Oops

Sorry to anyone who read the rough draft of this week's comics wrap-up about 4 days early - I accidentally hit publish instead of save!

That'll teach me to multi-task with only one cup of coffee in me.

I've taken it down now - it'll be back up (and finished,) on Thursday.

A Small Tribute

One of my favourite Bowie songs - and one that doesn't get played anywhere near enough. 'Within You' from the beautiful film, Labyrinth.

Review! - Death, Disability, and the Superhero by Jose Alaniz

Title: Death, Disability, and the Superhero: The Silver Age and Beyond

Author: Jose Alaniz

Genre: Non-fiction

Amazon: UK - USA

A few starting notes:

I received a free digital review copy of this book via NetGalley. NetGalley provides review copies from publishers in exchange for fair and honest reviews.

 

As you will all be aware by now, I'm a total nerd. So a study of the representation of death and disability in superhero comics? Bring it on.

Premise:

An academic study of the representation of the disabled, and the concept of death, in superhero comics.

Best bits:

I loved the exploration of ideas here - comics and graphic novels are a part of our culture, and so are just as worthy of study as film or literature. I was really interested by the various points raised, and the interpretation of various representations.

I was a little worried that this would go over my head - so was pleased that it turned out to be much more readable than I had feared. Unfortunately, many may still find it a difficult read.

 

Where the author is clearly engaged, the writing flows well and with little concern for being 'worthy,' or academic. These parts were, to me, by far the most enjoyable - the parts where there was pure exploration, rather than the weight of expectation.

Not so great bits:

The need to be considered intelligent and academic sometimes leads to over-analysing and a more stilted tone. As mentioned, this is going to make it a difficult read for some people.

 

Some of the points I felt could do with more moderation and balance: I know that Professor X doesn't need to be knocked out of his wheelchair so often, but at the same time I would've liked an acknowledgement that at some point, a villain is likely to do this.

 

Villains aren't known for their manners or political correctness, and are likely to take advantage of Prof X's paralysis. It's the over-use of this occurrence which should've been more clearly highlighted.

 

Also, where was Hawkeye? Brief mentions. That's all. Yet, to me, his deafness is a huge point when discussing disability in comics. Not least because the movies write his disability out entirely.

Verdict:

An interesting study of the depictions of death and disability in superhero comics. Not for people who want a light read, this is nevertheless worth reading if you want something thought-provoking and a bit more intellectually stimulating.

Buy Now UK – Buy Now USA – Goodreads

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Reviewing the Evidence - Ban this Filth!

Welcome Back to Nerd Church

Welcome my dear friends to the first Nerd Church of 2016.

What is Nerd Church?

Well, you know, some of us aren't that religious in an organised sense. (Most of us, I'm guessing, if you want to be honest.)

But there are a lot of nerds out that who follow their various fandoms and interests with a devotion that borders on worship. And I think that moral stuff and philosophiphising (one thing you should know about me, I don't use the word 'philosophising,' or anything related to 'philosophy,' correctly - it's like a sad, dorky, tick,) can come from anywhere.

So, I came up with Nerd Church. A place in cyber-space where nerds and non-nerds alike can celebrate making the world a better place and trying to make our way through life in (more-or-less) one piece.

Basically, on a Sunday, I talk about moral examples from fiction and related nerd outlets, guides to life, and philisophophising.

And sometimes I just have an out-right rant about something that's bugging me, because it's my blog people. Deal with it. :)

Feel free to drop in and worship at the altar of nerdyness every Sunday - and/or continue the Nerd Church vibe on your own blogs (I just ask that you link back to me - please and thank you!)


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My TBR List is Trying To Kill Me

I think my TBR list is trying to kill me. It just keeps growing. And growing.

It's like Hydra - cut off one head and two more take its place!

I blame Goodreads - all those recommendations! I want to read all the books goddamn it!

And then, like the intelligent woman that I am, I read things that aren't on the list. A lot. And then add more to the list. And then some more. And then... yup, more.

Argh!

Happy reading! ;)


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Success! Goodreads Challenge complete
2016 Bookish Resolutions

Friday Fics Fix! - A Little Bit Of Loki

I think I'm still too full of Christmas food for my inner fangirl to be up to reading much fanfiction.

Plus, I really struggled to find anything to feature which wasn't... well, hugely sexually specific... even for fanfiction.

So, I just have a little character-study one-shot to recommend to you:

The Hidden and Hurting Heart by Earial13

This is an angst-y and short fic with a lot of Loki feels (emotions, to the non-fandom-fluent.)

Yes, I know most of the fics I feature include Loki... or FrostIron... but, y'know, I like what I like ;)


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Graphic Novels

Wolverine: Enemy of the State (UK - US) collects Wolverine: Enemy of the State Vol 1 and 2 (I know, just accept it.) Spearheaded by the fabulous Mark Millar, this tells the story of a Wolverine brainwashed by Hydra and sent out as a weapon against SHIELD and the other superheroes.

It's pretty great, in all honesty; sharp, modern lines, mixed with the odd bit of graphic violence, every bad-guy agency you can think of (Hydra, The Hand, AIM...) and cameos from an array of the Marvel Universe's best and brightest, (Captain America, The Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and a major role for Elektra - it's worth it just to see her wearing a SHIELD baseball cap.)

The book covers Wolverine (2003 run) #20-32. It's Wolverine #32: Prisoner Number Zero (UK - US,) completely standalone and nothing to do with the story arc, that stands out.

Put simply, Wolverine #32 (UK - US) is a work of art. A holocaust ghost story, told largely in silhouette, Logan never utters a word. It's stunning - a true masterpiece.

Single Issues


This week I also dived into Wolverine: The End #3 (UK - US) and #5 (UK - US) - why no #4? Because I bought them at a used comic stall, and they didn't have #4. That's why.

These feature what is commonly known in the Marvel world as Old Man Logan. Yes folks, these are set in the future, where Wolverine's famous side-burns are a fetching shade of pure white.

Due to the now pretty complicated time-lines in the Marvel Universe, I advise you (as with pretty much all comics) to just accept things and not try too hard to figure out what's going on. You'll actually understand more if you're not trying to; I know how that sounds, but trust me.

Of, the two issues, #3 (UK - US) was, in my opinion, the better. The artwork in both is stunning, but the flow of #3 was just more... impressive somehow. And there are fight sequences in there that play out like a beautiful dance - I know this is a cliché, but they took my breath away.

Other Stuff

Unfortunately, I was reminded this week that not all fans of comics and graphic novels are supportive of others - particularly if those others happen to be women.

Narrow-minded people really irritate me. But I hope I conducted myself well in my response.


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