999 Reading Challenge Review and Discussion Tread

[DoctorTeeth]

I am nearly 200 pages into Showcase Presents: Legion of SuperHeroes Volume 1 and I am kind of loving it, in a slightly ironic way, but also in a "this art is surprisingly good for DC Superman house style" way. It's interesting to see where some of the characters started, and the ridiculousness of the stories make for good #999Challenge tweets.

[Lukeh]

My progress so far is 5 books down.

The Well of Ascension - Brandon Sanderson

I'm enjoying this series a lot. it is a real slow burn though. I near hated the first book, it only redeemed itself in the last third. This book how ever was a totally different beast. I actually did (nearly) all nighter last night to finish it. A book has not had me do that in a long time. having four days off might be a factor in it too though

One thing I am really loving about this series, without spoiling anything, is the twists in the plot that keep popping up. there just so well crafted and subtle. And the clues for each twist and turn are scattered though out the series since the first book as well. Its great. My first criticism (or pre-judgement) about this series was its lack of subtlety. You were given a distinct hero and villain, which I guess is typical fantasy, but after reading a lot of Erickson, Abercrombie and Martin, you kind of forget that. Thankfully that only really lasts the set up, which is kind of the majority of the first novel. But with the stage set, the second novel really shines. I even enjoyed the Vin and Elend love story.

The three things that are unique to this series that make it  stand out is the action of the kung-fu like "allomantic" fight scenes,the almost post apocalyptic world and the mystery of how it was produced and Vins growth and coming of age journey. I'm digging it.

Bakuman volume 1

I actually laughed out loud while reading this (the scene when mashiro blurts out to the girl "marry me"). What a fun read this was. If I didn't have 76 more books cataloged to read, I would go order at least fie more volumes of this. there is so much energy in this book (and manga in general I guess). Like I love how they will be casually discussing the business of comic creation, then explode into screaming and watering eyes. the actual technical aspects explained were great too. Things like the explanation of the different line weights and pen types, and why and when to use them was great. Being a draftsman (while most everything I do is on computer) I really can appreciate that level of detail. 

Pinocchio

Messed up, creepy and freaking epically awesome. Not much i can say about this book that Chris and jason haven't praised on the podcast.  This is a mus read. I would by a hardcover for any of the side storys in this. Specially Wonders. That was messed up. Poor damn penguin.

One thing though, I was under the impression that there was going to be no text at all in this book. For anyone put off buy that, its not the case, its about 50 / 50. only the main Pinocchio story line is without speech.

Echoes

Awww man this was great. I don't think I'd of picked it up if not for David mentioning it on the show, I had not heard of it elsewhere. This book had everything a great horror / thiller story should have. Skin crawl creepy, great level of paranoia, you don't actually know what to believe and a great reveal / twist. The schizophrenic / mental issues of the main P.O.V. work really well to create the tension, you really don't know what to believe.

My one issue with this is the format of the hardcover. It was smaller then the standard issue size and the binding cut alot into the actual artwork. I'd rather this in issues or dicital then in this format. I really thought the hardcover format was horrible.

Mega Man: Let the Games Begin

Yeehhhh was ok. I really wanted to love this. I think I had just been eyeing it for so long, that it was never going to live up to my own expectations of hype for it. it was an enjoyable read though and fun. I think in issues it would of been more enjoyable, month to month. great all ages read though. I think the big two need more books like this, this book would be the bees knees for an eleven year old

 

[Brian N.]

Glad you liked the Sanderson novel.  I knew you had a rough time of the first one, but those books really hooked me.  After that I read his stand alone fantasy novel, similar in concept to the Mistborn, but differen, and started the first book of his planned 10 book series.  Between those and his Wheel of Time books I read a lot of his work in one year.

[Jon O]

I became completely enamored with those Mega Man books, I picked up the first 8 or so issues when they were 99 cents on Comixology.  It's so fast paced and fun.  The dialogue is a bit forced, but I take that as catering toward the all ages demographic.  The nods to the old video games are pervasive and never and clever.

Did you play the MM games back on the NES?  I've wondered how much of my enjoyment is derived from playing Mega Man games for the past 20+ years.

[whirlwindx]

I really like the silly sometimes puny dialogue (King City call back?  ) of the Robot Masters in Mega Man. I think It was past the first arc that I really got into it since they expanded upon the Mega Man and how having robots around would actually effect it but still at an All Ages level.

Never got to see the police showing up and incorporating characters from a remake of Mega Man 1 before between playing Mega Man 1 and 2 so that was cool. And the robot masters stick around? That is something my mind would have never considered.

I could see how someone wouldn't dig it though. I have had problems getting into all ages comics before.

[evaD]

Finished the World Below by Paul Chadwick. I didn't enjoy it as much as Concrete, but it was still a fun read. The premise is that an underground world is discovered through a sink hole. Filled with wild creatures, strange advanced technology and strange mysteries, the team of six people go excavating seeking new technologies. Intended as an ongoing series, it ends just as it was finding its feet. If you enjoyed Lost give this graphic novel a try.

[Ryan 'gobo' C.]

5 Down!

Blankets by Craig Thompson
This is the first Thompson I’ve read, I’m not sure I’ve ever even seen his art before. It’s FANTASTIC. Really touching book, absolutely worth the acclaim I keep hearing about it (even almost 10 years later).

Snuff by Terry Pratchett
I’d missed Sam Vimes and Lady Sybil a whole lot. This was great. Had a smile on my face the entire time reading it. It also has a soft spot in my heart because I got the book while meeting Terry himself

4 left until I hit 9, and they're short so should be quick

Low Concept 1, Air 1, Astro City 1 and Pussey, planning on going 1 from each category each month.

[Jeppe]

Snuff by Terry Pratchett
I’d missed Sam Vimes and Lady Sybil a whole lot. This was great. Had a smile on my face the entire time reading it. It also has a soft spot in my heart because I got the book while meeting Terry himself

Yay! That's a good one, Pratchett just keeps getting better 

[Ryan 'gobo' C.]

Yay! That's a good one, Pratchett just keeps getting better 

For now yeah

[Lukeh]

Did you play the MM games back on the NES?  I've wondered how much of my enjoyment is derived from playing Mega Man games for the past 20+ years.

I played mega man 7 a little bit but I don't really remember it, I had to google the box art to get the number. I started out with a Sega Master System and then got a Super Nintendo in that next generation of consoles. I think the Mario games were the only early Nintendo games i went back and played as a kid, but that's only because I think they re-released the first two on the snes.

But I am sure if I had loved the games as a kid I would of enjoyed it a hell if a lot more. I'm keen for the sonic comic, I played the crap out if the first few sonic games. Now a new Zelda comic would really float my boat.

But hey, I still enjoyed the book enough to read the next arc.

[whirlwindx]

Seven down.

Shadow Land:Power Man
This was just like the category a put it in "fun" with Van Lente introducing the new Power Man. Nice art with Asrar on most of it. Top it all off some 70's Heroes for Hire villains but "Nobody laughs at Mr.Fish!" always gets me. Spear? That's almost tops too.

[Thermite (Iz Wilkison)]

Seven down.

Man, I'm falling behind already. Gotta get my ass in gear...

[evaD]

Hellboy v. 12

It's cliche to say it at this point, but that book is absolutely awesome. The only thing that sucks is, it's over. And much too soon. Mignola and company could have drawn that out for a few more decades, as far as I'm concerned. Goodbye Hellboy.

[Jon O]

I'm now '6' books down.  I just finished the first volume (500 pages) of the Complete Calvin and Hobbes.

I love these strips, it's what I grew up on.  It's the comics that made me love comics.  I may have had every one of these strips collected in various collections I've read multiple times as a kid.  This is my first time reading them from a comic fan and comic creator point of view.  The pacing is what really impresses me now.  Watterson did a great job of putting multiple punch lines into most of his strips.  I found the Sunday strips especially clever as the top row always had a two part joke, and then the last two rows to tell the long form gag.  There is a ton of other stuff I could go on about but I'll save some of that for volumes 2 and 3.  I'm hoping that I get to some sections of new material.  I don't really know if I read all the old collections or not.

[whirlwindx]

8 Down. 

Heathentown
A neat short horror story by Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman.

I'm all for stories where Wooly Mamoth's show up. Love that. Must come out of a part historical/60's Spider-Man cartoon love.

[heylook]

haven't even finished 1!

[David]

My progress so far is 5 books down.

Echoes

Awww man this was great. I don't think I'd of picked it up if not for David mentioning it on the show, I had not heard of it elsewhere. This book had everything a great horror / thiller story should have. Skin crawl creepy, great level of paranoia, you don't actually know what to believe and a great reveal / twist. The schizophrenic / mental issues of the main P.O.V. work really well to create the tension, you really don't know what to believe.

My one issue with this is the format of the hardcover. It was smaller then the standard issue size and the binding cut alot into the actual artwork. I'd rather this in issues or dicital then in this format. I really thought the hardcover format was horrible.

Glad you dug it!

Sorry to hear about the hardcover packaging.  That's a bummer.

[whirlwindx]

haven't even finished 1!

What are you waiting for?  I'm being strict on myself because I so much to read.

[erikh42]

6 books down, but I'm way being on reviews!  (Avenger's Children's Crusade is an elusive title to get a handle on...)

Here's the latest -

Horus Rising, by Dan Abnett

It was with great trepidation that I downloaded and started reading Horus Rising by Dan Abnett.  It is in very rare cases that I read licensed properties.  All too often these books are cash grabs, with weak plots, poor characters, and just plain bad!  This is not the case with Horus Rising. 

This book is the first book in a very long series that (spoilers!) tell the story of Horus's fall from being the Imperium's greatest hero to becoming the person that almost destroys the empire.  Mr. Abnett has an excellent grasp on the 40K universe and crafts an excellent story displaying the glory of the Adeptus Astartes.  He lays the space marines out as an unstoppable force for good, but subtly and carefully shows their cracks and weaknesses.  The reader is discovering the full dangers of the 40K universe along with the main characters.  This makes for interesting reveals, good suspense and an exciting book.  It is not all bolter fire, spinning chain swords and unending fight scenes.  This is solid gothic science fiction written by someone who has as much affection for the subject matter as his audience.  I'm in the for next 18 books!

[erikh42]

Blankets by Craig Thompson
This is the first Thompson I’ve read, I’m not sure I’ve ever even seen his art before. It’s FANTASTIC. Really touching book, absolutely worth the acclaim I keep hearing about it (even almost 10 years later).

I remember devouring this book two years ago.  From the art to the story, it is a stunning creation.