Comic Book Review: Showcase Presents Robin the Boy Wonder Vol. 1 by various creators In 1940, a year after Batman debuted, he gained the first superhero kid sidekick in comic books. Robin aka Dick Grayson served several functions. Kid appeal, merchandising, lightening up the tone of the stories a bit, and giving Batman someone to have… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Showcase Presents Robin the Boy Wonder Vol. 1
Tag: mind control
Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic
Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab Delilah “Lila” Bard’s hometown may be London in the year 1819, but she’s pretty sure she won’t be starring in a Regency romance any time soon. Life is tough for a pickpocket and mugger who has to disguise herself as a man to survive on… Continue reading Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic
Book Review: The Best of Planet Stories #1
Book Review: The Best of Planet Stories #1 edited by Leigh Brackett Planet Stories was a pulp science fiction magazine that ran from 1939-1955. Its specialty was “space opera”, exciting tales of adventure set in the future and on other worlds, full of square-jawed heroes, scantily clad damsels and bug-eyed monsters. Not always the most… Continue reading Book Review: The Best of Planet Stories #1
Comic Book Review: Essential Killraven Vol. 1
Comic Book Review: Essential Killraven Vol. 1 by various In the far future Earth of 2018, the Martian invaders rule. Having learned their lesson from their last attempt, this time the Martians immunized themselves against Earth diseases, and neutralized the humans’ nuclear stockpiles before landing. Scattered free humans scrabble for survival in the ruins of… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Essential Killraven Vol. 1
Manga Review: Kitaro Meets Nurarihyon
Manga Review: Kitaro Meets Nurarihyon by Shigeru Mizuki Quick recap: Kitaro is the last surviving member of the Ghost Tribe, a once populous group of yokai (Japanese spirits/monsters.) His father lives on in the form of an eyeball and advises the young fellow. Together with his untrustworthy friend Nezumi-Otoko (“Rat-Man”) and sometimes other friendly monsters, Kitaro… Continue reading Manga Review: Kitaro Meets Nurarihyon
Book Review: The World Grabbers
Book Review: The World Grabbers by Paul W. Fairman Dane Morrow feels like a failure. He used to be a bright young man, enthusiastic about becoming a writer, and seeing a lovely young woman. But his stories didn’t sell, and his book vanished into the publisher’s slush pile without trace. Plus, Dane began to feel… Continue reading Book Review: The World Grabbers
Magazine Review: Fantastic Universe October 1955
Magazine Review: Fantastic Universe October 1955 edited by Leo Margulies Fantastic Universe was a digest-sized science fiction and fantasy magazine that ran from 1953 to 1960, originally coming out from King-Size Publications. Its quality is considered to have fallen off after 1956, with lesser stories and more emphasis on pseudo-science articles, but this particular issue… Continue reading Magazine Review: Fantastic Universe October 1955
Comic Book Review: Judge Anderson: Anderson, Psi-Division
Comic Book Review: Judge Anderson: Anderson, Psi-Division written by Alan Grant and John Wagner, art by various. The Judge Dredd series in 2000 AD has spawned quite a few interesting supporting characters in forty-plus years, several of whom have gone on to their own solo adventures. One of the most popular has been Judge Anderson. Full… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Judge Anderson: Anderson, Psi-Division
Manga Review: Monster Collection: The Girl Who Can Deal with Magic Monsters, Volume 5
Manga Review: Monster Collection: The Girl Who Can Deal with Magic Monsters, Volume 5 by Sei Itoh Kasche was an apprentice summoner, gifted at bringing magical monsters from where they are to the place she needs them, and controlling them using name magic. But her recklessness made Kasche less than popular with most of her teachers.… Continue reading Manga Review: Monster Collection: The Girl Who Can Deal with Magic Monsters, Volume 5
Comic Book Review: Essential Defenders Vol. 6
Comic Book Review: Essential Defenders Vol. 6 written (mostly) by J.M. DeMatteis, Pencils by Don Perlin The Defenders are one of Marvel Comics’ more oddball teams, beginning with a line-up of Doctor Strange, Hulk, Silver Surfer and the Sub-Mariner, four of Marvel’s most powerful characters who did not belong to other teams. After a couple… Continue reading Comic Book Review: Essential Defenders Vol. 6