Graphic Novels Books

Watchmen

Alan Moore

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 480 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Has any comic been as acclaimed as Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen? Possibly only Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, but Watchmen remains the critics' favorite. Why? Because Moore is a better writer, and Watchmen a more complex and dark and literate creation than Miller's fantastic, subversive take on the Batman myth. Moore, renowned for many other of the genre's finest creations (Saga of the Swamp Thing, V for Vendetta, and From Hell, with Eddie Campbell) first put out Watchmen in 12 issues for DC in 1986-87. It won a comic award at the time (the 1987 Jack Kirby Comics Industry Awards for Best Writer/Artist combination) and has continued to gather praise since.

The story concerns a group called the Crimebusters and a plot to kill and discredit them. Moore's characterization is as sophisticated as any novel's. Importantly the costumes do not get in the way of the storytelling; rather they allow Moore to investigate issues of power and control--indeed it was Watchmen, and to a lesser extent Dark Knight, that propelled the comic genre forward, making "adult" comics a reality. The artwork of Gibbons (best known for 2000AD's Rogue Trooper and DC's Green Lantern) is very fine too, echoing Moore's paranoid mood perfectly throughout. Packed with symbolism, some of the overlying themes (arms control, nuclear threat, vigilantes) have dated but the intelligent social and political commentary, the structure of the story itself, its intertextuality (chapters appended with excerpts from other "works" and "studies" on Moore's characters, or with excerpts from another comic book being read by a child within the story), the finepace of the writing and its humanity mean that Watchmen more than stands up--it keeps its crown as the best the genre has yet produced. --Mark Thwaite

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Frank Miller

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 324 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

If any comic has a claim to have truly reinvigorated the genre, then The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller--known also for his excellent Sin City series and his superb rendering of the blind superhero Daredevil--is probably the top contender. Batman represented all that was wrong in comics and Miller set himself a tough task taking on the camp crusader and turning this laughable, innocuous children's cartoon character into a hero for our times. The great Alan Moore (V for Vendetta, Swamp Thing, the arguably peerless Watchmen) argued that only someone of Miller's stature could have done this. Batman is a character known well beyond the confines of the comic world (as are his retinue) and so reinventing him, while keeping his limiting core essentials intact, was a huge task.

Miller went far beyond the call of duty. The Dark Knight is a success on every level. Firstly it does keep the core elements of the Batman myth intact, with Robin, Alfred the butler, Commissioner Gordon, and the old roster of villains, present yet brilliantly subverted. Secondly the artwork is fantastic--detailed, sometimes claustrophobic, psychotic. Lastly it's a great story: Gotham City is a hell on earth, street gangs roam but there are no heroes. Decay is ubiquitous. Where is a hero to save Gotham? It is 10 years since the last recorded sighting of the Batman. And things have got worse than ever. Bruce Wayne is close to being a broken man but something is keeping him sane: the need to see change and the belief that he can orchestrate some of that change. Batman is back. The Dark Knight has returned. Awesome. --Mark Thwaite

Batman: The Killing Joke

Alan Moore, Brian Bolland

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 156 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good, But Not the Best 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book on the recommendation of many fans and since it has the reputation of being one of the best Joker stories in comics. Overall, the story delivers. What you get in this book is a Joker origin story and insight into why the Joker does what he does. His primary motive is to prove just one point, all it takes is just one bad day to drive a man over the edge. He doesn't commit crimes because he thinks they're funny. It's the traumatic experience in his past that has desensitized him to the harm that his violence does. Joker may even have a sort of death wish.

Now for the things that keep this from being a 5 star book. First of all, it is very short. Basically it is just one double-sized comic. That's it, so you'll finish reading this in about 30 minutes. The other thing is that some of the artwork is a bit dated, in particular the way Barbara Gordon is drawn. She is wearing glasses with lenses about the size of coffee cup saucers and appears to be stuck in a time warp that leads back to the 80's. Of course this can't be helped since this was when the story was drawn, but it is a bit distracting when you are compelled to do a fashion check in the middle of a story of this nature.

Overall, I recommend this book for Batman and Joker fans. You won't be disappointed. However, if you haven't read any Batman graphic novels recently, perhaps there are some other books you could start with first such as "Batman: Year One" or "The Long Halloween".

Editorial Review:

The Killing Joke, one of my favorite Batman stories ever, stirred a bit of controversy because the story involves the Joker brutally, pointlessly shooting Commissioner Gordon's daughter in the spine. This is a no-holds-barred take on a truly insane criminal mind, masterfully written by British comics writer Alan Moore. The art by Brian Bolland is so appealing that his depiction of the Joker became a standard and was imitated by many artists to follow.

Batman: Year One

Frank Miller

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 94 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Gordon: Year One 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This provides an interesting take on the origins of Batman, but it is equally (if not more) about Lieutenant Gordon's beginnings in Gotham City, which I didn't expect, but also didn't mind. I did enjoy the art and style, and much of the color was particularly impressive to me.

You do get to see a bit of an amateur and clumsy Batman, but I was far more intrigued by Gordon; his various conflicts seemed to hold a stronger influence throughout. If you're looking for a more comprehensive and in-depth portrayal of the origins of Batman himself then I would recommend Batman Begins, which seemed to be strongly influences by this series.

Overall, it was quite good but not great. If you're a fan of Batman or Miller then it's well worth the price.

Editorial Review:

Whether you grew up reading Batman comics, watched the campy television show, or eagerly await each new movie, this is the book for you. A retelling of the events that led to Bruce Wayne's becoming Batman, this book combines Frank Miller's tight film-noir writing with David Mazucchelli's solid artwork.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (15th Anniversary Edition)

Grant Morrison

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 60 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Insanely Weak... 2 out of 5 stars.
4 of 6 people found this review helpful.

I believe I would have enjoyed this graphic novel a whole lot more had I not read the masterpieces of Frank Miller prior. But maybe it is my own fault to expect the same depth of story telling & artwork of 'Year One' & 'The Dark Knight Returns' in every graphic novel I read.Maybe I belong in Arkham.
'Arkham Asylum', from the outset,promised to be gruesome & nightmarish. However, I believe Grant Morrison failed to capitalize on a excellent & little-known theme in the Batman universe.There were no twists & turns in the plot & the story line became extremely predictable as the book drew to a close.The only positive I can think of is that Morrison gives us the origin story of the Elizabeth Arkham Asylum & how the house itself works in the minds of those who are forced to dwell within its walls.
The artwork in itself was pretty decent &,as expected,dark & foreboding. McKean had successfully captured the theme of insanity in his brush strokes, however, at times he failed miserably,to communicate effectively, the story that was being told.
Arkham Asylum;Three Stars on a good day.

Editorial Review:

In this groundbreaking, painted graphic novel, the inmates of Arkham Asylum have taken over Gothams detention center for the criminally insane on April Fools Day, demanding Batman in exchange for their hostages.Accepting their demented challenge, Batman is forced to live and endure the personal hells of the Joker, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, Two-Face and many other sworn enemies in order to save the innocents and retake the prison.During his run through this absurd gauntlet, the Dark Knights own sanity is placed in jeopardy.This special anniversary edition trade paperback also reproduces the original script with annotations by Morrison and editor Karen Berger.

Batman: The Long Halloween

Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 121 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

It's refreshing when you find a Batman story that both is epic and successfully explores the core of a resolutely explored character. Taking as its catalyst a sub-plot from the seminal Batman: Year One, the story revolves around murders occurring on national holidays, the victims connected to Mob boss "The Roman." Dubbed "Holiday," the killer uses an untraceable handgun and leaves small trinkets at the scene. Plenty of suspects are available, but the truth is something the Dark Knight never suspected. This series scores two major coups: it brilliantly portrays the transfer of Gotham rule to the supervillains and charts the horrific transformation of Harvey Dent from hardened D.A. to the psychotic Two-Face. Both orbit around the sharply portrayed relationship between Dent, Commissioner Gordon, and Batman: a triumvirate of radically different perceptions of Justice. It is always great to see the formative incarnation of Batman, drenched in noir here.

Jeph Loeb's writing is keenly aware that Batman is a detective, and Tim Sale portrays a Gotham that is a fertile breeding ground for corruption and madness. Here, Batman is coming to terms with the potent image he projects and the madness it attracts. There are many fine Batman stories, but the ones that capture the spirit with extreme clarity are few. On this alone, The Long Halloween comes highly recommended. Masterfully executed, this is an excellent chance to revisit the world of Batman as fresh as in the summer of 1939. --Danny Graydon

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Marjane Satrapi

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 170 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

A New York Times Notable Book
A Time Magazine “Best Comix of the Year”
A San Francisco Chronicle and Los Angeles Times Best-seller

Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi’s memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran’s last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. Marjane’s child’s-eye view of dethroned emperors, state-sanctioned whippings, and heroes of the revolution allows us to learn as she does the history of this fascinating country and of her own extraordinary family. Intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original, Persepolis is at once a story of growing up and a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression. It shows how we carry on, with laughter and tears, in the face of absurdity. And, finally, it introduces us to an irresistible little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

Jeff Kinney

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 97 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Outstanding Read for Preteen Boys 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I never know whether my son will like a book that I choose for him, or whether he would discard the book and return to his favorit addiction - his Nintendo DS. Diary of a Wimpy Kid arrived when I was at my office, and I gave him permission to open the Amazon package in that I knew what was inside. By the time I arrived home from my office, my son had not only begun reading the book, but he had actually finished the book!! His sitter stated that he pushed aside his video games and his Wii to read the book, cover to cover!!
Needless to say, I am thrilled with the book, my eight year old son enjoyed the story and the interation between the main character and his older brother. He had never read a book written as a "diary," and I was pleased with the way he adapted to the format. My son asked me whether there were more "Diary" books, so I also purchased the next book in the series. I highly recommend the book to anyone with a mature eight to 12 year old child in mind. (Is that an oxymoron?)

Editorial Review:

The highly anticipated sequel to the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling book!

Secrets have a way of getting out, especially when a diary is involved.

Whatever you do, don’t ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn’t want to talk about it.

As Greg enters the new school year, he’s eager to put the past three months behind him . . . and one event in particular.

Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. But secrets have a way of getting out . . . especially when a diary is involved.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules chronicles Greg’s attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school, impress the girls, steer clear of the school talent show, and most important, keep his secret safe.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Jeff Kinney

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Total reviews: 150 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Boys don’t keep diaries—or do they?

The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to

It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.

In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.

Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney recalls the growing pains of school life and introduces a new kind of hero who epitomizes the challenges of being a kid. As Greg says in his diary, “Just don’t expect me to be all ‘Dear Diary’ this and ‘Dear Diary’ that.” Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won’t do and what he actually does are two very different things.

Since its launch in May 2004 on Funbrain.com, the Web version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid has been viewed by 20 million unique online readers. This year, it is averaging 70,000 readers a day.

Y: The Last Man, Vol. 10: Whys and Wherefores

Brian Vaughan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Final TPB offers lukewarm conclusion to an enjoyable series 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This tenth "Y The Last Man" trade paperback collects the final six issues (#55-#60) of the acclaimed Vertigo/DC Comics series. Yorick, 355, Hero, the two Beths, the Russians and the Israeli soldiers converge in Paris as the main plotline concludes in Issue 59. Issue 60 is set sixty years in the future and also features some intermittent Yorick flashbacks. The resolutions in Book 10 seemed disappointing compared to previous plot segments. Pia Guerra pencils all six issues and her artwork remains consistently outstanding (page 152 is especially moving). I've read that New Line Cinema plans to finish filming the Y movie in 2008.

Anitclimatic 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I was rather disappointed in this last volume and felt that it was rather anticlimactic. I had to go back and re-read volumes 8 and 9, because I came to realize that the climax has already occurred in those volumes, and volume 10 just wraps up the story. Over-all, however, the series was excellent and is highly recommended. I hope the upcoming movie project does it justice.