Book Description

As part of the ongoing Dark Horse celebration of Hellboy in 2004, Christopher Golden (author of the Hellboy novels The Lost Army and The Bones of Giants) has brought together a stellar array of talents to further the Hellboy canon. Included in this illustrious group are filmmakers Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, The Majestic), Mick Garris, Guillermo del Toro (Blade 2, The Devil's Backbone, Hellboy), and novelists Charles de Lint, Graham Joyce, Kim Newman, and Sharyn McCrumb, as well as many others. Lavishly illustrated by creator Mike Mignola! ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Sandman's uneven tour of history
One of many things that separated Neil Gaiman's Sandman from other comic book characters is that the foreboding but likable king of dreams has existed since the beginning of time and is supposed to be an archetype common to all cultures. Gaiman was free to visit any time and place he wanted to. However, he set all of Sandman's long story arches in the present. Tales from ancient Rome or Elizabethan England were limited to single issue stories bordering bigger epics. Fables and Reflections, placed sixth in the Sandman library, collects most of these.

Another thing that separates Fables from other Sandman volumes is that it is a hodgepodge. These stories are from different points in the series' development and are collected here only because there is no other place for them. Due to this, Fables and Reflections is hit-or-miss. It contains some of Sandman's best moments and some of its worst.

The collection starts off on a high note "Three Septembers and a January." The story shows the role of Sandman's family in the life of Joshua Norton, a San Francisco man who declared himself emporer of the United States in 1859. The story features terribly underdeveloped versions of Sandman's family (Despair talks like some Spiderman villain) but Gaiman's treatment of Norton (a real life person) is funny, heartfelt and wholly entertaining.

In the next story, "Thermidor," Sandman hires Johanna Constantine, an ancestor of John Constantine of the DC series Hellblazer, for a rescue mission during Revolution-era France. Sandman's occasional overlapping into other DC series is usually awkward and this is no exception.

After that is "The Hunt," in which an old man annoys his teenage granddaughter (and readers) with a banal fairy tale about a savage who finds one of Sandman's lost books.

Next is "August," in which Sandman instructs the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus, to spend a day disguised as a beggar. This story does not have the depth Gaiman obviously intended for it.

The duds keep coming with "Soft Places," in which explorer Marco Polo finds a desert oasis where space, time and reality loose their meanings. The tale crumples into postmodern mush.

Fables picks up again with "Song of Orpheus," which positions the Sandman mythos in ancient Greece for a haunting retelling of the myth of Orpheus.

Fables' sole present day story, "Parliament of Rooks," is another winner. The tale sheds light of three denizens of Sandman's realm: the sadistic Cain, the stuttering Abel and the reclusive Eve, all of whom may or may not be the actual Biblical figures (as the story says, "the mystery endures, not the explanation"). Each character in the dream realm is half deeply symbolic specter and half twisted Disney character. In this story, Gaiman maximizes both their poignancy and their comedic value.

The last story is "Ramadan," in which a king of ancient Baghdad becomes bored with riches, sex and opulence and considers making a deal with Sandman. This issue is justly considered one of the series' best. Gaiman's ability to assimilate the story-telling traditions of other cultures is always amazing and the illustrator's cities and castles are gorgeous. Add in lush computerized coloring and you have an extraordinary comic book.

Because of its inconsistency, Fables and Reflections is a low point in the Sandman library (most volumes are wholly excellent). Yet some of these tales represent Sandman at its best so, for true aficionados, Fables and Reflections is a reluctant must.

More wonderful stories
Collected from a number of non-sequential issues of the Sandman comic, Fables and Reflections does a wonderful job showing the reader the variety of story telling styles Gaiman undertakes in this wonderful series. Using real figures and events from history (The Emperor of the United States, Augustus, The French Revolution, Marco Polo) Gaiman shows the reader the effects of dreams on their lives and what shape history took because of these dreams. It also contains the story of Dream's son and the consequences of that story's ending have long term effects on the series and its eventual close. The art and subject matter are perfectly matched each time, and a better representitive of a graphic short story collection would be very difficult to find.

More views, and different views
What I like about the Sandman is the way it has room for so many different stories to open up. This volume is about the Sandman myth, of course, but connects to other myths from the Arabian, Greek, and Old Testament worlds.

The art is varied and enjoyable - P. Craig Russell is reliable as an artist and a visual storyteller. The other artwork complements and contrasts with his delicate style. Some is stark, almost geometric; use of color ranges from subtle to shattering.

It's good, varied material. I like the stories, I like the art, and that's enough for me. I'm relatively new to the Sandman, but I'll keep coming back for more.

Why doesn't anyone like this book?
'Fables and Reflections' is Book 6 of the SANDMAN series of horror/myth/fantasy all-sorts-of-stuff-but-really-great comic books by Neil Gaiman.
Now, SANDMAN is really the first series of comic books I've read, so you can say I have bad taste and that's why I like 'F & R', because no one else seems to. But I really like it. And guess what, "The Hunt" is one of my favorite stories.
You must definitely read "Ramadan", and on this I actually have popular opinion behind me.
The point of this muddled review is that, yes, "F & R" is not widely considered to be the best SANDMAN book. But you are reading something by one brave soul who liked it, so just give it a chance.

Good, bad, who knows
Clearly, I expected a little too much from this particular Sandman graphic novel. Flicking through and considering the wildly beautiful artwork for stories like 'Ramadan', I imagined 'Fables and Reflections' to be the serie's finest point.

The notion of the work is an excellent one. Nine stories, each completed by different artists and each portraying a historical event with a little Sandman twist.

However, the execution of the work leaves a little to be desired. For the most part, the stories are anti-climatic, slow and irrelevent. Perhaps the only pieces that can stand alone are the whimisical 'The Hunt' and the tale of lost love, 'Orpheus'. Elsewhere, there is little of Gaiman's usual originality to be found.

'Fables and Reflections' is clearly not a great starting point for delving into The Sandman. I would, however, recommend 'Seasons of Mist', 'Brief lives' and 'The Kindly ones.' ... Read more

Book Description

From super-hot creator Mike Carey (Lucifer, Hellblazer), a rarely seen and never-before-collected slice of hell and damnation!

When John Travis is murdered he finds himself in Inferno, a Hell with no fiery demons and satanic majesty, just an endless city alive with corruption, intrigue and despair. Yet being dead is the least of Travis’ problems; he is actually Jacamo Terence, dead 800 years and the first man to escape Hell and live his life again. This did not sit well with the Infernal Powers and soon, aided by Nostradamus and a were-girl, he is at the centre of a vast power struggle.

Inferno also features an all-new cover by Lucifer cover artist, Chris Moeller! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

End of a great story arc
This is the end of the first big story arc that has been foreshadowed in the divination of the Tarot deck in part one. And, please note, this part one is not 'Sandman presents: Lucifer' but 'Lucifer: Devil in the gateway'. (That's why the first review by millernw was not helpful, although I fully support his message.)

Well, almost all that has been foreshadowed. Except the divination of the 'innocence' card where Lucifer has been told that he'll have to repay the favour of Elaine Belloc. The last two-parter 'Come to judgement' that nicely ties up loose ends such as the fate of Cestis starts Lucifer's quest to do exactly that.

In the main story arc I particularly liked the re-telling of the old Venus-Vulcanus-Mars story. (The ugly engineer and his pretty wife ...) I know that the originals are Greek gods, not Roman gods, but few readers would know 'Hephaistos' would they?

Also very impressive how the whole story is told by the Duke of Gly. His comments show that Carey has not lost one bit of his ability to surprise the reader with a sentence that you may think about for a long time afterwards. (As you may do about the last words of the inspector at the very end of this book.)

What a story!
Man, I just stumbled onto this series after getting turned on to the Sandman library, Lucifer is a science fiction fan's dream come true-

Incredible plots, great art, it's the best thing I've seen since, well, Sandman.

I sure hope this series runs for a long time, I'm amazed at the creativity that has gone into this title!

Excellent Fantasy Fiction
You'll do yourself a disservice if you think of this book as anything other than a fantasy fiction novel. The engrossing, inventive storylines and the detailed characters will capture you from the first page. Mike Carey has taken Neil Gaiman's version of the fallen prince of angels and developed him into a calculating, reflective manipulator on a cosmic scale.
This collection begins right as the last one ends, and just when you thought Lucifer was beaten and his plan completely unfolded, a completely new layer emerges, rising from the ashes like our prideful protagonist. Pick it up for something new, complex, and original.

I'm the first to review this? C'mon people!
Anyone familiar with Neil Gaiman's legendary "Sandman" books is doing themselves a disservice if they haven't picked up the "Lucifer" story. This ongoing (as of Feb 2004, anyway) series concerns the mechanations of the retired Lord of Hell as he sets his sights ever higher. Remarkable characters, plot twists, literary/historical references, and dialogue are all hallmarks of this series.

Lucifer: Inferno is the fifth trade paperback in the series, and it covers issues #29-#35. Previous titles (in ascending order) are "Sandman Presents: Lucifer," "Children and Monsters," "Daliance with the Damned," and "The Divine Comedy."

My advice? Buy 'em all. Right now. You'll save on the shipping costs. ... Read more

Book Description

Comics' greatest talent (Wachowski, Bolton, McDuffie, Dorman, Conrad, Nutman, Villagran, Van Fleet) unleashed with the graphic potential of Barker's horrifying world of warring order and chaos. The second Hellraiser collection from CheckerBPG features nearly 200 pages in jaw-dropping full color. The stories include: Razing Hell (Parts 1-3), Sheddim, The Pleasures of Deception, Of Love, Cats, and Curiosity, Songs of Metal and Flesh, Old Wives Tale, The Blood of a Poet, Canons of Pain, Cenobite, Fury. ... Read more

Book Description

The mind of a vigilante murderer is complex, wrought with anger and blood; it echoes through time in ancestral screams for revenge. And the cycle of death that comes from such a spirit is often endless and tragic. Such is the story of Christine Spar, adopted granddaughter of the terribly notorious, yet rich and graceful Hunter Rose, a.k.a. the original Grendel. It's the near future, and Spar takes her son, Anson, to see a kabuki show, not knowing what tragedy lies ahead. The mysterious leader of the troupe cuts a terrifying figure, cat-like and dangerous, with an odd fixation for Spar and her son. Soon Anson disappears, and Spar takes up the mantle of Grendel. So the cycle begins. Written by Grendel creator Matt Wagner, illustrated by the talented Pander Brothers, and colored by Jeromy Cox. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

My favorite graphic novel, ever.
Though this may not be the best storyline in Matt Wagner's GRENDEL epic, this book remains to be my favorite standalone graphic novel of all time.

The story follows Christine Spar, daughter of Stacy Palumbo who was raised by Hunter Rose - the first Grendel. She has just written a best-selling novel, "Devil By The Deed" that chronicles the life and death of Hunter Rose and Grendel. After her son is kidnapped, Christine snaps mentally and goes on a crusade to first find her son, and then enact revenge on the person who kidnapped him. Along the way, she dons the mask of Hunter Rose's Grendel character and assumes the mantle of this devilish persona.

As time goes by, and the outlook of finding her son alive seems more grim, Christine spirals deeper and deeper into the character of Grendel. She soon captures the attention of Argent, the werewolf arch-enemy of Hunter Rose who eventually killed him and ended up crippled himself in the process. Argent now wants this "new" Grendel brought to him, and to find her he uses her own friends for information against her.

Now almost totally mad, Christine puts an end to the reign of terror caused by her son's kidnapper and sets her eyes on putting an end to Argent - the one task that Hunter Rose started as Grendel almost 30 years before, but never finished. Will she succeed or will Argent claim the life of yet another Grendel? The answer may surprise you.

Matt Wagner's story is flawless, and this book is just the beginning of a truly epic story, with DEVIL BY THE DEED acting as a prelude for everything to come. Matt Wagner is a comics genius. GRENDEL was a comic book that was originally published in the 1980's, but still is far more intelligent and holds more weight than most of the comics being published today. GRENDEL was years ahead of it's time, and Matt Wagner held no limits to what he would do with the characters he created within the pages of his books.

The Pander Bros.' artwork is amazing, and this volume features totally remastered color which makes their artwork shine even more.

So far only this volume and the final volume WAR CHILD have been put into print, but expect the next volumes - THE DEVIL INSIDE, GOD AND THE DEVIL (My favorite storyline), and DEVIL'S REIGN soon.

Weakest - grendal story - with artwork from the 80's
Skip this and get Grendal - Batman or Grendal war child.
Just finished it and disappointed. Very predictable, and artwork was horrible.

Hell Hath No Fury.....
With "Grendel: Devil By The Deed", Creator Matt Wagner introduced readers to Criminal Genius Hunter Rose, and his alter-ego, Grendel, a masked fiend who holds New York City in his gloved hand.

Devil's Legacy introduces us to the newest recipient of the mask & fork: Christine Spar, adopted granddaughter of Hunter Rose. Chris has just written a best-selling book about Hunter/Grendel; Now she finds herself thrust into a parents worst nightmare....her son Anson is missing, and Christine has reason to believe the responsible party is Tujiro, a mysterious, seductive Kabuki artist. When Christine discovers the true nature of Tujiro, she also discovers an inner strength she never knew she had. She takes up the weapons of Grendel, and seeks her revenge.

Unfortunately, she attracts some attention from the wrong people, in particular Hunter Rose's old nemesis, Argent the Wolf....

Wagner divides the book neatly into two sections: Christine's battle with Tujiro, where she discovers her courage and strength, and her confrontation with Argent and his minions, where she discovers her rage, and puts it to good use. Wagner gets great marks for introducing (in the course of the entire Grendel canon) the concept of Super-Hero as a virus, for lack of a better description; The identity of Grendel hops from person to person, almost as if these people don't really become Grendel; Grendel becomes THEM. He has a knack for creating realistic characters; Christine's journey is fraught with dangers, and I found myself really worrying about her, hoping that she wouldn't really go down that path. Great writing, Matt! The art by The Pander Bros......well, I can't really call it art- It's more like beautiful architecture. The eye just wants to linger over the exquisite layouts. There's a double-page layout towards the end (involving severed fingers...) that is among the most perfect examples of comic-book art I've ever seen. The battle between Grendel & Argent is stunning.....

If you enjoy this book, pick up Wagner's Batman/Grendel, among the best Batman stories EVER.

A Review of Grendel: Devil's Legacy
Grendel: Devil's Legacy takes place several decades after the events of Grendel: Devil by the Deed. It is the story of Christine Spar, author, loving mother, and adopted granddaughter of the arch-fiend Hunter Rose, also known as Grendel. When Christine's son, Anson, is kidnapped and murdered, Christine embraces her dark heritage and assumes the role of Grendel. But once her revenge is achieved, she finds that the mantle isn't as easily laid down as it was assumed. Hunter Rose's greatest enemy still lives, and his own hunger for revenge will threaten any hope Christine has of returning to a normal life. Devil's Legacy is full of intricate storytelling and stylish art. If you can find it, by all means get it. ... Read more

Book Description

This volume collects Buffy newcomer Scott Lobdell's (X-men, Highroads) debut story arc along side veteran Buffy scribe Fabian Nicieza! Joining established Buffy artist Cliff Richards, Lobdell and Nicieza begin their run by wrapping up four years worth of stories, featuring many returning faces. This story paves the way for a whole new direction for the Buffy comics. Collecting issues #47-50 of the ongoing Buffy the Vampire Slayer series. ... Read more

Book Description

The drama continues with GloomCookie's third collection. Lex & Damion are haunted by a terrible curse, Sebastian struggles to understand his increasing powers, and Chrys learns about her past. ... Read more

Book Description

Buffy is being stalked by a creature intent on killing her so that it can bring about the end of the world. So, what else is new? The only person who can save her is a Slayer who should have died a long time ago. Confused? Well, so are Buffy and the gang. If that's not weird enough, what's she to make of a backpack full of maggots? How about a herd of rats that overrun the cafeteria just as she's sitting down to eat? Just how much can Buffy take before she gets totally grossed out? Chris Boal, Tom Fassbender, and Jim Pascoe join Buffy artists Cliff Richards and Joe Pimentel to bring you two tales of revenge and retribution. Collecting issues #26-28 of the ongoing series. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The best Buffy book I have ever read....
I can truly say, without exaggeration that this is by far, the best Buffy the Vampire Slayer book I have ever read. Chris Boal's writing is pure genius. He seems to have a special insight into Joss Wheadon's unique vision of the character. It remains true to the original, yet at the same time it keeps it new and interesting. I don't want to give away the surprise ending in Heart of A Slayer, but wow, I sure didn't see that coming. Buffy fans, and everyone else should buy this book. It is just great.

Autumnal Leaves the Rest Behind
I happened to be watching several syndicated episodes of the television show while reading Autumnal and couldn't help but miss the earlier episodes of BTVS. I miss the humor, the genuine emotions and the mystery of those earlier episodes. Autumnal harkens back to those days.

I found Autumnal a great read and really enjoyed the fact that there is still some mystery in the Buffy universe. A slayer that should be dead and a new, deadly demon, injects some mystery and wonder back into the Buffy universe.

And I though the story about the disgruntled wannabe vampire was great! Finally a return to some frivolty, some immaturity and FUN.

If you want to recapture the spirit of earlier seasons when water bills and addiction weren't the "big bad", read this book.

I want more like this!
I never write reviews on anything, but after reading the reviews that Chris Boal got, I had to say something. I am a HUGE fan of Buffy and I have to say that some of the writing was getting borring and silly until he came along. I am looking forward to more of Mr. Boal's writing and as a die hard Buffy fan - I hope you will listen to MY review. Thanks.

A great read.
The art may be a bit sub-par, but the writing is so far above the usual paplum that is spewed out in these books as to make this one of the best ever!!
A real sense of character and adventure infuse this book. Plus a way cool plot taking the BTVS plot to a place we haven't been to before. Lots of fun.

Buffy for Adults
Wow - a 'Buffy' for adults. My kids are constantly trying to foist "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" on me but I frankly find most of the comics sophmoric (I admit to being a fan of the show, though). This one - which I read after simply giving up - was really good- a cut above the other "buffy" comics that I've tried to read but had to put down. If you're a Buffy fan over 15, I'd reccomend it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Is thins manga worth getting?
Very Scary!!! This manga tells the story of a cursed video, in which after you watch it you die in seven days. It is similar to the american movie, but keeps with the japanese movie series more. It can be very scary if your reading it at night! Definately worth getting!!

Is this book worth getting??
The Ring is definately worth getting. Some of the drawings can be a little better, but that is basically the only bad part. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. It is very creepy and mysterious, especially if your reading it late at night. It is similar to the movie, but keeps to the Japanese series.

A must-read horror manga!!
Wow...Well I first hard about this awsome manga in a magazine called "NEWTYPE" as some of you probably hard of. This manga is great!(...I just orderd the novel today XD) It`s alot better from the movie. The movie adds alot of extra stuff, and takes away some of the main idea...or atleast that`s my opinoin. This manga is long, thought if you get into it, like I did, you should enjoy the read(I loved it soo much I just read it all day though XD) What I think the message of the manga is that you would do anything for love...Yes I know that it apears very vague in the manga. But I think that that is the message because that`s (or so I think) the whole idea behind Reiko looks for how her son to not die. Because I thought it seemed like she didn`t care if she died aslong as her son didn`t die. But anyway...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................JUST READ THIS GREAT MANGA!!

In this case, a picture is worth more than 1000 words.
Waiting around at a Borders two days ago, I pulled up a stool near their modest collection of manga. Usually, I thumb through a copy of Sailor Moon manga, but my eyes were drawn away and towards The Ring, which had not been there during my last visit several weeks ago.

I had originally intended for only a quick read, but I ended up spending 40 minutes going on a mental and emotional thrill ride. Awesome must-read, with an exceptionally creepy ending (which I will NOT share here).

Like the book, it has NOTHING to do with the "before you die, you see the ring" theme of the Hollywood movie. The horror is more intangible than obvious, with much of it left to the imagination.

I don't usually like horror-related books or anything else (besides Castlevania), but I LOVED this manga, and I really want to get the book.

An EXELLENT manga!
This is a story about Reiko, a Japanese journalist. After her neice dies a gruesome death, she starts investigating an urban legend. The legend is that if you see a cursed video tape, you'll die in exactly seven days. Reiko watches the movie, and, enlisting the help of her ex-husband, finds out how to break the curse. During her research, her young son Yoichi accidentally watches the movie, as well. Can't tell ya how it ends, though! ^_~ This is an exellent manga, and I highly reccomend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Comics' greatest talent unleashed on Barker's horrifying world of warring order and chaos. The third Hellraiser collection features over 320 pages (14 stories) in jaw-dropping full color, including the complete poster art galleries from the original publications. Stories include: "In These Blue Depths Lie Hell" by Lurene Haines & Ray Lago; "The Sweet Science" by Erik Saltzgaber, Mike Zeck, and Phil Zimelman; "Later" by C.J. Henderson, Vincent Cecolini, and Colleen Doran; "Lingerings" by James Robert Smith & Jamie Tolagson, "Firetrap" by James Robert Smith & Mike Hoffman; "Birth Rite"; "Angels to Some, Demons to Others" by John Bolton; "Closets" by Matrix co-creator Larry Wachowski and Miran Kim; "Under the Knife"; "I in the Pyramid";"Glitter and Go" by Ron Wolfe & Dan Spiegle; "The Tontine" by Scott Hampton & John Van Fleet; and "To Prepare a Face" by Jan Strnad & Mark Chiarello. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

fantastic fun
I have a hard time deciding which, out of the 4 volumes Tokyopop has released of this manga, is my favorite. I still can't pick! Volume 3 is certainly not short on charm, plot, or beautiful artwork. Count D, everybody's favorite Chinese transvestite petshop owner, gets to display more sides of his character than ever before: cute, kindhearted, and definitely sinister. "Dessert" is an especially delightful chapter for shounen-ai (read: ... lite) fans. I really recommend this whole manga series. It's delightful.

Dessert
The books seem to be just getting better and better as the series goes on. In this book we find out more about the mysterious character Count D. We are given a hint as to the usefulness of his different color eyes and we also discover just how far the Count will go to get his hands on a rare and valuable pet.... ... Read more

Book Description

A collection of Cal McDonald short stories, written by Cal's creator, Steve Niles. When monsters, freaks and ghouls stalk L.A., it's up to hard-boiled private eye Cal McDonald to send them back where they belong. Featuring illustrations by a variety of comics luminaries. ... Read more

Book Description

This 64-page deluxe graphic album serves as the launching pad for a new series of comic books from the Primal mythos where extra-dimensional beings live on human fear and sometimes work their way into our world to wreak havoc. This first rate tales involves a military operations which is exploring fear as a weapon and unwittingly releases The Riven into our dimension. ... Read more

Book Description

It`s been nearly a year since a man, formerly one of our government`s greatest soldiers, was resurrected from the ashes of his own grave. Reborn into a creature from the depths of Hell, disfigured, homeless, and alone, this new warrior now wanders the hidden alleys of New York City in search of his past life trying to piece together his horrific and confusing existence.This freshly created man known as SPAWN, whose body is nothing more than scars and torn flesh, struggles to make sense of his fiery death and painful rebirth while gaining new insight into the mind of Jason Wynn. Spawn also finds himself in a brutal battle with the Redeemer, along with one of the more unique stories in Spawn`s history, the teaming of Spawn and Harry Houdini for a tale of true mystery and suspense. Join SPAWN as he battles those who are out to kill him while he tries to give meaning to why he exists in the first place. Through these adventures, he hopes to find out who the real enemies are and whom he can trust. For in this twisted world of shadow players, nothing is as it appears. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

the demon murdering fiery assasin from hell. cool
this is a very worth buying comic book. it has an exciting plot that includes emotion drama and lotsof brain pounding action plus you find out a little more why al simmons/ spawn
was assasinated and sent to hell. this book also has a very intresting twist with the famous magician harri houdini . and even if you arent familiar with the concept and story of spawn this comic is a pretty good place to start. i would recommend this spawn to any new or old fan.

Why is it that everyone who hates Spawn can't spell?
It seems to me that people who talk about reading GOOD literature should be able to spell fairly well, right? Not the case.

Hell born hero makes his way to his first biograhphy
Todd Mcfarlane created spawn after workin on marvel comics. He also gave them one of there best villians "Venom" from spider man. after leaving Marvel he gathered with some friends to create Image comics. Spawn quickly became known to the world after some help from money spending comic book junkies. This is a trade paper back or ghrapic novel if you will, the first one made containing spawn comic books. The story writing is great, the drawing is outstanding. It was all done by todd mcfarlane ( there was no help involved.

The book contains five issues of exelance:

first issue : "beginings"
sencond issue:"questions part 3"
third issue : "questions part 3"
fourth issue : "questions part 4"
fith issue : " justice "
The first four issues are the concepts of spawn getting to know himself and you. The fith issue is where he takes a uniuqe mission : to find billy kincaid. Billy Kincade is a child killer who broke from prision and rides around in an ice cream truck.Now who would think of all this.

ex-fan
as some one else already mentioned Spawn ...I would just like to renforce this statment.i read spawn(unfortunately)up to issue 50 when the plot line involved cybernatic gorrila with the brain of a betrayed special agent. need I say more?Todd Mcfarlen's only motove is profit.He has even admitted this in interviews.In his own words "i want Spawn to be a house hold name" Wizard special.He stopped drawing to merely focus on making Spawn products.Toy line is horrorific. how many spawn figures do you need? gotta collect them all.go and spend your money some where else.Neal Gaiman's Sandman, Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and Cerebus all of these are landmarks in comic literature.Oh and as long were topic of reading pickup some other reading materail such as Fight Club, Ender's Game, and the Godfather(yes there is a book and its good. really good)

Finally, an interesting superhero.
Out of all the mainstream comics on the market today - superman, spiderman, batman, etc. - Spawn is certainly the best.The main thing contributing to this is the realism of Spawn, that he has a very dark human nature and he shows you that it's okay not to be perfect.The art also compliments the story.Detailed, Gothic, and with a dark style all it's own, each page is vibrantly alive. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Storyline does not measure up to the sumptuous visuals
First off, John Bolton's artwork in this book is ultimately what carries this book from being the weakest contribution in the Sandman series to merely ho-hum. Bolton's paint-work along with oil enhanced photographs give the graphics incredible depth and quite literally makes the visuals drip right off the pages.

That being said, the superb artwork is dragged down by a weakly plotted storyline of vengeance (ancient Greek style) that meanders from confusing and sophmoric throughout. This purchase can only be recommended for those serious Sandman junkies who need to own every title in the series or for those who wish to savor Bolton's amazing artwork.

Gorgeous but Unsatisfying
The photorealistic artwork in this book is really stunning (though I prefer the more comic-booky art style of Jill Thompson in "Sandman: Brief Lives").

The plot, though, was just ... blah. I didn't feel like Lyta Hall's story was really even resolved. The business with Cronus was never really explained (I guess I can pull out my old copy of "Bullfinch's Mythology" and look him up). Overall, it wasn't very satisfying.

Another reviewer called this the best Sandman spinoff since "Death: The Time of Your Life." I don't agree. I think the best Sandman spinoff (other than the two Death books, which were awesome) was Lucifer.

I don't know why this one was realeased in hardcover, other than so DC could charge more for it. I'd suggest waiting for paperback, or borrowing someone else's copy. The story's not worth the price tag.

huh?
Maybe it's because I haven't read the Sandman graphic novels in a couple of years... maybe it's because I need to bone up on my Greek mythology.... oh, heck, maybe it's just because I'm a simpleton -- whatever the reason, I just couldn't wrap my head around this book. I desparately wanted to like it. But try as I might, I had a very difficult time following the story (never a good sign), even after two readings.

In true John Bolton form, the artwork is more gorgeous than gorgeous. Unfortunately, while aesthetically pleasing, the choice of models is somewhat distracting. Call me kooky, but I have a really hard time suspending disbelief enough to accept the notion that millenia-old Greek dieties come in the shape of teenagers.

This was my first exposure to Mike Carey's work. I've heard lots of wonderful things about him, so I won't be put off simply because THE FURIES didn't work for me. If you're looking to try some Carey, maybe the LUCIFER trade paperbacks would be a better place to start.

Best Sandman Spin-off Since Death: The High Cost of Living
If you're even looking at this item then you probably have already read Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. If not then you should get those graphic novels first before you even think of getting any of The Sandman Presents series. But if you have read The Sandman up to its conclusion and were wondering what ever happened to Lyta Hall after The Wake, then this book is for you.

The photorealistic art by John Bolton is the best of all The Sandman Presents series, and Mike Carey already proven his ability to write Gaiman's characters with the other Sandman spin-off Lucifer and with the fan-favorite Hellblazer.

Plus, this is one of only three appearances Daniel has made out of the original Sandman. The other two being in JLA: Strength in Numbers and Lucifer: Nirvana. So if you want the complete Sandman library then this book is a must.

Plus, it looks really good next to The Sandman: The Dream Hunters hardcover.

Basically, a must for any Neil Gaiman, Mike Carey, or Sandman fan. ... Read more

Book Description

*Classic manga-style comedy*Will appeal to fans of Pita-Ten and Dragon Knights*100% Authentic Manga Format*Story by JUDAL

As Diaage tries to cultivate Leene's resentment against Ishtar, Leene's conscience kicks in, leaving Diaage to do her own little dirty work. Diaage decides to carry out her third and most dastardly plan yet-to poison Ishtar! Can Darres and Ashley foil her plans, save Ishtar and maintain Leene's reputation? ... Read more

Book Description

Last spring's sensational miniseries Hollow Earth, by Mike Mignola, Chris Golden, Tom Sniegoski, and Ryan Sook, revealed the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense's struggle to save agent Liz Sherman, and their struggle to deal with life without Hellboy. That story is collected here with rare Hellboy related stories, long sought after by fans of the Mignola's hit comic, which is soon to be a major motion picture! Reprinted here for the first time are the first solo Abe Sapien comic, Drums of the Dead, by Brian McDonald and Derek Thompson, as well as the short stories "Abe Sapien versus Science" and "Lobster Johnson: Killer Inside My Skull." If these names mean nothing to you, you've been missing out on the greatest adventure saga comics has to offer. If you do know these names, then this is the collection you've been asking for. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The BPRD Marches on
Hellboy has left the BPRD (Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense) but that doesn't mean they are gone. Now the BPRD have their own stories. This volume collects Hollow Earth and several shorter adventures.

Hollow Earth - Abe Sapien travels to the Himalayas and below to find and rescue Liz. The journey takes them do a world of darkness that threatens the surface. I really enjoyed the Journey to the Center of the Earth ending. Also touching were there Hellboy flashbacks and how he endeared himself to various characters (I loved the lollipop).

Hollow Earth Teaser - A three-page teaser that sets up one of the new characters at the Bureau.

The Killer in my Skull - This story stars Lobster Johnson, a hero who uses the lobster claw of justice. In this story he is confronted with some locked-door murders that lead to an unexpected killer.

Abe Sapien vs. Science - Having been the subject of scientific investigation in the past, Abe Sapien is against the use of "scalpels and microscopes" for advancing knowledge of living things. This time the subject is Roger.

Drums of the Dead - Another Abe Sapien adventure as shipping routes are being terrorized by sharks and drums.

Good look at supporting characters
This book is a good collection of short stories. My only complaint is that I finished it in an afternoon. It's hard to put down, and an excellent read. The best part is the look at the supporting characters. There is little Hellboy in this book, so for any Abe Sapien fans out there, this is your book. I recommend it highly.

For all the Ailments that Haunt You
Is there something rending the fabric of time and space asunder above your newly furnished kitchen, or perhaps a society of bedeviled mermen taking residence in the lake outside your abode? Do you or someone you love find yourself bewitched by a troublesome necromancer seeking to call out the Seven-forms of Ogdru-Jahad? Well, if the shoe fits and you find yourself longing for the one tried-and-true method to cure that which ails you, perhaps you should enlist the aid of the B. P. R. D. The B. P. R. D. specializes in most forms of manifestation and malevolence, providing cure-alls that sometimes work in the most subtle of fashions and that sometimes provide the most groundbreaking of results, keeping Britain and much of the world free from the oppressive grasp of those who would seek to bind her.

Before I continue with explanations, the guides to our operations (comics) collected in this Trade Paperback include: "BPRD: Hollow Earth" from BPRD: Hollow Earth #1-#3, "BPRD"- the strip from Dark Horse Extra #42-#44, "Abe Sapien: Drums of the Dead" from Abe Sapien: Drums of the Dead, "Lobster Johnson: Killer Inside My Skull" from Hellboy: Box Full of Evil #1, "Abe Sapien vs. Science" from Hellboy: Box Full of Evil #2, and depictive illustrations in a Mike Mignola and Ryan Sook sketchbook.

So, you might be ask, what does B.P.R.D. stand for and who exactly are they? Well, the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense is composed of many individuals from the lowest operatives to field agents and beyond that strive to keep the world safe from those unclassified menaces, great and small. Within those ranks we have many people with special talents, including the currently inactive Hellboy (see the end of Conqueror Worm for detail), Abe Sapien, Roger the Homunculus, "Liz" Sherman, and newer agents that sometimes find themselves only temporary additions to the roster because of, um, unforeseeable circumstances. In the installment that directly deals with this agency and all the mainstays involved ("BPRD: Hollow Earth" from BPRD: Hollow Earth #1-#3), Liz Sherman finds herself with a dilemma of the soul because of her pyrotechnic talent and her inability to always control it, and is seeking remedies that the B. P. R. D. cannot provide. So, following Hellboy's lead and walking away, she heads for the solace of the Ural Mountains and a place where "dreams dwell." While there, she finds the peace she has sought, but only for a time before something comes seeking her and the aid of the agency is needed.

To understand another agent and his respective incorperation/the talents he bring to the Bureau, there is also additionally provided documentation on that as well. One of the pivotal cornerstone we use, Abe Sapien (Homo Aquaticus), has led to many contributions within the organization and is one of the finest stars ever forged in the detective sky. He found out that the "Roger" wasn't simply a mass of discarded science after the incident with the "incident" with the giant ("Abe Sapien vs. Science" from Hellboy: Box Full of Evil #2 - occurring after Almost Colossus), for instance, and, in an incident where madness and the cries of something within the depths of the ocean almost claimed he and one of our telepaths, he managed to thwart what was amounting to be the doom of many a sailor ("Abe Sapien: Drums of the Dead" from Abe Sapien: Drums of the Dead).

Also, to help one conceive of the blights confronting our agency, we've added in information on one of the mysterious cases that the reputed Lobster Johnson worked on, proving that sometimes it really is mind over matter ("Lobster Johnson: Killer Inside My Skull" from Hellboy: Box Full of Evil #1). We feel that, by opening case files of someone considered a mythological hero and combining it with who our bureau is and what we do, we can better protect the world and thereby protect you, the newly inaugurated, protect themselves.

And now you know. ... Read more

Amazon.com

(For mature audiences.) Garth Ennis, who is also known for his popular Vertigo series Preacher, always manages to weave together the dark and horrific with the commonplace to epitomize the graphic-novel medium. John Constantine, Hellblazer: Damnation's Flame collects issues 72 to 77 of the DC Comics series in a volume that is really composed of four short stories. In the primary tale of the collection, Constantine, a trench-coated magus, wanders the streets of New York City. Reeling from the loss of his lover, Kit, he literally falls under the spell of a minor magician. Constantine's physical body is abused in a homeless shelter while his soul travels the barren roads of a tiny slice of hell. His companion on the journey is President John F. Kennedy, who has been trapped in this limbo world since moments after his assassination. The site of the ever-suffering Kennedy will be difficult for many readers, but through Constantine's interactions with the President on their journey to hell's White House, Ennis punctures many of the myths that have shaped late-20th-century America. Kennedy is shown to be all too human, and the ruler of this hell, a ghostly Abraham Lincoln, reveals himself as the only bigger myth-figure able to free Kennedy with a heavy dose of reality. "Act of Union," the second story, flashes back to 1980 with a quotidian narrative about Kit and Constantine's first meeting. This is a small, beautiful story that demonstrates Ennis's impressive range as a writer (especially when compared to the bloody opening selection). William Simpson's sketchy artwork perfectly captures the mood of Ennis's word balloons. "Confessions of an Irish Rebel" is another tale with a smaller and less mystical scope than the opening, but, as Constantine becomes mixed up with his old friend Dublin, things take a turn toward gore and violence. Finally, "And the Crowd Goes Wild" is actually a frame narrative, a story told in a bar that again moves back over a decade, to the night Chas Chandler gave John a ride in his cab and ended up being involved in a terrifying case that touched hell itself. --Patrick O'Kelley ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Debunking America
I have to believe that whoever didn't like this collection either doesn't get it or refuses to accept it. To be fair, the opening story is a little out of the ordinary for the usually London-based Constantine. Whereas Garth's other spectacular book PREACHER embraces the American Myth, "Damnation's Flame" thouroughly reveals it for what it is...a myth. Caught in a sliver of Hell, John encounters slaughtered Indians, soldiers who died for nothing, streets covered in crack, and a positively wanker of a president.

The other stories aren't earth-shattering, but they are enjoyable. John visits his old friend Brendan and meets Kit in a flashback to his days at Ravenscar (the mental hospital he was in and out of for three years). John also meets Brendan, now a hard-drinking ghost, in the present. And back in London, Chas tells his mates about one of the many times Constantine was apparently killed, and how this time there was even a funeral for him. The entire Ennis cast was present (Header, Kit, Brendan, Rick the Vic) as well as the Delano cast (Ray, Chas, Ritchie, Cheryl), and Moore's little-seen Emma.

By the way, if the sight of John F. Kennedy walking around with his hand pressed against the hole in his head to keep his brains from falling out isn't enough incentive to buy this book, check out his best line from the story:

"To be seen in a historical context as the conscience of the United States is not the honor one might think. It is, in fact, a burden, and one that I was...at the time...loath to shoulder. My chief concerns were, to set the record straight, immediate political survival, and regular extramarital sex with as many women as possible.

Disappointingly mediocre Ennis tale...
Garth Ennis' work on Hellblazer is some of the best in the medium, but this trade horribly dissapoints. Any no name writer could spin this tale of John Constantine, it's suprising to see the Ennis name on it. Constantine himself loses most of what made him so cool in other Ennis works... He becomes an everyman in this book, a nobody with nothing so cool about him that someone would want to write a book about. But sadly enough, Ennis has done it, and it's a stinker.

Somewhat uneven...
I am sad to say that I didn't enjoy this as much as other Hellblazer TPBs that I have read. The art was OK, but the storytelling was jumpy. I love the character of John Constantine, though. They shouldn't 'Americanize' him with Nic Cage in the movie.

An important and gripping story for any Constantine fans.
I just put it down and as usual with Constantine, I was very pleased. This is the end of the loose end that is Midnite (from "Original Sins") and John's full recovery and descent to his old dangerous habits that was started in "Tainted Love." These are the stories that put Constantine back on track with whom he truly and always has been, everyone's favorite mage and con-artist. If you are told that you must go to hell and can take one other person with you, he proves, yet again, that there is no better choice than John Constantine... There is good reason that they call him the "HellBlazer," you know. ;)

A weak album, only for the die hard Hellblazer-fans
This album is a collection of issues 72-77 Hellblazer comic book, all written by Garth Ennis, of Preacher fame. The first part of the book is a story takes us to New York where John Constantine, trenchcoated magician and fasttalker, is trying to recuperate after some time as a drunken homeless in the streets of London, driven there by a broken heart.

Of course he wouldn't be Constantine if nothing happened. This time it is Papa Midnite that tries to put a spell on John in a very confusing story with Indians, JFK and a dead skull. The artwork by Steve Dillon is adequate, but the story leaves much to wish for.

The next two stories features Constantines now dead friend Brendan. The stories are pretty boring, nothing really happens. One of the stories is drawn by William Simpson, who also created the graphic novel Vamps.

The last part is some kind of origin story of how John Constantine first met Chaz, friend and Taxi-driver and how they make up for the last meeting where Chaz baptized John in a toilet. The artwork by Peter Snejberg is horrific, almost like caricatures, but the story is better than the others.

All in all, this is a weak album, nothing really happens and the stories are to confusing and jumpy to pay attention to. Still, if you are a Hellblazer fan, you should buy this anyhow, as you get some peeks on the background of Constantine. If you are new to Hellblazer, try albums 1-4 instead. ... Read more