Book Description
Enter the sensual world of Nicole Jordan’s breathtaking Regency romances.
He is her most wicked fantasy . . . and no proper suitor for a lady.
Since the night Trey Deverill’s stunning kiss melted her senses, Antonia Maitland has harbored a fascination for the infamous adventurer. But Deverill is nothing Antonia needs in a husband, and when he abducts her–for her own protection–and then shockingly proposes marriage, a battle of wills ensues that proves dangerously irresistible.
Antonia’s charming wit and vibrant beauty make her England’s most sought-after heiress. Yet it’s her fiery spirit and awakening sensuality that stir a need in Deverill so fierce he would challenge the devil himself to possess her.
From the glittering ballrooms of London to the splendor of the Cornish coast, Deverill sweeps Antonia into unforgettable passion. But a treacherous plot threatens their lives and their chance for the grandest adventure of all: true love.
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London, June 1815
She didn’t look much like a damsel in distress, Deverill decided, watching Antonia Maitland across the crowded ballroom. Nothing like a young lady who needed his protection, her life endangered by a murderer. The potential victim of the very man she was privately engaged to wed.
Instead, she seemed in her element at the glittering ball, gowned in an exquisite confection—pearl gray gauze shot with silver—that must have cost a fortune. Of course, as one of England’s greatest heiresses, Miss Antonia Maitland could well afford to patronize the most fashionable modistes.
Yet the gown, while splendid, deserved only partial credit for her enchanting looks. Antonia positively glowed in the light of myriad candles burning in the crystal chandeliers overhead.
Deverill’s eyes narrowed at the unexpected lust that shot though him. Physically she little resembled the gangly, self-conscious girl he had met four years ago. She was as tall as he remembered, but her figure had ripened to slender, womanly curves, and she carried herself now with an elegance, a graceful self-assurance, that had only been hinted at then.
He would never forget their first meeting—her endearing embarrassment at catching him in the nude—and then later that evening, her bold, completely unexpected request for a kiss.
At the time he’d thought Antonia utterly unique. Despite the advantages of wealth and luxury, she had fretted at the strictures society placed on young ladies, wishing she’d been born male so that she could control her father’s shipping empire and sail the world in search of adventure.
Her ambition was the only masculine thing about her, Deverill reflected, riveted by her brilliant smile. Certainly her appearance was purely feminine. Her coppery mane was darker now, a glorious deep auburn. That and her creamy white skin gave her a vibrancy that roused all his primal male instincts.
She was a beauty, no doubt about it. And reportedly her hand was sought by numerous gentlemen, despite her late father’s low birth and breeding.
This morning, Mrs. Peeke, the Maitland housekeeper and a longtime friend of Deverill’s, had proudly summed up her mistress’s success: Antonia was genuinely popular with London’s fashionable set, accepted in society by virtue of her own lively charm and her claim to genteel blood on her mother’s side. And naturally, her vast inheritance.
At present, she was surrounded by a flock of her ardent admirers, including her betrothed, the refined, aristocratic Baron Heward.
Her betrothal was the prime reason Deverill was here in England. He’d returned to London after more than a year’s absence, summoned by the housekeeper’s fearful letter, imputing that Antonia was in danger. Samuel Maitland had died last year, supposedly of heart failure, yet Mrs. Peeke suspected differently—that he’d actually been poisoned by Lord Heward after a violent argument when Maitland had withdrawn his permission for the baron to wed his daughter.
Deverill’s promise to investigate had brought him to this ball this evening in search of Antonia. He planned to renew the acquaintance and question her about her betrothal before deciding how to proceed.
It was not much of a secret that she and Lord Heward had a private understanding. They’d been betrothed only days before her father’s death, but at Antonia’s insistence had put off any formal declaration for a proper year of mourning. According to the housekeeper, the official announcement of their betrothal would be made public next month at a betrothal ball, with the wedding to take place three weeks later, after the banns were called. Once they were wed, Mrs. Peeke feared, Heward wo
Customer Reviews:
Repetition and the servile hero.......2007-06-18
Well, one thing you can count on from Nicole Jordan, and that's repetition; repetition from novel to novel and repetition of words over and over in the same novel. Similar to her other two novels I've read, there's little substance to WICKED FANTASY other than the incessant, interminable and repetitive introspection/meanderings from the hero and heroine. And then there's the sensual coupling. WICKED FANTASY contains endless passages of the hero thinking about the heroine and/or the heroine thinking about the hero.
The beginning 30-40 pages were mildly interesting, the rest was a horrible blur. I kid you not. I still won't back down from thoroughly enjoying her novel THE WARRIOR, but lord almighty, Nicole Jordan has zero creativity, and THE WARRIOR is the best of the lot.
Trey Deverill, known to all as Deverill (pronunciation intentionally close to Devil), is the epitome of perfection. His towering presence, massive shoulders, heavily-muscled and chiseled frame (something Jordan diligently reminds us at every turn), handsome looks, considerate nature, and all-around good-guy personality lend credence to this embodiment of perfection. The book would have us believe that he challenges the heroine, but mostly I saw a conciliatory, placating and servile disposition towards his heroine. THE WARRIOR's hero Ranulf challenged his heroine, while WICKED FANTASY's hero Deverill is something of an abiding slave with the looks and frame of a Greek God. I can almost picture Deverill in the toga garb ready to service and pleasure his heroine Antonia at her behest. WICKED FANTASY would have us believe that Deverill "kidnapping" Antonia shows his "high-handedness." Hardly. Being the perfect good guy that he is, he refuses to force her to leave the danger, and he basically begs her to come. She follows willingly. He then plays the maid after her.
Towards the end, Deverill like some impotent puppy dog without any will of his own, as Antonia saves him, then has him fall into the infamous jealousy trap. It's funny, I think a hundred people came out of the woodwork to help Deverill towards the end: the Guardians (exclusive club devoted to protection), titled members of Society, Bow Street runners, and our heroine Antonia. All of that against 1 villain, a villain he out-weighs and towers over. Too funny. And still Deverill needed Antonia to shoot the villain to save his life. [laughs] So what good is all that brawn if not for circumstances like the end of this novel? Apparently for the heroine to moon over -- repetitively.
I thought it was childish for a thrice-widowed Lady to encourage our heroine Antonia into an affair with Deverill, noting the rarity of passion and how Antonia should take advantage of such passion wherever she finds it. Antonia consents, resolving to keep love out of it. Uhuh, as if that's ever been possible for women experiencing impassioned lovemaking.
When she flaunts herself in the nude before Deverill, Deverill melts away, his decision to distance himself from Antonia long forgotten. Deverill tried to convince her to marry him before when he compromises her virginity, but that failed. As recompense for compromising her virginity and not allowing him to marry her, he distances himself emotionally and physically from Antonia, hoping to minimize the damage to her reputation. Only to have her seduce him. I thought he should have demanded marriage before he agreed to pleasure as she requested.
I found Antonia and her emotions too childish. The entire romance between our lead pair was gawd awful.
There's no plotting, no settings, no substantive characterizations, and the ending was terrible.
The Story (briefly).
The beautiful Miss Antonia Maitland is a skilled marksman, heiress to a vast fortune left by her late father, and predictably stubborn. After her late father dies, her housekeeper Mrs. Peake suspects her betrothed Lord Heward for poisoning him. Mrs. Peake also believes her father intended to break the engagement which ultimately prompted Heward to kill Antonia's father.
Mrs. Peake sends for her trusted friend Mr. Trey Deverill to help save Antonia, a reputed adventurer helping the government capture pirates and baddies. Deverill & Antonia reacquaint themselves after meeting briefly 4 years earlier and share an instant attraction. A quagmire of emotional musings and introspection ensues from both the hero and heroine. When the villain Heward frames Deverill for a murder he didn't commit, Deverill escapes imprisonment to entreat Antonia to come with him.
I'm really not sure the rest is even worth mentioning, it dissolves from there.
Ms. Jordan Has Penned A Lush Historical With Remarkable Characters!.......2007-03-10
In a moment of embarrassing impropriety, walking in on a stark naked man emerging from his bath, will forever shape and twist one woman's life. Awakening dormant and untapped desires not yet explored...
A sixteen-year-old Antonia Maitland will never forget the day she walked in on Trey Deverill in his entire glorious splendor. That bathroom plunder will be permanently etched in her mind. Deverill is a visiting business acquaintance of Antonia's father, Samuel Maitland. After dinner they encounter each other again, which leads to Deverill enlightening Antonia with her first kiss.
Four years later, Antonia is betrothed to James Heward and missing her dearly departed father. Just before their official betrothal is to be announced, Deverill steps back into Antonia's life. Deverill returns to England after getting word that the circumstances surrounding Samuel Maitland death may not have been heart failure. Lord Heward's whispered involvement and betrothal to Antonia, has Deverill's suspicions on high alert. When Deverill comes face to face with Antonia, she is no longer a gangly young girl, but a ripe and luscious siren. Their attraction to one another is immediate and intense.
Wicked Fantasy follows in the footsteps of Master of Temptation and Lord of Seduction (Paradise series). Wicked Fantasy could be read as a stand-alone, but you will be running out the door to get the rest of this sensual series!
When it comes to creating drama, majesty and passionate gratification, Ms. Jordan does not disappoint! Ms. Jordan penned another scorching historical that titillates and stimulates the senses. Drawing the reader in by mastering of a storyline woven articulately and executed faultlessly! The dialogue between the characters is the crowning touch, with its strong sensuous contents. Ms. Jordan is one of the best in her field of historical romance and this should be an award winning year for her!
The flame-haired beauty mesmerizes Deverill. Antonia's alluring zest for life and unconventional attitude captivates and pulls at Deverill's unrequited soul. Antonia is fantasizing and dreaming about the carnal devil incessantly. Deverill's sexual allure and commanding presence, is exhilarating to Antonia.
With Heward dangerously connected to Antonia, Deverill can not fail her, having the demons from his past mistakes still haunting close. Yet, he can not afford nor desires anything remotely permanent. Deverill's commitments lie with the Guardian and his quest to help mankind. Sometimes what one thinks they crave, does not the outcome make.
If you are a fan of Ms. Jordan's or looking for a sexually intoxicating historical filled with action and adventure then hurry to get your copy of Wicked Fantasy by Nicole Jordan today! It's a must read historical for 2005!
Reviewed by Janalee Ruschhaupt, 2007
Wicked Fun.......2007-03-03
This was my first title from Nicole Jordan, and I will admit, it was sitting on my "to be read" shelf for quite a while. I took it with me on vacation, and it was the perfect book for realxing in the sun. Light and fast paced, with likeable characters, a good story, and steamy scenes. NJ is a good writer and spins a fun tale. I will be reading the other books in her Paradise series to be sure.
Boring.......2006-02-26
Poorly written. The characters were uninteresting. The conversations were stiff. The plot was stupid. I skipped and skimmed to get through it.
Same Old Thing As Her Last 3-4 Books...Nothing New Here..........2006-02-08
This is the 4th book by NJ that I have read in the past few months. I also read "The Lover" (didn't care for it), "Lord of Seduction" (average) and "Master of Temptation" (fair at best). I selected and bought a few books at one time by this author as the reviews by readers was strong and her plot lines all seemed appealing when I read about them in advance. I guess the biggest drawback to me in most of her books once I was done reading, is that she writes about sex ALL the time. The sex scenes happen too early in the book, too often (practically every other chapter) and the rest of the story falls away in light of so many sex passages. She is tasteful in her writing and it is always appealing so, that's not the problem. She simply takes a good thing and overdoes it. If you are a reader that simply wants lots of sex scenes and limited anything else - this is the author for you. If you crave deep characters, interesting plots lines and then some serious sexual anticipation and intensity on the side - this isn't the author for you.
On a positive note, I do think this author is very talented and has lots of potential but, it gets lost along the way. After four books now, I can say they all share a pattern and my guess is the other books I still have to read will all follow suit. Perhaps this is the "niche" NJ and her editor and publisher all want for her to fall into - the "sexy and smutty" author. I think her ability is greater than this but, she gets stuck in this quagmire and it gets dull very fast. That's too bad. Maybe as she develops in the future she'll tone this down and become the writer I think she could be. I noticed from other reviews if this is the type of book you like, high marks. If you are critical of it, low marks. As expected.
This book, "Wicked Fantasy" was simply a continuation of the other two books in the series LofS and MofT. Although I would give this last book higher marks than the first two it still fell into it's predictable pattern - just a little later than the earlier books. Lots of sex, limited character development and a dull and uncreative plot line. Like the other books in the series, I just never connected well with Deverill or Antonia. He was an interesting but, not very dynamic or mysterious hero. He was hot looking, loyal and had some past blemishes but, nothing remarkable. Antonia seemed a bit sheltered and spoiled and followed daddy's orders to the point of being a bit one sided and dull and then suddenly she wants to be a woman of high adventure - almost like two characters in one. So...she was sometimes interesting, sometimes not. I would say out of the three books, at least this hero and heroine each had some redeeming qualities and more likeable traits that made reading much easier than the earlier books.
All of the earlier characters from the previous two books showed up again in this book - Max and Caro, Lady Isabelle, Sir Gawain, Thorne & Diana etc. If I had really liked all these earlier characters it would have been interesting to hear about them again but, since I never got into these characters - revisiting them was empty for me.
I think if you are a long term romance reader and have developed a finer taste and higher appreciation for really good historical romances, a book like this will be fine to pass the time but, will never really stand out or be one you keep in your personal library for all time. NJ clearly has her fans - as all authors do. But...she is not for me or it appears to some others with more discriminating tastes.
I would recommend some other authors if you are looking for intensity, emotion, anticipation along with passion, deep characters and a touch of humor and interesting plot lines. I love a good romance like other readers of this genre and a sexy and hot hero and heroine can never be over-done but...I don't think every author can write a really good story. I think a lot of authors do good enough to please the masses but, it's the really special ones I am interested in after 20 years of romance reader. Enjoy this author if she works for you. If she doesn't, there are certainly other really special authors and books out there. (Brenda Joyce, Katherine Sutcliffe, Meagen McKinney, Judith McNaught, Lisa Kleyaps. New authors - Cathy Maxwell, Victoria Alexander, Gaelen Foley, Jillian Hunter, Patricia Grasso, Laura Guhrke, Jacquie D'Alessandro, Sabrina Jefferies,
Mia Ryan, Christina Dodd and Susan Wiggs).
I gave Nicole Jordan three stars for being decent over-all but, not much more. I won't give one or two stars as the writing itself was fine and didn't deserve a negative rating like that. On the other hand, I can't give four or five stars as the content and interest was clearly missing. So...she gets down the middle for trying but, no more as she didn't step out of the box to bring more to the table. This book was simply a continuation of the same old thing from earlier. I guess NJ is guilty of the worst crime in writing - being PREDICTABLE!
But...Don't give up. Just keep reading!
Average customer rating:
- Together again - for the first time
- Enthusiastically recommended reading for ages 8 to 80
- Oz at it's best
- Dorothy and Scarecrow's Adventures in Oz: The Complete Eric Shanower Collection
- The only true heir to Baum's legacy
|
Adventures in Oz
Eric Shanower , and
L. Frank Baum
Manufacturer: IDW Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Oz | Fantasy & Adventure | Series | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
Fantasy | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1933239611 |
Book Description
In the marvelous Land of Oz, magic is always around the next corner. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and their many Oz friends can't stop plunging into one adventure after another. Come journey over the rainbow to help save Oz from the Wicked Witch of the South, to ride an enchanted whirlpool that leads to a hidden island, to explore the spooky Great Gray Gillikin Swamp, to prevent a war between dragons and wood-nymphs, and to soar in an emerald unicorn to the frozen land of the mysterious Ice King.
Customer Reviews:
Together again - for the first time.......2007-03-06
Eric Shanower is a true Oz genius. He is one of the only authors I know that not only give you a written word story that is close to the original tone and feel of the Baum classics, but he lets you really =see= the stories through his wonderful art.
These five stories, formerly available only as long out-of-print graphic novels, are collected together under one cover and one imprint. Formerly First Comics published these wonderful fully illustrated titles in a single issue graphic novel format, in a size (about 8 by 10 inches) that really lets you enjoy Shanower's wonderful art.
"Enchanted Apples of Oz," the 1st story, takes us on a journey to see the Wicked Witch of the South and what happens when someone falls in love with her (for a while anyway... :-). The story is about Bortag and his quest for the Enchanted Apples of Oz. I won't ruin it for you, but I loved them all, especially Quox the Flying Blue Marlin.
"The Secret Island of Oz," the 2nd story, takes Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and Eureka on a journey to find the Crimson Tailed Quipperug and what happens to them along the way. I think you'll enjoy the story of Knotboy and Princess Trin.
"The Ice King of Oz," the 3rd story, takes us on a journey to the land of the Ice King. My favorite character was Flicker, the candle-maker, and his vital role in rescuing Ozma from a frozen fate.
"The Forgotten Forest of Oz," the 4th story, tells about Nelanthe, a wood-nymph, and how she falls under the spell of the King of the Trolls, and what Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, and the Sawhorse have to do this time to save Oz.
Finally, "the Blue Witch of Oz," easily one of the best illustrated, tells the tale of what happened to the Good Witch of the East and also what happened to her and her family.
Oz fans will find very little to quibble with here - Eric tells these tales as though he had the ear of Baum himself - and even non-Oz fanatics will find these stories easy to read and very fun.
I highly recommend buying this - especially since Shanower gives you such wonderful stories you can even read to young children while showing them what they see. A real gem to add to the crown of Oz.
Enthusiastically recommended reading for ages 8 to 80.......2006-11-05
L. Frank Baum's delightful Oz books have entertained every generation of readers, young and old alike, since they first appeared more than half a century ago. Indeed, so popular was the world of Oz and its myriad of colorful characters, that after his death other writers took up the task of creating more stories set in that colorful land over the rainbow. Now Eric Shanower has imaginatively written and beautifully illustrated five more stories that are combined in a large format graphic novel called "Adventures In Oz". The stories include 'The Enchanted Apples of Oz', 'The Secret Island of Oz', 'The Ice King of Oz', 'The forgotten Forest of Oz', and 'The Blue Witch of Oz'. Carrying and expanding the mythology, legendary, and fairy-tale fantasy first established by Frank Baum and enthusiastically recommended reading for ages 8 to 80, "Adventures In Oz" does full homage and credit to the growing library of Oz books, - and this time with the added visual and storytelling benefits of the graphic novel format. For school and community libraries (and dedicated Oz fans) it should be noted that IDW Publishing plans to release a hardcover edition next year that will have 70 additional pages of behind-the-scenes materials, including material from Eric Shanower's sketchbook, character designs, an essay by Eric about his experiences creating Oz comic stories, a variety of illustrations he has created for other Oz publications, short Oz comic stories, and more.
Oz at it's best.......2006-09-29
This book far exceeded my expectations. I like comics that have brilliant, bright, beautiful artwork and I have to say out of any comics I have ever read, this is by far the best. The illustrations in this book are more like book illustrations that comics. The story lines are wonderful and "fit" with the other Oz stories. The book is a high quality paperback with thick glossy pages. It is well worth the price.
Dorothy and Scarecrow's Adventures in Oz: The Complete Eric Shanower Collection.......2006-05-03
From 1986-92, Eric Shanower made 5 Graphic Oz Novels (comic-like books) that told the fascinating stories of 'the Enchanted Apples', 'the Secret Island', 'the Ice King', 'the Forgotten Forest' and 'the Blue Witch' of Oz, all of which followed the adventures of Dorothy and Scarecrow with their friends, saving good people (sometimes one of them being misguided into doing bad things) from even worse people. Here, 'Adventures in Oz' is not a new story book by Eric Shanower, but a COLLECTION of ALL 5 Stories. Both the black-and-white and colour artwork for the graphic novels and other books have been rescanned by the publisher IDW Publishing, and Eric made sure that printing mistakes from the original editions would not be repeated (i.e. bits of a picture without colour) and did some minor revisions to the artwork, so therefore this book looks better than the orginal printings. The advances in the past 20 years makes the colours look far closer to what Eric Shanower originally painted than in the original printings of his Oz graphic novels - also his artwork changes from nearly good in 'Enchanted Apples' to Incredibly Fantastic and Lavish in 'Blue Witch'.
"Adventures in Oz" is actually published/printed in 2 different editions: a restored all-5-stories PAPERBACK (normal, currently still available) and a Deluxe LIMITED Signed Edition (which I am the lucky owner of!! Now Sold Out, Sorry!), which not only contains the original 5 stories in one volume but also includes some new, little seen and never-before-published material, such as Character Designs, Sketches, Colour Studies, Advertising Art, Abandoned Concepts and other things (just like the final Issue "9/Epilogue" of 'Oz: the Manga') not seen in the paperback version. The section for the extra material is more than 30 pgs and Eric was very keen on adding these special bonuses. Unfortunately it does not include the Introduction to 'Enchanted Apples' by Harlan Ellison.
BOTH Books have (in the following order) the same front and back cover design, Ozma & her tiny piglette on "This book belongs to", 2 red-dressed trolls, Scraps the Patchwork Girl with Toto and the Saw-Horse and tiny Flicker on the Book-Title pg, a re-scanning of the front & back cover for 'Enchanted Apples' but with 'Adventures' instead of the original title, Abatha the Blue Witch on a publishing pg, Nelanthe the Wood-Nymph with the Chapters, Eric Shanower's portrait of Ozma, "Just a word before you start", a Map of Oz (which again has the Blue East and Yellow West switching places!), Acknowledgements, 'the Enchanted Apples of Oz' story, 'the Secret Island of Oz' story, 'the Ice King of Oz' story, 'the Forgotten Forest of Oz' story, 'the Blue Witch of Oz' story (all 5 dedicated to someone special) and a colourful panel strip with the Oz characters. There are also ENDPAPERS, but both editions have different designs: the PAPERBACK has originally colourful yet b&w scanned pictures of the Famous 5 of Oz on the Yellow Brick Road (front) and the Forbidden Fountain of the Water of Oblivian (back), while the DLSE has new artwork of Eric's characters with 3 Denslow characters and two 'OZ' emblems. Also, in the DLSE after the 'colour-Oz-panel' comes the following: Eric's writing on him & Oz (throughout most of the book's ex. material), childhoods drawings (among them a history of the magic land), "General Jinjur of Oz" Pt. 1 in colour & Pt. 2 in design, design sketches for characters and books and location/places etc., Thanksgiving in Oz, Original opening for 'Forbidden Fruit of Oz' which became 'Enchanted Apples', rescanning of Eric's original graphic novel covers (without the writing), advertising art for the books, pictures made for magazines etc., origin of 'the Ice King', a try-out for Roger S. Baum's "Dorothy of Oz", original 'Story of Nebelle' before becoming Oz - which would've been out of place for Oz, alternate/cut-out endings, colour studies, cards & pin-ups, b&w pictures from Oz books illustrated by Eric Shanowers such as 'Wicked Witch' along with 2 Colour-Plates not in the book, 'Giant Garden', 'Runaway', 'Third Book', 'Invisible Inzi', 'Paradox' (which illustrates such films like 'Return', 'Journey Back', 'Cinar', silent films, etc.!), 'Oz-Story 6', 'Salt Sorcerer & Other Stories', another Ozma portrait, 'Oz-Story 3', 'Rundelstone', the annual Munchkin Convention and Winkie Convention of the International Wizard of Oz Club, 'the Living House' (which is seen on the 3-Disk MGM DVD!) and finally "If 6 Great Cartoonists had drawn Oz Characters'!
For me, I saw (and quickly scimmed through) "Forgotten Forest" and "Enchanted Apples" in 'Comic Kingdom' (which is also where I ordered copies of "Oz: the Manga") and I've always wanted to get 'the Blue Witch' which of course is out of print, but now that they are altogether in one brand-new collection, it doesn't hurt to get the one story I've always wanted with the other 4 stories and some extra delights (So Worth Looking at the Others!). Since I have never actually looked through or owned the orginal 5 books, I can't specify what has been changed or improved, but Eric did mention fixing the way he drew some of Dorothy's faces and the skin colour for the (human) characters, but unfortunately Dorothy still looks a bit too skinny and Ozma's hair isn't really tidy in 'Enchanted Apples'. Since I got 'Wicked Witch' long before 'Adventures' I often wondered at the drawing of "Who is that tiny little man with fire for hair?" Well, thanks to this book, I found out that it was Flicker from "Ice King (Oz)" and learned everything about him, so now I am no longer in the 'Not Know'.
I am VERY pleased to know that something OTHER than MGM is given a 'Special Anniversary Restored Edition' (it has been 20 years since the first publishing), and because of all the hard work that went into making this an 'Excellent Extended Edition' is why it took so long for its release. And I am REALLY GLAD to finally have my copy.
Eric Shanower also illustrated Rachel Cosgrove Payes' "the Wicked Witch of Oz" (which is not as scary or dark as it sounds, and can be bought through 'Hungry Tiger Press'), and even both written/illustrated other Oz books (Giant Garden, etc.). Although I never really liked his idea of giving Dorothy, Betsy and Trot modern-day clothes (shirts, shorts/pants, sneakers and socks that look suited for Summer) and copying John R. Neil's idea of all 3 girls having short hair (which can be confusing), his art is wonderful (ESPECIALLY in 'Blue Witch') and unlike John R. Neil, actually drew Betsy older than Dorothy and Trot younger than Dorothy, as originally written by L. Frank Baum in 'Lost Princess'. In 'Blue Witch', however, Eric redraws Denslow's Long-Haired Dorothy.
Once again, I am proud of some Classic Oz Books being restored for a Brand-New-Collection-Edition, especially since this saga was originally started by someone as talented as Eric Shanower, one of the greatest Oz Illustrators to ever live and draw!
Wouldn't it be GREAT if Eric did a Graphic Novel of L. Frank Baum's 'the Wonderful Wizard of Oz'?
P.S. On the MGM Oz - 3 Disk DVD, we actually see ERIC SHANOWER and some of his art in the 'Because of the Wonderful Things It Does: The Legacy of Oz' featurette, along with Willard Carroll! - but what about William Stout?
The only true heir to Baum's legacy.......2006-03-09
I grew up on the original Oz series by L. Frank Baum but was never terribly impressed with attempts to continue the adventures of these beloved characters -- until Eric Shanower.
Shanower's artwork is evocative of the original art in Baum's volumes but even more important, Shanower captures the spirit of the books and characters beautifully. There is not a single false note in any of his portrayals. Adventures in Oz collects all of his standalone Oz graphic novels into one volume and it is long overdue. My favorite is the Blue Witch of Oz, but all of the stories are told with great love and imagination.
I've long been frustrated that few studios have tried to adapt the other Oz books into movies and the few times they did we ended up with atrocities like Return to Oz. From a storytelling standpoint, I understand the dilemma -- Dorothy's not in the second boo, Land of Oz, yet it's essential to introduce key characters like Ozma. If some studio ever does solve the problem -- or just take the chance on an Oz movie without Dorothy -- their next purchase should be the rights to Shanower's Oz stories. After filming the rest of Baum's books, Shanower's stories are the next most logical and satisfying candidates.
Customer Reviews:
Starman Vol.3 - A Wicked Inclination.......2006-06-28
Volume 3 of James Robinson's well-written Starman series, starring Jack Knight(son of of the original Golden Age Starman,Ted Knight).
This trade collects issues 17, and 19-27.
Here's how the back cover describes the contents:
"This collection features the final team-up between Starman and the Golden Age Sandman in the Eisner Award-winning story "Sand and Stars". Also included is "Hell and Back", Jack's terrifying battle within a demon-possessed poster, as well as the touching tales "Talking With David '96" and "A Christmas Knight"."
A hero continues his education.......2001-06-29
There is a great scene in this collection where Wesley Dodds, the original masked crime fighter in DC's reconfigured universe, thinks back to a time when the original Starman saved his life. Now planning to help Jack Knight, he is faced with his own age and moratlity and he rises to the occasion with the words: "Life should be measured by quality. And so...if this must be the last thing I do, I am content." To be moved by comic book dialogue is a rare thing, and it is even less likely when it is a super hero comic, but this is just one more example of how well Robinson has crafted this series. It's just great fun to watch this hero grow up, and I think all comic fans should give this series a try.
"Stars and Sand" is *must* reading for Golden Age Fans.......1999-05-30
This trade paperback of probably one of the *best* books on the market also contains "Sand and Stars", in which the "next generation" (Jack Knight" teams with the one who "started it all" (Wesley Dodds, aka Sandman). A well-written meditation on life, growing old, and age, it even features a "cameo" by Guy Davis, who drew the late, lamented SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATER. Plus, you get the "Demon Quest" arc, a Christmas story with a difference, *and* a "Talking with David" segment. Trust me, at this price, it's a *bargain*. And after reading this, begin reading STARMAN. You'll be glad you did.
Book Description
Forget J.K. Rowling. Forget Lemony Snicket. Forget Phillip Pullman. Christopher Grahame is the premier children's author of the twenty-first century. From a handful of homespun tales told to his own children at bedtime, Chris Grahame is a publishing phenomenon. With his work translated into everything from Aborigine to Zulu, he is the cornerstone of a multi-million dollar, franchise spewing empire. Is it any surprise then that under all this pressure something has to give? Unfortunately, it's Chris's mind. Stricken by mysterious headaches and blackouts that plagued his childhood, Chris once again finds himself walking the avenues and boulevards of Castrovalva - the fantasy realm he dreamt up as a boy, to while away his recuperation. But like Chris, Castrovalva has also changed. Deluged in mud, blood, and barbed wire, war has come to wonderland. Chris tries to tell himself it's all a bad dream. . .so why can't he wake up?
Customer Reviews:
Another "You Can't Go Home Again" Story.......2006-05-16
Kingdom of the Wicked is the story of a beloved children's book author who, at the height of his success, is struck down by a mysterious illness he thought had been vanquished in his sad, isolated childhood. While suffering attacks of said illness, he is transported into the elaborate storybook land he had constructed during his youthful recuperation, only to find it transformed into a hellish amalgamation of nightmare and World War I, ruled, mostly, by an evil, twisted man referred to only as 'the Great Dictator' -- a man who is his virtual twin.
Alternating between the real world and this other place during bouts of illness, said author recalls his unhappy childhood and probes the mystery of both his worsening condition and that of an imaginary escapist fantasy he had found refuge in so long before. What, if anything, does all this decay and suffering *mean*? Is it real? Did he somehow create, or stumble upon, a real place, and has his abandonment of that world led to its demise? What does it mean for an adult to go back and find his childhood in ruin, and what, if anything, can he do to make it right?
As you can see, it's not exactly unexplored ground, but Kingdom of the Wicked takes it in a few interesting directions. The grim yet edgy storybook art nicely complements the sadness and displacement felt by these abandoned childhood toys, who only truly assumed a life of their own in the absence of their creator. The Great Dictator proves an interesting character in his own right, and his relationship to Chris (the main character) is certainly original, even if it allows for a deus ex machina ending that doesn't really complete the story.
Worth a glance on a rainy day, might give your nightmares a few new images (especially if you love teddy bears).
Average customer rating:
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Prophet's Shroud/Reward of the Wicked
Scott Mitchell ,
Doug Fortin ,
Pat Loboyko , and
Derek Stevens
Manufacturer: Impressions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Role Playing & Fantasy | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0971335311 |
Book Description
This game pack for The Seventh Seal: The Roleplaying Game of Prophetic Revelations includes the "Prophet's Shroud" - a three-panel screen that allows the game master to conceal his "Prophecy" until the proper time of "Revelation," and also Reward of the Wicked, an introductory module for the game. The "Shroud" features the full-color artistry of Pat Loboyko on the player's side, and quick-access game system charts (difficulty ratings, combat tables, equipment lists, and more) on the GM side. Reward of the Wicked takes both novice and experienced players on a harrowing journey through the dark side of humanity. Their characters begin the scenario as mortals crossing into an eternal spiritual conflict versus evil. Anointed as Sentinels, they uncover a sinister cult that revels in dark ritual and is intent on laying the foundation for the Legion to infiltrate our world.
Books:
- Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman
- Wizard Twins: Menage a Magick (Book 1)
- Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter
- Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond
- A Kingdom of Dreams
- A Perfect Hero
- A Stroke of Midnight: A Meredith Gentry Novel
- A Tendering in the Storm (Change and Cherish Historical Series #2)
- A Thousand Splendid Suns
- Against the Wall
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