Season's End

The football season came to an end tonight.  The boys played hard, but were unable to overcome a more aggressive opponent.  The team finished 5-3, a four win improvement over last year.  Griffin carried the ball 3 times for around 30 yards, including one spectacular cutback that nearly scored (he was held until they could pull his flag, but I'm not bitter).  He pulled one flag and played with integrity, despite being held and tackled most of the night while on defense (along with the rest of his team, but again, I'm not bitter).  I'm proud of my boy, and had a blast watching him have some offensive success to go along with the defensive ability. 

By virtue of the loss, Cami's cheer season ended as well.  Next up for the Knights is basketball.  Stay tuned.

Promises for God's Princesses by Katrina Cassel - Book Review

From the publisher: This gift book for young girls is the perfect next step in the Tyndale princess line. As young girls grow and leave behind some of the fully illustrated picture books, they still want to feel special, and they still need to know they are loved as God’s daughters. This is the book to share with them. This devotional book is full of Scriptures about God’s love, protection, and promises. The book’s 100 devotions tie in the Scriptures to help young girls apply them to their lives. This diary-style book will attract the growing girl while still making her feel like a princess, a special child of God.

Promises for God's Princesses, by Katrina Cassel, is a nice little devotional book for young girls.  There are 100 different devotions, each two pages long.  The devotion contains a focus Bible verse (or verses), a short anecdote that is then related to the message of the verse(s), and a practical application of the lesson or message of the verse. 

Topics covered include such things as Making a Difference, A Journey with God, Jesus is the Lighthouse, Put God First, and many other.  All of the topics are perfect for mid-elementary age girls up through pre-teens.  They might be a little simplistic for teenagers, but they would make an ideal short, quick read to start off the day before school.

I highly recommend this for young girls.  It is a great devotional book, and I'm looking forward to giving it to my own daughters.

I received a review copy of this book from Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

This gift book for young girls is the perfect next step in the Tyndale princess line. As young girls grow and leave behind some of the fully illustrated picture books, they still want to feel special, and they still need to know they are loved as God’s daughters. This is the book to share with them. This devotional book is full of Scriptures about God’s love, protection, and promises. The book’s 100 devotions tie in the Scriptures to help young girls apply them to their lives. This diary-style book will attract the growing girl while still making her feel like a princess, a special child of God. - See more at: http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/1_title/product-details.php?isbn=9781414396606#sthash.J5RGfZZh.dpuf

This gift book for young girls is the perfect next step in the Tyndale princess line. As young girls grow and leave behind some of the fully illustrated picture books, they still want to feel special, and they still need to know they are loved as God’s daughters. This is the book to share with them. This devotional book is full of Scriptures about God’s love, protection, and promises. The book’s 100 devotions tie in the Scriptures to help young girls apply them to their lives. This diary-style book will attract the growing girl while still making her feel like a princess, a special child of God. - See more at: http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/1_title/product-details.php?isbn=9781414396606#sthash.J5RGfZZh.dpuf

This gift book for young girls is the perfect next step in the Tyndale princess line. As young girls grow and leave behind some of the fully illustrated picture books, they still want to feel special, and they still need to know they are loved as God’s daughters. This is the book to share with them. This devotional book is full of Scriptures about God’s love, protection, and promises. The book’s 100 devotions tie in the Scriptures to help young girls apply them to their lives. This diary-style book will attract the growing girl while still making her feel like a princess, a special child of God. - See more at: http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/1_title/product-details.php?isbn=9781414396606#sthash.J5RGfZZh.dpuf

Football and a Special Day

Today is Griffin and Cami's 8th birthday.  It's hard to believe.  We had a fun family celebration; the party with their friends will be over Fall Break.  I'm tired just thinking about it.

In football action, Griffin's team won their first playoff game.  Griffin had 2 carries for about 40 yards.  He also pulled a flag for a 1 yard loss.  It was a good game.  The next game is on Tuesday.

Lexi's team lost, so their season is over.  Both Cami and Lexi have their cheerleader awards/celebration on Monday.

You Herd Me! I'll Say It If Nobody Else Will by Colin Cowherd

From the publisher: In this age of billion dollar athletic marketing campaigns, “feel good” philosophy with no connection to reality, and a Sports Media echo chamber that’s all too eager swallow whatever idiotic notion happens to be in vogue at the moment, it’s tough to find people who aren’t afraid to say what they’re really thinking.
 
But that’s where Colin Cowherd comes in. As his millions of fans on ESPN Radio and ESPNU already know, Colin is the rare sports analyst who’s brave (or crazy) enough to speak his mind—even if it pisses some people off. Of course, it helps that a lot of what Colin has to say is simply hilarious. Lots of writers can tell you about Boston’s storied sports history. But how many can tell you why the city of Boston is America’s five year old? Lots of writers will brag about the stuff they got right, but how many will happily list all the calls they got completely and utterly wrong? Whether he’s pointing out the stupidity of conspiracy theories, explaining why media bias isn’t nearly as big a deal as many assume, or calling out those who prize short term wins over sustainability, Colin is smart, thought-provoking, and laugh-out-loud funny.
 
Unapologetically entertaining and packed with behind-the-scenes insights you won’t get anywhere else, You Herd Me! is unlike any other sports book ever written.

 

Reading You Herd Me!, by Colin Cowherd, is the equivalent of listening to his radio show.  What I mean by that is that every chapter is a short essay on a single topic, much like a segment of his show would be.  Cowherd takes a topic, such as Jerry Tarkanian (ex-UNLV basketball coach) and riffs on it.  Often, the topic is discussed in the context of societal issues; conversely, Cowherd will approach a societal topic and couch it in sports terms (the impact of two-parent families; the success and stability of quarterback and point guard success is the example to prove the point).

Cowherd seems to be the type of talk show host that people either love or hate.  He has very strong opinions (not all of which I agree with) and tends to go on about them.  However, his arguments are usually grounded in solid facts and generally start from a logical premise.  I generally enjoy listening to his show, and find most of his opinions informative.  For me, You Herd Me! was more of the same.  It was informative, enjoyable, and quick.

As I mentioned, the book is composed of short essays, riffing on a single topic.  In addition, interspersed throughout the book are somewhat humorous and/or provocative quotes from Cowherd.  Finally, there are also some brief takes on sports subjects that don't really merit a deeper examination.  Because of the format, this is a very easy book to pick up and read, and then put down again.  Cowherd's voice comes through in the writing style. It's very easy to imagine him speaking about the varying topics as part of his show, in his trademark semi-sarcastic way.

I enjoyed reading You Herd Me! and would recommend it to sports fans.  If you are a fan of Cowherd's show, In The Herd, then I would highly recommend this book.

I received a review of this book from Three Rivers Press and the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.

Superman/Wonder Woman Vol. 1: Power Couple by Charles Soule Book Review

From the publisher: Beginning a bold new series that details the relationship between The Man of Steel and the Warrior Princess as writer Charles Soule (Swamp Thing) is joined by artist Tony S. Daniel (Batman) to tell the tale of a romance that will shake the stars themselves. These two super-beings love each other, but not everyone shares their joy. Some fear it, some test it--and some will try to kill for it. Some say love is a battlefield, but where Superman and Wonder Woman are concerned it spells Doomsday!

Collects Issues #1-7 of Superman/Wonder Woman.

Much like the Batman/Superman series, Charles Soule's Superman/Wonder Woman Vol. 1: Power Couple puts it's main focus on the relationship between the heroes, rather than latest villain or threat.  And it works to great effect.  Instead of the typical superhero story, the reader is treated to an exploration of a romantic relationship between to very powerful, yet different, people.

The collection begins with a "date" between Superman and Wonder Woman, and rolls through the introduction of Doomsday, Zod, and Faora into the New 52 universe.  In addition, many of Wonder Woman's half-siblings, aka "gods", make an appearance as well.  In the midst of everything, the love affair between Wonder Woman and Superman becomes public knowledge.  There is some fighting, some vanquishing of evil, and several splash pages, but the heart of this story is in the relationship between Superman and Wonder Woman.

One aspect of this that Soule brings across very well is how Clark Kent (Superman) and Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) were raised very differently.  Clark strives to be normal in his everyday life, keeping his identity as Superman secret.  Consequently, he wants to keep their relationship very hush, hush.  Diana, on the other hand, was raised as an Amazon and taught to be open and proud of who she is.  There is no hiding of anything with her, particularly when she can use the lasso of truth.  She very much wants the relationship out in the open, for all to see.  As they work through their issues over the course of several battles and encounters with gods, they come to a realization that should provide numerous opportunities for stories in the coming issues of the series.

This is a highly entertaining book.  I enjoyed the fresh take on the heroes, and the artwork is spectacular as well.  This is a must read for fans of Superman and Wonder Woman, and I'd recommend it to people looking for a different approach to superhero books, too.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Justice League Vol. 5: Forever Heroes by Geoff Johns - Book Review

From the publisher: As the Crime Syndicate hunts down the few heroes left foolish enough to challenge them--including Batman's protege, Dick Grayson. But Owlman has other plans for Nightwing...and Owlman's teammate: the most deadly being on the planet: Ultraman! Also, Cyborg is one of the lone Justice League members left to fight against the villains that have taken over. How can he possibly find a way to defeat them? Who can he turn to? Two words: Metal Men!

New York Times best-selling writer Geoff Johns (GREEN LANTERN, BATMAN: EARTH ONE) continues the Forever Evil event, as the Justice League must find a way to defeat their deadly mirror images--the Crime Syndicate!

Collects JUSTICE LEAGUE #24-29

As a supplemental group of stories to the Forever Evil event, Geoff Johns's Justice League Vol. 5: Forever Heroes works wonderfully.  The individual issues work on their own and dovetail superbly into the greater tale being told in Forever Evil.

The first several issues spend a lot of time focusing on the Crime Syndicate, looking at their backgrounds on Earth-2 either individually or in groups.  This serves to add depth to the characters, and provides some motivations for their actions.  I particularly enjoyed the issue detailing Owlman's origin.  The origin of Grid is also detailed, and I found this helpful because that character just seemed to spring to life with no thought or purpose.  Finding out about his creation filled in some missing holes.  The final issue dealt with Cyborg's reconstruction after Grid split from him, and served to provide an upgrade to the character as well as cap off on of the major sub-plot points of the Forever Evil event.

However, my favorite story was the background of the Metal Men.  Detailing the creation of the Metal Men, this issue was particularly moving, providing some emotional depth to the characters as they receive their first real action in DC's New 52.  There is a lot of potential in these characters, and I look forward to reading future stories about them.

Johns has proven time and again that he can write sprawling stories, and in this collection he shows his skill with the smaller, support pieces.  Forever Heroes is a great book, and does it's job as a tie-in very well; in fact, it is better than most of these types of books, which often seem forced or only distantly related.

I highly recommend Forever Heroes.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Football Saturday

Last Saturday, Griffin and Cami had their last regular season game.  Griffin's team won, beating a pretty good team by 6 points.  Griffin had the first touchdown of the game, going for 40 yards down the sideline on the game's second play.  He had to make a couple of moves and then raced past the last kids.  It was really cool.  He finished with 2 carries for 40ish yards.  No flags pulled this time, but he did a nice job on defense.

Lexi cheered wildly for her team.  They have one regular season game left.  Playoffs for all the kids start next week.

Finally, we traveled to Bourbonnais to take in the ONU football game.  It was a beautiful evening, and the game was very competitive.  Unfortunately, the Tigers lost by a point, but we were able to see friends and family.  I also got to stand on the sideline with the team and enjoy the new turf surface that was installed this summer.  I know I would have been half a step faster if it had been there when I played.

Justice League of America Vol. 2: Survivors of Evil by Matt Kindt - Book Review

From the publisher: As the smoke clears from the Trinity War, one thing looks disturbingly clear , the members of the Justice League of America are dead, betrayed by one of their own.

But as with the Trinity War, all is not what it seems. Martian Manhunter and Star Girl have lived to fight another day and find themselves trapped on an alien world that is under the control of a group of super-villains. The key to their survival may lie in the hands of the super-villain Despero, but will these heros be able to find it within themselves to trust soemone who is supposed to be their mortal enemy?

This volume collects issues #8-14.

Matt Kindt's Justice League of America: Survivors of Evil shows some of the fallout from the Trinity War event, in particular what happened to several heroes, including Superman, a Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, Firestorm, and Aquaman.  But the interesting part of the storyline is the relationship that is developing between Stargirl and Martian Manhunter.

As Manhunter and Stargirl enter a mysterious prison looking to free the trapped heroes, they are forced to face their own deep secrets and fears.  They also have only each other to rely on.  As a result of events during the rescue attempt, Manhunter's mind is fused with Stargirl's, giving him insight into the young hero as they both confront Despero.

What I really liked about this book was Kindt's examination of Stargirl, particularly how and why she became a hero.  Like many heroes, she has a tragic backstory, but as the past is revealed and she is confronted with her fear, she begins the process of moving on.  Stargirl moves beyond being merely the tentative teenage hero and develops true leadership skills.  It's a good character arc for Stargirl and should lead to some interesting stories.

The last issue in this book deals with the dissolution of the Justice League of America as it was known.  It also sets up the formation of a new team, as Kindt checks in on the various members and their current activities.

I recommend Survivors of Evil to Justice League fans, particularly fans of Stargirl.  It was a good book, revealing more about how a young hero grows into the role.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Forever Evil by Geoff Johns - Book Review

From the publisher: The Justice League is DEAD! And the villains shall INHERIT the Earth! In a flash of light, the world's most powerful heroes vanish as the Crime Syndicate arrives from Earth-3! As this evil version of the Justice League takes over the DC Universe, no one stands in the way of them and complete domination ... no one except for Lex Luthor.

By New York Times #1 best-selling creators Geoff Johns and David Finch, FOREVER EVIL is the first universe-wide crossover of The New 52. Collects FOREVER EVIL #1-7.

Geoff Johns is the mastermind behind Forever Evil, a story that harkens back to storylines and big events from the late 80's.  Leading out of the events of the Trinity War, Forever Evil picks up with the Justice League missing, the Crime Syndicate (an evil version of the Justice League from an alternate universe) in the midst of conquering Earth, and Lex Luthor leading a rag-tag group of leftover heroes and villains in an effort to reclaim the Earth and defeat the Crime Syndicate.

I enjoyed this story a lot.  It was a nice change to get the majority of the story from Lex's viewpoint, and the dynamic between Luthor and Batman was great.  In addition, Batman's dedication to rescuing Nightwing is a nice development that has spun out of recent events in the Batman books.  There is also a fun supporting cast, in Black Adam, Bizarro, Captain Cold, Catwoman, and a couple of others.  The storytelling is top-notch, with very few problems.

While this collection contains all issues of Forever Evil, there are some major events happening in the regular comics for these characters.  This causes some issues where the story gets a little choppy, or characters show up as a result of major events happening in another book.  This isn't a huge issue, but it can cause a break in the reading.

Having read the (in)famous Crisis on Infinte Earths series when it was first released, I enjoyed this more modern take on many of the situations that occured in the story.  I also like how there are multiple threads left to spin into the future.  And as seems to be the case, the resolution of Forever Evil seems to lead right into DC's next major event.

I recommend Forever Evil to DC fans, and to readers who read the original Crisis mini-series.

I received a preview copy of this book from DC Comics and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Monday Night (Flag) Football Update

For the first time in forever, Cami's cheer squad got to cheer in front of the fans, rather than near the end zone.  This usually doesn't happen, because jerky parents complain that the cheerleaders are in their way.

Also, Griffin's team won, 14-12.  Their record stands at 3-2, with one regular season game left to play (this coming Saturday).  Griffin carried the ball 3 times, for nine yards, a 2-point conversion, and a fumbled exchange, which is a dead ball.  His conversion was the difference in the game, and he crossed the line as his flag was pulled.  He also pulled 2 flags, one stopping a 2-point conversion, and one for a huge loss on 4th down.  It was a fun and tense (for flag football) game.

Saturday Morning Football Update

Griffin and Cami had another game this morning.  Griffin lost a shoot-out to one of the best teams, but the boys played well. Griffin had 3 carries for about 16 yards and a 2-point conversion.  He also had a huge fourth down stop, pulling a flag to keep the team in striking distance.  As an aside, the boys play on a 45 yard field.  One boy on Griffin's team scored 4 touchdowns, all going for the entire 45 yards.  It was pretty impressive.

Next game is Monday night.

A New Dawn: Star Wars by John Jackson Miller - Book Review

From the publisher: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . .

“The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning.”—Emperor Palpatine

For a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights brought peace and order to the Galactic Republic, aided by their connection to the mystical energy field known as the Force. But they were betrayed—and the entire galaxy has paid the price. It is the Age of the Empire.

Now Emperor Palpatine, once Chancellor of the Republic and secretly a Sith follower of the dark side of the Force, has brought his own peace and order to the galaxy. Peace through brutal repression, and order through increasing control of his subjects’ lives.

But even as the Emperor tightens his iron grip, others have begun to question his means and motives. And still others, whose lives were destroyed by Palpatine’s machinations, lay scattered about the galaxy like unexploded bombs, waiting to go off. . . .

The first Star Wars novel created in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group, Star Wars: A New Dawn is set during the legendary “Dark Times” between Episodes III and IV and tells the story of how two of the lead characters from the animated series Star Wars Rebels first came to cross paths. Featuring a foreword by Dave Filoni.

A New Dawn, by John Jackson Miller, is the first Star Wars novel to be written and published since Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm, and the creation of the Lucasfilm Story Group.  As such, it's the first non-movie adaptation to be considered "canon" in the Star Wars universe.  Finally, A New Dawn also functions as a prequel of sorts to the upcoming animated series Star Wars: Rebels.  It was with all this in mind that I eagerly, yet cautiously, began reading A New Dawn.

My reaction?  It was mixed.  I enjoyed getting a glimpse at several of the new characters, and liked the idea that this book will "count", that it's contents will matter in the grand scheme of things. However, I wasn't particularly taken in with any of the new characters, and the villain(s) seem to be the same-old, same-old.

Kanan is a trying to fly below the radar, keeping his head down as he delivers explosives for a mining company.  Meanwhile, Count Vidian, Captain Sloane, and the crew of a Star Destroyer arrive to create more efficiency for the Empire's important mining interests on the planet Gorse, and it's moon, Cynda.  When an unstable explosives expert, and conspiracy theorist, named Skelly sets off an explosion, nearly killing Count Vidian, the wrath of the Empire is brought to bear on Gorse.  Enter Hera, a mysterious woman looking for information on Vidian and for people who are unhappy with the way the Emperor is running things.  Stir in several mysterious pasts, and you have the ingredients for Star Wars: A New Dawn.

Kanan and Hera seem to be the characters who will be a key part of the Rebels storyline. They have the potential to be very interesting, but there isn't a whole lot revealed about them in this book, especially Hera.  It's a good set-up for Rebels, but not the greatest for a novel.  I found that I wasn't really invested in them, because I didn't know anything about them.  I kept pressing forward in the hopes more would be revealed, but was not rewarded.

I think this "Dark Times" setting has a ton of potential.  There is so much that can be covered between the formation of the Empire and the slaughter of the Jedi, and the opening of the original Star Wars: A New Hope.  Again, though, this book served only as an intro to Rebels, so it is tightly focused on its one corner of the galaxy.

Finally, the villains weren't really anything new.  Captain Sloane came off as just another Empire/Emperor toady.  Count Vidian was the biggest disappointment of the book for me, though.  He is just too similar to other bad guys in the official Star Wars universe.  He is greedy, selfish, manipulative, and imposing.  He is also part man and part machine.  He isn't as cool or menacing as Darth Vader, but reminded me a lot of General Grievous, from Attack of the Clones and the Clone Wars series.

My final verdict is that while there is a lot of room for growth, improvement, and cool stories, Star Wars: A New Dawn is just average, not adding a whole lot.  If you read it like a prequel to Rebels, it functions okay, but it isn't really that entertaining as a standalone novel.

I received a preview copy of this book from Lucas Books and Del Rey Spectra in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday Night Football Update

Griffin and Cami's postponed game from last week was played tonight.  Griffin's team won 30-26, scoring every time they had the ball.  He had 3 carries for 25 yards and a 2 point conversion.  He also pulled a flag.  Cami and the girls were so loud that I actually had to turn several of the boys back around when they were on defense.  A successful night for everybody.  Next game is Saturday.

Fables Vol. 20 Camelot by Bill Willingham - Book Review

From the publisher: Rose Red finally and formally takes on the mantle of Paladin of Hope to heroically rally the Fables in the tragic aftermath of "Snow White." A new dark age calls for a new Round Table, with modern knights willing to take on a sacred quest to reassemble the shattered pieces of Fabletown.

Collects issues #130-140 of this 14-time Eisner-Award-winning series.

With Fables Vol. 20: Camelot, Bill Willingham continues the excellence that is the Fables story.  Characters and events continue to intertwine as decisions and actions from previous storylines echo throughout this volume.

The main story in Camelot involves Rose Red's acceptance of her role of Paladin of Hope and her idea to form a new Camelot and Knights of the Round Table, focusing on second chances.  This seems to be a lot of set-up for the final Fables story, and Rose makes an interesting decision regarding Prince Brandish.

Running concurrent with Rose's quest, the witches and wizards of Fabletown attempt to reassemble the glass form that was once Bigby Wolf.  They are hopeful that doing so will allow them to retrieve Bigby's soul and he will return to life.  While this is happening, Snow White and her surviving cubs (kids) are circling the wagons, preparing for a conflict with Rose Red and her crew.  Again, there is a lot of set-up here, but Snow and the kids have long been some of my favorite characters.

There are four additional tales in this collection.  My favorite, and the best part of this book, centers on Bigby Wolf and Boy Blue.  It is a touching look at the afterlife, and two warriors who gave their all for Fabletown.  This is a moving story, and the art is very spare and complementary. Mark Buckingham's art is  the perfect touch, once again.  Gepetto and Junebug also get single issues stories, with hints towards future happenings.  The fourth tale involves the Blue Boy Band and an adventure they go on in the Homelands.  The crux of this tale is a question that (I've read) will drive the final story arc of Fables.

Fables continues to be a remarkable book and an excellent piece of storytelling.  Camelot is no exception, and the pieces are all being moved into position for one final arc (the series is ending with issue 150).  Don't miss out on this penultimate piece of a wonderful story.  I highly recommend it.

I received a preview copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.

Foundations in Comic Book Art by John Paul Lowe - Book Review

From the publisher: A comprehensive guide to creating and developing comic book and graphic novel art, from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), one of the world's leaders in sequential arts instruction.

Artists seeking a way to break into the exciting world of sequential art first need to master the tools, techniques, and habits used by their favorite pencillers, inkers, and digital artists for creating dynamic, exciting comic artwork. In Foundations for Comic Book Art, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)—a leading force in art and design education—enlists one of its top instructors, John Paul Lowe, to provide aspiring comic book makers with a thorough primer for creative comics, featuring must-know concepts like contour drawing, mastering perspective, using photo-reference, and adding digital patterns. Examples from the works of SCAD faculty, alumni, and students are paired with Lowe’s easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons and exercises for readers, demonstrating the vital processes all would-be sequential artists have to know before joining the ranks of the comic book–making elite.

As someone who can't draw, but admires those who can, I was particularly interested in reading through Foundations in Comic Book Art.  John Paul Lowe, a comic artist and instructor at the Savannah School of Art and Design, does a fine job focusing on which skills an artist needs to create a comic and how to apply them.

Rather being a how-to book on drawing, Lowe's book places an emphasis on drawing comics.  There are a lot of helpful illustrations demonstrating the techniques he discusses.  There are also pictures or screen-captures of computer programs, when those are discussed.  Finally, Lowe uses comic art from himself and others as examples and demonstration pieces.

Chapters in this book include: Learning to See; Perspective Basics; The Figure; Visual Problem Solving; Inking; Advanced Inking Techniques; and Software Applications in Comic Book Art.  This last chapter seems to be particularly appropriate to today's artist, as it shows ways to use technology to create drawings, and help in other areas.

If I wanted to learn to draw, I don't think this book would be helpful.  However, if I was already skilled in that area and wanted to specialize comic books, this Lowe's book would be a great help.  Foundations in Comic Book Art also functions like Lowe's textbook, and would make a great companion piece to Brian Michael Bendis's Words for Pictures.

This book is recommend to artists looking to create a career, or hobby, out of drawing comic books.

I received a review copy of this book from Crown Publishing and the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an honest review.