“The Templar Chronicles: The Heretic” by Joseph Nassise

“The Templar Chronicles: The Heretic”
by Joseph Nassise
Multi-cast performance
Published by GraphicAudio
Approx 6 hours

I started listening to this audiobook on a Friday the 13th, and didn’t realize the synchronicity of my starting on that date and the subject matter until I had arrived at work.  I work in radio, and on one of the newscasts the news announcer talked about the origins of the fear of Friday the 13th, one of the reasons listed was that on a Friday the 13th Pope Pious ordered the murder of all the Knights of the Templar due to rumors of dabbling in witchcraft and other acts of heresy.  After starting this book and hearing that discussion, I knew I was listening to the right audiobook.

Other than the synchronicity of the date another reason I knew I was listening to the right audiobook was that it is published by GraphicAudio.  GraphicAudio doesn’t put out mere audiobooks, the create what they call “A Movie in your Mind.”  Every time I have listened to an audiobook from them I am amazed at the quality of their productions.  They use top notch voice actors and their music and sound effects make all their books come to full 3D life.  Previously from them I have listened to their audiobooks created from DC comics.  Their bringing to life the otherworldly sounds and battles between superheroes and super-villains is just unreal.  This book has a lot of characteristics of comic books including super-powers and otherworldly villains and GraphicAudio was the perfect choice for this audiobook, because GraphicAudio knows how to bring these subjects to life.

I say that this book has some superhero/comic book characteristics and after doing a bit of research on the book, I found that the author has turned this into a comic book series, which sadly is now out of print.  Maybe they’ll print a trade-paperback.  Either way I feel as though I have heard the full effect of the book by listening to this, yet another, mind-blowing special effects extravaganza that goes into every GraphicAudio production.

At the end of the First Crusade, the church created a monastic military order known as the Knights Templar.   They were the official warriors for Christendom but when they were captured and tortured into false confessions, many were burned at the stake and the Pope disbanded the order.  This only led to the knights becoming the stuff of legend.  Now, rising up from the ashes of history, they are the Vatican’s last defense in the war between good and evil.

The desecration of Templar cemeteries has sparked a full-scale investigation.  Leading this investigation is Cade Williams, who is no ordinary man. His ability to cross over to the other side and touch a person or item and see its past makes him uniquely qualified to command the Church’s special operations division.  As a modern-day Knight, Cade can use the curse that has scarred his soul as a weapon against the forces of darkness, but this curse/power has also branded him as a heretic among some of the higher-ups in the Vatican.

Cade and his team soon discover that cabal of necromancers and sorcerers is behind it all. Their purpose: to claim the legendary powers of a lost holy relic, the Spear of Longinus, for their own ungodly campaign.  Cade takes on a new member of his team who also has a special power of his own.  Cade also has the ability to see special abilities and forces (both good and evil) and sees that the leader of the Knights Templar’s aid, Duncan, has the ability to heal with his hands.  Combining powers they must battle demons, zombies, and sorcerers to protect the Spear, the world and all known reality.

In what is a cross between a Frank Miller comic book, an Indiana Jones adventure, and a Seal Team 6 mission,  Joseph Nassise has written an excellent action adventure novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the superb audio production from GraphicAudio will push you off and right into the middle of the action.  What is even better, is that this is only book one of a three book series, so that means more to come.

“Tough Sh*t; Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good” by Kevin Smith

“Tough Sh*t; Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good”
Written and Read by Kevin Smith
Published by Penguin Audio (2012)
Approx. 6 hours.

First and foremost I have to admit I am a Kevin Smith Fanboy, but even more so now. Although I don’t think I can call myself a full-fledged Fanboy since I don’t listen to his Smodcasts. I’ll explain Smodcasts later. I really should listen to them, but I listen to so many audiobooks that I have a hard time finding a place to squeeze them in. Okay, okay, I will start listening…one smodcast between each book, fine, are you happy, Mr. Smith?

Anyway, back to this book, Kevin Smith, to many folks is that “Clerks” guy, or maybe the “Chasing Amy” guy, or maybe “the Too Fat to Fly” guy, or more recently the “Comic Book Men” Guy. No matter what your association with Kevin Smith you know it’s a lot of humor, usually self-deprecating, and even some bouts of reality thrown in at a super-sized delivery box. (sorry could help the fat joke, but being a fat lazy slob as well, I can do that.) Kevin Smith was king of the indie films (and still is in my book) during the 90s, beginning with the movie “Clerks,” a tale of two slackers hanging out at a convenience store and their obsessions with pop culture (particularly Star Wars). Okay actually it was a lot more than just that but I’m not reviewing that movie at this moment. Smith, had the dream to become a filmmaker and sought out that dream. Soon his movie was sold to Miramax and the entire Jay and Silent Bob run of movies began. Jay and Silent Bob seemed to be anchors in all his movies, with Silent Bob being played by Kevin Smith.

During his filmmaking career, Smith created a whole new genre of films that would soon be copied and become a staple in summer movies, the Bromance. Kevin’s films showed that men can interact with each other and that the movie can exist entirely on the basis of a friendship between two guys. With “Clerks” & “Clerks 2″ there was Dante & Hicks and in an odd way, Jay & Silent Bob. The Bromance film would later be copied in such films as “Good Will Hunting” (no he didn’t help write that one, which he talks about that controversy in this book), “The 40 Year old Virgin,” “Superbad” and “Pineapple Express.” the last three you’ll notice were Seth Rogen films, he comes up in this autobiography a few times.

So making Indie films was the beginning and soon Kevin was sucked into the corporate world of Hollywood. At one point he got to meet his big screen idol, Bruce Willis. While working with Bruce he found him to be a decent guy, but when Kevin was called on to direct Willis, Smith found out that Bruce was a “douchebag” (his word not mine, I don’t know Bruce Willis, but I, like Kevin Smith, am a fan of his work). This one of the many events Smith talks about in “Tough Sh*t” that begins to make his passion of filmmaking actually work, and begins his journey to seek out something else to keep his mind creative.

On a good note, Kevin Smith says that the line “You should never meet your heroes.” should be changed to “You should never meet your heroes, unless the hero is George Carlin.” Kevin Smith grew up appreciating and loving Carlin’s ability to talk smart, using the English language in a very intelligent way while still sprinkling in some colorful expletives to grab the attention of the audience. When he met with Carlin he discovered that Carlin was the genuine article, and a down to earth Human being. All of these stories are included in “Tough Sh*t” and more.

The biggest lessons Kevin learned and shares with the listener/reader of “Tough Sh*t” are from “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky. Kevin watched a series on hockey and learned from “The Great One” two major lessons: Gretzky was great because of assists not just because of the high number of goals scored and don’t be where the puck has been be where the puck is going to be. Throughout this book Kevin talks about how he has applied these lessons to his life.

This peek into the world of Kevin Smith screams with subtlety, what makes the man Kevin Smith. From his respect for his dad who died screaming to his beautiful wife and daughter, Smith turns out to be a pretty darn decent human being. He’s the type of guy that if he were your friend, you’d have a friend for life. Kevin Smith is able to tell his story in the fashion of his hero, George Carlin. Speaking intelligently and with lots of wit and a sprinkling of what could be “offensive” language. From stories of helping his friends to adoring his wife, I feel after reading this book I know the man personally. I wish…but for now I’m happy being a Kevin Smith Fanboy.

“Mouthpiece” by L. Ron Hubbard

“Mouthpiece”
by L. Ron Hubbard
Multicast performance
Produced by Galaxy Audio (2012)
Approx 2 hours

Being a comic book fan I’ve always been drawn (pardon the pun) to the pulp magazines from the early to mid 20th century.  Actually, the pulp magazines were printed between 1896 and into the 1950s.  Pulp magazines with their thrilling over the top stories and characters and sensational cover art could easily be said to be the founding fathers of comic books.  With authors such as Isaac Asimov, H.P. Lovecraft and L. Ron Hubbard the stories were often more valuable than the mere 10 cent cover price of the pulps.  Many well known authors wrote for the pulps and provided a plethora of short stories that have been nearly forgotten.  The pulps are making a comeback, thanks in small part to the old Quentin Tarantino movie, but the biggest reason for the comeback is the efforts of Galaxy Press and Galaxy Audio.

Since 2008 Galaxy Press/Galaxy Audio have been publishing the stories L. Ron Hubbard wrote for the pulps.  This not only preserves the stories for the future, after all the original pulps were printed on cheap paper (thus the name) and not meant to last, but this re-releasing exposes the readers of today to some fun stories in nearly every genre; mystery, sci-fi, adventure, westerns and more.  The added bonus is that Galaxy Audio is releasing each of these books, which contain one to four stories each in a pulp magazine feeling edition, into audiobooks.

The audiobooks from Galaxy Audio capture the feel of the original pulp magazines of the pulp era by dramatizing each book in the manner of radio shows from the same era. They use great vocal talent that are able to bring these over the top characters to life, sound effects that keep the story going and incidental music that fits perfectly with each genre and story.  Each time I listen to one of these audiobooks, I’m always amazed at the escapism provided.  By the end of each book I’m left wanting more yet still feeling satisfied by the great stories provided.  Then I have to wait another book for the next issue to be released.  (Actually you could buy the “ePulp” through their website, which is an iPod classic preloaded with all 80 audiobooks with lots of extras including photos, glossaries, videos and more, and not have to wait.)

This time around I gave the February, 2012 release of “Mouthpiece” a listen.  This audio pulp release from Galaxy audio features for stories from the Mystery genre of L. Ron Hubbard’s pulp writings. These stories were perfect Hubbard stories in that they not only were fun to hear but they included the inevitable Hubbard story twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

The first story in this collection is, “Mouthpiece” originally published in the September, 1934 issue of “Thrilling Detective, and tells the story of Mat Lawrence who returns from building a power dam in the desert to track down the murderer of his gangster father. It had been a long time since Mat Lawrence went to the city. Only something urgent could take him from his job something as urgent and shocking as the grisly murder of his father. His father was a big-time gangster so it was no big surprise, Mat was an honest man but shared his father’s temper which gets him to seek revenge on his father’s murderer.  Seeking the help of his father’s attorney, Mat goes after the murderers and the million dollars that has gone missing.

Story number two is “Flame City,” originally published in the February, 1935 issue of “Thrilling Detective” and tells the story of Fire Chief Blaze Delaney whose job is in jeopardy because of a rash of fires hitting the city.  Blaze gets help from his son to stop an epidemic of fires and bring the arsonists to justice.

The third story is “Calling Squad Cars!” originally published in the April, 1934 issue of “Phantom Detective” and tells of a police dispatcher suspected of helping a gang of bank robbers.  When he is fired as dispatcher he fights back by tracking down the gang.  When he is taken hostage by the gang he soon learns how they were able to put out false reports on the police band to cover up their actual heists.  Now the dispatcher must use his skills as an expert radio man to foil the gangs criminal antics.

The final story is “The Grease Spot,” originally published in the July, 1936 issue of “Thrilling Detective” and tells the story of former race car driver now owner of a wrecking company who has been warned against using the police band as a means to get his tow jobs.  He soon finds himself a captive, at gunpoint, and needing help from the men in blue, or can he turn it around and help them out?

All four stories in superb audio drama form are the perfect companion for anyone who loves a good mystery.

“Superman on Trial” Written and directed by Dirk Maggs

“Superman on Trial”
Written and directed by Dirk Maggs
Multicast performance from BBC Radio
Published by AudioGo
1 hour

First broadcast in 1988 to celebrate 50 years of Superman, This BBC production features the “Man of Steel” standing trial for his crimes against humanity.  With Lex Luthor as the prosecuting attorney and with Lois Lane as Superman’s defense attorney, of sorts.  In the continuity of the Superman Saga this is based partly on “Superman: Last Son of Krypton” and some early issues of “Adventures of Superman.”

AudioGo has remastered this broadcast and even added in some never-before-heard scenes.  With superb vocal acting, great sound effects and incidental music that pushes the story, this short audio comic book is the perfect way to bring a comic book to audio life.   There are even some fun special guests that make this more than just a story about Superman, but also brings to light how comic books are needed for all ages.

The trial begins with Superman chained down and unable to move or speak, Lex Luthor insists the trial goes on and Lois Lane is forced to defen Superman.  Luthor brings charges that range from destruction of property to assaulting humans, and with Superman not of this Earth he should be banished to the “Phantom Zone” (negative space created by Superman’s real father Jor-El).  Lois brings witnesses to talk about how Superman has done nothing but stand for Truth, Justice and the American Way.

The unique aspect of this audio comic book is that the trial then turns to being a message about how comic books in general are important.  This is done with some very cool special guests, Adam West, Jenette Kahn (President of DC Comics) and Dave Gibbons (Co-creator of Watchmen).  These three real life witnesses talk about how comic books, especially Superman comics promote literacy, always teach the reader the difference between right and wrong, and how all ages can and do enjoy comics.  I found it really cool when Adam West was leaving and Batman was entering the courtroom and Batman was delayed getting to the stand.  Very fun subtle context.

Very nice production bringing an interesting comic book story to life.

“Batman: The Lazarus Syndrome” BBC Radio Drama Written by Simon Bullivant and Dirk Maggs

“Batman: The Lazarus Syndrome”
BBC Radio Drama Written by Simon Bullivant and Dirk Maggs
Multi-cast performance
Produced by AudioGo
45 minutes

One of the many things I love about comic books is that they are a quick read.  I love carrying them with me and when I have a few minutes relax and read an exciting story.  This audiobook gave me the feel of a real comic book, not only was it a full story in 45 minutes but the voice acting music and sound effects brought a comic book story to audio life.  Every aspect of this audio drama gives the full color graphics of a comic into sound.

The story was a 1989 BBC Radio 4 broadcast, produced to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the popular comic book character Batman.  If you are wondering where in the Batman continuity the story falls, it contains references to such Batman stories as Batman: The Killing Joke, Batman: A Death in the Family, Batman: Year Three, and Batman: Son of the Demon.  AudioGo has released the performance as this audiobook.

On the anniversary of his parents murder Batman is attacked by an old enemy. Then there is an explosion and it seems Batman is no more. With the disappearance of the Batman Commissioner Gordon begins searching for any lead, even going as far as arranging a meeting with The Joker and Catwoman. The commissioner then gets an audiotape which seems to be from Batman, telling the commissioner of Batman’s alter ego, Bruce Wayne, and that receipt of the tape verifies the death of Batman.  But when Gordon goes to Wayne Manor finding Bruce Wayne liquidating assets, Gordon realizes something is wrong.  Barbara Gordon the commissioner’s daughter and former Batgirl (before The Joker shot her and put her permanently in a wheelchair) begins her computer expertise to hack into the Bat-computer and find out where the real Batman is.

While in Wayne Manor Bruce Wayne informs Alfred and Nightwing (Dick Grayson, formerly Robin) that he is hanging up the cape and cowl forever.  He begins selling off all of Wayne Enterprises and plans to relocate the Bat-computer.

At the same time in some unknown location the true Batman awakens in the same room as Talia (the daughter of Ras’ al Ghul) and realizes he needs to regain his strength and awareness before this impostor uses Wayne Enterprises to bring ruin to the world.

In an exciting audio-comic book, you will feel every punch and smell the dankness of the bat-cave thanks to the expert production fro BBC Radio and AudioGo.

“The Last Days of Krypton” by Kevin J. Anderson

“The Last Days of Krypton”
by Kevin J. Anderson
Read by William Dufris
Produced by Tantor Media, 2007
Approx 15.5 hours

I have only recently become a fan of DC comics, “Make Mine Marvel” was my slogan, but after tackling audiobook novelizations of DC heroes I’ve received a more in depth knowledge of what makes up the DC Universe.   The only problem is that after almost a century of heroes it’s hard to keep continuity.  There have been many stories, for example, told of the destruction of Superman’s home planet, Krypton.  Did the sun go supernova, did something strike the planet,did the planet implode?  An answer to each of these questions has appeard as a bit of an explanation throughout the run of Superman comics and if someone were to read all the comics from the beginning they may get a bit confused.  There are other questions I’ve had such as where did Supergirl come from, some versions she’s the cousin of Superman other’s she’s an angel.  Well if Krypton was destroyed how did she survive?   Remember the Superman movies with Christopher Reeve?   How did General Zod and his two assistants come to be trapped in the neutral zone? Then there’s Brainiac, what’s his story?

Kevin J. Anderson has tried to sum up all these problems and write a history of Kal-el’s (Superman’s) home planet, Krypton in the days just before the little baby that would become Superman was blasted off toward Earth.  Kevin is not a stranger to taking an established piece of work and adding to it, he has teamed up with Brian Herbert, son of Frank Herbert, to add stories to the “Dune” universe of novels.  Having read and appreciated the work he has done in that realm I knew this would be a good book.    The interesting aspect of this novel is that it is really not a superhero story but rather a piece of science-fiction with some superhero potential added to push the story along.  This story not only explores the destruction of Krypton but also reveals the politics of this planet that just wanted to stay alone in the universe.

The reader, William Dufris, did an adequate job of reading the book, but there were times when some of the characters seemed parodies in the vocal changes.  It’s like Dufris wanted to turn this into a superhero story from with similar vocalizations to the ’60s “Batman” tv series.  There was no campiness to the writing but some of the dialogue was read that way.  But it was not enough to keep me from enjoying the fun sci-fi story from Kevin J. Anderson.

The novel explores how Jor-el (Superman’s father) discovers the planet and its sun is dying, and through the xenophobic politics of the elders is constantly sent packing when he is trying to save the planet.  Soon alien forces invade some friendly some not so friendly and change the way the council works but it is too late and soon Commissioner Zod takes over and is determined to rule Krypton.  In doing so, Zod, sacrifices many lives needlessly and puts the planet at risk, it is up to Jor-el and Zor-el (Jor-el’s brother) to save Krypton.  Are their efforts to late?

This story is full of adventure, excitement, passion and glory and is a perfect read for comic book and science fiction lovers alike.

“The Last Days of Krypton”
by Kevin J. Anderson
Read by William Dufris
Produced by Tantor Media, 2007
Approx 15.5 hours

I have only recently become a fan of DC comics, “Make Mine Marvel” was my slogan, but after tackling audiobook novelizations of DC heroes I’ve received a more in depth knowledge of what makes up the DC Universe.   The only problem is that after almost a century of heroes it’s hard to keep continuity.  There have been many stories, for example, told of the destruction of Superman’s home planet, Krypton.  Did the sun go supernova, did something strike the planet,did the planet implode?  An answer to each of these questions has appeard as a bit of an explanation throughout the run of Superman comics and if someone were to read all the comics from the beginning they may get a bit confused.  There are other questions I’ve had such as where did Supergirl come from, some versions she’s the cousin of Superman other’s she’s an angel.  Well if Krypton was destroyed how did she survive?   Remember the Superman movies with Christopher Reeve?   How did General Zod and his two assistants come to be trapped in the neutral zone? Then there’s Brainiac, what’s his story?

Kevin J. Anderson has tried to sum up all these problems and write a history of Kal-el’s (Superman’s) home planet, Krypton in the days just before the little baby that would become Superman was blasted off toward Earth.  Kevin is not a stranger to taking an established piece of work and adding to it, he has teamed up with Brian Herbert, son of Frank Herbert, to add stories to the “Dune” universe of novels.  Having read and appreciated the work he has done in that realm I knew this would be a good book.    The interesting aspect of this novel is that it is really not a superhero story but rather a piece of science-fiction with some superhero potential added to push the story along.  This story not only explores the destruction of Krypton but also reveals the politics of this planet that just wanted to stay alone in the universe.

The reader, William Dufris, did an adequate job of reading the book, but there were times when some of the characters seemed parodies in the vocal changes.  It’s like Dufris wanted to turn this into a superhero story from with similar vocalizations to the ’60s “Batman” tv series.  There was no campiness to the writing but some of the dialogue was read that way.  But it was not enough to keep me from enjoying the fun sci-fi story from Kevin J. Anderson.

The novel explores how Jor-el (Superman’s father) discovers the planet and its sun is dying, and through the xenophobic politics of the elders is constantly sent packing when he is trying to save the planet.  Soon alien forces invade some friendly some not so friendly and change the way the council works but it is too late and soon Commissioner Zod takes over and is determined to rule Krypton.  In doing so, Zod, sacrifices many lives needlessly and puts the planet at risk, it is up to Jor-el and Zor-el (Jor-el’s brother) to save Krypton.  Are their efforts to late?

This story is full of adventure, excitement, passion and glory and is a perfect read for comic book and science fiction lovers alike.

“The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle” Graphic Novel by Jim Butcher

“The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle”
Graphic Novel
by Jim Butcher
Illustrated by Ardian Syaf
Published by Del Rey (2008)

Jim Butcher confesses in the preface to this collected edition, that when he writes a Harry Dresden story he pictures the action in comic book form and I found it interesting that as I read each new novel my mind immediately interprets into a comic book /animation format.  Jim says it’s because he collected Marvel comics for a large part of his life, maybe that’s my reason also.  I find it amazing that he and I shared the same passion, if only I had turned that passion into great writing like he did.

Anyway, these stories were originally published in comic book form in four issues.  This edition collects those comics into one graphic novel and includes a section with extra artwork representing the covers and character development sketches.  Reading this story in comic book form allows the reader to enjoy the action with some great artwork.

This story is a prequel to the Dresden files taking place just before the first book , “Storm Front.”  A side note here “Storm Front” has since been adapted to graphic novel form.

After a security guard at the Lincoln Park Zoo is found dead at the zoo, the police immediately think that a gorilla named Moe is to blame.  Special Investigations Lt. Karrin Murphy, doesn’t think it fits that the gorilla escaped, killed the guard and locked himself back in the cage.  So she calls in the only guy capable of handling the world of the weird, Chicago’s own wizard, Harry Dresden.  Harry has to find what actually happened and present it to Murphy so the officials can somewhat swallow the story.  Harry is soon attacked by  several jungle cats, a black dog and a hag.   With some help from Bob the skull, Harry finds out what is killing but now he has to figure out how to stop them or more than just the zoo will be in trouble.

With excellent Jim Butcher storytelling and beautiful artwork “Welcome to the Jungle” is a great introduction to the Dresden files series.

“Final Crisis” by Greg Cox

“Final Crisis”
by Greg Cox
Multi-cast performance
Produced 2010, by GraphicAudio
Approx. 8 Hours

“Final Crisis” was a crossover storyline that appeared in DC comics published throughout 2008, primarily the seven-issue miniseries of the same name was written by Grant Morrison.  This was the last of the multiverse type series from DC and sort of closed up some gaps left in the previous titles; “Crisis on Infinite Earths”,  “Infinite Crisis”, “52″, and “Countdown.”  However I think this created more questions than answers and served no other purpose but to confuse the reader.  While having some great confrontations and interesting twists on science and gods the story just didn’t do it for me.  I was so glad I listened to the audio book format of this title.

As usual GraphicAudio delivers this audiobook with a punch, and I’m talking one of those full-graphic-with-exploding-colors-as-only-seen-in-comic-books punches.  When GraphicAudio promises a “Movie in your Mind” they aren’t exaggerating.  First off the voice actors are superb and voice each character with precision accuracy, Superman sounds like Superman, Batman sounds like Batman and so on.  There is no denying the excellence in the talent pool here.  The sound effects will blast you out of your seat.  With planets exploding or crumbling, a black hole sucking in the multiverse and even Green Lantern’s ring fizzling out, the sound effects are perfect. And the music, well pretty much all I can say here is “WOW!”  The music moves the story, mood and action perfectly.  All in all these GraphicAudio productions are perfect.  For me it was the only saving grace in this title.

The gist of this story is that one of the new gods, Orion, is murdered and another new god, Darkseid, sees this as his chance to take over Earth.  Also one of Earth’s multiverse monitors is stripped of his powers for letting Earth 51 be destroyed.  While some of my favorite heroes play major parts in this, The Flashes (yes 3 generations of The Flash) open a time portal allowing things to begin and end, and The Green Lantern Corps try to stop Darkseid, I think the story relied too heavily on Superman.

There was one saving grace for the story and that was the creation of a young Japanese group of superheroes.  Mixing superheroes with Japanese pop-culture, the characters are: Most Excellent Superbat, Big Atomic Lantern Boy, Shy Crazy Lolita Canary, Shiny Happy Aquazon and Well-Spoken Sonic Lightning Flash.  I first had some good laughs with their names but sheesh the way they interacted was fun.  At one point all the characters had revealed their powers, except one, and when asked what his was Most Excellent Superbat responded, “Mine is the best of all, I can buy anything.”

Throughout the story I was confused as to what caused what and with The Flashes and Superman doing a little time traveling that just made it even more hard to follow.  But thanks to GraphicAudio, I had a great time listening.

“Kingdom Come” adapted by John Whitman based on a story by Mark Waid and Alex Ross and the novelization by Elliot S. Maggin.

“Kingdom Come”
adapted by John Whitman
based on a story by Mark Waid and Alex Ross and the novelization by Elliot S. Maggin.
Multi-cast performance
Published 1998 byTime Warner AudioBooks
approx. 3 hours

I have only recently become a fan of DC comics.  Throughout most of my life I was mostly a Marvel comics fan, especially Spider-Man, because Marvel seemed to me to be more of an Everyman becoming a hero, and DC heroes were rich or from other planets.  Sure, I crossed over once in a while for The Flash, and Batman, but that was pretty much it.  I’m not sure if it is because I got older or DC comics decided to become more Everyman but I’ve recently been dipping into the DC pool.  A lot of this influence is because of my experience with some great DC comics audiobooks.  This storyline I ran across accidentally while looking for more comic/novel based audiobooks.  This one was originally done as an audio drama with full sound effects and actors voicing each character.  This seemed up my alley so, I gave it a listen and was treated to some fun superhero action.

I mentioned Everyman aspects of comics that I prefer because this book actually looks at the Heroes as gods aspect that I didn’t like.  It seems that many people of the Earth in this DC comics creation didn’t like it either.  Before I go into that further, a neat aspect of this story is the combination of the Book of Revelations from the Holy Bible with the possible end of the world that could happen thanks to the battles between super heroes and super villains.   Pastor Norman McKay is receiving visions of the end of times, the mysterious hero The Spectre, takes Pastor McKay on a trip through time and space to the various heroes and what has brought about this end of times.

The Earth has a sudden influx of MetaHumans, these are humans that have developed super hero type abilities.  When one metahuman, known as Magog, kills the Joker, it seems this would be a good thing, but a hospital full of patients and one Lois Lane, wife of Superman, is collateral damage, does not seem to bother this new breed of metahumans.  Superman retires to his Fortress of Solitude and leaves mankind to fend for itself.  Jump ahead a few years and the metahumans have gotten rid of all the super villains and now they are bored.  So instead of just sitting back and enjoying they peace they begin to battle each other, every time taking out large chunks of various cities.  When Magog and a group of metahumans destroy Kansas, Wonder Woman seeks out Superman so they can put a stop to all the metahumans,  kind of like the band is getting back together for the Justice League, but, it’s not all that easy, it seems Lex Luthor has survived and is getting the villains remaining back together for one final battle.

Can the Justice Leage reform and put aside years of apathy and ill-feelings?  This story has some great battles and some great action with an ending only a comic book could put together.

This audio drama packs a pretty good superhero punch with some great voice acting and some excellent sound effects to keep you in the moment.  My only beef is with that of the actor portraying Pastor McKay.  He is shown all the destruction and despair and on top of that is receiving vision of a Revelations scale, yet he’s extremely chipper and happy throughout his dialogue.  He just didn’t seem believable.  Everything else was excellent.

“DC Universe: Trail of Time” by Jeff Mariotte

“DC Universe: Trail of Time”
by Jeff Mariotte
Multicast performance
Produced by GraphicAudio
Approx 6 hours

Time travel, DC’s “lesser” heroes plus Superman, dual Earths, magic and Sorcery, demons, Apache, and King Arthur, could they fit any more into this story?  The answer is, probably, but holy cow what an adventure this book carries.  Even better is that GraphicAudio has taken this novel and worked their magic to create yet another “Movie in Your Mind.”

GraphicAudio always does wonders when producing audiobooks.  The excellent voice actors, surreal sound effects and perfect incidental music all combine to make what they promise to be that “Movie in Your Mind.”  The actors that carry out the tasks of voicing the villains and heroes not only capture the emotion of the character, but GraphicAudio’s actors seem to also be able to encapsulate the entire being of the history of the character.   In this novel, the actor voicing Clark Kent and Superman seems to be able to vocalize the square jaw, red and blue costume, complete hero.  And the sound effects, WOW!  How would you make the sound of a demon splitting the skin of a child, as in when a cicada sheds its shell?  Creepy yeah, but GraphicAudio can do it…and a whole lot more.

Anyway let’s talk about the story.  At first I thought I was going into yet another DC universe “Crisis” title, in which there are multiple universes and the heroes have to keep them from colliding or being destroyed, but, this is just a story of magic and only two Earths.  Yeah, right JUST magic and two Earths, hey it is an adventure but not on the “Crisis” level.   In fact Superman makes a reference to the “Crisis” books/storylines when told of the two Earths.  This story however is about how 3 sorcerers, Vandal Savage, Felix Faust, and Dark Lord Mordru have teamed up to create an alternate Earth which they will rule over.  This is big magic and starts back in the time of King Arthur and Camelot, but now the magic is coming to fruition and the new Earth (which has a red sun) is not a pleasant place.  Clark Kent is a resident of the new Earth, but since it has a red sun he does not have the super powers therefore Superman does not exist.   The citizens of the new Earth do not have any personal freedoms and as she is trying to expose the corrupt government Clark’s wife Lois Lane is killed.  In order to right this wrong Clark is recruited by The Phantom Savage and Jason Blood (who is the host for the demon, Etrigan).

The journey to the real Earth first begins with a trip through Hell.  Clark is powerless at first but as he comes closer to the Earth with the yellow sun his memories of being Superman as well as his powers come back, or merge or something like that (it’s hard to keep up w/ alternate realities, sometimes).  Once back on the real Earth the three heroes begin traveling through time to find the time when the sorcerers are finalizing the last magic to finish the long term spell.  The only clue they have to go on is that the spell requires ritual sacrifice on a holocaust level.  The revisit all times in Earth’s history in which millions of people were killed, from the plague to the days of the Mongol hordes invading lands and beyond.   Some of the times they arrive in they find a trap laid by the sorcerers, meaning they are drawing nearer.

In what seems to be a side story, from back in the old west of America, Jonah Hex, El Diablo, Johnny Thunder, Bat Lash and Scalphunter seem to be drawn together for some reason.  After a bar Brawl, Jonah is thrown into jail.  The others bust him out and realize they have been brought together for some reason and set out to find that reason.  When they arrive at a canyon guarded by illusions and magicks, they realize that the reason must be pretty big.  About this time Superman, Phantom Stranger and Jason Blood arrive on the scene.  Inside the canyon are thousands of Apache held hostage for the sacrifice the Sorcerers need.   All combining forces the heroes begin to wear down all the defenses and try to stop the new Earth from being formed.

Heroes, the old west, time travel and evil villains, all this combines to make one tasty story from the DC comics universe, and thanks to GraphicAudio this book comes to life in audiobook form.