Hydrophidian continues in the same far future setting in Manning's first novella - Spider Garden. In this novella, we meet the serpentine sisters Lichurna and Squamata, who play with rubber encased naiads in a drowned cathedral. Squamata transforms Lichurna's free willed concubine into a leather bound slave. And Shaalis's slave Okami is the subject of a raid by her former master, Verio.

Once again, the settings and the characters are original and beautifully rendered. This book has something to appeal to almost everyone - elaborate latex/leather costumes, bondage, bestiality, and pan/bisexuality. This book is inventive and exciting.

This book is stunning. The art is exceptional and the storyline is pretty darn good too. My only complaint would be that there isn't isn't a lot of story, but it's a *graphic* novel so what does one expect? What story there is is quite gripping. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone with an eye for the unique and different. If you are looking for standard whitebread playboy-porn this isn't for you, but everyone else click that little "add to shopping chart button" NOW!

S&M and fetish aspects certain to please everyone. If this book does nothing for you sexually, get the series at least for the interesting concepts, art and stories. The series of books this is part of is the crowning piece of my erotica and graphic images colloection. Everyone I have shown the books to wants a copy - this book you must see to believe - WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENTS CERTAIN TO PLEASE EVEN THE MORE ODD SEXUAL TASTES

I am not sure if I was looking for a graphic novel with a story, versus a book of individual illustrations, or what... but once I eagerly tore the book from it's brown amazon box and opened it, I was fairly dissappointed. The art is exceptional.... it is rare to see black and white ink drawings that are so elegant in the use of line... but I was hopeing for a little more meat. A little more intrigue to pull me in, be it a story, or more unusual looking art. I found many of the drawings to be flat and elementary in their dipiction of crude sex acts and S&M... whie others were amazing... a few fluid strokes of ink produced a horse that is twisting and turning in different angles, or a man who is reaching up, and dispite little to NO detail in his arms and muscles, you precieve depth... amazing. Overall, id you are interested in line art, or S&M, this book is worth a look.... but if you are looking at something that will draw you into erotic graphic novels then I suggest any book starring Druuna (such as Morbus Gravis, or, my favorites: Creatura and Aphrodisia), or Girl by Kevin Taylor. For a better Manning book, check out Transceptor. This book is worth a look, but may not be worth the money.

Lumenagerie is a showcase of various drawings but Michael Manning. He has sections on avian dominatix's, a tranditional female domme, canine submissives, strap one service, maids/sissy maids, ponies and finally a variety of bestial beings engaging in sex.

Michael Manning is famous for high quality, imaginative erotic illustrations with BDSM and pansexual themes. This particular book is a catalog of various themes that repeat themselves in his other novellas. Interesting if you already like Manning. Otherwise, start with Tranceptor (mainly hetero stuff) or Spider Garden (more pan sexual - i.e. if you are homophobic it might bother you).

I keep all of Manning's books inside of a secret library, because they are too risque to keep on my bookshelf. I love erotic art, and this is defintely one of them.

I love the illustrations, the were so raw yet sensual. He so creative, in the way he draws, capturing sexuality at it core.

Father Manning does a wonderful job describing the historical background of euthanasia and developing a frame of reference for the discussion of euthanasia in today's society. In exploring the concepts of self-determination, compassionate care for the dying and the important disctinction between killing and allowing to die, Father Manning quickly brings the reader up to speed on the subject. The author goes further into the ethics of euthanasia by presenting the slippery slope argument and the principle of the common good. The book has an extensive bibliography and citations from varied sources that include leading ethicists, as well as Cardinal Bernadin and Pope John Paul II. Father Manning's intelligent prose draws the reader into serious contemplation of this complex topic. Filled with many points-of-departure for thought and prayer!

The author of this book launched a second career as a priest. He now serves as pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish in Hamilton Township, NJ. Manning comments :"There's a sense of fatalism that can seize people of good will. That's why it's so important that we talk about it." Manning brings a unique and knowledgeable perspective to this crucial issue. As a physician he speaks from experience. As a priest/ethicist he brings moral/spiritual depth to the discussion. The whole issue of euthanasia brings to mind the easy accommodation that Nazi doctors reached regarding their horrendous experimentation on the "expendable" Jews and other victims in the Holocaust. What looks like a humane issue at first glance, yields disturbing portents upon further examination. Read Manning's book !

I like this series more with each book. Journalist Mark Manning is a likable, thinking man's hero, and his lover, young architect Neil Waite makes an appealing foil. The more Michael Craft developes these characters and their relationship, the more I like his mysteries--although, I gotta say, the religious fanatic thing is getting real old (there ARE other motivations for evil). Mark and Neil talk more than most gay protagonists, and about an interesting variety of topics. Craft has toned down the artificiality which affected characters and dialouge in FLIGHT DREAMS, first book of the series. Craft has plotted a solid mystery this time with plenty of action, and I particularly liked the way he handled the threat which developed in Mark and Neil's relationship (although it was far too easily and unrealistically resolved). I look forward to the next installment.

The second in the Mark Manning series, Craft tells a tale of political intrigue mixed with religious and sexual overtures. The reader becomes totally engrossed as the story centers around a most sinister plot involving the religious right, the President of the United States, and the cut-throat world of journalism. The story also delves into the main character as he struggles with his sexuality and his relationship with his lover, Neil. This is a must read for all who enjoy vivid storytelling populated with intriguing characters. It is a perfect follow-up the author's first in the series, "Flight Dreams."

It has been two years since Chicago Tribune reporter Mark Manning came out of the closet to admit in print that he is gay and living with his lover, architect Neil Waite. The pair is committed to each other and their careers. Mark is working with David Bach, a cub reporter, on a potentially prize winning story. However, David hero worships wants Mark and wants him as his lover. This situation places Mark's personal relationship with Neil at risk.

Although their relationship becomes strained and severely tested, Mark expects his lover to understand that he is not perfect. Meanwhile, the story that Mark and David are covering centered on a conspiracy involving the Millennium 2000 celebration turns deadly. In some manner, a phony astrophysicist, a dead reporter, and a Christian fundamentalist are tied together. It is up to Mark to learn what binds these people together before the country is dramatically changed.

EYE CONTACT picks up where FLIGHT DREAMS left off by focusing on the mystery and the growth of the man coming to terms with his sexual preference. The who-done-it is well plotted and interesting, but the beauty of this novel lies in Mark's struggles to understand what makes a relationship work. Michael Craft demonstrates he is an artist as he crafts a beautiful relationship drama that is superior to most on the market today. Harriet Klausner

Like other Craft fans, I discovered "Flight Dreams" after reading the second in the Mark Manning series "Eye Contact". For that reason, I can be more objective, I think.

Every writer is constantly developing, changing, experimenting, and growing in his/her chosen profession. Craft's first mystery is a prime example of an author "testing the waters". While the killer's identity was somewhat easy to determine, the author populates the book with some fascinating, if slightly improbable, characters. Craft's attention to character is also evident with the personal life of protagonist Manning.

And the vivid descriptions of the locales and the adornments show a man that appreciates the aesthetic.

"Flight Dreams" doesn't quite ascend into the far reaches of space, but it does get airborne.

And what better way to spend leisure time than by being curled up with an entertaining and carefree escape from the daily grind?

Michael Craft has tied together several stories here that have equal emphasis. A tale of repressed desires, a straight forward mystery tale, and a condemnation of the religious right. The combination does not always work -- but at the conclusion I can say I am left wanting to read more.

Having been trained as both a writer and an architect, I may be a bit biased in favor of the characters, but the dialog is truly in need of help. It alternated between florid prose and stiff barks... does anyone speak like this?

As the start of a new series, I can say the protagonist is likable without being syrupy sweet, and the action moves along at a good pace. Enjoy the story as it is laid out and you will be left ready to read another in the series.

Flight Dreams is another one of those books that you want to keep reading. Great character development and enough continuing plot lines to know that Mark Manning is going to have more dead bodies to trip over in the future! This is definitely a fun read! I have read every book in the Mark Manning series, and Flight Dreams was a great kickoff. This book is the first of a series that just gets better.

Right now, Brennan is one of my favorite authors, so even though this book sounded a little skeptical, I had to have it. I was a little disappointed to realize there were so many blank pages with like three words on each page and some pictures and stuff. There was probably only about 75 pages of real reading and that, was double-spaced.

For those pages, it was good, however, I'd recommend "Ragamuffin" or "Ruthless Trust" or his new "A Glimpse of Jesus" before reading this one if you want the full Brennan experience. There are several typos in the book which distracted me because I felt more like I was an editor rather than an avid reader. That normally shouldn't be in published books, right?

However, there were a few words that touched my soul and made me think hard about the crucified Christ. For that alone, I can't allow typos or few words on pages to hold me back from giving it an average rating, but sadly, this is the lowest rating I've ever given a book by Brennan.

I found 'Above All' a wonderful read, and perfect in length. A rather short read and amazing personal insights from Manning to the reader. To reach the point as to where Brennan is in faithfulness with Abba and his will to spread it as he sees it is unique and powerful! I think I'll re-read it again ... and again ....

Seems this one, by Manning, is obsessed with crossdressers/TV themes. The art isn't as good as others, the stories shorter. Wasn't to happy with this one in general. If you're not into boys dressed as girls taking it um.... .... ... run and hide....

Cathexis is collection of Manning's work that had previously been self published from 1987 to 1992. It contains short features, poetry and a few individual sketches. Some of the longer pieces include:

Red Time - a short story about a young man, Gehenna, who is possessed by hallucinations caused by a seemingly harmless metal box Stunner - a tales of lesbian domination Circes House - the feminization of a young man Brahma - a woman can't stay away from a genetically modified dog left in her care Vague Terrain - a sexual encounter where everyone has a different orientation

This book is executed in Manning's heavy, black line illustration that is very reminiscent of Japanese wood cuts. His story lines are either very simple (straight sex) or very convoluted (SF mixed with SM). I prefer his longer works (Spider Garden or Hydrophybian), which allow the plot to develop more meaningfully.

Overall, both the illustration and writing style are uniquely Manning. If you are not offended by the pan sexual or bestiality themes, these books are extremely interesting

Where do I begin with this book, littered with writings by second-hand-dealers of information from holders of glorified government jobs (academics)? Armchair leaders, who would perish without the comfort of the Ivory Tower (Noam Chomsky). I should start by saying that such foolishness could only come from a university setting. In no other case would people spend so much time trying to talk away things that have been demonstrated to be foolish by the experience of others.

A few examples:

1. Manning Marable's article compares Booker T. Washington to Louis Farrakhan? Huh? Huh? Huh? This person is selling himself as a professor of history, yet he doesn't know that the main idea of what Washington said was to AVOID trying to find a political resolution to every single problem? Louis Farrakhan generates lots of heat but doesn't shed very much light on what would be *realistic* solutions to the problems in black America.

2. Empty Phrases used every third page or so, like "People of Color." Anyone who can read the Statstical Abstract of the United States knows that peole of color have nothing in common other than being non-white. The similarities stop right there in terms of income, incarceration rates and representation in "higher" professions. Everyone seems to have looked right past this in their quest to have some subjects to generate a leadership position for himself.

3. There are almost no specific numbers or studies here. So Howard Zinn will say things like: "We are wealthy enough for full employment and free education as well a free health care for everyone." But other countries (i.e., Canada and Britain) have found out that it is one thing to promise something and then quite another to support the bureaucracy that will carry this out. A systematic study of what has really happened in other countries that have tried these grandiose ideas might change the minds of these academics. But, as always, evidence is neither mentioned nor presented. But these articles are ALL very light in terms of their analytical gravitas.

Bottom line #1: Black America has been set back a good long way by relying on arguments like these presented in this book. If anything, reading this book has made me even MORE conservative. Bottom line #2: The government cannot legislate every problem out of existence. (See Sub-Saharan Africa/ China for textbook examples.)

This slim book is a nice introduction to a lot of amazing political writers. It is just an introduction and does not go into any real depth. At the cost, it is not worth it to get the hardcover. Get the paperback.

Leave this one alone and get the full 6 volumes if you can. This editorised, sanitised, dull version should be avoided.