Dune: House Harkonnen by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

(pb; 2000: second book in the Prelude to Dune trilogy)

From the back cover

“As Shaddam sits at last on the Golden Lion Throne, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen plots against the new Emperor and House Atreides ─ and against the mysterious Sisterhood of the Bene Gesserit. For Leto Atreides, grown complacent and comfortable as ruler of his House, it is a time of momentous choice between friendship and duty, safety and destiny. But for the survival of House Atreides, there is just one choice ─ strive for greatness or be crushed.”

Review

Harkonnen is an excellent follow-up to House Atreides, a sometimes-literally explosive and character-furthering story that builds on the tensions and events of Atreides. As with that source prequel, there is plenty of suspense, dread, action, politics and plotting that maintains the feel of Frank Herbert’s original Dune series. If you are a fan of the original series, there is a good chance you might enjoy Atreides. Followed by Dune:House Corrino.

Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago. . . Volume 3 by various artists and writers

(pb; 2011: graphic novel. Collects Star Wars issues #50--67 and King-Sized Annual #2. These stories take place between The Empire Strikes Back [1980] and Return of the Jedi [1983].)

From the back cover

"From 1977 to 1986, Marvel Comics produced monthly 'Star Wars' comics. This was when the continuity for that galaxy far, far away was still brand-new, when almost anything could happen-- and often did."ar,
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Overall review

Volume 3 is a fun, action-packed read with the occasional plot-awkwardness that marred the previous volume. This time out, though, there are less discrepancies with now-established canon. Again, many of the stories are standard science fiction stories that could be applied to any series, but then the same could be said about Star Wars. The artwork, again, varies from decent to god-awful, but between nostalgia and the general fun tone of the work, this volume is a worthwhile read for fans like myself. Followed by Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago. . .Volume 4.


Story arcs

“The Crimson Forever” [#50]: A deadly plague sweeps across the galaxy, Luke numbering among its barely-alive victims. His friends seek a cure for it. Domina Tagge, last seen in issue #37, makes an appearance.


“Resurrection of Evil” [#51] ─ “To Take the Tarkin” [#52]: The Rebels face a new Imperial super-weapon, as dangerous as the Death Star was. Meanwhile, Vader fends off a coup among his men.


“The Last Gift from Alderaan” [#53] ─ “Starfire Rising” [#54]: Cheesy and melodramatic characters and events highlight this “meh”-writerly tale about Leia, sword-wielding people on Shiva IV (a backwater planet), the Empire and a black hole.


“Plif!” [#55]: Chewie, Leia, Artoo and See-Threepio scout out a planet (Arbra) as a possible new base for the Alliance and get to know the smart and fierce wildlife, one member of it named Plif.


“Coffin in the Clouds” [#56]: Lando Calrissian returns to the Cloud City. While there, he faces a killer robot, Imperial troops, treachery and possible allies.


“Sundown!” [#58] ─ “Bazarre” [#59]: While Leia, Artoo and See-Threepio try to rig a force field around a sun-circling Rebel fleet, Luke, Chewie and Lando deal with a sneaky black marketer (Ferret) in order to secure more ships for the Alliance.


“Shira’s Story” [#60]: Shira Brie, the hot-shot Rebel pilot and Luke’s friend, returns to her Empire-devastated homeworld with the Jedi apprentice. Once they arrive, they ─ of course ─ encounter hostility in the form of Gundarks, a war-loving race. (Brie originally appeared in issue #56.)


“Screams in the Void” [#61] ─ “The Mind Spider” [#63]: When Luke makes what appears to be a tragic error about Shira Brie, he is shocked to discover that the truth may or may not be worse than he thought.


“Serphidian Eyes” [#64]: On a medieval alien world (Serphidia, in the Belial system), Luke tries to recruit new allies by negotiating with their Imperialistic, corrupt leader.


“Golbraith Never Forgets!” [#65]: When the Rebels realize that a crystalline record of their activities was left at an old base (Golbraith), they race there to erase it ─ only to find that an Imperial military attachment has beat them to the site.


“Water Bandits!” [#66]: Luke, accidentally abandoned by his Rebel friends after the events of the previous issue, helps a water farmer (Darial Anglethorn) fight off thieves and odd alien creatures.


“Shadeshine!” [King-Sized Annual #2]: Lando and Luke, pursued by stormtroopers on Ventooine, are told a tale about Han Solo via a recording made by Solo years before.


“The Darker” [#67]: On Arbra, planet of the new Rebel base, See-Threepio, Artoo, Chewie and some hoojib (including Plif) discover and combat a negative-energy creature seeking to escape its force shield prison.

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham

(hb; 1956: children’s book. Illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham.)

From the back cover

“This lovable white dog with black spots (or black dog with white spots) has charmed children for fifty years, and we are celebrating with an anniversary edition. This childhood favorite is perfect for reading aloud before going to bed or avoiding a bath.”

Review

This delightful picture book is one of my all-time favorite children’s works, a fun tale about a dog who does not want to be bathed and acts to prevent it from happening. The protagonist and artwork are endearing and entertaining, and the ending is satisfying in its mischievious mini-twist, one worth remembering. Followed by three equally-worthwhile sequels, No Roses for Harry! (1958), Harry and the Lady Next Door (1960) and Harry By the Sea (1965).

The Owl Service by Alan Garner

(pb; 1967)

From the back cover

“Something is scratching around in the attic above Alison's room. Yet the only thing up there is a stack of grimy old plates. Alison and her stepbrother, Roger, discover that the flowery patterns on the plates, when traced onto paper, can be fitted together to create owls-owls that disappear when no one is watching. With each vanished owl, strange events begin to happen around Alison, Roger, and the caretaker's son, Gwyn. As the kids uncover the mystery of the owl service, they become trapped within a local legend, playing out roles in a tragic love story that has repeated itself for generations... a love story that has always ended in disaster.”

Review

This folk fantasy- and horror-themed children’s book is so-so. It has some effective spooky scenes (many of them involving owls), elements and rural atmosphere, but these elements are scattershot. The book is slow-paced ─ sluggish enough to be called a is-it-done-yet crawl ─ and a lot of the scenes are repetitive-not-progressive, making them pointless. There is a lot to like here, theme-, atmosphere- and tale-wise; that said, judicious cutting would have made this inconsistent effort something amazing to behold, a true classic (as some have claimed it is). It is not. Check this out from the library before committing money to it. 

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Peter Plumber directed the resulting eight-part UK television miniseries, which aired on Granada Television between December 1969 and February 1970. It was scripted by book author Alan Garner.

Gillian Hills played Alison Bradley. Francis Wallis played Roger Bradley. Michael Holden played Gwyn. Dorothy Edwards played Nancy. Edwin Richfield played Clive Bradley. Raymond Lllwellyn played Huw.

Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago. . . Volume 2 by various artists and writers

(pb; 2010: graphic novel. Collects Star Wars issues #28--49 and King-Sized Annual #1)

From the back cover

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..."Farm boy Luke Skywalker dreamed of going to the stars, only to get more than he ever hoped for when he joined an old Jedi to rescue a princess, aided a galactic rebellion, and singlehandedly destroyed the deadliest super-weapon ever devised. But Luke's adventures in the film Star Wars: A New Hope were just the beginning. From 1977 to 1986, Marvel comics published monthly adventures in comics form, keeping alive the excitement and fun of Star Wars for a whole generation as they waited for the next chapter in the film series.

"Collected here are issues #28 to #49, and the Giant Size Annual #1."


Overall review

This twenty-two-issue edition collects issues #28─19 and King-Sized Annual #1, which were originally published in the late 1970s and early 1980s. A lot of these stories took place between A New Hope (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980). They also include the comic book version of the latter film, as well as between-film stories, with additional bad guys and good guys. 

This is a fun, sometimes plot-awkward read, as Luke and Leia’s sibling relationship was not yet known, Jabba the Hut’s appearance and character is different (he is now thin) and other Star Wars themes and elements were not yet established. Many of the stories are standard science fiction stories that could be applied to any series, but then the same could be said about Star Wars. The artwork varies from decent to god-awful, but between nostalgia and the general fun tone of the work, this volume is a worthwhile read for fans like myself. Followed by Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago. . .Volume 3.


Story arcs

“What Ever Happened to Jabba the Hut?” [#28]: Han Solo and Chewbacca battle with some of Hut’s bounty hunters on Orleon, an “obscure planet” filled with acid-blooded stonemites.

“Dark Encounter” [#29]: On Centares, a planet ruined by industrial waste, Dark Vader and Valance ─ a cyborg bounty hunter ─ race and fight each other in order to capture a Rebel Alliance deserter (Tyler Lucian).

“A Princess Alone!” [#30]: Leia Organa sneaks onto the Empire-run factory planet, Metalorn, on a secret mission. While doing so, she tangles with Baron Orman Tagge, last seen in issue #25.

“The Long Hunt” [King-Size Annual #1]: On the planet Tirahnn, Luke and Leia offend the haughty Majestrix of Skye and her beastly Catuman Warriors. They, along with Han Solo, Chewbacca and their old friend [Katya] also fend off an attacking smoke demon. This is one of the my favorite issues in this series, it is one of the better-illustrated works as well.

“Return to Tatooine!” [#31] ─ “Saber Clash! “ [#33]: Luke does that. He encounters an old acquaintance, a hick named Fixer ─ as well as Baron Orman Tagge and his scientist brother (Silas) and a lot of stormtroopers. Han Solo, See-Threepio and Artoo get caught up in the action, also.

“Thunder in the Stars!” [#34]: Luke tries to save his Rebel friends from the Omega Frost, created by Silas Tagge, a device that freezes ships in space.

“Dark Lord’s Gambit” [#35] ─ “In Mortal Combat!” [#37]: Seeking new recruits for the Rebellion, Luke and the gang visit the fourth moon of Yavin, where the flirtatious Sister Domina, Priestess in the Order of the Sacred Circle, holds sway. Complications arise when her family history is revealed and Darth Vader shows up.

“Riders in the Void” [#38]: Luke and Leia find themselves stuck in an icky, hallucinogenic alternate reality. This is an especially fun issue.

“The Empire Strikes Back” [#39] ─ “Duel a Dark Lord!” [#44]: These issues are the comic book adaptation of the 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back.

“Death Probe” [#45]: Artoo and Luke battle an Imperial death probe, which is tearing their ship apart, and the Star Destroyer it contacts.

“The Dreams of Cody Sunn-Childe!”: Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian crash land on an unfamiliar planet and meet legendary Rebel heroes (Cody Sunn-Childe and others) ─ who have sworn off violence. When Imperial trackers find them, the tale takes a tragic turn.


“Droid World!” [#47]: Artoo and See-Threepio try to stay alive on a space station where hostile droids hunt them.

“The Third Law” [#48]: Leia, See-Threepio and Artoo fend off assassination attempt ─ guided by Darth Vader ─ on a neutral-ground banking planet (“Aargau. . . third planet of the Zug system”). There is a lot of potent and imaginative writing in this issue.

“The Last Jedi!” [#49]: A rescue signal brings Luke and Leia to an out-of-the-way planet, where they cross paths with an Empire-deposed prince (Prince Denid of Velmor) and Jedidiah, a legendary Jedi Knight ─ as well as an Imperial attaché, Traal, who wants to kill Denid.

The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West

(pb; 1939)

From the back cover

"The Day of the Locust is a novel about Hollywood and its corrupting touch, about the American dream turned into a sun-drenched California nightmare. Nathanael West's Hollywood is not the glamorous "home of the stars" but a seedy world of little people, some hopeful, some despairing, all twisted by their by their own desires -- from the ironically romantic artist narrator to a macho movie cowboy, a middle-aged innocent from America's heartland, and the hard-as-nails call girl would-be-star whom they all lust after. An unforgettable portrayal of a world that mocks the real and rewards the sham, turns its back on love to plunge into empty sex, and breeds a savage violence that is its own undoing, this novel stands as a classic indictment of all that is most extravagant and uncontrolled in American life.


Review

Day is a sharp, satirical tale about Hollywood during the Great Depression. Its characters, poor and otherwise downtrodden, are desperate and often degenerate and delusional in their thoughts and deeds, with their pointless pursuits and drunken, sexual behaviors. This is an excellent, cinematic-vivid novella, one worth reading if you enjoy reading about such things.

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The resulting film was released stateside on May 7, 1975. John Schlesinger directed the film, from Waldo Salt's screenplay.

Donald Sutherland played Homer Simpson. Karen Black played Faye Greener. Burgess Meredith played Harry Greener. William Atherton played Tod Hackett.

Bo Hopkins played Earle Shoop. Pepe Serna played Miguel. Billy Barty played Abe Kusiche. Jackie Earle Haley played Adore. 

Geraldine Page played Big Sister. Richard Dysart played Claude Estee. Lelia Goldoni played Mary Dove. John Hillerman played Ned Grote. William Castle, billed as William C. Castle, played Director.

The Counselor by Cormac McCarthy

(pb; 2013: screenplay)

From the back cover

"In early 2012 it was announced that Cormac McCarthy had written his first original screenplay - news which provoked huge excitement, a swift deal and the appointment of Ridley Scott to direct. But this is no ordinary screenplay. This is a work of extraordinary imagination which draws on many of the themes of McCarthy's work as well as taking it to new dark places. It is also written with great descriptive passages counteracting the dialogue, so the reader is given the full experience of the McCarthy prose. It is the story of a lawyer, the Counselor, a man who is so seduced by the desire to get rich, to impress his fiancée Laura, that he becomes involved in a drug-smuggling venture that quickly takes him way out of his depth. His contacts in this are the mysterious and probably corrupt Reiner and the seductive Malkina, so exotic her pets of choice are two cheetahs. As the action crosses the Mexican border, things become darker, more violent and more sexually disturbing than the Counselor has ever imagined."


Review

McCarthy’s excellent and word-spare screenplay is not for those who like their reading optimistic and warm. Its characters are distinctly McCarthy-esque ─ often cynical and cruel ─  and their dialogue and actions are appropriately bleak, given the harsh, deadly realities that surround them. This is one of my favorite films of 2013, and reading this further confirmed my love of McCarthy’s stark writing and word-lean crime tales. This is one of the best pieces of writing I have read this year.

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The film, later retitled The Counsellor, was released stateside on October 25, 2013. Ridley Scott directed it.

Michael Fassbender played Counselor. Penelope Cruz played Laura. Cameron Diaz played Malkina. Javier Bardem played Reiner. Brad Pitt played Westray.

Rosie Perez played Ruth. Bruno Ganz played Diamond Dealer. Dean Norris played Buyer. Goran Visnjic played Banker. An uncredited John Leguizamo played Coverall Man Randy. Sam Spruell played Wireman.