Book Review #54: Bossypants

Bossypants (2011)

I love Tina Fey and I think she is a great writer of Jokes as well as stories in general. So I had very high hopes for Bossypants. Boy, was I ever let down. The overall take on the book reads more like a series of short stories than an actual memoir. This is how I perceived it anyway. I really didn't learn much of who she really is because from reading the book, it seemed like she was always playing a "character" or trying to be "on" as a comedian to never reveal too much. I dunno, I expected a lot here and didn't really get what I was coming for. 

And the book (her) really didn't give me any laugh out loud moments I was hoping for. There is a good bit of filler pages here as well, reprinting skits or jokes by other writers that she is proud of or just thought funny enough to...reprint. 

Her SNL days seemed to be glossed over quite a bit, but her "Sarah Palin" skits do get more behind the scenes as well as her time on 30 Rock, which was interesting. But this is definitely a Rent-from-the-Library book, not one that I would shell out hard earned money for.

I still love you Tina, just not the book to where I keep as a permanent member of my personal library. Sorry. Because I love you still, I'm giving this book a very generous half star more.

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1 

Book Review #53: Bone: Crown Of Horns (Vol. 9)

Bone: Crown Of Horns (Vol. 9) 2002

Written and Drawn by Jeff Smith

Colors by Steve Hamaker

Bone: Crown Of Horns (Vol. 9) wraps up the adventure for Fone Bone, Smiley Bone and Phoney Bone. This was a good ride and I was glad to have finally read the story that I've been hearing about for years. If I take anything away from this series it's a new favorite character: Phoney Bone. Haha. I love this cool cat.

*Spoiler Alert*

As for the story within Volume 9 I thought the whole idea of all the dragons attacking the Queen Dragon, Mim was pretty cool. Also, I thought Jeff Smith did a really good job of cross cutting between the Gran'ma / Soldiers scene with that of Fone Bone and Thorn. The tension was well placed. Bravo.

The ending I kind of have a problem with. I was expecting a little bit more in the way of them getting back to Boneville. Oh well...

*End Spoiler Alert*

I definitely recommend the Bone series for everyone.

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #52: Bone: Treasure Hunters (Vol. 8)

Bone: Treasure Hunters (Vol. 8) 2001

Written and Drawn by Jeff Smith

Colors by Steve Hamaker

Bone: Treasure Hunters (Vol. 8) centers around the entire gang arriving at Atheia where Thorn, Gran'ma and Fone Bone prepare for the incoming battle to end all battles. With life and death hanging in the balance, what will our great Phoney Bone do? Why hunt for Gold of course. He really is a hoot to watch as he schemes and plots to further his riches at any means necessary. More Phoney Bone please!! 

Up next, the final volume where it all comes together once and for all. The epic battle. I hope it has a satisfying conclusion to the entire series. So far it's been a fun ride.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #51: Bone: Ghost Circles (Vol. 7)

Bone: Ghost Circles (Vol. 7) 2000

Written and Drawn by Jeff Smith

Colors by Steve Hamaker

The road to Atheia continues onward. Yes, this is feeling very much like Lord Of The Rings. Out of everything in Bone: Ghost Circles (Volume 7), nothing can top the sight of Phoney Bone dressed up as Captain Ahab from Moby Dick. That to me will probably be the defining moment of the Bone series. Classic and hilarious!!

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #50: Bone: Old Man's Cave (Vol. 6)

Bone - Old Man's Cave (Volume 6) 1999

Written and Drawn By Jeff Smith

Colors by Steve Hamaker

Bone - Volume 6: Old Man's Cave continues the saga, focusing on Fone Bone and Smiley Bone reuniting with Thorn. But nothing is ever easy huh? Shit happens. That's all I will say here. We finally learn who the Hooded One is. *Spoiler Alert* It's Briar, Gran'ma's Sister. She's evil now. *End Spoiler Alert*.

A joke that was set up in the very first issue of Bone, finally get's it's pay-off. And I gotta say, it gave me a good laugh when it revealed itself. I won't ruin it for you here, but I will say it involves Phoney Bone and a lot of hot-air *Wink wink*.

This story is like crack. I'm trying to space it out and not read through it too fast and yet here I am, on the verge of reading another Volume already today. Bah!!!! Not as much Phoney Bone as I would like to have. Thus a lower rating here.

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5


Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #49: Bone: Rock Jaw (Volume 5)

Bone: Rock Jaw (Volume 5) 1998

Written and Drawn by Jeff Smith

Colors by Steve Hamaker

Bone: Rock Jaw Volume 5 takes place entirely on a cliff on the outskirts of the Valley. Here the story centers on Fone Bone and Smiley Bone's quest to return the Rat Creature Pup back to its family, only to run into Roque Ja (Rock Jaw), a Tiger. From here all sorts of troubles await our lovable duo as they meet a host of other characters that help them escape from Rock Jaw and Kingdok. 

I was kind of surprised that the majority of the Volume was basically one story set in one setting. It does take on the feel of Lord Of The Rings with their quest...or lack of. No Phoney Bone here gives it a lesser rating. Hey, nothing wrong with the story itself that's being told. But I wanted some crazy antics of Phoney Bone to pop up somewhere.

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #48: Bone: The Dragonslayer (Volume 4)

Bone: The Dragonslayer (Volume 4) 1997

Written and Drawn by Jeff Smith

Colors by Steve Hamaker

Fone Bone may be the main character, but in my eyes the real star of the series is Phoney Bone, and in Bone: The Dragonslayer (Volume 4), he takes center stage. In a bit right out of I Love Lucy, Phoney Bone and Lucius split the Tavern right down the middle to see who can win the bet of selling the most beer. If you have seen the Lucy episode in question, you should know that hilarity ensues.

Reading and watching Phoney Bone plot and scheme to get rich has been pretty funny throughout the series so far. Only someone like Phoney can have the entire town want to kill him and then somehow get them to appoint him their new leader. Haha. I should have realized by now that nothing ever goes according to his plan and when the townspeople end up catching their own Dragon, the payoff was pretty good. Lovin' the series so far.

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #47: Bone: Eyes Of The Storm (Volume 3)

Bone: Eyes Of The Storm (Volume 3) 1996

Written and Drawn by Jeff Smith

Colors by Steve Hamaker

Bone: Volume #3 Eyes of the Storm finally gets around to revealing the big secret about Thorn's past and where she came from and why the Rat Creatures are after her. I kinda knew this was where the story was going so it wasn't that big of a reveal to me. This is still a great yarn, but for me, Volume #3 gets a lower rating because it seemed like there wasn't as much of Fone Bone as in the two previous Volumes. A lot was spent on Thorn, Gran'ma and the rest in order to tell their story and set up what is sure to come. There is nothing wrong with this, but I just wanted more Fone, Smiley and Phoney is all.

Rating: 4 1/2 Stars out of 5


Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #46: Bone: The Great Cow Race (Volume 2)

Bone: The Great Cow Race (Volume 2) 1996

Written and Drawn by Jeff Smith

Colors by Steve Hamaker

Lovin' the series so far. The thing I'm really digging about Bone is that it continues from one issue to the next with really no breaks whatsoever. This is one long, continuous story...so far. Bone: The Great Cow Race (Volume 2) collects issues 7-12.

Not much else to say as I'm not going to break down each and every issue since it all ties into one giant story. So, you're just gonna have to read it for yourself. One thing that I will mention is the reaction of Phoney Bone when he discovers that Lucius is placing his bet on Gran'ma. Now THAT was fucking hilarious!!!!!!!!! Hahahahahahahahaha.

Highly recommend this one. Duh! :)

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #45: Bone: Out From Boneville (Volume 1)

Bone:  Out From Boneville (Volume 1) 1996

After putting this series off for years, it wasn't till I happened to come across The Cartoonist: Jeff Smith, BONE and the Changing Face of Comics about him and his creation Bone did I decide that it time to finally read what every one has been raving about for years.

So, having just read Bone Volume 1: Out From Boneville, which collects the first 6 issues, was it worth it? Hell yeah! To say that Fone Bone, Smiley Bone and Phoney Bone are charming is an understatement. I love these characters so much I feel like drawing them right now. As for the story, it is very engaging and will keep you flipping the pages pretty fast. It's a read that is very hard to put down once you start.

I highly recommend this to eveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery one. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Book Review #44: WildC.A.T.S / X-Men

WildC.A.T.S / X-Men (1997)

 The Golden Age 

Story: Scott Lobdell

Art: Travis Charest 

 Colors: Wildstorm FX

Letters: Richard Starkings & Dave Lanphear

This mini series was a big deal when it was first announced way back in the day. A crossover between Image and Marvel was something most of us fans wanted to see but were never really sure it would ever happen. So when the day came that this was going to be a reality, I personally could not have been happier to see it happen. The mini series of 4 issues was broken into 4 seperate time periods. The Golden Age takes place during WWII, featuring Logan/Wolverine from the X-Men and Zealot from WildCATS. The issue itself is a cross between Indiana Jones and Aliens with a hint of Film Noire thrown in. 

The story itself is okay, nothing to really get excited about. The selling point for this debut issue is of course the amazing art by Travis Charest. This came out a long time ago and Travis has gone on to do other things regarding his art. But to me, this is where Travis peaked artistically, This was the culmination of all his hard work with awesome characters to leave the reader with the best thing he has ever done. Just absolutely stunning artwork that hanging the comic book on a wall in a museum is not out of the question. The art alone makes up for the by-the-books-story.

The Silver Age

Story: Scott Lobdell

Pencils: Jim Lee

Inks: Scott Williams and Sal Regla

Colors: Joe Chiodo & Martin Jiminez

Letters: Richard Starkings & Dave Lanphear

In Part 2 of this mini series, Jim Lee takes over on art duties. The story revolves around primarily Grifter from WildCATs and Jean Grey, aka Marvel Girl from X-Men. There are cameos from Cyclops, Beast, Iceman and Archangel as well as Nick Fury, Pike, Sinister and Zealot. The story is kind of run of the mill. Something you have read countless times before, or something close to it.

As before, the story was not the selling point here. It was Jim Lee's pencils. Back in the day I thought this issue was one of the best he had drawn. But today, although still a pleasure to look at, has some rough spots because by comparison to the work he is putting out now, you really can see how much Jim's style and evolved and improved over the years. I have to point out that back when this came out, even poor Jim had the misfortune of having to follow Travis' issue, which still applies today.

The Modern Age 

Story: James Robinson

Pencils: Adam Hughes

Inks: Mark Farmer

Colors: Joe Chiodo & Martin Jiminez

Letters: Richard Starkings & Dave Lanphear

Story-wise, I think The Modern Age is the best of the 4 and art-wise, Adam Hughes gave Travis a run for his money.  This issue has all the classic stuff that you normally get from him; namely, hot babes and heroic Superheroes. Adam is one of the best at what he does and his inclusion in this series elevates it to a whole other level. As for the story, I do think it's my favorite of the 4 because it doesn't rely on the standard cliched type of dialogue most associated with team books like this series. It's not corny is what I'm getting at. With the first 2 issues really being nothing more than a tease, we finally get all the WildCATs and X-Men on the same playing field to fight along side each other against a common enemy.

The Dark Age 

Story: Warren Ellis

Pencils: Mat Broome

Inks: Stan Parsons

Colors: Wendy Fouts & Wildstorm FX

Letters: Richard Starkings & Dave Lanphear

Additional Pencils by Brett Booth

Now I remember why I have not bothered to read this since the day this hit the stands. The Dark Age was absolutely atrocious in every way imaginable. First thing first. Why the hell did they have Mat Broome doing the art chores here? Why would you follow up the holy trinity of Comic Book Gods (Travis Charest, Jim Lee and Adam Hughes) with someone that had no name recognition whatsoever? I mean this guy never was a fan favorite. He never was flavor of the week superstar. He was working out of Wildstorm Studios and was employed by Jim at the time so he lucked into the gig. My guess is that Jim couldn't find anyone else to do the issue. Back before this came out, I was hoping that J. Scott Campbell would do the issue. He was definitely a fan favorite and someone that could realistically follow the other superstar artist and hold his own.

As for the story, it is garbage. And the dialogue is a joke as well and makes no sense half the time with no flow at all. What a waste. If you ever decide to pick this series up, stick with the first 3 and skip Part 4.  I'm not going to even go into the details of who and what the story is about. Not worth it.

Overall Rating: 3 Stars out of 5 (Blame the 4th Issue for dragging down a pretty good book)

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #43: Perspective! For The Comic Book Artists

Perspective! For The Comic Book Artists (1997)

Written and Drawn by David Chelsea

I only heard about this book from reading Making Comics by Scott McCloud. If it weren't for him, I'd never have given this book a look. It's a very valuable and entertaining way of looking at the complexities of Perspective. The book itself is presented exactly like like that of Scott's books: Understanding Comics, Making Comics, etc.... It's all done in comic book form.

The things you learn inside this book are 1-Point, 2-Point and 3-Point Perspective as well as Circles and Human figures. David Chelsea gives you the nuts and bolts of all things relating to the topic at hand. But this book does have a flaw and it's a big one in my eyes. He doesn't give the reader any clear, hands-on, step by step instructions to apply the knowledge gained from its pages. Sure, some will argue that it's up to the reader to apply what you have learned and take it from there. But I personally think some step by step walk through of practical applications within the comic field would have elevated this book to a perfect score.

Rating: 4 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #42: Spacegirl

Spacegirl: Volume 1 and 2 (2007- )

Written and Drawn by Travis Charest

Spacegirl is interesting in that it started around 2007 as an online strip over at Travis Charest MSN Group (Website) for those that follow his work. I haven't followed Spacegirl since that time, but what I remember it to be is that it was one panel per week for a year or so, which comprised Volume 1. After that I lost touch with the Character and Story. Only last night did I see that there is a Volume 2. You can read the all of Volume 2 over at his site. As for Volume 1, it can also be found at his new site as well. So, you can read it should you so desire. His current site hosting new Spacegirl strips can be found here Travis Charest's Spacegirl (and lots of other stuff...)

As for Spacegirl, anytime you can get a daily (weekly) dose of Charest art, it's a good thing. The bad thing is it's only 1 panel at a time. Even worse is that what has taken 5 years to get to where we are story-wise, it could have been done in a weekends time. Travis is an amazing artist, one of the all time greats. But his desire to create the perfect art piece comes at a cost, the lack of quanity. You don't see much work from him because he can go a little overboard in making everything as best as possible. I don't blame him for this, it's just so damn frustrating waiting to get new stuff from him.

So, I give Spacegirl the rating it gets just because it's incomplete and after 5 years, STILL don't have a clue where it is going story-wise.

Rating: 3 Stars out of 5

Reveiw by Chiprocks1

Book Review #41: Does The Noise In My Head Bother You?

Does The Noise In My Head Bother You? (2011)

I love Aeromsith and I think Steven Tyler is an amazing singer and one of the greatest frontmen of all time. But not everything he does is gold. Certainly not this book. I really wanted to like this book, but fuck, as a reader I shouldn't have to pan for gold, looking through all the gibberish to get to the crux of the story he is trying to tell. Steven gives some of the best, most entertaining on-camera interviews. You know how he talks and likes to ad-lib and riff his way through with clever bon-mots. This works fine in an interview....not in a book. I really don't know what to make of the book, especially what the intent was. Whoever the editor of the book was should have been fired because he didn't do his job when making this book legible and coherent. 

I guess some could argue that keeping the book the way it's presented is to keep the essence of Steven Tyler intact, warts and all. I get that and in my mind I think it's the way it should be. But in practicality, this isn't the way to write a book. Well, it's certainly not a book that I would want to read. It's takes too much work getting there and by the time I get there, I have forgotten what the fuck he was talking about leading up to that point. 

The book gets an average grade because there are still some interesting things to be found inside. But there are just way to many random stuff being thrown at the reader that it constantly leaves you scratching your head.

I can't recommend this book if I know for a fact that I will never bother reading it again. Well, here's hoping that the remaining three from the band (Tom Hamilton, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford) can somehow manage to write the definitive book on Aerosmith. So far they are 0-2. Sigh.

Rating: 3 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #40: Dean & Me (A Love Story)

Dean & Me (A Love Story) 2005

Reading Dean & Me was a real pleasure. You don't have to even be a fan of Martin and Lewis to enjoy the ride here. But if you are a fan, then this is definitely a must-read for you. By the title of the book alone, it's clear that it centers on the relationship of both Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, both professionally as well as personally.

I knew beforehand how much Jerry worshiped Dean. I just didn't know to what extent. You really do get that Jerry loved Dean as both a partner as well as his "older brother". The respect that he had for him comes through big time and you really do feel for Jerry when the team broke up 10 years after rocking the world with their routines. It was more than just making movies, doing stand-up and singing songs. Jerry really did lose a brother when they went their separate ways and I totally understand why he slipped into serious depression afterwards.

This book is a treasure trove of a lot of intimate private moments that you have never heard of before, unless  of course you happen to know Jerry personally. I think out of all the stuff I read, the one that I really felt lucky enough to hear about was when Jerry ran into Dean long after their break-up at their favorite restaurant, and Dean was in a booth eating by himself and they were able to mend fences and reconnect as before as best as they could. Man, how I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that.

Overall this is a very well written, heartwarming story of how a chance encounter between the two ended up changing not only their lives, but the lives of everyone on the planet. I highly recommend this to everyone. And do yourself a favor, when you're reading the book, watch as many Martin and Lewis clips on YouTube as you can. It really makes you appreciate the book all the more.

FYI, I may have not lived through their era, but I know from my own personal experience of comedy, they are without a doubt the best comedy team of all time. So damn funny it hurts.

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1 

Book Review #39: Icons: The DC Comics & Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee

Icons: The DC Comics & Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee (2010)

This book literally took a week to get through. There's just so much goodness to be found within the pages of Icons: The DC Comics & Wildstorm Art of Jim Lee that it will keep you glued to it. When I first heard about the book, in my mind I thought it was going to be some tiny book full of covers and pin-ups. Boy, was I ever wrong. When I finally had this in my hands, I was like a little kid opening up the biggest present on Christmas morning. 

That's right. Biggest. This book is HUGE. I would even say it can be used as a weapon if need be. It's THAT heavy. Page after awesome page, you get to see Jim Lee's art on glossy paper and twice the size from that of a regular comic book. This is how you do a coffee table book right. Along with all his Wildstorm and DC art, you get insight to pretty much everything inside the book.

One thing you need to know though is that none of his work from Marvel is represented. So, no X-Men stuff and no Punisher. Had his Marvel run been included, it would have easily made this a 10 Star book. Even with this unfortunate omission, this is a book that belongs in everyone's personal library.

Get it. You will NOT be disappointed at all.

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1

Book Review #38: Seal Team Six

Seal Team Six (2011)

I had high hopes for Seal Team Six as I really wanted to learn more about the Unit that went in and capped Osama Bin Laden once and for all. But as much as I wanted to like the book, Howard Wasdin, the author, came off very full of himself. At times, I really thought that I was reading another book by Jose Canseco. I get that Navy SEALs have to have a certain mind set in order to do the things they do, and I commend and respect the things he did to protect America and the less fortunate in other countries and that being one of the elite will obviously inflate ones ego. But here, after awhile, it really became a bit much to take.

Having said that, this book was just average at best. He is not a very good writer and a lot of what he has to say seems very off the cuff and not thought out very well. There is a lot of dead space throughout the book that just didn't hold my attention much. That's not to say the entire book is bad. When he gets into recounting certain OP Missions does it begin to pick up, the biggest one of course being the hunt for Mohamed Farrah Aidid, the warlord in Somalia. If you are unaware of who this is, just go rent Black Hawk Down.

The other interesting stuff to be found within the book obviously centers on training to become a SEAL and enduring Hell Week and what he and his teammates had to go through. Amid all the carnage of his sniper kills, I was surprised to find a few moments of levity when it came to humor, like when suffering from sleep deprivation, Wasdin while in the Mess Hall was ordered by his CO to go and kill the deer in the corner, only to find out he was about to attack and kill a tray rack. Dude definitely needs to get some sleep.

I really can't recommend this to anyone, unless you absolutely need to read everything there is to know about SEALs or military or whatever. Personally I will never read this book again.

Book Review #37: Making Comics

Making Comics (2006)

Written and Drawn by Scott McCloud

With Making Comics, a book on how to put together your very own Comic Book, Scott McCloud has done it again. This book is the one to get if you are really serious about diving head first into the world of self publishing your own Comic's. Within' the pages here you will get a lot of practical knowledge of how and why certain shots are used and what type of panels to use when telling your stories. Scott goes into the theory of the in's and outs about all thing relating to the meaning behind a page layout. He also gives you a lot of info about Manga as well and how to go about using elements from other cultures to take your own artwork to another level.

This really is a fantastic book and should be in everyone's personal Library. I love it, and the exercises and notes at the end of each chapter will keep you busy for a long long time. You can't help but to improve your own work. The one thing this book is not, is a book about how to draw pretty pictures (i.e., Babes, Cars, Animals, etc....). There are a million other books devoted to just that. This book is about looking under the hood and understanding how things work. Highly recommend this one.

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5 

Review by Chiprocks1