Deadpool Volume 1. By Daniel Way

Deadpool is one of Marvel's more popular B-list characters.  He is known as the Merc with a Mouth.  Without giving too much away about what makes Deadpool special, he is almost impossible to kill.  For reason you will find out if you read any Deadpool story, he is able to regeneration and heal himself.  He is also insane.  Which is what kind of makes him fun to read.  Deadpool books are just that... fun.  They do not take themselves seriously, will not win any awards for story, and the characters can have potty mouths at times. (thus the merc with a mouth)  It really took me a while to like this character, but about half way through I started enjoying his crazy conversations with himself. He is insane after all.  Everything is a joke to him.  This is not a book for kids.  He is a mercenary with a crud mouth, he kills people for money and he is insane.  If your an adult and are looking for something out of the ordinary, a not so feel good story, can enjoy twisted humor, this book might just be for you.

The Amazing Spider-man: Kraven's Last Hunt. By J.M. DeMatteis

Even though I've read an entire omnibus of the amazing spider-man, I still don't feel like I really know the spider-man character.  Because of that it was a little hard to get a point of reference on who Kraven was.  There are plenty of flashback with Kraven, to know who he is, where he came from, and why he is the way he is.  In a nut shell Kraven is the ultimate hunter. He has hunted and caught everything he has set out to, except spider-man.  Spider-man has bested him a number of times, but this time will be different.  Kraven sets out to kill spider-man and take his place and prove to himself that not only can he kill spider-man, but he can be a better spider-man then Peter Parker.  It was an interesting story, but for some odd reason, I find that I don't really have a big attraction with spider-man like I do other comic book characters.  I do like him, but he just isn't my favorite.  If you already like spider-man, you'll probably enjoy this one.  If you are just getting into comic, pass on this one.

The Infinity Gauntlet. By Jim Starlin

The Infinity Gauntlet is a story that revolves around two main characters; Thanos and Adam Warlock.  Thanos, who after dying, made a deal with death (lady death) to go back and rebalance those alive with those who are dead.  Upon being brought back to life Thanos falls in love with Death and wants to please her. To fulfill her request, he will need to kill almost half of the entire population of the universe to complete this.  He then proposes to her that he needs to assemble the infinity gauntlet (made of six gems) that give the wearer omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, god-like power, and absolute dominion over all realities.  Once the gauntlet is assembled, Thanos becomes even more powerful then death.  People across the universe start disappearing.  Adam Warlock basically recruits as many super heroes that are left to help execute his plan. Though the Avengers, Wolverine, Dr. Doom, Hulk, Spiderman, Dr. Strange and others are in this book, they only play supporting role.  So ultimately Thanos has to power to defeat anything or anyone ever.  So how do you defeat the undefeatable? You'll have to read and see.  I originally read this thinking that the Avengers 2 movie would be based on this story, but after reading it I have a hard time believing this is the story they will tell.  In my opinion there are too many characters that Marvel does not have the movie rights to, such as Wolverine and Spiderman, and that the continuity they have worked so hard for in their movies leading up to the Avengers, this would be too complicated.  Though I am still convinced that the next Avengers movie will some how involve Thanos.  I believe we see a shot of him at the very end of the Avengers movie. It was a fun read, but in my opinion, not a must read.  If you want to learn more about Thanos, its a worth while read.

Green Lantern Corps: Revolt of the Alpha-Lanterns. By Peter J. Tomasi

Revolt of the Alpha-Lanterns takes place just after the events of the Blackest Night and at the beginning of the Brightest Day.  The newly created Alpha-Lanterns are now being controlled by Cyborg Superman.  The thing I found the coolest in this story was the fact that the Guardian Ganthet decideds to step down as a Guardian of the Universe and to become the Green Lantern of Oa.  It is this twist that gives the story more depth. We also get to see a race of people from the anti-matter universe that stumble upon what looks like a white ring construct of a net.  This race takes it and says it will be there best weapon yet.  I'll have to wait until the next book, The Weaponer, to find out what that is all about.  I enjoyed the story and the art.  Like always if you like the green lantern corp, you'll probably like this book.

Shepherding a Child's Heart. By Tedd Tripp

I just finished Tedd Tripps book "Shepherding a Child's Heart".  It was very eye opening.  There were a lot of really good things in this book.  I read this book on the recommendation of Dave Ramsey.  He is also an avid reader and a christian man I respect so I though I would give this book a try.  While preparing to write my review, I looked at some of other peoples reviews of this book on Amazon.  WOW is this a polarizing book.  Either people hated it stating that Tedd claims the bible wants us to use fear and pain to punish children as soon as they disobey, or they really liked it saying that it gave them a greater perspective on how to parent there children.  Though I wouldn't give this book a five star rating, I don't agree with the people who claim that Tedd says that the bible wants us to parent with fear and pain.  My gut feeling tells me they couldn't get past the fact that he encourages spanking.  At no point in this book does he tell us or say that the bible tells us to use fear and pain at every opportunity.  The core of the book is exactly what the title states: Shepherding a child's heart.   Shepherding a child's heart to rely on God.  The principles outlined in this book were meant to be applied gently, sober-mindedly, calmly, and lovingly.  Tedd uses biblical truths to child rearing in a godly and gentle manner.  He shows how spanking, time out, punishment, all have there place is raising a child.  The main things I gathered from this book were that spanking is a portion of godly correction when raising a child.  It in and of itself is not a solo form of discipline.  It is to be used in conjunction with.  Also, in regards to spanking, it is NOT to be given when you are angry.  You as a parent must deliver correction in a calm manner.  Also, discipline is not to be a public event.  We are not to shame our children as a form of embarrassment.  Discipline should be administered in private.  He does not say that you should hide while disciplining, (that would indicate that what you are doing is wrong ), but to be sensitive to the unbiblical state of our society.  All disciple is given in love.  Many times we as parents are the reason our children behave the way they do.  We constantly send mixed signals.  One day disobedience will get disciplined and another we will ignore it.  Well which is it? We as parents need to be consistent in discipline.    The biggest thing that stood out for me is that I am to act as God's agent and help my children develop a godward orientation and understanding Jesus Christ's atoning death on the cross.   My only complaint about this book would be that I wish there were more real world examples.  Maybe its just me an my thick head, but I would have like to have seen different scenarios and how you can handle them as a parent.  I would recommend this book to all christian parents.  Even if you aren't a christian there are some very good skill that you get gather from this book.

My 100th Post

Wow, my 100th blog post.  And the blog looks nothing like what I though it would over a year ago.  I'm slightly surprised I've continued writing.  I originally set out with a very loose idea of what I would write about.  At first I planned on writing about family, faith, food (BBQ), and maybe even video games. I have done posts on all of those, but what this blog has really turned into is more of what have I been reading lately.  The books were a natural transition for me as it gave me an opportunity to reflect on what I had just read and just practice writing in general.  It allowed me to practice putting my though in written form. So far it has been a very good exercise for me, with most of the benefits happening at work within my emails and appropriate requests.  But what I think is the biggest surprise with this blog that I would have never have guessed would have be the number of comic book reviews I have done.  When I started this blog, I had never even read a full comic book.  After trying out a Green Lantern comic book back in April, I found that I really enjoyed the experience.  And since I was already writing about the books I was reading, why shouldn't I do the same for comic books.  I've read some really, really good ones, and also rather bad ones.  But I still find myself enjoying the medium.  I still plan on covering thing on family, faith, food, and video games, but because I do read so much, the bulk of my content will continue to be what I've read lately.  This blog will continue to be free form.  An outlet for what is on my mind.  As a family we have some fun events planned this coming year.  We will be spending some time in Myrtle Beach, SC and Crystal and I will be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary.  Of course we will be going to a trip to celebrate that one.  Crystal wouldn't have it any other way. I look forward to what the next 100 posts will be.  I hope you enjoy them.

Batman: Heart of Hush. By Paul Dini

Batman: Heart of Hush takes place after the events that happened in Hush.  As the title suggests, Hush is back to destroy Bruce Wayne.  We tries to attack Bruce by going after everyone he holds dear.  The maner in which he tries to accomplish that is completely twisted.  The events of this story supposedly take place right before the story of Batman: R.I.P.  That will be my next book to read because I did receive it for Christmas.  I really like to character of Tommy Elliot and what he brings to the Batman mythos.  If you enjoyed Hush, Heart of Hush is another must read for the Batman fan.