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Batman: Hush
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Jeph LoebScott Williams;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £3.40
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 Customer Reviews
Oh dear., 27 Aug 2008
Jeph Loeb has a pretty illustrious history in comics as a writer. In Batman alone, he has written the fantastic Batman: Long Halloween (a key inspiration for Batman Begins) and its follow up Dark Victory, two stupendous stories which suggested he'd strike it lucky a third time too. Right?
Wrong. Somewhere between these two books, Jeph Loeb lost his mojo. This first volume of Hush (and why a 12-issue story needed to be published in two volumes of different sizes when even this same writer's previous stuff wasn't is a mystery) begins a rollercoaster story the ending of which you can see from a mile off.
Many of the characters and dialogue styles are identical to those used previously ("no one can resist me" says Poison Ivy. Again.) and the stilted internal monologue that grates. Loeb starts a story that whilst having a few twists you won't see coming and some nice moments (not least the fight with Superman), its villain will be obvious to you before you even know there is one.
The saving grace of all this is one Jim Lee. Possibly the best comic artist active at the moment, he brings to life Loeb's mediocre story with the same effortless, vibrant colour with which he makes the likes of All-Star Batman And Robin forgivable.
Unless you're a Loeb freak or a big fan of Jim Lee's artwork - or simply don't want to think very hard in the course of the story - then Hush is not for you.
To many characters, 12 Aug 2008
I gave this comic two stars because even if it's nothing special it's a light hearted read. The problem I had was that there just seemed to be to many characters squeezed in and not enough story. One of my favourite batman comics is Knightfall which is filled with characters but pulls it off well. Anyway I guess you have to make your own mind up but don't expect anything amazing unless you prefer characters over story.
Beautiful Artwork, 23 Jul 2008
I cannot recommend this or its sequel highly enough for the art alone its worth its weight in gold. honestly its beautifuly drawn it also has a gripping plot with batman faceing off agains many of his previous villians and even superman.
Incredible, 02 May 2008
I sat and though about the title for this review for a couple of minutes and 'incredible,' I'm afraid to say, was the best I could come up with to describe this book.
As a child I would read comics my father brought back from work. Second hand, many folded, dog eared comics at that. This book was my reintroduction after many years and I have to say a big 'Thank you' to Mr Loeb and Mr Lee for it. My bookcase now labours under the weight of a great many more graphic novels now.
The writing is very clever and I really did not see the ending (of vol. 2 that is) coming. Jim Lee's visuals (and remember this medium is as much about the visuals as it is the story) are quite frankly sublime and, in some instances literally take your breath away.
The negative reviews I see here quite baffle me. I heartily recommend this book, a work of art in every sense.
Don't buy the hype., 06 Oct 2006
As Batman stories go, this is not the worst. Not in its best moments does it ever approach being one of the best.
As a detective story, it really is bordering on pathetic. A mysterious new villain (the "Hush" of the title) is out to get Batman; who could it possibly be behind those natty, invisible man-style bandages!?! Oh, by the way, on a completely unrelated note, Bats is having flashbacks to an old childhood friend never before seen or mentioned in the Bat-canon who Bruce Wayne was apparently closer to than anyone as a child, but who left his life under regrettably awkward circumstances years before. Among the other suspects are... Alfred, maybe? I don't mean to spoil it for you, but it really is just that blatant. Really.
Jim Lee draws superheroes well. They're big, they're burly, they're baroque. His women are lithe and have tiny waists. He's a master at choreographing action scenes. these qualities are where this books strengths lie.
The episodic nature of the story is basically an excuse to trundle out the rogues gallery for one more go-round as hush manipulates all of Bats' old villains into once more, one at a time attacking the dark knight (as if they ever needed manipulating into such an act before...) and Bats fights them off, one by one.
On that level, it's fun. On every other level, it's seriously deficient. The detective story is a tacked on excuse for the villain showdowns, transparent from the first chapter. the human element is soap operatic in the worst sense of the term. One off-the-cuff peck from Catwoman sends bats into such a mire of reflection and self doubt that i just wanted to reach into the panels and scream "GET OVER IT!!!!!!" at the guy. What is he, fourteen?
Seriously. As no brainer action stories go, this is alright. That's the very best thing i can say about it.
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Batman: v. 2: Hush
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Jeph LoebJim LeeScott Williams;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £6.74
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Customer Reviews
Oh dear., 27 Aug 2008
Jeph Loeb has a pretty illustrious history in comics as a writer. In Batman alone, he has written the fantastic Batman: Long Halloween (a key inspiration for Batman Begins) and its follow up Dark Victory, two stupendous stories which suggested he'd strike it lucky a third time too. Right?
Wrong. Somewhere between these two books, Jeph Loeb lost his mojo. This first volume of Hush (and why a 12-issue story needed to be published in two volumes of different sizes when even this same writer's previous stuff wasn't is a mystery) begins a rollercoaster story the ending of which you can see from a mile off.
Many of the characters and dialogue styles are identical to those used previously ("no one can resist me" says Poison Ivy. Again.) and the stilted internal monologue that grates. Loeb starts a story that whilst having a few twists you won't see coming and some nice moments (not least the fight with Superman), its villain will be obvious to you before you even know there is one.
The saving grace of all this is one Jim Lee. Possibly the best comic artist active at the moment, he brings to life Loeb's mediocre story with the same effortless, vibrant colour with which he makes the likes of All-Star Batman And Robin forgivable.
Unless you're a Loeb freak or a big fan of Jim Lee's artwork - or simply don't want to think very hard in the course of the story - then Hush is not for you.
To many characters, 12 Aug 2008
I gave this comic two stars because even if it's nothing special it's a light hearted read. The problem I had was that there just seemed to be to many characters squeezed in and not enough story. One of my favourite batman comics is Knightfall which is filled with characters but pulls it off well. Anyway I guess you have to make your own mind up but don't expect anything amazing unless you prefer characters over story.
Beautiful Artwork, 23 Jul 2008
I cannot recommend this or its sequel highly enough for the art alone its worth its weight in gold. honestly its beautifuly drawn it also has a gripping plot with batman faceing off agains many of his previous villians and even superman.
Incredible, 02 May 2008
I sat and though about the title for this review for a couple of minutes and 'incredible,' I'm afraid to say, was the best I could come up with to describe this book.
As a child I would read comics my father brought back from work. Second hand, many folded, dog eared comics at that. This book was my reintroduction after many years and I have to say a big 'Thank you' to Mr Loeb and Mr Lee for it. My bookcase now labours under the weight of a great many more graphic novels now.
The writing is very clever and I really did not see the ending (of vol. 2 that is) coming. Jim Lee's visuals (and remember this medium is as much about the visuals as it is the story) are quite frankly sublime and, in some instances literally take your breath away.
The negative reviews I see here quite baffle me. I heartily recommend this book, a work of art in every sense.
Don't buy the hype., 06 Oct 2006
As Batman stories go, this is not the worst. Not in its best moments does it ever approach being one of the best.
As a detective story, it really is bordering on pathetic. A mysterious new villain (the "Hush" of the title) is out to get Batman; who could it possibly be behind those natty, invisible man-style bandages!?! Oh, by the way, on a completely unrelated note, Bats is having flashbacks to an old childhood friend never before seen or mentioned in the Bat-canon who Bruce Wayne was apparently closer to than anyone as a child, but who left his life under regrettably awkward circumstances years before. Among the other suspects are... Alfred, maybe? I don't mean to spoil it for you, but it really is just that blatant. Really.
Jim Lee draws superheroes well. They're big, they're burly, they're baroque. His women are lithe and have tiny waists. He's a master at choreographing action scenes. these qualities are where this books strengths lie.
The episodic nature of the story is basically an excuse to trundle out the rogues gallery for one more go-round as hush manipulates all of Bats' old villains into once more, one at a time attacking the dark knight (as if they ever needed manipulating into such an act before...) and Bats fights them off, one by one.
On that level, it's fun. On every other level, it's seriously deficient. The detective story is a tacked on excuse for the villain showdowns, transparent from the first chapter. the human element is soap operatic in the worst sense of the term. One off-the-cuff peck from Catwoman sends bats into such a mire of reflection and self doubt that i just wanted to reach into the panels and scream "GET OVER IT!!!!!!" at the guy. What is he, fourteen?
Seriously. As no brainer action stories go, this is alright. That's the very best thing i can say about it.
Pure Loeb Greatness, 05 Jan 2005
I'm not going to write a huge review of this here, suffice to say if you liked Long Halloween, Dark Victory, Haunted Knight, the Dark Knight Returns and all those sort of Batman stories you're in no way going to be disapointed by this. In fact you're probably going to love it. One of the greatest Batman stories out there. Be sure to read part 1 first!
Secon Volume is quality..., 09 Oct 2004
Well, theres no Superman fight in this one...so there. But then we don't read comics for gimmickry! Jeph Loeb takes some brave steps with the Batman universe, bringing back old characters, reFACING some (big clue there) and delivering a quality set of stories, which is the best work Loeb has done in a while.
The artwork is also gorgeous, with Jim Lee showing some of the best images of Batman EVER. Its worth the great Amazon £6.99 price, as it used to be £19.99 in hard back.
Why only 4 stars then? Because its too short. This is the problem with comics now; too many adverts mean that individual issues get barely any bang for their buck.
This is the best Batman title in a while though, and its gonna take a lot to beat it.
Hush is amazing, 25 Jan 2004
The second half of Jeph leob's and Jim Lee's tale, delivers on its title when it literaly leaves you quiet in awe and wonder at this amazing work.
The story line Hush is Jim Lee's (yes THAT jim lee) return to comics, and i dont think his art as ever looked more superb.n The story contains a cracking story, Who is hush? why his he after batman?
The story contains many great surprises with great writer and beutiful art. If you havent read this, dont delay, you wont be sorry
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Customer Reviews
Oh dear., 27 Aug 2008
Jeph Loeb has a pretty illustrious history in comics as a writer. In Batman alone, he has written the fantastic Batman: Long Halloween (a key inspiration for Batman Begins) and its follow up Dark Victory, two stupendous stories which suggested he'd strike it lucky a third time too. Right?
Wrong. Somewhere between these two books, Jeph Loeb lost his mojo. This first volume of Hush (and why a 12-issue story needed to be published in two volumes of different sizes when even this same writer's previous stuff wasn't is a mystery) begins a rollercoaster story the ending of which you can see from a mile off.
Many of the characters and dialogue styles are identical to those used previously ("no one can resist me" says Poison Ivy. Again.) and the stilted internal monologue that grates. Loeb starts a story that whilst having a few twists you won't see coming and some nice moments (not least the fight with Superman), its villain will be obvious to you before you even know there is one.
The saving grace of all this is one Jim Lee. Possibly the best comic artist active at the moment, he brings to life Loeb's mediocre story with the same effortless, vibrant colour with which he makes the likes of All-Star Batman And Robin forgivable.
Unless you're a Loeb freak or a big fan of Jim Lee's artwork - or simply don't want to think very hard in the course of the story - then Hush is not for you.
To many characters, 12 Aug 2008
I gave this comic two stars because even if it's nothing special it's a light hearted read. The problem I had was that there just seemed to be to many characters squeezed in and not enough story. One of my favourite batman comics is Knightfall which is filled with characters but pulls it off well. Anyway I guess you have to make your own mind up but don't expect anything amazing unless you prefer characters over story.
Beautiful Artwork, 23 Jul 2008
I cannot recommend this or its sequel highly enough for the art alone its worth its weight in gold. honestly its beautifuly drawn it also has a gripping plot with batman faceing off agains many of his previous villians and even superman.
Incredible, 02 May 2008
I sat and though about the title for this review for a couple of minutes and 'incredible,' I'm afraid to say, was the best I could come up with to describe this book.
As a child I would read comics my father brought back from work. Second hand, many folded, dog eared comics at that. This book was my reintroduction after many years and I have to say a big 'Thank you' to Mr Loeb and Mr Lee for it. My bookcase now labours under the weight of a great many more graphic novels now.
The writing is very clever and I really did not see the ending (of vol. 2 that is) coming. Jim Lee's visuals (and remember this medium is as much about the visuals as it is the story) are quite frankly sublime and, in some instances literally take your breath away.
The negative reviews I see here quite baffle me. I heartily recommend this book, a work of art in every sense.
Don't buy the hype., 06 Oct 2006
As Batman stories go, this is not the worst. Not in its best moments does it ever approach being one of the best.
As a detective story, it really is bordering on pathetic. A mysterious new villain (the "Hush" of the title) is out to get Batman; who could it possibly be behind those natty, invisible man-style bandages!?! Oh, by the way, on a completely unrelated note, Bats is having flashbacks to an old childhood friend never before seen or mentioned in the Bat-canon who Bruce Wayne was apparently closer to than anyone as a child, but who left his life under regrettably awkward circumstances years before. Among the other suspects are... Alfred, maybe? I don't mean to spoil it for you, but it really is just that blatant. Really.
Jim Lee draws superheroes well. They're big, they're burly, they're baroque. His women are lithe and have tiny waists. He's a master at choreographing action scenes. these qualities are where this books strengths lie.
The episodic nature of the story is basically an excuse to trundle out the rogues gallery for one more go-round as hush manipulates all of Bats' old villains into once more, one at a time attacking the dark knight (as if they ever needed manipulating into such an act before...) and Bats fights them off, one by one.
On that level, it's fun. On every other level, it's seriously deficient. The detective story is a tacked on excuse for the villain showdowns, transparent from the first chapter. the human element is soap operatic in the worst sense of the term. One off-the-cuff peck from Catwoman sends bats into such a mire of reflection and self doubt that i just wanted to reach into the panels and scream "GET OVER IT!!!!!!" at the guy. What is he, fourteen?
Seriously. As no brainer action stories go, this is alright. That's the very best thing i can say about it.
Pure Loeb Greatness, 05 Jan 2005
I'm not going to write a huge review of this here, suffice to say if you liked Long Halloween, Dark Victory, Haunted Knight, the Dark Knight Returns and all those sort of Batman stories you're in no way going to be disapointed by this. In fact you're probably going to love it. One of the greatest Batman stories out there. Be sure to read part 1 first!
Secon Volume is quality..., 09 Oct 2004
Well, theres no Superman fight in this one...so there. But then we don't read comics for gimmickry! Jeph Loeb takes some brave steps with the Batman universe, bringing back old characters, reFACING some (big clue there) and delivering a quality set of stories, which is the best work Loeb has done in a while.
The artwork is also gorgeous, with Jim Lee showing some of the best images of Batman EVER. Its worth the great Amazon £6.99 price, as it used to be £19.99 in hard back.
Why only 4 stars then? Because its too short. This is the problem with comics now; too many adverts mean that individual issues get barely any bang for their buck.
This is the best Batman title in a while though, and its gonna take a lot to beat it.
Hush is amazing, 25 Jan 2004
The second half of Jeph leob's and Jim Lee's tale, delivers on its title when it literaly leaves you quiet in awe and wonder at this amazing work.
The story line Hush is Jim Lee's (yes THAT jim lee) return to comics, and i dont think his art as ever looked more superb.n The story contains a cracking story, Who is hush? why his he after batman?
The story contains many great surprises with great writer and beutiful art. If you havent read this, dont delay, you wont be sorry
the tale continues, 04 Nov 2008
Its been about a year since i read the gunslinger born. In the time between reading that ad this, the long road home i have read 5 stephen king novels, and a multitude of marvel graphic novels. They were good, but the are all just a pillar for this.
In my own opinion, surely not everyones, but if your reading this you might agree, that the dark tower series is one of the best fantasy series of all time. The question is what does the long road home add to that?
Without ruining the story, ill say that it adds a considerable amount of knowledge we previously never had about the crimson king, as well as doing what it says on the cover, adding to the gap years between the barony of mejis and jericho hill.
I do have to say the artwork is once again brilliant, with a lot of effort being put into the book. Once again hard bound in leather straight away you are getting value for money. The writing is good, but recognisably comic dialogue rather than novel dialogue. Its snappish, witty, and not a word is ever wasted.
There are 2 bad points about this book though, as happy as i am with it. The first is that the plotline is very thin. not a lot really happens, i can see this being a set-up for another book down the line. The other thing is i dont see it being instantly accessible to those who have never read the novels. There are references to other books than the wizard and glass in here.
One final thing, at the back is a map, which shows the path roland took on his journey in wolves of calla, song of susannah and the dark tower.
Even if you arent a fan of graphic novels in the slightest if you want the dark tower you will enjoy this.
A long road ahead, 10 Oct 2008
"The Gunslinger Born" explored the origins and early struggles of young Roland Deschain, as well as the loss of his first true love, Susan Delgado.
And Stephen King's "Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" picks up right after that, showing us more devastating events that shaped Roland Deschain into the gunslinger anti-hero we know and love. While the first part is rather slow, it has plenty of horrific moments and the haunting quality of a "world that has moved on."
A devastated Roland takes down Susan's charred body, as Alain and Bert argue about whether they should be stopping. But suddenly Roland fires at Maerlyn's Grapefruit -- which suddenly turns into a tentacled eyeball that jumps on Roland's face, and enthralls his very soul before they can peel it off. His ka-tet is chased by a bunch of local thugs, the last Big Coffin Hunter, and a ghastly pack of mutated wolves.
Nearby, a mentally challenged boy named Sheemie was seen climbing into old war machines, only to encounter a strange robot that is somehow still "alive."And inside Maerlyn's Grapefruit, Roland is slowly being driven mad in his own memories -- right before being dragged to the hellish citadel of the Crimson King, who reveals a ghastly secret to the young boy from long ago, which will change him forever...
"The Dark Tower: Long Road Home" isn't quite as gripping as its predecessor, "The Gunslinger Born" -- partly because it's a briefer story, and partly because it's simpler. It's a tribute to Stephen King's original story -- and to the hauntingly vivid artwork -- that it's still such an intense rollercoaster ride.
After the heartbreaking first few pages, the plot speeds into a suitably confusing, desperate chase through a lonely wilderness, with plenty of gunshots and dying creatures. Things actually get rather gory as Roland's pals struggle over rickety bridges and across a red-tinged wilderness, since one of them almost gets his arm bitten off (and announces that he'd rather die than shoot left-handed forever. Hardcore, kid).
And since this is a world made by Stephen King, we have plenty of the eerie and the horrible -- Sheemie's confrontation with a baby-faced robot is just one example. King's rich, old-time narrative translates well into comic form, almost as if he were conversing with the readers ("But don't be laughing at Sheemie, I beg ya, because he's been through considerable trials").
And Jae Lee and Richard Isanove really bring this story to life -- they create a world split between bright bloody red mist and autumnal twilight, filled with shadowy faces, barren lands, and ghastly pursuers. And inside the Grapefruit, we get a full cornucopia of horrors, with Roland defiantly trying to keep his sanity and soul intact in a dusty, hazy landscape full of withered trees, tragic future selves, evil crows, lumpy castles, and the vaguely spidery King with his hellish magic and his suitably evil offers to Roland.
"The Gunslinger Born" introduced Roland as a boy, but "The Long Road Home" has undeniably made him a man. He has the guts and integrity to snarl not just at Marte but at the King himself. And after being in Roland's shadow for so long, Alain and Cuthbert also get to take center stage here -- we get to see just how strong and capable they are.
"Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" is not as tightly-written as its predecessor, but it's filled with a sense of overhanging horror and some solid action for the sidekicks. Definitely worth checking out.
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The Living Dead
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Stephen KingJoe HillGeorge R. R. MartinClive BarkerNeil GaimanLaurell K. HamiltonJoe R. LansdalePoppy Z. BriteHarlan EllisonRobert SilverbergKelly LinkSusan Palwick;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.46
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Customer Reviews
Oh dear., 27 Aug 2008
Jeph Loeb has a pretty illustrious history in comics as a writer. In Batman alone, he has written the fantastic Batman: Long Halloween (a key inspiration for Batman Begins) and its follow up Dark Victory, two stupendous stories which suggested he'd strike it lucky a third time too. Right?
Wrong. Somewhere between these two books, Jeph Loeb lost his mojo. This first volume of Hush (and why a 12-issue story needed to be published in two volumes of different sizes when even this same writer's previous stuff wasn't is a mystery) begins a rollercoaster story the ending of which you can see from a mile off.
Many of the characters and dialogue styles are identical to those used previously ("no one can resist me" says Poison Ivy. Again.) and the stilted internal monologue that grates. Loeb starts a story that whilst having a few twists you won't see coming and some nice moments (not least the fight with Superman), its villain will be obvious to you before you even know there is one.
The saving grace of all this is one Jim Lee. Possibly the best comic artist active at the moment, he brings to life Loeb's mediocre story with the same effortless, vibrant colour with which he makes the likes of All-Star Batman And Robin forgivable.
Unless you're a Loeb freak or a big fan of Jim Lee's artwork - or simply don't want to think very hard in the course of the story - then Hush is not for you.
To many characters, 12 Aug 2008
I gave this comic two stars because even if it's nothing special it's a light hearted read. The problem I had was that there just seemed to be to many characters squeezed in and not enough story. One of my favourite batman comics is Knightfall which is filled with characters but pulls it off well. Anyway I guess you have to make your own mind up but don't expect anything amazing unless you prefer characters over story.
Beautiful Artwork, 23 Jul 2008
I cannot recommend this or its sequel highly enough for the art alone its worth its weight in gold. honestly its beautifuly drawn it also has a gripping plot with batman faceing off agains many of his previous villians and even superman.
Incredible, 02 May 2008
I sat and though about the title for this review for a couple of minutes and 'incredible,' I'm afraid to say, was the best I could come up with to describe this book.
As a child I would read comics my father brought back from work. Second hand, many folded, dog eared comics at that. This book was my reintroduction after many years and I have to say a big 'Thank you' to Mr Loeb and Mr Lee for it. My bookcase now labours under the weight of a great many more graphic novels now.
The writing is very clever and I really did not see the ending (of vol. 2 that is) coming. Jim Lee's visuals (and remember this medium is as much about the visuals as it is the story) are quite frankly sublime and, in some instances literally take your breath away.
The negative reviews I see here quite baffle me. I heartily recommend this book, a work of art in every sense.
Don't buy the hype., 06 Oct 2006
As Batman stories go, this is not the worst. Not in its best moments does it ever approach being one of the best.
As a detective story, it really is bordering on pathetic. A mysterious new villain (the "Hush" of the title) is out to get Batman; who could it possibly be behind those natty, invisible man-style bandages!?! Oh, by the way, on a completely unrelated note, Bats is having flashbacks to an old childhood friend never before seen or mentioned in the Bat-canon who Bruce Wayne was apparently closer to than anyone as a child, but who left his life under regrettably awkward circumstances years before. Among the other suspects are... Alfred, maybe? I don't mean to spoil it for you, but it really is just that blatant. Really.
Jim Lee draws superheroes well. They're big, they're burly, they're baroque. His women are lithe and have tiny waists. He's a master at choreographing action scenes. these qualities are where this books strengths lie.
The episodic nature of the story is basically an excuse to trundle out the rogues gallery for one more go-round as hush manipulates all of Bats' old villains into once more, one at a time attacking the dark knight (as if they ever needed manipulating into such an act before...) and Bats fights them off, one by one.
On that level, it's fun. On every other level, it's seriously deficient. The detective story is a tacked on excuse for the villain showdowns, transparent from the first chapter. the human element is soap operatic in the worst sense of the term. One off-the-cuff peck from Catwoman sends bats into such a mire of reflection and self doubt that i just wanted to reach into the panels and scream "GET OVER IT!!!!!!" at the guy. What is he, fourteen?
Seriously. As no brainer action stories go, this is alright. That's the very best thing i can say about it.
Pure Loeb Greatness, 05 Jan 2005
I'm not going to write a huge review of this here, suffice to say if you liked Long Halloween, Dark Victory, Haunted Knight, the Dark Knight Returns and all those sort of Batman stories you're in no way going to be disapointed by this. In fact you're probably going to love it. One of the greatest Batman stories out there. Be sure to read part 1 first!
Secon Volume is quality..., 09 Oct 2004
Well, theres no Superman fight in this one...so there. But then we don't read comics for gimmickry! Jeph Loeb takes some brave steps with the Batman universe, bringing back old characters, reFACING some (big clue there) and delivering a quality set of stories, which is the best work Loeb has done in a while.
The artwork is also gorgeous, with Jim Lee showing some of the best images of Batman EVER. Its worth the great Amazon £6.99 price, as it used to be £19.99 in hard back.
Why only 4 stars then? Because its too short. This is the problem with comics now; too many adverts mean that individual issues get barely any bang for their buck.
This is the best Batman title in a while though, and its gonna take a lot to beat it.
Hush is amazing, 25 Jan 2004
The second half of Jeph leob's and Jim Lee's tale, delivers on its title when it literaly leaves you quiet in awe and wonder at this amazing work.
The story line Hush is Jim Lee's (yes THAT jim lee) return to comics, and i dont think his art as ever looked more superb.n The story contains a cracking story, Who is hush? why his he after batman?
The story contains many great surprises with great writer and beutiful art. If you havent read this, dont delay, you wont be sorry
the tale continues, 04 Nov 2008
Its been about a year since i read the gunslinger born. In the time between reading that ad this, the long road home i have read 5 stephen king novels, and a multitude of marvel graphic novels. They were good, but the are all just a pillar for this.
In my own opinion, surely not everyones, but if your reading this you might agree, that the dark tower series is one of the best fantasy series of all time. The question is what does the long road home add to that?
Without ruining the story, ill say that it adds a considerable amount of knowledge we previously never had about the crimson king, as well as doing what it says on the cover, adding to the gap years between the barony of mejis and jericho hill.
I do have to say the artwork is once again brilliant, with a lot of effort being put into the book. Once again hard bound in leather straight away you are getting value for money. The writing is good, but recognisably comic dialogue rather than novel dialogue. Its snappish, witty, and not a word is ever wasted.
There are 2 bad points about this book though, as happy as i am with it. The first is that the plotline is very thin. not a lot really happens, i can see this being a set-up for another book down the line. The other thing is i dont see it being instantly accessible to those who have never read the novels. There are references to other books than the wizard and glass in here.
One final thing, at the back is a map, which shows the path roland took on his journey in wolves of calla, song of susannah and the dark tower.
Even if you arent a fan of graphic novels in the slightest if you want the dark tower you will enjoy this.
A long road ahead, 10 Oct 2008
"The Gunslinger Born" explored the origins and early struggles of young Roland Deschain, as well as the loss of his first true love, Susan Delgado.
And Stephen King's "Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" picks up right after that, showing us more devastating events that shaped Roland Deschain into the gunslinger anti-hero we know and love. While the first part is rather slow, it has plenty of horrific moments and the haunting quality of a "world that has moved on."
A devastated Roland takes down Susan's charred body, as Alain and Bert argue about whether they should be stopping. But suddenly Roland fires at Maerlyn's Grapefruit -- which suddenly turns into a tentacled eyeball that jumps on Roland's face, and enthralls his very soul before they can peel it off. His ka-tet is chased by a bunch of local thugs, the last Big Coffin Hunter, and a ghastly pack of mutated wolves.
Nearby, a mentally challenged boy named Sheemie was seen climbing into old war machines, only to encounter a strange robot that is somehow still "alive."And inside Maerlyn's Grapefruit, Roland is slowly being driven mad in his own memories -- right before being dragged to the hellish citadel of the Crimson King, who reveals a ghastly secret to the young boy from long ago, which will change him forever...
"The Dark Tower: Long Road Home" isn't quite as gripping as its predecessor, "The Gunslinger Born" -- partly because it's a briefer story, and partly because it's simpler. It's a tribute to Stephen King's original story -- and to the hauntingly vivid artwork -- that it's still such an intense rollercoaster ride.
After the heartbreaking first few pages, the plot speeds into a suitably confusing, desperate chase through a lonely wilderness, with plenty of gunshots and dying creatures. Things actually get rather gory as Roland's pals struggle over rickety bridges and across a red-tinged wilderness, since one of them almost gets his arm bitten off (and announces that he'd rather die than shoot left-handed forever. Hardcore, kid).
And since this is a world made by Stephen King, we have plenty of the eerie and the horrible -- Sheemie's confrontation with a baby-faced robot is just one example. King's rich, old-time narrative translates well into comic form, almost as if he were conversing with the readers ("But don't be laughing at Sheemie, I beg ya, because he's been through considerable trials").
And Jae Lee and Richard Isanove really bring this story to life -- they create a world split between bright bloody red mist and autumnal twilight, filled with shadowy faces, barren lands, and ghastly pursuers. And inside the Grapefruit, we get a full cornucopia of horrors, with Roland defiantly trying to keep his sanity and soul intact in a dusty, hazy landscape full of withered trees, tragic future selves, evil crows, lumpy castles, and the vaguely spidery King with his hellish magic and his suitably evil offers to Roland.
"The Gunslinger Born" introduced Roland as a boy, but "The Long Road Home" has undeniably made him a man. He has the guts and integrity to snarl not just at Marte but at the King himself. And after being in Roland's shadow for so long, Alain and Cuthbert also get to take center stage here -- we get to see just how strong and capable they are.
"Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" is not as tightly-written as its predecessor, but it's filled with a sense of overhanging horror and some solid action for the sidekicks. Definitely worth checking out.
An excellent addition to the Valdemar Chronicles, 24 Nov 2008
In style, this book has more in common with the Arrows series. At the same time, it serves the excellent purpose of filling in some of the history of the Heralds Collegium.
I had expected something a bit more akin to the tension of the Alberich books or the Mage Winds series, in terms of the effect of 'incomers' into Valdemar. So in that respect this book was a bit disappointing.
That said, the character Mags is endearing, not least because he can't really believe that these things are happening to him. The initial attempts by his Companion to reach him are quite amusing, even as there is a dark side to what has happened to him and the other mine children.
Overall, an excellent book, let down a tad by the lack of tension.
Foundation by Mercedes Lackey, 30 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book of Valdemar. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
Once started you will not want to put it down till finished!
I am looking forward to Collegium Chronicles Volume Two.
Mercedes Lackey you are a star!!!
Brilliant book, 18 Oct 2008
Great book. It harks back in writing style to Arrows of the Queen which is nice. Another book that fills in the gaps of the Kingdom and the evolution of the Heralds. Highly recommend it.
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Customer Reviews
Oh dear., 27 Aug 2008
Jeph Loeb has a pretty illustrious history in comics as a writer. In Batman alone, he has written the fantastic Batman: Long Halloween (a key inspiration for Batman Begins) and its follow up Dark Victory, two stupendous stories which suggested he'd strike it lucky a third time too. Right?
Wrong. Somewhere between these two books, Jeph Loeb lost his mojo. This first volume of Hush (and why a 12-issue story needed to be published in two volumes of different sizes when even this same writer's previous stuff wasn't is a mystery) begins a rollercoaster story the ending of which you can see from a mile off.
Many of the characters and dialogue styles are identical to those used previously ("no one can resist me" says Poison Ivy. Again.) and the stilted internal monologue that grates. Loeb starts a story that whilst having a few twists you won't see coming and some nice moments (not least the fight with Superman), its villain will be obvious to you before you even know there is one.
The saving grace of all this is one Jim Lee. Possibly the best comic artist active at the moment, he brings to life Loeb's mediocre story with the same effortless, vibrant colour with which he makes the likes of All-Star Batman And Robin forgivable.
Unless you're a Loeb freak or a big fan of Jim Lee's artwork - or simply don't want to think very hard in the course of the story - then Hush is not for you.
To many characters, 12 Aug 2008
I gave this comic two stars because even if it's nothing special it's a light hearted read. The problem I had was that there just seemed to be to many characters squeezed in and not enough story. One of my favourite batman comics is Knightfall which is filled with characters but pulls it off well. Anyway I guess you have to make your own mind up but don't expect anything amazing unless you prefer characters over story.
Beautiful Artwork, 23 Jul 2008
I cannot recommend this or its sequel highly enough for the art alone its worth its weight in gold. honestly its beautifuly drawn it also has a gripping plot with batman faceing off agains many of his previous villians and even superman.
Incredible, 02 May 2008
I sat and though about the title for this review for a couple of minutes and 'incredible,' I'm afraid to say, was the best I could come up with to describe this book.
As a child I would read comics my father brought back from work. Second hand, many folded, dog eared comics at that. This book was my reintroduction after many years and I have to say a big 'Thank you' to Mr Loeb and Mr Lee for it. My bookcase now labours under the weight of a great many more graphic novels now.
The writing is very clever and I really did not see the ending (of vol. 2 that is) coming. Jim Lee's visuals (and remember this medium is as much about the visuals as it is the story) are quite frankly sublime and, in some instances literally take your breath away.
The negative reviews I see here quite baffle me. I heartily recommend this book, a work of art in every sense.
Don't buy the hype., 06 Oct 2006
As Batman stories go, this is not the worst. Not in its best moments does it ever approach being one of the best.
As a detective story, it really is bordering on pathetic. A mysterious new villain (the "Hush" of the title) is out to get Batman; who could it possibly be behind those natty, invisible man-style bandages!?! Oh, by the way, on a completely unrelated note, Bats is having flashbacks to an old childhood friend never before seen or mentioned in the Bat-canon who Bruce Wayne was apparently closer to than anyone as a child, but who left his life under regrettably awkward circumstances years before. Among the other suspects are... Alfred, maybe? I don't mean to spoil it for you, but it really is just that blatant. Really.
Jim Lee draws superheroes well. They're big, they're burly, they're baroque. His women are lithe and have tiny waists. He's a master at choreographing action scenes. these qualities are where this books strengths lie.
The episodic nature of the story is basically an excuse to trundle out the rogues gallery for one more go-round as hush manipulates all of Bats' old villains into once more, one at a time attacking the dark knight (as if they ever needed manipulating into such an act before...) and Bats fights them off, one by one.
On that level, it's fun. On every other level, it's seriously deficient. The detective story is a tacked on excuse for the villain showdowns, transparent from the first chapter. the human element is soap operatic in the worst sense of the term. One off-the-cuff peck from Catwoman sends bats into such a mire of reflection and self doubt that i just wanted to reach into the panels and scream "GET OVER IT!!!!!!" at the guy. What is he, fourteen?
Seriously. As no brainer action stories go, this is alright. That's the very best thing i can say about it.
Pure Loeb Greatness, 05 Jan 2005
I'm not going to write a huge review of this here, suffice to say if you liked Long Halloween, Dark Victory, Haunted Knight, the Dark Knight Returns and all those sort of Batman stories you're in no way going to be disapointed by this. In fact you're probably going to love it. One of the greatest Batman stories out there. Be sure to read part 1 first!
Secon Volume is quality..., 09 Oct 2004
Well, theres no Superman fight in this one...so there. But then we don't read comics for gimmickry! Jeph Loeb takes some brave steps with the Batman universe, bringing back old characters, reFACING some (big clue there) and delivering a quality set of stories, which is the best work Loeb has done in a while.
The artwork is also gorgeous, with Jim Lee showing some of the best images of Batman EVER. Its worth the great Amazon £6.99 price, as it used to be £19.99 in hard back.
Why only 4 stars then? Because its too short. This is the problem with comics now; too many adverts mean that individual issues get barely any bang for their buck.
This is the best Batman title in a while though, and its gonna take a lot to beat it.
Hush is amazing, 25 Jan 2004
The second half of Jeph leob's and Jim Lee's tale, delivers on its title when it literaly leaves you quiet in awe and wonder at this amazing work.
The story line Hush is Jim Lee's (yes THAT jim lee) return to comics, and i dont think his art as ever looked more superb.n The story contains a cracking story, Who is hush? why his he after batman?
The story contains many great surprises with great writer and beutiful art. If you havent read this, dont delay, you wont be sorry
the tale continues, 04 Nov 2008
Its been about a year since i read the gunslinger born. In the time between reading that ad this, the long road home i have read 5 stephen king novels, and a multitude of marvel graphic novels. They were good, but the are all just a pillar for this.
In my own opinion, surely not everyones, but if your reading this you might agree, that the dark tower series is one of the best fantasy series of all time. The question is what does the long road home add to that?
Without ruining the story, ill say that it adds a considerable amount of knowledge we previously never had about the crimson king, as well as doing what it says on the cover, adding to the gap years between the barony of mejis and jericho hill.
I do have to say the artwork is once again brilliant, with a lot of effort being put into the book. Once again hard bound in leather straight away you are getting value for money. The writing is good, but recognisably comic dialogue rather than novel dialogue. Its snappish, witty, and not a word is ever wasted.
There are 2 bad points about this book though, as happy as i am with it. The first is that the plotline is very thin. not a lot really happens, i can see this being a set-up for another book down the line. The other thing is i dont see it being instantly accessible to those who have never read the novels. There are references to other books than the wizard and glass in here.
One final thing, at the back is a map, which shows the path roland took on his journey in wolves of calla, song of susannah and the dark tower.
Even if you arent a fan of graphic novels in the slightest if you want the dark tower you will enjoy this.
A long road ahead, 10 Oct 2008
"The Gunslinger Born" explored the origins and early struggles of young Roland Deschain, as well as the loss of his first true love, Susan Delgado.
And Stephen King's "Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" picks up right after that, showing us more devastating events that shaped Roland Deschain into the gunslinger anti-hero we know and love. While the first part is rather slow, it has plenty of horrific moments and the haunting quality of a "world that has moved on."
A devastated Roland takes down Susan's charred body, as Alain and Bert argue about whether they should be stopping. But suddenly Roland fires at Maerlyn's Grapefruit -- which suddenly turns into a tentacled eyeball that jumps on Roland's face, and enthralls his very soul before they can peel it off. His ka-tet is chased by a bunch of local thugs, the last Big Coffin Hunter, and a ghastly pack of mutated wolves.
Nearby, a mentally challenged boy named Sheemie was seen climbing into old war machines, only to encounter a strange robot that is somehow still "alive."And inside Maerlyn's Grapefruit, Roland is slowly being driven mad in his own memories -- right before being dragged to the hellish citadel of the Crimson King, who reveals a ghastly secret to the young boy from long ago, which will change him forever...
"The Dark Tower: Long Road Home" isn't quite as gripping as its predecessor, "The Gunslinger Born" -- partly because it's a briefer story, and partly because it's simpler. It's a tribute to Stephen King's original story -- and to the hauntingly vivid artwork -- that it's still such an intense rollercoaster ride.
After the heartbreaking first few pages, the plot speeds into a suitably confusing, desperate chase through a lonely wilderness, with plenty of gunshots and dying creatures. Things actually get rather gory as Roland's pals struggle over rickety bridges and across a red-tinged wilderness, since one of them almost gets his arm bitten off (and announces that he'd rather die than shoot left-handed forever. Hardcore, kid).
And since this is a world made by Stephen King, we have plenty of the eerie and the horrible -- Sheemie's confrontation with a baby-faced robot is just one example. King's rich, old-time narrative translates well into comic form, almost as if he were conversing with the readers ("But don't be laughing at Sheemie, I beg ya, because he's been through considerable trials").
And Jae Lee and Richard Isanove really bring this story to life -- they create a world split between bright bloody red mist and autumnal twilight, filled with shadowy faces, barren lands, and ghastly pursuers. And inside the Grapefruit, we get a full cornucopia of horrors, with Roland defiantly trying to keep his sanity and soul intact in a dusty, hazy landscape full of withered trees, tragic future selves, evil crows, lumpy castles, and the vaguely spidery King with his hellish magic and his suitably evil offers to Roland.
"The Gunslinger Born" introduced Roland as a boy, but "The Long Road Home" has undeniably made him a man. He has the guts and integrity to snarl not just at Marte but at the King himself. And after being in Roland's shadow for so long, Alain and Cuthbert also get to take center stage here -- we get to see just how strong and capable they are.
"Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" is not as tightly-written as its predecessor, but it's filled with a sense of overhanging horror and some solid action for the sidekicks. Definitely worth checking out.
An excellent addition to the Valdemar Chronicles, 24 Nov 2008
In style, this book has more in common with the Arrows series. At the same time, it serves the excellent purpose of filling in some of the history of the Heralds Collegium.
I had expected something a bit more akin to the tension of the Alberich books or the Mage Winds series, in terms of the effect of 'incomers' into Valdemar. So in that respect this book was a bit disappointing.
That said, the character Mags is endearing, not least because he can't really believe that these things are happening to him. The initial attempts by his Companion to reach him are quite amusing, even as there is a dark side to what has happened to him and the other mine children.
Overall, an excellent book, let down a tad by the lack of tension.
Foundation by Mercedes Lackey, 30 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book of Valdemar. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
Once started you will not want to put it down till finished!
I am looking forward to Collegium Chronicles Volume Two.
Mercedes Lackey you are a star!!!
Brilliant book, 18 Oct 2008
Great book. It harks back in writing style to Arrows of the Queen which is nice. Another book that fills in the gaps of the Kingdom and the evolution of the Heralds. Highly recommend it.
Good Stuff, 07 Jan 2009
Cant fault this....lots of action and great artwork with a good storyline (look out for Green Hulk and Ares meeting up and smile).All in all well worth recommending.
Enjoyable, but needed more content, 23 Dec 2008
A good effort from Loeb & McGuinness, reminiscent of their Batman / Superman work in that it's pretty straightforward superhero-ing, very fast paced with suitably chunky artwork but I was disappointed that there was no reveal at the end of this volume. Hope we won't have to read another six issues before finding out the full story behind Red Hulk. Great price from Amazon though!
Good clean fun, 19 Dec 2008
Excellent fun and Ed McGuiness produces big, colourful, chunky characters. There are also guest stars galore (Thor, Iron man, She hulk) as the red hulk cuts a path through the marvel universe, eventually butting heads with the green goliath. Whilst this volume is self contained, we'll need to keep on reading to find out more about the new hulk so don't expect to find any answers here. The story itself is quite linear and straight forward (just what Jeph Loeb is good at)so don't expect any deep plotlines. There is also a really short back-up tale featuring wolverine as well as a gallery of the varient covers for the first 6 issues. Simple yet fun.
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Customer Reviews
Oh dear., 27 Aug 2008
Jeph Loeb has a pretty illustrious history in comics as a writer. In Batman alone, he has written the fantastic Batman: Long Halloween (a key inspiration for Batman Begins) and its follow up Dark Victory, two stupendous stories which suggested he'd strike it lucky a third time too. Right?
Wrong. Somewhere between these two books, Jeph Loeb lost his mojo. This first volume of Hush (and why a 12-issue story needed to be published in two volumes of different sizes when even this same writer's previous stuff wasn't is a mystery) begins a rollercoaster story the ending of which you can see from a mile off.
Many of the characters and dialogue styles are identical to those used previously ("no one can resist me" says Poison Ivy. Again.) and the stilted internal monologue that grates. Loeb starts a story that whilst having a few twists you won't see coming and some nice moments (not least the fight with Superman), its villain will be obvious to you before you even know there is one.
The saving grace of all this is one Jim Lee. Possibly the best comic artist active at the moment, he brings to life Loeb's mediocre story with the same effortless, vibrant colour with which he makes the likes of All-Star Batman And Robin forgivable.
Unless you're a Loeb freak or a big fan of Jim Lee's artwork - or simply don't want to think very hard in the course of the story - then Hush is not for you.
To many characters, 12 Aug 2008
I gave this comic two stars because even if it's nothing special it's a light hearted read. The problem I had was that there just seemed to be to many characters squeezed in and not enough story. One of my favourite batman comics is Knightfall which is filled with characters but pulls it off well. Anyway I guess you have to make your own mind up but don't expect anything amazing unless you prefer characters over story.
Beautiful Artwork, 23 Jul 2008
I cannot recommend this or its sequel highly enough for the art alone its worth its weight in gold. honestly its beautifuly drawn it also has a gripping plot with batman faceing off agains many of his previous villians and even superman.
Incredible, 02 May 2008
I sat and though about the title for this review for a couple of minutes and 'incredible,' I'm afraid to say, was the best I could come up with to describe this book.
As a child I would read comics my father brought back from work. Second hand, many folded, dog eared comics at that. This book was my reintroduction after many years and I have to say a big 'Thank you' to Mr Loeb and Mr Lee for it. My bookcase now labours under the weight of a great many more graphic novels now.
The writing is very clever and I really did not see the ending (of vol. 2 that is) coming. Jim Lee's visuals (and remember this medium is as much about the visuals as it is the story) are quite frankly sublime and, in some instances literally take your breath away.
The negative reviews I see here quite baffle me. I heartily recommend this book, a work of art in every sense.
Don't buy the hype., 06 Oct 2006
As Batman stories go, this is not the worst. Not in its best moments does it ever approach being one of the best.
As a detective story, it really is bordering on pathetic. A mysterious new villain (the "Hush" of the title) is out to get Batman; who could it possibly be behind those natty, invisible man-style bandages!?! Oh, by the way, on a completely unrelated note, Bats is having flashbacks to an old childhood friend never before seen or mentioned in the Bat-canon who Bruce Wayne was apparently closer to than anyone as a child, but who left his life under regrettably awkward circumstances years before. Among the other suspects are... Alfred, maybe? I don't mean to spoil it for you, but it really is just that blatant. Really.
Jim Lee draws superheroes well. They're big, they're burly, they're baroque. His women are lithe and have tiny waists. He's a master at choreographing action scenes. these qualities are where this books strengths lie.
The episodic nature of the story is basically an excuse to trundle out the rogues gallery for one more go-round as hush manipulates all of Bats' old villains into once more, one at a time attacking the dark knight (as if they ever needed manipulating into such an act before...) and Bats fights them off, one by one.
On that level, it's fun. On every other level, it's seriously deficient. The detective story is a tacked on excuse for the villain showdowns, transparent from the first chapter. the human element is soap operatic in the worst sense of the term. One off-the-cuff peck from Catwoman sends bats into such a mire of reflection and self doubt that i just wanted to reach into the panels and scream "GET OVER IT!!!!!!" at the guy. What is he, fourteen?
Seriously. As no brainer action stories go, this is alright. That's the very best thing i can say about it.
Pure Loeb Greatness, 05 Jan 2005
I'm not going to write a huge review of this here, suffice to say if you liked Long Halloween, Dark Victory, Haunted Knight, the Dark Knight Returns and all those sort of Batman stories you're in no way going to be disapointed by this. In fact you're probably going to love it. One of the greatest Batman stories out there. Be sure to read part 1 first!
Secon Volume is quality..., 09 Oct 2004
Well, theres no Superman fight in this one...so there. But then we don't read comics for gimmickry! Jeph Loeb takes some brave steps with the Batman universe, bringing back old characters, reFACING some (big clue there) and delivering a quality set of stories, which is the best work Loeb has done in a while.
The artwork is also gorgeous, with Jim Lee showing some of the best images of Batman EVER. Its worth the great Amazon £6.99 price, as it used to be £19.99 in hard back.
Why only 4 stars then? Because its too short. This is the problem with comics now; too many adverts mean that individual issues get barely any bang for their buck.
This is the best Batman title in a while though, and its gonna take a lot to beat it.
Hush is amazing, 25 Jan 2004
The second half of Jeph leob's and Jim Lee's tale, delivers on its title when it literaly leaves you quiet in awe and wonder at this amazing work.
The story line Hush is Jim Lee's (yes THAT jim lee) return to comics, and i dont think his art as ever looked more superb.n The story contains a cracking story, Who is hush? why his he after batman?
The story contains many great surprises with great writer and beutiful art. If you havent read this, dont delay, you wont be sorry
the tale continues, 04 Nov 2008
Its been about a year since i read the gunslinger born. In the time between reading that ad this, the long road home i have read 5 stephen king novels, and a multitude of marvel graphic novels. They were good, but the are all just a pillar for this.
In my own opinion, surely not everyones, but if your reading this you might agree, that the dark tower series is one of the best fantasy series of all time. The question is what does the long road home add to that?
Without ruining the story, ill say that it adds a considerable amount of knowledge we previously never had about the crimson king, as well as doing what it says on the cover, adding to the gap years between the barony of mejis and jericho hill.
I do have to say the artwork is once again brilliant, with a lot of effort being put into the book. Once again hard bound in leather straight away you are getting value for money. The writing is good, but recognisably comic dialogue rather than novel dialogue. Its snappish, witty, and not a word is ever wasted.
There are 2 bad points about this book though, as happy as i am with it. The first is that the plotline is very thin. not a lot really happens, i can see this being a set-up for another book down the line. The other thing is i dont see it being instantly accessible to those who have never read the novels. There are references to other books than the wizard and glass in here.
One final thing, at the back is a map, which shows the path roland took on his journey in wolves of calla, song of susannah and the dark tower.
Even if you arent a fan of graphic novels in the slightest if you want the dark tower you will enjoy this.
A long road ahead, 10 Oct 2008
"The Gunslinger Born" explored the origins and early struggles of young Roland Deschain, as well as the loss of his first true love, Susan Delgado.
And Stephen King's "Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" picks up right after that, showing us more devastating events that shaped Roland Deschain into the gunslinger anti-hero we know and love. While the first part is rather slow, it has plenty of horrific moments and the haunting quality of a "world that has moved on."
A devastated Roland takes down Susan's charred body, as Alain and Bert argue about whether they should be stopping. But suddenly Roland fires at Maerlyn's Grapefruit -- which suddenly turns into a tentacled eyeball that jumps on Roland's face, and enthralls his very soul before they can peel it off. His ka-tet is chased by a bunch of local thugs, the last Big Coffin Hunter, and a ghastly pack of mutated wolves.
Nearby, a mentally challenged boy named Sheemie was seen climbing into old war machines, only to encounter a strange robot that is somehow still "alive."And inside Maerlyn's Grapefruit, Roland is slowly being driven mad in his own memories -- right before being dragged to the hellish citadel of the Crimson King, who reveals a ghastly secret to the young boy from long ago, which will change him forever...
"The Dark Tower: Long Road Home" isn't quite as gripping as its predecessor, "The Gunslinger Born" -- partly because it's a briefer story, and partly because it's simpler. It's a tribute to Stephen King's original story -- and to the hauntingly vivid artwork -- that it's still such an intense rollercoaster ride.
After the heartbreaking first few pages, the plot speeds into a suitably confusing, desperate chase through a lonely wilderness, with plenty of gunshots and dying creatures. Things actually get rather gory as Roland's pals struggle over rickety bridges and across a red-tinged wilderness, since one of them almost gets his arm bitten off (and announces that he'd rather die than shoot left-handed forever. Hardcore, kid).
And since this is a world made by Stephen King, we have plenty of the eerie and the horrible -- Sheemie's confrontation with a baby-faced robot is just one example. King's rich, old-time narrative translates well into comic form, almost as if he were conversing with the readers ("But don't be laughing at Sheemie, I beg ya, because he's been through considerable trials").
And Jae Lee and Richard Isanove really bring this story to life -- they create a world split between bright bloody red mist and autumnal twilight, filled with shadowy faces, barren lands, and ghastly pursuers. And inside the Grapefruit, we get a full cornucopia of horrors, with Roland defiantly trying to keep his sanity and soul intact in a dusty, hazy landscape full of withered trees, tragic future selves, evil crows, lumpy castles, and the vaguely spidery King with his hellish magic and his suitably evil offers to Roland.
"The Gunslinger Born" introduced Roland as a boy, but "The Long Road Home" has undeniably made him a man. He has the guts and integrity to snarl not just at Marte but at the King himself. And after being in Roland's shadow for so long, Alain and Cuthbert also get to take center stage here -- we get to see just how strong and capable they are.
"Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" is not as tightly-written as its predecessor, but it's filled with a sense of overhanging horror and some solid action for the sidekicks. Definitely worth checking out.
An excellent addition to the Valdemar Chronicles, 24 Nov 2008
In style, this book has more in common with the Arrows series. At the same time, it serves the excellent purpose of filling in some of the history of the Heralds Collegium.
I had expected something a bit more akin to the tension of the Alberich books or the Mage Winds series, in terms of the effect of 'incomers' into Valdemar. So in that respect this book was a bit disappointing.
That said, the character Mags is endearing, not least because he can't really believe that these things are happening to him. The initial attempts by his Companion to reach him are quite amusing, even as there is a dark side to what has happened to him and the other mine children.
Overall, an excellent book, let down a tad by the lack of tension.
Foundation by Mercedes Lackey, 30 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book of Valdemar. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
Once started you will not want to put it down till finished!
I am looking forward to Collegium Chronicles Volume Two.
Mercedes Lackey you are a star!!!
Brilliant book, 18 Oct 2008
Great book. It harks back in writing style to Arrows of the Queen which is nice. Another book that fills in the gaps of the Kingdom and the evolution of the Heralds. Highly recommend it.
Good Stuff, 07 Jan 2009
Cant fault this....lots of action and great artwork with a good storyline (look out for Green Hulk and Ares meeting up and smile).All in all well worth recommending.
Enjoyable, but needed more content, 23 Dec 2008
A good effort from Loeb & McGuinness, reminiscent of their Batman / Superman work in that it's pretty straightforward superhero-ing, very fast paced with suitably chunky artwork but I was disappointed that there was no reveal at the end of this volume. Hope we won't have to read another six issues before finding out the full story behind Red Hulk. Great price from Amazon though!
Good clean fun, 19 Dec 2008
Excellent fun and Ed McGuiness produces big, colourful, chunky characters. There are also guest stars galore (Thor, Iron man, She hulk) as the red hulk cuts a path through the marvel universe, eventually butting heads with the green goliath. Whilst this volume is self contained, we'll need to keep on reading to find out more about the new hulk so don't expect to find any answers here. The story itself is quite linear and straight forward (just what Jeph Loeb is good at)so don't expect any deep plotlines. There is also a really short back-up tale featuring wolverine as well as a gallery of the varient covers for the first 6 issues. Simple yet fun.
An honest review., 13 Jan 2008
This book is an excellent continuation of the Masters series.
Great Characters, and a great plot line. Watch out for Wolf, he is Def. the funniest.
If there is any fault, it is that a student of history myself, Mercedes has over elaborated the dark side of Victorian Blackpool a little.
All in all, the Fire Rose is a better read, but this is a more involved plot with in my opinion a 5 star rating.
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Customer Reviews
Oh dear., 27 Aug 2008
Jeph Loeb has a pretty illustrious history in comics as a writer. In Batman alone, he has written the fantastic Batman: Long Halloween (a key inspiration for Batman Begins) and its follow up Dark Victory, two stupendous stories which suggested he'd strike it lucky a third time too. Right?
Wrong. Somewhere between these two books, Jeph Loeb lost his mojo. This first volume of Hush (and why a 12-issue story needed to be published in two volumes of different sizes when even this same writer's previous stuff wasn't is a mystery) begins a rollercoaster story the ending of which you can see from a mile off.
Many of the characters and dialogue styles are identical to those used previously ("no one can resist me" says Poison Ivy. Again.) and the stilted internal monologue that grates. Loeb starts a story that whilst having a few twists you won't see coming and some nice moments (not least the fight with Superman), its villain will be obvious to you before you even know there is one.
The saving grace of all this is one Jim Lee. Possibly the best comic artist active at the moment, he brings to life Loeb's mediocre story with the same effortless, vibrant colour with which he makes the likes of All-Star Batman And Robin forgivable.
Unless you're a Loeb freak or a big fan of Jim Lee's artwork - or simply don't want to think very hard in the course of the story - then Hush is not for you.
To many characters, 12 Aug 2008
I gave this comic two stars because even if it's nothing special it's a light hearted read. The problem I had was that there just seemed to be to many characters squeezed in and not enough story. One of my favourite batman comics is Knightfall which is filled with characters but pulls it off well. Anyway I guess you have to make your own mind up but don't expect anything amazing unless you prefer characters over story.
Beautiful Artwork, 23 Jul 2008
I cannot recommend this or its sequel highly enough for the art alone its worth its weight in gold. honestly its beautifuly drawn it also has a gripping plot with batman faceing off agains many of his previous villians and even superman.
Incredible, 02 May 2008
I sat and though about the title for this review for a couple of minutes and 'incredible,' I'm afraid to say, was the best I could come up with to describe this book.
As a child I would read comics my father brought back from work. Second hand, many folded, dog eared comics at that. This book was my reintroduction after many years and I have to say a big 'Thank you' to Mr Loeb and Mr Lee for it. My bookcase now labours under the weight of a great many more graphic novels now.
The writing is very clever and I really did not see the ending (of vol. 2 that is) coming. Jim Lee's visuals (and remember this medium is as much about the visuals as it is the story) are quite frankly sublime and, in some instances literally take your breath away.
The negative reviews I see here quite baffle me. I heartily recommend this book, a work of art in every sense.
Don't buy the hype., 06 Oct 2006
As Batman stories go, this is not the worst. Not in its best moments does it ever approach being one of the best.
As a detective story, it really is bordering on pathetic. A mysterious new villain (the "Hush" of the title) is out to get Batman; who could it possibly be behind those natty, invisible man-style bandages!?! Oh, by the way, on a completely unrelated note, Bats is having flashbacks to an old childhood friend never before seen or mentioned in the Bat-canon who Bruce Wayne was apparently closer to than anyone as a child, but who left his life under regrettably awkward circumstances years before. Among the other suspects are... Alfred, maybe? I don't mean to spoil it for you, but it really is just that blatant. Really.
Jim Lee draws superheroes well. They're big, they're burly, they're baroque. His women are lithe and have tiny waists. He's a master at choreographing action scenes. these qualities are where this books strengths lie.
The episodic nature of the story is basically an excuse to trundle out the rogues gallery for one more go-round as hush manipulates all of Bats' old villains into once more, one at a time attacking the dark knight (as if they ever needed manipulating into such an act before...) and Bats fights them off, one by one.
On that level, it's fun. On every other level, it's seriously deficient. The detective story is a tacked on excuse for the villain showdowns, transparent from the first chapter. the human element is soap operatic in the worst sense of the term. One off-the-cuff peck from Catwoman sends bats into such a mire of reflection and self doubt that i just wanted to reach into the panels and scream "GET OVER IT!!!!!!" at the guy. What is he, fourteen?
Seriously. As no brainer action stories go, this is alright. That's the very best thing i can say about it.
Pure Loeb Greatness, 05 Jan 2005
I'm not going to write a huge review of this here, suffice to say if you liked Long Halloween, Dark Victory, Haunted Knight, the Dark Knight Returns and all those sort of Batman stories you're in no way going to be disapointed by this. In fact you're probably going to love it. One of the greatest Batman stories out there. Be sure to read part 1 first!
Secon Volume is quality..., 09 Oct 2004
Well, theres no Superman fight in this one...so there. But then we don't read comics for gimmickry! Jeph Loeb takes some brave steps with the Batman universe, bringing back old characters, reFACING some (big clue there) and delivering a quality set of stories, which is the best work Loeb has done in a while.
The artwork is also gorgeous, with Jim Lee showing some of the best images of Batman EVER. Its worth the great Amazon £6.99 price, as it used to be £19.99 in hard back.
Why only 4 stars then? Because its too short. This is the problem with comics now; too many adverts mean that individual issues get barely any bang for their buck.
This is the best Batman title in a while though, and its gonna take a lot to beat it.
Hush is amazing, 25 Jan 2004
The second half of Jeph leob's and Jim Lee's tale, delivers on its title when it literaly leaves you quiet in awe and wonder at this amazing work.
The story line Hush is Jim Lee's (yes THAT jim lee) return to comics, and i dont think his art as ever looked more superb.n The story contains a cracking story, Who is hush? why his he after batman?
The story contains many great surprises with great writer and beutiful art. If you havent read this, dont delay, you wont be sorry
the tale continues, 04 Nov 2008
Its been about a year since i read the gunslinger born. In the time between reading that ad this, the long road home i have read 5 stephen king novels, and a multitude of marvel graphic novels. They were good, but the are all just a pillar for this.
In my own opinion, surely not everyones, but if your reading this you might agree, that the dark tower series is one of the best fantasy series of all time. The question is what does the long road home add to that?
Without ruining the story, ill say that it adds a considerable amount of knowledge we previously never had about the crimson king, as well as doing what it says on the cover, adding to the gap years between the barony of mejis and jericho hill.
I do have to say the artwork is once again brilliant, with a lot of effort being put into the book. Once again hard bound in leather straight away you are getting value for money. The writing is good, but recognisably comic dialogue rather than novel dialogue. Its snappish, witty, and not a word is ever wasted.
There are 2 bad points about this book though, as happy as i am with it. The first is that the plotline is very thin. not a lot really happens, i can see this being a set-up for another book down the line. The other thing is i dont see it being instantly accessible to those who have never read the novels. There are references to other books than the wizard and glass in here.
One final thing, at the back is a map, which shows the path roland took on his journey in wolves of calla, song of susannah and the dark tower.
Even if you arent a fan of graphic novels in the slightest if you want the dark tower you will enjoy this.
A long road ahead, 10 Oct 2008
"The Gunslinger Born" explored the origins and early struggles of young Roland Deschain, as well as the loss of his first true love, Susan Delgado.
And Stephen King's "Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" picks up right after that, showing us more devastating events that shaped Roland Deschain into the gunslinger anti-hero we know and love. While the first part is rather slow, it has plenty of horrific moments and the haunting quality of a "world that has moved on."
A devastated Roland takes down Susan's charred body, as Alain and Bert argue about whether they should be stopping. But suddenly Roland fires at Maerlyn's Grapefruit -- which suddenly turns into a tentacled eyeball that jumps on Roland's face, and enthralls his very soul before they can peel it off. His ka-tet is chased by a bunch of local thugs, the last Big Coffin Hunter, and a ghastly pack of mutated wolves.
Nearby, a mentally challenged boy named Sheemie was seen climbing into old war machines, only to encounter a strange robot that is somehow still "alive."And inside Maerlyn's Grapefruit, Roland is slowly being driven mad in his own memories -- right before being dragged to the hellish citadel of the Crimson King, who reveals a ghastly secret to the young boy from long ago, which will change him forever...
"The Dark Tower: Long Road Home" isn't quite as gripping as its predecessor, "The Gunslinger Born" -- partly because it's a briefer story, and partly because it's simpler. It's a tribute to Stephen King's original story -- and to the hauntingly vivid artwork -- that it's still such an intense rollercoaster ride.
After the heartbreaking first few pages, the plot speeds into a suitably confusing, desperate chase through a lonely wilderness, with plenty of gunshots and dying creatures. Things actually get rather gory as Roland's pals struggle over rickety bridges and across a red-tinged wilderness, since one of them almost gets his arm bitten off (and announces that he'd rather die than shoot left-handed forever. Hardcore, kid).
And since this is a world made by Stephen King, we have plenty of the eerie and the horrible -- Sheemie's confrontation with a baby-faced robot is just one example. King's rich, old-time narrative translates well into comic form, almost as if he were conversing with the readers ("But don't be laughing at Sheemie, I beg ya, because he's been through considerable trials").
And Jae Lee and Richard Isanove really bring this story to life -- they create a world split between bright bloody red mist and autumnal twilight, filled with shadowy faces, barren lands, and ghastly pursuers. And inside the Grapefruit, we get a full cornucopia of horrors, with Roland defiantly trying to keep his sanity and soul intact in a dusty, hazy landscape full of withered trees, tragic future selves, evil crows, lumpy castles, and the vaguely spidery King with his hellish magic and his suitably evil offers to Roland.
"The Gunslinger Born" introduced Roland as a boy, but "The Long Road Home" has undeniably made him a man. He has the guts and integrity to snarl not just at Marte but at the King himself. And after being in Roland's shadow for so long, Alain and Cuthbert also get to take center stage here -- we get to see just how strong and capable they are.
"Dark Tower: The Long Road Home" is not as tightly-written as its predecessor, but it's filled with a sense of overhanging horror and some solid action for the sidekicks. Definitely worth checking out.
An excellent addition to the Valdemar Chronicles, 24 Nov 2008
In style, this book has more in common with the Arrows series. At the same time, it serves the excellent purpose of filling in some of the history of the Heralds Collegium.
I had expected something a bit more akin to the tension of the Alberich books or the Mage Winds series, in terms of the effect of 'incomers' into Valdemar. So in that respect this book was a bit disappointing.
That said, the character Mags is endearing, not least because he can't really believe that these things are happening to him. The initial attempts by his Companion to reach him are quite amusing, even as there is a dark side to what has happened to him and the other mine children.
Overall, an excellent book, let down a tad by the lack of tension.
Foundation by Mercedes Lackey, 30 Oct 2008
This is a brilliant book of Valdemar. I thoroughly recommend it to all.
Once started you will not want to put it down till finished!
I am looking forward to Collegium Chronicles Volume Two.
Mercedes Lackey you are a star!!!
Brilliant book, 18 Oct 2008
Great book. It harks back in writing style to Arrows of the Queen which is nice. Another book that fills in the gaps of the Kingdom and the evolution of the Heralds. Highly recommend it.
Good Stuff, 07 Jan 2009
Cant fault this....lots of action and great artwork with a good storyline (look out for Green Hulk and Ares meeting up and smile).All in all well worth recommending.
Enjoyable, but needed more content, 23 Dec 2008
A good effort from Loeb & McGuinness, reminiscent of their Batman / Superman work in that it's pretty straightforward superhero-ing, very fast paced with suitably chunky artwork but I was disappointed that there was no reveal at the end of this volume. Hope we won't have to read another six issues before finding out the full story behind Red Hulk. Great price from Amazon though!
Good clean fun, 19 Dec 2008
Excellent fun and Ed McGuiness produces big, colourful, chunky characters. There are also guest stars galore (Thor, Iron man, She hulk) as the red hulk cuts a path through the marvel universe, eventually butting heads with the green goliath. Whilst this volume is self contained, we'll need to keep on reading to find out more about the new hulk so don't expect to find any answers here. The story itself is quite linear and straight forward (just what Jeph Loeb is good at)so don't expect any deep plotlines. There is also a really short back-up tale featuring wolverine as well as a gallery of the varient covers for the first 6 issues. Simple yet fun.
An honest review., 13 Jan 2008
This book is an excellent continuation of the Masters series.
Great Characters, and a great plot line. Watch out for Wolf, he is Def. the funniest.
If there is any fault, it is that a student of history myself, Mercedes has over elaborated the dark side of Victorian Blackpool a little.
All in all, the Fire Rose is a better read, but this is a more involved plot with in my opinion a 5 star rating.
The Second Book in the King Raven Series, 01 Jan 2008
Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion. Lawhead makes his home in Austria with his wife. Stephen Lawhead is one of my all time favourite authors and I am only sorry that he does not write more often.
Stephen Lawhead has always been the master of a good historical story. His tales, whether they be his own original thoughts, like the Song of Albion series, or in the case of the Pendragon series a new look at an old story, are always full of life and adventure and he always manages to produce some of the best fantasy fiction around. This is the second book in the King Raven Trilogy and I am sure will not disappoint is legions of readers.
Once again Lawhead putsa new slant to an old story. No less a legend than that of Robin Hood. In the story, aptly named Hood our hapless hero, Bran, heir to the Welsh throne becomes an outlaw after his father is brutally murdered by the Normans.
The second book in the trilogy once again takes a new look at the tale of Robin Hood, but puts a completely new slant on the legend. Will Scarlet is prominent in this part of the story as it gets ever further and further away from the tale we all know as Robin Hood. I finally found it best to make a conscious effort to disregard the fact that the story is based, if only loosely on the old legend and treat the book simply on its own merits, as a well told and well written adventure story that takes place in the middle ages. Once you do that and are not using comparisons all the time, the story is much more enjoyable.
Ups the pace and the stakes in this fantastic trilogy, 28 Nov 2007
This is an engrossing trilogy - full of moody, deep characters, plot twists, politics, and with a strong sense of setting. I think what I like best is the way Lawhead manages to incorprate the Robin Hood set pieces (the archery tournament, Will Scarlet's hanging etc) totally unexpectedly in a completely new way.
Scarlet picks up from where Hood leaves off (though it's a story in it's own right of course) and leaves us eagerly waiting for the third installment.
My advice: Buy Hood and this together, read them back to back.
High Enjoyable retelling, 30 Oct 2007
A cracking sequel to Stephen's "Hood" and one that allows the reader to make full use of the Robin Hood myth. Not only does the tale, carry on from the previous instalment but concentrates on the personage of Will "Scarlet" Scatlocke, providing the reader an entertaining fast paced tale that can be read on its own. Highly creative with the principle protagonist not only finding his own "happy" ending but also allows the character to not only grow in the eyes of the reader but demonstrates why he isn't just a "merry man."
The series concludes in Tuck where we get to spend quite a bit of time with everyone's deep thinking, fat friar.
Dont, 18 Oct 2007
I didn't enjoy the first novel that much but thought I would give this one a try anyway its awful couldn't get into it at all Cant think of anything poitive to say to be quite frank
Dont bother is my warning
A New Twist on Robin Hood, 09 Sep 2007
Stephen R. Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. His works include Byzantium and the series The Pendragon Cycle, The Celtic Crusades, and The Song of Albion. Lawhead makes his home in Austria with his wife. Stephen Lawhead is one of my all time favourite authors and I am only sorry that he does not write more often.
This is the second book in the King Raven series. A completely re-imagined tale of the man known as Robin Hood, but told in a totally different way from the story that many of us know.
As the story of King raven continues, the stakes are getting higher and the lives of Bran's band become more precarious with every passing day. Will Scarlet is about to be hung after being caught in a failed attempt to kidnap sheriff Richard de Glanville Meanwhile Bran discovers a secret that leads them on a sea voyage to France in a daring attempt to reveal a plot against King William by his brother, Robert. Will his efforts increase the sheriff's determination to destroy King Raven.
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