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The Sandman Vol. 9: The Kindly Ones

Neil Gaiman, Marc Hempel, Neil Gaiman, Frank McConnell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 43 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Don't read the introduction! 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

A friend bought me the first Sandman book a few weeks ago, and upon finishing it, I immediately went out and bought the entire rest of the series. They are all wonderful, but this one is my favorite. It ties together all of the other story arcs - both the larger arcs and the stand-alone short issues - into a cohesive climax that is gorgeously written and drawn.

One thing: DO NOT READ FRANK MCCONNELL'S INTRODUCTION UNTIL AFTER YOU'VE READ THE NOVEL. There is a MAJOR spoiler on the first page of the intro; I was so mad about it that I started yelling out loud at the book. In one of the earlier volumes - I forget which - the intro contained spoilers, so Gaiman moved it to the end of the book and wrote his own short intro. I don't know why they couldn't have done that here.

Don't start with this book; start at the beginning with Preludes & Nocturnes and work your way here. It is beautiful, mythical, heart-rending. And don't read that intro!

Change Must Have Ramifications 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Kindly Ones encompasses the direct consequences of the earlier volume, Brief Lives. In Brief Lives, Lord Morpheus (Dream) changes, for better or for worse. The actions that lead to such change must have ramifications, and The Kindly Ones details such repercussions.

In The Kindly Ones, Lyta Hall, a character who has made sporadic appearances throughout The Sandman series, is convinced that Dream has stolen her baby, Daniel. She goes to the women known as the Kindly Ones for vengeance, and even she couldn't predict the outcome.

Making use of virtually every character in The Sandman mythos, The Kindly Ones is a truly epic tale that brings us to a point in Dream's existence that would seem, based upon Brief Lives, inevitable. At times The Kindly Ones gets a bit muddled and verbose, but in the end, it was all worth it.

I've had the privilege of reading The Sandman series in completion and for the first time in the last few months, and The Kindly Ones is testament to the genius of Neil Gaiman. I don't know if it was on purpose or a happy accident, but The Kindly Ones makes use of virtually every storyline preceding it and concludes such a mammoth story ... it's nearly unimaginable someone could dream up such a story.

My only suggestion: Skip the introduction and read it after you finish The Kindly Ones. It does reveal a fairly major plot point, which, upon retrospect seems obvious, but even so, I would have liked to have avoided the introduction's cataclysmic revelation.

~Scott William Foley, author of Souls Triumphant

Fables Vol. 4: March of the Wooden Soldiers

Bill Willingham

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Volume 4 collects "The Last Castle" and Issues #19-21 & #23-27 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This fourth Fables trade paperback collects the double-length one-shot "The Last Castle" and issues #19-21 and #23-27 of the Bill Willingham series. I'll presume anyone reading this is already familiar with the series and direct the unfamiliar to reviews for the excellent Volume 1-3 TPBs. For new fans, the first two pages of Volume 4 feature capsules off the main characters and summaries of the first three story arcs.
The one-shot shows the last Homelands stand of the Fables against the overpowering forces of The Adversary. It was penciled by Craig Hamilton and P. Craig Russell. This segues into the present-day, seven-part "March Of The Wooden Soldiers" story arc featuring the return of a Fable once thought lost and a new invader threating Fabletown. The 177 pages of penciling for this segment was provided by regular Fables artist Mark Buckingham. I agree with other reviewers about this being the strongest Fables TPB thus far. The cover price offers strong value for an eight issue collection, especially considering Amazon's discount.

Hellboy Library Edition, Vol. 2: The Chained Coffin, The Right Hand of Doom, and Others (v. 2)

Mike Mignola

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Halloween is here early! 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Wow, Dark Horse continues the good work with HELLBOY. This second volume, as with the first book, shows us the way this work of art was meant to be enjoyed. The oversized book is handsome, tightly bound and beautifully printed on heavy-stock paper. Sure, the book is expensive but it really is worth every cent. Dark Horse shame larger companies such as Mravel and DC in the presentation, quality and pricing of their product.

Like other readers I was disappointed with the original HELLBOY softcover editions which would fall apart after a few readings due to poor bindings but these new versions are sturdy and will look amazing on your bookshelf. The mistakes of the past have been rectified and the new editions are so different that even old fans will marvel at the way the HELLBOY tales flow across the canvas. The vast pools of black paint now almost resemble liquid velvet. And the reds erupt like pulsating lava. The book throbs in your hands!

Mike Mignola's art has never looked this gorgeous. Absolutely lovely, rich and gothic. Get this baroque horror book now and while away the dark autumn evenings as we head towards All Hallows Eve.

Editorial Review:

Since Mike Mignola's Hellboy first hit the stands in 1993, it has become a cultural sensation, racking up a dozen Eisner Awards and inspiring numerous spinoffs - from a novel line, to video games, to feature films. Now, Dark Horse is pleased to present the comics that started it all, collected in deluxe hardcover editions. Sized at a generous 9' x 12', and handsomely bound to match The Art of Hellboy, each volume contains the equivalent of two full trade paperbacks.

Fables Vol. 5: The Mean Seasons

Bill Willingham

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Kind of a let-down 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Storywise, this fifth volume in the series is not terribly successful. After two dozen issues of the original comic book, the author appears to be getting a little desperate. There are two independent stories, plus the continuing arc about Fabletown in general. The first story is a somewhat pointless teaser about Cinderella, apparently an underling of The Adversary, and her tryst in Paris with Ichabod Crane, who is enamored of her. (Crane is a deliberate literary creation, though, not a "fable" like all the others.) He's willing to sell out his people if he can jump Cindy's bones. It doesn't work out that way, of course, with Bigby Wolf showing up at the last minute to turn everything on its head. But what's with the hyper-American French-hating spew at the end? Why would centuries-old fables give a damn about current U.S. politics? The second story (under the heading "War Stories") is kind of a take-off on Sgt. Rock or G.I. Joe, with Bigby Wolf as a behind-the-lines civilian assisting an Allied squad during World War II in taking out a German secret research project at Frankenstein Castle. Yes, indeed, it's Frankenstein's monster vs. the Wolfman. But I thought Wolf said he had been head of Fabletown security in New York without interruption for two hundred years. Kind of lame. The third section is the best, though it requires you to know about earlier events. King Cole is voted out of office by Prince Charming, Beauty replaces Snow White as city administrator, Mr. Beast replaces Wolf as "sheriff," Snow White has her baby by Wolf -- more of a litter, actually -- and Mr. North Wind shows up at the farm upstate. After the first couple of volumes, this one is definitely a let-down.

Sworn Sword (Hedge Knight II) (v. 2)

George R. R. Martin, Ben Avery, Mike S. Miller

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Not as Good as the First 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

While I'm a huge fan of the Song of Ice and Fire series from GRRM (which the first Hedge Knight graphic novel (The Hedge Knight - Second Edition [Graphic Novel) turned me on to), I was left somewhat disappointed in Hedge Knight II: Sworn Sword. I wasn't disappointed in GRRM's story, which makes me want to reread the entire series again to see if I can find the characters in HK2SS mentioned somewhere in the series so I can put them in the correct perspective. Very entertaining story line and I look forward to its continuation. My problem is with Marvel's graphic treatment of the story. I don't know anything about the theory or rules for creating a coherent story line in a graphic novel, but I don't believe those rules were adhered to in this book. On several occasions I found myself sure I had turned two pages instead of one because the continuity from one page to the next was so fractured. This also happened between panels on the same page, but of course in those cases there was no doubt that something the author intended to show was poorly illustrated by the artist (no page turning involved). I also found the way Dunk's thoughts were portrayed (usually at the bottom of the panels and in very small letters) as difficult to read (in general) and difficult to fit into their proper place in the stream of interactions with other characters (in many cases). All in all, I think it was an example of poor editing and/or editorial direction on the part of Marvel combined with perhaps inexperienced artist(s) and letterer (oh, and there were several words misspelled which again, I think, supports my conclusion). Overall, this book has the feel of something Marvel wanted to bring to press quickly and with a minimum of effort. The artwork itself is not bad (and in some cases it's gorgeous), but, again, I think some rules weren't followed for continuity purposes.

One thing I want to point out for those who read the first Hedge Knight graphic novel (The Hedge Knight - Second Edition [Graphic Novel): if you'll recall at the end of it, after the pages showing the heraldry of the various houses and people, there was a short story of a battle recounted to Dunk and Egg by some old guy. I couldn't figure out why it was there. Well, turns out this is embedded pretty much unaltered in HK2SS, and you find out the "old guy" is Sir Eustace, the person Sir Duncan has "sworn" his "sword" to, ala the title. Still not sure why they put it in the first graphic novel, but it's nice to see where it fits into the overall story. Maybe it was just a teaser.

Bottom line: I would recommend this only to those with a "thing" for complete collections, or for those want really want to see what the characters look like. Otherwise, I recommend you purchase the book-version of the story (a short story by GRRM which can be found in Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King.

Editorial Review:

Adapting New York Times best-selling author George R. R. Martin's The Sworn Sword The long-awaited sequel to The Hedge Knight tells the story of the adventures of Ser Duncan and his squire one year after their initial meeting at the tournament in Ashford. After traveling the land in search of the puppeteer girl Tanselle, Dunk and Egg find themselves in the charge of Ser Eustace, an aged knight who has accepted Dunk as his sworn sword. But Ser Eustace has another knight in his service who is nothing but trouble, and he will make Dunk's life far more difficult when he rashly attacks a peasant and causes grief to a local noble, the Lady Rohanne Webber. But the Lady Rohanne has problems of her own - and she knows the truth about Ser Eustace and the side he took in the battle of Redgrass Field. Collects Hedge Knight II: Sworn Sword #1-6.

Fables Vol. 6: Homelands

Bill Willingham

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

one of the best so far 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I really have to hand it to them, I wasn't that much of a fan of Jack or Blue until I read this collection. Jack's story takes place with his greatest scheme yet, which places him in Hollywood, creating a blockbuster trilogy and boom... well, you have to see. And Boy Blue's story is just fantastic as he battles his way across the Homelands to rescue Pinnochio and Red Riding Hood. A definite must.

Demented fairy tales, but in a good way 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The premise of this wonderful series is to rewrite and expand the world of fairy tales. They characters of which has entered our world fleeing a great evil. Lost of fun, smart and witty, typical american style illustrations for the most part, but nice. Some similarities of premise to the Sand Man series, but not quite as inventive or as extensively research and deep. Start at #1 for the best read.

Editorial Review:

The sixth volume in the series explores some of Bigby Wolf's extracurricular exploits around the mundane world in "Cinderella Libertine" and "War Stories" before returning to the main storyline in "The Year After," which follows the aftermath of the Adversary's attempt to conquer Fabletown. Rated for mature readers.

Hellboy Library Edition, Vol. 1: Seed of Destruction and Wake the Devil (v. 1)

Mike Mignola, John Byrne

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

buy this, you won't regret it 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

i forgot how good "seeds of destruction" is. i also forgot the difference between "seeds" and the first movie. the art just looks better on the bigger pages, i found myself just staring and taking it all in. my only complaint is the cover material. if you have any pets this will be covered in hair, i wish it would have come with a slip case.

5 stars for both content and presentation 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

As a long time fan of Mike Mignola's Hellboy series (as in, back to Hellboy's initial appearance in John Byrne's Next Men), I've been waiting for a collection that did justice to Mignola's incredible artwork. As soon as I set my eyes on the Hellboy Library Edition, I knew my wait was over.

Similar to the Sin City Library collections, the Hellboy Library Edition is a larger than normal hardcover size. Think of the DC Absolute hardcover series; this book is just slightly smaller than that format. As if the extra large presentation weren't enough, the page stock has been significantly upgraded. The pages are thicker than most cover stock, and they have a glossy finish that perfectly showcases Mignola's unique (and gorgeous) artwork. Each page truly becomes fine art. The pages are also very resistant to fingerprints, which is especially important given the amount of black Mignola tends to use. I can see some collectors having a problem with the cloth-like cover of this volume, but I think it suits the book quite well.

In this hefty first volume you get the complete Seed of Destruction and Wake the Devil stories plus a nice helping of bonus material, including promotional artwork, shorts, and sketchbook artwork. Seed of Destruction is, of course, the Hellboy origin story and the basis of the 2004 Hellboy film. Wake the Devil is the sequel story, and served as the inspiration for the animated Hellboy feature Blood and Iron.

With its high price tag, the Hellboy Library Edition collections are not for everyone. They are however, a must-have for serious Hellboy collectors. Once you see the quality of the book, you won't think twice about replacing your Hellboy paperback collections.

Editorial Review:

Since Mike Mignola's Hellboy first hit the stands in 1993, it has become a cultural sensation, racking up a dozen Eisner Awards and inspiring numerous spinoffs, from a novel line, to video games, to feature films. Now, Dark Horse is pleased to present the comics that started it all, collected in deluxe hardcover editions. Sized at 9" by 12", and handsomely bound to match The Art of Hellboy hardcover, each volume contains two full story-arcs - the equivalent of two trade-paperbacks. Each volume of the Hellboy Library Editions also includes extensive supplemental materials, including previously unreleased sketches and designs.

The Sandman Vol. 10: The Wake

Neil Gaiman, Neil Gaiman, Mikal Gilmore

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 31 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A Fitting Finale for A Series of Serious Quality 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

First of all, The Wake is a gorgeous volume. Perhaps the best artwork of the series.

It gives a fitting send-off for Morpheus, and for the series, as we get to revisit characters and themes, with just a touch of humor to lighten the otherwise bleak landscape. (Would you believe that Superman and Batman put in a cameo?--Well, if you're going to write for DC, how can you resist? :)

While there are good stories here, perhaps my one complaint is the placement of the two short stories after the appropriate conclusion of the work (an epilogue featuring everyone's favorite, Hob Gadling). These are good short stories (or, at least, The Tempest is good... the other left me a little cold), but their placement was completely unfair to them and didn't leave me much emotional capacity to appreciate them as they deserved.

The Wake isn't so much a plotted adventure, like so many of the Sandman volumes; it is more of a coda. Like a Wake should be, it is an opportunity for reflection. Sadness and nostalgia and moving on. It is a fitting, and touching end for a series that has been nothing but class and quality, all the way through.

Editorial Review:

This is the conclusion to the much talked about Sandman series. It may be best to start your Sandman acquaintance with earlier episodes, but The Wake stands as one of Neil Gaiman's strongest and most consistent Sandman volumes to date.

Vagabond, Volume 15 (Vagabond (Graphic Novels))

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A manga reader 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Vagabond is one of the few stories I have read that make me sweat with anticipation before flipping to the next page. The action becomes so intense you will feel bad you're flipping through the pages and missing the superb artwork in you're haste to discover the outcome of the last few pages. Overall the action is some of the best I have seen in the manga format.

A powerful story of one man's quest to become "invincible under the sun", Miyamoto Musashi drifts through the world questioning his one principle: his strength. A raging beast in battle, Musashi, only knows what it is to fight but gradually learns of the world beyond strength, blood and death throughout the course of his duels. Some fights take up entire volumes but they are well worth it.

The one negative aspect of Vagabond would have to be that not all the volumes are translated yet, and the reader might have to wait for the next volume to come out. Maybe the age-old story of "the quest" might seem cliché to some readers but if you can stomach it, Vagabond does its take on Musashi's journey in swordsmanship incredibly well.

I am not a Samurai buff, or even a big action fan but Vagabond's has me sold. I have read most (no lie) of the English translated manga you can find in America and easily place Vagabond right up there with Nausicaa, Maison Ikkou, GTO, Akira and Ghost in the Shell. I believe that all types of comic readers can appreciate Vagabond although shojo manga (girls comics) readers might be a little put off by all the blood and death.

A must have.

Editorial Review:

In Tokunaga-era Japan, a new government has just taken power and the land is disarray. Amidst the turmoil, a young man sets out on a journey seeking spriritual enlightement by way of the soword, prepared to slay anyone who gets in his way. Adapted from the fictionalizad biography Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa, this graphic novel depicts the life and times of real-life "sword saint" Miyamoto Musahi(1584-1645)

Naruto 2009 Wall Calendar

LLC Andrews McMeel Publishing

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Editorial Review:

In another world, ninja are the ultimate power, and The Village Hidden in the Leaves is home to the best ninja in the land. Naruto, a troublemaking orphan, is struggling to graduate from the Ninja Academy, with the ultimate goal of becoming the next Hokage, the strongest ninja and village leader. Naruto and the entire Ninja Academy squad--Sasuke, Sakura, Iruka, Kakashi, and more--are included in the NARUTO 2009 calendar.