Comic Book Review: No Hero

Comic Book Review: No Hero story by Warren Ellis, art by Juan Jose Ryp Forty-five years ago, the Levellers appeared in San Francisco, superhuman beings created by psychoactive chemicals. Led by maverick scientist Carrick Masterson, they were the world’s first superheroes. Decades later, the membership has changed, except the still-youthful Masterson, and they’re known as… Continue reading Comic Book Review: No Hero

Comic Book Review: Essential Spider-Man Vol. 5

Comic Book Review: Essential Spider-Man Vol. 5 created by various people. It turns out I’ve never reviewed a Spider-Man comic book on this website before, so let’s quickly go over his origin. Peter Parker is a nerdy high school student, bullied by the “popular kids.” One day while visiting a science exhibit, Peter is bitten… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Essential Spider-Man Vol. 5

Comic Book Review: New Crusaders #1: Rise of the Heroes

Comic Book Review: New Crusaders #1: Rise of the Heroes written by Ian Flynn, pencils by Ben Bates & Alitha Martinez, inks by Gary Martin It was supposed to be a fun reunion picnic for the founders of the small town known as Red Circle and their children. After all, their efforts as the Mighty Crusaders had made the world a better place, free from supervillains… Continue reading Comic Book Review: New Crusaders #1: Rise of the Heroes

Book Review: Secondhand Origin Stories

Book Review: Secondhand Origin Stories by Lee Blauersouth Opal’s father should have been a superhero, but he used his powers to protect a neighbor illegally and wound up in jail.  Ever since, Opal has kept her nose clean, excelling in school and decorum, in the hope of being licensed and redeeming the family name.  Now… Continue reading Book Review: Secondhand Origin Stories

Book Review: SUPERPOWERED

Book Review: SUPERPOWERED by James Schannep Disclaimer:  I received a Kindle download of this book through a Goodreads giveaway to facilitate this review.  No other renumeration was offered or requested. Many readers of this blog will be familiar with “gamebooks” which have multiple paths through the story based on the decisions you make.  The most… Continue reading Book Review: SUPERPOWERED

Comic Book Review: Daring New Adventures of Supergirl Volume 1

Comic Book Review: Daring New Adventures of Supergirl Volume 1  written by Paul Kupperberg, pencils by Carmen Infantino, inks by Bob Oksner In the late 1950s, DC Comics decided to protect its “super” trademark by creating a character named Supergirl.   (“Superwoman” had been used in individual stories as Lois Lane’s codename when she temporarily gained… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Daring New Adventures of Supergirl Volume 1

Comic Book Review: The Superman Chronicles Volume One

Comic Book Review: The Superman Chronicles Volume One by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster While there were several precursors to Superman, he’s generally agreed to be the first full-fledged comic book superhero.  Superhuman abilities, a distinctive costume, and a dual identity, he had them all.   When Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938, the… Continue reading Comic Book Review: The Superman Chronicles Volume One

Comic Book Review: Essential Defenders Vol. 6

Comic Book Review: Essential Defenders Vol. 6 written (mostly) by J.M. DeMatteis, Pencils by Don Perlin The Defenders are one of Marvel Comics’ more oddball teams, beginning with a line-up of Doctor Strange, Hulk, Silver Surfer and the Sub-Mariner, four of Marvel’s most powerful characters who did not belong to other teams.  After a couple… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Essential Defenders Vol. 6

Comic Book Review: Essential Ms. Marvel Vol. 1

Comic Book Review: Essential Ms. Marvel Vol. 1 by Various In 1976, Marvel Comics felt the time was right for another try at a overtly feminist superhero to appear in a solo book.  (Their first stab was 1973’s The Cat, who became Tigra.)  Someone, probably Gerry Conway, who would be the first writer on the series,… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Essential Ms. Marvel Vol. 1

Book Review: Greek Myths: A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys

Book Review: Greek Myths: A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys by Nathaniel Hawthorne Tanglewood is a large country house out in the Berkshires which is owned by the Pringle family. They have a great many relatives with young children who often come visiting, and it frequently falls to their sole teenage relative, Eustace Bright,… Continue reading Book Review: Greek Myths: A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys