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Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated Batman the Killing Joke in Books

Jun 24, 2019

I went to London Super Comic Con on Friday and bought a few image books/graphic novels (I can't wait to read them!) and decided to start taking advantage of my boyfriend's extensive comic/graphic novel collection. As I've been intending to read The Killing Joke for ages now, I decided to start with that.

The edition I read included an introduction by Tim Sales, an afterword by Brian Bolland, and a final scene written and illustrated by Bolland.

This is one of the most famous and successful novels - and I can see why. The story is just fantastic - the Joker tries to prove that anyone can go insane after just one bad day, using Jim Gordon as his example. The colour palettes are so cleverly thought out, giving an eerie, creepy tone to most scenes, while the Joker's (possible) origin story is mostly black and white with just small details in red.

Batman is obviously included, but is not a massive character in this story. The focus is on the Gordons and the Joker.

I really loved this. The origin story for the Joker that's included can be taken as true or false - the Joker makes a comment about not actually remembering his past, and liking it to be "multiple choice". This gives the reader the choice of believing it or not. And the Joker's ways of putting Jim Gordon through hell are definitely in line with his character.

The Joker always fascinates me, and I would love to read all his stories. But whether you're a "fan" of his or not, this book is definitely worth the read. 5 stars; an fantastic novel.

Kudos

Ross (3284 KP) rated Infinity Gauntlet in Books

Apr 27, 2018

Infinity Gauntlet

Jim Starlin | 1991 | Comics & Graphic Novels

7.8

(6 Ratings)

Book Rating

This graphic novel starts with Thanos in full possession of the infinity gems and hence all-powerful. Determined to please the very high-maintenance Mistress Death, he starts doing what he thinks she would like him to do - starting off by eliminating half of the universe's population, rapture-style.
Thereafter, most of your favourite Marvel superheroes come together to plan an attack on Thanos to save the Earth from an ice age and the universe in general.
I had high hopes for this, the excitement of all of those supes ganging up was quite high. Sadly, it fell a little short.
It also feels quite dated and the dialogue is just utter guff.
The artwork at times is good, but in general a little slapdash in my opinion.

Kudos

graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Snow White: A Graphic Novel in Books

Feb 15, 2019

While browsing the graphic novel/comic section of my library, I noticed this title, glanced at the synopsis and opened to a random place in order to see if I liked the art enough to check it out. Well, yes I did. The artwork is gorgeous, both simple and elegant and perfectly captures the 1920's setting. The dialogue is sparse, but the illustrations speak more than enough for the story. My only complaints are that there are a couple spots that I felt could be expanded, especially in regards to the relationship between Snow and "the Seven". I don't know if there was supposed to be more time passing but it felt like they just met and then *bam* they're one family. Otherwise, is was a lovely read.

Kudos

Ross (3284 KP) rated Batman the Killing Joke in Books

Nov 9, 2018

Fantastically written self-contained story with superb artwork

This short graphic novel sees Batman trying to peacefully put an end to his conflict with the Joker (safely behind bars - or is he?) before one of them ends up dead. Needless to say Joker escapes and puts in place his plan to show the beauty of madness. He wants to show that everyone would be happier if they just let their brain snap under extreme strain, and then you'll always see the funny side.
Some superb artwork throughout the book, both in the current story and flashbacks of Mr J's life.
I think fans of the Arkham video games will get a real buzz out of this, it is totally in line with the stories and settings used in the games.

Kudos

MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated The Kitchen (2019) in Movies

Dec 3, 2019 (Updated Dec 3, 2019)

The Kitchen (2019)

2019 | Action, Crime, Drama

6.1

(18 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Here's my quick review for this one:

I had zero idea this movie was based on a DC graphic novel; I was just intrigued by the premise of mob wives taking over. I enjoyed the story line. Margo Martindale is always great, no exception here. Melissa McCarthy felt weak, acting-wise and character-wise. Elizabeth Moss was EVERYTHING, and I don't normally care about her one way or the other. Her character's story arc was by far my favorite, her acting the most believable.

And then we come to Tiffany Haddish. She makes me cringe, and her voice makes me want to puncture my own eardrums. I just do not like her, and this movie did nothing to change my opinion. But if you can get past her, the movie was worth a watch.