LibraryThing reviews of books in unihighlibrary's library)

Amphigorey Again by Edward Gorey [reviewed by klg19]

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:34:26 -0500

klg19's review: "The Amphigorey juggernaut is reaching the end of the line, and this volume displays the dearth of material on which to draw now. But still--anything Gorey can't be all bad, eh?"
Harvest Books (2007), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 260 pages

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller [reviewed by TheWellRegarded]

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:07:50 -0500

TheWellRegarded's review: "Kinda disappointing! I didn't like superman's appearance (THERE'S NO PLANET KRYPTON IN THE BATMAN UNIVERSE, errr shouldn't be). No matter how much of a pussy he was."
DC Comics (1997), Edition: 10 Anv, Paperback, 224 pages

Stardust by Neil Gaiman [reviewed by librarymeg]

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:53:01 -0500

librarymeg's review: "As a big fan of the fairy tales of old, I was very excited to read <i>Stardust</i>. I tend to enjoy fantasy that involves Faerie: the place that has haunted human dreams for centuries, where the inhabitants and the magic are wild and untamed, and where you're more likely to find danger than Tinkerbell. Neil Gaiman delivered that, and much more. Gaiman has created the kind of fascinating world and characters that I would like to know. They are by turns clever, wicked, honest, cruel, brave, and true. As if the setting and sympathetic characters weren't enough, Gaiman has tied the whole package up with a sweet love story and the kind of writing that makes me smile in pure happiness. It took me less than two days to read this wonderful book, and as a graduate student who also works full time, that's really saying something."
Harper Perennial (2006), Paperback, 288 pages

Mouse Guard Volume 1: Fall 1152 (Mouse Guard) by David Petersen [reviewed by eagletlab]

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:40:09 -0400

eagletlab's review: "“The mice struggle to live safely and prosper among all of the world’s harsh conditions and predators. Thus the Mouse Guard was formed.” When you’re little, the world can be a dangerous place. Fortunately for mice, who happen to be quite little indeed, they have the Mouse Guard on their side. The Mouse Guard are the “escorts, pathfinders, weather watchers, scouts and body guards for the mice who live among the territories”. In other words, The Mouse Guard keeps mice travelers through the territories as safe as possible and investigates when said mice go missing. So it is that three of the best of the Mouse Guard–Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon–are sent out to discover the fate of peasant mouse that went missing while delivering goods among the territories. What they find (in addition to a hungry snake) is treachery from within mousekind. As more of the plot against the Mouse Guard unfolds they discover that it is a mouse claiming to be of Black Axe renown that seeks to overthrow Lockhaven (the Mouse Guard’s home) and the Mouse Guard itself. Mouse Guard Fall 1152 follows these three mice as they investigate the treachery and fight to eradicate its source, so that they can once again focus on external threats to their species from “all the creatures that eats us” [mice, that is]. At book’s end, Petersen has included maps, guides, and assorted extras in which the mouse territories mentioned in the Mouse Guard’s adventures are more fully developed. Petersen’s text and pictures are replete with details that enhance the story. For instance, in describing Barkstone he proclaims it to be the “destination for the best in glass, furniture, and other goods” while Lockhaven is the Home of the Mouse Guard. He couples these proclamations with intricate drawings that reflect each locale’s uniqueness. Each chapter begins with some exposition, but the captions on the panels themselves are relatively sparse making it an attractive choice for reluctant readers. Peterson employs diverse panel arrangements, color, line, and perspective to create the illusion of action and to drive the story forward. Readers who enjoy Mouse Guard Fall 1152 will look forward to Mouse Guard Winter 1152 coming out in its collected edition in Winter 2008. In the meantime, other books to suggest to those who enjoyed talking mice historical fantasy adventure aspect include: Kate Dicamillo’s The Tale of Despereaux, Robert C. O’Brien’s Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, Brian Jacques’ Redwall series, Robin Jarvis’ Deptford Mice series. More mice fantasy adventure can be found in Michael Hoeye’s Time Stops for No Mouse and The Sands of Time, Avi’s Poppy stories, and Geronimo Stilton’s Geronimo Stilton series. Other books with less daring do but with talking mice that I can’t seem to stop myself from mentioning because they’re so much fun include: Beverly Cleary’s Ralph Mouse chapter books and Jennifer Holm’s BabyMouse graphic novels. As for readers who don’t necessarily require mice, but nonetheless like the adventure and the anthropomorphic animal aspects, there’s no shortage of these kind of books. Just to name a few, you might try Erin Hunter’s Warriors series (cats), Kenneth Oppel’s Silverwing (bats), Kathryn Lasky’s Guardians of Ga’Hoole series (owls), or Richard Adam’s Watership Down (rabbits). Mouse Guard Fall 1152 is a story replete with intrigue, adventure, survival, and courageous mice. Mice should be able to rest easier knowing that the Mouse Guard is on duty, and fans should rest easy knowing another volume is on its way."
Archaia Studio Press (2007), Hardcover, 192 pages

Pod dekou : ilustrovaný román by Craig Thompson [reviewed by Schizmatik]

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 05:35:45 -0500

Schizmatik's review: "Excelent comix novell. The way it is written made me be part of the story, to participate in the story of his life, and is what I call romantic, in the way, it express the deep feelings and love to another person in way, that is not like 'kýč'. I do not own it yet, I just borrowed, but planning to buy."
Praha : BB/art, 2005

Beowulf by Gareth Hinds [reviewed by flaeriefloss]

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:34:51 -0500

flaeriefloss's review: "This graphic novel retelling of the classic Norse myth is absolutely amazing! There’s no getting away from the fact that the story of Beowulf is a bloodthirsty, gore-filled, horrifying tale. Hinds’s artwork stays true to that fact. Bold in its extreme depiction of the violence of Grendel and Beowulf’s battle, the story of the battle is totally wordless – this entire section of the tale is told solely with pictures. Strong, glorious pictures, using a dark and minimalist palette. For all the horror though, there is a real feel for the emotion of the characters. As Beowulf ages, and the colours he is painted with turn to muted shades of gray, his final battle with the dragon weighs heavy on him. His doubts about his ability to survive are revealed both in the text, and in the colour and imagery of the graphics. A wonderful retelling, true to the original, so perfectly suited to the graphic novel format."
Candlewick (2007), Paperback, 128 pages

Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again by Frank Miller [reviewed by xavierroy]

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:42:26 -0500

xavierroy's review: "The sequel was good, but not as good as the first one..."
DC Comics (2004), Paperback, 256 pages

Stardust by Neil Gaiman [reviewed by Jeyra]

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 21:01:04 -0500

Jeyra's review: "Wishing on a falling star is one thing; promising to go and fetch it back is quite another. Adventures of various kinds ensue including, but not limited to, much hilarity. PG-13 one fairly graphic sex scene, some language"
Harper (2000), Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Promethea (Book 3) by Alan Moore [reviewed by eilonwy_anne]

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:17:08 -0500

eilonwy_anne's review: "The series continues to be beautiful graphically and intriguing narratively. A few big surprises, and enjoyable. The metaphysics of the deep places of the Universe are somewhat leavened by happenings back home in substantial New York. Sometimes overly didactic, but the pictures help."
Wildstorm (2003), Paperback, 160 pages

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore [reviewed by Kplatypus]

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:42:12 -0500

Kplatypus's review: "I wish I could say that I loved this book. I really do. After all, I've read a lot of Alan Moore's work and tend to enjoy it, and this story is just so great. So I wish I could write a glowing review. But I can't. I saw the movie first and, much as it pains me to say it, I thought it was better. I know, I've lost all credibility with many of you at this point. Hear me out, though: the basic point of the novel is that a fascist government is bad and that it is the duty, really, of every citizen in such a government to fight back, right? The whole story about Evie and what she has to go through is designed to make that point, right? Yes, in some ways I like the idea that she's younger and thus more impressionable in the book, but then, I also kind of like the idea of making her a little bit older and thus harder to convince, as in the movie. Same thing with the paring down of the story- when I thought back over the book, I couldn't think of anything that had been removed that was really necessary. A few side stories that liked didn't make the cut, but in some ways that just helped clarify the central story. Anyway, that's not to say this is a bad book. It certainly is not; the characters are fascinating, the art is often beautiful, and the story is gripping. It just rambled a bit and actually made a bit less sense at times than the movie did, in this reader's opinion. Go ahead, call me a philistine- I understand."
Vertigo (1995), Paperback, 296 pages

Bleach, Volume 1 by Tite Kubo [reviewed by Nikkles]

Fri, 11 May 2007 16:26:27 -0400

Nikkles's review: "Bleach has become very popular so it may become easy to over look it as over hyped, but it really is a fantastic Manga. The characters are extremely well developed and nuanced for a "boy" or "action" manga, that being said the action is still great. Ichigo (strawberry) has to be one of my all time favorite characters as is Chad a big guy who like all things cute. Bleach is worth the investment such a long series entails."
VIZ Media LLC (2004), Comic, 200 pages

Astonishing X-Men Vol. 1: Gifted by Joss Whedon, John Cassaday [reviewed by Nikkles]

Fri, 11 May 2007 18:55:59 -0400

Nikkles's review: "I don't read that many comic books, but I do like X-men and I like Joss Whedon so I bought this book. I was not disappointed as the volume contains what I love about both the x-men and Joss Whedon. The artwork is also very good and worth the cost."
Marvel Comics (2004), Paperback, 152 pages

Batman : The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller [reviewed by xavierroy]

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 04:35:59 -0500

xavierroy's review: "An interesting take on the Batman franchise..."
DC Comics (1986), Edition: First, Hardcover

Stardust by Neil Gaiman [reviewed by library-lisa]

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:55:01 -0500

library-lisa's review: "Starlight, Star bright, first star I see tonight... When Tristran sees a star fall, he vows to return it to his most beloved, little did he know that would prove to be much more than he bargned for. This delightful little story by Gaiman tells of Tristran and his advenutres past the village of Wall and of his star. Full of witches, unicorns, princes, chases, and adventure, this is sure to be on everyone's top ten list. The bitter-sweet ending still leaves you wanting to read it again and again."
Harper (2000), Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages

Love Hina, Volume 14 by Ken Akamatsu [reviewed by bostonbibliophile]

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:13:09 -0400

bostonbibliophile's review: "A sweet ending to a fun series. Love Hina is terrific fluff and terrific fun, and the final volume offers a satisfying ending to a good manga."
TokyoPop (2003), Comic, 189 pages

Creature Tech by Doug TenNapel [reviewed by flockhartsl]

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:51:00 -0500

flockhartsl's review: "A charming little graphic novel - made me smile"
Top Shelf Productions (2002), Paperback, 208 pages

Stardust by Neil Gaiman [reviewed by alasen_reads]

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:15:52 -0500

alasen_reads's review: "I've read this before but wanted to reread it after seeing the movie. I loved both of them - some parts of the book I prefer, some parts of the movie."
HarperEntertainment (2007), Paperback, 368 pages

Stardust by Neil Gaiman [reviewed by sjanes]

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:23:32 -0500

sjanes's review: "A thoroughly enjoyable, if not particularly long read. I finished it in a day, what with the commute and lunch and a bit of evening procrastination. I haven't yet seen the movie based on the book, though I hope to at some point."
Harper Perennial (2006), Paperback, 288 pages

Vampire Knight, Volume 2 (Vampire Knight) by Matsuri Hino [reviewed by Jenson_AKA_DL]

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:33:37 -0500

Jenson_AKA_DL's review: "Now that Yuki knows Zero's secret things are even more complicated in the realm of Cross Academy. This is the kind of manga that totally builds on the mysteries of the last so giving much more of a description wouldn't really work. However, I am really enjoying this series so far. The character relatioships are pretty interesting, the artwork is creepier than what I'm used to and it is kind of violent. But, since this is a manga about vampires I think that's pretty much to be expected. A couple things I didn't like so much, and it's probably more a personal preference than anything, is that I get easily confused when a number of characters are introduced, especially when they look similar. One thing I really did enjoy is at the end the author (manga-ka?) kind of went back to her more comedic roots and did some additional light-hearted scenes. The best one was a play on the serious scene between Kaname and Yuki about how only one thing has changed about her in the 10 years since he met her. It completely caught me off guard and had me laughing out loud. This is most definitely a manga series I'll be following along with. Now if the volumes just came out faster!!"
VIZ Media LLC (2007), Edition: 1, Paperback, 208 pages

Re-Gifters (Minx) by Mike Carey, Marc Hempel; Sonny Liew [reviewed by eagletlab]

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:23:50 -0500

eagletlab's review: "re-gift –verb 1. to give an unwanted gift to someone else; to give as a gift something one previously received as a gift; also written regift Dik Seong Jen (Dixie) has a spiky exterior–her spikiness is a defense mechanism guarding against her powerful emotions–as she puts it, “I don’t show it, but deep down I’m really a passionate person”. For many years, she has loved hapkido because she is proud of her Korean heritage and because she needs the physical outlet for what she cannot express in words. More recently, she has discovered that she loves (or at least has a huge crush on) Adam Heller. This crush is so powerful that it’s throwing off her ki (”the universal energy that some call spirit”), and, subsequently, her ability to fight her best in hapkido. She has been ending up swept off her feet (in more ways than one) in sparring sessions with Adam. Paralleling Dixie and Adam’s storyline is Dixie’s run-ins with Dillinger and his crew. Dillinger’s spiky exterior as the tough Hispanic kid is countered by his actions–he defends Dixie against his gang who have derided her heritage by telling her to “walk on the Korean side of the street” and he helps her practice for the hapkido tournament. Most importantly (at least for the sake of the book’s title), he plays a role in the re-gifting–the Hwarang warrior figure really makes its way around to sundry recipients throughout the book. By doing so, Dillinger helps Dixie to reboot her Korean American pride in who she is and to re-discover her ki. Dixie’s crush on Adam causes her to misplace her passion for a time and to muddle her decision-making so that she stands in danger of losing her spot in the National Tournament and in danger of losing control. She also risks losing everything else she holds dear–her ki, her self-respect, her best friend, her pride in her heritage, and her family’s trust. In the end, Dixie sees clearly what she has to do, “No confusion. No hormones. No need to think twice.” The story really moves–the illustrators’ masterful use of line makes the hapkido sequences look real and the apt character facial expressions and body positions say a lot without the text having to say anything. When the character’s are speaking, their voices are consistent with their personalities and depictions. Re-gifters is a fun story that speaks to family and cultural expectations, unrequited love, friendship, perseverance, and competition all wrapped up in a complete package to give to the graphic novel fans out there as well as to those who like sports and/or multicultural stories. Re-gifters is not likely to be re-gifted, although it is likely to be loaned out its fair share."
Minx (2007), Paperback, 174 pages