Semi-Perpetual Book-Reading Blog, 2022

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BOOK 178

One Piece Wano 94-95-96 by Eiichiro Oda.

Now, I’m onto the second omnibus volume of the Wano arc for One Piece. But how would it fare? Let’s find out…

The Strawhats and their allies are struggling to make any headway against the forces arrayed against them. Meanwhile, Big Mom and Kaidou meet, and agree to make their own alliance, for now. But these events are affected by shockwaves from the present and the past, where the influence of Kouzuki Oden holds sway to this day…

Once more, one thing against One Piece is its surreal humour, not helped by this arc seeming to want to cram so much into so little time. Indeed, much of the pacing is made wonky by much of this volume being taken up by the story of Oden’s life. This holds up the main story somewhat, and I feel more than a little could have been trimmed from it.

Yet in the end, this volume does make up for it in revealing some much-needed information that gives context to the modern setting of the story. Oden’s story explains much about how he came to be revered, and how Orochi and Kaidou took over, and Sengoku’s explanation of the Rocks pirates also shows how things came to be with certain pirates. The fight scenes and characters are entertaining enough, when there isn’t too many of them.

Overall, this volume of One Piece, while flawed, was still enjoyable. Here’s hoping the next volume keeps it up…

****½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 179

The World of It by Alyse Wax.

Many years ago, I read the Stephen King novel It. While I felt little desire to re-read it or watch the adaptations, I still maintained an interest in It. But how would this making-of book of the latest adaptation fare?

Stephen King holds a major place in modern pop-culture, and his epic horror novel It is one of his most prominent works. Adapted recently as a two-part film, this book examines the making of the adaptation. From casting to special effects, this book shows what went into the making of this horror…

I have to admit, despite having two films, a book, and even a prior adaptation to analyse, this book feels a touch overwhelming. As stated on reviews of books like this before, it’s a triumph of style over substance, with the style in particular winning out more than the substance, with there being more images than anecdotes and discussions. I feel so much more could be said about the films, as well as the source material and even the prior miniseries.

Still, the book is interesting enough. It’s very well-presented, with a fascinating insight into the making of these films. In addition, what there is of the anecdotes and interviews are enjoyable, with the highlight being the analysis of Pennywise and his actor, Bill Skarsgard, as well as that of the Losers Gang and why Pennywise thrives in Derry.

Overall, this was a decent, but not stellar, making-of book. It’d appeal to hardcore fanatics of the film and of Stephen King, but otherwise, it’s good for killing time…

***½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 180

One Piece Wano 97-98-99 by Eiichiro Oda.

Here I am again, embarking on the Wano arc of One Piece. But thankfully, unlike a few arcs, it’s moving onto a conclusion soon. How would it fare?

The raid on Onigashima by the Strawhats and their allies has been betrayed by Kanjuro, but unexpected allies come in to salvage the plan. But even as Kaidou plans to celebrate his alliance with Big Mom, he finds his unruly child Yamato causing trouble. After all, Yamato is a fan of Kozuki Oden, and intends to assist Luffy, having befriended Ace on Ace’s prior visit to Wano. But will this alliance be enough to stop no less than two Emperors? With deceit and betrayal on both sides, it’ll be a hard-won battle…

I know I have said it before, but it bears repeating. One Piece’s greatest fault is its surreal and childish nature, which does hobble the enjoyment of the plot considerably. And as mentioned before, the Wano arc has a habit to cram things in with little regard to giving due running time and exposure to the characters.

However, this volume maintains the standard shown in the prior volume. The fights are fun and exciting, and Kaidou shows how high-stakes a villain he is. Not to mention the introduction of Yamato, an interesting character whom I think should have been introduced sooner. And we have Momonosuke showing some character development.

Overall, this was an enjoyable volume. Time will tell if this keeps up…

****½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 181

Artemis Fowl: Guide to the World of Fairies by Andrew Donkin.

Many years ago, I got into the Artemis Fowl series of books. I never got around to continuing them, not helped by the disappointment of the film adaptation. But I’m hoping to get back into them, with this spinoff book being a case in point. But how would it fare?

Nord Diggums, in order to make some money, creates a dossier on the People, to sell to paying humans. This, then, is the result. From Elves to Dwarves, from Demons to Centaurs, the various members of the People are listed and explained, along with organisations like the Lower Element Police…

I have to say, this was something of a disappointment. True, it’s meant for kids, but Andrew Donkin, despite having worked with Eoin Colfer in adapting the Artemis Fowl books for graphic novels, seems to have taken many liberties, with not only the lore of the People, but with the voice of Artemis Fowl himself in the notes in the book. It’s also criminally short when a lot more could be said, and feels like a somewhat phoned-in tie-in for the film.

That being said, unlike the film, the book is not without its redeeming qualities. It’s well-presented with plenty of beautiful illustrations, and even the lore that contradicts the novels can be interesting at times. It’s entertaining enough if nothing else.

This book, while not truly bad per se, could have been far better. As it was, it was a nice way to kill some time…

***

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 182

Chainsaw Man volume 5 by Tatsuki Fujimoto.

And now, here I come to the end of one arc for Chainsaw Man, and the beginning of another. This horror comedy-action series has grown on me. But how would this next volume fare?

The raid on the Yakuza hideout ends in a near-total victory, though Akane Sawatari dies before she can reveal anything. As a reward, Makima takes Denji on a movie marathon date where she reveals a more human side of herself. But just as Denji’s heart seems to be set on Makima, a seemingly chance encounter in the rain leads to Denji becoming smitten with café waitress Reze. But Reze has secrets of her own…

As mentioned before, Chainsaw Man’s rather grotesque subject matter and at times extremely obnoxious and vulgar protagonist can turn some people off. The simplistic nature of the story of a shounen-style manga also doesn’t help matters. And this volume is a transitional one between story arcs, again, not helping matters.

However, this manga series has managed to find its feet, and despite the grotesque nature of the story, manages to make a balance of horror, action, and comedy, with the latter becoming less cringey and more pertinent. The ending to the Yakuza plot is satisfying, especially with Denji and Aki’s revenge on Katana Man for Himeno’s death being particularly apt, being both heartwarming and utterly hilarious. And the introduction of Reze and the mystery around her is an enjoyable one.

Overall, while not quite as good as the previous volume, this volume of Chainsaw Man brings the current arc to a satisfying conclusion, and begins the next one in intriguing fashion. Here’s hoping the next volume turns out well…

****