#IReadsYou Review: HAIKYU!! Volume 37

HAIKYU!!, VOL. 37
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Haruichi Furudate
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Erika Terriquez
EDITOR: Marlene First
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1169-7; paperback (March 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Haikyu!! is a Japanese sports manga series written and illustrated by Haruichi Furudate.  This manga was serialized in the manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, from February 2012 to July 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of Haikyu!! as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2015.

Haikyu!! focuses on Shoyo Hinata.  As a child, Hinata saw the legendary volleyball (haikyu) player known as “the Little Giant” compete at the national volleyball finals.  From that point, Hinata began a quest to be the best volleyball player ever.  In a sport in which tall athletes dominate, however, Hinata's height of 5'4” is considered too short.  Now, he plays for Karasuno Public High School with his rival, Tobio Kageyama.  Hinata does not believe that a player needs to be tall in order to play volleyball, especially when a player can jump higher than anyone else – as he can.

As Haikyu!!, Vol. 37 (Chapters 323 to 331; entitled “The Party's Over”) opens, it is Day 3 of the “National Spring Tournament.”  The third set in the match between Karasuno (representing Miyagi Prefecture) and Nekoma Municipal High School (Tokyo Venue Sponsor representatives), which some call the “Dumpster Battle,” nears its end.  This longtime dream match between Karasuno and Nekoma on center stage must come to an end.  So who will end?

Then, the narrative moves away from Karasuno for another big showdown.  It is Mujinazaka High School (representing Oita Prefecture) versus Fukurodani Academy (Tokyo second representative).  And Fukurodani's Kotaro Bokuto is hyped to face one of the top three aces in the nation, Mujinazaka's Wakatsu Kiryu!

[This volume includes a bonus story, “Couples.”]

THE LOWDOWN:  I am continuing my run through the Haikyu!! manga.  This calendar year I have read six volumes in a little under ten months, after not reading the manga for a year and a half.

Haikyu!! Graphic Novel Volume 37 brings the Karasuno-Nekoma Dumpster Battle to an end.  Since the series does not end with this volume, it must be obvious which team creator Haruichi Furudate made the winner.  Furudate's big twist is that the series focuses on the volleyball journey of two other schools.  I won't lie.  Focusing away from Karasuno's journey makes the series feel different, and it does affect my concentration on the main narrative.  I don't know which team to support because both are sympathetic, so …

Adrienne Beck's translation deftly captures the end of the Dumpster Battle and quickly moves onto a new story angle.  Letterer Erika Terriquez continues to shine in creating the furious comic book noise of Haikyu!! and of the game of volleyball … regardless of which school is in battle.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of sports manga will want the “Shonen Jump” title, Haikyu!!

A-
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: HAIKYU!! Volume 35

HAIKYU!!, VOL. 35
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Haruichi Furudate
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Erika Terriquez
EDITOR: Marlene First
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0945-8; paperback (November 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Haikyu!! is a Japanese sports manga series written and illustrated by Haruichi Furudate.  This manga was serialized in the manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, from February 2012 to July 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of Haikyu!! as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2015.

Haikyu!! focuses on Shoyo Hinata.  As a child, Hinata saw the legendary volleyball (haikyu) player known as “the Little Giant” compete at the national volleyball finals.  From that point, Hinata began a quest to be the best volleyball player ever.  In a sport in which tall athletes dominate, however, Hinata's height of 5'4” is considered too short.  Now, he plays for Karasuno Public High School with his rival, Tobio Kageyama.  Hinata does not believe that a player needs to be tall in order to play volleyball, especially when a player can jump higher than anyone else – as he can.

As Haikyu!!, Vol. 35 (Chapters 306 to 314; entitled “Birdcage”) opens, it is Day 3 of the “National Spring Tournament.”  Now, the second set of long-awaited match between Karasuno (representing Miyagi Prefecture) and Nekoma Municipal High School (Tokyo Venue Sponsor representatives), which some call the “Dumpster Battle,” has begun.  Although Karasuno takes an early lead, Nekoma's vaunted defense gains the momentum, and they win the first set.

In the second set, Karasuno once again takes a lead, but Nekoma's defense once again rises to the challenge.  And Hanata and his almost-legendary “quick set” are being frozen out, with Hanata seeming to always be out of position.

[This volume includes “Bonus Shorts” comics.]

THE LOWDOWN:  I am continuing my run through the Haikyu!! manga.  This calendar year I have read five volumes in about eight months, after not reading the manga for a year and a half.

Haikyu!! Graphic Novel Volume 35 continues the Karasuno-Nekoma Dumpster Battle.  Creator Haruichi Furudate puts our heroes of Karasuno's backs against the wall, and he focuses on game play and strategy.  I think that this may be the volume that most depicts and discusses strategy and delves into the idea of players really knowing their opponents.  And planning, and dear readers, following these machinations makes this a fun volume to read.

Adrienne Beck's translation continues to capture the game action and, when necessary, the evolution of the characters' games and skills.  Letterer Erika Terriquez shines in creating the furious comic book noise of Haikyu!! and of the game of volleyball.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of sports manga will want the “Shonen Jump” title, Haikyu!!

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: HAIKYU!! Volume 34

HAIKYU!!, VOL. 34
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Haruichi Furudate
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Erika Terriquez
EDITOR: Marlene First
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0780-8; paperback (September 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Haikyu!! is a Japanese sports manga series written and illustrated by Haruichi Furudate.  This manga was serialized in the manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, from February 2012 to July 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of Haikyu!! as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2015.

Haikyu!! focuses on Shoyo Hinata.  As a child, Hinata saw the legendary volleyball (haikyu) player known as “the Little Giant” compete at the national volleyball finals.  From that point, Hinata began a quest to be the best volleyball player ever.  In a sport in which tall athletes dominate, however, Hinata's height of 5'4” is considered too short.  Now, he plays for Karasuno Public High School with his rival, Tobio Kageyama.  Hinata does not believe that a player needs to be tall in order to play volleyball, especially when a player can jump higher than anyone else – as he can.

As Haikyu!!, Vol. 34 (Chapters 297 to 305; entitled “Cats' Claw”) opens, the “National Spring Tournament” continues.  Now, the long awaited match-up between Karasuno (representing Miyagi Prefecture) and Nekoma Municipal High School (Tokyo Venue Sponsor representatives), which some call the “Dumpster Battle,” begins.

Nekoma is know for their defense, but they immediately shock Karuso with their aggressive “synchro attacks” on offense.  Meanwhile, Nekoma's master “middle blocker,” Tetsuro Kuroo, plays mind games with Karasuno's master middle blocker, Kei Tsukishima.  Are Karasuno, suddenly favorites in a match for the first time, ripe for an upset?

[This volume includes “Haikyu! vs. Let's Haikyu?! – Special Collaboration Bonus Short” drawn by Retsu.  Let's Haikyu!? is a gag manga based on the Haikyu!!]

THE LOWDOWN:  I had not read the Haikyu!! manga in almost a year and a half.  Now, I have read four volumes in seven months.

Haikyu!! Graphic Novel Volume 34 begins the Karasuno-Nekoma Dumpster Battle.  Creator Haruichi Furudate has been telling readers that this is the match for which the players of both schools have been waiting for quite some time.  Well, the wait was worth it for both players and for Haikyu!!'s readers.  Vol. 34 is one of the better recent volumes.  Furudate is so good at depicting the excitement of volleyball matches, and he excels here, making sure that the Dumpster Battle does not become a narrative “dumpster fire.”

As usual, Adrienne Beck's translation captures the game action and, when necessary, the evolution of the characters.  Letterer Erika Terriquez shines as she continues to create the furious comic book noise of the game.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of sports manga will want the “Shonen Jump” title, Haikyu!!

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douressseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

---------------------

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: HAIKYU!! Volume 33

HAIKYU!!, VOL. 33
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Haruichi Furudate
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Erika Terriquez
EDITOR: Marlene First
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0743-0; paperback (July 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Haikyu!! is a Japanese sports manga series written and illustrated by Haruichi Furudate.  This manga was serialized in the manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, from February 2012 to July 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of Haikyu!! as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2015.

Haikyu!! focuses on Shoyo Hinata.  As a child, Hinata saw the legendary volleyball (haikyu) player known as “the Little Giant” compete at the national volleyball finals.  From that point, Hinata began a quest to be the best volleyball player ever.  In a sport in which tall athletes dominate, however, Hinata's height of 5'4” is considered too short.  Now, he plays for Karasuno Public High School with his rival, Tobio Kageyama.  Hinata does not believe that a player needs to be tall in order to play volleyball, especially when a player can jump higher than anyone else – as he can.

As Haikyu!!, Vol. 33 (Chapters 288 to 296; entitled “Monsters' Ball”) opens, the “National Spring Tournament” continues.  Karasuno (representing Miyagi Prefecture) won its opening match and, in the second round, matches up against Inarizaki High School, one of the favorites to win the entire tournament.  Plus, Inarizaki has a set of “wonder twins,” the brothers, Osamu and Atsumu Miya, who even have their own version of Hinata and Kageyama's “freak quick.”

If underdog Karasuno gets past Inarizaki, awaiting them is Nekoma Municipal High School (Tokyo Venue Sponsor representatives).  Karasuno and Nekoma have faced each other in practice matches in the past, but Karasuno has never won any of them!

[This volume includes “Bonus Story” and “Bonus Story 2.”]

THE LOWDOWN:  I had not read the Haikyu!! manga in almost a year and a half.  Now, I have read three volumes in five months.

Haikyu!! Graphic Novel Volume 33 brings to a close the Karasuno vs. Inarizaki High story arc, which began in Vol. 29 and ran through three entire volumes (Vols. 30 to 32), before ending four chapters into Vol. 33.  It is easy to forget how really good this series is at depicting all that is fast and furious about a volleyball match... until you read it again.  In fact, Haikyu!! creator Haruichi Furudate is so good at depicting the excitement of volleyball that I am not bored even when following a match that runs through several volumes.

As usual, Adrienne Beck's translation captures the game action and, when necessary, the evolution of the characters.  Letterer Erika Terriquez shines as she continues to create the furious comic book noise of the game.  This duo keeps us going as this series approaches its end.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of sports manga will want the “Shonen Jump” title, Haikyu!!

A
8.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.



------------------------

Review: KUROKO'S BASKETBALL 2-in-1 Edition Volume 1

KUROKO'S BASKETBALL 2-IN-1 EDITION, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Tadatoshi Fujimaki
TRANSLATION: Caleb Cook
LETTERS: Mark McMurray
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8771-4; paperback (August 2016); Rated “T” for “Teen”
400pp, B&W, $16.99 U.S., $19.99 CAN, £10.99 U.K.

VIZ Media is currently publishing the basketball shonen sports manga from creator Tadatoshi Fujimaki, Kuroko's Basketball, in its 2-in-1 editions, which reprint two graphic novels in one paperback volume.  Kuroko's Basketball focuses on the title character and the new teammate that will help him beat his old teammates.

Tetsuya Kuroko is a great basketball player – for reals, y'all!  He was a member of the “Miracle Generation” at Teiko Middle School.  He was known as “the Phantom Sixth Man,” because opponents never noticed him on the court until he did something amazing.  Now, Kuroko is at Seirin Private High School.  One of his new teammates has just returned to Japan from America.  He is Taiga Kagami, and Kuroko wants Kagami to help him take down his old “Miracle Generation” teammates

Kuroko's Basketball 2-in-1 Edition, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 16) collects Kuroko's Basketball Volume 1 (entitled I'm Kuroko; Chapters 1 to 7) and Volume 2 (entitled Your Basketball; Chapters 8 to 16).  Vol. 1 opens at Seirin High where the basketball team meets its two new phenoms.  The first is the diminutive Tetsuya Kuroko, whose plainness hides the fact that on the basketball court he can execute awesome moves without others noticing.  The second newcomer is Taiga Kagami who thinks that he has learned enough basketball in America to put him above his new teammates... until he meets that “invisible guy” from the Miracle Generation.

As Vol. 2 opens, Seirin is in the middle of a tough practice game against Kaijo High.  Kuroko is determined to beat Kaijo because one of its players is his former Miracle Generation teammate, Ryota Kise.  However, it is after the game when Kise really makes his move on his old teammate.  Plus, Seirin gets ready for Inter-High.

[This volume includes the bonus manga, “Kuroko's Basketball – Side Story.”]

I have to be honest about my feelings concerning the Kuroko's Basketball manga.  When I think of basketball manga, I think of the legendary Slam Dunk from creator Takehiko Inoue, which I think is one of the best comic books every published... anywhere.  Kuroko's Basketball lacks the high drama and virtuoso graphical storytelling of Slam Dunk, and the depictions of basketball games in Kuroko's Basketball lack the punch of the legend.

That said, I enjoyed Kuroko's Basketball, and I think that it will improve, as for as drama goes, with each volume (which is about a seven or eight chapter story grouping).  I think the drama will come as Kuroko and his partner Kagami face off against more members of the Miracle Generation and other tougher opponents.  Also, just as an aside, Kuroko's Basketball is the second manga I am currently reading that involves a team participating in the Japanese National High School Sports Tournament, also known as “Inter-High.”  The other is the volleyball manga, Haikyu!!

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Review: HOCKEY KARMA Original Grahic Novel

HOCKEY KARMA
ANIMAL MEDIA GROUP

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Howard Shapiro – @hockeyplayer
ART: Andres J. Mossa
COLORS: Andres J. Mossa
LETTERS: Ryan Ferrier
ISBN: 978-0-9861489-3-4; paperback (November 1, 2016)
160pp, Color, $14.95 U.S., $17.95 CAN

Hockey Karma is an full-color, original graphic novel written by Howard Shapiro; drawn and colored by Andres Mossa; and lettered by Ryan Ferrier.  Published by Animal Media Group, Hockey Karma is the third graphic novel in the Forever Friends Trilogy.  This final installment focuses on an aging hockey star and his frustrated best friend.

As Hockey Karma begins, hockey star, Jeremiah “Jake” Jacobson, is struggling with his place on the team for which he has been a star for 14 seasons, the Bay City Blades.  Thirty-two-years old and struggling with injuries, Jake has focused his ire on fast-rising newcomer, Barclay Pedersen, an 18-year-old rookie.  As Jake sinks deeper into bitterness, his wife, Felicity, notices that Jake is practically absent from the lives of her and their two children.  Can Jake stop his downward spiral?

Meanwhile, Tom Leonard, Jake's best friend and agent, is struggling to get a charitable organization started.  Jake was supposed to help him, but is uber-focused on preserving his fading career.  Tom begins to realize that he might be on his on, and a chance encounter with a former flame who might help Tom discover the power of believing in himself.  Can Tom step out of Jake's shadow?

I have not read the previous entries in the Forever Friends Trilogy, Stereotypical Freaks and The Hockey Saint.  I received a copy-for-review of Hockey Karma and the press materials helped me focus on this third novel rather than on the other two.  Still, I think any reader can find Hockey Karma enjoyable without reading the other comics before it.

Writer Howard Shapiro presents Hockey Karma in fairly hot and cold terms.  This is a character, family, friendship, and workplace drama without tears.  Shapiro makes the characters blunt about their shortcomings.  There are no teary interventions; the character with an addiction is presented with the resolution in stark terms.  The book offers a rah-rah, happy ending that might make even Walt Disney roll his eyes, but the characters have earned it because it did not come easy.

I recognized artist Andres Mossa's name from his work as a colorist on some of Marvel Comics' Star Wars comic book series.  Mossa is not a grand master of figure drawing, but his characters have a poignant human quality about them.  Also, it is hard not to like Mossa's dazzling colors.

On the title page for each chapter, Howard Shapiro offers “recommended listening,” songs that he thinks could be the right soundtrack for that particular chapter.  The songs are a collection of classic and modern rock songs and selections from alt-rock and college radio.  I don't think that Hockey Karma needs a soundtrack, although there are a few times when it needs an injection of drama.

Hockey Karma moves to its own beat, digging into themes of friendship, life changes, and intimate relationships.  And that beat engages the reader until its satisfying final chapters and last panel.  Hockey Karma is not perfect, but it has heart and its emotions feel genuine.

www.animalmediagroup.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

Review: HAIKYU Volume 1

HAIKYU!!, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Haruichi Furudate
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Erika Terriquez
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8766-0; paperback (July 2016); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Haikyu!! is a sports manga from creator Haruichi Furudate.  The series focuses on a teen boy's quest to become a national volleyball champion.

Haikyu!!, Vol. 1 (entitled Hinata and Kageyama; Chapters 1 to 7) introduces Shoyo Hinata.  Ever since he first saw the legendary haikyu (volleyball) player known as “the Little Giant” compete at the national volleyball finals, Hinata has been aiming to be the best volleyball player ever.  However, in a sport in which tall athletes dominate, Hinata's height of 5'4” is considered too short.  Still, he does not believe that a player needs to be tall in order to play volleyball, especially when a player can jump higher than anyone else – as he can.

After losing his first and last volleyball match of his middle school career, Hinata enters Karasuno Public High School, once considered an elite volleyball high school.  He is shocked to discover that his opponent is a guy he considers his rival, Tobio Kageyama, "the King of the Court."  Now, Hinata and Kageyama must learn to play together if they want to make it onto the school's volleyball team.

The Haikyu!! manga will likely draw comparisons to Tite Kubo's legendary basketball manga, Slam Dunk, which I think is one of the world's all-time create comics.  Spiritually, Haikyu is related to Slam Dunk, but the former is a bit darker than the latter.

Haikyu Volume 1 introduces two ambitious athletes who find themselves on the outside of the sport they love.  Haruichi Furudate depicts a situation in which “guts and determination” are not enough to take an athlete to the top.  There may be thousands of competitive track and field athletes out there “giving it a 120%,” but almost none of them will beat Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt when he is at his physical peak – no matter how hard they try.  I'm just keeping it 100, folks.

Furudate's other conceit is that even the best and most gifted athlete can find himself on the outside looking in unless he functions in a team setting.  Teammates may find such an elite athlete too taxing and abandon him, which essentially neutralizes an elite athlete.

In spite of its comedic leanings, Haikyu is likely a high school sports comedy-drama.  Its creator seems determined to take his characters, the volleyball players, to task, forcing all, from the best to the least, to learn how to be a team, if any of them are going to succeed.  So far, it makes for captivating reading.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

------------------

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 14, 2015

IMAGE COMICS

AUG140690    A VOICE IN THE DARK GET YOUR GUN #2 CVR A TAYLOR (MR)    $3.99
AUG140691    A VOICE IN THE DARK GET YOUR GUN #2 CVR B MOORE (MR)    $3.99
NOV140644    COPPERHEAD #5    $3.50
NOV140653    FUSE #9 (MR)    $3.50
NOV140654    GHOSTED #16 (MR)    $2.99
NOV140576    HENSHIN OGN    $19.99
JUL140552    JUPITERS LEGACY #5 CVR A QUITELY (MR)    $4.99
JUL140553    JUPITERS LEGACY #5 CVR B HITCH (MR)    $4.99
JUL140554    JUPITERS LEGACY #5 CVR C FEGREDO (MR)    $4.99
OCT140747    LAZARUS #14 (MR)    $3.50
OCT140631    MANIFEST DESTINY TP VOL 02    $14.99
NOV140672    RAT QUEENS SPECIAL BRAGA #1 CVR A FOWLER (MR)    $3.50
NOV140673    RAT QUEENS SPECIAL BRAGA #1 CVR B UPCHURCH (MR)    $3.50
OCT140763    SAVAGE DRAGON #201    $3.99
NOV140681    SHUTTER #8 CVR A GIENI & DEL DUCA (MR)    $3.50
NOV140682    SHUTTER #8 CVR B CAMPBELL (MR)    $3.50
OCT140658    STRAY BULLETS TP VOL 06 KILLERS (MR)    $19.99
OCT140767    SUPERANNUATED MAN #5 (MR)    $3.99
NOV140689    SUPREME BLUE ROSE #6 (MR)    $2.99
APR140609    TEN GRAND #12 (MR)    $2.99
NOV140696    WALKING DEAD #136 (MR)    $2.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS
OCT142314    TMP NBA SERIES 25 KEVIN DURANT AF CS    PI
OCT142312    TMP NBA SERIES 25 PAUL GEORGE AF CS    PI
AUG140701    WALKING DEAD TV SER 6 ABRAHAM FORD AF CS    PI
AUG140704    WALKING DEAD TV SER 6 BUNGEE WALKER AF CS    PI
AUG140703    WALKING DEAD TV SER 6 CAROL PELETIER AF CS    PI
AUG140705    WALKING DEAD TV SER 6 GOVERNOR W/COAT AF CS    PI
AUG140702    WALKING DEAD TV SER 6 HERSHEL GREENE AF CS    PI
AUG140706    WALKING DEAD TV SER 6 MICHONNE AF CS    PI
AUG140700    WALKING DEAD TV SER 6 RICK GRIMES AF CS    PI
AUG140707    WALKING DEAD TV SER 6 RV WALKER AF CS    PI

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 26, 2014

IMAGE COMICS

SEP140570    AMERICAN LEGENDS #4    $3.99
SEP140571    AMERICAN LEGENDS #5    $3.99
SEP140575    COWL #6 (MR)    $3.50
AUG140640    DARK ENGINE #4 (MR)    $3.50
SEP140729    LAZARUS #13 (MR)    $3.50
SEP140576    MADMAN IN YOUR FACE 3D SPECIAL    $9.99
AUG140660    MANHATTAN PROJECTS #25    $3.50
SEP140737    ODDLY NORMAL #3 CVR A FRAMPTON    $2.99
SEP140738    ODDLY NORMAL #3 CVR B COOK    $2.99
SEP140533    ODYC #1 (MR)    $3.99
APR140584    PROPHET STRIKEFILE #2    $3.99
SEP140744    RASPUTIN #2 (MR)    $3.50
SEP140747    ROCHE LIMIT #3 (MR)    $3.50
SEP140749    SEX #18 (MR)    $2.99
AUG140678    SHELTERED #13 (MR)    $2.99
JUN140575    SIDEKICK #9 (MR)    $2.99
SEP140758    TREES #7 (MR)    $2.99
SEP140759    UMBRAL #11 (MR)    $3.50
AUG140628    WALKING DEAD WALKER FACES T/S LG MEN    $25.00
SEP140764    WAYWARD #4 CVR A CUMMING & CAMPBELL (MR)    $3.50
SEP140765    WAYWARD #4 CVR B TAN (MR)    $3.50
JUL140593    WILDFIRE #1-4 SIGNED SET ED    $24.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

JUL142166    TMP MLB DEREK JETER COMMEMORATIVE AF 2PK CS    PI

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 17, 2014

IMAGE COMICS
JUL140532     ARTIFACTS #39 (MR)     $3.99
JUL140469     BLUE ESTATE GRAPHIC NOVEL HC (MR)     $29.99
JUL140537     CLONE #20 (MR)     $2.99
JUL140541     DEAD AT 17 BLASPHEMY THRONE #2     $3.50
JUL140453     DEADLY CLASS #7 (MR)     $3.50
MAY140704     FIELD #4 (MR)     $3.50
APR140571     GREAT PACIFIC #17 (MR)     $2.99
JUL140558     MANIFEST DESTINY #10     $2.99
JUL140443     ODDLY NORMAL #1     $2.99
MAR140584     ONE HIT WONDER #4 (MR)     $3.50
APR140525     PETER PANZERFAUST TP VOL 04 THE HUNT     $14.99
JUL140570     RED CITY #4     $2.99
JUN140568     RISE O/T MAGI #4 CVR A KESGIN     $3.50
JUN140569     RISE O/T MAGI #4 CVR B SEJIC     $3.50
APR140594     SATELLITE SAM #10 (MR)     $3.50
MAY140727     SAVAGE DRAGON #198     $3.99
JUL140574     SHUTTER #6 (MR)     $3.50
JUL140579     STRAY BULLETS THE KILLERS #7 (MR)     $3.50
JUL140581     SUPREME BLUE ROSE #3 (MR)     $2.99
JUL140584     TREES #5 (MR)     $2.99
JUL140518     UNDERTOW TP VOL 01 BOATMANS CALL (MR)     $14.99
JUL140590     WICKED & DIVINE #4 (MR)     $3.50
JUL148049     WICKED & DIVINE #4 CVR B WADA (MR)     $3.50

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS
MAY140755     ASSASSINS CREED SER 2 DE GRANDPRE AF     PI
MAY140752     ASSASSINS CREED SERIES 2 AF     PI
MAY140754     ASSASSINS CREED SERIES 2 ASSASSIN ADEWALE AF     PI
MAY140753     ASSASSINS CREED SERIES 2 CONNOR W/MOHAWK AF     PI
MAY140756     RABBIDS INVASION PLUNGER SOUND BLASTER SER 2     PI
JUN148132     TMP SPORTS NFL SERIES 34 JIMMY GRAHAM AF     PI

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 28 2014

IMAGE COMICS

MAR140533 ADVENTURES OF APOCALYPSE AL TP VOL 01 $9.99
MAR140535 BLACK SCIENCE TP VOL 01 HOW TO FALL FOREVER (MR) $9.99
MAR140477 C.O.W.L. #1 (MR) $3.50
MAR140497 CHEW / REVIVAL #1 (MR) $4.99
JAN140550 CRAWL SPACE OVERSIZED OMNIBUS HC $49.99
MAR140566 DEAD BODY ROAD #6 (MR) $2.99
MAR148302 DEADLY CLASS #3 3RD PTG (MR) $3.50
MAR140567 DEADLY CLASS #5 (MR) $3.50
MAR140536 DRUMHELLAR TP VOL 01 BADLANDS AND BAD TRIPS (MR) $14.99
JAN140587 ELEPHANTMEN #57 (MR) $3.99
MAR140574 FUSE #4 (MR) $3.50
MAR140594 SEX #13 (MR) $2.99
FEB140628 SHELTERED #9 $2.99
MAR140600 SKULLKICKERS #27 $3.50
MAR148275 SOUTHERN BASTARDS #1 2ND PTG (MR) $3.50
MAR140601 SOUTHERN BASTARDS #2 (MR) $3.50
MAR140602 SOVEREIGN #3 (MR) $2.99
MAR140610 THIEF OF THIEVES #21 (MR) $2.99
MAR140475 TREES #1 (MR) $2.99
MAR140551 UMBRAL TP VOL 01 OUT O/T SHADOWS (MR) $9.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

FEB140649 TMP MLB SERIES 32 AF PI
FEB140654 TMP MLB SERIES 32 AROLDIS CHAPMAN AF PI
FEB140653 TMP MLB SERIES 32 MANNY MACHADO AF PI
FEB140652 TMP MLB SERIES 32 MIGUEL CABRERA AF PI
FEB140650 TMP MLB SERIES 32 RICKY HENDERSON AF PI
FEB140651 TMP MLB SERIES 32 YADIER MOLINA AF PI
FEB140655 TMP MLB SERIES 32 YASIEL PUIG AF PI

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 14, 2014

IMAGE COMICS

FEB140594 BOUNCE #12 (MR) $2.99
MAR140571 FIELD #2 (MR) $3.50
FEB140608 KRAMPUS #5 $2.99
MAR148147 MANIFEST DESTINY #6 2ND PTG $2.99
MAR140546 MANIFEST DESTINY TP VOL 01 $9.99
MAR140580 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #10 CVR A OEMING $3.99
MAR140581 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #10 CVR B SANTOS & FREE $3.99
MAR140582 MINIMUM WAGE #5 (MR) $3.50
MAR140596 SHUTTER #2 CVR A DEL DUCA (MR) $3.50
MAR140597 SHUTTER #2 CVR B KOWALSKI (MR) $3.50
MAR140604 STARLIGHT #3 CVR A PARLOV (MR) $2.99
MAR140605 STARLIGHT #3 CVR B FRANCAVILLA (MR) $2.99
MAR140606 STRAY BULLETS THE KILLERS #3 (MR) $3.50
MAR140511 TALES FROM THE CON YEAR ONE $3.50
JAN140545 THINK TANK FUN WITH PTSD #1 $4.99
MAR140520 WALKING DEAD #127 (MR) $2.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

FEB140656 TMP MLB 2013 BOX RED SOX CHAMPIONSHIP AF 2PK PI

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 8 2014

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IMAGE COMICS

SEP130613 APHRODITE IX #7 [DIG] $2.99
OCT130480 ARTIFACTS TP VOL 06 [DIG] $16.99
OCT130496 COMPLETE MULTIPLE WARHEADS TP (MR) [DIG] $17.99
NOV130500 DRUMHELLAR (PREVIOUSLY STRANGEWAYS) #3 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
SEP130619 ELEPHANTMEN #53 (MR) [DIG] $3.99
NOV130419 ELEPHANTMEN TP VOL 06 EARTHLY DESIRES (MR) [DIG] $24.99
AUG130693 FATALE #19 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
OCT130601 FIVE GHOSTS #8 [DIG] $2.99
NOV130438 HEAVENS WAR TP NEW PTG $16.99
OCT130602 HOAX HUNTERS #13 CVR A WALSH [DIG] $3.50
OCT130603 HOAX HUNTERS #13 CVR B ROSSMO $3.50
NOV130505 INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #9 [DIG] $2.99
NOV138097 MANIFEST DESTINY #2 2ND PTG $2.99
NOV130508 MANIFEST DESTINY #3 [DIG] $2.99
NOV130413 MINIMUM WAGE #1 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
OCT130609 MORNING GLORIES #36 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
OCT138368 SEX CRIMINALS #1 4TH PTG (MR) $3.50
OCT138369 SEX CRIMINALS #2 3RD PTG (MR) $3.50
OCT138244 SEX CRIMINALS #3 2ND PTG (MR) $3.50
OCT130623 SEX CRIMINALS #4 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
NOV130434 SHELTERED #6 [DIG] $2.99
NOV130525 SPAWN #239 [DIG] $2.99
SEP130555 SPAWN ORIGINS DLX ED S/N HC VOL 04 $150.00
OCT138370 THREE #1 3RD PTG $2.99
OCT138371 THREE #2 2ND PTG $2.99
NOV130528 THREE #4 [DIG] $2.99
OCT138253 VELVET #2 2ND PTG (MR) $2.99
OCT138242 WALKING DEAD #116 2ND PTG (MR) $2.99
NOV138091 WALKING DEAD #117 2ND PTG (MR) $2.99
NOV130532 WALKING DEAD #119 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

NOV132025 ASSASSINS CREED IV EDWARD KENWAY RESIN STATUE PI
NOV132026 HALO 4 MASTER CHIEF RESIN STATUE PI
SEP130658 TMP SPORTS NFL SERIES 33 JULIO JONES AF PI

Review: SLAM DUNK Volume 31

SLAM DUNK, VOL. 31
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONIST: Takehiko Inoue
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamazaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Stan!
LETTERS: James Gaubatz
COVER: Takehiko Inoue with Matt Hinrichs
ISBN: 978-1-4215-3338-4; paperback (December 2013); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN

Takehiko Inoue is an acclaimed manga artist and creator and also illustrator.  His most famous work is Slam Dunk, a shonen manga which focuses on the Shohoku Prefecture High School boys basketball team and their pursuit of victory.  Slam Dunk was originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan from 1990 to 1996.  Slam Dunk was so popular that it apparently helped popularize basketball in Japan and East Asia.

The spirit of the series is defined by the view that winning isn’t everything in the game of basketball, but who really wants to come in second?  Shohoku High School basketball team does not want to come in second, and they believe that they have the dedication and discipline it takes to be the best.  Captain and starting center, Takenori Akagi, dreams of making it to the finals of Nationals, and this season is his last chance.  Hotshot freshmen, like superstar Kaede Rukawa and basketball novice, Hanamichi Sakuragi, could make Akagi’s dream come true.

Slam Dunk, Vol. 31 (entitled Shohoku High School Basketball Team; Chapters 270 to 276) is the final volume of the series.  Shohoku made it through the Prefectural Tournament to Nationals to play for the national championship of Japan.  In the second round of the tournament, they face the defending national champions, Sannoh Kogyo (of Akita Prefecture).

After a good start, underdog Shohoku falls behind Sannoh by 24 points, before a furious rally cuts the deficit to eight points.  Sannoh eventually returns the lead to 18, but another rally brings Shohoku within eight of tying the game.  Hanamichi Sakuragi drives his team to fight back, and Kaede Rukawa’s talent brings the points.  Then, Sakuragi severely injures his back diving for a loose ball.

After a free throw, early in this volume, Shohoku has the lead down to five points with a little over a minute left in the game.  Both teams know that they have to give their all, because only one of them is leaving the court victorious.

So the Slam Dunk manga has come to an end with Slam Dunk Volume 31.  I’m not ready for it to be over.  Because it apparently helped popularize the sport of basketball in Japan, Slam Dunk is obviously a classic manga.  It makes one ask, “Is there a better sports comic book?”  Is there another sports manga doing for a sport what Slam Dunk did for hoops in Japan?  Could there ever be a basketball comic book or manga better than Slam Dunk?

Much of Vol. 31 has no dialogue or exposition.  Takehiko Inoue uses graphical storytelling – illustrations and lettered sound effects as graphics.  Inoue captures all that is grand and exciting about basketball as well as (if not better than) the best sports photographers.  Reading Slam Dunk is as invigorating as watching a real, live basketball game, and I don’t know if I’m ready to give that up.  I guess this isn’t really a goodbye, as VIZ Media will keep this iteration of Slam Dunk in print.  I hope so; Slam Dunk is basketball depicted as art.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Kobe Re-Ups with the Lakers

I've probably mentioned in the past that I'm a homer for the Los Angeles Lakers, so I just had to share this official Lakers press release about Kobe Bryant's (The Black Mamba) signing a new contract with the team:

Lakers Sign Kobe Bryant to Contract Extension
November 25, 2013 8:28 am PST

EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers have signed Kobe Bryant to a two-year contract extension, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

“This is a very happy day for Lakers fans and for the Lakers organization,” said Kupchak. “We’ve said all along that our priority and hope was to have Kobe finish his career as a Laker, and this should ensure that that happens. To play 20 years in the NBA, and to do so with the same team, is unprecedented, and quite an accomplishment. Most importantly however, it assures us that one of the best players in the world will remain a Laker, bringing us excellent play and excitement for years to come.”

Bryant, a five-time NBA Champion, has earned numerous accolades over the span of his 17-year career, including being selected as the NBA MVP in 2007-08 and winning the NBA Finals MVP award in 2008-09 and 2009-10. The 15-time NBA All-Star has also led the United States to gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics. Bryant has earned All-NBA honors in each of the last 15 seasons and has been named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Team 12 times.

The Lakers have appeared in postseason play in all but one season (2004-05) of Bryant’s 17 campaigns with the team, and have reached the NBA Finals seven times, winning championships in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010. The 6’6” guard scored a career-high 81 points (55 in the 2nd half) on January 22, 2006, the second highest game and half point totals in NBA history.

Originally acquired by the Lakers from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Vlade Divac on July 11, 1996 after being selected by the Hornets with the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, Bryant is the Lakers all-time leading scorer and currently ranks 4th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

THE END

Real: Goes to "A-Camp"

I read Real, Vol. 12

A review was posted at ComicBookBin.

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 2 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IMAGE COMICS

FEB130435 ACTIVITY #15 [DIG] $3.50
MAY130446 AGE OF BRONZE HC VOL 03.B BETRAYAL PT 2 (MR) $28.99
MAY130544 BEDLAM #9 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
AUG130686 BLACKACRE #11 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
AUG130576 BUSHIDO #1 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130444 CARBON GREY TP VOL 02 DAUGHTERS OF STONE $14.99
AUG130596 CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2013 CVR A MARQUEZ (MR) $4.99
AUG130597 CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2013 CVR B BA (MR) $4.99
AUG130598 CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2013 CVR C CORBEN (MR) $4.99
JUL130421 ELEPHANTMEN #51 (MR) [DIG] $3.99
AUG130698 INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #7 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130455 IT GIRL & ATOMICS ROUND TWO WORLD IS FLAT TP $14.99
JUL130528 LAZARUS #4 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
JUL130460 MACGYVER FUGITIVE GAUNTLET TP $14.99
MAR130579 MARA #6 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130532 MIND THE GAP #15 CVR A ESQUEJO [DIG] $2.99
JUL130533 MIND THE GAP #15 CVR B MCDAID $2.99
JUL130429 MORNING GLORIES #32 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
AUG130628 NON HUMANS TP VOL 01 RUNAWAY AMERICAN DREAM $14.99
AUG130709 REALITY CHECK #2 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130463 SKULLKICKERS TREASURE TROVE HC VOL 02 [DIG] $34.99
AUG130717 SPAWN #236 [DIG] $2.99
AUG130720 TODD THE UGLIEST KID ON EARTH #6 [DIG] $2.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

MAY131855 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 JOE FLACCO AF PI
MAY131858 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 ROB GRONKOWSKI AF PI

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 25 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IMAGE COMICS

JUL130516 ARTIFACTS #31 [DIG] $3.99
JAN130494 CYBER FORCE REBIRTH TP VOL 01 [DIG] $9.99
JUL130420 EAST OF WEST #6 [DIG] $3.50
JUN130542 FATALE #17 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
JUN130477 HIP FLASK UNNATURAL SELECTION 10TH ANNIV ELEPHANTMEN ED HC $16.99
JUN130547 JUPITERS LEGACY #3 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
JUN138034 JUPITERS LEGACY #3 CVR B HITCH (MR) $2.99
JUN138035 JUPITERS LEGACY #3 CVR C PHILLIPS (MR) $2.99
JUL130404 RAT QUEENS #1 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
JUL130537 REVIVAL #14 [DIG] $2.99
JUL138176 SAGA #13 2ND PTG (MR) $2.99
JUL130538 SAGA #14 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
JUL130541 SEX #7 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
JUL130403 SEX CRIMINALS #1 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
SEP120445 SOHO DIVES SOHO DIVAS LTD ED HC (MR) $49.99
SEP120444 SOHO DIVES SOHO DIVAS TP (MR) [DIG] $29.99
JUL130469 SPAWN ORIGINS TP VOL 19 $14.99
JUL130431 TODD THE UGLIEST KID ON EARTH #5 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130500 WALKING DEAD 100 PROJECT TP (MR) $12.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

MAY131850 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 AF PI
MAY131852 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 CLAY MATTHEWS AF CS PI
MAY131853 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 DEZ BRYANT AF CS PI
MAY131856 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 KAEPERNICK AF CS PI
MAY131857 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 RGIII AF CS PI
MAY131859 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 RUSSELL WILSON AF CS PI
MAY131842 TMP SPORTS NFL SERIES 32 RAY RICE AF CS PI

Book Review: SLOW GETTING UP

SLOW GETTING UP: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile
HARPER (HarperCollins Publishers) – @HarperCollins

AUTHOR: Nate Jackson
ISBN: 978-0-06-210802-9; hardcover (September 17, 2013)
256pp, B&W, $26.99 U.S.

Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile is a 2013 non-fiction book written by Nate Jackson.  Published by Harper, Slow Getting Up is a memoir about Jackson’s time in the National Football League.  This book is one of the best insider accounts about life in the NFL because it is by and about a guy who lived the NFL.

Slow Getting Up allows the reader to imagine the National Football League (NFL) without the glamorous sheen put on it by the propaganda machine from the NFL home office and its PR mavens.  Jackson talks about the NFL game without the pre-game hype and hyped-up human interest stories brought to you by ESPN, CBS Sports, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, etc.  Could the NFL still be compelling and captivating without the propaganda and hype?  I guess that depends on who is doing the selling and storytelling.

When the game is sold by an actual NFL player – when the tale is told by a man who was in the NFL trenches – when it is all put together by a man who just happens to be a talented writer, it can beat the NFL machine and its media partners at their game.  The game and tale is played and told in Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile.  The author is Nate Jackson, the former NFL player with a gift for storytelling.

From 1999 to 2001, Jackson played college football at NCAA Division III school, Menlo College, where he was an All-American.  In addition to setting many Menlo College records as a wide receiver, Jackson was also NCAA D-III Offensive Player of the Year (2001).

Jackson went undrafted in the 2002 NFL Draft, but he had a connection with legendary football coach, the late Bill Walsh.  Jackson was signed by the San Francisco 49ers, the team Walsh guided to three Super Bowl victories.  Jackson spent the duration of 2002 on the 49ers’ practice squad, but was waived after the season.  Jackson was signed by the Denver Broncos and spent six seasons there (2003-2008).  Cut after the 2008 season, Jackson signed with the Cleveland Browns, but was cut before the 2009 season began.  Jackson signed with the Las Vegas Locomotives of a new professional football league, the UFL, but never played for the team.

Reading Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile is like seeing through a window into the NFL.  The book offers so many surprising revelations.  The result could be many book reviews that are filled with spoilers that could ruin the fun of reading the book.

I will say that Nate Jackson uses Slow Getting Up to open the door on the day-to-day activities and processes of an NFL team, from the perspective of a player who is not a star.  So we see daily practice and training camps in all their micro-managed, anal retentive, over-thought anti-glory.  Jackson depicts days-off and downtime in a new light that mixes guys’-night-out with daily tedium.  Jackson even gives a glimpse of what life in the NFL Europe was like.

However, I must admit that no fan or follower of the NFL will want to miss Jackson’s recollections about his short stint with the Cleveland Browns and the Brown then coach Eric Mangini.  Jackson offers more details about the absurdity that was the Man-genius in a way ESPN never did.  The ten pages that cover Jackson’s stint with the Browns makes this book’s cover price of $26.99 a bargain.  Plus, be shocked out how the league deals with injuries.  No wonder the league is so anxious to settle that class action lawsuit over concussions and head injuries.

After reading Slow Getting Up, I believe that Nate Jackson was born to experience life and write great prose about it.  He is the kind of writer who could experience war and later turn it into the story of a lifetime.  I can only imagine the superb manuscript Jackson could have written if he’d played on the Los Angeles Lakers during the years Shaquille O’Neill and Kobe Bryant played together.  As a Major League Baseball player, Jackson probably could have written the definitive book on the use of performance enhancing drugs in the MLB.

But at least we have Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile.  Jackson may have been, in part, an end-of-the-bench player in the NFL, but Slow Getting Up belongs at the top of the pile of sports books.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 4 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IMAGE COMICS

MAY130550 A DISTANT SOIL #41 [DIG] $3.50
JUL130518 BLACKACRE #10 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
JUN130435 CHEW #36 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
JUL130526 HOAX HUNTERS #10 [DIG] $3.50
MAY130556 INVINCIBLE #105 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130527 INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #6 [DIG] $2.99
JUN130485 LEGEND OF LUTHER STRODE TP VOL 02 (MR) [DIG] $17.99
JUL130432 LOVE STORIES TO DIE FOR #1 CVR A BONK [DIG] $4.99
JUL130433 LOVE STORIES TO DIE FOR #1 CVR B GIENI $4.99
JUN130486 MORNING GLORIES TP VOL 05 $12.99
JUL130410 REALITY CHECK #1 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130539 SATELLITE SAM #3 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
JUL130543 SHELTERED #3 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130544 SPAWN #235 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130491 WALKING DEAD HC VOL 09 (MR) $34.99
JUN130570 WITCHBLADE #169 CVR A CHRISTOPHER [DIG] $2.99
JUN130571 WITCHBLADE #169 CVR B BERNARD $2.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

JUN131925 TMP NHL SERIES 33 AF PI