tiedyedude's reviews
1070 reviews

Superman '78: The Metal Curtain by Robert Venditti

3.75

A much more effective commentary on the Cold War than Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, this follow-up to the Superman '78 comic again nails the tone of the Reeves movies in telling a story of hope and optimism. Another easy recommendation.

Superman '78 by Robert Venditti

4.5

 This was a lot of fun. An excellent story that could be set at any time in the original Reeves' series, utilizing the villain that the films were just itching to introduce, Brainiac. Fun art and pitch-perfect writing makes this an easy recommendation. 

Creepshow by Bernie Wrightson, Stephen King

3.0

 An illustrated adaptation of the creepy, campy 1982 movie, released in conjunction with the film. I think the stories are a little more successful in the movie, but the comic does a decent enough job. 

The Wendigo by Algernon Blackwood

2.0

 A creepy, atmospheric tale of terror. I will be listening to The Willows next, but I thought I'd give another one of his a try first. It was okay. It is more suggestive of events (did it really happen or was it the characters' projection of their fears). I can't say the narration really pulled me in.

The Willows by Algernon Blackwood

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I thought this was much more effective a story than The Wendigo. The threat felt more real, and the buildup and tension were well done. I was still not impressed with the narrator. 

Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King

4.0

This was a pretty interesting novel from King. Dolores is being interviewed/interrogated by police; the entire book is her telling her story, no chapter breaks. Of course there is plenty of tension and a few gross-out or violent moments, from her employer's emotional abuse to her husband's various despicable acts to her last days with Vera, but overall I found Dolores to be endearing and her story to be somewhat empowering.

Killadelphia Volume 5: There's No Place Like Home by Rodney Barnes

3.75

Killadelphia Deluxe Edition Book Two by Rodney Barnes

3.5

 Combining the collected TPB Volumes 3 & 4 of the series, Volume 3 ramps up the stakes until Volume 4 kinda drops the ball. Volume 4 consisted of excellent re-imaginings of historical people and events, but then just had people standing around in the present. Intriguing characters are introduced, including Haitian revolutionary Toussaint L'Ouverture and MOVE activists, but all the characters coming together to face a new threat didn't seem well developed. I am interested in continuing the series, but I felt like a couple key pages were missing from the second half of this book to explain why everyone was so quick to set aside difference. Still, there are some dead-on examinations of past and current events that fit so well with this alternate world. 

Holly by Stephen King

4.25

 Another great outing for Holly Gibney! I like the reveal of the motives of the antagonists, which is more grounded than Holly's other outings, but still rooted in an otherworldly idea. It was nice to have a not-traumatizing side story following the Robinsons. Also, it is a perfect encapsulation of COVID times, at least for those who took it seriously and followed guidelines.

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No

3.75

 This was a very quick read as it was easy to get lost in the prose. So well written/translated! Originally published in three novelettes, it is interesting to experience the titular character only through the eyes of others.

The first book is through the eyes of her husband as her decision to be vegetarian after a symbolic dream sends ripples through a dysfunctional family. The second book explores her brother-in-law's lust and artistic obsession with her as she continues to decline (or become resolute in her defiance?). The third book, which is much more meditative and cerebral that the first two, sees her sister reflecting on the past and attempting to care for her as her health becomes critical.