Calamity

Calamity
Brandon Sanderson
2016

The Summary
"When Calamity lit up the sky, the Epics were born.  David's fate has been tied to their villainy ever since that historic night.  Steelheart killed his father.  Firefight stole his heart.  And now Regalia has turned his closest ally into a dangerous enemy.

"David knew Prof's secret, and kept it even when the Reckoners' leader struggled to control the effects of his Epic powers.  But facing Obliteration in Babilar was too much.  Prof has now embraced his Epic destiny.  He's disappeared into those murky shadows of menace Epics are infamous for the world over, and everyone knows there's no turning back...

"But everyone is wrong.  Redemption is possible for Epics--Megan proved it.  They're not lost.  Not completely.  And David is just about crazy enough to face down the most powerful High Epic of all to get his friend back.  Or die trying."

The Good
Although Calamity seemed to fall a little flat, I will admit that I have grown to love Brandon Sanderson's work.  The Reckoners series, as a whole, is full of fantastical imagery, imaginative characters, and adventure.  I was particularly fascinated by Ildithia (formerly Atlanta).

Like Babilar, Ildithia is a city of and controlled by epics.  Unlike the watery nightmare of Babylon Restored, Ildithia is a city turned to salt--much like how Steelheart turned Chicago into steel--that slowly crumbles and rebuilds every week.  It moves slowly across the country, an oddly flourishing city maintained by Larcener, Stormwind, and others that inches its way over the landscape.

It's an incredible image that sticks in my mind:  a city of salt stone laced with layers of color that sparkles in the light, one with dusty streets and salty air.  Sanderson does such an amazing job of coming up with these ideas, like incredible cities and unusual epic powers and quirky characters.  I love his work; I certainly want to explore more even if I was a little disappointed with Calamity.

The Bad
I loved Steelheart and I enjoyed Firefight immensely; I did not like Calamity nearly as much.

Calamity is a fascinating book.  Ildithia is an incredible place, an entire city made of salt that destroys and reconstructs itself every 7 days.  Sanderson is wonderfully imaginative and inventive and he's a spectacularly writer; however, Calamity was such a disappointment for two reasons:

One, I did not like the conclusion.  I mean, the epilogue is sort of sweet and I thought it was nice that David managed, for once, to catch a break, but I absolutely hated learning the truth about Calamity.  (I'm going to start discussing spoilers from the previous book, so turn away now if you don't want to hear more.)  Granted, it was an intriguing plot twist to learn that Calamity was actually an epic through which all powers were descended; however, I didn't like the idea that Calamity was actually some kind of alien being.

Two, I disliked the alternate dimensions Megan conjured.  As we learned in the last book, Megan isn't just an illusionist, she can actually tear holes into the fabric of reality and dive into alternative universes.  Cool, right?  Except it pokes some major holes in the plot of the story and it just adds another layer of complicated ugliness that I just didn't need or want.

I loved the series overall, but, as I dwell on this finale, I can't help thinking it could have been so much better.  The Reckoners had the makings of an epic (no pun intended) series--one that I would remember for a long time, one I would convince myself I needed to grace my own shelves--but it just seemed to fall apart.

Calamity just isn't nearly as good as it's predecessors.

The Ugly
Violence, death, destruction.  What do you expect when the world has been turned upside down by epics?

Oh, and fair warning:  a main character will die before all is said and done.  Just be prepared for it.

Firefight

Delacorte Press

Firefight

Brandon Sanderson

2015

The Summary

"Newcago is free.

"They told David it was impossible--that even the Reckoners had never killed a High Epic.  Yet Steelheart--invincible, immortal, unconquerable--is dead.  And he died by David's hand.

"Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life simpler.  Instead, it only made David realize he has questions.  Big ones.  And no one in Newcago can give him answers.

"Babylon Restored, the city formerly known as the borough of Manhattan, has possibilities, though.  Ruled by the mysterious High Epic Regalia, Babylon Restored is flooded and miserable, but David is sure it's the path that will lead him to what he needs to find.  Entering a city oppressed by a High Epic despot is risky, but David's willing to take the gamble.  Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David's heart.  A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived.  Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic--Firefight.  And he's willing to go on a quest darker and even more dangerous than the fight against Steelheart to find her, and to get his answers."

The Good
Honestly, I enjoyed Firefight almost as much as I enjoyed Steelheart.  Fast-paced and action-packed, Firefight is a great sequel to the Reckoners series by Brandon Sanderson.  Adding in Regalia and Obliteration gave the book an added layer of depth and danger, not to mention you're actively wondering what will happen to Prof--and you can't help wondering where Megan fits in to the grand scheme of things.

Is she good?  Is she bad?  And what will happen when Prof finds out that she's back?

Granted, I couldn't help equating some of the drama to a soap opera; however I enjoyed the novel overall.  I was also excited to learn more about Megan's powers and I was floored by the truth about Calamity.  Megan is incredible, by the way, but the "star" is still a bit of a mystery.  I won't say anymore, of course, for fear of spoilers.

Just know that Megan's powers are not what they seem and Calamity has a cause.

The Bad
I really enjoyed Firefight, don't get me wrong, but I really thought it had too much going on at once.  It's almost overwhelming the intensity of the action, how they never seem to catch a break.  It's just one fight after another after another, and it's packed with plot twists that made my head spin.

It's good, I won't deny it; however, it just has a little too much happening.

The Ugly
Death.  Gore.  Violence.

The usual.

Steelheart

Delacorte Press

Steelheart
Brandon Sanderson
2013

The Summary
"Ten years ago, Calamity came.  It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary people extraordinary powers.  The awed public started calling them Epics.

"Epics are no friends of man.  With incredible gifts came the desire to rule.  And to rule man, you must crush his will.

"Now, in what was once Chicago, an astonishingly powerful Epic named Steelheart has installed himself as emperor.  Steelheart possesses the strength of ten men and can control the elements.  It is said that no bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, and no fire can burn him.  He is invincible.  Nobody fights back...nobody but the Reckoners.

"A shadowy group of ordinary humans, the Reckoners spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.  And David wants in.

"When Steelheart came to Chicago, he killed David's father.  For years, like the Reckoners, David has been studying, and planning, and he has something they need.  Not an object, but an experience.

"He has seen Steelheart bleed...

"And he wants revenge."

The Good
I loved Steelheart.  It's action-packed, it's interesting, and it takes everything I know about superheroes/supervillains and completely turns it on its head.  Part science-fiction, part fantasy, Steelheart is a wonderfully crafted dystopian world full of detail, depth, and intrigue.

It was so much fun to read.

I was particularly fascinated by the main characters, specifically the Reckoners.  David, as the narrator, is incredibly resourceful.  He sometimes feels like a caricature; however, he's surprisingly astute in his observations and he's wildly intelligent.  I'm always surprised by what he does and what he remembers.  He's daring, he's unexpected, which I found made Steelheart that much more interesting.

Not to mention, I found the ending to be spectacular.

After learning that Steelheart does have a weakness, I puzzled over what it might be.  Reading the prologue again, I couldn't imagine what it might be, but when David discover it, when that moment of recognition and discovery blossomed in his mind and mine, I was thrilled and astonished and excited.  I loved the conclusion.  It startled me, yes, but I found the irony of the situation to be so very satisfying.

I will definitely read the rest of the series.  Firefight is up next, followed by Calamity--and I can't wait to dive back in.

The Bad
No complaints.

The Ugly
Steelheart is graphic, bloody, and riddled with gore.  Bad things happen in Newcago, and you get the impression that, no matter what happens, things aren't really going to get better.

Batman: Haunted Knight

DC

Batman:  Haunted Knight
Jeph Loeb
Tim Sale
1996

The Summary
"This graphic novel by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale-the creative team behind the classic Batman:  The Long Halloween--includes three dark tales of horror and intrigue featuring Batman facing off against his most demented and wicked foes. Taking place on the most evil of holidays, Halloween, the Dark Knight Detective confronts his deepest fears as he tries to stop the madness and horror created by Scarecrow, the Mad Hatter, the Penguin, Poison Ivy and the Joker.

"Collects Batman:  Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Special #1, Batman:  Madness--A Legend of the Dark Knight Halloween Special, and Batman:  Ghosts--A Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Special."

The Good
Haunted Knight isn't bad; in fact, it fills in some narrative gaps for me.  It helps me understand the history of the Wayne Foundation and Bruce Wayne's relationship with Lucius Foxx; it introduces me to the Mad Hatter and Barbara Gordon as a young girl; it also introduces me to a Batman with which I'm not as familiar--a Batman who follows his heart, who shows an unexpectedly human fallibility.

I was particularly intrigued by the first story, "Fears."  It features Scarecrow (an apt choice, I think) running amok on Halloween, causing general disarray and chaos, prowling upon Gotham's deepest fears of the dark; however, it also focuses on Batman--or, more accurately, Bruce Wayne--and his romantic entanglement with Jillian.

I know Batman has many different romantic relationships, but his history with Jillian is both unexpected and memorable if only for what arises from the wreckage.  I'll probably spoil the story for anyone who hasn't read it, but, if you're at all familiar with the Batman canon, it's not exactly surprising if I say it falls apart.

But that's not the point.

My point is this:  Bruce Wayne makes the conscious decision to be Batman.

Throughout the story, he's viewing his work as Batman as a necessity, he has to do it because there's no other choice.  He's haggard and tired and exhausted; he's considering, if only for a moment, to hang up his cape.  And yet Jillian makes him realize something:  he wants to be Batman.  It's not a responsibility that's thrust upon him, rather it's a choice--his choice.

"I learned something over this Halloween weekend.  I thought that I didn't have a choice about being the Batman.  That Gotham City chose me to protect her.  That is wrong.  Ever since the night my parents were taken from me, I made the choice.  It means that some of my heart's desires may go unfulfilled...

"But many more are satisfied."

It was an interesting detour into the life of Batman and, personally, I'm glad I read it.

The Bad
I'll be honest, Haunted Knight is just not as a good as The Long Halloween.

Oddly enough, I found Haunted Knight to be more colorful than I expected.  It's still dark, shadowy and it's still an accurate representation of the grim, gritty underworld of Gotham, but it's unexpectedly brighter than either Long Halloween or Dark Victory.  It's not quite what I anticipated.

Plus, Bruce Wayne is a prominent figure in each of these stories, which I found surprising.  I mean, I know that Bruce Wayne is actually Batman--it's not like he can't be involved at some point--but I was surprised by the larger role Bruce Wayne in Haunted Knight.  Most Batman comics focus on Batman; heck, even Bruce focuses most of his energy on being Batman instead of the wealthy, worldly Mr. Wayne.

However, Haunted Knight really peers beneath the cowl, so to speak.  It's not that you're getting to see Bruce Wayne and how he becomes Batman; rather, it's more how Bruce Wayne is trying to reconcile his lives as Batman and Bruce.  It's less about Batman and his endeavors, and more about how being Batman has made an impact on Bruce's life.  It's a bit odd, because, honestly, I expect a Batman story, not a Bruce Wayne story.

Not that this is necessarily a bad thing.  I think it's more of a personal preference for me.

The Ugly
Gotham is a bloody place.

Read Harder Challenge 2017: Part 2

Next up for my Read Harder Challenge, I...

• Read a book about sports.
• Read a book you've read before.
• Read a book published by a micropress.

Admittedly, I wasn't sure how to conquer this first task, because I am not a sports and/or athletic person.  I am, at best, a rather sedentary creature with a great affinity for books and chocolate and good food, preferably in that order; however, I was willing to take a crack at this one, because, surely, I could find a sport liked.  Considering the sheer variety of sports out there, I knew I could find something entertaining.

Doubleday

And, luckily, I did.  A co-worker recommended Playing for Pizza by John Grisham, and, since the challenge doesn't specify fiction or nonfiction, I thought I'd give it a whirl.  I'm so glad I gave Grisham's novel a chance, because I enjoyed it so much more than I expected.  Granted, I listened to the audiobook, which features Christopher Evan Welch as narrator, but I don't think that matters as Playing for Pizza is a fun, accessible and entertaining novel whether listening or reading.

Not to mention, I really enjoyed the description of food.  (I was craving pasta like mad, before all was said and done.)

Playing for Pizza begins with a game, specifically the worst game of Rick Dockery's career.  Now, marked as the worst player in the NFL--and effectively banished from Cleveland--and sporting a terrible head injury that would leave most player's contemplating retirement, Rick is at his wits end.  Since he can't find a new position in the U.S., his agent directs him to Parma--as in Parma, Italy, where he becomes quarterback for a ragtag group of Italians who just happen to be American football aficionados.  It's a huge change for Rick--and, as Rick learns, it might not be a bad one.

Next, I decided to reread Hush by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee.  This is one of my favorite Batman comics for the simple fact that it has some of the most alluring, most beautiful art I've encountered, and it has such a richly detailed, incredibly poignant story that it kept me absolutely mesmerized the first time around.  I love every bit of this book, and I found it to be even better the second (okay, third) time.

DC Comics

Unlike Loeb's earlier works, Long Halloween and Dark Victory, which features Batman's earlier career, Hush follows the weathered and strained Batman/Bruce Wayne as he tries to keep Gotham safe from new and ever worsening dangers.  Together with his cadre of crime-fighting vigilantes--including Nightwing, Robin, Huntress, and Superman (but not quite Catwoman)--Batman sets out to find the puppet master who has set the whole of Gotham's underworld onto his heels.

Hush is one of those comics that will knock your socks off.  It's thoughtful, it's complex, and it explores every emotional side of a Dark Knight who has suffered innumerable losses, endured more grief and pain than most can manage, and defeated some of the most terrifying villains in the world.  Moreover, it has a level of Agatha Christie-esque mystery, which I enjoyed.

I mean, I certainly didn't expect it to end the way it did--and I found Batman to be all the more clever for ultimately solving the mystery.

Last, I read Master of Crows by Grace Draven.  Originally published by Amber Quill Press (which, I realize, is not a micropress), it was eventually republished by Grace Draven--and, as the definition of a micropess means it is a small and/or single-person publisher, I decided it would fit nicely into this category to complete my challenge.

Yes, yes, I realize I might be pushing the rules with this one, but I have to point out that I haven't had a lot of luck finding books published by micropresses to which I have easy access.  I know of a few local publishers, but they are publishing companies with a large enough staff that I feel they don't count.  Moreover, I couldn't find something I enjoyed by a micropress to which I had access at my local library, thus the Internet--and Master of Crows--became my go-to choice.

Amber Quill Press/
Grace Draven

Now, putting aside my (weak) justifications, Master of Crows wasn't a bad novel.  In a world where magic exists and dark creatures lurk at the periphery of civilization, Silhara and Martise are thrust together in an unexpected alliance when one of the old gods--Corruption--returns.  Determined to stop Corruption and deny his fate, Silhara enlists the aid of the Conclave and meets Martise, a slave girl turned spy.  Together, they must discover Corruption's weakness and save the world....or, quite possibly, die trying.

I realize it sounds melodramatic and, yes, I suppose it is; however, it's also an unexpectedly complex novel that I enjoyed.  It has its faults, but, overall, it had interesting characters and created a sturdy setting that I appreciated.  Personally, I think I enjoyed Draven's ability to build her world.  It's rich with detail and magic, and I absolutely loved learning more and more about the creatures, places, and history of Silhara and Martise's world.  I realize it's more of an acquired taste, but it's certainly worth sampling.

Unless, of course, you're not a fan of explicit romance.  In which case, I probably wouldn't recommend it.

Kingdom Come

DC Comics

Kingdom Come
Mark Waid
Alex Ross
Todd Klein
1996

The Summary
"Winner of five Eisner and Harvey Awards, Kingdom Come is the best-selling graphic novel from acclaimed writer Mark Waid and superstar painter Alex Ross.

"Set in the not so distant future, the DC Universe is spinning inexorably out of control.  The new generation of heroes has lost their moral compass, becoming just as reckless and violent as the villains they fight.  The previous regime of heroes--the Justice League--returns under the most dire of circumstances, setting up a battle of the old guard against these uncompromising protectors in a battle that will define what heroism truly is."

The Good
First off, Kingdom Come is perhaps the most beautiful and breathtakingly intricate comic I have ever read.  I didn't realize, until my brother pointed it out to me, that Alex Ross actually created individual oil paintings for each of the panels.  So all that detail you see there on each page?  That's from one man taking his time, painting each shadow and line on a canvas.

There's beauty to be found in that much detail.  There's a realism and depth that's absolutely magnificent, that puts Kingdom Come into a class of its own.

Second, it's also one of the more confusing.  Despite it's deep philosophical reach, I have to say I loved it.  I was a bit confused by Batman's motivations and, honestly, I still don't think I understand what happened to the superheroes--like, why did the Justice League suddenly split up?  Why are there so many heroes and what happened that drove some of them to the brink of insanity?  Why did things have to go such extremes?  And what, exactly, is the Spectre doing--and where does Norman McCay fit into the grand scheme of things?

I'm sure the answers are buried in the story somewhere and, I think, I understand the basic premise of the story, but, regardless, I enjoyed it overall.  The story sheds light on aging superheroes, putting faces on a new generation of superhumans and creates a fascinating world that's hanging by a thread--a complex, precarious world that pits humanity against the superheroes that both save and endanger them.

Honestly, Kingdom Come is difficult to describe.  It's one of those you need to read to see and believe.

The Bad
Like I said, Kingdom Come is a bit confusing.  It's mostly the philosophical musings of the characters that throws me for a loop and the thinly veiled religious undertones that proved more puzzling than anything.  Otherwise, no complaints.

The Ugly
I haven't known much about Captain Marvel--well, I'm more familiar with him as Shazam, his newer DC moniker--but I feel truly bad for the guy.  I mean, here's a superhero who suddenly fell into the clutches of Lex Luthor I don't want to give anything away, but, just know, his story may break your heart.  I mean, he isn't a villain, not like  you might think.  His history and his fate are, truthfully, shattering.

Superman: Birthright

DC Comics

Superman:  Birthright
Mark Waid
Leinil Francis Yu
Gerry Alanguilan
2003

The Summary
"The whole world knows that Superman fights for truth and justice...but why does he?  What drives a farmboy from Kansas to divide his life between posing as a mild-mannered reporter and embarking on a career as a super-hero?

"Superman:  Birthright tells the exciting origin of the Man of Steel, incorporating his vast and colorful legend into a brand-new epic tale...a battle to save both the legacy of Krypton and the future of Metropolis!"

The Good
When I see Mark Waid listed as one of the writers on a comic, I almost automatically pick it up.  I instinctively know his work will be great--and, truthfully, Superman:  Birthright doesn't disappoint.

Although I found it a bit surreal to dive into Superman's--ahem, Clark Kent's--past, I was fascinated by the story.  Lex Luthor and Clark go way back--and I mean way back--which I found surprising, and I find it intriguing that Superman wasn't widely accepted as a hero.  There's a lot of distrust toward him, especially after Lex gets his hands on pieces of Kryptonian technology.

I loved that Waid and company added so many layers to Clark and his character.  Superman has been labeled a Boy Scout for much of his career, so I loved seeing a different side to him.  I liked seeing him as a person, not as a caricature.  He could be hurt.  Not physically, of course, but emotionally.  He has been shaped by his experiences and yet he still chooses to do good, he chooses to be good.

I liked that about him.

Moreover, I liked his new powers.  Oh, he has all the same ones that everyone knows:  he can run faster than a speeding bullet, he can fly, he's indestructible, he can leap tall buildings in a single bound.  He's the same superhero everyone knows and loves, but he has the added benefit of being able to see life.  I don't just mean recognize it and/or treasure it; I mean, he can literally see the life force in living creatures...and he can see it leak away when they die.

Superman's vow to protect people takes on a whole new meaning when you realize he's able to detect the exact moment someone or something dies.  He sees a void where something bright and beautiful had once been, and he can't bear the idea of seeing it happen when he knows he can do something about it.  It gives his promises a lot more meaning, in my opinion, and it makes more sense why he can push himself to protect people even when they don't believe in him, even when the easier course would be just to give up.

I enjoyed Superman:  Birthright.  I can honestly say it's my favorite Superman comic.  Don't get me wrong, I still love Red Son which has, heretofore, held the top place in my heart when it comes to Superman; however, for a comic book that's actually canon--i.e. not an alternate reality--I have found the absolute best in Birthright.  I can't wait to read more.

The Bad
No complaints.  Overall, it's a fascinating exploration of Superman's origins and his struggle to become a superhero in the face of Lex Luthor's treachery.

The Ugly
The usual: blood, gore, violence.  It's to be expected in most comic books where the supervillain has absolutely no qualms about crushing (literally) the little people he perceives as beneath him.  However, I was a bit surprised by the feelings of sympathy I had for Lex.

I would say he's not as bad as you think he is, but he actually is as bad as you think he is.  Worse, even.  However, Superman:  Birthright does humanize him.  It makes him more understandable, it makes him a more sympathetic character, because, as much as I hate to admit it, I did feel bad for the guy.  No one deserves to be bullied like that.

The Flash: Move Forward (Volume One)

DC Comics

The Flash:  Move Forward (Volume One)
Francis Manapul
Brian Buccellato
2012

The Summary
"Struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals, Central City police scientist Barry Allen was transformed into the Fastest Man Alive.  But there are some things even the Flash can't outrun.

"After years spent on the hunt for vengeance, one of the Flash's oldest friends has returned, with new enemies hot on his tail--an unstoppable mob that seems to grow more quickly than Flash can stop them.

"In the supermax prison called Iron Heights, the Flash's most dangerous enemy plans his escape, dreams of revenge, and prepares to put the Flash on ice for good--driven by a personal grudge the Flash can't see coming.

"And deep within the Flash himself, incredible new powers are ready to be unleashed--unforeseen, unexplored abilities fueled by the same Speed Force that makes the Flash run, and which could be his greatest weapon...or his worst nightmare."

The Good
I actually enjoyed reading the New 52 version of the Flash.  It's interesting to read about the "Fastest Man Alive," and it's a pretty interesting story.  You get to see some of his background; however, you also get to seem him develop as a character and come into his new powers.  So far, it seems like a great series and it has a lot of promise.

The Bad
I'm not a big fan of the Flash.

Manapul, Buccellato, and the whole team over at DC Comics does a great job of creating a new Flash for readers to enjoy and Move Forward is quite enjoyable; however, I wasn't immediately captured by the story or drawn in by the characters.  Truthfully, I felt like I was in the dark most of the time, as I was completely unfamiliar with the Flash's "Rogue Gallery," and I didn't have any interest in Gorilla Grodd.

It's a good book, and it's a good series.  Unfortunately, it's just not my cup of tea.

The Ugly
Mob Rule.

I was a little put off by how Manual Lago actually created more of his psychically linked doppelgangers.  It's horribly graphic, and it's equally disgusting.  I don't really want to talk about it, okay?

Last Night, A Superhero Saved My Life

Thomas Dunne Books

Last Night, A Superhero Saved My Life
Liesa Mignongna, ed.
2016

The Summary
"As broad as our growing cultural obsession with caped crusaders is, it runs just as deep.  Liesa Mignongna, the editorial director at Simon Pulse and editor of this anthology, can expound upon the irresistible appeal of Batman (her wedding was even Batman themed), but it's the retelling of her harrowing yet inspiring encounters with the Dark Knight over the years as she struggled to coexist with the supervillains in her own family that birthed this collection.

"Last Night, A Superhero Saved My Life gives readers the chance to connect to their favorite authors while those authors connect to their favorite superheroes, and within that feedback loop of respect and admiration lies a stellar, wonderfully accessible anthology full of thrills, chills, and spills.

"Contributors include New York Times best-sellers Christopher Golden, Leigh Bardugo, Brad Meltzer, Neil Gaiman, Carrie Vaughn, Jodi Picoult, and Jamie Ford, as well as award winners and mainstays like Joe R. Lansdale, Austin Grossman, and Ron Currie Jr., among many others.  Last Night, A Superhero Saved My Life is sure to follow in the footsteps of Grant Morrison's Supergods as its authors explore--with hilarious and heart-wrenching candor--why superheroes matter, what they tell us about who we are, and what they mean for our future."

The Good
I absolutely loved this book.  A collection of essays by today's most popular authors, journalists, and writers, Last Night, A Superhero Saved My Life was a wonderful study on superheroes and the impact they've had on readers and culture.  I know that makes it sound a bit dull, but it's not.  It's heart-wrenching and humorous and introspective and bursting with bright neon spandex colors.

It's a great book that's not beholden to one style or story.  Last Night, A Superhero Saved My Life compiles the work from the best of today's creative minds, drawing together exceptional stories and experiences with illustrations to create a work equally poignant and funny.

I loved these stories.  They were deeply personal and incredibly moving, beautiful for their candid commentary on human experience--and how comic book superheroes helped to get them through, helped shape their lives.  I actually had a handful of essays that I adored:

• On the Hulk:  You Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Angry by Delilah S. Dawson
• Dented Hearts:  A Story of Iron Man by Anthony Breznican
• Everything I Know About Love, I Learned from Gambit and Rogue by Karina Cooper
• You Never Forget Your First Time by Neil Gaiman
• We Are Not Amazons by Leigh Bardugo
• Superman:  One Rad Dude by Jim Di Bartolo
• Swashbuckle My Heart:  An Ode to Nightcrawler by Jenn Reese

But, if I had to pick just one, it would probably be "Dented Hearts:  A Story of Iron Man" by Anthony Breznican.  It's a tough choice, especially since I loved Leigh Bardugo's essay, "We Are Not Amazons," for her frank discussion on female body image and cultural expectations, and Jim Di Bartolo's illustrated discourse on the importance of Superman; however, I was entirely smitten with Breznican's essay.

"Dented Hearts" was like a kick in the chest.  It took me by surprise, it broke my heart, and yet it's probably one of the most memorable essays I read.  It's an honest depiction of grief and turmoil, love and happiness and sibling relationships; it's a candid account of loss tinted with memory, affection, and a mutual love of superheroes.

I loved it.

Admittedly, I might be a little biased since I'm an avid reader and I've been on a superhero comic kick since May; however, Last Night, A Superhero Saved My Life is a brilliant compilation by exceptional authors, about incredible characters that have entertained and shaped readers for decades.  It's an excellent book, regardless if you're a fan of superheroes.

The Bad
No complaints.

The Ugly
Life is not all cherry pies and blue skies.  Even heroes are faced with defeat--even heroes suffer tragedy.

Nimona

Harper Teen

Nimona
Noelle Stevenson
2015

The Summary
"Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy.   Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta.

"As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc.  Their mission:  prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.

"Explosions will be involved.  Science and sharks will be, too.

"But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past.  And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

"Nemeses!  Dragons!  Science!  Symbolism!

"All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson, based on her award-winning web comic."

The Good
I actually finished reading Nimona several months ago when it was still available online, completing the series on Noelle Stevenson's website, Gingerhaze; however, I couldn't wait to get a copy of Nimona in print.  Sure, I've already read it (as my previous review shows), but how could I not read it again?

Truth be told, I couldn't.

I absolutely loved Nimona, so I simply couldn't resist buying my own copy.  And I'm so glad I did, because I've enjoyed it so much.

Nimona, like Stevenson's Lumberjanes, is a quirky adventure story that's full of lovable characters and a story that's simply spectacular.  It combines familiar tropes from fantasy and science fiction, mixing together dark magic, knights, mages, jousts and dragons with incredible technology (think touch screens, holographs, and other fantastical forms of science).  It's a strange amalgamation of ancient, modern, and futuristic technologies that works well together.

Although the art style is a little quirky, I loved the gradual progression of Stevenson's art as Nimona came into its own.  I liked how Nimona changed over the course of the story, how her appearance changed to reflect her emotions, her thoughts and feelings.  She's a dynamic character with a lot of attitude and an almost caustic sense of humor; she has a mysterious past, but she has a heart of gold and a sense of loyalty to her friends, like Ballister.

I grew to love her.

And I loved seeing her interact with Ballister.  Ambrosius and Ballister have a complicated relationship to say the least, but Ballister and Nimona's relationship seemed uncomplicated and carefree.  Not quite carefree, considering Nimona's past comes back to haunt her, but close enough that I could enjoy their banter back and forth, their father-daughter relationship as they worried about one another, sticking together through thick and thin.

Overall, I loved it.  I mean, what else can I say?  I loved the characters, I loved the story, I loved the strange combination of past and present, fantasy and science fiction that created such a unique and wonderful graphic novel.  I highly recommend it, especially to readers who have enjoyed Lumberjanes, Squirrel Girl, or Rat Queens.

The Bad
When you're reading Nimona, you can see a discernible shift in the creator's art style.  Starting out, the sketches are a little rough--as with most comics or, heck, books at the very beginning--and gradually grow into their own as the artist settles into a groove and characters blossom into the people we've come to love.

So, yes, it's a little difficult to go back to the very beginning and see how it once looked, to see unfamiliar people from the characters you've come to know, but, really, that's just the way any story will progress.  Once you dive into Nimona, it's easy to fall in love.  If you try to go back, it might seem a little strange at first, but, don't worry, it'll all get better as you go along.

The Ugly
Revenge.  Doom, destruction, and death.

Nimona encounters some very deep subjects and confront some very intense themes as the story progresses.  It has a deceptively simple art style, but, truthfully, Nimona is a complex and incredibly thoughtful book.

It deals with right and wrong, and how politics can sometimes get in the way of morality; it deals with interpersonal relationships, both platonic and romantic; it deals with personal trauma, growth, and what it really means to be good or evil--and what you're willing to do to save the people you love.  Sometimes, it even reflects the current political arguments framed on national news networks.  It doesn't shy away from the hard topics.

And it may just break your heart.  (It did mine.)