A very smart, very mature Batman tale. Scott Snyder knows how to write the character, even when the hero is played by Dick Grayson. I was gripped from...moreA very smart, very mature Batman tale. Scott Snyder knows how to write the character, even when the hero is played by Dick Grayson. I was gripped from start to finish. It should appeal to those who have not kept up with the Batman comics. The only bit of continuity you need to know is that the original Robin (Dick Grayson) is temping as Batman.
If you haven't kept up on Batman, skip the run of Grant Morrison books and start here.(less)
A mostly compelling read, especially if you're into dystopian works like 1984. But it's not exactly light reading and is occasionally hard to follow. ...moreA mostly compelling read, especially if you're into dystopian works like 1984. But it's not exactly light reading and is occasionally hard to follow. While the first book of three speeds along, things slow down as more focus is paid to supporting characters. Still, this book has a very distinctive look and with his Guy Fawkes mask V is an unforgettable hero.(less)
Having read this after the extremely disappointing Black Glove and Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul collections, I went in with low expectations. Thankful...moreHaving read this after the extremely disappointing Black Glove and Resurrection of Ra's Al Ghul collections, I went in with low expectations. Thankfully, this was an absolute delight to read, reaffirming everything I like about Batman comics.
Paul Dini of course is one of the writers of the terrific Batman: The Animated Series and also the acclaimed Arkham Asylum videogames. His Batman is dark but not emotionless as some writers portray him. Hush is a relatively new villain but like Batman's best is psychologically driven. The art by Dustin Nguyen is also brilliantly engaging -- a little more cartoony than some artists but still perfectly fitting for Gotham City.(less)
This story just never clicks. There are too many writers and artists involved, and for every good moment there's about five boring or confusing ones. ...moreThis story just never clicks. There are too many writers and artists involved, and for every good moment there's about five boring or confusing ones. It's disappointing because Ra's is usually such fun villain to read. Skip it.(less)
Rarely does a Batman book make me mad, but this probably the most inaccessible story I've read in a while. The first adventure is weird and depressing...moreRarely does a Batman book make me mad, but this probably the most inaccessible story I've read in a while. The first adventure is weird and depressing. It's clearly influenced by the Watchmen, but very difficult to follow. The second one is like a crazy acid trip for most of it, and actually references Batman comics from the '50s (Bat-Mite and the story "Robin Dies at Dawn") in a seemingly major subplot.
Morrison is good when he's good, but this one is a little too much I think. Unless you've got to read 'em all, I'd skip it.(less)
The action ramps up in the third book of the Belgarion and this one might be my favorite so far. Loved all the monsters, and cool to see Garion learni...moreThe action ramps up in the third book of the Belgarion and this one might be my favorite so far. Loved all the monsters, and cool to see Garion learning more about sorcery! He even has to move a rock with his mind, Skywalker style. I'm not always into fantasy but this is a fun and accessible series.(less)
This collection includes several classic Batman tales from the early '80s. The penciller Gene Colan is the man featured here, but it's worth noting th...moreThis collection includes several classic Batman tales from the early '80s. The penciller Gene Colan is the man featured here, but it's worth noting that the writing by Gerry Conway and Doug Monech is similarly excellent. The villains and adventures here tend toward the more fantastical, so if you prefer the no-nonsense style of The Dark Knight movie, you may be put off by all the vampires, monsters and bright colors seen here. But fans of the Batman animated series will surely like this one, as it includes many of the characters seen in that series, including Mayor Hill, Boss Rupert Thorne, and Detective Bullock. We also see early appearances of the character Jason Todd, who would later become the second Robin.
It's also a pretty thick volume, unlike a lot of trades out there. If you're a Batman fan, this is definitely worth the price of admission.(less)
People had been telling me to read this book for a long time. Perhaps because I don't usually find non-fiction very interesting, I put it off for a lo...morePeople had been telling me to read this book for a long time. Perhaps because I don't usually find non-fiction very interesting, I put it off for a long time. Having finally gotten around to it, I wish I had started sooner.
Bryson is a great writer who injects wit, humor and adventure into this interesting take on the history, geography, people and wildlife of Australia. It's a very accessible read that feels a lot like listening to a good friend over a couple of pints. His humor is self-deprecating and oddly British, reminding me a bit of Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Series. Only, intriguingly enough, Bryson's fascinating guide describes a real place.
Give it a read if you're curious about Australia or just looking for a good laugh. In a Sunburned Country will not disappoint.(less)
Great premise for a book and it's clear that Brooks has done his zombie research. But this book, which is essentially a short story collection, can s...moreGreat premise for a book and it's clear that Brooks has done his zombie research. But this book, which is essentially a short story collection, can sometimes be a slog to get to. The stories are pretty hit or miss, and the "interview" style in which they're told sometimes feels less realistic than a traditional narrative would have. Recommended only if you're really into zombie stories.
One nitpick about the Kindle version -- clicking all the end notes is a pain! And there are so many of them!
An excellent, if dark, conclusion to the Batman & Robin series. I'm not a fan of all the directions Grant Morrison has taken the Batman series, but ha...moreAn excellent, if dark, conclusion to the Batman & Robin series. I'm not a fan of all the directions Grant Morrison has taken the Batman series, but have to admit that the Batman & Robin book has been consistently good. I skipped Batman RIP but for the most part was able to follow the story. Vol. 3 features the Joker, a character that's always fun no matter who writes him.(less)
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