Archive for November, 2004

Whiteout

Sunday, November 28th, 2004

This graphic novel collects the four-issue mini-series published by Oni Press. The story is by Greg Rucka, illustrated by Steve Lieber with additional artwork by Frank Miller, Matt Wagner, Mike Mignola, and Dave Gibbons. Rucka’s tale about a U.S. Marshall serving in Antarctica and investigating multiple murders on the ice, is lean and taut. The black and white artwork fits the stark location and the main character’s personal demons nicely.

Published in trade paperback by Oni Press. ISBN 0966712714

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Convenient Disposal

Friday, November 26th, 2004

Steven F. Havill continues the Posadas County series with this title, featuring Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman. As always, he weaves the everyday lives of his characters, with everyday crimes. The end result is a compelling read. Highly recommended.

Published in hardcover by St. Martin’s Press. ISBN 0312324049

Posted in Books, Mystery, New Mexico | Comments Closed

Dune: The Machine Crusade

Sunday, November 14th, 2004

Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson continue their tale of the Butlerian Jihad in this second enormous installment of a trilogy. They continue to plant the seeds which will grow into the world of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Some of the characters have become a little repetitive, but overall, it makes for interesting reading if you’ve read the Dune novels.

Published in hardcover by Tor. ISBN 076530158X

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Alien vs. Predator: Thrill of the Hunt

Sunday, November 14th, 2004

This graphic novel is a sequel to the film, set long after our alien friends tangled on Earth. In this tale, foolish humans repeat the mistakes of the past. Written by Mike Kennedy, pencils by Roger Robinson with Dustin Weaver, and inks by James Pascoe with Randy Emberlin. The small size of the book doesn’t do the artwork justice.

Published in trade paperback by Dark Horse Comics. ISBN 1593072570

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Boost

Sunday, November 14th, 2004

Hot on Mr. Leonard’s literary heels is Steve Brewer with his latest novel about an Albuquerque car thief who steals the wrong low rider, but doesn’t find out until he discovers a dead DEA informant in the trunk of his next job, a 1965 T-bird. You can also read Mr. Brewer’s column in the Albuquerque Tribune.

Published in hardcover by speck press. ISBN 097257763

Posted in Books, Mystery, New Mexico | Comments Closed

Rum Punch

Sunday, November 14th, 2004

Yet another fine Elmore Leonard novel. I don’t think he can write a bad story, but most people already know this. You’ll find the usual slightly discordant collection of characters, situations, twists and turns. Read it if you haven’t already, then read it again, just for fun.

Quentin Tarentino directed an equally fine film adaptation titled Jackie Brown, starring Pam Grier, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Forster, Bridget Fonda, Robert De Niro, and others.

Published in paperback by Dell. ISBN 0440214157

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Maximum Bob

Sunday, November 14th, 2004

This is Elmore Leonard at his best. Judge Maximum Bob Gibbs hands down tough sentences once too often and some of his customers would like a little revenge. Meanwhile, he has his eye on probation officer Kathy Baker, who wants to know where the Judge’a wife has gone and who put the alligator in his back yard.

The novel was spun into a summer replacement televison series several years ago. starring Beau Bridges. I don’t think the series did justice to Leonard’s characters, but it was still better than most shows.

Published in paperback by Dell. ISBN 0440212189

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The Descent

Sunday, November 14th, 2004

I’m not sure what to make of Jeff Long‘s tale of an ancient underground civilization and the genocidal conflict that ensues after their discovery. It starts out kind of creepy, turns into a romance novel, then ends with one of those horror movie final scene gotchas.

Published in paperback by Jove. ISBN 051513175X

Posted in Books, Fantasy | Comments Closed