Joseph Baneth Allen's Blog, page 74
October 28, 2022
"Doctor Who #249 - The Kamelion Empire"
Just finished listening to "Doctor Who #249 - The Kamelion Empire" released by Big Finished Productions.
A recall signal from Kamelion's homeworld brings the Fifth Doctor, Tegan, Turlough, and Kamelion to the planet of Mekalion where Kamelion and his kind originated from. On Mekalion, the Tardis Crew learn the truth behind the origins of Kamelion and his kind, and it's a dark truth that now threatens the peace of the galaxy as the once ancient Kamelion Empire is threatening to rise out of the ashes now that Kamelion has returned home and awakened a dark power that has not only ensnared Kamelion and the rest of the Tardis Crew in it's grasp. Kamelion's ultimate fate is also revealed in this episode.
"The Kamelion Empire" chronologically takes place before the events of "The Five Doctors."
A thought provoking outing of the Fifth Doctor and Tardis Crew.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Mai...
A recall signal from Kamelion's homeworld brings the Fifth Doctor, Tegan, Turlough, and Kamelion to the planet of Mekalion where Kamelion and his kind originated from. On Mekalion, the Tardis Crew learn the truth behind the origins of Kamelion and his kind, and it's a dark truth that now threatens the peace of the galaxy as the once ancient Kamelion Empire is threatening to rise out of the ashes now that Kamelion has returned home and awakened a dark power that has not only ensnared Kamelion and the rest of the Tardis Crew in it's grasp. Kamelion's ultimate fate is also revealed in this episode.
"The Kamelion Empire" chronologically takes place before the events of "The Five Doctors."
A thought provoking outing of the Fifth Doctor and Tardis Crew.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Mai...
October 24, 2022
"Richie Rich - Bank Book"
Just finished reading "Richie Rich - Bank Book" first released by Harvey Comics back in December 1973.
This issue of "Richie Rich - Bank Book" is an anthology of several adventures of Richie Rich and Cadbury - his faithful butler.
The first outing "A Switch of Chests Saves Jests" is something a bit unexpected since Cadbury is shown wearing casual clothes as he, Richie, and Mr. Rich are enjoying a casual day at the beach when Richie and Cadbury discover a treasure map in a bottle and they set off to discover possible treasure, knowing that something is amiss with an ancient treasure map that contains modern day references.
In "Three Speed Irona" Richie's cousin Reggie is up to his usual tricks and he quickly finds out that messing with Irona - the Rich's robotic maid - is really a bad idea.
"Calling All Sports" serves a precursor to the Super Richie and Cadbury comic series and shows Richie and Cadbury swinging into action when a bunch of thieves break into the Rich's toy factory.
There are two one-page episodes of Jackie Jokers - one of Richie's friends.
In "Diamonds Are a Mother's Best Friend," Mrs. Rich unwittingly turns the table on a would be jewel thief.
Great fun! Richie Rich comics were once the best selling comics in the world - outselling DC and Marvel comics.
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
This issue of "Richie Rich - Bank Book" is an anthology of several adventures of Richie Rich and Cadbury - his faithful butler.
The first outing "A Switch of Chests Saves Jests" is something a bit unexpected since Cadbury is shown wearing casual clothes as he, Richie, and Mr. Rich are enjoying a casual day at the beach when Richie and Cadbury discover a treasure map in a bottle and they set off to discover possible treasure, knowing that something is amiss with an ancient treasure map that contains modern day references.
In "Three Speed Irona" Richie's cousin Reggie is up to his usual tricks and he quickly finds out that messing with Irona - the Rich's robotic maid - is really a bad idea.
"Calling All Sports" serves a precursor to the Super Richie and Cadbury comic series and shows Richie and Cadbury swinging into action when a bunch of thieves break into the Rich's toy factory.
There are two one-page episodes of Jackie Jokers - one of Richie's friends.
In "Diamonds Are a Mother's Best Friend," Mrs. Rich unwittingly turns the table on a would be jewel thief.
Great fun! Richie Rich comics were once the best selling comics in the world - outselling DC and Marvel comics.
Highly Recommended!
Ten Stars!
The Apollo Murders
Just finished reading "The Apollo Murders" by Chris Hadfield, published by Mulholland Books.
NASA astronaut Chris Hadfield has spun a fascinating tale of alternative history of the last manned mission to the moon, Apollo 18 that suddenly becomes a military mission due to the unexpected launch of the Soviet Union's Almaz Space Station - the Communist government's answer to America's canceled Manned Orbital Laboratory. Because of fears that Almaz may discover secrets at Area 51, Apollo 18 crew is given a new mission on the way to the Moon - photograph Almaz and if possible, disable the space station before it becomes manned. Only Almaz is manned and astronauts from both nations are killed before the survivors are on their way to the moon and to a discovery that could change the course of the American space program.
Hadfield has written a fascinating alternative history of space exploration, with an intriguing murder mystery interwoven as to who killed one of the original crew members of the Apollo 18 mission.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Murders...
NASA astronaut Chris Hadfield has spun a fascinating tale of alternative history of the last manned mission to the moon, Apollo 18 that suddenly becomes a military mission due to the unexpected launch of the Soviet Union's Almaz Space Station - the Communist government's answer to America's canceled Manned Orbital Laboratory. Because of fears that Almaz may discover secrets at Area 51, Apollo 18 crew is given a new mission on the way to the Moon - photograph Almaz and if possible, disable the space station before it becomes manned. Only Almaz is manned and astronauts from both nations are killed before the survivors are on their way to the moon and to a discovery that could change the course of the American space program.
Hadfield has written a fascinating alternative history of space exploration, with an intriguing murder mystery interwoven as to who killed one of the original crew members of the Apollo 18 mission.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Murders...
October 22, 2022
The Strong Ones
Just finished watching "The Strong Ones," released by Breaking Glass Pictures.
What would you be willing to give up once you've found love? It's a question that Lucas finds himself asking when he pays a visit to his sister in a remote town in Southern Chile. He's on a holiday before he's to travel to Canada on scholarship. He meets Antonio, who is a fisherman, and soon an intense romantic relationship develop between the two, but soon both Lucas and Antonio must ask each themselves if they are willing to give up their individual dreams for their future for their love.
A very compelling look at what people are willing to sacrifice in order to sustain their love.
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Ones-Lo...
What would you be willing to give up once you've found love? It's a question that Lucas finds himself asking when he pays a visit to his sister in a remote town in Southern Chile. He's on a holiday before he's to travel to Canada on scholarship. He meets Antonio, who is a fisherman, and soon an intense romantic relationship develop between the two, but soon both Lucas and Antonio must ask each themselves if they are willing to give up their individual dreams for their future for their love.
A very compelling look at what people are willing to sacrifice in order to sustain their love.
Strongly Recommended.
Five Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Ones-Lo...
The Deer King
Just finished watching "The Deer King" released by SHOUT! Studios.
Much has already been written about director Masashi Ando's directorial debut, since he has worked on Studio Gibili's most renowned movie, "Spirited Away," and yes, "The Deer King" does incorporate a lot of Studio Gibili's artistic style and story telling, and if you didn't know that it wasn't a Studio Gibili movie, you'd think it was.
"The Deer King" incorporates may traditional anime tropes - enslaved people working in the mines when they are attacked by mystical forces that mark a prisoner as one of their own - in this case Van, who once was the leader of the Lone Antlers. Van manages to escape his captivity and rescues a toddler named Yuna and lead her safely away from the empire that conquered their homeland. While on their journey, Van discovers both he and the toddler he adopts as his daughter have a connection to the plague that is spreading across the empire and to save Yuna and the world, Van may have to sacrifice his new chance of family.
A haunting tale of the redemptive power of a father's love.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Deer-King-Blu-...
Much has already been written about director Masashi Ando's directorial debut, since he has worked on Studio Gibili's most renowned movie, "Spirited Away," and yes, "The Deer King" does incorporate a lot of Studio Gibili's artistic style and story telling, and if you didn't know that it wasn't a Studio Gibili movie, you'd think it was.
"The Deer King" incorporates may traditional anime tropes - enslaved people working in the mines when they are attacked by mystical forces that mark a prisoner as one of their own - in this case Van, who once was the leader of the Lone Antlers. Van manages to escape his captivity and rescues a toddler named Yuna and lead her safely away from the empire that conquered their homeland. While on their journey, Van discovers both he and the toddler he adopts as his daughter have a connection to the plague that is spreading across the empire and to save Yuna and the world, Van may have to sacrifice his new chance of family.
A haunting tale of the redemptive power of a father's love.
Strongly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/Deer-King-Blu-...
Battle of the Super Sons
Just finished watching "Battle of the Super Sons" released by Warner Brothers.
Set in DC's "Rebirth" Universe, "Battle of the Super Sons" is another winner from Warner Animation. Warner's live action development team could definitely take a few lessons from the animation department because they've had more hit's than misses with animated movies based on popular comic stories from DC's archive - it's doubtful that the recent direction that DC comic books have taken to appease the Woke mob will ever be made into animation, though I could be wrong.
"Battle of the Super Sons" doesn't follow the original story line of DC's Rebirth Universe of how Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne first met and worked out their initial dislike and distrust of each other. Jonathan finds out on his 11th birthday that his father is actually Superman and he begins his discovery of trying to get used to his heritage as being half-alien with superpowers that haven't exactly developed yet while discovering with Damian that the Justice League is now under the mind control of Starro and unless they can defeat the alien hive mind, humanity will fall.
Great fun that has the potential to be an ongoing series.
I also love how "Battle of the Super Sons" pays homage to Superman's motto, "Truth, Justice, and the American Way."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B62K7L11?...
Set in DC's "Rebirth" Universe, "Battle of the Super Sons" is another winner from Warner Animation. Warner's live action development team could definitely take a few lessons from the animation department because they've had more hit's than misses with animated movies based on popular comic stories from DC's archive - it's doubtful that the recent direction that DC comic books have taken to appease the Woke mob will ever be made into animation, though I could be wrong.
"Battle of the Super Sons" doesn't follow the original story line of DC's Rebirth Universe of how Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne first met and worked out their initial dislike and distrust of each other. Jonathan finds out on his 11th birthday that his father is actually Superman and he begins his discovery of trying to get used to his heritage as being half-alien with superpowers that haven't exactly developed yet while discovering with Damian that the Justice League is now under the mind control of Starro and unless they can defeat the alien hive mind, humanity will fall.
Great fun that has the potential to be an ongoing series.
I also love how "Battle of the Super Sons" pays homage to Superman's motto, "Truth, Justice, and the American Way."
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B62K7L11?...
"Bullet Train"
Just finished watching "Bullet Train" released by Sony.
Released in theaters earlier year, "Bullet Train" is an odd mixture of spy drama, Japanese yakuza drama, and comedy that does it best to emulate the "Kill Bill" movies by being cool and hip with characters occasionally breaking the Fourth Wall to provide background exposition.
Brad Pitt stars as "Ladybug," an agent for an unnamed agency that is getting back into the game with a simple grab and snatch assignment after being away from the unending game for an unspecified time due to some kind of mentioned, but never really explained mental breakdown. He comes across as one of those semi-likable nerds who's a bit slow on the uptick. "Ladybug" does complete his assignment, but soon is involved in a cat-and-mouse game because there are assassins aboard the bullet train he's riding and each one has an agenda of their own revolving around a very dead son of a yakuza - nowhere near as funny as Bernie was from "Weekend At Bernie's Part One and Two."
"Bullet Train" is not a great movie...it's not a bad caper movie, but it's definitely not a memorable one.
Recommended if you've got nothing else to watch for about two hours.
Two-and-a-half stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Bullet-Train-B...
Released in theaters earlier year, "Bullet Train" is an odd mixture of spy drama, Japanese yakuza drama, and comedy that does it best to emulate the "Kill Bill" movies by being cool and hip with characters occasionally breaking the Fourth Wall to provide background exposition.
Brad Pitt stars as "Ladybug," an agent for an unnamed agency that is getting back into the game with a simple grab and snatch assignment after being away from the unending game for an unspecified time due to some kind of mentioned, but never really explained mental breakdown. He comes across as one of those semi-likable nerds who's a bit slow on the uptick. "Ladybug" does complete his assignment, but soon is involved in a cat-and-mouse game because there are assassins aboard the bullet train he's riding and each one has an agenda of their own revolving around a very dead son of a yakuza - nowhere near as funny as Bernie was from "Weekend At Bernie's Part One and Two."
"Bullet Train" is not a great movie...it's not a bad caper movie, but it's definitely not a memorable one.
Recommended if you've got nothing else to watch for about two hours.
Two-and-a-half stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Bullet-Train-B...
October 19, 2022
"A Thunder of Stars" by Dan Morgan and John Kippax,
Just finished reading "A Thunder of Stars" by Dan Morgan and John Kippax, released by Ballantine Books back in 1970.
"A Thunder of Stars" is the first novel in the Venturer Twelve space opera series co-written by Morgan and Kippax. Sadly Kippax's unexpected death brought an end to the series after he wrote the fourth book in the series. Mogan and Kippax planned on writing several solo novels in the series apiece before reuniting to co-write further adventures of the crew of the Venturer Twelve. Keep in mind that the Venturer Twelve is vintage science fiction that envisions Earth sending out colony ships at sub-light speeds to nearby star systems. The Space Corps is in charge of all matter beyond Earth orbit and the men and women who join basically give up all hope of a normal family life due to the effects of time dilation at near light speeds.
The Venturer Twelve series explores the lives and circumstances of Commander Tom Bruce and his second-in-command and former lover Helen Lindstrom and their crew. "A Thunder of Stars" sets up the Venturer Twelve universe and introduces the notion that something dark and sinister - an unknown alien race - is destroying the colony worlds and in some cases leaving surgically altered humans behind who are less than human with no self-awareness or intelligence.
"A Thunder of Stars" is a bit stereotypical of science fiction novels written around the cusp of the "New Wave" of science fiction novels where sexuality was more open - though in keeping with most fiction novels published in this novel portrayed homosexuality in a bad light - the one gay character attempts to rape a fellow crewman, but is sort of redeemed by dying in a horrific construction accident.
Commander Tom Bruce is the typical ALPHA MALE devoted completely to the Space Corps who ends his relationship with Helen because she dares to brooch the subject of marriage and leaving the Space Corps. Bruce's ending the relationship with Helen does not impact their professional relationship.
When Bruce and Lindstrom are forced to destroy a hijacked colony ship that was sent on a collision course with Earth, it sets in motion a trial that reveals that humanity faces an unknown threat out among the stars.
This is an intriguing series launch and the television series "Space & Beyond" had some of the same elements that are in the Venturer Twelve series, though if you read it, you will have to take into consideration that it was written with the societal values of the day.
Recommended.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Stars-...
"A Thunder of Stars" is the first novel in the Venturer Twelve space opera series co-written by Morgan and Kippax. Sadly Kippax's unexpected death brought an end to the series after he wrote the fourth book in the series. Mogan and Kippax planned on writing several solo novels in the series apiece before reuniting to co-write further adventures of the crew of the Venturer Twelve. Keep in mind that the Venturer Twelve is vintage science fiction that envisions Earth sending out colony ships at sub-light speeds to nearby star systems. The Space Corps is in charge of all matter beyond Earth orbit and the men and women who join basically give up all hope of a normal family life due to the effects of time dilation at near light speeds.
The Venturer Twelve series explores the lives and circumstances of Commander Tom Bruce and his second-in-command and former lover Helen Lindstrom and their crew. "A Thunder of Stars" sets up the Venturer Twelve universe and introduces the notion that something dark and sinister - an unknown alien race - is destroying the colony worlds and in some cases leaving surgically altered humans behind who are less than human with no self-awareness or intelligence.
"A Thunder of Stars" is a bit stereotypical of science fiction novels written around the cusp of the "New Wave" of science fiction novels where sexuality was more open - though in keeping with most fiction novels published in this novel portrayed homosexuality in a bad light - the one gay character attempts to rape a fellow crewman, but is sort of redeemed by dying in a horrific construction accident.
Commander Tom Bruce is the typical ALPHA MALE devoted completely to the Space Corps who ends his relationship with Helen because she dares to brooch the subject of marriage and leaving the Space Corps. Bruce's ending the relationship with Helen does not impact their professional relationship.
When Bruce and Lindstrom are forced to destroy a hijacked colony ship that was sent on a collision course with Earth, it sets in motion a trial that reveals that humanity faces an unknown threat out among the stars.
This is an intriguing series launch and the television series "Space & Beyond" had some of the same elements that are in the Venturer Twelve series, though if you read it, you will have to take into consideration that it was written with the societal values of the day.
Recommended.
Three Stars.
https://www.amazon.com/Thunder-Stars-...
October 15, 2022
"A World On The Wing - The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds" by Scott Weidensaul
Just finished reading "A World On The Wing - The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds" by Scott Weidensaul, published by Norton Books.
The how, whys, and wheres of bird migration has always been one of nature's most intriguing mysteries, and the ever evolving miniaturization of technology allowed avian researchers to gain insights over the distances of where and when various bird species migrate. Weidensaul explores how advances in technology have allowed scientists to get a more complete picture of how local terrain and the environment impact on bird populations.
Weidensaul has written a comprehensive about migratory birds and how they interact with their environment.
Highly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/World-Wing-Glo...
The how, whys, and wheres of bird migration has always been one of nature's most intriguing mysteries, and the ever evolving miniaturization of technology allowed avian researchers to gain insights over the distances of where and when various bird species migrate. Weidensaul explores how advances in technology have allowed scientists to get a more complete picture of how local terrain and the environment impact on bird populations.
Weidensaul has written a comprehensive about migratory birds and how they interact with their environment.
Highly Recommended!
Five Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/World-Wing-Glo...
October 10, 2022
"Listening For A Heartbeat" by Steve Orchard
Just finished listening to "Listening For A Heartbeat" by Steve Orchard, released by AD Music.
Now as frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook and other social media websites, I always reveal when I am friends with an artist. Although I have never met Steve Orchard personally, I do consider us friends and we exchange emails from time-to-time and exchange Christmas cards.
With "Listening For A Heatbeat," Steve has created another one of his great space-synch albums that combines acoustic and electronic instruments to weaves complex melodies with deceptive ease to engulf the listener in a world of his own creation.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "How Many Worlds," "A Confidence in Heaven Parts 1 & 2," "Moons," "Solar Safari," "Predicting the Distants," and of course, '"Listening for a Heartbeat.
Another great album from Steve Orchard!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.admusicshop.com/product/l...
Now as frequent readers of my reviews here on Facebook and other social media websites, I always reveal when I am friends with an artist. Although I have never met Steve Orchard personally, I do consider us friends and we exchange emails from time-to-time and exchange Christmas cards.
With "Listening For A Heatbeat," Steve has created another one of his great space-synch albums that combines acoustic and electronic instruments to weaves complex melodies with deceptive ease to engulf the listener in a world of his own creation.
My favorite tracks on this CD are: "How Many Worlds," "A Confidence in Heaven Parts 1 & 2," "Moons," "Solar Safari," "Predicting the Distants," and of course, '"Listening for a Heartbeat.
Another great album from Steve Orchard!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
TEN STARS!
https://www.admusicshop.com/product/l...
