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supeskenobi's reviews
43 reviews
Flashpoint by Geoff Johns
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Well what can I say? Perhaps the most consequential comics of the last fifteen years. The send off to the Pre-52 era of the D.C. Universe and (for better or for worse) the ushering in of the New-52, and yeah; it was good. Do I think it's the best thing to happen to comics since Frank Miller's 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns'? No, but it's still an enjoyable read nevertheless. Now perhaps because it's taken me eleven years since becoming a comic book fan, to finally read it, I wasn't that blown away by the story. Again this could be due to me knowing about the story and the main plot beats through general osmosis, but it didn't take my breath away as much as it probably would have done had I read it ten or so years ago.
With Barry waking up in a universe where everything has changed, his mother being alive, Bruce Wayne was gunned down and Thomas Wayne becomes Batman instead etc, I never truly feel like the concepts of an altered timeline are explored to their fullest extent. Now that isn't to say that it isn't; hell having two members of the Justice League being responsible for a war that slaughters millions is a huge "wtf" moment, but for want of brevity; Johns doesn't truly allow the story to explore more of the world in which it is set in. I understand that Barry is the main focus of the story, but it just feels like window dressing more than anything; especially the few pages we get with Thawne until he is unceremoniously yeeted out of the story.
Again, this is a good and enjoyable story; but I do feel that the last decade has lifted it to a level of status that maybe it doesn't entirely deserve. Or maybe I came to the bloody thing too late? Who knows? Yet what I do know is that my to favourite elements of this comic, were: Thomas Wayne's Batman, a far more menacing character than his son's (and this isn't just because of his red eyes or homicidal tendencies) and the stunning artwork by Alex Sinclair and Andy Kubert.
Perhaps I ought to read some of the other Flashpoint titles, or seek out the animated adaptation 'Flashpoint Paradox', or watch this year's (2023) 'The Flash' movie. All in all, an enjoyable if rushed and crowded story; that might not be as legendary as it's status makes it out to be.
With Barry waking up in a universe where everything has changed, his mother being alive, Bruce Wayne was gunned down and Thomas Wayne becomes Batman instead etc, I never truly feel like the concepts of an altered timeline are explored to their fullest extent. Now that isn't to say that it isn't; hell having two members of the Justice League being responsible for a war that slaughters millions is a huge "wtf" moment, but for want of brevity; Johns doesn't truly allow the story to explore more of the world in which it is set in. I understand that Barry is the main focus of the story, but it just feels like window dressing more than anything; especially the few pages we get with Thawne until he is unceremoniously yeeted out of the story.
Again, this is a good and enjoyable story; but I do feel that the last decade has lifted it to a level of status that maybe it doesn't entirely deserve. Or maybe I came to the bloody thing too late? Who knows? Yet what I do know is that my to favourite elements of this comic, were: Thomas Wayne's Batman, a far more menacing character than his son's (and this isn't just because of his red eyes or homicidal tendencies) and the stunning artwork by Alex Sinclair and Andy Kubert.
Perhaps I ought to read some of the other Flashpoint titles, or seek out the animated adaptation 'Flashpoint Paradox', or watch this year's (2023) 'The Flash' movie. All in all, an enjoyable if rushed and crowded story; that might not be as legendary as it's status makes it out to be.
The Flash: The Dastardly Death of the Rogues by Geoff Johns
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Batman: Hush by Jeph Loeb
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
One of, if not my favourite Batman graphic novels and stories. Batman: Hush is, in my not so humble opinion, one of the best Batman stories across his over eighty year history and quintessential reading for anyone who has a basic, passing interest in Batman and in comics in general. A deep hitting, cerebral thriller that pushes Batman/Bruce Wayne to his limits playing him against not just his greatest rogues, but even his closest allies.
Pencilled by the great Jim Lee, this book has some of my favourite Batman splash pages of all time. As for the plot, whilst there were definitely moments where I lost track as to what was happening and it did feel a tad too convoluted. There are sad moments like this in other stories where the writer feels the need to cram in as many of Batman's rogues gallery as possible. However, I do feel (maybe minus the big reveal) that it all came together fairly neatly.
I read this book at a fair pace and I feel that is to the overall strength of the writing, that despite it having perhaps two too many cast members, it doesn't take all too long to read. And hey, if you don't like the story; at least Jim Lee's phenomenal artwork will distract you for an hour or two. Seriously, I need to get some of his work framed.
Spider-Man: Life Story by Mark Bagley, Chip Zdarsky
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Another graphic novel that was recommended to me by my friend, and I do not regret having read it. I don't really have much to say about this compared to the other graphic novels I have read of late, outside of it being really damn good. Zdarsky sure as hell bites off an ambitious bit of storytelling in this by having us follow Peter Parker's journey as Spider-Man from more or less the very beginning to the very end.
Perhaps the best thing that this story has going for it, other than the amazing artwork, is this narrative of the life story of Peter Parker. Watching him slowly grow old through the decades as we get snapshots into his life and career is fascinating. Seeing Peter go through the major beats such as losing Gwen and Harry, but at a later date in his life in many ways adds more depth to those events than before.
However where the story does fall down, is in it's handling of the major plot points from Marvel's Sixty Year history. Stuff like Civil War feel more like background noise rather than anything of any major consequence. I understand that this is owing to it being a book focused around the life of Peter Parker, but I could've done with just a tad more. Other than that, I do love the bittersweet nature of the story.
Perhaps the best thing that this story has going for it, other than the amazing artwork, is this narrative of the life story of Peter Parker. Watching him slowly grow old through the decades as we get snapshots into his life and career is fascinating. Seeing Peter go through the major beats such as losing Gwen and Harry, but at a later date in his life in many ways adds more depth to those events than before.
However where the story does fall down, is in it's handling of the major plot points from Marvel's Sixty Year history. Stuff like Civil War feel more like background noise rather than anything of any major consequence. I understand that this is owing to it being a book focused around the life of Peter Parker, but I could've done with just a tad more. Other than that, I do love the bittersweet nature of the story.
Batman: White Knight by Sean Murphy, Matt Hollingsworth
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Set outside the mainline continuity, Batman: White Knight is a breathtaking achievement in storytelling. Allowing for quiet possibly one of the best Batman/Joker dynamics in D.C. Comics 80 odd Year history, White Knight takes our two protagonists, switches their roles and does something that no other comic nor writer has ever done before; made the Joker sympathetic (and no 2019's Joker doesn't count). Having been recommended this comic by a dear friend of mine, on the grounds that it is one of the best comic he has ever read, and featuring the most interesting take on the Joker; I could not agree with him more so.
Packed to the brim with references, call backs and Easter Eggs to Batman's history (and oddly James Bond), Batman: White Knight feels like a reward for long time readers of the comics. The character work in this story is some of the best in recent years, giving a character like Harley Quinn (a character to whom I am normally indifferent about) such a brilliant character arc and story resolution. The art (also by Murphy) is phenomenal as is the pacing of the overall story.
Where I feel the book falls apart is with the overall plot as it is somewhat rather overstuffed with characters that it becomes a bit messy towards the end and the overall resolution to the story does happen rather too quickly for my liking. Some of the politics, as in the whole 'blaming Batman for Gotham's state' is not to my liking, but this is often the case (not always) in whatever the medium. I guess it rather depends on the story being told.
Overall Batman: White Knight was a fun, enjoyable read that makes me more interested in what Sean Murphy has to offer going forwards.
4/5
Packed to the brim with references, call backs and Easter Eggs to Batman's history (and oddly James Bond), Batman: White Knight feels like a reward for long time readers of the comics. The character work in this story is some of the best in recent years, giving a character like Harley Quinn (a character to whom I am normally indifferent about) such a brilliant character arc and story resolution. The art (also by Murphy) is phenomenal as is the pacing of the overall story.
Where I feel the book falls apart is with the overall plot as it is somewhat rather overstuffed with characters that it becomes a bit messy towards the end and the overall resolution to the story does happen rather too quickly for my liking. Some of the politics, as in the whole 'blaming Batman for Gotham's state' is not to my liking, but this is often the case (not always) in whatever the medium. I guess it rather depends on the story being told.
Overall Batman: White Knight was a fun, enjoyable read that makes me more interested in what Sean Murphy has to offer going forwards.
4/5
Justice League Vol. 1: Origin (the New 52) by Geoff Johns
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The first Justice League story to come from the highly divisive New 52 run of D.C. Comics is a bright, colourful, explosive adventure that has non-stop action, incredible and breathtaking artwork from the legend that is Jim Lee and a quick pace that never lets up. Regenerating one of the most iconic superhero teams is no mean feat, yet this comic does do it rather well if, however, the conclusion of the story is somewhat wrapped up rather too quickly for my liking and the quipping not feeling too out of place in a Joss Whedon MCU movie. Whilst I do think the characters are written well (the League especially) the main villain, Darkseid, can't help but come across as being rather one dimensional and flat compared to his animated counterpart played by the brilliant Michael Ironside.
Speaking of voices and portrayals, many members of the Justice League sounded like their DCEU counterparts (Wonder Woman, The Flash and Cyborg especially) whereas Batman and Superman sounded like the late, great Kevin Conroy (Batman) and George Newbern (Superman). Even Darkseid sounded like Michael Ironside. And speaking of the DCEU, many elements from this story were used for both the abomination that was 2017's 'Justice League' and the masterpiece that is 2021's 'Zack Snyder's Justice League'.
So read this book, or watch the animated adaptation (Justice League: War) or watch the Snyder Cut; and experience this great, fun story. Personally I'd watch the Snyder Cut as, much like 'The Dark Knight Returns', I think Snyder does it better.
Speaking of voices and portrayals, many members of the Justice League sounded like their DCEU counterparts (Wonder Woman, The Flash and Cyborg especially) whereas Batman and Superman sounded like the late, great Kevin Conroy (Batman) and George Newbern (Superman). Even Darkseid sounded like Michael Ironside. And speaking of the DCEU, many elements from this story were used for both the abomination that was 2017's 'Justice League' and the masterpiece that is 2021's 'Zack Snyder's Justice League'.
So read this book, or watch the animated adaptation (Justice League: War) or watch the Snyder Cut; and experience this great, fun story. Personally I'd watch the Snyder Cut as, much like 'The Dark Knight Returns', I think Snyder does it better.
Daredevil: Born Again by
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Daredevil: Born Again was released at quiet possibly the most seminal times in comic book history. Released during the same time as Batman: Year One, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (both by Frank Miller), Watchmen, V For Vendetta, Swamp Thing, Batman: The Killing Joke (Alan Moore), Born Again marries well into its family of contemporaries that ushered in the Modern Age of Comics; famously a more darker and grittier era (especially in the 80's and 90's).
Delving deeper into the psyche of Matt Murdock than that of his vigilante alter ego: Daredevil, Born Again deftly tells the story of a man driven to breaking point and beyond, and his fight back out from the dark. In Matt Murdock we see the indomitable human spirit, fighting against the pure evil that is Wilson Fisk.
Because some of it was plundered for inspiration for the third season of 'Netflix's Daredevil' I must say it was hard not to hear the actors voices in my head when reading. But what TV Series isn't afforded is the insights into Matt's mind as he tries he best to untangle this web of conspiracy and lies that he has found himself mercilessly caught up in. This to me is where Miller's writing is at it's strongest. At it's weakest is with Karen Page, having turned her into a heroin addled, former porn star who sells Matt's secret for one more fix.
Whilst there are plenty of fantastic moments, action scenes and character beats in this story, it must be said that Frank Miller is not a writer that one should find oneself reading not without breaks between works, due to his somewhat needlessly pessimistic outlook on life and human society. Yet, that being said however, despite everything that Matt is put through in this story; he never once truly loses hope and sight of his goal. Vindication, rehabilitation and the downfall of the 'Kingpin' of New York.
Does this book deserve the praise it has been given over the past nearly forty years since publication? I believe it does. A great story of man overcoming the darkness within himself and the world.
4.75/5
Delving deeper into the psyche of Matt Murdock than that of his vigilante alter ego: Daredevil, Born Again deftly tells the story of a man driven to breaking point and beyond, and his fight back out from the dark. In Matt Murdock we see the indomitable human spirit, fighting against the pure evil that is Wilson Fisk.
Because some of it was plundered for inspiration for the third season of 'Netflix's Daredevil' I must say it was hard not to hear the actors voices in my head when reading. But what TV Series isn't afforded is the insights into Matt's mind as he tries he best to untangle this web of conspiracy and lies that he has found himself mercilessly caught up in. This to me is where Miller's writing is at it's strongest. At it's weakest is with Karen Page, having turned her into a heroin addled, former porn star who sells Matt's secret for one more fix.
Whilst there are plenty of fantastic moments, action scenes and character beats in this story, it must be said that Frank Miller is not a writer that one should find oneself reading not without breaks between works, due to his somewhat needlessly pessimistic outlook on life and human society. Yet, that being said however, despite everything that Matt is put through in this story; he never once truly loses hope and sight of his goal. Vindication, rehabilitation and the downfall of the 'Kingpin' of New York.
Does this book deserve the praise it has been given over the past nearly forty years since publication? I believe it does. A great story of man overcoming the darkness within himself and the world.
4.75/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Mass/school shootings, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Thirty one years ago, a semi-famous Sci-Fi writer turned TV Script writer, sat down and wrote a scene wherein a boy called Bran; witnessed an execution and found a dead direwolf and its pups in "the summer snows". Five years later, this became the first chapter of the first book in the then "A Song of Ice and Fire" trilogy, called "A Game of Thrones". Since that book was released, and thanks to the incredibly popular adaptation from HBO, "Game of Thrones", the world has been captivated by the Starks, Lannisters, Targaryens, Dragons and White Walkers.
To state that this book is brilliant, would be somewhat underselling it. This book (and series as a whole) is the magnum opus of a crazed, Conscious Objector who has the writing speed of a sloth on marijuana. What George R.R. Martin has done, is superb. If Tolkien was the grandfather of what we call "modern fantasy" then Martin is the grandson, and a worthy carrier of the title of "greatest fantasy author of modern times".
To say this book is without fault, would not be true, either. Sex scenes can be highly uncomfortable to read (I usually glance/skip over) due to the age of one of the characters and some of the descriptions can drag on a bit too much. However these complaint pale in comparison with what is at hand here. A story about "the human heart in conflict with itself." as William Faulkner once said.
This book is full of fantastic characters, most of whom exist within a morally grey area. Human beings acting like human beings and not two dimensional things that solely exist purely to get the plot to go where the writer wants the plot to go, YES I AM LOOKING AT YOU DAVID AND DAN!.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. 4.75/5
To state that this book is brilliant, would be somewhat underselling it. This book (and series as a whole) is the magnum opus of a crazed, Conscious Objector who has the writing speed of a sloth on marijuana. What George R.R. Martin has done, is superb. If Tolkien was the grandfather of what we call "modern fantasy" then Martin is the grandson, and a worthy carrier of the title of "greatest fantasy author of modern times".
To say this book is without fault, would not be true, either. Sex scenes can be highly uncomfortable to read (I usually glance/skip over) due to the age of one of the characters and some of the descriptions can drag on a bit too much. However these complaint pale in comparison with what is at hand here. A story about "the human heart in conflict with itself." as William Faulkner once said.
This book is full of fantastic characters, most of whom exist within a morally grey area. Human beings acting like human beings and not two dimensional things that solely exist purely to get the plot to go where the writer wants the plot to go, YES I AM LOOKING AT YOU DAVID AND DAN!.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. 4.75/5
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was released nearly twenty six years ago at time of writing this review, and it never fails to amaze me at just how well written this book is. For her first foray into writing, Rowling creates a world, that whilst not as sound or complex as other fantasy authors such as Tolkien or Martin, is still a world that feels lived in a real. The true longevity of this series, despite the recent cinematic entries, is the fact that the Wizarding World is a world in which you the reader, wants to visit and to live in.
By blending the two, our world and the Wizarding World, it makes this series feel somewhat more relatable than some of the higher fantasy series. This, combined with the fact that the story revolves around a teenage boy going through school, makes it hit home harder than most now the series credit for. Seeing Harry struggle with homework and the issues that being in school presents help add to the overall relatability to this story.
Harry as a protagonist is as near perfect as one would want from a character. He isn't wicked smart, nor overly egotistical, he doesn't look down his nose at other people (well maybe Slytherin) and he is never cruel. He is a kind hearted boy, who tries his best, fails, learns from his mistakes and transgressions. He is loyal and willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others. Is it any wonder why people love him so.
The overall story itself, of how a boy who comes from a terrible background, of tragedy and mistreatment, to become and wizard and help once again defeat the very man who killed his parents and threatens both his new world and the Muggle World, is one that has been done before; but Rowling's strength is that she imbues the story with a wonderful sense of wit, love, mystery and cheek that helps keep the readers concentration and keeps you turning every page.
What a story. What a book. What a legacy.
#Transrightsarehumanrights
By blending the two, our world and the Wizarding World, it makes this series feel somewhat more relatable than some of the higher fantasy series. This, combined with the fact that the story revolves around a teenage boy going through school, makes it hit home harder than most now the series credit for. Seeing Harry struggle with homework and the issues that being in school presents help add to the overall relatability to this story.
Harry as a protagonist is as near perfect as one would want from a character. He isn't wicked smart, nor overly egotistical, he doesn't look down his nose at other people (well maybe Slytherin) and he is never cruel. He is a kind hearted boy, who tries his best, fails, learns from his mistakes and transgressions. He is loyal and willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of others. Is it any wonder why people love him so.
The overall story itself, of how a boy who comes from a terrible background, of tragedy and mistreatment, to become and wizard and help once again defeat the very man who killed his parents and threatens both his new world and the Muggle World, is one that has been done before; but Rowling's strength is that she imbues the story with a wonderful sense of wit, love, mystery and cheek that helps keep the readers concentration and keeps you turning every page.
What a story. What a book. What a legacy.
#Transrightsarehumanrights
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Following on from the gargantuan success of the first Harry Potter book, must have been no mean feat; yet Rowling somehow managed to do just that with the second entry into the Harry Potter series. With this book, Rowling creates an even more interesting mystery that Harry, Ron and Hermione must solve as the ramifications are somewhat greater than that of the previous novel.
Chamber of Secrets very quickly manages to set itself apart from it's predecessor by having a darker tone and leads one to suspect that for many people born in the 1990's and 2000's, that this could very well indeed count as their first foray into horror. Obviously this is horror aimed at a much younger audience, but certainly there are elements to this book which would scare the living daylights out of some youngsters.
However, I do find that the biggest problem with this book is its pacing. Much like it's film counterpart, I do feel that there are several passages that do go on for just a bit too long and really should have been cut down. It's a shame that the final third of the book rushes through a quite a speed when the first two thirds had taken more time to develop.
Overall, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, despite potentially being my least favourite entry in the Harry Potter series, is still a brilliant book and a worthy successor to the original.
4.25/5
Chamber of Secrets very quickly manages to set itself apart from it's predecessor by having a darker tone and leads one to suspect that for many people born in the 1990's and 2000's, that this could very well indeed count as their first foray into horror. Obviously this is horror aimed at a much younger audience, but certainly there are elements to this book which would scare the living daylights out of some youngsters.
However, I do find that the biggest problem with this book is its pacing. Much like it's film counterpart, I do feel that there are several passages that do go on for just a bit too long and really should have been cut down. It's a shame that the final third of the book rushes through a quite a speed when the first two thirds had taken more time to develop.
Overall, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, despite potentially being my least favourite entry in the Harry Potter series, is still a brilliant book and a worthy successor to the original.
4.25/5