The Quatermass Perpetual Book-Reading Blog

[Quatermass]

BOOK 117

Overlord volume 7: The Invaders of the Great Tomb, by Kugane Maruyama.


After the stellar heights the previous two volumes of Overlord managed to climb to, I eagerly and impatiently awaited the next instalment. But would the seventh volume whet my appetite sufficiently? Let’s find out…

In the Baharuth Empire, several groups of ‘workers’, a more mercenary form of adventurer, have been hired by an enigmatic backer to investigate some mysterious ruins that have appeared within Re-Estize, near Carne Village. Amongst them are the members of the worker group Foresight, whose caster, Arche, is desperate to get her sisters away from her parents, who are in debt to loan sharks. Unfortunately, the groups have been sent to their deaths, for the ruins are in fact the Tomb of Nazarick, and Ainz Ooal Gown and his followers are not inclined to be merciful…

As with the fourth volume, The Lizardman Heroes, this volume suffers somewhat from the problem that most of the story is told from the point of view of other characters, and while this shouldn’t be a problem normally, I don’t think the workers were developed as well as they could have been. In addition, while I understand a running theme of the series is Ainz’s decreasing humanity, he comes across as very evil here, especially when he deals with Foresight. It’s really nothing more than a bleak and rather depressing horror story set within the Overlord continuity, with less of the trademark humour than I would have liked, and ends up being less satisfying than it could have been.

That being said, the story is still very well written, and the ending sets up for future novels in the series. It certainly adds more to the Baharuth Empire, a place we haven’t seen much in the series. What’s more, the story, while rather bleak and depressing, nonetheless is pretty good for what it is, and Arche, Imina and the delightfully hateful Elya were all interesting characters, with Elya’s comeuppance being particularly satisfying.

Overall, this volume of Overlord was disappointing, compared to the heights the previous volume achieved. Still, it’s a decent entry to the series. A shame it wasn’t more…


***½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 118

Trinity Seven: The Seven Magicians volume 1, by Kenji Saito and Akinari Nao.

Sometimes, I decide to try things based on whims and a possible notion that I might like it. This certainly was the case with the manga series Trinity Seven. I had hoped that it might be interesting, but time would tell if that was the case…

Arata Kasuga is living a lie, an apparently normal life with his cousin Hijiri. But this rather lewd student is actually unknowingly living in a world formed by a powerful grimoire, the city he was in devastated by a magical disaster known as a Breakdown Phenomenon. Confronted with the truth by powerful mage Lilith Asami, Arata makes the decision to join the Royal Biblia Academy to learn how to control his massive magical powers. But even as he delights in attending what is mostly a girls’ school, Arata soon finds that he must contend with the Trinity Seven, the most powerful young mages in the world…one of whom resembles his own cousin…

Okay, so this manga series is a bit like High School DxD in that it seems uncomfortably focused on a lewd male protagonist in close proximity to a bunch of girls, and embodies the clichés of the harem genre pretty swiftly. The sexual humour does fall flat quite a few times, and it will make some readers uncomfortable, I am sure. What’s more, the plot, as is often the case in initial manga volumes, taking some time to gain traction, and what there is is somewhat thin on the ground.

That being said, unlike High School DxD, this story actually grabs me a lot better, and Arata is a more likeable character than Issei, if only because there seems to be more to him than shameless perversion initially. Not only that, but the initial premise does seem intriguing somewhat, despite the clichés of a harem series. Everything seems to gel rather better.

Overall, while not great, the first volume of Trinity Seven was enjoyable enough. It certainly is not for everyone, but if one goes into it with the right mindset, it shouldn’t be too bad…


***½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 119

Doctor Who: Rose, by Russell T Davies.

I have to admit to being surprised that a selection of stories from the new series of Doctor Who were recently novelised. Naturally, I decided to give them a go. And what better place to start, than the novelisation of the very first new series story, Rose?

Rose Tyler is a fairly ordinary 19 year old working at Henrik’s department store. But after being sent on an errand into the basement of the store, she encounters not only mysterious mannequins that move with lethal intent, but an equally enigmatic man known only as the Doctor. Further meetings draw Rose into an adventure that has the lives of everyone on Earth at stake, with the Doctor dragging her along for the ride…

Now, let’s get the bad stuff out of the way. The original screenplay didn’t really have that much meat to it, and the novelisation reflects this. Also, I think some of the parts Davies added were somewhat superfluous (including Autons coming out of a sex-shop window: while he used euphemisms, I have to say that I’m surprised he got that past the editors). The story also feels a little flat in tone, and the Doctor far more brusque and less amiable than he was on TV, even at this stage.

That being said, many of the additions actually work well (with an encounter with living statues on the riverside), with some foreshadowing of future events. And I love the little background elements to not just Rose, but to Mickey and Clive. Davies’ prose is also magnificent and wonderful, and it really polishes the story compared to what was seen on screen, removing some of the campier elements and grounding it a bit more.

Overall, while nowhere near perfect, Rose is a promising example of novelisations of the new series. Here’s hoping the others are as good, if not better…


****

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 120

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 2: Battle Tendency volume 1, by Hirohiko Araki.

Given that they don’t have the final volume of the first story arc of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, I was forced to skip ahead to the beginning of the next arc, Battle Tendency. I had heard some interesting things about it. But would I be rewarded for my persistence?

The year is 1938, five decades after Jonathan Joestar and Di Brando’s clash, and an aged Speedwagon, now an oil tycoon, has come to Mexico in the company of former comrade Straizo to investigate a mysterious statue that seems to be alive, only for Speedwagon to realise that Straizo has an agenda of his own: to become a vampire surpassing Dio. A now-vampirised Straizo attacks Jonathan Joestar’s grandson, Joseph, in New York, but even if the brash, young Joseph can win, using his innate hamon abilities, he will still have to contend with a new threat. For the Nazis have taken an interest in reviving the statue, in truth, a hibernating human-like being called a Pillar Man…and this being makes vampires look pitiful in comparison…

Okay, let’s get the bad stuff out of the way. In truth, the art style seems to take some getting used to, and I do feel some elements are still ridiculously OTT. Also, I find it disappointing that there seems to be a racial stereotype going on with Smokey, and Joseph’s brash and arrogant nature does take some getting used to.

That being said, compared to what was going on with the Phantom Blood volumes, this story shows the series having found its feet. The battle scenes are interesting, with Joseph being a creative fighter (in his first scene, he uses the bottlecap from a bottle of Coca-Cola as a weapon), and the concept of the Pillar Men as a sort of superhuman hybrid between vampire and demon is actually quite an intriguing one. And once one gets used to him, Joseph is actually quite endearing when he isn’t being irritating.

Overall, the story of this new story arc of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is actually an improvement over the last one. Here’s hoping that continues…


****

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 121

Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor, by Steven Moffat.

After reading the novelisation of the Doctor Who story Rose, I decided that the next one would be the novelisation of the 50th anniversary special, The Day of the Doctor. But how well would it turn out? Well, let’s find out…

The Eleventh Doctor has been summoned by UNIT to investigate some mysterious paintings, only to realise that they have a connection with his past. The Tenth Doctor is investigating a Zygon incursion of Elizabethan England. And the man who discarded the name of the Doctor to fight in the Time War is prepared to bring it to a brutal end, but the weapon he chose, the Moment, has a mind of its own. The Moment brings three Doctors together, but can they stop not only a Zygon invasion of Earth, but save their own souls?

Okay, to be honest, while the story was a good one, it’s not exactly a brilliant one, and is rather simple. And the way its novelised doesn’t help. Sometimes, the humour and some retcons by Steven Moffat reduce the gravitas of the situation, and the shifting POVs don’t quite help that well either.

But these are actually relatively minor quibbles. For all the faults of the story and the way it was novelised, Steven Moffat’s prose is still immensely enjoyable for the most part, including little nods to continuity that manage to remain charming rather than boring, and having much of the story narrated by the Doctor himself. Not to mention that this includes a novelisation of the events of The Night of the Doctor, the web-episode with Paul McGann.

Overall, I enjoyed the novelisation of The Day of the Doctor. While the gimmicks and some elements detract from the story, it overall is a good book.


****½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 122

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 3: Stardust Crusaders volume 1, by Hirohiko Araki.

So, I decided to read the first volume of the third story arc of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, reading it more or less simultaneously with the second story arc. Stardust Crusaders, thanks in part to the OVA adaptation, is probably the most famous of the story arcs, and certainly one of the most epic. But how would I enjoy the first instalment?

The year is 1987. Jotaro Kujo, the half-Japanese grandson of Joseph Joestar, has been thrown into a holding cell for beating up some local thugs…only, he’s decided to stay even after he has been released. As brusque and belligerent as the delinquent teenager is, he’s concerned that he’s a danger to others, for he is possessed by what he thinks is an evil spirit. Joseph Joestar, along with his associate Egyptian fortune-teller Avdol, reveals the truth: Jotaro actually possesses a Stand, a familiar-like entity born of his fighting spirit. And the Joestar family now have Stands of their own. But the reason why is a chilling one: the oldest nemesis of the Joestar family, Dio Brando, is still alive, and he has set his sights on the Joestar family, and their allies…

Okay, well, to be honest, this stuff is just getting the exposition stuff out of the way. And there is a very distinct feel already that this is going for a ‘monster of the week’ feel, or rather, Stand user. There’s no real plot other than ‘track down and kill Dio’, and Jotaro’s harsh attitude takes a lot of getting used to.

That being said, the concept of Stands is actually quite a novel one, and despite the rather thin plot, the various Stands are all interesting. And after a certain point, Jotaro does become an interesting lead. Not to mention there’s a somewhat colourful cast of characters.

Overall, this volume was an enjoyable one. True, it may be somewhat thin on the ground, but I hope it improves given time…

***½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 123

Konosuba: God’s Blessings on this Wonderful World volume 1: Oh My Useless Goddess!, by Natsume Akatsuki.

The ‘trapped in another world’ genre is pretty much a cliché of Japanese fiction, so there’s plenty to choose from. Still, I had heard of Konosuba before, and was mildly interested. So, would my interest be rewarded?

Kazuma Satou is a teenaged shut-in who skips school to play video games. However, after dying trying to save a girl’s life, he is met in the afterlife by the bratty goddess Aqua, who offers him a new life in a fantasy world, fighting the Demon King and his army. He would get any item of his choosing for his debut into the world. In retaliation for Aqua’s attitude and insults, as well as hoping to gain a powerful ally, Kazuma chooses Aqua herself…much to her chagrin. That chagrin becomes mutual when he realises she is a pathetic ally, and while Kazuma does gain more, those two allies are problematic themselves. There’s Megumin, a young mage who has specialised in a single spell: Explosion, and who can only use one such spell, and there’s Darkness, a lady knight with a masochistic streak. And with friends like these, who needs enemies?

Okay, let’s get the bad stuff out of the way, and there is quite a bit of it. The plot is rather thin and clichéd, and Aqua and Kazuma aren’t very likeable characters, particularly the former. Seriously, you want more bad stuff to happen to her, given how immensely unlikeable she is. Plus, the humour can be pretty hit and miss.

Still, when it is hit rather than miss, the humour is pretty interesting, and the use of RPG clichés is done fine enough. Certainly, Megumin and Darkness are, to some degree, more likeable characters than the main characters, which is rather irritating, but they help elevate the story beyond what it could have been. I just wish it was more.

Overall, this story was irritatingly below par. Entertaining to a degree, true, but in serious want of improvement…


***

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 124

Lunar Legend Tsukihime volume 1, by Sasakishounen, from the visual novel by Kinoku Nasu and Takeuchi Takeshi.

Now, I have to confess, I’m a major fan of Fate/Stay Night. However, it wasn’t the first franchise to be started by Type Moon as part of the Nasuverse. Rather, it was Tsukihime, originally a visual novel revolving around a boy with a disturbing power, as well as vampires, demons, and those who hunt them. I stumbled across the first couple of volumes of the manga adaptation quite by accident, and I thought, at long last, I could get a good look at the storyline…

Ever since an accident that nearly claimed his life, Shiki Tohno has lost many of his memories…and in return, gained a disturbing ability, to see strange stitch-like lines on everything. Lines that, when severed with a knife, destroy the object. Given glasses that prevent him from seeing the eyes by a mysterious woman, Shiki lives with relatives for a number of years, only to be called back to his family, to live with his sister. But on the way home from school, Shiki, upon meeting a mysterious young woman with crimson eyes, succumbs to an irresistible urge to kill her. Sickened by his murder, Shiki believes it to be a hallucination…only to be confronted by the woman later. For the woman is Arcueid Brunestud, and she is a vampire and a hunter of her own kind, and she enlists Shiki to help her track down another vampire, Nero Chaos…

As with any initial volume of a manga, much of this initial volume is setting things up for the rest of the series, and the plot, such as it is so far, is somewhat obfuscated. Also, not all of the characters are really that compelling, and even if that may change in future volumes, that doesn’t exactly bode well. Plus, there are a few story choices (like Shiki’s attack on Arcueid) that, while it may make sense in later volumes, are rather jarring here.

Still, the story itself is rather intriguing, and the concept of the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception is a morbidly fascinating one. Not only that, but Shiki and Arcueid are both interesting characters, with Shiki’s dark inner monologues fascinating, and Arcueid’s rather cheerful demeanour for the most part being refreshing. Twilight, this isn’t by any means, thank goodness, and the artwork is pretty damned good.

Overall, the first volume of the Tsukihime manga was promising. I’m hoping for that trend to continue…


****

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 125

The Time Team Dig Book: A Practical Guide for the Would-Be Archaeologist, by Tim Taylor.

I’m aware, to a degree, of the archaeology series Time Team. It has been repeated enough on local TV for me to know of it and the colourful cast of characters within the series. So when I found a tie-in book to the series, I hoped it would be interesting…

The Time Team Dig Book is a look at eight key digs that the Time Team crew embarked on. From a former Iron Age hillfort to a former palace of Cardinal Wolsey, this book examines the details of these digs. Not only that, but it gives insider information on techniques used, and anecdotes from the digs…

I don’t know whether it’s my flagging interest in reading, or my relatively marginal interest in Time Team, or the writing style, but this book struggled to retain my interest. It’s not that it was a particularly bad book per se, but I felt it could have done with better writing to better portray the substance along the style. Plus, I feel there could’ve been less technical stuff and more interesting anecdotes. Certainly, I could have done without pages and pages of how to identify old pottery.

Still, for what it was, it was still interesting enough, despite my flagging interest. The book is well-presented, there’s quite a lot of useful information, and there are some good parts to it. If the writing had been a bit more interesting and less focused on pottery, I might have been more into it.

The Time Team Dig Book, while it could have been better, was nonetheless a decent read. It just needs to be a touch more digestible.


***½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 126

The Mummy: Palimpsest, by Peter Milligan and Ronilson Freire.

The Hammer Horror films are amongst the most iconic horror films of the 20th Century. And oddly enough, they have now branched out into comics, years after the last Hammer films of the time have gone. Given the appalling reception of the recent Universal reboot of The Mummy, I thought it intriguing to try another story involving a female mummy in the modern day…

For over a century, the Anubis Sect have been staving off death using a vile ritual known as Palimpsest. Ukrainian immigrant Angel Kostenko has been abducted by the Anubis Sect to become its latest victim, her soul overwritten by that of an ancient Egyptian priestess, Nebetah. Escaping with the help of the Pyramid Club, the enemies of the Anubis Sect, Angel soon finds that they may not be her allies either. As she struggles with losing her memories to the possessing soul of Nebetah, the Anubis Sect and the Pyramid Club’s conflict escalates, Angel is pursued by the vicious soul-eater Ammit, and her only hope may be Pyramid Club member Duncan, but even he may not be trusted…

Okay, so the plot on this seems to be a case of evil versus very grey, making it hard to root for anyone but Angel. Even Duncan’s loyalties seem in question, and not in a way that is as well-handled as I would like. In addition, the plot is rather thin, even for a comic and horror story, and I was left a little dissatisfied, especially with the climax.

That being said, the story wasn’t actually bad, with the plot points woven together quite well. Angel and Nebetah were very interesting characters, sympathetic, making them beyond the norm of vengeful mummy stories, and the artwork helped sell said story. Plus, the anecdotes about the Hammer Horror films given in the back of the graphic novel were interesting.

Overall, The Mummy: Palimpsest, while not stellar, nonetheless managed to be interesting enough. A shame it wasn’t better, but hey, I’m sure it was better than a certain recent film…

***½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 127

World of Warcraft Chronicle: Volume III, by Chris Metzen, Matt Burns and Robert Brooks.

I do have some small interest in the Warcraft franchise. While I have never actually played the MMORPG World of Warcraft, I once was obsessed with the RTS games that immediately preceded it, the ones that made up Warcraft III and its expansion. Still, the lore of the series is interesting, so when I found a chronicle of said lore was available, I decided to get a hold of it. Unfortunately, for now, I could only get the latest one, but would that be a problem?

The third volume of the World of Warcraft Chronicle details the history of Azeroth, and worlds and realms that had an impact on it. With a brief look at the history beforehand, it concentrates on the Burning Legion’s attempt at invading using the Lich King and the Scourge as a proxy, all the way to the Cataclysm. Many tumultuous times are chronicled here in this tome…

Now, there’s a few minor problems with this book. Leaving aside the fact that it’s pretty short at just over 200 pages, and a lot of the stuff here is derivative of other fantasy works, there’s the fact that it’s intended more for fans of the Warcraft franchise. Newcomers may feel a bit at sea with the various events and characters involved.

That being said, the presentation is top-notch, with a lot of beautiful artwork illustrating the events shown, and there is quite a bit of depth to the fictional history here. What’s more, the writers do a valiant job in taking potentially contradictory sources and retcons, and knitting it into a coherent whole. What’s more, they actually help explain prior events chronicled in earlier volumes, even if in relatively abridged form.

Overall, the third volume of the World of Warcraft Chronicle was an enjoyable one. While it’s more likely to appeal to fans of the franchise, it’s interesting for people who want to read a good fantasy mythopoeia, even if it’s a somewhat derivative one…

****½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 128

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 3: Stardust Crusaders volume 2, by Hirohiko Araki.

I’ve decided to progress with the third story arc of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the Stardust Crusaders arc grabbing my attention with the novel power of Stands. But would the series continue to hold my interest? Let’s find out…

Having saved and recruited Jean-Pierre Polnareff from Dio’s influence, the motley group decide to depart from Hong Kong, with their next stop being Singapore. But Dio’s minions are growing ever more powerful and devious. With a runaway girl accompanying them on their journey, they are forced to deal with the wielders of Stands like Dark Blue Moon, Strength, the Devil, and Yellow Temperance, and one mistake could easily mean their doom…

Okay, let’s get the crappy stuff out of the way. The storyline in this volume is, if anything, even more thin on the ground than the previous offerings, devolving into a ‘monster of the week formula’ with the latest Stands. Also, there’s some pretty disturbing sequences, including the Stand-using ape having very uncomfortable advances on the stowaway girl, who’s not even in her teens.

That being said, the story does manage to remain engrossing and entertaining. Polnareff’s fight against the user of the Stand known as the Devil shows that Araki is willing to use cast members other than Jotaro in the fights, and the Yellow Temperance fight is actually one of the better ones. The dialogue and humour, for the most part, is more hit than miss, which is good.

While a disappointing step-down in terms of story quality, the great action and dialogue does ensure that this instalment of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure still manages to keep things going…

***

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 129

Millennium Falcon Owner’s Workshop Manual, by Ryder Windham, Chris Reiff and Chris Trevas.


Sometimes, I read books because I really want to. And sometimes, I do so on whims, to pass time. This faux-technical manual of the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars is one of them. But would it satisfy me?

The Corellian Engineering Corporation has manufactured many spaceships of differing models and makes. The YT-1300, a highly customisable freighter ship, was made especially famous by the Millennium Falcon. This book, then, examines the potted history of both the YT-1300 model line, as well as the Millennium Falcon itself, along with its owners, Lando Calrissian, Han Solo, and Chewbacca…

Okay, let’s be honest. The information is rather thin on the ground, and it’s a rather short and insubstantial book. It’s basically a tie-in book made to be like a maintenance manual of sorts, and the history of the spaceship line isn’t as interesting as it could be, not to mention that many things aren’t that engrossing.

On the other hand, what is there is intriguing enough to at least grab my interest, even if it’s not as strongly as I hoped. The authors take disparate elements from the expanded universe (although by this point, it’s probably been superseded by the whole retconning going on since the Disney films) to knit together into the history of the famous ship. The presentation, while not stellar, is still pretty good.

Overall, this book was a good way to kill time, but nothing to truly hold my interest. A shame, really.

***

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 130

Lunar Legend Tsukihime volume 2, by Sasakishounen, from the visual novel by Kinoku Nasu and Takeuchi Takeshi.

So, after reading the first volume of the Tsukihime manga, I was eventually going to go for the second one, even if it was the only other one I had. Having enjoyed the first one, I hoped I would also enjoy the second one. Time would tell if that assumption was correct…

In the aftermath of Nero Chaos’ attack on the hotel, Arcueid asks Shiki to help her hunt Nero down and put paid to him for once and for all. Shiki, eventually, agrees, even as using the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception put a toll on his sanity. But can Arcueid and Shiki prevail? And why is one of Shiki’s classmates, Ciel, watching them, clad in the habit of a nun?

Most of the story revolves around an extended fight between Arcueid, Shiki and Nero Chaos. This is, sadly, to the volume’s detriment, as it takes focus away from character development, and halting the progress of the story. Not to mention further teasing hints about Ciel that don’t really go anywhere for now.

That being said, we do have some nice character moments, like an exploration of how Shiki came to gain his glasses in greater detail, and an exploration of his past. Plus, the fight scene is pretty well done, with the tension ramping up in the right way until the conclusion. Plus, Arcueid Brunestud remains a fascinating character, swerving between an endearing nature and a scary threatening one at the right times.

Overall, the second volume of Tsukihime was a good one. A bit of a comedown from the first volume, but hey, it still entertained…

***½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 131

Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive: Volume I, by Akira Yamashita et al.

In the Final Fantasy fandom, the Ultimania books are things of legend. Detailing the making of the various games in the popular JRPG series, they have also provided insights into the games’ story that weren’t always apparent in the final product. Now, the first volume of the Ultimania books has been published in English…

The first volume of the Final Fantasy Ultimania Guide is a compendium detailing the story, characters, and creation of the first six Final Fantasy games. From the quest of the Light Warriors in the first game, all the way up to the Returners’ conflict against the Gestahl Empire and Kekfa, this book has a vast array of information presented here. Not to mention interviews with the creators, as well as behind the scenes material offering an insight into the series…

Books like this, as I often state, are triumphs of style over substance, and this one is where the style does edge out the substance somewhat. Much of the book is given over to information and illustrations that many Final Fantasy fans will already know. I also find that much of the more interesting information is rather abbreviated, sadly.

That being said, the presentation is absolutely top notch, and the little tidbits of information are still engrossing. The behind the scenes material is quite fascinating, including some looks into an alternate story intended for the second game in the series, as well as insight into the nature of the various spells and monsters in a couple of games, and even tantalising glimpses of what could have been included. The artwork, while overshadowing the more substantial parts, nonetheless is beautiful, with Yoshitaka Amano’s ethereal style and Tetsuya Nomura’s more grounded but still fascinating designs on full display.

Overall, while doubtless more than a bit insubstantial to a serious fan, there’s enough here to bring in enthusiasts and dilettantes to the series alike.


****

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 132

One-Punch Man volume 3, by One and Yusuke Marata.

So, my next book is the third volume of One-Punch Man. Having been entertained moderately by the first volume and disappointed by the second, would the third time be the charm? Let’s find out…

Saitama and Genos make the decision to join the Hero Association. While Genos aces the exam and makes it into the S-Rank, Saitama’s lack of skill in the written exam places him as a C-Ranked Hero. Still, life as a hero is anything but uneventful, what with Genos demanding a spar with Saitama, and another encounter with assassin Speed O’Sound Sonic…

There’s no real major story here. It’s just a series of short story segments, as is often the case with shounen series in their early stages. Plus, there are times when the humour falls flat.

Still, compared to the last volume, it felt better, despite the lack of plot. The humour was more hit than miss, and the omake chapter at the end of the volume was actually quite heartwarming, showing how Saitama inspired at least one other hero. Overall, I did enjoy it.

The third volume of One-Punch Man, while not as good as I had hoped, was fine enough.

***½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 133

Doctor Who: The Christmas Invasion, by Jenny T Colgan, from the screenplay by Russell T Davies.

So, I’ve decided to read yet another of the novelisations of Doctor Who from the new series. But would this novelisation of The Christmas Invasion pan out? Let’s find out…

The Doctor has just regenerated, and in a post-regenerative frenzy, causes the TARDIS to crashland on Earth shortly before Christmas. Rose finds herself disturbed and perturbed by the changes that have happened to the man she thought she knew, but even as the Doctor lies unconscious, the Earth is in peril once more. Killer robots disguised as Santa stalk the streets, and a probe meant to explore Mars has been captured by an alien force. The Sycorax are coming to Earth, intent on enslaving humanity, and the Doctor is out of action…

To be honest, I wonder why, out of so many much better Tenth Doctor stories, The Christmas Invasion was chosen? The plot was already thin enough on the ground when it was made a TV story, and the Christmas elements forced. Novelising this story hasn’t improved it that much either, with some plot elements that needed improving never getting them.

Still, it was improved a little. Colgan’s prose is actually pretty good, and her description of Rose’s thoughts as she confronts a newly-regenerated Doctor (integrating the Children in Need scene set just before it) are interesting, as are her insights into Jackie and Mickey’s thoughts. And the story itself isn’t bad as much as lacking substance, with it being an enjoyable enough little romp.

Overall, compared to the other two novelisations of the new series stories, The Christmas Invasion was disappointing. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading, being enjoyable enough…

***½

 

[Quatermass]

BOOK 134

RWBY, by Shirow Miwa, from the series created by Monty Oum.


RWBY is easily one of the best internet-based series of all time. This anime-inspired show was the brainchild of the late Monty Oum, so when a manga was done by Shirow Miwa, it feels like the series has come full circle. But time would tell if that was a good thing…

On the world of Remnant, creatures known as the Grimm are the worst threat to civilisation. To combat them, academies across Remnant exist to train up Hunters to deal with the Grimm. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long are the members of Team RWBY, an aspiring team of Hunters, each with differing backgrounds, but all with the same mission, to learn how to be the best Hunters they can be…

Let’s be honest, a lot of this isn’t going to be anything new to RWBY fans. Most of the chapters are basically manga renditions of the four trailers used to promote RWBY’s first series. Not to mention that the original content is not truly spectacular in terms of story, and certainly a little tricky to place in continuity. Not to mention a couple of characters acting a little out of character.

That being said, Shirow Miwa’s artwork is actually quite well-suited for rendering the RWBY characters in a manga style. The action is pretty damned good, and for being basically fanservice (in the sense that it is pandering to the fans rather than being titillation), it’s pretty good. I want something more substantial, admittedly, but for what it was, it was good.

Overall, while not as good as it could have been, this manga rendition of RWBY was still enjoyable. It’s certainly a good gateway for new fans to get into the show…

***½

 

[RathDarkblade]

BOOK 115

Londonopolis: A Curious History of London, by Martin Latham.

So, here I am, beginning a new set of reviews. The book I begin with is one of lore about the history and culture of London. Let’s see if it’s any good…

Londonpolis is a digest of anecdotes about the history and lore of London. From prehistoric times all the way to the modern day, it shines a light on some corners of history that are forgotten, as well as new angles on known history. From lost Tube stations to the strange people who built the city’s famous landmarks, this book has some interesting stories.

Let’s face the facts: this book is pretty abridged from what it could be, being basically predigested factoids. After all, there’s a number of interesting anecdotes about London and its history that weren’t in there, I’m sure (I’m surprised nothing was said, for example, about Jack the Ripper, or the Great Fire of London). And I’m disturbed a little about the attitude the author has to some elements of history and philosophy.

That being said, the anecdotes are almost invariably interesting. Some of them are as obscure as they are interesting, too. The writing style is certainly highly entertaining, and so too is the information, so while it’s not exactly an eccentric tourist’s travelogue, it’s still something of interest to go around London with.

Overall, a quite interesting book, for both trivia buffs and students of strange history. A shame it isn’t a bit more substantial, but hey, it’s still good…


****

hmm, I'm curious about this one. I've seen it and contemplated it before, but I already have several books of London anecdotes (as well as more substantial tomes on London), so I was wondering whether this was worth shelling out for.

I'm even more curious when I see that the difference between the paperback and the hardback of this little tome - at least on Book Depository - is $10 AUS (or 5 Pounds, 75p).

Is the hardback worth shelling out an extra 5-6 Pounds for? Or is it just Book Depository being jerks? (I could use a much harsher word, but there may be kids about, y'know). =P

 

[Quatermass]

hmm, I'm curious about this one. I've seen it and contemplated it before, but I already have several books of London anecdotes (as well as more substantial tomes on London), so I was wondering whether this was worth shelling out for.

I'm even more curious when I see that the difference between the paperback and the hardback of this little tome - at least on Book Depository - is $10 AUS (or 5 Pounds, 75p).

Is the hardback worth shelling out an extra 5-6 Pounds for? Or is it just Book Depository being jerks? (I could use a much harsher word, but there may be kids about, y'know). =P

I don't know, but as the paperback as the same amount of pages as the hardback, buy the former if you want to save money. I'll bet it's almost the same, only slightly smaller.