Starship Troopers Book vs. Movie

I reread Starship Troopers and I have to say, thinking back of the movie... yeah that flick sucked. But looking at Wiki, seems they optioned it during pre-production of the film and just did short alterations to the script but they are both vastly different. They should have just kept it as Bug Hunt.

I promise a real update next week. Maybe...

Book: The Girl Who Played With Fire

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Steig Larsson

Summary: After taking a year of traveling and some physical modification, Lisbith Salander returns to Sweden. All the while former lover and partner Mikael Blomkvist is still riding the popularity revolving around his investigative tell all about Wennerström. His Millennium magazine has also agreed to publish a book and report on the Sex Trade in Sweden. An explosive one that will no doubt name names. Also, Lisbeths legal guardian has been looking for payback ever since she blackmailed and humiliated him and he has set it in motion.

It all goes down, of course, to the murder of the two new reporters at Millennium and Lisbeth has been fingered by the cops as the prime suspect. The cops think they have it easy but learn quickly that they don't know who exactly they're dealing with. Doesn't help their are others who are searching for Lisbeth.

As the mystery unravels we learn more about Lisbeths past as her history and family life start coming forward.

Thoughts: Lisbeth Salander is wicked cool.

Faster moving than the previous book with more action.

Still lots going on with gender inequality in Sweden. Which is ironic considering that the late writers common law wife has been denied any of Larssons estate while his brother and father are cashing in. I'm sure he's rolling over in the grave right now. Of course, with her owning the computer with future material I'm sure she'll get a sweet paycheck. or get sued badly...

By the way, the police officer Faste is a complete douchebag.

A lot of supporting characters and that is a bit of a hassle sometimes figuring out whose who. Besides, most of them don't really stand out over the main players.

There's a few big twists. Especially the opening which seems to be one thing and turns out to be another much later on.

I really liked this book. Because Lisbeth is wicked cool.

September Favorites 2009

[can't find right image]
9. Gotham City Sirens #4-Scott Lobdell fills in on a story starring the Riddler. Thus the best issue yet. Weird.


8. Wonder Woman #36


7. Detective Comics #857


6. Yotsuba&! Vol. 6-New company to release the English-language series. Yeah!


5. Gunsmith Cats: Burst Vol. 4-Finally.


4. Runaways #14-Big shocking ending. And a hiatus. Lame...


3. Nana Vol. 18-Surprise? I know I am.


2. The Life & Times of Martha Washington in the 23rd Century Complete Collection


1. Batman & Robin #4

RIP George Tuska

Was going to do my Favorites of September 2009 but instead, RIP comic artist George Tuska.

First saw him in the pages of my Essential Luke Cage and also some of his work in Iron Man. One hell of a dynamic artist.

[edit: having trouble posting images so i suggest looking]

Book: The Supergirls-Fashion, Feminism, & the History of Comic Book Heroines

The Supergirls-Fashion, Feminism, & the History of Comic Book Heroines by Mike Madrid

Summary: A history of the comic book heroine. From the early days of comic books to the present day. Encompassing background on the classic characters from Phantom lady to Storm and even lesser known or more cult status heroines.

Mike Madrid's book looks at the rough times these women had attempting to become equals to their male counterparts as well as being received by a mostly male audience. Along the way being straddled by lack of creative imagination and male chauvinism. The chapter on Wonder Woman's struggles greatly show that even one of the greatest female characters to ever be created suffered more than she succeeded.

Read about Marvel comics trouble, and failure, to produce a female hero on Wonder Womans level. How the infamous Seduction of the Innocent not only effected female characters but male superheroes own books in regards to female supporting cast.

Mike Madrid also looks at the style and fashion of these heroines and debates whether the outfits empower the wearer or are just designed to entice male readers.

Thoughts: Very in depth. So much information in a short, over 250 page book. Easily accessible. Sadly no artwork from any major character but I can imagine licensing costs.

I was stunned regarding Ms. marvel's publication history. These woman was suppose to be Marvels answer to Wonder Woman and she was stunted in her development by the various creators. Only now has the character gained any real movement but its been way too late to make her the female icon of the company.

Being a fan of Wonder Woman, the chapters and information regarding her was really enlightening. Also down right sad how they practically stilted her growth at every turn unable to figure out what to do with the character. Especially after the original creator died and the Seduction of the Innocent book. That said, I do kind of like white-pantsuit Wonder Woman.

The WWII heroines sound kind of cool.

Sad to see that the male writers shook of feminism for the most part with these girls until the 80s where new creators started bring more serious and thought provoking material to the books. Though there were a few shining spots ere and there. Like the treatemnt to Doom patrols Elasti-Girl. Confident and powerful.

The information on Legion of Super-Hero's female characters makes me interested in thsoe old stories. Some hank panky between the lines?

Damn good read.