Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Movie Moments (2022) by Carell Augustus. This is a wonderful collection of white Hollywood’s biggest stars and mo Black Hollywood: Reimagining Iconic Movie Moments (2022) by Carell Augustus. This is a wonderful collection of white Hollywood’s biggest stars and moments, as seen through the camera lens of the very talented Mr. Augustus. The difference here is that the white actors are portrayed by both newer and more veteran black actors, bringing a new take to an old trope. I knew this concept was fantastic when I found myself looking at the photos of The 40 Year Old Virgin and I didn’t see the color of the actor, only the iconic pose. I felt confused for a moment, wondered what had changed with Steve Carrel, and then realized Mr. Augustus had pulled a wonderful magic trick. Eugene Byrd completely sold his images. From that point on I was totally into the concept and was amazed by wondering what some of my favorite movies would have been if the casting had been very different. Forest Whitaker provided a short, compelling forward to this book relating to the reader his own insecurity when he first started in the film business. He has done quite well but one wonders what his career would have been like if all doors were open to him. And his reflection goes forward to this collection of both tried and true talent and newcomers who have so much to show the world in the future. I could list my favorite images but that would encompass just about the entire book. Rather, you should get a copy and find your own favorites. Fight Club was outstanding and the “Little Black Dress” never looked better than when Amber West posed. In total 68 artists, old and young, performed for Mr. Augustus and he captured the essence of both the black and the original white artist. This book manages to transcend colors and gives the reader a new insight into old images. A standout achievement that should have you smiling and applauding. ...more
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Omnibus edition (2011) by Alan Moore, Kevin O’Neill (Illustrator). You’ve probably seen the movie that bears th The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Omnibus edition (2011) by Alan Moore, Kevin O’Neill (Illustrator). You’ve probably seen the movie that bears the same name as this graphic novel. While there are some wonderful actors in it and the plot has many of the same fine points to it, as usual, the book out distances the adaptation by miles. In short, if you’ve read this, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t, well, what is stopping you. This is the omnibus edition, with every issue of the series of books plus a lot of fun frills and whistles and pretty, pretty streamers. This is the one to read. You can’t go wrong with a book from Mr. Moore and this is no exception. ...more
The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel (2019) by Margaret Atwood, illustrations by Renee Nault. While the novel was first published in 1985 during th The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel (2019) by Margaret Atwood, illustrations by Renee Nault. While the novel was first published in 1985 during the Reagan administration, the rise of the religious right, and many other points of turmoil in our country, the book was set in a near-distant future. Women’s rights are obliterated, making them either mere vessels for men to pour their seed into once a month, or non-procreating workers that can be replaced at any moment. If you have not read the novel, do so as you will get a deeper understanding of what Atwood was saying. Barring that, read and view the graphic novel instead. The illustrations by Renee Nault, especially the dramaic use of red, serve the story well. As we follow Offred through her days, look back at what was before and how quickly the loss of rights came about, and see her struggle in her role, we can get a broader view of her world and realize just how much our own world teeters along the edge. This book looks beautiful and the story is still awesome. ...more
The Philosopher’s Flight (2018) by Tom Miller is a brilliant debut novel from this emergency room doctor turned writer. Set during the time of World The Philosopher’s Flight (2018) by Tom Miller is a brilliant debut novel from this emergency room doctor turned writer. Set during the time of World war One, this alternate reality tale has magic as a normal, day to day thing. Women are much better Sigilrists than men, but some men do have a little ability in casting spells for growing plants faster and bigger, transporting people instantly, or in the case of Robert Weeks, whose memoir this is, flying. He’s a Montana boy whose mother was a war hero against the Spanish, as well as distinguishing herself in other combat. She has trained her son well in the art of flight and uses him as her ad hoc assistant. He isn’t a licensed sigilist like her as the government, as well as popular opinion, deems men to be no good at the craft. But Robert has dreams of joining the Rescue and Evacuation Division of the U.S. Sigilry Corps, the first man to do so. America during this time uses Sigilrists in the most mundane fashion possible. Most regular people are afraid of them, with cause as Sigilists rose to prominence during the Civil war, causing mass destruction of besieged cities, killing large groups of enemy soldiers in mere minutes, and turning the course of the war. Opposition survivors of these battles call themselves trenchers and bitterly oppose Sigilry and all who practice the art. Enter Robert, who has become a small town hero earning entry to Radcliffe College to study Empirical Philosophy while honing his flying skills. His time at the school is highlighted in this book, I assume the first of several showcasing his career in school and beyond. This is an intriguing and interesting book, with vivid characters and a well thought out history for the backstory. The writing is fast paced for the greatest part of the book and I look forward to reading the next installment....more
ALL OUR WRONG TODAYS by Elan Mastai is a wonderful, funny and dark look into time travel. Tom Barren is you typical 2016 32 year old idler without mu ALL OUR WRONG TODAYS by Elan Mastai is a wonderful, funny and dark look into time travel. Tom Barren is you typical 2016 32 year old idler without much hope for the future. He's not really good at anything, doesn't have great relationships, has a father who has always been to busy with his work to notice his son, and a mother who recently died. A flying car fell from the sky and smashed her to near death. Thankfully an emergency medical crew was on the scene in moments and she was placed in a stasis bubble to keep her upper torso alive for a short while. His father even took a short break from working on the time machine to attend his wife's funeral. This is a 2016 where all the weird and wonderful creations that graced the covers and pages of the 1950's pulp scifi magazines have actually come to be. In 1965 a device was turned on for the first time, a machine that used the Earth's movements through space to provide an inexhaustible source of clean, free energy. Then it's creator willed it to the world and the world used it to everyone's advantage allowing the dreams of science fiction to come to pass. No crime, no poverty, no wants that can not be met, no starvation and endless possibilities. Entertainment for the masses is the most popular type of industry. But Tom Barren's father is a genius and has built a time machine. The first trip back will be to the point where the Goettreider Engine is first turned on, the most important point in all of history for this other future. Being the time machine creator's son, Tom is appointed to the beta team, the backup crew to the actual travelers, the ones that will never sail into the past unless disaster strikes one of the primaries. You know where this is heading. Tom makes the ride, changes history just a little, and ends up here, in this world. If that were all the book was about, it would rate three stars, an okay read but one you're probably familiar with. But there is so much more including a love interest that is both Tom's damnation and his salvation. Except for one or two minor questions, this is a well thought out tale with complex twists and unexpected turns and an ending(s) that will leave you feeling bittersweet for all that was lost but hopeful for what has been recovered. This is the first novel from Mr. Mastai. ...more
EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is a must read story of politics and the superhero genre. This is not your every day comic by a long shot. The story is about a civil engineer in New York who has a terrible accident while investigating a mysterious device beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Part of the device gets implanted in him and, after the healing process, Mitch Hundred discovers not only can he talk to and control machines with his voice; the implants have given him design ideas for mysterious devices. He uses this new insight and ability to become a superhero, The Great Machine (Thomas Jefferson’s term for politics) and sets out to help New Yorkers. And while the series shows many of his exploits as the Great Machine, the real story lies in his life after revealing his true identity. He decides to run for mayor of New York so he can actually do more good for the city. His run for the position doesn’t look like a winner until that fateful day when, donning his hero’s costume one last time, he manages to divert the second aircraft away from the second tower and landing it safely. The date is of course Sept. 11, 2001, and Mitch Hundred, modest hero to thousands, soon becomes mayor. It is as mayor he faces his greatest challenges. Along with his political life, we learn, in flashback, of his youth and, mostly his time as the Great Machine. He had a varied and colorful career and faced many criminals and even a super villain or two. But this is also the story of the origin of his mystery powers and what they mean for the world. This is a spellbinding tale of power, the possibilities for corruption, big city politics and the need to follow an honorable creed even when that might be the hardest thing to do. The images are magnificent and the story captivating. This is a very well done series and it is almost a shame to see it end, but all the story lines do manage to come together in a satisfying climax. ...more
EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is a must read story of politics and the superhero genre. This is not your every day comic by a long shot. The story is about a civil engineer in New York who has a terrible accident while investigating a mysterious device beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Part of the device gets implanted in him and, after the healing process, Mitch Hundred discovers not only can he talk to and control machines with his voice; the implants have given him design ideas for mysterious devices. He uses this new insight and ability to become a superhero, The Great Machine (Thomas Jefferson’s term for politics) and sets out to help New Yorkers. And while the series shows many of his exploits as the Great Machine, the real story lies in his life after revealing his true identity. He decides to run for mayor of New York so he can actually do more good for the city. His run for the position doesn’t look like a winner until that fateful day when, donning his hero’s costume one last time, he manages to divert the second aircraft away from the second tower and landing it safely. The date is of course Sept. 11, 2001, and Mitch Hundred, modest hero to thousands, soon becomes mayor. It is as mayor he faces his greatest challenges. Along with his political life, we learn, in flashback, of his youth and, mostly his time as the Great Machine. He had a varied and colorful career and faced many criminals and even a super villain or two. But this is also the story of the origin of his mystery powers and what they mean for the world. This is a spellbinding tale of power, the possibilities for corruption, big city politics and the need to follow an honorable creed even when that might be the hardest thing to do. The images are magnificent and the story captivating. This is a very well done series and it is almost a shame to see it end, but all the story lines do manage to come together in a satisfying climax. ...more
EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is a must read story of politics and the superhero genre. This is not your every day comic by a long shot. The story is about a civil engineer in New York who has a terrible accident while investigating a mysterious device beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Part of the device gets implanted in him and, after the healing process, Mitch Hundred discovers not only can he talk to and control machines with his voice; the implants have given him design ideas for mysterious devices. He uses this new insight and ability to become a superhero, The Great Machine (Thomas Jefferson’s term for politics) and sets out to help New Yorkers. And while the series shows many of his exploits as the Great Machine, the real story lies in his life after revealing his true identity. He decides to run for mayor of New York so he can actually do more good for the city. His run for the position doesn’t look like a winner until that fateful day when, donning his hero’s costume one last time, he manages to divert the second aircraft away from the second tower and landing it safely. The date is of course Sept. 11, 2001, and Mitch Hundred, modest hero to thousands, soon becomes mayor. It is as mayor he faces his greatest challenges. Along with his political life, we learn, in flashback, of his youth and, mostly his time as the Great Machine. He had a varied and colorful career and faced many criminals and even a super villain or two. But this is also the story of the origin of his mystery powers and what they mean for the world. This is a spellbinding tale of power, the possibilities for corruption, big city politics and the need to follow an honorable creed even when that might be the hardest thing to do. The images are magnificent and the story captivating. This is a very well done series and it is almost a shame to see it end, but all the story lines do manage to come together in a satisfying climax. ...more
EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is a must read story of politics and the superhero genre. This is not your every day comic by a long shot. The story is about a civil engineer in New York who has a terrible accident while investigating a mysterious device beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Part of the device gets implanted in him and, after the healing process, Mitch Hundred discovers not only can he talk to and control machines with his voice; the implants have given him design ideas for mysterious devices. He uses this new insight and ability to become a superhero, The Great Machine (Thomas Jefferson’s term for politics) and sets out to help New Yorkers. And while the series shows many of his exploits as the Great Machine, the real story lies in his life after revealing his true identity. He decides to run for mayor of New York so he can actually do more good for the city. His run for the position doesn’t look like a winner until that fateful day when, donning his hero’s costume one last time, he manages to divert the second aircraft away from the second tower and landing it safely. The date is of course Sept. 11, 2001, and Mitch Hundred, modest hero to thousands, soon becomes mayor. It is as mayor he faces his greatest challenges. Along with his political life, we learn, in flashback, of his youth and, mostly his time as the Great Machine. He had a varied and colorful career and faced many criminals and even a super villain or two. But this is also the story of the origin of his mystery powers and what they mean for the world. This is a spellbinding tale of power, the possibilities for corruption, big city politics and the need to follow an honorable creed even when that might be the hardest thing to do. The images are magnificent and the story captivating. This is a very well done series and it is almost a shame to see it end, but all the story lines do manage to come together in a satisfying climax. ...more
EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is EX MACHINA: THE DELUXE EDITION by Brian Vaughan with illustrations by Tony Harris is yet another well thought out and designed graphic novel. This is a must read story of politics and the superhero genre. This is not your every day comic by a long shot. The story is about a civil engineer in New York who has a terrible accident while investigating a mysterious device beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Part of the device gets implanted in him and, after the healing process, Mitch Hundred discovers not only can he talk to and control machines with his voice; the implants have given him design ideas for mysterious devices. He uses this new insight and ability to become a superhero, The Great Machine (Thomas Jefferson’s term for politics) and sets out to help New Yorkers. And while the series shows many of his exploits as the Great Machine, the real story lies in his life after revealing his true identity. He decides to run for mayor of New York so he can actually do more good for the city. His run for the position doesn’t look like a winner until that fateful day when, donning his hero’s costume one last time, he manages to divert the second aircraft away from the second tower and landing it safely. The date is of course Sept. 11, 2001, and Mitch Hundred, modest hero to thousands, soon becomes mayor. It is as mayor he faces his greatest challenges. Along with his political life, we learn, in flashback, of his youth and, mostly his time as the Great Machine. He had a varied and colorful career and faced many criminals and even a super villain or two. But this is also the story of the origin of his mystery powers and what they mean for the world. This is a spellbinding tale of power, the possibilities for corruption, big city politics and the need to follow an honorable creed even when that might be the hardest thing to do. The images are magnificent and the story captivating. This is a very well done series and it is almost a shame to see it end, but all the story lines do manage to come together in a satisfying climax. ...more
THE BRITISH LION by Tony Schumacher is the kind of book that makes me wish I had more time on my hands. I sped through this alternate history thrille THE BRITISH LION by Tony Schumacher is the kind of book that makes me wish I had more time on my hands. I sped through this alternate history thriller and now I know I should have spent more time with it. Every page seems to hold a new thrill or tangle of suspense that impels you onto the following page, and the one after that. I lost a considerable amount of sleep due to this book. London, after WWII, where the Gestapo if the new Scotland Yard, the SS are everywhere and Jews are hunted and removed. John Rossett, hero of the British Empire, pre-war cop and now recovering from near mortal wounds, has only one friend, Major Ernst Koehler. Although Koehler is his boss in this new world, they manage to be friends first, or as much friends as can be in this uneasy world. When operatives from the OSS kidnap Koehler’s wife and daughter, he turns to Rossett to help get them back. The ransom requested: the kidnappers want Koehler to remove a Jewish woman from the advanced physics project at Cambridge and swap the pawns. There are gangsters and resistance personnel, a crotchety ambassador in the figure of Joseph Kennedy, and even President Lindbergh who appears to be against the endeavor. With time running out, John Rossett has to try and be a better man, help his friend, save the day and not die even through the odds are growing against any kind of success. This is the type of writing that makes it a pleasure to read, where the paragraphs smoothly transition one to another in such a fashion that you are through a hundred pages before you realize it. Now I must find a copy of Mr. Schumacher’s first John Rossett novel, THE DARKEST HOUR. I sense I will be giving a rave review to it also. I won this book through the Goodreads program. ...more
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