"Welcome to the 1950s! It's a time of pure innocence, where nobody cursed or sassed back, domestic violence was only read about in pulp fictions, war...more"Welcome to the 1950s! It's a time of pure innocence, where nobody cursed or sassed back, domestic violence was only read about in pulp fictions, war had no lasting after effects, and everyone believed only the christian religion!"
The world might be better if that had ever been the case.
The Union-Denver metropolitan area of Colorado is a fantasy in the sense of technology, magic and biological sciences. It is not a fantasy concocted from idealistic "memories" clouded with a rose tinted film. John Rocket takes you through the lives of Clarence Fairbanks, his wife Shirley and his niece Mildred, as you explore an alternate reality of superheroes and science fantasy set in Colorado's past.
'Hero' begins as John Rocket fruitlessly races to save Mildred from herself. The story progresses as the Fairbanks take her in, while Clarence regales Mildred with a story of how he once needed help from his friends and family.
In 'The Dragon's Reach' Millie has been taken in by the Fairbanks, while her life feels like its tearing itself apart. Clarence tries to keep his niece in good spirits, while John Rocket is needed to stop an assassin from the far east.
'Danger is a Game of Martyrs', in three parts, delves deeper into how Mildred's life has been turned upside down, while the assassin, Lilith, beings plans to exact her revenge. Meanwhile, Clarence has to balance his family duties with John Rocket duties concerning the local criminal elements and what used to be considered a supernatural threat.
Mildred and Clarence both try to pull their lives together, while John Rocket discovers the end result of the recent criminal activity in 'Going My Way?'
------------------------------------------------------------------------ My book is about a black superhero in 1953 married to a deaf white woman. They live in a city near Denver, Colorado.
The superhero is a semi-mild mannered type guy when it comes to himself, but a tough when it comes to protecting people he loves
His superpower - he's got a suit that he built with his own intelligence.
I have it in several local bookstores, but you can order it wherever a bookstore has access to Ingram distribution (which is a world wide distributor).
The isbns are: ISBN-10: 098449801X ISBN-13: 978-0984498017
"Welcome to the 1950s! It's a time of pure innocence, where nobody cursed or sassed back, domestic violence was only read about in pulp fictions, war...more"Welcome to the 1950s! It's a time of pure innocence, where nobody cursed or sassed back, domestic violence was only read about in pulp fictions, war had no lasting after effects, and everyone believed only the christian religion!"
The world might be better if that had ever been the case.
The Union-Denver metropolitan area of Colorado is a fantasy in the sense of technology, magic and biological sciences. It is not a fantasy concocted from idealistic "memories" clouded with a rose tinted film. John Rocket takes you through the lives of Clarence Fairbanks, his wife Shirley and his niece Mildred, as you explore an alternate reality of superheroes and science fantasy set in Colorado's past.
'Hero' begins as John Rocket fruitlessly races to save Mildred from herself. The story progresses as the Fairbanks take her in, while Clarence regales Mildred with a story of how he once needed help from his friends and family.
In 'The Dragon's Reach' Millie has been taken in by the Fairbanks, while her life feels like its tearing itself apart. Clarence tries to keep his niece in good spirits, while John Rocket is needed to stop an assassin from the far east.
'Danger is a Game of Martyrs', in three parts, delves deeper into how Mildred's life has been turned upside down, while the assassin, Lilith, beings plans to exact her revenge. Meanwhile, Clarence has to balance his family duties with John Rocket duties concerning the local criminal elements and what used to be considered a supernatural threat.
Mildred and Clarence both try to pull their lives together, while John Rocket discovers the end result of the recent criminal activity in 'Going My Way?'
------------------------------------------------------------------------ My book is about a black superhero in 1953 married to a deaf white woman. They live in a city near Denver, Colorado.
The superhero is a semi-mild mannered type guy when it comes to himself, but a tough when it comes to protecting people he loves
His superpower - he's got a suit that he built with his own intelligence.
I have it in several local bookstores, but you can order it wherever a bookstore has access to Ingram distribution (which is a world wide distributor).
The isbns are: ISBN 13: 978-0-9844980-0-0 ISBN 10: 0-9844980-0-1
The official titles are: John Rocket - Friday, March 6th 1953 through Wednesday, April 15th 1953 Bonus: Saturday, October 4th 1952 through Thursday, October 9th 1952 and John Rocket vol. 1
This is a great book for building a pictoral-memory oriented base of review for Kanji. For those who are skilled in drawing or copying drawings from bo...moreThis is a great book for building a pictoral-memory oriented base of review for Kanji. For those who are skilled in drawing or copying drawings from books, or even those good with computer copy and pasting, this book is great to use as a guide for home made Flash Cards!
It's not complete, but is an excellent starter for those just learning Kanji.(less)
Dilber it an office working engineer, who struggles with an incompetent boss and backstabbing, slimey employee...moreIf you like Dilbert, then buy this book!
Dilber it an office working engineer, who struggles with an incompetent boss and backstabbing, slimey employees. The humor is at times dry and childish, but hey, it's worth it!
This is a very fun book, and covers a couple of years of publications.(less)
A collection of several choice strips from Dilbert ranging throughout the years.
Not the best Dilbert collection since it does range out of order throu...moreA collection of several choice strips from Dilbert ranging throughout the years.
Not the best Dilbert collection since it does range out of order throughout the years, however, it is enjoyable for anyone who likes Dilbert and/or office oriented satire!(less)
If you don't know what Pearls before Swine is, then buy this book!
This book is for people with the same sardonic, devilish humor as those who enjoy Ad...moreIf you don't know what Pearls before Swine is, then buy this book!
This book is for people with the same sardonic, devilish humor as those who enjoy Addams Family (Chas Addams), The Far Side or Sherman's Lagoon.
This book is part of a series of books that give great detailed information on proper physical fitness, as well as the anatomical structure of muscles...moreThis book is part of a series of books that give great detailed information on proper physical fitness, as well as the anatomical structure of muscles.
I suggest all artists and anyone interested in physical fitness to have this on their shelves.(less)
This book is part of a series of books that give great detailed information on proper physical fitness, as well as the anatomical structure of muscles...moreThis book is part of a series of books that give great detailed information on proper physical fitness, as well as the anatomical structure of muscles.
I suggest all artists and anyone interested in physical fitness to have this on their shelves.(less)
Despite the glaring product advertisements inserted at random, this is one of the funniest comics I've read.
The humor is sarcastic and sardonic. If yo...moreDespite the glaring product advertisements inserted at random, this is one of the funniest comics I've read.
The humor is sarcastic and sardonic. If you like that humor, then read this book ^_^(less)
Although you will find many detractors from David Day's work, it has come to my attention that this book is 100% accurate.
Many people who claim that D...moreAlthough you will find many detractors from David Day's work, it has come to my attention that this book is 100% accurate.
Many people who claim that David Day's compilation is "trash", are those who insist that he makes up entries to satisfy white space.
This could not be further from the truth. Being a Tolkien enthusiast, I have done a great deal of searching throughout Tolkien's books, letters, and notations made by Christopher Tolkien. In my search, I have found evidence of direct citations used by David Day.
If you enjoy Tolkien, and do not have time to search appendicies, Tolkien's letters, or Tolkien's notations (both J.R.R. and Christopher), then I suggest you purchase this book. This book is on the money, and there is a reason why Christopher Tolkien has not decried David Day's work - because David Day did his research.(less)
While it does include a complete list of hieroglyphic signs, and glossary, there is quite a bit of omission (a true dictionary would be much larger). H...moreWhile it does include a complete list of hieroglyphic signs, and glossary, there is quite a bit of omission (a true dictionary would be much larger). However, it serves a good purpose for anyone wishing to learn the basics and prepare themselves for more advance reading.(less)
This is Volume 2 in a successful TokyoPop Manga rendition of new stories for the Star Trek Universe, and it does not disappoint.
The first story, proba...moreThis is Volume 2 in a successful TokyoPop Manga rendition of new stories for the Star Trek Universe, and it does not disappoint.
The first story, probably the best and most authentic Star Trek Original series story, is written by Wesley Crusher himself: Wil Wheaton. While I normally dislike Cast Written Books/Stories, this one is without a doubt the most enjoyable in the series.
That isn't to say the rest of the stories are without merit.
If you are a Star Trek fan, specifically old Star Trek, you'll love this volume.(less)
The Shaping of Middle-Earth is second only to the Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien for the purpose of explaining the science (social, political, psychologica...moreThe Shaping of Middle-Earth is second only to the Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien for the purpose of explaining the science (social, political, psychological) behind the evolution of Tolkien's ficticious world. It also contains flat out statements by Tolkien as to much of his imagery, statements which quickly end the majority of ill-conceived concepts proposed by armchair philosopher's.(less)
Thomas Paine's writings are as prevalent today as they were back in the 18th century. To understand Thomas Paine, the Civil Rights movement, and equal...moreThomas Paine's writings are as prevalent today as they were back in the 18th century. To understand Thomas Paine, the Civil Rights movement, and equal liberties, one understands the Articles of Confederation, Constitution, The Bill of Rights and The Declaration of Independence.
Any Englishman who berates America's struggle has not had the piece of mind to understand Thomas Paine or Colonial America. An American who says "who cares about the bill of rights," has not had the piece of mind to understand Thomas Paine or Colonial America. Anyone who spits on American Freedoms or Independence has not had the piece of mind to understand Thomas Paine or Colonial America.
These are the founding principles of freedom, liberty, equality and advancement of a prosperous society. While some comments are dated, and shows Thomas Paine's century of birth, the book remains a testament to American Ideals, and it is only through understanding from whence we came can we progress further to the future utopia imagined in so many fantasy, science fiction, and prophetic creations of mankind.(less)
This latin dictionary is one of the best. It provides you not only with latin translations (incomplete in the list of latin words, but big enough to g...moreThis latin dictionary is one of the best. It provides you not only with latin translations (incomplete in the list of latin words, but big enough to get through), but it also provides you with snippets of various aspects of Roman life. (less)
While not a complete resource (some minor entries which could have been are overlooked, and in a couple of entries mild conjecture is made- but when i...moreWhile not a complete resource (some minor entries which could have been are overlooked, and in a couple of entries mild conjecture is made- but when it is made a notice is given by Robert Foster that they are conjectures), it remains an excellent resource for Tolkien Fans.
Having used all of Tolkien's works and private letters, Robert Foster does an excellent job of creating this encyclopedia of answers for those who have yet to read his private notes/letters or other works.(less)
One of two critical books, Wordcraft is an essential dictionary/thesaurus for those studying or attempting to understand the linguistics of Old Englis...moreOne of two critical books, Wordcraft is an essential dictionary/thesaurus for those studying or attempting to understand the linguistics of Old English.
"Old English Grammar and Reader" by Robert E. Diamond should be treated as a companion book needed for cross referencing terms and words.(less)
One of two critical books, Wordcraft is an essential dictionary/thesaurus for those studying or attempting to understand the linguistics of Old Englis...moreOne of two critical books, Wordcraft is an essential dictionary/thesaurus for those studying or attempting to understand the linguistics of Old English.
"Wordcraft New English to Old English Dictionary and Thesaurus" by Stephen Pollington should be treated as a companion book needed for cross referencing terms and words.(less)
This is one of the most comprehensive castle related books I have ever read.
While other books may talk about the technical end, or may just give you d...moreThis is one of the most comprehensive castle related books I have ever read.
While other books may talk about the technical end, or may just give you diagrams, or may just give you timelines with photos of other castles - this book gives detailed history of specific castles, the whys, the hows, and couples them with cross referenced diagrams that are easy to understand at just a glance.
This book is a prime resource for anyone interested in the general evolution of European/Medieval Fortresses/Castles, the seige equipment, and logistics of every day life outside of warfare.(less)
Isaac Asimov's books were far from the normal trash novels you might buy for a 2 day read. Within anything he has written, he tries to spell out lesso...moreIsaac Asimov's books were far from the normal trash novels you might buy for a 2 day read. Within anything he has written, he tries to spell out lessons in psychology.
How would we react to Robots once they become free thinkers?
How should we react to Robots when they become our slaves?
Should we institute a whole new brand of slavery for the purpose of a "clean society"?
What is sentient life?
The I, Robot novel progresses through these questions, and questions like them, in scenarios rarely ever posed by Sci-Fi writers. While other authors may have a truly evil force guiding those who commit crimes that must be overcome by truth and justice, Isaac Asimov concentrates on the reality of the situation to provide the obstacles. It is through normal every day strife that humanity defines itself, not through warfare with a re-imagined Hitler or Stalin.
Possibly the only story/movie to do a job as (or more) realistic than Asimov when depicting our possible future, is Bladerunner.
The one regretful aspect of this collection of short stories, is that a movie studio decided to take the name of Book and Author only to apply it to a feature film which had nothing to do with the content, or context of Asimov's creation.
I give this collection of short stories Five Stars.(less)
This pocket reference is often referred to as a little black book.
No other mini-pocket-sized encyclopedia contains as much information concerning the...moreThis pocket reference is often referred to as a little black book.
No other mini-pocket-sized encyclopedia contains as much information concerning the physical world of science. It is an invaluable resource for writers, and anyone taking any kind of science course, or for that matter, anyone who has a job which deals heavily in science.
The Year 1000 is a great resource for all information concerning the first Millennium. Knights, Kings, Castles and the Dark Ages (or rather humanity's...moreThe Year 1000 is a great resource for all information concerning the first Millennium. Knights, Kings, Castles and the Dark Ages (or rather humanity's first glimse of a silver lining after the fall of the Roman Empire).
How did society recover? How did the Tax system work? Did the people in 1000 AD really have more vacation days than people of the 20th/21st century? From metallurgy to the Caste system, this book has all but detailed descriptions of inventions which helped to raise global society back to the point of the Roman Empire.
That is one failing, the other is the novel approach in this book. Rather than being a sort of time line based encyclopedia for easy reference, you are really forced to read through the book and make marks of where the information is for future use.
Other than that, this is a wealth of information for its price and size.(less)
Excerpt of Thomas Jefferson's forward: "Do you know why we call them amendments? Because they amend! They fix mistakes or correct omissions and they th...moreExcerpt of Thomas Jefferson's forward: "Do you know why we call them amendments? Because they amend! They fix mistakes or correct omissions and they themselves can be changed. If we had meant for the Constitution to be written in stone we would have written it in stone. Most things were written in stone back then, you know. I'm not trying to be difficult but it's bothersome when you blame your own inflexibility and extremism on us.
Not that we weren't awesome. We wrote the constitution in the time it takes you nimrods to figure out which is the aye button and which is the nay."
There's nothing more I can say about this book, why it's great, or the comedy involved. If you aren't laughing by the end of that forward, then this book isn't for you. If you are laughing, why haven't you bought it yet?(less)
Mike Mignola returns with this book, though I have to say I'm not all that thrilled with the story he wrote.
It's still great Mike Mignola form, howeve...moreMike Mignola returns with this book, though I have to say I'm not all that thrilled with the story he wrote.
It's still great Mike Mignola form, however, every time he begins a story arc it's shaky. I'm probably being a bit unfair to him, so I should knock it up to 4 stars instead of 3, however, I just can't do it.
My major complaint is this delusion of mind control in comics. I'm getting tired of these gods/demons suddenly and inexplicably controlling others' minds by injecting a drug or something into them. In the way it is represented in many books, is that this control suddenly gives the controller all the information they want of the person, allowing them to make the person do whatever they want while retaining all of that knowledge. That just doesn't mesh.
Someone who remembers everything also remembers their emotional and chemical states. To control another person it'd be more likely if those memories were repressed, or if the body itself were being directly manipulated (such as the Borg in Star Trek manipulating all of the neurons while repressing the majority of brain functions which have the memories/personality). But even then there has to be a central controlling factor, and after that factor is destroyed they should revert back to normal or just collapse under the body's inability to function. All of these issues are ignored for the sake of the story in "Plague of Frogs", and it just irritates the hell out of me whenever this is done in any kind of story.
Having said that, I enjoyed Abe's origin story (last chapter of the book). It was fun.
I am very glad Mike is back writing, and I'm sure that this large story arc will have a satisfactory conclusion. However, this beginning arc was a bit under-par for Mike. He can do so much better!(less)