Supreme: The Story of the Year

Even if you've never read a book by Alan Moore you've probably seen a movie based on this graphic novels like From Hell staring Johnny Depp, V for Vendetta with Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman and the forgettable League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. That's not to say that the incredibly dense with literary references League of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novel wasn't amazing. Regardless, I digress.

In Supreme: The Story of the Year Moore takes over the writing duties of Supreme. A character who was created by Rob Liefeld as a blatant rip off of Superman. However, with the introduction of Moore to this title he was able to throw away all of the past continuity of the series and reboot the title to pay homage to the Silver Age Superman.

In this revision of the comic the character Supreme is aware that he is being revised, in an early story he even visits a reality where all of the former versions of Supreme live. He also comments on how his memory is full of holes which is due to the fact that his back story is not written yet. Moore uses this quest where Supreme is determined to fill in his memory as an opportunity to add to the Supreme mythos while advancing the plot of the series. This concept of a meta narrative is continued throughout the entire book.

If you enjoy a book in which the characters are constantly breaking the fourth wall or if you are just a fan of the silver age of comics, Supreme: The Story of the Year is the book for you.

Anna's Third Birthday

Well today Anna turned three years old. We spent a quiet evening at home having supper with friends. We had a cupcake cake and opened presents after dessert. Her favorite present was a baby doll we bought for her that comes with it's own stroller and bassinet. I will post up some video of the event as soon as I have a chance to convert it.

Also, Anna got a real nice virtual birthday card from her aunt Cathy.

Next up is a pool party on Sunday with all of her friends plus Granddad Simon and Grandma Donna will be in town to celebrate as well.

The Sharing Knife: Legacy

Multiple award winning author Lois McMaster Bujold returns with the second installment of her latest fantasy series The Sharing Knife: Legacy.

The story picks up immediately after the events of The Sharing Knife: Beguilement as we join our heroic couple Dag Redwing and Fawn Bluefield a scant few hours after they are married. They now have to travel back to Dag's home to explain their forbidden marriage to Dag's kin.

While I did think that the characterization, which is a strength of all of McMaster Bujold's work, was great I still was a bit disappointed with this book. The main plot thread running through the entire novel was whether or not folk could learn to accept Dag and Fawn's marriage. I guess that doesn't really speak to me as it seems like such a foreign concept that it did not hold much drama for me at all.

It was a good read but it won't be going to the top of my stack anytime soon. For some great fantasy work by her check out the Chalion series.

Brasyl

Brasyl is the latest novel by Irish author Ian McDonald. It is not really of sequel of River of Gods but it does continue on in the same vein as he speculates on the future of a country's culture when faced with the daunting challenges of the Information Age.

However, unlike River of Gods which only takes place in a futuristic India, the narrative in Brasyl takes place in the 2032, 2006 and 1732.

While individually I enjoyed each of the individual stories I kept expecting them to tie together more tightly. When they eventually do it feels forced and it seems to be setting up for a sequel rather than concluding the story.

I can't say I recommend this book at this time. Perhaps if a sequel is introduced it will all make more sense. For an Ian McDonald book I do recommend please check out the previously mentioned River of Gods.

Veronica Mars Season 1

So we finished watching Veronica Mars Season 1 and we were really impressed. So much so we will be looking for seasons two and three of this critically acclaimed but canceled series.

The premise of the show is quite unique. The titular character Veronica Mars, played by Kristen Bell, was once popular in her high school, that is until her best friend is brutally murdered and her father the town sheriff pursues the dead teen's family as murder suspects. Since this family is rich and powerful they use their influence to get him removed as Sheriff. The dogged persistence of the Mars family to uncover the true killer ostracize Veronica from her boyfriend, the dead girls brother, and all of her popular friends at school.

Now she works with her father at his detective agency while going to school and trying to fit in to her new role as an outsider.

In each episode Veronica solves a case usually brought to her by the outcasts of Neptune High. The back story of the first season deals with the hunt for the true killer of Lilly Kane.

The show is excellently written and acted. The scripts do not pull any punches and deal with adult themes lacking in most shows dealing with high school. It's very entertaining and I recommend everyone picks it up.

Caffeine Nap

LifeHacker provides details on how to improve your mid-day nap by combining it with a cup of coffee.

Ah coffee, is there nothing you can not do.

Boba Fett Hoodie

I know that Christmas is about 3 months away but I just wanted to make all family members aware that Ecko has just release a line of Star Wars influenced clothing. My personal favourite is the Boba Fett hoodie.