Getting Graphic: The Journey Begins

It all started around the middle of last year when I suddenly had this vivid memory of a graphic novel/comic I owned as a teen. The only thing I could remember was this image of a kid with a yo-yo which somehow turned into an owl (the yo-yo, not the kid!). For the life of me I couldn't remember the title. My copy must have gotten lost when we moved since, after an extensive (and I mean EXTENSIVE) search I couldn't find it. The whole thing nagged at me. My OCD brain just wouldn't give it a rest until a) I found out what it was and b) I could get a copy again.

Internet to the rescue! A desperate plea on Twitter resulted in the revelation that the comic in question was in fact The Books of Magic written by Neil Gaiman. Thankfully it was still in print and I managed to track down a copy again which sated my brain's desires and allowed me to once again get a peaceful night's rest.

This whole episode sparked a newfound interest in comics/graphic novels and prompted me to test the waters to see if this whole comic thing is for me. Growing up I didn't have access to any comics aside from those trusted staples of libraries everywhere - Astrix and Tintin (technically both are graphic novels if I understand the jargon right) and the aforementioned Books of Magic which, if memory serves, I received as a gift from someone. So with this very limited background I'm going to start a journey of exploration into the graphic side of things.

Comics are extremely expensive over here in South Africa and availability can be quite limited too. I can't just pop into a local comic shop and see what's on offer. My only avenue is ordering online and since I can't try before I buy it complicates matters quite a bit. Since this is a visual medium there are certain styles that just doesn't appeal to me. Digital comics are an option, but to really experience them as intended I think physical editions would be the ideal way to go.

To start things off I picked up some trade paperbacks of Wytches, Descender and Monstress.

I also got copies of Super Sons and the second volume of Monstress (based solely on the artwork after paging through the first volume).

I guess my fledgling collection is all set for me to give this a try. Hopefully it doesn't turn into another expensive obsession!

On My Radar: Salvation by Peter F. Hamilton

I almost forgot that a new Peter F. Hamilton book is coming out in September. I'm really looking forward to this one. It sounds like it will have everything I love in SF and then some. Definitely remember to add this one to your wishlists!

SALVATION by Peter F. Hamilton
ISBN: 9781447281313
Release date: 6 September 2018
Pre-Order a copy

Know your enemy – or be defeated

AD 2204
An alien shipwreck is discovered on a planet at the very limits of human expansion – so Security Director Feriton Kayne selects a team to investigate. The ship’s sinister cargo not only raises bewildering questions, but could also foreshadow humanity’s extinction. It will be up to the team to bring back answers, and the consequences of this voyage will change everything.

Back on Earth, we can now make deserts bloom and extend lifespans indefinitely, so humanity seems invulnerable. We therefore welcomed the Olyix to Earth when they contacted us. They needed fuel for their pilgrimage across the galaxy – and in exchange they helped us advance our technology. But were the Olyix a blessing or a curse?

THE FAR FUTURE
Many lightyears from Earth, Dellian and his clan of genetically engineered soldiers are raised with one goal. They must confront and destroy their ancient adversary. The enemy caused mankind to flee across the galaxy and they hunt us still. If they aren’t stopped, we will be wiped out – and we’re running out of time.

Salvation is the first title in a stunning science fiction trilogy, The Salvation Sequence, by Peter F. Hamilton

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Do want!

New Arrivals: The Late Edition

Even though the blog has been on an involuntary hiatus for the last month and a half (damn you reading slumps and work stress!) I still kept acquiring books. Although I might have shared some of these on Twitter I never got round to doing a proper post on the blog. So here are the latest (and some late!) additions to my shelves.

Way back in April I ordered these from Reader's Warehouse. I've read the Witcher short stories and want to try out the rest of the novels. These were going for about half of the normal retail prices so I HAD to pick them up. I also want to try out some more of Jim Butcher's work and a new series sounded like a good place to start.

For Review

I have also been fortunate enough to receive some books for review.

From Jonathan Ball Publishers I received these amazing books. I'm not sure where to start. They all looks so good.

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And to finish things off, I squeed aloud when I received this package from Pan Macmillan SA. The arrival of the latest Neal Asher at your doorstep is an instant antidote to the most dreadful of weeks!

A HUGE thank you to the publishers for the review copies. Now I have to figure out where to start. Outsider or The Soldier? Tough choice...

Reviews should be up soon*!

*Soon-ish.