Vampires, Zombies and… Well, I can’t give away the last one without spoiling the book, but let’s just say it fits. Naturally Chadthulhu had to make an appearance. Continue reading “Dunc reads: Mini-reviews for May”
David Eddings has passed away
The author of the bestselling Belgariad and Malloreon fantasy series has died last night at the age of 77. As one of the giants of epic 80’s fantasy, Eddings has been an inspiration and influence to many.
How not to meet VIPs: Twilight edition
Ladies (and gents, if so inclined) it is NEVER cool to ask folks to sign your sex toys. Even if it is just an action figure with a battery pack.
In less mind-sporking Twilight news, have you heard about the woman who found a New Moon script in the trash?
Dunc reads: Mini-reviews of April books
Late again… I have no good excuse. Nor for why I only read three books in the whole month. (I haven’t even finished one in May yet, though I’m working on it.) Stupid sexy internet. Continue reading “Dunc reads: Mini-reviews of April books”
Important questions: Space opera or military sci-fi?
io9 asks What’s the difference between space opera and military sci-fi? I won’t tell you their answer, but mine involves the fact that straight military sci-fi almost always bores me to death. You?
It’s Free Comic Day, leave the house!
There’s a Star Wars comic this year (okay, okay, so it’s a Clone Wars) and everything, plus some folks doing signings. You know the drill.
I would recommend trying out some Vertigo trades as well: Sandman, Fables and Y: The Last Man are good bets, though not exactly for kids.
Tomorrow is Free Comic Book Day!
Here’s Hugh Jackman to help you remember.
So how did Star Wars books sell in ’08?
Andrew Wheeler has made a habit of rounding up genre bestsellers from Publishers Weekly’s list, and if you separate out the Star Wars stuff, an interesting trend emerges:
In Adult Hardcovers:
- Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Sean Williams, 103,232
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars by Karen Traviss, 101,146
- Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Invincible, Troy Denning, 101,034
And in New Children’s paperback:
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Tracey West, 190,700
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Battle at Teth, Kirsten Mayer, 186,282
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The New Padawan, Eric Stevens, 152,661
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Intergalactic Adventure: Activity Book, no author listed, 119,621
- Star Wars Fandex, Christopher Cerasi, 103,191
In short, The Clone Wars kids books sold significantly more copies than the adult books. Behold, the power of a theatrical release…
Interesting, if rather sad factoid: Stephenie Meyer outsells everyone. No, seriously. But then, in a year where Dean Koontz outsells Stephen King, can we really be surprised?
Morning news sarcasm: High culture, low culture
High culture, with bunnies. A friend of mine actually went to see this production of Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre involving lightsabers, but us uncultured barbarians are probably better off with Chuck Jones and DVDs.
High culture, geek edition. Does the world really need another Tolkien book? Apparently, yes.
It’s on TV! Variety’s Season Pass blog has a great interview with Lost‘s Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof. Sorry, no snark here: If you watch the show, this is a must-read.
Video games. Bad reviews make creators sad? Come on guys, you work for LucasArts. Embrace the pain.
Uncomfortable plot summaries are sweeping the internet
Here’s a taste:
STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE: Religious extremist terrorists destroy government installation, killing thousands.
STAR WARS: EMPIRE STRIKES BACK: Boy is abused by midget, kisses sister, attempts patricide.
STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI: Handicapped mass murderer kills septugenarian, is lauded.