7.29.2009

My Review of: PETER & MAX: A Fables Novel by Bill Willingham with illustrations by Steve Leiahola

Already a fan of the magnificent FABLES comic book series by Bill Willingham and artist Mark Buckingham, inked by Steve Leialoha, and also a fan of the comic book spin-off series, Jack of Fables, I was very excited to read the first Vertigo novel, Peter & Max: A Fables Novel. Set to be published in October 2009 by Vertigo, the on-the-edge imprint of DC Comics that has brought such classics as Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series as well as many other superb comics such as Preacher, Y the Last Man, and 100 Bullets.

This book leads out of the imaginative world created by Willingham and his collaborators, where characters from fairy tale and folklore actually exist in other magical worlds, and are forced to escape the oppression of a great Adversary, where they create a safe haven, a magically protected area in New York City called Fabletown with an upstate branch called The Farm where those unable to hide in human form are forced to live.

An even greater expansion of the well thought out Fables world, the novel tells the stories of the Piper family, and more specifically of Peter and Max, two brothers destined for great things, some good and some evil. Both heir to their father’s magical flute, Frost, they are thrust into desperation as the evil hordes of the enemy force the fables of the magical lands to seek refuge. The Piper family is disrupted as well as the Peep family, including Peter’s childhood crush Rainbow (‘Bo) Peep. It seems their time of innocence is gone.

Spoiler alert – I don’t give away major plot points but do discuss the novel in more detail. STOP here if you’d rather not read more about the story. [Don’t worry I don’t reveal who the Adversary is to any who have yet to start reading Fables – but get on it already!]


Peter and Bo’s journey of survival is desperate and wrought with danger and deception. Meanwhile, Max, seeking vengeance and his rightful place, is forever tracking his brother. It makes for an exciting and epic climax as brother faces brother, spread out over many battles over many years.

Also, especially for fans of the Fables comic book, are the cameos of many of Fables’ popular cast, including Bigby Wolf, Frau Totenkinder, and other assorted residents of Fabletown. Told during both a modern battle, with flashbacks over several centuries and in various magical lands, the book is a journey to take, a magical tune to follow, that tells an incredible story.

For fantasy fans to delight in, Willingham’s text is a joy, and I was left only wishing for more cameos from the likes of all the Fables characters, as he has breathed such detailed life and back story into them all, even as I realize this book had to end, I wished it had not.

I think anyone can enjoy this fairy tale, and follow the pied piper and his tune. But for fans of Fables, this is an immense joy, giving so much more breathe to the world we’ve come to love.

The Warded Man movie deal

I'm excited to share the news about my good friend, fantasy author Peter V. Brett and the movie deal that has been struck.

See the attached link for the news: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ide843f7bf07c511f72af7f1bfe79a0a8

It's amazing to me that some day in the near future, on the big screen, I'll get to see the tattooed warrior that I've come to know, kick some serious demon ass!

7.26.2009

Escape From the Prison Planet

I've taken off for a few days with my lovely lady and several books, of course. Some of which I have to read in an official capacity, others of which I brought along just for fun. With Stevzie II in tow [my trusty laptop] I can access my files for the reports I need to write as well as plug in and enter the matrix.

I'll write back soon to clue you in on what I'm reading exactly, for now I leave a vague allusion to greatness. For now I'll leave you with this interesting book-related trailer of sorts, which I find both interesting and elusive. Talk amongst yourselves...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16_LrVtnH1U

7.24.2009

It's a good day.

I had to post today. Even if it's about nothing. You see, today is a good day. It's my birthday, so why not. I'm getting settled in my new house, sorting through boxes of my cds, books, and various other things. Finding some duplicate copies of books - which I plan to give away here in the near future.

Life is good. My wife and I are expecting - that is really the best news I can share. I'm not quite sure if anyone will read this. But today I am at peace with the world [note: this is not always the case.] But today I am feeling the love.

I plan to try to post more regularly, talk about books, books, and more books and see where this road takes me. Carpe diem, my friends...

7.22.2009

I'm back online

Cable is hooked up and life is good. Lots going on but I thought to just check in and write a quick hello. I plan to be posting more regularly from my new fortress of solitude.

Something interesting that came my way, check this site out...hmmmm..

http://www.survivethenewroom.com/

"And that's all I have to say about that..."

Be back soon talking shop and taking names!

7.14.2009

I've been...offline.

As many of you may or may not know, I'm in the process of moving so my internet is disrupted while we settle things up. I'm working very much like Spider Jersusalem, from an undisclosed location, via laptop, as I drink in the hot city and the eek my way through the serene outer boroughs.


One bit of news I'd love to share related to a graphic novel I am a big fan of, is that Top Shelf Comics has posted a trailer for the film adaptation of The Surrogates, starring Bruce Willis. Check it out here.
A fine science fiction, near future story by the talented Rob Venditti with art by Brett Weldele. Grab a copy and quick.

Be back soon. From the road --

7.02.2009

More Larry Doyle Movie News

As reported in today's Publishers Lunch daily email, Larry Doyle's next novel, Go, Mutants! has sold to Universal Pictures, and will have Doyle adapting for the screen.

This is great news for Doyle, as it is announced right before the movie release of the 'Beth Cooper summer fun film. Before you know it, this guy might be working with Judd Apatow on his next film project. Or he might become the next Apatow. I'm happy to see his nerdy charm working it's wonders [being a fellow nerd]. I may also be getting ahead of myself. Only time will tell.

DEAR CYBORGS by Eugene Lim, a little review

I had read a great little article on LitHub.com about this new novel from Eugene Lim and went to seek it out. Soon after I had acquired...