This one took me a helluva long time to finish. I pretty much read it in between things that I enjoyed/liked/wanted to read. For me, these huge collectThis one took me a helluva long time to finish. I pretty much read it in between things that I enjoyed/liked/wanted to read. For me, these huge collections are just too much old shit at one time. I can do single issues of older comics all. day. long. But trying to get through issue after issue after issue in one sitting is next to impossible for me. The art doesn't do it for me and the storylines are goofy as fuck. <--which is fine! <--in small doses.
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However. Taken in those small doses? These are a LOT of fun! You have these nutty characters in even nuttier outfits. Even the masks & boots are over the top!
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There are several memorable tales in this and trying to go over all of them would simply take too long. But my personal favorite? That time that Goliath (Hank Pym) got stuck at 10 feet tall and gave up on life.
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I mean, there's a lot of ridiculous that can be unpacked here, but Hank throwing in the towel crawling off to die in a cave because he was 10 feet tall just... *kisses fingers* Perfection!
From the description, I kind of thought I wouldn't like it, but you just never know. I put off reading some awesWell. 100 Bullets wasn't for me.
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From the description, I kind of thought I wouldn't like it, but you just never know. I put off reading some awesome stuff (Preacher & Planetary come to mind) simply because it didn't sound like my jam and then they knocked my socks off.
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So, I've been slowly learning to broaden my horizons - yay! Sadly, this was just...? No. And it wasn't even the ugly art that did me in, because I really think I could have gotten used to it if I'd liked the story even a little bit. And for a brief moment in the middle, I really thought I might end up liking the story!
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Here's the thing: I was hyper-bored for the majority of the issues. I'd read a little, my mind would wander, and I'd go do something else. <--this was my cycle over several weeks But I'd heard that at some point, this would stop being weird little one-shots and start coming together into something special, so I kept on chugging along.
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And you know what? It did! I mean, it did start coming together, but it didn't start coming together into anything special. Not to me, anyway. I guess the old white dude is up to something nefarious, but by the time I got around to reading that part, I couldn't have given less of a shit. It was so boring. So. Fucking. Boring.
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It's a book about thugs, murderers, and rapists doing gross things to people. And I think those were supposed to be the good guys. Or maybe not? It was kind of hard to decide who I should be rooting for most of the time. I think this is a graphic novel aimed at a different audience than myself because it seems to be quite beloved. I don't see it personally, but that doesn't make it true....more
I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan of the Thunderbolts team in general but, even so, I think this was a preAlrighty. Well, this was just kind of ok.
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I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan of the Thunderbolts team in general but, even so, I think this was a pretty weak volume. Lots of Red Hulk Ross doing his grumpy-mustache routine, lots of Punisher doing his douchebag routine, lots of Leader doing his sniveling amnesiac routine, and lots of Deadpool doing a mediocre Deadpool routine. Electra had a decent little storyline, but Venom is basically a non-character in this one.
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The bad guys were standard dudes in robot suits financed by a scheming villain being financed by another scheming villain being armed by another... <-- you get the point [image] The art was nice, though. I liked the look of the comic quite a bit and thought the colors popped off the page really well. [image]
Overall, this was just bland. Not terrible, not unreadable. But it lacked that certain spice that would have made it a more memorable volume....more
The Incredible Jeff is a big fan of this title and told me that this was the issue that would get me hooked on Soule's Thunderbolts. He was right.
[imagThe Incredible Jeff is a big fan of this title and told me that this was the issue that would get me hooked on Soule's Thunderbolts. He was right.
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Unfortunately, this is one of those sorts of issues that saying much of anything about it would spoil it. So. It's the Thunderbolts in Punisher's van. Driving along all unsuspecting like, and then? Stuff happens.
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At any rate, I'm definitely checking out the rest of this title....more
2023 Like probably most of you, I hate to DNF a book. It kills something in a my soul a little. But I just really couldn't go on any further with this 2023 Like probably most of you, I hate to DNF a book. It kills something in a my soul a little. But I just really couldn't go on any further with this story back in 2017.
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Recently, I listened to a really interesting lecture, King Arthur: History and Legend, and the professor mentioned this and said how much she loved it. So, I decided I'd try it out as an audiobook and see if that made a difference. The short answer is YES and NO.
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Yes, I finished it this time around. No, I still did not enjoy this book. I guess I'll have to read something else by him in order to see if it's just this particular book, or if it's Twain's writing style that doesn't appeal to me. Because I was aware that there were clever jokes in this, but none of them made me laugh. But at least I can say I read the whole thing. And don't have to wonder whether or not the story came together in some amazing way that if I'd just hung in there till the end I would have seen why everyone else loved this one.
I just came to the realization a few minutes ago that I'm a grown-ass woman who doesn't have to read boring shit. And this? This was some boring shit. I'll be the first to admit that classics aren't always a hit with me, but A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court looked, on the surface, fun enough to be readable. BZZZZT!
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Ok, for example: This woman (whatshername) is reading a reallyreallyreally dull account of some fight between knights. But instead of just SAYING, "Whatshername reads a really dull account of some fight between knights.", Twain writes out PAGES and PAGES of a really fucking dull fight between knights and forces us to read the goddamn thing! Fuck you, Mark Twain! FUCK YOU!
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So what was this about? Fuck all if I know. All I got out of it (and I read over half) was that Twain hates the Catholic church, and thought people in the middle ages were stinky idiots.
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Oh, but Anne! What about Twain's trademark humor? Where was the funny?! Show it to me! Show me the funny! You can't, because it's NOT there! In fact, this book is like some weird black hole that literally sucks the happiness out of you. Have you been bitten by a good story lately? Well, here! This...this is the antidote to a good book.
I started this at the end of January and it's now April. I'm calling it. Time of death: 8:41 a.m. 4/5/17
Ok, yeah. This was worthwhile. If you've been digging around for a compilation of fun SpideyPo SPIDER-MAN!
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DEADPOOL!
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TEAM-UP?
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Ok, yeah. This was worthwhile. If you've been digging around for a compilation of fun SpideyPool stories, then look no further. Now, none of these are connected, but they are all good. And, unless I'm very much mistaken, that's what we're all searching for when it comes to these comics.
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Just as a little FYI: I thought that because this was labeled Vol. 0, it was connected to Spider-Man/Deadpool, Vol. 1: Isn't it Bromantic. But...? Um, it doesn't have anything to do with Bromantic, so don't bother reading this one first, thinking it's some sort of prequel to that story.
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This is actually quite thick, but not surprising when you see all the issues they've crammed into it. Starting with a faux-retro story with Deadpool and his unwilling roomie getting tossed back in time to Peter's high school in the 60's (I think?). I personally loved the retro stuff, because it made me giggle, what with all the poking fun at Harry & Norman's brillo pad hair, MJ's ridiculous mannerisms, and Gwen Stacy's appealing...um, personality.
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There's a Cable (with Spidey cameo) team-up that's pretty fun...especially considering it's a Cable team-up! Kidding, kidding. Cable is a really cool character. <--dies laughing
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But even if you're not into Nathan Dayspring Askani'son Summers, I'm sure there'll be something for you in this volume. Hit Monkey? Oh, come on! Who doesn't love Hit Money?! Or Hypno-Hustler? Lady Stilt-Man, anyone?
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No, stop! Come back! It's good stuff, I swear! Don't Call It A Team-Up is something fun for casual & die-hard fans alike. Read it!...more
I kid! I kid! No, this one has ratings that are all over the place. So will you like it? Well, I think that might come down to whether or not you're a fan of the way Tom Taylor writes (Injustice: Gods Among Us, Vol. 1 & Earth 2, Vol. 4: The Dark Age). And maybe also whether or not you like it when superheroes get their evil on.
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Right now, Tony Stark is one of the coolest, most beloved heroes at the box office. But when it comes to the comic books, he's always kind of lurked in the grey areas.
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Well, he's officially moved out of the grey! *wild cheering*
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But while the new suit may look like it came from Knight In Shining Armor catalog, Tony's new outlook on life came straight out of Villain's Monologue Monthly.
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Now, I haven't had the privilege of reading all the Axis event stuff yet, but the gist is that all the superheroes turned evil, while all of the villains turned good...for a bit. Blah, blah, Red Skull ate Xavier's brain, blah blah, psychic blowback, blah, blah, Dr. Doom & Scarlet Witch did something, balh, blah, it's all good now. Ish. Because Evil Tony from the Axis thing somehow figured out how to keep his Good Self from returning. Evil Genius = Evil GENIUS
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So Superior Iron Man is actually Morally Ambiguous Iron Man. Personally, I love that kind of shit! And I also loved the nod to Superior Spider-man/Doc Ock in the title. R.I.P. you pompous bastard. Long live the bowl cut!
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In this one, Tony has invented a cure for...ugly. To be fair, it also cures whatever else ails you, but most people seem to be fixated on the physical perfection aspect of it. So, if you're unhappy with yourself? There's an app for that!
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Naturally, everyone is thrilled with Tony's free app. Until the trial period is suddenly up, and the price of this thing turns out to be less than affordable for the regular Joe. The city devolves into chaos as the citizens, now (basically) addicted to Hotness, rob & loot the shit out of each other, in order to get the money they need to purchase a few more hours of perfection.
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Of course, Tony is not even a little bit horrified! I mean how was he to know people would act like this? *cough* Anyway, apparently, only Pepper & Daredevil are on to his shenanigans. And those two take it upon themselves to fix him. And their plans work like charm!
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Well, no. Not exactly. Otherwise, this title would be over already, and who would want that to happen? Sit down, Jeff Hulk!
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*wipes hands on pants* So, yeah. I liked it. Oh and I really liked Teen Abomination! He was originally slated to be a throwaway character, but everyone sort of fell in love with him, and now he's here to stay. Yay!
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They even give him his own cool little origin issue at the end of this volume. I'm guessing he'll kind of keep Tony (slightly) humanized while he's going through his Superior phase.
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Anyway. I had a shitload of fun reading this one. Plus, the art was slick, and the designs for everything were really cool! What more could you ask for? Nothing, that's what! Ok, fine. This one isn't going to be for everyone, but I thought it was great.
In lieu of said plot, it has a lot of splash pages and a bunch of cringe-worthy non-dialogue boxWarning: Torment doesn't have a coherent plot.
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In lieu of said plot, it has a lot of splash pages and a bunch of cringe-worthy non-dialogue boxes. Fear! Pain! Confusion! Blackness... That sort of thing. Over and over and over. The reader is also treated to a whole hell of lot of McFarlane's grandiose narrating, as well. Oh! And the word DOOM.
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The skinny gist is that Pete and MJ are a happy couple. You can tell because they're doing all of those cute couple things and making cute couple faces at each other.
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A villain (we never learn her name) uses magic to control a monster (Dr. Connors Lizard), steal souls, and poison Spider-man. Upbupbup! Don't kill him! Just almost kill him...and then let him recover. And then almost kill him again. Wash, rinse, repeat.
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Why? No idea. Assume it's because she's Eeeevil!
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Meanwhile, you get a parallel story about Mary Jane. She's having a night out on the town alone, and trying to have a good time while her husband is out superheroing. Riveting.
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Spidey escapes (barely), and makes it back home to MJ. Ta-da! Ok, I get that I'm supposed to be impressed because this is Todd McFarlane's stuff. And in all fairness, his art really is the star here. I also get that McFarlane did the special web thing that changed the course of the universe, and he did the actiony/contortionist Spider-man poses that were all the rage back in the day.
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But the story just wasn't that good to me. Sorry. I probably wouldn't have even been tempted to finish it, but I was stuck in my minivan with a cat, guinea pig, and two gerbils while I bombed my house for fleas, and I had to kill an hour before I could go back inside.
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If you're a huge fan of McFarland, or just want to check out what was happening to Spidey in the 90's, then grab (the aptly named!) Torment. However, if you're looking for something good to read while you bomb for bugs, check out something else. Or for God's sake, remember your Kindle!...more
This was such a fun Deadpool comic! I'm so glad that Kelly & Jeffbegged me (well, groveled at my feet is more accurate) to join their Buddy Read! ThanThis was such a fun Deadpool comic! I'm so glad that Kelly & Jeffbegged me (well, groveled at my feet is more accurate) to join their Buddy Read! Thanks, guys! It's always nice when you have friends who try to include you in things, rather than friends who...I don't' know...leave you in the middle of nowhere overnight while they 'go to get some beer' or something. 'Cause that would be mean. And hurtful. Look! There goes your self-esteem, you poor dorky bastard!
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Thank God, that's not what happened!
So, Deadpool! This wasn't anything that i would recommend to anyone who doesn't already like the character, but I thought it was a fun comic. It's actually just Deapool Annual #1 & #2, Deadpool Bi-Annual, and Death of Wolverine: Deadpool & Captain America #1. So there's no real long term plot line in this sucker.
Annual 1 is one that I'd already read somewhere else before, but it was still good. This is the one where Thor zaps Deapool & Madcap, and when they regenerate Madcap is inside Deadpool's head. Sound dumb (and it is), but it worth reading to see Madcap controlling Luke Cage & Thor. Dancing with the Superhero Stars!
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It also answers the question: Is the plural of ninja...still ninja?
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Annual 2 was one of my favorites, because it has Deapool teaming up with his BFF, Spider-man!
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Spidey has a stalker out to get him, and Deadpool decides to impersonate his pal, and draw them out into the open without Peter's permission. I'm sure if Pete had been conscious, he would have thought it was a great idea!
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The Bi-Annual issue featured everyone favorite team...Brute Force!
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No, seriously! They're a real thing! I didn't believe it myself until I looked them up.
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First of all, that's just hilarious. You don't even need Deadpool to make that team funny. A kangaroo with an 80's visor? Please! Give me more!
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Death of Wolverine: Deadpool & Captain America is the only real story in this volume. The gist is that Wade & Steve team up to track down the last of Logan's DNA, and make sure it doesn't fall into the hands of mad scientists types.
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They've already cleaned out the Avenger's pad, and the X-men are taking care of wiping down stuff on their end. However, Cap* got wind of a rogue knife with Wolverine's blood on it floating around out there. *For those of you who don't know, Steve Rodgers lost his healing factor. So, he's the old dude in the images. - Atomic Anne
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Anyway, it's a pretty decent story with some flashbacky stuff about Wade & Steve's past relationship with Logan. The ending has a bit of a cliffhangery feel to it, because... Well? Because.
I thought this was a fine addition to any Deapool fan's collection. I'm not sure what Kelly or Jeff thought about this one, and quite frankly, I don't care. I now know how poor Wade feels when his friends forget about him. So. I'm going to go buy my own beer, eat a chimichanga, and pick at my scabs. Alone. You hear that?! I don't need you guys to have fun!
I'm so sad this is over! Hold me, Rhino...hold me with your sweaty hippo man-boobs.
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Jeff, thank you so much for pestering me till I picked thiI'm so sad this is over! Hold me, Rhino...hold me with your sweaty hippo man-boobs.
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Jeff, thank you so much for pestering me till I picked this up! Honestly, it has been one of the funniest titles I've ever read, and I'm planning on purchasing all the the volumes. All of you who know how cheap I am are probably picking yourselves up off the floor right now. Sorry! I hope you didn't get hurt when you fell out of your chairs.
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Anyway, this was a good wrap-up for these characters. Like most great titles, when they come to an end, there's always bit of that letdown feeling. I mean, just look at this one's Daddy, Superior Spider-man. It's almost impossible to get everything perfect for the end of a beloved run. But, to Spencer's credit, he didn't shit the bed.
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There's still plenty of offbeat humor in Game Over, and (to me) that makes up for most sins. And as long as you keep giving me the funny, I'm pretty content to overlook other problems. Not that I thought there were any real problems...
[image] So, this is Boomerang's swan song. And even though he's a total douchebag, you just can't help but root for him to finally score big. Or at least not die. In fact, you want all of these guys to get a Happily Ever After...of sorts. You want something not horrible good to happen to each and every one of these lovable losers!
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Does that happen? Read it, and find out.
Ok, so there's no moral of the storyorlesson to learn in these books. It's just a straight-up watch the stupid people fuck themselves over kind of thing. And, really, you can't ask for anything more than that, can you? Highly Recommended!...more
My good old Pappy Jeff is always going on and on about respecting the opinions of my elders. Or maybe he's saying he's hungry, and wants some [image]
My good old Pappy Jeff is always going on and on about respecting the opinions of my elders. Or maybe he's saying he's hungry, and wants some Spam? I'm not really sure. He's old, so I sort of tune him out a lot... Anyway, he was rambling on (as the elderly do) about how this was pretty good. And wouldn't you know it? The old fart was right!
So, Clay is a pretty obvious reference Clayface. The Batman villain with the malleable skin and lumpy appearance? You know, sort of looked like a dog turd with a mouth? Yep. That's him! Ok, in the past, his powers haven't exactly given Batman a run for his money.
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Clayface would rob a bank, take some lovely damsel hostage, or break into a museum to steal...something old like Jeff or priceless like me!, and Batman would show up with a (Bat-themed) garden hose and wash him down into the sewer system. At that point, he'd just hole up with Killer Croc till the heat died down. This time around, Clayface is a bit more of a challenge. And I've got to admit, I liked it! How do you stop an enemy who can become anyone?
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No! Whacking him in the head DID NOT work. Try again, loser! I'll give you a hint: It involves a giant bug jar made of rainbows and pseudo-science. Regardless, it was a decent re-imagining of this character's origin.
There's also an issue without dialogue about human trafficking, that has a powerful message. Don't try to skimp on legality when immigrating to another country. Unless you sneak into Gotham. Then it'll be ok, because Batman will kick the shit out of the dickhole abusing you (and hundreds of others), and you'll be reunited with your sick child. And given a job at Wayne Enterprises.
Alrighty. Man-Bat gets a makeover in this one!
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He's still a Langstrom, just not the one we're used to. He's evil. Like corporate pharmaceuticals evil. *shudder* Again, it's a decent story.
So, other than the usual 'didn't like the scratchy art' complaint, I liked this volume. It didn't change my world, but I have no problem with anything. Recommended!...more
5 stars for Allred's art, 1 star for Slott's stupid-ass story.
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I should probably mention that I am all alone hating this story. Every single on5 stars for Allred's art, 1 star for Slott's stupid-ass story.
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I should probably mention that I am all alone hating this story. Every single one of my friends loved it. Loved it! So, chances are, you will love it, as well. But, to me, this story had such simplistic dorky dialogue that I was gritting my teeth the entire time I was reading it. It read like a little kid's book.
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It had a Wish on a star, and everything will be ok - follow your heart to unlock your dreams - be a moronically naive girl, and solve world-ending problems with the sheer power of your innocence & inexperience - vibe to it. It was not for me.
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Ok, to be fair, there were a few times I smiled at something that one of the characters said.
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But for the majority of this volume? I just sat there with my mouth hanging open, wondering how the fuck this simplistic POS got such rave reviews. I couldn't stand Dawn. Hated her. She's got this quality about her that makes me wish she were a real person, just so I could track her down and slap her across her face a few times.
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Oh, and as long as I'm making enemies I might as well mention that I didn't like the emo/goth look on Norrin.
Let's face it, nobody gives a fuck about this review. Why? Because: A) It's Green Lantern and B) It's from 1961
So why did I read all 558 pages of this mLet's face it, nobody gives a fuck about this review. Why? Because: A) It's Green Lantern and B) It's from 1961
So why did I read all 558 pages of this mammoth black and white hunk of shitty nostalgia? I basically made a deal with the devil. For the purposes of this review JEFF is the devil. I'm not even sure how it started, but somehow he conned me into a twisted bet. The terms of the bet were this: If I couldn't get a picture of myself harassing a character (view spoiler)[ kicking Prince Charming in the junk, punching a Princess in the gut...etc. (hide spoiler)] while on my family's Disney vacation, I'd have to read a black and white Showcase Presents: Green Lantern. FAMILY VACATION. Seriously? Naturally, there was no way I could actually physically harm some poor shlub in a costume. Instead, through an incredible covert mission too top-secret to go into, I managed to procure this picture...
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Normal people would say, 'Good enough, Anne', and leave it at that. Jeff is not a normal person. He is a being of incredible evil. Instead, he said, 'Is that a statue? Pffft. Start reading, sucker!' Ass.
So here's your review, you bastard!
What did I learn about the first incarnation of Hal Jordan? Lots, actually. I learned that Eskimos make loyal sidekicks! "...his pal, Pieface the Eskimo grease-monkey..." Awesome! Not insulting on ANY level!
I learned that Carol Ferris was originally an idiot. Sure, she was running a multi-million dollar company. But luckily, all she really wanted was to marry the Green Lantern! Two big Thumbs Up for that!
I learned that beneath Hal Jordan's fearlessness was the heart of a lion, and the brain of a mentally challenged chimp. Anything yellow could be thrown at him with devastating results. Got a yellow #2 pencil? Ka-Chunk! Annnnd he's out... Because his TRUE weakness isn't YELLOW. It's the inability to duck. My Hero!
I learned that it's not necessary to come up with names for weaponry. "Tank-like vehicles...armed with super-scientific weapons!" Because it's not always easy to invent classy monikers like the dreaded MENTO-RAY!
I learned that it might not be the best idea to shove your Galactic Super-Powered ring in your pants. It will inevitably fall out, due to the ginormous holes in your pocket. Don't worry GL, your Eskimo pal can give you some advice to help with that little problem! "That's what you need, Hal--A wife! If you had one you wouldn't have buttons hanging by a thread! Your wife would darn and sew for you--take care of you!" Or, you know, you could just stop being a dumbass, and keep it on your fucking finger. Whatever works best.
I learned that bald men, men with a widow's peak, and men with bushy eyebrows are always evil. But I already knew that one...
I learned that evil men have an inborn need to create elaborate death traps, and then monologue till you can escape. You will be powerless to escape, as my Tank-O-Death slowly fills with yellow (not pink) LEMONADE! Mwahahahaha! But while we wait, let me explain my evil plans for world domination in elaborate detail... Damn. Now that's realism, bitches!
Most of all, I learned that Jeff is Satan's middle name. You have been warned! ...more
Ahhhh, I've finally managed to read the iconic CapWolf story. Sure, Watchmen & The Dark Knight Returns are considered the top must-read graphic novels,Ahhhh, I've finally managed to read the iconic CapWolf story. Sure, Watchmen & The Dark Knight Returns are considered the top must-read graphic novels, but from here on out when someone asks me what I recommend? The #1 spot will now belong to Captain America: Man & Wolf!
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Ok. Maybe not. But I'm still glad I read it. The basic story is that Cap goes off to investigate John Jameson's disappearance. John, if you remember, was once kinda wolfy himself thanks to the Godstone he found on our moon. Nowadays, he's Steve's non-furry personal pilot, which is why he rates a Captain America rescue when he goes missing. <--Oh! And Dr. Druid! You can't forget him. Well, you can, but it wouldn't be very nice...
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Anyway. Cap and Dr. Druid stumble on a werewolf cult headed up by Dredmond Druid, who (believe it or not!) wants to ultimately steal Dr. Druid's title as...uh, Big Cheese of the Druids or whatever. Now, I don't want to spoil this gripping story for anyone, but what happened was that Gruenwald threw everyone who even sorta kinda resembled a wolf in the Marvel universe into this one and then stirred it up with a silver-plated spoon. (view spoiler)[
Wolverines are distantly related to werewolves, right?! Right? ...
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(hide spoiler)] And what he ended up creating was something so awful, so campy, that it became an instant classic. Well done, sir!
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The bestest thing, in my ever so humble opinion, was that CapWolf still managed to give unnecessary speeches about freedom from oppressors while prefacing almost every other word he spoke with Rrrrrr.
"Rrrneed to rrrbe freerrrr...rrrnot locked uprrrr...because we rrrrrefuse to obey rrrlaws set by rrrtown leaderrrrr! Rrrim-prisonment unlawful....rrrcharged with rrrno crime! Rrrrwe can be frrrrree if we join togetherrrr!"
*wipes tear* For that moving scene alone this is worth the price of admission.
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Do comic books get more fabulously awkward than this? I think not.
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If you're a Marvel Unlimited user like I am, you can find this little gem in Captain America (1968) #402 - #408. You're welcome....more
Jeff's review was what got me interested in read this one. Normally, his reviews are subpar & waaay off, but you know what they say about stopped cloJeff's review was what got me interested in read this one. Normally, his reviews are subpar & waaay off, but you know what they say about stopped clocks and all... shrugs
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So, I thought this was pretty good, but I think it may depend on what you're into, individual taste and all, as to whether or not you end up liking The Bogus Identity. Why? Well, this is basically about what it would be like if the Harry Potter books were somehow a real thing, and Harry somehow kinda-sorta ended up in our world...but he didn't know who he was. Oh, and his dad was a J. K. Rowlingish person.
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Ok, you're right. That made no sense. *cracks knuckles* Let me try that again:
Tommy Taylor's father wrote a series of beloved books using him as the main character. In the books, Tommy was a boy wizard who saved the world again and again with the help of his 2 best friends, Hermione & Ron. <--Kidding! Sue &...somebody else. Peter! His name was Peter!
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You with me so far? Alright. Tommy's dad disappeared years ago, and to make ends meet, the now adult Tom does the Cons and book signings.
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Then strange shit starts happening, and it looks like perhaps our world and the story world are both real. And that's about all I can say without spoiling the story for you. If you think that sounds like something you'd like, check it out! Personally, I've already ordered the second volume from my library......more
Is this horror? I'm genuinely asking here because I'm not a horror aficionado, so I don't know what all constitutes that genre. To a layman lik[image]
Is this horror? I'm genuinely asking here because I'm not a horror aficionado, so I don't know what all constitutes that genre. To a layman like myself, IT was horror because it scared the piss out of me and I couldn't sleep without the lights on for a while. The Shining is more like a Spooky Family Drama. Yeah, yeah, there at the end things got a little hairy, but it was still mostly a human trotting around getting all stabby.
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Now, I say mostly because good old Jack is getting some help from a couple of freaky paranormal spectres and... THE HEDGES!
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In an effort to be transparent, I feel like I should mention that I've never actually watched the movie that was based on this bestselling novel. My husband (who has long since stopped being surprised by me) gasped out loud when I told him that a few days ago. So, I'm guessing from his reaction that I'm probably in the minority. Now, normally, whether or not you've seen the movie doesn't matter at all, but this is a pretty iconic movie we're talking about, so even without having seen it, I kind of knew the plot a bit and (of course) knew who acted the starring roles. I know, I know. None of that matters at all when you're talking about a book. But I just thought it might be relevant because the movie is so incredibly well known that even peasants like myself who haven't seen it, immediately recognize certain images from the film.
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I said that to say this: Jack Nicholson is definitely not the Jack Torrence I was seeing in my head, as described by Stephen King. King's Jack was a handsome young guy who was married to a beautiful woman. Now, Shelly Duval is a fine actor and so is Nicholson. But... Anyway. I was just surprised to find out that the characters in the book were hotties. I've heard the book and movie are very different in a lot of ways, but that both are good if taken separately. I'm planning to rent the movie soon and find out.
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Alright. The gist is that there's this guy (Jack) who made a few mistakes because he was a bit boozy, and is now trying to go straight and get it together for his family. He's a bit of a pompous ass, truth be told. One of those people who feel as though everyone around them just doesn't understand their tortured genius, you know? But he's not just that guy. Which is where King's brilliance as a writer comes in. He doesn't make Jack the bad guy, he makes Jack a guy. He's trying. He's trying so hard to stay on the wagon, he's trying so hard to be a better husband, and he's trying so hard to be the father Danny deserves. And if he hadn't landed a job at a fucking Haunted Hotel, I truly believe he would have made it work.
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Or maybe not. Regardless, Jack is only one of the important characters in this Hallmark Family Movie Channel story. You also have Jack's sweet and beautiful (if a bit too mousy and faithful to the old fucker) wife, Wendy. And, of course, their little son, Danny. Danny has The Shine. <--which, when I found this out, FINALLY explained the name of this fucking book to me! Do you know how many years this has been subconsciously niggling at my brain? Well, neither do I. But when fellow psychic, mind reader, and hotel employee, Dick Hallorann, tells Danny what rooms to avoid over the winter because he can feel Danny's super-bright Shine? It was like a puzzle I didn't even know I was trying to solve clicked into place! It was one of those moments you have where you suddenly realize that there's one less thing you don't know. For one brief second, I felt like the universe had given me a high-five I hadn't asked for and then didn't even pull away at the last second.
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So, what happens when you toss a recovering alcoholic with a penchant towards abusive behavior, an overly-optimistic woman who tends to flutter instead of walk, and a 5 year old who can tell what they are both thinking, inside of a hotel that basically wants to eat them? Well, I don't want to spoil anything for the 3 people who don't know how all this turns out, but...
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Anyway. Good stuff. I'm glad my pals forced me (once again) outside my comfort zone.
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