GenX Comics

Locke & Key: Head Games

New York Times bestselling writer Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez, the creators behind the acclaimed Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft, return with the next chapter in the ongoing tale, Head Games. Following a shocking death that dredges up memories of their father’s murder, Kinsey and Tyler Locke are thrown into choppy emotional waters, and turn to their new friend, Zack Wells, for support, little suspecting Zack’s dark secret. Meanwhile, six-year-old Bode Locke tries to puzzle out the secret of the head key, and Uncle Duncan is jarred into the past by a disturbingly familiar face. Open your mind - the head games are just getting started!

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars The attic inside
When they said “welcome to the Key house”, they weren’t kidding. there is a key for eveything here - from the places where fears come from and the places where sorrows sleep to the home knowledge and the foundation of everything we see. Apparently everything we witness goes through a number of fundamental changes, too, and comes out on a crossroad that we call “reminders.” We have the little craters that we keep our yesterdays in, speech patterns and memories and even our loves, and sometimes those things are distorted and teeling them from other notions is one heck of a hard bargain. Now imagine a key that allowed you access to everything that was just discussed, from the middle of the mindset on down the slide, and being able to see everything you’ve ever witnessed. Now imagine that going further and someone else having the same powers, only they have the understanding on how the key fits inside of you.

Sounds pretty confusing, huh? Well, when you look at Lovecraft, it will all make sense.

The writing in these books is top-notch and appealing, and the storylines are something that come from the mind of someone that still has the ability to dream. In some ways that is a beautiful thing and amazing to watch as it plays out. There are characters inside of characters, doors that lead to things that one would never envision, and a million other things that one would never think of. I keep thinking of the house as a place outside of death, and of some of the characters as people who have lives well beyond the scope of what I first thought of them. Since this is a second helping, i thought that I would find myself going toward a second line-up that tied directly into the first and, in some ways, it does. But it develops its own tale as well, and that tale is not a time killer but is instead an explanation that says more on the home, the characters, and the place that the book is set. Combine that with an artistic style that grows on you and you have a great piece of work.

So far the only thing that would keep me from this book would be not reading the first one. I say that because that would confuse the story and would make things seem out-of-place, not to mention blur the already odd story until it seems out of focus. I love this series so far and want more, and think that it has sooo much more to give. It comes highly recommended and then some.

5 Stars Locke & Key = Frickin’ Awesome!
Do yourself a favor & pick up “Welcome To Lovecraft” & “Headgames”! Simply amazing writing & amazing artwork. They read like episodic tv shows more than Trade Paperbacks.

5 Stars The key to an amazing Read
What a great team Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriquez make…Gabriel’s Art is some of the best I’ve ever seen. I havn’t been into Comics or Graphic Novels for very long, But I can say hands down of what I’ve read and seen…Locke & Key is the best art. Now as for the writing: Joe Hill does a masterfull job of forcing you care for every character in some way while hate others…The emotions Joe can get out of you from the story is crazy Highly Recommend this..and if you stumbled on this one and Havn’t read part one titled Locke & Key Lovecraft you need to read through that first which is just as good if not better and you really need to know the back story to fully enjoy Part 2.

5 Stars Head Games
Joe Hill has once again proved that his mind is full of wonderful, twisted, amazing things. I read Locke and Key: Welcome To Keyhouse in two hours, this one I read in an hour and a half. I couldn’t put it down. Gabriel Rodriguez’s illustrations add so much magic to the story. I definitely recommend this series for anyone who likes mysteries, ghost stories, and just plain great writing.

5 Stars super horror comix
this is an example of a super horror comix, great artistic style, great story by the writer who proved to be a new horror star. just read his stories or his novel. cant recommend him enough!!

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Preacher Vol. 3: Proud Americans

The Reverend Jesse Custer is a Texas minister who swears worse than a sailor and is not above killing people who get in his way. One might say he’s lost his faith. No, he’s just looking for God, and when he finds Him… Proud Americans is another sick and fun addition to the Preacher series. This book contains three story lines: One, a short tale about Custer’s father in Vietnam. Two, a recounting of the transformation of Custer’s Irish buddy Cassidy into a vampire and his coming to America. And three, the conclusion to the story begun in Preacher: Until the End of the World, the story of the angelic mafia (known as the Grail) who have come after Reverend Custer and the secret power inside him called “Genesis.” –Jim PascoeThe Reverend Jesse Custer is a Texas minister who swears worse than a sailor and is not above killing people who get in his way. One might say he’s lost his faith. No, he’s just looking for God, and when he finds Him… Proud Americans is another sick and fun addition to the Preacher series. This book contains three story lines: One, a short tale about Custer’s father in Vietnam. Two, a recounting of the transformation of Custer’s Irish buddy Cassidy into a vampire and his coming to America. And three, the conclusion to the story begun in Preacher: Until the End of the World, the story of the angelic mafia (known as the Grail) who have come after Reverend Custer and the secret power inside him called “Genesis.” –Jim Pascoe

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars the journey continues
I have to say, this volume is weaker than the previous two, though that might be more because it focuses on Cassidy and his origins, and as loveable as he is, what makes this series great is its meditations on God. And you need the main storyline for that. Still, loved it.

5 Stars Decisive!
After the first two books, I was kind of sitting on the fence. I asked myself “Should I continue getting these, or start another series?” This was the one that really hooked me. There are several good self-contained stories that all work to create the Preacher’s world. We get more back story on several of the characters, we get a sense of where this could be going, that kind of thing.

If you’re like me and enjoyed the first two but weren’t quite sure about investing in more, give it one more try. You won’t regret it. As a side bonus, this one is thicker than the others - I guess there are some extra pages or something.

5 Stars A Great Story Continues
The whole volume consists of one story, in fact it could be considered the same story arc going back to “Hunters” in the second volume. The Grail has kidnapped Cassidy thinking it was Jesse and they take him to a fortress in France called “Masada”. In this volume we get to know more about “The Grail”, we get to know more about the angel that fathered Genesis and we get to meet the latest heir of Jesus.

The volume is packed with great action, hilarious moments and even moments of happy love (Tulip and Jesse). We get a little worried about Cassidy and we get to see how powerful Jesse is.

One thing I liked a lot about this volume was the interaction between Tulip and Jesse. It is just really nice. It also brought to my mind the power of friendship, since Cassidy made a big sacrifice for Tulip and now they are doing a big sacrifice for Cassidy. It shows us how important friendship is to these characters.

Another thing I liked a lot in this volume was how ridiculous The Grail is. I was laughing a lot when the leader of The Grail, Allfather D’aronique, appeared for the first time. Being such a fat man that an airplane couldn’t land correctly. It was very funny how Ennis was making fun of powerful men.

Besides the great story involving Masada and the rescue of Cassidy, we get a nice break from the action with the last 2 issues, where Cassidy narrates to Jesse how he became a vampire and how his life was when he got to America. It was a very nice break from the action we were getting in the other issues.

A great story continues.

5 Stars Another Dandy
While I dont think I enjoyed this 3rd volume as much as the unbelievable first two, I still think this is better then most of what else is out there, and had to give it 5 stars all the same. Ennis is truly a mad genius and a great story teller through all the insane happenings in these books

4 Stars the crazy fun world of religion (and its discontents)
I’m a sucker for finding innovative ways to talk about topics like religion, theology, salvation, God, humanity, etc., and this comic book series, in particular the first 5 or 6 volumes of Preacher, provide this for me. This particular volume is an interesting look back at the past and what forms Rev. Custer (via his father) to be who he is, and what this means for how he functions in the present. My assumption is, if you are reading this you are already quite familiar with the series, and if you enjoyed the first two volumes, then you will surely like this one as well.

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The Boys Vol. 3: Good for the Soul

In a world where costumed heroes soar through the sky and masked vigilantes prowl the night, someone’s got to make sure the “supes” don’t get out of line. And someone will. Billy Butcher, Wee Hughies, Mother’s Milk, The Frenchman and the Female are The Boys: a CIA-backed team of very dangerous people, each one dedicated to the struggle against the most dangerous force on Earth-superpower. Some superheroes have to be watched. Some have to be controlled. And some of them-sometimes need to be taken out of the picture. That’s when you call in The Boys. This volume collects issues 15-22 of the Boys by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars The Boys are at it again
Garth Ennis continues to write a funny, in your face, and imaginative collection. The concept of keeping over the top super heroes under control is good, but the way the concept develops gives it teeth. Robertson’s art work is gritty enough to enhance the story, without being primitive. The match between artist and writer is nearly as good as the Ennis/Dillon match up in the Preacher series. While I give The Boys five stars, I would give the Preacher series six if I could. I highly recommend anything by Garth Ennis.

4 Stars Enjoyable for mature readers
Well written for the mature audience, not over the top in the violence or sexual scenes compared with Ennis’ other title “Preacher” (also a very good read if you can handle the graphic nature).

2 Stars Downward slide continues
The Boys Vol. 3: Good for the Soul

The Boys just haven’t been the same since Book 1, Name of the Game. Moving the comic from DC to Dynamite seems to have reduced its quality and momentum noticebly, to the point where the wicked humor just feels forced and lifeless. There seems to be little overall vision to the tale; instead, a bunch of stuff happens.

The story is flat (few genuine shocks or surprises), the love stories go on and on, the dialogue is limp, and the art looks hastier and hastier. If I were Ennis, I’d just give this one up.

1 Stars Terrible. Go re-read Preacher instead.
Is it the bad art, the sloppy writing, or the blithering, juvenile idiocy of the Fanboys that bugs me most about this series?

I’m going out on a limb and saying “all three”. This is a book where the plot drives the characters, instead of the other way around. Nobody acts even remotely like humans act. Instead, they do silly, pointless things so that the book can leap from one vile, sexist, misogynist, homophobic, racist scene to another. Scenes of sex with dogs vie with pointless violence until anyone with any sort of humanity left in them at all will just say “enough already” and go find something better to do with their time.

4 Stars Back
After a so so second collection, this 3rd trade puts the Boys back on track. Especially with Robertson on full art duties. This collection really explains a lot about the Boys and the Seven and a bit of the history of Garth’s anti superhero universe. Lots of cursing, sex and adult situations all around, so keep this one away from the kids. Things are getting good as the Boys get close to the halfway point of their projected run.

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Manga for the Beginner: Everything You Need to Start Drawing Right Away!

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars The Name Says It All!!
Well my title says it all as well!

This book is exactly what most people need to start drawing manga right away. Starting with the most basic of all things, character design!

The book consists of a lot of different tips and guidance on how to draw characters. starting from the front view, the profile to the 3/4 views of the characters face,body and poses. It also has the basic tips and instructions on drawing weapons and clothes.

Just when you thought you are done by mastering those basics, the book teaches something more in a form of drawing animals, anthropods, shading ,colouring and drawing backgrounds!

The tips on drawing from perspective is in fact, in my opinion, a very useful tip for any artist in particular.

Overall, the book has everything the beginner needs to learn to start drawing right away! but, advanced or even intermediate artists may find this book a bit lacking, but why buy a book for beginners when you are higher in skill level in the first place?

4 Stars Good book
The book didn’t have exactly what I expected but it starts out with some really great tips. It also shows you the difference between beginner, intermediate, and advanced artists for some poses. Only reason it’s missing one star is because it wasn’t what I expected but it is great and it offers a lot. I glanced through the book but I don’t use it myself, my little sister does. She says it has helped her in her manga. It’s given her new ideas aside from tips on improving her art.

5 Stars Impressive resource. For beginners and more advanced illustrators
A big fan here of Manga and just about all of the Japanese styles of art. I watch several shows regularly from Full Metal Alchemist to Bleach. When I was younger I watched tons of _Anime_ programs too. So, its been a dream of mine to draw Manga in some form or another for quite some time. When I bought this book I was unsure how it would be helpful.

On my own drawing Manga has been less than successful. With this book I have improved my faces, bodies and hair more than I could have through practice alone.

The book covers the basics all the way up to perspectives in scenes and more. If you are even a little bit interested in drawing manga and like self help books then this book should not be passed up. It is a true treasure for the beginner up to the more advanced illustrator.

Accessories:

If you are going to be drawing on a tablet on your PC I recommend Manga Studio EX 4 (Win/Mac) for software and Wacom Intuos4 Medium Pen Tablet for the tablet. Don’t bother with the Debut program of Manga Studio if you think you are going to get into this at all. I use Manga Studio to draw all of my line art sketches and illustrations.

If you are going to be drawing on paper, do yourself a favor and go to a real art store. Get good paper, HB or harder pencils and a VERY good eraser. Also get a set of .01 up to 1.0 pens. It will help you with your illustration.

Thats it, good luck with this great art form!

Thanks for reading my review.

5 Stars Perfect for all levels
This book is good for all levels. I have

other books on the subject but this one

is one of my favorites. The drawings

are well done and the instructions are easy

to understand. And it covers many different

areas of drawing manga not just one. I recommend

this book to those who are learning to draw and

those who want to get better at it.

4 Stars Not for beginners
This book is good. it gives you a complete model sheet, something that i dont see in other books. it is not for beginners though, it doesnt teach you how to draw a character from head to toe.

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The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

Yes, it’s true: Daniel X is special. X-traordinarily special.

He may be just a kid, but Daniel is strong enough to fight anything in the world. And it’s a good thing, because not many guys you meet have a host of deadly criminals hunting them to the ends of the Earth. And none of them are extraterrestrials.

Daniel is the only one who might be able to eliminate every last intergalactic evil on the List of Alien Outlaws on Terra Firma. Because the greatest superpower isn’t to be part spider and part man, or to cast magic spells - the ultimate gift is the power to create.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Alien terminator
This is a pretty good book, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. This book was about a boy, Daniel X, whose parents were murdered by aliens. Daniel’s parents were “alien hunters” and they killed aliens on a “list.” And after his parents died, it’s his job to be an alien hunter and he swears to kill the alien that killed his parents. The thing is that apparently the alien that murdered Daniel’s parents is at the top of the “list.” He goes through only a few aliens in this book and you have to read the other books to find out what happens. But this book was a fast paced read and I finished it in one morning. It was tense in some parts but some times was very boring. It wasn’t as good as the other books James Patterson has written, but it was OK. I personally have not read the other books but i would look forward to read the other books. Overall, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t that good either.

5 Stars the daniel X series is awesome
Coming from a thirteen year old kid I loved it,I think anybody can read these books.whats not to like? There’s superpowers,action,aliens,and adventure.If you haven’t read it you have to.

5 Stars the daniel X series is awesome
Coming from a thirteen year old kid I loved it,I think anybody can read these books.whats not to like? There’s superpowers,action,aliens,and adventure.If you haven’t read it you have to.

5 Stars An awesome series
I’ve read all the books in this series. I couldn’t put it down.I first saw the book at walmart, when I saw it I sat down and started reading it.It took only a couple of minutes for me to be hooked on the whole series.I believe they should make a movie to the whole series.I believe quite a few probalywould agree with me. Everybody should read it.

5 Stars to jamie from Tennisee
I totally agree I dont under stand how some wouldnt enjoy the book because even though it was kind of predictible it didnt really affect the quality of the great novel

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