Steve's Moratorium

Farscape: The Beginning of the End of the Beginning by Rockne S. O’Bannon


My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The ultimate collection FARSCAPE fans have been waiting for! This handsome hardcover features the first four issues of the first arc of the Farscape comic series as written by series creator

Rockne S. O’Bannon. Includes a bevy of bonus materials that make this a must-have item for hard-core ‘Scapers and new fans alike!

First I have to admit when this TV series first premiered I was unable to really get involved in the story. At the time of its release I wasn’t watching much of any real TV to think of. I apologize to all the hard-core ‘Scapers for not fonding it sooner. Though I will admit to seeing bits and pieces of it throughout the years and can certainly say that it wasn’t the easiest story to follow when not watching more religiously.

Now having watched the complete series starting with the first 3 seasons from Netflix streaming service.(If you don’t have that service get it!) Which ultimately pushed me to purchase the Fourth season at Walmart.com because apparently it does not warrant stocking in the store, or any store for that matter. At least not in or around Raleigh, NC. Then I revisited “The Peacekeeper Wars” and now I am into the comic book stories. This being the first of them.

This story was an excellent continuation of the PK Wars with Rygel’s returning to his home planet and the Sun-Crichton Family enjoying their new found bliss. This story while lacking in the actors spin on their characters is very much in the Farscape feel and reads very much like the TV show. With old characters rearing their heads and a new evil that will likely build to something great in the much hoped for webisodes.

If you have followed the show and love it like I do this story is absolutely for you. If you are however not into the show in anyway I don’t see the comic being interesting to you.

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Popularity: 4% [?]

Sams Teach Yourself CSS in 10 Minutes by Russ Weakley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I picked this little ditty up to really dip my foot in the water, and buddy it certainly has that down. If your looking to change a wordpress themes appearance and have no idea what PHP is this is a great choice for you.
First off if you sit down and really go through each chapter they are broken down to perfect 10 minute slots. Mind you after that run through of the lesson go back and play with the code on the screen alot they tell you why you do it this way. It is my opinion that when you change it around that is when you really get the lesson. Then once you understand the concept move to the next one. Following along with the lessons with a solid weekend you can be ready for the majors.
Also it is a small form factor book so keeping it handy is not a problem. It has little cheats right in the cover for quick reference later.
I was amazed at this little books coverage and how easy it is to get started. (Note – get the download from their site so you have the images referenced in the text. It also has all the code in the download.)

This is a must have for the beginner web designer and quick reference assistant.

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Popularity: 20% [?]

Dawn Volume 2: Return Of The Goddess by Joseph Michael Linsner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As I said before I found this tpb along with its predecessor at a used book shop. In great condition though it is a 4th printing as well.

This is set in a more modern time then the previous volume, though Dawn would be timeless. It starts out with two witches in the woods performing a ceremony of some sort, when they are victimized by some zealots. More of them is discovered later. The girls run of complaining about people not understanding the true meaning of wicca, and being wiccan. Then they talk of what it means to themselves.

Without giving to much away one of them does a ritual to call forth the Goddess Dawn patron saint of the witches. Unlike the first volume “Lucifer’s Halo” this volume has Dawn in a much more active role. She heads out to avenge her witches.

I personally love the much more intimate relationship Micheal Linsner uses in his portrayal of Jehovah and Lucifer. We saw some of it in the first volume, true. In Return of the Goddess this is more of a driving theme to the plot.

Once again I am very happy with the Dawn novella and will recommend anyone that can get their hands on a copy read it. At the very least check it out for his amazing art forms.

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Popularity: 64% [?]

Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was my first introduction to the written character Temperance Brennan created by Kathy Reichs. Though I have a profound interest in the “Bones” show, it took some time to get into this story.
Dissappointment may be clouding my review here so please bear this in mind further on. They have very loosly created that show with some bases to the book.
That being said:
I will be attempting to read the first book of this story at a later time because I do see much promise in the series I do hope that there is more to the Canadian translations. By that I mean being a dumb American I had a hard time understanding what the infrastructure was are they like FBI or a National Police Force, or state enforcement, do they have states and do they differ.
Most of the organizations where in French and I speak English even a small translation at the back might have been nice. I also noticed that French has very little reference points for the English language making it even harder to translate or guess.
The story itself was very enjoyable once I got over the fact that this story was the Bones and Booth of the show and more involved with the life of Tempe. Like I said it has made me interested enough to go back an start at the beginning to see if I like the story as a whole.

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Popularity: 18% [?]

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Uninvited Guests by Andi Watson


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Another cheap find at the Raleigh used book shop. When you see them gotta grab them up.(Note: They have very little organization to the graphic novels in my opinion, but they do have a section for them) This is not an official version of the Buffy story though it takes place in the time line so to speak. I remember thinking she never did that. This was not in my knowledge base when I first started reading Buffy comics. I was unaware that the older comic series was not in step wholly with the television series. Now you know!

This was however a great story done in the comic it doesn’t have true lasting effect to the overall storyline. The artist does a great job in depicting the real life characters. So you won’t have a problem following who is who. The characters are also written in my opinion right on with the scripted characters.

I was looking for more BtVS and this is definitely made for those looking for more Buffy the Vampire Slayer and her faithful slayerettes. Go out and find it if you can. If you can’t find this I am sure that this is in one of the eight Omnibus novels in most book shops and comic stores.

P.S. Don’t confuse this with the Buffy Comics Season 8 which is how the creator wanted the story to go. That is also a very Goodread…

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Popularity: 19% [?]

The Lake House by James Patterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is one of my favorite stories by Mr. Patterson. In this exciting sequel to “When the Wind Blows” we are reintroduced to Max, Oz, Ic, Peter, Wendy and Matthew the famous bird children from The School. It was with out a doubt a page turner for me and anyone that enjoyed the first story will undoubtedly enjoy this one as well.

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Popularity: 22% [?]

Battlefield Earth by L. Ron Hubbard

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story seemed a little long winded but at the end of every turning point I was so enthralled that I needed it to go on.
This was my first and probably only Hubbard Book but I enjoyed it immensely.

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Popularity: 17% [?]

Dawn Volume 1: Lucifer’s Halo by Joseph Michael Linsner

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I found this and its companion at in a used book shop in Raleigh, while applying for a job. It was in good condition, being a fourth printing I would hope so. No I didn’t get the job. This is a little late in writing, sorry.
First off Mr. Linsner’s art is Incredible. It is real, dark, and emotive. This would have been worth full price just to look at. I am not a critic, when it comes to art, but I know when I see a Good bit of it. This is not for children in my opinion. The authors website is here.

In his forward the author states that this trade paperback has been slightly rewritten to more accurately tell the story he intended. So if you read the original comics this might be worth checking out. The story is intelligently written and appears to be well versed in the principals of Goddess worship. It is a thinking read if you want blood and guts without intentions don’t bother.

This is a definite must read. I would recommend it to any graphic novel enthusiast who wants more than just great art. it is great art.

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Popularity: 16% [?]

Sams Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL and Apache All in One by Julie C. Meloni

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great primer for getting to understand web development. Though a understanding of C would be helpful you can definitley get by without it.

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Popularity: 32% [?]

Dark Mirror by Craig Shaw Gardner


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Based in the fourth season before Cordelia has her memory back. This story has some incongruity to it. The first being Cordelia participating and helpful with no memory.



Being a fan of the series I decided I wanted to see more stories with these characters. Sadly this being the first one I found on a bookshelf left me lacking in a need to search out more.



The plot felt weak, the characters uninvolved, the wrap unexplained and quick.



I would not recommend this as a first Angel read. Maybe this is for the die hard fan. It left me unimpressed.


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Popularity: unranked [?]