out. Jeff Smith isn't on art duties (although he writes), but Charles Vess' artwork is still a joy to behold. Its quite a short read (and in colour unlike Bone)but still a nice prequel story methinks.

No I've not but I've got that and a copy of 'Tall tales' on my shopping list.

I had such a crush on Thorn.  Damn, she was hot, but it feels a bit weird falling for a comic character...?

Lol. I think its perfectly fine! I've had a few over the years. My first was for one of villagers hot missus in Asterix, most recently i've become besotted with Kim from the Aldebaran series...damn she is hot, although she is a bit of a nympho!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 30 January, 2013, 11:31:05 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 30 January, 2013, 11:01:44 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 30 January, 2013, 10:33:58 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 30 January, 2013, 08:23:43 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 29 January, 2013, 11:34:20 PM
Just wondering Colin, have you read the prequel to Bone, Rose by any chance? If not you should check it out. Jeff Smith isn't on art duties (although he writes), but Charles Vess' artwork is still a joy to behold. Its quite a short read (and in colour unlike Bone)but still a nice prequel story methinks.

No I've not but I've got that and a copy of 'Tall tales' on my shopping list.

I had such a crush on Thorn.  Damn, she was hot, but it feels a bit weird falling for a comic character...?

Lol. I think its perfectly fine! I've had a few over the years. My first was for one of villagers hot missus in Asterix, most recently i've become besotted with Kim from the Aldebaran series...damn she is hot, although she is a bit of a nympho!  :D

As I (sadly) mentioned on another thread, mine was Circuit Breaker from Transformers!
Ohh...I've wasted my life!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 30 January, 2013, 02:10:17 PM
Oh yes...Circuit Breaker..she is a feisty one isn't she!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 30 January, 2013, 03:04:17 PM
Was always Maggie from Love and Rockets for me.

Current reading is 'Sentences, the Life of MF Grimm'. Great stuff and true story about a New York hoodlum MC who was shot and paralysed, illustrated by Swamp Thing artist Ronald Wimberly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 31 January, 2013, 02:28:46 PM
Finished B.P.R.D Plague of Frogs 2; and what an awesome read it was too! I am loving Guy Davis' magnificent artwork, as well as the story by Arcudi and Mignola.

[spoiler]Poor old Roger  :'([/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 01 February, 2013, 06:41:20 PM
The Incal. Had it delivered today. Mœbius is a god.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 01 February, 2013, 08:48:16 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 01 February, 2013, 06:41:20 PM
The Incal. Had it delivered today. Mœbius is a god.

That is indeed a fact Mabs.
Congrats on getting your hands on this by the way...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 01 February, 2013, 09:10:55 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 01 February, 2013, 08:48:16 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 01 February, 2013, 06:41:20 PM
The Incal. Had it delivered today. Mœbius is a god.

That is indeed a fact Mabs.
Congrats on getting your hands on this by the way...

Thanks mate. I've been meaning to buy it for a while; if you do grab a copy yourself make sure you get the U.K version by Self Made Hero, and NOT the American Humanoid version as its censored and re-coloured. I know, that tatamounts to sacrilege in my view.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: House of Usher on 05 February, 2013, 02:47:55 AM
A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 05 February, 2013, 11:06:25 AM
Quote from: House of Usher on 05 February, 2013, 02:47:55 AM
A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
A tad over contrived but it's one of the most reproduced storys of all time for a reason.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 05 February, 2013, 11:24:12 AM
I'm slowly reading through Showcase Presents: The Elongated Man Vol 1, which I picked up for the impossible to resist sum of £3. I think it's best to read one or two of these Silver Age comics a day rather than in great chunks. Due to the age and the audience they were aimed at (i.e. children) some of the plot devices are eye rolling silly yet the art is really good and it's strangely nostalgiac to read after the events in Identity Crisis  :'(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 05 February, 2013, 01:31:49 PM
Yeah, I've just read Savage Sword of Conan vol 9 and it is rather odd to read one unconnected adventure after another in one go, each one featuring a rotation of stock characters. I've never really read any of the novels or comics as I always thought it pretty one-dimensional (and it is) but I enjoyed this. Some lush artwork (though occasionally confusing narrative-wise).

I now have an urge to shout "Cease your prattling, woman!" to all my workmates today. Best not though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 05 February, 2013, 02:06:09 PM
Savage Sword was always better than the usual comic Conan. It was a bit more adult and less of a caricature.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 05 February, 2013, 04:30:45 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 01 February, 2013, 09:10:55 PMThanks mate. I've been meaning to buy it for a while; if you do grab a copy yourself make sure you get the U.K version by Self Made Hero, and NOT the American Humanoid version as its censored and re-coloured. I know, that tatamounts to sacrilege in my view.

Which version of the Humanoids edition are the censored & recoloured ones? They have a few different editions.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 February, 2013, 07:02:26 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 05 February, 2013, 04:30:45 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 01 February, 2013, 09:10:55 PMThanks mate. I've been meaning to buy it for a while; if you do grab a copy yourself make sure you get the U.K version by Self Made Hero, and NOT the American Humanoid version as its censored and re-coloured. I know, that tatamounts to sacrilege in my view.

Which version of the Humanoids edition are the censored & recoloured ones? They have a few different editions.

I'm sorry mate, i should've been more clearer! Basically what i've found out is that the U.K version is also Humanoid, BUT released via Self Made Hero, the way you can tell is the cover; its different than previous publications (specifically the U.S one), so if i were you i'd get this...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1906838399/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1360090574&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

You can also try The Book Depository, but be warned they take their sweet time posting it!

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Incal-Alejandro-Jodorowsky/9781906838393

Its the most recent version with the original colouring retained and uncensored also. But it still has Brian M. Bendis' foreword from the previous versions (we learn he didn't eat so as to save money to buy Moebius' stuff!), the presentation is one of the best i've seen for a hardcover aswell.

My advice to you is to snap it up quick before it goes - and ends up on ebay for ridiculous prices!  :D

Hope that helps.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 February, 2013, 09:10:05 PM
Judge Dredd: City Fathers.

I wasn't sure to start with but it's rather good -particularly being a mystery story rather than a straight actioner, which is good for a novel.

Not that I'm suggesting Dredd comic stories are only ever just action based...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 05 February, 2013, 09:33:51 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 05 February, 2013, 07:02:26 PMI'm sorry mate, i should've been more clearer! Basically what i've found out is that the U.K version is also Humanoid, BUT released via Self Made Hero, the way you can tell is the cover; its different than previous publications (specifically the U.S one), so if i were you i'd get this...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1906838399/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1360090574&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

You can also try The Book Depository, but be warned they take their sweet time posting it!

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Incal-Alejandro-Jodorowsky/9781906838393

Its the most recent version with the original colouring retained and uncensored also. But it still has Brian M. Bendis' foreword from the previous versions (we learn he didn't eat so as to save money to buy Moebius' stuff!), the presentation is one of the best i've seen for a hardcover aswell.

My advice to you is to snap it up quick before it goes - and ends up on ebay for ridiculous prices!  :D

Hope that helps.

I got the DC versions from a few years ago, which has a less than impressive colour job. I'm not too mad about this particular Jodoworsky & Moebius tale, so I may hold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 February, 2013, 09:43:02 PM
No problem. I understand it might not be to everyone's taste though, afterall this is Jodorowsky we're talking about! But personally i'm quite enjoying it. Basically this is his interpretation of 'Dune' (a film he was desperate to make)..and a lot of other things. Moebius' artwork though is outstanding.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 05 February, 2013, 10:22:20 PM
Takashi Murakami's Stargazing Dog.  Pleasantly surprised to find this was printed in the left-to-right format as if it was aimed at someone other than manga elitists, but then the overly-literal translation, saccharine on-the-nose English dialogue ("we are all stargazing dogs") and poor proofing goes and lets the side down for what is an accessible and moving story: "Daddy" is a working class everyman whose life is ruined by the combination of a bad economy and estrangement from his family that eventually sees him homeless and living in his car with his dog Happie - who narrates the story - when he decides to drive South until his money runs out.  To put it mildly, it doesn't end well.
The story is less about the journey taken by Daddy and Happie and more about the way developed human societies frown upon the honest expression of emotion, and in the second story in the book - Sunflowers - this continues in the form of some thematic closure to what went before even if actual resolution for some character and story arcs never happens, not because of negligent writing but because that is not the story being told.
It ends far too soon and is highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 05 February, 2013, 11:23:15 PM
Quote from: Thunders McQueen on 05 February, 2013, 10:22:20 PM
Takashi Murakami's Stargazing Dog.  Pleasantly surprised to find this was printed in the left-to-right format as if it was aimed at someone other than manga elitists, but then the overly-literal translation, saccharine on-the-nose English dialogue ("we are all stargazing dogs") and poor proofing goes and lets the side down for what is an accessible and moving story: "Daddy" is a working class everyman whose life is ruined by the combination of a bad economy and estrangement from his family that eventually sees him homeless and living in his car with his dog Happie - who narrates the story - when he decides to drive South until his money runs out.  To put it mildly, it doesn't end well.
The story is less about the journey taken by Daddy and Happie and more about the way developed human societies frown upon the honest expression of emotion, and in the second story in the book - Sunflowers - this continues in the form of some thematic closure to what went before even if actual resolution for some character and story arcs never happens, not because of negligent writing but because that is not the story being told.
It ends far too soon and is highly recommended.
Boo on left to right but yay on Stargazing Dog. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 06 February, 2013, 12:08:38 AM
Manga was a breakout cultural phenomenon until companies started doing unflipped pages.  Just saying.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 February, 2013, 08:40:45 AM
Quote from: Thunders McQueen on 06 February, 2013, 12:08:38 AM
Manga was a breakout cultural phenomenon until companies started doing unflipped pages.  Just saying.
Still the wrong way to read it mind. Imagine reading 2000AD from right to left. Horrible. :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 February, 2013, 08:50:43 AM
Half way through reading Gotham Central and bloody hell that is some good comics!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 06 February, 2013, 12:54:54 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 06 February, 2013, 08:40:45 AMImagine reading 2000AD from right to left. Horrible. :lol:

That is what you're doing with translated manga - you're reading the text and artwork in opposing directions, and that is neither how you read comics or manga, nor is it how the author intended the work to be experienced.
Only cheap English translations of manga printed in the west read in such a manner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 February, 2013, 01:14:39 PM
Reading manga is always right-to-left. Only way to do it, flipping the art work just looks wrong.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 06 February, 2013, 03:04:13 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 06 February, 2013, 01:14:39 PMOnly way to do it

No, it's the cheapest way to do it.
That's also why unflipped manga titles are also plagued by typos, incorrectly-placed text and lazily-translated dialogue, the inevitable result of a minimum of oversight and editorial input prompted by low production budgets, if any budget at all, as in some cases publishers were so cheap they simply reproduced volumes of material they grabbed from scanlation sites.
There are plenty of other ways to present manga, as evidenced by high-quality reproductions like Blade of the Immortal, Samurai Executioner, Lone Wolf and Cub or Akira (coincidentally all highly sought-after titles compared to the bargain bins full of unflipped stuff), but these methods require an investment of money, time and a care and respect for the source material that unflipped publishers have no interest in supplying.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 06 February, 2013, 03:15:01 PM
Masamune Shirow was consulted when putting the english Ghost/Shell volumes together, sometimes Shirow opted to flip the image sometimes it was the text only, Man-Machine Interface has some sub-notes explaining reason behind some decisions. There is such a thing as having some care in translation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 06 February, 2013, 03:20:52 PM
Indeed, but just translating the text and publishing it is the opposite of that.
Blade of the Immortal is probably the poster-child for care in the translation, as pages are rebuilt from the individual panels to make the English-language version.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 February, 2013, 12:48:27 PM
I'd rather have it all unflipped, as intended by the original publication and the creaters. Fell's more authentic and appealing some how.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 07 February, 2013, 01:43:12 PM
I read most of Death Note unflipped, which was my first experience of trying.  At first it was a right pain, but after about the third volume it seemed to click all of a sudden and became perfectly natural. 

The only problem was, when I tried to read a 2000AD right after a six volume binge, my eyes automatically started scanning panels right to left!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 February, 2013, 03:10:56 PM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 07 February, 2013, 01:43:12 PM
I read most of Death Note unflipped, which was my first experience of trying.  At first it was a right pain, but after about the third volume it seemed to click all of a sudden and became perfectly natural. 

The only problem was, when I tried to read a 2000AD right after a six volume binge, my eyes automatically started scanning panels right to left!!
It's a mind set I guess. Being part of the 'manga boom' generation and reading alot of the stuff, right to left just feel's RIGHT to me. :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 07 February, 2013, 03:24:12 PM
I never had to take several volumes to get used to the format, it was second nature within a few pages because the art is made to lead the eye in a specific direction and as long as the volume was consistent to the intended format there wasn't any problem - what would take me out of the book, however, was when I got to panels with several speech balloons and the editor or translator had swapped the placement instinctively to the English format (first bit of text in the leftmost balloon, second bit of text in the balloon to the right of that, and so on).  That's why I've never had a problem with unflipped books, my problem was and remains with shoddily-produced books and the otherwise-sensible people who seem to buy into the outright lies that many publishers put about that their cost-cutting was actually "more authentic" and that "the author prefers it this way", which is kind of like Tesco selling you their own-brand baked beans while saying "baked beans only taste authentic when there's an aftertaste of soap and tin" and then people on the internet rubbish Cross and Blackwell baked beans because they aren't shitty enough and anyone who likes them clearly does not understand the cultural nuance and artistic integrity necessary to truly enjoy baked beans as their creator intended.

Marvel writer Kelly Sue DeConnick spent years as a manga translator and went on the record about anal manga fans, offering "once it's translated it isn't manga... it's not for Japan.  The fans... bless them, but they need to understand it can never be perfect... the only way it's going to be authentic is they need to get on a plane and fly to Japan, go to a store, and oh yeah, you need to be born in Japan and lived all your life in Japan and read Japanese, because that is the only place manga exists like that."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 February, 2013, 06:16:42 PM
Damned if i'm going to order manga in it's native laguage. Unless it's some rare Go Nagie title or the untranslated D.Gray-Man material...but there are many good companys out there who translate there titles properly, no switching on balloons or the such. Viz Media, Yen Press, Dark Horse et al.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 07 February, 2013, 06:28:36 PM
But it's not authentic unless it's in Japanese, HM.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 February, 2013, 06:56:19 PM
Quote from: Thunders McQueen on 07 February, 2013, 06:28:36 PM
But it's not authentic unless it's in Japanese, HM.
Close enough for me, in term's of faithfullnes to the original print, having a western publication that is unflliped is the most faithful you can be without featuring Kanji SFX (which Yen Press actualy do) and native language, which obviesly wouldn't sell cos', this is aimed at English speeking fellows.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 07 February, 2013, 07:10:04 PM
English reads in the wrong direction for the original artwork.  I remember reading a Naruto volume where he kicked three dudes in the face for 200 pages, then turned into a bunch of naked girls and rubbed his/their boobs on someone for 30 more pages and then that guy got an erection and fell over when his pants came off and I thought "the artistic value of this book has been compromised by the act of translation."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 07 February, 2013, 07:55:20 PM
Quote from: Thunders McQueen on 07 February, 2013, 07:10:04 PM
English reads in the wrong direction for the original artwork.  I remember reading a Naruto volume where he kicked three dudes in the face for 200 pages, then turned into a bunch of naked girls and rubbed his/their boobs on someone for 30 more pages and then that guy got an erection and fell over when his pants came off and I thought "the artistic value of this book has been compromised by the act of translation."

Screw starting Samurai Executioner next, I think I'll read some Naruto instead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 February, 2013, 08:10:52 PM
Quote from: Thunders McQueen on 07 February, 2013, 07:10:04 PM
English reads in the wrong direction for the original artwork.  I remember reading a Naruto volume where he kicked three dudes in the face for 200 pages, then turned into a bunch of naked girls and rubbed his/their boobs on someone for 30 more pages and then that guy got an erection and fell over when his pants came off and I thought "the artistic value of this book has been compromised by the act of translation."
Well, thats fan comics for you! Naruto sucks anyway so that might have actualy made me like the series. :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 08 February, 2013, 08:00:17 AM
Quote from: Thunders McQueen on 07 February, 2013, 07:10:04 PM
English reads in the wrong direction for the original artwork.  I remember reading a Naruto volume where he kicked three dudes in the face for 200 pages, then turned into a bunch of naked girls and rubbed his/their boobs on someone for 30 more pages and then that guy got an erection and fell over when his pants came off and I thought "the artistic value of this book has been compromised by the act of translation."

:o

That wasn't in the computer game!!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 February, 2013, 08:28:48 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 08 February, 2013, 08:00:17 AM
Quote from: Thunders McQueen on 07 February, 2013, 07:10:04 PM
English reads in the wrong direction for the original artwork.  I remember reading a Naruto volume where he kicked three dudes in the face for 200 pages, then turned into a bunch of naked girls and rubbed his/their boobs on someone for 30 more pages and then that guy got an erection and fell over when his pants came off and I thought "the artistic value of this book has been compromised by the act of translation."

:o

That wasn't in the computer game!!!
I think either A) TM was exagerating for comedic effect or B) he read a very different manga.  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2013, 08:57:00 AM
Bronze Summer, Stephen Baxter.  The second of his very enjoyable alternate prehistory series, and a darned good read.  This was clever and involving, and I really cared for the quasi-utopia he presents us with at the start. 

Unfortunately for my blood-pressure it features Baxter's new favourite cliche: sexually abused character becomes (usually gay) nutjob who ruins everything.  I've seen 'em in generation ships, I've seen 'em in drowned worlds, I've seen 'em in the Stone Age, now I've seen 'em in the Bronze Age.  Enough, Stephen, rape is not the sole driver of human history.  Or if it is, I'm about done reading about it. 

Other current Baxter tropes of note:
- bloody coup or terrible accident removes competent well-liked leader and replaces them with weak scheming menace.  Who turns out to do a much better job.
- all Earthbound journeys, no matter how long, are quick and largely uneventful until just before arrival.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 08 February, 2013, 12:59:35 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 08 February, 2013, 08:28:48 AM
I think either A) TM was exagerating for comedic effect or B) he read a very different manga.  :lol:

<cancels amazon order>
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 08 February, 2013, 01:53:30 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 February, 2013, 08:57:00 AM
sexually abused character becomes (usually gay) nutjob who ruins everything.  I've seen 'em in generation ships, I've seen 'em in drowned worlds,

Stop reading Orson Scott Card.  It won't completely stop you running into this cliche, but in general people should stop reading Orson Scott Card.

Quote from: Hawkmonger on 08 February, 2013, 08:28:48 AMI think either A) TM was exagerating for comedic effect or B) he read a very different manga.  :lol:

I was making a point about the vast majority of manga being trash devoid of artistic merit, and that taking steps to preserve "artistic integrity" that isn't even there in the first place would thus be redundant.
I chose to make this point by talking about boobs and regret nothing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 February, 2013, 04:24:45 PM
I'd say there is indeed WAY to much manga out there that's just pure trash...but I like my trash cinema, so i'm guilty of liking SOME mainstream titles. Bleach, DBZ, One Piece, Claymore, Soul Eater, Black Butler et al. They all employ alot of fanservice which boils my piss...but for the most part there all EXTREMELY enjoyable. Bah, split faith syndrome! Occationaly I do come across a cracking manga, Akira, Death Note, Shojo Kakumai Utena, 20th Century Boys, Barefoot Gen etc that really raise the bar in terms of quality. Then there's the eternal D.Gray-Man and Fullmetal Alchemist. 2 series I think SHOULD be considered classic but have a few of the stereotypical trope's the drag them down (though both have a serious lack of Fan service, thank god).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 08 February, 2013, 05:10:36 PM
I consider most manga to be good enough for scanlation sites - especially now that tablets are dirt cheap - but paying for a print copy of something comes with an implied understanding that it be of better quality than something free on the internet translated by a 12 year old.  A good rule of thumb is that if Dark Horse printed it, it's probably worth your time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 February, 2013, 05:14:05 PM
Indeed. There 3-in-1 Rayearth (another Shojo I quite enjoy, god whats happening to me? That makes 2!) are a great example of how to present manga to the west. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2013, 07:26:36 PM
Quote from: Thunders McQueen on 08 February, 2013, 01:53:30 PM
Stop reading Orson Scott Card.  It won't completely stop you running into this cliche, but in general people should stop reading Orson Scott Card.

'Sa shame about Card.  Maps in a Mirror is one of the great short-story anthologies.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 09 February, 2013, 03:45:00 PM
I'm just reading ABC Warrors: Shadow Warriors right now and boy is it one hell of a fun read! Carlos Ezquerra and Henry Flint's black and white artwork is simply exquisite. It looks so much better in black and white, the level of detail and work in the panels can be appreciated more. Henry Flint's artwork in particular reminded me of Manga maestro Masamune Shirow's work - its so jam packed full of awesomeness. And as i said, loving the story aswell...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 10 February, 2013, 12:12:20 AM
Quote from: Thunders McQueen on 08 February, 2013, 05:10:36 PMA good rule of thumb is that if Dark Horse printed it, it's probably worth your time.

I find them to be a heartbreaker of a manga publisher. Two of my all time favourite manga titles, Eden: It's A Endless World! and Satsuma Gishiden are left unfinished because Dark Horse cancelled them due to low sales. I was reading MPD-Psycho from them too and that's left hanging.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 10 February, 2013, 08:21:19 PM
As of now, i've took of the dust to quite a few comics and tomes. Just now i'm re-reading The Losers Omnibus, the spanish edition of the Vertigo comic by Andy Diggle and Jock, that's, basically, all the issues+covers+some articles in a big, nice hardcover omnibus. I enjoyed it a lot the first time and now i', enjoying it again. Great stuff. The movie doesn't make justice to the original material. :|
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 February, 2013, 09:25:31 PM
Just finished the latest Johnny Red Volume 3 'Angels over Stalingrad'. I'd hope by this stage that I shouldn't have to say how earth shakingly good this is but just in-case someone hasn't been paying attention its earth shakingly good. Just hope the series continues beyond this as volume so we get to the John Cooper art. May not quite be Joe Colquhoun good but its was pretty bloody good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 10 February, 2013, 10:28:13 PM
I have to get at least one Johny Red volume, and see it for myself. I like Garth Ennis and good War comics in general. Soon i will get the last manga tome released here made by Motofumi Kobayashi, "The Black Knight", the author of Apocalypse Meow. I have every spanish released tome. I hope they release more stuff, specially the next Omega 7 volumes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 14 February, 2013, 07:27:58 PM
While continuing with The Losers Omnibus(Diggle+Jock), i've just received the first Trade of the new Prophet series... and rode it complete... well... the sensation is... :o and  ::) and then  :)

Peculiar or strange is saying little about this work.  :lol:

Definatelly not for everyone's taste.

Woops!... double post, sorry. :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 16 February, 2013, 11:28:42 PM
I've been reading Judge Dredd Case Files 8 (okay so far) and Brandon Sanderson's Elantris on my Kobo. An interesting premise.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 February, 2013, 09:29:06 AM
Just finished (well I will on the train home, last issue to go) a re-read of Tom Peyer and Rags Morales' wonderful 'Hourman' series. Its one of those cancelled too soon series (well it made 25 issues), that's unlikely to ever get a reprint, never gets a write up in those 100 runs lists or the like and will slowly, over time get more and more shrouded in the mists of time AND WAS BLOODY BRILLIANT.

Written between 1999 and 2001 it must have been such a breathe of fresh air. I was out of comics at the time, but those I've read from this period are all too often so earnest or hard-boiled, so bound by being grim and gritty, or realistic, that the quirky oh so human ground covered in this series would really have seemed bold and innovative. You can pick it up for bobbins (I did a few years ago when somehow I got pointed in its direction, can't for the life of me thing how) and its a blast.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 19 February, 2013, 01:46:48 PM
Hourman was spun out of Grant Morrison's JLA, though owed an equal debt to James "before he was shit" Robinson's work on the early-90s legacy version of Starman, two comics that defined themselves by being a reaction to the grim-and-gritty trends of the decade and directly inspired by Alan Moore's Supreme and Mark Waid's Flash.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 20 February, 2013, 10:46:32 AM
I'm reading Simon Pegg's 'Nerd Do Well', which is surprisingly entertaining.  Lots of references to Star Wars, which is always good.  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 22 February, 2013, 12:38:55 PM
Thanks to the recommendation of Mark Taylor i ordered Judge Dredd vs Aliens: Incubus, and had it delivered early this morning. I've no doubt that the story (judging by the reviews i've read) is great but my main intention was so i could indulge myself in Henry Flint's magnificent artwork. And looking at it, it looks oh so good!

I also bought The Dead Man (formerly known as 'Tale of the..'). This will be my first reading but unfortunately i know about the twist already because being the numpty i am, i read case files 14/ Necropolis before The Dead Man, so quite possibly ruined one of the best twists in 2000ad history.  :'(

Ah hell, at least i can read it now, the b&w artwork looks freaking amazing by the way.

Oh one thing, a lot of the reviews stated that the story ended abruptly (and you had to read case files 14 to see the ending), but the copy i'm holding in my hands right now has the ending as an extra (taken from the case files). I wonder if this is an updated version?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 22 February, 2013, 12:54:24 PM
Received it yesterday, at a very late hour, but on delivery date: The First Trade of the Mind The Gap series. I've just begun to read it. Looks nice so far, and intriguing, and i'm only in the beginning. :lol:

Beautifully drawn and coloured. When i'll finish it, i will post a review.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 26 February, 2013, 10:48:27 AM
Just read the first Prophet trade and not sure about it. I bought this because I really liked the first issue and there's a lot of daft sci-fi ideas getting knocked around. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how it's going to engage long term, although the last issue in the collection does point at some more conventional storytelling to come. Might buy the next one if it's cheap.

Also been reading Hitman over the past few months and now only have the last trade to get. It took a couple of volumes for me to get into it but it's pretty good and DCs policy of reprinting their older stuff in big chunky volumes has been a godsend. It's always amusing to see the lengths Ennis will go to in order to shoehorn a war story into his comics but I did find his fetishisation of the SAS in this a bit hard to stomach.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: qtwerk on 26 February, 2013, 03:49:57 PM
I am wallowing about in my Deep South Misery phase, reading about white trash hillbillies inflicting terrible atrocities upon eachother (and themselves), interspersed with the occasional moment of obsidian-black comedy and lashings of crystal meth.

And it's been GREAT.

The Devil All The Time - Donald Ray Pollock
Knockemstiff - Donald Ray Pollock
Crimes In Southern Indiana - Frank Bill
Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned - Wells Tower
A Feast Of Snakes - Harry Crews
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 26 February, 2013, 03:52:38 PM
I agree with the Prophet Trade. It's very hard-core sci-fi, oniric, abstract... more like the 2001 movie... it's not bad at all but it's not for everyone.

Well, i've ended reading the first Mind The Gap Trade. My review: buy it.

It's a nicely done thriller, with supernatural theme. It's not a police story, it's not a mistery story, it's not a ghost story... it's a bit of everything. I won't spoil more. My veridict is: i'm counting the days until the 2nd trade is out. Very good content.

Definately fresh air into the comic world room. Image has quite a few good series running... at least in US comics. The Activity, Mind The Gap, Prophet, Manhattan Projects...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 26 February, 2013, 04:50:05 PM
Quote from: Basilisk on 26 February, 2013, 03:52:38 PM
Well, i've ended reading the first Mind The Gap Trade. My review: buy it.

Really don't get Mind The Gap, which I've seen all sorts of sensible folk recommending.  I tried the first four issues, and I found the writing to be incredibly clunky, and the plot felt like it was someone's first attempt at Ghost Whisperer fan fiction.  Given that the visuals are pretty much functional (AFAIC), I kept asking myself: "Would I read this if it was a novel? Would I watch it if it was a TV series?".  You can guess the answers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 26 February, 2013, 10:41:16 PM
I wasn't a big fan of Mind the Gap either. I did love Prophet, Glory, The Manhattan Projects, The Activity (criminally underrated and underread), Peter Panzerfaust, Saga etc. however

Image are a bit like a US 2000AD. They're making a lot of diverse comics with very distinctive art but not everything is for everyone. Which is a the sign of a healthy publisher, if you ask me  :P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 26 February, 2013, 11:04:24 PM
That's the magic of singularity: everyone has his/her opinion. I thought it was cool, othe rpeople don't, etc. :D

Well, well... it's time to continue reading the Dred CCF1. I read some pages/thrills every day, but i have a lot of  backlog. I bought the first five trades at once. :P

And i have the Hellboy Companion, Atomic Robo real Science adventures trade and the fifth trade of Marvel's secret warriors on its way from the Bookdepository. That's not counting what i'll get on Amazon.es soon... then Battler Britton... and i have yet to buy the 2nd Ennis's Battlefields HC. I have the first(and the ol' War Stories from DC, in a nice spanish edition HC omnibus), and i liked it a lot. Not everyone can write war comics like Garth Ennis. And if you put a competent penciller, let's say Carlos Ezquerra, or some of the other artists from WS or BFs ... veery good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 01 March, 2013, 04:00:07 PM
Just out of their parcels:

(http://imageshack.us/a/img17/8541/imagen0544a.jpg)

The Hellboy Companion, to start diggin' in this supernatural world, and the Atomic Robo real science adventures trade, the compilation of short stories of robo. And the other is the Black Knight Manga, by Motofumi Kobayashi. GREAT war comic. Full of Panthers, T-34s, IS-2, Panzers IV, King Tigers... and the attention to detail is just insane. I have every work of him that has been released her: Cat Shit One(Apocalypse Meow), Omega 7(altough only the firs tome), Operation Barbarossa, Kampfguppe ZBV, Vietnam War and now this one. Let's see if they release more stuff from him this year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 03 March, 2013, 10:56:06 AM
Just finished Porcelain - a gothic fairy tale.

http://www.improperbooks.com/projects/porcelain/

Really, really good. I recommend it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 03 March, 2013, 11:58:59 AM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 03 March, 2013, 10:56:06 AM
Just finished Porcelain - a gothic fairy tale.

http://www.improperbooks.com/projects/porcelain/

Really, really good. I recommend it!

That looks superb, Daveycandlish! I definitely must add it to my must reads. Cheers  :)

Hey our very own Jim is on lettering duties!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: monsterx on 03 March, 2013, 08:40:03 PM
On prog 1776 day of chaos, pretty good so far but where is judge Anderson and judge giant?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 March, 2013, 08:43:10 PM
Well now there's a thing.

Over the last couple of nights I've read two mini-series (well three, but 2 are the same title), Seaguy 1 and 2 and Bulletproof Coffin. Now I'm a massive Grant Morrison fan and I'd heard good things about Seaguy, so was really looking forward to these comics. They are chock full of great ideas, no surprise there, its just it didn't hang together at all for me and while there was the odd moment here and there I really liked, it was a struggle to get through as it all felt so disjointed and self indulgent.

Bulletproof Coffin by Dave Hine and Shaky Kane, I was likewise looking forward too very much and these didn't disappoint, not one jot. Quite wonderful. While Grant Morrison's Seaguy I've seen described as surreal, or more to the point with Mr Morrison hyper-real, it just wasn't for me, it was flabby, Bulletproof Coffin was likewise hyper-real, it was likewise chock full of great idea. It though hung together beautifully, really quite superbly, for all its incredible, wonderful flights of fancy it was always grounded and felt so fantastically constructed. It was, at least superficially, self referential, but unlike Seaguy it never felt self indulgent.

What a very interesting couple of nights reading and if anybody like Grant Morrison's stuff as much as I do I can't do more than recommend Dave Hines and Shaky Kane's quite brilliant Bulletproof Coffin.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 03 March, 2013, 10:54:17 PM
Interesting thoughts Colin. Not read Bulletproof Coffin but I think the two Seaguy series are easily the best thing Grant's done in the last ten years (yes, All Star Superman and We3 included.) Of course, it's been a long time since I've automatically bought anything with his name on so maybe I've missed out on Batman Inc or Action but what I've read about them doesn't make me feel like I'm missing much.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 March, 2013, 08:27:44 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 03 March, 2013, 10:54:17 PM
Interesting thoughts Colin. Not read Bulletproof Coffin but I think the two Seaguy series are easily the best thing Grant's done in the last ten years (yes, All Star Superman and We3 included.) Of course, it's been a long time since I've automatically bought anything with his name on so maybe I've missed out on Batman Inc or Action but what I've read about them doesn't make me feel like I'm missing much.

Yeah I've heard so many good things about it, often along those sort of lines, I just assumed I'd love it. So it goes hey. I might give a a wee while and try it again, though as it does seem odd that I was so on the outs with it. Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 05 March, 2013, 02:29:14 PM
Rather late to the party but at LSCC I bought Thrill-Power Overload. Started reading it a couple of days ago and I can't put the book down. It really is a good read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 05 March, 2013, 09:40:10 PM
Im reading a few bits and bobs at the minute, but whats prompted me to post, is a DVD ive recently re-watched: A very British coup.
Loved this mini-series since first catching it, but ive never got round to grabbing a copy of Chris Mullin's novel.

Any thoughts on the novel - worth tracking down?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 06 March, 2013, 10:10:35 PM
Today i got a delivery from Bookdepository.com: the fifth trade of Marvel's secret Warriors. I devoured it. I've found it entertaining, and sad at the same time, due to the thing that happen in it.

Ad i'm trough the CCF1 of Dredd... just reading through the Moon Marshall's arc.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 07 March, 2013, 01:51:03 PM
Missionary Man TPB- lovely good twoothy stuff. Fabulous images and storylines.Well worth it. And Legion of the Damned a WH40k novel. Entertaining so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 07 March, 2013, 01:55:37 PM
At The Mountains Of Madness - H.P Lovecraft.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 07 March, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 07 March, 2013, 01:55:37 PM
At The Mountains Of Madness - H.P Lovecraft.

Doesn't get any better than that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 07 March, 2013, 02:32:32 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 07 March, 2013, 02:13:31 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 07 March, 2013, 01:55:37 PM
At The Mountains Of Madness - H.P Lovecraft.

Doesn't get any better than that.

It was on my 'must read' list for so long now, that last i finally said to myself that enough was enough, and gave into Lovecrafts otherworldly pull.  so far so very good, lets just say things are getting very interesting indeed!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 March, 2013, 03:10:06 PM
My Necronomicon edition of HPL storys is amongst my most prized books despite it's unlimited print run and occational typo, it's just a lovely book.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Tpnvp22ZL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 07 March, 2013, 04:05:53 PM
That looks awesome, Hawkmonger! Now just make sure you don't take it into the woods at night, or all manner of craziness will ensue!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 07 March, 2013, 05:24:23 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 07 March, 2013, 03:10:06 PM
My Necronomicon edition of HPL storys is amongst my most prized books despite it's unlimited print run and occational typo, it's just a lovely book.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Tpnvp22ZL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg)

Sweet - £13 on Amazon!  Insta-buy!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 07 March, 2013, 06:49:32 PM
"spider-men" and "divided we fall united we stand "
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 March, 2013, 08:20:18 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 07 March, 2013, 04:05:53 PM
That looks awesome, Hawkmonger! Now just make sure you don't take it into the woods at night, or all manner of craziness will ensue!  :lol:
Ttotototototototooooo laaaaaattttteee....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 March, 2013, 10:17:24 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 08 March, 2013, 08:20:18 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 07 March, 2013, 04:05:53 PM
That looks awesome, Hawkmonger! Now just make sure you don't take it into the woods at night, or all manner of craziness will ensue!  :lol:
Ttotototototototooooo laaaaaattttteee....

Heh!  As a former player of Call of Cthulhu there is something deeply disturbing about the addition of the Amazon decal 'Click to look inside!'.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 08 March, 2013, 10:43:21 AM
"Click to look inside, also roll to save or lose 3D6 SAN"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 08 March, 2013, 12:25:16 PM
Did you notice there were three identical copies on sale?  I wonder which will suck your face off?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 09 March, 2013, 01:24:11 PM
As well as reading At The Mountains of Madness, i've also started Nemo: Heart of Ice, which according to the reviews is inspired by the afore-mentioned. Kevin O'Neill's artwork is so stunning. I wish we could see him plying his trade on 2000ad!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 09 March, 2013, 04:03:02 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 09 March, 2013, 01:24:11 PM
As well as reading At The Mountains of Madness, i've also started Nemo: Heart of Ice, which according to the reviews is inspired by the afore-mentioned. Kevin O'Neill's artwork is so stunning. I wish we could see him plying his trade on 2000ad!

Was Prog 2000 really the last time O'Neill graced the pages of 2000AD!
The odd cover wouldn't kill 'em!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 09 March, 2013, 09:18:45 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 09 March, 2013, 04:03:02 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 09 March, 2013, 01:24:11 PM
As well as reading At The Mountains of Madness, i've also started Nemo: Heart of Ice, which according to the reviews is inspired by the afore-mentioned. Kevin O'Neill's artwork is so stunning. I wish we could see him plying his trade on 2000ad!

Was Prog 2000 really the last time O'Neill graced the pages of 2000AD!
The odd cover wouldn't kill 'em!

Wow. So he did work on 2000ad! I wouldn't have known.....i agree, he should probably do one or two covers again so at least - if nothing else - i can die happy!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 09 March, 2013, 10:08:45 PM
Currently reading through the complete Nemesis The Warlock in COMPLETE fashion. Just getting to the end of book six, and loving every minute of it. Quite a lot of it is new to me.

Also reading through Simon Furman's Transformers epic 'Target 2006', which is great fun, and looks properly gorgeous at times. I was quite shocked to find an episode drawn by Ron Smith!

I'm rounding out my evening's reading with a bit of classic Cabel as well... and dear lord, that is a slog. It's fun, but i frequently feel that my patchy knowledge of the character is letting me down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 10 March, 2013, 06:31:51 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 09 March, 2013, 09:18:45 PM
Wow. So he did work on 2000ad!


Do you see the tiny potrait of Tharg at the centre of the cover for Prog 1?



(http://forbiddenplanet.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2000AD-prog-1-cover.jpg)



Kevin drew that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 March, 2013, 09:17:41 AM
Wow....that is something!   :D

But to have your art on the cover of the first issue is quite an accomplishment.

Thanks for the pic, Stevie!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 10 March, 2013, 11:38:08 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 09 March, 2013, 04:03:02 PM
Was Prog 2000 really the last time O'Neill graced the pages of 2000AD!

Er... no. He was in the 25th anniversary prog. Still, though... 11 years now!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 March, 2013, 11:44:41 AM
Just spotted Dogtanian (from one of my favourite cartoon series growing up in the 80's), in Nemo: Heart of Ice! Thanks Alan and Kevin - that gave me a right chuckle!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 10 March, 2013, 11:27:31 PM
Mucho Mojo by Joe R. Lansdale. It's been a good 10+ years since I read his books on Hap and Leonard and I recently had an urge to read them again. Mucho is still my favourite. Lansdale is a much overlooked writer capable of dropping something unexpected on you or having you chuckle to yourself with ease.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 March, 2013, 10:31:35 AM
Oldboy Vol 2, Tsuchiya and Minegishi.  I dunno man.  20th Century Boys gave me hope that I might be missing equally great Manga after a a lifetime of disappointment.  This is exciting and pretty, but the characters are hopelessly childish.  IU'm reading Harry Potter to my boy the moment, and it's infinitely more convincing than 'tactiturn-ciggie-smokers and the virgin-waitresses-who-love-them'.  Still, pressing on thanks to a complete run in the library.

Life and Death in Iron Age Ireland, Various.  I re-wrote the text and produced the illustrations for two of the articles in this book (about projects I managed) and supplied info for two others, and my name appears nowhere.  Good job I had my ego surgically removed along with my spine.  Anyway, most of the rest is good, and the topic is as exciting as this stuff gets.

HTML5 Second Edition, Bruce Lawson and Remy Sharo.  A surprisingly entertaining read, under the circumstances.

Iron Winter, Stephen Baxter.  Third book of Baxter's clever alternate prehistory slams into the wall of the bleak 14th C, and a well-researched Little Ice Age that'd chill your bones even if it wasn't snowing outside.  Excellent stuff, and addresses pretty much all of my moaning about the previous book.

Flavours of Greece, Rosemary Barron.  Strange sort of book, on the one hand providing a clear translation of aspects of Greek cooking that I've found hard to fathom in the past, on the other tending towards an overcomplicated bastardisation of local and international dishes.
 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 11 March, 2013, 10:44:38 AM
I'm busy rereading Slaine. Just finished Slaine the King, about to start Slaine the Horned God.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 11 March, 2013, 11:14:21 AM
Schwarzenegger's Total Recall, and he's just started pre-production on Conan, hopefully this is the beginning of the good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 March, 2013, 12:07:46 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 11 March, 2013, 11:14:21 AM
Schwarzenegger's Total Recall, and he's just started pre-production on Conan, hopefully this is the beginning of the good stuff.

Total Recall is one of my favourite Arnie flicks ever; i remember being blown away watching it for the first time as a youngster. I wish we could get more films like this, or better still, have Verhoeven come back and make something as thrilling and satire laden as his perfect sci -fi trilogy (Robocop, Total Recall and Starship Troopers - lets not talk about that other one starring a crispy fried Bacon i.e Kevin - pun intended!).

And its great news to hear Arnie will be reprising his iconic role of Conan! Arnie isConan!

Shit: i think we're discussing this in the wrong thread, sheldipez! :-\ :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 11 March, 2013, 12:19:47 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 11 March, 2013, 11:14:21 AM
Schwarzenegger's Total Recall, and he's just started pre-production on Conan, hopefully this is the beginning of the good stuff.

I brought that book as a Christmas present for my brother and neglected to skim through it myself. Is it a good read, does it have anything on Arnies reprisal of Conan in it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 11 March, 2013, 12:38:21 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 11 March, 2013, 12:07:46 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 11 March, 2013, 11:14:21 AM
Schwarzenegger's Total Recall, and he's just started pre-production on Conan, hopefully this is the beginning of the good stuff.

Total Recall is one of my favourite Arnie flicks ever; i remember being blown away watching it for the first time as a youngster. I wish we could get more films like this, or better still, have Verhoeven come back and make something as thrilling and satire laden as his perfect sci -fi trilogy (Robocop, Total Recall and Starship Troopers - lets not talk about that other one starring a crispy fried Bacon i.e Kevin - pun intended!).

And its great news to hear Arnie will be reprising his iconic role of Conan! Arnie isConan!

Shit: i think we're discussing this in the wrong thread, sheldipez! :-\ :D

Haha I meant this  (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Total-Recall-Arnold-Schwarzenegger/dp/1849839719/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363005318&sr=1-1)Total Recall! and that he'd just started pre-production on Conan as of 1982 :lol:

Quote from: ThryllSeekyr on 11 March, 2013, 12:19:47 PM
I brought that book as a Christmas present for my brother and neglected to skim through it myself. Is it a good read, does it have anything on Arnies reprisal of Conan in it.

It's a good yet very dry read. Not a great deal of personality comes through and, as someone not at all interested in Bodybuilding, the section of the beginning of his career wasn't the most compelling. His acting has just started to get traction with Conan and details his initial meeting with infamous producer Dino De Laurentiis (it didn't go well thanks to Arnie's quip "Why does such a small have such a large desk").
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 March, 2013, 12:39:51 PM
Quote from: ThryllSeekyr on 11 March, 2013, 12:19:47 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 11 March, 2013, 11:14:21 AM
Schwarzenegger's Total Recall, and he's just started pre-production on Conan, hopefully this is the beginning of the good stuff.

I brought that book as a Christmas present for my brother and neglected to skim through it myself. Is it a good read, does it have anything on Arnies reprisal of Conan in it.

Its a book!  :o

I feel like a total twat now.  :(

Still, at least now i can add something to my reading list for the future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 March, 2013, 12:42:31 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 11 March, 2013, 12:38:21 PM

Haha I meant this  (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Total-Recall-Arnold-Schwarzenegger/dp/1849839719/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363005318&sr=1-1)Total Recall! and that he'd just started pre-production on Conan as of 1982 :lol:

Yeah i noticed! Thanks for the link mate, Cheers!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: grthink on 11 March, 2013, 02:01:54 PM
I'm on my third or fourth read of Thomas Pynchon's Vineland. It's probably my favourite of his books, and other than Inherent Vice one of the easiest to get through.

As I read it I'm drawing on some of the pages, trying to make a Pynchon version of http://humument.com/ (http://humument.com/), but it's hard going -- I keep getting distracted with other projects, and the paper stock is weirdly pen resistant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 12 March, 2013, 08:56:26 AM
I read Batman: Venom last night by Denny O'Neil, one of those books that are so bad you're forced to write an amazon review as a warning. I was planning to go through the Batman Knightfall books but kinda hesitant to buy them now as it's the project that O'Neil went onto after the Venom arc and I couldn't cope with more of this out of character stupidity.

It wasn't all bad though as whilst I was over on amazon I came across a very cheap copy of Gerry Finley-Day & Carlos Ezquerra's Fiends of the Eastern Front which made me feel better.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: grthink on 12 March, 2013, 09:58:07 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 12 March, 2013, 08:56:26 AM
I read Batman: Venom last night by Denny O'Neil, one of those books that are so bad you're forced to write an amazon review as a warning. I was planning to go through the Batman Knightfall books but kinda hesitant to buy them now as it's the project that O'Neil went onto after the Venom arc and I couldn't cope with more of this out of character stupidity.

I remember reading 'Venom' as a TPB near to when it came out and not finding it too offensively bad, but then I was 13 and had no taste, really. I read Knightfall again last year and I was surprised by how NOT rubbish it was, I was expecting much worse. But then I haven't read any modern Batman so have nothing to gauge it against. I do watch a lot of Batman: The Brave and The Bold, though, and tonally they're very different.

Um, IRL life my tone of voice would have made it obvious that I was being flippant about Brave and the Bold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 12 March, 2013, 10:47:16 AM
Quote from: grthink on 12 March, 2013, 09:58:07 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 12 March, 2013, 08:56:26 AM
I read Batman: Venom last night by Denny O'Neil, one of those books that are so bad you're forced to write an amazon review as a warning. I was planning to go through the Batman Knightfall books but kinda hesitant to buy them now as it's the project that O'Neil went onto after the Venom arc and I couldn't cope with more of this out of character stupidity.

I remember reading 'Venom' as a TPB near to when it came out and not finding it too offensively bad, but then I was 13 and had no taste, really. I read Knightfall again last year and I was surprised by how NOT rubbish it was, I was expecting much worse. But then I haven't read any modern Batman so have nothing to gauge it against. I do watch a lot of Batman: The Brave and The Bold, though, and tonally they're very different.

Um, IRL life my tone of voice would have made it obvious that I was being flippant about Brave and the Bold.

Batman: Venom feels like the 1960's (or The Brave and The Bold) Batman trying to be all gritty and serious so that the writing comes of as just plain confused, you can either have the Frank Miller brooding Batman or the slapstick POW! Batman punching sharks in the sea, you can't have both in the same comic. Not to mention the world's greatest detective fails to see a bunch of clues until the plot requires him to. It's just a complete utter mess on so many levels.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 12 March, 2013, 02:48:58 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 10 March, 2013, 11:38:08 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 09 March, 2013, 04:03:02 PM
Was Prog 2000 really the last time O'Neill graced the pages of 2000AD!

Er... no. He was in the 25th anniversary prog. Still, though... 11 years now!

I always forget about that Prog!

Back on topic- all the recent chatter regarding 'At the Mountains of Madness' has prompted me to seek out some unread Cthulhu stuff; picked up 'The Cthulhu Mythos Megapack' on iBooks for 49 Cent! Bargain.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 12 March, 2013, 07:38:20 PM
I'm reading Stickleback, and what a fine read it is too. Loving D'Israeli's artwork, its much different than his recent Lowlife stuff, but still superb.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 12 March, 2013, 11:07:47 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 11 March, 2013, 10:31:35 AM
Life and Death in Iron Age Ireland, Various.  I re-wrote the text and produced the illustrations for two of the articles in this book (about projects I managed) and supplied info for two others, and my name appears nowhere.  Good job I had my ego surgically removed along with my spine.  Anyway, most of the rest is good, and the topic is as exciting as this stuff gets.

Did you still get paid and royalties (if any) etc?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 March, 2013, 11:13:35 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 12 March, 2013, 11:07:47 PM
Did you still get paid and royalties (if any) etc?

Not a leath phingin.  But then nor does anyone else involved (well, there was probably some sort of grant towards the main editors' time at some point, but never the contributors) - publication of results is usually a condition of any licensed project, but unless it's state work it's usually impossible to get anyone to pay for it. It's for the love, man, the love
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 14 March, 2013, 02:00:16 PM
Hellboy: The Chained Coffin, and I Kill Giants.

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/my-recent-comic-purchases/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 15 March, 2013, 03:51:21 PM
Yesterday i devoured, better than read, the Atomic Robo Real Science Adventures Trade. Man, i love Atomic Robo. For me it's enterteaining, funny, and interesting. This trade collects short stories, from here and there, like Free Comic Book Days ones, etc. The level is ever-changing, from normal, to nice, to very nice, etc.

It has some nice critics about the comic industry(the madness of the multi-variant insanity and quality of the 90s comics in general, at least the US ones), etc.

Nice, cheap, and entertaining to read. Now again i'll take Dredd's CCF1 to get a new dosage of Mega-City's Justice. Next will be the Ennis's Battler Britton trade.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 15 March, 2013, 07:43:27 PM
I've been really enjoying IDW's Ninja Turtles reboot, much to my surprise.

It's just very simple, very fun and unpretentious, with often cracking art.

Since buying my ipad, my comic-reading has really increased and I'm trying out new titles all the time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 16 March, 2013, 03:25:10 PM
Did anyone get any Marvel digital comics with the 700 #1's give-away on Tuesday?

Needless to say it was overloaded and didn't work for much of the day. But a couple of days ago I was able to download everything I tried to get:
Hulk, FF, Avengers, X-Men, Marvel Zombies, A+X, Wolverine and more – about 15 in total.

I do like having some comics to read on my phone. Digital is not my first choice but it's great having a bunch of comics always to hand.

I woke up this morning at 5.30am and couldn't get back to sleep so I read Marvel Zombies which was pretty good lightweight fun with fine art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 16 March, 2013, 03:48:15 PM
Rapidshare have been giving away free Marvel comics for years, I don't see why Comixology should suddenly be getting the credit for what clearly isn't a new idea.

Nemo: Heart of Ice - brilliant, which should anger the Moore-haters all the more, I imagine.  I can especially see them shaking their fists at Moore using public domain characters and saying this is exactly the same thing as DC did with Watchmen so he shouldn't be complaining, then saying how the brilliant fractured time sequence was just as bad as the keyhole in time sequence from Top Ten that they wish they'd thought of first, and then they'll no doubt enlighten us that the superb buildup of atmosphere as the characters get ever closer to their goal is something taken entirely from Lovecraft or something.
Whatever the reasons for me being completely wrong and this actually being terrible, I found it pretty great, and probably the best of the LOEG offerings for a while now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 March, 2013, 09:14:10 PM
Quote from: Professor James T Bear on 16 March, 2013, 03:48:15 PM
Rapidshare have been giving away free Marvel comics for years, I don't see why Comixology should suddenly be getting the credit for what clearly isn't a new idea.

Nemo: Heart of Ice - brilliant, which should anger the Moore-haters all the more, I imagine.  I can especially see them shaking their fists at Moore using public domain characters and saying this is exactly the same thing as DC did with Watchmen so he shouldn't be complaining, then saying how the brilliant fractured time sequence was just as bad as the keyhole in time sequence from Top Ten that they wish they'd thought of first, and then they'll no doubt enlighten us that the superb buildup of atmosphere as the characters get ever closer to their goal is something taken entirely from Lovecraft or something.
Whatever the reasons for me being completely wrong and this actually being terrible, I found it pretty great, and probably the best of the LOEG offerings for a while now.

I couldn't agree more; i really enjoyed Heart of Ice. My only complaint that it was too damn short! Kevin O'Neil captured the Mountains of Madness brilliantly; not to mention some very chilling - almost literally - moments such as the albino penguins and the terrifying structures of the Old Ones. The fractured time scene was indeed brilliant. Definitely my comic book of the month.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 March, 2013, 02:15:28 AM
Just finished Red Seas: Under The Banner of King Death, and what a fun read it was too! (you were right Colin!) really really enjoyable stuff. I can't wait to receive my paperback copy so i can read the 2nd series too (for those who don't know, i was sent the hardback version by mistake which just has the first series unlike the paperback version). After that i'll be at a loss though because i don't know if the other series was ever released. I'm loving Red Seas so much that i just want to carry on reading it....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 17 March, 2013, 07:09:42 PM
I've just finished Dredd's First CCF. Cool, vintage stories. Quite funny. Oldie but goldie. Heh... i liked Walter the "Wobot"... and tecnically the "first" epic: the robot revolt by Call-Me-Kenneth... and the next "long story", the Moon Colony Marshall stories.

And the ¿first ever? Dredd story, at the ending... and i thought Dredd, or the Judges in general were tough and all... i see that a part of that first one was cutt off for the "main" series.

Definatelly a good read, and cheap!. The spanish edition is cut in three smaller volumes, way smaller in format(the CCF looks like a giant compared to one of them), and the three ones toguether... cost almos 33 euros... almost £29!.  :o
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 18 March, 2013, 12:52:18 PM
Just started I Kill Giants.By the way, how did your reading of Red Seas fare, Hawkmonger?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 18 March, 2013, 03:39:19 PM
Sorry, should've added that prior to starting the above, i read Marvel Zombies v.1by Robert Kirkman. Absolutely fucking hilarious!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 18 March, 2013, 04:08:01 PM
I've just ended reading Enni's Battle Britton.

Nice, while short, WWII story. Accurate in the military hardware, talking, tactics, etc... and interesting on its human side. I can say that (almos) no one writes war comics like Garth Ennis. I have to get the 2nd Battlefields HC. I have the first and i love it. The same about his DC/Vertigo War Stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 18 March, 2013, 08:49:02 PM
What kinda comic reading cliche would I be if I didn't pick up the first collection of the very hyped Hawkeye ('My Life as a Weapon') by Matt Fraction?

It's very good stuff, 7.5/10 good, but falls a little short of great. Actually I'll bump it up to 8/10 for the cover designs, which are nicely reproduced in the graphic novel sans lettering.
While you'd unlikely read a better 'Hawkeye' comic, I couldn't shake the feeling that the style of the story could be applied to just about any non-powered super hero / crime fighter.

A worthy punt of 15 quid for a solid hours worth of reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 March, 2013, 09:44:36 PM
Interesting to hear your thoughts on Hawkeye Link Prime. I'm a fan of the character and really enjoyed Jim McCann series (all to brief). I was therefore very interested when I heard of his return to a led, but on reading all the interviews with Matt Fraction it just sounded so... dull, so done before. So unHawkeye (whatever I mean by that).

Then I read the fantastic reviews and I'm tempted to check it out, but then I remember that this is a world where Saga is seen as the best comic out there and I reconsider... I'm flip flappin' to say the least on this one!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 18 March, 2013, 10:25:22 PM
I get what you're saying Colin.
I wouldn't be the biggest Hawkeye fan on Earth (616 or otherwise), in fact I only ever really dug the character a long time ago in Thunderbolts V1, so will admit I picked this up based entirely on reading those same reviews you have.
Reservations are unquestionably wise in the more-miss-than-hit world of American comics, but considering your normally rock solid taste in funnybooks and fondness of the character, I'd say this is a no brainer purchase.

I'm sticking around for more of it by the way, albeit in trade format.
(The dimension devouring energy field known as The Prime Pull-List MUST be contained)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 March, 2013, 06:29:40 AM
Well damnit there goes another purchase... the trades out now is it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 March, 2013, 11:21:25 AM
The Hydrogen Sonata, Iain (if you insist) M Banks.  I'm not halfway in to this treat yet, but is there a series of novels that are quite so comfortable to return to as the Culture?  It's like a warm  blanket and a hot whisky for the eye-brain combo.  I'm loving the sense that this is part of some sort of Divine Comedy-style trilogy, developing the themes of the levels of reality from Matter and Surface Detail, while serving as a sort-of follow-up to Excession, and still somehow being a fine standalone book.  This is Banks at the absolute peak of his game - now please excuse me, I think I'll scurry off to the lav and sneak in another chapter.         
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 19 March, 2013, 11:38:46 AM
I just read 2000 AD classic Fiends of the Eastern Front and thought it was a very enjoyable vamp romp well worth the £1.70 I paid for it, even though this edition doesn't include the follow up  :(, I much prefer Ezquerra when he's working in B&W, lovely stuff.

(http://geeksyndicate.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/fieeeeends.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 19 March, 2013, 11:45:30 AM
That looks very interesting, sheldipez.

I really want to read Defoe, so i've planned to hopefully buy both trades next month. Whilst browsing online, another horror strip caught my attention; Necronauts. It sounds absolutely barmy (in a good way!) and something right up my street. So that's my next couple of comics sorted.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 19 March, 2013, 12:20:45 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 19 March, 2013, 11:38:46 AM
I just read 2000 AD classic Fiends of the Eastern Front and thought it was a very enjoyable vamp romp well worth the £1.70 I paid for it, even though this edition doesn't include the follow up  :(

I wouldn't worry too much, it's not a patch on the (classic, but admittedly flawed) original. Cracking MacNeil art but the plot is high on inconsistency and low on atmosphere. It's never made clear whether it's supposed to be a reboot, sequel, prequel or remake; Constanza is featured (but without the rest of his supporting cast) and eventually killed, so how on earth does this relate to his original, classic, appearance? The original does a brilliant job at maintaining a slow build-up of creeping horror as it dawns on Karl(?) what he's dealing with, but the follow-up has Constanza flying about the battlefield in plain sight and turning into a giant bat as early as the second episode, and not a single observing soldier seems to blink an eyelid beyond thinking 'What a terrible war this is to make us ally with such creatures.'

Necronuats is brilliant, and Defoe is just about my most favouritest thing ever.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 March, 2013, 04:08:37 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 19 March, 2013, 12:20:45 PM
Necronuats is brilliant, and Defoe is just about my most favouritest thing ever.

Mmm-hmmm.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 19 March, 2013, 04:19:11 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 March, 2013, 04:08:37 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 19 March, 2013, 12:20:45 PM
Necronuats is brilliant, and Defoe is just about my most favouritest thing ever.

Mmm-hmmm.

Great, 'cause i just ordered the former (for a measily £4.35 including p&p; trade also includes 'Love like blood'). Defoe will have to wait, sadly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 20 March, 2013, 06:18:26 PM
This morning i received both the Art of Judge Dredd 1995 and the 6th and last Marvel's Secret Warriors trade, "Wheels within wheels". So i "devoured" it. Shame it ended, but at least it wasn't cancelled, but had a proper ending, quite open, but an ending after all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 March, 2013, 04:15:27 PM
Can anyone reccomend me the Dark Horse run on The Dirty Pair? I must say, after revisiting the TV series and novels i'm keen to look at newer material, do Adam Warren and Toren Smith do the franchise justice?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 21 March, 2013, 06:53:56 PM
"Tinker, Tailer, Soldier, Spy" - only ever read "The Russia House" before this and just fancied giving it a crack.  Fascinating piece of work.  Can understand why it is so well regarded.  Now onto Stephenson's Reamde.  Know it has had a bit of a mixed review and he can oscillate between fantastic (Cryptonomicon) and bizarre (Anathem) but here we go ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 21 March, 2013, 07:07:02 PM
"The Dumas Club" by  Arturo Pérez-Reverte again.

Damned fine book. Damn fine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 21 March, 2013, 07:43:47 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 21 March, 2013, 04:15:27 PM
Can anyone reccomend me the Dark Horse run on The Dirty Pair? I must say, after revisiting the TV series and novels i'm keen to look at newer material, do Adam Warren and Toren Smith do the franchise justice?

The Warren/Smith Dirty Pair and the original anime/manga are different things entirely, but I love the former very much as it is a heartfelt recreation of the energy and invention of Japanese cartoons and comics first and foremost, and cares not a jot about slavishly recreating the original material as much as being a western version of it, though your tolerance may be tested by Warren's love of huge-tittied doe-eyed bimbos.  I am on the record as liking ladies, sci-fi, comics, and big tits, but there is a serious amount of cross-pollination of those elements going on here that may be off-putting.  Toren Smith's input also helped to rein in the Adam Warren-ness of the dialogue that goes buck wild in later books (if you've ever read a book dialogued by Warren, you'll know what I mean) as he values verisimilitude over absolute storytelling clarity, though there's never anything less than a torrent of sci-fi ideas coming at you hard and fast in all the books that on top of the occasional compression of the pages compared not just to manga but to other western comics may be a little overpowering.
I'd start with something breezy like Fatal But Not Serious or Sim Hell before moving on to earlier stuff like Dangerous Acquaintances, as there's little to no continuity between the stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 March, 2013, 07:49:41 PM
Much appreciated Prof. James T Bear. Big fan of the franchise so i'll give any fresh take in my stride and if I don't like it, or even if I do, i'll be sure to post it here. Thanks chap.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 22 March, 2013, 12:19:29 PM
I bought this;

(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/20130322_121027.jpg)

From Amazon Warehouse for only £4.35; the price was low because it was a used copy and the description said 'wrinkle to back and front cover' hence the price. But when i opened my packaging i was more more than impressed to find a near perfect copy with no 'wrinkle' of the sort! It means i've just saved near £10.00, - very chuffed indeed! Looking forward to reading it.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 22 March, 2013, 12:36:50 PM
Nice one Mabs, some good reading in that little tome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 22 March, 2013, 12:46:33 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 22 March, 2013, 12:36:50 PM
Nice one Mabs, some good reading in that little tome.

Thanks Link, looking forward to tucking into some Rennie/ Irving terror madness!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 23 March, 2013, 10:28:06 AM
Got a few reading materials lined up; IDW's Total Recall volume 1, Halo Jones,  Gilbet Hernandez' Sloth, and of course Tharg's Terror Tales!

And i just had my paperback copy of Red Seas delivered today (which means i now have two copies - paperback and hardcover- of the comic residing on my bookshelf! Also the trade looks awesome). So these should keep me occupied for the next few days. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 23 March, 2013, 12:14:42 PM
I just finished 'Chicken With Plums' by Marjane Satrapi. It was very good indeed, very touching. It spoke of the ache at the heart of an artist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 March, 2013, 08:14:15 PM
I've been reading The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson.

It has the interesting world characters, religions and another curious scientific-ruled magic system* usual in Brandon Sanderson books (not a bad thing in my opinion, he might play with the same themes, but he doesn't do the same thing with them)  I've still got a way to go but it's got me gripped so far.

*There's a bit in the prologue where the POV character - a kind of ascetic assassin type - uses a power system that seems to be based around [spoiler]manipulating gravity. Now defying gravity has always been a major power in super-hero stories (of which this is not really one) but this power works by actually changing the direction of gravity for a specific person/object. I.e. he achieves flying by changing the pull of gravity to a wall at the end of a corridor, effectively falling down a chasm from his point of view, but flying down the corridor from the POV of everyone else stuck to the ground.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 March, 2013, 08:41:01 PM
I used to love Grant Morrison and Dave McKean's Arkham Asylum when it first came out. I was young, a big Morrison fan (still am) and loved Dave McKean's stuff. So having read it again for the first time in years tonight I was pretty surprised to discover I didn't particularly enjoy it. Its so overwrought... or maybe even aspires to be. Both art and writing. I'm not sure if its time that's done it a disservice and in its day it was innovative, but read now it just seemed trite and desperate to impress with how clever it all was. Yes even Dave McKean's art, looking to me now like a poor man's Sienkwicz, with none of the real energy of the great Bill's. It feels forced and as a result hackneyed.

What a disappointment. Still hours of pleasure as a kid, so shouldn't look too harshly at it I guess.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 24 March, 2013, 01:16:43 PM
Just finished The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz - a new Sherlock Holmes story. This felt close in style to the originals, although a few moments felt un-Holmes like...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 24 March, 2013, 02:23:58 PM
I wanted to re-read Zombo, but couldn't find it on the Cardiff library catalogue. I bought a second hand copy from Amazon Marketplace, and condition was marked as 'good'. Total cost inc p&p £6.00.  It turned up, and was brand bloody new - not a mark on it!  Don't you love it when that happens?!?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 24 March, 2013, 04:38:51 PM
You're a lucky man Shaolin. Just about every book / graphic novel I ever bought online arrived looking like a raspberry roulade
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 24 March, 2013, 05:12:38 PM
Days of the Bagnold Summer - one of the Costa book winners,a  nicely observed tale of a metal-loving teen and his single mum.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 24 March, 2013, 08:47:33 PM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 24 March, 2013, 02:23:58 PM
I wanted to re-read Zombo, but couldn't find it on the Cardiff library catalogue. I bought a second hand copy from Amazon Marketplace, and condition was marked as 'good'. Total cost inc p&p £6.00.  It turned up, and was brand bloody new - not a mark on it!  Don't you love it when that happens?!?

That's great news, shaolin_monkey! I also had a similar stroke of luck with Tharg's Terror Tales. It's a great feeling when you get a better copy than the one described! I really wanna get Zombo too, but it'll have to wait until the end of the month.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hippynumber1 on 24 March, 2013, 09:19:59 PM
Comics wise - just finished reading 'The Bulletproof Coffin' and 'The Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred'; bloody astonishing stuff.

Book - currently two-thirds of the way through the 'Gormenghast' trilogy.  Such a beautifully written series of books.  There's a real lyricism to the narrative that reminds me in many ways of 'The Once and Future King'.  Unfortunately, it seems to be a writing style that has fallen out of fashion but I absolutely love it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 26 March, 2013, 11:52:47 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 24 March, 2013, 02:23:58 PM
I wanted to re-read Zombo, but couldn't find it on the Cardiff library catalogue. I bought a second hand copy from Amazon Marketplace, and condition was marked as 'good'. Total cost inc p&p £6.00.  It turned up, and was brand bloody new - not a mark on it!  Don't you love it when that happens?!?

Shaolin_monkey,  could you please tell me the contents of the version you bought, ie if it included two series' and a Christmas special? I'm a little confused because Amazon lists it as 96 pages, whereas The Book Depository says 116 pages! (they have two versions it seems, one with the green cover and the other, red. It doesn't say whether U.S or U.K publication). The last thing i want is to buy a copy and find out it's missing stuff, like i did with Red Seas. Your help will be much appreciated!  cheers!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 26 March, 2013, 01:10:23 PM
Quote from: hippynumber1 on 24 March, 2013, 09:19:59 PM
Book - currently two-thirds of the way through the 'Gormenghast' trilogy.  Such a beautifully written series of books.  There's a real lyricism to the narrative that reminds me in many ways of 'The Once and Future King'.  Unfortunately, it seems to be a writing style that has fallen out of fashion but I absolutely love it...

Welcome to the club my man.

I've just finished the collected Essex County by Jeff Lemire. I thought it was excellent, really loved the style of it - I could feel the regret, frustration and deflated hopes coming off the page and also the chill of the hockey rink. I'd maybe even describe it as plangent - a word I learned from Gormenghast many years ago  ;)

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 26 March, 2013, 03:24:49 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 26 March, 2013, 11:52:47 AM
...could you please tell me the contents of the version you bought, ie if it included two series' and a Christmas special? I'm a little confused because Amazon lists it as 96 pages, whereas The Book Depository says 116 pages! (they have two versions it seems, one with the green cover and the other, red. It doesn't say whether U.S or U.K publication). The last thing i want is to buy a copy and find out it's missing stuff, like i did with Red Seas.

Mabs - there's currently only one Zombo trade (Can I Eat you, Please?. It collects the first two series and Christmas Special.  However, there is also a US edition, which is the red/white cover (UK is the green one). Far as I can make out though the contents are exactly the same.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 26 March, 2013, 03:48:37 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 26 March, 2013, 03:24:49 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 26 March, 2013, 11:52:47 AM
...could you please tell me the contents of the version you bought, ie if it included two series' and a Christmas special? I'm a little confused because Amazon lists it as 96 pages, whereas The Book Depository says 116 pages! (they have two versions it seems, one with the green cover and the other, red. It doesn't say whether U.S or U.K publication). The last thing i want is to buy a copy and find out it's missing stuff, like i did with Red Seas.

Mabs - there's currently only one Zombo trade (Can I Eat you, Please?. It collects the first two series and Christmas Special.  However, there is also a US edition, which is the red/white cover (UK is the green one). Far as I can make out though the contents are exactly the same.

Thanks for clearing that up, Dark Jimbo - much appreciated! I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy now!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 26 March, 2013, 06:03:17 PM
Yep, two series + Xmas special. Sorry for late reply!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 26 March, 2013, 06:48:09 PM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 26 March, 2013, 06:03:17 PM
Yep, two series + Xmas special. Sorry for late reply!

No problem, shaolin_monkey. Now i have to wait until i get paid before going on a spending spree!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: grthink on 27 March, 2013, 11:24:00 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 23 March, 2013, 08:41:01 PM
I used to love Grant Morrison and Dave McKean's Arkham Asylum when it first came out. I was young, a big Morrison fan (still am) and loved Dave McKean's stuff. So having read it again for the first time in years tonight I was pretty surprised to discover I didn't particularly enjoy it. Its so overwrought... or maybe even aspires to be. Both art and writing. I'm not sure if its time that's done it a disservice and in its day it was innovative, but read now it just seemed trite and desperate to impress with how clever it all was. Yes even Dave McKean's art, looking to me now like a poor man's Sienkwicz, with none of the real energy of the great Bill's. It feels forced and as a result hackneyed.

What a disappointment. Still hours of pleasure as a kid, so shouldn't look too harshly at it I guess.

I hadn't read it until Summer last year, and it came with all the weight of it being the most successful graphic novel of all time and blah blah blah but I couldn't agree more with you, and I didn't really enjoy it at all. I can't actually think of anything by Morrison that I've actually really enjoyed -- which I know leaves me in a very small minority, but there you have it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 27 March, 2013, 11:47:59 AM
Quote from: grthink on 27 March, 2013, 11:24:00 AM
I can't actually think of anything by Morrison that I've actually really enjoyed -- which I know leaves me in a very small minority, but there you have it.

If that includes 'Zenith', 'JLA: Rock of Ages' and 'WE3' then I will pray for your immortal soul grthink!

By the way- I don't rate Arkham Asylum too highly either!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: grthink on 27 March, 2013, 12:19:53 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 27 March, 2013, 11:47:59 AM

If that includes 'Zenith', 'JLA: Rock of Ages' and 'WE3' then I will pray for your immortal soul grthink!

By the way- I don't rate Arkham Asylum too highly either!

haha No, I've not actually read those. The Filth was borderline, but only really becasue Chris Weston's art was SO incredible. The actual 'I'm going to offend you'/'I'm going to screw your head' writing was a major turnoff, though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 28 March, 2013, 07:53:13 PM
Legion of the Damned a Wh40 k book. Not surprising for me but have nothing but praise for it even though it' s a giant deux ex machina. the characters are a bit different in that the main protagonist is frankly a failure. His troops know it and he feels it but the Emp doesn't. Thunderously good fun some of the images are burned into my head the inquisitor waving his ID at a Space marine Thunderhawk at the beginning and some amazing stuff at the end.

Bloody good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 28 March, 2013, 08:43:44 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 28 March, 2013, 07:53:13 PM
Legion of the Damned a Wh40 k book. Not surprising for me but have nothing but praise for it even though it' s a giant deux ex machina. the characters are a bit different in that the main protagonist is frankly a failure. His troops know it and he feels it but the Emp doesn't. Thunderously good fun some of the images are burned into my head the inquisitor waving his ID at a Space marine Thunderhawk at the beginning and some amazing stuff at the end.

Bloody good.
I was actualy going to ask you where would be a good place to start reading 40K material. I loved the mythos, but could just never bring myself to complete and army (got about 20 Tyranid Genestealers done before I realised I had glued most of them shitely) but love the backstory. Any good Crimson Fist or Salamander storys?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 28 March, 2013, 09:07:54 PM
Bit of a difficult one Hawkmonger as it depends what you like. There are Imperial Guard stories (all more human and more relatable) like the Gaunts Ghost series, Inquisitors (like detectives vs Cthulhu on steroids) such as  Eisenhorn or Ravenor and the "stars" the Space Marines. Space Marine books are basically split into the Horus Heresy (a "historic" stories of how the current 40k Imperium came about) and the tales of current Space Marine chapters like the deamon hunting Grey Knights,Iron Snakes  or the Ultramarines. Maybe a short story book about Space Marines might give you a taste.

http://www.blacklibrary.com/

Salamanders Chapter
http://www.blacklibrary.com/warhammer-40000/tome-of-fire.html

Short stories Space marines (and some of their Chaos opponents)
http://www.blacklibrary.com/warhammer-40000/heroes-of-the-space-marines-ebook.html

I'm an addict so I can't really be all that over-critical. :)

I hope you find somehtign you like the look of.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 28 March, 2013, 10:20:03 PM
Thanks Zarjazzer. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dredd Head on 01 April, 2013, 07:38:52 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 28 March, 2013, 09:07:54 PM
Bit of a difficult one Hawkmonger as it depends what you like. There are Imperial Guard stories (all more human and more relatable) like the Gaunts Ghost series, Inquisitors (like detectives vs Cthulhu on steroids) such as  Eisenhorn or Ravenor and the "stars" the Space Marines. Space Marine books are basically split into the Horus Heresy (a "historic" stories of how the current 40k Imperium came about) and the tales of current Space Marine chapters like the deamon hunting Grey Knights,Iron Snakes  or the Ultramarines. Maybe a short story book about Space Marines might give you a taste.

http://www.blacklibrary.com/

Salamanders Chapter
http://www.blacklibrary.com/warhammer-40000/tome-of-fire.html

Short stories Space marines (and some of their Chaos opponents)
http://www.blacklibrary.com/warhammer-40000/heroes-of-the-space-marines-ebook.html

I'm an addict so I can't really be all that over-critical. :)

The first step is admitting you have a problem. :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 01 April, 2013, 09:56:33 PM
Quote from: Dredd Head on 01 April, 2013, 07:38:52 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 28 March, 2013, 09:07:54 PM
Bit of a difficult one Hawkmonger as it depends what you like. There are Imperial Guard stories (all more human and more relatable) like the Gaunts Ghost series, Inquisitors (like detectives vs Cthulhu on steroids) such as  Eisenhorn or Ravenor and the "stars" the Space Marines. Space Marine books are basically split into the Horus Heresy (a "historic" stories of how the current 40k Imperium came about) and the tales of current Space Marine chapters like the deamon hunting Grey Knights,Iron Snakes  or the Ultramarines. Maybe a short story book about Space Marines might give you a taste.

http://www.blacklibrary.com/



Salamanders Chapter
http://www.blacklibrary.com/warhammer-40000/tome-of-fire.html

Short stories Space marines (and some of their Chaos opponents)
http://www.blacklibrary.com/warhammer-40000/heroes-of-the-space-marines-ebook.html

I'm an addict so I can't really be all that over-critical. :)

The first step is admitting you have a problem. :lol:

But I don't think it's a problem. That's the problem. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 01 April, 2013, 10:43:26 PM
Just finished Grant Morrison's Supergods.
I really liked it to begin with; he was talking about old comics and it was obvious to see he had a lot of enthusiasm for the medium. Nearing the end it lost its way in my opinion, it became a bit Grant Morrison's How Great is Grant Morrison?!
And then, even nearing the end, he'll slip in here and there that he's punk or he'll say how these anti-authoritarian characters were on 'our' side. I can't help but think those three letters that follow his name nowadays (CBE) would put me on a different 'side' to Grant. Maybe we have a different idea to what 'punk' is as well. I also had no idea he had designed content for a Robbie Williams album or that he has/had a column in The Sun newspaper.
But anyway- good start, lousy finish.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 02 April, 2013, 05:58:59 PM
Just finished re-reading Ragemoor after getting it last Xmas. I would reccomend - great art style with a gothic Lovecraftian vibe. Can anyone recommend anything similar?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 02 April, 2013, 07:59:34 PM
Finally finished Reamde.  Was a bit apprehensive after Anathem but still rate Cryptonomicon as a first rate tome.  This is much more in that territory.  Totally off the wall at times.  Sort of like Monty Python crossed with Tom Clancy and a heavy dose of acid.  Not the worlds greatest characterisation but the pace is so fast that you don't always notice.  Now onto the latest Courtenay Grimwood.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 02 April, 2013, 08:57:01 PM
I'm reading The Boys.

Bumrape:  Check.
Drinking:  Check.
Irish Bar in the US: Check.
The 'Nam: Check.
Cruelty to cats:  Check.
Castration:  Check.
Macho non-gay man-love: Check.


Still no Pogues quotes, Northern Irish troubles, or last scenes of Unforgiven, but I haven't finished it yet. 

(Smart-arse comments aside: I like it.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 04 April, 2013, 02:01:14 PM
Hi All,
Just finished reading the entire series of The Boys ( again ). 12 volumes in all..
For me ( anyway ) it's got it all......Great artwork, humour, gratuitous violence, conspiracies, politics, sex..Gratuitous violence, ( did I mention that ?) sex, corrupt superheroes, etc....And all that JaysusBChrist included as well !!.....
How on earth can you not like something like that ????.......I loved it...

And the question....If you wanted to join the 'elite' superhero team on earth..What would you do to get in ??...Answer in volume 1......A great series and highly recommended.
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 04 April, 2013, 02:07:24 PM
the art of todd mcfarlane -lovely big book loads of text and piccies great read!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 04 April, 2013, 06:44:53 PM
If I may quote myself:

QuoteStill no Pogues quotes, Northern Irish troubles, or last scenes of Unforgiven, but I haven't finished it yet. 

Nearly there... two more for a Garth Bingo full house.

[spoiler]Last page of the Butcher miniseries:[/spoiler]

[spoiler](http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r153/brnwlsh/boys_06_025.png)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 05 April, 2013, 12:00:52 AM
I love The Boys, me, but haven't read any after [spoiler]the punch up at the White House[/spoiler].  Does it continue good after that?
  I've just finished a bit of Muslim stuff one of my students loaned me, a very wholesome and uncritical account of the life of Bilal, the first person to do the call to prayer (spoiler, he triumphs over oppression and turns out to be a wonderful person and a credit to Islam) and am now trying to get through a backlog of my London Review of Books subscription.  Mostly good stuff apart from the odd bad book review (the kind that just describes what happens in the book, assuming that you share the reviewer's assumption that the book is awesome).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 April, 2013, 09:17:26 AM
Just finished the first Nexus Omnibus from Dark Horse (reprints 1-3 of the Capital series and 1 -11 of the First) and my oh my it wonderful.

This is one of the 80s indie Boom titles that I never really got around to reading back in the day so really pleased that Dark Horse are releasing these Omnibus editions.

Mind over the last few years that is very true of so many title from this period. Have to say it was such an incredibly rich time for comics, not really matched before of after, well until today that is when Image, Dark Horse and others seem to be producing material of the quality in an equal depth.

Its great that titles like Nexus, Concrete, Grendal, Grimjack, Beanworld etc etc are all becoming pretty readily available as there is such wonderful comics to be discovered.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 05 April, 2013, 09:56:36 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 05 April, 2013, 09:17:26 AM
Its great that titles like Nexus, Concrete, Grendal, Grimjack, Beanworld etc etc are all becoming pretty readily available as there is such wonderful comics to be discovered.

I have to get that Grendel omnibus.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 April, 2013, 11:08:31 AM
There's actually three now (or two and a third not too far off can't quite remember).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 05 April, 2013, 06:02:47 PM
The Dark Horse omnibuses are one of the best inventions i've ever known. I have bought more or less 14 Star Wars omnibuses(at the same time!), plus the "Deluxe" Crimson Empire "omnibus". A lot of stuff for relatively little money.

It's time, so i started the "turboboost" on Dredd's CCF2, man, i like the Cursed Earth epic a lot. Lucky for me that i was able to read the two "amputated" Copyrightcrap episodes left out of the tome. There are nothing out of this world and you won't die if you don't read them, but shows the madness and weirdness of the Cursed Earth quite a lot.

And yesterday i received Dredd/Batman HC, the Marshal Law Origins illustrated novel, and the Day of Chaos FF trade. Nice stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dredd Head on 05 April, 2013, 06:36:43 PM
Quote from: Basilisk on 05 April, 2013, 06:02:47 PM
The Dark Horse omnibuses are one of the best inventions i've ever known. I have bought more or less 14 Star Wars omnibuses(at the same time!), plus the "Deluxe" Crimson Empire "omnibus". A lot of stuff for relatively little money.

It's time, so i started the "turboboost" on Dredd's CCF2, man, i like the Cursed Earth epic a lot. Lucky for me that i was able to read the two "amputated" Copyrightcrap episodes left out of the tome. There are nothing out of this world and you won't die if you don't read them, but shows the madness and weirdness of the Cursed Earth quite a lot.

And yesterday i received Dredd/Batman HC, the Marshal Law Origins illustrated novel, and the Day of Chaos FF trade. Nice stuff.

I've just ordered case files 2 and 3, Also half way through Day Of Chaos which is awesome
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 April, 2013, 10:54:12 PM
I've just started Defoe: 1666, which i received earlier today. Still waiting for my Zombo TPB though. It's kinda odd because when i checked up on my Book Depository account it showed that Zombo was dispatched maybe half an hour after Defoe; why the hell couldn't they just wait a little and lump it into one package?  very inconvenient.  :-\

Anyhow, i'm sure it'll turn up tomorrow. Just flicking through the Nikolai Dante trade i received from the mighy and generous Tharg today, i must say i'm really impressed by the different line up of artists on show; Simon Fraser, Chris Weston and Henry Flint; the latter of whose artwork is very different in style to the one we see today. Very intriguing stuff, can't wait to get stuck into that later!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 05 April, 2013, 11:43:34 PM
The Boodepositorie's way of dispatch is one item per parcel. Imagine this: on 2011 i ordered 25 items, military books, from Osprey, History and collections, gunship planes, helicopters, special forces... some of them were quite big... the postman arrived some days after, with two Postal service boxes, absolutelly filled with parcels, almost all the 25 things and prior orders... i received stuff from the 25 even days or a week after that. It's their way.

As of now, in the last orders i've maid, they arrive to me in exactly 8 working days after its shipment date. Like a clock. Quite a feat since i live in another country. I received BD stuff ranging from only two days os waiting(DMZ 8), to 23 days(The Nelson to Vanguard Seaforth book and one New Vanguard book about American Nimitz Carriers)... but now like i said: 8 days, including weekends.

Tell us about Dafoe once you finish it. I'm quite interested in adquiring both 1666 and Queen of Zombies. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 06 April, 2013, 12:25:20 AM
It's because Book Depository (now owned by Amazon) ship from multiple countries and locations. I think I did receive two or three items in one package once but it's a rare occurrence!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 12:47:55 AM
Quote from: Basilisk on 05 April, 2013, 11:43:34 PM

Tell us about Dafoe once you finish it. I'm quite interested in adquiring both 1666 and Queen of Zombies. :)

I will do! Leigh Gallagher (the artist) recommended me the second trade (Queen of Zombies) on his blog, he considers it his best work/trade. Looking forward to reading that after i finish the first one! He (Gallagher) seems like a top bloke by the way!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 06 April, 2013, 01:04:07 AM
Quote from: Davek on 02 April, 2013, 05:58:59 PM
Just finished re-reading Ragemoor after getting it last Xmas. I would reccomend - great art style with a gothic Lovecraftian vibe. Can anyone recommend anything similar?

How much Richard Corben have you read already?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 01:05:12 AM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 06 April, 2013, 12:25:20 AM
It's because Book Depository (now owned by Amazon) ship from multiple countries and locations. I think I did receive two or three items in one package once but it's a rare occurrence!

Same here, mate! But it's every once in a while if you're lucky!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 06 April, 2013, 08:22:13 AM
Good, then!. Dafoe will be on my purchase list. ;)

I've never received more than one item per parcel from the BD. Ever. Even now that's Amazon property. It's their way to simplify stuff, i supose. :-\

Sometimes i've received stuff from them, but apart of the Bd sticker, i saw an Spanish bookstore sticker(Agapea urgent books). Sometimes they arrive from the UK, and sometimes they're sent by its "intermediaries", seems to be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 06 April, 2013, 10:13:04 AM
Batman: War On Crime, a book so big it had to be sent in a box, I knew it was oversized but was at least expecting it to fit on a shelf!

(http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu282/DarthSheldo/2013-04-06100157_zpscdf108cb.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 11:06:02 AM
Wow. That is a big box!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 06 April, 2013, 11:43:54 AM
Just going to make a start on Y-The Last Man.......Bought the entire set of 10 graphic novels for £65 on ebay.....That should keep me going for a week or so.....Is it any good ??
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 11:54:32 AM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 06 April, 2013, 11:43:54 AM
Just going to make a start on Y-The Last Man.......Bought the entire set of 10 graphic novels for £65 on ebay.....That should keep me going for a week or so.....Is it any good ??

Wow. Is it any good? Hell yeah! I also have the entire collection but in hardback, and the good thing about getting it all together is you won't have to wait for the next volume, just get stuck in straight away - the story is so addictive and entertaining that that can only be a good thing! Good luck with your reading!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 06 April, 2013, 12:00:17 PM
Cheers for that Mabs....
Have also ordered Saga Volume 1 ( heard some good things about it on here )...and Fiona Staples is going to Thoughtbubble this year, so a chance to get a sketch and get bbok signed maybe ..
Along with that, I've ordered Volume 1 of Fatale by Sean Phillips and Ed Brubaker...
Looking forward to them both.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 06 April, 2013, 12:25:10 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 06 April, 2013, 11:54:32 AM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 06 April, 2013, 11:43:54 AM
Just going to make a start on Y-The Last Man.......Bought the entire set of 10 graphic novels for £65 on ebay.....That should keep me going for a week or so.....Is it any good ??

Wow. Is it any good? Hell yeah! I also have the entire collection but in hardback, and the good thing about getting it all together is you won't have to wait for the next volume, just get stuck in straight away - the story is so addictive and entertaining that that can only be a good thing! Good luck with your reading!

I got the entire series from Cardiff Libraries and found it thoroughly entertaining! 

At £6.50 a volume I think you've got a bargain there.

I saw an excellent cosplayer in LSCC - he had a hooded top with the hood drawn tight around a gas mask, and a week black & white toy monkey on his shoulder. Instantly recognisable, and also probably the most original and unexpected outfit I saw the whole week!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 06 April, 2013, 01:32:42 PM
I love the cosplay people that come to the Comic Cons....Some really great outfits and some great details in what is usually, hand made outfits......
A bit of a break of the thread here, but thought I'd post some pics of the costumes that I saw last year at Thoughtbubble....
Fabulous Judges, A great Batman, an amazing Red Skull and Cross Bones, and an astonishingly lovely Black Cat....And numerous Harley Quinns...And a hand made Borg costume that had to be seen to be believed !!....Oh, and Master Chief from Halo and Rorcshach from Watchmen...All great stuff...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 07 April, 2013, 06:09:19 PM
I downloaded Sweet Justice, a collection of stories from the old tooth annuals, the other day. Cracking stuff! Only €2.60 or so as well: damn I love ebooks sometimes :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dredd Head on 07 April, 2013, 06:13:01 PM
Just finished CROSSED written by garth ennis. Was a great story excellent art really enjoyed this
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 April, 2013, 08:07:10 PM
Quote from: Dredd Head on 07 April, 2013, 06:13:01 PM
Just finished CROSSED written by garth ennis. Was a great story excellent art really enjoyed this
I must be the only person in the world to think it's utterly loathsome. But each to there own. :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 07 April, 2013, 08:50:44 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 06 April, 2013, 01:04:07 AM
Quote from: Davek on 02 April, 2013, 05:58:59 PM
Just finished re-reading Ragemoor after getting it last Xmas. I would reccomend - great art style with a gothic Lovecraftian vibe. Can anyone recommend anything similar?

How much Richard Corben have you read already?

Only this - but I have 'Creepy Presents' on my wish list after reading Ragemoor.  Its not just the art I liked though - it was the gothic setting, haunted castle, faithful servant, etc.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 07 April, 2013, 09:01:52 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 07 April, 2013, 08:07:10 PM
Quote from: Dredd Head on 07 April, 2013, 06:13:01 PM
Just finished CROSSED written by garth ennis. Was a great story excellent art really enjoyed this
I must be the only person in the world to think it's utterly loathsome.

You are not - I've even seen dyed-in-the-wool Ennis fans describe it as juvenile.
Personally, I thought it most reminded me of looking in the sketchbook of the kid in school who was a bit too into his heavy metal.

Been getting stuck into the Kieron Gillen run of Journey Into Mystery recently, and it's a top read.  If I had to describe it, I'd say it reads like Warren Ellis' early superhero work-for-hire would have read if he'd got over himself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 08 April, 2013, 01:40:32 PM
just read spawn:endgame after a long time away I've been revisiting ol'spawny much to the mrs' dismay (god bless amazon) and I am quite liking this new jim downing arc so far and i'm just 3 books away from collecting the old trades
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dredd Head on 08 April, 2013, 01:53:53 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 07 April, 2013, 08:07:10 PM
Quote from: Dredd Head on 07 April, 2013, 06:13:01 PM
Just finished CROSSED written by garth ennis. Was a great story excellent art really enjoyed this
I must be the only person in the world to think it's utterly loathsome. But each to there own. :lol:

I can see why people wouldn't like it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 April, 2013, 02:33:52 PM
Yay! Had my copy of Zombo delivered - can't wait to get stuck in!

But one comic i have been getting stuck into last night, was Nikolai Dante! I'm just 2/3 of the way through but might i say it has been an absolute blast! Wow. Now i know why the character is so popular amongst readers! The artwork is beautifully rendered by the talented artists on board such as Fraser, Weston and Flint. And the story had me howling with laughter! My favourite up till now has to be 'The Gentlemen Thief' and 'The Full Dante'  :lol:

Thank you Tharg!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 08 April, 2013, 03:05:51 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 08 April, 2013, 02:33:52 PM
The artwork is beautifully rendered by the talented artists on board such as Fraser, Weston and Flint.

I keep forgetting that Weston & Flint were involved int he early days (as were Charlie Adlard and Andy Clarke) - I've just got so used to thinking of Dante as a Fraser/Burns duopoly
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 April, 2013, 03:21:38 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 08 April, 2013, 03:05:51 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 08 April, 2013, 02:33:52 PM
The artwork is beautifully rendered by the talented artists on board such as Fraser, Weston and Flint.

I keep forgetting that Weston & Flint were involved int he early days (as were Charlie Adlard and Andy Clarke) - I've just got so used to thinking of Dante as a Fraser/Burns duopoly
Didn't Yeowell get involved on a few occasions also?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 08 April, 2013, 03:24:01 PM
Talking about Nick Dante... There's any way to get the entire collection on trades?. I'm not shure if every trade available for purchase contains the real deal, or there are some out of stock, etc.

And i want to take a look at Elephantmen... is a compelling story?.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 08 April, 2013, 03:48:50 PM
Quote from: Basilisk on 08 April, 2013, 03:24:01 PM
And i want to take a look at Elephantmen... is a compelling story?.

Elephant men is definitely worth a read. Big thick phonebook-sized trades in full colour and nicely produced, so they're not very cheap (about £18 a book IIRC) The main storyline may not be 'compelling' if by that you mean dense and fast paced - it advances rather slowly across the volumes with lots of flashbacks and side-incidents; but I'd certainly call it gripping and well written.

The art however, oh, the art is just crack cocaine for the eyeballs. Mainly by the sublime Moritat but lots of guest artists such as Boo Cook also appear. The usual 'covers & sketches' bumf at the back has a novel twist - lots of convention sketches and peronalised pieces from the various artists, rather than just generic prep sketches.

And if you get a chance, Starkings and Cook did an Elephantmen vs Strontium Dog one-off for last year's Thought Bubble Anthology. I forgot to get one at TB on the day, but they're still on sale in my local Travelling man.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 April, 2013, 04:41:24 PM
I concur, Elephantmen is excellent. I bought the first volume for around a tenner from Amazon and it was money well spent. Like Dan said it's a really chuncky graphic novel with almost cardboard like paper quality with a glossy feel. I loved the stories contained within but the extras are sonething else- some of the best i've seen! I loved Starkings guide through British comics and his pick of great artists (including some 2000ad greats!). I really recommend it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 April, 2013, 05:03:32 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 08 April, 2013, 03:05:51 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 08 April, 2013, 02:33:52 PM
The artwork is beautifully rendered by the talented artists on board such as Fraser, Weston and Flint.

I keep forgetting that Weston & Flint were involved int he early days (as were Charlie Adlard and Andy Clarke) - I've just got so used to thinking of Dante as a Fraser/Burns duopoly

Prior to reading this volume i was under the impression that Dante was purely a Morrison & Fraser gig, so was pleasantly surprised to see quite a line-up of talented artists. My favourite without doubt is Fraser's work, but some great work from the other artists too, such as Weston and Adlard. It's interesting especially looking at Flint's work, which is very different from his style of today - it's very reminscent of Moebius, actually! (i remember Flint citing the French master as one his influences in an interview). 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 08 April, 2013, 05:18:29 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 08 April, 2013, 02:33:52 PM
But one comic i have been getting stuck into last night, was Nikolai Dante! I'm just 2/3 of the way through but might i say it has been an absolute blast! Wow. Now i know why the character is so popular amongst readers!

Oh my word. I envy you desperately, having the whole saga still in front of you. I'd easily rank it somewhere in Tooth's all-time top ten, along with Dredd, Stront, Nemesis, et al.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 08 April, 2013, 05:29:03 PM
I'll pick up at least the first EM tome and judge. So it's everything in colour. I thought its was a mix of first on b&w, then colorized.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 08 April, 2013, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: Davek on 07 April, 2013, 08:50:44 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 06 April, 2013, 01:04:07 AM
How much Richard Corben have you read already?

Only this - but I have 'Creepy Presents' on my wish list after reading Ragemoor.  Its not just the art I liked though - it was the gothic setting, haunted castle, faithful servant, etc.

I don't know much about Jan Strnad (I really should have mentioned the author of Ragemoor) but I've read a small bit of Richard Corben.

I haven't read his Haunts of Horror titles, one is a series of H.P. Lovecraft adaptations and another Edgar Allen Poe adaptations. They were available as separate collections and as one omnibus.

Edgar Allen Poe wise, he has a adaptation of The Fall of the House of Usher coming up as a mini series and his adaptation of The Conqueror Worm was released last year as a single comic.

The Creepy collection is a mix of different types of horror and sci-fi stories with a few Edgar Allen Poe adaptations.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 10 April, 2013, 04:57:19 PM
Just finished Spies by Micael Frayn, genuinly engrossing little WW2 melodrama and spie pastiche. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 April, 2013, 08:56:34 AM
I just finished Nikolai Dante: The Courtship of Jena Makarov, just a few moments ago. Absolutely superb stuff. Just as enjoyable as the first volume, and some of the artwork by John Burns and Simon Fraser was magnificent. I've taken to Dante in a bigway, and rest assured i will track all the other volumes down even if it takes me to the ends of the earth!

I've still to read Defoe so will get started on that later. The Strip magazine i bought yesterday looks very tempting so i might start on that now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 April, 2013, 09:25:32 AM
Hey, our very own Jim and Richmond in the line-up! Nice one guys! (loving that goatee, Richmond!)  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 13 April, 2013, 10:31:36 AM
That just reminded me of another book I bought recently that was lettered by Jim - Porcelain (written by Benjamin Read, illustrated by Chris Wildgoose, and coloured by André May, published by Improper Books). A beautiful book described as a 'gothic fairy tale' it tells of Child, a street urchin who climbs into the garden of a mysterious old man who makes living porcelain statues. Dark, poignant and beautifully drawn.

Also, a testament to the power of Giving Stuff Away - the creators were handing out copies of the first "issue" at Thought Bubble (well not really an issue as it was never actually published in serial form - it was a properly printed comic of the first half a dozen pages of the GN). I was impressed enough to buy it when I later saw it in Travelling Man, but would not have considered it without that freebie.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 April, 2013, 10:50:33 AM
Porcelain sounds really intriguing , Dan. I'm going to add it to my must read list, thanks for that.

EDIT: just had a browse through Amazon, can't seem to find it.  :-\, any ideas where i might be able to buy it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 13 April, 2013, 11:09:19 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 13 April, 2013, 10:50:33 AM
Porcelain sounds really intriguing , Dan. I'm going to add it to my must read list, thanks for that.

EDIT: just had a browse through Amazon, can't seem to find it.  :-\, any ideas where i might be able to buy it?

It's available at branches of Travelling Man; also at Orbital and Gosh comics in London and page45 comics in Nottingham apparently, not sure if they do any direct sales.

You can read the 12 page freebie on the publisher's website: http://www.improperbooks.com/2013/01/porcelain-indie-launch/ (http://www.improperbooks.com/2013/01/porcelain-indie-launch/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 April, 2013, 11:18:50 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 13 April, 2013, 11:09:19 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 13 April, 2013, 10:50:33 AM
Porcelain sounds really intriguing , Dan. I'm going to add it to my must read list, thanks for that.

EDIT: just had a browse through Amazon, can't seem to find it.  :-\, any ideas where i might be able to buy it?

It's available at branches of Travelling Man; also at Orbital and Gosh comics in London and page45 comics in Nottingham apparently, not sure if they do any direct sales.

You can read the 12 page freebie on the publisher's website: http://www.improperbooks.com/2013/01/porcelain-indie-launch/ (http://www.improperbooks.com/2013/01/porcelain-indie-launch/)

That is a massive help, thanks mate, and thanks for that link too.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 15 April, 2013, 10:47:23 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 08 April, 2013, 11:05:27 PM
Quote from: Davek on 07 April, 2013, 08:50:44 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 06 April, 2013, 01:04:07 AM
How much Richard Corben have you read already?

Only this - but I have 'Creepy Presents' on my wish list after reading Ragemoor.  Its not just the art I liked though - it was the gothic setting, haunted castle, faithful servant, etc.

I don't know much about Jan Strnad (I really should have mentioned the author of Ragemoor) but I've read a small bit of Richard Corben.

I haven't read his Haunts of Horror titles, one is a series of H.P. Lovecraft adaptations and another Edgar Allen Poe adaptations. They were available as separate collections and as one omnibus.

Edgar Allen Poe wise, he has a adaptation of The Fall of the House of Usher coming up as a mini series and his adaptation of The Conqueror Worm was released last year as a single comic.

The Creepy collection is a mix of different types of horror and sci-fi stories with a few Edgar Allen Poe adaptations.

Cheers for that - I will take a look at the Lovecraft Haunts of Horror  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 16 April, 2013, 12:07:04 PM
I am reading The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, very slowly, on my new phone.  So far it's terrific - very chaotically written, very modern before its time, quite witty.  I got a free version off gutenberg.org and had to wade through a really long introduction, full of Latin tags, extinct words (eg 'morigerant')  and very roundabout references to some sort of scandal involving the author. 
  Did anyone see the Steve Coogan movie?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 16 April, 2013, 12:10:45 PM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 16 April, 2013, 12:07:04 PM
I am reading The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, very slowly, on my new phone.  So far it's terrific - very chaotically written, very modern before its time, quite witty.  I got a free version off gutenberg.org and had to wade through a really long introduction, full of Latin tags, extinct words (eg 'morigerant')  and very roundabout references to some sort of scandal involving the author. 
  Did anyone see the Steve Coogan movie?

Never even heard of this original book but I watched the Coogan's A Cock and Bull Story  on telly a while back and thought it was very funny but I can't offer any insightful comparisons between the source material.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 16 April, 2013, 01:17:19 PM
maybe that's the one.  The book is widely thought of as un-filmable and apparently the film is very confusing - lot of fourth wall breaking and self-reference.  Anyway, the book is good value so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 16 April, 2013, 01:46:26 PM
Tristram... has been on my 'must read one day' list for years. Oddly, despite not having read it, I must have read quite a lot about it - much like Don Quixote - as I seem to know most of the plot/characters/jokes. Enough to find the film very clever indeed.

In the same way that the main joke of the book, which purports to be the story of Tristram Shandy, is so full of digressions and distractions that it ends up not really being about him at all - we learn far more about the likes of Walter and Uncle Toby than we ever do of Tristram; the film - supposedly a film version of Tristram Shandy, quickly becoming a film about the filming of Tristram Shandy - ends up hardly even being that as it indulges in ever more digressions and sub-plots. And if I remember rightly their adaptation is a flop and they don't even get to finish it before the studio pulls the plug.  :lol:

So not really a film about Tristram Shandy, but then that's very much the point. And it gave us the BBC series The Trip a few years later by way of a semi-sequel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 16 April, 2013, 01:55:18 PM
I have just finished reading Mostly Harmless by Douglas Adams. I may one day reread the first four books to make more sense out of it.

I am in the process of reading The Walking Dead, I've just finished the second graphic novel and I can't get over how it differs from the television series.

I am still about to start Slaine the Horned God.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 16 April, 2013, 03:20:32 PM
Quote from: ThryllSeekyr on 16 April, 2013, 01:55:18 PM
I am still about to start Slaine the Horned God.

I assume you mean re-start for the umpteenth time!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 18 April, 2013, 12:33:22 PM
Currently reading:

Skulduggery Pleasant: Kingdom of the Wicked
Doctor Who: Nemesis of the Daleks*
Tokyo Babylon Volume 1**


*Abslom Daak! Why no spin-off???!!!

*Got really fond of CLAMP recently, thought there multiverse isn't worth thinking about. Much to convoluted.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 18 April, 2013, 03:01:05 PM
Just started on Batman: Gotham By Gaslight....

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/04/18/recent-comic-purchases-2/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 April, 2013, 03:33:32 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 18 April, 2013, 12:33:22 PM

Doctor Who: Nemesis of the Daleks*


I'd completely missed that this was out. Cool, another thing for my want list!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 18 April, 2013, 04:36:06 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 18 April, 2013, 03:33:32 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 18 April, 2013, 12:33:22 PM

Doctor Who: Nemesis of the Daleks*


I'd completely missed that this was out. Cool, another thing for my want list!
As far as I can tell it contains all the 7th Doctor material, my favourite era for the marvel run. Haven't checked to see if the oft left out "Party Animals" is present, nor the Daak shorts stories where he assembles the Star Tigers. I already had everything from "A Cold Day in Hell" through to "Echoes of Morgor!" via the IDW coloured reprint but at £10 this is very hard to say no to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 18 April, 2013, 05:02:05 PM
Edit: Scratch that, it contains everything from Nemesis of the Daleks up to Star Tigers, so the inebitable third volume will feature Emperor of the Daleks and Party Animals.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 19 April, 2013, 12:47:21 PM
Just finished reading Volume 1 and 2 of Fatale by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips...Great stuff !!.
A sort of Detective mystery / Film Noir with supernatural overtones....Now waiting for Volume 3 to come out.. Highly recommended. :D

Also finished The Cleaners Absent Bodies by Mark Wheaton....A good story, with a plot line set up for more Volumes but apparently Dark Horse aren't doing any more.....A bit of a shame as it had a good premise...Crime scene 'cleaners' removing blood, etc with a paranormal 'theme' running through it....Recommended :)

Elric...The Balance Lost by Michael Moorcock ( Volumes 1, 2 and 3...The complete story ).....Read the books when I was a lot younger, so thought I would give the graphic novel a try...Mehhh!! .....Now I realise why I left Dorian Hawkmoon, Elric and Jerry Cornelious behind all those years ago...Not bad but a bit 'convoluted / life is a circle / eternal champions stuff'....Good if you like all that stuff..I did, but have moved on a bit...Readable but  :|
Cheers..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 20 April, 2013, 08:29:31 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 19 April, 2013, 12:47:21 PM
Just finished reading Volume 1 and 2 of Fatale by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips...Great stuff !!.
A sort of Detective mystery / Film Noir with supernatural overtones....Now waiting for Volume 3 to come out.. Highly recommended. :D

The single issues for Volume 3 have been brilliant so far. Less focused on a specific story than the previous volumes; bit more variety. As good as it is You could argue they are padding the title out a bit - we'll see how much this volume actually contributes to the overall story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 21 April, 2013, 12:10:30 PM
Jack's Return Home (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack's_Return_Home) , or if you like the reprint title - Get Carter by Ted Lewis.
A firm fave this, and its a tale that's based in my neck of the woods, which is nice.

Ive never sort out the two other books in the series; Jack Carter's Law and Jack Carter and the Mafia Pigeon. Anyone read these?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 22 April, 2013, 12:57:05 PM
I'm rather looking into the Mignolaverse. Hellboy, BPRD, et al. I'm reading the Hellboy Companion, and i've devoured the 2nd Baltimore Trade, with the first one in transit. I've also bought the first Witchfinder trade. Nice Victorian-era-paranormal stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dredd Head on 22 April, 2013, 05:15:22 PM
Just finished the judge child, Thought it was excellent :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 24 April, 2013, 08:10:00 PM
Irvine Welsh's last one, the subtly-titled Skagboys.  Much better than I expected - though as I get older I find Welsh's stuff more depressing  than shocking.  Still excellent and gripping all the way though; better than anything he has done since Porno.
Oh, and for anyone who has read Porno (the sequel to Trainspotting, that is, not the fun internet-based pastime), Sick Boy shows in Skagboys that [spoiler]he's even more of a morally bankrupt prick than I'd realised, and thoroughly deserves the soul-shattering downfall he will suffer 15 years later.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 25 April, 2013, 02:13:08 PM
I read Trainspotting back in the day and found it gripping.  This is the first good review I've read of Skagboys.  Is the internal dialogue a bit implausible, as some reviewers have said?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 25 April, 2013, 09:05:06 PM
Not that I noticed, to be honest. Thought it was pretty good, except for the thoughts of a new character called Nicksie from London - 'Farking' just isn't phonetic cockney in my book, and he says it a lot.
Generally speaking, it's Welsh's third-person narration that gets my goat (I really didn't like Crime, for example, some of his metaphors are painfully contrived), but he seems to have nailed it in Skagboys.  The last line of the book is just beautiful, it really is.

Porno, though, is probably a better book.  It's all internal monologue and it works perfectly; it's also more much more tightly-scripted.  Get oot thair n fuckin read it, ya radge!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 28 April, 2013, 09:32:41 AM
Is Fear agent any good?. A colleague from other forum bought the first library edition from Dark Horse. I've investigated and they're only two LE, with the 2nd coming in July. He says is good, but i haven't read it in my life. I've only seen illustrations and covers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 28 April, 2013, 06:55:48 PM
Was lent Princess of Mars by coincidence after recently watching John Carter.  A few chapters in - the writing isn't the best but it looks like a quick read so I'll stick with it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 29 April, 2013, 10:19:36 PM
(this should probably go in the politics thread) LRB review of three books about Northern Ireland and why they can't just all get along, patch it up and join the rest of Ireland.  Interesting stuff. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 April, 2013, 06:46:44 PM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 29 April, 2013, 10:19:36 PM... join the rest of Ireland.

Ah hey.  They might be a mix of orange bastards, fenian scum and (-choke-) comics professionals, but they aren't insane.

In honour of the remarkable Nemo: Heart of Ice, I'm giving LoEG a full re-read, even the text bits.  You know what?  It's astonishing.  Every new installment enriches the ones that have gone before, and The Black Dossier provides a magnificent skeleton to hang the whole endeavour on.  This is one of Moore's longest comics works (chasing Promethea, which is what, 700-odd eye-meltingly lovely pages, and Swamp Thing at about 900), and it's moved on from a mix of entertaining entry in the Wold Newton/Kim Newman school and a Where's Wally for the Google generation to something really rich and satisfying.  Not just the ingenious way conflicting fictions are stitched seamlessly into a coherent harmonious world of, and humorous commentary on, the collective imagination, but the way interesting and complex characters move through and shape that environment, and each other.  It's gone way beyond a gimmick now, and beyond anything anyone else has attempted in this vein.  The visual consistency, manic detail and deep perversity O'Neill brings to it is also staggering.  As always with Moore's great works the end product is a seamless blend of both principal creators' strengths and interests.

With the release of the first spin-off in Nemo, stepping away from the League itself, the potential breadth of the endeavour becomes clear.  I am now literally itching to see other aspects of this world, as well as seeing what Mina, Orlando and Emma do next.  Also, the possibility of enjoying comics in the French mode is an exciting one: picking up a handsome hardback from the bookshop every year or so really appeals.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 30 April, 2013, 07:16:46 PM
Just started today on my Kindle....NOS-4R2 by Joe Hill... ..
A vampire / horror story......and who I just found out recently is Stephen Kings' son.....
Talent obviously runs in the family....
His books are a good read.....Heart Shaped Box is excellent..as is 20th Century Ghosts.
Will do a quick review when I've finished it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 30 April, 2013, 09:38:29 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 30 April, 2013, 07:16:46 PM
Just started today on my Kindle....NOS-4R2 by Joe Hill... ..
A vampire / horror story......and who I just found out recently is Stephen Kings' son.....
Talent obviously runs in the family....

Have you read the Locke & Key comics by him? They're very good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 30 April, 2013, 10:01:06 PM
Quote from: Albion on 30 April, 2013, 09:38:29 PM

Have you read the Locke & Key comics by him? They're very good.

More than very good- the finest comic being produced stateside bar none IMHO.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 30 April, 2013, 10:02:44 PM
Wow, Nemesis of the Daleks is a genuinly amazing comic. Top stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 30 April, 2013, 10:14:01 PM
Albion and Link Prime,
No,  I haven't read any of the Locke and Keye comics yet...
I was under the impression that they were for 'young' adults.....not the "cough" more mature reader like myself !!..
I'll have a look on ebay and see what I can find..
Cheers..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 30 April, 2013, 10:19:45 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 30 April, 2013, 10:14:01 PM
Albion and Link Prime,
No,  I haven't read any of the Locke and Keye comics yet...
I was under the impression that they were for 'young' adults.....not the "cough" more mature reader like myself !!..
I'll have a look on ebay and see what I can find..
Cheers..

Ah Bob, you're in for a shock.
Locke & Key is no more for the younger reader than any of Hill's other work.

Prepare yourself for macabre murders, adult orientated horror-fantasy and peerless levels of tension building towards the ultimate endgame (it's finished in about 3 months by the way).
And the art is top notch too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 01 May, 2013, 12:22:10 PM
Albion and Link Prime,
Just ordered the 1st Volume of Locke and Key from eBay for £7 so will give it a look.
Cheers.. :D

Also,  just picked up a copy of The Exterminators by Simon Oliver ( Hellblazer and Wildstorm I think ) and Tony Moore ( who I think does artwork for Walking Dead ).......The 1st Volume Bug Brothers is brilliant !! ..... Conspiracies, Horror, Man v Nature, Pest Extermination ( cockroaches in particular ) with some really interesting facts and ideas....so much so, that I've gone ahead and ordered Volumes 2,3, 4 and 5...

Anyone read this ??
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 01 May, 2013, 03:39:54 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 01 May, 2013, 12:22:10 PM
Albion and Link Prime,
Just ordered the 1st Volume of Locke and Key from eBay for £7 so will give it a look.
Cheers.. :D

Also,  just picked up a copy of The Exterminators by Simon Oliver ( Hellblazer and Wildstorm I think ) and Tony Moore ( who I think does artwork for Walking Dead ).......The 1st Volume Bug Brothers is brilliant !! ..... Conspiracies, Horror, Man v Nature, Pest Extermination ( cockroaches in particular ) with some really interesting facts and ideas....so much so, that I've gone ahead and ordered Volumes 2,3, 4 and 5...

Anyone read this ??

Good man Bob.

By the way, if you're of the digital persuasion, the collected editions are very nicely priced on Comixology.
I think there might be one or two free single issues on there too.

Never read 'The Exterminators' by the way, despite being impressed with the odd comic rack flick through when it was being published.
Shall keep an eye out for the trades.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 02 May, 2013, 08:48:07 PM
Legion- William Peter Blatty.
Finally read it after my pre-Christmas reading of The Exorcist. I think I actually preferred the sequel here (although I'm not taking any points away from Exorcist). An exciting read- especially nearing the end when it becomes something of a thriller with the race to reach the next potential murder victim in time- which was well researched and written with good characters (again, like Exorcist). And I didn't know before reading this how Lucifer means Bearer of Light so now I feel that little bit wiser, obviously.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 02 May, 2013, 09:04:11 PM
Nice one Charlie boy. I definitely need to add this to my reading list. Lucifer does indeed mean Lightbringer, or 'Morningstar'.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 02 May, 2013, 10:24:54 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 02 May, 2013, 09:04:11 PM
Lucifer does indeed mean Lightbringer, or 'Morningstar'.
My intelligence has now increased twice in one night!
I will admit I could be seen as being pretty ignorant when it comes to matters of religion. Pretty sure I remember seeing on a film that Lucifer could be referred to as "The Morning Star" but didn't know Morningstar could be a straight translation of his name. (To be honest, my knowledge on the Devil tends to come from films I watched long ago or whenever a Marvel character took on Mephisto back in the day...)
On The Exorcist and Legion, Legion takes place 10 years after the events of the first (I think that's roughly the time between prints too). Once or twice I thought maybe I shouldn't have waited so long between reading because I was trying to remember if certain characters were mentioned by name in the original at all but even Kinderman gets asked at one point if he really doesn't remember something, so I guess it works to be in the same boat as the protagonist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Snuffers on 02 May, 2013, 11:05:25 PM
Robo-Hunter: The Droid Files Colume 01
Slade, where have you been all my life?
Just finished the first arc Verdus. [spoiler]May sound a bit corny but; I was actually a little touched from Cutie's sacrifice. The loss of the closest friend whom is a robot says something to me.[/spoiler]
I'm truly looking forward to reading the next story and buying the next volume after tanking through this one.

I bought myself Day of Chaos: The Fourth Faction today so I can make some sense out of a lot of the Megazine stories and this new one in the Prog. I have also bought Insurrection to get joy out the new stuff which I'm mighty interested in. Finally subscribed too. I'm in this for the long run now. However, my wallet may have to take a couple breaks every now and then. (survival purposes)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 02 May, 2013, 11:30:42 PM
Lucifer is also an old word for match. As in "Strike a light, guv!"

Lucifer, son of the morning, I'm gonna chase you out of Eart'! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uijFctBM47M)

Lucifer is the Roman equivalent of the Greek name Phosphorus, given to the planet Venus when seen as the morning star. Similarly, when seen as the evening star, it was Hesperus (or Vesper.) Compare Luthien Tinuviel and Arwen Undomiel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 02 May, 2013, 11:34:21 PM
Oh yeah, I read the last Hitman trade the other day. It featured a lot of Ennis trademarks, including the sudden introduction of a character and relationship which plays out almost identically in Punisher Max. This didn't really come off totally for me as I wasn't that invested in the characters over the course of the series although I did find it (series, not book) sporadically amusing. The later trades are plenty of bang for your buck though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 02 May, 2013, 11:36:56 PM
My aunt gave me a nickname as a kid which stuck - and it translates as crescent moon in Arabic or.........Morningstar in Hebrew! Nice to know i'm connected to Lucifer!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 03 May, 2013, 09:22:29 AM
The Cosh,
I've also just finished reading the Hitman series, and agree with you that while finding it sporadically amusing,  it didn't quite 'fire on all cylinders'.....A good enough read though !...with some interesting characters...Six Pack and his crew etc...and some really good artwork by John McCrea..
Also some fairly good stuff with Tommys' continual tirades against superheroes, in particular his lambasting of Green Lantern ( a character I never ever liked...He's got a 'magic' ring !! ) and Tommys' first meeting with the Batman !!.....And of course the eventual 'tie up' with Superman.....All in all,  not 'too bad' and would have no hesitation in recommending it as a reasonably good read..
However, what Hitman  is,  is a 'scene setter' for the lambasting of all Superheroes that follows in the wonderful and extremely cynical series.....The Boys........and that my friend is just wonderful !!...
Everything I want in a graphic novel......violence, humour, great artwork, corrupt superheroes, sex, conspiracy theories and all......I cannot recommend this series highly enough...Just loved it......
If after reading Volume 1 you're not hooked...then it's definitely not for you.....But....If you loved Episode 1 you are in for a treat....Highly recommended !! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 03 May, 2013, 11:10:34 PM
Tegami Bachi (Letter Bee) volume 5.

Probably the greatest a mainstream manga will ever get. A truely heart warming and fun adventure series that doesn't involve meat heads striving to get stronger and focuses on the journeys of a young man striving to be the best post mna he can be. You read that right. Next to OnePunch Man this is my fave Jump title at the moment. It's jolly lovely with stunning art work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 03 May, 2013, 11:29:59 PM
Comic wise I'm mainly reading Valiant stuff.
Both Harbinger and Bloodshot are ace (Bloodshot has some nice Barry Kitson artwork), and the current Harbinger Wars story is really action packed and exciting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 04 May, 2013, 09:54:13 AM
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calibans-War-Book-Two-Expanse/dp/1841499900/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367657533&sr=8-2&keywords=corey+sa (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Calibans-War-Book-Two-Expanse/dp/1841499900/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367657533&sr=8-2&keywords=corey+sa)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-New-Watch-Sergei-Lukyanenko/dp/0434022314/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367656950&sr=8-1&keywords=new+watch (http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-New-Watch-Sergei-Lukyanenko/dp/0434022314/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367656950&sr=8-1&keywords=new+watch)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 05 May, 2013, 07:41:33 PM
The Brendan McCarthy issue of DC's SOLO
Brilliant stuff, and very funny - and equally distrubing in places! Those very mean Blue Meanies..

But a top read, that has much to savour on every page. Glad i caught the link for this, and glad i bought a copy. Highly recommended. (Though its been out a while, so its probably only me that hasnt read it yet...)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 05 May, 2013, 08:41:16 PM
Quote from: Charlie boy on 02 May, 2013, 08:48:07 PM
Legion- William Peter Blatty.
Finally read it after my pre-Christmas reading of The Exorcist. I think I actually preferred the sequel here (although I'm not taking any points away from Exorcist). An exciting read- especially nearing the end when it becomes something of a thriller with the race to reach the next potential murder victim in time- which was well researched and written with good characters (again, like Exorcist). And I didn't know before reading this how Lucifer means Bearer of Light so now I feel that little bit wiser, obviously.

Brilliant, brilliant book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 05 May, 2013, 08:47:19 PM
I just finished London Calling by (former Megazine writer) Paul Cornell and it was bloody good. The first few chapters were a little slow but then it got very weird. It's sort of like the Bill with added witchcraft. I'd recommend it.

Apologies if it's mentioned somewhere upthread but I don't come here too often. I thought people would appreciate a recommendation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 May, 2013, 07:54:56 AM
Quote from: Trout on 05 May, 2013, 08:47:19 PM
I just finished London Calling by (former Megazine writer) Paul Cornell and it was bloody good. The first few chapters were a little slow but then it got very weird. It's sort of like the Bill with added witchcraft. I'd recommend it.

Apologies if it's mentioned somewhere upthread but I don't come here too often. I thought people would appreciate a recommendation.

That sounds very interesting, Trout. I might have a read myself. Cheers!

As for me, well not exactly your more adult fare but this book is so damn beautiful i just had to mention it. It's called 'The Heart and the Bottle' by Oliver Jeffers, i read it to my boy yesterday evening and not only did he love it, but so did i. It's very rare to find such an affecting children's story but this was an absolute gem about loss and dreams. And Jeffer's artwork is just extraordinary.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0007182341/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1367822922&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

I really recommend it especially to those with kids. I also read another story by Jeffer's (actually my son had chosen it at a book fair - good choice!) and it was called 'How to catch a star', and it was just as beautiful:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0007150342/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1367823100&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

These books will appeal both to the kids and adults. Beautiful stuff indeed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 06 May, 2013, 01:05:03 PM
I'm busy ploughing through all seventeen volumes of The Walking Dead.

I've just started volume eight.

I still can't get over the how much it differs from the television series.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 06 May, 2013, 01:18:32 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 05 May, 2013, 08:41:16 PM
Quote from: Charlie boy on 02 May, 2013, 08:48:07 PM
Legion- William Peter Blatty.
Brilliant, brilliant book.
Out of curiosity, would you agree that The Exorcist offers a scientific explanation to the very last page? Even the self sacrifice of leaping out of the window can be explained because Father Karras earlier reads a document on Exorcists coming to believe they've been possessed during the ritual and they've then killed themselves.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: djangoesque on 06 May, 2013, 08:33:33 PM
At the moment I'm enjoying the Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy, Savage Wolverine, Batman, Star Wars...and 2000AD of course!.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 07 May, 2013, 01:03:53 AM
Currently reading through every Prog and Megazine from the last year as I've just returned home and need to catch up. From Prog 1782 and Meg 323 onwards.

Zarjaz!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NorthVox on 07 May, 2013, 10:46:28 AM
Dredd TPB's, Rubicon: Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic, and I'll probs get around to re-reading City of Owls again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 07 May, 2013, 10:56:59 AM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 07 May, 2013, 01:03:53 AM
Currently reading through every Prog and Megazine from the last year as I've just returned home and need to catch up. From Prog 1782 and Meg 323 onwards.

Zarjaz!

Its good to have you back on more familiar shores, PC!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 May, 2013, 12:42:45 PM
Quote from: NorthVox on 07 May, 2013, 10:46:28 AM
... Rubicon: Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic...

That's a great book right there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 07 May, 2013, 04:16:57 PM
Dynamite's Army of Darkness 1st omnibus, it's purely disposable (it has nothing interesting nor groundbreaking to say) but Nick Bradshaw's art is the perfect balance of Evil Dead's grotesque and Army of Darkness' comedy. Though it looks like the art of recent issues has dropped of a cliff (is that  (http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=16318)meant to be Ash? I can't tell).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 May, 2013, 10:35:28 PM
On the go or recently finished...

Having fallen in love with David Foster Wallace's essays in the magnificent collections Consider the Lobster and A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again I'm starting into his last (unfinished) novel The Pale King.  This man was gobsmackingly good, another unimaginable loss to suicide.

Also rapidly running out of unread material from the other great (happily still living) American wit David Sedaris, whose collection When You Are Engulfed In Flames is pant-wettingly funny, personal highpoint being the perils of using the phrase 'd'accord' around a French doctor, dentist or even concierge.  Perhaps not quite enough about his siblings in this one, but if every homophobe was forced to read Sedaris' testimonials of pure, enduring, devoted love for another man expressed through the most mortified scathing prose, the world would be a much better place.

Tom Shippey's lit-crit-lite analysis of the divisive appeal of J. R. R. Tolkein at least lets you know in advance what you're getting into, boasting the neutral tag line 'Author of the Century'. 

Francis John Byrne's staggeringly brilliant Irish Kings and High Kings is exciting me all over again, a surprisingly readable book which I never tire of.  FJB briefly attempted to teach me Early Irish History nearly 25 years ago, and while he failed miserably at the time his magnum opus is one of my Desert Island Books.  He's the Robert Graves of Ireland.

Paolo Bacigalupi's The Windup Girl turned out to be a treat, a deeply depressing look at a world that's running in ever decreasing circles through the colourful lens of a future Thailand.  An endearing alternative to Ian McDonald, and very much recommended.

JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire proved to be an ordeal to read aloud to eldest sprog, a truly ham-fisted chapter of monotonic monologued exposition at the climax almost killed me.  That said, the stresses of fame are wonderfully exorcised, it's a gripping tale right up to the end, and my Mad Eye Moody/Brendan Glesson impersonation has to be heard to be believed.  A bit of a break is called for before we approach the brick-sized Order of the Phoenix, and so we've begun CS Lewis' The Magician's Nephew, which is way better than I remember, and features one of the most unpleasant adult characters in any kids' novel in the ghastly Uncle Andrew.

I completed my full re-read of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and now think it ranks on the Top Three of all Moore's work.  Phenomenal, taken as a whole, and ever-improving.

Finally, it's a while ago I had just finished The Hydrogen Sonata when I learned of Iain Banks' terminal illness.  That it is one of his very best, and that it is to be the final Culture novel brings tears to my eyes even as I type this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 May, 2013, 08:47:57 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 07 May, 2013, 10:35:28 PM

JK Rowling's Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire proved to be an ordeal to read aloud to eldest sprog, a truly ham-fisted chapter of monotonic monologued exposition at the climax almost killed me.  That said, the stresses of fame are wonderfully exorcised, it's a gripping tale right up to the end, and my Mad Eye Moody/Brendan Glesson impersonation has to be heard to be believed.  A bit of a break is called for before we approach the brick-sized Order of the Phoenix...

I find JK Rowling's progression really interesting. I don't think she's a good writer, but in the first three books she showed she was a good storyteller and could tell a gripping yarn over three hundred pages, where the action and adventure helped you get past the inadequacies in her characters and prose.

When you get to the later books, I only got a far as Order of the Phoenix so can't comment on the last couple, she is still a good storyteller, who can spin a ripping yarn over three hundred pages, its just for whatever reason she then felt the need to pad it out with another 4 - 500 pages or so, of the bad characterisation and prose, which made the pretty much a struggle to get through.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 May, 2013, 10:01:17 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 08 May, 2013, 08:47:57 AM
When you get to the later books, I only got a far as Order of the Phoenix so can't comment on the last couple, she is still a good storyteller, who can spin a ripping yarn over three hundred pages, its just for whatever reason she then felt the need to pad it out with another 4 - 500 pages or so, of the bad characterisation and prose, which made the pretty much a struggle to get through.

Yeah, it's strange to find myself dreading reading Order of the Phoenix aloud -  I'm a big fan of the HP series, and on my third run through now - but it's just so intimidatingly huge, with all the action squared away in the last 100 pages.  I actually find the penultimate volume to be the best of the lot, The Half-Blood Prince, in which stuff actually happens, and we learn the reasons for much of what has gone before, as well as commencing the slimming-down of the series towards the more modest greatest-hits tour that is Deathly Hallows

I'll say this for Rowling, she builds a world that kids really want to understand, and she tends to deliver on both subtle setup and satisfying explanation: she leads the younger reader into intended misconceptions and mistaken assumptions the eventual overturning of which really pay off (these tend to be a little too obvious for the older reader, but sod them).  Since we started the series as bedtime story choice, I am bombarded with questions as to motivations and mechanics, most of which I'm happy to realise will be explained in the fullness of time.  For now I just answer: "Honestly, haven't you read Hogwarts: A History yet?".

(That my boy is still paying rapt attention even as we wade into the longer volumes is evidenced by his picking up things I've never noticed:  characters in Goblet of Fire keep harping on about how Voldemort kills[spoiler] him-with-the-eyebrows-off-Twilight[/spoiler], but as was pointed out to me they're all wrong, and for some reason Harry doesn't correct them: it was actually his lickspittle Wormtail that did the killing, making his [spoiler]eventual turn[/spoiler] in Deathly Hallows even more dramatic).


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 08 May, 2013, 01:45:39 PM
just re-read 'The Calculation of N'Bambwe' by Nigel Kneale.  Great British horror, very subtly done.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NorthVox on 08 May, 2013, 03:40:36 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 07 May, 2013, 12:42:45 PM
Quote from: NorthVox on 07 May, 2013, 10:46:28 AM
... Rubicon: Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic...

That's a great book right there.

Certainly is, just wish I had more time to read it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 May, 2013, 12:47:24 PM
I've got Judge Dredd Vol.1 (IDW) & Hawkeye: My life as a weapon Vol.1 lined up.  :)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 10 May, 2013, 01:30:31 PM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 08 May, 2013, 01:45:39 PM
just re-read 'The Calculation of N'Bambwe' by Nigel Kneale.  Great British horror, very subtly done.

Now i just love everything by Nigel Kneale - a total genius, but havent been able to track down an affordable copy of the collection of short stories this is included in.

Is this (or a reprinting of) what you read it in?

(http://i.imgur.com/00V1uJ2.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 10 May, 2013, 07:16:21 PM
Judge Dredd Case Files 03. One of the bonuses of the Judge Minty was me wanting to buy this and read the original material it was based on. What a great buy Des O'Connor Block, Sob Story,hordes of mutie spiders, Henry Ford and Dreddy arresting a whole ship of spies. Fabulous reading and b&w art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 11 May, 2013, 08:31:51 AM
Not so long ago: The "Early Victories" Star Wars Omnibus. Nice stuff, but variyng quality stories.

I have quite a few new stuff on my hands, so, sincerelly, i dunno where to start. :lol:

I think i'll end the Hellboy Companion, to the last page. Then perhaps the third trade of Star Wars Legacy:" The Claws of the Dragon". Legacy is quite good. So if Disney wants a decent SW movie, why not ask/hire Jan Duursema and the bunch at DH Comics?. They've made some of the best comics, this way, in general, i've been able to read through the years.

It will be a pain in the a** if finally Marvel gets back the publising rights. DH has done more for Star Wars than the entire Prequel Trilogy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 May, 2013, 09:08:27 AM
I just finished Marvel Zombies 2, which i must say was grest fun - almost as good as Part 1. Just right now reading Billy The Kid's Old Timey Oddities And The Ghastly Fiends of London. A massive fan of Powell so looking forward to seeing how this pans out. Oh and last night i finished Judge Dredd Vol 1 (the IDW one) and contrary to a lot of my fellow readers on here, i must say i enjoyed it quite a bit. Sure there are minor little quirks such as the overuse of "Joe" where Dredd would have sufficed, but i feel the series is an admirable endeavour to get the U.S readership to know more about Dredd. For newbies it could work as a great introduction to the world of Judge Dredd before moving onto the more 'harder' (not to mention cooler) stuff over here!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 11 May, 2013, 12:53:19 PM
And just some minutes ago: the FCBD Spanish edition Star Wars comic.

At last, a contructive and nice activity has been copied from the americans: The Free Comic Book day. Today is the date. I went to the comic shop and got my free issue. The Star Wars is basically two issues+some propaganda: one side has the Agent of the Emprire Iron Eclipse 1, and on the other that Qui-Gon Jinn Jedi: Dark Side 1.

I have the trade of Agent since November, so i was really interested in the Jedi. I've found it not bad at all, so i will get the trade soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: malak brood on 12 May, 2013, 10:53:23 PM
just finished Lost at Sea, the Jon Ronson mysteries. great writer, brings together many of his articles from the Guardian, funny eccentric and disturbing.....his other stuff, The Men Who Stare at Goats and the Psychopath Test also recommended
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 12 May, 2013, 11:12:32 PM
Today: finished the Claws of the Dragon SW Legacy trade. Nice. The story unfolds at an appropiate pace. Some interesting or shocking revelations...

[spoiler]Darth Krayt is A'Sharadd Hett, that Tusken-human Jedi from CW... and Moff Calixte is Cade's Mum, disguised...[/spoiler]

I like Legacy a lot. In a few days i will get the fourth one, and so on.

And i'm thinking, if it's correct, to open a "recommendations" thread. This way any user with doubts about a comic series, or tomes, or whatever, could ask there directly. This way we won't mess other threads asking for advice.

It the admins agree, i will open it. ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 13 May, 2013, 12:16:25 PM
Quote from: malak brood on 12 May, 2013, 10:53:23 PM
just finished Lost at Sea, the Jon Ronson mysteries. great writer, brings together many of his articles from the Guardian, funny eccentric and disturbing.....his other stuff, The Men Who Stare at Goats and the Psychopath Test also recommended

Yup.  THEM was pretty good as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 13 May, 2013, 01:15:32 PM
Quote from: Basilisk on 12 May, 2013, 11:12:32 PM
Today: finished the Claws of the Dragon SW Legacy trade. Nice. The story unfolds at an appropiate pace. Some interesting or shocking revelations...

[spoiler]Darth Krayt is A'Sharadd Hett, that Tusken-human Jedi from CW... and Moff Calixte is Cade's Mum, disguised...[/spoiler]

I like Legacy a lot. In a few days i will get the fourth one, and so on.

And i'm thinking, if it's correct, to open a "recommendations" thread. This way any user with doubts about a comic series, or tomes, or whatever, could ask there directly. This way we won't mess other threads asking for advice.

It the admins agree, i will open it. ;)

Yeah, go for it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 13 May, 2013, 01:39:07 PM
Just finished first volume of Nick Spencer's Bedlam which I thoroughly enjoyed; it's the right amount of grotesque but has a good script (unlike something such as Crossed) to back it up. Sad to hear that artist Riley Rossmo has left the series after these six issues due to the old "creative differences" excuse (I would love to know the real reason why) roll on Volume 2.

For something completely different I've started off first TPB of The Mice Templar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mice_Templar) really enjoyed the first few issues and although I enjoyed the Mignola-esque art it does get hard working out which character we're currently looking at in the big battle scenes (I guess that all mice do look alike).

Image really do put out some great stuff across genres.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 13 May, 2013, 02:25:14 PM
The Lost World and shorts by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Up until this purchase I wasn't aware Prof. Challenger had been given a series of short novels following TLW. Intriguing, considering he's now playing off completely new characters instead of Malone, Roxton and Sumerlee, he come's off as an even bigger pompous dick!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 13 May, 2013, 04:51:02 PM
www.amazon.co.uk/The-New-Watch-Sergei-Lukyanenko/dp/0434022241/ref=tmm_pap_title_0 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-New-Watch-Sergei-Lukyanenko/dp/0434022241/ref=tmm_pap_title_0)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 13 May, 2013, 04:54:37 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 13 May, 2013, 02:25:14 PM
The Lost World and shorts by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Up until this purchase I wasn't aware Prof. Challenger had been given a series of short novels following TLW. Intriguing, considering he's now playing off completely new characters instead of Malone, Roxton and Sumerlee, he come's off as an even bigger pompous dick!  :D

Interesting. How readable is it? I'm reading Sherlock Holmes stuff just now and I'm surprised by how accessible it is. I wish I'd read it years ago.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 13 May, 2013, 06:33:45 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 13 May, 2013, 01:15:32 PM
Yeah, go for it.

Ok, then, i'll open right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 13 May, 2013, 08:26:41 PM
Quote from: Trout on 13 May, 2013, 04:54:37 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 13 May, 2013, 02:25:14 PM
The Lost World and shorts by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Up until this purchase I wasn't aware Prof. Challenger had been given a series of short novels following TLW. Intriguing, considering he's now playing off completely new characters instead of Malone, Roxton and Sumerlee, he come's off as an even bigger pompous dick!  :D

Interesting. How readable is it? I'm reading Sherlock Holmes stuff just now and I'm surprised by how accessible it is. I wish I'd read it years ago.
Vry much so. It's inkeeping with Doyles style and is a worthy addition to the anyone's collection. They are short and to the point, I can see why they haven't been remembered like TLW has, but i'd say they are a tad unfairly discarded.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trout on 13 May, 2013, 09:48:39 PM
Thanks! I'll take a look at them eventually. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 14 May, 2013, 06:23:44 PM
Just going to make a start on Concrete : The Complete Concrete by Paul Chadwick...

I bought this volume on eBay for £22 ( it's huge & contains the original ten-issue series ), after hearing several people mention it on one of the other threads regarding Paul Chadwicks' artwork...
I thought the artwork was pretty special on various pieces that I saw over on CAF so thought I'd give it a try...
Looking forward to it....but honestly don't know what to expect !!....Don't often buy something without having any idea what it's about but 'nothing ventured' and all that ! :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 May, 2013, 07:25:53 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 14 May, 2013, 06:23:44 PM
Just going to make a start on Concrete : The Complete Concrete by Paul Chadwick...

It's a lovely book, the DH equivalent of the our own dear Titan reprints.  I have mos of its content in more compact and more complete formats now, but I can't bear to part with it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 14 May, 2013, 07:37:48 PM
I take it its a 'worthwhile' read Tordelback ??
As stated earlier, I don't know anything about it at all, but 'heard' it was good on another thread, so thought I'd give it a try.....

There is some really good advice on reading material on this thread.....I've just finished Volume 1 of Locke and Key by Joe Hill after recommendations from Albion and Link Prime and absolutely loved it.....Thanks guys,  So much so, I've gone ahead and ordered Volumes 2 and 3...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 May, 2013, 07:44:32 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 14 May, 2013, 07:37:48 PM
I take it its a 'worthwhile' read Tordelback ??

It's pretty unique in tone and direction so it may not be for everyone (and the volume you have makes the Dredd Casefiles look 'complete'!), but it's brilliantly developed from an unsettling premise, and very well sustained across diverse storylines.  The art is frequently sublime, and there's more than a few intriguing thoughts to be had along the way.  One of my all-time favourite comics, with an endearing and believable central character. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 14 May, 2013, 07:52:37 PM
I'm midway through reading Hawkeye: My Life As A Weapon Vol.1, and i dunno, i feel a tad underwhelmed by it. I had high expectations going in especially with all the positive words surrounding it. I'm just about to start #4 (The Tape), so hopefully things'll get more interesting.

I also finished Judge Dredd: Case File 11, the standout without doubt was Revolution and Oz. The latter was absolutely thrilling! I was on the edge of my sofa reading the Supersurf 10 race, so drokking thrilling - almost as same as watching  a live action race, no lie! And the finish was one i did not expect, but having said that it was very refreshing. How many times will the hero end up winning something like that in an American comic? [spoiler]In fact his loss increased my respect for Chopper ten fold.[/spoiler]

And how cool is this, by Steve Dillon?

(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/20130514_195511.jpg)

Awesome stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Snuffers on 14 May, 2013, 09:45:06 PM
Just finished The Complete Alan Moore Future Shocks and starting on Strontium Dog Search and Destroy Agency Files 01.
Before I read any 2000AD whilst talking about my interest on it with a few people I knew who read it in the past, one said they were not so keen on Strontium Dog. This was the only story I had heard anything negative of in 2000AD and just from this one fellow. After noticing the legacy of Johnny Alpha on the comic I had to read it. I'm not far at all in it but I like it so far. I like the gimmicks with the weapons and the advantages of being a mutant being displayed for once. It's fun. I really love the early issues of the Prog (or Starlord) in this time being more focused on the novelty of science fiction and the adventure within. Yet there's still some darkness in there with the prejudice involved with mutants.

Alan Moore was fantastic. Goes without saying. Abelard Snazz = Extremely Fantastic. It's good to read something more comedic from him. Some very funny shocks!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 May, 2013, 10:33:15 PM
After a hiatus from reading Case Files 8 while I concentrated on other books, I'm back reading it. And it's very enjoyable stuff! I'm on a time travel story now with vampires judges and a weird looking spider mutant thing. Interesting to see we're actually past that time-frame in the current progs! Heh.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 14 May, 2013, 10:52:02 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 14 May, 2013, 06:23:44 PM
Just going to make a start on Concrete : The Complete Concrete by Paul Chadwick...

I bought this volume on eBay for £22 ( it's huge & contains the original ten-issue series ), after hearing several people mention it on one of the other threads regarding Paul Chadwicks' artwork...
I thought the artwork was pretty special on various pieces that I saw over on CAF so thought I'd give it a try...
Looking forward to it....but honestly don't know what to expect !!....Don't often buy something without having any idea what it's about but 'nothing ventured' and all that ! :D

Good Man!
Those first ten issues are amongst some of the best Concrete stories (saying that, its all good, really), so as an introduction its highly recommended.
As Tordel points out its not yer standard fare, but its a quiet voice that sometimes grabs the attention, and then your hooked!
If you like these, then the collection of short Concrete stories he did for Dark Horse Presents (available in two collections, and readily available on E-Bay) would make an ideal companion piece.

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 15 May, 2013, 01:38:58 AM
Thanks Tordelback and Judge Jack... :D
I've just finished reading Concrete : The Complete Concrete and absolutely loved it !...A highly recommended read,  perhaps not to everyones' taste, mainly due to a perceived 'lack of action' I suppose, but for me it was very thoughtful and truly wonderful...

A very 'gentle' tale despite its' bizarre origin....and it certainly throws up some questions about who is 'more human' than a seven foot tall, 1200 lbs man made of concrete ? ....And the artwork......wow......despite its' simplicity,  the emotion conveyed by Paul Chadwicks' drawing is amazing....The unrequited 'love' and the slow acceptance of his 'role' in the world.....just amazing stuff...
Will now look out for the 'companion pieces'...

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 15 May, 2013, 12:24:19 PM
After discovering he'd recently written a third, I decided to revisit Alan Garner's early kid's fantasy novels The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and The Moon of Gomrath. The spare, stripped down prose which really marks out his later work isn't yet in evidence but the same focus on landscape and place emerges fully formed. Where some of his other books use geology as a way for events to resonate through time, here it's the real world and myth which intertwine as a the young protagonists encounter a succession of figures from British and European folklore.

Almost all his books are set within a very small area around Alderley Edge in Cheshire and the same places come up again and again, to the extent that I was quite pleased to spot a passing reference to Thursbitch, the central location (and title) of a later book. I grew up in (actually outside) a small village myself and this idea of every field and hill having a name and a history, if you can find the right person to tell it, has a powerful allure to it and the one instance where the children's guide admits that they've passed beyond the boundary of his knowledge carries a strange weight.

If there's a criticism of these books it's that the young heroes are too often passive observers of events. They do ultimately make the important decisions themselves but I'm not sure how kids raised on Harry Potter would take to this less self-reliant pair. In saying that, Gomrath contains an excruciatingly claustrophobic tunnel-negotiating sequence which I always retain memories of but forget where it actually comes from until I read it again.

Quote from: TordelBack on 07 May, 2013, 10:35:28 PM
Also rapidly running out of unread material from the other great (happily still living) American wit David Sedaris, whose collection When You Are Engulfed In Flames is pant-wettingly funny...
On mounting an expedition to a far off library branch to nab a copy of the aforementioned third volume I stumbled across a copy of this. With TB's testimonial fresh in my mind, I snatched it up. This was a fortunate bit of synchronicity as it turned out Boneland had disappeared from the shelves, could not be found and has since been expunged from the catalogue. I've read a handful of the stories so far and I'm enjoying the breezy tone but am having a hard time figuring out where it sits on the fiction/memoir scale.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 May, 2013, 12:41:49 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 15 May, 2013, 12:24:19 PM...am having a hard time figuring out where it sits on the fiction/memoir scale.

It's an odd collection, as some (the Princeton Address, most obviously) are fiction, but most are supposedly comically exaggerated memoir: certainly his family tales (my favourites) are all internally consistent.  I'm not sure it matters, but I can't help but hope that some others (the Man in the Hut, That's Amore, Aerial and The Understudy) are at least partly fictionalised. There was some sort of issue with one of his first (and best) pieces The Santaland Diaries (not in this collection), where his memoir of working in Santa's Grotto in Macy's got him into hot water and ended up being published as fiction, probably for legal reasons (he makes a lot of people very recognisable, and quite unlovely).  He's done an amazing reading of this one. 

I suspect that everyone's memories are actually a mish-mash of truth, lies and convenience, but all the more so if you try to make a really good story out of them.

In this collection, The Monster Mash, the one set in the business end of a coroner's office, is the one that throws me the most.  Although he alludes to this gig a few times elsewhere, it just seems wildly out of character for a guy who comes across as so squeamish and fastidious elsewhere.

Loved that Alan Garner stuff as a kid.  Will have to revisit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 May, 2013, 10:16:44 AM
I'm currently reading Akira Vol. 5, after this one i'll just be one volume away from owning the whole set! Woohoo!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 17 May, 2013, 11:06:45 AM
Just finished my Marshal Law: The Deluxe Edition; superb stuff. I think Marshal is overdue a comeback, there's so much happened in the DC/Marvel universes since then for Mills & O'Neill to mock.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 May, 2013, 11:31:25 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 17 May, 2013, 11:06:45 AM
Just finished my Marshal Law: The Deluxe Edition; superb stuff. I think Marshal is overdue a comeback, there's so much happened in the DC/Marvel universes since then for Mills & O'Neill to mock.

Without doubt! Can you imagine the (delightful) carnage that Mills and O'Neill could unleash right now? Lol! I would love to see a comeback from the leather clad one!

Here's my review by the way, if anyone missed it on the other thread.

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/marshal-law-deluxe-edition-review/

One of the best comic collections i have had the pleasure of reading this year. Period.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 17 May, 2013, 11:49:10 AM
recently finished reading Matter by Ian M Banks, not too bad but the first of his books I've read that I haven't absolutely loved, the end just kinda bummed me out. I suppose it was just pushing the point that SC is very dangerous business, also got a bit lost on what that final threat was? some kind of ancient weapon or an actual Alien?
Reading the latest Retro Gamer at the moment, about the only computer game mag I get these days.

CU radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 May, 2013, 11:00:26 PM
Bit of a shot in the dark here but does anyone have a copy of Doctor Who: The Bodysnatchers they would like to sell off? Doub't it but it's worth a shot.
(http://www.doctorwhoreviews.co.uk/EDA03_files/The%20Bodysnatchers%20Cover%20(Small).jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 18 May, 2013, 08:07:39 AM
I managed to locate a few copies on ebay, Hawkmonger. I think this is the best one starting at £1.99 & £3.00 P&P:

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=221225815611&index=0&nav=SEARCH&nid=70693564435

I'd put a bid down and get it if i was you!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 18 May, 2013, 08:42:21 AM
It's a good book - but I sold my copy years ago, I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 18 May, 2013, 09:00:40 AM
I wonder if that is the same Mark Morris who wrote The Secret of Anatomy. I enjoyed that, I did.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 18 May, 2013, 08:18:48 PM
Pathfinder RPG comic, nicely done by Jim Zub and chums but very american manga-some of the characters seem to blend into one another though but only a small crit , a nice enough read with lots of action and a Lovecraftian horror it seemed as well as the usual goblins, bugbears etc And some game stats at the end with some sublime covers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 19 May, 2013, 05:39:18 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 17 May, 2013, 11:00:26 PM
Bit of a shot in the dark here but does anyone have a copy of Doctor Who: The Bodysnatchers they would like to sell off? Doub't it but it's worth a shot.
(http://www.doctorwhoreviews.co.uk/EDA03_files/The%20Bodysnatchers%20Cover%20(Small).jpg)

Just checked this on abebooks.com. Why the hell is it going for so much money?

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=doctor+who+the+bodysnatchers (http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&tn=doctor+who+the+bodysnatchers)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 19 May, 2013, 05:46:40 PM
Aparently it's really good. Anyway, snagged one on ebay yesterday for little under a tenner, so i'll find out soon. It is a sequel to two of the best stories of all time mind so now pressure. :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 19 May, 2013, 05:50:44 PM
Just finished off the second volume of Duane Sweirczynski's Cable run.

Good stuff! I've been longing for a Cable story for some time that felt comprehensible. No slight on teh previous writers, mind you - I've just struggled with older Cable stuff because of my lack of continuity knowledge. This stuff is more focused and self contained - although it DOES spill out of other Marvel material.

I also just made a start on Marvel's 'Iron Man: Believe' trade. This is solid stuff so far... but I HATE those silly 'Augmented Reality' tags that appear all through the book. Comics should NEVER be handled like that. I don't want to see anything in the panels that doesn't directly serve the story I'm reading. 

Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 19 May, 2013, 07:36:54 PM
Quote from: HdE on 19 May, 2013, 05:50:44 PM
This is solid stuff so far... but I HATE those silly 'Augmented Reality' tags that appear all through the book. Comics should NEVER be handled like that. I don't want to see anything in the panels that doesn't directly serve the story I'm reading.

All the new Marvel Now series have them and I agree with them being a nuisance. It's one thing putting extras on the web for each issue but pastering "look at me" logos all over the art is off putting. Only ones I bother with is Superior Spider-Mans for Dan Slotts crack. Trolling the haters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 20 May, 2013, 04:24:05 PM
Quote from: HdE on 19 May, 2013, 05:50:44 PM
Just finished off the second volume of Duane Sweirczynski's Cable run.

Good stuff! I've been longing for a Cable story for some time that felt comprehensible. No slight on teh previous writers, mind you - I've just struggled with older Cable stuff because of my lack of continuity knowledge. This stuff is more focused and self contained - although it DOES spill out of other Marvel material.
ndled like that. I don't want to see anything in the panels that doesn't directly serve the story I'm reading.

I really enjoyed Sweirczynski's run on Cable too- he's a bloody good writer.
One of the reasons I was even more disappointed with his IDW Dredd
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 May, 2013, 09:11:13 PM
Don't you just hate when a classic comics run just hasn't stood the test of time. It seems to be happening more and more when I read stuff these days. So for example (and I'm ready to duck here) I can't stand the Claremont X-Men run when I re-read it a few years back, even the Byrne stuff, I found it really hard going. Likewise I'm not a big fan of the Lee Kirby FF run, art aside and even there for me its far from Kirby's best.

Its not like I just don't like the 'older' stuff. I love Lee and Ditko's Spider-man (and Romita and Gerry Conway, in fact about 75% of the first 300 issues of Amazing), as discussed elsewhere I love The Spirit and 70s Kirby is quite possibly my favourite comics writer of all time... just some stuff doesn't pass the test of time.

That has never been more so than with Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams Green Lantern, Green Arrow run. I've just been working my way through Showcase Presents Green Lantern 5, which has the whole of the run and it was a real effort, so much so I abandoned it after the series, not wanting to put myself through reading the strips when it moved to back-up. I enjoyed the issues as a younger reader and can't even begin to imagine how much impact they must of had when they were first released. Today I found them just laboured and hackneyed. Their relevance and importance just wasn't enough to save the poor plotting and dialogue.

I am of course worried that not liking this run makes me a bad person... I'd dreading getting to their Batman stuff I have working there way up my too read list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 21 May, 2013, 12:04:47 AM
Interesting point Colin. Now I think of it, I've hardly read any comic more than once and fewer clear runs (apart from 2000AD of course).

At the time I thought the Claremont & Byrne X-Men run was brilliant. Don't imagine I'd get on with it now.

I used to read Conan UK reprints as a kid but only because the strip was a back-up, mainly to Avengers. A couple of years ago I bought an original US colour Conan the Barbarian comic by Thomas & J Buscema from my local Oxfam. I was quite shocked at just how good it was so I guess revisiting my old comics might lead to some surprises. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 23 May, 2013, 11:03:59 PM
Locke and Key by Joe Hill and Art by Gabriel Rodriguez.....

Was recommended this series by Albion and Link Prime....
Thanks very much guys, I've now bought and read the 1st 4 Volumes and now waiting for the 5th next month... :D.... ( Think there is 5 or 6 in the complete series )....
Horror / fantasy....a great storyline, bristling with tension,  and doses of surreal humour amid the carnage....And with absolutely amazing artwork by Gabriel Rodriguez....

Highly Recommended for Horror / Fantasy / Mystery / Thriller lovers.....

What a great 'thread' this is....I've picked up loads of great stuff based on recommendations here.....Best reads so far....Locke and Key and Paul Chadwicks' Concrete...  and also Bad Company : Goodbye Krool World !!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 24 May, 2013, 05:34:25 PM
Really glad you liked 'Locke & Key' Bob, it's a brilliant series.
Just noticed that comiXology are doing a sale on it today, right up to the latest issue.

I'll sorely miss this comic when it wraps up at the end of the year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 May, 2013, 01:27:40 AM
I love Eddie Campbell, and not just his work.  I find the person that his work reveals to be completely fascinating, a savagely intelligent insightful fool, a conservative and a revolutionary, a gregarious exhibitionist and a misanthropist, a homebody and a traveller, an empiricist observer and a fantasist, a loving family man and a selfish self-absorbed ass.  He's my all-time favourite writer-artist, while at the same time being one of my favourite writers and one of my favourite artists, if that distinction makes any sense.

So I was beyond excited to get my quivering mitts on his latest, The Lovely Horrible Stuff, a continuation of his autobiographical work in the form of an examination of money, and how he relates to it. It's a great read, entertaining and enlightening and ultimately deeply tragic.  It's a handsomely produced full colour TopShelf hardback, and in no way does its spine or size fit in with any previous Campbell publication, which in itself is consistent, as it seems no two ever do.

However.

As with Fate of the Artist before it, Eddie is working with yet another new style, again incorporating photos, this time with linework and/or digital colour on top.  While that book was quite beautiful, this time, for me, it doesn't work. Well, that's not strictly true, it still tells the story well, but to me it is ugly, in places distractingly so.  In many places it looks like the MS Paint spraycan tool has been used to build flat colour layers over holiday snaps, with greyed or no linework at all.  Elsewhere linework characters hover in front of colour photo backgrounds with cut'n'paste props, or some scratchy lines roughly outline a colour portrait.  At times I found myself thinking 'it's his Buttonman period'.

Eddie has always used photos, photocopies, letratone, collage and closely referenced drawing extensively in his work, integrated into his fabulously loose but razor sharp linework, but this is a step too far for me. It's obviously an intentional stylistic choice, and there are many variations on the technique on display with different levels of success (for me), in addition to copious solid drawing.

I'd urge you to give it a read yourselves and see what you think - it's still a brilliant book, and worth every penny, but for me this is one of those occasions when the very spirit of experimentation and development that makes an artist so exciting pushes past the borders of this reader's narrow tastes.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 May, 2013, 06:42:47 AM
You want to know what's terrible, what's the very definition of whats wrong with humanity, this commercial world we live in. Yes indeed Richmond (if you are reading this) what is the very thing that IS everything that is wrong with comics today.

YOU WANT TO KNOW.

Well I'll tell you.

Top Shelf can't make enough money to release their long planned, Eddie Campbell opus, the two volume Bacchus Omnibus.

NNNNOOOOOOOOO! WWWHHHHHHYYYYY!

Look into your hearts and ask yourself what you can do to make this change.

Look deep and look long and when you've found it. DO IT.

(I'm tired, so very tired)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 May, 2013, 10:39:30 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 25 May, 2013, 06:42:47 AM
Top Shelf can't make enough money to release their long planned, Eddie Campbell opus, the two volume Bacchus Omnibus.

:'(

Bet you could Kickstart the heck out of that thing.  But I suspect that's not Chris' style.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 May, 2013, 12:41:02 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 May, 2013, 10:39:30 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 25 May, 2013, 06:42:47 AM
Top Shelf can't make enough money to release their long planned, Eddie Campbell opus, the two volume Bacchus Omnibus.

:'(

Bet you could Kickstart the heck out of that thing.  But I suspect that's not Chris' style.

Yeah but if it got the stuff out there. I think you're completely right it'd well and truly get what it wanted... I reckon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 25 May, 2013, 04:43:28 PM
Over a year ago I bought a bunch of GNs from my local cheapo bookshop which had lingered in my massive to-read pile. Lately I've read:

Jonah Hex 'Six Gun War' – the only Jonah Hex comic I've read and have to say I thought it was excellent. Pulpy and gritty, doesn't take itself too seriously. Quite a few laugh out loud moments due to snappy dialogue. Really like the rough and ready art (thought there is the odd confusing panel where I couldn't make out who was who). Will check out more. 

Battler Britton by Ennis and Wilson. Didn't think I'd like this but it's superb stuff. Shame we don't see more of Colin Wilson's art in 2000AD.

Currently reading 'Otherside' by Aaron and Stewart. Vietnam war story. Have only read the first chapter. So far so brilliant.

I also bought from the same bookshop a bunch of other stuff such Originals by Gibbons which I thought was ok and Filthy Rich which I haven't even unwrapped.

All of the above were £3 each. Talk about bargain.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 25 May, 2013, 06:42:28 PM
While reading through The Walking Dead, I am also reading through PDFs for Werewolf the Apocalypse, Mage the Ascension, Hunter the Reckoning and Exalted I downloaded from Drive Thru RPG.com.

http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/?

Their a group of Role playing games set in The World of Darkness. All except [/b]Exalted[/b] which is set in mythical Earth 's prehistory. If fact, I'm backing a Kick Starter for the Third Edition rules for this game.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/200664283/deluxe-exalted-3rd-edition?ref=live

All these games are under the White-Wolf banner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 May, 2013, 09:23:17 PM
Quote from: SuperSurfer on 25 May, 2013, 04:43:28 PM

Jonah Hex 'Six Gun War' – the only Jonah Hex comic I've read and have to say I thought it was excellent. Pulpy and gritty, doesn't take itself too seriously. Quite a few laugh out loud moments due to snappy dialogue. Really like the rough and ready art (thought there is the odd confusing panel where I couldn't make out who was who). Will check out more. 


One of my absolute favourites, I've completed a re-read of all the modern Jonah Hex comics a wee while back and the good news for you Supersurfer is that in my opinion '6 Gun War', however good it is, is one of the weaker parts of the series as a whole. The rest of the series is generally self contained one part stories, with the occasional two or three parter, but they are rare. That can have a few misses but overall the standard is remarkably consistent and remarkably good. One of the best modern comics out there.

The Nu52 version has a few more 'superhero' tropes thrown in, while still firmly (well until the up coming issues) a western. Its a bit different but still immense fun. Though should be approached with a little more caution if superhero fare isn't your bag.

Quote from: SuperSurfer on 25 May, 2013, 04:43:28 PM

Battler Britton by Ennis and Wilson. Didn't think I'd like this but it's superb stuff. Shame we don't see more of Colin Wilson's art in 2000AD.


Yep loved this too and completely agree with the Colin Wilson comments. One of my all time favourite Dredd artists.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 29 May, 2013, 09:48:47 AM
Yay!

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/recent-comic-purchases-3/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 30 May, 2013, 07:07:09 PM
Just finished reading...The Wanderer in Unknown Realms...by...John Connolly.

A novella set just after 1st World War and a bit 'Lovecraftian' in its' choice of protagonist....A change from his Charlie Parker series of Novels,  which are highly recommended...

It was OK,  but a deliberately 'slow paced' story, no real outright 'gory' horror, just a slow sense of unease and reminiscent of an 'older' type novel in writing...Imagine the style and pace of John Wyndham type novels...
As I said, it was OK, but not one that I'd recommend.....Enjoyable enough, but a bit 'take it or leave it',  and not likely to 'live on' in my memory or require a 're-read' in a few years time...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 01 June, 2013, 11:58:42 AM
Top Ten is an absolute blast! Moore's writing is top notch and Gene Ha's artwork is absolutely outstanding with in-jokes aplenty. I had a weird dream last night, no doubt influenced by my reading, wherein everyone was a superhero - me, my family, even the cranky old woman next door!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 01 June, 2013, 02:35:58 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 29 May, 2013, 09:48:47 AM
Yay!

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/recent-comic-purchases-3/

I was going to bid on those but forgot!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 01 June, 2013, 06:15:21 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 01 June, 2013, 11:58:42 AM
Top Ten is an absolute blast! Moore's writing is top notch and Gene Ha's artwork is absolutely outstanding with in-jokes aplenty.

Oddly enough I sold my copies of Top Ten 1 and 2 on Ebay back in February for... £8.99 for both! Weird. Wonder if they're the same copies sold on again! (I'll be buying the Absolute edition later this year, which also comes packaged with the prequel series and Smax spin-off, neither of which I've read.)

It is a fantastic series, but massively under-rated. I'd easily rank it up there with the likes of Promethea, Vendetta, LOEG, etc. So crammed with visual in-jokes that it rewards a lot of re-reading too; watch out for a Walter the Wobot cameo later on and the tomb of a certain 'Halo Jones'...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 01 June, 2013, 06:53:20 PM
@ Dark Jimbo, the copies I bought are both first editions with the Titan price stickers on the back still intact. Also book 1 has a small dent on the spine bottom. If that sounds familiar it could well be yours! Lol. It does sound quite uncanny though! And Absolute Top Ten sounds brill, hardcover with all the spinoff and prequel stuff. However it's a bit too pricey for my liking though, I might invest in it if I can get a bargain copy on ebay or something. Also wow, Walter eh? I'll have to keep my eyes peeled! Cheers.

@ Skullmo, don't worry mate, I think there's still a couple going at a reasonable price.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 05 June, 2013, 01:23:14 PM
I left the Enemy Ace Showcase from DC more or less at half pagecount. Nice WWI comic. Strange, in the sense that the main character is German, nor British, or French or more obviously, American. But it's not the typical "bang bang bang" with lousy phrases and fun. This is serious stuff, more or less realistic, and nicely written and drawn.

And now, after a lot hiatus, again with 2000AD stuff. Checking the 2nd CCF of ol' Dreddy. The Day the Law Died is quite curious.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 06 June, 2013, 05:47:37 PM
Just finished Zendegi which was that most unexpected of things: a breezy page turner by Greg Egan. Well, relatively speaking. It's still got a fair bit of stilted dialogue, lengthy expository passages and wooden characters. The book still has his usual preoccupation with post-human consciousness at its core but this time wrapped in a very human story and with absolutely no treatises on alternative systems of mathematics.

Also halfway through Barry Windsor Smith's The Freebooters, which is a bit of an oddity I picked up from the library. It's a lovely, full size hardback collection which opens with Smith's wonderfully splenetic extended ruminations on the state of the comics industry at the time this was created and how he's here to shake it up. The only problem with this is that the story so far is, frankly, pretty weak and the large comedy element isn't funny to me. Every now and again a beautifully detailed page jumps out but too often the art is buried under unflattering colouring and stodgy inks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 06 June, 2013, 07:18:09 PM
Just finished Shadow of Freedom by David Weber. All in all another excellent instalment of the Honor Harrington series.

Now I'll start my summer reading project to reread the entire Horatio Hornblower series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 06 June, 2013, 07:27:36 PM
The Gabbleduck and other short tales by Neil Asher. Very good ideas and set ups in a Universe called the Polity or something.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 12 June, 2013, 09:42:04 AM
Glimmer Rats by Gordon Rennie (for it is he) and Mark Harrison (for it is him)-i got this simply because boarders  mentioned it in the new art strip comp for June. Having no memory of it at all mahhnn, just like the sixties, it was all new.

Fuck- a -duck tis ace!  Bascially euro- neo- fascist state sends it's dregs,enemies and losers to fight aliens/icky things in another dimension,even though they caused the rift with the alt universe to open. Fantastic dark art and ultra grim storyline (your "comrades" are as likely to murder you for your stuff or your ears as the orrible "spooks".) I got a decidedly wh40k vibe from it all only here there's no super troops to save you from being dissolved/absorbed and death isn't even an escape.Fantastically nightmarish.

Oddly Dark Horse published my copy but Rebellion have a nod in there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 12 June, 2013, 03:08:26 PM
Still reading The Walking Dead. Onto to Book Ten now.

I have just purchased two of the Dafoe graphic novels.

Should be great reading, having been written by Pat Mills and also concerning zombie apocalypses.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LorcanQ on 12 June, 2013, 09:22:09 PM
Half way through Catch-22. Absolutely brilliant book. I started off finding it annoying but it's grown on me hugely. The format is so helter-skelter and hugely original. Also, very funny. I never laugh at books but this has some gems in it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 12 June, 2013, 11:23:56 PM
Hungry Hearts by Gary McMahon (One of the Tomes of the Dead book)

I saw this advertised (I think in the Prog or Meg)  and on seeing it in the library I decided to give it a crack.

The cover is amusing in that it plays on the fact this is in part a love story by giving you a Mills and Boone style cover... except the woman is a rotting corpse. All the more amusing in that the story itself is completely different in tone, apart from the gore.

I haven't gotten that far but it's pretty grim, disturbing and kinda nasty. That probably looks like a criticism, but I mean nasty in that 'nasty things happen', but it's rather interesting and compelling. It does something rather different with the Zombie outbreak thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 13 June, 2013, 08:59:49 AM
LorcanQ, Catch-22 is one of my favourite books ever.  A lot like Alice in Wonderland as far as paradoxes go.  Me, I'm still trying to get to the end of a pile of London Review of Books issues - fun, but time-consuming.  Just read an interesting article called 'Advantage Pyonyang' about North Korea, which was dead good.
   Rather than go without novels until the distant day when I finish the LRBs, I've started reading at least a page of Tristram Shandy a day.  Wonderful rambling stuff.

http://www.lrb.co.uk/v35/n09/richard-lloydparry/advantage-pyongyang  is the link to the LRB article, a critical review of a book about Nort Korea by one of Bush's people (the gist is the book makes Bush look like a tool in spite of wanting to defend him, the North Korean leadership, although horrible, aren't insane and the situation won't get better any time soon)

I'm also reading 'the Wisdom of Solomon', a book of the Bible, for the first time (it's not in the protestant bibles I grew up with).   Spoiler Alert: It's good to obey God and seeking Wisdom is a good idea.
      It's a good read and has this wonderful line: "we were born by mere chance, and hereafter we shall be as though we had never been.  For the breath in our nostrils is smoke, and reason is a spark kindled by the beating of our hearts; when it is extinguished, the body will turn to ashes and the spirit will dissolve like empty air'(this is supposedly the foolish non-believer speaking)
.......which makes great poetry and perfectly sums up the materialist position now. 

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 13 June, 2013, 10:30:56 AM
I'm three quarters way through Lone Wolf 2100 omnibus I'm a big fan of the original Lone Wolf series and was put off from the reviews I've read of 2100. I wish I never listened as I think it's a great homage to the original with a cool sci-fi setting. The art is stunning too and I'm a bit sad that artist Francisco Ruis Velasco hasn't done much else in comics in following years as it appears he's become a concept artist (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2508936/) for Guillermo del Toro.

Recommended to anyone on the fence as I once was!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 13 June, 2013, 10:34:26 PM
Thanks Seldipez. Like you I was scepticle, but now i'll certainly give it a go. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 14 June, 2013, 01:18:05 PM
Just finished reading the huge Graphic Novel,  Lost Girls by Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie..

Now I love most of Alan Moores' stuff....Not all of it though,  but enough of his material,  for him to rank amongst one of my favourite writers.....
His Watchmen ( for me ) set an extremely high 'bench mark' for future Graphic Novels to aspire to......Absolutely loved it when it came out 20 + years ago.......And his From Hell is one of my absolute favourites of all time, and remains one of my 'all time top' recommendations for anyone who loves the Comic medium.......And just for these two alone, he should be immortalised in Comic history,  BUT....

And I'm really sorry here, but, Lost Girls for me was just awful !!.....
Now I know there are those out there who will claim it has huge artistic merit and shouldn't be only 'judged' on its' ( pornographic ? ) content but on what Moore was actually trying to say in it....
.........It's not that it has very graphic sexual content in it....It has !! ...... so DO NOT buy if you are easily offended by material of a pornographic nature...
.........It's not that it's not beautifully drawn....It is !! ....In places,  the artwork by Melinda Gebbie is sublime.....  Beautifully coloured and intricately drawn, but for me, a bit inconsistent, with pages of brilliance followed by pages that are just not as good....

What makes this a HUGE letdown for me is.....I really don't think it's a story 'worth' telling.....

I'm not averse to the pornographic content, honestly I'm not,  but it all just seems to be an excuse for a bit of 'old man' letching over pages of naked ladies ( and men ) having lots of sexual 'hanky panky'......
Now,  some may say that this is an integral and necessary 'part' of the story, and it may very well be....??!!.....BUT the whole problem I have is that the story, ( about Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz,   Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Wendy Darling from Peter Pan ) just isn't really interesting and seems just a bit 'porno' clichéd...... 
But, is this a story worth being told ?? ....Was there really a point to it all ??.....For me,  No, although I'm sure someone can explain it to me.....I know Moores' work can be a bit 'convoluted' at times but I really didn't get this at all !!

Definitely NOT Recommended, and one I won't be reading again.... :'(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 June, 2013, 01:49:25 PM
As I recall Moore and Gebbie were specifically trying to make high-quality pornography for all genders and orientations in comics form, rather than tell a particularly compelling story.  As with most porn, the narrative is mainly there to string the scenes together, but I do think there's a lot of very interesting ideas and techniques (oo-err) in the story itself to engage the brain - just not enough to survive without the rude bits.  If it worked as porn, it worked.

Much as I like Lost Girls, it is the only Moore book I thought about selling during a recent bout of ebay fundraising.  Luckily I didn't, 'cos you've made me want to read it again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 14 June, 2013, 03:27:46 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 June, 2013, 01:49:25 PM
As I recall Moore and Gebbie were specifically trying to make high-quality pornography for all genders and orientations in comics form, rather than tell a particularly compelling story.  As with most porn, the narrative is mainly there to string the scenes together, but I do think there's a lot of very interesting ideas and techniques (oo-err) in the story itself to engage the brain - just not enough to survive without the rude bits.  If it worked as porn, it worked.

Much as I like Lost Girls, it is the only Moore book I thought about selling during a recent bout of ebay fundraising.  Luckily I didn't, 'cos you've made me want to read it again.

Thanks for that Tordelback....I didn't realise that they were specifically trying to make high quality 'pornography' for all genders......I agree that there are several interesting ideas contained within........but as you say " not enough to survive without the rude bits"...
I do hope you enjoy your re-read of it, but for me it's a.... Mehh !! ....Take it, or leave it and I didn't really want to feel that way about Moores' work...So for me...very disappointing ....
As for selling it, it's also the only Graphic Novel I also considered selling.....Strange that.....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 14 June, 2013, 03:29:30 PM
From Hell. I'd never read it before and after seeing all the praise for it here I decided to pick it up. The praise is completely justified. I'm only three chapters in and I can't seem to put it down. Amazing work. I'm definitely going to pick up the companion book now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 14 June, 2013, 03:38:08 PM
Glad you're enjoying From Hell, von Boom.....

In my opinion, and also many other folks, it's a Masterpiece of the comic form....and a fantastic and very long read....An 'adult'  graphic novel, packed full of ideas and 'facts' and the 'after notes' are also amazing.....
The artwork is also so suitable for the tone of the novel that it further 'enhances' the whole experience..

One of my all time 'top' recommendations, and in fact my wife who doesn't like the 'comic medium' also read this one holiday we were on,  and thoroughly enjoyed it as well.......In fact she said it was decidedly 'creepy' and quite disturbing.....Quite a compliment,  as she prefers mostly historical books ( The Tudors etc )...

Enjoy !!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 14 June, 2013, 04:02:24 PM
Quote from: Zarjazzer on 12 June, 2013, 09:42:04 AM
Glimmer Rats by Gordon Rennie (for it is he) and Mark Harrison (for it is him)-i got this simply because boarders  mentioned it in the new art strip comp for June. Having no memory of it at all mahhnn, just like the sixties, it was all new.

Fuck- a -duck tis ace!  Bascially euro- neo- fascist state sends it's dregs,enemies and losers to fight aliens/icky things in another dimension,even though they caused the rift with the alt universe to open. Fantastic dark art and ultra grim storyline (your "comrades" are as likely to murder you for your stuff or your ears as the orrible "spooks".) I got a decidedly wh40k vibe from it all only here there's no super troops to save you from being dissolved/absorbed and death isn't even an escape.Fantastically nightmarish.

Oddly Dark Horse published my copy but Rebellion have a nod in there.

Rebellion published it in the U.K but Dark Horse & Strip Art Features published it the U.S. I think - I like the way Tom Berenger, Michael Biehn and Jean Reno are in it....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 14 June, 2013, 05:47:09 PM
Thanks Ancient Otter thought it was a bit odd. I could see this being done as a sci fi horror film. I guess it wasn't too popular but i'D LOVE A SEQUEL.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 14 June, 2013, 06:54:07 PM
"Judge Anderson: The PSI Files Volume 01" hit the doormat today. Just read episode 1 of "Four Dark Judges". Man, it's going to be good!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Goaty on 14 June, 2013, 07:06:15 PM

Been re-read some old Megs. I do love Judge Dredd story; "The Monkey on the back" that was really brilliant story in early Dredd situation before his first appearance in 2000AD Prog 2.

Funny is that when I re-read, it looks like the latest Dredd film, the uniform, Mega City background, preps and Justice dept.

Great story, wish more like that! Early Years of Dredd? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 14 June, 2013, 07:53:28 PM
Quote from: Goaty on 14 June, 2013, 07:06:15 PM

Been re-read some old Megs. I do love Judge Dredd story; "The Monkey on the back" that was really brilliant story in early Dredd situation before his first appearance in 2000AD Prog 2.

Funny is that when I re-read, it looks like the latest Dredd film, the uniform, Mega City background, preps and Justice dept.

Great story, wish more like that! Early Years of Dredd?

Sounds interesting - which Meg is it in, Goaty?

Early years Dredd... I like the sound of that. Cadet Dredd perhaps?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Goaty on 14 June, 2013, 08:05:49 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 14 June, 2013, 07:53:28 PMSounds interesting - which Meg is it in, Goaty?

Early years Dredd... I like the sound of that. Cadet Dredd perhaps?

I am sorry it was Monkey On My Back.

It was three parts, in Meg 204 to 206.

It was about 20 years of Dredd, not cadet. the story was flashback to 2099, with Goodman as Chief Judge, with deputy Cal.

Here the teaser of first page.

(http://www.turmoilcolour.com/gallery/monkey-01.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 14 June, 2013, 08:36:37 PM
Great story, one of Garth Ennis's strongest Dredd stories - maybe the strongest he ever wrote.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 14 June, 2013, 09:37:54 PM
Sounds interesting. I'll add them to my (growing) list of Megs to track down, as Barney says they aren't re-printed anywhere
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 14 June, 2013, 10:19:02 PM
It was a great story, with complimenting artwork from John Higgins too.
Was that Ennis' swan song on Dredd?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Goaty on 14 June, 2013, 10:25:11 PM


Always love that final panel, so sad...

(http://i.imgur.com/RhiAy7w.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 14 June, 2013, 10:29:35 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 14 June, 2013, 10:19:02 PM
It was a great story, with complimenting artwork from John Higgins too.
Was that Ennis' swan song on Dredd?

Yeah - I'd say he totally absolved himself of 'Helter Skelter' with that one. I know it's unlikely, but I'd love to see Garth back once in a while on Dredd.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 14 June, 2013, 10:45:16 PM
I'd love to see Ennis back in the Prog for the odd story too. Still a very talented writer, and had more than a few hits on Dredd, despite the misses.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Prodigal on 15 June, 2013, 09:52:43 AM


Dr who IDW collection.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 15 June, 2013, 11:15:33 AM
I'm just getting started on this beauty....

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/recent-comic-purchases-daytripper/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 June, 2013, 01:43:08 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 15 June, 2013, 11:15:33 AM
I'm just getting started on this beauty....

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/recent-comic-purchases-daytripper/

It's quite, quite brilliant.  I can't imagine what it would be like reading it in one go, but month-to-month it was one of the greatest comics reading experiences I've ever had.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 16 June, 2013, 12:37:09 AM
Never even heard of Daytripper before....
Any chance you could give us an idea what it's about ??
Cheers..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 June, 2013, 12:55:13 AM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 16 June, 2013, 12:37:09 AM
Any chance you could give us an idea what it's about ??

Working that out is part of the fun!  It certainly wasn't apparent to me for a few months.  Is it enough to tell you that it won an Eisner, a Harvey and an Eagle, all for 'best new limited series' or somesuch,  in the same year? It's one of the most unique, and one of the very best, comics I've ever read.

I don't think any summary would do it justice, you should just read it.

However, if you insist...[spoiler] It's ten different versions (one per issue) of the same ordinary life, each with the main character's life ending in a different way at a different point due to different choices etc.  You get to see the person and his world in the round, and learn a great deal about what is good, and bad, in a finite life.  It also looks gorgeous, it's set in Brazil, and if it doesn't move you close to tears at least once I'd be quite surprised.  [/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jimmy Baker's Assistant on 16 June, 2013, 10:16:13 AM
The Shadow Out of Time by Lovecraft & Culbard.

Superb, obviously.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 16 June, 2013, 12:22:54 PM
Batwoman: Hydrology

"Not bad" is selling it a bit short. Easily the highlight of the N52's first 2 year's for me. This J.H.Williams can draw a bit well. A bit to well.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 16 June, 2013, 12:37:34 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 16 June, 2013, 12:22:54 PM
Batwoman: Hydrology

"Not bad" is selling it a bit short. Easily the highlight of the N52's first 2 year's for me. This J.H.Williams can draw a bit well. A bit to well.

I love the way nearly every single page is a double page spread. Highly original stuff going on for mainstream DC comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 16 June, 2013, 04:19:11 PM
Not long finished Alan Moore's entire Swamp Thing run.

I'm glad I finally made time for this, and on balance it's a worthy read, but it's got to be the most flawed of all the Moore works I've yet read. The small-scale or self-contained stories are the best, when the series is dealing with its own mythology and supporting cast; the best issues of all are by far and away either the ones that deal with Swampy trying to work out the extent of his powers and coming to terms with what he is, or those that deal with Abby and Swampy's burgeoning relationship - a woman married to a walking vegetable is a pretty silly scenario on the face of it, but it makes for some utterly compelling stories and as a reader you really want it to end well for these guys. The famous 'psycedelic love sequence' in issue 34 was the first bit when you think 'Yep, now I'm reading an Alan Moore comic.'

Where the cycle falls down time and again is the need for it to be part of the DC universe, which weakens it at every turn; obviously I know who the likes of Superman and Batman are, and the Gotham arc works very well indeed because it's given plenty of time to breathe and develop. On the other hand I couldn't care less about the likes of Phantom Stranger or Green Lantern or Deadman or Adam Strange - 90% of whom I'd never even heard of previously - and the Crisis crossover is borderline unintelligible, despite Moore's best efforts to spin a relatively self-contained tale within the crossover. I was also surprised to find that the big climax of the much-lauded American Gothic arc was much less than the sum of its parts - the Brujera don't really make an impression as villians, and by that point Moore just seems a little bored of the storyline he started so many issues earlier. Probably no coincedence that the quality improves again immediately afterwards when we go back to stories of Swampy and Alex's relationship woes.

The art is... variable. There are some great swamp panoramas and Swampy himself always looks great, but the human characters can look very wonky at times. There's a scene set on the London Underground where it's obvious the artist has no idea what it looks like, and so he's just drawn an American subway instead; a Luftwaffe pilot who was apparently flying a wood-and-canvas biplane in 1944(!); various other small but annoying inconsistencies like that. The colouring is really bad, and I think actually makes things look worse than they otherwise might at times - the high contrast of black-and-white would really suit the delicate linework where the colours just stomp across it. It can also feel a bit dated in the way that other Moore comics written at the time - Vendetta, Watchmen, etc - simply don't. It's the only 80s-written Moore comic that feels like a product of the 80s - like Constantine being drawn early on to look like Sting (Sting? Really?)

Probably the one Moore comic I'd have reservations about recommending - although the best bits are as good as anything Moore has written.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 16 June, 2013, 04:31:05 PM
Reading a bit of X force and some Straczynski Spiderman over here.

The former is very pretty, and quite gnarly, but three issues in, I feel like it has yet to get going properly.

The spidey stuff is in one of a MASSIVE bundle of Spidey books that one of my day job customers donated to me a while back. Long story. Family trouble. Not pleasant, by the sounds of things.

Anyhoo - I hear a lot of smack talked about JMS' Spiderman run circa 2001 onwards, but I'm really enjoying these stories. They're fun, with just the right amount of drama dialled in. 'You Want Pants With That' may just be the best superhero story I've read this year!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 June, 2013, 05:43:48 PM
Dark Entries

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/dark-entries-graphic-novel-review/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 16 June, 2013, 09:30:52 PM
Just now: ended Dredd's CCF2. Very nice, and entertaining. Two epics, one consequence of the 2nd epic, and two "filler" stories.

Goes better and better with time.

Let's see how CCF3 is. At least in plain sight, is the tinniest of the eight i have. :lol:

And the other day i've finished "The Right Stuff" from Tom Wolve. The nice book the movie with the same name is based on. Also cool stuff.

I was thinking of getting a hugue, nice chunk of Space stuff books, but i'm gonna get 2000ad stuff instead. :P

After CCF2, i'm gonna "eat" trough Atomic Robo 4. I have it from some days and too much time waiting before buying it.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 16 June, 2013, 09:33:12 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 16 June, 2013, 12:37:34 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 16 June, 2013, 12:22:54 PM
Batwoman: Hydrology

"Not bad" is selling it a bit short. Easily the highlight of the N52's first 2 year's for me. This J.H.Williams can draw a bit well. A bit to well.

I love the way nearly every single page is a double page spread. Highly original stuff going on for mainstream DC comics.
It's also a good remedy to Red Hood and the Outlaws for how women SHOULD be depicted in comics. Not a stileto or leather-nipple in sight. No over toning either.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 16 June, 2013, 11:32:46 PM
I often go into comic shops and leave empty handed as nothing takes my interest. Then I usually say to myself: why am I looking for comics to buy when I have such a backlog of unread stuff.

So as part of my comics catch up effort, this week, I read Charley's War II and almost finished III, both of which I've had for a couple of years. (I forgot that so many episodes were reprinted in the Meg a few years ago and surprised that the reprints went beyound volume III.)

Never cease to be amazed at how good Charley's War is. Am also enjoying reading Pat Mills' comments in particular his instructions to ignore certain captions that were added by editorial. Some really chilling scenes [spoiler]such as the Germans executing British soldiers who were leaving a bunker at thirty second intervals and the fact that the soldiers were walking out, resigned to their fate[/spoiler].

This ranks alongside the best EC war comics.

When Titan originally collected Charley's War I was surprised as I had never heard of it and I wasn't tuned in to that kind of art. But now, with an older eye, I would say Joe Colquhoun is up there with the comic greats such as Kirby, Eisner, McMahon etc. Truly astounding art.
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 17 June, 2013, 01:21:14 AM
Quote from: HdE on 16 June, 2013, 04:31:05 PM

The spidey stuff is in one of a MASSIVE bundle of Spidey books that one of my day job customers donated to me a while back. Long story. Family trouble. Not pleasant, by the sounds of things.

I liked JMS run of Spidey; he obviously tried to keep it fresh. Where do you work to get massive bundles of comics donated? Can I work there?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 17 June, 2013, 09:28:26 AM
Quote from: SimeonB on 14 June, 2013, 06:54:07 PM
"Judge Anderson: The PSI Files Volume 01" hit the doormat today. Just read episode 1 of "Four Dark Judges". Man, it's going to be good!

I am reading this at the moment too. And really enjoying it. Although having said that Triad was a bit much of a nothing (ohhh something evil is looming, oh . . .no it isn't) and Judge Corey seemed to come back form the dead for this story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 17 June, 2013, 12:42:21 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 17 June, 2013, 09:28:26 AM
Quote from: SimeonB on 14 June, 2013, 06:54:07 PM
"Judge Anderson: The PSI Files Volume 01" hit the doormat today. Just read episode 1 of "Four Dark Judges". Man, it's going to be good!

I am reading this at the moment too. And really enjoying it. Although having said that Triad was a bit much of a nothing (ohhh something evil is looming, oh . . .no it isn't) and Judge Corey seemed to come back form the dead for this story.

Not got to that one yet. Finished "Four Dark Judges" and that didn't disappoint. I skipped on to "The Screaming Skull" (because I just bought a page from that) and it was short, but with a nice twist I didn't see coming. "Engram" is supposed to be a top piece of Roach artwork, so I may go on to that next...

But, yeah, like Skullmo says, enjoying it and would recommend to others. Particularly if you have waded through the first 10 or so Dredd Case Files and want something a bit different to try, but still in the same universe.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 17 June, 2013, 02:49:55 PM
I'm just ended, and enjoyed quite a lot Atomic Robo vol.4. So much fun, humour, action and adventure... the Dr. Dinosaur character is the best of the trade. I love him. :lol:

Or the Manga and japanese cinema references... good one.

I can't reccomend this series quite enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 17 June, 2013, 04:09:52 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 17 June, 2013, 12:42:21 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 17 June, 2013, 09:28:26 AM
Quote from: SimeonB on 14 June, 2013, 06:54:07 PM
"Judge Anderson: The PSI Files Volume 01" hit the doormat today. Just read episode 1 of "Four Dark Judges". Man, it's going to be good!

I am reading this at the moment too. And really enjoying it. Although having said that Triad was a bit much of a nothing (ohhh something evil is looming, oh . . .no it isn't) and Judge Corey seemed to come back form the dead for this story.

Not got to that one yet. Finished "Four Dark Judges" and that didn't disappoint. I skipped on to "The Screaming Skull" (because I just bought a page from that) and it was short, but with a nice twist I didn't see coming. "Engram" is supposed to be a top piece of Roach artwork, so I may go on to that next...

But, yeah, like Skullmo says, enjoying it and would recommend to others. Particularly if you have waded through the first 10 or so Dredd Case Files and want something a bit different to try, but still in the same universe.

Yes it is a definite recommend. I have bought the following 2 books as well (even though I know some of the stories are a bit uffy).

I have just bought the complete run of Grant Morrison Doom Patrol. I read the Filth, Flex Mentallo and Invisibles last year and really enjoyed them all. I have high hopes for this series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 17 June, 2013, 05:19:43 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 17 June, 2013, 12:42:21 PM
Not got to that one yet. Finished "Four Dark Judges" and that didn't disappoint. I skipped on to "The Screaming Skull" (because I just bought a page from that) and it was short, but with a nice twist I didn't see coming. "Engram" is supposed to be a top piece of Roach artwork, so I may go on to that next...
Each to his own, but I find this a very odd way to approach that collection. It's not exactly continuity heavy, but there are some loose strands running through the stories which gradually evolve as it progresses. On the other hand, Shamballa isn't even in it so do what you like!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 17 June, 2013, 05:21:38 PM
I recent finished Hungry Hearts. Not bad, but [spoiler]dear me was that a cheerful ending.[/spoiler]

I felt it could have been a bit longer and they could have done more with a couple of characters. [spoiler]I.e. there are two particular characters who were killed off shortly after we meet them and I thought it would have done more for the story to have them hang around a bit longer.[/spoiler] Then again, maybe that would be too predictable?

I'm reading John Lindqvist's short story collection "Let the Old Dreams Die, and other stories" now. I've read three of his novels so I though I'd give this a try. So far very enjoyable and rather weird* stuff.

*Not that this takes from the enjoyment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 17 June, 2013, 05:50:19 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 17 June, 2013, 05:19:43 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 17 June, 2013, 12:42:21 PM
Not got to that one yet. Finished "Four Dark Judges" and that didn't disappoint. I skipped on to "The Screaming Skull" (because I just bought a page from that) and it was short, but with a nice twist I didn't see coming. "Engram" is supposed to be a top piece of Roach artwork, so I may go on to that next...
Each to his own, but I find this a very odd way to approach that collection. It's not exactly continuity heavy, but there are some loose strands running through the stories which gradually evolve as it progresses. On the other hand, Shamballa isn't even in it so do what you like!

Should Shamballa be in it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 17 June, 2013, 06:05:58 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 17 June, 2013, 05:50:19 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 17 June, 2013, 05:19:43 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 17 June, 2013, 12:42:21 PM
Not got to that one yet. Finished "Four Dark Judges" and that didn't disappoint. I skipped on to "The Screaming Skull" (because I just bought a page from that) and it was short, but with a nice twist I didn't see coming. "Engram" is supposed to be a top piece of Roach artwork, so I may go on to that next...
Each to his own, but I find this a very odd way to approach that collection. It's not exactly continuity heavy, but there are some loose strands running through the stories which gradually evolve as it progresses. On the other hand, Shamballa isn't even in it so do what you like!
Should Shamballa be in it?
Chronologically, yes as it was first published between Screaming Skull and Engram (which makes some reference to it.) However, as the only full colour strip up to that point, holding it over to Psi Files 2 does make sense.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 17 June, 2013, 07:30:05 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 17 June, 2013, 05:19:43 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 17 June, 2013, 12:42:21 PM
Not got to that one yet. Finished "Four Dark Judges" and that didn't disappoint. I skipped on to "The Screaming Skull" (because I just bought a page from that) and it was short, but with a nice twist I didn't see coming. "Engram" is supposed to be a top piece of Roach artwork, so I may go on to that next...
Each to his own, but I find this a very odd way to approach that collection. It's not exactly continuity heavy, but there are some loose strands running through the stories which gradually evolve as it progresses. On the other hand, Shamballa isn't even in it so do what you like!

That's good to know, Cosh. I literally skipped on to "Screaming Skull" because I have just bought a page from it and wanted to know the story. I got distracted today with A.H.A.B. and Meg 335 (catching up with the Megs) so didn't get onto to Anderson.

I enjoyed A.H.A.B. - kind of saw the ending coming - but enjoyable nonetheless.

I'll skip back in Anderson to the next story after "Four Dark Judges". Would you recommend reading Shamballa in PSI 2 before Engram?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 17 June, 2013, 07:42:27 PM
I'm taking the plunge and reading Cloud Atlas,im led to believe it's a good book?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 17 June, 2013, 11:54:09 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 17 June, 2013, 07:30:05 PM
That's good to know, Cosh. I literally skipped on to "Screaming Skull" because I have just bought a page from it and wanted to know the story.
Sorry, I was just being a bit of a knob there.
Quote from: SimeonB on 17 June, 2013, 07:30:05 PMI'll skip back in Anderson to the next story after "Four Dark Judges". Would you recommend reading Shamballa in PSI 2 before Engram?
It's not essential but, if you've already got the book, I'd recommend it.


Quote from: klute on 17 June, 2013, 07:42:27 PM
I'm taking the plunge and reading Cloud Atlas,im led to believe it's a good book?
I thought so.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 18 June, 2013, 07:41:18 PM
I'm two chapters into my reading of Daytripper, and all ready I'm just awed by the level of storytelling and artwork by the twin duo of Fábio Moon & Gabriel Bá. That opening chapter just shocked me beyond belief, I felt my heart strings being tugged violently - imagine what'll happen when I read the rest of the book. Wow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 18 June, 2013, 07:59:56 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 17 June, 2013, 11:54:09 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 17 June, 2013, 07:30:05 PM
That's good to know, Cosh. I literally skipped on to "Screaming Skull" because I have just bought a page from it and wanted to know the story.
Sorry, I was just being a bit of a knob there.
Don't be silly, Cosh. Quite right to point it out if it was going to be a less enjoyable reading experience! I'm holding off on Engram, thanks to your advice, and going back to where I left off before my little diversion further into the book :)

Quote from: The Cosh on 17 June, 2013, 11:54:09 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 17 June, 2013, 07:30:05 PMI'll skip back in Anderson to the next story after "Four Dark Judges". Would you recommend reading Shamballa in PSI 2 before Engram?
It's not essential but, if you've already got the book, I'd recommend it.

Right, I'll bag PSI 2. I was going to anyway, so may as well get it now...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 19 June, 2013, 02:55:50 PM
http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/recent-comic-purchases-smax/

I'm still reading Daytripper so i'll get started on this baby afterwards!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 19 June, 2013, 05:55:43 PM
Succeeded in a second assault on Neal Stephenson's Quicksilver, a book which I'd previously abandoned halfway through but always felt deserved another try based on its reputation amongst certain other boarders. I'm glad I've read it now. It really is quite remarkable in scope and ambition, although I feel that it's more to be admired than enjoyed.

I suppose the central thrust of the book (and, I assume, its equally hefty sequels) is nothing less than the origin of the modern world. It wanders gleefully around Europe and America across the latter half of the 17th century, sketching in the vast shifts in science, philosophy (and, crucially, the philosophy of science) as well as the upheavals in politics, religion, social attitudes and economic practices. It's endlessly digressive and discursive, forever shooting off into an explanation of improved techniques in silver mining or the composition of European armies in amongst the real big topics such as the evolution of derivatives trading on the Amsterdam stock exchange or the differing philosophical positions underpinning Leibniz and Newton's views of the world. Even beyond this the book is stuffed with footnotes and characters making asides to one another on the best way to shoe a horse or get the best price for ostrich feathers!

Throughout, this is never less than readable.  A couple of years ago I read an interview with Dan Brown in which he ventured the opinion that he saw his main purpose being to educate people, hence his books being peppered with dry facts and figures (not always correct either.) Unlike Brown's leaden, literal prose, Stephenson has a real gift for illuminating even the most abstruse topics with wit and a pithy metaphor. There's a careful attention to epistemological completeness too; the subject of an earlier monologue is frequently used to illustrate something altogether earthier such as taking a shit or severing a man's arm. This talent isn't just confined to academic discourse. His uncouth descriptions bring, for example, the seedy underbelly of Paris to vivid life.

After all that raving, there must be a downside to the book. It's that this is largely all there is to it. There are several entertaining characters, some of them well drawn. For the most part, the sole purpose of the narrative is to get some of these characters to a place where something historically significant is going to happen or where they can sensibly take part in a certain activity or discuss a particular theme which the author wants to introduce. It's really only in the final third of the book that anything approaching a plot emerges. I suppose this is a problem inherent in any historical fiction which tries to tie its characters directly to real events but even though it's often done quite deftly I think - possibly because of the globetrotting scale - it is felt more keenly here than in, say, CJ Sansom's Shardlake books.

Another thing is that it seems to me a step back for the author in the way he juggles story and background. His earlier books tend to speed along like a well-tuned sports car then slam into a brick wall of exposition on Sumerian mythology. With Cryptonomicon, I thought he'd come to a point of perfect balance between these two poles but here that balance shifts book. You could, of course, argue that the sheer volume of information and the historical distance necessitate more explanation.

Overall then, a good book if not a right rollickin' read. It took me a good week to get through it and I think it'll be a month or so before I can face the next instalment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 June, 2013, 06:19:36 PM
Astute review there, The Cosh.  The aspects you identify as shortcomings intensify in the third volume, but I have to say I loved the whole lot, Quicksilver in particular. There aren't many kilopage sagas that can make the invention of calculus a source of gripping drama. I am however something of a Stephenson fanboy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 19 June, 2013, 06:57:50 PM
haunt... :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 20 June, 2013, 12:21:18 PM
Thanks Cosh!

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/recent-comic-purchases-4/

:)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 20 June, 2013, 12:57:26 PM
(http://www.bloodyloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/TINTIN-alien-560x761.jpg)

I wish.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 20 June, 2013, 02:11:28 PM
^Arf!

QuoteSucceeded in a second assault on Neal Stephenson's Quicksilver, a book which I'd previously abandoned

Yeah, nice review there Cosh. For my money, The Confusion is the best of the trilogy and it's split into more manageable chunks. On a related note, I think Anathem is his best, closely followed by The Diamond Age and Cryptonomicon.

...

I just finished reading the first Lone Wolf and Cub omnibus and thought it was brilliant. Seemed a bit repetitive at first but I soon got into the swing and it took some nasty turns at times. Some chunky dialogue here and there, but the art is just superb, so full of movement, subtley and energy so I'm looking forward to the next volume.

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 20 June, 2013, 02:15:20 PM
Quote from: ming on 20 June, 2013, 12:57:26 PM
(http://www.bloodyloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/TINTIN-alien-560x761.jpg)

I wish.

Love it. But shouldn't that read Le visage étreindre.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 20 June, 2013, 02:29:46 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 20 June, 2013, 02:11:28 PM
I just finished reading the first Lone Wolf and Cub omnibus and thought it was brilliant. Seemed a bit repetitive at first but I soon got into the swing and it took some nasty turns at times. Some chunky dialogue here and there, but the art is just superb, so full of movement, subtley and energy so I'm looking forward to the next volume.

I've never seen any other art that has the same feeling of movement and energy than Kojima's stuff through LW&C. It really is stunning stuff. I wish Dark Horse had taken the opportunity for these re-releases to drop the Frank Miller cover art for these new omnibus, they really are terrible. His version of Daigoro is cringe inducing on later volumes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 June, 2013, 05:28:00 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 20 June, 2013, 02:11:28 PM
Yeah, nice review there Cosh. For my money, The Confusion is the best of the trilogy and it's split into more manageable chunks.

Interestingly, I found Confusion the worst of the three (although with books of this quality, 'least best' seems a more apposite description.) Very meandering, lots of discurssions and navel-gazing without much of a forward-driving plot emerging until right at the very end - all charges that can be laid at the door of Quicksilver, too, but often even more annoying here. I loved Eliza's Versailles shenanigans with Rossignol and company, but Jack's storyline really started to try my patience. I think I was perhaps just missing Waterhouse, Newton and the London crowd.

For me, System of the World was by far and away the best of the cycle (and I include Cryptonomicon in this). It was the point where Stephenson achieves a near-perfect balance between the demands of plot, insights of character and his own need to digress. I don't know if perhaps the imminent end of the trilogy focused his mind somewhat, but there's a very definite plot driving the narrative forward at all times (as opposed to earlier books where you sometimes wondered where certain sections were going, or if they were even strictly necessary). It's the paciest of the books, the most exciting, and also the funniest. And it has one of his best characters in Peter Hoxton, horologist extraordinnaire.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 20 June, 2013, 05:44:30 PM
See, I really liked Jack's story, Jimbo. We're all kinds of different! And yeah sheldipez, the cover art was definitely the worst part of the book...

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 June, 2013, 06:44:00 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 20 June, 2013, 02:11:28 PMOn a related note, I think Anathem is his best, closely followed by The Diamond Age and Cryptonomicon.

I really loved Anathem (one of the cleverest SF books I've read), but I'd probably tie it for first with Quicksilver, or indeed the Baroque Cycle as a whole.  Agree with Mikey about Diamond Age and Cryptonomicon in the ranking.  He has an amazing body of work behind him at this stage.  He writes books you can dive into and swim about for ages without fear of running out of air.  I hope his Kickstarter stuff isn't distracting him from writing!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 June, 2013, 07:42:03 PM
The Baroque Cycle's all I've read and I should really rectify that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 20 June, 2013, 07:47:16 PM
A dungeons and dragons Dark Sun trade good fun so far.A bit different characters with the grim setting and all but most enjoyable.

Who shouted nerd?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 20 June, 2013, 08:29:27 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 20 June, 2013, 02:11:28 PM

I just finished reading the first Lone Wolf and Cub omnibus and thought it was brilliant. Seemed a bit repetitive at first but I soon got into the swing and it took some nasty turns at times. Some chunky dialogue here and there, but the art is just superb, so full of movement, subtley and energy so I'm looking forward to the next volume.

M.

I thought that at first - fella with a pram shows up, kills people, takes money, lather, rinse repeat.  And then a few volumes in you start to learn the back story of the Ogami's and all the politics and in-fighting and it becomes a gripping thriller (with lots and lots and lots of limb hackings, head chopping-offs and gut slicing-open).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 21 June, 2013, 09:44:01 PM
Polished off The Extinction Parade #1 written by Max Brooks and drawn by Raulo Caceres. Very much an introduction, but am intrigued by how it will develop. Basic premise is that there had been a zombie outbreak which seems to be escalating quickly, observed through the eyes of three vampires.

I'm afraid I'm not loving the artwork though...

I'll give #2 a go...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 22 June, 2013, 07:43:12 AM
Quote from: SimeonB on 21 June, 2013, 09:44:01 PM
Polished off The Extinction Parade #1 written by Max Brooks and drawn by Raulo Caceres. Very much an introduction, but am intrigued by how it will develop. Basic premise is that there had been a zombie outbreak which seems to be escalating quickly, observed through the eyes of three vampires.

I'm afraid I'm not loving the artwork though...

I'll give #2 a go...

I never did like the Extinction Parade story from his "Closure, Limited and other Zombie Tales" book so was on the fence about the comic until I saw the art from the preview which just put me off altogether. I might still pick it up if hits TPB cheap. I wish Max Brooks would get his next proper novel out!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 22 June, 2013, 08:27:13 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 22 June, 2013, 07:43:12 AM
Quote from: SimeonB on 21 June, 2013, 09:44:01 PM
Polished off The Extinction Parade #1 written by Max Brooks and drawn by Raulo Caceres.

I'll give #2 a go...

I never did like the Extinction Parade story from his "Closure, Limited and other Zombie Tales" book so was on the fence about the comic until I saw the art from the preview which just put me off altogether. I might still pick it up if hits TPB cheap. I wish Max Brooks would get his next proper novel out!

It's weird because I read the first two stories in that collection, then promptly lost my copy of the book! So I haven't read the original short. I liked "Steve and Fred" the best (I think that was the title - the 2nd story). Don't know when Mr Brooks will write another novel. Probably busy with other projects like this.

I'll give #2 a go and report back, but I wouldn't recommend buying #1 at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 22 June, 2013, 10:34:29 AM
Quote from: ming on 20 June, 2013, 12:57:26 PM
(http://www.bloodyloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/TINTIN-alien-560x761.jpg)

I wish.

Me too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 June, 2013, 11:28:05 AM
ABC Warriors Vol 1: The Meknificent Seven.  As the weather has permitted the Boy to be outside playing right past his bedtime, I've been trimming the bedtime story routine down so he gets something, without it being the usual almost-an-hour long session.  Ideal in this respect has been an episode a night of the original ABC Warriors, each taking only a few minutes.  We read all of Ro-Busters and the original Mars stuff and their Nemesis appearances last year, but due to my Titan Vol 1 going mysteriously missing, we'd never actually read the origin stories.  It's a joy to see just how excited he is as each Warrior is introduced, especially Steelhorn ('Who's Steelhorn?  I don't remember him. When are they going to meet the Mess?') - the episode pacing is perfect for stringing out the story night by night.  These are just top comics for kids, full of juicy war-tech factoids, crazy designs, atrocities and betrayals, with a strong core of morality running beneath.  Pat Mills really is at his very best here, although sad to note that the repro on some of this (the Rebellion) volume is very poor, which I presume can be ascribed to the reduction of some insanely dense art and greyscaling of the colour spreads.  Alas for my missing Titan!

Continuing the nostalgia theme, I've been re-reading V for Vendetta for the umpteenth time.  Most interesting is how Moore's writing evolves from the very device-heavy first book on through to the more subtle open third book, while still holding together as a single work that actually uses this transition as a theme.  Lloyd's art is still astonishing in both in how unique and how perfectly appropriate it is.  I do wish a vocal section of the adopters of the Fawkes mask would actually read this book, it has a great deal of relevance to say to them. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 23 June, 2013, 11:23:03 AM
I'm attempting a second reading of Neonomicon, and I must say I'm finding it more accessible, and even palatable than the first reading! Its probably down to the fact I'm more versed in the world of H.P Lovecraft, than I was when I first read it a couple of years ago. The rape scene however still remains quite shocking, not to mention very graphic. Probably the most sexually graphic comic I've picked up from my library. Just a tad worried about the idea of a young 'un coming across this title,  as there's no age recommendation on the cover.  :-\

And TordelBack, your son is really lucky to have a father like you!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 23 June, 2013, 12:56:02 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 23 June, 2013, 11:23:03 AM
Probably the most sexually graphic comic I've picked up from my library. Just a tad worried about the idea of a young 'un coming across this title,  as there's no age recommendation on the cover.  :-\


Tricky one, Mabs, because we don't want it banned from your library. Likewise, I know I wouldn't want my boy to pick it up and have a flick through it! Does you local library have an 'adult' comics section (I don't mean pornographic, I mean comics for adults  :)) and did you get it from there? There is a 'comic friendly' librarian in my local, so if it were me, I'd have a chat to him. If you have an equally nice chap or lady at yours, maybe approach them and see what they say?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 23 June, 2013, 01:28:49 PM
I visit my local library at least once a week and always have a look through the Graphic Novels section.....The library is being renovated,  so there are some internal modifications being done and moving around of bookcases and book sections.......
I picked up 2 this week.....Ian Rankins' graphic novel about John Constantine 'Dark Entries' and Gambit 'Once a Thief'...
When I took them to the librarian to get them 'stamped',... we had a chat and she asked me what I thought of the 'new' layout of the library.....I told her I thought it was great,  but also said I thought it was a 'bit of a surprise' that they had put the Graphic Novel section 'almost next'  to the childrens'  picture novels.....

She said that they were being categorised as 'young adults / teenage' novels so the logical way to lay it out was Childrens' section, Teenagers / Young Adults' section and then Adult Section.....

I asked her if she was aware of the content of Graphic Novels were sometimes more 'adult' than 'teen', and she replied 'they put a Parental Warning on those novels that are not suitable for children'......
After showing her a few examples of 'unsuitable' for younger children ( without the warning stickers ) she is now looking at moving the graphic novels into a more Adult area to ensure that younger children cannot 'flick' through them......
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 23 June, 2013, 01:33:03 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 23 June, 2013, 12:56:02 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 23 June, 2013, 11:23:03 AM
Probably the most sexually graphic comic I've picked up from my library. Just a tad worried about the idea of a young 'un coming across this title,  as there's no age recommendation on the cover.  :-\


Tricky one, Mabs, because we don't want it banned from your library. Likewise, I know I wouldn't want my boy to pick it up and have a flick through it! Does you local library have an 'adult' comics section (I don't mean pornographic, I mean comics for adults  :)) and did you get it from there? There is a 'comic friendly' librarian in my local, so if it were me, I'd have a chat to him. If you have an equally nice chap or lady at yours, maybe approach them and see what they say?

I absolutely agree SimeonB, I wouldn't want it banned. The place I found it, in the comics/ graphic novel section, it's accessible to everyone but mainly more older readers frequent that area. There is a childrens room specifically, and they do have their own stuff, like Tin Tin, Asterix and so on. And occasionally the stuff from the (adult) comic section finds its way to the childrens section. So when I'm looking for stuff for my boy I sometimes come across mature titles, like Hellblazer and Sandman etc. And my worry is what's stopping a more graphic comic like Neonomicon ending up there? When I first borrowed Neonomicon a while back it was from another library, and that comic section was accessible to everyone. I don't know, it's quite a tricky issue...but I think best thing to do would be to maybe speak to a staff member like you suggested. Because as much as I love the mature stuff, I wouldn't want this particular title finding its way into my sons hands!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 23 June, 2013, 09:09:43 PM
Today the Dredd's CCF3 "fell". I ended it. I think it's a mixed bag. It's not only the thinnest of the CCFs i have, but also a melting pot of short stories.

But one in particular made me think about future stories. The one of the scientist that had the house search and the Judges didn't found even the slightest offense or fault. And then Good Joe has a feeling, and yep, the guy is trying to sell the defense stuff plans to the sovs, and so on. I think the seed for the Apocalypse War was planted there.

I also returned to Game of Thrones, the first book. I'm reading a few pages per day. I also have the 2nd that will be the next. I'll get if i can buy the 2 first seasons, but and i'm "late", to read the books before the series, but i can't wait to see HBO's work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 24 June, 2013, 12:08:12 AM
The Phoenix, which not for the first time gave me some genuine belly laughs in a way few comics - yes, even that one - can manage.  From the dark, black undercurrent of of Gary's Garden that can spring anything from doomed love to the death of a parent on the reader as the basis of its otherwise silly and malice-free jokes, to Corpse Talk's use of nudity, violent deaths and even a ninja being graphically shitted on by a nameless anus as he waits inside a toilet to stab someone in the asshole, this is what I would have liked to have been reading as a child, but am instead reading it as an adult and probably enjoying it more than I do the prog.
Recent highlights include Garen Ewing's Hergé-inspired Secret of the Samurai and a biographical overview of the sad life and unappreciated career of HP Lovecraft delivered by his own reanimated corpse.  It finished a while back, but the Etherington Brothers' Long Gone Don was a not-quite UK comics but not-quite Eurocomics either-style blast that I hope ends up in an an annual-sized collection sometime soon so it can take its place in school libraries alongside the collections of other materials from the Phoenix and its sadly-missed forebear The DFC.  It took me a while to cotton on that there's no ads, and the pages you'd normally expect to hold ads instead have puzzles, reader's art, letters. self-made comics, or other silliness and encouragement to join in with the book and its community while being creative.
A constantly-improving highlight of my comics-reading week.

The High Ways - very Euro-flavored sci-fi miniseries from honorary forum member John Byrne.  Follows the first voyage of a young man as he joins a tight-knit group of space truckers as they set out on a routine six-month mission when Stuff happens.  It's not Star Wars or Star Trek by any stretch, it's a lot more indy in setup - if very Byrne-ish in execution - than I'd expect, but all told, I enjoyed it, even if I struggle to understand who it's aimed it - me, I guess, as I'd certainly buy more.  It's not quite dense, but not-quite decompressed, either.  The sci-fi seems very down-to-earth (space-smuggling and space-poaching, etc), but there's plenty of high concept in there, too (space police and space pirates).  Some great linework from Byrne and colours from Twoothy alum Len O'Grady.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 26 June, 2013, 11:07:01 AM
Perturbed and touched by the sad demise of Iain Banks, I realised that I'd only ever read a handful of his "straight" novels with the most recent of those being Complicity. Resolving to change this, I proceeded to my local library only to discover that everyone else in Glasgow had had the same idea and the only one left on the shelves was Transition. This one is very much a halfway house between his M and non-M books. The basic setup could easily fit into the Culture but, while those are never really hard sci-fi, there's a lot less regard for the consistency of the many-worlds background.

As ever, the mellifluous prose keeps you turning the pages but the book ultimately seems rather unfocused. There are obvious digs at The War on Terror and the culture of greed leading to the banking crisis. In fact, by far the most entertaining character in the book is the one shoehorned in for the sole purpose of illustrating the latter. Maybe I'm missing something but, ultimately, it feels like a bunch of ingredients mixed together because that's what's in the cupboard rather than because they complement each other.

Also halfway through Reheated Cabbage, a collection of Irvine Welsh shorts. It doesn't have the life and novelty of The Acid House - a couple of the pieces come across as tired retreads of earlier stuff - but there's still an eye for absurdity and an ear for dialogue that makes me laugh.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 27 June, 2013, 08:33:34 PM
Just finished reading The Dark Knight Returns. What can I say? Epic! Simply one of the best comic books I have read. The first two parts I struggled with a bit. The style is very different, with a lot of frames and text filling each page and the first two parts really set the scene for the later action. And action is what happens in the last two parts. Great stuff. I can see why it is a much loved and much respected book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 27 June, 2013, 08:51:31 PM
Simeon, do youself a favour and don't read The Dark Knight Strikes Again. That way your love for TDKR will be left untarnished.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 27 June, 2013, 08:54:20 PM
Cheers Hawkmonger. That tallies with what a mate at work said. He put it like "I have it, you can borrow it, but I read it once and will never read it again". Not a glowing recommendation :)

How did Frank Miller get it so right, then so wrong?!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 27 June, 2013, 08:57:12 PM
He got into extreme masogony. The rest is, as they they, bigotry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 June, 2013, 09:13:21 PM
I have to say I don't think Dark Knight has lasted the test of time the way other lauded books of that era have. It's not terrible by any stretch of the imagination, well in fact it's very good, just dated. Not a patch on either Year One, or Born Again, which for me are the real Miller classics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 27 June, 2013, 10:02:13 PM
Blimey, if there are better Miller Batmans I shall be glad to make their acquaintance!

Cheers Colin, I will add them to the reading list  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 27 June, 2013, 10:21:09 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 27 June, 2013, 09:13:21 PM
I have to say I don't think Dark Knight has lasted the test of time the way other lauded books of that era have. It's not terrible by any stretch of the imagination, well in fact it's very good, just dated. Not a patch on either Year One, or Born Again, which for me are the real Miller classics.
Hmm. I came to it late, but I've never thought Year One was in the same league as the other two. Born Again is the daddy though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 28 June, 2013, 01:02:53 AM
I recently finished 'Let the Old Dreams Guy'. Apparently from one story which made little sense to me, great stuff. Highly recommended. If you prefer the endings of Let the Right One In and Handling the Undead to remain [spoiler]ambiguous[/spoiler] (and I kinda do in the case of the former) you might wish to skip the two 'sort of sequels' in this volume. Which would be a shame as I thought them great little tales in their own right.

I've just started 'Vampire Circus'. I was curious on seeing it in the library at I rather like the original Hammer Horror film on which this is based. I'm undecided yet on how good the book is, but it's not bad so far. Changing the setting to the present day rather than retelling the period drama of the first was a curious decision.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 29 June, 2013, 04:33:28 PM
Just reading Saga Vol. 2 right now, which I had delivered this morning along with Prophet Vol. 2...

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/recent-comic-purchases-5/

Awesome stuff so far! :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: EddieHitler on 29 June, 2013, 09:45:49 PM
Saga Vol 1 & 2.

It is the the best/most enjoyable comic/gn I have read in a very long time.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 29 June, 2013, 11:07:59 PM
Just finished reading Saga Vol. 2. Wow. Just......

WOW!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 June, 2013, 08:36:45 PM
Just finished Saga Volume 2 as well and... well I'm going to go against the trend... kinda.

Its pretty good. Its not the best comic I've ever read, far from it. It won't get close to being the best comic I've read this year, but its good fun. Kinda annoying at times. Every conversation seems to be filled with sass and smarts. Its like all the characters are Doctor Who companions from NuWho, all talking sassy and smart to each other, just so BKV can show how sizzling his dialogue is, rather than real.

The world building also feels lazy. It looks astonishing, but all the folk amazingly diverse visually though they are, talk and act like... well folk. There's no sense, aside from the visual, of this diversity. Its like a fun action number, with a little more depth, but not that much.

I say these things to highlight why I think its far from the perfect comic so many others do (not just here) and thus just focus on its weaknesses rather than its plenty of strengths, as it is good fun, its just far from brilliant, though it has the odd moment

Quote"These days, I use it as a bookmark"

being my favourite line by a country mile and for those that are reading it so powerful. While the trades continue to be such good value I'll be on board. Of the two Image books really breaking the sales mold at the minute, this one is... well... running all over the Walking Dead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 30 June, 2013, 08:47:35 PM
Just read "The Fictional Man" by our very own Al Ewing. If anyone's not read it yet, I'd recommend it completely. High concept weirdness with great characters that really jump out at you - it's the kind of book that reminds you of why you love to read in the first place  :)

Crossed Wish You Were Here Volume 2 has been the most recent comic reading - I don't know if it's down to being published more often than the other on-going series in the Crossed universe, but the narrator of this one is so well-developed and it's just a great read. I'm eagerly awaiting the next part.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 30 June, 2013, 09:30:54 PM
Just read the final issue of Fury Max (#13) and it is gut-wrenchingly superb.

This has easily been one of the finest comics I have read for a very, very long time and although not for the faint hearted I would recommend it unequivocally.
It's some of the best work Ennis has ever done and Goran Parlov's expressive and provocative art has been consistently brilliant.
It's pretty much a masterpiece of storytelling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 June, 2013, 09:35:38 PM
Quote from: dweezil2 on 30 June, 2013, 09:30:54 PM
Just read the final issue of Fury Max (#13) and it is gut-wrenchingly superb.

This has easily been one of the finest comics I have read for a very, very long time and although not for the faint hearted I would recommend it unequivocally.
It's some of the best work Ennis has ever done and Goran Parlov's expressive and provocative art has been consistently brilliant.
It's pretty much a masterpiece of storytelling.

Having read the first trade I'm REALLY looking forward to the second (coming September I believe). You know I said Saga was never going to be the best thing I read this year a few posts ago. This might well be in contention if the standard keeps up!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 30 June, 2013, 09:44:41 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 30 June, 2013, 09:35:38 PM
Quote from: dweezil2 on 30 June, 2013, 09:30:54 PM
Just read the final issue of Fury Max (#13) and it is gut-wrenchingly superb.

This has easily been one of the finest comics I have read for a very, very long time and although not for the faint hearted I would recommend it unequivocally.
It's some of the best work Ennis has ever done and Goran Parlov's expressive and provocative art has been consistently brilliant.
It's pretty much a masterpiece of storytelling.

Having read the first trade I'm REALLY looking forward to the second (coming September I believe). You know I said Saga was never going to be the best thing I read this year a few posts ago. This might well be in contention if the standard keeps up!

Glad you're enjoying it so far Colin_YNWA.

If anything it just gets better and the final part hits like a drop kick to the guts. Love to hear what you think when you catch up.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 30 June, 2013, 11:02:31 PM
Got through Heck by Zander Cannon today. Thought it was good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 01 July, 2013, 09:58:29 AM
Just finished Nemesis (the Millar version, not "The Warlock"). I was confused by the ending - I'll detail why below:

[spoiler]So just who on earth was the Nemesis character. Was he, in fact, several rich playboys who enjoy dressing up as super-villans? Or the same chap, but funded by rich playboys? I mean, he did some high-tailing martial arts stuff to take down 100 cops and shot up a load of stuff and had all sorts of gadgets and gizmos - must be the same guy, right? And c'mon - leaving the bottle of wine 10 years before! That was just silly.[/spoiler]

And it all just felt too unbelievable. I know the premise of many comics are fantastical, but the good ones have an air of credibility to them. This felt rather like my 9 year old writing a story, with the typical small child ending of him waking up at the end to find out it was all a dream... (That's not the end of the comic, BTW, I'm using it to illustrate a point).

Shame - because 5 sixths of the book are really great - it felt like an anti-Batman which was a great idea. Just let down by the end...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 01 July, 2013, 10:59:28 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 30 June, 2013, 08:36:45 PM
Just finished Saga Volume 2 as well and... well I'm going to go against the trend... kinda.

Its pretty good. Its not the best comic I've ever read, far from it. It won't get close to being the best comic I've read this year, but its good fun. Kinda annoying at times. Every conversation seems to be filled with sass and smarts. Its like all the characters are Doctor Who companions from NuWho, all talking sassy and smart to each other, just so BKV can show how sizzling his dialogue is, rather than real.

The world building also feels lazy. It looks astonishing, but all the folk amazingly diverse visually though they are, talk and act like... well folk. There's no sense, aside from the visual, of this diversity. Its like a fun action number, with a little more depth, but not that much.

I say these things to highlight why I think its far from the perfect comic so many others do (not just here) and thus just focus on its weaknesses rather than its plenty of strengths, as it is good fun, its just far from brilliant, though it has the odd moment

Quote"These days, I use it as a bookmark"

being my favourite line by a country mile and for those that are reading it so powerful. While the trades continue to be such good value I'll be on board. Of the two Image books really breaking the sales mold at the minute, this one is... well... running all over the Walking Dead.

That was one of the faults with Y tbh, and I can spot the same style in the way BKV tells the story. But in terms of the cliffhangers/ twists and the artwork by Fiona Staples, it just blew me away. By the way, Fiona is not related to Greg Staples in any way is she? I mean same surname and they're both talented as fuck!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 01 July, 2013, 01:37:02 PM
Boneland by Alan Garner. A belated follow up to The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and The Moon of Gomrath, it's a very different book and, while the connection does make sense, I'd say it's only really there to allow the book to be stripped of a few pages of establishing backstory.

Colin from the earlier books has no memory of their events. Now a respected astrophysicist, he is on the verge of a breakdown seemingly related to his obsessive search for the sister he doesn't remember. Alongside the unraveling of inner struggles, a secondary narrative presents us with a sort of shamanic creation myth clearly - though never explicitly - set around the same landscape which forms the backdrop of all three books.

There appear to be various levels of parallel and resonance between the two parts but, being honest, I haven't got much of a clue what's meant to be going on, just the general sense that there are things I'm missing. Not that this is an unfamiliar sensation. I've found with his last couple of books that the first read only serves to get a general idea of the shape and ear for the language being used. It takes a second or more to start to tease out the heart of the matter and they are generally short and precise enough that this isn't a chore.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 01 July, 2013, 01:58:28 PM
I've a ton of books to work through but I'm finding myself increasingly tempted to buy the first part in the whole Graham Prophet run so many people here seem to be talking about (although it'll have to get in line with the current DareDevil run on my purchase list).
Reading-wise, I've recently finished Chuck Palahniuk's Damned. Can't say I'm a big fan of Palahniuk but I must have had a large proportion of his work thrust in my direction over the years. Damned, without shadow of a doubt, is the worst of them. It's actually pretty difficult for me to think of anything else to add after that statement but I will ask how much longer is he going to insist on putting "You exercise and take vitamins every day, what an asshole!" etc in his work? Oh, and there's going to be a sequel for Damned. I predict he'll use this sequel to slip in "You exercise and take vitamins every day, what an asshole!" wherever he gets the chance.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 July, 2013, 03:35:56 PM
Started into a re-read of Sandman, buoyed by the prospect of the prequel and in recognition that the library is never going to find me the next volume of Invisibles.  Blimey, but it's good stuff.  I've just got as far 'the Sound of her Wings', (which as I recall was the end of the Preludes and Nocturnes volume), and I'm really impressed by how well it's all aged. 

I often think of these early issues as unsure in their approach, but they really aren't, it's just that later issues take a different tack.  The close integration with the mainstream DCU is charming, and builds nicely on Moore's similar achievements in Swamp Thing.  I have slightly more of an idea of who all these superpeople are now than I did back in 1989, but to be honest they just broaden Gaiman's fictional palette.  I'm not sure how much editorial dictat went into having these 'crossovers' early in the run, but they do no harm at all.

These stories are packed with incident and ideas, and the 'Waiting for the end of the World' sequence remains as horrific as it ever did - very much the forerunner of Crossed in fact. Keith, Dringenberg and Kelley pack their art with crude grotesques and little details alike, making for very good value.  The subtle seeds that are sown for future stories and characters are abundant but unobtrusive.

Dear grud though, Robbie Busch's colouring is a crime against art.  I know there were terrible technical limitations at the time, and the later reprints tackle this, but there's surely no excuse for continually mixing up the colours of characters' hair and clothes between panels, and slopping flat purple backgrounds over every foreground line.  A ghastly murky mess that makes 2000AD's somewhat-coterminus 'mud' period look like Van Gogh's Sunflowers.  No wonder I had pretty much sworn off colour comics at the time: compare a contemporary issue of Cerebus or Love and Rockets and give your eyes a much-needed chaser.

I wonder if by the time I'm done I'll actually prefer these earlier wildly energetic issues to the slower more polished later stuff that I usually think of as 'proper' Sandman.  Either way, these are some terrific comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 03 July, 2013, 05:06:27 PM
I remember swearing off comic book subcategories all the time, TB, and suspect I am rapidly approaching swearing off superhero books after Marvel's Age of Ultron, which gleaned one bright spot in the form of an Al Ewing Captains Britain/Marvel team-up in Avengers Assemble, but was otherwise completely wretched and felt like a personal insult.  I have a theory that this story was originally intended to introduce Marvelman to regular Marvel continuity, only the rights issue hasn't been sorted so it sat on a shelf for at least two years while talent associated with it moved to other projects and continuity clogged up around it and major players were dead, crippled, replaced with their arch-nemesis and so on, so it was either publish it now or never so they went out and bought a character absolutely no-one gave two shits about to fill a double-page spread originally earmarked for Marvelman's first canon appearance, which is why we were told for months that we'd never guess the ending - not even the guy who wrote the story two years ago knew what it was, and it also explains why there were so few tie-in books and holy god what a world when 23 tie-ins barely registers as a crossover.

Doomsday.1 - another sci-fi miniseries from John Byrne, this one a bit more glum as it follows a group of astronauts on the International Space Station who decide - after a massive solar flare wipes out the human race and leaves the planet a desolate ash-covered wasteland - to return to Earth.  It reminds me of those daffy old Survivalist pulp novels, only without the off-the-rails sci-fi of the later volumes, and in keeping with that there's some clumsy dialog in here, but for the most part it's pretty good, with some spectacularly dickish exchanges that the likes of Warren Ellis would be proud of putting in print, like the son still angry at his apologetic father as the world literally ends around them both, a cowardly pope fleeing the Vatican in anonymity, and Lady President addressing the nation for no reason other than to tell them we're totally fucked and she's going to pray to baby Jesus right now on television that it will at least be quick.
There's the usual apocalyptic survivor tropes to get through like body mutilation, cannibalism and the obligatory rape scene, but the book thankfully stops short of making us sit through any of that in any graphic form, only to deliver some horribly offhand dialogue about worse having already happened off-panel to other - deader - people, which just serves to remind the reader that you don't need to splatter the page with gore and rape to horrify them.  There's a logical storytelling progression/escalation to events as things seem to follow an episodic format spun out of the seeds planted in #1 where things are set up well enough, though this maybe feels like a cheat to modern audiences used to having McGuffins set up that then go nowhere and/or the random deaths of cast members.  Likewise, misery-porn like Walking Dead might leave you with the impression that if a tight-knit post-apocalyptic group doesn't suffer sexual assaults and mutilations on a regular basis the audience is somehow being cheated, but if you like those lo-fi 1980s post-apocalyptic movies that filled shelves in VHS rental stores back in the day, this is a pretty good recreation of the general atmosphere.  The art is reliably Byrne with expressive faces and melodramatic body language (which is harder to do than you might think), and like his Star Trek: Crew books and the High Ways, it's surprisingly good old-school page-turning pulpy fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 03 July, 2013, 05:12:29 PM
Prophet Vol. 2:

Absolutely superb stuff. Shaping up to be the read of the month for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 03 July, 2013, 05:21:19 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 03 July, 2013, 05:12:29 PM
Prophet Vol. 2:

Absolutely superb stuff. Shaping up to be the read of the month for me.
I recently said Prophet was edging its way onto my purchase list, thinking I might make it a next purchase (checked Amazon; the books are under £6!). I was going to take a chance on the new DareDevil run but part of me is thinking maybe I should keep DareDevil as the collection I've already read- you know, like albums from when you were younger that you go back to from time to time? Don't want to risk another disappointment featuring my favourite comic character here so I may just go and dip my toes in the untested waters instead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 03 July, 2013, 05:51:10 PM
Quote from: Professor James T Bear on 03 July, 2013, 05:06:27 PMThere's a logical storytelling progression/escalation to events as things seem to follow an episodic format spun out of the seeds planted in #1 where things are set up well enough, though this maybe feels like a cheat to modern audiences used to having McGuffins set up that then go nowhere and/or the random deaths of cast members. 

I've not read this particular work, but I find this surprising. I've read a couple of Byrne books lately ( a collection of his Namor stories from the early 90s and vol 2 of The Next Men) and I find his storytelling rather weak - characters appear and disappear with no explanation, scenes and flashbacks jump around all over the place, and it all ends up a bit confusing and unsatisfying. His art is skilful but looks rather dated now, and although his facial expressions are fantastic, his action scenes could be a little more imaginative in their composition.

But maybe I'm just biased against him 'cos he's an egotistical dickweed!  ;)


I've been on an anthropomorphic animal tip lately. After re-reading all my Grandville books, I managed to snag Blacksad from my local library - fan-bloody-tastic. Whereas Grandville is animals in a Sherlock Holmes/steampunk setting; Blacksad does the same as a 40s noir PI story. Highly recommended, bothy in the story and the incredible art.

I also got The Celestial Bibendum from the library, which I think Bryan Talbot talks about as one of the influences for Grandville. The art is lovely, but I'm finding the story rather heavy going - it's all a bit arty-farty surreal for my tastes.

I guess I need to re-read Maus and Elephantmen now to maintain the animal theme!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 03 July, 2013, 06:05:23 PM
A lot of stuff has fallen int omy hands these days. Mainly european comics, like WW2.2, D-Day(Jour J in english, an ucrony series), XIII, and some Star Wars Stuff: Darth Vader and the Lost Command, Jedi vol.1(the one with Qui-Gon Jinn), KOTOR, etc.

I've seen quite some bad reviews from DV and the LC... but i enjoyed the trade. Well, the art it's not that great, compared to let's say Dark Times(trade 3 is gorgeous), but it's not that bad, story-wise.

One thing that i can recommend without hesitation is the Pacific Rim comic Prequel. It explains a lot of things, from before the movie and way before it, etc. I won't spoil it but it's not bad at all. Let's see it's not the typical "trash" to milk the money cow outta people.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 04 July, 2013, 11:47:09 AM
Bit behind the times but: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen vol 2.

I really liked Alan Moore's America's Best Comics but couldn't get into LOEG – which I bought only one issue of in comic form. Should've given it a chance.

Someone quite recently gave me volumes 1&2 as the original owner emigrated and gave them away (bit battered but not complaining). Now I have some time on my hands I can't put the ruddy things down.

I was admittedly put off as I thought it would be full of literary references that would go over my head eg I had no idea who Mina Murray is but like the idea that I can delve into it and find out more.

Kevin O'Neill is one of my favourite artists but his LOEG work didn't appeal to me – really into it now. Perfectly suited. The man is a genius.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 04 July, 2013, 12:05:34 PM
Struggling a bit with Olaf Stapledon's Last and First Men. Very dry. Being presented as a future history rather than a straight novel it immediately and continually breaches all notions of "show, don't tell." Occasionally a single sentence provides a flash of insight and imagination which would easily fuel a short story, if not an entire novel, so I persevere.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LorcanQ on 04 July, 2013, 12:58:16 PM
Quote from: SuperSurfer on 04 July, 2013, 11:47:09 AM
Bit behind the times but: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen vol 2.

I really liked Alan Moore's America's Best Comics but couldn't get into LOEG – which I bought only one issue of in comic form. Should've given it a chance.

Someone quite recently gave me volumes 1&2 as the original owner emigrated and gave them away (bit battered but not complaining). Now I have some time on my hands I can't put the ruddy things down.

I was admittedly put off as I thought it would be full of literary references that would go over my head eg I had no idea who Mina Murray is but like the idea that I can delve into it and find out more.

Kevin O'Neill is one of my favourite artists but his LOEG work didn't appeal to me – really into it now. Perfectly suited. The man is a genius.

Hm funny you should say that, I felt the exact same thing. I read LOEG volume 1 years ago, and, although i thought it was great fun, still havent gotten the later volume. Using all those victorian literature characters made me feel I should read the original novels first before moving on to the later books in the LOEG series. I started this with Dracula, and was actually quite disappointed. Although yeah, I get it's a typical Moore deconstruction of seemingly innocent characters and looking at their personalities more cynically, Mina Murray just didn't seem to correspond at all to how she is portrayed in the book. From this, I just didn't see the point of why Moore used her if she's a different character to what she used to be.

Also, what annoyed me most about LOEG is that Moore specifically says in this interview that he condemns his writing in the killing joke because "a lot of nasty things" happen in it only to make the point of the story that Joker and the Batman are similar, which he says, on the whole scale of things, doesnt matter because these characters are preposterous so the "nasty things" that occur are gratuitous

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSXXIuKZ6qA

That's all well and good, but he completely contradicts himself with LOEG. It has a hell of a lot of nasty things, specifically the rape scenes, which specifically in the first volume, are completely gratuitous and sensational IMO. And, they're there for no reason other than to entertain or state something about just as preposterous characters as Batman and the Joker. Such huge contradictions just annoy me. However, I'll admit, there's a huge chance I am completely and stupidly missing some point to LOEG that defends this and would completely accept it if it came up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 04 July, 2013, 01:17:19 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 04 July, 2013, 12:58:16 PM
Using all those victorian literature characters made me feel I should read the original novels first before moving on to the later books in the LOEG series.

See, this is why I love LOEG. I first read it in 2004 and was inspired to seek out some of the source material, and nine years later it still informs most of my reading material to this day. I've been happily stuck in a mire of purple-prosed penny dreadfuls and gung-ho genre exploits ever since. Dr Nikola, The Beetle, John Carter, Raffles ...most of this stuff would never have registered on my radar otherwise.

Quote from: LorcanQ on 04 July, 2013, 12:58:16 PM
Although yeah, I get it's a typical Moore deconstruction of seemingly innocent characters and looking at their personalities more cynically, Mina Murray just didn't seem to correspond at all to how she is portrayed in the book. From this, I just didn't see the point of why Moore used her if she's a different character to what she used to be.

The Mina of the novel is a prim Victorian music teacher. The Mina of LOEG is one that's been seduced by an undead vampire count, briefly been a vampire herself, been hurriedly divorced by her husband and then ostrasized and castigated by a society who blames her for being ravaged by a foreigner, to say nothing of being a divorcee. She's been through an awful lot of trauma, and small wonder that she's had to steel herself in order to stay out of the asylum. I personally think it would be very strange if she was the same character after all that.

Quote from: LorcanQ on 04 July, 2013, 12:58:16 PM
It has a hell of a lot of nasty things, specifically the rape scenes, which specifically in the first volume, are completely gratuitous and sensational IMO. And, they're there for no reason other than to entertain or state something about just as preposterous characters as Batman and the Joker.

I don't remember any rape scenes in the first volume apart from the arabs who try and attack Mina early on - and I don't really see how Mina or Quatermain are preposterous.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 July, 2013, 01:30:44 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 04 July, 2013, 01:17:19 PM
I don't remember any rape scenes in the first volume apart from the arabs who try and attack Mina early on...

Griffin does do a fair bit of it in the girls' school, where it's even played for laffs.

If I have one big problem with Moore, a writer I admire above all others, it's that he does include a lot of sexual assault.  In fairness it's not like sexual assault is rare in the real world or in fiction and almost uniquely he balances this by showing far more consensual sex in innumerable permutations and writing solid female protagonists, and he does tend to focus on the effects on the victim rather than the affronted male, but it still makes me deeply uneasy to find so much of it in my entertainment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LorcanQ on 04 July, 2013, 05:34:38 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 July, 2013, 01:30:44 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 04 July, 2013, 01:17:19 PM
I don't remember any rape scenes in the first volume apart from the arabs who try and attack Mina early on...

Griffin does do a fair bit of it in the girls' school, where it's even played for laffs.

If I have one big problem with Moore, a writer I admire above all others, it's that he does include a lot of sexual assault.  In fairness it's not like sexual assault is rare in the real world or in fiction and almost uniquely he balances this by showing far more consensual sex in innumerable permutations and writing solid female protagonists, and he does tend to focus on the effects on the victim rather than the affronted male, but it still makes me deeply uneasy to find so much of it in my entertainment.

Yeah, I do love reading Moore's work as well but it does have that nasty side to it which some of the time seems to be only there in a sensational aspect not integral to the story. There are also a huge number of near rape scenes aswell where the woman is, in the nick of time, saved by a tough man. (ie. first scene of V for vendetta, first scene of LOEG, Comedian-Silk Spectre scene in watchmen) which i personally find extremely cliched and slightly lazy writing TBH.  I remember an interview with Grant Morrison saying that Moore was "obsessed with rape" in his comics and, other than tom strong, every one of his works contains at least some sort of sexual assault, which weirdly, cant be denied...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 04 July, 2013, 05:50:52 PM

Moore was deeply immersed in the world of radical feminism during the seventies and eighties, reading Spare Rib in the same way some folk read the Bible. Anyone forming a world view based on the feminist literature of that period would be under the impression that patriarchal civilisations were specifically structured by men to afford them the opportunity to rape as many women as possible. Moore's is a great mind and he's nobody's fool, but his work does sometimes feel like a dramatization of the twisted logic behind the slogan all men are potential rapists.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 July, 2013, 06:09:46 PM
Comics readers will sooner complain about sexual assault in a book aimed at mature readers than we will in a book published by Walt Disney featuring superhero characters aimed at children.  I often wonder why that is, but my personal take is that Moore doesn't flinch from portraying it as terrible, while superhero comics are still using it as titillation and their audience likes it that way.

Having said that, that 1910 thing was fucking baffling to me - the character basically goes out of her way to get raped and then almost immediately uses it as a justification for the most awful retribution on the perpetrators.  My best reading is that it's a parody on sexual assault as a motivator for grim and gritty comics characters, as for my money LOEG is unambiguously a parody of the failings of the shared superhero universe, but a straight reading of the material is largely impossible because it's hard to read any character as being that dim that they can't see or hear everything and everyone around them going "raperaperaperape" for about sixty pages.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 July, 2013, 09:07:42 PM
Quote from: Professor James T Bear on 04 July, 2013, 06:09:46 PMHaving said that, that 1910 thing was fucking baffling to me - the character basically goes out of her way to get raped and then almost immediately uses it as a justification for the most awful retribution on the perpetrators.  My best reading is that it's a parody on sexual assault as a motivator for grim and gritty comics characters, as for my money LOEG is unambiguously a parody of the failings of the shared superhero universe, but a straight reading of the material is largely impossible because it's hard to read any character as being that dim that they can't see or hear everything and everyone around them going "raperaperaperape" for about sixty pages.

Janni's story is a direct retelling of the song 'Pirate Jenny' from The Threepenny Opera, in which essentially the same events unfold (albeit less explicitly - contemptuous treatment rather than rape), only with slightly more restrained pirates and less repeating harpoon guns.  Rarther than being a parody, I think Moore is just wrapping his characters into a harsher post-Ripper London.

However, looking at it from within the story, isn't Janni about 15 in 1910, and prior to this living on an island of indiscriminately rapey pirates who would never look sideways at her because of who she is?  You can see how she might be naive about her new circumstances.

BTW I can never thank Moore & O'Neill enough for introducing me to Brecht and Weil.  Fabulous stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 July, 2013, 09:23:12 PM
Living on the island would surely give her more of an inkling of how bad things can get out in the world?  That's just going by her pirate company and not her dad's warnings, too.  As I say, I'm only going by the story itself and not any background details I might need to know going in, and by the measure of the story itself her arc doesn't make a lot of sense.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 04 July, 2013, 09:43:42 PM
Decided to give All Star Superman another try, having not warmed to it first time round.

Still don't really get what all the fuss is about tbh. It also seems quite continuity-heavy, and doesn't really attempt to explain who all the weird characters are.

I'm also not very keen on Quitely's looser, sketchier artwork (darkened pencils?) nor the colouring.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 July, 2013, 09:56:58 PM
Quote from: Professor James T Bear on 04 July, 2013, 09:23:12 PMAs I say, I'm only going by the story itself and not any background details I might need to know going in, and by the measure of the story itself her arc doesn't make a lot of sense.

And that's an entirely reasonable way to look at it. My point re: Janni is that she may think she has grown up amongst the scum of the earth, but she has also been shielded from their worst excesses because of who she is.  And 1910 is a story about her rejecting and then accepting that mantle - she wants to become one of the ordinary folk, free of the demands of dynasty and anarchist idealism and her father's expectations and protections, only to learn what that freedom actually means for a broke girl in early 20th C London.  To learn about what it is about the world her father hates.  More broadly, there is a theme of asserting personhood, Janni's attackers and ordeal represent her dehumanisation in their eyes.  One of the annoying things about naivety is that by definition you aren't aware of it.

1910, and indeed much of Century, does follow The Threepenny Opera very very closely, in terms of plot, themes, lyrics and character, but there have always been points in the LoEG series where you really do need to be aware of the source material to unpick the story  - whether that's a good thing is another argument, but it's definitely part of the central conceit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 05 July, 2013, 11:30:55 AM
Quote from: radiator on 04 July, 2013, 09:43:42 PM
Decided to give All Star Superman another try, having not warmed to it first time round.

Still don't really get what all the fuss is about tbh. It also seems quite continuity-heavy, and doesn't really attempt to explain who all the weird characters are.

I'm also not very keen on Quitely's looser, sketchier artwork (darkened pencils?) nor the colouring.

I still like it for what it is, but by far Morrison's best take on the character was during his JLA run.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 06 July, 2013, 08:33:56 PM
Quote from: radiator on 04 July, 2013, 09:43:42 PM


It also seems quite continuity-heavy, and doesn't really attempt to explain who all the weird characters are.



It's amazingly continuity free but does take for granted that you have some knowledge of Superman. Bizarro, Lex, the Daily Planet, etc.. Atlas & Sampson exist outside comics.

Sorry you didn't care for it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 06 July, 2013, 08:42:36 PM
I just finished the first volume of Defoe. I can't say I was overly fond of it. A C+ so far.

Lee Gallagher's storytelling could use some work. One panel he's surrounded by zombies, the next he's not. Later he's face to face with the queen & then he suddenly decides to pay attention to other things, letting her escape. Maybe Mills breaks the story down like that. I know page space is limited.

I've received volume 2 in the mail today. I hope to have it finished by tomorrow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 July, 2013, 08:53:21 PM
Caballistics Inc. Going Underground. In a nutshell, fucking imense.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 06 July, 2013, 10:44:21 PM
Quote from: Judge Brian on 06 July, 2013, 08:33:56 PM
Quote from: radiator on 04 July, 2013, 09:43:42 PM


It also seems quite continuity-heavy, and doesn't really attempt to explain who all the weird characters are.



It's amazingly continuity free but does take for granted that you have some knowledge of Superman. Bizarro, Lex, the Daily Planet, etc.. Atlas & Sampson exist outside comics.

Sorry you didn't care for it.

Indeed. But even at that, pretty much everyone will be aware of who Lex Luthor is and what the Daily Planet is, and Bizarro world is explained well enough.
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 06 July, 2013, 11:03:53 PM
Just finished Dan Brown's Inferno. Long story short; don't bother.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 07 July, 2013, 07:19:13 AM
Quote from: Judge Brian on 06 July, 2013, 08:42:36 PM
I just finished the first volume of Defoe. I can't say I was overly fond of it. A C+ so far.

Lee Gallagher's storytelling could use some work. One panel he's surrounded by zombies, the next he's not. Later he's face to face with the queen & then he suddenly decides to pay attention to other things, letting her escape. Maybe Mills breaks the story down like that. I know page space is limited.

I've received volume 2 in the mail today. I hope to have it finished by tomorrow.

I loved Defoe, and am enjoying the latest run in the Prog, but appreciate it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I haven't read 1666 for a while, and it's on loan to a friend so I can't check, but [spoiler]I'm sure Defoe doesn't meet the Queen until the next TPB. The Queen is introduced at the end of the book in a story telling sequence where Damned is telling Defoe about what happened to Damned's brother in Ipswich[/spoiler]. Pat's story-telling does involve flashbacks and images of storys being told by other characters, which may be causing the confusion?

Anyway, I hope you get on better with Volume 2, Queen Of The Zombies.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 07 July, 2013, 07:25:53 AM
Just finished Ignition City Volume 1 by Gianluca Pagliarani and Warren Ellis. It's set in an alternate 1950's where man has been into space, met some alien species, and it didn't go to well. The setting kind-of reminds me of Rocketman and those early black and white Flash Gordons with Buster Crabbe.

I enjoyed it, Pagliarani's art is very comptent and I like Ellis as a story teller. Not for those of you who don't like some very strong language.

It is called Volume 1, but I find not evidence that other stories exist beyond it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 07 July, 2013, 02:02:34 PM
(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/20130707_122944.jpg)

Picked these up for a £1 from a local car boot sale. Special interest goes to the Prog (1513), Arthur Ranson's artwork for the cover is superb. Just reading the contents; Judge Dredd (Origins Part 9). I've read the whole story in TPB form, but it's nice to see the artwork as originally presented. Then we have Chiaroscuro, this is my first encounter with this Thrill, Smudge's artwork is great. Reminds me a bit of Travallion's work. Next up: Sinister Dexter! It's nice to see Finny with long hair, more like Bon Jovi or Jesus than the Joker of recent memory! The Red Seas follows that. Still to read it, but Yeowell's art looks so much better here than his later stuff. Lastly, we have the great Nikolai Dante (Sword of the Tsar Part 3). Great work by Simon Fraser, and Nikolai's finally got a haircut! Bojemoi!  :D

Great stuff!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 07 July, 2013, 02:13:14 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 07 July, 2013, 07:25:53 AM
Just finished Ignition City Volume 1 by Gianluca Pagliarani and Warren Ellis. It's set in an alternate 1950's where man has been into space, met some alien species, and it didn't go to well. The setting kind-of reminds me of Rocketman and those early black and white Flash Gordons with Buster Crabbe.

I enjoyed it, Pagliarani's art is very comptent and I like Ellis as a story teller. Not for those of you who don't like some very strong language.

It is called Volume 1, but I find not evidence that other stories exist beyond it...

I like the sound, and look of that. Just done a bit of googling, and though a 'Volume 2' came up when typing in the title, it didnt lead to owt.
But Volume 1 is possibly summat to look out for when ive finished my reading pile.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 07 July, 2013, 03:09:26 PM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 07 July, 2013, 02:13:14 PM
I like the sound, and look of that. Just done a bit of googling, and though a 'Volume 2' came up when typing in the title, it didnt lead to owt.
But Volume 1 is possibly summat to look out for when ive finished my reading pile.

Yep, that's where I got to. Maybe it's just called "Volume 1". More likely, I suspect, is either the pair of them haven't got to Volume 2 yet, or the plug was pulled by the publisher...

Defo worth a look, especially if you can do what I did and bag it from your local library  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 07 July, 2013, 03:20:43 PM
If a Volume 2 isnt forthcoming, how does Volume 1 fare? Doesnt end on a cliff hanger, does it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 07 July, 2013, 06:03:02 PM
Without giving too much away, it wraps up Volume 1, whilst asking a few more questions. It doesn't finish mid-story. I was happy with it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 07 July, 2013, 07:10:35 PM
Stephen King's latest novel: Joyland.

Mr. King gets a lot of stick for his latest novels, particularly his endings*. This though, was all round very good in my opinion. Ending inclusive.

If you read it expecting a horror** you'll be disappointed. But then again, contrary to how he is labelled Steve has never just been about the horror. This is very much a nostalgic character story, with a murder mystery and a smattering of the supernatural.

The story is told well, pulls on the heart-strings in places and, I thought the ending was rather good, [spoiler]with a couple of twists[/spoiler].



*Not by me, to be fair. I like most of his stuff including his modern stuff but I can see people's point concerning endings.

**That's not to say there aren't bits which are rather horrific. [spoiler]And there is a ghost or two.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 07 July, 2013, 09:04:46 PM
Quote from: ThryllSeekyr on 12 June, 2013, 03:08:26 PM
Still reading The Walking Dead. Onto to Book Ten now.

I have just purchased two of the Dafoe graphic novels.

Should be great reading, having been written by Pat Mills and also concerning zombie apocalypses.

I just got the two Dafoe graphic novels I ordered last Friday. I must say I am impressed with the cover art.  Half the reason why I purchased them and I'm also into Zombies.

(http://shop.2000adonline.com/images/product_full/defoe.jpg)

(http://shop.2000adonline.com/images/product_full/defoe_queen_of_the_zombies.jpg)

It's a pity the artwork contained within seems less than inspiring to me. Sorry to offend Leigh Gallagher but I couldn't be entertained by this artwork alone. I hope this artist isn't reading this and that Pat Mills reputed storytelling skills make this book work for me.

I see that Defoe: Queen of the Zombies is set in Ipswich. I live in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. Another Ipswich. Though a Ipswich all the same!                         
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 08 July, 2013, 12:27:31 PM
I have been reading Grant Morrison's run on Doom Patrol. I am up to volume 3 and really enjoying it so far!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 08 July, 2013, 03:21:25 PM
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter.

I've been curious about the film for a while, (but which I've yet to see) so when I saw the novel going for a a couple of quid I thought, "yes please". I can't really say how it is having just started it but it seems well written so far. By same chap who wrote Pride, Prejudice and Zombies apparently, Seth Graham Smith. Mind you I haven't read that yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 09 July, 2013, 09:06:16 PM
Read Gary Larson's The Complete Far Side: 1980-1994.

I must say, I really enjoyed a most of it! Most of the 4000 or so strips felt like classics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 09 July, 2013, 09:58:39 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 09 July, 2013, 09:06:16 PM
Read Gary Larson's The Complete Far Side: 1980-1994.

I must say, I really enjoyed a most of it! Most of the 4000 or so strips felt like classics.

Great stuff! Some fond memories of those strips.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 10 July, 2013, 11:11:35 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 09 July, 2013, 09:58:39 PM
Great stuff! Some fond memories of those strips.

Got tons of them. Only downside is that it made my sense of humour a bit peculiar.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CD0T35_xgOo/T0ev2JfYq0I/AAAAAAAAHjk/OvKGDho_3iY/s320/thesistersbrothers-cover+(1).jpg)

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt

Heard a lot of praise about this book. Became very interested when the book sounded like the bridge between Blood Meridan and Don Quijote!

Overall a fun read. Filled with strange and imaginitive things, but lacks substance. Which is a shame really, when it feels like it could have been soo much more!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 July, 2013, 06:12:20 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 10 July, 2013, 11:11:35 PM


The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt

Heard a lot of praise about this book. Became very interested when the book sounded like the bridge between Blood Meridan and Don Quijote!

Overall a fun read. Filled with strange and imaginitive things, but lacks substance. Which is a shame really, when it feels like it could have been soo much more!

Arh don't listen to the man its bloody great!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 11 July, 2013, 07:04:18 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 11 July, 2013, 06:12:20 AM
Arh don't listen to the man its bloody great!

I'm planning on giving it a re-read later this summer, since I really want to like it (I really do) more than I did.

My problem could be that I hoped for something entirely else, which my head translated into "something more", or the lack of sleep due to a midnight sun. I'm not sure, but hopefully I'll come around ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 11 July, 2013, 02:53:26 PM
I've been reading American Vampire by Scott Snyder and various artists which I loaned from the library.

Currently on Vol3 and I'm really enjoying it (I'm usually very picky regarding Vampire stories). I love the way it goes through different eras in history and I'm finding it much stronger than Snyder's Batman.
The weakest part so far was Stephen King's origin story that appeared in the first tpb. King says in his introduction that this is the first time he's written for the comic medium and IMHO it shows.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 11 July, 2013, 04:23:42 PM
Read "Catcher In The Rye" yesterday for the fourth time (but the first time in at least ten years), and then read Pierre Boulle's "Monkey Planet" (Planet of the Apes to you and me) today.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 11 July, 2013, 04:46:29 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 11 July, 2013, 02:53:26 PM
I've been reading American Vampire by Scott Snyder and various artists which I loaned from the library.

Currently on Vol3 and I'm really enjoying it (I'm usually very picky regarding Vampire stories). I love the way it goes through different eras in history and I'm finding it much stronger than Snyder's Batman.
The weakest part so far was Stephen King's origin story that appeared in the first tpb. King says in his introduction that this is the first time he's written for the comic medium and IMHO it shows.

I've also been reading this.....Bought as Birthday & Xmas presents for my brother,  so I have a quick 'very careful' read before I send them down to him......He's not bothered by this, as he does the very same when he sends me GNs for Birthday or Xmas...
Anyway......I thought it was 'pretty damn good' for an origin story, especially considering this was 'supposedly' his first time writing for the comic medium......Man oh man, I wish I could write like that, especially for a first attempt...
Agree with you on all the rest though JamesC........A very interesting series and the artwork ( Rafael Albuquerque ) is wonderful.....
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 11 July, 2013, 08:41:20 PM
I'm on a bit of a music trip at the moment as far as books are concerned.

I've just finished Who am I? By Pete Townshend.
A very good and interesting book. He's a very mixed up chap is Pete.

I've now started Iron Man, the autobiography of Toni Iommi of Black Sabbath. Not as well written as Pete Townshend's book but still entertaining.

Next I think I will probably read Keith Richards book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 11 July, 2013, 09:11:08 PM
Quote from: Albion on 11 July, 2013, 08:41:20 PM
I'm on a bit of a music trip at the moment as far as books are concerned.

I've just finished Who am I? By Pete Townshend.
A very good and interesting book. He's a very mixed up chap is Pete.


Is that the book he was researching when he was arrested for looking at child pornography? :-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 11 July, 2013, 09:18:17 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 11 July, 2013, 09:11:08 PM
Quote from: Albion on 11 July, 2013, 08:41:20 PM
I'm on a bit of a music trip at the moment as far as books are concerned.

I've just finished Who am I? By Pete Townshend.
A very good and interesting book. He's a very mixed up chap is Pete.
Is that the book he was researching when he was arrested for looking at child pornography? :-\
No. You're thinking of The Kids Are Alright.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 12 July, 2013, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 11 July, 2013, 04:23:42 PM
Read "Catcher In The Rye" yesterday for the fourth time.

Astonishingly good book and had a profound affect on my teenage self.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 12 July, 2013, 11:28:35 AM
Quote from: Albion on 11 July, 2013, 08:41:20 PM
I'm on a bit of a music trip at the moment as far as books are concerned.

I've just finished "Everyone Loves You When You're Dead: and Other Things I Learned from Famous People" by Neill Strauss, excerpts from his long career as an interviewer for Rolling Stone and the New York Times. Lots of bits that were deemed unsuitable for the actual published pieces, loads of hilarious backstage anecdotes and adventures with rock royalty. Recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 12 July, 2013, 11:41:43 AM
The Talking Dead Vol 3.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 12 July, 2013, 11:42:34 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 12 July, 2013, 11:28:35 AM
Quote from: Albion on 11 July, 2013, 08:41:20 PM
I'm on a bit of a music trip at the moment as far as books are concerned.

I've just finished "Everyone Loves You When You're Dead: and Other Things I Learned from Famous People" by Neill Strauss, excerpts from his long career as an interviewer for Rolling Stone and the New York Times. Lots of bits that were deemed unsuitable for the actual published pieces, loads of hilarious backstage anecdotes and adventures with rock royalty. Recommended.

^
Absolutely, This with bells on.......!!
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LorcanQ on 12 July, 2013, 01:49:23 PM
halfway through The Picture of Dorian Gray. Great, great stuff. Don't mean to be making stereotypical assumptions but it's hilariously gay though haha
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Emp on 13 July, 2013, 08:43:19 PM
Child of Vengeance by David Kirk......set in feudal Japan, about the bastard child of a samurai. Apparently the start of a series.

Nice when you find a good book in Asda for a pittance.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 14 July, 2013, 12:17:34 PM
Recently finished Graham's Prophet: Remission after seeing a number of people on the forum raving about the series. It was enjoyable but at the end I was left wondering whether I wasn't totally sure to what was going on because it was going to be explained more as the series continues or because it ties to the last Prophet run which I know little of. Think I'll wait until a third collection is available before picking up the 2nd part.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 15 July, 2013, 02:15:57 PM
Just finished Get Jiro, a graphic novel co written by Anthony Bourdain.

In the future chefs are the new rockstars/sports heroes and there are two major corps fighting for control of everything in Los Angeles. Ex-Yakuza Jiro just wants to make the best sushi there is, in the traditional way.

Pretty cool and it definitely has a 2000AD vibe, it wouldn't have been out of place in the prog.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 15 July, 2013, 06:49:05 PM
Camelot 3000 by Barr and Bolland. Old school story telling combined with Bollands art... Lovely. I picked it up for a song on eBay (thanks hippynumber1 for alerting me to it) and I enjoyed every page. I'm a sucker for late 70s / early 80s stories, and this didn't suck in any way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 15 July, 2013, 11:25:15 PM
I finished Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. A very interesting book. While I haven't researched the president or era I get the impression it was very well researched. Not that I believe [spoiler]there were really vampires involved in the slave trade and civil war (except metaphorically)[/spoiler] but having that blend of reality with the fantasy really sold the story. I almost believe that other stuff could have happened. The cleverly doctored archival photographs helped. Very cleverly written.

On the comics front I picked up volumes 3 and 4 of Sweet Tooth from the library. I gobbled up 3 quickly and I'm now on 4. These comics are such a great read.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 16 July, 2013, 11:32:10 AM
just finished The State of The Art, collection of Banks short stories.  Its a given that the Culture based stories are great and the title story is a hoot (being new to Banks I had no idea that we weren't actually part of the Culture! I thought it was our great future described, turns out we're one of the hell worlds they talk about) but the short one where the big alien plant plays she loves me, she loves me not with a humanoid is a brilliant short story and shows a nice sick sense of humour at work.
Now re-reading Julian May's The Many Coloured Land, I read the whole Exiles and Galactic Milieu series many years ago and noticed rerelease in the book shop the other day so picked up the first book again.  Still a great read, Medieval Aliens is just such a great idea and not sure if I've ever seen the idea played out since.  Book 2 next week.

CU Radbacker 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: klute on 16 July, 2013, 07:41:43 PM
Currently reading all the Judge Dredd case files again and have irvine welsh's Porno,Filth and Glue off my bookcase to read again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 July, 2013, 08:55:28 AM
Could have sworn someone said they'd read Al Ewing's 'Fictional Man' here recently, but can I heck find it... anyway I have and its bloomin' great. Well except for a bit at the beginning at the very very end which is a bit too neat and tidy.

Still in-between its blooming great. I'd dare to say it wears its influences very clearly, or at least it covers very similar ground to the great Paul Auster, dealing with identity, the nature of fiction and story and how the two interaction. It does so in quite brilliant fashion breezy fashion. Highly recommended to all fans of either Mr Auster or Mr Ewing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 17 July, 2013, 11:22:31 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 17 July, 2013, 08:55:28 AM
Al Ewing's 'Fictional Man' Highly recommended to all fans of either Mr Auster or Mr Ewing.

Another thumbs up for this book has meant it just made DRADIS contact on my purchasing list.
A Kindle download later I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 17 July, 2013, 12:23:53 PM
The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

A good laugh. As well as the plot described by the title, the life of the titular character is told through flashbacks. It's a bit like Forrest Gump, except on a global scale and a great deal less saccharine. Completely unpredictable and highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 18 July, 2013, 09:25:27 AM
Quote from: Mister Pops on 17 July, 2013, 12:23:53 PM
The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

A good laugh. As well as the plot described by the title, the life of the titular character is told through flashbacks. It's a bit like Forrest Gump, except on a global scale and a great deal less saccharine. Completely unpredictable and highly recommended.

This is a brilliant book! I loved reading it, the dry humour is right up my street. Highly recommended!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 18 July, 2013, 04:34:11 PM
That might have been me with "The Fictional Man." It really is rather good. We've got it facing out in the shop where I work, but I haven't got round to writing a review for it yet. Might be a touch one to describe, other than just saying "it's great."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LorcanQ on 23 July, 2013, 01:09:21 PM
just read Azzerello's Joker, on loan from the library. terrible terrible book. Pretentious shallow bullshit. I cant help but find him hugely overrated as a writer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 July, 2013, 06:20:59 PM
Finally completed my re-read of Sandman today, with the Sandman Mystery Theatre crossover book serving as the last epilogue (in that it brings us back to the start), and which turned out to be almost my favourite bit. 

Some of Sandman is not very good. Much of it is really great, certainly, and the art gets better and better (certainly after Danny Vozzo comes on board with his revolutionary understanding that colour is supposed to support not obscure the linework). But ultimately I felt it fell flat - Dream's final decision is basically stupid, and a poor thing to build a huge tale around. The individual bits and one-offs are generally superb, but it just doesn't hand together for me as a single read. 

"I am the prince of stories, but I have no story of my own" he says at one point, which may or may not be lampshading this fact. 

However, it is possible that I have just failed to correctly interpret Hob Gadling's final dream at the end of 'The Wake', [spoiler]where he, Morpheus and Destruction walk off into the sunset.  Can Morpheus really be dead if he still lives in the dreams of an immortal man[/spoiler]?

Some things actively annoyed me this time around, the two Death miniseries being the main offenders.  Having established Hazel & Foxglove so well in 'A Game of You', it was frustrating that Gaiman sent me off to find out their fates in a spinoff, and even more frustrating that almost the exact same thing happens in Death: The Time of Your Life - [spoiler]a bargain is made with one of the Endless, with the result that the only black character sacrifices themselves to save the pretty blond girl[/spoiler]. 

The real lowpoint is also in a sort-of-spinoff, Endless Nights.  Here two of the most enticing mysteries of the series, what were Delight and the original Depair like are revealed to be heart-breakingly dull ([spoiler]a younger version of Delirium and a tattooed version of Despair, apparently[/spoiler]).  Another story in Endless Nights also contains a throwaway line from Death: The Time of Your Life worked up into a long, tasteless gag. Another has Destruction, who has exiled himself from the family, shows up fairly randomly as his sister's nursemaid.  It's very disappointing stuff.

Maybe it's unfair of me to find such fault with peripheral material (although all is by Gaiman), but I think I was looking there for something offset a general feeling of hollowness about the core, and it didn't happen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 23 July, 2013, 06:40:23 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 23 July, 2013, 01:09:21 PM
just read Azzerello's Joker, on loan from the library. terrible terrible book. Pretentious shallow bullshit. I cant help but find him hugely overrated as a writer.

Same here. If it has Azzerello attached I don't buy it!

I'm also pretty wary about Greg Rucka.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 July, 2013, 08:18:31 PM
The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury

A novel set in the series universe. I don't recognise the characters, which isn't too surprising as we are following another group. [spoiler]I know they turn up in the governor's town so I wonder if they'll turn up later in Series 3. Of course they could be a bunch who come and go in the time period before. [/spoiler]

Anyway it's interesting reading about another bunch in that world.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 23 July, 2013, 09:07:57 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 23 July, 2013, 08:18:31 PM
The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury

A novel set in the series universe. I don't recognise the characters, which isn't too surprising as we are following another group. [spoiler]I know they turn up in the governor's town so I wonder if they'll turn up later in Series 3. Of course they could be a bunch who come and go in the time period before. [/spoiler]

Anyway it's interesting reading about another bunch in that world.

I enjoyed the first book "Rise of the governor" but didn't think much of the "Road to.." to be honest and I found it a bit of slog to get through.

The only character that really pops up from "Road" is Lily (in #46-#48). I've no idea if there's a tv show counterpart though as I don't watch it so haven't a clue how faithful they are being to the comics continuity (where this trilogy of prose novels are set).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 23 July, 2013, 10:56:52 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 23 July, 2013, 06:20:59 PM
Some of Sandman is not very good. Much of it is really great, certainly, and the art gets better and better (certainly after Danny Vozzo comes on board with his revolutionary understanding that colour is supposed to support not obscure the linework). But ultimately I felt it fell flat...
Interesting. Last time I reread Sandman, two or three years ago, I was similarly disappointed. Guess there are some wines you shouldn't leave in the cellar too long. I did think Marc Hempel's art on The Kindly Ones was absolutely amazing that time round though, so that was nice.

Never heard of this Sandman Mystery Theatre story.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 July, 2013, 11:46:48 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 23 July, 2013, 09:07:57 PM
The only character that really pops up from "Road" is Lily (in #46-#48). I've no idea if there's a tv show counterpart though as I don't watch it so haven't a clue how faithful they are being to the comics continuity (where this trilogy of prose novels are set).

I haven't read the other prose novels. I didn't realise it was set in the comic continuity. I've read some of that including the governor arc (or most of it). I can't place Lily, but that's not saying much as my memory for names is bad. By the end of the novel, when I see where she ends up, it should be clearer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 July, 2013, 12:24:31 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 23 July, 2013, 10:56:52 PMI did think Marc Hempel's art on The Kindly Ones was absolutely amazing that time round though, so that was nice

Shamefully I didn't like Hempel's art at the time (even though much of it was inked by D'Israeli!).  Really enjoyed it this time, although I also thought the fill-in art in the middle by Glynn Dillon (?) was truly superb.   

Talking of The Kindly Ones, I think some of my reticence about Sandman is the way it starts into a protracted ending not even 2/3rds of the way through. From the end of A Game of You on (i.e. the halfway point in the series) Morpheus is basically [spoiler]moping his way to his eventual convoluted suicide[/spoiler], and that story almost feels like it's the last fresh thing in the series: after this the A-plot is just filling in blanks and tying up loose ends.  The Kindly Ones and The Wake read like greatest hits collections but together make up 17 issues out of only 75, almost a quarter of the run, with a leaden melancholy for tone.  The collected form makes this trudge to the finish even more protracted, since the largely excellent Fables and Reflections collects stories from both before and after A Game of You.   I did the re-read from the original issues, but couldn't help pondering the repercussions of the collection structure.

I suppose I should balance my negativity by saying what I did like, aside from the art. I've already sung the praises of the opening chapters, which are dense and engrossing and disturbing, but I enjoyed the short stories most of all, and the way they told their own stories while tossing out crumbs of the main story.  Some of them are incredibly clever, Petrefax's tale in World's End is a masterclass in story-within-story-within-a-story-within-a-story.  I think I counted nine nested tales in that one issue.   

I also found myself really warming to the last three issues, despite all three being 'sequels' to earlier short stories: [spoiler]the epilogue to The Wake where Hob wanders around a ghastly Renaissance Fayre feeling his age; the minimalist Jon Muth tale of a court adviser lost in the desert and meeting the two incarnations of Dream; and The Tempest, the second (well, third) Shakespeare story, which succeeds through its sheer bloody humanity. [/spoiler] As an aside, there is much talk in the issue itself of critical help rendered by Bryan Talbot and John Ridgeway.  Talbot's work I can clearly see in the face of the bishop in the snow scene, but has anyone spotted Ridgeway?

Ultimately if Sandman is about stories, it succeeds wonderfully - it contains some of the best stories I've ever read in a comic, and in huge quantities.  Gaiman can write like a bastard.  If OTOH it's about Dream and his family, it's pretty dull and self-indulgent. I am however still looking forward to the prequel, although it'd want to be a lot better than Endless Nights

@The Cosh:  the Sandman Mystery Theatre crossover is a one-shot square-bound thing with glorious painted art by Teddy Kristiansen that brings the Wesley Dodds 'Golden Age' Sandman to Fawney Rig for fateful meetings with its inhabitants.  It has its own separate plot, and development of the SMT characters' relationships, as well as an exploration of the relationship  of both Vertigo Sandmen.  It's very very good, and sheds light on aspects of both Preludes and Nocturnes and The Kindly Ones, but there is a continuity error for the uncharitable to ponder.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 24 July, 2013, 02:32:56 AM
'Their clocks made pulsars look slipshod.'



(http://geekmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/doctor-who-harvest-of-time.jpg)



Snutting loving this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 24 July, 2013, 08:58:54 AM
No offence but that looks like a giant sheathed phallus in space!  :D

As for my reading stuff, I've just started The Day of Chaos: Endgame trade. Been waiting a while to get my hands on that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 24 July, 2013, 10:27:48 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 24 July, 2013, 08:58:54 AM
As for my reading stuff, I've just started The Day of Chaos: Endgame trade. Been waiting a while to get my hands on that!

Oooo - finished that at the weekend. I really enjoyed it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LorcanQ on 24 July, 2013, 03:31:31 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 23 July, 2013, 06:40:23 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 23 July, 2013, 01:09:21 PM
just read Azzerello's Joker, on loan from the library. terrible terrible book. Pretentious shallow bullshit. I cant help but find him hugely overrated as a writer.

Same here. If it has Azzerello attached I don't buy it!

I'm also pretty wary about Greg Rucka.

Haha thanks for saying that, i've always found azzerello's critical acclaim absolutely baffling! Have yet to read anything by Rucka strangely enough..


Quote from: TordelBack on 23 July, 2013, 06:20:59 PM

Some of Sandman is not very good. Much of it is really great, certainly, and the art gets better and better (certainly after Danny Vozzo comes on board with his revolutionary understanding that colour is supposed to support not obscure the linework). But ultimately I felt it fell flat - Dream's final decision is basically stupid, and a poor thing to build a huge tale around. The individual bits and one-offs are generally superb, but it just doesn't hand together for me as a single read. 



interesting you said that. ive yet to read the full series but ive read volumes 1-7 of the graphic novels. With each of the full story arcs (ie.Doll's house, Seasons of mist, Game of you, Brief Lives) i've always found that they are absolutely fantastic right up to the end of the arc. The last 1 or 2 issues of each story are, for me, generally an anti-climax and disappointing after such great build-up. It would thus make sense you saying that the overall end to the series doesnt pay off. Perhaps Gaiman has a bit of a problem concluding stories properly. Still, if just for the build-up and imagination in each arc, the series is a joy to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 26 July, 2013, 06:51:32 PM
I've just read 'Old Man Logan' which is a Mark Millar story about Wolverine in a post apocalyptic future in which all super heroes are dead and the villains control America.

Has anyone read this? It's absolutely awful!

For some reason it seems to be rather well regarded on the Internet but I found it really quite cringeworthy.
I suppose it would be okay as a fairly slight plot for a post apocalypse revenge story but it doesn't suit the Marvel universe at all.

Not a single character feels authentic and the situations feel totally unbelievable (which is saying something for a story set in the Marvel universe). Every character seems to be 'badass' and needlessly cruel and violent (Millar should just write a Snake Plisken comic if this is what he wants) and there's lots of unnecessary swearing, incest and infanticide.

Terrible - one of the worst things I've read for ages.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 26 July, 2013, 07:03:10 PM
A grand selection of those gorgeous old Titan reprint books. Sent to me, for nowt, by a fellow CAF'er - and 2000ad fan (dont think he posts on here...).

So a nice re-read of the VC's (books 1 and 2) tonight.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 27 July, 2013, 07:39:25 AM
DC's Constantine.

Well that series didn't take long to jump the shark did it?
What with this and Jonah Hex now having the budgie smuggler wearing spandex clad brigade guest starring, it seems I am now down to only one DC book to buy on a monthly basis, namely Rocketeer and Spirit.
DC - please don't fuck this one up!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 27 July, 2013, 08:16:03 AM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 26 July, 2013, 07:03:10 PM
A grand selection of those gorgeous old Titan reprint books. Sent to me, for nowt, by a fellow CAF'er - and 2000ad fan (dont think he posts on here...).

So a nice re-read of the VC's (books 1 and 2) tonight.  :thumbsup:

Now that really is sharing the love! I must add VC's to my list, which I shall probably get to in about 2016!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 27 July, 2013, 09:25:58 AM
Quote from: JamesC on 26 July, 2013, 06:51:32 PM
I've just read 'Old Man Logan' which is a Mark Millar story about Wolverine in a post apocalyptic future in which all super heroes are dead and the villains control America.

Has anyone read this? It's absolutely awful!

For some reason it seems to be rather well regarded on the Internet but I found it really quite cringeworthy.
I suppose it would be okay as a fairly slight plot for a post apocalypse revenge story but it doesn't suit the Marvel universe at all.

Not a single character feels authentic and the situations feel totally unbelievable (which is saying something for a story set in the Marvel universe). Every character seems to be 'badass' and needlessly cruel and violent (Millar should just write a Snake Plisken comic if this is what he wants) and there's lots of unnecessary swearing, incest and infanticide.

Terrible - one of the worst things I've read for ages.

As much as I feel Millar can be a knob sometimes with his work, I must say I quite enjoyed Old Man Logan. It was genuinely engaging, with some great moments such as that SNIKT moment third of the way through, as Wolverine had taken a vow of 'celibacy' as we know, never to use his claws again. So the build up to it was great as was the line that followed. Not to mention him going all apeshit and cutting everything or everyone to ribbons. The artwork was great too by Steve McNiven, rendering Wolverine like Clint Easwood, and Millar no doubt took ideas from Unforgiven in the comic's central premise. I agree the Incestious Banner brood were very unlikeable, and I know Hulk fans won't be too pleased with the depiction of Bruce Banner. But those are minor quirks, Millar does stay away from his now customary pop culture references, and like i said there were some genuinely tense and exciting moments, so on the whole Old Man Logan wasn't too bad a read for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 27 July, 2013, 10:34:16 AM
I agree that the artwork was really good.

Wolverine himself seemed almost like the same character from the Marvel universe as we know it but other than that I just couldn't get my head around any of it.

[spoiler]Bruce Banner has started a hillbilly family with his cousin (She Hulk - forget her real name). They're cruel and stupid and they eat people. WTF? Bruce Banner is a genius scientist and his cousin is a lawyer! One, I don't believe they would have an incestuous relationship and two, I see no reason that their offspring would be red necks.

The villains that work together don't convince either.

The Kingpin seems to be some Gangsta type that's taken over Magneto's domain. He killed Magneto because he got old and getting old is sad and rubbish so even if you have the power to create a base on an artificial moon made from an asteroid you can still get a cap put in yo ass by a playa. The Kingpin then gets his head cut off by Spider Man's grand daughter who is a psycho.

The mastermind behind the whole scheme was the Red Skull who has set himself up as president and now controls America. He's given chunks of the country over to other Super Villains to look after. One of these is Doctor Doom.
Victor Von fucking Doom! Like there's any way that character would play second fiddle to the Red Skull and have any motivation to control a slice of Post Apocalyptic America when he already controls Latveria completely legally.
There is also no mention of more cosmic level heroes like Silver Surfer, Adam Warlock, Quasar and the like. I suppose they've just decided to let Earth get on with it.

My point is that however fun the central plot is, with Wolverine becoming a pacifist, (and yes, I agree it's satisfying when he finally pops his claws) it's hard to have any investment in the story when the world it's set in is completely unbelievable and everybody acts out of character.

It's like reading a Dredd story where Anderson has decided to control everyone's mind and is having crazy sex with Kleggs while Judge Dredd sits in the Cursed Earth smoking a pipe because he can't be bothered anymore.
[/spoiler]

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 27 July, 2013, 11:11:11 AM
Quote from: SimeonB on 27 July, 2013, 08:16:03 AM
Now that really is sharing the love!

Indeed. Has anyone ever said that the 2000ad fans/forum are the best? If not, somebody ought to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 27 July, 2013, 12:04:50 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 27 July, 2013, 10:34:16 AM
It's like reading a Dredd story where Anderson has decided to control everyone's mind and is having crazy sex with Kleggs while Judge Dredd sits in the Cursed Earth smoking a pipe because he can't be bothered anymore.

I'd like to buy your story, Lisa.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 27 July, 2013, 12:06:06 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 27 July, 2013, 10:34:16 AM
I agree that the artwork was really good.

Wolverine himself seemed almost like the same character from the Marvel universe as we know it but other than that I just couldn't get my head around any of it.

[spoiler]Bruce Banner has started a hillbilly family with his cousin (She Hulk - forget her real name). They're cruel and stupid and they eat people. WTF? Bruce Banner is a genius scientist and his cousin is a lawyer! One, I don't believe they would have an incestuous relationship and two, I see no reason that their offspring would be red necks.

The villains that work together don't convince either.

The Kingpin seems to be some Gangsta type that's taken over Magneto's domain. He killed Magneto because he got old and getting old is sad and rubbish so even if you have the power to create a base on an artificial moon made from an asteroid you can still get a cap put in yo ass by a playa. The Kingpin then gets his head cut off by Spider Man's grand daughter who is a psycho.

The mastermind behind the whole scheme was the Red Skull who has set himself up as president and now controls America. He's given chunks of the country over to other Super Villains to look after. One of these is Doctor Doom.
Victor Von fucking Doom! Like there's any way that character would play second fiddle to the Red Skull and have any motivation to control a slice of Post Apocalyptic America when he already controls Latveria completely legally.
There is also no mention of more cosmic level heroes like Silver Surfer, Adam Warlock, Quasar and the like. I suppose they've just decided to let Earth get on with it.

My point is that however fun the central plot is, with Wolverine becoming a pacifist, (and yes, I agree it's satisfying when he finally pops his claws) it's hard to have any investment in the story when the world it's set in is completely unbelievable and everybody acts out of character.

It's like reading a Dredd story where Anderson has decided to control everyone's mind and is having crazy sex with Kleggs while Judge Dredd sits in the Cursed Earth smoking a pipe because he can't be bothered anymore.
[/spoiler]

Ha ha! That's a Dredd story I'd love to read!  :lol:

Your points are valid, and while I do agree with them I think seeing as it's a re-imagining of the central character and characters from the Marvel universe, I didn't really mind that much. It's like a "what if" tale, and I suppose the writer had free reigns to write what he wanted to write. The story is more in tone with the Marvel Max line and quite hard hitting with gratuitous violence and what not, and I think the reason why the characters are unlikeable is because the whole world they inhabit is also unlikeable and cold. To be honest I thought it was well realised in that regard. You're right about the Silver Surfer, where the hell was he? But then his inclusion would probably hinder the plot somewhat and maybe Millar chickened out! And Doom would definitely not play second fiddle to Red Skull, I agree.

I might give this comic another read, see if I still feel the same with what you have outlined in mind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 27 July, 2013, 09:05:49 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 27 July, 2013, 08:16:03 AM
Quote from: Judge Jack on 26 July, 2013, 07:03:10 PM
A grand selection of those gorgeous old Titan reprint books. Sent to me, for nowt, by a fellow CAF'er - and 2000ad fan (dont think he posts on here...).

So a nice re-read of the VC's (books 1 and 2) tonight.  :thumbsup:

Now that really is sharing the love! I must add VC's to my list, which I shall probably get to in about 2016!

I have to admit to an affection for the ongoing series over recent years.  Unlike the Rogue Trooper reboots this was one series that definitely did not outstay its welcome.  The first are definitive classics but the subsequent series are definitely worth the time.

On the non graphic front enjoying Stross' Neptune's Brood. In the same miluea as Saturn's Children.  Prefer his Laundry Stuff but very little of his that falls into the 'why did I bother' category.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 27 July, 2013, 09:48:32 PM
I've read a lot, and i mean a lot, these days.

Yesterday, i've finished Dredd's CCF5. The road to the Apocalypse War that (i think) began with that "innocent" short story on CCF3, ends with a Bang, and... quite a bang!.

[spoiler]BlockMania... and then the main dish... what carnage. Top action, nukes everywhere, war, more war... but... i have yet to read more Dredd CCFs and i have a few stand alone tomes... what Dredd's Says: something like MC-1 was not ready for an invasion. Not only because of sabotages, Blockmanias... and nuke ar'us... but for the massive army that East-Meg 1 deployed to crush the city. ¿MC-1 doesn't have(or had), an army of some kind?. Apart from Judges, and the City-Def from the buildings, the TADs Suppanukes ... i don't see too many tanks, etc. They were owerwhelmed, simple as that.
[/spoiler]

Ezquerra at the top of the mountain. Really, really good stuff.

And now i fix the pieces toguether of an

[spoiler]East-Meg story from the ¿Megazine?, from newer issues. That of the train to EM-2, with those "whyyyy" mutie-ghosts... they're "survivors" from the Apocalypse War... from the alternate, peaceful Earth that ate the TADs thanks to the Shield-dimensional barrel. In that story we can see how this was discovered, and was converted into a defensive system, without any care for the other Earth.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 28 July, 2013, 04:06:33 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 26 July, 2013, 06:51:32 PM
I've just read 'Old Man Logan' which is a Mark Millar story about Wolverine in a post apocalyptic future in which all super heroes are dead and the villains control America.

Has anyone read this? It's absolutely awful!

For some reason it seems to be rather well regarded on the Internet but I found it really quite cringeworthy.
I suppose it would be okay as a fairly slight plot for a post apocalypse revenge story but it doesn't suit the Marvel universe at all.

Not a single character feels authentic and the situations feel totally unbelievable (which is saying something for a story set in the Marvel universe). Every character seems to be 'badass' and needlessly cruel and violent (Millar should just write a Snake Plisken comic if this is what he wants) and there's lots of unnecessary swearing, incest and infanticide.

Terrible - one of the worst things I've read for ages.

Yeah, I thought it was awful as well. Abslolutely wrong for the Marvel universe. Millar loves to write about extreme perversion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 28 July, 2013, 04:26:21 PM
Quote from: Basilisk on 27 July, 2013, 09:48:32 PM
I've read a lot, and i mean a lot, these days.

Yesterday, i've finished Dredd's CCF5. The road to the Apocalypse War that (i think) began with that "innocent" short story on CCF3, ends with a Bang, and... quite a bang!.

[spoiler]BlockMania... and then the main dish... what carnage. Top action, nukes everywhere, war, more war... but... i have yet to read more Dredd CCFs and i have a few stand alone tomes... what Dredd's Says: something like MC-1 was not ready for an invasion. Not only because of sabotages, Blockmanias... and nuke ar'us... but for the massive army that East-Meg 1 deployed to crush the city. ¿MC-1 doesn't have(or had), an army of some kind?. Apart from Judges, and the City-Def from the buildings, the TADs Suppanukes ... i don't see too many tanks, etc. They were owerwhelmed, simple as that.
[/spoiler]

Ezquerra at the top of the mountain. Really, really good stuff.

And now i fix the pieces together of an

[spoiler]East-Meg story from the ¿Megazine?, from newer issues. That of the train to EM-2, with those "whyyyy" mutie-ghosts... they're "survivors" from the Apocalypse War... from the alternate, peaceful Earth that ate the TADs thanks to the Shield-dimensional barrel. In that story we can see how this was discovered, and was converted into a defensive system, without any care for the other Earth.[/spoiler]

When Dredd first came to america, it seemed to me that there had been a war and all the survivors gathered in the least radioactive spots to build the mega-cities. a few issues later we were told of the war that President Booth started & that he was now in fort Knox paying for his crimes.

It still seemed to me that it would be very hard for any other city-state to attack any other city-state. Let alone be able to develop the technology to travel to another dimension. Why didn't the Sovs just conquer that peaceful dimension & live there?

I guess my musings lead me to the realization that Dredd & Mega-city 1 was created at a time when logic & realistic detail weren't considered when writing for children's comics. Now that it's written for an older audience, all the illogical bits are entrenched into the lore & to change it would be sacrilege. I mean why would the justice department allow guns & ammo to be sold? Alcohol is ok, but sugar & caffeine isn't? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 29 July, 2013, 12:33:14 AM
I just finished reading the whole of Grant Morrison's run on Doom Patrol - it was one of the best comics I have read, it dipped in places but was generally amazing. It is hard to believe the same guy wrote so much guff for 2000ad.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 29 July, 2013, 12:47:43 AM
Quote from: JamesC on 26 July, 2013, 06:51:32 PM
I've just read 'Old Man Logan' which is a Mark Millar story about Wolverine in a post apocalyptic future in which all super heroes are dead and the villains control America.

Has anyone read this? It's absolutely awful!

I remember Millar talking about the Spider-Girl character at the time and listing all the reasons she was evil, including "she's black."  Oddly, he has not revisited this statement for some reason.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 30 July, 2013, 02:16:49 PM
Recently picked up from my local Oxfam Jonah Hex #1 (2006) for 50p. Bagged with backing board. And also three bagged Wednesday Comics for 50p each. I would've bought more of those but wasn't sure which issues I already have.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 July, 2013, 02:28:11 PM
Re-read Bryan Talbot's Alice in Sunderland.  And then had to read it again.  Wow.  It loses its way a bit right at the end, and there are a few loose ends I'd like to have seen tied up, but if I had my life to live again I like to think I would devote myself to making just one book like this - it's almost everything I think worthwhile set between two covers, exploration of place, myth, the intersection of local history and global history, art, identity, and the stories we fabricate, perpetuate and forget about who we are and where we come from.

My favourite bit has to be in the acknowledgements: "This book was produced with absolutely no help from the Newscastle-based Arts Council England (North East), who turned down the grant application for this Sunderland-based book".

When you think what Talbot has in print these days:  the Luther Arkwrights, Dotter of her Father's Eye, Tale of One Bad Rat, Sandmanand Hellblazer, Nemesis and Dredd, the Grandville books, Alice...  an incredible body of work, both broad and deep.  What a guy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 30 July, 2013, 03:59:18 PM
Indeed.
Alice in Sunderland is an almost dizzying read (like a psychedelic version of the London Tour chapter of 'From Hell').
One of Talbot's finest accomplishments, and one to read before you die I'd say.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 30 July, 2013, 07:53:50 PM
Speaking of Brian Talbot, has anyone read the graphic novel he produced under a pseudonym, Metronome (http://www.nbmpub.com/comicslit/metronome/tanakahome.html)?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 30 July, 2013, 08:04:32 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 July, 2013, 02:28:11 PM
Re-read Bryan Talbot's Alice in Sunderland.  And then had to read it again.  Wow.   - it's almost everything I think worthwhile set between two covers, exploration of place, myth, the intersection of local history and global history, art, identity, and the stories we fabricate, perpetuate and forget about who we are and where we come from.

When you think what Talbot has in print these days:  the Luther Arkwrights, Dotter of her Father's Eye, Tale of One Bad Rat, Sandmanand Hellblazer, Nemesis and Dredd, the Grandville books, Alice...  an incredible body of work, both broad and deep.  What a guy.

Absolutely and totally agree with this Tordleback....
and with Link Primes' sentiments on Alice in Sunderland also....
A truly remarkable read......and definitely in my all time Top Reads List ....

Also extremely fond of the Grandville series as well.................and the artwork in it is ludicrously wonderful !!......For example the artwork in Grandville Mon Amour in the prologue section is about the best 6 pages of consecutive artwork I've seen .....     Astonishingly good.......Another 'Must Read' GN.
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 July, 2013, 08:15:11 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 30 July, 2013, 07:53:50 PM
Speaking of Brian Talbot, has anyone read the graphic novel he produced under a pseudonym, Metronome (http://www.nbmpub.com/comicslit/metronome/tanakahome.html)?

Went totally over my head, that - I'd seen Metronome connected to Talbot, but vaguely assumed it was some collaboration from his underground days.  Quite an effective jape, when you read all the fictional bumpf, although 30 seconds looking at the art would give the game away!  Cheers for the enlightenment, Otter.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 31 July, 2013, 09:23:18 AM
Quote from: Judge Brian on 28 July, 2013, 04:26:21 PM
It still seemed to me that it would be very hard for any other city-state to attack any other city-state. Let alone be able to develop the technology to travel to another dimension. Why didn't the Sovs just conquer that peaceful dimension & live there? I guess my musings lead me to the realization that Dredd & Mega-city 1 was created at a time when logic & realistic detail weren't considered when writing for children's comics.

... and at a time when logic and realism weren't factors in the thinking of the people running the USA and USSR. The Apocalypse War's taking the piss out of the insane attitudes which led to the doctrine of MAD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutual_assured_destruction) being taken seriously, and a time when the folk with their hands on the levers of power and their fingers on the buttons seemed to expend so much more time, energy and money on frustrating the other guy's plans than they ever did on improving the lot of their own populations. 

Hence the idea that someone with one foot in the doorway to an unspoilt Utopia would be more interested in how they could use it to shaft their enemy than escaping the nightmare they'd created for themselves. Both Megacities are run by bitter, paranoid, bellicose tyrants - what place would there be for folk like Kazan, Griffin, Thatcher and Brezhnev in hippie Heaven? What would they do all day? If you're absolutely no fun, if you need everyone else to be at each others' throats to give you a sense of purpose and maintain your grip on power, why would you ever want the world to be any other way?

As Satan once said (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paradise_Lost), "better to reign in Hell, than surf in Heav'n".

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 31 July, 2013, 09:42:26 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 30 July, 2013, 07:53:50 PM
Speaking of Brian Talbot, has anyone read the graphic novel he produced under a pseudonym, Metronome (http://www.nbmpub.com/comicslit/metronome/tanakahome.html)?

Hadn't heard of it either AO, and I thought I had Talbot's complete body of work.
Will track it down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 July, 2013, 09:54:30 AM
Quote from: sauchie on 31 July, 2013, 09:23:18 AM...what place would there be for folk like Kazan, Griffin, Thatcher and Brezhnev in hippie Heaven? What would they do all day?

Take all your overgrown infants away somewhere
And build them a home
A little place of their own
The Fletcher Memorial Home for incurable tyrants and kings
And they can appear to themselves every day
On closed circuit TV
To make sure they're still real.

@Judge Brian.  While there is certainly a large element of the contortions required by a kids' weekly comic, I think the MC-1silliness works far more successfully as satire than a 'realistic' hard SF future.   Why is it any sillier that sugar is illegal im MC-1 when alcohol is not, than it is that cannabis is illegal in most of the real world when alcohol is not?  Stories including the former are entertaining and potentially eye-opening, those about the latter dull in the extreme.

It's much the same reason that Swift's Houyhnhnms are intelligent horses rather than cultured Africans.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 31 July, 2013, 10:01:54 AM
Senior TordelBack? I'm stealing that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 July, 2013, 10:05:40 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 31 July, 2013, 10:01:54 AM
Senior TordelBack? I'm stealing that.

Send the royalties to Roger Waters, Hawkmonger!  I am merely a voice crying in the wilderness.

And apologies all for the mountain of typos in that post.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 31 July, 2013, 05:32:00 PM
My copy of the new printing of Camelot 3000 arrived today and I'm very much looking forward to devouring some vintage Bolland art this evening.  Camelot 3000 was the first non-2000AD GN I ever bought (I had previously "borrowed" a copy of Fungus the Boogeyman from a friend and have yet to give it back after 20 odd years).  My old copy vanished sometime ago so I was delighted when I learnt it was been reprinted again.  This printing has a foreword by Mike M. Barr (from the 2008 edition) and a sketchbook gallery at the back.  Classic stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 31 July, 2013, 07:20:31 PM
Quote from: Tombo on 31 July, 2013, 05:32:00 PM
My copy of the new printing of Camelot 3000 arrived today and I'm very much looking forward to devouring some vintage Bolland art this evening. 

I'd be interested to see if you think it holds up, Tombo. I recently acquired an old 80s copy off eBay for a very small amount of money and enjoyed it immensely. I mean, it's very 80's, very silly in places, but it really did tick the 80's comic boxes for me. I leant it to a friend who thought it was god-awful and questioned my sanity!
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 31 July, 2013, 09:13:13 PM
I got the first three issues of DC's Dredd in a big bulk lot of comics, anyone read em?

(http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu282/DarthSheldo/Random/2013-07-31205717_zps255847fd.png)

I have to say I enjoyed em more than the IDW series! At least it was a different spin on their being cops and Judges (#3 sets up the normal cops' demise) and I got a giggle or two from a trigger happy granny.

More interestingly though is an interview with a producer Charles Lippincott (who claims to be a massive fan) on the other Dredd movie (which they state is starting principle photography) which sounds like he is pre-empting or responding to fan complaints about a certain actor: "Dredd is the focal point, and thus the story concept demands that a star play the part in order for the movie to work successfully at the box office".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 31 July, 2013, 09:21:30 PM
I like Oeming's take on Dredd. Those first two covers are great IMHO.

I seem to remember he came back and did a Dredd one off in one of the end of year progs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 31 July, 2013, 09:24:06 PM
Even teenage obsessive collector me couldn't make it past issue 2 of DCs Dredd.
What were they thinking?

IDW's Year One currently stands as the only non-Tharg Dredd that is readable (and not just readable, but bloomin great).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 July, 2013, 09:33:46 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 31 July, 2013, 09:24:06 PM...the only non-Tharg Dredd that is readable ...

The ironing is delicious.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 31 July, 2013, 09:35:50 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 31 July, 2013, 09:33:46 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 31 July, 2013, 09:24:06 PM...the only non-Tharg Dredd that is readable ...

The ironing is delicious.

You know what I meant!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 31 July, 2013, 09:37:10 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 31 July, 2013, 09:33:46 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 31 July, 2013, 09:24:06 PM...the only non-Tharg Dredd that is readable ...

The ironing is delicious.


Totes.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 01 August, 2013, 06:58:55 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 31 July, 2013, 09:54:30 AM

@Judge Brian.  While there is certainly a large element of the contortions required by a kids' weekly comic, I think the MC-1silliness works far more successfully as satire than a 'realistic' hard SF future.   Why is it any sillier that sugar is illegal im MC-1 when alcohol is not, than it is that cannabis is illegal in most of the real world when alcohol is not?  Stories including the former are entertaining and potentially eye-opening, those about the latter dull in the extreme.

It's much the same reason that Swift's Houyhnhnms are intelligent horses rather than cultured Africans.

Because Dredd isn't really the point of his own strip, the strip can (and is) about anything. One week it's satire, the next it's tragedy, the next week it could be hard sci-fi. That's what's great about the world of Dredd.

I guess I want their society to be driven by logic is because our society isn't.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 August, 2013, 09:40:22 AM
Quote from: Judge Brian on 01 August, 2013, 06:58:55 AM
I guess I want their society to be driven by logic is because our society isn't.

Excellent point!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 01 August, 2013, 10:19:22 AM
Wonder Woman vol. 1: Blood, which was absolutely awesome. I was never a fan of the character, but this new reboot of sorts, is perfect and a fresh perspective for the iconic character. Cliff Chiang's artwork is superb, it reminded me of Fiona Staples' work on Saga. If the story holds up for the continuing series  then consider me a fan. Oh, and it was far more enjoyable than Hawkeye.

Also, Britten & Brülightly. You can read my review on my blog:

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/08/01/britten-brulightly-grapahic-novel-review/

In a word, excellent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 01 August, 2013, 11:02:30 AM
Just finished off Judge Dredd Case Files v20 - probably the worst one of these I've picked up to date. Gets better towards the end but there's not much to recommend here; a daft story about Dredd fighting a mummy in Egypt is actually something of a high point, it at least has nice art to look at whilst the punching is happening.

The biggest problems are a story arc involving the Pan-Andes Conurb, a south-american mega-city (or something, the art never looks like anything more futuristic than a shanty town and a plantation) and one story written by mark millar which I think is one of the worst I have ever, ever read. The former 'arc' suffers from ridiculous and frankly racist mexican stereotypes including horrific accented dialogue and characters that are unremittingly depraved, corrupt and disingenuous; there isn't a single honest person in the whole story and I don't understand how it was ever written. "Sonny Steelgrave" - a pseudonym if ever read one - has a lot to answer for here.

However the worst strip of the bunch is easily Mark Millar's. His few Dredd thrills are characterised by uncharacteristic brutality, which is saying something for Dredd. What's worse, this is unlawful brutality as far as I can tell. The nadir of his work here though is a story which follows a young citizen's struggle to join Justice Department, after having failed the initial psych/phys tests at 5. Everyone gets a second chance at age 12. Unfortunately for this kid, his psych tests reveal that he is "87% chance of becoming a perp in the future - so we saved ourselves some time and cubed him for life before he committed the crimes."

wtf. The last line is the kid saying "I used to think Judge Dredd was a hero - now I think he's a monster!" - yeah, spot on kid. Judge Dredd does not cube people for life for crimes they might commit. Put you on a watch list until you do commit a crime, yes. Put you under so much pressure that you might snap and fulfill this prophecy, sure. But condemn you before you've broken the law? Never. I shouldn't be surprised Millar misses the point of the 'big lie' so thoroughly but it's truly disappointing to read this story after 19 volumes of almost universally amazing thrills. If anyone has read "A Letter to Judge Dredd" and the work that followed, you'll know Megacity 1's top lawman has more to offer than mindless draconian punishment.

It's a real shame as Mark Millar has a lot in common with Garth Ennis - he does his best work when he balances the crass violence, obscenity and shock tactics with something deeper and a little more heartfelt, and his worst when he just leans on the common denominator material and revels in the gore and sadism. Red Razors was better even if it wasn't anymore ambitious, it revolves around a character who belongs in the middle of all that inane violence (which I have some time for too before you think I'm immune to it). Sometimes I think his best work was on Sonic the comic and the Superman:TAS comic series....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 01 August, 2013, 11:24:39 AM
Quote from: Professor James T Bear on 29 July, 2013, 12:47:43 AM
Quote from: JamesC on 26 July, 2013, 06:51:32 PM
I remember Millar talking about the Spider-Girl character at the time and listing all the reasons she was evil, including "she's black."  Oddly, he has not revisited this statement for some reason.

Hnnn.

Also how is Spiderman's granddaughter black when she is Clint Barton's daughter too (gross by the way, hey Hawkeye want to hook up with my kid!?)?

I guess Spidey hooks up with Glory Grant in this continuity.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LorcanQ on 01 August, 2013, 01:00:28 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 01 August, 2013, 11:02:30 AM

It's a real shame as Mark Millar has a lot in common with Garth Ennis - he does his best work when he balances the crass violence, obscenity and shock tactics with something deeper and a little more heartfelt, and his worst when he just leans on the common denominator material and revels in the gore and sadism. Red Razors was better even if it wasn't anymore ambitious, it revolves around a character who belongs in the middle of all that inane violence (which I have some time for too before you think I'm immune to it). Sometimes I think his best work was on Sonic the comic and the Superman:TAS comic series....

From what i've read of it though, I thought Ennis' Dredd run was mostly crap, not by means of it being too sadist or anything, it was just lacking in anything imaginative really

Quote from: JamesC on 26 July, 2013, 06:51:32 PM
I remember Millar talking about the Spider-Girl character at the time and listing all the reasons she was evil, including "she's black."  Oddly, he has not revisited this statement for some reason.



Jesus christ that's bad! I'd say that's more millar being a fuckin idiot than anything maliciously racist though TBH
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 August, 2013, 01:05:46 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 01 August, 2013, 01:00:28 PM
From what i've read of it though, I thought Ennis' Dredd run was mostly crap...

He thinks so too.  However, in comparison to the Millar era, Ennis was the Second Coming of Wagner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 01 August, 2013, 02:43:31 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 01 August, 2013, 01:00:28 PM


From what i've read of it though, I thought Ennis' Dredd run was mostly crap, not by means of it being too sadist or anything, it was just lacking in anything imaginative really


Meh I don't think his stuff is terrible, it's very middle of the road. There were some moments in Emerald Isle that I quite liked and as a whole it beat the sprock out of the 'Sugar beat' trip to Pan-Andes Conurb.

Nothing I've read of Ennis's Dredd really jumps out of character though like cubing a perfectly normal citizen at 12 years old because they might commit a crime
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 01 August, 2013, 02:50:12 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 01 August, 2013, 02:43:31 PM

Nothing I've read of Ennis's Dredd really jumps out of character

I never minded Ennis' Dredd, thought there were some genuine gems during his run.
If you take Wagner as being the ideal Dredd writer as a given, I don't think there were many other writers that could have done a better job at the time.
Thargs 'bench' didn't include Al Ewing, Rob Williams, Mike Carroll, Gordon Rennie et al back in those days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 August, 2013, 02:59:17 PM
Yeah I never quite get the 'hate' for Ennis' Dredd, it was innovative but it did its job and as you say there's some gems in there.

The strength of Tharg's 'bench' as you call it goes a long, long way to explaining why 2000ad is in such a strong place at the moment. Still I'd love to see the modern Ennis have another go at Dredd, I reckon he'd do a peach of a job (I know, I know Helter Skelter but everyone mis-steps sometimes!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 01 August, 2013, 03:29:37 PM
Even Helter-Skelter was ok

I like the bit where he says "Don't be stupid I'm not going to kill you - just because it would be an easy solution doesn't make it right."

Of course if she'd been a Judge or a perp, BOOM.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 01 August, 2013, 03:41:30 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 01 August, 2013, 11:02:30 AM
The nadir of his work here though is a story which follows a young citizen's struggle to join Justice Department, after having failed the initial psych/phys tests at 5. Everyone gets a second chance at age 12. Unfortunately for this kid, his psych tests reveal that he is "87% chance of becoming a perp in the future - so we saved ourselves some time and cubed him for life before he committed the crimes."

wtf. The last line is the kid saying "I used to think Judge Dredd was a hero - now I think he's a monster!" - yeah, spot on kid. Judge Dredd does not cube people for life for crimes they might commit. Put you on a watch list until you do commit a crime, yes. Put you under so much pressure that you might snap and fulfill this prophecy, sure. But condemn you before you've broken the law? Never.

Oh my giddy aunt! I totally remember this story and thought it awfully harsh! I always thought early 2012 was the first time I picked up a prog (outside of Judgement on Gotham and the Shaun of the Dead prog) I must have tried 2000ad back with that prog and thought "nah, not for me". Any idea what year this was or even the prog number so as I can have a butchers?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 01 August, 2013, 03:48:33 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 31 July, 2013, 09:24:06 PM
Even teenage obsessive collector me couldn't make it past issue 2 of DCs Dredd.
What were they thinking?

IDW's Year One currently stands as the only non-Tharg Dredd that is readable (and not just readable, but bloomin great).


I thinkI had the whole run. It wasn't bad
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 01 August, 2013, 06:28:14 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 01 August, 2013, 03:48:33 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 31 July, 2013, 09:24:06 PM
Even teenage obsessive collector me couldn't make it past issue 2 of DCs Dredd. What were they thinking?

I think I had the whole run. It wasn't bad

I thought it was almost entirely shite, with the exception of the bits featuring The Ministry of Fear, The Academy of Law, and the aliens looking to trade WMDs. The art improved a lot around that point, including the first stuff I'd ever seen by JH Williams III:


(http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5469/176304-19045-113747-1-judge-dredd.jpg)(http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/scale_small/0/5469/176313-19045-113749-1-judge-dredd.jpg)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 02 August, 2013, 12:46:45 AM
Quote from: sauchie on 01 August, 2013, 06:28:14 PM
and the aliens looking to trade WMDs.

For cigarettes. CIGARETTES.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 02 August, 2013, 01:17:35 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 01 August, 2013, 01:05:46 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 01 August, 2013, 01:00:28 PM
From what i've read of it though, I thought Ennis' Dredd run was mostly crap...

He thinks so too.  However, in comparison to the Millar era, Ennis was the Second Coming of Wagner.

I liked that Ennis was actually trying to write Dredd stories and had obviously read the strip in the past and knew what he liked about it, his only problem was falling short of the mark while he found his feet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 02 August, 2013, 07:20:06 AM

Aye, Ennis's run on Dredd was like karaoke: not terrible, but it mainly just reminded you how good the original is. The main saving grace of that whole dodgy five year period was the fact that Carlos and his hand coloured art had become the default choice for any Dredd story of any length or importance.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 02 August, 2013, 09:14:55 AM
MetaMaus.  Lucky find in the library, and pretty extraordinary stuff.  What could have been a horrible act of autohagiography turns out to be a really fascinating, if ultimately crushing, read.  It's hard not to get ground down by the unimaginable horror of the copious source material, but the insights into Spiegelman's creative development leaven it a bit.  I'm still on the printed part, and I'm not sure I'm looking forward to the DVD of supporting material, which apparently includes hyperlink-annotated versions of Maus and the original interview tapes of Art and Vladek's conversations. 

To give me back the will to live, I'm interspersing this with a re-read of the incomparable Bone, and Colin Greenland's Take Back Plenty, which is not as good as I had hoped it would be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 02 August, 2013, 10:11:59 AM
I've read a lot these days. On the 2000ad front, after CCF5, i'm trough the first Tales of Nu Earth. Good stuff, the rogue trooper tales.

And changing of genre and type of lecture: i've just started "Lone Survivor". The book of the Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell. I've seen that whey're gonna release a movie soon, and i saw the trailer. And since i have the original material for a while, it's time to read it and compare screen-to-page.

So far is nice and touching, but a little too "patriotic" for my taste, type "we are the best", "we do it for patriotism, for America"... and all that. Distracts a little from the soul of the story, but it's not a gung-ho patriotical pamphlet, at least from now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 02 August, 2013, 02:16:54 PM
Have just finished Absalom: Ghosts Of London, which I absolutely loved. Read a review of it and wasn't sure, didn't like the sound of the premise, but now I'm hooked! What really made it for me was the character of Harry Absalom himself, reminded me of an OAP Constantine but funnier! Am I right in thinking this is a spin-off from Caballistics Inc? I've ordered a copy anyway.
Looking forward to seeing more of ol' Harry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 02 August, 2013, 03:17:58 PM
Ol' Harry isn't in Cab's much, certainly not in the first volume anyway, but it's still a corcking series in it's own right.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 02 August, 2013, 03:58:34 PM
Kinda expected that to be honest but am still looking forward to reading Caballistics anyway. I would have gotten around to reading it at some point anyway, so it's sooner rather than later!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LorcanQ on 02 August, 2013, 05:25:57 PM
Quote from: Professor James T Bear on 02 August, 2013, 01:17:35 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 01 August, 2013, 01:05:46 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 01 August, 2013, 01:00:28 PM
From what i've read of it though, I thought Ennis' Dredd run was mostly crap...

He thinks so too.  However, in comparison to the Millar era, Ennis was the Second Coming of Wagner.

I liked that Ennis was actually trying to write Dredd stories and had obviously read the strip in the past and knew what he liked about it, his only problem was falling short of the mark while he found his feet.

Oh by no means am i defending millar's run, hell i haven't even read it, i just meant i thought ennis' run wasnt great for reasons other than it being to violent/obscene as theblazeuk seemes to say...

It's generally quite surprising that millar (especially) and ennis had such a mediocre start on 2000ad and then moved on to be international comic superstars, with some brilliant series written by them (depending of course, if you like Millar). That they didn't show much early promise is bizarre really
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 02 August, 2013, 05:40:55 PM
Daredevil: Born Again.

I've never read a Daredevil comic before, and thoroughly enjoyed this - it's easy to forget how great Frank Miller was before he went crazy. Wonderful stuff - brilliantly dense writing from Miller that is just the right side of mental, and superb art by David Mazzucelli.

I recently ordered the Daredevil Omnibus which collects Miller's famous run from when he was writing and drawing it - can't wait!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 02 August, 2013, 05:51:59 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 02 August, 2013, 05:25:57 PM
It's generally quite surprising that millar (especially) and ennis had such a mediocre start on 2000ad and then moved on to be international comic superstars, with some brilliant series written by them (depending of course, if you like Millar). That they didn't show much early promise is bizarre really

Ennis thanks his first Editor on Preacher for telling him his first draught wasn't good enough and making him go away and try to come up with something better in the introduction to the first collection. He also credits sound editorial guidance and a supportive working relationship for much of his subsequent success in US comics.

Given the stories we've heard about 2000ad editorial at that time, it's unsurprising that he and Millar were able to get away with firing out strips which were basically just a list of hipster/kids TV references, familiar tropes from the comic's past, and scenes ripped-off from films.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 02 August, 2013, 06:01:07 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 02 August, 2013, 05:25:57 PMOh by no means am i defending millar's run, hell i haven't even read it, i just meant i thought ennis' run wasnt great for reasons other than it being to violent/obscene as theblazeuk seemes to say...

It is usually the writers that take the blame for this violent/obscene period, but it's worth noting that during it, the art became more graphically violent and what used to be implied or happened off-panel was now splashed all over the pages.  The difference in writing quality was perhaps magnified by the tonal shift of the era.
Then again, I suppose it's hard to salvage Dredd wrestling a flesh-eating mummy in a vat of human organs.

QuoteIt's generally quite surprising that millar (especially) and ennis had such a mediocre start on 2000ad and then moved on to be international comic superstars, with some brilliant series written by them (depending of course, if you like Millar). That they didn't show much early promise is bizarre really

To be fair to both, you try writing an attention-grabbing comic story featuring characters you probably don't even like or understand, and then try writing it in five pages.  Certainly a brave and bold few have achieved greatness in the space provided, but realistically it's a difficult format.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 02 August, 2013, 06:10:38 PM
Quote from: Professor James T Bear on 02 August, 2013, 06:01:07 PM
Quote from: LorcanQ on 02 August, 2013, 05:25:57 PMOh by no means am i defending millar's run, hell i haven't even read it, i just meant i thought ennis' run wasnt great for reasons other than it being to violent/obscene as theblazeuk seemes to say...

It is usually the writers that take the blame for this violent/obscene period, but it's worth noting that during it, the art became more graphically violent and what used to be implied or happened off-panel was now splashed all over the pages.  The difference in writing quality was perhaps magnified by the tonal shift of the era.
Then again, I suppose it's hard to salvage Dredd wrestling a flesh-eating mummy in a vat of human organs.

QuoteIt's generally quite surprising that millar (especially) and ennis had such a mediocre start on 2000ad and then moved on to be international comic superstars, with some brilliant series written by them (depending of course, if you like Millar). That they didn't show much early promise is bizarre really

To be fair to both, you try writing an attention-grabbing comic story featuring characters you probably don't even like or understand, and then try writing it in five pages.  Certainly a brave and bold few have achieved greatness in the space provided, but realistically it's a difficult format.

Both were in their late teens/early twenties at the time too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 02 August, 2013, 06:35:32 PM
The Ennis and Millar runs are fascinating polar opposites –you couldn't have picked two young lads with more divergent views on 'Judge Dredd'. Putting their work back-to-back just emphasises it further. Ennis is the fan, doing his best, powered by a great and genuine love for the source material, but hemmed in by that very love. Millar, however, is a lover of US comics who knows (or knew) very little about Dredd or 2000AD, and what he does know, he freely admits to finding a bit scary. So his take on 'Judge Dredd' is what he thinks the series is – a story about a cruel, frightening and horrible man who commits acts of ridiculous unfairness but is respected for his toughness. If you can look at Millar's run from a sort of detached historical perspective (something which was impossible during said run) it becomes fascinating – 'Judge Dredd' from the outsider's point of view.  It's hard to shake the feeling that this view of what 'Judge Dredd' might be like wasn't unique to the young Millar – I bet there've been plenty of comic fans who've assumed the series to be solely an over-the-top, parodic, explosions-and-hard-men thing, maybe good for a few chuckles but of no nuance or depth.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 02 August, 2013, 07:50:13 PM
Quote from: radiator on 02 August, 2013, 05:40:55 PM
Daredevil: Born Again.

I've never read a Daredevil comic before, and thoroughly enjoyed this - it's easy to forget how great Frank Miller was before he went crazy. Wonderful stuff - brilliantly dense writing from Miller that is just the right side of mental, and superb art by David Mazzucelli.

I recently ordered the Daredevil Omnibus which collects Miller's famous run from when he was writing and drawing it - can't wait!
Get the Miller/Romita Jr mini series Man Without Fear as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 02 August, 2013, 09:02:52 PM
Quote from: Charlie boy on 02 August, 2013, 07:50:13 PM
Quote from: radiator on 02 August, 2013, 05:40:55 PM
Daredevil: Born Again.

I've never read a Daredevil comic before, and thoroughly enjoyed this - it's easy to forget how great Frank Miller was before he went crazy. Wonderful stuff - brilliantly dense writing from Miller that is just the right side of mental, and superb art by David Mazzucelli.

I recently ordered the Daredevil Omnibus which collects Miller's famous run from when he was writing and drawing it - can't wait!
Get the Miller/Romita Jr mini series Man Without Fear as soon as possible.

I second that, it is one of my favourite Daredevil story, if not the favourite. The thing is you do not see Matt Murdock in full gear until the last pages, but it is still an awesome origin tale. And JRJR's artwork is fantastic. I have the hardback edition, which seems to be out of print or is very expensive, but there's TPB versions out there;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0785134794/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1375473675&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY190
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 02 August, 2013, 10:30:24 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 02 August, 2013, 09:02:52 PM

I second that, it is one of my favourite Daredevil story, if not the favourite. The thing is you do not see Matt Murdock in full gear until the last pages, but it is still an awesome origin tale. And JRJR's artwork is fantastic. I have the hardback edition, which seems to be out of print or is very expensive, but there's TPB versions out there;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0785134794/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1375473675&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY190
And you don't even see him [spoiler]as DareDevil in the actual costume(s) until the very last page![/spoiler]. Great RJR artwork throughout, particularly his illustrations when it's taking such a fast/up-close and violent turn nearing the end in my opinion.
Don't know what it would be like if you went and read this before Miller's original run though. From what I remember of the Miller run- and I'd have to go digging through the old comic collection to be 100% sure of this- it took quite a while to reach the whole 'gritty' section it's remembered for and was your somewhat light and easy superhero comic to begin with. Man Without Fear is pretty brutal from start to finish and pretty unforgettable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 02 August, 2013, 10:37:32 PM
Sometimes I hate being a thicko pleb, as it stops me enjoying the genre-defying genius that is the final few issues of Batman Incorporated.  See, my lack of education prevents me from seeing past my initial judgment that this is a rather middle of the road Batman comic with no formed ideas or themes that then tries to hang a lampshade on this by having a character state on the page "HAHA BATMAN I FOOLED YOU BY HAVING NO FORMED IDEAS OR THEMES AND I DONT EVEN HAVE TO RESOLVE PLOTS NOT EVEN THE ONES I START IN THIS ISSUE BECAUSE OUROBOS BECAUSE EVERYTHING GOES IN CIRCLES HAHA" which is not actually clever because if that were the case then every time a Marvel comic got cancelled and the last panel was just "Never the end!" we'd be talking about that being genius rather than what a bloody mess of a finish it was.
It's not been completely terrible because few things are completely terrible, and there's definately some welcome wit and the occasional good panel that looks suspiciously like it was engineered to be viewed in isolation, but all this impresses upon me is that it would have been better if Mark Millar had written it, as he is very good at setting up big splash panels and soundbites and then building actual stories around them, but if nothing else it's neat to view it alongside Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Zero Year Batman story, as that comes off as a much more convincing Grant Morrison Batman comic than this does, with the added bonus of giving you the impression you will know what's going on eventually.
Still, I'm sure it will have its fans.  Me, I am a little disappointed by the cap on a 7 year run that doesn't really go anywhere (and then tells you it's because it wants you going in circles and to not have closure).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 03 August, 2013, 12:02:11 PM
http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/08/03/recent-comic-purchases-creepy-presents-richard-corben/

:)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 05 August, 2013, 12:04:57 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 03 August, 2013, 12:02:11 PM
http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/08/03/recent-comic-purchases-creepy-presents-richard-corben/

:)

Yeah it's a lovely book. I got the hardback last year, it replaced my heavy metal collection
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 August, 2013, 01:17:46 AM
Quote from: Skullmo on 05 August, 2013, 12:04:57 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 03 August, 2013, 12:02:11 PM
http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/08/03/recent-comic-purchases-creepy-presents-richard-corben/

:)

Yeah it's a lovely book. I got the hardback last year, it replaced my heavy metal collection

I'm just going through it now, trying my utmost best not to rush it. You see Corben is for me, one of the all time greats. I just love his style to bits, just looking at some of his earlier works in this book, it recalled Boo Cook's style! There is definitely some similarity the way Cook renders his amazing artwork, and I'm wondering if he saw Corben as an influence on his work? Anyway back to the book, "The Terror Tomb" had me howling with laughter just a while ago!  :lol:

I wish we could get a brand new publication of his Neverwhere and Arabian Nights stories - that is my biggest wish.  It's really hard to get hold of those, not to mention bloody expensive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 05 August, 2013, 10:35:15 AM
Quote from: Greg M. on 02 August, 2013, 06:35:32 PM
The Ennis and Millar runs are fascinating polar opposites –you couldn't have picked two young lads with more divergent views on 'Judge Dredd'. Putting their work back-to-back just emphasises it further. Ennis is the fan, doing his best, powered by a great and genuine love for the source material, but hemmed in by that very love. Millar, however, is a lover of US comics who knows (or knew) very little about Dredd or 2000AD, and what he does know, he freely admits to finding a bit scary. So his take on 'Judge Dredd' is what he thinks the series is – a story about a cruel, frightening and horrible man who commits acts of ridiculous unfairness but is respected for his toughness. If you can look at Millar's run from a sort of detached historical perspective (something which was impossible during said run) it becomes fascinating – 'Judge Dredd' from the outsider's point of view.  It's hard to shake the feeling that this view of what 'Judge Dredd' might be like wasn't unique to the young Millar – I bet there've been plenty of comic fans who've assumed the series to be solely an over-the-top, parodic, explosions-and-hard-men thing, maybe good for a few chuckles but of no nuance or depth.

Well said!

Also I just wanted to note when I compared Millar and Ennis before, I wasn't strictly talking in terms of their work on Judge Dredd but in their wider output. Similarities between both but it seems like all of Millar's characters have a tendency towards the cynical arsehole, whereas Ennis leans more towards flawed idealism.


Moving away from the Big meg, I read Ocean at the End of the Lane over the weekend. Someone described it as "less of a childrens book and more of a book about childhood" (or something, I've not got an eidetic memory) and it's pretty spot on. I'm sure many of us will see similarities in our experiences as a young un - glad Neil Gaiman is back writing things for me to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 05 August, 2013, 10:50:35 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 05 August, 2013, 10:35:15 AM
Similarities between both but it seems like all of Millar's characters have a tendency towards the cynical arsehole, whereas Ennis leans more towards flawed idealism.

Probably very true. I do think Millar writes 'cynical arsehole' because that's what he thinks the 'cool kids' want to read, or because he feels that 'shock' sells. He's so commercially-minded, it would be difficult to imagine him writing a more 'personal' project: he seems a lovely guy, but he's comics-writer-as-entrepreneur. Others have suggested he's the closest thing we've got to a modern Stan Lee, in terms of his ability to self-promote in a sort of amiable, hyperbole-fuelled, hucksterish fashion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LorcanQ on 05 August, 2013, 01:49:05 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 05 August, 2013, 10:50:35 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 05 August, 2013, 10:35:15 AM
Similarities between both but it seems like all of Millar's characters have a tendency towards the cynical arsehole, whereas Ennis leans more towards flawed idealism.

Probably very true. I do think Millar writes 'cynical arsehole' because that's what he thinks the 'cool kids' want to read, or because he feels that 'shock' sells. He's so commercially-minded, it would be difficult to imagine him writing a more 'personal' project: he seems a lovely guy, but he's comics-writer-as-entrepreneur. Others have suggested he's the closest thing we've got to a modern Stan Lee, in terms of his ability to self-promote in a sort of amiable, hyperbole-fuelled, hucksterish fashion.

Yeah, id completely agree. If you take a look through some of his works, all have the exact same format as regards to beginning/central character at least. Think about it : Kick-ass, Wanted, Superior, Chosen, Marvel 1985, The Secret Service (havent read it, but i think it fits it aswell). A sidelined teenager/young adult, at typical comic reading age feels apathetic towards life and then something happens that brings him into a violent, exciting world that he loves. All of these stick to this premise religiously! And you can see why, for the general comic reading age - late teens/early 20s these characters are immediately easily relatable and thus will sell better. Hell, ill admit, despite me knowing millars writing is generally low effort common denominator stuff, i love reading it, its just fast and fun.

Ennis on the other hand is fantastic at fully fleshing out characters and challenging what to expect in each of his stories.

Also, kind of unrelated, but i think it should be mentioned: Millars most famous character is hit-girl, who's origin story, IMO, is a SCANDALOUS rip-off of Tulip's in Preacher. Almost word for word. I dont know how he got away with it really..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 05 August, 2013, 03:33:46 PM
Hmm I never noticed (not a huge fan of Kick-Ass... oddly I actually prefer the movie so much more as the main character seems a lot less of a prick), it is just a change to the motivation for the training when you think about it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 August, 2013, 11:46:11 PM
Alan Moore's Swamp Thing run is pretty marvellous is it not? I can't believe I put off reading it for so long.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 06 August, 2013, 12:10:18 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 05 August, 2013, 11:46:11 PM
Alan Moore's Swamp Thing run is pretty marvellous is it not? I can't believe I put off reading it for so long.

It's amazing Mabs.
There have been some fair comments previously regarding the artwork / coloring, but to me it adds some period charm.
Up there as one of the greatest runs of all time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 August, 2013, 01:57:58 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 06 August, 2013, 12:10:18 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 05 August, 2013, 11:46:11 PM
Alan Moore's Swamp Thing run is pretty marvellous is it not? I can't believe I put off reading it for so long.

It's amazing Mabs.
There have been some fair comments previously regarding the artwork / coloring, but to me it adds some period charm.
Up there as one of the greatest runs of all time.

I couldn't agree more Link, the artwork is outstanding, and the colour does add a little charm to it. Once I started reading it I just couldn't put it down, it was a really immersing and enjoyable read. Moore's writing is second to none just the way he writes the characters and their thoughts, and those dream/ hallucination segments are something else entirely. I'm going to seek out Vol. 2, 3, 4 until I read Moore's whole run! Talking of the Swamp Thing, I also had this delivered today;

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/recent-comic-purchases-concrete-vol-1-depths/

It's a little similar premise wise as it also deals with a gentle misunderstood 'monster' in my view. Anyway, I can't wait to get stuck in!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 06 August, 2013, 02:05:05 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 06 August, 2013, 12:10:18 PM
Up there as one of the greatest runs of all time.

Possibly Moore's warmest work, emotionally. Genuinely likeable characters, some fantastic, elegant plotting and gorgeous artwork. Yes, the prose is a little (!) purple, but Moore's ear for a memorable phrase more than makes up for it.

(Sadly, Tatjana Wood's colours were sublime on newsprint but, since she purposely allowed for the muddying effects of the paper and took advantage of the relative lack of hard outlines in the art, when reproduced on nicer paper stock, the result is not great.)

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 August, 2013, 02:30:15 PM
Swamp Thing is very hit and miss for me, and it's something I'd only recommend to people with some caveats. There's parts of it that are wonderful, there's parts that are hard work. I had the first book for years but never went any further with it because I found it a bit tough going to start with - and only ended up catching up with it these last few years with the hardbacks.

Due to it being part of a serial narrative, it isn't great for new readers. Moore does a pretty good job of recapping, filling in and starting anew, but it's never going to be as immediately accessible as his other work. The art, while functional, is arguably quite flat and ugly to a modern readers sensibilities. Personally I don't hate it, but neither do I particularly like it. Regarding the colours, as someone who didn't grow up reading American style four(?) colour comics, they almost always look garish and unappealing to me. Some of the storytelling is a bit 'out there', even for seasoned comic book readers, and the chapters featuring obscure DC characters like Demon are interminable and often tedious.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 06 August, 2013, 02:37:17 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 06 August, 2013, 02:05:05 PM
when reproduced on nicer paper stock, the result is not great.

Cheers

Jim

Or via Comixology digital format (I bought the whole lot during one of their $0.99 sales a year or two ago).
I have older copies of the first two graphic novel collections, and they do look a bit better colour wise.

For me, practically nothing could detract from this series though, and I absolutely agree that its Moore's 'warmest' work.
The episodes set [spoiler]in space after Swamp Thing's death[/spoiler] are possibly the most fascinating comics I've ever read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 06 August, 2013, 03:19:09 PM
Just started re-reading American Vampire Volumes 1 - 5......
I think it's a extraordinary series, with vicious bloodthirsty vampires ( the way they should really be ) and some fantastic artwork by the amazing Rafael Albuquerque....
The exploration of American history throughout is just wonderful,  and the writing / dialogue is amazing....
I read these originally when they came out,  and had to wait until subsequent volumes were out to 'catch up' with the story,  and it became a bit difficult to remember characters and where they all 'fitted in'.....But reading them 'all together' is just wonderful, and the whole ( epic ) story makes far more 'sense' and the character 'tie ins' more obvious...
And the 'origin' story of Skinner Sweet ( the main protagonist ) is written by Stephen King.....
If you like your Vampires 'hard core',  and not at all 'sparkly', I would recommend this wholeheartedly !!..
Cheers

Oh, and I really would like a piece of artwork from this series as well.....Or a sketch by Rafael.....Think he is going to The Lakes Comic Con so might get one there.....Or it might be Thoughtbubble in Leeds....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 August, 2013, 04:57:10 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 August, 2013, 02:30:15 PM
Swamp Thing is very hit and miss for me, and it's something I'd only recommend to people with some caveats. There's parts of it that are wonderful, there's parts that are hard work.

Yeah have to say this is how I feel about it.

Its a good comic and when held up to other mainstream comics of the time blows them away in terms of craft BUT at times its really, really trying tooooo hard and feels a little forced. I don't think it stands up to the test of time as well as some other examples of Moore's work. Its a good run, a good comic, but not the great comic so many hold it to be... except on the occasions it is!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 06 August, 2013, 05:16:26 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 August, 2013, 02:30:15 PM
and the chapters featuring obscure DC characters like Demon are interminable and often tedious.

By contrast, I absolutely loved Moore's version of Etrigan without knowing anything about him other than that he was (I assumed) a pre-existing DC character.

QuoteThe art, while functional, is arguably quite flat and ugly to a modern readers sensibilities.

Then 'modern readers' have not one fucking jot of taste.

Bah.

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 August, 2013, 05:26:46 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 06 August, 2013, 05:16:26 PM
By contrast, I absolutely loved Moore's version of Etrigan without knowing anything about him other than that he was (I assumed) a pre-existing DC character.

Moore's Swamp Thing was the first DC comic I ever bought (as oft recounted, a handful of random issues found in a campsite shop in a soggy Colwyn Bay), and I knew absolutely none of the pre-existing characters. Didn't stop me enjoying it, or them, although it did lead to repeated disappointment when I tried to follow them in their own/other books.  (See also: Year One vs. other Batman of the period). 

And I'll fight any man who says anything bad about the sublimely appropriate art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 August, 2013, 05:37:23 PM
QuoteThen 'modern readers' have not one fucking jot of taste.

That may be your opinion, but I will put my hand up and say yeah - I find that late 1980s/early 1990s, scratchy, loose, garish, flat coloured art style to be visually unappealing. It's technically sound and tells the story, but on a purely visual level it does very little for me, looks dated (in a bad way) and lacks atmosphere. The monsters don't look remotely fierce or scary to me - bit of a problem for a horror comic. It's the main reason I've never read much of Sandman, it had a similar style of art that I had to fight against to enjoy the stories. I always tend to be more drawn to bold, stylised artwork in comics, not the (imo) wishy washy, semi-realistic stuff.*

Quote
By contrast, I absolutely loved Moore's version of Etrigan without knowing anything about him other than that he was (I assumed) a pre-existing DC character.

The whole sequence where Swamp Thing goes to hell and keeps bumping into C-list DC characters was, for me, extremely tedious and I was willing it to end.

The series really kicks into gear with the American Gothic(?) arc, all the stuff with the Parliament of Trees and John Constantine, with Alec discovering the extent of his powers (it's a bit hazy in my memory so maybe I'm conflating things), and some of the random one-shots are just fantastic - the perfect length to read just before you go to sleep at night.

*edit to say l that I used to have the Black & White Titan edition of Swamp Thing Book one, and on reflection I probably appreciated the art a bit more in that presentation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 06 August, 2013, 05:41:16 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 August, 2013, 05:37:23 PM
It's technically sound and tells the story, but on a purely visual level it does very little for me, looks dated (in a bad way) and lacks atmosphere.

I'm astonished that you'd say that about the work of either Totleben or Alcala, two of the most atmospheric and distinctive inkers ever to work in mainstream US comics.

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 August, 2013, 05:45:19 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 06 August, 2013, 05:16:26 PM

QuoteThe art, while functional, is arguably quite flat and ugly to a modern readers sensibilities.

Then 'modern readers' have not one fucking jot of taste.

Bah.

Jim

I can't speak for anyone else, but I thought the artwork (which I've witnessed thus far) was brilliant. It didn't feel flat, on the contrary it was really vibrant, with a lot of detail and depth. Some of the layout art in particular, and one page panels were outstanding.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 August, 2013, 05:47:06 PM
QuoteI'm astonished that you'd say that about the work of either Totleben or Alcala, two of the most atmospheric and distinctive inkers ever to work in mainstream US comics.

...and I'm sure that there's at least one or two 'great' artists whose style you personally don't like.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 06 August, 2013, 06:15:34 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 August, 2013, 05:47:06 PM
...and I'm sure that there's at least one or two 'great' artists whose style you personally don't like.

Yes, but when I don't like artists you like, it's because you're wrong and they're crap. When you don't like artists I like, it's because you're wrong and they're brilliant.

Honestly. Why people haven't grasped this by now, I have no idea.

Cheers

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 06 August, 2013, 06:32:09 PM
I agree.

With everyone.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 06 August, 2013, 07:21:07 PM
decided to take advantage of a deal on the Ellis Stormwatch reprints.  Having enjoyed the early issues of Authority (although not as much as Planetary or the Monarchy) but sometimes puzzled by references to aspects of Stormwatch it was an interesting read.  Pulled out the old Authority issues off the back of it.  Definitely an uplift compared to the Stormwatch stuff.  Felt like Ellis came into his own there, not to mention Hitch.  Had to laugh with the creator bio which emphasised Hitch's marvel UK credentials but missed his tooth work.  Remember him doing a few bits around prog 500 that always made me think of him as an Alan Davies lite.  Man he's changed!

Picking through DC's Wasteland from the late 80's.  Nice brand of bizarre with some cracking Lloyd artwork.

On the non graphic front working on Stross' Neptune's Brood.  Strange how this one is taking so much more time to get into, not sure why.  In the same vein as Saturn's Children - post human universe et al.  Normally his stuff is more immersive but this is taking time to get into properly.  Weird.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 August, 2013, 07:24:57 PM
I know exactly what Radiator means. Swampy himself always looks fantastic, as do most of the landscapes and swamp panoramas, but the human characters frequently look horrible - early on in particular. There are lots of floating faces not attached to heads or necks, where it's left for the colours to fill in the blanks as best they can, and wonky features atop really quite awful anatomy. It feels like the artists weren't really used to drawing normal people and had little interest in doing so - they seem to be trying to get them out of the way so they could spend time labouring over the next Swamp Thing headshot instead (all my own opinion, I know, I'm sure that's not actually true).

And the colours are awful. I do appreciate that printing technology was less presumably less refined back then, and everyone was probably doing the best they could with what was at their disposal, but that doesn't stop it looking ugly as hell today.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 August, 2013, 08:10:05 PM
While there's little point entering into a debate about art... I will and to be honest it sums up my feeling for Alan Moore's Swamp Thing as a whole. I find both Totleben and Alcala's inking quite sharp and edgy which may sound like its entirely appropriate for a horror comic, which is what Swamp Thing is at its best, just very good smart horror. The thing is though (puns not intended and what not) that I think it might have been better served with more fluid, relaxed art (christ alone knows quite what I'm to express there) to work in contrast with the horror being depicted. So like the art screams HORRRRROOOORRRRRRR were as if it was softer it might have made what was depicted all the more horrible, more contrasted with say the beauty in the swamp itself...

... see I that's why there's little point entering into a debate about art... well me at least that is!

Oh oh I can think of an example to illustrate my point. Alan Davis on Captain Britain at times his sublime smooth lines made the horrible stuff all the more effective, so The Fury and that story where the tramp (not that we have tramps any more) gets infected by The Fury's stinger thingie. There see that's what I mean... oh go on you get it now...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: maryanddavid on 07 August, 2013, 12:19:08 AM
The art was fantastic, I think the colouring and paper let it down.
The Titan B&W collections were great, I did have a couple, but lent out over the years. Its years since I read it, the issues I remember are the ones where Swampy is a spectator, like the winchester house or the underwater vampires, and the space one where he is on the planet of sentient vegetarian vegetables.
The Swamp thing issue which I recall the most is surprisingly (I think) written by Mark Millar and drawn by Chris Weston was about the Nazis winning WW2 and occupying America.
Alcatena did a lot of great work in B&W on DCT's Starblazer too, which is always worth picking up.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 07 August, 2013, 08:48:58 AM
It's probably massively snobby to say so, but I have zero interest in reading any other writers take on Swamp Thing. To me Moore's run is almost like an art experiment - how to take an obscure, goofy, schlocky piece of pop culture and slowly transform into something genuinely resonant and interesting.

That Dc continue to flog it as a viable franchise is to me one and the same as them trying to flog Watchmen prequels. I'm amazed they haven't yet published collections of Moore's correspondence, rejected pitches and invoices.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 07 August, 2013, 10:47:12 AM
Quote from: radiator on 07 August, 2013, 08:48:58 AM
I'm amazed they haven't yet published collections of Moore's correspondence, rejected pitches and invoices.

(http://www.michaelowencarroll.com/cov-alanmoore.jpg)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 07 August, 2013, 11:28:26 AM
Forum needs a LIKE button.

Cheers!

Jim
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 07 August, 2013, 11:43:15 AM
The latest Swamp Thing had some nice moments, particularly when Jeff Lemire took over most of the writing duties for the crossover with Animal Man for 'Rotworld' (so bleak, such great artwork).

However after Rotworld it became a bit dull and I stopped reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 07 August, 2013, 12:38:49 PM
Dammit Mike - that's too good. You had me there for a second...  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 07 August, 2013, 12:53:55 PM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 07 August, 2013, 10:47:12 AM
(http://www.michaelowencarroll.com/cov-alanmoore.jpg)


I can't find that on Amazon. Would you consider selling your copy, Mike (top price paid)?

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 August, 2013, 01:28:28 PM
Mike deserves to go viral.  Although I hear you can get a topical cream for that these days.

Imagining the contents is quite fun too.  "Two pints today please.  The bottles should be positioned at an angle to each other and to the doorstep, so that anyone opening the door sees them both silhouetted against the early morning light, perhaps with drops of condensation suggesting a temperature significantly lower than the ambient air, reminescent of teh ever present threat of the nuclear power station cooling towers in whose shadows we all live.  The tops could be red, or maybe blue, something to echo the quintessential surburban Englishness of it, mixed with its 19th C Amercian origins - a whiff of the Wild West in the domestic idyll, evoking the presence of those brightly-coloured ballast comics in the corner shop.  I've appended a list of local dairies from which appropriate foil- colours could be sourced, but you probably have your own ideas.  Although I intended to order plain milk, it's obviously up to you how to fill the order.  It's always seemed to me that Whiteman's original patent for the glass milk bottle is a design avenue that hasn't been fully explored in comics, or in popular culture as a while, and here we have an opportunity to do something fresh, if you'll pardon the pun, with milk.  "
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 07 August, 2013, 01:55:35 PM
Brilliant, TordelBack! (But for that true vintage Alan Moore style, it should all be in capitals!)

- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 07 August, 2013, 02:13:37 PM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 07 August, 2013, 01:55:35 PM
Brilliant, TordelBack! (But for that true vintage Alan Moore style, it should all be in capitals!)

I almost always 'hear' text in my head when I read it.* For some reason, I 'heard' Tordel's entire note not in Alan Moore's distinctive tones, but in the whistful voice of Alan Bennett, which made it even funnier.

Cheers!

Jim

*Side effect of having to read a lot of plays at university.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proudhuff on 07 August, 2013, 02:20:28 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 07 August, 2013, 02:13:37 PM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 07 August, 2013, 01:55:35 PM
Brilliant, TordelBack! (But for that true vintage Alan Moore style, it should all be in capitals!)

I almost always 'hear' text in my head when I read it.* For some reason, I 'heard' Tordel's entire note not in Alan Moore's distinctive tones, but in the whistful voice of Alan Bennett, which made it even funnier.

Cheers!

Jim

*Side effect of having to read a lot of plays at university.

Spookily enought That's how I 'heard' it too
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 August, 2013, 05:34:35 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 07 August, 2013, 02:13:37 PM...I 'heard' Tordel's entire note not in Alan Moore's distinctive tones, but in the whistful voice of Alan Bennett...

Damn you Campbell, you're absolutely right!  Next time I'll use the first person plural, a bit more swearing and less wist.

Speaking of matters Moore and Campbell, has anyone laid hands on the new From Hell Companion yet?  I've been eyeing it up in the shop, but haven't had the wherewithal to take it home yet.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 07 August, 2013, 09:51:11 PM
Oh, cwipes(Walter mode off)... that radiator comment just made me laugh, and i mean laugh a lot. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Yep. We seriously need a "like" button. But i haven't seen any in the forums i use/i've used with the Soft this one uses. So i dunno if it's possible. But this forum really needs one. Tons of cool stuff.

Well, now on the thread again. I've read quite a few things these days. Mainly european comics, and Rogue's Tales from New Earth 1... and just a few moments ago i've "annihilated" Green Arrow: Year One. This Jock+Diggle work, the same team that gave us The Losers, is an interesting origin story for good ol' Ollie.

Interesting "coming of age" of Green Arrow, similar in some points to the "Arrow" series, but way, way different in a lot of ways.

This was the "old one" cover:

[spoiler](http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080619171917/marvel_dc/images/7/7c/Green_Arrow_Year_One_TP.jpg)
[/spoiler]

I was expecting the trade with the "normal" cover, but what i've received was a re-printing from this year. So Jock made a new cover, more similar to the pose of the series Ollie:

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRh5xcH6-BT5J74axSHYUp1ThJPUVNzODZNfdTj0DpoRG0Tzxps)

The series actor pose:

(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR6s29rohTOSbCWWYHqUUI_M1UdEhU1pqCb7ZV92Dz3UIsxHKXY)

The resemblance is quite obvious. :lol:

And i'm trhough the(sadly) incomplete Sky Masters of the Space Force series(spanish edition). An edition so good, than got praises from the Kirby Museum and US fans. But the last tome(they were suposed to be three), won't be released, ever. They bargained the two existant hcs. :'(

For a curiosity, it has even a poster(i dunno if i can get it out), of a facsimile of a rough art version folding poster of the cover of the first ever SM story. Good, ol' Master Kirby pencils. With that sensation of a real drawing page. Man, i love those classic Sci-Fi newspaper strips. :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 07 August, 2013, 11:58:20 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 06 August, 2013, 02:05:05 PM
(Sadly, Tatjana Wood's colours were sublime on newsprint but, since she purposely allowed for the muddying effects of the paper and took advantage of the relative lack of hard outlines in the art, when reproduced on nicer paper stock, the result is not great.)
Totally agree. I interviewed Nick Landau back in the 80s and I told him back then that I preferred the Titan black and white reprint of Swamp Thing to the colour DC version because of the garish colour printing of the latter. Comics of that era were coloured to take into account the dulling of inks on newsprint. I am amazed that stuff like that is reprinted or published digitally with colours at full blast.

I haven't read Moore's Swamp Thing since it was first published so can't remember enough about the storyline to discuss it in detail. But at the time it ranked for me as one of the best comics I had ever come across.

As far the art – spot on for a horror comic. Eerie and menacing. Ignore the dayglo reprints and hunt down some of the original comics.

Rushed art on supporting characters?

(http://sequart.org/images/ST29a-660x510.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 08 August, 2013, 09:40:53 AM
That's really great. Creepy, scary... :o

I have to read Moore's Swampie. Everyone i know recommends it. :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 August, 2013, 10:16:22 AM
I only read swampie in scans, which were of the original comics I believe.

Sometimes the human characters weren't all too clear but I felt that was more of an artistic choice than a mistake. These panels were also generally filled with foreboding shadows, eldritch growths and incipient vegetation - and the humans themselves screaming or distorted by the paranoia/fear that surrounded them.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 August, 2013, 10:43:08 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 01 August, 2013, 03:41:30 PM
Oh my giddy aunt! I totally remember this story and thought it awfully harsh! I always thought early 2012 was the first time I picked up a prog (outside of Judgement on Gotham and the Shaun of the Dead prog) I must have tried 2000ad back with that prog and thought "nah, not for me". Any idea what year this was or even the prog number so as I can have a butchers?

Belated reply as I only just got a chance - it was in 1993, all of the progs reprinted in case files #20 are from then I believe (not a vast amount of detail available in the notes).

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 08 August, 2013, 10:56:54 AM
QuoteTotally agree. I interviewed Nick Landau back in the 80s and I told him back then that I preferred the Titan black and white reprint of Swamp Thing to the colour DC version because of the garish colour printing of the latter. Comics of that era were coloured to take into account the dulling of inks on newsprint. I am amazed that stuff like that is reprinted or published digitally with colours at full blast.

That's an interesting point and something I'd never really thought about.

Most modern reprints of old material make me itch for the ability to turn down the saturation.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 08 August, 2013, 11:09:42 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 08 August, 2013, 10:43:08 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 01 August, 2013, 03:41:30 PM
Oh my giddy aunt! I totally remember this story and thought it awfully harsh! I always thought early 2012 was the first time I picked up a prog (outside of Judgement on Gotham and the Shaun of the Dead prog) I must have tried 2000ad back with that prog and thought "nah, not for me". Any idea what year this was or even the prog number so as I can have a butchers?

Belated reply as I only just got a chance - it was in 1993, all of the progs reprinted in case files #20 are from then I believe (not a vast amount of detail available in the notes).

Thank you! I think this was prog 840 - I'm looking through 1993 issues now and I had a more than a few of these - prog 855 for e.g. with Dredd vs a T Rex (he's complete with a judge badge too! WTF). This era's progs seem to be a bit schizophrenic; some have stunningly painted covers that give the impression that it's all a bit adult but then some of these progs have a free pencil [830] or badge [873]. 70p and a free 2000 AD badge eh. I wonder how much it would cost for a badge alone these days  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 August, 2013, 11:53:17 AM
I'm still reading Creepy Presents Richard Corben, and I must say some of the stories have blown me away. "In Deep" is one of the most awesome short stories I have ever read, Corben's artwork is just majestic to behold and the story is gripping from the start with a shocking ending.. Nobody has a better eye for perspective and angles than him. Not to mention his colouring, which was revolutionary at the time. "The Oval Painting" and "The Raven" were just as good, both being based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe. It is amazing to think that the guy is in his 70's and still creating masterful artwork for Dark Horse. In terms of creating truly creepy artwork he is second to none, for me he is like the Ray Harryhausen of comics - a true revolutionary in his field.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Recrewt on 08 August, 2013, 02:19:43 PM
(http://i1334.photobucket.com/albums/w653/Recrewt/IDWXFiles_zps569c3be1.jpg)

Finally sat down and read the first two comics from the new IDW X-Files Series 10.  So far so good - it has started off nicely and is an interesting story.  The story starts off a few years after the movie and we are getting introduced back to all the usual faces from x-files.  I do wonder how easy this is for a total newbie to pick up but having seen almost all the TV shows I really don't have that issue myself.

Chris Carter is on board as Executive Producer and so far, this feels very much like the x-files we all know.  The current story 'believers' is a 5-parter so it will be interesting to see how it feels following an episode over nearly half a year compared to the 1-hour TV show.   

Not the most visually spectacular or thought-provoking comic I will ever read but a very enjoyable one to sit down and read at the end of the day.  I will certainly be keeping up with it for as long as the current story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 08 August, 2013, 03:20:33 PM
Quote from: Recrewt on 08 August, 2013, 02:19:43 PM
Not the most visually spectacular or thought-provoking comic I will ever read but a very enjoyable one to sit down and read at the end of the day.  I will certainly be keeping up with it for as long as the current story.

It's definitely not a piece de resistance of comic book art but I really like the minimalistic art that catches the likeness of the characters without being photo-like (which was often a distraction in the Wildstorm series).

As a big File fan I'm gratefull that not only IDW chose to continue the show but that they got a good writer onboard who's a massive fanboy himself. It's been worth it so far just to put right the death of [spoiler]the lonegunmen[/spoiler] who, lets face it, not even the actors themselves believed they actually "died".

It might work better in trade format to read it an arc sized chunks (so far a single issue has felt like 20mins of a show to me) but I think the monthly format works well for me so I tune in every month so I don't feel like I miss the show as much  :D.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 09 August, 2013, 10:13:17 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 08 August, 2013, 03:20:33 PM
It's been worth it so far just to put right the death of [spoiler]the lonegunmen[/spoiler] who, lets face it, not even the actors themselves believed they actually "died".


I've been ploughing through the gargantuan DVD box-set since January this year (Season 1-9 & both movies for 50 Euro- bargain), am halfway through season 8 and liking the 'non-classic' period (seasons 6-9) a lot more this time around.
I'd genuinely forgotten those guys were unceremoniously killed off. Nice to hear its been addressed / rectified.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 09 August, 2013, 11:22:33 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 09 August, 2013, 10:13:17 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 08 August, 2013, 03:20:33 PM
It's been worth it so far just to put right the death of [spoiler]the lonegunmen[/spoiler] who, lets face it, not even the actors themselves believed they actually "died".


I've been ploughing through the gargantuan DVD box-set since January this year (Season 1-9 & both movies for 50 Euro- bargain), am halfway through season 8 and liking the 'non-classic' period (seasons 6-9) a lot more this time around.
I'd genuinely forgotten those guys were unceremoniously killed off. Nice to hear its been addressed / rectified.

They got together in the flesh for a little reunion  (http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu282/DarthSheldo/X%20Files/LGM2013_zpsbc608885.jpg)to celebrate - the comic evidently doesn't depict their aging!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Recrewt on 09 August, 2013, 03:45:39 PM
Ha!  Yeah, series 8 was not that bad - at the time it was just caught up with all the fuss about Mulder leaving - although he never properly left did he?  This over-shadowed Robert Patrick, which is a shame, cos Doggett was a fantastic character.  In fact, I had the biggest smile on my face when I was reading comic #2 and he popped up.  As sheldipez says, the writer clearly knows the x-files and is doing everything right at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 09 August, 2013, 04:31:39 PM
The X-Files comic is fun, but I fear for [spoiler]Dogget.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 09 August, 2013, 04:33:16 PM
I'm currently reading...

(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/20130809_162558.jpg)

ALL THIS! Thanks to Geckodroog over at the classified section, looks like a real treat. Some of the artwork for the floppies look stunning, especially Kev Walker and Book Cook. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 09 August, 2013, 05:54:14 PM
Welcome to the Meg party, Mabs! Looking forward to seeing what you think of some of this recent fodder. It will be months before I get there on my Meg Odyssey!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 09 August, 2013, 06:32:33 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 09 August, 2013, 05:54:14 PM
Welcome to the Meg party, Mabs! Looking forward to seeing what you think of some of this recent fodder. It will be months before I get there on my Meg Odyssey!

Heh, thanks Simeon! It'll be interesting to hear your thoughts when you do catch up (I have to say the first Meg was very enjoyable!).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 09 August, 2013, 06:55:04 PM
I finished reading the first 2 Judge Anderson novels: Fear the Darkness & Red Shadows. Neither were really all that good but I liked Red Shadows more than the other one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 09 August, 2013, 10:25:17 PM
Quote from: Recrewt on 09 August, 2013, 03:45:39 PM
Ha!  Yeah, series 8 was not that bad - at the time it was just caught up with all the fuss about Mulder leaving - although he never properly left did he?  This over-shadowed Robert Patrick, which is a shame, cos Doggett was a fantastic character. 

Sorry for the thread derail, but I gotta voice my love for Doggett too. Didn't appreciate his character or Robert Patrick's deft turn at the time.
He's the absolute highlight of Season 8. F-ck Mulder & Scully- I want to see John Doggett on the big screen for the next movie.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 10 August, 2013, 02:54:03 PM
On the novel front I'm reading Lindqvist's novel Little Star. Interesting, certainly original, and rather nasty in places. It says something that one of the most innocent characters in the book is a[spoiler] cold blooded killer. [/spoiler]

Alternatively there are other characters who[spoiler] are not killers, and yet are somehow more perverse. [/spoiler]

[spoiler]There is also another character who shares a theme with Oscar from Let the Right One In, except I found Oscar's character more relateable due to circumstances while I get the impression this girl's main issue is her own mind. [/spoiler]

I'm nearing the end now and I think things are about to get even nastier. Interesting, but disturbing.

I also recently got Alan Moore's run of Captain Britain A Twisted World. I got the  Marvel Ultimate Ultimate edition. (Remember those hardback collections that hit the comics shops and W H Smiths a while back? I used to subscribe but I for financial reasons stopped. I still try to pick them up just at my own pace now.)

I've yet to read this, and I'm unacquainted with Captain Britain, but I've read good things about this. I've liked most of Alan Moore's stuff (although there's plenty I haven't read*) so I'll probably like thus.

*The second League of Extraordinary Gentlemen was a bit too nasty for me. And From Hell bored me silly in places although part of that was due to my not understanding it all. I seem to like much of the rest I've read. Some stuff more than others.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 10 August, 2013, 03:22:16 PM
Anyone else read this?

(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g174/daveycandlish/batman-66-1_zpsbae4f1e8.jpg) (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/daveycandlish/media/batman-66-1_zpsbae4f1e8.jpg.html)

Batman may be known as the dark knight but I find it's a bit too dark for me sometimes.
This? This is great!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hippynumber1 on 10 August, 2013, 04:06:06 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 12 July, 2013, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 11 July, 2013, 04:23:42 PM
Read "Catcher In The Rye" yesterday for the fourth time.

Astonishingly good book and had a profound affect on my teenage self.

I loathe and detest everything about 'Catcher in the Rye'...although I can see why your teenage self might enjoy it.  Just started 'And the Ass Saw the Angel' by Mr Nick Cave. A phenominal writer...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hippynumber1 on 10 August, 2013, 04:06:50 PM
*Phenomenal  :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 10 August, 2013, 05:52:04 PM
Quote from: hippynumber1 on 10 August, 2013, 04:06:06 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 12 July, 2013, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 11 July, 2013, 04:23:42 PM
Read "Catcher In The Rye" yesterday for the fourth time.

Astonishingly good book and had a profound affect on my teenage self.

I loathe and detest everything about 'Catcher in the Rye'...although I can see why your teenage self might enjoy it.

Read it for English GCSE. It has prostitutes in it. Nuff said... ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 10 August, 2013, 05:56:40 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 10 August, 2013, 02:54:03 PMI've yet to read this, and I'm unacquainted with Captain Britain, but I've read good things about this. I've liked most of Alan Moore's stuff (although there's plenty I haven't read*) so I'll probably like thus.

I thought it was a hoot, but like Marshall Law it's became a blueprint for so many comics you kind of see where a lot of it is going way ahead of time.

Also a word of advice going in: if you finish it thinking "I would like to read more Captain Britain" immediately file that thought away in the crazy box, because it's all downhill for the character after that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 10 August, 2013, 10:52:10 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 10 August, 2013, 03:22:16 PM
Anyone else read this?

(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g174/daveycandlish/batman-66-1_zpsbae4f1e8.jpg) (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/daveycandlish/media/batman-66-1_zpsbae4f1e8.jpg.html)

Batman may be known as the dark knight but I find it's a bit too dark for me sometimes.
This? This is great!

I was thinking about it, Davey - I'm a fan of Jeff Parker, and it seemed a fun premise, but at the same time, I don't have any special attachment to the tv series (nor any special dislike thereof, either.) Worth a go irrespective, or do you need to be invested in West 'n' Ward for it to work?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 11 August, 2013, 08:05:17 AM
It's a fun comic and you don't get many of them these days.
It's cheesily miscoloured as if the layers aren't lined up properly - just as old newsprint comics often were (obviously this is printed on the glossy stuff, as they all are nowadays).
If you read the caption boxes in the same voice used to narrate the openings of the TV series, it really works.
The novelty might wear off quickly but I enjoyed it (and they've tried to capture the look of the actors portraying the different characters rather than go for the comic characters as they are now, which really helps).

It's worth a punt.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 11 August, 2013, 09:12:12 AM
Quote from: hippynumber1 on 10 August, 2013, 04:06:06 PM
Quote from: SimeonB on 12 July, 2013, 08:32:51 AM
Quote from: Mattofthespurs on 11 July, 2013, 04:23:42 PM
Read "Catcher In The Rye" yesterday for the fourth time.

Astonishingly good book and had a profound affect on my teenage self.

I loathe and detest everything about 'Catcher in the Rye'...although I can see why your teenage self might enjoy it. 


Stevie read this in his 20s & was... underwhelmed. Perhaps if he hadn't already read Salinger's ISHO far-superior short stories previous. Or Nemesis the Warlock from the age of 12 onwards...

Whilst a re-read a couple of years ago revealed to be a finely wrought character piece, Holden Caulfield is just too damaged & self-sabotaging to supplant the Glass family in Stevie's affections. Franny & Zooey especially.

Quote from: SimeonB on 10 August, 2013, 05:52:04 PM
Read it for English GCSE. It has prostitutes in it. Nuff said... ;)

Speaking off which, have just finished a brace of Chester Brown from the small, grown up Graphic Novel section at the library. That's the one on the end of the same shelves as Literature/Classics, with SF/Fantasy on the reverse. Not to be confused with the much larger Graphic Novel collection in the Children's section in the far corner.

First up his bongo buying memoir The Playboy. Forget Billy Batson & Peter Parker chums, here's a protagonist that a large section of the comics readership can relate to.

Perhaps not so much with Paying For It. Pretty much every one of Brown's visits to a prostitute are recounted  with the same devastating frankness as The Playboy. Although any squirming in one's seat (ahem) arises from not remembered nervousness of being busted with bramble bounty but the contemplation of how anyone could have sex in what are often contrived, mostly decidedly unerotic situations. Thought provoking stuff. The (ahem ahem) pay off is a real kicker.

Also highly recommended is Sir Fred Hoyle's The Black Cloud . Despite the constant presence of a copy upon the library shelves of Stevie's youth he has taken so long to actually get around to this because  A for Andromeda felt like Barry Letts had handed it back with a polite, "Nice mate but... errrm, you forgot to include UNIT & The Doctor."

This, however, is simply phenomenal. Think John Wyndham being granted the perspicaciousness of Wells & visionary power of Stapledon & you're not far off the mark. One can hear both Stephen Baxter & Gregory Benford frantically scribbling notes at the turn of every page.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 11 August, 2013, 11:01:05 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 11 August, 2013, 09:12:12 AM
Think John Wyndham being granted the perspicaciousness of Wells & visionary power of Stapledon & you're not far off the mark.

:o SOLD!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 11 August, 2013, 11:30:59 AM
Fear the Alien-Warhammer short stories where close encounters of other worldly species are strictly of the Chain sword wielding kind .
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 11 August, 2013, 11:57:54 AM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 11 August, 2013, 11:01:05 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 11 August, 2013, 09:12:12 AM
Think John Wyndham being granted the perspicaciousness of Wells & visionary power of Stapledon & you're not far off the mark.
:o SOLD!

Self-quoting may be most narcissistic of acts, but some years ago the young Cosh had this to say about the book.
Quote from: The Cosh on 27 August, 2009, 09:08:16 PM...The tagline on the typically stylish Penguin jacket is "Science fiction by a scientist" and it could be seen as a deliberate attempt to demonstrate the appropriate, British way to respond to a mysterious extraterrestrial threat to life on Earth. Not terribly much happens and the characters are all essentially passive. Assumptions are made and conclusions extrapolated from them. Sometimes these are correct but, more often, something totally different happens and our boffins have to figure out why, never forgetting to remind us that that's okay as they were working from the most reasonable premise the first time. Stacks of people die offstage and nobody really minds too much; technological advances are made through a combination of Great British ingenuity and international co-operation across pointlessly obstructive political divisions.

Fred takes time out to have a few mildly amusing digs at amateur astronomers, academic rivalries and political meddling in science (why the Brits work far better than the Yanks) while everyone drinks plenty of tea. There's the odd shag and a funny Russian and it's all written in the pleasantly detached tone one would associate with a senior civil servant of the period interrupting your normal wireless programming to announce an impending nuclear strike. Good fun for fans of British sc-fi.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 August, 2013, 08:07:38 PM
Quote from: Professor James T Bear on 02 August, 2013, 10:37:32 PM
Sometimes I hate being a thicko pleb, as it stops me enjoying the genre-defying genius that is the final few issues of Batman Incorporated

Yeah it must be a shame as having FINALLY got around to reading it is was wonderful. Fittingly a comic with the themes that you have pointed out and seen, yet seem to have failed so miserably to find a home in your heart for, that its inspired me to go back and read the whole thing again. To relive the whole unending circle now its 'complete'. Alas this will have to get to the bottom of the read pile but I can't wait to get to it.

Of course it couldn't resolve everything, of course it had to be so gloriously open ended and I thought it did this with some fantastically tantalizing stuff that must be so tempting for others to jump on. I hope they do, but mainly wish they wouldn't. But as Morrison knows whatever the rights and wrongs of it at some point someone will. I love the way he nods his head to the continuing tale outside his own and the very thing he's set off with. It all happened and it all will, it all fits together for whomever has read it and whatever they've read. An endless tale, told in endless ways that even when its feeding on itself all fits together into one lovely singular tale (the temptation for puns is hard to resist)

One theme I've not seen discussed much, though I may have missed it (or over read the theme being there, but it seems so clear to me... but I do have a track record of getting this type of thing 'wrong') is the fantastic way he took the whole Daredevil vs. Elektra Frank Miller love affair thing to its logical Morrisonesque conclusion. With the DD Elektra thing Miller introduced the idea of what real superhero passion would be like, how destructive. Yet Miller did it at peak of grim and gritty realistic superhero stuff, you could say its Zenith. It continued long after Miller's DD but his realisation in DD could be argued to be the peak. Whatever, I'm getting distracted. So yeah two opposing forces, one good, one assassin, their star crossed love clashing in the most dramatic ways. In Morrison's version though their love near destroys a city, brings a world to its knees. What a wonderful way to express the whole of Morrison's take on the Superhero genera. He pays loving tribute to the past, while blowing it out the water with the most Kirby inspired realisation of their magnificent scale and new Gods meladrama.

Just glorious stuff. Cann't wait to read it all again and get lost in its never ending themes and ideas.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 August, 2013, 09:04:17 PM
Instructions by Neil Gaiman & Charles Vess, a children's book I read with my son. You can find my review/ verdict on it here;

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/08/16/instructions-by-neil-gaiman-book-review/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 16 August, 2013, 09:12:59 PM
Talking of reading with children, I'm reading Harry 20 On The High Rock with my 9 year old. I said we would read one episode a night, but I was begged for a second tonight and then a third... It's safe to say he is enjoying it!

I read them in the old Megs I'm going through at the moment, and thought he might like the story, and I was right... Highly recommended!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 August, 2013, 10:14:52 PM
I used to be a bit split on Si Spurrier. Lobster Random I absolutely love, one of my all time favourites, Bec and Kawl I really didn't like. Harry Kipling never fully bought into, From Grace was a little gem. Couldn't quite get to grips with him as a writer. These days as he seems to have moved increasingly to the US market he's becomign one of my firm favourites. I've talked elsewhere about how much I'm loving his Six gun Gorilla and I recently finally got around to picking up all the issues of X-Men Legacy for a very good price on eBay (well all but the last two that were in my LCS) and its a bloomin' gem of a comic. I've not seen it discussed much here (might have missed it?) but is anyone else reading this? If not I can't recommend it highly enough to fans of his better 2000ad work.

While it may be firmly based in the world of the X-Men and all that brings with it I can say with confidence that you don't need to be versed in X-Men legend as I'm not, not having read any really since Claremont's first run way back when and not even being about to make my way through that when I tried to re-read it a few years back. It sets its stall out there but gives you all the information you need to make firm headway into this gloriously imaginative exploration of a young man, his struggles with himself and his only fragility. A young man dealing withe his relationship with his recently dead father, who happens to be a political leader (Prof. X) and what that leds him to value and need from his life. Its quite superb stuff wonderfully realised, mind its all in the eyes really, or lack there of...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 16 August, 2013, 10:22:03 PM
Yesterday was time for some horror stuff. So i read the Breath of the Wendigo. An US/Europe team-up. Mathieu Missofe at the story, and The Walking Dead's artist, Charlie Adlard, at the pencils.

Basically it's about

[spoiler]An American Indian Soldier that comes voluntarilly to fight on WWI, with the American Army, around 1917. Has a sacred mission: to seek and kill the Wendigo, that has gone to France, and it's killing both Allied and German Soldiers. So a rag-tag team of German and Allied troops is reunited, and with the indian in head, they go to hunt the beast. And the rest... you have to read it.[/spoiler]

It's cool to see Adlard outta TWD. It's a very talented artist that can do whatever is needed. Terror with a mystic and WWI flavour.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 16 August, 2013, 11:00:04 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 11 August, 2013, 08:07:38 PM
Quote from: Professor James T Bear on 02 August, 2013, 10:37:32 PM
Sometimes I hate being a thicko pleb, as it stops me enjoying the genre-defying genius that is the final few issues of Batman Incorporated

Yeah it must be a shame as having FINALLY got around to reading it is was wonderful. Fittingly a comic with the themes that you have pointed out and seen, yet seem to have failed so miserably to find a home in your heart for

No, as mentioned I found a place in my heart for these themes many times over when pretty much any Marvel comic series between 1980 and 1997 ended with characters walking into an unresolved plot sunset framed by a nebulous tagline in a caption box promising "never the end, True Believers!" and I came away thinking "fair enough" rather than that I'd been a little cheated.  There's nothing new here beyond that Morrison is trying to sell snow to Eskimos - not saying it's yellow snow, but it's still snow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dog Deever on 17 August, 2013, 12:35:34 AM
My local bookshop has recently re-invigorated it's GN section and I had two old vouchers kicking about so today I snapped up 'Major Eazy - Heart Of Iron' and Self Made Hero's 'Lovecraft Anthology Vol 1'. I've been dipping in and out of them both all evening.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 17 August, 2013, 02:31:13 PM
I've been taking a look at the Making of Judge Dredd(Sly movie). I have the pair: both the Art of and this one. It's sad how i feel that the books are way better than the final product. Some discarded scenes concept art(it says "unfilmable"), but people, the scene looks right out of the comics!.

What they wanted to do?. :o
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 17 August, 2013, 02:41:14 PM
Ive often seen those Sly Dredd books on e-bay, and ive given thought to snagging them.
I can remember flicking through them at the time, and though its for that film, there was some good stuff in there.

We should have gotten summat similar for the Urban Dredd....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Basilisk on 17 August, 2013, 10:28:01 PM
We have concepts, designs.. and that's it. Strange but sad. No Dr3dd's Art or making of book. Who knows in the future... but i doubt it. :'(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 18 August, 2013, 01:46:59 PM
I currently have these books lined up to read...

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/08/18/recent-comic-purchases-6/

Haunt of Horror especially looks fantastic. Corben's b&w artwork with greytones is just a visual delight to behold. I honestly cannot think of anyone else who can evoke so much atmosphere and unease via his work....

(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/17a118ea3c763d08b3ca710d9bcfb944.jpg)

One thing I like about the book is the fact that the original text from Poe and Lovecraft's short stories/ poems are included at the end of each story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 19 August, 2013, 04:03:50 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 11 August, 2013, 08:07:38 PM

Just glorious stuff. Cann't wait to read it all again and get lost in its never ending themes and ideas.

Glorious indeed Colin.
I caught up on several series over the weekend, and the most satisfying read was Batman Inc 13.
An 'as good as could be expected' wrap-up IMO, and some great interaction with Bruce & Jim Gordon.
I loved it.

Also; I got the Morrison variant cover (below). Not too shabby for a scribbler.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 August, 2013, 04:28:03 PM
Just started Stonemouth, which has an appropriately strong opening. However, the fact that this is the second-last Iain Banks novel that I will ever read makes it a desperately sad experience.  He seems to have been continually in my reading pile since I was in school.  It's a bit like realising you're holding the penultimate issue of 2000AD, something I hope I never have to do.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 19 August, 2013, 04:47:16 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 August, 2013, 04:28:03 PM
Just started Stonemouth, which has an appropriately strong opening. However, the fact that this is the second-last Iain Banks novel that I will ever read makes it a desperately sad experience.  He seems to have been continually in my reading pile since I was in school.  It's a bit like realising you're holding the penultimate issue of 2000AD, something I hope I never have to do.

I've been holding off reading The Hydrogen Sonata since his passing. I'm going to miss his books desperately.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 August, 2013, 04:58:21 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 19 August, 2013, 04:47:16 PM
I've been holding off reading The Hydrogen Sonata since his passing. I'm going to miss his books desperately.

The silver lining is that The Hydrogen Sonata is a good'un for a last'un, rounding out the themes from Matter and Surface Detail, but if I hadn't already read it I'd be in the same boat as you.  In his final interviews Banks mentioned writing an outline for a further Culture novel 'just in case', but I sort-of hope it doesn't surface. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 August, 2013, 05:17:52 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 19 August, 2013, 04:03:50 PM

Also; I got the Morrison variant cover (below). Not too shabby for a scribbler.

I'm not normally fussed about variants but this one I'm a little jealous of I have to say. I was very impressed when I save it. Has something of a Walt Simonson vibe too it, probably in the inking.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 19 August, 2013, 05:19:50 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 August, 2013, 04:58:21 PM
The silver lining is that The Hydrogen Sonata is a good'un for a last'un, rounding out the themes from Matter and Surface Detail, but if I hadn't already read it I'd be in the same boat as you.  In his final interviews Banks mentioned writing an outline for a further Culture novel 'just in case', but I sort-of hope it doesn't surface.

I agree completely. No faux-Culture novels please.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 19 August, 2013, 05:34:38 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 19 August, 2013, 05:17:52 PM
Has something of a Walt Simonson vibe too it, probably in the inking.

Seemed very 80's Frank Miller to me.
I was quite impressed with it too, as I expected an abstract bat or bat-symbol or something like that.

My LCS was selling this for 25 Euro or 250 'points' (they give you loyalty card points for every purchase, and always offer variants for point redemption), I opted for the points payment, but this would have been one of the rare instances that I would have shelled out for the variant anyway.
Hard to find I've been told, so glad I pre-ordered it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 21 August, 2013, 04:26:36 AM
Quote from: von Boom on 19 August, 2013, 05:19:50 PM

I agree completely. No faux-Culture novels please.

So no Neal Asher for you either von Boom?

Sensible man.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 21 August, 2013, 02:14:29 PM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 21 August, 2013, 04:26:36 AM
Quote from: von Boom on 19 August, 2013, 05:19:50 PM

I agree completely. No faux-Culture novels please.

So no Neal Asher for you either von Boom?

Sensible man.

Yeah. I find Asher only okay. I've read a couple Polity novels but they aren't a patch on the Culture.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 23 August, 2013, 11:32:33 PM
Listening to the audiobook of Joe Abercrombie's The Blade Itself. I tried the dead tree version a couple of years ago, but never got very far with it as it does have a very slow start.

It's pretty by the numbers fantasy and a little predictable, but very solidly written, and with some very likable characters. It definitely seems to be building towards something. Will definitely persevere with the next book after this one. It's helped a lot by a really impressive voice performance by the actor who reads the audiobook. It has broad similarities to Game of Thrones - though it lacks the immense scale of that series - and would make for an excellent TV series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 24 August, 2013, 06:51:54 PM
Powering through those on the e-reader now, after having the same problem you report a few years ago. However I'm very glad I returned to them as they are bloody (emphasis on the bloody) good fun and there are some great twists in store.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HdE on 27 August, 2013, 07:04:37 PM
Just got done with the first volume of 'Savage Wolverine' by Frank Cho.

Absolutely great stuff! Loved it from beginning to end. It's a really nicely realised comic. And I especially like Corey Petit's lettering design.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: strontium_dog_90 on 29 August, 2013, 12:11:58 PM
Just read an advance e-book copy of DC's Injustice: Gods Among Us.

Collecting issues 1-6 of the comic it's a great little read - a lot funnier and more poignant than much of the stuff we see from our American cousins. It also achieves something I had previously thought impossible: it turns Aquaman into a really scary character.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 31 August, 2013, 12:25:38 AM
I'm currently reading Conan: Cimmeria. I bought it from a book retailer online for a fiver, with the impression that I would be receiving a paperback copy. But upon opening the packaging I found to my delight that it was a limited edition hardcover! Result!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 31 August, 2013, 08:03:25 AM
Quote from: strontium_dog_90 on 29 August, 2013, 12:11:58 PM
Just read an advance e-book copy of DC's Injustice: Gods Among Us.

Collecting issues 1-6 of the comic it's a great little read - a lot funnier and more poignant than much of the stuff we see from our American cousins. It also achieves something I had previously thought impossible: it turns Aquaman into a really scary character.

Injustice is without a doubt one of the best things DC are putting out at the moment - it's one of my favourite pulls. It's basically an ongoing "What if.." that asks that question what would the world be like if the superheroes concentrated on the bigger picture of the real world events that are ongoing today. In the latest issue Kalibak, Darkseid's son, has heard about Supes and co. de-weaponising the earth so attempts a full on attack at the world's busiest cities, Supes decides to no longer handle these kind of invasions with gloves on & simply let them scamper off home only to attack again one day but to take drastic measures (the "rule", is broken again and again and again..)

It's dark and very funny and extremely well written. The art was rough in the beginning as DC had no confidence in the title (and the first bunch of issues are worth a small fortune as they simply wasn't enough to meet the demand - I think #1 went into 4th or 5th printing) but the last few have improved a lot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 August, 2013, 08:14:32 PM
Just finished Book 5 of Waid's Daredevil run... well it feel a little weird to describe it as Waid's as while there has been a number of different artists on the comics, almost all of those have brought so much. Still its Waid that's held it all together and so I guess its Waid's run...

...anyway I'm digressing... finished book 5 of the latest DD run and its simply magnificent. If you're a fan of Daredevil, like good superhero comics or just plain enjoy good comics this is a book you really should be reading. Do yourself a favour though and pick it up in order from the beginning. Trust me just like you'd watch a great tv show from the off reading the first 27 issues of this run pays off so brilliantly if you start from the get go and of course these days, just like with TV box sets, that's so easy to do.

The series is bang on target and just blindin'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 31 August, 2013, 10:56:12 PM
I just received Slaine Treasures of Britain & Slaine Grail War in the mail today.  I'm half way through ToB  & its wonderful.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 September, 2013, 10:27:20 AM
Neverwhere, no not the Neil Gaiman gig but the Richard Corben show,

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/09/05/recent-comic-purchases-richard-corbens-neverwhere/

It's quite possibly Corben's masterpiece.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rog69 on 07 September, 2013, 12:37:34 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 August, 2013, 04:28:03 PM
Just started Stonemouth, which has an appropriately strong opening. However, the fact that this is the second-last Iain Banks novel that I will ever read makes it a desperately sad experience.  He seems to have been continually in my reading pile since I was in school.  It's a bit like realising you're holding the penultimate issue of 2000AD, something I hope I never have to do.

I know how you feel TB, I just finished reading The Quarry and the wife asked me what was taking me so long to read it. To put it in context I asked her to imagine she had the last bar of Dairy Milk on the planet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JudgeE1M1RT on 07 September, 2013, 07:35:13 PM
I'm currently re-reading Fatherland by Robert Harris and just finished X-Files: Firebird. About to start an Indiana Jones Omnibus.  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 09 September, 2013, 10:37:32 AM
After my Kobo* broke inexplicably, I'm reading EmbassyTown by China Mieville. It's hard going. Mieville is always a bit weird and esoteric, a little in love with his own complexities of language. Yet in his other books, that has a charm of its own and ultimately  helps bring the fascinating oddness of his characters, settings and concepts to life.

I'm struggling to get to grips with it here however. There are some nice concepts but the narrative is so disjointed, jumping between reminiscence and active plot without clear indication of which is which, that's it's hard to get into a comfortable flow of reading and comprehension. Particularly when everything is expressed with the diegetic points of reference used within the setting, from timeframes - hours, not years, which makes it rather hard to work out when something supposedly took place - to distances, locations and local politics. Bas-Lag and to some extent, London, were featured in their own gnostic terms in his other novels but they were far less abstract.

I suppose on reflection this is a conscious gambit on his part as the main theme is, after all, language, but it's bloody frustrating at times. 100+ pages in though and I'm largely waiting for something to happen.

*One page away from finishing Abercrombies Red Country. Cracking read btw, highly recommend all of his novels. Think Red Country was my favourite out of the latter trilogy of ostensibly unconnected books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 September, 2013, 12:59:29 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 09 September, 2013, 10:37:32 AM
I'm reading EmbassyTown by China Mieville. It's hard going. Mieville is always a bit weird and esoteric, a little in love with his own complexities of language. Yet in his other books, that has a charm of its own and ultimately  helps bring the fascinating oddness of his characters, settings and concepts to life.

I generally love Mieville's work, with a particular fondness for Perdido St and Kraken, but I could not get along with Embassytown.  In fact, despite renewing my library loan several times I never actually finished it. Like you I found it too choppy for comfort, and my reading always seemed to be getting up a head of steam and then running into the brick wall of the next section.  I generally like books that play with language (Stephenson) and layers of flashback (Banks), but this one just never grabbed me enough to warrant the required effort.  I'll give it another go one day.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 09 September, 2013, 02:13:25 PM
I'll let you know if its worth it when I finish.

Though whilst we're talking about Mieville I'm just gonna plug Dial H For Hero - that's a bloody good comic. Weird in all the right ways and I cannot believe its actually reviving a slightly naff backup strip. Come to a close now though as DC needs more punching, less the outstanding adventures of open-window-man.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 09 September, 2013, 10:39:25 PM
My first impression of John Updike's Rabbit, Run was one of nauseating misogyny dressed up with some quite elegant phrase-making. I gradually began to appreciate that this was deliberate rather than, as it seemed, a symptom of the time it wasa written. There's a hell of a lot crammed into a very small page count. The mundane misadventures of the loathsome title character make an interesting backdrop to the consistently surprising and insightful prose.

I wasn't as impressed with the follow-up, Rabbit Redux. While the writing remains on a similar level, the setup of the novel seems a lot more contrived in its attempts to confront our man, on the same local scale as the first book, with the big issues affecting US society at the end of the 60s. Too often, supporting characters speechify in the same richly metaphorical voice as the narration.

Finally got round to reading Britten & Brulightly, which I purchased directly from the deeply lovely Hannah Berry at the Glasgow con. It's a neat little noir tale set in that eerily indeterminate world. The plot barrels along with some unexpected twists and laughs while there are some really excellent uses of dramatic shifts in art style to indicate key story beats without resorting to words.

Also managed to catch up with the second trades of both Saga and Prophet and I'm enjoying both in different ways. Prophet continues to impress with the way it churns through neat sci-fi ideas like there's no tomorrow. I like the deliberately oblique, impersonal and distancing storytelling now that there are hints of it going somewhere but find myself getting irritated with the occassional clumsy bits of over-explication. The regular artist isn't a patch on some of the guests they have in but he does the job.

My ongoing project to fill the gaps in my Iain Banks education reaches The Business. While not overtly M/Non-M crossover in the way Transitions was, structurally this was very like a Culture novel. Intriguing mystery introduced in the first chapter which is then completely ignored while the heroine pursues seemingly unrelated matters under the aegis of a mysterious organisation with almost limitless resources until the final thirty pages when everything finally comes together in a way that doesn't make a lot of sense. There's the usual readability and a greater than average sense of Banks as a man whose own view of the world is very humane and who retains a certain world-weary idealism..

The standout moment comes on page 152 and sounds like it could've come straight from GronkGuy's TripAdvisor report on the Glasgow Holiday Inn: "I invited Pete Wells back to my place. He's a research analyst and an old pal/lover, still a good time guy and up for the occasional friendly fuck..." Given our man's extraordinary ability to find his way into print surely it isn't too outlandish to come to the conclusion that this is no coincidence?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 10 September, 2013, 08:02:24 PM
After two lovely weeks buried in books the one that stands out is Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

I don't want to give anything away about the book, but if you spent your time playing video games, rpgs, and tapping away on computer, you might find this one quite enjoyable and a bit of a lark through your own adolescence.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 September, 2013, 10:26:04 AM
I'm currently reading Simon Fraser's web comic; Lilly Mackenzie and the mines of Charybdis.

http://activatecomix.com/9.comic

Can I just say what an awesome comic it is! It was brought to my attention via the Meg, and it's a great series indeed. Does anyone know if this was collected in tpb format? I wanna buy it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 11 September, 2013, 10:37:18 AM
Yes. Sort of.

He had a limited run printed up for Thought Bubble last year and I nabbed one of the last three - I definitely know he sold out. But you could always get ahold of him on Twitter or something https://twitter.com/simonfraser ask if there are anymore. It's a great story to have in one thing on the shelf - !
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 September, 2013, 11:00:18 AM
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 11 September, 2013, 10:37:18 AM
Yes. Sort of.

He had a limited run printed up for Thought Bubble last year and I nabbed one of the last three - I definitely know he sold out. But you could always get ahold of him on Twitter or something https://twitter.com/simonfraser ask if there are anymore. It's a great story to have in one thing on the shelf - !

Ah, thank you for that CrazyFoxMachine, really appreciate the help. I'll try and see if I can get hold of him!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 September, 2013, 11:03:00 AM
It's a complete mystery to me why Lily hasn't been snapped up for the euro-hardback treatment, and even now be leaping off the shelves of every Casino and Carrefour from Brussels to Naples.  It's a perfect read, and now Dante is finished Simon should forced (forced, I say) to produce at least one new volume a year, only permitted a break to dash out the odd Dredd
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 11 September, 2013, 02:50:41 PM
Just got the Black and White Titan versions of Swamp thing, all 11 books snapped up on Ebay for £20!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 11 September, 2013, 07:55:36 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 11 September, 2013, 11:03:00 AM
It's a complete mystery to me why Lily hasn't been snapped up for the euro-hardback treatment, and even now be leaping off the shelves of every Casino and Carrefour from Brussels to Naples.  It's a perfect read, and now Dante is finished Simon should forced (forced, I say) to produce at least one new volume a year, only permitted a break to dash out the odd Dredd.

He's working on a story called Prison Ship Antares for Alex De Campi's Grindhouse comic series for Dark Horse at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 11 September, 2013, 07:59:49 PM
I used to be a huge fan of the X-Files and still have all the box sets on my shelf so the new IDW series appealed to me as soon as I knew about it. I've only just been able to get a hold of the first three issues and I must say my first impression is one of dismay that the art is so crude. Certainly not what I expected from this licence.
After having a quick flick through I must admit that you can immediately tell who is who and the story seems okay from the little I've so far read. I am willing to give it a go and the art will hopefully grow on me. It's downbeat approach looks like it might suit the story and it's certainly given it an atmosphere that a more flashy art couldn't.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 11 September, 2013, 08:38:39 PM
Quote from: gavingavin on 11 September, 2013, 07:59:49 PM
I used to be a huge fan of the X-Files and still have all the box sets on my shelf so the new IDW series appealed to me as soon as I knew about it. I've only just been able to get a hold of the first three issues and I must say my first impression is one of dismay that the art is so crude. Certainly not what I expected from this licence.
After having a quick flick through I must admit that you can immediately tell who is who and the story seems okay from the little I've so far read. I am willing to give it a go and the art will hopefully grow on me. It's downbeat approach looks like it might suit the story and it's certainly given it an atmosphere that a more flashy art couldn't.

I wouldn't call it crude, it's certainly not stick men or anything. It's highly atmospheric and the mood drips of the page. I'm actually a big fan of both the art and script but the art has been a bit devicive over on the X Files forum (but so has the whole "what do you mean it only comes out once a month!") so I think it's a preference thing. I wasn't a fan of the photo real art on the past Wildstorm series & I much prefer Charlie Adlard's art (which, lets face it, were terrible likenesses) from the old Topps series or Walsh's anyday.

As a massive fan I was just hoping for the best with season 10 and has ended being one of my favorite pulls. #4 drops next week and I bloody can't wait. I believe Walsh drops off art duties for the two parter Flukemen story (#6 & #7) before returning for continuation of the mythology arc.

The 30 Days of Night cross over is brilliant and very funny too if you haven't yet read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 September, 2013, 09:54:04 PM
Just had a response from the awesome Simon Fraser, we should hopefully see a hardback copy of Lilly MacKenzie soon. Fingers crossed!   :)
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 11 September, 2013, 10:20:26 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 11 September, 2013, 08:38:39 PM
I wouldn't call it crude, it's certainly not stick men or anything. It's highly atmospheric and the mood drips of the page. I'm actually a big fan of both the art and script but the art has been a bit devicive over on the X Files forum (but so has the whole "what do you mean it only comes out once a month!") so I think it's a preference thing. I wasn't a fan of the photo real art on the past Wildstorm series & I much prefer Charlie Adlard's art (which, lets face it, were terrible likenesses) from the old Topps series or Walsh's anyday.

As a massive fan I was just hoping for the best with season 10 and has ended being one of my favorite pulls. #4 drops next week and I bloody can't wait. I believe Walsh drops off art duties for the two parter Flukemen story (#6 & #7) before returning for continuation of the mythology arc.

The 30 Days of Night cross over is brilliant and very funny too if you haven't yet read it.

Okay perhaps 'crude' wasn't the right word to use and I would agree that it is highly atmospheric, and while I wouldn't say I was a fan of the art I am more than prepared to give it the benefit of the doubt and go with it. I have only had these issues a day and I must admit the art is already growing on me.
Didn't know about the 30 Days Of Night crossover so thanks for the heads up, will look out for that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 12 September, 2013, 01:31:28 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 11 September, 2013, 09:54:04 PM
Just had a response from the awesome Simon Fraser, we should hopefully see a hardback copy of Lilly MacKenzie soon. Fingers crossed!   :)

YES!

Love Lily MacKenzie. Not only do I want a hard copy but also more adventures, please! I would think this series would do quite well right now at somewhere like Image, if Fraser has the time/energy for taking it on. You'd think it would go over quite well with the Saga crowd.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 12 September, 2013, 08:23:13 AM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 12 September, 2013, 01:31:28 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 11 September, 2013, 09:54:04 PM
Just had a response from the awesome Simon Fraser, we should hopefully see a hardback copy of Lilly MacKenzie soon. Fingers crossed!   :)

YES!

Love Lily MacKenzie. Not only do I want a hard copy but also more adventures, please! I would think this series would do quite well right now at somewhere like Image, if Fraser has the time/energy for taking it on. You'd think it would go over quite well with the Saga crowd.

Check your PM PreacherCain!   :D

Nice to see you back by the way!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Prodigal on 13 September, 2013, 08:42:36 AM
Having been on board for less than 2 years there are still areas of the 2000Ad universe that remain unexplored by me. Today Prodigal Towers will be in receipt of the 86ers and VCs Back in Action trades.

I also need a good book so will be trawling back over this thread.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 19 September, 2013, 10:02:09 AM
Reading wise I'm all over the place right now. I'm probably reading three or four books concurrently! There's Concrete Vol. 1 which I'm halfway through. Really enjoying this one, Paul Chadwick's b&w art and storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary. There's an 80's vibe to the comic which I love, not to mention the main character Concrete and his supporting characters.

I've also started Slaine: Demon Killer. This is my first book on Slaine and I'm enjoying it immensely. Glenn Fabry's art is off the scale awesome, and Pat Mills' script is laced with so much humour and drama. I love Slaine's weasily dwarf companion, Ukko! The story is told from his view and that opener was absolutely hilarious! There's some pretty grim imagery on show too, I'm quite surprised how graphic some of it is (although I like it!). Great stuff and I can't wait to carry on. Any suggestions from you guys on which Slaine book to read next would be appreciated a great deal.

In regards to my digital pulls, I've started Locke & Key Vol 1, thanks to the recommendations of Link Prime and Hawkmonger. It's a pretty grim opener, but it hasn't taken me long to get into the story. Right now I'm just marvelling over the artwork, and the story has got me utterly gripped! I love the choice of name for where the action takes place; Lovecraft! Very fitting indeed! There's a very uneasy vibe about the comic, much like Lovecraft's stories.

I also finished Wolves by Becky Clohan. Although short at around maybe 26 pages, it was mesmerising stuff! Becky's script is very poetic, although in prose and there's a haunting feel to her marvellous b&w artwork. I've never encountered an artist who draws a beard as good as her! And the details in her panels, from the tree's, skies, figures and shadows is an unforgettable sight. You almost feel transported to the medieval setting. The story is centred around a huntsman, looking for a werewolf to slay in request of a king. But there's more to the hunter and indeed the werewolf then we first realise. I know Becky has done another short comic called The Mire, I'm looking forward to checking that out too. This comic was going for really cheap at the Amazon Kindle store for only 38p, and it's well worth a look.

Another digital comic I finished was Twisted Dark Vol. 1 by Neil Gibson. Again I bought it for the unbelievable price of only 38p. It was like an anthology of maybe six to seven short stories with a twist at the end of each. I thought it was fabulous stuff! The opening story in particular was brilliant, there was a really sad feel to the revelation at the end, as well as being shocking. Those with kids will especially feel heartbroken by it. These stories aren't neccassarily to do with horror, in the demon or ghost sense. But more to do with the demons which lurk within the human heart. All is not what it seems with the characters on show here, and the further you read you start to realise that somehow these stories are connected to one another, although not apparent at first. The artists on duty in this volume do a terrific job indeed. I understand volume 2 is out already, on this evidence I can't wait to check it out too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 19 September, 2013, 10:52:43 AM
I finally finished off Embassytown - by the end it's pretty bloody good actually. I suppose that the first third of fragmented narrative and obsessive esoteric detail about alien language is needed in the end. The dissonance that makes it so hard to get into ultimately pays off once the half-comprehension that humans + hosts have with each other vanishes, or degrades into something hideous. A world where everything is alive from the buildings to the cameras is well painted and once the stakes become high, the shit hits the fan, and the world practically comes to an end, you can really get into the book.

However if it had carried on jumping backwards and forwards with anecdotes of seemingly tertiary characters without clear demarcation, it would have taken me another bloody month.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 19 September, 2013, 11:57:08 AM
Oh dear! On top of all the above I've had some more books delivered.....

(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/20130919_112555.jpg)

I don't know where I'll fit these in though!  ::)

(Those were bought for a bargain by the way)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 20 September, 2013, 04:10:26 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 19 September, 2013, 10:02:09 AM
Reading wise I'm all over the place right now. I'm probably reading three or four books concurrently! There's Concrete Vol. 1 which I'm halfway through. Really enjoying this one, Paul Chadwick's b&w art and storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary. There's an 80's vibe to the comic which I love, not to mention the main character Concrete and his supporting characters.

I've also started Slaine: Demon Killer. This is my first book on Slaine and I'm enjoying it immensely. Glenn Fabry's art is off the scale awesome, and Pat Mills' script is laced with so much humour and drama. I love Slaine's weasily dwarf companion, Ukko! The story is told from his view and that opener was absolutely hilarious! There's some pretty grim imagery on show too, I'm quite surprised how graphic some of it is (although I like it!). Great stuff and I can't wait to carry on. Any suggestions from you guys on which Slaine book to read next would be appreciated a great deal.

In regards to my digital pulls, I've started Locke & Key Vol 1, thanks to the recommendations of Link Prime and Hawkmonger. It's a pretty grim opener, but it hasn't taken me long to get into the story. Right now I'm just marvelling over the artwork, and the story has got me utterly gripped! I love the choice of name for where the action takes place; Lovecraft! Very fitting indeed! There's a very uneasy vibe about the comic, much like Lovecraft's stories.

I also finished Wolves by Becky Clohan. Although short at around maybe 26 pages, it was mesmerising stuff! Becky's script is very poetic, although in prose and there's a haunting feel to her marvellous b&w artwork. I've never encountered an artist who draws a beard as good as her! And the details in her panels, from the tree's, skies, figures and shadows is an unforgettable sight. You almost feel transported to the medieval setting. The story is centred around a huntsman, looking for a werewolf to slay in request of a king. But there's more to the hunter and indeed the werewolf then we first realise. I know Becky has done another short comic called The Mire, I'm looking forward to checking that out too. This comic was going for really cheap at the Amazon Kindle store for only 38p, and it's well worth a look.

Another digital comic I finished was Twisted Dark Vol. 1 by Neil Gibson. Again I bought it for the unbelievable price of only 38p. It was like an anthology of maybe six to seven short stories with a twist at the end of each. I thought it was fabulous stuff! The opening story in particular was brilliant, there was a really sad feel to the revelation at the end, as well as being shocking. Those with kids will especially feel heartbroken by it. These stories aren't neccassarily to do with horror, in the demon or ghost sense. But more to do with the demons which lurk within the human heart. All is not what it seems with the characters on show here, and the further you read you start to realise that somehow these stories are connected to one another, although not apparent at first. The artists on duty in this volume do a terrific job indeed. I understand volume 2 is out already, on this evidence I can't wait to check it out too.

I recently bought & read every Slaine GN. I'm amazed at how many great artists they have drawing Slaine.

Locke & Key is my favorite finite comic series I've read & I started reading comics in 1975.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 20 September, 2013, 10:37:43 PM
For the umpteenth time, The Last American.
Just glorious. The first issue, in particular. Perfection? Certainly from where im standing, it is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 September, 2013, 10:56:19 PM
Quote from: Judge Brian on 20 September, 2013, 04:10:26 PMI'm amazed at how many great artists they have drawing Slaine.

Did you think it... too many?



I'll get me harness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 21 September, 2013, 12:05:15 AM
Just looked at your list there Mabs and you've picked a real bunch of 'crackers'......

Concrete is just wonderful.....I was recommended this by Judge Jack and I love it....Terrific artwork by Paul Chadwick....So much emotion conveyed by a few sparse lines and a great storyline as well ....Highly Recommended...
( If you are looking for more : The Complete Concrete covers the Original ten issue series in one volume...And Concrete Complete Short Stories 1986-1989 is also worth tracking down on ebay..)

Locke and Key are tremendous....I was recommended this by Link Prime and Albion and I think it's wonderful..  Unfortunately the last TPB comes out near the end of this year....I'll be sorry to see this one finish...Highly recommended...

Twisted Dark....is fabulous and like you, I picked up the digital version for about 49pence.....Great value and really good, interconnecting stories...........Well worth a read at that price....Highly Recommended......

Slaine : Demon Killer is marvellous as well....A great read......If I were recommending a follow up to that I'd go for The Horned God.....Artwork and story are both superb....

If you fancy a Crime / Gothic Horror / Fantasy / Supernatural read I would give Fatale a look.....
It's by Sean Phillips and Ed Brubaker and it's at the top of my reading pile at the moment.....There are 3 TPBs out at the moment,  but you'll know by the end of Volume 1 if you want to read more.....I think it's great...

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 21 September, 2013, 12:28:45 AM
Yeah Locke & Key is really something. I'm just halfway through reading it, and it's absolutely gripping stuff. The writing coupled with the art is just perfect. Really layered, you have to pay close attention, and there's some seriously creepy stuff going on in there!

Thanks for the recommendation for my next Slaine book, The Horned God it shall be! But first I'll need to finish Demon Killer; really enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 21 September, 2013, 12:39:02 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 21 September, 2013, 12:28:45 AM
Thanks for the recommendation for my next Slaine book, The Horned God it shall be! But first I'll need to finish Demon Killer; really enjoying it.

Read in order to get the best from Slaine:

Warrior's Dawn
Time Killer
Slaine the King
The Horned God

Some will tell you that's all you ever need! Horned God is very much the culmination of that first era - there's a wonderful sense of the narrative building towards some almighty conclusion throughout Warrior's Dawn and ...the King, and Horned God delivers on that by bringing together all the ongoing story strands so far, from the very earliest stories, and giving most of them a resolution in epic fashion.

You could read HG in isolation, but it'd be a bit like reading Nikolai Dante's Tsar Wars without knowing any of the characters or backstory that led up to that point.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 21 September, 2013, 02:51:45 PM
I see where you are coming from there,  Dark Jimbo, but as Mabs has said the 1st Slaine story he is reading is Demon Killer so I still think in order to follow on from that 'awesomeness', The Horned God would be next ( in my list ) as it continues in that same epic view...... Once he has read that and wants more, then I would follow your suggestion.....They are all worth 'several' reads anyway....

The 1st Slaine GN I read was The Horned God and it was so wonderful,  I went out immediately and bought Demon Killer.....I then started with some of the very early stuff but was a bit disappointed with it because I'd already fixed 'in my mind',  a picture of what Slaine looked like ( Bisley and Fabry and in colour) and going back to the really early stuff was very enjoyable but , for me, just not as good...

Like everything else I suppose it has to do with the 1st time you read it, loved it,  and that then colours your opinion from then on in.....
Anyway,  I imagine Mabs will be like the rest of us and once he has read a couple,  will be seeking out the rest.....
And he wouldn't think it too many...
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 21 September, 2013, 02:56:42 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 21 September, 2013, 12:39:02 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 21 September, 2013, 12:28:45 AM
Thanks for the recommendation for my next Slaine book, The Horned God it shall be! But first I'll need to finish Demon Killer; really enjoying it.



Some will tell you that's all you ever need! Horned God is very much the culmination of that first era - there's a wonderful sense of the narrative building towards some almighty conclusion throughout Warrior's Dawn and ...the King, and Horned God delivers on that by bringing together all the ongoing story strands so far, from the very earliest stories, and giving most of them a resolution in epic fashion.

You could read HG in isolation, but it'd be a bit like reading Nikolai Dante's Tsar Wars without knowing any of the characters or backstory that led up to that point.

The Horned God was my introduction to Slaine.That was good enough to make me adore it.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 21 September, 2013, 02:57:40 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 21 September, 2013, 02:51:45 PM
The 1st Slaine GN I read was The Horned God and it was so wonderful,  I went out immediately and bought Demon Killer.....I then started with some of the very early stuff but was a bit disappointed with it because I'd already fixed 'in my mind',  a picture of what Slaine looked like ( Bisley and Fabry and in colour) and going back to the really early stuff was very enjoyable but , for me, just not as good...

Well, quite! Read too much of the later stuff first and it creates an 'idea' of what Slaine should be that might sour the earlier stuff, which would be a shame.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 21 September, 2013, 03:05:12 PM
Yes, I know what you mean Dark Jimbo.......but as Mabs has already started Demon Killer then the 'damage' is done...... :lol:

Either way, I have no doubt he'll want to read more, regardless of in what order.....All of it is ( mostly ) just amazing stuff....

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 21 September, 2013, 06:51:00 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 21 September, 2013, 03:05:12 PM
Yes, I know what you mean Dark Jimbo.......but as Mabs has already started Demon Killer then the 'damage' is done...... :lol:

Either way, I have no doubt he'll want to read more, regardless of in what order.....All of it is ( mostly ) just amazing stuff....

Cheers

I was given Demon Killer for free by an eBay seller after purchasing Megs from him, that's why I've read it first! I hope there won't be too much harm done though towards the reading order!

And Thanks Dark Jimbo for the recommendations, I'll make a note of those. :-)

Staying on the subject of Slaine, or rather Pat Mills, I read an awesome short story by him in Heavy Metal Magazine (Jan '99). It's called 'The Shadow One: Sha'. The artwork by French artist Olivier Ledroit is simply exquisite. The story is about the spirit of a witch, who was burned at the stakes hundreds of years ago, her soul has found its way into the future,  evolving into an avenging guardian spirit of sorts, helping women and especially girls at time of distress. The thing that made me awestruck however, was the artwork. It immediately brought to mind Blade Runner, Dark City and the works of Giger in its noirish dystopian setting;

(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/20130921_184131.jpg)

I loved it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JudgeE1M1RT on 22 September, 2013, 11:13:53 PM
Slowly reading my way through the Discworld books (all 5 trillion of them). Also re-reading the Hitchhikers Guide trilogy (of five) once again. Should probably get back to reading American Psycho but I just can't, its just not for me. I don't get it, I loved the movie but I just can't get into the book. Oh well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 23 September, 2013, 11:24:37 AM
Hint: Even more so than the movie, not everything that is described in the book is actually (for whatever value you can attribute in fiction) taking place. Loved the book myself but honestly by the end, I'm not sure that [spoiler]Bateman actually kills anyone. [/spoiler].  Still, I would personally prefer to read Discworld or Hitchhikers for the millionth time too :)

I'm reading When God Was A Rabbit as my wife couldn't stop telling me I had to read it. It's actually pretty good if rather maudlin and overburdened with eccentricity.

Along side this I'm reading Tor books massive ebook of short fiction, released for their 5th anniversary. Last one was a story by Paul Cornell (he of Dr Who, Marvel comics and the long-ago and never personally read Pan African Judges) - rather bloody brilliant. "The Ghosts of Christmas" follows a woman who creates a device which allows her to effectively possess her past self - and ultimately her future self too. She's not changing time because that moment always existed. One minor conceit though is that she can only travel to the same day across all the years, which sort of ignores the complications of leap years + the rather arbitary nature of the gregorian calendar.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JudgeE1M1RT on 23 September, 2013, 01:48:19 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 23 September, 2013, 11:24:37 AM
Hint: Even more so than the movie, not everything that is described in the book is actually (for whatever value you can attribute in fiction) taking place. Loved the book myself but honestly by the end, I'm not sure that [spoiler]Bateman actually kills anyone. [/spoiler].  Still, I would personally prefer to read Discworld or Hitchhikers for the millionth time too :)


I had the same feeling about everything not really taking place in the movie. But the book just goes far too much into describing things for my liking. It would probably be a pamphlet without the descriptions! :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 25 September, 2013, 12:01:37 AM
I just finished Al Ewing's 'The Fictional Man'. It was a bloody good read! I couldn't put it down. Funny, quirky, original, morose, bitter, and twisted. Good stuff.

Now I don't know whether to get stuck into Milan Kundera's 'Immortality', or continue with the next volume of WJF Jenner's translation of 'Journey to the West'.

Decisions decisions!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 28 September, 2013, 02:08:08 PM
Just finished reading Doctor Sleep by Stephen King on my Kindle....

For those who don't know,  this is the follow up to The Shining and follows the life of Daniel Torrance about 20 years on, as he tries to 'move on' from the horrific events at The Overlook hotel.....
He still has traces of his 'shine', resulting in 'flashbacks' but attempts to drown this out with alcohol,  and a nomadic lifestyle...

[spoiler]He discovers the existence of a young girl who has the 'shining',  and about a group of travellers who scour the country finding children with the 'shining',  and killing them in order to absorb it into themselves... A kind of 'vampire like'  coven.....[/spoiler]

What was it like ??............
Well, most enjoyable....and recommended for fans of the original book, who are interested in 'what happens next'....
A very good story, well told and in the same type of vein as The Shining....It has Kings' usual superb characterisation,  and the story flows well, with several memorable characters...It's not just as downright creepy as The Shining was.....( the isolation of the Torrance family in The Overlook contributing greatly to the overall feel of the 1st novel )....

All in all though, a welcome return to 'supernatural' form from Mr King....

Cheers
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 28 September, 2013, 03:00:24 PM
I'm reading Doctor Sleep too, only a few chapters in (Danny's just arrived in new town and trying to get himself a job).

Bloody good so far, it's the small things that King captures in his writing - the description in the chapter where Danny wakes after the one night stand is classic King.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 28 September, 2013, 03:28:39 PM
Yes, I really enjoyed it Sheldipez,

And as you say his description of the 'one night stand' is 'out and out' typical Stephen King stuff...
There are several pieces like that throughout the book,  where his descriptive prowess actually makes you strongly identify with the characters, and the situations they are in ...
All in all, an excellent read and for only £8 ( I think I paid ), from Amazon....a bargain !!....

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did and looking forward to your comments after finishing it...
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hippynumber1 on 28 September, 2013, 08:25:57 PM
Currently about half way through '2312'; Kim Stanley Robinson is my absolute favourite modern SF writer. The sheer scale of his novels are beautifully grounded in very human stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 28 September, 2013, 08:46:30 PM
Some Heavy Metal Mags I bought from eBay. It's been years since I read any, and I must say I'm really enjoying some of the strips in them. I talked about Pat Mills' 'Sha' which was a stonkingly good read. I finished the first instalment of a French steampunk strip called 'The Regulators', which was also a lot of fun with some great artwork in it. I'm also loving the shorter strips, most of which are humourous with great artwork. A lot of them wouldn't look out of place in the prog, esp. somewhere like Tharg's 3rillers or Terror Tales. I love HM as it's more 'hardcore' (sometimes literally!) in its approach. There's been works from great writers over the years from Jodorowsky to Pat Mills, and artists from Moebius, Rich Corben to 2000ad's very own Simon Bisley. I've come across some of his artwork in my reading, and frankly they're mindbogglingly good. Also, there was an advert for 2000ad and the Meg in one of the issues, with a pic of the sassy Durhamred which I thought was pretty cool!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 28 September, 2013, 09:45:45 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 28 September, 2013, 03:28:39 PM
Yes, I really enjoyed it Sheldipez,

And as you say his description of the 'one night stand' is 'out and out' typical Stephen King stuff...
There are several pieces like that throughout the book,  where his descriptive prowess actually makes you strongly identify with the characters, and the situations they are in ...
All in all, an excellent read and for only £8 ( I think I paid ), from Amazon....a bargain !!....

Yeah, I was tempted to go for the kindle version when I saw the price, but I opted for the hardback in the end. Still a bargain at £10 mind. I got on well with digital books, but like my King books physical for some reason. Not a whole lot of logic in that really, particularly as I've run out of space on my bookshelves meaning it will end up laying around on a surface somehere. While I prefer physical books overall, that preference becomes immaterial when I actually get into the story.

Anyway, I've yet to read it, but I got the message today stating it has been dispatched.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 28 September, 2013, 10:13:30 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 28 September, 2013, 08:46:30 PM
Some Heavy Metal Mags I bought from eBay. It's been years since I read any, and I must say I'm really enjoying some of the strips in them. I talked about Pat Mills' 'Sha' which was a stonkingly good read. I finished the first instalment of a French steampunk strip called 'The Regulators', which was also a lot of fun with some great artwork in it. I'm also loving the shorter strips, most of which are humourous with great artwork. A lot of them wouldn't look out of place in the prog, esp. somewhere like Tharg's 3rillers or Terror Tales. I love HM as it's more 'hardcore' (sometimes literally!) in its approach. There's been works from great writers over the years from Jodorowsky to Pat Mills, and artists from Moebius, Rich Corben to 2000ad's very own Simon Bisley. I've come across some of his artwork in my reading, and frankly they're mindbogglingly good. Also, there was an advert for 2000ad and the Meg in one of the issues, with a pic of the sassy Durhamred which I thought was pretty cool!  :D

There are some great stories in Heavy Metal - Dayak by Adamov was amazing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 28 September, 2013, 10:49:50 PM
Legends of Shannara 2: The Measure of the Magic.

Not bad so far. I'm not over keen on Terry Brooks style of writing though. Too repetitive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Simon Beigh on 29 September, 2013, 07:55:39 AM
On a break from reading Meg, I polished off 100 Bullets Vol. 1. A simple concept about a mysterious stranger who comes into an individual's life with a briefcase containing details of someone who has wronged them in the past, and untraceable gun and 100 untraceable bullets - with the promise of no comeback on whatever action they take.

So it might be a simple concept, but the dilemma facing the individuals involved, and how it will impact their lives is told really well. I will pick up the other volumes sometime... Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso are the creators behind it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 29 September, 2013, 12:36:33 PM
Got some good ones from the library. Baltimate: Plague of Ships, Sweet Tooth v2 and a collection of the original Firestorm stories. Old flame head used to be my favourite character when I first started reading my dad's old stuff - he could turn anything into anything! He could walk through walls! And his head was on fire! Still pretty solid work if a little histrionic, definitely picked up later on following CoIE from what I remember. Always thought it was funny Ronnie Raymond graduates straight to JLA whilst really being more Teen Titans material.

As for the others - well Sweet Tooth is excellent. See why its been so lauded. Can't wait to get the rest of the series one day. And Baltimore, well it's Mike Mignola doing damn spooky plaguepunk horror. What's not to like? Must check out more of this stuff beyond the BPRD/Hellboy epics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 29 September, 2013, 05:28:53 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 28 September, 2013, 08:46:30 PMI finished the first instalment of a French steampunk strip called 'The Regulators', which was also a lot of fun with some great artwork in it.

I haven't read this but I have read The Bombyce Network (http://www.humanoids.com/album/320) by the same writer, Corbeyran, if you want to check it out.  The comic shop I got it from thanked me for getting it becuase they thought it so was good, which was weird.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 October, 2013, 09:40:36 AM
You know a book has really got into your soul when you get to the end and there's one of those cheesy last-page happy endings where a character who seemed to be killed at a dramatically appropriate moment turns out to have survived, and instead of going 'oh for flip's sake', you give a little cheer?

That's how much I loved Grandville

As a massive Talbot fan I've been putting off reading this until I could assemble the dosh to buy it (it's such a lovely looking shelfworthy book), but I'm not getting any younger or richer and the library just put a shiny new copy on the shelves.  It was fantastic, an artist at the height of his powers, great characters and a cheeky little story too.  I'm not sure what I liked best, from the world itself to the amazing way Bryan draws animal's teeth (I've really never seen anything like it), or the sweet little artistic, cinematic and comics homages throughout ([spoiler]Dogs playing poker, '"we don' need no steeenkin' badgers!", Milou[/spoiler])... damn it, the whole thing was amazing. 

I now can't decide whether I should buy this one myself, or plunge straight on to get the next volume.  Outstanding work from one of the greatest comics geniuses of them all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bubba Zebill on 01 October, 2013, 09:57:57 AM
I was in London for a few days for the launch of our app 'The Day a Comet Came to Tea' a children's story that I designed and illustrated. It was held at the Royal Institution. Our guest speaker was the writer Brian Clegg.

He gave a fascinating talk about teaching maths and science to children (in which I learned a thing or two!) and afterward I spoke to him about my interest in time travel paradoxes, a subject he had written about.

Later Brian slipped me a copy of his book 'How to Build a Time Machine: The Real Science of Time Travel'. I started reading it on the plane home and although I'm really only at the start I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the history of modern physics. I'm reasonably well read on the subject...yet I'm learning things I hadn't known before, I think Brian may have a unique view point. If it continues as it has started it'll prove a great read for those with an interest but no actual science background.

'How to Build a Time Machine: The Real Science of Time Travel'
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Build-Time-Machine-Science/dp/1250024226/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1380617574&sr=8-3&keywords=%27How+to+Build+a+Time+Machine%27 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Build-Time-Machine-Science/dp/1250024226/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1380617574&sr=8-3&keywords=%27How+to+Build+a+Time+Machine%27)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 01 October, 2013, 07:26:57 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 01 October, 2013, 09:40:36 AM
Tordelback hearts Grandville

The second one is even better.....not to torment you, like.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 01 October, 2013, 09:55:00 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 01 October, 2013, 09:40:36 AM
You know a book has really got into your soul when you get to the end and there's one of those cheesy last-page happy endings where a character who seemed to be killed at a dramatically appropriate moment turns out to have survived, and instead of going 'oh for flip's sake', you give a little cheer?

That's how much I loved Grandville

I now can't decide whether I should buy this one myself, or plunge straight on to get the next volume.  Outstanding work from one of the greatest comics geniuses of them all.

Totally agree Tordelback,  It's simply wonderful stuff !!

And also totally agree with Ancient Otter, the second one   Grandville : Mon Amour is even better !! ... You just need to look at the artwork on the very first page.... 'A prison guarded by Crows with guns',   to see the artwork is even more fabulous in this next volume than it was in the original Grandville...

Go out and buy the second one ( or beg, borrow or steal it ... :lol:)......You will not regret it...
Simply astonishing stuff and wholeheartedly recommended....
In the same type of vein...You may also like to try and catch Blacksaad........A kind of Crime Noir GN...Also excellent stuff......
Cheers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 October, 2013, 09:58:05 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 01 October, 2013, 09:55:00 PM
In the same type of vein...You may also like to try and catch Blacksaad........A kind of Crime Noir GN...Also excellent stuff......

Oddly enough I did try Blacksaad earlier this year, but I just didn't warm to it much.  Possibly a translation issue, 'cos the art is loverly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 01 October, 2013, 10:10:25 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 01 October, 2013, 09:40:36 AM
Tordelback hearts Grandville

Every year that sits on my Christmas wish list... Every year I'm dissapointed. See also: From Hell (much less festive, I know).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 03 October, 2013, 11:02:11 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 29 September, 2013, 05:28:53 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 28 September, 2013, 08:46:30 PMI finished the first instalment of a French steampunk strip called 'The Regulators', which was also a lot of fun with some great artwork in it.

I haven't read this but I have read The Bombyce Network (http://www.humanoids.com/album/320) by the same writer, Corbeyran, if you want to check it out.  The comic shop I got it from thanked me for getting it becuase they thought it so was good, which was weird.

Lol. That is weird! Thanks for the recommendation by the way,  I'll add it to my list of must reads!

@Skullmo, I haven't read Dayak, but I do have its sequel which I'm reading right now in HM magazine (March 1996). I'm really enjoying this issue as there's a great piece on the making of the Heavy Metal Movie by Brad Balfour. I also read a really funny b&w story called 'Harry the Head' by the great Brian Bolland!

On top of that I'm also reading Judge Dredd Case Files 6, most of the stories take place right after the Apocalypse War, and they're a right old treat! I really enjoyed 'Destiny's Angels', the sequel to The Judge Child Quest which happens to be one of my favourite JD stories. It was also fun to see Otto Sump back again, making up more horrible sales ideas to sell to the gullible public! GUNGE...Ugh! Great fun!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 October, 2013, 03:35:27 AM
I've started going through the Megs which I purchased from Skurvy, starting off with #295. (I bought #295-315, and others that he was kind enough to throw in, what a guy! Check out my blog below for pics!).

Anyhow, #295 was really great. I can't sleep because of my sodding leg pain, so I finished the interrogation of Dom Reardon. He sounds like a great guy, it was a really truthful and insightful piece. I never knew Dom was mates with Jock, or they used to spend time together as budding artists, drawing together in Dom's basement! I really need to check out Cabalistic Inc. as I want to familiarise myself with his art. There was another piece I enjoyed involving Pat Mills, and his work on a French comic with Olivier Ledroit, 'Sha' was also mentioned and I had the pleasure of reading that superb comic in Heavy Metal Magazine not too long ago. The strips were also lovely, Judge Dredd (Sex, Vi & Vidslugs) was a lot of fun as was Tank Girl. The floppy 'Monsters' was a real treat; I got to see Feral Jackson when he was more young, fighting those blasted norms and questioning his own 'humanity', whether he was a monster. Garth Ennis' script was great and I loved Steve Pugh's artwork. Feral's dream sequence was out of this world! Not to mention scary as hell. Feral seems like an interesting character, I wonder why Wagner felt the need to kill him off?  :(

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fragminion on 05 October, 2013, 03:41:38 AM
Pretty much all things Dredd. Been getting the DL's of the current Megazine. Buying up all old copies of Judge Dredd from Eagle/Quality Comics and the 1994 DC runs. And all things I-Dredd-W...or IDW.
Can't get enough of Old Stone Face.
Really liked the Aliens, and Predator Crossovers. The opening by Simon Pegg in the Aliens was the best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 October, 2013, 01:32:28 PM
Well Adamov's Dayak was an absolute treat! You can tell he is inspired by the late Moebius even down to the way he draws the speech bubbles, or rather boxes. This is the first time I've encountered a sci-fi comic set in Africa, the visuals were amazing and the cosmoplitan nature of the strip was what made it so interesting. I really need to track down the first and last series, It's really an amazing comic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 06 October, 2013, 02:04:06 PM
I recently finished Legends of Shannara 2: The Measure of the Magic.

I find Terry Brooks writing a bit frustrating. I generally rather like the stories, although he seems to pull out the same old clichéd tropes again and again. I.e. young people get taken from their idyllic setting and end up on some sort of quest and get magical superpowers, etc. But, the stories aren't bad overall* and there's often a twist at the end which makes it okay. And I confess to liking magical superpowers, but a bit of originality would be nice.

As I think I've said before, I'm not keen on his overly repetitive style of writing. And I find the elf culture a bit, well, rubbish when compared to the powerful wise folk of Tolkien's books. And there was one of those awful clichéd (sorry to keep repeating that word, I'm getting clichéd myself in using the term. Is that ironic?) romantic threads where [spoiler]an attractive young lady gives herself to a young man then says afterwards "don't try to make it more than it was".[/spoiler]  Seriously, that didn't give that character any favours.

Kudos for the [spoiler]rather downbeat[/spoiler] ending though. It elevated the story somewhat for me. Good on Brooks that he isn't afraid to go in that direction.

I'm not all that fussed to actually buy these books, but as a Library loan, they're a fun enough read, and I'm curious to see where they go in the third instalment.

Stephen King's Doctor Sleep will probably be my next read. There are a couple of other books sitting on the box near my bed** I should tackle soon, but I think they'll have to wait a bit longer now I've got my sweaty paws on King's new offering.

*The Sword of Shannara being an exception as the plot seemed to be lifted almost wholesale from Lord of the Rings, but even that had some interesting original ideas in it.

**I've run out of shelf space so new paper books (bearing in mind not all books are paper any more) end up sitting on an available surface around my bedroom.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 06 October, 2013, 09:59:12 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 03 October, 2013, 11:02:11 AM
. I also read a really funny b&w story called 'Harry the Head' by the great Brian Bolland

That's from the Residents album, Freak Show. I remember getting the CD and being surprised at seeing Brain Bollands art in there. I'm guessing he might be a fan.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bubba Zebill on 06 October, 2013, 10:48:05 PM
Quote from: Albion on 06 October, 2013, 09:59:12 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 03 October, 2013, 11:02:11 AM
. I also read a really funny b&w story called 'Harry the Head' by the great Brian Bolland

That's from the Residents album, Freak Show. I remember getting the CD and being surprised at seeing Brain Bollands art in there. I'm guessing he might be a fan.

Harry The Head is great.

I'm also reading BABBLE by Lee Robson...and the first issue of Charlie's War by Pat Mills, free for iPad on the Sequentials app.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 07 October, 2013, 09:35:45 AM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 28 September, 2013, 03:28:39 PM
Yes, I really enjoyed it Sheldipez,

And as you say his description of the 'one night stand' is 'out and out' typical Stephen King stuff...
There are several pieces like that throughout the book,  where his descriptive prowess actually makes you strongly identify with the characters, and the situations they are in ...
All in all, an excellent read and for only £8 ( I think I paid ), from Amazon....a bargain !!....

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did and looking forward to your comments after finishing it...
Cheers

I thought it was great - it's a very, very different book to The Shining, with both it's themes and genre (it aint scary) but I'd go as far as I'd say I prefer Doctor Sleep (though have to admit I always prefered Kubrick's Shining over King's novel). There's some really haunting stuff (not as in "scary" haunting, if that makes sense) in it and some really touching moments throughout. I have to wonder how they would film this thing as a lot of the book happens in characters heads! I imagine it'd be like Dreamcatcher and they'd just ignore all that stuff, must to the detriment of the source material.

Highly recommended!

[Finally] started reading Marvel Comics: The Untold Story by Sean Howe, it's well written but all a bit depressing hearing how various talent (more often than not the artists) have been screwed over time and again. I've heard these stories for years, as will anyone that has had a even a passing interest in the comics industry, but nonetheless nothing can prepare you for detailed breakdowns of well... breakdowns.

Think I'll need to read something more uplifting once I finish this. Wouldn't take much at this rate.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 07 October, 2013, 10:09:48 AM
Read a whole bunch of comics from the library over the weekend. Grandville Mon Amour (inspired by discussion here - just Bete Noire to find now), Sweet Tooth #3 and #4 (highly recommend), Wolfskin: Hundredth Dream (bloody, messy action from Ellis. Bit gratuitous but nice, he doesn't think it too many to nick a phrase) and finally, Transmetropolitan vol.10. Which also finally finishes off my collection of Transmet though it will be christmas before I get my own copy. Something a bit pyrrhic about finishing off Spider Jerusalem's story, wasn't really along for the plot after all. Still, all in all a great haul. Going back for #5 of Sweet Tooth today.

My non-graphic novel of the moment is Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night Time, after years of people banging on about it I've started the copy I snagged from an Oxfam a few years ago. Enjoying it very much so but bloody hell, tis sad stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 07 October, 2013, 07:21:52 PM
Just started re-reading one of my all time favourite Stephen King books............Pet Semetary....
Just started it after finishing Doctor Sleep....which I felt was a return to form for Mr King...
Forget the movie ( although that wasn't too bad )....This is the 'real deal'......downright 'creepy' and with Kings' usual superb storytelling and characterisation......
The build up to the tragedy, and the subsequent mental anguish and determination to 'make it right' is absolutely compelling.......Highly Recommended for fans of Stephen Kings' horror novels....

Has anyone here read Chew ???.......I'm wondering about 'splashing out' on the first GN as the premise really intrigues me.....A detective who 'detects' by eating 'pieces' from the scene of the crime....
Any thoughts on it would be much appreciated...

Cheers
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 07 October, 2013, 08:07:48 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 07 October, 2013, 07:21:52 PM

Has anyone here read Chew ???.......I'm wondering about 'splashing out' on the first GN as the premise really intrigues me.....A detective who 'detects' by eating 'pieces' from the scene of the crime....
Any thoughts on it would be much appreciated...

The first issue is free on comixology to try it out and it's really quite wonderful.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 07 October, 2013, 09:03:35 PM
Chew is one of my favourite ongoing stories. Quirky and fun with dark twists. I would recommend it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 07 October, 2013, 11:01:15 PM
Just reading Alan Moore's Supreme books - Story of the Year and the Return. Very good stuff so far, even if the printing is a joke.

Also still reading Book 1 of Cerebus - which is excellent.

Just re read Day of Chaos yesterday.

Also part way through the novel Lux the Poet.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 October, 2013, 01:35:12 PM
Couldn't get more Sweet Tooth so got Grandville: Bete Noir instead. This is fun and as always, beautifully drawn. Talbot is the master of steampunk, particularly when you consider the genius of Luther Arkwright.

Was a pleasant coincidence to see Talbot lampooning proponents of abstract art for being patsies to a conspiracy just one day after I first came across the real life conspiracy that this is based on - that the CIA funded modern abstract art and undermined socialist realism as a movement. Talbot argues the ins and outs of this much more eloquently than a philistine like me could ever manage, both through his characters and the author's notes at the end of the book. However beyond this meta-textual stuff, the story itself was probably the least impressive of the Grandville books - a bit too 'sixty-centime dreadful' for me. Conspiracies and corruption are to be expected, yet though Le Brock's style is more Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes than Conan Doyles to begin with, it gets a bit too Jules Verne and starts to get a bit like one of those HG Wells/Sherlock fanfics that litter crappy fiction. No slight against Alan Moore intended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 October, 2013, 05:12:02 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 07 October, 2013, 11:01:15 PM
Also still reading Book 1 of Cerebus - which is excellent.


If you think that's good, just wait til you get to the next few.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 09 October, 2013, 07:42:29 PM
I just finished Ocean by Warren Ellis. Being a huge fan of science-fiction storytelling, I was captivated by the premise of the comic. Ever since I was a young boy I wondered about the solar system, the planets, and in particular Jupiter and Saturn's moons, one in particular was said to have water beneath its icy surface. That moon in question was Europa, which is orbitting the gas giant Jupiter as we speak. Indeed, as is alluded to in the story, if these moons were anywhere else but in Jupiter's grip, it would rightly be considered a planet.

Ocean sets up these tantalising questions and throws us into the future where humans have discovered that there is life in the oceans of Europa, but life not in the manner we expected...

I understand Warren Ellis originally envisioned the premise for Ocean as a film, however it didn't get made and he ended up doing a comic book version, and all the better for it. Indeed, if you look closely at the way the story is set up and the characters esp. the main character Nathan Kane, he looks very much like Denzel Washington, probably that's who Ellis had in mind for the film. As for the story, it was a gripping, grown up science fiction thriller with some wry commentary thrown in for good measure. The premise as I outlined is that man has discovered alien humanoid life form inside thousands of 'coffins' floating in the ocean beneath the ice of Jupiter's moon, Europa. There is also a giant ring like structure in the ocean, we soon learn that it is a device that generates a worm hole, but for what purpose? As the story progresses we start uncovering the answers to this mystery, and the reasons for their being there, and let me say it's nothing to do with the benefit of mankind. Kane and the crew members on the space station, Cold Harbour, face a race against time to stop these beings from waking up, but a dangerous corporation called 'Doors' stands in their way. No doubt, 'Doors' is a thinly veiled allegory for the 'Windows' corporation, with all its human inhabitants onboard their space station deprived of human feelings, thanks (or no thanks) to modification to their personality (something which isn't as far fetched as it sounds). They're like walking zombies (or Borgs) following the every command of their insane superior, 'Mr. Manager'. Ellis' character's are well realised from our protagonist Nathan Kane, to Station Commander Fadia Aziz and others , and the script is very witty and interesting. Chris Sprouse's clear uncluttered artwork also suits the story well.  I also learned a few things reading it such as a theory on Jupiter's asteroid belt which I did not know beforehand. It's the type of comic which makes you think as well as thrill and I really enjoyed it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 October, 2013, 08:26:17 AM
Ragemoor - Richard Corben & Jan Strnad's magnificent horror comic. You can find my review on the link below;

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/10/10/ragemoor-by-richard-corben-jan-strnad-review/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 10 October, 2013, 11:58:39 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 09 October, 2013, 07:42:29 PM
I just finished Ocean by Warren Ellis.

Never heard of this Mabs, you've definitely piqued my interest- the objective of this thread!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 October, 2013, 01:36:16 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 10 October, 2013, 11:58:39 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 09 October, 2013, 07:42:29 PM
I just finished Ocean by Warren Ellis.

Never heard of this Mabs, you've definitely piqued my interest- the objective of this thread!

Glad to have been of assistance, Link! You should definitely check it out, it's well worth your time. :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 October, 2013, 08:44:30 PM
I'm nearing the end of D.R and Quinch and it's been an absolute blast thus far! Some of the stuff that Alan Moore came up with is just laugh out loud funny! One of the funniest moments were when the duo and their insane war vet friend are trying to break out of prison, the plan their friend devises for escape with the soap gun and the explosives shaped like a soap, is rip roaringly funny! The reaction on. D.R's face says it all!   :lol:

And their whole Hollywood shenanigans is also a blast. That incident involving Marlon (Brando) and the oranges was hilarious! Seriously, there should be a health warning on the book because someday someone could end up dying from laughter!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 10 October, 2013, 09:02:23 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 10 October, 2013, 08:44:30 PM
I'm nearing the end of D.R and Quinch and it's been an absolute blast thus far!

'sright
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 October, 2013, 09:11:00 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 10 October, 2013, 09:19:18 PM
'Mind the oranges, Marlon!' is one of the great 2K moments.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 10 October, 2013, 10:23:59 PM

If you've never tried recently minted Nobel laureate (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/11/books/alice-munro-wins-nobel-prize-in-literature.html?_r=0) Alice Munro, now seems like a good time. Some of the reviews she gets (and the covers of the books) make her work sound like up-scale chick-lit, but there's a ton of nasty sex, mental disorder and homicide amongst the psychological verité and finely observed minutiae of daily life to satisfy most readers. The short story format means that if a particular piece isn't working for you there'll be something else which does.

The Lives of Girls and Women and Open Secrets (http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/book-review--the-present-imperfect-tense-open-secrets--alice-munro-chatto-1499-pounds-1444595.html) are my favourites, and the title story of the latter is the most perfectly judged exercise in telling a satisfying story without spelling absolutely everything out I've ever read.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 11 October, 2013, 11:47:22 AM
The Bodyssey by Richard Corben & Simon Revelstroke. A fun romp - literally in this case!

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/the-bodyssey-by-richard-corben-review/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 11 October, 2013, 03:27:37 PM
A further recommendation for Ocean by Warren Ellis.............Just great stuff...

For those interested in getting a bit of knowledge,  along with their 'comic fix' try Warren Ellis' Crecy..
Highly recommended...It's about the English battle in Crecy, France in 1346 and the 'shock and awe' tactics used there...
A really great read, and highly informative...
For example,  did you know that faeces were smeared onto arrowheads to ensure that if only wounded, the victim would also be unable to participate in other battles due to blood poisoning ??....Loads of stuff like this....

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 12 October, 2013, 07:01:40 AM
What a horrible bunch of bastards we all are.

Of course don't put too much stock in Crecy, as mint as it is - the two fingered salute is not linked to archers of yore, at least according to QI and many other trivia/popular history sources. Still bloody good read and my only regret is that now I've realised I have no bloody idea where my copy of it is, and I suspect I left it in Portsmouth when I moved away. Bugger.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 12 October, 2013, 09:16:19 PM
Thanks for that Theblazeuk,
I caught that episode of QI where they denounced the 'two fingers theory' and it's relation to English bowmen, and ........I'm still not completely convinced,  despite Mr Frys' erudite explanation...

Still got to agree with you,  that it is a cracking good read...

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 12 October, 2013, 09:46:30 PM
I was going through the back issues of Megs (vol 2 & 3) I bought a while back and one story in particular moved me near to tears; Bury My Knee at Wounded Heart by John Wagner & Pete Doherty. Wow. It left me with a lump in my throat. What a beautiful story. And Doherty's artwork was perfect - especially that opening panel with the old man crouching near his dying wife's bed. If I had to choose my favourite one off Dredd story, this would probably be it.

Magnificent.

Anyone know which Case File this story was printed in? I'm bloody buying!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 12 October, 2013, 10:12:58 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 October, 2013, 09:46:30 PM
Anyone know which Case File this story was printed in? I'm bloody buying!

20 - a diamond among Millar's turds.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 12 October, 2013, 10:29:18 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 12 October, 2013, 10:12:58 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 October, 2013, 09:46:30 PM
Anyone know which Case File this story was printed in? I'm bloody buying!

20 - a diamond among Millar's turds.

:D

I'll be sure to add it to my shopping list next month. Thanks Dark Jimbo! :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 13 October, 2013, 10:41:17 AM
Hmm probably a better place to discuss this on here somewhere but my favourite story is "A Letter to Judge Dredd".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 October, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
Caricatures, by Dan Clowes.  Read a lot of this before in Eightball, but it's an excellent collection of complimentary strips, with his bestiary of horrid autobiographical characters moping around to great hollowing effect. 

The Hive, by Charles Burns. X'ed Out was quite freaky enough, but this gave me the willies good and proper.  Unsettling, beautiful, devilishly clever: can't wait to read the final part of the trilogy.

Blue at the Mizzen, by Patrick O'Brian.  The last unfinished voyage of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin.  I've been putting off reading this, the 20th and final incomplete volume of the best historical fiction series ever written, but I had to succumb some time.  Despite a few obviously redundant passages that wouldn't have survived an edit if O'Brian had lived long enough to do so, this is an especially poignant farewell to beloved characters since it is so very, very good.  I turn each page more slowly as I approach the end-that-is-not-an-ending.

Warhammer Core Rulebook (4th or 5th Ed, I honestly can't tell and it doesn't say), by Rick Priestly. Don't ask. The things I do for love.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 14 October, 2013, 10:14:16 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 October, 2013, 10:29:18 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 12 October, 2013, 10:12:58 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 12 October, 2013, 09:46:30 PM
Anyone know which Case File this story was printed in? I'm bloody buying!

20 - a diamond among Millar's turds.

:D

I'll be sure to add it to my shopping list next month. Thanks Dark Jimbo! :-)

It has the Frankenstein Division in it too so you can have fun reading that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 14 October, 2013, 10:26:26 AM
Oh dear Grud! Now that might just be another turd on the pile, but if turds could speak Frankenstein Division would have a voice like Susan Boyle.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 14 October, 2013, 11:18:58 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 October, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
I've been putting off reading this, the 20th and final incomplete volume of the best historical fiction series ever written
<cough> Flashman? <splutter> Asterix!?

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 October, 2013, 11:41:49 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 14 October, 2013, 11:18:58 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 October, 2013, 10:05:18 AM
I've been putting off reading this, the 20th and final incomplete volume of the best historical fiction series ever written
<cough> Flashman? <splutter> Asterix!?

Even your spasming epiglottis cannot change my heart. 

Much as I love Flashman, Asterix, D'Artangian, Shardlake, Clau-clau-claudius, William of Ockham, Ivanhoe, Uthred Ragnarson, Ayla and Hawkeye, I'd swap 'em all for a few more Aubrey/Maturin novels on my shelf. 

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 14 October, 2013, 03:23:27 PM
Currently halfway through Far Side of the World meself, and I couldn't agree more Tordelback - there's no one series of books I've ever read that I enjoy returning to quite so much, or a company of characters I feel quite so sentimental about. Aware that I'll only ever have the pleasure of reading this series for the first time once, and once only, I'm really trying to space the books out.

What's an especial pleasure with this one is that, having seen the titular film years before I ever started reading the books, I thought I'd know most of the plot of this one - but so far they've only had one paragraph in common, so it's still essentially virgin territory. It's been another great voyage so far, packed full of incident and interest, although with nothing that quite matches the high comedic heights of the diving bell from the last book, or the edge-of the-seat spy stuff from the same. Reverend Martin continues to be one of the best new additions to the series - it was a joy to see him return for Treason's Harbour (assumed he'd only ever make the one appearance) and again for this outing. Hope he sticks around indefinately, but at the same time I'm braced for a heart-hardening 'unfortunate accident' of the sort that seems to abound in these books. My one real complaint is that I find myself missing the exploits of the characters at home - these long voyages tend to become (naturally enough) a bit of a boy's club, so it would be nice to have Sophie and Diana back to balance that out a bit. And I'm really hoping Jagiello turns up again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 14 October, 2013, 08:18:46 PM
I'm still going through the Megs...just came across Judge Anderson: Satan. My word - Arthur Ranson's art?!  :o

It's absolutely mindblowing. And that Satan bloke is scary as funt. The ending was slightly weak for this 7-parter, but the artwork (and story at least 6/7 of the way through) was mesmerising. What's Arthur Ranson up to now by the way, can we please have him back for a special appearance in the prog/ Meg at least?

I'm also enjoying the recent Megs I bought on here, those Interrogations are really great, esp. the ones on Siku, Jesus Redondo, Dave Gibbons and Carlos 'The King' Ezquerra.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 October, 2013, 09:13:06 PM
Arthur Ranson has alas retired BUT he has a rather lovely website and a web comic he's using to learn how to create computer art. The man is quite brilliant.

http://www.arthurranson.com/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 14 October, 2013, 09:27:10 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 14 October, 2013, 09:13:06 PM
Arthur Ranson has alas retired BUT he has a rather lovely website and a web comic he's using to learn how to create computer art. The man is quite brilliant.

http://www.arthurranson.com/

That is one awesome site, Colin. Thank you for the info and link! :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 16 October, 2013, 09:25:27 PM
Charleys War Volume 10: The End. Sad to see this wrap up, can't wait to read all ten in one go.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 October, 2013, 09:31:30 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 16 October, 2013, 09:25:27 PM
Charleys War Volume 10: The End. Sad to see this wrap up, can't wait to read all ten in one go.
Didn't realise this was already out. Ordered. As you say I'll be sad its over but be so chuffed to have it complete... well assuming they don't decide to do a special artist focused edition of the latter stuff as Pat Mills suggested.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fragminion on 17 October, 2013, 02:55:40 AM
Currently following Stormwatch/DC
The Judge Dredd/IDW
And DL'ing the 2000AD and Judge Dredd Megs after I found out a physical sub cost over $200 American.(Ouch)
But thanks to the Dredd3D have stared buying up all old Dredd that I can. Just finished up the Eagle/QC run of Dredd, and starting to get the DC runs of Dredd and Legands of the LAW.
Thinking of picking up Demon Knights now that its coming to an end.
Nothing else really grabs me.

Guh I miss the good old days.

Such a big Alan Grant fanboy from back in the day.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 18 October, 2013, 12:11:01 PM
I am in the middle of reading Game of Thrones.  I'm taking my time with it.  The first series of the TV show was such a close adaptation I'm not really getting anything new from the book so it isn't turning into a page turner for me.

I was planning on reading Virtual Light by William Gibson.  I really enjoyed the Sprawl trilogy.  I got the Bridge trilogy for Christmas last year (except Idoru, which I've had for years).  I haven't been getting through so many books this year because I have been reading:

2000AD!  I started with the first prog I got back in '94 and have been slowly working my way to the current progs.  I started this a year a go.  I had a hiatus of a few months because there was a five year gap in my collection and I needed to save my pennies so I could buy the back issues.  I am now approaching the point I started collecting again.  It has been really interesting to see the changes in the last twenty years. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 18 October, 2013, 12:58:32 PM
Got it after work yesterday and couldn't be bothered with anything, so I re-read the entire Case Files 2, that Cal chap was a little bit unhinged wasn't he.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 18 October, 2013, 01:47:04 PM
Case Files 2 and 3 are my default "fuck all else to do" reads. Theres a certain joy and ingenuity between these two collections that really makes you appreciate just how good early Dredd was.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 18 October, 2013, 02:34:39 PM
For some bizarre reason I bought the paperback of 'the Day the Law Died' a few weeks back.  God knows why, as I already have it in the case files.  However, it made nice bedtime reading recently when I couldn't be arsed with my weightier tomes.  That Cal, eh?  Tut tut.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 23 October, 2013, 09:21:13 AM
I finished reading Grandville last night after putting the kids to bed, and my word - what an absolute blast I had! It was marvellous. Everything from Bryan Talbot's wicked script to his artwork was just a pleasure to behold. The characters were very well fleshed out esp. the main Badger Inspector and his Ratty assistant (very Sherlock Holmes!) and the world he created was so intriguing. I was a big fan of The Wind in the Willows and Rupert Bear growing up, and it's clear Talbot pays his homage to these characters. Hell, Rupert even gets a cameo near the start! Not to mention the steam punk/ noir setting, and a nice commentary on current events too, such as goverment cover up and so on. There was something very quintissentially British about the script, which I loved, not least the humour.

I can't believe it took me so long to read it. Well I tell you what, I'm heading back to my library to pick up book two!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 23 October, 2013, 12:39:37 PM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 18 October, 2013, 02:34:39 PM
For some bizarre reason I bought the paperback of 'the Day the Law Died' a few weeks back.  God knows why, as I already have it in the case files.  However, it made nice bedtime reading recently when I couldn't be arsed with my weightier tomes.  That Cal, eh?  Tut tut.

It's a classic. I have the small paperback version which Rebelliin released last year, I take it that's the version you read aswell Shaolin? I quite like 'em! The printing is small but it's perfect to take with you on your travels. I also have The Cursed Earth Saga; speaking of which does anyone know where I can read those banned episodes? It's a damn shame they had to be excluded.  :-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 23 October, 2013, 09:14:26 PM
Picked up the Frank Miller and Juan Jose Ryp trade run on Robocop which was good gratuitous fun and filled in a few gaps of the odd issues I missed when it originally ran. Also Geoff Darrow's Shaolin Cowboy, 'The Star Wars' (based on George Lucas original drafts) and Love and Rockets Unreleased Stories #6 are all currently on the coffee table.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 October, 2013, 09:19:45 PM
Just finished the final volume of Charley's War. Quite superb. One of the truly great comic series and I'm so pleased we have it all in such great books. I wonder what the new edition coming out next year will be like mind?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proteus4 on 23 October, 2013, 09:29:13 PM
Stephen King - Dr Sleep - i'm not very far through it so far but i bloody love it.

Halo Jones - just read books 1 & 2 last week and about to start book 3.

Been following Saga in the trades - its awesome

Also working my way through a lot of dredd between 1000 and 1800 that i've never read (i was languishing in a thrillsucker prison somewhere)

cheers
Dave
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 23 October, 2013, 09:45:03 PM
Several things on the go at the moment- a couple of Kim Stanley novels- ICEHENGE and ANTARCTICA, Stan  Lee and John Buscema's HOW TO DRAW COMICS THE MARVEL WAY, Robert E Howard's original CONAN stories, and a whole host of CONAN comics, from the Marvel monthly colour and black & white titles, to the various Dark Horse series. Particularly enamoured with SAVAGE SWORD's Buscema-drawn stories, and the current run of three issue arcs published by Dark Horse. And 'The Dark Is Rising' by Susan Cooper, as a bedtime story for the kids.

Comics-wise other than Conan, I'm reading Superior Spider-Man, Superior Foes of Spider-Man, Superior Spider-Man Team-Up, Superior Carnage, Daredevil, Daredevil: Dark Nights, Fantastic Four, FF, Mighty Avengers, Infinity (top read of the month), IDW's Judge Dredd, Mars Attacks Judge Dredd, Judge Dredd Classics, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Swamp Thing, Constantine, The Walking Dead, Saga, and dipping into a number of other titles either in print, digitally or in trade only- including The X-Files, Hoax Hunters, Revival, Captain America, Hawkeye, and Dr Who: Prisoners of Time (which is so terrible, it's exactly like a Who-themed slow-motion car crash. Much the same as I view IDW's main Dredd title, actually).

Plus, you know, whatever takes my fancy on a daily basis.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 23 October, 2013, 09:48:11 PM
SBT, you honestly the first person I've ever heard have anything bad to say about Prisoners of Time! I thinks its been a right good little series. Now, I vastly preferred Hunters of the Burning Stone as a celebration, but PoT hasn't been a bad run from IDW.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 23 October, 2013, 09:55:21 PM
Also picked up Hellblazer 'Hard Time' trade primarily for the Richard Corben art. I'm only a casual Constantine follower and I believe this got a frosty reception from certain fan quarters on release but I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 24 October, 2013, 12:05:15 PM
Quote from: judda fett on 23 October, 2013, 09:55:21 PM
Also picked up Hellblazer 'Hard Time' trade primarily for the Richard Corben art. I'm only a casual Constantine follower and I believe this got a frosty reception from certain fan quarters on release but I enjoyed it.

Why was that Judda? Was it because of Corben's art or the story? I would kill for a Corben rendered book. That's on my list of must reads, being a fan of both Corben and Hellblazer I really must get a hold of it. Nice to hear that you enjoyed it.

My own reading escapades include Judge Dredd Case File 20; it's mildly enjoyable fare so far, I say mild because as you all know the bulk of the book is by Mark Millar and Grant Morrison to some extent. The Book of the Dead was quite fun, I know a lot of you guys would probably feel otherwise, but I liked the humour in it and the artwork by Dermot Power was brilliant. Especially mindboggling were his art on the Luxorian city, his sci-fi landscapes are truly amazing to behold.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 October, 2013, 12:13:05 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 24 October, 2013, 12:05:15 PM...the artwork by Dermot Power was brilliant. Especially mindboggling were his art on the Luxorian city, his sci-fi landscapes are truly amazing to behold.

I don't think I ever heard anyone criticise the art!  In many ways that's what made that story so annoying to me personally:  when the art is as good as it could possibly be, the script is bargain basement offal.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 24 October, 2013, 12:23:50 PM
Hey Mabs I think it was felt that it wasn't quite in keeping with the character (writing rather than art). Like I say I'm not a regular reader of Hellblazer but a big fan of Corben so I had no issue with the story and the art is superb. I got it on Amazon quite cheap and think its been out of print for a good while.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 24 October, 2013, 12:33:09 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 24 October, 2013, 12:13:05 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 24 October, 2013, 12:05:15 PM...the artwork by Dermot Power was brilliant. Especially mindboggling were his art on the Luxorian city, his sci-fi landscapes are truly amazing to behold.

I don't think I ever heard anyone criticise the art!  In many ways that's what made that story so annoying to me personally:  when the art is as good as it could possibly be, the script is bargain basement offal.

One thing I did not like about Mark Millar and Grant Morrison's writing was the representation of Dredd. Not only here but in the stories which followed. By the end of one I just wondered to myself if they really got Dredd at all (the answer to that would no doubt be a resounding 'NO'). The humour was okay, but Millar just seems to overdo things. In truth I like Garth Ennis' stuff better, even though he himself has aknowledged that his tenure on Judge Dredd was poor.

What ever became of Mr. Powers? The guy is so talented I'd love to see more of his stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 24 October, 2013, 12:35:44 PM
Quote from: judda fett on 24 October, 2013, 12:23:50 PM
Hey Mabs I think it was felt that it wasn't quite in keeping with the character (writing rather than art). Like I say I'm not a regular reader of Hellblazer but a big fan of Corben so I had no issue with the story and the art is superb. I got it on Amazon quite cheap and think its been out of print for a good while.

It most definitely has! Some of the prices cited on eBay are bloody outrageous!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Recrewt on 24 October, 2013, 01:03:41 PM
Managed to pick up some bargain old 2000ad TPBs from my local comic shop, so I have been reading:

Lobster Random: No gain, no pain
Well this is a new character to me and it proved to be a fun, snappy tale.  Lobster Random was a genetically modified soldier, adapted to never need sleep or to feel pain with a giant pair of claws surgically grafted onto his sides.  The story starts with LR being sprung out of jail and the offer of a new job....
Mr Critchlow's artwork is fantastic and there were several times where I laughed out loud.  I believe the next book of LR is going to be the floppy in next month's Meg so it will be interesting to see where they go with this chraracter.

Atavar
I picked this up on the basis that Richard Elson did the artwork so I knew it would at least look impressive.  The Kalen, an ancient alien race, are being annihilated. A machine intelligence, known as the UOS, is devastating their galaxy and the Kalen believe that humans created it, long ago — before their race vanished.  But the Kalen have a plan. They will create a human from what DNA they have been able to locate, and he will be their salvation — he will be the Atavar!  This collects the first two books.  The first one was not bad at all but book 2 really improves on this.  Some of the dialogue between Atavar and Worldbreaker were brilliant and really made me smile.  This TPB does not include the last book so it did seem to end abruptly.  I find myself wanting to know more - did they really defeat the UOS?  Looks like I might need to pick up some back issues if I ever want to find out - perhaps this could be published as a Meg floppy in the future?

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 24 October, 2013, 01:16:24 PM
Quote from: Recrewt on 24 October, 2013, 01:03:41 PM
Atavar
...This collects the first two books.  The first one was not bad at all but book 2 really improves on this.  Some of the dialogue between Atavar and Worldbreaker were brilliant and really made me smile.  This TPB does not include the last book so it did seem to end abruptly.  I find myself wanting to know more - did they really defeat the UOS?  Looks like I might need to pick up some back issues if I ever want to find out - perhaps this could be published as a Meg floppy in the future?

I for one would definately buy a complete trade - and with Abnett/Elson's stock fairly high what with Kingdom being so popular, maybe this isn't so unlikely somewhere down the line...?

I really, really liked this thrill - one of my favourites at the time, and the more so because it was fairly self-contained and not trying to be a pitch for an indefinite series. Also a rare example of what we see all too infrequently in 2K, a very alien-lite cosmos. There's a line (in the second book, I think) when the Atavar expresses surprise that the UOS have 'only' wiped out two planets in a hundred years - 'The galaxy does not teem with life, Atavar. In all our long history, we have only ever encountered four other races. The UOS have already wiped out two of those.'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 October, 2013, 01:22:06 PM
Lobster Random would possibly make my list of top ten thrills if I was ever foolish enough to attempt one. Love it and hope against hope that when Si Spurrier hinted that he'd liek to bring him back when I asked him about it at Thought Bubble last year he wasn't just being nice to appease the gushing fanboy!

Avatar has one of my favourite opening episodes ever. Not that the rest is bad, but that opener was outstanding.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 24 October, 2013, 01:26:28 PM
Lobster Random and Atavar have been highlights of my recent big 2000 AD reread for the progs of the missing years when I stopped collecting.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 24 October, 2013, 03:49:35 PM
currently on "Dr Who - the coming of the Terraphiles" by Michael Moorcock. Apparently this caused a bit of a kerfuffle in Who fandom (what doesn't?) but I'm enjoying it. It's typical Moorcock - big cosmic storyline about the Mulitiverse, featuring a dark anti-hero pirate by the name of Cornelius. Enjoying it so far.

Also bought "Secret Identity" the 'superman-in-our-world' story by Kurt Busiek - fantastic stuff
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 October, 2013, 10:42:30 AM
The Last Voyage of Sinbad by Richard Corben & Jan Strnad;

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/10/25/the-last-voyage-of-sinbad-by-richard-corben-jan-strnad-review/

Absolutely magical stuff!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 25 October, 2013, 10:49:25 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 October, 2013, 10:42:30 AM
The Last Voyage of Sinbad by Richard Corben & Jan Strnad;

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/10/25/the-last-voyage-of-sinbad-by-richard-corben-jan-strnad-review/

Absolutely magical stuff!

It's on my birthday list (as long as its a reasonable price), that an Book Of Scars.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 25 October, 2013, 11:34:52 AM
Quote from: judda fett on 25 October, 2013, 10:49:25 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 October, 2013, 10:42:30 AM
The Last Voyage of Sinbad by Richard Corben & Jan Strnad;

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/10/25/the-last-voyage-of-sinbad-by-richard-corben-jan-strnad-review/

Absolutely magical stuff!

It's on my birthday list (as long as its a reasonable price), that an Book Of Scars.

It's out of print therefore a good price may be hard to come by. The best I saw was a hardcover version on Amazon for £25.00 and even that is quite a bargain because the paperback version can cost anything upto £45.00. I was lucky enough to nab my copy for a tenner from eBay, I think my advice would be to keep an eye out for any copies over there. One might turn up for a good price sooner or later. As I stated in my review, a reprint is long overdue.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 25 October, 2013, 03:16:53 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 October, 2013, 11:34:52 AM
Quote from: judda fett on 25 October, 2013, 10:49:25 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 25 October, 2013, 10:42:30 AM
The Last Voyage of Sinbad by Richard Corben & Jan Strnad;

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/10/25/the-last-voyage-of-sinbad-by-richard-corben-jan-strnad-review/

Absolutely magical stuff!

A lot of Richard Corbens stuff needs reprinting, especially this and Den. I was lucky enough to pick up a copy of The Last Voyage Of Sinbad about twenty two years ago for the princely sum of £1.99!! That was in the old Comic Showcase in London which is sadly no more.

It's on my birthday list (as long as its a reasonable price), that an Book Of Scars.

It's out of print therefore a good price may be hard to come by. The best I saw was a hardcover version on Amazon for £25.00 and even that is quite a bargain because the paperback version can cost anything upto £45.00. I was lucky enough to nab my copy for a tenner from eBay, I think my advice would be to keep an eye out for any copies over there. One might turn up for a good price sooner or later. As I stated in my review, a reprint is long overdue.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 25 October, 2013, 03:19:45 PM
Apologies! Screwed up the last post, it should have just read:

A lot of Richard Corbens stuff needs reprinting, especially this and Den. I was lucky enough to pick up a copy of The Last Voyage Of Sinbad about twenty two years ago for the princely sum of £1.99!! That was in the old Comic Showcase in London which is sadly no more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 01 November, 2013, 04:44:10 PM
Last night I finished Judge Dredd (IDW) Vol. 2; the book comprised mainly of 'The Long Fail' storyline, the title said it all basically as the story was a huge fail in my opinion. It was really poor, and the artwork was also not my cup of tea. Surely the writer could've made it more engaging, the premise of unruly robots and major electronic blackouts was a nice one, but it was executed poorly. I was hoping this volume would be a tad better than the first one, but it wasn't. I know its tailored for the U.S market, but I just cannot see how someone in the States would find this exciting, it's worlds apart from the Dredd we know and love here in the U.K. But hopefully new readers will start to get the real flavour of Judge Dredd with the Case Files and various collections,  which should be more readily available for them especially after the movie which has perked a lot of people's curiosities.

Mark Waid's Daredevil Vol.5 was a much better read. I always loved the character and especially his relationship with best friend Foggy Nelson. And here it is under the spotlight after we find that Foggy has cancer. Waid's writing is wonderful, and Samnee's vibrant artwork is a brilliant match to the story. Especially those quieter moments when the news is broken to them by the doctor. Chris Samnee potrays panels beautifully, and his action scenes are also a standout. The visualisation of Daredevil's sonar vision is rendered superbly. I absolutely loved Waid's vision for the story; being a fan of Frank Miller's Daredevil I was worried if this more colourful and 'light hearted' tone would work for the character, well I needn't have worried because it was superb.

I also started B.P.R.D Hell on Earth Vol. 6. It's a really enjoyable read thus far, but I'm missing Guy Davis' artwork which had become part of B.P.R.D's definitive vision much like Mignola's work on Hellboy. Not to mention some of my favourite characters are not present, first to go was Hellboy, then Roger and now....damn.  :'(

But I must admit Tyler Crook still does a great job on art duties. I would love to have read this series - the same as Daredevil - from the start, but I found these volumes in my library and I grabbed them without delay. I would love to go back and read both arcs from the start at some point.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 01 November, 2013, 11:45:51 PM
I also started Lone Wolf & Cub Omnibus Vol.2, my word, it is an absolute beaut! Dark Horse have really done the series proud by producing these lovely compact sized softcover collection.

I don't know why it's taken me so long to read this acclaimed series, but it's powerful stuff. From Kazuo Koike's wonderful storytelling and Goseki Kojima's masterful b&w artwork. I finished chapter 1 (The White Path between the Rivers); which deals with our main characters tragic backstory. And chapter 2 (The Virgin and the Whore) which is brilliant. Kojima's artwork really evokes Japan of long ago, with some beautiful imagery and visceral fight scenes. 

I'll be ordering Vol.1 very soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 02 November, 2013, 07:50:12 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 01 November, 2013, 04:44:10 PM
I know its tailored for the U.S market, but I just cannot see how someone in the States would find this exciting, it's worlds apart from the Dredd we know and love here in the U.K. But hopefully new readers will start to get the real flavour of Judge Dredd with the Case Files and various collections,  which should be more readily available for them especially after the movie which has perked a lot of people's curiosities.

Worth noting that regardless of what us brits seem to think about it IDW's Dredd continues to get critical acclaim from US (http://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/idw-publishing/judge-dredd) and that site is missing a bunch of reviews too.

Lone Wolf & Cub really is one of the best pieces of work in the comics medium. Briliant from beginning to end. Not too sure about this forthcoming sequel stuff though; seems totally unnecessary to me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 02 November, 2013, 08:45:47 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 02 November, 2013, 07:50:12 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 01 November, 2013, 04:44:10 PM
I know its tailored for the U.S market, but I just cannot see how someone in the States would find this exciting, it's worlds apart from the Dredd we know and love here in the U.K. But hopefully new readers will start to get the real flavour of Judge Dredd with the Case Files and various collections,  which should be more readily available for them especially after the movie which has perked a lot of people's curiosities.

Worth noting that regardless of what us brits seem to think about it IDW's Dredd continues to get critical acclaim from US (http://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/idw-publishing/judge-dredd) and that site is missing a bunch of reviews too.

Lone Wolf & Cub really is one of the best pieces of work in the comics medium. Briliant from beginning to end. Not too sure about this forthcoming sequel stuff though; seems totally unnecessary to me.

Well, er, clearly I was wrong. U.S readers do seem to like it which is good, as any sort of exposure to Judge Dredd is fantastic news, and hopefully some of the newer readers can move onto the more 'harder' stuff later on! It's just personally, I didn't enjoy it. Hopefully Judge Dredd Year 1 (which I've yet to read) should fare much better.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 04 November, 2013, 07:58:05 AM
Another lover of Lone Wolf and Cub here. Amazing series.

On an off tangent, is it wrong that I really want to read Amethyst: Princes of Gem World from DC. It looks so stupid and cheesy I just can't say no. That Showcase collection looks quite hefty and classy for a tenner as well....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 November, 2013, 08:16:40 PM
Lone Wolf and Cub is essential reading in any format.  That is all.
The Amethyst Showcase is a solid slab of fun 1980s cheese, though it's a bit more molest-y in the early issues than I would like, and being in black and white you don't get the full effect of the cover that has a huge erect purple serpent rising up between the legs of the terrified female protagonist to stare intently at her boobs, which is a simultaneously hilarious and profoundly disturbing image to use on the cover of a comic aimed at children, though a comic aimed at children may arguably not have a 13 year-old girl tied to a giant tiger and being molested for a full issue, either.  Oh DC, it's not just a recent thing, is it?  You were never right in the head at all...
It goes without saying, too, that it's an out-and-out fantasy series despite starting off on Earth, and after the main series finishes there's a Superman team-up and a less interesting second series, but it's still well worth a gander even if there could have been a bit more of the character's adventures on Earth for a bit of variety and to get away from the royal politicking stuff.

Just caught up with the last issues of IDW's Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm, which is great fun despite technically qualifying as fan-wankery thanks to centering a common nitpick of the original film [spoiler](why didn't seasoned astronauts recognise Earth's stars, moon or seasons?)[/spoiler], and the final issue rushes a bit too much to wrap it all up in a bow so the comic lines up with the films, but there's a great symmetry to Milo's distaste for apes calling back to Taylor's first appearance in the original film.  Personally I could have done without "ape will not kill ape, except when they do, but then they don't again until they do, then they don't talk about it, but they do it again anyway" malarky, and the artist could have worked a bit harder to give his apes some personality or character, as it gets really hard to tell them apart and it looks like he works from a limited number of photo references in many places as the chimps only seem to have around three facial expressions.  Still, I thought this was great fun and I say that as someone with not much interest in any of the other Apes comics from over the years.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 November, 2013, 10:03:44 PM
Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature.  Even though I came into this having already reached essentially the same conclusion, the scale of Pinker's analyses and the enormity of his findings means that no non-fiction book* I have ever read has lifted my heart like this one. 

I'm not halfway through yet, but if you haven't, you owe it to yourself to read this.  Go out and get hold of a copy now, time's a wasting and there's hope to be seized.

That said, Pinker makes some odd choices about how he opens the show: the same kind of unnecessary insensitivity about religious belief that Dawkins employs (although without the same contempt), with the same likely outcome that many of the people who most need to read this book simply won't, while the converted will just nod along learning nothing new.   Equally, he's a bit flippant about how he handles the biases implicit in archaeological and anthropological data, so that even though the vast weight of evidence gives every indication that his conclusions are sound I can see academic hackles raising.  Maybe when you have reached at the very top of your disciplne, maybe you no longer have to worry.

A wonderful thesis all the same.


*Except maybe Chris Tilley's Material Culture and Text: The Art of Ambiguity, but that was long ago and far away, and besides, the wench is dead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 05 November, 2013, 10:16:23 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 November, 2013, 10:03:44 PM
Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature... I'm not halfway through yet, but if you haven't, you owe it to yourself to read this.  Go out and get hold of a copy now, time's a wasting and there's hope to be seized...A wonderful thesis all the same.

But for the layman like, say myself, who is far from a academic heavyweight like, say yourself, would you recommend this book?

Quote*Except maybe Chris Tilley's Material Culture and Text: The Art of Ambiguity, but that was long ago and far away, and besides, the wench is dead.

:-*
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 November, 2013, 10:26:41 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 05 November, 2013, 10:16:23 PM
But for the layman like, say myself, who is far from a academic heavyweight like, say yourself, would you recommend this book?

I'm far from an academic, although I am now sliding ever deeper into heavy weight territory: and I'd recommend this book to anyone with the vaguest interest in humanity, history and the role of the peculiarities of human consciousness in understanding the world.  It's very good.

The wench bit is a paraphrased quote borrowed from a Marlowe quote in an Inspector Morse book, and later from Sandman.  Don't mind me, too much cider, not enough sleep.  One of my bad days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 05 November, 2013, 10:38:07 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 November, 2013, 10:26:41 PM
I'm far from an academic, although I am now sliding ever deeper into heavy weight territory: and I'd recommend this book to anyone with the vaguest interest in humanity, history and the role of the peculiarities of human consciousness in understanding the world.  It's very good.

Have you read Jared Diamond's new book, The World Until Yesterday?

The wench bit is a paraphrased quote borrowed from a Marlowe quote in an Inspector Morse book, and later from Sandman.  Don't mind me, too much cider, not enough sleep.  One of my bad days.
[/quote]

When is too much cider a bad day? The next day. I thought better to ask then google the wench is dead.....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 November, 2013, 10:50:17 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 05 November, 2013, 10:38:07 PM
Have you read Jared Diamond's new book, The World Until Yesterday?

Not yet, although I do mean to.  If it's anything like his previous stuff it'll be quite a contrast with the Pinker.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 05 November, 2013, 11:58:28 PM
I think Pinker runs the risk of dredging up the spectre of disagreement he had with Robin Wright over conclusions drawn in the latter's Nonzero, but also borrows liberally in execution and intent from Howard Bloom's Lucifer Principal and Global Brain while sadly replicating many of those works' most glaring faults - as you noted - and veering towards almost anecdotal evidence - though I'll grant you this could just as easily be viewed as an attempt to reach beyond the traditional non-fiction audience of academia and appeal directly to the Oprah Book Club crowd of which I am probably a paradigm.
Personally, I just like that someone is using big words to prove what I've been saying for years: things are not as shit as they used to be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 06 November, 2013, 06:12:41 AM
Have recently read Double Star. So this is what peeps mean when they say that you read Robert A. Heinlein for the characters.

Sure, there's a dash of that Libertarian twaddle that RAH! RAH! RAH! was a bit keen on, although he deploys it in a manner that leads to a real kicker  that's not a million miles from Frederik Pohl.  This boy also found it a bit lacking in the Sense Of Wonder Department. Possibly due to Heinlein's (a) having created the toys of Campbellian Golden Age consensus SF & (b) his initial, unfulfilled intention to sell this novel in the mainstream licherry market.

But Robert Abitkeenonmarktwain gains points for having the chutzpah to consider science-fiction (as Americans typeset in those days) worthy enough to carry an campaign trail drama.

Surprisingly rather enjoyed this one
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 November, 2013, 09:32:00 AM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 05 November, 2013, 11:58:28 PMPersonally, I just like that someone is using big words to prove what I've been saying for years: things are not as shit as they used to be.

This, and thrice this.

The heavy use of anecdote or near-anecdote does seem odd, and I suspect you are right about this being an attempt to draw in innumerate numpties like me, but they are offered only as relatable context to reams of numbers, of orders of magnitude that any quibbling over more than the details is pointless: many of his graphs documenting the decline of violence have to be logarithmic just to fit them on the page*.  I can't find the actual graph I want online, but here's his homicide rates in western Europe.  Check out the vertical axis:

(http://hbdchick.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/pinker-fig-3-3.jpg)

No amount of suspicion about the particulars of the source material is going to change the fact that we're comparing small fractional variations around 1 in 100,000 deaths at the right against 50-100 per 100,000 on the left.  Yeah, bitch - magnets!   

Also, if anyone has doubts as to how much fun this book is, it contains the following quote from Geoffrey Hughes:

"The days when the dandelion could be called the pissabed, a heron could be called a shitecrow and the windhover could be called the windfucker have passed away with the exuberant phallic advertisement of the codpiece."

So much for improvements. 

If I ever own a boat, I shall call her Windfucker.  In private. 



*Although this can also be a statistical trick to conceal disproportionately small number of data points in the high numbers by compressing them in the vertical axis.  But it isn't.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 06 November, 2013, 09:53:28 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 November, 2013, 09:32:00 AM
Also, if anyone has doubts as to how much fun this book is, it contains the following quote from Geoffrey Hughes:

"The days when the dandelion could be called the pissabed, a heron could be called a shitecrow and the windhover could be called the windfucker have passed away with the exuberant phallic advertisement of the codpiece."

He never used to come out with this sort of stuff when he was in Coronation St.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 06 November, 2013, 10:21:45 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 November, 2013, 09:32:00 AM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 05 November, 2013, 11:58:28 PMPersonally, I just like that someone is using big words to prove what I've been saying for years: things are not as shit as they used to be.

(http://hbdchick.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/pinker-fig-3-3.jpg)

It is interesting to see homicides are significantly higher in England/UK in the 20th century, compared to the 1900s.  That would lend credence to my suspicion that things are, in fact, worse.

Always the optimist, me.   :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 06 November, 2013, 10:27:02 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 November, 2013, 10:26:41 PM

The wench bit is a paraphrased quote borrowed from a Marlowe quote in an Inspector Morse book, and later from Sandman.  Don't mind me, too much cider, not enough sleep.  One of my bad days.

And there was me thinking you were quoting William Burroughs!  I thought it was from 'Dr Benway Operates':

QuoteDid I ever tell you about the time I performed an appendectomy with a rusty sardine can? And once I was caught short without instrument one and removed a uterine tumor with my teeth. That was in the Upper Effendi, and besides...the wench is dead."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 November, 2013, 11:56:18 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 06 November, 2013, 10:27:02 AMThat was in the Upper Effendi, and besides...the wench is dead."

Burroughs (and Gaiman) is also paraphrasing Marlowe's Jew of Malta: "Thou hast committed fornication: but that was in another country, and besides, the wench is dead".  Wikipedia informs me that TS Eliot, PD James, Hemmingway and even Pratchett have used or abused the same line: 

Quote...With reference to Granny Weatherwax's girlhood: "But that was a long time ago, in the past (which is another country). And besides, the bitch is . . . older."

But I got it from Morse.

As to your pessimism, look at the graph again - it's using a logarithmic scale, and the variation or 'uptick' in the later 20th C England is absolutely miniscule, a change in the region of 1 extra homicide death in 200,000 (and examined in greater detail elsewhere).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 06 November, 2013, 12:08:52 PM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 06 November, 2013, 10:21:45 AM
It is interesting to see homicides are significantly higher in England/UK in the 20th century, compared to the 1900s.  That would lend credence to my suspicion that things are, in fact, worse.

Not during your lifetime:

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/61680000/gif/_61680099_homicides624x419.gif)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 November, 2013, 12:26:34 PM
And note that that's absolute numbers of homicides there, and England and Wales have something over 3 million more people than they had in 1980.  Bloody immigrants and welfare-babies, bringing down the murder rate even further.  Cheek is what it is, taking column inches out the mouths of starving journos.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 06 November, 2013, 12:31:28 PM
Even without Shipman, people went futsie in 03/04 it seems.

I'm not sure how much credence I can give to the previous graph though. What kind of homicide statistics can there possibly be for the 1200s to at least the late 1700s?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 November, 2013, 12:41:12 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 06 November, 2013, 12:31:28 PM
I'm not sure how much credence I can give to the previous graph though. What kind of homicide statistics can there possibly be for the 1200s to at least the late 1700s?

You are of course right never to take a graph or any statistic at face value: as everyone knows, 75% of them are made up.   ;)

However, this is one of literally dozens of similar graphs in the Pinker book, exploring the data from different angles, and the sources are fully detailed there.  Much of it comes from the work of historians like Cockburn and criminologists like Eisner on court records, hence it only begins with the start of obsessive record keeping by the Normans.  I am a little nervous of the failure to really get into the methodologies behind these secondary sources, but the thrust of the numbers is overwhelming.  For Pinker to be wrong his figures have to be consistently out by a factor of 50 or even 100.

My advice: read the book, follow-up on your doubts and check the sources, but I'd be surprised if you could sustain them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 06 November, 2013, 01:05:57 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 November, 2013, 12:26:34 PM
And note that that's absolute numbers of homicides there, and England and Wales have something over 3 million more people than they had in 1980.  Bloody immigrants and welfare-babies, bringing down the murder rate even further.  Cheek is what it is, taking column inches out the mouths of starving journos.

The report I took that graph from (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18900384) includes an interesting sidebar from the BBC's home affairs correspondent:

"The fall in homicides is quite remarkable - and does not appear to be a statistical fluke. Statisticians say the figures broadly mirror reductions elsewhere in the developed world, so it would be unfair of politicians, police or doctors here to claim the credit for a phenomenon that appears to be driven by something more fundamental.

Nevertheless, officials believe that efforts to bear down on domestic and family-related violence, which account for two-thirds of killings, is a key factor in the homicide fall"


As all the armchair detectives who watched the McCann's appealing for help finding their daughter and pronounced them guilty were aware, the statistical evidence shows you're much more likely to be killed by a member of your own family than you are by a marauding, mohawked biker gang with the arse cheeks cut out of their leather trousers. The reason fewer people are being murdered is, in part, due to the disintegration of the social and economic ties which kept folk living under the same roof as someone who'd hated them/lusted after them for years.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 November, 2013, 01:31:16 PM
Quote from: sauchie on 06 November, 2013, 01:05:57 PMThe reason fewer people are being murdered is, in part, due to the disintegration of the social and economic ties which kept folk living under the same roof as someone who'd hated them/lusted after them for years.

More simply, it's blatant flaunting of God's will that's led us to this sorry pass, where hardly anyone kills anyone any more because they're largely free to do what's best for them and theirs instead.  Utter barbarity, I call it.

Anyhow, before my derailing of yet another thread incites violence in these peaceful halls, I will direct further cogitation to the Political Thread, where lies, suppositions and statistics find their their naturally-determined home.

On topic:
Got the second Pratchett and Baxter Long Earth book The Long War in the library yesterday, hoping it's an improvement on the first.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 06 November, 2013, 02:39:42 PM
Snuff, by Pterry.  Tried to read it several times now but it's hard going.  I know why, of course, so I am inclined to be forgiving and shall give it another chance at a later date, if only as an act of spite against those reviewers who seem to be taking pointed delight in it not being as good as usual*, though it's a shame he didn't get to sign off with something of the quality of earlier efforts.


* I did think I was imagining it until the comments section of one review devolved into personal insults while still trying to keep the illusion of reasoned critique, accusing Pratchett of everything from misogyny to homophobia based on their own reading of material and - hilariously and troublingly - "this thing he said to me once when I met him that no-one else heard and I won't repeat but was vaguely offensive."  Whatever one's opinion of the author, it's still pretty sad that the knives only feel safe to come out now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 06 November, 2013, 02:51:37 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 November, 2013, 11:56:18 AM
Quote from: shaolin_monkey on 06 November, 2013, 10:27:02 AMThat was in the Upper Effendi, and besides...the wench is dead."

Burroughs (and Gaiman) is also paraphrasing Marlowe's Jew of Malta: "Thou hast committed fornication: but that was in another country, and besides, the wench is dead".  Wikipedia informs me that TS Eliot, PD James, Hemmingway and even Pratchett have used or abused the same line: 

Quote...With reference to Granny Weatherwax's girlhood: "But that was a long time ago, in the past (which is another country). And besides, the bitch is . . . older."

But I got it from Morse.

As to your pessimism, look at the graph again - it's using a logarithmic scale, and the variation or 'uptick' in the later 20th C England is absolutely miniscule, a change in the region of 1 extra homicide death in 200,000 (and examined in greater detail elsewhere).

Wow, well, I never knew that!  I love Pratchett's version.   :lol:

Oh, and thanks for cheering me up!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 06 November, 2013, 05:34:02 PM
The real question is what the hell was happening in Italy during the 19th century.  They must have been dropping like flies.

On Topic I'm currently just starting on the Haynes manual for the Avro Vulcan - 1952 onwards (B2 Model) all about a beauty of an aircraft with a fascinating history.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 November, 2013, 12:43:30 PM
I'm just reading the infamous Richard Corben interview by Brad  Balfour in Heavy Metal Magazine #51.

At one point Balfour asks Corben: " When you were a kid, did you masturbate over big breasts?"  :o

I never knew Mr. Balfour was a bleeding psychiatrist! Imagine Mike or David asking that same question to an artist in the Meg Interrogation!  :lol:

No wonder Corben was pissed!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 November, 2013, 12:51:58 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 08 November, 2013, 12:43:30 PM" When you were a kid, did you masturbate over big breasts?"

"When you were a kid, did your body use haemoglobin to transport oxygen to its tissues where it was used to burn nutrients in order to provide energy?"

And other incisive questions.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 November, 2013, 01:00:59 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 November, 2013, 12:51:58 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 08 November, 2013, 12:43:30 PM" When you were a kid, did you masturbate over big breasts?"

"When you were a kid, did your body use haemoglobin to transport oxygen to its tissues where it was used to burn nutrients in order to provide energy?"

And other incisive questions.

:lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 10 November, 2013, 03:17:42 PM
Just finishing the third TPB (of 7) of Grant Morrison's Invisibles. The only Morrison stuff I've read previously was the excellent We3 and some piss-poor Dredds, so I was curious as to which end of the spectrum this would fall. The answer is somewhere in the middle. It's alright - certainly very competent - but he's no Alan Moore, is he?

Book 1 - The story takes a long time to get going. Initially Dane, a young reader-identification figure, is gradually introduced into a world of magic and the occult and, er, stuff, and by and large this works very well. I'm a sucker for this kind of narrative tool, and I love London-centric ficton too so this pushed all the right buttons, even though the art left me totally cold (Steve Yeowell, the only artist of Tharg's stable I've never warmed to, and here he's not helped by some primitive mid-90s colouring.) After this mentoring phase he meets the Invisibles gang proper, a terrorist(?) cell who fight some ongoing war for mankind's psychic freedom (or something). And this is where the problems really begin.

At this point you would also expect to really start finding out who/what the Invisibles are and more about this secret war, but things remain increasingly vague. Dane point-blank asks these questions and is basically told 'I don't know.' Who is the enemy? 'We don't know.' Who are the good guys? 'We don't know.' Five issues in and it's still impossible to get invested in the narrative as there's nobody to root for (or against). Their first mission is to time-travel to 18th-century Paris for equally vague reasons (to bring the Marquis de Sade to the present, basically, but it's never explained why). Halfway through the mission goes badly wrong and the team are split up across various metaphysical locations, such as de Sade's fictional Shilling Castle. It seems as though things are going to get really interesting here, but no. 'How do we get out?' asks one character. 'Dunno. Just wait, I suppose,' shrugs our dynamic leader King Mob. It's very hard to care about such passive path-of-least-resistance heroes. And they literally just sit about for two issues, watching the events of 120 days of Sodom play out, presumably for no other reason than for Grant to show off how well-read he is. And lest that be thought an unfair judgement, the same three-issue arc is constantly interupted by the poets Byron and Shelley titting about on a Grand Tour waffling about the importance of poetry. This arc goes absolutely nowhere and seemingly has no relevance or purpose other than for Grant to show off how well read he is. And there's a half-hearted sub-plot about the head of John the Baptist that promises to be interesting but Morrison seems to immediately get bored of.

Oh, and whether deliberate or not I don't know, but the main anarchist (King Mob) is drawn to look like Grant Morrison - which is all a bit toe-curling, really, making the whole thing seem a bit like the wish fulfilment of an 'angry young man' comic writer. I'm inclined to believe this was no coincedence, as one of King Mob's later aliases is 'the famous counter-culture writer Kirk Morrison.' Cringe.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 10 November, 2013, 03:46:43 PM
Book 1 turned into a far longer review than I intended, so thought I'd split it up a bit.

Book 2 - In fairness things do pick up a bit from there. The narrative becomes more action-oriented for a while and we finally get a sense of who the antagonists are, which helps no end. There are a few self-contained issues that are the most interesting things so far (because they aren't about the Invisibles, basically). There's a voodoo Chris Weston story which is great, and an issue that explores the life of one of the henchmen killed in an early issue. It's emotive stuff with great Steve Parkhouse art as we find out the hopes and dreams of a life snuffed out prematurely - the trouble is, what's the point? It comes ages and ages after the soldier actually died and is never picked up on again; the henchman doesn't come back as a tormented zombie or anything, so while very clever and well-written the story ultimately feels a bit redundant, as though Morrison's trying to fill an issue-quota. Then comes a three-issue 'origin' story for one of the Invisibles, Lord Fanny, a brazilian transvestite shaman, and fair play - this is really good. It helps no end to know a bit more about our heroes and it's simply an entertaining, well-constructed little story. Great art, too.

Book 3 - The wheels start to come off again. Our protagonists continue to be utterly useles for the most part, drifting aimlessly about in hopes of accidentally completing a mission. Finding out more about our antagonists has become a bit of a double-edged sword - the trouble is they're drawn in fairly broad strokes. Not 'Pat Mills'-type broad, but pretty close. They're exactly as you might expect them to be given that the 'goodies' are anarchist freedom fighters with piercings, tattoos and fluid sexuality - upper-class old Etonian types waffling about 'keeping people in their place' and the like. These guys are also just a bit too aware that they are the bad guys - Sir Miles skirts constantly on the edge of twirling his moustache and saying 'Bwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!' Some higher-power Lovecraftian elements start to be introduced and there are some battles and things on the spirit planes; but unfortunately some rather tired Jason King and Sweeny(!) parodies are also introduced, not as background cameos or a two-page joke but full-fledged main characters. It's all a bit rambling and bizarre and I'm wondering whether to bother sticking with it.

Either way, I probably won't be rushing out to read another Grant Morrison comic again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 10 November, 2013, 04:14:03 PM
''an issue that explores the life of one of the henchmen killed in an early issue. It's emotive stuff with great Steve Parkhouse art as we find out the hopes and dreams of a life snuffed out prematurely - the trouble is, what's the point? It comes ages and ages after the soldier actually died and is never picked up on again; the henchman doesn't come back as a tormented zombie or anything, so while very clever and well-written the story ultimately feels a bit redundant, as though Morrison's trying to fill an issue-quota. ''

Yeah, what is the point of having interesting and well written stories! More zombies!!

Have a read of this: http://amalgamatedwittering.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/issue-twelve-best-man-fall.html
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 10 November, 2013, 05:42:10 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 10 November, 2013, 04:14:03 PM
''an issue that explores the life of one of the henchmen killed in an early issue. It's emotive stuff with great Steve Parkhouse art as we find out the hopes and dreams of a life snuffed out prematurely - the trouble is, what's the point? It comes ages and ages after the soldier actually died and is never picked up on again; the henchman doesn't come back as a tormented zombie or anything, so while very clever and well-written the story ultimately feels a bit redundant, as though Morrison's trying to fill an issue-quota. ''

Yeah, what is the point of having interesting and well written stories! More zombies!!

Have a read of this: http://amalgamatedwittering.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/issue-twelve-best-man-fall.html

QuoteWe'll see later that this moment is intersecting with others, that the Hand of Glory is once more at play.

Aha -! See, that had been part of my bugbear wth that issue - great as it was in its own right I couldn't see what it had to do with the main narrative. That was what I meant by the (fairly rubbish) zombie example I plucked out of the air - just for it to feel like it had a point. But it sounds as though maybe it does become more relevant later on, so fair enough.*


*Although why on earth does that issue occur so long after issue with the actual shooting...?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 11 November, 2013, 07:16:40 PM
I've borrowed several Invisibles volumes from the library over the years. Now reading them in odd order may have something to do with it, but I found them pretty unengaging - lots of weird shit but little narrative development. He covered this kind of material far better in his Doom Patrol run
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 11 November, 2013, 07:51:46 PM
Is jump ship now, Jimbo. For me The Invisibles peaked with the third book  (which is where it feels the most '2000ad') and there's a (editorially-mandated) tonal shift in book four onwards which I didn't care for.

As for Morrison's other work I would highly recommend his New X Men run. A bit of baffling continuity aside (hey, this is an X Men comic!) it's Morrison reigned in - still lots of great ideas, but they don't overwhelm the story. Lots of Frank Quitely art too (and some horrendously rushed looking fill in art unfortunately).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 11 November, 2013, 08:30:40 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 11 November, 2013, 07:16:40 PMHe covered this kind of material far better in his Doom Patrol run

He covered it better - and more economically - in his Zoids run.  Big alien minds play games with little humans type thing, though to be fair that was kind of a recurring thread in a lot of UK Marvel comics - even Transformers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 17 November, 2013, 06:50:51 PM
Just finished reading Deadbeats - good Cthulu story; you can tell it is written by Lovecraft/Cthulu aficionados!  I would actually like to read the story in prose; like the idea of music being used to summon evil Gods! 

As much as I like Culbard's art I do feel that sometimes his style is not particularly suited to some of the stories he has created art for (I felt the same about Deadwardians); maybe not gritty enough IMO.  A small gripe on my part though - if you like Lovecraft/Cthulu then give this a whirl.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 10:02:38 AM
The House on the Borderland by Richard Corben & Simon Revelstroke. I managed to win a copy on eBay for £3.77. Mike Mignola cites this as his favourite Corben work, and Alan Moore has high praise for the original novel on which it is based on, in his excellent foreword. So very much looking forward to seeing how the reading goes.

I also have a lot of books on loan from the library to get through (you can see them all in the Libraries thread).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 20 November, 2013, 10:30:32 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 10:02:38 AM
The House on the Borderland

The original novel is one of the finest works of weird literature ever - pure, distilled Hodgson. 'The Night Land', his epic, sprawling treatment of similar themes, is even better, though nothing like as concise or accessible.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 10:39:56 AM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 November, 2013, 10:30:32 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 10:02:38 AM
The House on the Borderland

The original novel is one of the finest works of weird literature ever - pure, distilled Hodgson. 'The Night Land', his epic, sprawling treatment of similar themes, is even better, though nothing like as concise or accessible.

I tried looking for a copy of the original novel in my library, but couldn't locate one. It seems to be out of print or hard to find.  :(

That said, I'll still keep looking. Hodgson's life was a tragic and fascinating one, it's a shame he never got the same recognition as his contemporaries.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 20 November, 2013, 10:40:44 AM
As far as I am concerned The House On The Borderland is the greatest example of weird literature bar none and I have been enthralled by it since I first read it back in the early eighties. The comic adaption is okay but doesn't reach the heights of the original novel and because of that I would suggest you read the novel first.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 20 November, 2013, 10:44:08 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 10:39:56 AM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 November, 2013, 10:30:32 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 10:02:38 AM
The House on the Borderland

The original novel is one of the finest works of weird literature ever - pure, distilled Hodgson. 'The Night Land', his epic, sprawling treatment of similar themes, is even better, though nothing like as concise or accessible.

I tried looking for a copy of the original novel in my library, but couldn't locate one. It seems to be out of print or hard to find.  :(

That said, I'll still keep looking. Hodgson's life was a tragic and fascinating one, it's a shame he never got the same recognition as his contemporaries.

The book is readily available on Amazon, where there are many different versions to choose from, there are used ones for as little as 86p (plus p&p!!). I have two different copies of this myself I love it so much!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 10:50:36 AM
Quote from: gavingavin on 20 November, 2013, 10:44:08 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 10:39:56 AM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 November, 2013, 10:30:32 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 10:02:38 AM
The House on the Borderland

The original novel is one of the finest works of weird literature ever - pure, distilled Hodgson. 'The Night Land', his epic, sprawling treatment of similar themes, is even better, though nothing like as concise or accessible.

I tried looking for a copy of the original novel in my library, but couldn't locate one. It seems to be out of print or hard to find.  :(

That said, I'll still keep looking. Hodgson's life was a tragic and fascinating one, it's a shame he never got the same recognition as his contemporaries.

The book is readily available on Amazon, where there are many different versions to choose from, there are used ones for as little as 86p (plus p&p!!). I have two different copies of this myself I love it so much!

Really? I will definitely add it to my next shopping list. Thanks mate!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 November, 2013, 10:55:18 AM
Pratchett and Baxter's The Long War.  A lot better than the first one, an easy read with a more seamless mixture of Pratchett's quirky characters and Baxter's hard science world-building.  The premise is more thoroughly worked here, and it's even easy share the protagonists' frustration that some of the settings couldn't be more fully explored, which is a good thing.  However, the title is a bit of a cheat (although a welcome one IMO), and even the characters themselves acknowledge that is largely just an extended set-up for the concluding volume, to which I look forward.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 20 November, 2013, 11:55:22 AM
I'm just finishing off Dan Simmons' Endymion Omnibus.  I read the Hyperion Omnibus during a wet week away last year and it's been an enjoyable epic read (not that it took long to plough through).  Not sure what to follow this up with, though...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 20 November, 2013, 01:47:01 PM
D-DAY - The Battle for Normandy by Anthony Beevor.

I'd not read much about the actual battle for Normandy before (though plenty about D-DAY and a new a little boys own stuff about CAEN and FALAISE).

It's heart wrenching stuff with the level of slaughter prompted often by nothing more than sheer incompetence on the parts of the Generals.  Monty, in particular, comes over as a complete and utter twat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 20 November, 2013, 02:40:19 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 20 November, 2013, 01:47:01 PM
D-DAY - The Battle for Normandy by Anthony Beevor.

I'd not read much about the actual battle for Normandy before (though plenty about D-DAY and a new a little boys own stuff about CAEN and FALAISE).

It's heart wrenching stuff with the level of slaughter prompted often by nothing more than sheer incompetence on the parts of the Generals.  Monty, in particular, comes over as a complete and utter twat.

Beevor is a great writer. If you've not read Stalingrad or The Fall of Berlin 1945 I can definitely recommend them. Beevor is very good at keeping his views balanced and realises that everyone loses in war.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 20 November, 2013, 04:41:55 PM
While looking at some of the suggestions on this thread I came across these hardback Penguin horror volumes with ace cover art. Does anyone have any of these? They look great.

http://www.us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/classics/penguinhorror.html (http://www.us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/classics/penguinhorror.html)

I came across them mulling over whether or not to bother with trying H.P Lovecraft. I'm intrigued but I also read somewhere about him espousing a white supremacist perspective, which comes through in his work. Does this really come across, because the idea completely puts me off wanting to delve into any of his books. Especially when the other titles in that series look tempting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 20 November, 2013, 05:25:45 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 20 November, 2013, 04:41:55 PM
I came across them mulling over whether or not to bother with trying H.P Lovecraft. I'm intrigued but I also read somewhere about him espousing a white supremacist perspective, which comes through in his work. Does this really come across, because the idea completely puts me off wanting to delve into any of his books.

Lovecraft undoubtedly held racist views, but that side of him is much more prevalent in his correspondence to other authors than it is in his actual fiction. His fiction does contain occasional remarks as to the perceived inferiority of certain ethnicities or nationalities, but in that respect I wouldn't say it comes across as notably worse than many other white writers of Lovecraft's era (though certainly no better either.) Fears about race clearly did inspire some of his fiction, but it's all expressed metaphorically – 'The Shadow Over Innsmouth', for instance, is likely fuelled by Lovecraft's fears about miscegenation, but you can happily ignore all that and enjoy a tale of horrible fish-men who want to interbreed with the locals.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 05:29:40 PM
Wow. I managed to purchase The House on the Borderland from the Kindle store for only...0.00p! That's what you call a bargain!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0083Z2VII/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1384966365&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 November, 2013, 06:02:04 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 20 November, 2013, 04:41:55 PM
I came across them mulling over whether or not to bother with trying H.P Lovecraft. I'm intrigued but I also read somewhere about him espousing a white supremacist perspective, which comes through in his work. Does this really come across, because the idea completely puts me off wanting to delve into any of his books.

I wouldn't say 'white supremacist', although he clearly had a few misgivings about the Asians. There are maybe two instances in the whole ouvere where I thought 'ah yes, bit racist, that.' And that's it. I can imagine how someone reading about Lovecraft might get a skewed perspective on what his writings might be like but it honestly isn't an issue unless you're of an exceedingly sensitive state of mind, in which case you probably shouldn't be reading any pre-1950s fiction.

Get the 'Penguin modern classics' editions of The Call of Cthulhu and other weird stories,' (2002) 'The Thing on the doorstep...' (2002) and 'The dreams in the Witch house...' (2005), edited by S.T Joshi. Between the three books you'll have every single Lovecraft story (bar one) but best of all each tale has an introduction which explains where Lovecraft got the idea, what/who he was inspired by, what it might have inspired in turn, and has a wealth of notes and annotations. It's all fascinating reading in its own right and invaluable in putting the stories in context; both the horror/pulp genre of the time and Lovecraft's jazz age New England, as well as the man's own worldview.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 20 November, 2013, 06:38:00 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 05:29:40 PM
Wow. I managed to purchase The House on the Borderland from the Kindle store for only...0.00p! That's what you call a bargain!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0083Z2VII/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1384966365&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165

Hope you enjoy it, it's one of my top ten reads ever. It will be interesting to see what you make of it. I definitely prefer it to Lovecraft but enjoy his work too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 20 November, 2013, 06:42:52 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 20 November, 2013, 02:40:19 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 20 November, 2013, 01:47:01 PM
D-DAY - The Battle for Normandy by Anthony Beevor.

I'd not read much about the actual battle for Normandy before (though plenty about D-DAY and a new a little boys own stuff about CAEN and FALAISE).

It's heart wrenching stuff with the level of slaughter prompted often by nothing more than sheer incompetence on the parts of the Generals.  Monty, in particular, comes over as a complete and utter twat.

Beevor is a great writer. If you've not read Stalingrad or The Fall of Berlin 1945 I can definitely recommend them. Beevor is very good at keeping his views balanced and realises that everyone loses in war.

I'd like to put a second recommendation in for the Beevor Stalingrad book. Read it a few months ago and was absorbed in it. It is the only one of his books that I have read so would be interested in his others.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dragonfly on 20 November, 2013, 06:47:20 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 20 November, 2013, 06:02:04 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 20 November, 2013, 04:41:55 PM
I came across them mulling over whether or not to bother with trying H.P Lovecraft. I'm intrigued but I also read somewhere about him espousing a white supremacist perspective, which comes through in his work. Does this really come across, because the idea completely puts me off wanting to delve into any of his books.

I wouldn't say 'white supremacist', although he clearly had a few misgivings about the Asians. There are maybe two instances in the whole ouvere where I thought 'ah yes, bit racist, that.' And that's it. I can imagine how someone reading about Lovecraft might get a skewed perspective on what his writings might be like but it honestly isn't an issue unless you're of an exceedingly sensitive state of mind, in which case you probably shouldn't be reading any pre-1950s fiction.

Get the 'Penguin modern classics' editions of The Call of Cthulhu and other weird stories,' (2002) 'The Thing on the doorstep...' (2002) and 'The dreams in the Witch house...' (2005), edited by S.T Joshi. Between the three books you'll have every single Lovecraft story (bar one) but best of all each tale has an introduction which explains where Lovecraft got the idea, what/who he was inspired by, what it might have inspired in turn, and has a wealth of notes and annotations. It's all fascinating reading in its own right and invaluable in putting the stories in context; both the horror/pulp genre of the time and Lovecraft's jazz age New England, as well as the man's own worldview.

Those are the versions of the Lovecraft material that I currently own and I find the notes and annotations to be as interesting as the stories themselves. Just out of interest what is the story that is missing from these collections? I've probably got it elsewhere but would be interested to know what it was!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 20 November, 2013, 06:48:03 PM
Currently steaming through Grandville. Ecky thump it's a bit good!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 20 November, 2013, 06:50:55 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 20 November, 2013, 06:02:04 PM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 20 November, 2013, 04:41:55 PM
I came across them mulling over whether or not to bother with trying H.P Lovecraft. I'm intrigued but I also read somewhere about him espousing a white supremacist perspective, which comes through in his work. Does this really come across, because the idea completely puts me off wanting to delve into any of his books.

I wouldn't say 'white supremacist', although he clearly had a few misgivings about the Asians. There are maybe two instances in the whole ouvere where I thought 'ah yes, bit racist, that.' And that's it. I can imagine how someone reading about Lovecraft might get a skewed perspective on what his writings might be like but it honestly isn't an issue unless you're of an exceedingly sensitive state of mind, in which case you probably shouldn't be reading any pre-1950s fiction.

Get the 'Penguin modern classics' editions of The Call of Cthulhu and other weird stories,' (2002) 'The Thing on the doorstep...' (2002) and 'The dreams in the Witch house...' (2005), edited by S.T Joshi. Between the three books you'll have every single Lovecraft story (bar one) but best of all each tale has an introduction which explains where Lovecraft got the idea, what/who he was inspired by, what it might have inspired in turn, and has a wealth of notes and annotations. It's all fascinating reading in its own right and invaluable in putting the stories in context; both the horror/pulp genre of the time and Lovecraft's jazz age New England, as well as the man's own worldview.

Thanks to D.J. and G.M. for the guidance. I like the look of the the hardback "The Thing on Doorstep.." which contains the Joshi notes, so I'll go for that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 20 November, 2013, 07:09:17 PM
Quote from: gavingavin on 20 November, 2013, 06:42:52 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 20 November, 2013, 02:40:19 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 20 November, 2013, 01:47:01 PM
D-DAY - The Battle for Normandy by Anthony Beevor.

I'd not read much about the actual battle for Normandy before (though plenty about D-DAY and a new a little boys own stuff about CAEN and FALAISE).

It's heart wrenching stuff with the level of slaughter prompted often by nothing more than sheer incompetence on the parts of the Generals.  Monty, in particular, comes over as a complete and utter twat.

Beevor is a great writer. If you've not read Stalingrad or The Fall of Berlin 1945 I can definitely recommend them. Beevor is very good at keeping his views balanced and realises that everyone loses in war.

I'd like to put a second recommendation in for the Beevor Stalingrad book. Read it a few months ago and was absorbed in it. It is the only one of his books that I have read so would be interested in his others.

Indeed. Read all these courtesy of the local library, and they come highly recommended. Ian Kershaw's books in a similar vein are worth checking out. Weighty tomes for sure, but certainly great reads.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 20 November, 2013, 07:36:03 PM
QuoteI wouldn't say 'white supremacist', although he clearly had a few misgivings about the Asians. There are maybe two instances in the whole ouvere where I thought 'ah yes, bit racist, that.' And that's it.

The man was a disgusting racist.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/On_the_Creation_of_Niggers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 20 November, 2013, 07:39:14 PM
Well my eyes have been ooened today. I cherish my Necronomicon slightly less now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 November, 2013, 07:50:57 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 20 November, 2013, 07:36:03 PM
QuoteI wouldn't say 'white supremacist', although he clearly had a few misgivings about the Asians. There are maybe two instances in the whole ouvere where I thought 'ah yes, bit racist, that.' And that's it.

The man was a disgusting racist.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/On_the_Creation_of_Niggers

Wow, that's... yeah. Wow. Fairly unequivocal, isn't it? Bit surprised that his views didn't actually intrude a bit more into his weird fiction, if that was the strength of his feeling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 20 November, 2013, 08:20:13 PM
I never really found Lovecraft's writing engaging enough, personally.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 08:22:06 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 20 November, 2013, 07:50:57 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 20 November, 2013, 07:36:03 PM
QuoteI wouldn't say 'white supremacist', although he clearly had a few misgivings about the Asians. There are maybe two instances in the whole ouvere where I thought 'ah yes, bit racist, that.' And that's it.

The man was a disgusting racist.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/On_the_Creation_of_Niggers

Wow, that's... yeah. Wow. Fairly unequivocal, isn't it? Bit surprised that his views didn't actually intrude a bit more into his weird fiction, if that was the strength of his feeling.

Not only Lovecraft, but Conan creator Robert E. Howard also held some very unsavoury feelings towards black people. Some might argue that it was because of the time they were living in, nearly every white folk held that view. That's bullshit, because in the case of Robert E. Howard, other (white) writers would question and criticize his racist views in the letters they shared.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 08:33:12 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 20 November, 2013, 08:20:13 PM
I never really found Lovecraft's writing engaging enough, personally.

I on the other hand, do. And I'm not Caucasian. It's a difficult one, I greatly admire his works, but the person behind them is - as Richmond Clement's has pointed out - a disgusting racist. Same goes for the work of Robert E. Howard.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 November, 2013, 08:40:25 PM
Quote from: gavingavin on 20 November, 2013, 06:38:00 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 05:29:40 PM
Wow. I managed to purchase The House on the Borderland from the Kindle store for only...0.00p! That's what you call a bargain!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0083Z2VII/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1384966365&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165

Hope you enjoy it, it's one of my top ten reads ever. It will be interesting to see what you make of it. I definitely prefer it to Lovecraft but enjoy his work too.

God, I love that book. Found a paperback copy in the rotten old garden shed at the bottom of my garden as a child, and never did find out where it came from. This was before we had internet, too, so I didn't really have any means of finding out anything else about it. To add to the mystique the last page had been torn out, so it was some years before I found out exactly how it finished! Really phantasmagoric stuff, unlike quite anything else.

The Ghost Pirates and Carnacki stories are also highly recommended. Hodgson's own life is as interestng as any of his stories, too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 20 November, 2013, 08:47:10 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 08:33:12 PM
It's a difficult one, I greatly admire his works, but the person behind them is - as Richmond Clement's has pointed out - a disgusting racist. Same goes for the work of Robert E. Howard.

I have similar problems when reading Cerebus.  Although Sim's problem was/is with women.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 08:51:49 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 20 November, 2013, 08:40:25 PM
Quote from: gavingavin on 20 November, 2013, 06:38:00 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 20 November, 2013, 05:29:40 PM
Wow. I managed to purchase The House on the Borderland from the Kindle store for only...0.00p! That's what you call a bargain!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0083Z2VII/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1384966365&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165

Hope you enjoy it, it's one of my top ten reads ever. It will be interesting to see what you make of it. I definitely prefer it to Lovecraft but enjoy his work too.

God, I love that book. Found a paperback copy in the rotten old garden shed at the bottom of my garden as a child, and never did find out where it came from. This was before we had internet, too, so I didn't really have any means of finding out anything else about it. To add to the mystique the last page had been torn out, so it was some years before I found out exactly how it finished! Really phantasmagoric stuff, unlike quite anything else.

The Ghost Pirates and Carnacki stories are also highly recommended. Hodgson's own life is as interestng as any of his stories, too.

Wow. Jimbo, your experience of reading the book is in itself quite interesting! Thanks for sharing. William Hope Hodgson did indeed have a very interesting life, and sadly, had it taken away far too early.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Hope_Hodgson
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 20 November, 2013, 10:59:49 PM
Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

It's about a young guy who joins a resistance fighting against superhuman beings called Epics who control the world.

Sound familiar?

The story is certainly different enough from the 10%ers* and it's still very intriguing. I think my powers of foresight detect a certain twist coming. It will be interesting to see if I am right.

*I think. I haven't read the first volume.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 21 November, 2013, 04:13:10 PM
Good grief! There's about a tonne of reading material for me to get through, right now I'm reading Grandville: Bete Noir, The House on the Borderland (novel), and just started on this....

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/my-recent-comic-purchases-3/

Pat Mills and Olivier Ledroit's Requiem: Vampire Hunter (Dracula and the Vampires Ball)

The whole things looks absolutely stunning.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 21 November, 2013, 05:22:40 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 20 November, 2013, 07:36:03 PM
QuoteI wouldn't say 'white supremacist', although he clearly had a few misgivings about the Asians. There are maybe two instances in the whole ouvere where I thought 'ah yes, bit racist, that.' And that's it.

The man was a disgusting racist.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/On_the_Creation_of_Niggers

even his penguins were all-white.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 21 November, 2013, 05:53:37 PM
The two Day of Chaos trades.
Brilliant stuff, and nice to see for the first time little bits and bobs i missed when reading it in the prog, and equally nice to be reminded of other stuff, i'd maybe forgotten.

A weekly dose of Thrill power is fine and dandy, but reading stuff in trade format is another thing altogether.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 November, 2013, 06:53:46 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 21 November, 2013, 05:22:40 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 20 November, 2013, 07:36:03 PM
QuoteI wouldn't say 'white supremacist', although he clearly had a few misgivings about the Asians. There are maybe two instances in the whole ouvere where I thought 'ah yes, bit racist, that.' And that's it.

The man was a disgusting racist.
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/On_the_Creation_of_Niggers

even his penguins were all-white.

Post of the week there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 22 November, 2013, 03:59:21 PM
If I were to compose a list of my favourite comics of all time, then I can say without doubt that Bryan Talbot's Grandville series would future in said list in a lofty position. It's nothing short of a bally masterpiece!

I've started Judge Dredd Year One, which seems much much better than the other series also by IDW. I'm loving Simon Coleby's art, and the script by Matt Smith (who I'm presuming is our very own Matt), is very good. You can see the subtle changes to tailor it for the U.S market.

And Zombo: Vol 2; which looks like a lot of fun. Of the two series contained within the trade,  I've read the latter which finished a while back in the prog, but the former will all be new to me.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 23 November, 2013, 07:30:04 PM
My review, or rather an appreciation of Talbot's Grandville series...

http://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2013/11/23/bryan-talbots-grandville-an-appreciation/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 23 November, 2013, 07:50:20 PM
I am currently working through the last eight progs of 2000AD
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 November, 2013, 08:28:22 PM
James Turner's Super Animal Adventure Squad, a mix of Dangermouse and John Richardson's mid-80s Jetman comics, I initially passed on this entry in the DFC library because its stablemates - Mezolith and Mo-Bot High - seemed a lot more interesting than a collection of single-page funny animals comic strips, but Turner's Star Cat is far and away my favorite thing in The Phoneix right now so I took a chance on this.  It's mostly amusing with some occasional laugh-out-loud gags, and is solid crimbo prezzie material for all ages, with a heavy overlap with the later Star Cat in terms of silly humour and characters.  A fun read while it lasts.

The first Great Pacific collection.  The intriguing premise of a bratty millionaire trying to settle the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and claim it as a sovereign country is let down by some odd narrative choices - giant friendly octopus, noble savages, one-eyed pirates using the word "skurvy" unironically, ninja hitmen - and an unlikable main character who seems to just stumble from one danger to another which he survives through chance and coincidence as each new story element slides predictably into place.  All of these things could have worked just fine if they were introduced more gradually, but at best they seem rushed here.  I suspect the writer Joe Harris really wants this to be something along the lines of Preacher, but his leads are all blank slates and the dialogue isn't as fluid as it could be.
I really wanted to like this because it pushes all the right buttons for me, being a sci-fi take on real environmental issues, but like the patch of newly-formed real estate it's based upon, it just doesn't hold together and quickly falls apart DO YOU SEE WHAT I DID HAHAHAHA.  Might be a good series one day when they get all the elements in place and take some time to explore the implications of some of the ideas in play, but it's a pretty rough-edged effort right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 24 November, 2013, 09:06:59 PM
I finished Case Files 21 and I must say it was one hell of a read! Really enjoyable stuff. The standout was no doubt the 'Wilderlands' arc, which had some lovely art by Ezquerra, Austin and Hairsine, and I even liked the almost psychedelic colour work too! Wagner's script was top notch, with a brilliant set up on the tenth planet of Hestia, Dredd in cuffs and a raving mad McGruder! The flora and fauna of Hestia was so enjoyable, with Dune Sharks (a wonderful take on Dune's Sandworms - albeit with a more bad ass attitude and teeth!) and the meat eating vegetables and the mysterious Nomens, a humanoid race much like the desert bedouins on earth.  However, the key character for me was Judge Castillo; it was great seeing her develop as a character, and of course the story is told from her viewpoint (much like the recent Goblin King storyline).

Fabulous stuff. And much better than the preceding Case File (20).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 26 November, 2013, 12:51:15 PM
Quote from: gavingavin on 20 November, 2013, 06:42:52 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 20 November, 2013, 02:40:19 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 20 November, 2013, 01:47:01 PM
D-DAY - The Battle for Normandy by Anthony Beevor.

I'd not read much about the actual battle for Normandy before (though plenty about D-DAY and a new a little boys own stuff about CAEN and FALAISE).

It's heart wrenching stuff with the level of slaughter prompted often by nothing more than sheer incompetence on the parts of the Generals.  Monty, in particular, comes over as a complete and utter twat.

Beevor is a great writer. If you've not read Stalingrad or The Fall of Berlin 1945 I can definitely recommend them. Beevor is very good at keeping his views balanced and realises that everyone loses in war.

I'd like to put a second recommendation in for the Beevor Stalingrad book. Read it a few months ago and was absorbed in it. It is the only one of his books that I have read so would be interested in his others.

I'm even more in awe of Beevor's writing now.  Having felt the mounting excitement as the German 7th Army was being encircled I was then actually pretty disturbed and horrified when it came to the turkey shoot of the Falaise pocket. Like I say, previously I just knew Boys Own type stuff about it but this actively turns the stomach. It made me feel sad for the ordinary German soldiers (as opposed to the SS) caught up in the slaughter.

I'm pretty sure STALINGRAD would be the same "times a hundred" so might not make for a pleasant read in such close proximity to this. I might return to it in a year or so though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 26 November, 2013, 02:13:27 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 26 November, 2013, 12:51:15 PM
Quote from: gavingavin on 20 November, 2013, 06:42:52 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 20 November, 2013, 02:40:19 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 20 November, 2013, 01:47:01 PM
D-DAY - The Battle for Normandy by Anthony Beevor.

I'd not read much about the actual battle for Normandy before (though plenty about D-DAY and a new a little boys own stuff about CAEN and FALAISE).

It's heart wrenching stuff with the level of slaughter prompted often by nothing more than sheer incompetence on the parts of the Generals.  Monty, in particular, comes over as a complete and utter twat.

Beevor is a great writer. If you've not read Stalingrad or The Fall of Berlin 1945 I can definitely recommend them. Beevor is very good at keeping his views balanced and realises that everyone loses in war.

I'd like to put a second recommendation in for the Beevor Stalingrad book. Read it a few months ago and was absorbed in it. It is the only one of his books that I have read so would be interested in his others.

I'm even more in awe of Beevor's writing now.  Having felt the mounting excitement as the German 7th Army was being encircled I was then actually pretty disturbed and horrified when it came to the turkey shoot of the Falaise pocket. Like I say, previously I just knew Boys Own type stuff about it but this actively turns the stomach. It made me feel sad for the ordinary German soldiers (as opposed to the SS) caught up in the slaughter.

I'm pretty sure STALINGRAD would be the same "times a hundred" so might not make for a pleasant read in such close proximity to this. I might return to it in a year or so though.

Yeah, Beevor really makes you feel for the plight of the ordinary German soldier. They were just trying to stay alive like everyone else.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Aonghus on 26 November, 2013, 05:40:59 PM
I've recently discovered my trove of old Fighting Fantasy gamebooks. Anyone remember these? Playing through one of then now for the first time since I was about 10. Not as huge or as intricate now, 13 years on, as they seemed then but I'm having lots of nostalgic fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 26 November, 2013, 06:58:20 PM
I finished reading Bryan Talbot's The Tale of one Bad Rat; it's one of the most powerful graphic novels I have read. At once, tragic and heart-breaking and yet uplifting towards the end too. The story is about Helen Potter, who as a child suffered sexual abuse from her own father. She runs away from home, first to london where she takes up begging to survive, before meeting a young Geordie lad who has dreams of starting his own band. Due to tragic circumstances she then moves to the Lake District where she meets a lovely couple who take her in, giving her a job. But all this time she funds it difficult to deal with everything as memory of her abuse is so strong. Like most abuse victims she blames herself, but questions why she does so. One of the most powerful moments is wgen she confronts her father about the abuse, it just shows him for the coward that he is. And in a way, it can give her much needed closure so she can move on with her life. The final moments of her sitting near the hill, painting,  just like her idol Beatrix Potter did, is so uplifting and neatly brought a tear to my eye.

And then of course, I haven't even got to her pet rat, and her close relationship with him. The rat is her way of coping with a world which is both harsh and unforgiving, it is perhaps, a symbol of her innocence. [spoiler]And in one act, that too is taken away from her by a cat, who maybe symbolises her father. She even has a nightmare where she sees said cat as a giant demonic creature. [/spoiler] Also Helen's love of Beatrix Potter and her books, which is a source of escapism for her. A lot of chidl abuse victims do this, try to find something which can elleviate the pain, whether through drug abuse, art, music, books, and for Helen, Beatrix Potter is her escape. She idolises the writer, sometimes looking for certain similarities with her own life. Even going to the Lake District, where the writer used to reside and her favourite spots from where she would work.

Bryan Talbot's storytelling is grippingand full of so many truths about child abuse. No doubt he did a lot of research about the subject, but his work is really something else, both his script and artwork, he brings everything alive on the page. It feels so real as to make you nausous and angry when we see the abuse, and move you to near tears toward the end when Helen tries to break free from the viscious cycle of self-blame and guilt. I also learnt a lot of things avout rats which I didn't know, such as the 'rat king' phenomena.

This book is without doubt, a masterpiece. I am so glad I finally read, having known about it for a while.

Thank you Bryan Talbot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 26 November, 2013, 07:35:30 PM
Ah, sodding typos. Alleviate, not elleviate. Rushed the post a bit 'cos of the missus shouting from downstairs to come and have tea!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 26 November, 2013, 08:01:26 PM
At some point I have to finish Game of Thrones.  The TV series is still pretty fresh in my mind and being such a close adaptation the book isn't offering any surprises I just don't feel entirely enthusiastic about picking it up to read.  At least I can leave my bookmark stuffed in half way through and not worry that I may forget the plot or characters.  Double edged sword, I guess.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gavin00 on 26 November, 2013, 09:24:58 PM
just started this(http://i.imgur.com/PfTC0pf.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 26 November, 2013, 10:24:26 PM
Quote from: Gavin00 on 26 November, 2013, 09:24:58 PM
just started this Legend of the Scarlet Blades

What do you think so far, Gavin00?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 27 November, 2013, 02:00:19 AM
Just finished re-reading the excellent Sleeper ( Season 1 and 2 ) by Ed Brubaker and art by the wonderful Sean Phillips....
Great stuff !!!
Spoke to Sean Phillips at Thoughtbubble and he mentioned that the Movie Option for Sleeper has been bought by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon with the idea of making it into a movie......Sean also posted some thing about this on Twitter....
He says he's not getting his hopes up too high as it had been optioned before but it fell through.....I think he mentioned Tom Cruises' company was the first who originally expressed an interest......
Here's hoping though !
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gavin00 on 27 November, 2013, 08:13:16 AM
Ancient Otter it's pretty amazing beautiful watercolors as usual from humanoids all around great book. The backgrounds are completely immersive,very much so a vivid and epic tale of samurai,rebirth,revenge, and revolution. i highly recommend reading it it is also quite poetically written. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 27 November, 2013, 10:13:21 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 26 November, 2013, 06:58:20 PM
I finished reading Bryan Talbot's The Tale of one Bad Rat; it's one of the most powerful graphic novels I have read.

We're of one mind on this Mabs- an amazing piece of work, and something you could recommend to anyone.
Are you a fan of Talbot's stuff in general?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 27 November, 2013, 10:27:29 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 27 November, 2013, 10:13:21 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 26 November, 2013, 06:58:20 PM
I finished reading Bryan Talbot's The Tale of one Bad Rat; it's one of the most powerful graphic novels I have read.

We're of one mind on this Mabs- an amazing piece of work, and something you could recommend to anyone.
Are you a fan of Talbot's stuff in general?

I am Link, sadly though there's quite a bit of his work that I've yet to read. For example, his work on Nemesis The Warlock (and some other 2000ad related work) and Alice in Sunderland.

I have read his Grandville books (which I loved!), Dotter of her Father's Eyes and of course, The Tale of One Bad Rat. He is an exceptional talent, and a fine voice in the comic/ graphic novel medium. I can't wait for his next book, Grandville: Noël!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 27 November, 2013, 12:10:55 PM
Anyone know a release date for Grandville;Noel?
I can't wait to read it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 27 November, 2013, 02:31:52 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 27 November, 2013, 10:27:29 AM
I am Link, sadly though there's quite a bit of his work that I've yet to read. For example, his work on Nemesis The Warlock (and some other 2000ad related work) and Alice in Sunderland.

I have read his Grandville books (which I loved!), Dotter of her Father's Eyes and of course, The Tale of One Bad Rat. He is an exceptional talent, and a fine voice in the comic/ graphic novel medium. I can't wait for his next book, Grandville: Noël!

Indeed Mabs.

His stint on Nemesis is one of my standout early childhood comic reading memories.
It's unbelievably good.

Of all his work I must admit I have the highest regard for 'The Adventures of Luther Arkwright' / 'Heart Of Empire'.
If you haven't read 'em yet, then I genuinely envy you.

I'm two Grandville's behind (including 'Noel'), and I hope to get both for Christmas.

Haven't heard when its due for release Davey- will check with my LCS peeps later this evening.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 November, 2013, 06:36:57 PM
Talbot is an absolute marvel, surely one of the greatest writer-artists to ever grace the medium.  For a while it looked like the first Luther was going to be a bit of an only-child, pure genius to be sure, but along with the underground stuff maybe an early flowering that never really went anywhere as its creator knuckled down to draw other people's stuff (brilliantly) in order to make a living.  Then came One Bad Rat , and he was off and running again, until the diversity of his output is like a what-to-read list for modern comics.

I've said it here before, but his collaboration on Dotter of her Father's Eyes literally changed my life.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 27 November, 2013, 07:37:25 PM
That's nice to hear Tordelback.

As for his other work, I will definitely make note of Luther Arkwright / Heart of the Empire, Link.

Cheers!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 28 November, 2013, 12:51:06 PM
Another hearty recommendation for Bryan Talbots' work....
I must admit though, I struggled a bit with The Luther Arkwright stories for some reason, but absolutely loved The Tale of One Bad Rat and the absolutely Epic ( no other word for it ) Alice in Sunderland...This is a truly marvellous read and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone....

It also goes without saying ( but I will anyway ) that the Grandville series is wonderful..
I was absolutely delighted with the first book, but the second one,  Grandville : Mon Amour is even better, and the artwork is just ridiculously sublime....
Grandville Noel is on my Xmas wish list, along with Dotter of her Father's Eyes............
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 08 December, 2013, 12:23:49 PM
Just finished The Amazing Spiderman: Kraven's Last Hunt.

I didn't have high hope for this... but it actually turned out rather good.  The story itself is quite simple but the way it's told, and the psychological nature is something else. Great stuff.

Previous to that I read part one of Avengers Forever. While the time travel nature of the story was quite interesting, it didn't really do it for me. I think the over describing of caption boxes was a large part of it. It wasn't bad though. It had some interesting ideas.

The way a story is told will often influence how I feel about the story, I find, though. Kraven's Last Hunt was told in a much more interesting way, although it got a bit confusing sometimes. I.e. some things were more to do with a character's state of mind than something to be taken literal, and it wasn't always clear from the colour tone which you were seeing, although it wasn't that difficult to work out. This added complexity actually helped rather than detracted from the story in my mind, but I can see why some people might have a problem with it.

On my Kindle I'm currently reading Brandon Sanderson's The Rithmatist. An interesting read, although it isn't keeping me as spellbound as others of his books.

This maybe should be in the comics thread, but since they're collections I'll include them here. With the recent collection sale on Comixology I picked up the first of a series of, er, series I was considering when the New 52 started out. I didn't get them at the time, but the same was such a good deal I thought, why not.

Anyway, I got 'Dial H' (a very interesting idea, and okay story) 'Resurrection Man' (while sharing certain traits with the predecessor it did rather different things with it) Detective Comics and Justice League Dark. The last two I've yet to read, but I was pleased enough with the first two.


(*these two book were from the Ultimate Marvel Collection by the way. I'm picking up back issues one after the other. Not sure I'll get them all though.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 December, 2013, 12:35:13 PM
I'm not a big fan of Spiderman, but you're right - Kraven's Last Hunt is really good indeed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 December, 2013, 12:57:55 PM
Yeah I'm a big fan of Kraven's Last Hunt. I love Spidey but he's always had solid storytellers telling solid superhero stories based around a great character (right up my street then). Last hunt is the closest he's ever got to a 'Born Again' or the like.

Avengers Forever is wonderful stuff but utter indulgent of fans. I enjoy it a lot therefore but completely understand why those not versed in Avengers lore are a bit less impressed by it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 08 December, 2013, 01:05:08 PM
The Omega Solution by Peter J. Evans.

Great far-future Durham Red novel. Old-school Black Library paperback. There are four other titles in this series and I'll be picking them all up, for sure, based on the strength of this one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 09 December, 2013, 10:50:06 AM
I was a little disappointed by the resurrection of resurrection man, but I enjoyed it more than any of the new-52 that's out at the moment. They have steadily cancelled everything I enjoyed (though possibly I just need to get back into Animal Man) after quite a strong start - I hear All Star Western is getting the axe too :/

Dial H was a breath of fresh air. The stick-figure Bruce Wayne story was touching and brilliant. A bit on the weird side of things but fun and original and really, there's not enough of that in superheroics these days (I'm looking at you Geoff Johns).

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 09 December, 2013, 11:06:23 AM
I am up to prog 1547 in my big 2000 AD re-read marathon.

Mutant issues being dealt with in Dredd.  Something killing Norts off in the 86ers.  Greysuits not particularly good.  Robo-Hunter without Ian Gibson illustrating.  Defoe getting off to a good start.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 December, 2013, 11:27:46 AM
Sunshine State, James Miller.  A less convincing near-future SF thriller I haven't read in a long while.  I keep checking the publication date because I can't believe it's actually from 2010.  Most annoyingly of all an SFX review-blurb stares out at me from the back cover, assuring me it's a 'J.G. Ballard-inspired nightmare', presumably because there is some flooding involved, because there are no other similarities.  Maybe it will improve drastically in the last 90 pages?  I'll let you know.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 December, 2013, 12:47:31 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 09 December, 2013, 10:50:06 AM
- I hear All Star Western is getting the axe too :/


WHAT!!!! NOOOOO!!!!! WHHHYYYYY!!!!

I thought this would be safe for a while yet as its still well above where the old brilliant Jonah Hex series was. Can I ask where you heard this?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 09 December, 2013, 01:17:11 PM
On another forum - can't seem to track down any info confirming this. I fear it may be true though... but then there are solicits for up to #28 so could just be all fearmongering.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 09 December, 2013, 09:22:27 PM
I finished reading Judge Dredd Year One; well what can I say? It was great fun! Much, much better than IDW's other series. Simon Coleby's art was fantastic, I hope we see him back in the prog soon. And Matt Smith's script was really gripping with an excellent set up. Hopefully we'll get to to see more thrilling stories set in Dredd's earlier years from the same team. Great stuff!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 10 December, 2013, 09:29:55 AM
Finished The Omega Solution and reviewed it: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/781700627

In short, really enjoyed it!

Onto Anderson PSI Division: Sins of the Father by Mitchell Scanlon. So far, so good! 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 December, 2013, 04:30:14 PM
Wow. I've been reading a LOT of stuff lately thanks to my local libraries.....

Blacksad: A Silent Hell - I'm a big fan of Blacksad, a comic centred around anthropomorphic animals (like Grandville and Maus). The stories concern a private Investigator, Blacksad (a black cat) along with his reporter sidekick 'Weekly' (a fox). In this particupar story, Blacksad is in New Orleans taking up work for a dying record producer who specialises in Jazz. He is tasked with finding a singer who has gone missing leaving his pregnant wife in limbo, but as Blacksad starts digging deeper he finds that there's more to the case than he first realised and some shady goings on not least involving his employer. This was a marvellous tale, bringing alive the look and feel of New Orleans along with its musical and superstitious heritage. Juanjo Guarnido's artwork is simply stunning, the crowd scenes in particular just take the breath away. And Juan Diaz Canales' script is engaging and thrilling, drawing on American film noir with a great deal of love and respect.

A History of Violence - I've been meaning to check out this graphic novel (by our very own John Wagner) for a while now, ever since watching the film adaption by David Cronenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen. Well I thought the comic was excellent, it's more dense than the film, which I thought beniffited from the short running time. And some changes; in the book the main character and the bad guys are depicted as Italian American. Whereas in the film they're Irish American. It's not a big change but nonetheless it was interesting. Also we have a backstory in the comic, looking at Joey/ Tom's past which was great, showing him growing up on the streets of New York alongside best friend Richie (who was changed to his brother in the film). If I had one criticism about the comic it would be the depiction of Tom's wife; as soon as Tom breaks the news to her that he's been lying to his family and he is not who they think he is, she takes it pretty well without making too big of a deal. But I thought the film version had a much better potrayal of the wife (played by the excellent Maria Bello) wherein she reacts the exact opposite. As for the artwork; Vince Locke is a talented artist, but his 'scratchy' style was a little distracting in places.  Still, the bulk of the work was well done, giving it a feeling of unease and urgency.  I really enjoyed  this comic, its an engaging thriller with some shocking moments (esp. toward the end - it's totally different from the film)  and I recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it yet.

Kick Ass 2 - the intro to the book (by Joe Carnahan) is pretty foul mouthed. He starts off by addressing the readers with "hey fuckers", and ends it with "cocksuckers".

What an Arsehole!

The comic did have its moments, there was a lot of twists and turns with kicking, shooting, stabbings and beheadings and a rape scene  which I thought was needless. We meet new characters on both sides, and the bad guy 'Motherfu*ker' has gone up a notch laying waste to a suburb full of kids and parents, just to get to Kick-Ass. In the meantime Mindy (Hit-Girl) has promised Marcus that she will stop being a superhero after he discovers  a stash of weapons in het toom. I cannot deny Kick-Ass' entertainment value (both in the comis and the films), but Millar does tend go overboard both in terms of the story and the dialogue, some of which is truly cringeworthy.  JRJR's artwork though looks superb (except for his depiction of Mindy - who looks like a.bobblehead toy with her abnormally large head). His artwork has a more painted feel to it here, and frankly it looks marvellous. In fact, it reminded me a great deal of Richard Corben's style.

I also started Dark Satanic Mills and Superior - another comic by Mark Millar, but more on those later.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GrinningChimera on 14 December, 2013, 07:30:51 AM
Sinister Dexter - Slay Per View

Having never read any before, I read the whole thing in one hit, and these guys are now my new favourite characters. I can't wait to read some more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 14 December, 2013, 10:56:36 AM
The first volume of Kohta Hirano's Hellsing saga. Never seen anything to do with it before but heard nothing but good stuff. As per with manga I don't judge it by it's first volume as they are by nature slow and designed for laying ground work. This case is slightly different as it moved along at a solid pace and introduced a surprisingly high number of concepts at once, such as the presence of three organisations all at each others throats. It's grim, gritty and ultra violent and a decent first entry, will be reading more.

Also, just got Tetrapod Zoology volume one by Darren Naish, which a collection of stories from his amazing blog. He discusses the duckbilled Platipus and how barmy it is, the joy's of Tapirs and Camels and why they are cooler than Rhino's, flightless Pterodactylyds and more. Stoncking good reading for any aspiring zoologist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 December, 2013, 12:48:47 PM
Quote from: GrinningChimera on 14 December, 2013, 07:30:51 AM
Sinister Dexter - Slay Per View

Having never read any before, I read the whole thing in one hit, and these guys are now my new favourite characters. I can't wait to read some more.

Always good to know someone else has seen the light. Its a truely wonderful strip alas not well served by its trade programme. Lets see how IDW do with it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 December, 2013, 12:57:32 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 14 December, 2013, 12:48:47 PM
Quote from: GrinningChimera on 14 December, 2013, 07:30:51 AM
Sinister Dexter - Slay Per View

Having never read any before, I read the whole thing in one hit, and these guys are now my new favourite characters. I can't wait to read some more.

Always good to know someone else has seen the light. Its a truely wonderful strip alas not well served by its trade programme. Lets see how IDW do with it...

I've been pretty critical of the SinDex trade situation in the past, but I just finished working through two local libraries' holdings, and with the exception of the no-point-dredging-it-up-again Downlode Tales mess, there really is a huge and rather wonderful amount of it available.  I'd like to see a new coherent approach to the whole series from the start, but we certainly aren't starved in terms of the quantity out there, and it is a strip that is surprisingly resilient to dropping in and out of in no particular order or format, once you've got the taste for deadlead, puns and quippery.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 14 December, 2013, 02:14:16 PM
I suppose SinDex was where my collection of 2000AD started, which led on to me eventually collecting the Megazine and then onto the prog proper. Previously I'd read some Judge Dredd collections and the odd few Eagle comics my Dad had (oh and the Dredd/Batman crossover) but it was around when DC started reprinting them that I took a proper interest.

Whole of funtin fun in Sinister Dexter even if I never really connected with the overall plotline.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GrinningChimera on 14 December, 2013, 09:58:17 PM
I just ordered all 3 available Sin Dex volumes from the store. Can't wait til they arrive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 15 December, 2013, 07:31:05 AM
I have the first 2 Sin/Dex collections. I really didn't care for it until I got to the longer stories. Trade 2 started with a long story  than goes back to one shots. That's where I stopped reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: davepain on 16 December, 2013, 01:33:47 PM
Elephantmen Volume 1. Fun so far. Feels a lot like 2000AD.

Also read East Of West volume 1. Could be great. I think it depends how it evolves! Vol 2 is out now. Must get.

These are my first experiences with Image Comics. Positive impression so far.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 16 December, 2013, 02:16:27 PM
Try Bloodstryke next!   ::)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 16 December, 2013, 02:29:31 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 16 December, 2013, 02:16:27 PM
Try Bloodstryke next!   ::)

Don't hate me for knowing it's actually 'Bloodstrike'. I tried the first Tim Seely issue by the way, wasn't great.

I get two Image titles every month; Prophet & Saga. Both are consistently fantastic reads.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 16 December, 2013, 02:34:52 PM
I did not know they had re-made it.

Any of the early 1990s Image titles are classics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 December, 2013, 03:10:09 PM
I started Locke & Key Vol. 2 which is aboslutely funting brilliant! The opening chapter concerning Mr. Ridgeway just took my breath away, such brilliant writing from Joe Hill, and complemented beautifully by Gabriel Rodriguez's artwork. Not since Sandman have I been so gripped by a comic series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 16 December, 2013, 03:15:33 PM
Quote from: Skullmo link=topic=24633.msg800926#msg800926 date=1387204492

Any of the early 1990s Image titles are classics.
/quote]

That's whats known as sarcasm for those who weren't there.

I jumped on the Image bandwagon with gusto back in those days.
My only regret is not picking up Alan Moore's 1963 series...never to be reprinted since.
I didn't like the look of it at the time cause I was young and a moron.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 16 December, 2013, 03:23:33 PM
1963 is great and is recommended to anyone! Definitely the best thing in the early Image period.

His Supreme run is also brilliant.

I am yet to read his Wildcats but it is probably good also.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 16 December, 2013, 03:36:44 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 16 December, 2013, 03:10:09 PM
I started Locke & Key Vol. 2 which is aboslutely funting brilliant! The opening chapter concerning Mr. Ridgeway just took my breath away, such brilliant writing from Joe Hill, and complemented beautifully by Gabriel Rodriguez's artwork. Not since Sandman have I been so gripped by a comic series.

I just read the entire thing over the last couple of weeks.

Really, really good stuff. I hope Joe Hill does more comics (and writes more horror and more everything)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 16 December, 2013, 03:38:20 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 16 December, 2013, 03:36:44 PM

Really, really good stuff. I hope Joe Hill does more comics (and writes more horror and more everything)

Check out his current mini series for IDW- Wraith: Welcome to Christmasland. It's ace.

Plus- last issue of Locke & Key is only 2 days away.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 December, 2013, 03:40:38 PM
I wasn't a big fan of 1963. It all felt a bit like a generic pastiche and didn't offer anything new... though as its Alan Moore it might well be that I was missing something?

eBay normally has copies going for reasonable sum. I know mine didn't sell for much, so no point regretin'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Chris Tresson on 16 December, 2013, 07:39:27 PM
I'm currently reading "Magic Words: The Extraordinary Life of Alan Moore" by Lance Parkin. Finally found out why Moore used pseudonyms on some of his work. That had been bugging me for a while. Other than that, I've been reading my usual DC Comics tripe...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 16 December, 2013, 11:12:08 PM
 "Magic Words: The Extraordinary Life of Alan Moore" by Lance Parkin   -    worth reading?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Chris Tresson on 16 December, 2013, 11:30:53 PM
Aigh, Skullmo. It's pretty decent, I'm about a hundred or so pages in and it's been great so far!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 17 December, 2013, 12:05:42 AM
Essential Killraven - which is basically the Arnie version of Conan transplanted to post-apocalyptic 2018 New York after the martian tripods from War of the Worlds have wrecked our shit.  Overblown and borderline embarrassing in places, I'm lapping it up so far as it's just pure pulp nonsense with some hilariously dated racial politics that would be worrying if they'd come from anyone other than Bill "I retired from comics to a day job was as a fuckin pro bono lawyer" Mantlo.  Looks to be some great Craig Russel art later in the book, too.
Daft and fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 17 December, 2013, 10:58:13 AM
Poor Bill Mantlo.

I hope whoever drove off after running him down was eaten by a dire wraith and then brutally exploded from the inside by a spaceknight.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 December, 2013, 08:49:22 PM
Just finished Jack Kirby's Silver Star. This six part series from the greatest comics writer ever is meant to be from a time when he was past his peak. My God its astonishingly good though. Will Kirby ever cease to amaze me (well yeah I wasn't a massive fan of his Captain America if I'm honest, but that just means I want to find time to re-read it as I assume I was missing something.). The scale and wonder is all there. The staggering imagination. The complete, seemingly intuitive, understanding of the comics medium and how to get the best from it. Its all there and all Kirby, at his best.

If anyone hasn't yet read this lesser known Kirby classic I for one would give it the highest possible recommendation. The master at his very best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 21 December, 2013, 11:08:53 AM
finally got round to reading spawn origins 19 which is exactly where I left off originally so anything from origins 20 will be all new

  superior spiderman continues to entertain as I'm trying to catch up on that
and reading trifecta again just because its so damned good.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 21 December, 2013, 01:28:18 PM
More Locke & Key, and Requiem Vampire Knight! God I love Requiem.....one of the most awesome series that Pat Mills has done in recent memory. And Olivier Ledroit's artwork is bloody mindblowing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 22 December, 2013, 12:45:54 PM
Almost wrapped on Mike Carroll's Cold Light of Day and then it's onto vN by Madeline Ashby, all the while dipping in and out of Anderson PSI Files 01.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 22 December, 2013, 02:11:03 PM
Over the last couple of weeks I've read The Underwater Welder and volume one of Bandette, plus working on a catch up on Black Static and Interzone (I always seem to be behind with these).

The Underwater Welder didn't really live up to my expectations in a way. It's a wonderful book, don't get me wrong, but it didn't give me the emotional kicking I thought it would considering some of the comments I read about it. Brilliant mood piece and I love Lemires sparse lines. Bandette on the other hand was full on FUN from start to finish. It zips along and manages to be stylish, entertaining and intriguing all at once while being suitable for a large age range - Presto! I want more...

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 27 December, 2013, 11:47:43 AM
Quote from: Mikey on 22 December, 2013, 02:11:03 PM
Over the last couple of weeks I've read The Underwater Welder and volume one of Bandette, plus working on a catch up on Black Static and Interzone (I always seem to be behind with these).

The Underwater Welder didn't really live up to my expectations in a way. It's a wonderful book, don't get me wrong, but it didn't give me the emotional kicking I thought it would considering some of the comments I read about it. Brilliant mood piece and I love Lemires sparse lines. Bandette on the other hand was full on FUN from start to finish. It zips along and manages to be stylish, entertaining and intriguing all at once while being suitable for a large age range - Presto! I want more...

M.

I think with The Underwater Welder, each reader will feel differently about the subject, maybe depending on their own experiences. It definitely affected me, and left a lasting impression hence why it was one of my favourite graphic novels at the time.

What are your guys impression on The Black Dossier? I've yet to read it but have reserved it in my library, hopefully I'll pick it up later. There's a fair bit of League exploits I 've yet to read as it goes; Century and was it 1969? Damn my memory. I read the first two books and Nemo: Heart of Ice and really enjoyed them.

Keeping on the subject of Alan Moore, I'm currently reading Future Shocks; so far so very good indeed! Some of the stories are really hilarious!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 27 December, 2013, 12:20:43 PM
Black Dossier is probably the weakest of the LOEG books - The "date" titles advance the main story, but BD is stuffed with extras/filler (depending on your viewpoint)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 27 December, 2013, 01:31:20 PM
Hmm, I'll still have a look seeing as its available, and probably catch up with the dated ones later. Cheers Dan.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 31 December, 2013, 12:57:07 PM
Porcelain - A Gothic Fairy Tale (Improper Books) Read/Wildgoose

(http://www.chimneyrabbit.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/porcelain-210x300.jpg)

Porcelain made a bit of a buzz at Thought Bubble '12 due to an enormous amount of free samplers gushing like a flood from the Improper Books table. It's a tactic that paid off as I don't think I saw a single person that year that wasn't wielding one - it was a mesmerising little booklet thanks mainly to the beautifully fluid artwork of Chris Wildgoose and the delicate muted palette of colourist Andre May. Even without the intriguing setting and the haunting white porcelain automatons it would be a buyer. They didn't have any copies there though and it wasn't until the spring after at Maidstone's Demoncon (the fifth one) that I snagged an issue off of Chris Wildgoose who seemed alarmed that it was such an easy sell. It easily justifies the hype - and as a statement of intent for new publisher Improper Books it is thoroughly convincing. A stand alone story in a mysterious universe - writer Benjamin Read wisely sticks close to the main characters and allows only slight peeks at the world outside the walls of the house where lives the only man who can make Porcelain move... With a boisterous cockney urchin as our guide the narrative rattles along at a brilliant pace to a startling conclusion. The almost heavy-handed "a gothic fairy tale" subtitle is perfectly apt as this is just what Porcelain is. An absorbing and thoroughly professional-looking book with not a panel or speech bubble (cap permanently doffed to letterer extraordinare Jim Campbell) seems out of place. I was sat opposite Improper Books at the next Thought Bubble - and their endless tide of samplers this year was to promote Read & Wildgoose's next offering: Briar. Even without reading the freebie I'm thoroughly sold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 December, 2013, 04:06:13 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 27 December, 2013, 12:20:43 PM
Black Dossier is probably the weakest of the LOEG books - The "date" titles advance the main story, but BD is stuffed with extras/filler (depending on your viewpoint)

Really can't agree with this.  There is virtually no filler or extras in the BD, unless maybe you count the Pornsec Jane insert and the cutaway of the Nautilus (which I don't, 'cos they're fab).  On the contrary the linking story presents and resolves two central mysteries (one related to the fate of the League post-War and why obvious fictional candidates of the period like James Bond, Harry Lime and Bulldog Drummond aren't in it, and one related to the nature of the League's world itself), while the pastiche pieces set out the composition and activities of the various incarnations of the League in often hilarious fashion.  It's an enormously dense book, and provides a coherent structure for all the other League books and spinoffs, which makes those books much more satisfying in turn.  It even makes sense of those endless microtype gazetteer entries in the back of Vol 2.

Far from being the weakest League book, I'd say it's the strongest after the first volume, and the one I keep returning to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 31 December, 2013, 04:29:32 PM

The only bad thing about The Black Dossier is that it ends. It is really unique.

While we're on the subject:

Roses Of Berlin isn't out yet, but the next League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen chapter by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill, River Of Ghosts, will complete the Nemo trilogy begun by Heart Of Ice. (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/12/31/the-next-league-of-extraordinary-gentlemen-book-is-river-of-ghosts-and-set-in-1975/)



(http://cdn.bleedingcool.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/oneill-nemo-01l.jpg?9098e0)


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 31 December, 2013, 07:42:03 PM
I still haven't had the chance to read The Black Dossier, but going on the thoughts from you guys I must say I'm looking forward to reading it.

Noticed Porcelain too, another title I'm dying to read. As for now, I'm halfway through Judge Dredd: Fatties and so far it's been one hell of read! So much fun - Plus I also got to see the famous line below Tordelback's avatar! Now I know where it's from!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 December, 2013, 10:25:36 PM
Complete Casefiles 15:  My first venture into Casefile-buying for some years, thanks to a timely book-token from my last surviving aunt (pay no heed to Bertie Wooster and Ampney Crucis, sometimes aunts are gentlemen).  I remembered the post-Necropolis period as being a bit of a thrill-desert, but I was (as usual) wrong. Most of this book is rock-solid, and aside from a few art-dips on some of the shorts, the only noticeable slump is the rather familiar and overlong Bill Bailey Citidef story (even this can be improved by imagining the block is named after Manny Bianco rather than the song, hence the beards). 

Most interesting was how sloppily enjoyable some of the early Ennis stories are (I still love Emerald Isle, and Dillon's Dredd looks really terrific here), and what a good slice-of-life-in-the-Meg story Midnite's Children is.  This latter was rather overshadowed by its showier running mates in the early Megazine, but it's a very good yarn all in one place and I'd quite forgotten how it plays out. 

An intelligent choice was made to run Death Aid all the way though and then run the 'Death Aid Interlude' fill-ins after it, and it works well.

A very good collection of lesser-known Dredd, although as usual I could have used a breakdown of story credits.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 January, 2014, 09:39:54 AM
Quick addendum to my thoughts on Casefiles 15:  the colour Hicklenton art on Black Widow, a story I didn't rate at the time, is mesmerisingly great.  In fact the story (I can't quite decide whether it is by Wagner or Grant and the book isn't telling: Wagner, I think) is pretty good too - certainly an improvement on the original Nosferatu story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 01 January, 2014, 02:28:59 PM
Just finished reading Long John Silver Book IV. Didn't go the way I expected but still a blooming marvellous read. This may very well be my favourite Cinebook in the whole range and that's some stiff competition. Highly recommended with wonderful art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 01 January, 2014, 03:32:53 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 01 January, 2014, 02:28:59 PM
Just finished reading Long John Silver Book IV. Didn't go the way I expected but still a blooming marvellous read. This may very well be my favourite Cinebook in the whole range and that's some stiff competition. Highly recommended with wonderful art.

Out of curiousity, what's the book paper like? I just got the new Scorpion volume and it's gone to a more glossy paper like the 2000AD collections.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 01 January, 2014, 04:13:47 PM

Another vote for The Black Dossier as an audacious piece of conceptual gymnastics and audience-perception-shattering genius. Its astonishing scope and ambition redefines the series as something other than The Avengers with public domain characters, and establishes the theme of the primacy of stories, ideas and imagination over copyrighted characters.

The apparently fixed point of Orlando, who is nevertheless constantly reinventing him/herself, and the deaths of the other (less transformed) league members serve to highlight how Quatermain and Mina aren't even the same characters they were in the first series, never mind those Moore and O'Neill rescued from literary obscurity - it's their stories which endure and prevail.

It's the efforts of the creators which do all the blazing in this world, rather than corporate owned characters, who can be taken away by the highest bidding publisher and 'reinvented' by  opportunistic young hacks, as Moore and O'Neill once were themselves, or adopted into other more lucrative but less sympathetic formats by the likes of (shudder) film studios.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 02 January, 2014, 07:43:46 PM
Wrapped on PSI Case Files 1.

About halfway through Rennie's Dredd Vs Death on Kindle and loving it. Not really a Dredd book, per se; more a MC1 book: equal time is given to Anderson and DeMarco.

Also working my way through a lovely paperback edition of Aliens: Genocide by David Bischoff, which is a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 January, 2014, 07:41:34 PM
I've started reading The Black Dossier which I borrowed from my library. You can understand my surprise when I found this in the inside page:

(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/20140106_193420.jpg)

Clearly it's Kevin O'Neil's signature, but how did it manage to get inside a library copy, or did the library purchase a signed copy? And how much would it be worth? I'm seriously thinking about keeping this one!  :lol: (Just kidding) but still, it's not something you see everyday.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 January, 2014, 07:53:44 PM
Presumbaly the library bought a signed copy without realising and assumed that was maybe the previous owner's name scribbled inside. If you don't hang onto it for yourself you're a better man than I, Mabs.  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 January, 2014, 08:21:04 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 06 January, 2014, 07:53:44 PM
Presumbaly the library bought a signed copy without realising and assumed that was maybe the previous owner's name scribbled inside. If you don't hang onto it for yourself you're a better man than I, Mabs.  ;)

:lol: It's very tempting Dark Jimbo, but I don't wanna deprive some poor sod from encountering a really unique reading experience!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 06 January, 2014, 09:01:09 PM
I started reading Dune Messiah rather casually.  About a quarter of the way through and thoroughly enjoying it so far.  I got it for 40p in a second hand bookshop just before Christmas along with its sequel at the same price and I think it was a total steal.  I am also flicking casually through my Okami artbook I got for Christmas.  Totally loving it, makes me feel warm and cosy on these cold and rainy winter nights...
maybe I need someone to cuddle up to
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GrinningChimera on 07 January, 2014, 04:51:54 AM
Currently reading Transmetropolitan - Lust For Life. I have been meaning to start reading this ever since I saw it on shelves years ago (I'm starting on this because vol 1 is still on order and I don't have enough self control to wait for it to turn up) After just reading Sinister Dexter it's nice to come into a very similarly styled world with a completely different character. So far loving I'm loving it. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 08 January, 2014, 12:05:24 AM
Britten & Brulightly (Jonathan Cape) Hannah Berry

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/23/BrittenBrulightly.jpg)

Another purchase from a local "Ladyeez Do Comics" event (Spring 2013 in Bristol) from speaker Hannah Berry. This, her first graphic novel, is a dark noir following a morose private investigator (Britten) and his partner who is a talking teabag (Brülightly). There is an underlying absurdity that pulls the gritty and twisting mystery into a unique and appealing world. Visually it's stunningly rendered and has a palpable physicality - Britten resembles a character from Chomet's Triplets of Belleville (and is frequently mistaken for being French presumably as an acknowledgment to this) - the moody greytones never quite spill over into full black-and-white and some of the more rainwashed scenes are breathtakingly atmospheric. The lettering is all freehand as well - and mostly works well although Britten's inner monologue is in a fussy joined-up handwriting that is sometimes difficult to read - and also the placement of some passages go against the reader's eye. This doesn't occur frequently however and it is not enough to prevent it being a thoroughly absorbing and remarkably unique graphic novel that marks Berry as a name to shout about. Her second book, an out-and-out horror called Adamtine, is going straight on my to-buy list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 08 January, 2014, 06:31:53 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 06 January, 2014, 07:41:34 PM
I've started reading The Black Dossier which I borrowed from my library. You can understand my surprise when I found this in the inside page:

(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/20140106_193420.jpg)

Clearly it's Kevin O'Neil's signature, but how did it manage to get inside a library copy, or did the library purchase a signed copy? And how much would it be worth? I'm seriously thinking about keeping this one!  :lol: (Just kidding) but still, it's not something you see everyday.

Where are you based, Mabs? I bought my copy from Gosh! Comics on a visit to London once and that was also signed. They had quite a few signed copies for sale on the shelf at that time, maybe it's one of those!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 January, 2014, 08:31:42 AM
I live in London, PreacherCain. So you never know, it could probably be from the same place!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 January, 2014, 12:07:21 PM
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 08 January, 2014, 12:05:24 AM...a talking teabag (Brülightly).

I must have this book.  That's a gag so good it has me laughing myself hoarse.  Given the Belleville allusions you mention, I wonder is the handwriting script a link to the incredible Claire Bretecher, who uses a similar aesthetic? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 08 January, 2014, 12:56:32 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 January, 2014, 12:07:21 PMa link to the incredible Claire Bretecher, who uses a similar aesthetic?

Could be, although Bretecher's a great deal more cartoony and colourful than B & B. Her talk at the LDC event was about Adamtine her second book and how to portray horror in sequential art - it actually looks downright creepy:

(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lzrfb0LqmH1rob3ibo1_500.png)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 08 January, 2014, 01:06:38 PM
I picked up volume one of The Sandman cheap on Comixology. I'm about two thirds of the way through it and have next to no idea what's going on.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 08 January, 2014, 08:53:21 PM
I'm having an absolute blast with Alan Moore's Futureshocks! Some of the stories are rip roaringly funny: I was reading 'The Wages of Sin' earlier today and I was literally howling with laughter! That form at the end was a classic! And Bryan Talbot's art for that particular story was superb. Moore & Talbot - what a team up. I wonder if they did anymore work together other than on Futureshocks?

@ Crazy Fox: Britten & Brulightly was an awesome read! I loved every second of it. I wish we saw more female comic writers / artists like Ms. Berry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 09 January, 2014, 11:51:16 AM
Well it looks like I've kept one of my new years resolutions (to buy more Judge Dredd comics); I just had three books delivered - Tour of Duty: Mega City Justice, Brothers of the Blood and America. I already own a copy of America but the books were part of a bundle sale on ebay, and for the price I just couldn't resist. Looking forward to reading the first two, as for America, I might sell it on or give it to someone as a present.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 January, 2014, 12:07:30 PM
It's early January, so I must be reading Gardner Dozois' Mammoth Book of Best New SF, Vol. 26, a perennial joy that rivals the Prog in my affections.  This year's collection is an absolute triumph - halfway in and I've read some of the most enjoyable SF I've come across in years.  Eleanor Aranson's and Andy Duncan's contributions are worth the cover price alone, and I haven't even got to the Reynolds, the several Reeds or the second McAuley.  700 pages (about a quarter-million teeny tiny words) of perfectly selected brilliance for STG£10, plus a review of 2012's SF and a reading list. If you enjoy the short fiction format at all (and as 2000AD readers you surely do) you cannot go wrong*. 



*Unless you buy the American edition of Vol. 26, which covers 2009, I think, not a bad year in itself but you should already have read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 09 January, 2014, 12:50:55 PM
Sounds intruiging. Ill add it to my "to look out for" pile.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 09 January, 2014, 09:02:42 PM
Quote from: radiator on 08 January, 2014, 01:06:38 PM
I picked up volume one of The Sandman cheap on Comixology. I'm about two thirds of the way through it and have next to no idea what's going on.

All I can say is....keep reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 09 January, 2014, 09:18:40 PM
I loved the Sandman series.  Only comic to ever make me cry.  I enjoyed the spin off, Lucifer, as well, but haven't read the entire run, yet.  So many trades I'd like to buy, so little money to buy them with *sniff*.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 09 January, 2014, 09:51:33 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 09 January, 2014, 09:18:40 PM
I loved the Sandman series.  Only comic to ever make me cry.  I enjoyed the spin off, Lucifer, as well, but haven't read the entire run, yet.  So many trades I'd like to buy, so little money to buy them with *sniff*.

I've read most of The Sandman spin-offs, including full runs of The Dreaming & Lucifer.
Lucifer is by far the best, and one of Vertigo's finest series in its own right.
At the time of its publication it was at the top of my read pile every single month- an expertly crafted story by Carey, with almost every single plot thread building upon each other until the perfectly timed climax.

I blindly followed Carey (and Gross) onto The Unwritten after they finished Lucifer, and am quite glad I did so too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 January, 2014, 09:57:14 AM
I'm also a massive fan of Sandman. Radiator, I read Sandman Vol. 1 in the TPB format (and all the other books in the series for that matter), but I found myself going back a few pages in some instances to suss a few things out. I found it really improved my reading experience because the first volume can be a little difficult for newcomers. But if you can persist, then I can assure you that it's an absolute pleasure and a ball from hereon. Vol. 1 is more like Gaiman finding his feet and by the time you get to Vol. 3, 4, that's when his storytelling truly excels. I found the Sandman series to be nothing less than mindblowing and gripping. Not to mention an.absolute joy to read. And I too, like Pictsy, shed a little tear when I got to the final Volume (The Kindly Ones).

At the moment I'm reading Tour of Duty: Megacity Justice. So far it's been really enjoyable. The artwork by Colin MacNeil, Mike Collins, PJ, et al, is truly outstanding. I loved the previous book in the Tour of Duty double act, and it looks like this too is on the way to becoming one of my favourite Dredd stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 10 January, 2014, 10:14:52 AM
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 08 January, 2014, 12:05:24 AM
Britten & Brulightly (Jonathan Cape) Hannah Berry

Noted - that's what I'd call a glowing review.

Just finished reading Morrissey's autobiography (it was a xmas present). He's a miserable egotist for those not keeping up, and the book doesn't disappoint in that department. However nearly every line reads like a lyric and there's plenty of wry humour, some of it even directed toward himself. I was surprised at how positive he was about the Smiths thinking he'd just lay the boot in, but he left that for the section on the various court proceedings (which do go on a bit).

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 10 January, 2014, 11:17:40 AM
Quote from: Mabs on 10 January, 2014, 09:57:14 AM...shed a little tear when I got to the final Volume (The Kindly Ones).

A pedant writes:  Not the final volume!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 January, 2014, 11:32:23 AM
I know Tordelback! But it pretty much wraps up the story of our key protagonist. I read the other two books too, which I must say I really enjoyed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 10 January, 2014, 05:02:00 PM
Recently read Bryan Talbot's Grandville which is great & yesterday picked up Grandville: Bete Noir
Our local library rules!

Chi
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 10 January, 2014, 05:20:20 PM
Quote from: Mikey on 10 January, 2014, 10:14:52 AM
Just finished reading Morrissey's autobiography (it was a xmas present). He's a miserable egotist for those not keeping up, and the book doesn't disappoint in that department. However nearly every line reads like a lyric and there's plenty of wry humour, some of it even directed toward himself. I was surprised at how positive he was about the Smiths thinking he'd just lay the boot in, but he left that for the section on the various court proceedings (which do go on a bit).

I got that for Christmas too, Mikey! The Dickensian description of tenement life in Manchester and the privation and abuses of the school system (imagined and real) set the tone for the rest of the entertaining but uniquely unreliable narration.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 10 January, 2014, 06:23:15 PM
Quote from: El Chivo on 10 January, 2014, 05:02:00 PM
Recently read Bryan Talbot's Grandville which is great & yesterday picked up Grandville: Bete Noir
Our local library rules!

Grandville is brilliant - don't forget Mon Amour as well which has some awesome Alwyn colouring at the back! To my shame I'm yet to buy Bete Noir - I'd intended to buy it off the man himself but he didn't have any on him at.... Thought Bubble 2012 maybe?

:(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 10 January, 2014, 06:24:14 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 10 January, 2014, 09:57:14 AM
And I too, like Pictsy, shed a little tear when I got to the final Volume (The Kindly Ones).

I cried at a different point, but it's very personal and I'm not going into what and why ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 10 January, 2014, 07:20:42 PM
Decided to pop into my local library in the evening, and I was shocked to find the recent 2000ad presents Sci-fi Thrillers on the shelf! Suffice to say I grabbed it without delay, and right now just taking small bites out of it (figuratively speaking!). The Visible Man was really fun, looking forward to the rest after I finish my other books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 10 January, 2014, 08:25:15 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 10 January, 2014, 07:20:42 PM
Decided to pop into my local library in the evening, and I was shocked to find the recent 2000ad presents Sci-fi Thrillers on the shelf! Suffice to say I grabbed it without delay, and right now just taking small bites out of it (figuratively speaking!). The Visible Man was really fun, looking forward to the rest after I finish my other books.

Absolutely brilliant collection.  Keep meaning to write a detailed review, 'cos with maybe one exception I think the contents and concept are inspired.  I'm dying to see a similar collection of horror-themed stories from 2000AD, which is a rich untapped vein indeed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 10 January, 2014, 09:31:12 PM
Wrapped on Aliens: Genocide and now onto Aliens: Original Sin. This one is set after the events of Alien: Resurrection so enjoyed a little rewatch to put me in the mood. Has its problems, that movie, but I've always heartily enjoyed it.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 11 January, 2014, 08:40:23 AM
Judge Dredd: Year One.

A good solid story and great artwork. Some stunning art in the Covers Gallery at the back.


The Walking Dead collection: Volume 2.

Ever since the group reached Washington It's been a very zombie-light borefest. A far cry from the first collection which I thought was excellent.

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Chris Tresson on 11 January, 2014, 10:57:18 AM
3x Batman & Two-Face
2x Batman: Black & White
2x Detective comics
2x Batman: The Dark Knight
2x Batman
2x Green Lantern
2x Action Comics
2x Deadpool
2x Superior Spider-man
1x Daredevil

I've been writing, so the comic subs have been neglected!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 11 January, 2014, 02:04:25 PM
Ursula le Guin's Orsinian Tales. Billed as her foray into "mainstream fiction", there is very little here to differentiate it from her genre fiction. By which, I mean that it is written with the same skillful expression and psychological insight as anything else she has done. A collection of stories set at various times in the history of an imaginary Eastern European nation, if it has a linking theme it's people struggling against the strictures of custom and convention, finding tiny moments of hope and love in human connection.

It made me wonder about placing the stories in an invented landscape? Does it just provide a level of abstraction which would not be possible setting it in a real place? Or, given the backdrops of much of her other work, is it partly the process of imagining the setting which germinates the content or an idea to explore which leads to the imagined environment? Whatever, typically good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 January, 2014, 02:53:39 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 11 January, 2014, 02:04:25 PM
Ursula le Guin's Orsinian Tales.

I was sure I'd read this, but reading your description I don't think I have at all, which pretty much makes my day: unread LeGuin to find! :D 

An interesting question about imagined settings.  I suspect that it removes distractions for the reader and gives the writer more control over expectations. I love historical fiction, but often I find myself either filling in the blanks with my own shaky knowledge of the period/locale, or wondering whether I am missing some reference or point because I don't know enough, and thus perhaps putting a cast on things that the write rdoesn't intend (which is obviously still okay, but it is different).  I have this problem with Moorcock's Pyat books, where half the time I just can't decide if Pyat is a really terrible fantasist (he is) or whether I'm just ignorant of the history and characters involved (I am).

In a purely imagined setting I'm left to work out my anxieties fully within the author's grasp, and I can be fairly sure that any mystery I'm pondering is of her making.  We all approach the work in a similar state of ignorance, and the revelation can be more precisely focused.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 12 January, 2014, 08:20:31 PM
Just finished The Lottery and Other Stories, found it tough going. They felt very dry. Has anyone read The Haunting of Hill House by her, is the writing style much different?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 January, 2014, 03:54:00 PM
Judge Dredd: Brothers of the Blood - A stonkingly good read. Wagner's storytelling is utterly gripping, and the artists on board do one hell of a job, but I wasn't too fond of those garish colours on Ezquerra's art. Not a fan of the computer assisted colouring in this particular instance, but the rest looks superb. Simon Fraser's opening work was simply a joy to behold.

I've been in Judge Dredd heaven these past few days with this, and Tour of Duty. I wonder what else I can purchase to sate my appetite? Satan's Island and Total War were on sale on ebay but some lucky sods outbid me!

Does anyone know whether Judge Dredd Megacity Masters 01 and Mechanismo are any good?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 13 January, 2014, 05:06:21 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 13 January, 2014, 03:54:00 PM
Satan's Island and Total War were on sale on ebay but some lucky sods outbid me!

I wondered why you were wasting time bidding for those on ebay, until I checked the Amazon prices (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/1904265766/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new). Currently feeling very smug for still buying the comic when those stories were originally published. 

Mechanismo is equal parts good and disappointingly average, but the way McGruder's return and sad end plays out makes less sense without it. I don't have that book, but unless the quality of the reproduction and binding is much worse than Case Files 18 it's probably the best way to read those stories other than in the original issues of the Megazine. I don't own Megacity Masters 1 either, but if you don't already own the stories therein * Douglas Wolk's review (http://dreddreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/mega-city-masters-01.html) makes it sound like a decent purchase.


* if you've just finished Tour of Duty, you've read Wagner and Walker's Mutie Block
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 13 January, 2014, 05:10:39 PM
Quote from: Mabs link=topic=24633.msg805433#msg805433

Does anyone know whether Judge Dredd Megacity Masters 01 and Mechanismo are any good?
/quote]

Mechanismo is excellent and well worth purchasing!

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dracula1 on 13 January, 2014, 05:33:35 PM
Just read Kingdom Come for the first time (how could I have missed this when it first came out?). This gives me hope for the DC universe, the art and writing are astounding.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 January, 2014, 07:35:42 PM
Thank you for your inputs, guys, I might purchase the Case File rather than the TPB, I think I'll get my monies worth with the former rather than the latter.

Cheers!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 14 January, 2014, 11:31:38 AM
Quote from: dracula1 on 13 January, 2014, 05:33:35 PM
Just read Kingdom Come for the first time (how could I have missed this when it first came out?). This gives me hope for the DC universe, the art and writing are astounding.

Kingdom Come was an amazing piece of work. Having said that, I can count on one hand the number of DCU stories I have enjoyed prior or since.

Morrison's run on JLA is a good next stop.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 14 January, 2014, 03:42:37 PM
The Flash was a reliably strong book right up until Infinite Crisis and '52'. Some absolutely brilliant stuff from Waid, Messner-Loebs and even Geoff Johns when he could stay away from his power ranger dolls.

Gotham Central is amazing and is mentioned in every breath of 'whats good in the DCU'.

Legion of Superheroes was gold from post Zero Hour to that continuity's eventual demise with what's referred to as the 'threeboot'. For about a decade DC managed to keep their 31st century teams engaged with the main continuity whilst still delivering a full universe of their own, as well as keeping a roster of 20-40 characters in play with some great characterisation unseen in other takes on the team's 50 year history. The comics where the United Planets falls apart and the Legion is Lost are some of the best sci-fi stuff I've read, even including the prog. A certain Mr Dan Abnett is responsible for a large part of the awesome on show here too.

Impulse, effectively Kid Flash for the 90s, was an amazing comic. Simply inspired. Got slightly too childish towards the end but for most of its run it was touching, beautifully drawn and had a humour and playfulness with conventions you don't see in most comics (and without being obnoxious Deadpool spoofing). This was 'my' book from 12 to 18 but stands up to rereading as an adult. Similarly Young Justice, effectively Teen Titan's MK4, was also extremely good fun. Nothing as resonant or creative as Impulse but funny and interesting. Hell even the eventual Teen Titans by Geoff Johns that span out of the demise of these books was good before it got piledrived beneath Infinite Crisis.

JLA: Year One is the definitive origin for the Justice League in my books, at least outside of the DCAU. Particularly because it didn't have Batman or Superman in! Which incidentally is a great universe whose abandonment is possibly the clearest sign of the end times for DC editorial's judgement.

I could go on. And I probably will whenever I have the chance as DC's current stuff is boring where its not outright bad or offensive. Aside from Wonder Woman, Animal Man (bye), All Star Western (get back to the west Hex) and Aquaman (I know I'm surprised too). However I do notice that most of my love ends around 2005... It's a shame that Geoff Johns, a writer who was so solidly consistent with characters I loved, and who made me love others (JSA), wrote such a terrible, terrible story that wounded the DCU to such an extent it was put down by the nu-52.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 January, 2014, 05:46:11 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 14 January, 2014, 03:42:37 PM
The Flash was a reliably strong book right up until Infinite Crisis and '52'. Some absolutely brilliant stuff from Waid, Messner-Loebs and even Geoff Johns when he could stay away from his power ranger dolls.

Gotham Central is amazing and is mentioned in every breath of 'whats good in the DCU'.

Yes, yes and thrice yes. Those two series are two of my all time favourites. The Wally West Flash series quite astonishing as for about 225 issues it was almost uniformly good. Loved Baron's start the Messner-Loebs stuff was the best of the lot and that's over a quite brilliant Waid run. Even Geoff Johns did his best stuff by far on this title. All that and there was a nice 12 month interlude by Morrison and yes Mark Millar showing that he can write great comics. Throughout it all you really got a sense of the continuous development of Wally as a character and a man. Mainstream comics does get any better in my mind.

Gotham Central is almost as good!

QuoteAside from Wonder Woman, Animal Man (bye), All Star Western (get back to the west Hex) and Aquaman (I know I'm surprised too).

Bloomin' heck swap Aquaman for Batman (which is on the verge of getting dropped) and that's all that's left of mine. Possibly because, even though Jonah has been shoe-horned into the current DC Universe they all kinda play in a field on their own.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 14 January, 2014, 05:47:24 PM
Did you catch Dial H? That was fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 January, 2014, 05:48:00 PM
No heard nothing but good things about it though and loved those Bolland covers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Chris Tresson on 14 January, 2014, 08:05:32 PM
I'm a bit gutted that Robert Venditti is taking over The Flash. Haven't been impressed with his Green Lantern run so far and Flash was one of the books I've enjoyed since the start of the New 52...

Bit bored overall with DC at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 15 January, 2014, 09:13:50 AM
Locke & Key: Volume 5, last night - in ONE sitting. I rarely do that (I'm too fidgety). Just goes to show how gripping and thrilling I found the volume. Once you get swept up into the storytelling it's hard to pull yourself away from it. I can say with confidence that Locke & Key is probably my most favourite comic series alongside Sandman, Hellboy, Y The Last Man et al.

Now I wait with bated breath for the release of the final volume.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 15 January, 2014, 04:00:37 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 13 January, 2014, 03:54:00 PM
Judge Dredd: Brothers of the Blood - A stonkingly good read. Wagner's storytelling is utterly gripping, and the artists on board do one hell of a job, but I wasn't too fond of those garish colours on Ezquerra's art. Not a fan of the computer assisted colouring in this particular instance, but the rest looks superb. Simon Fraser's opening work was simply a joy to behold.

I've been in Judge Dredd heaven these past few days with this, and Tour of Duty. I wonder what else I can purchase to sate my appetite? Satan's Island and Total War were on sale on ebay but some lucky sods outbid me!

Does anyone know whether Judge Dredd Megacity Masters 01 and Mechanismo are any good?

I read Total War as a sequel to Brothers of the blood. They make a great read together, and a good intro to compl. America, Origins, ToD and DoC.

Mechanismo is quite good, especially the first story. But it outstays it's welcome quite a bit. I think it's best read together with Wilderlands in Casefiles 21, which serves as an ending.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Recrewt on 15 January, 2014, 04:34:19 PM
Thanks to the local library I have been reading Justice League Origins and Superior Spiderman #1 tpbs.

There has been a lot of love for the Superior Spiderman on this forum which prompted me to pick this up when I saw it.  I would say that I am a casual spidey fan - I love the character but sometimes feel the stories are a little too light-hearted and such i.e. not dark and gritty like Batman normally is.  I found the first part of this OK with the new sinister six and the new spidey learning different ways to tackle crime.  The latter part was better for me with the character Massacre and issues around deadly force at the end.  It did feel a bit odd reading in one go as we went from the relatively nice sinister six and vulture to the sudden more violent/bloody Massacre tale.  Interesting, but I'm not sure if I am hooked enough to want to read more.

Justice League Origins is in many people's opinions the flagship title of the New 52 universe.  Graphically it was very impressive but if I am honest it was basically one extended fight.  It doesn't really come to any sort of conclusion and one thing I did find odd was that it never really seemed to pay attention to the collateral damage that was going on.  It also struck me that the solution to the attack would leave countless individuals lost with no way to get home but nothing was really said on this.  Perhaps this is tackled later - it was a nice read but again, I'm not really compelled to pick up any more of this series.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 15 January, 2014, 05:18:49 PM
Reading Lance Parkin's biography of Alan Moore, Magic Words. If the figures bandied about in here are true, the bearded one is worth a bob or two. A good read though, showing all sides to the various disputes he has had with companies and people over the decades. It's never quite so clear cut as you think, is it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 January, 2014, 08:19:34 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 15 January, 2014, 05:18:49 PM
Reading Lance Parkin's biography of Alan Moore, Magic Words. If the figures bandied about in here are true, the bearded one is worth a bob or two. A good read though, showing all sides to the various disputes he has had with companies and people over the decades. It's never quite so clear cut as you think, is it?

Yeah my recent working through a few bits and bobs surrounding The Mighty Beardo since his last interview has made it clear to me I really should read this. Will be picking it up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 15 January, 2014, 08:37:24 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 15 January, 2014, 05:18:49 PM
If the figures bandied about in here are true, the bearded one is worth a bob or two.

When troilistic marriage ends in divorce, the alimony is doubled.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Chris Tresson on 15 January, 2014, 08:58:22 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 15 January, 2014, 05:18:49 PM
Reading Lance Parkin's biography of Alan Moore, Magic Words. If the figures bandied about in here are true, the bearded one is worth a bob or two. A good read though, showing all sides to the various disputes he has had with companies and people over the decades. It's never quite so clear cut as you think, is it?

I've not finished it yet, quite far off the finish actually. Just can't find the time to do it justice with a good lengthy reading session!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 January, 2014, 10:04:59 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 15 January, 2014, 05:18:49 PM
Reading Lance Parkin's biography of Alan Moore, Magic Words. If the figures bandied about in here are true, the bearded one is worth a bob or two. A good read though, showing all sides to the various disputes he has had with companies and people over the decades. It's never quite so clear cut as you think, is it?

Moore himself seems well-disposed towards the book, so it's probably not too wildly wrong.  Mind you, when you think of what he could be worth if he'd taken all that was offered.  Or if certain herbal products were tax-deductible as a business expense...

Still love Eddie Campbell's story about hearing rumours that Alan had bought his mother a house with the proceeds from some 80's thing or other, only for Alan to inform him that it was a greenhouse.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 16 January, 2014, 06:09:13 AM
Stephen King. Joyland. How's a boy supposed to read shitty Star Trek novels after that?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 January, 2014, 09:53:17 AM
I was so jealous seeing Tombo's complete B.P.R.D Hardcover collection on another thread, that I decided to finish my own collection off ( I had the first two books). So I hastily purchased Vol. 3 and 1/3 of the way through reading (Just finished The Universal Machine) and I'm finding myself having to yank my jaw off the ground! What a beautiful story.....I was so close to tears!  :'(, and of course we have our usual creepy goings on not least involving Dr. Corrigan's trip to France as the rest of the team sit around a table discussing his/ her own brush with loss and death. It was a brilliant opening, utterly gripping and Guy Davis' artwork as usual, had my mouth watering. And Dave Stewart's colours...... :o

So after finishing this book I'll be purchasing the last one in the Plague of Frogs arc, and then I can look on at Tombo's book shelf without feeling envious as hell!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 16 January, 2014, 10:12:16 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 16 January, 2014, 06:09:13 AM
Stephen King. Joyland. How's a boy supposed to read shitty Star Trek novels after that?

Try some Tolstoy then.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 16 January, 2014, 10:13:32 AM
Reading my way back through the SD Agency files. The first 3 volumes have been a real burst of thrillpower! Not looking forward to volume 5 though :/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 16 January, 2014, 10:15:25 AM
Tried out two new comics that I'd heard good things about - Locke & Key and East of West.

Again, literally no idea what was going on in each. This is becoming a recurring theme. Maybe it's because I only read right before bed and my tired brain can't make sense of things?

Also picked up The Underwater Welder in a recent sale. Couldn't see what all the fuss was about and didn't make it to the end.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 16 January, 2014, 11:16:41 AM
Quote from: radiator on 16 January, 2014, 10:15:25 AM
Tried out two new comics that I'd heard good things about - Locke & Key and East of West.

Again, literally no idea what was going on in each. This is becoming a recurring theme. Maybe it's because I only read right before bed and my tired brain can't make sense of things?

Also picked up The Underwater Welder in a recent sale. Couldn't see what all the fuss was about and didn't make it to the end.

A surprising post there Radiator.
I can't comment on East of West, as I've never read it, but I genuinely found Locke & Key to be instantly accessible.
In fact it's something I've recommended to non-comic readers, and the response was universally positive.
My original Vol. 1 hardback (which I haven't seen in about 3 years) has been passed around friends & family like a joint at Woodstock.

Regarding The Underwater Welder- it helps that I'm a fan of Lemire, but it was genuinely my favorite graphic novel of 2012.
Did the art put you off, or you just weren't fussed about the story?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 16 January, 2014, 11:30:46 AM
QuoteRegarding The Underwater Welder- it helps that I'm a fan of Lemire, but it was genuinely my favorite graphic novel of 2012.
Did the art put you off, or you just weren't fussed about the story?

The art had a certain atmosphere to it, could never work out if I liked it or not, really. But no, for me the story just bored me. I just kept thinking 'if this was a film, I'd have switched it off ages ago'.

I'll give L&K another go. Tbh I wasn't a fan of the art, and found it very hard to distinguish one generic-looking character from another.

East of West just seemed like lots of 'cool' imagery, but I just couldn't find a way in to the story, or a reason why I should care about any of the characters. Perhaps because I grew up with 2000ad, I like my comics to be punchy and set out their stall off the bat. Series like Preacher, Transmet or 100 Bullets have a great hook that is set up in their very first issue whereas I find a lot of modern stuff a bit obtuse. I tend to find the most hyped comic book writers of recent years leave me completely cold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 16 January, 2014, 11:37:20 AM
Quote from: radiator on 16 January, 2014, 11:30:46 AM
The art had a certain atmosphere to it, could never work out if I liked it or not, really. But no, for me the story just bored me. I just kept thinking 'if this was a film, I'd have switched it off ages ago'.

Fair enough, we've all had that 'this isnt grabbing me' moment.
I had a similar situation with the 1st issue of the new 'Dead Boy Detectives'. I'm a fan of the concept, the Brubaker original mini, and of Mark Buckingham, but damn; three attempts to read it this week, and I barely got to page 10 without falling asleep out of utter boredom.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 16 January, 2014, 11:43:12 AM
Got to give my support to Locke and Key....Recommended to me by Mr Prime....I found it absolutely marvellous, both art and story,  and am patiently waiting for the final TPB to come out to complete the series....
Just wonderful stuff....

However, got to agree with Radiator here though,  as regards The Underwater Welder.......I bought this based on several recommendations here,  and I'm sorry it just didn't do it for me at all.....
The artwork was fine....a bit sparse but certainly fitted well with the whole storyline, it's just that the said storyline was a bit..........'boring' is not the right word....but it just didn't grip me like I thought it would.....A good enough read but not what I was expecting given the 'hype'....

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 17 January, 2014, 06:39:11 AM
Quote from: radiator on 16 January, 2014, 11:30:46 AM
QuoteRegarding The Underwater Welder- it helps that I'm a fan of Lemire, but it was genuinely my favorite graphic novel of 2012.
Did the art put you off, or you just weren't fussed about the story?

The art had a certain atmosphere to it, could never work out if I liked it or not, really. But no, for me the story just bored me. I just kept thinking 'if this was a film, I'd have switched it off ages ago'.

I'll give L&K another go. Tbh I wasn't a fan of the art, and found it very hard to distinguish one generic-looking character from another.

East of West just seemed like lots of 'cool' imagery, but I just couldn't find a way in to the story, or a reason why I should care about any of the characters. Perhaps because I grew up with 2000ad, I like my comics to be punchy and set out their stall off the bat. Series like Preacher, Transmet or 100 Bullets have a great hook that is set up in their very first issue whereas I find a lot of modern stuff a bit obtuse. I tend to find the most hyped comic book writers of recent years leave me completely cold.

I agree on the art in L&K. It has it's charm but alot of characters more or less looks the same. Especially the mother and "the villain".


But seeing past that the story is quite brilliant. Best read from start to finnish.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 17 January, 2014, 12:34:08 PM
I love the art in Locke and Key, beautiful stuff. Dont find the characters generic looking at all.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 17 January, 2014, 01:08:15 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 17 January, 2014, 12:34:08 PM
I love the art in Locke and Key, beautiful stuff. Dont find the characters generic looking at all.

I feel the same.
I even purchased the recent reprint Treasury edition (2000AD size) collecting some issues from 'Crown Of Shadows'.
Rodriguez is an amazing artist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 January, 2014, 10:17:18 PM
^This. Without doubt.

I can understand the fact that some of the characters may seem somewhat similar in terms of looks, but that's just the way Rodriguez draws them. And after a while you can tell who is who. Sometimes it's a conscious decision like when the two eldest siblings go back in time and encounter their ancestors, and the brother and sister of the past mirrors themselves via physical likeness. There are enough quirks and minor things such as hair colour or a lip ring which gives the characters their own unique looks.

By the way, I'm also a massive fan of Gabriel Rodriguez. Some of the layouts and details in his panels are mindblowing. His work is a perfect match for the story. Beautiful, unsettling, and unforgettable, there are moments from the comic which lingers with you long time afterwards.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 18 January, 2014, 03:44:20 AM
Locke & Key is my favorite finite comic series of all time. Great story, great art, characters you care about, wonderfully terrifying concept.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GrinningChimera on 18 January, 2014, 06:31:02 AM
Just finished Transmetropolitan vols 1 and 2.

Next up on the list of things to read is the book Vultures Picnic by Greg Palast.

Should be fun.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Cheat on 18 January, 2014, 12:38:33 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 16 January, 2014, 09:53:17 AM
I was so jealous seeing Tombo's complete B.P.R.D Hardcover collection on another thread, that I decided to finish my own collection off ( I had the first two books). So I hastily purchased Vol. 3 and 1/3 of the way through reading (Just finished The Universal Machine) and I'm finding myself having to yank my jaw off the ground! What a beautiful story.....I was so close to tears!  :'(, and of course we have our usual creepy goings on not least involving Dr. Corrigan's trip to France as the rest of the team sit around a table discussing his/ her own brush with loss and death. It was a brilliant opening, utterly gripping and Guy Davis' artwork as usual, had my mouth watering. And Dave Stewart's colours...... :o

So after finishing this book I'll be purchasing the last one in the Plague of Frogs arc, and then I can look on at Tombo's book shelf without feeling envious as hell!  :D

I just powered through all the Hellboy and B.R.P.D hardcovers over Christmas. They'd been on my shelf for ages, can't believe it took me so long to dive in. Stuck now though since it doesn't look like there's any immediate plans to collect the Hell on Earth series as hardcovers :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 18 January, 2014, 07:21:56 PM
Quote from: GrinningChimera on 18 January, 2014, 06:31:02 AM

Next up on the list of things to read is the book Vultures Picnic by Greg Palast.

Should be fun.

Please let us know about that, I was thinking of picking it up. I know Warren Ellis name dropped Greg Palast a few times, maybe as a influence on Spider Jerusalem as well?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 20 January, 2014, 03:34:46 AM
Amala's Blade Issues 0 to 4 (Dark Horse) Steve Horton & Michael Dialynas

(http://images.darkhorse.com/covers/300/22/22562.jpg)

I won a signed copy of the zero issue by random chance by liking the Facebook page for Amala's Blade. I ordered the rest of the issues from my local comic shop - without even reading it really - I just dug the look of it and you can't get stronger incentive than that really (winnings aside). Amala's Blade is about an island nation separated into two warring factions: the "Purifiers" (Steampunk) and "Modifiers" (Cyberpunk). In the middle is the mercenary Amala - literally haunted by the ghosts of her past that hang around her. The five-issue miniseries is a nice self-contained story that whips along at such a breathless pace that it sometimes leaves you swimming - but there are some strong characters and some very memorable set-pieces. This is all very much helped by Dialynas's outrageously vibrant art - with a strong sense of movement and an amazing feel for colour - the atmospheric intricacies of every panel evoke a hand-drawn point-and-click adventure. Mr Dialynas is a serious talent - and the comic is a keeper for the extraordinary art alone - never mind the immersive world it ushers into your brain.

What is odd format-wise (and bear in mind this is the only Dark Horse "monthly" I've ever picked up) is that in the back of most issues there is dedicated maybe two or three pages just to the author Steve Horton replying directly to the lavish praise that's been piled on the series. Which just seems... off to me.

"HI THIS IS BARRY GOODMAN, RENOWNED US COMICS WRITER, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THE PROMO COPY OF ISSUE ZERO YOU SENT ME WAS AMAZING."

"WOW, MR GOODMAN, THANKS FOR SAYING THAT - IT REALLY HAS BEEN FUN TO WRITE. STEVE".

Just... seems like something that should be in private correspondence really. Seeing all this just after you've read the issue makes it seem like Dark Horse think "if we don't put PRAISE in there the reader won't know WHAT to feel about it!" It's not that I don't like hearing behind-the-scenes babble from the creators, I just like having the thing stand for itself and then CHOOSING whether or not to seek out other people's opinions. Call me a nutter.

So as I decide where to put my other prize (a giant glow-in-the-dark poster on awesomely thick card) I must say I don't regret following the competition through to the product and getting involved with it. It's a beautiful comic and I'm very happy to have read it. Although I'm also very much aware I'm not the only person who feels that way ;D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GrinningChimera on 20 January, 2014, 07:50:41 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 18 January, 2014, 07:21:56 PM
Please let us know about that, I was thinking of picking it up. I know Warren Ellis name dropped Greg Palast a few times, maybe as a influence on Spider Jerusalem as well?

Go out and buy it!! RIGHT NOW!!! No Spider Jerusalem influence here (apart from a search for truth) Bloody good book though. It will make you angry. Very very angry. Read it and open your eyes to the truth people!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 23 January, 2014, 10:26:36 PM
just finished the thrud the barbarian collection and am settling down to spiderman blue
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 January, 2014, 11:14:30 PM
Identity Crisis
Dark, interesting, emotional detective story pretending to be a superhero yarn (although its not really pretending due to subject matter and exploring fears of bereavement due to their roles, etc). Pretty good stuff, although I know that scene pissed a couple people off on here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 24 January, 2014, 09:21:26 AM
The rape scene? Come off it, it wasn't that gratuitous alls said and done. :|
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 24 January, 2014, 09:23:05 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 23 January, 2014, 11:14:30 PM
Identity Crisis
Dark, interesting, emotional detective story pretending to be a superhero yarn (although its not really pretending due to subject matter and exploring fears of bereavement due to their roles, etc). Pretty good stuff, although I know that scene pissed a couple people off on here.

Identity Crisis is one of my favorite things in the comic medium, beautifully written and drawn (not usually a fan of Rag's stuff, but he pulled out all the stops for this).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 January, 2014, 12:29:42 PM
Yeah I know Identity Crisis ruffles a few feathers but I think its really pretty good and enjoyed it a lot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 24 January, 2014, 12:31:05 PM
Beginning of the end.

[spoiler]
And if you ever read anything with Sue Dibney in or the Ray Palmer Atom, the 'reveal' is insulting and the motivations are asinine.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 January, 2014, 12:38:23 PM
As I said ruffled feathers!

I'm a bit of a fan of The Atom. Big fan of Roger Stern's run on the character but happily got on with Identity Crisis. The fact is its was a tight, well crafted crime yarn dressed as a fun superhero romp and really have never quite settled for the idea that it changed the tone and nature of DC comics. The change was coming and was seen all over the place. The fact that this was such a big hit is the only reason why I can think of as to why its labelled as a watershed moment, or some such.

Its not that significant, but that doesn't stop it being a good comic story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 24 January, 2014, 09:29:43 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 24 January, 2014, 09:21:26 AM
The rape scene? Come off it, it wasn't that gratuitous alls said and done. :|

I actually agree. I was referring to other peoples reactions not my own.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 24 January, 2014, 10:07:35 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 24 January, 2014, 09:21:26 AM
The rape scene? Come off it, it wasn't that gratuitous alls said and done. :|

I would argue that a money shot is not essential to make a rape scene gratuitous.

My recollection is that few people actually cared much about Identity Crisis until an ex-DC staffer revealed that the editors had sat down and decided that they were going to do a miniseries with a rape as the central conceit before the writer or artist was even hired and it's been this which has cast a shadow over the book in the years since more than any "negative fan reaction to treatment of a beloved character."  I found Identity Crisis to be a bog-standard men-in-pajamas funnybook and couldn't give a toss about Ralph or Sue, but I did find the fetishising and monetisation of a sexual assault to be deeply disturbing even before you get to the fact that it's being done in a book for children.

If I was going to be mad at it, though, it'd probably be because one of the main characters from Robin was killed off in IC rather than in Robin's own title.  Don't get me wrong, I'd given up on that book by then as it had gone downhill badly from the Chuck Dixon years (yes, it had gone downhill from a time when it was scripted BY CHUCK DIXON), but if I'd still been hanging in there, I like to think that would have hacked me right off.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 24 January, 2014, 10:37:27 PM
When I first read Identity Crisis a few years back I came to it without the preknowledge of the rape or the controversy surrounding it.

And yes the assault was disturbing as it was supposed to be, but it wasn't particularly explicit. It was disturbing because it was pretty clear what was going on (without actually showing much except hands) but it was the right kind of shock. I.e. you are appalled by it. Not titillated.

Should they have done it? Well, if I were a writer I'd personally steer well clear of rape scenes. On the other hand I wouldn't steer clear of murder.. and arguably that's as bad if not worse, so arguably I've got my moral compass is wonky. (Alan Moore makes a good point concerning that in a recent referenced on this forum.)

In the end I wouldn't say the rape was central to the story though, although the fact of the attack (and it could be any attack. Interestingly they never once mention the word 'rape' in the book, although it's clear that's what's going on) was.  [spoiler] It's about how being a superhero affects your family and how far you'd be willing to go to protect them and the moral issues that can bring up.[/spoiler] Oh and the great detective story of course.

As for being a story for children... I think it is very clearly an adult comic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 25 January, 2014, 12:01:41 AM
Quote from: The Cheat on 18 January, 2014, 12:38:33 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 16 January, 2014, 09:53:17 AM
I was so jealous seeing Tombo's complete B.P.R.D Hardcover collection on another thread, that I decided to finish my own collection off ( I had the first two books). So I hastily purchased Vol. 3 and 1/3 of the way through reading (Just finished The Universal Machine) and I'm finding myself having to yank my jaw off the ground! What a beautiful story.....I was so close to tears!  :'(, and of course we have our usual creepy goings on not least involving Dr. Corrigan's trip to France as the rest of the team sit around a table discussing his/ her own brush with loss and death. It was a brilliant opening, utterly gripping and Guy Davis' artwork as usual, had my mouth watering. And Dave Stewart's colours...... :o

So after finishing this book I'll be purchasing the last one in the Plague of Frogs arc, and then I can look on at Tombo's book shelf without feeling envious as hell!  :D

I just powered through all the Hellboy and B.R.P.D hardcovers over Christmas. They'd been on my shelf for ages, can't believe it took me so long to dive in. Stuck now though since it doesn't look like there's any immediate plans to collect the Hell on Earth series as hardcovers :(

Aye they're great collections. Dark Horse will do the same for Hell on Earth but likely won't start releasing them until that arc is wrapped up. That's how it worked for Plague of Frogs.

They are releasing BPRD issues at a much faster pace these days, often multiple titles a month. The James Harren stuff is amazing. It does seem to be going somewhere and soon, though I suspect it's all predicated on Mignola's schedule for Hellboy in Hell.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 25 January, 2014, 01:09:38 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 24 January, 2014, 10:37:27 PM
When I first read Identity Crisis a few years back I came to it without the preknowledge of the rape or the controversy surrounding it.

Which kind of makes my point about it not being a noteworthy book away from those things.

Quote from: Mardroid on 24 January, 2014, 10:37:27 PM
[spoiler] It's about how being a superhero affects your family and how far you'd be willing to go to protect them and the moral issues that can bring up.[/spoiler]

Again, this kind of makes my point about it not being noteworthy as you are describing pretty much every superhero narrative ever.

QuoteAs for being a story for children... I think it is very clearly an adult comic.

As an adult - or at least someone who has been tried as one - I would argue that it takes more to be an 'adult' comic than gore and sexual violence.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 25 January, 2014, 08:49:59 AM
Alan Moore and Kevin O'neil's League of extraordinary gentlemen. LOEG 1-2, Black Dossier, Century p.1-3 and Nemo: Heart of Ice.

Got a bit confused/disappointed at first when I looked through the Black dossier and the first two Century books a couple of years ago. Not only alot of text, there was also alot of characters and stuff I had no idea about what it was.

But last week I sat down and read everything. And I kind of liked it. Grew on me, more and more for each lengthy text filled with obscure references in Black dossier or those 3D glasses you wear in the end of it. The mix of different secret agents and 1984's Big brother was also a brilliant things.

The same goes for Century. While there are no monsters in it that tops either Hyde or Griffin, there's still some good and fun characters in it. Especially WHO turns out to be the antichrist haha. I wasn't too fond at first about the apparent focus on sex (and it being a book by Alan, there's some rape in there too) but I somewhat found it to fit the story's "Mankind is kept alive by bestial acts.".

I think Century will read even better when released as a collection this summer!

Nemo: Heart of ice was short but quite sweet, I especially like it's focus on adventure (feeling a bit more like loeg 1, 2) It did at first feel like it relied too much on Lovecraft's Mtn of madness it felt like it came to it's own in the end with Jenni Nemo softening up a bit. And with Roses of Berlin (with Chaplin's Dictator ruling Germany and a League led by Dr Mabuse!!!) out in March, I think Heart of Ice is a good first part. I hope it follows up more on the Ayesha "She" mystery woman (who Jenny stole some stuff from in this story) too, so that the "Pool of Fire" gets a bit more fleshed out other than in just text.

All and all Loeg isn't the adventure I wanted it to be (like p1 and 2) but it's really growing on me. And I think/hope the Nemo books will become a return to form for the series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 January, 2014, 02:19:42 PM
Good to hear, Apestrife!

For myself I have been inhaling Search/Destroy Agency Files Vol. 2, which must be one of the single greatest volumes of collected comics ever published.  So many fantastic stories, so much variation in tone and theme, and an almost unimaginable achievement as a body of B&W comics art.  As good as comics get.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 25 January, 2014, 02:45:53 PM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 25 January, 2014, 01:09:38 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 24 January, 2014, 10:37:27 PM
When I first read Identity Crisis a few years back I came to it without the preknowledge of the rape or the controversy surrounding it.

Which kind of makes my point about it not being a noteworthy book away from those things.

Quote from: Mardroid on 24 January, 2014, 10:37:27 PM
[spoiler] It's about how being a superhero affects your family and how far you'd be willing to go to protect them and the moral issues that can bring up.[/spoiler]

Again, this kind of makes my point about it not being noteworthy as you are describing pretty much every superhero narrative ever.

QuoteAs for being a story for children... I think it is very clearly an adult comic.

As an adult - or at least someone who has been tried as one - I would argue that it takes more to be an 'adult' comic than gore and sexual violence.

I agree. And this does, in my opinion. The sexual violence is suggested rather than explicit, and,the gore isn't all that. Okay... there are pools of blood on occasion.

[spoiler]Actually they never did explain how Flash recovered getting skewered by Deathstroke's sword die they? I guess speed healing comes with the package. Incidentally Death stroke is a real hard-case isn't he? He has a minor power compared to the others but boy does it go a long way...[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 25 January, 2014, 04:23:57 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 January, 2014, 02:19:42 PM
Good to hear, Apestrife!

For myself I have been inhaling Search/Destroy Agency Files Vol. 2, which must be one of the single greatest volumes of collected comics ever published.  So many fantastic stories, so much variation in tone and theme, and an almost unimaginable achievement as a body of B&W comics art.  As good as comics get.

Both SD files vol 2 and 3 (if you haven't read it then you totally should. "Rage" is awesome!) are some of the best things I'v read. Especially Portrait of a mutant. Such a great origin story!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 January, 2014, 07:00:48 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 25 January, 2014, 04:23:57 PM
Both SD files vol 2 and 3 (if you haven't read it then you totally should.

Read most of the contents in the Prog, and many times since, but doesn't stop me being bowled over by the material all over again.  There's just so much of it, all good, all by Ezquerra at the height of his considerable powers, and the way Portrait and Outlaw seem to bookend Volume 2 is just polystyrene icing on the thrillcake.

The other thing that really comes across is how the Alpha of Life and Death is an entirely natural evolution of the boy we meet in Portrait.




Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 25 January, 2014, 07:57:24 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 January, 2014, 07:00:48 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 25 January, 2014, 04:23:57 PM
Both SD files vol 2 and 3 (if you haven't read it then you totally should.

Read most of the contents in the Prog, and many times since, but doesn't stop me being bowled over by the material all over again.  There's just so much of it, all good, all by Ezquerra at the height of his considerable powers, and the way Portrait and Outlaw seem to bookend Volume 2 is just polystyrene icing on the thrillcake.

The other thing that really comes across is how the Alpha of Life and Death is an entirely natural evolution of the boy we meet in Portrait.

I fully agree. That's why I love the new chapters so much. Johnny has been where he is now before, but now he's just fed up with it.

I'm really hoping that the latest (Last?) Life and death part will bring things to a full circle. Because then it'll fit right in (as two GNs) besides SD files vol 2 and 3.

And other than that (weekly Dredd and SD) I'm getting two monthly Brian Azzarello fixes with Brother Lono and Wonder Woman. Love those books. Especially Wonder Woman. Love that her real greatness isn't arm strength but her heart. Which also sometimes is her biggest weakness :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 January, 2014, 10:18:00 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 25 January, 2014, 07:57:24 PM
I fully agree. That's why I love the new chapters so much. Johnny has been where he is now before, but now he's just fed up with it.

The thing that really struck me is that this is the third time that Johnny has watched the powers of New Britain try to exterminate his people.  First the State and its death camps in Portrait, then the Church and its 'relocation' programme in Final Solution, and now it appears that Big Business has finally succeeded. Even allowing for Johnny's sense of fairness and his relationships with norms like Ruth and Wulf and the folk of Smiley's World, I can't see how his current attitude is anything but a predictable extension of his habitual coldness when faced with what by now must seem like an inevitability.  What's he supposed to say, "let's have a good clean fight and another negotiated settlement - maybe third time's the charm"?


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 26 January, 2014, 08:16:57 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 25 January, 2014, 10:18:00 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 25 January, 2014, 07:57:24 PM
I fully agree. That's why I love the new chapters so much. Johnny has been where he is now before, but now he's just fed up with it.

The thing that really struck me is that this is the third time that Johnny has watched the powers of New Britain try to exterminate his people.  First the State and its death camps in Portrait, then the Church and its 'relocation' programme in Final Solution, and now it appears that Big Business has finally succeeded. Even allowing for Johnny's sense of fairness and his relationships with norms like Ruth and Wulf and the folk of Smiley's World, I can't see how his current attitude is anything but a predictable extension of his habitual coldness when faced with what by now must seem like an inevitability.  What's he supposed to say, "let's have a good clean fight and another negotiated settlement - maybe third time's the charm"?

Yeah, I definitely think it's in character of him. While I understand those who want him to keep on being a hero, I think it's understandable why he's in such place as he is right now.

I really like that there's not telling where it's heading either. Would be cool if Wagner actually went the whole way with the genocide thing as with Dredd in Apocalypse war! Been a while since I read something like that!

And today I sat down and read 1500 pages of the Brian Wood penned DMZ. A wt-If scenario where New York is turned into a war zone (not prison) that's cut off from the rest of the US. An intern in hopes of wielding his camera arrives to the city together with some more renowned journalists. But things go sore and the intern is left alone in the DMZ (former NY) and has a 3 year long career as a photo journalist. A really gritty and interesting book. Really liked it.

Best thing about it was the characters. The main character Matt's downward spiral into journalism hell leads to a bunch of interesting meetings. Everything from the dedicated "doctor" Zee, a ruler of China town to the failed suicide bomber Amina. Every character elegantly balances on a edge between fantastic and realistic.

Only negatives would be some of the art. Some of it was a bit too smudgy. Especially that of artists (there's one main one, but some different ones now and then) who already has a smudgy style. Also one or two plot threads felt like it was repeated at least once, but since it's all well written I can't really complain can I.

All and all. Felt a bit like if Escape from New York with a camera eye instead of a eye patch and less 80s punk savagery and more modern day conflict.

It's also out as a Vertigo Deluxe HC ed. this Feb. Will probably end up as 5 books containing around 300 pages each, and also on my bookshelf besides my 100Bullets Del. HC:s ;) (Which I'll read in time for 100Bullets Brother Lono's last issue next month)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 27 January, 2014, 11:15:41 AM
Going through all the Before Watchmen series back to back.

Minutemen did an excellent job paying respect to the original whilst also expanding the backstory without feeling exploitative. Silk Spectre and Comedian was a waste of paper & time and pretty much the opposite of Minutemen.

Onwards I go....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 27 January, 2014, 11:59:47 AM
Shakara - The Destroyer.


Absolutely stunning! Mad as hell storyline, incredible artwork. I rank this among the very best that 2000AD has given us over the years.


Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 27 January, 2014, 02:59:24 PM
Just finished off the comics I got for Christmas.

Saga book 1 of this much discussed and recommended series from Brian K Vaughn. I liked it! Magic v Tech meets Romeo & Juliet is perhaps not a gripping concept to begin with but there's some imaginative scene setting and character building at work even in these early stages. Artwork isn't entirely my cup of tea - colours lean too heavily on the bland pastels for me - but does work well when given grander scenes to depict. Would have read more if I'd had it to hand.

Hellblazer: Dangerous Habits had its moments but isn't quite the stone-cold classic I remembered. Very ambitious and artistic in the Delano-scripted earlier half (though the Meat Man section retreads the same ground as the Fear Machine), particularly where Constantine meets his 'Golden child'. In a way this sees the death of JC's old cast of friends and allies, the hippy folk that he met on the road and will never see again.

Ennis takes over and in short shrift, the weird trippy spiritualism is put aside for the gritty, decaying punk themes that will run throughout the series. Delano's genius was always his weakest point too and its perhaps for the better that these pleasant, weird non-conformist folk are largely relegated to brief references for the established readership to get. They'd only end up dead anyway. From what I remember there will be no Mercury or Zed from here on out, despite the great stories they were a part of in the beginning (particularly Zed's role in the heaven/hell shower-of-bastards storyline that kicked off Constantine's stand alone title). Of course dead and doublecrossed friends still linger as a theme.

Hellblazer is always a wordy comic, bringing its world to life with words rather than art for the most part, but this is really pronounced here and John hits upon his brilliant (and I still loved it) scheme to triplecross the Three Lords of Hell into curing his cancer almost too quickly. Looking forward to more Ennis collections soon however and frankly, giving the devil the finger (and then regretting it and shitting yourself the next day) is the best summation of John Constantine you could get.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 28 January, 2014, 12:46:14 AM
Warren Ellis's text heavy graphic novel Gun Machine*. Less the Bill Burroughsian rom com of Crooked Little Vein & more Chester Himes meets Transmetropolitan. In fact the  arrival of the [spoiler]CSUs [/spoiler]who speak just like Warren Ellis characters in the second fifty pages was initially quite distracting, but knocked off the remaining two hundred in a second sitting.

A dark dissection of the American psyche that's nevertheless rather enjoyable, 30 minutes in the future stuff.

*Well, there is a picture on the cover.  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 28 January, 2014, 10:20:16 AM
I really enjoyed Gun Machine, though it is full off Warren Ellis characters. Fascinating stuff regarding the history of New York and the ritualistic interpretations of geography.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 28 January, 2014, 01:18:13 PM
CHARLIE BROOKER - I CAN MAKE YOU HATE.

"David Cameron is a lizard - Part 2" had everybody on the train staring at me as I was convulsed with laughter.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Recrewt on 29 January, 2014, 01:44:48 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 27 January, 2014, 02:59:24 PM
Just finished off the comics I got for Christmas.

Saga book 1 of this much discussed and recommended series from Brian K Vaughn. I liked it! Magic v Tech meets Romeo & Juliet is perhaps not a gripping concept to begin with but there's some imaginative scene setting and character building at work even in these early stages. Artwork isn't entirely my cup of tea - colours lean too heavily on the bland pastels for me - but does work well when given grander scenes to depict. Would have read more if I'd had it to hand.

I have also just finished reading the first Saga tpb.  As you say, you can't move around the comics world at the moment without hearing praise for this and I thought it was justly deserved.  The universe that they have built is wonderfully diverse and I really like the mix of science and magic that they have used. 

I personally thought the artwork was great, I know what you mean about the grander scenes as there are some that are just brilliant (e.g. The Stalk at the end of chapter 5).  What really sets this above other comics is how realistic the relationship between Alana and Marko is.  Despite the crazy setting, it somehow felt real and it has drawn me in so that I will pick up the next tpb to see what happens to them next.

I can see why some people might think that this has been a bit overrated but I certainly agree that it is in the top 10 of comics that are currently released.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 29 January, 2014, 03:34:18 PM
Well its the old hype problem ain't it. One recommendation peaks your interest, 30,000 explodes your expectations.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 29 January, 2014, 06:41:45 PM
Having a bit of jip posting on this topic....hope this forum isn't getting fed up with me already.
Anyway I agree with Napamkev about Shakara. I've been away from the prog for nearly 20 years and over the past year I've been getting back in in a big way. The 2 story lines (after Dredd of course, loved the Pit) which really caught my eye were Glimmer Rats and Shakara. I loved the visceral, hopelessness of Glimmer Rats and the stunning artwork. But Shakara is on an order of magnitude better than much else I've seen (so far). The Flint artwork coupled with the tangential plot has me totally engaged. Love it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fragminion on 30 January, 2014, 02:33:56 PM
Old GiJoe trades and Dredd Case Files. Hellboy trades and old Shazam and Aquaman comics.

New stuff sucks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 30 January, 2014, 02:57:54 PM
Finished the entire Before Watchmen, only Silk Spectre is what I would call is being plain "bad" (it was bloody awful IMO), just too much of it (Comedian, Ozymandias, Doctor Manhattan) was pointless as they all fall into the prequel trap of being too focused on filling gaps in time that no one needed to know about (or really cared) rather than telling a good story.

That said I really enjoyed the Minutemen series, that was the most substantial and stood on it's own, if you were to read only one of them I'd recommend that. Nite Owl & Rorschach are worth a read (maybe three star books if I'm in a generous mood) and Moloch & Dollar Bill have serve no purpose of existing whatsoever and should be buried.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: HOO-HAA on 01 February, 2014, 07:43:17 PM
Onto Caliban's War, second book in James S.A.Corey's Expanse series. Simply put, this is hard-boiled space opera. Great characters, great storyline and an exceptional writing style throughout. Can't recommend this series enough. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Davek on 01 February, 2014, 09:25:27 PM
Managed to pick up the first 3 issues of Ballistic - was going to try and wait for the trade but got em cheap. Its a cyber/bio-punk story with noir theme. Its adult in places (no bad thing for me). Some of the future speak dialogue is crazy as well. It reminded me a bit of Downtown which I read a Christmas; Ballistic is a bit rawer though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 03 February, 2014, 01:30:30 AM
I'm reading the Last Apprentice book series ( Spook's _ _ _ _ _ ) over there in the UK. I'm waiting for my local book store to get the paperback for book 11. It's very dark for a children's book, dealing with Satan & ritual sacrifice. I really can't wait to see how it ends.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GrinningChimera on 03 February, 2014, 05:00:16 AM
Sinister Dexter - Eurocrash

I love that the story is an epic, at least in terms of Sin Dex. Great art, excellent stories. I only wish they would make more!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 10:52:50 AM
Just finished up listening to the audiobook of Difficult Men by Brett Martin - a dissection of the 'third golden age' of TV - the rise (then slight fall, then rise) of HBO and the proliferation of sophisticated, complex, literary 'visual novels' that became popular around the turn of the millennium, tracing the form's origins from Hill Street Blues and St. Elsewhere in the early 1980s to two series that the book really focuses on - The Sopranos and The Wire, and also touching on many other series such as Six Feet Under, True Blood, Deadwood, and the subsequent HBO imitator networks like FX and AMC, with sections devoted to Mad Men, The Shield and Breaking Bad.

Most of the focus of the book is on the evolution of the 'showrunner' - and details the careers and working practices of David Chase, David Simon and Matthew Weiner. Not surprisingly, they all come across as beligerant, grumpy, hot-tempered egomaniacs, with the exception of Vince Gilligan and Alan Ball, who seem like thoroughly decent chaps.

Overall I really enjoyed the book, made all the more enjoyable as I'm just reaching the end of a mammoth rewatch of every episode of The Sopranos, though I had to skip certain sections for fear of spoilers, as I've never seen The Wire or Deadwood, but now fully intend to. It's also made me really want to revisit Six Feet Under (of which I've only seen s1&2).

(http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/06/25/arts/BOOK/BOOK-articleInline.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 11:02:14 AM
QuoteI have also just finished reading the first Saga tpb.  As you say, you can't move around the comics world at the moment without hearing praise for this and I thought it was justly deserved.  The universe that they have built is wonderfully diverse and I really like the mix of science and magic that they have used. 

I don't know what it is, but I just cannot stand Brian K Vaughn's writing. I've read Pride of Baghdad, and the first issues of Saga, Ex Machina and the first tpb of Y the Last Man, and something about his storytelling and dialogue just grates on me.

Wish I could get into Saga, but I just hated it. Lovely art, though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 06 February, 2014, 12:29:24 PM
So I finished the last (published) Game of Thrones book last night.  Yeah yeah, late to the party, jumping on the bandwagon etc etc. Whatever.  ::) ;)

Bloody hell it's good stuff though, eh? What a series! It's like the crack cocaine of books.  So easy to read, yet quite complex and layered.  I want more!  NOW GODDAMIT!!!   :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 February, 2014, 12:54:09 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 11:02:14 AM
I don't know what it is, but I just cannot stand Brian K Vaughn's writing...

Wish I could get into Saga, but I just hated it. Lovely art, though.

Nice to know I'm not the only one who doesn't get the overwhelming praise for Saga. I tried the first TPB, and while it was enjoyable I really didn't see what the fuss was about, or feel much of an urge to want to read more. As you say Radiator, I think it's the dialogue that annoyed me most - there's absolutely zero attempt to have the characters talk as if they come from alien cultures. None of the nuance of Kingdom, say, or the future slang of Dredd. Instead you've got characters talking about downloading apps to their smartphone (ugh!) and the like - they all sound like present-day Americans.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 12:54:32 PM
Interesting.

Pretty much everyone I've spoken to says that the ASoIaF narrative peaks with A Storm of Swords then dramatically runs out of steam, and the books that follow are somewhat turgid and meandering, with few interesting characters to replace the interesting ones that have all ended up dead thus far. I've even read comments to the effect of people wondering how they're going to adapt the latter books into seasons of TV as there are so few 'big' dramatic moments to hang it on. Indeed, with the [spoiler]War of the Five Kings seemingly coming to an end[/spoiler], I'm struggling to see how they're going to maintain the thrust of the show post Season 4.

I haven't read any further than the first half of Storm of Swords myself - I found that reading ahead almost completely ruined the show for me. Now I've reverted to watching the show first, then reading the book after, that way reading the book is like experiencing a vastly expanded director's cut that fills in loads of backstory, and I can still enjoy both.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 06 February, 2014, 12:54:09 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 11:02:14 AM
I don't know what it is, but I just cannot stand Brian K Vaughn's writing...

Wish I could get into Saga, but I just hated it. Lovely art, though.

Nice to know I'm not the only one who doesn't get the overwhelming praise for Saga. I tried the first TPB, and while it was enjoyable I really didn't see what the fuss was about, or feel much of an urge to want to read more. As you say Radiator, I think it's the dialogue that annoyed me most - there's absolutely zero attempt to have the characters talk as if they come from alien cultures. None of the nuance of Kingdom, say, or the future slang of Dredd. Instead you've got characters talking about downloading apps to their smartphone (ugh!) and the like - they all sound like present-day Americans.

Yep. So many comics writers try and go for 'snarky' Whedon-esque dialogue, and it always reads stilted, forced and massively unconvincing to me. I even find with Whedon himself a little goes a long way. I couldn't stand Pride of Baghdad, so pretentious and patronising. It was like a really crap, unimaginitive take on We3 with all the animals speaking like American teenagers. It was utterly dire.

With Y the Last Man, I just never found the scenario or world-building remotely convincing, and agin the characters just grated on me. Vaughn seems like a writer who comes up with these great-sounding concepts, but the execution just stinks. Imo.

The whole thing with apps and smartphones in Saga just seemed silly and incongruous in that context, and there was a bit where the lead character says something like "You've never been so beautiful as you are now" to his girlfriend during childbirth. I mean, this is Sci Fi and all, but you still have to make dialogue at least vaguely ring true and sound like something someone would actually say. And it takes more than gratuitous nudity to make something 'mature' - Saga just seemed laughably juvenile and lightweight to me. It just made me cringe more than anything.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Recrewt on 06 February, 2014, 01:35:05 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 11:02:14 AM
The whole thing with apps and smartphones in Saga just seemed silly and incongruous in that context, and there was a bit where the lead character says something like "You've never been so beautiful as you are now" to his girlfriend during childbirth. I mean, this is Sci Fi and all, but you still have to make dialogue at least vaguely ring true and sound like something someone would actually say. And it takes more than gratuitous nudity to make something 'mature' - Saga just seemed laughably juvenile and lightweight to me. It just made me cringe more than anything.

I think the thing I enjoyed about Saga was that the dialogue was so real and current.  I'm not sure why every new Sci-fi story would need to develop a new language, keeping it current gives the characters a realistic feel and I didn't have any problems with them downloading apps.  Yes there is corny dialogue like "you have never been so beautiful" but isn't this balanced out with lines like " am I sh*tting, it feels like I'm sh*tting"?

There is a slight twilight teeny feel to it but there is enough life in the characters for me to forgive that.  And, as you say, the artwork is very good.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 February, 2014, 01:38:43 PM
I like Saga. Yes Brian's use of 'colourful' language is not exactly Shakespeare, but what I like about the series is the look and feel of the universe he has created. It feels like the bastard child of Star Wars and Game of Thrones. And the characters are another thing, for e.g, where else can you find an impotent robot prince with a TV for a head? Or a bounty hunter crossed with a spider and a beautiful armless woman? She'd give Aurra Sing a run for her money!  I remember when I first saw The Stalk in the first TPB (after an excellent build up) , I almost had a heart attack! There's something strangely beautiful about Fiona Staples' artwork and the way she renders the images. And one thing is certain, despite its flaws it's one hell of a page turner (like Y before it).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 06 February, 2014, 01:51:22 PM
I'm with Mabs Block- who you fighting with?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 06 February, 2014, 01:54:25 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 12:54:32 PM
I've even read comments to the effect of people wondering how they're going to adapt the latter books into seasons of TV as there are so few 'big' dramatic moments to hang it on. .

By cutting out all the ****ing meandering waffle that G.R.R.M can't help indulging in. Most of the big stuff next season will be at the Wall I reckon. They'll push Bran's story forward faster too, rather than forgetting about him for a time as the books do.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 01:57:33 PM
QuoteI think the thing I enjoyed about Saga was that the dialogue was so real and current.

But that's the thing -  it doesn't read remotely 'real' to me - either line you're referring to. I find it cringeworthy.

I could sort of see what they were going for - I could totally accept the stylistic choice of using anachronistic slang and tech in a sci-fi setting - if done competently, like what I imagine a Tarantino sci fi movie would be like, but it just didn't work for me.

Quotewhat I like about the series is the look and feel of the universe he has created. It feels like the bastard child of Star Wars and Game of Thrones. And the characters are another thing, for e.g, where else can you find an impotent robot prince with a TV for a head? Or a bounty hunter crossed with a spider and a beautiful armless woman?

See, all that just reinforces my belief that, much like another overhyped bore East of West, it's all just style over substance. Nothing you've said makes me remotely interested in it as a story. Game of Thrones is great because it marries masterful world-building to great characters and makes the fantastical feel believable. I feel like people are comparing Saga to Game of Thrones on the most superficial level imaginable - ie because it has swords and tits in it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 01:59:52 PM
QuoteBy cutting out all the ****ing meandering waffle that G.R.R.M can't help indulging in. Most of the big stuff next season will be at the Wall I reckon. They'll push Bran's story forward faster too, rather than forgetting about him for a time as the books do.

They've already said that they're planning seven seasons total for the TV series, so yeah it does sound like they're going to do a hell of a lot of revision and cutting going forwards - apparently [spoiler]Theon's storyline will be going into A Dance With Dragons territory in season 4.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 February, 2014, 02:11:45 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 06 February, 2014, 01:38:43 PM
And the characters are another thing, for e.g, where else can you find an impotent robot prince with a TV for a head? Or a bounty hunter crossed with a spider and a beautiful armless woman? She'd give Aurra Sing a run for her money!

If yoiu really have to ask that you're on the wrong forum, old chap.  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 06 February, 2014, 02:14:11 PM
Picked up Ocean yesterday so I be reading that in short order. Also ordered Global Frequency.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 02:20:56 PM
I haven't read Global Frequency in donkey's years, though I remember really enjoying it. It has a very 2000ad feel at parts, with the subject matter and Steve Dillon, Glen Fabry, Simon Bisley and others on the artwork.

It's probably pretty dated now, mind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 February, 2014, 02:23:41 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 01:57:33 PM

See, all that just reinforces my belief that, much like another overhyped bore East of West, it's all just style over substance. Nothing you've said makes me remotely interested in it as a story. Game of Thrones is great because it marries masterful world-building to great characters and makes the fantastical feel believable. I feel like people are comparing Saga to Game of Thrones on the most superficial level imaginable - ie because it has swords and tits in it.

I feel there's more to Saga than just 'tits and sword'. Saga also has great world building and interesting characters. One thing we have to remember is that we're more or less just 1/5 of the way into the story, there's bound to be more developments with more characters entering the fray or exiting it. For one, I think the introduction of the grandparents was a nice touch. If you you want great characters then for me, Hazel's grandfather Barr is one of them. The Will also seems like a complex character, we applaud him for rescuing the little girl Sophie from the clutches of her paedophile master, but he himself is also a monster, and on the trail of our protagonists. And the story continues to develope nicely esp. going on that terrific cliff-hanger ending at the end of Vol. 2.

Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 06 February, 2014, 02:11:45 PM
If yoiu really have to ask that you're on the wrong forum, old chap.  ;)

LOL. You're not wrong there, Dark Jimbo!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 06 February, 2014, 03:10:52 PM
Ocean was good - if it suddenly goes on a nosedive into action territory, that's not necessarily a bad thing despite bringing an abrupt end to the intrigue.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 February, 2014, 03:58:26 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 06 February, 2014, 03:10:52 PM
Ocean was good - if it suddenly goes on a nosedive into action territory, that's not necessarily a bad thing despite bringing an abrupt end to the intrigue.

Ellis originally wrote Ocean as a film script, hence the action. It could also explain why the main character looks like Denzel Washington! Personally I would love to have seen the film version, but the comic is not bad at all. In fact I really like it,  it had a really intriguing premise with some fun facts/ theories to discover about our solar system.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 06 February, 2014, 04:18:57 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 06 February, 2014, 03:58:26 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 06 February, 2014, 03:10:52 PM
Ocean was good - if it suddenly goes on a nosedive into action territory, that's not necessarily a bad thing despite bringing an abrupt end to the intrigue.

Ellis originally wrote Ocean as a film script, hence the action. It could also explain why the main character looks like Denzel Washington! Personally I would love to have seen the film version, but the comic is not bad at all. In fact I really like it,  it had a really intriguing premise with some fun facts/ theories to discover about our solar system.

Cool. I'm looking forward to getting into this weekend.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: soggy on 06 February, 2014, 05:59:40 PM
QuoteThey've already said that they're planning seven seasons total for the TV series, so yeah it does sound like they're going to do a hell of a lot of revision and cutting going forwards - apparently [spoiler]Theon's storyline will be going into A Dance With Dragons territory in season 4.[/spoiler]

But that will only leave 3 seasons to cover 4? books (provided George can actually rap up the story in 2 books). Admittedly there is plenty they could drop.

I wonder if they will "spoil" the next book by bringing forward the story of [spoiler]the youngest Stark child, whose name I forget[/spoiler] , a character who hasn't been seen since [spoiler]1998[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 06 February, 2014, 10:38:20 PM
Rickon.

I would not be bothered if they cut out about massive swathes of the last two books. That was basically one book expanded into two for a lot of new characters to needlessly prolong things anyway.
Title: Re: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 07 February, 2014, 09:04:35 AM
Quote from: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 06 February, 2014, 12:54:09 PM
Quote from: radiator on 06 February, 2014, 11:02:14 AM
I don't know what it is, but I just cannot stand Brian K Vaughn's writing...

Wish I could get into Saga, but I just hated it. Lovely art, though.

Nice to know I'm not the only one who doesn't get the overwhelming praise for Saga. I tried the first TPB, and while it was enjoyable I really didn't see what the fuss was about, or feel much of an urge to want to read more. As you say Radiator, I think it's the dialogue that annoyed me most - there's absolutely zero attempt to have the characters talk as if they come from alien cultures. None of the nuance of Kingdom, say, or the future slang of Dredd. Instead you've got characters talking about downloading apps to their smartphone (ugh!) and the like - they all sound like present-day Americans.

Yep. So many comics writers try and go for 'snarky' Whedon-esque dialogue, and it always reads stilted, forced and massively unconvincing to me. I even find with Whedon himself a little goes a long way. I couldn't stand Pride of Baghdad, so pretentious and patronising. It was like a really crap, unimaginitive take on We3 with all the animals speaking like American teenagers. It was utterly dire.

With Y the Last Man, I just never found the scenario or world-building remotely convincing, and agin the characters just grated on me. Vaughn seems like a writer who comes up with these great-sounding concepts, but the execution just stinks. Imo.

The whole thing with apps and smartphones in Saga just seemed silly and incongruous in that context, and there was a bit where the lead character says something like "You've never been so beautiful as you are now" to his girlfriend during childbirth. I mean, this is Sci Fi and all, but you still have to make dialogue at least vaguely ring true and sound like something someone would actually say. And it takes more than gratuitous nudity to make something 'mature' - Saga just seemed laughably juvenile and lightweight to me. It just made me cringe more than anything.

This is how I felt after an issue, read the first one thought "thats enough of that" and haven't touched any more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 07 February, 2014, 09:45:17 AM
Jeff Lemire's Essex county and Sweet tooth.

Essex is three different stories in a canadian commune. One about a lonely boy who feels he needs to dress up in a mask and cape, the second about a dying man who looks back at a life of hockey and loneliness and the third about a nurse with some story.

I really liked it, especially how it could make such small stories feel grand. And how everything connects towards the end. Great art and storytelling. Only thing I found a bit so'n'so was that some deaths where a bit too convient, felt like every character needed at least 1-2 deaths in the family. But it's not a biggie.

Sweet tooth plays out as if The road was about a tragic man who meets a boy with antlers on his head. Some plague is killing of mankind and children are being born with animal qualities (for example antlers, or a pig nose). And just as The road it's a very dark but still hearth warming story. And same as Lemire's Essex County it's him on art and the writing. Love it. Really hope it'll see some omnibus or hardcover treatment some day.

Can't recommend these two books enough. It's basically two stories about parenthood/childhood and how things easily repeats themselves, both good and bad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 February, 2014, 10:49:19 AM
I fall into middle ground with Saga. I enjoy it, pick up the trades because they offer good value, but don't think its the bees knees as others - many, many others - do. I do wonder if that affects my enjoyment of it, which would be daft, but I do wonder. The reason being whenever I'm reading it I ponder on what I'm missing to not think its the best thing since sliced bread and all that noise can be a distraction. Any aspect I don't particular enjoy and

QuoteAs you say Radiator, I think it's the dialogue that annoyed me most - there's absolutely zero attempt to have the characters talk as if they come from alien cultures. None of the nuance of Kingdom, say, or the future slang of Dredd.

this is defo one of them as I've mentioned here before, there all this lovely world building but everyone just chats with the sharp sassy dialogue of a good US drama, no seeming distinction between the vast array of cultures... anyway whenever I find I have such a problem I end up thinking

'Why don't people who laud this see that as well?'

Which is silly as I should just enjoy it on my own terms and when I do I get on with it fine. Its a good comic, not a great comics and for me only worth getting while the trades offer the value they do.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 07 February, 2014, 11:47:57 AM
Changing to subject before I massacre all who criticise Saga  :P I've recently picked up the first omnibus of a Franco-Spanish series which I think may become quite popular, called Blacksad.  Not sure if anyone here has heard of it but it's quite an interesting read, destined for greatness I believe, and I'm glad I started reading it before it became too popular [Hipster mode off].  Good art as well.

(The above post may contain traces of sarcasm  :) )
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 07 February, 2014, 12:10:46 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 06 February, 2014, 10:38:20 PM
Rickon.

I would not be bothered if they cut out about massive swathes of the last two books. That was basically one book expanded into two for a lot of new characters to needlessly prolong things anyway.

Yeah, I was wondering what happened to him!!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 07 February, 2014, 02:45:38 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 07 February, 2014, 10:49:19 AMI do wonder if that affects my enjoyment of it, which would be daft, but I do wonder. The reason being whenever I'm reading it I ponder on what I'm missing to not think its the best thing since sliced bread and all that noise can be a distraction. 

I'm in the same boat there, as I was enjoying Vaughan's perfectly fun superhero series Runaways until I had the misfortune of encountering its evangelical, whining and entitled online fanbase who declare everything the poor bastard's ever done to be an unappreciated masterpiece devoid of any kind of flaw whatsoever.  It was kind of downhill from there, as Vaughn's a bit of a sacred cow among comics fans and balanced evaluation is pretty hard to come by.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 07 February, 2014, 03:33:42 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 07 February, 2014, 09:04:35 AM
This is how I felt after an issue, read the first one thought "thats enough of that" and haven't touched any more.

That's a shame sheldipez. I'd at least read the first TPB, and if you don't like it then fine. It's really difficult to tell how a series might be just going on the first issue.

Quote from: Tombo on 07 February, 2014, 11:47:57 AM
Changing to subject before I massacre all who criticise Saga  :P I've recently picked up the first omnibus of a Franco-Spanish series which I think may become quite popular, called Blacksad.  Not sure if anyone here has heard of it but it's quite an interesting read, destined for greatness I believe, and I'm glad I started reading it before it became too popular [Hipster mode off].  Good art as well.

(The above post may contain traces of sarcasm  :) )

I love Blacksad. One of the best anthropomorphic comics I have read alongside Maus and Grandville. If you like the first book, then I highly recommend you check out the more recent one entitled 'A Silent Hell'. With a superb New Orleans setting, and another mystery for our brooding protagonist to investigate.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Recrewt on 07 February, 2014, 03:39:46 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 07 February, 2014, 10:49:19 AMI do wonder if that affects my enjoyment of it, which would be daft, but I do wonder. The reason being whenever I'm reading it I ponder on what I'm missing to not think its the best thing since sliced bread and all that noise can be a distraction. 

It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks or says about a comic though does it?  The only person to worry about is yourself.  So, I like Saga, Radiator doesn't and you are somewhere in the middle.  You are not missing anything, you just don't like it to the extent that others do. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 07 February, 2014, 03:52:15 PM
I'm planning on getting "A Silent Hell" next payday.  It was really a spur of the moment thing when I bought the first omnibus, I was just mooching around Amazon when it brought it up as one of those "People who bought "I love Trouble" also bought..." things and noticed it was only a couple of quid more expensive than one of the single volumes.

I'll wait for Amarillo to be translated rather than try to learn French though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 February, 2014, 07:54:59 PM
Quote from: Recrewt on 07 February, 2014, 03:39:46 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 07 February, 2014, 10:49:19 AMI do wonder if that affects my enjoyment of it, which would be daft, but I do wonder. The reason being whenever I'm reading it I ponder on what I'm missing to not think its the best thing since sliced bread and all that noise can be a distraction. 

It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks or says about a comic though does it?  The only person to worry about is yourself.  So, I like Saga, Radiator doesn't and you are somewhere in the middle.  You are not missing anything, you just don't like it to the extent that others do.

Oh yeah defo agree, that's why I said it was daft, doesn't stop it being there alas but you are entirely right it really shouldn't be!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 February, 2014, 08:11:55 PM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 07 February, 2014, 02:45:38 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 07 February, 2014, 10:49:19 AMI do wonder if that affects my enjoyment of it, which would be daft, but I do wonder. The reason being whenever I'm reading it I ponder on what I'm missing to not think its the best thing since sliced bread and all that noise can be a distraction. 

I'm in the same boat there...

Mmmm, that boat is getting quite crowded.  Saga is okay, and it's certainly pleasantly different which is always welcome, but for many of the reasons outlined upthread, I find it disappointing.  See also: Unwritten.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2014, 10:22:51 PM
I really enjoy Unwritten. But only whilst its laid out in front of me. Doesn't keep me waiting on tenterhooks so unless I have all of it I am not so blown away by any of it. However the artwork is very, very nice.

Currently reading Harlan Ellison's Dangerous Visions. Forgot about my ereader after finishing Locke Lamora.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 07 February, 2014, 10:48:06 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 07 February, 2014, 09:45:17 AM
Jeff Lemire's Essex county and Sweet tooth.

Essex is three different stories in a canadian commune. One about a lonely boy who feels he needs to dress up in a mask and cape, the second about a dying man who looks back at a life of hockey and loneliness and the third about a nurse with some story.

I really liked it, especially how it could make such small stories feel grand. And how everything connects towards the end. Great art and storytelling. Only thing I found a bit so'n'so was that some deaths where a bit too convient, felt like every character needed at least 1-2 deaths in the family. But it's not a biggie.

Sweet tooth plays out as if The road was about a tragic man who meets a boy with antlers on his head. Some plague is killing of mankind and children are being born with animal qualities (for example antlers, or a pig nose). And just as The road it's a very dark but still hearth warming story. And same as Lemire's Essex County it's him on art and the writing. Love it. Really hope it'll see some omnibus or hardcover treatment some day.

Can't recommend these two books enough. It's basically two stories about parenthood/childhood and how things easily repeats themselves, both good and bad.

I loved Lemire's Underwater Welder, and I've read vol 2 of Sweet tooth - must track down the rest of it, as it was a fascinating concept and a really moving story. I'd not heard of Essex County, but I'll keep my eyes open for it.

Another vote for Blacksad - If Grandville is anthropormorphic Steampunk Sherlock Holmes, Blacksad is the noir detective version. Both are bloody brilliant. However, there's a French book that Talbot cites as an influence (That I can;t bloody remember right now) that didn't do anything for me at all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 07 February, 2014, 10:57:34 PM
Really want to get my face around Blacksad it looks marvellous but I missed an opportunity to get the first 'un for cheap a few years ago and I've lapsed in my efforts to attain it.

Broadcast: The TV Doodles of Henry Flint (Markosia)
(http://www.markosia.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/broadcast_COV_120dpi_RGB-202x300.jpg)

Markosia's astounding collection of Henry Flint's nonsense scribbling is an absolute must-buy. Cy Dethan's well-judged commentary is fluidly constructed and self-aware enough to avoid coming across as purely sycophantic or overly leading and Sharman's stark design is wisely unobtrusive and lets the doodles speak for themselves. Really though the star of the show is Flint - one of the most visually striking British artists and easily one of the brightest talents from the already-blinding pages of 2000ad. His transcendentally cluttered inky confusions are appealing in the extreme - even the most abstract having some small anchor into logic that makes them instantly accessible and endlessly absorbing. His collaborations with his daughter Rosalie are a delightful highlight - but the whole book is outrageously good. Markosia have done a grand thing putting this out and it's the pride of my bookshelf. Just knowing that at this very moment Flint is likely drawing up a storm somewhere makes me absurdly happy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 07 February, 2014, 10:58:56 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2014, 10:22:51 PM
Currently reading Harlan Ellison's Dangerous Visions.

It's great isn't it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 07 February, 2014, 11:13:14 PM
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 07 February, 2014, 10:57:34 PM
Really want to get my face around Blacksad it looks marvellous but I missed an opportunity to get the first 'un for cheap a few years ago and I've lapsed in my efforts to attain it.
check out your library -(that's where I got it from). It's one of those books that tends to get chosen over most comic books because it's French and has won awards.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 07 February, 2014, 11:26:42 PM
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 07 February, 2014, 10:57:34 PM
Really want to get my face around Blacksad it looks marvellous but I missed an opportunity to get the first 'un for cheap a few years ago and I've lapsed in my efforts to attain it.

The omnibus with the first three books is only £15.75 on Amazon at the moment.  It's a lovely oversized hardback, and it is indeed marvellous to look at.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 February, 2014, 08:44:16 PM
I've never actually read either Death: Boyhood of a Super Fiend or My Name is Death. So i've ordered the US trade in the absence of a UK edition of either.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 08 February, 2014, 09:01:49 PM
Read Mark Gestons Lords of the Starship during the week. Jesus that has to be the most depressing Sci Fi novel I've ever read; and I've read a few in my time. Highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 08 February, 2014, 09:19:33 PM
Just finished 'The Stars my Destination' by Alfred Bester - hugely entertaining and imaginative and bursting with energy. There are so many classics like this that I haven't read yet and, if this book is anything to go by, I've got some cracking reads still to come!

I'm also slogging my way through 'The Grand Chessboard' by Zbigniew Brjinski (sp? - can't be arsed checking), which is a U.S. book about geopolitics. It's fascinating how the author thinks of Europe. France, he says, desires reincarnation through an independent and (French) cultured European Union; Germany desires absolution through a globally integrated and (Germanically) efficient European Union. Britain desires neither of these visions and so continues to do what it always has done in Europe - foster enough dissent to keep everyone at each other's throats so that neither vision can take hold. Gripping stuff zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 08 February, 2014, 09:39:33 PM
Snarky some of that 50's - 70's stuff is amazing. I read a lot of Norman Spinnards stuff from early 70's recently: Agent of Chaos; The Men in the Jungle; Bug Jack Barron and The Iron Dream. All fantastic reads, The Iron Dream in particular - an alternate history wherein Adolf Hitler emmegrates to the USA and becomes a hack Sci Fi writer. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 February, 2014, 10:43:15 PM
Is that the one otherwise known as Tiger Tiger? Cracking read. The Demolished Man is another good one from Bester
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 08 February, 2014, 10:58:57 PM
Sorry to jaunte back into this thread, yes same novel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 09 February, 2014, 08:20:22 AM
Avengers Forever Part 2 from Marvel ' s Ultimate Graphic Novels Collection.

I wasn't too keen on the first one very much to do be honest so I had second thoughts about getting this. On the other hand the first volume was readable, and I don't really like keep leaving a story half told. So I went ahead.

Still early days yet, but I'm actually quite enjoying it! [spoiler]An interesting twist involving one of the characters has helped in that regard.[/spoiler] Not sure I will ever consider it the classic many do but I think it helps if you're a major Avengers fan acquainted with their previous history. Not that this isn't accessible for others like me: in fact all the books in this collection are pretty accessible purely on their own terms. That's one of the great things about this series. But I imagine long term fans will get something extra.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 09 February, 2014, 01:37:38 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 08 February, 2014, 09:19:33 PM
Just finished 'The Stars my Destination' by Alfred Bester - hugely entertaining and imaginative and bursting with energy. There are so many classics like this that I haven't read yet and, if this book is anything to go by, I've got some cracking reads still to come!

Be sure to check out The Demolished Man by Bester as well, which won the very first Hugo award in 1953.

Edit: Ack. Blaze beat me to the recommendation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 09 February, 2014, 01:47:29 PM
Thanks for the suggestion, it's on the list!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 09 February, 2014, 01:50:57 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 07 February, 2014, 10:48:06 PM
I loved Lemire's Underwater Welder, and I've read vol 2 of Sweet tooth - must track down the rest of it, as it was a fascinating concept and a really moving story. I'd not heard of Essex County, but I'll keep my eyes open for it.

Welder is also a great story. Prob. my fav. by Lemire together with Essex this far.

I'm looking forward to see how he finishes his latest story "Trillium". I'm reading some stuff digitally, and Trillium is a bit hard to read that way due to pages being upside down at times. As many other Vertigo books, it'll probably be best read in trade form.

And about Vertigo. Just re-read what probably is my fav. comic ever, 100Bullets. The five Deluxe books.

Took me the whole weekend to get through it's 2200 pages, and even if I'v already read each page 10 times already I still find new stuff about the story and the characters. The details and questions are all over the place in the book, and half the fun is combining them into new ones or answers. It's trippy saga of consequence free revenge reads like a mix between The Wire and the X-files (minus the alien or supernatural stuff) if written by Haruki Murakami.

If Sin city (I only like the first story of those) is noir on steroids then 100Bullets is noir on LSD.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 09 February, 2014, 05:59:02 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 09 February, 2014, 01:50:57 PM
And about Vertigo. Just re-read what probably is my fav. comic ever, 100Bullets. The five Deluxe books.

Anyone read 100 Bullets: Brother Lono yet?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 09 February, 2014, 06:07:27 PM
Quote from: ZenArcade on 08 February, 2014, 09:39:33 PM
Snarky some of that 50's - 70's stuff is amazing. I read a lot of Norman Spinnards stuff from early 70's recently: Agent of Chaos; The Men in the Jungle; Bug Jack Barron and The Iron Dream. All fantastic reads, The Iron Dream in particular - an alternate history wherein Adolf Hitler emmegrates to the USA and becomes a hack Sci Fi writer. :thumbsup:

Did you know The Iron Dream was on the recommended reading list of the American Nazi Party? For prople who haven't read the book yet, don't worry, read it and see why it that fact is pretty funny.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 09 February, 2014, 06:29:37 PM
Oh without a doubt. A layered piece if nothing else. For all you guys interested in Beater try and get his short story collection 'The Dark Side of the Earth.'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 09 February, 2014, 06:30:55 PM
Again apologies for the predictive text: Bester not beater!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 09 February, 2014, 06:33:44 PM
The list expands! Thanks, guys :)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 09 February, 2014, 07:23:14 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 09 February, 2014, 05:59:02 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 09 February, 2014, 01:50:57 PM
And about Vertigo. Just re-read what probably is my fav. comic ever, 100Bullets. The five Deluxe books.

Anyone read 100 Bullets: Brother Lono yet?

At it. You?

I'm quite enjoying it. Has a more grounded feel to it than most 100Bullets stories. Can't wait to see how it ends the 26th this February!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 10 February, 2014, 07:59:02 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 09 February, 2014, 07:23:14 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 09 February, 2014, 05:59:02 PM
Anyone read 100 Bullets: Brother Lono yet?

At it. You?

I'm quite enjoying it. Has a more grounded feel to it than most 100Bullets stories. Can't wait to see how it ends the 26th this February!

I'm waiting for the trade...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 10 February, 2014, 08:28:53 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 09 February, 2014, 01:50:57 PM
II'm looking forward to see how he finishes his latest story "Trillium". I'm reading some stuff digitally, and Trillium is a bit hard to read that way due to pages being upside down at times. As many other Vertigo books, it'll probably be best read in trade form

You're not wrong there, every time I read an issue its like I'm driving a car the way my hands have to twist round all the time.  Good read though if a little dense at times.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 11 February, 2014, 06:50:58 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 10 February, 2014, 07:59:02 PM

I'm waiting for the trade...

Best way of reading most of Azzarello's books. Know those who hate the issues of his Wonder Woman but heil the trades.

Quote from: Tombo on 10 February, 2014, 08:28:53 PM

You're not wrong there, every time I read an issue its like I'm driving a car the way my hands have to twist round all the time.  Good read though if a little dense at times.

I hope the way it's read will make more sense once it's finished. Some reason why some of it is upsidedown, instead of just being a reader gimmick.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 11 February, 2014, 08:01:46 PM
Just finished "Sati" by Christopher Pike.

I had no idea what it was about when I started reading - a friend downloaded a shedfull of classic sci-fi and fantasy pdfs for me and this was in amongst them. To be honest, I thought it was going to be a book from the first half of the 20th Century and that the author's name had been homaged by Gene Roddenberry as the second captain of the Enterprise (in the same way that JMS homaged Alfred Bester's name in Babylon 5), but it wasn't. There were no aliens, no space ships or lasers; no elves or dragons or orcs or portals to other dimensions.

The story is a quite simple one, at least on the surface. A truck driver picks up a young woman, Sati, and takes her back to his apartment to sleep on his couch. Sati then tells the truck driver and his friends that she is God and that she has come to Earth not as a prophet or a teacher but simply to play.

Although there is very little action to speak of I found this novel to be riveting. It explores subjects such as religion and faith without actually talking about religion or faith very much.

Thing is, there is a lot in this book that I have pondered myself and several times whilst reading it I felt a not unpleasant shiver down my spine, alomost as if Sati herself was reading with me, over my shoulder. Anyone who's been reading The Political Thread will know that I'm in a bit of a weird place at the moment and this book has really helped me to think, relax and even maybe understand myself and my life a little better.

Of course, I'm not claiming any Divine influence or mystic tides have led me to this book but nevertheless it has come to me at precisely the right time in my life to be a great help. Wow - I got tingles!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 11 February, 2014, 11:18:23 PM
Chew is simply getting better and better. Gonna be really sad when it finishes. Still, there's another Poyo special on its way!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 12 February, 2014, 05:25:43 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 11 February, 2014, 11:18:23 PM
Chew is simply getting better and better. Gonna be really sad when it finishes. Still, there's another Poyo special on its way!

I've had the first 'Chew' trade in the stack on my bedside locker for over a year- tonight's the night.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 13 February, 2014, 04:00:27 PM
I picked up the recently released paperback copy of Batman Judge Dredd Collection from my library. I've never read this particular crossover so looking forward to it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 February, 2014, 07:17:40 PM
Just started Baxter's Proxima.  I like the way he explores the same rough scenario in different ways in successive novels. Here we have another colonising voyage tin a twin-hulled craft, not dissimilar to the central journey in Ark.  So far it's good fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 13 February, 2014, 11:02:23 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 13 February, 2014, 04:00:27 PM
I picked up the recently released paperback copy of Batman Judge Dredd Collection from my library. I've never read this particular crossover so looking forward to it!

Those may have been my first real exposure to Dredd. Judgement in Gotham I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 14 February, 2014, 12:11:14 AM
TordelBack, I loved Baxter for his musings on my favourite topic (bar the enthropic dissolution of the universe) the Fermi Paradox. I still don't think he quite nailed it down, but it was an interesting couple of novels. Z
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 14 February, 2014, 02:00:49 PM
I'm about 70 pages in Peter F Hamilton's The Reality Dysfunction, interesting start.  I've exhausted all Banks stuff and need to find some nice Sci-Fi to pass the time, I like the sound of the blurb and this guy has lots of books out so he must be good, at least that's what I figure.
This looks like number 1 in a series and it's friken massive so should last a while but anyone suggest similar authors I could try next?  I've only just started to read the Harder Sci-fi stuff (Fantasy is generally more my thing) and loved every single Culture book  I read and wouldn't mind something along similar lines.

Cu Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 14 February, 2014, 02:04:56 PM
You've already found Hamilton so I'd go with Alastair Reynolds. His Revelation Space books are a must. Start with Revelation Space. You also might consider Neal Asher, he's written quite a few.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 14 February, 2014, 02:16:06 PM
For the type of Sci fi you want also try Vernor Vinge. His books about an old greek concept (the further you move from mass/matter the more free you become) is facinating when translated into a galaxy-wide delineation of space itself. The first book A Fire Upon the Deep is staggering in its scale, detail and the sheer joy the author has in the telling. Z
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 February, 2014, 03:50:59 PM
Quote from: ZenArcade on 14 February, 2014, 02:16:06 PM
For the type of Sci fi you want also try Vernor Vinge. His books about an old greek concept (the further you move from mass/matter the more free you become) is facinating when translated into a galaxy-wide delineation of space itself. The first book A Fire Upon the Deep is staggering in its scale, detail and the sheer joy the author has in the telling. Z

Yeah, A Fire Upon the Deep is superb, and its prequel A Deepness in the Sky is a classic first contact novel which I possibly enjoyed even more.  However, the sequel The Children of the Sky seemed a bit flabby and low on new concepts.  Still a good read, mind.

I also really enjoyed the slightly dated-feeling Across Realtime, but what you really shouldn't miss is The Collected Stories of...  A great and important collection.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 14 February, 2014, 04:51:05 PM
The collected stories is on reflection the best place to start, some great stuff, the blabber in particular. Z
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 14 February, 2014, 04:52:58 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 14 February, 2014, 02:00:49 PM...anyone suggest similar authors I could try next?  I've only just started to read the Harder Sci-fi stuff (Fantasy is generally more my thing) and loved every single Culture book  I read and wouldn't mind something along similar lines.

Cu Radbacker

How about Dan Simmons' Hyperion / Endymion works?  Available as two omnibus editions collecting two books each - Hyperion weighs in at 779 pages and Endymion at 992 so they're fairly weighty but the pages fly by, honest.

Meanwhile, I'm rereading Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold; I read this years ago and have no recollection of it whatsoever, other than I really enjoyed it...  Gah!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 14 February, 2014, 05:05:15 PM
 :thumbsup:Dan Simmons what a writer. There is some great hard Sci Fi about. A lot of crap as well: my main bugbear being the destruction of Frank Herbert's Dune by those two talentless b*****ds!!!.
Anything set out by the posters here is top line intelligent writing. Z
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 14 February, 2014, 05:13:18 PM
I may as well give Philip Palmer a mention while I'm at it.  Someone here pointed me at Red Claw and I followed that with Version 43, Hell Ship and Artemis, all of which I'll happily read again at some point (and I actually remember what happened in those).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Judge Brian on 14 February, 2014, 09:03:56 PM
Quote from: ming on 14 February, 2014, 04:52:58 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 14 February, 2014, 02:00:49 PM...anyone suggest similar authors I could try next?  I've only just started to read the Harder Sci-fi stuff (Fantasy is generally more my thing) and loved every single Culture book  I read and wouldn't mind something along similar lines.

Cu Radbacker

How about Dan Simmons' Hyperion / Endymion works?  Available as two omnibus editions collecting two books each - Hyperion weighs in at 779 pages and Endymion at 992 so they're fairly weighty but the pages fly by, honest.

Meanwhile, I'm rereading Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold; I read this years ago and have no recollection of it whatsoever, other than I really enjoyed it...  Gah!

Hyperion is great, but Endymion sucks. Truth be told, I didn't like the Fall of Hyperion nearly as much as I liked Hyperion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 15 February, 2014, 07:40:35 AM
thanks for the suggestions guys, quite a few of those down the local book shop.  See how long it takes me to read this monstrous tome then I think I'll try something else, a nice read so far but a tad dry and lacking the humour in Banks stuff, some of his passages were really laugh out loud stuff.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 15 February, 2014, 09:48:22 AM
Radbacker, some of the ship names are fantastic: 'Pure Big Bad Boat Man' and 'Lightly Seared on the Reality Grill' to name but 2 of many. I also love the discourses between the usually pretty messed up protagonists an  the prim, rational drones.
Peter Hamiltion probably isn't the best choice to pick up after Banks (boy how I'm going to miss a great new book every 2 years or so). Hamilton is form the school of 'more is better', he lacks the honing ability of others mentioned on the thread.
If you want a bit of a laugh read who goes here by Bob Shaw (also sadly departed).Z
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 15 February, 2014, 10:57:41 AM
Not much laughs in Alastair Reynolds. Extremely good hard SF however. Particularly love Chasm City's noir-tinged mission of revenge across centuries and lightyears
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 15 February, 2014, 06:30:23 PM
The hardback collection of the Thunderbirds comics. Found it in a garden centre for £10.

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y267/albion79uk/16c2a09f59698f900ac836722f600103_zps40e85674.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 16 February, 2014, 12:19:21 PM
I'm reading two comic collections  with 'America' in the title. Judge Dredd: America and Captain America: The New Deal.

Both very different stories but having something in common. They both feature mature writing dealing with the American Dream or the loss of it. The first is a reread. The latter I'm reading for the first time and so far I'm liking it a lot although the patriotism is a bit heavy handed sometimes. Marvel dealing with 9/11. Brave of them.

So far I've found America the better read (some of the stuff in The New Deal reminds me of something from a Michael Bay film. Kinda cringey. ). Just finished the second story in the volume: Fading of the Light. Wow. Heart rending stuff. While I remember that last time, and I don't remembering it affecting me as much. Mind you, I seem to be getting more emotional as I get older. Big girls blouse that I am.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 16 February, 2014, 01:51:22 PM
If you can ever pick up Uncle Sam, a vertigo comic about the camply patriotic superhero character in the real world, I'd recommend it. Not subtle but beautifully illustrated by Alex ross.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 16 February, 2014, 04:36:33 PM
Started on Age of Reptiles and honestly don't know what to make of it. On the one hand, it's a lovely drawn silent (sort of comic) and I love me some Dinosaurs. OTOH, it's not aged well. But I get the feeling it was never supposed to be a realistic depiction of Archosaurion life anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 February, 2014, 09:29:35 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 16 February, 2014, 04:36:33 PM
Started on Age of Reptiles and honestly don't know what to make of it. ...it's not aged well....

Well it has been tens of millions of years!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 16 February, 2014, 09:46:19 PM
70 Million. ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 16 February, 2014, 09:52:42 PM
Hmmm, (he says stroking his chin in an irritating Mr Logic way from Viz), wasn't the K-T boundary 65 mya?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 16 February, 2014, 10:04:29 PM
In rough numbers yes but the majority of Age of Reptiles is set 5 million years before then. Though this doesnt explain why we see Sauropods in a North American connifer forrest....during the late Cretacious.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 16 February, 2014, 10:37:40 PM
Yep, I read somewhere that dwarf sauropods lasted right to the end, and were fairly common through the Americas.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 16 February, 2014, 10:50:08 PM
Islend dwarf Titanosaurus in the fragmented European land mass maybe but in North America they where driven to extinction by over competition from grazers, predominently a dozen geni of Hadrosaur. I believe Alamosaurus was the only one and it only endured due to it's extreme size and (hypophesised) ruminent temprement.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 16 February, 2014, 10:57:20 PM
Think you're right, if memory serves that was an island somewhere near where Germany is now. It is a fascinating topic an  I had a fairly healthy interest in it a few years ago.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 17 February, 2014, 06:55:27 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 16 February, 2014, 12:19:21 PM
Just finished the second story in the volume: Fading of the Light. Wow. Heart rending stuff. While I remember that last time, and I don't remembering it affecting me as much. Mind you, I seem to be getting more emotional as I get older. Big girls blouse that I am.

i think fading the light is a bit undertated. while the concept behind Ami's birth is quite discusting, it somewhat feels logical to benny's cowardness and obsession of putting things right. it works since the book doesnt rationalise it. and it's ending is almost tear inducing, which cadet builds upon very nicely. just hope more will be done with judge beeny than being a judge who's good at her job.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 February, 2014, 08:41:14 AM
And that little debate about the correctness or otherwise of the beasties shown in Age of Reptiles (which on a side note I personally absolutely love) Is exactly why I lacked the courage of my convictions and hedged me bets by saying tens of millions!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 February, 2014, 01:50:05 PM
Well there are many more inaccuracies to boot (Ceratopsians jousting is now largely considered dismissed outside of Triceratops). But I can over look the obvious (Therapoda had feathers dammit!) due to the age of the comic. It's a remarkable documentation of their life though that I find rather enjoyable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 17 February, 2014, 01:53:52 PM
Haven't read it, sounds interesting, must look it up. Z
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 February, 2014, 02:18:12 PM
I have no objectivity concerning that first Age of Reptiles series. I read it as a 8 or 9 year old, serialised as a back-up strip in the Jurassic Park comic, and it was pretty much the best thing I'd ever seen. I lost hours (days?) of my young life poring over those drawings. I got the Dark Horse omnibus last year and it's lost nothing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judda fett on 17 February, 2014, 02:21:29 PM
I just received delivery of Doctor Who Dragon's Claw which is a panini collection. I got it for the reprint of Junkyard Demon with art by Mick McMahon, large size and B/W as originally presented. Very happy with it and loads of lovely Dave Gibbons art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 17 February, 2014, 02:38:17 PM
Ok 2 good recommends and it's done as a collection by Dark Horse. I'm there dudes!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 17 February, 2014, 02:53:40 PM
I have to admit that I've never heard of Age of Reptiles before but it's now been moved to the top of my wishlist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 February, 2014, 03:10:59 PM
Despite all my childish whinging I can testify that the first book of AoR is indeed very good. It's of it's time though im sure someone with a lower zoological pedant meter than my own will find it more timeless thann I. :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 February, 2014, 03:17:07 PM
A panel from AoR:

(http://photos1.blogger.com/img/225/3516/1024/AgeReptilesTribalArt01.jpg)

There are three series collected in the omnibus and the first (from which this taken) is aces. For me it's a bit of a case of diminishing returns after that as the art increasingly heads away from the hyper-detail above to a looser, cleaner style and the narratives have a bit less focus and have fewer clearly defined 'characters' (but ColinYWA and Tordelback disagree with me on that, so you might too).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 February, 2014, 05:12:34 PM
Prophet Vol. 3: Brothers.

An awesome series, one of my favourite titles right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 February, 2014, 05:35:34 PM
Oops, I meant to say Empire...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 23 February, 2014, 06:15:51 PM
Brit by Robert Kirkman, drawn by Tony Moore & Cliff Rathburn, coloured by Val Staples. Lighthearted although extremely bloody, and good fun. Brit is an invulnerable super soldier who owns a strip club and saves the world from all kinds of monsters and aliens. Don't go looking for ineternal world-consistency opr any deep meaning, just enjoy the punching and quipping.

Also, finally got around to We3 byGrant Morrison and Frank Quitely - I can see how this attracted so much praise it's a great little story. The art, while being as good as you'd expect from FQ, occasionally tries to be a little too clever for its own good sacrificing clarity for style; but overall I'd definitely recommend it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GrinningChimera on 24 February, 2014, 06:26:36 AM
I just finished reading all of the collected SinDex books. Which sucks because I was really enjoying them. Same with Transmetropolitan

With that said, is there anything anyone can recommend I look at next that has a similar kind of world as those? Otherwise reality might start seeping back into my life, and I wouldn't want that happening.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 25 February, 2014, 10:46:53 AM
I was aware of the name Karel Capek, but never been inspired to seek out any of his work. I stumbled across The Absolute at Large in an old anthology and now I'm kicking myself for this lapse.

It's a [lazy national stereotyping alert] Kafkaesque take on a Man in the White Suit style satire with a rich vein of dry wit running through it. The basic premise is that an engineer has invented a machine capable of completely breaking down matter and releasing all the energy contained within. This is set to revolutionise industry except it turns out that God really is present in everything and breaking the bonds of matter just releases bits of him/it. With hilarious consequences which Capek chases down some pretty interesting and entertaining avenues.

I know it doesn't make sense as it's just imagination in search of a suitable metaphor and unconstrained by chains of what we did invent, but I'm always inordinately impressed with things like this or We, where the technological aspect of the story (obviously the least important) is treated in a sufficiently abstract way that it doesn't really seem dated to a new reader a century later.

The intro does indicate that this was heavily edited for this edition but I will definitely be on the lookout for more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 25 February, 2014, 11:11:55 AM
The English translation of Metro 2034 was finally released last week, so been reading that. Catching up with the return of Hunter at the moment. I don't know if anyone has read the original Metro 2033, but it's a great claustrophobic, apocalyptic, sci-fi, horror novel. I just made that sub genre up  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 25 February, 2014, 01:27:38 PM
After months of not reading anything at all, no books, no comics, no cereal packets, no nothing, in the last couple of weeks I've
caught up with over a year's worth of the prog and the meg, the last four months of walking dead and superior spidey, swamp thing and long john silver volume four.

I'm sitting here at work with kingdom vols one and two to read this afternoon and have a hot date with a a comfy sofa and Arthur c Clarke when I get home tonight. Thank fuck for anti-depressants!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 25 February, 2014, 02:08:49 PM
I think the prog counts as an anti depressant
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 25 February, 2014, 09:31:17 PM
As we near the end of February, I thought I'd briefly retrospective everything I've read so far this year;

Mr Pye - Well it ain't Gormenghast, but then, what is? Once you stop expecting anything of that ilk from Mr Peake, this is a lovely little fable that's quite unlike anything else I've ever read (perhaps more like Gormenghats than I thought, then). Also very, very funny.

Tarzan of the Apes - My first jaunt with Mr Burroughs. I've never had any particular interest in his most famous character, so was surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It's also surprising how little I actually knew his story (as opposed to thinking I knew it inside out, given the pop-culture saturation Tarzan's had last century.) There's an awful lot to like here, and I can easily see why this book spawned so many sequels. Will definately seek out some of those. Burroughs may not be much of a prose stylist, but he's one hell of a storyteller.

The Death of Grass - Absolutely top class British post-apocalypse action. It has something of a slow start but once the inevitable happens and society crumbles the situation goes downhill so rapidly the whole thing's pretty breathless. And by Jove is it bleak at times! The reserved, stiff-upper-lip prose and attitudes of the characters wrongfoots you into expecting something from the 'cosy catastrophe' end of the genre, and then the book wows you at every turn wih just how ruthlessly pragmatic the new status quo is. Recommended.

Judge Dredd Restricted Files 3 - Surprisingly good overall for what should be a collection of filler material. Maybe even edges it over RF2. Some real little gems in there that I'd never really heard of before, and nice to see Walter for the first time since Necropolis, although Pete Milligan/Shaky Kane's effort was one almighty WTF moment.

Judge Dredd: The Taxidermist - Very enjoyable slice-of-life-in-the-Meg tales, although Return of the Taxidermist is truly something special. One of the very best Dreddworld tales I have ever read.

Judge Dredd: Mechanismo - Ultimately a little too open-ended (I suppose that won't be a problem once I've picked up Case Files 21) but an enjoyable little saga. Nice to finally see what the Mechanismo did that was so terrible. The first installment was undeniably the best (helped in large part by Colin Macneil's luscious, luscious art). Some cracking lines, too, as when Dredd is informed while arresting a perp that the robot judges have gone haywire again. Dredd - 'That old Mechanismo working overtime again!' Perp - 'I can't help the way I am, judge! I got hormones!'

BPRD: Pickens County Horror - A bit of an odds and sods collection, but of pretty high quality overall. James Harren is an almighty, almighty talent, to the extent that I'm no longer missing Guy Davis. Still felt a bit lightweight; I'm looking forward to getting back to the main thrust of the story next book.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 25 February, 2014, 09:55:04 PM
Just started Planet Hulk. I meant to pick it up as part of the Marvel Ultimate GN collection where it appears as two volumes, and while part of me would love to own that version (they're lovely books) I opted for the paperback omnibus. So much cheaper. Still quite a bit more than I could have got it online, (I got this at my local Comic shop as a bit if a whim) but value nonetheless. Quite a heat volume.

Just started so it's too early to tell if it'll be an good. I read the follow up book (I think it was World War Hulk) which was interesting. The artwork is lovely so far though. I noticed this version of Hulk seems brighter and doesn't turn back into Banner although he still has his anger issues, and to put it mildly. Curious as to hiw/why that happened . No doubt the reason is given in a previous arc.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 26 February, 2014, 08:31:01 AM
I think World War Hulk is a decent three star book, Planet Hulk is without a doubt a five star epic though! The paperback version is superior IMO, there's a whole lot of extras in there worth a look.

Quote from: Mardroid on 25 February, 2014, 09:55:04 PM
Just started so it's too early to tell if it'll be an good. I read the follow up book (I think it was World War Hulk) which was interesting. The artwork is lovely so far though. I noticed this version of Hulk seems brighter and doesn't turn back into Banner although he still has his anger issues, and to put it mildly. Curious as to hiw/why that happened . No doubt the reason is given in a previous arc.

I think some of the keeping in Hulk form is due to the rage felt by aftermath of prelude to Planet Hulk, the whole "here Hulk we need you go into space and fix this, oh wait no we don't we're blasting you off as you're too strong, bye!" pissed him off too much and even before being booted into space Banner wasn't in a good position, he was living in the middle of nowhere in his depressed state. The Hulk persona becomes dominant for this arc but does allow a certain character to "see" what he is inside but there's enough stuff throughout the entire Planet Hulk saga to keep Hulk permanently enraged.

The more intelligent Hulk is something that has been about for some years now and does continue after this arc to present; Hulk even goes far as to make a deal with Doom in Jason Aaron's run (before the current Indestructible Hulk Marvel NOW title) to split him from Banner (a nice role reversal).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 28 February, 2014, 06:41:03 AM
Read The From Hell Companion by Eddie Campbell and Alan Moore last night. From Hell is one of my favourite books and it's companion is not only good with it but also on it's own. Love how Campbell discusses the scripts of Alan. A very good insight in how to create a story!

And this morning by the same Alan Moore and his pardn'r Kevin O'Neil Nemo: Roses of Berlin (Avaible on comixology now!). The story takes in place in Berlin where Jenny Nemo got some serious business to take care of, as in personal. Just as the first Nemo book it's a bit short, but I think it does a great job expanding on stuff mentioned in the previous LoEG books and of course/especially Nemo: Heart of ice, a book that almost left me speptical but Roses of Berlin not only makes it better it also left me wanting more! Looking forward to Nemo: Roses of Berlin as HC in April, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century collected as HC this summer and Nemo: River of ghosts when it's finished  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Charlie boy on 03 March, 2014, 08:01:01 AM
Just finished Sean Howe's Marvel Comics- The Untold Story. A fascinating little read on the ever rising and falling and rising and falling and rising of Marvel over the years, from origins to present with plenty on who was sniping for who during all the crucial events. Apparently Beach Boy Dennis Wilson was almost the first onscreen Silver Surfer!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 06 March, 2014, 06:47:43 PM
I recently purchased Hellblazer - Original Sins and started reading it - taking a break from my big re-read of my 2000AD collection.  So far I am enjoying it.

I also recently purchased the first volume TP of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing, several of Alan Grant's run on DC's The Demon and some of Dark Horse's Terminator comics from the early 90's.  Really excited about all these purchases.

Alongside these I am still reading Dune Messiah intermittently - a chapter here and there when I have the time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: jackstarr on 06 March, 2014, 07:14:54 PM
QuoteI recently purchased Hellblazer - Original Sins and started reading it - taking a break from my big re-read of my 2000AD collection.  So far I am enjoying it.
Which version of Original Sins do you have?
The original release only collected #1-9, which ends on a cliffhanger (resolved in Swamp Thing) - whereas the more recent edition collects Hellblazer #1-9, Swamp Thing #76 and #77, and finishes with Hellblazer #10 - a much more satisfying conclusion!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 06 March, 2014, 08:02:37 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 06 March, 2014, 06:47:43 PM

Alongside these I am still reading Dune Messiah intermittently - a chapter here and there when I have the time.

Me too. I'm about half way through. I've not read it in a few years and I'm really enjoying it again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 06 March, 2014, 08:29:43 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 28 February, 2014, 06:41:03 AM
Read The From Hell Companion by Eddie Campbell and Alan Moore last night. From Hell is one of my favourite books and it's companion is not only good with it but also on it's own. Love how Campbell discusses the scripts of Alan. A very good insight in how to create a story!

And this morning by the same Alan Moore and his pardn'r Kevin O'Neil Nemo: Roses of Berlin (Avaible on comixology now!). The story takes in place in Berlin where Jenny Nemo got some serious business to take care of, as in personal. Just as the first Nemo book it's a bit short, but I think it does a great job expanding on stuff mentioned in the previous LoEG books and of course/especially Nemo: Heart of ice, a book that almost left me speptical but Roses of Berlin not only makes it better it also left me wanting more! Looking forward to Nemo: Roses of Berlin as HC in April, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century collected as HC this summer and Nemo: River of ghosts when it's finished  :)

Roses of Berlin is out already on Comixology? Wow. I'm going to resist the urge though and wait for the hardcover. The last one (Heart of Ice) was a lovely piece of work and a handsome hardcover, so that's my wisdom behind waiting for it!  ;)

As for my reads, War Stories Vol. 1 by  Garth Ennis. So far so very captivating, with some great artwork from 2000AD veterans such as Gibbons, Weston and Higgins.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 March, 2014, 10:22:00 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 06 March, 2014, 08:29:43 PMWow. I'm going to resist the urge though and wait for the hardcover. The last one (Heart of Ice) was a lovely piece of work and a handsome hardcover, so that's my wisdom behind waiting for it!  ;)

Testify.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 06 March, 2014, 10:51:21 PM
I recently downloaded the collections of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century and the two Nimo books from Comixology when I saw how cheap they were.  I've yet to read the Nimo books but I'm quite enjoying Century so far (coming near the end of the the 1960s book at the moment.) But the amount of sex an nudity is kinda ridiculous ! I'm not complaining at how explicit it is just the Shere amount is really daft.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 07 March, 2014, 12:03:59 AM
A prog slog, among other (Image, IDW, etc) things.

So that means - kind of arbitrarily - 700-962. But also prog 1000, sealed (it's bagged) and unread  :o
Currently at 743. My feeling is I stopped reading the prog around 800 but it's clear now I'll just never know. Progs beyond 830-ish, came as a surprise  :)

I see Millar's name taken in vain here a fair bit. Not so much Fleischer, but his stuff is sub-face-palming. This won't be news of course, but it's where I'm at and I'm slightly incredulous he seemed to write several runs of things. No-one cared?! No-one available?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 07 March, 2014, 12:19:13 AM
Quote from: jackstarr on 06 March, 2014, 07:14:54 PM
QuoteI recently purchased Hellblazer - Original Sins and started reading it - taking a break from my big re-read of my 2000AD collection.  So far I am enjoying it.
Which version of Original Sins do you have?
The original release only collected #1-9, which ends on a cliffhanger (resolved in Swamp Thing) - whereas the more recent edition collects Hellblazer #1-9, Swamp Thing #76 and #77, and finishes with Hellblazer #10 - a much more satisfying conclusion!

I got the original release.  I thought the ones included in the new volume were the stories where Alan Moore introduced the character in Swamp Thing and as I am collecting Swamp Thing I thought that would be a bad idea.  Seems the product synopsis wasn't at all clear to me on amazon.  Nevermind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 07 March, 2014, 08:57:28 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 06 March, 2014, 10:51:21 PM
I recently downloaded the collections of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century and the two Nimo books from Comixology when I saw how cheap they were.  I've yet to read the Nimo books but I'm quite enjoying Century so far (coming near the end of the the 1960s book at the moment.) But the amount of sex an nudity is kinda ridiculous ! I'm not complaining at how explicit it is just the Shere amount is really daft.

While each one of the Loeg has some sexness (which I certainly don't mind) in them, I feel Black Dossier and Century overdid it at times. But I believe Nemo is a back to form when it comes to that! Less nekked and more adventure.

That said. Can't wait for the Century collected in HC this summer  :)!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 March, 2014, 09:03:35 AM
Quote from: pictsy on 07 March, 2014, 12:19:13 AM
Quote from: jackstarr on 06 March, 2014, 07:14:54 PM
QuoteI recently purchased Hellblazer - Original Sins and started reading it - taking a break from my big re-read of my 2000AD collection.  So far I am enjoying it.
Which version of Original Sins do you have?
The original release only collected #1-9, which ends on a cliffhanger (resolved in Swamp Thing) - whereas the more recent edition collects Hellblazer #1-9, Swamp Thing #76 and #77, and finishes with Hellblazer #10 - a much more satisfying conclusion!

I got the original release.  I thought the ones included in the new volume were the stories where Alan Moore introduced the character in Swamp Thing and as I am collecting Swamp Thing I thought that would be a bad idea.  Seems the product synopsis wasn't at all clear to me on amazon.  Nevermind.
Im currently woeking my wayt hrough both Saga of Swampy and Hellblazer. I opted for the more recent edition however, if not simply for a more coherrent self contained read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 07 March, 2014, 11:06:10 AM
Quote from: jackstarr on 06 March, 2014, 07:14:54 PM
QuoteI recently purchased Hellblazer - Original Sins and started reading it
Which version of Original Sins do you have?
The original release only collected #1-9, which ends on a cliffhanger (resolved in Swamp Thing) - whereas the more recent edition collects Hellblazer #1-9, Swamp Thing #76 and #77, and finishes with Hellblazer #10 - a much more satisfying conclusion!
Ha! I always felt like there was an issue missing somewhere. Thanks for that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 March, 2014, 11:52:55 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 06 March, 2014, 10:51:21 PM
But the amount of sex an nudity is kinda ridiculous ! I'm not complaining at how explicit it is just the Shere amount is really daft.

As Moore himself might observe, is the amount of sex and nudity in any way disproportionate to the amount of violence in those books?   Is it not more a case that we accept and even expect graphic violence, injury and death in our entertainment, but feel sex and nudity should be somehow segregated?  Not saying it has to be to anyone's tastes, but if there's more than one bare bum to every evisceration, incineration or dismemberment across the whole of LoEG, I'd be surprised.

Or to put it another way, it's not that there's too much of matters sexual in LoEG, it's that there's not enough in other fantasy adventure books aimed at a similar -cough- 'mature' audience.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 March, 2014, 11:56:36 AM
This is the internet. We have no room for open minded sorts such as you.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 29 March, 2014, 07:55:25 AM
The Journey Begins: Dark Tower - The Gunslinger!

I picked this up in 'The Works' (excellent bookshop).

I really enjoyed it. The artwork is stunning and the story moves at a fair pace. The only 'Dark Tower' stuff I've read before was 'Wizard and Glass' (excellent), and 'Wolves of the Callah' (absolute horseshit, I didn't even finish it!).

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 March, 2014, 08:19:04 AM
Werewolves in their Youth, by Michael Chabon.  I realise that I've started rationing my Chabon intake, trying to leave at least two books that I haven't read at any time - a strategy that I reserve for my favourite writers.  Happily I'd forgotten about his short-stories, so now I'm rolling about in this collection like a dog in a very dead seagull.  Ace as always.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 01 April, 2014, 04:07:06 PM
Currently giving a go at reading (often re-reading) Stephen King's bibliography in chronological order, currently reading Roadwork, one of the Bachman books and one that I hadn't read before.

Think I'll leave the Dark Tower series until very last though, those books where written years apart and I'd have forgotten much of the first by the time the second comes around! Nice to end on his magnum opus too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 01 April, 2014, 04:15:12 PM
The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi. Great stuff so far. I must pick up the sequel shortly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 01 April, 2014, 04:22:43 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 01 April, 2014, 04:07:06 PM
Currently giving a go at reading (often re-reading) Stephen King's bibliography in chronological order, currently reading Roadwork, one of the Bachman books and one that I hadn't read before.

Think I'll leave the Dark Tower series until very last though, those books where written years apart and I'd have forgotten much of the first by the time the second comes around! Nice to end on his magnum opus too.


Roadwork is an excellent book! Have you ever read Rage? I think it's been pulled from sale by King himself, but it's an amazing story, and one the best he wrote as Bachman IMO.

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 01 April, 2014, 04:34:43 PM
Yes passed Rage a good few books ago, it isn't available to buy at all any more other than old copies of the Bachman book collections and 'other ways' for digital; it's a shame as its a gripping read but I can see exactly why King doesn't want it out there, there sure is a lot of that could be inspiring to impressionable kids with easy access to guns, I think america has seen enough of that lately.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 April, 2014, 10:17:36 AM
Garth Ennis' new sci-fi horror title, Caliban, courtesy of http://www.comicsandcola.com/?m=1 who first brought it to my attention.  She also sent me the first issue by post for free!  :)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 05 April, 2014, 11:53:30 AM
Just re-read Robert Silverbergs The Man in the Maze and his great teenage novel Across a Billion Years (first book I really read and understood, back in 1977). Two absolutely cracking reads. Z
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 April, 2014, 03:15:33 PM
The Dark Tower series is possibly my favourite series of novels. Or at least its up there. Thats not to say I like everything that happens in it, but overall its cracking. The comics aren't bad either although largely being authored by different people I question some of it.

Currently  reading:

The Storm light Archive Book 2: Words of Radiance by  Brandon Sanderson. Very good!

On the comic collection front: Marvels.  Story so far: okay. Artwork: wonderful.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 05 April, 2014, 09:18:13 PM
Been (in some cases trying) reading some Grant Morrison lately.

Doom Patrol, Flex Mentallo, The invisibles and The Filth.

And I must say, I really enjoyed Doom patrol and Flex Mentallo. As strange (meant in a good way) as they are, I really felt the characters and their stories. While both are big on sadness, they also feel like stories with a big drokkin heart in them. Robotman Cliff asking Jane to Come in out of the rain is comic book magic. Wouldn't be a surprise if the Doom Patrol omnibus will grace my bookshelf this summer :)

As for The invisibles and The filth, I'v tried to read those before. And I'v really tried to like them. But I'm finding it hard. Not only is it the art (where Doom Patrol and Flex Mentallo is beautiful all the way through) but, foremost, the stories themselves. It still (for me) just feels like a bunch of characters who like to dress in leather and say something non sequitur. While I "get" what they want to say, too much of it get's in the way. But I'll probably give them another try since I find it interesting that some seem like their lives turned around thanks to them.

I'v read WE3 (love that one also) some the batman inc, eyed the Allstar Superman and a couple of pages of Big Dave.

Anything else I should dig out? Animal man?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 April, 2014, 10:27:52 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 05 April, 2014, 09:18:13 PM
Anything else I should dig out? Animal man?

Morrison's Animal Man is in my top five runs of all time. So wonderfully imaginative and exciting as so much of his work is, but for me also his most grounded and human work. I adore it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 05 April, 2014, 11:13:30 PM
In violent agreement, though this is from memory and the re-reads will be when I get round to it...
Doom Patrol & Animal Man were tremendous.
Invisibles felt very laboured and smacked of someone trying too hard. Not enjoyable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 07 April, 2014, 07:15:50 PM
Runaways Volume 1: Pride and Joy

I found this going dirt cheap in Comixology and it seemed interesting so I decided to give it a bash.

Glad I did. It's cracking so far although it's early days yet.

It's set in the Marvel universe but the story is not your usual Superhero fare (Not that I have anything against that.) A bunch kids discover their parents are suoervilllains basically and decide to do something about it.

I recently finished the afore mentioned Marvels too. I think someone who has read the original stories which serve to backdrop this series would get more out if it. The painted art is beautiful and the story isn't bad. It not great in my view but it does what it set out to do - showing major Marvel events from the POV of a journalist and family man rather than the superheroes themselves, and and the public life reaction- very well. Not particularly exciting in my view but as I said: not bad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 08 April, 2014, 10:01:30 AM
Quote from: Fungus on 05 April, 2014, 11:13:30 PM
In violent agreement, though this is from memory and the re-reads will be when I get round to it...
Doom Patrol & Animal Man were tremendous.
Invisibles felt very laboured and smacked of someone trying too hard. Not enjoyable.

I'v given Animal man a spin. Really liked that one too (not as much as doom patrol, but still). I really liked that it (as Flex Mentallo also does) is questioning why "realism" must be achieved through pessism and similar negativity.

While Brian Azzarello is my fav. when it comes to comics with meta qualities, Grant Morrison has definitely done some really really good stuff. Especially with Doom Patrol and Flex Mentallo, closely followed by Animal Man and WE3.

Anyone a fan of his Batman run?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 April, 2014, 10:34:36 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 08 April, 2014, 10:01:30 AM
Grant Morrison ...

Anyone a fan of his Batman run?

Very much so. It has its ups and down but there's certain sections, in particular the post Final Crisis stuff, so Batman and Robin and Batman Inc (both runs) that challenge the Grant + Breyfogle run for my all time favourite Batman stories.

They way he played with the whole nature of a long form comic book character, everything has happened and will happen again is quite superb. His handling of the transition between Bruce and Dick was wonderful and the whole Damien story beginning to end just fantastic. Great character work, wonderfully meta and innovative and most importantly damned good fun. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 09 April, 2014, 12:19:54 PM
Bone: Out from Boneville via the local library. Bloody good it is to. I mean genuinely funny and heartfelt. Really enjoying it so far. Fone is a likeable main character, but the two dim witted Rat Creatures are the main pull at the moment. Some hilarious dialogue coming from them. :lol:

Seriously considering getting the complete volume now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 April, 2014, 12:38:00 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 09 April, 2014, 12:19:54 PM
Seriously considering getting the complete volume now.

I have the big book myself, but I do find its size puts me off regular re-reading (although saying that I re-read it only last year - it was great).  I often wish I had the individual volumes instead, and certainly from the point of view of sharing it with the kids.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 10 April, 2014, 01:21:28 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 09 April, 2014, 12:19:54 PM
Bone: Out from Boneville via the local library. Bloody good it is to. I mean genuinely funny and heartfelt. Really enjoying it so far. Fone is a likeable main character, but the two dim witted Rat Creatures are the main pull at the moment. Some hilarious dialogue coming from them. :lol:

Seriously considering getting the complete volume now.

I loved books 1 - 3 of Bone and then it just became less funny as it got successful
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 April, 2014, 06:16:34 AM
Yeah I have the collected edition and while I normally don't get on with these omnibus type collection due to the size this one I can just about work with.

That said as I'm working my way through it with my daughter who is loving it I am buying the individual books.

I know the commonly held option is that it gets less fun as it goes on I tend to disagree. It changes for sure becoming darker in tone and more like a fantasy epic but it still holds up really well across the piece.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 10 April, 2014, 06:39:50 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 08 April, 2014, 10:34:36 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 08 April, 2014, 10:01:30 AM
Grant Morrison ...

Anyone a fan of his Batman run?

Very much so. It has its ups and down but there's certain sections, in particular the post Final Crisis stuff, so Batman and Robin and Batman Inc (both runs) that challenge the Grant + Breyfogle run for my all time favourite Batman stories.

They way he played with the whole nature of a long form comic book character, everything has happened and will happen again is quite superb. His handling of the transition between Bruce and Dick was wonderful and the whole Damien story beginning to end just fantastic. Great character work, wonderfully meta and innovative and most importantly damned good fun.

Since I'v gotten a good in on Morrison's superhero stuff (thanks to Animal Man, Doom Patrol and Flex Mentallo) maybe I'll give the Batman a go. It and Allstar Superman (whom I'v tried to like, but Sups as a character makes it hard outside Azzarello's Luthor book).

Is it possible to read his Batman just through reading the inc? Then I'm thinking this http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2014/03/absolute-batman-incorporated-to-feature-new-chris-burnham-art/ could be interesting one day, when it's released as a Deluxe ed. size instead of abs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 April, 2014, 08:30:45 AM
I'd say it one of those situations were any given title works fine on its own, but you get more from reading the whole bunch.

So you could defo read his 'Batman and Robin' stuff on their own, you could defo read all the 'Batman Inc' stuff on its own, but it does all also read as a complete story.

I suppose the biggest problem with reading all as one is that the start of his run in Batman is for me by far the weakest part (the first arc Batman and Son) and so might be off putting? That's not to say its bad, far from it, just not as good as the rest. I started reading it with Batman and Robin and then eventually went back and bought the trades of his Batman stuff as it goes and that worked a treat for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 11 April, 2014, 10:56:35 AM
Casefiles 20 -- It was the best of casefiles (Roadkill, Book of the Dead, Bury My Knee at Wounded Hill, Howler...) it was the worst of casefiles (Frankenstein Division, Sugar Beat, It's a Dreddful Life...)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 15 April, 2014, 12:43:38 PM
CRECY
by Warren Ellis and Raulo Caceres (cover by Felipe Massafera)

An enjoyable enough little tale - not sure how historically accurate it is - about one of the most famous battles between England and France. 

It's told from an English longbowman's POV and that is literally all you get "told". There's no story or characters as such, just a retelling of the battle and a little of the political landscape leading up to it (I love the bit where it says that back in that time, it was the English army who would be seen as "parsnip eating, surrender monkeys".

The language is lovely and fruity and the art is lovely and detailed in places (but lacking flair). Much as I enjoy the asides to the reader, I did feel a bit cheated that there was no attempt to make a proper story of it.

Oh and short - 48 pages just whizzes by.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 15 April, 2014, 01:19:23 PM
House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds. Fun reading to accompany playthroughs of FTL.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 April, 2014, 01:24:00 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 15 April, 2014, 12:43:38 PM
CRECY
by Warren Ellis and Raulo Caceres (cover by Felipe Massafera)

Yeah I really enjoyed this when I read it recently. I thought it had a really nice honest perspective about the events and the men who were at the forefront of it all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Goaty on 15 April, 2014, 03:12:57 PM

Aliens: Labyrinth

Re-read old graphic novel I found in cupboard. That gotta be one of fuck-up comic graphic stories, but brilliant! Wish they film version of that!

(http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110104060103/avp/images/6/64/Labyrinthtpb.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 15 April, 2014, 09:48:28 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 15 April, 2014, 12:43:38 PM
CRECY
by Warren Ellis and Raulo Caceres (cover by Felipe Massafera)

An enjoyable enough little tale - not sure how historically accurate it is - about one of the most famous battles between England and France. 

...

The language is lovely and fruity and the art is lovely and detailed in places (but lacking flair). Much as I enjoy the asides to the reader, I did feel a bit cheated that there was no attempt to make a proper story of it.

Oh and short - 48 pages just whizzes by.

Maybe I'm reading too much into this but I always thought of this as a riposte to 300 (particularly the linking of it to the War on Terror at the time of Crechy's release). 300 - they lose the battle, they win the war, total victory for American democracy according to some fans of the film. Crecy - huge victory at the battle (ala America's crushing of Iraq*) but they still lose** the 100 Years War, England lose their territory on the continent and France as we know it now starts to form.

*I remember one character in Black Summer (a Avatar superhero comic by Warren Ellis) calling the invasion of Iraq a mugging.

**Please correct me if I am woefully wrong on the history here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 16 April, 2014, 12:10:07 AM
mars attacks judge dredd
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 16 April, 2014, 07:09:02 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 10 April, 2014, 08:30:45 AM
I'd say it one of those situations were any given title works fine on its own, but you get more from reading the whole bunch.

So you could defo read his 'Batman and Robin' stuff on their own, you could defo read all the 'Batman Inc' stuff on its own, but it does all also read as a complete story.

I suppose the biggest problem with reading all as one is that the start of his run in Batman is for me by far the weakest part (the first arc Batman and Son) and so might be off putting? That's not to say its bad, far from it, just not as good as the rest. I started reading it with Batman and Robin and then eventually went back and bought the trades of his Batman stuff as it goes and that worked a treat for me.

I'v eyed some of the early stuff, and the thing I was most uncertain about was the art in some issues and some of the characters. Faces falling of people and the Bruce Wayne super model girl friend Jez Jet felt a bit off putting. But I'll give it another go. Especially if it'll get some sort of omnibus treatment. So it'll be possible to read it from start to end.

Can't wait for Grant's Multiverse (looks insane) and his Wonder Woman book (due in 2015). I love Azzarello and Chiang's Wondy, and I think Grant will also do some cool stories with her (whom I'm not the biggest fan of outside Azzarello and Perez stories.). I don't read many Superheroes, but the recent WW has been a big guilty pleasure of mine  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 16 April, 2014, 08:52:54 AM
Quote from: mogzilla on 16 April, 2014, 12:10:07 AM
mars attacks judge dredd

Has absolutely nothing to do with the Iraq War whatsoever. But it's a fun read nonetheless, innit?


As Morrison seems to be the current belle du thread  Stevie can not refrain from adding that he has recently caught up with the Ficticious One & Darrick Robertson's recent Image effort Happy.  This reads like Grant trying his hand at writing a Warren Ellis comic that comes out all Grant Morrison instead & not a million miles from Al Ewing. A treat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 16 April, 2014, 09:59:19 AM
Since Manchester's main library has reopened after a 4 year refit, the GN section is huge. I picked up several sequential Amazing Spiderman trades covering the Gauntlet/grim hunt stories right up to the first trade of Superior Spiderman - all good stuff. I hated the idea of SSM when I heard about it, but I may pick up the rest because, as several people here have pointed out, it's really rather good.

I also recently picked up the 4 Hawkmoon books by Moorcock for £1.50 in a charity shop - haven't read these since I was a teen, and they're a bit clunkier and more formulaic than I remember, but still rollicking good fun. I may track down the Castle Brass and Elric books next. Corum, for some reason, never floated my boat back in the day as much as the others.

I tried Work Consume Die by Frankie Boyle but didn't get far - I liked the linking storyline about comedians getting raped to death if they dipped below a certain level of fame, but this was interspersed with pages of rather disjointed 'observations' - basically a list of stand-up gags that are just wearying when read together on the page.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 16 April, 2014, 12:15:18 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 15 April, 2014, 09:48:28 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 15 April, 2014, 12:43:38 PM
CRECY
by Warren Ellis and Raulo Caceres (cover by Felipe Massafera)

An enjoyable enough little tale - not sure how historically accurate it is - about one of the most famous battles between England and France. 

...

The language is lovely and fruity and the art is lovely and detailed in places (but lacking flair). Much as I enjoy the asides to the reader, I did feel a bit cheated that there was no attempt to make a proper story of it.

Oh and short - 48 pages just whizzes by.

Maybe I'm reading too much into this but I always thought of this as a riposte to 300 (particularly the linking of it to the War on Terror at the time of Crechy's release). 300 - they lose the battle, they win the war, total victory for American democracy according to some fans of the film. Crecy - huge victory at the battle (ala America's crushing of Iraq*) but they still lose** the 100 Years War, England lose their territory on the continent and France as we know it now starts to form.

*I remember one character in Black Summer (a Avatar superhero comic by Warren Ellis) calling the invasion of Iraq a mugging.

**Please correct me if I am woefully wrong on the history here.

Never thought of it like that.  I actually didn't know how old it was.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 April, 2014, 02:23:55 PM
I'm just about to read The Bojeffries Saga: (bought for just £6.30 from The Book Depository!) I remember reading Richard Bruton's review on the Forbidden Planet blog, and he said it was better than Watchmen, and more funnier than D.R and Quinch. Could it really be? Well time to find out!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 17 April, 2014, 03:40:33 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 17 April, 2014, 02:23:55 PM
I'm just about to read The Bojeffries Saga: (bought for just £6.30 from The Book Depository!) I remember reading Richard Bruton's review on the Forbidden Planet blog, and he said it was better than Watchmen, and more funnier than D.R and Quinch. Could it really be? Well time to find out!

Best read with a cup of hot Bovril, of course (you'll see why).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 17 April, 2014, 04:02:54 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 17 April, 2014, 03:40:33 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 17 April, 2014, 02:23:55 PM
I'm just about to read The Bojeffries Saga: (bought for just £6.30 from The Book Depository!) I remember reading Richard Bruton's review on the Forbidden Planet blog, and he said it was better than Watchmen, and more funnier than D.R and Quinch. Could it really be? Well time to find out!

Best read with a cup of hot Bovril, of course (you'll see why).

Lol, thanks for the tip Dark Jimbo, I might pick it up when I pass by Sainsbury's later on!  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 18 April, 2014, 04:18:52 PM
Currently working my way (backwards, oddly) through the 25 issue run of Brian Woods' 'Conan The Barbarian' from Dark Horse. I bought is recent three issue arc on a whim and then utterly fell in love with it during 'the song of Belit' finale. Am now going backwards, arc by arc, and have 10-25. Beautiful comics, that I think would be appreciated by anyone who enjoyed 'Long John Silver' from Cinebook, as it follows a similar High-seas-and-forbidding-jungles approach. By far my favourite Conan series so far, and I hope the standard is maintained with the next reboot, 'Conan The Avenger', coming in a few weeks.

Bookwise, the second walking dead novels is partially, er, devoured, and Ben Bova's latest, 'Farside' sits on the pile beneath it.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 18 April, 2014, 09:41:02 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 17 April, 2014, 02:23:55 PM
I'm just about to read The Bojeffries Saga: (bought for just £6.30 from The Book Depository!) I remember reading Richard Bruton's review on the Forbidden Planet blog, and he said it was better than Watchmen, and more funnier than D.R and Quinch. Could it really be? Well time to find out!

Me too!  Can't believe I wasn't aware of this before, it's great stuff. Particularly liked the works dinner episode. Har!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 18 April, 2014, 09:58:24 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 18 April, 2014, 09:41:02 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 17 April, 2014, 02:23:55 PM
I'm just about to read The Bojeffries Saga: (bought for just £6.30 from The Book Depository!) I remember reading Richard Bruton's review on the Forbidden Planet blog, and he said it was better than Watchmen, and more funnier than D.R and Quinch. Could it really be? Well time to find out!

Me too!  Can't believe I wasn't aware of this before, it's great stuff. Particularly liked the works dinner episode. Har!

It's great isn't it? Still got a little bit left to read but I've thoroughly enjoyed it thus far. And Steve Parkhouse's artwork is terrffic, he's managed to capture the humour of being both British and yet an outsider perfectly. Is it as funny as D.R & Quinch? Well lets be honest, nothing can compare to the brilliance of that strip but it's pretty damn close. Lovely tpb too with french flaps an' all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 18 April, 2014, 10:00:09 PM
And there's nothing quite like frenchflaps is there?  *nudge,nudge,wink,wink*
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 18 April, 2014, 10:06:47 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 18 April, 2014, 10:00:09 PM
And there's nothing quite like frenchflaps is there?  *nudge,nudge,wink,wink*

Ha ha! No there's not, Davey mate!  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 22 April, 2014, 10:55:38 AM
Up to The Talisman in my complete King re-read, nearing the half way mark and it's been a chore thus far  :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 22 April, 2014, 11:36:59 AM
Snow Crash, which is fun ludicrousness. Not sure I'll get what all the fuss is about come the end but it will be fun.

I recently finished The Apocalypse Codex by Charles Stross. A very very disappointing addition to the Laundry series, which perhaps worked better as an idea rather than a running affair. Civil servants vs Cthulu using algorithm-driven rituals was great... at first. This book is like a bad spy thriller, appropriately set in the states and using "Black Ops" secret agents which is like dropping Roger Moore's James Bond into Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 22 April, 2014, 01:14:36 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 18 April, 2014, 09:58:24 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 18 April, 2014, 09:41:02 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 17 April, 2014, 02:23:55 PM
I'm just about to read The Bojeffries Saga: (bought for just £6.30 from The Book Depository!) I remember reading Richard Bruton's review on the Forbidden Planet blog, and he said it was better than Watchmen, and more funnier than D.R and Quinch. Could it really be? Well time to find out!

Me too!  Can't believe I wasn't aware of this before, it's great stuff. Particularly liked the works dinner episode. Har!

It's great isn't it? Still got a little bit left to read but I've thoroughly enjoyed it thus far. And Steve Parkhouse's artwork is terrffic, he's managed to capture the humour of being both British and yet an outsider perfectly. Is it as funny as D.R & Quinch? Well lets be honest, nothing can compare to the brilliance of that strip but it's pretty damn close. Lovely tpb too with french flaps an' all.

I am currently reading this as well - cracking stuff. i am a huge fan of Steve Parkhouse's work and would love to see him back in the Prog. Not sure it is as good as watchmen though, I gess it depends on what you like!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 April, 2014, 02:34:12 PM
An Officer and a Spy, Robert Harris.  A novelisation of the Dreyfus affair, and the living definition of unputdownable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fragminion on 22 April, 2014, 11:12:34 PM
Just re-reading Dr.WHO :The Also People.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 24 April, 2014, 05:36:12 AM
Decided to sit down an reread Naoki Urasawa's Pluto. Which is a retelling of the classic Astro Boy story, The Greatest Robot on Earth by Osamu Tezuka. Its a brilliant piece of science fiction that's one part Issac Asimov and one part Watchmen. And at 8 volumes its a very satisfying read that doesn't over stay its welcome.

Its one of the finest comics I have ever read from any continent. After that I'll probably reread The Greatest Robot on Earth, because Osamu Tezuka is a god damn genius.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 24 April, 2014, 09:33:48 AM
I've been meaning to read more Tezuko really. Got me the first three volumes of Black Jack and LOVE them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 24 April, 2014, 09:38:22 AM
Black Jack's pretty great. So's Buddha. Vertical was publishing most of the Tezuka catalog but I believe they lost the rights and everything's gone out of print. So if you're looking for more Tezuka works, it might be getting scarcer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 24 April, 2014, 09:48:28 AM
Bloody hell! They just jumped up in my buy list. Don't want to miss out on them, but even at my current rate i'll have to let some go to ridiculous prices! Oh, student budgets, how I hate thee!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 24 April, 2014, 01:53:00 PM
Anyway, in other news I just finished two hard backs. One was the first volume of Rat Pack I bought about a month ago in The Works. Like everything from early Battle, it's silly charm is very distinct but it has an edge to it that was missing in Commando comics of the same era. Very enjoyable.

The second was Valentina and the Magic Lantern, which I felt the sudden urge to read after having watched Baba Yaga. It's extremly explicit material so not for everyone but Crepax's eye for style is almost unparaleled in the entire comic pantheon. It's a true shame that very little of his work was or will be translated into English, as the poor sales of this volume have indicated.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 25 April, 2014, 12:59:47 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 24 April, 2014, 09:38:22 AM
Black Jack's pretty great. So's Buddha. Vertical was publishing most of the Tezuka catalog but I believe they lost the rights and everything's gone out of print. So if you're looking for more Tezuka works, it might be getting scarcer.

Another company are supposed to be the sole publisher of Tezuka in North America now I think, DMP. They've released a few crowdfunded titles  - Astrocat, Unico, Triton and Barbara and they crowdfunded a reprint of one they did earlier - Swallowing The Earth, all before they became the sole licensee. What their plans are future I don't know.  I got Barbara and Swallowing The Earth, very well produced editions. Another company is releasing a Tezuka horror anthology soon called The Crater, this is another crowdfunded one with a very small print run.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 25 April, 2014, 02:14:37 AM
So Mark Waid's digital comics venture Thrillbent went to a pay-to-read model this week with the launch of their new iOS app (android coming soon). For 3.99 a month you get full access to everything on the service, and you can buy indivividual DRM-free copies to own. Part of the incentive to subscribe was a 'free' DRM-free PDF copy of Mark Waid and Barry Kitson's creator owned series Empire. So they got me at least for the first month.

Empire was pretty good, I actually wound up shotguning it in one reading session last night (right after putting down volume 3 of Pluto actually) It's one of those "what if the super-villains achieved their goals?" kind of comics. Coincidently I read the Mike Dowling series Rex Royd last week after reading about it in the Megazine. When Red Royd was more about a Lex Luthor type, Empire is more about a Dr. Doom type finishing up his conquest of the entire planet.

I liked Empire, but Waid and Kitson are a pretty solid pair, I adored their run on Legion of Super-Heroes. Apparently they are launching a sequel through Thrillbent (hence why they are giving the original away) I might stick around to check it out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 25 April, 2014, 02:17:51 AM
The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry

A quirky tale of a man a crisis, which turns on one gut-punching chapter, into a tragic tale of a man in crisis.
Really well written.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 25 April, 2014, 12:27:10 PM
Green Arrow: Year One
By Andy Diggle, Jock
(OK and a colourist and letterer whose names escape me)

I right enjoyed this - apparently close in tone to the Arrow TV series.  Anyway, it's back to basics retelling of Green Arrow origin.  I've only ever been aware of Oliver Queen as a guest spot in other comics and/or the rather studly young fella that played him in Smallville so this is sort of new territory for me.

Jock's artwork is as dynamic as ever - lovely colours too given a genuinely bleached desert island feel to the proceedings (not sure how it would work in a city environment).

And Diggle's script is equally good fun. I'm sometimes not sure about it veering from grim and gritty (eaten alive by rats) to knowing winks ("stun arrows! I should patent these") to very poor quippery ("Anybody that moves will be turned into a human shish kebab!" - would you really have time to say that when bursting through a door?).  But this does give him carte blanche to tell pretty much any type of Green Arrow story you might want to.  Is that very clever or just someone unsure of tone? I'll plump for the former.

Heh, the last 2 non-2000AD comics I've read have been about archers. What are the chances of that?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 29 April, 2014, 06:52:28 PM
I picked up these three titles for 30 pence each (!) at a library sale last week.

(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i160/ThirdEstateNed/comix_zps1df39f99.jpg)

So far I've read Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art and enjoyed it immensely. It not only opened my mind on ways of interpreting the visuals on the page that I never would have considered, it taught me basic art theory which without exaggerating has completely altered my understanding of visual art. Whereas I might have said before, ah well it's not for me, and
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 April, 2014, 07:18:37 PM
Wow some great buys there. Understanding Comics is quite superb (as are the follow ups) glad you like it. I'm also a BIG fan of Pete Milligan's Human Target. One of my favourites of his and he's done some beauts.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 29 April, 2014, 07:21:48 PM
Cheers, (or maybe I should thank the council for selling their library stock) I'll look forward to reading them. I might see if I can get the first Human Target before I read that, as this seems to be the second one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dash Decent on 30 April, 2014, 01:45:17 PM
Chronos Commandos: Dawn Patrol (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chronos-Commandos-Dawn-Patrol-Commados/dp/1782760067/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398861816&sr=8-1&keywords=chronos+commandos) by Stuart Jennett.

WWII.  Both the allies and the axis powers have time travel technology.  GI's, Nazis and dinosaurs.  Nuff said.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 01 May, 2014, 08:34:56 AM
Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Rizzo, Patricia Mulvihill and Dave "Devilpig" Johnson's 100Bullets - Brother Lono

(http://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/1896140.jpg)

In short: A modern day western/noir about a man who makes one of the most dangerous places in Mexico (therefor the world) looking rough. That man/MONSTER is Lono. He shows up in a Catholic mission after starting to believe that his way of doing (mostly killing) things have started to have consequences, and that God has something to do with it. So Lono tries to better himself by caging the monstrous voice inside with the mystery of Christ. And to his help he has the mission's Padre Manny, whom seems to believe Lono to be the Devil himself.

And I must say straight away that I really like this book. There are things in it that really hits hard where it needs to, the characters are outstanding and the pay off of the story almost feels as big as the ending itself. And that ending... It's not for the faint of heart.

But it isn't without some problems. The flow of story isn't perfect at times (when compared to the near perfect first issue) but luckily picks up immediately afterwards each time (of the few times) it happens. The same goes with the art, that are some of the best I'v seen from Risso but also got a panel or two that looks a little sloppy in comparison.

And for those wondering. While having read 100Bullets before reading Brother Lono gives an edge here and there, it's actually not needed at all. The book gives the reader enough of an idea that Lono's nature is pure evil which he tries to put down with nurture of good, what he hopes to be God. The little 100Bullets gives away about Lono's past is also present in Brother Lono.

So I totally recommend this. While very very violent, it serves the story. One that works as good in the 100Bullets universe as it does on it's own!

A strong 4 out of 5.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 02 May, 2014, 08:52:24 AM
I'm slowly but surely falling in love with James Stokoe. After Godzilla Half Century War I added Wonton Soup, Sullivans Sluggers and Orc Stain to my pull lost. Just started on the latter and the art is utterly sumptuous.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 02 May, 2014, 09:01:27 AM
Judge Dredd Case File 22 - Probably the poorest Case File I've read so far...(let me think....), no, it definitely is the poorest one I've read. Not even John Wagner can rescue this from the Millar & Morrison mediocrity. Which is a shame as some of the artwork on display is rather good. I was quite surprised how similar Dermot Powers' art is to Simon Bisley's. In fact, I was certain it was by Bisley, but pleasantly surprised that it wasn't! I remember reading somewhere that Bisley wasn't too happy with some of the artists copying his style, and apparently there were quite a few artists at the time who were hugely influenced by him.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 May, 2014, 01:28:36 AM
I recently read Superior Spiderman vol. 1 (which I picked up cheap at recent Comixology sale). Rather good, I thought.  Amusing to read the letters included by enraged fanboys.[spoiler] Did they really think this was going to be permanent? Or maybe it's just [/spoiler]  I can understand their anger though. Peter Parker is no longer the main character in his book [spoiler](although he sort of still is[/spoiler]) but I found it rather refreshing.

I'm currently reading the first Wild Cards short story collection. It's about how an alien germ bomb that is set of over New York just after world war 2 killing many people and mutating others in random ways. Some end up with beneficial powers (Aces) others deformed (jokers). Good stuff so far. These short stories are all by different authors but occur in the same universe. Editted and (I thing) part authored by George R R Martin (he of the A Song of Fire And Ice books).
Title: I'm Reading
Post by: Hotshot101 on 05 May, 2014, 09:11:54 PM
Although I have finished the serious the Gone books are my all time favourite books. Other Michael Grant books are also good etc. Bzrk, Adam and Eve.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 06 May, 2014, 11:50:34 AM
I like Superior Spiderman but the issue where [spoiler]Peter[/spoiler] dies was horrific. And I hate when all it would take is for one person to listen to him for 5 seconds for it all to come undone.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 11 May, 2014, 02:12:45 PM
The new She-hulk series is fantastic so far. I'm describing it as "the new Hawkeye" - i.e. a clever, off-centre take on a B-list hero that's a joy to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 13 May, 2014, 12:11:16 AM
Quote from: GordyM on 11 May, 2014, 02:12:45 PM
The new She-hulk series is fantastic so far. I'm describing it as "the new Hawkeye" - i.e. a clever, off-centre take on a B-list hero that's a joy to read.

Seconded. Also the new Ms. Marvel is great fun. I've also checked out The Punisher, Black Widow and Ghost Rider, all of which are of varying ok quality but are, at the very least, interesting. Nice to see that one of the "Big" Two are not afraid of switching things up and going a little left of centre. You can see Alonso's editorial hand much clearer at Marvel these days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 18 May, 2014, 05:07:34 PM
 Currently reading The Rest Is Noise by Alex Ross (probably not that one), an interesting and illuminating study of classical music or composition in the 20th century. I've only got as far as the thirties but, so far, it's particularly strong on the changing dynamic between classical and popular forms and their influences on each other.

For all that I listen to music all the time, I have very little understanding of how it actually works. Ross obviously does know and is able to comment on this without become bogged down in technical detail. More importantly, he has a knack for interspersing this with wonderfully evocative descriptions which have you itching to listen to the piece in question: "violins and soprano begin to sing a new melody in the vicinity of B-flat—a sustained note followed by a quickly shaking figure, which moves like a bird in flight... Another theme surfaces, this one coursing down the octave ... the melodies merge, and the opera ends in a tonal sunburst"

Also been on a bit of an Al Ewing jag recently. I got The Fictional Man after seeing it recommended on here and it more than lived up to the hype. An interestingly daft premise followed down a series of different paths, some expected and some not. The usual Ewing wit and a serious subtext about how we construct our own self image balances the meta "what it is to be a writer" stuff which would sometimes get on my nerves but here is done well enough not to.

Really good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 18 May, 2014, 09:35:08 PM
Read IDW's Godzilla: The Half-Century War by James Stokoe to get hyped about Godzilla. It was a phenomenal mini-series, and I'm shocked I let it go so long without checking it out. If you like Godzilla, and all the Toho monsters, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Onsale on ComiXology until the end of today. Best $5 you'll spend today.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 18 May, 2014, 09:38:25 PM
As much as I love Matt Frank drawing Kaiju now one, repeat NO ONE, has ever dran the big G better than Stokoe. A master of giant monsters and no mistake.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: James Stacey on 22 May, 2014, 10:05:09 AM
Just finished reading High Rise by JG Ballard. An interesting take on the pressures of living in an arcology. I'm not sure if it made more logical sense in the 70s but to my mind the idea of the whole populace of the building effectively suffering future shock was a bit far fetched but it's still an interesting read. Seeing as it was published a year or so before 2000ad started its clearly tapping into the same Zeitgeist that formed MC1 although the concept of inter-block aggression probably sits better with Dredd 2012 than the block wars we see in the comic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: mogzilla on 22 May, 2014, 06:21:26 PM
just finished amazing spiderman#2  ...electro's in it (nothing to do with the film I'm sure ;) and pete's still trying to get his head around all that went before especially [spoiler]his relationship with anna with her being pregnant [/spoiler] and all!  [spoiler]not really she says that to get rid of sajani ;) but it had me fooled for a sec![/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 22 May, 2014, 11:37:53 PM
Quote from: James Stacey on 22 May, 2014, 10:05:09 AM
Just finished reading High Rise by JG Ballard. An interesting take on the pressures of living in an arcology. I'm not sure if it made more logical sense in the 70s but to my mind the idea of the whole populace of the building effectively suffering future shock was a bit far fetched but it's still an interesting read. Seeing as it was published a year or so before 2000ad started its clearly tapping into the same Zeitgeist that formed MC1 although the concept of inter-block aggression probably sits better with Dredd 2012 than the block wars we see in the comic.

I think they are starting shooting of this film in June, Ben Wheatley as director.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 23 May, 2014, 12:09:10 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 22 May, 2014, 11:37:53 PMBen Wheatley as director.

Oh now HE is good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 25 May, 2014, 12:14:22 PM
Lazarus Churchyard - The Final Cut

I was 13 when Lazarus Churchyard was reprinted in the Judge Dredd Megazine. I was far too young for it - it made no sense to me and was as brutal as it was bewildering. It spoke of a cavernously confusing future - of deep and terrible apathy - but I thought it looked cool as fuck. D'Israeli became my artgod - and his ruined and nasty characters and environments I longed to replicate. Reading it now 13 years later in a handsome Image volume (printed earlier in 2001 actually) given to me as a birthday gift by my oldest friend Robbo - I find it's not as dense after all. The stories, whilst slightly "it's the 90s and this is a dark adult comic fuck all you guys" gratuitous, is still brilliantly inventive and compelling - and D'Israeli's art - although not as polished as it is now is still startlingly unique. He even manages to sneak Fishpaste in. Which I get. There's still an evil mystery to this distant future - these hidden edges make Lazarus's character shine through and it makes me yearn to dive into the hideously off future of Ellis' Transmetropolitan which shamefully I've read very little of. Very happy to own this. I think I now have everything D'Israeli's done in trade form. ...soon I will build a half-man, half-graphic novel homunculus AND WE WILL TAKE OVER THE GLOBE.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 26 May, 2014, 04:16:14 PM
Ahem. Me again - just thundering through my reading pile.

God Hates Astronauts (Ryan Browne)

How exactly I fell into Ryan Browne's fabulously silly world I don't remember - but this was the first Kickstarter project I ever funded. I'm a sucker for those that offer affordable physical copies as rewards and are (shock horror) wholly finished and just want money for printin'. The campaign was a huge success and severals weeks later this handsome hardback volume found its way to me across the seas - packed with additional stretch-rewards, a bookmark - a sticker, some hilariously placed glossy bits on the cover. GHA started as a webcomic and is a shamelessly open love letter to the freedom of comics. The story is stream-of-conciousness, the characters ridiculous, the horde of nonsense literal SFX is magical ("De-FENESTRATE" as a character flies from a window) - it is liberated from the choking continuity cake and posturing melodrama of mainstream comics. What makes it even more compelling is Browne's skill - he's a ridiculously good colourist and a solid sequential artist which lends everything a bizarre weight and legitimacy despite the surreal madness. In the back of the volume are eighteen or so two-page origin stories for the main cast, as well as a similar number of random pin-ups - all from an enviably diverse roster of some of the hottest and most individualistic artistic talents in modern American comics. Tradd Moore, Cody Shibi and Kyle Strahm particularly are art kings. There's a potted GHA history (basically: blame Darick Robertson), two brilliant 24 hour comics (the former birthed GHA) and a nice reference guide.

The only issue (and it isn't one really) is that the subtitle "completely complete edition" has been rendered invalid by Browne being snapped up by Image for a new on-going GHA series. The infectious popularity of the world is a testament to its undeniable freshness - lovingly made yet it clearly doesn't give a fuck and damn that's fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 28 May, 2014, 09:59:08 PM
Jodorowsky's METABARONS with sumptuous art by Juan Gimenez.

Gripping stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 29 May, 2014, 09:09:34 PM
Dr Who Classics-omnibus. A hefty tome of joy. Dave Gibbons, Paul Neary, John Ridgeway, Bryan Hitch art with stories by Mills and Wagner whoever they are  :P, Grant Morrison, Steve Moore, Steve Parkhouse . Only about halfway through so far. The fabulous "meep" should have his own series. Published by IDW it seems good quality paper but the art is in a more American style format size. The  cover art series in the back made me want to buy it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 29 May, 2014, 10:43:40 PM
Quote from: Mister Pops on 28 May, 2014, 09:59:08 PM
Jodorowsky's METABARONS with sumptuous art by Juan Gimenez.

Gripping stuff.

Did you get the Ultimate collection? Humanoids UK are releasing Metabarons: Genesis with art by Spanish artist Das Pastoras in June and another Juan Gimenez book Leo Roa in June also.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 30 May, 2014, 09:56:21 AM
"Rendezvous With Rama" by Arthur C. Clark.
.
I tried ACC's books when I was a teenager and hated them because they were boring. In many ways this book is also boring - no gunfights or monsters or scrapping and nothing much gets explained. In the end it's a most unsatisfying tale of man's first encounter with an alien spacecraft as it hurtles through the Solar System. The teenage me would not have enjoyed this at all but now, in my late 40s, I really enjoyed it and shared in the confusion, wonder and frustration of the characters in the book. Marvellous!
.
Now, inspired to give ACC another chance, I'm on with 2001 and, hopefully, its sequels.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 30 May, 2014, 10:08:18 AM
To Kill A Mockingbird and the first few chapters of Scout's complete dissatisfaction with the standardised education system imposed on her by the government may provide a hint to why Michael Gove doesn't like it. Well probably not but it did seem serendipitous.

http://www.stephencollinsillustration.com/gallery/gove.jpg (http://www.stephencollinsillustration.com/gallery/gove.jpg)

Arthur C Clarke is great. Childhoods End is a favourite of mine (not sure  about the sequels to 2000AD to be honest).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 30 May, 2014, 12:12:25 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 30 May, 2014, 09:56:21 AM
"Rendezvous With Rama" by Arthur C. Clark.
.
I tried ACC's books when I was a teenager and hated them because they were boring. In many ways this book is also boring - no gunfights or monsters or scrapping and nothing much gets explained. In the end it's a most unsatisfying tale of man's first encounter with an alien spacecraft as it hurtles through the Solar System. The teenage me would not have enjoyed this at all but now, in my late 40s, I really enjoyed it and shared in the confusion, wonder and frustration of the characters in the book. Marvellous!
.
Now, inspired to give ACC another chance, I'm on with 2001 and, hopefully, its sequels.

Check BBC4 extra now and again for the radio drama. It's a great adaptation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 30 May, 2014, 12:24:23 PM
Cool - thanks for that, I will. :-)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 02 June, 2014, 11:54:24 AM
Spooks: The Fall of Babylon is a pretty good, despite some dated race politics (or have Chinese Opeum dens and 19th century depictions of the devil as a smocking black man in white become so common that it's passed into parody material by this point?). Anyway, despite those jarring moments, the characters where fun if not given enough time to fully develop (it concludes on a cliffhanger so I assume all four books are a flowing narrative) and I enjoyed it none the less. At about £3 each on marketplace, i'm not gonna complain.

Starting on Cerebus The Aardvark now, as SBT was very kind enough to pass on the first two phonebooks to me. :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 June, 2014, 01:35:57 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 02 June, 2014, 11:54:24 AM
Starting on Cerebus The Aardvark now, as SBT was very kind enough to pass on the first two phonebooks to me. :D

Don't forget be patient with that first phonebook. Its very much an artist learning his craft. Mind by High Society he's fair flying.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 02 June, 2014, 08:23:23 PM
Just finished The Eye of the World, book 1 of the Wheel of Time.

I devoured the thing. So what if it shamelessly rips off Lord of the Rings (right down to the Mines of Moria)? It's what-it-says-on-the-tin escapist nonsense; Barbara Cartland for Geeks. I suspect it may drag on across the next 14 books, but I'm happy to find out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 05 June, 2014, 09:45:36 PM
Sentient Zombie Space Pigs (Disconnected Press)
(http://i0.wp.com/downthetubes.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/zombie-space-pigs-cover.jpg.jpg)
The subject of one of the finest Kickstarter campaigns I've ever seen - with a gloriously simple brief and a refreshingly tiny target - Sentient Zombie Space Pigs does what it says on the tin and delivers on the glorious promise of that long-ago campaign. The story by Lizzie Boyle is suitably dark - crammed as it is with Whitesnake lyrics and rambling rednecks - although whether it would have been more satisfying as a single self-contained tale is a matter of debate - although I'm perfectly happy to see this tale continue on. Conor Boyle's shadowy art is utterly brilliant throughout and his porcine portrayals are perfect - he even handles the lettering with no small skill. This porky volume from the Disconnected Press duo is a startlingly good small press KS success story - and I've only just heard that the second issue (of a proposed four) will be out this August! OINK!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 07 June, 2014, 09:36:06 AM
I came across the art of Terry Moore (http://www.terrymooreart.com/) while ago, and have taken quite a fancy to it, but I'd never bought owt by him, until now.

Checking his website out, I've just snagged a Ltd Ed. reprint of Strangers in Paradise #1, so that should be wingng its way to me in a week or two.

So, is anyone more familiar with his stuff, and any thoughts on the matter?


Cheers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 June, 2014, 10:08:54 AM
Terry Moore is a funny one.  I unreservedly love his art, and I think he writes very entertaining characters, but there is an unpleasant tension in his Strangers in Paradise writing where his quirky everyday relationship tales regularly get overwhelmed by quite disturbing violence and over-arching global organised crime/demonic possession plots.  Sometimes I wish he would separate the two threads, because for me at least they do not sit well together (the lower-key crime/police procedural angles work fine), and have a tendency to end up with the whole thing written into a corner eventually requiring an unlikely reversal.  He seems to be working this out of his system with Rachel Rising, which is unreservedly in the latter camp, and better for it.

He's certainly worth your time - I really enjoyed the early SiP, and have quite enjoyed what I've read of Rachel Rising.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 June, 2014, 12:49:32 PM
Strangers in Paradise has been on my wish list for sometime. Just bumped it up a few places more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 07 June, 2014, 08:44:00 PM
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 02 June, 2014, 08:23:23 PM
Just finished The Eye of the World, book 1 of the Wheel of Time.

I devoured the thing. So what if it shamelessly rips off Lord of the Rings (right down to the Mines of Moria)? It's what-it-says-on-the-tin escapist nonsense; Barbara Cartland for Geeks. I suspect it may drag on across the next 14 books, but I'm happy to find out.
[/quote

It before a very different thing to Lord Of the Rings very quickly... And much as I like LotR, this is a good thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 11 June, 2014, 07:54:01 PM
Interesting curio arrived today from somewhere or other -

"Dredd: Metal Fatigue" a Fleetway reprint from '91 - with a few seemingly random "robot-focussed" stories in it - Phantom of the Shopera etc - recoloured quite nicely by one Damon Willis. Anyone know any more about this?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 11 June, 2014, 08:03:37 PM

Only that they were early nineties Fleetway reprints (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=reprint&page=gnprofiles&choice=definit4) which were advertised in the prog. I think they were what Fleetway produced when Titan stopped doing volumes called Judge Dredd 1, Judge Dredd 2, Judge Dredd 3, etc. I suppose the 'theme' was an attempt to cater to the graphic novel thing that was popular a few years previously, rather than just saying here's a bunch of stories you might like.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 11 June, 2014, 08:09:27 PM
Currently reading:

Wallace and Gromit: The Complete Newspaper Comic Strip Collection Volume 1: 2010-2011. Not as good as the films, but still fun stuff.

Wallace and Gromit: Cracking Contraptions 1 & 2. Fun look at those wonderful claymation gadgets.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 25 June, 2014, 09:31:03 PM
I just finished Grant Morrison's Bat-epic. While not the best story I'v read, it certainly was very interesting and NEVER boring  :D

Even if a bit wonky told at times (Final crisis and Return of Bruce Wayne especially being a bit complicated to fit in on the overall story) I think it's really cool how well it read, no matter how much stuff Morrison threw at me in the pages. Wouldn't mind 2-3 Omnibuses collecting everything.

Thanks to this I'm very much looking forward to read his upcoming Wonder Woman story. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 June, 2014, 09:47:23 PM
CBR's Comic's should be good just finished a top 75 writers and artists list (top 40 artists, top 35 writers) and I was mighty pleased to see how high Grant Morrison was on the list, coming in at number 4.

http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2014/06/06/75-greatest-batman-writers-and-artists-master-list/ (http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2014/06/06/75-greatest-batman-writers-and-artists-master-list/)

When you consider who topped him that's about as high as he could have realistically placed. Now he has modernity on his side so it'd be interesting to see where he settles in a few years but I think its a brilliant run. One that just kept getting better and better as it went on. I didn't think it had found quite the appeal this poll suggests it had though as I thought it was more hit and miss in the way people took to it (not with me but generally). Can't wait to get to my planned re-read, though I will have to some way down my to read list alas.

Of course that Alan Grant (no. 8) and Norm Breyfogle (no. 5) didn't top their respective list is of course an utter travesty as, like at least one other board member I can think of, its for me the definitive Batman run and quite, quite superb!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 27 June, 2014, 09:18:24 AM
Really feels like a Batman tale that'll grow with every reading. While I thought the story at times was a bit to casual about showing torture or the killing of prostitutes, I loved the pulpy and insane elements of it. The zur-en-arrh stuff is nothing short of brilliant, realizing that it was all there from the beginning!

Hope the Absolute versions Batman and Robin and Batman Inc (out this Dec.) will see more reasonable sized releases (size, not page count) someday. Time and Batman and Return of Bruce Wayne should get collected together also, a bit like Batman & Son and Black glove did (who should be collected with RIP)...

But yeah, enough of my wish thinking about being able to make my shelf looking nicer ;)

I definitely think Grant Morrison will score higher on lists in the future. I also hope/think Azzarello, his Knight of vengeance and Joker got some serious and fascinating sadness to them. And I can't wait to see what he'll do with his and Bermejo's upcoming Catwoman book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 02 July, 2014, 12:46:38 PM
Sex Criminals: a f'd up thrill ride of a comic that's as dirty as it is fun. Queen sing-a-longs, dildo fights, poo-based revenge on arsehole bosses (no pun intended) - it's like nothing else out there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 02 July, 2014, 01:03:03 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 02 July, 2014, 12:46:38 PM
Sex Criminals: a f'd up thrill ride of a comic that's as dirty as it is fun. Queen sing-a-longs, dildo fights, poo-based revenge on arsehole bosses (no pun intended) - it's like nothing else out there.

Have to agree Gordy.
I picked up the 1st trade for under a tenner recently, and am halfway through.
Very witty stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 02 July, 2014, 02:21:45 PM
Checked out the micro-run of DC's Green Team: Teen Trillionaires, and like pretty much the entirety of the New 52 experiment, it's a patchy, flip-flopping mess of potentially good ideas and interesting characters scuppered by paper-thin execution and an almost palpable lack of commitment or focus.  There's the odd glint of something fantastic, but mostly it's just stuff that happens, and then it stops - on a cliffhanger, no less.  It's clearly the work of competent and talented chaps, but that doesn't save it.

Aldus Huxley's Brave New World, an interesting and still-relevant allegory about a man who believes in the potential of human ambition encountering a modern consumer state in which waste is celebrated and being destroyed by it.  In many ways, John Savage is an anachronism in the World State for the same reasons he's an anachronism to our own modern capitalist society of 2014, as he believes in the concepts of sincerity and human dignity despite - or perhaps because of - his inability to fathom the gulf between the fiction of the books he's read and the reality he encounters when he leaves his reservation, but the problem in the central allegory - for me, at least - is that John Savage is clearly a twat.

Minna Sundberg's Stand Still, Stay Safe, a post-apocalyptic webcomic based in the author's native Finland.  Sundberg wrote and illustrated the equally gorgeous-looking 560-page A Redtail's Dream as a warm-up project for this, and clearly intends that this time s/he (?) isn't interested in anything that brief, as after 135 pages it still hasn't seemed to have started yet.  Still - a great-looking comic even if I got a bit lost trying to tell some of the characters apart in the early chapters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 July, 2014, 09:58:53 PM
Well the footie might as well be over so I have time to say this.

ALWAYS READ THE BOOK FIRST!

Just finished 'True Grit'. I'd never realised prior to the Coen's movie that the book was so well regarded. Anyway four years later I stumble across a copy dirt cheap in The Works and give it a go. Wow its a great book. In the introduction Donna Tarit relates comparisons made to Huck Finn. Now don't get me wrong the book is clearly not as good as Mark Twain's classic but I get the comparisons. It really is a very good book.

BUT

I've seen and love the movie but it swamps the book. Its such a close adaption that I can't shake it. I really do wonder how much more I'd have loved it if Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon et al were stamped so clearly in my mind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 08 July, 2014, 11:30:12 PM
Mr Mercedes by Stephen King.

A bit different to his usual stuff as it's a detective story with no supernatural elements (so far anyway). While I love my supernatural horror /fantasy this is an intriguing interesting read so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 09 July, 2014, 12:17:26 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 08 July, 2014, 09:58:53 PM
ALWAYS READ THE BOOK FIRST!

Just finished 'True Grit'
I've never read it, but the last line is amazing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 09 July, 2014, 10:46:06 AM
Quote from: Professor Theopolis K Bear on 02 July, 2014, 02:21:45 PM
Minna Sundberg's Stand Still, Stay Safe, a post-apocalyptic webcomic based in the author's native Finland.  Sundberg wrote and illustrated the equally gorgeous-looking 560-page A Redtail's Dream as a warm-up project for this, and clearly intends that this time s/he (?) isn't interested in anything that brief, as after 135 pages it still hasn't seemed to have started yet.  Still - a great-looking comic even if I got a bit lost trying to tell some of the characters apart in the early chapters.

I'm enjoying this but I'm still waiting for the payoff on introducing all those characters at the start, before the plague really got underway. Not a big fan of time skips of that magnitude.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Third Estate Ned on 10 July, 2014, 02:09:40 PM
I've just finished Case Files 12 and enjoyed it very much. I wasn't sure what to expect, after having just read through Case files 4, 8 and 9 (the order I bought them in), which are considered pretty solid collections going on the recommendations threads on here. In fact, CF4 is probably the most enjoyable I've read so far for originality and variety of stories.

One reason I approached 12 with less enthusiasm was after reading a couple of Douglas Wolk's views on the results of the Grant and Wagner partnership dissolving. As he puts it (http://dreddreviews.blogspot.it/2011/10/complete-case-files-12.html): "The script seems a bit off, tonally." The examples he gives are a self-doubting Dredd, which seems to jar, and Dredd addressing Hershey in an offhand manner ("Get lost, huh? I want to sleep.") I should add, though, that those views aren't representative of the whole review that he gives on the link. Another reason was that I had read some reader's comment somewhere that it was the worst art he had seen yet in the Case Files.

Maybe it was the lowered expectations but I really enjoyed the whole collection. I enjoyed the art throughout. This is not a point of view based on the knowledge of what makes well-executed and competent comic art but simply on my enjoyment of reading it. At the risk of making a superficial comment, I think the advent of colour helps for me. I'm not saying colour art automatically improves the quality. What I mean is, when I first started reading 2000 AD it was already in colour and I had no prior experience of the B&W strips, so that's how my initial impressions of what the quintessential strip should be were formed. I find a colour MC1 more immersive.

As regards the examples of tone given above, I appreciated the variation. In the example of Dredd's respect for Chopper causing him to hesitate, the story emphasises that the Chief Judge forgives Dredd because he succumbed to humanity, which he regards as natural. Instead, upsetting Dredd, the intervention of his humane streak resulted in unprofessional and irrational judgment. I didn't find the tone was awry, I found the anomaly of the change was addressed in the story. The fact it is out of character makes it more engaging. I also saw Dredd's offhand manner simply a more informal exchange between two judges who know each other well who can permit themselves to drop their guard once in a while (especially from a hospital bed). I see where Wolk is coming from, and it is only a minor point of his to demonstrate Wagner and Grant had to find their feet before getting back on track, but I found that breaking from the template worked in this case.

What really surprised me was seeing Dredd smile twice in one collection and the only other time I remember him smiling is in this this picture. (http://britishcomics.wikia.com/wiki/Judge_Joseph_Dredd/Gallery?file=IMG_20140528_0001.jpg)

Onto Case Files 7 and 10 next (I know this order might make no sense but it's out of budget necessities).




Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 10 July, 2014, 02:54:43 PM
I'd recommend CF:5 as your next purchase - Judge Death Lives, Block Mania/Apocalypse War and lots of one or two part mega-crime stories.


Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 08 July, 2014, 09:58:53 PM
ALWAYS READ THE BOOK FIRST!

It varies - sometimes it's better to read the book first, other times see the movie. I found Name of the Rose long, dull and confusing until I'd read the fantastic book - When I rewatched it, I thought it was amazing. Similarly, I'd advise watching One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest before reading the book - the book gives a whole new perspective on the events.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 10 July, 2014, 03:57:07 PM
Still working my way through Dark Horse's entire Conan output. Went back to the start, once I'd bought and read every one of the Brian Wood issues (CtB  #1-25), and have been buying and loving the initial Kurt Busiek run. Currently up to #29, so technically Busiek has just left and been briefly replaced by Mike Mignola. Sadly, I can't get ahold of #30 or #31 for love nor money (so if anyone here has them, and wants to sell for no more than a fiver each inc postage, I'd be very happy!). Otherwise I will be jumping ahead to #32 and the beginning of (after a brief return for Busiek) Tim Truman's run. After that will come 'The Cimmerian' and 'Road of Kings', not to mention the 'King' series of minis. Absolutely addictive, they are. And read alongside Dynamite's brilliant current run of 'Red Sonja' (the Gail Simone series), they make me happy to be a loincloth-wearing barbari-fan.

Novels-wise, I've just finished 'The Sands of Mars' and 'A Fall of Moondust' by Arthur C Clarke- both of which kicked me back into full-on "hard sci-fi" mode, and am about to start 'Against The Fall of Night', er, once night falls.

Oh, and I picked up 'Before Watchmen: Minutemen and Silk Spectre'- which was surprisingly not shit, and 'Comedian and Rorschach', which arrived today, so I've not given more than a cursory flick.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 11 July, 2014, 06:52:13 AM
Quote from: Third Estate Ned on 10 July, 2014, 02:09:40 PM
I've just finished Case Files 12 and enjoyed it very much. I wasn't sure what to expect, after having just read through Case files 4, 8 and 9 (the order I bought them in), which are considered pretty solid collections going on the recommendations threads on here. In fact, CF4 is probably the most enjoyable I've read so far for originality and variety of stories.

One reason I approached 12 with less enthusiasm was after reading a couple of Douglas Wolk's views on the results of the Grant and Wagner partnership dissolving. As he puts it (http://dreddreviews.blogspot.it/2011/10/complete-case-files-12.html): "The script seems a bit off, tonally." The examples he gives are a self-doubting Dredd, which seems to jar, and Dredd addressing Hershey in an offhand manner ("Get lost, huh? I want to sleep.") I should add, though, that those views aren't representative of the whole review that he gives on the link. Another reason was that I had read some reader's comment somewhere that it was the worst art he had seen yet in the Case Files.

Maybe it was the lowered expectations but I really enjoyed the whole collection. I enjoyed the art throughout. This is not a point of view based on the knowledge of what makes well-executed and competent comic art but simply on my enjoyment of reading it. At the risk of making a superficial comment, I think the advent of colour helps for me. I'm not saying colour art automatically improves the quality. What I mean is, when I first started reading 2000 AD it was already in colour and I had no prior experience of the B&W strips, so that's how my initial impressions of what the quintessential strip should be were formed. I find a colour MC1 more immersive.

As regards the examples of tone given above, I appreciated the variation. In the example of Dredd's respect for Chopper causing him to hesitate, the story emphasises that the Chief Judge forgives Dredd because he succumbed to humanity, which he regards as natural. Instead, upsetting Dredd, the intervention of his humane streak resulted in unprofessional and irrational judgment. I didn't find the tone was awry, I found the anomaly of the change was addressed in the story. The fact it is out of character makes it more engaging. I also saw Dredd's offhand manner simply a more informal exchange between two judges who know each other well who can permit themselves to drop their guard once in a while (especially from a hospital bed). I see where Wolk is coming from, and it is only a minor point of his to demonstrate Wagner and Grant had to find their feet before getting back on track, but I found that breaking from the template worked in this case.

What really surprised me was seeing Dredd smile twice in one collection and the only other time I remember him smiling is in this this picture. (http://britishcomics.wikia.com/wiki/Judge_Joseph_Dredd/Gallery?file=IMG_20140528_0001.jpg)

Onto Case Files 7 and 10 next (I know this order might make no sense but it's out of budget necessities).

You got some great stories ahead of you. If you like Dredd devolping think you'll like CF14-16. Dredd got quite interesting in those.

Also in Brothers of the blood - Total War - America or the recent Origins - Tour of Duty - Day of Chaos.

If you like Chopper I'd recommend the book Chopper: Surfs up, and that you read "Soul on Fire" and "Song of the Surfer" in it. Pure brilliance. But I consider the rest of the book "else world" as in never happened  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grugz on 12 July, 2014, 05:56:35 PM
which case files has captain skank in it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 12 July, 2014, 06:01:40 PM
Quote from: tootyfruity on 12 July, 2014, 05:56:35 PM
which case files has captain skank in it?

'Pirates of the Black Atlantic', Case Files 4.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grugz on 12 July, 2014, 08:42:40 PM
merci
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 July, 2014, 04:40:52 PM
Charles Stross' latest Laundry novel, The Rhesus Chart.  In the same vein (excuse the pun) as his other Laundry novels.  Enjoyable, fast paced, plenty of black humour.  I guess I've been working for the government for too long since what he tries to present as a mickey take is way too close to reality on the mindless bureaucracy side of things.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 14 July, 2014, 03:00:50 PM
ripped through Robopocalypse over the weekend.  Couldn't put it down.
Just like World War Z but with robots.  NOt that that's bad as WWZ is a top book and if Im honest Im certainly more interested in Robots and Tech going mad than Zombi's.
Has already been optioned by Hollywood and Spielberg attached to it,  Saving Private Ryan by way of AI? shame its been put on the back burner while he dicks around doing a couple of more serious movies.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 14 July, 2014, 03:07:53 PM
I read Robopocalypse last year- and agree on all counts. It's a corker of a page turner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 14 July, 2014, 05:01:03 PM
Finally got my hands on the Colonial Marines Technical Manual by Lee Brimmicombe-Wood great stuff. I seem to remember a map of the Aliens Universe called the ICC map persumably ofter the Interstellar Commerce Commission? Z
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 31 July, 2014, 09:25:05 PM
A DAVID NICHOLLS double with STARTER FOR TEN and THE UNDERSTUDY. Neither is earth shattering but he does nonjure up some great lols and, at times, a good sense of time and place.

Plus THE LINCOLN LAWYER by Michael Connelly which is sort of like a police procedural but for Defense Lawyers. Actually really liked it and it has some great insights into the American legal system.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 31 July, 2014, 09:44:21 PM
Breakfast of Champions

Sublime stuff as usual. Always delivers an interesting perspective than I can't help but agree with, such as how many of the world's jobs are effectively paid suicide, as they are direct contributors to the planet's demise and the planet's demise means the individual's demise. "I'm not really paid to drive this truck, I'm paid to commit suicide."

Cat's Cradle probably next up.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 31 July, 2014, 10:02:56 PM
I have recently picked up my copies of the first Megazine issues.  Obvious highlight includes America but also thoroughly enjoying Al's Baby and Red Razors for the first time (not reading the Young Death story as I've had the TP a number of years and read it several times).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 July, 2014, 10:32:17 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 31 July, 2014, 09:44:21 PM
Breakfast of Champions

Sublime stuff as usual. Always delivers an interesting perspective than I can't help but agree with, such as how many of the world's jobs are effectively paid suicide, as they are direct contributors to the planet's demise and the planet's demise means the individual's demise. "I'm not really paid to drive this truck, I'm paid to commit suicide."

Cat's Cradle probably next up.

Kurt Vonnegut is probably my favourite author. My favourite book of his is one of his less heralded numbers 'Deadeye Dick', if you've not read it I can recommend it highly. Mind that's fair to say about just about all his  work. The man was a stone cold genius and dealt with such heavy, dark themes with such a deft lightness of touch in his writing that reading even the bleakest tales was the most delightful thing.

A wonderfully complex man by the sounds I keep meaning to track down a biography or some such. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Eric Plumrose on 31 July, 2014, 10:49:50 PM
Struggling with THE INCAL by Jodorowsky and Mœbius.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 31 July, 2014, 10:51:33 PM
Been wanting to read that for ages. Not to your liking Eric?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 01 August, 2014, 04:17:15 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 31 July, 2014, 10:02:56 PM
I have recently picked up my copies of the first Megazine issues. 

I've a real soft spot for Vol 1 of The Meg, Pictsy- apart from the obvious highlights, even lesser known thrills like Nosferatu, Middenface McNulty, Strange Cases, The Straight-jacket Fits and Heavy Metal Dredd are all fond memories.

Enjoy!


As mentioned on the 'New Comic Day' thread, I picked up the most recent issue of Dark Horse's Eerie;

http://www.midtowncomics.com/store/dp.asp?PRID=Eerie+Comics+%235+Cover+A+R_1347086

A fun monochrome anthology, and the Henry Flint contribution was ace- pure 'Future Shock' goodness.
Recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 August, 2014, 06:40:06 PM
I've read some strange stuff recently and no mistake.

11-22-63 by Stephen King.  Still can't decide if I like this monstrous lump or not, but I certainly haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished it.  The very oddest of things, a supernatural time-travel story, including a particularly unsettling foray into King's back-catalogue, sadly seems to lose some of its conviction in the final pages as it veers back towards conventional SF theme and away from the intriguing idea of the past manifest as a malevolently conservative entity (insert own thin-ice-proof political joke here). 

I couldn't help but think about King's reaction on discovering Under The Dome was such a common SF trope that it had formed the plot of The Simpsons Movie, and wonder if he had the same problem on submitting the manuscript for this one: 'You mean someone's already done a story about time-travellers saving JFK?'.  Certainly as his protagonist feels his way blindly through the very concept of time-travel at the beginning of a very long book, you have to wonder what cultural rock our 2011 hero must have been hiding under.  Happily, the plot soon spreads its wings and becomes more than an ordinary tale of paradoxes, and in some ways becomes a pretty definitive 'How to Save Kennedy' story. 

In offering two vastly different mechanisms for the dire consequences of tampering with history it somewhat dilutes what is still a considerable impact. 

I was left with such ambivalent feelings about 11-22-63 that I went for another King straight away, Full Dark, No Stars.  Yeah, no kidding with that title: probably one of the bleakest genre things I've ever read.  Enjoying it though.

Two rather unsatisfying and blase novels (at least partly) about Artificial Intelligence: Ken MacLeod's The Night Sessions and Jack McDevitt's Firebird.  Two great if very different authors thinking about what happens when AIs are an accepted humdrum part of everyday life, and then attitudes suddenly change.  Neither reaches a particularly insightful conclusion, but McDevitt has the better A-plot and MacLeod the better milieu.  Both manage to render some spectacular scenes in a rather dull manner.  Ah well, still love both authors, and both books went down easy.

Then comes Adam Nicolson's Sea Room, an intense account of the Shiant Islands.  This is a genre I absolutely adore, the scrupulously detailed outsider's account of a bloved locality, and no-one does quite as well as the English.  Nicolson himself comes across as a rather unlikeable observer, especially when he's blithely defending his laird-y position and pretending that buying whole islands chains andnlounging about on them isn't solely the preserve of the stupidly wealthy, so it's a good job that he does his subject justice, and parses some solid expertise into something lyrical and complete.  It's my most self-indulgent ambition to write a book like this (without the ownership requirement).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 01 August, 2014, 07:14:02 PM
Thrill-Power Overload, begun today.
Wonder how it ends.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 01 August, 2014, 09:19:21 PM
Quote from: Eric Plumrose on 31 July, 2014, 10:49:50 PM
Struggling with THE INCAL by Jodorowsky and Mœbius.

Yep, struggled with this as well. Prefer some of Jodorowsky's other works far more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 01 August, 2014, 09:56:45 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 01 August, 2014, 09:19:21 PM
Quote from: Eric Plumrose on 31 July, 2014, 10:49:50 PM
Struggling with THE INCAL by Jodorowsky and Mœbius.

Yep, struggled with this as well. Prefer some of Jodorowsky's other works far more.

I got it off someone who was struggling with it so I'm grateful for its impenetrability.

Nothing that wouldn't phase fans of surrealist non-narratives but those in search of a coherent story look elsewhere. It's basically the Fifth Element (lawsuitishly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Incal#Legal_issues) so) getting mashed with the end of Kubrick's 2001. Definitely an absorbing and enthralling experience but not an easy read particularly. Needless to say the art is stunning and there are some astounding moments. Definitely happy to own it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 August, 2014, 10:03:03 PM
Well colour me intrigued as Incal is right at the top of my too read list and will be read in the next month I hope... will I get it, will I be prepared to work with it... the need to lose a desire for coherent narrative makes me nervous... ever way can't wait...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 01 August, 2014, 10:06:10 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 01 August, 2014, 07:14:02 PM
Thrill-Power Overload, begun today. Wonder how it ends.

With the scariest author photograph ever. I feel David Bishop knows where I live, and plans to creep into my bedroom so he can insert broken shards of mirror beneath my eyelids.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 01 August, 2014, 11:41:20 PM
Just want to shout out now, anyone who is dissapointed with The Incal, i'm willing to pay a fair amount for it.

Anyway, Baoh. On my travels down to Oban today I had 6 hours to spare so read both volumes of this manga by Hirohiko Araki of "Oh look, Zac's talking about Jojo again" fame. It's a fairly bog standard revenge, sci-fi tale of a boy, experimented on and humiliated. Attempts yo find piece with a young friend but is constantly foiled by the forces that created him. Some amusingly odd ideas and outrages violence ultimately foiled by a typical canceled shonen rush ending. Worth a read due to how short it is and some splendid gore art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 02 August, 2014, 12:38:11 AM
In reply to TordelBack on Stephen Kings' tome 11-12-63, I feel pretty much the same!! .....
I actually do like it though, despite some of the reservations I had after reading it.  It certainly made me think about what I'd just read, which is no bad thing.....His characterisation is, as usual, superb, and the story moves along at a fairly brisk pace and does evoke a pretty good feel of that 'more innocent' time.
However I ended up thinking that Mr King wasn't really sure exactly what he was trying to write, and was caught between the supernatural and the science fiction and ended up with a strange mix of the two....
Not a bad novel but !!!!!???? ultimately left me wanting a 'better constructed' conclusion...

If you like his stuff though, I highly recommend Dr Sleep....This is the sequel to The Shining and tells the story of Daniel Torrance ( the little boy in the Shining ) as a grown up.....Not quite an 'out and out' horror but close....and what I think is a welcome return to form from Mr King..
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 02 August, 2014, 12:00:23 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 01 August, 2014, 10:03:03 PM
Well colour me intrigued as Incal is right at the top of my too read list and will be read in the next month I hope... will I get it, will I be prepared to work with it... the need to lose a desire for coherent narrative makes me nervous... ever way can't wait...

Well there is a coherent narrative in it, its just that there is a lot to understand in the book, like the whole book is full of the imagery of the standard deck of tarot cards. I don't get all references but the first two are obvious on the first panel of the first page. Jodo is a big fan of Tarot cards from a psychotherapy viewpoint, he wrote a massive book on it before.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grugz on 02 August, 2014, 06:46:15 PM
well since my copy of spiderman ghosts of the past turned up while I was away I perused heroes for sale in inverness and thought I'd give marvels civil war a go and now want the rest to fill in the blanks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 02 August, 2014, 07:32:12 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 01 August, 2014, 04:17:15 PM

I've a real soft spot for Vol 1 of The Meg, Pictsy- apart from the obvious highlights, even lesser known thrills like Nosferatu, Middenface McNulty, Strange Cases, The Straight-jacket Fits and Heavy Metal Dredd are all fond memories.

Enjoy!

I haven't got to Nosferatu or Middenface McNulty just yet - certainly looking forward to them both.  A good portion through Raptaur at the moment which I remember reading in TP format in the early days of my collecting 2000AD

There are loads of things I'm looking forward to reading as I move into Vol 2.  I'll read until I get bored (probably the start of Vol 3) and then move onto the early 2000ADs I have (and haven't read yet).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 04 August, 2014, 11:01:51 AM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 02 August, 2014, 12:38:11 AM
In reply to TordelBack on Stephen Kings' tome 11-12-63, I feel pretty much the same!! .....
Not a bad novel but !!!!!???? ultimately left me wanting a 'better constructed' conclusion...

If you like his stuff though, I highly recommend Dr Sleep....This is the sequel to The Shining and tells the story of Daniel Torrance ( the little boy in the Shining ) as a grown up.....Not quite an 'out and out' horror but close....and what I think is a welcome return to form from Mr King..
Cheers

Another who feels the same. Could have been cut down a bit though eh? Stephen King needs a strict editor to make sure his extended fiction has the same punch as his short stuff - give the man over a hundred pages and he will take a thousand.

Dr Sleep is however an exception to the rule of the last few tomes; I never thought I'd care about Danny Torrance grown up, but the supporting cast and the antagonists really drive this book forward. More of a supernatural thriller than a horror, but the members of the 'True Knot' - the aged antagonists who hunt down those with the Shining - are truly creepy characters. One element I didn't like was a soap-opera style revelation towards the end, but that's not all that important to the narrative so I'll forgive it.

If you guys haven't tried Joe Hill, you should. Not quite the same as his dad but Heart Shaped Box is a true horror story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 04 August, 2014, 05:20:51 PM
Got to agree with theblazeuk in his recommendation of Joe Hills' Heart Shaped Box......A very atmospheric 'chiller / horror' and astonishingly good for a 1st Novel....

His most recent novel NOS4A2 is a supernatural / horror tale about a Nosferatu 'type' and is very reminiscent of Stephen Kings' work...( Not surprising considering that King is his dad ) ...Great characterisation and vivid descriptions...Highly Recommended...

Also an extremely good graphic novel series is Locke and Key written by Mr Hill....I was recommended this by a couple of forum members, and would say that it's one of the best series I've read in a long time. Also Highly Recommended. ( and the series of 6 in TPB finishes in November so if you like it, you can get them all ).

Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 05 August, 2014, 10:51:48 AM
I have put aside my Megazines for a little while and now I am reading RASL (by the amazingly talented Jeff Smith) that I got for my bday.  So far so good.  I also got the second TP of Hellblazer, so I'll probably be working my through that this month also.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 August, 2014, 12:53:44 PM
RASL was brief discuss of at the Comic day Megathread and much love was given it - though as noted very different to Bone. Really enjoyed the first issue of Tuki by the talented Mr Smith so have high hopes for that too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 05 August, 2014, 01:13:51 PM
Bone is phenomenal so I have high expectations for RASL. I never expected it to be similare, as anything akin to Bone would only pale in comparison.

On that note, has anyone read the Bone prequel Rose?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 05 August, 2014, 08:29:48 PM
Rose... is interesting. It doesn't flesh things out as much as you'd think. And its not drawn by Smith. But it is gorgeous, and quite good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 06 August, 2014, 04:37:32 PM
The graphic novel for Dead Man's Shoes. Finally managed to track down a copy - a timely re-issue two years ago helped out there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 08 August, 2014, 12:45:17 AM
Not long done with a reread of Simon Spurrier's run on X-Men: Legacy, as vocally championed by Mr YNWA of this parish. It's good stuff let down a little by an ending that seemed planned from the outset, irrespective of the allotted running time in between. It may not quite be Spurrier at his best but the first couple of trades in particular are full of ideas and that trademark wordplay which manages to hover just on the right side of the clever/lame divide.

I know who the X-Men are, but none of the central charactes were anyone I'd heard of. Apparently Professor X is dead and this guy Legion is his son with classic comicbook style multiple personalities and the shittest Scottish accent since whatsername from that ancient Essential X Men I read. Shades of Crazy Jane there but Spurrier keeps it fresh enough and introduces enough different voices to make it interesting.

The art throughout ranges from the half-decent to the serviceable but the covers by Mike del Mundo are consistenly fantastic. Each month, a witty, interesting or eye-catching take on something from the issue without ever being a stock pose or a reframing of an internal panel. Really enjoyed those.

Structurally it worked well too, with the standard 6 issue trades being broken down into 1, 2 and 3 parters usually complete but contributing to the ongoing storyline. I guess the nature of the X Beast demanded that this eventually be folded away and forgotten. The writer tries to undercut this with some stuff about stories and events having meaning even if they never happened. I'm not convinced but I admired the attempt.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 August, 2014, 06:20:05 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 08 August, 2014, 12:45:17 AM
The art throughout ranges from the half-decent to the serviceable but the covers by Mike del Mundo are consistenly fantastic. Each month, a witty, interesting or eye-catching take on something from the issue without ever being a stock pose or a reframing of an internal panel. Really enjoyed those.

A point well worth noting and I would often forget but the covers to this series were some of the best I can remember. Its one thing that Marvel do seem to do very right these days, they give very good cover.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 08 August, 2014, 11:22:55 AM
I'll throw my two-cent into the ring regarding Spurriers current Marvel book; X-Force.
As of writing up to issue 7, and the pace has been nicely building.
Spurrier has a great handle on all the characters, in particular Dr. Nemesis.

Two major revelations recently, that really grabbed my attention in that good-ol way;

1) Cable [spoiler]dies every day. His body has been severely damaged, so he keeps it in stasis. Disposable clones are used on a day-to-day basis with a 'bullet point' thought-log recording that days main events, to pass on to tomorrow's clone.[/spoiler] A very interesting and fresh take on the character.
2) Fantomex is a jealous, insecure [spoiler]cold-blooded murderer! After Cable revealed his daily 'death' to his team-mates, Fantomex used the opportunity to carry out his hearts desire on a regular basis: secretly blowing the brains out of his 'boss' and feeding his carcass to sharks (NB- if cable doesn't die in battle, his 'normal' way to check out is by chucking himself into a fusion reactor every evening). [/spoiler]

The artwork by series regular Rock He-Kim isn't for everyone, but I really like it.
It's a solid Spurrier series- peppered with his trademark wit and throw-away inspired touches.
Recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 August, 2014, 08:13:17 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 02 August, 2014, 12:00:23 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 01 August, 2014, 10:03:03 PM
Well colour me intrigued as Incal is right at the top of my too read list and will be read in the next month I hope... will I get it, will I be prepared to work with it... the need to lose a desire for coherent narrative makes me nervous... ever way can't wait...

Well there is a coherent narrative in it, its just that there is a lot to understand in the book, like the whole book is full of the imagery of the standard deck of tarot cards. I don't get all references but the first two are obvious on the first panel of the first page. Jodo is a big fan of Tarot cards from a psychotherapy viewpoint, he wrote a massive book on it before.

Well read The Incal and had a reaction which I often get when I read something that is either lauded or loathed (or in this case it seems to be abandoned, but that didn't scan as well). I got on with it fine but didn't love it, I didn't have a massively strong reaction to it either way but enjoyed it enough to keep it to read it again in the future as there are certainly a whole host of things there that I'm not getting and the book appears to have depths that I skirted over reading it on quite a superficial level this time. Getting enough from it though to encourage me to work with it over time and see what else it gives me.

I know next to nowt about tarot from a psychotherapy perspective or any other... well aside from the Bond movie Live and Let Die... and while I looked a few things up I picked up on this time, I have to be honest I have no real interest in them (tarot cards) and that's the one thing that gives me doubt that I'll ever get a lot of the stuff it has to offer.

As it stands on my superficial reading, or at least not getting a lot of the references, its a break neck speed (man does it rattle along, even as a seasoned 2000ad reader at times it felt like it was rattling along too much) action sci-fi romp that is very satisfying on that level. It also clearly (to me) deals with the numerous trials we go though as humans to try to raise ourselves to a higher level of consciousness. Or rather the opportunities we have to do so that we miss as our pig headed ignorant attachment to our mundane selfish concerns stops us seeing the real value and worth of the trials we go through. So that in the end we don't achieve what we might and so are destined to make the same mistakes time and time again. Always plunging ahead, cast into a wondrous adventures, seeing marvels, achieving great things, witnessing great violence and terrors yet never embracing the gifts life can give us.

So yeah enough to intrigue. The detail (and thus the 'right' themes potentially') completely evade me.

Still fun and fuckin' hell Moebius was beyond good wasn't he.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 11 August, 2014, 04:21:29 PM
Dr Who - a history of the Universe in 100 objects.

Got this from the library and it's surprisingly good. Lots of these tie-in books are all style and no substance but this is really meaty. It's arranged in chronological order (from the beginning to the end of the universe); it manages to smoothly blend old and new Who; lots of quirky lists of Who-related trivia, backstage anecdotes and actual educational stuff about the origins of the universe and historical figures.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 12 August, 2014, 03:15:21 PM
double post, but I had to share: Did you know that the Space Whale in The Beast Below (The Doctor and Amy meet Liz Ten aboard Starship UK) was an idea by Pat Mills? It was originally conceived for the 2nd doctor and reconsidered for (I think) the 4th and 6th, but never actually got made until the 11th.

Edit: This (http://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/doctor-whotv-episode-reviews/577-from-the-archive-the-beast-below) says it was a Wagner/Mills script.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 12 August, 2014, 03:52:56 PM
I didn't know that. Beast Bellow could only could only have been better anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 12 August, 2014, 04:35:09 PM
I'm reading all of the Abnett Droid's Inquisitor series from Wh40k

Not as great as I remembered - Eisenhorn is actually quite a dull bugger alot of the time - but the usual penchant for battlefield prose and evocative world building serves the text well. Investigating demonic cults amongst the stars and the twisted cultures of aliens driven mad... well, I'll always bite.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 15 August, 2014, 06:20:00 PM
Trifecta - again
utter bliss
not only because of [spoiler]the stories turning into one via the 3 ducks on the wall scene[/spoiler]

but one of my favourite artists: simon coleby's art is amazing and to top it off they have carl critchlow come in at the end

complete holistic thrills - everyone firing on full cylinders

hope something like this may be done again - ideally with wagner, boo cook, leign gallagher etc etc

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 16 August, 2014, 09:39:53 PM
High Society, the second Cerebus book, by Dave Sim is IMHO a huge step up from the first volume. Being, as it is, one long story arc rather than a series of small events tentativly linked together.

I like how the whole rise of fall of the Earth-Pig PM started with a nod to the Palnu story in the first phonebook. I assume Church and State will continue to build on this even though the conclusion to High Society felt like a solid way to cap off Cerebus's forray into politics. I asdume we aren't supposed to know who the writer is throughout this book? Intruiging...

Anyway, I found a good copy on Church and State going online so i'll buy that on wednesday. Despite it's obvious flaws that have been discoused plenty of times i'm rather enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 22 August, 2014, 01:43:54 PM
Quote from: Sideshow Bob on 04 August, 2014, 05:20:51 PM
Got to agree with theblazeuk in his recommendation of Joe Hills' Heart Shaped Box......A very atmospheric 'chiller / horror' and astonishingly good for a 1st Novel....

His most recent novel NOS4A2 is a supernatural / horror tale about a Nosferatu 'type' and is very reminiscent of Stephen Kings' work...( Not surprising considering that King is his dad ) ...Great characterisation and vivid descriptions...Highly Recommended...

Also an extremely good graphic novel series is Locke and Key written by Mr Hill....I was recommended this by a couple of forum members, and would say that it's one of the best series I've read in a long time. Also Highly Recommended. ( and the series of 6 in TPB finishes in November so if you like it, you can get them all ).

Cheers

Hear Hear.

All of Locke & Key is currently on digital sale; https://www.comixology.eu/Locke-Key-Vol-1-Welcome-To-Lovecraft/digital-comic/18409

I cannot praise this series highly enough.

I'd also heartily recommend NOS4A2 spin-off Wraith: Welcome to Christmasland https://www.comixology.eu/The-Wraith-Welcome-To-Christmasland-1-of-7/digital-comic/50832

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 August, 2014, 02:26:08 PM
Prose novels: Fevre Dream by George R R. Martin.

Steamboats and [spoiler]vampires[/spoiler] in the old west. Pretty good so far. The style of narration is very different from the Song of Ice and Fire books. This is a good thing. (I don't mean that as a criticism of those books. It's just nice to see versatility in an author in different books.)

Comic Collections:
Nemesis the Warlock: Deviant Edition.

I wasn't reading 2000AD when these first came out, so this is my first experience witht he character, aside from the first story which appears on this site. I wasn't all that fussed to get the collections to be honest. The premise didn't really grab me that much. But as it's classed as classic 2000 AD by many of you, when I saw the digital edition going for a tenner in a recent sale, I thought I'd give it a go.

It's... not bad, but not great so far. I haven't got that far though, to be fair. I find the colour style a bit garish. I can see why many remark that the colour doesn't add anything to the original, and I'm a person who usually prefers colour in comics! But I don't dislike it overall, it does the job. i do like the humour in these early strips, I will say.

Some of it's a bit fuzzy on my Kindle X HD 8.9 but that is cured by.... not zooming in so much.

ABC Warriors: Mek Files 1
I picked his up in the recent digital sale too. i would have liked to get the hardback really but looking at the difference in price, I decided to go this route.

This isn't my first foray into early ABC Warriors stuff as I've borrowed early books from the library, so I had a good idea as to what I was getting. And it's good. I prefer it much more to Nemesis, so far, but we'll see. I think there may be stuff at the end I haven't yet read.

Those colour spreads though... if I thought Nemesis colouring a bit garish, this is VERY garish. Oh dear. I'm glad they produced it though since that's how it appears in the original comics. Not my cup of tea at all, but it doesn't spoil this excellent edition.

I recently picked the last Locke and Key collection in a ComiXologysale too. (Incidentally, when you get ad's for this stuff I've found it pays to follow the link to the website. Don't buy it through the app as they still charge the non discounted pice. BUT you can still download it on the ComiXology app, afterwards, which is nice.)

I've yet to read this, but I'm hopeful. One of the best series I've read in a good while.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 August, 2014, 05:27:38 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 23 August, 2014, 02:26:08 PM
Nemesis the Warlock: Deviant Edition.

It's... not bad, but not great so far.

Burn the heretic!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 August, 2014, 07:34:24 PM
The Forest of Hands and Teeth - my first foray into reading YA literature (by which I mean the poorly-written post-Twilight shit that wouldn't cut it as something for sale to adults, crafted with little thought beyond a movie adaptation and which plagues the bookshelves of stores with a pox-like persistence), and it is pretty bad, its one genuinely good conceit likely being accidental, in that the main character comes off as such a complete arsehole, self-absorbed and concerned with her own wants that you forget that this book is aimed at 13 year-olds and that this is possibly a good approximation of how such a mind works.  What could have been an interesting take on the zombiepocalypse genre - by mashing it with melodramatic medieval village-based bodice-ripping - turns it into a turgid emo whine-off, and for an adult reader that's a bit of an obstacle as empathy is required for much of the situations that present themselves, otherwise you begin to notice that much of the character tension could be resolved by a slap in the teeth that is never given.  Not very good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 24 August, 2014, 06:39:30 PM
Currently reading the past 2 years of 2000ad. I cherry picked the stories I love (ABC Warriors, Stront, Wagner Dredd) but just have not had time to keep up with the rest. Just read Zombo (it really grew on me), Stickleback (great), Sinister Dexter (great) and many others. I have to say the Prog is pretty excellent.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 24 August, 2014, 08:32:09 PM
Just finished I kill Giants by Joe Kelly & Ken Nimura -  a really interesting tale of a troubled school girl and the fantasy world she creates to cope. If you liked The Underwater Welder, this has got a very similar vibe.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 25 August, 2014, 08:21:13 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 24 August, 2014, 06:39:30 PM
Currently reading the past 2 years of 2000ad.

Probably via the original artwork, you feckin hog!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 26 August, 2014, 09:08:32 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 25 August, 2014, 08:21:13 PM
Quote from: Skullmo on 24 August, 2014, 06:39:30 PM
Currently reading the past 2 years of 2000ad.

Probably via the original artwork, you feckin hog!

:lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 26 August, 2014, 11:24:36 AM
Trees by Warren Ellis

Enjoyably weird idea done with the usual panache and some stylistic artwork. Would fit in a prog if it wasn't a bit too decompressed with its (excellent) world building
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 30 August, 2014, 10:58:41 AM
Having bought Locke and Key: Alpha and Omega, I reread all the earlier Locke and Key volumes and then read A and O very quickly. Yes, that's very good.

Must read that Rico Dredd tale The Third Law. Very good. I like the fact that we see more complex motivations to Rico's decisions rather than just "he went bad". I'm a little shocked that his viewpoint made a lot of sense, not that I entirely agree with him.

I've often been a bit disappointed that he had such a small reception in the original tale (one 5-6 page episode) before being [spoiler]quickly disposed of.[/spoiler] I believe there are further tales in the comics which delve deeper which I've yet to read though.

I'm currently reading Road Rage which incorporates a comic adaptation of Stephen King and Moe Hills'
Throttle and Richard Matheson's classic Duel. It's dragging a bit so far but I've only read one issue in the volume.

From reading Pat Mills's Blog I found out that the first volume of Requiem Vampire Knight was available on Comixology for £2.49! Downloaded! I've yet to read, but the premise is .... interesting and disturbing. And the art looks luscious, so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 30 August, 2014, 12:40:07 PM
Currently getting back into reading novels again. The itch tends to come and go. Right now I'm reading On Basilisk Station (Honor Harrington Book 1) by David Weber. Mostly because it was free (along with a whole bunch of other Baen ebooks on Amazon) but also because I wanted a bit of military sci-fi.

It's a bit schlocky shit, but it's managing to keep my interest. Which is odd because there is a distinct lack of action, and it's not got the most well developed cast. The lead character isn't even super interesting. Yet I'm still plugging away at it, faster then I expected.


I've also got John Scalzi's Fuzzy Nation waiting for my next book.  Scalzi's always worth reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 31 August, 2014, 02:23:43 AM
Some 1977 'Action' comics, picked up at the recent Con. Hm...
As posted, felt they would be entertaining. Thing is, they're REALLY dense and as you might expect the plotting isn't really aimed at the 100-year-old me. So sped-read them after the first issue.

What I may do is pull them them out when I want to sniff the early progs but avoid sun-damage on the actual progs  :)

Also, realised too late that by buying 1977 I wouldn't see what was banned in 1976. I can only imagine...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 31 August, 2014, 01:05:50 PM
Lobster Johnson the Burning Hand and Atomic Robo tpb both very good indeed-Johnson is certainly the darker one but Atomic Robo faces a lovecraftian horror, time travel and er Carl Sagan. Marvellous.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 31 August, 2014, 02:01:36 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 30 August, 2014, 12:40:07 PM
Currently getting back into reading novels again. The itch tends to come and go. Right now I'm reading On Basilisk Station (Honor Harrington Book 1) by David Weber. Mostly because it was free (along with a whole bunch of other Baen ebooks on Amazon) but also because I wanted a bit of military sci-fi.

It's a bit schlocky shit, but it's managing to keep my interest. Which is odd because there is a distinct lack of action, and it's not got the most well developed cast. The lead character isn't even super interesting. Yet I'm still plugging away at it, faster then I expected.


I've also got John Scalzi's Fuzzy Nation waiting for my next book.  Scalzi's always worth reading.

On Basilisk Station is a bit rough. The next book, The Honor of the Queen is better. In fact many people recommend skipping OBS and going straight to Honor of the Queen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 31 August, 2014, 03:32:35 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 31 August, 2014, 02:23:43 AMAlso, realised too late that by buying 1977 I wouldn't see what was banned in 1976. I can only imagine...

Sevenpenny Nightmare's archive of original (pre-censorship) Action issues is practically a service to comics-lover history: http://www.sevenpennynightmare.co.uk/?cat=4
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 31 August, 2014, 11:26:36 PM
Quote from: Honeypot Bear on 31 August, 2014, 03:32:35 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 31 August, 2014, 02:23:43 AMAlso, realised too late that by buying 1977 I wouldn't see what was banned in 1976. I can only imagine...

Sevenpenny Nightmare's archive of original (pre-censorship) Action issues is practically a service to comics-lover history: http://www.sevenpennynightmare.co.uk/?cat=4

Cheers HB, just the thing  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 06 September, 2014, 10:54:29 PM
Jack THE KING Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus vol. 1-4

Bought the missing book (vol. 2) recently for more moolah than I was comfortable with at first, but now it's all good. Really good. Especially since the 4th world saga is some of the best I'v read.

The less the said about it the better, since I'd never stop writing about it. But I can't avoid mentioning Darkseid. Incredible character. Especially towards the end, where he's saddened by the automatisation of destruction.

Same goes with Big Barda's confrontation of Granny, about being a traitor. Wow... Just wow. Or Orion saving his mother Tigra and ultimately (if Grant Morrison's Fifth world is avoided) himself by not giving into his anger and the prophesied confrontation with pops Darkseid. .

I damn hope 4th world becomes a couple of movies one day. The perfect mix of 2001 and Star wars.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 September, 2014, 06:23:46 AM
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Jack Kirby, as a writer forget his art (which of course ain't half bad) is one of comics geniuses. In fact he's my favourite writer the medium has ever known. Quite brilliant. And The Fourth World Saga is possibly his best work.

The very best comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: starscape on 07 September, 2014, 11:14:12 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 06 September, 2014, 10:54:29 PM
Jack THE KING Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus vol. 1-4
I damn hope 4th world becomes a couple of movies one day. The perfect mix of 2001 and Star wars.
Some Lord of the Rings style big budget trilogy, done absolutely right would make Star Wars look like a Lego movie.  Opressed Earthlings, Thor-like heroes, a Darth Vader without the hope, a flawed protagonist, three completely different planets, the mystery of the Source, the chance of amazing special effects from Lightray's hair to the furnaces of Apokolips, amazing fight scenes with the weirdest array of villians.  Hell, you could even throw in Superman for a touch of marketing.

Boy, would it make a great film.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 07 September, 2014, 01:01:38 PM
I just finished off Nemesis the Warlock: The Deviant Edition

Now you might remember me saying that I wasn't all that keen when I started. This is true, but by the end I'd changed my mind. It ended too soon! I'm wanting more.

I'd just got to the bit where baby Thoth [spoiler]had used his powers to fool the head terminator and his wife into thinking he was a human baby* and was planning revenge on the human race.[/spoiler] Then it ended and we have the bonus story "The Tomb of Tourquemada" which spoils [spoiler]Thoth's ultimate horrific fate! Actually that whole battle is rather vicious and nasty.[/spoiler] I guess the Deviant Edition was really aimed at those who have read the whole thing before and wanted something special rather than newbies like me, but I still think that chapter - amusing and interesting as it was - should have been left out.

I'd got to [spoiler]Mek-Quake in his new body torturing Tourqe-Amada (dear me. What a pun, hee hee.) for information on location of the other Ro-Busters. I was hoping to read their shenanigans in Nemesis, and then I'd go back to the Black Hole, as that's set later, but never mind.[/spoiler]

It was still a great volume. I imagine the original hard-back is a splendid thing.

*Inclidentally isn't a homuculous a kind of constructed being? I guess with the warlocks it's a kind of larval/infant stage. Or a mixture of both them being magical creatures and all. It's very interesting to see how different males/females/infants of the species look. The homunculous looks like a different species entirely... although it has a slight beak thing which gives a clue to it's adult stage. Kind of fits with tadpoles and frogs I guess.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 September, 2014, 02:31:21 PM
Quote from: starscape on 07 September, 2014, 11:14:12 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 06 September, 2014, 10:54:29 PM
Jack THE KING Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus vol. 1-4
I damn hope 4th world becomes a couple of movies one day. The perfect mix of 2001 and Star wars.
Some Lord of the Rings style big budget trilogy, done absolutely right would make Star Wars look like a Lego movie.  Opressed Earthlings, Thor-like heroes, a Darth Vader without the hope, a flawed protagonist, three completely different planets, the mystery of the Source, the chance of amazing special effects from Lightray's hair to the furnaces of Apokolips, amazing fight scenes with the weirdest array of villians.  Hell, you could even throw in Superman for a touch of marketing.

Boy, would it make a great film.

Yeah but would any of that make it as good as Kirby could make it look?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: starscape on 07 September, 2014, 04:51:46 PM
One day, I was slagging off the original Dredd movie, noting about the helmet being taken off, when a friend said he liked the film and didn't care about the helmet as he didn't read the comics.  I came to the conclusion that comparing books, comics and movies was foolhardy.  Is LotR better or worse than the books?  Doesn't matter, as long as the films are good, it works.  Even LoEG was an acceptable movie if you ignore what it was based upon and just look at it as a sidekick to Raiders of the Lost Ark.

That said, yeah, I really think they could do New Gods justice.  Kirby wasn't subtle.  Of all the artists there have been, his was eminently transferrable to movies.  I'd love to see my favourite story of the [spoiler]ship powered by the dead body[/spoiler].  Maybe not the best one for the silver screen but I really think the whole film could rock if the budget was as big as any Star Wars or Lord of the Rings.  It couldn't be done as a half measure, otherwise it would be as hair-tearing as the Silver Surfer FF movie.  How could anyone make Galactus dull???
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 08 September, 2014, 06:38:19 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 07 September, 2014, 06:23:46 AM
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Jack Kirby, as a writer forget his art (which of course ain't half bad) is one of comics geniuses. In fact he's my favourite writer the medium has ever known. Quite brilliant. And The Fourth World Saga is possibly his best work.

The very best comics.

I fully agree. While VERY funky at times (Flippa Dippa still leaves me speechless) 4th world is like nothing else when it comes to action and heart. Just incredible.

And about it getting adapted. I get goosbumps by thinking of a quiet opening, Warner logo, screen turns black. A loud BOOOOOM. A dark and orange pulsing tunnel which Orion travels on his astro harness. The end of the tunnel, a sky melting in turquoise. The roar of the boom tube still echoing, and Orion flies towards the satellite town hovering over New Gensis.

Btw. I love how much Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang is channeling of the book in their Wonder Woman. It's a shame they didn't put Paradise Island on New Genesis. The themes they're touching upon would'v made it a good match, also making Diana a bit more cosmic looking (think more Big Barda like). But besides pure dreams, I still got hope for some additional 4th world connections beyond using Orion. Hopefully some sort of Old/New Gods union thing (my money on Hera and Highfather getting their groove on.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 11 September, 2014, 08:52:35 AM
Dorohedoro is a proper bit of messed up comic writing but after only the first volume i'm still none the wise as to what it's all about! If nothing it's a gory bit of ultra violence with a hilarious counter culture to all the fan service baiting so sadly prevalent in Japan. Spoilers: The main female character is so obscenely buff (and obscured in biker leathers) she can punch a mans head clean off.

Blacksad, well, i'll be on it next. The DH hardback contains the first three stories (i've already read the first) and I rather enjoyed it, even if the in universe logic in gender design seems a bit inconsistent (men are fully anthropomorphic while the females are, effectively, humans in animal make up).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 September, 2014, 03:48:01 AM
Ian McEwan's On Chesil Beach.  A brilliantly observed if excruciating book, but with another of (what I find to be) McEwan's unsatisfying endings.  Having followed two characters' lives in some detail, and viewed the story's main events from both points of view, we learn only about the man's life after the titular event.  I desperately wanted to see how the woman's life turned out too, beyond a few lines about her professional successes.  It's an imbalance that is surely a deliberate choice, but it left me deeply unsatisfied with a book that that I had really enjoyed right up to the point that it ditched 50% of its cast.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spaceghost on 12 September, 2014, 10:26:10 AM
Just finished reading King of Thorns, the sequel to Prince of Thorns and the second in the 'Thorns' trilogy by Mark Lawrence.

Utterly fantastic stuff which I would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in SF and fantasy. The protagonist, Jorg Ancrath, is the most fully rounded, nuanced, believable character I've ever met in a fantasy novel. He's cruel, hard and driven to acts of unspeakable evil but he is written in such a way that the reader always has sympathy for him.

This second book features a slightly more mature, reflective 19 year old Jorg, on the eve of, not only his arranged marriage, but also the impending battle to defend his newly aquired kingdom against the armies of the noble Prince of Arrow, whom the prophecies say will unite the broken empire and bring peace. Jorg opposes him simply, it seems, to prove the prophecies, and everyone who underestimates him, wrong.

One of, if not the most exciting, compelling and original fantasy series I've ever read. Can't wait to get stuck into part three, Emperor of Thorns.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 12 September, 2014, 12:24:19 PM
Peter Hook's book about Joy Division UNKNOWN PLEASURES.

I'm only a couple of chapters in and it covers mainly his childhood and youth but by golly it's terrible terrible stuff.

In summary:
"We wuz poor. I was in fights and nicking stuff all the time, me. Teachers at school hated me, police used to beat me up. I left school with no qualifications 'cos I was such a rebel and I did fuck all at my first jobs (but still got pay rise and promotions) and got into loads of trouble. Little did I know I was going to change the face of music not once, but TWICE".

That last sentence is almost verbatim by the way so I'm not sure if I am missing a knowing wink somewhere.

Has there ever been a biography where somebody worked hard at school and work and didn't get into trouble all the time?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 12 September, 2014, 01:01:21 PM
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell. Very very good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 September, 2014, 01:09:05 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 12 September, 2014, 01:01:21 PM
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell. Very very good.

Have my eye on that one, good to hear.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 12 September, 2014, 01:15:09 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 September, 2014, 01:09:05 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 12 September, 2014, 01:01:21 PM
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell. Very very good.

Have my eye on that one, good to hear.

Apaert from the sheer scope of his imagination, every now and then he'll use a phrase or description that makes me wonder why I bother trying to write at all!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 September, 2014, 01:36:31 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 12 September, 2014, 01:15:09 PM
Apaert from the sheer scope of his imagination, every now and then he'll use a phrase or description that makes me wonder why I bother trying to write at all!

I have that problem with my idol Tim Robinson - almost every time I pick up one of his books for a re-read, I come across a sentence or an observation that makes me want to give up even thinking about landscape history, never mind writing about it. 

But it's a good problem to have all the same!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 12 September, 2014, 05:13:30 PM
Quote from: Killer Hawk Queen on 11 September, 2014, 08:52:35 AM
Dorohedoro is a proper bit of messed up comic writing but after only the first volume i'm still none the wise as to what it's all about! If nothing it's a gory bit of ultra violence with a hilarious counter culture to all the fan service baiting so sadly prevalent in Japan. Spoilers: The main female character is so obscenely buff (and obscured in biker leathers) she can punch a mans head clean off.

Thanks for reminding me about this, I've a couple of collections of it but just lost track of it for a while.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 12 September, 2014, 05:18:16 PM
Jaunt. An episode guide on 70s tv show The Tomorrow People. I now want the dvd boxset!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 13 September, 2014, 12:42:18 AM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 12 September, 2014, 01:15:09 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 September, 2014, 01:09:05 PM
Quote from: Richmond Clements on 12 September, 2014, 01:01:21 PM
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell. Very very good.
Have my eye on that one, good to hear.
Apaert from the sheer scope of his imagination, every now and then he'll use a phrase or description that makes me wonder why I bother trying to write at all!
I'm not usually one to rush out and buy yer hardback literary novels but the Clements and Le Guin recommendations are compelling.

Mitchell does have an extraordinary way with a phrase. There's a bit in Number9Dream where the lad's sister is sitting in a tree and he describes the way the light dapples across her: "Parts of Anju are too bright to look at. Parts of Anju are too dark to see."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 13 September, 2014, 02:07:44 AM
I have 2 favourite writers, and as people have said, they are often so frighteningly good it makes you want to go and live in a shoe box. David Mitchell and Peter Carey for me. Chemistry Of Tears has been unread for a while now and I didn't know Mitchell had another book out...

Damn you, prog slog and other diversions.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 13 September, 2014, 12:43:04 PM
Just picked up both issues of the Abnett & Culbard droid's Dark Ages

Apocalyptically good. I don't know what's going on yet exactly but it's not looking good for this band of weary soldiers. 

Also picked up the first issue of Wild's End, from the same droid duo (Culbard seems to be hitting his deadlines!). One of my favourite things about this is that Culbard gets to draw things other than humans as the main characters, turns out he is pretty grand at the ol' anthropomorphising. And of course, as Brass Sun has shown, he does a fine job of strange things killing people in strange ways. I'm not sure yet whether this will have quite the same sinister charm as Dark Ages but I'm more than happy if it only turns out to be War Of the Wind in the Willows.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 September, 2014, 03:48:01 PM
Requiem: Vampire Knight: Volume 2

Interesting as always. Some heavy handed stuff I could have done without. I haven't done the suggested search Pat Mills suggests on the person Mother Terror is based on but the fact that in his foreword he suggests a specific paper/magazine to use in the Google search leaves me sceptical. I learned a while back that just because something is reported in the papers doesn't make it true. And even if it is... well I prefer my fiction not to go down that preachy route, but anyway. Created food for thought. This was a more disturbing volume than the previous.

I'm not entirely sure I like that, but I'm still intrigued. Luscious art. I've already downloaded volume 3.

I finished the ABC Warriors Mek Files 1. I hoped it would cover more territory than it did. I realise I've read both The Meknificent Seven and The Black Hole in other formats - thank you library - but there was a lot I had forgotten. I like the different writing style of Black hole. A bleaker story all in all, and interesting.

I'm looking forward to Mek Files 2 as I think I'll be in new territory (for me) then.

I prerdered vol 1 of Zenith Phase 1. Curious to see that even including postage it works out cheaper ordering from the States (Amazon.com) than the UK (Amazon.co.uk.) The later volumes are much cheaper to pre-order though.

I was stated that an import tax charge might be included but it wasn't shown in checkout. I've ordered books from the States before with no extra charge, so I'll see.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 14 September, 2014, 08:36:41 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 14 September, 2014, 03:48:01 PM
I was stated that an import tax charge might be included but it wasn't shown in checkout. I've ordered books from the States before with no extra charge, so I'll see.

Is there VAT on books in the U.K.? If not, you shouldn't be charged for it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 14 September, 2014, 11:50:33 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 13 September, 2014, 12:43:04 PM
Just picked up both issues of the Abnett & Culbard droid's Dark Ages

Apocalyptically good. I don't know what's going on yet exactly but it's not looking good for this band of weary soldiers. 

Also picked up the first issue of Wild's End, from the same droid duo (Culbard seems to be hitting his deadlines!).

1st issue of Dark Ages impressed me too, intriguing enough to keep reading, and the on-forum praise for Wilds End has also been noted- I'll have to try it.

Two US series and 2000AD; Culbard's no Droid- he's a machine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 September, 2014, 03:55:00 AM
Terminal World, in which Alastair Reynolds channels Vernor Vinge and Stephen Baxter - very successfully, so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 September, 2014, 09:47:16 PM
Just read another batch of Cinebooks stuff and boy oh boy I do sometimes wonder why I don't just jack in my obsession with American comics* and just spend all my money on these things instead.

Chimpanzee Complex 1 - 3)- which I got for a great price of this here board - was really good.

The Spooks (1 and 2) was absolutely fantastic, even if it played very closely with some genre tropes verging on cliche.

BUT of course best of the bunch was the second of Leo's Aldebaran series Betelgeuse (1-3) which was just fantastic. The dialogue may be clunky as hell at times, probably due to translation, and sometimes the art can be a bit static but my God is it well plotted, a compelling story and the world building and design just breath-taking.

Just wonderful comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 September, 2014, 09:52:58 PM
Can't speak for World of Aldebaran series (yet...) or Chimpanzee Complex but I was extremely happy with SPOOKS 1 and 2, so much so that i'll be picking up the next two volumes at TB. Very entertaining indeed, makes me wish more Dorrison was available in English (Both Long John Silver and Crusade or on my pull list but not quite yet. Also, please can we have Les Sentinels, Cinebooks?!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 September, 2014, 10:54:12 AM
James Patterson's  Toys.  What the hell did I just read.  Seeing as my father passed it to me with a glowing recommendation, should I look into getting him into sheltered accommodation? 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 25 September, 2014, 12:05:32 PM
just googled that - I wondered how that guy was so prolific, turns out he doesn't actually write most of his books, just sticks his name on as 'co-author'. One online reviewer said that it "reminds me of a comic book written by someone with only a cursory knowledge of comic books. "
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 September, 2014, 12:34:24 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 25 September, 2014, 12:05:32 PM
"reminds me of a comic book written by someone with only a cursory knowledge of comic books. "

That's exactly it: he's heard of SF, but that's about it.  Spoilers, I guess, follow:  The coastal cites of the world are deep under water, Washington DC has been rebuilt far inland, and 90% of the world's population is dead of a engineered virus, but an apparently bone-dry London is still packed with shoppers, and the survivors of a genetic underclass eat foie gras at ambassadorial receptions after driving there in a hot tub in the back of a limo.  Lasers fire 'rounds' that 'thud' into bodies, and everyone important has up to a dozen clones, able to pass themselves off as the original sufficiently well to fool an enhanced interrogation, but no-one seems to care if these copies suffer or die (indeed that seems to be their main purpose), or even once question what exactly they are.  A villainous PotUS is (naturally) the most genetically enhanced cyborg in the world, but our secretly baseline-human hero, with artificial enhancements cobbled together in his parents basement can take him in a straight fight. 

Most criticially, the villains' evil masterplan is [spoiler]to kill off the remainder of the impoverished slum-dwelling human underclass by booby-trapping exclusive and expensive gadgets sold in high-end Elite shops[/spoiler].  No thought whatsoever has been put into the premise of this book.

More generally, and leaving aside the nerdy nitpicking, the reader is clearly supposed to despise the baddie tube-grown genocidal Elites for their arrogance and superiority, but our hero never tires of, or indeed pauses from, telling us how he's the strongest and fastest, traits he acquired through equally artificial and privileged means.

Leaving aside the easy-reading angle (it's large print and chapters are 2-3 pages long), which is probably a significant mark in its favour, I just can't understand the appeal of this guy - this is lazy, lazy stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 25 September, 2014, 12:40:55 PM
Sounds like that sort of really old SF where no thought is put into the cohesion of the world described, just some cool sounding stuff stuck on top of a generic thriller or adventure story?

Quote from: TordelBack on 25 September, 2014, 12:34:24 PMLasers fire 'rounds' that 'thud' into bodies
One for Thog's Masterclass for sure.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 25 September, 2014, 07:29:23 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 17 September, 2014, 09:52:58 PM
Can't speak for World of Aldebaran series (yet...) or Chimpanzee Complex but I was extremely happy with SPOOKS 1 and 2, so much so that i'll be picking up the next two volumes at TB. Very entertaining indeed, makes me wish more Dorrison was available in English (Both Long John Silver and Crusade or on my pull list but not quite yet. Also, please can we have Les Sentinels, Cinebooks?!)

The next big series by Xavier Dorison to be released in English will be The Third Testament starting in October from Titan Books. This was a huge hit back in Europe about 10 years ago. Cinebook are releasing the XIII spin-off series XIII: Mystery, volume one is by him. I've read Sanctum by him which was released by Humanoids, it's alright, not great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 28 September, 2014, 08:13:04 PM
With Master Keaten soon to be released i've finaly picked up the first volume of Monster by Naoki Urasawa. From this first volume i'm uncertain as to where it's going but if it's anything like 20th Century Boys i'm in forma blast.

Also, is it me or are Viz splashing out at the moment with all these colour spreads in their releases? Lovely anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 29 September, 2014, 02:51:15 AM
Not sure if this hould really be in the Comic megatheread, but considering I downloaded it as a volume, I'll put it here:

The New Deadwardians Vol. 1

Parallel Earth. Vampires and zombies, but really a mystery story at heart rather than a horror (although there's a bit of that too) and great for it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 September, 2014, 09:46:50 AM
Returned at last to my first-time read of The Invisibles, as the library has finally acquired a rather spiffy Deluxe Edition Vol. 2.  Some of this I'd already read, but seeing as it was the excellent Sheman story, I was happy to do so again - Lord Fanny is by far my favourite character, and I love Jill Thompson's art. 

I thought this run (up to issue 25, I think) worked far better than the earlier material, with a strong central plot around Sir Miles and his prisoners allowing the side-stories and deeper threads to play along without feeling too disjointed or directionless.  Really enjoyed Morrison stretching his legs with copious pages of occultobabble, sprinkled with clever insights (including a one-page recap of Zenith Phase IV  :o).  I just wish I could get along with his in-story proxy King Mob, who I find very irritating. 

Greatly looking forward to the next volume, this is a superb comic, and I'm glad I've saved it until my dotage to savour.

(The 'Deluxe' justifier here appears to be extensive pitch-notes and outlines for the series, in which Morrison rightly abases himself before Gaiman as inspiration before hurtling off into the arrogant self-involved aggrandisements that make him such a loveable oaf).

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 September, 2014, 10:07:05 AM
One of GMozz's I'm still to read as it was around and about in my wilderness years and like so much from that period I've not got around to.

I will one day and its the kinda reviews like that which make me want to get to this sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 29 September, 2014, 10:55:29 PM
Working my way through Stephen Fry's latest audiobook, More Fool Me. Despite being a bit disappointed with The Fry Chronicles, I had been looking forward to this volume as I presumed it would deal with a more interesting period of his life, after all Fry writes and speaks with great eloquence about mental illness and addiction. Sad to say that this book feels very much like a contractual obligation jobbie and a shameless cash-grab. Almost an eye-watering quarter of the entire running time is spent recapping the previous two books at insane length. It literally reads like a student trying to bolster the word count of an essay. As for covering his 'drug hell' story so pointedly teased at the end of the previous book? He did coke for a long time during the 80s and 90s, then stopped doing it. That's about it.

It also continues the theme that began in TFC, of Fry fawning over various 'eccentrics', luvvies and establishment figures, many of whose pathetic 'shocking' behaviour apparently amuses the author no end, but makes the reader want to punch everyone involved very hard in the face. I mean, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Keith Allen being loutish ***** to some innocent punters in the Groucho Club is hardly the stuff great anecdotes are made of. I guess you had to be there?

Apparently the last third of the book is padded out entirely with diary excerpts. An apt title for a book if ever there was one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dog Deever on 30 September, 2014, 01:51:10 AM
Tried to order Dept of Monsterology from a local bookshop with an unused book token, but alas no. I ended up getting Chew vol 1 (after the write up in the Meg) and The Ballad of Halo Jones (so I could reread it without having to dig out piles of boxes)- so it certainly wasn't all bad.
I liked Chew a lot overall, though some of the dialogue was a little cringey in a very few places, there's a lot of fun ideas thrown in there and I'll be keeping an eye out for the rest of it and look forward to seeing how it develops.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 30 September, 2014, 07:59:29 AM
I love Chew - it just gets more and more bonkers as it goes along with weirder and weirder food-based powers. I got vols 7 & 8 recently, I think it's gong to run to 10 books in all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 September, 2014, 10:12:05 AM
More 'new' Morrison for me courtesy of the library, The Filth.  This is already one of my favourite Morrison comics, and I only read it last night.  In very large part this is because it is an utterly beautiful thing - the clever, clean, wordy packaging of the complete TPB wraps around what has to be one of the greatest artistic achievements in comics: several hundred pages of stunning design, consistent characterisation, revolting visualisations and ridiculously sustained detail from Chris Weston on pencils, and Gary Erskine on inks.

The story is simultaneously touching and disgusting, convoluted and straightforward, but the art... bloody hell. It does that Weston thing of combining dazzlingly stark realism with corrupting insanity and unsettling costumes, and it does it for page after page after page.  It's as if Killing Time had been bred with Canon Fodder and their offspring magnified a dozen times.

I know we harp on about this a lot in this parish, but how Chris isn't one of the most lauded and fought-over artists in the history of comics is beyond me: this mammoth slice of work alone puts him on a level above all the other quasi-realist pencil monkeys, even Bolland or JH Williams III, as far as I'm concerned.  No-one else is delivering this level of quality in this kind of quantity.

Many kudos go to Erskine and Hollingsworth (on colours) too - a perfectly meshed team. 

How I have overlooked this book for a decade (?) I have no idea.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 30 September, 2014, 10:30:51 AM
I suspect the US market just doesn't know what to do with him.  Any monkey with a manga fetish and a copy of 3D Max can draw the superhero stuff, so there must surely be doubts about wasting talent like Chris on such a project.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 30 September, 2014, 12:38:04 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 September, 2014, 10:12:05 AM
More 'new' Morrison for me courtesy of the library, The Filth.  This is already one of my favourite Morrison comics, and I only read it last night.  In very large part this is because it is an utterly beautiful thing - the clever, clean, wordy packaging of the complete TPB wraps around what has to be one of the greatest artistic achievements in comics: several hundred pages of stunning design, consistent characterisation, revolting visualisations and ridiculously sustained detail from Chris Weston on pencils, and Gary Erskine on inks.

The story is simultaneously touching and disgusting, convoluted and straightforward, but the art... bloody hell. It does that Weston thing of combining dazzlingly stark realism with corrupting insanity and unsettling costumes, and it does it for page after page after page.  It's as if Killing Time had been bred with Canon Fodder and their offspring magnified a dozen times.

I know we harp on about this a lot in this parish, but how Chris isn't one of the most lauded and fought-over artists in the history of comics is beyond me: this mammoth slice of work alone puts him on a level above all the other quasi-realist pencil monkeys, even Bolland or JH Williams III, as far as I'm concerned.  No-one else is delivering this level of quality in this kind of quantity.

Many kudos go to Erskine and Hollingsworth (on colours) too - a perfectly meshed team. 

How I have overlooked this book for a decade (?) I have no idea.

You've got me hankering for a reread of this again.

Satanist, which page is it that you have?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 30 September, 2014, 03:45:39 PM
Cannae post photo in work but I think its the last page from issue 2. The one with the giant spunk flying down Rodeo drive killing folk. I've had it up in my hall for years and can't wait to see which of my sons realises first that its not giant tadpoles.

Out of all the art on the wall its my wifes favourite piece. Weirdo.

Met Mr Morrison few years back and he said to me it's the work he's proudest of but I bet he says that to all the fanboys.

Hmm I think Im due a re-read as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Boo on 02 October, 2014, 12:32:20 PM
I'm reading Journal of the Plague Year which is a collection of three short stories set on earth either shortly before or during a mystery plague which wipes out pretty much everyone. My favourite is Orbital Decay by Malcolm Cross which centres on the team in the international space station who see what's happening on earth. They try to work on a cure but the isolation and paranoia results in one of them becoming a murderer. It's really claustrophobic and very creepy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 02 October, 2014, 02:06:25 PM
Just gave up on Leviathan Wakes. Simply could not continue with this crapfest. A badly written mash up of several tropes with a heavy dose of the flavour of the moment. [spoiler]Vomiting Space Zombies were a load of crap too far for me.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dog Deever on 02 October, 2014, 05:31:56 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 30 September, 2014, 07:59:29 AM
I love Chew - it just gets more and more bonkers as it goes along with weirder and weirder food-based powers. I got vols 7 & 8 recently, I think it's gong to run to 10 books in all.

Yeah, I'm pretty set on getting the rest of the series- they only had 1, 4 & 5 in the shop or I might have been tempted to get the first 3 books. I suppose the first book was always going to be a little more 'grounded' just to set out the basics of what is going on. It did more then enough to convince me it was worth sticking with, so it's good to hear that it gets more mental as it goes along. Kudos to the Megazine for putting me onto it in the first place (like it did many moons ago with Hellboy).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 02 October, 2014, 07:09:13 PM
Just started on the first huuuuge hardback volume of 'Fear Agent', which the GF got me for my birthday. Always loved Tony Moore's art since the start of the walking dead comic. He has a similar style to Henry Flint, one of 2000ads best ever artists. So far, its a great read, too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 02 October, 2014, 08:04:52 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 02 October, 2014, 02:06:25 PMLeviathan Wakes...
crapfest. A badly written mash up of several tropes with a heavy dose of the flavour of the moment

I guess that answers why SyFy are making a television series based on it, then.  Sounds like it'll fit right in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 02 October, 2014, 08:14:10 PM
Quote from: Bear McBear on 02 October, 2014, 08:04:52 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 02 October, 2014, 02:06:25 PMLeviathan Wakes...
crapfest. A badly written mash up of several tropes with a heavy dose of the flavour of the moment

I guess that answers why SyFy are making a television series based on it, then.  Sounds like it'll fit right in.

Reads like it was written while the authors were watching television and copying whatever made them go 'hey, that's cool'. So, yeah, it's perfect for SyFy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 October, 2014, 03:40:32 PM
I'm reading through the early Marvel Transformers volumes (on 2 now). The dialogue is a little cheesy and there's way too much exposition in those speech bubbles too,  but I'm finding the stories good fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 October, 2014, 08:52:34 AM
Douglas Coupland's Worst. Person. Ever.  A great premise (ghastly media person gets job as B-unit director on Survivor, brings canny homeless person along as his PA/slave), and some entertaining self-delusions and elaborately contrived farce, all wrapped up in the superficial concerns of the early 21st, but it just goes on and on in the same vein and never really gets anywhere very interesting. 

The story progresses through a long series of predictable air-travel jokes towards a 21st C Lord of the Flies, with the important difference that the cast are already as vicious and debased as humanly possible before ever they reach their island.  The measures of worth and cultural obsessions and of our age (nostalgic trinkets, ridiculous sex, nut allergies, environment, spelling) are paraded and dutifully mocked, and the imminent/ongoing apocalypse that forms the backdrop to so much of Coupland's work is present and correct, but beyond that... There just isn't much. 

I'm a big fan of Coupland, and I feel sure I'm missing something important here - although admittedly I felt much the same about Generation A.  I suppose this superficiality, this procession of memes and wikipedia entries and contrived personnas, is itself a wry mirroring of western culture and its attitudes, but just like the real thing it doesn't make for a very satisfying read. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 09 October, 2014, 06:03:31 PM
I just got around to finishing Dune Messiah having let it sit with a bookmark inserted halfway through for the last goodness knows how many months.  First thing I was impressed with was how easy it was to just pick it back up.  Overall, I enjoyed the book.  Dune is an awesome book and I feel Messiah is certainly a worthy sequel.  Loved the ending.  I have Children of Dune on my bookshelf waiting for a read but I'll probably crack into Ubik first.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 09 October, 2014, 07:06:59 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 09 October, 2014, 06:03:31 PM
I just got around to finishing Dune Messiah having let it sit with a bookmark inserted halfway through for the last goodness knows how many months.  First thing I was impressed with was how easy it was to just pick it back up.  Overall, I enjoyed the book.  Dune is an awesome book and I feel Messiah is certainly a worthy sequel.  Loved the ending.  I have Children of Dune on my bookshelf waiting for a read but I'll probably crack into Ubik first.

Whatever you do, don't subject yourself to the fanfic bile put out by the wonder-twits (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson). Ubik is a trip.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 09 October, 2014, 10:10:54 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 09 October, 2014, 07:06:59 PM
Whatever you do, don't subject yourself to the fanfic bile put out by the wonder-twits (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson). Ubik is a trip.

I've already been warned off those particular 'additions' to the series.  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 10 October, 2014, 03:03:32 PM
Tried giving A Star Called Henry another shot today after two years of lauding it as one of the worst books i've ever read. Four chapters in and i'm still uncertain...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 12 October, 2014, 09:42:30 PM
Creepy (but enough about me ) and CREEPY the comic "At Death's Door." Alas not knowing much I managed to pluck for the modern version rather than the classics of old. That said I've enjoyed my error so far, some duff but mostly gems so far especially the story Commedia dell morte, that happily takes another angle on the creepy clown trope, all in loverly B& w art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 12 October, 2014, 11:57:19 PM
The Good the Bad and the Infernal by Guy Adams - didn't get anywhere in particular by the end, but was fun en route. A real page turner of pulpy goodness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 13 October, 2014, 09:30:07 PM
Well, I was reading Shaman by Kim Stanley Robinson until I foolishly left it in the seat pocket in front of me despite all warnings to the contrary. It's the first Robinson I've tried for a while: Years of Rice and Salt was very heavy going and I found the central conceit of Galileo's Dream so offensive I abandoned it after fifty pages and haven't given him a penny since.

This got an enthusiastic endorsement from the woman in Waterstone's and has proven, so far, to be an entertaining attempt to fit Robinson's usual, earnest belief in the power of science and cooperation around an Ice Age tribe. The titular shaman fills the role of the observer trying to interpret the world in as rational a way as possible.

Not entirely sure I want to pay for it again to see how it all works out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 20 October, 2014, 06:06:47 PM
'The Last Days of Socrates' - Plato.
.
To be honest, this is one of a small collection of ancient Greek books (translated into English, of course) that I purchased because they looked good on my bookshelf and made me appear orders of magnitude more intelligent than I am. Although I had the vague notion that I might read these volumes one day, the truth is that I was frightened to even attempt it because I believed such things were beyond my capacity to understand.
.
Some of it was, of course, but after understanding and even enjoying large chunks of it I think that consequent re-readings might diminish even my lack of comprehension.
.
I am now totally in awe of Socrates, or at least Plato's version of him. In some ways, Socrates reminds me of me in that he was awkward, full of difficult questions and didn't have the good sense to shut up once in a while. Socrates questioned and argued with the systems and beliefs of his day without advocating their destruction, which I was astounded to find chimed particularly well with my own attitude. The State ordered his execution for impiety and corrupting the young by refusing to believe in the state-sanctioned gods and believing in gods of his own. It seems that the state expected him to escape from prison and flee Athens, for which he was afforded ample opportunity but resolutely refused to do for reasons I won't detail here (spoilers!).
.
In amongst this compelling story, scattered almost carelessly about like discarded diamonds, are questions and observations that are still as relevant, and some just as unanswered and confusing, today.
.
A completely wonderful book that, I was immensely relieved to discover, doesn't require a genius-level mind to thoroughly enjoy. It's one of those rare books that does indeed make one feel better for having read it. Brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I.K. on 20 October, 2014, 07:56:15 PM
All we are is dust in the wind, dude.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 20 October, 2014, 08:02:44 PM
Or maybe we're the wind that moves the dust...
.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 October, 2014, 09:48:26 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 10 October, 2014, 03:03:32 PM
Tried giving A Star Called Henry another shot today after two years of lauding it as one of the worst books i've ever read. Four chapters in and i'm still uncertain...
No, just couldn't do it. Rody Doyle just isn't for me i'm afraid. I got up to the post office siege and I had just had enough. Read like a 13 year olds wet dream.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 October, 2014, 06:04:28 PM
David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest.  I'm not far into this truly enormous book, but so far I'm completely bowled over.  I generally love DFW's work, especially his articles, but this has all the hallmarks of his masterpiece: a millennial Dickens.  The footnotes are the best footnotes I've ever read - some going on for 8 or 9 full pages of the smallest type imaginable - including entire, and completely hilarious, extended fictional filmographies.

What I hadn't realised going into this 1,100 page behemoth is the science fiction setting, a satirical near-future North America reshaped by separatist conflicts along the Canadian border, where the calender itself has been 'subsidised' by corporate sponsorship, so that the Year of the Whopper is is followed by the Year of the Depend Adult Undergarment.

In between this, and the familiar hyper-detailed accounts of the world of professional tennis and psychiatric medication, there are marvelously grotesque characters and real, painful insights into the human condition.

It's going to take me weeks more to read, and I'm looking forward to that time very much.  What a loss to the world his death was.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 21 October, 2014, 08:53:31 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 21 October, 2014, 09:48:26 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 10 October, 2014, 03:03:32 PM
Tried giving A Star Called Henry another shot today after two years of lauding it as one of the worst books i've ever read. Four chapters in and i'm still uncertain...
No, just couldn't do it. Rody Doyle just isn't for me i'm afraid. I got up to the post office siege and I had just had enough. Read like a 13 year olds wet dream.

Out of curiosity, what is it about that book that made you interested in it? It didn't sound like your usual cup of tea.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 22 October, 2014, 09:06:55 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 21 October, 2014, 08:53:31 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 21 October, 2014, 09:48:26 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 10 October, 2014, 03:03:32 PM
Tried giving A Star Called Henry another shot today after two years of lauding it as one of the worst books i've ever read. Four chapters in and i'm still uncertain...
No, just couldn't do it. Rody Doyle just isn't for me i'm afraid. I got up to the post office siege and I had just had enough. Read like a 13 year olds wet dream.

Out of curiosity, what is it about that book that made you interested in it? It didn't sound like your usual cup of tea.
A few years ago it was given to me by my family after I left high school momentarily to be home schooled due ro an anxiety attack. Part of what I studied was the origins of the conflict over Northern Ireland. So naturally this book was considered an "invaluable source". Utter shite.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: 303 on 22 October, 2014, 11:32:52 PM
Midway through Gone Girl, and it's excellent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 28 October, 2014, 12:16:12 AM
I'm on a Will Eisner binge. Got the Best of the Spirit from DC, The Contract With God Trilogy and his book about sequential art (packed with black and white Spirit art). I wish there were some black and white collections (I understand that the DC Spirit Archives are in colour). There's the massive Artist's edition, which looks amazing, but it's over a £100! 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 October, 2014, 06:01:13 AM
Quote from: Karl Stephan on 28 October, 2014, 12:16:12 AM
I'm on a Will Eisner binge. Got the Best of the Spirit from DC, The Contract With God Trilogy and his book about sequential art (packed with black and white Spirit art). I wish there were some black and white collections (I understand that the DC Spirit Archives are in colour). There's the massive Artist's edition, which looks amazing, but it's over a £100!

I have the Kitchen Sink series from the late 80s after the first 10 or so issues these are all black and white and I defo prefer my Eisner that way. Its a great series, complete in chronological order with some fantastic commentaries. Well worth tracking down and shouldn't be too hard to track down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 28 October, 2014, 09:41:09 AM
QuoteI have the Kitchen Sink series from the late 80s after the first 10 or so issues these are all black and white and I defo prefer my Eisner that way. Its a great series, complete in chronological order with some fantastic commentaries. Well worth tracking down and shouldn't be too hard to track down.

I've heard of those. Will do!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 28 October, 2014, 11:09:28 PM
And all this Spirit goodness is rekindling my interest in Eric Powell's Goon. There definitely is a golden thread running through both http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/1092/deja-goon-goon-intro-vol-3-frank-darabont (http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/1092/deja-goon-goon-intro-vol-3-frank-darabont)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 October, 2014, 06:53:55 AM
The Goon is a strip I've never really read but always liked the look of, just never got around to, so much good stuff out there. Interesting to hear it compared to the wonderful Spirit, pushes it nearer the top of the list!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 29 October, 2014, 09:26:17 AM
I've read about 8 volumes of the Goon. It's far less dense than the Spirit, story wise, but the humour is good and of course the visual style harks back to Eisner, Jack Davis, Will Elder etc. Can't really go wrong reading it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 29 October, 2014, 10:31:51 PM
Mostly juggling a few different short story collections of late. Been slowly working my way through the Tordelback approved, Dozois compiled Mammoth Book of Best New SF 26 for what seems like months now. This is because it has been months. There's a lot of good stuff in there, a couple of real crackers -  Lavie Tidhar's fractured narrative The Memcordist probably the stand out so far - and only one stinker.

The most entertaining difference between those and Somerset Maugham's Selected Stories, Vol. 1 is the author bios. The sci-fi crew are all jobbing creative writing tutors or IT consultants, writing in the small hours when they're away from the office. Maugham, on the other hand, is the sort of old-fashioned, English chap from money who'd probably never set foot in the Motherland until he was sent to boarding school and left again for a German university at the first opportunity.

The stories themselves are neatly written, with a good line in cutting description of the flaws in people's character. However, they all seem to follow the template of one character relating a story about another to a third (a distancing technique which I always feel dulls the impact of any story) and the inevitable twists, while sometimes amusing, seem somewhat bloodless. Perhaps dulled by shifts in public morality. A fervent clergyman taking advantage of the fallen woman he is professing to save hardly seems much of a leap.

Tales of Earthsea was an unexpected find: an Ursula le Guin collection set in the eponymous fantasy world. The stories are spread across the history of Earthsea -two of them touching on characters we already know - but each has an edge to it whether relating to abuse of power or sexual politics.

Nerds and other people who revel in such things may be interested to hear that that le Guin's introduction touches on the question of constructing a completely fantastic world to set your stories in rather than using one somebody already built, while an appendix is swollen with background information to assist in creating your own campaign.

Finally, The Art of Loving by John Gardner (the Grendel one, not the James Bond one) is full of wonderful sentences which run on for clause after clause, packing in asides and incidental detail, without ever becoming cumbersome or laboured. A trick I always wish I could pull off. These ones are full of simmering resentment, insight, longing and, for some reason, music.

They are similar to the Maugham stories in that the majority finish with a twist in the last paragraph. The difference being that Maugham's all end with a revelation which is intended to flip your understanding of what's gone before while Gardner's generally close with the characters gaining an insight into themselves or their own situation. Which seems a lot nicer.

TL;DR: isn't it ironic?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 29 October, 2014, 10:35:46 PM
Comicswise I'm about halfway through DMZ. It's alright and I can see where it's coming from but it's all a bit contrived and not half as much fun as Northlanders.

Was going to make some disparaging comment about journalists as heroes but only just made the connection with Peter Parker and Clark Kent as I started typing. Mind blown!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jacqusie on 30 October, 2014, 12:01:45 AM
In the bog, 2000AD-wise, I'm reading the Stainless Steel Rat which I don't want to end and the 1st Nemesis compilation which is brilliant obviously.

Bed time book - i'm halfway through The Man in the High Castle by Phillip K. Dick and loving it. So much so I'm trying not to rush it.

Also I never finished The Losers - so I got the last book to see how it all ends after all this time!

I'm also chewing my way through Nemo: Heart of Darkness by Moore & O'Neil - not really gripping me as TLOEG did I'm afraid and I know there is another one to catch up on as well.

On the Sandman re-read front, only at book 2 The Dolls House, prior to reading the new stuff.

I'm also reading a great book about Cognitive Dissonance called Mistakes were made... but not by me by Tarvis & Aronson which is a great book about how we justify our decisions in lives and as a Psychologist, it never fails to catch me up on a daily basis how I do it myself. The title is pretty self explanatory, as our politicians seem to say the same old hoary line each time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 30 October, 2014, 10:39:04 AM
Well on the graphic novel front i've been reading a bit, or at least have a bit lined up.

Just started on original Go Nagai's Devilman before their where 200 million spin-offs, sequels, reboots and crossovers spanning dozens of timelines. As normal for shonen series it's started off as a monster of the week serial. Unlike most shonen series it get out of control and enters deeply unsettling territory. Not for the faint of heart.

Lined up after that I have the Trigun Omnibus, the complete run of The New Statesmen, and the first two volumes of Charleys War (thanks to tjm86 and Jimbo respectivly for these).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 30 October, 2014, 07:22:14 PM
Just finished reading rEVENGER, by Warwick fraser-coombe, 2000ad art comp winning super artist! Fantastic art, of course and storywise, cracking first installment of this vigilante tale. Awesome and recommended!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 01 November, 2014, 12:33:15 AM
Quote from: Jacqusie on 30 October, 2014, 12:01:45 AM

Bed time book - i'm halfway through The Man in the High Castle by Phillip K. Dick and loving it. So much so I'm trying not to rush it.


Now there's an unfortunate placement of a punctuation mark if Stevie has ever seen one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 November, 2014, 10:21:46 AM
Sugar Skull, the concluding part of Charles Burns' Tintin with a Head Injury trilogy*.  This was predictably terrific, but I'm not convinced I'd have enjoyed it as much if I'd bought it rather than got it from the library.  It's very much a satisfying conclusion to the first two parts, but despite the gorgeous and intentional aesthetic I was left with the feeling that publishing the story as three hardback albums was pushing it a bit.  I know your average Tintin was 64 pages long too, but there was a lot more reading, and generally a more self-contained story: with this one, I felt like it was more a final chapter than a book in its own right, with none of the new elements each of the first two had.

That gripe aside, this is excellent stuff, every bit as upsetting and unsettling as the early volumes. Definitely another strong entry in the 'things you can only do in the comics medium' category. 




*Not its real name.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 02 November, 2014, 07:06:35 PM
Have you guys encountered any of Joe Sacco's works before? I've always been familiar with his name but had yet to read any of his books. Thankfully that all changed yesterday when I popped into my library with my boy and found not one, but two of his books on display; Palestine and Safe Area Gorazde. Just in the process of reading them both so I'll let you know how it goes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 03 November, 2014, 01:17:22 AM
Quote from: Muscleman on 02 November, 2014, 07:06:35 PM
Have you guys encountered any of Joe Sacco's works before? I've always been familiar with his name but had yet to read any of his books. Thankfully that all changed yesterday when I popped into my library with my boy and found not one, but two of his books on display; Palestine and Safe Area Gorazde. Just in the process of reading them both so I'll let you know how it goes.

Haven't read Palestine, but if you enjoy Safe Area Gorazde you may also enjoy the follow-up book The Fixer and his Journalism anthology. His new book from Fantagraphics seems to a be surrealist humour book....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 03 November, 2014, 10:14:20 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 03 November, 2014, 01:17:22 AM
Quote from: Muscleman on 02 November, 2014, 07:06:35 PM
Have you guys encountered any of Joe Sacco's works before? I've always been familiar with his name but had yet to read any of his books. Thankfully that all changed yesterday when I popped into my library with my boy and found not one, but two of his books on display; Palestine and Safe Area Gorazde. Just in the process of reading them both so I'll let you know how it goes.

Haven't read Palestine, but if you enjoy Safe Area Gorazde you may also enjoy the follow-up book The Fixer and his Journalism anthology. His new book from Fantagraphics seems to a be surrealist humour book....

Thanks! I'll be sure to add them to my reading list. Started on Palestine, Sacco's art is something else.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 03 November, 2014, 06:04:00 PM
Quote from: Muscleman on 03 November, 2014, 10:14:20 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 03 November, 2014, 01:17:22 AM
Quote from: Muscleman on 02 November, 2014, 07:06:35 PM
Have you guys encountered any of Joe Sacco's works before? I've always been familiar with his name but had yet to read any of his books. Thankfully that all changed yesterday when I popped into my library with my boy and found not one, but two of his books on display; Palestine and Safe Area Gorazde. Just in the process of reading them both so I'll let you know how it goes.

Haven't read Palestine, but if you enjoy Safe Area Gorazde you may also enjoy the follow-up book The Fixer and his Journalism anthology. His new book from Fantagraphics seems to a be surrealist humour book....

Thanks! I'll be sure to add them to my reading list. Started on Palestine, Sacco's art is something else.

Safe Area Gorazde is one of the best (and most upsetting) comics I've ever read.

Footnotes in Gaza is definitely worth reading after Palestine too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 03 November, 2014, 07:29:53 PM
I just got a set of books surrounding the universe of  Elite Dangerous (http://www.elite-anthology.co.uk/#)
!
Tales from the Frontier

(http://www.prlog.org/12340443-elite-tales-from-the-frontier.jpg)

Written by Fifteen Authors  From Around the World

Mostly Harmless

(http://www.prlog.org/12333897-the-cover-of-elite-mostly-harmless-designed-by-heather-murphy.jpg)

And Here the Wheel

(https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1401448800l/20818674.jpg)

Written by John Harper/

Reclamation

(http://www.drewwagar.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Revised-cover-225x300.jpg)

Written by Drew Wagar

Lave Revolution

(https://www.fantasticbookspublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/EliteDangerous_005orange-tiny-200x266.jpg)

Written by Allen Shroud

Don't know when I will read them because that's not something I have done a lot of lately. These days I'm having more problems focusing on a page filled with words long enough to get this done.

The books are lovely looking and the few that have illustrations look great as well.

I will be going after the Elite Dangerous books written by some of the well known authors from around here as well.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 03 November, 2014, 07:32:27 PM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 03 November, 2014, 06:04:00 PM
Quote from: Muscleman on 03 November, 2014, 10:14:20 AM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 03 November, 2014, 01:17:22 AM
Quote from: Muscleman on 02 November, 2014, 07:06:35 PM
Have you guys encountered any of Joe Sacco's works before? I've always been familiar with his name but had yet to read any of his books. Thankfully that all changed yesterday when I popped into my library with my boy and found not one, but two of his books on display; Palestine and Safe Area Gorazde. Just in the process of reading them both so I'll let you know how it goes.

Haven't read Palestine, but if you enjoy Safe Area Gorazde you may also enjoy the follow-up book The Fixer and his Journalism anthology. His new book from Fantagraphics seems to a be surrealist humour book....

Thanks! I'll be sure to add them to my reading list. Started on Palestine, Sacco's art is something else.

Safe Area Gorazde is one of the best (and most upsetting) comics I've ever read.

Footnotes in Gaza is definitely worth reading after Palestine too.

I can recall you sharing  it on the other forum (comic shack) now that you mention it, makes me want to read it even more now! (It'll have to wait though, Palestine first!). Is Footnotes in Gaza also by Sacco, or a different writer/ artist?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 03 November, 2014, 08:13:13 PM
Pretty cool there are some Elite books.  I loved the original Elite game and still hold it up as an example of an extremely well crafted computer game.  Nice to see they're doing this much for the new game.  My sights are set on Oolite - the free, open source Elite clone with a modding community and Linux support.  Some of the visuals.  But, er, that has nothing to do with reading... so umm... err... yeah.  Intrigued by how the authors have interpreted the Elite world.  I don't know much beyond the first game so I don't know whether the lore was expanded beyond the random generation of the original classic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 04 November, 2014, 01:40:26 AM
Quote from: Muscleman on 03 November, 2014, 07:32:27 PM
Quote from: PreacherCain on 03 November, 2014, 06:04:00 PM
Safe Area Gorazde is one of the best (and most upsetting) comics I've ever read.

Footnotes in Gaza is definitely worth reading after Palestine too.

I can recall you sharing  it on the other forum (comic shack) now that you mention it, makes me want to read it even more now! (It'll have to wait though, Palestine first!). Is Footnotes in Gaza also by Sacco, or a different writer/ artist?

It's also by Sacco. I find Palestine one of his least effective works, though it's probably his most famous (and important, due to so few people/organisations paying attention specifically to the plight of common Palestinians)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 04 November, 2014, 05:26:09 PM
Just finished A Feast For Crows.

Overall I enjoyed it, though I can totally understand why so many people dislike/hate it. It's far slower-paced than any of the previous books in the series - and has a very deliberate funereal, contemplative feel, which on the one hand can get a bit boring, but on the other hand really helps to give the events of the previous books a sense of weight and consequences.

I'll concede that it's far too long - a quarter to a third could have been cut without taking anything away from the story, but I'd disagree with the consensus that 'nothing happens' in it. There were definitely fascinating little plot developments scattered throughout, especially towards the end - just what are the [spoiler]Maesters[/spoiler] up to?

It's going to be fascinating to see how they go about adapting it for the TV show - I'm guessing that very little of the book ends up on screen. I can see the [spoiler]Ironborn/Kingsmoot[/spoiler] story thread being dropped completely (it's already been confirmed that it won't be in season 5), as well as the ongoing adventures of [spoiler]the Blackfish and the goings on at Riverrun (a shame, as the Blackfish is awesome, and his meeting with Jaime is priceless). I also feel like most of [spoiler]Brienne's[/spoiler] key points have already been covered in the show in a different form,[/spoiler]

I think the biggest shame is the (apparent) decision to completely cut the [spoiler]Brotherhood Without Banners and their new leader[/spoiler] from the show, as that for me was by far the most interesting stuff in the book. It kind of irked me a little in the TV show how they short-changed [spoiler]Beric Dondarrion and Thoros and turned them into cowardly (sort of) villains, when their arc in the books - from idealistic Robin Hood types to desperate agents of bitter, senseless vengeance, is much more interesting. Ultimately it's the show's producers prerogative to cut what isn't absolutely essential to the TV show - though I'd say seeing the Freys get a taste of whats coming to them is kind of important thematically.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 05 November, 2014, 05:13:58 PM
Currently nearing the end of the audiobook version of Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle That Defined a Generation by Blake J Harris.

It does what it says on the tin, really, covering the corporate struggle between Nintendo and Sega in the 16-bit era of the early nineties, while also touching on the origins of Sony's Playstation.

It's surprisingly interesting stuff. It's mainly told from the Sega perspective (and that of it's dynamic CEO Tom Kalinske), and casts them as the plucky underdog taking on the fusty old empire of Nintendo (who at the time ruled the industry with an iron fist), though to my mind (without wanting to reopen age-old playground arguments) it does kind of do a lot to confirm my long-held opinion of Sega; that while they undoubtedly made some pretty decent games, they could never really hope to compete with Nintendo in terms of quality products, so settled for challenging their rival through aggressive spin and marketing that emphasised their edgier, faster type of games - a cooler, more grown-up alternative to kid-friendly Nintendo.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 05 November, 2014, 05:18:04 PM
Quote from: Muscleman on 02 November, 2014, 07:06:35 PM
Have you guys encountered any of Joe Sacco's works before? I've always been familiar with his name but had yet to read any of his books. Thankfully that all changed yesterday when I popped into my library with my boy and found not one, but two of his books on display; Palestine and Safe Area Gorazde. Just in the process of reading them both so I'll let you know how it goes.

Sacco is one of those creators that I like the idea of more than the reality - I actually find most of his books much less gripping than I expected once I get into them
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 November, 2014, 08:17:11 PM
Well so far I'm enjoying both books! I started on Palestine but couldn't resist having a little read on Safe Area Gorazde too, especially after PreacherCain's comments. I feel his artwork is perhaps more accesible in Safe Area, than in Palestine. I just love this panel here...

(http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m560/Nexus-wookie/Mobile%20Uploads/20141105_200318.jpg)

:lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 05 November, 2014, 08:44:31 PM
Sorry, that came out a little large...

There's a panel just up next which shows the boy giving gifts to the adults, ie, just bits and bobs which have no significance to anyone but to him, it's probably all he has. And it shows the people who have suffered so much during the war in Bosnia, still have the desire to entertain guests and hold on to life no matter what it throws at them. I think it's a powerful panel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 11 November, 2014, 06:27:56 PM
If you like Banks' Culture series, here is a previously unpublished interview about The Culture:

http://strangehorizons.com/2014/20141103/1banks-a.shtml (http://strangehorizons.com/2014/20141103/1banks-a.shtml)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 November, 2014, 08:17:50 PM
Great stuff, von Boom, if bittersweet.  For a moment there it almost felt like he was still with us.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 11 November, 2014, 08:23:37 PM
Stop that TB. Is that someone cutting onions?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 12 November, 2014, 10:37:37 PM
Reveled in Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle the other day. I've not read much of his stuff but enjoyed what I have. This was a refreshingly short and crisp read with an impassioned sense of outrage which made a real impact on me. It's at least as much of an anti-war book as All Quiet on the Western Front, if a rather dafter one. I'm guessing this is a recurring theme.

As Remembrance Sunday rolled around again, I found myself reading over and over the passage set at a comically underwhelming miltary parade which concludes "Perhaps, when we remember wars, we should take off our clothes and paint ourselves blue and go on all fours all day long and grunt like pigs. That would surely be more appropriate than noble oratory and shows of flags and well-oiled guns."

One very minor thing I was intrigued by was it's branding as Penguin Science Fiction. What makes something sci-fi? Intention or perception or just marketing? Sure, there's a technological McGuffin at the heart of the book but it seems to me to be much more of an absurdist comedy in the vein of Flann O'Brien or Spike Milligan than anything else.

Great stuff. I seek more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 November, 2014, 06:13:50 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 12 November, 2014, 10:37:37 PMIt's at least as much of an anti-war book as All Quiet on the Western Front, if a rather dafter one. I'm guessing this is a recurring theme.

It certainly is - just a genius - probably my favourite author. Great book and I can't recommend diving into all his stuff enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 13 November, 2014, 07:58:22 AM
Wrote all that guff and forgot to mention the protagonist's abortive sci-fi novel called 2000AD. What are the chances?
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 13 November, 2014, 06:13:50 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 12 November, 2014, 10:37:37 PMIt's at least as much of an anti-war book as All Quiet on the Western Front, if a rather dafter one. I'm guessing this is a recurring theme.
It certainly is - just a genius - probably my favourite author. Great book and I can't recommend diving into all his stuff enough.
Good to hear. Any particular recommendations? I think I've already read Slaughterhouse Five and Sirens of Titan.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 November, 2014, 08:33:47 AM
Well like many things my fav doesn't necessarily correspond to popular opinion. I'm a big big fan of 'Dead Eye Dick'. 'Breakfast of Champions' though is deservedly considered his classic generally (I think) and is very very good as well.

To be honest my answer would head towards one of those naff, oh but they are all brilliant type things but if I was going to pick two it'd be those.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 16 November, 2014, 08:19:24 PM
Player Piano too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: El Chivo on 22 November, 2014, 02:50:31 PM
Peter Panzerfaust Peter Pan in a WW2 setting, really good on the second collection now

Before Watchmen: Nite Owl/Dr. Manhattan really cool follow-up(before? whatever) to Al & Dave's opus, with some jaw-droppingly beautiful art by Adam Hughes

Cheers

Chi

ps Mad props to Cambs Libraries for getting this stuff in, aswell as your usual run-of-the-mill superhero fare
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 24 November, 2014, 07:11:59 PM
Aterlife with Archie. Wasn't quite sure if it's an anthology of original or reprint material. Turns out it's both. Only read the lead strip which has just about everything I like in a comic. A good pulpy, light read (Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa) which fantastic loose art (Francesco Francavilla), great colouring, nice paper. From the Vault are three long lost 70s strips. I think this comic was made for me.

(https://afterlifewitharchie.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/alwamag21.jpg?w=664&h=1024)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 27 November, 2014, 12:56:22 PM
Afterlife is currently my favourite comic after The Prog 'Surfer.
I'd also recommend Aguirre-Sacasa's other Archie horror book; Sabrina. 1st issue was flawless.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 27 November, 2014, 03:48:54 PM
Just bought the new Grandville book by Bryan Talbot. As soon as I get home it'll be eyes down for a good read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 27 November, 2014, 05:03:10 PM
Quote from: Daveycandlish on 27 November, 2014, 03:48:54 PM
Just bought the new Grandville book by Bryan Talbot. As soon as I get home it'll be eyes down for a good read.

ooh is that Noel? I've had that on pre-order for what seems like years, so I hope it'll actually come soon
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 27 November, 2014, 05:14:32 PM
It is. And it looks an absolute cracker. Got plenty in Travelling Man Newcastle so I'm sure Amazon won't be far behind if that's who you used.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 28 November, 2014, 08:14:30 PM
Yay! Mine was on the mat when I got home. I've only read the first half dozen pages, but it looks fabulous so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 28 November, 2014, 08:33:23 PM
Grandville: Noel [spoiler]was feeling a small bit short but then the Kaizer Soze trick and the set-up for the next volume was good.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 November, 2014, 08:42:18 PM
Just finished Doug Wildey's Rio. Now I know I have a love of western comics, but I can honestly say this is just plain glorious comics that happen to be a western. Okay so at times this finished painted art seems to wipe away the stunning work he does, Wildey it would seem is a much better pen and ink artist than painter, but its still stunning stuff. The stories are refreshingly grounded too, for a western melodrama.

The real treat here though is - size aside (its over-sized but I suspect not as big as the original art) - this is pretty much like IDW's artists editions, which I've long lusted after. All but 10 of the pages are reprinted direct from the original artwork. With simply stunning reproduction you get such a glorious insight into the production of Wildey's beautiful artwork. This is none more so than in the final novella which was not completed so you have work that's penciled, some inked (by far the stage at which Wildey is at his best) some painted, across even one page. It would seem that he flittered from page to page, panel to panel completing whatever he saw fit, when it suited. Leaving quite a brilliant insight into his creative process. Luckily everything is roughed out at least, with draft lettering so a couple of panels aside, where the letters are too smudged to make out, you get the whole story. Incomparable inside view into a great artist's process.

So this a 280 page art book, a great story book and so you'd expect to pay through the nose. Nope you can pick this up still for less than £30 in hardcover it would seem (had this a while and I paid £20 for it, one of my best buys ever). So get this book if:

1) You've always wanted one of those superb IDW Artist Editions but couldn't stump up the £100 for one.

2) Like great western's.

3) Just plain like good comics

Can't lose here folks, seriously one of my favourite comic possessions.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 30 November, 2014, 10:43:13 PM
I recently read Phase 1 of Zenith.

The original run in the comic was way before my time so this was my first encounter with Zenith and buying the hard-back was a bit of a chance.

A chance worth taking, it turned out.  I liked that a lot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 01 December, 2014, 11:09:45 AM
Just finished a big Cinebooks binge after my haul at TB, so here's my two pence.

SPOOKS El Santero and The 46th State continues to be an enjoyable run around the super natural western genre, this time taking place in Cuba during the revolution. Art is superb in this series, and depite sticking to many of the tropes of te genre Dorrison pull's off a great script with some nicely well rounded supporting characters. Looking forward to the next two books in 2016.

Lament of the Lost Moors Siobhàn and Blackmore are an odd pair of books. High fantasy of the typica ilk, involving a mad king who lives inside a dark castle, a traitorous uncle turned father in law and a plcky young lass determined to prove herself as heir to the throne. All very unoriginal stuff but what elivates it is the art. Rosinski is a treasure and he draws high fantasy better than most, highlight being [spoiler]a swarm of black flies that manifest as a Dragon, smiting soldiers effortlessly with it's beak.[/spoiler]. A self contained series, I believe the next two volumes are not directly linked to this one, but i'll have to pick them up in 2016 to find out.

And then their is Aldebaran. I mentioned in Cnebooks thread that it was taking me by storm and after ten volumes i'm thoroughly filled up but still left craving for all six volumes of Antares, which are on the top of my list for next year. Such an enjoyable tale of intruige with a wide cast of characters covering the firat two cycles, and a truely intruiging tease into the next volume. I seriously want to talk more about it but I would rather not spoil it for others. All I can do is add to the already voluminous praise for the series. It's a bit good ain't it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 05 December, 2014, 01:34:48 PM
I'm working my way through a Robert E Howard Conan Omnibus that I got for my birthday.

I haven't read any Conan for probably close on 32 years.

Blimey, it's good stuff.

Howard can fair rattle off a tale; his sense of kinetic energy in propelling a story forward is remarkable but what I wasn't expecting is that he also takes a little time to stop and take a loot at that character over there in the corner (OK, mainly the villains of the piece).

Just finished The Slithering Shadow (aka Xuthal of the Dusk) which is monkey-spankingly good and I can see why the teenage incarnation of this aged Sauropod enjoyed it so.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 05 December, 2014, 05:20:11 PM
I agree Tips. I've read Conan many times, along with Soloman Kane and Bran Mak Morn. Howard was a very lean and exciting writer. I rate Howard just as highly as Tolkein, but for different reasons.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 December, 2014, 09:47:00 PM
Just finished a re-read of all 40 Boom! Planet of the Apes comics. What an absolute delight. I've whined at lenght about the fact that these books never really found an audience and whatever Boom! started never really got finished properly. The first series by Daryl Gregory and Carlos Magno (what a great name) set in the far past (in Ape terms about 1,000 years prior to the first movie) was simply stunning. A lovely epic that stirred far enough away from the movies to have plenty of freedom to do big things, yet at the same time held the tone of the original world brilliantly.

The second 20 issues by Corinna Sara Bechko and Gabriel Hardman with various artists was a fractured series of 4 mini series (even when it became an ongoing) set in the recent past in Ape terms and really chronicled Dr Zaius from young hero to movie villian. A wonderful cast was built around him and while this series was tightly boiund to the movie tales it still cleverly fiund room to flex and do some pretty big stuff.

What amounts to two seperate 20 part stories were some of the best comics around at the time they were out and fun as the current movies are were the best apes stories since the original movie.

If you get the chance check um out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 18 December, 2014, 07:26:33 PM
Remember that Marshall Law collection a few got to buy off amazon for £10? Finally gotten round to reading it. Sad sad sad state of affairs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 18 December, 2014, 08:53:29 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 17 December, 2014, 09:47:00 PMJust finished a re-read of all 40 Boom! Planet of the Apes comics.

There was a series about an albino ape general or something that I never finished, but Cataclysm was really good, even if I think it might be the absolute definition of fan-wank, seeing as it is based upon holes in the original movie's internal logic (particularly how astronauts don't seem to realise they're back on Earth just from looking at constellations/the Moon), though there are plenty of Easter eggs for fans of the sequels and tv series, too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 23 December, 2014, 10:47:17 AM
Can anyone recommend the Scott McCloud 'U derstanding Comics' series?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 23 December, 2014, 10:57:07 AM
Last of Brian Azzarello's Wonder Woman. Bit of a fizzle after 35 issues of what has, towards the end, seemed a bit of an endless story though on reflection it was a bloody good one for most of it. Would love to see more of this Orion and his blind, rambling buddy. Loved all the mythology running throughout and probably the best WW story I've ever read. However immediately after this big story finishes, a change of writers brings an immediate drop in quality (and in the art as well, but the script isn't challenging them to deliver anything particularly interesting anyway). Random cameo appearances and fights, Wonder Woman acting like an angry teenager and attacking Swamp Thing; just after 30 issues showing she was the Goddess of War, the daughter of Zeus and the champion of peace, only able to stand tall because she refused to sacrifice her principles - she goes straight into being a nu52 uberjerk.

On the other side of the coin, Aquaman continues to be surprisingly great and although (perhaps because) everything takes place in the off-to-the-side setting of Atlantis, feels the most grounded and fleshed out of all DC's current continuity; certainly the only one with any new stories to tell. Barring a crowbarred-in crossover with Wonder Woman in the annual it was fun, adventurous superhero stories with a cast of characters I was actually interested in.

Still - overall - DC. It's still a sad state of affairs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 December, 2014, 04:39:03 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 23 December, 2014, 10:47:17 AM
Can anyone recommend the Scott McCloud 'U derstanding Comics' series?

Yes, whole heartedly.

Wonderfully informative and thought provocking reads and about as essential as the Eisner books for anyone interested in getting to grips with the comic form.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 23 December, 2014, 06:04:29 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 23 December, 2014, 10:47:17 AM
Can anyone recommend the Scott McCloud 'U derstanding Comics' series?

Weird timing, as I was going to finish the book tonight and express my enjoyment of it here! As Colin said, it's essential reading for anyone who has a broader interest in the medium, not least because it's an easy and fun read as well as it is informative (it's done completely as a comic instead of in prose, which means that McCloud shows what he means as he tells if that makes sense). On the latter in particular: believe me, if you think you know all there is to know, then I reckon you're in for a treat. If you don't learn anything new, then you will at the very least see your thoughts put into words (and pictures!).

It's actually one of the best books I've read this year if I'm being perfectly honest, which has been a great surprise. Although I'd heard it about frequently, I ignored it for quite a while. The reason for that, and I doubt I'm the only one who has come across this at some point, is that such books are usually complete bullshit. This can be okay - see Stephen King's On Writing - but on the other hand, the author of the book explaining the ways of a medium or what they personally do in one can come across as incredibly pretentious when, in fact, they're explaining very little and not very well either. On the contrary, McCloud is as an entertaining writer as well as he is a great artist, gets his points across incredibly well, and is constantly - I don't want to say encouraging, because it's not a how-to book, so I suppose amicable will do. All that means is that he's not a dick and stresses that many of his opinions are his own and that readers are free to take another point of view.

So yeah, big thumbs up from me. Gonna have to pick up the Eisner books when I'm done with this tonight, I think, and maybe another of McCloud's books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 December, 2014, 06:46:58 PM
Quote from: J.Smith on 23 December, 2014, 06:04:29 PM
... I think, and maybe another of McCloud's books.

I'm guessing that you mean either Making Comics or Reinventing Comics both of which are great but may I recommend Zot! Just cos its one of my all time favourite comics and 'The Complete Black and White' is an absolute steal. Nothing to do with his theory books but an absolutely brilliant bit of comic book storytelling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Max Headroom on 23 December, 2014, 07:16:03 PM
Just wondered if anyone has read Mike Carey's 'Lucifer' and could they recommend it? I have read his run on 'Hellblazer' (probably my favorite ever comic) and quite liked it, but was curious if they are at all similar? Is it horror or more fantasy?

Any thoughts or comments gratefully received.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 23 December, 2014, 07:51:26 PM
Guess i'll be picking them up after christmass then. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 23 December, 2014, 08:46:11 PM
Quote from: Max Headroom on 23 December, 2014, 07:16:03 PM
Just wondered if anyone has read Mike Carey's 'Lucifer' and could they recommend it? I have read his run on 'Hellblazer' (probably my favorite ever comic) and quite liked it, but was curious if they are at all similar? Is it horror or more fantasy?

Any thoughts or comments gratefully received.

I'd say more fantasy than horror, much closer in tone and scope to Sandman than Hellblazer. It takes up from the events of Sandman - Lucifer has abandoned his duties in Hell and is running a piano bar in LA along with his mute servant demoness Mazikeen. It's got grand theological plotlines, angels, demons, ghosts, living tarot cards, the works -yeah, I enjoyed Lucifer. I started buying the trades but stopped after the first four, I did felt it did go on a bit (and I had other comics to spend my money on!), but I caught up with the other 7 (?) books from the library and may still get them eventually (add them to the looong list *sob*).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 23 December, 2014, 10:26:01 PM
Just tucking into the Royals trade, by Rob Williams and Simon Coleby. Superb!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 28 December, 2014, 11:50:16 PM
I'm reading BATMAN '66

It's bat-tastic. Every Bat-panel, every Bat-caption is Bat-crammed Bat-full of Bat-fun. It also completely captures the cruel, cryptic compulsiveness of those corrupt, criminal, cop dodgers with their crazy capers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 29 December, 2014, 10:17:33 AM
Marvel -Revolutionary War that Santa brought cos I'm so good. Really enjoying seeing the Marvel UK heroes again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 29 December, 2014, 10:28:50 AM
Quote from: Max Headroom on 23 December, 2014, 07:16:03 PM
Just wondered if anyone has read Mike Carey's 'Lucifer' and could they recommend it? I have read his run on 'Hellblazer' (probably my favorite ever comic) and quite liked it, but was curious if they are at all similar? Is it horror or more fantasy?

Any thoughts or comments gratefully received.

Really rather good, all wraps up in the end too which is v.nice. More fantasy than horror but dark, dark fantasy. The protagonist is the devil after all and your human morality is...quaint. To say the least.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 29 December, 2014, 11:04:12 AM
I recently read Grant Morrison's n52 Action comics run. Insane to say the least, and quite confusing at times. But all and all I really liked it. And even more the second time around.  I think I even like Action comics better than Morrison's Bat-god-man. Which is quite something, since I'm usually not a fan of Superman, but Morrison's cosmic hippie spin on the character is ace. Makes him very inspiring, same thing with his Batman.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 10 January, 2015, 08:28:42 AM
Mazeworld! I purchased the Complete Edition as I'd never read part 3 (it came out during my "Long Walk"). It's a really good tale with very impressive Artwork, although I was a bit surprised at how the story actually ended; not because I hadn't read it before, I just felt that the story was going in a different direction.

The Complete Bad Company! This is mostly very good, but again it went off in a direction I wasn't sure of, namely: The Krool Heart. I enjoyed it as a story, but didn't feel it was a worthy Follow-up to the Epic first series. On the other hand the Series about Kano (which I had read previously in the Prog, and didn't think much of at the time) reads better as a collection.


I also managed to pick up a few 2000AD Winter/Action specials from my LCS.

Winter 1988. Not much going on here I'm afraid. The Zenith and Kirby tales are ok; both are set-ups for what was at the time 'Future-Stories'. Rogue Trooper and Strontium Dog are Standalone Stories, with Rogues' adding a little bit of Backstory - [spoiler]Prototype G.I[/spoiler]
Highlights for me were 'Dredd - Confessions of an Anarchist Flea'; a bit of a crazy one about a man who [spoiler]Tries to incite Anarchy while dressed as a Giant Flea.[/spoiler] And an Anderson tale about 'Alien Possesion' which was quite good.


Cheers


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 10 January, 2015, 11:46:25 AM
Bit of a backlog here,at the SmallBlueHouse,  as I keep getting ridiculous late shifts followed by earlies,  and so have been too knackered to do much reading. Nevertheless the postman keeps bringing me comics as if someone is ordering them when I'm asleep.

Current pile consists of,  in no particular order:

Hellblazer #146-150
Chas: The Knowledge trade paperback
Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham #2-3
Conan: Ravagers out of Time
Conan: The Horn of Azoth
Aquaman #39-56
2000AD progs 2015, 1912
Anderson #4
Deja Thoris and the White Apes of Mars trade paperback
Red Sonja: Atlantis Rises tp
Red Sonja vs Thulsa Doom tp
Batman: Haunted Gotham #1-4 reread
Saint of Killers #1-4 reread
Spider-Man's Tangled Web #14-22
Superior Foes of Spider-Man #12-17
Howard The Duck Marvel Graphic Novel Collection 80
Man Thing #7-8 (in the post)

Plus the following novels:

Proxima by Stephen Baxter
Spider-Man: Carnage in New York by David Michelinie & Dean Wesley Smith

and:

The Insider's Guide to Creating Comics and Graphic Novels by Andy Schmidt

Oh and the latest DWM.

Sigh...

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 January, 2015, 11:20:07 AM
Reading a pile of stuff at the moment, but the one that stands out is Dave Eggers' The Circle (appropriately picked up at the recycling centre).  While the writing is workmanlike, the plot is too predictable, and the characters generally unlikeable, this is still a really great read - which gives you some indication of just how compelling its premise is.  Cover blurb announces 'A Brave New World for our brave new world' and that's pretty much on the money.  There were numerous points where I physically cringed at the echoes of things I or friends had done, and the stark plausibility of the future Eggers projects. Read it and I promise you'll never ask for a 'like' button on this forum again. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 13 January, 2015, 12:02:33 PM
Damn I dropped one of my copies of The Hobbit on the blade of my axe.....

t's now two books!

Nah, it's really just got a small gash in the cover, damn damn damn damn!

It s this typical of the rivalry between J.R.R. Tolkien and 2000AD/Rebellion and Pat Mills....

:-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 January, 2015, 12:07:21 PM
Quote from: ThryllSeekyr on 13 January, 2015, 12:02:33 PM
Damn I dropped one of my copies of The Hobbit on the blade of my axe.....

Careful you don't end up with The Bobbit,
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 13 January, 2015, 12:51:35 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 13 January, 2015, 12:07:21 PM
Quote from: ThryllSeekyr on 13 January, 2015, 12:02:33 PM
Damn I dropped one of my copies of The Hobbit on the blade of my axe.....

Careful you don't end up with The Bobbit,
I was going to reply with I have "The Soddit" (True, it's another book I own a parody of the other original work of J.R.R.R.Tolkien!), book I ...when the true meaning of the word "Bobbit" sunk in..... :o

I have pants on and I careful to walk around my sharps so carefully....... so as to not slip and fall on it myself.

BTW how do you remove soft drink stains from the edge of my blade......
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 13 January, 2015, 01:03:03 PM
Refer to the Troubleshooting section of the manual.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 January, 2015, 09:34:48 PM
Just finished reading Kyle Baker's Plastic Man series from DC (almost 10 years old now) and my oh my that was a whole heap of fun. Very rarely do I laugh out loud at comics but this one got me several times. The best loonie tune cartoon I've ever read, but built around solid characters and gteat stories. Really is quite beautiful to look at too. Can't recommend it highly enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 15 January, 2015, 05:29:38 PM
Finally got round to 2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson in my reading pile.

Loved it. Absolutely loved it.
It's been out a couple of years now, so other's may already be more familiar with it, but this was my first encounter with Robinson's work, and im left wanting more.

At 561 pages long, it's not a skinny thing , though I was averaging about a hundred plus pages a night, and it was all over way too soon. A lot to take in at times, but a book I think ill be returning to.

Looking online, it would seem that Kim is not thinking about revisiting this particular set of main characters again, which on one hand is a shame, but I also quite like the idea that this is a standalone novel.

Highly recommended.






Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 16 January, 2015, 02:49:01 PM
https://nexuswookie.wordpress.com/2015/01/14/double-review-seeds-strange-skies-by-iqbal-ali/

It's always a pleasure discovering a new writer/ artists in the Indie comic scene, especially one whose stories are inspired by writers as Lovecraft , and shows such as The Twilight  Zone. Ladies and gentleperps , I give you Iqbal Ali; British  comic creator whose works, 'Seeds' and 'Strange Skies' were an absolute pleasure to read! I think fans of our very own Terror Tales and Tharg's 3rillers will enjoy his work!
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 16 January, 2015, 04:27:29 PM
Finally getting round to reading Alan Moore's Miracleman. First book's a little rough and wasn't sure i was really enjoying it, but onto book two now and it's starting to get more interesting.

Delighted to have a substantial body of Moore superhero 1980s stuff to read!
Title: Re: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 16 January, 2015, 07:21:51 PM
Quote from: radiator on 16 January, 2015, 04:27:29 PM
Finally getting round to reading Alan Moore's Miracleman.

Did you buy the collected editions Rad?
Just wondering what they're like, I've been (regretfully) getting the floppies.
Terrible value, but I'm enjoying reading it nevertheless- hadn't read the majority of it before, almost all new Moore for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 16 January, 2015, 07:37:15 PM
Got the first two hardbacks, yes.

A bit miffed that about 40% of the page count of each book is taken up with 'bonus material' - text stuff, sketches, covers, original pencils etc etc.

Yeah it's nice to have a bit of that stuff but it's frankly deranged overkill in this case.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 January, 2015, 09:02:23 PM
I'm staying strong on Miracleman until Marvel stop taking the piss milking it. I get that they're a company and so need to make the most out of what they have but the Miracleman stuff was too much. I read it all as a kid and I'm looking forward to doing so again but I'm happy to wait until they release it in a reasonable package. I'm sure they will... one day...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 17 January, 2015, 12:20:45 AM
At the moment I am reading:

Two Towers J. R. R. Tolkien (for the first time) - absolutely love it
Judaism a very short introduction by Norman Solomon
Blake by Peter Ackroyd
Into the Night Volume 1
From Hell
and I read the first Mega collection (America) today. I was worried that it wouldn't be as good as I remembered, but it was amazing. I had never read America 3, and America 2 was a lot better than i remember it being.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 January, 2015, 07:36:29 AM
Judaism... Blake... From Hell... Nicely themed reading pile there, Skullmo!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 17 January, 2015, 10:13:17 AM
Off the back of the Cam Kennedy thread I picked up 'The Art of Kenny Who?'.  There's so much great stuff in there I hadn't read before, which I must have missed during my 'girlfriend hates comics 'cos they're childish' phase of my life. Thoroughly enjoying it!!

I also started a reread of HG Wells's 'The Time Machine' via the medium of a bedtime story for my 8 year old. She is grasping the concepts once I explain the big words to her, and we're getting excited about what stories the Time Traveller will tell of his travels! It's been decades since I last read it, and it seems so fresh!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 January, 2015, 12:10:40 PM
There's a proper education - well done Shaolin Monkey!  Bedtime story for the 8 yr old in our house is presently Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain, which I adored as a kid but haven't glanced at since.  It's brilliant stuff for reading aloud, lovely short chapters with cliffhanger endings. Surprised how grim the first book is (I know the later ones are), with wickerman sacrifices (well, wickerbaskets) and whip-wielding zombies. Only knowing Disney's version of The Black Cauldron the Boy was well impressed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 19 January, 2015, 12:59:25 PM
Quote from: radiator on 16 January, 2015, 07:37:15 PM
Got the first two hardbacks, yes.

A bit miffed that about 40% of the page count of each book is taken up with 'bonus material' - text stuff, sketches, covers, original pencils etc etc.

Yeah it's nice to have a bit of that stuff but it's frankly deranged overkill in this case.

At least you don't have to put up with the completely unnecessary Mick Anglo Marvelman reprints.

I've definitely made an error here, getting the floppies.
They're a fiver a pop- a complete rip off.

The hardbacks were initially pricey too, but there are some very reasonable prices on Amazon now;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/0785154620/ref=sr_1_2_twi_1_olp?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421671769&sr=1-2&keywords=miracleman

I may as well finish the Moore stuff in the same format now, but will wait for the collections for all further material.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 19 January, 2015, 05:34:21 PM
About to make a start on the first four volumes of Charleys War. I'm prepairing myself in the event I might start tearing up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 January, 2015, 08:43:00 PM
Just finished Leo's 3rd arc, or what is available to date of it, of his 'Worlds of Aldebaran' series and it was a little disappointing. It was still a very good comic and he was as good, nah great as ever at creating wonderfully believable and imaginative ecosystems rich with danger. The human story this time wasn't as strong. It felt a little... forced and the religious comparisions too simple and almost trite. The plotting wasn't as tight and compelling as previous arcs have been .

All that said it was very good and I'm very excited about what its set up for the last two books of the series.

HA! Actually in the writing of this it turns out chapter 5 is out... 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 20 January, 2015, 01:04:25 PM
I'm getting stuck into The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them, by Elif Batuman.  So far, so good.

Prior to this was Discovering Scarfolk by Richard Littler, which really was very twisted.  Great fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 20 January, 2015, 10:07:03 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 19 January, 2015, 08:43:00 PM
Just finished Leo's 3rd arc, or what is available to date of it, of his 'Worlds of Aldebaran' series...

HA! Actually in the writing of this it turns out chapter 5 is out...

Don't forget his other two series Kenya which is set on Earth in the 1950's and which may or may not be linked to the Aldebaran cycle (second book out this month), and The Survivors which is part of the series but technically set before any of the main books as it covers what happens to the survivors of the second ship bound for Aldebaran (second book out in a month or two).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 January, 2015, 06:28:44 AM
Yeah the first book of Kenya is getting close to the top of the pile. I've not picked up The Survivors but no doubt will be at some point.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 21 January, 2015, 06:34:59 AM
Just finished reading Hyperion by Dan Simmons. Its a very intense science fiction with lots of religious context, meta physics, apocalyptic events, and just plane weirdness. Its structure is that of a series of short stories help together by a larger thread, and the stories vary in theme and structure pretty wildly.

I liked it a lot and plan to head straight into its fallow up, Fall of Hyperion. Since Hyperion ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 January, 2015, 11:56:29 AM
Oh, so you got the rest of Anatres then, Colin. I seem to remember you only managed to nab the first volume at Thought Bubble.

Anyway, Charleys War is very.....grim, so far. Very grim indeed. I have to read it in small bursts so as not to get to depressed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 January, 2015, 01:15:20 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 21 January, 2015, 11:56:29 AM
Oh, so you got the rest of Anatres then, Colin. I seem to remember you only managed to nab the first volume at Thought Bubble.


Ha! Well it turned out I already had it, or at least the first 4. I'd just mis-filed them in the big move and hence missed them when checking what I wanted to buy at TB - luckily though I only got the 1st!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 21 January, 2015, 03:26:40 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 21 January, 2015, 11:56:29 AM
Anyway, Charleys War is very.....grim, so far. Very grim indeed. I have to read it in small bursts so as not to get to depressed.

There's a certain bit - I think it's collected in the second book - that may just be the three most powerful panels in comicdom. You'll know it when you get there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 21 January, 2015, 04:07:05 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 21 January, 2015, 03:26:40 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 21 January, 2015, 11:56:29 AM
Anyway, Charleys War is very.....grim, so far. Very grim indeed. I have to read it in small bursts so as not to get to depressed.

There's a certain bit - I think it's collected in the second book - that may just be the three most powerful panels in comicdom. You'll know it when you get there.

I haven't even read the entire series and yet I know the exact three panels you're referring to (and they are in the second volume, yeah). You'll realise what they are and then likely never forget them. Horrifying.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 23 January, 2015, 08:17:27 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 21 January, 2015, 11:56:29 AM
Oh, so you got the rest of Anatres then, Colin. I seem to remember you only managed to nab the first volume at Thought Bubble.

Anyway, Charleys War is very.....grim, so far. Very grim indeed. I have to read it in small bursts so as not to get to depressed.

Just finished the first volume myself. I read it in Battle and in The Meg but it's still powerful stuff. Art is superb. And Pat's little notes for each episode are just grand.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ManParrish on 25 January, 2015, 10:21:45 PM
Just re read the whole Charley's War..what an epic milestone story it was
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jacqusie on 26 January, 2015, 03:08:48 AM
I'm just halfway over The Man in the High Tower by Philip K Dick. It's set in a world where Germany & Japan won the 2nd world war and isn't at all what I expected. Apart from it being wonderfully written.

Highly recommended for a bit of something different chaps.

Si
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 26 January, 2015, 01:23:14 PM
Well thats the first four volumes completed and I know exactly the sequence you chaps are on about. Utterly horrifying seeing Gingers ghost outlined through the Union Flag. Utterly revolting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 27 January, 2015, 12:16:55 AM
Mentioned this in another thread but I've been making my way through quite the large pile of Progs. My 2000AD collection began with Prog 2006 but I cancelled my subscription in early 2009 and only resubscribed early last year but in that same year I managed to get a hold of every Prog I missed, including also all of 2005's stuff (my collection of older Progs, roughly no's 110 - 775-ish is another matter entirely!). Just about to embark on Prog 2008 so apart from 2005, not a lot has been new to me thus far, although I do have much better context about certain stories (how Guthrie came to be a walking tin can in House of Pain for instance) and had forgotten about a few.

Out of the stuff I'd never read before, I think the first - and far better - Mandroid book is pretty amazing. Completely depressing, comparable to Alan Moore's Neonomicon in that regard, but really, really good. My other two highlights of stories I read from 2005 would have to be Sinister Dexter: And Death Shall Have No Dumb Minions... and the second book of Savage. The former has actually made me appreciate later series' a great deal more. It still has a lot of really generic short stories and filler one-off's but Death is an example of why it's not a totally bad series to still have around. Incidentally, I forgot how good Malone is, a surprising wee tale that's even better with the benefit of having read Death beforehand. Hear that the series hit a real high as the duo move to Generica (which I also didn't realise was where Malone's set, so there ya go) so I'm quite looking forward to all that.

As for Savage: damn, but that ending was killer. Although I'd already Slaine: Book of Invasions in hardback, I can't decide what scenes I liked better: Slaine visiting Niamh one last time with a heart-breaking last panel, or the way Savage kills the Volgan president and the female antagonist, not to mention half a restaurant. Great, great stuff, those two. Quite a while to go until I read Savage I've never read before but I have A.B.C. Warriors: The Volgan Wars to tide me over in the meantime, which I'll happily read again. Just finished the second book with the amazing General Public jokes.

Anyway, I've also been taking this opportunity to read the paperbacks collecting series' I don't have all of in Progs in the order of Caballistics Inc., Button Man, Shakara and Indigo Prime. The first and third of those are pretty good but the other two have been amazing. Not quite sure how I feel about the fourth Button Man book with the context of the other three to be honest, especially with Frazer Irving (with Fiona Staples of Saga on colours - who knew?) taking over from Arthur Ranson. Although a terrific artist in his own right, Ranson's incredibly realistic details and storytelling finesse (Harry staring down Crow, telling him that he will be sorry, gave me chills) made the first three books really special on top of some great scripts by Wagner. Not sure everyone will agree in regard to the story or characters but hell, I loved the whole series. Not quite sure how it all fits in to a comic like 2000AD but that Harry Exton sure is a frightening fella and the game he's caught up in makes for one really enjoyable action-packed read. Definitely going to have to get my hands of A History of Violence now, that's for sure.

Lastly, I only just finished the earlier collection of Indigo Prime stories. Those mini-stories sure were weird and, if I'm being honest, think will read better whenever I get round to reading the Progs they're in, especially because I'm to understand that Indigo Prime agents make an appearance in a few other John  Smith series' of that time. But regardless of all that, Killing Time is fucking brilliant and well worth buying that collection for alone. It's funny - I mentioned how Pat Mills' second book of Savage came with a few shocking moments towards the end but that's nothing in comparison to Killing Time's conclusion. Think my conscious is going to be wrestling with the decision of which is better between that tale and Cradlegrave. Two masterpieces though, that they are. Can't wait to read Edmund Bagwell's two illustrated series' later on now, although they now have a lot to bloody live up to!

And that is that. Now that I've read all those I'm going to continue reading all these damnable Progs. I'm skipping some series' that I've read already, only re-reading the ones that continued and finished, or are still ongoing, after I cancelled my subscription in the past. It's been a blast. Can't wait to get to 2009 since that's where, only a mere few weeks after I foolishly stopped buying the Prog, shit really hits the fan, Dredd's world undergoing some more significant changes as new and amazing glorious series' come and go.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 27 January, 2015, 03:55:35 AM
Just finished Miracleman Book 2: The Red King Syndrome. It's way more mental and grisly than I was expecting, frankly - shockingly so at times. Quite baffled and perplexed to see full-frontal, graphic childbirth depicted in a superhero comic from the early 1980s, for one thing. :o

Enjoyable overall, but coming to it totally cold it feels a bit... slight(?) for Alan Moore - I guess because it was serialised in very short episodes? Just feels like there's a lot of meat and characterisation missing somehow - the two principal characters especially appear to exist in a vacuum, never really interacting with anyone else, and we don't really get a lot of context for their relationship or the wider story so it feels very small-scale. So far the sum of Miracleman's 'adventures' has been two showdowns with villains that were threatening his wife. It's also a bit heavy on extreme gore and implied sexual violence. Why do I get the impression that a young Mark Millar read this? It's also, I would say, a little... dated in it's presentation of a black character. Well-meaning I think but a little cringeworthy nonetheless. I also had to skip over one of the bonus stories that was so heavy on wacky made up alien slang that it was doing my head in.

It's very readable - obviously, it's Alan Moore - and I'm definitely placing an order for book 3, but so far it doesn't really live up to the legend that has built up around it - it feels quite sketchy, like Moore is still very much finding his voice and flexing his storytelling muscles. I don't know how anyone could seriously claim that it represents a stronger body of work than something like (the infinitely more accomplished imo) Watchmen or Swamp Thing.

It's also a nice surprise to see art contributions from John Ridgway and Steve Dillon among others.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dan Banks on 27 January, 2015, 01:12:23 PM
@radiator

I've been reading Miracleman for the first time too in floppies first (silly in hindsight I know) and the collections (much more enjoyable).

Something to keep in mind regarding book 2, it was released across two different comics ("Warrior" and then "Miracleman" from Eclipse) and over the course of maybe 2 or 3 years thanks to some pretty interesting legal troubles. The second also has maybe 3 different artists involved which certainly doesn't help. I highly recommend reading around the subject, the story of Miracleman the comic might actually be more interesting than Miracleman the character.

Having read 4 of the 6 issues of the third arc, I also highly recommend the next book. You'll see a much more accomplished Moore paired with the perfect artist. It still has some of the flaws that you mention but more good than bad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 27 January, 2015, 01:39:38 PM
Quote from: Dan Banks on 27 January, 2015, 01:12:23 PM
Having read 4 of the 6 issues of the third arc, I also highly recommend the next book. You'll see a much more accomplished Moore paired with the perfect artist. It still has some of the flaws that you mention but more good than bad.

I have to agree Dan, I just read the latest issue last night- Act III is by far my favorite, and Totleben is astonishing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 January, 2015, 02:00:02 PM
Some great thinkifying in those posts, J.Smith and Radiator.  A good read in a a thread about same.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 29 January, 2015, 07:15:27 PM
Thank ye kindly, TordelBack.

Well, that's me wrapped up all of 2008's Progs, which means I can now embark on 2009, which I'm going to be reading all of seeing as I didn't even finish the first run of thrills at the time. Taking a gander at this first line up, I can still remember why I ended up cancelling my subscription in the past. Only Strontium Dog: Blood Moon held my attention at the time, the rest - The Red Seas, Greysuit, Marauder and even Dredd - being decidedly mediocre in my younger mind, not entirely unfair if you keep in mind that I didn't have full context for the first of those, and didn't appreciate Paul Marshall's art style as I do now (amongst others, writers too). The other ones...well, I can remember Greysuit went a bit...mental, though I'm not sure how it'll read now; and I guess my problem with Marauder was that it was very superhero-y for a tale set in the Big Meg. Not sure how that'll read now either, but we shall see.

Won't actually be diving straight into 2009 however. Still need to catch up on early Low Life and that one story published in the Megazine, so I'm going to do that before getting started on D'Israeli's stuff a couple of months into this year. A lot to look forward to though. Some of it I've already read in trades - Backlash in Dredd, Zombo and of course Cradlegrave - but I'll gladly read them all again. Should be especially interesting to read them in the climate of weekly Progs and how readers responded to them (one thing I'm certain will be very interesting with Cradlegrave actually).

Especially looking forward to how Ian Edgington's various books pan out. Despite Steve Yeowell apparently getting a little bored with The Red Seas and putting far less effort into the art in Old Gods (nothing as bad as Ian Gibson mind, which was an even greater shock to see lost all interest this second time!), I am a bigger fan of that since reading the rather silly first book and understanding the context of later series' a bit more. Surprising even myself, after reading And Death Shall Have No Dumb Minions... I've also been enjoying Sinister Dexter's tales this year and am looking forward to how the move to Generica goes. And of course, the cream of the crop, how will Nikolai Dante end, I wonder? That was possibly my biggest regret of cancelling my subscription, so I'm really looking forward to watching that one come to what I can only imagine to be an amazing conclusion. Next to Dredd, I really think it has the greatest character development in the Prog at its time, spanning through years of amazing stories.

In fact, taking all of these Progs I've been reading as one great whole, one thing I've been doing as I've gone along has been to imagine how you could pick moments from various series' and have them join the hall of fame of the so-called "greatest moments in thrill-power" in the future, you know, those moments interpreted by different artists. There sure are a shit ton you could select and I'm not even on to 2009 (and beyond!), which to me looks like the most glorious of years so far for the comic in this large back read of mine. Bring it on, I say! Anyway, here's some thoughts on two wee tales that came towards the end of 2008:

Really wish they'd hurry up and reprint The Vort in a floppy because it really is a good 'un. Reading it again for the first time it's interesting to see the subtle hints that it's actually [spoiler]Lobster Random[/spoiler] in disguise, but if it were a standalone tale about some crazy future war without any surprise twist, it'd still be bloody good in my opinion, not least because of D'Israeli's superb art and colouring in this one. In fact, I'm having a hard time deciding if I like his coloured work on this more or on Ordinary. Leaning on this simply because of the wider variety of settings, lighting, weather and scenes that vary from battle sequences to gruesome torture, all of which he nails with ungodly skill. Gotta get this reprinted, so they do (my one and only letter in the Megazine even requested it specifically).

Have to also say I had more fun with the first series of Ampney Crucis Investigates upon reading it again, even if it's not perfect. Understand that I have several more series' waiting to be read so I hope they can be an improvement on this very decent start. Interestingly enough, I couldn't help but notice that, as well as sharing the world with other Edgington strips, The Red Seas and Stickleback (and I presume Leviathan, which I haven't read), the villain in this one actually repeats a very similar line to Odin in The Red Seas: Old Gods too, cursing the thought of "the meek inheriting the earth" and Christianity in general. Indeed, with the way the first series of Stickleback opens and ends with Gog and Magog, and these other two examples, a running theme in Edgington's work is certainly how the old and true gods have been forgotten in the present day of the story in question, diminishing their power, requiring others to do their bidding if they don't decide to exploit their power in their weakened state instead. Should be interesting to see if that continues to be of any significance and if there are more explicit ties connecting Edgington's stories.

Phew! Onwards and upwards then. Going to take me a lot longer to catch up to present day though, now that I'll be reading everything from this point on, skipping nothing...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 29 January, 2015, 08:35:48 PM
QuoteSomething to keep in mind regarding book 2, it was released across two different comics ("Warrior" and then "Miracleman" from Eclipse) and over the course of maybe 2 or 3 years thanks to some pretty interesting legal troubles. The second also has maybe 3 different artists involved which certainly doesn't help.

Yeah I'm aware of it's checkered publication history. I know a lot of comic readers find multiple artists working on the same story really jarring, but as I grew up reading 2000ad I barely even notice.

I definitely think that it suffers from a lack of characterisation. The main characters really are little more than sketches. There are occasional really inventive ideas though, and that's pretty much all you can ask of a 1982 comic aimed at teenagers. I doubt Moore thought anyone would be dissecting it thirty years later.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 29 January, 2015, 11:18:13 PM
Was Warrior "aimed at teenagers"? Remember as a bairn that V and Marvelman (sic) were clearly great, but I couldn't quite "get" why. A bit later I got it. Comics for adults, I always felt (and have definitely heard subsequently, I'm sure). The Morans, the govt. officials... they all seemed well-defined to me, which was the refreshing point.

The artists did change, but when Totleben got involved it became very special indeed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dan Banks on 30 January, 2015, 01:23:14 PM
Generally changing artists doesn't affect me too much either but I do like a level of consistency involved. The artist involved with the Cream vs Steppenwolf episode (and a few others around?) was radically different I seem to remember. It might be the colouring that made it even more obvious but I'm no artist so I'll criticise no more!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 30 January, 2015, 01:54:29 PM
Some of the issue with the change of artists in Marvelman was that the Alan Davis art was all originally printed at the lush A4 (almost) size, so those pages would have had effectively a double reduction to work at US size.

When Chuck Beckum (possible SP) took over he was producing work specifically for the US sizing.

Also- 'any' artist would have had a hard time following on from Alan Davis on this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dan Banks on 30 January, 2015, 06:31:09 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 30 January, 2015, 01:54:29 PM
Also- 'any' artist would have had a hard time following on from Alan Davis on this.

That there is the truth.

Some nice perspective too. Having only read marvels reprints I would never have known about the change in paper size although in hindsight it seems completely obvious. Cheers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 01 February, 2015, 09:46:16 PM
Been reading From Hell for the past few weeks. As per usual with an Alan Moore comic, this is not just a way to pass time but a book to live inside. My head is constantly swirling with Ripper facts on and off throughout the day, meditating on the characters, their fates and motives. Gull's only just killed Polly Nicholls (first of the five) and it's already hard not to be playing amateur detective, looking at old London maps, wondering if she was killed where she was found or dumped there later, whether the Ripper did/could have had a coach/accomplise, why PC Mizen was so damn sketchy, whether Charles Warren was deliberately muddying the waters...

It's actually hard to switch off!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 February, 2015, 10:05:07 PM
So true.  I love From Hell, and it rewards repeated readings, but it's such a consuming experience I have to space them out.  By the time we get to that night Miller's Court, I'm usually totally freaked out, and by the time Druitt has bricks in his pockets I'm convinced by the whole premise (as opposed to the 'solution'). Stepping away from it all, in the cold light of day, it's rather silly and not a little hypocritical (can we really say that it doesn't exploit those human tragedies for entertainment and ideological shenanigans?), but while I'm reading it, it's far too real.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 01 February, 2015, 10:15:41 PM
I always meant to get around to it at some point (I'm a commited Moore fanboy) but I'm annoyed it took me so long. The annotations are fascinating, too, and prompt all sorts of other little unconnected avenues to start reading/researching around (that cursed Mummy case, for instance).

It's as horrible and troubling as I expected, but it's surprisingly funny when it wants to be, too -

'Did you buy her some token whereby we might recognise her?'
'Yes, sir - a black bonnet.'
'I see. A black bonnet. How very helpful. Tell me, Netley, do you know your most distinguishing characteristic?'
'Why, I - I can't think, sir.'
'Precisely.'

The creepy, off-kilter Netley/Gull bromance is brilliantly compelling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 01 February, 2015, 11:36:02 PM
Reading From Hell for the first time a few years ago really set off the renewed love of comics that I have as an adult today, much stronger than the interest I had as a kid. Putting the time aside to sit down and read it (and I really do believe it's one of those books you "plan" to read ahead of time, especially once you realise how good Moore's annotations are), I was amazed by the incredible amount of research poured into it, the structure of the book, Eddie Campbell's consistently excellent art and his bloody wondrous storytelling skills, etc. It truly is, in my book, one of the most perfect comics ever. Completely mad - I love the afterword, Dance of the Gull-Catchers, wherein Moore admits to becoming obsessed like many Ripperologists who have tried to solve the murders - but in my estimation, a masterpiece nonetheless. Don't forget to pick up Campbell's Companion when you're done, Jimbo - plenty of further fascinating insight into the making of the book there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 02 February, 2015, 01:00:15 AM
ComiXology had a sale on translated foreign language comics, which included the whole run of Shotaro Ishinomori's seminal manga Cyborg 009.

This comic is the most radical Cold War techno thriller I've read this month. You can definitely see that Ishinomori was a student of Tezuka. If it's got one problem it's the rather horrible racist caratures he uses for his main cast, even if they're presonalities are handled well (the African and Native American characters are the most problematic, but God damn if they're not both team badasses).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 02 February, 2015, 04:58:23 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 01 February, 2015, 10:05:07 PM
So true.  I love From Hell, and it rewards repeated readings, but it's such a consuming experience I have to space them out.  By the time we get to that night Miller's Court, I'm usually totally freaked out, and by the time Druitt has bricks in his pockets I'm convinced by the whole premise (as opposed to the 'solution'). Stepping away from it all, in the cold light of day, it's rather silly and not a little hypocritical (can we really say that it doesn't exploit those human tragedies for entertainment and ideological shenanigans?), but while I'm reading it, it's far too real.

From Hell absolutely has those elements but I always felt it was grounded in its respect for the victims of the Ripper. That humanism is at the very core of the book and is, for me, the thing that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

Moore did a similar thing in Lost Girls, where the erotia/pornographic element was the window dressing through which he could tell a profoundly human story about love, passion, war and the loss of innocence.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 02 February, 2015, 10:42:47 AM
You're spot on there Preacher, but with From Hell I still suffer from guilt that I'm enjoying the circus every bit as much as the parasitic proto-tabloid/rolling news audience. And this entertainment exists because of the murders of real highly marginalised people.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 03 February, 2015, 03:32:06 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 02 February, 2015, 10:42:47 AM
You're spot on there Preacher, but with From Hell I still suffer from guilt that I'm enjoying the circus every bit as much as the parasitic proto-tabloid/rolling news audience. And this entertainment exists because of the murders of real highly marginalised people.

I think that lurid fascination with death is inside everyone but it's definitely true that it comes out stronger in people when the victims are from marginalised sections of society. As long as it's happening to 'them' and not 'us'. Moore definitely plays around with that idea; the fact that you are at least aware of it and feel guilty about it probably puts you a rung above those tabloiders though  :D

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grugz on 03 February, 2015, 10:15:38 PM
well, I just finished spawn #250 and am glad to see the [spoiler]back of jim downing who gets sucked into the earth in the dead zone [/spoiler] and the much advertised return of Al Simmons is ok but will presumably pick up in the next few issues with a new creative team and less muddy artwork.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 04 February, 2015, 10:07:08 AM
Jesus, Spawn is *still* going?!?

I'm finishing off Guy Adam's Good, Bad and the Weird trilogy. Entertaining throughout if a little baggy in all corners.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 04 February, 2015, 10:09:18 AM
Just nabbed a library copy of Will Eisner's Last Day in Vietnam. My first exposure to any Eisner material (yes, i've never read The Spirit) so should be an interesting reading experience.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 February, 2015, 10:53:40 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 04 February, 2015, 10:09:18 AM
Just nabbed a library copy of Will Eisner's Last Day in Vietnam. My first exposure to any Eisner material (yes, i've never read The Spirit) so should be an interesting reading experience.

Well hopefully you'll enjoy Eisner as much as I do, though to my shame I'm still to read 'Last Day in Vietnam'. If so there's a wealth of fantastic stuff out there. Though again I must confess as much as I love his later 'more mature' work and graphic novels 'The Spirit' for me is the highlight of his career. Its just magnificent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grugz on 04 February, 2015, 07:41:30 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 04 February, 2015, 10:07:08 AM
Jesus, Spawn is *still* going?!?

I'm finishing off Guy Adam's Good, Bad and the Weird trilogy. Entertaining throughout if a little baggy in all corners.

wasn't a fan of jim downing but with the return of al I'm hoping for more of a return to the series' roots
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 04 February, 2015, 07:52:28 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 04 February, 2015, 10:53:40 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 04 February, 2015, 10:09:18 AM
Just nabbed a library copy of Will Eisner's Last Day in Vietnam. My first exposure to any Eisner material (yes, i've never read The Spirit) so should be an interesting reading experience.

Well hopefully you'll enjoy Eisner as much as I do, though to my shame I'm still to read 'Last Day in Vietnam'. If so there's a wealth of fantastic stuff out there. Though again I must confess as much as I love his later 'more mature' work and graphic novels 'The Spirit' for me is the highlight of his career. Its just magnificent.
Well, just finished it. Read one chapter every couple of hours and it's only a light 76 pages. It was pretty good and the endings to many stories was very zen, and Eisners brand of humour was quite pleasent. Honestly though, I don't have much to comment on as it's such a thin volume. It's nice, the art is minimalistic but, still, very nice. I might be interested in investigating more of W.E.'s work in future....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jacqusie on 06 February, 2015, 03:31:32 AM
Just starting Major Eazy  Heart of Iron (Titan)

I like the Cursed Earth Koburn character based on him (well on James Coburn) so should be good to go back to the early days)  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 06 February, 2015, 07:54:52 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 04 February, 2015, 10:53:40 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 04 February, 2015, 10:09:18 AM
Just nabbed a library copy of Will Eisner's Last Day in Vietnam. My first exposure to any Eisner material (yes, i've never read The Spirit) so should be an interesting reading experience.

Well hopefully you'll enjoy Eisner as much as I do, though to my shame I'm still to read 'Last Day in Vietnam'. If so there's a wealth of fantastic stuff out there. Though again I must confess as much as I love his later 'more mature' work and graphic novels 'The Spirit' for me is the highlight of his career. Its just magnificent.

By coincidence I just read Eisner's The Name of the Game, my first Eisner - a generation spanning tale of Jewish immigrant families in New York. Wonderful stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Max Headroom on 08 February, 2015, 07:47:17 AM
Just finished reading the first of the five new printings of Vertigo's 'Lucifer' and found it most enjoyable. In my opinion, Mike Carey's writing (so far) on this surpasses what he achieved with Hellblazer. One thing I find slightly puzzling though is where Lucifer Morningstar sits in relation to the First Of the Fallen in 'Hellblazer' as both are supposed to be of the same continuity and universe. Who is the one true Devil? Perhaps someone more learned than I can explain?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Famous Mortimer on 08 February, 2015, 08:33:01 AM
David Lee Roth's autobiography.

Everyone needs some fluff sometimes, I don't care for the man's music particularly but he seems like a fun chap.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 February, 2015, 01:06:44 PM
Quote from: Max Headroom on 08 February, 2015, 07:47:17 AM
Just finished reading the first of the five new printings of Vertigo's 'Lucifer' and found it most enjoyable. In my opinion, Mike Carey's writing (so far) on this surpasses what he achieved with Hellblazer. One thing I find slightly puzzling though is where Lucifer Morningstar sits in relation to the First Of the Fallen in 'Hellblazer' as both are supposed to be of the same continuity and universe. Who is the one true Devil? Perhaps someone more learned than I can explain?

It's explained slightly in Dangerous Habits; Satan was the First, he was already waiting when the Morningstar fell. He isn't a fallen angel, he's his very own thing entirely. When Lucifer left hell, it fell to the First and the other two arch-devils, all supposedly in balance with each other under the supervision of the angels. However continuity quickly becomes meaningless in Vertigo after some time, as sort of befits god-like powers and avatars of reality itself. Certainly Lucifer leaves behind what might be the DCU in short order, and Constantine/Swamp Thing only interact with Vertigo-versions of DCU characters after a certain point.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 February, 2015, 01:59:06 PM
This reminds me of some recent re-reading: there are further explicit links between the regular pre-Nu52 DCU supers and the Vertigo supernatural folk from the interesting short 'Heart of a Star' in Sandman: Endless Nights where we see the critical role of the Endless in the creation of Krypton (the first Despair), the power of the green lanterns on Oa (Dream's ex-lover Killalla) and, peripherally relevant, all life on Earth (Dream).  And that's from 2003.  So while John's world ostensibly starts to diverge from doings of the spandex brigade sometime after Swampy's funeral in Gotham in 1986, shifting into 'real' time in the 'real' world sometime after the crossover flurry of 1989/90, other parts of Vertigo continue to emphasise that it's all aspects of the same big cosmological smorgasbord.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JPMaybe on 08 February, 2015, 05:07:54 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 08 February, 2015, 01:06:44 PM
Quote from: Max Headroom on 08 February, 2015, 07:47:17 AM
Just finished reading the first of the five new printings of Vertigo's 'Lucifer' and found it most enjoyable. In my opinion, Mike Carey's writing (so far) on this surpasses what he achieved with Hellblazer. One thing I find slightly puzzling though is where Lucifer Morningstar sits in relation to the First Of the Fallen in 'Hellblazer' as both are supposed to be of the same continuity and universe. Who is the one true Devil? Perhaps someone more learned than I can explain?

It's explained slightly in Dangerous Habits; Satan was the First, he was already waiting when the Morningstar fell. He isn't a fallen angel, he's his very own thing entirely. When Lucifer left hell, it fell to the First and the other two arch-devils, all supposedly in balance with each other under the supervision of the angels. However continuity quickly becomes meaningless in Vertigo after some time, as sort of befits god-like powers and avatars of reality itself. Certainly Lucifer leaves behind what might be the DCU in short order, and Constantine/Swamp Thing only interact with Vertigo-versions of DCU characters after a certain point.

The  continuity is buggered right from the start I think- at no point in Season of Mists does anyone say anything about Ennis' Fallen, and at no point in Ennis' Hellblazer run is the First of the Fallen anything less than the devil himself and ruler of hell, and Dumas and Remiel aren't mentioned, let alone said to actually be in charge.  I think Carey attempted some sort of explanatory retcon in his own Hellblazer run, but I can't remember it particularly making sense.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 February, 2015, 06:05:32 PM
There is one line about Dumas and Remiel in Ennis's Hellblazer, and one line about how he was there waiting when the Morningstar was cast down (think the succubus says it?).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 09 February, 2015, 11:10:23 AM
Quote from: Max Headroom on 08 February, 2015, 07:47:17 AM
Who is the one true Devil? Perhaps someone more learned than I can explain?

I'm no more learned than the next, but I will say this; any DC comic characters that appear in The Sandman are likely not part of the same shared universe / continuity outside that particular comic.

As far as I recall, Lucifer and Hellblazer have never distinctly crossed-over, but both have featured in The Sandman (the former being a direct spin-off from Gaiman's series).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 February, 2015, 01:51:08 PM
Get this months Multiversity Guidebook. GMozz (and Rian Hughes ex of Tharg's pastures) have put together a map of the DC Multiverse and they have the various incarnations of hell in there (and Sandman's Dreaming) all existing at different frequencies within a shared multiverse.

Its a typically elegant way for GMozz to continue to ensure that everything has happened, can live together in a comic universe of preposterous scale.

Edited to add: In fact you can see it for yourself here.

http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2014/08/18/the-map-of-the-multiverse (http://www.dccomics.com/blog/2014/08/18/the-map-of-the-multiverse)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 10 February, 2015, 07:57:37 PM
My stupidly long catching up of Progs has brought me to the year 2010. Been without the computer in my room so I've taken the opportunity to do as much reading as possible instead (and I'm not even writing this on my own computer, so I have plenty of time for more left!).

The year before went as expected - that is to say, yes, I was a bit of a jackass cancelling my subscription mere weeks before Cradlegrave, Low Life with the art of D'Israeli and Zombo kicked off. Glad to see that, even in the weekly format, the former-most was as well received as it deserves. By far and away my favourite horror comic, a story that genuinely creeps me out. It does, I think, read better in one sitting, which is how I originally read it, but it is also interesting to have seen it build up over the weeks, avoid showing the reader what had happened to Mary, all the while the estate gradually descending into chaos. Truly one of 2000AD's greatest strips as far as I'm concerned and the others are great too. It's the latter of those I prefer - the second series in particular is constantly laugh aloud brilliance - but Low Life's an amazing series too, although I can't say I found the three earliest stories anywhere near as enjoyable as everything after.

Anyway, there's two real reasons I've bothered to hop on here. Firstly: book one of The Grievous Journey of Ichabod Azrael (And The Dead Left In His Wake),which I haven't even finished but have fallen completely in love with. Everything about this one has been perfect to me - Dom Reardon's art, the best it's ever been; Rob Williams' inventive and fun language; the mystery of it all; it's all just bloody great and I don't picture myself changing my mind by the end of this first series. And that first episode is masterful, one of the best openings I've ever seen. Can't wait to see where this thrill heads.

So the other reason I'm here on is Nikolai Dante. As I said, not seeing future series' of this was perhaps my biggest regret about cancelling my subscription years ago. Apart from Lulu's War, a whole unnecessary short tale, I've loved every instalment that I'd missed of this year, none more so than the latest two that I've just finished, Heroes Be Damned and its follow up / epilogue, A Farewell To Arms. Yeah, I have no goddamn idea how this well end anymore. The title of the former was a big giveaway but that first episode was cleverly misleading, tricking me as it did into thinking everything was all sunshine and daisies before tearing any notion of a happy ending away. No spoilers from me, but the plot twist of that story's second episode was incredible and A Farewell To Arms left me with a bigger lump in my throat than Slaine's farewell to Niamh at the end of the Book of Invasions. Not long now 'til the finale to this series then... Hard to believe that it'll be anything but amazing, so here's hoping it leaves me just as surprised.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JPMaybe on 10 February, 2015, 09:05:53 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 08 February, 2015, 06:05:32 PM
There is one line about Dumas and Remiel in Ennis's Hellblazer, and one line about how he was there waiting when the Morningstar was cast down (think the succubus says it?).

Well shut my mouth. Is that issue in any of the trades?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 10 February, 2015, 10:18:40 PM
I think so... I've been picking those up so it's certainly where I read it last. I vaguely recall the line about Dumas and Remiel being spat out by the First and it is literally just a dismissive mention. As for the line about the Morningstar and the First being there, well, first, I think that is when the succubus is saying how truly ****ed Constantine is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 11 February, 2015, 11:50:04 PM
Just finished Book 14 of the Wheel of Time.

Dunno.

Was interested to see a "tv pilot" aired a few days ago: http://thewertzone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/wheel-of-time-gets-tv-pilot-out-of.html (http://thewertzone.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/wheel-of-time-gets-tv-pilot-out-of.html)

Corman's Fantastic Four springs to mind with that one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Famous Mortimer on 13 February, 2015, 06:28:51 PM
"The Room: The Definitive Guide"

A fun guide to the latest film to go for "Worst Film Ever" honours. It's a nice light read, not super-hilarious and a little pleased with itself (like so much of the movie's hardcore fandom, I suppose) but worth it if you've seen it nontheless.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 14 February, 2015, 03:55:24 PM
The Walking Dead. 25 issues in and can't put 'em down. Also got a bunch of old Warrior magazines I'll be drooling over when I've finished this run.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Famous Mortimer on 19 February, 2015, 05:37:30 PM
"Mallworld" by Somchow Sucharitkul

I think this must have been amazing when it was first published (1981, according to the book) but the years have not been kind to it. It reads like an episode of "Futurama", and I'd lay good money on the writers of that show having read it - and the endless references to all the amazing things feels like the author relied on reader amazement at stuff like suicide booths and compound religions as opposed to bothering with much of a story (it feels like a bunch of novellas set in the same world, shoved together with a pretty minimal overarching plot.

Saying all that, I enjoyed it :) There's plenty of good ideas in it, I just think modern sci-fi has caught and passed it in some regards.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 21 February, 2015, 05:57:07 PM
I'm currently near the end of NOS4R2 by Joe Hill.

Rather good. And had a minor geek-gasm seeing the connections between his other books and his Dad's.

Apart from this, I think I've only read the Locke and Key comics (very good) and Horns (pretty good too, although I had some issues with it)  by this author. Think I might check out his other stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 22 February, 2015, 03:28:22 AM
I would also recommend you take a look at Joe Hills' Heart Shaped Box once you finish NOS4R2.   it's very good and well worth a read.
Cheers,
Bob
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 22 February, 2015, 02:04:12 PM
Thanks Bob. I'll look for that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Lady Warp Spasm on 22 February, 2015, 11:23:48 PM
Moon Knight (looking forward to supernatural slant returning.)

Tower Chronicles Dreadstalker - my Biz fix. I quite like the lead character and his past / origin, but the present day stuff is kind of a miss for me. I'll hang in though as it's fun and Bisley's pencils are crazy.

Dropping after this week's issues:

Rasputin and Thor (the Thor Annual.)

I'll rummage around my digital 2000 ad progs and see if I can find another series I like. I'm  excited about stumbling into another surprise like Ampney Crucis Investigates. I've got  hard copies of the prog coming for at least 3 months so I am looking forward to actually holding a prog in my hands again. I love the larger page format and being able to pour over the art. Can't do that on an iPhone.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jacqusie on 23 February, 2015, 03:22:22 AM
I'm cracking on with The Royals, by Simon Colby & Rob Williams. It barnstorming stuff and would have sat brilliantly in 2000AD if not the Meg.

The collected edition reads absolutely spot on & I recommend it to all you lovely people.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 23 February, 2015, 12:05:45 PM
Finished From Hell, and my only regret is that it took me so long to get around to it.

The fevered speculation the work prompts dies away before the end of the book, as you realise there simply isn't much point. There are too many loose ends, too many questions, too much time between then and now. Someone kiled five prostitutes in the autumn of 1888, but whoever it was is now entirely distinct from Jack the Ripper. The murderer was simply a human being; the Ripper has become something else entirely over the course of a century and more, taken on a fictional life of its own that completely dwarfs the actual crimes. The discovery of the killer would in no way diminish Jack by this point - that image of the top-hatted, cloaked shadow stalking benighted Whitechapel streets is just too powerful for us to let go of. As Moore says in the Gullcatchers appendix, Jack's not Druitt or Gull or Sickert or the Prince of Wales; he's all of them at once and more besides, a Superposition.

William Gull (as fictionalised by Moore and Campbell) is an utterly wonderful creation. His madness and conviction is totally compelling, and you find yourself drawn completely into his dark aura. That final chapter (Gull, ascending) is so bonkers it shouldn't work at all, but it really does put a cap on the whole narrative. All in all a cracking work that really took a hold of my imagination - and I'm just sad that I have increasingly little 'new Moore' left to read!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 23 February, 2015, 12:25:34 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 21 February, 2015, 05:57:07 PM
I'm currently near the end of NOS4R2 by Joe Hill.

Rather good. And had a minor geek-gasm seeing the connections between his other books and his Dad's.

Apart from this, I think I've only read the Locke and Key comics (very good) and Horns (pretty good too, although I had some issues with it)  by this author. Think I might check out his other stuff.

You'll definitely like NOS4R2 spin off Wraith: Welcome to Christmasland too...http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wraith-Welcome-Christmasland-Joe-Hill-ebook/dp/B00M8JBZQY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424693434&sr=1-1&keywords=welcome+to+christmasland

And Hill's collection of short stories, 20th Century Ghosts,  is up there with Gaiman's Fragile Things.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 23 February, 2015, 12:47:52 PM
Yeah, I'd have to say that William Gull is one of my favourite characters in anything ever, a truly terrifying piece of work on whose madness the reader is completely sold. The point where he's finished mutilating the fifth victim and experiences a splash page vision of future London and an office, followed by the image of him hugging the corpse in thanks is just jaw dropping. A brilliant character, evil bastard that he may be.

You point out that the last chapter's mental and yet somehow works; but that's basically the whole book summed up. Thematically, the book could have been overstuffed in the hands of another writer, but somehow Moore pulls it together into a cohesive, well paced story. When I read it a couple of years ago I really couldn't put the thing down. Consider picking up Campbell's Companion book, Jimbo.

Unrelated, but I remember thinking that the video game Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs felt quite similar to From Hell. Set in the Victorian age on New Year's Eve of 1889, the narrator of that game (or part of him anyway), if I remember correctly, also believes that he's saving the new century after experiencing terrifying visions of the future, of rumblings started in his age that finally take place (like From Hell, the birth of the atomic bomb is given reference), and more horrors besides, especially WW1. Just an interesting little comparison.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 23 February, 2015, 01:49:13 PM
Quote from: J.Smith on 23 February, 2015, 12:47:52 PM
When I read it a couple of years ago I really couldn't put the thing down. Consider picking up Campbell's Companion book, Jimbo.

Definately on my radar! I'm not sure what more can be left to be said, given how comprehensive Moore's notes at the back seem, but I'm just grateful that I'll get a chance to dive back into that world at some point.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 23 February, 2015, 02:07:35 PM
I'm the same DJ. I only read From Hell this past autumn. Amazing book and near impossible to put down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jacqusie on 23 February, 2015, 10:37:01 PM
I've had From Hell sat on the book-shelf for two years now slightly nervous about it after seeing the film a few times.

I now have much more confidence in reading it as a Stand-alone Moore peice of fiction - thanks guys, look forward to it!

:thumbsup:

Si
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PreacherCain on 23 February, 2015, 10:45:08 PM
Quote from: Jacqusie on 23 February, 2015, 10:37:01 PM
I've had From Hell sat on the book-shelf for two years now slightly nervous about it after seeing the film a few times.

I now have much more confidence in reading it as a Stand-alone Moore peice of fiction - thanks guys, look forward to it!

:thumbsup:

Si

The film and comic share subject matter and title but pretty much nothing else.

I remember seeing an interview with Johnny Depp at the time. The interviewer asked him if he could remake any movie from his career, which one would it be and he replied "this one"

So there's that  :o :P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 24 February, 2015, 01:47:20 PM
Quote from: Jacqusie on 23 February, 2015, 10:37:01 PM
I've had From Hell sat on the book-shelf for two years now slightly nervous about it after seeing the film a few times.

I now have much more confidence in reading it as a Stand-alone Moore peice of fiction - thanks guys, look forward to it!

I saw the film some years ago. It shares the 'solution' with the book i.e. the identity of the killer and the reason for the killings. Virtually everything else is different. Unlike the film, which plays things a bit fast and loose, the book is careful to adhere to known historical facts - so Abberline is a solid, married, career policeman in his forties, for instance, rather than a troubled loner haunted by the deaths of his family who solves crimes by having psychic visions for some reason(!).

The book's got a whole wealth of musings on psycho-geography, serial killings, the fourth-dimensional nature of time,  and all sorts of interesting stuff that the film completely ignores, and the story in the book doesn't stop as soon as the murders do - it goes on to explore the aftermath.

Also worth noting that the reader knows who/what/why is doing the killings from the outset - think an episode of Columbo - so you don't have to worry about the film having spoiled the ending!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 24 February, 2015, 11:13:25 PM
Finished Scott McCloud's Reinventing Comics, the one some people suggest skipping. And true, compared to Understanding Comics, it is pretty dated (though UC itself is a wee bit out of date, although I can't imagine the same can be said of Making Comics) with an entire half of the book focused on digital comics' emergence but written in 2000. And times have changed since many of the arguments he put forth in the first half of the book too, of course.

In the case of the former, although some of what he said made me cringe, especially many of his theories on how digital comics could surpass print (due to a little bias on my part because I hate reading comics digitally, but also because much of what he says is utter nonsense), I had fun with it anyway for the pure nostalgia trip of old computers, and moreso because my own computer has been broke until today and I've been barely using the one downstairs. Not entirely well written, these three chapters, but fun to be had in my opinion.

As to the latter and first half of the book, that was definitely interesting because times have significantly changed and yet further progress could and should still be made on most matters, such as creator-ownership, gender and sexual diversity and public perception. As someone who doesn't entirely know their comics history, Scott's basic outline of some essentials certainly made it an interesting comparison to present day.

But yeah, I can see why some people skip this one. It gets my recommendation on the basis of an insightful and thought-provoking first half and because I personally found fun to be had with the second but I suppose if neither of those things sound interesting in the slightest, you might as well not bother. Don't know if I'll immediately make a start on the third of his instructional book but I can see that that's going to be the biggest read yet but perhaps also the best, as I've noticed from skipping through it that it has the absolute best art of all three and extensive additional notes and exercises to expand each chapter. Great stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jacqusie on 25 February, 2015, 02:30:13 AM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 24 February, 2015, 01:47:20 PM



Also worth noting that the reader knows who/what/why is doing the killings from the outset - think an episode of Columbo - so you don't have to worry about the film having spoiled the ending!
[/quote]


Cheers for that chaps, that's my loins well and truly girded now!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 February, 2015, 06:17:56 AM
Big fan of all three Scott McCloud 'theory' books all have very useful insights. That said haven't read them for some time and so J.Smith's post has inspired me to stick um on my reading list so I can get around to them again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 March, 2015, 02:35:23 AM
I just finished the Mega Collection issue of The Apocalypse War.

Sometimes I find epics, even the good ones, tend to drag.

This though, was a great read. The pace kept up and didn't drag at all.

My first time reading this story as well, although I knew what happened in the end, although not HOW it happened.

Just a couple of query/nitpicks though:

Query 1: early in the story it was established that East Meg One had some kind of Warp force field which causes incoming missiles to be translocated to another dimension.

[spoiler]Yet when Dredd launched the tads at the end there was no mention of that force field. They did state that the weapons were launched too close to operate their defence system effectively, but that was the conventional laser system which Mega City One had too. I guess if it was too close for the lasers, it was too close for the warp field too (in fact they might have been within the perimieter of that too) but it would have been nice if it was at least mentioned.[/spoiler]

Query 2: I[spoiler]t seems the laser system was pretty successful in wiping out most of the missiles, as only 3 got through, but that was enough to wipe out the city. I seem to remember a few getting through Mega City 1's defence earlier on, but that only wiped out half. Is Mega City One that much bigger? I guess it could be argued that the East Meggers never intended to wipe out the entire city, so the payloads, were less or the targets more peripheral.[/spoiler] A minor nitpick anyway. I just wonder.

Only other thing I'd say is that [spoiler]with the defeat of the city, its seemed to me that the tide turned in the Meg rather too quicily and easily. (I.e disheartened the East Meggers were driven out despite having control of much of the city before then.) Sure, being discouraged would be a major fact there, but it could have so easily gone the other way, driving them to fight harder for revenge. In fact it seems a subsequent story dealt with just that... with ONE East Meg Judge. Hmmm.[/spoiler]

Don't get me wrong, it was a cracking read, and these are minor issues. In fact 'issue' is probably too strong a word. More 'questions that occurred', while more wordy would also be more accurate. [spoiler][spoiler]If the final battle for the Meg had been longer and harder the story might have dragged, so it's probably just as well it ended the way it did.[/spoiler][/spoiler]

Possibly one of the best Dredd mega-epics I've read. Although I haven't read all that much being a relative newbie and I only bought a few case files, so most of my reading has been modern Dredd.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 March, 2015, 02:55:53 AM
The Apocalypse Warp needed an unspecified lead-in time to activate - it required the entire power generation capacity of East Meg 1 to operate and blacked out all external communications when on. From the ineffectively scrambled East Mag laser defense response we can deduce that the captured silo was only minutes from the city at most. It was also finite in duration - this is why it was essential that all MC-1's launch capacity be eliminated while it was on. If the Diktatorat could just flip a switch every time they saw a missile, MC-1's silos wouldn't have mattered at all.  It may even have been a one-time deal, its reusability a colossal bluff against MC-2 and TC - although Kazan's aside about their turn suggests otherwise.  This is also probably the main impetus for the war itself - the first power to develop the technolology needed to use it while it was still a surprise.

The TADs were orders of magnitude more powerful than the 'conventional' warheads of the war - as the name suggests Total Annihilation Devices.  Just one could wipe out either city, or in the case of the hippie dimension, a few dozen could fragment the planet itself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 March, 2015, 03:05:22 AM
Thanks Tordelback! That all made sense, and just shows what a sieve my mind can often be...

I thought 'tad' was familiar... and now remember, that was the name of the missiles launched in retaliation from Mega City One. That's what kinda threw, as, I figured those as Mega City 1 tech.... but it makes sense that in a cold war scenareo both sides would have the same type of thing.

I forgot about the power draining thing of the warp field.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Lady Warp Spasm on 06 March, 2015, 01:27:46 PM
In my efforts to read more 2000 AD, I just ordered the original collection of the early Nikolai Dante run (the Romanov Dynasty) and the three prose novels used.

I liked Indigo Prime Anthropocalypse (the whole thing with Spacesick Steve was terrific), I'll read future stories when they're published.  Ampney Crucis was a blast.

Book-wise: I am a good way into Toby Venables' The Hunter of Sherwood The Red Hand. I hope he does a third book in the series.

American Comics-wise - also catch up.

Brubaker and Phillips "Savage" issue of Criminal was one I could get into (largely because of the sword and sorcery pulp and how that fit into the main plot), lots of fun.

Moon Knight 12 was a good ending to Wood's run, but I much prefer the supernatural angle for MK, so I am looking forward to Cullen Bunn.

Dropped Rasputin, some great art by Riley but the last 2 issues seemed very lackluster (that's all he does with the Romanovs?) and the teaser for the next series is not my cuppa.

Also dropped Thor with this annual. Lady Thor is also not my cuppa.

Eagerly awaiting Slaine Primordial launch and I hope to find another 2000 AD story I enjoy while reading that every week.  You can teach a not yet old wolfhound some new tricks; I've been very impressed by the imagination and sheer gonzoid chops of some of the other 2000 AD things I've read recently. It's such a breath of fresh air and most welcome to this gal. But you all know that ;)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Molch-R on 06 March, 2015, 02:25:29 PM
Quote from: Lady Warp Spasm on 06 March, 2015, 01:27:46 PM
Book-wise: I am a good way into Toby Venables' The Hunter of Sherwood The Red Hand. I hope he does a third book in the series.

If you're enjoying that then I can recommend Toby's The Viking Dead and The Black Hand Gang trilogy by Pat Kelleher (both also from Abaddon, the latter as an omnibus in March),
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: blackmocco on 06 March, 2015, 03:02:22 PM
I've been loving the Silver Surfer latest run with the almighty Mike Alldred illustrating it. It's quite lightweight in tone, kinda reminding me of Doctor Who but it's quite refreshing reading something that doesn't take itself very seriously and still entertaining in the process.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 March, 2015, 03:08:59 PM
I have to admit, besides being tempted by the B/W omnibuses of early Silver Surfer, the only run of the character i've ever activly hunted down was the run illustrated by Jean Giraud. Did that ever get reprinted?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: blackmocco on 06 March, 2015, 04:44:04 PM
Actually, I've no idea. That would be lovely. Not much a fan of the Surfer either, to be honest, but I love Allred's art and the story was a pleasant surprise. Big and cosmic as opposed to dour and serious.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 March, 2015, 08:13:53 PM
It was only ever two issues Moebius did I believe (am I wrong there?) a mini in the late 80s. I used to own them and sold them a while ago, didn't realise they went for silly these days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 06 March, 2015, 08:21:39 PM
Still Conan.

I've just finished PEOPLE OF THE BLACK CIRCLE and it's possibly one of REH's best. Undoubtedly Conan but he also dives into a bit more depth about hyborean wizardy and the politics of maintaining fiefdoms. Conan does everything from thieving to one on one combat to wizard slashing to leading cavalry into battle. And the constant "You thought this person was the main villain, actually it's person Y" is grandly done. The Devi, Yasmina, is a great gal too.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 08 March, 2015, 12:30:01 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 06 March, 2015, 08:21:39 PM
Still Conan.

I've just finished PEOPLE OF THE BLACK CIRCLE and it's possibly one of REH's best. Undoubtedly Conan but he also dives into a bit more depth about hyborean wizardy and the politics of maintaining fiefdoms. Conan does everything from thieving to one on one combat to wizard slashing to leading cavalry into battle. And the constant "You thought this person was the main villain, actually it's person Y" is grandly done. The Devi, Yasmina, is a great gal too.

This is the story most REH fan feel should be done into a film. This or Queen of the Black Coast.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 10 March, 2015, 12:03:05 AM
Listening to the audiobook version of Coreyography - Corey Feldman's autobiography.

It's entertaining stuff, contrasting light-hearted tales from the making of The Goonies, Stand By Me, The Lost Boys and Gremlins with his surprisingly dark family life and his battle with substance abuse.

If everything he claims is true, then I feel bad for the guy - but that's a pretty big if. To be honest, he (somewhat predictably) comes across as a bit of a self-serving fantasist, and I suspect a lot of the stuff he says is, at the least, a bit of an exaggeration.

Still, worth a read/listen for those with an interest in 80s kids movies and the darker side of Hollywood.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 15 March, 2015, 09:01:19 PM
Marvel comics....how did we get here?
Not too long ago I was a religious collector of all things 'X' (pretty much since the late 80's), as well as dipping in and out of several other series over the following decades.
Since giving up the X-Men (quite soon after the abysmal 'A vs X' event) my Marvel reading has been conservatively select.
And now I've just finished the final two Marvel monthlies on my pull list (the recently wrapped X-Force by Spurrier, and the Miracleman reprints by Moore).

Unless they hire an X-Men creative team (ok, even a writer) that I have any interest in when the Marvel Universe relaunches after the summer, I can't see this changing.

As an aside; the last X-Men comic that was even close to being readable was the 'No More Humans' graphic novel by Mike Carey (a nod to gregarious Greg M for the digital code donation).
I could be swayed to pick up something if Carey was re-hired.

Could be. But I find, I kind of don't want to be.

What I'm currently reading; not Marvel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 March, 2015, 09:23:31 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 15 March, 2015, 09:01:19 PM
Marvel comics....how did we get here?
Not too long ago I was a religious collector of all things 'X' (pretty much since the late 80's), as well as dipping in and out of several other series over the following decades.
Since giving up the X-Men (quite soon after the abysmal 'A vs X' event) my Marvel reading has been conservatively select.
And now I've just finished the final two Marvel monthlies on my pull list (the recently wrapped X-Force by Spurrier, and the Miracleman reprints by Moore).

Unless they hire an X-Men creative team (ok, even a writer) that I have any interest in when the Marvel Universe relaunches after the summer, I can't see this changing.

As an aside; the last X-Men comic that was even close to being readable was the 'No More Humans' graphic novel by Mike Carey (a nod to gregarious Greg M for the digital code donation).
I could be swayed to pick up something if Carey was re-hired.

Could be. But I find, I kind of don't want to be.

What I'm currently reading; not Marvel.

The details are of course different, for Marvel swop Marvel, for X-titles swop Flash (though for not as long) etc etc but as I think you'll have read elsewhere Link Prime I've had what I imagine is a very similar experience of the last couple of years. The weird things is even titles that I would have thought would have tempted me back - so for me Gail Simone's return to the Secret Six a couple of the post Convergence titles - I'm still not going in for. Once those sheckles are off its really quite liberating. I'm sure as time goes on there will be books I get on board with, DCs output is generally too good over their top (as in best not top selling)  titles to be ignored for long. Same thing happen with Marvel after Secret Invasion but I normally have a boom or two from them on my pull list, but I just get the titles I really enjoy these days.

Its better this way!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 17 March, 2015, 05:29:21 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 15 March, 2015, 09:23:31 PM

Once those sheckles are off its really quite liberating.


I think that's the nail on the head, Colin.
It makes you wonder how far you'd have to go before giving up on 'Tooth.  :-\

Nah...I made it through the 90's. Every single Prog, Meg and reprint...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 March, 2015, 06:41:14 PM
The thing is with tooth is how even if a strip has the mist god awful writing imaginable, 90% of the time it's coupled with one of the old guard of artists who somehow give it the driveing force to be tolerable. I'm looking to Frankenstein Division in mind....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 17 March, 2015, 10:56:39 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 17 March, 2015, 06:41:14 PM
The thing is with tooth is how even if a strip has the mist god awful writing imaginable, 90% of the time it's coupled with one of the old guard of artists who somehow give it the driveing force to be tolerable. I'm looking to Frankenstein Division in mind....

Hm, dunno. Such were the early 80's heights that the 90's prog was too much to bear, Hawk. A lesser mag, maybe it wouldn't hurt so bad.
Repeating myself, but I think I continued buying the prog (and 2 copies per week, is that unusual?) for about 4 years after I actually read the thing. The hooks were deep! And, it means I get to read them for the first time now. Read Frankenstein Division only the other week. Tosh, just tosh...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ZenArcade on 17 March, 2015, 11:02:56 PM
Ditto Fungus, I just lost the will. Z
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 March, 2015, 11:57:20 PM
Script wise Frankenstein Division is just the worst. It's so utterly dreadful in every perceivable fashion that it's a significantly large turd even in Mark Millers catalog of shit.

....

But dat Carlos art!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Lady Warp Spasm on 02 April, 2015, 01:33:29 PM
Quote from: Molch-R on 06 March, 2015, 02:25:29 PM
Quote from: Lady Warp Spasm on 06 March, 2015, 01:27:46 PM
Book-wise: I am a good way into Toby Venables' The Hunter of Sherwood The Red Hand. I hope he does a third book in the series.

If you're enjoying that then I can recommend Toby's The Viking Dead and The Black Hand Gang trilogy by Pat Kelleher (both also from Abaddon, the latter as an omnibus in March),

Thanks Molch-R. I've read Toby's The Viking Dead. I'll make a note about Black Hand Gang.

Well, count me in on Skybound's Birthright. Excellent so far. And cheap enough to keep up too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ManParrish on 04 April, 2015, 08:51:24 PM
Just took a punt on Ocean Orbitter Deluxe HB as enjoyed Plantary by Warren Ellis. Also just got first issue of Chrononauts
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jacqusie on 04 April, 2015, 08:54:20 PM
Just finished Philip.K Dick's The Man in The High Castle

Great read & thoroughly recommend it to anyone who likes the alternative.

About to start Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse 5 which I'm looking forward to. Once I manage to finally finish The Loosers once and for all!

:)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richmond Clements on 04 April, 2015, 08:55:43 PM
Quote from: Lady Warp Spasm on 02 April, 2015, 01:33:29 PM
Quote from: Molch-R on 06 March, 2015, 02:25:29 PM
Quote from: Lady Warp Spasm on 06 March, 2015, 01:27:46 PM
Book-wise: I am a good way into Toby Venables' The Hunter of Sherwood The Red Hand. I hope he does a third book in the series.

If you're enjoying that then I can recommend Toby's The Viking Dead and The Black Hand Gang trilogy by Pat Kelleher (both also from Abaddon, the latter as an omnibus in March),

The Black Hand Gang books are fantastic.
Thanks Molch-R. I've read Toby's The Viking Dead. I'll make a note about Black Hand Gang.

Well, count me in on Skybound's Birthright. Excellent so far. And cheap enough to keep up too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 April, 2015, 09:28:44 PM
Quote from: Jacqusie on 04 April, 2015, 08:54:20 PM
About to start Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse 5 which I'm looking forward to. Once I manage to finally finish The Loosers once and for all!

Very good book indeed. There are actually books I prefer by Kurt Vonnegut but this one is certainly worth its classic status.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 21 April, 2015, 10:54:32 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 04 April, 2015, 09:28:44 PM
Quote from: Jacqusie on 04 April, 2015, 08:54:20 PM
About to start Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse 5 which I'm looking forward to. Once I manage to finally finish The Loosers once and for all!

Very good book indeed. There are actually books I prefer by Kurt Vonnegut but this one is certainly worth its classic status.

It's been on my shelf for a while. Will definitely get round to it one of these fine days.

I started reading American Psycho by B E Ellis, but stopped about 200 pages in. The protagonist just got too damn annoying with his attention to minor materialistic details. To make matters worse, I was working with wannabe city boy ass hats at the time. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 21 April, 2015, 11:19:42 PM
My Allan Quatermain read has taken me to Allan and the Holy Flower. Cor, but that man Haggard could craft a yarn! Lost world fiction at its absolute best. With a team of appropriate misfits assembled - a disgraced Zulu wizard, nutty young English orchidist, Allan's elderly Hottentot manservant, cowardly Malay cook and a half-mad American prophet who wanders the continent collecting butterflies - Allan treks into the dark African interior in search of a lost tribe said to worship a unique orchid. Battling their way through an army of dastardly Arab slavers on the coast, the team eventually reach their goal only to discover that the tribe also worships a giant demon gorilla that's between them and the priceless flower.

Needless to say, the likes of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft owe Allan a big debt, but this novel in particular has to have been a huge influence on the original King Kong. There's a set-piece that's pure cinema - the team sat back-to-back in a mist-shrouded forest clearing, late at night, surrounded by the skulls and tombs of tribal kings, while the demon gorilla darts from the fog every so often biting off people's ears and fingers. Tell me you don't want to see that in a film!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Famous Mortimer on 22 April, 2015, 07:21:04 AM
"Retromania" by Simon Reynolds

It's been sat on my shelf for years, thought I'd best read it before it became retro itself. Really good too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 14 May, 2015, 11:22:33 PM
FINALLY got started on Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin thanks to the first two HC collections. It's bloody fantastic far out sci-fi, though character development has bee a little on the light side thus far. It's due to be a fairly lengthy run mind you so I'll get around to buying the others. Really rather fantastic art...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 15 May, 2015, 12:01:47 AM
Astray might be worth a gander, too.  There isn't a great deal of it, so you won't be out much if it isn't to your taste, but I recall it being one of the less offensive mecha Japanicomics and liked the atmosphere of it, harking back to the space-based elements of Gundam X and Zeta/ZZ.

A couple of hundred pages into Station Eleven and I'm not sure if some of the playing around with tropes is deliberate or just clumsy (ie: "we always have a destination"), and I can see some critics have probably bandied around terms like "nonlinear narrative" in relation to it, but really what they mean is "flashback scenes to fuckery and back again", with one thread - about the woman whose creative labor lends the book its title - in particular seeming to go on forever.  It seems heavily influenced by - of all things - The Last Of Us, and not just because both are Viruspocalypse stories set "20 Years Later", there are thematic similarities about memory, dreams, and the internal creative capacity of humans, too.  There's the possibility of it going tits-up in the second half, but so far it's been a very enjoyable read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Albion on 15 May, 2015, 10:55:02 AM
I'm currently reading Battle Picture Weekly from the start (on issue 36) as well as 2000AD from the start too, now on Prog 242. A golden age for the galaxy's greatest.  :)

Book wise I'm reading Spike Milligan's war memoirs, haven't read them in years. On the second one at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 30 May, 2015, 01:35:22 AM
The Netflix series got me to finally get around to digging into my Miller/Janson Daredevil Omnibus that I bought a few years ago.

Never read this stuff before, and tbh I'm a little underwhelmed so far. I know it's essentially a 35 year old Marvel comic (and deserves to be appreciated in the context in which it was originally published), but I was expecting something a little grittier and more in line with Miller's other classic works. Frankly it reads a bit goofy, and the characterisation is thin - for being such a 'classic' moment in comics history, the death of Elektra left me totally cold because she wasn't really characterised at all and it felt like she had only been very briefly introduced up to that point. Very anticlimactic.

The art is nice and dynamic - and the inking in particular is beautiful - but there is quite a shocking amount of shonky anatomy going on.

It's entertaining enough but imo is nowhere near as essential as it's status suggests.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 May, 2015, 06:58:00 AM
That's pretty much where I find my thoughts on Miller and Janson's (never leave out Klaus, not that you do of course) run. Its very good for its time but hasn't aged too well. As a massive DD fan there are quite a few runs that I prefer so much more.

Inking though is sublime.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 31 May, 2015, 08:35:43 PM
James Ellroy Perfidia.

Waited till it was available on pocket, so that the spine matches the rest of my Ellroy collection (LA 4:t and Underground USA books, also pocket).

Quite a trip. First book of a new LA quartet, all of whom taking place before the original LA quartet. Starts of during the days after Pearl Harbour is bombed. A Japanese family is murdered. War profiteers eyeballs opportunity with the incarceration of japanese. Oh and Dudley Liam Smith of all people/monsters starts dating Bette Davis.

Psychotic and gritty as any of the books. Also as incredible why it even bothers having a murder mystery in the center of things, since it's police men are causing one horrible thing after another. One example being Dudley, who early one starts scheming for hiding Japanese, while making a move for their homes, see if they can undergo surgery to look chinese and also recording smut films with them. And that's some of the milder things he's up to.

Loved it. Will start reading Black Dahlia now. While taking place years later, it follows up on Bucky Bleichert, Lee Blanchard and Kay Lake (who are introduced in Perfidia.).

Can't wait to read the other three books Ellroy have planned. I really hope there'll be more Ward Littell, Dudley, Hoover and also the  Tedrows/Holly,  David Klein and more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 05 June, 2015, 02:19:38 PM
Onto the penultimate volume of Charleys War and i've been reflecting on just how far Charley as a character has come and indeed how much the cast has shifted. With the exception of the home front, of whom only one of Bourne's significant relatives has coped it, most of his friends are all dead. Everyone from his original platoon, save for Smith 70, Albert and Sgt. Tozzar, are dead. Everyone from the runners, the stretcher carriers, snipers, machine gunners, tank opperaters. Ginger, Crazy Eyes, Weeper, Wilf. Even bloody Scholar (didn't see that one coming) has bit the dust. I'll give Pat Mills this much, he's not one for getting attached to his characters!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 05 June, 2015, 03:02:46 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 31 May, 2015, 08:35:43 PM
James Ellroy Perfidia.

I went through a phase of reading tons of crime books, but haven't read any for a long time - Ellroy sounds a good a person as any to rekindle my love of moider!


Just finished Warren Ellis' IGNITION CITY - I refuse to call it "atompunk" or any of these horrible genre names, but it was fantastic read, rather like a mash-up between his own Ministry of Space and Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - a bunch of washed up space heroes (clearly based on people like Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon) eke out a miserable life in a shanty town at Earth's last spaceport - Rock Raven's (Dan Dare?) daughter arrives to find out which of them murdered her father.

There was a number 1 on the spine, and a large cast of characters with hanging plot-threads, so it seems to be setting itself up as the first in a series, unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any further volumes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 05 June, 2015, 05:04:20 PM
Dragon's Claws was always overlooked in the annals of British sci-fi comics in favor of some other book with Robocop in it or something, but that's a shame as despite the things that comics snobs will pick up on like the superhero trappings, over-exposition, cornball dialogue, daft standalone plots (like one of the main characters' backstory being that they used to be a Batman), and random fight scenes, there's still a great deal to admire in a dedicated all-ages dystopian science fiction comic that borrows from 1970s sci-fi like Rollerball and Soylent Green, and the gorgeously desolate Geoff Senior landscapes make me wish that someone at 2000ad had found a future war strip for him so he could get some of the recognition he deserves as one of the most solid and visually distinctive comics artists to come out of the UK.
The collected edition from 2008 also reprints a crossover issue from the more popular and longer-lasting character Death's Head, but that one falls a little flat despite sharing creative talent with Claws - not ever idea is a winner, I suppose.  I think it is fair to say I am a big fan of 1980s Marvel (http://www.comicsy.co.uk/warcars1983/store/products/war-cars-collected-1/) when they were plowing their own furrow before it all went horribly wrong and they chased down a completely different audience than the one that had kept the company financially successful for decades (which didn't actually exist as it turned out because this is the UK and not North America), but even leaving aside nostalgia and bias, Dragon's Claws deserved a bit more success than it enjoyed, as despite the professional wrestling-style premise of The Game that leads to some superhero-esque visuals (which admittedly can be viewed as elements it shares with pulp sci-fi/action novel series such as Doomsday Warrior and The Survivalist which were popular at the time), it remains a very European-flavored slice of sci-fi no matter how liberally it homages American films and comics, all cynicism, grit and unhappy endings before those things became tired staples of the spandex brigade.

Also finished Station Eleven.  It remained a good post-apocalypse read, but did fall afoul of some overly-familiar tropes and heavy-handed world-building - is twenty years really enough time to build entirely new mythologies?  I suppose the reliance on coincidence to propel the plot can also be dismissed as having the in-world justification of there not being that many people left after a viruspocalypse so they might all be reasonably expected to know or be connected to each other in tenuous ways, but when you have their connections predating the viruspocalypse it comes off as a bit lazy in an otherwise solid book and I look forward to despising the two-film adaptation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 17 June, 2015, 10:40:09 PM
Just finished The Martian by Andy Weir, and while it pains me to agree with Richard & Judy,  everything they say in their reviews as part of their TV book club is absolutely spot on.  Truly one of the most gripping science fiction thrillers of recent years,  and possibly the best of its kind since Arthur C Clarke's A Fall of Moondust fifty-odd years ago.  Weird that it's immediately a film,  like it really has been pounced on,  chewed up and spat out before it's had a chance to percolate in the wider culture.  Still,  I read it in three days flat and so maybe its time is now.  Maybe it's just one of those novels that has a window to smash otherwise it will be lost forever.  The book is magnificent, and if the film is clever enough this could really be the 2001/ Alien of the new century.
In ten years,  when we've seen three sequels and Mat Damon has become the first man to go back to Mars three  times, I'm sure we'll all be sick of it.  But until then,  I'm going to be optimistic and hope in Andy Weir we have a Clarke for a new generation.

Comics wise,  basically everything.  I'm now up to fifty titles a month, so it's easier to list what I don't read.
I don't read DC.  Except Aquaman,  Wonder Woman and Constantine.
Best things that pass before my eyes on a monthly basis are Letter 44, Walking Dead,  Nailbiter, Dan Slott's Spidey,  Howard the Duck, Conan the Avenger now they've changed the artist, Gail Simone's Red Sonja,  Daredevil,  Afterlife with Archie and Sabrina. Rat God was fun,  as was Autumnlands too.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: maryanddavid on 17 June, 2015, 10:56:12 PM
Quotefifty titles a month,
:o
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing on 18 June, 2015, 06:19:32 AM
Quote from: maryanddavid on 17 June, 2015, 10:56:12 PM
Quotefifty titles a month,
:o

I know.  And yet there you are,  publishing lovely comics ever so often as well.  You monster.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Famous Mortimer on 23 June, 2015, 06:39:54 PM
Off work with sciatica, so in between playing games from the Steam Sale I've been reading the Iain M Banks "Culture" novels. They're bloody brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 23 June, 2015, 09:33:26 PM
5 issues in to Rumble from Image. Art is next level.
Orc Stain is interesting.


Also finally read Frank Miller's 300 and Holy Terror. I didn't like the latter much.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 19 July, 2015, 03:04:42 PM
Just finished Armada by Ernest Cline. A very good follow up to Ready Player One, but not quite as good. If you enjoyed Ready Player One, though, you'll probably enjoy this one too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 19 July, 2015, 05:49:24 PM
The Martian by Andy Weir.  The storyline isn't quite as gripping as I'd been led to believe, but the main protagonist keeps it interesting by playing to the book's clever central conceit of being an adventure undertaken by the geeks and nerds of the real world of rocket science rather than the heroic figures of traditional action-adventures.  Mark Watney is no Bruce Willis or Arnold Schwarzenegger - in fact he's not even a Matt Damon, so it'll be interesting to see how that pans out - he's a comics-reading RPG player who didn't get laid in high school and who saves his own ass by falling back on the power of education and being able to do maths, and instead of ruminating at length on the philosophy of "a man alone against nature" as might be expected of the genre, he rails at disco music and the stupidity of Roscoe P Coltrane for never going to the Dukes' house and arresting them when they weren't in the car.  He gets a bit soppy at the end, and I'm not sure the constant switches between first and third-person narratives works as well as it should (it's something I haven't seen since the Doomsday Warrior series, where it was equally unconvincing), but it's a pleasantly distracting read.  It'll be interesting to see how the po-faced Ridley Scott makes a movie of what is essentially a light-hearted mumblecore sci-fi.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 19 July, 2015, 09:20:59 PM
Finally got back to making my way through the bulk of my 2000AD collection about a week and a half ago. Earlier this year I had started with Prog 2005 and, as I recall, got to the last quarter of 2011 before really taking a long break. Turns out I should probably have done so sooner because it's been months since I read all that and by the time I picked up where I left off I had forgotten some things, which perhaps coloured how I felt about some of the strips.

Spoilers from here on, though I presume everyone here's read all this anyway.

For example, I don't remember the first series of Age of the Wolf being silly at all and yet, despite how seriously dark the second series got, with the surprisingly nasty execution of two main characters midway through, it had a group of bad guys - who, I get it, are future chavs - talking in text speak too, which rather had me scratching my head, feeling completely out of tone with everything else. Otherwise, I have to admit, going through 2012 was a bit of a struggle at times, having found myself usually only consistently enjoying two strips at a time, one of which was always Dredd because of the Day of Chaos storyline (which I was reading for the first time so more on that in a bit) and Trifecta. It got so bad that I was skipping Future Shocks after seeing who had written them or entire 3hriller's if the first part didn't make a strong impression. Some of the series' that I did read but didn't completely enjoy, such as Grey Area, Cadet Anderson and Durham Red, I simply sped through as fast as possible when it came time to read 'em because previous instalments had been so terrible. Thankfully, the starting line up of 2013 was really quite great (which I will again talk about in a sec), so I don't see that particular problem I had repeating itself any time soon, especially as the following line up includes Stickleback, Zombo and Dandridge.

Anyway, enough negativity:

Beginning just where I needed to pick back up my journey through these Progs, in late 2011, Day of Chaos was great from beginning to end. At first I was struggling with the slow countdown and 24-like tracking of the important players involved in Eve of Destruction in 2012 but the pay-off was tremendous. Of course, I knew how bad things were to get in the end, having read stories set afterwards (I re-subscribed after the first line up of stories in 2014 had finished), but I never knew the specifics, so seeing things go from bad to worse and from worse to Dredd bleakly thinking how pointless it is to bother testing the 40,000 people trapped in a stadium where the bug's started spreading at all - well, that was just incredible. It's a shame that several of the shorter or one-off stories that followed this epic seemed to be written before it but it's hard to complain much when the year ends monumentally with Trifecta, which of course reads even better in the Prog. Quite the bloody year for Dredd (and Low Life had been as fun as ever earlier that year with The Deal).

Apart from that, the other obvious contender for best story of the year was Nikolai Dante reaching its climax. It was funny how I had the same thoughts as some of the letters published before it was finished. First, no, this can't be John Burns' final story; then, no, this can't be his final cover; and finally, no, this can't be the end! Thankfully, it all lived up to my expectations, expectations it had instilled in me because of the quality of recent storylines. It did not at all end how I suspected it might, did Sympathy for the Devil, but after reading it all again when I reached the final episode I saw just how amazing that ending truly was. Probably my favourite series in 2000AD that isn't called Judge Dredd or Indigo Prime, which is saying something considering that I've still to read the beginnings of the entire series.

It was good to see Indigo Prime but, knowing that it doesn't reappear until 2014, I can tell I may have to read it again to keep up, but thankfully I have the second trade for that. Sure is good though. Before I read Dead Eyes as part of this long trawl through piles of these things I read the collection of earlier storylines, which are interesting for not, apart from a one-off story, really exploring who Indigo Prime actually are and what it is the rest of them do. What's interesting by comparison to that is that this series almost feels like a reboot. Where pretty much every previous series focused on only one or two operatives at a time, this has a much larger cast of characters and spends a huge amount of time at HQ. Everyone acts as a team too and in a way that makes it feel like a sci-fi TV series, one where everyone has to work together to save the day, every day, against the clock and increasing drama.

The joke, in twisted John Smith fashion, is of course that the characters are morally bankrupt, not really heroes at all. There's a line in the second series that says it all, one of Mariah's when she's trying to locate Spacesick Steve. It's referring to the bug-ridden world he's on but it seems to me an intentional joke about the way Indigo Prime view the various worlds they look over too, especially with the foreknowledge that they destroy this very world as they make their escape. What she says at one point is "insects burning under magnifying glasses", referring to people suffering in this particular world. But consider what happens later - "Whoops, anthropocalypse!" indeed - and it takes on a greater meaning. Throw in the Overseers and it all feels like a dark parody of superheroes, the countless reboots of those characters and the bajillion cities and people killed that no one gives a fuck about in the name of these heroes saving the day (it's a nice coincidence that this was running at the same time as Day of Chaos, which concerns itself very greatly with an entire city being brought to its knees, destroying the lives of its remaining people). And then this story ends with them adopting a "Don't fuck with us" policy simply because the government on the insect-infested world tried to use their technology (worth pointing out that they were only trying to save themselves and don't succeed anyway, not that that stops Arcana from sending them to their deaths in a world where everyone nuclear war's about to take place) and main character since Dead Eyes, Danny Redman, finds himself face to face with the Nihilist in the mirror. A true hero indeed. Incidentally, I love the Nihilist as the name for a villain even more now and can't wait to to read the 2014 story again when I get round to it, where of course who I presumed to be John Smith himself even made an appearance, which seems doubly important after the second episode of the first series, Everything and More, opens with a guy yelling at you, the reader (and Winwood mentions that he believes they're all fictional creations).

TL;DR: John Smith's a genius. And since I've gone on long enough already - and this goes without saying anyway - the art of Edmund Bagwell is really, really, really great in these two stories and Lee Carter is a perfect fit too. Really hope it'll be back soon, it's the best.

And finally, as for what I've read of 2013, everything but Dredd of all things really stuck out, this being Savage: Book 8, Ampney Crucis: The Entropy Tango, Strontium Dogs: Mutant Spring and the final, rather overdue, series of The Red Seas. First, I must say that I love how Edinington is drawing his various series' together, as shown in Ampney Crucis, where Stickleback's son makes an appearance. At its first outing I didn't really care much for this series but I do like how it's got progressively more mad to the point where something else has seemingly taken over the protagonist's mind entirely as he's stranded in a parallel world to his own. Good stuff. Alas, although its final series was pretty good, especially with splash pages galore, I will be happy to see the back of The Red Seas, a series which I completely lost the plot of. Funny thing is, I appreciated how this finale didn't get caught up in all that, bowing out rather gracefully by simply being as fun it could possibly be, the ridiculous final twist and all. So although I thought that I was for sure not going to enjoy this one bit, it gets a thumbs up from me.

As for Savage and Strontium Dogs - I loved these both, especially in comparison to both series' last story arcs, which I didn't enjoy. Well, actually, to be more specific, whereas I probably still wouldn't enjoy book 7 of Savage that much upon rereading it, I have a better appreciation for the previous two Strontium Dog story's. It was never clear in the first series or the second but its obvious that Wagner was building up to this Second Mutant War all along and it certainly worked for me. Very excited to see where this is heading next. As for Savage, book 8 was Mills at his best as far as I'm concerned. It feels a bit overdue but it was a brilliant twist to see things from the Volgs' perspective and realise more than ever how far gone Savage himself is. It certainly makes me wonder more than ever how the series is going to end. As part of my subscription I've already seen the Quartz cover of him in his robotic body earlier this year but I do wonder where Savage will end up.

Long post, but I can't help myself when things are so great. Yes, I complained a little about 2012 there but the comic would always be worth it to me for the art and the thrills that are good, such as those mentioned above and others still that I didn't bother to talk about, like the second series of Ichabod Azrael, more goodness from Absalom (a new favourite) and new series, Aquila.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 21 July, 2015, 12:31:17 PM
Sex Criminals by Matt Fraction & Chip Zdarsky. Who says there are no new concepts in comics? This is a raunchy and very funny story of a girl who freezes time when she orgasms - she calls this "the quiet" and enjoys her 'unique' gift - until she hooks up with a guy who also has this gift (although he calls it "cumworld"  :o). naturally they team up to rob a bank. Lovely art and I'll be picking up vol.2.

Trees by Warren Ellis and Jason Howard. If I see Mr Ellis's name on a book, I will buy it no questions asked, but this one didn't really hit the spot. Nice concept (vast pillar-like alien ships land all over earth ... and do nothing for a decade. This proves the existence of intelligent alien life, but they don't seem to recognise us as being intelligent life). Multiple plot threads showing different characters around the world living in the shadow of the 'trees' but this is obviously going to be a long-running saga and I didn't feel that the first volume gave much satisfaction - loads of set up, but no resolution. Decent art though.

IF.. the graphic novel by Steve Bell - Bell's collected Guardian cartoons from 2010-2014 - glorious glorious stuff.

Also, binging on Farside cartoons (Cheers Bolt-01!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 21 July, 2015, 12:55:22 PM
The Scarlet Gospels, Clive Barkers final and definitive word on his creation Pinhead.
Well I started it git about 30 pages in and had to put it down, there is sat for 2 weeks while I contemplated if I had the stomach to continue, I love a bit of grue in my books but by god the opening chapters of this thing are absolutely monstrous and definite proof that Barker's still got it.  After regaining my composure I dived back in and have got to say this is one of the best Barker books in a long time, gruesome and dark but with a strange uplifting feeling like all the best Barker. 
A bit of Meta commentary on how this creation was taken from him and effectively destroyed by Hollywood (at least that's the impression I got as Pinhead [spoiler]totally and utterly destroyed the Order of Gash mentioning several movie created Cenobites and how he just doesn't like them[/spoiler].  I couldn't help but picture Scott Bacula as Harry D'Amour, shut up I love Lord of Illusions  :lol:
Unfortunately the end of this seems to wrap his character up so I guess if Barker is done with The Great and Secret Show/Everville series.

overall great book and I think it's time to dig out all my old Clive Barker books and give them another read see what other easter eggs pop up in this.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 July, 2015, 01:23:37 PM
But the real question remains....what happened to Chatterer?  :'(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 21 July, 2015, 04:02:02 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 21 July, 2015, 12:55:22 PM
TI love a bit of grue in my books but by god the opening chapters of this thing are absolutely monstrous and definite proof that Barker's still got it. 


I know what you mean, I was a bit taken aback by the intensity too! It's very, very rare I read something that shocks me but I think I just wasn't prepared for it. It's a real statement of intent though - the movie sequels turned Pinhead into a bit of a panto villain, so to in one chapter reassert him as a really, really evil motherhonker was very impressive. I remember I first opened it up to read on the train while sitting right next to a priest who was reading a kindle bible and that felt very wrong. Great book.

As for what I'm reading, I just picked up the first volume of the Batman refresh thing (the new 52 series?). I've always been really into Batman but it struck me that my interest in the movies, shows and games has never actually extended to picking up the comics apart from the odd collection I inherited from other people (and none of those were actually the 'big' stories).

When I saw they'd reset to issue one relatively recently I figured it's a good chance to jump on board! Although since I bought it I've now realized there are about half a dozen Batman titles a month or something, which is reminding me why I don't really touch DC and Marvel. Can I just read 'Batman' or do I need to read all the other comics with 'Bat' in the title to avoid story gaps?! Hopefully not!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 July, 2015, 04:05:41 PM
Just stick to the Alan Grant, GMOZZ, and Matt Wagner runs and you'll be happy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 July, 2015, 04:52:53 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 21 July, 2015, 04:02:02 PM
Can I just read 'Batman' or do I need to read all the other comics with 'Bat' in the title to avoid story gaps?! Hopefully not!

Yeah I got the first 30 odd issues of this run and it starts out well... Batman is the lead title so you shouldn't have any real problem just getting that. There is the odd thing that spins out but these tag to the Batman story rather than Batman tagging onto something else.

That said as Hawkmonger said there is better Bats out there. Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle's run on Detective then Batman is my personal fav and you shouldn't have any problems picking those issues up, though not yet in trade unbelievably. GMozz stuff is also excellent, but a little divisive.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 July, 2015, 06:37:55 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 21 July, 2015, 04:52:53 PM
That said as Hawkmonger said there is better Bats out there. Alan Grant and Norm Breyfogle's run on Detective then Batman is my personal fav and you shouldn't have any problems picking those issues up, though not yet in trade unbelievably.

Soon, my friend, soon.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1401258980?keywords=batman%20alan%20grant&qid=1437500212&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 July, 2015, 07:40:50 PM
Still not sure what's in that. Given that its vol. 1 you kinda hope they have gone for their run from the start? Actually surely that's been out in the solicitations?

Edited to add: It is all his 'Tect issues - brilliant comics. and of course sending money to Norm (i'd hope) at a time he'll really need it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 July, 2015, 07:47:56 PM
Yeah, according to Forbidden Planet...

QuoteIn these tales from Batman Annual #11 and 12 and Detective Comics issues #579, #582 to 594 and #601 through 607, all featuring the art of Norm Breyfogle, the Dark Knight faces the evil of the Ventriloquist and Scarface, the Crime Doctor, the Demon, a horde of Clayfaces and more! Written by 2000 AD veterans John Wagner, Alan Grant and others, with artwork by Norm Breyfogle and others, featuring cover artwork by Norm Breyfogle

DC, hardback, 520 pages, published July 2015
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 21 July, 2015, 09:44:50 PM
You don't need me to chip in that Breyfogle's Batman as scripted by Wagner/Grant is gloriously good, but I just have, so there it is. Have at least most of Norm's input (output?) but that collection is very tempting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 22 July, 2015, 10:48:14 AM
Thanks for the suggestions, I started on the New 52 book last night (the Owl storyline) and so far am really enjoying it. Think I'll keep going with this series and intermittently fill some of the gaps with the ones mentioned here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 22 July, 2015, 11:33:31 AM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 22 July, 2015, 10:48:14 AM
Thanks for the suggestions, I started on the New 52 book last night (the Owl storyline) and so far am really enjoying it. Think I'll keep going with this series and intermittently fill some of the gaps with the ones mentioned here.

The Nu 52 Batman run by Snyder & Capullo is indeed a good place to reacquaint oneself with the Caped Crusader.
As Colin mentioned, the quality does dip later on (in particular during the 'Zero Year' prequel arc), but has improved immensely since (the "final confrontation" with The Joker took place during the recent 'Endgame' arc- really gripping stuff).
Although there have been some cross-over story lines, adjectiveless 'Batman' is clearly the flagship title, and any ancillary titles (e.g. during the 'Death of the Family' arc) are, in my opinion, quite superfluous.
Snyder & Capullo are in fact still continuing their run on this title, and I expect it will last until at least issue 50.

I really liked Grant Morrison's recent-ish run too, but keep in mind that it is quite lengthy, occasionally overly complex, and spans multiple series. Some previous comment on it here; http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php/topic,42081.msg877260.html#msg877260

For me, the best 'modern' Batman comics were produced directly before the Nu 52 reboot, during an arc called 'Black Mirror'. It's by Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Batman-Black-Mirror-TP-Comics/dp/1401232078/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437559407&sr=1-1&keywords=batman+black+mirror

It's genuinely up there with the best of Batman comics, wholeheartedly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 22 July, 2015, 12:37:12 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 21 July, 2015, 04:02:02 PM
As for what I'm reading, I just picked up the first volume of the Batman refresh thing (the new 52 series?). I've always been really into Batman but it struck me that my interest in the movies, shows and games has never actually extended to picking up the comics apart from the odd collection I inherited from other people (and none of those were actually the 'big' stories).

When I saw they'd reset to issue one relatively recently I figured it's a good chance to jump on board! Although since I bought it I've now realized there are about half a dozen Batman titles a month or something, which is reminding me why I don't really touch DC and Marvel. Can I just read 'Batman' or do I need to read all the other comics with 'Bat' in the title to avoid story gaps?! Hopefully not!

Ironically, I have found the New 52 to be a perfect opportunity to ditch DC. Instead of fretting about missing major story arcs or crossovers, or catching up with what's happening to characters I like, I don't regard any of the new output to be "my" Batman or Superman that I've followed for many years, so I'm not going to invest any time in them and get hooked all over again - It's been fantastically liberating, but probably not what the marketing bods intended! Ive read a few of the new 52 trades from the library and I haven't been too impressed
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 22 July, 2015, 02:58:11 PM
Likewise, sadly.

Never felt like I was missing anything when I didn't pick up all the tie-in and multiple 'family' books back in the day, at least not as long as I got Detective Comics as well as Batman.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 July, 2015, 04:02:17 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 22 July, 2015, 11:33:31 AM

For me, the best 'modern' Batman comics were produced directly before the Nu 52 reboot, during an arc called 'Black Mirror'. It's by Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Batman-Black-Mirror-TP-Comics/dp/1401232078/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437559407&sr=1-1&keywords=batman+black+mirror

It's genuinely up there with the best of Batman comics, wholeheartedly recommended.

Not wrong there at all, great comics. Worth mentioning though that this features Dick Grayson as Batman, not Bruce, coming out of GMozz's run when Bruce was cast through time by Darkseid's Omega Beam... honestly its not as bad as it sounds, in fact it was very, very good! Anyway yeah it great Batman, just not ya Poppa's Batman.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 July, 2015, 04:07:46 PM
Count me in on the Nu52 marking the end of my DC days (by and large, never say never and I am getting three of the new titles as it goes so...) took me a lot longer, I was gushing with excitement when the whole thing started. As time went on and a moved more and more to independent comics, I found I cared less and less, as I dropped title after title and nothing came in to fill the gap. Without really trying, at the end of Brian Azzarello's Wonder Woman run, I found I had no DC left in my pull list. I'd stopped getting The Flash for the first time in years (well I was always a Wally man anyway!) and was surprised that titles that should have been right up my street, just didn't interest me anymore.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 22 July, 2015, 08:31:06 PM
The GMOZZ run on Batman Inc. is worth it solely for the return of Lord Death Man. i.e. The greatest villein from any incarnation of Batman EVER!

(http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/10/105376/2132562-lord_death_man.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 23 July, 2015, 08:58:14 AM
There's a villain called Lord Death Man?

Sold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: J.Smith on 23 July, 2015, 10:39:46 PM
Finished 2013's Progs after skipping a bunch of shit. That went from really great - that starting line-up to the year I mentioned in my last post - to a rather mixed bag and from that to the pretty terrible, really.

For a while there was Dandridge and Zombo to keep me going and throughout the year Dredd stories of infrequent quality (the brief follow-up to Trifecta and the Carroll droid kicking ass are the biggest stand-outs personally) to keep me from giving up in despair (would have liked to have added Sinister Dexter with John Burns to that short list but alas, though the art was gorgeous, the script was as repetitive as ever and oh look, Holy Moses is still around, kids, yaaaay) and I rather liked the 3thriller Gunheadz; but everything else would either be skipped or begrudgingly read for the sake of it being part of a series - see: Defoe, Stickleback and Age of the Wolf: Book 3 - or because I liked the art.

Things really went to hell for me when Judge Dredd: Bender, Defoe: The Damned, the last series of The Ten-Seconders and Age of the Wolf and Slaine: Book of Scars were running simultaneously. Of those Dredd was the least bad, although I really didn't think it was one of Wagner's best stories, and not being a fan of Willsher, his art did nothing but confuse me at times. The Mills stories I read simply because they're part of his longer series' - which have a habit of being really good or terrible or a combination of both - but neither were very good at all and for The Ten-Seconders and Age of the Wolf, well, I lost the plot completely for those and no longer cared what happened by the time I reached their conclusions.

A short series of Aquila rather made up for this, as did Damnation Station and its mostly great ending (it felt rushed in some respects, particularly concerning Joe Nowhere and The Enemy's back stories, but it was all rather satisfying in the end and the final episode suitably in line with previous story arcs). Really enjoyed the change of artists in both of those series', not that there was anything wrong with previous ones - Leigh Gallagher, Boo Cook and Simon Davis. Was already a fan of Patrick Goddard from Savage and I'd seen what his work looked like coloured by Chris Blythe but Gary Caldwell made Aquila look rather lovely for a strip so bloody. And Mark Harrison was bit of revelation, really. Think the last time I saw his art was back on the first series of The Ten-Seconders, which I did love too - but this was even better than that and somewhat reminded me of Jason Brubaker's style in how it used digital effects, such as depth of field and lens flare, effectively in a comic strip. Although I've hated what I've read of Grey Area so far and haven't enjoyed Karl Richardson or Lee Carter's art on that series, I'll be looking forward to seeing what he brings to that if he sticks to this style, though if the script is going to be as bad as ever then he should really be put to better use in my opinion.

Of course, with the good you have the terrible, which was most of the Dredd stories running at this time, what I think is the weakest of the three Brass Sun series' so far and Flesh. As far as Brass Sun's concerned, it's Culbard's art on that that I'm really fond of (though it appears to me to be much better when he's working on his own script, such as for Celeste, his Lovecraft adaptations and recent The King In Yellow adaptation), and the story just sorta makes me shrug. The concept's great though and I at least enjoyed the previous and third series quite a bit, so I'm hoping it'll be rather amazing overall. The latter-most of those three on the other hand was insufferable. Endured it I did for the sake of Mills to beat the series to death in the future but fucking hell, that was bad. Hard to believe that Book 8 of Savage was so great but Defoe sadly turned out to be the weakest in the series and then this just sort of happened or something. Terrible, terrible script and James McKay's art was really not that good compared to previous runs.

About the only positive thought I have at this point is that I have only the first quarter of 2014's Prog's to read - which at least has Rob Williams and Henry Flint on Dredd, Strontium Dogs and The A.B.C. Warriors - and then I can skip the stuff I didn't like throughout the year (even though I see that Outlier indeed get a sequel for some fucking reason there's no way I'm reading the first series again) to pick up where I began by rereading all these Prog's I bought in the first place, with the issue that had the change in logo late that year, and hopefully enjoy it after all that. If I had been a subscriber at the time, however, then 2013 would have totally put me off after what was initially such a strong line-up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dog Deever on 26 July, 2015, 06:53:44 PM
Picked up a copy of Turf (Jonathan Ross & Tommy Lee Edwards). I read the first few episodes in CLINT before I suddenly couldn't get it any more, so I'm really pleased I found it as I was enjoying the story. The art is brilliant throughout.
(http://dyn4.media.titanbooks.com/products/4996/turf-1.jpg.size-230.jpg)
Hard back, reasonable page count, plenty of art extras at the back- good value, I thought.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 28 July, 2015, 03:51:54 PM
Case Files #24

Some great stuff! Not least of which is The Pit, where I get to see DeMarco's first appearance and see what all the fuss is about. Some other good moments in here too, not least the development of PSU.

However the latter half of the book is mostly terrible with some absolutely rubbish stories, some of which barely involve Dredd in the worst way. And even the first half isn't problem free, including an extended (5-part? 500 part?) ABC warriors interruption where a Hammerstein does some stuff millions of miles from the Big Meg.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 28 July, 2015, 09:45:55 PM
Now that the school Hol's are upon us I have been binging.  On reflection a real eclectic selection.

'Keep the Aspidistra Flying'  George Orwell.  Continuing my determination to read his complete works, this surprised me as a real page turner.  Some of his other work required real determination but as with Burmese Days this was engrossing.  One thing that seems to shine through in Orwell's work is his disdain for 'little england'.  His characters are quite contemptible, reflecting that Daily Mail outlook on one hand with a sense of resignation on the other.  The protagonist's descent into bourgeois existence is quite an experience.

'2312' Kim Stanley Robinson.  On the other hand this was quite a slog.  Been working on this for a while and finally managed to finish it.  Mr Robinson seems to write two types of novel; accessible and engaging or grind at it to finish.  This was definitely one of the latter.  It just did not seem to be going anywhere in particular.

'Galileo's Dream'  KSR.  Definitely of the accessible and engaging category.  Detailing the constrictions of the church on his work whilst drawing him into a future conflict with a non human entity in the Jovian system, this really did bring Galileo to life for me.  On a slightly more personal note, as a member of a church that has some who subscribe to the 'young earth' model, I found the Copernican controversy particularly interesting. 

'Volpone' Ben Johson.  As restoration comedies go this one is a corker.  Having not read it in over 20 years a recent Wedding Anniversary prompted recollections.  Now have tickets for Stratford's performance to look forward to as well.  The manipulation of all of the characters, the layers to the different plots, the gullibility of the protagonists ...  From what I understand the current performance at Stratford places it in London 2008.  A perfect setting if that is the case.

'Far From the Madding Crowd'  Thomas Hardy.  Although I studied Mayor of Castorbridge at school, that was the sum total of my Hardy experience.  This was a real pleasure.  The restrictions placed on the characters, the slowly evolving tragedy, the careful detailing of that world... A million miles from the London of 'Aspidistra' but just as engrossing.

'Newton' Peter Ackroyd.  Inspired by Galileo's Dream I guess, plus a visit to Greenwich.  This was a disappointment however.  Not sure why.  Perhaps the obsession with Newton's secretive nature, or the lack of detail on some of his work.  I felt like Stephenson's Quisilver gave more depth to Newton than this did.

'Yesterday's Tomorrow's'  Rhian Hughes.  Some of this work I was familiar with, Really and Truly and Dare (although not all), some not so much.  I have to say that Hughes really is an underrated artist.  There is some exceptional stuff in here.  I know he is a world away from Hampson's style but on another level it had a 50's feel to connect with the original stuff.

'Nemo: River of Ghosts'  Definitely a Fin de siecle piece.  Rounding out the Nemo series in style.  As always, O'Neill's artwork is a pleasure.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 29 July, 2015, 09:44:19 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 28 July, 2015, 09:45:55 PM
'Galileo's Dream'  KSR.  Definitely of the accessible and engaging category.  Detailing the constrictions of the church on his work whilst drawing him into a future conflict with a non human entity in the Jovian system, this really did bring Galileo to life for me.  On a slightly more personal note, as a member of a church that has some who subscribe to the 'young earth' model, I found the Copernican controversy particularly interesting.
Oh God. Despite normally being a fan of Robinson's doorstoppers and his idealistic view that all important problems can be solved by a bunch of scientists sitting round a table if only we'd let them, I utterly loathed this book.

It's central conceit, that Galileo was not simply a particularly smart guy living at a time when smart guys were starting to figure but rather had all his best ideas foisted on him by an external agent, I found so unspeakably insulting that I hurled the book across the room and never read any more than the first hundred pages.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 29 July, 2015, 04:02:52 PM
I would say that it was a shame then as this proves to be far less obvious a conceit as the novel progresses.  I found the Jovian future sections the weakest of the novel but the manipulations fail.  The manipulator ends up prosecuted for other crimes within his own time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Batman's Superior Cousin on 01 August, 2015, 05:47:24 PM
Currently Reading - Dark Disciple

Previous Books Read (By Year, in order) - Various including:
2015 - Heir to the Jedi, Lords of the Sith, Batman Arkham Knight: The Riddler's Gambit, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
2014 - Tarkin, A New Dawn
Pre-2014 (in no particular order) - Resistance: The Gathering Storm, Hitman: Enemy Within, Peter & Max: A Fables Novel, The Rats, The first two Harry Potter books (Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets), The Da Vinci Code, & Angels & Demons

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 08 August, 2015, 09:52:52 PM
The first issue of Al Ewings Captain Britain & The Mighty Defenders , I picked this up mainly for the Alan Davis art and I'm a sucker for anything Captain Britain. Brilliantly, there's a character in this first issue that bears a strong resemblance to a certain Mega City one super cop..... ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 08 August, 2015, 09:54:44 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 08 August, 2015, 09:52:52 PM
Brilliantly, there's a character in this first issue that bears a strong resemblance to a certain Mega City one super cop..... ;)

With Emma Frost doing her best Cassandra Anderson impersonation too!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 08 August, 2015, 09:56:22 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 08 August, 2015, 09:54:44 PM
Quote from: Darren Stephens on 08 August, 2015, 09:52:52 PM
Brilliantly, there's a character in this first issue that bears a strong resemblance to a certain Mega City one super cop..... ;)

With Emma Frost doing her best Cassandra Anderson impersonation too!

Indeed!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 09 August, 2015, 03:45:15 PM
Cerebus - the whole thing. I am up to Rick's Story (collected book 12) and it is completely gripping. Reads was the only misstep so far but it has been one of the best comics I have ever read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 August, 2015, 07:12:56 PM
I stopped at the end of Guys (didn't lile that too much) and I'm still to read Rick's Story or the stuff that follows up to the second half of Latter Days which I read as it was coming out. The first 200 issues though are some of the best literature I've read, let a lone comics.

I whittered quite enough about it here.

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=34683.0 (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=34683.0)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 09 August, 2015, 09:36:49 PM
Bacchus Omnibus. I have found it a little so-so thus far, but i'm only half way through Doing the Islands with Bacchus so in due time i'm sure it'll grab me....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Krakajac on 10 August, 2015, 11:14:11 AM
Recently completed Volume 8 of the Lone Wolf & Cub omnibus (that's about 5600 pages at this point) - with more volumes to come.

The stories themselves don't grip me every time.

However, the art...it's insane how gifted Goseki Kojima was.  I'd sell my soul at the crossroads to be able to draw like that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 11 August, 2015, 02:43:56 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 09 August, 2015, 07:12:56 PM
I stopped at the end of Guys (didn't lile that too much) and I'm still to read Rick's Story or the stuff that follows up to the second half of Latter Days which I read as it was coming out. The first 200 issues though are some of the best literature I've read, let a lone comics.

I whittered quite enough about it here.

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=34683.0 (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=34683.0)

I finished Rick's Story this morning, and then read Going Home and Form and Void this evening.

Guys through to Form and void are what I think is the second half of the story, I am not going to spoil the reveals but it is definitely worth reading. Cerebus is a damaged person in this section, he has voices in his head, he is constantly trying to uncover and assert this masculinity - it is all very sad . . .

Guys is a struggle at the start but I recommend sticking with it.

I am not going to read Latter Days as it had so much text about religion that it looks awful. I read a synopses which was enough for me. I will read the last day and let you know if it's worth it.





Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 August, 2015, 06:40:00 AM
Interesting to read that folk don't like Guys - I thought it was great, a strong contender for greatest ever comics lettering, with funny indie-book cameos and a clever perspective on showing Sim's hated 'matriarchal society' from the bottom, while at the same time actually being the granting of Cerebus' fondest wish.  And who can't empathise with Bear's frustration with his obnoxious so-called friend.

It's also worth noting that while this was running Bacchus and possibly Sandman were also doing 'live in a pub and drink and tell stories for evah' arcs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 11 August, 2015, 01:26:03 PM
Quote from: TotalHack on 11 August, 2015, 06:40:00 AM
Interesting to read that folk don't like Guys - I thought it was great, a strong contender for greatest ever comics lettering, with funny indie-book cameos and a clever perspective on showing Sim's hated 'matriarchal society' from the bottom, while at the same time actually being the granting of Cerebus' fondest wish.  And who can't empathise with Bear's frustration with his obnoxious so-called friend.

It's also worth noting that while this was running Bacchus and possibly Sandman were also doing 'live in a pub and drink and tell stories for evah' arcs.

The start of guys I found a little hard to read, but once I got into it I found it to be up there with the best of Cerebus. I guess it can seem a little directionless after the previous books, but it is about Cerebus trying to understand himself.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 11 August, 2015, 01:47:56 PM
Vol.2 of Sex Criminals - the continuing adventures of Jon & Suzie who freeze time when they orgasm - in vol.2 they track down others with the gift and plan their revenge on the self-appointed sex Police - filthy and hilarious
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 August, 2015, 09:52:25 PM
In terms of Guys I might need to give it another go. When I first read it (around 2000ish I think) I really enjoyed it.I was therefore looking forward to getting to it in my last Cerebus read. Not so. Firstly I too found the dialogue a little too stylised. While normally I'd be more than happy working with this, in this case I couldn't get my head into it. The efforts I might otherwise have made were getting sidetracked by my inability not to see misogyny everywhere. Possibly being over senstive. Now while in reads and other volumes around that time Sim's ability to relate very human conditions seemed to trump his hatred. So while he might have been trying to communicate some pretty harsh messages, my reading saw through his desire and found some very hinest interactions well rendered. Not with the intent Sim how but it made for some incredibly interesting reading.

With Guys the dialogue combined with this just threw me off track and I really didn't enjoy it. Read it until the end but decided to stop there given to all my understanding 'Rick's Story'is even more hate filled?

That said I've kept my copy of Guys and fully intend to read it again one day.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 August, 2015, 10:43:08 PM
Please don't let me mislead you - Guys is chock-full of misogyny, and yes, Rick's Story is (probably) worse (and I don't like that one at all). However, with Guys it's at least CLEVER misogyny. The men of the tavern are the victims of a fascinatingly cruel matriarchy, despite superficially being given all they supposedly want (food, shelter, free drink, no last orders, endless time to chat and play games) so it works for me on the level of speculative fiction, even if the underlying polemic is vile..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 12 August, 2015, 01:10:58 AM
Quote from: TotalHack on 11 August, 2015, 10:43:08 PM
Please don't let me mislead you - Guys is chock-full of misogyny, and yes, Rick's Story is (probably) worse (and I don't like that one at all). However, with Guys it's at least CLEVER misogyny. The men of the tavern are the victims of a fascinatingly cruel matriarchy, despite superficially being given all they supposedly want (food, shelter, free drink, no last orders, endless time to chat and play games) so it works for me on the level of speculative fiction, even if the underlying polemic is vile..

Yeah skip it if you are strugging with trying to rationalise it morally, you wont enjoy it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 12 August, 2015, 09:43:50 AM
The more and more I read second hand the more and more tempted I am to just leave my Cerebus adventure at Church and State II...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 12 August, 2015, 09:55:52 AM
Not read all of Cerebus but did definitely enjoy Guys and grew to appreciate the mangled speech patterns and style adopted. Never did it occur to me to be offended at the 'misogyny'... what colourful characters - including parodies - say and do in a largely fun story isn't really a treatise on anything. It's entertainment. You couldn't pay me to read the interminable back matter of most issues...

I'd recommend getting past Church and State though. My hazy memory is telling me that Melmoth and Jaka's Story at least were just great. I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 August, 2015, 09:41:49 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 12 August, 2015, 09:55:52 AM

I'd recommend getting past Church and State though. My hazy memory is telling me that Melmoth and Jaka's Story at least were just great. I think.

Yeah absolutely this. There is much to enjoy way up to issue 200. Jaka's Story and Melmoth though are particularly good.

QuoteNever did it occur to me to be offended at the 'misogyny'... what colourful characters - including parodies - say and do in a largely fun story isn't really a treatise on anything. I

The trouble is in the case of Cerebus it very much is and the more you know that, the harder it can become ignoring it, well in my case at least. That's not to say its bad comics, its so often not. Its not to say as a reader that you can make a different reading of the work that the author apparently intended. Just that it became hard to shake and is very definately there. In Guys I just couldn't find my own reading as I had with the stories prior to that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 August, 2015, 01:02:09 AM
Quote from: Fungus on 12 August, 2015, 09:55:52 AMNever did it occur to me to be offended at the 'misogyny'... what colourful characters - including parodies - say and do in a largely fun story isn't really a treatise on anything. It's entertainment.

Well I love Cerebus, one of my all-time favourite works and a big part of my life at the time, but from 150 on its explicit purpose is to show how women existing as anything other than decoration will destroy all art, culture and grossly offend God.  Dave spends a whole book excoriating Hemingway, apparently mainly because he concludes that Ernest liked his missus to stick things up his bum bum on occasion, which makes him basically a woman himself and thus incapable of producing any work of value. So separating the evangelical misogyny (largely a product of Dave's worsening schizophrenia, I suspect) from the entertainment isn't a matter of just avoiding the tiny type.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 13 August, 2015, 07:21:43 AM
Quote from: TotalHack on 13 August, 2015, 01:02:09 AM
Quote from: Fungus on 12 August, 2015, 09:55:52 AMNever did it occur to me to be offended at the 'misogyny'... what colourful characters - including parodies - say and do in a largely fun story isn't really a treatise on anything. It's entertainment.

Well I love Cerebus, one of my all-time favourite works and a big part of my life at the time, but from 150 on its explicit purpose is to show how women existing as anything other than decoration will destroy all art, culture and grossly offend God.  Dave spends a whole book excoriating Hemingway, apparently mainly because he concludes that Ernest liked his missus to stick things up his bum bum on occasion, which makes him basically a woman himself and thus incapable of producing any work of value. So separating the evangelical misogyny (largely a product of Dave's worsening schizophrenia, I suspect) from the entertainment isn't a matter of just avoiding the tiny type.


Curiously by the time I got to this book I had stopped reading anyting Dave wrote as Dave*, so I avoided the extensive notes.  Read as part of the story I took this as an affront to Cerebus' fragile concept of masculinity. I also thoughtt he character of Mary was very sympathetic. I think that Dave's work is more ambiguious than maybe he even intended.


*Because it was annoying.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 August, 2015, 10:37:47 AM
Quote from: Skullmo on 13 August, 2015, 07:21:43 AM
I think that Dave's work is more ambiguious than maybe he even intended.

A thousand times this.  There so much going on in Cerebus between what's on the page and what's in Dave's head and what Dave thinks is in Dave's head that it's endlessly fascinating - his ability to write and draw compelling, convincing and sympathetic female characters, even as his story (sometimes literally) demonizes the entire gender, being one of the great mysteries. That's why I hold it to be a really great work of art, the equal of anything that has been achieved in the medium to date. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 13 August, 2015, 11:26:09 AM
I take that to mean it ultimately doesn't read as a grim polemic against women. There's more going on, and I can enjoy the sweep of it, rather than hand-wringing over perceived (perhaps-real-enough) misogyny.

So, it's not just black and white (... sorry).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 August, 2015, 12:01:48 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 13 August, 2015, 11:26:09 AM
I take that to mean it ultimately doesn't read as a grim polemic against women. There's more going on, and I can enjoy the sweep of it, rather than hand-wringing over perceived (perhaps-real-enough) misogyny.

Mmm-hmmm.  The misogyny is definitely real, Dave really does use Cerebus to put forward his view that the shallowness of women and their material and emotional demands drag men down and away from the true path of creativity and spiritual enlightenment that is their sole preserve.

That there is so very much more there, both said and unsaid, intentional and unintenional, is what makes it worthwhile, and not just one more hateful screed that was cut and paste from a sub-reddit.  It's the product of a great but flawed mind, like all great art.  But to dodge, ignore or forgive the core message would be a mistake, and even a disservice.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 13 August, 2015, 02:22:04 PM
Slowly but surely I'm catching up with Alan Moore's ABC line from a decade ago. One of the last significant gaps to plug was Terra Obscura, a spin-off from Tom Strong (and necessary reading before the most recent TS story from last year).

Written by Peter Hogan of former 2000AD pedigree, it picks up the story of the titular duplicate Earth from an early Tom Strong story - an Earth populated by old-timey 1940s superheroes who, in a neat twist, are actual real-life public domain superheroes from that era. Some of these guys are decidedly second-string, but that's precisely what gives them their charm - a talking ape, a crime-fighting mummy, a jungle adventuress in leopard-print bikini and other such endearingly goofy characters.

Hogan really mines the kitsch value where appropriate as these guys try to readjust to life after 30 years in suspended animation, finding their old-timey values sometimes in conflict with a more complicated modern world. To my knowledge I've not read any of Hogan's Tooth stuff so I've no idea how this compares, but he writes great, snappy dialogue. The first series in particular has a huge cast of characters but they all emerge as distinct and interesting personalities who could support years' worth of stories. There's not much subtlety or depth here but the two series are great fun, and the art (by Swamp Thing artist Yanick Paquette) is dynamic, bright and breezy... with plenty of his trademark, ahem, 'pneumatic' ladies. Enjoyable fluff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 13 August, 2015, 03:27:30 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 13 August, 2015, 02:22:04 PM
To my knowledge I've not read any of Hogan's Tooth stuff so I've no idea how this compares, but he writes great, snappy dialogue.

I don't think I've read anything by Hogan that I didn't like (including his commonly derided tenure on Strontium Dogs / Durham Red).
I'd also highly recommend his stint on Vertigo's The Dreaming and The Sandman Presents: Love Street mini.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 13 August, 2015, 03:39:49 PM
I think I've only read the various collaborations and fill-ins he did for Moore's ABC line, but it's all cracking good fun - head and shoulders over even Steve Moore's contributions. The gorilla-heavy 'Many Worlds of Tesla' one-shot was particularly good - one for ColinYNWA's radar!

(https://benjaminherman.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/tesla-strong-1-pg-22.jpg?w=800)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 August, 2015, 08:05:17 PM
There is much of Uncle Alan's work I mean to pick up from my wilderness years and AB is high amongst them. Must get to it (and Tom Strong) at some point.

QuoteThat there is so very much more there, both said and unsaid, intentional and unintenional, is what makes it worthwhile, and not just one more hateful screed that was cut and paste from a sub-reddit.

One Last Cereus one before we derail this entirely (thence I tried once to shepard Cerebus talk into its own thread. It's so compelling as to always draw comment!) But as Tordelback nails it here. I always come back to the brilliantly observed interactions  between Cerebus and Joanne. So wonderfully done, yet I think Dave wants us to get a very different set observations from it Than I do.

The hand ringing when it comes  to Cerebus is important to me. It's such a fine piece of literature that hands should be rung over it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 13 August, 2015, 08:21:26 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 13 August, 2015, 02:22:04 PM
There's not much subtlety or depth here but the two series are great fun, and the art (by Swamp Thing artist Yanick Paquette) is dynamic, bright and breezy... with plenty of his trademark, ahem, 'pneumatic' ladies. Enjoyable fluff.

Yeah, in an odd Mooreless way Terra Obscura is almost my favourite of the ABC books, after Top Ten of course.  Paquette's art is gorgeous, the characters well defined and the world interesting. It's just a fun superhero setup. Agree about Hogan, he's a consistently enjoyable writer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 13 August, 2015, 10:10:47 PM
Quote from: TotalHack on 13 August, 2015, 08:21:26 PM
Yeah, in an odd Mooreless way Terra Obscura is almost my favourite of the ABC books, after Top Ten of course.  Paquette's art is gorgeous, the characters well defined and the world interesting. It's just a fun superhero setup. Agree about Hogan, he's a consistently enjoyable writer.

I've read Top Ten before (one of my favourite Moore works full stop) but not the two sequel/prequel series, so I'm looking forward to those.

I love knowing that I can revist Terra Obscura at least once more in Tom Strong: Planet of Peril, but I'm not as excited as I would be if Paquette was still the artist - even though Chris Sprouse got there first, Paquette very much made it his own in those two series. Particularly like his craggy, slightly deformed Tom Strange.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 14 August, 2015, 12:10:22 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 12 August, 2015, 09:43:50 AM
The more and more I read second hand the more and more tempted I am to just leave my Cerebus adventure at Church and State II...
It's readable up to Reads, from then on the only good bits are the picture pages, which grow less and less frequent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 August, 2015, 09:23:40 AM
No love for Minds? Or Going Home?  Both are pretty amazing comics. RicksStory and Latter Days you can keep - although the account of the lives of the Three Stooges is remarkable, it's waaaay too depressing for me. Melmoth is cheerier, and that was the grimmest omic I'd ever read at that point (Maus was just around the corner).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 August, 2015, 09:29:12 AM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 13 August, 2015, 10:10:47 PM
I've read Top Ten before (one of my favourite Moore works full stop) but not the two sequel/prequel series, so I'm looking forward to those.

Smax is good but forgettable, The 49'ers is great (and fairly essential) but for the love of crimminey don't even open Farthest Precinct. Which should be easy, since it Never Happened.

Yeah, I love Paquette's Tom, fantastic stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 14 August, 2015, 01:09:40 PM
Quote from: TotalHack on 14 August, 2015, 09:23:40 AM
No love for Minds? Or Going Home?  Both are pretty amazing comics. RicksStory and Latter Days you can keep - although the account of the lives of the Three Stooges is remarkable, it's waaaay too depressing for me. Melmoth is cheerier, and that was the grimmest omic I'd ever read at that point (Maus was just around the corner).


I'm trying to remember precisely when I stopped getting the comic (waiting for the phonebooks instead) - I think it was soon after Guys had begun.  There were odd bits which were good when he actually got around to telling the story, but the rest of it seriously let down the 300-issue project.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 14 August, 2015, 10:26:09 PM
Quote from: TotalHack on 13 August, 2015, 12:01:48 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 13 August, 2015, 11:26:09 AM
I take that to mean it ultimately doesn't read as a grim polemic against women. There's more going on, and I can enjoy the sweep of it, rather than hand-wringing over perceived (perhaps-real-enough) misogyny.

Mmm-hmmm.  The misogyny is definitely real, Dave really does use Cerebus to put forward his view that the shallowness of women and their material and emotional demands drag men down and away from the true path of creativity and spiritual enlightenment that is their sole preserve.

And of course the wonderful thing of using Cerebus to voice his thoughts is that Cerebus is an unreliable source of information, he is so twisted up inside by his upbringing and his past that he cannot understand what is driving him, something that [spoiler]Dave points out to him [/spoiler]and which is later manifested in his multiple consciences. The fact that Cerebus is also a [spoiler]hermaphrodite[/spoiler], and Bear points out to him that [spoiler]he actually acts 'like a woman'[/spoiler], further confuses these messages. I felt part of it was him just trying to find and asset his masculinity in a female dominated society, which was in conflict to the land in which Cerebus was born and raised.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 August, 2015, 11:11:52 PM
Nicely put, Skullmo. It really is a fabulously complex work.

Maybe one day I'll see the same kind of genius in page after page of excruciatingly re-worded pentateuch and Woody Allen parody, but I'm not there yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Skullmo on 14 August, 2015, 11:51:01 PM
Quote from: TotalHack on 14 August, 2015, 11:11:52 PM
Nicely put, Skullmo. It really is a fabulously complex work.

Maybe one day I'll see the same kind of genius in page after page of excruciatingly re-worded pentateuch and Woody Allen parody, but I'm not there yet.

I skipped that book - it was just too much after pushing through reads
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Daveycandlish on 18 August, 2015, 07:05:48 PM
Tonight I shall be mainly trying not to drool over the pages of my newly delivered Zenith Phase One Apex edition.

Niiiice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 08 September, 2015, 03:01:23 PM
Months ago at the Crouch End comic art festival I bought To Arms, a graphic novel anthology of WW1 stories. I only just got around to reading it now.

Fascinating stuff, with a wide variety of thought provoking comic strips and stand alone illustrations as well as an interview with Pat Mills.

Recommended.

(http://www.brokenfrontier.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Toarmscoversmall_0614.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 08 September, 2015, 11:57:16 PM
For some reason I'd never picked up on China Mieville before, so The City and the City was a nice introduction. It does what the best sci-fi or fantasy does in coming up with a clever central conceit or metaphor and then following that to its illogical ends while keeping a straight face the whole time.

Here it's all about the way we are able to compartmentalise the world around us and casually separate whole groups of people from "ourselves" and quite literally refuse to see them or their suffering. That we are able to ignore everything that unites us and focus solely on that single thing we believe makes them different even when we know it isn't real. A pretty compelling idea at the moment.

The murder mystery plot is a classic way of allowing the writer to explore the workings and the seamy underbelly of the world he has created and so it proves here. Partly because of the non-specific East European (Balkan? On the cusp of the European and Arab worlds?) setting and because he spends much of the book not feeling the need to explain the mechanics of the central division, I find it hard to avoid using the K word but I feel like the QI klaxon might go off if I do.

Anyway, good stuff. Weakens slightly in the home stretch when it does start to deal with those pesky details but the investigation has to go that way from the start and the sequence when our dour hero is finally forced to open his eyes and see the full world he lives in is worthwhile.

Will look for more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 09 September, 2015, 04:43:25 AM
Mieville is great, although he can be a bit repetitive book to book and does have a tendency to overstuff with innumerable broadly-drawn (if interesting) supporting characters. And yet paradoxically he's one of the few writers whose brick-sized novels I much prefer to his shorter fiction - he's particularly good at letting his threads wander through fascinating places before pulling them tightly back in with a sense of mounting dread.

The great Perdido Street Station is the obvious place to start, but I loved Kraken, an 'under London'-type novel with a sustaining maguffin that you can readily imagine Harry Absalom or Stickleback pursuing, and a Gaimanish environment of a-la-carte magical hustlers, gangsters and petty godlings. Not sure my opinion here is the majority one, and it is v-e-r-y long.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 09 September, 2015, 10:27:58 AM
Conversely I think Searching for Jake is my favourite of his works, but largely due to the free pass short fiction gets in sustaining a narrative over exploring an idea.

The City & The City is great. Would work excellently with explicit paranormal elements - but then goes one step further and makes it really weird by creating an abstract division of reality.

I loved Kraken. My favourite Weird London book by miles, even more so than Neverwhere or Roofworld. UnLondon is good but compared with Kraken, it pales. Still on the same level as the aforementioned books by other authors.

Embassytown was very interesting though at points was a bit of a slog. The weakest main character I think by far, also kinds of drags with the sheer alien-ness of the central narrative. Both its strength and its weakness.

Railsea and The Scar, I very much enjoyed but merely follow in the footsteps of Perdido Street Station. Found them toughgoing at points.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 09 September, 2015, 10:41:06 AM
Quote from: Tordelback on 09 September, 2015, 04:43:25 AM
The great Perdido Street Station is the obvious place to start, but I loved Kraken, an 'under London'-type novel with a sustaining maguffin that you can readily imagine Harry Absalom or Stickleback pursuing, and a Gaimanish environment of a-la-carte magical hustlers, gangsters and petty godlings. Not sure my opinion here is the majority one, and it is v-e-r-y long.

Kraken was my first Mieville, and left me distinctly underwhelmed. He's a great 'ideas man', but stumbles a bit with his characters - too many, too underdeveloped - and the bombardment of constant new magicians, cults and demi-gods did get a bit wearying towards the end.

Gave him one more try this summer with Perdido Street Station, and thought that was hugely improved. There's a much stronger sense of an over-arcing, guiding plot (even if it does take a good third of the book to kick in with earnest) to sustain you through to the end. And his invented world is laid out with a much stronger sense of 'place' than the London of Kraken, I thought. It's a very 2000AD kind of book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 09 September, 2015, 11:41:10 AM
I think I just loved being bombarded with all the strange things in Kraken, actually. It may have something to do with being the first book I read after moving to London. You are right about the plot however.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JPMaybe on 10 September, 2015, 02:16:21 PM
I just finished Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union and it was excellent.  Like an Ian Edgington story by way of A Serious Man.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: jacob g on 10 September, 2015, 03:40:15 PM
Detroit: An American Autopsy by Charlie LeDuff. This book feels like The Wire episode. Best non-fiction work I read for a long time (I guess since Amexica: War Along the Borderline).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 September, 2015, 04:28:30 PM
Quote from: JPMaybe on 10 September, 2015, 02:16:21 PM
I just finished Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union and it was excellent. 

Really enjoyed that book, though I have to say if you've not read already 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay' is exceptional (mind his non-fiction 'Fatherhood for Amateurs' I found horrible)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 10 September, 2015, 07:43:01 PM
Dead grud did I hate Manhood for Amateurs - and this when I've loved almost every other word Chabon his written.  The very worst kind of coyly self-depreciating but-aren't-I-great-really twaddle. And even accepting this premise it STILL made me feel utterly inadequate.

Good job Yiddish Policeman's, Amazing Adventures, Wonder Boys, The Final Solution and Gentlemen of the Road are some of my favourite modern writing.  Enjoyed John Carter too. But sheesh, I wish I'd never set eyes on MfA.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JPMaybe on 11 September, 2015, 10:02:32 AM
Ta for the tips, it's the first Chabon book I've read.  Reckon I'll try Amazing Adventures... next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Batman's Superior Cousin on 20 September, 2015, 04:40:59 PM
Various books since I started reading again late last year. including but not limited to the following (in order):
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 22 September, 2015, 02:24:06 PM
Quote from: Batman's Superior Cousin on 20 September, 2015, 04:40:59 PM
Various books since I started reading again late last year. including but not limited to the following (in order):

  • Tarkin
  • A New Dawn
  • Heir to the Jedi
  • Arkham Knight: The Riddler's Gambit
  • Lords of the Sith
  • The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
  • Dark Disciple
  • Inferno (Dan Brown)
  • Aftermath
  • Fiefdom: A Kingdom Novel (Currently Reading)

I've been reading the all new canon Star Wars books too. I thought 'Heir to the Jedi' was probably the best thus far, I was expecting probably too much from 'Lords of the Sith' which felt all a bit like it could have been an entry into the Teen Fiction section of Star Wars to me. I have very nearly finished 'Tarkin' and it's all a bit dry and non-eventful for my liking. Moving straight onto 'Aftermath' once I've put Tarkin to bed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Batman's Superior Cousin on 22 September, 2015, 03:02:14 PM
Whst about Dark Disciple? You read thst one yet?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 22 September, 2015, 03:27:37 PM
Quote from: Batman's Superior Cousin on 22 September, 2015, 03:02:14 PM
Whst about Dark Disciple? You read thst one yet?

I did. I enjoyed it right up until they end when they do that thing they always seem to do with female characters.. for drama. It was nice to see that Ventress got some needed depth its just a shame the character arc ended like that and I ended up thinking I wish I never bothered. Started off at a four star novel, ended up being a two.

I am audibly sighing in the office thinking about it..... *sigh*
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Taryn Tailz on 22 September, 2015, 08:08:48 PM
Just about 100 pages into Clive Barker's latest - "The Scarlet Gospels". Enjoying it quite a bit so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 22 September, 2015, 10:02:40 PM
Just finished The Martian by Andy Weir. Started out a bit rough, but got better as it progressed. Definitely a slow builder, but finishes very strong. I recommend reading it before the film is released.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 23 September, 2015, 11:47:28 AM
yep I just read The Martian too, read in a few days its a real page turner.  I love me some science shows so I really enjoyed all the sciency stuff in it and Mark Watney is a great relatable nerd. 
Movie looks good, getting some good early reviews too.

Cu Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 September, 2015, 02:38:10 PM
Be interesting to see how Ridley Scott tackles the irreverence of the main character of The Martian, and the light-hearted nature of the story's central conceit that rocket scientists are rarely space cowboy hero types and are in fact a bunch of geeks who probably didn't get laid much in college.

The Martian Chronicles - a bit of a faster-paced read than I'd expected based on the old 1980s television series, but full of ideas that have been mined to buggery elsewhere, particularly the whole "loved one back from the dead" meme currently throttling US television output.  It's a cracking read - if anachronistic - and I was unprepared for what a bummer it is, as while the tv series adapts a lot of the material (apart from - thankfully - the "black folk exodus" chapter), it misses out on some minor details that might arguably be essential, such as the - admittedly baffling - decision for the Martian colonists to return to Earth when war breaks out, leaving the planet sparsely populated once again - this wasn't explained in the tv show, Mars was simply a ghost planet all of a sudden, but here it's an essential part of the mythos of why humanity follows the Martians into extinction (as well as - /puts on nerd hat - showing that Dan Jurgens and John Byrne got a few ideas from Bradbury when it came to fleshing out post-Crisis Krypton in the Superman comics).
There are apparently about a dozen different versions of Chronicles out there with chapters removed or added, so I probably have to track down another one to get some of the stories that seem to be considered important in the Chronicles/Bradbury canon - Usher 2 and The Wilderness are notably absent from this version.  In the meantime, I get to use my status as someone who read the original novel to look down my nose at the godawful BBC radio adaptation (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0474xcb) (available to listen to for the next three weeks), which takes four stories and misses the point spectacularly for each on top of adding pantomime-level dialogue and characters, while Youtube throws up a charming Soviet-era oddity in the shape of Nazim Tulyakhodzayev's animated adaptation of There Will Come Soft Rains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LNHYz89sNc), which is worth a gander as it's only 9 minutes long.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 23 September, 2015, 03:23:32 PM
Quote from: Scolaighe Ó'Bear on 23 September, 2015, 02:38:10 PM
it misses out on some minor details that might arguably be essential, such as the - admittedly baffling - decision for the Martian colonists to return to Earth when war breaks out, leaving the planet sparsely populated once again - this wasn't explained in the tv show, Mars was simply a ghost planet all of a sudden, but here it's an essential part of the mythos of why humanity follows the Martians into extinction

It's been years since I read it, but I thought that the humans moved into the mountains and "became" martians, gradually forgetting their humanity - when the next ships arrive they find deserted towns but not because they'd gone back to earth or died out.


EDIT : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_They_Were,_and_Golden-Eyed (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_They_Were,_and_Golden-Eyed) (what a fantastic title)


It's a wonderful book (or rather collection of short stories) well overdue for a  re-read- the martian Jesus one was particularly effective.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 September, 2015, 08:04:51 PM
It's pretty explicit across several stories that the start of nuclear war triggers a reverse-exodus (not sure why, but a priest remarks in one of the earlier stories that he thinks people would go home if war broke out), and the few humans remaining cling to their ways and lifestyles - even the reclusive hermit guy - rather than go native.
A quick read of that wiki seems to suggest Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed isn't actually Martian Chronicles canon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 23 September, 2015, 09:09:52 PM
That god-awful radio adaptation won Best Drama in the International Radio Awards.

I quite liked it too. But don't have any connection to Bradbury's Mars beyond a few short stories read hither and thither, so might be why.

Funnily enough the reverse exodus is something they do explain in the radio show; that if they didn't go back to Earth immediately, Mission Control and the only facilities for landing were going to be a thing of the past.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 23 September, 2015, 09:41:56 PM
Now this is weird - I could've sworn that my old paperback copy of Martian Chronicles included 'Dark they Were and Golden-eyed', it's the one that really stuck in my mind, but I've just flicked through and it doesn't appear to be there after all. It's decades since I saw the TV version (once), so it must've been that radio adaptation that I had in mind, or I read it more recently in another collection. Very odd.

It's a great story if you can find it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 September, 2015, 09:52:44 PM
Some of the stories seem to have conflicting versions of the bog-standard Martians, so it's possible Dark They Were could have been included in some versions of the book - though it seems like it would overlap with material in the final chapter.

Quote from: Theblazeuk on 23 September, 2015, 09:09:52 PMFunnily enough the reverse exodus is something they do explain in the radio show; that if they didn't go back to Earth immediately, Mission Control and the only facilities for landing were going to be a thing of the past.

Except that makes even less sense, because they're colonists in the BBC version, they aren't meant to ever be going back.
And what's with the space-bus full of schoolkids out of nowhere if all the ships were grounded or in government hands?  And what was the point of the storyline about the guy with the hotdog stand?  What was the point of the "secret classified orders"?

If you check out Youtube, you can find some of the original stories being read by fans or - GET IN - Leonard Nimoy. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzhlU8rXgHc)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 23 September, 2015, 10:24:25 PM
Nah in the BBC version the settlers are miners, industrial workers. The colony exists to pave the way for the exploitation. But it never comes. The Hot Dog stand was the trite commercial exploitation, the 'grand dreams' of the crass prick of a marine (for it is he after cashing out of the service) who killed the lass and spelled doom for even the memories of the martian people.

The space-bus full of school kids was nicked by traitorous breakaways looking to "leave the madness of Earth behind" and the captain of the Mars/Pluto mission was ordered to shoot them down by EarthGov as he passed them.

By the time they get back from Pluto, it's been years. The wars been over some time, but it ruined the planet. The rogue flight of 'traitors' turns out to be a group of refugees trying to save some of the people not ruined by memories of the war.

This is all explicitly said, but off the top of my head I can't remember the secret classified orders. Is that from the first bit? I suppose that was the classified orders to identify a place for the mining facility, to start the grand dream of extended humanity's rapacious on to the red planet rather than respecting it for what it is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 24 September, 2015, 10:54:56 AM
The marine is quite clearly there for good, hence his trying to convince his wife/girlfriend his hot dog stand is a good idea, but I more sort of meant how the adaptation of The Off Season (the hot dog stand bit) went from a parable about how a man's encounter with a dead civilisation teaches him a lesson about the fleeting pursuits of the material world to a single soundbite from a passing soldier.
The space bus I understand as an element within the adaptation that occurs, but I ask what it contributes to the story rather than detracts, if only because it negates Mission Control's supposed pivotal importance to space exploration.  Although I will grant you my main objection to it is the scene in which kids in no way traumatised by years of war and/or losing their families and homes and being chased across the solar system by a government trying to kill them before being dumped on another planet and then cheering as they go off to die in a haunted desert just seems stupid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 24 September, 2015, 09:18:20 PM
I finished A Pale View of Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro the other day, and I really liked it. Basically about a japanese woman living in England, who's daughter just committed suicide. She remembers her years in post ww2 japan and there's something up with her memories. As a reader, you're not sure if she's using "memories" to cope with what happened to her daughter, or if there's some bad stuff buried in them.

I'd really recommend the book to those who like Paul Auster's NY-trilogy or Murakami.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 25 September, 2015, 02:55:21 AM
Ishiguro a terrific writer, I part-listened to A Pale View Of Hills when Radio 4 broadcast/abridged it ages ago. That didn't appeal much but his other books are great. Remains of the Day is possibly my favourite book.

Murakami I'm undecided on. Only read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and it was a bit adolescent for my tastes. Not awful though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin Zeal on 25 September, 2015, 04:40:32 PM
I've been on a bit of a Steven King binge recently, reading Needful Things, Insomnia and the first two books of the Dark Tower series. First time for all of them and they were generally quite good. Not sure what to make of Dark Tower so far. I did start the third book but had to take a break after a few chapters as I was starting to OD on King. Read A Song Of Shadows by John Connolly instead, the latest in his Charlie Parker series. I enjoyed it and it seems that finally he's starting to move towards the climax hinted at for the past dozen or so books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sideshow Bob on 28 September, 2015, 09:12:39 PM
Read A Song Of Shadows by John Connolly instead, the latest in his Charlie Parker series. I enjoyed it and it seems that finally he's starting to move towards the climax hinted at for the past dozen or so books..

Got to agree with Colin Zeal here. I've been a fan of John Connollys' Charlie Parker series since about the 2nd or 3rd book,  and just love the way it's moving towards it's climax. Cannot recommend this series highly enough. If you enjoy a good crime thriller with supernatural overtones,  this is one series you need to catch. Great stuff.
Cheers
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 29 September, 2015, 11:00:50 AM
I'd usually wait until I finished such a book before offering an opinion, but I'm a couple of stories into Jagganath, the first shorts collection from Karin Tidbeck. It's as fantastic and odd as the reviews promised: the first yarn has a man who falls in love with one airship only to settle for another, and a woman who falls in love with a steam engine who's baby she has. The second takes the form of a series of letters written to a dead father, the protagonist's childhood and where the her mother came from...

The tone and mood I can only describe as 'Autumnal, with the cracks in reality showing'. So far so good!

M.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 01 October, 2015, 03:37:29 PM
Finished Star Wars Aftermath - the worst Star Wars novel I have ever read.

Most way through "Hitler's Last Witness: The Memoirs of Hitler's Bodyguard" by Rochus Misch - title says it all really. Was 70p for the Kindle version. Good read if history is your cuppa.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 01 October, 2015, 07:23:13 PM
Currently reading Nimona (brilliant, but damn those speech balloons are tiny!) and Dungeon Fun, which is very good indeed. Just finished Millar and Fegredos MPH, which was ace, but stalled a few pages into Jupiters Odyssey. Not my thing at all. Lovely art though!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 01 October, 2015, 08:34:34 PM
Oh Darren, Nimona is all kinds of wonderful and do make sure to give us your full opinion once you've finished it*. Noelle Stevenson is an up and coming creator we should all keep our eyes on.



*Though I will agree, speech balloons are WAAAAY too tiny!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grugz on 02 October, 2015, 10:43:51 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 01 October, 2015, 03:37:29 PM
Finished Star Wars Aftermath - the worst Star Wars novel I have ever read.


  I read the sample on my kindle and soooo glad I didn't buy it,i heard many poor reviews but the thing that grated me was the weird way it was written like a poor film script?

wedge is a pilot he is sitting in his ship, he pops open his pringles and starts to eat them.

just couldn't get used to the style... ihear "lost stars" is miles better even though its in the young adult section (of which I am neither)

   I have been enjoying "new dawn" again which shows how kanan and hera from 'rebels' first meet.
Also ploughing through the star wars ...along time ago trades dark horse put out of the old marvel comics ,
the third and fourth of which are my favourites , and a spilt brew ruined 1 and 2 so i'll have to procure them again, the fifth one is dire.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheldipez on 02 October, 2015, 02:11:04 PM
Quote from: Grugz on 02 October, 2015, 10:43:51 AM
Quote from: sheldipez on 01 October, 2015, 03:37:29 PM
Finished Star Wars Aftermath - the worst Star Wars novel I have ever read.


  I read the sample on my kindle and soooo glad I didn't buy it,i heard many poor reviews but the thing that grated me was the weird way it was written like a poor film script?

wedge is a pilot he is sitting in his ship, he pops open his pringles and starts to eat them.

just couldn't get used to the style... ihear "lost stars" is miles better even though its in the young adult section (of which I am neither)

   I have been enjoying "new dawn" again which shows how kanan and hera from 'rebels' first meet.
Also ploughing through the star wars ...along time ago trades dark horse put out of the old marvel comics ,
the third and fourth of which are my favourites , and a spilt brew ruined 1 and 2 so i'll have to procure them again, the fifth one is dire.

On every level the book is poor, the characters are wooden and un-interesting (much like the dialogue), the story takes hundreds of pages to go nowhere, the writing as you mention is workman like to the extreme - someone enters a non-descript room, completes an action, queue next scene.

It's like LucasBooks thought up the idea of a post-ROTJ novel but didn't want anyone to progress the Star Wars story forward in any meaningful way so got a cheap sub-standard writer to chuck something together.

The thing cost me £6.99 too, biggest let down. Have cancelled all the other Star Wars books I had on pre-order to wait on reviews. I have been un-impressed with the new canon books but Aftermath really was the straw that broke the donkey's back.

I have New Dawn but not read it yet! Think I will have a break from Star Wars universe for a while now :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 02 October, 2015, 02:25:14 PM
They've hung themselves up badly with their 'EVERYTHING we shit out from now on is CANON and it REALLY HAPPENED' nonsense.  Every single comic and book, strangled into anemia so that it doesn't 'contradict' anything else that might or might not be in the pipeline... recipe for beigey blandness straight out of the gate
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 02 October, 2015, 02:42:07 PM
Just started Alastair Reynolds' 'On The Steel Breeze'.

Really enjoyable fun, nice mysteries and some clever use of character.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 03 October, 2015, 10:06:00 AM
Seem to have read nothing but sci-fi for the past six months. Just finished The Peripheral, William Gibson's typically readable latest. This one adds a second, post-extinction timeline to his usual gritty near-future. As ever, he extrapolates effortlessly from last year's Wired headlines into the everyday and low level criminal application of technology. Here the things catching his attention include drone warfare and gamification*, 3D  printing of hardware and chemicals (the exploding Backwoods meth labs of Justified brought to a brave new world) and the inevitable environmental cataclysm.

Gibson has always been interesting in the way his main literary influences are clearly from the hard-boiled detective school. Over the years, he's become quite a prose stylist. He has a spare, clipped tone - never a conjunction or a preposition where a comma will do - which suits his laconic characters and is perhaps at its best here.


*Anyone who really thinks that the deliberate dissociation of murder from murderer involved in remote piloting a Predator is something new, rather than a simple increase the physical distance involved, might benefit from reading something like Joanna Bourke's An Intimate History of Killing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 03 October, 2015, 02:38:16 PM
I read The Peripheral as soon as it was released and agree with you completely Bulbous.

Gibson has always thrown his readers into the thick of things and never once does he hold your hand. You either get it or give up.

I would love to see more authors return to his sharp style of prose. All these mega books and series are getting tiresome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 03 October, 2015, 04:31:02 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 03 October, 2015, 02:38:16 PM

I would love to see more authors return to his sharp style of prose. All these mega books and series are getting tiresome.

Amen.  Why the hell does everyone have to try and out-Tolstoy War and Peace?  The beauty of the likes of Clarke, Asimov, Heinlein, Harrison, Bradbury etc was the pace (okay, Heinlein could write a good couple of breeze blocks as well).  They may have been trite, cliched at times, poorly characterised .. but dammit, they were fun!  I've started a Clarke binge recently and been reminded of how enjoyable his work can be.  I gave up on Game of Thrones because they were so bloody boring! 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Batman's Superior Cousin on 03 October, 2015, 08:13:18 PM
Quote from: sheldipez on 01 October, 2015, 03:37:29 PM
Finished Star Wars Aftermath - the worst Star Wars novel I have ever read.

Lies, It's one of my favourites (so far)!!!

Quote
Most way through "Hitler's Last Witness: The Memoirs of Hitler's Bodyguard" by Rochus Misch - title says it all really. Was 70p for the Kindle version. Good read if history is your cuppa.

How war it??
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 04 October, 2015, 02:36:19 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 03 October, 2015, 04:31:02 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 03 October, 2015, 02:38:16 PM

I would love to see more authors return to his sharp style of prose. All these mega books and series are getting tiresome.

Amen.  Why the hell does everyone have to try and out-Tolstoy War and Peace?  The beauty of the likes of Clarke, Asimov, Heinlein, Harrison, Bradbury etc was the pace (okay, Heinlein could write a good couple of breeze blocks as well).  They may have been trite, cliched at times, poorly characterised .. but dammit, they were fun!  I've started a Clarke binge recently and been reminded of how enjoyable his work can be.  I gave up on Game of Thrones because they were so bloody boring!

I feel the same way about Game of Thrones. Dull and pointless rambling with no purpose other than to bilk you out of your time and money.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 10 October, 2015, 11:42:09 AM
Alice in Sunderland

Bryan Talbot's 2006 tome is quite a dizzying prospect. A history of Sunderland and the surrounding area, Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll, Alice Liddell herself, the author, sequential art and everything in between. It is extremely dense and definitely benefits from reading over several sittings - the structure is dreamlike (which is explained in the narrative) and is largely stream of conciousness. Talbot's artwork is similarly kaleidoscopic, drifting between styles from the heavy use of collage and filtered-photography (to save time painstakingly drawing all the buildings of Sunderland I'd imagine) in front of which the always-drawn narrator moves to some inspired segments of pure old-skool heavily detailed Talbot gold (particularly his retelling of the Lambton Worm story and his interpretation of the Jabberwocky).

When I first got Alice in Sunderland (I think in 2006!) I read it in one go and found it suffocatingly detailed. This was long before I'd been to uni and written any longform essays which essentially Alice in Sunderland is and the depth of it was unfathomable to me. On reading it again nearly a decade later it's easy to appreciate as an astonishing feat of research and art, an indulgent Talbot meditation on everything that makes up his reality - seen through but barely adhering to the central point that Lewis Carroll was creatively inspired by Sunderland. Whether or not that's the case - Talbot clearly is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 11 October, 2015, 03:34:30 PM
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 10 October, 2015, 11:42:09 AM
Alice in Sunderland
Bryan Talbot's 2006 tome is quite a dizzying prospect. 

Dizzying is a very good descriptor.
I had a similar feeling when reading From Hell, enjoyable as the feeling was in both cases.
I think I'll have to pencil in a re-read too, it's been a long time since I opened it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CrazyFoxMachine on 11 October, 2015, 05:23:26 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 11 October, 2015, 03:34:30 PM
Dizzying is a very good descriptor.
I had a similar feeling when reading From Hell,

Well - both have extensive reference sections - I read From Hell in one sitting when I had a serious delerious bout of the flu and that was quite an experience I can tell you!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 12 October, 2015, 01:13:48 PM
Despite liking what I've read of A Song of Ice and Fire so far, I actually prefer shorter books as well.  I grew up on Michael Moorcock's fantasy (before his books started getting longer) and Pratchett (before his books start* hmm, said that already)...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 12 October, 2015, 03:07:51 PM
Still reading Star Wars Aftermath -an odd book indeed. Meandering sequences that don't appear to add to the story and  jumping around the galaxy a lot, for not much reason.  Okay characters and professionally written but just lacks something. I'm almost finding it a chore. Not a good sign. Not the worst SW book, but by no means the best just okay.

On the plus side  read Shattered Empire 10 and Star wars 10 comic books today. Both pretty good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 October, 2015, 09:42:23 PM
Just finished The Bojeffries Saga, oh my what fun that was. I approached it with some intrepidation. I've not read it since about 1990 when a friend lent me his complete Warrior collection. I loved it then, but then I loved DR and Quinch then and I don't think that holds up too well (I know, I know I'll get me coat). So I worried that the 18 year old me was once again leading the 43 year old me down the garden path and giggling at him (me) behind his back.

Well I need not have worried its simply fantasic fun, with a nice dose of social observation thrown in. Its wry and sharp, daft and slap stick. Its just good comics.

I also noticed how much early Steve Parkhouse seemed to be a glorious combination of all the great 80s and 90s Mad artists. I mean I love his work now, but his early(ish) stuff is quite fantastic too. Great fun (and sad) comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 04 November, 2015, 07:10:32 PM
Just started LumberJanes, by Noelle Stevenson. Loved Nimona, and this seems right up the same street. Great stuff.

While I'm on.....does anyone know when the collected Metalzoic is released? Amazon says 10th Nov, Book Depository says March 2016.... :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 04 November, 2015, 10:53:24 PM
Archie and the Afterlife (and soon to be followed by the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina). Issue #6 where Sabrina the Teenage Witch's origins are unveiled is a work of art.

Riverdale has always been a second-hand cultural reference for me but this is good stuff.

(Lumberjanes is on the list too).

Also read Warren Ellis's Injection - blimey. Wish he'd carry on with one thing rather than flitting about to varying schedules of release, but this was a great Book 1. Worth it just for the montage of the Professors encounters since the Injection.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Pegasus P Artichoke on 05 November, 2015, 08:55:29 AM
Just finished reading The Martian

Really enjoyed it. Very clever in my opinion but I liked how everything was explained in such a way that it was easy to understand and follow what was going on

Great moments of drama and also comedy I wasn't expecting it to be as funny as it was.

Would fully recommend it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 November, 2015, 09:38:52 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 04 November, 2015, 10:53:24 PM
Archie and the Afterlife (and soon to be followed by the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina). Issue #6 where Sabrina the Teenage Witch's origins are unveiled is a work of art.

Riverdale has always been a second-hand cultural reference for me but this is good stuff.


Yeah I got turned on to this by Link Prime here (I think it was sorry if I've got that wrong) and its great stuff, absolutely great stuff and I have no history with Archie comics at all beyond a very vague awareness. Its just a shame that its so in frequent. I trade wait it digitally... though that will be quite some wait so I might end up just getting the floppies in digital. I think its up to issue 8 now, the trade just covers the first 6.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 05 November, 2015, 10:08:43 AM
Really, really need to give Afterlife with Archie a try. I adore Fransesco's Black Beetle comic but as that seems to have dropped off the edge of forever I need to get my fix somehow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 05 November, 2015, 11:34:53 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 05 November, 2015, 09:38:52 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 04 November, 2015, 10:53:24 PM
Archie and the Afterlife (and soon to be followed by the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina). Issue #6 where Sabrina the Teenage Witch's origins are unveiled is a work of art.

Riverdale has always been a second-hand cultural reference for me but this is good stuff.


Yeah I got turned on to this by Link Prime here (I think it was sorry if I've got that wrong) and its great stuff, absolutely great stuff and I have no history with Archie comics at all beyond a very vague awareness. Its just a shame that its so in frequent. I trade wait it digitally... though that will be quite some wait so I might end up just getting the floppies in digital. I think its up to issue 8 now, the trade just covers the first 6.

It was Colin, good memory.
Really good in fact, as the last issue of this published was number 8 in May, so you could be waiting a while for that next trade.
I truly adore it and will never drop it from my pull list, but the shipping schedule has been deplorable.

Not having a dig at Francavilla, but he does seem to produce a huge amount of covers / variant covers for other comics, while only two issues of this have shipped in the past year.

The equally excellent (and unflinchingly dark) Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is no better- 4 issues have shipped in 13 months.

They both share the same writer (Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa), so perhaps he's also a contributing factor to the lateness of both.

I'll add another Archie recommendation; the newly relaunched Archie (Vol 2) by Waid & Staples is 3 issues in, and blowing me away, which is surprising as it's basically a high-school melodrama with zero genre connotations. I just can't gerrinuff of it.
And it's shipped the first 3 issues pretty much on schedule too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 November, 2015, 01:00:41 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 05 November, 2015, 11:34:53 AM

Really good in fact, as the last issue of this published was number 8 in May, so you could be waiting a while for that next trade.
I truly adore it and will never drop it from my pull list, but the shipping schedule has been deplorable.


You think that's bad you wanna try waiting for issues of Liberty Meadows!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Pegasus P Artichoke on 05 November, 2015, 09:04:04 PM
Comic wise picked up Unfollow and Clean Room today

Really enjoyed both, certainly two series I shall be following closely

Archie vs Predator was there and Iam tempted to pick that up sharpish as well
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Batman's Superior Cousin on 06 November, 2015, 08:54:43 PM
Book-wise, it's Star Wars: Battlefront - Twilight Company, with Star Wars: Lost Stars, The Shepherd's Crown, & BRIAN BLESSED: Dynamite Kid to follow in the New Year!! :D

Comics-wise, it's Star Wars, Saga, & 2000AD/Judge Dredd Megazine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 November, 2015, 09:26:24 PM
Just finished Brian K Vaughan and Tony Harris' Ex Machina and overall it is quite, quite superb. Quite superb. A wonderful political piece nicely peppered with superhero shenanigans. Wonderfully ploted, nicely realised (on the whole I'll come back to that) wonderful characters. Exciting, interesting, different. Okay so it wears its themes and motfiies so readily on its sleeves that even I got it. You know what thought I bloody loved it.

Okay its not quite perfect but it close. Tony Harris' art is at times excellent, at times so horribly stiff, at times apparently poorly photoshopped (well I'm sure its not that simple but it does seem so). Its a little all over the place, but it served its purpose was better than Greg Lands, so ya know.

Then there's the end. Well there's two endings the superhero  action ending which is quite superb and then the ... oh well better spoiler this ... [spoiler]slightly rushed politics will alienate and currupt you, oh and you leave where you come from you change... [/spoiler]second one that while interesting and quite bold felt a little unnecessary and tacted on to me. Still nothing was spoiled and yeah I really enjoyed this.

REALLY looking forward to this Y the Last Man nonsense now!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 10 November, 2015, 10:03:55 PM
I quite liked Ex Machina but the damned library never got the last couple of collections. Must try and get round to checking out the ending sometime.

There now follows a lengthy post concerning the complete first volume of Uber by Mr Kieron Gillen and some art dudes.

This is partly a cautionary tale about the dangers of Comixology and its damnable sales. Just before going on holiday recently, I bought the first six issues and quite enjoyed them. Naturally, I snapped up the remaining 20-odd while they were still 69p each and read the whole lot the same week.

It's a bit flat but not without its own merits. For those who don't know this is another take on the idea of superhumans fighting WW2. The main twist being one of style rather than story, in that they are presented, very clinically, as a new technological development, on a par with the bomb. With the German version unleashed just as the Allies are closing on Berlin, this completely changes the tide of the war. From then on, far more of the focus is on the arms race around that technology than on the individual superhumans.

If that sounds a bit dry, then you've already figured out the biggest problem with the series. Large parts of it take place in labs or strategy rooms. We're given lengthy recaps of operations and advances, all while Gillen ties himself in knots trying not to show us any glamorous superhero punch ups. We see most of the action through a handful of superhumans and backroom staff on each side but there are very few actual characters in the series. The Russian sniper Maria and the mysterious Stephanie are the only ones who are allowed to rise above expositors or cliches.

Naturally, I kept reading anyway. Partly as I'd already paid for it but also because there is something compelling about the directions the main thrust of the narrative is taking.

Gillen's notes in the afterword are usually the best thing about a given issue. They are frequently more interesting and thought-provoking than the story which has come before. Although it's entirely possible that's just down to me being too thick to grasp some of the themes and subtext until he explains them to me. There's a lot of good chat about the background to the current series (inspiration, reference sources, discussion about the real historical events influencing a given episode: all that good Garth Ennis stuff) as well as writing in general. Where I find it most interesting is when he starts to get into the ethical considerations of writing something like this (alternate history but including real people and events.) Not least because I find it a bit baffling that people would get worked up about some of the things he mentions, e.g. any representation of the Nazis is glorification, so it's quite revealing to see him try to balance both sides.

Anyway, just about worth a read, but probably not worth buying.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proudhuff on 11 November, 2015, 01:53:48 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 10 November, 2015, 10:03:55 PM
Anyway, just about worth a read, but probably not worth buying.

Harsh, but fair.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 11 November, 2015, 05:36:52 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 11 November, 2015, 01:53:48 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 10 November, 2015, 10:03:55 PM
Anyway, just about worth a read, but probably not worth buying.

Harsh, but fair.

I quite liked the premise and Gillen's writing, but just couldn't get past the artwork. Think I gave up around issue 7 or 8.
Agree that Gillen's notes at teh back of each issue were very entertaining.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 November, 2015, 08:19:53 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 11 November, 2015, 05:36:52 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 11 November, 2015, 01:53:48 PM
Quote from: The Cosh on 10 November, 2015, 10:03:55 PM
Anyway, just about worth a read, but probably not worth buying.

Harsh, but fair.

I quite liked the premise and Gillen's writing, but just couldn't get past the artwork. Think I gave up around issue 7 or 8.
Agree that Gillen's notes at teh back of each issue were very entertaining.

Same here dropped it around that time. It was pretty good but the art killed it for me (are you listening War Stories) and dragged it down enough that an okay story wasn't worth giving more time. Shame as the premise was great and Gillen clearly knew his stuff and had done some pretty smart thinking.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 11 November, 2015, 10:58:41 PM
Re-read Preacher the other day. Been a while. Must say, I was amazed how often I still found myself laughing over how utterly insane it is. I remembered most of it, but it didn't help one bit when the cannibal wants Starr to "wupp" or how things went for Tulip's dad. But there where also big emotional moments, even in Arseface's story (especially the 'Nobody cared'' moment). It really achieved alot more than I remembered. Much more than just being a 90s Texas Western with a series of inventive shocks and Braindead (the film) splatter. Alot of heart in all that blood and gore.

As for today, Multiversity. The deluxe hardcover one, cover to cover. And wow. Felt like it had injected my soul with coffee and cream after I finished reading it. Everything from all the duality stuff to hitting me over the head with positivity, there are so many things that really made me smile and think. Everything from "? and !", "Empty is thy hand" to Captain Carrot's "What power trumps over sheer absurdity?". Not to mention details like the nazi comic book burning or the american president declaring "in comic books we trust.". Amazing book :D! As I'm off to sleep, I'm hoping I'll get to dream about boarding a ship made out of frozen music, traveling between comic book universes :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: jacob g on 12 November, 2015, 03:39:05 PM
I'm catching up with Williamson's run in RoboCop and... Wow.

I have mixed feelings about his previous works, Captain Midnight was dull, Ghosted, Masks and Mobsers... Ok but still kinda boring and Nailbiter was like comicbook pitch for TV aiming for fans of Hannibal TV series, just not my cup o tea. Yet I enjoyed first trade of his RoboCop, honestly more than all his previous works.

I think it's best RoboCop series since Furman's run (Marvel Comics) and it's sad that he wrapped his run so early (12 issues).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: moly on 13 November, 2015, 09:34:57 AM
Reading the new runs of Doctor strange, black magik paper girls really enjoying all of these with doctor strange probably being the best so far
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 15 November, 2015, 06:44:25 PM
Just picked up King of Comics : 100 years of King Features. Absolutely gorgeous book, filled with fascinating strips and beautiful art. Recommended.  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 November, 2015, 07:39:48 PM
Reading Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London, care of a well-stocked Oxfam.  Despite frequent protests that I've had enough of this Under London genre at this point, I keep coming back for more. After an unencouragingly cutesy opening, this Absalomish tale quite suddenly picks up a few chapers in and two-thirds of the way through I'm really enjoying it. It's very easy reading, the characters are a bit shallow, and there's nothing here that readers of Mieville, Gaiman, Pratchett or indeed Carey, Edginton and Rennie won't have seen before, but it all comes together to create a very entertaining book perfect for a commuting read, and I'm rather hoping it's the start of a long series.

I could easily imagine a TV series too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 16 November, 2015, 07:34:37 PM
Neil Giaman sale on Comixology led me to finally reading the Books of Magic. About half way through, though it's very not a suspenseful tale, it's surprisingly gripping.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 16 November, 2015, 08:51:18 PM
The miniseries is really beautiful stuff, particulary the Charles Vess section.

The long-running series by John Ney Reiber takes a left-turn away from the miniseries grounding in DC weird and ultimately becomes nothing in common with Hellblazer, but it's enjoyable for a long while and pretty poignant at points. Poor Mr Hunter. Early books are pretty grand.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 16 November, 2015, 09:48:11 PM
I really want to read Life During Wartime. Apparently by our own Si Superior
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 18 November, 2015, 01:09:14 PM
That, I absolutely hated at the time and have never revisited.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 November, 2015, 01:32:12 PM
Quote from: Tordelback on 15 November, 2015, 07:39:48 PM
Reading Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London,

Which is apparently a comic too. Nobody tells me anything.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 19 November, 2015, 10:22:36 AM
Hinterkind by our very own Ian Edginton and the rather fantastic Francesco Trifogli. Nabbed all three volumes from Ian himself at the weekend and it's bloody good stuff, kind of what Escape from New York would have been like if written by C.S.Lewis. Everything about it is top notch, great characters, great plot, great development, superb art. Really, kinda frustrated with myself I didn't get the monthlies before it got canned. Hopefully it makes a return soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 November, 2015, 12:17:35 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 19 November, 2015, 10:22:36 AM
Hinterkind by our very own Ian Edginton and the rather fantastic Francesco Trifogli. Nabbed all three volumes from Ian himself at the weekend and it's bloody good stuff, kind of what Escape from New York would have been like if written by C.S.Lewis. Everything about it is top notch, great characters, great plot, great development, superb art. Really, kinda frustrated with myself I didn't get the monthlies before it got canned. Hopefully it makes a return soon.

Yeah I'm a big fan of this series, which rather went under the radar. Shame. Still its creator owned so you never know, but the way it ended did leave me wondering if was going to come back. Don't suppose Ian hinted at TB did he?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 19 November, 2015, 12:25:37 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 19 November, 2015, 12:17:35 PM
Yeah I'm a big fan of this series, which rather went under the radar. Shame. Still its creator owned so you never know, but the way it ended did leave me wondering if was going to come back. Don't suppose Ian hinted at TB did he?

He said he has idea's, but has other projects of more importance right now (like, say, the Scarlet Traces Omnibus and the series return next year!!!) but this could all be spin as he's a very clever chap indeed. But Hinterkind is all kinds of wonderful, just finished volume 2 this minute. Beautiful stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 19 November, 2015, 01:24:32 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 19 November, 2015, 12:17:35 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 19 November, 2015, 10:22:36 AM
Hinterkind by our very own Ian Edginton and the rather fantastic Francesco Trifogli. Nabbed all three volumes from Ian himself at the weekend and it's bloody good stuff, kind of what Escape from New York would have been like if written by C.S.Lewis. Everything about it is top notch, great characters, great plot, great development, superb art. Really, kinda frustrated with myself I didn't get the monthlies before it got canned. Hopefully it makes a return soon.
Yeah I'm a big fan of this series, which rather went under the radar. Shame. Still its creator owned so you never know, but the way it ended did leave me wondering if was going to come back. Don't suppose Ian hinted at TB did he?
I recently read this myself (and failed to post the long rambling review I'd planned) and quite enjoyed it. I remember you mentioning the possibility of continuing elsewhere before I'd read it but as you say (and not wanting to spoil it too much for Hawk) the ending does seem to have rather closed off a lot.

Was it just me that assumed this series probably grew out of the abandoned threads of American Gothic?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 20 November, 2015, 09:40:28 AM
Welp,mjust wrapped it up. Wonderful and enchanting stuff, but I can think of a few ways it could be continued.

Back in the second volume, the Graf and the Elder vampire debated invading England, but decided against it as it was too well fortified. So, while all this has been boiling over in the USA, what exactly is goin down in blighty? I'm intruiqed, for one.

And indeed, the vampires where a plot thread lefting dangeling too many. Being built up as that big a threat then dissmised in a single speech box, not good at all. Let's see this Sidhe/Vamp war we where foretold!

I have no doubt Edginton will return to the book, but it's a matter of time and HOW really.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 20 November, 2015, 09:49:45 AM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 20 November, 2015, 09:40:28 AM
And indeed, the vampires where a plot thread lefting dangeling too many. Being built up as that big a threat then dissmised in a single speech box, not good at all. Let's see this Sidhe/Vamp war we where foretold.
Well the whole problem is that everything which might have been covered in future storylines is knocked over in the last two pages. Of course, we're never told how these things happen but still.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 November, 2015, 11:49:13 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 19 November, 2015, 01:24:32 PM

Was it just me that assumed this series probably grew out of the abandoned threads of American Gothic?

That's a very neat observation.

The other trick that could be used is making the narrator at the end (names escaping me entirely) unreliable. So kinda the Ukkoisation of the last issue if you like. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 20 November, 2015, 12:12:15 PM
Just read Clean Room, episode 2, Vertigo book by Gail Simone and Jon Davis-Hunt. Really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 20 November, 2015, 01:29:41 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 20 November, 2015, 09:40:28 AMAnd indeed, the vampires where a plot thread lefting dangeling too many. Being built up as that big a threat then dissmised in a single speech box, not good at all. Let's see this Sidhe/Vamp war we where foretold!

My theory is that Edgy read Paul Cornell's Vampire State - in which Dracula, after bombarding the country with exploding vampires shot from cannons located within his castle on the moon, invades Britain with an army of vampires before engaging in a final battle with someone wielding Excalibur - and decided to abandon certain plots in his own work since the last word on "vampires invade Britain" stories had clearly already been written.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 November, 2015, 01:10:41 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 05 November, 2015, 11:34:53 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 05 November, 2015, 09:38:52 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 04 November, 2015, 10:53:24 PM
Archie and the Afterlife (and soon to be followed by the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina). Issue #6 where Sabrina the Teenage Witch's origins are unveiled is a work of art.

Riverdale has always been a second-hand cultural reference for me but this is good stuff.


Yeah I got turned on to this by Link Prime here (I think it was sorry if I've got that wrong) and its great stuff, absolutely great stuff and I have no history with Archie comics at all beyond a very vague awareness. Its just a shame that its so in frequent. I trade wait it digitally... though that will be quite some wait so I might end up just getting the floppies in digital. I think its up to issue 8 now, the trade just covers the first 6.

It was Colin, good memory.
Really good in fact, as the last issue of this published was number 8 in May, so you could be waiting a while for that next trade.
I truly adore it and will never drop it from my pull list, but the shipping schedule has been deplorable.


So turned out I hadn't downloaded Dept of Monsterlogy onto my device and since there was no wifi available to me when waiting for my daughter to do her ballet class I decided to reread this since it was on my device and bloody hell it was better than I remembered. its such a shame that the brilliant Francavilla has become such a (justifiably) renowned cover artist cos brilliant as he is at that it his storytelling that really makes his art sing.

The story is just superb and even though I knew it was coming the bit with Vegas (Archie's dog) still brought tears to me eye.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 04 December, 2015, 10:20:16 PM
Read the deluxe ver. of The Dark Knight Saga. IMO it adds/holds up really well. Even Dark Knight Strikes Again, which I may find a bit more fascinating than I should, but I can't help it liking it how accurate it turned out to be regarding the internet among other things.

While Batman fights fear with fear in TDK, in TDKSA he fights fads with fads through igniting a revolution through tights (much more daring than Guy Fawkes masks). Also, Miller was writing a big robo-frog-brainiac destroying Metropolis (more or less New York) in TDKSA, 9/11 happened just outside his window. This while he in his (out of it) mind writing a narrative making use/fun of how people are being more concerned with pop culture than actual issues. While that (for example talking heads clashing over wether there's to be a concert or not, cluttering that an asteroid is on it's way) does bleed into the narrative, I think some tears also did. With that, I'm really impressed he -somewhat- held it together.

I mean. While nothing like the "9/11 outside my window" scenario, I'v gone through some pains myself recently. Been drinking a cup of coffee extra, and taken longer naps than usual, longer walks. Slowing down a bit. Basically: I'v tried to chill. I even managed to "waste" two hours having a laugh at chronic gamer girl (the brilliance that is Ilana Glazer) on youtube the other day. But nothing productive.

Regardless everything that made Miller to plot Holy Terror, he instead kept on writing Wayne bullying Dick Grayson for "not being able to cut the mustard" and then dropping him -his former Robin- into an active volcano hidden underneath the batcave (Grant Morrison quite aptly labeled the story cocaine comics in a pod cast), this while everyone on earth is cheering over having defeated corruption thinking they'll getting a fresh start unaware that Superman is posing the question to his daughter Lara what they should do with earth.

As said: "I may find a bit more fascinating than I should.", but I can't help it. Especially not given what must'v been a Batman-like dedication of Miller to finish it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Citi-Def_Joe on 07 December, 2015, 11:06:54 AM
The Suicide Squad run written Adam Glass, 3 volumes in so far pretty good
Deathstroke vol 1 legacy - awesome action great art and so much violence!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: LukaszKowalczuk on 12 December, 2015, 10:36:03 AM
Army of Darkness: Oldschool and Ash vs the Classic Monsters. Didn't enjoy it at all. Poorly executed license stuff, only good think about them is that they were part of Humble Bundle, so i didn't spend too much money...

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 December, 2015, 09:02:27 PM
Considered writing this in the old (very old by the look!) thread OR starting a new one, but given the ... emotions... even mentioning this stuff can cause figured just slipping it in quietly here would be the best. Finally got around to reading 'Before Watchmen' Minutemen / Silk Spectre (hey I waited for the trade and then it had to get to the top of my too read 'pile) and it does an amazing job of both proving my case of 'some people might do some good stuff with this' and at the same time the alternative 'why bother, what does it acheive' point made by others.

I'm a big fan of Darwyn Cooke and so this was the only volume I was fussed about. Of the two stories Minutemen is by far the best and most gripping. Its the most interesting story and beautifully realised. The trouble is its a little too reverential and tries to pay hommage a little too much. In and of itself its a great story and a nice exploration of the characters from the original. Its just I found the motifies and ideas it drew from the original a little jarring. It was as if (not surprisingly) Darwyn Cooke couldn't just relax and tell his story, he had to make it a thing, an tribute to its source. I really feel it'd have been better served by just being a tribute to The Watchmen by just being the very good comic it so nearly is. By the end the circular motifys were driving me spare. It needed the confidence just to know it was a great comic, it didn't need to be a fitting tribute.

Silk Spectre felt a little less refered and honour bound, it still did it and was at its weakest when it did. It just wasn't as stronger story.

The way I see it if the creators had the courage to get past the obvious blocks to writing more about the characters from Watchmen they needed to have the courage of there convictions and just go for. Do something different, after all writers of this quality don't just try to bury into previous say Batman stories, they try to do something fresh, reinvent it. If Mr Cooke had just of had the same mentality here instead of holding the original in such untouchable esteem this could have been blinding, as it is its just pretty good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 14 December, 2015, 07:27:24 PM
I'm currently reading The Paragon Annual, 2016 - and so should you be!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 15 December, 2015, 11:48:37 AM
The Stars My Destination - Alfred Bester, haven't finished it yet got about 60 pages to go but have to comment early, well this is some outstanding old SF, picked up the classics version while I was in Perth. Im not a big fan of old SF as it usually dates pretty badly but man this thing is a page turner, aside from a couple of nasty gender issues (a bit gender skewed and the female characters tend to get abused a bit but I think that may be purposeful) it could've been written last year.
The hero (not) of the story is so....I don't know, he's a total c&*t but I'm finding myself rooting for him, am I now a bad man too? I didn't know old SF could be this good anything else out there I'm missing by only reading stuff written in the last 30 years or so? recommendations please.

Cu Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 15 December, 2015, 03:51:13 PM
The Stars My Destination used to be written into my sig if anybody remembers.

Not sure if the novelisation you read was written before the poem, but there's one and Slough-Feg that band and not the evil long undead-sorceror from Slaine who wrote a song taking lyrics from the poem or something like that. That the book you read might have been based on.

Tiger-Tiger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv6bw10es2c)


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 15 December, 2015, 06:12:27 PM
I've just started my big re-read of Eric Powell's The Goon, in a lovely big library edition. No, seriously, it's a fucking massive book.

I could kill a dog with it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 16 December, 2015, 02:02:11 PM
'Ive started on Ro-Busters the Complete Nuts and Bolts volume one.

I got it at FP during the Southern Contingent catering last week. I was going to get the digital version, like I did the ABC Warrior volumes, but on seeing it, the temptation was too much.

Lovely volume. A good read so far. I'm new to this as I was not reading Starlord or the early progs when the strip was originally published. So I got into ABC Warriors first.

Couple interesting things I noticed:

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 December, 2015, 11:16:38 PM
An odd aquisition, FB Manchester where selling off Nexus omnibi for dirt cheap prices. Sadly by the time I got their only volumes 1, 4 and 6 remained, so I nabbed the first one to give it a try.

It's bloody good fun, but VERY Flash Gordon. I can practically hear the queen soundtrack when I read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 December, 2015, 11:48:11 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 15 December, 2015, 11:48:37 AM
The Stars My Destination...
The hero (not) of the story is so....I don't know, he's a total c&*t but I'm finding myself rooting for him, am I now a bad man too? I didn't know old SF could be this good anything else out there I'm missing by only reading stuff written in the last 30 years or so? recommendations please.

As noted many times in these halls and beyond, Gully Foyle is a masterpiece of an anti-hero and Stars My Destination is hands-down one of the best SF novels ever written, and the perfect place to start exploring the 'classics'.  I've never met anyone who didn't love it, even people for whom it was the only SF book they ever read, and I've lent so many copies out without expectation of their return that I've no idea how many times I've actually bought it. 

Five classic SF novels for you that are personal faves of mine, although not all as old as the Bester:

The Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin (1974).  Imagine a world where The Legendary Shark is reviled as a totalitarian materialist.  The truly brilliant story of an exceptional man discovering that anarchy is not necessarily the same as freedom.   

The Fountains of Paradise by Arthur C. Clarke (1979).  Clarke's masterpiece IMHO, the gripping story of the attempt to build a space elevator in a thinly-disguised Sri Lanka.   

Gateway by Fred Pohl (1977). Humanity explores the bizarre interstellar travel network of a vanished alien race.  Has plenty of sequels, and very loosely follows on from the world of Merchants of Venus but stands up perfectly on its own. 

Foundation (1951) and The Caves of Steel (1953) by Isaac Asimov.  Almost anything Asimov wrote prior to the 1980s is worth a go (over 200 titles!), but these two stand at the start of his Foundation and Robots series respectively, while both are fabulous books in their own right.  Foundation is a linked series of short stories commencing an epic galactic history (never finished, just to warn you), while Caves of Steel is a detective story built around the Three Laws of Robotics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 22 December, 2015, 12:08:46 AM
I've restarted The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, with a view to reading them all in order and finishing with the recent ones.

By God it's slow, and his behaviour is appalling, and his whining really off-putting.

70s fiction at its best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 22 December, 2015, 12:17:41 AM
Quote from: Tordelback on 21 December, 2015, 11:48:11 PM


The Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin (1974).  Imagine a world where The Legendary Shark is reviled ...

What do you mean, imagine...?

:-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 22 December, 2015, 05:25:12 AM
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 22 December, 2015, 12:08:46 AM
I've restarted The First Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, with a view to reading them all in order and finishing with the recent ones.
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There must be a self-harm hotline you could call...?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 22 December, 2015, 08:55:15 AM
I'm re-reading The Stainless Steel Rat for the first time in about 25 years - it's still good fun!
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As for suggestions for classic sci-fi, how about Joe Haldeman's The Forever War? That's a book I enjoyed immensely - the sequels are okay but not a patch on the original.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 22 December, 2015, 09:50:05 AM
QuoteThe Dispossessed by Ursula K. LeGuin (1974).  Imagine a world where The Legendary Shark is reviled as a totalitarian materialist.  The truly brilliant story of an exceptional man discovering that anarchy is not necessarily the same as freedom.   

Perfect description.


I have a huge fondness for Heinlein's The Puppet Masters and The Door into Summer, as well as his more 'boy's own adventure' books, Have Spacesuit, Will Travel and Red Planet.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 22 December, 2015, 10:03:01 AM
I've downloaded The Dispossessed and will read that next. Also, The Wizard of Earthsea is a cracker - we did that at school and I've re-read it two or three times since.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 22 December, 2015, 12:00:14 PM
Are there any good Star Wars books worth a read? If so, which ones would you recommend?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 22 December, 2015, 12:51:18 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 21 December, 2015, 11:16:38 PM
An odd aquisition, FB Manchester where selling off Nexus omnibi for dirt cheap prices. Sadly by the time I got their only volumes 1, 4 and 6 remained, so I nabbed the first one to give it a try.

It's bloody good fun, but VERY Flash Gordon. I can practically hear the queen soundtrack when I read it.

Bollox! Having just bought the original b/w Nexus GM from Bolt-01 it made we want to seek out the omnibus editions. I'll pop in and see if there's any left before I hit ebay/amazon
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 December, 2015, 01:03:15 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 22 December, 2015, 12:51:18 PM
Quote from: Hawkmonger on 21 December, 2015, 11:16:38 PM
An odd aquisition, FB Manchester where selling off Nexus omnibi for dirt cheap prices. Sadly by the time I got their only volumes 1, 4 and 6 remained, so I nabbed the first one to give it a try.

It's bloody good fun, but VERY Flash Gordon. I can practically hear the queen soundtrack when I read it.

Bollox! Having just bought the original b/w Nexus GM from Bolt-01 it made we want to seek out the omnibus editions. I'll pop in and see if there's any left before I hit ebay/amazon

Buy um, buy um all Nexus is GREAT!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 22 December, 2015, 01:10:09 PM
If I wasn't so analy retentive about reading and buying in order I would have nabbed vol's 4 and 6 as well!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 24 December, 2015, 09:22:23 PM
Evan Wright's Generation Kill. Fascinating read. I figure it can't have been an easy book to write. I felt quite bad for most people involved, and for the others worse.

Remembered alot of scenes from the tv series, especially the one where a girl is shot after her father didn't stop the car he was driving.

Brutal stuff. I really recommend it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 24 December, 2015, 09:37:48 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 22 December, 2015, 12:00:14 PM
Are there any good Star Wars books worth a read? If so, which ones would you recommend?

Thrawn Trillogy, Shadows of the Empire, Dark Empire (comic), Star Wars Legacy (comic), The Star Wars (comic)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 December, 2015, 09:46:30 PM
The comics Knights of the Old Republic and Empire (which largely follows Luke's old Tosche Station friends) are excellent too.  It's harder to recommend books since so many of them are mired in vast unending series, but I've always liked The Courtship of Princess Leia (Barbara Hambly) and I, Jedi (Michael Stackpole).  If you have a lot of time on your hands and enjoy vast multi-author potboilers, I think the New Jedi Order series (20 or more books, I forget) had more than a few great moments.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 24 December, 2015, 10:12:04 PM
Thanks for the tips, chaps - I'll give them a go.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 27 December, 2015, 02:35:10 PM
Unfaithful music and disappearing ink, by Elvis Costello.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 27 December, 2015, 08:12:55 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 24 December, 2015, 09:22:23 PM
Evan Wright's Generation Kill. Fascinating read. I figure it can't have been an easy book to write. I felt quite bad for most people involved, and for the others worse.

Remembered alot of scenes from the tv series, especially the one where a girl is shot after her father didn't stop the car he was driving.

Brutal stuff. I really recommend it.

+1. The lieutenant of that unit wrote a book as well, One Bullet Away, so I'd curious to see he thought of it all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 30 December, 2015, 12:07:47 PM
Courtship of Princess Leia is terrible  :-\

Other opinions are of course available :)

I would say the only Star Wars books that are truly great are the X-Wing series by Michael Stackpole and Aaron Allston. Rogue is a great series. Wraith is even better. I, Jedi is a good enough footnote but falls into Mary Sue territory as the super capable Corran Horn character from Rogue Squadron becomes a wizard too. The Young Han Solo books are actually a lot of fun and don't ever go too far with an established character too. And Timothy Zahn's books are good.

Lots of absolutely brilliant Star Wars comics, including the best realisation of The Clone Wars to boot. Muddy warfare on a planet of perpetual rain, Jedi falling like flies whilst the planets forces wonder when reinforcements from the clones will ever break through.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 30 December, 2015, 01:56:19 PM
Thanks, Blaze - I'll add them to my list!

Currently enjoying Ursula  Le Guin's The Dispossessed as recommended by Tordelback. Thanks, Tordels - half way through Chapter 3 and loving it so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 08 January, 2016, 08:08:19 PM
Star Wars the force awakens-I can't be bothered to go to the movies so I'm a reading the novel of the trailer of the sequel of the movie.
[spoiler]
Stuff happens in this book you know. Star Wars stuff.[/spoiler]

it's by Alan Dean Foster. Kinda odd description wise but it's rocketing along like a Corellian freighter.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 12 January, 2016, 01:12:00 PM
Finished Le Guin's The Dispossessed. Like all the best books it goes beyond entertainment and makes you think. As it is concerned with topics of great interest to me (anarchism and such) it is, perhaps, a book I should have read long ago. If I had read it long ago, however, I don't think I'd have enjoyed it so much. It often strikes me how certain books seem to come to me at exactly the right time, and this one is no exception.
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The Dispossessed raises questions I have been pondering myself lately and, whilst it offers no definitive answers (not that it should), it has crystallised much in my mind and led me to begin to find my own answers and examine my own perspectives in that seemingly effortless way all great works do.
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Excellent. Thanks to Tordelback for recommending it - it's one of the very few books making onto my list of "must read again."
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Now on to Ender's Game, which another friend tells me is "well worth reading..."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 12 January, 2016, 01:19:56 PM
Ender's Game is reasonably fun (as long as you're mature enough to get past the unfortunately named aliens) but has a rather different philosophical outlook to The Dispossessed. The sequel, Speaker for the Dead, is a much better book.

You should probably read Left Hand of Darkness too. Maybe not quite as good (or relevant to your interests) as The Dispossessed but still excellent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 12 January, 2016, 01:38:29 PM
And there's a comic adaptation too!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 12 January, 2016, 01:39:07 PM
Cool, thanks, Cosh - my reading list is starting to look like a novel in its own right! It's odd that the only other Le Guin books I've read are a Wizard of Earthsea one-book trilogy I used to have, which I loved to bits.
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So many books, so little time :(
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And comics, too! Thanks, DDD.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 12 January, 2016, 01:50:58 PM
just to clarify, I meant there's a conic version of Ender's Game, not the LeGuin stuff. I didn't really rate it myself, but I've never been a huge fan of Orson Scott Card - don't really like military-style SF such as EG, and I find it hard to divorce his work from his frankly repellent political views (I don't think any artist should be dismissed or not enjoyed due to politics, or else we'd lose so many great classics, but sometimes it's hard to separate them in your head)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 12 January, 2016, 02:09:22 PM
That's why I tend not to be interested in the artists/writers themselves (I never read their biographies or have any interest in their private lives or opinions, or even interviews), only in their work. Imagine finding out that John Wagner enjoyed drowning kittens as a competitive sport or that Carlos Ezquerra worshipped a pebble shaped like Charlie Brown's winkie. That'd ruin everything for me!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 January, 2016, 02:23:36 PM
Orson Scott Card has written some great stuff - his short fiction in particular.  But every time I see his books on my bookshelf I feel deeply uncomfortable, and know I'll never buy another.  And yet I can't bring myself to ditch'em.

Glad you enjoyed the LeGuin, Sharky - she's my all-time favourite author. If you can find some of the many collections of her short stories (e.g. The Birthday of the World) set in the roughly-same Ekumen/Hainish universe as The Dispossessed, they are almost all superb.  For example, 'Old Music and the Slave Women' is one of the best short stories I've ever read, perfect like something by Saki or de Maupassant (technically a follow-up to 'Four Ways to Forgiveness' but like almost all LeGuin functions just fine on its own).  And I'd echo Cosh's recommendation of Left Hand of Darkness, a story about gender and llve that at this far remove seems like it should be old hat, but actually isn't.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 12 January, 2016, 02:24:41 PM
Since it's "reading" and not "read" I feel justified throwing this one up:

A Death In The Family - Knausgaard
Halfway through this, and it's glorious. Warts-and-all autobiographical fiction, it's every bit as good as the stellar reviews would have you believe. Feels very, very true. Sometimes a scene feels like it's building to some clever point, then - because it's true - things pan out in the way they would. Yet it remains engrossing. 5 books in the series after this  :) And only today did I make the obvious connection being made with the allusion in the series' title, 'My Struggle'. That would be Mein Kampf...

:

Never get as many books read as I'd like (who does?) but recent ones below, a mixed bag because I crave variety:

Foundation and Empire - Asimov
Hm, as old-fashioned and crumbly as Foundation. Struggling to remember what happened, it's not exactly Thrill-powered (I'm not judging!). Will read the final part of the trilogy in my hardback editio, just not for a while...

Think Like An Artist - Gompertz
I'm a fan of 'How To' books, especially art ones. This one interesting enough and does spur you on (by subverting the silly idea that art is for the odd few geniuses - it's really not, lots of reasons why).

The Outsider - Camus
A classic, wish I'd read it years ago. Tense and dense (with meaning) yet simply written (and wonderfully short).

Outliers - Malcolm Gladwell
Fairly interesting, chin-stroking stuff. I don't know if I'd pick any more of his stuff up, it's briefly curious to think why some planes fall out of the sky (and others don't) and the nature of the 10,000-hour rule but it did feel like pub bore territory at times.

The Way of All Flesh - Samuel Butler
Read half and abandoned (a very very rare occurrence). A chore. Thought it might have more to offer but wow, is this dull. Life's too short.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 12 January, 2016, 02:30:10 PM
Thanks again, Tordels - I do like short stories and those sound perfect.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 12 January, 2016, 02:43:26 PM
Good list, Fungus - I've bookmarked The Stranger (https://archive.org/stream/ost-english-camusalbert-thestranger/CamusAlbert-TheStranger_djvu.txt) to have a go at while I'm out. Got to love the interwebs!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 12 January, 2016, 02:48:03 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 12 January, 2016, 01:50:58 PM
just to clarify, I meant there's a conic version of Ender's Game, not the LeGuin stuff. I didn't really rate it myself, but I've never been a huge fan of Orson Scott Card - don't really like military-style SF such as EG, and I find it hard to divorce his work from his frankly repellent political views (I don't think any artist should be dismissed or not enjoyed due to politics, or else we'd lose so many great classics, but sometimes it's hard to separate them in your head)
I almost wrote something in my last post about it being interesting that Card hasn't really been written out of history the way dudes like Edmund Cooper and Bob Shaw have. Was it Georges Perec that (roughly) said of Celine  "It's fascinating that he can write so beautifully while being such a horrible cunt."?

Haven't really read much of that style of military SF which has seemed to dominate things like the Hugos for thirty years or more but I'd think of Ender's Game as being a little more sophisticated than Honor Harrington or whatever.

Never read Card's short fiction but would unreservedly recommend le Guin's. Along with pretty much everything she's ever written. She is by some distance the best writer ever to have worked extensively in SF.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 January, 2016, 03:53:48 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 12 January, 2016, 02:09:22 PM
...or that Carlos Ezquerra worshipped a pebble shaped like Charlie Brown's winkie. That'd ruin everything for me!

More importantly how do you know the shape of Charlie Brown's winkie?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 12 January, 2016, 04:00:46 PM
Onto Chapter 5 of EG - It's not crap but it doesn't shine, either. The word "buggers" does get in the way, though, but that's probably just a British thing - I keep getting the vague feeling that it's going to turn into a Two Ronnies sketch at any moment. (From memory, part of Barker's Ministry of Communications monologue: 'Nobody's going around bugging each other, thank goodness. As the Minister himself said, "we don't want any bugs in this Ministry - I'm the only big bug around here." Now, thirdly, I come to my second point...')
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Still, enjoyable enough.
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Oh - and a bit of pimpage: don't forget to vote in the Short Story Voting Thread!
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Colin - I'm saying nowt!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 12 January, 2016, 08:01:55 PM
On a reread of Dune since my wife amazingly bought me a copy for Christmas!  Since I haven't read it in nearly 30 years it's been interesting.  His literary style is incredibly easy going but I'm finding reading it through slightly more mature eyes (!) that I'm getting so much more out of it.

BTW Sharky, if you're working through Le Guin's stuff then make sure you don't miss the Lathe of Heaven.  That will be a great one to make you think, particularly with your political views.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 12 January, 2016, 08:21:35 PM
Added to the list, Tjm, thanks!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 12 January, 2016, 08:59:48 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 12 January, 2016, 01:50:58 PMjust to clarify, I meant there's a conic version of Ender's Game, not the LeGuin stuff. I didn't really rate it myself, but I've never been a huge fan of Orson Scott Card - don't really like military-style SF such as EG, and I find it hard to divorce his work from his frankly repellent political views (I don't think any artist should be dismissed or not enjoyed due to politics, or else we'd lose so many great classics, but sometimes it's hard to separate them in your head)
I certainly wouldn't want to write off dead authors or artists due to unrelated political views, but it's a bit more difficult to do that if the money you pay for their work goes directly to them, rather than the-estate-of...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 13 January, 2016, 02:31:09 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 12 January, 2016, 08:01:55 PM
On a reread of Dune since my wife amazingly bought me a copy for Christmas!  Since I haven't read it in nearly 30 years it's been interesting.  His literary style is incredibly easy going but I'm finding reading it through slightly more mature eyes (!) that I'm getting so much more out of it.

BTW Sharky, if you're working through Le Guin's stuff then make sure you don't miss the Lathe of Heaven.  That will be a great one to make you think, particularly with your political views.

I've read Dune many times and I continually get new things out of it. Probably because my own views of the world keep shifting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 13 January, 2016, 02:31:35 PM
Finished Ender's Game and found it surprisingly enjoyable. It moves along at a steady pace and is easy to read. I guessed the major plot twist before it was revealed but not too soon to ruin the story - which is either good storytelling or me being dim. Probably the latter, to be frank. It was good enough to encourage me to read the next one, anyway.
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A friend gave me a DVD with the complete Science Fiction Masterworks collection on it and this book was included (along with The Dispossessed and about a hundred others I really should have read sooner but mainly haven't. (A great gift!)  I have to convert the files so they'll work on my Kindle but that's no real hardship.
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Right, next is Gateway by Frederick Pohl...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 13 January, 2016, 04:19:47 PM
In all honesty Sharky don't be in a rush to read Speaker for the Dead. It's not  nearly as good and is fairly plodding really.

Gateway, however, is fantastic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 13 January, 2016, 04:26:50 PM
There seem to be quite a few "Enderverse" books (I've discovered another folder on the disk my friend gave me with hundreds more books in it of varying formats) so I'm wondering if they're worth bothering with. I hate it when you get sucked in to reading a series that declines as you go along. Best just to read Ender's Game and forget the rest until I've nothing else left to read?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 13 January, 2016, 04:31:47 PM
That would be my plan. I read Ender's Game and loved it so immediately went to Speaker. Big mistake. I've never read any other Ender book since then.

From what I can tell, the other ender books are Ender's Game retold from different character's points of view, but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 13 January, 2016, 04:58:04 PM
Thanks for the tip :-)


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 January, 2016, 05:41:01 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 13 January, 2016, 02:31:09 PM
I've read Dune many times and I continually get new things out of it. Probably because my own views of the world keep shifting.

Rather apposite when you think about it.  Once I've reread the Rama cycle (not sure I actually ever read the last one) I think I'm going to have to hunt down the rest of Frank's Dune novels.  Most of the comments about the ones written after his death have been more than a little scathing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 13 January, 2016, 06:17:28 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 13 January, 2016, 05:41:01 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 13 January, 2016, 02:31:09 PM
I've read Dune many times and I continually get new things out of it. Probably because my own views of the world keep shifting.

Rather apposite when you think about it.  Once I've reread the Rama cycle (not sure I actually ever read the last one) I think I'm going to have to hunt down the rest of Frank's Dune novels.  Most of the comments about the ones written after his death have been more than a little scathing.

I wouldn't bother with the hack's McDune books. They contradict Frank's books many times and often themselves. You'd only waste your time and money.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 January, 2016, 07:18:17 PM
So go and watch Superman vs Batman then?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 13 January, 2016, 08:04:15 PM
Absolutely.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 14 January, 2016, 06:55:07 AM
scary!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 15 January, 2016, 12:26:04 PM
<B>TIGGER WARNING</B>

A short-story (and poem) collection by Neil Gaiman.  I've never read any of his prose before and I'm right enjoying it - as good a showcase of his a diversity and creativity as I can imagine. 

The stand-outs so far are a great little Doctor Who tale and "The Truth Is a Cave in the Black Mountains..."; a tale of vengeance set on Skye around the time of Bonnie Price Charlie - but given a supernatural edge (In fact this is one of the best things I've read in decades)

A couple of the tales (so far) have been a bit "Well what did that mean?" (especially "The thing about Cassandra" which sort of threw me at the end) but overall it gets a big thumbs up. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 15 January, 2016, 12:26:52 PM
Heh - That should be TRIGGER WARNING but I'll leave it as is because that also sounds like a book I'd like to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 15 January, 2016, 12:38:44 PM
I love short story collections due to a hectic life and short attention span so have just ordered this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 15 January, 2016, 06:01:25 PM
Best Matt Smith Doctor Who story never made.

The Thin White Duke was sadly timely (or at least the timing of my reading).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 18 January, 2016, 04:53:50 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/4CgsH9f.jpg)

A re-read of this marvellous tome. Prompted by a discussion about it over on the Hammer FB page. And how much its going for online now...   :o

The good news for those that like this sort of thing, is that it's getting updated and re-issued.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 18 January, 2016, 04:58:59 PM
It's a superb book, even if the author is wildly wrong about The Amazing Mr. Blunden.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 18 January, 2016, 08:42:01 PM
Well after my Alien marathon I'm still hankering for some Xenomorph goodies. Can anyone recommend any good novels in the series? I've read most of the comic omnibi already!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 22 January, 2016, 08:36:00 PM
Zot! by Scott McCloud the chap who gave us those rather brilliant "...Comics" books.
Zot! is rather brilliant. Metatextual, a unique artistic talent, and cross genre mishmashing all make for something quite entertaining.

I'm told this isn't the complete series though? Where those first 10 issues ever collected elsewhere or will I have to hunt them down?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 January, 2016, 10:16:44 PM
Oh I bloody love Zot! I've almost certainly said it before here. 9Jack9 after Tomas T is probably my favourite ever comic book villian. The first 10 issues (was it just ten in colour?) might not be a lauded as the others but really they are right up there. I suspect if nicely repackaged as the black and white issues they'd be hailed too. Okay so there's bits of a man learning his craft but its still bloody astonishing stuff.

There were trade collections but I picked up the originals easy enough. Oh and don't forget Zot! online. A fascinating early experiment in telling a comic story online.

http://www.scottmccloud.com/1-webcomics/zot/ (http://www.scottmccloud.com/1-webcomics/zot/)

Zot! in my 10 ten comic series of all time - easy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 22 January, 2016, 10:35:49 PM
Well the volume I got was "The Complete Black and White" so the first 10 (full colour issues) are ommited. Apparently Kitchen Sink releeased a TPB of those a while back so i'll have to keep an eye out on Ebay.

Zot! also made an appearence in Normalman. Which is kind of what got me to buy it so soon, because he was brilliantly straight faced throughout his story, especially when teamed up against Captain Everything, Megaton Man and Flamming Carrot.  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 January, 2016, 06:56:23 AM
Normal Man is a strip I'm aware off (mainly due to his cross-overs) but have no idea if its any good. Certainly always seemed very respected.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 29 January, 2016, 05:12:07 PM
Just read Clean Room 4 by Gail Simone and Jon Davis-Hunt really enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grugz on 29 January, 2016, 08:47:50 PM
just started on the star wars infinities epic collection ,a "what if?" collection of tales and the strip based on the original draft of the saga.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 29 January, 2016, 09:02:27 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 13 January, 2016, 04:31:47 PM
That would be my plan. I read Ender's Game and loved it so immediately went to Speaker. Big mistake. I've never read any other Ender book since then.

No great lose. Keep in mind Card is a libertarian christian fundamentalist homophone, and it influences his writing more and more as time goes on. Reaching mass peek in his Ender's Shadow sub-series. Its pretty plain to see even in Ender's Game, which lets keep in mind is a story about military indoctrination that uses violence to prod kids toward an intended outcome.

That all said, I'm probably only person on earth who liked Speaker for the Dead when he read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 29 January, 2016, 09:03:36 PM
Quote from: Grugz on 29 January, 2016, 08:47:50 PM
just started on the star wars infinities epic collection ,a "what if?" collection of tales and the strip based on the original draft of the saga.

The Star Wars is a very interesting read. The other What If stories are of varying quality. I liked New Hope the most.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 29 January, 2016, 09:11:18 PM
Just started on Star Wars: Skywalker strikes. Very enjoyable, and very Star Warsy in a way some of the old Marvel strips where not.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 30 January, 2016, 12:18:21 AM
I read a couple of Star Wars collections recently. Shattered Empire which I found so-so and Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir which I thought was pretty good.

The first is set not long after Return of the Jedi. Actually it starts within the time period of the Battle of Endor but following another character, [spoiler]Poe's mum apparently[/spoiler] and continues on for a while after with this character on various missions.

The art is nice. And the stories... Not bad to be fair, overall. My initial assessment of 'so-so' comes from [spoiler]the mission of the last story which I found rather ridiculous. Let's risk our lives to rescue a couple of trees. That are strong in the force. I kid you not.[/spoiler]

I much preferred Son of Dathomir, despite thinking [spoiler]The Clone Wars resurrection of Darth Maul[/spoiler] rather silly. [Spoiler]Actually, I ended up really enjoying the character's arc in the second to last series of Clone Wars, and this is a nice continuation. When are they going to kill the character off for real though?[/spoiler]

I also finally got round to reading Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 8: The Long Road Home.

I enjoyed it a lot, even if it did involve the [spoiler]unlikely return of a character who probably should have remained dead. Oddly, in this universe I found it more believable than elsewhere.[/spoiler]

I'm looking forward to reading the others.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 30 January, 2016, 05:48:07 PM
Finished the Star Wars Thrawn Trilogy. I found it hard to get on with at the start, probably because I'd just finished a few "proper" science fiction books by Le Guin and Pohl, but stuck with it. What really got on my nerves was the use of objected, countered, shot back and bit out (bit out, ffs?) instead of simply "said" - but that's a minor niggle, really. Enjoyable enough books given the fact that you go in knowing the main characters simply aren't going to die or do anything unexpected.

Are there any SW books that explain some of the things ending up as they do in TFA? Things like, assuming we're still spoiler-averse, how certain people took certain paths, how certain things got misplaced or other certain things came into being?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 30 January, 2016, 08:03:08 PM
Over Xmas or when I have gaps with work I try to catch up with unread GNs.

Since the Xmas break I've been binge reading Charley's War, from volume 2. Just finished volume 7. I still maintain it's the best comic I've read. Can't imagine the effect it had on kids at the time it was first published. I'm reading it for the first time so shocks crop up every few episodes. At times it almost reads like a horror comic. I've never been so engrossed in a comic since Preacher was published in the Meg. 

Other than that, nought much else for me. My usual trips to the superhero shops end up with me leaving empty handed or just with the prog and Meg.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 30 January, 2016, 09:12:40 PM
I'm currently working my way through the Uber volume of Stray Bullets I picked up from the last Image Comics Humble Bundle. Thing is massive (2 Gigabytes!), and 11 issues in it's pretty amazing. It reminds me a lot structurally of Pulp Fiction. As it weaves various ongoing character arcs amount a series of mostly stand alone one-shot stories. I can definitely see where the critical acclaim comes from.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 January, 2016, 09:36:08 PM
Quote from: SuperSurfer on 30 January, 2016, 08:03:08 PM
Since the Xmas break I've been binge reading Charley's War, from volume 2. Just finished volume 7. I still maintain it's the best comic I've read. Can't imagine the effect it had on kids at the time it was first published...


You know what calling a comic the best ever, or even my favourite is something I find hard to do as the next day I'll think of an alternative. Charley's War is the possible exception* I've whittered about my love before...

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=40387.0 (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=40387.0)

*well I guess there should be an exception to saying something is your favourite as that should be singular...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 02 February, 2016, 10:14:09 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 30 January, 2016, 09:36:08 PM
Quote from: SuperSurfer on 30 January, 2016, 08:03:08 PM
Since the Xmas break I've been binge reading Charley's War, from volume 2. Just finished volume 7. I still maintain it's the best comic I've read. Can't imagine the effect it had on kids at the time it was first published...


You know what calling a comic the best ever, or even my favourite is something I find hard to do as the next day I'll think of an alternative. Charley's War is the possible exception* I've whittered about my love before...

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=40387.0 (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=40387.0)

*well I guess there should be an exception to saying something is your favourite as that should be singular...
Indeed, even 12 months after finishing my own Charleys War slog I can still remember everything so vividly. The battle of the sonne, intermnent camps, gingers death, Sarge Tozzar, the russian campaign. Utterly marvelous comics, and one of my deffinative favourites as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 February, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Starship Troopers.  A kid gets a lecture in high school about why fascism is great, joins the army without knowing why and tries not to think about things too much while getting the same speech he got in high school but from military officers now.  Over the years that follow, he gets the same speech in various forms from various sources, tries not to think too much about things and then he becomes an officer and thinks fascism is great.  The film was better.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 February, 2016, 09:52:30 PM
Like most Heinlein, the book is terrible.  I'll never understand his popularity.

For ages I ploughed through his over-long books, simply because he was one of the holy Trinity of SF so he must be good.  But Asimov and Clarke really are brilliant, at least in their prime. Heinlein... isn't.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 February, 2016, 10:59:10 PM
This is most unfortunate news, as I do intend to get through the top 100 science fiction novels (only 91 to go) and most lists have several Heinlein outings.  Still, Heinlein is only a bit dull and this is infinitely preferable to being an outright arsehole, which will always be niggling at me while I'm reading Ender's Game.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 05 February, 2016, 05:24:42 AM
Quote from: Tordelback on 04 February, 2016, 09:52:30 PM
Like most Heinlein, the book is terrible.  I'll never understand his popularity.

For ages I ploughed through his over-long books, simply because he was one of the holy Trinity of SF so he must be good.  But Asimov and Clarke really are brilliant, at least in their prime. Heinlein... isn't.

Heinlein definitely had some troublesome ideals in his work. Honestly, a lot of writers from that era often have things that make you go... "oh, shit"

Joe Haldeman's The Forever War springs to mind (Which I assume is on your list). Conceptually brilliant military sci-fi. With a horribly reprehensible section concerning homosexuality smack in the middle.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 February, 2016, 05:52:02 AM
Agree about The Forever War - although it remains a great book despite the more unpalatable parts of the compulsory homosexulaity metaphor. In fairness to Haldeman the sequel and companion volumes go a long way towards exploring this setup in a more balanced way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 05 February, 2016, 08:00:37 AM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 30 January, 2016, 05:48:07 PM
Finished the Star Wars Thrawn Trilogy.

Decades ago I tried reading Heir to the Empire; one of the opening chapters described Luke Skywalker on Coruscant drinking a hot chocolate - it's explained Lando had taught him how to make it. It was then I knew this isn't for me. Only the Holiday Special is allowed get away with things like that.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 February, 2016, 08:44:34 AM
Must admit that the Thrawn Trilogy did very little for me, aside from Thrawn himself (who is a fun antagonist), and the idea of Leia being called 'Lady Vader', which I'm sure infringes an Ann Summers trademark.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 05 February, 2016, 09:13:26 AM
Yes, not exactly brain-food. Then again, you don't read Star Wars books (or watch the films) for enlightenment. It's just escapism, really. The "hot chocolate" thing annoyed me, too, as did having to read Leia Organa Solo all over the place. Somehow, that name just got on my nerves.

Just finished NJO - Dark Tide I - Onslaught. Can't see how it can fit in with canon, what with You-Know-Who being dead and all, but it was diverting enough. Whether I'll bother with the next (or even the previous) novel is far from certain. Maybe when I'm at a loose end.

Opted for Le Guin's Left Hand of Darkness next.

Disappointed to hear that Starship Troopers is so poor - I've been looking forward to that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 05 February, 2016, 09:46:43 AM
Just finished Seveneves by Neal Stephenson.

He's not shy of large page counts so he gave himself plenty of room to examine the consequences of the Moon being inexplicably destroyed (not a spoiler as it happens in the first line of the book). It'll take a while for me to fully process the whole thing, but it's somewhere between the idea density of Snow Crash and the epic scope of Anathem and is packed to the gunnels with orbital mechanics nerdery and some great big SF concepts.

The book is split into three parts and the first I found really engaging and thoughroughly warmed up my hard SF receptors - it's been a while since I read something that's got such a solid basis. The rest of the book follows what happens next...

It was at turns frightening and exciting with some fantastic and truly tense action sequences and there's a delicious reason for the title. The negatives for me are that it's so big at times it necessarily needs to skip some chunks of time and, like some of the best hard SF,the characters can tend to act like their occupation demands. But I can see why, so really a minor niggle.

A great read that's given me plenty to mull over. Now I can read the progs that have built up while I worked through it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 05 February, 2016, 01:59:45 PM
I'm currently on a big re-read of my collection of Wagner (well, for a couple of issues), Grant, Breyfogle Batman comics and also trying to plug any gaps via Ebay.
They still stand up as satisfying, fun, continuity light adventure stories. They're quite similar in tone to the Animated Series (apart from the various drug references).
Probably my favourite Batman run. (the last issue I read contained adverts for two upcoming series - V for Vendetta and Grant Morrison's Animal Man - those were good days!)

I've also been reading the original run of Punisher: War Zone. The first arc by Chuck Dixon and JR Jr is classic Punisher and great fun. I have no idea why it's been so hard to get a decent version on Frank Castle on the big screen as these comics seem so cinematic.
I'm now on the 'Psychoville USA' story written by Dan Abnett - a sort of Punisher version of 'For the man who has everything', at least that's how it starts off.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 February, 2016, 03:03:46 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 05 February, 2016, 01:59:45 PM
I'm currently on a big re-read of my collection of Wagner (well, for a couple of issues), Grant, Breyfogle Batman comics and also trying to plug any gaps via Ebay.
They still stand up as satisfying, fun, continuity light adventure stories. They're quite similar in tone to the Animated Series (apart from the various drug references).
Probably my favourite Batman run. (the last issue I read contained adverts for two upcoming series - V for Vendetta and Grant Morrison's Animal Man - those were good days!)

I've gone on about this numerous times here before but the Grant / Breyfogle run has been for years my favourite on Batman - only these days does the GMozz run challenge it in my affections.

Its simply good comics, let alone good Batman comics, in many ways its defines what I want and expect from mainstream comics. Just glorious stuff and Breyfogle is without doubt favourite Batman artist. His version is so kinetic and alive, while retaining a gloriously dark menace.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2016, 11:14:19 PM
Personally I love Heinlein. Great SF to read as a 12 year old, not sure how much is just nostalgia now.

I enjoy Starship Troopers but the best are really Red Planet (young adult book), Doorway into Summer (time travel) and the best of all, The Pupper Masters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 08 February, 2016, 02:10:13 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 07 February, 2016, 11:14:19 PM
Personally I love Heinlein. Great SF to read as a 12 year old, not sure how much is just nostalgia now.

I enjoy Starship Troopers but the best are really Red Planet (young adult book), Doorway into Summer (time travel) and the best of all, The Pupper Masters.

I love Heinlein too. Those are all great books, but I have a special soft spot for Space Cadet and Starman Jones. Both fuelled my passion for SF as a kid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 08 February, 2016, 08:29:53 PM
Armageddon 2419AD - the novellas from the 1930s that introduced Anthony "Tony" Rogers to the world - although we would later know him better as "Buck" from the tv show from the 1980s.  It's a surprise to see the enemies here are the Chinese, constantly described as a shrunken, cowardly race prone to brutality and every conceivable vice and sin, with the final leg of the first book dedicated not to a battle against the invading hoards that have conquered post-apocalyptic America, but to wiping out an enemy even more vile - those who would collaborate with them.  Clearly this was a product of a time when people had a bit of an issue with the idea of foreign chums, and it does kind of make it difficult to view the searing hatred of all non-white humanity that radiates off the page like toxic poison of the soul as a charming throwback to "simpler times" when at one point the characters speak of a savage and feared tribe called the "Negrons" that indulge in some suspiciously stereotypical behavior, and then the book signs off with the hero standing over the burning corpses of collaborators announcing that now the race traitors have been disposed of, he can turn his attention to the Chinamen and "We shall live to see America blast the yellow blight from the face of the Earth."
Well anyway, they changed a few things before it got to tv.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 09 February, 2016, 09:37:40 PM
Quote from: Scolaighe Ó'Bear on 08 February, 2016, 08:29:53 PMArmageddon 2419AD - the novellas from the 1930s that introduced Anthony "Tony" Rogers to the world - although we would later know him better as "Buck" from the tv show from the 1980s.  It's a surprise to see the enemies here are the Chinese, constantly described as a shrunken, cowardly race prone to brutality and every conceivable vice and sin, with the final leg of the first book dedicated not to a battle against the invading hoards that have conquered post-apocalyptic America, but to wiping out an enemy even more vile - those who would collaborate with them.  Clearly this was a product of a time when people had a bit of an issue with the idea of foreign chums, and it does kind of make it difficult to view the searing hatred of all non-white humanity that radiates off the page like toxic poison of the soul as a charming throwback to "simpler times" when at one point the characters speak of a savage and feared tribe called the "Negrons" that indulge in some suspiciously stereotypical behavior, and then the book signs off with the hero standing over the burning corpses of collaborators announcing that now the race traitors have been disposed of, he can turn his attention to the Chinamen and "We shall live to see America blast the yellow blight from the face of the Earth."
Well anyway, they changed a few things before it got to tv.
Uh, interesting - not heard of the history of Buck before.  Past the HP Lovecraft-style unfortunate relics of the time, is it any good?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 09 February, 2016, 10:53:03 PM
Aside from the role playing game manuals I now download each fortnight...the last one the core rules for Planescape (Sigil) and the many comics, graphic novels and books I own both as hardcopy and digital.

I just brought this new novel called Warriors - The Sun Trail which is from series of books about tribes of cats.  That actually the big wild ones of today. Possibly set in word just like ours, but from theyre point of view.

I don't know much about this yet, but you can all read about the description more  here. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warriors_(novel_series))

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 10 February, 2016, 09:07:02 AM
Quote from: ThryllSeekyr on 09 February, 2016, 10:53:03 PM

I just brought this new novel called Warriors - The Sun Trail which is from series of books about tribes of cats.  That actually the big wild ones of today. Possibly set in word just like ours, but from theyre point of view.


That actually are not the big wild ones of today. Possibly set in a world just like ours, but from they're point of view.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 17 February, 2016, 10:42:04 PM
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan. Last year's Booker prize winner concerns itself with Australian POWs building the Death railway in Burma, hard men in harsh climates and people who generally get on with things without saying much. Doesn't have anything like the flair of his first few books but there's still a neat turn of phrase and it's definitely a return to some kind of form after his last couple.

I guess one man can only come up with so many extended metaphors for the history of Tasmania and its people.

I also finally got around to reading Sandman Overture, which I'd bought before Christmas. It's certainly a beautiful book. Both in terms of JH Williams' stunning art and the object itself which is a lush thing, all smooth and dark and stuffed with fold-out spreads and quite interesting notes on its production.

Gaiman certainly hasn't lost the knack for coming up with portentous guff for his characters to get involved with and the different voices are satisfyingly correct. If anything, I'd say I preferred the writing on this overall to some parts of original on my last reread but it also seems fairly hollow. It's full of echoes of things which will go onto be important in Sandman itself, references to things we know and maybe a little more background to some things previously left unexplained. It's all good clean fun for the fan and I'm sure there are still plenty of them out there but it doesn't seem to have much point in itself.

Unless the point is just to let Williams and his colourist produce six issues of such incredible art. It's not just the pictures themselves but also the layouts. He is able to come up with original and interesting layouts, quite often thematically linked to the story, and draw your eye around the page in exactly the way it needs to without you ever having to think about it. Pure magic, which yer man Grist from Demon Nic could do with taking a look at.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 18 February, 2016, 11:40:36 PM
Reading the whole Hap & Leonard series by Joe R Lansdale.

Savage Season and Mucho Mojo are easily the best out of the 5 so far but I'm enjoying it thoroughly. I'll probably be going through some other Lansdale books after this, hopefully track down some of his more horror-themed/supernatural stuff. Got one Weird West book lined up, his Jonah Hex was damn good so got high hopes.

The casting for the TV show though is making me laugh. I love Michael K Williams but he's a fairly small guy and Leonard is supposed to be pretty big (though not massive). But James Purefoy to play Hap...heh.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 19 February, 2016, 01:57:45 AM
Quote from: The Cosh on 17 February, 2016, 10:42:04 PM
I also finally got around to reading Sandman Overture, which I'd bought before Christmas. It's certainly a beautiful book. Both in terms of JH Williams' stunning art and the object itself which is a lush thing, all smooth and dark and stuffed with fold-out spreads and quite interesting notes on its production.

Yup, beautiful stuff. 80% down to Williams' GENIUS art. Read issue 6 the other day and the worry that Gaiman's flowery prose MIGHT bog this down was unfounded. Too many years since I read the original to find pointless fault with continuity (or appreciate its cleverness, come to that). Now I feel a mug for buying issues, if I miss out on extras? Will wait for trades if this is the norm.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Famous Mortimer on 26 February, 2016, 10:00:04 AM
Just finished the last Culture novel. Bit of a bummer to think there'll be no new Iain Banks stuff ever, but it's great that he wrote as much as he did.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 26 February, 2016, 11:15:04 AM
Quote from: Famous Mortimer on 26 February, 2016, 10:00:04 AM
Just finished the last Culture novel. Bit of a bummer to think there'll be no new Iain Banks stuff ever, but it's great that he wrote as much as he did.

Huge bummer.

I still have the last novel on my shelf unread. Soon, though, soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: richerthanyou on 26 February, 2016, 07:55:35 PM
The Lost World

Why oh why didn't they follow the story from the book in the movie? The book is a million times better than the film. A lot darker too. With lots of sciencey mumbo jumbo thrown in for all you nerds out there. I finished the book over 3 days (which is really good for me) I really could not put it down and every spare moment I got I was reading some more.

10/10 because dinosaurs.

[spoiler]Fuck you Hollywood. [/spoiler]

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 27 February, 2016, 11:47:34 AM
Quote from: richerthanyou on 26 February, 2016, 07:55:35 PM
The Lost World

Why oh why didn't they follow the story from the book in the movie? The book is a million times better than the film. A lot darker too. With lots of sciencey mumbo jumbo thrown in for all you nerds out there. I finished the book over 3 days (which is really good for me) I really could not put it down and every spare moment I got I was reading some more.

10/10 because dinosaurs.

[spoiler]Fuck you Hollywood. [/spoiler]

Three days to read a novel. You must have had some time off and no sleep or not much in the least. Not as impressive as few hours to rad novel, but better than me. Right now, my head would just burn from just thinking about it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 27 February, 2016, 12:42:08 PM
Quote from: richerthanyou on 26 February, 2016, 07:55:35 PM
The Lost World

[spoiler]Fuck you Hollywood. [/spoiler]

Amen brother.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 27 February, 2016, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 26 February, 2016, 11:15:04 AM
Quote from: Famous Mortimer on 26 February, 2016, 10:00:04 AM
Just finished the last Culture novel. Bit of a bummer to think there'll be no new Iain Banks stuff ever, but it's great that he wrote as much as he did.

Huge bummer.

I still have the last novel on my shelf unread. Soon, though, soon.

Yeah. I've his last three books (across all genres) unread; got them for Christmas and I kinda-do, kinda-don't want to read them. See also: Terry Pratchett's last two
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 27 February, 2016, 01:24:07 PM
Forgot to mention, I quite enjoyed the film, just he first three. I think one of the later ones, other than the last one was really bad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 27 February, 2016, 01:53:29 PM
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 27 February, 2016, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 26 February, 2016, 11:15:04 AM
Quote from: Famous Mortimer on 26 February, 2016, 10:00:04 AM
Just finished the last Culture novel. Bit of a bummer to think there'll be no new Iain Banks stuff ever, but it's great that he wrote as much as he did.

Huge bummer.

I still have the last novel on my shelf unread. Soon, though, soon.

Yeah. I've his last three books (across all genres) unread; got them for Christmas and I kinda-do, kinda-don't want to read them. See also: Terry Pratchett's last two

Discworld??
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 February, 2016, 03:35:41 PM
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 27 February, 2016, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 26 February, 2016, 11:15:04 AM
Quote from: Famous Mortimer on 26 February, 2016, 10:00:04 AM
Just finished the last Culture novel. Bit of a bummer to think there'll be no new Iain Banks stuff ever, but it's great that he wrote as much as he did.

Huge bummer.

I still have the last novel on my shelf unread. Soon, though, soon.

Yeah. I've his last three books (across all genres) unread; got them for Christmas and I kinda-do, kinda-don't want to read them. See also: Terry Pratchett's last two

It's a weird one, isn't it? I gritted my teeth and finished the Culture last year (makes me feel teary just typing that, not that it isn't a high note on which to finish, even from a thematic PoV), but now I'm down to The Quarry, I just can't bring myself to read it. No more Banks to read, ever? Can't.

At least there's so much Pratchett out there that I'm bound to have missed something..!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 28 February, 2016, 02:58:16 AM
I have plenty to read, but won't be doing much of that until my bookcases & the rest of huge furniture to arrive.

Until then & while on the subject of Prachett. I have stock piles of his old Discworld novels. some of them literally lying around until I can find better place for them. I have latest work. The complete Ankh-Morpork-City-Guide & the Disc-World-Atlas. Not really novels, but real book with pages filled with advice & advertisements like old newspaper. The books themselves are held shut by elastic cord & there is a large fold out map kept within inside dust cover that's design in such way as to not encourage you to ever remove it. These books are best read occasionally and not nessesarily from beginning and only only in small parts. I so far have only had quick look through them both even after buying the city guide last year and the atlas weeks ago. Complimentary to the original supplements, all of these, the same size as regular novels. Streets of Ankh-Morpork, Disc-world Atlas, A-Tourist-Guide-to-Lancre, Death's-Domain. Regrettably, I had already removed the city map from the first of those and had it laminated and it's very hard to put up on the wall because it's keeps rolling up and will keep sliding off the wall during the hotter months. Then heard that there was supposed to a faint tracery of the city's sewer system on the other side and it doesn't look like this was true when I felt compelled to look. 


 

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 01 March, 2016, 05:55:36 PM
I'm as game as anyone for a good mystery fauna, but all too often cryptids just turn out to be a load of superstitious nonsense. Hunting Monsters by Darren Naish is a scientificall sceptical write up on cryptid culture, and it's rather patch work study history. Particularly entertaining thus far is the debunking of a famour Nessie photo as a swan, half submerged in shallow water. And another as an upturned kayake with a bag over a stick for the neck and head! Wry and cynicle, but always somewhat stary eyed for some of the genuinly more realistic reports (British Big Cats are a legit thing after all, but no breeding colony exists naturally). A good read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 01 March, 2016, 06:14:09 PM
Finished Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny for a reading review podcast a friend of mine is putting together. Thought it was okay for fantasy, though I could care less for the main character and his goals. Can't relate to magic immortal royals fighting over thrones. Probably won't follow up on its sequels.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 01 March, 2016, 07:11:45 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 01 March, 2016, 06:14:09 PM
Finished Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny for a reading review podcast a friend of mine is putting together. Thought it was okay for fantasy, though I could care less for the main character and his goals. Can't relate to magic immortal royals fighting over thrones. Probably won't follow up on its sequels.
Fair enough. I haven't read the whole lot but I enjoyed the first few. From memory, Corwin is a fairly typical Zelazny protagonist: a mixture of cynical con-man and idealism.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 March, 2016, 07:58:12 PM
In an attempt to keep my soggy depressed brain alive and distracted I've been on a big non-fiction binge since Christmas (Etruscans, Hellenistic Greece and mid/late Republican Rome... It was great fun, honest ) with just a few small Douglas Couplands I'd somehow missed slotted in.  Now I'm trying the first Joe Abercrombie, since I'm woefully out of touch with modern fantasy, having tried and failed to get to grips with various series (Erikson's Malazan,  Elliott's Crown of Stars, William's Shadowmarch etc) - and it's good brisk stuff so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 March, 2016, 08:04:14 PM
Interested to hear what mid/late Roman Republic stuff you read and what you thought of it... unless you mean the historians themselves?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 March, 2016, 09:08:14 PM
'Twas mainly stuff I picked up in a secondhand shop, all from the library of a man called Philip Howard*, according to a lovely hand-drawn personalised bookplate in each.  There was much, much more, but I was too slow and too poor - it must have been a very fine collection, and I'm indebted to its owner.

The only primary sources I read were a superbly annotated Conquest of Gaul (translated and annotated by Wiseman and Cunliffe) and chunks of Cicero's collected speeches (the Loeb edition). Admittedly both very late Republic.

Secondary stuff was all pretty archaic stuff, with the exception of Tom Holland's rollicking pop-history Rubicon (2003) which goes a bit far in trying to create a streamlined story, but is an excellent way of getting the broad shape of the late Republican period straight in your head. I have no real background in the period, so old or popular stuff is all good to me. I intend to follow up with some recent more serious stuff when the opportunity presents.

The older stuff was:
A H McDonald's Republican Rome (1966; Thames and Hudson), which was really good at putting the various wars of the Republic in an economic context.
J P Balsdon's Romans and Aliens (1979), which I found a bit heavy.

The Hellenistic Greece and Etruscan stuff obviously feeds into all this too. Oh, and fiction wise I finished Robert Harris' excellent Cicero novels, which was probably what kick-started my feeding frenzy on Mr Howard's former library.



*I'm not convinced it wasn't the  journalist, author and Times literary editor/PL  (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Howard_(journalist)), who died in 2014 . The subject matter certainly fits.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 01 March, 2016, 09:22:01 PM
Romans and Aliens? Hmmm...

In Thrace, no-one can hear you scream...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 March, 2016, 09:23:23 PM
Cool cheers. I do like my Pop history from that era (well in the broadest scene) and Tom Holland's excellent Rubicon is a great example of what I can happily get on with. Love that book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 01 March, 2016, 09:41:50 PM
Zenith Phase 4 - Kinda nuts, and I was slightly lost largely due to my memory of the predecessors being a bit faulty. I largely enjoyed it though. [spoiler]An interesting twist at the end of the main story.[/spoiler] And I wonder Grant Morrisen got away with some of the stuff in the zenith.com. I've yet to read the extras.

I think I preferred it to phase 3. Good overall. [spoiler]Zenith wasn't much of a player in the end, was he? Although that's not a bad thing.[/spoiler]

In thought of getting the slip-case in the sale, but figured, why bother? They stand confine next to each other. Still, it's a nice thing to have...

Bazaar of Bad Dreams - Stephen King's latest short story collection. I've read some of these stories before (and enjoyed rereading them) but there's plenty of new stuff. Again, all pretty good. The one I'm on now bares a strong resemblance in theme  to Death Note, an anime series I've been watching. It's not bad for that though, but a curious coincidence just the same. Or is it ka?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 March, 2016, 10:17:22 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 01 March, 2016, 09:23:23 PM
Cool cheers. I do like my Pop history from that era (well in the broadest scene) and Tom Holland's excellent Rubicon is a great example of what I can happily get on with. Love that book.

Yeah, it is a darned good read, although at times I could hear my old schoolfriend turned Classics professor wincing all the way from Michigan.

It's a different time and place, but a similarly engaging take on classical Athens is James Davidson's Courtesans and Fishcakes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 01 March, 2016, 10:44:56 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 01 March, 2016, 06:14:09 PM
Finished Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny for a reading review podcast a friend of mine is putting together. Thought it was okay for fantasy, though I could care less for the main character and his goals. Can't relate to magic immortal royals fighting over thrones. Probably won't follow up on its sequels.

I recall first finding the very-soft-porn version as photo-story book when I was in my pre-teens still attending early school. Filled with pictures of Pan's, Satyr's, Centaurs & topless wood-Nymphs & Fauns. (Later wondering if I ever truly found this book as I can't find any trace of it now on the internet.) Which got my attention, but I thought this was presented so poorly that it turned me off that type of porn. (This was legitimate bookstore & not the adult section of any newsagency!) These pictures were photo real & blended with painted images or just poorly costumed mythological beasts like a  early version what Clint Lanely did with Books of Invasions.  This never got me into the Nine-Princes stuff ever again. Until I discovered, the Shannara world had been adapted to television. Very poorly as well!

Wondering if the original work will ever be adapted to film or television likewise. I know little of it, the walking the intricate patterns or something like that (Reminding me of tracing the black-spiral from the Werewolf the Apocalypse game manuals.) to cross over to the modern day world or something like that.

I guess nothing these days is truly original.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 01 March, 2016, 11:04:17 PM
Quote from: ThryllSeekyr on 01 March, 2016, 10:44:56 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 01 March, 2016, 06:14:09 PM
Finished Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny for a reading review podcast a friend of mine is putting together. Thought it was okay for fantasy, though I could care less for the main character and his goals. Can't relate to magic immortal royals fighting over thrones. Probably won't follow up on its sequels.

I recall first finding the very-soft-porn version as photo-story book when I was in my pre-teens still attending early school. Filled with pictures of Pan's, Satyr's, Centaurs & topless wood-Nymphs & Fauns. (Later wondering if I ever truly found this book as I can't find any trace of it now on the internet.) Which got my attention, but I thought this was presented so poorly that it turned me off that type of porn. (This was legitimate bookstore & not the adult section of any newsagency!) These pictures were photo real & blended with painted images or just poorly costumed mythological beasts like a  early version what Clint Lanely did with Books of Invasions.  This never got me into the Nine-Princes stuff ever again. Until I discovered, the Shannara world had been adapted to television. Very poorly as well!

Wondering if the original work will ever be adapted to film or television likewise. I know little of it, the walking the intricate patterns or something like that (Reminding me of tracing the black-spiral from the Werewolf the Apocalypse game manuals.) to cross over to the modern day world or something like that.

I guess nothing these days is truly original.

I was older actually, like 12 or 13, because I was in early high school stopping at the bookstore on my way home.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 March, 2016, 12:07:38 PM
Just finished the final (for now) Nexus Omnibus 6 which covers the last 15 or so issues of the original 80 issue series. It was typically fantastic, Nexus really is a quite superb series, though sadly missing Steve Rude's art (and Paul Smith who seemed to be doing a lot of the fill stuff) its pretty much on a par with the first 5 volumes. What was fascinating and if I'm honest a little off putting, was some of the political reflections and how they are currently relevant. Very relevant.

For those reading the series (think there's a couple of folk about these parts) I'll keep this spoiler light but be mindful of whats to be said.

See Ylum the planet which is central to the series and politics of which have been increasing its spotlight, is a clear analogue for America. On Ylum, a world built on refugees there are a host of races and religions, one of which is the Elvonic faith. Given the way Nexus works the Elvonic religion is an analogue for America's relationship with Islam, certainly Islamic extremism (possibly religious extremism in general). To that end when the planet's problems with Elvon escalate the solution bares close examination with some modern opinions which I find pretty appalling.

In a story sense they make perfect sense. Its just through the prism of modern reading it takes a different tack and the fact that Nexus packs so much in (it really does, its quite brilliant at that) means that some of the discussions and examination of the issues become simplistic, which is the last thing Nexus is generally.

It all makes for a fascinating read and one that's wonderfully prophetic today for a comic written in 1990!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 03 March, 2016, 02:11:12 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 01 March, 2016, 09:22:01 PM
Romans and Aliens? Hmmm...

In Thrace, no-one can hear you scream...

FRIED GOLD.

I've just started The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons - I got an omnibus four bleedin years ago and only read Hyperion late last year. The man can write and I enjoyed the structure,writing styles and mystery of the first book so much it took me a while to engage fully with Fall... but am now absorbed. Great stuff! The only other Simmons I've read is The Terror which was utterly fantastic and I'd highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 March, 2016, 03:49:12 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 01 March, 2016, 09:22:01 PM
Romans and Aliens? Hmmm...

In Thrace, no-one can hear you scream...

Arf!  Readers who go in expecting a prequel to Cowboys and Aliens won't be disappointed - it's every bit as dull as the original.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 14 March, 2016, 07:52:42 PM
Guards! Guards! - I've decided to do a bit of a thematic re-read of the Discworld novels. Aside from owt else I need something to take my mind of work and the pleasures of 'INSPECTION' The Night Watch has always struck me as one of the more endearing set of characters and the stories tend to have more laugh out loud moments (at least that's how it seems to me).  It always amazes me how Pratchett can take a complete stereotype and turn it into a real character. 

As always devoured in less than a day in between all the other mayhem in work.  Next stop - Men At Arms.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 15 March, 2016, 02:29:12 PM
The Expanse books. Quite different in just enough ways from the TV series, blew right through three books in the last week. It doesn't take the direction that I thought it would and certain things happen a little too repeatedly, but all in all good fun and the space mechanics are nice and interesting (thrust gives gravity, etc).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Citi-Def_Joe on 15 March, 2016, 03:17:19 PM
I have been dipping my toe in to the world of Star Wars novels recently,  and from what I have read so far pleasantly surprised.
I really enjoyed Death Troopers and I am currently on the third book of Darth Bane Trilogy.
Darth Plagueis and Darth Maul: Lockdown are next....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 06 April, 2016, 07:23:56 PM
Hellblazer: Original Sin. Going back to the very beginning. I haven't read this since it first came out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 07 April, 2016, 02:26:39 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 14 March, 2016, 07:52:42 PM
Guards! Guards! - I've decided to do a bit of a thematic re-read of the Discworld novels. Aside from owt else I need something to take my mind of work and the pleasures of 'INSPECTION' The Night Watch has always struck me as one of the more endearing set of characters and the stories tend to have more laugh out loud moments (at least that's how it seems to me).  It always amazes me how Pratchett can take a complete stereotype and turn it into a real character. 

As always devoured in less than a day in between all the other mayhem in work.  Next stop - Men At Arms.

More favourites of mine & then there is the Reaper-Man & the The Colour of Magic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 07 April, 2016, 06:38:55 AM
I've always recommended Mort and Reaper-Man as some of the better places to start on the Discworld series rather than The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic.  The first two books are enjoyable but show Pratchett still trying to find his voice properly.  They feel a bit like he is still trying to hard.  Mort is the first to really showcase his strengths to my way of thinking.

Having now worked through Men at Arms, Jingo and the Fifth Elephant I'm now on to Thud.  It is interesting to see how the whole cast has evolved over the course of the books on some levels.  The humour has become more subtle and the social analysis more complex.  Jingo was probably the best for the humour, especially Vetinari's take on the old Jingo song:  "We have no ships. We have no men. We have no money, too".

Thud is probably the best book for a critique of some of the complexities of extremist thinking.  The Deep Downers cast as a comparison for, I'm guessing, Extremist Preachers of all stripes.  Along with The Fifth Elephant, Pratchett found the perfect scenario for examining ethnic tension in the Dwarfs and the Trolls.

I did think about including Monstrous Regiment since Vimes appears but since it is only as a supporting character near the end it got passed over for now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 09 April, 2016, 01:21:35 AM
Tackling the unread mountain of comics.

Last 5 issues of Fraction's ODY-C, a stunning series. Made with absolute love, it's - probably? - under-appreciated. The classical themes aren't always apparent but even when they're not.... (a) stare goggle-eyed at the art, it's beautiful, and (b) it's become a hotch-potch of classical tales anyway (forget ancient Greek) and has recently become more accessible.

Moore's Providence. Read issues 1 to 3 tonight and I'm enthralled. Few more issues till I catch up but the sub-human characters of the fishing village are so well depicted. Plus the dream sequence.... Jeez, it's involving and wonderful stuff. Expecting the craziness to kick off very soon...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 April, 2016, 06:43:24 AM
Quote from: Fungus on 09 April, 2016, 01:21:35 AM

Last 5 issues of Fraction's ODY-C, a stunning series. Made with absolute love, it's - probably? - under-appreciated. The classical themes aren't always apparent but even when they're not.... (a) stare goggle-eyed at the art, it's beautiful, and (b) it's become a hotch-potch of classical tales anyway (forget ancient Greek) and has recently become more accessible.


I really wanted to like this series but only lasted to issue to. Its certainly wonderfully idiosyncratic and that can't be a bad thing, and should therefore be fresh and exciting. I however found the art and the story to be messy. The art so much so that I struggled to penetrate the story. Just goes to show how such an unique work will provoke unique reactions. Glad its out there, wish more people would try it, can't enjoy reading it myself. Not so much Homer as James Joyce for me. Which probably says more about my weakness as a reader than anything else!

Anyway get ya self caught up and over to the Mega Comic book day thread, it'd be great to have you over there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ThryllSeekyr on 09 April, 2016, 11:17:50 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 07 April, 2016, 06:38:55 AM
I've always recommended Mort and Reaper-Man as some of the better places to start on the Discworld series rather than The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic.  The first two books are enjoyable but show Pratchett still trying to find his voice properly.  They feel a bit like he is still trying to hard.  Mort is the first to really showcase his strengths to my way of thinking.

Having now worked through Men at Arms, Jingo and the Fifth Elephant I'm now on to Thud.  It is interesting to see how the whole cast has evolved over the course of the books on some levels.  The humour has become more subtle and the social analysis more complex.  Jingo was probably the best for the humour, especially Vetinari's take on the old Jingo song:  "We have no ships. We have no men. We have no money, too".

Thud is probably the best book for a critique of some of the complexities of extremist thinking.  The Deep Downers cast as a comparison for, I'm guessing, Extremist Preachers of all stripes.  Along with The Fifth Elephant, Pratchett found the perfect scenario for examining ethnic tension in the Dwarfs and the Trolls.

I did think about including Monstrous Regiment since Vimes appears but since it is only as a supporting character near the end it got passed over for now.

I have read most of the first lot of Discworld novels (Listed  here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discworld).) reading them all in chronological order up to Eric, skipped over Moving Pictures, not sure if I did read Small Gods (I still have a lot of my novels either stored into random piles or just scattered around the new house, mainly in the leisure section of the house. I don't think have that one going on memory!) Skipped over, Lords & Ladies, read the next one....skipped over Soul Music (Which I did see as cartoon in two or thre parts on video as well as Wyrd Sisters which I did read! It's a adaption from Macbeth & very cleverly done so as well.) Not sure if I read Interesting Times (I doubt it, but if I have it & it's worn looking, then I might have read it!) Skipped Maskerade, I read Feet of Clay see it as the adaption of Terminator Two, very clever! Didn't read the Hogfather (That was adapted into a live action film as well & I didn't like it either!) 

Continued later....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 10 April, 2016, 09:12:23 PM
I read Razorjack Double-Crossing recently. I bought it thinking it was a graphic novel. It wasn't, but as I love prose novels too, and it's a rather good story, this is not a bad thing. I haven't read any of the previous Razorjack stuff, (which IS a comic apparently) but the story is self contained, and I wouldn't mind checking it out.

Currently reading Fiefdom by Dan Abnett and Nik Vincent. A novel set in the same world as Kingdom but further in the future during an Ice Age. Good stuff, so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 11 April, 2016, 11:29:22 AM
I've been on a bit of a David Wong bender, after reading his rather fun 'John Dies at the End'.  His next one is 'This Book is Full of Spiders', and he's not kidding - it is!  Spiders that leap into your mouth, possess you, and gradually alter your DNA to turn you into a fast moving boned-sharpened, slicing killing machine. It features the original protagonists in their town of [Undisclosed], and while it isn't as comedic as his last book, it is a real page turner - total in your face infestation/zombie armageddon type stuff.

I have bought his latest book, 'Futuristic Violence and Fancy Suits', which is apparently his first foray into sci-fi comedy, and am just ploughing through a cheap Kindle novel about zombie armageddon before I crack on with it.

By the way, the books mentioned above are all going really cheap on Kindle - 99p each in two cases.  I have to say, I'm enjoying owning a Kindle (recent purchase) far more than I thought I would.  I've gotten my hands on so much I would happily read paying far less than what I usually fork out on late library book return fees.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 11 April, 2016, 11:43:22 AM
Oooooh, been meaning to read John Dies at the End for years, thanks for the heads up Shaolin, I'll be nabbing them!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 15 April, 2016, 08:35:47 AM
Stevie has recently read A Dream of Wessex by Christopher Priest.

(http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1318558171l/876461.jpg)

It's basically The Matrix but with believable characters. So instead of the techno-shamanistic initiation of some kung fu goth there is a thirtysomething woman escaping an abusive relationship.

Originally published the same year that Star Wars was released.

You know when the first page has the protagonist motoring along the M3 past Salisbury Plain that you are in for a real treat.

Finely wrought Seventies British SF at its best. Recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 15 April, 2016, 11:42:03 AM
I love the cover. Pan had some amazing covers in the 70s. A number of Chris Fosses I believe.

Thanks for the recommendation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 April, 2016, 08:59:00 PM
Much to my surprise GMozz doesn't have his own thread. He has his Batman one, but not yet his own, so yeah I guess this goes here for now (can't be arsed starting a new one - lazy arse that I am!)

Anyway over the last couple of months I've been reading Mr Morrison's Doom Patrol and have to be honest it turned into a bit of a slog. So much so by the end I was kinda skip reading it. Now I know this flies in the face of common opinion, but it was such a chore and I'm such a fan of his work in general and around this time I think the only other thing of his I'm not keen on is Arkham Asylum. I adore both Zenith and Animal Man. Big fan of Gothic and New Adventures of Hitler etc. I've therefore been really trying to work out why I might feel like this and I think, think I've got it.

It all feels a bit forced see and because of that it really hasn't aged well. With Doom Patrol Morrison seems to be trying so hard to make it abnormal and detached from the superhero mainstream fare that it feels false, like he's pushing and pushing at the boundaries of our expectation, trying to stretch our imaginations but with no real direction or sense of purpose. But boy is he pushing as hard as he can, really trying to dazzle us with his creativity (well to be far he's probably just relating where is mind was at during this period given his apparent intake at the time!). In doing that it all gets strangely a bit repeatative. LOOK crazy mixed funny looking type. Look at their interesting world view, Look at their crazy mixed up agents of change (which all begin to look the same!) see how Doom Patrol fail when they take typical action, look how the solution is more Doctor Who than Superman. Fine it should read okay BUT doesn't really go anywhere, just pushing, pushing pushing at our imagination.

In his later work, or even in Animal Man and Zenith around the same time, but very much so in his later work he seems to realise that superheroes in and of themselves are quite ridiculous and crazy enough that you don't need to look elsewhere. Just examine the modern Gods and the crazy imagination takes care of itself. Here he's pushing against superheroes and their tropes and by doing so missing so much from my reading.

It also lacks grounding for me, in the way both, again Zenith and particularly Animal Man have. Animal Man is one of the most human reading experiences I've had. In DP, while he tries to use Cliff to ground things I think, its quite shallow and all I get is Cliff saying "Well this is all weird and its doing my head in. I might be a man of steel but I'm reacting to things like you, the reader would" and again rince, wash repeat.

Finally I'm not fan of the art in the main. While Richard Case is given a heck of a challenge and does a job of living up to it, its just a bit flat and jarring to me. Don't get on with it.

So yeah I fully appreciate that others get so much more from this and I might be missing something that always me to find what makes the run hang together, but it lived up to my expectation, much to my surprise (if that makes sense!) I found it quite soulless and too cool for school.

Have at me Doom Patrol fans!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 18 April, 2016, 09:33:23 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 18 April, 2016, 08:59:00 PM

It also lacks grounding for me, in the way both, again Zenith and particularly Animal Man have. Animal Man is one of the most human reading experiences I've had. In DP, while he tries to use Cliff to ground things I think, its quite shallow and all I get is Cliff saying "Well this is all weird and its doing my head in. I might be a man of steel but I'm reacting to things like you, the reader would" and again rince, wash repeat.

He also says "Shit!" every issue. What more do you want, man?

I do love Morrison Doom Patrol - it's uneven, but I definitely prefer it to Animal Man, and find Cliff more relatable than Buddy Baker, who's likeable enough, but maybe a bit bland. The more in-your-face metafiction of Animal Man is to me less interesting than the 'here's what I've been reading this month' aspect of the DP. For me, one of the strengths of the run is the way Morrison burns through ideas at a rate of knots - there's a bit in the Insect Mesh / Kaleidoscape story where every panel could have been a saga in its own right, but in classic Grant (and indeed John Smith) style, he just hurls them out there to fend for themselves and then moves on. Cliff's development as a character, in part through his relationship with Crazy Jane is also a high point - the episode where he goes into 'the underground' of Jane's head is one of my favourites, at times absolutely chilling.

But you know what else? It's incredibly funny - at times, one of the funniest things Morrison's ever written. Cliff's brain vs supervillain The Brain in "open combat" in 'The Soul of a New Machine' cracks me up every time. And then you've got the beard-obsessed Punisher / Wolverine parody, the classic "Mr. Phimister-Spine. I can explain everything!" scene, Danny in general, and the greatest line of the run from Rebis: "I'd suggest some kind of organising field, but a lot of the time I really don't know what I'm talking about." Just brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 19 April, 2016, 01:09:35 PM
I've been meaning to read GMozz's Doom Patrol run for years, and the new TPB's seem to offer a good oppertunity for it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 19 April, 2016, 09:18:48 PM
It's very good, but I know what Colin means - like later David Lynch movies, there's a sense of weirdness for weirdness' sake, and it can be something of an overload. Cliff is a fantastic character though
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 April, 2016, 10:14:48 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 18 April, 2016, 09:33:23 PM

I do love Morrison Doom Patrol - it's uneven, but I definitely prefer it to Animal Man, and find Cliff more relatable than Buddy Baker, who's likeable enough, but maybe a bit bland.

Its strange I completely get where Greg is coming from but it just rubbed up wrong against me. I think the point he makes about Buddy helps my view, while working just as well for Gregs opinion (which I know is in the majority by the way). See I love that Buddy is a little bland (in a deeply lovable, confused man way). Its that which provides the perfect juxaposition for the meta weird that surrounds him. In DP all the weird is just washing up against more weird. So by the end you don't know where the weird starts and begins, other than it all ALL a bit weird.

I also like David Lynch films of all phases of hos career so I'm not to be trusted for a consistent opinion!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 20 April, 2016, 07:54:15 AM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 19 April, 2016, 10:14:48 PM
In DP all the weird is just washing up against more weird. So by the end you don't know where the weird starts and begins, other than it all ALL a bit weird.

I can't argue with that - but I'd suggest that's one of the key themes of the series, that everyone and everything in life is weird if you dig a little, that things you think you can trust (like consensus reality and any kind of authority, including the authorial variety) can't be trusted, and that you might as well just go with it, as Cliff eventually learns to do.

I know Grant Morrison has a meltdown if anyone accuses him of 'weirdness for weirdness sake' though!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 20 April, 2016, 09:52:26 AM
Propaganda, by Edward L. Bernays (1928).

In this little book, Bernays, who was referred to in his obituary as "the father of public relations," tells us all about propaganda - how it's used, what it's for and why it works. I'm amazed how relevant the core content is, even now. For example:

"By playing upon an old cliche, or manipulating a new one, the propagandist can sometimes swing a whole mass of group emotions. In Great Britain, during the war, the evacuation hospitals came in for a considerable amount of criticism because of the summary way in which they handled their wounded. It was assumed by the public that a hospital gives prolonged and conscientious attention to its patients. When the name was changed to evacuation posts the critical reaction vanished. No one expected more than an adequate emergency treatment from an institution so named. The cliche hospital was indelibly associated in the public mind with a certain picture. To persuade the public to discriminate between one type of hospital and another, to dissociate the cliche from the picture it evoked, would have been an impossible task. Instead, a new cliche automatically conditioned the public emotion toward these hospitals."

and:

"No serious sociologist any longer believes that the voice of the people expresses any divine or specially wise and lofty idea. The voice of the people expresses the mind of the people, and that mind is made up for it by the group leaders in whom it believes and by those persons who understand the manipulation of public opinion. It is composed of inherited prejudices and symbols and cliches and verbal formulas supplied to them by the leaders.

"Fortunately, the sincere and gifted politician is able, by the instrument of propaganda, to mold and form the will of the people."


Fascinating stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 20 April, 2016, 10:04:11 AM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 20 April, 2016, 09:52:26 AM
Propaganda, by Edward L. Bernays (1928).

In this little book, Bernays, who was referred to in his obituary as "the father of public relations," tells us all about propaganda - how it's used, what it's for and why it works. I'm amazed how relevant the core content is, even now. For example:
It's certainly what he wanted you to think!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 20 April, 2016, 10:37:13 AM
Heh - brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 20 April, 2016, 01:00:29 PM
Just read Clean Room by Gail Simone and drawn by Jon Davis-Hunt.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 20 April, 2016, 01:34:44 PM
Quote from: Old Tankie on 20 April, 2016, 01:00:29 PM
Just read Clean Room by Gail Simone and drawn by Jon Davis-Hunt.
How is it? Love Simone as a human but find her body of work wildly inconsistent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 20 April, 2016, 03:38:45 PM
I'm really enjoying it, plenty of horror with some great twists to the story, Simone is at the top of her game on this and I think JDH has really come on a lot with his art in this book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 03 May, 2016, 01:18:11 PM
STALINGRAD by Antony Beevor

As recommended on here and on the Thrillcast by Garth Ennis and purchased from a charity shop by my wife for Christmas.

Bloody hell! I'm about a hundred pages in and the Paulus' Sixth Army and Hube's Panzers have just arrived at Stalingrad but it's already grim reading. 

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 03 May, 2016, 01:43:38 PM
Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge.

Cheese that lets you see the future; Wine that helps you both forget AND remember; An underground city where facial expressions are learned by rote and chosen at will; it's good. Mieville-lite but twice as readable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 03 May, 2016, 01:54:33 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 03 May, 2016, 01:18:11 PM
STALINGRAD by Antony Beevor

As recommended on here and on the Thrillcast by Garth Ennis and purchased from a charity shop by my wife for Christmas.

Bloody hell! I'm about a hundred pages in and the Paulus' Sixth Army and Hube's Panzers have just arrived at Stalingrad but it's already grim reading.

It's a fantastic read. Probably the best I've read about the subject. Only my grandfather's (Soviet) stories were more chilling.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 May, 2016, 04:15:49 PM
Beevor is really remarkably good at spinning a convincing, enthralling narrative. I know the subject itself is fascinating, but he does a great job of making you appreciate the vast complexity and confusion of events, while still keeping you clear on what is going on and why. A serious talent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: moly on 03 May, 2016, 07:55:51 PM
Divinity 2 great read, trying to find the first run of divinity now
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 May, 2016, 09:01:54 PM
Just finished a re-read of Brubaker and Phillips' Fatale and I almost started a thread for the pair, but decided that pestering here was probably enough. Its bloomin' great and more than anything made me wish my re-read of The Fade Out
was coming sooner. Like all the best comices this nice little cthulhu noir leaves you immediately wanting to go back and read it again as you know there's more to dig out. It had me fishing back in its dark oceans at the end trying to work it all out. I have a story in my head but figure on subsequent reads that might change.

We'll see cos I'll defo be reading it again somewhere down the line.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 10 May, 2016, 10:52:54 PM
I dropped off around book 2 and haven't picked it back up again yet, but yes Fatale is good stuff. I'll have to pick it back up again I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 11 May, 2016, 01:21:48 PM
Just finished the first volume of Criminal by Brubaker and Phillips.

Absolutely loved it and have the rest of the volumes all lined up to be read on my kindle. Got each volume for £2.99 on Comixology.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 May, 2016, 09:37:40 PM
Could have sworn there was a 'Star Wars Comics' thread or similar around these parts, but for the life of me can't find it so this will do.

Just finished the first part of my reading of a bunch of Star Wars comics I picked up on the Dark Horse digital sale just before Marvel pulled in the comics rights. Dark Empire, despite being very popular and having some astonishing art from Cam Kennedy and latterly Jim Baike is pretty bloomin' weak. It tries to do so much and felt awfully rushed. Didn't get on with it at all.

Star Wars Invasion by another art droid, in this case Colin Wilson working on a story by Tom Taylor 9whose since made a bit of a name for himself) is much more like it. A series of mini telling an ongoing story its really a ripping read. It gathers momemtum as it goes on and gradually gets better and better detailing an invasion by some big scary aliens about 25 years after the first (proper first) film. Alas just as it really takes off with the great mini 'Revalations' it ends it seems.Sales, creators moving on, who knows but it leaves a LOT dangling alas.

Which is a real shame as it does for me what The Force Awakens should have. Its alludes and has direct links to the originals (Han, Luke Leia all appear) but it doesn't dwell on them. It concentrates on the new characters it creates. And while thise characters have similarilty to the originals they are distinct in both the specifics and their relationship. It deals with family but is not a direct copy. Everything is clearly helped by Colin Wilson's simply perfect art but it had the courage to be its own thing. Not a brilliant comic, but like proper Star Wars immense fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 15 May, 2016, 09:58:32 PM
You had me at Colin Wilson doing Star Wars.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 02 June, 2016, 06:22:25 PM
Hellboy in hell #10.

Really really liked this one. Beautiful. The sort of send off (that perhaps isn't one?) that I wouldn't mind if Dredd got one day.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 02 June, 2016, 08:21:42 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 02 June, 2016, 06:22:25 PM
Hellboy in hell #10.

Really really liked this one. Beautiful. The sort of send off (that perhaps isn't one?) that I wouldn't mind if Dredd got one day.

Apparently so: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/30/mike-mignola-final-hellboy-comic-paint-watercolors (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/may/30/mike-mignola-final-hellboy-comic-paint-watercolors)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 03 June, 2016, 11:26:43 AM
I recently received a subscription to Marvel Unlimited as a gift and have started reading Spider-Man, Iron-Man, Daredevil, and many others from the beginning.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 03 June, 2016, 12:36:22 PM
I finished STALINGRAD.  What a magnificent book about an appalling bit of history.

After reading what went on, I'd actually be quite down on the human race if it wasn't for this one sentence on page 362 when the Sixth Army is surrounded, cut off and all hopes of "rescue" have been given up.  There are emergency airlift flights operating out of the Kessel...

"Of the 600 doctors with the Sixth Army, none capable of working flew out".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 03 June, 2016, 01:04:19 PM
Concerted effort recently to clear the backlog. So.....

Multiversity
High hopes for this, but I think you need to be in thrall to superheroics to care sufficiently...? You like superheroes, well we have loads, and look, more over there. They're slightly different. But.... oh, well. The Nazi and Quitely issues entertained but I felt underwhelmed by the rest. Al Ewing's 'Best Thing I Read This  (Last?) Year' (from ThoughtBubble), I wanted to enjoy this more. I'm sure it's cleverer than this in ways that I don't care about.

Descender
Remains on the list though initial charm is on the wane. Just love the watercolour seep of it all. Which naturally will be lost when it's filmed  :| That may leave a soppy tale, in the end. A decent effort to emulate...
...
Saga
Utterly filthy as usual, and remains class. Best covers in comics I'd say.

Hawkeye
Another LeMire, bit of a mess with 2 kind-of reboot first issues and an apologetic sign-off editorial as it wrapped up. Mixture of art styles was a plus, but was following Fraction/Aja worth it?

Vision
Domestic (!), considered, just wonderful. Even thought-provoking. Precision art that works perfectly.

Sheriff of Babylon
Reads like Homeland in comic form, and each issue is nicely self-contained. Tom King (see Vision also) yet to write a dud as far as I'm concerned.

The Goddamned
A very Image comic and beautiful European art. If you know what I mean.

Karnak
A brooding oddity, and perhaps it's routine Ellis, I wouldn't know. Reads very quickly but I'm enjoying the ride.

Low
They've reached the surface of the planet and I don't know if I'll be reaching the end on this one. Can feel very soapish and preachy (see also: Black Science) but the art often saves it. We'll see. When good, it's been fantastic.

Doctor Strange
Intricate art here to the point it interrupts the story. A simple tale - sometimes affectingly told - so the art can be lingered over without derailing the story. Bachalo is tremendous, and spends the issue showing off. Feels slightly Sandman: Overture in design and content. Probably a rubbish comparison.

Fuse
If you like Brink, read the original (only joking). Recommended.

ODY-C
What a treat of a book. Don't get hung up on the allusions, lick the artwork and enjoy Fraction's deliberate prose. Wonderful.

Pencil Head
It's Ted McKeever. But autobiographical bonkers-ness. Quite good.

Red Thorn
I should like this but a real chore, give it a shot for several issues. Dropped! Written for teenage girls, from what I can make out. Hm.

Unfollow
As good as people say it is, if you don't read it, pick up a trade. Another one being filmed and in whatever format, you can see this being huge.

The Ultimates
Mainly for the art, this one. Al Ewing makes a good fist of the super-science nonsense but that's not enough to hold me. The art does that - lovely.

Providence
Not up on my Lovecraft and never expected to say this, but I may give it a try. The art can seem uninspiring but perfect within the same issue, I'm not a great fan of it. But the writing is as accomplished as ever.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 June, 2016, 08:46:11 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 03 June, 2016, 01:04:19 PM

Unfollow
As good as people say it is, if you don't read it, pick up a trade. Another one being filmed and in whatever format, you can see this being huge.


Glad you are enjoying it. So its becoming a movie - phew that gives me hope it'll be around long enough to tell its tale. After all when FBP was optioned they gave it 20 odd issues despite horrible sales.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 03 June, 2016, 09:34:49 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 03 June, 2016, 08:46:11 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 03 June, 2016, 01:04:19 PM

Unfollow
As good as people say it is, if you don't read it, pick up a trade. Another one being filmed and in whatever format, you can see this being huge.


Glad you are enjoying it. So its becoming a movie - phew that gives me hope it'll be around long enough to tell its tale. After all when FBP was optioned they gave it 20 odd issues despite horrible sales.

Well to be clear it was the old news (6 months ago) that a TV series was being developed. Don't quote me! Mr Soap knows about these things, mind you  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 04 June, 2016, 05:30:39 PM
Just finished C. S. Lewis's science fiction trilogy; Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra and That Hideous Strength. I never liked the Narnia books but these were very good - especially the last one, which I thought was superb. They'd make crap films, though, I think.

The first two are ostensibly simple stories concerning the travels of one Dr Ransom to Mars and Venus respectively but serve to lay down a fascinating mythology which acts as a foundation for That Hideous Strength. There is a hint of John Carter about the first two, but only a hint, and they are quite unique in character and imagination (at least in my limited reading experience). The third book is of a completely different character which I can only describe as H.P. Lovecraft's version of 1984.

I availed myself of the unabridged audiobook versions, which I listened to mainly whilst driving, and enjoyed them so much that I'm listening to them again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 June, 2016, 07:37:18 PM
They certainly are the shizzle. Although I haven't read them since I was 11 or 12, the images seem fresh in my my mind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 June, 2016, 02:29:51 PM
I've decided to make a third and final attempt to read Frank Herberts DUNE, if I doze off again this time then i'll call it a day and just consider it profoundly boring!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 06 June, 2016, 06:36:30 PM
Dune is my favourite book, however, it is very dense and not everyone's cuppa. If you don't like it, you don't like it. Move on as there are many other equally great sci-fi novels. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 06 June, 2016, 08:15:26 PM
To like Dune, you gotta be into Politics and Religion bullshit in a science fiction context.

And stop at Children of Dune
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 07 June, 2016, 05:13:11 AM
I have to admit to a lot of love for Dune.  I've recently reread it after 30 odd years and thoroughly enjoyed it again.  There are some great ideas in it; ecology, eugenics, destiny vs free will.  As Adventurer says, it helps to like your Sci Fi with a political (not so sure about religious but I see the point as there is a lot there, I just see it as political in the context of the novel) slant.

As von Boom says, there is plenty else out there that is enjoyable.  It is not sacrilege to not enjoy it.  (just be prepared for excommunication!)  ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 07 June, 2016, 05:20:19 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 07 June, 2016, 05:13:11 AM(not so sure about religious but I see the point as there is a lot there, I just see it as political in the context of the novel)

Fair enough. I suppose what I mean to say is, you gotta be on board for some Space Feudalism
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 07 June, 2016, 11:46:22 AM
Funnily enough I read Dune for the first time a few months ago - only reason I didn't review it here was that I struggled to say anything about it without writing an essay! There is just so much going on, and so much to think about afterwards - my head was in a whirl for days.

I struggled initially, I have to admit. Didn't much like the prose style, and there were a lot of narrative pet hates in evidence (primarily skipping constantly between different character's thoughts/pov mid-scene and mid-chapter); and although there was an awful lot of stuff happening, it seemed to be taking an age to get to the meat of the story. I was enjoying it well enough but not hugely engaged up until [spoiler]the Baron's assault on the Atreides[/spoiler], when absolutely everything gets turned on its head and the narrative just explodes into action. I was utterly hooked from that point on, right up to the end, and I'll definately be back for parts II and III of the initial trilogy.

There's certainly nothing else quite like it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Michael Knight on 09 June, 2016, 01:52:35 PM
Just finished the 'Abnett' Droids 'Wilds End - the enemy within'. Really enjoyed this series as much as the first. would love to see a continuation.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 10 June, 2016, 01:12:08 PM
I really Like Dune and the Dune universe but have never been able to get through the damn novel, I thing a re-try might be in order for me too, I've been reading a lot more Sci-fi lately.

speaking of Sci-fi just raced through collected books 3 , 5 and 6 of Manhattan Projects.  Great crazy Sci-fi , splendid art (reminds me of Frank Quietly quite a bit) and a total mind f&*k of a read just how I like em.  Bit sad to see the end of Yuri and Laika though :(  Wouldn't be out of place in the Galaxy's Greatest. Anyone know if more is on the way?

Black Science, another great Sci-fi comic, bit more grounded than M.P. but every bit as good.  The art is amazing if a tad dark, some of the spreads and alternate city designs are really detailed they get across so much in so few pages considering how little time we spend in each one (the design work on the Native American world and tech comes to mind).  Need more of this too.

Nearly up to the last Fables, Cubs in Toyland (book 18?) and then Snow White (book 19?) still great.  Surely aint the last I've seen of Bigby.  Amazing how this has managed to keep going well past it's original Adversary storyline and nearly the whole bajillion pages drawn by the one artist, just great.

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 19 June, 2016, 03:51:50 PM
The dark knight returns: Last crusade.

Really liked this one. Had a classic feel to it. Not only serves as a prequel to DKR, but also as a bridge between Y1 (Gordon mentioning someone calling himself the joker) and DKR. The focus is on Jason, I think the subjects ties into DKIII as well (I could easily see this being the last chapter when DKIII gets collected)

I thought Joker was brilliant in this. Being able to take a step backwards while still being two ahead of everyone else. And just as Jason's story connects with Bruce, I'm thinking Dick (who's only mentioned once in the book) picked one or two beats from the Joker with his appearance in DKSA.

Outside DKR, I think reads well on it's own as well. A story about Bruce being confronted on his obsessions as well as what his teachings does to his Robins.

Well recommended!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: futureimperfect on 04 July, 2016, 07:54:25 AM
Vurt

Story and setting wise it reminds me of A Scanner Darkly. A bleak dystopian future where drug use is rampant in society. And oh what fantastic drugs they are! So glad I picked it up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 July, 2016, 03:08:03 PM
Stephen Kings new novel and third in the Bill (or is it Kermit?  :lol: ) Hodges trilogy.

Very enjoyable. The first book in the trilogy was essentially a crime thriller with no supernatural elements, which is unusual for King, although not unheard of. The second had a little bit of supernatural, but that had nothing to do with the main story of that novel. In fact you could remove that element of the story (which is actually part of the thread of this third novel) and the story would not lack for it. And both stories are good, and kind of refreshing for this difference, although I am a sucker for supernatural fantasy elements.

It seems King is [spoiler]too because the supernatural is back quite strong in this third novel, although it is still a detective story at heart.[/spoiler]  I haven't finished it yet, but I'm enjoying it a lot. There was one resolution [spoiler] that relied a but too much on unlikely coincidence[/spoiler]. That's something that Stephen King relies on a bit too much at times, but it was still an interesting occurrence and I think the good stuff, and decent characterisation outweighs the not so good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 July, 2016, 09:00:33 PM
So as I'm reading Progs at home when travelling about I'm reading digital Star Wars comics bought a while ago and I've just finished 'The Star Wars' an adaptation of Lucus' first complete draft which would be revised many, many times before becoming 'American Graffiti'... or something.

Anyway its a corking read. I mean I have absolutely no idea how Mr Lucus thought it would all fit into one movie, maybe he didn't maybe that's the idea of a first draft, throw it all in and see what comes out of the re-write wash. Folk on here with more Star Wars knowledge will have a better idea. What I do think is it would have made a cracking Saturday Morning serial. The influence of Flash Gordon, Buck Rogers etc really come to the fore in this version of the story. Its a real rollercoaster (nowt like a cliche!).

Half the fun of course is finding the bits you recognise from all the films across the original trilogy and even the rubbish triology. Loads of it in there all mixed up and messed around and seeing those scenes and characters in a new context is immense fun. All helped by the wonderful art of Mathew Mayhew, an artist I've always found a bit stilted and static in the past, who has really cut loose here and tells the story in fine, fitting kinetic style. Lovely stuff.

If you've not read this and enjoy your Star Wars stuff can't recommend it highly enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 04 July, 2016, 10:28:40 PM
Quote from: futureimperfect on 04 July, 2016, 07:54:25 AM
Vurt

Story and setting wise it reminds me of A Scanner Darkly. A bleak dystopian future where drug use is rampant in society. And oh what fantastic drugs they are! So glad I picked it up.

Must read this again. I loved it when it first came out, especially with the familiar Manchester locations.

I'm currently re-reading one of my all time favourites: A Prayer for Owen Meaney by John Irving. I needed a holiday novel (GNs just aren't practical  :D). It's actually been ages since I read anything that doesn't have pretty pictures. What a strange tale it is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 04 July, 2016, 10:29:52 PM
I read The Passage Trilogy on holiday.

It was fun, even if the apocalypse stuff was underplayed (there's a kinda... "and then a year passed", with some newspapers being found to give a flavour of what happens).

The two sequels are a bit of a re-tread. In both, the first part of the book is set pre-apocalypse and the second part then picks things up in the post-apocalypse, showing the impact of the events in the first section.

This made for the second and third books, which also benefit from being a couple of hundred pages shorter (the first was over 1000 on my Kobo), being a paradoxically a bit dull (as you are seeing the same events from a different perspective and so any shock value is lost) yet also quite interesting (as you see the impact past events have on the other characters).

The books are incredibly well-written, and an easy read (I got through over 2500 pages in ten days).

Would I recommend them? Dunno. On the one hand, the books are a poor telling of a hackneyed apocalypse, with no real emphasis on the end of the world and unexplained spiritual elements. On the other hand, they are well constructed character pieces.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 July, 2016, 06:16:20 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 04 July, 2016, 10:28:40 PM
I'm currently re-reading one of my all time favourites: A Prayer for Owen Meaney by John Irving. I needed a holiday novel (GNs just aren't practical  :D). It's actually been ages since I read anything that doesn't have pretty pictures. What a strange tale it is.

Love A Prayer for Owen Meaney. My favourite John Irving book. Must try to find time to re-read his novels myself some time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 July, 2016, 09:20:36 AM
In terms of comics, i'm currently powering my way through the second and third trades for Lumberjanes. It truly is one of the best, most delightfully upbeat comics on the market. Take the sceevy 80's feel out of The Goonies and replace it with a cast of genuinely likable one's, and your onto a winner. Oh, and LGBTQ+ representation. Thats important.

Next, onto Suicide Squad: Rogues!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 07 July, 2016, 10:06:23 AM
I'm about to start Don Winslow's Savages.

Read Power Of The Dog and The Cartel recently, and couldn't recommend them highly enough. Love the characters he has created, and the way he has woven real life events into the stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 07 July, 2016, 11:43:50 AM
Hopelessly behind on some things but have to mention The Maxx. 6 months behind on this, and 26 was tremendous. One of the best things I've ever read. Hilarious, moving, with some of the funkiest art you'll ever see (which I like). You find Culbard sparse and uninspiring ? Pick up The Maxx!

It was a nice antidote to the preceding comic: Vertigo Quarterly SFX 3. I'd have dropped this at the time, it's the equivalent of comics medicine and I can see now it's not *really* good for me... just dull and pretentious (mostly). Bundling several dull tales together doesn't disguise that. See also: Dark Horse Presents.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 July, 2016, 10:29:11 AM
The Fireman by Joe Hill was an interesting book to read whilst in New England myself, mainly because I could hear the more ridiculous accents in real life if I kept my ears open. It's an OK book which struggles to get going and is a bit in love with its own ridiculous main characters and their contrivances, but  it's enjoyable enough throughout.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E Schwab is pretty typical fantasy fun and ran along extremely quickly. Nice bit o fun.

Of Dice and Men by David M. Ewalt was easily the best thing I read though. Non-fiction popular look at the history of Dungeons & Dragons via one man's return to the game after years in the wilderness. Loved it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 08 July, 2016, 10:21:45 PM
Nemesis the warlock, colour edition.

One of the most imaginative stories I've read. Every page made me bubbly with the stuff thrown in, both art and writing. Only Adventure times comes close.

While it's not the whole Nemesis story, I think it ends on a fitting note. Felt like a new cycle began. Revenge begat revenge. If they'd used the latest last Nemesis panel (Nemesis and Torquemada made into one, endlessly chasing each other still one million years later on) it'd be perfect. --I'm even thinking of making a copy of that panel and glue it in, on the last black page.

For those who haven't read it already --DO. Because it's brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: futureimperfect on 09 July, 2016, 03:39:19 AM
The Complete Alien Omnibus - Alan Dean Foster

So the only reason I picked this up is because I want to see Alien 3 is based on the screenplay involving monks on a wooden satellite. I'm not holding out too much hope but you never know. And for $3 at the thrift shop it's worth the risk.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 13 July, 2016, 09:06:06 PM
OK, so still working my way through Dune and making more headroom than usual...but somethings bugging me, why are The Guild such a big deal? They seem to exist solely to ferry The Spice and it's commodity equals throughout the galaxy, and despite having by far the greatest monopoly on space way's their ultimate desires, to have ultimate control of The Spice resources, seem somewhat...shallow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 14 July, 2016, 10:34:43 AM
He who controls the Spice, controls the Universe!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 14 July, 2016, 05:28:57 PM
The Guild controls space travel through their monopoly on the maths and techniques of folding space and navigation. Without them the Imperium would collapse due to the lack of trade between worlds.

Before Spice was discovered Guild Navigators used other drugs to increase their prescience in order to avoid hazards in their fold. The discovery of Spice as an aid to prescience increased their abilities to the point where space travel was 100% safe. For the Guild the Spice is a very powerful tool, and their weakness, in maintaining their monopoly on space travel.

Before the Guild there were other means of space travel, but they were barely FTL and very dangerous.

Herbert used the Spice as an allegory to oil, but magnified it's importance a thousandfold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 14 July, 2016, 07:51:27 PM
Darwyn Cooke's The new frontier.

Easy to get fooled by a colourful rounded art, and a plot that can be described as 60:s meta-men vs dinosaurs.

A bit like thinking Led Zeppelin III's cover has some colour to it, looking cheery enough and then finding yourself hit by the thunder of Immigrant song.

Wouldn't say it goes as far as I'd wanted it with for example John Henry, but it threw in some things of thought now and then. Especially with Man hunter. Also a bit jumpy, and it didn't help that I'm not a professor when it comes to who's who without the tights. But the story is nevertheless good. And the art... It's beyond that. It's brilliant with it's Kirby infused inks. A testament to the book that even if the hour was late, I couldn't help myself from sitting down with to eye my 4th world ominbus books for a bit. And to me, that's where this books sits on my shelf.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grugz on 14 July, 2016, 07:55:42 PM
still plodding through star wars twilight company but have "life debt" waiting once I finish...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 July, 2016, 09:47:55 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 14 July, 2016, 07:51:27 PM
It's brilliant with it's Kirby infused inks. A testament to the book that even if the hour was late, I couldn't help myself from sitting down with to eye my 4th world ominbus books for a bit. And to me, that's where this books sits on my shelf.

Praise doesn't get much higher than that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JudgeBriggs on 14 July, 2016, 11:05:48 PM
Just tried "Archangel" - by William Gibson, time travel set across WW2, so far so good...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 15 July, 2016, 08:34:56 AM
The Maxx #33...alright, i'll be writing more in depth about it later along with the rest of the last two weeks comics haul, but as an individual issue in anseries of superlatives, #33 is wierd as all hell.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 23 July, 2016, 08:32:20 PM
Well 'eaven's to Betsy that was good.

Just read Elephantmen Vol. 1 Wounded Animals. Its my first taste of Richard Starkings and co's creations and by George its magnificent. It helps that I've always been a bog fan of artist Moritat's work since I first came across it in The Spirit a few years ago. When he's not on art duties Starking seems able to recruit the very finest to stand in and the whole thing looks suitable glorious. Both outlandish and unreal while being grounded in noir. An intoxicating mix. The story is a little open and mysterious over the whole, but the details that are building the bigger, still barely seen, picture are exquiste and executed it real timing and panache.

So I'm indebt to the boarder who sold me this volume. I'll be working on the best way to track down the rest of this as of right now!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 July, 2016, 09:45:56 PM
Haden Blackman isn't a writer I know a great deal about, though I've heard good things about his Elektra. On the strenght of his Darth Vader mini's I may well give that series a go. By heck his Vader comics are great. Set in early post rubbish trilogy times just after Anakin has become Vader they really are ripsnotingly good, they really are. The only problem with them is the 5 issues I have (two five issue minis) take about 2 mins 34 secs to read in total. Not sure quite how as he crams quite a lot in there.

The art of both series is great. The first Lost Command is drawn by the always magnificent Rick Leonardi whose work actually drew me to these comics in the first place. Adore his work. The second Ghost Prison is 'painted' by whose work I'm entirely ignorant of Agustin Alessio but its really good, okay not Leonardo good, but very good. Kinda reminds me of Ben Oliver once (briefly) of these pastures.

Anyway if your a fan of Star Wars type comics these two series I whole heartiedly recommend. Quite astonishly good fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 25 July, 2016, 10:49:37 PM
Charles Stross The Nightmare Stacks.

Billed as H P Lovelock meets Ian Fleming in the past.  Having moved past some of the old characterisation it definitely works.  A rather surreal scene involving middle England parents, a transgender partner, a son who no longer works for a bank but is literally a blood sucker with an Elfin partner, ... sorry but the whole combination of culture clashes just made me laugh out loud.

Stress is continuing to build on his world with this series and this volume definitely works.  I guess you may have to have experienced the Civil Service / HM forces mind set for some of the humour to work.  Granted it is not a patch on the late Sir Terry but it runs a close second for my money.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 25 July, 2016, 10:51:34 PM
I read the The Atrocity Archives last year, and liked it quite a bit. I really should follow up on the rest of Stross's Laundry series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 26 July, 2016, 12:22:34 AM
I read Leatherjack for the first time recently.

I found myself thinking "eh?", and "what?" a few times. It's kinda crazy,  but in a clever way.

I liked it overall.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 26 July, 2016, 01:41:25 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 23 July, 2016, 08:32:20 PM
Well 'eaven's to Betsy that was good.

Just read Elephantmen Vol. 1 Wounded Animals. ... The story is a little open and mysterious over the whole, but the details that are building the bigger, still barely seen, picture are exquiste and executed it real timing and panache.

I bought the first four books and whilst it's great stuff, I did feel that it was rather slow moving - for a £25 volume the size of a phone book  the plot doesn't advance very quickly. The Strontium Dog and Judge Dredd crossovers that he did with Boo Cook for the Thought-tBubble anthologies were top class!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 27 July, 2016, 03:30:13 PM
I can easily recommend Dark Horse's newest title Black Hammer. It's about a superhero team forced into hiding and struggling to live normal lives. There's more to it but I don't want to spoil the surprises. Check it out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 July, 2016, 03:32:30 PM
Prog 1751. I think this 5/5 masterpiece is a contender for the Top Ten progs. And it's the first time I've read it. Wowzers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 27 July, 2016, 03:43:53 PM
Quote from: Tordelback on 27 July, 2016, 03:32:30 PM
Prog 1751. I think this 5/5 masterpiece is a contender for the Top Ten progs. And it's the first time I've read it. Wowzers.
That prog has possibly my favourite Dirty Frank scene ever.

"Dirty Frank has never had sex..."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 28 July, 2016, 10:08:31 AM
Quote from: GordyM on 27 July, 2016, 03:30:13 PM
I can easily recommend Dark Horse's newest title Black Hammer. It's about a superhero team forced into hiding and struggling to live normal lives. There's more to it but I don't want to spoil the surprises. Check it out.

Is this the book Dean Ormston is doing the art for?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 28 July, 2016, 10:12:45 AM
Quote from: Rately on 28 July, 2016, 10:08:31 AM
Is this the book Dean Ormston is doing the art for?

It is and, at the risk of repeating myself, it's great. First book in ages where I've re-read an issue almost immediately after finishing it the first time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 28 July, 2016, 12:19:17 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 28 July, 2016, 10:12:45 AM
Quote from: Rately on 28 July, 2016, 10:08:31 AM
Is this the book Dean Ormston is doing the art for?

It is and, at the risk of repeating myself, it's great. First book in ages where I've re-read an issue almost immediately after finishing it the first time.

Definitely going to check it out, Jim. I've seen a few covers, and they're lovely.

Thanks,

Cathal
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 July, 2016, 07:37:09 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 28 July, 2016, 10:12:45 AM
Quote from: Rately on 28 July, 2016, 10:08:31 AM
Is this the book Dean Ormston is doing the art for?

It is and, at the risk of repeating myself, it's great. First book in ages where I've re-read an issue almost immediately after finishing it the first time.

Watch the biggin' up. Managed to get to me nerd shop today and got my pull list. New comics go to the top of the pile to be read... you're setting my expectations HIGH!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 28 July, 2016, 09:01:47 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 28 July, 2016, 07:37:09 PM
Watch the biggin' up. Managed to get to me nerd shop today and got my pull list. New comics go to the top of the pile to be read... you're setting my expectations HIGH!

I don't actually read a lot of comics these days, so my frame of reference may be a bit out of whack with many comic fans...!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 July, 2016, 09:24:03 PM
Read it and... its very very good. Best thing out there, not quite but still very very good. No one does the slow wide open spaces of north American farmland like Jeff Lemire. Really intriguing set up. Nice to see Dean Ormston knocking out the park after his illness. This book looks like being well worth the wait.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Michael Knight on 29 July, 2016, 12:00:49 AM
I picked up IDW'S Action Man #1 out of curiosity. Was really pleasantly surprised in finding it a great modern adaption of the classic British Counterpart to GI JOE. Ordering issue #2 now!
Have also been reading 'The Shadow'/'Twilight Zone' crossover from Dynamite comics which has got better as its gone along.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 29 July, 2016, 09:48:47 PM
Read Heart to darkness today while I was sunbathing by the river. Fascinating story. Also fascinating to consider what I was reading while a bunch of kids where playing pokemon go. -good for them :)

But about the book. I find it fascinating how Kurtz's greatness is built up through peoples ideas and impressions of him, only to to have it all fall apart when Marlow meets him. I really like the tragedy of it, when Marlow also chooses to play along with it. Not having the heart to disappoint Kurtz's girl.

Love these sorts of stories. Moby Dick, 1984, Man who was Thursday, Blood Meridian and such. Or the recent Metal Gear Solid game. Also Judge Dredd Origins :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 30 July, 2016, 09:50:07 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 29 July, 2016, 09:48:47 PM


Love these sorts of stories. Moby Dick, 1984, Man who was Thursday, Blood Meridian and such. Or the recent Metal Gear Solid game. Also Judge Dredd Origins :)

Had another read of Origins myself the other evening, and those final few panels are just amazing stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 02 August, 2016, 02:50:53 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 29 July, 2016, 09:48:47 PM
Read Heart of darkness today while I was sunbathing by the river. Fascinating story.

I blagged a whole essay on Heart of Darkness in my university finals based on what I could remember from Apocalypse Now as I hadn't read the book. Didn't do so well on that paper IIRC.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 August, 2016, 02:01:07 PM
Quote from: Colin_YNWA on 28 July, 2016, 09:24:03 PM
Read it and... its very very good. Best thing out there, not quite but still very very good. No one does the slow wide open spaces of north American farmland like Jeff Lemire. Really intriguing set up. Nice to see Dean Ormston knocking out the park after his illness. This book looks like being well worth the wait.

Picked this up on Jim's recommendation too - very enjoyable, like most of Lemire's stuff. Ormston certainly has has mojo back, this is probably my favourite of his work to date, and bizarrely feels a bit like Lemire's. Great to see. My only reservation is the subject matter - feel like we've been down the [spoiler]Missing/Retired Strangely Familiar Golden Age Superheroes [/spoiler]path quite a few times now. However, I suppose it's what they do with the setup that matters, and this is certainly engaging so far.

Also: 'Barbalien' seems like a neologism I will be making use of the future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Pyroxian on 03 August, 2016, 02:05:01 PM
Just read "Who goes there", the original novella that "The Thing", and "The Thing from Another World" were base on. I thought it would be more like TTFAW, but actually was much closer to "The Thing" in tone, just without all the body horror.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 03 August, 2016, 02:35:07 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 02 August, 2016, 02:50:53 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 29 July, 2016, 09:48:47 PM
Read Heart of darkness today while I was sunbathing by the river. Fascinating story.

I blagged a whole essay on Heart of Darkness in my university finals based on what I could remember from Apocalypse Now as I hadn't read the book. Didn't do so well on that paper IIRC.

Dan dont dare read an 80 page book? :P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: blackmocco on 06 August, 2016, 12:38:07 PM
Been buying like crazy since SDCC. All apologies if some of these have already been covered but I'm not trawling through this thread to check.

I'm never going to stop giving a huge shout-out to Giant Days. My current favorite. Not a superhero, alien, or robot in sight and all the more entertaining for it. If there's proof there's new life in the comics medium, this is it. Some decent contribution from our Mr. Campbell, too. As if that wasn't reason enough for you to check it out...!

Harrow County is awesome as well. American gothic horror with beautiful, beautiful painted art. Loving this one too.

The Discipline, written by 2000AD alumnus Pete Milligan. Not 100% sold on this yet. It's very much adult-themed, tons of demon sex, but something about the story not quite grabbing me yet. Feels a little forced. I'm sticking with it though. Beautiful art.

Satellite Falling Is working for me as well. Actually could almost belong in 2000AD. Great unapologetic sci-fi that clips along, kickass heroine, tons of aliens.

Currently working my way through Paul Dini's Dark Night. It's a great, if tough, read. A great insight into the life of an animation artist (something I can wholeheartedly relate to) and, unfortunately, into the trauma that comes with being violently mugged. Highly recommended. Some mind-blowing art from Eduardo Risso too.

And IDW's Dredd title. McDaid's art is great, I think. Not sure it particularly suits Dredd but I like his style. The story-- well, it is what it is which is NOT really a convincing Dredd. I'm trying to give it a chance because I got to, by a weird coincidence, hang out with the writer Ulises Farinas at SDCC and he's a lovely guy who means well and likes all the same shit movies I do. He defended his choices with the point that Dredd has never really taken off here in the US as presented and what with two failed movies and fuck knows how many different comic lines, I found my usual defense of Dredd somewhat lacking. He wanted to do an Elseworlds Dredd and in that regard, he's succeeded even if, in my opinion, he missed the point that MC1 herself is as much a character in Dredd as Dredd himself. Nonetheless, I've been guilty of napalming this one on sight, so I'm trying really hard to keep an open mind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 August, 2016, 09:44:18 PM
Read 'God Hates Astronauts'  Vol. 1 and BLOODY HELL it's brilliant. Quite bonkers but also very possibly the funniest thing I've read in comics for literally years.

Picked this up as part of an Image Humble Bundle and worth the price alone. Wonderous stuff, quite mind boggling. If my reading list wasn't so stupidly long I'd be snapping the rest of this up now. As it is I'LL wait for the next Image digital sale and feverishly purchase everything last thing I don't currently own... as should you...

YES YOU!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: futureimperfect on 07 August, 2016, 10:07:09 AM
Just read the collected Savage Wolverine. For someone who hasn't read a marvel book in a long time I found it quite enjoyable. The art was spot on, and the violence was good too. Some severed limbs and even [spoiler]The Hulk[/spoiler] getting claws driven into the top of his skull :D Considering that I didn't know the background of the other characters involved it was very easy to get in to, and I will be sure to get more similar works. 7/10
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 07 August, 2016, 02:07:33 PM
Unfollow #10. Still following Rob Williams' exciting and pertinent social media thriller.

Beast Wagon #4. Fantastic and, a times, quite trippy indie comic set in a zoo with talking animals-includes a turtle with messianic tendencies.
At times laugh out loud funny with beautiful Dave McKean-esque art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 11 August, 2016, 07:33:05 AM
Garth Ennis - Dreaming Eagles

Great story about some  Tuskagee airmen. Afro americans who fought nazis in the sky, and racists at home. Ennis script has a nice timely feel to it. Simon Coleby's art is splendid, I couldn't almost help myself from doing a "wrooom" sound when reading some of the panels. Everything from planes passing by to people falling bloody from the sky, it all has a certain weight to it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 11 August, 2016, 01:37:43 PM
The wicked + the Divine by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie. Bit of an impulse buy, really enjoyed it and ordered books 2 & 3. I read the FCBD teaser for Phonogram by these creators and didn't like it at all - I could see what they were trying to do with a music-themed comic, but the premise just didn't work and I found the characters annoying. This one is not exactly free of cliches, but I like the central idea - every 90 years 12 gods become incarnated in young host bodies - they spend 2 years seeking worship and "inspiring" the world and then die. In the 21st century this means careers as pop stars. Nice art and just enough hanging plot threads to make me want to keep reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tombo on 11 August, 2016, 09:37:56 PM
Spoiler free warning - Volume two of Wic+Div ends with one of the biggest WTF! moments I've ever read in a comic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Im_not_Frank on 12 August, 2016, 09:17:11 AM
Chuck Palahniuks Make Something Up. My first and probably last Chuck Palahniuk book. I read the first 3 stories (and I was being really generous making it that far) Just could not get into it at all. An acquired taste I suppose. Luckily my copy of Gun Machine by Warren Ellis turned up the same day. I'm about a third of the way through and loving it. You can literally be laughing on one page and shocked by something horrific the next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 12 August, 2016, 12:01:19 PM
Fight Club is great though. Both movie and book. And they take about the same amount of time to get through.

Gun Machine is something else - loved that and crooked little vein
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 18 August, 2016, 08:20:49 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 12 August, 2016, 12:01:19 PM
Fight Club is great though. Both movie and book. And they take about the same amount of time to get through.

Read the sequel?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Grugz on 18 August, 2016, 09:09:20 PM
picked up the complete spawn manga series the other day what I did forget was the reading it the wrong way round which is a struggle when ive been reading left to right for 45 years

still its cracking !
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 18 August, 2016, 09:18:59 PM
Quote from: Grugz on 18 August, 2016, 09:09:20 PM
picked up the complete spawn manga series the other day what I did forget was the reading it the wrong way round which is a struggle when ive been reading left to right for 45 years

still its cracking !
Huh, the Juzo Tokoro stuff? Interesting, i'd heard of it but being new to Spawn i'd not got around to it. I'll have to bump them up a little on my too buy pile, I like Tokoro's spin-off on Hell Teacher Nube in the Jump.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 19 August, 2016, 11:38:25 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 18 August, 2016, 08:20:49 PM
Read the sequel?

Nah I have to admit the thought didn't appeal :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 19 August, 2016, 05:45:17 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 19 August, 2016, 11:38:25 AMNah I have to admit the thought didn't appeal :)

I liked it much better than I thought I would. Quite different from what I imagined, and I'm happy for it :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mute77 on 24 August, 2016, 07:37:56 PM
Just finished the first two Goon library editions and really enjoyed 'em..the artwork alone pops out of the page and the next stories are meant to get darker in tone. Its also funny and touching...would recommend this!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 27 August, 2016, 12:09:24 AM
A few memoirs, picked up at recent cons and given a chance...

Plans We Made (Simon Moreton)
A GN of the most truly minimalistic art you'll see. US/Canadian pricing & distribution (not UK) and I hoped to get more from it than transpired. The pages that are genuinely blank are not out of place. You get the idea. Takes 'filling in the blanks' to new heights. A 'statement', I guess.

Kathryn Briggs
Triskelion 1-3; Magpie; Story (Cycle)
Unashamed 'arty' comics and as a fan of the genre I looked forward to these. Turns out, the art didn't stand up to close scrutiny as hoped, and my own thick-headedness meant most came across as pretension, unfortunately. Magpie the most accessible, biographical and accessible, I'd recommend this book at least.

Alex Hahn
Going Home
Post Conatus (vol. 1)

The former was a hugely pleasant surprise, angsty with simplistic but confident art and genuinely funny observational episodes (set out in diary form, page per day). Post Conatus a lengthier and bigger-format book, excellent if not quite so punchy. Looking forward to Vol. 2 whenever that appears.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 27 August, 2016, 12:44:41 AM
Oh, Hannah Berry's fantastic Adamtine too. I don't even much like horror, but loved this. Glorious.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ManParrish on 27 August, 2016, 06:50:04 PM
Providence Act 1 by Alan Moore, really enjoyed it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 29 August, 2016, 09:01:00 PM
Just got through Johns, Morrison, Rucka, and Waid's 52.

Quite good. Liked it better than I thought I would. While I would'v liked it if there was a bit more on why the big three went missing (to add to the framing), or perhaps if the book just skipped them fully. Still a fascinating story framing and some fun ideas. Also cool to read bits of commentary from the creators between the chapters/weeks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 30 August, 2016, 11:04:54 AM
Mr Mercedes by Mr S. King. Great little read  - potboiler at its best, though not really in the sense of that word as I think Mr King is catering purely to his own tastes by writing this sort of pulpy thriller.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 August, 2016, 09:41:47 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 30 August, 2016, 11:04:54 AM
Mr Mercedes by Mr S. King. Great little read  - potboiler at its best, though not really in the sense of that word as I think Mr King is catering purely to his own tastes by writing this sort of pulpy thriller.

Yeah, a great read. I was sort of chugging through it enjoying the retired-detective procedural and then I realised that, almost instantly,  I was desperately scared for ALL the characters. Even the vile perp himself. And I had no idea how it would end or who would survive.  That's classic King writing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 31 August, 2016, 10:14:03 AM
Heh yes, that realisation kicked in for me at the point where Brady is looking for some Gopher-be-Gone and making hamburgers for Jerome's dog
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 31 August, 2016, 10:25:13 AM
I've the last few King books sitting on my bedtable, so i think i'll have to jump in and get a start on them.

Mind you, i'm busting to read It again, but i'll hold off on that till Halloween.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 02 September, 2016, 07:03:21 PM
After throughly enjoying the Fighting Mann Battle Classics I decided to track down the HMS Nightshade volume at long last and man am I glad I did.  What the hell was I thinking of passing it by at the time.  Western's art is truly on form although there are one or two pages that look a little rushed.  Some of the characters are also a bit one dimensional and the old bully comes good cliche gets thrown in as well.  That said it was a fantastic read.  I was also fortunate to pick it up dirt cheap so very happy.  I know Rebellion now have the rights but I hope they put all their support behind Titan for the reprints.  Either that or keep it at this standard.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: hippynumber1 on 05 October, 2016, 07:58:29 PM
I hope nobody minds me posting this here. I'm currently running a giveaway of my novel, 'Sex & Violets', on Goodreads; simply enter for a chance to win one of ten signed copies. https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/204404-sex-violets
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mute77 on 13 October, 2016, 08:47:14 PM
Just started Dept.H by Matt Kindt it's like a deep sea murder mystery with a bit of science fiction thrown in. I quite like the art although I can see it might not be for everyone. It's about 12 issues long which is perfect as I don't want to commit to endless or long running series.
Also enjoying Warren Ellis run on bond..6 issues in a nifty hardcover. Apparently this version is closer to Ian Flemingston books than the films. Recommended!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mute77 on 13 October, 2016, 08:48:20 PM
That should read Ian Fleming. Bloody auto correct.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SpongeJosh on 13 October, 2016, 08:56:18 PM
Best of Pulp Sci-Fi bagged with Meg 296. Enjoyed all the stories. That'll teach me not to ignore free material.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 October, 2016, 09:29:10 PM
Quote from: Mute77 on 13 October, 2016, 08:47:14 PM...
Also enjoying Warren Ellis run on bond..6 issues in a nifty hardcover. Apparently this version is closer to Ian Flemingston books than the films. Recommended!

Yeah Ellis' Bond is quite superb. Not quite sure how close to the original it is (only ever read one Bond book) but its certainly working.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mute77 on 13 October, 2016, 09:46:19 PM
I think Ellis signed up for 12 issues. Short but oh so sweet.  Andy Diggles taken over the series after that..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 October, 2016, 10:02:16 PM
Quote from: Mute77 on 13 October, 2016, 09:46:19 PM
I think Ellis signed up for 12 issues. Short but oh so sweet.  Andy Diggles taken over the series after that..

Its actually a seperate mini Diggle's doing (though I guess he could be taking over after Ellis on the main series to?) Hammerhead. Issue 1 is out now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mute77 on 13 October, 2016, 10:16:20 PM
Aah, I didn't realise that it was a mini series-will check it out still, cheers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Michael Knight on 13 October, 2016, 11:48:43 PM
Half Past Danger by Stephen Mooney!
Great graphic novel crossing Indiana Jones, The Dirty Dozen and The Land that time forgot! Awesome stuff! A sequel in the works!  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 14 October, 2016, 09:18:16 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 13 October, 2016, 09:29:10 PM
Quote from: Mute77 on 13 October, 2016, 08:47:14 PM...
Also enjoying Warren Ellis run on bond..6 issues in a nifty hardcover. Apparently this version is closer to Ian Flemingston books than the films. Recommended!

Yeah Ellis' Bond is quite superb. Not quite sure how close to the original it is (only ever read one Bond book) but its certainly working.

Seconded with both hands up well & truly in the air on that one. Mad to think that Dynamite turned down Fay Dalton (http://www.foliosociety.com/book/CSR/casino-royale) as artist for this title, isn't it?  Jason Master's art does the job that is required of it; but one does get the feeling that despite his never actually seen a human being he has read a Sean Phillips comic or two.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 October, 2016, 05:51:13 PM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 14 October, 2016, 09:18:16 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 13 October, 2016, 09:29:10 PM
Quote from: Mute77 on 13 October, 2016, 08:47:14 PM...
Also enjoying Warren Ellis run on bond..6 issues in a nifty hardcover. Apparently this version is closer to Ian Flemingston books than the films. Recommended!

Yeah Ellis' Bond is quite superb. Not quite sure how close to the original it is (only ever read one Bond book) but its certainly working.

Seconded with both hands up well & truly in the air on that one. Mad to think that Dynamite turned down Fay Dalton (http://www.foliosociety.com/book/CSR/casino-royale) as artist for this title, isn't it?  Jason Master's art does the job that is required of it; but one does get the feeling that despite his never actually seen a human being he has read a Sean Phillips comic or two.

Ha! While I get on with Jason Master's art just fine your description is a pretty damned good one. Would have loved to have seen Fay Dalton art duties.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 November, 2016, 09:03:55 PM
Well Pete Milligan and Duncan Freredo's Enigma has finally got to the top of my reading pile. I'd had about half of this from back in the day, but it was right at the end of my comic reading days (or so I thought then!) and so I'd barely paid it any attention. I've heard a couple if people rave about it here and so have been looking forward to giving it the attention it seemed to deserve... and boy does it. Its a fantastic examination of, well its Pete Milligan so it identity but with lashing of sexual exploration and awakings. Its fairly typically early Vertigo, but that's hardly a problem. Fittingly it has a wonderfully enigmatic ending which I really loved.

I struggle a little with Duncan Fregado's art when looking through, but when sat down to read it fittingly reveals a completely different side and is deceptively easy on the eye. I'm not a big fan of the colouring which I think drowns the art but I became used to it and was able to my misgivings aside.

So yeah it had a lot to live up to and to but managed it with some aplomb. See what all the fuss you lot (well two I can think of at least) have been making about this. Great comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 14 November, 2016, 10:30:02 AM
Enigma - from memory at least - is tremendous. Fegredo is a favourite artist, had him sign an MPH in Leeds last week. Didn't mention Enigma but there was a half-spirited defence of Millar and his recent work. MPH is a great read, not just for the usual *stunning* Fegredo dynamic art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 14 November, 2016, 10:42:30 AM
MPH was okay.But thats kinda it IMO.Its just okay.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 November, 2016, 09:14:24 PM
Over the last few nights I've re-read Six-Gun Gorilla by Si Spurrier and Jeff Stokely. I raved about this when it came out and on re-read... well its even better.

I'm a sucker for a story about story and this is one of the finest, well it does have a giant anthropmorphic gun totting ape in it.

Seriously if you've not read this and you enjoy comics treat yourself and go get it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: edgeworthy on 23 November, 2016, 03:45:17 PM
Trudging through the latest David Weber.
"Shadow of Victory" ... it is by far the most disappointing thing he has ever written.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Spikes on 26 November, 2016, 01:18:43 PM
The Ballad of Halo Jones.

Inspired by Dr Clarke's wonderful recent podcast, I had dug out the progs for a much needed re-read (Like another old favourite Skizz, I cant actually remember the last time I did sit down and give this tale a proper re-read)

So a start was made, but then the lovely TITAN books (all three..) popped up on eBay, and I managed to snag them for peanuts really.

So, now the re-read can be completed in real style.

I stopped reading the prog about 3 or 4 months prior to Halo making her debut, and I think my first encounter with her may well have been via someone's loaned TITAN collection a good number years after the fact. So I've come full circle with these.

Funny though, as I never caught Halo from it's debut, and thus missed that initial connection, a small part of me always felt a distance from the tale. As if somehow, this tale belonged to others, and not me.

Ridiculous really, as it's all kinds of wonderful. As indeed are the old TITAN books.


Now to re-read Skizz again at some point. A tale I did catch first time around.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 26 November, 2016, 07:22:53 PM
Picked up a bunch of stuff via various Black Friday sales...

Doom Patrol 2 (Young Animal) - Not read yet, art is georgeous. Holy shit.
Shade the Changing Girl 1 (Young Animal) -  Crazy, insane, baffling. I like them weird, but this one might be toooooo weird for me.
Cave Carlson has a Cybernetic Eye 1 (Young Animal) - Not as good as id hoped. I like the idea of digging up these obscure silver age science heroes, but the first issue wasn't super interesting. Was actually surprised to see Omeing on primary art duties, solid as always.
Fables Everafter 2 (Vertigo) - not read yet
Rumble Vol. 1 (Image) - Only read first issue so far. Excellent fantasy action story so far.
America vs the Justice Society GN (DC) - Classic end of Bronze Age JSA tale by Roy Thomas. Only two parts of four in so far, and its mostly the JSA going over thier history in a court room setting, but it's surprisingly riveting. I'll probably use this as a jumping off point to explore more silver age Earth 2 material.
Battleworld Krovak Saga 1-4 (Marvel) - I bought these in the Secet Wars sale because I thought they might follow the storyline left open in Gurdians 3000. I haven't read any other Secret Wars titles up till now. Mostly i was disapointed because it wasn't the follow up I was looking for. But it was well written by Dan Abnett anyway. Didn't t really make me want to go out and read more Secret Wars though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 27 November, 2016, 05:18:37 AM
Oh yeah, I also bought the first 6 issues of Alien Legion. Gotta see what that's all about.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 27 November, 2016, 07:31:40 AM
Alien Legion starts a bit slow,but once it gets going...It gets going.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 27 November, 2016, 08:16:53 AM
I've always had a lot of love for Alien Legion.  Stroman's art is first rate and the storytelling is quality.  Its one of those ones that has been around for ages but everyone seems to ignore.  Criminally underrated.  Between the two main series, the graphic novels, one shots and mini series there's quite a bit out there.  Dark Horse did Omnibii a few years ago for the two main series and Titan got in on the act, reprinting McMahon's Jugger Grimwood one shot as Part of Tenants of Hell.  Well worth a look.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 27 November, 2016, 06:25:46 PM
Hard boiled by Frank Miller and Geof Darrow.

Quite mental. Beautiful to look at. Reads like one long massive car crash where bodies explodes and causes even more cars to slide and crash and then bodies explodes...

Really liked it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 28 November, 2016, 10:03:40 AM
Alien Legion is great, was so lucky to have a few volumes knocking around my library system.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 29 November, 2016, 01:33:45 AM
Just read The Vision #12.
Final issue of a stunning run, it's sad to see it end but this way the quality never dipped, I suppose... And Tom King's titles are all wonderful; he's not going anywhere.
Yeah - best thing I've read in years.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 November, 2016, 06:39:35 AM
A friend of mine raved about The Visions and indeed Tom King to me recently as well. One to watch out for it would seem.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 29 November, 2016, 07:05:30 AM
Hmmm. Okay. Took a shot at King's Omega Men run while DC is still having their 50% off sale. We'll see what he does for DC cosmic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 November, 2016, 09:21:59 AM
Captain Britain, the Moore/Davis run from Daredevils etc, courtesy of one of those Marvel fortnightly hardback collection thingies going cheap (cheep! cheep!) in a secondhand book shop.  Amazingly this is one of the big gaps in my Moore collection, and I approached the purchase as a completionist, but I would have sworn I had at least read most of it: apparently not, it's almost all new to me, especially the characteristic 'everything you know is wrong' opening chapters, with all those cool dead British comics 'superheroes' in the background.  Rick Risk and Colonel Tusker indeed, if you listen closely Stone-Tape-fashion you can actually hear Grant Morrison scribbling notes in his jotter!  Bloody good stuff, both men visibly growing into their craft from panel to panel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Eamonn Clarke on 29 November, 2016, 09:51:42 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 29 November, 2016, 09:21:59 AM
Captain Britain, the Moore/Davis run from Daredevils etc, courtesy of one of those Marvel fortnightly hardback collection thingies going cheap (cheep! cheep!) in a secondhand book shop.  Amazingly this is one of the big gaps in my Moore collection, and I approached the purchase as a completionist, but I would have sworn I had at least read most of it: apparently not, it's almost all new to me, especially the characteristic 'everything you know is wrong' opening chapters, with all those cool dead British comics 'superheroes' in the background.  Rick Risk and Colonel Tusker indeed, if you listen closely Stone-Tape-fashion you can actually hear Grant Morrison scribbling notes in his jotter!  Bloody good stuff, both men visibly growing into their craft from panel to panel.

Great run, and fun. Duncan Nimmo and I recorded an episode of the book club about the Moore/Davis Captain Britain at Thought Bubble. Admitedly this is straying off the 2000AD prairie but we invoked the Kevin Bacon rule and it will be out in January.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 29 November, 2016, 10:21:19 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 29 November, 2016, 09:21:59 AM
Captain Britain, the Moore/Davis run from Daredevils etc, courtesy of one of those Marvel fortnightly hardback collection thingies going cheap (cheep! cheep!) in a secondhand book shop.  Amazingly this is one of the big gaps in my Moore collection, and I approached the purchase as a completionist, but I would have sworn I had at least read most of it: apparently not, it's almost all new to me, especially the characteristic 'everything you know is wrong' opening chapters, with all those cool dead British comics 'superheroes' in the background.  Rick Risk and Colonel Tusker indeed, if you listen closely Stone-Tape-fashion you can actually hear Grant Morrison scribbling notes in his jotter!  Bloody good stuff, both men visibly growing into their craft from panel to panel.

I second that emotion.Fun Fact: Earth 616 designation(for Marvels primary universe and setting),first showed up here.Because Earth 1 would be too mainstream. :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 November, 2016, 10:25:48 AM
Quote from: Eamonn Clarke on 29 November, 2016, 09:51:42 AMDuncan Nimmo and I recorded an episode of the book club about the Moore/Davis Captain Britain at Thought Bubble. Admitedly this is straying off the 2000AD prairie but we invoked the Kevin Bacon rule and it will be out in January.

Look forward to listening to that!  I'm actually reading stuff by Moore from both ends of his career at the same time, as I close in on the final chapters of Jerusalem (after being stuck for almost 3 weeks deciphering the Finnegan's Wake chapter at a best-pace of less than 2 pages a day, dear Glycon preserve us).  Two things are clear: the man really is an exquisite craftsman and a bloody-minded genius, then and now; and he has a core set of ideas that he has been coming back to again and again in his work since the start.  Not a complaint, I find it fascinating to see him explore things from different angles (geddit) and in different media, but reading these two otherwise different works at the same time really hammers it home.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 November, 2016, 12:32:03 PM
I remember being blown away by this back in the day (ish) I was lent in my a friend in the mid-eights a little after it had come out. On re-read a few years ago I was pleasantly surprised by how well it held up, if it has dated a little and sufferers from numerous stories that have built on its foundations since.

That said it is a delight to see people growing in the job and as you say Tordelback both Moore and Davis do that in spades on Captain Britain.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 29 November, 2016, 12:46:29 PM
I'm curious to know if the original art for the first Moore/Davis Captain Britain episode was ever reproduced in its intended form.

Marvel Super-heroes was a page short so the artwork had to be chopped up to lose a page.

Kind of made sense when I found that out. The front cover was brilliant but something didn't seem quite right with the interior art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 November, 2016, 08:52:40 PM
I did not know that. I want to get it out again and have a look at it to see what went on there. Very interesting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 29 November, 2016, 09:38:13 PM
I think the Moore/Davis Captain Britain is definitely Alan Moore's best work. Its also his only major early story that I never read at the time. I picked it up in a 7 issue Marvel US reprint series in the late 1990's. Moore has probably disowned it at some stage though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 30 November, 2016, 01:06:33 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 29 November, 2016, 08:52:40 PM
I did not know that. I want to get it out again and have a look at it to see what went on there. Very interesting.

I just remembered of course, the first Alan Davis Captain Britain wasn't written by Alan Moore, but Dave Thorpe.

Seems I had it the page count problem the other way round. The episode had to be stretched from five to six pages according to this:

"Meanwhile, during the nine months in which Warrior was under development, Marvel had decided to try again with Captain Britain, picking up where Steve Parkhouse had left the character in his Black Knight serial, namely being sent back to Earth accompanied by the elf Jackdaw. Helming the strip were a pair of fresh faces - Dave Thorpe, who had mulled around Marvel UK's editorial staff for a year and change waiting for a writing gig to open, and Alan Davis, making his artistic debut. Like many British comics creators of the time, Davis was a part-timer who came to comics as a second job, in Davis's case alongside driving forklifts for a warehouse. Famously, Davis was unaware that comics pages were typically drawn on oversized sheets and shrunk down for reproduction and so drew the art for his first issue at print size, resulting in there not being enough room for the dialogue and in the strip having to be printed in six pages instead of the intended five."
Eruditorumpress.com (http://www.eruditorumpress.com/blog/a-country-that-instinctively-hates-the-foreign-the-last-war-in-albion-part-44-dave-thorpes-captain-britain/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 30 November, 2016, 01:27:32 PM
Thanks for the link, SuperSurfer. Early Alan Davis is nice to see.
And for me too, Moore & Davis is a bit of a Dream Team...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SuperSurfer on 30 November, 2016, 03:16:47 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 30 November, 2016, 01:27:32 PM
Thanks for the link, SuperSurfer. Early Alan Davis is nice to see.
And for me too, Moore & Davis is a bit of a Dream Team...
No probs.

That was a great time to be into comics. I must revisit some of that old Marvel UK output such as Black Knight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 07 December, 2016, 01:01:20 PM
Quote
I find it fascinating to see him explore things from different angles (geddit) and in different media, but reading these two otherwise different works at the same time really hammers it home.

Oh, I get it. Up until the rug gets pulled and you're off somewhere entirely from where you thought you were.

I'm only several hundred pages in but by jingo, it's just magnificent. Incredibly well written of course, but so engaging I find it hard to put down despite its weight. I found the opening prologue managed to hit my nostalgia buttons hard despite it not involving me in the slightest.  I've also enjoyed how resolutely working class it is if that makes sense.

It's going to take some time to read, nevermind how long it will take to process afterward. Brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 December, 2016, 08:15:14 PM
Well been wading through a load of Hellboys over the last month and ... I know he has big fans here... and it looks quite beautiful Mignola really is a stunningly good artist ... but I'm not getting on with it. There's enough there to make me go back and read it again one day, but to be honest given the praise it had heaped on it when I asked for some advice were to start when the stuff was on sale digitally a couple years ago I was really excited to read this... its just not clicking however.

Mignola seems to have a wonderfully complex, intregrate story to tell... its just the way he tells it I'm finding a bit grating. Basically:

1. Hellboy/Hellboy colleagues/some omnious character feels a bit dower and grim,
2. Hellboy goes to an anicent castle/house/temple
3. Hellboy falls through a floor*/wall/ocean
4. He ends up on his knees (option to chain him here for variety) before some wizard/demigod (type thing)/nazi who explains his own masterplan/Hellboys fate as a totem of man's doom/how they will release Ygan-Paln-dingdong the 7 rocks of chaos-thingie and all this tentacles.
5. Hellboy and/or one of his companions/some foreshadowed helper/some random factor says something pithy and starts the fight back
6. Hellboy hits things
7. Some stuff explodes, Hellboy looses another trench coat and gets a good kicking but the day is won, rarely due to him
8. Repeat 1 but with the new level of omnious we have learnt from todays story.

Now there is clearly more to it than that but that's kinda how it all felt. BUT I want to try it again as I think there's a gem of a story in there, just not digging it out first time around. Yet still I know I'm going to try again down the road. Still have the first 12 (ish) issues of BRDP to read so hope to get on with those a little better.

As of this point though disappointing.

*Some one really needs to be checking those castle floors, they all seem to break at the point above some long lost temple to Snagy-Yak-Tallyo.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 28 December, 2016, 06:10:54 AM
Well,not every story goes like that,but it does sound pretty familiar.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 28 December, 2016, 09:32:51 AM
you missed out the WWII flashback
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 28 December, 2016, 11:55:23 AM
It's lost something in the last few years, but BPRD (volume 2 excepted) generally beats Hellboy hands down. A great ensemble cast who spark off each other wonderfully and whose personas and histories often drive the narrative, and a clearer sense of onward progression. Too often Hellboy (which I do love) amounts to the lad himself bimbling about on his lonesome through picturesque ruins.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 28 December, 2016, 12:48:42 PM
No love for Lobster Johnson?Anyone? :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 28 December, 2016, 01:48:18 PM
I like the character of Hellboy, but I never really took to the earlier comics. I haven't read all that much of the later ones mind, so there might have been really good stuff to come. I do like the films.

The BRPD books I got from the library, I largely enjoyed however.

At the moment on the pure text front I'm working through the Darkbow Collection by Ty Johnson. I picked it up on my Kindle (of which I actually use the app now on my phone as I no longer have an actual Kindle device. A few months ago I had two. Long story.) because it was going really cheap a year or two ago, but it took me a while to actually start it.

I've just finished the second novel in the collection. Verdict: good stories, decent characters... not so keen on the narration. I guess it's not too bad, it just kind of clunks for me.

On the comics front I've been reading through the  Black Science by Rick Remeder, Matteo Scalera and Dean White. The premise is a bit Sliders: a group of people (actually it was just 3 in Sliders. Not sure that qualifies as a group, but you get what I mean) using a device to hop dimensions, who no longer have the coordinates to the original dimension and the amount of time they can spend in each dimension is different each time.

Although that concept doesn't come across particularly original, the tone and what they do with it does provide something different. It's pretty good so far. Nice art. A bit of mystery and plenty of action thrown in. Good stuff.

Incidentally I was introduced to the volume on this forum due to a good review. I didn't really go out of my way to look for it, but happened to be looking through the Graphic Novels section at Waterstones and there it was, going very cheap. (Kind of unusual for Waterstones. I would rarely buy my GNs there.) Remembering the positive review, I thought, why not? Glad I did. Keep the reviews coming everyone, I would likely not have bothered if I hadn't read that review.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 29 December, 2016, 10:28:18 AM
BPRD is sublime. I love Hellboy more for the folklore, tone and overarching plot (which leads into BPRD and develops a world where the Apocalypse slowly-slowly-then-suddenly comes about), rather than the individual stories. It gets better as Hellboy works with a larger cast, then he buggers off and repeats the familiar cycle of mystery-collapsing floor-resolution. However he does do it in more varied surroundings at that point , and meanwhile BPRD is continuing on strong without him as the Plague of Frog Men begins to erupt across the globe.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 29 December, 2016, 01:03:01 PM
I assume you (Colin) haven't got as far as the three Duncan Fegredo-drawn Hellboy books, as that's just next-level comics. Proper, proper good stuff, and the trilogy addresses a lot of the weaknesses of some Hellboy material (lack of supporting cast, no overarcing narrative, etc).

Don't rush ahead to read them, though - ideally you want to be at least 6 TPBs into BPRD by the time you're at the Fegredo Hellboy stuff. And to be honest reading the two series in synch (as events in one influence events in the other) is so much more rewarding than reading Hellboy alone.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mute77 on 29 December, 2016, 01:41:06 PM
I enjoyed the hellboy books and i actually prefered the Fegredo drawn chapters-there was just more detail in the drawings. I've started reading BPRD hardcovers and love the mix of horror and humour. Can't wait for the hell on earth set..would recommend both series!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 29 December, 2016, 01:50:12 PM
Last Of The Giants: The True Story Of Guns N' Roses.

A pretty debauched account, as one might expect, of one of the 80's most controversial rock bands but a compelling reac and a fascinating document of their rise to the top, ultimate self-destruction and rise again.



https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Giants-True-Story-Roses/dp/1409167216/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483018937&sr=1-1&keywords=guns+n+roses
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 29 December, 2016, 09:41:12 PM
Cyberforce Artifacts an anthology with one story written by pauul on these here boards. pretty good stuff, some James Bond-ish elements and cyborgs rather than traditional capes. Enjoyed it, art was very smooth and clear.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 30 December, 2016, 10:57:16 PM
Quote from: Smith on 29 November, 2016, 10:21:19 AM
I second that emotion.Fun Fact: Earth 616 designation(for Marvels primary universe and setting),first showed up here.Because Earth 1 would be too mainstream. :-)
Interesting fact about the number 616 - it's the original number of the beast (with 666 possibly being a mistranslation).  Word is that the Marvel 616 was named after it as Thorpe wasn't a fan of the contemporary Marvel superhero comics, and gave it that name to express his feelings.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 31 December, 2016, 06:46:32 AM
I can believe that.Certanly fits these days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 31 December, 2016, 04:45:31 PM
Just finished KSR's Aurora.  Had it on the shelf for a while.  Interesting piece of work.  Bit bleak considering its subject matter, plus it kind of fizzles out rather than concludes.  No onto the second in Macleod's Corporation Wars, plus Moebius' World of Edena and Bentley's Complete UFO.  The latter finally arrived after I refused to back down from Amazon's £6.99 offering.  It is a thing of beauty for the hardcore fan with some interesting background info on Journey to the Far Side of the Sun (a nice little underrated film) and how that linked in.  Edena is stunning as well.  Touted as the first volume in the Moebius Library but nothing on what is coming next.  Well worth the money.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 01 January, 2017, 07:23:47 PM
One of my New Years resolutions was to get back to reading more novels, and I'd like some recommendations. I'm going through a kinda Quatermass type sci-fi phase at the moment, so does anyone have any good starting points?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 01 January, 2017, 09:31:56 PM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 01 January, 2017, 07:23:47 PM
One of my New Years resolutions was to get back to reading more novels, and I'd like some recommendations. I'm going through a kinda Quatermass type sci-fi phase at the moment, so does anyone have any good starting points?

Read this a few years back, pretty thought provoking stuff!

https://g.co/kgs/wxFxm5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 04 January, 2017, 10:52:35 AM
I read about 40 novels last year, but sadly not a single one fits the bill for Quatermass-style scifi. Which is shocking really as I would love to read something like that. Closest I can think was a comic, the sublime Injection by Mr Ellis. Perhaps the closest I can think of is something like Lovecraft Country, which owes a bit more to the eponymous author than Nigel Kneale, but executes the mysticism and occult science of the mythos excellently alongside exploring the oppressive, insidious force of racism in the US of the time.

My last run of books was the Ketty Jay series by Chris Wooding. Airship-piratey fun, nothing too weighty but moves along at a quick pace and does some great worldbuilding whilst telling a bunch of tense stories about a bunch of fairly wretched (but likeable) people. Comparisons to Firefly work well.





Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 04 January, 2017, 05:39:17 PM
Im making my way thru Mignolaverse.Hellboy Wild Hunt was the best Hellboy volume so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 04 January, 2017, 05:58:22 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 27 December, 2016, 08:15:14 PM
Well been wading through a load of Hellboys over the last month and ... I know he has big fans here... and it looks quite beautiful Mignola really is a stunningly good artist ... but I'm not getting on with it.
A while ago I got every Hellboy comic to date (think there have been about four since) in a Dark Horse sale and I broadly agree with your view. From some of the comments here it seems you miss a lot by not reading it alongside BPRD but I didn't so hey ho. The one thing I would say is that the Duncan Fegredo years are a cut above the rest. There are a couple of longer storylines where things actually happen and the art is sublime: the regular Mignola look is fine but it's not in the same league.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Satanist on 05 January, 2017, 02:11:56 PM
I'm reading FROM HELL at the moment for the first time ever. 3 chapters done and lots to take in. For a comic Mr Moore sure fits in a lot of words  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 January, 2017, 02:46:53 PM
I like the majority of Alan Moore stuff I've read, but I found From Hell a real trudge.

I liked the art, and the main plot/story itself was interesting, but there were long dialogue sequences [spoiler](particularly when the two fellas are driving that hanson or coach, through London taking the sites)[/spoiler] which really bored me.

The strange thing is, a lot what they spoke of should have been interesting to me. [spoiler]I'm usually interested in mystical stuff and the like.[/spoiler] But it just went on soooooo loooooonnnnngggg. It bored me silly, and I confess much of it went over my head.

[spoiler]And the in depth description of the prostitutes dissection was rather too graphic for my taste.[/spoiler]

I'm glad others like it. And as I said before, I really like the art. Those panels detailing parts of London are pretty amazing. And I want to see what others see in it, but perhaps due to my own lacking mental capacity, I guess I just didn't really get it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 January, 2017, 04:15:51 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 05 January, 2017, 02:46:53 PM

The strange thing is, a lot what they spoke of should have been interesting to me. [spoiler]I'm usually interested in mystical stuff and the like.[/spoiler] But it just went on soooooo loooooonnnnngggg. It bored me silly, and I confess much of it went over my head.

Give over lad, I think most of us are more Netley than Gull when reading that chapter!  It definitely rewards re-reading, preferably with a map to hand, but I challenge anyone to take it all in on a single reading. Worth remembering that the whole mystical tour of London was in a single issue, and thus sat there for perusal, together with its section of the appendices, for months, rather than being just more pages in a very long book.

The extreme unpleasantness of the crime scene and autopsy sections is quite deliberate, not only because they represent almost all of the tiny handful of actual facts that exist about the events, but also as part of Moore's signature trick of creating a reader's proxy for an altered state of consciousness: I haven't read it in a while, but I still feel like I really was in that terrible room in Miller's Court, the stifling heat of the banked fire, the indignity of a human being reduced to offal on display. It places you not only in Gull's head, but in (the character) Abberline's, and in Moore's, and makes you utterly sick of the prurience and sensationalism that made these pathetic tragedies into an industry.

But you're not wrong to dislike it, and you're not wrong about the art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 05 January, 2017, 06:39:12 PM
It doesn't sound like you were reading the notes, Mardroid, which may have been a mistake. Personally, I would read an average of three or four pages before  going to the appropriate note pages for context and explanation of what I'd just read - especially helpful with Gull and Netley's pyscho-geographic tour, which would have been borderline baffling without it in places!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 05 January, 2017, 07:11:33 PM
Read a couple of Haruki Murakami books.

Norwegian Wood
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
Sputnik Sweetheart
Kafka on the Shore
After Dark
1Q84 book 1, 2 ,3.
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage
The Elephant Vanishes
Men Without Women
Underground
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

Essentially every book that's been translated into Swedish. Like them all very much. While I've read them all before, reading them all again, one after another, them took me places. Also had an positive effect on me,  afterwards I'v found that I'v bettered myself in more than way. Discipline, health and what not. Strange that such dreamy strange books can have that effect :)

I'v also read Lee Child's Jack Reacher: Killing floor. Essentially about a can do no wrong giant man who's brilliant at anything he does,  who while hobo:ing some small town of M'urica stumbles across a bunch of utterly contrived situations which he solves with his near magical abilities. While I understand why some could like these books (and like it), I think -at least- the first lacks some serious self awareness and much needed irony. Book wasn't in my taste.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 05 January, 2017, 07:42:33 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 05 January, 2017, 06:39:12 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 January, 2017, 04:15:51 PM
the whole mystical tour of London was in a single issue, and thus sat there for perusal, together with its section of the appendices, for months, rather than being just more pages in a very long book.

I would read an average of three or four pages before going to the appropriate note pages for context and explanation of what I'd just read

Dark TordelJimBack is correct. I don't own the collected From Hell, partly because I don't want to reinforce my bookshelves, but also because I think reading an individual issue, followed by the relevant appendices, is the funningest way to enjoy Alan's slasher porn masterpiece.

Whenever a new issue dropped, I used to look forward to reading the reference section as much as the fiction. You could interpret that as a criticism of the scribbles and balloons, but I think it's testament to Moore's dedication to (at that point) creating new reading experiences.

Reading From Hell without the appendices is like only reading the word balloons and not looking at the pictures.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 05 January, 2017, 08:27:09 PM
Quote from: Satanist on 05 January, 2017, 02:11:56 PM
I'm reading FROM HELL at the moment for the first time ever. 3 chapters done and lots to take in. For a comic Mr Moore sure fits in a lot of words  :lol:
Do the collected editions have the appendices?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 05 January, 2017, 08:28:24 PM
Quote from: Frank on 05 January, 2017, 07:42:33 PMReading From Hell without the appendices is like only reading the word balloons and not looking at the pictures.

While I'v never felt it to be that important (read it twice without it at first), I do think it's a great appendice. I also recommend the companion book to From hell.

But I do wish League of extraordinary gentlemen had something similar. A bit too steep at times, especially Century with the obscured characters which they "couldn't" use otherwise. A certain young wizard was a bit lost on me before I turned to google.

Quote from: sheridan on 05 January, 2017, 08:27:09 PMDo the collected editions have the appendices?
Yep. A great one. 40 or so pages.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 05 January, 2017, 08:33:05 PM
Monkeybrain Press published a couple of books which detailed all the LOTG literary references, for the first two series anyway. A Blazing World and I forget the name of the other one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 05 January, 2017, 08:49:54 PM
Quote from: Tony Angelino on 05 January, 2017, 08:33:05 PM
Monkeybrain Press published a couple of books which detailed all the LOTG literary references, for the first two series anyway. A Blazing World and I forget the name of the other one.

I'v heard about those. Remember checking the author's annotation site for LoEG. 

The "blazing world" in Black dossier was btw lost on me as well haha.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 05 January, 2017, 09:19:57 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 05 January, 2017, 04:15:51 PM
It places you not only in Gull's head, but in (the character) Abberline's, and in Moore's, and makes you utterly sick of the prurience and sensationalism that made these pathetic tragedies into an industry.

Unfortunately that sensationalism is still with us.  A museum purporting to be celebrating the women of the East End of London in the past, present and future turned out to be a Jack the Ripper cash-in when it opened in 2015.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 05 January, 2017, 10:53:57 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 05 January, 2017, 09:19:57 PM
Unfortunately that sensationalism is still with us.  A museum purporting to be celebrating the women of the East End of London in the past, present and future turned out to be a Jack the Ripper cash-in when it opened in 2015.

I remember going on a London Ghost Walk a couple of years back.* The guy taking us around also informed us there was a Ripper tour. While I will admit a part of me was curious, it suddenly hit me that at the end of the day this is a notorious serial killer who destroyed and ruined lots of lives. Would we be doing these tours around more recent murderers? (Actually, some might if they could. Mores the pity.) I guess people see time as a buffer, but those people were no less real. But I'd be lying if I said part of me wasn't still a bit curious to check out those places around Whitechapel, etc.

Concerning the notes- I read From Hell a few years back. I do remember checking the notes quite often, but I can't remember if I did it for everything in that section. While I do find checking notes, etc, interesting I think if I had to do it constantly, that might have put me off.

*It was interesting enough, but it would have been more interesting if we could have gone into the haunted properties, I think. But as they probably had people living there (or unliving there woooOOOooo) I guess it's understandable why they didn't do that. It was mainly an excuse to tell ghost stories outside various houses, which to be fai,r is not a bad thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 06 January, 2017, 04:19:59 PM
I know I'm horrendously behind the zeitgeist here, but I'm just starting 'The girl with the Dragon tatoo' on kindle...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Darren Stephens on 06 January, 2017, 06:15:47 PM
Talking of being behind, just read 'Bounty on Bar-Kooda', by John Wagner and Cam Kennedy. Stunning art and a cool story that could well have replaced Boba Fett with Judge Dredd. 😁
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 08 January, 2017, 04:16:08 PM
This could go on the comics Megathread, but as these are graphic novels, I'll include them here:

Grandville and Grandville Mon Amour

I think I read the first over a year ago. I picked the second up ath the LSCC for a great price*, but I only got round to reading it in the early hours of this morning when I couldn't sleep. I recently reread the first collection over the past couple of days to prepare (my mind is a sieve) and it was good as ever.

Both collections are lovely stuff. Lovely art. Great detective story/thriller tales** and a very interesting sort of alternate history steam-punk world with anthropomorphic characters.

There's some very amusing gags on the page too, although I'm sure some passed me by. [spoiler]The suggestion that the Tin-tin adventures might be the opium fueled dreams of an minor character (an anthropomorphic dog called Snowy no less) made me chuckle in the first book. [/spoiler] And on reading the sequel I was amused to note [spoiler]that the young humanoid cat lady who got murdered at the start had a pet regular cat. And then there was the Hansel and Gretel gag with Detective Ratzi and the ... rats. Heh.[/spoiler]  I hadn't noticed before that the anthropomorphic animals and regular animals lived side by side in this world.

I highly recommend these, although I'm sure many of you have read them already, and are probably further ahead than I am. I noted that there are apparently paperback versions online too, which surprised me. I'm usually quite happy to get a paperback as a cost saving alternative, but I think I'll stick with the hardbacks in this case. That pseudo-Victorian binding just fits these volumes to my mind.

I highly recommend these, if you haven't read them already.

* I actually have two versions of Grandville Mon Amour. I ordered one from a charity site months earlier which was originally surplus library stock. On arrival, I discovered it was the German translation. I requested an English language replacement if they had it, but they never replied. As they presumably sold the book to raise money for their charity, I didn't push it. If I ever learn German, it might be an interesting exercise going through the book. Heh.

**And they are each self contained stories, graphic novels in the true sense of the word rather than logically grouped collections. (Not a criticism of the latter, they're both great.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 08 January, 2017, 04:35:59 PM
I was a little surprised to see a living breathing Emperor Napoleon in the first book. I understood that this was a world where the French defeated the British, so I guess Napoleon lived a more healthy life with better medical care, or just never got stomach cancer, in this world. That's assuming he wasn't poisoned as some have suggested. I still figured he would have preceded the Victorian (well technically not Victorian, as there is no Queen Victoria in this world as Britain is a republic, but it's that era) by some margin.

On checking the dates, I see how wrong I was. If Napoleon had not died at the time he did in our world, he would have been around 68 at the time Queen Victoria took the throne. So it's quite reasonable that he would be an old lion in this tale.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BPP on 08 January, 2017, 06:24:02 PM
This afternoon I polished off Robbie Burns: Witch Hunter by Rennie / Beeby / Trevallion / Campbell and what a sumpteous treat it was. Minus a point for the reproduction being very dark in colouration (something I think the first Monsterology suffered from too) which really hid too much of Trevallion's lines but the story and storytelling from all was top notch and very 2000AD (if the creators don't mind me saying). 10/10 and I'd even buy it again if the colour levels were given a re-examination.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bad City Blue on 09 January, 2017, 09:50:21 AM
Enjoying the new Hawkeye comic with the lady Hawkeye and also the Hawkeye centric Occupy Avengers. I'm not a mad Hawkeye fan but these are very good, especially the kate Bishop one.

Also liking Jessica Jones, Old Man Logan and Red Team(Ennis)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 09 January, 2017, 12:01:44 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 05 January, 2017, 02:46:53 PM
I like the majority of Alan Moore stuff I've read, but I found From Hell a real trudge.

I liked the art, and the main plot/story itself was interesting, but there were long dialogue sequences [spoiler](particularly when the two fellas are driving that hanson or coach, through London taking the sites)[/spoiler] which really bored me.

From Hell is, in my humble opinion, one of The Best Things Ever Written. I first read it a chapter a day without reference to the notes and the carriage sequence you mention was truly one of the stand out, goosebump inducing sequences for me. Still makes me shudder when I think about it. The quiet righteousness and apparent calm with which Gull explains essentially the divine inevitability of what's about to unfold is truly chilling for me.

On a not unrelated note, I'm unsurprisingly still working through Jerusalem by the hairy one. It's definitely moved up into the Gormenghast end of my internal league table of books and shares some similar themes. It was the Gormenghast books got me interested in the influence of place and social status and expectation as being a key part of what it means to be human, then I read Voice of the Fire and realised Alan Moore was probably living somewhere in my head.

Anyhoo, Jerusalem is utterly fantastic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 09 January, 2017, 03:04:46 PM
Quote from: Bad City Blue on 09 January, 2017, 09:50:21 AM
Enjoying the new Hawkeye comic with the lady Hawkeye and also the Hawkeye centric Occupy Avengers. I'm not a mad Hawkeye fan but these are very good, especially the kate Bishop one.

I'm quite tempted by Occupy Avengers. David F. Walker's "Shaft" was excellent and I'm keen to try his other stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 09 January, 2017, 03:44:03 PM
Finished Neal Stephenson's SeveNeves. Kind of a fascinating tale of apocalypse with all the science and physics jargon I love in hard sci-fi. It's structure is kinda odd with first two 'books' acting as background/prologue to a much lighter  novella 'book 3'. It was good overall.

Next up, Legends of the Galactic Heroes Book 2 for my military sci-fi fix.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 09 January, 2017, 04:10:32 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 09 January, 2017, 03:44:03 PM
Next up, Legends of the Galactic Heroes Book 2 for my military sci-fi fix.
Aaawww man I'be still got to get around to these.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: jacob g on 11 January, 2017, 08:31:48 AM
Just read another two Black Mask Studios paperbacks. Toa Tag Riot and The Disciples.

Toe Tag Riot was everthing you can expect from miniseries about punk rock band cursed to become zombies on stage. Zombies who decide that only human meat they can eat comes from dead bodies of nazis and homophobes. This is just little silly miniseries from a guy who gave us Liberator. It was ok.

But other series was a little problem for me - The Disciples. Space horror who works better as a adventure miniseries than horror. The pacing is problem, serious one. This story works fine when it's about exploring the unknown, when story shifts for horror everything falls apart. It's too fast, jumpscares just don't work on page. Sad because art's nice and I hope to see more Chris Mitten sci-fi artwork in future.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 11 January, 2017, 01:31:22 PM
V for Vendetta

I got it from the library years ago and enjoyed it a lot. Last year I bought it. (I think at LSCC but I'm not sure.)

It reads just as well now as it did then. Possibly better. Some of Moore's finest work, I think. I think I might prefer* it to Watchmen, although to be fair, they're very different stories.

*Originally I said 'rate' instead of 'prefer' but I don't think that's right. I rate them both highly as they each have their merits in different ways. Enjoyment isn't quite the same thing, though. From Hell for example, is justifiably rated highly, but I didn't enjoy it very much. At least when I first read it. Whether my reaction would be the same now, is another thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 11 January, 2017, 05:33:14 PM
I haven't read V for Vendetta in years.

I originally read the first few strips in Warrior but I didn't get reading the whole thing until DC released it as a 10 issue series in the late 80's early 90s. My general recollection of it is that it started brilliantly but gradually faded and that I was disappointed with the ending. I also have the same feeling regarding Marvelman/Miraceman which Moore began at the same time.

I could also say the same about Watchmen which I thought had a weak ending and I can see why they changed it for the film.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 11 January, 2017, 05:39:31 PM
Crossing a big name off the much neglected To Read List with DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS by Wyndham. It's jolly good stuff, but a tad less meandering on the silence of the world and a bit more of the Triffids actively living up to their reputation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 January, 2017, 05:47:23 PM
Quote from: Tony Angelino on 11 January, 2017, 05:33:14 PM
I could also say the same about Watchmen which I thought had a weak ending and I can see why they changed it for the film.

I can see why they changed it for the film too, but the comic itself has a magnificent ending, one of the best, most thought-provoking endings I've read in any medium: never believe that you know that the ends justify your terrible/brilliant means because nothing ends. If they make 'em better than that, I've yet to see it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 11 January, 2017, 05:58:46 PM
Just finished A Decent Ride by Irvine Welsh. I like that I can fly through his stuff despite my internet-shattered powers of concentration.
Easily one of his better ones, though a lot of his stuff is dreadful gubbins altogether to be fair.  But the Mark Renton trilogy is excellent and this is almost up there with it - and Juice Terry is one of Welsh's best creations.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 12 January, 2017, 10:55:42 AM
I'm reading Laird Barron's The Beautiful Thing that Awaits Us All. Not sure I get on with the writing, then suddenly something really clicks for a few pages and the right level of creepiness is achieved. The stories are a bit uneven but all have something to them, and it's a good thing to read in the wake of finishing Fatale. Still, perhaps a little disappointed, as only one story has really been top-notch and Laird Barron was glowingly recommended in a few places (even here maybe? Can't recall).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 12 January, 2017, 12:10:33 PM
Re-reading Warren Ellis's Crecy, good fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 14 January, 2017, 04:03:06 AM
I chomped my way through Necropolis (the Megacollection volume) tonight, for the first time. Great read!

I kinda wish I'd got Oz in the recent sale and read that first though. It didn't appeal at the time, as I figured it majored in Chopper (which I think it does). I just didn't realise it also included the storyline dealing with the Judda clones and Kraken 's origins. Never mind, I can get to it later.

Thankfully I had read The Dead Man already.

Interesting seeing Giant Jr as a young 'un.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: jacob g on 14 January, 2017, 12:25:02 PM
I'm rereading Wiliam Gibson's Bridge Trilogy. And I'm impressed, after 15 years I'm enjoying them even more (and I loved them back then). Gibson have some flaws but in the long run his ideas works perfectly.

But I never read his last book (Peripheral?) so I know what will be next after last page of "All Tomorrow Parties".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 14 January, 2017, 01:30:09 PM
Quote from: jacob g on 14 January, 2017, 12:25:02 PM
I'm rereading Wiliam Gibson's Bridge Trilogy. And I'm impressed, after 15 years I'm enjoying them even more (and I loved them back then). Gibson have some flaws but in the long run his ideas works perfectly.

But I never read his last book (Peripheral?) so I know what will be next after last page of "All Tomorrow Parties".

Peripheral is really great if you're a Gibson fan. As usual he throws you into his world without any sort of a net and leaves you to either figure it out or not. I loved it, but I've heard a few complaints from people who wanted more explanations and such.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 15 January, 2017, 04:54:57 PM
I read Judgement Day last night. It was enjoyable enough as an action futuristic zombie romp. Kinda shocked by the sheer amount of deaths which number [spoiler]in the Billions, and are partly instigated by the judges themselves, albeit as control measures for the greater good. A genocide far greater than even Chaos Day, although the latter hit Mega City One far harder.

The resolution made little sense in that it was rather contradictory to my understanding.[/spoiler]

So, rather flawed as these mega epics go, but I found it fun overall. [spoiler] I even found the singing superzombies at the end amusing, although I bet they got on a lot of readers' wicks! Hee hee.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 15 January, 2017, 05:05:27 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 15 January, 2017, 04:54:57 PM
I read Judgement Day last night. It was enjoyable enough as an action futuristic zombie romp. Kinda shocked by the sheer amount of deaths which number [spoiler]in the Billions, and are partly instigated by the judges themselves, albeit as control measures for the greater good. A genocide far greater than even Chaos Day, although the latter hit Mega City One far harder.

The resolution made little sense in that it was rather contradictory to my understanding.[/spoiler]

So, rather flawed as these mega epics go, but I found it fun overall. [spoiler] I even found the singing superzombies at the end amusing, although I bet they got on a lot of readers' wicks! Hee hee.[/spoiler]

Looking at the letters from the Meg of the time-yeah,that annoyed a lot of people.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 15 January, 2017, 06:25:49 PM
I didn't like it at the time, and I still don't.  I've ranted at length on this board about it though.  Mind you, I think I'm the only person in the world who liked Garth's returns to Dredd (Helter Skelter and Monkey on my Back), and still can't understand the hostility towards them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 15 January, 2017, 06:29:13 PM
Is there hostility towards Monkey on my Back? I thought it was great - at the time I felt it was Ennis's best-ever Dredd story. (Hostility towards Helter Skelter - that I get.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 15 January, 2017, 06:34:40 PM
I probably said it before but I have a bit of a soft spot for Helter Skelter,because its one of the first stories I read in the prog,but it kinda comes off as "Hey,remember those guys?Those guys were awesome?".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 15 January, 2017, 07:26:15 PM
Quote from: Smith on 15 January, 2017, 06:34:40 PM
I probably said it before but I have a bit of a soft spot for Helter Skelter,because its one of the first stories I read in the prog,but it kinda comes off as "Hey,remember those guys?Those guys were awesome?".

(http://i2.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/021/551/berries.JPG)

But I thought Kenzie was a good character, and Garth Ennis finally had Dredd's character nailed.  (Menacing and terse but articulate and reflective, not saying 'drokkin'' before every second word.)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 15 January, 2017, 07:38:35 PM
Its not a bad story,just maybe a bit too nostalgic,so to speak.Like a funeral for 2000AD of Garths childhood.
Still,I was 6-7 when I read it the first time and I thought it was the coolest thing ever,and it got me interested in all those cameo guys,so in a way,it worked.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 15 January, 2017, 08:14:00 PM
I confess I quite enjoyed Helter Skelter too. It was one of the earliest Dredd collections that I ever read (borrowed from the library), and I confess I got a bit of a kick out of the cameos and bleeding between worlds, having just read those stories not too long before. Probably a shallow reason to like a story to be fair, but I got a similar kick out of Sinister Dexter's world hopping in one of their more recent stories before they went to Generica.

I'm not too sure of Ennis's Dredd though. A bit too harsh and mean, I think, but that's something some current writers do as well. To my mind Dredd is stern and strict in his carrying out of the law (and yes, he does have a temper, but I think he mainly keeps that suppressed or specifically channeled. He uses it, he rarely loses it. A bit of accidental  poetry there... :lol:).I don't think he is cruel just for the sake of it or the bully he is sometimes portrayed to be.

I don't believe in cherry-picking canon though. I guess I like to think that those tales where he acts that way are exaggerations, stories that grew in the telling through a second hand narrator if you like. This does suit the larger than life view of Dredd as perceived by the citizens.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 15 January, 2017, 08:22:20 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 15 January, 2017, 08:14:00 PM
I'm not too sure of Ennis's Dredd though. A bit too harsh and mean, I think, but that's something some current writers do as well. To my mind Dredd is stern and strict in his carrying out of the law (and yes, he does have a temper, but I think he mainly keeps that suppressed or specifically channeled. He uses it, he rarely loses it. A bit of accidental  poetry there... :lol:).I don't think he is cruel just for the sake of it or the bully he is sometimes portrayed to be.

Yes, I agree completely - I think the younger Ennis missed the mark by a wide margin, but he had Dredd pretty much down to a T in Helter Skelter and MOMB in my opinion.

PS Smith, you whippersnapper, you
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 15 January, 2017, 08:49:07 PM
But I felt a bit cheated by all the cameos;continuing into progs of the day,instead of those guys,I got  Bec and Kawl. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 15 January, 2017, 09:38:38 PM
You didn't jump in at a bad time in fairness; you missed a lot of mediocre 90s stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 15 January, 2017, 09:49:38 PM
Thats true,I guess.But from this distance,early 2000's seems almost experimental.
I do remember liking A Love like Blood,finding From Grace really weird,and I dont really remember Tor Cyan at all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 15 January, 2017, 10:05:12 PM
Bek & Kawl was the best comedy strip of the era.  Survival Geeks wishes it was Bek & Kawl good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 16 January, 2017, 05:28:41 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 15 January, 2017, 10:05:12 PM
Bek & Kawl was the best comedy strip of the era.  Survival Geeks wishes it was Bek & Kawl good.
That,I agree with.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 17 January, 2017, 01:58:59 PM
I'm getting stuck into Terminal World By Alastair Reynolds - so far, so good!  Anyone able to recommend anything more along these lines?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 17 January, 2017, 03:04:28 PM
Love me some Reynolds. Terminal World is a cracker. Personal favourites are Pushing Ice, Century Rain and the Short Story Diamond Dogs.

For last christmas, Mrs Bolt got me a copy of Revenger, signed by the man himself at a signing in the Brum wastes. Very much looking forward to reading that when it gets to the top of the book mountain.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Molch-R on 17 January, 2017, 03:15:28 PM
Quote from: ming on 17 January, 2017, 01:58:59 PM
I'm getting stuck into Terminal World By Alastair Reynolds - so far, so good!  Anyone able to recommend anything more along these lines?

Revelation Space
is a corker (kind of half way between the fetishistic science of Baxter and the emotional coolness of Iain M Banks) and the series, despite being diminishing returns, rarely dipped below "good".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 17 January, 2017, 03:16:49 PM
My favourite is Chasm City.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 17 January, 2017, 05:20:45 PM
Quote from: ming on 17 January, 2017, 01:58:59 PM
I'm getting stuck into Terminal World By Alastair Reynolds - so far, so good!  Anyone able to recommend anything more along these lines?

I'll second Revelation Space and add a vote for his short fiction - mainly because they're great, but also because I've not read any of his other novels.

(Today I managed to finish the Round the Bend chapter of her poselay withum without too much incident, or indeed, going cornery)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 18 January, 2017, 09:24:45 AM
Thanks for the recommendations, folks - I'll add those to the teetering pile of wordy terror that I aim to work my way through this year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 January, 2017, 10:50:21 AM
Quote from: ming on 18 January, 2017, 09:24:45 AM
Thanks for the recommendations, folks - I'll add those to the teetering pile of wordy terror that I aim to work my way through this year.

If you're thinking of getting the best out of Reynolds, start with Galactic North - it's a collection of (great) short stories where he first introduced the Demarchist/Conjoined/Ultra factions and many of the  characters that crop up again and again in the Revelation Space books.  Interesting author's notes in the back too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 18 January, 2017, 11:14:23 AM
Quote from: Molch-R on 17 January, 2017, 03:15:28 PM
Quote from: ming on 17 January, 2017, 01:58:59 PM
I'm getting stuck into Terminal World By Alastair Reynolds - so far, so good!  Anyone able to recommend anything more along these lines?
Revelation Space is a corker (kind of half way between the fetishistic science of Baxter and the emotional coolness of Iain M Banks) and the series, despite being diminishing returns, rarely dipped below "good" weighed less than half a ton.
FTFY.

I actually did enjoy Revelation Space but was put off the follow ups by the sheer size. Mr Back is, as ever, spot on with his short story recommendations.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 18 January, 2017, 11:47:35 AM
I registered at my local library in Dartford yesterday, and I borrowed three books.(I just moved I to the area in November. )

The three books are:
1356 by Bernard Cornwell. (This is the latest book in the series concerning the archer. I've read the original trilogy, but this one somehow passed me by, although I do remember seeing it advertised a while back.)

Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett

Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett

I've started with Equal Rites, and I'm thoroughly enjoying it so. An elderly wizard about to die passes on his staff to a newborn successor the eighth son of an eighth son. (That's special for some reason.) Except it turns out, this eighth son was not a son at all...

I've got to the bit where [spoiler]Granny Weatherwax (probably one of my favourite Discworld characters has taken young Esk under her wing to teach her the Witch Craft... (Which isn't the same thing as wizardry in this world.)[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 18 January, 2017, 12:06:50 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 18 January, 2017, 11:14:23 AM
Quote from: Molch-R on 17 January, 2017, 03:15:28 PM
Quote from: ming on 17 January, 2017, 01:58:59 PM
I'm getting stuck into Terminal World By Alastair Reynolds - so far, so good!  Anyone able to recommend anything more along these lines?
Revelation Space is a corker (kind of half way between the fetishistic science of Baxter and the emotional coolness of Iain M Banks) and the series, despite being diminishing returns, rarely dipped below "good" weighed less than half a ton.
FTFY.

I actually did enjoy Revelation Space but was put off the follow ups by the sheer size. Mr Back is, as ever, spot on with his short story recommendations.

I've read Dan Simmons' Hyperion Saga mega-tomes so I'm never put off by mere girth.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 18 January, 2017, 01:00:33 PM
Quote from: ming on 18 January, 2017, 12:06:50 PM
I've read Dan Simmons' Hyperion Saga mega-tomes so I'm never put off by mere girth.
Ha! Me too. More than once and those last two could use some serious editing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 January, 2017, 06:14:26 AM
Quote from: ming on 18 January, 2017, 09:24:45 AM
Thanks for the recommendations, folks - I'll add those to the teetering pile of wordy terror that I aim to work my way through this year.

Terminal World is one of Stevie's absolute favourites of Reynold's oeuvre . Would be mighty interested to know if [spoiler]you can guess which planet the book is set on[/spoiler]  Ming.

The Revelation Space trilogy are the fan favourites but personally  Stevie thinks that they are more "promising books by a beginning novelist which wouldn't go amiss with a spot of pruning" & much prefers the singletons.

You really can't go wrong with either Chasm City, Century Rain, Pushing Tin, House of Suns or the superb The Harvest of Time.

Have his latest, Revenger, sitting near the top of the To Read Pile. Stay tuned.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 20 January, 2017, 04:41:00 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed Equal Rites. I do find that some Terry Pratchett novels tend to end in a similar way, though,  but the journey there was still highly enjoyable.

I'm reading Carpe Jugulum now. On starting it, I realise I have read it before, (I'm not good at remembering the titles of novels) but it long enough that it should still feel fairly fresh. That's one of the good things about having memory like a sieve.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 20 January, 2017, 06:41:47 PM
Equal Rites is good, but one of Pratchett's early weaker works (Personally I don't think he fully hit his stride until Mort). He takes the same idea and jumps it up about a million percent in the Wee Free Men sequence of young adult books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 20 January, 2017, 07:15:09 PM
I'd second that.  From Mort on he shifted from satirising fantasy literature to satirising real life for my money.  I would compare him to Charles Dickens in the way that he puts up a lens to society, just with more wit and verve.  He had an unerring knack for seeing how people distort reality based on their world view and then showing how ridiculous it actually was.  The Tiffany Aching books (lets face it, they're more about her than WFM) were definitely some of his finest fiction.  <sigh>
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 20 January, 2017, 11:10:12 PM
I've read at least a couple of the Tiffany Aching books. Yes, I enjoyed those a lot, and it was one of those I was thinking of concerning the [spoiler]similar ending [/spoiler]in Equal Rites.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 23 January, 2017, 10:50:45 AM
I think the only Discworld books I haven't thoroughly enjoyed were Unseen Academicals and Snuff, but both were still enjoyable books.

Damn, getting all maudlin again looking over his bibliography.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 23 January, 2017, 06:14:20 PM
I'm rattling through Reamde by Neal Stephenson. It's good but a closer to a vanilla thriller than I expected.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 24 January, 2017, 02:45:25 AM
Just finished Carpe Jugulum. Yes, that was a good 'un.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Pegasus P Artichoke on 28 January, 2017, 08:48:44 PM
Just finished reading Gyo the death stench creeps by Junji Ito

Absolutely brilliant, I'd heard about his work before and this is the first piece of his  I have read and I really enjoyed it

The story is excellent, I like it when horror isn't fully explained, suffice to say it all starts off with rotting fish walking on to a Japanese Island. To say anything more about the plot would spoil it but i found it to be a real page turner

The art matches the story perfectly with everything looking bleak and bizarre, slightly off somehow but that suits it well.

The edition I have has got two short stories afterwards one called The Sad Tale Of The Principal Post which is alright but the second one The Enigma Of Amigara Fault is fantastic and is so well done that I think it's worth the price of the book alone (however I didn't pay cover price as I picked mine up at the Glasgow Comic Con last year so that might not be how everyone will see it)

If you enjoy your manga with a good dose of horror then I would fully recommend this

Going to try and track a few more of his stuff down now
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 30 January, 2017, 08:29:31 AM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 20 January, 2017, 06:14:26 AM
Terminal World is one of Stevie's absolute favourites of Reynold's oeuvre . Would be mighty interested to know if [spoiler]you can guess which planet the book is set on[/spoiler]  Ming.

Well, within the first couple of hundred pages there are at least two references to [spoiler]the planet being Earth[/spoiler] and now I'm at the point where [spoiler]swarm reaches Spearpoint 2, having spotted lots of trashed flying machines bearing (presumably) Chinese flag symbols[/spoiler].  So, I'm guessing it's [spoiler]Earth![/spoiler].  Great book - definitely following up with those suggested.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 30 January, 2017, 02:59:47 PM
Quote from: Pegasus P Artichoke on 28 January, 2017, 08:48:44 PM
Just finished reading Gyo the death stench creeps by Junji Ito

If you enjoy your manga with a good dose of horror then I would fully recommend this

Going to try and track a few more of his stuff down now

I got a collection of his stuff from the Comic Con last year and wow, creepy, creepy stuff. This was one I read a long time ago and it's real good: http://imgur.com/a/Wht7z The Enigma of Amigara Fault
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 01 February, 2017, 05:21:36 PM
Funny that there should be a lot of Discworld mentions recently. I've started re-reading the series since the summer - devoured quite a few in my early teens up to Interesting Times before drifting away; it's nice having both the comfort of returning to long-lost friends and the thrill of so much new stuff lying ahead of me.

Currently on Pyramids, which I gave a miss last time round. What a mistake that was! Loving it so far. Not hugely funny, but a cracking read eliciting lots of wry smiles, and it's now embarking on really interesting time-twisty space-time shenanigans. Like Wyrd Sisters before it, it's a breath of fresh air at this point in the series not to be reading about Rincewind and the wizards of UU (massively overused in the first five books!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 01 February, 2017, 05:54:18 PM
Funny,I finished Mort just recently.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 01 February, 2017, 07:24:42 PM
It's my goal this year to complete the entire Discworld series. I read the first few ages ago so I'm starting from the beginning. Finished The Colour of Magic on Monday and I'm halfway through The Light Fantastic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 01 February, 2017, 08:46:54 PM
Read them in publication order. A lot of people will tell you to read particular linked series inside the larger series (Guards, Witches, Rincewind, Death, etc...). But there are smaller, subtler things that run through the series in publication order that makes it ultimately more satisfying IMO
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 01 February, 2017, 08:57:32 PM
This is my plan. It's the same thing I tell people about reading The Culture books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 01 February, 2017, 09:03:23 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 01 February, 2017, 08:57:32 PM
This is my plan. It's the same thing I tell people about reading The Culture books.

Please tell me where to start with the Culture novels. I started reading Player of Games, only got a few chapters in before my eyes rolled clear out of my head with all these unlikable people with no real problems.

Maybe I started in the wrong place?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 01 February, 2017, 09:23:43 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 01 February, 2017, 09:03:23 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 01 February, 2017, 08:57:32 PM
This is my plan. It's the same thing I tell people about reading The Culture books.

Please tell me where to start with the Culture novels. I started reading Player of Games, only got a few chapters in before my eyes rolled clear out of my head with all these unlikable people with no real problems.

Maybe I started in the wrong place?

Consider Phlebas is the first book. Player of Games is the second.

If you couldn't get through Player, then Phlebas is not going to help you. Some people just don't like The Culture and that's fine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 01 February, 2017, 09:28:14 PM
I read 'Player of Games' first as it was recommended as the best novel to introduce you to that world.

I'm so jealous of you that you are just reading them for the first time now.

OMG!! Wait till you read 'Use of Weapons'. That's my personal favourite. You might like 'Consider Phlebas' but you need to get through one before the rest will make sense. Totally worth sticking with though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 02 February, 2017, 02:25:43 PM
I agree entirely on the Discworld reading order but I do think that some people will get hooked by certain characters who would otherwise get turned off by something like Sourcery or Moving Pictures.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 02 February, 2017, 03:32:41 PM
Sourcery's rough, but I've always enjoyed Moving Pictures.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 02 February, 2017, 04:06:02 PM
Oh yeah (I enjoy all of them!) but some folks may bounce straight off fantasy-humour. Was really just naming a couple at random without falling back on the usual 'Light Fantastic and Colour of Magic are very different' Pratchett summary.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 02 February, 2017, 05:44:31 PM
Ultmately I think Eric is the one I like the absolute least.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 02 February, 2017, 07:42:58 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 02 February, 2017, 02:25:43 PM
I agree entirely on the Discworld reading order but I do think that some people will get hooked by certain characters who would otherwise get turned off by something like Sourcery or Moving Pictures.

I think that is the beauty of the disc world books.  If you take a thematic approach you can get all sorts of interesting threads growing out.  It's really interesting to see how Pratchett evolved his world and his characters over the years.  Granted some work better than others but I've lost count of the number of times I've reread them all.  Every time I get something new out of them.

[I do agree though that Eric is not up to much.  The Last Hero was another week one (by Pratchett's standards)]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 03 February, 2017, 02:51:50 PM
Ah the Last Hero was beautifully illustrated though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 03 February, 2017, 09:13:37 PM
Jesus christ! Saga #42 makes for some grim reading, think I need to watch kitten videos for two hours to cheer me up after that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 04 February, 2017, 02:11:43 PM
Quote from: Rara Avis on 01 February, 2017, 09:28:14 PM
I read 'Player of Games' first as it was recommended as the best novel to introduce you to that world.

I'm so jealous of you that you are just reading them for the first time now.

OMG!! Wait till you read 'Use of Weapons'. That's my personal favourite. You might like 'Consider Phlebas' but you need to get through one before the rest will make sense. Totally worth sticking with though.

Strange - because wasn't Use of Weapons the first one Banks conceived of, but decided that the reader would need to be introduced to the Culture via the other books first?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 04 February, 2017, 02:13:02 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 02 February, 2017, 04:06:02 PM
Oh yeah (I enjoy all of them!) but some folks may bounce straight off fantasy-humour. Was really just naming a couple at random without falling back on the usual 'Light Fantastic and Colour of Magic are very different' Pratchett summary.

LF and CoM different to all the books that followed, or different to each other?  To me the two seem like two parts of the same book, a bit like how Hitchhikers and Restaurant are basically the same book, but Adams had to submit the manuscript so curtailed the first book so that something would actually get printed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 04 February, 2017, 02:14:06 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 03 February, 2017, 02:51:50 PM
Ah the Last Hero was beautifully illustrated though.

As with FaustEric.  And for that matter, Elric at the End of Time by Michael Moorcock and Rodney Matthews.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 04 February, 2017, 09:01:40 PM
I have no idea. I think 'Use of Weapons' wouldn't be a great place to start. The first time I read it I hadn't a clue what was going on until the final chapter. Then everything just fell into place and I was completely blown away. When I read it a second time even though I knew what was going to happen I felt the exact same. It was like those moments in the movies were the camera zooms in and pulls out at the same time. What an amazing piece of literature, I totally want to read it again now. I want to read them all again actually.

What did you think of the Hydrogen Sonata?

Quote from: sheridan on 04 February, 2017, 02:11:43 PM
Strange - because wasn't Use of Weapons the first one Banks conceived of, but decided that the reader would need to be introduced to the Culture via the other books first?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 05 February, 2017, 02:01:51 AM
Quote from: Rara Avis on 04 February, 2017, 09:01:40 PM
I have no idea. I think 'Use of Weapons' wouldn't be a great place to start. The first time I read it I hadn't a clue what was going on until the final chapter. Then everything just fell into place and I was completely blown away. When I read it a second time even though I knew what was going to happen I felt the exact same. It was like those moments in the movies were the camera zooms in and pulls out at the same time. What an amazing piece of literature, I totally want to read it again now. I want to read them all again actually.
Dolly zoom is the name of the zoom in / pull out manoeuvre.  It's been well over a decade since I read Phlebas and don't recall any confusing / "what's going on" feelings, though I think I'd read Banks' essay about the Culture prior to reading it so may have had some idea what to expect (or maybe I was just inured to confusion by having started off reading 2000AD with non-sequential progs and having to be content with reading incomplete progs and reading episodes out of order as I filled in the gaps!)

Quote
What did you think of the Hydrogen Sonata?
I'm afraid I haven't read that one yet - I have a mission to re-read all of the Hitchhikers books while I'm still 42 years old (plus any other Douglas Adams things I can lay my hands on, Dirk Gently, Last Chance, etc).  I have until October.  Next after that is to complete my collection of and read through the Discworld books and then I'll read the Culture/Iain M Banks books (and maybe Iain Banks as well - though while I only have to buy four 'M' books, I'd have to get ten or more IB books).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 05 February, 2017, 08:03:01 AM
You learn something new every day and today I learned what a dolly zoom is  :)

Just to clarify I found 'Use of Weapons' confusing not Phlebas. Iirc the chapters jump back and forth in time until you find out that [spoiler]who you think is Zakalwe has actually been that scoundrel Elethiomel all along  [/spoiler]

A quick look at Wikipedia confirms that this was the first Culture novel written but was deemed too complicated to publish by the author who wrote 'Against a Dark Background' next.

I assume Banks was a TS Eliot fan, at least two of his novels are references from 'The Waste Land':

IV. Death by Water

Phlebas the Phoenician, a fortnight dead,
Forgot the cry of gulls, and the deep sea swell
And the profit and loss.
                                   A current under sea
Picked his bones in whispers. As he rose and fell
He passed the stages of his age and youth
Entering the whirlpool.
                                   Gentile or Jew
O you who turn the wheel and look to windward,
Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you.

Well that settles it, I'm re-reading the Culture collection next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 05 February, 2017, 12:28:38 PM
You won't regret it. I finished rereading all the Culture books last year to finish with The Hydrogen Sonata which was the only one I hadn't read yet.

The thing about the Culture is that while some books may be better than others subjectively, they are each a jewel in the entire series. We won't see the likes of that sort of story for some time to come I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 05 February, 2017, 01:56:20 PM
Did you read them in order or publication or is there an alternative reading structure that you could recommend?

Life is a bit busy at the moment but hopefully over the summer I can devote my free time to reading more.
I have a stack of books that's probably almost as tall as me on my to read list and no time but I do what I can.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 05 February, 2017, 02:28:14 PM
I always recommend reading them in order of publication. While the books are all pretty much stand alone, there are references you may not get if you read them in any other order.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 06 February, 2017, 12:48:35 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 04 February, 2017, 02:13:02 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 02 February, 2017, 04:06:02 PM
Oh yeah (I enjoy all of them!) but some folks may bounce straight off fantasy-humour. Was really just naming a couple at random without falling back on the usual 'Light Fantastic and Colour of Magic are very different' Pratchett summary.

LF and CoM different to all the books that followed, or different to each other?  To me the two seem like two parts of the same book, a bit like how Hitchhikers and Restaurant are basically the same book, but Adams had to submit the manuscript so curtailed the first book so that something would actually get printed.

Different from all the books that followed. You see a bit of it in Equal Rites and Pyramids but to a lesser extent - the world of the Disc in those early books doesn't match up with the later ones in either its general tone or the elements it introduces (most notably the Unseen University and the portrayal of Wizards). All minor stuff though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 06 February, 2017, 05:18:47 PM
Here's the Guardian's list of top Culture books.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2017/feb/06/30-years-of-culture-what-are-the-top-five-iain-m-banks-novels?CMP=twt_a-culture_b-gdnculture (https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2017/feb/06/30-years-of-culture-what-are-the-top-five-iain-m-banks-novels?CMP=twt_a-culture_b-gdnculture)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 06 February, 2017, 06:38:10 PM
Interesting, they probably wouldn't be my top 5 but it's been a while since I read them.

Use Of Weapons
Excession
Consider Phlebas
Surface Detail
Inversions

To be revised .. when I have read them in order of publication ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 06 February, 2017, 11:37:42 PM
Devoured Voice of the Whirlwind by Walter Jon Williams, going to start Captain Alatriste before reading another early novel by Walter Jon Williams, Hardwired.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 09 February, 2017, 04:47:22 PM
The second and final Hellboy in Hell trade. Beautiful, melancholy, and elegaic.

A really powerful and fitting ending, even if a)it was typically obtuse and I can't say I entirely understood it?and b)[spoiler]he's still got a role to play in the final BPRD arc.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 09 February, 2017, 05:58:49 PM
Quote from: Ancient Otter on 06 February, 2017, 11:37:42 PM
Devoured Voice of the Whirlwind by Walter Jon Williams, going to start Captain Alatriste before reading another early novel by Walter Jon Williams, Hardwired.

Hardwired is a great read. I remember going through every cyberpunk related book in the 80s and 90s in very short order. Hardwired is a stand-out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 February, 2017, 08:01:21 PM
On the journey too and from the 40th I finished off reading The Goon and by gosh that is some damned fine comics. I mean really good stuff. Okay so if I'm honest it does quite recover its old form after the truly magnificent 12 issue arc featuring the return of Labrazio (apparently) - its not that the latter issues are bad, far from it. In fact there are some of the best individual issues of the series BUT they lack the conhesion of the earlier done in ones and the beautiful long form story in the middle. It was a comic that felt like it wanted to find its momentum again but never quite made it.

That said I want to try the mini-series that the book was moving to (did that happen actually) after 43 cos it looked like that was building to a really interesting story.

Anyway over all just brilliant comics and while I always struggle with this I think Eric Powell might, just might be my favourite none 2000ad artist... just might!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 15 February, 2017, 09:03:27 AM
Off down the comic shop to pick up issue one of the Wild Storm, very excited!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 15 February, 2017, 09:50:52 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 14 February, 2017, 08:01:21 PMAnyway over all just brilliant comics and while I always struggle with this I think Eric Powell might, just might be my favourite none 2000ad artist... just might!

(http://i.imgur.com/whPg3V0.jpg)

Did you pick up last years' FCBD Prog, Colin?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 15 February, 2017, 11:03:10 AM
Quote from: Old Tankie on 15 February, 2017, 09:03:27 AM
Off down the comic shop to pick up issue one of the Wild Storm, very excited!
Me too.
90's kids will understand. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 15 February, 2017, 11:32:06 AM
The first volume of Hawk and Dove (New 52) from the library.

While I think the concept of two superheroes with powers based around being avatars of War and Peace is interesting... I wasn't keen on this. Nice art though.

I'm now reading Hellraiser: The Fear Machine. While I like the concept of John Constantine I've often found his books rather meandering, not really going anywhere*, although the experience isn't all that bad. (I'm not saying they're all like that, as there's probably a lot of Hellraiser I haven't read. They're an interesting read at least.)

I'm enjoying this one so far though. A good read and there's direction. The character himself seems a little bit different from the one I've seen in the past. A bit less dark and sarcastic, and a bit more moral, maybe. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. While I liked the dark quirks, it could get a bit much sometimes for reason below.*


*[spoiler]Or it goes somewhere, but then Contantine washes his hands and walks away rather than risking himself further....[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 15 February, 2017, 03:43:18 PM
Really want to praise Close Encounters comic shop in Peterborough.  Well stocked shop with lovely staff.  Me and the missus went in there this morning and asked if they had any copies of the new "The Wild Storm" comic available.  She said, "Yes, of course."  Then asked us which one we wanted, as there were variant covers.  We said, "We'll take that one, as our lad drew it."  She then handed it to us, saying "No charge!"  We tried to pay her four times, but she wasn't having it!!  She didn't know us from Adam.  Wonderful lady.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 15 February, 2017, 03:45:25 PM
Quote from: Smith on 15 February, 2017, 11:03:10 AM
Quote from: Old Tankie on 15 February, 2017, 09:03:27 AM
Off down the comic shop to pick up issue one of the Wild Storm, very excited!
Me too.
90's kids will understand. :)

90's teens will have a passing interest too.
I've pre-ordered a copy- unlikely to be disappointed with Ellis & JDH.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 15 February, 2017, 04:56:37 PM
Jon Davis-Hunt is your lad Tankie? I assume in the sense of something more than just 'drew cracking stuff for 2000AD"?

Big day then :) Can't wait to get my hands on a copy. Hope it all goes better than the Ellis-written New Universe for Marvel, which was really bloody good for the 5 minutes before his laptop died and we lost everything forever.



(ALso Mardroid, Hawk & Dove have always been cack characters. One of my earliest comic memories is one of them dying in Crisis on Infinite Earths and little me thinking 'they look stupid')
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 February, 2017, 05:06:44 PM
Quote from: Old Tankie on 15 February, 2017, 03:43:18 PM
Really want to praise Close Encounters comic shop in Peterborough.  Well stocked shop with lovely staff.  Me and the missus went in there this morning and asked if they had any copies of the new "The Wild Storm" comic available.  She said, "Yes, of course."  Then asked us which one we wanted, as there were variant covers.  We said, "We'll take that one, as our lad drew it."  She then handed it to us, saying "No charge!"  We tried to pay her four times, but she wasn't having it!!  She didn't know us from Adam.  Wonderful lady.

That's just ace Tankie, icing on an already sumptuous cake!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 15 February, 2017, 05:14:31 PM
Thanks TB.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 February, 2017, 05:32:15 PM
Quote from: ming on 15 February, 2017, 09:50:52 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 14 February, 2017, 08:01:21 PMAnyway over all just brilliant comics and while I always struggle with this I think Eric Powell might, just might be my favourite none 2000ad artist... just might!

Did you pick up last years' FCBD Prog, Colin?

I certainly did. But one strip does not a 2000ad artist make... does it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 16 February, 2017, 09:46:09 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 15 February, 2017, 05:32:15 PM
Quote from: ming on 15 February, 2017, 09:50:52 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 14 February, 2017, 08:01:21 PMAnyway over all just brilliant comics and while I always struggle with this I think Eric Powell might, just might be my favourite none 2000ad artist... just might!

Did you pick up last years' FCBD Prog, Colin?

I certainly did. But one strip does not a 2000ad artist make... does it?

For me it probably does but I agree it's a bit of a weird area.  Personally, I'd consider artists like Dave McKean and Bill Sienkiewicz to fit in here due to their Titan covers (three and 16, respectively) and other bits and pieces.  Probably there's a thread for this somewhere...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 16 February, 2017, 08:36:12 PM
Quote from: ming on 16 February, 2017, 09:46:09 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 15 February, 2017, 05:32:15 PM
Quote from: ming on 15 February, 2017, 09:50:52 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 14 February, 2017, 08:01:21 PMAnyway over all just brilliant comics and while I always struggle with this I think Eric Powell might, just might be my favourite none 2000ad artist... just might!

Did you pick up last years' FCBD Prog, Colin?

I certainly did. But one strip does not a 2000ad artist make... does it?

For me it probably does but I agree it's a bit of a weird area.  Personally, I'd consider artists like Dave McKean and Bill Sienkiewicz to fit in here due to their Titan covers (three and 16, respectively) and other bits and pieces.  Probably there's a thread for this somewhere...

Nah - though McKean makes it for the contents page of that Sci-Fi Special instead!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 February, 2017, 08:41:26 PM
Ouuuhhh interesting see I figure a Droid has to have a BIG body of work to count as 2000ad. That of course raises a question how much.... now there I come unstuck of course as my answer is I dunno!

I think we do need a thread on this...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 17 February, 2017, 12:09:56 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 16 February, 2017, 08:41:26 PM
Ouuuhhh interesting see I figure a Droid has to have a BIG body of work to count as 2000ad. That of course raises a question how much.... now there I come unstuck of course as my answer is I dunno!

I think we do need a thread on this...

I agree, but the answer is one story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 February, 2017, 09:43:35 AM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 17 February, 2017, 12:09:56 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 16 February, 2017, 08:41:26 PM
Ouuuhhh interesting see I figure a Droid has to have a BIG body of work to count as 2000ad. That of course raises a question how much.... now there I come unstuck of course as my answer is I dunno!

I think we do need a thread on this...

I agree, but the answer is one story.
But do FCBD issues count? Co sidering by this point it's almost tradition to have a recognised US artist on the strip for the first time, Powell, Hawthorne...almost Breyfogle.

In my eyes, these guys thoug phenomenal talents aren't TRUE droids. Maybe auxiliary droids, but not true droids.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 17 February, 2017, 10:14:04 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 17 February, 2017, 09:43:35 AM

But do FCBD issues count?


Ah yeah.
Sure Simon Pegg is a bona fide Droid in my book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 17 February, 2017, 03:06:13 PM
I'll Never Write My Memoirs by Grace Jones
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 17 February, 2017, 07:18:10 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 15 February, 2017, 04:56:37 PM
Jon Davis-Hunt is your lad Tankie? I assume in the sense of something more than just 'drew cracking stuff for 2000AD"?

I only twigged this recently after joining the dots between a few different comments - Tankie's often mentioned that his son draws comics, but I hadn't been aware he was an honest-to-goodness Droid! (and a talented one who seemed like a very nice chap, based on a very brief chat at a con)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 18 February, 2017, 10:08:32 AM
Thank you DD for the nice comments about the lad.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 18 February, 2017, 11:39:31 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 17 February, 2017, 09:43:35 AM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 17 February, 2017, 12:09:56 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 16 February, 2017, 08:41:26 PM
Ouuuhhh interesting see I figure a Droid has to have a BIG body of work to count as 2000ad. That of course raises a question how much.... now there I come unstuck of course as my answer is I dunno!

I think we do need a thread on this...

I agree, but the answer is one story.
But do FCBD issues count? Co sidering by this point it's almost tradition to have a recognised US artist on the strip for the first time, Powell, Hawthorne...almost Breyfogle.

In my eyes, these guys thoug phenomenal talents aren't TRUE droids. Maybe auxiliary droids, but not true droids.

John Byrne?  He illustrated one of the first Dredd stories I ever read, in the 1983 Sci-Fi Special.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 18 February, 2017, 10:18:22 PM
I used to be a big Byrne fan but strangely I don't think I ever read his Dredd tale and I wouldn't think of him as a Droid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 18 February, 2017, 11:50:18 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 17 February, 2017, 10:14:04 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 17 February, 2017, 09:43:35 AM

But do FCBD issues count?


Ah yeah.
Sure Simon Pegg is a bona fide Droid in my book.

Did he write the Shaun of the Dead story that was published as well?  Also, he's Johnny Alpha!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 23 February, 2017, 09:14:07 PM
Read Project Itoh's Metal Gear Solid Guns of the patriots adaption.

Made for a fascinating read. Didn't think it'd be this good. Impressed how fan wanky it manages to be without loosing focus of being a story that got me glued. I really liked Itoh's own words on the project in the back of the book, followed by Hideo Kojima's on Itoh (who passed shorthy after the release of the book.).

While I think MGS is more or less best played MGS2,3 and V, I wouldn't be surprised if I read Guns of the patriots again --rather than playing the actual game.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 24 February, 2017, 01:10:00 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 18 February, 2017, 11:50:18 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 17 February, 2017, 10:14:04 AM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 17 February, 2017, 09:43:35 AM

But do FCBD issues count?


Ah yeah.
Sure Simon Pegg is a bona fide Droid in my book.

Did he write the Shaun of the Dead story that was published as well? 

Co-wrote it if I recall.
Nice one-off actually, even if its inclusion in the Prog line-up could be questioned.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 24 February, 2017, 04:00:08 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 24 February, 2017, 01:10:00 PM
Quote
Did he write the Shaun of the Dead story that was published as well? 

Co-wrote it if I recall.
Nice one-off actually, even if its inclusion in the Prog line-up could be questioned.

It was a bit of a glorified Ad. Though it did make the cover! And it was drawn by long time Art Droid Frazer Irving.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 24 February, 2017, 04:08:04 PM
Just started the Stainless Steel Rat collection after picking it up in the sale the other month. I've not read these strips since they were first published. There is a little gutter loss in places so far and some of the repro is a little off but my goodness, the Carlos art is sublime.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 25 February, 2017, 04:45:23 PM
Just started reading Nikolai Dante.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 25 February, 2017, 07:46:39 PM
Quote from: JLC on 25 February, 2017, 04:45:23 PM
Just started reading Nikolai Dante.

I envy you. Dante is a exceptional series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 25 February, 2017, 07:49:57 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 24 February, 2017, 04:08:04 PM
Just started the Stainless Steel Rat collection after picking it up in the sale the other month. I've not read these strips since they were first published. There is a little gutter loss in places so far and some of the repro is a little off but my goodness, the Carlos art is sublime.

Harry Harrison - now there's a script droid!  (I think he wrote an article in one of the annuals / specials even though he didn't technially 'write' the adaptation).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 February, 2017, 08:46:48 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 25 February, 2017, 07:46:39 PM
Quote from: JLC on 25 February, 2017, 04:45:23 PM
Just started reading Nikolai Dante.

I envy you. Dante is a exceptional series.

Yep absolutely this. Possibly my favourite ever story in the Prog... possibly ask me tomorrow and I'll deny I ever said that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 25 February, 2017, 09:03:37 PM
Quote from: JLC on 25 February, 2017, 04:45:23 PM
Just started reading Nikolai Dante.
Awoof, most envious indeed!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 27 February, 2017, 07:28:59 PM
Im starting Ballad of Halo Jones.Futuristic lingo is a bit confusing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 27 February, 2017, 07:35:00 PM
I've always thought it was just okay. A different artist and it may not have got past the first 'book'. 

I last read it in that collection that didn't have an Ian Gibson cover. That did not compute.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 28 February, 2017, 03:07:06 AM
Quote from: Smith on 27 February, 2017, 07:28:59 PM
Im starting Ballad of Halo Jones.Futuristic lingo is a bit confusing.

I guess it can be that way to start with, but I think it works. You can usually get what they're saying by context, etc.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 28 February, 2017, 11:58:12 AM
Quote from: Smith on 27 February, 2017, 07:28:59 PM
Im starting Ballad of Halo Jones.Futuristic lingo is a bit confusing.

You'll just love Crossed +100.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 28 February, 2017, 12:14:16 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 28 February, 2017, 11:58:12 AM
Quote from: Smith on 27 February, 2017, 07:28:59 PM
Im starting Ballad of Halo Jones.Futuristic lingo is a bit confusing.

You'll just love Crossed +100.
I dont think I would,actually.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 28 February, 2017, 01:24:04 PM
Quote from: Smith on 28 February, 2017, 12:14:16 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 28 February, 2017, 11:58:12 AM
Quote from: Smith on 27 February, 2017, 07:28:59 PM
Im starting Ballad of Halo Jones.Futuristic lingo is a bit confusing.

You'll just love Crossed +100.
I dont think I would,actually.

Indeed, the Crossed material definitely wouldn't be to everyone's taste.
But this is a worthwhile read for Moore / Spurrier fans IMO.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 28 February, 2017, 01:29:14 PM
Like I mentioned in a different thread,funny how Alans Avatar press work is probably more familiar then his 2000ad work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Booster Gold on 28 February, 2017, 08:37:50 PM
Just read through the first 3 issues of Black Hammer, and I've got IDW's Judge Dredd: Mega-City Zero at the top of my stack. Living in Canada I'm pretty much limited to whatever Diamond decides is worth shipping. I have, however, been diving deep into older books. Titles as recent as Grant Morrison's Batman saga, all the way back to old Whiz Comics and Captain Marvel (Shazam) stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 04 March, 2017, 05:53:47 AM
This is going to be an unpopular opinion...I tried to like Halo Jones,I really did,but I just cant.Its not bad,it has plenty of ideas(you can probably see the seed of some future works here),but it feels very rough.Like the series cant decide what it wants to be.And sadly,its unfinished,so the build up of 3 books doesnt really go anywhere.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 March, 2017, 07:09:38 AM
I've never understood how Halo Jones is 'unfinished': all the existing plots and characters are resolved, bar the odd apocryphal suggestion from the history class, every name, concept and organisation mentioned across the three series appears and contributes something. It ends where it begins, with the character gazing towards the stars, going out. If you didn't know there were additional books planned, you wouldn't miss them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: jacob g on 04 March, 2017, 12:18:16 PM
In defense of Halo Jones (not that Halo needed one) - I recently reread Marvano's comicbook adaptation of Forever War, comic I used to love when I was younger, and TBH third book of Halo Jones changed how I see Forever War... Forever.

While both (comic)books deals with similar themes (war, human condition), Halo just works better for me. Feels more organic I guess. I'm not a person who needs to care about characters, I don't need to like them, I need to belive them, and this is where Halo Jones wins. Forever War is recognized as one of the best sci-fi comics in Europe, great adaptation of even greater book, splendid war commentary... yet all of this works better (in terms of comics as a medium) in Book Three of Halo Jones and HJ is just nice, engaging character arc.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 04 March, 2017, 12:37:27 PM
Odd coincidence is that Im following Forever war now.
But yeah,the third book is the best one IMO.On the Halo herself,she is kinda bland.She just kinda goes with the flow and is tossed around by the story.She doesn't really exhibit an influence on her own life/story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 March, 2017, 01:58:19 PM
Quote from: Booster Gold on 28 February, 2017, 08:37:50 PM
I have, however, been diving deep into older books. Titles as recent as Grant Morrison's Batman saga...

Some where around here we've got a whole thread about that on which I've wittered on both as they came out and on re-read about my love of that run. All the Batman you'll ever need (well aside from the Grant Breyfogle stuff)... hold on I'll see if I can find it for you...

...there you go...

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=27077.0 (http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=27077.0)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 March, 2017, 05:43:13 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 March, 2017, 07:09:38 AM
I've never understood how Halo Jones is 'unfinished': all the existing plots and characters are resolved, bar the odd apocryphal suggestion from the history class, every name, concept and organisation mentioned across the three series appears and contributes something. It ends where it begins, with the character gazing towards the stars, going out. If you didn't know there were additional books planned, you wouldn't miss them.

This totally.

When watching Neil Gaiman's review of Halo Jones in the recent thrill power video on the 40th (sorry, the title of the production skips my memory) I had similar thoughts when Mr. Gaiman laments the fact Mr. Moore did not finish the Halo Jones story. Don't get me wrong, it was a lovely review. And if Alan Moore had written or writes more (ugh, no pun intended) I'd snap it up. The future ideas of Halo Jones becoming a space pirate, etc are smashing, but I've always felt that the ending as we have it was fine and as a story it is complete.

Sequel stories, fine! They'll further the saga, but in a similar way to how the Star Wars sequels further Star Wars. If they'd stopped with A New Hope, your have still had a complete story that's fine in itself. If they'd stopped at Empire Strikes Back.. probably not so much, what with Luke's daddy issues and Han. being on ice, and all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 04 March, 2017, 05:48:09 PM
Quote from: Smith on 04 March, 2017, 12:37:27 PM
Odd coincidence is that Im following Forever war now.
But yeah,the third book is the best one IMO.On the Halo herself,she is kinda bland.She just kinda goes with the flow and is tossed around by the story.She doesn't really exhibit an influence on her own life/story.

I dunno. When she[spoiler] gave her boyfriend that final cuddle at the end of Book 3, I think she did something very decisive for the future of herself and the war in general.  She kind of goes with the flow to start with, then puts her foot down and says "no more"! Actually she does that in book 1 too by leaving the loop.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 04 March, 2017, 08:03:10 PM
I guess you could make that point...
I recently read The Bojeffries saga.That was hilarious. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 06 March, 2017, 10:19:23 AM
Quote from: Booster Gold on 28 February, 2017, 08:37:50 PM
Just read through the first 3 issues of Black Hammer, and I've got IDW's Judge Dredd: Mega-City Zero at the top of my stack. Living in Canada I'm pretty much limited to whatever Diamond decides is worth shipping. I have, however, been diving deep into older books. Titles as recent as Grant Morrison's Batman saga, all the way back to old Whiz Comics and Captain Marvel (Shazam) stories.

Canada has less access to comic books than the UK? It's always hit and miss getting comics from my local but if you ask in advance, you eventually receive...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 06 March, 2017, 12:51:31 PM
Slaine: Time Killer. Not enjoying it to be honest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 March, 2017, 01:35:15 PM
Quote from: JLC on 06 March, 2017, 12:51:31 PM
Slaine: Time Killer. Not enjoying it to be honest.

Tell me you at least enjoyed Dragonheist, the Maestro's greatest ever work. How my heart broke when Brainbiter did! And Tomb of Terror is a lot more fun if you actually play the (awful) game at the same time. But yeah, the body of the book is an acquired taste.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 06 March, 2017, 02:42:44 PM
Quote from: JLC on 06 March, 2017, 12:51:31 PM
Slaine: Time Killer. Not enjoying it to be honest.
Slaine is arguably the most marmite of all the 2000AD staples. Some love it, some loath it, some enjoy it well enough but it's not their prefered spreadable thrill.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 06 March, 2017, 05:49:41 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 March, 2017, 01:35:15 PM
Quote from: JLC on 06 March, 2017, 12:51:31 PM
Slaine: Time Killer. Not enjoying it to be honest.

Tell me you at least enjoyed Dragonheist, the Maestro's greatest ever work. How my heart broke when Brainbiter did! And Tomb of Terror is a lot more fun if you actually play the (awful) game at the same time. But yeah, the body of the book is an acquired taste.
Yes, Dragonheist is good but the rest, yuk! Aliens, 'Leyser' guns etc? I remember enjoying it as a kid but not so much now, partly the inconsistent artwork.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 06 March, 2017, 09:10:40 PM
The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly. Most of his books are worth a read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 08 March, 2017, 06:05:17 AM
I finished Mean Team.That was weird.It starts like a blood-sport then switches to a dark fairy tale.Then everyone dies.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 March, 2017, 06:35:59 AM
Quote from: Smith on 08 March, 2017, 06:05:17 AM
I finished Mean Team.That was weird.It starts like a blood-sport then switches to a dark fairy tale.Then everyone dies.

It doesn't get much weirder than Mean Team, the Highlander 2 of sports stories.  Its second series may be my least favourite 2000AD strip, but I loved the first run. "Note: Poochie died on his way back to his home planet". 

Did you get as far as the very curious Survivor, aka Wow Massimo Draws Lovely Panthers, Doesn't He?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 08 March, 2017, 06:49:15 AM
Yes,I did.And I admit that its a lovely panther,but once again-its weird.And it does leave an option for a sequel. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 11 March, 2017, 05:54:42 AM
Something I forgot to mention;2000ad presents Sci-Fi thrillers.It was a mixed bad.Colony Earth,Visible Man,Future Shocks and SuperBean were pretty good.Maze,Family and Universal Soldier were mediocre.Tribal memories and Xtnct sucked.
Homer the Barbarian was probably my favorite story here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 11 March, 2017, 11:59:54 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 March, 2017, 06:35:59 AM
Quote from: Smith on 08 March, 2017, 06:05:17 AM
I finished Mean Team.That was weird.It starts like a blood-sport then switches to a dark fairy tale.Then everyone dies.

It doesn't get much weirder than Mean Team, the Highlander 2 of sports stories.  Its second series may be my least favourite 2000AD strip, but I loved the first run. "Note: Poochie died on his way back to his home planet". 

Did you get as far as the very curious Survivor, aka Wow Massimo Draws Lovely Panthers, Doesn't He?

?  I thought Ron Smith drew Survivor?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 11 March, 2017, 01:19:52 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 11 March, 2017, 11:59:54 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 March, 2017, 06:35:59 AM
Quote from: Smith on 08 March, 2017, 06:05:17 AM
I finished Mean Team.That was weird.It starts like a blood-sport then switches to a dark fairy tale.Then everyone dies.

It doesn't get much weirder than Mean Team, the Highlander 2 of sports stories.  Its second series may be my least favourite 2000AD strip, but I loved the first run. "Note: Poochie died on his way back to his home planet". 

Did you get as far as the very curious Survivor, aka Wow Massimo Draws Lovely Panthers, Doesn't He?

?  I thought Ron Smith drew Survivor?

He did indeed - had Bellardinelli on the brain when I wrote that. They both drew lovely panthers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 18 March, 2017, 02:04:20 PM
After seeing just how atrocius is the revived series is(#UpYoursMarvel),I realised just how awesome the original Thunderbolts were.From start to finish,thru multiple writers and retools,the title was consistently great.
Btw,during Jeff Parker/Kev Walker era there is a visit to a bad future strongly reminiscent of Judge Dredd. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 18 March, 2017, 10:00:46 PM
I'm not really into war comics, but seeing the rather lovely hardback collection of Battle at my local library, I thought I'd give it a go. (A large portion is written by our own John Wagner, in his pre-2000 AD days.)

I've a long way to go, but it's rather good so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 19 March, 2017, 08:21:50 PM
Read Warren Ellis' Planetary. Good interesting fun. Brilliant pulp tribute stories. The word releasing comes to mind, in more than one way, in the best of ways.

Eyed some of the Ellis issues of Authority afterwards. Didn't grab me as much, but the current series The wild storm has potential. Feels relaxed with a grand plan. Angie started of great and it's Grifter looks promising. Will be my main read after DKIII finishes up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 19 March, 2017, 09:52:09 PM
I loved Planetary although I haven't read it since it finished. I just loved all the alternate takes on well known characters like Tarzan, Doc Savage and the Lone Ranger. Wasn't sure about Drummer as a character though. What was his special power? I cant remember. The John Cassaday art was also fantastic.

Ministry of Space was also good and is helped by the Chris Weston art.

The Authority was okay but I seem to remember it being a bit 'nastier' toward well known characters. I may be mixing it up with Mark Millars run on the series though.

I haven't been a fan of Warren Ellis work since then though. I think he can be guilty of decompressing his stories (probably not the right expression). He can take four issues to tell something that another writer might do in one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 March, 2017, 10:01:12 PM
Quote from: Tony Angelino on 19 March, 2017, 09:52:09 PM
Ministry of Space was also good and is helped by the Chris Weston art.

I'd go further and say Ministry of Space IS Chris Weston's art: other than the last couple of pages, there just isn't much else there. Which is not to say I don't think it's a really great comic, I just think what's great are Weston's exquisite designs and meticulous, colourful art, rather than Ellis's rather ho-hum story. The only flash of script-based brilliance is [spoiler]the segregated toilets[/spoiler].
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 19 March, 2017, 10:13:22 PM
You're probably right as I haven't read it in so long. Again it was probably Warren Ellis stretching an idea out over multiple issues.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 20 March, 2017, 12:08:29 PM
Injection is brilliant, even if I think you may well feel like the idea is being stretched out it's at least being stretched out very interestingly. His novels, Gun Machine and Crooked Little Vein, were both pleasingly gonzo-sinister-tech. Yet to check out his latest, Normal. And Black Cross surprised me pleasantly as a bit of weird americana with a strong gothic and eldritch vibe amidst what is ostensibly a superhero story, though it was a little curtailed after a slow start.

Personally I have just read my wife's copies of Paper Girls , which seems like it was designed to tap into the Stranger Things 80s nostalgia trend that suddenly arrived but is sufficiently weird and charming to win on its own merits. Still got no idea exactly whats going on but looking forward to finding out.

I also read all of the new Dr Strange series from my dad's collection whilst oop north. Highly recommended! One of those big upheavals to a status quo that actually sticks around for a little while (at least) and opens up some interesting and fun avenues for stories and development. And best of all its not even tied in to the movie, which is refreshing. Doesn't hurt that it's got great artwork to boot. Anyway, the first time I have liked Dr Strange as a character in and of himself, rather than simply a cool design and a Deus Ex MacGuffin that helps Spiderman with the odd magical story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 20 March, 2017, 01:27:29 PM
Quote from: Tony Angelino on 19 March, 2017, 09:52:09 PM
I haven't been a fan of Warren Ellis work since then though. I think he can be guilty of decompressing his stories (probably not the right expression). He can take four issues to tell something that another writer might do in one.

Ellis is one of those names on a book that will prompt me to buy it even if I've never heard of it. I take your point about spinning things out though - I bought Vol:1 of Trees and it was 100% set-up with almost no plot. I guess after about 4 or 5 books, things may have progressed, but I won't be pursuing this one. I loved Ministry of Space, and Planetary/Authority. Didn't get on so well with Tansmetropolitan though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 20 March, 2017, 05:14:57 PM
Quote from: Tony Angelino on 19 March, 2017, 09:52:09 PM
I loved Planetary although I haven't read it since it finished. I just loved all the alternate takes on well known characters like Tarzan, Doc Savage and the Lone Ranger.

Also enjoyed how each story was told. Not in a usual manner.

Quote from: Tony Angelino on 19 March, 2017, 09:52:09 PMWasn't sure about Drummer as a character though. What was his special power? I cant remember.

Besides being a bit weird, he controlled electronics with his drumsticks.

Quote from: Tony Angelino on 19 March, 2017, 09:52:09 PMThe Authority was okay but I seem to remember it being a bit 'nastier' toward well known characters. I may be mixing it up with Mark Millars run on the series though.

From what I understand it was Millar. Excessively.

Quote from: Tony Angelino on 19 March, 2017, 09:52:09 PMI haven't been a fan of Warren Ellis work since then though. I think he can be guilty of decompressing his stories (probably not the right expression). He can take four issues to tell something that another writer might do in one.

Haven't read much by him. Besides Planetary, Transmetropolitan 10-15 years ago. When he does, is it akin to Brian Azzarello? Wide storytelling rather than a long.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 20 March, 2017, 06:58:18 PM
Batman- The Doom that came to Gotham. Lovely stuff so far but only just started to read this one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 20 March, 2017, 07:08:57 PM
Quote from: Tony Angelino on 19 March, 2017, 09:52:09 PMI haven't been a fan of Warren Ellis work since then though. I think he can be guilty of decompressing his stories (probably not the right expression). He can take four issues to tell something that another writer might do in one.

Haven't read much by him. Besides Planetary, Transmetropolitan 10-15 years ago. When he does, is it akin to Brian Azzarello? Wide storytelling rather than a long.
[/quote]

I'm not that familiar with Azzarello. With Ellis I find that he has really good ideas but that he just stretches them out and you come away from one of his comics thinking that you've only read a couple of speech balloons and that nothing much happened. Unfortunately I cant think of the specific stories that I'm referring to but now when I see his name attached to something I usually avoid it as I don't think I'm getting my moneys worth.

Brian Bendis is another author who I think stopped providing value for money some years ago. Different to Ellis though his stories were often swamped in dialogue but with nothing happening.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Ancient Otter on 20 March, 2017, 07:59:15 PM
As guilty as he was with decompression, Ellis did some neat one-shots with Avatar, like Crecy and some of the Apparat books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Old Tankie on 21 March, 2017, 04:17:31 PM
Crecy was good, and the art by Raulo Caceres was great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 22 March, 2017, 09:47:16 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 20 March, 2017, 01:27:29 PM
Ellis is one of those names on a book that will prompt me to buy it even if I've never heard of it.

Same here - recently picked up the first few trades of Injection for that reason so pleased that at least TheBlazeUk recommends it! Haven't started it yet mind as I'm still on prog and Meg catch up these days...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 22 March, 2017, 06:33:30 PM
Doctor Who:Iron Legion.Im not really a Whovian(I watched the revival series for a while and that it),but it Mills,Wagner and Bolland.And its really freaking good.
Was the 4th always obsessed with Jelly babies? :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 22 March, 2017, 06:48:56 PM
Quote from: Smith on 22 March, 2017, 06:33:30 PM
Doctor Who:Iron Legion.Im not really a Whovian(I watched the revival series for a while and that it),but it Mills,Wagner and Bolland.And its really freaking good.
Was the 4th always obsessed with Jelly babies? :)

It was Dave Gibbons, not Brian Bolland, who drew many of the Marvel UK Dr Who stories.

I think Jelly Babies appeared once or twice with the Fourth Doctor in the TV show. He might have mentioned them in Genesis of the Daleks but am not sure.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 22 March, 2017, 06:54:59 PM
You are right,ofc.My mistake,thou I cant say how that mixup happened.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 22 March, 2017, 07:00:27 PM
Quote from: Smith on 22 March, 2017, 06:33:30 PM.
Was the 4th always obsessed with Jelly babies? :)

Very much so!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 March, 2017, 10:00:24 PM
Absolutely love those early Doctor Who strips. From the Wagner, Mills Gibbons stuff, through to the Steve Moore and Steve Parkhouse strips all the way to the Morrison and Ridgway stuff its all really good stuff. About the first 5 or 6 of those Panini collections are just pure fried comics gold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 23 March, 2017, 05:40:00 AM
Iron Legion is probably the best story here.Im guessing a bit of City of the Damned made it to Mega City One.Beep the Meep is a great twist on "dont judge the book by its covers" moral.Time Witch is okay.Feels a lot like a Future Shock.Well,everything feels a bit 2000AD-ish.Which isnt all that surprising considering the creative team.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 23 March, 2017, 01:39:45 PM
About to have another read of the Game Of Thrones series.

Thankfully on my kindle, so i don't have to throw my back out carrying the paperbacks about.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 23 March, 2017, 03:22:08 PM
Struck by some nostalgia, I have read 6 David Gemmell novels in a week.

God I love those books. The writing gets a lot better by the time of Waylander 2 and Druss, and they are all very similar in tone and content, but Legend is practically perfect as a debut novel.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 23 March, 2017, 03:35:29 PM
Currently working through 'Finders Keepers' by the usually rivetting Stephen King.

This is the sequel to Mr Mercedes I'm just not 'getting' it. All the igredients are there, but for whatever reason it just hasn't grabbed me like Kings books usually do.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 23 March, 2017, 04:34:18 PM
I found Mr Mercedes the high point of that series, but still thoroughly enjoyed Finders Keepers for it's Holden Caulfield Gone Wrong antagonist.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 30 March, 2017, 12:41:08 PM
ABOMINABLE GLORY by Martin Hayes and Chris Askham.

Commando vs the Yeti- in glorious B&W. Chris was pimping it at the time of release but I've only just managed to read the copy I bought. A fantastic slice of boys own adventure and I'm chuffed to bits to see more creators start to claw their way up into print!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 March, 2017, 12:49:02 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 30 March, 2017, 12:41:08 PM
ABOMINABLE GLORY by Martin Hayes and Chris Askham.

Commando vs the Yeti- in glorious B&W. Chris was pimping it at the time of release but I've only just managed to read the copy I bought. A fantastic slice of boys own adventure and I'm chuffed to bits to see more creators start to claw their way up into print!

Yeah its great fun isn't it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 30 March, 2017, 06:48:07 PM
James Ellroy's Perfidia

Brilliant insane cop procedure. Bunch of copers sees opportunity in Japanese americans are getting detained in Los Angeles, days after Pearl Harbour. Among others Ltd Dudley Liam Smith (Benzodiazepine fueled opium demon, diabolical schemer, former Irish assassin, sleeping with Bette Davis) is planing on housing rich japanese people in tunnels and make them record smut films.

My only grip is one passage where a character delivers a Ayn Rand length speech on how/why he killed some people. The rest of it is mad and brilliant.

Wish there where an Ellroy type of Dredd story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 April, 2017, 09:35:22 AM
So 15 issues into Y the Last Man and by God I'm enjoying, its really a gripping read.

HOWEVER

And its a big however, its so like the Walking Dead in that its an absolute exercise in suspending your belief for the sake of engaging with and enjoying the story and characters. Just 15 issues in the things that make me go 'Huh what the fuck' include...

1. Why hasn't someone collected samples of Yoricks sperm to distribute to safe places to test his fertility and assuming that okay start and in semination programme to see if more males can be produced. Cos it would seem sending him on a wild goose chase after a cloning expert, whose success I'm thinking is yet unknown is a much better idea... when you don't even know if he's fertile.

2. Given Yorick insists on his adventure why send him - with one fuckin' person.

3. And on bloody foot when you know there are miltiary helicopter available

4. Why weren't the major roads cleared as a priority to enable communication and contact between major cities.

5. Given that its established that major roads are a problem why didn't they leave on motor bikes OR have resource to expliot the established government rail network?

6. Are the amazons and Heroes story really working and convincing?

7. Why if you don't trust other American's do you feel that going to the special forces of a nation well known for doing extreme and terrible things in its own self interest is that your second choice?

I could go on I really could. I know each of these 'decisions' have been made as a 60 issue series about a man being kept in a secret safe place jacking off for a couple of years and the adventures of insemination isn't too appealing but chist its a stretch.

Phew getting those out my system has really helps. I'll now return to burying my head in the sand so I can enjoy this absolutely compelling read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 02 April, 2017, 12:03:29 PM
Im making my way thru Abe Sapiens series...and its pretty boring.Just hanging around with a group of survivors and scavenging for supplies.Its like a low key Walking Dead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 02 April, 2017, 10:33:59 PM
Quote from: Smith on 02 April, 2017, 12:03:29 PM
Im making my way thru Abe Sapiens series...and its pretty boring.Just hanging around with a group of survivors and scavenging for supplies.Its like a low key Walking Dead.

Interminable stuff, I agree. I gave up after the Sacred Places Collection  (Vol 5?). In fact, I've generally been disappointed with the BPRD spinoff stuff I've read. I found 1946-1948 repetitive and disjointed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 03 April, 2017, 06:15:57 AM
I thought '46-'48 was okay.But I found the whole Hell on Earth cycle boring so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 03 April, 2017, 05:48:25 PM
Also,I was meaning to ask;anyone here reading IDW's TMNT?Cuz,you should be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Michael Knight on 03 April, 2017, 07:41:34 PM
Dark Horse Comics 'Baltimore'. Absolutely love this series by Mike Mignola. Fans of 'Fiends of the eastern front' will enjoy particularly if they pick it up from the start. Great stuff!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Pegasus P Artichoke on 06 April, 2017, 09:04:12 AM
One of my friends in work has been loaning me the Bad Machinery collected volumes by John Allison

Never read any of his stuff before this and I have been really enjoying them

Very well written with great characters and some really funny lines of dialogue

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 06 April, 2017, 10:09:20 AM
Quote from: Smith on 03 April, 2017, 05:48:25 PM
Also,I was meaning to ask;anyone here reading IDW's TMNT?Cuz,you should be.

Is this the John Lees written stuff? Been toying with getting it when collected, as i'm a huge fan of Quilte, ATEWG.

If they've an Iain Laurie variant cover, I'm in!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 06 April, 2017, 10:13:36 AM
Not sure what you mean there...
For the most part its Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz.And it really freaking great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 06 April, 2017, 10:56:41 AM
Quote from: Smith on 06 April, 2017, 10:13:36 AM
Not sure what you mean there...
For the most part its Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz.And it really freaking great.

I'd read somewhere that John Lees was writing for IDW's TMNT, so thought that maybe you were reading his stuff.

Love the early TMNT, so may just wait and grab all the Eastman stuff digitally.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 06 April, 2017, 11:18:31 AM
Hes writing some of the TMNT Universe issues...But ofc,you cant jump into that without reading the previous stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 06 April, 2017, 11:54:02 AM
Quote from: Smith on 06 April, 2017, 11:18:31 AM
Hes writing some of the TMNT Universe issues...But ofc,you cant jump into that without reading the previous stuff.

Cheers. I'll look into it, so fingers crossed we get another IDW Humble Bundle before long.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 06 April, 2017, 12:04:31 PM
Get on that.Its freaking awesome.All the best elements of all the previous versions are in there.And there is plenty of new awesomness.Old Hob for example.
:)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 07 April, 2017, 08:18:11 PM
"Aloha from Hell" a James Stark novel very good and a fun read but very much the tropes of devils angel on Earth (and then in Hell(s)) , I enjoyed it and hadn't read any of the previous books by Richard Kadrey before.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 08 April, 2017, 08:09:16 AM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 30 March, 2009, 10:04:36 PM

And finally Robusters.  I was assured that the dreaded Mr. Mills was actually good back then. I was lied to. Tripe, and not even enjoyable tripe. I'll finish cos I started but I don't hold out much hope.  After that it's The VC'S  by Finley-Day. I'm sure he won't let me down.

So thats what I'm readin. What about you?

Have to disagree on Ro-Busters. Different tastes for different readers, I guess. Although in general the art in Vol. 1 (most of the Starlord numbers) isn't quite as good on average as later episodes from 2000 AD, I really enjoyed the old-school 'comical'-type comic book stories in these. I just took an instant liking to Ro-Jaws, with his 'Mockney' slang and 'faulty courtesy and obedience circuits'.

Then again I was reading the two Complete Nuts and Bolts hardcovers interspersed between the more recent A.B.C. Warriors hardcover collections Return to Earth and Return to Ro-Busters which I also loved (and was impressed by Clint Langley's artwork).

After that I read A.B.C. Warriors: The Mek-Files 02 hardcover (containing Khronicles of Khaos and Hellbringer), which was quite a grind for me to get through. Ah, the early 1990s era of excess and pointless over-the-top megaviolence... I don't miss it a bit. If it were only a part of a solid story with good characterization, I guess we could let slide, but here the plot is very thin indeed, with some jokey dialogue pasted in (it feels oddly non-sequitur though, unlike the earlier Ro-Busters). Kev Walker's artwork is colorful and nicely painted, but I didn't particularly care for his caricature style and his actual storytelling skills need improving, as what was going on in various panels wasn't always apparent at a glance, and the story didn't seem to flow in a way that led your eyeballs in a natural progression from panel to panel. Pat Mills sort of phoned these in, I would guess, as an indulgence to either the editor at the time or to Walker's tastes in what he preferred to illustrate (or maybe both). There's about 200 pages of artwork here for a couple of stories that could have been told in 50 or 60 pages.

About to start on Return to Mars...

Oh, and yesterday I was reading Please Tell Me! Galko-Chan Vol. 1, a fairly kooky slice-of-life high school manga.

@Paul faplad Finch -- So what did you think of The VCs? I have (what I think is) the first volume but haven't read it yet, so it may be sooner or later, depending on what you thought.

Whoops. I just realized that was 400+ pages ago. Sorry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 11 April, 2017, 06:51:46 PM
Metabarons.That was funting epic!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 April, 2017, 09:07:37 PM
Quote from: Smith on 11 April, 2017, 06:51:46 PM
Metabarons.That was funting epic!

That's good to hear it rapidly (well less so these days) chargin' up my to read list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 11 April, 2017, 10:18:51 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 11 April, 2017, 09:07:37 PM
Quote from: Smith on 11 April, 2017, 06:51:46 PM
Metabarons.That was funting epic!

That's good to hear it rapidly (well less so these days) chargin' up my to read list.

It really is fantastic. The only detraction is the way it's framed. It's a narrator claiming these stories are the greatest ever told. You don't get to write your own reviews.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 12 April, 2017, 06:25:00 AM
Granted,the robots can be annoying,but even the framing sequence has its payoff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 12 April, 2017, 12:19:32 PM
My Discworld (re)read reaches Guards! Guards!

When I last read this series, as a teenager, I somehow contrived only to read one Watch book - and it was the second book, Men at Arms - so this was another completely new to me. Needless to say, a fantastic read. Eight books in and Pratchett just seems almost a different author to the man who penned the slightly messy Colour of Magic and its two faltering follow-ups. This is where Ankh-Morpork takes its place among the all-time great living, breathing fantasy cities.

My one real annoyance was that the utterly adorable 'Ankh-Morpork encounters Carrot Ironfounderson' plot is completely sidelined about a third of the way in by the more conventional 'Vimes versus the dragon' main plot. Carrot himself rapidly gets a little lost in the narrative, but then I know we'll get to see more of him in the next book, if nothing else. To be honest I could have stood to spend a lot more time with the Watch characters full-stop, one of the most genuinely likeable cop teams I've ever come across, but demands of the plot don't really allow it. Thankfully it's a great, great plot, rooted deeply in fantasy genre tropes but subverting them at every available turn - the big twist, where [spoiler]the dragon itself becomes King[/spoiler], is a barnstormer, and makes for a really thrilling and fascinating third act. Plus there's lots of Librarian, too, always a joy!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 12 April, 2017, 12:31:05 PM
Yup, Vimes and the Watch are my favourite Discworld story-focus, edging out even Granny and Tiffany Aching.  As you say, Guards Guards feels like it's written by a different writer to its predecssors, or at least one who has graduated from hey-this-fantasy-pastiche-formula-certainly-seems-to-be-shifting-copies to I-think-I'll-write-what-I-want-to-now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 12 April, 2017, 12:42:28 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 12 April, 2017, 12:31:05 PM
Yup, Vimes and the Watch are my favourite Discworld story-focus, edging out even Granny and Tiffany Aching.

I'm a bit mystified by the reading of my teenage self. I read to roughly the halfway point of the series (book 18, 19?) but only read one Watch book and one Witches book! Cannot remember for the life of me if it was a conscious decision or not - but I loved the two Watch/Witch books I did read!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 12 April, 2017, 01:08:42 PM
Last year I did a thematic read of Discworld, the Guards books, the Witches books, the Socio-cultural books (money, steam, journalism), the Death books.  Thoroughly enjoyed that until I realised that there are a couple of overlaps e.g Susan Sto-Lat turns up in the Thief of Time which I didn't really think of as a Death book.  Recently tried to re-read Strata and Dark Side of the Sun.  Once you get past the first gag they're pretty poor really.  Interesting from the point of view of seeing how a writer evolves.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 12 April, 2017, 01:46:03 PM
Unless there's a set of characters you particularly don't get on with, I think a chronological read's the best way to do it. The world really evolves organically, and as you say there's an increasing amount of character crossover.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 12 April, 2017, 01:47:36 PM
Very true, that said, it is also interesting to see how the characters evolve over the course of their respective books.  That's the beauty of Pratchett.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 12 April, 2017, 02:34:32 PM
The Gnomes books are good too, and the Johnny books (even if Only You Can Save Mankind will be incredibly dated now!). Not tried the Carpet People since I was a kid... remember it being less humorous. Never got on with Dark Side and Strata - enjoyable enough but I remember thinking 'Discworld is so much better and I'd rather re-read Hitchhikers).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 12 April, 2017, 10:24:36 PM
Unfortunately I could never get in to Terry Pratchett. I read about the first three or four Discworld books, thought they were okay but just never felt the need to go back after that. I even considered getting them on audiobook but found out they were being read by Tony Robinson who can be a bit dull at times.

I listened to all the Joe Abercrombie books on audiobook. They were read by Stephen Pacey (formerly of Blake's 7) and they were incredible. He could just do so many different voices and bring each character to life.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Definitely Not Mister Pops on 13 April, 2017, 02:31:29 AM
The early discworld novels aren't great. They're just satire on the fantasy genre, a pastiche, a buncha scenes taking the piss outta fantasy tropes poorly stiched together. Discworld doesn't get good until Pratchett establishes the main players and builds rules in which the stories take place. Once the satire moves from general fantasy satire to specific themes, it's trancendential. The novels with Granny Weatherwax and Sam Vimes (later Tiffany Aching) are some of the best books you will ever read.

Neil Gaiman stated it perfectly. Pratchett was a very angry man. Vimes represents his anger at the system, Weatherwax, his anger at humanity's failures in general.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 13 April, 2017, 03:38:23 AM
I wonder how Dredd and Vimes would get along...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 13 April, 2017, 09:46:05 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 20 March, 2017, 12:08:29 PM
Yet to check out his latest, Normal.

Normal takes an element of Injection into a completely different direction.  It's a short locked room mystery set inside a psychiatric institute for Tofflered-out futurists which Stevie found simultaneously profanely funny & existentially chilling.

Sweary & recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: edgeworthy on 13 April, 2017, 11:37:25 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 13 April, 2017, 03:38:23 AM
I wonder how Dredd and Vimes would get along...
I would imagine that Blackboard Monitor Vimes would be the only person in the universe with the nerve to arrest Dredd for acting outside of his jurisdiction. Even with a fleet of justice department battlecruisers hovering over Ankh-Morpork.

(And Joe Dredd would probably actually surrender, to prove a point, and be in custody for about 30 seconds, before being released on his own recognizance!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 14 April, 2017, 05:31:21 PM
I picked up the first issue of VAMPIRELLA by Paul Cornell and Jimmy Broxton, published by Dynamite.

I've never read a Vampirella comic before and know nothing about the character but thought I would give this one a chance.

I shouldn't have bothered though. The artwork is fine but the story was just terrible. Unless you are a Jimmy Broxton fan/completist don't bother with this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 14 April, 2017, 05:51:26 PM
Yeah, too true. Jimmy Broxton's artwork is quite good. Too bad he's wasted his time on this rambling, shambling, mess of a story, which (apart from a few introductory pages in issue #0) has absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Vampirella as a character. A big big miss.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 15 April, 2017, 06:20:20 AM
Judge Dredd: Origins TP - I know I'm several years behind the curve on this one. It was absolutely great. It's such a joy to see Carlos Ezquerra's artwork rendered in full-process color. The assembling of various details of the history of the Judge system and the Atom War which led to the Mega City One setting of present-day Dredd was probably long overdue. If anyone's curious to know more about background characters like Judge Fargo or President Robert L. Booth, this is the one to read that sorts everything out, and while the story does indeed get round to Dredd's actual origins, it's less Dredd's story ultimately than it is Fargo's and Booth's. No spoilers here for anyone who hasn't read it, but it turned out for me to be fortuitous that I had just re-read (for the first time in 30-odd years) The Cursed Earth (Uncensored), as Origins does indeed reference some specific details from that extended story arc. Wagner mostly weaves all the bits & pieces together deftly, and leaves us with a real 'stinger' of an ending.

Most of the story-within-a-story is being narrated by Dredd to a group of other judges, and if I had any caveats at all with the story, it's only that it isn't entirely clear how some of the details of events (in which he did not participate, or were before his time) are known to Dredd. Some of the sources are clear or could probably be presumed, while other details were secrets known only to the actual participants, so it's not entirely clear how the information being related came into Dredd's possession. So apart from that, and not thinking about the number of nuclear warheads it would take to devastate 80% of the North American continent, and the attendant ash cloud and nuclear winter which would inevitably follow... you just have to let it go as part of the basic premise for which there's no accounting. None of which should significantly detract from anyone's enjoyment of the story, I would think, so overall this gets 10/10 on the megascale.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 April, 2017, 09:36:18 PM
Well just finished reading Y the Last Man and man it doesn't change does it... well it does a little but I'll get there soon enough...as a whole its endlessly compelling and thrilling read. It has some wonderful characters and some absolutely superb ideas. It opens some interesting ideas. It does however require massive willingness to engage with the fiction and suspend belief. On time it boarders on the ridiculous but you are turning the pages so fast to find out what happens next you don't allow yourself to stop and examine things too closely. Afterwards I'm too enamored with what I've delved onto to go too far back to spoil what I've read.

Its great stuff. After issue 50 I'd suggest it goes off the boil a little and the end I didn't find quite as compelling as the rest and so some of the stretches get a little hard to stomach but it keeps enough heavy emotional punches in reserves to keep you in dizzy expectation and delight. Alas like Ex-Machinia I'm not sure it has the final knock out punch to entirely floor you but it wins by a unanimous decision and  I have to say if a little weak I really liked Yorick's 'end'... just maybe the timing sucked a little.

Still entirely enjoyable and heartily recommended for anyone who like Vaughn's other stuff and hasn't read this (it wasn't just me right?)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 17 April, 2017, 10:36:29 PM
For some reason I've never been able to engage with anything Vaughn's written. It mystifies me trying to figure out the appeal. I'm sure there are probably other popular writers whose work I don't care for, but I can usually point to some specific reasons why. With Vaughn I'm just not caring about anything that's going on, that's about the size of it. We're on completely different wavelengths, I guess.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 18 April, 2017, 12:02:52 AM
Quote from: positronic on 17 April, 2017, 10:36:29 PM
For some reason I've never been able to engage with anything Vaughn's written. It mystifies me trying to figure out the appeal. I'm sure there are probably other popular writers whose work I don't care for, but I can usually point to some specific reasons why. With Vaughn I'm just not caring about anything that's going on, that's about the size of it. We're on completely different wavelengths, I guess.

I didn't care for any of BKV's titles for years. Y-The Last Man lost me with Safeword arc so I dropped it. Ex Machina started strong, but its second arc just did nothing for me, so I droped it. I never did bother with Runaways, which was getting a lot of press during its run.

I will say I liked Pride of Baghdad. As an OGN its shortness may have helped. But... Saga is consistently excellent, and I liked The Private Eye a lot (even if I disagreed with its hypocritical message about the dangers of the Internet). So.... I guess 'hit and miss' might describe my enjoyment of BKV overall.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 18 April, 2017, 09:43:41 AM
Saga's probably a good example, then. I read the first issue after being urged on by others. Got to the middle, about the part where characters with TV heads are having sex, and just put it down, realizing that the entirety of what had happened up until that point was a complete non-sequitur to me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 18 April, 2017, 10:02:42 AM
Quote from: positronic on 18 April, 2017, 09:43:41 AM
Saga's probably a good example, then. I read the first issue after being urged on by others. Got to the middle, about the part where characters with TV heads are having sex, and just put it down, realizing that the entirety of what had happened up until that point was a complete non-sequitur to me.
I feel you there.I got to the ghost babysitter part. ::)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 18 April, 2017, 12:31:24 PM
That's the general pattern of my response to Vaughn's work. I read one or two issues of one of his series based on "Oh, you haven't? You've got to try it!" and the end result always leaves me shrugging my shoulders and thinking something like "Well, I'm not really sure what all that was about. I guess I could try to stick around for a few more issues and try to suss it out, but there really isn't anything engaging me enough to motivate the effort here."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 18 April, 2017, 12:43:30 PM
I think the one I got furthest on was Runaways, only because I was trying to work out what his ultimate purpose was in retrofitting these older supervillains (parents of the Runaways) into the Marvel Universe's back history. I had some idea that he was going to reveal some previously-unknown connections with past events that would cause the reader to completely overhaul some ideas about how certain (up-til-then) past events had unfolded. The longer it went on however, the more apparent it became that there was no real purpose in inventing new characters to retcon into the MU's backhistory. He could just as well made those same characters some fairly obscure forgotten villains with minor actual appearances, but instead he just makes them up out of whole cloth, in effect a conspiracy of matchstick men to make their offspring look better by comparison. So why would I care about the conflict between their aims & goals and those of their children? Exited sometime right around the appearance of the raptor.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 18 April, 2017, 01:23:34 PM
I actually gave up once Whedon took over.Vaughns series was okay,but definitely not as good as its hyped up to be.
Good thing you didn't bother with his Swamp Thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 18 April, 2017, 04:31:12 PM
Quote from: Smith on 18 April, 2017, 01:23:34 PM
I actually gave up once Whedon took over.Vaughns series was okay,but definitely not as good as its hyped up to be.
Good thing you didn't bother with his Swamp Thing.

Yeah, there was just a whole long stretch where I couldn't be bothered with Swamp Thing. After Rick Veitch's run, and until Charles Soule's remarkably good New 52 ST just a couple of years back (didn't really care for the run preceding his). There may have been a thing or two I missed in there. I know Andy Diggle's brief run with "Bad Seed" seemed like it might have made it worthwhile reading again, but it was too short. I've heard the Morrison run is good, so I'll probably check that out in trade.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 April, 2017, 05:26:16 PM
I have a curious relationship with BVP. I like almost all his stuff but to differing degrees and the things that grate seem to be consistent across the piece which prevent me thinking of him as a great writer even though I love his stuff in the main. He's a fun writer, an engaging writer but his stuff is page turner stuff built on good ideas. Its not stunning and well written by and large. He's a good storyteller I guess.

I loved Ex-Machina, which I think is his best work.

I really enjoyed Y the last man but it had its problems

I enjoy Saga but its not the glory many see it as and it too has considerable problems.

The consistant issues I have are his dialogue. He'd write a great Doctor Who companion cos his constant sassy chat, his quick banter and lively fun filled exchanges become exhausting. He does it with all his main characters and I think its meant to be realistic. Lacking range however it can get really grating and strips his characters of balance. Saga is the biggest victim of this. In Ex-Machina he gets away with it more because of the environment he's portraying it seems a better fit.

All his stroies also seem to stretch creditability almost to breaking point. Its fine, they are fun enough but again its a big weakness.

So yeah BKV a good not great writer (well except Ex-Machina which I did really love, but I do worry whether it will hold up on re-read!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 18 April, 2017, 06:02:33 PM
Quote from: positronic on 18 April, 2017, 04:31:12 PM
Quote from: Smith on 18 April, 2017, 01:23:34 PM
I actually gave up once Whedon took over.Vaughns series was okay,but definitely not as good as its hyped up to be.
Good thing you didn't bother with his Swamp Thing.

Yeah, there was just a whole long stretch where I couldn't be bothered with Swamp Thing. After Rick Veitch's run, and until Charles Soule's remarkably good New 52 ST just a couple of years back (didn't really care for the run preceding his). There may have been a thing or two I missed in there. I know Andy Diggle's brief run with "Bad Seed" seemed like it might have made it worthwhile reading again, but it was too short. I've heard the Morrison run is good, so I'll probably check that out in trade.
Morrison co-wrote four issues with Mark Millar,the rest is all Millar.And its pretty freaking good.DC finally got around to collecting his run,so I do recommend that you pick that up if you haven't already.
I heard some good things about the Nu52 series,but the New 52 part really kills my interest in it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 18 April, 2017, 06:37:14 PM
Yeah, never Morrison solo and I really liked the M & M take on Swamp Thing. I think this came after a dull patch and my stagnant "90's unread pile" is in the middle of that, somewhere.

Just checked... I'm at 155, so halfway through right'nuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 19 April, 2017, 07:52:02 AM
Quote from: Smith on 18 April, 2017, 06:02:33 PM
Quote from: positronic on 18 April, 2017, 04:31:12 PM
Quote from: Smith on 18 April, 2017, 01:23:34 PM
I actually gave up once Whedon took over.Vaughns series was okay,but definitely not as good as its hyped up to be.
Good thing you didn't bother with his Swamp Thing.

Yeah, there was just a whole long stretch where I couldn't be bothered with Swamp Thing. After Rick Veitch's run, and until Charles Soule's remarkably good New 52 ST just a couple of years back (didn't really care for the run preceding his). There may have been a thing or two I missed in there. I know Andy Diggle's brief run with "Bad Seed" seemed like it might have made it worthwhile reading again, but it was too short. I've heard the Morrison run is good, so I'll probably check that out in trade.
Morrison co-wrote four issues with Mark Millar,the rest is all Millar.And its pretty freaking good.DC finally got around to collecting his run,so I do recommend that you pick that up if you haven't already.
I heard some good things about the Nu52 series,but the New 52 part really kills my interest in it.

That was the only thing worth reading out of most of it. Apart from a few things that carried over fairly directly from the pre-New 52 DC (like Levitz' LSH and Johns' & Tomasi's GL titles), the only ones worth reading were the "Dark" titles. J.M. DeMatteis did some decent writing on some of them like JL Dark (yes, the title IS completely stupid, but nevertheless it's a good comic), but Soule's Swamp Thing was the best of that group, and I would rate it as the Swamp Thing that most closely approaches Moore & Veitch's run on the title. Some nice art there too by Jesus Saiz.

You can just skip the first 3 trade collections by Scott Snyder (he's over-rated, AFAIC) and start with Vol. 4: Seeder. The thing is I'm not really some huge fan of Soule's either. Tried some of his other stuff for Marvel, and some of it's better than average, some not so much. Swamp Thing was the only series of his I read that really impressed me. It really does hew fairly close to the feel of the Moore series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 19 April, 2017, 08:02:38 AM
@Fungus IIRC that means your just about to read Chester Williams:American Cop.  :D
@Positronic We got the tail end of Morrisons Batman,and Court of Owls was great;but IMO for anyone who isn't Batman(and often for him,too),N52 was a toxic wasteland.
Personally,one DC writer I find terribly overrated(from the current lineup) is Tom King.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 19 April, 2017, 08:19:53 AM
Quote from: Smith on 19 April, 2017, 08:02:38 AM
Personally,one DC writer I find terribly overrated(from the current lineup) is Tom King.
Can't agree there. King's Batman is OK (and an improvement on Snyder's overlong run), but his non-Batman series have been tremendous. I wonder if you've read those.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 19 April, 2017, 08:47:22 AM
I would hardly call Middle East in space tremendous.And his Batman is pretty weak.But thats just my opinion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 19 April, 2017, 08:58:32 AM
Quote from: Smith on 19 April, 2017, 08:02:38 AM
@Positronic We got the tail end of Morrisons Batman,and Court of Owls was great;but IMO for anyone who isn't Batman(and often for him,too),N52 was a toxic wasteland.

Oh, I disagree. It was (mostly) pretty toxic for Batman. What was a good tone for the re-integrated supernatural DC characters of 'The Dark' was pretty bad for superheroes, Batman and allies included. But that's because the supernatural characters had no real consistent history of publication or background details (except for the Vertigo version of Constantine), so a reboot actually helped define the supernatural side of things better and with more consistency.

Batman Incorporated I think suffers being split between the pre- and post-N52 DCU, with things that just don't match up between the first and second halves. I felt like having come this far, I had to stick with it through the conclusion. Morrison did the best he could with it, I guess. It still feels like years' worth (from the beginning of his regular Batman run) of an interesting, but very 'Elseworld' kind of Batman. At least it wasn't boring, even if some of the villains were incomprehensible.

Multiversity was much better, and inclines me to forgive him somewhat for Final Crisis. I did not read his Action Comics run after a brief glance through it. Some of Morrison's other work is maddeningly nonsensical. You may proclaim yourself a magician Grant, but that doesn't mean you can bedazzle me with b-s, and I don't mind calling attention to the emperor's lack of pants on such occasions.

I've been really leery of DCU Batman titles since 2011. Snyder wasn't my cup of tea prior to the reboot, and even less afterwards. IMO the closest they got to a decent DCU Batman title prior to Rebirth was John Layman & Jason Fabok's relatively brief run on Detective Comics (Volumes 3-5 in TP). After Rebirth, James Tynion's writing on Detective Comics is now the best DCU Batman. Although I still prefer Jeff Parker's Batman '66.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 19 April, 2017, 10:41:10 AM
Not sure where to start there...I hated the new Constantine.I found Multiversity a lazy rehash of Morrisons previous work.It even gets referenced in the work itself.Oh look,im doing the same thing Flash did in JLA #3.
In all honesty,I barely read Batman in recent years.Last run I really enjoyed was Dini's Detective  Comics.Great stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 19 April, 2017, 10:43:27 AM
Paul Dini + Batman = :) :) :)

There has been some enjoyable stuff out of nu-52. Azzarello's Wonder Woman springs to mind and Dan Abnett's Aquaman (latter nothing special but it was fun).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 19 April, 2017, 12:03:24 PM
Quote from: Smith on 19 April, 2017, 10:41:10 AM
Not sure where to start there...I hated the new Constantine.

The character, or the New 52 comic? That was one title from 'The Dark' group which was pretty bad. So was the team book written by Paul Cornell with the Demon in it (forgot the name already). Frankenstein wasn't any good in his own book, but was good as a character in JL Dark and in some other supporting roles (same with Constantine, mainly in JL Dark and as a guest in other stories). I didn't read I, Vampire. Star Spangled War/G. I. Zombie was good but only lasted for one story arc. Phantom Stranger and Pandora were also good. The two main ones were JL Dark and Swamp Thing (but only under Soule). Basically the first year or so of Dark titles wasn't any good, but they improved as a group right up to the big mass cancellation in April '16 (except for Constantine, which actually got worse). Yeah, granted it's a DCU Constantine, not the one you see in Vertigo's Hellblazer. He can't be a 'Mature Audiences' character in a mainstream DCU title. The reboot allowed them to work out more of an underlying logic to how the supernatural operates in the DCU, where before it really seemed fragmented and inconsistent, with a lot of seemingly-conflicting worldviews of motivating forces and alignments of otherdimensional beings. The general darker tone of the DCU after the reboot worked in favor of those titles, while I think it hurt the superhero titles (along with their many other problems).

But the N52 superhero and team titles (apart from those few that just carried over with the same ongoing stories and writers) were mostly pretty bad.

I don't think things have improved any with Rebirth. By that time they'd already cancelled any of the series that I liked, so I mainly just get a few non-DCU titles these days (apart from Detective, which I just borrow to read). Somehow they're selling better now, but I can't see why. Must be the re-numbering.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 19 April, 2017, 12:26:54 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 19 April, 2017, 10:43:27 AM
Paul Dini + Batman = :) :) :)

I liked his original Vertigo bio-graphic novel w/Batman. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 19 April, 2017, 01:54:25 PM
Well,you already answered your own question about Constantine.
I actually think they improved with Rebirth.I just hope they don't screw it up soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 19 April, 2017, 09:33:58 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 02 April, 2017, 10:33:59 PM
Quote from: Smith on 02 April, 2017, 12:03:29 PM
Im making my way thru Abe Sapiens series...and its pretty boring.Just hanging around with a group of survivors and scavenging for supplies.Its like a low key Walking Dead.

Interminable stuff, I agree. I gave up after the Sacred Places Collection  (Vol 5?).

Vol 5 is the real low point, actually. You could actually skip it and miss very little. Vol 6 is not much better, but does at least cut hin loose from the dull supporting cast that Scott Allie's gathered around him, and resolves the zombie/cult plotline of the previous two books. Vol 7 is much improved, but other than Strobl's story finally going somewhere it's mainly another exercise in navel-gazing.

Vol 8, though... Vol 8 is brilliant. The journey may have been excruitiatingly dull, but the destination is a cracker. Exactly what I was hoping for when I first heard Abe was getting a solo series. Such a missed oppurtunity overall, though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 20 April, 2017, 12:39:31 AM
Quote from: Smith on 19 April, 2017, 01:54:25 PM
Well,you already answered your own question about Constantine.
I actually think they improved with Rebirth.I just hope they don't screw it up soon.

Hard to say. I didn't like the Rebirth HELLBLAZER either, but I suppose it might be a slight improvement on the previous New 52 incarnation of Constantine, the only aspect of which was interesting to me is that he was able to interact with a bunch of the other supernatural/Dark characters in those other titles I mentioned. As the star of his own N52 title, he wasn't so good. Without that interaction, I'd rather just read all the Vertigo Hellblazer trades I've missed (there have been quite a few). It makes me think there was little point in bringing the character back into the DCU.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ScottCB78 on 21 April, 2017, 09:54:34 AM
Reading Tom Kings Omega men, love Tom Kings writing and think his Batman run is seriously underrated.
Also trying to catch up on DC Rebirth, got all the 1st few issues from each comic but then slaked off..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 21 April, 2017, 10:04:49 AM
Hello there,Bizzaro me.And welcome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 21 April, 2017, 11:39:25 AM
Quote from: Smith on 21 April, 2017, 10:04:49 AM
Hello there,Bizzaro me.And welcome.

I think you meant "Good-bye, Bizarro me." Bizarros always do (and say) things the opposite of all earthly people. Or did you actually mean to tell him farewell? You have to learn to speak Bizarro-language to make yourself understood to a Bizarro, so saying "welcome" is like saying "get lost".

They never did a story in which Mr. Mxyzptlk visited the Bizarro homeworld of Htrae, but I wonder if someone else on that planet saying his name not-backwards would cause him to return to his home dimension for 90 days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 21 April, 2017, 02:23:56 PM
I read King's Omega Men on recomendation here and found it overall excellent. It was a bit more of a Kyle Rayner story then I expected, and I didn't know as much about the Omega Men as I thought I did going in, but it was suitably excellent.  The fact you can get all 12 issues in a single collection is also nice, and being 12 issues it's got a lot of room to breath.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 21 April, 2017, 02:45:10 PM
I haven't really read Tom King's stuff, apart from Convergence which was just an excuse to spin the wheels at DC for 2 months, leading nowhere and making absolutely zero sense in the conclusion.

I've had both his Omega Men and Batman work urged upon me by zealous fans of it, though. Just couldn't really find the time since I have no predisposition.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 21 April, 2017, 02:58:13 PM
Hate to repeat my self,but-bad,overrated stuff.Middle East..IN SPACE.Oil...IN SPACE.Israel...IN SPACE.King cant even decide if its Kyle or Hal hes writing here.
And whos the mastermind who killed several planet to get to space oil.[spoiler]A generic American general.Yeah,apparently in DCU,Uncle Sam made it to other star systems.Somehow.[/spoiler]Which was never addressed before.Or after.[spoiler]And why is a Green Lantern being debriefed by US army anyway?[/spoiler]Again,is this Hal or Kyle?
Its nonsensical,dumb and it makes Avatar look bloody subtle by comparison.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 21 April, 2017, 03:20:09 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 18 April, 2017, 05:26:16 PM
The consistant issues I have are his dialogue. He'd write a great Doctor Who companion cos his constant sassy chat, his quick banter and lively fun filled exchanges become exhausting. He does it with all his main characters and I think its meant to be realistic. Lacking range however it can get really grating and strips his characters of balance. Saga is the biggest victim of this. In Ex-Machina he gets away with it more because of the environment he's portraying it seems a better fit.

All his stroies also seem to stretch creditability almost to breaking point. Its fine, they are fun enough but again its a big weakness.

Well there you go. You took the time to analyze the stories and explain the weaknesses to me. I guess between the hokey dialogue and credibility problem, the only thing I was making out of it was a randomness that left me not caring about what was happening or why I should bother to try to figure it out, if I even had the patience to hang in there long enough to try.

I guess I gave it a little bit longer of a go with Runaways because it was the first of his stuff I'd read, and I thought maybe he was just being a little sly or inscrutable on purpose. That seems not to be the case, so I'm glad I didn't waste more time figuring it out myself.

What my take-away from this is, if someone recommends something to you, you can't just go on faith. You just have to ask the question "So what's it about, then?", and if they don't have a comprehensible or intriguing-sounding answer to that, then you can just pass on it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 24 April, 2017, 08:27:07 PM
Doing a full reread of 100 Bullets for probably the first time in 10+ years.

Well, it holds up a lot better than Preacher!

Amazing stuff - loving every page of it. So stylish - the writing starts a little rough but gets better and more confident with every arc, and the artwork is just next level incredible. As a body of work it's up there with Akira or Watchmen for me.

Why 100B hasn't already been turned into a premium cable TV series is a mystery to me. It's so cinematic you could almost just film it verbatim and it would work on screen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 24 April, 2017, 08:46:53 PM
Quote from: radiator on 24 April, 2017, 08:27:07 PMWhy 100B hasn't already been turned into a premium cable TV series is a mystery to me. It's so cinematic you could almost just film it verbatim and it would work on screen.

Tom Hardy Tackling Vertigo Comic '100 Bullets' for New Line (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tom-hardy-star-100-bullets-814472)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 25 April, 2017, 12:32:24 AM
Yeah, 100 Bullets has been optioned for some time. I remember hearing about that a while back. Takes forever for these things to actually happen, and most of them don't after going through development hell and various script treatments.

Great comic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 25 April, 2017, 06:16:48 AM
Comixology had an Excalibur sale.I wonder why now?Will Excalibur be a movie?Is there a new series launching?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 25 April, 2017, 06:46:39 AM
Sometimes things just go on sale, last week XFactor was on sale. They go in cycles, especially all the X books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 25 April, 2017, 10:18:26 AM
Quote from: radiator on 24 April, 2017, 08:27:07 PM
Doing a full reread of 100 Bullets for probably the first time in 10+ years.

Well, it holds up a lot better than Preacher!

Amazing stuff - loving every page of it. So stylish - the writing starts a little rough but gets better and more confident with every arc, and the artwork is just next level incredible. As a body of work it's up there with Akira or Watchmen for me.

Why 100B hasn't already been turned into a premium cable TV series is a mystery to me. It's so cinematic you could almost just film it verbatim and it would work on screen.

Agree with absolutely everything you say.

The Risso artwork is just too good, and I think i may just have to go and buy the GNs digitally and get stuck in.

Has anyone read the Lono spin-off? Is it worth a purchase?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 25 April, 2017, 01:22:34 PM
With you on 100 Bullets though I've not got many issues into it.
Moonshine by the same team is great - for anyone who missed this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 25 April, 2017, 03:32:50 PM
I enjoyed 1000 bullets more when it was a total mystery - just a stranger turning up with the offer ... as they filled in more and more backstory about the minutemen (??? is that right? - been a long time!) I found it less interesting. This is just from reading trades in random order from the library, I've never done a full read in sequence
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 25 April, 2017, 03:51:04 PM
I bought the first two trades of Harrow County the other day. Money well spent as this book is truly beautiful - inks and paints, composition and character design, all topped off with a healthy dose of eerie-style southern gothic. Be purchasing vol.3 rapidly. Even the wife loves it despite the numerous wonderfully drawn rotting corpses and the skinless boy.

My wife also picked up Jeff Lemire's Royal City, and I introduced her to A.D. Weird, engaging and emotional. And that's just the artwork...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: radiator on 25 April, 2017, 05:45:21 PM
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 24 April, 2017, 08:46:53 PM
Quote from: radiator on 24 April, 2017, 08:27:07 PMWhy 100B hasn't already been turned into a premium cable TV series is a mystery to me. It's so cinematic you could almost just film it verbatim and it would work on screen.

Tom Hardy Tackling Vertigo Comic '100 Bullets' for New Line (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tom-hardy-star-100-bullets-814472)

I remember hearing about the Tom Hardy thing, but that article is from nearly two years ago and not a word since. Also, it sounds like they're planning a movie, when 100B really deserves a premium cable show. The format is perfect - relatively self-contained crime vignettes and mini-arcs, with hints of a larger mythology in the background.

QuoteHas anyone read the Lono spin-off? Is it worth a purchase?

I remember excitedly buying the first few issues, but just couldn't get into it for whatever reason. Didn't have the same magic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 26 April, 2017, 05:39:25 AM
Quote from: radiator on 25 April, 2017, 05:45:21 PM
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 24 April, 2017, 08:46:53 PM
Quote from: radiator on 24 April, 2017, 08:27:07 PMWhy 100B hasn't already been turned into a premium cable TV series is a mystery to me. It's so cinematic you could almost just film it verbatim and it would work on screen.

Tom Hardy Tackling Vertigo Comic '100 Bullets' for New Line (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tom-hardy-star-100-bullets-814472)

I remember hearing about the Tom Hardy thing, but that article is from nearly two years ago and not a word since. Also, it sounds like they're planning a movie, when 100B really deserves a premium cable show. The format is perfect - relatively self-contained crime vignettes and mini-arcs, with hints of a larger mythology in the background.

from Wikipedia's entry for 100 Bullets:
QuoteOn June 23, 2011, IGN reported that David S. Goyer, co-writer of Dark City and The Dark Knight, was attached to executive produce and write a TV series based on the comics for Showtime. However, in a June 2013 interview with Ain't It Cool News, Goyer stated that the project got "incredibly close" at Showtime before being turned down due to a multitude of mass shootings across the United States. He called the sudden turn of events "frustrating", further stating, "At one point, I thought it was going to happen at Showtime. It got to the three-yard line."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 26 April, 2017, 01:42:26 PM
I complain way too often about an adaptation being different from the source,but with American Gods,its quite the reverse.Its the same thing,but with pictures.I know that statement makes no sense,but Its kinda how I feel.So,for those who read the book,dont expect anything new here.Which isnt necessarily a bad thing...Anyway,sweet covers.
(https://cdn.bleedingcool.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/STL035995-600x905.jpg)
(https://www.previewsworld.com/SiteImage/CatalogImage/STL041190?type=1)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 26 April, 2017, 04:09:23 PM
I just don't get the appeal of straight adaptations of books into comics, unless it's Lovecraft or something of similarly laboured prose.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 27 April, 2017, 01:12:34 AM
Quote from: Smith on 26 April, 2017, 01:42:26 PM
I complain way too often about an adaptation being different from the source,but with American Gods,its quite the reverse.Its the same thing,but with pictures.I know that statement makes no sense,but Its kinda how I feel.So,for those who read the book,dont expect anything new here.Which isnt necessarily a bad thing...Anyway,sweet covers.

It's not necessarily a bad thing, unless the reader's expectation going into it was different. I'm not clear on why it would be unless someone was under the impression of a prequel/sequel, as opposed to a straight adaptation. Clearly not everyone reading the adaptation will have read the prose version beforehand.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 27 April, 2017, 05:41:13 AM
Which is what I said.For those who already read the book,its not really worth it IMO.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 27 April, 2017, 07:35:57 AM
That would be me then. I enjoyed the first two issues.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 27 April, 2017, 08:02:36 AM
Night Owl Society #1 A very interesting setup,but its so obviously a movie pitch its embarrassing.
Hook Jaw #5 That certainty ended with a bang. :)
X-O Manowar #2 Kindt isn't in a hurry,it seems.But this is one of the rare cases where decompression works,so...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 27 April, 2017, 08:22:41 AM
Quote from: CalHab on 27 April, 2017, 07:35:57 AM
That would be me then. I enjoyed the first two issues.

Just to clarify, I meant that I haven't read the book but am enjoying the comics. Which agrees with what Smith said.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 27 April, 2017, 09:28:16 AM
I got you the first time.  :)
In that case,knock yourself out,its a fun read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 April, 2017, 12:47:53 PM
Quote from: Smith on 27 April, 2017, 08:02:36 AM
Night Owl Society #1 A very interesting setup,but its so obviously a movie pitch its embarrassing.
Hook Jaw #5 That certainty ended with a bang. :)
X-O Manowar #2 Kindt isn't in a hurry,it seems.But this is one of the rare cases where decompression works,so...

Get ya self over to the 'New Comic book day mega thread' its perfect for this kinda chat!

http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=35547.0
(http://forums.2000adonline.com/index.php?topic=35547.0)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 27 April, 2017, 01:24:54 PM
I know,I just posted here because Im lazy.
You might as well answer there if you have a comment. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tony Angelino on 27 April, 2017, 05:42:00 PM
I'm currently reading the "I may get shot for this..." thread on this very forum. Just when you thought it was about Carlos it turns out to be Ron.

It is gripping stuff. Lee Child take note.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JoFox2108 on 30 April, 2017, 11:33:13 PM
Quote from: positronic on 27 April, 2017, 01:12:34 AM
Quote from: Smith on 26 April, 2017, 01:42:26 PM
I complain way too often about an adaptation being different from the source,but with American Gods,its quite the reverse.Its the same thing,but with pictures.I know that statement makes no sense,but Its kinda how I feel.So,for those who read the book,dont expect anything new here.Which isnt necessarily a bad thing...Anyway,sweet covers.

It's not necessarily a bad thing, unless the reader's expectation going into it was different. I'm not clear on why it would be unless someone was under the impression of a prequel/sequel, as opposed to a straight adaptation. Clearly not everyone reading the adaptation will have read the prose version beforehand.
I was thinking of reading American God's for the first time, but if there's a comic version I think I'll go for that.

Sent from my HUAWEI M2-A01W using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 01 May, 2017, 12:14:56 AM
Seriously behind with the prog & meg recently, but got up to speed finally today. Decided to cut the pull-list completely (excepting the odd series about to finish, eg. Providence, etc.). Being constantly behind is simply annoying. Anything umissable appears, I'll buy a trade (That'll be Black Hammer and  few others... Fair enough)

Anyway, point is: read Unfollow 16 & 17 today, wonderful stuff. It's became a 'clearer' read in recent months, a reduced cast does make it more enjoyable. The points made about social media are broadly true but as an old fart I take some of it with a pinch of salt. It's clever and thought-provoking but the online world is not everything, even if things do continue in that direction.

Unfollow is a landmark series though, Rob W & Michael D should feel proud of themselves.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 01 May, 2017, 07:49:28 AM
HONDO CITY LAW by John Wagner & Colin MacNeil; Robbie Morrison & Frank Quitely/Andy Clarke/Neil Googe. - I guess I should have read the initial Wagner/MacNeil story (featuring Judge Inspector Totaro Sadu) prior to reading Judgment Day, if I'd known beforehand that he was going to be an important character in it. Oh well. I winced a little at the pidgin-English VO narration by Wagner in that first story ("Our Man in Hondo City"), an embarrassment when read today (and now that I think of it, even at the time it was first published), but otherwise a good story. I quite liked the main character that dominates this collection, Judge Inspector Aiko Inaba of Hondo City. I was surprised at how brief of an on-panel career as a Judge Inspector Shimura had -- were there other stories prior to these not included here? Or would there be more of those included in the HONDO CITY JUSTICE trade collection? I liked the story and most of the artwork here (Neil Googe's work struck me as more of a Marvel-type art style).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 01 May, 2017, 07:50:13 AM
KIKAIDER CODE 02 Vol. 1 (of 6) Story by Shotaro Ishinomori; artwork by MEIMU - This was a translation produced by CMX, a briefly-existent sub-imprint of DC's Wildstorm, in 2005 (originally published by Kadokawa Shoten in 2001 in Japan). It's a good superhero story, an updated retelling of Ishinomori's follow-up to the hit tokusatsu television series Kamen Rider, Android KIKAIDER. This follows along with many of the same sci-fi tropes as Osamu Tezuka's AstroBoy, and shares some of the same inspirations (Collodi's Pinnochio and Shelley's Frankenstein), but the specifics of what themes interest Ishinomori about the topic of artificial humans have more to do with the Jewish tale of The Golem, and a traditional Japanese tale about the legend of Minamoto Yoshitsune. In this story robotics genius Dr. Komyoji creates Jiro, an android in human form, resembling his dead son Ichiro (again similar to Tezuka's AstroBoy, but from there the story skews in a different direction than Tezuka's). Dr. Komyoji has created for Jiro a "Gemini Circuit" conscience chip (a reference to Jiminy Cricket), so he can recognize evil and resist serving its ends, but he disappears before perfecting the circuit, so he was never sure if it would work or not. Jiro appears human, but is conflicted by how the circuit processes information in his electronic brain. He's able to transform his appearance into a combat mode that appears more like a standard robotic exterior, but it's divided down the middle, one half blue, one half red (with partial transparent shell revealing the circuitry beneath), and symbolizing the conflict of his robot self as a machine made to obey orders, and his android self as an artificial human of free will. I'm not familiar with mangaka MEIMU's prior work, but this is a decent modern update for the turn of the millenium, if perhaps a little overly busy in some panels for the kind of pace most manga are intended to be read at. Overall a 3.5 out of 5, a good start for a series, and hopefully it develops even more as it goes along.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 02 May, 2017, 12:27:51 AM
Quote from: JoFox2108 on 30 April, 2017, 11:33:13 PM
Quote from: positronic on 27 April, 2017, 01:12:34 AM
Quote from: Smith on 26 April, 2017, 01:42:26 PM
I complain way too often about an adaptation being different from the source,but with American Gods,its quite the reverse.Its the same thing,but with pictures.I know that statement makes no sense,but Its kinda how I feel.So,for those who read the book,dont expect anything new here.Which isnt necessarily a bad thing...Anyway,sweet covers.

It's not necessarily a bad thing, unless the reader's expectation going into it was different. I'm not clear on why it would be unless someone was under the impression of a prequel/sequel, as opposed to a straight adaptation. Clearly not everyone reading the adaptation will have read the prose version beforehand.
I was thinking of reading American God's for the first time, but if there's a comic version I think I'll go for that.

Sent from my HUAWEI M2-A01W using Tapatalk

For my money the best version of American Gods is the incredible full-cast audio book they made for the anniversary of its release a couple year back. Mind I haven't seen any of the TV show yet so maybe that will beat it - but I doubt it :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 03 May, 2017, 02:45:47 AM
It's interesting that you can do many different versions of the same story for different media, and yet all of them can still be interesting, even though they all follow the same story closely. I'm thinking of something like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 03 May, 2017, 09:53:28 AM
Ah yes but H2G2 is quite different in all its formats
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 May, 2017, 11:13:06 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 03 May, 2017, 09:53:28 AM
Ah yes but H2G2 is quite different in all its formats

True dat. My own progress through the media went Radio Phase 1>TV>Books>Game>Radio Phase 2 and then the rest, and I've enjoyed them all for what they are, even if the movie was a nice-looking exercise in missing the point. My favourite incarnation is still the TV series with its extraordinary visuals and transitions (the BBC's finest SFX hour),  but they all have something to offer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 03 May, 2017, 04:21:40 PM
Confused the hell out of me when I first listened to the radio series as an adult after reading the books about a thousand times as a kid. That's not the way it happened!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 03 May, 2017, 06:31:20 PM
TordelBack experienced H2G2 the way it happened. Same here. The radio series came first, then the TV series (good SFX for its time, excepting that unfortunate bit with Zaphod Beeblebrox's head), then the books. I didn't bother with the movie after seeing the previews.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Taryn Tailz on 04 May, 2017, 01:01:01 AM
Just read the first issue of Titan Comics new Penny Dreadful series. I was surprised at how dense the comic was, it immediately felt a lot thicker than the Doctor Who comics Titan puts out, and as a result seemed to cram a good amount of reading into its pages. It seems this run of Penny Dreadful is going to be based around the concepts which were laid down for a potential fourth series of the TV show, so if you enjoyed the show then it's well worth picking up. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Next on my to-buy list is the first issue of Kim Newman's 'Anno Dracula' comic, though I'm not sure if this is an adaptation of his series of novels, or an entirely new storyline set in the same universe.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 04 May, 2017, 01:30:57 AM
Quote from: Taryn Tailz on 04 May, 2017, 01:01:01 AMNext on my to-buy list is the first issue of Kim Newman's 'Anno Dracula' comic, though I'm not sure if this is an adaptation of his series of novels, or an entirely new storyline set in the same universe.

It's an entirely new work. Interestingly enough, it contains a chronological timeline which places all the various books in Kim Newman's Anno Dracula universe in order. It's quite good (as a neophyte to this world) and I'd give it my highest recommendation. Both issues #1 and 2 are out now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Taryn Tailz on 04 May, 2017, 01:56:55 AM
Quote from: positronic on 04 May, 2017, 01:30:57 AM
Quote from: Taryn Tailz on 04 May, 2017, 01:01:01 AMNext on my to-buy list is the first issue of Kim Newman's 'Anno Dracula' comic, though I'm not sure if this is an adaptation of his series of novels, or an entirely new storyline set in the same universe.

It's an entirely new work. Interestingly enough, it contains a chronological timeline which places all the various books in Kim Newman's Anno Dracula universe in order. It's quite good (as a neophyte to this world) and I'd give it my highest recommendation. Both issues #1 and 2 are out now.

Ah, good. I would have picked it up anyway, but it's even better if it's an entirely new story. Looking forward to it. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 04 May, 2017, 07:18:34 PM
Yesterday I finished JUDGE DREDD: THE GARTH ENNIS COLLECTION, which was much better than Garth Ennis' JUDGMENT DAY. The stories collected here that stood out were mainly the Emerald Isle/Judge Joyce stories, which I found interesting (the John Burns-illustrated story, "Raider" was also quite good, as was the return appearance of Dink Jowett). It always interests me to read the stories taking place in other cites elsewhere in Dredd's world. Prior to that I'd finished a few days earlier HONDO CITY LAW, and am looking forward to finding the sequel to that, HONDO CITY JUSTICE. Any other notable "international" stories that have their own collections that I should be aware of?

Today I read about half of STRONTIUM DOG: TRAITOR TO HIS KIND, and that (the title story which takes up about the second quarter of the collection) was a cracking good story, very dramatic with a poignant if darkly real-worldish conclusion. It's funny how SD can have so much range, although that's true of Dredd as well. It's just that it seems somewhat more pronounced to me in Strontium Dog. The more comedic ones are almost in that Robo-Hunter or Ro-Busters vein of light-hearted comedy, while "Traitor to His Kind" was really pretty heavy. I just become more and more impressed with Carlos Ezquerra with every new story I read of his which I've never seen before. He was always one of the best in black & white, but full color really makes his work come alive in a special way. Can't wait to read the rest of this collection, and then it's on to BLOOD MOON. I'm already starting to draw up lists of collected editions that are mainly or solely Carlos' work, including some from other publishers like Dynamite.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 04 May, 2017, 09:05:12 PM
Quote from: positronic on 03 May, 2017, 06:31:20 PM
TordelBack experienced H2G2 the way it happened. Same here. The radio series came first, then the TV series (good SFX for its time, excepting that unfortunate bit with Zaphod Beeblebrox's head), then the books.

I'm not sure you're right there. I think H2G2 and RATEOTU were out a couple of years before the TV version, I was at least aware they existed when I was watching the original broadcast, and read them and I think possibly LTUAE  shortly after.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 05 May, 2017, 05:16:28 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 04 May, 2017, 09:05:12 PM
Quote from: positronic on 03 May, 2017, 06:31:20 PM
TordelBack experienced H2G2 the way it happened. Same here. The radio series came first, then the TV series (good SFX for its time, excepting that unfortunate bit with Zaphod Beeblebrox's head), then the books.

I'm not sure you're right there. I think H2G2 and RATEOTU were out a couple of years before the TV version, I was at least aware they existed when I was watching the original broadcast, and read them and I think possibly LTUAE  shortly after.

Ah, okay. The radio play first aired on BBC4 on March 8, 1978. The first two books were published in 1979 and 1980, before the television series first aired on BBC2 in January 1981. The first hardback edition of H2G2 was published in the US by Random House in October 1980, followed by a US paperback edition in 1981. Therein lay my confusion, as I didn't see the first US paperback until after the TV series.

Wikipedia revealed an interesting tidbit about the TV adaptations that I wasn't aware of:
QuoteA second series was at one point planned, with a storyline, according to Alan Bell and Mark Wing-Davey that would have come from Adams's abandoned Doctor Who and the Krikkitmen project (instead of simply making a TV version of the second radio series). However, Adams got into disputes with the BBC (accounts differ: problems with budget, scripts, and having Alan Bell involved are all offered as causes), and the second series was never made. Elements of Doctor Who and the Krikkitmen were instead used in the third novel, Life, the Universe and Everything.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 May, 2017, 10:37:10 AM
Never knew that!   Very interesting. I do think Adams was a bonafide genius, so much of his relatively small body of work is wonderfully visionary. Shame he didn't have a more successful run with Dr Who, really.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 05 May, 2017, 11:51:05 PM
Just finished Strontium Dog: Blood Moon. Apart from the obvious flashback in the first half of the Blood Moon story taking place before the young Alpha had become a S/D agent, I was wondering when this story (and the following one, "The Mork Whisperer") was taking place relative to Traitor To His Kind. Some time after the death of Wulf obviously, but prior to The Final Solution. Great stories, both of them.

Has anyone tried to figure out approximately when Traitor To His Kind and Blood Moon take place relative to the stories collected in The S/D Agency Files? Unless I miss my guess, Blood Moon would the first chronological appearance of Precious Matson.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 06 May, 2017, 03:10:12 PM
Question for Leigh...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 06 May, 2017, 03:15:20 PM
Pretty sure Precious was indeed introduced in Blood Moon, I suspect as a way to reintroduce her into Life and Death of Johnny Alpha as a 'long time' friend/confidant/lover.

It's a retcon, but a pretty smooth one IMO
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 06 May, 2017, 03:18:34 PM
Just finished Stephen Baxter's Voyage.  An alternative history of Nasa's first mission to Mars.  The mashed up chronology style works really well for it but I found the last few chapters incredibly poignant.  Exploring the psychological impact of such a powerful achievement, that realisation that everything that had been striven for is achieved.  How much do we truly appreciate how much we have sacrificed in pursuit of our dreams and ambitions?

For me it was quite interesting, particularly in light of how nihilistic I find some of Baxters writing, a real sense of entropy.  His Space, Time, Origin trilogy is as fires I found quite depressing and the end of Ultima is in a similar vein.  It felt at times like this aspect of his writing existed as an undercurrent in the Long Earth series as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 07 May, 2017, 03:01:13 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 06 May, 2017, 03:15:20 PM
Pretty sure Precious was indeed introduced in Blood Moon, I suspect as a way to reintroduce her into Life and Death of Johnny Alpha as a 'long time' friend/confidant/lover.

It's a retcon, but a pretty smooth one IMO

Well, I've not read The Final Solution yet, but I presumed that Precious had appeared in that as well as The Life & Death of Johnny Alpha. Is that not the case?

I got the impression Wagner was retconning in an appearance (chronologically-prior to The Final Solution)  of Precious (in Blood Moon) as a way of leading into The Life & Death of Johnny Alpha.

That's what I get for reading these things out of order, I guess. The plan for me is to go back and read all four S/D Agency Files volumes and then The Final Solution, but first I need to read all four volumes of ABC Warriors: The Volgan War, and The Complete Nemesis the Warlock Vols. 1 & 2, ABC Warriors: The Black Hole, and The Complete Nemesis the Warlock Vol. 3, so I can finish off those series.

Meanwhile I've been working on sorting through what stories are reprinted in the various Judge Dredd collected editions, trying to decide what I need to read. 28 Case Files is a lot of reading and expensive, so I need to pare that down somehow. I think I've decided to concentrate on getting Case Files volumes 4 through 14 (having already gotten some earlier collections like The Cursed Earth, plus the IDW hardcover reprints), and (apart from anything to do with Judge Death and the Dark Judges, about half of the collected editions which I already have) will just cherry-pick some of the other more recent Rebellion Dredd collections after that, like Brothers of the Blood, and the Tour of Duty and Day of Chaos collected editions.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 09 May, 2017, 05:15:44 PM
Quote from: positronic on 07 May, 2017, 03:01:13 AM
Well, I've not read The Final Solution yet, but I presumed that Precious had appeared in that as well as The Life & Death of Johnny Alpha. Is that not the case?

No, she's not in the Final Solution. She only appears in the more recent published stories set before and after The Final Solution. She is a John Wagner/Carlos Ezquerra character. (Saying this as The Final Solution was written by Alan Grant.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 09 May, 2017, 06:41:28 PM
Just finished the Wonder Woman Rebirth Vol 1 & 2. It's actually pretty good, I really enjoyed it.

Also read X-Men Gold 1,2 & 3. Lot of change for the old X-Men.

And I'm trying to read Blood Meridian - I started before and gave up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 10 May, 2017, 04:22:40 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 09 May, 2017, 05:15:44 PM
Quote from: positronic on 07 May, 2017, 03:01:13 AM
Well, I've not read The Final Solution yet, but I presumed that Precious had appeared in that as well as The Life & Death of Johnny Alpha. Is that not the case?

No, she's not in the Final Solution. She only appears in the more recent published stories set before and after The Final Solution. She is a John Wagner/Carlos Ezquerra character. (Saying this as The Final Solution was written by Alan Grant.)

Thanks Mardroid. I guess I must have inferred something about Precious having a key role in L&DoJA meaning that she'd been present at the time when he was killed (although the flashback stories obviously reveal that she'd met JA by then).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 10 May, 2017, 12:08:02 PM
Church of Marvels by Leslie Parry.

It's a novel set in the late 19th century, following several different people, who are linked somehow.

It's an interesting read so far.

On the comics front*, I've only been consuming* 2000AD and The Meg at the moment. Not a bad thing, as they're both in quite a good place, but I'm open to something else as well.

*I guess I'm mixing my  metaphors there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Supreme Pizza Of The DPRK on 11 May, 2017, 02:43:29 PM
Will Eisner - A Contract With God

Still trying to work out my feelings on this one. It makes you think, that's for sure. It feels like one of those things you only need to experience once, like Requiem For A Dream. I don't know if the cartoon look of the artwork gives rape more or less of an impact. Shouldn't have been in with the kids books in the library anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 13 May, 2017, 10:19:21 AM
I'm about to sit and re-read issues 01-05 of Rok of the reds because look what little beauty just arrived courtesy of the postal droid.

(http://www.futurequake.co.uk/imagebucket/davepersonal/RokPic-Web.jpg)

And as well as John and Dan, this one is signed by Alan Grant as well. TPO for sure.

Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Supreme Pizza Of The DPRK on 14 May, 2017, 03:14:59 AM
Finally found a physical copy of The Time Machine Did It by John Swartzwelder

Being a Simpsons fan of the 'golden age' I'm having a blast reading this. If you are looking for a comedic detective story featuring a time machine and penned by a writer from the simpsons, look no further.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 14 May, 2017, 06:33:16 AM
Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey's COMIC BOOK HISTORY OF COMICS #1-6 (previously published in black & white by Evil Twin Comics from 2008-2011, now in color from IDW). I need to find the old copies of these (under its original title, COMIC BOOK COMICS), because I think this has been heavily reworked (other than adding color and a short 1-2 page backup feature, "The Comic Book HERstory of Comics") from its original version. They seem to have left out the original issue COMIC BOOK COMICS #4, which covered a lot of lawsuits down through time, from Fawcett vs. DC to Siegel & Shuster vs DC, to Steve Gerber, Jack Kirby and others vs. Marvel. But there's still six issues, so I'll have to see what else was changed. Oddly the sixth issue ends with the rise of the underground comix in 1966-1974. Certainly seems to leave things open for a sequel or two!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 14 May, 2017, 09:18:52 PM
Finally read my first Stephen King book, and typically managed to fuck this simple task up by reading a Richard Bachman effort - but it's King's fault, because he said The Long Walk was the first novel he ever wrote, he just didn't publish it until years after he was established as an author.
Despite this being mine and his first go-round, I do actually recognise what I think are traditional King elements, like references to Maine and a certain grouping of character archetypes that comprise the main cast, but the future sport TO THE DEATH premise also turns up in The Running Man (another Bachman effort).
This is actually a pretty good YA novel, except there's no female protagonist having to choose between two hot dudes despite being both plain in the looks department yet also stunningly beautiful, but to make up for that, there's some kids shitting themselves to death.  There's a rather lazy central conceit in almost all "fight to the death dystopia" stories wherein the protagonists are forced into the competition and so retain a moral character because the killings they commit aren't their own choice, but King doesn't bother with namby-pamby shit like that, he makes his cast choose to be where they are: a marathon across an alternate-history America in which the contestants walk under armed guard until they drop, at which point they get a bullet in the head and the winner gets unspecified rewards for being the last to die.  The rules are pretty straightforward (walk below 4mph and get a warning, three warnings and you get a bullet), leaving King to keep things ticking over between the characters without getting bogged down in world-building (I can see inattentive readers not even noticing this is alt-historical and just assuming it's set in the future or something), and the cast share life stories and drop off the perch with an efficiency that has been retrospectively rendered almost satirical by years of YA novels drawing out the same few tropes that King gets through pretty quickly before moving onto other things, such as the largely-unseen antagonist (known simply as "The Major") being omnipresent without being a panto villain, and a couple of conceits that even YA novels of the 21st century struggle with, such as the sexual ambiguity of the relationship between several male characters being rendered far more thoughtfully than the socialist feminizis of YA slashfic would ever manage - by which I mean it is an awkward tension that young males are portrayed as being emotionally unequipped to navigate, whereas typically in YA, the writer just has them gay up, or one of the characters is frightened of gaying up so he becomes evil and tries to kill women because he's angry at his own secret gayness.  YA novels are kind of strange.
The reader app I use doesn't tell you how many pages are left, only how many you've read, so the ending felt a bit out of nowhere, but I did enjoy it and can safely say it's the best Stephen King novel I've ever read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 14 May, 2017, 11:16:04 PM
I like Stephen King when he's doing sci-fi / post-apoc. My first King novel was The Stand (When I was 13, let it never be said I do things in half measures) and that lead me to books like The Talisman, The Mist, and of course The Dark Tower. King has a way of weaving interesting fantasy elements even in his suspense horror outings, which I can appreciate. Though I've had less luck enjoying stuff like Insomnia.

My advice? Try The Stand, it's a lovely book of super viruses and biblical apocalypse.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 15 May, 2017, 08:22:46 AM
I don't know about the Richard Bachman book The Running Man, but I always thought that the movie version fit perfectly with the sensibilities of a 2000 AD strip. Maybe 2000 AD should have adapted the book (unless it's nothing like the movie) the same way they did with Harry Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat. Speaking of, did 2000 AD ever do any other adaptations of existing science fiction stories besides SSR?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 15 May, 2017, 10:55:00 AM
Quote from: positronic on 15 May, 2017, 08:22:46 AM
I don't know about the Richard Bachman book The Running Man, but I always thought that the movie version fit perfectly with the sensibilities of a 2000 AD strip. Maybe 2000 AD should have adapted the book (unless it's nothing like the movie)

I already know part of the ending to the book because it came up in a discussion, and I understand the hero [spoiler]kills the cabal of capitalists who run America by flying a jet plane into the skyscraper they're in.[/spoiler]  Anyone who wants to adapt that, I wish them all the very best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 15 May, 2017, 02:54:42 PM
That is hilarious, Professor!  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 15 May, 2017, 04:08:54 PM
Quote from: positronic on 15 May, 2017, 08:22:46 AM
I don't know about the Richard Bachman book The Running Man, but I always thought that the movie version fit perfectly with the sensibilities of a 2000 AD strip.

The Running Man and its execution of the death by game-show idea is predated by the much better, more prescient 1970 German film Das Millionenspiel / The Millions Game (https://vimeo.com/195345560), adapted from the 1958 story The Prize of Peril (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prize_of_Peril) by Robert Sheckley. It was adapted again in 1983 as Le Prix du Danger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFY3yTWqUks) in France. Das Millionenspiel also predates RoboCop by intercutting action with ad breaks and vox pops.

(http://www.spectacletheater.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Millionenspiel-Banner.jpg)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 May, 2017, 05:24:12 PM
I never knew that, cheers Joe! Sheckley is a criminally underrated SF writer (and Alisa Kwitney's father), one of the very best of the '50s and '60s, and while for my money the quality dropped off in the '70s and '80s there are still some gems in his huge catalogue.  I'm fascinated to see him at the root of this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 16 May, 2017, 12:20:07 PM
Read all of Sarah Pinborough's Behind Her Eyes in one sitting last night (11pm to 2am). I can't say it's a perfect book but the narrative always hints at an underlying unpleasantness and a secret that will transform your understanding of just what is going on in this sick love triangle. And boy, does it deliver.

The weekend before that I read Sleeping Giants after all the buzz around it from last year. The story is told in the same way as World War Z, with 'found' text and transcribed interviews. Unlike World War Z it loses track of this conceit and starts narrating in real-time with diegetic noise (Is anyone going to write 'ARRGH' in their diary? Stop confusing your tenses!), and boasts far less interesting characters. Enjoyable enough but leans too heavily on its contrivances to pull it off. I may read the second book though if they commit to the giant robot and introduce some Kaiju...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 16 May, 2017, 12:53:07 PM
BPRD rounds out the Hell on Earth saga with Cometh the Hour. No less than four (possibly five) long-established characters take their final bow, and the status quo is changed irrevocably. A really fantastic ending all round, if bittersweet at having to say farewell to old favourites.

Can't say I'm sorry to see Hell on Earth over, though. It's certainly felt the worse for lacking Plague of Frog's sole artist and more focused approach - at times it's felt downright messy and meandering, with far too many two- and three-part stories for my taste, that did little to advance the overall story. Its highs have matched those of PoFs though, and some of the artists involved were every bit the match of Guy Davis. Can't wait to see where the third and final arc takes us; just hope it's a bit more focused from here going into the final straight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 16 May, 2017, 09:19:11 PM
Dwarves by Markus Heitz, it was originally written in German and does it ever stick with the tropes. Our hero Tungdil is caught up in dwarf politics and machinations and it;s the usual traipse around the fantasy world map to get your apocalypse stopping ticket.

Okay but some hard going some good ideas as well but it's so bloody long I nearly gave up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 16 May, 2017, 10:12:47 PM
That last BPRD arc...  :o God I love that series. I know what you mean about the meandering-nature of things as the world draws to an end. However I did feel like that in some way it helped convey humanity's slipping grasp on the precipice of destruction, as each desperate attempt to save everyone turned into just another stop-gap against forces beyond comprehension (if not entirely beyond fighting). There's a panel in the one to come where Johann delivers a perfect encapsulation of the 'never ending battle', something that would belong more in a superhero book than BPRD - but fits perfectly with the comic after all the arcane machinations, callous destruction and senseless death that the heroes have been unable to stop.

My only regret is Hellboy's exit stage left as I always hoped the two comics would eventually return to a central plot. Have you read Abe Sapien? I am cynical about another main character splitting off from the BPRD given what happened with Hellboy, but the stories tie in nicely with BPRD and provide a great slice of what 'normal' people are dealing with during the apocalypse, away from the super-high calibre weaponry and endless missions of the BPRD.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 18 May, 2017, 07:19:40 PM
Went to the mailbox today and found copies of HONDO CITY JUSTICE and MEAN MACHINE: REAL MEAN that I'd ordered from Amazon last week.

I immediately sat down and read through the whole of MEAN MACHINE in a couple of hours. Good stories in there, particularly the three longer ones by John Wagner: "Travels With Muh Shrink", "Son of Mean", and "Angel Heart". The Wagner one-off stories "Merry Tale of the Christmas Angel" (with Alan Grant, an oldie but goodie with Steve Dillon artwork) and "You Are Mean Machine" were pretty good, too.

"You Are Mean Machine" is kind of a funny parody of those "which-way" interactive stories, in the guise of a test for the contestants of the prize-contest. I'd have liked it if they'd printed the winning limericks (which were required to begin with the line "A man with a dial on his head") of the 8 contest winners who (supposedly) each received a page of original pencil art from the story, too.

I didn't care all that much for the two Gordon Rennie one-off stories ("Born Mean" and "The Geek"), as they seemed to be nothing special (but then again, it's hard to compete with John Wagner writing a character that he created).

I put the book on the shelf next to FINK ANGEL: LEGACY, which I'd read about six months ago (another great collection, comprised of the classics "The Fink" and "Destiny's Angels" from early Progs in the first half of the book, with the second half collecting a couple of newer stories about Fink's son Ratfink). Hey, I just realized that "Son of Mean" and "The Ratfink" are cousins! If that doesn't call for a story, then I don't know what! If they can scrape together any more Angel Gang stories in a new TP collection, I'll definitely buy that too.

Tomorrow I'll probably start on Hondo City Justice, unless some other 2000 AD trade collection that I ordered arrives in the mail. I finally found a copy online of ABC WARRIORS: THE VOLGAN WAR Vol. 1 HC, so once I get that I'm primed to launch right into all four volumes of those.

Last Monday I read NEMESIS THE WARLOCK: DEVIANT EDITION HC, and I'm also waiting on all three TP volumes of The Complete Nemesis TPs (where I'll pick up with Book 4: The Gothic Empire), and the one Judge Death collection I was missing (THE LIFE AND DEATH OF...) so whatever gets here first I guess.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 18 May, 2017, 07:53:02 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 16 May, 2017, 10:12:47 PM
Have you read Abe Sapien? I am cynical about another main character splitting off from the BPRD given what happened with Hellboy, but the stories tie in nicely with BPRD and provide a great slice of what 'normal' people are dealing with during the apocalypse, away from the super-high calibre weaponry and endless missions of the BPRD.

Yes, in the last few months I've finished Hellboy in Hell, Abe Sapien and Hell on Earth as they all came to an end. The Abe series really started to try my patience in the middle books (to think I accused BPRD of meandering...!), but I really loved the ending. Not a patch on either of the other two, though!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 18 May, 2017, 08:24:02 PM
Neuromancer by William Gibson.
I've never read any of his stuff but I really like the idea of cyberpunk.
I'm only one chapter in but I think I'm going to enjoy it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 18 May, 2017, 08:27:11 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 18 May, 2017, 08:24:02 PM
Neuromancer by William Gibson.
I've never read any of his stuff but I really like the idea of cyberpunk.
I'm only one chapter in but I think I'm going to enjoy it.

Brilliant book. I read when it first came out and several times since. It's a bit dated in places now with respect to computers, but you have to remember it was written on a typewriter.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 18 May, 2017, 08:47:31 PM
"The sky above the port was the colour of television, tuned to a dead channel." One of the greatest opening lines in literature. You know what you're getting just from that, and you know it will be brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 19 May, 2017, 08:07:56 PM
Well, I didn't actually start on the Hondo City Justice TP today, after all. Instead, I got a couple of packages in the mail, one of which contained that Life and Death of... Judge Death TP I was waiting on, and the other contained Judge Dredd: The Carlos Ezquerra Collection TP, so I decided to start on that one, which collects a couple more Garth Ennis stories to begin with ("The Taking of Sector 123" and the longer "Helter Skelter" from Progs 1250-1261), then a couple of John Wagner shorter stories ("The Girlfriend" and "Phartz!"). "Sector 123" is more-or-less part of the direct aftermath of Judgment Day, so having read that, I fell right into it. A typical sort of situation in the wake of another Big Meg disaster that was well-handled here by Garth, I thought.

I thought both of the Ennis stories were pretty good. In fact, as far as plot/concept goes, I thought "Helter Skelter" was so much better than "Judgment Day" that it would have benefited from being expanded (to at least twice the length), so that we could have gotten more than just cameo appearances (or less, mere mentions) of the various dimensional visitors from other 2000 AD strips. The whole thing just seemed to beg for more space, to be drawn out somewhat for greater drama, as it barreled along a bit too quickly when I wanted to savor it a little longer. Hershey could have used more panel time in the story, and I would have liked to see Cass Anderson in there too (maybe prohibited by her status at the time in her own strip).

That probably would have had a downside in that Carlos couldn't have drawn the whole thing (and he didn't, either, with Henry Flint filling in for the penultimate chapter, although he did a good job -- his earlier work reminds me quite a bit of Mick McMahon). I quite liked the character of D-warp scientist Darian Kenzie, and her relationship to Dredd in the story was an unusual one. Telling the story from her perspective was a great choice on Ennis' part.

Of course it was great seeing all the old foes come back for revenge (one might question the basic logic of going dimension-hopping to get revenge again on someone you've already killed, but it's a comic, so I give it one "gimme" for free, to get the plot rolling), including Fink Angel, Rico, Don Uggie Apelino, Sov War-Marshal Kazan, Morg, Grampus the Klegg, Captain Skank, and of course Judge Cal.

Sure it's a total "comic-booky" idea (not unlike Crisis on Infinite Earths or something, and the cliche arch-villain team), but that's what I liked about it. It just seemed a little cramped at 72 pages and needed more breathing room, as Dredd polishes off his old foes a bit too quickly and neatly in the showdown -- it needed some more dramatic build-up.

From a story perspective, the character of Darian Kenzie and her feelings about Dredd was the strongest bit about it (especially her realization about him on the last page of the story), and she was well-developed enough, but I longed for even more depth and there was just so much you could pack into so many pages. There should have been more of an epic scope to the thing, but it was such a great basic idea, I thought.

The two shorter John Wagner stories were real old-school style stuff (which isn't bad), and seemed about perfect for their length. "Phartz!" was just a fun, goofy idea, and I always hope that there'll still be a place for those kind of stories, as long as then don't run on too long. And of course, what can you say about Carlos Ezquerra? He's the greatest (and the reason I wanted this now out-of-print collection in the first place, thank you ebay). It's great to see his color work.

I decided to save the rest of the book (all Cursed Earth Koburn stories written by Gordon Rennie) for tomorrow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 19 May, 2017, 08:39:05 PM
Amazon randomly gave me a free Marvel digital graphic novel of my choice. So I got Xmen Epic Collection Second Genesis which collects a big chunk of Clarmont/Byrne's Xmen revival. Would you belive I've never actually read any of these before?

Also on the slab; Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders Book 3 and the  Johnny Nemo collection.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 19 May, 2017, 09:01:33 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 19 May, 2017, 08:39:05 PM
Amazon randomly gave me a free Marvel digital graphic novel of my choice. So I got Xmen Epic Collection Second Genesis which collects a big chunk of Clarmont/Byrne's Xmen revival. Would you belive I've never actually read any of these before?

Also on the slab; Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders Book 3 and the  Johnny Nemo collection.

Ah, those were the days. I haven't touched a Chris Claremont-written comic in the past 2 decades (or more, might be closer to 3 now), but back then, his writing was new and fresh.

At first I thought you were talking about that Ed Brubaker X-Men run, but then I realized that was Deadly Genesis (which I think was the story which introduced the 3rd Summers brother (aka Vulcan). That might have been the last time I actually enjoyed X-Men for a short run of more than say, 6 issues or so, The Rise and Fall of the Shi'ar Empire and Deadly Genesis stories that eventually fed into Emperor Vulcan and the whole Abnett/Lanning War of Kings event. Which in a way, brought it right back to those early Claremont X-Men stories that first introduced the Shi'ar and the Imperial Guard.

I've got TWO Johnny Nemo collections, one of which is a couple of decades old, and a more recent one from a few years back (one is hardcover and the other softcover), but they're not exactly the same, even though most of the stories are.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Supreme Pizza Of The DPRK on 20 May, 2017, 06:12:14 AM
Ordered Jerusalem from the library. I think I might be in over my head...I can't see me finishing before the return date to be honest.

Also got out Normal by Warren Ellis. A departure from his detective stories but so far very enjoyable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 20 May, 2017, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: positronic on 19 May, 2017, 09:01:33 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 19 May, 2017, 08:39:05 PM
Also on the slab; Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders Book 3 and the  Johnny Nemo collection.

I've got TWO Johnny Nemo collections, one of which is a couple of decades old, and a more recent one from a few years back (one is hardcover and the other softcover), but they're not exactly the same, even though most of the stories are.

I've got a hardback Johnny Nemo collection, didn't realise there was also a paperback one out there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 May, 2017, 02:29:55 PM
Bone Sharps, Cowboys and Thunder Lizards, by Jim Ottaviani and Zander Cannon (of Top 10 and Smax fame) & Kevin Cannon (oddly the not-brothers are not mentioned by name on the cover, but rather by their company name, Big Time Attic - what's that about? Tax? Rights?).

Very nice fictionalised biocomic about Cope and Marsh, Charles Knight, PT Barnum ,  Buffalo Bill, and sundry other celebrities of Wild West Palaeontology. The Cannons' style veers around a bit in the considerable space between Herge, Lutes and Los Bros, but the storytelling and character design is top notch.  I'd say Ottaviani slightly favours the tragic Cope out of the idiotic rivals, and he's probably got a point, but Knight is obviously his real favourite in the whole mess, and he's definitely right about  that (although the epilogue rather bizarrely implies that he lived into the 2000s, which would make him 130+...)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 20 May, 2017, 04:24:23 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 20 May, 2017, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: positronic on 19 May, 2017, 09:01:33 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 19 May, 2017, 08:39:05 PM
Also on the slab; Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders Book 3 and the  Johnny Nemo collection.

I've got TWO Johnny Nemo collections, one of which is a couple of decades old, and a more recent one from a few years back (one is hardcover and the other softcover), but they're not exactly the same, even though most of the stories are.

I've got a hardback Johnny Nemo collection, didn't realise there was also a paperback one out there.

The hardback is the more recent one. I think (I'll have to check) the earlier TP was entirely in black and white. When I get the chance, I'll haul them out and compare them, IIRC, there are slight differences in content.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 20 May, 2017, 04:56:45 PM
Just read Cursed Earth Koburn (almost spelled it with a 'C', gotta watch that) in that Carlos Ezquerra collection. What a cool character, totally imperturbable -- so laid-back and laconic in nature that of course he rubs Old Stony Face the wrong way (which is exactly what's needed in a Dredd story).

That makes at least three (that I know of) Ezquerra characters who are dopplegangers for James Coburn (the others being Major Eazy and "Slippery" Jim DiGriz, a.k.a. The Stainless Steel Rat). I've read there was at least one other Koburn story which wasn't reprinted in the collection -- any more?

I can see where since it's basically a SF/Western (although the first, with Dredd, "Sturm and Dang", was more of a desert war story like Carlos' earlier Desert Rats), it could easily get cliched if repeated too often. [spoiler]I thought for sure Judge Bonaventura was going to be killed (or do the nasty with Koburn, it was pretty much a toss-up there in my mind), but surprisingly she survives and gets sent back to the Big Meg, her judgely celibacy still intact.[/spoiler]

Also read Hondo City Justice. Didn't like it as much as the earlier collection (I suspect I was swayed by the overall superior artwork in Hondo City Law by Frank Quitely and Colin MacNeil). Robbie Morrison could probably stand to do a bit more research on Japan. Some stuff just doesn't feel right, particularly the character names which seem more than a little off.

Then at the end of the collection is Steve Parkhouse's Tiger Sun, Dragon Moon... which just confused the heck out of me (taking place in 2140?), especially the ending (which made the story seem more like the opening arc of an ongoing series, setting up a longer-term threat). Even the final Judge Inspector Inaba story which precedes it ("Revenge of the 47 Ronin") seems to set up a larger menace (Black Sun) that remains unresolved at the end. The best story in here was the first one in black and white, the Dredd/Shimura story where he fights Deathfist, although I really liked Steve Parkhouse's artwork on TSDM.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 May, 2017, 06:34:36 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 May, 2017, 02:29:55 PM
Bone Sharps, Cowboys and Thunder Lizards, by Jim Ottaviani and Zander Cannon (of Top 10 and Smax fame) & Kevin Cannon (oddly the not-brothers are not mentioned by name on the cover, but rather by their company name, Big Time Attic - what's that about? Tax? Rights?).
130+...)

Have you read 'The Gilded Dinosaur' by Mark Jaffe for me a more successful account, though I did enjoy Bone Sharps. Gilded has the advantage of being a popular history so a bit apples and oranges, but if the history of the bone wars interests you I'd highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 21 May, 2017, 03:05:14 AM
Managed a few comics recently, may clear the decks in a few months at this rate. Piles to go at that point, foregoing anything new - besides Tharg.

Killed Or Be Killed 1-5. Fantastic. Adored The Fade-Out and this may not be as tightly plotted but who cares. On the writing side, Brubaker does domesticity and interpersonal gubbins as well as the OTT violence. He's still overshadowed by Sean Phillips. Look at the mood and expressions in every single panel. Outstanding. I've some Criminal trades signed by the man that I'll get to, eventually.

Lake of Fire 3. Another gem. I shouldn't care about medieval France with silly aliens. But the writing here is perfect, in language and handling of drama. Tremendous.

Providence 11. It fast-forwarded to the recent past. Confusing. It's this kind of navel-gazing that makes me think Jerusalem may be a bad idea. Especially given its length. One issue to go - I don't think I care anymore. If it ties loose ends up cleverly then that may be lost on me. Which is a shame.

Grendel v The Shadow 1-3. Published 2014 ? Reasonable, but functional artwork and dialogue that you'd need to be more invested in than I was. The Shadow has potential and the more political Grendel remains a favourite, but this wasn't hitting the heights. A ... crossover, then.

Dark Horse Presents 2,3. Again, very old news but I'm playing catch-up. #2 was the usual mixed-bag but #3 was enjoyable. Some new strips and much better quality. Slow-paced but convincing adventure plus double-page wordless spreads of... dinosaurs and stuff. Not usually my thing but - as the publisher declares in the issue - experimentation is what they're about.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 21 May, 2017, 03:46:12 AM
Quote from: Fungus on 21 May, 2017, 03:05:14 AM
Dark Horse Presents 2,3. Again, very old news but I'm playing catch-up. #2 was the usual mixed-bag but #3 was enjoyable. Some new strips and much better quality. Slow-paced but convincing adventure plus double-page wordless spreads of... dinosaurs and stuff. Not usually my thing but - as the publisher declares in the issue - experimentation is what they're about.



The first relaunch? Or the renumbering series? I only ask because one of my favorite series ran in the relaunch, and came back latter in the renumbering. FINDER. One of my favorite comics of all time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 21 May, 2017, 08:10:24 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 21 May, 2017, 03:46:12 AM
Quote from: Fungus on 21 May, 2017, 03:05:14 AM
Dark Horse Presents 2,3. Again, very old news but I'm playing catch-up. #2 was the usual mixed-bag but #3 was enjoyable. Some new strips and much better quality. Slow-paced but convincing adventure plus double-page wordless spreads of... dinosaurs and stuff. Not usually my thing but - as the publisher declares in the issue - experimentation is what they're about.

The first relaunch? Or the renumbering series? I only ask because one of my favorite series ran in the relaunch, and came back latter in the renumbering. FINDER. One of my favorite comics of all time.

I was never a regular reader of DHP, but dipped in and out, if there were at least two strips/creators per issue that I was interested in.

Sadly, they've just published the last issue of the current volume, after 238 issues since 1986. Other than Heavy Metal, this was one of the very few long-running American anthology titles. I guess it's a little hard to build a solid reader base on a title where the strips and creators keep changing every few months. Nevertheless they did manage to publish some really good stuff over the years.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 21 May, 2017, 08:22:44 AM
Quote from: positronic on 20 May, 2017, 04:24:23 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 20 May, 2017, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: positronic on 19 May, 2017, 09:01:33 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 19 May, 2017, 08:39:05 PM
Also on the slab; Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders Book 3 and the  Johnny Nemo collection.

I've got TWO Johnny Nemo collections, one of which is a couple of decades old, and a more recent one from a few years back (one is hardcover and the other softcover), but they're not exactly the same, even though most of the stories are.

I've got a hardback Johnny Nemo collection, didn't realise there was also a paperback one out there.

The hardback is the more recent one. I think (I'll have to check) the earlier TP was entirely in black and white. When I get the chance, I'll haul them out and compare them, IIRC, there are slight differences in content.

Did some checking on this, and there have actually been three trade collections of Johnny Nemo!
The first one (topmost or leftmost, depending on your screen display) was published by Deadline in 1989 as a black & white softcover (which is the first one I'd gotten), the second was also a b&w sc collection published by Cyberosia in 2002 (which I was completely unaware of until checking), and the third (bottom or rightmost) was the hardcover published by Titan Books in 2014, which IIRC is partly color.

(http://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/3292133.jpg)(http://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/613645.jpg)(http://d1466nnw0ex81e.cloudfront.net/n_iv/600/2217968.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 21 May, 2017, 08:29:32 AM
Read Rok of the Reds this morning while having my coffee. Manages to be both a great football comic as well as a cool scifi story. A joy to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 21 May, 2017, 02:10:15 PM
Quote from: positronic on 21 May, 2017, 08:22:44 AM
The hardback is the more recent one. I think (I'll have to check) the earlier TP was entirely in black and white. When I get the chance, I'll haul them out and compare them, IIRC, there are slight differences in content.

Did some checking on this, and there have actually been three trade collections of Johnny Nemo!
The first one (topmost or leftmost, depending on your screen display) was published by Deadline in 1989 as a black & white softcover (which is the first one I'd gotten), the second was also a b&w sc collection published by Cyberosia in 2002 (which I was completely unaware of until checking), and the third (bottom or rightmost) was the hardcover published by Titan Books in 2014, which IIRC is partly color.


The hardback is partly colour, yes - presumably reprinting as the stories were originally published.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 21 May, 2017, 03:22:41 PM
Quote from: positronic on 21 May, 2017, 08:10:24 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 21 May, 2017, 03:46:12 AM
Quote from: Fungus on 21 May, 2017, 03:05:14 AM
Dark Horse Presents 2,3. Again, very old news but I'm playing catch-up. #2 was the usual mixed-bag but #3 was enjoyable. Some new strips and much better quality. Slow-paced but convincing adventure plus double-page wordless spreads of... dinosaurs and stuff. Not usually my thing but - as the publisher declares in the issue - experimentation is what they're about.

The first relaunch? Or the renumbering series? I only ask because one of my favorite series ran in the relaunch, and came back latter in the renumbering. FINDER. One of my favorite comics of all time.

I was never a regular reader of DHP, but dipped in and out, if there were at least two strips/creators per issue that I was interested in.

Sadly, they've just published the last issue of the current volume, after 238 issues since 1986. Other than Heavy Metal, this was one of the very few long-running American anthology titles. I guess it's a little hard to build a solid reader base on a title where the strips and creators keep changing every few months. Nevertheless they did manage to publish some really good stuff over the years.

Oh wow, I just read an article explaining the situation, they solicited two more issues (33 and 34) but will cancel their orders. This also leaves more then a few strips dangling withou t conclusion. And that's real real bad!

DHPs biggest problem, IMO, is that many strips were treated as extended previews for future mini-series. They would publish an issue 0's worth of material, and then want you to read a follow up mini series. So you never really got any momentum behind anything.

It's best strips were the consistant ones, like FINDER, Brooklyn Blood, and Semiautomatic Magic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 May, 2017, 05:31:38 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 21 May, 2017, 03:22:41 PM
Oh wow, I just read an article explaining the situation, they solicited two more issues (33 and 34) but will cancel their orders. This also leaves more then a few strips dangling withou t conclusion. And that's real real bad!

DHPs biggest problem, IMO, is that many strips were treated as extended previews for future mini-series. They would publish an issue 0's worth of material, and then want you to read a follow up mini series. So you never really got any momentum behind anything.

It's best strips were the consistant ones, like FINDER, Brooklyn Blood, and Semiautomatic Magic.

Didn't realise this had gone. I think you may have hit the nail on the head Adventurer. If you think back to the first series of DHP it carried some great stuff, Concrete, Bacchus, Aliens, Mr Monster and many more. A proper anthology with some genuinely exceptional series. I tried the latest series and soon got tired of not getting stories but previews.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 22 May, 2017, 02:46:40 PM
 :o >:( :'(

I love DHP. I thought there was just some hiatus thing as so often occurs in comics.

It will be back! Beasts of Burden was my favourite thing of recentish years to come out of those pages but I was thoroughly enjoying Brooklyn Blood, and Semiautomagic made a great trade that I picked up whilst in NY. Would love to have seen more of that character. And always wished I could track down the whole story of Alabaster.

Bah.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 23 May, 2017, 10:19:29 PM
FWIW  The issues 2,3 I've just read were published 2014 I think. DHP simply a comic that sat at the bottom of the pile. As I say, enjoyed #3 which came as a surprise. Next up: 4-20 then done!

As Colin says, early DHP was fine comics, Concrete, Mr Monster and the like. Came across a Concrete portfolio the other day, oversized b & w Chadwick art... lovely.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 May, 2017, 05:29:29 PM
Just finished the first trade of Locke and Key which I've picked up all the issues digitally in some sales or other (6 volumes is the entire story right?). While I'm not too fussed with the art, its servicable and doesn't detract from what's a gripping, absolutely gripping story.

Wonderful comics.

Can't wait to read the rest. I know there's a couple of fans here about so just wanted to chirp up with some more praise for this great horror comic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 30 May, 2017, 09:56:21 PM
Each time I find someone else has got into Locke and Key, my heart initially swells with pride that another wonderful soul has found one of the greatest comics of the last decade...then my heart crumbles as I remember A)The series has concluded for quiet some time now, enough that a re-read is in order at least and B) The ending itself. Steel yourself, Colin, it's gonna be a bumpy rise.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 30 May, 2017, 10:07:01 PM
Locke and Key is GREAT. I think I own most in digital form (I say 'own'... comixology...)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 30 May, 2017, 10:32:55 PM
Yeah, I bought the full set from IndigoPrime and it's a cracking series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 31 May, 2017, 03:49:27 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 30 May, 2017, 05:29:29 PM
Just finished the first trade of Locke and Key which I've picked up all the issues digitally in some sales or other (6 volumes is the entire story right?). While I'm not too fussed with the art, its servicable and doesn't detract from what's a gripping, absolutely gripping story.

Wonderful comics.


Good man Colin, even with your legendary back-log you couldn't avoid this forever.

It really is wonderful comics. Hill fundamentally 'gets it'.
I grew to appreciate Gabriel Rodriguez' artwork with each passing arc, and I don't doubt you will too- he's fantastic.

Apart from the main arcs there are a few one-shots & specials to look out for, the most recent of which ('Small World') was published last Christmas.
No doubt there are more to come.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 31 May, 2017, 04:20:20 PM
I tried to get into Locke and Key, but the second volume just didn't do anything for me and I never progressed further.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 31 May, 2017, 05:57:50 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 31 May, 2017, 03:49:27 PM
Apart from the main arcs there are a few one-shots & specials to look out for, the most recent of which ('Small World') was published last Christmas.
No doubt there are more to come.

Ooh! I missed that one! Thanks for the heads up!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Supreme Pizza Of The DPRK on 01 June, 2017, 12:21:42 PM
Trying to find a way to stop time so I can get through Jerusalem. It feels like no matter how much I read I'm no closer to finishing it that when I started. It's great but if I want to finish it by Christmas I'm gonna have to put my life on hold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 01 June, 2017, 03:48:42 PM
I loved Rodriguez's art on Locke & Key. Particularly as, lets say, certain doors were opened.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 02 June, 2017, 09:09:12 AM
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 15 May, 2017, 04:08:54 PM
Quote from: positronic on 15 May, 2017, 08:22:46 AM
I don't know about the Richard Bachman book The Running Man, but I always thought that the movie version fit perfectly with the sensibilities of a 2000 AD strip.

The Running Man and its execution of the death by game-show idea is predated by the much better, more prescient 1970 German film Das Millionenspiel / The Millions Game (https://vimeo.com/195345560), adapted from the 1958 story The Prize of Peril (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Prize_of_Peril) by Robert Sheckley. It was adapted again in 1983 as Le Prix du Danger (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFY3yTWqUks) in France. Das Millionenspiel also predates RoboCop by intercutting action with ad breaks and vox pops.

(http://www.spectacletheater.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Millionenspiel-Banner.jpg)

Hmm... it sounds reminiscent of Sheckley's own earlier 1953 story "The Seventh Victim" (itself adapted into a 1965 film, The 10th Victim, starring Marcello Mastroianni and Ursula Andress). I can't recall now if television played that big a role in the earlier story, although it seems clear to me that Robocop (1987) was influenced by the role of media played in Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns released just a year earlier (and, obviously, Judge Dredd).

The specific concept that fascinated me about The Running Man (the movie, anyway) was the idea of convicted criminals being used (ala Roman gladiatorial games) in a reality-TV series in which they had personas similar to professional wrestlers (and were portrayed by them in the film), which oddly enough prefigured American Gladiators, a reality-TV game show with a remarkably similar concept (apart from the convicted criminals part), by a couple of years.

It seems unlikely that The Running Man could have been influenced by Robocop, a film that was released only four months earlier, while Das Millionspiel, a TV-movie that was only broadcast twice in 1970 in West Germany, seems too obscure a film. It was pulled from broadcast due to discovering that the film producers did not actually have the rights (the story had been optioned earlier by another producer) and did not see the light of day again until 2002, when legal rights to the original story were finally licensed.

But back to The Running Man -- the idea of the film was that in 2017(!), the U.S. was a militarized police state that had sealed its borders and suppressed resistance to the government by total control of the media, with "The Running Man" game show used as a kind of "bread and circuses" to lull the masses. The colorful pro-wrestling characters reminded me of comic-book types, and the whole thing just seemed satirical enough to have fit into the pages of 2000AD.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 02 June, 2017, 09:31:53 AM
You talent for saying so much,yet so little,astounds me every time.You should go into politics,mate.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 02 June, 2017, 11:23:20 AM
The 10th Victim is a nice little movie....that is all I have to say!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 06 June, 2017, 12:42:38 PM
Just finished up The Vision by Tom King and Gabriel Walta.

Just an amazing bit of storytelling by the whole team. I'm not a particlularly big fan of Marvel comics, but if the rest of them were half as good as this, as heartfelt and devastating, i'd be converted.

Lovely understated art, brilliant colouring and some beautiful comedic moments as well as a robot dog you will love.

I picked both volumes up on Kindle for £3.60 in total, so you may best get a move on and pick it up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 06 June, 2017, 01:31:42 PM
Quote from: positronic on 02 June, 2017, 09:09:12 AM
it seems clear to me that Robocop (1987) was influenced by the role of media played in Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns released just a year earlier

The news/media breaks and adverts that interject and inform RoboCop's story were more likely taken from the frequent and integral FasFax segments in Howard Chaykin's satire American Flagg - a comic that heavily influenced the tone and corporate ownership theme/plot of the film (Howard Chaykin gets a thank you in the end-credits) and was first published in 1983. It also features a Robot Cop as a supporting character. The Corporate Wars (//http://://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44165.msg946235#msg946235)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Flagg!

(http://www.art4comics.com/hc_af626.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 06 June, 2017, 01:43:03 PM


The writers of RoboCop continued to mine the same sources for their unmade sequel (http://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44165.msg946235#msg946235).

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 June, 2017, 02:49:30 PM
Decided to break up my Discworld read with something a bit different - so it's goodbye Ankh-Morpork and hello to the oldest and most disreputable of fantasy cities, a place of hustlers, rogues and thieves run by the various competing guilds and a scheming, machiavellan overlord... It's The Swords of Lankhmar, fifth book of the sellswords Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. Besides Holmes/Watson and Aubrey/ Maturin, I don't know if there's as enjoyable and enduring a freindship in all of fiction. This time out a plague of super-intelligent rats menace the ancient city, and it's going to take some libidinous skeleton people, very angry mummies, a troop of War Cats, pint-sized Gray Mouser and dimension-hopping German to curtail it...
Don't know why it took me so long to return to Lankhmar but this was another cracking entry to the series (and surely the inspiration behind Warhammer's Skaven, as well as influencing Pratchett). Warm, funny, irreverent, imaginative and pacy, this is everything you could want from a Sword and Sourcery romp.

And then it's back to Discworld proper with Faust Eric. Coming after Wyrd Sisters, Pyramids and Guards!Guards! this feels a bit of a throwback to a less refined and decidedly more knockabout Pratchett, but it's by no means bad - just a bit lacking. Fun, frothy and doesn't outstay its welcome. Kirby's rich-as-buttered-toast illustrations add to the expierience a lot - not sure I'd have enjoyed the prose novella half as much. As with Sourcery, it all feels a bit half-arsed towards the end, as if Pratchett just wanted to move on to something else. No wonder Rincewind won't appear for another nine novels.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 07 June, 2017, 01:53:09 PM
Quote from: Supreme Pizza Of The DPRK on 01 June, 2017, 12:21:42 PM
Trying to find a way to stop time so I can get through Jerusalem. It feels like no matter how much I read I'm no closer to finishing it that when I started. It's great but if I want to finish it by Christmas I'm gonna have to put my life on hold.

I was giving it a good two to three hours a day (plus probably the same amount of digesting time!) and it took me three months. It's incredible. How far into it are you? You can reply in centimetres if you like  :)

I've been reading nothing but comics since I finished Jerusalem in February - just finished the first book of Injection by Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey and it is bloody brilliant! I realise with the first book it's just really started, but what a fantastic introduction to the world and characters with a brilliant core idea.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: positronic on 08 June, 2017, 11:44:14 AM
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 06 June, 2017, 01:31:42 PM
Quote from: positronic on 02 June, 2017, 09:09:12 AM
it seems clear to me that Robocop (1987) was influenced by the role of media played in Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns released just a year earlier

The news/media breaks and adverts that interject and inform RoboCop's story were more likely taken from the frequent and integral FasFax segments in Howard Chaykin's satire American Flagg - a comic that heavily influenced the tone and corporate ownership theme/plot of the film (Howard Chaykin gets a thank you in the end-credits) and was first published in 1983. It also features a Robot Cop as a supporting character. The Corporate Wars (//http://://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=44165.msg946235#msg946235)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Flagg!

(http://www.art4comics.com/hc_af626.jpg)

And Chaykin's American Flagg! (which I loved, and coincidentally had just ordered the Image hardcover collecting of the first 14 issues, a week ago) always seemed a little influenced by (or maybe "a reaction to" would be more accurate) Judge Dredd to me. At least it seemed to have a similar satirical bent to it. In terms of being well-known however, it was greatly overshadowed by TDKR.

It's funny you use the example page you've shown, because that really doesn't resemble the way the media breaks appear in Robocop -- but they DO resemble the way Frank Miller drew the media commentators in TDKR. In American Flagg! the media commentary focuses on the interviewees, not the broadcasters, reducing the latter to tiny heads almost like what you traditionally see in comics where a sequence is being narrated through captions by another character.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 08 June, 2017, 12:49:11 PM
Quote from: positronic on 08 June, 2017, 11:44:14 AMAnd Chaykin's American Flagg! (which I loved, and coincidentally had just ordered the Image hardcover collecting of the first 14 issues, a week ago) always seemed a little influenced by (or maybe "a reaction to" would be more accurate) Judge Dredd to me.


The influence of Dredd is acknowledged, if I remember correctly, in an op-ed/letter published in the first or at least one the early issues of American Flagg - as is both Flagg and Dredd's influence on RoboCop by Howard Chaykin:

Howard Chaykin: Conversations excerpt 1 (https://books.google.ie/books?id=9Q0bBwAAQBAJ&pg=PT134&lpg=PT134&dq=howard+chaykin+roboCop&source=bl&ots=IaSW9-voHF&sig=93seQjEN7ilaOpLJokwhd1Mo3ho&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjN2ob8ka7UAhXMCMAKHUS1CqwQ6AEIQjAL#v=onepage&q=howard%20chaykin%20roboCop&f=false)

Howard Chaykin: Conversations excerpt 2 (https://books.google.ie/books?id=5OVZ8cw5liAC&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&dq=howard+chaykin+roboCop&source=bl&ots=rUD5VB4NUj&sig=ML5nmqS4JWGAywtt46we_MJN5F0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjN2ob8ka7UAhXMCMAKHUS1CqwQ6AEIPzAK#v=onepage&q=howard%20chaykin%20roboCop&f=false)


Quote from: positronic on 08 June, 2017, 11:44:14 AMIt's funny you use the example page you've shown, because that really doesn't resemble the way the media breaks appear in Robocop -- but they DO resemble the way Frank Miller drew the media commentators in TDKR.

In American Flagg! the media commentary focuses on the interviewees, not the broadcasters, reducing the latter to tiny heads almost like what you traditionally see in comics where a sequence is being narrated through captions by another character.

On the contrary, Flagg's FasFax inserts clearly resemble the media breaks in RoboCop and they function with the exact same intention of using news media and ads as diegetic disruptions: mixing the idea of trashy commercial TV with cinematic/comic drama, yet also forming a significant part of the narrative whole.

As an influence on RoboCop, American Flagg was also more than likely an influence on Frank Miller - there's similarity between the design of the Go-Gangs and The Mutants in TDKR - so it's swings and roundabouts in the mid 1980s zeitgeist but American Flagg got there first and was clearly in the minds of the writers of RoboCop when they were writing the script between 1984-1986. TDKRs later influence was more a compounding of those ideas formulated in Flagg.

The fourth draft of RoboCop was done by 10 June 1986 and contains interstitial segments titled 'Media Breaks' - TDKR was concurrently being published as individual issues.

http://www.robocoparchive.com/info/robocop1-script.pdf



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Huey2 on 10 June, 2017, 10:19:48 PM
"just finished the first book of Injection by Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey and it is bloody brilliant! I realise with the first book it's just really started, but what a fantastic introduction to the world and characters with a brilliant core idea"

Injection is great!
I'd also recommend Ellis' prose novel "Crooked Little Vein" which is a cracking story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 11 June, 2017, 02:46:59 PM
Oh, don't worry - I've read Crooked Little Vein too!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 June, 2017, 08:36:49 PM
Well Locke and Key just keeps getting better and better bloody hell. I can't remember I had such a physical reaction to comic as I did at the end of Book 4. Good lord that was so impecibly timed, so utterly tense - so bloody fantastic. The art still isn't 100% for me but its not at all detracting from Joe Hills brilliance and I therefore have to admit Rodriguez's storytelling is astonishing, even if his style isn't for me, he's conveying story and emotion to perfection and so engaging me regardless of my superficial distaste so to a degree he deserves even more credit...

...wow...

any way enough I can cram in another couple of issues tonight I reckon...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 June, 2017, 09:30:20 PM
And I've just finished it and I'll call it now. Locke and Key sits alongside Grendal, Concrete the first 200 issues if Cerebus and the 70s writing of Jack Kirby as one of the best comics ever. I'd no doubt amend and add to that list, Nikolai Dante, John Smith's 2000ad work, Wagner Dredd etc but basically the specifics are not important the quality of the peers is all that matters. Basically what I'm saying is that Locke and Key is amongst the very, very finest comics ever.

Just brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 16 June, 2017, 09:44:54 PM
Yowsa, that's some seriously high praise. I might need to revisit it sooner rather then later.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 17 June, 2017, 02:43:37 PM
Currently reading Stephen Baxter's Titan as I'm slowly working through his back catalogue.  It always amuses me how cynical he can be at times.  There's almost a nihilist vein to his work.  Then midway through the book I have to do a double take.  I begin to wonder if I've picked up a paper instead as I read about the election of an American President that is highly isolationist, aggressive and controversial and builds a wall between America and Mexico.  He wrote this 20 years ago as an alternate history!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 18 June, 2017, 12:02:29 AM
I really liked Damnation Alley, so gave Roger Zelazny's Nine Princes In Amber a go seeing as Lord Of Light looks like too large a page count when I have a small mountain of Stephen Kings and at least 80 of the top 100 science fiction novels of all time still to get through, but more fool me, as it's the first in a trilogy of 10 books.
Though possible not at the time of writing, the plot seems in these days to be a well-worn path - practically urban fantasy in its early days - but I don't really read enough proper fantasy to judge it, as I don't particularly fancy books in my life about giant-titted redheads going on a quest to find secret treasure while pursued by the Ork King or whatever fantasy books are actually about.  I didn't know the full plot and went into it cold: a seeming amnesiac grifter wakes up in a hospital and gradually pieces together who he is and blah de blah - it's basically the kind of thing I could see a tv producer pitching in a fit of desperation after all his other shows got knocked back and he had to pull something out of his ass and somehow kept talking and got from Lost to Lord of the Rings before getting the green light, and the plot progression - with its occasionally arbitrary jumps in time and major events and battles dismissed in a sentence here or there - seems like the kind of thing that would happen in a mid-budget telly show.  It actually reminds me very much of Wayward Pines in the abstract, though I suspect if I actually watched Once Upon A Time more of this might seem familiar to me.

An enjoyable enough page-turner not harmed by its overly-familiar tropes.  Zelazny has a good writing voice and keeps things cracking along, at least enough to keep me going into Guns Of Avalon, which continues the story but effectively ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, or at the very least lacks any solid jump-off point.  Whatevs, I think I'll pause at this point and re-evaluate going any further, even though I am reliably informed you can stop reading at the fourth or fifth book when the Corwin character runs his course.  I am not sure I want serialised fantasy in what I laughably refer to between drunken sobs as my life.

Also Star Trek: Kobayashi Maru, which is a testament to the kind of shit you can find in charity shops, and also a testament to the need of writers to keep them Benjis rolling in even when they can't force their heart into a project.  Essentially a retread of Galileo Seven but with the arguing and boisterous giants replaced with short stories about how each character tackled the titular no-win scenario in their Starfleet days, I had two takeaways:
1 - each character in this substandard literary landfill from the late 1980s has a better approach to the simulation than the Kirk character in the Trek reboot movie, though Novel Kirk's resolution seemingly hinges on his being the kind of egomaniacal knuckle-dragging simpleton and two-dimensional misrepresentation of the TOS character that the Trek reboot assumes him to be, and
2 - Trek writers really, really struggle with the idea of post-race humanity, as this is like the third tie-in book where Sulu's backstory is reduced to knuckle-biting racial caricature, though arguably nowhere near as bad as that Mike W Barr thing where Sulu remembers his youth in an internment camp YES THAT WAS A THING.
Anyhoo this wasn't very good.  Unlike other Trek tie-in novels, he added with a suspicious lack of earnestness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 20 June, 2017, 07:10:03 AM
I finished BPRD,and I have to say,Hell on Earth cycle is not worth it.  :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 20 June, 2017, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 18 June, 2017, 12:02:29 AM
I really liked Damnation Alley, so gave Roger Zelazny's Nine Princes In Amber a go seeing as Lord Of Light looks like too large a page count when I have a small mountain of Stephen Kings and at least 80 of the top 100 science fiction novels of all time still to get through, but more fool me, as it's the first in a trilogy of 10 books.
Lord of Light may be a bulging sackful compared to Nine Princes in Amber but is barely a footnote alongside the bloated discharge of yer man King. It's comfortably Zelazny's best, would be pretty high up my all-time sci-fi/fantasy/whatever list and does not simply stop halfway through to be continued in the next volume. The vaguely counter-cultural grifter with a heart of gold is very much the archetypal Zelazny protagonist though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 June, 2017, 08:41:41 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 20 June, 2017, 07:55:12 AM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 18 June, 2017, 12:02:29 AM
I really liked Damnation Alley, so gave Roger Zelazny's Nine Princes In Amber a go seeing as Lord Of Light looks like too large a page count when I have a small mountain of Stephen Kings and at least 80 of the top 100 science fiction novels of all time still to get through, but more fool me, as it's the first in a trilogy of 10 books.
Lord of Light may be a bulging sackful compared to Nine Princes in Amber but is barely a footnote alongside the bloated discharge of yer man King. It's comfortably Zelazny's best, would be pretty high up my all-time sci-fi/fantasy/whatever list and does not simply stop halfway through to be continued in the next volume. The vaguely counter-cultural grifter with a heart of gold is very much the archetypal Zelazny protagonist though.

Everything Cosh said. Take a deep breath and dive in - once you've the first dozen pages read you won't even notice the rest. Zelazny's best book by some measure.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 20 June, 2017, 09:12:37 PM
Instead of the world getting a Jack Kirby theme park Ben Affleck got an Oscar.



(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff248/burlearth/jack-kirby-lord-of-light_zpsiejay1m7.jpeg) (http://s240.photobucket.com/user/burlearth/media/jack-kirby-lord-of-light_zpsiejay1m7.jpeg.html)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 June, 2017, 10:43:56 PM
Hey now, that's neither fair nor accurate.



He has two.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 20 June, 2017, 11:46:40 PM
Masters of the Universe was a Fourth World movie.  That'll just have to do.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 21 June, 2017, 07:50:18 AM
SKULLMAN is a one shot manga i've been meaning to read for sometime, the first instalment in the now labyrinthian cross media Shotaro Ishinomori universe it's both a prototype for Cyborg 009 and Kamen Rider. It's really rather great and a breezy little read, with gorgeous art typical of Ishinomori and a solid deconstruction of the fone line between hero and antihero.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: jacob g on 21 June, 2017, 10:26:40 AM
Just read War Mother one shot from Valiant and...

This is probably the most 2000AD thing Valiant released since revamp. Postapocalypse world with almost every possible trope that exists in pop culture, including direct movie quotes, alive sniper riffle that is equaly sidekick for main protagonist and suit for reader to learn about the world.

It's nothing great, just ok read, yet still this is first new Valiant title I found interesting since Diversity and Doctor Mirage so I guess I'll buy War Mother miniseries as it should start in august I guess.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 22 June, 2017, 07:32:23 PM
Quote from: jacob g on 21 June, 2017, 10:26:40 AM
Just read War Mother one shot from Valiant and...

This is probably the most 2000AD thing Valiant released since revamp. Postapocalypse world with almost every possible trope that exists in pop culture, including direct movie quotes, alive sniper riffle that is equaly sidekick for main protagonist and suit for reader to learn about the world.

It's nothing great, just ok read, yet still this is first new Valiant title I found interesting since Diversity and Doctor Mirage so I guess I'll buy War Mother miniseries as it should start in august I guess.


And in at least one pictures appears to have blue skin and a white mohican.  Wonder where Valiant get their ideas from ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 02 July, 2017, 01:02:40 PM
I went through Jodorowsky's Metabarons series and it was quite probably one of the greatest sci-fi sagas I have read! It is a pure joy, and fans of 2000AD definitely need to check it out. I love the dynamic between the two robots Tonto and Lothar, as they recount the story of the Metabaron's ancestry. They could easily sit alongside Walter as some of the most memorable robot charactees created in comics. 

The ongoing Metabaron series is also very impressive.

Technopriests is also another Jodorowsky title I gobbled up like a paleo-fiend. My thoughts on these books can be found on my blog below.

I really need to get back on the prog and meg bandwagon as I've missed out, but feck, it feels good to be back! :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 02 July, 2017, 01:25:14 PM
Quote from: Mabs on 02 July, 2017, 01:02:40 PM
I really need to get back on the prog and meg bandwagon as I've missed out, but feck, it feels good to be back! :)
Hi Mabs. Good to have you back!

I got the first book of Metabarons cheap on Comixology but I found it a bit of a slog to be honest. Must give it another go some time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mabs on 02 July, 2017, 01:50:42 PM
Quote
Hi Mabs. Good to have you back!

I got the first book of Metabarons cheap on Comixology but I found it a bit of a slog to be honest. Must give it another go some time.

Thanks mate! Much appreciated. :)

Metabarons is a richly rewarding experience although it can drag on a tad, my advice is to take time with it, and definitely give it another try!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 July, 2017, 02:00:52 PM
I've got Metabarons lined up somewhere on my list after also getting iot cheap via Comixology. Looking forward to gettin' to it but intrigued to hear Cosh didn't get on with it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 02 July, 2017, 02:53:08 PM
Epic stuff,like I said before.Its so..METAL.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 12 July, 2017, 06:49:59 PM
Just picked up the new Kim & Kim, Love is a Battlefied.

(http://comicsall.me/uploads/posts/2017-07/1499277819_869d0b109a90381d6733c5354951aa60.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 12 July, 2017, 08:14:06 PM
Commissioner adamsberg : a climate of fear by Fred vargas
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Eric Plumrose on 12 July, 2017, 10:04:34 PM
Realized 'The Love Bunglers' was LOVE & ROCKETS rather than something standalone. Will return (mostly) unread to my local library until I catch up with everything since 'Luba Conquers the World'.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 19 July, 2017, 02:12:50 PM
The Standard Kinda like a superhero murder mystery with shades of Kingdom Come. Great stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 20 July, 2017, 09:02:34 PM
Love this comic.

(https://imagecomics.com/uploads/releases/BitchPlanet-TripleFeature-02_cvr.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 20 July, 2017, 09:24:01 PM
These are old as I clear the decks, but:

Seven To Eternity: high drama from Remender, with detailed art. Lacks the fun of Deadly Class, his work I - surprisingly - enjoy most.

13 Coins: bonkers Bisley, finished lushly by Ryan Brown. Reads like a comic version of the kind of film I hate, it's nice to look at but the tale is adolescent silliness.

Death Sentence: London: Feels less convoluted than  the first series, which is a pleasant surprise. A big too right-on for my tastes, the street slang jarred. Enjoyable nonetheless. Monty's notes are worthwhile -- aims to writes stuff you don't read anywhere else, and pretty much succeeds. In a good way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 21 July, 2017, 06:14:37 AM
Currently plowing through Dean Motter's Mister X Archive. I'm so used to Motter drawing his own comics its so strange to see his most classic work drawn by others.

Its no exaggeration for me to say that Motter's Image series, Electropolis was the comic that broke me out of my Marvel zombie demeanor, and into the indie comic scene.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 21 July, 2017, 06:38:52 AM
You read Terminal city,right?  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 21 July, 2017, 07:20:49 AM
I have, and yeah now I recall that wasn't drawn by Motter either. It was weird then too, since I read it after all the Mister X and Electropois I'd read with him drawing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 22 July, 2017, 04:40:35 PM
I finished GI Joe Classics.Well,I dont feel like I could say anything new or revolutionary about it;but I do have some issues with the last part of the series.Artwork goes all scratchy and Image-like.And the IDW "restoration" doesn't really help.Bit odd,since they usually do a pretty good job with that.And it gets a bit absurd,like the Joes fighting Terminators on a meteor absurd.And Snake Eyes looking like a zombie Rambo.Thou,considering this is mid 90's Marvel,it could have been a lot worst.
Second thing,IDW collections are really minimalist.They couldn't even be bothered to include the backup stories.IDW,this was not your best. :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 22 July, 2017, 09:40:28 PM
Quote from: Smith on 22 July, 2017, 04:40:35 PM
And Snake Eyes looking like a zombie Rambo.Thou,considering this is mid 90's Marvel,it could have been a lot worst.

Were there pouches? tell me there were pouches!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 23 July, 2017, 05:06:49 AM
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-abboIGATmUs/UKRFsZQYiQI/AAAAAAAAEUk/zWaCykXxsI0/s1600/2012-11-08+14.16.18.jpg)
Best toy ever.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bad City Blue on 23 July, 2017, 05:08:25 PM
Just read Survival Geeks, had forgotten how bloody funny it is.

Not generally a fan of Rennie, so I guess I must be a fan of Emma beeby!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 23 July, 2017, 06:39:11 PM
I finished Fables.Boy,that was depressing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 24 July, 2017, 03:53:20 PM
Hah! Yes. I've read the first two volumes of Birthright, from Image. Reminds me a lot of Rick Remender's 7 to Eternity (though I think Birthright started first) in artwork and some of the themes. Otherwise fun stuff, will be following through to 3 and 4.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 24 July, 2017, 11:41:28 PM
End of Watch, Stephen King. What the fuck was that. Okay, I got the laboured message in the odd-but-interesting second Hodges book, Finders Keepers, that King was going to take his characters where they led him. But why did it have to be here? We've [spoiler]somehow gone from a straight crime novel setting, where Bill is essentially debunking supernatural overtones surrounding his last case, to one where the hitherto loathsome but ordinary killer acquires a plethora of psychic superpowers (not just one but three) through a head wound and magic pills: and this in a plot that could have worked perfectly well without ANY wholy supernatural elements beyond the force of Brady's personality and some copycats or willing accomplices. [/spoiler] A rare misstep for King.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 26 July, 2017, 05:23:01 PM
I started Transformers classics UK,and I see what Indigo Prime meant way back then.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/cmx-images-prod/DigitalPage/8802936/9198a8d465b1d395a0b88b80a83c427e._SX1280_QL80_TTD_.jpg)
Its not the original page,its more like a picture of the original page. :(
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 26 July, 2017, 05:32:05 PM
Was Transformers UK originally ashcan sized or something? because that is wacky
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mute77 on 26 July, 2017, 06:14:01 PM
Id love a collected edition of the early transformers stuff but the massive white borders put me off. A shame. Great memories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 29 July, 2017, 12:02:17 PM
Just picked up the latest issue of Normandy Gold.  :cool:

(https://media.titan-comics.com/dynamic-images/comics/issues/NormandyGoldCover2.jpg.size-400.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 01 August, 2017, 04:24:36 PM
(https://imagecomics.com/uploads/releases/hoaxhunt-vol1-web.jpg)
Hoax Hunters...if you liked stuff like Cabalistic Inc. and BPRD,get Hoax Hunters.Like,right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 03 August, 2017, 08:39:25 PM
Star Trek: Khan: Ruling In Hell - spends its time continuity-wanking, and yet still ends up embellishing some details while completely jettisoning others.  For instance, Joachim from Wrath of Khan is now also Joaquin from Space Seed, even though they are not only completely different characters with different backstories and played by different actors, the former is Khan's son, hence his death being such a blow in WoK.  Another change is that Khan's wife dies in an act of betrayal by someone of lower rank to Khan rather than just poor luck, while Khan himself goes through a rather unconvincing arc where he at first worships Kirk, and then turns on him over time because of Screenwriting Book I read Once reasons.
While the biggest crime with continuity/fan-wank should be that it just doesn't feel like the characters (with even Kirk's brief appearance ringing false), I'd argue that the dumbest omission is that Khan doesn't meet Chekov, which is the very first thing you might expect continuity-wank to address, especially considering the last page stops just before one of Trek's most noted continuity errors.
Having established that it doesn't work as fan-wank, I am happy to say that the writer makes the most of an objectively great premise and gives us a rattling tale of ruthless warlords forced to battle over diminishing resources on a dying world - but saying it does not make it true.  It's not that this is bad so much as it is pointless and clearly made to fill out the four issues for which it was commissioned, but that's all.  I know nothing of Scott and David Tipton so cannot say if this is typical of their output, but it seems to me a young writer desperate to make their mark would have made a meal of this, and as it is, it just feels complacent and pointless, the comics equivalent of landfill.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 03 August, 2017, 08:53:35 PM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 03 August, 2017, 08:39:25 PM
Star Trek: Khan: Ruling In Hell

Funny enough, I was just reading about this yesterday - probably because 'Space Seed' happened to be on the Horror Channel. I can't say I like the sound of Marla as the victim of a deliberate internecine eeling - gives Khan less cause to blame Kirk.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 03 August, 2017, 11:09:55 PM
Only got around to reading it because someone mentioned it on the Star Trek Discovery thread.  I'm rather put off IDW's Trek books at this stage because they don't seemed to be aimed at people who are that into Trek.  I tried to figure it out with science but this is as far as I got:
(https://image.ibb.co/jKEVRa/venn1.jpg)
Mind you, they wouldn't still be publishing them if they were bombing - that Trek licence can't be cheap - so mine is likely a minority opinion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 04 August, 2017, 01:02:48 AM
I won't say I've read many of the IDW Star Trek comics. But the one I did read, Star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes. Was fantastic.

That said I'm also a massive fan of the Battlestar reboot. And enjoy the Abrams Trek films. And appreciate the Trek shows, even if I can't quite motivate myself to watch them very often.

But I generally steer away from licensed comics, especially at IDW. As I generally feel they put too much effort into cover variants, and not very much into... you know... the comic itself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 August, 2017, 09:36:09 AM
I may have been joshing there, but I appreciate that it's often impossible to tell.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 04 August, 2017, 09:55:51 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 04 August, 2017, 01:02:48 AM
But I generally steer away from licensed comics, especially at IDW. As I generally feel they put too much effort into cover variants, and not very much into... you know... the comic itself.
Them are fighting word.
Their TMNT and Transformes have both been amazing.I cant recommend them enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 04 August, 2017, 10:13:59 AM
Haven't read this since it was originally published. Remember it being great.

(http://www.paperdroids.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wishlist-enigma.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 04 August, 2017, 10:48:13 AM
Quote from: JLC on 04 August, 2017, 10:13:59 AM
Haven't read this since it was originally published. Remember it being great.

It is. It's quite brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 04 August, 2017, 11:00:05 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 04 August, 2017, 10:48:13 AM
Quote from: JLC on 04 August, 2017, 10:13:59 AM
Haven't read this since it was originally published. Remember it being great.
It is. It's quite brilliant.
He's right, you know.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Max Headroom on 04 August, 2017, 01:45:43 PM
Can anyone who has read Milligan's 'Egypt' confirm if it is as good as 'Enigma'? (Sadly, the former never made into a trade paperback, but I'm still hopeful that one day it will).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 04 August, 2017, 03:39:34 PM
Quote from: Smith on 04 August, 2017, 09:55:51 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 04 August, 2017, 01:02:48 AM
But I generally steer away from licensed comics, especially at IDW. As I generally feel they put too much effort into cover variants, and not very much into... you know... the comic itself.
Them are fighting word.
Their TMNT and Transformes have both been amazing.I cant recommend them enough.

Regeneration One was pretty great (you really can't go wrong with Simon Furman), and I have read a good chunk of More then Meets the Eye/Robots in Disguise. And while I enjoyed those, I found their focus to be a bit all over the place.

As for TMNT, I can only say I read the first 6 or 7 issues of the ongoing, and the micro-series issues, and my feeling was; they were trying to strike a middle ground between the 90s show and the Mirage comic. And I just didn't feel it. I think I was just too much of a fan of Peter Laird's TMNT Vol.4 run to accept anything else as thee Turtles comic. Also the art wasn't so great at the time. I hear Andy Kuhn has been killing it lately though, I dig that guy's art a lot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 04 August, 2017, 04:14:22 PM
That's your opinion and not a fact.Thou,from what I noticed you cant really form a opinion and just parrot stuff you heard.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 04 August, 2017, 04:19:13 PM
Everything I stated was an opinion based on what I've read. I never claimed it to be universal fact. What are you talking about?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 August, 2017, 05:44:18 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 04 August, 2017, 11:00:05 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 04 August, 2017, 10:48:13 AM
Quote from: JLC on 04 August, 2017, 10:13:59 AM
Haven't read this since it was originally published. Remember it being great.
It is. It's quite brilliant.
He's right, you know.

Yep read this not too long ago and can only agree with our two learned gentlemen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 04 August, 2017, 07:10:03 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 04 August, 2017, 05:44:18 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 04 August, 2017, 11:00:05 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 04 August, 2017, 10:48:13 AM
Quote from: JLC on 04 August, 2017, 10:13:59 AM
Haven't read this since it was originally published. Remember it being great.
It is. It's quite brilliant.
He's right, you know.

Yep read this not too long ago and can only agree with our two learned gentlemen.

Everyone is right. There is harmony across this gruntled land.

I read it once on publication and it was nice. Fegredo is wildly good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 August, 2017, 08:01:10 PM
Quote from: Fungus on 04 August, 2017, 07:10:03 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 04 August, 2017, 05:44:18 PM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 04 August, 2017, 11:00:05 AM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 04 August, 2017, 10:48:13 AM
Quote from: JLC on 04 August, 2017, 10:13:59 AM
Haven't read this since it was originally published. Remember it being great.
It is. It's quite brilliant.
He's right, you know.

Yep read this not too long ago and can only agree with our two learned gentlemen.

Everyone is right. There is harmony across this gruntled land.

I read it once on publication and it was nice. Fegredo is wildly good.

Oh someone will come along soon and tell us we're wrong, or it shouldn't have a lady in it... not that they've read it ever... or something like that...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 05 August, 2017, 03:11:58 PM
Wacky Raceland #1-6 - ho boy.  I am not saying Wacky Raceland is a terrible comic devoid of creative merit and plagued by storytelling problems in both the writing and the art, but I will say that it is now no longer permissible to offer any criticism whatsoever of Babe Race 2000 until after you have read Wacky Raceland.
This is a mess of a comic, and not in an entertaining way.  Whatever your opinion of The Flintstones, you always knew what was going on and you could safely say it was trying, but Wacky Raceland not so much.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 05 August, 2017, 04:28:27 PM
Read the synopsis. Sounds terrible
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 05 August, 2017, 05:20:10 PM
It's a comic book version of Death Race - but with the production standards of a major American publisher with an amazing talent pool to draw upon.  Should have been a no-brainer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 05 August, 2017, 05:48:01 PM
Let it never be said I live in the same world as Professor Bear. While Flintstones was utter, pure fried genius so its unfair to expect any comic to match it Wacky Raceland could well be damaged twisted genius. It held my attention enough beginning to end to warrent a re-read at some point. That may well expose it as pap disguised as wonky, cockeyed wonder, but I rather suspect there might be gold in them there hills. I remain undecided but looking forward to panning.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 05 August, 2017, 09:31:16 PM
I respect your right to be wrong, Colin.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 06 August, 2017, 12:42:43 AM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 05 August, 2017, 03:11:58 PM
Wacky Raceland #1-6 - ho boy.
This is a mess of a comic, and not in an entertaining way.

At what issue did you realise all this?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 06 August, 2017, 12:37:42 PM
It's apparent the book is a mess from the first issue, though the sexism and transphobia start to make their mark around issues 2/3, while the rushed wrap-up contradicts much of what the previous issues established, even though there is a massively handy deus ex right there in the final story that could have been used to suggest the characters were unreliable narrators.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 06 August, 2017, 01:29:23 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 04 August, 2017, 04:19:13 PM
Everything I stated was an opinion based on what I've read. I never claimed it to be universal fact. What are you talking about?
I dont think you are competent to judge a title,if you only read the first few issue.Its been a lot of issues since then.
We would all like to see how Mirage run ends,but there hasnt been a new issue in some 5 or so years,and I wouldnt hold my breath.
Meanwhile,IDW really managed to combine the best of all worlds.An actually dangerous Krang,Mutanimals,Hun,Splinter leading the Foot clan,Pantheon,there is much awesome stuff that skipping it is a downright sin. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 10 August, 2017, 07:40:12 PM
Man-Thing.I know the phrase has been worn out,nut Steve Gerber truly was a man ahead of his time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 13 August, 2017, 08:02:49 AM
I caught up with GI Joe ARAH.Yey me. :)
Cyborg ninjas,alien eyeballs,ninjas,more ninjas,giant robots,did I mention ninjas?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 14 August, 2017, 02:59:11 PM
The Power by Naomi Alderman
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 15 August, 2017, 06:52:35 AM
Back to Transformers,Target 2006 and Prey were awesome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 August, 2017, 09:12:23 PM
Dear 2000ad fans,

I write this letter to you as I have a confession to make as I can't live in silence any longer. Please hear me out and I hope you can find forgiveness in your hearts. You see...look there's no easy way to say this so I'll just come out with it...

I don't enjoy Love and Rockets.

Look please, please let me explain. I bought a load of these of our own Bolt01 a while ago and I was chuffed when they got to the top of my ridiculous pile. They should be right up my street. The art is quite beautiful, genuninely some of the best in comics. The characters are fantastic, the stories should be engaging... but for whatever crazy reason its just not gelling with me... and I can't work out why. Art is indeed subjective and as such I probably shouldn't over think this. I should just accept we don't click and move on.

But I can't - WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME? What kind of beast am I? This is great comics right? I love great comics. So why the hoopin' heck am I struggling soooo much with this classic?

Fear not I'm not simply giving up. I've struggled through to issue 12 and I'm taking a break. Giving both of us a little time and space to see it absense will indeed make my heart grow fonder. I bloody want to like this comic.

Yours with remorse and regreat,

Colin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 25 August, 2017, 12:11:15 AM
So I'd say you're just put the back of Mechanics, and Palomar hasn't really started yet? The adolescent stylings of the former don't move me the way they once did, but that's ok because Death of Speedy is just around the corner, and  no one can resist... That?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 25 August, 2017, 03:31:18 PM
Colin- stick with it.

I was buying these as they came out- so bi-monthly and one of the things I really appreciated with this comic was the 'allowing stuff to settle in' effect. Especially with 'Beto.

I'm currently reading the Princess Bride for the first time. It is a work of genius and it is to my eternal shame that I'd not enjoyed this before. The film is a total favourite for me (and to see it in a cinema packed with 8-10 year olds last year was an experience I'll not forget) but I've never read the book till now.

If anyone out there has made a similar mistake- please, fix it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 August, 2017, 08:06:56 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 25 August, 2017, 03:31:18 PM
Colin- stick with it.

Trust me I will. Everything about it says I should love it so even if I don't get it this time I'll be keeping them to try again at a later day. I'm hardwired to love this I reckon... its genuinely baffling.

As for the rest of your post YES Princess Bride is one of my favourite books as well as my favourite* film.

*I reserve the right to contradict this at the drop of a hat...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JLC on 25 August, 2017, 08:55:59 PM
Just started reading Doctor Aphra.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 26 August, 2017, 07:46:58 AM
I just finished reading the mega collection books OZ, Necropolis, The Dead man, Democracy now, Total War, America and Brothers of the blood (in that order).

I quite like how these stories knits together the democracy and clone story lines through the shift in his idea of blood and duty. From living up to what he was created for, to start try to care more for those who considers him family. Both Vienna and America.

His regrets becomes very real during these books, which I think makes the epics (that followed) Origins, ToD and DoC very interesting to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Juan De La Karite on 29 August, 2017, 02:48:49 PM
Just finished Metro 2033, first in a trilogy of post-apocalyptic Russian based sci-fi/horror novels. As a big fan of the two Metro games I was looking forward to dipping into the books. First book is pretty good, drags slightly about 2/3rds of the way in but overall I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 01 September, 2017, 01:22:10 PM
Savage Highway - post-apocalyptic done-in-one Eurocomic.
The art is heavily influenced by manga, but with a western finish, so basically we're talking the Mark Bagley school here.  The writing feels pretty slight and doesn't cover any new ground for the genre to the point its twist ending has been cribbed from... well, possibly one of the moist famous post-apocalyptic movies ever.  All I could think of when reading it was that I'd hate to be an editor for something like FutureQuake if someone sends a script in where a bloke on a savage planet discovers it was Earth all along or finds out that he himself is also a ghost as I'd be stuck wondering how in the heck I even broach the subject diplomatically with the writer before finally just chickening out and letting it go to press as is.  I can picture some version of this scenario playing out behind the scenes of Savage Highway, because apart from the cribbed ending, the actual storytelling in the rest of the book seems to have been given a free pass, as it's pretty ephemeral and reliant on logical leaps to keep characters running from one chase or action scene to another in the vein of trashy 1980s STV sci-fi romps, and to top it off there's a leftfield infodump in the final act that fleshes out the nature of the catastrophe that befell Earth, but adds not a single thing to the story.
Pretty bad, if I'm honest, but I do so love the Eurocomic format and post-apocalyptia so I couldn't help myself - especially not after seeing the good reviews this got.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 07 September, 2017, 01:47:25 PM
A chance perusal of a thread on here has led to a full-blown return bite by the Fighting Fantasy bug. After a hunt through my parent's house failed to turn up my old copies (the hunt will continue), Ebay comes up trumps with a £15 boxset of the first 10 (original) Wizard editions - and from what I can tell, they've never even been read!

And so where better to start than the fabled Warlock of Firetop Mountain? Never played this one back in the day but it's a great re-introduction. A classic dungeon crawl with monsters, traps and puzzles aplenty. The hours flew by - it's as if I was never away! A starting Skill of 11 and Stamina of 20, plus some reliably great dice rolls (thanks Dice Gods!) saw me slicing through Zagor's hordes like a hot knife through butter, laden down by gold and loot. A lesson in hubris was needed, and this came in the form of the Maze of Zagor. This labryinth had me all but tearing my hair out for the next few hours, so I took a break for dinner and came back to it fresh.
This seemed to have done the trick, and I was out! A dragon on the other side proved the first foe to give me any serious challenge, but he soon fell to my blade like many before him. And then I was stood before Zagor himself. A handy Invisibility potion helped me make short work of him, and I stepped happily over his corpse to claim the victor's spoils... except that I only had two of the three keys I apparently need to open his treasure chest - despite being expressly told in the village that the chest had two locks. Bloody peasants. It's a somewhat ignominious end for my adventure, then, but I still made out like a bandit in the dungeon, so I'm claiming bragging rights in the tavern tonight...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 07 September, 2017, 06:27:15 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 07 September, 2017, 01:47:25 PM
And so where better to start than the fabled Warlock of Firetop Mountain? Never played this one back in the day but it's a great re-introduction. A classic dungeon crawl with monsters, traps and puzzles aplenty. The hours flew by - it's as if I was never away! A starting Skill of 11 and Stamina of 20, plus some reliably great dice rolls (thanks Dice Gods!) saw me slicing through Zagor's hordes like a hot knife through butter, laden down by gold and loot. A lesson in hubris was needed, and this came in the form of the Maze of Zagor. This labryinth had me all but tearing my hair out for the next few hours, so I took a break for dinner and came back to it fresh.

I like how it has a backstory which the book doesn't go in to - that the area next to the river was flooded, killing all the people working there (which is why you suddenly come across [spoiler]undead every second room[/spoiler]) and that once it was deserted a tribe of [spoiler]goblinoids[/spoiler] set up shop ([spoiler]who you encounter on the way[/spoiler] to the underground river).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Zarjazzer on 11 September, 2017, 02:40:07 PM
An impulse buy of Eberron-Infestations comic-a really nice read but only two issues. basically Mythos style beastie invades a D&D land. Fun characters but based I think on Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson.  I enjoyed it though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 September, 2017, 08:55:09 PM
Its been a while since a comic made me cry on public transport.

Today however I finished reading Barefoot Gen on the bus jounrey to work.

Keiji Nakazawa's autobiographical tale of a family living in Hiroshima in the the summer of 1945 is one of the most affecting things I've ever read. Its just so powerful. Gen a school child and his family's struggles to cope with war time shortages, hardline authorities and indoctrinated peers that surround them is so compelling. Gen is taught valuable lessons in pacifism and bravery from his anti-war father leaving the family we grow to care about so much become ostrisied by their neighbours due to Gen's father's vocal resistance to the war effort. The family, for all their father's abuse are wonderful, honestly presented characters.

The sheer courage displayed by the family to stick to their views despite how hard its made for them is inspiring. Especially as the reader knows their fortitude will be futile in the face of what will come. All this is presented all the more potentantly with the simple, almost childlike art, reflecting the innocence of Gen in this brutal world, which just works so well.

So yeah today I cried on the bus after reading a comic on the way to work.

They should make children read this book in schools.

They should make every flaggin' 'USA, USA, USA' American read this before they call for more inward looking 'Make America Great'

They should make everyone British citizen tricked into believing the isolationism of Brexit is a good thing read this.

They should make ever self absorbed white middle class male, obsessing over his small problems as he travels on the way to work read this.

Everyone should read this...

... just don't do it on public transport!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 September, 2017, 08:49:28 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 25 August, 2017, 03:31:18 PM
Colin- stick with it.

Quote from: TordelBack on 25 August, 2017, 12:11:15 AM
So I'd say you're just put the back of Mechanics, and Palomar hasn't really started yet? The adolescent stylings of the former don't move me the way they once did, but that's ok because Death of Speedy is just around the corner, and  no one can resist... That?

Well chaps I returned to this early than I planned as they were stirring down at me from my reading shelf and while I'm still not sold on Jamie - though 'Locas' is a definate step in the right direction. 'Bert's 'An American in Palomar' is the first thing I've loved in the series. Now this was fantastic...

... is my redemption at hand....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 20 September, 2017, 09:27:25 AM
Glad to read that Colin, from my dim memory it was Jamie flashier art that lured me in, but it was always Gilberts stories that I recall. His storytelling is masterful.

Must dig the trades out...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 25 September, 2017, 07:25:32 PM
Just finished sort of a DC mega meta epic.

Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang's Doctor 13: Architecture and Mortality
Grant Morrison and several artists' Seven Soldiers of Victory
Grant Morrison and several artists' Final Crisis
Grant Morrison and several artists' Multiversity
Paul Dini and Eduardo Risso's Dark Night: A True Batman Story

Read like a big fantastic palette of spandex and strange concepts. I really like how each story's ramification toyed with the stories as well as me as a reader. Be it Doctor 13:s only constant being constant change or Seven Soldiers concept of 7 characters who together manages to defeat a threat without ever meeting each other or the lovely insanity of Multiversity.

I tried to make it so that the read would do without the big three as much as possible. While Final Crisis and Multiversity isn't without those (nor Dark Night, in a way), I think they mixed it up enough for things to feel different.

While I've read these before, I still managed to pick up some new things from them, to zest how I view and make sense of the world. Also being good zany fun and acton.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 25 September, 2017, 07:48:02 PM
Almost all Morrisons work for DC tie into each other.In this case,you missed JLA.
Actually JLA leads into JLA classified which leads into Seven Soldiers which leads into Final Crisis.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 26 September, 2017, 06:07:53 AM
Quote from: Smith on 25 September, 2017, 07:48:02 PM
Almost all Morrisons work for DC tie into each other.In this case,you missed JLA.
Actually JLA leads into JLA classified which leads into Seven Soldiers which leads into Final Crisis.

Yeah, I know about those. Read some of it before. Quite liked the JLA: E:2. Also  read Allstar superman and his n52 action comics book. Love those.

But I went for books with extra meta in them in this read. Had a therapeutic, almost religious vibe/edge to them :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 26 September, 2017, 06:21:47 AM
I didnt like Multiversity,honestly.Its just a patchwork of ideas from better stories peppered with Grant stealing from himself.Look,Im doing the same thing Flash did in JLA #24!Thats so meta.  :-\
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 26 September, 2017, 10:55:13 AM
Quote from: Smith on 26 September, 2017, 06:21:47 AM
I didnt like Multiversity,honestly.Its just a patchwork of ideas from better stories peppered with Grant stealing from himself.Look,Im doing the same thing Flash did in JLA #24!Thats so meta.  :-\

Heard that the Darkseid thing in seven soldiers and Final crisis also showed prior in his JLA. Well, theres more to it than that in it. Least in my opinion :)

But you like final crisis? Like flickin through the news during a super hero crisis. I like things being told a bit different like that :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 26 September, 2017, 11:42:05 AM
I didnt say I liked it.It had problems.Like an important tie-in being published after the event.It reads better collected,however.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 28 September, 2017, 06:45:35 PM
I finished Part 5 of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure.So far,its my least favorite.Its not terrible,its just bland.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MacabreMagpie on 01 October, 2017, 11:42:55 AM
I finished reading 'Jerusalem' last week. Enjoyed it and I'm so glad it didn't take me as long to read as I expected as I was worried I'd be stuck with it for ages but it only took around 9-10 weeks... there is a certain chapter that's infamously ball-breaking but, once I cracked the best approach to reading it, it was probably as close to a psychedelic experience as I've ever had reading a book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 October, 2017, 12:16:31 PM
Yep, the Lucia Joyce chapter took me an entire week (or even two - I forget) - but well worth the effort, despite my fellow commuters being subjected to my sounding out each line under my breath. Fascinating companion to one of my favourite GNs, the Talbots' superb Dotter of Her Father's Eyes.

Strangely I found the Exhibition chapter one of the hardest to get through- each painting had me flicking back to compare details, and it took ages.

Just an amazing read, and a perfect capstone to the great man's perennial themes and interests. Between this and Voice of the Fire I feel I know so much about Northampton that I could take it as my specialist subject on Mastermind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MacabreMagpie on 01 October, 2017, 12:22:17 PM
Ha, yeah, Northampton and it's landmarks are as much a character as it's characters.... one of his daughters, Amber, sent me a "Jerusalem treasure map" a month or so ago and I went around looking at some of the locations. The first time I've ever done a "set visit" for a book. ;p

With the Joyce chapter, I saw a recommendation to read it along with the audiobook so I tried that and - although it may be cheating a little - I was able to follow along much more than I had been and also notice all of the additional words and linguistic tricks he was throwing in. The language was unfurling and expanding very much like what happens when you "find your lucy lips", so to speak.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 October, 2017, 08:03:08 PM
So as Love and Rockets enters the 20s we hit almost perfect comics at last. Since and 'American in Palomar' I've been loving, and I do mean loving Gilbert's work. Its clear I'm a Beto boy at heart. His art while not as immediate as Jamie's Beto's is more expressive and the characters so real and vital. His stories just bury into you.

So now I had Gilbert and I gneuinley went from struggling with the whole comics to absolutely loving half but still not getting on with the other. I mean its clear from letters and my knowledge of the comic (and the limited issues I read at the time WHICH I'm sure had me as a Jamie boy) that you love one brother but still reall like the other.

Jamie still sucked. He sucked less and the art was clean and appealing and slowly he was getting better. I started to like the odd story, then I really like one. Then the band hit the road and I wanted to follow the bands adventures but found as much as I thought I wanted that I was pulled back to Maggie and co back home.

Then, hold on what was happening. around 19 and 20 I was loving Beto's stories still and really liking Jamie... then issues 21-23 and the previously mentioned Death of Speedy and I was loving Beto AND I was absolutely loving Jamie too.

I've made it, I get it. Now I know what all the fuss is about and bloody hell that was, as I say at the top, almost perfect comics. Now I just want to magic the time back and see if my stuggles with the early issues was just me getting up to speed(y) or the characters and creators finding their feet?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 02 October, 2017, 01:48:21 PM
Manly hugs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 15 October, 2017, 06:24:59 PM
I dusted off Sonic The Comic.So many memories.  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 24 October, 2017, 03:29:30 PM
I've been reading the Ghost In The Shell graphic novels for the first time on Comixology, have got through volume 1 and 1.5 and now on 2. Aside from the plot completely escaping me this time around and the artwork being quite a horrible mix of pencils and CG, it's so absolutely chock-full of massive, lovingly detailed leery crotch and arse shots and weird huge pointy lemon shaped boobs (I'm not sure the artist has ever seen real ones before on this evidence) that for the first time in years of reading comics on my commute I'm geuinely ashamed to have it out on the train and might just give up on it and move onto the Standalone Complex stuff.

Just not enjoying it, and got about another 150 pages of it to get through if I commit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 24 October, 2017, 05:37:40 PM
Been dipping in and out of Stanislaw Lem's The Star Diaries. Short stories linked by a laconic narrator who is forever finding himself in unlikely situations. Proper sci-fi in the way there is no interest in or attempt to explain any of the technological aspects, that's all just scene-setting for the social satire. Some of this is a bit on the nose for me (our man's experiences as Earth's deputy to the United Planets is fairly predictable, for example) but there's enough invention and deadpan Polish wit in each story to keep me going.

I'm also about a third of the way through Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov. Fuck me, this is astonishing. The vivid writing, the clear sense of the increasingly deranged voice of the narrator, the sheer effort that must have been needed to make the structure work. The book is written in the form of a critical commentary on the eponymous poem but very quickly becomes about the preoccupations, misinterpretations and delusions of the commentator. The footnotes, cross-referencing and foreshadowing involved in both even serve to make the e-book format the perfect way to experience the book. I've never read anything quite like it.

You couldn't really say the same about The Gunslinger. For various reasons (I'm a massive snob, I shy away from overlong books and I wouldn't willingly read a horror novel) I'd never read a Stephen King book but the brouhaha over the film piqued my interest. My first reaction was pleasant surprise to find this is a sci-fi/fantasy  novel conceived in the correct fashion. Which is to say, cobbled together from short stories originally published separately in magazines. Although points off for having a clear narrative arc through the stories.

Quite liked the indeterminate Mad Max with No Name set up and the first couple of stories build a nice kind of atmosphere which the third then tries to turn on its head. There are a couple of things that always put me off a book. One is characters with portentous titles rather than names. Stuff like the "The Boy" or the "The Man in Black." I mean, this is just about okay in a short story when the writer has been listening to too much Johnny Cash but really grates over the long run. The other is tedious prophecy/tarot/psychoanalysis/dream sequences. Basically anything where the writer wants to shoehorn in some obnoxious foreshadowing or leftover metaphors that he couldn't fit into the actual story. This has both.

Overall, fairly slight but the whole thing did slip down in an afternoon so I'll maybe try the next one at some point.

Just to prove that it's not only my childhood comics heroes that I'm happy to disrespect on the internet, I read the first chapter of 2023 by the Justified Ancients of Mu-Mu. Utter dogshit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 24 October, 2017, 06:35:14 PM
The Gunslinger does have a strange dreamlike quality. I liked it, but the sequels are an improvement, to my mind. The world is really developed. Johnny Cash does get a mention by name, in the third book, though.  :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 24 October, 2017, 07:46:02 PM
What's the Stephen King book with the wolf type thing that wears OshKosh B'Gosh dungarees?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 25 October, 2017, 09:52:22 AM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 24 October, 2017, 05:37:40 PM
Overall, fairly slight but the whole thing did slip down in an afternoon so I'll maybe try the next one at some point.

You've probably heard people say this a million times (it seems to be the mantra of the Dark Tower fan) but it's really worth pushing on because book two is where that series really gets going. I do very much like The Gunslinger mind you, it just doesn't really offer much hint at what's lying in store.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 26 October, 2017, 05:04:42 PM
Quote from: Rara Avis on 24 October, 2017, 07:46:02 PM
What's the Stephen King book with the wolf type thing that wears OshKosh B'Gosh dungarees?

I believe that's The Talisman, co-written with Peter Straub. The character is actually called Wolf, too. As are all his species, if I remember correctly (wolfs. Not wolves. They're basically werewolves though.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 26 October, 2017, 06:26:08 PM
Thank you Mardroid.

Now that you mention him, I have been wanting to re-read 'Ghost Story' by Peter Straub
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 04 November, 2017, 09:27:03 AM
DC Universe by Alan Moore.Its nice to have it in one place,but its a bit of a mixed bag,and for obvious reasons doesn't include Killing Joke.
To summarize,Superman stories are great,GL are pretty good;GA,Vigilante and Omega Men are average,and Wildstorm stuff is pretty weak.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 06 November, 2017, 01:08:03 PM
Conversely I couldn't penetrate The Dark Tower and much preferred the dark, surreal brevity of The Gunslinger

Quote from: Smith on 15 October, 2017, 06:24:59 PM
I dusted off Sonic The Comic.So many memories.  :)

I reread all mine about 5 years ago. Was great! Odd to see some now-famous names in there (Mark Millar) and some legends in their own time like Brendan (drawing Decap Attack). Like a mini-prog in many ways with stories like Eternal Champions or Kid Chameleon, including some really dark stuff where you might not expect it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 06 November, 2017, 02:46:55 PM
Quote from: Smith on 15 October, 2017, 06:24:59 PM
I dusted off Sonic The Comic.So many memories.  :)

I reread all mine about 5 years ago. Was great! Odd to see some now-famous names in there (Mark Millar) and some legends in their own time like Brendan (drawing Decap Attack).
[/quote]

Decap Attack was only ever McMahon and Nigel Kitching. Very much prog-like all round though, innit? Suppose that's only natural when it was made by so many prog alumni...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 06 November, 2017, 02:52:27 PM
Well,Megadroid used to be Tharg.Actually,several of them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 10 November, 2017, 06:43:33 AM
This is the second time I read Quantum and Woody omnibus,and I still have no idea what the hell is going on.Series sequel is even worst in that regard.
One of the "deleted scenes" is Quantum and Woody trying to kill Mark Waid by dropping Kurt Busiek on him.:D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 14 November, 2017, 10:22:03 AM
100Bullets and it's spin off Brother Lono by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso.

A story I feel I could and should read more often. I'm often reminded of some hard earned truths by it. While I remember most of the story the way it's structured makes the story's twists and turns feel like a great part of a song. It never feels old.

Agent Graves walks up to people who's lives been ruined and offers them an attache with a gun, 100bullets, evidence against the one or ones who ruined this person's life as well as a guarantee that if the gun is used then no law enforcement can touch them. It sounds easy on the paper, but it's far far from. Slowly the story on how and why these revenge attaches are handed out also starts to show.

While 100 bullets is deeply cynical and pulpy, it's also full of heart. People can do some unbelievable despicable things in this story, but you can still feel for them. Which I think is due to how believable the characters feel. No matter how outlandish the plot, or that characters tend to speak in constant wordplay, it feels like there's something actual that drives these people.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 14 November, 2017, 10:42:39 AM
Does androids dream of electric sheep by Philip K. Dick

Been 20 or so years since I last read this one. Picked it up after the watching 2049. While I like story in Blade runner 2019 and 2049 better, I still really liked the book. Especially the bits with the animals. A thread I wouldn't mind a possible future Blade Runner movie picking up on. Also mercerism.

I'm aching to read this one again by just writing about it :) But first I'll read a scanner darkly and Man in the high castle.

Btw. Anyone read Philip's The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch? I've seen in book shops. Any good?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 17 November, 2017, 05:59:24 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 14 November, 2017, 10:42:39 AM
Btw. Anyone read Philip's The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch? I've seen in book shops. Any good?

It was so good that the esteemed Paul Di Filippo paid tribute to it in the Top 10 series that he wrote for America's Best Comics. Recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: O Lucky Stevie! on 17 November, 2017, 06:12:56 AM
Whilst we are on the subject of PKD, Stevie's personal favourite would be have to be Dr Bloodmoney.

Has anyone here had the courage to tackle this 1000 page housebrick selections compiled by Jonathan Lethem from PKD"s private journal documenting and exploring his religious & visionary experiences yet?


(http://www.isfdb.org/wiki/images/c/c0/THXGSSFPHL2011.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Andrew Williamson on 20 November, 2017, 11:50:41 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 14 November, 2017, 10:42:39 AM
Does androids dream of electric sheep by Philip K. Dick

Been 20 or so years since I last read this one. Picked it up after the watching 2049. While I like story in Blade runner 2019 and 2049 better, I still really liked the book. Especially the bits with the animals. A thread I wouldn't mind a possible future Blade Runner movie picking up on. Also mercerism.

I'm aching to read this one again by just writing about it :) But first I'll read a scanner darkly and Man in the high castle.

Btw. Anyone read Philip's The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch? I've seen in book shops. Any good?

I read Do Androids? just before the movie came out, so 35 years for me. The things that I remember most are the bits with the animals (as you mention), and the concept of kipple - the worthless rubbish lying around in drawers that seems to multply when you're not looking. Trust me, it's real!

I recently promised myself more PKD, and so far I've read Man in the High Castle and Martian Time-Slip, both of which I enjoyed immensely. I quite fancy The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 22 November, 2017, 06:50:29 PM
The View From The Cheap Seats. A collection of Neil Gaiman's essays, introductions, and speeches. Extremely interesting reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 26 November, 2017, 11:17:31 AM
So much reading at the moment, all of it light (escaping pressures of work): don't know where to start listing it all.  Mills' dual billet-doux/j'accuse to British comics is discussed elsewhere, but as for the rest.

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian, Marina Lewycka. Interesting novel, which manages to combine heartfelt insights on the inter-generational immigrant experience, grotesqueries, the shockingly short human timescale of the 20th C, and some surprisingly solid info on the history of tractors.  What I apparently missed is what all the reviewers who adorn the cover saw in the 'funniest book ever', 'comedy novel of the year': it's amusing alright, but unless you find narrators smugly oblivious to their privilege, deep-rooted family trauma and terrified elderly men soiling themselves to be a boundless fount of comedy, I'd ignore the hype.  Definitely a compellingly breezy read though, finished it in two sittings.

The Quantum Thief, by Hannu Rajaniemi.   By contrast I struggled to sustain interest in this Arsene-Lupin-in-Space jargon-fest, apparently the first of a trilogy that I probably won't be continuing with.  On paper it seems like it should read something like Jim diGriz as written by Alastair Reynolds, but for a short book it just goes on and on flitting through layered identities and high-concept post-human solar system intrigues but without a single character I gave a monkeys about.  Maybe I'm getting too old for this kind of SF.

The Heroes, Joe Abercrombie.  Apparently I missed a book (Best Served Cold), chronologically speaking, but this fifth Circle of the World outing drops you straight back into the familiar slogging-then-fighting-then-limping-away world of the North so it feels you've never been away.  I found the audaciously bleak end of the First Law trilogy frustrating, only in so far that I wanted to know what happened next, and for some of the characters here is the muddy answer.  There's nothing brilliant about Abercrombie's writing, and nothing original about his setting, but he creates such strong-if-superficial characters that following them about their universally grim, despairing, utterly shallow business is deeply diverting.  And at the back of your mind there's always the chance that the Bloody-Nine isn't as dead as absolutely no-one thinks he is...  Great mindless stuff,  Game of Thrones as written by Bernard Cornwell, or possibly Sharpe as written by George RR Martin, I dunno: mud, blood and doomed pig-headed men, take your pick.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 27 November, 2017, 06:55:36 PM
Quote from: O Lucky Stevie! on 17 November, 2017, 05:59:24 AM
It was so good that the esteemed Paul Di Filippo paid tribute to it in the Top 10 series that he wrote for America's Best Comics. Recommended.

Thanks for the input!

Picked up Ubik, which I've read before. But I'll pick up The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch after reading it.

Got Do androids dream of electric sheep, Man in the high castle, Ubik, A scanner darkly, and it feels like it'll fit good next to those.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 November, 2017, 09:09:51 PM
So I'm reading Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera's Scalped and I'm really enjoying it... kinda... its really good if it gets a little frustrating quite how hard its trying to be hardnosed and down to heel. It took me a while to get into it as it bangs so heavily on the door of cliche... heck sometimes it gets let in... well even worse at times it finds and joins in the party behind that door... but at time its bloody good.

It wasn't until the third trade Dead Mothers that just a stunning bit of crime fiction. There's some absolutely brilliant characters in there Red Crow being the obvious one but then there's some bloody walking cliches. The bitter and corrupted FBI agent Nitz is the worst, but Bad Horse is another real culprit. He's so the damaged hero, beyond caring and so has nothing to loose. Hard and sexy as hell... just so done.

Then you get Red Crow... a fantastic character but again a contridiction as he's just cliche done well. The crime boss a corrupted good guy, still trying to do right but doing it the wrong way cos its the only way he knows. Fighting hard for redemption, but not knowing how. Its so done... but in his case, as opposed to Bad Horse rarely done so well and engagingly.

And there we have it Scalped its fantastic, but fantastically cliched at the same time. Still a joy to read and an absolute page turner and Guera's art is just stunning and so right for the series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 04 December, 2017, 04:45:48 PM
Absolutely adore Scalped, and crack it open once a year to reread. There aren't many series that inspire me to do that, but it never disappoints.

Currently I'm a hundred pages into Andy Weir's follow up to The Martian, Artemis. While it's a bit more pedestrian than his first novel, reminding me in both setting and tone of numerous other "near future moon-base hard sf" stories, it's another page turner and written in a similar amiable style.

Also, nerds, it has a discussion between two characters about classic Star Trek and a pub called "Hartnell's", owned by an Englishman called Billy.

Watch as Hollywood makes a meal/ has coniptions over how to represent it's lapsed-muslim female lead and her religious father.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Juan De La Karite on 05 December, 2017, 03:22:03 PM
Started Confederacy of Dunces over the weekend, excellent book. I know a few people who remind me of big Ignatius.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 05 December, 2017, 07:19:58 PM
Read Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo. I'm not a big reader on Manga, but I really enjoyed this one. Beautiful, awesome, massive and dangerous are words that sums it up quite well for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 10 December, 2017, 02:55:39 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 05 December, 2017, 07:19:58 PM
Read Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo. I'm not a big reader on Manga, but I really enjoyed this one. Beautiful, awesome, massive and dangerous are words that sums it up quite well for me.

Making my way through the first volume.

Amazing stuff, and the art is just incredible

Not really big on Manga, either, but I will definitely be looking into grabbing some of Otomo's work.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 10 December, 2017, 08:23:16 PM
I managed to read Otomo's Domu manga in my late teens and found that to be amazing.  Unfortunately it seems really difficult to find a copy that doesn't cost a ridiculous amount of money.  It's a real shame because I would love to re-read that one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Radbacker on 11 December, 2017, 10:26:50 AM
Dune, i tried to read this years ago when i was younger but it never grabbed me but now in my more advanced age I'm quite enjoying it.  The David Lynch movie actually isn't too bad a version of the story all things considered I wonder if Veldiview still has this in the works as he might be able to pull it off judging by what he did with the Blade Runner sequel.
Speaking of sequels are the sequel books worth reading when I'm done with this one I heard very mixed reviews of them and have been told he doesn't really finish the story?

CU Radbacker
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 11 December, 2017, 01:22:17 PM
Quote from: Radbacker on 11 December, 2017, 10:26:50 AM
Speaking of sequels are the sequel books worth reading when I'm done with this one I heard very mixed reviews of them and have been told he doesn't really finish the story?
Dune Messiah is a really great, unexpected follow up which is very much worth reading. It's also very short.

Children of Dune jumps forward quite a bit but is also worth a look as it does build smartly on the first.

After that, I'm not sure I'd bother.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 December, 2017, 08:15:40 PM
Okay so finished Scalped yesterday and I have to say the second half just gets better and better. Its get past the cliche and starts to just tell a great story. Okay at times the physical damage folks take really stretchs belief and some of the characters are so damaged internally as to make it difficuly. But as I say it takes its faults and uses them well.

Its a cracking tale and the ending really lands.

So yeah, cliched, stretches creditilty but bloody fantastic at the same time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 31 December, 2017, 05:52:33 PM
DC universe by Mike Mignola.Intresting to see Mignola go from a Byrne imitator(which was something of DCs house style in the day) to his own style;But the stories themselves are mostly mediocre.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: lewism109 on 03 January, 2018, 12:14:50 AM
Just finished reading Batman: Knightfall Volume 1, just about starting on Volume 2.

I am also reading Tokyo Ghoul Volume 6.

And also, I am reading a biography of Henry Kissinger (Volume 1) by Niall Ferguson.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 03 January, 2018, 01:26:22 PM
I've recently read a few new things as a friend sent me some trades (to introduce me better to Marvel and DC stuff as I've avoided those stories for the most part) for Christmas.

Superman - Red Son I was given this because my friend is a massive Superman fan and I am not.  I really don't like the concept of Superman.  Red Son is pretty decent, but not the best out of what I received.  The concept is nice and I got into the more goofy aspects of the story.

The Vision - Little worse than a man & Little better than a beast  When I was told I was receiving a story about the Vision where he has a family I apparently said something along the lines of 'well, I hope it ends badly'.  That sounds like something I would say.  I really enjoyed this story.  I felt it hit every bit just right as the Vision tries to have a normal family life and the ending was certainly emotional.  There is good social commentary in the story that is certainly familiar but I didn't feel it was heavy handed about it.  Such an enjoyable read it has made me wonder what else Tom King has done and if it lives up to the standards of this story.

Moon Knight - From the Dead Partly because my friend really likes Moon Knight, partly because I like weird comics and partly because I haven't read anything much by Warren Ellis, I was given From the Dead.  I love this one the most.  It doesn't have the high calibre story that The Vision did, being more a collection of one shots, but they are fun and crazy stories.  The Trade bookends itself nicely as well, so the fact I only have one volume of Moon Knight doesn't cut too deep.  The artwork is brilliantly realised in this book with absolutely fantastic composition.  It has a lot in it that I've always loved about the comics I enjoy.

Additionally I have been reading some novels as well.  Recently I've read Reaper Man, Witches Abroad and Small Gods by Terry Pratchett.  Read them before, love Pratchett's writing, still haven't read his last book  :'(

I've started Consider Phlebas by Iain M. Banks after being hassled by my eldest brother for a few years to read them.  Not sure what to make of it so far.  It's certainly engaging and interesting and I'm not having a bad time with it.  There a nice sci-fi concepts in there like the different species of humans and the characters are engaging.  I know this is the first in a larger series, so I'm not going to judge it properly until I've got further through the Culture Series.

Lastly, as I have trouble reading novels when I'm tired and I didn't want to start cracking on with my new Lucifer trade just yet I decided, out of nowhere (maybe because I read here that Apestrife read it), to pick up Akira volume 1 last night.  I love Akira.  I also love how fast paced it is.  Got through the first volume and halfway into the second before deciding to go to bed.  It's been a while since I read it last and it's lovely remembering all the little plots that are going to appear.  The art is, of course, wonderful.  There are some beautifully bleak panels throughout the whole story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 03 January, 2018, 01:33:20 PM
Consider Phlebas can be pretty rough going, but the Culture series is brilliant. It has its highs and lows, but they aren't a waste of your time. Many people argue over the correct order to read them, but I always say in order of publication.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 03 January, 2018, 02:00:53 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 03 January, 2018, 01:33:20 PM
Consider Phlebas can be pretty rough going, but the Culture series is brilliant. It has its highs and lows, but they aren't a waste of your time. Many people argue over the correct order to read them, but I always say in order of publication.

My brother advised me the same :)

He also goes on more about the Minds than anything else and CP doesn't seem to be largely about that, focusing on Horza.  I don't doubt that the Culture Series is going to be more of a joy to read than the last series I read, A Song of Ice and Fire.  Martin does drag some things out and I found it difficult to read when the perspective changed to someone I didn't really care much for (looking at you, Jon Snow).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 03 January, 2018, 03:08:27 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 03 January, 2018, 02:00:53 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 03 January, 2018, 01:33:20 PM
Consider Phlebas can be pretty rough going, but the Culture series is brilliant. It has its highs and lows, but they aren't a waste of your time. Many people argue over the correct order to read them, but I always say in order of publication.

My brother advised me the same :)

He also goes on more about the Minds than anything else and CP doesn't seem to be largely about that, focusing on Horza.  I don't doubt that the Culture Series is going to be more of a joy to read than the last series I read, A Song of Ice and Fire.  Martin does drag some things out and I found it difficult to read when the perspective changed to someone I didn't really care much for (looking at you, Jon Snow).

Minds were still pretty undeveloped in CP I think, but they are an integral part of the Culture and are some of the best characters.

I still haven't finished A Dance with Dragons after, what, six years.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 04 January, 2018, 02:28:17 PM
You're still reading fast enough to keep up with the series.

I just finished off We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. Wasn't sure where it was going and had my suspicions but a very enjoyable read with one of the more interesting [spoiler]unreliable narrators[/spoiler].

Next up, Children of Old Leech - a collection of short stories in the vein of weird horror writer Laird Barron, who I think is the heir to Lovecraft and is also a much better actual writer when you get down to it.

(Previously read Artemis - so-so. Main character is like Mark but obnoxious and some of the details really stretch the internal consistency, e.g. Airlock usage)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 13 January, 2018, 11:49:33 AM
Akira We know this is a great read so I've not got much to say about it.

Consider Phlebas  This turned out to be okay.  The world building is great and I liked the characters.  The overall conclusion wasn't too far off what I was expecting considering the tone of the book throughout.  It can drag in places and wasn't the easiest read for me, but it's not the least enjoyable or hardest thing I've read by a long way.

The Player of Games  This was so much more enjoyable.  I really loved all the bits that described the games being played and they were certainly my favourite bits.  The rest really fleshed out the story and provided a good amount of tension even though I felt the general conclusion was kind of obvious.  How the book went about concluding was a bit of a delightful surprise, but it still wrapped up much as I was expecting and hoping it would.  It almost seemed like an alternate perspective to CP having the ideological differences of two societies being pitted against each other, but it goes into more depth in this book.  I am also feeling that the Culture is a better representation of a post-scarcity society than the Federation is.  At the least I'm liking it more and questioning it less.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: moly on 13 January, 2018, 07:29:38 PM
Just finished monstress vol 1 really enjoyed this with great art will definitely pick up volume 2
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 15 January, 2018, 12:32:56 AM
First volume in the new Eaglemoss Batman collection: Year Zero

It was pretty good. I picked up the second volume recently so I will read that soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: abelardsnazz on 15 January, 2018, 12:21:20 PM
After a bit of a marathon, interspersed with reading various Tooth stuff, I'm nearing the end of Peter F Hamilton's Void trilogy. For huge, galaxy-spanning, multiple-volume space operas with ideas, worlds and characters to spare, Hamilton is hard to beat. If you're thinking of embarking on these, read Pandora's Star and Judas Unchained first, as these follow on from those. Or try his standalone novel Great North Road, still pretty epic at 1200+ pages.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 January, 2018, 12:32:50 PM
Quote from: abelardsnazz on 15 January, 2018, 12:21:20 PM
After a bit of a marathon ... I'm nearing the end of Peter F Hamilton's Void trilogy.

Heh, you know he's already written a two book follow-up to the Void trilogy, right?  I think he writes 'em faster than I can read 'em. 

TBH I don't really know how I feel about Hamilton.  I love a great long book (or series of same) to dive into and get lost in, but  Hamilton's characters or plot resolutions never seem to justify the length: there's so much set-up, and so many set-backs, so many clones/uploads/duplicates/time-looped versions of almost every character, that it can feel he's never going to get to the point.  I don't think he's really produced anything as good as the first two Commonwealth books yet, but he's at least always readable.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: abelardsnazz on 15 January, 2018, 08:26:23 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 15 January, 2018, 12:32:50 PM
Quote from: abelardsnazz on 15 January, 2018, 12:21:20 PM
After a bit of a marathon ... I'm nearing the end of Peter F Hamilton's Void trilogy.

Heh, you know he's already written a two book follow-up to the Void trilogy, right?  I think he writes 'em faster than I can read 'em. 


Yes, I'll give those a go in a while, think I'll read a couple of one-off's in between!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: manwithnoname on 16 January, 2018, 03:04:08 PM
I got the hardcover Dark Knight III - The Master Race at Xmas. Came to it very fresh, having avoided reviews and not reading any of the individual issues, obviously.

It's great. Of course it's nowhere near as brilliant as DKI - how could it be? - but it's far better than the divisive, often incoherent DKII. I'm not sure if that's because Miller ceded more control to Azzarello, or if there was more time and thought that went into it, but one of the big reasons is that Miller's contributions to the art are limited, with Janson inking Kubert's pencils.

This has meant the story is far easier to follow, and there's less art atrocities on show compared to DK2.

The plot is a thinly-veiled ISIS trope, but it still works and the return of Batman and Superman is great to see, as Miller gloriously resurrects both heroes in fine style.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: manwithnoname on 16 January, 2018, 04:15:36 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 13 January, 2018, 11:49:33 AM
Akira We know this is a great read so I've not got much to say about it.

Consider Phlebas  This turned out to be okay.  The world building is great and I liked the characters.  The overall conclusion wasn't too far off what I was expecting considering the tone of the book throughout.  It can drag in places and wasn't the easiest read for me, but it's not the least enjoyable or hardest thing I've read by a long way.

The Player of Games  This was so much more enjoyable.  I really loved all the bits that described the games being played and they were certainly my favourite bits.  The rest really fleshed out the story and provided a good amount of tension even though I felt the general conclusion was kind of obvious.  How the book went about concluding was a bit of a delightful surprise, but it still wrapped up much as I was expecting and hoping it would.  It almost seemed like an alternate perspective to CP having the ideological differences of two societies being pitted against each other, but it goes into more depth in this book.  I am also feeling that the Culture is a better representation of a post-scarcity society than the Federation is.  At the least I'm liking it more and questioning it less.

I read "Use Of Weapons" recently. Most enjoyable.

I've read quite a bit of Iain Banks, more of his non sci-fi stuff admittedly, although I've also read "The Algebraist", "Excession" and "Surface Detail".

I'm not really an expert, but I think one of the reasons his hard sci-fi is so popular is that while he does deliver the requisite 2 billion years into the future world-building and what the fuck?! stuff (Sentient space-ships! Emotion clouds! giant gas planets with a sense of humour - all that "made-up space shit"), he never shows any genre embarrassment, or worse, lofty ideals.

All his novels are grounded in emotion and among all the gleaming chatty spaceships and pan-sexual cloud aliens, he often has "lesser" societies, with all their primitive mud, blood and shit gloriousness. And this juxtaposition works.

Even the plots and characters could often be easily transported from any classic fairytale or story, and that familiarity also works, even if it's light relief from all the snippy AI kill-knife rockets or whatever.

"Use Of Weapons" is a great example of this, it even has castles and treachery!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 16 January, 2018, 04:56:36 PM
I've just started 'Use of Weapons'.  Haven't had much time to get into it, yet.  I have yet to form a proper opinion on the culture series as a whole, but if the quality stays at the level of The Player of Games, then I'll be happy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 16 January, 2018, 08:01:28 PM
Finally got round to picking up Empire Games, the latest Merchant Princes offering from Charles Stross.  In preparation I decided to re-read the first 6 novels ...

Not ... bad, but certainly not his best.  Don't think they've aged brilliantly but still enjoyable although some things do seem to drift if you are not careful.

Empire Games seems a stronger offering with far more potential.  Almost as if Stross has realised the scope of what he created.  It's mildly amusing to see an ex-Stasi officer railing against the US government and another alternate timeline government talk about bringing democracy to America.  It's touches like that that show where the novel works it's best.  After the Laundry novels I think that this has the potential to be some of the best material Stross has produced.  Having said that, the diversity of his oeuvre does present challenges in deciding that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 21 January, 2018, 08:24:21 AM
Read Em and Weep: Goodnight, John-boy.

Had as much fun reading this one as the first one. I'm amazed it manages to continue everything (which was a lot) Serial killer set up. Everything from the thing for fur to hiding teachings how to kill people in a comic. Very much looking forward to where things head in the upcoming Grim reader.

Hope Pat continues to write full length novels after he's finished Read em and weep.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 26 January, 2018, 11:03:59 AM
Paperiniks New Adventures. You might think a comic about superhero adventures of Donald Duck would be stupid,but you would be wrong.Cuz this is awesome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 February, 2018, 08:59:09 PM
Over the last month or more I've been reading Sweet Tooth alongside my Prog Slog. By Jimney that is one superb comic series. I got it digitally in some sale or other, everythings in a digital sale eventually, but this one, this one I think I will get hardcopy its so good. I mean seriously fantastic.

Its not as if the world if short of post apocolypic saga, but Jez this one had so much to say and was so beautifully realised. Its story of a Big Man and a Boy, all be a hybrid deer boy is so massive in scope, dealing as it does with the end of humanity (literally) yet so close and personal. Its ability to perfectly blend such things that make it so magnificent. Its both breathless and thrilling paced, yet allows itself room to breathe and dwell when it needs to. Jeff Lemire's art is so loose and jagged, yet so precise and smooth. The characters so fresh and new, yet so familar and real.

It really is the comic that does it all and in just 40 issues covers so much ground in exicting new ways, yet tells a tale so familar and comfortable it feels like an old friend returning to tales you've shared a hundred times. It wasn't that long ago I came on here and raved about Scalped, that is great, this is 10 times better!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 04 March, 2018, 08:46:01 AM
Read Suiciders: The big shake. Written/drawn by Lee Bermejo. Read a bit like a so-so imitation of John Carpenter. A future take on gang war and bloodsport with some twists thrown in, for example a journalist who also happens to be a cannibal. Story has some good moments and points to make, but I wish it was better written. The pacing especially can feel off at times. One side story especially could'v been done with much earlier, giving the rest of the story more room.

Quote from: Colin YNWA on 17 February, 2018, 08:59:09 PM
Over the last month or more I've been reading Sweet Tooth alongside my Prog Slog. By Jimney that is one superb comic series. I got it digitally in some sale or other, everythings in a digital sale eventually, but this one, this one I think I will get hardcopy its so good. I mean seriously fantastic.

Its not as if the world if short of post apocolypic saga, but Jez this one had so much to say and was so beautifully realised. Its story of a Big Man and a Boy, all be a hybrid deer boy is so massive in scope, dealing as it does with the end of humanity (literally) yet so close and personal. Its ability to perfectly blend such things that make it so magnificent. Its both breathless and thrilling paced, yet allows itself room to breathe and dwell when it needs to. Jeff Lemire's art is so loose and jagged, yet so precise and smooth. The characters so fresh and new, yet so familar and real.

It really is the comic that does it all and in just 40 issues covers so much ground in exicting new ways, yet tells a tale so familar and comfortable it feels like an old friend returning to tales you've shared a hundred times. It wasn't that long ago I came on here and raved about Scalped, that is great, this is 10 times better!

Amazing book. As you say, it does so many things and brilliantly so. Probably my favorite of Lemire.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 March, 2018, 07:26:40 PM
Sadly, the familiarity of Sweet Tooth's material will probably sink it with most readers, as this is a very common trope now, to the point the last TMNT cartoon even did an Old Man Raphael arc (most likely inspired by Logan) without even bothering to explain what the apocalypse that occurred offscreen even was, only that after it happened, all human children were born as animal hybrids.  Station Eleven's author even tried to distance the novel from the sci-fi genre in a desperate attempt to make it seem less derivative, presumably because its setup and the plot strand that lends the novel its title could have been lifted wholesale from The Last Of Us, a videogame whose movie adaptation was scuppered by the appearance of The Girl With All The Gifts, which was a carbon copy of TLOU but with added superpowers and "intelligent zombies" tropes.
This whole "get the ring to Mount Doom but the ring is a child" genre is crowded right now.

"I have a pitch for a post-apocalyptic story, it's about a man and a boy and the man is trying to get the boy somewhere safe why are you looking at me like that?" - yeah, I have no idea how Sweet Tooth got past the pitching stage, but I assume it's on the strength of Lemire's not-inconsiderable critical reputation, as it's not likely to be on the strength of his previous commercial successes - not that this matters at DC anymore, which I know Colin likes people to point out when they can - and while I wouldn't call the material "fresh", I think what elevates it is the execution, which on a basic level has a rough charm lacking in many of Vertigo's latter ventures (Wake and Suiciders especially looked a bit too polished to be convincing), but more intimately is unquestionably a creator's own story being told as he wants it to be told, with little things here and there like the story titles integrating into the artwork speaking of someone following their muse.
Except in the case of "Dandy" the deer, of course - clearly someone sat his ass down there and told him in no uncertain terms that shit had to go.
Still, Sweet Tooth is well worth a look.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 04 March, 2018, 09:46:26 PM
Ditched the pull-list over a year ago now (time/storage/Hachette considerations...) but picked up some library goodness the other day. This may be the future! Reading in collected form clarifies most things and these picked up exactly where I jumped off:

Black Hammer vol. 2
I can't get over the perfect moodiness of Ormston's art, it's scratchy yet considered. Then LeMire's sci-fi soap opera is a great mix of genres. As per Sweer Tooth above, he tells them so well.

Kill Or Be Killed vol. 2
Like The Fade-Out, just sublime. The setup is a stretch of course (demons?-() but the execution is the usual standard from Brubaker/Phillips. Maybe that demon will prove to be less tangible as it continues.

Low vol. 4
Has a lot going for it but a bit repetitive to enjoy thoroughly. Action-packed but often hard to discern what's going on. I'm a lingerer when it comes to art this detailed  so maybe no bad thing. Remender was writing more books all the time, last time I looked. Wonder if he kept that up? Hm, think I'll hit Google.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 06 March, 2018, 03:41:20 PM
Girl with All the Gifts is a great book though.

I've plowed my way through a bunch of Tim Curran books, wanting a bit of Weird West after watching Godless. Skin Medicine was alright but pretty flimsy, then I read Skull Moon - which was like the same book, written years before, in a much, much better way.

I've since moved on to The Black Company, a fantasy series that had been on my radar for years. A mercenary company that works for the Dark Lord (Lady) rather than a bunch of goodies? Yeah, could be good. But my appetite for fantasy fiction has dimmed even as my love for D&D etc has risen. However, the Black Company is so far really good fun with a right group of bar stewards. A nice precursor to Joe Abercrombie.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 07 March, 2018, 11:44:46 PM
HUSH: Jeph Loeb, Jim Lee, Scott Williamson, Alex Sinclair.

A muscular romp through a cavalcade of Bat villains.
Does the story make sense? Not really.
Are there great scenes? Some but so much of it seems forced together.
Zingy dialogue? Not really.
Top detecting? Sort of. But it's mainly fights and top tarts in tight tops.
Gorgeous art? Lee is a bit marmite but I like marmite. Actually, he's more cheesecake than marmite. And I know I shouldn't but I like cheesecake too.

Did I enjoy it? Oddly... Yes, I did.

Some of the art on mutating Killer Croc reminded me very much of our own Ron Smith.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 22 March, 2018, 07:54:36 PM
Grendel Tales v2.Macan's story is once again the best one,thou all in  all,this was a better volume then the first one.
Digging Byrnes Fantastic Four so far.His Doom is the only Doom.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 28 March, 2018, 01:18:21 AM
Sweet Tooth Book 1 (1-12).
It's LeMire's later stuff I know, so working through his early material is a (sweet) treat. It's an art style I like, bordering on sloppy though, with some weird anatomy at times. Plus the horses are... well, notoriously difficult as we know. In his case, I think his style is down to practicalities, he's a writer/artist and has so many books in him...
The tale is so perfect on character and tension, it reads like a dream. Fantastic.

Downside: Michael Sheen's purple prose introduction. I hate that kinda thing!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: abelardsnazz on 28 March, 2018, 07:34:45 AM
Just finished The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy of five. I hadn't read volumes 4 or 5 before (I know, I know). Douglas Adams' wry humour at the general incomprehensibleness of everything is wonderful throughout, and a unique take on sci-fi. Enjoyed them immensely.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 28 March, 2018, 08:51:03 AM
Quote from: abelardsnazz on 28 March, 2018, 07:34:45 AM
Just finished The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy of five. I hadn't read volumes 4 or 5 before (I know, I know). Douglas Adams' wry humour at the general incomprehensibleness of everything is wonderful throughout, and a unique take on sci-fi. Enjoyed them immensely.

The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy Phase 4 (The Hexagonal phase) is currently on Radio4 (and iplayer) featuring the original radio cast - plus Stephen Hawking as The Guide v2.0, former Dredd Toby Longworth, as well as Susan Sheridan, Jim Broadbent, Jane Horrocks , Ed Byrne, Lenny Henry, Philip Pope, Mitch Benn and Jon Culshaw.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: abelardsnazz on 28 March, 2018, 02:14:42 PM
Sounds great, will give it a listen. Thanks for the heads up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 28 March, 2018, 02:19:10 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 28 March, 2018, 08:51:03 AM
Quote from: abelardsnazz on 28 March, 2018, 07:34:45 AM
Just finished The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy trilogy of five. I hadn't read volumes 4 or 5 before (I know, I know). Douglas Adams' wry humour at the general incomprehensibleness of everything is wonderful throughout, and a unique take on sci-fi. Enjoyed them immensely.

The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy Phase 4 (The Hexagonal phase) is currently on Radio4 (and iplayer) featuring the original radio cast - plus Stephen Hawking as The Guide v2.0, former Dredd Toby Longworth, as well as Susan Sheridan, Jim Broadbent, Jane Horrocks , Ed Byrne, Lenny Henry, Philip Pope, Mitch Benn and Jon Culshaw.

Erm, 6. Hex is 6.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 28 March, 2018, 09:08:47 PM
um ... yeah ... I knew dat  :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 03 April, 2018, 04:43:58 PM
So this week I tackled Jeff Lemire's story of exiled super-heroes Black Hammer. Both volume 1 & 2. Volume 1 was really gripping, really made me want more. But I felt volume 2 spun its wheels a bit, stretching out its mystery a little too much. After those I'll be checking out the spin-offs, Sherlock Frankenstein and Doctor Star, and getting ready for the main series to resume on the 18th.

It's good, I recommend it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 April, 2018, 04:54:44 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 03 April, 2018, 04:43:58 PM
So this week I tackled Jeff Lemire's story of exiled super-heroes Black Hammer. Both volume 1 & 2. Volume 1 was really gripping, really made me want more. But I felt volume 2 spun its wheels a bit, stretching out its mystery a little too much. After those I'll be checking out the spin-offs, Sherlock Frankenstein and Doctor Star, and getting ready for the main series to resume on the 18th.

It's good, I recommend it.

Yeah wholeheartedly agree. Over in the New Comic Book Day Mega Thread (which I think you started Adventurer?) a couple of folks, myself included have been waxing lyrical about this series. I really enjoyed Sherlock Frankenstein as well and Doctor Star has got off to a decent start too. Really looking forward to the main series returning too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 April, 2018, 05:23:02 PM
The whole project has been superb,  Lemire has done a very neat job of imbuing NotDC  hero archetypes (about whom I know very little) with genuine humanity, all set against an engaging mystery, and somehow without a hint of revisionism or cynical deconstruction: his cast are genuine do-gooder superheroes, but real people too.  Also, it contains Ormston's career-best work (so far), and I'm loving Max Fiumara's noirish stylings on Dr Star.

The only US comicbooks I buy these days,  and worth every penny.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 03 April, 2018, 06:38:06 PM
I'd agree with the love for Black Hammer, wholeheartedly. Waiting for the spin-offs and likewise inpatient for the next volume when it finally arrives.

Novelishly, I'm becoming a little enwrapped in Alastair Reynolds's Revelation Space series of books and short stories. But also have the very interesting Themis Files series on the go- Sleeping Giants was a fun, light and quick read, and Waking God's is prepped for cracking open tomorrow while herself is at work.
In addition, I recently finished the first Noumenon novel, just in time for the sequel, Noumenon Infinity, to hit hardback in the next few months. That's worth a read of your tastes are, like mine, for hard Sci-fi.
SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 04 April, 2018, 11:03:15 AM
I really didn't enjoy Sleeping Giants. The whole diary/found text format became really painful at points, worse than the old trope of "Oh god they are eating me alive and yet I am able to write a sentence noooo".

However Revelation Space is gold. Love all of Reynold's work but the Revelation Space setting and novels is peak crunchy, gritty SF. Chasm City is my favourite.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 04 April, 2018, 11:27:26 AM
I'm currently reading Locke and Key which is excellent.
I'd never gotten around to reading it because I'd been put off by the artwork. The 'big shiny eye' aesthetic always turns me off. I shoudln't have been so silly though - now I've given it some time I can appreciate how good the storytelling is and how much work and talent has gone inot the design of the architecture, the keys, the characters - everything really. The writing is top notch - I felt like I knew (or at least 'got') the characters after just a few chapters and some of the story ideas are fantastically creepy and imaginative. I'd quite like to try some of Dan Hill's prose novels after reading this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 04 April, 2018, 01:42:44 PM
Joe Hill's short story collection, 20th Century Ghosts, is great. Heart-Shaped Box is one of the best ghost stories I have ever read and is my favourite of his full-length works. Then N0S4R2 (great audio version read by Cpt Janeway + good comics) and Horns (ignore the movie) - didn't really like The Fireman unfortunately.

His co-written credits with his dad are pretty good too, particularly Throttle.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 04 April, 2018, 02:34:27 PM
Thanks for the recommendations. I really like short story collections so I'll definitely give 20th Century Ghosts a look.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 04 April, 2018, 02:41:40 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 04 April, 2018, 02:34:27 PM
Thanks for the recommendations. I really like short story collections so I'll definitely give 20th Century Ghosts a look.

20th Century Ghosts is a very fine collection indeed.
The opener, 'Best New Horror', being the pick of the bunch for me.

I'd also rate his first novel Heart Shaped Box very highly.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 04 April, 2018, 04:15:57 PM
Quote from: JamesC on 04 April, 2018, 11:27:26 AM
I'm currently reading Locke and Key which is excellent.


Yeah I've read Locke and Key for the first time recently and agree with everything you've said. Superb series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 18 April, 2018, 08:29:00 PM
Book related this time,Elric of Melnibone.Its good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 29 April, 2018, 05:24:28 PM
Alpha king. By Brian Azzarello and Simon Bisley.
A beer brewer gets drown/cooked in one of his brew cooking pots by monster, who takes his girlfriend captive. He then wakes up in 90:s-MTV-sque bizarro Tolkien-land. It's inhabitants hails him as Alpha King, and he then starts brewing fantastic beer in order to amass an army to save his lady from the Rice king.
Fairly insane and fun fantasy book. Especially when you realise that every character is modelled after a beer by Chicagoan micro brewery Three Floyds. I really like Bisley's art, but the script by Azzarello isn't as clever as I'd hoped. Could'v done much more with the beer-theme. A fairly juvenile amount of cursing. Probably a book one should flip through for a bit before buying.

BUG! The adventures of Forager. By Lee and Mike Alldred.
Forager is most likely dead, but also on a path to new godhood. Travelling between dimensions has him meeting a everyone from The Losers to OMAC.
One big dreamy Kirby-esque Kirby tribute by the Allred brothers. Thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing as well as art. Fun and fantastic. With Mister Miracle still being in the making of a worthy follow up to Kirby's 4th world, I think this is a story which passes on the baton. I'm hoping the Allreds creates more similar fun books with such a breezy tribute to what came before it. (Would love it if they took on Wonder Woman :)). With that said. Perhaps a bit too confusing book for some, but I can't help it to recommend it :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 03 May, 2018, 10:52:32 PM
Quote from: Smith on 18 April, 2018, 08:29:00 PM
Book related this time,Elric of Melnibone.Its good.
Just good?  Are you tempted to read anything else by Moorcock?  Outside of Elric, I'd recommend the Corum books, the Hawkroom books and Captain Oswald Bastable's proto-Steampunk adventures.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 10 May, 2018, 07:31:54 AM
Obedience to Authourity, Stanley Milgram, 1973. Based on his famous electric shock experiments, Milgram's book explores the mechanisms and consequences of human obedience and is both terrifying and encouraging in equal measure.

It is terrifying how many ordinary people will subvert their own morality,  to the extent of inflicting pain or even death, when ordered to do so by a perceived legitimate authority.

It was encouraging to note, however, that one of the experiment's variations took the authority figure out of physical contact with the subject, allowing the majority of the subjects to inflict the minimum "pain" whilst pretending to be inflicting much higher levels.

A fascinating book that should be required reading in any education. It also casts light on an audiobook I'm listening to while I work in the woodland;

The Gulag Archipelago, Aleksander I. Solzhenitsyn. Stories of oppression in Russia, of being arrested for no logical reason, interrogated about fantasies and imprisoned without question. A marvellous book filled with horror and the darkest shades of humour. (It's not a million miles away, stylistically, from the recent film, The Death of Stalin, which I also enjoyed.)

This is one of those books I'd never have considered reading because it would be "too hard," whatever that means, but I'm so glad I'm giving it a go.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 10 May, 2018, 01:28:55 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 10 May, 2018, 07:31:54 AM
The Gulag Archipelago, Aleksander I. Solzhenitsyn. Stories of oppression in Russia, of being arrested for no logical reason, interrogated about fantasies and imprisoned without question. A marvellous book filled with horror and the darkest shades of humour. (It's not a million miles away, stylistically, from the recent film, The Death of Stalin, which I also enjoyed.)

This is one of those books I'd never have considered reading because it would be "too hard," whatever that means, but I'm so glad I'm giving it a go.

Fantastic read alright - I found it abandoned in a Youth Hostel common room many years ago when I'd run out of things to read, and couldn't put it down. 

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 10 May, 2018, 06:00:02 PM
I'll second that on Gulag Archipeligo.  Also worth reading, and much much lighter / shorter is A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.

Been studying Milgram's experimental work recently as well.  I know what you mean about the implications and how disturbing they can be.

For my sins I'm currently working through the Dune novels.  Currently on Children of Dune.  Thought I had read these before but I think I might have only got through the first one.  It's a fascinating dissertation on tradition, religion, power, ecology, prognostication ....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 10 May, 2018, 07:31:01 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 10 May, 2018, 06:00:02 PM

For my sins I'm currently working through the Dune novels.  Currently on Children of Dune.  Thought I had read these before but I think I might have only got through the first one.  It's a fascinating dissertation on tradition, religion, power, ecology, prognostication ....

I've been rereading the series for the umpteenth time and am up to God Emperor of Dune. Many people struggle with this one, but for me it ranks nearly alongside Dune.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 13 May, 2018, 05:10:09 AM
So I've embarked on an insane plan. To read roughly 500 Marvel comics from between 1997 and 2004 (aproximately the time between Onsaught/Heroes Reborn and Avengers Disassembled/New Avengers. A period I like to call one of Marvels absolute best, but honestly I didn't get to read a good chuck of it at the time. So with a brand new Marvel Unlimited subscription I'm going to be reading, in approximately the order they were released in originally (app makes this really easy to do actually...)

Thunderbolts 1-75
Captain America 1-50
Avengers 1-45
Thor 1-79
Black Panther 1-62
Inhumans 1-12
Avengers Forever 1-12
Captain Marvel 1-36/1-25
Marvel Boy 1-6
The Sentry 1-5
X-Force/X-Statix 116-129 /1-26
New X-Men 114-154

Including a few other odds and ends (Annuals mostly), this is a ton of comics to get through. And I'm even skipping a few things, like Iron Man, Fantastic Four, and Daredevil. But these are the books that I always though looked really interesting at the time, but I didn't really have access or money for then.

Most of these are runs by single creative teams or a single writer switch mid run (Busiek/Nicieza on Thunderbolts, Waid/Jurgens on Captain America), and are insanely long by modern standards.

I'm currently about 15 issues into Thunderbolts, and 5 each of Captain America and Avengers, taking me to about mid 1998. Marvel Knights starts up very soon in the timeline. So I've got quite a bit to look forward too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 May, 2018, 08:20:17 AM
Arh man you gotta get a thread telling us about this stuff. There's some of the comics that got me back into comics during that time. Specifically the Avengers stuff, that was such a fun run. I later caught up with the X-Force / X-Statix stuff which is a fav of mine, Milligan at his best.

But if you haven't read them consider adding the Daredevils to that list. While Bendis' run is no Nocenti or Waid it is bloomin' good.

This sounds like such a fun project!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 13 May, 2018, 08:34:46 AM
I've been trying to come up with a way to document it. Seems like a waste not to. Maybe I will make a thread and treat it like a blog.

The World's Greatest Comics Project
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 May, 2018, 09:10:18 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 13 May, 2018, 08:34:46 AM
I've been trying to come up with a way to document it. Seems like a waste not to. Maybe I will make a thread and treat it like a blog.

The World's Greatest Comics Project

And there we have the way to do it. I've found I've really liked doing that with my 'The completely self absorbed 2000ad re-read thread' Thread. All the fun of a blog without the sense of commitment - which probabky means I end up posting more as I din't have to and do it when I want to... hence I want to more... if that makes sense.

And a captive audience.  Win win really.

Would love to hear about this, particularly intrigued by Thunderbolts which I never got round to but read chunks of as it crossed over with the Avengers run.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 May, 2018, 09:32:54 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 13 May, 2018, 05:10:09 AM
Marvel comics from between 1997 and 2004 (aproximately the time between Onsaught/Heroes Reborn and Avengers Disassembled/New Avengers. A period I like to call one of Marvels absolute best,

I think that an awful lot of folks might call that into question but I can understand where you are coming from.  Certainly the Avengers stuff was better than it had been and Morrison's attempt at X-men was better than some of the other stuff (Austen's run on Uncanny can only be described as execrable!) at the same time though, it was a long and painful climb out of the pit into which the company had crawled, one into which it seems to be crawling again post Disney.

For me, the best of the X-titles ran through Claremon't early years from Giant size 1 to the Mutant Massacre.  In particular his run with John Romita Jr.  The early New Mutants stuff and some of the annuals around this time were quality reading.  Post MM it really did seem that Marvel got crossover mad and the wheels seemed to come off.  There was still some good stuff but things like Fall of the Mutants, Inferno and the X-tinction Agenda showed how the tail increasingly wagged the dog.  The only thing that kept it going at times was the quality of the artwork but I think it's fair to say that by the mid nineties even that wasn't enough.  Probably not helped by the sheer volume of titles they were putting out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 May, 2018, 11:30:49 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 13 May, 2018, 09:32:54 AM

For me, the best of the X-titles ran through Claremon't early years from Giant size 1 to the Mutant Massacre.  In particular his run with John Romita Jr.  The early New Mutants stuff and some of the annuals around this time were quality reading.  Post MM it really did seem that Marvel got crossover mad and the wheels seemed to come off.  There was still some good stuff but things like Fall of the Mutants, Inferno and the X-tinction Agenda showed how the tail increasingly wagged the dog.  The only thing that kept it going at times was the quality of the artwork but I think it's fair to say that by the mid nineties even that wasn't enough.  Probably not helped by the sheer volume of titles they were putting out.

Just goes to show how one man's meat is another man's poison. I tried to reread the Claremont stuff, which I was a MASSIVE fan of back in the day, and found it almost impossible to read, even the Byrne and Romita runs. Claremont sure knows how to plot, he builds a storyline over time like few others (when he gets to the end of the ideas that is, how many dropped storylines are there in his run!) and no one choreographs a fight between teams like he does... BUT and its a big but I find his dialogue and the meladrama he surrounds all this with almost impossible to get through. Which is such a shame as there's so much potential there.

I found the same thing when I revisited New Mutants run with Bill Sienkiewicz. Couldn't get through it glorious as it looked.

Now there is much to love during Shooter's time at Marvel, but a lot of what I loved as a kid hasn't survived the test of time. I even struggle with Frank Miller's Daredevil these days!

That post Heroes Reborn stuff I still enjoy, or I did last time I re-read it, not long after being so disappointed by Claremont's X-Men stuff. I do worry about how I'd get on with it now, but hopefully Adventure can tempt me to look again!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 13 May, 2018, 12:47:14 PM
Thunderbolts was one of the first comics I read.A lot of love and memories there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 13 May, 2018, 01:32:11 PM
I recently finished The Leopard of Lime Street. The ammount borrowed from Spider-Man is a bit shocking, yet it does have a very different flavour. Overall, very enjoyable stuff.

Interesting thing: I think I noticed a continuity error, although it is explainable. [Spoiler]When he finds the trail of the imposter posing as him, he smells a leopard scent. It turns out the imposter is a circus acrobat, however. So what's with the scent? The costume? Was he just catching his own scent? (He does speculate this might be the case, due to his worry he is sleepwalking.)

It makes me wonder if they originally intended the imposter to have gained leopard powers too, but changed their minds later. Due to the episodic production they couldn't go back and edit it, obviously. Likely those reading it in Buster on a weekly basis didn't even notice.[/spoiler]

After reading The Leopard.... I read the Summer Magic volume. Very delightful stuff. There would be obvious comparisons with Harry Potter (which this pre-dates) , but aside from the basic premise, they're quite different tales, and the magic systems are different. I think it's fair to say that even with the magic and fantasy, the Kirby stories have a stronger leaning towards horror, although HP had some pretty horrific creatures, to be fair.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 25 May, 2018, 03:26:05 PM
I picked up Highest House issue 1 the other day.

It's by Mike Carey and Peter Gross, the creative team behind (most of) Vertigo's 'Lucifer' and 'Unwritten'.

I loved both of those books, so unsurprisingly loved this too.
Stunningly presented in large format print, approximately the size of a Prog, and with career best artwork from Gross and instantly engaging story from Carey.

How the hell did I not even hear about this before?
Will make a point of getting issues 2-4 this weekend.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 25 May, 2018, 08:16:01 PM
Just got through League of extraordinary gentlemen Vol 1-3, Black Dossier and the Nemo trilogy in time for the last and 4th volume starting next month.

Love Vol 1-2 and Black Dossier, and while I don't consider 3 and the Nemo books as good as those they still hold up really well. Some really funny and clever stories. Especially when having looked up a couple of books and movies which are referenced (something I think Vol 1-2 did the best, since they requires less knowledge of certain stories, like for example vol 3:s riff on [spoiler]Harry Potter[/spoiler].

One thing I noticed this time reading it is the amount of sleazy stuff. Wasn't just in the later volumes, but the first ones as well. Got me thinking that perhaps a bit less of it could'v made some of it more effectual. Not sure what the point is when even a pair of clouds are shaped as a pair of tits. Not the most titillating thing.

Hope vol 4 goes out going all in. Really excited getting to read the first issue next month :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 26 May, 2018, 05:19:28 PM
Took a break from my Marvel Reading to go Comic Dollar Bin diving...

Found these at an Antique Store, just some random late 80s/early 90s indie stuff.
(https://imageshack.com/a/img923/2976/lDodTm.jpg)

Finding those prompted me to head down to my local Comic shop and dig through their bins. Just for kicks. It took me two different days to go through everything

Day 1
(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/2850/kfelZy.jpg)
Finding those three Super Patriot issues was great, since its one of the few Savage Dragon related series I've not yet read. Did not find issue 4 though. Which I worried about. Assorted issue #1s. Terminator The Burning Earth 1 was an interesting find, as it's the first comic work of Alex Ross.

Day 2 bore much fruit however
(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/4839/2cp5rY.jpg)

(https://imageshack.com/a/img921/6615/glpZqN.jpg)

Found Super Patriot 4, which I practically jumped up and down in excitement about. A couple of Big Bang titles, a random E-Man issue. And an assortment of Keith Giffen deep cuts. Complete Trencher looks really good. Dominion was cancelled after two issues, I'm interested in the art though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 May, 2018, 05:32:14 PM
Arh I used to love that Don Simpson Megaton Man stuff - such fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 26 May, 2018, 05:36:25 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 26 May, 2018, 05:32:14 PM
Arh I used to love that Don Simpson Megaton Man stuff - such fun.

I definitely want to get some more. I'm only really familiar with his crossover with the Savage Dragon, and a series of Back-ups that ran in Savage Dragon in the early 00s.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: abelardsnazz on 29 May, 2018, 09:18:05 AM
Wayfaring Stranger by James Lee Burke. I've yet to come across another writer that evokes a sense of place and atmosphere as well as Burke does. He describes the weather, the smells and the sounds of places so you can imagine them perfectly. The plot is fairly standard Burke: flawed but essentially good protagonist goes up against forces outside his control, but here set before, during and after World War Two. I'll never get bored of reading Burke because of his descriptive ability.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 31 May, 2018, 03:43:55 PM
Plowed through The Outsider by Stephen King in a couple of sittings. Nothing groundbreaking but thoroughly readable, a slightly too-quick jump to a full understanding of the supernatural is the only real flaw I had. Sad now it's over.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 01 June, 2018, 09:55:49 AM
Recently finished the 'Fifth Season' trilogy by N. K. Jemisin, which was very good indeed. Re-read the original Earthsea trilogy by Ursula K. Le Guin ('Tombs of Atuan' exactly as brilliant as I remembered). Just finished 'Judges: The Avalanche' which felt clipped but was otherwise enjoyable. Currently ploughing through volume 14 of the Case Files -- Dredd at this point was entering my personal golden age, when I was old enough to realise just how brilliant and unique 2000AD was.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 June, 2018, 11:24:45 PM
Tombs of Atuan is indeed brilliant, such an unexpected direction for a sequel, and planting the seeds of the later books in the series.  @Wedgeski: Have you read Tehanu, Other Wind and the short story stuff?  It's different, but very good.  We're supposed to be getting a final posthumous Ged story this year sometime as well , I believe.  That'll be hard to read.

So on foot of my FCBD copy of No. 1, I picked up the second issue of Barrier by Vaughan and Marcos Martin.  Terrific stuff, every clever device works.  Reminds me a bit of the expanded origin sequence in Concrete, so just the right level of disturbing.  Think I'll get the rest next time I'm in a comic shop.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BPP on 03 June, 2018, 10:49:30 PM
with Barrier - is the Spanish dialogue reproduced in English anywhere?

That's not a mindfield SJW vs Alt-right question btw - I just glanced thru the FCBD version and wondered if they were going to move past making a POINT (which is fine) to making a story accessible to the consumer.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 04 June, 2018, 12:36:10 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 25 May, 2018, 08:16:01 PM
Just got through League of extraordinary gentlemen Vol 1-3, Black Dossier and the Nemo trilogy in time for the last and 4th volume starting next month.


What now?  Fourth volume of League or Nemo?  Not heard about that yet!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 04 June, 2018, 12:56:34 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 04 June, 2018, 12:36:10 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 25 May, 2018, 08:16:01 PM
Just got through League of extraordinary gentlemen Vol 1-3, Black Dossier and the Nemo trilogy in time for the last and 4th volume starting next month.


What now?  Fourth volume of League or Nemo?  Not heard about that yet!

Yup. Six issue series finale Coming in July.

Issue 1 Solicitation text
QuoteAfter an epic twenty-year journey through the entirety of human culture, Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill conclude both their legendary League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and their equally legendary comic-book careers with the series' spectacular fourth and final volume, "The Tempest." This six-issue miniseries is a celebration of everything comics were, are, and could be. Opening simultaneously in the panic-stricken headquarters of British Military Intelligence, the fabled Ayesha's lost African city of Kor, and the domed citadel of 'We' on the devastated Earth of the year 2996, the dense and yet furiously-paced narrative hurtles like an express locomotive across the fictional globe. This is literally, and literarily, the story to end all stories. Here's how it begins.

(https://imageshack.com/a/img924/75/IvyvF7.jpg)

Issue 2 Solicitation text
QuoteOpening with a 1919 death match between two American superhumans in the ruins of Utopia, the second issue of Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill's final volume of the beloved comic series takes its readers on a breath-taking ride over a waterfall of storytelling styles, from a startling 21st century Lincoln Island and its current incarnation of the legendary Captain Nemo, through a New York coping with an ageing costume-hero population, to a London where a drastic escalation is commenced by the rejuvenated sociopath controlling MI5. All this, and a further reprinted adventure of 1960s super-team The Seven Stars, awaits in issue two of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume IV: The Tempest.

(https://imageshack.com/a/img922/606/NoPiQn.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 04 June, 2018, 01:20:47 AM
That'll take us to the end of the year (assuming they get published one a month, which is quite a presumption for those of us who were on board from the first series!)

According to the press release from Gosh! this will be Alan and Kevin's last comics work (https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2017/7/20/coming-summer-2018-the-league-of-extraordinary-gentlemen-vol-iv-the-tempest).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 04 June, 2018, 01:21:16 AM
Quote from: sheridan on 04 June, 2018, 01:20:47 AM
That'll take us to the end of the year (assuming they get published one a month, which is quite a presumption for those of us who were on board from the first series!)

According to the press release from Gosh! this will be Alan and Kevin's last comics work (https://www.goshlondon.com/blog/2017/7/20/coming-summer-2018-the-league-of-extraordinary-gentlemen-vol-iv-the-tempest).

(I know Alan has retired from comics before, but I think this is a first for Kev?)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 04 July, 2018, 08:33:11 PM
Finished reading Charley's war omnibus 1-3 the other night. Insanely good. --That's all I have to say about that.

Not really. But I could go on forever on why it's such a fantastic read, especially in the really nicely collected books of late. I think what got me the most is how much Charley ages when faced with horrors. Especially with the memories of such which haunts him. Felt really sorry of the kid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 July, 2018, 02:32:12 PM
Just finished Bouncer by Jodorowsky and Francois Boucq and its 400 plus pages of hardcovered western delight. Okay so maybe the last two volumes included here (it collects the first 7 volumes of this French series) get a little over excited in developing different and interesting characters but even then is sustains it ability to entertain.

Its the tale of a one armed gunfighter, starting off as the bouncer (hence the terrible title) in a saloon in a deadend, backwater town. The town seems to only be there to support the rail road that goes through it, but in 'reality' seems to have enough going on around it to attract every greedy landowner and bandit in the state to its doors to hassle and molest the locals. And Bouncer is often all that stands in their way.

He's a great character too, like all good western heros riddled with guilt, flaws, a constantly broken heart and whiskey... he feels so much more vulernable than similar characters and really is a delight to read his tale. A tale awash with tension and high adventure and family striff that would have Shakespeare jotting down notes for ideas. Indeed the pull and tension of family are a common and well used theme throughout this volume.

Its hard bitten and dusty and not for the faint hearted, but by george its great. The art is just sublime and Moebius on Blueberryesque, just hot and hard and with storytelling and character just supremely delievered. Often the pages are left with little or no text as the art just pulls you along with the story and its inhabitants.

Basically if you like western comics and don't own this you are missing something vital from your collection.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 24 July, 2018, 03:17:53 PM
I was at the merger point in my 1980s Eagle re-read and figured I may as well do a complete read of the SCREAM! run, seeing as there's only 15 issues to track down, and its abrupt ending certainly left me wanting more than the Eagle's continuation of the 13th Floor and Monster storylines - though there's some (unlettered) pages of Eric Bradbury's Dracula File from what would have been Scream! #17 in the back of Hibernia's collection of the strip, should you be able to track down a copy.
Unlike other decades-old UK comics I've dipped into over the years - like The Crunch and Tornado - Scream! has a consistency of vision that made it feel like a book that was taken before its time, and given the enduring love of all things ghastly and gross that continues even into modern children's comics like the Phoenix, it feels like this could still be going today if IPC hadn't decided to teach striking plebs a lesson, and if it hadn't matured alongside its existing readers like 2000ad did.  I know that sounds like a bit of a balancing act, but I think it could have been pulled off given how many other supernatural-themed comics would emerge over the decades after Scream! folded, particularly in Eagle and 2000ad, but even as filler in odd places in Fleetway/IPC's roster, like that vampire story in Wildcat, or that creepy as fuck thing about the evil doll in toy tie-in The Supernaturals.
The art, of course, is fantastic, with the usual suspects like Kennedy, Senior, Bradbury, Casanovas, etc turning in a blinder alongside brief sightings of McCarthy, Dillon, Ewins...  I'll risk a dis on modern childrens' comics creators here, but kids these days have been utterly bloody robbed by not having Ortiz churning out spider apocalypses and shark maulings for them on a weekly basis, and that was my main takeaway - that younger readers deserve something like this to get their teeth into rather than the anodyne and unoffensive tosh they're latterly offered.

Best bits:
Library of Death!  Short and sweet terror tales often lacking a killer payoff but always aiming to put the shits up their readers.
Realising Nightcomers - siblings in a 1970s muscle car travel the country solving supernatural mysteries just like their dead parents did, one of the siblings is trying to settle down into a normal life but has psychic powers of an unknown origin - is basically the first season of the indestructible shit-meets-wall homoerotic incest fantasy series Supernatural.
Tales From the Grave - started out a bit cold on this, but by the end it was one of my favorites.
Utter, utter bastard Dracula - none of your wishy-washy romance fantasy figures here, he's just a complete and utter monster and all the more entertaining for it.
The slow realisation that Max the computer is a bad 'un.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 03 August, 2018, 04:58:38 PM
Corto Maltese: Tango

Corto visits Buenos Aires in hopes to help an old friend of his, but things complicated. Only 60 or so pages long, but very sweet. Really like Pratt's use of perspective in the book. The close up on the game of pool in the beginning of the book especially comes to mind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 06 August, 2018, 09:02:29 PM
The Satanic Bible, Anton LaVey.
An eye-opening book indeed, written by the founder of the modern Church of Satan. In this church, Satan is not worshipped as a personification of evil, nor even as an entity or being but as a simple dark force of Nature. There are no human or animal sacrifices, no obligatory orgies, no drinking of blood. There are "magical" rituals, though, and not used exclusively to wreak evil either but to bring to people that which they deserve; help for good people and harm for bad people. It is basically a religion based on indulgence rather than abstinence with its own version of The Golden Rule: do unto others as others do unto you. Based on selfishness rather than altruism, one can see why materialistic people would find the Church of Satan attractive.
In the end, though, it is still a religion like any other; promising its members privileges in return for allegiance.
Still a fascinating read, though, and well worth the time of anyone interested in occult (or hidden) knowledge.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 August, 2018, 01:44:35 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 03 August, 2018, 04:58:38 PM
Corto Maltese: Tango

Corto visits Buenos Aires in hopes to help an old friend of his, but things complicated. Only 60 or so pages long, but very sweet. Really like Pratt's use of perspective in the book. The close up on the game of pool in the beginning of the book especially comes to mind.

Ah man, i'm so far behind on these Corto collections, I really must make it a priority to get caught up!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 08 August, 2018, 02:26:43 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 06 August, 2018, 09:02:29 PM
The Satanic Bible, Anton LaVey.
An eye-opening book indeed, written by the founder of the modern Church of Satan. In this church, Satan is not worshipped as a personification of evil, nor even as an entity or being but as a simple dark force of Nature. There are no human or animal sacrifices, no obligatory orgies, no drinking of blood. There are "magical" rituals, though, and not used exclusively to wreak evil either but to bring to people that which they deserve; help for good people and harm for bad people. It is basically a religion based on indulgence rather than abstinence with its own version of The Golden Rule: do unto others as others do unto you. Based on selfishness rather than altruism, one can see why materialistic people would find the Church of Satan attractive.
In the end, though, it is still a religion like any other; promising its members privileges in return for allegiance.
Still a fascinating read, though, and well worth the time of anyone interested in occult (or hidden) knowledge.
This made the rounds at my school in the 80s. You had to keep it out of view from the teachers, but it was required reading for anyone playing D&D at the time. I don't remember much of it, but I remember feeling I was having the piss taken out of me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 08 August, 2018, 02:33:11 PM

I can email you the pdf if you like, VB.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 11 August, 2018, 12:16:48 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 08 August, 2018, 02:33:11 PM

I can email you the pdf if you like, VB.

Sure, why not?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BPP on 13 August, 2018, 09:58:56 AM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 06 August, 2018, 09:02:29 PM
The Satanic Bible, Anton LaVey.
An eye-opening book indeed, written by the founder of the modern Church of Satan. In this church, Satan is not worshipped as a personification of evil, nor even as an entity or being but as a simple dark force of Nature. There are no human or animal sacrifices, no obligatory orgies, no drinking of blood. There are "magical" rituals, though, and not used exclusively to wreak evil either but to bring to people that which they deserve; help for good people and harm for bad people. It is basically a religion based on indulgence rather than abstinence with its own version of The Golden Rule: do unto others as others do unto you. Based on selfishness rather than altruism, one can see why materialistic people would find the Church of Satan attractive.
In the end, though, it is still a religion like any other; promising its members privileges in return for allegiance.
Still a fascinating read, though, and well worth the time of anyone interested in occult (or hidden) knowledge.

Did you hear about the time John McCrea funded the Church of Satan in belfast?*


(* it's quite possible - nay highly likely - John McCrea didn't have a clue what was going on)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 13 August, 2018, 07:58:56 PM
No I hadn't. I'll have to have a Google.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 20 August, 2018, 06:55:52 PM
Make Room!  Make Room! which is uhhh... the best Harry Harrison novel I've read, I guess?  It says something about the tone that the movie's inclusion of a cannibalism subplot actually lightened the adaptation's mood, but it's an interesting spin on the noir detective thriller, clearly influenced by postwar austerity and cultural memories of the Depression-era shanty towns.  There's still a level of relevance despite - or perhaps because of - the relatively primitive technology, but the idea that migrants would flock to the US from China rather than the other way around in the wake of global resource and housing shortages probably dates it more than anything else.
Harrison's writing and the world it describes are more interesting than any of the central plot arcs, particularly the hunt for a murderer that goes nowhere by design, and I enjoyed this to the point I wonder why it doesn't appear in my list of the 100 best sci-fi novels (created by stripmining arbitrary "100 best" lists off the web), as I'd certainly rate it above the rather dull Starship Troopers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 August, 2018, 10:41:46 PM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 20 August, 2018, 06:55:52 PM...I'd certainly rate it above the rather dull Starship Troopers.

Amen to that.  Actually, don't get me started on Heinlein in general, massively overrated IMO.  Make Room! Make Room! is ace, one of, if not Harrison's best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 21 August, 2018, 12:20:30 AM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 20 August, 2018, 06:55:52 PM
Make Room!  Make Room! which is uhhh... the best Harry Harrison novel I've read, I guess?  It says something about the tone that the movie's inclusion of a cannibalism subplot actually lightened the adaptation's mood, but it's an interesting spin on the noir detective thriller, clearly influenced by postwar austerity and cultural memories of the Depression-era shanty towns.  There's still a level of relevance despite - or perhaps because of - the relatively primitive technology, but the idea that migrants would flock to the US from China rather than the other way around in the wake of global resource and housing shortages probably dates it more than anything else.
Harrison's writing and the world it describes are more interesting than any of the central plot arcs, particularly the hunt for a murderer that goes nowhere by design, and I enjoyed this to the point I wonder why it doesn't appear in my list of the 100 best sci-fi novels (created by stripmining arbitrary "100 best" lists off the web), as I'd certainly rate it above the rather dull Starship Troopers.
Do yourself a favour and get stuck into Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat series. It is by far my favourite Harry Harrison works.

I'll overlook the Starship Troopers comment. This time. ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 21 August, 2018, 03:40:19 AM
Its been a while, but over the last few months (since that post I made in May), I've been back in a print comic buying mood. Mostly diving into dollar bins trying to find obscure 80s and early 90s material that is unlikely to get a digital edition any time soon. Indie titles for the most part, a few licensed titles, and of course dead companies like Crossgen.

In June I actually got a ton of cool stuff from a comic shop an hour north of me. Mostly DC/Milestone comics, Icon and Hardware mostly, which I found to be very interesting. I also found a good chunk of a Crossgen title I was missing.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/VbM8tv.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/gcUTMh.jpg)


But this last Saturday I got to go to a comic convention that took place in my own backyard, called Terrificon. It had a good mix of comic creators and comic vendors. So I hit those dollar (and one quarter!) bins hard. The theme of the day ended up being Joe Staton's E-Man and Crossgen. As well as some other odds and ends. All of this majesty cost about 19 bucks. A good day.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/rvjMhI.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/65YIcf.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/l2tso2.jpg)

Gizmo & the Fugitoid #2 closes the loop I started back in May. Finding a random copy of issue #1 at an antique store, spurring me on to dig into those bargain bins for indie treasure. I found issue #2 all by itself in a dollar bin. Just waiting for me to find it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: edgeworthy on 21 August, 2018, 08:04:59 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 21 August, 2018, 12:20:30 AM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 20 August, 2018, 06:55:52 PM
Make Room!  Make Room! which is uhhh... the best Harry Harrison novel I've read, I guess?  It says something about the tone that the movie's inclusion of a cannibalism subplot actually lightened the adaptation's mood, but it's an interesting spin on the noir detective thriller, clearly influenced by postwar austerity and cultural memories of the Depression-era shanty towns.  There's still a level of relevance despite - or perhaps because of - the relatively primitive technology, but the idea that migrants would flock to the US from China rather than the other way around in the wake of global resource and housing shortages probably dates it more than anything else.
Harrison's writing and the world it describes are more interesting than any of the central plot arcs, particularly the hunt for a murderer that goes nowhere by design, and I enjoyed this to the point I wonder why it doesn't appear in my list of the 100 best sci-fi novels (created by stripmining arbitrary "100 best" lists off the web), as I'd certainly rate it above the rather dull Starship Troopers.
Do yourself a favour and get stuck into Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat series. It is by far my favourite Harry Harrison works.

I'll overlook the Starship Troopers comment. This time. ;)

However, for the love of god, avoid Harrison's Stars and Stripes Trilogy!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 26 August, 2018, 05:19:54 PM
Making my way through the last couple of Charles Stross' Laundry novels. They're about a secret British government agency set up to deal with supernatural threats and prepare for a potential invasion from Cthulhu-esque Elder Gods.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Laundry_Files (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Laundry_Files)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 27 August, 2018, 04:36:10 AM
I really liked Laundry Files book 1, I really should get onto Book 2 one of these days...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 27 August, 2018, 08:44:53 AM
Would definitely recommend them.  The first few books are probably the most amusing but the latter ones are becoming increasingly more complex.  The short stories such as Equoid are worth a gander as well.  One for the 'things that went over my head' thread was the name of his boss, James Angleton!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 31 August, 2018, 05:54:45 PM
I didn't even know there was something behind his name! Had to google it there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 31 August, 2018, 06:21:43 PM
2 book into Belgariad and NOTHING HAPPENED.Seriously,its two books of random encounters and people talking about stuff like you were supposed to know what it means.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 31 August, 2018, 06:41:58 PM
Quote from: Smith on 31 August, 2018, 06:21:43 PM
2 book into Belgariad and NOTHING HAPPENED.Seriously,its two books of random encounters and people talking about stuff like you were supposed to know what it means.

I've described the Belgariad, and its sequel series the Mallorean, as a very long walk in the country. How good it is probably depends if you like your travelling companions or not.

Myself, currently reading:

The Spanish Letters, by Mollie Hunter (children's' book, Catholic plotting in 16thCentury Edinburgh)

Before they are Hanged, by Joe Abercrombie (rather late to this trilogy, but it's very good)

H.P. Lovecraft Collected Fiction: A Varorium Edition Vol. 1 (though it was about time I reread all this stuff)

The Fall of Delta Green (a Vietnam-era Lovecraftian technothriller roleplaying game)

Regards,

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 31 August, 2018, 07:47:09 PM
Quote from: Smith on 31 August, 2018, 06:21:43 PM
2 book into Belgariad and NOTHING HAPPENED.Seriously,its two books of random encounters and people talking about stuff like you were supposed to know what it means.

You sure you haven't accidentally picked up Game of Thrones?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 31 August, 2018, 07:50:15 PM
Nah,there isnt enough food descriptions for that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 18 September, 2018, 12:53:26 PM
Sunshine on Putty by Ben Thompson.

This is about what the author believes is the last 'golden age' of British comedy, from Vic Reeves Big Night Out and The Day Today to Alan Partridge and The Office. It can get a bit wanky when Thompson starts quoting philosophers and citing historical events, like a media student trying far too hard in his deconstructionist dissertation, but when he sticks to the facts and anecdotes it's really good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 18 September, 2018, 01:11:36 PM
The Medusa Chronicles by Stephen Baxter & Alastair Reynolds.

Not finished yet, about halfway through and really enjoying it. The pair are playing in a universe created by Arthur C Clarke, but I'm loving trying to work out which writer wrote what.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 19 September, 2018, 05:16:08 AM
Oh we talking books?

Most recently I read over the last year or two...

Legends of the Galactic Heroes Book 1 - 3 by Yoshiki Tanaka
Seveneves by Neal Stephenson
The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov (reread)
Permutation City by Greg Egan
The Collapsing Empire (Interdependence Book 1) by John Scalzi
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke

I'm currently reading...

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

and have the following on backlog...

Artemis by Andy Weir
The Space Trilogy by C. S. Lewis
The Lathe of Heaven by Ursula K. Le Guin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 19 September, 2018, 09:30:56 AM
The Outsider by Stephen King. Absolutely gripping, slows down a bit in the second half, but thoroughly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 19 September, 2018, 02:50:02 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 19 September, 2018, 05:16:08 AM
Artemis by Andy Weir
It's dreadful, but it makes up for it by being quite short.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 19 September, 2018, 04:29:53 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 19 September, 2018, 02:50:02 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 19 September, 2018, 05:16:08 AM
Artemis by Andy Weir
It's dreadful, but it makes up for it by being quite short.
Eh, I enjoyed it for what it was. It does only take about 3 minutes to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 19 September, 2018, 05:31:08 PM
That's disheartening, I loved The Martian.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 20 September, 2018, 02:27:24 AM
Went digging through the local comic shop's dollar bins again. Came out with some assorted stuff...

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/bLMSmG.jpg)
Three issues of Alan Morre's 1963. The last comic I needed for a complete Trencher run. TMNT X Flaming Carot. And two issues of Star, a Savage Dragon related spin off

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/Urq39S.jpg)
Complete run of J.M. DeMatteis's Forever People. I probably shouldn't have gotten these, as it turns out its on ComiXology. Also, some Who's Who issues. Love those things.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/EcKyZ5.jpg)
And finally, some issues of Electric Warrior, including the first two. Interested in this because of the new series coming out (though unrelated to this one apparently). Also, Jim Baikie on art. So there's a 2000 AD connection right there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 20 September, 2018, 06:13:27 AM
Any issue of Flaming Carrot is a good comic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 04 November, 2018, 01:37:37 PM
Brink book one and two. Brilliant. Read the first one digital first, then got it and two as tpb. Colours really pop on paper. Some of the best colours I've seen. They're beautiful. Also really good sci fi thrillers.

Also finished reading Dark Justice: Dominion. A great horror story with harrowing visuals. Dark judges with a bit of zombie and aliens flavour. While I didn't mind the dark justice being quite funny during the 90s, I'm happy they're back feeling menacing again :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 04 November, 2018, 03:22:57 PM
I just completed The Tower Chronicles Book One: Geisthawk by Matt Wagner and Simon Bisley. I can highly recommend this to anyone, especially Bisley fans.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 04 November, 2018, 03:43:28 PM
The Penultimate Truth by PKD.  In this ridiculous story, oligarchs use constant fearmongering to extend austerity measures introduced during a global catastrophe so that they can hoard dwindling resources for themselves while using the world's population as a captive workforce brainwashed by the only version of truth available to them via the televised news, which is a fabrication perpetuated by the fictional narratives of over-educated bootlickers desperate to live off the crumbs falling off the fatcats' tables.  The news is engaged in an ongoing effort to rehabilitate the Nazis by painting leftists as the root of all of the world's evils and setbacks, with even the Holocaust weaponised against socialists, the Nazis' part in it being washed out and the far right being portrayed as victims of a sinister decades-long liberal agenda.  Meanwhile, in an effort to combat the dire circumstances foisted upon his community by the failings of crony capitalism - which is distinct from good honest capitalism, which has no drawbacks and never fails to provide for all those willing to work hard - a worker seeks to escape from an underground factory to access the black market so that he can buy the overpriced medical assistance needed to save the life of a beloved co-worker.
Clearly, PKD has created an unbelievable and ludicrous fantasy dystopia that could never exist because of the many safeguards we have in place, especially the shining beacons of journalistic integrity that are the BBC and Guardian, but it's nice to delve into these unworkable retro sci-fi worlds every now and then.  I think this might be my first taste of Dick
's writing and I really liked it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 04 November, 2018, 03:47:19 PM

Heh, brilliant.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 08 November, 2018, 12:01:04 AM
Barely getting any reading done of late but I'm currently about halfway through The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

It's really bloody good, which makes it all the more frustrating that I'm having to read it piecemeal. Definitely the kind of book  the old me would have devoured in a weekend
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Angry Vince on 08 November, 2018, 05:50:45 AM
Almost finished The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

Bleak, disturbing and very readable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 08 November, 2018, 06:11:13 AM
Quote from: Angry Vince on 08 November, 2018, 05:50:45 AM
Almost finished The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

Bleak, disturbing and very readable.

Love that one. And since it's being mentioned, I feel a need to read it again soon. Thank you ;)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 November, 2018, 06:36:22 AM
Quote from: Paul faplad Finch on 08 November, 2018, 12:01:04 AM
Barely getting any reading done of late but I'm currently about halfway through The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

Hey Paul,  welcome back!  Night Circus is on my to-read list, I've only heard good things.  Currently just starting into the latest Philip Pullman, La Belle Sauvage - don't know why I waited so long, it's like rediscovering a favourite wooly hat in the pocket of an old coat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 08 November, 2018, 07:11:33 AM
Quote from: Angry Vince on 08 November, 2018, 05:50:45 AM
Almost finished The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

Bleak, disturbing and very readable.

A lot of people dislike McCarthy's prose style and the way he does dialogue without quotations in this book. I disagree, I thought it incredible.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 08 November, 2018, 09:15:34 AM
McCarthy's sparse style makes that book, in my opinion.

As an aside, I saw a talk by the filmmaker Alex Cox a few years ago and he mentioned that he can no longer enjoy fiction because he sees everything as a script and how he would film it. He specifically mentioned The Road as a book he should have enjoyed, but was too irritated by continuity errors. The example I remember him mentioned was an appearing, disappearing, reappearing shopping cart.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 08 November, 2018, 11:51:15 AM
Starship Troopers was a bust but I thought I'd give Bob Heinlein another go, which is a way of saying that the genre picks in my local cancer shop - AKA The Only Book Shop In The Town Anymore - are a bit slim and I'm stuck with whatever's been dumped there, and it was a toss-up between one of the fifty Len Deightons on display, or a the wrinkly old copy of Podkayne Of Mars with a sexy lady on the cover that is in no way made troubling by the blurb on the back telling you her age.
A sci-fi travelogue in the vein of old school romps and based on Heinlein's own nautical travels in the Pacific, it clips along well enough and I enjoyed the retro sci-fi version of space travel like the radiation panic rooms ("BRACE FOR SOLAR STORMS!"), and the endurance of class and racial divisions just seemed quaint (at the time of reading, though in retrospect...), but I thought there was a twist coming in the story in which the (primary) narrator would be revealed to have created her journal to stitch up her brother as a high functioning sociopath in order to obfuscate her role in crimes that might have hindered her ambitions, but it really is a remarkably linear effort for such a highly-regarded science fiction author, to the extent the ending prompted demands for a rewrite from the original editor - both endings are presented: one in which [spoiler]the main character dies [/spoiler]due to a moment of forgetfulness on the part of a character at odds with pretty much everything we've heard about them up until that point, and another in which [spoiler]the main character lives and [/spoiler]we get a lecture on how their misfortune came about because their mother had pursued a career instead of staying at home to raise her children by hand and so their female kids were too independent.
Uhhhhh... okay.  Obviously, at this point I had some questions and concerns, so decided I would check out if this conservative tract was put in as a gag by Heinlein in response to his editor's demands for a rewrite to something less challenging to the audience's sensibilities, but I never got that far as the threads discussing it seemed to have more thoughts on Heinlein's defence of the MaCarthy Hearings and I'm like WHAT THE ACTUAL F butyeah I totally thought Starship Troopers was meant to be satire but it was, apparantly, just meant to be a juvenile fiction book.
Anyway, POM was okay until the ending(s) and beyond.  The last stretch takes a leftfield turn for the worse with its voodoo-tinged depiction of a rural Venusian swamp dweller and inferred threats of sexual violence, none of which apparently seemed problematic enough to be included in that rewrite.  I'm not quite sure why Heinlein has such a good rep if the two books I've read are any indicator of the general quality.  I did enjoy the more traditional and borderline goofy stuff in the first 4/5ths of the novel, but he just didn't bring it home.  I've been finding my intermittent visits to Bradbury's works far more rewarding, tbh.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Pyroxian on 08 November, 2018, 11:55:08 AM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 08 November, 2018, 11:51:15 AM
Starship Troopers was a bust but I thought I'd give Bob Heinlein another go, which is a way of saying that the genre picks in my local cancer shop - AKA The Only Book Shop In The Town Anymore - are a bit slim and I'm stuck with whatever's been dumped there, and it was a toss-up between one of the fifty Len Deightons on display, or a the wrinkly old copy of Podkayne Of Mars with a sexy lady on the cover that is in no way made troubling by the blurb on the back telling you her age.
A sci-fi travelogue in the vein of old school romps and based on Heinlein's own nautical travels in the Pacific, it clips along well enough and I enjoyed the retro sci-fi version of space travel like the radiation panic rooms ("BRACE FOR SOLAR STORMS!"), and the endurance of class and racial divisions just seemed quaint (at the time of reading, though in retrospect...), but I thought there was a twist coming in the story in which the (primary) narrator would be revealed to have created her journal to stitch up her brother as a high functioning sociopath in order to obfuscate her role in crimes that might have hindered her ambitions, but it really is a remarkably linear effort for such a highly-regarded science fiction author, to the extent the ending prompted demands for a rewrite from the original editor - both endings are presented: one in which [spoiler]the main character dies [/spoiler]due to a moment of forgetfulness on the part of a character at odds with pretty much everything we've heard about them up until that point, and another in which [spoiler]the main character lives and [/spoiler]we get a lecture on how their misfortune came about because their mother had pursued a career instead of staying at home to raise her children by hand and so their female kids were too independent.
Uhhhhh... okay.  Obviously, at this point I had some questions and concerns, so decided I would check out if this conservative tract was put in as a gag by Heinlein in response to his editor's demands for a rewrite to something less challenging to the audience's sensibilities, but I never got that far as the threads discussing it seemed to have more thoughts on Heinlein's defence of the MaCarthy Hearings and I'm like WHAT THE ACTUAL F butyeah I totally thought Starship Troopers was meant to be satire but it was, apparantly, just meant to be a juvenile fiction book.
Anyway, POM was okay until the ending(s) and beyond.  The last stretch takes a leftfield turn for the worse with its voodoo-tinged depiction of a rural Venusian swamp dweller and inferred threats of sexual violence, none of which apparently seemed problematic enough to be included in that rewrite.  I'm not quite sure why Heinlein has such a good rep if the two books I've read are any indicator of the general quality.  I did enjoy the more traditional and borderline goofy stuff in the first 4/5ths of the novel, but he just didn't bring it home.  I've been finding my intermittent visits to Bradbury's works far more rewarding, tbh.

Read "The Moon is a Hard Mistress".

Podkayne's not great - it's one of his Juvenile novels, so aimed at younger readers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 November, 2018, 12:40:28 PM
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is a good example of Heinlein at his best, but there is just so much terrible or just plain bland stuff by him that I find it very hard to appreciate his legacy the way others seem to: and I really have tried.

There's no denying his technological vision,  or his early use of strong female characters, but for every Stranger in a Strange Land there seem to be half a dozen Time Enough for Loves or Number of the Beasts. I know his later work is often excluded from the adulation (true of many of the great SF writers, but shift from liberal to libertine and then libertarian really doesn't help), but there seems to be a huge amount of drivel throughout his career.  I've never really understood what people got out of Starship Troopers either, other than the all-powerful trope of power-armoured space marines: give me Haldeman's Forever War any day,  dodgy sexual politics notwithstanding.

I've had to accept that he was a huge and innovative influence on the SF  genre,  but I just don't get along with his work the way I do with fellow founding fathers like Asimov and Clarke.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 08 November, 2018, 03:20:09 PM
Currently reading Stephen King's latest book, Elevation*. I haven't finished it yet, but so far it's quite a sweet endearing story with a curious premise. (The main character is losing weight at a phenomenal rate, yet he looks and feels the same. i.e this is not Thinner where the guy actually does get thin and weak.) The scales also show the same weight regardless of what he is carrying or wearing. There is also an interesting thread concerning a married lesbian couple who are the main protagonist's neighbours, and how they deal with prejudism, etc. I'm enjoying it a lot so far. It's not really a horror story (although there's a horror component considering the main guy losing weight fast) but then again, a lot of Stephen King stories aren't, or at least aren't completely.

Previous to that, I read King's other novel The Outsider. It took me a little while to get into it, but it really took off. This one was as much a police mystery thriller as a horror novel [spoiler](with supernatural horror included, but it's played pretty straight, considering. Not to dis the supernatural horror, as I love that stuff)[/spoiler], and it was nice to see another good character from previous novels return as a major character.


* I was going to download it to my Kindle**. Curiously the hardback turned out to be £2 - £3 cheaper so I went that route. It's quite a thin but nice volume with thick paper. I'll find a place for it somewhere.

** I do like physical books, but I like the convenience of a quick download as well. And I've pretty much run out of space on my bookshelves.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 08 November, 2018, 03:45:49 PM
I just finished Ancillary Justice by Anne Leckie. An intriguing premise, where a single mind, organic or machine, is split into hundreds or thousands of instances which might not always agree with each-other, but it took me a while to get through and I doubt I'll pursue the other entries in the series. As a far future setting, the world-building didn't really push my buttons.

I've just started Lethal White, the latest Cormoran Strike novel. I didn't much like the first one when I tried it, but I *loved* the TV adaptation, so I'm hoping to have more buy-in this time around.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 November, 2018, 04:03:57 PM
Red Planet and Have Spacesuit, Will Travel were great books as a kid. Probably wouldn't stand up now.

Otherwise I think the best Heinleins are Puppet Masters, The Door into Summer and of course, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Pyroxian on 08 November, 2018, 05:29:15 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 November, 2018, 12:40:28 PMI've had to accept that he was a huge and innovative influence on the SF  genre,  but I just don't get along with his work the way I do with fellow founding fathers like Asimov and Clarke.

Bizarrely I find Heinlein easier to read than Asimov and Clarke. Possibly because I read Heinlein at an early age, and didn't get on to the others until my late teens.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mattofthespurs on 08 November, 2018, 06:13:57 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 08 November, 2018, 03:20:09 PM
Currently reading Stephen King's latest book, Elevation*.

I loved this. Short but oh so sweet. A beautiful story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 November, 2018, 06:16:24 PM
Quote from: Pyroxian on 08 November, 2018, 05:29:15 PM
Bizarrely I find Heinlein easier to read than Asimov and Clarke. Possibly because I read Heinlein at an early age, and didn't get on to the others until my late teens.

Now there may be somthing to that, as I was the opposite - devoured a significant chunk of Asimov as at about 11 or 12, Clarke a bit later care of the school library, but other than Moon is a Harsh Mistress I didn't come to Heinlein until I stumbled across a hoard of paperbacks in my later teens, at which point expectations were very high - Chris Claremont never stopped pimping him in New Mutants, Starship Troopers was supposedly the Greatest SF Book I'd Never Read, Number of the Beast had that Omen vibe, and The Cat Who Walks Through Walls sounded like it might be just the sort of Jerry Cornelius type affair I was looking for.  Alas, no and many times no.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 08 November, 2018, 06:47:18 PM
Heinlein and Clarke do tend to be a bit more cerebral and dry.  I think some of that is down to their characterisation, particularly Clarke until he started co-writing books.  Heinlein is far more scatological, his characters far more liberal / morally ambivalent (occasionally even bordering on perverted!), and his pacing is often tighter.  I often marvel at some of the ideas he throws about consider the age he was writing in.

For me though they are always an interesting pleasure to return to every once in a while.  It is interesting to compare them with current authors.  They also often have the added benefit of being quite short which makes for a rather pleasant sense of achievement polishing them off in less than the six months it can often take for the latest tome that appears to be the only option these days.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 08 November, 2018, 07:46:01 PM
Can anyone identity this book - a long shot 'cos I remember virtually nothing about it - may have been Heinlein or Clarke (or maybe another). All I can remember is that it featured a family spaceship crew - a man, his son and daughter in law. I gave up after a multi page discussion about who should be the next captain and the chain of command and ship protocol.

Have Spacesuit Will Travel blew me away at Primary school!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 09 November, 2018, 12:31:36 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 08 November, 2018, 07:46:01 PM
Can anyone identity this book - a long shot 'cos I remember virtually nothing about it - may have been Heinlein or Clarke (or maybe another). All I can remember is that it featured a family spaceship crew - a man, his son and daughter in law. I gave up after a multi page discussion about who should be the next captain and the chain of command and ship protocol.

That sounds like it might be The Number of the Beast by Heinlein, though as I recall, the main characters are a man, his girlfriend and her father (and his girlfriend), all of whom are deliberate allusions to characters in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars books. It's been almost forty years since I read it, but I'd been a huge Heinlein fan and then this one came along and it was just ponderous, incomprehensible, self-indulgent waffle. One of those books where you go, "Yeah... he's lost it."
-- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Paul faplad Finch on 09 November, 2018, 12:57:36 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 November, 2018, 06:36:22 AM

Hey Paul,  welcome back! 

Thanks! I debated doing a big announcement but then I realised that A) that would make me a knob, and B) the place is probably full of newbies who wouldn't know who the hell I was. So I settled on just quietly bumping this thread, still my greatest contribution to these here boards.  :)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: NapalmKev on 09 November, 2018, 09:39:35 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 08 November, 2018, 03:20:09 PM
Currently reading Stephen King's latest book, Elevation*. I haven't finished it yet, but so far it's quite a sweet endearing story with a curious premise. (The main character is losing weight at a phenomenal rate, yet he looks and feels the same. i.e this is not Thinner where the guy actually does get thin and weak.) The scales also show the same weight regardless of what he is carrying or wearing. There is also an interesting thread concerning a married lesbian couple who are the main protagonist's neighbours, and how they deal with prejudism, etc.

I read this yesterday afternoon. It's a very pleasant story which is more curious than it is Horror. Worth a read and a lot better than...

...Doctor Sleep - which starts well and finishes very poorly, IMO. The initial exploration of Danny Torrances' character and his [spoiler]Struggle with Alcohol addiction (just like good 'ol Dad)[/spoiler] is interesting enough but the Enemies of the piece [spoiler](Nomadic Steam* drinkers)[/spoiler] just seemed silly more than anything. Very disappointing and not as good as...

...11/22/63 - which is about a guy trying to prevent the assassination of JFK by travelling through a magic door. It's better than I make it sound and has a beautiful ending.

Cheers

*[spoiler]The Shine[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 09 November, 2018, 02:59:17 PM
Quote from: Mike Carroll on 09 November, 2018, 12:31:36 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 08 November, 2018, 07:46:01 PM
Can anyone identity this book - a long shot 'cos I remember virtually nothing about it - may have been Heinlein or Clarke (or maybe another). All I can remember is that it featured a family spaceship crew - a man, his son and daughter in law. I gave up after a multi page discussion about who should be the next captain and the chain of command and ship protocol.

That sounds like it might be The Number of the Beast by Heinlein, though as I recall, the main characters are a man, his girlfriend and her father (and his girlfriend), all of whom are deliberate allusions to characters in Edgar Rice Burroughs' Mars books. It's been almost forty years since I read it, but I'd been a huge Heinlein fan and then this one came along and it was just ponderous, incomprehensible, self-indulgent waffle. One of those books where you go, "Yeah... he's lost it."
-- Mike

Cheers Mike, I just looked that up and I think you're right - interesting wiki article about it and all the self-referential in-jokes. Seems to be regarded as universally awful, even by his biggest fans:

QuoteHeinlein buff David Potter explained on alt.fan.heinlein, in a posting reprinted on the Heinlein Society, that the entire book is actually "one of the greatest textbooks on narrative fiction ever produced, with a truly magnificent set of examples of HOW NOT TO DO IT right there in the foreground, and constant explanations of how to do it right, with literary references to people and books that DID do it right, in the background." He noted that "every single time there's a boring lecture or tedious character interaction going on in the foreground, there's an example of how to do it RIGHT in the background."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 20 December, 2018, 07:00:04 AM
Batman by Grant Morrison Omnibus vol 1
Great stuff. Fun and big on action, with an amazingly big story slowly building. My favorite about it is Bruce constantly undoing himself in his pursuit of becoming better. Only thing holding it back for me are some of the violence. There's torture with power drills among other things. While not all of it shows up on the page I didn't feel it had much impact elsewhere either. Feels too causal. Perhaps I've not read enough modern Batman, but I wish it had more of an impact on the characters in the book. I wouldn't have minded more silver age stuff, especially with the story being kneedeep in that. But it's only a nit pick compared to the whole. The omnibus as a whole I think is brilliant. The new story pages which sums up the Ra's stuff Morrison didn't write was very effective and welcome. Big nice thick pages. Every page brewing with inventive crazy Batman stuff. Well written and illustrated. For me, this is my favorite Batman outside Miller's DK. I think both takes Batman places, and aren't afraid to take him too far, in order to show what can make the character so inspiring as well as scary.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Trooper McFad on 20 December, 2018, 11:13:49 AM
Currently re-reading all the Dredd annuals - the best bits are the quizzes and profiles (droids & characters) contained in them. For nostalgic reasons I still prefer the hardback annual rather than the floppy ones of the 90s.
After Xmas I'll start the 2000AD ones 😀
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 26 December, 2018, 10:57:00 PM
I've been looking for a copy of King and Straub's "Talisman" for a while and finally tracked one down.  Part of this desire to re-read it was inspired by parts of Dark Tower that I'd watched and then given up on.  The idea of cross-dimensional travel ...

I still rate this as one of King's best works.  I find his writing fascinating and can see how he influenced the likes of Gaiman.  There is a very fine line between Horror and Fantasy and he manages it exquisitely.  Two worlds melded effortlessly; pain, anguish, fear all so close to the surface. 

Orson Scott Card once talked about the idea of 'dread', of something so close to what we fear that is has a palpable presence.  This is where King operates.  His worlds, his characters all struggle for survival in that space.  Threat looms insanely large.  it threatens to overwhelm protagonists.  It disturbs us on a visceral level.

Arguably the closest Tooth has come to this is Cradlegrave.  That blending of the ordinary, the mundane, the everyday with the disturbing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 02 January, 2019, 11:49:27 AM
I felt very lukewarm about Talisman when I read it, but then I feel the same way about The Dark Tower after the Gunslinger.

Personally I just read Case Files 32 - Rico mk2 was already part of the canon when I began to collect 2000AD proper and it's nice to see his introduction! Probably my favourite part of the book. Feel like we're catching up to my personal collection and then I check and it turns out we're at least 7 or 8 years off, give or take. There's just *so much* prog, it's brilliant.

Never really noticed before this edition but this one says its covering the year 2122 to 2123. Have to admire Tharg's quixotic dedication to an actual timeline!


Otherwise read Elevation by Stephen King, a good little bit of low key weirdness in small town America, perhaps a little less than nuanced in its character development and politics but not really any the worse for it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 03 January, 2019, 12:03:02 AM
Reading Mazeworld by Alan Grant and Arthur Ranson

While Grant has proven to be a prolific writer in the past, I think this is the first time I've read something based on a world and characters he has actually created. I like much of his stuff, but it does seem to be mainly stories based on characters written by other people. I don't intend that as a criticism. This book shows he has quite an imagination.

I've just read the first part so far. The high fantasy Maze-world is a strange place to be. The main character isn't  particularly likeable but by the end he shows promise, [spoiler]albeit his heroism is rather forced upon him.[/spoiler]

The story itself is rather formulaic and simple, but I have the feeling there's something deeper and a bit more complex below the surface. And it is just the introductory chapter, so I'm interested to see where it goes.  I wasn't sure of it to start with, but on finishing it, I find it a worthwhile introduction to that world, and I look forward to reading more.

Ranson's art is highly detailed and gorgeous as always.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 13 January, 2019, 08:21:38 AM
The ballad of Halo Jones The new coloured version. Never read the story before. Got floored by it. Absolutely amazing in every way. Just wow. So happy I gave Halo a go  :D
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 January, 2019, 08:33:23 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 13 January, 2019, 08:21:38 AM
The ballad of Halo Jones The new coloured version. Never read the story before. Got floored by it. Absolutely amazing in every way. Just wow. So happy I gave Halo a go  :D

Wow its a surprise and delight to realise that some 2000ad fans haven't read Halo Jones yet. So much like with Fox on Spacespinner is lovely to have more folks drawn to its wonder.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 13 January, 2019, 09:02:25 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 13 January, 2019, 08:33:23 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 13 January, 2019, 08:21:38 AM
The ballad of Halo Jones The new coloured version. Never read the story before. Got floored by it. Absolutely amazing in every way. Just wow. So happy I gave Halo a go  :D

Wow its a surprise and delight to realise that some 2000ad fans haven't read Halo Jones yet. So much like with Fox on Spacespinner is lovely to have more folks drawn to its wonder.

I read Halo Jones when it was first released in the prog and with the new coloured version the story felt completely new. I can requirement this to any one who was a fan. You can still purchase the original version as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 13 January, 2019, 09:49:17 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 13 January, 2019, 08:33:23 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 13 January, 2019, 08:21:38 AM
The ballad of Halo Jones The new coloured version. Never read the story before. Got floored by it. Absolutely amazing in every way. Just wow. So happy I gave Halo a go  :D

Wow its a surprise and delight to realise that some 2000ad fans haven't read Halo Jones yet. So much like with Fox on Spacespinner is lovely to have more folks drawn to its wonder.

Easy to imagine that. For me much of it had to with hearing that they never finished the story. But it didn't bother me one bit finally reading it, especially not since I think it ended perfectly. So happy the book proved me wrong :)

I'm listening to space spinners now. Never listened to them before. Nice talk :)

Quote from: broodblik on 13 January, 2019, 09:02:25 AM
I read Halo Jones when it was first released in the prog and with the new coloured version the story felt completely new. I can requirement this to any one who was a fan. You can still purchase the original version as well.

Nosenzo did a great job!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 29 January, 2019, 03:16:07 PM
I'm about halfway through EMBERS OF WAR by Gareth Powell (Titan) which I picked up from the really nice book stall folk at Lawgiver (that's how far back my reading list stretches, shameful) and I'm really enjoying it.

I doubt there is much here that is new to many folk but the plot is rattling along and the characters are a nice mix of the bonkers and the expected.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 29 January, 2019, 04:59:19 PM
I've just started Revelation Space after trying it out, wow, 15 years ago and not liking it. Enjoying it much more this time around.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 30 January, 2019, 08:25:03 AM
I've read a lot of Reynolds- Revelation Space is really good, but for me- Pushing Ice was much better. Think my fave work of his though is diamond dogs; a real body horror Sci-Fi tale with a superb core concept.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 30 January, 2019, 12:53:12 PM
Chasm City is my favourite of the Revelation Space series (or the setting, at least.)

His short stories are always great, and Diamond Dogs is top among them.

But I agree, Pushing Ice is probably my favourite, alongside House of Suns. That said I enjoy all of the books, probably the Prefect series is my lowest ranked but still good reads.

My last book was Rosewater, a Nigeria-set sci-fi where an alien lifeform has seeded the Earth with both xenofauna and xenofungi, leading to the birth of all kinds of weirdness. Rosewater is the city which formed around the bit of the lifeform that sticks out of the Earth's crust. The lead character works for the secret police, and is also a bit of a dick. Lots of great ideas and some horrible implications amidst a refreshingly different setting for an SF work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: titchard on 31 January, 2019, 11:06:13 AM
Just finished Dome, some brilliantly trashy sci-fi pulp novel I picked up for this massive second hand book store near me for £1.  The cover alone had me with it's tagline of "Read it while it's still fiction!".

It was pretty trashy but the chap (who's name escapes me) must have had some knowledge of how nuclear power worked as it seemed pretty sound in that respect.  Definitely a churn'em'out pulp novel from the 1970s though,  as it was riddled with spelling errors.

Gotta love a good pulpy novel from time to time!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 09 February, 2019, 11:09:58 AM
Before Watchmen: Comedian/Rorschach & Watchmen
The Comedian puts a spin on his joke "--don't ask me where I was when JFK got shot". The story feels like James Ellroy's American Tabloid and Cold Six Thousand centered around a "reverse" Forresten Gump. I quite enjoy the story. It's really brutal. Only wish it did more to tie things together visually. Bit like Blake's fall in the main book. Coming into the picture when need be. The Before Watchmen Comedian has quite a couple of really cool scenes visually which would'v worked. Which could'v served as a nice little nod towards the scene where Blake realises Gordon Liddy ([spoiler]to me this is the spin on the joke, also how Veidt's idea Blake met Nixon in Dallas[/spoiler]) could'v been mistaken for him. Comedian's relationship with the both Kennedys could'v also been a bit more passionate I think. While there are bits, and the last chapter delivers, I feel the story is missing out on by beating the reader on the head with shock rather than a bit of heart first.

Then there's Rorschach. To me basically a harmless litte nugget of a story with Rorschach sweating out the last drops of Kovacs (who serves a manifestation of "victim" in him.).  I feel it's borrowing more from Mean Streets rather than Taxi Driver. It does some fun stuff with identity, but could'v given it more focus. The disfiguered Rawhead getting carried away about Rorschach face/mask was a nice touch, but I feel hints of overlap between Rorschach and the unknown serial killer The bard could'v used more focus. Instead the story wastes time crossing the creek to get water setting Rorschach and Rawhead up on a crash course. While I enjoyed how that ended, it didn't two convoluted plans of "Jumping the "hero" while he's looking for the villian" in succession. But I like how it ends. A bit more grounded than the usual affair, and then it jumps forward and into a couple of pages with much more of a Watchmen flair to them. 9 panels, writing on paper instead of on a type writer and Rorschach tonally more close (as in closer to the edge) to the one in Watchmen. I think when he says"Difficult circumstance, when own reflection not how you see yourself. But how you see others." about New Yorkers without a hint of self reflection stitches things together nicely (I especially like that quote of his), but I feel it could'v used stronger thread.

In a nutshell, I don't mind these two and some of the other Before Watchmen existing. But I fully understand those who don't like them at all.

And what about Watchmen? Been a while since I last read it. A bit more wordy than I remember, and some of the characters didn't grab me as they once did. But still a classic. Great book which I hope everyone gives a go. Especially those doubting the meaning of reading.
I really like it how well it manages to setting up the doom and gloom of the US and Soviet on a crash course, and it's effects on people. You don't need to be an 80s child or do research to get it. Much why I think it holds up so well. I almost wrote "still holds up well", but if it did when I first read it (around 2000 I think) it should also (go without writing) now. It's a big book, which makes the question "what do you think of it" even bigger, and perhaps the answer as well. And I think Rorschach is my answer. He is my favorite character in the book. He sure is in a dark place, but his small moments of humanity, when for example leaving off his land lord lady in order to spare her children, or taking of his mask when confronting Dr Manhattan (you know exactly what I mean) really shines thanks to it. Bit like how Sally Jupiter puts it about thinking back about the past, the darker it gets the brighter it shines. Which I still carry with me after reading the book. Further emphasized by Dr Manhattan's realisation about humans being miracles, and seeing to many of them can make you forget. Ugly but lovely stuff. And I like that alot of the characters have a similar arc through out the book, ending on an opposite note than where started. As does the story, even if one of it's victims being the truth, going from doom to bloom.
Just a shame lots of the stories inspired by it didn't found that bit much inspiring. Getting blinded by the darkness of it all instead. The only book I can think of is Planetary which let Utopia come. Wish more of them did. But luckily none of that casts shadow on the book. It's too high up for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 09 February, 2019, 11:33:17 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 09 February, 2019, 11:09:58 AM
Ugly but lovely stuff. And I like that alot of the characters have a similar arc through out the book, ending on an opposite note than where started. As does the story, even if one of it's victims being the truth, going from doom to bloom.

I'd like to mention that I think it's interesting how easy it is to forget that bad often came before good. I don't think evil necessarily must come before good or something. I don't think everything needs Kintsugi.

Quote from: Apestrife on 09 February, 2019, 11:09:58 AMJust a shame lots of the stories inspired by it didn't found that bit much inspiring. Getting blinded by the darkness of it all instead. The only book I can think of is Planetary which let Utopia come. Wish more of them did. But luckily none of that casts shadow on the book. It's too high up for me.

I could'v probably ended that on something similar to the thing Sally says in the book, about burning brighter.

That said, now I'm on to reading all of League of extraordinary gentlemen up to the latest issue of Tempest. Tada!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 09 February, 2019, 12:12:10 PM
Just begun Alan Moore's massive tome Jerusalem. I always enjoy Moore's special brand of madness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 09 February, 2019, 04:34:16 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 09 February, 2019, 12:12:10 PM
Just begun Alan Moore's massive tome Jerusalem. I always enjoy Moore's special brand of madness.

That's literally a big one on the reading list :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 09 February, 2019, 05:38:11 PM
Current graphic novel reading list..

Sandman Mystery Theater Book 02
Spector (1992) Book 02
Invaders Complete Collection 01
Avengers Epic Collection: Operation Galactic Storm
Books of Magic (ongoing series) Book 1
Mage Hero Denied Vol.01
Swords of the Swashbucklers Complete Collection

Oh. And I'm planning to renew my Marvel Unlimited subscription so I can read every appearance of the original Squadron Supreme.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 10 February, 2019, 07:14:09 AM
Enjoy Mage Hero Denied - its bloomin' superb.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 10 February, 2019, 11:21:25 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 10 February, 2019, 07:14:09 AM
Enjoy Mage Hero Denied - its bloomin' superb.
Seconded. It's another Matt Wagner masterpiece...

...Jovus I need to start posting in the Comics Megathread again now my pull list and time to read comics has increased.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 19 February, 2019, 10:53:13 AM
League of extraordinary gentlemen

Order:
League of extraordinary gentlemen vol. 1
League of extraordinary gentlemen vol. 2
League of extraordinary gentlemen: Black dossier
League of extraordinary gentlemen vol. 3: 1910
Nemo: Heart of ice
Nemo: Roses of Berlin
League of extraordinary gentlemen vol. 3: 1969
Nemo: River of ghosts
League of extraordinary gentlemen vol. 3: 2009
League of extraordinary gentlemen vol. 4 Tempest #1-4

In short. I really like alot of the stories, but some not so much. Vol 1-2 and bits of Black dossier have stories grounded in the meetings between characters, which -for me- got lost with so much of it becoming background. Which perhaps was due to avoid getting sued, or delibrity in order to demonstrate Vol. 3 Century's theme of stories seemingly loosing their place in society. The latter much due to "politics" (in lack of better word.) invading narratives, for example [spoiler]Harry Potter[/spoiler] becoming the antichrist due to the narrative carried by some yank christians (which is how I read it. Not that he has any particular against the character). I also think Vol. 4 Tempest adds to this with the focus on [spoiler]Bond[/spoiler] (how the property tries to be influenced by vs how it could influence reality), and so on to use of [spoiler]nuclear weapons against the blazing worlds[/spoiler].

This time around, I read it in somewhat order (missed out on putting black dossier between Roses and 1969). I think it helped Century come together for me. More than before. The Nemo stories have more connection to what came before and Century towards an upcoming event hidden behind a veil of confusion. I think helped my reading alot. How grasp the story and find a meaning it. I wouldn't mind a LOEG book with Century and Nemo collected in the reading order I used. Perhaps also Tempest, since it's such a direct continuation of those stories.

And darn it if I wouldn't like there to be some appendix or such, or more in the later stories themselves, in order to assist me to put it all together. I get it if they had to tread lightly around some of it (insisting that the antichrist [spoiler]isn't Harold Potter from Lost Girls[/spoiler] would probably not have helped) I still wish they worked themselves around it. I don't know.

Another thing which doesn't work for me is how the book takes the opportunity to apperantly criticizing stories for their treatment of female characters, when LOEG doesn't fare much better. In the stories women are constantly loosing their clothes, getting their tits and arse flashed, getting unwanted attention and comments, tricked into copulation. I don't have a problem with it (since it's a comic book I could choose to not to read), but it doesn't do it for me. Perhaps it's meant to be sensual, or comedy (I'm not ashamed to admit I like old "sexy" comedies like The Telephone book or the Zodiac films), but it's not my favorite part of the book. I'd much rather that some of the early sex stuff between Mira and Alan could'v stood out more in the overall story.

I think it starts out brilliantly, but doesn't stay that way for me. I wish they made the events of Roses of Berlin into the focus for volume 3. Mina's endless antichrist hunt could'v been an interesting side story to mirror Jenny's story about legacy and growing old. But it's still made for an interesting read, and I'm very interested to see how they choose to end it. Only two issues left. Hopefully finished in May :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 19 February, 2019, 11:43:50 AM
On LOEG, really enjoyed Heart of Ice the other day. Especially the back matter; even with Moore that can become a chore (didn't read it all in Providence, for example...). Here, it was very arch and fun to read. Onto the other Nemo's soon.

And just started Tour Of Duty: Backlash (MC). Bold MacNeil art, great on politics, and odd to be reading about Dredd/Hershey/Logan (& Francisco), in the light of recent progs. Hershey deposed?! I don't know if that'll turn around in this volume (or vol. 2), but it's great stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 19 February, 2019, 12:32:00 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 19 February, 2019, 10:53:13 AM
In the stories women are constantly...

raped and sexually assaulted should probably also be noted. It becomes a bit like with gore, too much of it and it doesn't stand out much. It's still horrid and has a place in the stories, but I wish it was handled a bit differently. I think [spoiler]Jenny's[/spoiler] trauma adds to her story, but many other characters could'v gotten a bit of that as well. Especially since alot of the violence characters inflicts gets that sort of attention.

Doesn't need to a character calling out how bad something is, just a bit of conflict. For example when Mina tells another character about Orlando. A person who lived for very long and killed alot of people and thus isn't that bothered by hurting/killing opponents.

Quote from: Fungus on 19 February, 2019, 11:43:50 AM
On LOEG, really enjoyed Heart of Ice the other day. Especially the back matter; even with Moore that can become a chore (didn't read it all in Providence, for example...). Here, it was very arch and fun to read. Onto the other Nemo's soon.

When you mention it. The articles on probably are my favorite ones out of the bunch. She has a very strong character which makes it easier to relate to all the references spread across the text. A bit like in Star Wars: A new hope or The Dark Knight Returns.

Hope you like the rest of the two as well. Her trilogy is probably my overall favorite story in LOEG. Good balance between referencing things as well as maintaining an overall story. Lovecraft isn't needed reading to understand Heart of ice, but it adds to it. --in a way I would'v liked Century would'v.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 01 March, 2019, 07:06:30 PM
Not sure why I didn't post this before, but in 2019, I'm tracking every comic book I read. Just to see my actual reading habits. So I share with you now, all the shit I read in January/February.

JANUARY 2019 (total 191)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/WkJ40Y.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnWkJ40Yp)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/UTOHcI.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/poUTOHcIp)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/yigaIN.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/plyigaINp)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/gHz87Q.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/pngHz87Qp)

FEBRUARY 2019 (Total 86)
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/921/unv93R.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/plunv93Rp)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/bZtkRf.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/pnbZtkRfp)

I really slacked off in February. Mostly because I was playing too much Apex Legends I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 01 March, 2019, 09:42:50 PM
Good list. What did you think to The Weather Man out of interest?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 01 March, 2019, 10:25:39 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 01 March, 2019, 09:42:50 PM
Good list. What did you think to The Weather Man out of interest?

One of the best new series of last year. The first issue floored me and it's kept a good pace since.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 March, 2019, 06:18:57 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 01 March, 2019, 10:25:39 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 01 March, 2019, 09:42:50 PM
Good list. What did you think to The Weather Man out of interest?

One of the best new series of last year. The first issue floored me and it's kept a good pace since.

Good summary and you need to catch up with Tharg!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 02 March, 2019, 03:00:03 PM
Been working my way through IDWs Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye and it really is some of the best sci-fi i've read in a long time. Charming, funny, heartfelt and absolutely beautiful to look at (Tharg, get Alex Milne drawing for the prog, NOW!) and also very different from anything the franchise has done before. An expansive space opera set after the civil war, allowing the cast of mostly unknowns to be fleshed out in a way they couldn't before and revisit some real deep cuts of mythology (well hello Dai Atlus, it's been 30 years). Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 15 March, 2019, 12:00:34 PM
Quote from: wedgeski on 29 January, 2019, 04:59:19 PM
I've just started Revelation Space after trying it out, wow, 15 years ago and not liking it. Enjoying it much more this time around.
The Inhibitor trilogy ended up being my holiday reading. I really loved it, but a very strange non-ending. Apparently a few loose ends are dealt with in other novels?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 15 March, 2019, 02:40:51 PM
Reading The Shadow Captain by Alastair Reynolds. I like this weird astropunky world of lost technology, solar sails and deep time. It's completely daft but it's fun. Struggled to remember a lot of Revenger, the first novel, but it's started to come back about halfway through the book. Won't be one of my favourites of Reynolds work but still a cut above most.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 18 March, 2019, 07:35:19 PM
NEW GODS by Jack The King Kirby. Picked up the stand alone collection last week. Didn't take long for me to read it. Brilliant. A fantastic comic. Silver age gold. Lots of action and fun, as well as some really cool ideas. I really admire Orion. Guy's angry and not really a nice guy, but he still cares for those close to him, and sometimes even shows some empathy for his enemies. Darkseid is equally as interesting. Almost felt sorry for him when he's told about the Micro-Mark weapon, realising how fruitless his hunt for the anti life equation has been and how his lust for battle is being replaced by automated genocide. Not to mention when he wants the battle between Orion and Kabilak to be just. True gent, even if his the personification of a depression haha.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 March, 2019, 08:52:22 PM
New Gods is one of my absolute favourites. Pretty much all of Kirby's post-Lee 70s work is and New Gods stands up well in a field of quite exceptional quality. If you enjoyed this I can't recommend the rest of his Fourth World stuff enough, its quite majestic.

That said read all of this stuff, Demon, OMAC, Kamandi, The Losers. Then  follow him back to Marvel for Devil Dinosaur, 2001 (personal favourite), Black Panther, The Eternals (another favourite of mine) and even Captain America which I'm sure is better than I give it credit for.

The man is The KIng for a reason!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 19 March, 2019, 03:55:34 AM
I've been sitting on Jack Kirby collections of New Gods and Mister Miracle. I really should get back to them. I picked them up in a ComiXology black friday sale last year after reading Tom King's Mister Miracle reminded me I've a giant Jack Kirby hole in my life I really should get around to filling in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: titchard on 19 March, 2019, 11:37:10 AM
I am currently reading Little by Edward Carey.  So far its really interesting.  I met the fellow last year and hes a really eccentric guy, can definitely recommend it so far.

He's a review in the Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/nov/10/little-by-edward-carey-review (https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/nov/10/little-by-edward-carey-review)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 19 March, 2019, 04:28:22 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 18 March, 2019, 08:52:22 PM
New Gods is one of my absolute favourites. Pretty much all of Kirby's post-Lee 70s work is and New Gods stands up well in a field of quite exceptional quality. If you enjoyed this I can't recommend the rest of his Fourth World stuff enough, its quite majestic.

That said read all of this stuff, Demon, OMAC, Kamandi, The Losers. Then  follow him back to Marvel for Devil Dinosaur, 2001 (personal favourite), Black Panther, The Eternals (another favourite of mine) and even Captain America which I'm sure is better than I give it credit for.

The man is The KIng for a reason!

Yep, got the 4th world omnibus as 4 TPBs. Out of those I think Olsen, Forever people and Mister miracle really benefits from mixing in with each other, while New Gods -for me- really shines as a stand alone. But brilliant all of them. As are Demon and Omac. Waiting eagerly for Kamandi to come out as trade paper backs :)

New Gods is also a book I really hope DC puts out as an absolute at some point.

Quote from: The Adventurer on 19 March, 2019, 03:55:34 AM
I've been sitting on Jack Kirby collections of New Gods and Mister Miracle. I really should get back to them. I picked them up in a ComiXology black friday sale last year after reading Tom King's Mister Miracle reminded me I've a giant Jack Kirby hole in my life I really should get around to filling in.

I finished reading Tom's Mister Miracle (for the 4th time or something) this morning. Brilliant book. Each time I finish it I come up with new ideas about the ending :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 March, 2019, 05:45:53 PM
Still waiting for Kings (Tom not 'the') Mister Miracle to go on sale digitally as I hear nothing but good things.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bad City Blue on 19 March, 2019, 06:24:57 PM
Just read Garth Ennis' 'Jimmys Bastards'. Absolutely loved it, a filthy, violent piss take of james Bond
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 19 March, 2019, 08:49:55 PM
Looking forward to picking up Kirby's The Demon at some point.

Loved that character, despite only having seen him in a Grant/Breyfogle Batman, and The Sandman!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 19 March, 2019, 10:52:52 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 19 March, 2019, 04:28:22 PM

I finished reading Tom's Mister Miracle (for the 4th time or something) this morning. Brilliant book. Each time I finish it I come up with new ideas about the ending :)

So my take is....

[spoiler]Scott Free is trying to escape the super-hero comic reboot/relaunch cycle. His life won't progress because our reality demands the status quo. He tries to kill himself, the comic won't let the title character die So he forces the issue, killing off other characters, having a baby. And story keeps trying to rerail him back to a status quo. In the end he manages to break the cycle by burning nearly everything down, but even that is only as temporary as the end of the last page. [/spoiler]

That's my interpretation at least.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 20 March, 2019, 08:57:38 AM
Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell. Scandi Noir from the early 1990s and very prescient with its racism fears over immigration and a double murder for Wallander to solve. It really could have been written about yesterdays headlines a frighteningly accurate view of our world almost 30 years on.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 20 March, 2019, 07:29:04 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 19 March, 2019, 10:52:52 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 19 March, 2019, 04:28:22 PM

I finished reading Tom's Mister Miracle (for the 4th time or something) this morning. Brilliant book. Each time I finish it I come up with new ideas about the ending :)

So my take is....

[spoiler]Scott Free is trying to escape the super-hero comic reboot/relaunch cycle. His life won't progress because our reality demands the status quo. He tries to kill himself, the comic won't let the title character die So he forces the issue, killing off other characters, having a baby. And story keeps trying to rerail him back to a status quo. In the end he manages to break the cycle by burning nearly everything down, but even that is only as temporary as the end of the last page. [/spoiler]

That's my interpretation at least.

That's a cool one!

[spoiler]Mine (my latest) is a bit similar. Scott is having trouble thanks to letting his real life getting "invaded" by comic stuff, or if it's a comic which is "invaded" by reality. Scott is sure he can escape, which he "does" with the "Mister Miracle won't be continued". [/spoiler]

I also really like the [spoiler]He's stuck in hell or heaven, but choose to stay[/spoiler] hinted in the last issue by [spoiler]Bug and Orion[/spoiler] :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 20 March, 2019, 08:24:45 PM
Day of the Jackal Very thrilling, and amazingly written. So well written (almost like actualy history) I was looking for an appendix in the back of it, see which sources which were used in order to write it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 21 March, 2019, 09:39:41 AM
Quote from: wedgeski on 15 March, 2019, 12:00:34 PM
Quote from: wedgeski on 29 January, 2019, 04:59:19 PM
I've just started Revelation Space after trying it out, wow, 15 years ago and not liking it. Enjoying it much more this time around.
The Inhibitor trilogy ended up being my holiday reading. I really loved it, but a very strange non-ending. Apparently a few loose ends are dealt with in other novels?
Can I just shamelessly bump this? Are there any Reynolds aficionado's on the board who can help me?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 21 March, 2019, 03:22:30 PM
I mean, they return to the universe of the Inhibitor series. Chasm City is set in, well, Chasm City - the fallen metropolis on Yellowstone. The Prefect books take place in the Glitter Band, before the melding plague. Many of his short stories take place in the era before the Melding Plague as well, such as Diamond Dogs. I can't think of what particular loose ends get resolved where, unfortunately. The Inhibitors (Hostile advanced AI) themselves appear in slightly different forms in slightly different settings (Deep time future and stories told over relativistic distances) in his short stories as well, so there is a bit of a blurring in my memory.

Chasm City is the one that ties closest in, as far as I can recall.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 22 March, 2019, 01:16:08 AM
This bad boy.

(https://www.dynamite.com/previews/C1606904205/artofseanphillipscovB.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 26 March, 2019, 04:52:14 PM
Lazarus is back!

And it's another slice of gold, as always.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 March, 2019, 06:20:47 PM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 26 March, 2019, 04:52:14 PM
Lazarus is back!

And it's another slice of gold, as always.

Bumper sized too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 26 March, 2019, 07:07:14 PM
Yeah I'm really enjoying the format, along with the supplementary fiction and material at the back it's perfect.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 27 March, 2019, 01:57:40 PM
I've just finished "Broadsword Calling Danny Boy" by Geoff Dyer (not a hard task, it barely breaks 100 pages). It is certainly the best book about "Where Eagles Dare" that I've read this year.

An odd read, it's mostly just the author's musings on the absurdity of the action and the mind of Richard Burton, but worth picking up if you have any affection for that film.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gtheperson on 27 March, 2019, 03:39:25 PM
I've just finished The Cold Between by Elizabeth Bonesteel, which was very good. A sort of sci-fi action thriller with some romance thrown in. Also A Time Travellers Guide to Medieval England, which was really interesting and pretty different from other history books I've read, giving a real feel of life in the 1300s.
Next on the pile is Reynold's Elysium Fire - I'm looking forward to getting back into the Revelation Space universe and I enjoyed The Prefect a lot back when I read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 30 March, 2019, 03:43:59 AM
Got some new reading material off Ebay to sink some teeth into this month.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/2417/k0X7EP.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MacabreMagpie on 14 April, 2019, 10:17:29 AM
'Dark Places' by Gillian Flynn currently. I was a little worried I wouldn't enjoy it so much because I REALLY loved 'Gone Girl' but my favourite element of her writing, I think, is the dark humour and that was pretty absent in 'Sharp Objects'. But despite it being more like the latter, I've found this much more immediately engaging at almost 100 pages in.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 14 April, 2019, 10:19:27 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 30 March, 2019, 03:43:59 AM
Got some new reading material off Ebay to sink some teeth into this month.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/2417/k0X7EP.jpg)

I do love how Larsen and co. utilised the silver age lenses of Big Bang to give the original Mighty Man more material. I'm still hoping for a full on Big Bang Comics Omnibus treatment one day...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 15 April, 2019, 08:07:55 PM
Faithless #1 written by Brian Azzarello, drawn by Maria Llovet. Really really good first issue. A girl Faith does magic signs and meets a mystery girl called Poppy. Day drinking, sex and a bit of horror stuff follows. First of all, Llovet's art is amazing. I'm amazed how much she does with so few lines. Loose and beautiful style. Also really cool to see Brian Azzarello writing something a bit different from the quite dark stuff he's been writing recently. For starters, it's set in day time. +1 positivity! No but seriously, it's a bit more grounded in reality than let's say Batman Damned. It's more fantastic elements reminded me a bit of how Haruki Murakami handles that stuff. Can't wait to read the next issue :)

Also. If someone is worried, the sex in this book is much more sensual rather than "sexy".

Here's a preview if anyone is interested :) https://www.boom-studios.com/2019/03/04/a-first-look-at-brian-azzarello-maria-llovets-faithless-1/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 16 April, 2019, 12:32:27 AM
Xstatix - the original run, in preparation for an rpg game where we're playing celebrity superheroes. Allred and Milligan make for a rather special book indeed!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 April, 2019, 06:08:23 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 16 April, 2019, 12:32:27 AM
Xstatix - the original run, in preparation for an rpg game where we're playing celebrity superheroes. Allred and Milligan make for a rather special book indeed!

It is brilliant and I'm delighted to see there's a special / one shot coming out soon(ish) by Milligan and Allred.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 16 April, 2019, 09:04:36 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 16 April, 2019, 06:08:23 AM
Quote from: Theblazeuk on 16 April, 2019, 12:32:27 AM
Xstatix - the original run, in preparation for an rpg game where we're playing celebrity superheroes. Allred and Milligan make for a rather special book indeed!

It is brilliant and I'm delighted to see there's a special / one shot coming out soon(ish) by Milligan and Allred.

Loved the Milligan / Allred books back in the day.

Will definitely keep an eye out for this.

I've started Locke and Key, having bought it in a Humble Bundle years ago. Been excellent so far, and really enjoying both story and art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 April, 2019, 11:47:09 AM
Man folks are reading good stuff at the moment. Locke and Key is another favourite of mine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 16 April, 2019, 02:07:53 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 16 April, 2019, 11:47:09 AM
Man folks are reading good stuff at the moment. Locke and Key is another favourite of mine.

It really is! And I'm intrigued to see the Netflix Adaptation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 16 April, 2019, 02:28:16 PM
Ooh, I didn't know about that - should be perfect for TV adaption, although it seems to have had a troubled development - an original pilot for Fox was made in 2011, then it was going to be a trilogy of movies, and finally after a flirtation with Hulu, it's now going to be with Netflix.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 16 April, 2019, 03:06:25 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 16 April, 2019, 02:28:16 PM
it seems to have had a troubled development - an original pilot for Fox was made in 2011, then it was going to be a trilogy of movies, and finally after a flirtation with Hulu, it's now going to be with Netflix.

Development Hell as we called it in the pre-internet / SFX Magazine days.
I really hope that they do it justice, it's such a good premise.

Anyone know if the unaired pilot from 2011 ever made it out to the inter-webs?
Looked for it a few times before.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 16 April, 2019, 03:37:05 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 16 April, 2019, 03:06:25 PM
Anyone know if the unaired pilot from 2011 ever made it out to the inter-webs?


There are 2 pilots:


Dreamworks/FOX (2011)

"Mark Romanek directed the hell out of it. It had a $10 million budget."

http://collider.com/locke-and-key-movie-update-joe-hill/


IDW/HULU (2018)

"IDW self-financed a Locke & Key pilot for Hulu at a cost of $13.6m"

https://www.newsarama.com/43359-idw-borrows-28m-from-its-chairman-for-tv-movie-projects.html

https://deadline.com/2018/03/locke-key-pilot-dead-not-going-to-series-hulu-pauses-pilot-orders-shopped-1202354352/

https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/270813/joe-hill-calls-andy-muschiettis-recently-dumped-locke-key-pilot-fcking-awesome/


Netflix aren't using the HULU pilot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 16 April, 2019, 05:34:14 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 16 April, 2019, 06:08:23 AM
I'm delighted to see there's a special / one shot coming out soon(ish) by Milligan and Allred.

Allred won't be drawn (pun not intended) on whether there might be more beyond Giant Size X-Statix, so maybe it won't just be a one-shot. Based on the cover, I was worried Milligan might be bringing Edie back - hers is a death that needs to stick, as it's all the more powerful for it - but the book will apparently feature a new U-Go Girl. Her daughter, now grown-up, maybe?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 17 April, 2019, 03:22:32 PM
Decided to dive into the Star Wars new canon novels so just finished the first one, New Dawn. Enjoyed it a lot, and it really put me in the mood to finally watch the last couple of seasons of Clone Wars that have been on the TODO list for a while!

Next up reading the Judges novellas, still got the last two to go.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 April, 2019, 12:01:18 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 17 April, 2019, 03:22:32 PM
Decided to dive into the Star Wars new canon novels so just finished the first one, New Dawn.

Of the 'new canon' stuff, I've only read Bloodline, the pre-TFA Leia novel, and Cobalt Squadron, the pre-TLJ Rose & Paige novel.  The former was genuinely very enjoyable, the latter a bit weaker and suffering from its YA ambience, but still interesting. Meaning to tackle JJM's New Dawn and the Wendig ones, at some point.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 22 April, 2019, 08:04:18 PM
After the one thousand page snooze fest that was SevenEves, it was nice to dip back into vintage UK comics territory for the Rebellion trade collection of the entire run of Fran Of The Floods, a daffy and episodic adventure romp through an England struck by a waterpocalypse which inexplicably has a name that I am 100 per cent convinced was the writer deliberately thinking of a euphemism for lady troubles and then seeing if he could get paid for it - which sounds unlikely until you remember that Alan Grant and John Wagner basically invented British comics as we currently know them by shouting things they thought were funny at each other in the pub and then seeing if they could get someone to publish it.
The first bunch of episodes are the best, as everyone turns on each other while the environment collapses and the world goes to Hell with everyone apprehensive about the end definitely coming any day now - basically, Alan Davidson predicted the current state of affairs with uncanny accuracy.
A lot of the panels are very meme-friendly because of the dated melodrama of it all ("I'm the king of Glasgow!"), but what I found welcome was the uncritical use of faith in some of the final episodes.  God is seen as a good thing despite the terrible destruction he's just wreaked upon the world, but that's not dwelt upon, faith is a thing that people are allowed to indulge in order to cope with what's happened and they're allowed to do so in a way that more cynical comics wouldn't have countenanced.  OTOH the characters are also menaced by a shark (seriously, Glasgow is one really shitty city) and then saved by a passing dolphin, so...
Maybe goes off the boil a bit after the first half - there's a whole arc about a death village whose central conceit is that the doctor is so terrible at his job he doesn't know what scurvy is - but the opening third and the last leg are very enjoyable.  Phil Gascoine plays a blinder on the art throughout.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 22 April, 2019, 08:23:54 PM
Oh, you didn't care for Seveneves? I found it rather gripping, or at least the first two thirds of it (that 3rd arcs was kind of a left turn). But I really like the kind of chunky hard science it was going for.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 22 April, 2019, 09:37:15 PM
I thought it was alright, but the technical manual/storytelling ratio put it into Tom Clancy territory for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 23 April, 2019, 03:40:48 PM
I read The Haunting of Tram Car 15 by P Djeli Clark, a rather good little novella set in an alternate Cairo where Djinn and other supernatural creatures have become commonplace since some point in the late 19th Century. I'm not a huge fan of 'urban fantasy' or 'ministry of magic' type stuff, as usually it comes off pretty hackneyed to me. But this was pretty brilliant with some compelling characters and I'd love to read more of this - I'll be reading it, A Dead Djinn in Cairo (https://www.tor.com/2016/05/18/a-dead-djinn-in-cairo/), on the train on the way home (available for free on Tor at this link).

Other than that I've been plowing through all the Laundry Files RPG books to mine for some stuff I'm putting together for the Delta Green RPG. Basically trying to do some material for the UK based PISCES agency, who are a kind of successful MK Ultra type programme but one that's been heavily compromised by aliens, unbeknownst to most of its agents. Some great stuff in The Laundry , might have to read them all again - kind of lost track around the Apocalypse Codex. One thing that leaps out in a difference of tone is that magic in the Laundry series is very commonplace for those in the know, far more than I really remembered.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 23 April, 2019, 04:46:31 PM
Stress has shifted focus with the last couple of laundry novels and widened his circle of characters.  Makes for an interesting turn of events as it is not all 'Bob Howard the Hero' ....

My personal Stephen King binge is continuing with The Stand.  It's been quite literally decades since I read it and it does stand up well.  Interesting the bits I recall.  Next on my list is Firestarter then I need to track down a copy of Dead Zone (both of which count as the only two decent film adaptations of books I've ever come across - no I haven't seen the Shining, and yes I do appreciate how great a lapse that is!).  The game plan is to round out the early novels (including actually reading Cujo and Christine which I never did back in the day) before moving on to some of his more recent work (okay, stuff he has written in the last 25 years).

Oh, and A R Luria's Cognitive Development: It's cultural and social foundations.  A fascinating study of cognition amongst natives of Uzbekistan in early Soviet Russia.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 23 April, 2019, 08:51:41 PM
Misty Volume 3: Wolf Girl and other stories - as ever, the art's fantastic, but this is probably the least of the Misty volumes released thus far, as the sudden climax to the main story just as it's getting interesting may be a great reminder of what a relentless meat grinder UK comics were in terms of content, but it's also terribly unsatisfying for someone who's reading the collected edition of the story in the here and now.*  The lead character just seems melodramatic and it's almost like she has some kind of what we would now recognise as Asbergers, consciously and compulsively acting out subconscious knowledge of her past (as a babby, she is reared briefly in the wild by a recently-bereaved she-wolf) to a ludicrous degree, and the wilderness survival chapters and the episodes where she's going crackers and none of her mates can understand feel too much like two entirely different stories that I find equally interesting separately, but together just don't pay off.
The rest of the book is made up of a bunch of werewolf or werewolf-adjacent short stories of variable quality, and (seamless segway) speaking of variable quality, this has to be some of the shoddiest reproduction I've seen in any of these books to date.  The colour pages are absolutely dreadful, for some reason reproduced entirely rather than the linework lifted and the colours reapplied digitally, which clearly isn't beyond the technical skills of the repro team as they do just that with an image from one of the worst pages in the book and then use it in cleaned-up form as a framing/credits page for one of the stories.  What really grates is that they haven't even cleaned up the lettering, which can be blurry and borderline-unreadable in places.
Probably the first missable entry in this series for me, though it had odd moments of enjoyable silliness.


* As a counterpoint, I read Kids Rule OK online years ago and the sudden ending - while hilarious - was somehow absolutely spot-on.  I just couldn't conceive of a more apt wrap-up than the one that I read and which I did not even need explaining with any real-world context.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 24 April, 2019, 09:06:33 PM
Jinty: The Land of No Tears and The Human Zoo.
Land of No Tears' arsehole lead character is an instant classic, being born with a gammy leg and milking it for all it's worth until the day she's given corrective surgery and does a Buck Rogers, waking up in a nightmarish future world where girls who are less than perfect for any reason - overweight, wearing glasses, having a bald spot - have to live like the house elves in Harry Potter, waiting on "the alpha girls" hand and foot.  I gather these kinds of stories where young heroes lost all agency and were trapped in oppressive systems were pretty popular with readers of girls' UK comics, but I just kept wondering why the lead character didn't put broken glass in the mean girl's food, or stab her while she was asleep.  The hysterics and melodrama are very entertaining while they last, though the wrap-up - if not terribly rushed - still feels a bit unsatisfying, and the story's attitude towards physical disability is really strange.
While I have seen the Human Zoo's promise of a story "where they treat girls like animals!" many times before, I have to say the videos on Pornhub were way off on how this scenario might play out.  I am not sure the science in this holds up to scrutiny, and I'm a bit confused how an alien race that uses computers to store and access information doesn't know how a written language works, but the story is fun while it lasts and some of the alien dad's comments about "human" animals were funny.  At this stage, a satisfying ending would be a break from tradition, but stories have to wrap up at some point.
The reproduction is really patchy, but there's nothing as egregious as the Misty Vol. 3 colour pages, it's just the odd page isn't as crisp as it could be.  The book weighs in at over 100 pages of strip, so there's plenty of reading in it, but it might be best for younger readers.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 25 April, 2019, 03:15:05 PM
I can highly recommend: The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman. The art from Liam Sharp is quite exceptional.  He wrote the story as well. Basically it is Batman/Wonder Woman going to Tri Na Nog to solve a murder.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 07 May, 2019, 06:03:32 PM
Beevor has a new ARNHEM book out which I've just picked up.  I'm a big fan and know a bit about Arnhem already and I remember reading about how Goldman struggled trying to adapt Ryan's book until he hit up on the "Cavalry to the rescue that failed" narrative.  So it'll be interesting to see what narrative spin Beevor puts on it.

* His description of the encirclement of the German army at Stalingrad was breathless stuff - paced like a novel itself. I think I mention it further up thread.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 07 May, 2019, 10:14:45 PM
MEDDLING KIDS

Derivative but such tremendous fun.

It reads like a cross between Umbrella Academy and Scooby Doo, with a dash of the Famous Five and a lot of Lovecraft.

Could be a novelization of a 2000ad strip - Survival Geeks is the closest, I think, but with a rotten town and the hint of slumbering oblivion at the bottom of the lake.

Recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 08 May, 2019, 02:27:13 AM
All the comics I read in March and April 2019

MARCH
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/YmC8CI.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q90/923/7crMyZ.png)

APRIL
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q90/921/0DmIQQ.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1280x1024q90/923/oKspiM.jpg)

(Add +1 to April, I did read Heroes in Crisis 08, but forgot to note it)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 May, 2019, 12:25:56 PM
Delighted that Dr.Stone has hit Chapter 100. It really has felt like a staple of the Jump for awhile now and I hope it continues to be as brilliant as it has been.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 08 May, 2019, 12:54:09 PM
Is Electric Warriors any relation to Jim Baikie's Electric Warrior?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 May, 2019, 04:54:44 PM
I read a book called Abbot from Boom Comics - pretty good stuff, if wrapped up a little too fast. Black female reporter in 1970s Detroit has a connection to dark forces she never even suspected, dark forces that have begun to rise again....

Nice artwork and a great main character who feels like part of a decently fleshed out and believable community.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 08 May, 2019, 05:20:25 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 08 May, 2019, 12:54:09 PM
Is Electric Warriors any relation to Jim Baikie's Electric Warrior?

Unfortunately, no. Other then the name they are unrelated. Electric Warriors is about the time period between The Great Disaster and The Legion of Super-Heroes. When earth is still devided between humans and sapient animals. The Earth is offered membership into the United Planets, and as part of it must offer champions to fight on the earth behaf in one-on-one blood sport to determine the outcome of political conflicts between worlds. Earth is the first world to send two representatives.

It's good, not great. Has a 2000AD vibe throughout its 6 issues.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 16 May, 2019, 05:21:51 PM
Invasion 1984! - Wagner / Grant / Bradbury.

Were John Wagner and Alan Grant writing virtually every strip in every British comic in the 80s? Yes, apparently. Here's another one. This alien invasion yarn ran in Battle just before I started reading the comic (possibly by a matter of weeks), so it was a new one on me. It has that trademark Wagner / Grant vicious streak in spades – Doomlord inevitably comes to mind – and a slightly perfunctory ending that suggests editorial said "Right, wrap it up there." Nonetheless, it's gloriously apocalyptic stuff - Glasgow even gets nuked early in the story. Bradbury's art is very atmospheric – he's great at the horrible skeletal (and slightly unfortunately named) alien 'spooks', he's great at depicting horrific viruses, and he's great at bringing a sense of realism to the mass destruction. However, I'm less convinced by his alien technology, particularly the spiky hover-tanks. A cracking read though, better than expected.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 16 May, 2019, 07:54:10 PM
Agree with Greg, Invasion 1984 was a great read
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 16 May, 2019, 10:06:26 PM
But do the aliens save the world so they can be taken to Butlins by their kindly Landlords?!

DOOMLORD IS SUPERIOR!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 17 May, 2019, 04:27:13 AM
I just wish one day we can get a totally complete collected Doomlord
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 25 May, 2019, 05:16:25 PM
The new edition of Absolute Authority vol 1. One word, kickass. Also like how it -even if I'd prefered it if it topped off the book- the inclusion of the Requim short. Made me like Jenny Sparks even more than before :)

It's probably my favorite book by Ellis now :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 03 June, 2019, 11:07:55 PM
The Sky Is Falling and Badge Of Infamy by Lester Del Ray, a writer I have never encountered nor heard of before, somehow.  I didn't really warm to The Sky Is Falling as I tend not to dig isekai* or fantasy in general, but it kept things nice and light and ripped along, and I think I even spotted where the spoof reboot of Dragnet from the 1980s got its one good joke from.  I think if I had any love for the genre I might have got along with it much better, though as it is, it's slight but inoffensive stuff.
Badge Of Infamy is much better, positing a dystopian corporate-owned future before such things were popular in fiction - I got the impression that the "lobbies" were based more on aggressive versions of unions than they were corporate cabals - and the main portion of the book feels like it could easily have been an influence on The Angry Planet strip from Tornado.  Writers typically being addicts, the characters chewing on fags in almost every paragraph didn't really jump out at me as significant but [spoiler]when it became relevant to the plot I actually laughed.[/spoiler]  Not as dated as I expected, and more enjoyable.

* Apart from A Vision Of Escaflowne, which all sci-fi lovers should give a shot whether they like animu or not.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 08 June, 2019, 08:00:31 PM
The green lantern #8 by Grant Morrison and Liam Sharp. Lovely tribute to Green arrow & Green Lantern by O'Neil and Adams, with the two (in green) finding themselves up against an alien drug ring. Fun and well written with fantastic art. My absolute favorite on going comic right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 09 June, 2019, 04:39:10 PM
North American Lake Monsters - good collection of horror short stories. Also read Visibile Filth by the same author. BLEAK. But good and eerie.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 10 June, 2019, 05:59:11 PM
This Storm by James Ellroy. Second book in his new new LA quartet set during WW2. Big loud and ugly as ever, and especially Dudley Liam Smith. He's not as unhinged as in Perfidia but still he's still amazingly mad. He may be valiantly introduced with the words "Perv shit on women mandates DEATH." but in no time things kick back into gear and he's a diabolical pill popping schemer and master war profiteer (with designs on the japanese interns) again. In Ellroy's own words, a "--piece of shit who should be stopped at any and all costs."

May sound like a regular James Ellroy book, but I feel he's taking his writing into very interesting directions. His usual focus on right wing bad men finding ruin when trying to do good is slowly moving towards good and vulnerable people doing bad things because they're so stuck being victims, and many times it's almost like a watching an animal gnawing of it's own leg in order to get out of a trap. What many of the characters believe is a curve in their moral road turns out to be a slippery chicane they wouldn't believe. It's interesting as it is painful as it is thrilling. Adding to this is another one of the book's quality, being able to describe and pervert politics without becoming political.

I cannot wait to read his next two LA books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 10 June, 2019, 08:41:20 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 10 June, 2019, 05:59:11 PM
This Storm by James Ellroy. Second book in his new new LA quartet set during WW2. Big loud and ugly as ever, and especially Dudley Liam Smith. He's not as unhinged as in Perfidia but still he's still amazingly mad. He may be valiantly introduced with the words "Perv shit on women mandates DEATH." but in no time things kick back into gear and he's a diabolical pill popping schemer and master war profiteer (with designs on the japanese interns) again. In Ellroy's own words, a "--piece of shit who should be stopped at any and all costs."

May sound like a regular James Ellroy book, but I feel he's taking his writing into very interesting directions. His usual focus on right wing bad men finding ruin when trying to do good is slowly moving towards good and vulnerable people doing bad things because they're so stuck being victims, and many times it's almost like a watching an animal gnawing of it's own leg in order to get out of a trap. What many of the characters believe is a curve in their moral road turns out to be a slippery chicane they wouldn't believe. It's interesting as it is painful as it is thrilling. Adding to this is another one of the book's quality, being able to describe and pervert politics without becoming political.

I cannot wait to read his next two LA books.

Great review. Used to love Ellroy but fell away when I baulked at the heft of American Tabloid. You've made me give him another shot, Daddy-O.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 10 June, 2019, 08:43:32 PM
My reading list for May 2019
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/8lQjN6.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/LmTJ85.png)

So, the big stuff I did in May was; Finish Planetary (pretty good). Keep trucking through Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Part 3 - Stardust Crusaders (Rated J for Jojo), and discovered that Robert Venditti & Bryan Hitch's new Hawkman series is f-ing FANTASTIC. I don't even care about Hawkman. Highly recommend.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 11 June, 2019, 06:17:34 PM
Quote from: Frank on 10 June, 2019, 08:41:20 PM
Great review. Used to love Ellroy but fell away when I baulked at the heft of American Tabloid. You've made me give him another shot, Daddy-O.

Thanks :) --Yeah, throw the demon dog another bone!

Both Perfidia and This storm are big on story, but is much more comprehensive than either of American tabloid, Cold six thousand and Blood's a roover. Much thanks to the prose not being as super zippy like theírs. At times Cold six thousand read like William Burroughs doing performing his cut up technique on Kenneth Anger's Hollywood Babylon.

Also helps that the stories taking place during a couple of days each in the shadow of Pearl harbour instead of meticulously perverting 15 years of history like the underground USA trilogy does (which I love btw).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 16 June, 2019, 02:47:54 AM
Currently reading: Meltdown Man, by Alan Hebden and Massimo Bellardinelli

This story was in the Prog way before my time, so this is my first time reading it. I confess that while I've been aware of this volume for some time, I never felt that inclined to it. On seeing Alan Hebden and John Wagner* advertise their wares at Lawless, I thought, "Why not?" and bought the volumes at the creators' desks later.

I'm really glad I did.

Very minor negatives first: I do find the dialogue very much, of its time, kinda on the nose and a bit cheesy. And I groan a little inside when considering the fact the female cat Yujee just looks like an attractive woman with vaguely feline characteristics, while all the other yujees have full animal heads. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love their design. I'm referring to the fact that if they're all going to be animal head humanoids, that should apply to Liana too. To be fair, she is a bit more catlike in Bellardinelli's art than her long haired design on the front cover (which is also nice) but she is still rather more humanlike than the other yujees. There is another cat character, who has a full cat head, the tiger henchman, who fits the normal yujee profile.

Positives:It's a very good fun fantasy adventure story so far, and the sublime  Bellardinelli art is worth it alone. It's so richly detailed, and  I love his creature designs.

I've only just started the book, but I'm enjoying it a lot.

* Rok of the Reds in Wagner's case, which I'll review a bit later.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Funt Solo on 23 June, 2019, 03:32:30 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 16 June, 2019, 02:47:54 AM
Currently reading: Meltdown Man, by Alan Hebden and Massimo Bellardinelli

Even though my first 2000 AD was prog 146, my regular reading started with 178 (almost a jump-on prog, aside from it being at part 23 of The Judge Child) - which is where Meltdown Man started (along with The Mean Arena, Strontium Dog in Death's Head and the Nemesis prequel Killer Watt).

And Dash Decent, but shhh!  This is supposed to be the golden age.

Any road: as you know, Meltdown Man stayed in the prog every week for 50 progs!  And for me as a new reader, this just seemed normal.  I'm very fond of the strip, and I'm sure partly it's just rose-tinted nostalgia, but man - I'll take it.  And, yeah, Liana was a furry compared to all the other yujees.  Mind you, wasn't one of them just entirely in animal form?  (I don't want to go into too much detail in case I spoiler.)




146178
(http://www.2000ad.org/covers/2000ad/mediumres/146.jpg)   (http://www.2000ad.org/covers/2000ad/mediumres/178.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mardroid on 23 June, 2019, 07:38:01 PM
Quote from: Funt Solo on 23 June, 2019, 03:32:30 PM
Quote from: Mardroid on 16 June, 2019, 02:47:54 AM
Currently reading: Meltdown Man, by Alan Hebden and Massimo Bellardinelli

Even though my first 2000 AD was prog 146, my regular reading started with 178 (almost a jump-on prog, aside from it being at part 23 of The Judge Child) - which is where Meltdown Man started (along with The Mean Arena, Strontium Dog in Death's Head and the Nemesis prequel Killer Watt).

And Dash Decent, but shhh!  This is supposed to be the golden age.

Any road: as you know, Meltdown Man stayed in the prog every week for 50 progs!  And for me as a new reader, this just seemed normal.  I'm very fond of the strip, and I'm sure partly it's just rose-tinted nostalgia, but man - I'll take it.  And, yeah, Liana was a furry compared to all the other yujees.  Mind you, wasn't one of them just entirely in animal form?  (I don't want to go into too much detail in case I spoiler.)




146178
(http://www.2000ad.org/covers/2000ad/mediumres/146.jpg)   (http://www.2000ad.org/covers/2000ad/mediumres/178.jpg)

You're right. [spoiler]The super psychic King Cobra[/spoiler]. I forget his actual name. [Spoiler] Maybe it's difficult to bioengineer a creature with human characteristic of is got no legs! Heh.[/spoiler]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Funt Solo on 24 June, 2019, 05:24:20 AM
Quote from: Apestrife on 10 June, 2019, 05:59:11 PM
This Storm by James Ellroy. Second book in his new new LA quartet set during WW2...

I used to be big into Ellroy, but way back - so far that I'm not even sure those brain cells are still operational.  Your review here makes me want to get back on board.

First, though, I've just started into Baptism of Fire by Andrej Sapkowski (sometimes thought of as Book 3 of The Witcher saga) and it's crazy, dark, twisted and compelling.  (And also a bit like being in the middle of someone's D&D campaign.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 07 July, 2019, 12:24:24 PM
4321 by Paul Auster I love Auster's New York trilogy, but I've to read something else by him to love. Had high hopes for 4321 with it's premise of 4 different lives of one person, but I don't think it delivered. Especially not the ending. Some magic and here and there among the pages, but overall it just felt overly long.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 July, 2019, 01:06:13 PM
To my eternal shame I'm back on the Star Wars novels. Currently 2/3 of the way through Chuck Wendig's Aftermath trilogy, set in the months (or is it years? No-one seems sure about that) immediately after Endor, but in line with the Disney continuity. I don't quite know what to make of the YA-level sex'n'violence in a SW setting, but I think it works overall. In some ways this is a much more detailed look at the fall of the Empire than anything we had in the old EU canon, and one that (obviously) sets-up the setup of the Sequel Trilogy. Wendig writes this stuff well, and there are some well-sketched new characters that do most of the heavy lifting, but there is a distinct absence of a strong editorial hand: he has a few favourite stock phrases that are massively overused ("his one arm", for example), and a tendency to overuse certain aliens (I find it hard to believe that the New Republic is heavily Pantoran, a minor world introduced in The Clone Wars, and IIRC only represented on film by Lucas and his family) employed in a way that suggests a SW thesaurus rather than any particular racial characteristics, and at the same time populates worlds with distinctly Earth-based flora and fauna.  Easily fixed, I would have thought.

Anyway, I didn't come here for the literary fireworks, rather for a dose of plot and adventure, and this has both in abundance. The use of the main screen characters and events alongside, but not dominating, the new ones is the best implementation of this approach I've seen (shades of I, Jedi).  I had a few 'oh no!' moments, which means I got my money's worth.

Oh the shame.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 July, 2019, 06:37:38 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 07 July, 2019, 12:24:24 PM
4321 by Paul Auster I love Auster's New York trilogy, but I've to read something else by him to love. Had high hopes for 4321 with it's premise of 4 different lives of one person, but I don't think it delivered. Especially not the ending. Some magic and here and there among the pages, but overall it just felt overly long.

Oh that's really interesting as I've enjoyed all the Paul Auster I've read. Out of interest which other books have you tried?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 11 July, 2019, 07:58:54 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 08 July, 2019, 06:37:38 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 07 July, 2019, 12:24:24 PM
4321 by Paul Auster I love Auster's New York trilogy, but I've to read something else by him to love. Had high hopes for 4321 with it's premise of 4 different lives of one person, but I don't think it delivered. Especially not the ending. Some magic and here and there among the pages, but overall it just felt overly long.

Oh that's really interesting as I've enjoyed all the Paul Auster I've read. Out of interest which other books have you tried?

Said New York Trilogy (City of glass : Ghosts : The locked room) which is one of my favorite books.

Other than it and 4321 if I remember things correctly: The Book of Illusions, Travels in the Scriptorium. I think one more as well. Been 10 years. Got any recommendations? :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 July, 2019, 09:09:56 PM
I'd go with his 90s stuff. Music of Chance, Leviathon, Mr Vertigo and if you want something pretty different Timbuktu. All really good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 12 July, 2019, 10:00:23 AM
Must dig in to Auster some day - I think I read a story once about a gambler who was forced to dig ditches on some guy's land to repay a poker debt, which I really enjoyed - was that him?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 July, 2019, 10:12:18 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 12 July, 2019, 10:00:23 AM
Must dig in to Auster some day - I think I read a story once about a gambler who was forced to dig ditches on some guy's land to repay a poker debt, which I really enjoyed - was that him?

That's 'Music of Chance' from the Auster golden age I mention below. Interesting runs almost opposite to the 2000ad one. The only answer to this is of course while 2000ad was a bit rubbish Paul Auster stopped reading it and therefore had more time to concentrate on his books... its clearly the reason.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 12 July, 2019, 05:33:45 PM
Jasper FForde "early riser"
the paperback's just come out
loved shades of grey [the jasper fforde one!]
Only thing, there's a lot of asterisks but they're all explanatory !
F@@k i miss Pratchett
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 20 July, 2019, 03:58:17 PM
Alan Moore's Swamp thing saga. I found it to be very cool. Did a good job with it's focus on sex stuff and nature's beauty in the guise of a horror comic. Very different from my usual reading of Moore. Quite disturbing at times (as expected from Moore) but I think it's focus love stood out.

I'm looking forward to the recolouring made for the absolute of Swamp thing. Hoping it's on par with the work DC did on Sandman.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 20 July, 2019, 11:21:13 PM
I signed up for DC Universe app to give its comic selection a go and set some goals to hit by the end of the month. So far I'm making pretty good progress. These are the comics I'm working through

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/4391/TGPiVA.jpg)

This is some of the stuff I've been reading on ComiXology recently.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img921/9260/78TKja.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img923/5122/lgdbMw.jpg)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/9243/BisGxz.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 02 August, 2019, 02:50:52 PM
American Carnage #1-9 by Bryan Edward Hill.The first ever Vertigo comic I read was 100Bullets. A fantastic start. American Carnage will probably be the last one (technically), and it's a damn fine swan song.

American Carnage is a really dark tale about a former undercover FED Rick who takes on a job infiltrating a far right leader's inner circle. The back drop is a war between white supremacy groups and Rick himself is a mix race (black/white) who can get away as white, something the book takes into some very interesting and tough directions.

Bryan Edward Hill writes a story which is far from good guys vs bad guys. I get the feeling he's done quite a bit of research, and a fantastic job on making the characters being the driving force of a story which is alot more complex than a bunch of "I vote Obama" vs "I vote Trump" hoo-ha. A burning cross in the first issue got me a bit worried, but in a later issue it was adressed in a very interesting way which really served the story.

I read it on comixology and can't wait to pick it up as a trade.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 August, 2019, 09:31:06 PM
Just read 'Phonogram - Rue Britannia' for the first time and while I was nervous going in, seeing as Britpop has such a specific part in my growing up and to be honest it mirrored exactly my fears. And it knew it, it was completely self aware, but still couldn't save itself... well almost entirely.

I did a lot during Britpop. I briefly celebrated folks suddenly getting my music as 'Stay Beautiful' got to number 2 (or whatever, just checked and it was number 3 but in my head it will always be number 2! oh and that really isn't a poo joke!). Then realising that I didn't like folks liking my music, as being a self righteous, self preclaimed music snob it all rather wreaked it for me. Then realising quite quickly that it was all okay and they didn't really get it and most of Britpop was crap and as a movement it was bland beyond words and anyway America and other countries were still producing the most of the best music anyway...

...that Pulp made it wasn't cos of Britpop it was cos they were bloody brilliant and world's collided and they got what they deserved, even if people didn't get the 10 years slogging it in Sheffield was what made them important...

Britpop matters exactly nowt...

and Keiron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie completely get that and play with it. They even get which bands were good and which were bad ... most the time there are no bloody excuses for Sham-bloody-poo... but still they make this the heart of the comic and hence it nags away.

It makes what's a great story about the very things we think shape us, that should mean something but don't, all the harder to buy into and embrace by wrapping it in somethings that's sad meaninglessness makes it perfect or the tale told... it just kinda did my head in.

The at the end SPOILERS Beth realising you can lock away the meaning, move on and hug your new life and still relish the old for what it was and I want to read it again and love it more 'cos I love that ending.

Bloody annoying comic!

Oh and the Boo Radleys are from bloody New Brighton - well across the Wirral - but I believe its New Brighton that counts, not Liverpool. I bloody love Liverpool but that always bugs me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 03 August, 2019, 12:59:37 AM
Quote from: Mardroid on 16 June, 2019, 02:47:54 AM
Very minor negatives first: I do find the dialogue very much, of its time, kinda on the nose and a bit cheesy. And I groan a little inside when considering the fact the female cat Yujee just looks like an attractive woman with vaguely feline characteristics, while all the other yujees have full animal heads. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love their design. I'm referring to the fact that if they're all going to be animal head humanoids, that should apply to Liana too. To be fair, she is a bit more catlike in Bellardinelli's art than her long haired design on the front cover (which is also nice) but she is still rather more humanlike than the other yujees. There is another cat character, who has a full cat head, the tiger henchman, who fits the normal yujee profile.


Tiger Commander and Leo the Lionman.  Agree with you on Liana - the first time we see her we could charitably agree with Stone's assessment that "your face, like a cat's" but from that point on she looks human, even more so after the [spoiler]meta plague[/spoiler].  Though I think in early episodes - literally just the first two or three - her hands are more claw-like.


p.s. glad you like it - Meltdown Man is one of my absolute favourite 2000AD series, and one of the worst parts of the 1990s for me was when editorial of the time slagged off what had gone before, including Belardinelli's magnus opus (not to downgrade his fine work on Ace Trucking Co and Slaine).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 03 August, 2019, 03:15:01 PM
What I'm reading... a Twitter Thread.... because I'm too lazy to transpose it to Forum format... Read and be enlightened of my comic reading goings on in the month of July 2019...

https://twitter.com/JamesQPurcell/status/1156945945109630977?s=20
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 August, 2019, 09:52:14 PM
And tonight I read 'Phonogram - Singles' and to be honest it feels very empty. A good idea with nothing to back it up (aside from pretty pictures)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Karl Stephan on 07 August, 2019, 11:24:37 PM
The Best of Milligan & McCarthy. It's got some old favourites and gems I've never read before.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 August, 2019, 07:47:53 AM
Ender's Game. The Boy has to read this for school, and despite being a major OSC fanboy in my youth I had rid my shelves of his writing a few years back in response to his reprehensible views. So I picked up a second hand copy (no revenue for religious homophobes) as part of the hateful back-to-school rituals and decided to give it a read on the way home.

Blimey. There's no denying Card's shockingly precise vision  (in 1985) of how the internet would work, and how ambitious psychopaths could manipulate it to create a political power base.  And there's a lot to enjoy in Ender's struggles in the brutialsing lacophiliac* world of the battleschool.

But holy crap, is he obsessed with those wily Jews!

The same Boy also has read To Kill A Mockingbird over the summer, so I got reacquainted with that joy of a book. Surprisingly similar at a superficial level, pecocious siblings kids somewhat separate from but embedded within their twisted societies deal with the moral impositions of the adult world, but the quality of the writing and the sensitivity of portrayals are on completely different levels...

*borrowing an important neologism from @MykeCoye.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 08 August, 2019, 02:53:40 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 02 August, 2019, 09:31:06 PM
Just read 'Phonogram - Rue Britannia' for the first time and while I was nervous going in, seeing as Britpop has such a specific part in my growing up and to be honest it mirrored exactly my fears. And it knew it, it was completely self aware, but still couldn't save itself... well almost entirely.

Kieron Gillen is ex-NME, isn't he? Phonogram reads exactly like a comic from an NME writer, anyway.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 08 August, 2019, 03:44:04 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 August, 2019, 07:47:53 AMEnder's Game.

The only science fiction book that was required reading in USMC officer training programmes.  Make of that what you will.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Theblazeuk on 08 August, 2019, 04:52:23 PM
Quote from: CalHab on 08 August, 2019, 02:53:40 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 02 August, 2019, 09:31:06 PM
Just read 'Phonogram - Rue Britannia' for the first time and while I was nervous going in, seeing as Britpop has such a specific part in my growing up and to be honest it mirrored exactly my fears. And it knew it, it was completely self aware, but still couldn't save itself... well almost entirely.

Kieron Gillen is ex-NME, isn't he? Phonogram reads exactly like a comic from an NME writer, anyway.

I think he might have written some stuff. To me he's mainly ex PC Gamer/Rock Paper Shotgun
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 08 August, 2019, 05:30:39 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 August, 2019, 07:47:53 AM
Ender's Game. The Boy has to read this for school, and despite being a major OSC fanboy in my youth I had rid my shelves of his writing a few years back in response to his reprehensible views. So I picked up a second hand copy (no revenue for religious homophobes) as part of the hateful back-to-school rituals and decided to give it a read on the way home.

Blimey. There's no denying Card's shockingly precise vision  (in 1985) of how the internet would work, and how ambitious psychopaths could manipulate it to create a political power base.  And there's a lot to enjoy in Ender's struggles in the brutialsing lacophiliac* world of the battleschool.

But holy crap, is he obsessed with those wily Jews!

Typical Mormon xenophobia. Good luck trying to find a black Mormon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 08 August, 2019, 07:36:08 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 08 August, 2019, 05:30:39 PM

Good luck trying to find a black Mormon.


In 2015 an estimated 700,000 people of African ancestry around the world claimed The LDS Church as their spiritual home including 333,000 in sub-Saharan Africa. (https://www.blackpast.org/special-features/african-americans-and-church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints/)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 08 August, 2019, 08:19:46 PM
Quote from: The Legendary Shark on 08 August, 2019, 07:36:08 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 08 August, 2019, 05:30:39 PM

Good luck trying to find a black Mormon.


In 2015 an estimated 700,000 people of African ancestry around the world claimed The LDS Church as their spiritual home including 333,000 in sub-Saharan Africa. (https://www.blackpast.org/special-features/african-americans-and-church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints/)
Thanks Sharky.  :P
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 08 August, 2019, 08:32:19 PM

Sorry, vB - I didn't mean anything by it. There's a Mormon church in Chorley and, once it was completed, they opened it up to anyone who wanted to take a look before it got sanctified. It was magnificent and the Mormons seemed pretty cool at the time. I had no inkling of their past so I was intrigued to find out if they really were racist and I did a quick Google to find that website. Seems they have had their share of racist problems in the past but it looks like they're trying to set things right.

I'm not into religion myself so I'm neither condoning or condemning them. Nothing against you either, VB - I thought you might like to know what I found, is all.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 08 August, 2019, 09:01:50 PM
No offence was taken Sharky. I've got a number of Mormons in my extended family and their views on race are less than sane.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 08 August, 2019, 09:11:59 PM

Thanks.

I come across as a twat so often that I sometimes forget I'm actually a really nice bloke! :D

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 08 August, 2019, 09:16:39 PM
 :lol:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 18 August, 2019, 11:27:16 AM

I've realised that what I'm after in a comic is something that feels like it could have run in 2000ad circa 1987-1990, that sweet spot when the new kids were tearing through the Nerve Centre, spray-painting Rimbaud verses on Tharg's back, and the old guard were still around but raising their game while planning their exit.


(https://i.imgur.com/Dbswi4C.jpg?1)


Sea Of Stars  (Image)  l  Jason Aaron  l  Dennis Hallum  l  Stephen Green

I took a punt on this because the Stranded Space Trucker synopsis reminded me a little of Alan Moore and John Richardson's Killer In The Cab (i). I love a focused, single-setting survival story, like Gravity or All Is Lost, so I was disconcerted to find that the practical space mechanics lesson I'd expected featured space monkeys and an annoying kid with powers.

After I got over that disappointment, I enjoyed this well enough. Despite the Yorkie metaphor that lured me in Aaron's working the old seafaring analogue (ii), deploying Space Whales and Space Eels without shame. At his lowest ebb, Gil washes up on an abandoned freighter containing a hostile robot, so that met my 87-90 criterion, even if Kyle's no Cookie (https://i.imgur.com/8ETvFXf.jpg).

Because Aaron and Green have 22 pages to work with, we get desaturated flashbacks to Gil's dead wife that the story could do without. Despite the extra space, Aaron treats us to some clunky Basil crammed into a few panels at the start of the story explaining Dead Wife and why the kid had to come along this trip, which feels like it's there because Aaron got notes (iii).

Green's art is nice; his inks and faces sometimes reminding me of Colin Wilson. Aaron's theme is Parents Would Crawl Over Hot Coals For Their Kid, which is the kind of guff all new-dad authors pen after putting together a flat-pack bed or eBaying action figures to pay for school clothes. Space (iv) is improbably densely populated with organic life, but fuck it.

Maybe the creators see this spinning off into a lucrative franchise, but at the moment it reads like the kind of single-use story and simple action-adventure premise that would have fitted into early 2000ad, which I wish Tharg could find room for amid the slow-burn, atmospheric multi-bookers and their allegories concerning our present woes. 3.6 roentgen.


(i) Which I read when it was reprinted in prog 532 (http://www.2000ad.org/?zone=prog&page=profiles&choice=532), rather than on its original appearance in 170, so it fits my head canon of stuff from 1987-1990

(ii) Clue's in the title

(iii) From Beta-readers, presumably, since Image insist traditional editorial intervention isn't part of their schtick.

(iv) Actual space, as in vacuum, rather than planets.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 28 August, 2019, 02:30:07 PM
Been reading the most recent Game of Thrones book but having to break it up with other things because it's only engaging me for chunks at a time and boring the hell out of me for others, so my current palate cleanser is Death Got No Mercy by Al Ewing. I'm not far into it but the protagonist just had a fistfight with a bear so I'm on board.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 28 August, 2019, 02:48:44 PM
If you pay very close attention, you can see where Al Ewing wrote himself a Clive Cussler-style cameo into the book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 August, 2019, 09:39:11 AM
A quick comfort-food re-read of On Writing over the summer, after the rather disappointing The Outsider (I just don't get on with [spoiler]Lisbeth Holly Gibney[/spoiler], and wasn't expecting to find her here), led me into a selective re-visiting of Stephen King's deep bibliography, aimed at filling gaps and refreshing ancient memories.  What extra joy having On Writing firmly in mind brings to the project! So much fun seeing incidents from his life and writing philosophy crop up over and over.  After a blast through the older short story collections, I'm currently deep into It, screen versions of which have confused my recall enough to feel like a new novel.  Most enjoyable, soothing even. 

Other childish indulgences of late: Sandy Mitchell's Ciaphus Cain WH40K franchise books (light and frothy SFFlashman homage), Joe Abercrombie's Half a World (YA fantasy that breezes along pleasantly) and Claudia Gray's Lost Stars (more YA, of a SW flavour this time, which pulls off the interesting trick of explaining how a decent person might end up serving the Empire, and why Luke was so keen to get to that Academy of theirs.  Gray is a clumsy writer, but her characters ring true).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 August, 2019, 09:50:48 AM
Oh yeah, and Robert Harris' The Ghost, definitely his weakest book, to the point of being laughably bad. Despite being a fan, I'd been avoiding this one for years, and I wish I had continued to do so. A horny Cherie Blair was something I didn't need in my head.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 29 August, 2019, 11:26:39 AM
I'm currently working my way through the Dredd-world novels. I read Dredd year 1 & 2 a while ago, and recently bought Judges, Rico and Anderson Year 1

Judges is great, telling stories from 2033 when the newly formed Judges were still working alongside regular police. The first two stories are excellent (Mike Carroll's, unsurprisingly is the best), but the third was a little opaque in it's style - lot's of flashbacks and out-of-context conversations where it's unclear who is speaking - I'll be expounding further in the Mega City Book Club at some point in the future!)

I'm 2/3 way through Rico - I wondered how this could work, but Mike has created a well-rounded prison-world and an intriguing portrayal of Rico - he's not evil per se, he just thinks that the administration of justice works better with flexibility, working with known criminal gangs to maintain peace for "innocents" rather than punishing every crime with an iron fist - his justifications and self-delusion are far more plausible than simple greed or wickedness. And of course, he's super-skilled and totally badass, as you'd expect from a Dredd clone.

Not yet got started on Alec Worley's Anderson Year one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 29 August, 2019, 06:53:48 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 29 August, 2019, 09:50:48 AMA horny Cherie Blair was something I didn't need in my head.

Oh, I don't know. There are probably worse parts of your anatomy to find her occupying.

Regards,

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 02 September, 2019, 12:38:18 PM
Staying on (this) topic, I was un/fortunate to read a Twitter thread around the observation that male authors writing female characters tend to have them endlessly reflecting on their breasts/nipples.

All my current reading is now blighted. Once noted, it is endemic, and bizarre. In particular, it seems impossible for a male-written female character to feel cold without a comment on the state of their nipples, irrespective of age, or to un/dress or wash without reflection on the size/shape/consistency of their breasts. Men, it turns out, really are pathetic: even my man King is a major offender here.

Anyway, it's weird as feck and now it's all I can see, and so I've passed it on to y'all. Enjoy the wokeness.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 02 September, 2019, 12:50:30 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 02 September, 2019, 12:38:18 PM
Men, it turns out, really are pathetic: even my man King is a major offender here.

Oh, no, King's terrible for that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 02 September, 2019, 12:55:43 PM
I must say as much as i'm loving Aaranovitch's Rivers of London series he does have a tendency to over describe his female cast's physical characteristics in a way he doesn't his males, occasionally it borders into the excessive.

Still, you want some high tier cringe, watch any of the Strange Aeons reviews of Greg "Onision" Avorae's woeful incel tomes, they way that man see's women is truly on another level abhorrent.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 02 September, 2019, 10:41:32 PM
The Gone Away World by Nick Harkaway - absolutely brilliant! New secret weapon nearly wipes out the world, by dissolving reality. The narrator takes you through his involvement alongside his buddy/brother. Extremely engaging, superb high-end prose, and with an imagination I have not come across for quite some time!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Lorenzo on 03 September, 2019, 09:41:40 AM
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Life_and_Opinions_of_Tristram_Shandy,_Gentleman)  No, not the book... the graphic novel by Martin Rowson! (https://vimeo.com/16285414)
Being a pleb I've never read the original but I have seen A Cock and Bull Story (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0423409/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1) with Steve Coogan several times because I enjoyed its madness so much. Now, I really enjoy Rowson's inimitable style of political cartoons for the Guardian but, in this book, his style mimics that of the 19th century Punch magazine.
It's bonkers, brilliantly drawn and hilarious. It can take forever to read as each page has so much detail you have to study each plate really carefully.
If you want something a bit different, check out the video link or visit Self Made Hero (https://selfmadehero.com/).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 03 September, 2019, 09:50:16 AM
Quote from: Lorenzo on 03 September, 2019, 09:41:40 AM
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Life_and_Opinions_of_Tristram_Shandy,_Gentleman)  No, not the book... the graphic novel by Martin Rowson! (https://vimeo.com/16285414)

Ooh, thanks for the heads up! Have long intended to tackle the book, but the GN looks even more up my alley!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 September, 2019, 10:12:28 AM
That sounds great! Book is brilliant, as is the Coogan film, and Rowson generally arsom, so I'll have to see this. Thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 03 September, 2019, 02:58:23 PM
My Comics Read in August 2019

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/922/X5pNbw.png)

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/924/etLzYL.png)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 03 September, 2019, 03:30:31 PM
I am a big fan of Conan. So when Marvel acquired the rights to publish Conan, I was very skeptical. 

I just read both the "Savage Sword Of Conan: The Cult Of Koga Thun" and "Conan The Barbarian Vol. 1: The Life And Death Of Conan Book One". I can as a fan recommended both, great art and great storytelling.

So yes Marvel I can give you a  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 03 September, 2019, 03:53:45 PM
Whereas I am in the opposite camp. I read the first three issues of both and gave up. The storytelling was weak and the art was amateurish.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 05 September, 2019, 08:57:18 AM
Quote from: Professor Bear on 28 August, 2019, 02:48:44 PM
If you pay very close attention, you can see where Al Ewing wrote himself a Clive Cussler-style cameo into the book.

It was very subtle, but I think I spotted it! That was fun.

Quote from: TordelBack on 02 September, 2019, 12:38:18 PM
Staying on (this) topic, I was un/fortunate to read a Twitter thread around the observation that male authors writing female characters tend to have them endlessly reflecting on their breasts/nipples.

All my current reading is now blighted. Once noted, it is endemic, and bizarre. In particular, it seems impossible for a male-written female character to feel cold without a comment on the state of their nipples, irrespective of age, or to un/dress or wash without reflection on the size/shape/consistency of their breasts. Men, it turns out, really are pathetic: even my man King is a major offender here.

Anyway, it's weird as feck and now it's all I can see, and so I've passed it on to y'all. Enjoy the wokeness.

I've been following a Twitter account (called something like Men Writing Women? Something along those lines) which collects lots of very cringey examples of this sort of thing. It made me realize how much of this bizarre stuff I've been seeing in books forever and which somehow just hasn't registered as weird (because it's always been there maybe?) but now that I've had it pointed out to me and seeing all those examples pulled out I know it's really going to slap me in the face (or the nipples maybe) every time I see it in something I'm reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 05 September, 2019, 10:41:12 AM
I recall one passage doing the rounds where a male writer describes a post coital scenario where the poor lass is somehow able to "feel" where the little white buggers are worming around inside her.

Truly bottom of the barrel cringe material.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 09 September, 2019, 03:39:47 PM
God Hates Astronauts. A funny, anarchic and messy (in a good way) mash up of superheroes, sci fi and whatever weird shit enters its creator Ryan Browne's head.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 September, 2019, 04:28:26 PM
Quote from: GordyM on 09 September, 2019, 03:39:47 PM
God Hates Astronauts. A funny, anarchic and messy (in a good way) mash up of superheroes, sci fi and whatever weird shit enters its creator Ryan Browne's head.

Its brilliant isn't it. I'll be re-reading soon and very much looking forward to that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 15 September, 2019, 06:42:03 PM
Seven Soldiers by Grant Morrison. I don't know how to describe it other than it being a brilliant and very rewarding read (reread as well). While a thing or two about the seven unknown men in slaughter swamp still is a bit of a mystery to me (especially regarding the coat towards the end), but other than that I could really felt most of coming together in my head. Other than the cross over cleverness I'm also at awe over the imagination which went into each one of the arcs of the story. Frankenstein's especially.

Won't be long till I give it another read. And I cannot recommend the recent omnibus enough  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 15 September, 2019, 07:20:19 PM
For me, the highpoint is the Klarion stuff with Frazer Irving - very atmospheric, very unique ambience.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Patrick on 18 September, 2019, 06:49:23 PM
I've been out of comics for a couple of years, but last week I picked up "My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies", an origibal Criminal gn by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. I hadn't realised I missed those guys. Gorgeous work - and fantastic colouring by Sean's son Jacob. It was apparently the pilot for a new Criminal series that started in January - I'll have to catch up on that.

(https://noirwhale.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/four-words.jpg?w=584)

(http://images.tcj.com/2018/10/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5uZXdzYXJhbWEuY29tL2ltYWdlcy9pLzAwMC8yMzQvMDM4L29yaWdpbmFsL01ISEFCSl8xLmpwZw.jpeg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 20 September, 2019, 04:57:06 PM
I'm currently on a bit of an early King re-read.  Having worked my way through both the Talisman and Stand again, I've blitzed through Firestarter once again and now on to Dead Zone.  The others have all lived up to my memory of them so it will be interesting to see how Dead Zone fares as it has long been a favourite of mine from his early work.  I've also got Shining there as well for a reread.

One thing that does strike me as interesting is that I've yet to really pick up on a common thematic link in his work.  I've found with many writers like Dick, Le Carre, Orwell or Dickens you can normally find some kind of thematic milieu so to speak.  So in Dick there is this common question about perception and reality, for Le Carre it is the dilapidated British empire, for Orwell it is the decrepit middle class ...  In King's case though I'm still working to pin it down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 20 September, 2019, 05:10:32 PM
perhaps it's EVERYTHING IS TRYING TO KILL YOU - AND I MEAN EVERYTHING!

He's said in the past that the best horror comes from unexpected innocuous things - cars, clowns, pet dogs etc, rather than 'monsters'

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 20 September, 2019, 06:16:16 PM
Interesting point. It's true you never quite know what you're going to get with him.

Dead Zone is also a personal favourite.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 September, 2019, 08:05:57 PM
Just today read Elevation as part of my own ongoing KingFest. Now that's a hard one to classify, it's almost magical realism.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MacabreMagpie on 20 September, 2019, 08:19:48 PM
I'm reading 'Salem's Lot' currently for the first time. Too early in to make any kind of comment but I do like to read some classic King around this time of year... preferably an old, tattered copy found in a charity shop..

I picked it up whilst reading The Dark Tower when it became obvious I would benefit from reading this story before continuing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 21 September, 2019, 05:07:28 PM
Batman: Year one by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli. A book I really should read more often. Fantastic in every way possible.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 September, 2019, 05:27:10 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 21 September, 2019, 05:07:28 PM
Batman: Year one by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli. A book I really should read more often. Fantastic in every way possible.

Yep to be honest I rate it more than Dark Knight - as I do Daredevil Born Again come to that. Its a fantastic story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 21 September, 2019, 06:27:01 PM
Year One is by far the best Jim Gordon Batman book (caveat: of those I've read). I've very much enjoyed the odd run here and there, Batman & The Monster Men, Morrison's Batman & Robin, Dark Knight Returns of course, but really, Year One is the ultimate Batman book. Which is a problem, since it's nearly 30 years old.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 21 September, 2019, 08:32:31 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 21 September, 2019, 05:27:10 PM
Yep to be honest I rate it more than Dark Knight - as I do Daredevil Born Again come to that. Its a fantastic story.

I found myself thinking the same (about Year one being triumphant) several time while reading it last week. I'm re-reading DK now, and it feels almost too wordy and narrativly cramped when compared to Year one's impeccable efficiency. --That said, I still love DKR very much.

Picked up the absolute. Will soon read the accompanying version with the original colouring printed on pulp paper :)

Quote from: TordelBack on 21 September, 2019, 06:27:01 PM
Year One is by far the best Jim Gordon Batman book (caveat: of those I've read). I've very much enjoyed the odd run here and there, Batman & The Monster Men, Morrison's Batman & Robin, Dark Knight Returns of course, but really, Year One is the ultimate Batman book. Which is a problem, since it's nearly 30 years old.

It felt like it could'v been written today. And if it was, I'd still regard as highley as I do. Especially for it's narrative precision and dramatical accuracy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Frank on 21 September, 2019, 09:29:58 PM

Origin stories are the best bits of superheroes. I used to watch and quite enjoy the Spiderman & His Amazing Friends (https://youtu.be/gjC8zWgGDFM?t=225) cartoon CBBC showed after school (i). One week, they did the Spiderman origin story and I was fucking riveted to the floor in front of the telly.

It was just so much more vital and primal (ii) than the regular toss that happened every week. Cap 1 and Iron Man are the best Marvel movies, for the same reason(s).

I love both Dark Knight Returns and Year One, even if they're verging on self-parody. I read DKR in 1988, having heard it was the best of the new comics for grown-ups, and I was surprised by how comic booky it was. It had Wonder Woman and Superman in it ...

... like Spiderman & His Amazing Friends.


(i) Wee crush on Firestar

(ii) I'm sure I would have used this word at the time
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MacabreMagpie on 22 September, 2019, 10:41:51 AM
The "origins of Sonic" issue of Sonic The Comic has stuck in my mind for about two decades. I could tell you everything about the cover without having seen it again for most of that time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 22 September, 2019, 10:53:01 AM
Just finished Normal by Warren Ellis. It's a glorified short story - maybe 100 pages - with a locked room conundrum: what happened to the guy, locked in his room with no way in or out, and why has he been replaced by a swarm of insects?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 22 September, 2019, 05:19:23 PM
I have completed Shanghai Red. I can highly recommend it. A story of revenge and retribution:

Red is one of hundreds of people who were shanghaied out of Portland in the late 1800s. Drugged, kidnapped, and sold to a ship's captain for $50, she wakes up on a boat headed out to sea for years, unable to escape or reveal who she is. Now, she's coming back in a blood-soaked boat to find her family and track down the men responsible for stealing her life out from under her.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 September, 2019, 05:28:54 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 22 September, 2019, 05:19:23 PM
I have completed Shanghai Red. I can highly recommend it. A story of revenge and retribution:

Red is one of hundreds of people who were shanghaied out of Portland in the late 1800s. Drugged, kidnapped, and sold to a ship's captain for $50, she wakes up on a boat headed out to sea for years, unable to escape or reveal who she is. Now, she's coming back in a blood-soaked boat to find her family and track down the men responsible for stealing her life out from under her.

Yeah read this when it came out as a five issue mini. Really good and I echo your recommendation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 05 October, 2019, 01:08:56 PM
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 22 September, 2019, 10:53:01 AM
Just finished Normal by Warren Ellis. It's a glorified short story - maybe 100 pages - with a locked room conundrum: what happened to the guy, locked in his room with no way in or out, and why has he been replaced by a swarm of insects?

Is it worth picking up?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 06 October, 2019, 05:50:32 PM
The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch by Phillip K "Big Energy" Dick, which I found more interesting than enjoyable, chock full of now-familiar tropes as it is - particularly that strain of performative psychedelia that is inexplicably popular with sci-fi buffs, though as I will mention in a moment, I don't think it was entirely performative on Dick's part.  Dick also does that thing where he describes female characters in booby detail and which is harder and harder to unsee as time progresses and which would make many a classic troublesome if not for the fact that writers are still doing it.
I am not particularly well-versed in PKD's writing, but I do enjoy hearing interviews from his contemporaries like Harlan Ellison and when the Dickster comes up in conversation they are quite frank about how variable Dick's output could be thanks to the amphetamine use which made him so prolific but which also meant he was probably freewheeling what he wrote now and then, so while what little I've read is always coloured by trying to glean if parts were written while he was completely off his tits, it's hard not to see the central plot about drug use as being something Dick consciously constructed, even the way it makes people experience The Matrix and alternate points in the past and future which in turn feed back into decisions taken in the present.  The theme of questioning one's reality, while not something Dick invented, looms large in the prose and plot, and I gather Dick came back to this well a lot and wonder if it was prompted by his need to know if he was the only one seeing the eyes on spider's legs crawling up the walls at 3am when he was trying to finish his third novel of that year.
Anyway, like I say: interesting more than enjoyable.  I liked the ambiguous ending but feel that the Total Recall movie did it more succinctly, and with triple-boobed ladies.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 October, 2019, 09:26:38 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 11 March, 2012, 08:05:54 PM
Just finished reading Walt Simonson's 2000 Orion series based on Jack Kirby's New Gods. I'm a big Kirby fan (well his 70s stuff in particular) and so was really chuffed with quite how tasty this stuff was. It seems to perfectly capture the feel and tone of The King's masterpiece, without being slavish in terms of style. Big world's mixed in equal measure with big ideas, a pleasant dosh of melodrama, so as not to over power, all baked in some glorious art. Now that's makin' some damned fine comics and I'd heartily recommend it to all fans of the originals.

I said this about Walt Simonson's Orion about 7 years ago when I first read it. I've just re-read it 7 years later. I was right 7 years ago.

I'll only add Walt Simonson is one of the mediums greats and we should all salute him.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: monsterx on 09 November, 2019, 08:33:56 PM
House of x power of x Doctor Who land of the blind 2000ad & the Meg
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 09 November, 2019, 11:23:02 PM
In the last 2 days I have read...

USAGI YOJIMBO (2019) 1-5
BLACK HAMMER / JUSTICE LEAGUE 04
NO ONE LEFT TO FIGHT 05
BATTLEPUG 01-02
ISOLA 06-08
MAGE: HERO DENIED 03

I've been in a bit of a catch-up mode.

I've still got...

PAPER GIRLS 27-30
MURDER FALCON 07-08
EAST OF WEST 43
MONSTRESS 16-24
MAGE: HERO DENIED 04-07

...to finish up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 17 November, 2019, 01:35:15 PM
I'm a little surprised I couldn't see more talk of Suzanne Collin's Hunger Games series of books in these parts. I could of course have missed it. The reason I'm surprised is they are soooo good.

I've just finished reading the Mockingjay - the final in the series - to the girl child (10) and we were both (almost) in buckets by the end. These are pretty brutally honest books. They are hard and simply don't hold back.

Collins uses a great narrative vehicle by telling the tale solely from Katniss Everdeen's first person perspective. This gives you both an utterly coherent reliable view of the world. Yet also the weakness and unreliabilty of anyone person's view. This works so well as Katniss is an entirely fantastic character. Utterly heroic, yet entirely unaware of that. She's shallowed by the price of her actions, strenght and humanity, slowly hardened by the events she is thrown into.

She (Katniss) fails so completely by the end of the series to fulfil her solo aim, the spark that drives everything that unfolds. Lesser stories would use this as a bitter sweet reflection at an trimpuhant victorious ending. Not Collins, here we just get the bitter. Its a hard world and a tough reflection in the human condition. To be honest we knew this would be the case as the novels never let you expect anything but the most thoughtful, gritty ending it delivers so well. That's not to say there's not hope throughout the piece. There is hope throughout. All be it masked by the world Collin's throws you mercilessly into.

Katniss isn't alone of course. One of the great characters in modern fiction is made all the more so by being surrounded similarly well drawn characters. Who regardless of the apparent size of their role are so well crafted that what happens to them matters entirely. The series also has one of the great villians in President Snow... but then by the end others are revealed and its not afraid to show the villian in us all and Katniss as well.

Its all written so well also. Unlike say the Potter series this one shines. Its older target audience no doubt helps but really there's a touch of genius about the simple way she writes.

I started to read these to my daughter with little expectation - I'd enjoyed the films I'd seen (first two) but expected the books to be pretty simple and derivative. They are anything but. They written with the meladrama of their audience in middle, but though I started them for my daughter by the end today I was hurrying to read them to her as I was more than desperate to find out what happened.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 17 November, 2019, 01:51:12 PM
I also enjoyed the Hunger Game series and enjoyed both the books and the movies. I felt the first book and movie was quite close to each other.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rately on 18 November, 2019, 11:56:17 AM
The Hunger Games Trilogy were some of the first books I purchased on my shiny new Kindle many moons ago.

Fantastic books, that don't shy from the harshness of life, and are all the better for it.

That final book is just one kick in the gut after another, and the ending is Carpenter-ish.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 11 December, 2019, 06:45:32 PM
I just finished Haruki Murakami's Killing commendatore and I can't say I liked it that much... The story seemed interesting at first with bells rining in the night and a miniature man from a painting making a visit. Reminding me of Wind up bird chronicle and 1q84. But the story goes nowhere and quickly becomes very thin on mystery. It also lacks the magic and flow of Wind up and 1q84. It'd probably worked much better as a short story or shorter novel (like After dark) rather than a 700+ pages long book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 December, 2019, 09:32:32 PM
Thought there was a thread about Dabnett and INJ Culbard's Wild's End - First Light but couldn't find it if so. Either way if  you've not read this you really should. Its a lazy elevator pitch to say this is War of the World's meet Wind in the Willows... but its War of the World's meets Wind in the Willows.

Its quite magnificence the use of anthropomorphic characters adds to the wimpsy that places it in a simpler time and place and by doing so heightens the stark drama as our heroic - and oh the lead characters are so gloriously heroic without being cardboard cut outs - protagonists struggle against an alien horror.

Jez Dabnett and a host of artists including INJ have been doing such fantastic comics in the Prog of late. Thi sis so good it stands side by side with them. I have the sequal digitally expect me back tomorrow evening to rave some more. My latest comics haul can wait!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Timothy on 11 December, 2019, 10:38:21 PM
You say you have the sequel, and I expect you to be gushing about it tomorrow, but did you know that there is a third part too? Do yourself a favour and add that to the reading pile.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proudhuff on 12 December, 2019, 10:18:35 AM
There are some nice hardback editions of these, its all great stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 12 December, 2019, 11:20:43 AM
The Stainless Steel Rat by Harry Harrison (because that's where my prog slog is at right now), and I'll go on to The Mighty One by the time hometime comes today.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 December, 2019, 01:12:32 PM
Quote from: Timothy on 11 December, 2019, 10:38:21 PM
You say you have the sequel, and I expect you to be gushing about it tomorrow, but did you know that there is a third part too? Do yourself a favour and add that to the reading pile.

I did not know this I will defo investigate.

Quote from: Proudhuff on 12 December, 2019, 10:18:35 AM
There are some nice hardback editions of these, its all great stuff.

I did not know this I will defo investigate.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 December, 2019, 01:17:54 PM
Can defo see the third series but for the life of me can't find hardbacks???
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 December, 2019, 09:05:16 PM
Quote from: Timothy on 11 December, 2019, 10:38:21 PM
You say you have the sequel, and I expect you to be gushing about it tomorrow, but did you know that there is a third part too? Do yourself a favour and add that to the reading pile.

Well you weren't wrong Timothy. I've just had a mighty gush having just read Enemy Within. Just brilliant, simply brilliant... when its not throwing heart crushing events at you that is. Man will be getting hold of series three very soon, just as soon as I sort this hardcover (or not issue).

One of Dabnett's very best and INJ is on top form. Wild's End is something I can recommend to absolutely anyone of this forum who hasn't read it yet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 13 December, 2019, 08:47:07 AM
Thirded, fourthed and fifthed - I've only got the third volume to read now and have been watching it slowly rise up the tower.

Superb reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proudhuff on 16 December, 2019, 04:40:41 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 12 December, 2019, 01:17:54 PM
Can defo see the third series but for the life of me can't find hardbacks???

Could be I've mis-remembered, my copies of this and boxed and underbed, so could well just be wishful thinking, sorry! :-[
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proudhuff on 16 December, 2019, 04:44:01 PM
White Knight, Trees and Soviet Punisher along with the Megazine and the festive Prog meant I had a great evening of comicy goodness, last night.
Artwork on the first three is excellent, as are the stories.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 16 December, 2019, 05:48:18 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 16 December, 2019, 04:44:01 PM
White Knight, Trees and Soviet Punisher along with the Megazine and the festive Prog meant I had a great evening of comicy goodness, last night.
Artwork on the first three is excellent, as are the stories.

Trees - is that the Warren Ellis series? If so I bought the first book, but so little of interest happened beyond establishing the premise, I decided I would not be investing in a multi-volume slowburner. Normally I'll buy anything with his name on, but this was disappointing.

Soviet Punisher sounds good though, must take a look at that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proudhuff on 17 December, 2019, 11:23:36 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 16 December, 2019, 05:48:18 PM
Quote from: Proudhuff on 16 December, 2019, 04:44:01 PM
White Knight, Trees and Soviet Punisher along with the Megazine and the festive Prog meant I had a great evening of comicy goodness, last night.
Artwork on the first three is excellent, as are the stories.

Trees - is that the Warren Ellis series? If so I bought the first book, but so little of interest happened beyond establishing the premise, I decided I would not be investing in a multi-volume slowburner. Normally I'll buy anything with his name on, but this was disappointing.

Soviet Punisher sounds good though, must take a look at that.

Yes it is, and it is a slow burner, nothing much resolved re- the Trees, more its a world changer with stories set in that sand box, current one is a who-done it set in a small village in Russia, touches of Fargo and those netflix snowbound town murdery things...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IndigoPrime on 17 December, 2019, 11:41:55 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 09 November, 2019, 11:23:02 PMIn the last 2 days I have read...
USAGI YOJIMBO (2019) 1-5
How is that? I will admit to being more than a little disappointed that the strip will now be in colour. And I hope more than anything that IDW don't fuck things up. (Dark Horse was a pretty stable home, although the manner in which it dealt with hardcovers was abysmal, as ever.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Adventurer on 17 December, 2019, 08:18:33 PM
Quote from: IndigoPrime on 17 December, 2019, 11:41:55 AM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 09 November, 2019, 11:23:02 PMIn the last 2 days I have read...
USAGI YOJIMBO (2019) 1-5
How is that? I will admit to being more than a little disappointed that the strip will now be in colour. And I hope more than anything that IDW don't fuck things up. (Dark Horse was a pretty stable home, although the manner in which it dealt with hardcovers was abysmal, as ever.)

I also am disappointed that it has gone color (some comics just feel more natural in black and white). But, the coloring is pretty good (for IDW, I have long criticized some of their house coloring choices on other titles). But and ultimately it's Stan Sakai making Usagi Yojimbo. So it's still one of the best comics on the planet.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GordyM on 17 December, 2019, 11:17:14 PM
Coffin Bound is a really inventive spin on the trope of "dark supernatural horrors that exist in the shadows of society."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JamesC on 28 December, 2019, 05:40:50 PM
I got the three trades of Brink for Xmas and have just finished reading them.
I really enjoyed this in the prog but reading it all together over a couple of days has made me realise it's even better than I thought. Absolutely fantastic and it's made my Xmas.
Anyone know when book 4 is being released?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 30 December, 2019, 10:53:54 AM
I've just finished reading Sons of El Topo: Cain & Abel on comixology. While not the experience that is El Topo I enjoyed it. I found it a bit slow towards the end and it ends a bit abrupt, but it's easy to recommend to someone who likes the film. For someone who hasn't seen it, I think I'd still recommend giving it a chance.

It does a good job establishing the tie to the story in the movie and then moves on from there. Tonally it reminded me of Son of the gun, with bits of Moonface thrown in. In true Jodo fashion the story is filled with dreamlike weirdness, rape, bloody murder and other cruel acts. But also some very moving moments. It all comes alive thanks to the fantastic art of Ladrönn.

Loving the original movie and followed the developments of the sequel for years, I'm happy to finally having gotten hold of the story. I still hope to get to see the film someday :)

(https://www.boom-studios.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SonsOfElTopo_Vol1_InteriorArt3_PROMO-689x1024.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 14 January, 2020, 06:56:35 PM
On a bit of a Fury kick at the moment.  Picked up the Shield omnibus reprinting the Strange Tales / Steranko stuff as well as the post NF vs Shield reprints.  A fascinating slice of Marvel history to be sure.

It's such a shame that Steranko wasn't on the title longer.  His issues stand out a mile in terms of quality.  I think even today, having so many more years of creativity in terms of layout and design, there is still something fresh about it.  Maybe it is just where I've not seen it before.

As for the ongoing series from the late 80's early 90's, I'm actually surprised at well that has aged.  Certainly the early parts.  When you consider how juvenile some of Marvel's output of the time could be ....

What I have found mildly bemusing is how little used both Fury and Shield have been over the years.  When you consider that the first series was in the 60's and it wasn't until the late 80's that he got the mini series between it was mainly guest spots.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: dweezil2 on 14 January, 2020, 07:30:35 PM
Punisher: Soviet #3 was every bit as good as the previous two and we're getting to the meat of the story now, figuratively and literally.

Frank Castle really seems to bring out the best in our ex-droid Garth Ennis and his continued strong writing and the fantastic art makes this an essential read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 14 January, 2020, 07:42:30 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 14 January, 2020, 06:56:35 PM
On a bit of a Fury kick at the moment. 

Fury: Max is also worth a read if you haven't already - a darker, grittier version by Garth Ennis
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 January, 2020, 07:47:27 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 14 January, 2020, 07:42:30 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 14 January, 2020, 06:56:35 PM
On a bit of a Fury kick at the moment. 

Fury: Max is also worth a read if you haven't already - a darker, grittier version by Garth Ennis

Yeah Fury Max is brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 15 January, 2020, 06:05:16 AM
Hmmm, thanks for that.  I'll have a dig.  Quite enjoyed Grant / Kennedy's episode in the reboot.  Little bit hackneyed with the old Scottish Highland Shaman riff but with Kennedy on art duty you have to love it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 11 February, 2020, 09:13:07 PM
Steadily working my way through the Panini Doctor Who collections that I own. I love Iron Legion and Dragon's Claw the two Tom Baker collection with art by Dave Gibbons (in the main Mike McMahon's cyberman story is something else again). They are such fun and Pat Mills and John Wagner show once again they know how to turn out a yarn.

However its the Peter Davison collection written by Steve Parkhouse that is the absolute best. Its just superb stuff. All these stories are awash in nostaglia for me and I remember them almost panel for panel but there's something about Steve Parkhouse's Fifth Doc run that feels so significent and important.While Mills and Wagner did cracking yarns, Parkhouse makes the stories feel epic and vital. As if they were the stories that should have been on telly if they'd dared and had been able.

It all works so well as a single piece as well, even with a variety of lovely art as well. The only down point is I'm not sure we see any more of Shayde - which is a shame as the black domed sidearm was such a cool character.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 12 February, 2020, 12:01:45 AM
Working through the Fatale trades, just tremendous. Library books, always prefer physical to digital, you can't buy/store *everything* and it supports those libraries. You'll miss them when they're gone...
This interrupts my working through the Criminal books. Equally brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gary James on 12 February, 2020, 01:01:58 AM
Quote from: Fungus on 12 February, 2020, 12:01:45 AM
...you can't buy/store *everything*...
You do NOT want to how many books are surrounding me right now.  :P

And yes, libraries are important, but more for the specialist knowledge and abilities of the people working in them than the books. Go in with a ridiculous request - no matter how vague your memories are of a particular book, and irrespective of how long ago you read it, someone there will likely know the title you are (badly) remembering.

...unless its a stupid kids book you've been hunting down for thirty years to find out how it ends.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 12 February, 2020, 08:33:45 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 11 February, 2020, 09:13:07 PM
Steadily working my way through the Panini Doctor Who collections that I own. I love Iron Legion and Dragon's Claw the two Tom Baker collection with art by Dave Gibbons (in the main Mike McMahon's cyberman story is something else again). They are such fun and Pat Mills and John Wagner show once again they know how to turn out a yarn.

I got John Wagner and Dave Gibbons to sign my Iron Legion at Thought Bubble last year. Dave leafed through it and said "Hey John, do you remember me showing you the first few pages I drew for this and asking if you thought they were any good, and you said 'no, not really'?" (John denied all memory of this conversation!)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 February, 2020, 09:12:15 PM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 12 February, 2020, 08:33:45 AM
I got John Wagner and Dave Gibbons to sign my Iron Legion at Thought Bubble last year. Dave leafed through it and said "Hey John, do you remember me showing you the first few pages I drew for this and asking if you thought they were any good, and you said 'no, not really'?" (John denied all memory of this conversation!)

Ha! That's a fantastic tale - thanks for sharing.

Popped by to say just finished the Steve Parkhouse run of Doctor Who with the Colin Baker stories he did and it really is a quite marvelous tour de force from beginning to oh so self-referenial end. I'm not sure I quite enjoy the Sixth Doctor stuff as much as the 5th ...quite... I mean its superb and John Ridgway's art is devine throughout. The level of surreal whimsy is both its blessing and its curse however. It makes it an enchanting read but it doesn't quite carry the gavitas of the Davison stuff. Though Parkhouses run does work as a wonderful whole.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 12 February, 2020, 11:58:11 PM
that fucking penguin.....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gary James on 13 February, 2020, 12:33:20 AM
Quote from: Dandontdare on 12 February, 2020, 11:58:11 PM
that fucking penguin.....
There are some people - naming no names, and totally not me in any way, shape, or form because insert excuse here - would like nothing more than for Frobisher to be the companion on the televised stories. And for Susan to come back.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 February, 2020, 06:05:25 AM
I like Frobisher...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 15 February, 2020, 10:54:30 AM
Frobisher is the best companion in any medium, I will not be debating this fact.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gary James on 15 February, 2020, 02:29:26 PM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 15 February, 2020, 10:54:30 AM
Frobisher is the best companion in any medium, I will not be debating this fact.
Better than Romana mk.II?

Any time there is an equal - not necessarily in abilities, but in intellect - the Doctor is improved. With the addition of someone who the Doctor can communicate with on a level slightly above the conversations we see with regular companions, things get really interesting.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 17 February, 2020, 12:44:03 PM
Quote from: Gary James on 12 February, 2020, 01:01:58 AM
...unless its a stupid kids book you've been hunting down for thirty years to find out how it ends.


Which book was that (obviously you don't know the title, but how did it begin)?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gary James on 17 February, 2020, 12:58:08 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 17 February, 2020, 12:44:03 PM
Which book was that (obviously you don't know the title, but how did it begin)?
It was a SF update of Robin Hood - the force fields which aliens(?) used were powerless against bows and arrows. That really is all I can remember for sure about the story, but I remember the book itself being a hardcover. I've been digging around for years (on and off), but there's nothing which ever jumped out at me in any lists I've pulled. The annoying thing is that there are at least a dozen really similar plots, but the one I'm looking for was in circulation c. 1990-1992, ruling out a few obvious ones. I want to say the same rough look as Hale's Black Horse books, but don't quote me on that... Not sure if it had illustrations or not.

To prevent these things from happening again, as it really is the most annoying thing, I have been keeping notes of everything I've read since around 2003.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 17 February, 2020, 03:49:24 PM
yeah, there's a book I remember from when I was about 6* - every few years, I try to Google it, and I think I mentioned it here once, but I still await the day when I have an epiphany in the Oxfam bookshop or village jumble sale!




* just in case - it was a book that probably came out in the 60s, or possibly very early 70s - it was about a kid who meets and befriends an alien. The title of the book (I think ) was the alien's name - multi-syllable nonsense word. I seem to recall the alien was large white and amorphous - rather like a brontasurus or a ball with legs/necks coming out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 17 February, 2020, 07:42:47 PM
Quote from: Gary James on 17 February, 2020, 12:58:08 PM
It was a SF update of Robin Hood - the force fields which aliens(?) used were powerless against bows and arrows.

By sny chance Douglas Hill's The Huntsman / Warriors of the Wasteland series? Early-mid '80s paperback so maybe too early, but there was definitely a HB copy in our local library.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gary James on 17 February, 2020, 08:12:12 PM
Not Douglas Hill. He's a name which has cropped up a few times, and I've gone over some (although not nearly all) of his writing - the book in question is much simpler in its plotting and characterization. A proper youth title, aimed at (and this is complete guesswork) nine-to-thirteen year olds. You know the stories where you can call the twists two chapters prior to them landing? That's pretty much the feeling I got from it.

It may not be a big or clever book on its own, but one of these days - when I do finally track it down - I can link it together with the DC Thomson Robina Hood strip, the Doctor Who episode, and DC's Outlaws mini-series as part of a narrative tradition of retellings set in the future. That's when I get things back online... (and no, don't hold your breath for that happening)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Lobo Baggins on 18 February, 2020, 07:48:38 AM
Quote from: Gary James on 17 February, 2020, 12:58:08 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 17 February, 2020, 12:44:03 PM
Which book was that (obviously you don't know the title, but how did it begin)?
It was a SF update of Robin Hood - the force fields which aliens(?) used were powerless against bows and arrows. That really is all I can remember for sure about the story, but I remember the book itself being a hardcover. I've been digging around for years (on and off), but there's nothing which ever jumped out at me in any lists I've pulled. The annoying thing is that there are at least a dozen really similar plots, but the one I'm looking for was in circulation c. 1990-1992, ruling out a few obvious ones. I want to say the same rough look as Hale's Black Horse books, but don't quote me on that... Not sure if it had illustrations or not.

To prevent these things from happening again, as it really is the most annoying thing, I have been keeping notes of everything I've read since around 2003.

That's the Hood's Army Trilogy (Earth Invaded, Slaveworld and The Liberators) written by Christopher Evans under the pseudonym Nathan Elliott.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gary James on 18 February, 2020, 09:05:24 AM
Quote from: Lobo Baggins on 18 February, 2020, 07:48:38 AM
That's the Hood's Army Trilogy (Earth Invaded, Slaveworld and The Liberators) written by Christopher Evans under the pseudonym Nathan Elliott.
Ordering the first book now.  :D

This may get very expensive very quickly... His Star Pirates series looks extremely interesting, and seems to cover some of the ground Piper used in the Future History series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 18 February, 2020, 11:28:54 AM
I have vague plans to (very slowly) work my way through the new canon Star Wars novels so just read Tarkin and really enjoyed it. Was interesting to read a Star Wars book from the perspective of the villain, and was surprised I found myself rooting for him in the same way I'd root for Vader in his own comics. Lots of interesting Tarkin backstory too, I thought it was a decent read if you're into Star Wars!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 18 February, 2020, 01:58:24 PM
Fancy that one myself! I've enjoyed the Wendig novels, for all that they're a bit disjointed and in need of a strong editor (and in the light of TROS they're pretty tragic), and the YA Lost Stars, but the highlight so far has been one of Claudia Gray's other entries, Bloodline. I'm a sucker for Princess Leia novels, and this is a good'un.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 18 February, 2020, 03:35:15 PM
I'm about 70 or so pages into the first Dune book - and so far it is really flippin' good. It's not quite 'clicked' with me yet, but It's not the slog I always feared it would be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 18 February, 2020, 03:58:00 PM
Once the family reaches Arrakis the pace starts to pick up and story becomes more active.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 19 February, 2020, 10:57:44 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 18 February, 2020, 01:58:24 PM
Fancy that one myself! I've enjoyed the Wendig novels, for all that they're a bit disjointed and in need of a strong editor (and in the light of TROS they're pretty tragic), and the YA Lost Stars, but the highlight so far has been one of Claudia Gray's other entries, Bloodline. I'm a sucker for Princess Leia novels, and this is a good'un.

Sounds good, looking forward to getting to that one! I bought Heir To The Jedi so will probably be reading that one soon. I'd been planning to skip the YA/Junior stuff but I did get Before The Awakening and The Legends of Luke Skywalker as gifts and was surprised at how much I enjoyed them so might check out the Lost Stars books too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 02 March, 2020, 06:54:24 AM
Transformers MTMTE. Once again. Then I got Lost Light.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 02 March, 2020, 11:36:46 AM
Just read Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie and really, really enjoyed it. I do love spaceships in my books and in this the main character is a spaceship so it's nice to read a book that achieves peak spaceship. Lots of really interesting world-building so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy at some point. I found I got a bit confused about a couple of the relationships and power dynamics in the last third of the book but I did read it while being tattooed so I'm fairly certain that was just down to the ouchy distraction getting worse rather than the writing. I definitely found the conclusion really great so the needle must have moved on to a less sensitive spot by that point!

Really good sci-fi book, loved it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Gary James on 12 March, 2020, 09:39:57 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 02 March, 2020, 11:36:46 AMJust read Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie and really, really enjoyed it.
People don't often give SF credit for being classy, but damn is that ever a classy book. Far, far deeper than any synopsis would give the writing credit for, and so subtle in places that it really feels as if there is a whole thought-out galaxy spinning around the characters as events unfold.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fungus on 12 March, 2020, 10:19:08 PM
Art books do it for me 😜

(https://www.dynamite.com/images/TNSpanishMastersCovEnrichNOTF.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 14 March, 2020, 10:36:39 AM
Quote from: Gary James on 12 March, 2020, 09:39:57 PM
Quote from: Keef Monkey on 02 March, 2020, 11:36:46 AMJust read Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie and really, really enjoyed it.
People don't often give SF credit for being classy, but damn is that ever a classy book. Far, far deeper than any synopsis would give the writing credit for, and so subtle in places that it really feels as if there is a whole thought-out galaxy spinning around the characters as events unfold.

As it happens I've literally just put down 'Ancillary Sword'. Only about 50 pages in, not grabbing me as much as 'Justice' did, but still engaging and intriguing,
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: paddykafka on 31 March, 2020, 08:44:19 PM
Just finished "We, The Drowned" by Carsten Jensen.

An epic tale of sea-faring, based around a huge cast of - varied, vividly drawn and utterly believable - characters from a Danish town, that spans almost a hundred years.

I read the last 100 odd pages in one sitting last night, as I was so intent on finding out the fate of one of the central characters. 

Really quite wonderful and highly recommended.

It also inspired a great song by my favourite contemporary singer / songwriter, Lisa Hannigan. I have taken the liberty of attaching a link below, to a version which she performs as part of a concert with the Stargaze Orchetra. Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FY8w3LDO-M
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Keef Monkey on 07 April, 2020, 04:17:45 PM
Read the full run of Rok of The Reds today, it was great! I say that as someone whose interest in football sits somewhere far, far, far below zero, was just a good fun tale with a lot of heart.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 11 April, 2020, 06:21:30 PM
 Rise and Fall of the Trigan empire V1. Its great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 April, 2020, 02:17:58 PM
I got into the new series of Copra from Image - well from Michael Fiffe via Image - due to some comments on this very board and it did look interesting.

The main problem with the Image series was it dropped you straight in and I felt a little lost as we landed mid story with fully developed characters doing their thing and just exploding all over the place. Yet it grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and just dragged me along with it and eventually I'd caught up, or at least enough to not care about any details I'd missed.

Anyway to my current reading I'd got the earlier issues of Copra in some digital sale or other (or a couple actually) and having read the new series was really looking forward to filling the in the blanks and understanding what was what. The thing is with the old series was it dropped you straight in and I felt a little lost as we landed full throttle, with fully devloped characters doing their thing and just exploding all over the place. Yet it grabbed me by the scruff of my neck and just dragged me along with it and eventually I'd caught up, or at least enough to care about any details I'd missed, or would look back and re-engage.

See its incredible its not that the new series dropped me in its that Michael Fiffe just delievers story at such exilerating pace and with such energy it can be a little bewildering. In the best possible way. It grips you though and you are absolutely pulled along. Even the 'quieter' more reflective episodes or scenes have an almost manic momentum to them. Its utterly superb, compelling and entirely engrossing.

12 issues in I'm reminded so much of Martin Eden's O Men in that it wears its influences so very, very on its sleaves. With O Men it was X-Men with Copra its Suicide Squad. They are unashamed on how much they draw on their source material. Yet each is utterly fresh and original in how it takes that source material and while lovingly paying tribute taking their story in completely new ways, with completely fresh ways of delivering and expanding on the characters in ways the originals just couldn't.

Both also have art that is far from typical and immediate. They are both drawn with styles so raw that it certainly won't be for all and definately not for the more conservates (small 'c') fans of Tharg who struggle with some of his more experimental art selections - see recent Faciebook groups exploding in their rage at D'Israel's art on Dredd ( I mean its fine not to like it - I don't agree but no biggie, but really do you need to so proactive in not liking it... sorry I got distracted by a hobby horse there...) but once I'd settle into it and allowed my eye to adjust I really really began to appreciate and see the genius that underpinned it - just as with Martin Eden on O Men.

So yeah much more to go - another 20ish issues and I suspect I'll be back to blather on at some length about the rest all too soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 April, 2020, 04:20:34 PM
Just a little addition to what I said before. Just read Copra 14 - for those that know the series the one with WIR taking a break back home and WOW that was fantastic!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 April, 2020, 02:28:03 PM
And in summary Copra is just superb. Read all 31 issues of the series up the Image series and it remains excellent. Just as spralling and epic, yet close and intregate as it starts out. Almost wish I'd done this before reading the 'new' series but gives me an excuse to read the 5 issues of the Image series again with my new context in place.

Highest recommentation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 14 April, 2020, 05:48:07 PM
Nice one indeed Colin! This forums very own Adventurer alongside his Fincast pals got me onto Copra many years ago when Fiffe was still self publishing. It really is a super bit of comic bookery and i'm so glad it's got a long and successful publication ahead of it, one of my favorites of the last decade.

One of us, one of us!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 April, 2020, 01:09:02 PM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 14 April, 2020, 05:48:07 PM
Nice one indeed Colin! This forums very own Adventurer alongside his Fincast pals got me onto Copra many years ago when Fiffe was still self publishing. It really is a super bit of comic bookery and i'm so glad it's got a long and successful publication ahead of it, one of my favorites of the last decade.

One of us, one of us!

I'm pretty sure its was you (and a couple of others) talking about this comic turned me onto it Zac. I remember seeing it in some Image sale or other, thiking it looked very interesting but also knowing in the back of my mind that folks spoke well of it on these here boards.

So a big thank you for that!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 27 April, 2020, 03:02:15 AM
Another fin-addict over here, Copra is on my to-read list for sure.

I'm reading the ol' Claremont X-Men, on issue 150! I have never read further than this in his run, so I look forward to getting to more space stuff, wild stuff, Australian stuff, all that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 27 April, 2020, 07:32:59 AM
Quote from: PsychoGoatee on 27 April, 2020, 03:02:15 AM
I'm reading the ol' Claremont X-Men, on issue 150! I have never read further than this in his run, so I look forward to getting to more space stuff, wild stuff, Australian stuff, all that.

I would say that the next 70 issues are probably the best.  The 2nd Phoenix storyline, the Brood, Mutant Massacre ...  Artwork by Smith and John Romita Jr, but far more importantly Barry Windsor Smith's Wolverine episode ...

After the Mutant Massacre marvel really started to get silly with their crossovers.  Each one becoming progressively poorer.  There are some nice standalone issues towards the end of Claremont's time and some cracking artwork from Silvestri, Leonardi and others but it does tend to be a little more hodge-podge.

Mind you, its nothing compared to Casey's run!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 April, 2020, 08:39:18 AM
The art on Claremonts X-Men was superb and hold up until Jim Lee for me (I find now I just don't get on with Jim Lee's work, though of course its incredibly popular0 but alas goes down hill quite quickly after that.

The trouble is I just can't get on with the story any more. Even during the peak of my (relatively recent) superhero love when I tried to re-read his X-Men I found it an absolute chore to read. The plotting is excellent, if he does scatter lose ends like confettee, and no-one gives superhero combat that feels challenging and engaging like Claremont. I just find the dialogue so utterly terrible. I had the same issue with Wolfman and Perez's New Teen Titans a comparible contemporary. Its teen meladrama at its worst - though that is what its trying to be, well Teen meladrama at least.

The thing is I want to like it so much. I watched a documentary about his run on Prime the other day - called Chris Claremont's X-Men, does what it says on the tin that one! And its pretty good fun. A nice insight, with all the right folks, about the coming and goings at Marvel during his first run. I'd highy recommend it. Anyway that made me really want to try it again despite myself and today on Facebook I saw someone selling Essential Uncanny Volume 4 - which contains the Paul Smith stuff - I was soooo tempted to give it a go, I loved it so much back in the day. Just don't think I'd enjoy it.

Reckon next time I see this all on some digital sale I'll break and try it again - and very possibly regret it!

Anyway only came to point you in the direction the documentry if you have Prime as its a good companion piece.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 27 April, 2020, 09:10:04 AM
Must... resist... trip... to... attic (it's the best there is at what it does, but what it does is keep my 80s comics away from me).

Thanks for the documentry tip, Colin!

And Tjm, hard agree.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 27 April, 2020, 06:55:05 PM
Right on, gotta love 80s comics. And that doc is cool for sure, I also enjoy Chris Claremont's interviews on podcasts and whatnot. Seems like a cool guy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 28 April, 2020, 06:16:38 AM
I'm reading through my Ultimate Marvel books start to finish - the tone shifts quite a lot and there are some bad continuity glitches along the way, but I loved this series. The original Ultimates books by Bendis are great, and Ultimate Human (Hulk/Iron Man) by Warren Ellis is superb. Ultimate Iron Man by Orson Scott Card is a great piece of sci-fi, even though everything it established about Tony Stark is instantly forgotten in the other books. I've just gotten past the death of Spiderman so far (I'm not crying, you're crying *sniff*) I also liked the way that the ending of the series was tied into the ending of the whole Marvel multiverse.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MacabreMagpie on 16 May, 2020, 06:35:23 PM
Hooked on the 'Expanse' books at the minute after getting the first one for my birthday in January. Tried watching the series after finishing that but found it didn't live up to what was in my head so abandoned it for now and went on to reading the second one, which I'm storming through. They're so good!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 23 May, 2020, 11:34:46 AM
I finished His Dark Materials last night.  I read it once around 15 years ago or so and remembered enjoying it.

Northern Lights is certainly the best of the bunch for me.  Clear plot with clear goals and a clear direction.  It is a very good adventure book with a very interesting setting.  I have been finding I enjoy a good adventure book after reading the original trilogy of Han Solo books and the Icewind Dale trilogy recently.
The Subtle Knife is a lot more muddled and Lyra's character is kinda subservient to that books main character Will to the point that she read like a different character.  There was less of a clear direction or goal and felt so much more like an effort to get from A to B.
The Amber Spyglass felt a little more epic.  I enjoyed it, but I found it was the book that really highlighted the contrivances in the setting.  The melancholic ending did a good job in bumming me out, as well.

The trilogy has flaws.  A lot of flaws.  Thankfully, they don't detract greatly from the overall adventure.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 May, 2020, 02:21:25 PM
The prequel to HDM,  La Belle Sauvage, is worth a look, Pictsy.  Goes positively mental in the third quarter,  but it works a lot better than you might imagine the Adventures of Baby Lyra would!  I believe the follow-up is set after Amber Spyglass, but I was still searching for a cheap paperback edition when the Apocalypse intervened.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 23 May, 2020, 04:03:12 PM
I'll keep it in mind, then.  I did see a synopsis for it before I started getting into HDM again and it did look more interesting than Lyra's Oxford (which I never bothered reading).  I won't be revisiting Lyra's world just yet as the ending of HDM was kinda gut wrenching.

As of today I have started William Gibson's Bridge Trilogy, which has been on my bookshelf unread for too many years now.  I liked the Sprawl trilogy when I read that years ago.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 01 June, 2020, 09:43:01 AM
Virtual Light by William Gibson

I really enjoyed this book.  Best novel I've read all year so far.  The imagery in this book is very evocative and elements from his setting were really unsettling especially right now.  I really liked his lead lady.  From description to characterisation and just how much I bought into the idea of loving to cycle around San Francisco delivering packages.  Clearly Gibson failed to predict Deliveroo.  My second favourite thing is the Kowloon Walled City on the Golden Gate Bridge.  Although my mental picture of Gibson's bridge was brighter than the photos I've seen of the Walled City.  My third favourite thing is everything else.

Next up, Idoru.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 June, 2020, 02:19:51 PM
Yep. Virtual Light is great, one of his best, and for basically all the reasons you cite.

When I read it first, I was reluctantly a fully bike-based person, cycling all over the city and suburbs going between three part-time jobs and post-grad seminars over the autumn/winter, and puttering up and down the hills of Sligo heavily laden with equipment while doing a field survey in the spring and summer: Chevette's narrative gifted me a way into actually enjoying all the thigh-burning and ass-chaphing, which I had previously been viewing as a colossal waste of my time.  Even her living space on the Bridge allowed me to romanticise the series of odd little places I was renting.

Un/Fortunately this new appreciation of pedal-power also meant I wouldn't bother learning to drive for another decade.  May have to give it a re-read myself!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 01 June, 2020, 03:35:44 PM
I've just read the second volume of Geis by Alexis Deacon.

I picked up Vol 01 at TB 2017 and the second last year - I cannot recommend them enough.

It 'feels' like a lost chapter of Nausicaa by Miyazaki, largely due to the organic nature of the work.

https://nobrow.net/shop/geis/ (https://nobrow.net/shop/geis/)

No sign of the third volume but it is eagerly awaited by me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 01 June, 2020, 03:39:29 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 01 June, 2020, 09:43:01 AM
Virtual Light by William Gibson

I really enjoyed this book.  Best novel I've read all year so far.  The imagery in this book is very evocative and elements from his setting were really unsettling especially right now.  I really liked his lead lady.  From description to characterisation and just how much I bought into the idea of loving to cycle around San Francisco delivering packages.  Clearly Gibson failed to predict Deliveroo.  My second favourite thing is the Kowloon Walled City on the Golden Gate Bridge.  Although my mental picture of Gibson's bridge was brighter than the photos I've seen of the Walled City.  My third favourite thing is everything else.

Next up, Idoru.
It's been a long time since I read Virtual Light, but I remember enjoying very much. I was just finishing uni and it felt as if it was written just for me. The lifestyle felt very close to my own, minus all the tech. I must read it again soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 01 June, 2020, 04:34:26 PM
I hope that anyone who decides to re-read enjoys it as much as I did.

I've had a second-hand signed hardback copy on my bookshelf for well over five years.  I did get Idoru in the late 90's and read most of it at the time (thoroughly enjoying it) but never finished it.  The only reason I did end up reading it was because, at the beginning of this year, I decided I wanted to set some time aside everyday to read a book and I have a lot of books I've never read.  My rule is to read at least one chapter (if there are chapters) a day and I'm really glad I'm doing this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 June, 2020, 09:11:35 PM
In lieu of new comics I'll be reading some more Cinebook and also caught up with some recent purchases from an sadly missing previous regular Chris Askham. As well as the Twin Peaks Artzine I got two comics.

Firstly Swtichblade Stories 1. Straight out of engine oil stained streets of Russ Meyer this is a wonderful short story (20 odd pages) of a 50s suburban housewife finding freedom in pills, misadventure and female company. Its so evokative and a glorious read with some fantastic added materials to wrap it all up. The art - for those that know Chris' work is just stunning and its simply a fun story in a lovely product.

Secondly U'Grot Elder God (or is it tuneful Starborn thing) meet girl, girl falls under spell of one eyed octo-monster... oh you know same old same old you heard this one a million times before. But have you heard it told so well? This is just glorious. The thing that stood out amongst so many great things is the way Chris mixes purple prose with moments over silence, particular at the start of the story as a young woman stumbles across an abandoned church. Its so atmospheric. The story is beguling and strangely powerful. Just fantastic.

Two things unite two seeming completely contrasting stories, that is beyond Chris' superb art full of depth, character and atmosphere and that's the fantastic production values. These are printed on lovely paper that makes reading feel luxurious.

Take the risk out of buying small press comics (though to be fair isn't the risk half the fun?) and get yourself over to Chris Askham's website and buy both these comics.

https://chrisaskham.bigcartel.com/category/comics-and-graphic-novels (https://chrisaskham.bigcartel.com/category/comics-and-graphic-novels)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 03 June, 2020, 10:48:28 AM
Chomping my way through Alastair Reynolds's oeuvre after reading the Revelation Space series last year. Aurora Rising and Elysium Fire both brilliant; Chasm City a little convoluted but has all the same qualities of world-building and character that I like in his work. Just taking a breath right now, might be time to re-read Donaldson's Gap series, I'm thinking.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 03 June, 2020, 12:22:35 PM
Wedgski - Pushing Ice is a personal Fave of mine from Mr Reynolds.

I've got both Permafrost and Bone silence in my read pile of his.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 03 June, 2020, 01:46:48 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 03 June, 2020, 12:22:35 PM
Wedgski - Pushing Ice is a personal Fave of mine from Mr Reynolds.

I've got both Permafrost and Bone silence in my read pile of his.
Thanks Bolt, I'll make that the next one.

Have you read any Peter Hamilton? I don't want to burn out on space opera, but he's often mentioned in the same breath as Reynols, Banks, etc.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 03 June, 2020, 02:12:19 PM
Quote from: wedgeski on 03 June, 2020, 01:46:48 PM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 03 June, 2020, 12:22:35 PM
Wedgski - Pushing Ice is a personal Fave of mine from Mr Reynolds.

I've got both Permafrost and Bone silence in my read pile of his.
Thanks Bolt, I'll make that the next one.

Have you read any Peter Hamilton? I don't want to burn out on space opera, but he's often mentioned in the same breath as Reynols, Banks, etc.
Hamilton is quite good, but he does a lot of world building. Some people love this, some don't. If you do like it, then Hamilton will be just what you want in space opera.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 June, 2020, 03:53:07 PM
Hamilton doesn't half get bogged down in too many characters, multiple versions of characters and re-runs of events, though. I had to bail out of the Commonwealth sequence around book 6 (?), it was doing my head in.

I'd recommend dipping your toe into the more self-contained end of his ouevre first - Fallen Dragon is a good one-off, and there's a duology at the start of the Commonwealth run in Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained that work perfectly well on their own (violent alien invasion stuff, though). If that works for you you can push on with the Void trilogy in the same timeline, or detour into intergalactic zombie apocalypse of the Night's Dawn trilogy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Robin Low on 03 June, 2020, 07:09:53 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 03 June, 2020, 03:53:07 PM
Hamilton doesn't half get bogged down in too many characters, multiple versions of characters and re-runs of events, though. I had to bail out of the Commonwealth sequence around book 6 (?), it was doing my head in.

I'd recommend dipping your toe into the more self-contained end of his ouevre first - Fallen Dragon is a good one-off, and there's a duology at the start of the Commonwealth run in Pandora's Star/Judas Unchained that work perfectly well on their own (violent alien invasion stuff, though). If that works for you you can push on with the Void trilogy in the same timeline, or detour into intergalactic zombie apocalypse of the Night's Dawn trilogy.

Very much agree with the suggestion of Pandora' Star/Judas Unchained as a starting point. Or, for another one-off Great North Road, although it's a bit of a monster tome. I'm a bit over halfway through.

Loved the Commonwealth stuff (a Paula Myo/Dredd crossover might be amusing), but I may postpone the Chronicle of the Fallers in favour of the Salvation Sequence.

I would argue against going anywhere near Misspent Youth, but that's mainly because I loathed every single fucking character in it.

One of my favourite writers, very readable, which is probably just as well given the size of his books. His big action sequences are superb.

Regards,

Robin
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 08 June, 2020, 09:36:01 AM
Idoru

I don't think I enjoyed this quite as much as Virtual Light, but it was still very good.  The commentary on media, celebrity and fandom was appreciated but the characters had to grow on me.  Chia and Laney are no Chevette and Rydell.  It also seemed a lot more condensed.  Getting to the end I think I did actually finish reading it back when I was a kid.  I have had it in my head I never finished the last few chapters, but they did seem familiar.  That ended up being weird as I'm plagued by Deja Vu in general anyway.

Going to start the next book today.  Very interested to see where all this is going.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 15 June, 2020, 11:43:13 AM
All Tomorrow's Parties

As a stand-alone book it's the weakest of the three, but as a part of a trilogy I think it is stronger than Idoru.  The chapters are almost painfully short and Gibson doesn't seem to like long chapters in this trilogy anyway.  I think it impeded the impression of all the threads coming together for the conclusion at the end.  It was great to have Rydel and Chevette on the centre stage again and I did end up enjoying the continuation of their stories.

As a trilogy of books, I don't think it is as good as the Sprawl trilogy.  Nevertheless, it's been many years since I read those books.  Virtual Light was most certainly a joy to read and Idoru and All Tomorrow's Parties suffer in comparison, but are entertaining in their own right.  All in all, I liked it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 24 June, 2020, 09:37:47 AM
Aliens vs Predator: Prey

I don't think I've read a novelisation of a comic before.  I also haven't read the comic this is adapted from.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book, however.  It took me by surprise.  I was initially sceptical of the dual perspective, but it ended up being a highlight.  So much better than the movies.

So far it's sequel, Hunter's Planet, is not turning out to quite as well written.

Also, I have started up my big read of 2000AD and Megazine again.  I am currently in '97 era and Nikolai Dante has just started.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: robprosser on 24 June, 2020, 04:21:50 PM
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

I loved her first novel, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, and waited eagerly for the follow-up. I'm a quarter of the way in and it's proving disappointing so far. Much less dense and involving than her first novel though there is a little bit of intrigue. Let's hope it improves.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 26 June, 2020, 10:01:15 AM
Tintin in Tibet Read a bunch of Tintin as a kid, but this is the book that stuck with me. Something about it's focus on friendship told through a down to basics adventure on snowy mountains. No spies or big plots, it's just Tintin trying to find his lost friend. Another thing I really like about the story is the yeti. It really feels like it's always near, but seldom shown. Fueling this are the different stories and opinions on the yeti people are telling Tintin. My favorite being the one about alcohol, and Haddock deducing one of it's supposed rampages to be a hang over. A hint of sympathy which is wonderfully broken when the yeti one night is believed to have stolen Haddock's last bottle of whisky  :D

Can't recommend the book enough  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 30 June, 2020, 04:50:07 AM
Recently I purchased the Dragon Age graphic novel collection deluxe edition volume 2.

I've also been working my way through Scottish crime writers Stuart McBride and Denzil Meyrick.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 01 July, 2020, 04:22:33 PM
Jim Lee XXL

Had a vestigial nostalgic sting in my heart when recently re-reading some 80's / 90's X-Men comics digitally.
Some casual Googling led me to the holy grail of my personal peak-era X-Men; the HUGE 'Jim Lee XXL' book.
And when I say huge, I mean it's the feckin monolith from 2001.
It arrived in the post with only a minor corner ding, surprising all things considered.
Contained within is Uncanny X-Men 276, probably my favorite issue of the era - fantastic high stakes story by Claremont and probably Lee's most consistent sequence of 22 pages of beautiful A+ artwork. 
 
As gorgeous as it is to look at (original colouring and all), it's a bloody chore to actually read - I had to lay it out on the sofa, not a chance it can be held for any amount of time.
The book has an RRP of $100, but this Ebay seller has them up for sale at about half that price; https://www.ebay.ie/usr/gp_ltd?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2754

A solid recommendation if you're a fan of the era (and have somewhere to store the bloody thing).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 02 July, 2020, 09:49:54 AM
Aliens vs Predator: Hunter's Planet

This isn't as good as its predecessor.  The writing style wasn't as interesting and engaging and the story wasn't as good.  It was quite something when modified Aliens were being referred to as 'Buggers'.  I don't know whether that was supposed to be a joke or not, either way it wasn't funny... just jarring.  Nevertheless, it wasn't a bad book.  I got enough enjoyment out of it and it certainly had its moments.

I am continuing with my Big Read of old 2000 AD and Megazines.  I'm into the '98 era and just finished reading the first story of the reboot of Durham Red.  I have endured the Space Girls again.  Overall I'm enjoying it.  I'm also kinda excited because I know better is yet to come and I'm looking forward to rereading a whole lot of stories I only ever read the once.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 July, 2020, 09:04:44 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 06 August, 2016, 09:44:18 PM
Read 'God Hates Astronauts'  Vol. 1 and BLOODY HELL it's brilliant. Quite bonkers but also very possibly the funniest thing I've read in comics for literally years.

Picked this up as part of an Image Humble Bundle and worth the price alone. Wonderous stuff, quite mind boggling. If my reading list wasn't so stupidly long I'd be snapping the rest of this up now. As it is I'LL wait for the next Image digital sale and feverishly purchase everything last thing I don't currently own... as should you...

YES YOU!

That was four years ago and I've not changed that much as a reader since... have I?

Well this was a weird read. So I got the rest of this so impressed by the first book - I absolutely loved it. So when I re-read it I felt pretty much the same, except as I headed to the end I was feeling it drag a little... I just put it down to being a bit tided as I got to the end.

Picked up the next volume the next night and it was a drag... I've read the fine volume over the last two nights and tonight was only half paying attention as I listened to the radio as reading.

I think the problem is it starts off as such a fresh and new things, utterly different, funny and exciting... and you keep reading and you start to see under that and realise the manic humour is actually a vendor, the imagination lacks foundations, the characters are their jokes and nothing more. There's no substance. And so nothing to sustain you your enjoyment.

It very quickly becomes tired and once you are past that initial giddy rush you realise its vapid.

I don't think I've ever gone from on such a high to such a  crashing low by reading just just 14 comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 July, 2020, 09:12:24 PM
The Maxx 1-20

Well I actually read The Maxx Maximised but that doesn't really matter. What really matters is these are like no other comic I have ever read. The first 20 issues of this story tell a tale of the damage coursed by sexual violence, guilt and having a monster for a parent. It deals with spirit animals, shared mental landscapes harbouring apparent escape but really allowing damaging avoidance. It deals with the consequence of trying to hide the damage you have done with a lamp shade...

...in short its astonishing, simply astonishing. I got a lot out of this comic when I read it month to  month and didn't really have much of a clue what was happening. I've gottun so much more reading it in a few sitting and building the picture until the end when a wash of surreal methaphor surprising starts to make more sense than anything else I have read. I will get even more out of it next time I read this taking those two previous readings with me.

That was just the first story arc. There's another to go and I'm very much looking forward to it. This is simply breathtaking comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 07 July, 2020, 11:24:34 PM
Right, well, hopefully I'm going back to education and university- sort of- in a couple of months (always maintained I would never be "out of education" as it's where I'm happiest, and the last 17 years has seen me having to mollify myself by various professional courses and NVQ type things) and so I've stepped up my reading around my interests related to the (online) courses I will be doing- my interests away from comics, the pulps and old issues of Fangoria, that is.

So the latest thing that's been eating up my time and attention is David Lewis-Williams' 'The Mind In The Cave', which attacks the pressing problem of the origin of cave art (and to some extent, portable art) in the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition. Where did it come from? What does it represent? Does it "represent" anything? And what is its relation to the dawning of higher consciousness? And furthermore (the bit I'm having difficulty with and which I'm hoping gets further explained in the remaining 90 pages) what does this mean for our favourite dead relatives the Neanderthals- did they really only have a Primary consciousness, therefore explaining why they didnt do some of the things their contemporary homo sapien neighbours did and why they are sadly no longer bimbling about over the fields of Europe? I have a thing for neanderthals (and would recommend Papagianni & Morse's 'The Neanderthals Rediscovered' for anyone who similarly thinks theyve been given short shrift and wishes to reclaim them somewhat) and am sort of hoping Lewis-Williams'theories are off base.

However, I rather fear they arent. The book is, simply, phenomenal. From an anthropological view it does fully explain shamanism and its role in early religion in a way that I wish a lot more fiction writers would read and stop just making shit up.

I rather feared it would be as dry and dusty as the caves it describes, but the text fair bounces along and a page never fails to go by without me feeling at least a percentage point smarter than I was before. Yes, it's all conjecture I suppose, but conjecture is only a word said with a degree of smarm if you've an opposite point to prove. And Lewis-Williams knows his stuff, and backs it all up to the hilt.

I have also been reading The Complete Future Shocks Volume 2- and usually that would be the book I would most excitedly grab for when unexpectedly given a few hours free reading time, over and above any non-fiction work of any kind. It's a mark of how heavily I'm absorbed in The Mind In The Cave that Tharg has remained on the coffee table tonight, and I've only just popped the other back on the shelf.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 July, 2020, 12:48:00 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 07 July, 2020, 11:24:34 PM
So the latest thing that's been eating up my time and attention is David Lewis-Williams' 'The Mind In The Cave', which attacks the pressing problem of the origin of cave art (and to some extent, portable art) in the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition.

Really great book, one of my favourite popular archaeologies, but maybe drifting towards out-of-date now.  Can I recommend his equally readable follow-up Inside the Neolithic Mind (2005),  which revisits those ideas and takes them forward to Gobekli Tepe and beyond to megalithic Europe.  (To my horror I realise that one is 15 years old and all).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 08 July, 2020, 03:29:19 PM
Fountation by Isaac Asimov. It's been nearly 40 years since I read this. Asimov has been getting a lot of flack lately for poor characterisation and plot development, but I'm finding these stories just as enjoyable as the first time. Sure he doesn't whiffle on about the colour of the sky and how the characters feel about this or about how the taste of the soup is particularly sweet/sour/whatever but Asimov knew how to get to the heart of story and keep you reading. PC or not, Asimov deserves his place among the giants of science fiction.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 08 July, 2020, 03:50:52 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 July, 2020, 12:48:00 PM

Really great book, one of my favourite popular archaeologies, but maybe drifting towards out-of-date now.  Can I recommend his equally readable follow-up Inside the Neolithic Mind (2005),  which revisits those ideas and takes them forward to Gobekli Tepe and beyond to megalithic Europe.  (To my horror I realise that one is 15 years old and all).

Inside The Neolithic Mind is actually sitting in my Amazon basket awaiting my hitting 'buy'. I'm glad you said that, as I was just a wee bit concerned it may not have been worth it, as the reviews I'd read did make it sound "more of exactly the same", but I so very much wanted to buy it anyway.

On the subject of 'being out of date', I'm already alarmed that my designated course text book is similarly 15 years old: Human Evolution An Illustrated Introduction, by Roger Lewin (5th edition, 2005).

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 July, 2020, 04:43:42 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 08 July, 2020, 12:48:00 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 07 July, 2020, 11:24:34 PM
So the latest thing that's been eating up my time and attention is David Lewis-Williams' 'The Mind In The Cave', which attacks the pressing problem of the origin of cave art (and to some extent, portable art) in the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition.

Really great book, one of my favourite popular archaeologies, but maybe drifting towards out-of-date now.  Can I recommend his equally readable follow-up Inside the Neolithic Mind (2005),  which revisits those ideas and takes them forward to Gobekli Tepe and beyond to megalithic Europe.  (To my horror I realise that one is 15 years old and all).

Man, I bought Inside The Neolithic Mind a good 5 years ago and still haven't got around to reading it. This has reminded me to bump it up a bit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 08 July, 2020, 06:06:20 PM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 08 July, 2020, 03:50:52 PM
On the subject of 'being out of date', I'm already alarmed that my designated course text book is similarly 15 years old: Human Evolution An Illustrated Introduction, by Roger Lewin (5th edition, 2005).

Hah, I believe I taught an adult education class largely out of the 1993 edition of that very book back in 2001!  It was very good back then at least, way ahead of most. Human evolution research is hurtling along at the moment, faster than even journals can keep up, so even the most recent text books will only be of use in giving you the history and foundations. I suspect you'll be getting anything up-to-date from current researchers via Twitter - even when I was teaching it 20 years ago the internet was the place to go. I envy you greatly!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 09 July, 2020, 01:22:55 PM
Excellent Tordles, and thank you for the inspiring words. I've just ordered Inside the Neolithic Mind and *paid for my course*, so- as my littlest guy used to sing, when he'd completed something, "done-dunny-done-done-done!"

I'm stupidly excited. And am now rereading Lewis-Williams' thoughts on the 'Lion Man' of Hohlenstein-Stadel in comparison with the article by Elle Clifford and Paul Bahn in the last issue of Current World Archaeology, and wondering on which side of the divide I fall.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 15 July, 2020, 01:12:47 PM
Picked up a copy of Kevin Eastman's Totally Twisted Tales there.
3 slightly bonkers short stories with slightly bonkers Biz art (alas, using his current 'marker pen' style).
I enjoyed the first story in particular, reminded me of the much missed Banzai Battalion, and had some art assistance by the talented Eric Talbot (who previously teamed up with Biz for the eye watering artwork on The Melting Pot, if I recall correctly).

Nothing here your average slightly immature 2000AD fan wouldn't like, and defo worth a tenner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 18 July, 2020, 09:44:03 PM
I've been reading a great deal of cosmic horror and urban wyrd material lately, expanding my perspective beyond Lovecraft into equally influential and all together less problematic auteurs.

And thus I devoured Robert W. Chambers seminal anthology THE KING IN YELLOW in just a few days. A sublime phantasmagoria of cursed plays of cities shrouded in shadow in distant, haunted lands, ruled by a terrible cosmic deity, of ghostly homes and the corruptions of war. It's a brilliant piece of fiction, that feels like a fully rendered universe of woe. It's a pity Chambers turned away from mythic writings after this.

Next I gave the CARNACKI: GHOST FINDER by William Hope Hodgson a reread, wonderfully esoteric series of fables and early forerunners to the supernatural noir genre, filled with outer monstrosities with porcus features, houses with laughing features and a few red herrings to really throw you off the formula. Following the reread I chased it down with finally reading Hodgsons most famous novel, THE HOUSE ON THE BORDERLAND a brilliantly genius bit of mind warping fiction compounding all of the earth history into a ball of pessimism and ethereal dread. It's easily the equal of any of Lovecrafts more influential, longer prose.

I'm intending to keep reading through some cosmic and mythic authors i've long neglected, like Thomas Ligotti, Franz Khafka and Alan Garner, in the coming months. Good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 18 July, 2020, 10:08:57 PM
You need to do The Night Land now. Monstrously flawed, frequently aggravating... and yet probably the best book ever.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 19 July, 2020, 01:31:49 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 18 July, 2020, 10:08:57 PM
You need to do The Night Land now. Monstrously flawed, frequently aggravating... and yet probably the best book ever.
Already on the shelf, waiting it's turn, along with several collections of his nautical horrors.

I'm aware it's a deeply dividing book but all the more reason for me to wade in...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 19 July, 2020, 02:17:57 PM
The Night Land's strengths are so great that even its manifest flaws cannot eclipse them. Still, you may find Hodgson problematic in a different way to Lovecraft - not in terms of his attitude to race, but towards male / female relationships. 'Unreconstructed' is an understatement! Still, it's more a case of thinking "oh dear" and moving on - he's not like Lovecraft, whose prejudices actively fuel some of his stories and are inextricably woven into their literary fabric.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 19 July, 2020, 02:50:01 PM
There was a recent reprinting of The House on the Borderland with a new intro by Alan Moore (his second after the Corben comic adaptation) and an old essay by Iain Sinclair; but yeah, The Night Land is something else, similar to THOTB, if a tougher, longer read.

http://www.swanriverpress.ie/title_borderland.html

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 19 July, 2020, 03:27:49 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 19 July, 2020, 02:17:57 PM
The Night Land's strengths are so great that even its manifest flaws cannot eclipse them. Still, you may find Hodgson problematic in a different way to Lovecraft - not in terms of his attitude to race, but towards male / female relationships. 'Unreconstructed' is an understatement! Still, it's more a case of thinking "oh dear" and moving on - he's not like Lovecraft, whose prejudices actively fuel some of his stories and are inextricably woven into their literary fabric.

Oh aye, but i've found Hodgsons misogyny issue to be very much less overt and gratuitous and not interwoven with the ethos of his mythology. He was a sailor, after all, so likely of ''o'right lads, lock up your daughters' disposition which, though not an excuse, is more understandable than Lovecrafts "EVERYTHING THAT ISN'T WHITE OR MALE OR RICH OR FROM MY HOMETOWN IS GOING TO FUCKING KILL US ALL" brazen bigoted lunacy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 19 July, 2020, 04:01:34 PM
In Michel Houellebecq's 'H. P. Lovecraft: Against the World, Against Life', Houellebecq suggests Lovecraft's transition from a common-or-garden of-his-era racist into foaming bigot can be pinpointed to his 1920s experiences in the diverse environment of New York City, which forever cemented the idea of the huge city teeming with 'other' life (as Lovecraft would have seen it) into his terrified mind. Paradoxically, it's that misdirected revulsion that makes some of his stories so powerful.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 20 July, 2020, 10:52:54 AM
Quote from: Greg M. on 19 July, 2020, 02:17:57 PM
The Night Land's strengths are so great that even its manifest flaws cannot eclipse them.

You'd sell ice to Eskimos, Greg.

Any recommendation for a particular edition? Plenty of choice out there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 20 July, 2020, 11:18:06 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 20 July, 2020, 10:52:54 AM

You'd sell ice to Eskimos, Greg.

Any recommendation for a particular edition? Plenty of choice out there.

Mine is the Fantasy Masterworks edition, which compiles all Hodgson's novels and has an interesting intro by China Mieville, but whilst you could once pick that up at Fopp for a few quid, it seems to have shot up in price somewhat - though not to any more than a modern edition of The Night Land alone.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 20 July, 2020, 11:47:28 AM
I was massively impressed by House on the Borderland when finally I read it (incredibly) for the first time earlier this year, after a seeming lifetime of people urging me to do so. It passed my successful-horror test because i dreamt about it afterwards.

My three takeaways were (1). Landsdape very evocative of holidays in Clare as a kid, I wonder doea Hodgson share the specific (alleged) inspiration of Poll na gColm with Tolkien ; (2)  Women are disposable accessories to men's stories; (3). So that's where pig-faced orcs come drom!. Have to try TNL next.

I can deal with Lovecraft's raging racism not because it's "of its time"  ::) but because the way in which it finds fictional expression only serves to highlight its irrationality and its tragic universality. And, selfishly, because I think his stuff is quite brilliant in its own painful.way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 July, 2020, 03:27:32 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 July, 2020, 11:18:06 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 20 July, 2020, 10:52:54 AM

You'd sell ice to Eskimos, Greg.

Any recommendation for a particular edition? Plenty of choice out there.

Mine is the Fantasy Masterworks edition, which compiles all Hodgson's novels and has an interesting intro by China Mieville, but whilst you could once pick that up at Fopp for a few quid, it seems to have shot up in price somewhat - though not to any more than a modern edition of The Night Land alone.

Amazingly I rediscovered my copy of that same edition just today, after assuming it was long gone to the great recycling bin in the sky!

Have long adored Carnacki, Ghost Pirates and HotB (... Glenn Carig not so much) but have never given Night Lands a go. Really must remedy that now I've found my copy again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 July, 2020, 03:47:12 PM
I really do love House on the Borderland. Aged about 11, I found a mouldering old paperback edition (with lurid 70s cover) in our garden shed that nobody claimed to know anything about, and was totally enamoured with it. To add to the general aura of mystery, it turned out (when I got there) that the last few pages were missing - all of which really helped instill my fascination with what, let's face it, is by anyone's lights a deeply weird book!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 20 July, 2020, 03:48:02 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 20 July, 2020, 03:27:32 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 July, 2020, 11:18:06 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 20 July, 2020, 10:52:54 AM

You'd sell ice to Eskimos, Greg.

Any recommendation for a particular edition? Plenty of choice out there.

Mine is the Fantasy Masterworks edition, which compiles all Hodgson's novels and has an interesting intro by China Mieville, but whilst you could once pick that up at Fopp for a few quid, it seems to have shot up in price somewhat - though not to any more than a modern edition of The Night Land alone.

Amazingly I rediscovered my copy of that same edition just today, after assuming it was long gone to the great recycling bin in the sky!


That the edition that misspells the authors name, going for 50 smackers on Amazon?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 20 July, 2020, 04:13:13 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 20 July, 2020, 03:48:02 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 20 July, 2020, 03:27:32 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 July, 2020, 11:18:06 AM
Mine is the Fantasy Masterworks edition, which compiles all Hodgson's novels and has an interesting intro by China Mieville, but whilst you could once pick that up at Fopp for a few quid, it seems to have shot up in price somewhat - though not to any more than a modern edition of The Night Land alone.

Amazingly I rediscovered my copy of that same edition just today, after assuming it was long gone to the great recycling bin in the sky!


That the edition that misspells the authors name, going for 50 smackers on Amazon?

That's the one - although the spelling error isn't on the actual cover, just the online graphic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 20 July, 2020, 04:58:15 PM
Readers of The House on the Borderland - or indeed those who've enjoyed one of the most memorable Carnacki yarns - will find it somewhat appropriate to see the author referred to as Hogson. If there was one animal that engendered grave misgivings in WHH, pigs were it.

There's a Buy It Now of said edition on eBay for £18.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JOE SOAP on 21 July, 2020, 04:38:52 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 20 July, 2020, 11:47:28 AMMy three takeaways were (1). Landsdape very evocative of holidays in Clare as a kid, I wonder doea Hodgson share the specific (alleged) inspiration of Poll na gColm with Tolkien


Possibly. He spent some time in the West as a kid.

WHH (known as "Hope" to his family and friends) was born in 1877, the second son of Essex clergyman Samuel Hodgson and his wife, Lizzie.  The family would eventually grow to include twelve children but three of WHH's brothers would die in infancy before their second years.

By all reports, Samuel Hodgson was a difficult man to live with.  This is perhaps supported by the fact that he was constantly transferred throughout most of his career.  Samuel was moved at least twelve times during the years 1871-1890 and, in 1887, the family was sent to do missionary work in Ireland at Ardrahan, County Galway.  This would provide the setting for one of Hodgson's most famous novels, The House on the Borderland.


https://williamhopehodgson.wordpress.com/a-short-biography-of-william-hope-hodgson/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 21 July, 2020, 08:23:32 PM
Isaac Asimov's Robot Series

I finished Robots of Dawn today after having read the first two and have just picked up Robots and Empire.  So far I am really enjoying this series.  It's hardly a surprise to me as I find Asimov's writing to be highly engaging.  Despite him being one of my favourites authors, I haven't read a great deal of his work.  All of Foundation, couple of other novels and a bunch of short stories.  I like him most when he becomes fixated on otherwise benign and insignificant details of his world building.  He uses them to develop his characters and flesh out his settings in a way I don't think I've experienced from other writers.

I'm going to carry on with the galactic empire stuff and into foundation for an almost complete journey.  It should keep me quiet for a number of months.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Funt Solo on 22 July, 2020, 03:01:38 AM
I really enjoyed Asimov's books - right from when I was too young to really understand all the words, but just kept going anyway because I got the general idea.

By the time you get to Robots and Empire, his two massive threads collide.

Tempting to start all of this up again. It's been long enough.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 22 July, 2020, 04:53:32 AM
What I always liked about Asimov is his easy writing style that makes it so simple to read his books. His Foundation series is just plain awesome (the tv series looks great but it does not look anything from the books).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 22 July, 2020, 09:48:26 AM
Everyone I have recommended The Foundation series to who then read it has loved it.  I first came across Asimov about 10 years ago with his collected stories The Bicentennial Man found in a second hand book shop (a rare thing in itself these days).  I went back to that shop the following week and started buying up all the Asimov books they had (mostly Foundation).  I agree that he is extremely easy to read.  I'm just really glad I have my hands on more of his books now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 22 July, 2020, 11:00:35 AM
Asimov is a great writer. Something I really love about his writing is how much of his plot is progressed in conversation with characters.

I've just finished Permafrost by Alastair Reynolds. A cracking little time travel novella that rattles along at a breakneck pace.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 22 July, 2020, 11:06:38 AM
I decided to continue my Alastair Reynolds marathon and enjoyed Pushing Ice and the Revenger series in the last few weeks. "Enjoyed" is correct but I didn't feel like they were up there with the Inspector Dreyfus or other Revelation Space novels. Pushing Ice had a fantastic premise (as always) but the character work left a bit to be desired; I didn't feel like I understood any of them, to be honest, and their actions were often "WTF"-level deplorable.

The piratical Revenger series had a fantastic premise (as always) and some of the best action sequences the author has written, and I loved the way the narrative swapped between the two sisters and then detached itself for the third book, but again, the characters didn't really differentiate themselves, and the whole story just sort of ambled from place to place. That said, the setting is very interesting and its mysteries resolved themselves satisfactorily by the end of the third book. No regrets, but none of these would be my first recommendations for a new reader.

I'll get back to space opera in good time (probably with some of the recommendations offered earlier in this thread), but I'm palate-cleansing with a first read of Ready Player One, and I'll more-than-likely segue into some fantasy before heading back out into the black.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 July, 2020, 08:57:00 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 07 July, 2020, 09:12:24 PM
The Maxx 1-20
...That was just the first story arc. There's another to go and I'm very much looking forward to it. This is simply breathtaking comics.

The Maxx 21-35

And you know what it just gets better. The second story arc is just wonderful. Okay you could argue that the scripting loses some of its fizz when the brilliant Messnor-Loeb steps aside and Sam Keith takes over. And yes the little vignettes are so fantastic you just want more of them. You want to spend more time with these characters. I know that's not the point that Sam Keith gives you the insight into the minds of these glorious lost souls and no more, but man I would lap up more.

By the end Keith miraclously pulls together this boggling mindscape sown across the entire 35 issues series and makes it all make complete sense, work as a whole and be utter satisfying while at the same time being a work of surreal mystery.

Its like nothing else I've read. I know I need to read it again. I know each time I read it I will get more and more things from it.

An absolute masterpiece.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 23 July, 2020, 12:44:54 PM
Quote from: JOE SOAP on 21 July, 2020, 04:38:52 PM
By all reports, Samuel Hodgson was a difficult man to live with.  This is perhaps supported by the fact that he was constantly transferred throughout most of his career.  Samuel was moved at least twelve times during the years 1871-1890 and, in 1887, the family was sent to do missionary work in Ireland at Ardrahan, County Galway.  This would provide the setting for one of Hodgson's most famous novels, The House on the Borderland.[/i]

Cool, cheers Joe!  I reckon Ardrahan can't be more than an hour's (modern) drive from Pollnagollum cave, which fits well with the Borderland description. 


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 23 July, 2020, 09:01:40 PM
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. Picked up a trick or two from this one. The book centers around the idea of thoughts being emotional or logical, and how those two are working together: often with excercises. My favorite one being "A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?" which made me go Aha! quite the bit.

A good book. Especially since I'm about to start reading a book on cognitive behavioral therapy next :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 27 July, 2020, 02:56:35 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 20 July, 2020, 04:13:13 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 20 July, 2020, 03:48:02 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 20 July, 2020, 03:27:32 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 July, 2020, 11:18:06 AM
Mine is the Fantasy Masterworks edition, which compiles all Hodgson's novels and has an interesting intro by China Mieville, but whilst you could once pick that up at Fopp for a few quid, it seems to have shot up in price somewhat - though not to any more than a modern edition of The Night Land alone.

Amazingly I rediscovered my copy of that same edition just today, after assuming it was long gone to the great recycling bin in the sky!


That the edition that misspells the authors name, going for 50 smackers on Amazon?

That's the one - although the spelling error isn't on the actual cover, just the online graphic.

Cheers lads, picked up a cheapo copy of THOTB, will shell out for decent editions of Hogson's stuff if I like it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 29 July, 2020, 08:43:04 AM
Harleen by Stjepan Šejić. This one took me by surprise. A very good and complex retelling of Harley Quinn's beginnings. Her relationship to the Joker is especially interesting. The book strikes a good balance between showing why it's far from a healthy relationship and how she can believe it is. Much like Batman's trauma, it's hard decide wether it's made her free or in a cage: in her quest/hope to cure a person (and perhaps herself) who's essentially a big bad wolf. Stjepan has made a really good job making sure there's no straight up answer to this, and without her loosing her agency --even when she's loosing it.

I'd also like recommend the youtube channel The deluxe version's fantastic job presenting the beauty of the hardcover edition of the book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3mW6jKzX3U
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 29 July, 2020, 03:56:00 PM
Quote from: wedgeski on 22 July, 2020, 11:06:38 AM
I'll get back to space opera in good time (probably with some of the recommendations offered earlier in this thread), but I'm palate-cleansing with a first read of Ready Player One, and I'll more-than-likely segue into some fantasy before heading back out into the black.
This was strangely not as good as I expected, and had many of the same problems as the film. Then this happened:

Me: This was strangely not as good as I expected, and had many of the same problems as the film.
Wife: Are you sure you're not just pissed that you didn't think of it first?
Me: ...

I married someone much smarter than me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 29 July, 2020, 10:30:08 PM
I was under the impression that the book had all the problems of the film in larger quantity.  The film entirely put me off reading it as I found it utterly tiresome, trite, idiotic and an insult to my intelligence.  That's not even taking into account that it comes across as a massive checklist of "geek culture" references, which outside their own contexts were just hollow and meaningless... or even worse, missed the fucking point.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 01 August, 2020, 06:53:51 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 20 July, 2020, 04:58:15 PM
Readers of The House on the Borderland - or indeed those who've enjoyed one of the most memorable Carnacki yarns - will find it somewhat appropriate to see the author referred to as Hogson. If there was one animal that engendered grave misgivings in WHH, pigs were it.

There's a Buy It Now of said edition on eBay for £18.

Ha!  Though ever since new Doctor Who came out (not so new now, it's fifteen years since it came back) I think of the House on the Borderland people as being like the guys from [spoiler]Depression-era New York[/spoiler].
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 02 August, 2020, 02:13:34 PM
Cerebus: Jaka's Story I quite liked this book. A weirdly engrossing and surpisingly mature story about a woman Jaka, who's a waitress and dancer a pub. One day she get's a social visit by an old friend, a very angry sword carrying aardvark named Cerebus. While this is happening Jaka's husband is gossiping details of her early life to writer "Oscar" (who's basically Oscar Wilde) who's penning a story (inside the story) out of it. Felt like equal parts Don Rosa's Scrooge McDuck and Ingmar Bergman. Hard to explain, but hard not to recommend.

(https://theslingsandarrows.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/JakasStoryInterior2.jpg)

I've read some reviews and such on the rest of the Cerebus series, but Jaka's story feels like sweet spot for me. Especially given how well it reads as stand alone, and how off the rails the later books went.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 02 August, 2020, 08:24:19 PM
It's kinda odd thinking of someone coming at Jaka's Story as it's own self contained story.  Probably a better way of reading Cerebus.  You might like Melmoth as well.  Some people liked Going Home.  I didn't, but some people did.

I loved Cerebus when I was a kid, but it is problematic and does get more and more tedious (and problematic) as it goes on.  I have the whole collection in trades, but I haven't read them all (couldn't get through the last two).  Nevertheless I still have a soft spot for High Society and the "Swords of Cerebus" stories.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 August, 2020, 09:19:01 PM
Yeah the idea of approaching 'Jaka's Story' as a stand alone work is fascinating. I've been so immersed in Cerebus since my late teens that opportunity has long since passed me. Dave Sim for all his significent issues and clear mental health problems, over the years is a master of the form.

I love the first 200 issues of Cerebus as body of work, even as the thoughts and ideas of the creator where becoming increasingly problematic towards the end of that run. I really can't enjoy 'Guys' and the materials after that, I've read significent chunks, its too entwined with his misogynistic world view and I can't engage in it anymore. I quickly abandoned Cerebus in Hell after a foolish daliance to see if Dave Sim's views had changed to make his work more approachable. Alas they hadn't and after a closer reading of issue 3 (I think its was) I realised I couldn't support his work anymore.

However Cerebus as a body of work, certainly from issue 14ish - 200 is quite unequaled. I do worry how I will react to it if I read it again now, but I loved it when I read it last 10 years(ish) ago. Its well worth delving further into, at least the first 200, though with a warning that care needs to be taken towards the end of that run.

Some old thoughts on this here

https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=34683.msg635507#msg635507 (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=34683.msg635507#msg635507)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 03 August, 2020, 12:28:01 AM
I'd personally be careful recommending Cerebus beyond issues 150.  That is when Sim really started alienating his audience.  It's kinda funny (in a not funny way), considering that the main character is shown committing rape and killing babies before that point.  Church and State also doesn't really go anywhere or have much of a point.  A lot of things happen to Cerebus and he states to lose his own agency in his story around that point. I know people who have said Going Home is not that bad, but I just couldn't be doing with it.

There is a lot to celebrate about Sims work, but there is a lot he gets so wrong.  An example would be turning the comic 360 degrees whilst reading.  He did nothing within the story itself to reflect on why he is putting the reader through such an inconvenience and in the end that's all it ends up being, an inconvenience.  I also don't think that a comic is the place for pages of just text.  You want to do that, write a novel.  His story telling has massive flaws in it.  Plot threads and characters dropped out of disinterest and important things happening out of panel.  He just moved on to what was his latest passion and some of that turned out to be utter garbage.  Especially the later stuff.  Honestly, I think the best we can say about Sim as a creator is he was hit and miss and then just miss.  With one exception.  Speech bubbles.  For which he was master of... until Cerebus in Hell, which is lazy and shit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 03 August, 2020, 12:33:45 AM
I should probably clarify.  I have deep and conflicting opinions on it as a body of work and I still try to reconcile it with the creator.  Usually it is easy for me to know whether I can separate the art from the artist, but I have a hard time figuring out my feelings when it comes to Cerebus.  I don't even know why.  I am really not that precious about the things I loved as a kid.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 August, 2020, 06:06:06 AM
Quote from: pictsy on 03 August, 2020, 12:28:01 AM
With one exception.  Speech bubbles.  For which he was master of... until Cerebus in Hell, which is lazy and shit.

To be Sim to Sim Cerebus in Hell was borne of necessity as he'd lost the ability to draw due to hand surgery. Doesn't stop it being rubbish but lazy might be unfair.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 03 August, 2020, 09:16:35 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 03 August, 2020, 06:06:06 AM
To be Sim to Sim Cerebus in Hell was borne of necessity as he'd lost the ability to draw due to hand surgery. Doesn't stop it being rubbish but lazy might be unfair.

Maybe it's unfair to say that because he couldn't draw, but he certainly could collage and there are definitely more inventive ways of doing that than what he did, so maybe not.  It doesn't look like he tried very hard to make something visually interesting, regardless of his impairment... but maybe he simply didn't have the creativity any more.  Nevertheless, I'm not sure the man really deserves the consideration of whether it's fair or unfair to call a garbage looking work of his lazy or not.  Others mileage may vary.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 03 August, 2020, 10:39:06 AM
Yep, a lot of ins and outs when it comes to Dave Sim. As is with a lot of writers. But in his case I choose to separate him from his work to the fullest (especially since he groomed an underage girl), as well as Jaka's story from the rest of Cerebus. Which I think her story lends itself very well to. Read it as a Alice in Wonderland-sque little tale (Couldn't help it but to think of Thatcher as the queen of hearts) about a woman with a very beautiful and powerful presence and her desire to dance: how those things affects those around her.

But from what I understand Sim built her up soley to ruin her for the reader in the later volumes, and I don't care much for that. Especially not since it seems very forced, at a dire expence of her character and for some ill-fated nonsense. I also think her and Cerebus relationship is made more than clear in Jaka's story, when he asks for forgivness and asks her to come with him.

Regarding Cerebus as a whole, I can see why people dig it, and I don't have a problem with that at all. I could see a good chunk sticking to #1-150/200, and others the whole lot since he actually finished what he started. Perhaps even the idea that Cerebus would "Die alone unmourned and unloved".
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 15 August, 2020, 07:07:52 PM
What with the re-release of the 80's Flash Gordon film I decided to have a go at the original comic strip courtesy of our good friends at Titan Books.  Considering the age of the strip, the artwork is impressive.  It's fascinating to work through it and admire the quality. 

There is more of a swashbuckling / fantasy vibe to it and the SF aspects are fairly low key but it is well worth the time.  I also found watching the film having spent a bit of time on the strip that it gave that experience a different feel.  Some of that was comparing the film and the source material.

As a story it is incredibly dated and the characterisation is incredibly predictable / uni-dimensional.  Arguably though this is very much a feature of the time.  It's not a case of suffering as a result, rather reading it with these things in mind.

As for the book itself, it is an example of when Titan really goes to town and does an outstanding job.  The reproduction is exceptional.  What is also exceptional is the quality of additional material about the character development and Raymond's artistic career.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 August, 2020, 08:59:10 PM
Yeah I read the Alex Raymond volumes of Flash Gordon and while they really show their age they are great fun. I've not picked up any of the volumes by other creators any recommendations?

Anyway I came here to discuss Nailbiter. A while ago I read volume 1 and said this

QuoteJust read the 1st trade and its pretty infuriating. See I really enjoyed it, but it was God awful. So many moments that completely pulled me out the story by incredulity. So many 'what the fuck' turn of events, it was just poor. Yet it had a compelling mystery, was a quick simple page turner and really engaging, when I stayed in the story. Art was effective if not mind blowing.

So have picked up the other volumes and started to read them while on holiday... and as it goes on the incredulity doesn't stop and eventually overcomes the page turner. The biggest problem is shock value of the twisty turny events robs the characters of any sense of engagement and grounding making them plot vehicles not characters you invest in or trust. They are just there as servents to the story and offer no value in and of themselves.

This all builds up to the point where the so bad its good, fun schlock of it over heats and explodes. So half way through volume 4 with mysteries and intrigues a plenty built up I realised I just didn't care enough and so stopped reading. I've enough to read to waste time on things were I don't care about the characters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Leigh S on 21 August, 2020, 04:58:02 PM
I think anyone reading Flash Gordon for character stuff is... going to be disappointed!

I love it, but Flash himself is in the grand tradition of Edgar Rice Burroughs Carter from MArs/Napier from Venus characters - embodiments of a certain antiquated (but sadly not antiquated enough!) American "spirit" rather than genuine character.

Story wise, its a wash out mostly too.  But the art is so amazing, and the dreamlike idea of a "Mongo" style planet are so compelling when tied to that art, that I can forgive the weaknesses in the character and story - indeed, i'm not sure those positives would be best served by improvements in those negatives. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: kev67 on 23 August, 2020, 12:38:58 AM
I am currently reading The Happy Return (Horatio Hornblower book) by C.S.Forrester, and Waverley by Sir Walter Scott. Both are historical fiction in that when they were written they were written about the past.

I heard Star Trek was once pitched as Hornblower in space. Thing is, you think space travel is exciting because it's futuristic and high tech, but in reality it would be extremely boring. There's no weather; there're no geological features to speak of, it would take decades (at least') to get anywhere, and there's probably no one to fight. Besides C.S. Forrester had the complete collection of the Naval Gazette to study and knew sailing inside out. Sci-fi writers often do not know their science very well, or they break scientific laws because they are so limiting, or whatever circumstances they think up are contrived, or arbitrary or extrapolations of past wars.

Waverley is a lot better than I thought it would be. It's about this English army officer who finds himself the wrong side of the lines during the Jacobite insurrection in 1745. He actually sympathises with the Jacobites but in a luke warm way. I thought the book would be pompous and turgid, but it's pretty good actually. I can see why he was once n international bestseller.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 23 August, 2020, 05:45:48 PM
Quote from: kev67 on 23 August, 2020, 12:38:58 AM
I am currently reading The Happy Return (Horatio Hornblower book) by C.S.Forrester, and Waverley by Sir Walter Scott. Both are historical fiction in that when they were written they were written about the past.

I heard Star Trek was once pitched as Hornblower in space. Thing is, you think space travel is exciting because it's futuristic and high tech, but in reality it would be extremely boring. There's no weather; there're no geological features to speak of, it would take decades (at least') to get anywhere, and there's probably no one to fight. Besides C.S. Forrester had the complete collection of the Naval Gazette to study and knew sailing inside out. Sci-fi writers often do not know their science very well, or they break scientific laws because they are so limiting, or whatever circumstances they think up are contrived, or arbitrary or extrapolations of past wars.

Waverley is a lot better than I thought it would be. It's about this English army officer who finds himself the wrong side of the lines during the Jacobite insurrection in 1745. He actually sympathises with the Jacobites but in a luke warm way. I thought the book would be pompous and turgid, but it's pretty good actually. I can see why he was once n international bestseller.
Hornblower is a favourite of mine. I reread them every few years. I generally rate Hornblower higher than Aubrey/Martin simply because Forrester sticks to the action and doesn't go for too many Austenesque moments the way O'Brian does.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: kev67 on 23 August, 2020, 10:14:53 PM
True about the Austenesque momemts, but it was quite interesting reading Persuasion, which includes a few naval officers. One of Jane Austen's brothers ended up Admiral of the Fleet, but that might be because he lived to such a great age.

I have often thought the Aubrey-Maturin books were more like the original Star Trek than Hornblower. Kirk's like Aubrey; Spock's like Maturin.  Personally I think Hornblower is better than the Aubrey-Maturin series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 24 August, 2020, 06:50:57 PM
The Three-Body Problem : The Dark Forest : Death's End by Liu Cixin reminded me of both 2001 as well as the foundation books, and towards the almost a little bit of Phil K Dick. Basically about the world under attack from aliens, and the chinese comes to the rescue. The fight goes on for 1000 of years. Enjoyed all three of them very much. Especially the science stuff. Lot of it very very interesting concepts, and some dark ones as well. And mistakes are made to say the least. My favorite bit was probably the idea of a dark forest theory in the second book, and especially the ending. Brilliant twist!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 24 August, 2020, 07:08:39 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 03 August, 2020, 12:33:45 AM
I should probably clarify.  I have deep and conflicting opinions on it as a body of work and I still try to reconcile it with the creator.  Usually it is easy for me to know whether I can separate the art from the artist, but I have a hard time figuring out my feelings when it comes to Cerebus. 


I don't think I'd have any problem keeping the art away from the artist.  Until the beginning of Reads, that is.  Then we're not allowed to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 28 August, 2020, 07:03:39 PM
Has anyone read Wild's End by Dan Abnett and  I.N.J. Culbard? Is it worthwhile since the more I read Abnett's stuff the more I like his work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 August, 2020, 07:15:25 PM
Oh yes. Oh sweet Jesus yes it is very  very good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 28 August, 2020, 07:16:53 PM
Wilds End is magnificent. It's almost classic Rupert-level magnificent in fact. In fact he mere mention of it has made me want to dig them out and read them again. It's by far my favourite thing Abnett (and Culbard) have done outside the prog- and I'm a huge fan of both gentlemen, AND Culbard adapted my second d favourite ever work of prose fiction, At The Mountains of Madness- and did a sterling job.

But Wilds End is better.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 28 August, 2020, 07:27:33 PM
Looks like I have found my next purchase
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 August, 2020, 08:01:42 PM
Here's what I said about it not that long ago when I first read it

QuoteThought there was a thread about Dabnett and INJ Culbard's Wild's End - First Light but couldn't find it if so. Either way if  you've not read this you really should. Its a lazy elevator pitch to say this is War of the World's meet Wind in the Willows... but its War of the World's meets Wind in the Willows.

Its quite magnificence the use of anthropomorphic characters adds to the wimpsy that places it in a simpler time and place and by doing so heightens the stark drama as our heroic - and oh the lead characters are so gloriously heroic without being cardboard cut outs - protagonists struggle against an alien horror.

Jez, Dabnett and a host of artists, including INJ, have been doing such fantastic comics in the Prog of late. This is so good it stands side by side with them. I have the sequal digitally expect me back tomorrow evening to rave some more. My latest comics haul can wait!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: kev67 on 29 August, 2020, 12:28:47 AM
I have started reading The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin. I suppose everyone knows what the story is. Personally I expect it would be cheaper to get a cleaner if you wanted a house that clean. Besides, robots, they'd constantly be breaking down. They'd need constant maintenance. I don't think Ira Levin thought it through.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 29 August, 2020, 06:13:11 PM
Vol 03 of Wilds end has almost reached the top of my to be read pile -- I'm very much looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 30 August, 2020, 02:25:13 PM
Seven Soldiers by Grant Morrison, and a cadre of artist. Probably my 5th time reading it. Grows every time. Together with Allstar Superman it's probably my favorite read of Morrison. Reading the ending almost feels like being part of the final spell by Zatana. Only thing which doesn't resonate much with me is the Cyrus Gold thing. I get the gist of it, but I feel like I'm missing something from the story to figure out why it matters. [spoiler]The evil magic man Zor is made into Cyrus Gold, who is then lynched because stuff he's done to children.[/spoiler] Okay?

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MacabreMagpie on 30 August, 2020, 09:10:13 PM
'How To Survive a Pandemic', a previous work that has been republished with covid context that I heard recommended on Penn Jilette's podcast a while back.

I didn't expect to get this from the book but, holy crap, it's managed to put me off meat all over again even though I haven't eaten any for 15 years. I didn't realise how much of a role the very existence of farming/the meat trade played in the risk of pandemics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 11 September, 2020, 01:21:37 PM
A copy of the 1st collected edition of Superman: The Man of Steel by John Byrne dropped on my doorstep this week.
I do recall reading a lot of Byrne's stuff during this era, but fortunately a fair chunk of this collection is brand new to me also.
It's absolutely fantastic stuff by one of the all time - ALL TIME - greats, and presented beautifully.
Dying to leave the office later today and get back to reading it.

NB - It's a steel on Amazon at the moment: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Superman-Man-Steel-John-Byrne/dp/1779504918/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=man+of+steel+hardcover&qid=1599825556&sr=8-1
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 September, 2020, 01:03:15 PM
Just reading some Marvel Star Wars comcis I picked up in some sale or other. And the two series I've read so far provide an interesting contrast.

Firstly I got the first two trades (digitally) of the main Star Wars series by Jason Aaron, John Cassidy and Stuart Immonen and I found these pretty unsatisfying. They were breezely enough and alomost fun rolicking adventures as Star Wars comics should be. But by God did I find them annoying. They were like a decent covers band trying to right new material based on the band they have sent years admiring. Every other page there was some dialogue, a moment of action, the introduction of a character, an exchange between to characters, whatever some point of story and you could almost feel Jason Aaron turn to camera (eerr we have bands and cameras now in this write up???) wink at the audience saying "See what I did there. That was just like that bit you remember in the movies right! See how I'm nailing the tone and feel of those films you loved." and of course in doing that he pulled me out of the story entirely. By the end of the 3rd or 4th comic I was worried I'd jhave been audably growning each time he did it and my wife would be wondering what was wrong.

Overall the fun bits were washed away by the fact they attempted nothing really new and rather than rift off the old material to do something interesting they just mushed things together into a lumpy mess.

So having read those I approached Keiron Gillan and Salvador Larroca's Darth Vader with a degree of nerves. I've never really got on with Gillan's work before finding it by and large not as good or smart as it attempts to be. Here however he nails it. Its great stuff. As with Aaron and co's stuff he riff on the stuff that's gone before. As is entirely appropriate but he adds so much new and fresh stuff, all absolutely in the style and tone of the orginal stuff that he gives us something cohesive, new and exciting. Its brill stuff.

He also does some masterful work of introducing story points that clearly bypass the main problem with stories about villains, being by and large they are destined to fail in their main quest - typically to beat the heroes. Here different tangental challenges are thrown Vader's way, so chasing down Luke and the Rebels isn't really the main thrust of his challenge. He also creates some great new adversaries whose fate we don't know and I'm assuming mean Vader can happily kill them off.

Finally he introduces a great supporting cast, beyond those challenging Vader, in Doctor Aphra and here to dark droids a wonderfully playful oposite to R2 and 3PO. They are the real stars of the show and such a great new thing in the Star Wars mythos. So while I won't be buying anymore of the main series I now fully intend (well when I digtial sale comes along) to snap up the rest of this Vader stuff and may well check out the Aphra series I think is out there (my Spurrioso maybe?).

Bit more Vader to go then a Lando series which looks interesting...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proudhuff on 19 September, 2020, 01:44:25 PM
Another vote Wild's End, great stuff, altho I do wish more was made of the different species and how they interact: predator's and prey, Orwellian animal/class divide, and what do they all eat was constantly nipping at the back of my mind...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Proudhuff on 19 September, 2020, 01:46:43 PM
In other news just finished a book on the Clash: Passion is a fashion. Excellent read, well written and insightful.

Going on to Black by Design: A two-toner memoir by Pauline Black.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 19 September, 2020, 03:30:43 PM
I've been reading Take Back Plenty by Colin Greenland. This came out while I was in uni and missed it until now. It's a cracking book. If you like space opera at all you must read it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 19 September, 2020, 09:07:58 PM
Oh Vader Down which I was now looking forward to was a bit of a disappointment. Had some fun moments but took the whole Vader is a bad ass thing a little too far!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 02 October, 2020, 11:52:48 AM
Bouncer from Humanoids is this any good  since Comixology has a sale on the complete series ?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 October, 2020, 12:08:36 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 02 October, 2020, 11:52:48 AM
Bouncer from Humanoids is this any good  since Comixology has a sale on the complete series ?

I've got a lovely big hardcover collection of this (was on sale at some point or other a few years back). Here's what I said a couple of years back

QuoteJust finished Bouncer by Jodorowsky and Francois Boucq and its 400 plus pages of hardcovered western delight. Okay so maybe the last two volumes included here (it collects the first 7 volumes of this French series) get a little over excited in developing different and interesting characters but even then is sustains it ability to entertain.

Its the tale of a one armed gunfighter, starting off as the bouncer (hence the terrible title) in a saloon in a deadend, backwater town. The town seems to only be there to support the rail road that goes through it, but in 'reality' seems to have enough going on around it to attract every greedy landowner and bandit in the state to its doors to hassle and molest the locals. And Bouncer is often all that stands in their way.

He's a great character too, like all good western heros riddled with guilt, flaws, a constantly broken heart and whiskey... he feels so much more vulernable than similar characters and really is a delight to read his tale. A tale awash with tension and high adventure and family striff that would have Shakespeare jotting down notes for ideas. Indeed the pull and tension of family are a common and well used theme throughout this volume.

Its hard bitten and dusty and not for the faint hearted, but by george its great. The art is just sublime and Moebius on Blueberryesque, just hot and hard and with storytelling and character just supremely delievered. Often the pages are left with little or no text as the art just pulls you along with the story and its inhabitants.

Basically if you like western comics and don't own this you are missing something vital from your collection.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 02 October, 2020, 01:05:00 PM
Thanks for that Colin.

The whole Jodorowsky works are on sale @ Comixology:
https://www.comixology.com/comics-sale?list_id=35630&lang=1 (https://www.comixology.com/comics-sale?list_id=35630&lang=1)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 04 October, 2020, 08:55:18 AM
Roight now, oim reading:

- The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu - has probably been mentioned elsewhere here. It's a really interesting, ambitious hard-science sci fi book. The writing has dorky moments, but is overall good and it's always genuinely thought-provoking.  Here's a (somewhat spoilerish) review https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v40/n03/nick-richardson/even-what-doesn-t-happen-is-epic

- The Listerdale Mystery, a book of Agatha Christie short stories from 1934.  Two stories in, one twee and predictable, one dead good and scary. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: RocketMother on 04 October, 2020, 06:07:33 PM
I picked up The Great Shark Hunt by Hunter S Thompson at a thrift store and I'm about halfway through.

It's a bunch of collected articles from his Rolling Stone days (and others I think) so it's easily digestible. Kind of depressing to see nothing has really changed in the world of politics over the last 50 years... but it's an enjoyable read.

Anne McCaffery's The City Who Fought is sitting next to my bed waiting to be read next. And Good Omens underneath that. There really does need to be more time in the day...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 05 October, 2020, 11:49:31 AM
Never shy about my love for the inexplicably underrated  C.J. Cherryh, but I just finished Cyteen, her mammoth follow-up to Downbelow Station and the sublime 40,000 in Gehanna.  This one won the Hugo, Locus and sundry other awards on its release in 1988, and it's not hard to see why. It's a deep, slow exploration of the issues of human cloning, slavery, castes, nature versus nurture, inheritance, manipulation and the totalitarian control of corporatism on space colonisation.

The thing I love about Cherryh's writing in general is her refusal to offer outside perspectives or explanations - we see her worlds and plots from the characters' points of view, and if they never fully understand what's going on, often nor does the reader. Here, a majority of the characters are clones of different types, vat-grown and psychologically programmed to be slaves with specific roles, treated as sub-human and sometimes shockingly disposable, at best valued concubines, pets or critically, experimental replacements for key human personnel. 

Subversives and terrorists lurk in the background, but in actuality these are mainly abolitionist groups of various stripes. Looking through the eyes of both cloners and brainwashed clones, we never see them as anything but deluded threats to the social and economic order, and Cherryh certainly doesn't point the alternative view out. It's a pretty remarkable thing to experience, and experience it you do.

The hard SF core is dated a bit by an emphasis on computer tech that clearly harks back to the 70s-style overstretched mainframes established in Downbelow Station, there are about 3 brief action sequences in 300K words (and only if you include a girl falling off a horse),  and as a novel it very much just stops rather than ends, but if you ever wanted to experience life in an immoral corporate state in a hermetic bubble on an alien world, this is your chance.

Highly recommended, but very loooong. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 05 October, 2020, 03:28:56 PM
I can't agree more about Cherryh. Her work is wonderful and very absorbing. Her aliens are some of the best written and always feel, well, alien. I have been itching to reread her entire Alliance-Union series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 14 October, 2020, 10:19:51 AM
Tom O'Neill's Chaos, a book about the ins and outs of the Manson murders. Makes a valid point that the police work wasnt the best, and brings about some weird and possible connections between the Manson family and fbi, a doctor who killed a dr who killed an elephant with lsd among other fascinating finds. And he does this while still keeping to the point that the investigation of the Manson family wasnt the best.

Tom also makes interesting observations of his 20 years looking into stuff, interviewing people. The mistakes he makes, and how much of it ultimately is a search for information without end rather than getting answers. Reminded me a bit of Robert Graysmith's work on the Zodiac killer, or James Ellroys My dark places.

A very interesting read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 14 October, 2020, 10:31:44 AM
I finished Asimov's Galactic Empire series last week.

This series is probably the weakest stuff of his I have read and certainly don't work as a series.  As individual books they are OK.  The Currents of Space is easily my favourite of the three.  It has excitement and heavy themes that are of shocking relevance today.

I have started on the final (and longest) leg of this Asimov journey.  I have read the Foundation series before, but I did it in publication order.  I'm looking forward to Foundation and Earth where the things loop round to the beginning.  Curious to see how it reads in a different context.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 October, 2020, 11:08:40 AM
Making another run at Liu Cixin's Three Body Problem. I didn't enjoy it at all last time, and didn't actually finish it. In the intervening years everyone I know has raved about it, and in the lockdown era it's one of the few books in the house that I haven't finished (oh for the days of the teetering to-read pile!). So let's see.

If you're looking for a waffer-theen-meent of a book, I heartily recommend Hugo Hamilton's memoir The Speckled People, about an outsider childhood in 1950s Dún Laoghaire, and also life as an ordinary person in rural Germany under the Nazis. Read it in one insomniac sitting, but re-running sequences in my head ever since - as perfect an evocation of family and of Ireland as you'll ever read. And you'll never look at a barmbrack the same way again.

William Boyd's Blue Afternoon isn't his best, but it has a fun plot, great characters and his signature sense of time and place (thus time, 1900s Manila, and to a lesser extent 1930s California). Learnt more about the US invasion of the Philippines than I ever knew, and more about 1900s surgery than I ever wanted to know.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 October, 2020, 11:21:26 AM
Quote from: pictsy on 14 October, 2020, 10:31:44 AM
I finished Asimov's Galactic Empire series last week. This series is probably the weakest stuff of his I have read and certainly don't work as a series. 

Agreed, it's a grab-bag of lesser works, and I think the grouping into a series has the whiff of a post-hoc marketing strategy ("hey kids,  if you liked the Foundation series...! "). As you say,  Currents is the (only) stand-out.

Wishing you good luck with re-reading Foundation, you may need it if starting with the bloated prequels!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Apestrife on 15 October, 2020, 06:07:16 AM
Read Ted Lewis' Jack's return home (Get Carter). Read it mostly out of curiousity since I like the film, and it was quite good. A black hearted gangster Jack Carter returns home to see his brother buried, and then starts to badmouth and strong arm his way through his hometown. Hoping to punish someone for what he believes is a murder. It's basically the film that followed, but in book form. Very brutal and nasty. Especially how casual some of the stuff is. Very shocking at times.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 15 October, 2020, 10:32:51 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 October, 2020, 11:21:26 AM
Wishing you good luck with re-reading Foundation, you may need it if starting with the bloated prequels!

Not having any trouble with them so far.  Prelude is already a more engaging read than Pebble.  I also only read a chapter a day so I can fit some comic reading and miniature painting.  I have found if I read at least a chapter a day I can get through more books.  This year has been my most prolific for reading thanks to this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 15 October, 2020, 05:14:04 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 October, 2020, 11:08:40 AM
Making another run at Liu Cixin's Three Body Problem. I didn't enjoy it at all last time, and didn't actually finish it. In the intervening years everyone I know has raved about it, and in the lockdown era it's one of the few books in the house that I haven't finished (oh for the days of the teetering to-read pile!). So let's see.
I've read the trilogy and in all honesty, it's not worth the trouble. The first book is pretty good, but by halfway through the second the story was meandering and by the end of the third I was irritated. The ending is weak and left me feeling I'd spent a lot of time on nothing.

I know the first book won the Hugo a few years ago, but that just shows you how reliable the Hugos are now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 16 October, 2020, 10:22:25 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 October, 2020, 11:08:40 AM
Making another run at Liu Cixin's Three Body Problem. I didn't enjoy it at all last time, and didn't actually finish it. In the intervening years everyone I know has raved about it, and in the lockdown era it's one of the few books in the house that I haven't finished (oh for the days of the teetering to-read pile!). So let's see.
I finished it but I found it a real slog. Actually, that's only half true. I enjoyed the Cultural Revolution storyline and the grumpy cop but I found the main plot almost as irritating as the Glass Bead Game.

Despite my predictions lockdown has not helped me get through my backlog of books but I'm currently enjoying The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. I started this once before, a couple of years ago, and absolutley hated it, I was persuaded to give it another go by my partner's enthusiasm and I'm getting a lot more into it and out of it this time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 16 October, 2020, 11:29:54 AM
Quote from: I, Cosh on 16 October, 2020, 10:22:25 AM
Despite my predictions lockdown has not helped me get through my backlog of books but I'm currently enjoying The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. I started this once before, a couple of years ago, and absolutley hated it, I was persuaded to give it another go by my partner's enthusiasm and I'm getting a lot more into it and out of it this time.

Oh I love that book - though my copy has long since disappeared.

There's a few collections of comics based on The Escapist - the comic character in the book that while hit and miss are worth checking out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 16 October, 2020, 11:51:21 AM
Agreed on both counts - the comics are okay, but the book really is excellent. Chabon the person annoys me, and his work for the screen is uneven,  but he's written some of my favourite books (this, Yiddish Policeman's Union, Gentlemen of the Road).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 16 October, 2020, 01:35:09 PM
Yeah, everyone on here and in real life raves about it. The first time I just got really sick of the extended digressions into the backstory of each new character but this time I'm enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 20 October, 2020, 11:48:11 AM
Armor of Contemp. Took me a few years,but Im getting back into Gaunts Ghosts.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 22 October, 2020, 11:31:06 AM
I started reading GW's Horus Heresy series around the start of lockdown. I've just started book 30 and I'm questioning the wisdom of the endevour, as I'm feeling pretty ground down by the relentless grimdark of the whole thing (not to mention the often ponderous writing!)

However I just picked up 8 second hand Stainless Steel Rat books on eBay for a song, which should be a lovely change of pace.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 22 October, 2020, 02:04:45 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 22 October, 2020, 11:31:06 AM
However I just picked up 8 second hand Stainless Steel Rat books on eBay for a song, which should be a lovely change of pace.
Oh, I'd jump straight into those!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 22 October, 2020, 02:55:47 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 22 October, 2020, 11:31:06 AM
I started reading GW's Horus Heresy series around the start of lockdown. I've just started book 30 and I'm questioning the wisdom of the endevour, as I'm feeling pretty ground down by the relentless grimdark of the whole thing (not to mention the often ponderous writing!)

However I just picked up 8 second hand Stainless Steel Rat books on eBay for a song, which should be a lovely change of pace.

Massive undertaking. I would suggest jumping around a bit and not doing the whole HH. Legion,Betrayer,Master of Mankind,First Heretic...hit the high points.

I also went waay back and tried to catch up with all the WH40k game changers. Lord of the Night and Rennies Gothic War duology still hold up remarkably well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 22 October, 2020, 04:11:12 PM
Quote from: Smith on 22 October, 2020, 02:55:47 PM

Massive undertaking. I would suggest jumping around a bit and not doing the whole HH. Legion,Betrayer,Master of Mankind,First Heretic...hit the high points.

I also went waay back and tried to catch up with all the WH40k game changers. Lord of the Night and Rennies Gothic War duology still hold up remarkably well.

Wise words, but I had already read all the high points, more or less! I cherrypicked them over the years. Reading the whole lot in order seemed a good idea at the time...
There's some right turkeys in there as well as a good story, but overall the series is a bit of a drag. I suppose it was never intended to be read in this way!
High points - definitely First Heretic, Betrayer, Legion. Prospero Burns / Thousand Sons, Know No Fear (first half of it at any rate....)

Outside of the HH I think the Night Lords trilogy is the absolute best. Not read the Rennie stuff.

Not sure how I've never read much the Stainless Steel Rat... one book in my early teens I think? Veyr much looking forward to them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 22 October, 2020, 06:50:33 PM
Ave Dominus Nox,indeed.
Check out Execution Hour and Shadowpoint if you can.
William Kings Space Wolf series is also a personal favourite. From the relatively newer stuff Carcharodons and Steve Parkers Deathwatch.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 23 October, 2020, 02:08:19 PM
I've quickly looked up both Execution Hour and Shadowpoint and stuck them onto my 'to read' list - in the correct order of course - after Stainless Steel Rat...

I have a couple of the William King Spacewolf books and it's been a while since I read them but I have to say I found them pretty risible - I know they were written in the time when the lore wasn't so established / tightly controlled but I seem to recall a scene where some Space Marines disguise themselves as Orks by wearing their hats and then end up in an ork race? I'm not a huge fan of William King as a writer based on his Gotrek stuff which starts off nicely and goes downhill at a rat of incredible knots so it may be a personal thing.

I've only dipped very sporadically into the post-HH stuff as I find the quality in Black Library very variable indeed. Aside from the Night Lords stuff I quite enjoyed what I read of Ciaphas Cain despite it being a complete Flashman homage. Storm of Iron, of course. The Gaunts Ghosts stuff starts off nicely but again the decline soon sets in - Dan Abnett can really write a tense battle but imo there's a lack of individual voices amongst the cast that steadily increases as they start to get killed off. I also find he has a tendency to write the old 'character A, character B and <2 blokes you've never heard of before> break cover. Unknown bloke 1 was suddenly killed! Then unknown bloke 2 was killed as well!' trope a little too often. I think the first couple of omnibus's are all you need there.

The amount of BL fiction is vast though to it's really good to get a personal recommendation. Cheers!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 23 October, 2020, 02:25:39 PM
Yeah,Gaunts Ghosts can get a bit repetative. A last stand happens once per book.

IIRC,it was dark and they were in a buggy so it could have worked. I did like Gotrek and Felix,but I read like the first 2-3 books wayback when...I assume it dipped in quality after a while?

I never really dived deeply into HH,mostly because we know how it all turns out. So I mostly stick with the "present day" stuff.

And if you want some really bizarre earliest stuff,try finding Space Marine by Ian Watson. That guy has some weird fetishes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Greg M. on 23 October, 2020, 02:38:57 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 23 October, 2020, 02:08:19 PM
...a rat of incredible knots...
(https://i.imgur.com/amritQU.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 23 October, 2020, 02:46:33 PM
Yeah, the first few Gotrek & Felix books are good - I quite like the Warhemmer fiction from that period: Drachenfels, Beasts in Velvet and so on - where the writers were exploring the setting and coming up with cool ideas (lets not talk about Konrad though)
The more into the series you get the more you can see the death of WHFRP and the influence of WHFB: there almost seems to be a mandatory requirement to include a pitched battle per book, there's always reference to whatever new models GW were looking to push at the time, and the storytelling starts to take a backseat to showcasing stuff people could buy. A bit like White Dwarf really. It doesn't help that the concept is stretched to breaking point.. stuff repeats and becomes trite. If I have to read about Gotrek running his finger down the blade of his axe one more time...

I quite like the HH stuff because, in a really ham-fisted way, there's almost a Shakespearan quality to the Primarchs in that they're all totally awesome dudes but one terrible flaw brings about their downfall. There's a lot of 'what ifs' hinted at - what if Magnus had been a little less hubristic? What if the Emperor had been less of a bellend to Angron? and so on. I would say though of the 30 books I've done so far I'd guess 10 are essential, 10 have plot-but-are-a-bit-boring and the other 10 are basically rubbish. I feel I've come this far though so I should finish.

Ian Watson is a total nutter. I think I have read Space Marine!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 23 October, 2020, 02:49:53 PM
Quote from: Greg M. on 23 October, 2020, 02:38:57 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 23 October, 2020, 02:08:19 PM
...a rat of incredible knots...
(https://i.imgur.com/amritQU.jpg)

Rat King hail!
I totally fail.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 23 October, 2020, 04:06:49 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 23 October, 2020, 02:46:33 PM
I quite like the HH stuff because, in a really ham-fisted way, there's almost a Shakespearan quality to the Primarchs in that they're all totally awesome dudes but one terrible flaw brings about their downfall. There's a lot of 'what ifs' hinted at - what if Magnus had been a little less hubristic? What if the Emperor had been less of a bellend to Angron? and so on. I would say though of the 30 books I've done so far I'd guess 10 are essential, 10 have plot-but-are-a-bit-boring and the other 10 are basically rubbish. I feel I've come this far though so I should finish.

And Angel Exterminatus is a prequel to Storm of Iron. There are probably several more prequels like that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 27 October, 2020, 11:36:21 PM
Many decades ago, I loved The Uncanny X-Men. I think I must have been about twelve when I discovered them, and for about four years- up to the start of the John Romita Jnr run (around #190 ish) I was a superfan.

It all really kicked off for me with #111- the circus cover, John Byrne, etc- and I spent many a happy hour around London comic shops filling gaps. I think at one point i had the vast majority of them from Giant Size #1 up to #190.

Over the years, i sold them all of course, to pay rent and wotnot, but i always wanted to get a little run of the Paul Smith issues- which were the absolute peak of my passionate love at that time.

Well, now i do. So I've been reading those... and while obviously Chris Claremont cannot help but over write everything, bugger me if I'm not loving them all over again.

The weird thing was, that despite Wolverine being absolutely my favourite character- just a few years later when i was still into comics, his solo series came out, and I didnt read a single issue. Never had done, until about... two hours ago. Today, ESSENTIAL WOLVERINE VOLUME ONE turned up- won for pittance from Ebay- and I've just read #1-5.

I'd heard of this 'Madripoor' thing, and 'Patch', but never really spent much time bothering with it. Wish I had done now, because despite Claremont's usual flaws, this is bloody fantastic comics. John Buscema! Inked by Al Williamson and Klaus Janson! Fights! Drug running! No silly costumes! (Except Silver Samurai) It's lovely. And I've got 18 issues left to read- all in glorious black and white, unencumbered by lousily printed colours.

It's immediately drawn me in to a world I should have been a part of- and would have loved- at the age of nineteen. Such a shame it's taken me til hitting fifty to acknowledge it.

I think I'll be buying volume two well in advance of finishing this one.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 October, 2020, 06:43:44 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 27 October, 2020, 11:36:21 PM
Today, ESSENTIAL WOLVERINE VOLUME ONE turned up- won for pittance from Ebay- and I've just read #1-5.

I'd heard of this 'Madripoor' thing, and 'Patch', but never really spent much time bothering with it. Wish I had done now, because despite Claremont's usual flaws, this is bloody fantastic comics. John Buscema! Inked by Al Williamson and Klaus Janson!

I've long lost any interest in the Claremont X-Men run and even back in the day when I loved this stuff Wolverine was never a favourite of mine (I'm fighting with Kurt Wagner Block) but those words in bold have always made me want to check this out and the a copy of the Essentials might be a way to go. I got so many of these beggers, mind the new Epic Collections seem to be an option too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 28 October, 2020, 08:19:14 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 27 October, 2020, 11:36:21 PM
Many decades ago, I loved The Uncanny X-Men. I think I must have been about twelve when I discovered them, and for about four years- up to the start of the John Romita Jnr run (around #190 ish) I was a superfan.

It all really kicked off for me with #111- the circus cover, John Byrne, etc- and I spent many a happy hour around London comic shops filling gaps. I think at one point i had the vast majority of them from Giant Size #1 up to #190.

Over the years, i sold them all of course, to pay rent and wotnot, but i always wanted to get a little run of the Paul Smith issues- which were the absolute peak of my passionate love at that time.


TBH I fell into X-men elliptically through marvel UK's comic reprints of Power Pack.  My reading started toward the end of the Romita Jr run and I slowly filled my collection back to GS1 over the years.  All while following the slowly diminishing returns of the next few years until giving up when the new series was launched.

I know what you mean about the Smith run.  A combination of great art and some of Claremont's better writing made it a good few years.  Romita started off with some duff material but as it closed in on the Mutant Massacre the quality of writing improved.  There are some cracking stories from that time.

Post Massacre it started to become a bloated mess and Marvel made matters worse with some of their crossovers.  For me personally the X-tinction Agenda was a perfect example of how to take a great idea and completely screw it up.

I came back to it a few years later and worked my way through the stuff that I'd missed.  In all honesty there was little that was groundbreaking stuff.  Post Claremont is littered with ideas that have started and then been abandoned.  The last few years have been even worse. 

I know that there is a school of thought that says Marvel left X-men and FF to wither on the vine while Fox had the rights to the movie adaptations.  There is plenty of evidence to support that notion to be sure.  For me though the recent Hickman run has finally killed off any interest.

I know that Hickman has a reputation for poor characterisation but what he has produced seems to take this to new limits.  Conceptually the whole Krakoa idea just .... no .... The idea of the resurrection protocols ...  the bloated title run and multiple, poorly written / drawn issues each month .... (oh and the current exchange rate / insane pricing).

Fortunately Rebellion has upped their game massively of late.  Faced with a choice between overpriced, mediocrity or some of the classics that are slowly being unearthed .... Aye, no-brainer ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 October, 2020, 08:28:55 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 28 October, 2020, 08:19:14 AM

TBH I fell into X-men elliptically through marvel UK's comic reprints of Power Pack. 

I've said this before here and I'm sure I'll say it again but if anyone want to read an 80s superhero comic that really hold up Louise Simonson's with June Brigman and John Bogdanove run on Power Pack is they way to go. The first 40 odd issues, though the first 27 (I think it is) are the real highlights).

A classic that's just not talked about enough in my mind.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 October, 2020, 10:06:46 AM
The slagging I got for buying Power Pack you would not believe. Even spotty nerds have minimum standards of cool. But having endured the slings and arrows of outraged '80s mates, it remains one of the only complete* runs of US comics I own, and it has aged barely a day - compare to my beloved Claremont books of the same period, which are tragically almost unreadable.

Wait til I tell you about my Dazzler collection.

*Well, first 30 or so.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 October, 2020, 10:17:49 AM
Funny enough our ex-monarch Trout was just talking about finishing his Dazzler collection the other week on Facebook (I'm sure it was Trout, but now I'm worried I might be misremembering... my humble apologies if I am).

Its a series I never enjoyed from the little bits I picked up but now having two such estemned folks recommned it is making me think I should try it again... mind I hate Vince Coletta inks and I seem to recall he inked a lot of this?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 28 October, 2020, 12:53:13 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 28 October, 2020, 10:06:46 AM

Wait til I tell you about my Dazzler collection.

I thought I was the only one with that secret shame!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 28 October, 2020, 01:27:54 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 28 October, 2020, 08:28:55 AM
I've said this before here and I'm sure I'll say it again but if anyone want to read an 80s superhero comic that really hold up Louise Simonson's with June Brigman and John Bogdanove run on Power Pack is they way to go. The first 40 odd issues, though the first 27 (I think it is) are the real highlights).

A classic that's just not talked about enough in my mind.

I'd definitely agree on the Simonson / Brigman run.  Bogdanove's run though ... start of the slide TBH.  The Snark / Kymellian stories are definitely the best.  I'd also have to throw in the X-men issue with Wolverine and Katie Power with artwork by Windsor-Smith ... a totally feral Wolverine, cyborgs and snow ...

There are a lot of hidden gems from the 80's that people really do seem to have let slide.  Marvel tends to be quite conservative at times but there are tittles that are well worth a look.  Rom is one of those.  DC tended to be much more interesting once you get away from its core output. 

There pre-Vertigo horror comic Wasteland is outstanding with artwork by David Lloyd among others.  then there are curios such as Spanners Galaxy and Conqueror of Barren Earth that would not have been out of place in tooth.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 28 October, 2020, 01:35:15 PM
Don't let me mislead anyone, Dazzler is utter rubbish (and while I haven't re-read it recently, I think Colin is right about Colletta's inks on Springer's pencils - although the addition of some Billy the Sink later on makes up for that).

BUT. There's just something charming about it, the combo of Spidermanesque holding-down-a-job struggles, awful make-up,  glitterballs and roller skates, Klaw, Angel,  Spider-woman, Luke Cage, Doctor Doom, Enchantress, the Hellfire Club, gentle cheesecakery and simply endless crossovers and team-ups... It's just so 80s. I loved it, and best of all you could pick up back issues for pennies.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: judgefloyd on 02 November, 2020, 08:54:30 AM
I'm loving The Three Body Problem myself - I'm part-way through The Dark Forest, but I do see the annoyance mentioned above.  It's a really odd mix of very unusually deep for a sci fi book, workmanlike and plodding.
I'm also t-r-u-d-g-i-n-g through the first of a gazillion 'Shadowrun' books: 'Never Trust a Dragon', which a good friend loaned me why I do not know.  Only irrational completism keeps me going.  It makes me very nostalgic for the early 90s when we were all reading William Gibson and the Japanese were about to take over the planet and be all hi-tech.
Speaking of completism, I'm on an Agatha Christie rampage and am now reading 'Why Didn't They Ask Evans?'; very good puzzle, slightly annoying wacky couple (an attractive aristo woman and a perky non-aristo bloke) are doing the solving. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 02 November, 2020, 10:20:51 AM
I finished Prelude to Foundation and found it a better read the second time (and reading it a chapter a day).  It was actually more interesting now I have read the Robots and Empire stuff and the new context adds a decent amount to it.  Really glad I'm doing this.

I've started Forward the Foundation and it took me a while to remember the structure of the book.  Turns out, this book is probably the one I remember the least.  I'm having a lot of "oh yeah" moments but still can't remember what happens.  It's almost like reading it again for the first time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 02 November, 2020, 10:39:48 AM
Quote from: judgefloyd on 02 November, 2020, 08:54:30 AM
I'm loving The Three Body Problem myself - I'm part-way through The Dark Forest, but I do see the annoyance mentioned above.  It's a really odd mix of very unusually deep for a sci fi book, workmanlike and plodding.

Meant to update my complaints when I eventually finished the first one. Turns out I gave up the first time in the last of the "in game" sequences, which I still found excruciatingly boring and it picks up considerably after that. It's still a very odd read,  with Ye Wenjie's story being fascinating whenever it's centrestage, and the super-science is very cool when it finally shows up.

However, the conspiracy and game-playing elements that Hoover up the rest of the pages just don't work for me. There's also a plodding* quality in the game sequences which seems to bleed over into the real-world stuff.  An example of this is the Trisolarans' work on protons, which plays out like a three-part Goldilocks story, and is this painfully predictable.

That said, it's a worthy bit of SF on ideas alone, and the Cultural Revolution is a compelling background. Will I try Dark Forest?  Only the survival of secondhand bookshops will tell.

*Just realised Floyd used the exact same word: but it's the appropriate one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 November, 2020, 10:01:34 AM
Speaking of Calvin and Hobbes... well they were in the last  Mega City Book Club I listened to yesterday (Rok the God episode) I stumbled cross 'Exploring Calvin and Hobbes' a catalogue from a 2014 exhibition of Bill Watterson't semial work in the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library Museum of Ohio State University Libraries and its a wonder.

150p of analysis, interview and high quality reproductions from original art - its not quite artist edition good but as good as I've seen. You can pick up up for just north of a tenner on eBay easily enough and I really recommend it to any fans of the strip and lets face it who isn't!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 29 November, 2020, 11:44:25 AM
Ooh, that's a must-have. Cheers, Colin.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 29 November, 2020, 01:18:11 PM
Rok of the Reds, which is very good.
The Barney Rubble reference in particular had me giggling at least a full chapter after I'd read it, but I do wonder what normals enticed in by the thought of a footy graphic novel might make of the very comics-y storytelling techniques like thought bubbles or the stadium banter between fans.  Cornwall is great, especially for a rookie find, and the footy sequences are actually well-realised compared to how I normally see the sport depicted, with none of the static or 'stock image'-looking panels that typify footy comics even nowadays.
Wagner and Grant can do this stuff in their sleep, or at the very least, they can do it while half-bladdered like they did between 1982 and 1988 when they called it Doomlord.  There's no point listing the comparisons between this and that, as this is more obviously arch and knowing about its ludicrous premise - which I'd argue owes a great deal more to Doomlord's fellow New Eagle stablemate, Star Rider - and for good measure it throws in some broad humor and drama to keep the pacing and tone agreeable.
It feels like the lads were angling to develop something that simultaneously channeled theirs and UK comics' glory days of the late 1970s and mid-80s, and which could be developed as a potential live-action enterprise.  It's a shame it doesn't seem to have paid off for them, as sports comics seem like a genre that - while not something I'm terribly interested in - might be waiting for its time in the sun when newer audiences brought in by the MCU tire of comics telling the same few superhero stories again and again.
This was a very good comic and I enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 01 December, 2020, 01:11:17 PM
I'm now alternating reading Stainless Steel Rat books with continuing the Horus Heresy series, and the experience is like having a small bowl of fresh fruit salad after a particulary dense and ponderous sandwich.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: shaolin_monkey on 17 December, 2020, 01:32:36 AM
The Ministry for the Future - Kim Stanley Robinson

It is science fiction, but grounded very firmly in science fact - an extrapolation based on our current understanding about how societies around the world cope with climate change in 5 - 20 years time.

It's absolutely fucking brutal, but is one of those pieces of work which feels super-important, and absolutely cover-to-cover enthralling.

Add it to your Xmas list.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 December, 2020, 07:15:30 AM
BLOOD MERIDIAN by Cormac McCarthy


Cor. Bit good 'innit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 20 December, 2020, 09:35:11 AM
I finished Foundation and Empire last night.  Only three more books to go.  Honestly, the Mule storyline doesn't engage me enough and the whole book focuses on reactive characters rather than the proactive characters of Foundation.  I think some of the shifts are important for the concept of the series, but having reactive characters twice in a row is a bit much.  Especially as both times it presented as if they are trying to make a difference and it's clear throughout both stories that, nope, they aren't.  It's not even a farce.  The first story that does it is fine, it's the Mule storyline specifically that I struggle with, which is a rarity with Asimov's writing.  I think it is why I have struggled in the past to reread the Foundation series.  At least now I can recognise why.

Now I'm over the hump, I have three books left.  Even though I have enjoyed reading 11 Asimov books in a row, I'm looking forward to something different.  Terry Pratchett, maybe.  Or some trades I haven't read.  Got the last two Transmetropolitans, couple of Hell Boys and a Swamp Thing still to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 28 December, 2020, 12:09:49 PM
Took me awhile but I just finished Wild's End Volume 1. This was just a delight to read. A very deja vu type of story which gives me a remote feeling that it is World of the Worlds in a new interesting jacket. This is also brought to us by two of my favourite tooth creators in Dan Abnett and INJ Culbard. Abnett certainly is proofing to be one of the best currently writers in comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 December, 2020, 12:59:40 PM
Quote from: broodblik on 28 December, 2020, 12:09:49 PM
Took me awhile but I just finished Wild's End Volume 1. This was just a delight to read. A very deja vu type of story which gives me a remote feeling that it is World of the Worlds in a new interesting jacket. This is also brought to us by two of my favourite tooth creators in Dan Abnett and INJ Culbard. Abnett certainly is proofing to be one of the best currently writers in comics.

Read the rest, read the rest, read the rest....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 28 December, 2020, 06:41:35 PM
The Rhythm of War (Stormlight Archive vol. 4).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 29 December, 2020, 12:32:10 PM
Just finished both vol 2 and 3 of Wild's End and it is a wonderful tale. Highly recommended, especially for any Abnett or Culbard fans.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 29 December, 2020, 02:57:00 PM
Seconded. Wild's End is an absolute treat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 December, 2020, 03:00:01 PM
For all Dabnett's wonders in the Prog this would be my fav of his ...

... okay maybe after lawless...

and Brink... maybe The Out

Jez Dabnett gives us all sorts of wonders! But Wilds End 1, 2 and 3 are all absolutely brilliant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 29 December, 2020, 03:16:12 PM
The mention of Wilds End here the other day, finally prodded me into ordering volume three. I was slightly alarmed that there didnt appear to be any comics- but once I'd verified that they had actually published it as an "original graphic novel", rather than a series, I was able to push that button.
Amazin tell me it's due to be delivered tomorrow- and i cant bloody wait. The first two series were... just perfect in every way, so am hoping Dabnett and Culbard didnt drop the ball at the last hurdle.

Thanks to whoever originally mentioned it!

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 29 December, 2020, 04:26:30 PM
If you liked the first two volumes you will like the last one as well. It ends with an open-ended ending but I was satisfied with everything beginning, middle and ending.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 30 December, 2020, 08:33:05 AM
Personally I picked it up after Hawkmonger recommended it to me. I'm pretty sure that lots of Squaxx here have also mentioned it too, but it was that young rapscallion that prompted me.

Mind you, this year I think Colin has been more responsible for my impulse buying than anyone else!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 December, 2020, 08:55:20 AM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 30 December, 2020, 08:33:05 AM
Mind you, this year I think Colin has been more responsible for my impulse buying than anyone else!

That man is the very devil himself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 30 December, 2020, 09:08:38 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 December, 2020, 08:55:20 AM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 30 December, 2020, 08:33:05 AM
Mind you, this year I think Colin has been more responsible for my impulse buying than anyone else!

That man is the very devil himself.

I apologise for nothing. NOTHING...

...unless i've steeed you to anything you've not enjoyed in which case I apologise perfusely!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 30 December, 2020, 03:49:14 PM
And speaking of books... How'd you like to win set of excellent Judge Dredd books -- including a copy of the Year Three omnibus which isn't even published yet? I'll even sign them for the winner, if desired!

(https://www.michaelowencarroll.com/pics/calendar2021competitionbooks.jpg)

Check out The Great Rusty Staples 2021 Calendar British Comics' Logo Identification Competition (https://michaelowencarroll.wordpress.com/2020/12/29/the-great-rusty-staples-2021-calendar-british-comics-logo-identification-competition/)!

(Even if you don't want to enter, please share this post so that others will have a chance!)

Cheers,
Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 30 December, 2020, 04:12:12 PM
Fantastic competition Mr. C., suffering nostalgia overload as I work through it...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 December, 2020, 08:10:23 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 30 December, 2020, 04:12:12 PM
Fantastic competition Mr. C., suffering nostalgia overload as I work through it...

Down to one last holdout now, but not making any progress with it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 31 December, 2020, 09:24:38 AM
And the calendar itself is genius! I've printed it for my wall calendar in my cubbyhole office!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 December, 2020, 10:26:27 AM
Quote from: Bolt-01 on 31 December, 2020, 09:24:38 AM
And the calendar itself is genius! I've printed it for my wall calendar in my cubbyhole office!

Well if you've already got any plans made for AUGUST for the love of Grud let me know.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 31 December, 2020, 11:50:37 AM
Hope the Rusty Staples competition has been an enjoyable escapade (or quest, or undertaking) for everyone!

Only ten minutes left to get your answers in!

-- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 December, 2020, 12:17:33 PM
Phew, just in under the wire, although at least one is a pure guess, and others looser than I'd like.

But that's beside the point - that was great fun Mike, you had the missus and I spending every spare minute  wracking our brains/google and trawling blogs since yesterday. Learnt more about British comics in 24 hours than either of us knew before, and wondered at your extrapolations of logo styles. Many thanks!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 31 December, 2020, 01:22:10 PM
Thanks for this but I tough I had time until midnight (for some reason noon sounds like midnight to me)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mike Carroll on 31 December, 2020, 05:02:57 PM
It's all over now... many thanks to everyone who participated, and congrats to the winner: Mark Waldron!

You can find all the correct answers on the latest blog-post (https://michaelowencarroll.wordpress.com/2020/12/31/and-the-winner-is/)!

-- Mike
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bad City Blue on 01 January, 2021, 11:07:39 AM
The first full colour Sentinel is a lovely little thing.

Great 5 issues in it's first year, more to come.

If you haven't discovered it yet, you really should! www.facebook.com/thesentinelcomic

(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/134005801_10157340813762237_736897521411900701_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=2&_nc_sid=666b5a&_nc_ohc=3kYh16BwYa4AX8UKcwu&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=4ac8df47e37a3fdb3c687c2bc4ec75ab&oe=6012BCD7)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Andrew_J on 06 January, 2021, 06:01:49 PM
Just finished reading Neuromancer. I'm late to the party I know but if one good thing has come from all the Cyberpunk 2077 hype before Christmas, it's the fact that I finally made the point of picking it up and reading it.
Hard to believe it was written 36 years ago. The scenes in "the matrix" are amazingly visual and graphical as described by Gibson. I was visualising them as drawn by INJ Culbard, with the exaggerated perspective model style he is so good at.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 06 January, 2021, 09:13:34 PM
Quote from: Andrew_J on 06 January, 2021, 06:01:49 PM
Just finished reading Neuromancer. I'm late to the party I know but if one good thing has come from all the Cyberpunk 2077 hype before Christmas, it's the fact that I finally made the point of picking it up and reading it.
Hard to believe it was written 36 years ago. The scenes in "the matrix" are amazingly visual and graphical as described by Gibson. I was visualising them as drawn by INJ Culbard, with the exaggerated perspective model style he is so good at.
You're making me feel very old. I read it in 1984 and several times since. Always a treat.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 06 January, 2021, 11:39:24 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 06 January, 2021, 09:13:34 PM
Quote from: Andrew_J on 06 January, 2021, 06:01:49 PM
Just finished reading Neuromancer. I'm late to the party I know but if one good thing has come from all the Cyberpunk 2077 hype before Christmas, it's the fact that I finally made the point of picking it up and reading it.
Hard to believe it was written 36 years ago. The scenes in "the matrix" are amazingly visual and graphical as described by Gibson. I was visualising them as drawn by INJ Culbard, with the exaggerated perspective model style he is so good at.
You're making me feel very old. I read it in 1984 and several times since. Always a treat.

Agreed, it's a fun book.  I remember enjoying Count Zero more.  Virtual Light from Gibson's Bridge trilogy (that I read for the first time last year) was an absolute delight as well.  I'd like to revisit the Sprawl trilogy relatively soon but I'm still working through Foundation+ and I'll need a break after finishing all 14 books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 07 January, 2021, 12:18:33 AM
Quote from: pictsy on 06 January, 2021, 11:39:24 PM
Quote from: von Boom on 06 January, 2021, 09:13:34 PM
Quote from: Andrew_J on 06 January, 2021, 06:01:49 PM
Just finished reading Neuromancer. I'm late to the party I know but if one good thing has come from all the Cyberpunk 2077 hype before Christmas, it's the fact that I finally made the point of picking it up and reading it.
Hard to believe it was written 36 years ago. The scenes in "the matrix" are amazingly visual and graphical as described by Gibson. I was visualising them as drawn by INJ Culbard, with the exaggerated perspective model style he is so good at.
You're making me feel very old. I read it in 1984 and several times since. Always a treat.

Agreed, it's a fun book.  I remember enjoying Count Zero more.  Virtual Light from Gibson's Bridge trilogy (that I read for the first time last year) was an absolute delight as well.  I'd like to revisit the Sprawl trilogy relatively soon but I'm still working through Foundation+ and I'll need a break after finishing all 14 books.
Count Zero is indeed the best book of the Sprawl trilogy. I've only just finished Foundation and am on to Foundation and Empire.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 07 January, 2021, 09:04:40 AM
Quote from: von Boom on 07 January, 2021, 12:18:33 AM
I've only just finished Foundation and am on to Foundation and Empire.

So far, Foundation is easily my favourite of the whole lot.  I liked the Elijah Bailey stuff and The Currents of Space was a surprisingly good read, but Foundation is still the most enjoyable... so far.  I've got 2 and a half books to finish.

Are you going to be reading the prequels as well?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 January, 2021, 09:11:36 AM
Quote from: von Boom on 06 January, 2021, 09:13:34 PM
Quote from: Andrew_J on 06 January, 2021, 06:01:49 PM
Just finished reading Neuromancer. I'm late to the party I know but if one good thing has come from all the Cyberpunk 2077 hype before Christmas, it's the fact that I finally made the point of picking it up and reading it.
Hard to believe it was written 36 years ago. The scenes in "the matrix" are amazingly visual and graphical as described by Gibson. I was visualising them as drawn by INJ Culbard, with the exaggerated perspective model style he is so good at.
You're making me feel very old. I read it in 1984 and several times since. Always a treat.

I don't think I  read it until 1985, but it's hard to overstate how important a book it was "back then". I'd say my mate's single copy was read by at least ten of us over the course of a fortnight: it was all we talked about. The  excitement with which Count Zero was anticipated was insane.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 07 January, 2021, 02:05:08 PM
Re Foundation: snap. Although my copy of Foundation and Empire has only just arrived, so I'm most of the way through a Ben Bova I started in the meantime.

Foundation was wonderful.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 07 January, 2021, 02:13:08 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 07 January, 2021, 09:11:36 AM
Quote from: von Boom on 06 January, 2021, 09:13:34 PM
Quote from: Andrew_J on 06 January, 2021, 06:01:49 PM
Just finished reading Neuromancer. I'm late to the party I know but if one good thing has come from all the Cyberpunk 2077 hype before Christmas, it's the fact that I finally made the point of picking it up and reading it.
Hard to believe it was written 36 years ago. The scenes in "the matrix" are amazingly visual and graphical as described by Gibson. I was visualising them as drawn by INJ Culbard, with the exaggerated perspective model style he is so good at.
You're making me feel very old. I read it in 1984 and several times since. Always a treat.

I don't think I  read it until 1985, but it's hard to overstate how important a book it was "back then". I'd say my mate's single copy was read by at least ten of us over the course of a fortnight: it was all we talked about. The  excitement with which Count Zero was anticipated was insane.

I would have read Neuromancer about 1989, when the clunky Interplay RPG adaptation came out. Funny that a more recent computer game adaptation is reviving interest in it!

I reread it every few years, along with the Burning Chrome collection. I still love it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Professor Bear on 07 January, 2021, 04:09:08 PM
Wayne Vansant's KATUSHA: GIRL SOLDIER OF GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR, which despite its wide-eyed anime girl cover is not a manga, and I'm not sure why I mention it but I often found myself humming the TETRIS theme while reading it.  It takes its cue from Charley's War, being the story of a state-educated Ukranian peasant girl's contribution to the Soviet's defence - and later offence - against the invading Nazis, first as an unaffiliated partisan guerrilla and then as a crewman and commander of a T-34, with the book taking great pains to dispel the popularly-held notions that the Nazis were evil and that the Soviets were not.  You can probably guess the main problem with the book already.
Before we get into that, though, I'd just like to say if you're big fan of UK war comics, you'll really like this, as it's very much in the sensibility of something like Battle Picture Weekly or Warlord, with lots of possibly-unnecessary detail about front lines, mechanical details about tanks and heavy artillery, commentary on the military strategies employed, and all told from the POV of a peasant so you have an everyman angle from the off.  It might seem a bit pricey for a softcover - 22-30 quid depending where you buy it - but for that you get nearly 600 glossy full-colour pages and you will need several sittings to read the whole thing - that is one good chunk of reading right there.

Anyway, as I mentioned above, Wayne Vansant lays the anti-communist rhetoric on really thick to the point it often calls the Nazis "preferable" to the communists, which is at first presented as a viewpoint held by oppressed peasants (who resent the communists) which will reap a bitter harvest later, but then we're past that harvest and the book is still pushing this angle.
There's a pretty baffling relationship with ethno-nationalism, too, as the antisemitic Ukranian nationalist movement is portrayed pretty well, as is - for some reason - Israel, which did not exist until three years after the war ended.  You'd think a book about fighting Nazis would have some pretty firm opinions about ethno-nationalism being bad, but uhhhhhh... not so much.
All told, though, I would still recommend it, especially to fans of UK comics - it often has dense pages, and the lettering isn't the greatest.  I believe it started out as a webcomic before Vansant took it down to sell as a trade collection, so I don't think it's available to read online anymore - at least, not legitimately.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 07 January, 2021, 05:37:34 PM
Collapse of complex societies. I would say we could learn some lessons,but its probably too late for that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 11 January, 2021, 05:11:59 PM
I just finished the Stuart McBride's book Now We Are Dead which has DS Roberta Steel as the main POV character rather than Logan MacRae. Set in the Aberdeen area, Steel has been demoted two grades for planting evidence on a suspect who is almost certainly guilty but was just too slippery. She gets warned to stay away from him or else but he is out for revenge and Steel doesn't give up that easily.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 12 January, 2021, 10:02:28 AM
I'm not a big fan of crime fiction, but I feel like I should read Stuart Macbride as an Aberdonian. Is he worth it for someone who doesn't usually read the genre?

BTW, the last crime novel I read was by Ann Cleeves. It was okay, but I found the murderous sprees of Shetland villagers more implausible than the science-fiction that I usually read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 12 January, 2021, 11:46:29 PM
Quote from: CalHab on 12 January, 2021, 10:02:28 AM
I'm not a big fan of crime fiction, but I feel like I should read Stuart Macbride as an Aberdonian. Is he worth it for someone who doesn't usually read the genre?

BTW, the last crime novel I read was by Ann Cleeves. It was okay, but I found the murderous sprees of Shetland villagers more implausible than the science-fiction that I usually read.

I used to read James Patterson but he's churning them out like a factory, and he has so many co-writers I don't think he does any substantial writing any more.  I've moved onto McBride because of the Scots setting, also Denzil Meyrick with his setting in the Mull of Kintyre.

McBride's books have a black humour, at times very poltically incorrect.  I'd recommend trying the Logan McCrae books, the first is called Cold Granite.  He has another character called Ash Henderson that I've heard isn't as popular.

https://www.goodreads.com/series/55946-logan-mcrae
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 25 January, 2021, 02:46:18 PM
Following on from goodness knows how long ago the first volume of GIANT DAYS has just reached the top of my reading pile.

I've had to ration myself as it is so good. I had no idea.

Thanks Jim.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 26 January, 2021, 06:26:21 PM
Went through a German phase recently and read

The Tin Drum
All Quiet on the Western Front
The Reader
Look Who's Back

The latter may be the funniest book I have ever read.

Also read A Gentleman in Moscow (meah) and The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver (WOW- SO GOOD!).

Finished Where the crawdad's sing last week - would not recommend, it's an easy quick read but if I had to describe it in one word it would be trite.

Comic wise - finished Vol. 1 of The Boys.

Next up : Gaunts Ghosts Omnibus...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 26 January, 2021, 08:49:42 PM
You should check out Storm of steel.

Ah Gaunts Ghosts...starts out great then Abnett starts losing the plot after book 8.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 27 January, 2021, 05:14:21 AM
I got the first three books in an omnibus so let's see how I feel after that. I've only just started so let's see how I get on.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 13 February, 2021, 12:17:21 AM
I just finished with Stoker's Dracula. Not the first novel about vampires, but one of the best nevertheless. It wasn't an easy read. Epistolary style sometimes made me to quit the book. Yet, I have to say, it's pretty good, although a bit dated. At moments, it's pretty predictable, but maintained to be quite spooky and chilling altogether. Narrative also can be a little mind-boggling (also, the book is crammed with loads of information) as same events are both described, but from different point of views, hence, it possess a slight nonlinear structure. One thing made me worth to mention, and they are the characters. Why men and women of today can't be like men and women of 1800s. But probably I am a romantic fool. Now, back to Future Shocks.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 21 February, 2021, 01:28:19 PM
I finished Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian a couple of weeks ago, and it's still refusing to budge from my brain.  The Wild West as a Dante-esque vision of hell - I've been constantly mulling over the images of the crucified Apache, the burning Judas effigy (which I hadn't realised was a real Easter tradition), and the image of a horse and its rider falling onto rocks in an explosion of mercury and blood which is somehow written in slow motion. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 21 February, 2021, 02:00:25 PM
My wife bought me Blood Meridian last Christmas, after I had been mainlining Richard Matheson's western stories for about a month. I still havent gotten around to reading it, but it is always "the book after the one I'm.currently reading"... sadly, after discovering the Foundation series and that there were three Ari Thor novels I hadn't read, that is always getting pushed back. I genuinely can't wait to read BM, and fear my continual evasion may just be a nervousness that it can't possibly live up to my expectations.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 21 February, 2021, 02:41:42 PM
Well, to be honest I started reading it around the beginning of the pandemic - I got about a third of the way through then stopped.  Partly because I'd got out of the habit of reading, and partly because my age was catching up with my eyesight.  But I got stuck back into it recently and found myself re-reading some of the earlier bits I'd forgotten.  An absolute splatterfest, full of ugliness and horror, but told in a beautifully haunting way.  You don't really get into the character's heads, but that's intentional - the scenery does the job for you.
When I see Orion in the sky now, I always think of the 'great electric kite' that McCarthy describes. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: kev67 on 26 February, 2021, 12:18:45 AM
Quote from: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 21 February, 2021, 02:00:25 PM
My wife bought me Blood Meridian last Christmas, after I had been mainlining Richard Matheson's western stories for about a month. I still havent gotten around to reading it, but it is always "the book after the one I'm.currently reading"... sadly, after discovering the Foundation series and that there were three Ari Thor novels I hadn't read, that is always getting pushed back. I genuinely can't wait to read BM, and fear my continual evasion may just be a nervousness that it can't possibly live up to my expectations.

SBT

I would like to read some more westerns. It is a curious thing that there are not many of them in the bookshops any more. There is the Lonesome Dove series, True Grit, and Cormac McCarthy, and that's about it. The last book I read that I thought was a western turned out to be some western/sci-fi/horror mash up. I want to read Blood Meridian, although I hear it is not a bundle of laughs. It's strange. I think westerns were a victim of their own success. If anyone wrote a half decent western it was instantly turned into a film, and people only heard about the film. I dare say you can find more books in bookshops about Romans or sea warfare from the age of sail than westerns.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 26 February, 2021, 02:08:28 PM
I didn't really think of Blood Meridian as a Western when I read it, even though it clearly is one.  Apparently it has, like a decent Watchmen adaptation*, been attempted as a movie but then abandoned as unfilmable.  I would still love to see the likes of Glanton and the Judge on the big screen though - I suspect the Cohens could do a half-decent job of it; the epic landscapes of O Brother Where Art Thou without the comedy and a bit of No Country For Old Men-style horror and misery thrown in would probably work for me.

The Road was a decent adaptation, but at the risk of sounding like everyone else who has ever watched a film of a novel they liked, it didn't live up to the book.  For me, three of the most important elements of the book were the protective masks, the landscape of ash and the huge cannibal army, and none of them were present. 


*I know, I know. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 26 February, 2021, 02:59:45 PM
I've just started the final book in Alastair Reynolds' Revenger trilogy - really enjoying these so far and the blurb 'Pirates of the Caribbean meets Firefly' is reasonably accurate.  Add a dash of Black Sails (although not for the pace or the tits) and you're getting there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 26 February, 2021, 03:17:50 PM
Quote from: ming on 26 February, 2021, 02:59:45 PM
I've just started the final book in Alastair Reynolds' Revenger trilogy - really enjoying these so far and the blurb 'Pirates of the Caribbean meets Firefly' is reasonably accurate.  Add a dash of Black Sails (although not for the pace or the tits) and you're getting there.
I greatly enjoyed those as well. I read mostly sci-fi and fantasy, finishing dozen-or-so novels in each genre before flipping back to the other, and my last sci-fi binge consisted almost entirely of Reynolds. It was AURORA RISING and ELYSIUM FIRE that I enjoyed the most, being a perfect distillation of all the things he does best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 27 February, 2021, 02:10:09 AM
Philip Kerrs last ever Bernie Gunther book, Metropolis written just before he died.  This one is a bit of a prequel to the others so Bernie is a bit more fresh faced, less cynical and world weary.

If you want historical crime/thriller, I recommend these books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BPP on 02 March, 2021, 01:51:24 PM
Recently purchased the Henry flint run of Omega Men comics from D.C. (2006-07)

The last time I bought a big 2 floppy was McCarthy's Spider-Man series. I've honestly no idea how people read monthlies - on this D.C. book every other page is an advert - one page comic, one page some garish advert. It's near impossible to read, certainly impossible to immerse yourself into. Regardless of all other reasons sales might be low (price, distribution etc) this screams fatal mistake to me. Do those of you who buy monthlies not get the rage from this formatting?

Thank god for 200ad's lack of adverts.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 02 March, 2021, 01:56:10 PM
Quote from: BPP on 02 March, 2021, 01:51:24 PM
Regardless of all other reasons sales might be low (price, distribution etc) this screams fatal mistake to me. Do those of you who buy monthlies not get the rage from this formatting?


Have to be honest don't really notice them anymore. Might just be you get so used to it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 02 March, 2021, 02:01:19 PM
Quote from: BPP on 02 March, 2021, 01:51:24 PM
Recently purchased the Henry flint run of Omega Men comics from D.C. (2006-07)

Did not know he had a stab at the DC-verse will look out for this then
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 02 March, 2021, 02:37:58 PM
Quote from: BPP on 02 March, 2021, 01:51:24 PM
Recently purchased the Henry flint run of Omega Men comics from D.C. (2006-07)

The last time I bought a big 2 floppy was McCarthy's Spider-Man series. I've honestly no idea how people read monthlies - on this D.C. book every other page is an advert - one page comic, one page some garish advert. It's near impossible to read, certainly impossible to immerse yourself into. Regardless of all other reasons sales might be low (price, distribution etc) this screams fatal mistake to me. Do those of you who buy monthlies not get the rage from this formatting?

Thank god for 200ad's lack of adverts.

Was it Milligan, McCarthy & Ewins's Strange Days that managed to get an agreement to have all the adverts grouped together at the back of each issue?  I could go and check the shelf but I can't be arsed right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 02 March, 2021, 02:56:57 PM
Quote from: BPP on 02 March, 2021, 01:51:24 PM
Recently purchased the Henry flint run of Omega Men comics from D.C. (2006-07)

The last time I bought a big 2 floppy was McCarthy's Spider-Man series. I've honestly no idea how people read monthlies - on this D.C. book every other page is an advert - one page comic, one page some garish advert. It's near impossible to read, certainly impossible to immerse yourself into. Regardless of all other reasons sales might be low (price, distribution etc) this screams fatal mistake to me. Do those of you who buy monthlies not get the rage from this formatting?

Thank god for 200ad's lack of adverts.

The worst are the adverts done as comic pages. I can skip over a normal advert but those ones cause my brain to jar, processing it as part of the story until I work out what it is. They completely destroy immersion in the story.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 03 March, 2021, 04:33:38 PM
I love adverts in my monthly comics, and equate them.with the title/ company being financially healthy. Hasn't it always been thus? I've been reading US monthlies for decades, and adverts have always been part of the package.
I honestly worry when comics don't attract ad space- or use it just to advertise product from the parent company. Though, given 2000AD is still with us and- according to Mr Kingsley elsewhere- in fine form financially, I'm absolutely sure that all is well on that front.

I'd still like to see a few more adverts for bubblegum and model kits on the back cover, just for reassurance.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 03 March, 2021, 04:35:23 PM
But yes, those 'comic page' ads for Snickers running in DC titles are just about the worst thing I've ever seen between the covers of an American comic. The only thing that could possibly make them worse is if they were drawn by Rob Leifeld.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sean SD on 12 March, 2021, 02:54:46 AM
currently reading 'Trail of the Catwoman' by Darwyn Cooke and Ed Brubaker.
Have read a fair bit of Brubaker but first book for me by Cooke.
They work well as a team, did they work on any other books together?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 12 March, 2021, 10:13:59 PM
Reading A Song for the Dying by Stuart McBride.  I'd read all of his Logan McRae books, and now I'm starting his Ash Henderson ones.  Very different character so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 12 March, 2021, 10:31:23 PM
Quote from: Sean SD on 12 March, 2021, 02:54:46 AM
currently reading 'Trail of the Catwoman' by Darwyn Cooke and Ed Brubaker.
Have read a fair bit of Brubaker but first book for me by Cooke.
They work well as a team, did they work on any other books together?

Don't know if he did any other work with Brubaker but I can certainly recommend some of Cooke's solo work. New Frontiers is as good as folks say - and folks say its very good. He also had a very good 12 issue run on DCs The Spirit - which is probably as that character has been outside of the Matt Wagner run - since Eisner of course.

I also recommend the work he did with Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti on Jonah Hex he did a good few issue across there run on the title - and All Star Western as it became and its probably the best stuff artistically in that series after the wonderful Jordi Bernet (I bet I regret saying that when I think of some of the artists who did the odd issue or two!).

I've seen folks rave about his adaptions of Parker, but I have to say I found these pretty unpleasent and hard going, I suspect due to the source material.

His art is just wonderful so anything he draw - and he did a lot more good stuff than those I've referenced - is worth checking out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Sean SD on 13 March, 2021, 10:48:44 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 12 March, 2021, 10:31:23 PM
Quote from: Sean SD on 12 March, 2021, 02:54:46 AM
currently reading 'Trail of the Catwoman' by Darwyn Cooke and Ed Brubaker.
Have read a fair bit of Brubaker but first book for me by Cooke.
They work well as a team, did they work on any other books together?

Don't know if he did any other work with Brubaker but I can certainly recommend some of Cooke's solo work. New Frontiers is as good as folks say - and folks say its very good. He also had a very good 12 issue run on DCs The Spirit - which is probably as that character has been outside of the Matt Wagner run - since Eisner of course.

I also recommend the work he did with Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti on Jonah Hex he did a good few issue across there run on the title - and All Star Western as it became and its probably the best stuff artistically in that series after the wonderful Jordi Bernet (I bet I regret saying that when I think of some of the artists who did the odd issue or two!).

I've seen folks rave about his adaptions of Parker, but I have to say I found these pretty unpleasent and hard going, I suspect due to the source material.

His art is just wonderful so anything he draw - and he did a lot more good stuff than those I've referenced - is worth checking out.

Cheers Colin
I keep hearing about Parker which I will have to check out.
Didn't know about All Star Western so thanks for that tip.

Incidentally, a run of All Star Western led me to Lawless which led me to being a prog and Meg subscriber  :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 March, 2021, 11:14:41 AM
Quote from: Sean SD on 13 March, 2021, 10:48:44 AM
Incidentally, a run of All Star Western led me to Lawless which led me to being a prog and Meg subscriber  :)

Wow that's a fantastic trail and a very interesting one. Lawless is a powerful wonder.

Darwyn Cook did the final issue - 34

He also did issues 33, 50 (double sized) of the previous Jonah Hex series - must admit I thought he did more - mind these are absolutely fantastic, particularly 33 as I recall. The whole Jonah Hex into All Star Western series is sublime and one of my favourite comic runs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 30 March, 2021, 02:19:18 PM
I am now on book 40 of the Horus Heresy series. The end is in sight!

I'd quite like to be able to say I've read the whole series during all the COVID shutdown stuff, so I've stopped alternating them with other books and I'm going for it. It's not exactly a sweries awash with likeable characters though, so we'll see how long that lasts.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 30 March, 2021, 09:34:46 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 30 March, 2021, 02:19:18 PM
I am now on book 40 of the Horus Heresy series. The end is in sight!

I'd quite like to be able to say I've read the whole series during all the COVID shutdown stuff, so I've stopped alternating them with other books and I'm going for it. It's not exactly a sweries awash with likeable characters though, so we'll see how long that lasts.

How has the madness not set in?  That much grim-dark silliness surely can't be healthy.

What order did you decide to read them in?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 30 March, 2021, 11:34:13 PM
There's a suggested reading order - essentially the order of publication. It is relentlessly grim and has, in places, been a real slog and some of the books have been dire. The overall story is good though, even though we already know the ending.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 31 March, 2021, 07:29:11 AM
Thing really slow down after Fulgrim, don't they?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 31 March, 2021, 09:41:28 AM
They do.. I suspect that's the point where somebody thought hang on, we can spin this out for a lot of books.
Let's start by including Istvaan from about 20 different points of view.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 31 March, 2021, 09:58:13 AM
The tome that is: Fables compendium 1

fantastic
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 31 March, 2021, 10:25:49 AM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 30 March, 2021, 11:34:13 PM
There's a suggested reading order - essentially the order of publication. It is relentlessly grim and has, in places, been a real slog and some of the books have been dire. The overall story is good though, even though we already know the ending.

I've been using the time-line tree thing so I can have more of an in-universe chronological reading experience.  I haven't got far into the series. Just seven books so far (I think) in about eight years.  I find the books over-written with unnecessary filler.  The content is also all kinds of problematic.  So I only read a book now and again.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 31 March, 2021, 10:35:58 AM
Fables is a good example of a great comic where you really really need to mentally partition authorial politics and real world analogies from the fiction to enjoy it. But it's a grand and influential read, and I manage.

I've been reading a lot more from my so-called professional field lately, and still in a fairly dire place with my mental health,  so my recreational reading has been heavily comfort-based: a lot of genre schlock and reliable re-reads. But there have been some recent new entrants


Tombland by CJ Sansom. To date the last Shardlake book,  but for my money one of the very best. Taking a leaf from his Spanish Civil War novel Winter in Madrid, and an obvious despair with contemporary UK politics, this is a Norfolk  murder mystery taking place within a superbly detailed account of Kett's Rebellion of 1549. I find Sansom's style very easy, but he goes all-in on social history and the geography of Norwich here, and it more than makes up for his sometimes frustratingly shallow characters (noble intent + hamartia + dark secret or venal + arrogant + cruel, take your pick, everyone is one or the other). Shardlake himself remains an engaging narrator, but his descent into despair and disillusionment as these books progress seem to closely mirror the author's own (see above for solution).

Stars and Bars by William Boyd.  A rare disappointment from the reliable Boyd, a sort of mishmash of Elmore Leonard and Updike, with one of the most unsympathetic protagonists I've come across. Aren't Americans funny, and the southern ones most of all, and oh how their hick antics expose the dull uptight Englishman. If only he could could realize that to laugh at one's own absurdity is the greatest gift the colonials can bestow.  Ah-hah hah-hah. No thanks.

The Blackwater Lighthouse,  by Colm Tóbín. How mesmerising to see the times and places you grew up so perfectly, insightfully drawn. Set between early '90s suburban Dublin and '70s Wexford coast, this is a short, brilliant novel about four generations of a family and the threads both good and bad that run between them, with a sideline about AIDS and the Irish gay community. I couldn't escape the feeling that several of the characters were closely based on people I know, but in reality it was just the pinsharp accuracy of the portrayals. Highest of recommendations.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 31 March, 2021, 12:09:51 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 31 March, 2021, 10:25:49 AM
I've been using the time-line tree thing so I can have more of an in-universe chronological reading experience.  I haven't got far into the series. Just seven books so far (I think) in about eight years.  I find the books over-written with unnecessary filler.  The content is also all kinds of problematic.  So I only read a book now and again.

I suspect a wise choice Pictsy, as having read 39 and a half dystopian books where whole planets worth of people get killed in horrible ways and even the good guys are 99% bastards during a global pandemic probably hasn't been helpful.

There's a myriad of criticisms one could level at the series but over-written is absolutely the best description of them. I'm still going to finish though: "I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er" as the great man wrote.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 31 March, 2021, 12:21:58 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 31 March, 2021, 09:41:28 AM
They do.. I suspect that's the point where somebody thought hang on, we can spin this out for a lot of books.
Let's start by including Istvaan from about 20 different points of view.
Galaxy in flames/Flight of the Eisenstein did that first,but it felt very complimentary. So ofc that trick gets overused.
However,I felt Fulgrim really abridged Drop Site Massacre,and First Heretic did a better job at it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 31 March, 2021, 12:54:57 PM
The Drop Site Massacre was in The First Heretic?  Wow, that book is even more forgettable than I thought.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 31 March, 2021, 01:39:35 PM
Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell, Jr. This is the novella that is the basis for the film The Thing. It's a fast read but very suspenseful and tense. I'm having many 'ah-ha' moments when I see where Carpenter pulled certain aspects from the story and altered them for the film. Frankly, I'm a bit ashamed that it's taken me this long to get to reading this. I've also got the extended story, Frozen Hell, on order.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Mikey on 31 March, 2021, 02:12:20 PM
I'm almost finished with The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson.

First novel I've read by him since Anarctica I think. He can still be clunky as all heck at times, and using meeting minutes as chapters makes me twitch a bit, but when it comes to getting across ideas and how he writes about landscape and science (social or otherwise) , he still tickles my pickle.

For a book concerned with the end of things as we know them, it's no surprise some of it is terrifying but he manages to weave hope and clear, practical ideas for possible solutions into the narrative. It's not rip-roaring as such but is a really engaging read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 31 March, 2021, 02:21:07 PM
Hinterkind by Ian Edginton. As I am a big fan of Ian's work I got this without actually reading what it is about.

The premises are quite simple humankind is doomed and an endangered species. A blight wiped out mots of humankind. Elves, trolls, goblins and all kind a fairy-tale creatures has returned to our world. We are not the dominant species anymore and are hunted by the Hinterkind. 

As with all Ian's stuff this overflows with great ideas and concepts and it is a great read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 31 March, 2021, 02:51:29 PM
Yeah Hinterkind is a great read - I was lucky enough to get it on launch and its a good read. Its a shame the end had to be contracted (sales and what not) but I chatted to Ian about it once and he said he got pretty much he set out to do in there, just in a condensed way at the end (as I recall)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 31 March, 2021, 02:59:39 PM
I did not enjoy Hinterkind. Great idea and starts off well, but I think you can tell it got rushed at the end.
Ian signed our copies, so even more of a shame!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 31 March, 2021, 03:00:54 PM
I will finish the second and third volumes of Easter weekend. Pity that it ending is rushed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 31 March, 2021, 08:37:47 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 31 March, 2021, 12:54:57 PM
The Drop Site Massacre was in The First Heretic?  Wow, that book is even more forgettable than I thought.

Don't tell me you forgot how kewl and edgy Argel Tal was. More in the Betrayer,thou.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 31 March, 2021, 09:07:08 PM
Quote from: Smith on 31 March, 2021, 08:37:47 PM
Don't tell me you forgot how kewl and edgy Argel Tal was. More in the Betrayer,thou.

Gimme a sec, have to look up who that is...

Oh dear.  This book.  The character from whose perspective the book is told from... I have no idea.  I remember nothing about Argel Tal.  I was under the impression it was told from Lorgar's perspective.  I had to check that this is the Word Bearer book I read and it certainly is.  Wow.  Yet again, even more forgettable than I thought.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 31 March, 2021, 11:17:40 PM
I read that long ago. Probably was under the influence of the movie. I am glad that filmmakers were wise to reduce some plot elements of the novella, such as the group counting around forty men and that the thing could read minds, which would make the movie unwieldy. Although, to my surprise, I thought that the gruesome kennel scene is purely the invention of filmmakers, but alas...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 01 April, 2021, 08:14:00 AM
Bit of a binge at present, working my way through Alastair Reynolds' work, finally getting round to finishing the 2nd Chronicles of Thomas Covenant and rounding out Baxter's Destiny's Children with Transcendent ...

The latter was unusual for me from the point of view of Baxter.  Normally I find I really have to work at his books, with a few exceptions (Proxima / Ultima ...).  I do think it was also unusual for Baxter in that it was slightly more optimistic than his writing can be (Proxima / Ultima ...) in which as a general rule everything dies!

Certainly it contains all his usual bete-noir's.  So we have cosmic scale, millennium spanning storylines.  Explorations of post-human evolution.  Environmental struggles ... All linked back to the previous two books.  Not quite sure what had me gripped with this one but for a change I found it virtually impossible to put down.

Covenant has been a long ambition to complete.  Especially when I realised that I hadn't actually ever read the 2nd Chronicles.  Worth it though.  Donaldson creates a fascinating if disturbing world.  The flaws in his core characters are often acute.  There is no simplistic solution.  Final Chronicles lined up now.

... after a segue into Reynolds' future world.  Another interesting experience.  First time I tried Revelation Space I struggled with it.  It took a while, followed by a long interlude before reading subsequent books.  Redemption Ark and Absolution Gap also seemed to be slightly disconnected to the first book in the sequence and I was never entirely sure what the problem was.

Finding Chasm City and re-reading from scratch though ... RS turned into a much more enjoyable read.  RA seemed to fit in far better, even with the intentional disconnections.  Digging into more and more of his writing he has rapidly advanced to one of my favourite of the current crop of SF writers.  Fascinating world, interesting use of many of the current SF tropes, curious story structure that rewards careful attention ...

Century Rain is next along with another stab at Donaldson's Gap sequence.  With a brief segue into Education and Mind in the Knowledge Age (Bereiter) for professional reasons.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Smith on 01 April, 2021, 12:07:25 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 31 March, 2021, 09:07:08 PM
Quote from: Smith on 31 March, 2021, 08:37:47 PM
Don't tell me you forgot how kewl and edgy Argel Tal was. More in the Betrayer,thou.

Gimme a sec, have to look up who that is...

Oh dear.  This book.  The character from whose perspective the book is told from... I have no idea.  I remember nothing about Argel Tal.  I was under the impression it was told from Lorgar's perspective.  I had to check that this is the Word Bearer book I read and it certainly is.  Wow.  Yet again, even more forgettable than I thought.
Well,I don't know what to say to that.
Anyway,I hope that the next BL literary cycle is about Badab War.

Moving on,Im on book 4 of Black Company. Black Company is an awesome series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 02 April, 2021, 05:31:22 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 01 April, 2021, 08:14:00 AMCovenant has been a long ambition to complete.  Especially when I realised that I hadn't actually ever read the 2nd Chronicles.  Worth it though.  Donaldson creates a fascinating if disturbing world.  The flaws in his core characters are often acute.  There is no simplistic solution.  Final Chronicles lined up now.
I'll be interested in your view of the Final Chrons.

I'm in the midst of a Gap re-read as it happens. Almost impossible to put down, Donaldson at his best.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sintec on 02 April, 2021, 08:47:37 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 01 April, 2021, 08:14:00 AM
Covenant has been a long ambition to complete.  Especially when I realised that I hadn't actually ever read the 2nd Chronicles.  Worth it though.  Donaldson creates a fascinating if disturbing world.  The flaws in his core characters are often acute.  There is no simplistic solution.  Final Chronicles lined up now.

Didn't know there was a 3rd series of Covenant. Might have to track that down and have a re-read of the first 2, it's been a while.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 03 April, 2021, 12:40:32 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 01 April, 2021, 08:14:00 AM
Bit of a binge at present, working my way through Alastair Reynolds' work, finally getting round to finishing the 2nd Chronicles of Thomas Covenant and rounding out Baxter's Destiny's Children with Transcendent ...

The latter was unusual for me from the point of view of Baxter.  Normally I find I really have to work at his books, with a few exceptions (Proxima / Ultima ...).  I do think it was also unusual for Baxter in that it was slightly more optimistic than his writing can be (Proxima / Ultima ...) in which as a general rule everything dies!

Certainly it contains all his usual bete-noir's.  So we have cosmic scale, millennium spanning storylines.  Explorations of post-human evolution.  Environmental struggles ... All linked back to the previous two books.  Not quite sure what had me gripped with this one but for a change I found it virtually impossible to put down.

Covenant has been a long ambition to complete.  Especially when I realised that I hadn't actually ever read the 2nd Chronicles.  Worth it though.  Donaldson creates a fascinating if disturbing world.  The flaws in his core characters are often acute.  There is no simplistic solution.  Final Chronicles lined up now.

... after a segue into Reynolds' future world.  Another interesting experience.  First time I tried Revelation Space I struggled with it.  It took a while, followed by a long interlude before reading subsequent books.  Redemption Ark and Absolution Gap also seemed to be slightly disconnected to the first book in the sequence and I was never entirely sure what the problem was.

Finding Chasm City and re-reading from scratch though ... RS turned into a much more enjoyable read.  RA seemed to fit in far better, even with the intentional disconnections.  Digging into more and more of his writing he has rapidly advanced to one of my favourite of the current crop of SF writers.  Fascinating world, interesting use of many of the current SF tropes, curious story structure that rewards careful attention ...

Century Rain is next along with another stab at Donaldson's Gap sequence.  With a brief segue into Education and Mind in the Knowledge Age (Bereiter) for professional reasons.
Started Redemption Ark as I want to reread the RS books before the new one is published.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Angry Vince on 03 April, 2021, 04:25:44 AM
Am four book in with Harry Turtledove's Confederate States (Timeline 191) series.
For alt-history fans, this is one of the best series out there - a what-if the Confederate States had won the American civil war. The series spans the late 1900's, the Great War and WWII. Highly recommended - a gripping story that covers generations and, in spite of some characters who survive the entire series, Turtledove subscribes to GRR Martin's credo that anyone can die*.

Also of note by Turtledove: Joe Steel - an alt history where Joseph Stalin grows up in the USA and become president.


*often in a bloody manner. Only one, maybe two, central characters who die do so of natural causes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 03 April, 2021, 09:24:44 AM
Quote from: wedgeski on 02 April, 2021, 05:31:22 PM
I'm in the midst of a Gap re-read as it happens. Almost impossible to put down, Donaldson at his best.

Gap is excellent: the first one is probably his best single book (although I have a soft spot for The Mirror of her Dreams), and the swerve into TechnoNorse is all the better for having it as a foundation. The Covenants lost me somewhere around The One Tree, and I've never really regained my one-time enthusiasm for the series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 03 April, 2021, 10:13:12 AM
Nice to know that Gap is worth the effort.  Perhaps I'll appreciate it more than I did when I tried it back in the day.  Same recollections of Mirror so should be good.

Century Rain is proving an interesting little read.  Find Reynolds much more gripping these days.

As for Turtledove's alt-history, IIRC its a fairly easy read, a little predictable in places and perhaps goes on a little longer than it really should have.  Then again there is far worse stuff out there.  I'd peg it as 'brain candy' personally (a nice light read that doesn't really tax you too much ...), not that that is necessarily a bad thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 06 April, 2021, 02:56:38 AM
I remember reading the Thomas Covenant books years ago and while Covenant could be an ass of a character which I believe is the intention I could never get into the Gap series.  I gave it a chance, four or five books in but just couldn't.

I've just finished rereading the Star Wars Thrawn trilogy by Zahn that was published years ago and have started the Elenium series by David Eddings.  I want to take a break from crime at the moment.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 06 April, 2021, 09:21:21 AM
Massive love for the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant here. I think I first read my Dad's copies around the age of 12 or 13 and was drawn in by the world they build which enabled me to be less impacted by Covenant's awful actions. I think as a fantasy trilogy it's superior to pretty much anything out there. The second series I enjoyed far less. I made sure my wedding ring was a white gold band though just in case.

I haven't re-read the Gap series for a long time but I don't think it's as good as tCoTC. Great, complex plot and imagination but the characters are a struggle: Angus and Nick are just monsters, Morn is nuts (understandably so) and everyone else is betraying each other and I always find it a bit of a slog. I agree that the first book is the best one. I should probably give it another read sometime soon (after I wash all the 40k grimdark out of my system)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 06 April, 2021, 11:28:56 AM
I would have been reading Covenant around 11 or 12, coming off the back of my first go throughs of LotR and Earthsea and in my nascent D&D phase, at around the time the Second Chronicles were coming out. Pivotal rape aside, I loved the first three - I used to play out the battles in The Illearth War with my Prince August casts about as often as Helm's Deep or Pelennor Fields. However I never stopped loathing Covenant himself, which may be why I've never re-read them.

As part of a focused campaign against mounting stress and ongoing depression, I've started a proposed complete re-read of my beloved LeGuin, starting with her self-curated 2-volume short story collection The Unreal and Real. She is every bit as marvelous as the first time I read a word of hers. Most of these are stories I've read many times in many formats, but they remain captivating: and some are ludicrously short for the space they take up in my memory.  For example, The Ones who walk away from Omelas is 6 pages long. What a gem she was.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 08 April, 2021, 11:40:50 AM
I'm currently getting stuck into Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel - really very enjoyable to far.  Brought Zone One to mind but only because it's well-written post-apocalyptic stuff (global flu pandemic rather than zombie hordes).

After that I think Sleeping Giants (Sylvain Neuvel) has worked it's way to the top to the to-read pile.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 09 April, 2021, 11:20:51 AM
IDW Usagi yojimbo reprints BUT in colour !

so gorgeous, plus if you've read usagi, you know how you learn whilst reading too eg. how sake is made, japanese feudal law etc..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 09 April, 2021, 11:40:06 AM
Quote from: zombemybabynow on 09 April, 2021, 11:20:51 AM
IDW Usagi yojimbo reprints BUT in colour !

so gorgeous, plus if you've read usagi, you know how you learn whilst reading too eg. how sake is made, japanese feudal law etc..

I've used these as my 'in' to Yojimbo and man its wonderful stuff - have a LOAD of digital stuff lined up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 09 April, 2021, 04:02:58 PM
Well, finished Century Rain.  An interesting little piece.  You can see some of Reynolds' standard tropes in it but it does feel a little like a one-trick pony.  An easy enough read but not his best so far.  There we go though.

... and on to the Gap series ....

Okay, so the first volume definitely should have included a trigger warning!  F***!  I don't think I've read anything this brutal since the first volume of Bio of a Space Tyrant.  A fast paced and easy read on some levels but not one I'm going to be revisiting for a loooong time. 

It also got me thinking about Donaldson as a writer.  I mean, I get that there was a purpose to a lot of the plot but at the same time there was also something disturbing this time.  Arguably something that seems to crop up from time to time in his writing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 09 April, 2021, 04:36:01 PM
Yeah, that first Gap book is absolutely brutal. It's the worst of the lot on that front, if that helps.

Donaldson's work does include a lot of sexualised violence I think. I'm pretty sure I've read a comment by him saying he sees it as a metaphor for pure evil and I'm sure I've also read some stuff by him, or about him, where it's argued it's not exploitative and that his approach was fairly progressive at the time of writing in exploring the trauma around it, rape survival and other such themes. I'm not sure I can really comment myself without a lot more thought on the matter, but certainly in his writing the acts of sexualised violence, and the men who perpetrate it, are things of sheer horror and not throwaway as they can be in other fiction of the same time.

In lighter reading circles I've just read the 5th Flintlock comic (lettered by Bolt-01 himself!) and I've just ordered Beast Hunting Battle Badgers book 6.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 10 April, 2021, 09:24:06 AM
Splutter - there is a new battle Badgers comic! I'm getting that!

And I hope you enjoy Flintlock - I really enjoy working on these books, they are a lot of fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 10 April, 2021, 12:46:12 PM
Battle Badgers came out yesterday I think and arrived this morning. So great!

I very much enjoyed Flintlock. I was drawn in by the lovely John Burns cover on this one and the comic was terrific. I'm looking at back issues now. I haven't gone too deep into the indie comic scene as i find it a bit hit and miss but these two really worked for me.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bolt-01 on 10 April, 2021, 03:06:04 PM
I was table neighbours with Steve at Lawgiver back in 2019 where I picked up the first two issues in a 'trying something I've never seen before' situation.

I absolutely adored them and when I was again next to Steve at True Believers in January 2020 (yup, just pre-lockdown and the last gig for FQP) I happily snaffled the rest of the available issues and some stickers too.

Steve is an astonishingly good artist and this series is highly recommended.

Best Huntin' Battle Badgers! (http://www.battlebadgers.co.uk/)

As for Flintlock - If you enjoyed the latest issue, then you should get a lot out of the earlier ones. Fingers crossed Steve (Tanner) will do you a good deal.

Of course if you are curious about what to look for in the Small press - ask. A lot of folk around here have worked on various titles and if FQP sales are anything to go by, we could all do with the interest.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 10 April, 2021, 04:49:40 PM
Cheers Bolt. I would like some small press recommendations, perhaps I should start a new thread.

To everyone else - Battle Badgers is excellent and well worth trying out. The art alone is, as Bolt says, astonishingly good.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: paddykafka on 11 April, 2021, 04:25:08 PM
This one sounds like it would be worth checking out. There's an interesting Judge Dredd connection as well.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/artsandculture/arid-40262234.html

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Anthony Garnon on 11 April, 2021, 08:30:16 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 09 April, 2021, 11:40:06 AM
Quote from: zombemybabynow on 09 April, 2021, 11:20:51 AM
IDW Usagi yojimbo reprints BUT in colour !

so gorgeous, plus if you've read usagi, you know how you learn whilst reading too eg. how sake is made, japanese feudal law etc..

I've used these as my 'in' to Yojimbo and man its wonderful stuff - have a LOAD of digital stuff lined up.

My wife has been bitten by the Usagi bug, too. She's read the first 10 books in less than 3 weeks now.

Not the easiest stories to track down in the UK mind (we don't read digitally) but worth it!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MumboJimbo on 12 April, 2021, 02:15:48 PM
Oof! Just read Asimov's Foundation for the first time. I was expecting a lot more, given its reputation.

I'll continue with the other two in the original trilogy, as I bought them in a joblot from Ebay, so hopefully the other two will help me understand its high standing. There's some great big stroke ideas going on, but on a paragraph by paragraph level, my word it's a bit rudimentary. I guess it's due to it being originally four distinct, but interconnected, short stories originally published in Astounding Science, with a new fifth framing story added to the start. The new story is probably the best, but the older quartet all following the same theme of a younger upstart outwitting an older generation of The Establishment, usually in a courtroom showdown by revealing something he's been doing all along behind the scenes that's meant to change everything. And then usually a video of old Harry Seldon validating the action of said upstart.

The broad strokes are good though, in how the foundation evolves from ostensibly an encyclopaedia compiler to ostensibly a religion to ostensibly a trading guild. I don't know quite why Civilsation 2.0 has to be so secretive and Machiavellian. Even though they eventually develop superior technology, they only seem to use coercion, manipulation and balls-out fraud to get neighbours to beat to their tune. Two stories involved the Foundation selling other worlds dodgy tech that's designed to fail a few months after they leave. Hardly a great introduction to the guys who are meant to return the Galaxy to its previous splendour.

Despite all that, I'm still very intrigued by where all this is going, and will read further. It is a very strange book though, even taking into account its age and serialised origins. I've know idea how Apple TV could adapt this - it'd have to be a very loose adaptation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 12 April, 2021, 02:47:18 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 April, 2021, 11:28:56 AM
I would have been reading Covenant around 11 or 12, coming off the back of my first go throughs of LotR and Earthsea and in my nascent D&D phase, at around the time the Second Chronicles were coming out. Pivotal rape aside, I loved the first three... However I never stopped loathing Covenant himself, which may be why I've never re-read them

As a teen reading them, i was too stupid to realise the implications of this. That's put me off re-reading them too. And possibly TV execs no matter how eager they are for the next Game Of Thrones...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 12 April, 2021, 08:56:09 PM
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 12 April, 2021, 02:47:18 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 06 April, 2021, 11:28:56 AM
I would have been reading Covenant around 11 or 12, coming off the back of my first go throughs of LotR and Earthsea and in my nascent D&D phase, at around the time the Second Chronicles were coming out. Pivotal rape aside, I loved the first three... However I never stopped loathing Covenant himself, which may be why I've never re-read them

As a teen reading them, i was too stupid to realise the implications of this. That's put me off re-reading them too. And possibly TV execs no matter how eager they are for the next Game Of Thrones...
GoT made us root for monsters, I suppose. I see no way to live with Covenant's crime if you're not deeply immersed in his unbelief, and I see no way to do that in a big budget fantasy series. But then, I'm no screenwriter.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 12 April, 2021, 10:34:37 PM

I'm just about to start The War with Hannibal by Livy (wish me luck!).

I'm going to sound terribly pompous now and admit that I'm falling in love with classical literature. I love LotR and all that wonderful stuff too but this olden days sh*t is really pushing my buttons lately. Plutarch's Lives is a particular favourite, bursting with stories and anecdotes just crying out to be stolen by inspirational for an amateur scribbler.

And they're not really hard to read. In many ways, they are clearer and better written than a lot of the pap I've read. There's adventure, romance, intrigue, heroism, cowardice, love, hate, greed - the lot. Especially in Plutarch. Plutarch feckin' rocks.

Ahem. Sorry.

TL; DR - Reading good.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Enigmatic Dr X on 12 April, 2021, 11:08:00 PM
A coda on the Covenant books: I enjoyed the first two trilogies from the 70s/80s, but the more recent ones from the last decade were, quite simply, unreadable gibberish to me. I'm not talking plot or characters - I literally could not understand the words on the page.

The only other book to have that effect was Trainspotting, with its phonetically spelled dialect. (I read about 15 pages before I realised it the opening featured one character, as it kept talking about "us"). And I'm Scottish. A Weegie, true, but that just makes me less posh.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 13 April, 2021, 12:40:46 AM
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 12 April, 2021, 11:08:00 PM
A coda on the Covenant books: I enjoyed the first two trilogies from the 70s/80s, but the more recent ones from the last decade were, quite simply, unreadable gibberish to me. I'm not talking plot or characters - I literally could not understand the words on the page.

The only other book to have that effect was Trainspotting, with its phonetically spelled dialect. (I read about 15 pages before I realised it the opening featured one character, as it kept talking about "us"). And I'm Scottish. A Weegie, true, but that just makes me less posh.

I tried reading the new series and found it VERY hard going.  I know the first ones weren't what could be classed as the easiest reading but they were legible, the new one I couldn't get through.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 13 April, 2021, 09:11:59 AM
Quote from: Jade Falcon on 13 April, 2021, 12:40:46 AM
Quote from: The Enigmatic Dr X on 12 April, 2021, 11:08:00 PM
A coda on the Covenant books: I enjoyed the first two trilogies from the 70s/80s, but the more recent ones from the last decade were, quite simply, unreadable gibberish to me. I'm not talking plot or characters - I literally could not understand the words on the page.

The only other book to have that effect was Trainspotting, with its phonetically spelled dialect. (I read about 15 pages before I realised it the opening featured one character, as it kept talking about "us"). And I'm Scottish. A Weegie, true, but that just makes me less posh.

I tried reading the new series and found it VERY hard going.  I know the first ones weren't what could be classed as the easiest reading but they were legible, the new one I couldn't get through.
I stuck it out. Runes of the Earth was pretty great, but I was exhausted by the end of the sequence.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 13 April, 2021, 11:35:37 AM
I skipped the last Covenant books as they just seemed a bit uneccessary, and I didn't hear best reviews of them either - not reading much here to change that!
Covenant's arc finishes quite nicely at the end of the first trilogy imo and I never found the second set of books to be needed either, really.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 13 April, 2021, 06:30:48 PM
I'm reading the Chaos Day Trilogy and just finished the middle part last night. That picture of a utterly defeated Dredd with head bowed by Ben Willsher (I think) was an incredibly powerful image in a series of visuals that pulled no punches. I'm also reading Vol 2 of the Complete Future Shocks and I gotta tell you some of the content was absolutely visonary and other parts wonderfully bonkers (like the alien coat hangers).

I'm also still working through Gaunt's Ghosts - where they have basically [spoiler]had a fight on one planet, then went to another planet and got in a ruckus there and now they are fighting on a spaceship but in between all the fighting there's a decent adventure quest taking place[/spoiler] so I'm enjoying it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 15 April, 2021, 04:26:35 PM
Like all right-thinking people I'm a fan of you-tuber Lindsay Ellis, but I was a bit nervous about trying her debut novel: I've endured too much of the ghost-written drivel purportedly by social-media personalities via my daughter's habitual consumption of it.  No need for such hestitation,  Axiom's End is an enjoyable First Contact novel set in an alternate 2007, complete with an alt.Assange character and an off-stage bumbling Dubya.

I did experience the expected issue of mapping the protagonist on to a young Lindsay, but that passed. The main attraction is a well-developed suite of aliens, and in particular the main character's complex relationship with a fully-realised Optimus Prime/Aslan/Totoro/ET/Doomlord.

Ellis writes believable emotions, dilemmas of conscience and good action, but sometimes her descriptions of places seem to assume a real-world familiarity that makes them feel underwritten in comparison to vivid depictions of aliens and their tech. The global impacts of First Contact are barely touched on beyond a tickertape of stock market indices, as state secrecy is a key theme, but the level of individual reactions is where the book is pitched and succeeds. Nothing wildly new in a SF sense, but genuinely memorable alien characters, and I found it hard to put down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 24 April, 2021, 12:46:49 PM
After several months, I managed to finish Future Shock vol1 (I already did vol2 before). And since I myself am planning to send a few submissions to 2000ad when the time is ripe, it was interesting to read the stories by now celebrated writers (and artists) cutting their teeth on short, but highly imaginative stories. Majority of stories here are on the level, let's say, very few I felt a bit letdown and saw the twist incoming before the final panel, few are exceptionally good. I also appreciate sardonic, dark humor that permeates nearly all tales (few however, have sad, but thoughtful endings). Alan Moore's Abelard Snazz is ofcourse top-notch stuff, and his stuff of all writers when added up, is the best in both vols (not always tour de force, however), and The Philodrutian Phrasebook is perhaps the only flat out hilarious story out there. Also, I like Kelvin Gosnell's Joe Black, perhaps even more than Abelard Snazz, but that's just me.
Also, I've seen here perhaps the best example of metafictional storytelling ever and that is Alec Trench. RIP to the guy. Does anyone knows who's behind that pseudonim?

Borag Thungg.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 06 May, 2021, 01:38:30 PM
I thought it had been long out of print / unavailable, but I stumbled across Top Shelf's newish printing of Bodycount last week while looking for reading material to placate my new found TMNT appreciation.

The summary: Kevin Eastman & Biz got wasted on Jack Daniels and Class A drugs in the 90's and decided to do an ultra violent team up with Raphael, Casey Jones and a bigger titted version of Terri from ABC Warriors.

It's quite possible to pinpoint when the hangover kicked in - about a third of the way through.

A difficulty book to recommend - something of a sloppy, cliched story with some grubby but vibrant Biz art.
Casey and Raphael seem like different characters than previously portrayed, and don't feature too prominently. It's very, very 90's.

Anyway - for what it's worth - I enjoyed it.

https://www.topshelfcomix.com/catalog/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-bodycount/989
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 06 May, 2021, 09:20:40 PM
I'm reading the Mallorean series by David Eddings.  I've been on an Eddings binge lately after reading a LOT of Scots crime by the likes of Stuart McBride, Denzil Meyrick and Peter May.  I breezed through the Elenium and Tamuli.  While I enjoyed both series the Tamuli seemed to drag a little in the second book especially.

I then read the Belgariad and enjoyed it.  Eddings books are easy to read with decent characters though I've noticed his tendency to reuse phrases like in the Belgariad and Mallorean when characters are in a mild argument the phrase "And everything was all right again" keeps springing up.  I'm still on Guardians of the West, the first book of the Mallorean and I've read the series a fair few times before but not for some time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 07 May, 2021, 07:51:59 AM
I enjoyed the Belgariad as a kid, it supplied placenames for more than one D&D campaign ("the Polgara Hills" etc), and the almost clockwork way the story proceeded around the world map in order greatly appealed (for a more current example of cartographic determinism see Abercrombie's Half a King series). For some reason I don't think think I ever moved on to the Mallorean - is it worth a throw at this late stage, do you think? It's a prequel, right?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: I, Cosh on 07 May, 2021, 11:23:02 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 07 May, 2021, 07:51:59 AM
I enjoyed the Belgariad as a kid, it supplied placenames for more than one D&D campaign ("the Polgara Hills" etc), and the almost clockwork way the story proceeded around the world map in order greatly appealed (for a more current example of cartographic determinism see Abercrombie's Half a King series). For some reason I don't think think I ever moved on to the Mallorean - is it worth a throw at this late stage, do you think? It's a prequel, right?
No, it's a direct sequel. There are a couple of Belgarath/Polgara books which came along a good bit later which fit the prequel role.

I must've read the Belgariad a dozen times over the years and while I didn't get one with a lot of its downhome folksiness the last time I still think of it as a comfort read. I think it was even my first experience of having to wait for the last book to be released: Game of Thrones fans feel my pain!

If you've avoided it until now I'm not sure I'd recommend the Malloreon.  The first couple are okay but it becomes a bit of a slog. Large parts of it are deliberately mirroring the first series (which is fine conceptually but quite boring to read) and the later books lean very heavily into "the Prophecy needs us to be here and do this" rather than having a plot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 07 May, 2021, 12:38:33 PM
I decided to re-read Black Kiss from Howard Chaykin

Somehow I can't imagine anyone else than doing a comic series that are anything but. I am also remember why I love this series and ashamed to admit it (thank God I haven't used my real name on this forum). I don't think this is the sort of comic I'd have to show to my friends, relatives or worse, my spouse. But I enjoyed in its intimacy. Whether it's curious or not, by Chaykin's own admission, this is the most profitable book he ever did, per page basis. I some people needed some outlet that they compensate it by reading... True, it's nihilistic, it's blatantly misogynistic, morally repugnant. But I think having absolutely no redeeming values is why this book has such a (small) cult status.Ofcourse, not everything is about the content here as Chaykin provides some very fine storytelling and quite unique genre mixing. Eroticism (intermittent kinky pornographic set pieces that honestly rather amuse me, compared to which I am total prude in my bedroom; aside that, I don't think I ever read a comic where women act as voluntary thots), vampires and all told in noir, hard-boiled fashion. With spice of perverse black humor. I must say that I had a thought of desiring to be the part of such universe, but I felt that Chaykin punishes that attitude by throwing scenes in later stages that require a strong stomach to digest. Then again, I probably got what I deserved.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 14 May, 2021, 08:30:59 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 14 May, 2021, 06:29:50 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 May, 2021, 08:27:19 AM
*This must have been Pat's corporate revenge.  I'm doing an episode-a-day slow thoughtful re-read of Nemesis** at the moment, and holy shit Games Workshop, you were naughty naughty boys. Have some of your own medicine,  care of Kevin.

**It's a sublime work, since you ask, maybe 2000AD's single best long-running strip.


Certainly is - Book III began around the time I started reading 2000AD and it's influence has kept me on board for thirty eight years and counting...


Which episode are you up to so far?

I fell into this via scratching a Hicklenton itch, and reading The Two Torquemadas, which was fantastic, then had to look at Torquemada the God, and.so ended up reading Book V,  then Talbot and the ABCs led me back to Book IV, where I got to musing on the fantastical order of its creation, and decided I'd take a shot at reading it carefully in the order it was created - IE jumping from Killer Watt to the O'Neill bit of Gothic Empire, then back to (I believe) Sir Osric from the SciFi Special and finally on to Book I. So now I'm working my way on forward, and am at the climax of Feast of Zamarkand.

And it's all been brilliant, every panel. Particularly looking forward to Book II again next week some time.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: AlexF on 18 May, 2021, 09:31:15 AM
I've finally started reading my Deviant Edition of Nemesis - and I have to say it is not as good in colour. No big surprise I suppose. Couldn;t agree more that, panel-to-panel, it's a truly unbeatable comic.

I've also just recently read the latest volume of Phillippe Druillet's 'Lone Sloane', which I'm 100% sure is exactly the comic Pat Mills was talking about when he said he wanted 2000AD to have a Euro feel. Nemesis has similar qualities, but it's just so much better - perfect art tied to a writer who actually has something to say, and knows how to say it.

Oh, and as I'm new to this thread and not following ettiquette, I'll also let Milstar know that I, too am a Black Kiss appreciator and am not afraid to have my real name attached ot that statement. It's SO cynical, in a way that I don't think I could stomach except for the explicit sex scenes, which for me mitigate the cynicism but saying that what these characters really want, as well as power, is simply to have an awful lot of sex, of whatever kind they can get. And while this is not my thing as such (in real life), it's a sentiment I can understand more than the drive to hold power over other people.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 18 May, 2021, 10:40:31 AM
Quote from: TordelBack on 14 May, 2021, 08:30:59 PM
I fell into this via scratching a Hicklenton itch, and reading The Two Torquemadas, which was fantastic, then had to look at Torquemada the God, and.so ended up reading Book V,  then Talbot and the ABCs led me back to Book IV, where I got to musing on the fantastical order of its creation, and decided I'd take a shot at reading it carefully in the order it was created - IE jumping from Killer Watt to the O'Neill bit of Gothic Empire, then back to (I believe) Sir Osric from the SciFi Special and finally on to Book I. So now I'm working my way on forward, and am at the climax of Feast of Zamarkand.

And it's all been brilliant, every panel. Particularly looking forward to Book II again next week some time.

Did you notice (from memory) that the outfit which Nem is wearing when he visits Great Uncle Baal is the same outfit he's wearing when he arrives on Britannia?  Which we never see anywhere else...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: zombemybabynow on 18 May, 2021, 02:14:59 PM
Carl hiassen : squeeze me

back on form after the last book razor girl

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Squeeze-Me-ultimate-satire-2020/dp/0751581836/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1621343648&sr=8-1&asin=B087T78VJ9&revisionId=4f600397&format=1&depth=1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Squeeze-Me-ultimate-satire-2020/dp/0751581836/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1621343648&sr=8-1&asin=B087T78VJ9&revisionId=4f600397&format=1&depth=1)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 19 May, 2021, 10:10:56 PM
Quote from: sheridan on 18 May, 2021, 10:40:31 AM
Did you notice (from memory) that the outfit which Nem is wearing when he visits Great Uncle Baal is the same outfit he's wearing when he arrives on Britannia?  Which we never see anywhere else...

I did indeed, though only this time!  This is exactly the kind of thing I hoped to see by going carefully at it and looking at the evolution of Kev's art in particular, but also Pat's words. The Great Uncle Baal episode is particularly interesting because it's the introduction of Grobbendonk, who we know was actually created "in" the Gothic Empire episodes: the same episode that Nemesis wears those stripey pauldrons. 

However, O'Neill's Gothic Empire opener is in what I think of as his "small figure" style, characters that seem a bit lost and disconnected in their busy panels, while the Baal episode, at least in theory, is from several years later and features his "cropped figure" style, where characters seem almost too big for their panels, big half-head shots and large silhouettes. Nemesis has also begun his transition from darkly shaded sleek head (which Talbot eventually runs with until Nem resembles a Polaris missile) to the gnarlier more open version that characterises Book III in particular. So while the elements suggest it's connected to Gothic Empire, I'm guessing that's a product of O'Neill going back to check his references for Grobbendonk, and picking up the travelling cloak at the same time.

The Baal episode is also 4 pages long. A character that has lived in my head for almost 40 years, whose voice I can still hear, and his debut (and really the bulk of his screen time) amounts to 4 pages. Those men knew how to make comics.

In the world of prose I read Stephen King's Richard Bachman's The Long Walk for the first time, courtesy of enthusiastic discussion on this very thread. I think it's the most purely horrific thing he's ever written, it consumed my dreams for over a week, and not in a good way (but also in a good way, because that's what I look for in horror). It may be the best thing I've ever read by him, not least for balancing complete nihilism with the qualities of an extended parable.  Safe to say the sexual politics are of their day, but beyond that the humanity is extraordinary.

With an invigorated enthusiasm for the man, I disrupted my carefully-ordered to-read pile and seized on Hearts in Atlantis, which so far feels like unused notes from It, but I have faith. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 27 May, 2021, 03:35:43 PM
The Boys: Dear Becky

New collected 8-parter set 12 years after The Boys - Hughie receives a mystery parcel: Butcher's old diaries in the form of a letter to his dead wife. we then go to flashback mode and see how he made the decision to transform the group from ineffectual CIA assets to cape-killing psychos. It's very current - several references to Trump and the last part references the covid lockdown.

It doesn't really add anything to the story, but it's a lot of fun (if you like Ennis - I know many don't).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: TordelBack on 01 June, 2021, 02:24:19 PM
Finally ground my way to the end of King's Hearts in Atlantis, which I found to be a bit of a mess,  and far from "the great novel of the Boomer generation" I've seen it presented as.

What it actually is are some very strong short stories pointlessly hacked-about and stitched together to make them fit into a book-length spin-off from The Dark Tower series. The problem is that some sections are compelling non- or just-maybe-supernatural tales of the Vietnam era, and others are full-on inter-dimensional superfiend territory. The linking thread is a [spoiler]Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants-style baseball glove[/spoiler] , but even its otherwise-prosaic journey between the characters is gazumped by an unexplained event where it literally falls out of the sky, having last been seen as [spoiler]the begging prop of a penitent Vet[/spoiler].

Perhaps this all makes sense if you've read all of Dark Tower, I'll be fecked if I care. Annoyingly I'd have really enjoyed most of these stories as standalones, or loosely overlapping like in his magnificent Different Seasons, it's the bodging and the dribbly conclusion that lets it down for me.  King has observed that no-one wants to buy his novellas or collections, so here we are. Can't win 'em all.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 01 June, 2021, 04:12:39 PM
Agreed on Hearts in Atlantis, it's pretty bogus and the linking conceit isn't needed!

I'm still reading the Horus Heresy series. On book 44. Not going to finish all of these before lockdown eases*, but I've got reasonably close.



*which won't be 21st June at this rate
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 07 June, 2021, 04:00:55 PM
THE DARK EIDOLON AND OTHER FANTASIES by Clark Ashton Smith

A lot can and has been said about many of the scribes behind Weird Tales. Lovecraft was a fine visionary hampered by a narrow world view that frequently stunted his authorial capabilities. Derleth was a powerhouse editor and a largely woeful writer, whose devil may care attitude to the dilution of mythologies started a trend the genre can't shake, and Howard though beloved by many has never truly clicked with me personally.
Then theres the enigmatic, tragically gone too soon Clark Ashton Smith, of whom my experience is drawn entirely from a 'best of' collection of his poetry and this here Penguin tome, and yet I can say without a reasonable doubt he was the finest of the troupe, and among the great fantasists of all literature.
His poetic prose and prosaic verse reads unlike any author I can name, like he's translating directly from some ancient inhuman grimoire, and his ability to lace seemingly base historical literature or common pulp fantasy with a layer of rich, viscous, palpable cosmic dread is superb. In spite of my only just recently becoming familiar with his work, short stories such as Genius Loci or The Return of the Sorcerer have become among my favourite in all weird fiction, and a deeper dive into collections old and new is absolutely on the cards.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Funt Solo on 07 June, 2021, 07:17:25 PM
Quote from: Jade Falcon on 06 May, 2021, 09:20:40 PM
... I've noticed his tendency to reuse phrases like in the Belgariad and Mallorean when characters are in a mild argument the phrase "And everything was all right again" keeps springing up.

Yeah - and he also does "pennants snapping in the wind" whenever there's any knights around. And, they always hide in a handy "copse". You can see this, as well, in "A Song of Ice and Fire", where almost every meal involves a "trencher of stew".

Quote from: TordelBack on 07 May, 2021, 07:51:59 AM
I enjoyed the Belgariad as a kid, it supplied placenames for more than one D&D campaign ("the Polgara Hills" etc), and the almost clockwork way the story proceeded around the world map in order greatly appealed (for a more current example of cartographic determinism see Abercrombie's Half a King series). For some reason I don't think think I ever moved on to the Mallorean - is it worth a throw at this late stage, do you think? It's a prequel, right?

I'd echo Cosh's opinion and say that the Mallorean plays the same trick as the Belgariad, but with different names on a different continent. And it is a bit much that eventually the prophecy itself is a character.

I love Abercrombie's books, although I've started to tire a bit of the smug, untouchable wizard Bayaz in his "First Law" (extended) series.

---

Oh, and I'm reading Stonemouth, by Iain Banks. Part of my big re-read. Still don't know if I'll read the last one when I get there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 07 June, 2021, 09:16:46 PM
I finally finished the larger Foundation series.

It ebbs and flows with it's quality.  Foundation Earth bookends the series nicely but isn't quite as an enjoyable read as Foundations Edge.  Having read the other series, it does give the end a different context.  It does end up feeling like an epic journey.

It was fun to do, but I wouldn't do it again in a hurry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GoGilesGo on 08 June, 2021, 03:39:08 PM
Quote from: TordelBack on 19 May, 2021, 10:10:56 PM


In the world of prose I read Stephen King's Richard Bachman's The Long Walk for the first time, courtesy of enthusiastic discussion on this very thread. I think it's the most purely horrific thing he's ever written, it consumed my dreams for over a week, and not in a good way (but also in a good way, because that's what I look for in horror). It may be the best thing I've ever read by him, not least for balancing complete nihilism with the qualities of an extended parable.  Safe to say the sexual politics are of their day, but beyond that the humanity is extraordinary.


I read this something like 20 years ago and it's stayed with me ever since. I'm not much of a fan of long form King (and his novels do tend towards the very very looooong) but his high concept shorts: Word Processor of the Gods; Mrs Todd's Shortcut; The Reaper's Image; The Night Flier etc are almost all superb. The majority would make fine Future Shocks.

But The Long Walk. Oh Boy, what a story. A hundred young men start walking South from the Canadian border, the first 99 to stop are killed. The winner can name ANYTHING as their prize.

Lovely character portraits throughout - one lad carries 99 pennies in his right trouser pocket and transfers one to his left for every dead competitor; the nailed-on-cert-to-win [spoiler]who catches cold and gradually slows down until... [/spoiler]. And then there's that final paragraph. Enough to make a man stop in his tracks.

Of all the Bachmann books this is often overshadowed by Rage and The Running Man but it's by far the best the five.


Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 01 July, 2021, 01:12:50 PM
Not technically reading, but I thought I could share the image of newbies in my collection.

(https://i.imgur.com/tEuRMfu.jpg)

Yep. While Nemesis I read in digital form, I am now happy I have chance to do repeat it with the physical copy. And to say what? Imho, Nemesis is the comic that probably describes the best Millar career in the comics. Those who hate Millar, will definitely despise this. Those who love, well, are we in the treat? Infantile, kiddish (but for grown-up kids), profane, batshit crazy and over-the -top violent, twisted take on the whole hero-villain dynamic. Or better yet, what would Joker do if gets his mitts on Batman's resources, money and gadgetry?

Darkie's Mob- well, we worked that subject to the death in that controversial thread. As I understood, it was released in comics for boys, but few glimpses on it tell me this is rather mature take on the war, unusually violent and blatantly racist, so I don't think I'd offer this to my potential minor descendant. Anyway, I was positively surprised by the quality of this hardback copy. Paper, bonding - everything - and I'll be eternally damned if I decide to sell this masterpiece of printing one day.
Furthermore, this is uncut copy as stated, by on numerous ocassion (and in Garth Ennis foreword), it is clearly stated that the language present may be offending to some and that it should be seen as an echo of the times.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 01 July, 2021, 04:28:23 PM
i strongly suspect that no-one likes modern day john wagner more than me ...
he's god, y'know?
but that's a genuinely horrible and reprehensible moment from his early years.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Funt Solo on 01 July, 2021, 04:41:00 PM
Quote from: milstar on 01 July, 2021, 01:12:50 PM
it is clearly stated that the language present may be offending to some and that it should be seen as an echo of the times.

Yes, like Triumph of the Will. (There: Godwin's Law satisfied.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 01 July, 2021, 08:15:14 PM
Well, the greatest about Darkie's Mob is that it doesn't feel like propaganda piece. Furthermore, the publisher openly denounced themselves from the language present (btw, this is uncut version), I'll attach images that corroborate that.
(https://i.imgur.com/cxewe3G.jpg)
And
(https://i.imgur.com/VbV5kOr.jpg)

I also attach Garth Ennis rather frank and brutally honest introduction. Sorry for the bad quality of some shots.
(https://i.imgur.com/nD3U5Jt.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wKZDKiB.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/WqN8QiH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9aXYQLg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/lwRloQR.jpg)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MumboJimbo on 02 July, 2021, 12:57:51 PM
That's an excellently written introduction. I'm tempted to pick this up based on that alone
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 02 July, 2021, 05:31:25 PM
Yes, Ennis is fairly literate ww2 student.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 02 July, 2021, 09:32:24 PM
At the moment I'm reading Raymond E Feists and Janny Wurts Daughter of the Empire, the first of the 'Empire' trilogy that was a spin off from the Riftwar trilogy by Feist.

I've read it before, quite a few times but it's something I like to reread every so often.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 03 July, 2021, 05:02:29 AM
Quote from: Jade Falcon on 02 July, 2021, 09:32:24 PM
At the moment I'm reading Raymond E Feists and Janny Wurts Daughter of the Empire, the first of the 'Empire' trilogy that was a spin off from the Riftwar trilogy by Feist.

I've read it before, quite a few times but it's something I like to reread every so often.

A great read. I am systematically reading the whole Riftwar saga book by book
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 12 July, 2021, 11:26:36 AM
The Invisible Man by HG Wells.

Reading this book felt like a chore to me. Wells' prose feels too mundane, enough to keep me off engaged in the story. And characters are written flat and miserable, without anything that makes them attractive enough to invest yourself in them. That goes for the Invisible Man himself, a character you're forced to hate. I like to think that Wells' ideas are better than their execution, although I have never read any other Wells novel so far, if I merit his work after The Invisible Man, that is.
Although, one thing this novel did to me. I have never thought about it, but the idea behind invisibility actually sounds more plausible than some random gibberish commonly found in other SF novels. It sounds weird, yes, but not without some wisdom.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 16 July, 2021, 08:01:56 AM
Quick question related to Joe Hill's The Cape, is this any good? did anyone read it? is it worthwhile?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 16 July, 2021, 09:37:04 AM
The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin. Rather excellent. Endlessly inventive and unafraid. The various protagonists do meld into each-other somewhat, but that could easily be by design, given the nature of the story.

Quantum by Patricia Cornwell. I'm continuously nagged by loved ones to read Patricia Cornwell, and I thought, finally she's writing in a genre I might enjoy. Turns out, I really don't like her style. I struggled to finish this, much to the disappointment of (it seems) everyone I know!

Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey. I'm a voracious fantasy/sci-fi consumer and it was downright strange that I hadn't read any Pern books. I decided to fix that and had a very good time with this first installment. It moves at a frenetic pace, mind you, unlike most modern examples of the genre I can think of, and treats a modern sci-fi staple with a casual disdain which I think will be very significant in the story going forward.

Hail Mary by Andy Weir. It *is* The Martian all over again, but in a new bottle and with a new set of problems for our hero to solve. Also, a protagonist who is more complex than it might seem. If you like this style of sci-fi -- and if you liked any of Weir's previous books -- then you're going to like this. I did.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 16 July, 2021, 09:43:07 AM
Double post.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 16 July, 2021, 11:17:47 AM
Quote from: wedgeski on 16 July, 2021, 09:37:04 AM

Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey. I'm a voracious fantasy/sci-fi consumer and it was downright strange that I hadn't read any Pern books. I decided to fix that and had a very good time with this first installment. It moves at a frenetic pace, mind you, unlike most modern examples of the genre I can think of, and treats a modern sci-fi staple with a casual disdain which I think will be very significant in the story going forward.

These books are great. Quite 60s in their execution. Hope you read more and enjoy them!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: SmallBlueThing(Reborn) on 16 July, 2021, 04:11:58 PM
Old Man's War, by John Scalzi- I'm halfway through and it's reverberating with Starship Troopers echoes, but I guess Military Sci-Fi often does. I don't know, as I've not read an awful lot. It's pleasingly 'hard sf' in parts, and the central conceit- a wish-fulfillment fantasy of aged bodies suddenly becoming vigorous and young again to fight in a war and have lots of sex, is rather lovely. Enjoying it, and my eldest knows me well (he bought it for my birthday).

Also, Judging Dredd- edited by Scott Wratherly, the latest from Sequart Books. A 220 page collection of essays about... well, some old British comic strip. I've only read the first essay so far- by Dr Pritish Chakraborty and entitled 'A Fascist Hero: Rhetoric of Civil Redemption in the Comics or Judge Dredd'. It was very good, and the rest of the book looks similarly impressive. I've loved every other Sequart book I've read, so here's hoping.

SBT
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 17 July, 2021, 04:13:56 AM
Figured I'd put some audiobook thoughts in here, and they do have print versions if preferred.  :)

Bruce Campbell, that B-movie legend. I just love his audiobooks, every single one rules. His latest bite sized 4 hour or so one, The Cool Side of My Pillow, is good stuff as well. Just more groovy Bruce. The two main "Chin" ones like the recent Hail to the Chin are great, and his "Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way" audio CD production with actors and sound effects is way too good.

Also, for any David Lynch fans, the Room to Dream audiobook is so good. Just incredible. I'm also really liking Rob Halford's audiobook "Confess" so far too. And thematically similar, I'm reading Ozzy's book "I Am Ozzy". And I can't say enough about how good Lemmy's book White Line Fever, and the later book Lemmy are, so good. I think I've mentioned those before, but just gotta spread the Lemmy word.

I also just got the Stephen Fry audiobook of Hitchhiker's Guide, looking forward to that.

On comics, I'm catching up on Savage Dragon at the moment, still wild good stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 17 July, 2021, 10:23:30 AM
Just finished Reynolds' Pushing Ice.  Still working through his oeuvre and this is not one of his better pieces.  There are some good ideas in it, shades of Rendezvous With Rama (which some on t'Interweb have noted comparisons with the follow up books), it just feels jumbled.  On the plus side it did flip some of the standard conceits about an encounter with an alien artefact but some of the ideas involved have been done better elsewhere.

... and now for something completely different ... Tad Williams' Dragonbone Chair.  Having read this many, many moons ago and strangely never relinquished the books, now feels like as good a time as any to return to it.  A  lot of the standard fantasy tropes are used (medieval / feudal society - check, orphaned protagonist - check, death of old king - check ...) but one thing it shares with Game of Thrones is a rather subdued approach to 'magic'  It's been decades since I last read it but even now I've found myself sucked into it rather quickly.  To me that's always a good sign.

Jade, personally I've always thought that the Daughter's books were a better read than the some of the Riftwar books.  There's something about them that is far more interesting.  Feist is one of those writers that I tend to find not so much 'recycling' plot ideas as transplanting them wholesale.  After a while it becomes just a little too predictable.  Wurtz seems to have reined in some of those habits a bit. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 17 July, 2021, 10:39:45 AM
THE ODYSSEY

There's truly not a lot I can say about antiquarian masterpieces, but listening to Anton Lesser soothingly describe the eviscerations of man at the hands of the Locus Eaters is probably the best thing I could have listened to on my commutes. Really must pick up those Fagles tomes someday.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 17 July, 2021, 11:48:23 AM
Behave, The Biology Of Humans At Their Best And Worst- Robert Sapolsky. It's a very dense book of about 800 pages, and I'm only at the start, but it is fascinating in its detail already. It is slightly grim in its belief that humans enjoy certain types of violence, but the author appears optimistic that we can be persuaded away from this reprehensible behaviour.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 18 July, 2021, 01:33:14 PM
I re-read FrankMiller's All Star Batman. Once again, it felt like watching an exhilarating train wreck. Too much of everything, but full of nothing, that is. I don't know if it's the worst Miller (Holy Terror and TDKSA come pretty close). Admittedly, there are moments where Miller's brilliance shines through but often is dragged beneath, like a drowning man desperately clinging to the surface only to be smothered, again and again. The whole ten-issue arc is so damn slow, and a five-issue would finish the job at hand. As if the All-Star moniker served for a bunch of characters to cram in. On top of that, you know you are in trouble when you read a psychopathic teenage brat Batman. And while I am fond of his Dirty Harry impersonations, more often, t felt like a parody of the character, where Miller thought it'd be so cool to have Batman uttering "I am the goddamn Batman." Unfortunately, the comic is full of those (un)remarkable moments (read cringe), all memorable for all the wrong reasons. Batman having sex with Black Canary...ugh. Personally, I'm not too fond of romance in superheroes. And I got what Miller tried to do. That Batman is a kid who needs another kid to grow up. Such story is already done, and it's done better - in Dark Victory. Robin, along with the Batgirl, might be the best-done characters. Everyone else... Vicky Vale acts as a dumb bimbo (who holds animosity over Batman because he doesn't fly, but faints over Bruce Wayne), Black Canary and Wonder Woman are misandric twats, and Superman...well - damn! And yes, the goddamn Batman.

I have never been a big fan of TDKR, but that comic at least had some quality, and I appreciate what Miller did at that time. Elektra Assassin, TDKR, Year One, and DD Born Again (btw, my favorites are the latter two), and all four feel a bit different from each other, and with all artistic integrity. It's sad to see how low Miller has fallen since then.

On a brighter note about ASB, the artwork is a real treat, and I date to say, it's the best Lee's job to date. And as a small bonus, I like how the pages unfold when Batman takes Robin for the first time to the Batcave. The part with the cop cars being destroyed, all that havoc and ruckus - it blew my mind.  Too bad Lee had to waste his talents in garbage like this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 29 July, 2021, 12:18:16 PM
Well, haven't really read as I just got it brand new - One-Eyed Jack and Invasion 1984! so I am gonna see it thru the next few days. For some reason, the quality of the print of One-Eyed Jack is superior over Invasion, the latter using the same paper used for Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, Strontium Dog etc collected gns.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 09 August, 2021, 03:34:15 PM
Just finished Adam Roberts' The Real-Town Murders and really enjoyed it; very playful writing and a bit of a page-turner (the only other thing of his I've read is Yellow Blue Tibia but I think I'll have to dig into his other work a bit more now).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 19 August, 2021, 06:27:01 AM
On a bit of a legacy Sci-Fi binge at the moment.  Latest is Ben Bova's Exiles Trilogy.  Another re-read of something from my distant youth and interesting how it 'feels' this time round.

I can see traces of the pulp influence of the likes of Asimov, Heinlein and Clarke.  The core idea of geneticists being exiled to maintain stability on a potentially over-populated Earth does give it a different perspective to many generational colony stories (most recently Stanley-Robinson's Aurora for instance).  Only a handful of such stories have looked at it from the potential of escape.

Each of the three 'books' are quite different.  The first setting the scene and exploring the exile, segueing into a brief action adventure as the protagonists get mixed up in a plot to overthrow the world government.  Ultimately this leads into the decision to turn the satellite prison into a star-faring ship that will take them to a distant star with a potentially new planet.

The second reads very much like Kane and Abel.  Set as the book reaches the star they set out to, it jumps a generation.  The main characters are set against each other by events as the planet they originally aimed for turns out to be uninhabitable even with significant genetic engineering.  A bit of a love triangle is thrown in for good measure.  The debate over how to deal with the implications of the revelations of the new planet and the state of the ship are set against this backdrop.

The third book shifts scene significantly.  There is a definite Lord of the Flies vibe to it.  The ship is now close to the next star the exiles aimed for at the end of the second book.  Most of the ship is now pretty much unusable.  All that are left are a handful of genetically engineered youngsters who have lost all links with previous generations, venerate some father-figure who they call up through old learning tapes and adhere to a rigid admonition not to touch any of the equipment.

Again some interesting ideas come through.  The impact of the decision not to settle on the original planet for the crew, leading to a total and lethal breakdown.  The loss of all adult contact and with it the links to the past needed to maintain the operational functionality of the ship.  Fear and superstition resulting from a lack of proper understanding ...

Again though Bova's pulp roots do tend to weaken the impact of all of this.  They are great ideas and worth exploring in depth but are dealt with superficially.  The lead character's discovery of the last remaining adult, his rapid and miraculous education that allows him to effect simple repairs and the deus-ex device that ultimately saves the day all work from the point of view of a fast-paced light read.  It would be interesting to see how Bova or any writer for that matter tackled it today.

Overall it's a good read, albeit not stunning stuff.  Elements that would not be out of place in 80's Eagle for instance.  Then again it does not require much cognitive effort which is nice sometimes too!   ::)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Batman's Superior Cousin on 19 August, 2021, 12:21:08 PM
Books I've Currently Read

1) Marvel's Spider-Man: Hostile Takeover by David Liss
2) Star Wars: Thrawn - Treason by Timothy Zahn
3) Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy - Greater Good by Timothy Zahn
4) Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy - Chaos Rising by Timothy Zahn
5) Star Trek: Picard - The Last Best Hope by Una McCormack
6) Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious - The Knight, The Fool and The Dead by Steve Cole
7) Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious - All Flesh is Grass by Una McCormack
8) Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond
9) Full Service: My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Lives of the Stars by Scotty Bowers with Lionel Friedberg
10) Star Trek: Picard - The Dark Veil by James Swallow
11) Star Wars: The High Republic - Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule
12) Star Wars: The High Republic - The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott
13) Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino
14) Killzone: Ascendancy by Sam Bradbury
15) Black Trillium by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Julian May and Andre Norton
16) Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher
17) Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover

Currently Reading

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Next Up

Star Trek Picard - Rogue Elements by John Jackson Miller
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Timothy on 24 August, 2021, 10:21:52 AM
I have just picked up Grandville L'Integral. It's a collection of all of the Grandville stories together with some annotations. It's a handsome volume, but there is some disappointment in the page size which is slightly smaller than the original publications. A good book though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 24 August, 2021, 12:00:28 PM
Quote from: Timothy on 24 August, 2021, 10:21:52 AM
I have just picked up Grandville L'Integral. It's a collection of all of the Grandville stories together with some annotations. It's a handsome volume, but there is some disappointment in the page size which is slightly smaller than the original publications. A good book though.

I'm really tempted by that. How is it to read, pysically? I'm worried it's going to be a bit heavy and unwieldy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Timothy on 24 August, 2021, 12:31:57 PM
It's hefty, but not too much so. Not one to put in your holiday hand luggage.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MumboJimbo on 25 August, 2021, 06:46:31 PM
I've now finished the original Foundation Trilogy, nice and ready for the TV adaptation starting next month. I commented above that I was a bit let down from the first book, but Foundation & Empire, and Second Foundation have been much more digestible and satisfying.

I guess what initially bamboozled me was that this is not, in fact a trilogy of novels written in the 50s. It is instead 9 short stories/novellas from the 40s presented as 3 novels. Each of the nine stories typically takes place 30-50 after the previous one with few characters shared between stories. It's 9 moments of historical significance in a 300-400-year epoch. God knows how they're going to make a show out of it - they'll definitely have to fiddle about with it quite significantly, and I do fear that they'll end up losing something essential. But I'm still pretty pumped about it - the trailers looks amazing.

Books 2 and 3 each consist of 2 stories originally serialised in Astounding Science Fiction; in both volumes the second story is by far the longer of the two, the only 2 of the nine stories to approach novel-length, and for me they were by far the most satisfying.

Asimov returned to the Foundation universe 30-odd years later, in the 1980s with another 4 Foundation books: 2 sequels and then 2 prequels, and I'm itching to read them, only I know at this point he starts tying the story threads of Foundation to the threads of his Robot series, so it's probably best if I read those first - so my plan is to firstly read the 3 robot books of the 50s: I, Robot, Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun. Then I'll round off his 50s period with The End of Eternity, which is meant to be a nice way to end things, even if it's not directly tied to the other series.

At that point, I'll do 80s/90s Robot and Foundation books in publication order. If there are any Asimov experts of these shores who can tell me if this is good plan, I'd be mightily obliged!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 26 August, 2021, 12:23:48 AM
Publication order is always the best order.

I've started Artifact Space by Miles Cameron. Cameron has written historical fiction and fantasy and this is his first foray into space opera and it's a very good one. The story sucks you in in the first paragraph. I haven't finished this book and I'm already looking forward to the next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MumboJimbo on 26 August, 2021, 09:19:15 AM
Just had a google, Boom and that looks interesting. I always enjoyed the concept of big starships that carry millions of people, like the GSVs in the Culture series.

I agree that 99% of the time that publication order is best. I'm slightly deviating from that though with my reading order of Asimov's early Robot and Foundation novels as, although they were published simultaneously, they are at that stage completely separate universes, so can be read separately.

One thing you often see that always puzzles me is when a particular series of novels is re-ordered into an in-universe chronology, and then that becomes the recommended order. I've seen both fans of the novels and the authors themselves do this, and it's nearly always just plain wrong, in my opinion. Even Asimov did this:  https://scl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/92757872/97942932 (https://scl.bibliocommons.com/list/share/92757872/97942932).

To my mind, you always want to read a prequel after the original novel. To do so otherwise usually spoils the revelations in the original novel, or the prequel focuses on aspects of the story which only gain importance when you've read the original novel, which may seem strange to fixate on, if you haven't read the original story.

A particularly bad example of this are the Narnia novels, which today are published in a re-ordering based on in-universe chronology, so The Magician's Nephew is first. One of the things explained is how the lamppost came to be where Lucy first met Mr Tumnus, but that means nothing unless you've read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe first, and there's lots of other issues of that nature. They're spoiling kids readings of the books by presenting them in this way. They should change the numbering to the published order (and maybe remove The Last Battle, which is mean and spiteful book, where Lewis' Christian polemic takes a nasty Book of  Revelations turn).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: von Boom on 26 August, 2021, 01:49:13 PM
Artifact Space is not nearly as high concept at the Culture. It feels more Heinleiny with a sharper edge to it but it's a lot of fun so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 26 August, 2021, 04:27:01 PM
Quote from: MumboJimbo on 26 August, 2021, 09:19:15 AM
(and maybe remove The Last Battle, which is mean and spiteful book, where Lewis' Christian polemic takes a nasty Book of  Revelations turn).

I love The Last Battle, and those seriously doomy vibes. It's the apocalypse, it should be a bit mean!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 27 August, 2021, 07:18:09 AM
Just wrapped up Reynolds' House of Suns.  It is a peculiar beast and one that does highlight Reynolds' weaknesses sometimes as a writer.  The core idea is an interesting one, individuals clone themselves on a massive scale and then set off to explore the galaxy, coming back together every thousand or so years.  As with much of Reynolds' work, the challenges of the sheer scale of the universe are navigated rather than overcome with quick fixes.  So there is plenty of stasis technology to aid the quest.

There are echoes of the sort of Banksian vibe from the culture novels (I really do need to go back and give his work another reading).  At times I also found myself reminded of some of Charles Stross' work such as Saturn's Children.  That sort of high tech decadence ... I'm not sure how best to put it ...

It feels a little at times though as if Reynolds' is not entirely sure where he wants to take some of his ideas.  This is a book packed with fascinating concepts that are never really given their day in the sun properly.  The short vignette's at the start of each section that hark back to the pre-'shattering' days are not properly tied in to the main narrative.  The ending is quite abrupt.  There is much that could be explored as a stand-alone novel.

Then again the characterisation is an improvement on some of his other works.  It is fairly pacey in most places and there is only one segment of the narrative that lulls.  For all it's flaws it is a reasonable read albeit far from his best.  Potentially one for completionists.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 28 August, 2021, 01:02:18 PM
I happened to have just finished House of Suns myself (just in time for his new book!). I think it's his best work since the Dreyfuss stuff.

> The short vignette's at the start of each section that hark back to the pre-'shattering' days are not properly tied in to the main narrative.

I think their relevance is pretty clear..? Do you mean you would have preferred the main characters to have made the connection?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 28 August, 2021, 03:44:44 PM
I've not read the Dreyfuss stuff.  I'm side stepping into Baxter for a revisit of his Manifold series that I never quite finished, plus the last volume of William's Memory, Sorrow and Thorn trilogy.  There are a number of Reynolds books that I do want to track down and read.

I think the vignette's are pretty clear too.  I wouldn't say that the main characters needed to have made some sort of connection to them.  I'm just not too sure what purpose they serve from the point of view of the overall narrative.  This to me was the main problem with the novel.  I'm not saying that it is a horrendous novel.  It compares far better to Pushing Ice for instance. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 01 September, 2021, 05:47:26 PM
I started rereading Feists Prince of the Blood, another Midkemia book. Was there a book or short story published between the Riftwar trilogy and this as there are events referenced. I know there were some later published books set earlier like the Krondor trilogy but apart from them?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 01 September, 2021, 06:52:28 PM
I am also reading it. Here is a reading order:

https://www.howtoread.me/the-riftwar-cycle-books-in-order/ (https://www.howtoread.me/the-riftwar-cycle-books-in-order/)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: MumboJimbo on 02 September, 2021, 08:44:31 AM
Just finished another Asimov, this time in the Robots series with The Caves of Steel. Very much of its time, but in a good way. A very 50s-based idea of the future that reminds me of the Fallout games (before the nuclear war).

Now rounding off the Expanded Dune trilogy, Legends of Dune with The Battle of Corrin. I know a lot of people hate the Expanded Dune books (books written by Frank Herbert's son Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson), but for me they're a guilty pleasure. They don't really continue the more philosophical aspects of the original books - they're pure space opera, but a fun read, IMO. After this trilogy I'll take a little break from Dune, but when I return I want to read all the "Return from the Scattering"-era books: so a re-read of Frank's novels Heretics of Dune and Chapterhouse Dune, and then the Brian/KJA continuations Hunters of Dune and Sandworms of Dune.

But before that, I need to get back to Malazan Book of Fallen and tackle book 3: Memories of Ice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 14 September, 2021, 09:12:19 PM
Well, nipper's class are doing work on Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo.  Thought I'd give it a look so that I at least have some idea of what she is likely to be working with.

What to say.  For a children's book it is remarkably well written considering the subject matter.  There is a subtlety to it as it deals with themes around British pre-war society, class structure and family ties.  Then as it gets to the war itself there are shades of Charley's War or Pat Barker's Regeneration.  It tries to convey the rollercoaster of emotions that squaddies faced in the trenches while connecting it to the individuals themselves who fought.  More importantly it subtly tackles the thorny issue of the use of capital punishment by the British Army.

The vignette's at the start of each chapter lead the reader inexorably to the conclusion.  There is quite a contrast to those in Reynolds' House of Suns that did not really seem to connect with the rest of the story.  Instead Morpurgo uses them to lead the reader down the path he sets out before using them to stunning effect at the end.

It is easy to see why it would be chosen for students to work with.  It provides a powerful but highly accessible narrative with which to explore the experiences of those who fought in the early stages of the war.  There is no jingoism but nor is there the castigation that sometimes surrounds debates about military leadership.  Perhaps it is more because it focuses on the familial relationships to try to convey some sense of the impact, echoing the words of the old song:
Quoteand did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind
in some loyal heart is your memory enshrined
and though you died back in 1916
to that loyal heart you're forever nineteen
or are you a stranger without even a name
forever enshrined behind some old glass pane
in an old photograph torn, tattered, and stained
and faded to yellow in a brown leather frame

This is one novel that is highly recommended.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 14 September, 2021, 10:20:20 PM
Well I finally finished rereading Prince of the Blood.  This was the revised edition but it's been so long since I originally read it that I can't remember the differences.  The pacing in this book seemed a bit off, especially as when you were just getting invested in one of the main characters the POV would shift to the either then vice versa.

The whole story about trying to topple the Empress of Kesh seemed a bit flimsy in my opinion and the final scenes seemed a bit rushed, but overall I still enjoyed it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 21 September, 2021, 10:09:18 PM
Started reading Feists The Kings Buccaneer and if I remember right this is far better than Prince of the Blood and leads onto the events of the Serpentwar series which has a lot of long term implications in the Kingdom.

Can someone answer a question for me?

I've mentioned before that I would like to see a Star Wars Graphic novel partwork and some time ago I was informed that there was one in France.  Looking again, it seems that in 2019 DeAgostini announced a graphic novel partwork, on the relevant section of their site there were four titles mentioned, but nothing else, unlike the 2000ad one which has all parts mentioned.

Did this partwork ever emerge or did Covid scupper it, was it cancelled or did I miss it?  I do keep an eye out in my newsagents and never saw any evidence back then of a graphic novel partwork.

I also did a brief ebay search to see if any books sprung up and that would let me know, but no joy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 22 September, 2021, 08:39:34 AM
Quote from: Jade Falcon on 21 September, 2021, 10:09:18 PM
I've mentioned before that I would like to see a Star Wars Graphic novel partwork and some time ago I was informed that there was one in France. 

Interesting question to be sure.  TBH it feels a little at the moment like Marvel is going all out doing it themselves now that Disney owns the IP.  They seem to be working their way through a lot of the old Dark Horse stuff in addition to their own old material.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 22 September, 2021, 03:05:16 PM
Well this is the page I saw but no further details, which makes me wonder if it was postponed or cancelled.

https://www.deagostini.com/uk/collections/starwars-graphic-novels/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 September, 2021, 08:59:02 PM
Just finished a re-read of Bulletproof Coffin and it remains a glorious wonder. Meta, yet never off-blown... though utterly full of fancy and wonder. A tribute to everything that's cool and fun. A kick at all the big boys and what they do. Though never forgetting to be wonderful fun, tightly ploted and inspiringly original even on re-read.

A work of genius.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 09 October, 2021, 07:01:12 PM
I bought the reprint of the Stainless Steel Rat, and it seems decent enough, but one complaint is that the tight binding makes reading some of the text on the colour spreads a bit awkward unless you're willing to strain the spine.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 October, 2021, 09:10:11 PM
Just finshed Last Driver by Shaky Kane and Chris Baker. Its just crazy high octane fun. Throwing things we like at us, what if dinosaurs and giant monster and mad max cars and uberhard OTT action heroes and porn mags and gladiators and slave leia and ... on and on. Its like it taken all the toys out the toy box and thrown them in the air and seen how the landed, playing Story Dice with the outcomes... and yet it pulls it off and works.

So how it works.

it really shouldn't be it such gosh damn fun. I mean Shaky Kane's wonderful art holds it all together, it a Big Mac of a comic book, but you know sometimes to fancy chomping down a Big Mac.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 14 October, 2021, 10:58:04 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 13 October, 2021, 09:10:11 PM
Just finshed Last Driver by Shaky Kane and Chris Baker...

Picked this up on the basis of this post Colin!

I'm still reading the Horus Heresy. I am on book 52 out of 54. So close! This has been less fun that I thought it would be.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 October, 2021, 01:19:38 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 14 October, 2021, 10:58:04 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 13 October, 2021, 09:10:11 PM
Just finshed Last Driver by Shaky Kane and Chris Baker...

Picked this up on the basis of this post Colin!

Gosh - hope you like it then!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 18 October, 2021, 08:12:08 PM
Cujo, one of King's earlier works.  Working slowly through his collection and surprisingly this is one that I never read back in the day.

It is fascinating how the core of the story, Cujo, seems to be so peripheral in many respects.  It's almost like the two families, the Trentons and the Cambers, are actually the heart of the novel.  All of the ugliness of their lives seems to fester like Cujo's rabies until it all explodes.

Monsters seem to be a recurring theme throughout the novel.  Frank Dodd the psycho, the creature in Tad's closet, Cujo, Kemp, Joe Camber ... it's one thing that King seems to return to time and time again in his work.  They are so ordinary and prosaic yet their reach is so devastating.

King's America is a fascinating place to my mind.  It's a seedy, run-down place filled with characters that are always scratching by.  This novel seems to really foreground that.  It's almost as if the real monster is that dark underbelly of the American dream.

Anyway, finishing off Baxter's Space is next on the list then Pet Cemetery and Salem's Lot - one re-read and one first blush.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 October, 2021, 09:13:35 PM
The New Adventures of Abraham Lincoln

I love Scott McCloud, Zot! is one of my favourite comics and I really enjoyed his comic theory books and man his is a new classic (to me at least). Well once you get over the very 90s computer illustrations... oh and if you thought Scott McCloud had a fine eye for the future in Reinventing Comics, boy of boy this one is so prophetic.

See the [spoiler]alien invasion assisting Benedict Arnold[/spoiler]* pretending to be Abraham Lincoln - the false one that is - is basically Trump. The idea of turning symbols into the power, rather than their meaning is America now. Heck he even has Trump Lincoln shout about 'Making America Great Again' - I guess others have to be fair - but when you see the way false Ab manipulates the masses and the truth its all quite breathtaking.

Its an astonishing comic - I mean batshit crazy, but astonishing!

*One peak under the  spoiler  hag swill tell you how gloriously crazy this comic is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 18 October, 2021, 09:35:31 PM
Continuing my reread of Feists works, I'm onto the Serpentwar saga.  I know some people think there was a decline in quality round about then, but I always liked this series and particularly liked Rise of A Merchant Prince with Roo Avery's rise in status.  I do feel that later Midkemia books made Pug and later Miranda very standoffish unlikeable characters.  I can see why, that Pug doesn't want to be ultimately beholden to one Kingdom and used as a magical WMD but still.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: ming on 19 October, 2021, 08:59:41 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 13 October, 2021, 09:10:11 PMit really shouldn't be it such gosh damn fun. I mean Shaky Kane's wonderful art holds it all together, it a Big Mac of a comic book, but you know sometimes to fancy chomping down a Big Mac.

I need to get hold of Last Driver; Bulletproof Coffin is great and Monster Truck is also a lot of fun!

I'm currently reading Adam Roberts' The Thing Itself - about 120 pages in and so far I love it (and 2000AD gets a mention early on).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 21 October, 2021, 12:47:37 PM
I enjoyed Last Driver, nice one Colin!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 October, 2021, 12:49:39 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 21 October, 2021, 12:47:37 PM
I enjoyed Last Driver, nice one Colin!

Phew!

Quote from: ming on 19 October, 2021, 08:59:41 AM
... Bulletproof Coffin is great and Monster Truck is also a lot of fun!

Just re-read all of them - bit of a Shaky Kane spell at the moment and adore Bulletproof Coffin (both books and the one off). I admire Monster Truck as an inventive piece of work rather than actually enjoy it though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 23 November, 2021, 11:27:50 AM
Whilst awaiting a delayed train this morning I finally finished the Horus Heresy. That's a whopping 54 books (I know the series morphs into The Siege of Terra at this point, but I need a break to read other things so that'd where I'm stopping)

I thought this would be a fun challenge at the start of lockdown last March to read them all - obviously I failed at getting them all done during lockdown, but I could have got a lot closer had I not stopped for a few breaks due to it becoming such a relentless slog, at one point pausing to read six Harry Harrison books. In fairness the series isn't meant to be read back to back, but it does highlight the flaws in the series - overlong, stuffed with bland characters and needless descriptions of fighting and some very dubious plotting. The main failing is simply the quality of writing: of the 54 books I'd say about a third were good, a third average and the remainder a mix of lacklustre to outright dreadful.

That said the 40k lore is really good, and the overall arc is a good one. The characters of the Primarchs have this pseudo-Shakesperean setup where they're super awesome but possessed of a fatal flaw that brings them down, giving the series as a whole the feel of tragedy, just one a bit ineptly handled. In the downside, almost everyone is the series is a truly terrible person, so it's pretty unrelenting stuff.

I'd liken the experience to eating one of those man vs food style meal challenges where you get a certificate or a prize at the end: at the start it looks fun and full of delicious stuff you enjoy, but the reality of it is one monster slog of unenjoyment and at the end you feel tired and bloated and sluggish from it all.

Anyway, I'm off to read something that doesn't have any chainswords in it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 23 November, 2021, 01:19:42 PM
i'm also trudging through the horus heresy books in order (being a dreadful virgo, i've started so i have to finish) - and i concur entirely with the above comments.
what's most depressing is that every time a character or an interaction or a ritual or a sense of wonder becomes intriguing or interesting, the writers chicken out (even dan) to give us endless chapters of generic blood and guts.
and sometimes the overriding creed of violence starts to exert some kind of emotional heft and consequence. but it stops there. it's like the writers are scared to venture into the truly dark places of consciousness and loss in the 40k universe, and instead revert to mere slaughter - which becomes less and less impressive and more and more inconsequential by repetition as the trudge continues.
there are some classics in there, within the overly viscid cocoon of mere muscle and blood. but i'm just probably the wrong reader ... and i'm perfectly prepared and happy to have a few books like this. but not a hundred of them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 23 November, 2021, 01:56:06 PM
Top man Wolfie and good luck! Great summary there that sums things up far better than I could. There's a lot of terrible things happen in these books, but very little emotional impact or depth, to the point where very few things have much impact or depth. How far have you got?
I too am a Virgo btw.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 23 November, 2021, 08:55:49 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 23 November, 2021, 11:27:50 AM
Whilst awaiting a delayed train this morning I finally finished the Horus Heresy.

Wow.  I congratulate you!

I have only read seven books from the series in the last eight years.  From what I've read I'd agree with your combined assessments on them.  I haven't even got to the dregs, yet.  That being said, The First Heretic can't be particularly good if I keep forgetting I read it.  The melodrama manages the accomplishment of being simultaneously weak and over-blown.  They are all over-written and bloated.  Most of the ones I read should have been books the third of the length.  There seemed to be a theme of pointless tangents that go on forever.  Frankly, if I wasn't a fan of the setting I wouldn't bother with them.

I intend on reading the Eisenhorn books at some point as I've heard they are the best 40K books.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 24 November, 2021, 09:01:42 AM
I'm enjoying my first dip into Peter F. Hamilton's sci-fi, starting with Pandora's Star. It's a long read but stuffed with great ideas. Enjoying it so far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 24 November, 2021, 09:28:28 AM
Quote from: pictsy on 23 November, 2021, 08:55:49 PM


Wow.  I congratulate you!

I have only read seven books from the series in the last eight years.  From what I've read I'd agree with your combined assessments on them.  I haven't even got to the dregs, yet.  That being said, The First Heretic can't be particularly good if I keep forgetting I read it.  The melodrama manages the accomplishment of being simultaneously weak and over-blown.  They are all over-written and bloated.  Most of the ones I read should have been books the third of the length.  There seemed to be a theme of pointless tangents that go on forever.  Frankly, if I wasn't a fan of the setting I wouldn't bother with them.

I intend on reading the Eisenhorn books at some point as I've heard they are the best 40K books.

Cheers Pictsy! I'm afraid First Heretic is edging towards being one of the better books in the series imo - at least in that Aaron Dembski-Bowden can write a decent story. You're 100% right in that it is a bloated book though and that the melodrama doesn't work at all.
The Eisenhorn books are alright - they don't suffer from the need to cram in a load of bland stoic space marines - but the bar isn't set very high!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 24 November, 2021, 10:07:29 AM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 24 November, 2021, 09:28:28 AM
The Eisenhorn books are alright - they don't suffer from the need to cram in a load of bland stoic space marines - but the bar isn't set very high!

Yeah, it's all relative and my expectations are managed when it comes to 40K stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 24 November, 2021, 03:19:24 PM
a copy of DC's Steel #1 from 1994 without it's cover that I found on the street outside my flat. Not a good comic, but I'm dying to know where it came from - which of my neighbours is likely to have vintage DC comics? I want to meet them!

Also, Dastardley & Muttley by Garth Ennis & Mauricet. Very odd little book - a rogue drone full of Unstabilium (sic) blows up a reactor in Unliklistan (sic again) and starts gradually turning people into cartoons
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 28 November, 2021, 11:09:10 PM
hey barrington, thanks for the kind words. i'm only about a quarter way through and i've slowed right down, sighing at the opening ... this will be a lifetime thing.
i guess i still love the conceit and the potential. but some very fine writers (and some very average writers) have clearly agreed a template from which they must not veer. i dunno ... there are many great books and movies that only come alive at the end and so i perhaps foolishly still have hope. but so far each book could probably be summarised in a short paragraph - and many of those summaries would be near identical ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 30 November, 2021, 10:22:57 AM
Quote from: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 28 November, 2021, 11:09:10 PM
...some very fine writers (and some very average writers) have clearly agreed a template from which they must not veer....

This I think is the crux of it - these guys are writing to a template, and it means very few of the books rise above a sort of bland mush of bolters and serious men banging on about duty.
I've read some of the Primarch books and they're kinda the same too. I'm not sure what the best Black Library book I've read is... Drachenfels is a contender for sure, but where 40k is concerned I can't think of many that stand out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: rs_jr on 06 December, 2021, 01:46:30 AM
is the Asterix hachette english collection still happening ?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 06 December, 2021, 06:26:15 AM
Quote from: rs_jr on 06 December, 2021, 01:46:30 AM
is the Asterix hachette english collection still happening ?

Oh I gave up hope on that some time ago. Haven't heard anything new for ... years... it was first floated before the pandemic wasn't it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 10 December, 2021, 06:00:22 AM
Purity by Jonathan Franzen. I may have mentioned it before but I am still plugging away at this, really starting to enjoy it though .. it's all coming together (rubs hands gleefully).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 11 December, 2021, 01:02:31 AM
well, if you like superlative magical realism and a gut wrenchingly emotional novel partly narrated by a fig tree, the island of missing trees by the great elif shafak should be your destination.
i'm enraptured by it, and it's soo much better than my words above probably suggest.
book of the year? almost.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 23 December, 2021, 08:02:11 PM
SLEEPER vol 1 by Brubaker and Phillips.

I genuinely wasn't expecting supers in this (so much so that I kept looking at one of the first images and thinking "Phillips has got the perspective all wrong. It looks like those two are flying...") But they are a welcome addition to the double crossing, femme fatales and bad ass bad guys.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 09 January, 2022, 07:26:21 PM
Daredevil Yellow

A rather poignant story of Daredevil's earliest days, told in one big flashback. How Matt lost his Dad, how he met Karen Page, how his friendship with Foggy Nelson suffered a crisis, the latter falling in love with Karen etc. Owl has a minor role, but manages to utter perhaps the cheesiest, stupid, yet amusingly cracking line I ever heard from a supervillain. Mosaically constructed plot overshadows coherence of the same, but I find the story quite easy to follow. And could be interesting read for newcomers.
I think it was decent for rain afternoon, but I cannot stomach Loeb's dry prose and less Sale's impressionist art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 14 January, 2022, 08:26:15 PM
I think I've done one of those bad comic things. Those things you shouldn't do, you know you shouldn't do, you feel bad you did it... but you have to accept it.

I've read Mister X: The Archives. All 14 issues of the Vortex series and a load of other material...

...reading it isn't the bad thing.

Not liking it is.

I wanted to like it. I tried to like it. I remember liking the bit I read as a kid - which it seems weren't from this series but I could have sworn where from Vortex??? Anyway I just didn't. The Hernandez Bros issues just didn't gell into anything meanful for me . I think from there I might have been lost. I tried to get back on into it. I tried to engage but just drifted from it. It simply didn't have a central narrative that did enough for me. It didn't convince me it meant anything, rather that it was trying to mean something, didn't really know what and so fudged around being enigmatic, but ultimately pretty shallow.

Now I'm pretty sure that's me, not it. I think I am the problem, but thats what I got from it. I can't pretend otherwise.

You know what even Seth's art annoyed me. In moments quite fantastic, then on just a page turn just utterly lacking in what I think it was trying to do.

Again me, not it, but art is subjective isn't that always the case.

So there you have it. Read Mister X and unlike so many of its contemporaries which I love I didn't enjoy it.

There's no need to ever speak of this again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 18 January, 2022, 08:41:09 PM
Outrageous Tales From the Old Testament

Meh... I picked it up solely on the creator's names (some of em). At the end, the impression is disappointment, at best. Some of the Bible stories were quite brutal, with strong moral message. Close retelling of these stories is ocassionally wrapped in dry, sardonic humour, but as overall, I felt that creators either misread Bible or were just doing it in their spare time. No wit, no thoughtful writing. As it is, Alan Moore's stuff is the best. Neil Gaiman's...well, the part he did with Dave McKean is an inch behind Moore's, but his output here generally sucks (some of his stories nearly landed a publisher in jail in Sweden). The art is mostly bonkers as well. There are some good images, Dave McKean's stuff is in class of its own, but some are just either awful to look at and/or are simply unreadable. Oh, and the collection starts with a three pages poem, that easily can be whittled down to one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IndigoPrime on 26 January, 2022, 02:16:50 PM
I just finished both volumes of The Golden Age, by Cyril Pedrosa and Roxanne Moreil, translated from the original French (L'âge d'or). The entire tale is available in two luxurious hardcover volumes, and immerses you in a medical saga filled with backstabbing and peppered with the fantastical. The story itself is really good (and, in one area, very French), but the thing that really stands out is the art. I think it's quite possibly the most beautiful comic strip I've ever read, with many pages feeling like proper works of art. I mean, look at this:

(https://images.macmillan.com/folio-assets/interiors-images/9781250237941.IN01.jpg)

Anyway, get these before they're gone. And if you're interested in the people behind it, there's a video interview with them here: https://www.europecomics.com/golden-age-interview-cyril-pedrosa-roxanne-moreil/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 02 February, 2022, 03:53:34 AM
Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander

What an ineffable twaddle! If Miller thought that revisiting the world of 300 by doing nothing but a bland potboiler, he can suck up.
While 300 (a much superior comic) was pretty straightforward in its narrative, that it for gave callously inaccuracies, it was at least a devilishly entertaining comic. Xerxes is not. Serving as basically prequel and sequel to 300, covering the period of about 150 years, Miller miserably failed to tell a cohesive story worth reading, even if he had 5 issues at disposal. His narrative is so heavily fragmented and aimless. Of all characters that appear here, none is given a valid arc (and I deem the title of this book misleading and inaccurate), and all of them appear in no more than one (or two, in case of the Athens war captain) issue. If you are interested in Alexander the Great and Darius III, you won't find those answers here, whose conflict is superficially touched, and the ending is awful. And since this is obviously no history book, I guess the only selling point are illustrations. Which, I must say, are not bad, and images of bloody battles are epic and beautiful as were in 300. Also, colors scheme by Alex Sinclair mask well Miller's drawing shortcomings, and I've seen worse Miller. Additionally, I find a bit peculiar how Miller drew characters, soldiers in thongs and over-bejeweled Xerxes. But I guess those only served to cover up the superficiality of the plot.
Better go back to 300, which I might just do, to wash away the emptiness I felt after reading this crap.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 02 February, 2022, 07:31:13 AM

Debt - The First 5,000 Years. (https://archive.org/details/Debt-The_First_5000_Years/page/n7/mode/2up)

A fascinating book (freely available from the Internet Archive through the above link) that explains what debt actually is, its origins in religious realms, and how modern debts are not what we think they are. The book offers few if any solutions, which doesn't matter as we must first understand the problems before constructing solutions.

Much of what we know is either inaccurate or downright wrong. For example, when talking about the economic system in the past people have triumphantly pointed out that without money we'd all have to barter shoes for cabbages, or potatoes for sweaters just like in primitive societies. But no primitive society has ever been found to operate in this way - the whole "barter economy" was a fantasy invented by Adam Smith - except only rarely, and briefly (because it doesn't work), in the wake of some localised economic collapse.

An excellent thesis, well worth reading.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 02 February, 2022, 09:25:04 AM
Just finishing Judas Unchained, the second book in Peter Hamilton's Commonwealth Saga. This has been a slog, I won't lie. So many locations, so many characters, so many viewpoints. The story is excellent and intermittently thrilling, but half the page count would surely have done just as well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 05 February, 2022, 11:02:54 AM
The Silmarillion

I don't think it bodes well for a piece of fiction that it feels like an accomplishment having got through it all.  This book is tedious.  By magnitudes more-so than Lord of the Rings.  I really understand why so many give up on it.  Nevertheless, I found parts interesting and there was one legitimately good chapter, that being Beren and Lúthien.

It is clear that this was not written as a narrative that was meant to read but a collection of edited notes on the lore of created world.  Things are glossed over, dialogue is dreadful and stilted and there are plenty of interminable lists of similar sounding names.  The latter making it hard to keep track of things, especially as it bounces a little back and forth in the timeline.

My big take-aways from the book is that almost everyone is a dick.  Especially the Elves.  I think it's meant to be a tragedy, but it's hard to feel sympathy for a people that lack redeeming qualities.  There are some nice characters in the book, but they are few and far between.  Then the Númenóreans show up and compete to be bigger dicks than the Elves are.  But they only got one chapter in the book.

In the end I found it all amusing in a macabre way.  There were some interesting things.  Like werewolves and vampires briefly appearing.  In the end, much of lore doesn't matter because it has no relevance to The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings.  The few bits that are relevant are also interesting, but they are few and mostly at the end of the book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dandontdare on 05 February, 2022, 03:42:20 PM
Quote from: milstar on 09 January, 2022, 07:26:21 PM
Daredevil Yellow

A rather poignant story of Daredevil's earliest days, told in one big flashback. How Matt lost his Dad, how he met Karen Page, how his friendship with Foggy Nelson suffered a crisis, the latter falling in love with Karen etc. Owl has a minor role, but manages to utter perhaps the cheesiest, stupid, yet amusingly cracking line I ever heard from a supervillain. Mosaically constructed plot overshadows coherence of the same, but I find the story quite easy to follow. And could be interesting read for newcomers.
I think it was decent for rain afternoon, but I cannot stomach Loeb's dry prose and less Sale's impressionist art.

I like this series - I thought there were only 3, but just learned that in addition to Hulk:Grey and SpiderMan:Blue ther's one I missed - Capt America:White
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: milstar on 12 February, 2022, 08:00:57 PM
Power & Glory

I appreciate Howard Chaykin as a creator. He could be terrific or terrible, but I don't think there was anyone else as audacious as is he in the field. No one else did deconstruction of already established properties like him. The Shadow, Blackhawk, Twilight, his Elseworlds stories, and now Power & Glory.
Here ol' Howard pisses on the superhero concept, pop culture, politics, and political correctness, through sharp-edged satire and self-referential meta humour.

As it goes, NIA director Malcolm LeStrange determined that "Japs make stereos, while Krauts make hot cars," leaving the US to develop something already done too well. The answer is obvious - a superhero. And Power & Glory offers a slightly different spin on the theme. Enter Alan Powell, ideal candidate; narcissistic, cowardly NIA operative, pervert who is afraid of being touched. The latter comes into full expression when he masturbates while watching two hookers frolicking, then declining the offer to join them with "no, who knows where you've been." It cracked me up so much, it still holds inside me.
That's where Michael Gorski steps in, Powell's total opposite. Gorski is a proto-1950s cynical, world-weary, but very efficient NIA agent and, albeit reluctantly, agrees to help Uncle Sam to keep the superhero product flowing. Plus, Gorski is also Jewish, and this is referenced throughout the whole book (which I can't help but consider this was self-insert on the Chaykin's behalf). And like the title says, one has all the power; the other has all the glory. The only problem is - they hate each other's guts.

What keeps this four-issue series from being stellar are the narrative choices. Chaykin often sacrifices narrative in favour of ideas. As a result, the plot itself largely makes no sense. The comic devotes considerable time to side characters who only relate to the infamous duo in very superficial ways. The main antagonist (whose part plays more like a tertiary) is a joke. A supposedly notorious drug lord, a dictator of a third-world country, and a wannabe Hollywood producer, yet so elusive for NIA to bring him down. A character named Belladonna (thinly veiled Madonna reference), a superficial celebrity that shags the drug lord first, later Powell, whose role serves for nothing more than to illustrate the shallowness of celebs we see every day.

The story ends with the one-shot Christmas special. Leaning more straightforward than the previous 4-issue series, this time Gorski and Powell severe ties with the US government. But are forced to renew their love-hate (mostly hate) partnership to battle an overly pious woman, aptly named Epiphany St.McMiracle, who is bent on destroying the whole globe (just because of her philandering husband, who gave her AIDS). It's a solid wrap-up, though I've found the religious humour a bit off-colour to me.

And there is the art. I have to say there is something sympathetic about Chaykin's art style. I like how he draws faces, but more often than not, due to troubled framing, intricate grid, and pages crowded with balloons, I had issues in working out what picture I should follow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 20 February, 2022, 09:35:16 AM
The Hobbit

This is so much easier to read than The Silmarillion.  This time reading The Hobbit I noticed that the style of writing somewhat changed through the course of the book.  At the start it came across a lot more as a parent telling a story to kids with a bit of humour thrown in to amuse themselves.  As the book goes on a lot of the conversational language disappeared along with the initial humour and came across more as a writer telling a story in a book.  I kind of like it.  It happens alongside Bilbo's growth as character and the escalation of the stakes.  I don't like how many situations are resolved through luck and/or happenstance.  Nevertheless, it didn't really make a difference to my enjoyment of the book.

Next up I'm going to try and read The Lord of the Rings again.  I may fail in getting through the entire thing.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sintec on 20 February, 2022, 12:27:57 PM
Just finished Luther Arkwright and wow. One of those where it really does live up to the praise and accolades heaped upon it. Talbot is a genius with a deft eye for the grotesque. The narrative occassionally gets lost in a string of new age mystical mumbo-jumbo but it never looses it's momentum. Truly astounding stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 21 February, 2022, 10:23:36 AM
Quote from: sintec on 20 February, 2022, 12:27:57 PM
Just finished Luther Arkwright and wow. One of those where it really does live up to the praise and accolades heaped upon it. Talbot is a genius with a deft eye for the grotesque. The narrative occassionally gets lost in a string of new age mystical mumbo-jumbo but it never looses it's momentum. Truly astounding stuff.

You've got the pleasure of re-reading it to look forward to. It gets better every time!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 21 February, 2022, 11:09:13 AM
Quote from: CalHab on 21 February, 2022, 10:23:36 AM
Quote from: sintec on 20 February, 2022, 12:27:57 PM
Just finished Luther Arkwright and wow. One of those where it really does live up to the praise and accolades heaped upon it. Talbot is a genius with a deft eye for the grotesque. The narrative occassionally gets lost in a string of new age mystical mumbo-jumbo but it never looses it's momentum. Truly astounding stuff.

You've got the pleasure of re-reading it to look forward to. It gets better every time!

So true AND there a new story coming out this year as I recall.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sintec on 21 February, 2022, 12:28:46 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 21 February, 2022, 11:09:13 AM
So true AND there a new story coming out this year as I recall.

Funnily enough it was the announcement of the new one that got this to the top of the toBuy list. Preorder for the new one will be getting placed come payday.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sintec on 27 February, 2022, 12:01:18 PM
I made the mistake of following Indigo Prime's recommendation for The Golden Age. I say mistake because It's a very hard book to put down once you've picked it up. Which means I'm now running late getting orgranised before people get here for lunch and board games. Right enough procrastinating, to the washing up.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 08 March, 2022, 03:32:02 PM
Go Nagais DEVILMAN hits even harder on its second read than it did on the first. People like to joke about how daft the time travel arc was (rightly so, it is) but its a weird blip on one of the best comic runs ever made. Absolutely not for the faint hearted, hedonistic in ways western comics could never get away with at the time wrapped up in the best first/final chapter narrative diopter out there.

At time misery porn, at times bizarro pulp nonsense, indisputably Go Nagai.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 March, 2022, 08:31:53 PM
Stern by Frederic and Julien Maffre. Just brilliant. Essentially a western but completely unburdened by western tropes (though I should point out I love western tropes)... or rather it hides them well. Stern is an undertaker in a small  two bit town. No one has spoken to him enough to ask him his first name.

Then there is murder, mystery and Stern, kinda turns into Quincy ... but... well just read it, though it is only available in Digital in English - at least from what I can see. The art is simply stunning, the character so glorious refreshing and yet somehow very comfortable in there western town. Its low key, as is the brilliant main character, but feels significent. Its just fun comics.

And that's just the first volume.

In the second Stern reluctantly travels to Kanas to buy books but runs into his past and things... well develop in unexpected ways from there.

One of the best things I've read in an age. Will be picking up the third volume as soon as I feel like putting any money Comixology's way... or maybe I'll find another way to get these.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 25 March, 2022, 10:03:05 AM
Fellowship of the Ring

I'm tackling Lord of the Rings pretty slowly.  It can be such a dirge of a read that I don't find myself able to voraciously devour it.  Also, when it comes to Fellowship at least, I much prefer the beginning.  Once the Hobbits get to Bree it gets much less interesting for me.  That's probably why I have got bored of the book so many times before getting to The Two Towers.

I was wondering what take away I'd get from the books this time round and it's not much.  I don't like the Sam and Frodo dynamic in the books.  The subservience of Sam is something I am not onboard with. His loyalty doesn't seem to be that of friendship to Frodo.  Frodo may view Sam as a friend, but Sam views Frodo as his Master.  He comes across as Frodo's loyal pet.  I know what this is and where this has come from and I don't find it an admirable character dynamic.

Anyway, I'll be moving on to The Two Towers.  I have a feeling I'll be liking one half of the book more than the other again.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 15 April, 2022, 09:43:49 AM
Kingdom of the Wicked

Ian Edginton and D'israeli's nineties story of war in a childhood fantasy land in a struggle with a vestigil twin embedded in the brain... and its curiously quite grounded... well as grounded as a tale with that summary could be.

A fascinating story of imagination, growing up and struggling way that damaged the dreams and imagination of youth. Its quick, engaging, funny and chilling. A fantastic read with wonderful art. if you've not read this largely forgotten classic by two of 2000ad's best loved track it down its well worth it.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sintec on 16 April, 2022, 11:20:59 AM
A weeks holiday gave me the chance to catch up on a bunch of the digital comics I've gathered from the various humble bundles over the last year or two.

Criminal can't remember who recommended the Ed Brubaker bundle to me but I'm glad they did. This is superb. Read the first 2 books and I'm hooked. These tales of the criminal underworld are perfectly paced and the art perfectly suits their grim and gritty feel. Reminded me a lot of Hope in the prog but without the supernatural elements.

The Fourth Power Juan Gimenez's art is stupendous unfortunately the story is a hot mess. The plot rattles along at a good pace but none of it makes much sense. The charaters are paper thin and the heroine has at least 3 unnecessry showers as an excuse for some naked female flesh. It's trash, stunningly beautiful trash but still trash.

Lady Snowblood also insists on getting it's heroine naked at every possible opportunity. Admittedly with slightly more plot justification as she tricks her opponents into thinking shes just a harmless, naked, woman. There's also a high count of lesbian seduction which is vaguely plot related but mostly an excuse for more nudity. Outside of that it's a great revenge yarn. There are some stunning pages, maybe not quite up to the level of Lone Wolf but thats a very high bar. The action is superbly rendered and easy to follow and there's some lovely quiet passages which capture the mood and atmosphere perfectly. It's obsession with the more salacious does get somewhat tedious though and there are a few episodes that add nothing to the overall plot beyond more nipples.

The Thirteenth Floor this was my first trip into the Treasury stuff. I wasn't sure what to expect but thorougly enjoyed this. It's very 80s kids tv/comic but it manages to keep ratchetting up the tension as the body count piles up. Ortiz's art is absolutely perfect for this series and he really sells the weird and wonderful worlds Max uses to torture his victims. It does get a little repetative but that's very much the nature of this kind of strip.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 21 April, 2022, 07:34:23 PM
The Two Towers

It's been a long time since I last read this book and it was the only book of the three I read before seeing the Peter Jackson films.  It reminded me a lot of why I was so disappointed with the second film and put off reading Return of the King.  It's much more consistent than The Fellowship of the Ring.  The twists and turns are enjoyable in both halves of the book.  I'm feeling more optimistic about Return of the King and finishing off this Tolkien binge.

I'm going to need a real palette cleanser before heading into my planned Moorcock binge.  I'm thinking maybe a few Pratchett books.

The Mask  I got access to all the main series, but I didn't finish it all.  The gimmick gets tiresome after a while.  It's not an outstanding narrative, nor was I expecting it to be.  I was expecting something pretty poor, in fact.  I found it was engaging up until Hunt for Green October.  It ended up being an interesting read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: CalHab on 22 April, 2022, 09:30:06 AM
The Earthsea Quartet by Ursula Le Guin. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get round to this. Possibly because I'd bought the collected edition and the prospect of a 600+ page book is often not very appealing? Anyway, I should have read it years ago. It's easy to see the influences of the first book, A Wizard of Earthsea, on lots of subsequent fantasy. None seem to capture the same sense of a rich and strange world in the same way. The Tombs of Atuan, the second novel, takes a far more character driven approach and is all the better for it. The Farthest Shore is, on the face of it, a conventional quest story but manages to subvert it in interesting ways. Tehanu returns to the characters and shows them in a new light, in a changed world.

All great stuff. I think I'll reread this in a couple of years or so.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 22 April, 2022, 12:23:10 PM
Earthsea is certainly something I've been feeling I should read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: IAMTHESYSTEM on 22 April, 2022, 04:12:47 PM
Moonraker-Ian Fleming. It's the first James Bond I've ever read and has some intriguing post-WW2 tones with German rocket Engineers employed by a British Firm led by Hugo Drax to create an unstoppable Intercontinental Ballistic Missle. Drax was cheating at cards at a London Club, the Bounder, and this unacceptable behaviour propels Bond into Drax's world of then cutting edge manufacturing. Very readable, which surprised me, as I thought Bond books would be a relatively dry affair.   
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 24 April, 2022, 07:44:06 AM
Has it really been 13 years - damn that's depressing!

So finally got around to re-reading Miracleman and in doing so stumbled across the shocking reminder that Marvel first bought the rights to the character 13 years ago in 2009! Jez I said I'd be patient getting around to reading these having not read any of them since very early 2000s, but 13 years waiting for Marvel to sort all the rights to the reprint stuff, then for them to finally churn them out, then to them putting them out at a none ridiculous cost (ended up getting them in a digital sale!) and then waiting for them to get to the top of the read pile and here we finally are.

Now there is a reason for all the background rambling. I'd not rushed into rereading these as I read them way back in the day when in 6th form (or just after?) and they blow my mind. I was astonished, they were even more 'grown-up', didn't need to be embarrassed about reading them in front of girls good, than 'The Original Writers' Captain Britain run. I loved them. Re-read the bits I had left (the complete run was borrowed from a friend) about 10 yeas later in 2000ish and they were good... but ... well not great. So I've been in no real rush to re-read them and possibly shake off that purity from those early memories.

But you need to let go of childish things and so finally re-read them I have and they are really good. I completely get why they shattered an 18 year old noggin. Its all just a bit over-written and overwrought as I suspected. Its been done better since, largely in works influenced by these and other similar works, but still people have taken these comics and refined the great things in them to make them even better, as with all things art.

I understand why those final 6 issues are JUST. SO. WRITTEN. I do. It really adds to the poetic sense of other, a world transcended. Its just a little too much and reads uncomfortably to me now. There are - dare I say it - smarter ways to do this in a visual medium. The art is a problem to. I mean in the main its a great comic to look at and there are some real artistic triumphs in it. Its just so wildly in consistent. Hardly surprising given its protracted and twisted original publishing history. It just means the visuals twist and turn a lot, as does the story, but not always in time. Those last 6 issues do settle that down somewhat and make it work visually more consistently.

So yeah during the 20 years its taken me return to this I've managed my expectations, dialed them down and thrown cold water over my teenage love. And I'm glad I did, both dial down my expectations and re-read them. As its meant this time I've gone in and been pleasently surprised how well these really good comics hold up, but also able to see all the problems in them.

Well, well worth reading if you haven't already. Just not sure how long it will be before I feel compelled to read them again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Green Lynx on 07 May, 2022, 08:51:35 AM
I'm reading three books at the moment. They're all classics as I've been on a bit of old literature boom lately.

Thus Spoke Zarathustra - Friedrich Nietzche (Utterly bonkers. Not surprised he finished writing this shortly before going insane)
Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift (A lot more fun than I thought it would be)
The Divine Comedy - Dante (Only just started this, but can already tell its gonna be a challenging read)

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 07 May, 2022, 11:12:43 AM
envious of anyone reading dante for the first time. its biggest genius (amongst many) is always its commentary on now:

o human race, born to fly upward, wherefore at a little wind dost thou so fall?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 13 May, 2022, 10:32:34 AM
Last night I finished Lord of the Rings and completed my Tolkien binge.  It was interesting and reading the Silmarillion put some things in a slightly new context.

Overall, my big take away is that Tolkien was an inconsistent writer.  I spent a good portion of the latter part of the read wondering whether he had an editor, because it reads like he needed one.  There are many times where it is really engaging and interesting and I felt very much invested.  Then there are times where it drags with an interminable pace and I was just praying for it to hurry up and finish.  Lord of the Rings isn't as tedious as the Silmarillion, but there are times when it gives that book a run for its money.  This is, I think, the second time I have made it through to the end, but not the second time I have tried to.  I usually give up in the second half of Fellowship.  That part of the book is incredibly boring.

Usually when I finish a book I have a moment of reflection and think about the experience I just had and how it's come to an end.  When I finished this book it was a relief to be done with it.  It was nice to revisit it and get to the end again but it was, nevertheless, a chore.

Next up I'm reading Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Funt Solo on 13 May, 2022, 06:37:14 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 13 May, 2022, 10:32:34 AM
Last night I finished Lord of the Rings and completed my Tolkien binge.  It was interesting and reading the Silmarillion put some things in a slightly new context.

Overall, my big take away is that Tolkien was an inconsistent writer.  I spent a good portion of the latter part of the read wondering whether he had an editor, because it reads like he needed one.  There are many times where it is really engaging and interesting and I felt very much invested.  Then there are times where it drags with an interminable pace and I was just praying for it to hurry up and finish.  Lord of the Rings isn't as tedious as the Silmarillion, but there are times when it gives that book a run for its money.  This is, I think, the second time I have made it through to the end, but not the second time I have tried to.  I usually give up in the second half of Fellowship.  That part of the book is incredibly boring.

Usually when I finish a book I have a moment of reflection and think about the experience I just had and how it's come to an end.  When I finished this book it was a relief to be done with it.  It was nice to revisit it and get to the end again but it was, nevertheless, a chore.

Next up I'm reading Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett.

Triggering my pet theory on the meta-genius of LOTR. The way the reader feels at the end is how the characters feel. Would Frodo like to go through all of that again? Was the road indeed a long one? There is a huge question of whether or not it's authorial intent, but I have often wondered about it - the idea that if you strip away the arduous parts (whether that's rabbit stew, Bombadil or crawling through the land of shadow) you simply can't relate to the tragedy of the characters' suffering in the same way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 13 May, 2022, 08:11:36 PM
Hehe.  Well, I actually enjoyed the rabbit stew and Bombadil parts.  Now those sodding poems on the other hand...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 May, 2022, 08:37:49 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 13 May, 2022, 10:32:34 AM
Next up I'm reading Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett.

Hmmm.  Methinks now would be an opportunity for a re-read and comparison.  Having read it numerous times but finding it less memorable than some of Sir TP's work (not often I'd go with the honorific but in this case it is entirely justified to my thinking ...) it will be interesting to see how our views compare.

"... but room good Fairy!  Here comes my master!"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 13 May, 2022, 09:14:21 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 13 May, 2022, 08:37:49 PM
Hmmm.  Methinks now would be an opportunity for a re-read and comparison.  Having read it numerous times but finding it less memorable than some of Sir TP's work (not often I'd go with the honorific but in this case it is entirely justified to my thinking ...) it will be interesting to see how our views compare.

"... but room good Fairy!  Here comes my master!"

That certainly could be interesting.  I have only read the book once before and all I really remember of it is that I really liked Pratchett's take on Elves.

I do have a reason for picking Lords and Ladies out specifically.  Some time ago I was working through the books I have in chronological order (sans Moving Pictures - I struggle with that book) and I needed a change after Small Gods (one of my favourites).  I'm probably going to carry on up until Soul Music at least, as that was the first Discworld novel I ever read.

It may take some time for before I'm able to give my thoughts on Lords and Ladies.  I'm not a fast reader.

Oh, I also started reading the manga Berserk because I've recently watched two YouTube videos praising it to the high heavens.  Got through the first two volumes, but I don't have much to say about it.  Apparently the first arc is less significant until you read later arcs.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 14 May, 2022, 02:35:27 AM
You might enjoy the 90s anime series as well! But for sure, the Golden Age / Band of the Hawk arc that starts in vol 3 is the heart and soul of Berserk.

Cool to see Terry Pratchett fans here too. I'm on Guards! Guards! at the moment.

For comics, I always love Savage Dragon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Funt Solo on 14 May, 2022, 04:51:38 AM
Just bought a new copy of Equal Rites (which I haven't read since it was first published) - going to try it as a read-aloud with Mini-Solo, and see if it's a hit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sintec on 14 May, 2022, 05:40:30 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 13 May, 2022, 09:14:21 PM
Oh, I also started reading the manga Berserk because I've recently watched two YouTube videos praising it to the high heavens.  Got through the first two volumes, but I don't have much to say about it.  Apparently the first arc is less significant until you read later arcs.

Yeah as PsychoGoagee said the Golden Age arc is where the story really gets going. Have just been clearing boxes of books out the way so I can redocrate. Found a box of the Berserk paperbacks which have been superceded by the Deluxe HCs. Drop me a PM if you'd be interested in taking any of them off my hands.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sintec on 15 May, 2022, 09:09:49 AM
I've been reading the first vol of Humanoids new Jodorowsky Library. These are a set of matching HCs collecting 2-3 stores from Jodorowsky in each book. It looks like these are replicating the Jodorowsky 90 Ans set that was published in French to celebrate the authors 90th birthday (although in a different order for some reason). Book 1 collects Anibal 5 and Megalex along with a 3 shorts from the Screaming Planet collection.

Anibal 5 is a really odd choice to open the series with. It's a comedy about a sex obsessed cyborg super-spy (kinda a sci-fi Austin Powers) the problem is a lot of the jokes just aren't that funny, the characters are 2 dimensional and the plot is mostly non-sensical. The most interesting thing is the (untranslated) scans of the 1966 version of this strip which constitutes Jodorowsky's first comics work.

The second story, Megalex, is a more standard sci-fi action adventure featuring an uprising against a corrupt technocracy. Story wise it's a fast paced romp with plenty of Jodorowsky's crazy inventiveness to spice up the relatively predictable plot. The first 2 chapters use computer generated art which works well with the settings futurist tyranny. I think I prefer Beltran's hand drawn final chapter though as his line work brings the characters more to life. It's enjoyable but it's far from Jodorowsky's best.

The 3 shorts are fine but nothing spectacular. Overall it's a bit of a weak start to the series. Hope it doesn't put too many off getting the later books. Got book 2 sat in the to-read pile so will get to that soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 21 May, 2022, 11:38:20 AM
I finished Lords and Ladies and I'm currently on Volume 17 of Berserk, so nearly half way through.

To begin with I want to deal with one thing to do with Berserk.  I knew going into it that it had a lot of depictions of sexual assault and I had the understanding that they were predominantly not good depictions.  There is even a rape based fridging.  Too much of it came across as not only being used for cheap shock value and perverse titillation to the point where it was breaking my immersion.  It gets really hard to read something when ones eyes are rolling so much.  It's not good.  But I'm not bringing any new insight into this - it's very self-evident.  Regardless, I wouldn't have felt right if I didn't address it.

It's still very engaging.  There are things I like and there are things I don't like (in addition to the above).  I really want to see where this goes and what shape the narrative ends up taking.  I say to myself "I'll just read a little bit and then go and [insert chore here]" and before I know it I've got through another Volume.  It really is hard to put down (figuratively speaking).  I think it's clear I'm getting something out of it and I am seeing why it's been praised so much.

So.  Lord and Ladies.  It's a Pratchett book.  Not one of the best, certainly, but it's still very solid.  I think it's a good conclusion to Magrat's role as a main character.  The thing that originally left a big impression on me is still the highlight.  These Elves are really sadistic.  I don't recall Discworld ever getting into real horror, but this is the closest it comes to it.  I know there are references to A Midsummer Nights Dream, but I'm not sure how many as I'm not especially familiar with that play.  I also get there are some real folk lore references in here.  But a little part of me thinks there may be a push back against Tolkien's depiction of Elves.  I remember having that impression the first time I read Lords and Ladies.  It's probably just my inference, but I do enjoy the juxtaposition after finishing a Middle-Earth binge.  It was also fun having parallels between Lords and Ladies and the Lost Children chapters of Berserk.  I had a lot of fun reading it.

Next up, Men At Arms.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 21 May, 2022, 03:53:26 PM
chernobyl - the zone by natacha bustos and francisco sanchez.
a graphic novel published by centrala a few years ago ... i've been reading it now, for obvious reasons, but i wish i'd discovered it long before. i'm not going to spoiler it, because the story is so affecting, and intelligently crafted in order to speak to every possible reader. It's form, brilliantly, is that of a slavic doll, constantly opening to reveal new characters and ideas and plot lines. the dialogue is sparse but shockingly sharp and right. the art is a mixture of accomplished clean lines and apocalyptic scrawl.
it's a magnificent achievement, a disturbing and moving entertainment with so much to say about now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 May, 2022, 09:04:25 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 20 March, 2019, 07:29:04 PM
Quote from: The Adventurer on 19 March, 2019, 10:52:52 PM
Quote from: Apestrife on 19 March, 2019, 04:28:22 PM

I finished reading Tom's Mister Miracle (for the 4th time or something) this morning. Brilliant book. Each time I finish it I come up with new ideas about the ending :)

So my take is....

[spoiler]Scott Free is trying to escape the super-hero comic reboot/relaunch cycle. His life won't progress because our reality demands the status quo. He tries to kill himself, the comic won't let the title character die So he forces the issue, killing off other characters, having a baby. And story keeps trying to rerail him back to a status quo. In the end he manages to break the cycle by burning nearly everything down, but even that is only as temporary as the end of the last page. [/spoiler]

That's my interpretation at least.

That's a cool one!

[spoiler]Mine (my latest) is a bit similar. Scott is having trouble thanks to letting his real life getting "invaded" by comic stuff, or if it's a comic which is "invaded" by reality. Scott is sure he can escape, which he "does" with the "Mister Miracle won't be continued". [/spoiler]

I also really like the [spoiler]He's stuck in hell or heaven, but choose to stay[/spoiler] hinted in the last issue by [spoiler]Bug and Orion[/spoiler] :)

Just finished this and I breezed through it. Its an easy 'read' but I defo need to go back and read it again to get more out of it. I go with Apestrife pretty much. By killing himself in the 'superhero' world at the being Scott (and Barda) escape the comics world (the art changing straight after that comic book continuity recap.). He does, he escape a comic book death by going into a 'real' world of change and growth and struggle and pain. Real life is Heaven and Hell. It really is. The antilife equation is all around us, but we carry on. He is offered countless chances to escape back into the comic world, specifically emphasised by the chance to repeat Highfather's pact in that classic story. The chance to repeat the same story again and again. He chooses not to and Highfather specifically tells him he fails.

So he's condemned to a 'real life' and in that the death of closing his eyes Jacob sees when he counts the four worlds.

Its brilliant... or it could be. I need to read it again taking that meaning with me to see if its there... I have a long history of getting this type of thing wrong!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 26 May, 2022, 09:51:21 PM
Is this Tom King's Mister Miracle?  Been a while since I read that one.  I think I took it more at face value that it's about Scott need to escape from developing to his need to escape to.  I dunno, I don't remember much of the story, but I do remember having a blast reading it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 26 May, 2022, 09:54:17 PM
Quote from: pictsy on 26 May, 2022, 09:51:21 PM
Is this Tom King's Mister Miracle?  Been a while since I read that one.  I think I took it more at face value that it's about Scott need to escape from developing to his need to escape to.  I dunno, I don't remember much of the story, but I do remember having a blast reading it.

Yeah the Tom King one.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 27 May, 2022, 12:19:43 AM
Maybe I should give it another read again soon.  Perhaps after I finish Berserk.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: RookieNerd on 29 May, 2022, 03:23:57 AM
Went on a little binge over this weekend.

Artifact Vol 1 (Art B-, story C+)
All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder #1-9 (Art B+, Story A-).
Judge Anderson PSI Files Vol 3 (Art C-, Story C).
Civil War (Art B, Story B+).
Aphrodite IX Vol 1 (Art A+, Story B-).

I got three more Artifacts Volumes left to read 2,3 & 4. I did not know The Darkness computer game was based of one of these characters Jackie Estacado until recently.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 29 May, 2022, 02:26:57 PM
Men at Arms.  A lovely story about prejudices and... er... making small beginnings in overcoming them?  And murder.  There's murder, too.  I always enjoy the Big Fido stuff in this book.  Men at Arms is a good read but is overshadowed by Guards, Guards and Feet of Clay. 

Next up, Soul Music.  After that I may start my Michael Morcock Marathon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: RookieNerd on 29 May, 2022, 10:37:40 PM
Yeah Moorcock Eternal Champion arc is a very long and fun run. I culled 50% of my book collection, but every Moorcock novel survived the cull.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Mind of Wolfie Smith on 31 May, 2022, 12:36:26 AM
the island of missing trees by elif shafak

best book ever narrated by a fig tree.

it's also a shot of transcendent beauty - and therefore so necessary right now.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 08 June, 2022, 02:13:19 PM
Soul Music by Terry Pratchett

This is the first Pratchett book I ever read and was the book that got me into reading novels.  That's as far as my nostalgia for the book goes.  On it's own merits it's a solid Discworld novel.  I mean, it's Pratchett so it's hard to go wrong.  I enjoyed the climax.  It built up at a nice pace and had a satisfying pay off.

I started reading Warriors of Mars/City of Beasts by Michael Morcock.  The only other Morcock book I've read is Elric of Melnibone.  I'm assuming Warriors was Morcocks first book.  I am immediately struck by how light and easy it is to read.  Although 'Michael Kane' is taking some getting used to.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 10 June, 2022, 02:39:42 PM
Warriors of Mars/City of Beasts by Michael Morcock

Overall I found it to be silly fun.  I really liked thinking of it as a story told by an unreliable narrator and wondering which parts Michael Kane was exaggerating and where the half truths lay.  This mindset made me giggle when I got to the epilogue.  It will be fantastic if, in the next book, Kane's self-aggrandising catches up with him.  I don't see that happening.  What I expect to be reading is more sword swinging adventures.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 21 June, 2022, 06:21:25 PM
I finished off Morcocks Kane of Old Mars trilogy.  Peculiar.  It kind of just meanders around the place.  The books were light reading, but I'm not going to say they are good or particularly entertaining.  The charm wore off quick enough and the narrative structure was so fractured and aimless that I wasn't disappointed when I was done.  I'm not expecting much at this stage so I'm happy to move on to the Multiverse trilogy next.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: RookieNerd on 30 June, 2022, 12:19:56 AM
Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stovers

Which added depth to the story and characters that the movie so lacked.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 30 June, 2022, 12:00:37 PM
I really dig those Morcock books!

I like an easy read on my commute and I'm reading book 2 of the Dresden Files, which came highly recommended by a few people and by Crom it is terrible. It's marginally better than book 1 but still suffers from uninspiring characters, boring writing and a protagonist who is whiny, sexist, down-on-his-luck yet supposedly insufferably cool and to boot a pretty useless detective. 

I bought a five book set of these in a sale and I'm not sure I can face the other three.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 30 June, 2022, 02:48:51 PM
I finished The Sundered Worlds/The Blood Red Games and The Fireclown/The Winds of Limbo by Morcock.  An improvement, I have to say.  I have no idea why these books are listed on wikipedia as part of a trilogy as I see no connection between them.  The Fireclown is the best of the bunch so far, but there's no mention of the multiverse.  Unless these get referenced in later books and the grouping is retroactive. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 24 October, 2022, 08:12:23 PM
This sounds pretentious as all hell, but I recently finished the French comic Bérézina by Frédéric Richaud and Ivan Gil, and I liked it so much that I went and got my hands on the accompanying volume La Bataille, which I'm going to start right soon. Quality volumes the pair of them. Excellent production, beautiful art, and thumping good historical drama.
Just so it doesn't sound like I'm showing off too much, here's where I admit that I can't speak French.
I kinda-sorta learned some in school, and started on Duolingo during lockdown, but I can only read French comics slowly, and with a dictionary to hand. Strange thing is though, it gives me a more thorough appreciation of the comic. Being barely literate again takes me right back to childhood, when I'd pore over the pages, closely studying every picture and speech balloon, trying to work out what was going on.
The downside is that it takes effort, which doesn't make for a restful afternoon's reading.

Anyway, I've just seen that both these comics have since been issued in English translation.
Botheration.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 25 October, 2022, 10:35:25 AM
I can sort of relate to that as I too have been working my way through the French versions of the last few books of Le Scorpion, as Cinebooks didn't finish the story with their translated ones. It's meant a lot of time poring over each panel as I painfully translate each speech bubble, and has meant I've paid a lot more attention to both dialogue and art. Perhaps I should read Hope in French as I might start enjoying it again.

The Scorpion comics are beautiful btw, but Scorpion himself is kinda stuck in in the dickhead mode Dante got out of after a few years. It's all about the supporting cast.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 25 October, 2022, 11:29:12 AM
I was sent down this path by Adèle Blanc-Sec. The English translations gave up after four volumes when the movie failed to set the box office on fire.
The stories are pretty nonsensical (even if your French isn't as substandard as mine) but I love the art to bits.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 25 October, 2022, 11:37:51 AM
I'd never encountered that but it looks great! I shall look some up. My French is épouvantable!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 25 October, 2022, 12:01:27 PM
My own own French is – quel est le mot? – lousy.
Adèle Blanc-Sec is a delight, but sometimes a bit of a slog when it comes to deciphering the script. Jacques Tardi is a wonderful artist but an indifferent letterer. Add to that the slangy way some characters speak and – God help us – the severe speech impediment of one of the villains in a later story, and I had my work cut out for me.
I gave Le Scorpion the once-over on Amazon and decided against it for the time being. There's just so much else to choose from. The French do pretty comics and they do them in such abundance.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 27 October, 2022, 06:52:13 PM
Started reading this rather weighty tome, only a short into it.  I've been rather fascinated with the battle of Jutland.  The endless Jellicoe vs Beatty debate.

(https://scontent.fgla3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298792057_6131853526841842_8490182365888889442_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=v9SMCR-WzE0AX-SLN_R&_nc_ht=scontent.fgla3-1.fna&oh=00_AfDnxP_r02XbHsBxMyCrv0Bz54MVsA3lK5Qk7mlYC7CbfQ&oe=63602EE3)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 27 October, 2022, 07:04:47 PM
Absolutely superb book! I've read it twice.
It's a little too technical (for me anyway) when it comes to the ins and outs of signalling, but even in its details it never loses sight of the greater historical context and never loses the reader.
Best of all, Gordon writes with a light touch. For a serious history of serious things, this is a book with a surprising amount of laughs – or at least smiles of wry amusement, depending on your sense of humour.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jade Falcon on 27 October, 2022, 07:10:01 PM
I picked it up in the Hospice Shop I used to work in till recently, price at £1.25.  When I saw it on Amazon at £40 - £60, I gave the shop a tenner extra as I would have felt a bit guilty, and the Hospice is a worthwhile local charity.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 27 October, 2022, 07:17:26 PM
I paid full whack for it way back when it available in paperback because, even after I'd read the copy a friend had lent me, this was a book I wanted to own.
I only hope I haven't talked it up too much. I don't want you to regret your nobly-given tenner.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 02 November, 2022, 11:47:28 AM
I've been reading some Robert Jordan authored Conan books on my commute. He's a far better writer of these than L Sprague de Camp but there's something quite icky about a story where literally every single female character is either naked or essentially naked when they're introduced (and indeed, usually for the bulk of their time on page)
Recommend me your lightweight paperback reads, please!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 02 November, 2022, 12:21:15 PM
I read all of Howard's Conans a few years ago and liked them far more than I expected. I wasn't tempted to go beyond Howard though. Old-time pulp can be forgiven for many of its sins, but that doesn't mean they should be replicated by later authors.

Alas, I haven't found any pulpy fun to engage me lately. Historical fiction used to be my delight, but I just got plain tired of Bernard Cornwell, who was my go-to guy for years. There are only so many times you can enjoy the same formula. For the rest of it, I maintain that pulp historical fiction is sloppy historical fiction, which makes escapism impossible for us know-alls and nitpickers.

My Kindle is full of randomly-downloaded adventure/supernatural/sci-fi collections – mostly public domain stuff – but little of it grabs me. (That's the greatest virtue of Kindle: picking up and discarding fat disposable paperbacks at a whim. The downside is that there's no physical reminder of what I've just read, so things slip from my memory all too easily.)
These days I read history, I read comics, and occasionally I read proper literature. Damned if I can remember the last time a lightweight paperback wowed me.
However, if you're putting a gun to my head and demanding a recommendation, I have to say that the Brian Aldiss phase I went through last year was rewarding. Fat books (Helliconia), thin books (Grey Beard, Non-Stop) – it was all good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 02 November, 2022, 12:39:36 PM
Brian Aldiss is a great suggestion, thank you! I'm not sure I've read anything beyond The Saliva Tree and that definitely fits the category of what I'm after.

I'm a big fan of Howard's Conan books - they're incredibly visceral, but not in a gory way as they're not gory at all but in the very way they're written - really evocative, interesting tales, loacking exposition but still feeling like part of a real world. The writers who came after him really don't seem to get it: L Sprague de Camp for example is really dry, and also has a nasty tendency to always include an unpleasant woman-getting-stripped-and-whipped scene. Robert Jordan definitely gets the breathless, descriptive yet fast moving style to write a Conan I think but he's got what i can only describe as a pervy eye where Howard didn't.
I do like pulp writing, even though it's pretty trashy and incredibly derivative, but there's a definite issue with newer work replicating the sins of old. I don't think there's any excuse for a current writer of, say, heroic fantasy, to pack it full of misogynistic tropes and other horrible world views and I can't enjoy a book like that regardless of when it was written.

Agree re. Cornwell, after a while you realise he is basically writing the same book over and over. Great book at first though!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 02 November, 2022, 12:51:28 PM
I paid money for an L Sprague de Camp book back when I never had any money.  I think it was The Incomplete Enchanter. Big fat disappointment of a book. I'd been seduced by the excellent Ian Miller cover.
(That's another minus for Kindle – no more book covers to entice us.)

Speaking of outdated world views and misogynistic tropes, I picked up Asimov's Foundation books cheap a while back. Fascinating ideas but Holy Mother of God – such unattractive characters.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tiplodocus on 18 January, 2023, 11:54:44 AM
Just finished PROJECT HAIL MARY by Andy Weir (who also brought you The Martian. I must say, I wasn't a fan. It felt too much like doing homework at points and a lot of the humour isn't as funny as it thinks ("Haha, that's amusing, he made a mistake in calculating that co-efficient!"). There's a twist near the end that justifies it's flashback structure but as far as I can remember doesn't make you re-evaluate everything that's gone before. All plot, very little character.

Some of the great ideas (What would being couped up[spoiler] for fifty years [/spoiler]on a spaceship [spoiler]on your own[/spoiler] do for your mental state?) Are mentioned in passing then discarded.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 19 January, 2023, 07:30:04 PM
Just finished John Christopher's The World in Winter.  It is remarkably similar to Death of Grass in many respects.  There's a sort of sordid underbelly to the tale.  What was interesting though was the shift in the tale to the plight of European refugees.  Even with the attempt to flip the colonial attitudes, to have the core characters forced into a shanty and reliant on the 'generosity' of their hosts, it doesn't quite manage to land the shift. 

Perhaps it is because it is a bit too 'on the nose' as it were.  Perhaps it is because of the way the African expedition to London is handled.  There are times when they are caricatured.  The conflicts amongst the expeditionaries is a little ham-fisted in its handling.

Or perhaps it is because it is so similar to Death of Grass.  The sort of slow-burn apocalypse.  The predictable challenges and obstacles.  The usual pound-shop Napoleans to be overcome.  The slightly unsatisfactory conclusion.

An interesting curio but its understandable as to why it has drifted off most people's radars ...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 25 January, 2023, 07:52:20 AM
"I'm with the band" - Pamela des Barnes

Just awful; so many really creepy and disturbing things happening casually from one page to the next. This is tempered somewhat by some genuinely lol moments but overall just WTF?

I understand she is now a creative writing teacher and the mind boggles that a woman who teaches people how to write never passed beyond writing like a teenage girl. I had initially thought she was going for an 'Artist as a Young Man' vibe where Joyce's writing improves as he ages but I was very wrong on that count. Her prose is insufferable. I'm not finished yet but I don't see it improving.

This is a book that seems to be written without a single shred of self reflection, examination or criticism 0f herself, the men she associated with or the times and their impact. Maybe I was expecting too much.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 25 January, 2023, 02:06:32 PM
I read this too and I felt exactly the same as you: the writing style is very basic, and there's no 'second act' where the author comes to any kind of self-realisation or evolves.
It may be that we're looking at this through a modern lense where we're expecting that to happen, when really the whole thing is self-realistion, ie. she just wanted to shag rockstars and have a laugh, and therefore this book just wasn't for me. I found it all a bit grim in a way though, because to my mind most of the men in the book treated her like crap.

Would not recommend!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 25 January, 2023, 07:26:34 PM
You're probably right about that but it's such a cop out. Whatever about the 60s but I'm sure her recollections of the 70s have not incorporated any of the feminist thinking that was prevalent at the time.
It's a rock and roll version of 'Pray, keep sweet and obey' or whatever that Netflix documentary was called.

So far I've read about teenagers giving adult men hand jobs, adults watching girls as young as 12 perform sex acts on each other, the casually mentioned death of a 3 year old that happened in her presence that's simply never referred to again, the possible sexual assault of a young woman in a public place, two of her friends are on heroin and she's almost been sexually assaulted three times (she hasn't even turned 21).

Yeah it's all very peace and love except she seems to spend a lot of her time crying over guys that use her for sex and move on and not an ounce of introspection in sight.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 31 January, 2023, 10:34:57 AM
Yeah, it's definitely an awkward read, to put it mildly.

As part of my lightweight commute reading programme I've been reading some James Herbert - specifically Domain, or Rats 3. I was a bit sneery of James Herbert going in as I've ranked him with Guy N Smith and Shaun Hutson as very Garth Merenghi-ish and whilst the book was very generic, Herbert's a much better writer in some aspects that I gave him credit for. What he's best at is being able to very quickly create a character and make them sympathetic, so when they meet their inevitable demise a few pages later it's like a little punch to the heart. Now I'm an older reader I can see that the people in these little vignettes have enough normalacy in them that it doesn't take much of a stretch for them to equate to people I know and love, so their grisly fate seems crueller.
He's also very good at tapping into scary stuff. Giant crabs attacking a pier isn't scary, but there's something quite primal about the concept of being trapped in a flooding underground tunnel with a bunch of flesh-eating rats, and I say that as someone who likes rats. And the writing lurches from one horror to another without ever flagging.

The book does have it's problems, not least a late 70s / early 80s whiff of racism, sexism and main character who is an utterly generic and bland tough middle-aged white guy, presumably so all the middle-aged white guy readers can sort-of-imagine he is them. Basically it was rubbish, but I couldn't put it down.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 31 January, 2023, 10:52:42 AM
I tore through all my Nan's James Herbert books at a rate of knots when I was younger. They were very much a gateway drug to more esoteric horror stuff. I can see the flaws in his work now (he certainly has some) but god help me, I think they'll always occupy a special place in my heart. Ghosts of Sleath and '48 may still rank somewhere in my personal top thirty horror novels, where I ever to bother to sit down and work out such a list.

I don't think I've ever actually read the Rats novels, though. Possibly the first one - was there a section where an underground train breaks down, and the passengers have to start walking through the darkened tunnels?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 31 January, 2023, 11:04:21 AM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 31 January, 2023, 10:34:57 AM
and main character who is an utterly generic and bland tough middle-aged white guy, presumably so all the middle-aged white guy readers can sort-of-imagine he is them. Basically it was rubbish, but I couldn't put it down.

'Rubbish, but I couldn't put it down,' is just about the finest tribute that can be paid to a work of trashy literature.

And whatever happened to all the middle-aged white guy readers? They were what kept the market for pulp going. I always suspected that it was the advent of the VCR that steered them away from reading, but I dunno. I was too young for that stuff when it was still around, but the books were everywhere, and I was fascinated by the lurid covers. Bikini babes, flash cars, nameless horrors, automatic weapons – it was all there.
I've only ever read one James Herbert. Forgotten the name, but it was about the aftermath of a Nazi-created plague. Wasn't tempted to come back for more.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 01 February, 2023, 06:29:41 AM
I'm determined to read two books a month this year.

Jan has been a success - finished the Pamela des Barres book (meah) and read 'The Driving Seat' by Muriel Sparks. It's a very strange book by a woman about a woman who gets murdered on holiday.

On to 'A long way to a small angry planet' now ..
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: wedgeski on 01 February, 2023, 08:58:31 AM
I've just started Wheel of Time, so that's 2023 sorted.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: broodblik on 01 February, 2023, 09:11:56 AM
Quote from: wedgeski on 01 February, 2023, 08:58:31 AM
I've just started Wheel of Time, so that's 2023 sorted.

I just finished book 4. It is a wonderful series so far, my only gripe is that most of the books I have read only really takes off in the last quarter
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I.K. on 01 February, 2023, 05:55:51 PM
Quote from: JWare on 31 January, 2023, 11:04:21 AM
And whatever happened to all the middle-aged white guy readers? They were what kept the market for pulp going.

*Broadly gestures towards most of forum...*
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 01 February, 2023, 06:24:34 PM
Fair point.
*Licks nicotine-stained thumb and turns the page of dog-eared Wilbur Smith paperback*
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 01 February, 2023, 06:50:19 PM
Quote from: JWare on 31 January, 2023, 11:04:21 AM
whatever happened to all the middle-aged white guy readers?

...They got an ice-pick, that made their ears burn. :-)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 01 February, 2023, 06:59:50 PM
Quote from: Jim_Campbell on 01 February, 2023, 06:50:19 PM

...They got an ice-pick, that made their ears burn. :-)
I'm not going to be rereading all those Shakespearos at this hour of my life.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: sheridan on 01 February, 2023, 07:35:52 PM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 31 January, 2023, 10:52:42 AM
I don't think I've ever actually read the Rats novels, though. Possibly the first one - was there a section where an underground train breaks down, and the passengers have to start walking through the darkened tunnels?

Either that, or the (first) sequel, Lair.

My copy of The City cropped up recently (the Ian Miller illustrated comic sequel to the trilogy of Rats novels), so next time I come across the preceding books I'll have to put them aside for a re-read (most of my books are in boxes, scattered throughout the house and piled upon other boxes, mixed up with boxes of comics, etc, so it's anybody's guess where any particular comic or book is at any given time - other than my progs and megs, which have pride of place against one wall).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 03 February, 2023, 12:27:42 PM
I beleive it's Rats where the underground train breaks down, yes.

My late father in law was one of those pulp readers: he'd read anything with a bloke hijacking a submarine or something like that in it. My parents, on the other hand, saw it all as a bit beneath them: I was raised on more 'inspirational' literature which of course meant as soon as I could buy my own books I went headlong into pulpy trash. Horror, fantasy, anything with lurid artwork on the cover. Even now I'll buy a book if the cover has any two of the following on the front: a monster, a spaceship, swords or guns being waved about, a lady in a bikini, a jungle, a temple, a vehicle exploding or a giant wolf / crab / snake / lion etc.

Quote from: Rara Avis on 01 February, 2023, 06:29:41 AMI'm determined to read two books a month this year.

This is a great idea. Document them on here!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 03 February, 2023, 12:46:45 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 03 February, 2023, 12:27:42 PMa lady in a bikini, a jungle, a temple, a vehicle exploding or a giant wolf / crab / snake / lion etc.

All of the above, on the one cover. To be sold exclusively at motorway service stations.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 03 February, 2023, 12:50:29 PM
That's like my holy grail book.
Especially if it's a paperback, with less than 250 pages.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 03 February, 2023, 01:03:12 PM
Quote from: Rara Avis on 01 February, 2023, 06:29:41 AMI'm determined to read two books a month this year.
Years ago I went for a book a week, and ended up rushing through books just to achieve this arbitrary goal. I was reading just for the sake of reading, and can't remember half of what I got through.
These days I'm far more slapdash and I'm happier for it. I don't read books as if I have to sit an exam afterwards, and I tend to ditch books before I get to the end if they stop entertaining me.

Two books a month is far more reasonable. And yeah – as Boots says – keep us in informed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 03 February, 2023, 06:42:40 PM
I had a NY resolution before to read one book a month and that was a success. I meant to keep it up but found myself spending more time online scrolling reddit mindlessly. I'm try to spend more time reading and less time on the computer so I picked a few books that looked interesting and got them for myself for Xmas.

January's reads were:

I'm with the band - Pamela des Barres
The Drivers Seat - Muriel Sparks

February:

The long way to a small angry planet - Becky Chambers
The Witchwood Crown - Tad Williams (It's a sequel to The Dragonbone Chair Trilogy ((in four parts!!))

March:

You Exist Too Much - Zaina Arafat
Malleus - Dan Abnett

Nothing pencilled in after that so recommendations welcome.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 03 February, 2023, 08:40:27 PM
Kinda bouncing around different series at the moment.  I've just finished the fourth volume of Dark Tower.  Part of my efforts to re / read Stephen King's complete-ish oeuvre.  Onto the 2nd Moorcock volume of his definitive complete work.  For my sins I have never read any of his works (forgive me, I know how sacrilegious this is).  Depending on where I'm at, may take in the next volume of the Final Chronicles of Thomas Covenant before another volume in Brin's Uplift saga.

If you're looking for recommendations and haven't taken them in yet, Rara, I would say go for it.  I'd be inclined to say that if you got on with Tad Williams, you'd probably get on with most of them.  I've not read the Last King of Osten Ard sequence yet but it is on my list.  I'm also feeling a hankering for a re-read of Feist and Wurtz's Daughter of Empire trilogy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 04 February, 2023, 08:09:18 AM
Hey TJM,

I hope you're well. I re-read those books a few years back so I say go for it. They don't hit the same way they did when I was 15 but it was nice to re-immerse myself in that world for a while.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 04 February, 2023, 08:41:56 AM
I know what you mean (assume you're talking about DofE).  I recently re-read the first Riftwar books.  They always strike me as a little idealised.  Based on a feudalistic world that is populated with 'benevolent rulers' rather than the brutal, exploitative reality of those times.  Always ending with key 'lower order' characters being rewarded with promotions.

There seemed to be a bit too much structural repetition in the later series and I kind of gave up after a while since it felt like nothing new was being added to the 'saga'.  Might have another crack in a while but I've got quite a list of books to go through before I do that.

[Doing a bit better.  Not as bad as a while back when I cratered.  Keeping a bit of a distance from the Black Dog thread while I get my head fully together although I fully appreciate other folks are dealing with a hell of a lot more than me.  Doesn't help though that the company I recently signed on with is now going through a difficult time and looking at 'efficiencies' so dealing with another redundancy situation potentially.  Hey Ho ...]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 05 February, 2023, 08:46:30 AM
Yes I was. I love those books when I was younger but reading them as an adult I find Mara ... almost insufferable .. she is such a Mary Sue. I don't think I'd want to go back and read the other books after that.

Also read some distressing stuff about Feist who was apparently abusive to his children but I can't find anything to support that online.

[I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. Suffering is not a competition or a race to the bottom so don't feel like you don't have the right vent, that's what that's there for. Wow that's awful - life really loves to creep up behind you and kick the legs out from under you just when you think you're finally getting on top of things. Reach out if you need support.]
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 06 February, 2023, 05:37:26 PM
If after a book recommendation from me that's not pulp / trash, I'm also reading The City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I felt rather at sea with it at first, as it's a book with no exposition, changing character viewpoints and some very unique concepts but I rapidly became addicted to it. It's beautifully written and the setting has a touch of Gormenghast about it.

Another, more straightforward Adrian Tchaikovsky book I read a while back was Guns of The Dawn. The story is sort of a cross between Napoleonic war (but with wizards) and Jane Austen. This is better than it sounds: I picked it up from a charity shop and found it both charming and engrossing.

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 21 February, 2023, 08:09:05 PM
I've been consuming a lot of Terry Pratchett lately.  I recently got around to reading the first two books and was surprised with Light Fantastic.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 27 February, 2023, 09:36:51 AM
The Goddamned, by Jason Aaron and RM Guéra.
This is the same pair that did Scalped (the modern American crime comic that 100 Bullets should have been). The only thing modern about The Goddamned is the language, which is contemporary and profane, even though the story is set in biblical times. Specifically, these are stories set in a literal interpretation of the earliest chapters of Genesis, with an angry god in heaven, giants upon the earth, and a corrupt humanity about to be swept away in a great flood. Its flavour is something of a stone age Mad Max: Fury Road.
I've just read the second series, The Virgin Brides.
Beautiful art, ugly plot, but compelling.

At the other end of the spectrum I finally finished Bleak House after 11 or 12 weeks.
I had an epiphany a few years ago when I realised that these big worthy 19th-century 'classics' weren't necessarily designed to be worthy. They were meant to be read rather than revered; liked rather than just appreciated. Moreover, a lot of them were originally published in instalments, which speaks to my lifelong taste for serials as it does to my wavering attention span.

As I said somewhere upthread, I no longer read like I'm expected to sit an exam at the end. That being the case, I just happily read until I get bogged down and chuck it or until I get to the end – whichever comes first.
So during lockdown I read War And Peace, always keeping in mind that no one was going to care whether or not I finished it. The new Penguin Classics translation was so highly recommended that I gave it a whirl, and it held my interest for the million plus pages it runs.
Also, I've now secured lifetime bragging rights.
Which is nice.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 February, 2023, 10:24:59 AM
Quote from: JWare on 27 February, 2023, 09:36:51 AMThe Goddamned, by Jason Aaron and RM Guéra.
This is the same pair that did Scalped (the modern American crime comic that 100 Bullets should have been). The only thing modern about The Goddamned is the language, which is contemporary and profane, even though the story is set in biblical times. Specifically, these are stories set in a literal interpretation of the earliest chapters of Genesis, with an angry god in heaven, giants upon the earth, and a corrupt humanity about to be swept away in a great flood. Its flavour is something of a stone age Mad Max: Fury Road.
I've just read the second series, The Virgin Brides.
Beautiful art, ugly plot, but compelling.

Couldn't agree more with this accessment. Enjoyed this series, well as much as its hard brutal truth allowed! Hope we get some more some day.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 27 February, 2023, 12:18:04 PM
Quote from: JWare on 27 February, 2023, 09:36:51 AMAt the other end of the spectrum I finally finished Bleak House after 11 or 12 weeks.
I had an epiphany a few years ago when I realised that these big worthy 19th-century 'classics' weren't necessarily designed to be worthy. They were meant to be read rather than revered; liked rather than just appreciated. Moreover, a lot of them were originally published in instalments, which speaks to my lifelong taste for serials as it does to my wavering attention span.

Fully behind this kind of mindset! Did you study English by any chance, JWare? I did, and it took me a while to get out of the idea of reading for an exam, as you so eloquently put it.

For my commute reading, who knew that Edgar Rice Burroughs wrote 24 books about Tarzan? Not me, until I saw a lurid pulp cover in Oxfam and went in and bought a bundle of 20 of the things for £15.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 27 February, 2023, 12:40:26 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 27 February, 2023, 12:18:04 PMDid you study English by any chance?
Nope. History all the way. My feeling at the time was that I just wanted to enjoy literature rather than study it. That's turned out to be one of the very few decisions of my teenage years that I can still stand behind. Whoda thought?

I've never been tempted by Tarzan, but I'm interested to hear your verdict.
Outside of comics, I'm rarely in the mood for pulp these days. However, ever since you mentioned your father-in-law's tastes, I've been yearning for a story in which a bloke hijacks a submarine.
I know I'd only be disappointed, but it's such a strong concept.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 27 February, 2023, 02:49:17 PM
Quote from: JWare on 27 February, 2023, 12:40:26 PMI've been yearning for a story in which a bloke hijacks a submarine.
I know I'd only be disappointed, but it's such a strong concept.

Not sure if it would fully fit your tastes but there is an old Cold War novel, "The Gold Crew" by Scortia and Robinson.  One crew of a US missile submarine slowly goes insane ... Not read it in years but it is a passable piece of work.  IIRC they made a film version of it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pauljholden on 27 February, 2023, 02:55:18 PM
Currently reading Lovecraft Country, after picking up Lee Child's Killing Floor (on the back of the fact I sort of enjoyed the slightly goofy tv show) but in a fit of annoyance I chucked it across the floor (I'm prepared to put up with the odd coincidence, but a coincidence so screaming insane that requires the writer to hang a lantern on it and then tell you not to worry about it in the book just drove me nuts) so I turned to the other tv show I'd really enjoyed and since there's a new(? is it new, maybe I've just heard of it) sequel to Lovecraft Country, I'd thought I'd pick this up.

Not far in but a much, MUCH better book.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 27 February, 2023, 03:15:08 PM
I started on the Jack Reachers a while back. They were propulsive enough to keep me going through – I think – three books, but then the narrative stupidities got too much. I don't remember any specific coincidence that might have made be throw the book across the floor, but the little bits of wrong kept adding up until I lost patience.

Never read Lovecraft Country, but I've heard good things.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 27 February, 2023, 06:30:41 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 27 February, 2023, 02:49:17 PM
Quote from: JWare on 27 February, 2023, 12:40:26 PMI've been yearning for a story in which a bloke hijacks a submarine.
I know I'd only be disappointed, but it's such a strong concept.

Not sure if it would fully fit your tastes but there is an old Cold War novel, "The Gold Crew" by Scortia and Robinson.  One crew of a US missile submarine slowly goes insane ... Not read it in years but it is a passable piece of work.  IIRC they made a film version of it.

Unless the film version is called Submarine, or even better just Sub, with Gerard Butler as The Bloke, I might just give it a miss.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 28 February, 2023, 09:58:16 AM
Quote from: JWare on 27 February, 2023, 12:40:26 PMNope. History all the way. My feeling at the time was that I just wanted to enjoy literature rather than study it. That's turned out to be one of the very few decisions of my teenage years that I can still stand behind. Whoda thought?

I've never been tempted by Tarzan, but I'm interested to hear your verdict.
Outside of comics, I'm rarely in the mood for pulp these days. However, ever since you mentioned your father-in-law's tastes, I've been yearning for a story in which a bloke hijacks a submarine.
I know I'd only be disappointed, but it's such a strong concept.

I might have some of his books in the house which includes said scenario. I will have a look! It will be generic tough guy nonsense.

Early verdict on Tarzan is that I may not be able to read 20 books of it. Burroughs is a good storyteller, but not a good writer. The book was written in 1912 so it's got an archaic style and some very outdated views, although it's better in that respect than 70s pulp. It lacks the zing of someone like Howard, but it was originally serialised so it's quick moving and full of interesting hooks.
I'm hoping they'll pick up once I get past the origin book, which is basically a story I know being told to me in a very dry fashion, and onto books with titles like Tarzan vs the Tiger Priestess or something.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 28 February, 2023, 10:36:57 AM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 28 February, 2023, 09:58:16 AMI might have some of his books in the house which includes said scenario. I will have a look! It will be generic tough guy nonsense.

You are too kind, but please don't root out anything on my account. I'm sadly convinced that no such book could ever live up to its central concept. I did go so far as to have a look for the Cold War story that Tjm86 mentioned above, but it's out of print, and I reckon that that brief hunt is as far as I'll go down this road.

Tarzan vs the Tiger Priestess would go perfectly on the shelf next to Bloke Hijacks Submarine, and the cover would be a gift to any illustrator with blood in his veins.

(Now that I think of it, they wouldn't need to be on a shelf, but maybe stuffed into the glove compartment of a van, or propping up the wonky leg of a work bench in the garage.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Bad City Blue on 01 March, 2023, 10:15:36 AM
Magic Order 3 today.

Looking forward to it
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 03 March, 2023, 07:06:44 AM
Managed to finish 'Long Way...' in Feb and really enjoyed it. There are more in the series if I fancy diving back in which I may do at some stage.

I have struggled to build up the enthusiasm to read the Tad Williams book. Within the first few pages we find one of the minor characters sexually assaulting someone (he is depicted groping a young serving "wench" that has come to deliver the bad news that there is no more wine and to get back her boss, a wine merchant, he grabs her and holds her on his knee despite her struggles, rips her bodice open and fondles her breasts in the presence of several other men).

I understand that this standard scene in a lot of fantasy books but as I get older my tolerance for this low level misogyny / sexism has gone way down. It's a minor character and only a few lines of the text but it put me right off.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 03 March, 2023, 08:20:59 AM
Quote from: Rara Avis on 03 March, 2023, 07:06:44 AMas I get older my tolerance for this low level misogyny / sexism has gone way down.
I hear you. Thirty years ago I delighted in the Flashman books, but I'm reluctant to return to them now.
It's all well and good saying that these are stories narrated by a self-confessed cad in the glory days of empire, but that doesn't keep the racism and sexual exploitation from leaving a bitter taste.
Not helping is the sad fact that the writer turned into something of a right-wing old curmudgeon in his last years.

I'm not condemning the books—they're rollicking good reads. It's just a matter of my changing tolerance.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 03 March, 2023, 09:13:04 AM
I just finished the first published 40K book, Inquisitor (later renamed Draco).  I lost interest in 40K novels a while ago when I realised that the Horus Heresy series of books is a badly written mess of the same over-wrought melodrama - and was forgettable and boring.  I couldn't get into the Eisenhorn series either and I started thinking that maybe the 40K stuff was just a little bit crap, actually.

But someone said that Inquisitor was weird and horny - I could I resist?  I can certainly see why someone would describe the book like that.  It kind of is weird and horny in a derivative and juvenile way.  Plus there are couple parts that I can only describe as transphobic.
It doesn't really conclude satisfactorily, being the first part of a trilogy.  I don't think I'll be reading the other two books.
The prose were readable and flowed well enough, but often failed to grip me.

With that said, it's one the best 40K books I've read.  One thing going in it's favour is it is short.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 03 March, 2023, 10:02:48 AM
'derivative and juvenile' I think covers a lot of 40k output. I have masses of these books and they're mainly dreadful. The early stuff is a bit more interesting as the books were a bit less corporate box-ticking exercises and so more exploratory of the universe and concepts, but they're also written for a target audience of teenage boys in the main.

Knowing the rate I go through paperbacks a friend of mine gave me a huge bag of early (late 80s- early 90s) D&D novels and I've found them to be similar - written for kids, so basically crap, as well as shot through with streaks of low level, ingrained misogyny that's sadly so prevalent in works of a certain type that makes them an uncomfortable read at times.

I haven't read any Tad Williams for a long time but I can imagine it's the same issue there. As a fan of pulpy / trashy paperbacks I read a lot of older work that's frequently problematic. Sometimes the problems are baked in but not a key part of the work, so you can enjoy the work whilst acknowledging its of its time (Howard and Lovecraft are the biggest examples of this, Fritz Leiber also springs to mind) and sometimes you can't. I think it's a good thing that if a book makes you uncomfortable you stop reading it. (I also think older, problematic works should be preserved as such and the recent rewriting of Roald Dahl was an awful thing, but that's a different discussion)

Quote from: JWare on 03 March, 2023, 08:20:59 AMI hear you. Thirty years ago I delighted in the Flashman books, but I'm reluctant to return to them now.

This is an interesting topic for discussion. I'm a fan of the Flashman books but it can't be disputed that objevctively they're pretty awful in that sense.
Aside from the first one, which crosses a line for me, I've been able to return to them and enjoy them for what they are, and they really encouraged me to read around historical events I might otherwise have not.
I'm never sure if Fraser is masterfully crafted a horrible character to tell some great stories, or was sort of the literary equivalent of an internet edgelord. I think, for example, his own feelings on race can really be seen through Flashman: I know Fraser served in the army and had a lot of time for India and Indian troops, so they're often portrayed in a positive light although filtered through Flashman's appalling nature: the reader can see Flashman running them down, but knows he is wrong. His views on the Chinese however, and their depiction, is really at odds with that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 03 March, 2023, 10:54:11 AM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 03 March, 2023, 10:02:48 AMthey really encouraged me to read around historical events I might otherwise have not.
I'm the same.

As for the rest, I think the Flashman stories reflect both Fraser's army experience and his own taste in adventure stories growing up. Thus, because of Kipling and his own war service out east, all Indian and Central Asian characters are relatable.
Fraser's Native Americans are either savage or sympathetic (sometimes both), the same as in some of the more enlightened Westerns.
Africans and Chinese come off the worst. The Chinese are civilised and dangerous (like in Fu Manchu), and the Africans barbarous and dangerous (like in Tarzan and other such jungly pulp).
Most foreign women are gagging for a lusty big white man, whether they know it or not. If they don't, they are soon taught otherwise.

The stories are so much fun but, having itemised the above, I realise how distasteful I've made them sound.
I'm just going to cop out and say that they were of their time, and Fraser was riffing on commonplace prejudices rather than airing any bigotry of his own. If you discount his later rantings, he came across as a most reasonable fellow.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 03 March, 2023, 12:53:05 PM
I'd not considered the Kipling connection, that's very likely.

I'm finding Tarzan hard going at the moment due to the prejudices of the time. Tarzan merrily kills off the native Africans left and right and there's some horrible stereotyping going on. It strikes me that Burroughs is writing less about race though and more about class - the artistrocratic characters, of which of course Tarzan is one, are all noble, intelligent and generally great whilst the commoners, be they the native villagers or sailors and servants, are far beneath them. He essentially cherry picks the best parts of the nature vs nurture debate and combines them into his central character.
I'm thinking of skipping far ahead to some of the more ludicrously titled books to see if they're better, because I wanted to read simple books about blokes fighting crocodiles and lost civilizations rather than this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Rara Avis on 03 March, 2023, 06:26:08 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 03 March, 2023, 12:53:05 PMI'm thinking of skipping far ahead to some of the more ludicrously titled books to see if they're better, because I wanted to read simple books about blokes fighting crocodiles and lost civilizations rather than this.

Have you tried any H. Rider Haggard? I read 'She' a few years ago and the main character is quite unintentional hilarious. It's maybe not *as* racist and sexist as other works of the time but only by a smidgen.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 04 March, 2023, 10:08:29 PM
I've read King Solomon's Mines, but never read She! That feels like an oversight I should correct!

I'm also reminded of The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle, which is terrific and something I should also revisit.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 05 March, 2023, 09:38:53 AM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 04 March, 2023, 10:08:29 PMI'm also reminded of The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle, which is terrific and something I should also revisit.

One of the better entries in that Eurocentric explorer larks genre from the turn of the century, and holds up pretty well. The later Professor Challenger stories are hysterical, and document in real time Conan Doyles decent into born again Christianity, The Land of Mist in particular feels like Doyle wanted an excuse to espouse his radical mysticism and lent heavily into his obsession with the then ongoing Cottingley Fairies hoax, of which he was a huge proppant.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 07 March, 2023, 10:05:40 AM
I had no idea there was any more Professor Challenger stuff... this definitely needs exploring. Challenger is a dick, but I'm pretty sure his boorishness is presented as such, rather than him being a poorly aged protagonist, so I'll be looking those out I think.

Back in Tarzan-world, I finished Tarzan of the Apes which was pretty awful, and skipped a few books ahead to one with a lurid cover. This is more like it - Tarzan is training a huge lion to be his new best mate until a group of baddies, which includes the sinister Estaban Miranda who is the spitting image of Tarzan himself, knocked him out with some drugged coffee and left him to be captured by some degenerate priests from the lost city of Atlantis. This is all within the first 50 pages as well.

It's extremely pulpy, silly stuff although Burroughs is an appalling snob: Tarzan is a posh lad so is inherently noble and wise as is the evil Russian aristrocrat but everyone else is either a cheerfully subservient African or a greasy criminal cockney. Also Tarzan himself is basically a posh D&D ranger as he lives in a big house with servants and stuff and is very well spoken but also a friend to the animals. An enjoyable read nonetheless.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 24 March, 2023, 12:09:43 PM
Catching up on some Christmas presents:

Fantastic Four: Full Circle - an over-sized deluxe hardcover by Alex Ross with a cracking script and mind-bending art. Has an eternal place on my bookshelf.
It's a full 10/10.

Batman / Spawn III - Some nice artwork by Capullo & McFarlane, but I couldn't make heads nor tails of the story.
Unwisely, McFarlane chose to write it himself - previous crossovers in this series have been written by Miller and Grant / Moench / Dixon, and they were far superior reads.
It's a token 2/10 for the artwork.



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GoGilesGo on 26 March, 2023, 06:32:52 PM
Quote from: JWare on 03 March, 2023, 08:20:59 AMI hear you. Thirty years ago I delighted in the Flashman books, but I'm reluctant to return to them now.
It's all well and good saying that these are stories narrated by a self-confessed cad in the glory days of empire, but that doesn't keep the racism and sexual exploitation from leaving a bitter taste.

I'm not condemning the books—they're rollicking good reads. It's just a matter of my changing tolerance.

I've been reading the Flashman books in order over the last 8 few years and agree with the above. However I just finished the final installment, Flashman on the March and found it was respectful, even reverential towards the Abyssinians / Ethiopians Harry meets on his journey. GMF spends a lot of time fleshing out interesting characters and our hero is sympathetic to almost all of them. Of course every women he meets is gagging to sleep with him but, this is, after all, Harry Flashman.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 26 March, 2023, 07:37:54 PM
My feeling was that Flashman went off the boil with the last two books, and Flashman on the March is the only one I've never reread.
Of course that could all be down to my changing tastes. It might even be an unreasonable dislike for the guy who replaced Barbosa as the series cover artist. I'm simple that way.

The last of Fraser's books that I really admired was his memoir Quartered Safe Out Here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 27 March, 2023, 09:41:53 AM
I'm a fan of Flashman on the March. Definitely top 3 Flashman books for me.
The story hits all the usual beats but Flashman is less odious than usual, I agree. I didn't know anything about the British in Abyssinia before reading it either, so it's an interesting read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 May, 2023, 02:45:58 PM
I picked up "Omega Unplugged" by Mark Griffiths and John Ridgeway in a charity shop on Tuesday and really enjoyed it. The story's fairly simplistic but it allows Ridgeway to draw some quite unusual scenes (a psychic battle especially), I had no idea John was now in his eighties but he's still got it and then some, and it was lovely to see new art from the man.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 22 May, 2023, 09:18:57 AM
So I read Hound (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=40422.0).
It's a retelling of the Irish epic The Táin.
You may not be familiar with the source material but you'll recognise something in the hero who knows his way round a gae bolga and can leap like a salmon.
The story is a sound adaptation and the art is beautiful throughout, occasionally verging on the sublime. In places it reminds me of Frank Miller from back when we had good reason to like Frank Miller. One thing I don't care for, though, is the artist's habit of shrinking panels. For instance, if he wants to repeat a scene but at a greater distance – to zoom out, basically – he doesn't draw the scene smaller, he just shrinks it by computer artistry. This might be more economical but I don't like it. The line weights lose their necessary weight along with their essential inkiness. But I quibble.
The price of this made me cry, but given that it's 500 pages and in hardback, I got what I paid for.

Returning to modern fiction this weekend I finally read Wyndham's The Kraken Wakes. It's no Day of the Triffids, but what is? Also, I'm a lot older and wearier than I was when I read Triffids.
What rubbed me up the wrong way on this one was the authorial voice, which was authentic, but authentically oh-so upper-middle-class post-war Home Counties.

That one out of the way, I made a start on How High We Go In The Dark, because end-of-the-world stories was where I was at.
Climate change causes an ancient virus to escape from the Siberian permafrost. End of the world ensues. Four quid on Kindle? Yes, please.
But no. I was hoping for Station Eleven, and this isn't it.
I'm sure the characters are well-realised and sympathetic, but they're not relatable. They're mostly all young and Japanese-Californian and living in the very near future, whereas I'm middle-aged and Irish and have barely made it out of the 1980s.
I'm not much more than a third of my way through this, but it's beginning to lose me.

Back to history books and comics, I think.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 22 May, 2023, 09:57:57 AM
Quote from: JWare on 22 May, 2023, 09:18:57 AMReturning to modern fiction this weekend I finally read Wyndham's The Kraken Wakes. It's no Day of the Triffids, but what is? Also, I'm a lot older and wearier than I was when I read Triffids.
What rubbed me up the wrong way on this one was the authorial voice, which was authentic, but authentically oh-so upper-middle-class post-war Home Counties.

Not read this for a long time, but the bit where the aliens come up out of the water and capture people on the island seared itself into my young mind as a scene of true horror. I've read way worse stuff since but it's one of those things that never left me. I literally can't remember another thing about the book.

I definitely want to read Hound, but at that price it needs to wait till a few expensive events have passed!

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GoGilesGo on 25 May, 2023, 04:50:27 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 22 May, 2023, 09:57:57 AMNot read this for a long time, but the bit where the aliens come up out of the water and capture people on the island seared itself into my young mind as a scene of true horror.


Agreed. This is one of the all time great moments from Wyndham. Terrifying.

A book about slow-creeping climate change with great visuals (the motorboat speeding across a submerged Trafalgar Square; the fully laden frigate being split in two by an unseen, underwater power surge; THAT island attack)...I am staggered this has never been adapted into a film.

Quote from: JWare on 22 May, 2023, 09:18:57 AMWhat rubbed me up the wrong way on this one was the authorial voice, which was authentic, but authentically oh-so upper-middle-class post-war Home Counties.

The whole thing is narrated ex post facto from a nice cottage in Somerset for heaven's sake...The ultimate cosy catastrophe
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 29 May, 2023, 09:25:34 AM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/719YW9NqxUL.jpg)

Reckless by Brubaker and Phillips
A friend just returned my copy and, seeing as I've got the latest instalment still sitting in cellophane on my table, I thought I'd give it a reassessment.
If the first four pages ('This Thing I Heard') don't grab you, then you needn't bother with the rest. However, if that's the case then you probably needn't bother with comics at all.
Even if not everything Brubaker has done down the years has been to my taste, there's no denying his storytelling ability. I only wish he hadn't called his hero Ethan Reckless. It might enhance the eighties primetime vibe, but it's still hard to take seriously.
Seán Phillips is as dependable as always.
The hardback volumes are expensive, but damn me if they don't look nice.


(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81NB0NrfP6L.jpg)

Notre Mère La Guerre
This is yet another expensive hardback that's been keeping me occupied. It's been doing so since before Christmas because I still can't speak French. I'm not bothered. It was the artwork and the general quality of the production that drew me.
To slow down my understanding further, this is a murder mystery, and those tend to confuse me even when they're in English.
Still. Just look at that art.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 29 May, 2023, 10:11:34 PM
Season of Skulls by Charles Stross.  For those familiar with Stross' laundry novels this is a welcome continuation on the current run.  With the UK now run by a Demonically Possessed Prime Minister, superhuman (demonic parasite infested humans) forming a special unit of the Met, vampires and elven warriors, things have come a long way from the early days.

Long gone is the shabby, dog-eared, pseudo-Le-Carre Secret Branch of the Civil Service.  Magic is not just out in the open but running the show, enjoying public executions and turning Marble Arch into a shrine of skulls.  To say that Stross seems to have a fascinating way of satirising contemporary British society is possibly an understatement!

This volume of the series is fascinating for its setting and devices.  Revolving around a need to extricate the heroine, Eve Starkey, from a curse inflicted on her by her now dead but actually not completely dead but unfortunately head priest of an esoteric cult headquartered on an obscure channel island, the plot is breathtaking.  It takes in a whistle stop tour of modern London, an early nineteenth century version of Portmeirion, a cultic asylum near Grantham, regency London and Bristol, before returning once more to this bizarre take on the Village. [oh, this is a pocket-universe in the Dream Roads with the potential to become reality given the correct circumstances].

Stross' humour has always verged towards the dark.  Given that the whole series revolves around a sort of mash-up of Lovecraft, Fleming and Le-Carre with a healthy dose of civil service procedural arcania, it has always been slightly more than a little tongue-in-cheek.  Throwing in Jane Austen and the Prisoner add in more layers to play with.  It sounds like it shouldn't work but it does.  In some respects the core ideas wouldn't be completely out of place in Tooth.

For those who have never dabbled with this branch of Stross' work, it is well worth a look.  I'm not sure how well this one would work for someone unfamiliar with earlier volumes in the series.  Much of what happens in the two books preceding this is relevant but possibly not completely essential so it could possibly be read as a standalone. 

At a minimum the preceding two books in the series should be read first for anyone who has not read any of the series to date.  They mark a departure from the previous volumes with the ascent of the Demon PM and barely touch on much of what preceded these books.  That said, those other volumes have so much to offer it would be a shame to ignore them completely. 

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 31 May, 2023, 11:21:22 AM
Quote from: JWare on 29 May, 2023, 09:25:34 AM(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/719YW9NqxUL.jpg)

Reckless by Brubaker and Phillips
A friend just returned my copy and, seeing as I've got the latest instalment still sitting in cellophane on my table, I thought I'd give it a reassessment.
If the first four pages ('This Thing I Heard') don't grab you, then you needn't bother with the rest. However, if that's the case then you probably needn't bother with comics at all.
Even if not everything Brubaker has done down the years has been to my taste, there's no denying his storytelling ability. I only wish he hadn't called his hero Ethan Reckless. It might enhance the eighties primetime vibe, but it's still hard to take seriously.
Seán Phillips is as dependable as always.
The hardback volumes are expensive, but damn me if they don't look nice.

I've never read much by Ed Brubaker and I have no idea why, I know he's a greatly acclaimed writer, and I'm a big fan of Sean Phillips too, so I must rectify that at some point soon.

Tom Strong Compendium Issues 1 - 16 by Alan Moore, Chris Sprouse + + + - While I liked this from the get go initially it wasn't something I found myself loving, it was fun but I didn't really click with the characters. That all changed with issue 10, and over the last six issues it's become something I adore, the beautiful brightly coloured art is often stunning, it's packed with amazing ideas, and for my money it's the funniest thing Moore's ever written too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 31 May, 2023, 02:18:04 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 31 May, 2023, 11:21:22 AMI've never read much by Ed Brubaker and I have no idea why
He's well worth your time.
Straight-up crime stories are his strength, so Criminal is Brubaker at his best. He writes a very believable reality, which means that superheroics or the supernatural tend to undermine his story. Thus Fatale left me cold, and his run on Gotham Central was great as a police procedural but lost me as a Batman story.
Himself and Phillips have been a team for donkey's years and even though I don't love everything they've produced, they haven't come up with a dud yet.

I've had Tom Strong on my shelf for twenty years and should give it a reappraisal. I read it at the time because it was Alan Moore, at whose altar I worshipped, and I felt that if it didn't thrill me then that was my fault. I suspected it of being meta or postmodern or whatever you call it.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 01 June, 2023, 12:35:52 PM
Quote from: J.Ware on 31 May, 2023, 02:18:04 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 31 May, 2023, 11:21:22 AMI've never read much by Ed Brubaker and I have no idea why
He's well worth your time.
Straight-up crime stories are his strength, so Criminal is Brubaker at his best. He writes a very believable reality, which means that superheroics or the supernatural tend to undermine his story. Thus Fatale left me cold, and his run on Gotham Central was great as a police procedural but lost me as a Batman story.
Himself and Phillips have been a team for donkey's years and even though I don't love everything they've produced, they haven't come up with a dud yet.

I've had Tom Strong on my shelf for twenty years and should give it a reappraisal. I read it at the time because it was Alan Moore, at whose altar I worshipped, and I felt that if it didn't thrill me then that was my fault. I suspected it of being meta or postmodern or whatever you call it.

Thanks for the heads up about Ed Brubaker, I'll start with Criminal, funnily enough it turned up in my local Oxfam a couple of weeks ago, but they wanted a tenner for it and I thought that was a bit much (and when I got home saw it was £3.55 on ebay). I'm on a self imposed ban in June as my backlog is ridiculous (when I've finished Tom Strong I've also got the Top 10 Compendium to read, as well as a lot of Dredd and Strontium Dog) but it's my birthday in July and I've put it on my Amazon Wishlist!

With Tom Strong I expected it to get meta, or suddenly become horrific, but I'm 19 issues in now and it just seems like it's Alan Moore having fun, playing around with mad superhero ideas, and I'm enjoying the crazy plots which nearly always come with a happy ending. I've still got 17 issues to go so it might go horribly wrong, but otherwise I think this was Moore allowing himself to write something that wasn't bleak or disturbing for once!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 01 June, 2023, 01:09:52 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 01 June, 2023, 12:35:52 PMWith Tom Strong I expected it to get meta, or suddenly become horrific, but I'm 19 issues in now and it just seems like it's Alan Moore having fun, playing around with mad superhero ideas, and I'm enjoying the crazy plots which nearly always come with a happy ending. I've still got 17 issues to go so it might go horribly wrong, but otherwise I think this was Moore allowing himself to write something that wasn't bleak or disturbing for once!

You've got it exacxtly. I think people would enjoy Tom Strong more if they didn't know who had written it. Moore's name carries certain expectations of metanarrative or genre deconstruction or whatever, but most of the America's Best line is just him having fun, simple as that.

You're just about at the absolute peak, BDK - issues 20-22 are the absolute high-water mark of the series for me. After that, Moore bows out, and a series of other writers take over. Their contributions vary massively, which is probably why the rest of the series feels less essential - Peter Hogan's probably the best, doing a very passable imitation of Moore (they brainstormed most of the plots together). There's a Michael Moorcock two-parter and a Steve Moore one-off that are just... not good. Which is surprising, given the pedigree of those writers, but there you go. Moore comes back to write the final issue, and without any spoilers, it's a crossover spectacular that might be a bit lost on you if you haven't read any of the rest of the America's Best line - particularly Promethea.

After that, please try to track down a copy of The Many Worlds of Tesla Strong - it's glorious stuff by Hogan, Sprouse and a plethora of guest artists (collected in a TPB called America's Best Comics). Then Hogan gamely kept the ball rolling a little longer with Tom Strong and the Robots of Doom, and Tom Strong and the Planet of Peril (this latter is a return to Terra Obscura, from issues 11-12; but you should read Hogan 's two Terra Obscura series first).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 02 June, 2023, 11:53:50 AM
Quote from: Dark Jimbo on 01 June, 2023, 01:09:52 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 01 June, 2023, 12:35:52 PMWith Tom Strong I expected it to get meta, or suddenly become horrific, but I'm 19 issues in now and it just seems like it's Alan Moore having fun, playing around with mad superhero ideas, and I'm enjoying the crazy plots which nearly always come with a happy ending. I've still got 17 issues to go so it might go horribly wrong, but otherwise I think this was Moore allowing himself to write something that wasn't bleak or disturbing for once!

You've got it exacxtly. I think people would enjoy Tom Strong more if they didn't know who had written it. Moore's name carries certain expectations of metanarrative or genre deconstruction or whatever, but most of the America's Best line is just him having fun, simple as that.

You're just about at the absolute peak, BDK - issues 20-22 are the absolute high-water mark of the series for me. After that, Moore bows out, and a series of other writers take over. Their contributions vary massively, which is probably why the rest of the series feels less essential - Peter Hogan's probably the best, doing a very passable imitation of Moore (they brainstormed most of the plots together). There's a Michael Moorcock two-parter and a Steve Moore one-off that are just... not good. Which is surprising, given the pedigree of those writers, but there you go. Moore comes back to write the final issue, and without any spoilers, it's a crossover spectacular that might be a bit lost on you if you haven't read any of the rest of the America's Best line - particularly Promethea.

After that, please try to track down a copy of The Many Worlds of Tesla Strong - it's glorious stuff by Hogan, Sprouse and a plethora of guest artists (collected in a TPB called America's Best Comics). Then Hogan gamely kept the ball rolling a little longer with Tom Strong and the Robots of Doom, and Tom Strong and the Planet of Peril (this latter is a return to Terra Obscura, from issues 11-12; but you should read Hogan 's two Terra Obscura series first).

Thanks for all of that, I have to admit to being disappointed to hear that Moore bows out for such a long period, I'd noticed Leah Moore had written a short one off and due to the list of writers at the beginning presumed that something similar would happen with them, and not that they were responsible for entire issues. Still, hopefully I'll like the rest a fair bit, and will definitely track down your other suggestions - Promethea in full is a little bit painfully expensive, so I'm not sure when though!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 05 June, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
I'm up to issue 25 now, I loved the Moore three parter but did immediately notice that there was a drop in quality with the Hogan issues, I enjoyed them well enough and the characterisation was still decent, but the plotting was nowhere near as innovative.

I'm taking a short break before finishing it off and read Hawkeye Vol.4 by Matt Fraction and Vol.5 by Jeff Lemire over the weekend. I have to say I'm not really a fan of Hawkeye (and really don't think Jeremy Renner's very good in the films) but I found the first volume of Matt Fraction's run in a charity shop and really enjoyed it. The big problem with the series is that Clint Barton's okay but not that interesting, and I much preferred the issues where Kate Bishop was the central character, and sometimes Fraction features a scene where a main character is repeatedly shot but the next issue they're in hospital and quickly recover, and given that they're both normal human beings and not superheroes felt a bit much. The fifth volume by Lemire is fairly good as well, but he left the series after the second, so I'll pick that up soon, but I don't know if there is currently a Hawkeye comic being released, or if it's any good.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 07 June, 2023, 09:14:16 PM
Bitch Planet Vol. 1 and 2 - Absolutely loved this, and I can't remember the last time I was so tense while reading a comic as I had no idea how it would end and if it would be bleak or not. The only frustration is that Vol.3 is supposed to be finished one day, but Kelly Sue DeConnick has been busy with other projects (and according to one twitter comment, "real life", but I've not been able to find out quite what was meant by that). Still, hopefully one day it'll eventually come out...).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 12 June, 2023, 02:24:04 PM
I finished Tom Strong and perhaps it was due to lowered expectations but I enjoyed a fair amount of it, the stories by Joe Casey and Brian K.Vaughan especially, and the only one I really struggled with was by Steve Aylett, it reminded me of the Garth Marenghi quote "I know writers who use subtext and they're all cowards, every one of them" as it was so on the nose and spelt out all of the themes it was dealing with, and that was a surprise as I quite liked his novel Lint.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 12 June, 2023, 05:00:12 PM
Still plodding through Stephen King's oeuvre and the latest read, The Dark Half.  One of those I never got around to back in the day and more fool me.  One of his subtly disturbing ones.  The usual selection of New York and New England scenes. 

A bit more of a supernatural one in some respects although as always with King that side of things is downplayed.  I mean you know that there is something a bit creepy / funky going on but it's also natural enough on one level that it feels real.

It's a bit like the Dark Tower sequence (just under half way through that).  There's that mixture of science fiction, fantasy and horror that makes it a little difficult to pigeon hole.  In the case of George Stark, the 'monster' of this piece, you can see shades of the villain of the Stand and Dark Tower in him, even some of the more disturbing characters of the Talisman (another one that shares that sort of hybrid "where the hell do you categorise this one" vibe with Dark Tower.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 19 June, 2023, 09:15:21 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 12 June, 2023, 05:00:12 PMStill plodding through Stephen King's oeuvre and the latest read, The Dark Half
I remember liking The Dark Half, even though the hero is, yet again, a successful writer. How many books does that make, Stevie?
I'm rereading The Body and I'd forgotten that the narrator is a novelist.
Just in case that detail slips the reader's mind, there's a whole lengthy chapter comprising one of the narrator's early short stories. As a digression it adds nothing, but as a self-indulgent way to derail the story and piss off the reader it works remarkably well.
And now I'm suddenly thinking of all those shorter stories where the narrator – usually not a professional writer – is recounting horrible goings-on for our benefit. You know the sort of thing:
'I'm now trapped in this cabin and I think I can hear them scrabbling around outside in the dark. I'm just jotting this down on a yellow legal pad before they break in...'

The hasty jottings then go on for page after page after page, often closing with something along the lines of, 'I've no more time! They're here! Oh my God! Aargh!'

I'm probably being unfair to Mr. King, but I still get the impression that New England is largely inhabited by abominable things and by people who write compulsively and at great length in times of stress.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 19 June, 2023, 09:20:07 AM
That's one of my favourite tropes in horror fiction. HPL himself is pretty guilty of it. I absolutely love the idea that as some horrible thing busts through the window someone is taking time to write 'It's coming through the window! The eyes! The horror!'

To link back to 2000ad I also love the early issues of stuff like Flesh where people say 'Oh no, the pincers! They're cutting me in half!' or something.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 19 June, 2023, 10:15:42 AM
It would really jazz up a memorial service.

Barrington Boots has gone to his reward, but his last words remain to inspire us.
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 19 June, 2023, 09:20:07 AM'Oh no, the pincers! They're cutting me in half!'
Rest in peace, Barry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dark Jimbo on 19 June, 2023, 10:20:56 AM
Quote from: JohnWare on 19 June, 2023, 09:15:21 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 12 June, 2023, 05:00:12 PMStill plodding through Stephen King's oeuvre and the latest read, The Dark Half
I remember liking The Dark Half, even though the hero is, yet again, a successful writer. How many books does that make, Stevie?

I've been reading a lot of King myself and started wondering about this - it's so tropey it's ridiculous. There's Ben Mears from Salem's Lot; Jack Torrance from The Shining; Bill Denbrough from It; Paul Sheldon from Misery; Thaddeus from the aforementioned Dark Half; Bobbi Anderson from The Tommyknockers; Mike Noonan from Bag of Bones; Scott Landon from Lisey's Story;  More Rainey from Secret Window, Secret Garden; Thurston Marshall in Under the Dome, and, if you're so inclined, Stephen King in The Dark Tower series.

And that's just professional writer characters from the main novels. You've also got the likes of the eponymous Billy Summers, and Jake Epping from 11/22/63, who are writing novels during the downtime of their adventures...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 19 June, 2023, 10:28:04 AM
Red in The Shawshank Redemption not only wrote out most of the story before his release but shoved what was presumably quite a big roll of cheap stationery up his arse so he could get it out of prison undetected.
Neither Stephen King's nor his characters' prose is sufficiently succinct to bear rectal insertion.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 20 June, 2023, 06:47:15 AM
Speak for yourself.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: The Legendary Shark on 20 June, 2023, 07:40:33 AM

The Brown Mile?

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 23 June, 2023, 02:18:05 PM
Strangers In Paradise - I was a big fan of Terry Moore's Rachel Rising but hadn't read anything else by him, so when I saw this had been republished I bought it asap, I'm only half way through at the moment but am enjoying it an enormous amount. I got it for just under £17 from Speedyhen, and considering it's 480 pages I think it's a huge bargain, and I'm already looking forward to getting the second volume when it's reprinted later this year.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 23 June, 2023, 03:23:27 PM
I've always been in two minds about getting into this.
On the one hand: big solid lump of non-superhero comics for twenty quid.
On the other: divergent opinions I've heard down the years.

The impression I get is that Strangers In Paradise is firmly rooted in the nineties, and I didn't like the nineties. Then there's a random comment I just read describing it as 'the kitschy soap opera version of Locas (from Love and Rockets)'.
Locas delighted me when I finally gave it my time a few years ago, and I don't want to have anything to do with something that's comparable but doesn't quite match up.
I had a look at some of Terry Moore's art while I was dithering and, pretty though it is, Jaime Hernandez it ain't.
Some other time, perhaps, when I'm feeling more indulgent.

(In my dithering I accidentally purchased the Kindle edition of one of the SiP volumes and instantly had to ask for a refund. Damn these clumsy fingers of mine, and damn Amazon for making it too easy.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 26 June, 2023, 03:19:49 PM
Quote from: JohnWare on 23 June, 2023, 03:23:27 PMI've always been in two minds about getting into this.
On the one hand: big solid lump of non-superhero comics for twenty quid.
On the other: divergent opinions I've heard down the years.

The impression I get is that Strangers In Paradise is firmly rooted in the nineties, and I didn't like the nineties. Then there's a random comment I just read describing it as 'the kitschy soap opera version of Locas (from Love and Rockets)'.
Locas delighted me when I finally gave it my time a few years ago, and I don't want to have anything to do with something that's comparable but doesn't quite match up.
I had a look at some of Terry Moore's art while I was dithering and, pretty though it is, Jaime Hernandez it ain't.
Some other time, perhaps, when I'm feeling more indulgent.

(In my dithering I accidentally purchased the Kindle edition of one of the SiP volumes and instantly had to ask for a refund. Damn these clumsy fingers of mine, and damn Amazon for making it too easy.)

I've never got in to Love and Rockets as there seems to be so much of it, and I didn't know where to start. I plan to rectify that soon (it's my birthday next month and family always get me Amazon vouchers) and the first volume is really cheap, so shall look forward to checking it out.

From what I read on wikipedia Strangers In Paradise seems a little more reality based (there's certainly none of the magic realism that's mention on the L&R wikipedia page, not that I dislike the device) and I feel the characters are really well written. I'm very fond of Terry Moore's art too, I think he's superb at capturing quite nuanced emotional moments, though occasionally it can be a little cartoonish (and not when it's deliberately trying to be).

I didn't really feel that it was majorly influenced by the nineties, certainly there's very few pop culture references, and if it is of it's time it's more that the women have to put up with obnoxious comments in the work place, or are treated only as sex objects by some of the men (though not by all, I should stress).

I've almost finished the first volume now and I do have some minor issues with it, but overall it's something I'm very fond of, largely as I've enjoyed spending time with these characters so much, and reading a comic where not every storyline is about the hero preventing the destruction of the universe (not that I am knocking such a thing, and am  very fond of many!).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 26 June, 2023, 04:29:01 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 26 June, 2023, 03:19:49 PMI've never got in to Love and Rockets as there seems to be so much of it,
There is so much of it, but the recent Fantagraphics reprints arrange them nicely.
I started with Locas by Jaime Hernandez and read them in order. The art in the first volume (Maggie the Mechanic) is beautiful but the story is all over the place. Happily I was in the right frame of mind for it and kept right on.
Subsequent volumes ditch the magical realism for the most part and are all the better for it, even as the art becomes streamlined and simplified. My feeling (subjective and sentimental as it is) is that The Girl from H.O.P.P.E.R.S and Perla La Loca are as good as comics get.
QuoteI've enjoyed spending time with these characters so much
That's me with Love & Rockets.
The stories run in real time, so we see the characters age, and such is Hernandez's talent that they're as recognisable at fifteen as they are at fifty. They come and they go and we drop in on them from time to time over the years and find out what they've been doing.
QuoteI didn't really feel that it was majorly influenced by the nineties
That's not the case here. Once the 'Rockets' thing is shoved aside early on, it's set very much in its time and place, starting with the early '80s punk scene on the unfashionable edge of greater Los Angeles.
 
After reading all of Locas I had a go at the Palomar stories written by Gilbert Hernandez. None other than Alan Moore prefers them, and that should be more than enough of a recommendation for anyone, but I just didn't like them as much. As the Bearded Master says, the storytelling is better, but while I appreciate it, and like it very much in places, I never quite warmed to it. There's a steady undertone of tragedy and ugliness, and Gilbert's art certainly doesn't do it for me like Jaime's.
Still, like it or not, I can't deny that the first two volumes – Heartbreak Soup and Human Diastrophism – are excellent.

Do what I did and buy a big stack all at once so you have little choice but to immerse yourself.
Why not? Otherwise you'll just be spending your Amazon vouchers on sweet liqueurs and Pokemon cards (not – I swear – that that's what I'd do).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Blue Cactus on 26 June, 2023, 11:18:24 PM
Love and Rockets is my favourite comic alongside 2000ad. It's wonderful. I prefer Jaime's stuff too, Gilbert's is wilder and more difficult in places, although I still love all the Palomar stuff. Some of the stories are absolutely brilliant. I've found his more recent output much trickier to get into, and even to categorise, but at this point he can do what he likes really. Jaime's Locas stories, still ongoing, probably constitutes my favourite work of fiction in any medium. I've had friends who couldn't get into the earliest stuff and it's definitely all over the place to start with but I started at the beginning and seeing in develop and continue developing is a fantastic journey.

By contrast I tried Strangers in Paradise book 1, years ago now, but found it really annoying. I'd never thought of contrasting it with L&R and don't want to put anyone off trying it, people love it, I just found the tone of it quite irritating.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 28 June, 2023, 05:05:30 AM
Quote from: JohnWare on 26 June, 2023, 04:29:01 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 26 June, 2023, 03:19:49 PMI've never got in to Love and Rockets as there seems to be so much of it,
Do what I did and buy a big stack all at once so you have little choice but to immerse yourself.
Why not? Otherwise you'll just be spending your Amazon vouchers on sweet liqueurs and Pokemon cards (not – I swear – that that's what I'd do).

I'm definitely going get the first volume and see how I get on with it before splurging, but I'm pretty good with Amazon vouchers and tend to either use them on books I either can't normally afford (or I could afford them, but if they turned out terrible I'd be really frustrated!) or volumes of an ongoing series one at a time. It's been what I've given for years, and have only ever spent it on Trade paperbacks in the past.

Right now my backlog is ridiculous as well, including Moore's Top 10, Dredd Case Files 4 - 9, Strontium Dog 1, Grant Morrisons' Batman run (I'm up tp RIP at the moment), Thor volumes 2, 4 and 5 in Jason Aaron's Thor run, and a whole host of first volumes, so I plan to get Love and Rockets, but it might be a while before I read it!

QuoteBy contrast I tried Strangers in Paradise book 1, years ago now, but found it really annoying. I'd never thought of contrasting it with L&R and don't want to put anyone off trying it, people love it, I just found the tone of it quite irritating.

I get that and it's one of those comics that I love but I have good friends who probably would hate it, but it just worked for really well for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 04 July, 2023, 09:27:53 AM
Thor by Jason Aaron The Complete Collection Vol. 2 - Before Vol.1 I don't think I'd read any Thor comics before, and when he popped up as an Avenger he never seemed that interesting. But I love Jason Aaron's take on the character, and the series in general, the first volume took a little too long to get going and The God Butcher is slightly repetitive as Aaron keeps on reminding us just how awful everything is and how evil your Butcher fella is too. But after that story ends it became a lot more enjoyable, while Volume 2 is an absolute delight. I love the first story as Dario Agger is being an absolute s*** on Earth, and the fight between old Thor and Galactus was even more entertaining, but the best part of the volume was Thor losing his worthiness (off pafe, admittedly, but I do have the Original Sin graphic novel to read after this) and the new Thor taking over, and the reveal of who it is was beautifully done. And then there's "Thors" which is very silly, but very enjoyable too. 4.5/5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 07 July, 2023, 05:58:48 PM
My guiltiest pleasure in comics has always been Claremont's run on X-men.  Probably because it was about this time that I became aware of / interested in American comics courtesy of the Eagle Comic reprints of Dredd.

I've just finished the latest Omnibus running through to Issue 209 with fantastic John Romita Jr artwork.  The storylines running into the Mutant Massacre crossover (probably the only decent one Marvel really did) are for me some of the strongest Claremont did.  There is a darkness and brutality but also a frankness to them.  Romita Jr's artwork matches the scripts perfectly.

There is a real sense of struggle that is often missing in other stories.  The team appear both vulnerable and traumatised by their experiences, struggling to come to terms with growing challenges.  This is so different to many other titles in which the characters just seem to shrug off whatever happens to them.

This is before the X-men grew into the insane behemoth they were to become.  Over time they lost everything that made them interesting and engaging.  Marvel sucked the life out of them.  The most recent attempt to reboot the title is a soulless piece of work, a far cry from these issues.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 July, 2023, 11:28:29 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 07 July, 2023, 05:58:48 PMMy guiltiest pleasure in comics has always been Claremont's run on X-men.  Probably because it was about this time that I became aware of / interested in American comics courtesy of the Eagle Comic reprints of Dredd.

I've just finished the latest Omnibus running through to Issue 209 with fantastic John Romita Jr artwork.  The storylines running into the Mutant Massacre crossover (probably the only decent one Marvel really did) are for me some of the strongest Claremont did.  There is a darkness and brutality but also a frankness to them.  Romita Jr's artwork matches the scripts perfectly.

There is a real sense of struggle that is often missing in other stories.  The team appear both vulnerable and traumatised by their experiences, struggling to come to terms with growing challenges.  This is so different to many other titles in which the characters just seem to shrug off whatever happens to them.

This is before the X-men grew into the insane behemoth they were to become.  Over time they lost everything that made them interesting and engaging.  Marvel sucked the life out of them.  The most recent attempt to reboot the title is a soulless piece of work, a far cry from these issues.

It's the curse of any long running comic a lot of the time though, as writers try to bring something new to the table despite the series having run for sixty years plus. Sometimes the occasional writer manages it, which I guess is what makes people keep reading it, but I have to admit that right now I'm happy to wait until someone's run ends, and if the reviews are positive then I'll pick it up, but if not then I'll happily ignore it.

Manhattan Projects Volumes 1 - 4 by Jonathan Hickman - Man I love this, I'm actually really annoyed as I ordered the final two volumes from Amazon on Thursday and they've not arrived yet, and I know it's not that long a time but that's the effect the series has had on me, I'm addicted to it and dying to know how it ends!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 20 July, 2023, 06:38:16 PM
... and probably the weirdest for this forum.  I've had the Oxford History of England on my bookshelf for years.  Dipped into t from time to time but that's about it.  With my eldest doing A level history last year I found myself revisiting the volumes relating to the period she was studying but then asking myself serious questions about what came before.

Long story short, working my way through from the start.  Currently on the post-Norman invasion stuff.  It is actually quite interesting when you consider a lot of the debates kicking around at the moment.  The period between the Romans and the Normans was incredibly chaotic what with the regular 'visits' from Scandinavian friends.  The idea of a coherent 'England' just doesn't work.

I'm still trying to make up my mind about the implications of the Norman conquest.  On the one level it did bring about a bit more stability until William carked it.  The everything seems to go wahoonie shaped.  Now you've got the bastard Norman lords picking fights with each other and not much in the way of order.  At the same time though it feels like a lot of the seeds of the crap we deal with today are lain around this time.

The one good thing about TOHE is that it cycles around themes.  Not just the political stuff or the religious shenanigans (on a par with some of the political crap).  It lays out how society, industry, economy and the arts developed during each period.  So overall you get a fairly complete picture of what things were like. [reading through the Anglo Saxon period stuff kept putting me in mind of Black Shuck, a series that never completely clicked with me but that I might have to revisit now ...]

The writing can be a bit dated at times, hardly surprising for books that were written over 50 years ago.  Personally I'm finding them quite lightweight and engaging.  There are probably better and more up-to-date books covering each of these periods.  Certainly I know there is a completely new series now.  That said, there is plenty to commend this set.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 20 July, 2023, 07:48:21 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 20 July, 2023, 06:38:16 PMCurrently on the post-Norman invasion stuff.  It is actually quite interesting when you consider a lot of the debates kicking around at the moment. 

You've reminded me of something I feel I have to tell my students when I'm teaching them about the long long-ago:
You might be able to trace a thread of continuity from the then to the now, but you can't demonstrate a convincing chain of cause and effect stretching over a thousand years.
There are just too many variables at work over that length of time.
The practical upshot of that? History is not a justification for anything. (Like for instance, just because the people who built Kyiv back in the 10th century called themselves Russians doesn't mean that Putin has a claim on the place now.)

Anyway, this came to mind last week when I accompanied a group of students on a tour of the home of an Anglo-Norman family who landed in Ireland in the 12th century.
The traditional history is all about invasion and dispossession, and here we were being shown round the house of one of the conquerors. (More than eight hundred years after they hit the beach they're still at the same postal address.) It occurred to me though, while I was ruminating on my own ancestors who had fought for the republic, that the owner's family had been in Ireland a good three and a half centuries longer than my own forebears, who blew in from Hertfordshire or somewhere in the reign of Bloody Mary.
So there was no point starting a fight as to who had a more rightful claim to the land of Ireland – especially since his lordship provided us with some really nice sandwiches.

But what am I reading?
Charles M. Schulz, The Complete Peanuts, 1960 to 1961.
A delight. Puts me right in my happy place.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 21 July, 2023, 04:09:21 PM
Aye.  It's amazing how often we hear comments about so many of our great institutions and how old they are.  never mind how much it figures in debates ...

"we need to stop this invasion of small boats..."

er ... Romans, Vikings, Normans, Danes ...

I mean, I can't talk.  Turns out my old man was a GI baby.  Grandpappy buggered off back to the states after Normandy.  Oh, and his family came from Germany ...  What can I say, eh?

Complete Peanuts eh?  That collection takes pride of place.  The Fantagraphics run in box sets.  An outstanding collection from an amazing creator.  The only one that comes anywhere near it is Calvin and Hobbes.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Funt Solo on 21 July, 2023, 04:47:36 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 20 July, 2023, 06:38:16 PMThe writing can be a bit dated at times, hardly surprising for books that were written over 50 years ago.

You may be interested in The Anglo-Saxons (Morris 2021) - which covers Britain's history from when the Romans buggered off to pretty much the day before the Battle of Hastings.

---

I'm reading Light Perpetual (Sapkowski 2022) - a historical fantasy set during the Hussite Wars of Bohemia in the 1400s. As you might expect from The Witcher's author, he manages to ground things like gnomes in a solid reality, liven up some dusty history and tell a story of to blave*. Sometimes in latin, the fiend.

For comics, I'm mostly re-reading old Dredd-verse stuff as part of my Dreddworld mapping project.


*The Princess Bride
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 21 July, 2023, 05:03:45 PM
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 21 July, 2023, 04:47:36 PMYou may be interested in The Anglo-Saxons (Morris 2021) - which covers Britain's history from when the Romans buggered off to pretty much the day before the Battle of Hastings.
I've been studying or teaching Anglo-Saxon England since 1989, so I feel that any new findings in the field should be suppressed lest I be expected to spend time reading them or – heaven forbid – revise long-held suppositions.
For fiction set in that world, I still think it's hard to beat Julian Rathbone, The Last English King. Just plain clever, that one – and entertaining with it.


Quote from: Tjm86 on 21 July, 2023, 04:09:21 PMComplete Peanuts eh?  That collection takes pride of place.  The Fantagraphics run in box sets.  An outstanding collection from an amazing creator.  The only one that comes anywhere near it is Calvin and Hobbes.
There's a coincidence.
I'm having something of an employment windfall at the moment so I forked out a hundred euro for the complete Calvin & Hobbes. It nearly ruptured the postman when it arrived on Tuesday, and is so grand a production that I haven't yet had the courage to remove the cellophane.

The past few years, whenever I come into any money, I put a chunk of it toward my fast-approaching old age and then I buy comics with whatever's left over.
I''m not sure I've got this maturity thing quite figured out.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Blue Cactus on 21 July, 2023, 05:09:28 PM
Quote from: JohnW on 21 July, 2023, 05:03:45 PM
Quote from: Funt Solo [R] on 21 July, 2023, 04:47:36 PMYou may be interested in The Anglo-Saxons (Morris 2021) - which covers Britain's history from when the Romans buggered off to pretty much the day before the Battle of Hastings.
I've been studying or teaching Anglo-Saxon England since 1989, so I feel that any new findings in the field should be suppressed lest I be expected to spend time reading them or – heaven forbid – revise long-held suppositions.
For fiction set in that world, I still think it's hard to beat Julian Rathbone, The Last English King. Just plain clever, that one – and entertaining with it.


Quote from: Tjm86 on 21 July, 2023, 04:09:21 PMComplete Peanuts eh?  That collection takes pride of place.  The Fantagraphics run in box sets.  An outstanding collection from an amazing creator.  The only one that comes anywhere near it is Calvin and Hobbes.
There's a coincidence.
I'm having something of an employment windfall at the moment so I forked out a hundred euro for the complete Calvin & Hobbes. It nearly ruptured the postman when it arrived on Tuesday, and is so grand a production that I haven't yet had the courage to remove the cellophane.

The past few years, whenever I come into any money, I put a chunk of it toward my fast-approaching old age and then I buy comics with whatever's left over.
I''m not sure I've got this maturity thing quite figured out.

I was working in a bookshop when this was published and somehow ended up getting a free copy from the publishers. I still haven't taken the shrink wrap off. Must have been in 20007!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 22 July, 2023, 11:39:20 AM
Quote from: Blue Cactus on 21 July, 2023, 05:09:28 PM... somehow ended up getting a free copy from the publishers. I still haven't taken the shrink wrap off. Must have been in 20007!

so only a couple of centuries to go then?  ::)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Blue Cactus on 24 July, 2023, 09:24:42 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 22 July, 2023, 11:39:20 AM
Quote from: Blue Cactus on 21 July, 2023, 05:09:28 PM... somehow ended up getting a free copy from the publishers. I still haven't taken the shrink wrap off. Must have been in 20007!

so only a couple of centuries to go then?  ::)

Nothing like building anticipation.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 03 August, 2023, 12:55:01 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 July, 2023, 11:28:29 PMManhattan Projects Volumes 1 - 4 by Jonathan Hickman - Man I love this, I'm actually really annoyed as I ordered the final two volumes from Amazon on Thursday and they've not arrived yet, and I know it's not that long a time but that's the effect the series has had on me, I'm addicted to it and dying to know how it ends!

Manhattan Projects Volumes 5, 6 by Jonathan Hickman - After adoring the first four volumes the fifth felt like it didn't really know where it was going, and the sixth was fine until the last issue and an ending I hate so much there aren't words, and I really regret reading it now, or these last two volumes at least. 1/5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 03 August, 2023, 01:02:58 PM
I'm still reading Tarzan books!

Comic-wise I did get a bunch of stuff from the Forbidden Planet sale and have been chewing my way through it and realising why the stuff that was in the sale was in the sale.

I mostly enjoyed Chimera Brigade, although I can best compare it to TLOEG but where you really have to pay attention - the storytelling is not always straightforward and some of the pulp references are very obscure (I'd forgotten all about Felifax!). It's not a conventional superteam book but it's beautifully strange and the art is very Mignola-esque 'although points are lost for having the only female in the brigade itself naked. I only got volumes 1-3 and the next volume seems well out of print which is annoying.

The there's Sally of the Wasteland which I picked up for Tazio Bettin's art and turned out to be a story about an exceptionally annoying Whedon-esque idiot killing her way through the post-apocalypse. Sets out to be grindhousey, so lots of violence and some nudity. If you switch your brain off it rattles along and looks glorious but not sure I need to read it again.

Disappointingly It Came! was pretty drossy. Loved the presentation of it being a 50s B-movie and again looked lovely but the story lacked interest, the protagnoists were annoying at best and the 'old thing' gag was overused to the books great detriment.

Non sale stuff, top of the list is David Petersen's exceptionally beautiful Mouse Guard which was much better than War of the Bounty Hunters, which was my first foray into Star Wars comics in years and turned out to be one of those things where you have to read the main series and about a dozen other comics to get the full story. Never change Marvel!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 27 August, 2023, 09:54:39 AM
I finished reading all of the main series Discworld novels last night.
It has been a ride seeing how the series changed and developed from one book to the next.
The peak of the series happened before The Last Hero
I was certainly less impressed with the last few books and I'm really unsure about the final one.  The afterword seemed to contained a caveat that it wasn't actually finished and I can see that.  On the one hand I can see how it may be regarded as a nice way to end the Tiffany Aching series and the series in general... on the other hand I think it should have been left on the shelf and Raising Steam was the last book.  That book was about how the Discworld was changing and would never be the same again and that would have been a great beat to end on.  I also think I Shall Wear Midnight was a nicer point to end Tiffany Aching's story.
Still good books and enjoyable reads.  Going to need to cleanse my palette after this, though.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 29 August, 2023, 12:38:02 PM
I've been reading and enjoying Bob Balaban's Close Encounters Of The Third King diary, though it makes it very clear how dull making a movie can be, he includes lots of amusing anecdotes, and his description of Spielberg is fascinating, for a director to have so much confidence at a relatively young age and tackle this huge project with such enthusiasm has really impressed me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 29 August, 2023, 12:55:38 PM
I've moved on from Burroughs and am now reading some 1960s spy books by pulp master John Glasby under one of his many pen names. They're slim volumes where a generic, bland tough spy bloke called Steve stoicly has a spy adventure. Villainous 'Reds' and femme fatales abound.

Finding them alright so far: they're a bit like James Bond books, which are very different beasts to the films, but less violent and Steve the Spy is more bland which actually makes him preferable to Bond tbh. Obviously the covers rule.

Quote from: pictsy on 27 August, 2023, 09:54:39 AMI finished reading all of the main series Discworld novels last night.
It has been a ride seeing how the series changed and developed from one book to the next.

How did you find the general shift in the Discworld books Pictsy?
I don't own them all but I did a re-read a while back and found the earlier works less enjoyable than I remembered: then they got really good, and then they started falling off again. Not read Last Hero, but of the books following I didn't enjoy Unseen Academicals or Snuff. Interested to see if your experience mirrored my own in any way.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 29 August, 2023, 01:55:55 PM
I have to confess to having loved Pratchett's work for many a long year.  That may possibly have affected my view of the last book in the Aching sequence.  I would however agree that the last few books lacked some of the joie de vivre of some of the earlier works.  Hardly surprising considering that he was grappling with his embuggerence during that period.

Always said that the first few books don't often stand up too well to prolonged scrutiny.  Not bad, just not as good as stuff once he got into his stride which was really around about Mort.  As time goes on Ankh Morpork seems to evolve from a sort of standard medieval fantasy scene to something resembling a sort of Victorian London, albeit with some lingering residue of his earlier perspectives. 

The Long Earth books seem more influenced by Baxter than Pratchett, certainly as the series progresses.  Fortunately not as pessimistic as his work can get.  Never come across a writer who so cheerfully kills off his entire cast in the closing pages as Baxter does.

As for his sci-fi books Strata and Dark Side of the Sun, strictly for completionists if I'm honest.  Strata's best gag is on the back cover.  Good Omens is a little bit like that in some respects.  It starts off with a great idea but seems to get to a point where Gaiman and Pratchett realised that they needed to land the book somehow.  That's the point at which it started to wobble a little.

I'd have to say that your experience mirrors mine, Bootsy.  Last Hero is not bad but probably more in line with some of the earliest books from the Discworld series.  There is also Eric, a take-off of Faust that is probably about on a par.

As for my current Reading list ... let's see, on a bit of a Fantasy kick right now with Feist's Kings Buccaneer on a re-read to see if the series deserves some of the dissatisfaction I once had with it.  That said, IIRC this is still in the phase where it felt like reasonable brain candy.  Feist is a writer that requires little if any cognitive engagement at times so ...

Alongside this then is the latest Moorcock (for me, anyway) Sailor on the Sea of Fate for a more stimulating read.  Plus a dip into Cooper's Dark is Rising sequence and Garner's Weirdstone of Brisinghamen. 

Yes, I know these are technically children's classics but I guess I'm looking at contrasting different writers.  Cooper is interesting for the difference between the first and second book.  The first reads very much as a sort of fantasy version of Famous Five whilst the second is more akin to the Robin Hood series of the eighties with its exploration of olde-English paganism.  My recollection of Weirdstone is that it is more in this mold.  Be interesting to see how it stacks up.

Feist's work very much draws on American D&D perspectives on medieval Britain.  Sort of an idealised feudalism, full of honest but noble commoners elevated for service to the crown alongside nobles with a "deep sense of duty" to those they rule over.  Mixed in with mystical beings and generally a plot that revolves around some sort of evil that turns out to be the catspaw of a much greater evil ... hence my previous dissatisfaction.  The only saving grace is that Feist generally manages to write sympathetic characters and sets a pace that just rattles along so you don't notice the flaw too much. 
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 29 August, 2023, 02:29:14 PM
After a brief(ish) diversion into the delights of Alan Moore's short story collection, 'Illuminations', I've returned to Joe Abercrombie's 'Age of Madness' trilogy for the final volume.

Moore's book is great — generally fairly light and playful in tone with prose as dense and erudite as one might expect. The lengthy centrepiece, 'What Can We Know About Thunderman' (270ish pages... a short story? Really, Alan?) could, IMO, have used the sterner attentions of an editor. It's very funny, but as the caustic vignettes of thinly disguised figures from the American comic industry pile up, after a while it's a little... much. None of it is bad — far from it, but, somehow, there's just too much of it. Kind of like the literary equivalent of overdoing it at the all-you-can-eat buffet. Nonetheless, well worth a read.

Bit of a change in pace/tone going back to Abercrombie after that. His prose remains oddly artless (though much-improved from his earlier work) but he knows how to tell a story and 'The Wisdom of Crowds' rattles along like, well, pretty much all of his books. Unchallenging, nasty fun.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 29 August, 2023, 04:11:13 PM

I've just finished Stray Bullets - Sunshine and Roses and let it be said once again David and Maria Lapham's Stray Bullets is the very, very best comics out there. Not just crime comics, not just any type of comics its they very best comics full stop. Do I like it more than Concrete, Cerebus (1-200), whatever other comcis get to the very, very top of my pile when the dealings done... maybe, maybe I do. Today certainly after just reading it the answer is yes. But that would like flip when I'd just finished some other classic or other.

Sunshine and Roses feels different and yet so the same than the first 42 issue run, specifically as it tells a single story over about a year in relatively chronological order. There's the odd deviation, side story, or non-chronological bit but overall this is a far more focused narrative.

So confession time there are some things about Stray Bullets I don't like, namely (and don't hate me Stray Bullets fans) the Amy Racecar issues. They just bounce off me and I know they are many folks favs. Here they feel particularly distracting. We are getting all the insight and character pieces without these fantastical diversions. Ginny isn't about so it interesting to think of them being Ginny's storytelling insights into a tell she's told by Beth and that should add a layer of interest, but for me it just doesn't and they bounce off me. The way they creep through alien mindwaves into the main tale is intriguing... but still they bounce. BUT what the heck they are appear every 7 to 8 issues and don't get in the way too much of the regular flow.

You could also argue that the ending getting a little over the top. I've felt this before with Stray Bullets, sometime they ending can be a little bombastic and drama played with a little too much violence and bloodshed and here we reach level like never before. Yet its entirely compelling and in the context of main themes of the piece, how violence crashes into lives utterly destroying them, at the end of a single 42 issue story the scale of it all might actually be needed to carry that theme through.

So these comics aren't perfect... and yet they are. The focus on Beth, Orson and Nina and the Baltimore crew that at first hold them 'captive' as Beth makes plans upon plans and then chase them across the country is amazing. We know the story that sets all this in motion its one of the first in the original series. We know how this ends up we get a final end to Beth and Orson's story around issue 20 of the original series and going into this when it dawned on me that the gap between those two stories in the first series was 'all this would be' I was a little disappointed. I mean it worked as it was in the original series. I didn't need the gap filling... or so I thought. Spending so much time with Beth, getting to meet her family, being introduced to Kretchmeyer a cast of simply astonishing, wonderful and despicible characters was an utter delight and horror. As Stray Bullets is almost always.

Anyway look don't listen to me, stop reading this and go check out these simply amazing comics. You will not regret it.

Cool Beans.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 02 September, 2023, 08:44:41 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 29 August, 2023, 04:11:13 PMCool Beans.
I have to agree with pretty much all of this.

I don't like everything Lapham's done, but this - while not perfect - is one of my absolute favourite comics.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dash Decent on 04 September, 2023, 10:00:42 AM
I'm enjoying Taxtopia by the Rebel Accountant (no relation to Rebel Wilson).  It's sort of like the "Secret Barrister" books, discussing the shortfalls and goings-on of a particular profession.  The Darkest Judge is on hold over in the corner as some of the art is just woeful and there's a panel or two where the action is unclear, which stopped me enjoying it.  Also slowly re-reading* Uncle by J P Martin, a mid 1960s children's book about a rich elephant.  Eventually spawning another five titles, the books were madly driven up in price for a long time thanks to being illustrated by the young Quentin Blake.  (Pre-Dahl, I think.  It was his second or third commission, from memory.)

* "Slowly re-reading" as in, when I feel like picking it up.  Not, running my finger along the page as I slowly sound out the syllables.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 21 September, 2023, 04:36:37 PM
I started the first "Metrobook" collection of Kurt Busiek's Astro City last night.
Been meaning to pick up collections of this series for a while, as I only have sporadic single issues (gold dust in the 90's) from the initial, aptly named, Homage run(s), and never really gave the later Vertigo iteration a chance (cruelly pre-cut from a then sprawling pull-list. How times have changed).

This format suits the armchair reader quite comfortably - just chunky enough of a softcover, with pretty decent reproduction values.

So far so good - a fond re-read of the classic Confessions, and a few one-off stories that I had never read previously.
Busiek is a master of the genre, I had forgotten just how good a writer he is.
He seems to have that rare ability to effortlessly hold the readers attention.

I'm in for the next Metrobook collection at the very least, and find myself pleased that there is a bit of a spandex flavour back in my regular reading material.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: pictsy on 21 September, 2023, 10:07:50 PM
I have been ploughing through Naruto recently.  Mostly by accident.  I felt like reading something light for 20 minutes one day, plucked the first book from my shelves and have been almost obsessively reading it since.

I find it fascinating trying to figure out what I love so much about an incredibly flawed series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 22 September, 2023, 07:49:18 AM
It's iconic to people of my particular generation for a reason, and though it never gelled with me I can not deny Kishimoto is an accomplished artist with a singular vision I'm glad worked out for him.

Now, Eichiro Oda and his modern odyssey One Piece, that was and will always be my jam...
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hebrew613 on 30 September, 2023, 10:55:30 PM
I recently picked up vols 7 and 8 of a Cinebook comic called Orbital. They're kids comics really but the Pelle & Runberg combo makes for a very engrossing story and art. The story is sci-fi with great characters that are likeable and engaging and the art is to die for - warm soft colours, very detailed and really takes you right there. They have even started a spin off so looking forward to vol one of that when it arrives. Strongly recommended for just a fun sci-fi trip
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 01 October, 2023, 10:20:37 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 21 September, 2023, 04:36:37 PMI started the first "Metrobook" collection of Kurt Busiek's Astro City last night.
Been meaning to pick up collections of this series for a while, as I only have sporadic single issues (gold dust in the 90's) from the initial, aptly named, Homage run(s), and never really gave the later Vertigo iteration a chance (cruelly pre-cut from a then sprawling pull-list. How times have changed).

This format suits the armchair reader quite comfortably - just chunky enough of a softcover, with pretty decent reproduction values.

So far so good - a fond re-read of the classic Confessions, and a few one-off stories that I had never read previously.
Busiek is a master of the genre, I had forgotten just how good a writer he is.
He seems to have that rare ability to effortlessly hold the readers attention.

I'm in for the next Metrobook collection at the very least, and find myself pleased that there is a bit of a spandex flavour back in my regular reading material.


I really liked Astro City, but it's so long ago now I can't remember how much of it I've read. I noticed that Image have started reprinting the series in Omnibus editions (or "Metrobooks", as they call them) and at around £20 for 18 or so issues they seem a bit of a bargain, so I'll add them to my Amazon wishlist and hopefully around Christmas pick up a couple.

I've just finished Jason Aaron's Thor run, for my money it peaked with Jane Foster taking on the role, and after all of the build up The War of the Realms disappointed, but I loved his final four issues, and they ended on a very satisfying note, which is all too rare with mainstream DC and Marvel fare.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 02 October, 2023, 10:12:18 AM
I've just read Blood of the Serpent, which is the first of the 'all new Chronicles of Conan'. I was pretty interested to read a new Conan novel but a bit dubious it would be any good.

The author has, probably wisely, decided to not try to imitate Howard at all and instead the book is written in a completely modern style. That's a mixed thing, because it means the book isn't a rubbish pastiche like a lot of pulp fantasy, but it also loses all the poetry and visceral nature of pulp work. I'm not a big fan of modern, slightly self aware style but it wasn't too jarring here. The take on Conan himself is pretty good, and the world is brilliantly researched and portrayed, both in terms of Howard's Hyborian age and the flora, fauna and landscape of Stygia / Darfur which does bring it very much to life. As an adventure set in psuedo-Africa it's very evocative and thankfully there's none of the racist attitudes and portrayals that litter Howard's stuff or the creepy misogynistic-torture stuff of Sprague de Camp: instead the book highlights strong black and female characters throughout.

On the downside... there's no real plot. It moves very quick and is very easy to read, but any overall story is missing - it sets up a rebellion, then abandons it, sets up a gold heist, then abandons it, then moves to a travel / chase story but there's no climax: the book leads directly into Red Nails, which feels like a huge mistake because instead of a climax / resolution we just sort of meander along till that (superior) tale starts. Conan is under some kind of curse that involves him being attacked by animals, so the second half of the book is get attacked by a lion, get attacked by a rhino, get attacked by a crocodile etc etc and it's pretty tedious, not to mention a bit of a glum read if you're into wildlife conservation. The primary antagonist is dispatched very early and a secondary one is introduced in a rush, built up a bit and eventually defeated with no real effort.

I've read far worse Conan books but I wouldn't read this one again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 03 October, 2023, 09:16:27 PM
Murder me Dead

I'm going to be writing a review in the movie thread about a film I'm half way through that will almost certainly just say - what a bunch of hacked out cliche boiled up and spat out into a half entertaining piece of nonsense (I mean fair to say the second half could be astonishing and flip that... but I doubt it... anyway..).

And David Lapham's Murder Me Dead is the same and yet opposite. Its ever crime noir trope and cliche under the sun. It really is as cliche as it gets. Yet here the cliche is exquistly crafted, deftly rolled out and laid before you so as you read you don't even really notice. You absorb it, lap it up and wallow its so well done. Its such an entertaining page turner, such a well drawn, written and paced delight you barely notice its hardly got an original bone in its glorious body. So much so you know where its going, it twists and turns laid straight before you and frankly I didn't care one bit.

Its Stray Bullets as 80s noir and its brilliant... even if, or maybe because, you've seen it all before, but never done this well.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 04 October, 2023, 11:54:09 PM
The War Of The Realms: Spiderman / Daredevil, The War of The Realms: Journey Into Mystery - I picked up both as they were cheap and I'd not actually read the main series at the time, and it's a mixed bag. The 3 Spiderman issues were the biggest disappointment, as they're very poorly written, the action's bland and the dialogues weak. Daredevil is much more fun as the poor bugger is now "The God Without Fear" and even more lifeforms are trying to kill him than usual, but surprisingly Journey Into Mystery is the stand out of the three, which I didn't expect as I'd not heard of the writers The McElroys (who apparently host a popular podcast) and this is a brightly lit road movie as Miles Morales, Kate Bishop, Death Locket, Wonder Man, Sebastian Druid, Thor's brother Baldur and Thor's dog Thori have to protect Thor's baby sister. Which might sound ridiculous, and it is, but the dialogue's really strong, and it's a playful affair, and a pleasant diversion from all of the relentless fight scenes in the main series.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Section Six Lawman on 06 October, 2023, 04:02:39 PM
currently Judge Dredd "The Day the Law Died"
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 06 October, 2023, 05:05:23 PM
Quote from: Section Six Lawman on 06 October, 2023, 04:02:39 PMcurrently Judge Dredd "The Day the Law Died"

I first read this in Titan reprint during my teenage born-again phase.
The art is uneven and the story veers too often into silliness, but I won't hear a word said against it.
(I still have those Titans – lush.)

For myself, I'm rereading The Fall of Deadworld from the start.
An unexpectedly good thing about my ageing attention span is that I quickly forget what I read in the weekly prog. (A digital download isn't something that lies around all week waiting to be idly leafed through.) So anyway, I'm reading this with only the slightest recollection of what's going to happen next, and I have to say that I'm appreciating the hell out of it.  I never could get into The Order, but Kek-W is exhibiting some pretty damn big cylinders here and they are all firing mightily.
Plotting, pacing, dialogue – I'm somewhat in awe. Both in overall picture and in fine detail it's the perfect nightmarish twist on the Dreddverse.
And Kendall's art? I just couldn't imagine anyone doing better.
I haven't read the latest instalment in this week's prog yet, so please don't anyone tell me that it's all heading downhill.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Le Fink on 07 October, 2023, 07:42:49 AM
Quote from: JohnW on 06 October, 2023, 05:05:23 PM
Quote from: Section Six Lawman on 06 October, 2023, 04:02:39 PMcurrently Judge Dredd "The Day the Law Died"

I first read this in Titan reprint during my teenage born-again phase.
The art is uneven and the story veers too often into silliness, but I won't hear a word said against it.
(I still have those Titans – lush.)

It's not one I go back to, for the reasons you mention! I've just re-read the Apocalypse War because I bought the Essential version, because it's in full colour. I know, sacrilege! But it really worked. And the story is relentless. Just a superb action / war tale. I've got the Uncensored Cursed Earth to go through next.

Quote from: JohnW on 06 October, 2023, 05:05:23 PMFor myself, I'm rereading The Fall of Deadworld from the start.
...
I'm appreciating the hell out of it.  I never could get into The Order
...
I haven't read the latest instalment in this week's prog yet, so please don't anyone tell me that it's all heading downhill.

I really enjoyed the initial Deadworld run which was collected in a Hachette volume. It was a bit of a road movie with a small set of characters. The Order started in a similar way. The Order lost me a bit when many more characters were added and it moved away from the core set. Deadworld did the something similar with the introduction of the Sov invasion which brought in another cast. All still very enjoyable, pacey stuff and wonderfully rendered by John Burns and Dave Kendall respectively. Just a bit hard to keep up with. Looks like we're back with the initial group again and this week was a reminder/catch-up episode.

Quote from: JohnW on 06 October, 2023, 05:05:23 PMAn unexpectedly good thing about my ageing attention span is that I quickly forget what I read in the weekly prog.
I know what you mean, I find it's worse with Megazine though. Who can remember what happened a month ago?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 07 October, 2023, 05:06:25 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 03 October, 2023, 09:16:27 PMMurder me Dead

Despite my love for Stray Bullets, I just couldn't for the life of me get into this.
I think it was because – unlike the variety of fascinating fuck-ups in Stray Bullets – there wasn't a single character I cared for. That's Lapham sometimes: giving us stories devoid of sympathetic figures.
I may well be misremembering, but this seemed comparatively devoid of humour too.
I did try to give this a second chance not so long ago but I ditched it after the first chapter. Oh well. Sunshine and Roses still beckons.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 October, 2023, 05:17:04 PM
Quote from: JohnW on 07 October, 2023, 05:06:25 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 03 October, 2023, 09:16:27 PMMurder me Dead

...That's Lapham sometimes: giving us stories devoid of sympathetic figures.
I may well be misremembering, but this seemed comparatively devoid of humour too.
I did try to give this a second chance not so long ago but I ditched it after the first chapter. Oh well.

That is undenibly the case. Everyone is a bit of a twat. Yet its a noir so that's so often the case and her the doomed romance, if not the people in it, had me routing for it. The desperate broken love that was destined to fail had a crazy, horrible purity to it... its does lack the obvious charm of Stray Bullets, but has an oblique, twisted charm of its own for me.

Quote from: JohnW on 07 October, 2023, 05:06:25 PMSunshine and Roses still beckons.

And speaking of "...variety of fascinating fuck-ups" I'm already jealous of you getting to spend so long with Beth, Orson and co again!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 07 October, 2023, 05:38:48 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 07 October, 2023, 05:17:04 PM
Quote from: JohnW on 07 October, 2023, 05:06:25 PMSunshine and Roses still beckons.
I'm already jealous of you getting to spend so long with Beth, Orson and co again!
I read it when it was first collected, and then your recent review prompted me to go back to it. I quickly realised, though, that I'd forgotten so much that I wanted to go all the way back to the earliest Beth-Orson-Harry-Nina-big-suitcase-of coke-story, so I did.
Anyway, that leaves four volumes of Sunshine & Roses awaiting rediscovery.
Now if I could only stop piling up new comics for just one sodding minute.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Le Fink on 07 October, 2023, 06:48:16 PM
I've not come across Stray Bullets before... I've found a "Stray Bullets Uber Alles" collection. Over 1000 pages...! But recommended?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 07 October, 2023, 09:13:08 PM
Personally not a fan of the massive format but the series. YES absolutely. If you do digital defo got for that. Looking some of the trades seem to becoming tricky to get so Uber Alles may be the best way to go for the time being.

As for now good the original series is, just look online for praise, ita manyfold. Or read some of my whittering on a different thread  (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?msg=1003016).

Genuninely in my top 5 comics of all time and in with a very good shout at the number 1 spot.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 08 October, 2023, 09:46:05 AM
Blacksad 2: Arctic Nation by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido - I really loved the first Blacksad but I found this slightly less endearing, the art's still beautiful and it has a commendable anti-racism plot, but it felt, I don't know, a little message heavy perhaps, and could have benefitted from being a little more subtle. I feel slightly churlish complaining about it too, but I hope future stories lean less on film noir tropes, or at least try and make it more unpredictable as to which characters are obviously awful and which aren't. And I do sometimes wonder if anything is lost in translation, as occasional bits of dialogue are quite clunky, but I guess I'll never know... 3.75/5

Blacksad 3: Red Soulby Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido- This time around John's meeting up with an old pal, but events become extremely complicated and involve the "Red Panic" of the 1950's, a character's murky past during the second world war, and how horrendous those in authority are. I admire this so much, the art is incredible and it tackles some very big themes, but I'm just not convinced it manages to do anything with them other than illustrate our bleak past and suggest that even the worst of us can change, but the latter idea feels very rushed and unconvincing. Gah, it's annoying, as I love the main character, and the art is gorgeous, but I really think it needs to give the ideas breathing space and explore them in a little more detail. 3.75/5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Le Fink on 08 October, 2023, 03:27:38 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 07 October, 2023, 09:13:08 PMPersonally not a fan of the massive format but the series. YES absolutely. If you do digital defo got for that. Looking some of the trades seem to becoming tricky to get so Uber Alles may be the best way to go for the time being.

As for now good the original series is, just look online for praise, ita manyfold. Or read some of my whittering on a different thread  (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?msg=1003016).

Genuninely in my top 5 comics of all time and in with a very good shout at the number 1 spot.
OK - cheers Colin thanks. I don't really do digital, I don't feel like I have a portable device big enough to do the page justice. Sounds like the mega-tome is worth a look though. I've got a couple of bigger omnibuses - Planetary was pretty big, and that was OK to work through, format-wise.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 09 October, 2023, 10:53:03 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 08 October, 2023, 09:46:05 AMBlacksad 2: Arctic Nation by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido - I really loved the first Blacksad but I found this slightly less endearing, the art's still beautiful and it has a commendable anti-racism plot, but it felt, I don't know, a little message heavy perhaps, and could have benefitted from being a little more subtle. I feel slightly churlish complaining about it too, but I hope future stories lean less on film noir tropes, or at least try and make it more unpredictable as to which characters are obviously awful and which aren't. And I do sometimes wonder if anything is lost in translation, as occasional bits of dialogue are quite clunky, but I guess I'll never know... 3.75/5

Blacksad 3: Red Soulby Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido- This time around John's meeting up with an old pal, but events become extremely complicated and involve the "Red Panic" of the 1950's, a character's murky past during the second world war, and how horrendous those in authority are. I admire this so much, the art is incredible and it tackles some very big themes, but I'm just not convinced it manages to do anything with them other than illustrate our bleak past and suggest that even the worst of us can change, but the latter idea feels very rushed and unconvincing. Gah, it's annoying, as I love the main character, and the art is gorgeous, but I really think it needs to give the ideas breathing space and explore them in a little more detail. 3.75/5

Blacksad is terrific and more people need to read it!
Very good review / comments on the above. I agree that Arctic Nation in particular isn't quite as good as the initial effort but Red Soul was, for me, a very powerful read. And it looks incredible.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 10 October, 2023, 12:46:16 AM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 09 October, 2023, 10:53:03 AMBlacksad is terrific and more people need to read it!
Very good review / comments on the above. I agree that Arctic Nation in particular isn't quite as good as the initial effort but Red Soul was, for me, a very powerful read. And it looks incredible.

Red Soul has stayed with me in the last few days and I feel I underrated it, and really my main complaint is that I just wish it was longer, that the story could have spent more time with Lieber and John discussing his past, but it is undoubtedly a very special series. I will definitely be reading more of it too, but my graphic novel backlog is ridiculous at the moment, I'm very, very lucky to live close to four pretty great charity shops but it's meant that if I like everything I've bought it'll take well over a year to read all of them.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 October, 2023, 09:29:42 AM
Top Ten Compendium by Alan Moore, Gene Ha, Zander Zannon - Absolutely loved the majority of this, the first twelve issues are sublime, the Smax mini-series caught me off guard as it wasn't what I was expecting but I quickly fell in love with this mad planet, and the Forty-Niners was a beautiful insight in to Jet Lad trying to find his place in the world. 5/5, truly brilliant stuff. And then came the "Farthest Precinct" and "Season 2" issues, which weren't written by Moore, and were fairly awful. There was some nice ideas in the former but both seemed to concentrate on characters I either didn't like much or knew at all, and I know the latter series was cancelled due to low sales but the way it ends was incredibly disappointing. 1/5, and if I'd known it was this bad I'd have quit at the same time Moore did.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 18 October, 2023, 09:39:00 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 October, 2023, 09:29:42 AMTop Ten Compendium

Been humming and hawing over this purchase, but I might just fill-in the missing Moore penned back issues from my collection of the run instead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 October, 2023, 10:01:23 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 18 October, 2023, 09:39:00 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 October, 2023, 09:29:42 AMTop Ten Compendium

Been humming and hawing over this purchase, but I might just fill-in the missing Moore penned back issues from my collection of the run instead.

Recently got a really good on a complete run of Tom Strong comics which are now on the read spreadsheet. That reminded me I do need to try to do similar thing with Top Ten and catch up on the Alan Moore stuff from my wilderness years.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 18 October, 2023, 10:08:08 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 October, 2023, 09:29:42 AMif I'd known it was this bad I'd have quit at the same time Moore did.
Ha! Looks like I got out from under just in time.
I liked Top 10 well enough, and anything that failed to enthral me I put down to me rather than Moore. I just assumed that the man could do no wrong.
Twenty years later and I'm reading the Miracleman Omnibus ('the Original Epic by the Original Author'), which is showing me what a young Alan Moore was doing with (I gather) a minimum of editorial restraint.
All I can say is, if I wanted purple prose gushing off the page, I wouldn't be reading comics.
I'm not saying it's bad, but for a primarily visual medium, this is just too damn wordy.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 October, 2023, 07:37:43 PM
Quote from: Link Prime on 18 October, 2023, 09:39:00 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 October, 2023, 09:29:42 AMTop Ten Compendium

Been humming and hawing over this purchase, but I might just fill-in the missing Moore penned back issues from my collection of the run instead.

I reckon that would be the best thing to do with Top Ten. Some of the Tom Strong issues Moore didn't write are pretty good, but I wouldn't say that about any of the Top Ten ones.

Quote from: JohnW on 18 October, 2023, 10:08:08 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 October, 2023, 09:29:42 AMif I'd known it was this bad I'd have quit at the same time Moore did.
Ha! Looks like I got out from under just in time.
I liked Top 10 well enough, and anything that failed to enthral me I put down to me rather than Moore. I just assumed that the man could do no wrong.
Twenty years later and I'm reading the Miracleman Omnibus ('the Original Epic by the Original Author'), which is showing me what a young Alan Moore was doing with (I gather) a minimum of editorial restraint.
All I can say is, if I wanted purple prose gushing off the page, I wouldn't be reading comics.
I'm not saying it's bad, but for a primarily visual medium, this is just too damn wordy.

I'm with you there, my favourite Alan Moore comics are V For Vendetta, Watchmen, Tom Strong, Top Ten and his Swamp Thing run (though I haven't read any of his 2000AD era material since I was in my teens, and plan to reread them soon), but I bought the Miracleman omnibus and struggled with it at times, it's packed with a lot of fascinating ideas but I found some of the prose exhausting to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 18 October, 2023, 08:55:50 PM
Yeah I said much the same (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?msg=1082560) about Miracleman not that long ago. Its a good comic, but its not aged as well as much of his work and has been surpassed by other creators since. However much this work influenced those works, doesn't mean that the original hasn't been surpassed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 19 October, 2023, 09:52:11 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 18 October, 2023, 08:55:50 PMYeah I said much the same (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?msg=1082560) about Miracleman not that long ago. Its a good comic, but its not aged as well as much of his work and has been surpassed by other creators since. However much this work influenced those works, doesn't mean that the original hasn't been surpassed.

I agree with absolutely everything you wrote there, I'm keeping my omnibus edition as one day I hope to own all of what's considered to be his major work (I'm missing Promethea Books 3 - 6, Providence, Neonomicon, From Hell and Lost Girls* at the moment) but while I can absolutely imagine rereading Swamp Thing, Halo Jones, and Top Ten, I doubt I'll ever go back to Miracleman.


*And I'm not sure if I'll get Lost Girls to be honest, I've read about twenty pages of it and aspects of it made me feel deeply uncomfortable.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 25 October, 2023, 03:31:50 PM
Batman - The Long Halloween by Joseph Loeb and Tim Sale - Thirteen issue series that makes Batman in to a 40's style film noir, or that was my take on it at least. I really liked Sale's art, he's great at making people look big and bulky but also realistic, and there's some really strong splash pages. The script is largely good too, it occasionally wanders in to cliched territory (Bats going on about Catwoman having nine lives, some of the gangsters' dialogue) but it certainly kept me gripped, and I liked the way they introduced a lot of Batman's most famous villains (The Joker, Scarecrow, Soloman Grundy, etc) but they didn't feel ridiculous or cartoonish. I failed to predict who the killer was as well, but didn't feel cheated, and in general felt very satisfied with the ending.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 25 October, 2023, 05:29:12 PM
Amtrak Wars Patrick Tilley.  Started many moons ago but kinda fizzled out. Thought I'd give it another go.  Not bad as they go.  Definitely Brain Candy and not in the same league as Mission or Fade Out.

An interesting take on the old Native American / Coloniser conflict.  Set in a post apocalyptic landscape.  Hi tech 'Amurricans' versus the native Mutes.  The first volume was more of a bounce back and forth between the two cultures where the second volume is far more centred on the Amtrak Federation.

Pretty standard totalitarian high tech fare to be honest.  Enough to keep interest going with fairly interesting characters.  Maybe it's just a case of right now needing something that isn't really going to engage the brain cell too much.

On the comic front I'm on a bit of a DC kick at the moment.  Working my way through Identity Crisis.  An interesting crossover miniseries in the standard 'event' format DC seem to like.  Stems from having recently read Infinite Crisis then Final Crisis (just because I'd never read them really ...) and found in the case of the latter that it kept being referenced.

To be fair it's not bad.  As a rule I've never been blown away by DC.  There characters just seem too one dimensional at times.  That said I've always found that some of the more esoteric, experimental stuff winds up on their imprint.  I know I've banged on about the pre-Vertigo Wasteland series with fantastic David Lloyd artwork and some downright creepy tales (as well as some batshit crazy ones).  This has got a bit more staying power.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 25 October, 2023, 05:44:04 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 25 October, 2023, 03:31:50 PMBatman - The Long Halloween by Joseph Loeb and Tim Sale

I read this in the midst of a Batman binge many years ago and thought pretty well of it. The same goes for its sequel, Dark Victory, even though I understand that bat-cognoscenti have a low opinion of that one. Honestly? I couldn't tell one from the other at this distance, and I've gone right off Batman, along with Loeb and Sale and all their works.
Catwoman: When in Rome was the last thing of theirs I read, and off it went to the charity shop in short order. I still have their Daredevil: Yellow on my shelf because I remember that it looked nice, but I think it's inertia and nothing more that keeps it in my possession. My all-embracing enthusiasm for comics of every genre has vanished. I'm so anti-superhero stories now it isn't funny.

What am I reading myself? Hefty big interchangeable books about the war in the Pacific.
Oh – and Complete Case Files 7. This is the stuff from 1983-84, when I was lukewarm about the prog and was drifting in and out.
Now I'm thinking that it wasn't just me in the grip of a long post-Apocalypse War letdown. A lot of these stories are pretty substandard.
'The Highwaymen' from Prog 353, anyone?
I'm sure 'The Haunting of Sector House 9' has its fans around here, but I'm not one of them and never was.*
And I wish nothing but happiness and prosperity to Kim Raymond, but I can't help deploring that he was ever given Dredd stories to draw.
Let me just emphasise that it's not as if this stuff is genuinely bad, but I'd come on board in the summer of 1981. Need I say more?

*Judge Omar's turban does not suggest Justice Department's inclusion of Sikhism but looks instead like a low-rent stage magician trying to sell his audience on Oriental mystery.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Le Fink on 25 October, 2023, 06:22:37 PM
Quote from: JohnW on 25 October, 2023, 05:44:04 PMI'm sure 'The Haunting of Sector House 9' has its fans around here, but I'm not one of them and never was.

BURN THE HERETIC!

(I really like Brett Ewins's Dredd. But yeah can't disagree on Kim Raymond.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Le Fink on 25 October, 2023, 06:52:41 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 25 October, 2023, 03:31:50 PMBatman - The Long Halloween by Joseph Loeb and Tim Sale
It was good art-wise but I found the story a bit repetitive and it felt like it took too long to be resolved. I've not read much Bats other than Frank Miller's efforts, but I did enjoy Paul Pope's Batman year 100. Quirky, bit different and worth a look. Tried reading the first massive Morrison omnibus recently but didn't get too far.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Le Fink on 25 October, 2023, 07:09:04 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 19 October, 2023, 09:52:11 AMwhile I can absolutely imagine rereading Swamp Thing, Halo Jones, and Top Ten, I doubt I'll ever go back to Miracleman.
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen contains my favourite Moore, although it becomes more obscure and less entertaining (for the less hardcore, i.e., me) as it goes on. Kevin O'Neill on good form too.

I do revisit the first couple of books of Miracleman from time to time. I like the 'alien suit' and warpsmiths concepts, the world building and storytelling is pretty good. I can leave the final Olympus part. Maybe not his best but still worth a re-read... Captain Britain, anyone?

In Hell though ... not sure I'll be reading that one again.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 25 October, 2023, 07:57:54 PM
Quote from: Le Fink on 25 October, 2023, 07:09:04 PM... Captain Britain, anyone?

In Hell though ... not sure I'll be reading that one again.

Yeah – Captain Britain deserves to be taken off the shelf.
I mean, I paid for the thing, didn't I?
I think I liked it, but it was a long time ago and all I remember is that I had a streaming cold at the time.

But From Hell now?
Oh my.
That's something I believe I'll always go back to, even if I don't quite have the same stomach I had when I first read it.
This is the story that caused Moore to change his religion and it damn near did the same to me. I hadn't been reading much in the way of comics for years and I hadn't read any Alan Moore since The Killing Joke had come out. The Alan Moore stories I was used to had rhythmic circularities and synchronicities. Even as they grew more elaborate there was still something to remind me of Future Shocks gone by.
And then I read From Hell.
Oh my.

The wretched death of Mary Kelly: the Ripper is having some blissed-out blood-soaked epiphany in which his victim's body becomes the purest expression of the divine.
The next morning one of the cops on the scene opines about the same body, "Makes you think there's naught to us but shit and mincemeat."


From Hell.
"I made it all up, and it all came true anyway."
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Le Fink on 25 October, 2023, 08:31:50 PM
I'm glad you like it. I found it grim as hell. Much to admire - particularly from Eddie Campbell - but once might be enough.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 25 October, 2023, 08:58:02 PM
Quote from: Le Fink on 25 October, 2023, 08:31:50 PMI'm glad you like it. I found it grim as hell. Much to admire - particularly from Eddie Campbell - but once might be enough.

Yeah I know 'From Hell' is increasingly regarded as Alan Moore's greatest work, but I didn't get on with it and I say that as a big Eddie Campbell fan.

There's a lot to appreciate in there and its clear I'm missing things that others get from it, but art aside it left me cold. I found so little pleasure in reading it and worked through it as I felt I should. I was almost self consious for not enjoying it. But I found it a slog. All the craft in the world can't replace a story you enjoy.

In part its that I find Ripper stories grate with me. I see the fetchisation of the ripper and the conspriacy theory that circle the brutal crimes almost distasteful. So I did have that in my mind as I approached the work and I do wonder how much that coloured my view... quite a lot I imagine.

Anyway if my next 'series' of posts project comes to pass I'll return to this in more detail soon.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Marbles on 25 October, 2023, 11:36:33 PM
For me the best Alan Moore is V For Vendetta & Captain Britain. Recently re-read the CB omnibus (after getting a CB headshot sketch from Alan Davies at Bedford NICE Con) and it really stands up. Creative, fun and intelligent storytelling as you would expect.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 26 October, 2023, 10:09:29 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 25 October, 2023, 05:29:12 PMAmtrak Wars Patrick Tilley. 

This is a blast from the past! Weird series imo - the setting and ideas are cool but also a murderous, manipulative, incestuous main character who is amazingly dislikable: I haven't read it for years but I'd like to hear what you think of it. I think the series goes off the rails a bit when it moves to psuedo-Japan.

Also I'm on the camp that Moore's Captain Britain is excellent. I don't really like superhero comics but this is really imaginative stuff. I'm not much of a fan of his later work but I have a feeling he wouldn't be a fan of me either.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Funt Solo on 26 October, 2023, 03:20:54 PM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 26 October, 2023, 10:09:29 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 25 October, 2023, 05:29:12 PMAmtrak Wars Patrick Tilley. 

This is a blast from the past! Weird series imo - the setting and ideas are cool but also a murderous, manipulative, incestuous main character who is amazingly dislikable: I haven't read it for years but I'd like to hear what you think of it. I think the series goes off the rails a bit when it moves to psuedo-Japan.

I read the series vociferously circa '88/'89, and remember enjoying it. I can't remember, now, much beyond the title - and my memory says that the series stopped with various plot threads left dangling - a bit like Game of Thrones.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 26 October, 2023, 04:11:26 PM
Aye, the lead character is a bit of a git.  Then again that seems reflective of the culture he comes from.  I did stumble across an overview of the series online that mentions that Tilley left things hanging a little at the end.  Apparently he planned another series but never got around to it.

As for Moore's Captain Britain, to be honest I think that is the best run of the character as well as some of his strongest work.  There is just so much insanity there, it's great.  What Claremont did with some elements in later years with X-men and Excalibur doesn't hold a candle to it.  To be fair the more recent Excalibur series Marvel ran was more akin to what Moore did and is probably about the only one I thought worth the effort (until American comics became too blessed expensive).
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 06 November, 2023, 05:31:43 PM
Quote from: Le Fink on 25 October, 2023, 07:09:04 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 19 October, 2023, 09:52:11 AMwhile I can absolutely imagine rereading Swamp Thing, Halo Jones, and Top Ten, I doubt I'll ever go back to Miracleman.
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen contains my favourite Moore, although it becomes more obscure and less entertaining (for the less hardcore, i.e., me) as it goes on. Kevin O'Neill on good form too.

I do revisit the first couple of books of Miracleman from time to time. I like the 'alien suit' and warpsmiths concepts, the world building and storytelling is pretty good. I can leave the final Olympus part. Maybe not his best but still worth a re-read... Captain Britain, anyone?

In Hell though ... not sure I'll be reading that one again.

I really love the first two volumes of League, but the final cynical ending isn't really what I wanted from the comic, I completely understand why Moore wrote it that way, and he's been treated appallingly by so many in the industry, but I still love comics and so didn't click with it.

I've still not read From Hell, an ex-girlfriend lent it to me for about six months and it just sat on my bookshelf gathering dust, so I gave it back to her as I just wasn't in the mood to read something so bleak and since then that feeling hasn't changed.

I do want to read Captain Britain and will definitely get it at some point soon, but due to being very fortunate to live near a couple of charity shops that sell trade paperbacks for about £3 - £4 a shot my backlog is ridiculously huge at the moment!

Quote from: Le Fink on 25 October, 2023, 06:52:41 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 25 October, 2023, 03:31:50 PMBatman - The Long Halloween by Joseph Loeb and Tim Sale
It was good art-wise but I found the story a bit repetitive and it felt like it took too long to be resolved. I've not read much Bats other than Frank Miller's efforts, but I did enjoy Paul Pope's Batman year 100. Quirky, bit different and worth a look. Tried reading the first massive Morrison omnibus recently but didn't get too far.

It definitely didn't need to be 13 issues, but the art was so good, and the dialogue so minor an aspect of the comic, that I was able to read it all over the course of two evenings.

I've read up to Morrison's Batman R.I.P. and liked it, but haven't rushed back to finish their run, and I'm normally a big fan of them.

Quote from: JohnW on 25 October, 2023, 05:44:04 PMOh – and Complete Case Files 7. This is the stuff from 1983-84, when I was lukewarm about the prog and was drifting in and out.
Now I'm thinking that it wasn't just me in the grip of a long post-Apocalypse War letdown. A lot of these stories are pretty substandard.
'The Highwaymen' from Prog 353, anyone?
I'm sure 'The Haunting of Sector House 9' has its fans around here, but I'm not one of them and never was.*
And I wish nothing but happiness and prosperity to Kim Raymond, but I can't help deploring that he was ever given Dredd stories to draw.
Let me just emphasise that it's not as if this stuff is genuinely bad, but I'd come on board in the summer of 1981. Need I say more?

*Judge Omar's turban does not suggest Justice Department's inclusion of Sikhism but looks instead like a low-rent stage magician trying to sell his audience on Oriental mystery.

I get your stance on Case Files 7 but I read and enjoyed it recently, though the fact that I'm not really a huge fan of any recent Dredd stories in 2000AD might be a reason why.

Summer Magic by Alan McKenzie, John Ridgeway, Steve Parkhouse - I absolutely adore the Ridgeway era, it gave me a bit of nostalgia for when I first read 2000AD as a teenager and the nostalgia of the 60s and the supposedly simpler times, even if I never did experience them myself. But I struggled with the Parkhouse series, the art's not quite the same (he's great at mood, less so at capturing Luke) and the story starts to feel like it's running out of steam. Which is a shame as I really did love the first half an awful lot. 4/5

Slaine - Dragontamer by Pat Mills and Leonardo Manco - Supposedly the final ever Slaine story, I wasn't expecting much from this. I'm  not Slaine's biggest fan in the first place and modern Mills has rarely been my cup of tea, but this was a decent final outing for the character. The art's absolutely stunning, which might be partially why I enjoyed it so much, but while the plot doesn't do anything that original the script is amusing enough and doesn't take itself too seriously, and the whole event doesn't outstay its welcome either. 4/5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 06 November, 2023, 05:43:23 PM
Oops, that should be "a hit of nostalgia", rather than a bit!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Le Fink on 06 November, 2023, 09:42:02 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 06 November, 2023, 05:31:43 PMSummer Magic by Alan McKenzie, John Ridgeway, Steve Parkhouse - I absolutely adore the Ridgeway era, it gave me a bit of nostalgia for when I first read 2000AD as a teenager and the nostalgia of the 60s and the supposedly simpler times, even if I never did experience them myself. But I struggled with the Parkhouse series, the art's not quite the same (he's great at mood, less so at capturing Luke) and the story starts to feel like it's running out of steam. Which is a shame as I really did love the first half an awful lot. 4/5
Ridgeway was such a hard act to follow, that first series was beautifully, beautifully drawn.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 06 November, 2023, 10:12:41 PM
Quote from: Le Fink on 06 November, 2023, 09:42:02 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 06 November, 2023, 05:31:43 PMSummer Magic by Alan McKenzie, John Ridgeway, Steve Parkhouse - I absolutely adore the Ridgeway era, it gave me a bit of nostalgia for when I first read 2000AD as a teenager and the nostalgia of the 60s and the supposedly simpler times, even if I never did experience them myself. But I struggled with the Parkhouse series, the art's not quite the same (he's great at mood, less so at capturing Luke) and the story starts to feel like it's running out of steam. Which is a shame as I really did love the first half an awful lot. 4/5
Ridgeway was such a hard act to follow, that first series was beautifully, beautifully drawn.

It really is Ridgeway at his very best, though I bought the Doctor Who spin-off graphic novel Omega last year and was really pleased to see that he's still producing some really fantastic artwork.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Dash Decent on 07 November, 2023, 02:12:41 AM
Quote from: Barrington Boots on 26 October, 2023, 10:09:29 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 25 October, 2023, 05:29:12 PMAmtrak Wars Patrick Tilley. 
I think the series goes off the rails a bit

I see what you did there.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 23 November, 2023, 08:14:06 AM
Zoe Thorogood, It's Lonely At The Centre Of The Earth

As is the usual case with what's happening in comics these days, it was this forum that brought this to my attention. IndigoPrime spoke highly of it (https://forums.2000ad.com/index.php?topic=49425.msg1105112#msg1105112); it won an award; it was only eleven quid odd; I gave it a whirl.

This is an autobiographical work by a young artist coping with depression and as such it's introspective to a painful degree or, as the author asks herself,
'Wow. Is it even possible to suck your own dick any harder?'

Much as I wanted to, I didn't care for this.
Thorogood writes engagingly and draws beautifully, but I just could not connect with her. She makes a joke of her fan-base repeating the word 'relatable' until it becomes meaningless, but I couldn't relate. Her life and her observations are too specific to her generation.
Can I empathise with a young woman who battles depression (wonderfully personified as a looming black cartoon monster) while trying to create something? Sure – if I put my mind to it. But it turns out that I can't put myself in the shoes of someone who is 23 in the here and now. Her shoes are not mine. Her world is not mine. Her generation is one that has nothing to do with me.
I am, I realised, the exact same age as her parents.
Maybe if I had grown-up kids this would work better with me.
So, all in all, while I appreciated the many qualities of this, I came away somewhat disappointed – not with Thorogood, but with myself.
When the hell did I get too old for comics?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 24 November, 2023, 03:50:56 PM
Because of the recommendations on here I did end up buying Captain Britain despite my ridiculous comics backlog, and I absolutely loved it too. You can really see both Alan's grow in confidence as the series goes on, and I loved all of the mad elements in it, and Jim Jaspers made for a superb villain. 5/5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 24 November, 2023, 04:13:10 PM
Aye.  I'd say of all Mr Moore's output it is the bit I love the most.  As impressive as Watchmen and V for Vendetta are, none of them have the sheer, anarchic 'fun' of his run on CB.  Plus, Alan Davies on art ....
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 24 November, 2023, 07:42:50 PM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 24 November, 2023, 04:13:10 PMAye.  I'd say of all Mr Moore's output it is the bit I love the most.  As impressive as Watchmen and V for Vendetta are, none of them have the sheer, anarchic 'fun' of his run on CB.  Plus, Alan Davies on art ....

It's definitely in my top 3, I think I slightly prefer Top Ten as I only read it a couple of months ago and feel it has a similar sense of anarchic fun, and if anything is even more mad, the only problem I have with it is that Moore's ending wasn't that satisfying. I really like the Smax and Forty-Niners mini-series, but I wish he'd returned for the rest of the run as I didn't really click with the writers took over.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 25 November, 2023, 06:55:25 PM
It must be a dozen years at least that Captain Britain has been on my reread list.
After reading this thread I'd just resolved to pull it off the shelf when my email pinged at me, telling me in quick succession that deliveries from Rebellion, Amazon, and AbeBooks are all on the way.
My life is too damn abundant.
Maybe I should go back to drinking. It used to sort out all my time and money problems for me.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 27 November, 2023, 11:30:38 AM
Quote from: JohnW on 25 November, 2023, 06:55:25 PMIt must be a dozen years at least that Captain Britain has been on my reread list.
After reading this thread I'd just resolved to pull it off the shelf when my email pinged at me, telling me in quick succession that deliveries from Rebellion, Amazon, and AbeBooks are all on the way.
My life is too damn abundant.
Maybe I should go back to drinking. It used to sort out all my time and money problems for me.

Funnily enough I gave up drinking this year, mainly as it was affecting my mental health, and while I'm not certain if  I'll ever drink again or not I have noticed how much extra money I have to spend on things like comics! And I was considering rereading Alan Moore's Future Shocks again the other day but then spotted Ed Brubaker's Kill Or Be Killed in a charity shop, so picked that up and started reading it instead.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 27 November, 2023, 11:50:23 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 27 November, 2023, 11:30:38 AM... And I was considering rereading Alan Moore's Future Shocks again the other day but then spotted Ed Brubaker's Kill Or Be Killed in a charity shop, so picked that up and started reading it instead.

Oh good choice. 'Kill or be Killed' is great.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 28 November, 2023, 08:43:25 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 27 November, 2023, 11:50:23 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 27 November, 2023, 11:30:38 AM... And I was considering rereading Alan Moore's Future Shocks again the other day but then spotted Ed Brubaker's Kill Or Be Killed in a charity shop, so picked that up and started reading it instead.

Oh good choice. 'Kill or be Killed' is great.

I really enjoyed the first volume and will definitely get the rest of it, December's an expensive month due to Christmas and because of the nature of the work I do I'll have an unpaid week off next month, but I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it early next year. I wish I could get it via my library, but I did an online search of the entire county's catalogue and the only Ed Brubaker graphic novel they have is Fatale Volume 4!

On the plus side, up until recently their very small graphic novel section only consisted of about twenty slim volumes but that's now doubled, and today they had Barry Windsor-Smith's Monsters available to borrow, so I'm looking forward to reading that later this evening.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Blue Cactus on 29 November, 2023, 12:05:40 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 28 November, 2023, 08:43:25 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 27 November, 2023, 11:50:23 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 27 November, 2023, 11:30:38 AM... And I was considering rereading Alan Moore's Future Shocks again the other day but then spotted Ed Brubaker's Kill Or Be Killed in a charity shop, so picked that up and started reading it instead.

Oh good choice. 'Kill or be Killed' is great.

I really enjoyed the first volume and will definitely get the rest of it, December's an expensive month due to Christmas and because of the nature of the work I do I'll have an unpaid week off next month, but I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it early next year. I wish I could get it via my library, but I did an online search of the entire county's catalogue and the only Ed Brubaker graphic novel they have is Fatale Volume 4!

On the plus side, up until recently their very small graphic novel section only consisted of about twenty slim volumes but that's now doubled, and today they had Barry Windsor-Smith's Monsters available to borrow, so I'm looking forward to reading that later this evening.

Monsters is quite a thing. Enjoy!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 30 November, 2023, 06:42:04 AM
Quote from: Blue Cactus on 29 November, 2023, 12:05:40 PMMonsters is quite a thing. Enjoy!

It really is! I'm one hundred odd pages in now and finding it fascinating, the artwork is superb and the plotting very strong, I've a couple of minor issues with it, but I won't say anything further until I finish reading it as they may well be addressed.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Hawkmumbler on 02 December, 2023, 05:12:14 PM
Made a start today on Kazuo Umezz' absolutely mammoth opus 'THE DRIFITNG CLASSROOM' via it's recent deluxe rerelease, three absolutely gorgeous volumes at nearly 1700 pages combined of some of the best horror comics ever put to page.

Or so I'm told, will have to report back on my opinions. But my god is it off to a good start.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 03 December, 2023, 10:51:07 PM
Quote from: Hawkmumbler on 02 December, 2023, 05:12:14 PMMade a start today on Kazuo Umezz' absolutely mammoth opus 'THE DRIFITNG CLASSROOM' via it's recent deluxe rerelease, three absolutely gorgeous volumes at nearly 1700 pages combined of some of the best horror comics ever put to page.

Or so I'm told, will have to report back on my opinions. But my god is it off to a good start.

I know there's a 1987 film based on it which is apparently pretty bad (with comparisons made to Manos: The Hands of Fate and some Ed Wood movies), but on the imdb page about 90% of the reviews are from people who were in the film as kids, and absolutely loved their time on the set, and it's actually rather quite sweet to read. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0125201/
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 21 December, 2023, 06:20:38 AM
Monsters by Barry Windsor-Smith - When young Bobby joins the army he's sent off to a secret army base and experimented upon by a former Nazi scientist, but instead of turning out like Captain America he's a gigantic tumour filled creature. Of course he's not the titular monster, it's nearly everyone else in this bleak tale that's filled with flashbacks, and sometimes flashbacks within flashbacks, as we learn what has shaped many of these characters. It's brutal and sickening portrayal of 1940's patriarchy, sadism and cruelty, and the way war could psychologically damage someone, and the scenes where Bobby and his mother try to cope with his father returning from the war a very different man are powerful and affecting. But elsewhere in the story there's an element of spiritualism and the supernatural which I'm not convinced was needed, it felt like something from a Stephen King short story, and the sort of positive ending didn't sit well with me at all and lost it a couple of points. 4.25/5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 24 December, 2023, 07:33:24 PM
Having started a re-read (well, partial and then finishing off the series) of Patrick Tilley's Amtrak Wars, I have to say it does end in a very odd way.  ISTR reading somewhere that Tilley was considering a new series to follow this up before he passed away.  Certainly I can see why as there are more dangling threads than a teenager's ripped jeans.

It's definitely brain candy overall.  Nothing particularly deep and in some respects the characters are even shallower.  Describing Steve Brickman as a tw** is probably fairly accurate.  Certainly he comes across as incredibly narcissistic and opportunistic.  Then again so do half the characters.

The racism that permeates the series can also be a little hard to swallow at times.  This is especially true of those parts of the storyline that take place in the territory of Ne-Issan which seems to account for a substantial part of the series.  It's not just the strictly hierarchical society that is described but also the way many of the Japanese characters are portrayed.  As time goes on it does become a bit wearisome.

What is most peculiar though is that at the heart of this series is some sort of prophecy about a super-being that is going to unify the Plainfolk, a sort of hybrid American-Indian / African-American offshoot of the gang survivors of the distant holocaust.  For a plot device that seems to be central to much of the action, the fact that it is left unresolved in the final novel is baffling.

I suppose if it were not for the fact that it such an easy read and right now I just need something that is not going to engage my brain too much, I doubt very much I would have bothered.  Certainly compared to Fade Out and Mission, these are very poor fare.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: M.I.K. on 24 December, 2023, 08:20:24 PM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 21 December, 2023, 06:20:38 AMMonsters by Barry Windsor-Smith - When young Bobby joins the army he's sent off to a secret army base and experimented upon by a former Nazi scientist, but instead of turning out like Captain America he's a gigantic tumour filled creature.

Originally conceived of as a pitch for a Hulk story which was apparently ripped off by somebody-or-other at Marvel, with the domestic violence angle being incorporated into the official Hulk backstory.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 28 December, 2023, 09:21:48 PM
Ducks by Kate Beaton. Heard so much about this at the end of last year I picked it up when noting the comics I've not read that I really should and since it had been niggling at me for the best part of a year that I need to read more 'real mainstream' comics when I spotted a gap on my Reading List (spreadsheet) this got a boost and I'm so glad it did.

It deserves all the praise it gets. An autobiography of Beaton's two years working on the Oil Sands in Canada its a superb piece of work and one that has made me think as much, or more than anything I have read for a LONG time. Its both quietly slice of life and horrifying big picture at the same time. Its at once deeply personal and astonishing universial. Its both pointedly targeted and open minded and forgiving. Most importantly the moment I finished it I instantly wanted to read it again, knowing that each time I read this I will see and learn more about myself and human nature.

Quite brilliant and I don't think I got more that 38% of what I can from it.m
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 06 January, 2024, 08:36:43 PM
Never having encountered him outside of LOEG: Black Dossier, I was only vaguely aware that Bulldog Drummond was an actual literary character. I picked up the first of Drummond's adventures for next to nothing on Kindle the other day and breezed through it without any trouble. It was one of those books I was content to read with no intention of seeking out any of the follow-ups.

The Great War has just ended and Hugh Drummond, Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, square jaw, answers the appeal of a charming young thing and uncovers a dastardly plot to overthrow everything decent and English. Needless to say, Drummond's forthright pluck wins through in the end.

What struck me was how well-mannered everyone is. Confrontations take place over tea at the Carlton or dinner at the Ritz, but not so much as a teacup is broken or voice raised. One does not do what just isn't done, one supposes. So the dastardly plotters happen to live right next door to the charming young thing, yet neither hero nor villain chooses to resolve matters by simply strolling across the lawn and shooting his opponent twice in the head. No – Drummond is too sporting, and the plotters are too devious. When they do decide that Drummond is too great a threat they do things like loose a gorilla on him in the garden, or have a small 'native' with a poison blowpipe hide on top of his wardrobe. That, of course, may not be quite the done thing, but these are the sort of bounders Drummond is dealing with. He, of course, relies on his wits and the strength of his manly limbs, as a true Englishman should.

Socialists are dupes or knaves. Foreigners are much the same. There's an acid bath, a jewel theft, and a cobra thrown in because the genre expects the like.

I found this not so much an adventure story as a fantasy. It makes Biggles look distinctly hard-edged.
There were worse things to read while on the train to a funeral.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 09 January, 2024, 10:42:48 AM
I've read a few Bulldog Drummond tales and agree with pretty much everything here. Drummond himself I feel is what stuff like Flashman is poking fun at: through a modern lense he's very much a posh, racist bully but he's presented as a mighty hero. I'm sure I've mentioned on here about Tarzan and Biggles books being horribly dated in some of their attitudes but Drummond is absolute king of bogus old ideals.

The stories are great though. Real boys own stuff. Although if you've read one you've read them all.

Hope the funeral went as well as it could have.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JayzusB.Christ on 12 January, 2024, 10:20:16 AM
I've just finished The Passenger.  Definitely not up there with the epic scale of Blood Meridian and the fully-immersive horror of The Road, but those are two of the best novels I've ever read and the sadly-missed Cormac McCarthy will go down in history as one of the great American novelists.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 26 January, 2024, 09:55:54 AM
I've been tearing through books post-Christmas. Aside from that Chat GPT one on the other thread that I gave up on, I've demolished Godkiller by Hannah Kaner and a couple of early novellas from Adrian Tchaikovsky but the book I've most enjoyed so far has been Dirty Shirt by the forums on John Ware. It's a hugely enjoyable tale of the The Royal Munster Fusiliers at the start of WWI. It doesn't skimp on the horrors of the situation but at the same time its told in a very convivial manner that pulled me right in as a reader and had me enaged from the off. It's not humorous but there's a lightness of touch to the storytelling that draws you to the characters and the situations they find themselves in. I highly recommend it to anyone here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 26 January, 2024, 10:12:14 AM
Barrington Boots gets my vote for Forum's Sexiest Boarder – this year and every year.
You rock, Barry.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 26 January, 2024, 11:55:41 AM
Having recently read The Peripheral and Agency* I've been on something of a William Gibson binge. I'm just re-reading Pattern Recognition as a warm-up to the rest of the 'Blue Ant' trilogy, which I'm pretty sure I haven't read.

Pattern Recognition is fascinating... I mean, it's a great book and Gibson's prose is as brilliantly, surgically precise as always, but it's also a present day novel set not long after 9/11. As a result, it's a window into twenty-odd years ago that's very technology-focussed and sharply accentuates just how much the world has changed in the last two decades... particularly the seismic changes the smartphone, the ubiquity of the internet, and social media have brought about — people are carrying portable DVD players and hauling out cellular-enabled laptops to check their emails. It all feels remarkably quaint and oddly alien, even to someone like me, who's old enough to remember a world before the internet.**

*Not sure why I drifted away from Gibson's work, but I wanted to read them having enjoyed the flawed-but-watchable (and, sadly, now cancelled) Prime series.

**And I was a fairly early adopter — I remember having to Google the number of web pages that made up the World Wide Web when I first got online, because I genuinely couldn't believe it when someone mentioned the number a few years ago. (It was about 35,000. Pages. Not sites, pages.)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Fortnight on 26 January, 2024, 12:11:59 PM
In the earlier days of t'internet there wasn't even any google to do any googling. You had to google with AltaVista, Lycos, Excite, or something. Or you'd be using usenet to find your porn literature. Back in the day I'd "acquire" countless .lit ebooks from assorted binaries groups on usenet, replete with transcription/OCR errors that made them entertainingly hilarious, but not so enjoyable to read.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Jim_Campbell on 26 January, 2024, 12:44:21 PM
Quote from: Fortnight on 26 January, 2024, 12:11:59 PMYou had to google with AltaVista, Lycos, Excite, or something.

Oh, yeah... I remember that — you often had to stick the same query into two or three different search engines before you got a useful result. Which was particularly annoying, given how small the bloody internet was back then.

And I basically used to live on UseNet discussion groups in the second half of 90s into the early 00s. *nostalgic sigh*
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 26 January, 2024, 06:05:47 PM
Currently working my way through Heinlein's Friday, a novel that I've had sat on my shelf for a while but strangely not got round to.  I do wonder how much of that is due to the complete lack of blurb so it's anyone's guess as to what the novel is about.  As one of Heinlein's more substantial tomes, it does make for interesting reading.

So the Friday of the story is an artificial person, genetically engineered, working as a courier for some arcane agency.  Part of me is wondering whether this was in anyway relevant to Gibbons' decision to name the new Rogue Trooper Friday or that was just a coincidence but that is merely an aside.

Set in a future balkanised America, the plot revolves around the lead character's misadventures during an obscure crisis that sees her on the run and trying to get back to her employers.  The nature of the crisis is unclear but the effects are enough to make life difficult for her and involve several near misses of a potentially fatal kind.

Like much of Heinlein's writing, a lot is made of polyamorous situations.  Various different kinds of marriage and relationships feature, as does Heinlein's rather 'flexible' perspective on sexual mores (for when the novel was written).  Written in the first person it rattles along at a brisk pace, almost breathlessly at times.  It is definitely of the 'pulp sci-fi' era but quite an enjoyable tome.

One of the interesting aspects of the novel is that it is so difficult to discern where things are going.  The rather peculiar nature of the crisis at the heart of it, the fragmented nature of North American society and the speed with which Friday has to navigate the crises she faces makes for a considerable amount of unpredictability.  In that respect it is all the more intriguing a piece of work.

Personally I've always felt that Heinlein is a little under-rated as an author.  Far more attention is given over to Dick, Asimov or Clarke from that generation.  Heinlein has more in common on some levels with Dick in that his characters tend to inhabit a shady world and struggle with complex situations whereas Clarke and Asimov's characters tend to be officials or persons of influence, largely able to control events.  Admittedly his libertarianism can be problematic at times.  Overall though, his work deserves far more attention.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 29 January, 2024, 02:22:37 PM
House Of X / Powers Of X (Parts 1 - 12) by Jonathan Hickman - My local library had this pretty hefty collection available to borrow and so while I've only ever dipped in and out of various X-Men runs I thought I'd give it a go. I really loved it as well, I have to admit that I did visit https://www.polygon.com/2019/8/22/20828371/house-of-x-powers-of-x-comics-reviews-spoilers-jonathan-hickman a good few times to fill in some of the gaps in my x-men knowledge, but overall this had a lot of interesting ideas and themes and is beautifully drawn as well. I gather that Hickman left without finishing the story and that it's only about to come to an end this year, and to read it all (including the spin-off's) would be really pricey, but I'm looking forward to the next omnibus and plan to keep an eye on ebay and amazon to see if I can get it at a reasonable price. 5/5

Cinema Purgatorio by Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill - A collection of short strips which are all connected by a monologue from a woman who keeps on returning to the cinema despite it being run down, seedy and the man at the end of the aisle hasn't moved for quite a while now. Initially the framing device annoyed me a fair bit as it droned on about what the obvious meaning of each "film" was, and the sense of unease felt forced as it kept on repeating how strange and unusual the films and cinema were, but about half way in her narrative starts to become a little more intriguing if only as the characters around her become increasingly bizarre and I liked the way it ended a lot. As for the films / main stories themselves, I'd say I liked three quarters of them, The Time Of Our Lives, Otz The Cat & Pat The Dog, The King At Twilight, It's A Breakable Life, and Tod  being my favourites, but a few fell flat, or felt repetitive, and a couple had a sort of "I bet you didn't know this famous Hollywood type was an absolute ********", but I did, so it failed to make the intended impact. Still, overall I liked this a lot, and while it's not O'Neill's best art it's still often really grotesque and gruesome. 4.5/5
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 06 February, 2024, 03:19:48 PM
House Of X / Power of X Omnibus (Essentially two six part mini-series) - I loved this a lot and I wasn't initially sure if I would, as the first issue left me a bit cold. But after that I became really gripped by the refreshingly smart change of scenery for all of the Earth's mutants, and all of the jumping around timelines was something I loved too. The only problem is that the storyline is only coming to an end now, so if I wanted to read all of it along with the various spin-offs it would cost a huge amount. And I'm not going to do that because...

Dawn Of X Volume 1 - I was pretty disappointed by this, I liked Uncanny X-Men, Marauders and X-Force issue 1, but the rest didn't do it for me at all. Some felt really soap opera-esque, others featured characters I didn't care for, while a major event occurs in one but then is only briefly referred to in the next comic, which felt plain weird.

Both of these were borrowed from the library but it's all they've got in stock (and that applies with the rest of the libraries in my borough), I've been advised I could just read Hickman's run on X-Men up until issue 16 and quit then, but even that's going to be around £50 unless I get it cheaper in an ebay auction (I almost got one for £27 this week, but was outbid by a pound at the very last second!) so I don't know, I'd like to read more of it but I don't know if I will.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 08 February, 2024, 07:52:37 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 06 February, 2024, 03:19:48 PMHouse Of X / Power of X Omnibus (Essentially two six part mini-series) - I loved this a lot and I wasn't initially sure if I would, as the first issue left me a bit cold. But after that I became really gripped by the refreshingly smart change of scenery for all of the Earth's mutants, and all of the jumping around timelines was something I loved too. The only problem is that the storyline is only coming to an end now, so if I wanted to read all of it along with the various spin-offs it would cost a huge amount. And I'm not going to do that because...

Dawn Of X Volume 1 - I was pretty disappointed by this, I liked Uncanny X-Men, Marauders and X-Force issue 1, but the rest didn't do it for me at all. Some felt really soap opera-esque, others featured characters I didn't care for, while a major event occurs in one but then is only briefly referred to in the next comic, which felt plain weird.

Both of these were borrowed from the library but it's all they've got in stock (and that applies with the rest of the libraries in my borough), I've been advised I could just read Hickman's run on X-Men up until issue 16 and quit then, but even that's going to be around £50 unless I get it cheaper in an ebay auction (I almost got one for £27 this week, but was outbid by a pound at the very last second!) so I don't know, I'd like to read more of it but I don't know if I will.

Yeah dipped into this stuff when looking for new things to read, it was getting good press and I was curious about what would be here and how the X-world had developed. So picked a few up and... did not like them at all.

Things had moved on so far from what I'd looked for from this type of comic and I didn't really have a route in, within the comics themselves, to get me orientated. So I moved on very quickly.

Now this isn't me doing the old man rant, screaming into the internet void saying "BUT I WANT MY X-MEN FROM MY YOUTH BACK." ... well okay it kinda is, but I don't like the X-Men comics I loved as a kid anymore anyway way. Rather I was fine with the fact this didn't work for me. The franchise had moved on and that can only be a good thing. The trouble was this new opportunity didn't bring me a long with it, so I happily moved on feeling the clink of the spare money I'd saved in my pocket and tried others things instead!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 08 February, 2024, 09:25:27 AM
To be honest Hickman's X-universe left me cold.  There have been some dire runs since Claremont quit as lead scribe.  The worst has to be Chuck Austen's run but even then there have been few runs that have inspired.  Post House of M it picked up in places but only marginally.

It really is quite difficult to figure out what is going on with this current generation of X-men.  The resurrection idea is an odd one to throw into the mix, taking away any sense of risk.  The only one I thought they did a good job on was the Excalibur reboot.  Possibly because it was totally divorced from everything else and picked up on ideas rooted in Moore's Captain Britain stuff.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 09 February, 2024, 11:29:46 AM
I'm in the middle of a bunch of stuff, here's a few.

Mega Man by Ian Flynn and several cool artists. Some good Nintendo/Capcom nostalgia, fun read.

Saga by Vaughan and Staples, I'm 15 issues in. Solid start, pretty smooth so far, getting more invested in the characters a bit.

Savage Dragon by Erik Larsen, always. Just got the latest extra size wedding issue 267, it rules. One of the back-ups is a recolored Megaton comic from the 80s, always cool.

Usagi Yojimbo, I'm near the beginning, great stuff from the get-go. I've been collecting it for a while since Stan rules and want to support it, yet I am decades behind. Got into it a couple years ago. Lot to enjoy!

Deadpool by Kelly and several artists, the 90s run that made him such a fun character. I'm really liking it. I feel like Marvel bounced back with some titles like this from say 1997, with the more cartoony style and looser vibe.

Uncanny X-Men by Chris Claremont, I'm on the From the Ashes collection, issue 168. Classic.

One Piece by Oda of course. Bless him. We are on the cruise, yes indeed.

Fist of the North Star by Hara and Buronson. Iconic. I read the first 4 or 5 master edition versions 20 years ago, they stopped at 7 or 8 vols. Now Viz picked it back up and they've gotten much more out, finishing the first major saga and getting to the ever classic time skip. Love a good time skip.

Judge Dredd by John Wagner and many cool artists. I have up to Case Files 42 on my shelf, but I am on Case Files 26.  :D I will read all this, that's a promise to you fine people here.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 09 February, 2024, 03:25:31 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 08 February, 2024, 07:52:37 AM
Quote from: BadlyDrawnKano on 06 February, 2024, 03:19:48 PMHouse Of X / Power of X Omnibus (Essentially two six part mini-series) - I loved this a lot and I wasn't initially sure if I would, as the first issue left me a bit cold. But after that I became really gripped by the refreshingly smart change of scenery for all of the Earth's mutants, and all of the jumping around timelines was something I loved too. The only problem is that the storyline is only coming to an end now, so if I wanted to read all of it along with the various spin-offs it would cost a huge amount. And I'm not going to do that because...

Dawn Of X Volume 1 - I was pretty disappointed by this, I liked Uncanny X-Men, Marauders and X-Force issue 1, but the rest didn't do it for me at all. Some felt really soap opera-esque, others featured characters I didn't care for, while a major event occurs in one but then is only briefly referred to in the next comic, which felt plain weird.

Both of these were borrowed from the library but it's all they've got in stock (and that applies with the rest of the libraries in my borough), I've been advised I could just read Hickman's run on X-Men up until issue 16 and quit then, but even that's going to be around £50 unless I get it cheaper in an ebay auction (I almost got one for £27 this week, but was outbid by a pound at the very last second!) so I don't know, I'd like to read more of it but I don't know if I will.

Yeah dipped into this stuff when looking for new things to read, it was getting good press and I was curious about what would be here and how the X-world had developed. So picked a few up and... did not like them at all.

Things had moved on so far from what I'd looked for from this type of comic and I didn't really have a route in, within the comics themselves, to get me orientated. So I moved on very quickly.

Now this isn't me doing the old man rant, screaming into the internet void saying "BUT I WANT MY X-MEN FROM MY YOUTH BACK." ... well okay it kinda is, but I don't like the X-Men comics I loved as a kid anymore anyway way. Rather I was fine with the fact this didn't work for me. The franchise had moved on and that can only be a good thing. The trouble was this new opportunity didn't bring me a long with it, so I happily moved on feeling the clink of the spare money I'd saved in my pocket and tried others things instead!

Weirdly I was never really in to Marvel as a teenager (1987+), there were some titles I liked like She-Hulk and Groo (and some Spider-Man), but I was mostly in to DC and Vertigo. My friend used to buy a lot of Marvel comics though so on the return from a trip to Croydon or London we'd read what the other had bought, but I've never had any strong feelings about the X-Men. I did however like Joss Whedon's run when I read it a while back, and I'm going to start on Grant Morrison's soon as I've picked up the first and third volume in charity shops recently, but overall there's so much of it that I'm sure I've missed out on some great comics. But I may well never know that, if only because there's so many other highly recommended comics I do want to read.

(Oh, and as an aside, apart from British and indie comics I'm currently far more in to Marvel and haven't read much DC at all, and am very much enjoying discovering a whole bunch of series I've missed out on).

Quote from: Tjm86 on 08 February, 2024, 09:25:27 AMTo be honest Hickman's X-universe left me cold.  There have been some dire runs since Claremont quit as lead scribe.  The worst has to be Chuck Austen's run but even then there have been few runs that have inspired.  Post House of M it picked up in places but only marginally.

It really is quite difficult to figure out what is going on with this current generation of X-men.  The resurrection idea is an odd one to throw into the mix, taking away any sense of risk.  The only one I thought they did a good job on was the Excalibur reboot.  Possibly because it was totally divorced from everything else and picked up on ideas rooted in Moore's Captain Britain stuff.

That's interesting as I didn't click with the first issue but only read Moore's Captain Britain a couple of months ago and loved it, so I may well investigate the series further if I can find it inexpensively.

Quote from: PsychoGoatee on 09 February, 2024, 11:29:46 AMSaga by Vaughan and Staples, I'm 15 issues in. Solid start, pretty smooth so far, getting more invested in the characters a bit.

I loved the first 30 or so issues but then I heard Vaughan was taking a break on the series and so stopped reading it. I know he's returned now, and I do have the first nine trades, but my plan is to wait until he eventually finishes it and then read it all then. Currently people are predicting that will be 2030 at the earliest, but eh, I waited longer for Twin Peaks to return so I'm sure I'll cope!

QuoteJudge Dredd by John Wagner and many cool artists. I have up to Case Files 42 on my shelf, but I am on Case Files 26.  :D I will read all this, that's a promise to you fine people here.

I'm up to 16 and at the moment as long as nothing happens health or work wise my plan is to buy a new volume ever six to eight weeks, so I might have read them all and any further releases around about the time my planned Saga read begins. :)
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 09 February, 2024, 09:56:21 PM
Very cool! Can't beat Wagner Dredd. And love David Lynch too.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Barrington Boots on 21 February, 2024, 11:01:43 AM
I've finished A Green Bough by the mighty John Ware and hugely enjoyed it. I'm already into the third (and final?) book of the trilogy.
Having described the book to my wife as 'a bit of a mix of Charleys War and Jerome K Jerome' I was delighted to find both the number 9 pill and housemaids knee referenced in a single paragraph. (I know the number 9 was a real thing and not invented for CW, but that's where I always associate it)

On the comics front I've been catching up on Barbaric via the trades, and working my way through a bunch of stuff from Cinebooks. Long John Silver is the pick of the bunch: it's fantastic. Alderbaran is great stuff. Less into Blake and Mortimer so far, which reads very awkwardly despite looking lush, plus I picked a book at random with a lot of wildlife murder. Mixed feelings on Red Baron: again it looks glorious, but its glacial pace and unpleasant protagonist make it a bit unengaging.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Doomlord66 on 21 February, 2024, 11:19:02 PM
So here's some graphic novels/comics I've finished recently

Crossed - all volumes
Ice Cream Man v1 - v8
Supreme Power v1 - v11
Nailbiter v1 -v8

I'm currently reading through

Astro City v1 - v17
100 Bullets v1 - v13
My Bad (as recommended on this forum)

Next up on list to read

Ed Brubaker's Kill or be Killed and Criminal
Powers v1 - v14
Stray Bullets v1 - v3

Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 February, 2024, 07:54:08 AM
Ohhh some interesting things I'd like to hear more about there Dormlord66.

I think I'm about to start on 100 Bullets as someone very kindly gave me a copy of the first trade at a mart I sell at on Saturday and looking forward to digging into that. I gave them the first volume of Stray Bullets - Sunshine and Roses as I had it for sale so would love to hear how you get on with Stray Bullets.

Quote from: Doomlord66 on 21 February, 2024, 11:19:02 PMIce Cream Man v1 - v8

Is this any good? Its on my radar.

Quote from: Doomlord66 on 21 February, 2024, 11:19:02 PMMy Bad (as recommended on this forum)

Gulp! Did you enjoy it?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Doomlord66 on 22 February, 2024, 09:25:38 PM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 22 February, 2024, 07:54:08 AMOhhh some interesting things I'd like to hear more about there Doomlord66.

I think I'm about to start on 100 Bullets as someone very kindly gave me a copy of the first trade at a mart I sell at on Saturday and looking forward to digging into that. I gave them the first volume of Stray Bullets - Sunshine and Roses as I had it for sale so would love to hear how you get on with Stray Bullets.

Stray Bullets is partly a reread as I bought it when it came out back in 1995. I had been mainly reading Marvel and DC comics and wanted to try something completely different. I'd heard some good things about it. It was a bold choice at that time, no superheroes, no colour etc. But I found myself enjoying the stories and was hooked because it was so different to other stuff I was reading. I only got the first 20 or so issues back then which I've sold at some point so now looking forward to reading all the issues of the first series plus Killers and Sunshine & Roses

Quote from: Doomlord66 on 21 February, 2024, 11:19:02 PMIce Cream Man v1 - v8

Is this any good? Its on my radar.

I saw a review or something somewhere and it peaked my interest so thought I'd give it a go and really enjoyed it. Graphic novel back blurb reads -
Chocolate, vanilla, existential horror, drug addiction, musical fantasy...there's a flavor for everyone's misery. ICE CREAM MAN is a genre-defying comic book series featuring disparate 'one-shot' tales of sorrow, wonder, and redemption. Each installment features its own cast of strange characters, dealing with their own special sundae of suffering. And on the periphery of all of them, like the twinkly music of his colorful truck, is the Ice Cream Man-a weaver of stories, a purveyor of sweet treats. Friend. Foe. God. Demon. The man who, with a snap of his fingers-lickety split-can change the course of your life forever.

Quote from: Doomlord66 on 21 February, 2024, 11:19:02 PMMy Bad (as recommended on this forum)

Gulp! Did you enjoy it?
[/quote]
 Yes I did. I'm quite into reading stories with different takes on superheroes atm.
This one is certainly different, it's crazy, it's mad and it's funny, even the take on the old adverts!
I saw an advert for Second Coming which looks interesting so I'm going to take a look at that.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 22 February, 2024, 09:53:52 PM
Quote from: Doomlord66 on 22 February, 2024, 09:25:38 PM[My Bad]
 Yes I did. I'm quite into reading stories with different takes on superheroes atm.
This one is certainly different, it's crazy, it's mad and it's funny, even the take on the old adverts!
I saw an advert for Second Coming which looks interesting so I'm going to take a look at that.

Cool Beans glad you liked it and you can't go wrong with Second Coming as I might whitter about at some point, somewhere!
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 23 February, 2024, 07:40:48 PM
I've just finished Jason Aaron's (fairly) short run on Doctor Strange and I liked an awful lot about it, the worldbuilding was strong and it made Strange far less powerful and much more sympathetic. Sometimes the weird are relied far too much on lumps of sinewy flesh, odd eyes and jagged teeth, but as a whole I found it an enjoyable read, and I would have quite liked it if Aaron had stuck around for another ten issues or so.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 25 February, 2024, 10:28:19 PM
Quote from: Doomlord66 on 21 February, 2024, 11:19:02 PMSo here's some graphic novels/comics I've finished recently
Nailbiter v1 -v8

I remember reading through quite a lot of that but never finished it, did you feel it had a satisfying ending?

QuoteI'm currently reading through

Astro City v1 - v17

That's another series I read a fair amount of but then stopped, not because it was bad, just because (as with Nailbiter) I went through a period where I couldn't really afford to buy many titles. I only read the digital copies back then but must get around to starting again from the beginning with the trade paperbacks because I'm very fond of Busiek, and hope he returns to The Autumnlands at some point.

QuoteNext up on list to read
Ed Brubaker's Kill or be Killed and Criminal

I've read the first volumes of both and thoroughly enjoyed them, and will definitely be getting more of them soon.

I've just started Charlie's War after picking it up in the Forbidden Planet sale last year, I'm 60 pages in so far and enormously impressed by it, I wish I'd picked up some of the later volumes back then too as when I was in FP a couple of weeks ago they didn't have any left.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Tjm86 on 13 March, 2024, 08:00:32 AM
Continuing on the rather peculiar journey through DC's event stories with Zero Hour.  Dan Jurgens is a writer whose popularity / acclaim I've never fully grasped and this one is no exception.  It's definitely not in the same league as Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Storywise it sort of hangs together if you don't pay too much attention to what is going on and just allow yourself to be dragged along. There are references to what are probably relatively current events in the DC Universe at the time but you're dropped right into the story so if you don't have much familiarity with contemporary plot developments it can be a bit baffling.

Artwise it is about average for DC of that era.  Certainly nowhere near the nadir of John Bogdanove on Superman of that time but when you compare it to more recent stuff or some of Marvel's material of the time it is nothing special

Overall a fairly unremarkable piece of work.  If it something that passed you by then you've definitely not missed anything.  As an example of how to do a 'reset event' that doesn't really matter, it is probably a pretty good example, a bit like a lot of the crossover events that the big two have indulged in down through the years.

TLDR: decidedly sub-par piece of work that is probably a good one to forget.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 13 March, 2024, 10:31:33 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 13 March, 2024, 08:00:32 AMCertainly nowhere near the nadir of John Bogdanove on Superman of that time

With you on the Zero Hour summarization, but I have always had a soft spot for Bogdanove's unusual style.
Certainly the most memorable aspect of that entire Superman era for me.

I'm currently reading the 3rd Astro City Metrobook - "The Dark Age".
This is the first time that the collection has reached a point of all new material for me, and I am blown away by the quality.
Set in the 70's / 80's grim & gritty era of Astro City it's the epic story of two brothers as friends, enemies, on opposing sides of the law and ultimately fighting together to facilitate their singular underlying purpose - revenge.
I have only two chapters left to go, and I don't want it to end. 10/10



Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Colin YNWA on 13 March, 2024, 11:28:48 AM
Quote from: Link Prime on 13 March, 2024, 10:31:33 AM
Quote from: Tjm86 on 13 March, 2024, 08:00:32 AMCertainly nowhere near the nadir of John Bogdanove on Superman of that time
With you on the Zero Hour summarization, but I have always had a soft spot for Bogdanove's unusual style.
Certainly the most memorable aspect of that entire Superman era for me.

Oh I'll be commenting on Jon Bogdanove on another thread at some point soon. I really like his work. I mean its not my favourite by any stretch but there's something about it that really appeals and I also thing his Superman work was really nice. The little bits I've seen that is.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Link Prime on 13 March, 2024, 11:57:32 AM
Quote from: Colin YNWA on 13 March, 2024, 11:28:48 AMThe little bits I've seen that is.

Just the White Rabbit pages, eh?

Some of his Marvel work is also worth checking out, in particular his short stint on X-Factor.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 14 March, 2024, 09:34:38 AM
Raymond Chandler.
I was surprised to discover that he'd only ever written six novels. I was astonished to find that I own them all.
Murder mysteries and detective stories were never my thing. I get too easily lost, and besides, I don't rarely care whodunnit.
But you don't read Chandler for that. You read for the tone and the style, which you recognise straight way even if you've never read him before.
I ploughed through these in short order, immersed in the sun-kissed seediness and tainted wealth of mid-century Los Angeles. Very little had impressed itself on my memory since the first time I'd read them. The stories are easy to get into but it's hard to distinguish one from the other afterwards.
I took a break a third of the way into The Little Sister. A few days later I picked it up again and found myself asking, 'Who's she? What's that all about? Remind me what's going on here.'
And then, 'Hang on – haven't I read this before?'
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: JohnW on 14 March, 2024, 01:30:37 PM
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91xiiYSeXPL._SL1500_.jpg)

Will Eisner, Life, In Pictures
I blow hot and cold when it comes to Eisner, and I only bought this one because it was there in the bookshop and because I was being self-indulgent. I have to say, though, that I'm glad I shelled out for this. It's another satisfyingly large hardback collection, matching the two I already have, and it collects The Dreamer, The Heart Of The Storm, and The Name Of The Game.
The first story recounts the birth of the comics business in 1930s New York and Eisner's part therein. The second one (which I haven't finished yet, but am finding most engaging) is straight biography/autobiography, telling the tales of his parents' struggles on arriving from their respective Old Countries and young Will's upbringing in the '20s.
As always, I find the dialogue a little hackneyed and heavy-handed, but it keeps the story moving right along. The art is what you come for though. You don't need me to tell you that Will Eisner could tell good stories with pictures.
Also, if it's ethnic stereotypes you want, then look no further. His neighbourhoods are populated by swarthy Italians, bestial Irish, and the most Semitic Jews you ever saw – all emoting and gesticulating like nobody's business in the service of the narrative.

I think you have to be in the mood for Eisner, but right now it seems that I am.
As I say, I've not even finished this, but I've already hauled the Contract With God and New York collections down from the shelf for a reread.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: Richard on 14 March, 2024, 04:41:45 PM
I've just finished reading my first Raymond Chandler novel, The Lady in the Lake. I'm not really into murder mysteries either, and I was indeed only reading it because I like the writing style and dialogue. ("I don't like your manner, Mr Marlowe." "That's alright, I'm not selling it.")

I doubt I'll read another, but I'm glad I read that one, and it has made me more interested in watching the films based on his work.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 14 March, 2024, 09:59:26 PM
Somebody gave me a complete set of Chandler's books a couple of decades ago, and I read and enjoyed The Big Sleep, yet I've never have the urge to go back and read any of the other five and I can't quite explain why.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: PsychoGoatee on 18 March, 2024, 07:34:15 AM
Cool to see some Chandler talk! The Big Sleep rules for sure, incredible book. The movie is cool, love Bogart, but the book is for sure a lot better naturally. And you lose that cool narration in the movie.

Murder My Sweet (Farewell My Lovely) 1944 is a cool movie that keeps narration in there so we get some of those classic zingers. The Long Goodbye (the 70s Elliot Gould film) is awesome, though I hear very different from the book naturally.

I've got the other ones on the shelf, but The Big Sleep is the only one I've read so far.

I heard his last one Playback is a big drop off, did you find that? And any fav few out of the bunch?
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: GoGilesGo on 18 March, 2024, 03:26:13 PM
Quote from: PsychoGoatee on 18 March, 2024, 07:34:15 AMAnd any fav few out of the bunch?

The High Window is my fave Chandler, the prototype Marlowe taking a job then wising up to the fact the person paying him to investigate a crime is at least as dirty as the target.

Best movie adaptation is Murder My Sweet. Powell was excellent in most things he did, but was never better than this.
Title: Re: Whats everyone reading?
Post by: BadlyDrawnKano on 18 March, 2024, 06:55:03 PM
I love the Elliot Gould version of The Long Goodbye, it's one of my all time favourite movies. And I know this divided a lot of readers but Matt Fraction includes him in his Hawkeye run, and I really enjoyed the audacity of it all, though I can understand why some strongly disliked it.