From 2003-2007, I produced the monthly email newsletter, "All the GEEK That’s Fit To Print" that kept subscribers to my GeekConfidential e-group appraised of my monthly happenings. As part of my missives, I also recounted what I was currently reading. Perhaps the most mentioned aspect of the newsletter appeared under this heading: And since what I’m reading in the bathroom fascinates many of you.
With the advent of the Geek Curmudgeon blog, the newsletter became redundant and so I let it fall by the wayside, but what books are currently in my bathroom continues to fascinate, so I’ve decided to resurrect that part of the newsletter under the heading of "Readings From the Throne Room" as a regular monthly feature here at The Geek Curmudgeon.
Without further ado, here’s the current reading contents in my bathroom:
The Anchor Written by Phil Hester Art by Brian Churilla
Though I reviewed the first issue in Nexus Graphica and read the entire series online, I picked up the collection during my most recent Half Price Books visit. Not surprisingly, it reads better in print form.
Here’s what I wrote about issue #1:
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| The powerful, hulking "Clem" lives in two realities. Partially amnesiac, he physically appears in contemporary Iceland to battle a giant ice monster while his soul resides in Hell. The torments of hell manifest as wounds on his earthly body. Hester, author of The Coffin and The Wretch, and artist Churilla (Rex Mundi) explore the interesting dichotomy of this unique hero. Simultaneously filled with vibrant action and thought-provoking metaphysical exploration, this first issue successfully lays the groundwork for what looks to be a very intriguing, fun-filled series. |
A printout of the rules for Washington’s War.
A card driven game of the American Revolution, Washington’s War has gotten great buzz and comes highly recommended. I’m hoping to play this soon.
Flight Volume Seven Edited by Kazu Kibuishi
Thought I’ve finished this (and even reviewed it in Nexus Graphica), Brandy is still working her way through it. Like all the previous volumes, Seven offers an amazing array of quality work by a diverse group of artists.
Here’s my review:
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| Similar to the previous seven books (Volumes 1-6 plus Flight Explorer) of this extraordinary anthology series, the 16 stories in Flight Volume Seven offer creators from around world employing a variety of genres: fantasy, science fiction, and slice-of-life ranging from serious to whimsical. While not as impressive as the previous volume, which I included among the Nexus Graphica Top Ten for 2009, most of the always beautiful stories rise far above others in the medium. Justin Gerard’s anthropomorphic tale "Live Bait" relates the interesting search for a swampland killer. J.P. Ahonen’s unemployed ninja returns in the amusing "Kenneth Shuri and the Big Sweep." "Premium Cargo," magnificently envisioned by Kostas Kiriakakis, recounts the emotional final days of an airship captain with his winged foster son. Kate and Steven Shanahan rely on over the top shenanigans for the humorous "Fairy Market." The lovable monster Jellaby delivers some sage wisdom in Kean Soo’s "Guardian Angel." As with the earlier volumes, Flight Volume Seven deserves a place in any finer collection. |
And as usual, issues of Wired, Mental Floss, MSFocus, Momentum, and Moving Pictures.