“The Best of Spider-Man, Volume 1″

“The Best of Spider-Man, Volume 1” by J Michael Straczynski

“The Best of Spider-Man, Volume 1” includes the ‘Coming Home’ storyline (Amazing Spider-Man Volume 2 #30-35), the award winning Amazing Spider-Man #36, a Kingpin Story, Flowers for Rhino Story and Ultimate Marvel Team-Up featuring Punisher, Daredevil and Spider-Man.

It’s a nice collection of story through Spider-Man’s lengthy history but I felt for a first volume there were better stories to be told. The first half featuring Amazing Spider-Man Volume #30-36 are an amazing read and gives major insight to Spider-Man, his motivation, and an interesting look at his powers and his enemies. For fans of the character I think they will find this section very interesting and the shocking revelation at the end is worth a read for those uninformed of historical event.

The middle section though really didn’t connect with me. It didn’t fit together with the rest of the stories told in this ‘best of Spider-Man’. The main characters of the middle section were Kingpin, Rhino, and private detective who life is to find out who Spider-Man is. They were interesting stories in their own right but this is a “Best of Spider-Man.”

The third arc of this graphic novel included was a story from the Marvel Ultimate Universe featuring Punisher, Daredevil, and Spider-Man. It was more of a Punisher story featuring Daredevil and Spider-Man. The Punisher breaks out of jail to avenge the deaths of his family and runs into Daredevil, who’s client he kills, and Spider-Man bumbles into the story by helping the bad guy get away.

The editors and my definitions for best of Spider-Man is different. Being “The Best of Spider-Man” means spider-man is at the first and not a background character. Overall its an interesting read and will appeal to a casual reader. Givers the readers a great glimpse into the world of Spider-Man nad the complicated machinations that he must deal with throughout his life.

“Hulk: The Incredible Guide”

“Hulk: The Incredible Guide” by Tom DeFalco

Welcome to the nightmarish world of Dr. Bruce Banner, the Incredible Hulk!

A ticking bomb! A 700-pound engine of destruction! NO words can fully convey the awesome power that us unleashed when rage consumes Dr. Bruce Banner and the Hulk emerges, roaring, “Hulk – smash!”

Hulk: The Incredible Guide captures the full legend of this Marvel Comics superhero, who has been thrilling fans for more than 40 years. Discover the secret of the Hulk’s superhuman powers, and of the weird multiple personalities lurking within Bruce Banner’s fractured psyche! – From the back cover.

Having never really been a fan of the comics, I was exposed to the television series that was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid and the movie by Ang Lee. “Hulk: The Incredible Guide” gave insight into this character that I never knew. The Hulk is a more complex character that most people characterize him as. Knowing what I know now Ang Lee only showed a small aspect of the character and that’s one of the reason hardcore ‘Hulk” fans were disappointed.

“Hulk: The Incredible Guide” gives what I imagine as a complete history of the character at the point of its publication. It gives detailed differences between the different Hulks, something I never knew. Any reader of this book will find some of these facts about the character amazing.

At first I thought it was a big book for little kids miss placed, but after reading it this is a book for young adult. It need to be big to appreciated the character. With amazing drawing accompanying the facts given in this book all whom read it will appreciate the character more.

I think the most interesting thing about this book is how it gives its information. It breaks it down by the decades of publication and highlights the major events and villains of each decade to his final demise. I think the end of the Hulk is the most startling and moving drawings I have seen in comics today. After reading this book from cover to cover you will understand why.

The history of this character is rich and also tragic. He is a character that is often dismissed as an overzealous Neanderthal, which is such a mischaracterization. “The Hulk” is a complex characterization of several more established tales combined to create a character that has stood the test of time. He is a character that most people find as a commentary of the id psyche of most people.

“Superman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told”

“Superman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told, Vol. 1” by Various

He is the first, and greatest, Super-hero of all time! And now, ten of the best Superman stories ever told – some reprinted here for the first time – are assembled in this must-have collection for all fans of the Man of Steel. Read the comics stories that have defined the legend of Superman for millions of readers! Featuring an introduction by comics historian and movie producer Michael Usian (Batman movies, Catwoman).

With an All star cast of comicdom’s finest creators, the greatest stories ever told features the talents of Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Al Plastino, Edmond Hamilton, Curt Swan, Elliot Maggin, Jim Steranko, John Byrne, Mike Mignola, Joe Kelly, Doug Mahnke, Lee Bermejo and many more! — from the backcover

I personal found that most of the stories were outdated and hokey. The only story that captured any interest was the final story in the book, “What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way”. This was the only story that I felt was anywhere near a great story.

The others in this compilation just reprinted marginally interesting stories from Superman’s past. “Three Supermen from Krypton”, “The Last Days of Superman” and “The Showdown between Luthor and Superman”, were stories that may have been interesting in there day but have been replaced by more modern and engaging stories.

“Three Supermen from Krypton” written by William Woolfolk, published in July and August of 1950 was rewritten and repackaged as “Superman II: The Movie”. “Superman II” is the story that 99% of every Superman fan knows.

“The Last Days of Superman” written by Edmond Hamilton, published in October 1962 was done better in the “The Death and Return of Superman” in 1992-3. The later story arc had a more dramatic and impact on the mythos of Superman, making the ‘Last Days’ a far inferior story.

“The Showdown between Luthor and Superman” written in October of 1963 by Edmond Hamilton was just pure absurdity. It made Superman in my eyes more of a punk that a hero. It made Superman seem that he was nothing without his powers and that without his powers he can only beat Luthor with luck, and Luthor could still get the best of Superman.

“What’s so funny about Truth, Justice & the American Way” by Joe Kelly published in 2001 showed another side of Superman. It showed that Superman wasn’t truly a boy scout. That push comes to shove Superman can truly do what it takes to defeat his enemies. It also showed that at most times Superman is not giving his all to a fight to preserve life and that he can get gritty with opponents.

Overall “Superman: The Greatest Stories Ever Told.” is just a marketing title to this compilation of past Superman stories. Over the past 70 years of Superman I’m sure there are more interesting stories from Superman history that are far greater. This is a compilation only the truest of Superman’s fans will like. I can say that not being a die-hard fan; that when I think of ‘the greatest stories ever told’ about Superman none of these even pop into my head.

“Essential Spider-Man, Volume 1″

“Essential Spider-Man Vol. 1” by Stan Lee

Released in June of 2002, ‘Essential Spider-Man Volume 1’ contains Amazing Fantasy #15, the comic that started it all, Amazing Spider-Man #1-20, and Annual #1. These are the first 22 chapters reprinted from the original comics written by Stan Lee.

These are the stories that started the legend and cultural phenomenon. All the stories are from the sixties and it’s full of the vernacular of the time. At time the language is so ridiculous that I would be distracted by it, but that’s the way they talked I guess.

The black and white reprint drawings are a hard thing to get use to when you’ve grown up with color filled comics. But I’m guessing its that editor are play on nostalgic, taking the reader back in time to the beginnings of this super-hero, Spider-Man. Although this is the history of Spider-Man, the language, drawings, the stories combine to be hokey. Written for children they really don’t stand the test of time. But will appeal to the die-hard fan of the character.

The one thing that it does that makes it worthy of reading is that it a reprint of the original comic that showcase the introduce of some of Spider-Mans rogue gallery: Doc Ock, Vulture, The Sandman, The Lizard, and Mysterio just to name a few. It also features some team ups with the Fantastic Four. ‘Essential Spider-Man’ also showcases the writing of Stan Lee and illustration by Steve Ditko. Lee portrayed peter and Spider-Man in the more classical dual personality, having Peter be ridiculed and rejected by his peers and being an introvert and where Spider-Man it confident and an extrovert.

If you’re a fan of the character and never got to read the original start of the comic that is Spider-Man its here in all its glory. If you can get passed the outdated language and the black and white, I think you will find that this is a great graphic novel to read. You get to see the humble beginnings of a cultural phenomenon that even today is influencing children and adult. It shows the creative writing of Stan Lee, who in his own write has influence countless readers.

“Reflex (Jumper)”

“Reflex (Jumper)” by Steven Gould

Davy has always been alone. He believes that he’s the only person in the world who can teleport. But what if he isn’t?

A mysterious group of people has taken Davy captive. They don’t want to hire him, and they don’t have any hope of appealing to him to help them. What they want is to own him. They want to use his abilities for their own purposes, whether Davy agrees to it or not. And so they set about brainwashing him and conditioning him. They have even found a way to keep a teleport captive.

But there’s one thing that they don’t know. No one knows it, not even Davy. And it might save his life…. — From Backcover

“Reflex (Jumper)” picks up ten years after the events in “Jumper”. It finds Davy and Millie married. Davy is a freelancer contractor for the NSA and Millie is a family therapist, living in Oklahoma.

When Davey is kidnapped during a meeting with Brian Cox, Millie discovers that after the thousands of jumps she ahs taken with Davey she now has the ability to jump. Confronted with this knowledge she takes it upon herself to find her husband while discovering this new ability and keeping it under the radar of NSA and the people who kidnapped her husband.

“Reflex (Jumper)” has Davey and Millie older and more mature, in a loving marriage, and the Davey in “Jumper” has grown and faced the emotional problems that he faced before. It switches between Millie’s search for her husband and Davey’s treatment at the hands of his capture.

Gould makes you sympathetic to Davey and Millie’s struggles and you rooting for them to unleashed some wicked payback, but Gould never deviates from the core of his characters but also give some satisfying justice for the readers.

Davey and now Millie continuing story shows flare, by Gould, that man “Jumper” one of my favorite books. “Reflex (Jumper)” fun and fast paced and a great read, but also shows a crisper writing style. It’s so entertaining that you want another chapter to read. It took him the same time frame to write this book. I hope that the next book in these characters lives comes a little sooner. I can wait to see the continuing saga of David Rice and Millicent Harrison-Rice.

“The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1: Coming Home”

“The Amazing Spider-Man Volume 1: Coming Home” by J. Michael Straczynski

Alone. Throughout his life, Peter Parker has often felt alone. When he first discovered his spider-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider, he kept them secret. His attempts to exploit them for profit resulted in his Uncle Ben’s murder. Later, his attempts at maintaining the secret from his first love, Gwen Stacy, resulted in her death. It seemed as though no one understood the difficult balance between mortal and hero.

Until now, that is. A mysterious figure appears suddenly. Exhibiting similar powers to Peter. He can stick to walls and jump from building to building, just like the wall-crawler. Who is this mystery man? Who are the people he represents? And what is the ancient evil that has arrived in America in Search of Peter?

Reprints of Amazing Spider-Man Volume 2 #30 –35. – From back cover

“Coming Home” is an interesting story telling Peter of the origin of the power he “inherited” from the spider. Peter meets Ezekiel and with this meeting makes him redefine the concepts that he formulated about his powers. On the heels of this meeting Spider-Man must now content with an evil bent on his destruction, which never tires, and just keeps coming. Even with all of that it’s the ending of this graphic novel that makes it interesting to me, Aunt May’s discovery of Peter being Spider-Man.

This marks the beginning of J. Michael Straczynski writing run on “The Amazing Spider-Man” and he starts off with a bang. Right out of the gate he gives Peter a life changing moment. Making him to question the nature of his powers. He gives a well-established conception a new twist readers will find intriguing. It’s a great start to what could potentially be some of the best storytelling in Spider-Man history.

“Coming Home” is creatively drawn. Displaying some of the more poignant and distinctive moments to highlight the action to be portrayed. The coloring is vibrant and full of action, standing out even in the night sequence. John Romita Jr. accentuated the writing from Straczynski.

“Superman: Birthright”

“Superman: Birthright” by Mark Waid.

“Superman: Birthright” is a twelve-issue comic book limited series published by DC Comics in 2003 – 2004, written by Mark Waid and drawn by Leinil Francis Yu.

The series revises the origin of Superman as well as the current Superman/Lex Luthor relationship. It returns to accepted DC continuity some of the history established before DC’s 1985 Crisis on Infinite Earths event and subsequent retcon by John Byrne, including an emphasis on alien heritage over human upbringing, and also introduces elements of the Smallville television series and Superman movies. This series and Superman: The Man of Steel are both accepted by DC as the “official” canon for Superman in modern continuity, although lingering controversy remains over the many conflicting origins of both Superman and Luthor. An intentional ’synergisation’ of the traditional “scientist” Luthor and the sleeker “businessman” Luthor seeks to reconcile at least some of these differences.

The story mostly follows Superman’s early years, including meeting Lois Lane and his first encounter with Lex Luthor in Metropolis. In the series, Luthor uses kryptonite and advanced technology to discover the history of Krypton, and then uses that knowledge to fake a Kryptonian invasion and thereby discredit Superman.

“Superman: Birthright” is interesting in how it blended established history and modern mediums. The “reinterpretation” of Superman origins gives way to a more human Clark Kent/Superman by reflecting his desire to help mankind yet having to be above us without losing the humanity in him. It also chose to answer questions that plagued some of the other medium that have become part of pop culture history.

In the graphic novel Clark Kent travels the world trying to find his place in the world and interview world changers of the world but his most profound encounter is with an African freedom fighter. As he is interviewing him and traveling with him, he befriends him. In an unsuccessful assassination attempt by an African warlord, Clark’s secret is discover, and their views of him becomes fearful. It showed how this encounter affected Clark and one of the reasons for him taking the Superman persona.

It gave one answer a question that cropped in the Smallville universe of if Clark and Lex were friends how do they become complete and total nemesis. Although the path that Smallville is taking is interesting. The way Waid wrote it “Birthright” gave it another level of complexity.

Although there is controversy reading I felt that it was interesting and worth the time to read. It gave a modern flare to 70+ years of mythos that Superman’s origin has. It made the icon of Superman more accessible to new generation of comic book readers. It also shows respect to those readers that have been with him for decades.

“The Ramble”

When is loving not enough?

When is the pain too impossible to bare?

When is the love gone, and nowhere to be found?

Has love eluded the disillusioned?

Has it sought solice in the desolate realm?

Does love leave when hope is lost?

Or does it dissolve into a hazy mist when man fails to comprehend.

Love is GOD and GOD is love, and we really loving or lusting in the end.

“34″

GOD created all men equal, but man made a distinction.

That distinction is ignorance.

But ignorance should not stop you from loving any and everyone.

Remember, with loving anyone there is an inherent danger.

“Nothing Sacred in America”

Nothing Sacred in America!

American’s live today in a world where nothing is sacred. We live in a world where aliens know our history better than we do. The majority of Americans, including myself, don’t know the details of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence, but aliens do. Americans don’t take anything sacred anymore.

Nothing is sacred in America when its national symbol, a symbol of hope to millions doesn’t hold her weight. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddle masses yearning to breathe free…” has given way to Americans wanting to close the border. America wants to turn on the ideals that made this country once proud.

Where is the pride in a country where we fight a war because the leader’s father was threatened? Where is that sacred pride when America becomes the thing it’s fighting? When we America turns their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness over to government to feel a better sense of security. They do it without questioning the inherit dangers this possesses. Because questioning these things means to be unpatriotic. Americans are turning over their individuality of to be apart of the masses.

Nothing is sacred in America when defending the ideals of this national can polarize it. When patriotic defense of this nation’s ideals is met with terrorist reaction; are we really up holding those principles. Should we as Americans leave other nations to govern themselves and prepare our readiness. When the country has to advertise, “support our troops” and then treat them like garbage when they are injured in defense of these ideals.

America doesn’t emphasize, see the country; but follow its leaders. The same leaders that have degraded the ideals set forth by Adams, Livingston, Sherman, Jefferson and Franklin and substituted them for another “Benjamin”. Where are these sacred ideals when running for president means raising enough special interest money?

Nothing in America is sacred when you can’t beat questions supposedly that 5th graders should know. What was once apple pie, baseball, and family cookouts has given way to McDonalds, steroids, and eating in front of the television.

Where is the sacredness, when we turn catching criminals into entertainment; when will the execution of their punishment become entertainment. Has America really fallen that far by the waist side? What can American do to recover from this, or is this the modern America, devoid anything sacred but ready to push its agenda on others.