Titan Books

Through the eyes and thoughts of an American soldier, For a Time We Were Titans allows you to experience the human emotions, annoyances and gratification felt by those who put their lives on the line for their country - true heroes. This book is well written and fast moving. The only disappointment is that it ends.

Tom "tells it like it was". The men of the LRRP/LRP teams were a tight knit band that had both good times and bad. He takes you from the suspense of a contact to the loss of team-mates and friends. No bull here. No glory hounds or make believe either. All in all, well written and gives you a feel for our men in this special unit. Once a LRRP, always a LRRP.

This beautifully bound masterpiece not only offers fans of Greek mythology an excellent source for information on thousands of figures, major and minor, it also ties information together by showing the genealogical connections between different members of greek myths.
This book is an integral part of the library of anyone interested in Greek mythology, at any level. For an expert, it provides detailed genealogical charts. For those just starting out in their study of Greek mythology, it is an indespensible resource that helps everything make sense. Five stars

The New York Times recently ran a glowing front page story on this work, with almost a page more inside. Having received my copy, it is easy to see why. The book is beautifully produced. A sturdy orange and black hardcover protects 263 pages, each 16 inches long by 10 and a half inches high. This is a big book. The work was begun in 1964 by Harold Newman, an well-known and highly regarded attorney in Connecticut who died in 1993 at the age of 93. His son, Jon O. Newman, then took the book up and finished in it 2002. Jon Newman is one of the greatest jurists of our times, serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. His reputation for brilliance and attention to detail are legendary, and are well-reflected in this work. Given that Judge Newman's father hand-lettered the copious charts on large cardboard sheets, the statement in the Preface that "appropriately for a work of genealogy, this has been a father-son project" hits the mark.
But why would a busy, towering figure in law complete a genealogical chart on Greek mythological figures? One answer is that it was a great mitzvah for a son to complete a work his father spent almost 30 years on. A second answer is tradition; in circles of Jewish learning (a circle which certainly includes Judge Newman), there is a Hebrew saying "Lomdei Toratecha Lishmah," loosely translated as "the study of Torah for Torah's sake." One learns because it is one's obligation to. The subject of study may vary, but the obligation is always there. "A Genealogical Chart of Greek Mythology" is an exemplary work of Lomdei Toratecha Lishmah. Only a love of learning could lead to a work so thorough and beautifully presented. But there is a third reason, and one that should commend others to purchase the book. It is a really useful book, for serious and amateur students of Greek mythology, and for crossword puzzle fanatics, such as my wife. One need never miss a question about Greek mythology again.
In an age when books have become a corporate commodity, "A Genealogical Chart of Greek Mythology" reminds of what it was once like, when great scholars labored for love and we the public could soak in that both the love and the learning they poured into their books. It was a mitzvah for Judge Newman to complete the work and it is a mitzvah for the rest of us to buy it support future projects (and five stars for the University of North Carolina Press for undertaking and publishing it): besides, you'll have a great time with it.
William Patry

There are excellent photos from the movies, especially of Pinhead. There isn't a lot of text so if you're buying it for that reason, you'll be disappointed. There is a good write up in the last chapter about the characters and how the story evolved. I highly recommend this to Hellraiser fans. By the way, the author's name is Clive, not Clyde.

A magazine-sized trade paperback, the Hellraiser Chronicles is packed with tons of quality pictures from the first 3 films. Want to examine the difference between the Chatterer and the Chatterer II? It's all here in gory detail. The book also contains a lengthy introduction by Clive Barker and an article on special F/X in the Hellraiser movies by Stephen Jones. Any fan of the series will love this book.

See, this is why I love comic books. Superheroes as rendered in grandiose storytelling and fantastic art. JSA: PRINCES OF DARKNESS (Book 7) collects issues #46-55 of the JSA monthly series and, in the Princes of Darkness arc, this TPB showcases one hell of an epic adventure, one which pushes our heroes to the very brink. Hollywood screen writer David S. Goyer (the BLADE films) and indispensable continuity troubleshooter Geoff Johns keep on chugging along with their very good storytelling. In preparation for the series's 50th issue, they've come up with a doozy of a plot. The Justice Society of America is the supergroup which started it all and the team which is venerated even by the Justice League. PRINCES OF DARKNESS shows why.

Plot SPOILERS now.

"No one is strong enough to stop us. We are going to be gods." So proclaims Eclipso, after having just tattooed Dr. Mid-Nite and Dove to the floor. And, going by the JSA's most formidable alliance of foes yet, it's hard to gainsay Eclipso's statement. Three magical, villainous superheavies - Obsidian, Eclipso, and Mordru - have teamed up in a bid for that same-old, same-old, global dominion. They've wrested the moon from its orbit, causing a permanent eclipse on earth and wreaking untold devastation to the planet.

The JSA, even with the help of their reserves and other superhero groups, are hard pressed to hold the fort against the all-out assaults of Obsidian's shadow soldiers and Eclipso's possessed hordes. Even the terrorist Kobra, believing that the end of the world is nigh, has sent out his minions. As far as situations go, for the good guys, it doesn't get much more sucky than this.

Pivotal subplots surface as the JSA frantically scurry about, seeking resolutions. Captain Marvel and the Star-Spangled Kid are sucked into the Shadowlands, where they try to find the dying Sentinel. This is my favorite segment, specifically because of Billy and Courtney's interactions. Hector Hall, the current Dr. Fate and still tortured over the loss of his wife, goes thru a metaphysical journey and meets unexpected old friends and acquaintances. Dr. Mid-Nite and Mr. Terrific operate on a bleeding Jakeem Thunder, whose vocal cords were severely damaged by Mordru. And Power Girl, Hawkgirl, and Dove are transported to the Gemworld on a key mission. Amazingly, despite the plot clutter, everything ties cohesively. Somehow, the good guys come out on top. But not without a heavy loss.

To round out this volume, issues #52-53 guest stars the new Crimson Avenger, whose mystical guns are now targeting Wildcat for his past sin committed. Issue #54 is lighthearted and fun as it tells of yet another traditional crossover between the JSA and the JLA. This time the occasion is Thanksgiving, and most everyone is in a festive mood, except for Dr. Mid-Nite (for personal reasons) and Batman. Based on past JLA/JSA get togethers, Batman is positive that some kind of disaster will crop up. Mr. Terrific advices him to "try and think optimistically." But that doesn't really sound like Bats. The culminating issue (#55) is a touching Christmas tale featuring the return of the original Red Tornado to the fold (sort of).

Teaser: Also, throughout these pages, Black Adam goes about his recruitment of superpowered folks. Wanna know why? Check out the next JSA volume JSA: Black Reign (Book 8).

Plot SPOILERS end.

I used to devour all the All-Star Squadron, Infinity, Inc., and Young All-Stars stories back in the day, so this JSA title is absolutely right up my alley. The JSA is the granddaddy of 'em all, and, to me, is just as much a family team as the Fantastic Four or Marv Wolfman's Teen Titans. The JSA's most resonant theme centers on the generational gap and how the the older, more savvy heroes try to pass on their wisdom to the new blood. In return, the younger capes strive to honor and emulate their predecessors. If you're an avid old school comic book buff like me or someone channeling, say, Roy Thomas, then this title's gotta be sheer heaven. Again, Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer manage to tell an intricately-detailed story, complete with all the sensibilities that best define the JSA, and they somehow still have it all make sense. Now it's true, it's best if you have some knowledge of these characters before you crack open this volume. There's a lot going on, and newbies might become a bit confused, what with all the massive subtext and personal histories floating around here. But, let's face it, the JSA, being a group title, always did spread out the spotlight. It stars a cast of many, whose pasts go back quite a ways. It's a good thing then that this volume inserts mini-bios for all parties involved.

Now, it's a no-duh that the comic book is overwhelmingly a visual medium. The story then, no matter how compelling, loses much of its power if the illustrators don't pull their weight. Thankfully, Sal Velluto (in his one issue) and Leonard Kirk's artwork prove to be dynamic stuff. There is some very good pencils and inks found in the 5-part Princes of Darkness saga and the coda. On the other hand, Don Kramer's weak illustrations don't do it for me and, in my opinion, don't do justice to the two part Crimson Avenger story, as well as the JLA/JSA crossover issue. You win some, you lose some.

PRINCES OF DARKNESS has got it: A saga with staggering stakes, cataclysmic events, explosive tussles, guest stars galore, monumental mega-villains, and a huge cast of undeterred superheroes. What's more, Johns and Goyer invest their characters with real emotions and relationships, so, yes, there's an added layer of depth there. As ever, for me, the standout in these JSA chronicles, is Jay Garrick, who is my favorite speedster. As old-school crimefighter and as mentor, I count him the best.

Here are 256 pages of the good stuff. Read them.

johns, can he ever do wrong? here we have so many characters, enemies, and yet he juggles it along with goyer like it was nothign at all, each character stands out, you get caught up in their struggles.

the story is this, in JSA 45-51 you get the darkness story, the terrorist cobra is on trial but a breakout happens, his people are on the move, the methods needed to stop him spktis up the team, just then the son of green lantern alan scott shows up, he has went insane, and teamed with the evil wizard mordru, they cast the world into darkness, this allows eclipso free run, they are now the prince's of darkness, a battle with be waged, father against son, team mate against team mate, chaos against order.

johns tells that very well, but we get more issues 52,53 tell the story of the new crimson avenger, a woman who has guns who control her, those with sins must die, and the JSA wildcat is the next victim, what can one ever do to find forgivness? how far is too far? johns explores all of this and really makes you wish you could see more of this new crimson avenger.

54 is a holiday special, in the first we see a nice low key issue the JLA and JSA meeting for thanksgiving dinner, see hawkman and green arrow fight over a turkey leg, see batman almost go nuts due to lack of action, it's all heartwarming, fun and funny.

then 55 is a christmas special, a very special one, the old guys go see a long forgotten member, it's a tale of christmas cheer and what a real hero is, what a real hero does to save those they care about.

if you like this then picks up the rest, they are all as good
JSA : Returns (mini series)
JSA: All-Stars (a mini series)
JSA vol 1: justice be done
JSA vol 2: darkness falls
JSA vol 3: Hawkman returns
JSA vol 4: Fair Play
JSA vol 5: Stealing thunder
JSA vol 6: Savage time

Wagner. Bolland. Dredd. What else needs to be said about the legendary first appearance of Judge Death and the other Dark Judges in British comic anthology 2000AD? Absolutely nothing. Oh, except BUY THIS NOW!

This happens to be a landmark entry in the Judge Dredd series, often reprinted as a newsagent quick money spinning comic; even here in the "2000AD Hardcover Collector's Editions", half of this black and white graphic novel is dedicated to the late seventies early eighties character of Judge Dredd, known best for his role in "2000 AD" graphic comic series, the biggest selling science-fiction comic in the UK, even though the concept is wholly American (John Wagner built Judge Dredd as an anti-commie future cop) brought to British readers a new character that is the longest surviving individual of the 2000 AD series, no one will even mention the movie of the same name (Dredd took off his helmet, duh!) in a room with fans because YOU WILL BE JUDGED!, here is Mega-City One, we get some of the best Judge Death stories, the classic JUDGE DREDD VS. JUDGE DEATH, including the three other death judges in the second story, this hardback cover collector's book is very large 11" x 9.4", but sadly Judge Death only takes up 50 pages, so the remaining 50 pages are filler 2000 AD comic strips with only Judge Dredd, but we do get more of Brian Bolland's artwork there and stories from John Howard but sadly there is no more Judge Death or John Wagner, but the point is that the original Judge Death series that boosted the character's appeal is right here. You can, by-all-means, probably pick up an actual comic of just the original Judge Death series, for a fraction of the price, but the hardback nature (and it is a lovely hardback) of this book means that this time your Judge Dredd vs Judge Death will keep.

There is a color update of Judge Dredd vs. Judge Death but that is not this collector's version (the original) and instead you should be aiming for Judge Dredd: Necropolis Book One and Book Two (a two part series) or other recent color offerings, but then you are really going about looking for variations of the original theme that you get here, by all means do, but this is the original. On the basis of this book I probably would be weary about launching into getting the Collector's Series, unless I liked whatever 2000AD story and character is covered (I will be moving onto Judge Dredd: The Cursed Earth - 2000 AD Collector's Edition next), as they are old graphic novels (1980) and missing modern artwork and elements, none-the-less, the original Dredd vs. Death is right here the way I picked it up and later it fed the dog somehow... anyway this time I get to keep it.

If you've never read anything by Alan Moore, this may just seem like a vulgar comic book to you. However, Alan Moore's goal was simply to retell the stories of classic writer's (with their intrinsic social commentary) in a modern medium.

In the 1960s I loved the "Classics Illustrated" series of comics. The stories were based, as the title implies, on classic novels. Perhaps my favorite was "Master of the World," based on the novel of the same name by Jules Verne. The science fiction theme and the characters created a wonderful world that appeared as though it could be real, rather than the complete fantasy of Superman or Marvel's venerable lineup of mutants and superheroes.

"The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" is reminiscent of those great Classics Illustrated comics, but with a much more adult edge. Early in the book we find Alan Quatermain addicted to opium and apparently well down the road to an oblivious death. We soon find Hawley Griffin, the "Invisible Man," creating multiple pregnancies attributed to either demons or saints. Clearly this story is far different from the comics I read as a youth. But what a story this is. While told with a distinctly adult edge, the story is an epic tale of some of the best literary characters of the Victorian era fighting against a villain intent on (what else?) conquering the world.

In the course of the travails of the dubiously phrased good guys a number of deaths occur, and the significantly less than pure predilections of our heroes form a dark base to a story that is nominally of good versus evil, but turns out to be more of evil versus not-as-evil.

The real marvel of the story is the style in which it was written. I have read many of the classics that form a basis for this graphic novel, and the style herein emulates that style in a disconcertingly exceptional way. There were points where I wondered how Alan Moore was able to capture the style of 100 years ago in a newly created novel. If there were gross inconsistencies with that style, I was unable to find them. Those unfamiliar with classic literature may find the style a bit difficult to read, but once you get into it you find that it challenges your mental abilities and makes you think about events and writing in a different way.

There have been few graphic novels for which I would provide more than a mild recommendation to another reader. In the case of this novel, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys graphic novels and classic literature, particularly adventure classics. If you enjoyed the "Classics Illustrated" series of books that date quite far into the past, you will find some similarities. However, be warned that this is clearly an adult story.

Enjoy!

The introductory comments by Peter O'Donnell are worth the price alone. The story lines, dialogue and illustrations are superb.

Titan Books continues its series publication of every Modesty Blaise comic strip, in order. Each book contains an intro by the author, Peter O'Donnell, and every strip sequence another short description by Mr. O'Donnell. These comics are very well written and illustrated; they keep your attention from beginning to end and have thrilling espionage/murder/mystery/high adventure stories. This is the original Modesty, the character around whom the 13 novels were written and 2 movies made. The Puppet Master contains stories 22-The Stone Age Caper (strip # 2508-2627), 23-The Puppet Master (strip # 2628-2738) and 24-With Love from Rufus (strip # 2739-2846).

This compilation of Mosdesty strips is highly entertaining, and for Modesty fans, the interviews and Introductions by Peter O'Donnell are worth the price alone. Great fun and proof that comics are not just for kids.

This book reproduces the daily Modesty Blaise comic strips that cover three story lines. First, a high goverment official is kidnapped in a way that makes his disappearance look like defection. The next, The Viking, pits Blaise and her partner Willy Garvin against a modern-day raider and pirate. In the last story, Blaise and Garvin track murder and secrets with military potential to a school for - well, find out for yourself.

Blaise is a Jane Bond kid of spy character, living comfortably on in retirement from a shady past. As a free-lance, she and Garvin can go places and do things that legal agents can't. She's also deeply loyal to her friends, a fact that drives the plots of the first two stories. Not just interesting (if comic-ish) stories, these B&W comics are also records of their times. Blaise, of course, is a beautiful woman, built to a `60s view of beauty that has since passed out of fashion. Blaise is also the spiritual mother of later spy-babe characters, down to the current day.

In themselves or as records of their time, they're good illustrated stories. Enjoy!

//wiredweird

As a native Norwegian female reader in my twenties, I've followed Lise Myhre's Nemi for several years. Nemi is always funny to read, and some of the strips are hilarious! Although Nemi is best read in Norwegian, it's funny to read in English as well. Some of the points may be lost in translation, but that shouldn't stop you from discovering this interesting comic strip.
Recommended for women that are 18 or older.

I am in love with Nemi. I wish this would be picked up by comic strip agencies over here. It's hilarious, fun, silly...I couldn't stop telling everyone about it for weeks. I dreamed about hanging out with Nemi! I want a drawing from the artist! I plan on sharing this with a number of friends - I'll buy them their own copies. Don't want their #*&%&R% fingers on mine!

I collected the titans while growing up and I think this is the best era they've had. the group falls apart after the runaways storline however. It was still a good book but it lost the drive it had after the stories got longer than three issues.

This here's the 2nd collection of the 80s New Teen Titans by Perez and Wolfman. It mostly improves upon the success of the first volume. The art by George Perez seems more George Perez like; but the stories are hit and miss. The best part of this collection is something of an epilogue to the Doom Patrol story line that killed off half of the Doom Patrol. I'm giving this book five stars just for that great story. There's another storyline which has Wonder Girl abducted by the Titans of myth, which is not quite as compelling.