World War Hulk Damage Control

Title
World War Hulk Damage Control

Library Link

World
War Hulk. Damage control
New York, NY : Marvel Pub., c2008

10 Second Review
In the Marvel Universe, after a major disaster (like a Hulk rampage) the only company to call is Damage Control. Damage Control will clean up the mess and rebuild the city. For a hefty fee, of course.

This is a fun book for Marvel fans that has a 'behind the scenes' feel. Readers new to Marvel will likely be confused by a fairly large number of B list superheroes.

Notes
Goliath lends a hand

Learning Curve
Moderate to High: Readers new to Marvel will likely be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

We Beat the Street

Title
We Beat the Street

Library Link

We
beat the street : how a friendship pact led to success / by The Three
Doctors (Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt) ; with Sharon M. Draper
Davis,
Sampson.

10 Second Review
From the library summary:
" Sampson, George, and Rameck came from the tough neighborhoods of Newark, New Jersey, where survival, not schoolwork, was the priority. They made a friendship pact, deciding together to take on the biggest challenges of their lives: going to college, then medical school. Along the way they made mistakes, faced disappointments, and nearly failed, but by working hard, finding positive role models, resisting negative influences, and supporting each other at every turn, they achieved their goals."

A good, easy read which offers practical advice without sounding preachy.
This is a good choice for teens that need some encouragement.

Notes
New York Times Best Seller

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Batman Under the Cowl

Title
Batman Under the Cowl

Library Link

Batman
: Under the cowl.
New York : DC Comics, c2010.

10 Second Review
A collection of stories that features some of the characters that have filled in for Batman. Like when he's incapacitated or on a Bat-cruise.

The writing and art in this book covers a wide range of styles and time frames. A good choice for fans but others might not understand that they are reading about a replacement Batman.

Notes
A 'Batman Beyond' story is included.

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers will likely be confused by multiple Bat-personalities.

Reading Order
N/a

Heroes! Draw your own superheroes, gadget geeks & other do-gooders.

Title
Heroes! Draw your own superheroes, gadget geeks & other do-gooders.

Library Link

Heroes!
: draw your own superheroes, gadget geeks & other do-gooders / Jay
Stephens
Stephens,
Jay, 1971-

10 Second Review
So, you want to make your own superhero comics?
But…your art skills aren't quite up to professional standards?
Maybe you're more of a 'cartoon' artist then a 'comic' artist?
This book might be for you.

This book takes you step-by-step using simplified shapes and lines to create your own superheroes.
A good choice for intermediate artists or those looking for a more 'cartoon' style

Notes
Jay Stephens may be best known for creating Tutenstein

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Ultimate Spider-man Ultimatum

Title
Ultimate Spider-man: Ultimatum

Library Link

Ultimate
Spider-Man. Ultimatum / Brian Michael Bendis, writer ; David Lafuente,
Stuart Immonen , artists ; Wade Von Grawbadger, inker ; John Rauch, Justin
Ponsor, colorist
Bendis,
Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
Gwen comes back, Johnny Storm meets the girl of his dreams and Aunt May gets arrested. And….Hulk shows up, J.J. Jameson feels guilty and Dr. Strange loses control.

Lots of stuff happens in this book. The art is good and the story is gripping.
This book represents the end of the original Ultimate Spider-man story.

Notes
Despite some criticism most fans will enjoy this book.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might confuse those new to this series.

Reading Order
Chronological

Paper, Scissors, Sculpt!

Title
Paper, Scissors, Sculpt!

Library Link

Paper,
scissors, sculpt! : creating cut-and-fold animals / Ben A. Gonzales
Gonzales,
Ben A.

10 Second Review
So, you like the idea of origami but find all that folding tedious?
Maybe you want that paper rabbit to…well, look like a rabbit?

This book might be for you.
An easy method to cut and bend paper to make 3D animals.

While it does take some practice (and following the instructions) this method is much more intuitive then origami and the results are impressive.

Notes
Great book for the inspiring artist.

Learning Curve
Low: Includes some easy exercises but most are geared a more mature student.

Reading Order
N/a

Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day Vol 3

Title
Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day Vol 3

Library Link

The
amazing Spider-man. [Vol.3] : Brand new day / [writers, Bob Gale, Dan Slott
; pencilers, Mike Mckone ; inkers, Andy Lanning... [et al.] ; colorists, Jeromy
Cox... [et al.]
Gale,
Bob.

10 Second Review
Peter Parker's life is getting back to normal.

(Broke, beat-up and wanted by the police)

He gets a chance to make some money by following the paparazzi beat but a new 2D villain gets in the way.

Good stories with average art.

Mary Jane shows up but Spider-man never gets to see her.

Notes
Occurs after Spidey's deal with devil

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers

Reading Order
Chronological

The Complete Idiots Guide to Forensics

Title
The Complete Idiots Guide to Forensics

Library Link

The
complete idiot's guide to forensics / by Alan Axelrod and Guy Antinozzi
Axelrod,
Alan, 1952-

10 Second Review
Love watching those crime shows?
This book may give you a more realistic picture of working in a crime lab.
It includes Facts vs. Fiction and defines many common terms and techniques used in the field.

Should appeal to teens interested in this field and those that are simply curious.
A bit dense but well organized and easy to read.

Notes
Discusses Psychic Detectives

Learning Curve
Low: But might overwhelm younger readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Batman The Brave and the Bold

Title
Batman The Brave and the Bold

Library Link

Batman
: the brave and the bold / writers, Matt Wayne, J. Torres
Wayne,
Matt (Matt S.) New York : DC Comics, c2010.

10 Second Review
Based on the animated program, this comic follows the adventures of Batman and his crime-fighting friends. This book contains several short stories that allows for lots of guest appearances.

Should be a good choice for younger readers and fans of the TV show.
Fun art but the simple stories might not appeal to more serious fans.

Notes
Kid Eternity is highlighted.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Firefighter: Career Starter

Title
Firefighter: Career Starter

Library Link

Firefighter
career starter / Mary Masi, with Lauren B. Starkey
Masi,
Mary.

10 Second Review
Want to be a firefighter? This book might be a good place to start.
Includes information such as starting salaries, minimum skills and employers.

Well organized and easy to read this book could give the aspiring firefighter the advantage they need to land a job.

Notes
Includes information about getting in to college.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for high school teens.

Reading Order
N/a

Witchblade

Title
Witchblade

Library Link

http://catalog.houstonlibrary.org/search~S1
Available
at Lakewood Public Library
Acme Comics, 2020, by Homer Simpson

10 Second Review
Sara Pezzini wakes up from a coma to find a strange device on her arm.
She gets a new office, a new partner and some unpleasant new friends.

Even though this book has some eye-catching art, the story is pretty weak. However, it does provide a good introduction and the writing is much better in the next volume.

Notes
Chock full of demons, mystics and priest behaving badly.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Chronological

Express Yourself!

Title
Express Yourself!

Library Link

Express
yourself! : the essential guide to international understanding / Michael
Powell
Powell,
Michael. Guilford, Conn. : Globe Pequot, c2007.
1st ed.

10 Second Review
This is an interesting book that covers what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior in different countries. A good introduction to culture and those interested in international relationships.

Examples:
* If you're going to Australia or New Zealand, make sure you understand 'tall poppy' syndrome.
* The 'OK' sign is very rude in Brazil.
* A common greeting in China is 'Have you eaten?'
* In Denmark, it is considered rude to comment about a person's appearance (even if it's a positive comment).
* If in Morocco and someone is standing too close, backing away is offensive.
* In South Africa, feet are considered unclean so don't move anything with your feet or show the bottom of your feet.

Notes
Most countries do not appreciate American sarcasm.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a