BT09 – M is for Monsters (#Blogathon)

Hey, this post represents my half-way point for the Blogathon! Woot! Twelve hours ago or so I was posting the first entry. In twelve more hours, the last one. Piece of cake!

I’m feeling a bit fatigued — shoulders are stiff, head’s a bit muzzy with writing so much. Not tired yet at all, just somewhat drained. It’s getting a bit difficult to concentrate and cogitate — in some ways the reviews are easy, it’s posting or researching anything else that’s tough.

My stack of TPBs is about 60% down, which means I’m ahead of the curve. I suspect I will be, like in the past couple of times, left with all sorts of subjects I wanted to do but missed out on the time for. I guess that’s a good problem to have, considering the alternative.

Margie and Katherine have had a nice relaxing day, pretty much, aside from snapping to attention whenever I need something. 

After this post goes up, I’m going to wrassle up some real food for dinner. I know what I want to do for the post for the half-hour, and it will be fairly quick.

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 4, “Monster Smash” (Marvel) [collects #18-24]
w. Brian Reed; a. Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan 

Writing		New reader?
Art		Non-comics reader?

 The Ms. Marvel series has just been fun — dealing with her desire to be an A-list hero while fearful that she’s not, and the complications of both old and new villains (and personal problems) tying up her efforts in knots, has been good old entertainment. That the book has had some pleasant cheesecake aspects to it hasn’t hurt, either. 

This volume includes struggle against the Puppet Master where he’s retired to Chile to open up a human trafficking business, specializing in clay-dominated super-heroes, with Ms Marvel going into action with her SHIELD team alongside (including, fresh from NEXTwave Aaron Stack). That segues into an examination of why her powers have been glitching for quite a few issues, revealing a secret that has to do with the Brood (eek). Again, some great combat scenes, some humor, and some chance for Carol to show she has what it takes.

This one isn’t going to win any Eisners, but it has good rereadability (and not just for the pictures).

Myth Adventures Collection (Airship) [collects #1-8]
w. Robert Asprin, Phil Foglio; a. Phil Foglio, tim Sale 

Writing		New reader?
Art		Non-comics reader?

 This is a fine hardcover edition of the classic adaptation Foglio did of Asprin’s Another Fine Myth. It’s early Foglio, crude compared to his Girl Genius work,  but still well crafted and funny as all hell (through both men’s contributions). I just wanted to have it to replace my relatively tattered Starblaze Graphics two volume set. Great fun.’

And, yes, this may be the only book I’ve given five stars in each category. So there.

 Listening to: Jarre, Maurice, & the London Philharmonic, “Miracle” (Lawrence of Arabia – Original Soundtrack))