Book Review: American Gods

The book by Neil Gaiman came out in 2001 and now is a television show on Starz. If you have read my previous reviews then you know that I have this weird need to read a book first before watching the adaptation of it. Hence why I picked this one up and read it and now I can let myself watch the show.

Story line: Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life. But just days before his release, Laura and Shadow’s best friend are killed in an accident. With his life in pieces and nothing to keep him tethered, Shadow accepts a job from a beguiling stranger he meets on the way home, an enigmatic man who calls himself Mr. Wednesday. A trickster and a rogue, Wednesday seems to know more about Shadow than Shadow does himself. Life as Wednesday’s bodyguard, driver, and errand boy is far more interesting and dangerous than Shadow ever imagined. Soon Shadow learns that the past never dies . . . and that beneath the placid surface of everyday life a storm is brewing—an epic war for the very soul of America—and that he is standing squarely in its path.

Fangirl’s thoughts: The book is a fun read though it can be dry at times and I found myself skipping some paragraphs here and there to move things along. The world created by Mr. Gaiman is vast and fun to explore. I was sad when the story came to an end because I was so immersed that I wanted to know what would happen next. I had the special edition that had the Jesus chapter in it and it was a fun little chapter.

I have read enough mythology and books that have gods in them that the same premise is that gods are only as strong as the belief in them. I enjoy that Mr. Gaiman really explored this and you find yourself in this epic battle of the old gods like Odin from Norse Mythology to the new American gods like television. This is a book that you will enjoy if you enjoy mythology.

Pick this one up and check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
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Book Review: The Turn by Kim Harrison

Storyline: Can science save us when all else fails? Trisk and her hated rival, Kal, have the same goal: save their species from extinction. But death comes in the guise of hope when a genetically modified tomato created to feed the world combines with the government's new tactical virus, giving it an unexpected host and a mode of transport. Plague rises, giving the paranormal species the choice to stay hidden and allow humanity to die, or to show themselves in a bid to save them.

Under accusations of scientific misconduct, Trisk and Kal flee across a plague-torn United States to convince leaders of the major paranormal species to save their supposedly weaker kin, but not everyone thinks humanity should be saved, and Trisk fights the prejudices of two societies to prove that not only does humanity have something to offer, but that long-accepted beliefs against women, dark magic, and humanity itself can turn to understanding; that when people are at their worst that the best show their true strength, and that love can hold the world together as a new balance is found.

Fangirl Thoughts: I am a huge fan of the Dead Witch Walking series. I even had the chance to meet Kim Harrision and sit in on a talk that she did about ending the series. I enjoyed the characters and how Harrison was able to weave the story and when I heard about a prequel to the series that explained the nasty tomato business I just had to pick it up.

I know that prequels are hard to do because you have to make sure that the book has the same feel to it as the series and that the storylines must mesh with what will happen. Harrison hit this one out of the park. She immersed you back into the Interlanders world and makes it so that you never want to leave. I am hoping for another book after this one because I am in love with it.

Meeting Trisk and Kal helped you to see how everything started. You have some familiar names pop up like Cormel, Ms. Ray, Piscary, etc. You truly get to see how the world became what it is before we ever meet Rachel. Frankly if you are a fan of this series then this is a must read. Let’s get Harrison to write at least two more into this series so we get to the point of meeting Rachel.


Post by Vikki

Twitter: ProfessorWhite
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Star Wars: The Force Inside Review

Star Wars: The Force Inside, is exclusively available on Put Me In The Story! In Star Wars: The Force Inside, you must choose your own path—Jedi or Sith? Alongside classic characters from the Star Wars saga, each reader will experience an interactive adventure following their destiny.

In a galaxy far, far away, everyone must decide where their true allegiance lies. Are you Jedi or Sith? All the most powerful heroes and villains in the Star Wars universe are here to reveal the Force inside you!  First Yoda, Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia ask questions to guide you and help you become a Jedi Master. Remember, a Jedi can feel the Force flowing through him. Then the dark side of the Force will try to sway you – flip the book over and meet General Grievous, Darth Vader, Count Dooku, Darth Maul and Darth Sidious. Each side reveals your rank among the Jedi and Sith with a personalized certificate and poster with your picture!

Fangirl Thoughts: First I must point out that I am a huge Star Wars fan. I do not recognize the existence of those other three movies but maybe that is just me. I am excited for the new movie, I feel like these may be done right and will not upset me.

This book gives the Star Wars fan the chance to see what side they will fall on. I love that you get to make it so personalized and that your picture is in it. Plus if you are buying it for a loved one you can include a personalized message to the person. I will admit I was cheesy and said May the force be with you in my book but I felt as though it worked best. I enjoyed making this book and going through the questions. Sadly I turned out to be a Sith Lord more than a Jedi, oh well.

I recommend this purchase for fans. Pick it up and let me know what you think.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
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Book Review: Marvel’s The Avengers: Black Ops Field Guide.

The Avengers are jumping off of the screen and on the pages of this personalized field guide, where you can become a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent and become an expert in all things Avengers. Create an official ID card to get access to classified information about all of your favorite characters like Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow, Thor, and more! Your secret mission as a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent is to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Avengers, their allies, and enemies so the Avengers always come out on top. The book is by Put Me in the Story. 

My Thoughts: So I ordered my Marvel’s The Avengers: Black Ops Field Guide. I was so excited when I got it in the mail. I am a huge Marvel fan and I was excited to be a field agent. The book is colorful and has your name throughout so it is very personalized. The website was so easy to navigate. All I had to do was upload a picture and add a personal message and bam! I was all done. The book is so cool. I love that you can go through and write your own notes on all the major hitters in the Avengers world.

In the book you have Ant-Man, Black Widow, Captain America, Doctor Strange, Falcon, Hawkeye, Hulk, Iron Man, Loki, M.O.D.O.K., Thanos, Thor, Ultron, and Vision. Basically all the awesome characters that we love to read about and enjoy watching on the big screen. 

The last page even lets you write about yourself in terms of your strengths and weaknesses. I also like that you have a decipher key to figure out key aspects in the book. I would highly recommend this book for anyone that is a fan of The Avengers and loves the concept of a S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent and would enjoy a personalized book.

Pick one up and let me know what you think!

Post by Vikki
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Interview with Jennifer Hayden creator of "The Story of My Tits"

Alright Family, today we were blessed to have reached out to Jennifer Hayden and interview her about her amazing book “The Story of My Tits”. Which has has given the comic world the eye opening personal account of breast cancer. This woman’s courage has opened many eyes with her story and continues to inform and educate all of us of the struggle women face with this deadly disease and show that with the struggle is hope, strength and courage. Her amazing story will be released by Top Shelf on October 13, 2015 in both comic shops, book stores and online shops.

QUESTION: Jennifer what made you decide that you should tell your story and share it among the comic community? I understand from watching it as a family member, how hard it can be. What gave you the courage and what drove you to the realization you needed to share your story?

• ANSWER: I knew by the time my experience with breast cancer was over that I planned to write about it—but then I’d written about most things in my life—and having recently discovered graphic novels, I knew I wanted that to be the medium. I think, though, that what really pushed me to do it was realizing how many women there were like me who were about to be stunned by this diagnosis and assume the title (with luck) of “breast cancer survivors”, where formerly they’d just been “people”. And I wanted to help them through it, if I possibly could, and show others that we were still just “people” who’d happened to have a breast cancer chapter in our lives.

QUESTION: After reading your story I am still in awe struck. When you were creating this graphic novel to reach out to the comic community, was there ever a moment you felt that you went too far with your personal life? I mean you have opened up to some deep moments that most families facing this danger, try to keep “within the family” so to speak?

• ANSWER: As an artist, I don’t view privacy the way other people do. These “private” moments in our lives are the best material we have to work with, to make sense of life. It would be arrogant to think my secrets are unique. Or that my pain is different from anyone else’s pain. We all go through the same stuff. But I did feel a huge responsibility to transmute these family details into something much larger, that would justify laying them bare. And I did truly try to do it in a way that would not hurt anyone, that would not lay blame. I tried to follow my autobio taste rule, which is: always make yourself look worse than everyone else in the story.

QUESTION: As a comic creator in your early days, did you ever think you would create such an important book that might help others? Was that ever something you inspired to do?

• ANSWER: From the start, I knew precisely what this project was—or could be—and how to do it. I didn’t know if I COULD do it, but I followed my heart and as the material challenged me, I kept trying to improve and meet that challenge. This graphic novel taught me how to be a graphic novelist. The first panel was my first comix panel ever. I told myself to look forward, not back, and just keep adding another panel, and another, and make them true, and tell the story. And I knew that in the end—if I didn’t lose my nerve--I would have this book.

QUESTION: You allowed us to see your life unfiltered so we can see on many levels how breast cancer affects people in different ways. As you were creating this book, was there ever a deep moment that you felt, tugged at your heart strings to the point you wondered if you should place it in your book? And why did you feel it was important that include it in your story?

• ANSWER: IF something tugged at my heart strings, THEN I put it in my book. There was no reason for doing this unless I did it whole hog. Certain moments—my mother-in-law’s illness, my husband helping me take a shower after my surgery, saying goodbye to my breasts--brought a wave of grief which I did have to deal with, all over again, after all those intervening years. But that’s how you know you’ve touched the heart of the story.

QUESTION: I know this question might be deep for you and if you don't answer it I understand. I promise, if you don't answer it, it wont be published. For the respect of you and your family. When you decided to create this memoir, how did your family take it? I mean, you are a wife and mother, whose pretty much in the lime light of comic book fame due to your works on “Underwire” and the many educational materials you been apart of. Was there some reserve coming from your closest family members about this book and how open it was about your life? Was there ever a moment they were uncomfortable with you doing this? Or were they all on board?

• ANSWER: I never once asked my family if it was okay. I wrote this book because I had to. I assumed that because I did it with some taste and a greater end in mind that they would forgive me. Maybe some of them won’t. But I don’t think so. I think something my entire extended and immediate family understands is art. And art is made up of the small and recognizable things in life, but it adds up to something far greater, that actually has nothing to do with those small things. I’ve also changed this story, here and there, so it’s not precisely what happened. No one in my family has read the book yet, so it’s really a ticking time bomb…

QUESTION: As a comic creator creating this story, what gave you the strength to push forward and let your story be told? I mean this story, (though its amazing) feels like it tore into your heart a lot. You’re a strong woman to open up about it. Was there ever a moment that you felt emotionally drained opening up in such a naked look into your life?

• ANSWER: Thank you. Yes, I did feel drained at times. I took breaks, I walked away from it in tears, but it always felt better to come back and make something constructive out of that pain. And really looking at what happened and how it felt gave me a kind of closure on a lot that had happened in my life. I’ve said this many times before, but I think every middle-aged person should be given a grant to take off work for a year and write the story of their lives. It’s a wonderful time to take stock of what you’ve done, to see the layers and recognize the patterns, and to determine what you most want to do with the last active chunk of your life.

QUESTION: I love how your optimism and humor found its way into the book. How because of it, it makes the book comforting to those who are facing this situation and there families trying to be a strong support system. In its on way, I feel it gives them some guidance how to be “there” in its own way. As a survivor, what do you hope is the most important thing that: survivors, family, friends and those learning of breast cancer expect to take from this story over all?

• ANSWER: That there’s no one way to do this, for the person getting the diagnosis or for their family and friends. And there are no guarantees about how to live so that you never get cancer. We all live with this—either worrying about it happening or having at last had it happen, to ourselves or to someone we know. To be true to ourselves and to our particular need for rest, for healing, for adventure, for creativity, for love, and not to try to follow someone else’s agenda—this to me is the most important thing I learned. As for family and friends supporting us, they need to be true to themselves as well. Some gave me dinner—some gave me flowers—some gave me wine. And one friend gave me silence. She just sat with me and very comfortably didn’t say a word, which said: “I love you, I’m here for you, and I know that nothing I say will make you feel better.”

QUESTION: Lastly, because I loved what you did with the bird, (I know, I know,) you knew I was going to address the bird. Why did you choose the bird as your voice / conscience for this story? Was it something from an artistic point of view that you saw that made the story work? Or was it one of those things in creative passion that just felt to be the right thing to do?

• ANSWER: The bird appeared in the first panels without my knowing it, and then I realized I could put a lot of sarcastic comments that seemed too mean to put in my husband’s mouth (though he probably said all of them!) or my own mouth into the bird’s mouth, to include that bitter perspective. Then it became a useful dramatic device when I was alone and needed advice, but had no one to give it to me. And if you notice, the bird flies away when the Goddess appears. I’m sure you know what that means.

Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to answer our questions today for Fangirl Review. Your story is the most amazing comic I have read this year and I believe it will definitely impact a lot of readers out there. Thank you.

THANK YOU for asking such great questions. It’s obvious you read my book with care, and I really appreciate that!


This is it for Fangirl Review’s one on with Jennifer Hayden. Thank you for stopping by and please check into the amazing graphic novel done by Jennifer called “The Story of My Tits”.

My name is Flip Knox and I hope to inform you soon and until we meet again dear readers;

Smile Big, Laugh Loud and Love All. Have a wonderful day.

-Flip

Graphic Novel Review: The Story of my Tits

The Story of my Tits

A Graphic Novel by Jennifer Hayden

There are times as a comic reader that we just don’t get to read great stories as they come out. Theres so much talent and epic stories going on in any given time in this industry that we don’t get to hear about some really awesome comics being done for one reason or another. For me, the year of 2012 I found myself in a different country with internet which unfortunately made me miss this great book.

Now, that I work of Fangirl Review and have the opportunities to read more comics than I ever had before. I decided to look into what I have missed in the off years I got to travel the world. This particular opportunity came knocking when Brett from Top Shelf emailed me of things they were celebrating this year at his company. And one of those books was the amazing graphic novel called “The Story of My Tit’s” by Jennifer Hayden.

Jennifer Hayden is a great comic artist who has created the critically acclaimed online hit “Underwire” that is featured on www.ACT-I-VATE.com every month. She has also wrote a great children's book called “Liberty Cafe” (which my daughter has enjoyed a lot). Hayden’s is always fun for me to check into as a fan and an avid comic geek. So when I heard about the story she had done back in 2012 called “The Story of My Tits”; 1. I had to check it out after knowing its premise and 2. I felt like I needed to share it here on Fangirl Review because of its powerful message. Top Shelf will be releasing its full completion this coming October, 13 2015. So keep an eye out for it in comic shops and book stores.

With that being said. What is Hayden’s “The Story of my Tits” about? It is a slice of hard hitting life about women’s breast cancer. Hayden drew upon her own life struggles with this issue and did the most beautifully poetic thing an artist can do and made it into a great piece of artwork. This story is by no means the faint of heart as it’s a real life memoir from someone’s first person account on the subject manner. However, it is definitely a deeply important literary piece that holds its true weight in salt and should be (in my opinion) bought and read.

Hayden opens up to the reader and tells them that she grew up with this idea that breasts are what makes women feminine and how they are thought to be the main attraction for the opposite sex. However, by the time she is in college she learns her own mother has been diagnosed with having breast cancer. From this point Hayden shares her love and fear relationship she has with her breasts as she watches her mother going through a tough battle that leaves her mother losing her breast. This was hard for me to read since two great women in my life went through breast cancer and survived (though they were able to keep their breasts), this book is an eye opener to the real deadly dangers women face with this disease.

Fast forward a little bit as Hayden then discusses her breasts from the viewpoint of a mother, who gave birth to children and notices her breasts grew in size because of her being pregnant. It is after this that Hayden opens up about her own personal struggle with breast cancer that just floored me as a reader. The strength of this woman is incredible folks. This is by far the best damn comic I have read this year.

Yes it is dealing with a hard issue, but Hayden keeps a clear optimistic view on the whole thing and she even brings her sense of humor to the book that she is known for. She even allows her imagination to make her conscience a bird within this story as she opens up about the fears, regrets, and humiliation that women face in this situation. Mad respect for you Jennifer Hayden, thank you for allowing us into your life and giving us this wonderfully powerful story.

So in closing, on the comic epicness scale what do I rate The Story of My Tits?

• Craptastic
• Die Hard Fans Only
• Awesome Sauce
• Brilliantly Fantastic
• Epic...

Epic! This book is such an amazing piece of art and story that it should definitely belong on your home book shelves.

Thank you for joining us on Fangirl for this review on The Story of My Tits. Hope to entertain you soon,

Sincerely,

FLIP Knox

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Book Review: THE INCREDIBLE THREE AND A HALF SUPERHEROES - Fun for everyone!

BY FRANK SCHMEIßER

ILLUSTRATED BY JÖRG MÜHLE

TRANSLATED FROM GERMAN BY DAVID H. WILSON

(January 2015) The Incredible Three and a Half Superheroes by Frank Schmeißer and illustrated by Jörg Mühle (April 2015; $19.95; Ages 8 and Up) tells the top secret, totally true adventures of the child superhero team, the Incredible Three and a Half. Most superheroes hide behind masks as they battle against injustice in the world and, for their own protection, their true identities are kept top secret. But for reasons beyond his control, incorrigible sixth grader Sebastian Appleby-Krumble is forced to write down his exploits as part of the superhero team the Incredible Three and a Half. The Incredible Three and a Half Superheroes is a humorous, behind-the-scenes tale of the action-packed adventures of Sebastian, otherwise known as the Brain, and his friends Barbara “Action Barbie” Bakewell, Martin “the Chameleon” Koslowski, and Martin’s imaginary friend Dickie, “the Chicken.” Young readers will find out why Aunt Boadicea’s birthday ended in disaster; why Dolittle, the class hamster, wound up wearing camouflage; and how Sebastian was almost arrested while wearing a giraffe costume. Most importantly, they will discover why everyone must protect the secret identities of the Incredible Three and a Half to save the world from terrible danger!

About the Author: Frank Schmeißer lives in Cologne, Germany and is the author of several children’s books in German. Superheroes is his first book published in English. Schmeißer enjoys reading printed books rather than digital ones, although ever since several of his books sunk while he read them in the bathtub, he would rather listen to audio books there. If he had a superpower, he would want it to be endless patience.

About the Illustrator: Jörg Mühle studied at the Offenbach University of Art and Design and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. Since 2000, he has worked as a freelance illustrator. His hobbies include listening to music, reading, horses, and playing the recorder.

My Thoughts: I recently had the chance to check this book out. I must say that it was a fun quick read. It was filled with great illustrations that only added to the story though I must admit that when I would flip to the next page and see the picture I could not help but stare at the picture and try to figure out what was going on. My eyes would constantly stray to the picture and I had to force myself to read the text and I always ended up giggling at the picture once I knew the premise behind it. The book explores the trials and tribulations of the three and a half superheroes and I know you are wondering about the half but you have to read the book to understand it. We get to read about the main character, Sebastian, who is faced with trying to save his favorite teacher from being fired as well as his dignity when dealing with a mean great Aunt. The book is well written and and easy to read for the audience. It reminds me a bit of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and if you liked those books then you will like this book. Frankly it could easily be made into a movie or television show. My only concern with the book was that there was a bit too much cursing for my tastes. Overall it is a great book to read for the aspiring superhero.


Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
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Book Review: Dead Ice

Amazon: Anita Blake has the highest kill count of any vampire executioner in the country. She’s a U.S. Marshal who can raise zombies with the best of them. But ever since she and master vampire Jean-Claude went public with their engagement, all she is to anyone and everyone is Jean-Claude’s fiancée. It’s wreaking havoc with her reputation as a hard ass—to some extent. Luckily, in professional circles, she’s still the go-to expert for zombie issues. And right now, the FBI is having one hell of a zombie issue. Someone is producing zombie porn. Anita has seen her share of freaky undead fetishes, so this shouldn’t bother her. But the women being victimized aren’t just mindless, rotting corpses. Their souls are trapped behind their eyes, signaling voodoo of the blackest kind.

It’s the sort of case that can leave a mark on a person. And Anita’s own soul may not survive unscathed . . .

My Thoughts: This is the 24th book in the series. I have been an Anita fan for quite some time and I am happy that these books have gotten back on track however I felt as though there was not much movement in terms of the storyline in this book. We have heard of the concept of zombie porn before and so some things from that past story is brought to light again. It appears as though the story lines of those in the background progressed forward. We learned more about them and see what is happening to those around Anita. I enjoyed that part of the book. Learning what her friends and lovers are doing when they are not doing her is always good. Overall I would say pick it up. Once you are this deep into a series you have no choice but to keep going. At least its not another Janet Evanovich book.

Post by Vikki
Twitter: ProfessorWhite
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Graphic Novel: Conan: The Avengers #15 Review

Conan: The Avenger #15

XUTHAL OF THE DUSK PART III

Entering this story’s third chapter of current arc, I had some major anticipation built up within me. First off, Eric Powell (The Goon) gives us an awesome cover. Conan in a hot blooded murdering rampage, fighting an awesomely wicked monster that seems too big to fit on the cover itself. The cover gives the reader the right amount of action you would expect from a Conan story without giving away too much away and is colored in a way that matches classic pulp hero stories. In part, Eric knows how to do an image that grabs your attention that will make you pick a story up off the rack. He’s an ideal cover artist for Conan hands down.

Past the cover, the creative team assembled to greet us in this adaptation of Conan is the always awesome Fred Van Lente (Marvel Zombies) as the writer of the story and the ever talented Guiu Vilanova (After the Fire) who is the story’s artist and man, are they ever fitting for the Conan universe. The way Fred scripted the story to match the panel layouts with dialogue for the characters and captions to be given by an ever invisible narrator, gives this adaptation a sweet classic feel to it. The story reads just like a Robert E. Howard novelette, in the way it builds the tension for the reader within its pacing within the narrator's captions. Fred not only knows how to build the tension perfectly, but, he knows how to not drag it on for too long as the pay off moments in the story come just at the right time. Leaving the reader satisfied and wanting more.

Further more, the story is delivered with the perfect letters and captions done by Richard Starkings & ComicCraft. I mean, this issue gives true testament why Richard is sought after so much in the industry for lettering books. He again proves to the comic fans that lettering a comic is a true art form as he matches the words written by Fred Van Lente to the story seamlessly.

As for Guiu Vilanova, he knows how to make Conan feel classic and yet, new at the same time. What I mean is, for those readers following this story in this issue, Guiu doesn’t disappoint. He knows how Conan moves and breaths. How he would react within in a fight. And when it comes to the women of Conan, Guiu knows how to make them both attractive yet, deadly without making them look manly. Which in many action comics today, seems to be a hard feat to accomplish. I don’t understand why that is in this industry, but, rest assured, Guiu knows how to make a deadly women look both beautiful and dangerous.

Now, for the few downsides of the comic. You should be warned, if you are a person who is faint hearted, this story isn’t for you. The reason I say this, in keeping with the classic Conan feel, this story is not at all P.C. and has adult content in it not meant for young readers. Though it is a great read and I would recommend it to other comic fans new and old, this story is a Conan story. Meaning, women can both be deadly and cannon fodder while being barely being dressed or completely nude . And in this story we get all of this. We get a woman who is manipulative and savagely malevolent, while the other is just a love interest victim for the hero to save.

Also there are a couple of continuity errors in the story, that once I caught them irked me. The one was easily forgiven because it was sacrificed for the sake of the story, so I won't go into detail about it. However, (spoiler alert) the knife scene just felt off. From its delivery to its dialogue. It didn’t feel like the rest of the story but, it was needed. It helped propel the story forward, it just felt rushed.

So in closing, on the comic epicness scale what do I rate Conan The Avenger issue 15?

• Craptastic
• Die Hard Fans Only
• Awesome Sauce
• Brilliantly Fantastic
• Epic...

Awesome Sauce! (with a side order of caution)


Thanks for reading Fangirl Review on Conan: The Avenger # 15. Hope to entertain you soon,

Sincerely,

FLIP Knox

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Review - Captain Midnight: THE FINAL ISSUE

Captain Midnight: THE FINAL ISSUE

And so, the eleventh hour showdown has come! This month we are given the final issue of Dark Horse’s pulp hero comic Captain Midnight. A classic farwell story fitting for any hero or title that is being retired. The cover art is brought to us by Michael Broussard ( Darkness) who delivers an ever classic hero cover of Captain Midnight standing tall and vigilant, ready to take on the evils before him without fear. If this is truly the end of the book, this cover is perfectly fitting. The reason I say that, it allows the Captain Midnight fan to have an everlasting image of the hero to drawn back to and reminisce on for years to come in a positive manner, without making it feel like “this was the last story”. Which I commend Michael for doing. It is both respectful to the character and the reader alike. I mean, as a comic fan for many years I have seen a lot of comic titles end in my lifetime. And unfortunately there are some covers I have seen as a fan that really gave the reader that negative vibe of “this was the last story”. But, Michael Broussard doesn't do that here. He allows childlike hope to be felt by the reader, that we might see Captain Midnight somewhere else or sometime later within the Dark Horse family. So to him, I open this review with an ever grateful, thank you.

Inside the story is written by Joshua Williamson (NailBiter) and art is done by Miguel Sepulveda (Trojan War). So going into this story my standards were high. Joshua Williamson has been doing fantastic things in the the comic industry as writer for a long time now, so a high standard was warranted. Sadly, I guess my standards were too high. I definitely didn’t get the story I had imagined coming from a book with Joshua’s name on it. Which was heartbreaking for me, since he’s been one of my go to writers for a long time now.

Sepulveda does a great job of storytelling the the fight scenes to the reader. He pulls no punches when the scenes call for him to pull out all the stops and show what epic battle mayhem should look like. The downside do this, is at times it almost feels like a 90’s comic. All art and no story. like the story just took a back seat in the car and allowed the art to drive the reader to the final conclusion of this comic title. Which, in my humble opinion, was a bad ending. As a comic reader I figured out the story’s ending by page 7. I am not trying to be too harsh on this comic, but, I did expect something far better for a series ending story and unfortunately it just didn’t deliver.

So in closing, on the comic epicness scale what do I rate Captain Midnight The Final Issue?

1. Craptastic
2. Die Hard Fans Only
3. Awesome Sauce
4. Brilliantly Fantastic
5. Epic...

Die Hard Fans Only!

Thank you for joining us on Fangirl for this review on Captain Midnight’s final issue. Hope to entertain you soon,

sincerely,

FLIP Knox

After Marvel’s Secret Wars, an all-new and all-different Marvel Universe emerges

“THIS IS MARVEL!”

Marvel Comics, the home of the greatest Super Heroes of all time, introduces a new direction for the Marvel Universe. This is All-New All-Different Marvel! Coming this fall, all fans will be introduced to the perfect start to the Marvel Universe featuring the biggest creative names in the comic book industry – Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron, Mark Waid, Dan Slott, Charles Soule, G. Willow Wilson, Jeff Lemire, along with many more, will have a hand in crafting an all-new and all-different Marvel Universe.

“This is the Marvel Universe,” says Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief. “This fall, we will be inviting readers into a universe comprised of bold new landscapes populated with characters and teams both familiar and brand-new." “This is going to be an absolute game changer for Marvel,” says David Gabriel, SVP of Sales & Marketing. “Similar to the most successful comics industry program of this century – Marvel NOW!, All-New All-Different Marvel is going to be presenting fans new #1’s for every title coming out during this event. This is a brand new beginning that honors our past 76 years, yet takes a bold step with daring, and accessible, entry points. Simply stated - this is Marvel!”

This fall, the comics industry’s greatest creators invite fans into a spectacular universe that truly represents the marvelous world outside your window! The All-New All-Different Marvel Universe has arrived!

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Hero Initiative & Dark Horse Comics Unveil 'The HELLBOY 100'!

The Hero Initiative, the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need, unveiled its latest project today, The HELLBOY 100, in collaboration with HELLBOY creator Mike Mignola and Dark Horse Comics. To create the HELLBOY 100, Dark Horse Comics printed 100+ blank covers of the landmark first issue of HELLBOY & THE BPRD: 1952, written by Mignola and John Arcudi and featuring the art of Alex Maleev with colors by Dave Stewart. The Hero Initiative then commissioned internationally renowned comic book artists to do an original drawing on each cover, including Gabriel Bá, John Cassaday, Fábio Moon, Eric Powell, Bill Sienkiewicz and Mignola himself. The originals will be auctioned off via eBay.com at the rate of approximately 10 per week for 10 weeks. Both hardcover and softcover editions of a book collecting all the covers will published by Dark Horse Comics in September, 2015.

“Many of the comic book creators working in the’50’s, 60’s and ‘70s had no ownership of their creations and receive limited or no royalties,” said Hero Initiative President Jim McLauchlin. “When creators have medical or financial problems they can’t handle themselves, we help them. We’ve been able to save people’s homes, prevent evictions, and get people the medical treatment they desperately need. The goal of the Hero Initiative is to improve creators' quality of life and in some cases, save lives.”

“John Arcudi suggested we work with the Hero Initiative to create the HELLBOY 100,” said Mike Mignola. “I’m glad we could support the important work that Jim McLauchlin and the Hero Initiative does on behalf of comics’ creative community.”

ABOUT HELLBOY: Hellboy has appeared in graphic novels and comic books, prose novels, two animated features, two live action films, and toy lines.

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‘HARROW COUNTY’ #1 SELLS OUT, GOES TO SECOND PRINTING

Dark Horse Comics is pleased to announce that Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook’s Harrow County #1 has sold out and will receive a second printing. Featuring a new cover by Crook, the new printing will give even more readers a chance to visit “the town that will make your skin crawl.” Praised as “genuinely creepy and engaging” by Mark Millar and called “[a series] worth checking out” by master of horror Clive Barker, Harrow County follows the story of Emmy, who always knew that the deep, dark woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts, goblins, and the restless dead. But on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, she learns that she is connected to these creatures—and to the land itself—in a way she never imagined.

Harrow County #1 is the latest of several sold-out creator-owned first printings from Dark Horse and follows in the footsteps of this year’s Lady Killer and EI8HT. Don’t miss your chance to experience the series Bloody Disgusting calls “a masterful creation that lingers in the small moments of terror from our daily lives.”

For a closer look at Tyler Crook's Harrow County #1 second printing variant, head over to Comic Book Resources.

Harrow County #1 Second Printing (APR158284)
Cullen Bunn (W), Tyler Crook (A/Cover)
$3.99
On sale June 17; FOC June 1

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DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES NEW ‘COLDER,’ SERIES AT PHOENIX COMICON

TOBIN & FERREYRA’S HORROR SERIES RETURNS FOR A FINAL SCARE: As part of its announcement slate for Phoenix Comicon 2015, Dark Horse Comics has announced the final installment of Eisner-nominated horror series Colder.

Colder: Toss the Bones sees the return of the Eisner-nominated horror series by Paul Tobin and Juan Ferreyra. Set to debut in September, the final chapter of the Colder trilogy follows a newly resurrected Nimble Jack, as he skips back and forth between the Hungry World and our own reality, recruiting agents of madness and unifying them with a single objective: the death and consumption of Declan!

Colder: Toss the Bones #1
Paul Tobin (W), Juan Ferreyra (A/Cover)
$3.99
Available in September at your local comic shop

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GET READY TO OPEN UP A DIGITAL ‘HEART IN A BOX’

Before fully opening Kelly Thompson and Meredith McClaren’s Heart in a Box in September, become one of the first to get a FREE glimpse at the duo’s original graphic novel via Dark Horse Digital. As a special advance look, Dark Horse will serialize Heart in a Box in seven chapters over the next six weeks, with the first two chapters available now on Dark Horse Digital. The first chapter is FREE for all users, and all subsequent chapters will be priced at an affordable $0.99.

In a moment of post-heartbreak weakness, Emma wishes her heart away, and a mysterious stranger—who may or may not be totally evil—obliges. But emptiness is even worse than grief, and when Emma learns that her heart can be regained piece by piece, she takes the strange bargain. But will the cost of her heart be her soul? A fresh, funny, and action-packed take on heartbreak, Heart in a Box is Thompson and McClaren’s first graphic novel collaboration and comes hot on the heels of Thompson’s novels, The Girl Who Would Be Kingand Storykiller; as well as her critically acclaimed work on Jem and the Holograms.

“We couldn’t wait to share Heart in a Box with readers, so we’re very excited to get it out early through our digital platform,” said Dark Horse editor Brendan Wright. “Kelly and Meredith have created something truly special, and after fans read it digitally, they’re definitely going to want to have a copy for their shelf.”

Heart in a Box chapter one and chapter two are available now on Dark Horse Digital.

Heart in a Box
Kelly Thompson (W), Meredith McClaren (A/Cover)
$14.99, 978-1616556945
On sale September 29

Preorder Now! 

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Epic. Widescreen. Hitch. Are You Ready?

Superstar comic artist Bryan Hitch writes and draws new tales of the world’s greatest heroes in JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA – first issue hits shelves June 17th! It’s massive widescreen JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA action and adventure from legendary writer/artist Bryan Hitch! In the extra-sized debut issue, the League comes up against an armada of aliens heading for Earth that claims to be a peaceful religious tribe. But something sinister is lurking under the surface... Something with ties to ancient Krypton!

This amazing kick-off issue is available with seven different variant covers by Bryan Hitch, each spotlighting one of seven core members of the JLA, plus an incredible seven-panel foldout variant cover that presents all seven covers together into one giant panoramic battle scene! All seven of the variant covers just made their debut today. Check out our gallery at DCCOMICS/BLOG/PRESS for a look at the entire 7 character gatefold cover!

Are You Ready for JLA?

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DC Entertainment welcomes JORGE CORONA to WE ARE...ROBIN

Spinning out of the pages of BATMAN! The teenagers of Gotham City have adopted the “R” and made it their own. A new Robin? No, HUNDREDS of new Robins! And they finally meet Batman himself…but is it everything they imagined it would be? And what will the Dark Knight think of them?

The new ongoing series WE ARE…ROBIN, written by Lee Bermejo (JOKER, SUICIDERS), will now feature art from Jorge Corona, Rob Haynes and Khary Randolph. You'll see the first of Corona's work on WE ARE… ROBIN in the Sneak Peek on May 27th, and then stay tuned for WE ARE…ROBIN #1 on June 24th. Corona was recently nominated for Comic-Con International’s Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award. Please help us welcome Jorge to the new series!

Check out the first three covers by Lee Bermejo, including the official reveal of the cover to Issue #3 on the blog.

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DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS TAKE COMMAND OF AUGUST

Bestselling Line Expands with New Comic Series, Variant Covers and More!

DC Entertainment’s fan-favorite Bombshells designs take center stage in August with an all-new comic book series, the return of the popular variant cover theme, new statues from DC Collectibles, as well as new product offerings from Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Universe Online. The DC Comics Bombshells designs pay tribute to World War II vintage and historical depictions of classic characters. The Bombshells have become a sensation, and now fans can enjoy these wartime characters in new ways.

DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS will join the Digital First comic line-up with a new ongoing series. Digital chapters will be available starting in July with the first print collection available August 12. Written by Marguerite Bennett and art by Marguerite Sauvage, DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #1 introduces retro-bombshell versions of Batwoman, Wonder Woman and Supergirl in an alternate reality where super-powered female heroes are on the front lines in WWII! The full line of Bombshells characters will be introduced as the story unfolds in the months ahead.

"DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS is one of the wildest things I've ever had the pleasure to create--a story of the DC heroines, all the DC heroines, in a crisis that defines themselves as well as their generation," explains writer Marguerite Bennett. "I cannot possibly tell you how excited and grateful I am to be involved in a story this massive and inventive. The series will explore war stories, romances, mysteries, heists, action adventure, and horror in a way that only these characters could do--I cannot wait for this book to drop. Pun very much intended."

"When I was contacted to work on this book, I was attracted by the retro style of the statues, not to mention the most iconic female characters of DC are represented," explains artist Marguerite Sauvage. "And then when I read Marguerite's script, I was really excited and totally convinced by the story, the tone and the universe and time it will take place. In terms of artistic approach, I focused on page layouts and more on graphics than on a realistic approach. I spent a lot of time searching for references to be as accurate as possible to the story and habits of this time period, but keeping in mind it's a parallel universe, so I can take some freedom on details."

Also in August, the newest wave of Bombshells will be celebrated as the variant cover theme for DC Comics’ periodicals. Following the incredible success of the June 2014 Bombshells theme month, the new selection of variant covers expands to feature a cast of iconic DC characters including AQUAMAN, BATMAN, CHEETAH, DICK GRAYSON, GREEN LANTERN, HUNTRESS, KILLER FROST, POWER GIRL, RAVAGER, RAVEN, SUPERMAN, and SINESTRO! Continuing the success of the bestselling statue line that started the Bombshell phenomenon, DC Collectibles is adding DC Comics' Cheetah and Killer Frost characters to the Bombshells line. Designed by Ant Lucia and sculpted by Sam Greenwell and Tim Miller respectively, these new statues will hit stores in Spring 2016.

DC Bombshells has truly become a fan phenomenon with a variety of items available from Warner Bros. Consumer Products licensees including apparel and accessories from Bioworld, collectible buttons from Diamond Comics, stylized posters from Quantum Mechanix, stickers from At-a-Boy, and PVC figures from Cryptozoic. Players of the PC and PlayStation game DC Universe Online can also expect to see playable Bombshells Legends characters, in addition to a unique new Episode for players to jump into action alongside them.

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DARK HORSE TO PUBLISH ‘HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE MINI-COMIC COLLECTION’

Following the critically acclaimed release of The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Dark Horse and Mattel have teamed up once again to deliver another must-have book in 2015: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Mini-comic Collection.

The toy juggernaut Masters of the Universe and its subsequent action figure lines featured memorable pack-in minicomics that aided in playtime for children across the world. Clocking in at 1,232 pages, this impressive oversized hardcover collection features sixty-eight US releases, including all minicomics from the ’80s Masters of the Universe line, the ’80s Princess of Power line, and the ’80s and ’90s He-Man line, plus an introduction to the minicomics in the current Masters of the Universe Classics toy line—all in production order. Relive the illustrated adventures that fueled your imagination!

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomics Collection is on sale October 21 in comic shops andNovember 3 in bookstores. Preorder today from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, or your local comic shop.

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection HC
Tim Seeley (W), Steven Grant (W), Phil White (W), Gary Cohn (W), Michael Halperin (W), Scott Neitlich (W), Bruce Timm (A), Mark Texeira (A), Larry Houston (A), Jim Mitchell (A), and Charles Simpson (C)
FC, 1232 pages
HC, 6” x 9”
$29.99, 978-1616558772

The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Limited Edition, which includes rarely seen images of concept sketches, prototypes, and more from Mattel’s archives, is on sale in bookstores everywhere. Purchase your copy today!

REEDPOP PUBLISHES DIGITAL BOOK “12 BOOKS YOU CAN’T MISS AT BOOKCON 2015”

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE ON iBOOKS

 Event Organizer Produces First Piece of Content with Collection of Excerpts from Leading Authors Available Free for Download May 1

ReedPOP, the leading producer of pop culture events and team behind BookCon, will make its first foray into publishing with the release of an exclusive digital book titled, 12 Books You Can’t Miss at BookCon 2015. The book is free to download, and exclusively available on iBooks starting May 1 at itunes.com/thebookcon.

12 Books You Can’t Miss at BookCon features exclusive pre-release excerpts from 12 authors who will be appearing at the second annual BookCon, an event that celebrates the intersection of books and pop-culture. Young adult authors such as Rainbow Rowell, David Levithan and Richelle Mead, plus internet sensation Justine Ezarik and bestselling authors Candace Bushnell and Elin Hilderbrand will be featured in the book and offer fans sneak peeks of their forthcoming books, many of which will not be released until the fall. Each author has also written a unique, personalized note addressing BookCon fans.

The full list of books featured in 12 Books You Can’t Miss at BookCon 2015 is:

• Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
• Another Day by David Levithan
• Soundless by Richelle Mead
• You’re Never Weird on the Internet (Almost): A Memoir by Felicia Day
• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
• I Justine: An Analog Memoir by Justine Ezarik
• The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
• Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor
• Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
• Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
• Killing Monica by Candace Bushnell
• The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand

“Part of the proposition of attending BookCon is that you’re going to see and hear things about your favorite authors and their projects that you just can’t anywhere else. This book is a great gift for fans that aligns with that mission,” said Brien McDonald, Show Manager of BookCon. “The ubiquity of iBooks and Apple’s devices amongst our core demographic allows our fans to access this exclusive collection and easily share their excitement about these new books with their friends."

As an original consumer extension of BookExpo America (May 27-29 at the Javits Center), BookCon has unprecedented access to the world's most accomplished authors and most influential publishing houses. BookCon is designed to appeal to the modern-day book lover with an appreciation for broader pop culture and where these worlds intersect. BookCon will feature a vibrant Show Floor with the world's most influential publishers including ABRAMS, Chronicle Books, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Macmillan Publishers, Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster and many more. In addition to over 250 exhibitors, the Show Floor will house the Downtown Stage, home to innovative content featuring Q&As, Trivia and Illustrator events.

12 Books You Can’t Miss at BookCon 2015 is available for free exclusively on iBooks at itunes.com/thebookcon.

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