The Quatermass Book-Reading Blog TP2: The New Number Two

[Quatermass]

*DISCLAIMER*

This is a fanmade parody. Dragonball, Dragonball Z, and Dragonball GT are all owned by Funimation, Toei Animation, Fuji TV and Akira Toriyama. Please support the official release.

Oh. Sorry, wrong thing.

The opinionated opinions expressed in this thread are either solely those of me, Quatermass, or else based on quotable sources I've pinched from elsewhere. They are not the opinions of the Terry Pratchett Forum, its members, Terry Pratchett, Transworld Publishers, God (who may or may not exist, and so is some sort of Schrodinger's deity), and thus are only true, for a given value of true as coloured by a warped and twisted mind. If you don't like it, then there is a place in Slice up in the Ramtops that I believe you can visit. Thank you.


So, with all that semi-seriousness out of the way, let's get the ball rolling.

It's that time again, for me to start a new book-review blog. Yes, due to a massive sense of masochism, I am doing this just as I have become too engrossed in computer games. But I really want to read some stories.

The rules, as mentioned before, are simple:

*I must read, and/or finish, at least one new book that I haven't read each week. A week is defined as being the same named day after the last day I read and reviewed a book, regardless of the time (as long as it is the same day at my time, AEST). That is, if my last book reviewed and read was on a Saturday, my next book must be finished and reviewed by the end of the next Saturday.

*If I have started, but not finished, a book prior to starting this thread, then I may include it, as long as I have not read it all the way through at any stage.

*I must write a review.

*The book has to be relatively substantial. That is, I will not read an individual issue of a comic or manga (though an individual collected volume is fine), or a screenplay, unless said screenplay is accompanied by a making-of book, or a children's picture book. In addition, I will not be reviewing webcomics (unless available in printed form) or fanfiction.

Now, some caveats...

*I will NOT take reading suggestions. Anyone who does so will find themselves being given a very rude answer. However, comments and dissenting opinions (NOT reviews: this is MY review thread) are welcome, as long as they are decent and well-thought out.

*One of the unofficial rules, albeit one I might break (as it is an unofficial rule) is that I don't review two things of the same sort back to back. That is, I don't read two graphic novels back to back, two Doctor Who books back to back...you get the idea. I may break it on rare occasion, depending on circumstances...

*I used to have a very skewed scoring system. A few of you may remember said system when I started a similar thread going back over the Discworld novels, as well as the dispute that followed. After some consideration, I have adopted a new, still skewed but far less so, scoring system based on five stars. The scores are still my business. Dispute with the scoring system at your peril. In this thread, I am Stephen Fry on QI, and you really don't want to be klaxoned.

The first book will probably be Miracleman: A Dream of Flying. After all, why not start with a bang with a book by Alan Moore, even if he isn't credited under his name?

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 1

Miracleman volume 1: A Dream of Flying, by Alan Moore, Mick Anglo, et al


To those in the know about comics, there have been few series plagued with as many disputes as Miracleman. From the lawsuit by DC Comics that caused the creation of the original series in the Fifties, to Alan Moore and Dez Skinn’s falling out during the Eighties reboot, all the way to the rights issues only recently resolved. Now, the Eighties revamp of Miracleman, written by the legendary Alan Moore (credited to ‘The Original Author’), is ready for a whole new generation of fans and readers. But does it still remain fresh even today? Or should it remain relatively obscure?

Back in the Fifties and Sixties, Miracleman and his comrades, Young Miracleman and Kid Miracleman were the paragons of superheroism, fighting all sorts of threats to the world, blessed with powers by a mysterious astrophysicist by the name of Guntag Borghelm. But all that changed in 1963, when an encounter with a nuclear weapon apparently blew all three of them to Kingdom Come. Eighteen years later, freelance reporter Michael Moran has a wife, migraines, and dreams of flying. But a chance encounter with terrorists leads to Moran rediscovering his powers as Miracleman. But there are forces who do not want Miracleman’s return. A former ally of Miracleman’s has become an implacable foe. Agents of the government are moving against him. And in a secret bunker lies the dark past of Project Zarathustra, a project that has links to Miracleman’s past…

Being before many of Moore’s more famous works, like Watchmen, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and (albeit only just before) V for Vendetta, it’s interesting to see how Moore was in his earlier years. And I have to say that it’s, perversely enough, one of his better works. There’s a poetry to the narration, the story explores many of the themes he would later explore in Watchmen about the nature of a superhero, and it manages to satisfy most of my cravings while still managing to leave me wanting more. Hell, even though it is set in the Eighties, it still manages to avoid becoming dated.

The artwork, newly coloured, is quite good, even by the standards of the day. In fact, if I have to have a complaint about this book at all, it’s that at times, the pages are too cramped and busy. Moore and the artists are trying to cram way too much in at times, not giving enough space to breathe, so to speak.

Even so, the first volume of Miracleman was an enjoyable surprise. For something that is over thirty years old, it still manages to remain fresh, and even manages to live up to the hype that years of obscurity and unavailability manages to give it.

****½


FIRST WORDS: An age of lingering innocence.

LAST WORDS: No trace remains behind them.

(Edited because I forgot to put in a frigging score! Next review up soon...)

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 2

Harry Potter: The Creature Vault, by Jody Revenson

In the interests of variety, I chose to read a book about the making of the Harry Potter films. Specifically, the creatures, monsters, and fantastic beings that populate the magical world. But would I find it any good? Well, here goes nothing…

The Creature Vault takes a look at the various creatures and beings created for the Harry Potter films. Concept art, rare behind-the-scenes photos, and a discussion of the thought and creative process that went into these creatures are all presented here.

Books like this are generally a triumph of style over substance. This book, even more so. True, there is quite a bit of interesting discussion about the thoughts that went into designing the creatures, as well as the various trials and tribulations of training animals for the series. And the presentation is pretty damned good. But that, in the end, wasn’t quite good enough.

I have to confess to being disappointed by the lack of actual content. There’s more pictures than information, which is rather disappointing to me. Which is a shame, really. The concept did have quite a bit of potential.

Overall, Harry Potter: The Creature Vault was short, moderately enjoyable, but ultimately dissatisfying. Shame, really.

***


FIRST WORDS: The creatures that populate the Harry Potter films are funny, majestic, chilling and loving.

LAST WORDS: Evanna Lynch, who played Luna, crafted the radish-shaped earrings, among other jewelry she created for her character throughout the film.

 

[Quatermass]

BTW, Jace has started a thread where he is reviewing every book he has read. All very well, but this thread is for me to read and review stories that I haven't read (in their entirety, anyway) already.

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 3

All-Star Superman volume 1, by Grant Morrison et al

I have to confess that a lot of the stuff I have read by Grant Morrison is pretty strong stuff indeed. Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth and The Invisibles were cases in point, three quarters-deranged, intelligently written, but dark and twisted. But I had heard good things about his series All-Star Superman, so I thought I’d give it a go. Was I right to do so?

In rescuing a solar expedition led by Dr Leo Quintum, Superman has fallen right into a deadly trap set by Lex Luthor, and this time, he can’t escape death. His solar power-storing cells have absorbed too much sunlight from being too close to the Sun, and now, Superman is dying. But he is determined not to go quietly, or angrily, or sorrowfully. The last days of Superman’s life are hectic ones, as he gives Lois Lane the best birthday present she could ever have, solve the riddle of the Ultra-Sphinx, get, as Clark Kent, an exclusive interview with the embittered Lex Luthor, and encounter his own past, and future…

Plot? What plot? This story is not a particularly complex one. It is simply a celebration of everything Superman is, and for that purpose, All-Star Superman fulfils it very well. It’s enjoyable, entertaining, and despite the dark premise and the usual tendencies of the author, straightforward fun. It’s like if the Silver Age met the Modern Age, which goes to show that comics can be fun, and yet deep, in a world full of Watchmen and Kick-Ass.

The artwork is beautiful, and Grant Morrison’s revelation of a ‘relaxed’ Superman does wonders for the character. It’s all very colourful, and Metropolis looks very much like a city of the future. If I had to criticise the story, though, it’s that the lack of true plot (beyond ‘Superman is dying, and ticking off his bucket list as fast as he can’) is slightly detrimental to my enjoyment, but not that much.

Even so, I enjoyed the first half of All-Star Superman immensely. A fun tribute to the world’s premiere superhero…


****


FIRST WORDS: Doomed planet.

LAST WORDS: And all that we will be.

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 4

Star Wars Costumes: The Original Trilogy, by Brandon Alinger

There are times when I am in a library, and a book just catches my eye. This book was one of them. I thought, at the very least, it could give me some breathing space while I read and review the next book in my book-reading blog. Maybe it could be more.

Star Wars Costumes: The Original Trilogy is a book that looks at the making of the original Star Wars trilogy, specifically at the processes that went into the conception and creation of the costumes. From Darth Vader to C3PO, from Luke Skywalker to Admiral Ackbar, from Boba Fett to Leia’s slave bikini, this book has a look at all these, and more.

Books like this are generally, as I have said many a time before, a triumph of style over substance, and this one is no exception. Like Harry Potter: The Creature Vault before it, there’s less substance than style than I would normally expect, partly due to the specialisation of this book. But for what it is, it’s an interesting enough insight not only into the thought processes that go into making these costumes, but the trials and tribulations involved in keeping them in the right condition. They discuss, for example, damage continuity, or different masks or helmets for stunt performers, etc.

Big and glossy, this book is certainly one for a Star Wars fan. To an ordinary person, it may be a little less desirable. Not that it isn’t enjoyable, but it’s a big glossy hardback book that is doubtless quite expensive. Do I think it’s worth it? Not quite, not to someone who’s not a diehard Star Wars fan.

Even so, this book was enjoyable enough. Not a brilliant one, but certainly good enough to kill some time…


***½


FIRST WORDS: When George Lucas began developing his Flash Gordon-esque space- fantasy film in the early 1970s, he conceived several of the story’s visuals even before undertaking the plot.

LAST WORDS: And to Jillian- thank you.

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 5

All-Star Superman volume 2, by Grant Morrison et al


Once more, I return to Grant Morrison’s love song to Superman, All-Star Superman. The second and final half of this work promises much, given how it deals with Superman’s last days. But would it fulfil these promises? Let’s find out…

Superman, thanks to the machinations of the now-condemned Lex Luthor, is dying, his cells suffering from an overload of solar energy. But he isn’t going down without a fight, not when there are so many things to do before he dies. A trip to the Underverse proves to be a surprising one when Superman encounters many Bizarro creatures, including the most bizarre of them all, but when he returns to find a pair of Kryptonian astronauts have made themselves guardians of Earth in his place, he struggles to save Earth from their alien views. But even as he writes his last will and testament, Lex Luthor has yet another surprise for Superman, one that may guarantee that Luthor rules a world without Superman…

Once more, I enjoyed this story, despite the somewhat melancholy theme. It is still quite a fun ride, even if now it becomes more sombre. But it is still a celebration of everything of Superman’s life, even if the plot itself is not really that much to speak of. And there’s a brilliant and heartwarming scene that would speak to any depressive: “You are stronger than you think you are.”

It feels like everything is turning into a big rush, cramming everything possible into it. This is both a curse and a blessing, but the final chapter is worth it, and the ending manages to avoid feeling anything more than mildly contrived.

Overall, the second volume of All-Star Superman was enjoyable. Not perfect, but certainly a must-read for any fan of Superman. Or, indeed, anyone who needa a bit of joy in their lives.


****


FIRST WORDS: I thought I had him, but…the signal’s gone.

LAST WORDS: …I’m sure we’ll think of something.

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 6

Pawn of Prophecy, by David Eddings

I’ve not much truck for fantasy, or rather the epic high fantasies in the mould of Tolkien. Even so, I strive to expand my horizons, and I stumbled, more or less by accident, on the Belgariad. I decided to give the first book of David Eddings’ fantasy series a go. But would I regret it?

Long ago, the world was created by seven gods, but one of them, Torak, became jealous of a beautiful and powerful orb created by his brother Aldur. The resulting battles scarred the world, and left none able to touch the Orb, save for Riva, son of King Cherek. Millennia later, Garion is an unremarkable farmboy working on the lands of Faldor, and under the watchful eye of his aunt Pol. But he has been haunted all his life by a shadowless dark rider, and soon, events will bring Garion out into the world proper, events that will soon prove to be part of his destiny…

Maybe it’s because I have read many other stories that go along similar lines (Harry Potter, or the Codex Alera series, anyone?), or maybe it’s because I’ve had enough of reading high fantasy, or maybe it’s because I’ve read better, but I wasn’t that impressed with Pawn of Prophecy. Sure, it was decent enough, and it’s not actually bad or mediocre. But it’s a bit below the norm for what I had come to expect from a decent fantasy novel. Part of the problem is that Eddings is clearly holding things back for later volumes, though some of these things are ridiculously obvious, like who Garion really is, and the story goes nowhere fast.

Part of the problem is the characters. Garion is a rather bland protagonist, while Aunt Pol becomes very unlikeable over the course of the novel. She appears to be, frankly, a haughty cow who seems to view being Garion’s guardian as a chore and a burden. Wolf and Silk are more interesting characters, particularly the latter, who seems to be the most interesting character in the entire book. But not even the villains are that noteworthy.

Unfortunately, the first book of the Belgariad may have turned me off the series forever. I’m sorry, but I have read it before, and I have read it better. It’s not a bad book or a mediocre one, but it’s not for me…

***


FIRST WORDS: When the world was new, the seven Gods dwelt in harmony, and the races of man were as one people.

LAST WORDS: (Not recorded due to spoilers.)

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 7

Fullmetal Alchemist, volume 21 by Hiromu Arakawa

It’s about time, given that I have started a new book-reading blog, to start once more on Fullmetal Alchemist, picking up where I left off. I am beginning to approach the climax of the story, though. So would I enjoy the story? Here’s hoping…

In order to stop the mysterious Father, Edward Elric has taken the drastic step of allying with the Homunculus Greed. Factions of Amestris’ military are making plans against King Fuhrer Bradley, plans that seem to succeed. But Father is now in control of Central, and his eldest Homunculus, Pride, ambushes and takes control of Alphonse Elric’s armour. And soon, a confrontation between Pride and Edward Elric and his allies will take place, a fight to the death with more than a few surprises in store…

I dunno whether it is just my general anhedonia of late, or that I just want to get on with finishing the story, but this volume of Fullmetal Alchemist didn’t excite me as much as I had wanted it to. Sure, it has more than a few excellent plot twists and nasty surprises, and the extended fight scene taking place throughout much of the volume helps. But all the same, I feel a little let-down.

I think it’s because I know bigger plot twists and set-pieces are coming, and others have already come and gone. Despite this, though, it’s a good volume, with a few welcome comebacks, and the extended fight sequence is filled with some ingenious techniques. I just feel mildly dissatisfied.

Overall, the 21st volume of Fullmetal Alchemist, while mildly disappointing, is still a damned good continuation. And I intend to continue, to the bitter end…

***½

FIRST WORDS: And Garrod’s final time is…

LAST WORDS: …Hohenheim!

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 8

Batman: Knightfall by Denis O’Neil, based on the comics story arc by Denis O’Neil, Chuck Dixon, Alan Grant, Doug Moench, et al

From 1993 to 1994, an epic storyline ran over the various Batman comics, called Knightfall. The status quo seemed changed forever, but in fact, it was also an experiment, to show the pitfalls in a Nineties-style comicbook anti-hero, compared to Batman. So popular was Knightfall, it was adapted into both an audio drama, and a novelisation. I have the latter, and I have read it. But how would it turn out?

From a remote prison in South America comes a man called Bane. Tough, brutal, and cunning, Bane has been tormented by only one thing: a demonic bat that haunts his nightmares. Hearing about Gotham City and Batman, Bane travels there to gain power and prestige by defeating Batman, his personal demon. And after using strategy to wear Batman down and isolate him, Bane defeats and cripples him. In desperation, Bruce Wayne, apparently paralysed for life, calls upon one of his associates, former assassin Jean-Paul Valley, aka Azrael, to don the costume of Batman. But would that decision prove to be correct? Is Valley truly the right man for the job, or is his conflicted mind not ready? And does Bruce Wayne have any hope of becoming Batman ever again?

For being an adaptation of a comic, Knightfall is quite good. I do think the prose is a bit dry for my liking, and it does cut out a lot of what I have heard goes on in the comic proper. But overall, it was somewhat enjoyable, even if it left more than a few things up in the air. And it explores a number of themes, particularly through Jean-Paul Valley, namely, how far is too far for Batman?

The characters are certainly fleshed out, and as operatic as they are on the comic page. But all in all, I feel a little cheated by the book. Not that much, but it is certainly mildly disappointing.

Overall, Batman: Knightfall is a decent novelisation of a comic book. Not bad, and certainly quite good, I just wish it was somewhat better.


***½

FIRST WORDS: He stands poised: weight forward, knees bent, waiting, almost ready.

LAST WORDS: (Not recorded due to spoilers)

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 9

Fullmetal Alchemist, volume 22 by Hiromu Arakawa

While I was disappointed in the previous volume of Fullmetal Alchemist, I nonetheless remain resolute in seeing it through. After all, the end draws near, and many promises will be fulfilled. So, with that out of the way, let’s get to the review…

In a desperate plan to stop Pride, Alphonse allows himself to be trapped with the Homunculus in a completely dark chamber, thanks to the alchemy of Von Hohenheim. Meanwhile, elsewhere, events are gathering momentum, with Mustang and Olivier Armstrong’s respective actions leading to a coup attempt. But with every plot comes a counterplot, and the fugitive heroes will have a lot on their hands if they are to stop the plans of Father and his Homunculus minions…

I found myself enjoying this volume of Fullmetal Alchemist more. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the feeling of gaining momentum, or maybe it’s various turnabouts and twists that appealed to me more. Either way, I did enjoy it a bit better, even if there’s less exposition and more action than I would have liked.

We get some interesting insights into Pride, as well as that of Olivier Armstrong, with the latter getting a rather badass sequence. Not that she needs any more, mind. The other characters, those who get air time, are fine enough, with Alphonse in particular getting a great few moments.

Overall, while not brilliant, the latest volume read of Fullmetal Alchemist has kept me interested. Here’s to the last few volumes…

****

FIRST WORDS: Master…!

LAST WORDS: (Not recorded due to spoilers)

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 10

Doctor Who: The Secret Lives of Monsters by Justin Richards

It’s about time that I reviewed a Doctor Who book for this book-reading blog. Not a novel, but it is still a partially fictional work. But would I enjoy it at all?

Doctor Who: The Secret Lives of Monsters is a tome that supposedly gives out ‘classified information’ about the various monsters in the series. Part of it is done as a fictional ‘whistleblower’s’ dossiers and analyses of various monsters. On the other hand, there is significant behind-the-scenes information as well…

It seems that this book is not unlike The Doctor: His Life and Times, or Adrian Rigelsford’s Doctor Who: The Monsters, or David Banks’ Cybermen, dividing the book between fictional accounts and analyses of the Doctor and his adversaries, and behind-the-scenes information. Indeed, this work seems like a hybrid of The Doctor: His Life and Times and Doctor Who: The Monsters, with more of the style of the former, but much of the content of the latter. However, this is not to say that Justin Richards sits on his laurels: this work is a very different work in most regards to Rigelsford’s work, and while it feels a bit too much like it’s made for the Gen Y and Gen Z subset, it still is enjoyable.

However, like many books of its type, this book does suffer from being a case of style triumphing over substance. This isn’t to say that there isn’t substance, but I would have liked more behind-the-scenes stuff. Not only that, but Richards (deliberately, presumably to get readers interested in other stories) throws unrelated stories together. Okay, so linking Bok the animated gargoyle (from The Daemons) with the Weeping Angels is an interesting curve-ball, but it will only serve to confuse some people.

Overall, I did enjoy The Secret Life of Monsters. It’s certainly a good successor to Adrian Rigelsford’s earlier work on the subject, and Justin Richards should be proud of that much, at least…


****

FIRST WORDS: When the Daleks invaded Earth in 2009, it became suddenly and frighteningly clear that we are not alone in the universe.

LAST WORDS: And watch out for the monsters- because you never know when they might-

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 11

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelist, volume 2: The Puppet Master by Kazuki Takahashi

Now, it’s time for me to revisit Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelist, the part of the manga series that served as the inspiration for the first Yu-Gi-Oh! anime to make it to English-speaking regions. Having started with the beginning of Duelist Kingdom, things are starting to heat up. But would they sustain my interest? Or is it game over?

Jonouchi manages to prevail against Mai and her scent-based cheating, but while scavenging some food, Yugi is forced into a duel against Ryota Kajiki, a fisherman and one of the best duelists. But soon, Yugi will find the stakes are much higher in Duelist Kingdom than he thought. Mokuba Kaiba is also there, kidnapped, and if Yugi loses, Kaiba Corp will be taken over by Pegasus. And soon, Yugi is forced into a battle against what may very well be Seto Kaiba’s soul, wielded like a puppet by a ventriloquist…

More of the same fare, to be perfectly honest. True, it’s actually more interesting than the TV series. There’s something raw and more enjoyable here, and it’s much darker than its eventual adaptation. The Ventriloquist of the Dead battle is certainly one of the more disturbing. Not only that, but we have some interesting twists in the story.

All the same, like I mentioned before, it does lose some of what made the first seven volumes of the Yu-Gi-Oh! manga great. The battles are exciting, but the opponent of the week format does make me yearn for the earlier volumes with their greater variety of story and game.

Overall, this volume is fine enough. Not as great as it could be, but it did well enough.


***½

FIRST WORDS: Harpy Lady No.1!

LAST WORDS: On my own!!

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 12

The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia, by Martin Olson

Adventure Time is one of the most popular Western cartoon series ever to have been released in recent times. But for a kid’s cartoon, it is quite grotesque, bizarre, and puerile, and yet, in its own way, it’s surprisingly sophisticated and self-aware, entrancing adults as well as children. So I thought I might give the encyclopaedia a go, and see whether I enjoy it…

The Lord of Evil, Hunson Abadeer, has compiled an encyclopaedia on the people and places of the Land of Ooo, an eldritch work of horror and levity. His daughter, Marceline the Vampire Queen, as well as her friends (and Abadeer’s mortal enemies) Finn the Human and Jake the Dog, have gotten a hold of the encyclopaedia, and are annotating it. From the inhabitants of Ooo to the darkest of spells and places, this book has it all…

I have to admit, I was entertained by this book. Martin Olson actually plays Hunson Abadeer in the series, and writes the book very well in character. While I have admittedly never seen an episode of the series with him in it, the writing style feels right, and the book manages to strike the right balance between humour and information. It’s not that much of an actual encyclopaedia per se as much as it is an overview of Adventure Time and its world and characters proper, but it’s delivered in such a ridiculously entertaining manner that this doesn’t really matter.

If there is a fault with the book, it is more to do with Adventure Time’s predilection for the grotesque. There are times when I wonder whether the subject matter is appropriate for kids, and sometimes, the book speaks well above what I think the usual target audience would be. These are actually minor problems, though.

Overall, I did enjoy The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia quite a lot. Even for something made for kids, it may entertain adults who have just the right mindset…


****½


FIRST WORDS: Since I already read most of this book, I thought I’d pass it on to you and Jake.

LAST WORDS: Dad, 86 the footnotes.

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 13

Fullmetal Alchemist 3-in-1, volumes 22-24 by Hiromu Arakawa

NOTE: As I have read volume 22, I am reviewing merely the 23rd and 24th volumes.

This review is an unusual one. Although this omnibus volume covers three volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist, I have already read and reviewed volume 22 for this very thread. Therefore, I will only be reading and reviewing volumes 23 and 24 together…

The attempt to fight Father and his plans continues. Three of the surviving Homunculi face off against those opposing Father, but in his need to get revenge against Envy, the murderer of Maes Hughes, Roy Mustang may very well lose his humanity. But even as the rebel forces secure Central, one thought dead during the initial uprising will make a reappearance, and both Father and Von Hohenheim reveal their true natures during their own confrontation…

Most of these volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist are made up of fight scenes. But it’s not only very bloody exciting, but we have some good character pieces as well. Roy is forced to confront his own inner darkness, the Armstrong siblings reconcile while fighting, and both Father and Von Hohenheim reveal more about their plans. We even get to see more of why a certain character, thought dead, should be feared, in one of the last fight scenes in the 24th volume.

If there is anything to whinge about for this volume, then it is that it’s more fight scene than plot. Not that this is a bad thing per se, it’s just less substance and more action than I would have liked. Nonetheless, this is a minor quibble.

Overall, the 23rd and 24th volumes of Fullmetal Alchemist was enjoyable, and has gotten me interested enough to continue with the last three volumes of the series. Here’s hoping it goes out with a bang…


****

FIRST WORDS: The Philosopher’s Stone!!

LAST WORDS: FULLMETAL!!!

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 14

Doctor Who: How to be a Time Lord Official Guide by Craig Donahy

It seems that every year or so, new books designed to introduce a new generation to Doctor Who comes out. Some of them are pretty good, others…not so much. Would this book fall into the former category, or the latter?

How to be a Time Lord. An official guidebook given to young Time Lords to learn about Gallifreyan culture, history, and themselves. The Doctor, thinking he may regenerate before long, has left a copy of this guide to his successor, with his own annotations and additions to it, so that his next incarnation may learn how to be not just a Time Lord, but a Doctor…

I’ll be frank: this book would be good to kids who are just starting out with Doctor Who. It’s very well presented, has a few interesting points and would be informative to any newcomers. But for the average Whovian? Avoid.

The Doctor does act childish, but the way he acts through his annotations and drawings is even more childish than I would normally give him credit for. To use a colloquialism, Craig Donahy done goofed. He turned a book that could have been so much more to Whovians into something insultingly childish, and I only hope that children were his target audience.

How to be a Time Lord is only suitable for children interested in Doctor Who. Everyone else, even hardcore Whovians, should either avoid, or get from the library.


**½

FIRST WORDS: Ahh!

LAST WORDS: GERONIMO!

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 15

Fullmetal Alchemist, volume 25 by Hiromu Arakawa

The end draws near for my reading of Fullmetal Alchemist. I am on the final three volumes. And things are now getting really exciting, but would that change?

Father has gathered his chosen sacrifices to him, but the malevolent Homunculus needs one more. And his chosen victim is Roy Mustang. Through the actions of King Fuhrer Bradley and Pride, Mustang is forced to perform human transmutation, thus becoming the last sacrifice needed. The stage is soon set for many a confrontation, as Greed attacks the forces loyal to Bradley, and Scar himself takes on Bradley. But the Promised Day is at hand, and it may come too late to stop Father…

Once more, a lot of fighting and not quite enough exposition takes place. However, the story still manages more than a few twists and turns, with Roy Mustang forced to perform human transmutation (with appalling consequences), and more than a few long-awaited battles. It’s getting exciting, and Father gives his own (albeit arrogant) explanation for the enigmatic Truth being who appears on occasion in the series.

I just wish there was a touch more substance, or that things would get to the point already. I’m already impatient and eager for the end, it just feels like Arakawa is drawing things out slightly too much.

Overall, though, I enjoyed the latest instalment of Fullmetal Alchemist, and I await the end of it eagerly…


****

FIRST WORDS: ?!

LAST WORDS: The power of Reconstruction.

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 16

Saga of the Swamp Thing book 1, by Alan Moore et al

Swamp Thing was a rather famous comic series done by DC, a more horror-themed one than a superhero-style one. It followed the adventures of a man called Alec Holland, whose experiments into a regenerative formula were sabotaged, and mortally injured, he was transformed into a hulking plant-like beast. Like Miracleman before it, the series was given to an up and coming Alan Moore, and he was given carte blanche to revitalise it. What he did was famous, but would I like it?

Swamp Thing, aka Alec Holland, has been shot and captured by the Sunderland Corporation, and is experimented on. There, he comes to learn something very horrific about himself, something that shakes his humanity to its very core. Soon, he will face against the wrath of Jason Woodrue, the Floronic Man, and come between the demon Etrigan and another diabolical entity, but there is another thing he must confront. Something he may not be able to cope with. The fact that he may never have been human at all…

When I read Alan Moore’s take on Miracleman, I was surprised at how lyrical and poetic the comic seemed. The same goes for Swamp Thing, or at least his take on it (I am new to Swamp Thing, and so can’t judge the writing on prior or later stories). The stories are on the higher end of the horror scale, with the arc involving the Swamp Thing trying to come to terms with his own nature and Woodrue undertaking a rampage most impressing me.

If there is anything to complain about, though, it’s that certain elements of the story, while mature, are also somewhat dated. The Etrigan arc was also a bit weak, as far as I am concerned, although it is clearly setting the scene for later parts of the story. And maybe part of me wanted Sunderland to be more of a recurring villain.

Overall, though, I actually enjoyed my first sojourn into Swamp Thing. I feel like delving into the swamp just a little more…


****


FIRST WORDS: “I had to come, Arcane.”

LAST WORDS: “…by demons driven.”

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 17

Fullmetal Alchemist, volume 26 by Hiromu Arakawa


The end draws near. Now, the time has come for me to read the penultimate volume of Fullmetal Alchemist. What lies in store? Let’s find out…

The culmination of Father’s plans has arrived. The evil Homunculus activates his plans as the eclipse moves into position. Soon, the souls of virtually everyone in Amestris are absorbed, all so Father can absorb what he believes to be God, and thus become God himself. But even as his power approaches the absolute, and he prepares to dispose of the remainder of those in his way, Von Hohenheim, Scar and May Chang reveal their own plans to counter Father’s genocidal plot. The final battle for the fate of the world is soon joined, but even with Father’s powers waning, it may be too much for everyone…

Wow. With everything galloping towards the climax, I didn’t know whether it could be made any better. Sure, there’s still a lot more action than exposition, but finally, we understand what Father’s intentions are. Not only that, but we learn that Von Hohenheim, Scar, and May Chang had their own counterplots. It’s all very exciting.

The art is suitably excellent, with one particularly epic sequence showing Father growing to massive size and consuming the Gate of the World. If only there was a slightly better balance between the exposition and the action, this’d do better. As it is, it does very bloody well indeed.

The penultimate issue of Fullmetal Alchemist is a triumph. Here’s hoping that the last volume is a fitting cap to that…


****½

FIRST WORDS: Heh…

LAST WORDS: Oh no…

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 18

Drrr!! (Durarara!!): Saika Arc, volume 1 by Ryohgo Narita et al


Having read the first four volumes of Drrr!!, I found myself intrigued enough to continue the story. Okay, the initial story arc closed fairly well, with few loose ends, but when I learned that the manga adaptation of what is called the Saika Arc was available, I decided to get it. But would I like it?

It has been over a year since the events involving Celty, a dullahan roaming the streets of Ikebukuro as a motorbike rider, and the Dollars, the gang founded by seemingly mild-mannered boy Mikado Ryuugamine, and the downfall of Yagiri Pharmaceuticals. Aniri Sonohara, a young girl who believes she lacks love, is targeted by Nasujima, a predatory teacher. A mysterious assailant attacks people with a sinister blade, not killing them, but certainly putting Ikebukuro on edge. And the chat rooms of Ikebukuro are filled with the rantings of a troll named Saika, named for a demonic blade. Was it Saika who attacked Celty, and the others? What links the attacks to Shizuo Heiwajima, the strongest and perhaps the most dangerous man in Ikebukuro? And what is the attacker’s true goal?

I didn’t really know that Drrr!! needed a continuation, given that the first arc wrapped things up fairly well. But this story starts with a new and intriguing concept, along with some fairly disturbing ones. It’s not really full of substance, but it’s intriguing enough to get me hooked for this arc.

Of the characters, we get perhaps more insight into Shizuo Heiwajima than any other. We learn why he is so strong and violent, and that, at heart, he wants to be a peaceful man, despite his hair-trigger temper. We also get some insight into a character only peripherally seen before: Anri Sonohara, which promises much to come, although other characters are marginalised.

Overall, while not great, the first volume of DRRR!!: Saika Arc intrigues me enough for me to want to continue. Here’s hoping it gets better…


***½

FIRST WORDS: -I like people.

LAST WORDS: (Not recorded due to spoilers)