Book Challenge Review: Near-Mint Memories: Tips and Stories from a Lifetime of Comic Book Collecting

Synopsis:

Interested in collecting comic books, but don’t know where to begin?

Drew Van Huss, a comic book collector for over thirty years, offers his insightful tips to beginning a collection alongside entertaining anecdotes about his time spent collecting comic books that will appeal to new and old collectors alike.

Previously featured in USA Today for his love of all things Batman, Drew Van Huss captures the heart and soul of the comic book collector and shows why this hobby can help you create your own near-mint memories.

A Brief History:

While talking books with one of the workers at my local comic shop (Hi Jason!), he mentioned the short book Near-Mint Memories: Tips and Stories from a Lifetime of Comic Book Collecting by Drew Van Huss.

Jason told me it was a very quick read, but a highly enjoyable one. And since one of the items on my 2017 book challenge is to read a book recommended by someone with great taste, I figured this book was right up my alley.

My Thoughts:

For long time comic book readers, the sections on how to get into collecting comics, and where to find them will be pointless, but they will be helpful for newer fans. But what made this book worth reading were the personal stories by Drew Van Huss. Like the time he waited in line for a John Romita Jr. sketch, only to lose out my a mere two minutes.

Drew Van Huss also discusses his favorite comic shop in his Tennessee hometown, and how a trip to that store helped him start healing after his father’s passing. Having gone through similar situations, I was able to relate to Huss’ story that proves comics are always there for us.

Final word and Score:

As I mentioned earlier, Near-Mint Memories: Tips and Stories from a Lifetime of Comic Book Collecting is one short book. I read the whole thing in under an hour, but that doesn’t take away from the great stories within.

Near-Mint Memories: Tips and Stories from a Lifetime of Comic Book Collecting by Drew Van Huss gets a: B.

And just like that, another item is crossed off the 2017 reading challenge:

Book Challenge Review: July 1963: A Pivotal Month in the Comic Book Life of Tony Isabella (Volume One)

Synopsis:

July 1963: A Pivotal Month in the Comic Book Life of Tony Isabella (Volume One)
by Tony Isabella

Lo, There Shall Be a Beginning
For Tony Isabella, that beginning was July 1963, and a brand-new copy of Fantasic Four Annual #1. Over fifty years later, and after a decades-long career in comics during which he created such iconic characters as Black Lightning, Tony returns to where it all started.

Over 130 comic books were released in July 1963, including Marvel’s Avengers and Fantastic Four, DC’s Green Lantern and Justice League of America, and a slew of others, from those featuring well-known characters like Archie, Richie Rich, the Jetsons, and Donald Duck, to such obscure titles as Girls’ Romances, Konga, Stoney Burke, and Space War.

Tony’s reading (or in many cases, re-reading) them all. In this first volume, he’s starting with Action Comics #304 and coming up for air with Bat Man #158. In between there’s lots of Archie, Mighty Mouse, Spider-Man, Alley Oop, and even Jerry Lewis. Tony analyzes each issue in-depth: the stories, the ads, the creators, and the context, with plenty of anecdotes and production details to satisfy comics fans and historians alike.

Mark it on your calendar: July 1963! It’s coming up next.

A Brief History:

If you follow these posts, then you know I’m in in the middle of a reading challenge, and one of the items on the list is to read “A book about books or reading.” Well, I wasn’t sure what to do, but lucky for me, comics legend Tony Isabella came to the rescue!

My Thoughts:

I love learning about the history of comics, there’s just so much there to discover. And there are some good book out there about comics history in general, but when an author is able to add in how comics affected his or her life? Those are the best books to read.

July 1963: A Pivotal Month in the Comic Book Life of Tony Isabella is not only a guide to the comics of that month, but also an inside look at the life of a young Tony Isabella. Why he started buying comic books, which ones he gravitated to, and which comics he stayed away from. Some of the stories in this book had me laughing so hard, that even my wifey wants to read this book now.

Tony Isabella even gives readers some factoids for the year, like the top songs, movies, book, and other stuff from 1963. I found these sidebars a lot of fun, even if I didn’t recognize some stuff.

Like many comic fans, Tony’s life was changed when he discovered comic books. I would even go as far as saying that were it not for July 1963, Tony may not have become the prolific writer he became.

Final word and Score:

I couldn’t put this book down, it’s so damn good! Thanks to this book, I learned more about one of my favorite comic creators, and I learned a ton of stuff about comics I didn’t know before. Did you know there was an Adventures of Fly-Man comic? or that some of the ads in comics back then were crazy? I sure didn’t, but I do now thanks to Mr. Isabella.

July 1963: A Pivotal Month in the Comic Book Life of Tony Isabella gets an A+.

And just like that, another item is crossed off the 2017 reading challenge:

 

Book Challenge Review: Fallout (Lois Lane) by Gwenda Bond

Synopsis:

Lois Lane is starting a new life in Metropolis. An Army brat, Lois has lived all over—and seen all kinds of things. (Some of them defy explanation, like the near-disaster she witnessed in Kansas in the middle of one night.) But now her family is putting down roots in the big city, and Lois is determined to fit in. Stay quiet. Fly straight. As soon as she steps into her new high school, though, she can see it won’t be that easy.

A group known as the Warheads is making life miserable for another girl at school. They’re messing with her mind, somehow, via the high-tech immersive videogame they all play. Not cool. Armed with her wit and her new snazzy job as a reporter, Lois has her sights set on solving this mystery. But sometimes it’s all a bit much. Thank goodness for her maybe-more-than-a friend, a guy she knows only by his screenname, SmallvilleGuy.

A Brief History:

Another one of the items on the 2017 reading challenge I’m slowly making my way through is to read “A book you don’t want to admit you’re dying to read.” I had to think long and hard about this challenge, and nothing came to mind.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I found the answer during my weekly comic shop visit: “Fallout (Lois Lane)” by Gwenda Bond.

My Thoughts:

Since this novel isn’t aimed at my age demographic, I honestly wasn’t expecting too much from this book. However, “Fallout (Lois Lane)” turned out to be a lot of fun. Author Gwenda Bond deliver by far THE BEST Lois Lane I’ve read in years. This is the Lois that I haven’t seen in comics in years. This is the Lois that is always asking question, the one that always wants to learn more and get to the bottom of the story.

In “Fallout (Lois Lane),” we see how Lois takes her first steps into becoming an ace reporter. But we also get to see her family life, her friendship with her sister, and that mysterious kid in Kansas. This book has a little bit of everything, and I loved it.

Final word and Score:

The best parts of this novel were the ones where we got to see Lois in action, and interacting with other at the school. Even the scenes with her sister Lucy were rather fun. Gwenda Bond definitely knows her way around family dialogue and banter.

The only bad thing I can say about “Fallout (Lois Lane)” by Gwenda Bond, is that Lois’ friendship with the Kansas boy was introduced too soon. I think this is something that could have waited until the next book, but that’s just me.

Regardless, “Fallout (Lois Lane)” by Gwenda Bond was still a surprisingly fun, exciting, and refreshing book. I wish DC Comics would give Bond a shot at writing a Lois Lane mini-series, because her love and knowledge of the character shines through her novel.

“Fallout (Lois Lane)” by Gwenda Bond gets an A

And just like that, another item is crossed off the 2017 reading challenge:

Book Challenge Review: Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars by Alex Irvine

Synopsis:

The fate of the entire Marvel Universe hangs in the balance as Earth’s mightiest heroes face their greatest challenge! Summoned across the stars by the mysterious and unbelievably powerful Beyonder, the Avengers, Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the X-Men are set against their deadliest foes on the mysterious planet known as Battleworld – with the winner promised the ultimate prize. But as battle lines are drawn, new alliances are forged and old enemies clash, one among them is not willing to settle for anything less than godhood. Can even the heroes’ combined might prevent Dr. Doom from becoming the most powerful being in the universe?

A Brief History:

One of the items on the 2017 reading challenge I’m making my way through is to read “A book you chose for the cover.” Well, when I stumbled upon “Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars” by Alex Irvine, I knew found the right book. I mean come on, who in their right mind would pass up that iconic cover by Mike Zeck?

My Thoughts:

I read the 1984 twelve issue Marvel mini-series in the early 1990’s, so I didn’t remember a whole lot of it when I got this book. I knew the basics of course, like the heroes and villains being transported to a new planet by the Beyonder, and Spider-Man finding the symbiote that would eventually become Venom.

But “Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars” by Alex Irvine has several scenes that I don’t remember seeing the comics. For example:

• Magneto kidnaps the Wasp and the two have a “date.”
• The entire city of Denver was also sent to Battleworld.
• Thor and Storm have a friendly competition to see who can smash the most boulders.

Maybe all these moments did happen in the mini-series, and I just don’t remember. Regardless, the three moments I mentioned were some of my favorite sequences in the Alex Irvine prose novel.

Final word and Score:

There were a few times when “Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars” felt much longer than it needed to be. At one point I was on chapter 12 and was only about a quarter of the way through. But even so, this book was highly enjoyable and worth checking out.

“Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars” by Alex Irvine gets a: B

And with that, another item is crossed off the 2017 reading challenge:

Book Challenge Review: Marvel Comics: The Untold Story

Synopsis:

In the early 1960s, Marvel Comics introduced a series of bright-costumed superhero characters—including Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and the Amazing Spider-Man—that would evolve into a modern American mythology for millions of readers. Over the last half-century, these characters have been passed along among generations of brilliant editors, artists, and writers who struggled with commercial mandates, a fickle audience, and, over matters of credit and control, one another. Written by Sean Howe, former comic book reviewer and editor at Entertainment Weekly, Marvel Comics: The Untold Story is a gripping narrative of one of the most extraordinary, beloved, and beleaguered pop cultural entities in America’s history.

A Brief History:

One of the items on the 2017 reading challenge I’m in the middle of, is to read a book I already read. I don’t read books over and over, so chosing one was hard, but I decided on “Marvel Comics: The Untold Story” by Sean Howe.

My Thoughts:

“Marvel Comics: The Untold Story” is filled with stories from the Timely Comics era, all the way to the modern Marvel we see today. The book features over 100 interviews and quotes from Marvel legends, including Stan Lee, Jack Kirby.

Regardless of how much you know about Marvel or comics, “Marvel Comics: The Untold Story” guides you through the good times and bad times the company has seen over the decades. It was in this book where I first learned about some of the backstage drama Jim Shooter years. Most importantly, how Shooter wanted to end the Marvel universe as we knew it so he could start from scratch.

Sean Howe even details what led Marvel’s top artists to jump ship and form Image Comics in the early 1990’s, as well the bankruptcy that nearly destroyed Marvel. And those are just some of the stories in this book.

Final word:

For a comic book fan like me, “Marvel Comics: The Untold Story” is a must read. But even if you’re not a diehard fans like me, you will enjoy this book because some of the stories Howe tells, are just unbelievable.

Score:

“Marvel Comics: The Untold Story” gets a solid A

And with that, another item is crossed off the 2017 reading challenge:

Book Challenge Review: The Billionaire and the Bartender by Jillian Janson

Synopsis:

(An unexpected romance) Jillian is not looking for romance, just to do some routine celeb appearances in Las Vegas. Of course, life doesn’t work that way. She accidentally meets two men from total opposites of the spectrum that surprisingly make her want to pursue a relationship. The question is, with who? From Jillian Janson comes a steamy love triangle tale that will have you guessing right down to the very last word.

A Brief History:

Earlier this year I read Lisa Ann’s memoir “The Life,” and as a result, Amazon I thought I might like “The Billionaire and the Bartender” by Jillian Janson. Normally I don’t pay attention to Amazon’s recommendations, and I have to admit romance is not a genre I normally read. However, I chose to read “The Billionaire and the Bartender” for a reason:

As part of the 2017 reading challenge I’m doing, one of the items on the list is choosing “A book set somewhere you’ve never been but would like to visit.” Well, Las Vegas is on my bucket list, so why not read “The Billionaire and the Bartender”?

My Thoughts:

Are you ready for a shock? “The Billionaire and the Bartender” was great! I was expecting a raunchier book, but I was pleasantly surprised by Jillian Janson’s book. And even though it’s not a very long book, Janson managed to find room for humor, work advice, and romance.

There are some very funny moments in “The Billionaire and the Bartender,” including when Janson insults a casino VIP, and I loved that she enjoy’s chili dogs and donuts  like a normal person. “The Billionaire and the Bartender” even has some sweet moments, and I liked that both guys treated her with respect and didn’t have other things in mind.

This is a short book like I said, but I was as shocked as anyone when by the end of the book I was wanting a sequel.

Final word:

As I said during the Lisa Ann review: don’t judge a book by its cover, or by what the author does for a living. I don’t know if this book is based on true events or not, but the fact is that “The Billionaire and the Bartender” is a fun and quick read.

Score:

“The Billionaire and the Bartender” gets a surprising B+

And with that, another item is crossed off the 2017 reading challenge:

Book Challenge Review: Everybody Curses, I Swear!: Uncensored Tales from the Hollywood Trenches

 

Synopsis:

She’s been called vulgar, crass, sophomoric, offensive and dirty…and that was just in one article. But there’s so much more to talk show host, internet entrepreneur, and original YouTube sensation, Carrie Keagan. You may know her as host, writer, and producer of VH1’s hit morning show Big Morning Buzz Live with Carrie Keagan, but before Judd Apatow made being dirty mainstream, she was pioneering the R-rated, A-List celebrity digital video to an audience of tens of millions on one of the first and most successful YouTube networks ever, No Good TV. She’s turned swearing into an art-form and invited all of Hollywood to join in.

Some women f*ck their way to the top but she “f*cked” her way to the top. Her naughty interviews with Hollywood’s elite are the stuff of legend, earning her the nickname “Barbara Walters on Acid.” She’s gone toe-to-toe with virtually every celebrity in the world, and she’s been taking notes. Get ready for all the juicy, behind-the-scenes stories from the biggest stars as she shares her journey from being a bullied kid from Buffalo to Hollywood’s most fearless host. After 8,000 interviews, 2 billion views online, her own TV show, and countless appearances including her upcoming season on Celebrity Apprentice, she’s got crazy stories to tell.

Everybody Curses, I Swear! is the quintessential book on the wonderful world of potty-mouthed depravity inside Hollywood!

Everybody Curses, I Swear! Features stories and commentaries from Hollywood’s A-listers, including:
George Clooney, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Sandra Bullock, Jack Black, Emma Stone, Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler, Cameron Diaz, George Lucas, Chris Pratt, Chris Evans, Anthony Mackie, James Cameron, Jonah Hill, Judd Apatow, Will Smith, Heath Ledger, Denzel Washington, Robert Downey, Jr., Ben Stiller, Andy Samberg, Jimmy Fallon, Queen Latifah, Jackie Collins, Steve Carell, Justin Timberlake, Mike Myers, Sacha Baron Cohen, Paul Walker, Robin Williams, Jennifer Lawrence, Quentin Tarantino, Russell Brand, Mark Wahlberg, Sylvester Stallone, Shailene Woodley, Seth Rogen, Will Ferrell, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson.

A Brief History:

As part of the 2017 reading challenge I’m doing, one of the items on the list is choosing “A book with a reputation for being un-put-down-able.” And after hearing countless good things about “Everybody Curses, I Swear!: Uncensored Tales from the Hollywood Trenches” by Carrie Keagan with Dibs Baer, I knew I had my book.

Plus I’ve had a crush on Carrie Keagan since I saw her on G4 dressed up like Power Girl. But that’s another story.

My Thoughts:

In “Everybody Curses, I Swear!” Carrie Keagan shares some of the naughty stories from her time hosting No Good TV on YouTube. These stories include some that can’t be repeated in this here blog, but trust me when I tell you they will keep you laughing for hours.

Not only are there stories from all her celebrity interviews, but the book also has a ton of random quotes from Carrie’s celebrity friends. Some of these bit of advice are likely to surprise you and possibly have you doing spit takes.

However, my favorite stuff in the book was the more personal stuff. Carrie starts the book with her family life, what it was like where she gre up, and wat it was like when she grew out. She doesn’t hold back on ANYTHING, and I loved it!

Final word:

“Everybody Curses, I Swear!: Uncensored Tales from the Hollywood Trenches” is definitely a can’t put down book, and one of my favorite books of the year. I laughed, was shocked by some of the tales, and had to re-read some parts to make sure I just read what I thought I read.

But maybe more important of all: This book made me like Carrie Keagan even more.

Score:

“Everybody Curses, I Swear!: Uncensored Tales from the Hollywood Trenches” gets an A+

And another item is crossed off the 2017 reading challenge: