2012 - End of Week 10 - Books.

Greetings Friends,

I've read three more books this week. Check them out.

First of all in Graphic Novels.

Graphic Novel #8 (of 20).

Wilson by Daniel Clowes.

This is another fine example of Clowes writing a story about a social outcast. The book begins with Wilson our protagonist (who is really the antagonist of everyone he meets) accosting a lady while walking her dog. He asks her how life was treating her. Her response is a little long winded (true) but his reply is: "For the love of Christ don't you ever shut up." That's about how all his interactions go with everyone he meets. He really rubs everyone the wrong way. So because of this he has no friends and his wife leaves him while she is pregnant.

The book is basically told in one page slices of Wilson's life. Each page is a complete slice and moves the story along to the next. Each page also has it's own art style as is the case with all Clowes books. During the book we see Wilson age from approx. late 30's to late 70's. Even though he sort of tries in the end he never really gets close to anyone.


Book #6 (of 12).

The Boys vol.8 Highland Laddie by Garth Ennis and John McCrea.

Now I'm a big fan of The Boys, but I've got to tell you this book isn't the best of the lot. In this book Wee Hughie (down in the dumps) goes home to take a break. After he learned his girlfriend was a super hero and what she'd done, he needed a break from his work in the states. So Hughie travel back to Scotland to visit his maw and paw. While taking a break he runs into some old friends and meets a nice painter. Then his girlfriend shows up. Yawn. Not the usual excitement we're used to.

While not the most action packed arc, it does move Hughie's story along. Maybe this arc could have been told in flahbacks in The Boys proper (this was a separate limited series). As far as the art goes while adequate I wish Darick Robertson could illustrate the entire run.

Book #7 (of 12).

Hulk vol. 6 World War Hulks by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness.

This volume finishes up Loeb and McGuinness' 24 issue run. During this run, the Red Hulk was introduced into the Marvel universe. This last volume answers the question - Who is the Red Hulk? The answer is not shocking but will give future writers much to write about.

While some might not care for Loeb's writing he has always been a favorite of mine and I would not have picked up the series otherwise. This story has been fun through out and McGuinness' art work has been very powerful.

Keep Reading Comics.

D.L.