Road to Perdition

The Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins (2004)

Description: Rock Island, Illinois - 1929. Michael O'Sullivan is a good father and a family man - and also the chief enforcer for John Looney, the town's Irish Godfather of crime. As Looney's "Angel of Death," O'Sullivan has done the bidding of Chicago gangsters Al Capone and Frank Nitti as well - but when a gangland execution spells tragedy for the O'Sullivan family, a grieving father and his adolescent son find themselves on a winding road of treachery, revenge, and revelation.

Review: This was most definitely an interesting historical graphic novel. Having grown up near the Chicago area, I am well acquainted with the mobsters in the book. It was interesting to see them woven into this most interesting gangland that Collins created. There is also an underlying lesson about who we truly find to be evil based on their actions. Even though this story takes place back during the depression, it still is something we can learn from today. A really great read, especially if you enjoy mysteries or noir.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Chibi Vampire Volume 2

Chibi Vampire, Volume 2 by Yuna Kagesaki (2006)

Description: Kenta sees Karin at work and school, each day serving as a reminder that something about the girl with the oft-bloody nose just isn't right! He's suspicious... and he's not exactly subtle about it.

Fearing that he might discover her secret, Karin decides to ill this potential problem- with kindness! She goes out of her way to do all kinds of nice things for him. But when Kenta catches her "feeding" yet again, the gig may be up So what's a vampire girl to do? Why, take the boy home to met her parents, of course!

Review: Another cute installment in the Karin saga. It is obvious that there is something between Kenta and Karin, but how long will it take them to figure it out. This really is a cute and humorous little series. I highly recommend it.

Score: 4 out of 5

Bleach Volume 3: Memories in the Rain

Bleach Volume 3: Memories in the Rain by Tite Kubo (2004)

Description: Ichigo Kurosaki was a little boy when his mother passed away. One rainy day, Ichigo, whose ability to see the undead is a blessing and a curse, tried to stop a young girl from drowning in a nearby river. His mother, Masaki, ran after them, frantically trying to rescue her only son. Then everything went black, and Ichigo awoke only to discover his mother dead and the little girl gone.

It's the anniversary of Masaki's death, and the entire Kurosaki clan, along with former Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki, head to the cemetery to pay their respects. Sleeping demons rarely ever stay still and pretty soon Ichigo confronts the Grand Fisher, the Hollow that may be responsible for his mother's demise.

Review: The continuing saga that is Bleach continues to intrigue me. This particular story was sad but revealing. The emotions that go into each of these stories is apparent and makes me want to continue to read the entire series. This really is a great series that everyone should read.

Score: 4 out of 5

Rurouni Kenshin Volume 1

Ruroni Kenshin, Volume 1 by Nobuhiro Watsuki (2003)

Description: 140 years ago in Kyoto, with the coming of the American "black Ships," there arose a warrior who, felling men with his bloodstained blade, gained the name Hitokiri, man slayer! His killer blade helped close the turbulent Bakumatsu era and slashed open the progressive age known as Meiji. Then he vanished, and with the flow of years, became legend.

In the 11th year of Meiji, in the middle of Tokyo, the tale begins. Himura Kenshin, a humble rurouni, or wandering swordsman, comes to the aid of Kamiya Kaoru, a young woman struggling to defend her father's school of swordsmanship against attacks by the infamous Hitokiri Battosai. But neither Kenshin nor Battosai are quite what they seem...

Review: This story was most interesting. I also enjoyed all of the historical aspects to it as well. I really did not know that much about the Meiji period and find it fascinating to learn more about it. The character development is great and I really can't wait to learn more about Kenshin.

Score 4 out of 5

A History of Violence

A History of Violence by John Wagner (2004)

Description: It's just another quiet day in small-town, USA, until a couple of wanted killers walk into Tom McKenna's diner looking for trouble. When Tom gives them more than they bargained for, he and his family are thrust into the kind of white-hot media spotlight that attracts a lot of attention - and questions about Tom's past. Is he really an easygoing small town guy, or is there something more?

Review: The concept behind the book is a very interesting one. We live in such a violent society that the violence inside of the book isn't really that shocking anymore. This story is a character study into what a small decision can do to change a person's life entirely. I was not too fond of the artistic style of the book. It was drawn to stark and at times it seemed sloppy. If another style had been adopted, it could have been more interesting. I have seen the movie that is based off of this novel and found it more interesting than the book. Nonetheless, I think it is still worth a look. However, if you have a weak stomach, this perhaps is not the book for you as there are many truly graphic illustrations.

Score: 3.5 out of 5

Movie Connections: Now a major motion picture directed by David Cronenberg and nominated for the Palm d'Or Award at the Cannes Film festival, A History of Violence is a nonstop psychological thriller about a man with a secret past who will do anything to keep it that way.