Capsule book reviews in 255 characters or fewer. Ish. A reading diary (1st Jan 2019 onwards) by Eamonn Griffin.
The sleeping sickness now established, matters come to a head in Dooling. A strong counterpart to Volume 1, completing an excellent graphic novelisation (is that even a phrase?) of the King father and son collaboration. Perhaps works better if you’re familiar with the source novel, but enjoyable in its own right too.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
The continuing adventures of a working class British magician, working to balance warring supernatural forces and their own flaws. Still-splendid blend of social realism, state-of-the-world anger, and horror comic thrills. Both of its time (Thatcher’s late 80s) and of this moment: the same wars are still being fought. This first collection brings together issues 1-9, plus issues 77 and 78 of Swamp Thing, Constantine’s origin title.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A possible diary in images and words of a year in the East of Lincolnshire. Can’t say more than that – and this isn’t a review, ‘cos family – but if you’re familiar with Maxim Griffin’s work then this is the motherlode to date. If you haven’t, then this is your departure point. Get on it now before the inevitable Werner Herzog/Ben Wheatley/Johnny Nice bidding war begins. Onwards, as Maxim is wont to say.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A group of thirty-somethings united by a common friend find themselves invited to a remote house to sit out the apocalypse. Lost-ish group drama that’s strong on WTF moments and on asking lots of questions. Told with its writer’s usual confidence: it’ll be fascinating to see where this is going. Issues 1-6 collected here.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A celebration of / making of the 2002 minor squaddies-v-werewolves classic. Unashamedly fannish, while a bit undisciplined (odd personal tangents and a couple of unforced errors), this overview of Neil Marshall’s debut movie Dog Soldiers gets by on charm, enthusiasm, access to almost of the main cast and crew, and a lingering sense of camaraderie from those involved in the movie’s production. Recommended for fans, certainly.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A suspended young FBI agent finds that their colleague’s death is linked to an ancient demonic evil. The first of a new series from The Strain collaborators Del Toro and Hogan, this is all set-up. While ambitious – immortal demonologists, John Dee, civil rights and slavery, and backstory-a-gogo all involved – it’s also a bit insubstantial. Brisk enough though.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A veteran lawman recounts a story from forty years earlier, of cultists, a lost child, and regret. This second stand-alone story (anthologising issues 7-12) introduces a horror element: as before, it’s all very capably done if a little on the nose. Nevertheless, if you like tall but bittersweet cop stories and tales told in diners over pie, you’ll be right at home.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A near-future dystopia: aliens are collecting samples while the planet faces ecological catastrophe; a reporter investigates. Ambitious mini-series (a four-issue run anthologised here) that’s theme-heavy though not always fully engaging on a pure story level. That said, there’s some swagger in the execution, plus odd moments will linger. Worth sampling yourself at least.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A family overcoming trauma relocates to a small town: but there’s something in the woods. Effective and at times startling self-contained miniseries (issues 1-6 collected here) that – while it doesn’t quite deliver on all of its promises – is nevertheless absolutely worth your time. Begging for a movie adaptation, this.
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
A worldwide sleeping sickness affects all women: a small American town may be an epicentre. Excellent precis of the first half of the King father and son collaboration, developing and clarifying the storytelling in creative and visual ways. Vol 2 is anticipated keenly as a result!
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My own books are here, if that’s your thing. Newest is noir thriller East of England.
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