Read in September Part I

September is off to a potentially record-breaking start with 15 books read in 20 days. I hope you’ll find something that grabs you. 

(All works with a + are part of the ongoing SXSW 2014 Starter Pack review series.)

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Marvel Masterworks: Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos, Volume 1 (1963-64/2006) Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Dick Ayers (Marvel) 

Reviewed here as part of my ongoing exploration of Gene Kannenberg’s 500 Essential Graphic Novels: The Ultimate Guide. 

3.5/5

+ The Chair’s Hiatus (2011) Matthew Bogart (Matthew Bogart)

One of the best graphic novels from the SXSW 2014 Starter Pack from ComiXology earlier this year, The Chairs' Hiatus is nothing fancy or flashy, just a simple story (yet not simplistic) about a band, relationships, trust and forgiveness. Well worth seeking out digitally or in print.

5/5

+ Fighting Stranger (2013) Adam J. Monetta, Juan Romera (HicksVillain Productions) 

A stranger with amnesia wanders into a desert city seeking answers. What he finds is a robot who’s not too keen on delivering answers. A bit clunky early on, but things pick up as you go. Worth a look. 

3/5

Hip Hop Family Tree (2013) Ed Piskor (Fantagraphics)

This first volume of Hip Hop Family Tree covers an enormous amount of ground in 100 or so pages (years 1970 - 1981), so much so that all the names can get confusing and overwhelming, but Piskor knows how to keep the story moving and interesting. I knew almost nothing about hip hop prior to reading this volume, but one of my co-workers - an expert in all things hip hop - was very impressed with the depth and accuracy of the book. I really enjoyed it and love the nod to the Marvel Treasury Edition format from the 70s. Hip Hop Family Tree Volume 2 (just released) covers 1981-1983.  

4/5

Aw Yeah Comics! And... Action! (J 2014) Art Baltazar & Franco (Dark Horse)

Read the full review at The Comics Alternative. 

4.5/5

The Massive, Vol. 3: Longship (2014) Brian Wood, Garry Brown (Dark Horse) 

I was a bit disappointed in Vol. 2 of this series, Subcontinental, but Wood and Brown have really stepped things up with this third volume. The stories are suspenseful and the characterizations top-notch. Highly recommended. 

5/5

Lazarus, Vol. 2: Lift (2014) Greg Rucka, Michael Lark (Image)

Rucka’s world-building continues to impress as we learn more about Forever and the world she lives in. We also learn more about the “Waste” population and their pilgrimage to Denver, where they hope some of their number will be deemed worthy of being “lifted” to serve the Carlyle family. 

4/5