Star Wars Scoundrels - Timothy Zahn

Star Wars – Scoundrels
By Timothy Zahn
2013 – Lucasbooks Publishing

*This novel’s tale takes place after  A New Hope / before Empire Strikes Back
So where to begin, well for starters it fills in the gap on how Han & Chewie became broke after saving the galaxy. Well becoming heroes, to the most wanted pirates in the stars. For one, Han lands a nice gig offer that would pay a great deal, since it can’t be done by the amazing duo. Han inquires with several characters, some with backgrounds that are filled with trouble, and others that are downright shady.

What makes this job even sweeter? How about taking on the biggest gang in the stars? Black Sun, a group that was notorious for inserting themselves with either the good or bad guys. Then again, in the Star Wars universe nothing is ever “black or white”. But they were part of two different sides that caused all sorts of trouble, even with the right price. (*mostly the case for Han, Chewie, and Lando)

So how to summarize this tale? Take a mixture of Star Wars, and Ocean’s Eleven,  mix well with The Usual Supsects (oh and there’s a fun surprise worth following from start to finish). And it’s someone no one saw coming, and it’s a familiar name in the Star Wars Legacy.

Honestly I can’t write about this book without giving too much away. But I am a Zahn fan, his writing style gives every character a voice, even when nothing is going on. It still feels like anything can happen, but its best to read some parts of the book carefully, since there are subtle notes on who’s who and their true intentions.

For even more fun, there are excerpts of forthcoming books included. And they also happen after this fun tale. Like every Star Wars story, its never finished until the last page.

Superman - Reign of Doomsday

Superman – Reign of Doomsday
Written by Paul Cornell
With additional tales from Damon Lindelof, Paul Dini, Geoff Johns, David S. Goyer, Richard Donner & Derek Hoffman

Introduction to the end of Action Comics
I remember the first Superman issue I read as a kid. My grandma introduced me to the red & blue hero with an issue featuring the triad of troublemakers from Krypton. Oddly enough I found out those three were part of the Superman film that Richard Donner made several years ago. And I dug for some time to find the original issues that branched out the character. Eventually my mom suggested to write to DC Comics, lo and behold a bit later I received a letter that there would a collection of the first issues from the origins of Action Comics with Superman. And that’s where my journey began.

Doomsday
During the mid 90’s, DC was having tussle with writing tales. So to gain some readers, they actually brought in a fearsome beast that tussled with the lead hero. And for the first time, Superman actually died and readers didn’t know if he was going to come back. Until a gang of four characters masquerading as Superman took the helm, and fought evil. But the most bizarre part of this tale, was that one of these heroes was actually a villain. Until the “real” Kal-El took the helm again, literally rising from the grave (or another timeline), (I actually began to wonder if some of the writers from Doctor Who were writing Superman tales.) (*Oh wait they do, what are the odds?)

Darkest Night
So flash forward to the present, a dark tale rushes over the entire DC Universe. A dark world where those that perished, had a day to return to the living world. But with only one consequence, they weren’t truly alive. With life and death out of balance, every being in the universe could regain some existence but at the cost of Black Rings (a power that was unheralded by the Lanterns). Except that the Black Ring actually controlled unknown powers beyond the stars. This bizarre chapter, actually brought back the dead Kal-El revisiting everything he lost falling to Doomsday. Eventually having to submit to one exisitence, the Superman we know in the recent tales is the one from another universe. So parallel worlds collide, even with the Final Crisis making things even worse (the dead heroes battle over protecting the stars, and Batman actually dies)

Getting the bizarre tales out of the way, Superman has been through tons of intense tales. Some amazing, and some that left us scratching our heads. We were lucky enough to receive Smallville in a ten year run that dazzled viewers with the origins of Kal-El’s misadventures of being human, and superhuman. It actually pushed DC’s team of writers and artists to go even further. Even some of the most well known names in storytelling took on several episode archs to shape the character into what conceived with their imaginations. (Oh and Doosmday shares an origin tale with Clark, how crazy is that!?)  And to the series finale, when Clark finally dons the suit and cape, stopping Darkseid’s home world from colliding with Earth.

Actions Comics pushed over 900 issues of storytelling, more so than any other publisher in existence. But the most critical decision was to wrap it all up in the most clever way. Doomsday, the big burly alien that took Kal-El off the pages for awhile actually makes a big comeback. From Lex becoming a beyonder, an extension of light and dark, to every one donning the shield taking a stand to protect Earth. This finale is truly a gem, every tale offers a bit of excitement and some shocking moments. Even the cover of the hardbound collection makes you wonder what is on the pages within the book.

Being a longtime Superman and comic book reader, I felt that it offers enough suspense that it could parallel a film being made. Plus there are some bonus tales from various names, including Richard Donner (who directed the first Superman film with Christopher Reeves donning the suit). This is a collection that is worth owning, and reading over again. I cannot imagine a better way to explain this book. I just feel bummed out that DC Comics retweaked Superman all over again. But thanks for the memories.

The Incredible Hulks - Twofer

The Incredible Hulks – Dark Son
Covers issues 612-617
(2011)

Written by Greg Pak with Scott Reed
Art by Tom Ramey, Barry Kitson with Brian Ching

Dark Son covers a lost chapter in the Hulk’s ever changing life. Hiro-Kala is the long lost son of the Worldbreaker during his "exile”.  By using his planet’s core, it channels its energy to give him unknown powers (however they are channeled with Skaar) *Skaar was the firstborn son, where Hiro is the latter. It’s a total eye opener from the lost pages from Planet Hulk.

Along for the ride are some of Bruce’s crew. A-Bomb (Rick Jones), She-Hulk (Jen Walters), Red Hulk (Betty Ross) *resurrected! Last time I read a Hulk tale, was when she died..  Oh and she does not play nice! And Amadeus Cho, genius, and big fan of the Hulk. Lyra (alternate realm) daughter of the Hulk.
Skaar – Hulk’s firstborn son from the Planet Hulk mini-series.

All of these unique characters band together for a cause. To protect their homeworld, and to face any unknown threat even if its family.

The story is really interesting, but most of its opening focuses on Hiro-Kala. A powerful being yet troubled by his father’s reason for leaving him behind. Plus its compelling to see Bruce’s strength as being a leader. But its unique to see a team of Hulk’s band together, and it makes every page worth turning.

The Incredible Hulks – Heart of the Monster
(2011)
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Paul Palletier and Tom Grummett

What if you could wish for anything? Turns out everyone has a wish, but the answer may not be what they want. Its power can channel anything from the universe. Is it really worth it?

It all begins with Betty (now stuck in her Red Hulk form) taking up Tyrannus’s offer to be his significant other. Monica (a scientist from AIM) is also seeking the fountain of youth. But once its tapped, its powers go out of control and anyone who has a wish will find its answer. With Hulk’s family on guard, and the big guy himself near the fountain, anything is possible.

A main highlight of this mini-series is that the Hulk takes the limelight. It becomes a mission where Hulk has to take the reigns over Bruce. And it makes the reader wonder if we might even see Bruce ever again. Along for the ride, Dr. Strange joins the cause to see what can’t be seen. Acting as a guardian, he helps his friends find a way to make things right.

What I enjoy about this tale, is seeing Betty and Bruce work together. Although in their Hulk’d out form most of the story, their powers are the center of the adventure. On the plus side, they come to an understanding of one another that I don’t believe they’ve ever had in the past.

Every page is a treat, and there is much going on, its best to read this one twice (you might have missed something!) And to sum up, this is a Hulk any fan would want to read. 

Batgirl - the Flood

Batgirl –The Flood
DC Comics
(2010/2011) Run

Bryan Q. Miller (Writer)
Art Team 1= (Pencils) Lee Garbett, Pere Perez
Art Team 2= (Inkers) Jonathan Glapion, Richard Friend, Rodney Ramos, Pere Perez, Walden Wong, Trevor Scott
Art Team 3= (Colors) Guy Major
(Letters)Pat Brosseau, Travis Lanham, John J. Hill
(Cover Artist) Stanley “Artgerm” Lau

With a revamped DC Universe, there’s a new Batgirl. Stephanie Brown, inducted by Oracle (Barbra Gordon) thanks to a nod from Tim Drake (Robin III). Now she finds herself challenged by Gotham itself. From old Batman villains, to a few new ones she meets during her run in the night. An old enemy of the Birds of Prey rears its ugly mug, Calculator. But no thanks to fate Wendy (one of the villains kids) joins Oracle’s team. (Not knowing what and who saved her years ago) Plus a new detective joins GCPD, and works with Steph and her friends. (and has his own past to deal with)

So far this sums up the first two issues. But the ongoing tale is about Gotham falling to Calculator’s dark plan, with technology as his connection to the people. It becomes a no brainer on how he manipulates anyone with touch of a keyboard and some code. Odd part is, the code makes everyone turn into zombies, unaware of their surroundings only knowing to take on any hero left standing.

Next up, Clayface shows his handsome face in town, ready to dish some pain. And cause all sorts of trouble for the new Batgirl.

And it turns out that Steph is good friends with Supergirl (Kara). Upon her return from New Krypton, the two become fast friends. But a girl’s night out turns awry, when a certain vampire escapes from a film screen. And its up to these two heroic ladies to save the night.

Best part about this new series is the writing. As always its intense and always on the move. But it doesn’t feel rushed, its balance with action, suspense, and comedy. Plus the art is always something worth looking at every panel, especially with so much going on. And the covers are simply gorgeous, and definitely reflect on what’s happening in each issue.

Only letdown is that its just a few issues, but it leaves so much open to the reader. So much that they can’t wait to see what happens next.

Wreck It Ralph Review

Wreck It Ralph Review

Before Ralph’s tale, there is an excellent animated short called “Paperman”.  Truth be told, he is not a Megaman boss, but in fact an office guy that uses paper to get his words across. In fact there is no dialog, but it Is told through a noir (black n’ white) fashion. Where only the music, and sound-fx carry the story along. Its all about a boy who meets a girl, and finds out that maybe she could be someone worth risking it all for.

Seeing more animated shorts like this is a good sign. There are many tales to be told, even without words.

Now to Wreck It Ralph!

Insert Coins =
Many years ago, arcade games were the best place to play an awesome array of games. From platformers: to racers, fighting, and flying simulators. And most at the time cost less than a quarter to play. Times have changed, and interests along with audiences have moved on. As it turns out, it is also his game’s 30^th Anniversary! This is the story of Wreck It Ralph, as told by the boss of the game, and how he found out whom he truly was, as a hero.

On the fun side, everything within the gaming happens in real time. So for those of us who ever wondered what happened when the arcades’ closed. Magic happens! Untold tales of adventures behind the scenes that no player is ever meant to know.

Level 1 =
As Ralph finds his way within the gaming world, he is not alone. There are tons of characters living within the same universe, from past to present (including those who have lost a home). *How does that happen you ask? Fair viewer, you will have to see the film to find out. During his journey he gains friends, and allies that no one would ever expect, and finds out even more about the vast gaming world that has yet to be explored.

Level 2 = Bonus Round!
There is an awesome amount of talent behind each character. And including the other familiar faces within the gaming world (tons of easter eggs!)

Final stage =
The best part about this film, is that you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy it. Being a classic gamer myself, I couldn’t enough of every scene or familiar icon just going by the screen. This film is fun, and definitely for everyone. Another plus is to stay for the credits, there are some fun tunes playing during the credits (Wreck it Ralph’s theme song) and (Sugar Rush)  (*and some hidden easter eggs including levels taken from certain games and familiar jingles!)

Expend 2 and Katy Perry's Part of Me

Happy thanksgiving friends! Today I share a two-fer review!

Expendables 2
Ex Productions
2012

Sly and friends return for another knuckle punchin, bad guy downing, crazy action flick. Not much of a story here, but the crew loses a new teammate, and gain a new ally. Taking down a rival crew that sets its sights on money, and power of a long lost element that could be used for weapons. All the crazy stuff aside, it’s an action flick worth watching. Plus the soundtrack is fitted with classic rock tunes that will keep you humming for awhile. So if you have a weekend, make this the film to see with friends and family.

Katy Perry – Part of Me
Perry Productions + MTV films
2011-2012

From religion to one of a kind talent, Katy’s journey was not an easy one. Taking her pains; and happiness through song, finding her own path with help from friends and family. This fun documentary takes viewers on a journey through her 2011-12 tour. But even though there are some down moments, she never gives up and keeps on going.

What was once inspiration becomes music and lyrics. Emotions, zany costumes, and always engaging with her fans on sharing positive energy no matter how she feels. There are far and few talents like Katy that can mend from spirals to make her stronger.

Plus the tour is so in-depth with how much time Katy and her crew spends on the road, and air. Almost an entire year is covered, with back to back shows and juggling life. The journey of a pop star and song writer has never been an easy one. Share this one with family and friends! 

Being Human Season One (US Version)

Being Human S1
SyFy Production w/ BBC

So a Ghost, Werewolf, and a Vampire go to a bar. No wait, that’s not what I meant. Actually this show is about three different characters from totally different worlds. Somehow coming together under the same roof. When sides collide, its up to these three supernatural beings to work together. By friendship and the choices they make together form a bond like no other.

However this show has roots in the UK, this interpretation is quite different. Taking a more American spin, yet making it even more diverse in dark comedy, action, and drama. The three leading characters push the boundaries of storytelling to its knees. Taking nods from classic movie monsters, and giving them new energy like no other series before.

Taking part as a 13 episode arch, season one of this captivating show does not disappoint. It may be a short season, but the pilot carries enough to keep you motivated to watch how it all unfolds. With clever writing, and camera work that makes it feel like a documentary in real time. Plus each episode contains different aspects of the unexpected trio, from where they unite, fall apart, and somehow mend their wounds mentally and physically (toss in a few smiles).

Given the short season, the fourth disc contains a helping of goodies. From a doc “Making of” to interviews, Q&A @ SDCC (a must watch!) Being Human is definitely a show worth keeping your eyes on.