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supeskenobi's reviews
43 reviews
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Following on from the huge success that had been the prior two Harry Potter novels, Jo Rowling had her work cutout in releasing the third book in as many years; and as luck would have it; she succeeded in crafting perhaps the most beloved book in the entire franchise.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a triumph in story telling and mystery writing. It delivers perhaps the best plot twist of not only the Harry Potter series, but her whole bibliography. The mysteries surrounding the death of Harry's parents are perhaps at their most revealing in this installment, for it is here that we first hear the last words of James and Lily Potter (in perhaps some of the more upsetting scenes in the entire series) and the build up to how and why they had been betrayed.
The inclusions of the backstory to Harry's fathers schooling days and his friendship with new DADA teacher Remus Lupin (a wonderful creation and character) and convicted, alleged mass murderer Sirius Black; help to flesh out more of this wonderful world that has been created and has gone on to inspire countless (and often questionable in quality) fanfictions about the era.
This is the franchise, perhaps at its best. The dark undertones that were fleshed out in the second novel, really come into their own in this installment. The fear installed by not only the Dementors (an allegory to Rowling's own depression in the 1990's) but also due to the escape of Sirius Black creates a wonderfully atmospheric nature to the book which the film perfectly capture.
#Transrightsarehumanrights
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a triumph in story telling and mystery writing. It delivers perhaps the best plot twist of not only the Harry Potter series, but her whole bibliography. The mysteries surrounding the death of Harry's parents are perhaps at their most revealing in this installment, for it is here that we first hear the last words of James and Lily Potter (in perhaps some of the more upsetting scenes in the entire series) and the build up to how and why they had been betrayed.
The inclusions of the backstory to Harry's fathers schooling days and his friendship with new DADA teacher Remus Lupin (a wonderful creation and character) and convicted, alleged mass murderer Sirius Black; help to flesh out more of this wonderful world that has been created and has gone on to inspire countless (and often questionable in quality) fanfictions about the era.
This is the franchise, perhaps at its best. The dark undertones that were fleshed out in the second novel, really come into their own in this installment. The fear installed by not only the Dementors (an allegory to Rowling's own depression in the 1990's) but also due to the escape of Sirius Black creates a wonderfully atmospheric nature to the book which the film perfectly capture.
#Transrightsarehumanrights
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
It's been twenty two years, a Cedric's death still hurts.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
4.5
Harry Potter and the Anger Management Classes
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
This book emotionally ruined me.
Batman: Year One by Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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
4.5
Batman: Year One is often called the definitive origin story for The Batman. Not since his debut in Detective Comics Issue Number 27, has the story of Bruce Wayne becoming 'The Dark Knight' been so thoroughly explored, and I dare say I doubt it will be done better than here. Taking place over Bruce's first year as Batman, not only do we get a deeper insight into Bruce's though process in becoming Batman; but also into the reaction from the public, the upper-echelons of the Gotham Elite (most of whom are connected to crime), the GCPD and most importantly of all, Detective James Gordon.
What makes this retelling of Batman's origins unique is that not only is it told from Bruce's perspective, but from that of Detective James Gordon; newly of the GCPD. Gordon, who like Batman, rebels against the fetid and corrupt nature of Gotham society and of its police force; stands in the way of his fellow colleagues and his superiors. Despite cheating on his pregnant wife (a move which I am no fan of), Gordon remains good of heart, never once succumbing to the temptations of corruption or the pressures of his colleagues/superiors.
To say that Batman: Year One is an influential story in the grand and rich history of comic books; would be an understatement to say the least. Inspiring the hit 2005 movie 'Batman Begins' from Christopher Nolan, to an animated adaptation in 2011 with Bryan Cranston as Detective Gordon and Ben McKenzie as Bruce Wayne/Batman, to more recently 2022's 'The Batman' by Matt Reeves (especially with the usage of Bruce's internal monologue), Batman: Year One is a brilliant (albeit rather too short) telling of the origins of one of the greatest fictional characters of all time. It will be adapted, drawn inspiration from and celebrated for many years to come.
What makes this retelling of Batman's origins unique is that not only is it told from Bruce's perspective, but from that of Detective James Gordon; newly of the GCPD. Gordon, who like Batman, rebels against the fetid and corrupt nature of Gotham society and of its police force; stands in the way of his fellow colleagues and his superiors. Despite cheating on his pregnant wife (a move which I am no fan of), Gordon remains good of heart, never once succumbing to the temptations of corruption or the pressures of his colleagues/superiors.
To say that Batman: Year One is an influential story in the grand and rich history of comic books; would be an understatement to say the least. Inspiring the hit 2005 movie 'Batman Begins' from Christopher Nolan, to an animated adaptation in 2011 with Bryan Cranston as Detective Gordon and Ben McKenzie as Bruce Wayne/Batman, to more recently 2022's 'The Batman' by Matt Reeves (especially with the usage of Bruce's internal monologue), Batman: Year One is a brilliant (albeit rather too short) telling of the origins of one of the greatest fictional characters of all time. It will be adapted, drawn inspiration from and celebrated for many years to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller
4.0
It's a good book, but Zack Snyder did it better.
Under the Red Hood by Judd Winick
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
Following hot of the heels from arguably one of the greatest Batman comic runs of all time, Batman: Hush, Batman: Under The Red Hood hits and it hits hard. By adding one of the greatest additions to Batman's universe, the titular 'Red Hood', Winick further expands on why Batman truly has the greatest allies and villains out of the DC and Marvel Pantheon. The explorations between Batman's morality and his 'no kill rule' contrast expertly to the more gun-ho, 'kill the bad guys' morality that Red Hood follows is done expertly in just one scene and one scene only.
Aside from the brilliant look at the morality of the two protagonists of the story, Batman: Under The Red Hood offers a sprawling thriller, mystery with perhaps the most personal mystery for Batman to ever find the answer too. Not only is Batman tested, put through mental anguish and torture, his resolve to save the man under the mask, is what makes not just this graphic novel so brilliant; but also the character of Batman and why he is the greatest comic book hero. Also worth noting is just how funny this book is at times, with both Red Hood and the villainous Black Mask providing most if not all of the laughs.
Perhaps the biggest weakness of this book, much like Batman: Hush, is at times it can feel somewhat overstuffed with a bunch of different characters. Sure most of them are mere henchmen of Black Mask, but with the sheer abundance of DC heroes and villains, it does rather make the story feel somewhat a tad too crowded. Combine this with and art style that tends to change every three or four issues, a slightly dragged out and over stuffed story-line and a less than satisfactory explanation about how *that character* returns, the book does fall somewhat rather flat in places.
This comic was adapted into 2010's 'Under the Red Hood' with Bruce Greenwood as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Jensen Ackles as Red Hood, John Di Maggio as Joker and Jason Issacs as Ra's Al Ghul. For the most part it's a faithful adaptation of this comic (though naturally it is streamlined massively) and in places is the superior version as Joker and Ra's Al Ghul have a much better and stronger presence in it.
However, if you are a fan of that adaptation and have yet to read the source material, then I could not highly recommend this graphic novel more.
Aside from the brilliant look at the morality of the two protagonists of the story, Batman: Under The Red Hood offers a sprawling thriller, mystery with perhaps the most personal mystery for Batman to ever find the answer too. Not only is Batman tested, put through mental anguish and torture, his resolve to save the man under the mask, is what makes not just this graphic novel so brilliant; but also the character of Batman and why he is the greatest comic book hero. Also worth noting is just how funny this book is at times, with both Red Hood and the villainous Black Mask providing most if not all of the laughs.
Perhaps the biggest weakness of this book, much like Batman: Hush, is at times it can feel somewhat overstuffed with a bunch of different characters. Sure most of them are mere henchmen of Black Mask, but with the sheer abundance of DC heroes and villains, it does rather make the story feel somewhat a tad too crowded. Combine this with and art style that tends to change every three or four issues, a slightly dragged out and over stuffed story-line and a less than satisfactory explanation about how *that character* returns, the book does fall somewhat rather flat in places.
This comic was adapted into 2010's 'Under the Red Hood' with Bruce Greenwood as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Jensen Ackles as Red Hood, John Di Maggio as Joker and Jason Issacs as Ra's Al Ghul. For the most part it's a faithful adaptation of this comic (though naturally it is streamlined massively) and in places is the superior version as Joker and Ra's Al Ghul have a much better and stronger presence in it.
However, if you are a fan of that adaptation and have yet to read the source material, then I could not highly recommend this graphic novel more.
Red Hood and the Outlaws, Volume 1: Dark Trinity by Scott Lobdell
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.75
Red Hood and the Outlaws is by no means as stunning example of how truly brilliant the comic genre is (not that it ever set out to be that), but what it is, is a pretty damn entertaining little read that passes away a few hours on a rainy day. Ever since I saw 'Under The Red Hood', I have been fascinated by Jason Todd, and this graphic novel makes me love him even more.
Call me basic, but I love a snarky, sarcastic arsehole of a protagonist. There's just something relatable about a character that hides their true feelings behind a mask of sarcasm. Perhaps that's somewhat telling more of myself than my taste in literature. Aside from Jason Todd, Black Mask is another highlight of the comic. His bitterness and dry wit make him such an interesting foil and he has definitely made his way higher on my list of favourite Batman rogues. Artimes and Bizzaro are also nice additions and add some levity to the story.
Whilst the story does have some pacing issues and a slightly rushed and anticlimactic ending, overall I found it to be a highly enjoyable story and well worth your time reading. The art and colours by Dexter Soy and Kenneth Rocafort are stunning and bring a fantastic sense of vibrancy to the world and it's characters.
Call me basic, but I love a snarky, sarcastic arsehole of a protagonist. There's just something relatable about a character that hides their true feelings behind a mask of sarcasm. Perhaps that's somewhat telling more of myself than my taste in literature. Aside from Jason Todd, Black Mask is another highlight of the comic. His bitterness and dry wit make him such an interesting foil and he has definitely made his way higher on my list of favourite Batman rogues. Artimes and Bizzaro are also nice additions and add some levity to the story.
Whilst the story does have some pacing issues and a slightly rushed and anticlimactic ending, overall I found it to be a highly enjoyable story and well worth your time reading. The art and colours by Dexter Soy and Kenneth Rocafort are stunning and bring a fantastic sense of vibrancy to the world and it's characters.
Red Hood and the Outlaws, Volume 2: Who Is Artemis? by Scott Lobdell
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Not as good as the first volume and the pacing was a little bit too slow in places and the ending was quite rushed. However it was still enjoyable and Jason is becoming a favourite of mine.