18th
Halfway to 52
I’ve been attempting to read 52 prose books this year, mostly because Sterling said he was going to try to do so, and it seemed like a good challenge. If I included graphic novels, I’d certainly get there, but at the moment I’m behind the pace. Still, I’ve made it to the halfway point as of today, so, here’s the list so far:
1. Modern Masters vol. 10: Kevin Maguire by George Khoury and Eric Nolen-Weathington
The latest in the series about comic-book artists in roughly the modern era, this one focusing on Maguire, who came to prominence as the artist for the Keith Giffen - JM DeMatteis “Justice League” run. Worth checking out for fans of his work.
2. When Nothing Else Matters: Michael Jordan’s Last Comeback, by Michael Leahy
Focusing on Jordan’s tumultous years with the Washington Wizards, and analyzing what went wrong.
3. Ghost Rider: The Visual Guide
A recap of the history of Ghost Rider. Written as if the retcons were planned from the beginning, which was a little confusing but maybe the best way to approach it. Also sections on the comics by decade that talked about the continuity at the time. Would have liked something more in-depth, even, but this was fine for what it was.
4. Modern Masters vol 8: Walter Simonson
Overview of the comic-book artist who redefined “Thor” and defined “Manhunter.”
5. Joe Montana’s Family Playbook for Managing High Blood Pressure.
Yeah, I might have high blood pressure. Yeah, this book might have been mostly an ad for blood-pressure medication. Some decent advice in it, though.
6. The Essential “It’s A Wonderful Life,” by Michael Willian
A nice scene-by-scene guide to the film with lots of trivia and tidbits. Found out several things I didn’t know, and I’ve watched the movie probably 100 times!
7. Brief Garland, by Harold Keith
A story about a basketball coach in rural Oklahoma who takes a job thinking he’ll be the boys’ coach, but instead finds himself coaching the girls. The book was adapted into the film “Believe in Me,” which opened in Oklahoma on March 9. The story is based on the story of Jim Keith, the author’s nephew and one of the best-known women’s high school basketball coaches in the state.
8. “Why Do Men Have Nipples” by Mark Leyner and Billy Goldberg, MD.
Some interesting tidbits, but ultimately a little goofy for me. Quick read, answers to semi-embarrassing medical questions. Although I didn’t think all of the answers were as well-researched as they could have been. I bought the sequel at the same time, though, so I’ll at least try to read that, too.
9. “The Rivals: Chris Evert vs. Martina Navratilova. Their Epic Duels and Extraordinary Friendship”
by Johnette Howard
Traces the careers of Evert and Navratilova from the beginnings of their careers through their dominance of the game, on to retirement. Very interesting look at what was an exciting and innovative time for women’s tennis. Maybe a bit over-written in parts —at one point there were 4 metaphors in 2 paragraphs that kind of distracted me from what I was reading — but overall, very good and worth checking out for fans of the game or those interested in these top-flight athletes.
10. Batman: Fear Itself
Batman faces off against the Scarecrow — but what role does a popular horror novelist play?
11. DC Universe: Helltown
A reworking of Denny O’Neil’s “Question” comic-book series from the late 1980s into novel format. Both enjoyable! They were both read during plane rides. I think reading about Batman while on a plane works for me for some reason.
12. The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film, by J.W. Rinzler
An exhaustive recounting of George Lucas’ struggles to make what became one of the most successful and influential films of all time.
13. Batman: Inferno by Alex Irvine
A supervillain named Enfer is creating raging infernos across Gotham — one of which frees the Joker from Arkham Asylum. The path created for the Joker’s escape leads him straight to the Batcave, putting Batman and Alfred in even greater jeopardy.
14. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (novelization) by Daniel Josephs
Apparently Daniel Josephs is a pseudonym, though I don’t know for whom.
I thought this might be more fleshed out than the movie, and it was, a bit. It also had some interesting changes from the movie (probably based on an earlier screenplay draft), like, Doom remains scarred throughout the film.
15. Fantastic Four: Redemption of the Silver Surfer, by Michael Jan Friedman
From 1998, but filling my current “Silver Surfer” jones. The FF (minus Sue) are lured into the Negative Zone by Blastaar, who wants their help against a Galactus-like threat. When Sue and the Surfer follow the rest of the team in, they find Blastaar’s forces defeated and the Human Torch captured. But what is Prodigon’s true motive? And can the team trust Blastaar? Not a bad superhero novel, with some twists and turns, though the ending isn’t completely satisfying.
16. Spider-Man: The Darkest Hours, by Jim Butcher
When some relatives of Morlun show up to feed on Spider-Man, he turns to the Black Cat for help — not a decision that his wife necessarily appreciates. Can Spider-Man find a way to defeat these three ancients, teach Mary Jane to drive, and handle temporarily coaching the school basketball team? Also, Spidey faces off against the Rhino, given more depth here than in most of his comic-book appearances.
17. Modern Masters vol. 9: Mike Wieringo
A recap of the comic-book career of “Fantastic Four” and “Flash” artist Mike Wieringo, done largely through an interview conducted by Wieringo’s frequent collaborator, Todd DeZago. (Eric Nolen-Weathington is also credited.) Some good behind the scenes stuff, and some artistic nuts and bolts along with some biographical info. I would have liked to have seen/read more about “The Wolf,” one of Wieringo’s creations from his pre-professional days. I read this earlier in the year, before Wieringo’s recent, untimely death. I’m saddened at the loss of such a talented, likable man.
18. Image Comics: The Road to Independence
I like George Khoury, and I’d been anticipating this book since it was announced. Ultimately, I might have enjoyed it even more had it been a narrative along the lines of Gerard Jones’ “Men of Tomorrow,” but as it is it’s a great collection of interviews about an era in comics that I’d like to see more writing about.
“Road to Independence” put me in the mood to read more about Image, so I sought out
19. The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics by Mark Voger.
It had its positive moments, though there were some gaps in research, and some minor errors that marred my enjoyment. It attempts to cover the era 1986-2006, and there is some interesting stuff covered. Some figures seem to get more coverage than their importance would merit; others get less, or none. If I had to guess, I’d say Voger had an interesting backlog of interviews, and the available interviews impacted the coverage in the book. There is quite a bit about McFarlane, and the “McSpidey” era at Marvel. Overall, I’d say there’s a good chance if you’re interested in the era, you’ll find at least some of the included articles to be of merit, but it isn’t a comprehensive look at the 20 years covered.
20. Modern Masters Vol 5: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, by Eric Nolen-Weathington
A recap of the career of one of the greats of the 1970s and 80s, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez. He draws the ‘Style Guide’ version of the DC characters, and you’ve almost certainly seen his art on licensed products. Suprisingly, the book he seemed the most sad to have his run cut short — Atari Force! That makes me want to go find the back issues.
21. Mantlo: A Life in Comics, by David Yurkovich
This was a moving tribute to Bill Mantlo, a prolific Marvel Comics writer of the 1970s and 1980s. Mantlo was injured in a hit-and-run accident about 15 years ago, and is in need of constant care. This book is a benefit for him as well as a celebration of his work. Often considered a journeyman, “A Life in Comics” explores what was great about Mantlo’s comics, including “ROM,” “Micronauts,” “Cloak and Dagger” and “Spectacular Spider-Man.” In addition, there’s some unpublished Mantlo work, including one adapted to comics by Yurkovich. Anyone interested in the history of Marvel in the period, or of Mantlo’s work in particular, or of supporting this cause, should check out this book.
If you can’t find it at your local store, you can order it at www.sleepinggiantcreations.com.
22. Book 22 for the year is HP7, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” I thought it was good, a nice wrapup to the series. I’m usually pretty critical of hyped endings, but thought this one did the job.
23. Fantastic Four: To Free Atlantis by Nancy A. Collins with illustrations by Paul Ryan.
This came out in the mid-90s. It focuses heavily on Namor, which I enjoyed. I think Namor’s an interesting character, so I was glad to see him explored more fully, as well as the politics and sociology of Atlantis.
24. “Soon I Will Be Invincible” by Austin Grossman
Doctor Impossible is the world’s smartest man, so why is he constantly foiled by do-gooding superheroes? Sharing the spotlight with the doctor in ‘Invincible’ is Fatale, a new cyborg hero who can’t remember her past. I thought this was the best book I read so far this year, but then I read …
25. “Ball Four” by Jim Bouton
Knuckleball pitcher Jim Bouton’s candid look at his year with the expansion Seattle Pilots and the pennant-chasing Houston Astros in 1969 was compelling throughout. The reaction to the book got Bouton banned from Old-Timer’s Day at Yankee Stadium until 1998. (Bouton had been a rookie phenom with the Yankees in 1963, winning a World Series game for the club.)
26. “Fantastic Four: War Zone” by Greg Cox
I actually read this one in between the previous two, and it suffered a bit for being in between them. But Greg Cox is a go-to guy for licensed superhero stuff, and this was a perfectly acceptable FF novelization (I’m going to try to read all the FF novels that exist this year.) Negative Zone creatures are appearing on Earth, and Reed Richards and the rest of the Fantastic Four must find the cause. While the Invisible Woman and Human Torch stay behind to defend New York from further incursions, Mr. Fantastic and the Thing journey to the Negative Zone to find the cause. Before “War Zone” is over, the Fantastic Four must face down two of their most heinous foes.
Cox has done his research and puts in nice touches for those who have read the comics.
