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sullyisreading's reviews
52 reviews
Gantz/1 by Hiroya Oku
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book left a very mixed reaction in my mind. I'll point out what I liked and disliked to try and make sense of it. I think I would read further, but I don't know if I will want to pay standard price to go on.
What I liked most about the story was the mystery. This is clearly the largest selling point of Gantz at this stage; what's going on? Is everyone truly dead or clones? Why has only one person survived a year participating in this alien-assassination squad?
The two characters I consider the protagonists, Kei and Kato, have interesting personal lives that are engaging. Especially Kato, although parts of Kei's personal story told in the book are enjoyable too. As a whole on the front of characters, there's a good mix in terms of character types, and a kind of big brother-esque 'how will this person react to this kind of person' enjoyment to be had.
For me, the negative points were the oversexualisation of Kishimoto Kei - it began feeling like somewhat realistic and nuanced - a yakuza guy tries to rape her after being placed in a room with her, but is stopped. Then Kato throws a jacket on her, saying along the lines of 'Put something on before I attack you myself'. This felt entirely out of left field, and seeing his character as a whole, it felt odd that he would say something like this. From there, the countless title pages and panels within the book featuring female Kei nude or posing feels incredibly weird. I could understand to a degree that sexualising women in comics and manga is standard, as men are too in other ways, however I felt this book really took it too far. There's a line where you're trying to appeal a book to a horny, just-18 or around that age audience, and then there's sexualising the primary female character in the story throughout a whole omnibus of manga, with little character behind her other than 'she's happy to be free of her controlling mum, now she's living with Kei as a pet'... The way that female Kei is treated like a sex doll throughout the story is sexist, as it stands. I don't know if it changes later, but as it stands, her character could be put in a hentai comic and probably fit in better. She has no agency.
I wanted to like this story more, and I'm hoping that if I read more, I will see female Kei's character receive respect. The story juggles a lot of ideas really well, but no part that has featured female Kei has been enjoyable - it's simply felt like fanservice.
What I liked most about the story was the mystery. This is clearly the largest selling point of Gantz at this stage; what's going on? Is everyone truly dead or clones? Why has only one person survived a year participating in this alien-assassination squad?
The two characters I consider the protagonists, Kei and Kato, have interesting personal lives that are engaging. Especially Kato, although parts of Kei's personal story told in the book are enjoyable too. As a whole on the front of characters, there's a good mix in terms of character types, and a kind of big brother-esque 'how will this person react to this kind of person' enjoyment to be had.
For me, the negative points were the oversexualisation of Kishimoto Kei - it began feeling like somewhat realistic and nuanced - a yakuza guy tries to rape her after being placed in a room with her, but is stopped. Then Kato throws a jacket on her, saying along the lines of 'Put something on before I attack you myself'. This felt entirely out of left field, and seeing his character as a whole, it felt odd that he would say something like this. From there, the countless title pages and panels within the book featuring female Kei nude or posing feels incredibly weird. I could understand to a degree that sexualising women in comics and manga is standard, as men are too in other ways, however I felt this book really took it too far. There's a line where you're trying to appeal a book to a horny, just-18 or around that age audience, and then there's sexualising the primary female character in the story throughout a whole omnibus of manga, with little character behind her other than 'she's happy to be free of her controlling mum, now she's living with Kei as a pet'... The way that female Kei is treated like a sex doll throughout the story is sexist, as it stands. I don't know if it changes later, but as it stands, her character could be put in a hentai comic and probably fit in better. She has no agency.
I wanted to like this story more, and I'm hoping that if I read more, I will see female Kei's character receive respect. The story juggles a lot of ideas really well, but no part that has featured female Kei has been enjoyable - it's simply felt like fanservice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Rape
Minor: Self harm, Terminal illness, Suicide, and Vomit
Dredd/Anderson: The Deep End by Alec Worley, Paul Davidson, Arthur Wyatt
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I loved the whole book. The first story of three was the most engaging with its hook of finding out who the murderer is and how he's killing his victims. Some very gruesome panels detailing the victims after death were very effective, quite shocking to an effective degree.
The second and third stories each gave something to consider. In the second, we see Anderson realise her potential and power, which was very impactful to me. In the third, the dilemma of morality, legality, and justice all spin together, and through Anderson's actions, leaves the verdict of whether she made the right call in the end of the story to the reader. Personally, I found this one the most interesting.
As a whole, definitely worth the read. Great art, good writing, and different styles of stories that ensure at least one of them will stay in your mind.
The second and third stories each gave something to consider. In the second, we see Anderson realise her potential and power, which was very impactful to me. In the third, the dilemma of morality, legality, and justice all spin together, and through Anderson's actions, leaves the verdict of whether she made the right call in the end of the story to the reader. Personally, I found this one the most interesting.
As a whole, definitely worth the read. Great art, good writing, and different styles of stories that ensure at least one of them will stay in your mind.
Everybody Loves Tank Girl by Alan C. Martin, Jim Mahfood
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Art style was very charming, but there wasn't all that much to make me fall in love the comics. I liked the feature of short comics or even single-page issues. It felt like a collection of zines, and thought that was really inventive. I loved the sketchbook section at the end.
I feel like if there was more of a story at times, I might have given it a higher rating. For what it was though, it was enjoyable.
I feel like if there was more of a story at times, I might have given it a higher rating. For what it was though, it was enjoyable.
Alien - Alien 3: The Lost Screenplay by William Gibson by William Gibson, Pat Cadigan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
I'll treat this like a review of where I read up to, which was the beginning of chapter twelve.
I find myself agreeing with the other reviews I've seen on here. The story is fine, some parts of it are even good, I think seeing more of the background and lives not directly connected to Ripley is interesting. Moreso, although it may be a little controversial to change how the xenomorphs can reproduce, I find it very intriguing that Bishop was a carrier. Although I didn't read more, considering that xenomorphs adapt their physique based on their host, I think a technological-xenomorph is a pretty neat idea to get at, whether it is realised in the story or not, I don't know.
Those are really my only positives. I don't enjoy Pat Cadigan's writing here. It is continuously the aspect that ruins every sense of tension, intrigue, amusement or enjoyment. At first I found it charming the fact that we get to read character thoughts we wouldn't otherwise see on screen, and how points are repeated for effect - quickly this charm turned to feeling like being beat over the head. The writing is low-brow, not in terms of being crude necessarily, but is simple. The writing is appealing to a young adult, a teenager of maybe twelve years would appreciate how the writing is accessible when compared to some other books. As an adult, it is incredibly annoying after a short amount of time. As another review pointed out, the mention of Ken and Barbie in relation to two MiliSci representatives is confusing and fails to land as a joke. In fact, those two representatives are the worst characters in the story, not simply because Pat Cadigan really wants to drive home the fact that we shouldn't like them as characters, but because every time they feature the prose becomes absolute piss - paragraphs are dedicated from multiple characters explaining with excruciating repetitive reasons for why they aren't liked. They always smile, they sound like news reporters, they're like Barbie and Ken, they know nothing.
I wondered throughout where the line between William Gibson's original script draft and Pat Cadigan's novelisation blurs. While I can appreciate and follow the skeleton plot that I can only assume comes from William, the lack of interesting characterisation and the very poor writing for what I would assume is an adult's book (considering the series it is based on is 17+) leaves a very poor taste in my mouth. I would have preferred reading the actual script draft, and feel sad that I got this instead.
The story is not enjoyable. I'm going to be refunding my purchase after this review. It's a shame, as I genuinely liked the premise. This book was a let down, and I cannot recommend it.
I find myself agreeing with the other reviews I've seen on here. The story is fine, some parts of it are even good, I think seeing more of the background and lives not directly connected to Ripley is interesting. Moreso, although it may be a little controversial to change how the xenomorphs can reproduce, I find it very intriguing that Bishop was a carrier. Although I didn't read more, considering that xenomorphs adapt their physique based on their host, I think a technological-xenomorph is a pretty neat idea to get at, whether it is realised in the story or not, I don't know.
Those are really my only positives. I don't enjoy Pat Cadigan's writing here. It is continuously the aspect that ruins every sense of tension, intrigue, amusement or enjoyment. At first I found it charming the fact that we get to read character thoughts we wouldn't otherwise see on screen, and how points are repeated for effect - quickly this charm turned to feeling like being beat over the head. The writing is low-brow, not in terms of being crude necessarily, but is simple. The writing is appealing to a young adult, a teenager of maybe twelve years would appreciate how the writing is accessible when compared to some other books. As an adult, it is incredibly annoying after a short amount of time. As another review pointed out, the mention of Ken and Barbie in relation to two MiliSci representatives is confusing and fails to land as a joke. In fact, those two representatives are the worst characters in the story, not simply because Pat Cadigan really wants to drive home the fact that we shouldn't like them as characters, but because every time they feature the prose becomes absolute piss - paragraphs are dedicated from multiple characters explaining with excruciating repetitive reasons for why they aren't liked. They always smile, they sound like news reporters, they're like Barbie and Ken, they know nothing.
I wondered throughout where the line between William Gibson's original script draft and Pat Cadigan's novelisation blurs. While I can appreciate and follow the skeleton plot that I can only assume comes from William, the lack of interesting characterisation and the very poor writing for what I would assume is an adult's book (considering the series it is based on is 17+) leaves a very poor taste in my mouth. I would have preferred reading the actual script draft, and feel sad that I got this instead.
The story is not enjoyable. I'm going to be refunding my purchase after this review. It's a shame, as I genuinely liked the premise. This book was a let down, and I cannot recommend it.
Judge Dredd: Blind Justice by John Wagner
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A mix of deeper, interesting stories about surveillance states, authoritarianism, the nature of law, and citizen's rights, as well as some fluffy, funny stories that were nice to break up the serious and darker stories. My personal favourite was Holiday Special.
Art style is absolutely the best part of reading this; every setting and character feels well detailed; everything has a presence. The design of Dredd's gun in particular always stands out positively.
Art style is absolutely the best part of reading this; every setting and character feels well detailed; everything has a presence. The design of Dredd's gun in particular always stands out positively.
Judge Dredd: Under Siege by Mark Russell
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
One of my new favourite graphic novels/comic books, especially of those I've read lately. I took this book out from my local library to give me a feel for what Judge Dredd comics are like, in preparation for another graphic novel I have yet to read; Blind Justice.
I believe this story either inspired or is inspired by the 2012 film Dredd; although there are some major differences, the style of combat and situation that Dredd finds himself in is very similar. Everything was fast-paced without losing poignancy, and had a lot of satire about consumerism and police states that I found both funny and eerie to our own lives. I understand now why Judge Dredd is such an influential series, and I would consider myself a fan of it now.
I believe this story either inspired or is inspired by the 2012 film Dredd; although there are some major differences, the style of combat and situation that Dredd finds himself in is very similar. Everything was fast-paced without losing poignancy, and had a lot of satire about consumerism and police states that I found both funny and eerie to our own lives. I understand now why Judge Dredd is such an influential series, and I would consider myself a fan of it now.
The Day of The Triffids by John Wyndham
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Loved this story. Has inspired me to want to read more of Wyndham's works. Loved the characters, especially Coker, and Susan. Bill and Josella are engaging protagonists, and them trying their hardest to cope with survival, short and long term, as well as the threat of the triffids - is highly entertaining. While I wished more development into the different tribes was established (like Coker's original group, the military group with Torrence, Miss Durrant's religious group, etc) to further ground why Bill did or didn't agree with their views, this is still accomplished very well.
I enjoyed this book and plan to one day read The Chrysalids.
I enjoyed this book and plan to one day read The Chrysalids.
Hellboy, Vol. 3: The Chained Coffin and Others by Mike Mignola
adventurous
dark
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Amazing art and engaging stories, a great mix of folk tale inspired stories that fit great for Hellboy to tackle. Since these are the first comics of Hellboy I've read before, I found the experience fun and exactly what I always thought the comics would be like, after watching the original movies with Ron Perlman.
Can't go wrong with this.
Can't go wrong with this.
Justice League International, Vol. 2 by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Enjoyed the comedy of this story, as well as the plot that Maxwell Lord goes through, especially towards the end of the story.
No specific complaints, however I found the collection lacking in some parts - I wanted more, really, and some parts dragged without feeling fully rewarding. It was nice to have a continuation from the first part, however.
No specific complaints, however I found the collection lacking in some parts - I wanted more, really, and some parts dragged without feeling fully rewarding. It was nice to have a continuation from the first part, however.
Galactic Pot-healer by Philip K. Dick
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
One of the weirder stories I've read, which I believe does say something considering the kinds of stories I like (Stanislaw Lem's works, Our Lady of Darkness by Fritz Leiber, Terry Pratchett, so on).
The story does a lot of things I love and doesn't leave much to say about it negatively. The parts I found most confusing I chalked up to 'artistic expression' on the part of Philip K. Dick, like when protagonist Joe Fernwright compares himself to primordial creatures, however I quite liked this, personally. The ending itself is very odd, and while I want to believe that the scene it depicts is very meaningful, I have to sit on whether I can make heads or tails of the meaning, and if that meaning isn't simply implied. Although for the final page, I found it very human and equally sad, in a way I think will become truer to me over time.
For the short length of the book and what it conveyed, I think the book was excellent. Especially as this is the first book by Dick that I've read (I have also read two of his short stories, The Eyes Have it, Of Withered Apples); I've found it a great precursor for me, as I do own Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, and have it planned to read someday soon, along with 22 other books of various forms...
Definitely worth a read if you like weird sci-fi/fantasy mix literature. Took me about two or three weeks on and off to read.
The story does a lot of things I love and doesn't leave much to say about it negatively. The parts I found most confusing I chalked up to 'artistic expression' on the part of Philip K. Dick, like when protagonist Joe Fernwright compares himself to primordial creatures, however I quite liked this, personally. The ending itself is very odd, and while I want to believe that the scene it depicts is very meaningful, I have to sit on whether I can make heads or tails of the meaning, and if that meaning isn't simply implied. Although for the final page, I found it very human and equally sad, in a way I think will become truer to me over time.
For the short length of the book and what it conveyed, I think the book was excellent. Especially as this is the first book by Dick that I've read (I have also read two of his short stories, The Eyes Have it, Of Withered Apples); I've found it a great precursor for me, as I do own Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, and have it planned to read someday soon, along with 22 other books of various forms...
Definitely worth a read if you like weird sci-fi/fantasy mix literature. Took me about two or three weeks on and off to read.