4. THE WOMAN IN BLACK by Susan Hill

Set in the marshes of England, The Woman in Black tells the story of a young solicitor from London and his encounters with a malevolent supernatural entity.

To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with the book. I expected there to be more horror or horrific scenes involved. I never felt frightened while reading this book, though I must admit that the plot was well-structured. One thing I appreciate about it is that Susan Hill did not make anything in the book sound cheesy.

Hill's writing style and narration, through the first-person point of view of the protagonist, made the novel an easy and quick read. She has a way with words and descriptions, though sometimes she goes about describing things that are not important in the story.

While I was disappointed, I cannot say that I hated the book. It is a good thing to pick up when you want to read something that is substantial yet won't bog you down with complicated plot twists and unnecessarily flowery writing.

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

3. ARKHAM CITY by Paul Dini and Carlos D'Anda

As the official prequel of  the hit video game of the same name, this graphic novel by Paul Dini and Carlos D'Anda bridges the gap between Batman: Arkham Asylum and its sequel, Batman: Arkham City. With the riot in Arkham Asylum over, Quincy Sharp takes the long-coveted position of Mayor and decides to wall off one section of Gotham City and turn it into a Arkham City, where the criminal and evil-doers can build their own society. The Caped Crusader, realizing that there is someone pulling Sharp's strings, decides to intervene. 

The plot of this graphic novel is quite well-written, though any major action is deferred so as to not preempt the game. As a lead-in, the graphic novel succeeds in three things: (1) bridging the storylines of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, (2) exciting those who have not played the game yet or shedding light on certain aspects of the game's plot for those who have played the game, and (3) provide Batman-styled action and intrigue. 

The artwork was very good. Balancing the use of darkness and light, the comic panels were dark and gritty enough to capture the essence of a Batman comic yet bright enough to be eye-catching and exciting. 

While this graphic novel was not the best Batman graphic novel I've read, it is a great read for all the fans of the Caped Crusader and the video games. 

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

2. WORLD WAR HULK by Greg Pak and John Romita Jr

Banished to the planet Sakaar, the Hulk returns to Earth to exact revenge on the four who exiled him: Mr. Fantastic, Iron Man, Black Bolt, and Dr. Strange. Driven by hatred and unmitigated rage, the green giant is willing to smash through anything (and anyone) that gets in his way.

A premise like that sounds very promising. However, Greg Pak's execution of this story line left much to be desired. The plot felt a rushed and, at one point, simply became series of strung together fight sequences (which also felt rushed). There are many characters (e.g. She-Hulk) that had the potential to be key players in the plot but were sadly underused. But, to be fair, this edition only includes the main story arc and not the side stories attached to this title.

The art was generally very well done (John Romita Jr. is a great comic artist)., but there were certain panels which, in my opinion, were a bit cluttered and had many details which served as distractions from the main action of the panel.

Despite all this, World War Hulk is an enjoyable read for the fans of Marvel Comics (I stress the word comics). This graphic novel is bursting with old fashioned comic book action. It also lets you peer deeper into the character of the Hulk, who is one of Marvel's most powerful and conflicted anti-heroes. Sadly, an "enjoyable read" is all it is.

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

1) THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho

The first book in my 50 Books in 2013 project! I know that I am probably one of the last people on Earth to pick up a copy of this book, but I figured that, as a literature student, I should read this book.

As one of the most popular novels in modern literature, there has always been an argument as to whether or not this book deserves the praise it garnered upon its publication. After reading it, I was finally able to form my own opinions about it.

Is it overrated? Yes, but it is a very enjoyable read. The story of the Andalusian shepherd who leaves everything behind in order to fulfill his Personal Legend was very entertaining and inspiring in a fairy tale sort of way. There is also a lot of that well-loved mysticism which sets Latin American literature apart from the rest. However, I think that Coelho tried too hard to make the novel something life-changing and profound to the point where he begins to become somewhat preachy. Also, towards the end of the novel, the mystical aspect of the story began to feel a tad forced and cheesy. 
.

The book is also full of wonderful and inspirational quotes. I took note of the ones that I especially liked:

"It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting."

"It's the simple things in life that are most extraordinary; only wise men are able to understand them."

". . . when each day is the same as the next, it's because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises."

"Not everyone can see his dream come true in the same way."

"Every blessing ignored becomes a curse."

"Making a decision is only the beginning of things."

"People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want."

"When you can't go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward."

"Everything on earth is alive...and it [the Earth] has a soul.We are part of that soul, so we rarely recognize that it is working for us."

"Every search begins with begginner's luck. And every search ends with the victor's being severely tested."

To be fair, reading this book was a good way to start off the year. being about following your dreams, facing hardship, making sacrifices, and following your heart, this story reminded me of a lot of the lessons we learn as children but often forget.

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

THE CASUAL VACANCY by JK Rowling

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been a fan of JK Rowling and the Harry Potter Series. Of course, when I heard that she was about to publish a new book, I was very excited. It interested me even more to hear that the book would have nothing to do with magic. 

With that excitement, however, came the realization that I would have to put all thoughts of the magical world of Harry Potter out of my head while reading this book. The Casual Vacancy was about a totally new set of people and a completely different place. A normal place filled with normal people.

Or so I thought. 

The Casual Vacancy is set in the small and suburban town of Pagford. Despite the seemingly sleepy appearance of this West Country town, Pagford's residents are all at silent, personal wars with each other. The two main wars in the town are of a political nature. The first war, a long-fought battle of divided local sentiment, is being fought over the possibility of disassociating the town from "The  Fields", a nearby local estate which is mostly filled with what the old Pagford families refer to as "good-for-nothings". The second war is being fought over a seat on the Parish Council, the town's local government, which was left empty after the death of Parish Councillor Barry Fairbrother, a well-loved member of the community who championed the cause to keep the the Fields with Pagford. 

The set of characters present in JK Rowling's newest book range from reckless young children to restless adults. These characters, like the depressed and socially awkward Sukhvinder Jawanda, the idealistic newcomer Kay Bawden, the  self-absorbed leader of the Parish Council Howard Mollison whose head size is matched only be that of his stomach, and the outspoken and misunderstood Krystal Weedon, are the crowning glory of the novel. All of JK Rowling's characters are extremely well-developed, vividly distinct, wonderfully human, and deliciously flawed. I found myself either relating very well to the feelings of many characters or thinking that I knew someone who was exactly like the characters being described. 

The book does not have a fast-paced, action-packed plot. Rather, it has a character-driven plot made up of interconnected story arcs which concern the different residents of the town. This makes the book's plot as a whole progress slowly, yet it highlights how the characters and their decisions affect one another, whether they intended to or not. I have two main comments regarding the plot: (1) there were chapters which I felt were not needed to further the story along, but were very useful in developing the characters and (2) not all of the noticeable conflicts were resolved in the end. 

I loved JK Rowling's writing style: simple and unpretentious yet witty and flowing. The novel itself is intelligent and insightful, talking about issues like politics, drugs, sex, poverty, prostitution, and social class, without being preachy. 

Overall, I thought it was a good book. It had its flaws here and there, mostly with the plot, but it was still an enjoyable read. You will only enjoy the book, however, if you do not compare it to Harry Potter. Under a completely different genre, The Casual Vacancy is its own book. 

BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD by Judd Winick

Hi, everyone! I am so sorry for being a no-show for the past two weeks. With academic work being what it is, posting on time has become quite difficult. My class hours today, however, were cut short by the university because of a faculty awarding ceremony scheduled later this afternoon. Also, there is no homework due tomorrow, so I'm free for the rest of the day!

Batman: Under the Red Hood by Judd Winick
Art by Doug Mahnke, Shane Davis, Eric Battle, and Paul Lee

Last week, I read Batman: Under the Red Hood, the story about how a new masked figure, using the name "Red Hood", appears in Gotham City. A one-man army, he takes on the criminal empire of the Black Mask, who is the city's crime lord. Of course, his actions catch the attention of Batman, who senses that there is something more underneath the red helmet.

I love how this story arc portrays the emotional struggle of Batman. Sometimes, I feel that people, both the writers and the audience, forget that the psychological and emotional struggles are what make Batman the kind of superhero that he is. Of course, there is a lot of the exciting, action-packed fight sequences with the stunning acrobatics, martial arts, and gadgets that Batman has at hand.

The art was done in the usual style of Batman comics: gritty and dark yet eye-catching. The fight sequences, which always take the cake in a graphic novel, were riveting and dynamic.

I know that in terms of comic continuity, I am very late in reading this graphic novel. It is a very important story arc for the story of Batman and the Bat Family. So, if you are a Batman fan and you haven't read this graphic novel yet, I suggest that you pick up a copy soon. 

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

BATGIRL, VOLUME ONE: THE DARKEST REFLECTION by Gail Simone, Adrian Syaf, and Vicente Ciffuentes

Barbara Gordon was always my favorite DC character. Her transformation from Batgirl to the Oracle was nothing short of inspiring, but as much as I loved her as the Oracle, she is, in my mind, forever Batgirl. Yes, her successors, Cassandra and Stephanie, were impressive as well, but Barbara really takes the cake as DC's number one girl. In my opinion, at least.

Gail Simone's tale of her return as Gotham's female Knight was extremely well-written, albeit flawed. Barbara's fight with the first villain, Mirror, showcased her intelligence, perseverance, and her determination. Her struggles to heal emotionally and psychologically after her physical recovery was well portrayed. The second story, however, was hastily done and less exciting than the first. In fact, the second story was a bit disappointing.

The art was spectacular. The fight panels were engaging and dynamic, while the stunt panels were absolutely stunning. Some of the illustrations just seemed to leap off the page.

Overall, I give this graphic novel a 3 out of 5 stars. Of course, this is only the first volume. I bet it'll get better from here. 

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: A GAME OF THRONES by George R.R. Martin

There are two things I love about rainy days. One, it makes the otherwise hot weather cool. Two, it gives me an excuse to stay snuggled up in bed and read, and what better rainy-day read is there than the 800-page novel that you've had to wait ages to read? That, for me, is George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones, the first in the A Song of Ice and Fire series.

I was first introduced to the book series by my older brother, who is a fan of the HBO miniseries. Like all bookworms, I wanted to read the book first. Sadly, there was an ongoing war at home over who gets to read the book first. Out of the six of us in the family, I am the third to read this.

When it comes to literature, I devour fantasy novels. I love reading about magic, new worlds, epic battles, strange creatures, and all that jazz. Luckily, A Game of Thrones has all that.

Needless to say, I enjoyed reading this book immensely. The story is definitely action-packed. The range of characters is very diverse and the book has the right amount medieval other-worldliness to be a complete nerd explosion.

The book is told from the third person limited point-of-view of eight major characters: Eddard "Ned" Stark, his wife Catelyn Stark, their daughters Sansa and Arya, their son Bran, Ned's illegitimate son Jon, the queen's brother Tyrion Lannister, and the princess-in-hiding Daenerys Targaryen. This method of narration allowed for a full telling of the story, which was needed considering the interdependence of the different characters's story lines, but led to the occasional muddling and dragging of certain parts of the book. There were also some parts of the different character story lines that I felt the book, in its entirety, could have done without, and I'm not just talking about the sex.

The different character stories make the plot very intricate, but not without a price. Some of the characters's stories were better and more interesting than that of the other characters. For example, I definitely enjoyed reading about Jon and Daenerys more than about Catelyn and Sansa. On the positive note, it was very interesting to see the different events happening from different sides of the story.

The characters of the book were very interesting. All characters had their own flaws, making them remarkably human (despite the fact that some weren't all that human). Even upright and honorable characters had their flaws. Not all characters were given the chance to develop as well as others, a plague all books of this length and range seem to have, but the ones that George R.R. Martin focused on developed well. Some of characters were unlikable, but, like in life, we cannot expect to like everyone.

I'd give this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book has its flaws, but I believe that the good points definitely make up for its bad ones. Now, I can watch the miniseries on HBO and be a fangirl!

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

SUPERMAN: RED SON by Mark Millar

The fantastic illustrators and inkers of this graphic novel: Dave Johnson, Kilian
Plunkett, Andrew Robinson, and Walden Wong

In 2003, comic book writer Mark Millar presented the ultimate what-if scenario in DC Comics. Millar, along with his fabulous artistic team, redirects the rocket ship that carries baby Kal-El to Earth, veering it away from Jonathan and Martha Kent's homey farm in Smallville for the fields of Ukraine while it is under the Soviet Union. In Superman: Red Son, the Hero of the American Dream and the All-American Icon becomes the Comrade of Steel and the poster boy of the U.S.S.R.

Comic book companies seem to be very fond of what-if scenarios, which can be very risky. If not done correctly, these alternate universes can turn out to be just well-funded, badly-written fan fictions. Millar, however, proves his writing prowess by masterly manipulating Superman's back story. Not only does he successfully paint a picture of a communist Superman, he also provides a gripping and creative story with multiple ingenious plot twists (especially the ending), exciting action, amusing name-dropping, and dynamic characters. 

Millar's characters develop very well throughout the graphic novel. One of the things I find wonderful about Millar's work is the fact that he did not simply move the DC characters to the Soviet Union, give them the Russian versions of their names, and make them do the same things they do in the mainstream universe. In Red Son, Millar really changes everything to make it a more compelling and more believable what-if story, though there were some changes made which I didn't understand how Superman's not being raised in America could have affected it.

To be honest, I am not a fan of the Man of Steel. I find him to be irritatingly self-righteous, naively big-headed, and too much of a boy scout in tights to be likable. His only saving grace is that he fights for the common good without any reluctance. In Red Son, Superman is every bit as self-righteous, big-headed, naive, and boy scout-y as he is in the mainstream continuity, but he stands for the ideals of communism instead of democracy. In Red Son, he also fights for what he believes is right, but he enforces his ideas of right and wrong differently. But it's not all nobility and goodness in this title. As Superman continues his fight for communism, he slowly becomes his own version of a dictator. 

Red Son features other key players in the DC Universe. There is Lex Luthor's portrayal in this graphic novel, which is nothing short of amazing. At one point in the graphic novel, I found myself rooting for Lex Luthor instead of the man in tights. Lois is present, of course, though h her interaction with the Comrade of Steel is quite minimal. James "Jimmy" Olsen is there as well, though he is much cooler here than in the mainstream continuity. Other members of Superman's rogues gallery like Brainiac (still as awesomely dangerous as ever), Bizarro, and Metallo make appearances as well.

Other DC heroes leave their mark on the story as well. The most prominent among them is Wonder Woman, which irritated me because she is the DC hero that I hate after Superman. Batman is as amazing as ever. Still fueled by his parents's murder, he aims to take down the soviet government. The Green Lantern Corp. (always a pleasure to read about) makes a small but exciting appearance as well. 

When it comes to the plot and the characters, my comment is "MORE". I wanted more action with Batman, the Green Lanterns, and even Bizarro. There could have been more in terms of relationship exploration between the different characters. There could have been more about the Warsaw Pact and the Cold War. Generally, the graphic novel could have afforded to have more going on. Don't get me wrong: Millar's work is undeniably excellent, but it leaves much to be desired. 

As important as the plot and the characters is the theme, something which Millar never fails to present very well. Red Son, like many of Millar's stellar works, carries multiple themes. These themes includes democracy versus communism, the fine line between benign dictatorship and despotism, and the difference between what is right and what is ideal.

Let's not forget about the art (which I am guilty of doing from time to time). The art, in my opinion, was fantastic. The art in Red Son is engaging and attractive. Many of the panels can leap off the page. This is the kind of art that I think most, and I emphasize the word, superhero comics should have.

Overall, I give Superman: Red Son four out of five stars. It is one of the better Superman titles that I have read and is one of the best alternate universe story arcs that I have encountered from both DC and Marvel. I definitely look forward to reading more from Millar, a comic book genius, and seeing more art by Red Son's four talented artists. 

WATCHMEN by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

When it comes to superhero comic books and graphic novels, I’m more used to the save-the-city-from-the-Joker and the stop-Doctor-Doom’s-evil-schemes set up, so Alan Moore’s Watchmen is a pretty unique read for me.

At first glance, one may think that Watchmen is simply about costumed heroes in New York. Looking deeper, however, one will see that it is much more than that. Alan Moore’s tale presents to the readers the violent and dirty world of vigilantism, the askew morality of society, the fine line between right and wrong, and the light and darkness of human character.

           

The line-up of characters is very diverse. Present in the story are idealists, cynics, reluctant heroes, antiheroes, fighters, cowards, phonies, and super-humans. The superheroes in the graphic novel aren’t all like the gung-ho, morally upright costumed vigilantes seen in the pages of DC and Marvel Comics. To use the most obvious examples, characters like the first Nite Owl and Captain Metropolis reflect the classic boy-scout superheroes, while characters like Rorschach and the Comedian represent the darker, grittier, and more violent side of the field of vigilantism. Even the smaller civilian characters represent aspects of the human psyche and of society.

            

Vigilantism and crime isn’t the only theme of the story. Watchmen becomes very philosophical and critical, discussing right versus wrong, the value of human existence, the end justifying the means, what makes someone a “hero”, and even the definition of sanity (one has to admit, the purportedly insane Rorschach saw the world with unnerving clarity).

            

Considering that it was published in the 1980s, Watchmen is a landmark graphic novel. Alan Moore intrepidly tackled things which weren't discussed in the field of comic books and superheroes at that time, something which I greatly appreciate and admire about him. I also like how Moore used minute and tiny details to either imply or foreshadow (this subtlety suited the story quite well) and how nothing (plot device and character) presented in the graphic novel was pointless.

Yes, it opened up the darker side of superheroes and had a hand in the emergence of the heavier and more serious tone that comic books carry nowadays, but it was not the perfect graphic novel. While I enjoyed it immensely, both plot and art, I cannot say that it was the greatest graphic novel ever, given that it had its rough spots here and there.

            

Overall, a great read. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in comic books and superheroes.

Here are some quotes in the graphic novel which I thought were worth sharing:

"We gaze continually at the world and it grows dull in our perceptions. Yet seen from another's vantage point, as if new, it may still take the breath away."

"No. Not even in the face of Armageddon. Never compromise."

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

KICK-ASS, VOLUME 1 by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.

As a fan of Mark Millar's work under Marvel and DC, I was very keen on reading one of his original works. Kick-Ass did not disappoint! I loved how the graphic novel poked fun at the world of comic books and the concept of superheroism. Plus, a stereotypical, teenage comic-book nerd putting on tights to fight crime - well, who doesn't like a comedic premise like that? It's something most, if not all, superhero fans have fantasized about at least once. 

I liked how the dialogue and the narration generally stayed within a teenage sensibility(sometimes, writers can forget the narrator's age), yet still managed to be witty and darkly humorous. It was also fun to see the exaggerated and satirical picture of vigilantism that the graphic novel presents. The graphic novel doesn't have much depth, but, in my opinion, depth wasn't what the book was going for. 

Managing to be gritty enough to suit the violence and the darker aspects of the graphic novel yet bright enough to be associated with superhero comics, the art was very well done. It was unnerving at first to see so much blood in the panels but I guess that's really what comes with fighting crime.

Overall, a masterfully-executed graphic novel and a great read!

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, VOLUME 2 by Allan Moore and Kevin O'Neill

I can't say that I preferred this plot over the first one, but the character development that occurs in this volume was just wonderful!

THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN, VOLUME 1 by Allan Moore and Kevin O'Neill

Set in an alternative Victorian England, a team of unique individuals is assembled to aid Her Majesty’s Empire when its capital is in a time of impending peril. 

I was first introduced to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen in 2003, when the film adaptation was released. Though I did not think much of the movie itself, I did enjoy the idea of different literary characters banding together to be the Victorian version of the Avengers or the Justice League. So, nine years later, I decided to buy the graphic novel after finding it in a bookstore.

The graphic novel and the movie are very different. I prefer the roster of the graphic novel, as well as the team dynamics where Mina is the leader instead of Quatermain. Even the characterization of each member was better in the graphic novel, though I did not like how Mina needed to be saved twice at the beginning of the story (on the plus side, her independent spirit, headstrong personality, and capable leadership make up for it). Every member of the League has a deep flaw or issue which he (or she) must grapple with, giving the characters depth. 

As a self-proclaimed literature nerd, I was very amused by all the well-placed literary references and allusions. I also liked how Kevin O’Neill didn't try to make the images glamorous as other period pieces. It is only fitting since the story itself is gritty as opposed to glamorous. 

The plot, too, was better than the one used in the movie, though I agree with Allan Moore’s statement that some plots are really only fit to be in comic form. This might be one of them, unless an extremely clever artistic teams can find a way to make this one work onscreen.

Well, on to the next book!

Until always,

Lemonjuicesodapop

ILUSTRADO by Miguel Syjuco

I finally finished the final novel for my Introduction to Fiction class. What a novel this one is! 

Falling under multiple genres like meta-fiction and postmodernism, Ilustrado tells the story of Miguel, a young aspiring writer whose mentor, Crispin, dies in a violent and mysterious way. In order to make sense of his death and possible murder, Miguel travels to the Manila, which is in great social unrest, to piece together Crispin's life and to search for the manuscript of the controversial novel Crispin was working on which went missing after his death.

This was really literary roller coaster, but in a good way. Interspersed with Miguel's narrative are excerpts from Crispin's past works and the biography that Miguel is working on while on his quest. Talk about intertextuality (with fictional text!). 

Though it was a bit difficult to read through at first, this is a really good book. Very original and unique, Ilustrado brings to life unique and idiosyncratic characters while painting a picture of a city which is at the brink of a political and social turning point. A definite must-read, Ilustrado is what my literature classmates and I call "the Inception of Literature."

Now, for the problem at hand: how will I write an explication paper on this? D: