#ComicReview: Giant Robot Warriors

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Ashleigh Mayes

Everyone loves robots, no? Today's review is "Giant Robot Warriors" by Stuart Moore and Ryan Kelly. Initially, the badass cover is what led me to pick up this book. Seriously, look at it! Little did I know, the book would be dripping with humor, politics (love me some!), and serious rivalries. The book, overall, shows us what we, as Americans, love to fight other's wars. The novel is centered around Rufus. Personally, at first, I can't stand the kid. He's the self-proclaimed "pretty-boy" face of the project who seems only concerned with public relations. His form of PR? Flirting with talkshow hosts, news reporters, and whatever female is in the vicinity. He even goes so far as to take a group of girls into the top-secret lab of the Giant Robot Warrior Project. On top of that, he bad-mouths his bosses on public television! Rufus' boss, Walther, is the butt of all of his fat jokes. On more than one occasion, Walther storms out of the bar in embarrassment and frustration. Throughout the course of the book, it is found out that the President (who, without any attempt at disguise, looks oddly like President Bush) is a robot. He glitches and calls the middle-eastern people "towel heads". Before an all-out war takes place between two middle-eastern countries, the United States gets involved and shows up with a GRW of their own. The battle takes places and...you'll have to read to get the ending. :)

I really did enjoy reading "Giant Robot Warriors". Though slow at first, the book picks up quickly. It's a pretty quick read. The jokes are somewhat cheesy, but I think it was meant to be reflective on the good ol' U.S.of A.

Well...on to the rating, shall we?

Creativity of Writing: 3.5/5  I realize that this novel was originally put out around the time of "Transformers". Maybe that's what bugs me about it...that it reminds me of "Transformers". However, I really do enjoy the plot. The United States goes off to fight a war when things are falling apart on the homefront, but somehow, everything is saved at the end of the day. On top of that, the U.S. wins the war between the two middle-eastern countries. The characters feel unique and well developed. The relationships and the strain between the characters adds depth to the story. Especially the rivalry between Rufus and Walther (which is resolved rather funnily, at the end). I feel that, by giving Americans something they could relate to and an icon that they realize (Bush), the story seems more real and the danger seems more intense. Drawing the reader into the comic on a personal level is a sign of success, if you ask me.

Creativity of Art: 4/5 I dig the straight black-and-white art. I also like that the comic feels extremely detailed although it may not be at all times. The characters are definitely interesting looking and I like that they are shown at unique, not necessarily flattering, angles. I also love looking at the unique robots.

Overall Casual Read Rating: 4/5 The politics is definitely the main reason I love this comic. Then, the turmoil. I feel like it's entertaining, but not necessarily as developed as it could be. I do recommend it, but I think that a very specific group of people would like it, despite every American being able to relate to it.

#nerdsunite

Click here to follow Ashleigh on twitter ... and don't miss her blog over yonder!

#Comic #Review: New-Gen Issue #2

#talknerdytomelover's @ashleighmayes @kryptodies

Look back and you'll see that I reviewed New-Gen Issue #1 not too long ago. Thanks to the awesome folks at A.P.N.G. interprises and Marvel, I've got the rest of the issues and I won't let you down, dear readers! Especially when it's a comic so intriguing! If you look back on the last issue, you'll see a battle of one brother versus another, a battle of "good" versus "evil", and one motivation against another. At the end of the issue, Deadalus and his army were clawing their way out of the earth and rocks to begin a world domination. I thought that Issue #1 was good, but Issue #2 totally blew me away! My only complaints with Issue #1 were 1. The plot seemed a little done and 2. there wasn't enough action. Both of those concerns were laid to rest with Issue #2!

In Issue #2, you see Deadalus' army come to the surface of Crete (to the misfortune of those living above!). Much to my viewing pleasure (not prevertedly, you weirdo!), Mini is sent to deal with the chaos and distruction that Deadalus' army leaves. Soon, it's obvious to Gabriel that Mini can't handle the battle alone. He sends a bot to help with the mess and the battle is moved to a cave. Just when he's got Deadalus in his beast-grip, Gabriel interferes with his plans to wipe the man off the face of the Earth. Instead, he choses to, yet again, trap Deadalus underground (REALLY?? Didn't you learn your lesson before??).

Throughout the entire comic, Perseus and his father are determined to make Perseus legendary. They find themselves in a nasty situation simply for the love of the story. In the end, Perseus is telling a "true account" of what has happened.

Enough on plot! You get to be in my head now! :)

Creativity of Writing: 5/5 Like I said before, this issue fixed all of my concerns with Issue #1. There's epic fighting that ties into the main plot and also there's the humorous sub-plot of Perseus and his father. Just when you think you've got it figured out, BAM! Gabriel doesn't let Mini kill Deadalus when he very easily has the chance. I guess if he were to kill him, Issues #3-#8 would be blank pages.... The only thing that really bothers me is the fact that he TRAPS HIM UNDERGROUND. Didn't he learn from his mistake before?? That's just asking for it again! 

Creativity of Art: 4.5/5 I was more impressed with this issue, I think! The art just seemed fitting of the story. It might be all of the action poses that I'm digging, but SOMETHING worked! It looks more detailed. I love the art for this issue! 

Overall Casual Read Rating: 4/5 More, more, more! This issue really sucked me in and satisfied the craving that I had for more action and more battle. Mini is just a BAMF and I LOVE watching him be a badass! There's never a boring moment! I'd love to take this series with me on the way to a convention. Let's face it. Airports just ain't cool. ;)

 Well...that's all for now! Until next time, my darlings! 

If you really miss me, find me on Twitter @ashleighmayes and @kryptodies Be my lover forever and hit up my website! www.kryptodies.com 

#Comic #Review: The Walking Dead Volume 2: Miles Behind Us

#talknerdytomelover's @ashleighmayes @kryptodies

HOOOOLYYYY crap, guys! If you thought the first Volume of "The Walking Dead" was intense, wait until you get the chance to crack open Volume TWO! I wasn't sure what direction it would head in, but I sure as heck didn't expect it to be THIS awesome! If you've been an AWESOME person and have been reading for a while, you'll remember that I reviewed Volume I: "Days Gone Bye". At the end of that Volume, Shane tries to kill Rick (because he wants Rick's wife...) only to be shot by Rick's son. The group is moving on and trying to find somewhere safe. That's where this Volume enters. Everyone is tired of being crammed into one RV. Naturally, tensions rise. Desperate for anything as a safe haven, Rick enters a gated community. After clearing out a few undead, the group determines that it is ok to stay the night. It's a mistake that one of them will have to pay dearly for...with their life. The snow melts and Rick sees a sign that says "All Dead Inside". As the hordes attack, Rick desperately pulls everyone into the RV. After a little while on the road, the group is hungry. Rick, Carl (his son), and a few men head out to hunt. Thinking that the group is a mob of flesh-eating monsters, a wandering survivor makes the mistake of shooting Rick's child son. The group takes Carl to a new home along the way and tensions soon rise over the ethics that accompany killing the undead. This causes the group to lose what seemed to be a permanent home. I'm trying to not give away too much, but the ending is the turning point. Rick's clan finds a prison and it seems to be the perfect place to hide away. There's fences, top-notch security measures, plenty of room, and the prospect of food.

Although I've said a lot, there's SO much more in the Volume that you should READ to find out (there's a surprise pregnancy!)!  On to the ratings! 


Of COURSE this book's going to get top-notch ratings! This girl's a sucker for the undead and the idea of a world with no rules and all survival!

Creativity of Writing: 5/5 Kirkman does an excellent job of developing the characters as the plot progresses. As a direct result of each incident, we can see how the characters react and grow. Emotions aren't often easy to depict in a two dimensional form, but "The Walking Dead" does an EXCELLENT job of showing the pain, agony, confusion, fear, and uncertainty that each person faces through loss and suffering. For someone to put their mind into the mindset of all of this ACTUALLY happening and to do it so accurately is AMAZING to me. There's nothing unchanging about this series. The story is weaved so delicately that it seems like a movie playing in the reader's mind. You get sucked in and YOUR emotions get caught up in the mess.

Creativity of Art: 4/5 The art is pretty good. I would love to see it in color, but hey...the story is far enough to catch my attention. The details are good and the people's expressions are accurately portrayed to match their feelings. The scenery is beautifully done and overall, the comic is a very easy one to look at.

Overall Casual Read Rating: 5/5 I'm in love with this series! It always sucks me in and won't let go. It takes you to a different world and different time. It captures your imagination and entertains your mind. It's what all comics should aspire to be.

Note to the Creator(s): Rock freaking on! I would marry you if I could. It's still my dream to meet you guys! I'm such a huge fan and want to THANK YOU for giving us such an amazing work of genius! 

Thanks for reading, Nerdlings! Check out my website for crazy often updates: www.kryptodies.com! Follow me on Twitter @ashleighmayes and @kryptodies! And also, PLEASE drop @RobertKirkman a line telling him how awesome I am and how he should totally do a Skype or in-person interview with me! I'd Nerdgasm  EVERYWHERE! 

#Randombling: A "Southern" Girl's First Time In #NYC

#talknerdytomelover's @ashleighmayes @kryptodies

Here we go, guys. Five minutes. Ready. Set. Go.

HOLY CRAP! New York City is literally the biggest place I've ever been to. I (think) its the farthest away that I've ever been too. Before this summer when I attended San Diego Comic-Con, I'd never left the South. Crazy, right? I've never had a problem with the South (well...except the rednecks. Though I'm from the South, I don't consider myself a southern girl.). All my family is here. The Summers are hot and the Winters bring crazy amounts of snow. Going to San Diego planted a travel lust in me. When offered a trip to NYC for New York Comic-Con, I couldn't say no. It's SO big, guys! It's HUGE! And Times Square!! I literally tripped a few times while streching my neck to look around. I'm SO glad that my LG Chocolate Touch has a panoramic camera setting! There's no way you can capture that much awesome in one frame. I had a lot of impressions about the people. Most obviously, New Yorkers LOVE to use their horn. At first, it got on my nerves BIG time. Seriously! Learn patience! But as time went by, I got used to it. It's just something you hear, I guess. Another thing- if you're in the crosswalk when you shouldn't be, you're asking for it. Cars don't stop. And sometimes, they don't care if you're ALLOWED to be in the crosswalk. Insanity! Speaking of the streets- street food. It's not good to eat it for every meal. Especially when you're not used to it. I got majorly sick twice. It's wasn't pretty, folks. Despite the very few negative things I found, there's a lot of positive. People are nice. I've always heard that you don't talk to people you don't know and they don't talk to you. In San Diego, I chatted up a storm with whoever was nearby. In New York, I don't really feel that it was any different. Maybe they thought I was crazy for talking to them. But then again, aren't we all a little crazy? :) XOXO Ashleigh

This isn't a comic review, but you can find tons of awesome ones on my website, www.kryptodies.com!

#Comic #Review: "The Amazing Screw-On Head and Other Curious Objects"

In the title of "The Amazing Screw-On Head and Other Curious Objects", "curious" is putting it lightly. When Mike Mignola sat down to write this, I'm not sure what he was thinking, but I can promise one thing: it was WEIRD. When I say "weird", I mean it in the nicest way possible, of course. "Screw-On Head" is VERY different. I don't think I've ever read a story (or in this case, collection of stories) as odd. At first, I was COMPLETELY lost. Once you accept the fact that it's completely off the wall, it's much easier to absorb.

The main story in the book (with the book's namesake) is about a man...erm...metal head that can attach to different bodies (apparently there's a LOT to choose from. In the story, he chooses body #13). He is under the command of Abraham Lincoln and is fighting the antagonist, Emperor Zombie. With the assistance of a seemingly frozen dog (or maybe it's dead...) that can talk and sidekick Mr. Groin, Mr. Head attempts to stop Emperor Zombie from stealing a gem that would allow him to take over the world. There's a huge conflict and I'll let you read to find out what happens in the end. This is the longest story in the book, but its not all that long. There are many, many more shorter stories.

My favorite was written by the author's 7 year old daughter. The story is "The Magician and the Snake". The story is about a magician who makes shapes disappear. He tells a snake that when the shapes reappear, he will die. The snake is heartbroken but determined to make the most out of the magician's last days. The two fly a kite and one night, the shapes reappear. The snake is angry and goes to the rooftop to scream at them. He begs the magician to turn him into a lion so he can eat the shapes and save the magician's life. The magician refuses and leaves his every earthly possession to the snake (because the snake will remember him).

"The Amazing Screw-On Head and Other Curious Objects" is weird, but my ratings aren't!

Creativity of Writing: 5/5 It's definitely random. Honestly, I can't see where the stories are going before they get there and even once I've read them, I'm sometimes not sure of what's just happened or why. That's the beauty of this book, though. It allows for casual reading on a whole new level. Each story is unique, so it allows for an awesome change of pace. The story written by Mignola's 7 year old daughter doesn't feel out of place at all. In fact, I was surprised to find that it was written by someone else at all! Some stories just suddenly cut off. Instead of making me frustrated, the story ending simply makes my mind wonder/wander about what could possibly be going on after the pages end.



Creativity of Art: 5/5 I love the style the stories are illustrated in. It's like a dark Gothic style with scritchy and bold lines. The areas of color are large (I've been reading a lot of stories with this quality lately, but this one definitely stands out). The shading is a large part of what I like about it. It's bold and eye-catching. As to be expected, the style is pretty much exactly that of the Hellboy comics.

Overall Casual Read Rating: 4.5/5 Although the two separate elements individually are perfect, the overall casual read rating is slightly lower simply because the read is SO fast. Although each story is different, they blend together somewhat. I love the book. It's very entertaining. However, if you're a fast reader like me, it won't be around to keep you entertained for long because you'll finish it.

Note to the Creator(s): Awesome book. I wanna pick your brain someday. After reading this, though, I'm afraid that it might be a scary place. ;) 

Until next comic, guys! 

XOXO Ashleigh

For this and other kick-awesome comic book, video game, and random geekery reviews, visit www.kryptodies.com!