A very under-rated book, while other Crossgen titles seem to get more press, this one truly delivers. Atlantis, long grist for any dreamer's mind, is given a fresh look here. This isn't the Submariner's Atlantis, blue-skinned people living in a fantastic underwater city in the depths of the ocean, but rather people actually dealing with the calamity that destroyed their island, as well as adjusting to life some 100,000 years in the future. Alright, it isn't very realistic, and the parts that deal with Atlantean society are, for me, anyway, the most interesting, but one has to keep in mind that it's a comic book. It would have been nice to see them awaken to this time, when opinion seems to be evenly divided whether Atlantis is fact or fiction, but setting it faroff in the future also gives it an ironic twist to it, where they are left wondering what kind of civilization we may have once had. Honestly, the book doesn't even need all it's superhero team trappings, it succeeds just on at it's terms of being a book about Atlantis and it's characters, but, being a comic, one has to realize that much of that comes with the territory. Mark Waid is a great writer who's words often seen in a comic book, and his characterizations are dead on, a very literate comic book writer. Steve Epting has long been one of the most under-rated artists in comics, in my view one of comics's best, and his work on the Avengers a few years ago was one of the high points of the industry during the nineties. Anyone sick of the current Japinese anime art style will love his work here, few artists can master actual human expressions as Steve Epting does. Anime may have some strengths, but expression certainly isn't one of them. As I said, I would have preferred a little more of Waid and Epting's take on Atlantis, Atlantis Rising is good enough that it doesn't need to cater to the typical comic book conventions, but it is an intelligent, well written book that should keep people hooked, not only to the mystery of what happened to Atlantis, but the rest of civilization.

At the time of this review Crux and Negation are my personal favorite Crossgen titles. Crossgen has done a wonderful job of creating a very fascinating universe. It's our universe and Crux's events take place on Earth, albeit many millenia in the future. Not without cause is this title named Crux for Crossgen has promised Earth and the story told here will be...well, the crux of the Crossgen universe.

We are introduced to Atlantis and 9 key figures - the 7 Atlanteans, one human and a mysterious stranger who awakens them from stasis but refuses to tell them why. The stranger grants them an orange sigil-mark (in marked contrast to the yellow and red sigils of characters in other CG comics). And thus the mystery begins. Why did Atlantis drown? What happened to the other transitioned Atlanteans? Where has homo sapiens - the race the Atlanteans were mentoring in its infancy - gone? And why are they being attacked by strange bug-like creatures?

I agree this book is the one to give to a comics-reader who likes team superhero books as in one sense Crux is such a book. That is, it features characters wielding powers not available to ordinary humans even though these characters wear normal clothes (no spandex or capes here). Of course, by that broad definition the majority of Japanese Anime also falls into the superhero genre. Nonetheless, this team doesn't go around fighting crime. There is a depth to the story as hints are dropped of a larger epic storyline which is a feature that runs through all of Crossgen's comics. You do not need to read any other comic or graphic novel in the Crossgen universe if you don't wish. Crossgen has taken care to make sure each story can be understood and enjoyed alone. But if you choose to read some of their other comics or trades (I HIGHLY recommend Negation) a story-arc on the scale of an Epic emerges (and I do mean Epic with a capital "E").

In one sense this very coherent world has some of the same elements that make me love Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. As the story unfolds in Crux you begin to see true depth to the history, myths and legends that shaped the Atlanteans, Earth and interest is piqued in the mystery of missing humanity. Characterization is particularly strong. I got a very distinct sense of each members own personality, likes, dislikes, etc.

Here is the chance to see one conception of the beauty and history of Atlantis (the art is breathtaking - Atlantis definitely looks "Atlantean") with fascinating characters struggling in a world that has drastically changed from the one they knew. Any fantasy or science-fiction fan should give this graphic novel a shot.

Although CrossGen Comics has made a point of not doing any "superhero" comic books, Crux is definitely the book to give to your average superhero fan. It has all the elements of a superhero team -- a diverse group of people, each with a unique super power, thrust together into harrowing circumstances with the fate of the world resting on their shoulders.

Of course, like everything CrossGen does, this book has a twist. The "superheroes" in question are survivors of the lost city of Atlantis. Millennia ago, half of the Atlaneans underwent some great transformation while the rest went into cryogenic sleep on Earth to guide the developing race of humans. In the far future, seven Atlanteans are awakened to find Earth deserted, its final fate being some sort of galactic amusement park.

The question is, what happened to mankind, what happened to the other Atlanteans and what are these strange monsters called the Negation that attack the remnants of Earth?

As far as high-octane superhero mystery goes, you can't beat it. The characters are distinctive while never falling into stereotypes -- twins bicker but their powers are only strongest when together, the muscular "tough guy" of the group is really something of a pacifist. And as the title implies, this book seems to be where the keys to unlocking the mystery of the CrossGen universe lie. It also ties in very closely with another CrossGen book, "The Negation," which is also a spectacular read.

This book is the product of years of study and of walking over the ground of Dade's massacre. Unlike Custer, Dade left some survivors to tell the tale. Those of you familiar with the enormous literature on Custer will recognize the type of book "Dade's Last Command" is, a study of a single battle from as many angles as can be researched by the author. Yes, the last stand of Dade and his men mark the official opening of the Second Seminole War, a war that made and tarnished the reputations of Zachary Tayor and Winfield Scott, whose career streatched from the War of 1812 to the Civil War. But be clear this is a battle study centering around the end of Dade and his 108 men. So don't be mislead by the book jacket description.

I have just finished reading this excellent book, and I am certain that the scenes of the march and ultimate annihilation of Major Francis Dade's column by the Seminole Indians will haunt me for a long time to come, just as the movie version of this event, Naked In The Sun, did when I saw it as a child in 1957. However, unlike that film, this book is hard, unadorned reality, with the facts more incredible than any fictional trimmings. The Dade Massacre remains less than a footnote in the popular imagination only because the fall of the Alamo occurred less than 3 months afterwards; but Mr. Laumer's book will surely enlighten those who don't know about it as well as those who think they do, for the author has combed every possible avenue of research in putting together the widely scattered pieces---and often they are mere crumbs---of this story. The suspense and high drama is quite palpable, and the reader is made to feel as if he is one of Dade's soldiers as they are whittled away first on the road, and then within their pathetic log breastwork. The saga of survivor Ransom Clark, and how he somehow managed to limp and crawl his way back to Fort Brooke---over 60 miles in three days----despite multiple wounds, is truly incredible, and would not pass muster in a work of fiction. The only thing really lacking in the book is a map of the Florida of the period---1835---that would have helped readers unfamiliar with the landscape better understand where the events were taking place. However, a collection of contemporary maps and drawings of the immediate battlefield certainly make an understanding of the action there as clear as a bell; and rare portraits of some of the men involved, on both sides, provide an immediacy and a humanity to the history.

This is a great book! researched exhaustively,and for 30 years the author writes this as if you are marching right beside the doomed column.You can hear the shuffle of the feet feel the tension as they march to their deaths,and above all you feel the forlorn hope diminish with each passing hour. A GREAT GREAT BOOK. A MASTERPIECE! I CANNOT PRAISE THIS TOO HIGHLY! A great book on a forgotten time and place. WISH TED TURNER would make this into a TNT ORIGINAL MOVIE!And follow the truth of the format. A VERY GOOD STORY!

I'm assuming this is a reference to volume 3 of the Dragon's Dream 1981 reprinting of the sci-fi adventure serial: "Reign of the Robots" originally published between Feb 1957 (vol 8:8) and Jan 1958 (vol 9:4) in the British weekly comic "Eagle". This is a different publication from Hawk Books 1993 version, "Dan Dare Volume 7: Reign of the Robots & The Ship That Lived", which is longer (at 128 pages) and larger (14"x10" vs 12"x10" for the Dragon's Dream edition.) Another important difference is that the Dragon's Dream editors removed the Eagle logo which originally appeared in the upper left-hand corner of each first page of the two-page serial. In the first volume of the Dragon's Dream trilogy (The Man from Nowhere) the 1st panel on the page was re-drawn by Frank Hampson to fill the resulting space, but for this volume the existing panel was enlarged, and the effected pages were re-organized to compensate.

This is a complete adventure only marginally related to the preceding volumes. Returning to Earth after his adventures in "Rogue Planet" Colonel Dan Dare of Spacefleet discovers that his archenemy, the ruthless Venusian superbrain 'the Mekon', has conquered the Earth. The Mekon wishes to exploit Col. Dare's abilities in order to conquer the universe, but Dare is able to elude the dictator's grasp and ally himself with resistance movements on Earth and Venus. Dare and his friends pit their ingenuity against the Mekon's centralized dictatorship enforced by his personally directed army of robots.

The artwork is superb though the story, written in the late '50's, is a bit campy. Although not explicitly credited, it is my understanding that the script was written by Frank Hampson and Allan Stranks and illustrated by the Eagle studio team Frank Hampson, Harold Johns, Greta Tomlinson, Keith Watson, and Don Harley.

An excellent example of Frank Hampson's work. This particular story has been reprinted TWICE since the day it first appeared in Eagle. The First time was in 1981 as the third book in a three part series published by Dragon's Dream. The pages are reduced in size and the Eagle masthead has been removed and replaced with some new artwork by Frank Hampson. The Second time it was published was in 1993 as book 7 in a 12 book series published by Hawk Books. It appears with another story, the ship that lived in the Hawk Book, which is a full size reprint of the original strip.

This book, although it can be read separately, is in fact the third book in a trilogy. The trilogy is both the author's creativity peak and the zenith of the SF comic books in the 1950-ties. Some twenty years ago, Hampson received award as the best SF comic book author at the internationally strip festival in Lucca, Italy, for he had set several standards for SF comic books, illustration and design.
Colonel Dan Dare returns with his small crew after many years, from a successful mission on the distant "Rogue Planet" (which is the title of the second book) and finds the Space fleet base and the town of London deserted. While searching for clues and survivors through the ghost town the small group has been closely observed by somebody or something... It would be a shame to reveal the plot of this exciting and wonderfully illustrated masterpiece to the potential reader

This has become a new favorite in our house. Everyone loves to point out the funny goings on, giggle over them and then try to imitate the dancin' in the book. We now have the tape too! Wendy Gelsanliter has come out with a wonderful tape that includes this song as well as some renditions of other fun songs. A word of warning however: if you read this book at bedtime, be prepared for requests to "READ IT AGAIN!"

Dancin' In The Kitchen is a festive celebration of food, music and family. The story dances across the pages with bright, rhythmic illustrations; and even ends with the children helping grandpa do the dishes!

Gelsanliter and Christian have created a wonderfully playful book that kids will eat up. Every time I read it to our kids, their eyes light up as the the sing-song story pulls the reader through fabulous illustrations. The artist who decorated the book has a fauvist, Matisse-like style that engergizes the written words. I anxiously await the next course!

The comment above may sound like I don't like this book, but this is one of the Top 5 I've read so far. However, that may soon not be in the Top 5 since I read so many of these books. I can't think of any worst part in the book, except that I couldn't get to Page 12. I read every other page then that one, yet I just couldn't get to that adventure. Maybe I just read the "Turn to Page..." directions wrong. But still, that doesn't mean the book is bad. Besides the worst part, the best parts are where you sneak into the park, capture Dr. Bok, and go on the Black Hole. I especially like the "alternate universe". It must be more thrilling than ever to go in that ride. It's too bad this isn't a real story. Well, that's all I can say about this one. Don't miss it.

I like this book because the rides are cool, and because even though it's not right, sneak into the park to have fun--until you go to Transylvania Island and find Dr. Ivring Bok, and get into some trouble with the vampire too. When I read the book I heard about the Black Hole roller coaster I really knew that ride was going to be exciting. This was one of the favorite books of the series that I read and really liked.

I myself have never read this book, but i have read almost every other in the series and i am amazed at how well they are written

The book covers many subjects but none in any great detail. A good book for beginners like me but it also left me with more questions.

I knew nothing!!! This book was perfect, I learned everything about boats, boating, the rules of the sea, little tidbits that will save you or your boat. Perfect for a beginner

I really liked the book. It explains stuff so people who misunderstand the fundamentals of sailing and boating can learn easy!

Have you ever tried to find superhero based novels that are the author's creation? That aren't based on anything you see on the comic books stands? Well then look no further. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Cyber Age. With a constantly changing website, gorgeous artwork, and some damn friggin' good stories, Cyber Age Adventures is definately one of the few good works of superhero fiction out there. But this is a review on the book. =) Although I didn't find the three chapter method to be necessary, these stories were originally posted as a 3-part story with the website/fan mail. But the flow of each one is still very well done. Each hero has his or her flaws that make him or her just a little bit more human in nature. And the use of the super abilties in new and interesting ways make it for an even more interesting read. For superhero fans out there, I'd recommend this in a heart beat. For those that like superheroes, but don't want to buy monthly, overpriced comics, then grab this book while you can.

I checked this out on a lark, in the mood for something light and harmless. Instead I found an absorbing series of stories about a diverse cast of characters. It's superheroes for grownups, superheroes who have problems with their parents or their friends or their jobs or their car payments that are as real, and sometimes more dangerous, than their problems with the supervillain of the week.

I was really impressed with this anthology. The authors show a lot of talent and a lot of promise, and they've made a credible attempt to make the superhero genre into a literary experience -- without sacrificing innovating new powers or exciting fight scenes. It's definitely worth a look.

True heroism is not about flying at the speed of sound or walloping the bad guys with expert martial arts ease or blasting through concrete with fist-propelled laser beams. No, true heroism comes from within, and the 'within' is all-too-human... all-too-real. This is what CyberAge never fails to tap into: the human reality, the power we all have and that we can all grasp onto, if only we choose to do so. The fantasy of these stories is undeniable, but the gritty realism hidden beneath is what makes them breathe, what makes them move... what makes them important. A must read!

This graphic novel by Frank Miller and Bill Sienkiewicz is one heck of a story. The graphic art complements this story as you are moved by the images. The story is compelling as it pschological moves you to uderstand each character. The art work is splended as you are fed with the right amount of colors, with th eright kind of colors depending on the situation.

This is a pschological drama and therefore, action is noticably missing. Don't misuderstand me, there are a couple of scenes, but the hero is not well represented in this area. This I think is to a fault. After all, one does expect certian things from certian charaters. With Daredevil, you expect a human drama with some action.

All in all, however, that may be more a matter of taste then principle and it should not stop any collector from getting this book. The story represents the mind as well as the soul of humans: good vs evil. An old story, but done with originality.

A must read for those who love his art!

Comics/Graphic novels are for me a unique form of storytelling. Combining image with text in a controlled format. As a filmmaker I strive to blend dialogue and image to tell a story. In the study of improvisation there is a saying "Show; don't tell." and of course we all know the "a picture is worth a thousand words". In comics the artists have an opportunity to do this with every frame - a still frame that lets us use our imagination to provide motion and rhythm and sound. Although I have many favorite books - Dark Night Returns, Kingdom Come, The Killing Joke, Marvels - by far Love and War is the peak of storytelling for me. Frank Miller is an excellent storyteller, not only because of his original concepts and details but also because he is a master revisionist. The ability to take a character we already know and love and to get us to learn more about them and love them even more is remarkable. In Love and War Mr. Miller tackles the Kingpin, giving us insight into his personal makeup, letting us see why he is so cold and calculating and in a small way, accepting him as a person. It is devestating to understand and accept the "bad guy" and makes us realize the difficulty in being a true hero all the more. It is in Love and War that Mr. Miller manages to transcend Good vs. Evil and show us how things just are. Bill Sienkiewicz is the perfect artist for this story. His images are just as graceful, violent, distorted and colorful as the world can be. I can spend quite some time on each frame of this book noting details, following the motion of his brush stroke and deciphering the thousand words implied in each picture. He shows what Miller doesn't tell. All in all they combine to excute a fantastic story brilliantly told.

This is not really a 'diary' of lillie Langtry. Lillie's life (and her real-life acting tours across the USA) is used as a literary conceit to put together a series of biographies of contempoaray 'famous' american women.

A lot of these women had quite significant achievements in their lifetime, but I had never heard of them before.

While I found their lives interesting I was dissapointed to see how little the author developed Lillie's Life story. Beware of the 'other rememberances' in this book's title, because they, not lillie, take up the bulk of the book.

Buy this if you are interested in a series of biographies on dis-seperate, but ground breaking women - don't buy it if you want an interesting book on Lillie Langtry, because in the end it's not really about her, despite the title.

I was greatly surprised at the approach Ms. Harper took with this book. Lillie has been written about for a very long time and her own biography has been of great enjoyment. The lady traveled extensively which gives credence to the stories in this book, put together in a novel form by Ms. Harper. Lillie did in fact meet the likes of Bat Masterson, the Moon sisters et al. Harper has taken archival files and pieced together the lady's life well. Her attempt at purchasing a huge piece of property outside of Middletown, CA was a flash in the pan, compared to recent stories and Harper puts it together honestly.
Yes, the book is about women and Lillie is the linkpin. It's worth the read and very much worth keeping on your shelf.

Reads like an exciting anthology of short stories. Ms. Langtry shines as a real heroine of her time. And all the traveling she did on horseback, carriage and boat must have consumed her spare time. Very much worth the read.

wonderful reading. frank, pick up miss plastini,2 midlnd gardens going to la gurdia. check,check.

this is a marvelous dictionary. it is truly comprehensive covering everything "performing". I recommend it for anyone with an interest in the performing arts from professionals to buffs. even for those who want to "fake" it. here's where to get your terms right!

The best thing about this dictionary, for me, is the treatment of the basic terms of drama that came originally from Aristotle and, here at least, are applied to the basic principles of modern theater in a lucid and meaningful manner.