Ink hard: March 2022

Monday, March 14, 2022

Some books I've read 51

Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink by Elvis Costello

A well written autobiography from Costello. I'm no big expert on his music, only having a Greatest Hits cd, but it's still interesting. He seems to have worked with everybody.

Room to Dream by David Lynch and Kristine McKenna

An unconventional biography from McKenna, where each chapter is followed by comments and rememberings from Lynch. That are almost impossible to read without hearing his voice in your head.

Sweet Dreams: The Story of The New Romantics by Dylan Jones

An oral history of British music from 75 to 85, also nightclubs, Blitz, and style magazines like The Face and I-D, up to Live Aid, including Human League, OMD, Ultravox, ABC, Duran Duran, Culture Club, so basically the rise and fall of The New Romantics and synth pop.

Stoner by John Williams

An amazing novel, and sort of cut to the bone, with descriptions that don't go on forever.

Doctor Strange: The World Beyond

Early stories from Strange Tales, and a bit repetitive, I must admit, but it's hard not to fall for Ditko's wild art. Looking forward to volume 2.

The Mighty Thor: The Vengeance of Loki

Not quite peak Kirby, but still appealing. Also includes some lesser art by Don Heck. Will move on to the Epic Collection for the rest of this series, I think.

Fantastic Four: The Micro World of Doctor Doom

Likewise not peak Kirby, but fun comics. Lee could have cut down on some of the text. Will get the later FF stories, either Epic or Essential. Kirby's DC books and the return to Marvel I find less enjoyable.

Marvel Visionaries; Steve Ditko

A nice introduction to Ditko, from Tales to Astonish to Speedball. Great Spider-Man and Dr Strange stories. Will get his whole Spider-Man work in the Epic books, when they are reprinted.

If I had to choose between Ditko and Kirby, if someone put a gun to my head, I think it would be... Ditko.