Book Description

Reviews (12)

A Little Bit of Fun
Someplace growing up I ran into the Asterix titles, with a four volume set beginning with Asterix the Gaul. As a child I enjoyed the antics; as an adult I enjoy the puns and historical allusions. It continually amazes me to realize that this is originally a French production, and yet translated into English and some 20 other languages, and the puns *still* translate! That's not easy to do. And while later episodes decline in quality and are suitable more for children, stories like Asterix the Gaul are great for children of 30 years too.

The very names provide example of brilliant use of dialogue. Asterix- a small, seeming addition. Obelisk, who delivers menhirs. Getafix, the Druid. (Remember, this series began in the 60's.) Cacaphonix, the Bard, and Vitalstatistix, the chief. In the same vein, the authors use contemporary differences between cultures and play them upon the ancient Gaulish-Roman dispute. This is about the only place one can find swearing in Latin- "ipso facto", "sic", etc. Or the taking of Toutanis' name in vain.

Asterix The Gaul-Start a tradition
This is the first book in a series about Asterix, his funny friend Obelix, and the wise druid, Getafix. These hilarious adventures take place in the Roman Era. Goscinny and Uderzo do a splendid job of capturing you in the first book of this priceless collection.

The first in a great series
Asterix The Gaul was first published in French in 1961 and in English only in 1969.
The first of the Asterix books , it is a very clever and witty piece of work on the Roman occupation of Gaul in 50 BC-with a fair amount of Latin quips in too -read Asterix and you'll soon become familiar with 'Quid' , 'Vae victo , vae victus' and 'Morituri te salutant'.
It begins with the familiar scene of well thumped Roman legionnaires reporting their defeat to an incensed Roman centurion (in this case Crismus Bonus) who then hatches a plan to deal with the Gauls which our heroes always in the end foil.

It also includes such recurring themes as Cacofonix and his hated singing , the magic potion (and why Obelix cannot have any ) and a guest appearance by Julius Caesar.It ends as always without he Gauls feasting their heroes 'under a starry sky...victorious over their enemies , thanks to magic the protection of the gods and low cunning'.

Unlike all of its successors in this book , Obelix does not even offer to accompany Asterix on his adventure (which is so unlike the Obelix we know from all of the other Asterix books).
There are some gaps in the dialogue and there is unusually not one woman or girl in the first book . drawbacks which will be made up for in the other Asterix books.

Nevertheless it is a great start to your Asterix collection and an amusing little book.

....and you thought *Gladiator* popularized all things Roman
It is impossible to understand, from Amazon's slim and anemic presentation, the breadth and impact that this series has had upon generations of children in France, Europe, and America--remember, France has a thriving Asterix theme park a la Disney, and it's a premier destination site for French families with young children.

But quite possibly this is the sort of book that still sells most of its copies in bookstores--because it's the kind of read where one might pick it up because of the pictures, and then, as one gets deeper in, one realizes "Hey, this is amazingly silly, intelligent, and fun. I'm halfway through and already I know I'm going to have to read it again because there are still some new jokes for me to pick up on. I'd better buy it and bring it home so I can read it through a second time." And when you bring it home--it's quite possible for Asterix to become an obsession, and you find yourself returning, time and time again, to the bookstore, to try to find copies of other books in the series.

The early books in the series are without question the best (I say "books" advisedly, these are short graphic novels ie classy comic books). As the series ballooned in popularity, the stories began to fall into an established pattern that is less interesting than the brilliant twists and turns that are hallmark of, say, Asterix the Gaul, Asterix and Cleopatra, and Asterix and the Olympic games (certain 'tics' were possibly brought on by aggressive fan mail, one can't help but feel). The puns and wordgames of these earlier books range from subtle to screaming and are a sort of "gift that keeps on giving"--some of them will certainly pass you by until you pick up some scraps of Latin and Classical history and advanced education in general. Better still, the historical material is slipped in in such a sly way that as one reads it, one starts asking questions. "Did Cleopatra really have a big nose?" "What *was* the Roman occupation of Gaul really like?" The series sparks a lovely desire to know more--and is also, I would suggest, an unacknowledged idea source, a la Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, for many fantasy writers actively working today.

But what none of my words above capture is the sheer demonic sense of FUN in these books. Read these books--you may not even like them the first time through. Try them again later--suddenly you'll get it. Like most classical works of art and literature, it is how you perceive these books over time that matters--and over time, Asterix holds up.

Indomitably so.

Great Series
This is the best comic book series around. I used to read these books when I was just a child and they were funny even then. Now as an older and wiser person, I began to pick up the underlying satire and it proved to be even more funnier. This would compare with the TV series The Simpsons in their rather innocent look but they include alot of word play and hidden jokes. Since I grew up with the British translation, I would recommend it over the American version. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The End of the Glory...
Once the Dark Phoenix Saga concluded, the X-Men became a victim of their own success, as the sensational collaboration between Chris Claremont and John Byrne began to sag beneath the weight of the artists' egos. The stories became verbose and overwrought as ideas seemed to perpetually recycle, the art lost much of its previous verve, and the title generally settled into a long decline.

There remain some notable highlights in "Essential X-Men Vol. 3", however. The courtship of Dr. Doom and Storm is classic and totally unexpected. The story arc with Cyclops stranded on a desert isle housing his greatest foe is sensational, as is the appearance of Dracula (!). Unfortunately, these high points sink beneath the weight of drecch like Kitty Pryde's fairytale version of the X-Men and the touted return of Dark Phoenix.

If you're a true fan of the X-Men, you'll want this collection to avoid bending the corners of your precious back issues. Otherwise, grab the first two volumes of this series instead.

GREAT
Here we have Uncanny X-Men #145-161. We have Starjammers, Dr. Doom, and all sort of goodie. I just wish it would have been in color.

Good Find!
I bought all of these to back track and read the previous things that had happened within the comic. This serves the purpose but was disapointed that they were not in color.

Issues # 145 - 161and Annuals 3- 5
This book contains X-Men issues #145 thru 161 and anuuals #3-5. Featuring Nightcrawler, Colossus, Storm, Cyclops, Wolverine and Kitty Pryde.

Chris Claremont's X-Men try to survive without John Byrne
When John Byrne left "X-Men" as the penciller and co-plotter after the fiasco over the death of Phoenix (a.k.a. Marvel Girl, a.k.a. Jean Grey), Dave Cockrum, the original artist when Chris Claremont resurrected the merry mutants from the purgatory of being a reprint comic, returned to the fold. Cockrum draws most of the seventeen issues and three annuals collected in "The Essential X-Men Volume 3," but you will also find issues drawn by Jim Sherman, Bob McLeod, Bill Sienkiewicz, Brent Anderson, George Perez, and John Romita, Jr. (the last trio do the annuals). The Perez drawn annual is of note, since he would be drawing the main rival for the "X-Men," D.C.'s "Teen Titans." The Sienkiewicz issues, where the X-Men tackled Dracula, is noteworthy because it is drawn like a regular comic book and not in the striking stylized manner we know associate with Sienkiewicz (I am telling you this now so you will not be disappointed when you read it, although his cover is closer to what you would expect, I imagine since it was not inked by Bob Wiacek like the rest of the comic).

The stories start with a smitten Dr. Doom kidnapping Storm and ends with a flashback story where Charles Xavier and Magnus (the future Magneto) take on Baron Strucker's Hydra gang. In between there is a rematch with Magneto (you have to have one of those at least once a year, but this one is nothing special), a reunion with the Starjammers (which means Corsair and Scott Summers might finally acknowledge they are father and sun), and a reapperance by Dark Phoenix (could it really be her?). In terms of the characters the three main subplots are Storm taking over as the new leader of the X-Men, Kitty Pryde trying to fit in with the gang, and Charles Xavier being terminally ill. The villains are mostly retreads, from the Hellfire Club to the Sentinels, and more guest stars, such as Dazzler and Tigra, and nobody really new and interesting.

In rereading these stories I know that the artwork is not as striking as it was when Byrne was drawing the "X-Men," but it also seems equally clear that the stories are not as epic in scope as what Claremont and Byrne were producing together. When Kitty Pride (a.k.a. Ariel, a.k.a. Sprite) is your most interesting character that is just not a good sign. But then all comic books go through peaks and valleys. Of course, after the issues collected in Volume 2 of this series, it would be hard for these comics not to look lesser in comparison. But eventually the focus will return to Wolverine and things will get a lot more interesting. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

new x-men #13-18
Millar keeps up the high quality of storytelling he has shown us so far. I really don't know what else to say that hasn't been said already.

Someone in Professor X's closet wants to kill him
By now it is clear that Wolverine is going to be on the cover of each and every trade paperback in the "Ultimate X-Men" series, and Volume 3, "World Tour," is no different. The character who should be on the cover would be Professor X, because he is the pivotal character in the major plot line of issues 13-13 of this comic book, which has to do with the X-Men coming face to face with David, his son with Moira MacTaggert, who has escaped from his confinement on Muir Island. In what is essentially the prologue to the story arc, "It Doesn't Have to Be This Way," we check up on the X-Men through the context of Xavier's article on mutants and learn that Magneto is not dead: the Professor has placed a mental block in his lower cerebrum to prevent him from remember who Erik Lensherr really is and how to use his mutant powers. Xavier's position is that he would not take the life of another living creature when a peaceful solution was possible. In the four-part "World Tour" story that follows, Xavier learns to rue his world and rethink his position.

Ultimately, "World Tour" is not simply a retelling of the Proteus story from Volume 1 of "The Uncanny X-Men" (issues 125-128), because the fact that Doctor MacTaggert's son is now also Charles Xavier's is a significant change and placed in the context of Xavier's attempt to blitz the world with a public relations effort in support of mutants forces a reconsideration of what Xavier is trying to do. Remember, in the "original" Proteus story Xavier was in a galaxy far, far away enjoying the first state ball hosted by the newly-crowned Empress Lilandra. The sub-plot, which has Colossus returning to Russia because of his disagreement with Xavier's tactics in general (and letting Magneto live in particular), provides a different take on the issue of responsibility for mutants. The epilogue, "Resignation," returns Xavier to the park when Erik Lensherr is playing where the Professor is entertaining a change of much more than heart.

This trade paperback volume also includes a two part story introducing Gambit as a street hustler who ends up using his mutant gifts to protect a young girl that he has met. The idea is apparently to explore those mutants who are not part of Xavier's School for Gifted Children, the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, or another other organized group of merry mutants. These "Ultimate X-Men" stories are not, to date, superior to the original comic's glory days under Chris Claremont and John Byrne, but they are an entertaining take on the familiar characters in a slightly different context. Like the best of the Claremont-Byrne story lines it takes several issues to tell the story and for those who remember the X-Men (both the Stan Lee-Jack Kirby originals and the Claremont-Dave Cockrum next generation) it is interesting to see Mark Millar and Adam Kubert's twists on what we remember.

Why not just read the original?
I loved Bacheolo's art in this book. Really good stuff. Again Millar's poor writing of villains shows. Proteus just didn't have an "umph" behind him. Though he did get in his required body count (is it just me or do villains now aday have to kill like 300+ people an issue? Is it like a requirement to get their villain's license?). I will give Millar points for having Proteus being Xavier's son.
Still, over all, I wasn't as impressed with this book as I was Tomorrow People or even Return to Weapon-X. I think Millar is running out of steam. If you want a good telling of the Proteus Saga go pick up the original Claremont/Byrne one, it's worth it.

Ultimate X-Men: Great Stuff!
After countless attempts at creating a new universe, or continuum, the folks at Marvel finally hit on the right approach: recast their franchise characters as younger and more in tune with the issues of the day. Add top-notch writers and artists and voila! we have a hit. Though the story arcs are so far quite familiar to those with any sense of Marvel's history, the fresh approach to characters and the nifty art contribute to an overall great reading experience.

I would recommend this compilation to anyone who can't get enough of the Marvel universe or those who would like to start their trip into said universe. In short, recommended for any Marvel fan!

Proteus, magneto,and gambit oh my
This is a mile stone in the ultimate line. It shows colosuss returning to russia, a battle with xaviers son proteus a reality warping mutant and a issue featuring a heartwarming and violent story of gambit. ... Read more

Book Description

Winner of the coveted Eisner Award! Carl Seltz is a suburban insurance investigator, a loving husband, and devoted father. Nixon is a berserk, homicidal tax collector racking up mind-boggling body counts in a diseased urban slaughterhouse. Unit Four is the ultimate robot killing machine -- and the last hope of the future's enslaved mechanical servants. And they're all the same psychotic entity. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Hard Boiled......."The Graphic Novel"
Frank Darrow's artwork is worth the total price alone!! Frank Millers story is mind-boggeling, and deffinately not for children. I rate this book more that 5 stars easy!!!! If you are open minded with things of an adult nature and crave the ultra-violence, your bookshelf is not complete with out Frank Miller and Geof Darrow's graphic novel....."Hard Boiled"

Geof Darrow is a Master Artist
Ok, so the story is nothing new for anyone familiar with frank Miller. But it's alright. better than Sin City, anyway. But all of that is beside the point. Get HARD BOILED for Darrow's artwork! Seriously, this guy's stuff should be hanging in the art museums instead of a bunch of dead French guys and the occasional Italian. For get the classics, Darrow is where it's at.

Oh, don't buy this for your kids. it's for adults. This is over the top powerviolence not for the weak-hearted. this is beautiful and fun. To the person who said it's dangerous and would inspire kids to go on killing sprees, please, for the love of God, stop thinking in PC terms and form rational opinions of your own! This IS art! it has merit and is truly breathtaking.

lol
It has be my first Frank MIller's book, so I feel strange in writing about it now.
There was no internet at home when Iì've bought it at the newsstand on the road, so I just listended my eyes :))
It's a great and sad story, really over exposed, but you have to read till the end and read it again.
Great, really great!

Yet another well-done Miller slugfest.
Frank Miller is very good at making The Last Comic Book (after which comics can finally move on to a post-Kirby era); he keeps doing it over and over again. First the Daredevil run, then The Dark Knight Returns, then Sin City, then 300, and now this: an intentionally ridiculous sci-fi techno-thriller (in the mainstream cinema, "Terminator," "The Matrix," sense) starring a man who thinks he has a perfectly normal life, but then it turns out he's only programmed to think that, etc., right up to the nonsensical revelation (you'll plotz when you find out why he was created), predictable climax (I guessed it correctly after one glance at the cover!), and signature Miller letdown ending (Batman doesn't die, Marv gets into Roark's fortress pretty goddamn easily after all that, and...?). I would love it for its sheer audacity (pushing the tired "post-apocalyptic sex-based society" idea to its limits, killing extras by the truckload without so much as a fare-thee-well, writing ridiculous movie-star ["Come and get it, you bum..."]/funnybook ["oof!"/"ag!"/"oof!"/"oof!"/"nef!"/"hah!"/"oof!"/"hah!"/"oof!"/yaa" is from an actual sequence] dialog, giving all the women, including the female robots, gorgeous bodies), If Miller hadn't created so MANY comics exactly this one. (Waiting now for "DK2.")

Geoff Darrow, however, really gets a chance to show off his technical abilities in this story. In fact, this entire book can be considered an excercise for Darrow. His anatomy and perspective is wonderful (at least when you compare it to most mainstream "artists") and he can draw post-apocalyptic crowd scenes and bloody robots (with skin hanging off, torn clothes, eyeballs hanging out of metallic sockets) like, um, no one else. The colors are OK, although I find myself wishing Darrow had done them (they were assemblylined by a fellow named John Workman). They feel a little subdued, slowing down the pace.

Overall, this is a nice 20-minute read to flip through at the library or bookstore. It might make a nice gift for your teenage nephew who likes video games and "The Matrix." -YAKOV.

I LIKE IT BUT IT IS OUT OF CONTROL
This book is most notable for the extremely detailed art by Darrow. Miller lets the story go out of control and though I think the wackiness is intentional, it still is a little much. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Some 4,000 years before Leia bared her midriff in Jabba's palace, another Force-sensitive woman was doing the same for the good of the plot line: Jedi prodigy and lightsaber-wielding Nomi Sunrider, one of the featured Knights in this two-story collection from Dark Horse's quality Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi miniseries. Sunrider begins her training reluctantly, both to avenge the death of her Jedi hubby at the hands of Bogga the Hutt's minions and to realize her enormous potential in the art of "Jedi Battle Meditation." The other story in this volume also involves Battle Meditation, which Jedi Master Arca uses to save the hides of his young charges Ulic Qel-Droma and friends, who are sent to forge a peace between the beastmaster warlords and walled-city defenders on war-torn Onderon.

With plenty of twists, tons of action, and monsters and bad guys at every turn, these two stories are fully worth checking out, although purists be warned: the Ulic tale especially tends more toward the Jedi-as-superhero school of storytelling. It's saberin' time! --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (8)

SEEMS THERE ARE 3 COMICS USING THE SAME COVER
Anyone confused? Darkhorse has a comic called TALES OF THE JEDI THE COLLECTION that takes place 4,000 years before NH. The ISBN is 1569710203 published aug 1994. Dark horse does indicate that they published Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - Knights of the Old Republic TPB on Oct 1994, but do not indicated an ISBN. I think that all 3 of these are the same comic. This comic is not to be found on amazon.

Then we have Knights of the Old Republic (Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Volume One) by Tom Veitch, Chris Gossett, Janine Johnston (Illustrator), David Roach (Illustrator) ISBN 1569710201 RELEASED BY Dark Horse Oct, 1995 with the same cover.

They also have Star Wars - Tales of the Jedi: Knights of the Old Republic (Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi) by Tom Veitch, Chris Gosset, Dennis Rodier released by titan books May, 2000 with the same cover under ISBN 1840231726 It seems to be the same comic described by amazon here and called KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC, TALES OF THE JEDI 1 THRU 5 with the same cover art and a different ISBN.

I am reviewing a comic called Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - The collection published by Dark Horse August, 1994 as a TPB compiliation, ISBN: 1569710201. These stories are revealed on Jedi Holocrons recovered by Luke Skywalker. Made in Canada the binding is excellent.
Story 1 - Ulic Qel-Droma and the Beast Wars of Onderon. 51 pages, OK story with some good fights, the artwork is the comic-strip quality used throughout most of the 80's and 90's.

Story 2 - The Saga of Nomi Sunrider. 69 pages, the story of Nomi and her daughter, artwork is cheesy and uninspired.
Either way, they are all probably the same, with a title change. Dark horse published this comic in aug 1994, 3 years before its two comics TPB's that take place 5,000 years before NH. I think you should Skip the first 2 on the Timeline and just start here. While the art work is a C the coloring is a C TO D and looks more like the early 80's art and coloring offerings, the 2 stories here is pretty good. The Stories of Ulic Qel-Droma and Nomi Sunrider are worth a read.

An engaging storyline, but not a visual delight
It rains, it snows, I still say Ulic Qel-Droma and Kir Kanos look the same. And looks belie Knights of the Old Republic, vanguard in the Tales of the Jedi series that it is. This is actually two different stories: the Onderon arc, and the Ambria part, starring bald-headed Nomi. Considering the next installment, the elusive to find Freedon Nadd Uprising continues the Onderon storyline, they should have included it as well.

This is a time when the Republic is still growing, still exploring the stars for new worlds, still ripe for adventure. When Onderon requests Jedi meditation to resolve its internal strife, acclaimed Jedi Master Arca Jeth dispatches his three apprentices to end the civil strife. What they find is dark side mayhem and a 400-year-old Sith spirit, dead but not quite digested.

The art quality is a sample of what you'll put up with in TOTJ: horrible. Comics now, dominated by the ever-popular Republic series, have never looked better; and despite how art technology back then isn't up to today's standards, console yourself that at least this is better than that dreadful so-called art of Dark Empire.

Illustrations aren't so bad. It's just that things look cluttered and messy. But that's the theme, what things were like four millenniums ago: patchy apparel, bizarre starships that look more Transformer toy than space vehicle, ancient-style architecture. Though why lightsabers of that era were drawn with a shimmer glow rather than simple straight lines is a mystery.

Dialogue is nothing to applaud. Reader beware---we're dumb, so we need to be reminded of every character's full name every second appearance. It's enough to put you off the entire series.

It was Jedi Master Jeth that hooked me in. I admit it, purchasing this vanguard of the series merely from an online preview I saw. The aging Arkanian just looked so haunting, so ominous, I knew it would be worth it.

And worth getting despite the awful art quality it is. The plot moves along swiftly, and readers will eventually get used to the fact that the Jedi of this era can talk to animals, perform unusual feats, and bumble around like all good Jedi. I say this because Jeth's fortuitous arrival is all that saves the day, who then reprimands them for not sensing the dark side around them. Which then looks odd for old Jeth, when the students counter he never taught them how to repel it.

More disturbing is Onderon's moon. If it orbits so close that their atmospheres periodically brush, allowing the moon's hostile fauna to migrate to Onderon, how doesn't it succumb to gravity and drop into the planet as well?

Well? That sure heck needed explaining. And if that doesn't raise the cynical brow, then the implausibility of a Jedi character affixing a droid arm in place of his severed limb no probs surely will.

Ah well. It gets worse with the second section, Nomi Sunrider---and so does the art. The art quality is so dirty, so filthy, it's simply shocking. WHY is Sunrider's head half-bald. It's unsightly, ugly, and yes, red-heads have less hair than all other colours, but this was bad!

Beast Jedi Master Thon is a curious fellow, and about all that makes this story more so some tasty features. Like the brief flash of Jedi history, showing the origin of the Sith; and bizarre starships, hollowed out of kilometre-long space insects. Otherwise, you'll be wondering why the art was so poor, why Sunrider is severely balding, or how her late husband can pop in as a Jedi spirit when only wimpy apprentice.

Overall, KOTOR introduces you to the main players and places of the series and is interesting and creative enough to well warrant a purchase.

Not bad. Not bad at all.
This graphic novel provides a decent way to kill an hour and a half or so, and for those interested in the Star Wars Mythos and universe this book has added value in expanding on earlier generations of jedi.

For those of you who have played the superb XBOX RPG - 'Knights of the Old Republic,' it is interesting to note similar story elements found in that game within this 1995 book. For example - Battle Meditation, construction of lightsabers with crystals, etc. The artwork is decent and the story flows at a nice pace. All together a snappy read but not quite a classic.

Feel, don't think. Use your instincts.
Unreal. Amazing. Jedi!!!
And so, with a few bucks to burn, I picked up this holy tome all those years ago. I was fascinated. Never before have I cared about a set of characters so much, save for Han and Chewie. This sets the stage for the next four volumes. The main characters here are Ulic Qel-Droma, Jedi Knight, and Nomi Sunrider, who inadvertently follows the path of the Jedi. Their paths interconnect eventually, and the story unfolds. This a rare set of comics that can actually be classified as a saga. Later volumes introduce Exar Kun, a name you may know from Kevin J. Anderson's Jedi Academy trilogy.

A good introduction
Knights of the Old Republic is the first story published in the Tales of the Jedi storyline. Written by Tom Veitch, the guy who also did the Dark Empire comics, the characters and situations herein are pretty much taken from the backstory he created for his prior Star Wars jaunt. Overall this is a pretty good comic, and it paves the path for what will be one of the most exciting epics in Dark Horse's Star Wars publishing run. Knights of the Old Republic is not one story, but two that will tie together in later Tales of the Jedi books. The art is a mixed bag (more on that later), but the stories told are vintage Star Wars.

The first chapter, 'Ulic Qel-Droma and the Beast Wars of Onderon,' tells the story of several young Jedi given their first task by their Master - a diplomatic/peacekeeping mission to a world that is petitioning to join the Republic. Ulic Qel-Droma is a rash, brash Jedi who despite his impulsiveness is a skilled Jedi and strong in the Force. His companions are his brother Cay and the Twi'lek Tott Doneeta, neither of whom are as good with a lightsaber as Ulic, but both of whom are more cautious. There are no real surprises in this story - there is of course the obligatory brush with the Dark Side and lots of fight scenes, but it does serve very well to introduce these characters, their skills and personalities. Chris Gossett's art is very good here, but the coloring seems somewhat dull.

The second chapter, 'The Saga of Nomi Sunrider,' is a much better story even if the art stinks. Nomi is a Force-sensitive woman who is too timid to be a Jedi, although her husband, Andur, has followed that path. While they are en route to deliver some adegan crystals to Andur's future master, some thugs who want the expensive crystals kill Andur. Nomi, without thinking, takes Andur's lightsaber, kills the thugs, and then proceeds to deliver the crystals to Master Thon. For months she is reluctant to learn the ways of the Force, and absolutely refuses to touch a lightsaber, but when the Hutt whose hoodlums she killed shows up looking for vengeance, she has no choice but to take up arms. This story was much more enjoyable than Ulic's, and all around much better. The art, however, is pretty weak and ugly.

While these stories are not terribly exciting as standalones, when looked at in the context of the rest of the series they are a worthy introductory chapter with lots of lightsaber fights, a few new Force techniques, brash students, wise masters, cruel enemies, and decent artwork. Recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

The world's deadliest living weapon just fell into the wrong hands. It's Wolverine vs. the Marvel Universe in the best-selling, blockbuster storyline that will have Logan shredding his way through the X-Men, Fantastic Four, S.H.I.E.L.D., and more!How does Wolverine end up fighting to destroy everything he holds dear? Collects Wolverine #20-25. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A patheic story, the dark ages of comics...
Today the comic book industry is employing crack pots and lunatics to write stories. Mark Miller being among them.His story here is just plain awful.A nutcase Wolverine, gore and foul language flying all over the place,and a video game style ending make for really bad experience reading it.Ever visit Miller's web-site, you will see what a "no class hack" he really is. It's enough to feel sorry for John Romita Jr's artwork here, It does little to improve the story.At a time when comics sales barely make 200,000 copies a month, and publishers are now lying to say that sales are so great.It is easy to see why when the companies are putting out junk like this, They don't care anymore.

The best Wolverine story in a long time
Greg Rucka's run on the relaunched solo Wolverine title had it's share of up's and down's, and upon his departure after signing an exclusive deal with DC, Marvel enlisted Ultimates scribe Mark Millar to take over the book and inject some life into it, and boy does he.Beginning with an investigation that leads to the discovery of an alliance between Hydra, the Hand, and an organization called the Dawn of the White Light.This alliance has a grand scheme, and Wolverine is in the center of it as he finds himself being captured and obeying the voice in his head: telling him to kill.Soon, Nick Fury, Elektra, and the rest of S.H.I.E.L.D. are on his trail in an attempt to bring him down as a brainwashed Wolverine sets his sights on taking down the Fantastic Four, Daredevil, Elektra, and even his fellow X-Men.The surprisingly edgy storytelling by Millar is a welcome addition to the character, while the pencils by the great John Romita, Jr. with inks by Dark Knight Returns inker Klaus Janson give Enemy of the State an awesome look.If you missed out on the single issues and you're a Wolverine fan, definitely pick this up, and by the time you get to the last page, you'll be salivating to see what happens next. ... Read more

Book Description

The early adventures of Marvel's First Family continues, featuring showdowns with the Incredible Hulk, Namor, Dr. Doom and the shape-shifting Super-Skrull, who has all the combined powers of the FF! Plus Ant-Man, Spider-Man and the mysterious Watcher! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

SKleefeld's Assesment
This volume reprints Fantastic Four #s 1 - 10 in a high quality, hardcover format. This provides an excellent opportunity to examine Jack Kirby's great artwork without worrying about damaging the rare comics this reproduces. Stan Lee's introduction boats nothing very insightful and is written in Lee's usually commercial format ... Read more

Book Description

In the 21st century, the once-glittering Neo-Tokyo lies in ruins, leveled in minutes by the infinite power of the child psychic giant, Akira. Now a wasteland of rubble and anarchy, the Great Tokyo Empire rises, a ragtag group of zealots and crazies who worship and fear Akira and his mad prime minister, Tetsuo, an angry teen with immense powers of his own -- and equally immense twisted ambitions. The planet at large is not taking the threat lying down, however, and the might of the world is ready to take on the Empire, but will technology's most advanced weaponry be enough to destroy Akira -- and is Tetsuo an ever greater threat? The fifth chapter in a sweeping epic of over 2000 pages, Akira vol. 5 is the penultimate act of a mind-blowing graphic-novel masterpiece of awe-inspiring imagination and gut-wrenching power, and the inspiration for the classic Akira animated film. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Preparations Begin For The Final Battle....
With the Psychic powerhouse Akira awakened, the mad Tetsuo becoming more and more powerful by the moment, and the World super-powers massing their fleets just outside of Japan, could things possibly get any worse for the citizens of the ruined Neo-Tokyo? Well.....yeah! Tetsuo is becoming SO powerful, his body is starting to mutate....in some pretty gross ways.

On the flip side, Kaneda, presumed dead, returns, and he has some really great scenes with Kei. Chiyoko and The Colonel also get a chance to shine, and we get some insight into the mind of Lady Miyako. Otomo's art is still great, and the amout of detail he puts into each panel is staggering; It's almost criminal to read the story too fast. You don't want to risk missing ANY of his spectacular linework.

Akira 5 will certainly have you awaiting the final chapter with great anticipation.

THE FINAL BATTLE IS IN SITE!
Well, here we are: One issue away from the last issue.
This is quiet possible the best one in the serias so far. Number 5 is almost completely dedicated to character development. I say "almost" because the issue is bassically our heroes preparing themselves for the final battle and tying up loose ends. The renioun between Kaneada and Kie in the beginning of the issue is heart warming; I especially liked how Kiesuke got in there!:)

Truth be told, there isn't as much action as there was in the others, but who cares? With phenomual character development and story telling, this issue kicks! And Besides, there is a completely PERFECT action sequence early on, which is done very very very VERY well. (For those curious, it involves Kie and the Colonol taking on a bunch of the empire's gun crazy citizens led by the guy in the glasses (I knew he'd come back!) Kaneada and Kiesuke also come in the knick of time on motorcycles)
Another maine character is reintroduced here, and I like him. Remember Joker, the huge and tough looking leader of the Clown gang? When we last saw him in Number One, it looked like he was a goner: after all, a motorcycle tire smashed into his face. But suddenly, he pops up in this one, with a huge tire mark on his face! (I nearly busted a gut when I saw that.) Joker, as said before, is a technical whiz, providing Kaneada and his sidekick Kiesuke with TONS of guns, motorcylces, and equipment. Many chuckles occur when Kaneada and Joker CONSTANTLY argue, often stopping at words and using their fists instead, and poor Kiesuke tries to be the mediator between the two.
Also back for laughs is that nicotine-addicted-doctor, who can basically do anything but will only do it if you get him a ciggarrette ("Do this, Do that! THEN WHAT?And I can't even get a... cigarrette!")

A deleightful issue. I still think that the fight sequence between Kie and Tetuo (GREAT effect with the fighter pilot dangling out of the jet like he was being cruicified) could've been done a tiny bit better. I mean, I liked how the frantic admiral was in the background, ordering his men to "FIR EVERYTHING WE'VE GOT!" at them, but I wish it had been a little longer. But, it WAS choregraphed nicely, and I still love it, but I just wish it had been a tiny bit longer.

All in all, a great set-up to the final battle. Bravo, Katsuhiro Otomo! Well done!

Humongous!!!
Things just keep getting better and better with this story. Tetsuo finds his power manipulates its way out of his body, Kei undergoes massive psychological 'renewal' and Kaneda returns from his 'astral' disappearance. The plot thickens as the U.S. army mingles in the mission to destroy the highly unstable Tetsuo and Akira. Can't wait for the conclusion.
For those of you who have interest in such matters, Kei gets HALF-NEKKID in this one!!!

Amazing
This is not only the longest volume in the series so far, it is also the the best and most pivotal. Characters both new and old are revisited, and IMMENSE character development is undertaken. Since Tetsuo is the main focal point for this volume, the story lets the reader see yet another side to him (as well as a rather grotesque sequence in which his fake arm takes over his body). Also, shockingly enough, Kaneda and Kei *ACTUALLY SHOW FEELINGS FOR ONE ANOTHER*!! And as if THAT wasn't enough, Kaneda's ol' pal Joker shows up again. He's changed sides, however, and reveals that he's a technical whiz, which will undoubtedly come in very handy.

But enough rambling about that. The action is top-notch (as always), as the armies of the world are crouched, muscles tensed, ready to spring at a moment's notice. Kaneda has amassed a small army of his own, and they have already taken the offensive against Tetsuo. Kei undergoes psychic training by the last survivors of the Project, and is preparing to challenge the teenage time bomb herself. The cliffhanger ending shows that the dominoes are set up, needing only the hand to push the first to start the show.

And I know it's going to be a spectacular display.

Greatest Story Ever
Could I give this six stars? When I was 13 I saw AKIRA in my local theater. Needless to say I was blown away and hooked for life. Imagine my surprise when, years later I found out about the manga! For anyone who has seen the movie but not read the manga you are missing out on about 80% of the story (The movie was condensed from over 2000 pages). The manga answers all the questions left from the movie and adds so much more to the story. The artwork is better than the movie even though the book is in black and white. The story and art crackle off of the pages like electricity. Otomo has such an amazing style that he has ruined other comics for me. Nothing quite compares to his mix of technical and human drawing prowess and his storytelling is second to none.
In book 5, the special forces, american Navy, and various cult groups are all after the power of AKIRA even as Tetsuo's power continues to grow. Kaneda, Kei, and the Colonel play bigger roles in book 5, but the real star here is Tetsuo. His powers are immense and the destruction he causes is beyond belief. I wont spoil it for you but beleive me its amazing.
The most enduring quailty of AKIRA for me is the fact that the movies and manga require your attention. This isnt a thrown together story where nothing really holds up, if you think there are plot holes you havent figured the story out. Its expertly crafted by Otoma-san and never strays from his vision. The story of AKIRA is excellence of the highest caliber. I love everything about AKIRA and this book is a testament to that.

This is just my opinion and I happen to be a BIG AKIRA freak. I have the McFarlane toys, three versions of the movie, and even a back up DVD which has never been opened just in case. ... Read more

Book Description

Cobra - an extremist militia dedicated to the violent overthrow of the American government. G.I. Joe - an elite anti-terrorist squad created to protect the country from Cobra. The Transformers - sentient, shape-shifting robots from the distant planet Cybertron, embroiled in a civil war between the benign Autobots and the conquest-minded Decepticons. Only a conflict that threatens two worlds could bring these disparate groups together! When Cobra Commander tries to use hyper-advanced Cybertronian teleportation technology for his terrorist activities, a malfunction of epic proportions occurs. The super computer that controls the teleportation gate scatters several Transformers into the time stream, marooning them at various points in Earth's history. If the time-tossed robots are not rescued, temporal feedback will unleash a firestorm that will rage throughout history, utterly destroying the planet. Meanwhile, on Cybertron, the evil Shockwave plots the ascension of the Decepticons! Only by allying with Cobra and the mysterious Transformers can G.I. Joe avert a disaster that could consume two worlds. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THE SEQUEL SURPASSES THE ORIGINAL
This story takes places two years after the events in G.I. Joe Vs. Transformers Volume one.The Transformers have returned to Cyberton where the Autobots are stunned to see that Shockwave has gained control of Cyberton and the Autobots are now on the run from his forces.Back on Earth, the Cobra Commander has a secret Cybertronian technology ace up his sleeve...namely Starscream who was still held on Earth.Cobra Commander approaches Destro with a plan to use the Cybertronian technology to open a wormhole to the Transformers world and take control of the supercomputer Teletran 3.With this they can control Cyberton and steal more technology and use it to create wormholes all throughout the Earth to deliver weapons without being caught.The G.I. Joe team learns of the plot due to a well-placed spy, and tries to stop Cobra but when a stray bullet causes a malfunction in Teletran 3, all Hell breaks loose.

Teletran 3 scatters numerous Transformers throughout Earth's timestream and uses it's camouflage mode to lock the robots into vehicle mode that is appropriate to whatever time period they landed in.Worse yet, the upheaval of the time stream will result in holocaust for the planet Earth unless the Transformers can be recovered and returned to Cybertron within 12 hours.While Ultra Magnus keeps Shockwave and his forces at bay with an energy field, the Cobra and G.I. Joe members must now form an uneasy alliance to travel into the timestream to return the missing Transformers before the world is destroyed.

The teams split into four groups with one group going to 1970's era California complete with pimp daddies and big cadillacs, while another group ends up in mobster infested Chicago of the mid 1930's.The most interesting scenario is the group that journeys to an Earth 15 years in the future in a post-apocalyptic where Shockwave has led a successful invasion of Earth and humans are enslaved.Duke, now severely battle-scarred leads a resistance that includes former Dreadnok members and they are aided by a champion Autobot who will come as a bit of a surprise.The fourth group?Well, telling you where they end up would be giving too much away but the payoff is well worth it once you read the story.

As Shockwave has always been my favorite Transformer I loved to see him front and center as the main antagonist.This cold, mechanical Decepticon was always far more appealing than the melodramatic Megatron.It was also interesting to see the Joes and Cobra forced to call a truce and work together.I especially liked the Baroness and Roadblock teaming together in the 1930's.Unfortunately these segments are relatively short and it would have been great to see more interplay between the two rival groups.If there is one minor complaint it's that the whole story is a bit contrived and things happen just to happen without much logic.That aside, this was a very strong sequel to the first book and I think it was even better due mainly to Shockwave's involvement as well as another group of Transformers who I will leave as a surprise.. The art by E.J. Su and Tim Seeley was fantastic and their vision of the future, Decepticon-controlled Earth was truly chilling.Well done!

Reviewed by Tim Janson
... Read more

Reviews (14)

The Infinate Saga......
I wish that Jim Starlin had the oppertunity to illustrate this one. It brings all his former characters together. Warlock, Thanos,Pip the Troll. George Perez brings a new perspective to his characters.

This one has it all. The destruction of the universe as we know it. It doesn't get any better than this! Lady Death returns for a shock ending that should have stuck. If Marvel didn't revive Thanos, it would have been have a fitting end to the deadly character. He exists at the end of the story.....but there is a twist I won't tell you about.

Thanos vs. Warlock in Epic Showcase of Cosmic Entities
Marvel so rarely gets epic crossovers right. For every "Dark Phoenix"(Perfection!) there is one or more "Secret Wars" (sadly dissapointing). "Infinity Gauntlet" does a nice job of showcasing not just Earth's mightiest beings, but the Universe's as well. Galactus, Living Tribunal, Watcher, etc. all make appearances.

Anyone who enjoys a story on a cosmic-scale will certainly enjoy this one. It wasn't on par with "The Inhumans" but it brought together characters I hadn't seen since the Silver Surfer's solo comic in the late '80s and its worth the read. Recommended.
Also recommended: "Avengers Forever", another not-quite-perfect all-star hero fest.

Wonderful!
When the Infinity Gauntlet saga originally happened, I was in my comic collecting prime. I missed out on most the saga, sadly, because I was in an area where it was quite hard to get a good selection of comics. I bought a few tie-in issues from other series and sort of pieced together what was going on. The only thing I remember is knowing the Infinity Gauntlet was coming in advance, because an issue of Quasar (my favorite comic at the time. Please don't laugh at me about that.) showed Thanos with the Gauntlet, as he attempted (unsuccesfully) to destroy a super-powerful villian you've never heard of called Maelstrom. (If you care at all, the Quasar series was called Cosmos in Collision and ended with the universe nearly being destroyed. I really wish they'd reprint that one as well, but Quasar has never been, and likely never will be, popular enough to warrant something like that.)

This collection, though, is great. All of the original issues of Infinity Gauntlet in one. All the "intergalactic biggies" are there like Uatu (The Watcher), Galactus, Eternity, Death, Living Tribunal and a few more. (Noticeably absent are Infinity and Oblivion.)

I particularly enjoyed the scene where all the galactic biggies ganged up on Thanos and started beating him senseless. Or they tried to, anyway.

As far as I know, this is one of Marvel's earliest multi-comic title sagas. (Secret Wars came before it, though. And DC also had done Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985.) Whereas Secret Wars was kind of disappointing, Infinity Gauntlet showed how it should be done. Not bloated and taking well over a year to play out (as CoIE did) and not having a misuse of a good idea (as Secret Wars did), Infinity Gauntlet was nearly as perfect as a concept like this can be.

So, now all I'm waiting for is a graphic novel of it's followup story (happening a few years later on), Infinity Crisis. (Not nearly as good, but gives a certain closure and definitely ends the chance of anymore Infinity storylines. Well, as definite as you can get in the Marvelverse, anyway.)

disapoints
This is supposed to be one of those classic Marvel storylines. You can tell they were trying to write it that way. And it does have some interesting moments (turning Wolverine to rubber) but as a whole it isn't just that great. You get a lot of minor characters who are all powerful doing major things. It's just not that great of a story.

Starlin's Madness
I grew up reading the author's Warlock series reprints in the eighties. Those were masterful and powerful stories. The series climaxed with a cosmic battle involving the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Spider-man and Warlock. If you're a teenage brat it doesn't get any better than that.

Until this story. Starlin writes this one so deftly and so utterly over the top that you walk away stunned. The premise? The dark demi-god Thanos controls the fate of the universe with his Infinity Gems. The players include X-Men, Avengers, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Warlock, Dr Strange. If you like to see things blow up, Starlin delivers. (The universe becomes an immense battlefield for the alien gods.) If you want to see someone at last handle the psychology of a super-villain in a convincing manner, Starlin delivers. (Why is Thanos so bad? Jim answers loud and clear.) And if you want a plot that's both formulaic but new, this one delivers. (Like Star Wars.)

I also enjoyed the Infinity War series, so I hope Marvel reprints that one. ... Read more

Book Description

This hardcover volume features many key introductions, including Proteus (the evil son of Professor X), Gambit (who enjoyed a large fan-following in the hit X-Men cartoon) and Phoenix (the dark split personality of Jean Grey). The X-Men are cut to the emotional core as they battle their way through an obstacle course of deadly trials. First, Professor Xavier -- the mentor of the X-Men -- is forced to confront his past sins when his own son explodes into a destructive force. The question is, will he sacrifice his team to save his son? Then, the X-Men face another internal conflict when Jean Grey turns to the dark side.To save themselves, and the world, will the X-Men strike down their own teammate? ... Read more

Reviews (9)

New generation of writers out to destroy comics....
These new stories by Millar contain terrible Kubert drawings and story plots that go no where. They play more like a video game rather then a comic and are the work of people who are more like internet geeks then serious writers. No wonder comic book sales are dead and less then 2,000 comic book stores are still open nationwide.

Los mutantes recontados
La idea del Universo Ultimate que tan bien le esta saliendo a la Marvel, es adaptar sus historias clasicas al entorno actual con la finalidad de atraer nuevos lectores. Es decir, todos sabemos lo geniales que son los mutantes de Stan Lee pero reconozcamos que no atraen lo suficiente a nuevos lectores.
Asi, esta version Ultimate incorpora varios cambios menores que al final hacen un gran cambio, por ejemplo en las personalidades de los personajes, su origen, etc. Y todo eso hace una gran lectura. El escritor es Mark Millar, la actual estrella de la editorial Marvel que ademas ha escrito a los geniales Ultimates y los dibujantes son los hermanos Adam y Andy Kubert que se complementan muy bien el uno al otro. En resumen, buenos autores logran una estupenda historia.
Este tomo de tapa dura tiene los primeros 12 numeros de la coleccion Ultimate X-men:
- del #1 al #6: Tomorrow People, como se reclutan a los nuevos X-men y la pelea contra la version mas malvada de Magneto que se haya visto.
- del #7 al #12: Return to Weapon X, con la aparición estelar del Ultimate Samuel Jackson, perdon, quise decir Nick Fury.
Altamente recomendable para quienes pensaron que no se podian hacer nuevas historias de mutantes, para quienes no tienen nada de los X-men en su coleccion y para quienes llegan a los X-men por la pelicula.

Keep it real
The creators of Ultimate X-men did a very smart thing. They started all the way over. Considering Ult. X-men starts off anew, they can do what they wish with the story. Unlike X-treme and New X-Men which have plots so Twisted, it doesn't feel like the X-Men at all. They changed a few things in this series, like how Wolverine joined. Also Colossus and Storm take Angel's place as one of the first X-men. Making a team of 6 instead of 5. Magneto and the Brotherhood are pretty much the same. These books are solely based on story. Theres action, but its kinda far between.

The Weapon X Program tries to "recruit" the X-Men
Despite the title and the cover art for this second trade paperback volume in the "Ultimate X-Men" series (collecting issues 7-12), "Return to Weapon X" does not focus on the character of Wolverine. True, he is a key part of the solution for the predicament our Merry Mutants have found themselves in this time around, but Weapon X is now a big time secret government program run under the auspices of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Nick Fury that has a rather impressive little roster of mutants in its service: Juggernaut, Rogue, Nightcrawler, and Sabertooth. Think of them as the government's answer to the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and that pretty much accounts for all of the mutants belonging to groups at this point in the series.

Despite being on a first name basis with the President of the United States, Xavier's School for Gifted Children is hit by Colonel Wraith and his shock troops, both human and mutant. Now Cyclops, Marvel Girl, and the others will serve the greater good and help the government fight fire with fire (the only good mutant is a mutant with a neural implant). Of course, since this is a comic book, the person in charge of this government program is psychotic and perfectly willing to do anything to do anything to get the job done (or did I mention already that Wraith was in charge?). The main part of the story arc has to do with the X-Men regaining their freedom, but this is also mixed up with Wolverine's search for his past and Nick Fury's search for an illegal genetic operation violating the Superhuman Test-Ban Treaty.

I think that one of the main strengths of the Ultimate comic books is that they emphasize story arcs that take multiple issues (six in this case) so that a dozen issues into the series we have only dealt with two major stories instead of a self-contained episode with a new villain every single month. This should help the well from running dry too quickly. Writer Mark Millar along with Penciller Adam Kubert (with Tom Raney & Tom Derenick) and Inker Art Thibert (with Scott Hanna, Joe Kubert, Danny Miki, & Lary Stucker) are having fun tweaking the "original" X-Men stories and creating some new dynamics (e.g., Storm is interested in Hank McCoy, Nightcrawler does not speak English) so I think that those who have been reading the X-Men since issue #1 of "The Uncanny X-Men" (or issue #1 of "The Giant-Size X-Men") will enjoy the differences more than neophytes and appreciate the way key stories resonant (e.g., Jean Grey is Marvel Girl and not Phoenix when she steps over the line this time around).

"Return to Weapon X" is not as good as the first volume in the series, but it is hard to compete with Magneto when you talking about the X-Men, whichever version of the group is involved. Millar's story is certainly complex enough and you can see all sorts of things being set up for down the road. As long as you are not offended by the very existence of the series, you should find "Ultimate X-Men" or any of the other titles in the Marvel series to be at least entertaining and quite possibility compelling. At the very least, you should be able to appreciate the tweaking.

Awesome!
An alternate X-Men universe is perhaps the best way for newer readers to come to terms with the characters that have amazed many throughout the years. The familiar characters get a stylish upgrade. Jean Grey with red, spiky hair? Cyclops with a goatee? Iceman with a bandana? You get them all here! Fantastic artwork with a reasonably paced storyline. The X-Men's battle with Magneto's Brotherhood of the Evil Mutants opened its first chapter. A highly recommended read. ... Read more

Book Description

As the adolescent sidekicks of the world’s most powerful heroes, Robin, Superboy, Wonder Girl, and Impulse have fought alongside their mentors in many battles. But when Cyborg, a former teen hero, realizes that this new generation of super-heroes needs to be guided and trained, he recruits the young adventurers into the new Teen Titans. Now as Earth’s future champions begin working together as a unified team, they quickly learn the true consequences of the path they have chosen. Featuring Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the Flash, this action-packed volume includes the Teen Titans inaugural adventures as they face off against the deadly mercenary Deathstroke, contend with the fanatical villainy of Brother Blood and take on the heroes of the Justice League. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

WAY Better than that Teen Titans Go Crap!
I was originally turned off the Teen Titans comics because of the atrocious TV series, but the front cover of this collection intrigued me because of the inclusion of Robin and the former Young Justice group. When I bought it, it totally exceeded my expectations. The story starts after the death of Troia, and it chronicles the first adventures of the newly formed Teen Titans, with Cyborg, Beast Boy, Starfire, Raven, Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash (Formerly Impulse) and Superboy as they take on Deathstroke and the JLA. Now I am a Teen Titan Fan, and I can't wait for the next Teen Titan graphic novel. (It's kinda hard to get subscriptions to comics in the Philippines.)

Titanic Tempest
I first got hooked on Teen Titans when my best friend's father gave me some issues of The Titans. I really got interested when I heard that they were re-launching Teen Titans. One day, I was in a comic-book store and I found Teen Titans: A Kid's Game sitting on a shelf. I waged an internal debate as to whether or not I should buy it, and the side that wanted the collection won. So I bought it, and I haven't regretted it at all. I loved everything about this collection: the union of the new Teen Titans, the character development, and the unexpected twists. If you ever see this collection, buy it! Don't take my word for it; buy it and read it for yourself.

A Superhero Team Book Done Right
Geoff Johns has always been a master of telling these sort of classic superhero stories, while making them exceptable for today's readers, whose tastes have changed, and this tale of young superheroes joining together and trying to find their way in the world with the guidance of those who were once in their position is some of the best work he's done.

The stories in this collection are fun and exciting, but still have emotion and character development. There are twists and cliffhangers, and some classic moments, some comedic, and some eery. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Ultimate excellence!
Ultimate Six
The Concept: Part Ultimate Spiderman, Part Ultimates- the characters of these two books serve to highlight the books true stars- the Ultimate villains. The book presents a unique look at the Ultimate rouges gallery.
The Good: Fans of both book will find there is something for everyone here. Whether it is the continuing development of Peter Parker, or the widescreen cimatetic epic battles for the fans of the Ultimates. Bendis does a superb job of keeping the pages, and the suprises comming. I am confindent many a fan will find themselves glued to thier seat.
The art is by newcomer Trevor Hairsine. The good news is that his art is like Brian Hitch- it is epic, conveys lots of detail, and strength.
The Bad: Mr. Hairsine is not Brian Hitch. Oh he is good, and I look foward to his next projects, but if you read this expecting the slick, and scarily realistic blockbuster art of Hitch you will be disapointed. Some of the action gets a bit cluttered, and Hairsine's art is very slightly reminiscent of another Europeon artist- igor Kordey.
Overall: A smart, suspensful,and suprising rollercoaster of a book. The Ultimate line at its very best.

Recreated Sinister Six
This story is very complicated and for fans who haven't read any Ultimate Spider-man or Ultimates books, don't get this one. There is a little background information that you'll need to understand this. First, Spider-man is about sixteen and has faughten each of the villains he is up against: Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Electro, Kraven, and Sandman (note: thats only five villains!) The Ultimates are a super-team to help fight mutant terrorists. They're just improved Avengers. They include Captain America, Giant Man, Wasp, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Iron Man, and Thor. Ok, now the story starts with Ultimate Spider-man #46 where Spider-man fights the Sandman. Later, the story branches out to a SHIELD contaiment prison for the five Spider-man villains. They team up and break out of the prison. They then kidnap the young teen and threaten to kill his aunt if he doesn't cooperate. The team becomes....The Six! The showdown with the Six and the Ultimates begins! Which side will Spider-man fight on???

Should be a stand alone, not #9
This graphic novel is listed as #9 in the Ultimate Spider-Man series, but really only contains one Ultimate Spider-Man comic in it with the other six being Ultimate Six comics.

I grabbed it eagerly hoping for more Ultimate Spider-Man, but the storyline picked up more of the convoluted typical comic fare than the simple-sweet personal style of Ultimate Spider-Man. The art after the first issue isn't typical of that series either, and is made up entirely of the more "realistic" art of Ultimate Six that leaves something to be desired if you're a fan of Ultimate Spider-Man's style up to this point.

Overall it's #9 in the list of these graphic novels, but if you were to skip it there's only a minor detail leading into what will be in #10 that you will have missed (and will pick up soon from there anyway). Since my interest is much more toward Ultimate Spider-Man than what Nick Fury and the Ultimates are up to these days, I found this graphic novel to be very disappointing both in story and art when all I wanted was more Spidey.

Aside from the first issue in the book and its action introduction of The Sandman, the rest is forgettable and not up to par with the eight that preceeded it.

Ultimate Showdown
This is a great story, but I wish the whole thing had been drawn by cover artist John Cassady. Trevor Hairsine is definitely not a bad artist, but sometimes his art seems a little rushed and inconsistent. And also.... why the hell can't the Ultimate Six be in full costume? Yeah yeah yeah it's more realistic that way but I'd choose entertainment over realism anyday, as far as comics go. So basically if this thing had been drawn by Cassady and the villians had their costumes on (except for Sandman - I'd let that slide) I'd love this collection 10 times more. And for crap's sake, Spider-Man, put on your damn mask.

....but yeah, the story is good. Cheers!

The Ultimates battle the Ultimate Six as Spider-Man watches
In 1964 when Stan Lee and Steve Ditko did the first annual for "The Amazing Spider-Man" they came up with a story called "The Sinister Six," which had the web-head going up against Doctor Octopus, the Sandman, the Vulture, Electro, Mysterio, and Kraven the Hunter. In order to rescue Betty Brant and find Aunt May, Spider-Man has to tackle six of his greatest villains working together and to make things really interesting he has to do it while he has apparently lost his powers. Also appearing in the book in the most minor of roles are Dr. Strange, the Fantastic Four, Captain America, the X-Men, Giant Man and Wasp, who have really nothing to do with our hero defeating the villains (one by one it turns out, with Ditko getting to do a splash page of each battle) and saving the day.

"Ultimate Six" is a seven part miniseries that brings together the Ultimates and Ultimate Spider-Man from Marvel's (you guessed it) Ultimate line of comic books, and it seems to me that scripter Brian Michael Bendis, penciler Trevor Hairsine, and inker Danny Miki are doing an updated version of that first "Spider-Man" annual. In keeping with the mission statement of the Ultimate universe to do things with a twist in a bigger way whenever possible, the Ultimate Six have two key rosters changes. Gone are Mysterio and the Vulture to be replaced by the Green Goblin and (surprise) Spider-Man himself. After all, Norman Osborn knows that Spider-Man is really Peter Parker and threatening Aunt May is enough to get our young hero (who is about 16 at this point) to do anything to make sure she stays alive.

The other big change, as you would expect, is that the Ultimates (the new and improved Avengers) do not sit on the sidelines and show up to save the day. The roster assembled at this point consists of Captain America, Giant Man, Iron Man, Wasp, Thor, Hawkeye and the Black Widow, under the direction of Nick Fury, the head of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Note: If you have not been reading either "The Ultimates" or "Ultimate Spider-Man" you are going to be woefully lost with this trade paperback.) The super villains were all being held at a S.H.I.E.L.D. containment center and when they escape Fury sics the Ultimates on them (Thor vs. Electro is a neat idea). But the bad guys manage to destroy the Ultimates' stronghold, the Triskelion, and kidnap Peter Parker. The big show down comes on the lawn of the White House as the battle comes down to the Green Goblin and Spider-Man, although not exactly the way you would expect. It seems Norman thinks of Peter as the son he never had (which will be interesting news to Harry to be sure).

This mini-series will appeal to fans of the Ultimates more than Spider-Man, although it has obvious consequences for the Ultimate Spider-Man story line. After all, Bendis, Hairsine and Miki are correct that Spider-Man is not going to be able to handle these five "mutant" villains (yes, one of them gets a power upgrade), especially if they fight as a team, which, this time they do. One of the key elements of the Ultimate universe is the government's concern with illegally obtained super powers and the idea that the next big war will be fought against mutants (Peter is going to be drafted into the Ultimates as soon as he turns 18). In dealing with the flip side of this, "Ultimate Six" also gets into the distorted psyches of the villains. Once I got used to the idea that Spider-Man was going to be a spectator for most of the action I was able to get with the program. Besides, I like the idea that Spider-Man really is in way over his head at this early stage in his superhero career. The scene were Captain America confronts Spider-Man is a good indication of how far over the rainbow we are in this story from the traditional Marvel universe, which is a main part of the appeal of the Ultimate titles. ... Read more

Book Description

Trapped in a dungeon while the fate of the Valley is decided by two raging armies, Thorn is haunted by the dangerous and mysterious object of power known as the Crown of Horns. Guarded by dragons, the Crown of Horns is the only thing that can stop the Locust and end the war... but how, and at what price? Fone Bone believes he knows the answer, and he must decide where his heart truly lies... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The last of a great series...
The Bone books are, to put it bluntly, really, really good. The art is beautiful, especially the forest scenes. The characters are funny, and imaginative, and the plot is very original, intriging, and all together, well, good. I can not think of a better comic than this. This comic rates up there with Tolkien, and I love Tolkien books. It is to bad that the series has to come to an end... other than that though, this is an excellent series, you are an idiot if you pass up reading these. Anyone who loves these books as much as me is my friend. ... Read more

Book Description

Deep into the 21st century, the line between man and machine has been inexorably blurred as humans rely on the enhancement of mechanical implants and robots are upgraded with human tissue. In this rapidly converging landscape, cyborg super-agent Major Motoko Kusanagi is charged to track down the craftiest and most dangerous terrorists and cybercriminals, including "ghost hackers," capable of exploiting the human/machine interface by re-programming human minds to become puppets to carry out their criminal ends. When Major Kusanagi tracks the cybertrail of one such master hacker, the Puppeteer, her quest leads her into a world beyond information and technology where the very nature of consciousness and the human soul are turned upside-down and inside-out. ... Read more

Reviews (42)

An intelligent story with beautiful artwork
The story in Ghost in the Shell is very complex with many ways of interpeting what has happened. I liked the way the story takes you to another place where morals are different but the human spirit remains even if it is in an android. The questions that come up are not always answered and I enjoyed coming up with my own answers. The art enhances the effect. Shirow draws with so much detail the average person could go insane trying to find al