Dice Shaming Hall of Fame #7

Graphic Novel Review: Dr. Horrible

Writer: Zack Whedon

Art: Jim Rugg, Joelle Jones

Dust Jacket Summary

Based on the Emmy Award-winning web series Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, this collection of stories written by Zack Whedon (Deadwood, Fringe) chronicles some of the earliest adventures in the lives of archenemies Captain Hammer and Dr. Horrible. This anthology solves many unanswered questions left over from the show. For instance: What event inspired Dr. Horrible to become the world's greatest criminal mastermind? Why is Penny, the beautiful girl from the Laundromat, still single? How can you, the reader, be like blustering do-gooder Captain Hammer? And why is Horrible's sidekick, Moist, so... um... well, you'll find out! Collects the first issue of Dr. Horrible with all three digital comics from MySpace Dark Horse Presents.

What I liked

You will need to watch or re-watch Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008) in order to fully enjoy these stories. Since I am big fan Joss Whedon’s quirky, inventive musical then this graphic novel was a no brainer.

It was awesome to learn the back story of certain characters such as Penny, Dr. Horrible and Moist. My favorite by far was Penny’s back story. She is so sweet and sympathetic that her fate is even more tragic.

There is some real laugh out loud moments like The Evil League of Evil story. The interplay between Johnny / Donnie Snow and James Flames is pure gold.

What I didn’t like

The stories are way too short and would have loved for them to a bit longer.

The Captain Hammer story is the weakest of the bunch.

Last word

An awesome companion that is required reading for any fan of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

                                                           My Rating

World of Warcraft – Making Grommash Hellscream

Join Blizzard’s VP of Art & Cinematic Development Nick Carpenter and Steve Wang of Alliance Studio as they create the Grommash Hellscream statue debuted at BlizzCon 2014.

Video Game Trailer: Dying Light (PS4 / Xbox One)

Movie Review: Big Hero 6 (2014)

Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams

Stars: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung

Summary

From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes "Big Hero 6," an action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond that develops between Baymax, a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and his close friends adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called "Big Hero 6."

What I liked

- This movie is an absolute joy to watch from the very beginning to the very end. It already has me wishing for a sequel and that is a mark of a good movie.

- I admire this movie for way it treats intelligent kids and science. It is something to be celebrated instead of being the butt of every joke.

- Baymax is one of the most awesome characters every created for any super hero movie. He understands the true meaning of being a hero, sacrifice for the greater good.

- The bond that develops between Baymax and Hiro will fill you with happiness and may even cause a tear or two.

- The action sequences are very well done and on par with The Incredibles (one of my favorite movies of all time).

- The humor is subtle but had both my daughter and I laughing at the same time.

Get to movie on time to see the animation short, Feast. It is one of the best I have seen in a long time.

What I didn’t like

- Some minor pacing issues as the movie somewhat stalls in the middle.

Last Word

Big Hero 6 is the best super hero animated movie released since The Incredibles. The movie is a pure joy all the way through, however, it does not shy away from dealing with a serious issue in a realistic manner.

                                                           My Rating

First Look at iZombie

From Rob Thomas and DC Comics, iZombie is coming to The CW Tuesday, March 17

Book Review: Ship Breaker

Author: Paolo Bacigalupi

Paolo Bacigalupi’s writing has appeared in High Country News, Salon.com, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine. It has been anthologized in various “Year’s Best” collections of short science fiction and fantasy, nominated for three Nebula and five Hugo Awards, and won the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award for best sf short story of the year.

His debut novel THE WINDUP GIRL was named by TIME Magazine as one of the ten best novels of 2009, and was nominated for both the Hugo and Nebula Award. His short story collection PUMP SIX AND OTHER STORIES was a 2008 LOCUS Award winner for Best Collection and also named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly. His most recent novel, SHIP BREAKER, has just been released from Little, Brown. He currently lives in Western Colorado with his wife and son, where he is working on a new novel.

Pedigree / Awards

- 2011 Locus YA Winner

Dust Jacket Summary

In America's Gulf Coast region, where grounded oil tankers are being broken down for parts, Nailer, a teenage boy, works the light crew, scavenging for copper wiring just to make quota--and hopefully live to see another day. But when, by luck or chance, he discovers an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, Nailer faces the most important decision of his life: Strip the ship for all it's worth or rescue its lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl who could lead him to a better life. . . .

In this powerful novel, award-winning author Paolo Bacigalupi delivers a thrilling, fast-paced adventure set in a vivid and raw, uncertain future.

Review

In the universe of Ship Breaker, the world’s economy has disintegrated, digital technology has almost faded out, carbon fuel sources have become depleted and environmental disasters abound. People have been reduced the basic element of the haves and the have-nots. There is no real middle class to speak of.

Ship Breaker takes on the American’s Gulf Coast that involves a community whose main purpose is to tear apart grounded ships for their salvage. Life is mostly brutal in this society, especially if you are unable to meet your quota.

Ship Breaker is significantly toned down from The Windup Girl as the target audience is Young Adult. This doesn’t mean the themes have less of an impact but are presented in a different manner. For me, the main topic is the huge difference between the rich and the very poor. The novel is in many respects is a fish out water type of story. A rich teenager, Lucky Girl, is dropped into this desperate society and she must learn to survive in order to return home. There are numerous arguments between Nailer and Lucky Girl about how the rich take advantage of the poor and how the poor are used by the rich.

In between the social lessons there is a lot of action sequences that will keep young readers entertained. There is even an old fashioned ship to ship battle like in any good pirate movie.

Last Word

Even though many of the same themes of The Windup Girl are explored in Ship Breaker, the novel stands on its own. It provides more action sequences that will hold the readers attention but there is underlying social commentary that will give you something to ponder after the novel is finished. Mr. Bacigalupi is two for two in the damn good novel category; I am highly anticipating any future volumes from this author.

                                                           My Rating 

Cover Art Junkie: For Love of Mother-Not

Awesome 80's cover art. 

Dice Shaming Hall of Fame #7

Graphic Novel Review: Amulet (Books 1 and 2)

Author: Kazu Kibuishi

Some days it’s worth checking the mailbox. We received Amulet – The Stonekeeper’s Curse from Graphix, which is an imprint of Scholastic. While sitting at the dinner table I started leafing through the book and was blown away by art. Even though this was technically written for a younger audience I claimed it as my own. After some quick research I learned that this is actually the second book in a series with the first being The Stonekeeper. So, on our Friday Nite Bookstore trip to Border’s I picked up the first book and was ready to go.

The Stonekeeper

The story starts off with a tragedy. The family is involved in a single car accident which results in the father dying. The story picks up 2 years later with Mom, Emily and Navin leaving their old house and moving back to Mom’s childhood home in Norlen. The house is in pretty bad shape and will need a lot of work. While exploring the new house, Emily and her younger brother, Navin, discover their grandpa’s workshop. Legend has it that Silas Charnon locked himself inside the house after his wife died and then suddenly disappeared never to heard from again.

One day, Emily is leafing through Grandpa Silas’s books when she discovers hand imprint beneath it. She places her inside the imprint which triggers a lock and reveals an amulet. Emily puts the amulet on and strange things begin to happen. The amulet begins to speak to her and warn her of certain dangers. Soon after, Mom is kidnapped by giant squid monster and the kids are forced to give chase down a dark tunnel. This begins the adventures in the strange world of Alledia.

The Stonekeeper’s Curse

Spoiler warning. The second book picks up right after the first one. The kids have rescued their Mom but she was poisoned. She is dying and they will need to look for cure in the city of Kanalis. In order to travel the great distance Grandpa Silas’s house essentially turns into a big giant walking robot. When the group arrives at Kanalis they meet a new friend and discover the resistance who are fighting the evil elves.

This book also focuses on the elves. The history of how they began evil is explained and their characters are more flushed out than in the first book. Prince Trellis is the most interesting of bunch as he seems conflicted by the immoral orders given to him by his father, the King. By the end of the story he makes his decision and it is somewhat surprising.

Review

The first thing I immediately became aware of was the storytelling. It is incredible. Mr. Kibuishi successfully blends colorful art of a comic book with Manga way of telling a story. It is the little moments that make these graphic novels stand out from the pack. What I mean by this is that the typical comic book averages 6 to 8 panels per page and can seem pretty static. Amulet also has the same average, sometimes more, sometimes less, but every action taken by a character in a scene is meticulously drawn and laid out. This felt like watching a movie more than reading a comic book. In addition, some pages dedicated to one scene and the art is just out of this world.

Obviously I am not the target audience for these books but it would be a shame for older readers to dismiss these books. The story is your typically Cinderella down the rabbit hole fantasy but set in more of Manga type of world. There is plenty of action and high drama mixed in with nice quiet moments between the characters. These graphic novels should really appeal to any age group.

Last Word

These graphic novels were a very pleasant surprise. The story telling and art are the strength behind any good graphic novel and Amulet excels in these areas. I highly recommend this series to any age group and cannot wait for future books in the series to be published.

                                                           My Rating

RaV reviews Star Wars Rebels - Idiot's Array (S1E09)

Hey Reb Heads, this week I am discussing Stars Wars Rebels episode 9, Idiot's Array. Hope you enjoy.

Game Trailer: Evolve - Behemoth Reveal

Movie Review: Predestination (2014)

Directors: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig

Stars: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook, Noah Taylor

Based on Robert A Heinlein's short story "All You Zombies".

Summary

Chronicles the life of a Temporal Agent sent on an intricate series of time-travel journeys designed to ensure the continuation of his law enforcement career for all eternity. Now, on his final assignment, the Agent must pursue the one criminal that has eluded him throughout time.

What I liked

- The movie is fully engaging from start to finish. Definitely a movie that you cannot leave the room for second or you will be lost.

- Both Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snook are outstanding. However, Sarah Snook is absolutely amazing and gives one of the best performances of the year. Her ability to sell the character and totally modify her body language based on the part she is playing is what sells the movie.

- A very complex but fun story that will have you contemplating it for days.

What I didn’t like

- The plot, at times, moves too quickly that you don’t have time to consider what just happened.

- The numerous twists and strange character choices will not apply appeal to certain people.

Last Word

A sci-fi time travel thriller that relies on a mind bending story instead of action and features a stand out performance by Sarah Snook that is worth the price of admission.

                                                           My Rating

Trailer: The Walking Dead: Season 5 (Surviving Together)

Don't miss the return of The Walking Dead, Sun., Feb. 8th at 9/8c

Video Game Trailer: Saints Row 4 - Re-Elected & Gat out of Hell

Official launch trailer for Saints Row 4 Re-Elected & Gat out of Hell

Sci-Fi classic book review: The Sword of Shannara

Author: Terry Brooks

Terry Brooks was born in Illinois in 1944. He spent a great deal of his childhood and early adulthood dreaming up stories in and around Sinnissippi Park, the very same park that would eventually become the setting for his bestselling Word & Void trilogy. He received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College, where he majored in English Literature, and went on to earn his graduate degree from the School of Law at Washington & Lee University.

A writer since high school, he wrote many stories within the genres of science fiction, western, and fiction but was unable to finish any project. Then one fateful semester early in college he was given The Lord of the Rings to read. That moment changed Terry’s life forever. In Tolkien’s great work he found all the elements needed to fully explore his writing combined in one genre.

Influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, The Sword of Shannara was begun by Brooks in 1967. It took him seven years to complete, as he was writing the novel while attending law school. After being accepted for publication by Ballantine Books, it was used to launch the company's new subsidiary, Del Rey Books. Its success provided a major boost to the commercial expansion of the fantasy genre.

Pedigree / Awards

1978 - Locus Fantasy Nominated

Review

The Sword of Shannara is one of the hallmarks of the fantasy genre and a personal favorite of mine.  I first read this novel in 1980’s at the height of my Dungeons & Dragons phase.  The story appealed to me and I have fond memories of the summer that I discovered Terry Brooks’ magnus opus.  I decided to revisit the novel to see if it is as good as I remember but I decided to go with the Audio version this time around. 

The novel starts off in typical fashion, a young person learns that his past is not what he thought is was and now he is in danger unless he takes up a quest to stop a great evil.  Not wholly original but always a good beginning.  In The Sword of Shannara the young person is Shea Olmsford.  He is unexpectedly visited one day by the great Druid Allanon.  Allanon explains that Shea is the last descendant of elven Jerle Shannara and is the only one left capable of wielding the Sword of Shannara against the evil Warlock Lord.  Since Shea is only half elven he stayed under the radar when the Warlock Lord returned to the Skull Kingdom.  Since the Sword of Shannara is the only weapon that can kill the Warlock Lord, he eventually discovers Shea’s presence and is looking to destroy him.  The Warlock Lord sends a Skull Bearer into Olmsfords’ peaceful town of Shady Vale to kill Shea.  Shea is forced to flee before it kills him and his beloved family.   

So begins Shea’s and his half-brother, Flick’s, escape and mission to locate the Sword of Shannara in order to stop the Warlock Lord from ravaging their peaceful Shady Vale.  As with most fantasy novels the path is never straight but a series of side quests and adventures that introduces the reader to fascinating places and other characters.  Terry Brooks littered his story with the typical fantasy archetypes, humans, elves, dwarves, gnomes, trolls, etc.  The humans live in Southland and away from the other races.  They keep to themselves as they really have no interest or want to get involved with the politics and wars of the other races.  As Shea has lived his whole life in the Southland he is unaware of the world around him.  Shea’s adventure takes him to new and wondrous places, the reader also learns about this intriguing world. 

The first hundred or so pages were a struggle to get through.  A lot of it was just an info dump to set up the rest of the story.  For me, the story began to take off when Shea teams up with Panamon Creel, a one-handed con man, and Keltset Mallicos, Panamon's mute troll companion.  In fact, Panamon Creel and Keltset are my favorite characters of the entire novel.  They kinda reminded me of Han Solo and Chewebacca from Star Wars.  It still hit me pretty hard when Keltset dies saving the others late in the novel. 

The ending and demise of the Warlock Lord is probably the weakest portion of the story.  Throughout the story the legend of the Sword of Shannara is built up so that you expect a great battle.  The Sword’s power is such that when held it tells the wielder the truth about their lives.  In essence, the Warlock Lord is defeated by being forced to confront that he had deluded himself into believing that he was immortal.  Poof, he just disappears and the land is saved.  Yeah, the good guys win again. 

In reality, this novel is solely about the confrontation with the Warlock Lord but it’s strength lies in the adventures and the characters are put through to reach the ending.  In this area the novel still stands heads and shoulders above the crowd. 

Besides the great story, the other reason this novel is so well known is the controversy that occurred when it was published in 1977 and it still rages today.  The Sword of Shannara drew criticism from critics and fans that Brooks’ novel stole much from J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings.  In 1978, influential fantasy editor Lin Carter denounced The Sword of Shannara as "the single most cold-blooded, complete rip-off of another book that I have ever read" and that "Terry Brooks wasn't trying to imitate Tolkien's prose, just steal his story line and complete cast of characters, and [Brooks] did it with such clumsiness and so heavy-handedly, that he virtually rubbed your nose in it."  Fans and defenders of Tolkien have taken up the cause and have blasted this novel at every opportunity.  Go ahead and read some the reader reviews on Amazon and you will get a flavor of the pure vile hatred that this novel has created. 

In my opinion, this controversy is much a do about nothing and it is highly unwarranted.  I am so sick of the Tolkien fanatics decrying every work of fantasy as just another copy of the Lord of the Rings.  It is total bunk.  Tolkien did not invent the fantasy genre nor were his novels completely original.  He also took universal concepts and incorporated them into his novels.  I have never been a huge fan of The Lord of the Rings and have not put them on a pedestal that many people have. 

The narration of the Audio Book is handled by Scott Brick.  Mr. Brick does an adequate job in telling the story and never falters.  I just wish they would have gone with someone with more a fantasy type of tone to give it more atmosphere.  It felt just like a straight reading versus the higher production values that were used on other classic novels, such as Dune.

Last Word

On the second go around with this novel I enjoyed every bit as much and in some way much more.  The characters really appealed to me much more than they did 20 years again.  While not as complex as today’s fantasy novels, it is much more epic in scope and has that old school fantasy vibe that creates feelings like when you go back home again.    

The Sword of Shannara deserves to be one of the touchstones of the fantasy genre and a must read for anyone who enjoys a good tale.   

                                                          My Rating

Star Wars Rebels: Lando Calrissian Returns

The original smooth-talking smuggler, Lando Calrissian, returns in the Star Wars Rebels episode “Idiot’s Array.” In this special behind-the-scenes video, the creators of Star Wars Rebels, and Lando himself – Billy Dee Williams – discuss bringing the fan-favorite character back to a galaxy far, far away.

Cover Art Junkie: Starwolf

This is one of my favorite cover art of all time.  Likely because it looks to be cross between Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica.  Enjoy.

Dice Shaming Hall of Fame #6

Graphic Novel Review: The Walking Dead – Vol. 2: Miles Behind Us

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Art: Charlie Adlard, Tony Moore, Cliff Rathburn

It has been awhile since I read the first volume, Days Gone Bye.  I was planning to knock this series out by the end of the year and before the AMC TV series starts up.  It is amazing how time flies.  As related in my last review, the creator, Robert Kirkman, explains in his introduction that his series is not set out to scare people but explore how people would survive in a post apocalyptic America.  He wants to take different path by following one character, Rick Grimes, and his struggle against the walking dead and a changed world.

Summary

An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months, society has crumbled: There is no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. In a world ruled by the dead, we are forced to finally begin living. This volume follows our band of survivors on their tragic journey in search of shelter. Characters live and die as they brave a treacherous landscape littered with packs of the walking dead.

Days Gone Bye ended with a cliff hanger with Rick Grimes killing his best friend Shane.  The only problem is that Shane slept with Rick’s wife while he was helping her and her son escape from the city.  Now we learn that Lori is pregnant and she is not sure who the father is.  Talk about awkward.

Review 

The theme of Miles Behind Us is home, in that finding a safe home for the little band of travelers to live.  After traveling in a cramped RV for some they happen upon a gated community known as Wiltshire Estates.  This seems a safe enough place to stay.  This is where the cool story telling comes into full effect.  While our weary travelers locate a house to stay the night, the reader is shown a sign outside the community that was covered with snow but is now melting.  It says ALL DEAD DO NOT ENTER.  Uh oh…this is not good.        

The last portion of the book is what makes the series so special.  The group ends up at farm that is left mostly untouched by the zombie outbreak.  The little dramas and heart to heart discussions that place by the survivors are for the most realistic.  Each of them are struggling against their own personal demons and how the world has changes.  At least they can feel safe here, that is until they discover what framer Herschel is keeping inside his barn.   

Again, the art is down in black and white but I have always liked this style.  It allows more emotion and expression to come across the panels and it works very well with this story. 

Last Word         
 
I really enjoyed the second volume of The Walking Dead much more than the first.  Days Gone Bye seemed rushed to get to a certain point.  Miles Behind Us moves a slower allowing more character development.  I can see why AMC has picked this up as a series as the story telling is very thought provoking and addicting.   

                                                                     My Rating

Video Game: King’s Quest Announce Trailer

Developed by The Odd Gentlemen, the new King’s Quest reimagines all the charm, humor, puzzles, exploration and sense of wonder that made the franchise so magical when it first arrived thirty years ago. Old and grey, King Graham – the hero made legend in the original King’s Quest games – shares the extraordinary stories of his youth with his curious granddaughter, Gwendolyn, taking players back to the feats that shaped a kingdom.

Movie Review: Lucy (2014)

Director: Luc Besson

Writer: Luc Besson

Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Min-sik Choi

Summary

A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.

What I liked

- One half of the plot was unique and very interesting

- Scarlett Johansson absolutely holds the movie together

- Morgan Freeman is still the man but not given enough to do in this movie

What I didn’t like

- The other half of the plot drags the movie down and is unnecessary

- Random killings

- Stupid, random nature clips in the beginning of the movie

- Movie never really explores the Lucy’s new found abilities

Last Word

Lucy is a movie with one unique idea that quickly devolves into a bad gangster picture and never fully delivers on its own premise.

                                                           My Rating

The Gritty Look Of '12 Monkeys'

The cast of 12 Monkeys -- Noah Bean, Aaron Stanford, Jennifer Goines, Amanda Schull -- describe the series' gritty and raw aesthetic.

12 Monkeys premieres Friday, January 16 at 9|8c on Syfy!

Sci-Fi classic book review: The Postman

Author: David Brin

David Brin is a scientist, speaker, technical consultant and world-known author. His novels have been New York Times Bestsellers, winning multiple Hugo, Nebula and other awards. At least a dozen have been translated into more than twenty languages.

Brin serves on advisory committees dealing with subjects as diverse as national defense and homeland security, astronomy and space exploration, SETI and nanotechnology, future/prediction and philanthropy. Brin's scientific work covers an eclectic range of topics, from astronautics, astronomy, and optics to alternative dispute resolution and the role of neoteny in human evolution. His Ph.D in Physics from UCSD - the University of California at San Diego (the lab of nobelist Hannes Alfven) - followed a masters in optics and an undergraduate degree in astrophysics from Caltech. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the California Space Institute and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. His patents directly confront some of the faults of old-fashioned screen-based interaction, aiming to improve the way human beings converse online.

Pedigree / Awards

The first two parts were published separately as "The Postman" (1982) and "Cyclops" (1984). Both were nominated for a Hugo Award for Best Novella.

1986 - won John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel and the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel.

1985 - nominated Nebula Award for Best Novel.

1986 - nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel.

1997 - a film adaptation was made of the novel.

Dust Jacket Summary

Gordon was a survivor -- a wanderer who traded tales for food and shelter in the dark and savage aftermath of a devastating bio-war. Fate touches him one chill winter's day when he borrows the jacket of a long-dead postal worker to protect himself from the cold. The old, worn uniform still has power as a symbol of hope, and with it Gordon begins to weave his greatest tale, of a nation on the road to recovery.

What I liked  

I absolutely adore post-apocalyptic stories.  The theme that sets The Postman apart from other post-apocalyptic novels is one of hope.  Yes, the rule of law does not exist; yes, people were committing unspeakable acts but the main character, Gordon Krantz, suddenly becomes a symbol of hope by the simple act of putting on a postman’s uniform.  People begin to cling to the idea for community and strive to make the world a better place.  

Personally, I enjoyed this approached instead of the standard belief that everyone will turn into a lawless caveman once society collapses.       

What I didn’t like

The second half of the story abandons the plot set up by the first half and seems to wander onto the set of Terminator Salvation.  Okay, maybe not that bad.  For me, the story just dissolved into the standard good human versus the evil cyborg soldier.  Yawn…… 

Last word

The first half is hopeful inspiring story of the human spirit that was refreshing while the second half turns into the predicable plot of good versus evil. 

                                                          My Rating

Cover Art Junkie: Ender's Game

Dice Shaming Hall of Fame #5

Graphic Novel Review: Serenity - Leaves on the Wind

Writer: Zack Whedon

Art: Georges Jeanty

Zack Whedon is an American screenwriter and the brother of Firefly creator Joss Whedon.

Awards

2014 – Goodreads Choice Award for Best Graphic Novels & Comics

Dust Jacket Summary

Serenity - Leaves on the Wind is a 2014 six-issue comic book miniseries published by Dark Horse Comics, based on the 2002 science fiction television series Firefly, and the 2005 feature film into which it was adapted, Serenity.

In the film Serenity, outlaw Malcolm Reynolds and his crew revealed to the entire 'verse the crimes against humanity undertaken by the sinister government--the Alliance. Here, in the official follow-up to the film, the crew has been in hiding since becoming everyone's most wanted, and now they are forced to come out. River uncovers more secrets, leading these former Browncoats on a dangerous mission against the Alliance that, with hope, will bring them together again . . .

What I liked

The crew of Serenity is BACK!  I am giddy with excitement to catch up with some old friends.  The graphic novel picks up eight months after the end of the movie.  I like that the crew has to deal with the ramifications of their actions from Serenity instead of it just being swept under the rug. 

Brother Zack does an admirable job of capturing the tone of Serenity and making it feel like this was an extension of the movie.  He was able to balance the nice character moments along with the action scenes.            

What I didn’t like

The graphic novel follows the grimmer tone of Serenity versus the lighted hearted tenor of Firefly.  It would have been nice to include a few inside jokes for the hardcore fans of TV series.

As with the movie, some characters, such as Kaylee and Inara, are left in the background and are never given their fair share of character development. 

Wash is still dead.  

Last word

If are a fan of Firefly and Serenity then is a must read and is the best fans will get for the foreseeable future.

                                                         My Rating

RaV reviews Star Wars Rebels - Path of the Jedi (SE1E08)

Welcome back Reb Heads, this week I am discussing Stars Wars Rebels episode 8, Path of the Jedi. Hope you enjoy.

Video Game Trailer: Life is Strange (PS4 / Xbox One)

Life is Strange is a five part episodic game that sets out to revolutionise story based choice and consequence games. 

Release Date: Jan 29, 2015

Book Review: Blue Moon

Reviewed by Christel

Author: Alyson Noel

Summary

Ever is getting used to the idea of being immortal.  She is still attending school with Damen at her side.  Things are going along just fine until one day, Damen starts acting different.  He starts ignoring her and treating her the same way all of the other kids do, like she is a freak. He starts flirting with Stacia again and acts as if he doesn’t remember his relationship with Ever, or at least he regrets it. Something is definitely wrong with Damen, but what?  Immortals don’t get sick, they don’t change out of the blue, just like that.

While Ever is trying to figure out what is wrong with her immortal boyfriend, a new kid shows up at school.  Roman is annoyingly handsome and charming and he is vying for Ever’s attention.  All of the kids are swayed by his charm.  It is almost as if he has some sort of spell over them.  Even Haven and Miles, (Ever’s best friends) are dumping her for a chance to befriend Roman and the cool kids. 

It’s bizzaro world at Ever’s school.  Everything is backwards and nothing makes sense.  Ever is determined to get to the bottom of this.  So determined in fact, she goes to see Amelia, the psychic.  (Whom she previously ignored at all costs, and had written her off as a hack).  Together they figure out a way to travel to Summerland in search of the answers they seek.  But it is not as easy as it sounds. Ever has been training with Damen and can get to Summerland with his help, but has failed in her previous attempts to get there on her own.

Ever will have to make a choice. Quite possibly, the hardest choice she has ever had to make.  Will she make the right one?

Review

I liked Blue Moon.  It is entertaining and full of surprises. As with Evermore, I wouldn’t say it was a book that made you think about the complexities of life. It is just fun and purely for entertainment.  (Stories about angsty teens should always be purely for entertainment.)  The only part I didn’t care for was the ending.  I understand that it is a set up for the next book, Shadowland, but I didn’t care for it.  I am not sure why. It just seemed a little bit lackluster and it just didn’t deliver. I guess I just don’t want the conniving antagonist to win in any way.  Not even a little!  

                                                          Her Rating