Book Review: Iron Widow

Book Review: Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao Huaxia is a future society that has modeled itself somewhat on medieval China, for both good and ill. As far as Zetian is concerned, it’s definitely for ill. The way Huaxia society is set up seems to be designed to oppress women and crush their wills. From… Continue reading Book Review: Iron Widow

Anime Review: Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy (2022)

Dark Schneider before his death.

Anime Review: Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy (2022) Centuries ago on a planet named Earth, there was a great scientific civilization. But Man grew proud, and created its own new god, Anthrasax, Goddess of Destruction. Naturally, they could not control it, and the old world ended. Now, science is virtually unknown, magic and wizards are… Continue reading Anime Review: Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy (2022)

Anime Review: Gokudo, Swordsman Extraordinaire, Volume 1

Gokudo is having another in his endless series of bad days.

Anime Review: Gokudo, Swordsman Extraordinaire, Volume 1 There Gokudo was, just trying to have dinner as an old lady ranted at him about destiny. So he did what any sensible young man would do in that situation. Stole her purse and left without paying his tab! Back in his room at the inn, he discovered… Continue reading Anime Review: Gokudo, Swordsman Extraordinaire, Volume 1

Manga Review: Devilman: The Classic Collection 1

Manga Review: Devilman: The Classic Collection 1 by Go Nagai In the beginning, demons ruled the Earth. Beings devoted to survival of the strongest, devouring lesser creatures and each other in a never-ending hunger for greater power. But then the Earth’s climate changed drastically (possibly due to a conflict with beings from space later known… Continue reading Manga Review: Devilman: The Classic Collection 1

Manga Review: Kitaro the Vampire Slayer

Manga Review: Kitaro the Vampire Slayer by Shigeru Mizuki It’s time for another volume of stories about the yokai boy named Kitaro! As you might guess, there are vampires this time. “The Vampire Eryt” is a long tale involving a mop-topped bloodsucker with a guitar, visually inspired by the Beatles. Even though his playing can… Continue reading Manga Review: Kitaro the Vampire Slayer

Book Review: Torture Trail

Book Review: Torture Trail by Max Brand The man calling himself Sammy Day (better known to many as “The Joker”) is tough. He shoots fast and straight, can lick a man twice his size in a fist fight, and is a winning poker player who knows how to cheat to lose as well. Yes, he’s tough. But he’s… Continue reading Book Review: Torture Trail

Comic Book Review: Essential Sub-Mariner Vol. 1

Comic Book Review: Essential Sub-Mariner Vol. 1 Edited by Stan Lee Namor, the Sub-Mariner, first appeared in Marvel Comics #1 in 1939.  The son of Captain Robert McKenzie, an icebreaker commander assigned to the Antarctic area, and Princess Fen of Atlantis, Namor possessed hybrid vigor that made him stronger than any ten humans or Atlanteans, the… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Essential Sub-Mariner Vol. 1