Dark Reign Deadpool - Thunderbolts

Title
Dark Reign Deadpool - Thunderbolts

Library Link

Dark
reign : Deadpool/Thunderbolts / writers, Andy Diggle, Daniel Way ;
pencilers, Bong Dazo, Paco Medina
Diggle,
Andy.

10 Second Review
Deadpool finds a partner to help him recover some money from Norman Osborn.
Norman brings in the Thunderbolts who manage to remove his head.

Good art and good fun for Deadpool fans but there is very little story here. This book doesn't add to the 'Dark Reign' story line so it can be skipped if the reader is following that series.

Notes
Villains Ghost and Ant-man make an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: obscure characters might confuse new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

The Maze Runner

Title
The Maze Runner

Library Link

The
maze runner / James Dashner
Dashner,
James, 1972-

10 Second Review
Thomas wakes up in a box with no memory of his past.
When the box opens he discovers a small community living in the middle of a giant maze. Solving the maze is the only path to survival but deformed, cyborg monsters hunt anyone that tries to solve the mystery.

An excellent, engrossing page-turner.
The author successful transports the reader to a strange land where the reader is learning along with the books characters.

Notes
A good choice for fans of Hunger Games.

Learning CurveLow: Good for new readers

Reading Order
A sequel is due out next year.

New Avengers: Power

Title
New Avengers: Power

Library Link

The
new Avengers. Power / Brian Michael Bendis, writer ; Billy Tan, penciler ;
Matt Banning, inker ; Justin Ponsor, Paul Mounts, color artists, RS &
Comicraft's Albert Deschesne, letterer
Bendis,
Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
'Reformed' criminal Norman Osborn first takes over the Thunderbolts and then uses them to dismantle S.H.E.I.L.D. and the Avengers. Now seen as a national hero, the former Goblin flexes his political muscles while Luke Cage and Jessica Jones search for their stolen baby.

Good art and lots of story here. This is likely a good starting point for those interested in the Dark Reign story line.

Notes
The new Captain America makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Readers that did not follow the Secret Invasion story line might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Superheroes and Beyond

Title
Superheroes and Beyond

Library Link

Superheroes
and beyond : how to draw the leading and supporting characters of today's comics / Christopher Hart
Hart,
Christopher.

10 Second Review
Tired of reading comics and want to create your own?
This book might be for you. Includes drawing faces, figures, expressions and action poises.

A fairly standard 'How-to-Draw' book that is a bit light on instruction but includes lots of examples.
A good choice for a more advanced artist looking to fine-tune their skills.

Notes
Christopher Hart has many, many drawing books.

Learning Curve
Moderate to High: Might be too much for beginning artist

Reading Order
N/a

Dark Reign Sinister Spider-Man

Title
Dark Reign Sinister Spider-Man

Library Link

Dark
reign. sinister Spider-Man / writer, Brian Reed ; artist, Chris Bachalo
Reed,
Brian, 1971-

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn (bad guy) uses political maneuvering to take over the Avengers and replaces its members with his own fellow 'reformed' criminals. Venom has replaced Spider-Man and he ain't so friendly.

Might be a good choice for Venom fans but there is not much story here. (It's tough to believe New Yorkers wouldn't notice that Spider-man has been replaced – what with him eating peoples arms and all.)

Notes
JJ Jameson gets to be mayor.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Spider-man might be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Art for Kids: Drawing

Title
Art for Kids: Drawing

Library Link

Drawing
: the only drawing book you'll ever need to be the artist you've always wanted
to be / Kathryn Temple
Temple,
Kathryn, 1972-

10 Second Review
This book takes the budding art student through a step-by-step procedure to learn various art techniques.

This is a better then average art book that covers many of the foundational aspects of drawing. However, younger kids will likely be intimidated by the complexity of some of the artist's drawings.

Notes
A good choice for older teens and adults.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Lessons range from easy to challenging.

Reading Order
N/a

Amazing Spider-Man: New Ways to Die

Title
Amazing Spider-Man: New Ways to Die

Library Link

New
ways to die / writers, Dan Slott, Mark Waid ; artists, John Romita Jr., Adi
Granov
Slott,
Dan.

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn and his Thunderbolts come to New York and cause trouble for the web slinger. Plus, the Old Venom meets Mr. Li who gives Brock the power to deal with the New Venom.
And Menace continues to cause problems for the mayoral election.

Lots of story here and good art. Menace plays a minor role but a new guy makes things interesting. Should be good for fans but new readers might want to start with Brand New Day.

Notes
Scorpion makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Moderate: New readers might be confused by some unexplained elements.

Reading Order
After Brand New Day

Cutting myself in half

Title
Cutting myself in half

Library Link

Cutting
myself in half : 150 pounds lost, one byte at a time / Taylor LeBaron and
Jack and Mary Branson LeBaron,
Taylor.

10 Second Review
Library summary "At age fourteen, Taylor LeBaron was nearly 300 pounds. He had difficulty just getting to the mailbox without becoming short of breath. But a membership to the Y, a keen imagination, and an indomitable spirit changed all that."

While most 'diet' books are quick fixes and fluff, this one offers a plan of action with practical advice like counting calories and exercise.

While a bit dense it is an easy and encouraging read.

Notes
Great for teens and adults

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Aria

Title
Aria

Library Link

Aria / Kozue Amano
Amano,
Kozue.

10 Second Review
This manga book tells the tale of a young girl who travels to a new world to start a new job.
The world is the recently terraformed Mars that is now called Aqua because of the large amount of water. With all that water, boat taxis are needed, hence the new job.

Excellent art and an easy read this title is popular with young, female teens.
This book successful captures the excitement of a new job in a new place.

Notes
Read this book from right to left.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
Chronological

GLBTQ

Title
GLBTQ

Library Link

GLBTQ
: the survival guide for queer & questioning teens / Kelly Huegel
Huegel,
Kelly, 1974-

10 Second Review
From the library summary "The teen years are full of challenges. For gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning teens, these challenges can include prejudice, discrimination, rejection, reprisals, insensitive remarks (even among friends and families) and, sometimes, violence. But being a GLBTQ teen can also be fun and enlightening-when you are comfortable with who you are."

This book has a great deal of information but it is organized in a teen friendly fashion.
A wide range of topics are covered from coming out, to safe sex to questions about religion. Should appeal to both teens and parents.

Notes
Includes support group links.

Learning Curve
Low: Might overwhelm younger readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Marvel Zombies vs Army of Darkness

Title
Marvel Zombies vs Army of Darkness

Library Link

Army
of Darkness / writer, John Layman ; artists, Fabiano Neves, with Fernando
Blanco & Sean Phillips
Layman,
John S.

10 Second Review
Ashley J. Williams from the movies 'Evil Dead' and 'Army of Darkness' joins the fight against the Zombie menace. He teams up with Dazzler and Scarlet Witch to seek aid from Doctor Doom.

Good news: Power Pack meets their demise, Doctor Doom outsmarts Richards and the art, while inconsistent, is generally good.

Bad news: While there are some funny parts this book is mostly fluff and will likely only appeal to fans of the 'Evil Dead' movies.

Notes
Howard the Duck makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers unfamiliar with the movie 'Army of Darkness' will likely be confused.

Reading Order
Read after Marvel Zombie series.