The Ultimates, Vol. 1

Book Description

A teenager is climbing walls in Manhattan. Mutants are attacking the White House. Nick Fury, head of the elite espionage agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., knows the only way to combat these strange new threats is with a team of hisown superhumans. Backed by a billion-dollar budget, Fury recruits Giant Man, the Wasp, Iron Man, Captain America and Thor. And while the team is strong enough to engage in a ferocious battle with the Hulk, will they implode under the weight of their internal conflicts? Rising above their own agendas, the Ultimates forge ahead with the introduction of new allies and face a major global threat. Collects THE ULTIMATES VOL.1: SUPER-HUMAN and THE ULTIMATES VOL. 2: HOMELAND SECURITY. PLUS: A hefty helping of DVD-Style extras!

Customer Reviews:

NOT BAD-NOT AMAZING.......2007-09-11

I wish i could say this was amazing but in such a thick book i found that i wanted more action.it covers a lot of characters so it is fair that it isnt fighting for 300 pages.(the cover mentions spiderman, he plays NO part in this story)there were a lot of cool moments but at the half way point of this book i just wondered how much i could sell it for!Apon a reread i may love it but it did feel a little slow for a bit too long.All that said when the PLOT actually came around to giving the ULTIMATES an enemy to fight i couldnt put it down.I will not be selling this book now.The final scenes(chapters)unravels the battle that i had waited for and i was amazed (finally) at how long it continued.The team showed their best in their own ways and left me waiting for december when the next heavy H/C edition comes out.As for the characters being rehashed my feelings were that they were all as they should be if remaking the avengers.Shame though that IRON MAN was such a softy boozer after reading civil war where i first really got to see him.The Hulk was great,crazy,out of control and nearly unstoppable.All in all im becoming a Millar fan even if the POP CULTURE jokes do sometimes feel a bit like your dad trying to be cool in front of your friends.In that they may fit the story but sometimes just feel arkward.If you like that side of this story read WANTED.I give this book 4 stars coz 3 1/2 cant be done.

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

The Ultimates takes more of a right-wing riff on where the Authority had gone before, as the Avengers become a military unit, of sorts, and proceed to dysfunctionally bicker their way through lots of destruction, death, and mayhem, often caused by their own members.

Wife beating, alcoholism, double agents, are all minor when the Hulk goes on a people slaughtering rampage, I suppose.

Every Hero needs a beginning..........2007-08-16

Thor. Hulk. Iron Man. Captain America. These are all names that should be synonymous with the concept of hero. Films have been made, Saturday Morning cartoons have been developed, toys are carried in nearly every child's arm across America, but these mild mannered superheroes have been around longer than this critic cares to say. They are the pioneers of pop culture, with references being made towards them in nearly everything that we see, hear, and smell. The screens have made them popular again, but it is in the comic form that these superheroes breathe, fight, and squander in their own world. I must admit, I am not a comic reader. I do occasionally pick up the issue or two whenever I find something that catches my eye, but I am not someone that knows every story arc with every character in the esteemed Marvel Universe. There was once a time where I would say to the common reader that I didn't have a preference as to the Marvel Universe or the World of DC. I loved the darkness and rage behind the Batman character, yet I loved the childlike behavior of Spiderman (sans the Sam Raimi revision). I had no preference, until that is, I read both "Ultimates: Volume 1" and "Ultimates: Volume 2". Suddenly, before the colorful images of the page, I became a Marvel man. This series lead me into a slippery slope of voracious reading which included "Earth X", "Doc Ock: Year One", as well as a new found subscription to the "Incredible Hulk" single issues. A child has been reborn in me, but these aren't childish stories I am reading - this is the rebirth of the "Ultimates".

Marvel has done something that Hollywood has had no problem doing year after year. They have taken an original idea and gave it new color, new design, and new stories with fresh artists breathing onto the page. I wasn't familiar with the old concept of the Avengers, or the Ultimates, or Marvel's superhero line-up, but a friend suggest that this would be a good place to start. Within the first couple of pages, alas, I should say the first couple of frames, I was hooked and this unique story line never let me go. From these glossy pages I watched Captain America come back from a frozen state of animation, Tony Stark get wealthier and powerful throughout the pages, the Hulk became a dominate force - threatening both civilians as well as his enemies, Thor struggled with the truth of his existence, and Pym fought not only with his wife, but also with the realization that his ideas were being ignored by the leader of this group, Nick Fury, head of S.H.I.E.L.D. The story for this first volume is simple, re-establish the team, build credibility among the people of the United States, and subdue a threat or two which would prove that this world needs humans of mass destruction. Fury has the plan, in fact, I should say he never falters from the plan, but instances arise and he is asked to make sure promises are kept.

Without giving the story away for this amazing first Volume, Hulk gets into a bit of trouble that could cost Bruce Banner his livelihood, Pym crosses a line that separates him from nearly everything he loves, and Cap - well, he is Captain America. Struggling to live in a world that doesn't quite fit with the way he remembers the world. He is ready to defeat any enemy, big or small, without remorse or without thought. His goal is to make right anyway he can, which may cause problems for him in his future storyline. Needless to say, this comic has everything you need from drama, horror, suspense, humor, and TWO amazing drop down, knock around, blow them down fights that came out of nowhere and seemed more real that anything Spielberg could create. Mark Millar's writing coupled so well with Bryan Hitch's design that for the most part you don't feel like you are reading a comic, but instead watching these events unfold on the big screen. There is the obvious use of Sam Jackson, Freddy Prinze Jr., and Shannon Elizabeth with secondary cinematic finds throughout the story. This comic will literally blow your mind and take your breath away - everything from the story, to the visuals, to the commentary following this edition is superb. It is nearly perfect, but not quite...

Having read the second Volume already, I have a favorite, and alas this first Volume is not as strong as the second. While there is plenty of amazing elements going for it, I do have to admit the ending left me desiring more. I don't think I was quite ready for the surprise visits at the end of the first Volume. I wanted more development of the characters, with such strong writing; I wanted to see these guys compete internally before instantly becoming a team. I think that is why I love the second Volume so much better, but I will have to discuss that further in that review. With that small negative gem there, I cannot say anything else bad about this Volume. I was impressed, and will continue to suggest this to friends who love comics to those that are a bit hesitant to jump into the genre. This is a redefinition of the classic superhero dealing with elements in a modern day setting. I loved everything, and while I try to contain the drool coming from my mouth, I just cannot. This was near perfect - only because Volume Two comes closer with a stronger story, powerful enemies, and chapters that make you want to jump into the next without stopping. Who could ask for better literature?

Thank you Marvel, for making me a believer again - and renewing my kid license that I thought I lost a long time ago!!

Grade **** ½ out of *****

Bravo!.......2007-07-19

Comic dreambook. Very contemporary storytelling-only Mark Millar can pull off. Bryan Hitch provides breathtaking artwork. Hardcover provides magnificient info on creative process. Worth every dollar!

Why Comics Are Good For You.......2007-05-25

The reason why comics are everywhere now is because a lot of people who read comics 20 years ago, and stopped reading 10 years ago, started reading comics again BECAUSE OF THIS BOOK.

6 years later, the authors have just finished the second volume.

Alan Moore does art.

Millar and Hitch do epic.

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
at least the art is good...
Great Action, Drama and Laughs! Not For Kids Though!
Ultimates Vol. 2 ends Doubts
The Greatest Trade Paperback

The Ultimates Vol. 2: Homeland Security
Mark Millar , and Bryan Hitch
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 078511078X

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

This is still pretty decent, but I'd still rather re-read The Authority. This of course is done from a different slant. The superhuman carnage here is orchestrated by a right wing military, and Captain America is all gung-ho about it to the point of parody. Thor, however, is a hippie greenie, and is not.

at least the art is good..........2007-02-02

in the ultimate universe, ultimate spider-man and ultimate fantastic four are much much much better series than the ultimates (well not ultimates 2, it's great).
1. captain america is probably the only avenger you'll like out of this series. he does whatever he thinks is right, no matter what. and he skipped the decades of american brainwashing from vietnam on, so you know he's good to go.
2. nick fury and shield are pretty annoying, and i don't like how they virtually run the ultimate universe. they shouldn't have invisibility and stuff like that. takes away from the real superheroes.
3. thor is a hippie. i'm pretty sure the gods don't like hippies.
4. the hulk and banner are entirely unsympathetic. banner/hulk is the greatest character in the marvel universe, yet here banner becomes the hulk and kills almost a thousand people just to give the ultimates something to do. no way jose. banner should be a good, but conflicted guy. but as presented here he's almost as big of a scumbag as hank pym.
5. hank pym is a scumbag. ok he's irredeemable (ok i know that's o'grady but you know what i mean).
6. the pop references on almost every page are pretty bad. imagine how dated they will look over time. clever writers would have made up celebrities and pop references, that way they could have tied them into future stories or problems. then marvel would have new characters and plots voila. instead it's like reading a people magazine. yuck.
7. oooh tony stark can't be arsed to go battle evil, he's partying with z-lister shannon elizabeth. blech.

to be fair the ultimates 1 book 2 is 100x better than ultimates 1 book 1. but it still isn't great by any means.

Great Action, Drama and Laughs! Not For Kids Though!.......2006-09-08

I have to say that I've gotten a kick out of The Ultimates from Marvel! This take on the Avengers' legend I definitely like!

In particular, I love the revision of Captain America! He's still the patriotic and brave solider that he's always been but now he's got more bite and I love it! I loved seeing him put foot to a** on Giant-Man over what he did to The Wasp. He also showed some smarts and a devious side that the original version never showed (though he wasn't dumb by any means)! I won't give away what he does but man its both brilliant and hilarious! This version of Cap is one that definitely can respect.

The story as a whole was just fantastic! The characters were done very well and the story was great! Highly recommended buy but parents, DO NOT BUY THIS FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES AS ITS DEFINITELY NOT FOR CHILDREN!

Ultimates Vol. 2 ends Doubts.......2006-06-02

This volume of Ultimates 2 took me to town! Well, not literally. But it brought some closure to the Pym storyline that ended the last volume on a depressing note. Also, any doubts that I had about Captain America being sort of Boy Scout-ish was ended with this volume. Cap has some great one-liners, and backs them up serious tactful manipulation. Just goes to show that Cap's brawn comes with brains too, which I liked. This volume also introduced Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. Hawkeye had a somewhat decent characterization going on, but not alot was done with the two mutants which I was a little dissapointed by.

Essentially, this story kept me hooked from begining to end with great art, great themes, and great writing. Sure, the alien bit's a little cheesy (even the characters claim this), but it was pulled off in such a way to make it believeable. If you're into Ultimate Marvel, I'd definently reccomend this to add to your colelction.

*WARNING* This comic book is not for kids. And that's the way I like it.

The Greatest Trade Paperback.......2006-05-18

I have been reading comic books for well over ten years now, and nothing compares to this volume.

The widescreen superheroics created in Stormwatch and The Authority is perfected in The Ultimates to a T. And while volume one provided the necessary genesis and obligatory exposition for the Ultimates, this volume throws the action at us on a scale that can only be described as epic.

The art is spectacular. Never has Hitch and Neary's work looked better, and I felt like I was watching a summer blockbuster the entire time. And man, can Millar write action. I was wowed on every page, and have never felt more satisfied to be a comic reader.

If this book doesn't impress you, nothing in comics will.

The Ultimates 2, Vol. 1: Gods and Monsters

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
The best of Ultimate Marvel
great tpb...
Ultimates 2 With Ultimate Consequences
Another bold & unique reinvention of the classic Avengers

The Ultimates 2, Vol. 1: Gods and Monsters
Mark Millar , and Bryan Hitch
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0785110933

Book Description

It's been one year since they stopped an alien invasion, and now things get hard. New members, new costumes, and 12 months of gossip to catch up on! Who's getting married? Who's divorced? Who's gone nuts since we last saw them? Why, just in this first story, we see Ultimate Hulk and the secret origin of Ultimate Thor, and get a look at the entire Ultimate Universe as drawn by Bryan Hitch! It's guest-stars galore - featuring the X-Men, Daredevil, Captain Britain, and even the Defenders! Collects The Ultimates 2 #1-6.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

More of the entertaining destructive and self-destructive antics of the Ultimates. The general public now know that Banner is the Hulk, and his trial demands capital punishment.

Giant-Man is Ant-Man, Iron Man is married. There is the aftermath of the alien invasion to deal with, and now, Loki.

The best of Ultimate Marvel.......2007-05-08

In a nutshell, "the Ultimates" AKA the Ultimate Avengers is far and away the best of Marvel's Ultimate titles, as evidenced by its top-rating among all of Millar's books. Interestingly, it rates higher than his other Ultimate titles...I think in general the tone is the most adult and most serious of the Ultimate books - closer to the new Battlestar Galactica or Season 5 of 24 than than to its comic peers.

While I liked Ultimate Fantastic Four, Ultimate X-men, etc - this is the standard bearer of the line - even if you don't follow the avengers, this is an easy to grasp title. And Volume 2 is far better than volume 1!

great tpb..........2007-02-08

i hated the ultimates 1 vol 1, the ultimates 1 vol 2 was a lot better but still not great.
the ultimates 2 vol 1 however is great. i still hate the idea of bruce banner being a scumbag, and there are a bunch of other ultimate universe things that carry into this that i don't like. but overall this is a great tpb and highly recommended.

Ultimates 2 With Ultimate Consequences.......2006-10-11

This one is set one year after the original storyline ends with The Ultimates now under public scrutiny after it is mysteriously leaked to the media that Dr. Bruce Banner is The Hulk and that The Ultimates were behind the cover-up! Now, the public is calling for Banner's execution!

Captain America and The Wasp have been in affair while Giant-Man has been outed from The Ultimates due to the domestic problems between him and The Wasp and the P.R. mess it made. Still, The Wasp still shows some mercy towards her former husband though she hasn't shown any interest in hooking back up with him. This hasn't made old-school gentleman Cap happy at all.

Getting back to the leak on the Hulk, it may be coming from none other than Thor himself, who was already not very well trusted to begin with! Plus, we discover some new revelations about this Thunder God!

All in all, a good follow up to the original Ultimate storyline!

Another bold & unique reinvention of the classic Avengers .......2006-10-08

After I finished this chapter in the continuing "Ultimates" saga, all I could do was shake my head and go "wow". I have never seen or read anything like this, and that is high praise. The last volume was absolutely incredible and really set a high bar for realistic characterization and incredible battles in this series. What comes about in this volume is the near-disintrigation of everything that was built up in the earlier volumes. There is not one legitimate villain to fight in this story: no rampaging Hulk, no alien invasion, no Nazis, no Kang, Magneto, Galactus or any other uber-villain one would expect Ultimate Marvel's team of "persons of mass destruction" to face. Their biggest enemy at this point is themselves. Giant Man no more, wife-beater Hank Pym (now old-school Ant Man) is a pathetic mess in this volume who joins a group of superhero wannabes (the Defenders; originally an actual Marvel superteam -albeit a 2nd rate one- who are reduced to incompetent posers in this version) in what proves to be an amusing but ultimately annoying chapter after what proves to be the main attraction here: the arrest of the mighty Thor, who resigns from the team, believing SHIELD's secret agenda is to use them to attack foreign countries . After Thor's anti-war activism goes too far, the Ultimates are grouped with their fledgling European counterparts to take the god of thunder down in what proves to be a battle of epic proportions. Thor is clearly portrayed as a Christ-like figure here in spite of his apparent mental illness (but is he actually insane as his origin -finally revealed- insinuates, or is his brother Loki truly "shuffling reality" and poisoning the Ultimates against him?) and several shots in the sequence are difficult to look at as he battles his own friends. The fact that you truly don't know whether a classic character like Thor is insane in this re-imagination or if his classic nemesis Loki is a figment of his imagination is a true credit to the writing here. Kudos. The trial of the Incredible Hulk, which commences after Bruce Banner is outed by an unknown traitor as a member of the team, proves to be an interesting but too brief episode with a memorable and unexpected finale. More kudos. So far, "The Ultimates" has kept me rivetted and while this volume has much going for it, I hope for a return to the more simplistic awesomeness of "Homeland Security" in future volumes because all of this infighting, while brilliantly executed, takes away from what I really want to see: Earth's Mightiest Heroes battling the most powerful villains around. Also, the political commentary is getting a bit out of control at this point too. We're all tired of the war in the Middle East, and this issue aims this team of classic heroes in a corrupt, fascist direction that could soon border on villainy. It's a bit depressing to imagine the Avengers as government lapdogs fighting for imperialist interests. Will then next chapter have me rooting for the traitor in SHIELD's ranks? And, on a lighter note, Quicksilver gets his moment to shine here, but would it kill them to give the Scarlet Witch something to do besides look hot and hang on her brother's arm suggestively? When you look at every panel they appear in together, their relationship seems a bit creepy to say the least. I keep waiting for Tony Stark to make an Angelina Jolie remark at their expense. However, there is one line Quicksilver delivers to his sis involving one of Hank Pym's new creations that is quite humorous if you know your Avengers lore, so I'll let this stuff slide....this time. But Scarlet Witch's only moment of note in the big battle is threatening to create a reality where Thor is a baby seal getting clubbed before she gets promptly clobbered herself. Come on, Wanda, do something cool! I also wasn't thrilled about Iron Man's birthday present to fellow Ultimate and current lover, Black Widow; her very own custom-made supersuit. Personally, I loved her just the way she was before. Iron Man has a habit of making other characters clones of himself and it's a bit annoying in a title where a diverse array of superheroes is the big draw. Minor fanboyish complaints aside, "Gods and Monsters" proves to be a shocking and unique continuation of an already bold new take on a classic comic franchise. I've honestly never seen anything quite like it and I'd highly recommend picking this one up after catching up on the past volumes of this increasingly intriguing saga.

My Hitch in Hell: The Bataan Death March

Average customer rating:

Tenney does justice to an event all too often forgetten....
Unbelievable and Infuriating
Great personal account of the horrors of a POW in WWII
Lester Tenney is an amazing man
The Horrors of WWII suffered by American POw's

My Hitch in Hell: The Bataan Death March
Lester I. Tenney
Manufacturer: Potomac Books Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1574882988

Book Description

Captured by the Japanese after the fall of Bataan, Lester Tenney was one of the very few who would survive the legendary Death March and three and a half years in Japanese prison camps. With an understanding of human nature, a sense of humor, sharp thinking, and fierce determination, Tenney endured the rest of the war as a slave laborer in Japanese prison camps. My Hitch in Hell is an inspiring survivor’s epic about the triumph of human will despite unimaginable human suffering.

Customer Reviews:

Tenney does justice to an event all too often forgetten...........2007-08-10

I just finished this book, and I must say I am inspired. Lester Tenney deserves an enormous amount of respect and admiration for what he endured and acomplished during his time as an american POW.

While this is not exactly a full account of the Death March and the surrounding events filled with statistics and data, it is Tenney's first hand account that makes this horrendous event so palpable that the reader feels as though they are enduring the very same hardships.

Do not expect this to be a simple or comfortable read. While the book has some wonderful and very happy moments, namely Tenney's own postive attitude and inner strength, these moments are doubled by nearly unbearable situations that will make you cringe, as any story about one of the most horrifying events of the war should. Tenney describes in extreme detail the atrocities of the Japanese military. While this story is anything but rosy, it is indescribably important, as it tells a story which seems to be forgetten in our society. What these men suffered through was every bit as terrifying as those on the battlefield, and those who suffered during the Holocaust. Tenney does their story justice, and shows us that these harrowing men deserve every bit of respect and admiration as any other serving in an American uniform.

Unbelievable and Infuriating.......2006-09-13

The story of the Bataan survivors is at the same time unbelievable and infuriating. It blows my mind the cruelty these heros were subjected to on an hourly basis and at the same time I'm ashamed to say that part of me feels like Japan got off easy with two nukes dropped on them. That anybody lived at all is in itself no small feat.

The book itself is a great read. It was obviously written by a survivor, so consequently it has that 1st person feel that I like.

Great personal account of the horrors of a POW in WWII.......2006-01-30

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very quick read and one that I could not put down. The book has the Bataan Death March in the title but there is so much more in this book. After the march he goes into his time in the POW camps in the Filapeens, his escape, his recapture, his boat trip to Japan and his work in the Japanese coal mines. He then talks in detail about his trip home after the war and what life was like after he got home. Just writing this review brings back memories of how much I enjoyed this book.

I have to admit that the things that the sadistic Japanese soldiers did is not for those with a weak stomach.

I recommend this book to anyone that wants to read history from a personal account. The only thing I wish would have been different in the book is I would have liked for God to get more credit for the unexplained instances that spared his life on several occasions.

Still 5 stars.

Lester Tenney is an amazing man.......2006-01-28

I have known Les Tenney for many, many years. I was previledged to read this book before it was published. Les is a man of courage, insight, grace, forgiveness and amazingly positive about life given what he endured. My best recommendation for this book is that I cried during the reading. I had many kin folk that fought in the Pacific theatre during WWII and I have not the slightest doubt that every word of Les' book is true. To read the book is to know the man and that is a very fine thing indeed.

The Horrors of WWII suffered by American POw's.......2005-12-17

As the son of former POW I understand more fully what hell and torture my father experienced after reading "My Hitch In Hell" As a young boy, I was often awakened as my father screamed for help, still imprisoned in his nightmares. Although spared the indignity of the Bataan Death March, my father was captured on the island of Corregidor, shipped to Japan and incarcerated for 3 1/2 years at a camp in Fukuoka. Lester Tenney's description of his experience reminds the reader in graphic detail that war is hell, and makes me more thankful for my freedom at the cost of so many!

Average customer rating:

Graphic SF Reader
Great split personality story, so-so fairy tale story
The big seven are Back together again
I enjoyed this one alot
Mark Waid does it again

JLA Vol. 8: Divided We Fall
Mark Waid , J. H., III Williams , Phil Jimenez , and Paul Neary
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1563897938

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

A schism within the JLA sees them without the assistance of Batman. This is a big problem, when the Queen of Fables comes calling and wants to use the League for her own ends, even somewhat literally.

Will Batman come to their aid? Even if he does, there is still the distrust to deal with later, and the vote.

Great split personality story, so-so fairy tale story.......2007-01-07

These were originally published as JLA #47-#54.

These stories happen right after "Divided We Fall", where Batman gets voted out of the JLA. The remaining JLAers are still dealing with that, when the Queen of Fables is freed from a book and attacks with all manner of fairy tales. With the exception of the very interesting twist of an Aquaman / WonderWoman relationship which continues in this story (see panel 32), and the appearance of Batman and his supposed betrayal of the team, I found this story tedious compared to the others.

The JLAers then start to become divided, with the three that sided with Batman facing off with the three that sided against. Here the story gets going, with the six of them going after Dr. Destiny, who is changing reality, while Superman confronts Batman. Dr. Destiny is seemingly defeated at the same time that Superman and Batman agree there will be no secrets. They call the six other JLAers to Batman's cave, reveal their secret identities, join Batman back to the team....and then meet their alter-egos suited up. Their split-personalities have truly been split!

The ensuing story, with the civilian identities of the JLAers trying to resume normal lives, the superhereo identities of the JLAers battling "fulfillment of wishes" problems full time, with WonderWoman and Aquaman in the middle (they have no secret identities), is one of the best in the series. Both sides, with some exceptions, realize they can't live without their alter-egos, and that the creature "If" has been fulfilling wishes, including theirs to be separated.

The fact that "Eel" O'Brien, Plastic Man's alter-ego who is a former criminal, somewhat reunites the team, is one of the best stories on him in the series.

Fav panel: pg 137, where Kyle Raynor obsessivly covers his walls with JLA cartoons.

The big seven are Back together again.......2003-09-23

This collection follows directly after the Tower of Babel storyline. This follows as the JLA comes to terms with Batman's betrayal and consequent expulsion from the group. The first story involves the Queen of Fables, who have escaped from a book of fairy tales and is suffering from the Snow White's Stepmother Complex and is intent on bringing down Wonder Woman (in her eyes, Snow White). The JLA battle all types of fairy tales monsters and modern horror-flick creatures (Jason and even the Terminator). There's even a scene where the Martian Manhunter is being shoved into a burning oven by a witch a la Hensel and Gretel. Anyways, the JLA overcomes the odds but they are at a major crisis, where those that voted for Batman don't seem to see eye-to-eye w/ those who voted against him. Superman sees this problem and has a conversation w/ Batman where it shows how his betryal has left the JLA vulnerable and uneasy due to the distrust growing between them. To remedy this problem, Batman calls them to the Bat-cave but there's one problem, every single super-hero and their alter-egos have literally split (except for Aquaman and Wonder Woman). The split takes it toll on the JLA, as Mark Waid shows how one cannot co-exist w/out the other. Superman looks more like the Kryptonian ruler he had been forseen to be by his father and Clark Kent is afraid of his own shadow. Batman seems to be simply a machine w/ no personality and Bruce Wayne is a psychotic fop. Anyhow, at the end Plastic Man (actually his alter ego) comes to the rescue and sorts out this entire metaphysical mess. The JLA returns to all its glory with Batman welcomed back into the fold. I really enjoyed this story, it was epic in the sense that it involved the near end of the World but to me it seemed to hinge more on the personal side of the JLA. This contrasts greatly from Grant Morrison's epic tales which involved a cartload of chracters. Mark Waid has hit a homerun wih this story and I would recommend it to all comic book fans.

I enjoyed this one alot.......2003-06-22

I liked the story line of this book. We all wonder what if you met your alter ego? It catches the flavor of what happens when there is a break up or split. It is worth the price

Mark Waid does it again.......2003-02-23

The second collection from Mark Waid's run on JLA continues to improve upon the mess Grant Morrison made of the series. As in "JLA: Tower of Babel", these stories focus on both the individual and the team. Waid brings a human interest to the JLA, whereas Grant Morrison just brought action and chaos. Through Waid, we get to know the characters (Superman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Flash, Green Lantern, Plastic Man and Martian Manhunter) both inside and out. No more are the massive team-ups from Morrison's run. These stories are tight and stream-lined. They're more about friendship than saving the world.

Average customer rating:

Entertaining and Enlightening
Classic book on back country travel, but read with care!
Joe Back understands horses, mountains and much about life
The Horse Packers Bible ........
Horses, Hitches, & Rocky Trails by Joe Back

Horses, Hitches and Rocky Trails
Joe Back
Manufacturer: Johnson Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1555661416

Book Description

"Horses, Hitches and Rocky Trails" is often referred to as the packer's bible. Written in the language of the West, it is a complete and often humorous presentation of the method of packing horses into the wilderness. Amplified by the brilliant drawings of artist Joe back, the book is for both the amateur and professional packer.

Customer Reviews:

Entertaining and Enlightening.......2006-06-30

This charming book is sure to please anyone interested in good old-fashioned prose created around the subject of packing into the wilderness. Not only is the writing and story-telling fascinating, the artwork that accompanies each of the pieces is wonderful. Joe Back is not only a writer, but an artist, wildlife sculptor, a rustic poet, back woodsman, and most of all, a humorist.

The book covers the method of packing into the wilderness for both the amateur and the professional. Most of the information in the book has never been written down before. Western Horseman magazine reviewed it as the "greatest little book ever written on packing into the back country." For my money, just looking at the detail drawings is worth the price of admission.

Classic book on back country travel, but read with care!.......2006-03-10

Horses, Hitches and Rocky Trails has been called the Packer's Bible. Joe's humor and insight make this an entertaining read. His cowboy vernacular fits the subject and keeps the prose lively. This is especially true in the early chapters when he covers the development of packing through the ages; from Genghis Khan to the Spanish invaders of the New World. This is mostly a how too book though, covering everything from selection of gear and livestock, to packing it all up on the back of a critter and heading off into the hills. There is a wealth of information here, along with Joe's art work depicting what he is talking about, whether tying a hitch or training your pony. You might want two copies, one clean copy for your library and another-that you don't mind getting dirty-for your saddle bag.

You might want to be careful with some of his advice though, especially if you care about your old mountain pony. For instance, in the book he demonstrates how to picket a horse to an old log. I have no doubt that this method will work as far as keeping your charge from leaving the country, but you will also lose a certain percentage of animals to injury this way (some would claim those are the animals you don't want anyway!). In Joe's defense, he lived in the first half of the 20th century when horses were cheap. Just remember there are many ways to skin a cat, and the country you are traveling through will dictate the best methods.

One aside, Joe did not like mules which he readily admits in the book; in my opinion though the average horse does not measure up to even a fair mule when it comes to traveling through the mountains. If you want to read an account of packing in the second half of the 20th Century do check out my book "Across the High Lonesome!"Across the High Lonesome

Joe Back understands horses, mountains and much about life.......2002-03-26

This is a repurchase of an old friend. Years ago my career and life took me to Wyoming. Like many, I fell in love with the high country and soon realized that the only way to get to the best of it was with horses. As a relative greenhorn, however, I had a lot to learn about getting to and living in the high country, with or without horses. A friend gave me Joe Back's book Horses, Hitches and Rocky Trails. Somewhere along the way, I misplaced it. I'm glad to have it back.

This book is more than informative. It delivers all its name suggests, telling all I needed to know about the tack, rigging and techniques of handling horses in a pack string. By simply following his advice, I found myself not only able to do it, but do it without embarassing myself in the company of real mountain men.

Beyond that, Joe's earthy narrative and humorous, but informative, illustrations make the book a joy to read. Even after you read it cover to cover, you'll want to spend some time looking at the illustrations and re-reading the tidbits of wisdom. If you have an interest or plan to go into the primitive areas of the mountain West, I encourage you to read this even if you never intend to pack a horse yourself.

The Horse Packers Bible ...............2002-01-13

This is probably the single best work I've ever seen on the "science" of packing. Joe Back lived and worked in N.W. Wyoming, and was a legend in the area. His humorous annecdotes, and extremely accurate hand drawn diagrams, combined with his obvious knowledge of the subject, make this a "must have" for anyone seriously interested in learning how to pack horses or mules, and survive. This little work deserves a place in any packer's library.

Horses, Hitches, & Rocky Trails by Joe Back.......2001-11-02

I have had a copy of Horses, Hitches, & Rocky Trails for eighteen years. It has been taken to the field many times and read in total and in part many times. For the past eighteen years I have been alert for books that would provide new information or expend on Joe's presentation. If there are better ideas out there they need a literate, artistic, and humorous champion like Joe Back.

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Graphic SF Reader
Stormwatch's Soars and Then Fizzles
Reads like a movie
No sacred cows
A terrible ending for a great title.

StormWatch Vol. 5: Final Orbit
Warren Ellis , and Bryan Hitch
Manufacturer: Wildstorm
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1563897881

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Stormwatch self destructs in a big way, as they have to deal with a literal Alien invasion. The WildCATS guest star here as they try and help out and save the people on the station, but nothing goes to well, as it is too much to deal with.

Many members of the team perish, and the world will be changed forever because of what Jenny Sparks has planned.

Stormwatch's Soars and Then Fizzles.......2007-04-23

Since the "Bleed" storyline in the previous issue, the dramatic action of this series has been building and building until what readers can only expect will be a gratuitous crescendo by the end, but the last issue just fizzles in the worst of ways. While a good story on its own, this final installment in the Stormwatch saga effectively ends the team and title without even showing the ending on the page. The conclusion to Ellis' legendary run is more of a side note in a less than significant WildC.A.T.S. story. This felt like a slap across my face when I read it. Ellis even admits in his first Authority TP that he had grown tired of writing Stormwatch and simply didn't care anymore. If only he could have maintained his interest for one more issue. These are still great stories in their own right, but this wasn't the ending Stormwatch deserved.

Reads like a movie.......2006-05-18

As much as I've come to dislike Warren Ellis's work, this volume wasn't that bad.

It certainly reads like an Alien movie, and has a dark and eerie atmosphere that stays true to the films. Unfortunately, a lot of key characters were taken out "off-screen," which leaves the audience hanging.

The Bendix situation was a little open-ended, but I'm going to assume that'll be resolved in the post-Millar Authority.

No sacred cows.......2004-02-14

What impressed me the most in Final Orbit is the seamless weaving in of an inter-company crossover gimmick into its continuity. In fact, its effect has very crucial repercussions in the Wildstorm Universe. I feel it's the most unexpected ending for a series (when was the last time you saw characters from another company obliterate the title group?), and even though the overall book can be improved, it's a worthy read. However, since this was the first Stormwatch book I picked up (my last one was during the Jim Lee/Brandon Choi era, so at least I was familiar with some of the characters), I share the sentiment that it would've been better if there was an idiot's guide in this TPB so it can be more accessible to the readers. Otherwise, it's good and I'm looking forward to buying more of the Stormwatch collected editions.

A terrible ending for a great title........2004-02-08

Stormwatch was a great title that had its highs and lows. No point was lower than this insipid crossover that is responsible for killing off a group of interesting superheros in the cheapest possible way. I'm a Warren Ellis fan but this was a terrible way to end the series and launch the Authority. If a series has to end, why end it in such a weak way?

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Tying and Fishing the Riffling Hitch
Art Lee
Manufacturer: Human Kinetics Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0880117826

Book Description

Let world-renowned fly fisherman and writer Art Lee teach you one of fly fishing's best kept secrets—the Riffling Hitch. Lee explains the art and science of tying and plying this little-known technique that you can use to land more fish every time you're on the water.

Whether you are a salmon fisher or a steelheader, Lee will captivate you with his vivid descriptions and insightful anecdotes. Combined with detailed instruction and 73 full-color illustrations and photographs, Tying and Fishing the Riffling Hitch is a readable, useful guide—an essential book for any serious angler.

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Horses, Hitches, and Rocky Trails

Horses, Hitches & Rocky Trails
Joe Back
Manufacturer: Johnson Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Riding | Horses | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Packin' in on Mules and Horses

ASIN: 0933472064

Customer Reviews:

Horses, Hitches, and Rocky Trails.......2007-10-19

This is a presentation of the method of packing into the wilderness. It is for the amateur just learning what to do in the wilderness and for the professional packer. One packer put it, "I'm surprised how many of those books I see, wide open on the back of a horse." Pat Murray, then Supervisor of the Shoshone National Forest, says in his Foreword: "Joe's home range starts where wheeled travel stops. To haul loads successfully and not hurt your animals takes know-how. Much of the know-how you have in your hands has never been written down before. Rangers, outfitters, and many so-called dudes will use this handbook, and be thankful every day they have it on the trail."

There are 52 drawings to amplify the text. First published in 1959, it has been reprinted 18 times.
--- from book's back cover

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Graphic SF Reader
The White Martians rise again!
story and art only adequate, but still worth a look
Good except for some of the plot seemed inconsistent.
They're Baaaaaack

JLA: Terror Incognita (Book 9)
Mark Waid , Bryan Hitch , and Paul Neary
Manufacturer: DC Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1563899361

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

There are a few stories in here. Again, a Batman warning turns out correctly, as far as how good an idea it is to try and brainwash a bunch of Martian Manhunters that hate you. i.e. not very.

The JLA also meets Santa, as told by Plastic Man to his kid, which is pretty funny.

The weak part is an odd Polaris/Joker episode that seems to come out of nowhere.

The White Martians rise again!.......2007-01-16

These were originally published as JLA #55 - #60.

The White Martians, J'onn the Martian Manhunters 'evil counterparts' if you will, were first defeated in JLA: New World Order. The White Martians lay a trip for J'onn, thinking that taking him out first is the key to defeating the JLA. The shape shifting Martians were 'wished' out of their hypnotic state inadvertently by J'onn while battling ID (United We Stand).

The White Martians should be a great foe for the JLA. But their defeat, while clever (think oxygen and fires, no spoiler here) is somewhat contrived and convenient.

This issue also contains Bipolar Disorder (JLA vs. Polaris infected with a Joker toxin) and a JLA Christmas tale that is better left unread.

Fav panels: page 50, Superman with the White Martians behind him masquerading as the rest of the JLA; page 85, Superman, WonderWoman and GL pulling the moon closer to the Earth.

story and art only adequate, but still worth a look.......2004-09-19

Terror Incognita contains numbers 55-60 of the monthly JLA comic and is book nine of the collected reprint JLA paperbacks. Chapters 1-4 of this book pit the JLA against the White Martians (evil counterparts to JLA member J'onn J'onzz, debuted in "JLA: New World Order") and are written by Mark Waid. Chapter 5 is a crossover with the miniseries "Joker: Last Laugh" by Chuck Dixon and Scott Beatty. Chapter 6, a Christmas story, is Waid's last as JLA writer.

The four-part White Martian story is marred by the inconsistency of the art. Superstar penciler Bryan Hitch left the book after part one, and the initial transition from him to guest artist Mike Miller is jarring. This is admittedly unfair to Miller, however, as his art would hold up fine against any artist not in Mr. Hitch's category. Waid turns in a fine story with some nice insights into the character of stalwart Leaguer J'onn J'onzz and gives a real sense of the team being threatened by the immensely powerful evil Martians. Sadly, the means by which the JLA defeats the Martians is all too similar to how they prevailed in one of the Grant Morrison stories now collected in "JLA: American Dreams," so Waid's final arc lacks the impact that his earlier work on this series had.

Chapter 5, unfortunately, requires reading "Joker: Last Laugh" to know what's going on. "Last Laugh" has not been collected in trade paperback form. It was a huge crossover and received mixed reviews, and in no way affects any other story in this book. It was a mistake for DC to include this story here, as it confuses the reader and detracts from the rest of the content.

Chapter 6, Mark Waid's farewell, is a Christmas story. I don't like Christmas stories in general, superhero Xmases more specifically. This one is cute, slightly irreverent, and there's a nice Mike Ploog quality to the art. Still, though, it's just a Christmas story, so those hoping one of the best (but not exactly most consistent) superhero writers in the biz will leave JLA with a bang might be disappointed.

Good except for some of the plot seemed inconsistent........2004-02-08

There are some plot holes that bothered me. In most of the story, the white martians are shown to be extermely powerful and ruthless. Yet, there are some scenes in the story with, J'onzz, Batman, Flash and Lantern where the White Martians suddenly get soft just for story convenience.

Still, I really enjoyed the pacing of the book and the focus on J'onzz. The art was also very good.

They're Baaaaaack.......2003-11-03

This collects the final run of Mark Waid on JLA. The White Martians (being the pesky critters that they are) have escaped from the amnesic trance that Jonn' had put them under in the very forst JLA story "New World order". The White Martians have escaped from Jonn's wish to be not alone in the ID case in the trade United We Stand. They have been busy and since fire is their only source of weakness they have done away w/ oxygen in the atmosphere, so no fire. The JLA really gets their butts handed to them until they device a very epic and sneaky trick and force all the white martians in the phantom zone. The second story is a continuation of the Joker's Laugh arc concerning Dr. Polaris (worst story in the collection). And the final story, very funny and very enjoyable is the story of how Santa Claus got inducted into the JLA as told by Palstic Man, so you know it's a stretch. Overall, a good read.

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