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nerdyreferencelibrarian89's Reviews (1.19k)
Before I start the review I need to add a side note, this volume is essentially two stories. The first 2/3rds are the X-men, which earned the 4 star review, the last 1/3 was deadpool and cable, which I think was a 3 star at best. My review is just going to focus on the X-men segment as this was the part I cared about.
Right, so onto the book. I am a little biased, X-men are one of my favorite parts of the Marvel Universe; however, I legitimately found this to be one of the most enjoyable reads of my reread of this event.
The X-men demonstrate some of the potential flaws and problems in Registration, as the act is starkly contrasted by the looming threat of sentinels literally "watching" over the remaining mutant population. This is a reminder of what could happen to the rest of the world's heroes with registration.
In addition, the X-men are partially split on supporting or remaining neutral with registration.
To make matters more complicated, the X-men end up getting embroiled in a last ditch effort to save 50% of the remaining mutants from catastrophe, while the anti-mutant groups try the opposite.
I really liked this volume as it placed the events of the Civil War within the wider events going on in the character's lives. The X-men were already in a bad place, and already registered, so this gives a unique chance to have the Civil War just be part of a larger story.
This was a very action light volume, however, I didn't find that to necessarily hurt it.
Well worth a read for X-men or Civil War fans
Right, so onto the book. I am a little biased, X-men are one of my favorite parts of the Marvel Universe; however, I legitimately found this to be one of the most enjoyable reads of my reread of this event.
The X-men demonstrate some of the potential flaws and problems in Registration, as the act is starkly contrasted by the looming threat of sentinels literally "watching" over the remaining mutant population. This is a reminder of what could happen to the rest of the world's heroes with registration.
In addition, the X-men are partially split on supporting or remaining neutral with registration.
To make matters more complicated, the X-men end up getting embroiled in a last ditch effort to save 50% of the remaining mutants from catastrophe, while the anti-mutant groups try the opposite.
I really liked this volume as it placed the events of the Civil War within the wider events going on in the character's lives. The X-men were already in a bad place, and already registered, so this gives a unique chance to have the Civil War just be part of a larger story.
This was a very action light volume, however, I didn't find that to necessarily hurt it.
Well worth a read for X-men or Civil War fans
The third and most current entry into the Gentleman Bastard series, I honestly felt this was the weakest entry to the series.
The first book was amazing, refreshing, and interesting. The second story, while slower, I think really hit its stride halfway thru.
This book, I really struggled with. I loved parts, and loved the introduction of Sabbatha. There is also some amazing world building done, with Lynch hinting further at wider world effecting events that could be happening.
It also contained a decent amount of cons and skullduggery, which was great fun.
However, there were several things that I think did not work well.
First, the story is told thru alternating timeline perspectives. A few chapters current, and then a few chapters of the past. Back and forth, the entire book.... I really REALLY disliked this. Each timeline had interesting stories and goings on in them, with the past being the stronger of the two. However, every time I found myself really growing invested in the story, it would jump to a literally completely different time and place.
While yes you can argue these stories are connected emotional, due to having the same characters, it really bugged me, as they were not directly related.
In addition, the "Main timeline's" story I found a little difficult to follow. Sabbatha and Locke are competing to win seats in an election. However, most of their actions seem to be underhanded, but largely ineffective pranks on each other. There are some major attempts to gain votes, but for the most part this story was the weakest of all three books as the characters truthfully weren't planning or doing anything.
Despite these issues, Lynch's writing is so strong the book was still enjoyable an worth reading.
The first book was amazing, refreshing, and interesting. The second story, while slower, I think really hit its stride halfway thru.
This book, I really struggled with. I loved parts, and loved the introduction of Sabbatha. There is also some amazing world building done, with Lynch hinting further at wider world effecting events that could be happening.
It also contained a decent amount of cons and skullduggery, which was great fun.
However, there were several things that I think did not work well.
First, the story is told thru alternating timeline perspectives. A few chapters current, and then a few chapters of the past. Back and forth, the entire book.... I really REALLY disliked this. Each timeline had interesting stories and goings on in them, with the past being the stronger of the two. However, every time I found myself really growing invested in the story, it would jump to a literally completely different time and place.
While yes you can argue these stories are connected emotional, due to having the same characters, it really bugged me, as they were not directly related.
In addition, the "Main timeline's" story I found a little difficult to follow. Sabbatha and Locke are competing to win seats in an election. However, most of their actions seem to be underhanded, but largely ineffective pranks on each other. There are some major attempts to gain votes, but for the most part this story was the weakest of all three books as the characters truthfully weren't planning or doing anything.
Despite these issues, Lynch's writing is so strong the book was still enjoyable an worth reading.
I am a big Spider-Man fan, but the character has been so overused that at times he can be quite stale.
This was a refreshing "alternative" Spider-man, who is decidedly not a "good guy." It's almost as is Deadpool, Moon Knight, and Spider-man combined together, which shouldn't work, but it does.
Ben Reilly is a great combo of hilarious and disturbing, keeping this story fresh and interesting.
I would recommend giving this a try to any fans of Spider-man or Marvel.
This was a refreshing "alternative" Spider-man, who is decidedly not a "good guy." It's almost as is Deadpool, Moon Knight, and Spider-man combined together, which shouldn't work, but it does.
Ben Reilly is a great combo of hilarious and disturbing, keeping this story fresh and interesting.
I would recommend giving this a try to any fans of Spider-man or Marvel.
This was a really fun addition to the Civil War series. Both the Young Avengers and the Runaways have a unique place in Marvel, in that they are new heroes and teens.
The Runaways particularly seem surprised when they get caught up in the storm of the Civil War, noticing that the powers that be do not even approach them to see where they fall on the issue, before attacking them.
Perhaps that best thing about this story is how well it highlights some of the problems with the government being in control of heroes. At numerous times, "legal" government employees use lethal force against androids and aliens, because "They aren't human, and therefore will gain lower sympathy with people," or "They do not have the rights accorded to Americans." This results in sanctioned torture and vicious attacks from government employees. Highlighting some of the reason why there is a need for heroes to work outside of the government.
Well worth a read, it is fun, has good action, and great characters.
The Runaways particularly seem surprised when they get caught up in the storm of the Civil War, noticing that the powers that be do not even approach them to see where they fall on the issue, before attacking them.
Perhaps that best thing about this story is how well it highlights some of the problems with the government being in control of heroes. At numerous times, "legal" government employees use lethal force against androids and aliens, because "They aren't human, and therefore will gain lower sympathy with people," or "They do not have the rights accorded to Americans." This results in sanctioned torture and vicious attacks from government employees. Highlighting some of the reason why there is a need for heroes to work outside of the government.
Well worth a read, it is fun, has good action, and great characters.
Unlike the Spider-Man Civil War volume, this one primarily focused on Peter Parker and the consequences of him revealing his identity.
While somewhat interesting, I do have to say it seemed extremely ridiculous that after going out on a limb for registration and Tony Stark, Peter got next to no support or protection from revealing his identity.
This also often was redundant after having read the Spider-Man Civil War volume.
Worth reading for Spider-Man fans, but honestly, not a highlight of the Civil War series.
While somewhat interesting, I do have to say it seemed extremely ridiculous that after going out on a limb for registration and Tony Stark, Peter got next to no support or protection from revealing his identity.
This also often was redundant after having read the Spider-Man Civil War volume.
Worth reading for Spider-Man fans, but honestly, not a highlight of the Civil War series.
Probably one of the best Civil War segments I have read. Rather then focusing on the actual events happening in the US, Black Panther highlights the perspectives of other nations on Registration, which was fascinating.
It also helps highlight some of the potential frightening possibilities registration opened up, such as the US with a super powered army.
Some of the best scenes I have read in the Civil War take place in this book, tense showdowns between Black Panther and his new wife Storm, and the White House, paranoid delusions from White House military staff, causing awful escalation of conflicts and mistrust, and mentions of the racial inequality that continues to plague the US.
A real gem in the Civil War storyline that I highly recommend.
It also helps highlight some of the potential frightening possibilities registration opened up, such as the US with a super powered army.
Some of the best scenes I have read in the Civil War take place in this book, tense showdowns between Black Panther and his new wife Storm, and the White House, paranoid delusions from White House military staff, causing awful escalation of conflicts and mistrust, and mentions of the racial inequality that continues to plague the US.
A real gem in the Civil War storyline that I highly recommend.
Honestly, this volume was disappointing. Though I find the Fantastic Four usually boring, they held a very interesting place in the Civil War storyline.
Reed Richards, along with other scientists side with Tony Stark and create a horrific extra-dimensional prison that saps the prisoners will to live. In addition, this action splits the Fantastic Four down the middle, with Sue and Jonny leaving the group, and the Thing leaving for France. These are huge massively interesting twists.
This volume hints at several of these things. But barely focuses on Reed building this prison, on how this makes him feel, how others around him feel. In addition, Sue and Johnny are nonexistent in the story after they leave. Perhaps this is because the main comic covers them some, but this isn't enough. In many ways Sue is the most interesting perspective in this story, and we never get her perspective... very disappointing.
The end of the volume has a cheesy recap of what makes the Fantastic Four great, that they are family, and nothing has been able to split them (until now). This was bland and meh.
Honestly the only saving grace of this volume was The Thing. He both refuses to support registration or fight it, instead he leaves for France, and does some old school heroing with French heroes. This was highly enjoyable, as it highlights the problems with both sides of this conflict. It also shows a solution to the Thing fleeing the stress tearing his family (The Fantastic Four) apart. The is also an amazing scene, where the Thing is keeping Johnny company as he is in a coma, and is talking with him, we get snippets of some hilarious rambling conversation and actions as the thing is alone, scrambling for something to say.
Reed Richards, along with other scientists side with Tony Stark and create a horrific extra-dimensional prison that saps the prisoners will to live. In addition, this action splits the Fantastic Four down the middle, with Sue and Jonny leaving the group, and the Thing leaving for France. These are huge massively interesting twists.
This volume hints at several of these things. But barely focuses on Reed building this prison, on how this makes him feel, how others around him feel. In addition, Sue and Johnny are nonexistent in the story after they leave. Perhaps this is because the main comic covers them some, but this isn't enough. In many ways Sue is the most interesting perspective in this story, and we never get her perspective... very disappointing.
The end of the volume has a cheesy recap of what makes the Fantastic Four great, that they are family, and nothing has been able to split them (until now). This was bland and meh.
Honestly the only saving grace of this volume was The Thing. He both refuses to support registration or fight it, instead he leaves for France, and does some old school heroing with French heroes. This was highly enjoyable, as it highlights the problems with both sides of this conflict. It also shows a solution to the Thing fleeing the stress tearing his family (The Fantastic Four) apart. The is also an amazing scene, where the Thing is keeping Johnny company as he is in a coma, and is talking with him, we get snippets of some hilarious rambling conversation and actions as the thing is alone, scrambling for something to say.
Another gem in the Civil War storyline, Front Line follows two reporters investigating the conflict, and Speed Ball, as he is put on trial.
The scenes with Speed Ball are chilling, in many ways he is oblivious, naive, but many of the points he sullenly makes are also not wrong. Even with this in mind he is beaten, mistreated, and jailed without any sort of sentencing. THis highlights the horror of a security state.
I have already reviewed the second volume of this, and honestly similar things apply. It is a great find for the series and well worth a read.
The scenes with Speed Ball are chilling, in many ways he is oblivious, naive, but many of the points he sullenly makes are also not wrong. Even with this in mind he is beaten, mistreated, and jailed without any sort of sentencing. THis highlights the horror of a security state.
I have already reviewed the second volume of this, and honestly similar things apply. It is a great find for the series and well worth a read.
This volume was all over the place. When I thought that I was finding something to interest me it would jump to something else seemingly odd and unrelated. The Heroes for Hire was better then the Thunderbolts, but neither was really an amazing read.
The only thing I really truly enjoyed was the character Humbug, who was weird and unique.
The only thing I really truly enjoyed was the character Humbug, who was weird and unique.
This was a reread of this book, this time I listened to it on audio.
Originally, I gave the book 4 stars, however, it easily deserves 5. I love this book, and it is even better knowing where the story is going as you can see the foundation for the next two books being subtly created.
The book itself is a must read for any fans of characters with well rounded personalities. The "good" characters still do a lot of bad things. Perhaps my favorite thing about this first book is watching the journey and thought process of Logan Ninefingers, the Bloody Nine, who is one of my all time favorite literature characters.
He fights to improve himself, make a positive impact on the world, all the while carrying the heavy baggage of his past misdeeds that are merely hinted at in this book. A thoughtful, well rounded Barbarian is a refreshing change in fantasy, and helps create on of the most entertaining character arcs I have read over the course of the trilogy.
Abercrombie does an amazing job making characters dis-likable, Luther is a whiny shit who you hope to fail, Biaz a annoying know it all, who never actually gives answers. Despite these characters being frankly terrible people, they feel human, and give a vitality and realism to the story and world.
I love the way Abercrombie writes the fights in this book, they aren't the heroic high fantasy that is traditionally written but instead the fights that are visceral and brutal. They are filled with broken bones, bruises, and cuts.
The audio for the book is frankly amazing. The narrator breathes even more life into this already vibrant story, lending a lisp to poor inquisitor Glotka, an arrogant tone to Luther. It is one of the best audio experiences I have had in a very long time, and I cannot wait to continue to listen to the series.
Honestly, if you are a fan of fantasy, do yourself a favor and read this book.
Originally, I gave the book 4 stars, however, it easily deserves 5. I love this book, and it is even better knowing where the story is going as you can see the foundation for the next two books being subtly created.
The book itself is a must read for any fans of characters with well rounded personalities. The "good" characters still do a lot of bad things. Perhaps my favorite thing about this first book is watching the journey and thought process of Logan Ninefingers, the Bloody Nine, who is one of my all time favorite literature characters.
He fights to improve himself, make a positive impact on the world, all the while carrying the heavy baggage of his past misdeeds that are merely hinted at in this book. A thoughtful, well rounded Barbarian is a refreshing change in fantasy, and helps create on of the most entertaining character arcs I have read over the course of the trilogy.
Abercrombie does an amazing job making characters dis-likable, Luther is a whiny shit who you hope to fail, Biaz a annoying know it all, who never actually gives answers. Despite these characters being frankly terrible people, they feel human, and give a vitality and realism to the story and world.
I love the way Abercrombie writes the fights in this book, they aren't the heroic high fantasy that is traditionally written but instead the fights that are visceral and brutal. They are filled with broken bones, bruises, and cuts.
The audio for the book is frankly amazing. The narrator breathes even more life into this already vibrant story, lending a lisp to poor inquisitor Glotka, an arrogant tone to Luther. It is one of the best audio experiences I have had in a very long time, and I cannot wait to continue to listen to the series.
Honestly, if you are a fan of fantasy, do yourself a favor and read this book.