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It's no wonder he hates it here. Spider Jerusalem, journalist and heroof sorts in Warren Ellis' Transmetropolitan, wades through a sewer ofpoverty and high-tech despair daily in his efforts to understand and report onAmerica. In The New Scum, Ellis contrasts the powerful, in the form ofpresidential candidates, with the powerless, who are begging and hustling on thestreets. The satire is savage and rarely subtle, but the author takes care toshow some human warmth lest the comic descend into the nihilism it warnsagainst. The plot, largely secondary to the characters and background events,focuses loosely on Jerusalem's assignment to interview the two candidates, eachpsychotic and unfit for any office. His bodyguard and personal assistant,meanwhile, discover the terrors of pleasure in a post-nanotech world withunlimited credit. The election-eve climax fully captures the anxiety anddepression that come from having no real choice in matters of great importance.Either Ellis or his creation deserves a Pulitzer. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Absolutely Brilliant.....
Transmet has established itself as the greatest comic of all time by blending sci-fi, black humor, generally excellent storytelling, political commentary, and fabulous artwork. This is just another chapter in the fabulous sweeping saga that is Transmetropolitan. It really is a shame that not enough people are reading this stuff and dismiss it simply as another brain damaged comic book. Look just because the X-Men are god awful doesn't meen that comic's can't tell good stories. I really have been reading too much Warren Ellis (if that is possible.)

Not as good
This is the most disappointing Transmetropolitan offering so far. Which doesn't mean that it's that bad, it's just not as good as the other novels in the series. Spider loses his edge. He goes around doing good deeds, and generally being pushed around by the people he hates the most. After the manic whirlwind of first three novels, it makes for disappointing reading.

The story focus in a peripheral manner on the election, but since Spider has been removed from the streets by fame, he's too far away to really get at the heart of it.

Lastly, the artwork seems to have taken a turn for the cartoony. It's a lot more '4 color' than previous efforts and just doesn't fit with the world of Spider Jerusalem as previously depicited.

The most interesting thread focuses on the relationship of Channon and Yelena. Which is, while interesting, not what I buy Transmetropolitan for.

Overall, if you liked the first three novels, this is still worth reading. If the first three novels were too offensive, you might find this one tolerable, but since so much of it is built on the first three, it's not that good a story in its own right.

future gonzo
Upon reading Warren Ellis's Transmetropolitan, one imeadiatly thinks of Hunter S Thomson set in the future. Spider Jeruselum, a drug-crazed, gun toting, jurnalistic lunitic, has a column in The Word titled, "I hate It Here", and he just pisses people off. A must read

He Hates It There!
One word fits this collection of Warren Ellis' violence and drug filled merryment: AMAZING.

The story of Spider Jerusalem and his Hunter S. Thompson style gonzo journalism in a futuristic world that at its core is not too different from ours really takes off here as we see Spider take on the lowest scum of his career so far and do many drugs, use his bowel disrupter, and bash a lot of skulls in the progress.

Warren Ellis is one of the few writers in comics today (with Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, and Kevin Smith) who is trying to show the world what comics readers have been saying for years: That Comics are not just kids stuff. And if my review so far has not proven this to you yet, then this warning will. THIS IS NOT THE X-MEN! IT IS FOR SMART ADULTS WHO KNOW THAT IT IS ALL MAKE BELIEVE!

So, in closing, buy this and the rest of the Transmet library. If not, Spider might get mad and shoot a poor virtual puppy. ... Read more

Book Description

Wedge Antilles is the premier X-wing pilot of the Rebel Alliance, and his Rogue Squadron is the most feared in the Rebel fleet. But the Empire has its top guns too -- the merciless Imperial 181st Fighter Division led by Baron Fel, the man who trained Wedge and many of Rogue Squadron`s best pilots. Wedge and the Rogues will get every opportunity to test that training when they are dispatched to square accounts with Rogue Squadron, once and for all! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Strap in, and get ready for a ride
In the Empire's Service is one of those parts in the Rogue Squadron series that has healthy doses of action, camaraderie, suspense and a "feel" to it.

The stand alone stories have ended. It's time for Ms Isard to claim the Imperial throne, time for Rogue Squadron to show their flying skills, time for the performance to really kick in. Unlike other issues, this one has a genuine feel to it, where power and politics have some major characters decide the day.

The art is similar to Battleground:Tatooine, which I didn't think much of in that issue's review. Here, where you don't have Tatooine and Ryloth deserts to inhibit your artistry, the lush vista of Brentaal saves the day. Character faces just aren't rendered in enough detail, and at times the features in the frames just look a bit small in size.

That notwithstanding, Fel makes up in dialogue what his rendered art misses. A brilliant but loyal pilot straddled with a fool for a superior that's too-often semi-attired and looks quite like a roman emperor, you feel for him. The Rogue pilots don't miss out on their lines too, and a range of emotions are showed which help to convey the seriousness and delicacy of the mission.

Action is hot and intense, and even though Imperial politics is what allows the Alliance to take more and more of Brentaal, you can bet Fel's going to make them fight for it. This is war, and it reflects well in how the captions were chosen. A level in the N64 Rogue Squadron game was based on the last mission here, so it's fun to view it differently. The Telsij lady you briefly meet---and gasp at---from her sight in Mandatory Retirement is explained here.

Dendo is back, armed with his flashy cape and quick-finger trigger. New Rogues are featured to make up for attrition, and you'll like Koyi Komad's interaction with them. Her character, short as her appearances are, just shines out from the page.

Overall, the sketchy feel of the art had me rating this a star less, but In the Empire's Service is just too good to give any less. It has it all, what you could want, and certainly worthy lightening your purse a few Imperial credits less indeed.

The Best of Star Wars
Stackpole takes over writing the series and immediately kicks it into high gear by throwing the Rogues right into the midst of the war. The Republic is beginning its campaign for Coruscant and starts by heading for the Core Worlds. In this case, the first step is Brentaal, the rich and influential Core world.

This arc is unique in that it gives both the Rebels and Imperials almost equal time. The faces of the Empire are many, and this arc shows a depth to it not acheived in anything else thus far. The scheming by Ysanne Isard is great, while you also see the varying faces of the Empire on Brentaal itself. Admiral Lon Isoto and Baron Soontir Fel are both Imperials, yet completely opposite characters. Isoto is an incompetant, vain, corrupt, lazy, and perhaps even slightly insane man, while Fel is a very smart, strong, moral, yet somewhat flawed figure. He is the greatest pilot in the Empire, and serves that Empire not because of who leads it, but because of simple loyalty to its people. As time goes on, it becomes more and more apparent to him that perhaps his view on things was flawed, and perhaps he need to rectify it. Along with Grand Admiral Thrawn, he is perhaps the best Imperial character to come out of the comics and novels.

The Rebels are interesting as well, and the Rogues are for the only time in the series at full strength. Balancing the stories of 12 pilots is not easy, but as events transpire some paths are split and some interconnect. Some, like Wedge, Tycho, Janson, Ibtisam, and Nrin, get more time, wheras ones like Dar Keyis and Standro are forced into the backdrop. But that's alright, for reason I won't get into lest I spoil things.

The art by Nadeau perfectly fits the whole 'war movie'-type feel of 'In the Empire's Service.' His technology and cityscapes are, as always, superb, and although his faces may be a little choppy at times, each person has his or her own face, which is very important with such a large cast. And David Nestelle's coloring prowess is once again demonstrated. Never slips, always consistent, always fitting the scene perfectly.

And who can forget the cliff-hanger last line of the series?

Bravo to the creators of 'In the Empire's Service'. They've produced one of the most insightful, well-written examples of 'Star Wars' ever published, and the series' lack of sales is truly shameful. Highly, highly reccomended work.

The Classic Rogue Squadron Comic
In The Empire's Service is the sixth Rogue Squadron comic series, and it happens to be one of the, if not the, best. Taking place not long after the comic "Mara Jade: By The Emperor's Hand," this is the first title in the "Rise of Isard" story arc which will link all of the remaining comics in this series, and lead into the novel series. And it is just a great and classic story. No more of those stories where the Empire is thrown in only as a convoluted plot twist, where various rogues and scoundrels uncover secret caches of Imperial ships and weaponry. This is a straight up Alliance vs. Empire story. It's full of good art, good dialogue, a plethora of dogfights, and lots of humor.

In this story, Sate Pestage has basically assumed Palpatine's role at the head of the Empire, and is struggling to hold it while an alliance of various other high ranking Imperials (the "Cabal") is also seeking to gain control of the Empire. Enter Ysanne "Iceheart" Isard, who, while presumably advising both sides as to the best way to defeat the Rebels is actually expertly playing them off against each other. Taking her advice, Pestage vows to hold a wealthy Imperial world, which the rebels promptly start planning to liberate. Thus begins the power struggle between Pestage, the Cabal, and the Rebel Alliance on Brentaal.

As I've said, this comic has an awesome number of dogfights, and it introduces several new Rogues to make up for attrition in the last comic. In addition, it introduces Salm and his wing of Y-wings, as well as Imperial fighter legend Baron Fel and his feared 181st Fighter Group, which is basically the Imperial equivalent of Rogue Squadron. Also, Kapp Dendo and his SpecOps squad show up again. The art is nice and easy to follow, and the pilot chatter is good as always. Unfortunately, Baron Fel is somewhat stiff, starting as just a perfect superpilot, but he does evolve into a more human character by the end of the series. Also, why is Plourr still with the Rogues? Wasn't her return at the end of the previous comic just a very temporary reprieve from her duties on Eiattu?

Just as a note of interest, you'll notice that the main battle in this comic was adapted as one of the levels in the Rogue Squadron 3D game for PC and N64.

Overall, this is an excellent comic, one of the best Rogue Squadron stories out there. Definitely and highly recommended.

One of the Best SW Comics Ever
This is one of the greatest SW comics I have ever read.The Art and writing just meld in a perfect mixture. Stackpole's script is awsome, with its comedy, drama, and pain. The essentials of Star Wars are all here. The continuity between this and the X-Wing books is also nice, as this was the first four issue story arc in the 'Rise of Isard' arc of books, comprising a total of 12 issues. The plot is excellent, introducing what has become one of the most popular EU characters, Baron Soontir Fel. Nadau's pencils are great, with facial expressions and explosions all rendered realistically. Nestelle's colors are, as usual, are stunning. This is one book that belongs in all comic lovers and Star Wars maniacs Library's. 5/5.

Indeed a good book
This is another good and exciting comics. Finally i get to meet the legendary pilot of the Empire as well as the Star Wars universe - Baron Soontir Fel. He remained a mystery until now, and kept the comic alive and exciting in leading the remarkable 181st squadron. ... Read more

Book Description

Before the events of A New Hope, Darth Vader employs Boba Fett, on a mission to discover and bring to Vader a single small box, the contents of which could change the fate of the galaxy. But there`s a catch: Vader trusts no one, and the truth of the box`s mystery is too important to allow the bounty hunter to live! When Fett retrieves the prize, he finds himself the target of more of Vader`s thralls. Also includes the hard-to-find 1997 Wizard magazine exclusive, Boba Fett #1/2. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Fett vs Vader and awesome Cover art.
This is a review of Star Wars - Boba Fett - Enemy of the Empire TPB, a collection of 4 issues ½ of a wizard magazine comic - Salvage published Oct 1999 as ISBN 156971407x, Printed in Canada.

This is one of the finest comic Dark horse has ever produced. It is beautifully produced with above average artwork, excellent inking and superior binding. I have sat and read through this comic many times and it has never fallen apart in my hands. The story is action packed, featuring a duel between Vader and Fett. Ken kellys cover art is a 5, the story is a 4, the inking is a 4. The artwork is generally a 2 and a 3 often resembling the comic strip style rather than the rich art we now see in later comics. There were 3 different illustrators with unequal results. But for 1999 this was awesome.

Not Feeling Loved; A Day in the Life of a Bounty Hunter
While working one's way through the arts of bartering for souls, a person has to be careful who they choose to align themselves with. This holds true for anyone wanting to make their way out of a deal alive, from the lowliest of traders to the mightiest of bounty hunters. In Enemy of the Empire, Boba Fett learns just that, finding out that perhaps Darth Vader isn't an individual to be bartered with and that something worthy of his attention has to be profitable as well as dangerous in order for him to thrive. He is sent to find a certain someone that has an item in their possession, one that can tell the future in ways that some species would find disturbing, and that can even bring a player like Vader himself hunting for your head.

The storyline that is presented in this TPB is really a good one, brimming with some odd species, a bit of intrigue, and the art of bounty hunting that makes people seek out Boba Fett. It touches on a little of the methods on how to track someone, how your armor can sometimes get an array of ugly reminders of why you should or shouldn't be wary of dealing with anyone, what to do if you are attacked by one of the most dangerous forces in the universe, and how truly messed up some people's abilities can be. The problem in the book is that its art doesn't hold a candle to the interesting worlds involved in the storyline and that, despite the attempts to seem somewhat humorous at times, it fails to evoke laughter from myself. Instead, it seems to take away from some of the faces involved, especially when you are dealing with Vader and his boss, not to mention the rank and file that happen to make up the universe's shady characters. It took me a long time to get past this little portion of the book and, were it not for the fact that Fett was involved, I would have perhaps skipped past it completely.

This isn't to say that the read is worthy, because it is. You simply have to be ready for something of a disappoint in the art department - which I was a little prepared for but not to the extent that it laid out here. Also included in this is "Boba Fett's Salvage (or Boba Fett 1/2), which isn't that bad of a story and that is not the most fun piece to find by itself, making it a better by and something that friends of the hunting class might want to look into. Just remember to bring an open mind to the table because, well, mixed results sometimes anger the viewing mind.

Very Cool!
I loved this book, it was very intresting. There were turns in the book plots and even a death. I can't wait to see more of these books. I love Boba Fett.

A Fun Read
The world of 'Star Wars' comics has been able to achieve heights of drama in expeceptional works such as 'In the Empire's Service', 'Outlander', and 'Mandatory Retirement.' This is not anywhere near that list. Then again, its not supposed to be.
It's for entertainment value, plain and simple. The art and writing are somewhat silly while still having an elemnt of drama and reality to them. John Nadeau of the XWRS fame has a very different art style here, one far less dramatic and far more silly.
Then end is good, especially regarding the fight between Fett and Vader and the fate of the Pessimists. (I love irony.) Overall, while its by no means the best SW comics out there, its a fun, quick read and reccomended as such.

Something out of nothing
It's amazing how much of an aura of mystery the obscure Boba Fett has acquired in the Star Wars mythos. In the films, this character has about a half dozen lines tops, but the mysterious armor, demeanor and standing as one of the greatest bounty hunters in the galaxy piqued fans' interest.

In "Enemy of the Empire," we see Fett's first encounter with Darth Vader. Writer John Wagner takes a humorous look at some of the denizens of the Star Wars galaxy and we get to find out how Fett received that odd dent in his helmet that appears in both Episodes V and VI.

"Enemy" didn't win any Eisners (comics' highest award), but it had solid storytelling and art (even if the latter was somewhat cartoony). A nice, light read featuring that mysterious bounty hunter on an adventure that fits quite nicely in the Star Wars epic. ... Read more

Book Description

Have you ever wondered how a beam rifle works, or how many people live in an orbital colony, or what powers a mobile suit?Now your questions are answered.The ultimate guide to the most popular story in the Gundam saga is finally here! Gundam Technical Manual #1: Gundam Wing covers all of your favorite fighting mechs and the men and women who pilot them. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

kickassgundam
Endless Waltz is super good the frist chapter is however boring but its the best gundam manga i have. (13) it takes place one year ofter operation meteor with this basturd trying to take over and to do that he and she will need Relena. so it's search and save for Heero and Dou + Quatre. wheres Wufei and Trowa find out in this kick ass gundam manga.

Fighting for Peace
Gundam Wing ---- Endless Waltz is one of the Gundam series, which written by two famous Japanese science fiction writer, Hajime Yadate and Yoshiyuki Tomino. They have written a lots of the Gundam series. All the Gundam series are show a grandiose history of the war in human.

The five Gundam pilots are the main character in this story. From the beginning the five youths searched for peace in themselves way. Four of them send Gundams to the sun in order to keep peace. They thought if they destroyed all weapons, the war would never happen again.

Oppositely, Wufei did not send his Gundam to the sun, because he thought peace was never became of the world. When the war broke out, Wufei joined the Mariemeia Army; he wanted to find the right just. When he did everything he asked himself ¡°Am I doing the right thing?¡± While Wufei battled with Heero, he asked Heero ¡°Are you right? Is your cause just? I am asking you if you are doing the right thing!¡± At the end, Wufei came out from the mind lost, he asked people who were eager for peace to battle with the Mariemeia Army. Finally Wufei found out his peace and joined Prevent as a Preventer, waiting for fighting for peace¡­¡­

For other Gundam pilots, Trowa pretended to join the Mariemeia Army, for stopping the colony from dropping on Earth; Duo went to save Relena and fought with the Mariemeia Army; Quatre tried his best to get the lost Gundams from their way to the sun, for this he almost got near to the hell ---- dead in the space.

Heero is the main character of the five Gundam pilots. It may show from the title ---- Gundam Wing, because the Gundam of Heero named Wing Zero. Heero was always silence, usually he did not say anything, but when he said something that meant he would do it in his own way, until he got the goal. While Heero battled with Wufei, he just said one sentence ¡°Wufei, self-detonation!¡± and then did move at all, because he believe Wufei would stop. While they battled the next time on Earth, he asked Wufei how many people did they have killed? And how many people they would still kill for the peace! He then dropped himself to the bottom of the ocean in order to let Wufei woke up to find the real peace! At the end, Heero confirmed that the shield was unable to destroy. After three blasts from Wing Zero, he was able to destroy the shield, but Wing Zero was also destroyed. Heero was a soldier like this, a soldier fought for peace at all costs! I give my best respect to him!

The story named Gundam Wing----Endless Waltz. It means the war likes endless waltz, human battle for any reason from human history, from the beginning but no end. Peace likes wing, sometimes near to us but sometimes far away from us. How can we do? To keep the wing holding on palm of your hand, or always waiting for the coming wind and stopping the wind blow away the wing? I will choice the last way to protect the only wing for us all.

Everyone considers that war is the ugliest cruelest thing in the word, in our deep heart. Everyone is eager for peace, they hate war hate battle. But from this science fiction book, it tells us, peace is something you have to fight for. The book really shows that the meaning of the true peace!

mobile suit gundamwing
i think it is a vary good book i like to read it all the time i wood just like to get some book gundam wing 1,2,3, and the endless waltz if i cound that wood be graet

Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz
I think that Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz was a wonderful book overall, but it wasn't without flaws. The history and storyline is actually a very cleverly written one. The date is 195 AC (After Colony). It is some time in the future when the earth has been separated into two groups: those who still live on the earth and those who live in space colonies that float in space. Since it is an extremely futuristic setting, there are robots everywhere, including the five Gundams, war machines used to keep the peace. This series of Gundam Wing documents the history of the Gundams, and this particular book marks the fateful day when the pilots decide to retire them. Long story short, just as the pilots are in the process of sending their war machines to the sun for destruction, a little girl with too much money starts a war and they are forced to take back the Gundams one last time. I won't say the ending though, because it would defeat the purpose of the reading the book.

There are many pros and cons to this book. Firstly, the drawings are absolutely wonderful, and that is a double-edged sword. Unlike the cartoon, the pictures are not moving, and since this is an action based manga, it lacks the excitement that the cartoon would have, but on the contrary, sometimes the cartoon moves too fast, and this book enables one to marvel at the pictures if they wish to do so. Another obvious yet noticeable thing that is missing is music, but that's because it's a book. The story also seems to start and end rather quickly, but that's also a good thing because it means that you don't have to sit through a show every time you want to see Gundam Wing. All in all, this book lacks the excitement and drama that the cartoon has, but is still worth buying if you're a fan of Gundam Wing.

A Fun Ride
The graphic novel form of 'Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz' (arguably one of the best Gundam movies out), of course, suffers a bit in the transition from film to paper, but the plot itself stays pretty much on course. The politics and references themselves might blow over the heads of those who have never seen the original anime (which is highly recommended), but it isn't impossible to grasp. The characters are fun as always to view, from Heero's complexities to the new riddle of Mariemaia (who unfortunately doesn't get the time to develop as a character as one might hope), and it is relatively easy to see their interactions with one another as solid relationships.

Perhaps my only dislike in this graphic novel is the art itself: for some reason, it strikes me as dull. The characters appear flat and choppy at times, while overly cartoony in others, which is distracting from the story (on the other hand, the Mobile Suits and the Gundams - enormously large robots for the uninformed - are very pleasing to look at). I found it to be lacking in aesthetics as compared to 'Blind Target' (one of the 'transition' manga covering the time period between the series and the movie; it's art is the most faithful to the anime) or 'Ground Zero' (which is simply beautiful on its own), but this isn't as important a factor as I might make it sound. More like a pet peeve.

Overall, I give it a rating of four stars, for sticking close to the original plot and being an enjoyable read. The actual movie and, of course, the anime itself are strongly recommended for viewing before reading, though, as it only adds to the experience. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Perfect
Perfect. No less. When it comes to graphic novels, this is all one could hope for. It is fascinating. Spider's harsh truth seeking, foul mouthed, character is a brilliant creation. In 'Year of the Bastard' Ellis begins -- in very subtle notes -- to reveal a softer side to this character. In his growing relationship with Vita Severn we begin to understand Spider more, and the fate of this relationship at the end of the novel is Spider's key motication for his actions until issue 60. The ideas, political machinations and wit of the book are all brilliant. Read and be amazed.

Covering the campaign
8 years ago, Spider saw the Beast come into power. After that, he went to his mountain. But he was called back, and in Lust for Life, wrapped his fingers around the pulse of the city. Now, it's election time again, and his editor has spoken. Spider will cover the election, since his readers demand it. Not a threat, but advice for someone who wants to make money for himself and Spider.

You might think that a comic book is for teenagers. Maybe even younger. Some might be. This is not one of them. Spider is a drug crazed maniac. But he's not the worst of the lot.

The politicians are. Heller, with his "America for Americans" catchphrase, and a Hitler lookalike in the crowd - in case you missed the point with the Gothic lettering of his name and having his rallies compared to Nuremberg, it's driven home is a rather unsubtle manner.

The Smiler is just plain deranged. It's not clear if politicians look like that before they've been prepared by their handlers, but the scary thing is I don't find it implausible.

Vita is an interesting character, a nice addition to the cast of maniacs that populate this world. The story line flows well, and demands several re-readings to see all the details that the first reading misses.

The artwork in this novel is simply at its best. Yelena is a character that Darick Robertson is meant to draw, and he does the things he does well, well here. No experimentation, no compromises.

This is easily the best of the series, and makes "The New Scum" all the more disappointing as a follow-up.

Absolute must read.

Laz Churchyard meets Hunter S. Thompson and Duke
Ye gods, such an incredible combination...

*Transmetropolitan* is quite obviously Ellis' platform for ranting frantically about what he feels is wrong with the world (real, imagined, and otherwise).

For those of you who are Ellis fanatics, the story falls in the not-too-near future in the world that exists around the time that Lazarus Churchyard was busy being a terrorist.

"Year of the Bastard" is something of a homage to Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72."

In other words, this is DEFINITELY NOT a comic book for your average child or teen. Ellis makes no pretense in writing for an adult audience.

Mixed in with the off-color jokes and futuristic musings are meditations, of a sort, on what's wrong with the world - gerrymandering all the poor people into a single community with cheap housing, traitorous political tradeoffs that sell out all the principles that the platform supposedly stands on, and the futility of voting between two evils, to name a few. Can't happen? Try urban housing projects in 50's and 60's, Clinton's presidency, and the current presidential election (robotic liar who sold out to the Chinese and writes extremely bad environmental legislation vs. inexperienced governer with a bad pollution record and not a strong grasp on all the issues).

Too bad we're not all as outspoken as Spider Jerusalem, the beloved outlaw journalist who needs to be in the City he hates and to be hated himself to write well.

It's a great read, folks. I'd suggest you pick it up after watching a couple campaign adds and feeling your brain mush into gel from all the bull that you're being fed.

I'm going to end this with something beautiful:

A bald man with a spider tattooed on his forehead has just injected a stimulant into his tear duct. He is bleeding slightly from that eye and from the opposite nostril. His eyes are bugging out, he is sweating profusely, he has tobacco smoke exiting his orifices, and he has a death-head's grin playing on his features.

Why is this beautiful (btw, I'm not condoning drug use)? Because this is the picture of a man who is about to do something vital, something terribly necessary, something that shows that he is a passionate and dedicated person. He is ALIVE.

An image of Spider Jerusalem, ladies and gentlemen. Now buy the bloody book or I'll have to lob steaming moose entrails into the nearest crowded playground.

YES, MORE TRANSMET!
Each book of Transmetropolitan is a bound collection of genius, dark and humerous. Transmet is not only the best "comic" series I've ever read (yes, it dethroned "the watchmen" for me), but it's simply one of the greatest examples of violent, darky comical seething political commentaries I've ever read anywhere! Buy the Transmet books at any cost, you cannot be dissapointed! Spider Jerusalem is everyman's hero! ... Read more

Book Description

The original incarnation of the classic hero Doctor Solar - Man of the Atom springs to life in this newly remastered collection of classic stories from comic geniuses Paul S. Newman and Matt Murphy, reprinted for the first time in nearly thirty years.Fans of Russ Manning, Mac Raboy, or Alex Raymond will be delighted with artist Bob Fujitani's original depiction of this classic hero in all his radioactive glory. True fans of the golden age of sci-fi comics will not be disappointed with the newest addition to Dark Horse's line of classic science fiction titles. ... Read more

Book Description

No other character or creator has received so many honors and awards as Concrete by Paul Chadwick. Now longtime fans can relive the wonder, and new readers can discover what Harlan Ellison called, "...the best comic being published today by anyone, anywhere," in The Complete Concrete. This massive 320-page book collects the original first ten black-and-white issues of Concrete -- including Concrete's origin, and his assault on Mt. Everest -- and makes an ideal companion to The Complete Concrete Short Stories. Get your Concrete all in one big block! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Stories About A Gentle Giant
Here's a creature from the comic book world that hasn't recieved the attention he deserves. Paul Chadwick's Concrete is a believable character that, probably because he deals only with real situations, has never become as popular as he deserves.

In these series of stories (which are not the complete Concrete as the title supposes), we see this man, who had been converted to a creature who is composed of concrete like element being exploited by a senator during a mine failure, his origins, rescuing his friends from a ship wreck, and other exploits.

But what is most heartening about these stories is that, regardless of his situation in life, Concrete retains an overall humane and gentle man. ... Read more

Book Description

It's symbiote vs. symbiote, and Spider-Man is forced to play damage control as the two bloodthirsty Venom creatures cause havoc in the city!Patricia Robertson must gain control of the alien symbiote that's eating away at her long enough to kill the original Venom, Eddie Brock.But Spider-Man has other plans and enlists the help of the Fantastic Four. Collecting VENOM #14-18. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Finally! Daniel Way's Venom is...... okay, I guess.
The fight scene between Spider-Man and the original Venom MAKES this book, as well as the scene where Spidey tosses Thing off the Fantasticar in order to divert Invisible Woman.The latter is hillarious, but that fight scene is, at least to me, worth the price of admission alone.Why couldn't Way make this a Spider-Man vs. Venom title, instead of a "Venom's clone involved in a Bruce Jones' Hulk-style conspiracy" story?C'mon.Who cares about robotic clones from Shield and space-age tech-spiders and all that crap?Have Spidey fighting Venom, throw in the Fantastic Four (I always love it when the FF gets involved with Spidey & Venom's battles) and this would totally rock.Oh, and let Kyle Hotz draw it.YEAH! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One star is one too many!
Do not buy this book! After reading this I now know why this lastest attempt at Star Trek comics failed. All of the stories have terriable art. And the plots are almost immpossible to follow. The first story involves an affirmation of "alternative lifestyles" to put it nicely and the aliens involved remind me of "Sea Monkeys" from those old comic adds. In the second story there is a panal where Capt. Picard, for no apparent reason, gets up and runs. He wasn't running before this panel. He wasn't running after this panel. None of the other charecters even notice. This second story has something to do with alien ninjas testing the Enterprise and who stop, turn around, and leave just before destroying the Enterprise and it's crew. That's the resolution to the story. This story also requires the reader to have some prior knowledge of Star Trek: TNG to recognize one of the charecters in the story, who is totally irrelivant to the plot. Also the total look of this book is very dark. All of the interior art is dark with very few white page borders. It depressed me to waste a very small part of my life reading this drek. I would give this book less than one star if I could.

A varied collection of stories "Embrace the Wolf" the best.
The Next Generation comic collection is pretty much standard fare. I wish that it had a regular title to keep some sort of regular readership. The best one of the bunch is "Embrace the Wolf" It's drawn in a cartoony style. It's layout is much more interesting than the realistic style of the other two stories. It tries too hard to duplicate the look of the TV show. The story suffers becuase it's has stories that are better told in the medium of TV. The broad galactic villians always worked better in comics because you could see a story you'd never see on TV or in the movies.

worth reading, but...
As with most of the recent Star Trek comics, Enemy Unseen collects three stories that either have a good story but awful art or the other way around.

Perchance to Dream is a fantastic story by novelist Keith DeCandido (his Diplomatic Implausibilty is the best Trek novel of the last year), but with awful, stiff, clunky art by Peter Pachoumis.

Embrace the Wolf is a cleverly written TNG sequel to the TOS episode "Wolf in the Fold" by Buffy novelists Christopher Golden and Tom Sniegoski, done in by AWFUL art by Dave Hoover.

The best art is by Andrew Currie, who does a great job with The Killing Shadows, but it's illustrating a really boring story by Scott Ciencin. A pity Currie couldn't have drawn one of the other two.

Still, it's worth it for the two good stories. ... Read more

Book Description

Ki-Adi-Mundi's first assignment after joining the Jedi Council will take him back to the fearsome desert wastelands of Tatooine! The Jedi Council has tracked a long wayward and powerful Jedi, Sharad Hett of the Sand People, to the backwater world, and it's up to Ki to find him and convince him to return. Only two things stand in his way: the vicious krayt dragon of Tatooine and the Jedi-slaying bounty hunter Aurra Sing! Ki has little choice but to ask for help from the slimiest crime lord of them all, Jabba the Hutt-and Jabba's aid always comes with a price! Outlander is full-throttle, white-knuckle Episode I-era adventure! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Tim Truman- best Star Wars writer
I bought this trade paperback after reading the excellent Aurra Sing story in the "Star Wars: Bounty Hunters" collection. I was disappointed that this comic was not drawn by Tim Truman, but his storytelling abilities still come through in this collection. "The Exile of Sharad Hett" follows the same style of frontier crime and rebellion plot that make the Star Wars expanded universe stories great. There are some interesting plot twists, epic battles, and Truman's take on Aurra Sing, always a pleasure to read. If Tim Truman had drawn this, it would have gotten five stars. The story, art, and characters are still good, and well worth adding to your Star Wars collection. If only the movies could be this good.

A comic that won't disappoint
Outlander is one of those comics that is almost great in every respect---and precisely just why they named it the "Ongoing" series I have yet to ascertain.

Jedi Ki-Adi-Mundi is the star of the show, bounty hunter Jedi Aurra Sing the villain. And hold on to your pony, it's a race against time to find their target first: a reclusive Jedi hermit, missing for a decade and a half, now rediscovered. This story doesn't lack action, and action there is plenty. Never a dull moment, it doesn't hurt this tale actually has intrigue. Hett the Howlrunner doesn't reveal his self-imposed isolation from his fellow Jedi till the end, an end that could spoil you if you're silly enough to peruse the last page first!

Art quality is great, it just really is. Not as breathtaking as Twilight or anything from the Duursema/Parson illustartor-colourist ace team, and it does make a difference to have a comic this visually appealing. Not withstanding much of this is on Tatooine, where you just know yellow and tan colours are going to predominate on that dustball.

It was a pity, though, when the artistry team changed halfway, it just wasn't quite the same. On the plus side, the variation is so subtle that you'd really have to notice the changeover. Well done indeed.

Dialogue doesn't dare disappoint. The primary characters of Mundi, Sing and Hett have their own style of "voice." Fans of Jedi killer Sing will get a kick out of her lines, and her tendency to speak in that odd way gets extra points for creativity. She's overconfident, rude, impish and mean; and her presentation on page shows it.

You're left wondering who and what Hett is. Once a fearles Jedi warrior, now a Tusken tribal chief, his enigma will leave you guessing till the end what's really behind the disco dancing. Which will leave you asking why he just didn't enlighten his fellow Jedi kinsman sooner, but hey, you gotta wait.

And Mundi doesn't leave anything for the takers. After the obligatory conehead joke---okay, it had to happen sooner or later---he's all business and no humour. The only non-Master on the Jedi Council, this is one character who doesn't messes around. Standing there, alone, finger pointing at Jabba as he tells the fat Hutt what he thinks of him, that's just gotta smile your face. Mundi doesn't lack skill, too--from chucking an Empire Strikes Back Yoda demonstration to self-healing, he's not as passive as you thought he was from the prequel movies.

And as for the storyline the real mastermind behind the conflict is always the unexpected. With good humour scattered in and some nices touches, like that sociologist's name from the Children of the Jedi book, it was a nice tie-in.

Overall, Outlander's quality of art, dialogue and storyline is just too strong to pass up on, not with so many substandard comcis out there.

Really more Like 3.5 star, this is getting good.
This is Dark horse comic called STAR WARS - REPUBLIC ISSUES 7 THROUGH 12 CALLED OUTLANDER - THE EXILE OF SHARAD HETT. It is also call STAR WARS: ONGOING, VOLUME 2. What ever the name of the month, I am reviewing Darkhorse TPB comic ISBN 1569715149 published April, 2001. One source says that this story takes place shortly after episode 1 and another than it takes place just before. I am putting it 32.4 years before NH. In any case it continues the story told in Prelude to Rebellion (Volume 1 of the Republic series).

This is the story of a promising Jedi who exiles himself among the tusken raiders. He fights Aura sing and has a son. This is a very different look at the tuskens that we know for almost killing Luke and for torturing Anakins mother. (For more detail and what she went through read the novelization version of Attack of the Clones since the movie edited out most of that detail).

What was important about his story is that Sharad Hett has a son named A Sharad son of Hett who is important to the next loop of the this story series (Emissaries to Malastare, Vol 3, episodes 13 to 18).

The artwork was still erratic, but not as bad as PRELUDE and the story was a bit better. But now we are up to 3 star art at worst and much of it is a 4 star.

I give this a 3.5. I recommend this particularly since it keeps getting better from here. Emissaries is even better than Outlander. Then we get into the two Quinlan and Villi TPB's which even better than Emissaries. So yes, I am recommending the first two so get you ready for the really good ones

Possibly the best Episode I-era work yet
I found the first arc of the ongoing series to be rather average, but I can say that it's picked up here. I'll also admit that I was a bit wary of this ongoing series. The previous ongoing series, 'X-wing Rogue Squadron' has always been what I've considered some of the finest examples of Star Wars ever written. I was very disappointed when the series ended, plus I liked the setting of that ongoing series more than this one.

That said, Truman gave me a pleasant surprise. 'Outlander' is a truly good read. The switching of artists is a bit annoying, but in general it tends to flow fairly well. The art styles are generally similar and most are quite good. Truman is a good writer, and he proves it here.

It also provides an interesting look at the Tuskens and their lifestyle. It presents them a truly intelligent race, with a strong foundation in honor and survival. Truly not the barbarians that most of the non-Tusken characters view them to be. The story is interesting as well, setting up the Hutt's operations on Tatooine well. The intro scene itself, I thought, was quite well-done and provides and interesting base upon which the rest of the story develops.

I'll also say that I've never been too fond of Aurra Sing. she always seemed to me like a transplanted Boba Fett made female. It always seemed like they went a bit too far just to prove how bad she was. (Like the stupid scene with the Trandoshan in the cantina.) Nonetheless, she does become a bit more interesting here. Her narration of scenes is a very nice touch, too.

Kudos to Truman. As I said, I was wary going into this series and story arc, but 'Outlander' proved me wrong. Highly reccomended, especially for its insight into the Tuskens and the background of Tatooine.

All The Elements
"Star Wars Outlander", has all the elements that make it a great collection of work. It's complete, and by that I mean that it has the length (144 pages) that has seem to become the exception rather that the rule it almost once was with the older collections. Great cover art, which this time is delivered by Ken Kelly, great illustration between the covers, and a host of characters that continue to develop.

Ki-Adi-Mundi is again the Jedi sent on a mission, however as the story progresses it will encompass two Jedi and one Padawan, and a fourth who's status is not declared, but who has made choices of allegiance at least for now. Aurra Sing is back and wreaking havoc on any life form that crosses her path, and one of the most enigmatic life forms dating to the early part of this first movie become less of a mystery.

"The Sand People", gave Luke some problems and also ushered in Obi-Wan-Kenobi for fans for the very first time. Traditionally portrayed as trouble and little else, this story changes that with their History, customs, and culture explained to a degree for the first time. They have also become the refuge of a once revered Jedi who has changed his allegiance but not for one of the two sides traditionally depicted.

The Sand People make their entrance in time to see that a Krayt Dragon does not end the mission too soon, and at this point some mysteries are solved, and much is learned about these people of the desert. Finally for fans that like action and the Snap-Hiss that ensures that some may loose a limb or worse this collection will keep you occupied. Light Sabers are out in force and they are not used to deflect, rather to inflict.

With the most recent Greg Keyes novel, and now this collection, the quality of the material has stepped back up to where it always was and should be. ... Read more

Book Description

Samandahl Rey was a loner, a wandering ex-soldier whose sense of responsibility extended only to himself and to his friend, Roiya Sintor – until the Sigil was forced upon him, a brand of vast power that changed his destiny forever.Now the first daughter of Delassia needs his protection, his worst enemy is about to ask for his help, and the entire Planetary Union is depending on Sam to free its citizens from the tyranny of the vile, lizardlike Saurian race.Sam’s about to find he had no idea what the word ‘responsibility’ meant. SIGIL is a panorama of intergalactic fleet actions and strange, alien worlds.CrossGen’s only straight sci-fi series, Sigil is leavened with a spark of humor and romance that sets it apart from your typical space odyssey. >SIGIL V. 2:THE MARKED MAN - On the run from the Saurian Empire and Sam`s personal enemy, the Saurian Prince Tchlusarud, Sam and Roiya are heade `anywhere but here.`Tagging along is Zanniati, the runaway wife of the Sultan Ronolo of Tanipal, and JeMerik Meer, a member of the Sultan`s guard.They end up in Delassia, where they discover Zanni`s more than just a trophy wife, and Roiya discovers there's more to JeMerik than just a rouguish smile and good timing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great sci-fi action, with a mystery and a twist
A truly great read for comic book people and non-comic book people alike. This book has wonderful characters, an intriguing premise, and plenty of action and excitement.

A must have. Read the first one for a clue to the greater story! ... Read more

Book Description

There are many worlds in the universe outside of our own, connected by doors that are hidden to the eye. But if you chance upon those doors, you can be transported to a place where supple beauties reign supreme and all of your fantasies come alive. Should you pass through the doorways, be most careful, for the creatures you will meet can be as dangerous as they are beautiful. Many would die for a glimpse at those worlds Miyuki would do anything to have them go away. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Wonderful!
Alright, it's not exactly the most innocent manga, and most certainly not the most dark manga. It's still pretty good, you can get it for a good price, and it's really funny. The art is beautiful, miyuki-chan has lots of cute clothes in the manga, and all the characters are hilarious. It has alot of colored pages, which are amazazingly beautiful. Then, at the end there is a special chapter Clamp wrote for the american version, and then after that glossy, colored pages with author notes and such with picture. For any clamp fan, or someone who just wants a really good one volume manga for there collection, i really think you should get it!

Don't Buy
I used to be such a huge clamp fan. This book toatally turned me off there books. If I were a teenaged boy unable to buy porn sure I would like it but as a girl...I was EXTREAMLY offended. It was a HUGE waste of my money and a HUGE waste of my time. It is very inappropriate. I am just a teenaged girl but my opinion stands...the book story lines sucks anyway and the images and graphicness is appauling.

This is not your ordinary CLAMP manga
This is definitely not what you would expect from CLAMP. Miyuki's trip through the various worlds is nothing short of erotic. She never meets any guys, just females intent on exploring her and each other. So yes, there is a somewhat lesbian tone to all of this.

As always, the art is totally awesome, but unless you are a fan of semi-erotic stuff, I advise you to not get this book.

THIS is from the same people who did Cardcaptor Sakura?
The reason I ask is because, while Cardcaptor Sakura (even the origonal, uncut Japanese version) seemed to be more innocent, this seems to be boderline hentai. A semi-erotic spoof of Lewis Carrol's ALICE stories, this also shares a very slight theme with the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET movies. (Teenager is plauged with unwanted dreams everytime she goes to sleep.) Anyway, the story: Myuki is a sweet, innocent highschool girl who lately has been having troublesome dreams whenever she goes to sleep where she is molested by various people (ALL of whom are female, by the way). There are seven chapters, each of which are pretty short and feature it's own dream. There's Myuki-Chan In Wonderland & Through The Looking Glass, the two stories that are direct parodies of the Lewis Carrol books and which made it into the anime, then there are five more tales that spoof other things (the movie BARBARELLA, waitressing jobs, the Japanese game Mah-jong, video games and Clamp's own manga/anime X) and which never made it into the anime, so even if you've already seen the Myuki-Chan video tape or DVD, there's some new stuff here for you. Though short, it's fun to read while it lasts. Check it out.

Clamp is not perfect all the time, but most of the time.
I love Clamp but I hate this. X, Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits, and Wish are some of my all time favorite titles, but... Love them as I do I admit this. I hate Miyuki, the anime and the manga.
Blah.
No offense Clamp sorry to offend, just my opinion. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

2001: Fear & Loathing?
For a little while now, I've been a fan of both comics and the mad yarns of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, and there's usually not a time when I walk into my comic book shoppe and not talk about both. Well, one day the shop owner says, "Have you ever heard of "Transmetropolitan"?" And I am happy to say that the legend of modern day outlaws persist well into the distant future! Embedded in a rather plain cyberpunk environment, this comic follows the adventures of the journalist Spider Jerusalem as he follows the trail of truth in his weekly column, "I Hate It Here". And he does, too. What with drug-taking household appliances, talking dogs, and people that turn them selves into colonies of nanite technology because it's a fashion statement, it's no wonder Spider ran away to a nearby wilderness community five years previous. The trouble is, without the city, Spider can't write. Anybody who's ever read and enjoyed Hunter's writings will go double eye gonzo over this portrayalof an outlaw journalist in future society. Though comic book fans will deny it, sharp readers will recognize the parallels between the two, and I know Mr. Ellis will undoubtedly admit to drawing from Hunter for the inspiration for Spider. Hunter even makes a cameo in the story "Wild in the Country".

The future isn't orange, its jet black.
Oh where to start? If you've not read Transmetropolitan before, then you're probably not familiar with outlaw journalist Spider Jerusalem and his penchant for hard drug abuse. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to Hunter S. Thompson, Jerusalem has been dragged from his country retreat back into the city he hates in order to fulfill his contract with his editor "the whorehopper". He lands a job as a columnist for the (unnamed) city's biggest newspaper the Word and sets about rediscovering the city.

Lust for Life, the second book in the series sets up many of the vital elements that have greater significance as the series progresses, including one really important scene that you are guaranteed to overlook.

Unlike similarly praised graphic novels, such as the Sandman or Watchmen, the key to Transmetropolitan's success is its ultra-black humour. The book is packed with cruel one liners, wicked satire and ridiculous situations. Its concluding chapter Freeze Me With Your Kiss is at heart, a brilliant, foul-mouthed farce that has to be read to be believed. You've probably never read anything like it in your life!

To be honest, I can't do the book justice with just a review. Everyone that I've lent this book to have come banging on my door asking for the next one. And the one after that. and the one after that...

If you're easily offended then please save yourself the trouble and buy something nice and heartwarming that'll be turned into a
major motion picture starring Nicholas Cage anytime soon. Otherwise all I can say is BUY IT and see what the fuss is all about. Watch out though, you might find yourself addicted.

one half of a two sided coin
TRANSMETROPOLITAN is, at it's whollest core, future shock. it is how ellis and robertson illustrate future shock that make TRANS great. being an aspiring comics artist / writer, i make an attempt to look past the surface and steryotypes of a comic to what it is, how well the art can bring life to story, and how the writing can tip off to an artists quirks and style. TRANS sadly, shines through only writing. while the art is impressive, it does nothing more than illustrate words. simply, put, TRANS is great without the art. evry character brings their own personality to the playing board, and bounce off of one another, the only untrue reflection of this would have to be ziang, spider's assistant's lover/ boyfriend. while he play's a role in the changing of a character, his personality is mostly one sided ie he wants sex, all of it that he can get(provided it isn't with jerusalem's two headed cat). coming back to the art, the writer rarely gives robertson his own space, where there is no writing, and where the art can shine, and if he does, robertson takes little to no adavantage to it. despite it's faults, transmetropolitan is a masterpiece of the future we love to read, but hate to live in. reccommended for every one with the 5th element in the shelves.

Another brilliant set from Warren Ellis.
"I Hate it Here." Perhaps this best sums up the personality of Spider Jerusalem, renegade reporter and cynic of the first degree. Disgusted by the world around him, he leaves the city and lives as a hermit.

Years after his escape, his publisher drags him back into the city, wanting the books he was promised five years back. Needing money to live in the city, he whores himself out to The Word, a newspaper run by an old friend. These are his "adventures."

Spider is brilliant, witty, and cynical. Through his eyes, Ellis gives an outlook of a bizarre future in which Aliens have landed, corporate America manages to advertise in your dreams, and reporters can write off their drug habits as a journalistic expense.

This is the second collection of Transmetropolitan, following back on the streets. Reprinted are issues 4-12. Spider is both hostage and witness as events unfold. Fortunately, it's ammunition which he fires right back at the world.

Spider can turn anything into an article, from the consequences of cryogenic freezing and restoration to simple Television. He visits reservations from the sensible to the logical extreme, and provides political commentary (And even rearranges their bowels). He encounters death threats and tangles with religion.

Let's not beat around the bushes here. This is a comic book. Fancy words aside, it's packages exactly as Spider-Man or Batman would be. That's where the similarities end. This is not aimed at children, and probably shouldn't be read by children. There is blood, gore, nudity, and thought-provoking material

What we do have is Warren Ellis' own use of the medium--A twisted, often dark, and humorous look at a futuristic world. his portrayal is brilliant, steps ahead of almost every other writer in the field of comics.

Brilliance in such a simplistic medium. Such a refreshing and innovative series.

Wow. Wow.
I understand it is incredibly cliche to write a review proclaiming a book/movie/comic etc. is the greatest thing to ever be published in the medium. But quite frankly, it is true in this case. Warren Ellis has quite possibly created one of the greatest characters in modern fiction, Spider Jerusalem. Transmet (as the fans call it) is unbelievably original and engaging. Who woulda thunk a comic about a renegade gonzo guerilla journalist in the future would surpass every other modern comic in terms of quality? I would go into the plot but you should enter it like a virgin. If I had to describe it I would say imagine Hunter S. Thompson and the Wachowski brothers collaborating on a comic and you will get the picture. ... Read more

Book Description

The incredible journey of Alcide Nikopol in the company of Horus of Hierakonopolis, the vengeful god and Jill Bioskop, the mysterious women with blue hair, from Paris to Berlin, Cairo to equator City. A unique mix of science fiction, anxiety, humor and strangeness. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Awesome!
The Nikopol Trilogy is one of the most influential Sci-Fi graphic novels I have ever read. It is aslo pretty easily one of the best graphic novels I have read. The story is pretty random at times, and is a little crazy, but it is over all a great story. But where the book really shines is in it's artwork. Enki Bilal is one of the most amazing graphic novel artists I have ever seen. It has a look somewhere between "Dune" and "Blade Runner". I love this book, and I highly recommend it! (Note: The movie version of the book, "Immortel (ad vitam)", directed by Enki Bilal himself, is schedueled to be released in theaters in France on March 24, 2004. I really hope that we, in the US, can get our hands on it! The offical website is http://www.immortel-lefilm.com )

Something different and original
This book is the one of the most origninal works of imagination I have read. If you want to know what it is like, imagine a David Lynch project, like Twin Peaks or Dune, and something written by Alan Moore, with some Blade Runner thrown in, and you have The Nikopol Trilogy.

The translation of the book is a bit clunky at times, but the story is great. And the art is detailed, but not to the point of your eyes wandering everywhere. Bilal puts in just enough detail for you to take a closer look at his panels. The colors reflect a grimy, claustrophobic, old city feel.

If you have the money and are tired of the same old same old, get this book. You wil find yourself rereading it to make sure you got everything the first time, which you probably did not.

Excellent storytelling and visuals!
The art in this book is what made me pick it up but the story didn't disappoint. This is an excellent story for the adult reader who loves both the archaic egyptian gods and gritty tales of science fiction. ... Read more

Book Description

As an anime series, Trigun gained a multitude of fans across the otaku landscape before gaining a huge mainstream manga audience. Now, Trigun goes beyond the storyline laid out in the anime and the first two volumes of the manga into brand new territory! Our hero Vash the Stampede disappeared for two years after blasting a crater onto the moon orbiting the desert planet he saved from annihilation. But, with good and bad people alike trying to track him down he won't stay lost for long! Count on more crazy gunslinger action, new dastardly villains...and a new outfit to boot! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Vash is Back!
Although the wait was intense, it was well worth it. The book had many new and unique things about it, different from the ever popular anime. Many times it is hard to fully understand the action that is being illustrated, but in the end, you get the general idea of what has happend. The illustrations sometimes leave me wondering "This is awful", and again, some illustrations are wonderful. In the end, it really does not matter as long as the stroy gets told. And in the end, I found Trigun Maximum #1 to be a well spent $10.

Taking the wild west wackiness TO THE MAX...-IMUM
The "love-and-peace'n", irritating, moronic gunslinger is back, and nothing's going stand in his way for doing what he does best...expect for donuts and babes. (YAY!)

[1-VOL REVIEW]

Trigun Maximum isn't so much a new series, as it is a continuation of an already popular manga in the US. Yep, America loves it, and Japan wants to forget it(hey, facts are facts). From this point on, the things you knew from the anime series is completely different with this one; it parallels itself from that counterpart. I mean, come on, look at the black sides from Vash's hair in the book cover; IT'S DIFFERENT! With its new physique, expect some additions and differences onto this new adventure: new companions, new enemies, and from this manga ongoing, Nicholas D. Wolfwood doesn't die...hopefully.

The parallel thing doesn't start, yet. The first volume pretty much covers episodes 18-20 of the anime series, which is Vash leading a new life with a new identity as he lives with a young girl named Lina and her granny, but after being forced to bark like a dog in the nude by those sasafrassin' baddies and later got into a bullet blitz with Nick Wolf on his side, he realized he can't avoid what he is, so Vash the Stampede was reborn and left the caring ones behind to avoid harm. Enter the two stoogettes, Meryl and Millie, plus the conflict on the kidnapping and family vengence, and it's the whole celebro hoo-ha. There's only some key differences between this and the anime, i.e. Vash getting his new outfit during the feud chapter instead of the flying ship episode from the anime and this manga actually took place two years after the Fifth Moon instead of the five years in the anime, but other than those, I can only assume the true parallel act can happen in the second volume.

This is actually my first Trigun manga ever bought. I would like to buy the first two 300-page volumes, but I've seen the whole anime as it is, so why read the chapters originated for the ones I've already seen? That, and plus I don't want to pay five extra dollars more than the average TOKYOPOP manga for each volume(yea, I'm a cheapskate). Thankfully, Dark Horse made the TM series more accesible by making it cheaper, while keeping the same format and quality as the last two. In other words, the sound effects remains untranslated, and strangely, the honorifics are there as well. Not to be biased with the honorifics, if its there, it means that Digital Manga is doing great with the translations, but I don't recall ever seeing or reading a western medium where someone called the superior "sempai." It's just weird, that's all.

Some guy isn't kidding when he warn me about the art style of the manga, and I should've heed his words, cause that's the manga's biggest flaw. Trigun Maximum is VERY SKETCHY. I've read manga with sketchy designs before, but this is the creme de la crop. Characters are angled and not that detailed and polished, even some of their clothes are just scribbled in. And the panels within are so messy, even if they're big, I can't determined what's happening; like in one panel for example, and I was thinking, "What the-? Is someone playing paintball or are those gunshot wounds? WH-WHAT'S GOING ON?!!" That's the reaction I have with this design, and it made me lose track from fluently guiding through the whole story. Although the design does provide a positive message to future comic book artists: "Kids, you can draw as crappy as this, and you can still make a lot of money on your work."

Trigun Maximum is a great way to continue what's already a funny and stylized action series, and make it a little different by its looks. The messy art style alone prevents me from giving it a perfect grade, but it doesn't destroy what's good about this series, either. If you bought the other Trigun books, you probably have one in your hands right now, but if you haven't read the first two volumes, and have seen the entire anime series, Trigun Maximum is a perfect start to continue along this seemingly fun westerner. I Reckon'men'd this here book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you're like me, you know that all of the Star Wars stuff that keeps coming out cannot possibly measure up to the original movies. However, Classic Star Wars from Goodwin and Williamson recaptures the joy of seeing Star Wars for the first time. The book reproduces the newspaper strips published between 1981 and 1984, but instead of merely reprinting the strips, the images are arranged to be more suitable for the comic book page. The result is sometimes slow and repetitive, though that's easy to forget with the gorgeous art and fun story. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

One of the best
It's strange, but Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars line seems to be degrading in quality over time. These early Classic Star Wars graphic novels, reprinting the comic series of the same name, which in return are reprinting in revised format the Star Wars comic strips of the early 80s, are among the very best Star Wars comics available.

Although sometimes a little awkward because they were adapted from hundreds of individual 2-3 panel comic strips, the art is wonderful and all the characters and ships look right, like they do in the films. The coloring is for the most part very good, and the characters' dialogue also sounds right. These comics are action packed, but they don't go over the line into stupidity as the Marvel series tended to.

Also, these comics have a lot of the little touches...the Luke/Han/Leia bickering that would carry on into Splinter of the Mind's Eye and Empire Strikes Back, Luke reminiscing about Obi-Wan, and little stuff like that. As I've stated, but it's worth reiterating, the art is absolutely fantastic.

If you're going to buy any star wars comics, buy this one and its two sequels. They are fun entertaining classics.

One of the best
It's strange, but Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars line seems to be degrading in quality over time. These early Classic Star Wars graphic novels, reprinting the comic series of the same name, which in return are reprinting in revised format the Star Wars comic strips of the early 80s, are among the very best Star Wars comics available. Although sometimes a little awkward because they were adapted from hundreds of individual 2-3 panel comic strips, the art is wonderful and all the characters and ships look right, like they do in the films. The coloring is for the most part very good, and the characters' dialogue also sounds right. These comics are action packed, but they don't go over the line into stupidity as the Marvel series tended to.

Also, these comics have a lot of the little touches...the Luke/Han/Leia bickering that would carry on into Splinter of the Mind's Eye and Empire Str