Bram Stoker's Dracula: Art by Ben Templesmith

• ISBN: 978-160010378-0

• Cover Price: $16.99

• Written By: Bram Stoker

• Illustrated By: Ben Templesmith

• Publisher: IDW

I've never read Dracula, after purchasing this book... I still may never read Dracula! However, I'm a HUGE Ben Templesmith fan. Fell (written by Warren Ellis, art by Templesmith) is one of my favorite books. Templesmith's art style is unique and a refreshing change from typical comic art, and particularly suited to the horror genre, specifically Vampires. If you saw the mediocre movie, "30 Days of Night" it was based on the comic written by Steve Niles, with art by Ben Templesmith which is MUCH better. He has an incredibley dark and emotional art style, there are no Vampires in his work that sparkle. I bought the book strictly as an art piece, not really intending to read it... but, as I'm glancing through the pages, writing this review. I find myself oddly compelled to actually read the book, instead of just drooling over the glossy illustrations. Which, I suppose, may be part of the purpose in illustrating a novel. There's no reason to buy or read this unless you're a Ben Templesmith fan, or if you've been dying to read "Dracula" and want an extremely nice looking copy. Or I suppose if you really love the book, but only own a tattered old paperback, then this probably is for you. For anyone else, if "Dracula" the novel does nothing for you, checking out anything else Ben has touched might be worthwhile!

Comic Pick of the Week: June 24th, 2009

Reading List:

• Green Lantern #42

• Astonishing X-Men #30

• Skaar:Son of Hulk #12

• Amazing Spider-Man #598

Pick of the Week:

Amazing Spider-Man #598

Written By: Joe Kelly
Pencils By: Paulo Siqueira & Marco Checchetto Siqueira
Colours By: Jeromy Cox

Ok, so this is part 4 (of 5) of the "American Son" story arc. Where we have Norman Osborne trying to turn Harry into his own personal "super-hero". There was a lot in this issue that I just outright enjoyed. There were some big reveals, including the fact that Lilly, whom has up until this issue, has been carrying Harry's baby... is actually carrying Norman's and that they've been working together to manipulate Harry. Spider-Man has been captured and is being beaten by Norman and Bullseye while they attempt to remove his mask. In the end, Harry discovers the ruse and willingly dons the "American Son" Stark style armour in an attempt to rescue Spider-Man from the clutches of his evil father. Spider-Man, post "One More Day" has been everything a comic book is supposed to be, and I think this issue was a prime example. Everything in it was fun and exciting. We had betrayals that lead to heroic acts of daring rescue, we have the fantastic Norman/Harry Father/Son storyline going on which ultimately ends in a (little doubted) epic betrayal.

The art was in usual form, Marvel puts some of it's best talent on the book. My only complaint is more due to character design than actual artistic talent or ability. I find that Harry and Norman look WAY to similar... especially when they're both wearing a suit. The scenes I enjoyed most (art-wise) were the scenes with Norman and Bullseye with the captured Spidey. The detail and viseral feel of the panels is inherant, and you feel each hit Spidey takes, making his eventual escape that much more satisfying. This has been a really enjoyable story. I only started reading Spider-Man after the re-boot, and this is the first real taste of the Peter/Osborne connection we've had. I LOVE the father/son relationship, it's a big part of what I like about the Bat-verse right now, and seeing Harry struggle with his past/future as a superhero/villian, in the face of his father who has clearly chosen his path without struggle or regret is a stark contrast.

"The Plan"

So, this came about as a way for me to gush fanboy love for comics. I adore comics, everything about them. But my wife is getting pretty sick of hearing about them every week, so I figured I'd unleash my opinions on the internets... pretty much assuming no one will be that interested. I'll do a weekly pick, let you know what I've read, and what my "Pick of the Week" is. I'll also probably do some "Book Reviews" of various collected editions and old runs of single issues I may own. There's very little I enjoy more than talking about why I love the comics I love.

It won't be JUST that though, I'm hoping to throw in a few amusing anecdotes here and there... and my two kids often provide entertaining stories. If there is anyone out there who decides to read this, I hope you enjoy it!