Byrne Books

this book is very good because it covers almost every character in the marvel universe character.even if it is a little dated it still stands as a true sourse to the matvel characters.the best part about the book is that in detail it describe the background and powers. i highly recommend this book!!!!!

If you grew up in the eighties and you read Marvel Comics, then you may remember this series. This was the series to get and collect back then as you could get the skinny on all the characters and maps to all their headquarters and hidden cities. The fact that they have reprinted the original 15 issue run in one essentials edition is fantastic and you get it all here. The only reason this review isn't 5 stars is that the information is over twenty-three years old.

This book is great for general knowledge of the Marvel Universe, finding out who the characters are (in a general way...) and giving you all fifteen issues for a little over a dollar an issue. If you play role playing games based in the Marvel Universe (either TSR's original Marvel, the Saga system or the new Diceless system) than this book is a must as it not only provides an unparalleled source of information for you the buyer, but for your players in your game as well.

I have to admit, I don't like Marvel comics. Having spent a good twenty years reading comics, I'm a DC man through and through. However, I'm a sucker for the sort of books that entertains and engages a dipper - the reader who has a couple of minutes to spare and nothing more. When you don't have time to consume a chapter of your latest book or thumb through a comic, few things match up to the potential of this book. Riffle the pages and read about a classic hero or villain, alive or dead; or a few alien races; or a nice piece of super-equipment; or details of an expansive and well-equipped headquarters. Yes, it's twenty years out of date and yes, it's in black-and-white; but the dollar worth of this book when compared to the hours, days, weeks... years of pleasure I'll get out of it - it's massive value for money. The only downside for me... those snatched minutes I wanted to fill can sometimes turn into hours if I get caught up in an interesting thread of interlinked heroes... Ah well.

I bought this for my 9-year old son, and he hasn't put it down for a week. I think he will read it cover-to-cover. All black and white, with simple drawings and great descriptions. I think it will be a great inspiration for him to invent his own characters.

About the Book:
For those of you planning to buy something for a comic book fan, the "Marvel Essentials" series are black & white trade paper back (tpb) reprints of what are considered popular and/or important Marvel Comics. They are printed on lightweight paper, and are designed to bring comics that may be hard to find back to new and old comic book fans. This particular tpb reprints a series of 15 comics that were originally released in 1982, 21-years after the first Marvel comic (Fantastic Four #1). Another (more detailed) version, called the "Deluxe Handbook" was released in the mid 1980s, and will be reprinted in a series of 3 tpbs this year.

The series covers the major people, places, and things that make up the first 20-years of the "shared" Marvel Universe where Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, etc. live. The black & white reprint is designed to keep size and costs down.

Good Features:
- Easy to store (book format)
- Easy to read the text (the lettering is crisp and clear)
- Easy to find information and flip around because entries are alphabetically arranged
- Entire 15 comic run in one book
- Detailed reference information w/ first appearance of people / places / things
- Good artwork (even in black & white)

Common Complaints
- Original comics can still be found for cheap
- Color is important, and not present in this book
- Information is dated
- The more complete "Deluxe Handbook" tpb 3-book series will be released in 2006

General Thoughts:
I actually own about 11 of the original 15 comics from this series. It has taken me over 6-years to find them in cheap quarter bins at comic shows, but I know the color originals from this series are easy to find. I plan on getting rid of my originals, because I never really found myself reading the originals. I filed them away with the rest of my regular comic collection, which isn't really the point with this particular series. However, since tpbs, like the Essentials series, easily can be carried on a bus or plane, I tend to really enjoy reading them while commuting and traveling. And since this book is the ideal size for sitting on a proper bookshelf, I've found that unlike the originals, I'll pull it off the shelf when I'm curious about a comic person, place, or thing.

Do keep in might that the larger and more complete Deluxe Handbook will be released in 3 black & white volumes later in 2006. I plan on purchasing that series as well, but some people might want to wait to only keep and read that series.

The specific book is analytical with respect to the EVA model and how it is calculated. It also presents the whole procedure starting from the beta estimation, CAPM, WACC and all the necessary elements for the implementation and interpretation of EVA.

As a drawback we can say that it lacks numerical examples. It contains few examples that are very simple. I would prefer more sophisticated examples in order to implement EVA model more easily.

Best Wishes.

This book, together with 'The Quest for Value'by G. Bennett Stewart, III and 'Valuation' by the Tom Copeland, provide a solid backgound on value-based management. S. David Young and Stephen F. O'Byrne give a fair description of their book: 'This book is not a intended to be a "teaser," which tries to tell you enough to whet your appetite so if you want to know more you will have to hire us as your consultants. We aim to be as comprehensive in our treatment of the subject as possible...We try to hold nothing back.' Thank you very much indeed.

This book does NOT offer 'A practical guide to valuation' but a theoretical,oldfashioned discussion of the 'Metrics War'and some empirical research on EVA, Compensation and CFROI-Fade.

My rating has got these origins: Empirical research on Compensation,EVA and CFROI-Fade: A+. Discussion of EVA/CFROI: D-. Terminology: D value for 'Hands-on-valuation': F- Structure: F- Style: F-.

This book does contain interesting empirical research on EVA etc, but it does not offer 'A practical Guide to Implementation' because it does not contain a STAGE-Approach. Its terminology differs from any other book I've read, you must often guess, which formulas the authors used, because they did not have the courtesy to express their formulas. Some formulas are wrong nad their discussion of the 'metrics war' betweenn EVA and CFROI lags 5 years behind reality. They attack old methods of CFROI,which Boston Consulting and Holt Value published 5 (!) years ago. They fail to know, that BCG have refined CVA/CFROI and that BAYER. Lufthansa,and VEBA have implemented these refined CFROI-techniques,which are way better, than the old methods, which the book attacks.

Moreover, this book is terrible to read due to a lack of structure, the absence of clear definitions, the lack of formulas, a wordy style,which exhausts your nerves, and many value judgements....

Kudos to S. David Young and Stephen F. O'Byrne, management consultants who largely steer clear of their industry's usual empty catchphrases and superficial hype. Instead, their lucid explanation of the importance of shareholder value takes center stage. The heftiness of EVA and Value-Based Management may be daunting, but most readers will be satisfied with Part I's strategic overview. The concepts reappear in Part II accompanied by a wealth of technical details, calculations and case studies to help finance professionals with nitty-gritty implementation of EVA (Economic Value Added) programs. The book honestly assesses EVA's power to motivate managers, noting that some companies just are not well-suited for this performance metric. We from getAbstract prescribe this book to corporate executives who have overdosed on consultant jargon but still want to drive value growth in their companies, and to finance specialists who seek a comprehensive roadmap to EVA implementation.

As an author, speaker and consultant on these topics, I highly recommend this book. Not only have the authors discussed the pros and cons of a number of approaches thoughfully and concisely, they also expand the level of understanding related to the calculations in an accessible way. Their book discusses both implementation issues and the nitty gritty of the mechanics. In sum, the book takes the reader to the next level of understanding. I highly recommend this book.

Fantastic read. Amy, this is excellent for those who need to know that others go through what they go through --- and are VICTORIOUS. God is REAL!

Author Amy Hammond Hagberg wanted to help teens--her own and others--answer questions about God, including the big question: "How do you know he's real?"

Hagberg wrote to sports stars, recording artists and other celebrities, asking them to reflect on their life experiences and share how the reality of God was making a difference to them personally and professionally. The responses she received--from NBA players, Christian musicians, 'American Idol' contestants and others--are honest, revealing, and often compelling.

The resulting book is a collection of celebrity essays: mini-bios that focus on the reality of God in the midst of media attention, success and failure, and broken relationships. Contributors include Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic basketball team, quarterback David Carr of the Houston Texans, and popular Christian recording artist Clay Crosse.

Some of the interviews are especially helpful for Hagberg's original target readers: teens. Among these, Chrissy Conway of 'Zoe Girl' talks about her parents' divorce, the party scene, and the twists and turns along her personal career path in ways that connect with teens and with anyone who has ever considered attempting a career in music.

Hagberg is a gifted and skilled writer who keeps readers turning the pages as she unpacks celebrity affirmations of the presence of God in their lives. A great gift book for readers from teens through Gen X, but the stories here will interest readers of any age!

Note: Reviewer Dr. David Frisbie is an author and Executive Director of The Center for Marriage & Family Studies in Del Mar, California.

Armchair Interviews says: Anything that can help teens understand their role in living a good life is good.

This is an ideal book to give to people who have questions about becoming a Christian, and who love sports and music celebrities.

44 extreme sports and music celebrities tell their stories in this book, from Jonny Lang (recording artist), to Barlow Girl (rock group), Kimiko Soldati (Olympic diving), CJ Hobgood (surfer), Dwight Howard (NBA player, Orlando Magic), Mick Hannah (downhill mountain bike racer), Jimmie McGuire (professional motocross rider) and more.

They share hard times they faced, how they became Christians and how their paths are more joyful due to their faith. Being a Green Bay Packer fan I turned to Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila's story of growing up in South Central Los Angeles with a tough background, a Muslim dad and a Christian mom, and how his becoming a Christian led to his current happy family life and NFL career. Christian Hosoi, professional skateboarder, after serious drug problems, is now leading a skateboarding ministry.

The two page "God's Road Map" at the end of each celebrity's story contains perceptive questions and Scriptures. Sports and music lovers will enjoy this book, and it can even be a "past watchful dragons book" that will steer doubting people on a new clear path.

God Unplugged by Ammy Hagberg was very interesting. It is 403 pages long and was published in 2006 by Destiny Image. In the story top athletes, musicians, and also stars tell how god helped them get where they wanted to be and changed their lives.
In the story there were 44 celebrity reflections on true life experiences with god. Many of these celebrities have been extremely low in their lives and god has pulled them out of them. Also in some cases they have had no luck in there lives and finally achieved their goals after they gave there lives god. All of these people believe that god has either given them opportunities or even the strength to work through where they were to get to where they want to be.
I thought that this was a good book. I enjoyed reading it and seeing how god has changed all of these people's lives. The strengths of this book are that it has top named celebrities that people actually want to read about. The weakness of this book is that there is nothing to find out nest so you don't have a reason to keep reading. I did like how god actually gave them the strength to continue and succeed in life. The writing was very boring to me, but I liked the idea.
The book gave a lasting effect on me because I have a saint Christopher necklace that my grandma gave to me before she passed away and that keeps me safe when I race motorcross. So, I think that god has a great power on us. I would recommend this book, it will make you think.

Truly, this, and the book before this, are really awesome books!
** Why?
Because they give some very good insights into other peoples way to God. Not only that, if you don't know the Bible inside and out (and even if you do, actually!), there are quotations from the Bible explaining the why and hows, depending on the story of the person interviewed.
All this, with Amy Hagbergs very nice way of writing (down to earth serious mixed with a nice blend of humor) makes this book a pleasure to read!
Personally, I strongly recommend this book to everyone. It might be those who Seek, or those who have found, it doesn't matter, in my opinion! :)

Both my teenagers found this book fun and helpful. The were addicted to the puzzles. They did the puzzles while eating their breakfast cereal!Memorizing lists of vocabulary seemed like drudgery compared to using SAT Vocabulary Express.

I purchased this book last summer with the intention of using it in an SAT PREP quarter course I am now teaching. I really didn't get into using it though until this last quarter and my students begged for the puzzles! We had to take a lot of practice SAT tests as part of our curriculum and I set Fridays as "Puzzle Day". I had juniors who wanted to make sure they were never absent on Fridays!
I do think it would be difficult to take this book "all at once". If I were doing it on my own I would work on maybe a chapter a week.
Unfortunately, there were a few pop culture references in the clues that were from before their time. But not that bad at all. It's a great way to get students to think outside the box.
I will use this again this year.

my son simply did not have the time to attempt this book, too complicated to review vocab!

I am about to retake the SAT 12 years after high school, so that I can teach for Kaplan. I bought this book to help me study, after realizing that the vocabulary may be tougher than I imagined. Vocabulary Express is a great book (so far), and it makes an otherwise dry task much more interesting. I definitely recommend the book; I refrain from giving it 5 stars, however, due to a couple of faults:

1) There are some typos in the Anagram puzzles that necessitate looking up the answer in the back of the book. (Example: The word RUMBA is to be unscrambled in one puzzle, and the correct answer is URBAN. Thus, the 'M' should be an 'N'.

2) The instructions to the Word Within Word puzzles state that "each word must be at least four letters long". However, the book counted three letter words as correct and did not list (whether intentionally or unintentionally) all of the possible answers.

Despite the editing errors, I would still highly recommend this book as a great alternative to memorizing lists of vocabulary words.

What a great way for students to prepare for the SAT! Being a high school senior, I had no intentions on studying the dictionary to prepare for the SAT, and when I found this book I was relieved to know there was a fun way to study vocab. The authors of this book did a great job of providing a new, exciting way to prepare for the College Board exams. The puzzles and acrostics helped break down the words and figure out the meanings. I always feared the vocabulary on the SAT's but after reading this book (learning new words on top of learning great new methods) I have a new confidence for taking the SAT. I recommend "SAT Vocabulary Express" to anyone who plans on taking these tests in the future!

As a computer dummy I find it well written and to the point.
There are adequate explanations, links with good instructions. The ability to use the software increases rapidly.

As a person with no previous experience with AutoCAD, I needed a book that would help me to understand how to use this program quickly and effectively. So far, after reading several chapters and working with it for a couple of weeks, I have come to enjoy this book due to its simple step-by-step format and its humorous way of explaining this huge program. I have to admit. Before ever working with AutoCAD, I was a big doubter of it. I did not have a good impression of it. All I knew was that AutoCAD was a huge program that mostly dealt with 2-D drawings and that it would be too much and too confusing to learn......NOT SO!!! Thanks to this book, my impression of AutoCAD has gone from one of doubt to one of enjoyment, fun, great versatility and good user-friendly control. My hat's off to "AutoCAD 2007 for Dummies"!!!

This book will be informative for the beginner and a great reference for the intermediate. Do not buy this book if you have ever been formally trained in AutoCAD or have read any real books - just more of the SOS.

If you're just getting started with Autocad this is one of the two books I sincerely recommend. Use this one first. But at the same time get a copy of AutoCAD 2007 Bible, by Ellen Finkelstein.

Both books tell you how to get started, but 'For Dummies' gives you a lot more background and a lot more information about what's going on. 'The Bible' then takes over and with three times as many pages goes into a great deal more detail on the wealth of features that are contained in the new version of AutoCAD.

'For Dummies' is written more as a tutorial. It is of the do this and then do that variety. 'The Bible' is more of a reference book where you tend to look up what you want to do and get specific information.

You might consider that 'For Dummies' is the first few pages of 'The Bible' but expanded into a full book format. The pair make an excellent companion for each other to take the beginner as far as he wants to go.

While written with a nice amount of wit, this is a typical computer manual. As with other manuals, all it does is tell you what's in the menus and what the buttons do. Obviously that's important to know, but what everyone really wants from any computer program is for it to be useful to them in some way - they want to actually be able to do something with it. What all these manuals need are step-by-step exercises that serve as models for actual tasks that people routinely can use a particular program for. This book will be informative, but it won't give you any effectiveness in Autocad or make the program useful to you.

Before this '80s work- Byrne drew the Avengers in the late '70s, issues 181-191, with 189-191 being some of my all-time favorites. After his great work with DC's Man of Steel in the mid-'80s, he returned to Marvel's Avengers in '89, this time with this west coast team.

Highlights here for me...
*Issues 43 & 44- Hawkeye & Mockingbird reunited. And the west coast team searches for & finds the Vision. I've never seen Vision quite like this! The team is in turmoil, and the government intervenes, bringing them a special new member. Features Hawkeye, Wonderman, Hank Pym, Wasp, Tigra, Scarlet Witch & more.
*Issue 45- U.S. Agent & the new Vision. And Hawkeye quits the team?
*Issue 46- The Great Lakes Avengers. 'Nuff said!
*Issue 50- The *original* Human Torch! It's the return of a Golden Age great, and he actually joins the team.

I love Byrne's artistic vision, the Avengers in general, and especially the Avengers west coast team in the '80s. Here we get all three! This isn't usually considered his best work, but it *is* among my favorites. The clarity & consistency in his artistic vision never ceases to amaze me. In this paperback he touches on story points he previously visited in titles like Avengers & Fantastic Four. He especially, continually references the Invaders all throughout his career, and I actually appreciate these brief flashbacks.

Included in this volume:
*Issues #42 to #48 & #50- John Byrne writes & pencils; Mike Machlan inks
*Issue #49- John Byrne writes, pencils & inks

P.S. And check out this definitive career interview with Byrne: Modern Masters, Vol. 7: John Byrne. With great art & information, it's highly recommended!

This is a very good run, showcasing what makes the Avengers, the Avengers. John Byrne used to epitomize Marvel for most of us, this book made you forget which was the real Avengers book at the time. The seeds of Dissasembled begin here, we also have the creation of the GLA here. John's artwork is great as always, I cant wait for the 2nd one ( if they make on ) to come, that was where even better stories resided

great pick up

the picture is of the original issue cover, whats the trade cover look like? has anyone actually bought this and if so, is it in color or one of those hideous black and white newspaper print reprints marvel is releasing these days? i do not want to pay 17 dollars for something that looks photocopies and torn out of an old newspaper

ok he may have lost most of his skills in writing and drawing, but back then he was one of the greats of the comic world, he touched a comic and it was gold, from x-men to superman, F4 and his lesser known work on avengers west coast, nt his first time on an avengers title, but some of his best work.

the story reprints 42-50 of avengers west coast,it's a great run, and the characters are a little more oddball with the likes of tigra and others on the roster, but it's what makes it work, they are a cast of characters you can't help but love, from the rebel hawkeye to the fun tigra or the stoic vision.

The art is fantastic, byrnes art is alive, full of fun, he knows how to really make a comic seem like it's alive and moving, it's a shame his talent has went downhill, but don't let any of his recent work scare you away, in fact you can see some of his work on the cover or by searching for the issues online, checking the covers to see how well he could draw a scene.

I only hope they follow this up with a trade or two and finish byrnes run, it follows the further adventures of these characters and would go great with this trade, but never fear, you get a good complete story in this book, and if you want a fun adventure or looking for more avengers, then get this.

This story is good but incomplete. It tdeals with the first half of the Scarlet Witch's mental breakdown(issues 42-50). The premise of the graphic novel is that the Vision is missing and his team mates must find him. The story is good and the villains behind the kidnapping are unexpected.
The original 19 issue story arc (WCA 42-60) is basically Avengers Disassembled on a smaller scale. It details the different factors that drive the Scarlet Witch to become a blood thirsty anti-human villain and the person who is behind this.

Edd is a real character ... there are many instances when I found myself saying, "I would have done no different." He is 'Mr. Every Man", in that we all have dreamed of coming to Hollywood to seek our fame and fortune and he did it. In that case, you can live vicariously through his experiences and adventures. He certainly tells and very truthful and straightforward story, and in the end, he is fortunate to have survived it all. It is an easy book to read and a hard book to put down. And at the end of the day, you can decide whether a career in Hollywood is worth the trip.

This book is a great read. I could not put it down. Edd Byrnes has had a life full of fame, sex,drugs and certainly alcohol. The books mentions everyone from Elvis to John Travolta. We learn more about Edd's voracious sexual appeteite than probably many of us would even want to know.He was TV's very first teen idol. He was not the best actor of his generation, but was certainly at the right time at the right place. His bout with alcoholism was a terrible struggle and ended his chance to host the wheel of Fortune. His way with the ladies probably rivaled only Wilt Chamberlain. Edd Byrnes is almost 75 years old, but will always be the young handsome Kookie in the hearts of those of us who never missed an episode of 77 Sunset Strip on Friday nights.

Like a kleenex, Hollywood more or less tossed Edd Kookie Byrnes aside when no longer wanted. Following two or three teen-idol glory years, he was left to work the fringes, unable to give up the fast life or celebrity, hoping for another break that for even youthful has-beens seldom comes. Still and all, for a brief moment he was a center of worship and celebrity that very few ever experience. 77 Sunset Strip was a glamorous trend-setting series, the first non-western series I believe to be produced by a movie studio and certainly a welcome contrast to the blander boilerplate of the day. Kookie's character made the show. Teenagers loved him. His easy going smile and hipster lingo were infectious, turning the Sunset Strip into a kind of a Mecca for America's young people, even serving as a site for some of the Vietnam era's earliest clashes with police. Now Byrne's icon is known mainly to those of his own generation grown nostalgic about the past.

I wish I could rate the book more highly, but aside from the harrowing early years before Hollywood, Byrnes (surprisingly) doesn't reveal much about the glory years, especially his sudden disappearance from the limelight. Here the real personal story lies not in Byrnes' later bout with alcohol or courageous recovery, which truth be told is standard celebrity fare since the fast track usually drives its commuters to excess. Instead the real story lies in how Byrnes was blackballed from the studios at the height of his tv career because of contract dispute with Warner Bro's. Like James Garner of the Maverick series, Byrnes bucked his tv contract hoping to make the jump into the steadier, more lucrative world of movie making. Garner made it, Kookie didn't. There's the real story of his professional life and I wish he had shared it with us as generously as he does his bout with the bottle. There's also a cautionary tale to be told about the price of celebrity that only someone like Edd Byrnes, experiencing both meteoric rise and fall, can convey. Come on, Mr. Byrnes, you've earned the right to wax philosophical about your life in show business. Kick back and share it. Meanwhile, somewhere on the sunny side of my soul, it will always be 1959 with Kookie's carefree smile ever there to push back the shadows.

The book is a wonderful inspiration for anyone going through a difficult time. Mr. Byrnes has literally gone through hell and has come out with spirit, mind and body together. I have been an admirer of Mr. Byrnes since a little girl of ten and have followed his career through the years. I applaud his honesty and integrity in writing Kookie, No More. Mr.Byrnes' style of writing is clear and crisp. I felt as if we were old friends chatting over coffee. There were times when I smiled, times when I cried, and times when I wanted to put my arms around him and hug him; telling him to keep going -- things would work out. I'm glad they are. Thank you, Edd Byrnes, for sharing your story with us. CarolAnn Zito

Having enjoyed Edd "kookie" Byrnes in "77 Sunset Strip and again as "The Main Brain" Vince Fontaine in Grease as well as the many other parts he did you can imagine my surprise when we met almost 10 years ago. I thought I really got to know Edd until I read his book. Wow, what an eye opener it was. It took amazing courage to write this book and open his life for all to see. This book gives an open and honest look at life in the fast lane for those in the entertainment industry. The ups and downs. The good times and the bad.Edd, my hat is off to you for sharing your life with all of us,and for putting me in the book.A must read for everyone.

Seems as you get into the story, the story ends. I really wish John Byrne's run on Hulk would have lasted longer, though its a really good read especially if your either a John Byrne fan or a Hulk fan.

The John Byrne storyline was short. But it delivered!!! It basically was
the story that set up the return of "THE GRAY HULK", which would be in the next trade volume following this one. John Byrne is one of the greatest Artist/Writers of the 80's era!!! He revolutionized the Fantastic Four in the early 80's and Superman in the mid to late 80's
and worked on The Hulk for almost a year. This story is a very classic
one about the inner relationship between Bruce Banner & The Hulk. It
also shows that even if they were separated physically from one another
(through an experiment conducted by Doc Samson & Betty Ross), that
neither one can exist without the other. This book also introduces the
Hulkbusters which Bruce Banner helps to create. And of course has the long awaited wedding of Bruce Banner & Betty Ross. There is a nice homage
to some of the Hulk's greatest foes in the first issue, even though the green goliath is hallucinating thanks to some mental interference from
Bruce himself. If you are a Hulk fan like I am be sure to add this one to your collection of Hulk trades.

Byrne did what we all think impossible: made the Hulk a MUST HAVE and opened the way to the Peter David phase. Badly it was a short run, but surely one of the best periods in the Green Goliath Life

Marvel seems to on a John Byrne reproduction kick, as his ever-infamous Hulk stint has made it to TPB form. This volume collects HULK #314-319, ANNUAL #14 and MARVEL FANFARE #29. Personally, I own all these issues, but to see them in such glorified color is a treat. Finally, issue #316 is shown with a GREEN Hulk/She-Hulk rather than its over-done yellow coloring in the original issue. And they even filled in the Hulk's hair with the dark green in #317 that was missing in a couple of panels.
All nit-picking aside, the highlight of this book for me is seeing Sal Buscema's pencils in the "Visionaries" format.

It's the incredible Hulk, Man of Steel-style! In '85 & '86, right before his excellent reenvisioning of DC's Superman, John Byrne did a nearly similar thing with everyone's favorite jade giant. His 6+1 issues on the title stand today as one of the best-ever introductions to the Hulk as a character. And now this 1st printing '08 paperback features bright, newly reconstructed colors.

Highlights here for me...
*Issue 314- Doc Samson & classic enemies! Features Juggernaut, Modok, Rhino, Abomination, and the Leader.
*Issue 315- Hulk & Banner separated. And SHIELD takes a new interest.
*Issue 316- Best single issue ever! Features She-Hulk & the Bi-Coastal Avengers: Iron Man, Wonderman, Hercules & Sub-Mariner. I absolutely love the over-the-top, in-your-face, hero-speak of these characters as they try to bring in the Hulk. An entire New Mexico town is destroyed while news stations cover it, and Bruce Banner fights for life!
*Issue 317- The new Hulkbusters. Doc Samson vs. Hulk. And Bruce proposes to Betty. Issues 316 & 317 are some of my favorite comics of all time.
*Issue 318- Baptism of Fire! Doc Samson & Hulkbusters clash as they try to rein in the Hulk.
*Issue 319- The wedding of Bruce & Betty. I've never seen a wedding quite like this.
*Marvel Fanfare 29- Hulk, Hammer & Anvil, and Scourge. The only issue here with original colors completely intact; no reconstruction necessary.

There are at least 3 reasons I recommend people get this: it's one of the best introductions to the character ever created; it has historical significance with the wedding of Betty & Bruce; and it's an easy way to get Byrne's entire '80s Hulk run in one shot. I usually call this Byrne's 6+1 issue run because Incredible Hulk 320 was supposed to be what we now call Marvel Fanfare 29. As I understand it, Byrne did issue 320 in all splash pages and someone amongst the "powers-that-be" decided they didn't appreciate that approach, so Byrne quit the book and Marvel released this issue in Marvel Fanfare with beautiful, pristine colors by Andy Yanchus. Byrne also wrote a Hulk annual, illustrated by Sal Buscema, with Byrne's contribution to its art being limited to that cover. In my opinion this might be a better, more consistent looking paperback stylistically without Hulk annual 14, but it's logically included for the sake of completion. And I have mixed feelings about the bright, new colors in this paperback- they may be a bit too intense. I definitely recommend people get the original issues 314 to 319, so it'll be perfectly clear just how dramatically the colors have been played with. Also included here: the first & last Hulk Conference! It's a great, albeit poorly reproduced here, single page, photo comic from issue 316. All in all, this trade paperback is highly recommended!

**As for Byrne's Bi-Coastal Avengers, see also Avengers West Coast Visionaries - John Byrne, Vol. 1: Vision Quest (Prelude to Avengers Disassembled), and Avengers West Coast Visionaries - John Byrne, Vol. 2: Darker than Scarlet (Prelude to House of M), both among my favorites.

I'm a New Yorker and I love this book! Like New Yorkers, Houstonians know their food and their food lovers! I couldn't wait to get my copy and it did not disappoint! "The Ultimate Food Lover's Guide to Houston" takes you to the vibrant underbelly of Houston cuisine. It's ethnically diverse, edgy and, most of all, useful. Teresa Byrne-Dodge and her team from "My Table" magazine have done it again--this book is just what I'd expect from a globally recognized family of food writers, publishers and editors. It's a must have in a foodie's paradise. Raise your fork and your credit card and order this book now!

After reviewing this guidebook, I decided to purchase 2 copies--one for the office and one for the house. At home, we use it to help search for a variety of restaurants and at the office, we use it to choose where we will spend our lunch and happy hours. Frank and opinionated, The Ultimate Food Lover's Guide to Houston is a definite must for those wanting to get out of their restaurant and bar rut. Plus, it has reviews on grocers, bakeries and info on food festivals and cooking classes. An true all-around food publication!

Much more than a guidebook to area restaurants, "The Ultimate Food Lover's Guide to Houston" is just that, a guide to all the interesting and important spots that a food lover should be aware of in one of the country's best food cities. There are descriptions of the best wine bars, farmers' markets, pubs, ethnic grocers, butchers, cooking classes, and much more, in addition to brief profiles of restaurants of every stripe and price range that you ought to know about if you like to dine out. Editor Teresa Byrne-Dodge, along with her team of writers, brings a great understanding and balance concerning all things food-related about the city of Houston that might be missing elsewhere, and which makes for very useful and accurate copy. She reported on restaurants for the "Houston Post", created the successful "My Table" magazine (where I often contribute), and was the long-time editor for the Houston portion of the Zagat Survey; she knows the expansive food and dining landscape better than anyone, which gives this small volume additional heft. Not incidentally, it makes for a fitting complement to my "Houston Dining on the Cheap", and a great resource for anyone who enjoys food in Houston.

I love this book!! Since I moved to Houston I've been amazed at how great the food scene here is. But it's always been a challenge to know where to go because there are so many places with such a variety of restaurants, especially when I have friends visiting from out of town. Now I have one copy in my car and one at home and use it all the time. I am even reading the book when I'm not looking for a restaurant. There are so many places to go which I haven't even tried yet, and the comments are pretty accurate without being too bitchy. I never knew about the farmers markets until I read about them here. Great information for anyone who is into good food. This is a hefty book and a lot of fun too. I recommend it to anyone into the Houston food scene.

My copy arrived yesterday, and being a big fan of My-Table magazine, I was expecting a superior product. The book is not organized in a logical fashion, nor does it rate the restaurants, or indicate the cost of a meal.
As a restaurant guide it's not very useful at all.

Being a comic book fan of the 70's, I had fond memories of the short lived run of The Champions (all 17 issues of them). Naturally I was happy and a bit surprised when I saw Marvel was giving them the royal treatment with two TPB releases.

Then for the first time in 20 years, I read them...haha...oh what a grand time. There has probably never been a mish-mashed team in comic book history like the 5 core members of The Champions. We have X-men cast-offs Angel (far too grouchy and always riding Ghost Rider up and down the wall) and Ice-Man teaming up with solo artists Black Widow and Ghost Rider. Mix them all up and add in the Lion of Olympus Hercules (with the best bad dialogue in comic history) and we have some form of supergroup that ends up fighting pure D-list villains.

With that kind of review you'd probably think I didn't like my visit with The Champions. But, you'd be wrong. The reading is fun, kept me smiling, and harkens back to a simple time when comics didn't need to be dark and grim but could simply be about people in bright spandex costumes fighting each other while spouting off odd comments.

If you're a superhero fan I say read and enjoy! CHAMPIONS CHARGE!

Who are the Champions? If you were reading Marvel comics in the 70's, you know the answer to this question, but for the uninformed, here's a history lesson. The Champions were a mish-mash super hero team that consisted of Hercules, Ghost Rider, Black Widow, Iceman, and Angel; and for a change of pace in the Marvel universe, were based on the West coast as opposed to the usual Marvel setting of New York. Though the title ultimately failed, The Champions solidified a place in the Marvel universe just by the fact of bringing these oddly matched characters together, and thankfully, the stories themselves actually weren't half bad either. In the first 11 issues of the series collected here, The Champions take on Stilt-Man, Titanium Man, Crimson Dynamo, and Rampage; and there's even appearances from Hawkeye and Black Goliath. There's a nice set of talent behind the scenes as well, including Tony Isabella, Don Heck, Bill Mantlo, Bob Hall, and the great John Byrne to boot. All in all, this first volume of The Champions is worth picking up for nostalgia's sake alone, and even though all the characters featured here were utilized better before and after The Champions came to an end, the series has nevertheless solidified a small part of Marvel history.

...and a side of cheese!

Y'know if I was going to team Ghost Rider up with someone, it would be Angel and Iceman, two of the most inconsequential X-men and Hercules and Black Widow--both bad copies of better heroes.

For some reason, I laughed through my whole reading of this book.

They say you can't judge a book by its cover... sometimes that can even be true about the book's first page. If I were to have judged the CHAMPIONS CLASSIC VOLUME 1 trade paperback solely by the first page of the first issue, I'd have put it back on the shelf. Thankfully, my curiosity got the better of me, resulting in my enjoying yet another gem in this age of quirky Marvel reprints.

This trade paperback collects issues #1- 11 of the ill-fated 1975 series that is often referred to in jest, if at all. Just look at that crazy team roster: Hercules, the Angel, Iceman, Black Widow, and Ghost Rider... what could possibly bring these characters together? Well, the answer is more interesting than you may think - in fact, their origin, which takes up the first 3 issues of this series, is pretty good storytelling. In short, all of our heroes are present at UCLA campus for various reasons, at the same time that harpies, Amazons, and Cerberus raid the campus searching for the golden age Marvel heroine Venus. Following this, Pluto, Ares, and Hippolyta arrive with an offer that Hercules and Venus can't refuse... but refuse they do, with help from the other heroes. After another adventure featuring mental hospital patients used as unwilling test subjects to recreate the super-soldier serum, the Angel (aka Warren Worthington III) realizes that, instead of attending UCLA, he'd rather form a team that will "champion" the ordinary man. As for Hercules, Black Widow, and Ghost Rider's reasons for joining - that's not so clear, but thank goodness they did or this'd be one boring team. Now bankrolled by Worthington's inheritance, the Champions encounter Hawkeye, the Two-Gun Kid, and Black Goliath, while finding time to battle Rampage, the Titanium Man, Crimson Dynamo, the Griffin, Darkstar, and even Stilt-Man. Maybe this isn't the most stellar list of villains, but it's certainly a nice break from more established characters that are seen everywhere else.

The stories are by a handful of writers, including Tony Isabella, Bill Mantlo, and Chris Claremont, who work effectively enough to keep the book on track. Early pencils were handled off and on by Don Heck, who was never the most stellar of Marvel's artists. Sure, he was dependable, but dependable and good are two different things; in fact, my earlier reference to the "first page" concerns Heck's work - sketchy, flat, and mundane, and normally not something that would encourage me to go any further into the book. If it's the first page of the first issue, do something with it! The arrival of George Tuska raises the artistic bar considerably - his mid-transformation Ghost Rider is especially creepy, and he perfectly depicts the rage of Hercules. Bob Hall pencils a couple of stories, and John Byrne shows up for his run with issue #11, which is unfortunately the end of the book; however, you shouldn't despair, because there's a CHAMPIONS CLASSIC VOLUME 2 on the way which will collect the remaining issues and showcase more of Byrne's work. Marvel's reprinting of this doomed series surprised me initially, but by the time I finished the book, I saw the appeal. So let's all raise a glass to the Champions... we hardly knew ya!