Book Review: One Piece, Vol 12: The Legend Begins by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 12: The Legend Begins       

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 3, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action Adventure/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

Buggy the Clown and Captain Alvida have both reappeared in Luffy’s life! And they are both after him! He narrowly escapes being blown up on the scaffolding where Gold Roger met his end.  Now everyone is trying to escape from the Marines under the command of Captain Smoker!  The storm that Nami warned them about is about to strike! As they race back to the ship, Zolo finds himself face-to-face with an irate Master Chief Tashigi, upset because she unwittingly helped him pick out his swords and he is a pirate! Since everybody seems to be after Luffy, and Luffy is headed to the Grand Line, then everybody has decided to travel there. Even if that’s out of the marines’ jurisdiction. But Smoker doesn’t seem to care.

As they get closer to the Grand Line, Nami is disturbed by what she sees on the charts. Namely, that the entrance to the Grand Line is up a mountain! How does that even work? Things get worse when they find themselves inside the Calm Belt and have to row rather than use their sails. There is a reason they have to stay in the canal leading to the Grand Line, and they quickly discover what that is!

Just as they’re about to pass through the Grand Line, Luffy spots what he thinks is a mountain, which makes no sense. Except it isn’t a mountain, it’s a giant whale! Determined to fight the whale, Luffy jumps on him. But then he discovers his friends and his ship are missing and he demands the whale give them back! Luffy spies a trap door on the whale and heads inside to find the insides are not what he expected. There seems to be a canal in there, and more. Luffy runs across two strangers – Ms. Wednesday and Mr. 9 - just as they are about to blast open a door, and all three find themselves inside the same place where his friends are.  There’s also an old man there, who id very determined to keep the strangers from capturing the whale and taking it back to their village for food. He tells them the whale’s – whose name is Laboon – sad story.

Luffy gives the whale a reason for living, and then amiably agrees to take the strangers home, to the dismay of the others. Just as they reach the island where their village, Whiskey Peak, is located, the two bid them farewell and jump ship.  They sail the Merry Go into the harbor where, to their delight, they are warmly welcomed by the mayor and citizens of Whiskey Peak. A celebration is held in their honor that includes much food, much drink, and many girls for Sanji to flirt with. But all is not as it appears to be, and Zolo is the only one to realize that. Can he defend them against a whole village that is determined to kill them?

Just because Luffy and his crew have reached the Grand Line doesn’t mean their adventures are about to end, does it? Certainly not! In fact, they are just beginning, since I know there are like a hundred more volumes to come lol Not to mention, the Grand Line isn’t a single place, and Gold Roger gave no clue as to where the treasure is. I still have my theories about what the One Piece is and also about Gold Roger and who he really is, but I won’t speculate right now, since that is all it is, speculation.  I know we’re bound to run across Buggy and Smoker and Alvida at some point. I didn’t recognize Alvida, to be honest. Where’s that gum gum fruit she ate? Sign me up lol I really like the story drawings at the beginning of each chapter, with Koby and Helmeppo. I suspect we’ll see them again too, and Vice Admiral Garp. I found Ms. Wednesday and Mr. 9 rather creepy. In fact, the whole village is creepy. Who knew they’d find an entire village of pirate hunters? Good thing Zolo has more common sense than the rest of them.

Another great volume, look forward to the next!

 

 

 

Saturday is Horror Day #163 - Late Night With the Devil

 Late Night With the Devil

It's the 70s, and Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) is a late night TV talk show host who is determined to compete against the Tonight Show for ratings. But he never quite succeeds, no matter how hard he tries. He has his own sidekick, Gus (Rhys Auteri), as well as his own band. It's Halloween, and he has some special guests lined up for the occasion, including a psychic Christou (Fayssal Bazzi), a woman who wrote a book about conversations with the devil, June Ross-Mitchell (Laura Gordon) and the girl who is the subject of her book, Lilly (Ingrid Torelli) as well as skeptic Carmichael Haig (Ian Bliss). Christou seems fraudulent at first, fumbling with his "psychic" impressions, until he hits on one that resonates with the host. Mysterious afflicted suddenly, Christou is rushed to the hospital, to everyone's horror.

Lilly comes off as very bratty and an attention-seeker. Haig has an ongoing offer to anyone who can prove 

the existence of the supernatural. When the audience clamors to see June bring out the so-called entity inside of Lilly, the one she calls Mr. Wriggles, she reluctantly agrees. And then things get even darker...

When I saw the trailer for this film, I admit I was intrigued and couldn't wait to see it, hoping I wasn't seeing all the best scenes. I was not disappointed. This is rather unique in horror films, and very entertaining. It captures the feel of late night talk shows from the 70s, and David Dastmalchian does a great job as the main protagonist. Everyone does well, including the Ed McMahon-like sidekick, Gus, who tries to warn Jack not to meddle with things, that he is in over his head. It's well-written and well-acted and directed, and leaves you in suspense as to what is going to happen.  I haven't touched on everything in the film, because I don't want to give spoilers. I highly recommend this film and I'll give it 4.25 Stars

Book Review: Future Lovers, Vol 2 by Saika Kunieda

 

Future Lovers, Vol 2          

Author: Saika Kunieda

Publisher: Deux Press

American release date: March 24, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Yaoi/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Akira has taken a permanent position with the school where he began as a sub due to the other teacher’s retirement. So now he and Kento work together every day. They keep their relationship from the people at school. Although Kento has introduced Akira to his grandparents, he has yet to meet Akira’s family. Then one day a flashy woman in a fur coat and sunglasses is standing outside the school when they leave, and Kento is finally introduced to Akira’s mother! That’s when he learns that Akira has a mommy complex, and actually calls her Mommy! Seriously?

She’s come to tell him she’s getting divorced… again. Akira isn’t even sure how many times that makes. It’s clear the pair dote on one another, but Kento is beginning to suspect the relationship is unhealthy. Turns out Akira’s mother had him when she was seventeen and he has no idea who his father is. When Akira leaves school early one day and doesn’t tell him, Kento searches for him, asking his mother if she’s seen him. She hasn’t, but she quickly guesses the nature of their relationship.

Kento finds Akira, who is hungover, and down, concerned unnecessarily about Yukie, whom Kento says is already in a new relationship and Kento doesn’t care because he has Akira. Akira is a complex man and Kento doesn’t always know how to take him. He realizes he’s had a hard life with his unstable mother and his childhood must have been difficult. And sometimes he and Akira seem poles apart. For example, when they end up going to a spring festival together, each is aghast at what the other is wearing. Still, no matter what happens between them, they seem to solve their problems in bed, making everything right once more.

They decide to take a Golden Week vacation but get off to a bad start. Apparently, Akira is a terrible navigator.  To make matters worse, when Kento picks up Akira at his apartment, he finds another man there with him – his art teacher from middle school! And the man not only doesn’t leave, he comes with them! He and Akira sit in the back seat together, with Kento playing chauffeur. This is not what he bargained for at all! Not surprisingly, they get lost! When Akira spots someone and goes to ask for directions, the art teacher tells Kento about what Akira was like as a child, and how much he has changed for the better.  When they finally reach their destination, they find they are all to stay in one room! Not exactly conducive to lovemaking. Kento and Akira become worried when the teacher disappears, which is compounded when his wife shows up looking for him and explains what is going on with him. Now they are even more concerned that he might do something drastic!

Akira’s mother is getting married… again! Kento starts bringing up the idea of marriage to Akira, and they fight over that. Kento wants a future with Akira, but he seems to be less than receptive to the idea. Akira provokes Kento, and finds himself in the nurse’s office with Yukie. Things get worse when Akira thinks Kento’s grandfather has died and Akira gets drunk and crashes the gathering. Will these two ever be on the same page?

I love these two guys, they are so sweet together. I like that they have their ups and downs, like any couple, which is exacerbated with the societal difficulties of being in a same-sex relationship.  The picture of Akira as a sweet little angel is priceless!  So is Akira’s dream of the future.  What a wonderful ending! I am a sucker for a happy ending. I would definitely recommend this book series.

 

Book Review: Assassination Classroom, Vol 15 by Yusei Matsui

 

Assassination Classroom, Vol 15    

Author: Yusei Matsui

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 4, 2017

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Action Adventure Manga//200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Koro Sensei is not the only monster at Kunugigaoka Junior High, the other one being Principal Asano. But was he always this way? No, far from it. He began the prep school with three students and a dream. He was well liked and had ideals. So, what happened? Now he has challenged Koro Sensei, and it’s his turn. If he opens the last book, he will assuredly die. Is he willing to die for what he believes?

Class 3-E is dismayed to learn that they are being forced to participate in the school play, when their time would be put to better use honing their assassination skills. And they have been given the worst time slot – during lunch. Who’ll be paying attention then? The students pick what jobs they wish to do, and Koro Sensei expresses his desire to be in the play as well. They quickly tell him what a good idea that isn’t, but Hazama, who is going to write the play, tells him she will write him in a part, which pleases him.

Hmmm, seems as though there is another secret assassin lurking in the classroom! When did Kayano acquire tentacles? She gets Nagisa to help her lure Koro Sensei into a trap, at which time she reveals herself. Will she be the one to end the teacher/monster? How did she get to be this way, and how did she fool the whole class into believing she was something she wasn’t? In revealing who she really is, Kayano accuses Koro Sensei of murder! His students are aghast! In order to clear himself of the charges, their teacher will finally have to tell them his story, although he hadn’t planned to do that quite so soon. But he has no choice now.

In this volume, we have two back stories, Principal Asano’s and Kayano’s. Boy, what a surprise! Who would have thought the nasty conniving principal ever had a nice side? I sure didn’t. And Kayano – never saw that coming! Never even noticed the small clues along the way! Now we come to Koro Sensei’s back story, but that has to wait until the next volume. Can’t wait to hear it! Another great volume, on the edge of my seat for the next one!

 

Book Review: Future Lovers, Vol 1 by Saika Kunieda

 

Future Lovers, Vol 1        

Author: Saika Kunieda

Publisher: Deux Press

American release date: September 23, 2008

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Yaoi/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Kento Kumagaya envisions a future for himself which includes a happy wife and children in a happy home that also includes his happy grandparents. But his marriage proposal to his girlfriend Yukie goes horribly wrong and she walks away. Devastated, Kento goes to a bar to drown his sorrows. There he meets Akira Kazuki, who seems too pretty to be a guy.  The next morning, Kento wakes up in Kento’s bed with memories of having had sex with Akira!  He blames the alcohol, goes home with his tail tucked between his legs, and doesn’t tell his grandparents what really happened. Then he goes to work at the school where he teaches, only to learn there is a new sub for one of the teachers – none other than Akira!

The more Kento tries to maintain his distance from Akira, the more he is drawn to him, and they end up in bed together… over and over and over.  Yukie also works at the school, as the nurse. One day she sees something unexpected and breaks up with Kento for good. A conflicted Kento talks to his grandmother, asking her about her arranged marriage with his grandfather. She explains how they fell in love, how their marriage has had its ups and downs but they weathered every storm. At the end of the day, they can both say their life was happy for having met the other person. That gives Kento a lot to think about.

When Kento gets hurt in an accident, Kazuki rushes to the hospital in a panic. Kento tells him he wants him to be his forever. Kazuki is happy to hear that, but when they kiss, they are caught by Kento’s homophobic grandparents, who are not exactly thrilled with what they see. Kento and Akira have other difficulties, including being careful at work, but there are some who figure it out anyway, including a girl with a crush on Kento.

In Winter Rabbit, Shu has gone away to university and has been too busy to visit his family, including his younger foster brother, Minoru. When Shu receives a text from his mother that something is wrong with Minoru, he hurries home, only to run into Minoru at the station. Although they were once close, Minoru seems distant now. And when a girl named Rina shows up, Minoru goes off with her, leaving behind a baffled Shu.

Later, they find themselves alone in the house, and Shu feels compelled to ask Minoru about something he heard. Minoru tries to bluff him, and unexpectedly propositions Shu.  But Shu refuses, determined to get to the truth of their feelings for one another.

This was a very sweet and romantic first volume of Future Lovers. I love both Kento and Akira, and I love how Kento goes from saying he isn’t gay to realizing he has feelings for Akira, no matter what gender he is. Their story continues in the next volume. A second story, Winter Rabbit, was also cute and sweet, as two young men come to understand their feelings for one another.  I recommend this to anyone who enjoys romantic yaoi.

 

 

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #12 (4.1)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Dracula has been interrupted in the midst of his tryst with the blacksmith's wife by none other than the blacksmith himself. This can't end well, can it? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. And don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #12 (4.1)

“You’re not Doina!” The blacksmith appeared to be baffled, as if by simply crying out his wife’s name she and she alone would appear before him.

“Your powers of observation are astounding,” Dracula replied caustically. He vaulted gracefully over the top of the pew and took up a defensive stance in the church aisle, facing the blacksmith. He assumed that his paramour would have the common sense not to show herself and would remain out of sight where she was. To show herself would be the opposite of having a clandestine meeting. Besides which, admitting to adultery wasn’t a great idea for either of them, but most especially for her. “I am certainly not your wife. And now that we have agreed on that, your presence in this place is no longer required so begone.”  He waved one manicured hand in a shooing motion.

The man’s brow furrowed, as if he were still trying to make sense of the situation. Considering where he spent most of his evenings, he was undoubtedly intoxicated. Even when sober, he was no great thinker, so how could one expect any more of him when he was clearly in his cups.

“But the old woman said…” Bogdan shook his head, as if attempting to clear it.

Dracula narrowed his eyes. Old woman? What old woman and what had she said? One possibility came to mind, but he pushed the thought aside to be dealt with at another time.

“I said begone!” he bellowed, his patience having finally reached an end.

As if something had just occurred to him, Bogdan pointed one accusatory finger at Dracula. “Who are you and why are you here? And why do you wear such ridiculous clothes?”

Such an addlepated gollumpus. How dare he insult anyone’s sartorial taste, much less Dracula’s, when the blacksmith clearly had all the fashion sense of a dead cow while the vampire had his clothing custom made at great expense. “I am your better is who I am! And you are no one! You should kneel in my presence, you stupid peasant.” The nobleman was becoming flustered by this fool’s inability to do what he was told, although if he thought about it, kneeling at his feet wouldn’t exactly get him out of the church, which was his immediate goal.

“You sound as big a twit as that bastard in the castle.” Rather than kneel, Bogdan apparently had decided to stand his ground, not having the sense to be afraid of the man before him, and not having the intelligence to realize who he must be. He crossed his arms across his broad chest and glared at him defiantly, having momentarily forgotten his purpose in coming to the church.

And for the moment, so had Dracula. Until he heard an unexpected voice from behind him.

“Do not insult him. Dracula’s a better man than you are, Bogdan. And much kinder.” Doina had left the refuge of the pew. Now she stood by Dracula’s side, her arm linked through his, his presence no doubt giving her the courage to defy her husband in this way, when normally she was the meekest of women. Her words took him by surprise. He was unsure in what way she thought he’d been kind to her, as that had certainly never been his intention, but of course she was correct in recognizing him to be the superior man. That fact had never been in dispute.

Dracula gave the woman a critical glance, hoping she’d had the presence of mind to pull her skirt back into place and was gratified to find that she had. Wouldn’t want to give her husband the wrong idea as to what they’d been doing. Although her dress was as it should be, one glance at her kiss-swollen lips, lust-glazed eyes, and wanton expression left little doubt as to the nature of their interrupted activities. Not that it mattered if he were being honest with himself. Their very presence together here, alone and unchaperoned, was more than enough reason for her husband to entertain suspicions toward his wife. How could he expect the villagers to think any differently.

Damn. This was not the way he’d anticipated spending this evening. He could just picture the smug expression on Avram’s face when he learned of what occurred here. The self-satisfied grin as he said Didn’t I tell you this would happen? Better you should have listened to me.

Dracula grimaced. He suspected he would have to blur this idiot’s memory before he could allow him to leave. This might be a good time to sever his connection with the woman as well, erase himself from her consciousness. Fun was fun, but this fun had apparently run its course.

All the color had drained from the blacksmith’s face. His mouth hung open in stunned disbelief as he stared between his wife and the other man, trying to make sense of what he was hearing.

“Doina, what are you saying? Haven’t I been a good husband to you? Ask anyone in the village, they will tell you. How could you do this to me”—he gestured toward Dracula with one meaty hand—with…with this?”

Far from being insulted, Dracula didn’t know whether to laugh or to feel sorry for this poor fool. So he did both, which helped nothing, as now the blacksmith’s temper had returned, and so had realization.

“You are him,” he cried indignantly. “You are that twit in the castle. The one Avram works for.” He spat on the ground in open contempt. “The others…they’re afraid of you. But not me. You are nothing compared to me.”

‘Go away, little man,” Dracula hissed. “You have no idea what I am capable of and you do not want to know.”

Without warning, Bogdan leapt at the vampire. In his raised hand, he held a knife. Dracula had no reason to fear, but he didn’t calculate on Doina throwing herself before him, taking the full force of theblow.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 11: The Meanest Man in the East by Eiichira Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 11: The Meanest Man in the East     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: July 5, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Luffy is still battling Arlong. He’s finding the Fishman hard to defeat! Breaking his teeth does no good because sharks just grow new ones! The fight carries inside his headquarters, into the chart room. And this is where Arlong makes his mistake when he talks about using Nami for her cartography skills. Incensed at the idea that Arlong has been using his friend, Luffy goes berserk and destroys Arlong park! At just that moment, the crooked Marines arrive. When they learn of Arlong’s defeat, the leader, Captain Nezumi, attempts to take all the gold for himself, but nobody is having that and they deliver to him the smackdown of his life! The disgruntled Captain Nezumi informs the navy of the existence of a dangerous pirate and his four henchmen, and a bounty is placed on Luffy’s head –higher than that of most other pirates!

Luffy and the others have celebrated their victory with the villagers, and now it’s time to go. But where is Nami?  Sanji is horrified to think she might not be coming, but she is, of course. She just has one more thing to do.  Back on the high seas once more, headed toward the Grand Line, Luffy is delighted to discover that he has a price on his head. He feels as though he’s really arrived now and been officially recognized as a pirate. The others tell him that isn’t really good, especially such a high bounty, because it puts a target on their back! People will be coming after them now, strictly for the money.

As they pass by a particular island, Nami informs them that this where the infamous pirate Gold Rogers was executed, in a town called Roguetown. Would Luffy like to go there? Of course he would! Once ashore, the crew scatters to do their own thing. Nami looks for clothes she doesn’t intend to buy, and Zolo needs swords. He goes to a shop that sells them, but when the owners finds out how little he has to spend on two swords, he isn’t very enthusiastic about his presence… until he notices the sword Zolo carries and tries to cheat him out of it. Luckily, a knowledgeable young lady who happens to be in the shop gives Zolo much needed advice and helps him search for two swords in his price range. Wait, is he actually going to take the cursed sword?

Oh oh, Luffy is in trouble when a couple of unexpected blasts from his past show up on the island and he finds himself on the same execution stand where Gold Rogers met his end.  On top of everything else, Nami says that a huge storm is on the way and it’s going to hit the island!

Finally, we see the end of the evil Arlong (or at least I presume so). I love the way Luffy stands up for people, especially the ones he cares about. For one so young, he is very mature in ways, but very immature in others. I loved the scene between Mihawk and Shanks. If you watch the live anime, you’ll see that the actor playing Mihawk got him to a tee! If you haven’t watched it yet, you should, it’s great! I sure didn’t expect to see those two return and I would never have recognized one of them if she hadn’t mentioned her name.  It turns out that Zolo’s new friend works for the naval captain, Smoker. This can’t be good, can it?

Another great volume of One Piece, looking forward to the next!

 

 

 

Book Review: Love Mode, Vol 6 by Yuki Shimizu

 

Love Mode, Vol 6      

Author: Yuki Shimizu

Publisher: Blu

American release date:  August 14, 2007

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Yaoi Manga/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Kiichi takes Naoya shopping and insists on buying him lots of clothes, despite his protestations. He even insists that Naoya needs a ring, considering his newfound relationship with Reiji and takes him to a jewelry store. He was just kidding, though, and buys a watch instead. They are unaware that trouble lurks nearby. As they are leaving the store, two armed men force them back in and demand money and jewels! And they are going to take Naoya as a hostage. Kiichi refuses to let that happen, so that’s how he ends up in the back seat of the getaway car along with Naoya.

Haruomi, who was only gone for a moment, returns to discover what has happened and immediately phones Reiji, who is visibly upset at the news. He tells his subordinates to contact the phone company so they can trace Kiichi’s cell phone, no matter what it takes.  Meanwhile, the robber realizes the story about them is on the news as they listen to the radio. But what do they care, as they intend to kill the hostages anyway. Kiichi tells Naoya to open the door so they can escape, but when he does, he pushes the younger man out, into the river, to keep him safe. The robbers hurt him for his trouble, while Naoya finds a pay phone (good luck doing that now lol) and phones Reiji. Now it’s time to rescue the doctor!

Seiichi works at B&B, Reiji’s male escort service. He’s been assigned to a new client. But, to his dismay, when he arrives at the client’s home, he finds what appears to be a little kid. However, looks can be deceiving.  The client’s name is Tomoki, and Seiichi is his first.  When Seiichi sees Tomoki taking pills, he gets upset and makes him throw them away. They have a lot of sex over the next couple of weeks. But when something happens, and Seiichi learns the truth about Tomoki, his world will never be the same again.

I love how Reiji is learning to care about someone other than himself, though I did miss seeing Izumi and Takamiya in this volume and hope they will be back soon. Kiichi and Haruomi have grown much closer too. The story of Seiichi and Tomoki made me cry.  The biggest complain I have with some yaoi is the tendency to either make one of the guys looks like a kid or like a girl. I would rather see two men who look like men.

Good volume, looking forward to the next one.

Saturday is Horror Day #162 - The Endless

 The Endless

Aaron (Aaron Moorhead) and Justin (Justin Benson) are brothers who  once lived at Camp Arcadia. Aaron remembers the group as a friendly commune while Justin thinks they were a UFO death cult Now, a mysterious video tape arrives in the mail and they decide to return. Not knowing what to expect,  they head to the backwoods of San Diego and  are pleasantly surprised to see that they are remembered and welcome back. 

But are things the same? There are some strange activities going on here, including a nightly tug-of-war against a rope that ascends into the night sky. Who or what is holding it? Justin has the disturbing feeling that someone is watching him and photographs seem to drop mysteriously from the sky. How can there be two moons? It's explained as an atmospheric phenomenon - two moons bring the truth and three moons signify the ascension, which was Justin's fear to begin with.

Even more disturbing is that some people seem to be stuck in time loops, mostly repeated violent 

deaths. Justin is told once the third moon rises he will be trapped there. He has to get his brother and get out... now!

I found this low-budget sci fi/horror film rather interesting and  innovative, with ideas I've not seen explored before. There was a definite creepiness factor that left me wondering what was happening. I think if I were there, I'd want to run too. Interesting fact - the actors who play the brothers are also the directors/writers.  I would watch this one again, definitely worth a watch. I'll give this film 3.75 Stars.

Book Review: Assassination Classroom, Vol 14 by Yusei Matsui

Assassination Classroom, Vol 14      

Author: Yusei Matsui

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: February 7, 2017

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Action Adventure Manga//200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

The battle continues at the Kunugigaoka School Festival! A few disgruntled malcontents have it in for Class 3-E after what transpired on the school trip in Kyoto. However, once they make their way up the mountain, their plans fall apart thanks to Koro Sensei and his students.  Even so, Class 3-E is at a disadvantage due to location and also due to the advantages Class 3-A has over them. Asano’s class even has entertainment including a comedian and a music idol! Hard to compete with that.

Some of the strangest people are showing up on the mountain unexpectedly, including the guy with the crush on Nagisa when they were on the island. He’d rather tell this guy the truth, but his classmates urge him to continue the charade because of the money he can bring in. Oh, the things we do for our friends! Another unexpected visitor is Nagisa’s mother! Oh dear, will there be more trouble?

Once the festival is over, it’s time to prepare for the final exam. Principal Asano is determined to do whatever it takes to win, even if that means brainwashing his students and force-feeding them their studies! He is not even pretending that he is above harming the students of Class 3-E! Even his son is beginning to question his methodology.  In a surprising turn of events, after blackmailing the government for another billion yen to keep quiet about the assassination, the principal has taken over teaching duties and sent his son home to study on his own. At last, the final boss has appeared!

Young Asano approaches some of the members of Class 3-E with a proposition – he wants them to assassinate his father! Not literally kill him, of course, just kill his pedagogy. Show him that he’s wrong in his teaching methodology. No one saw this coming! He wants his friends and his father to learn how to fail. Can they believe in his sincerity? The Final Exam begins, and it’s even harder than they ever imagined. In the end, it all comes down to Asano vs Karma – can Karma save the day?

A disgruntled Principal Asano orders Class E’s classroom to be demolished! His plans for them are formidable and rather terrifying. He threatens to fire Koro Sensei and then challenges him to a little wager, involving five tests, four hand grenades, and one anti-me grenade. If he accepts the challenge, Koro Sensei might actually die! Who will be the victor in this bizarre battle of wills?

This was another great volume of Assassination Classroom! I love how ingenious the students are becoming, and not just in the ways of assassination.  They use what their environment has to offer, but without depleting it to the detriment of those who live there. They are growing stronger day by day, thanks to Koro Sensei. Now they are the class to be like, much to Principal Asano’s great chagrin. But only three months remain before the earth is to be destroyed. Will they be able to assassinate their target, Koro Sensei – and will they want to when the time arrives?

 

  

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #11 (3.3)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

If Avram thought things were bad before, they just got worse as an old woman tries to warn everyone in the tavern about strigoi. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's going with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #11 (3.3)

“Strigoi,” the old woman repeated. “Heartbreakers. Seducers of women… and of men.” A few of the men in the room squirmed uneasily at her words, while others playfully poked their neighbors and chortled in amusement. “The eyes in the night that see all,” she continued. “The mouths that demand, that steal the lifeblood of others in order to remain forever young.”

“What are you talking about?” one person called out, followed by another and another until the question echoed throughout the room. “What do you know, bunica?” “What tales are you trying to pass off as truth?” As quickly as they’d begun, the voices suddenly stilled. A hushed murmur swept over her listeners, as if they were afraid of what she might say, Avram among them.

“I know much.” The woman cackled. “I see much. Things you are too blind to see. Things you do not wish to see. That which is in front of your face.” As she continued to babbly, many of the men began to rise from their seats. Avram couldn’t tell if they were more frightened or angry at what they were hearing. For a second, he thought she stared directly at him, as if she actually knew something. An unpleasant chill gripped him, but then the moment passed, as did she.

Remain calm.

 The woman began to slink about the room, gliding amongst the tables, her wild gaze darting from person to person, daring them to say something—anything—to refute her words. “Let me ask you this, o wise men of Bistritz. Where are your wives and daughters now, while you are here getting drunk?”

“At home, of course,” a voice replied, followed by a chorus of similar sentiments, Bogdan’s rising above the others. “My Doina is where she belongs, waiting for me to come home so she can take care of me.”

“Tell me then, since you are such clever men, why are your women so pale? Why do they hide their necks from the light of the sun? Why are they so tired lately?” She cast accusatory glances from one man to another. Some of them appeared dumbfounded, as if they were considering her words.

Avram was fairly certain she was casting aspersions on the men’s women as an act of revenge for the way many of them had treated her in the past, making baseless accusations. While he could understand her motives, he did not appreciate them. Especially not now, when Dracula was very possibly involved in the very behavior she was insinuating was taking or had taken place in the village. Despite his protests to the contrary, did he consider it possible that Nico was taking blood from the blacksmith’s wife?

Unfortunately, he would not put it past him. When the vampire wanted something, he had a tendency to throw caution to the wind. They would most definitely have to talk about this… on their way out of town. There was no doubt in Avram’s mind that this was the only option they had, under the circumstances The important thing for now was to divert the attention of the townspeople so that he could ascertain for himself whether Dracula was still in the village or not.

Please, God, let him be gone.

If the beldame continued in this vein, the superstitious villagers might jump to the misguided conclusion that Dracula was guilty of something. Who knew what they might do then, acting under the influence of mob mentality.

And even if perchance Dracula was guilty of something, Avram felt the need to protect him, even if he was weaker than the nobleman. Physical strength would not necessarily stand him in good stead. In fact, it would probably worsen the situation. The only practical solution was to leave for a while and let things cool down.

Extended travels, far from Transylvania.

“You know nothing, you disgusting hag.”  Bogdan again. He advanced drunkenly toward her. A couple of his companions attempted to hold him back, but he broke from their well-meaning grip until he stood directly before the old man. He shook his finger in her face, but she never flinched. “You’re just jealous of her, of all the women, because they are what you are not. Young and beautiful.”

That was definitely a matter of opinion, but Avram held his tongue.

“Begone with you, foul creature!” Bogdan finished dramatically. Avram couldn’t help but admire his fearlessness, although his stance seemed a little bit shaky due, no doubt, to high consumption of alcohol.

At that unfortunate moment, a large gust of wind shook the building, rattling the windows. Bogdan’s legs gave away and he collapsed onto the floor, looking stupidly around him.

“You have angered the gods with your stupidity!” the woman cried as mass confusion ensured. Avram wanted to tell them it was only wind but knew he could never make himself heard above the chaos.

“Don’t be afraid.”

Avram sighed. Gunther was in the thick of it once more, attempting to calm the anxious men. They began to slip out of the alehouse, no doubt heading home to see what they might find. Bodan’s cronies abandoned him there on the floor, scattering like chaff before the wind.

Such fair-weather friends he has.

At least he wasn’t going anywhere. But that thought was premature, as Bogdan staggered to his feet. Most of the customers had fled, leaving a disgruntled owner and servers with little to do but clean up after them. The old lady wore a grin of self-congratulation at the effect she’d had on people she had no reason to like. But her work was not done.

She leaned down toward Bogdan and whispered in his ear.

“Church?”

Avram lurched to his feet, desperate to prevent the blacksmith from leaving. But he found his way blocked by the rude young man who’d served them earlier. Avram had barely registered who he was when the other man swung at him and Avram fell unconscious to the floor.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: One Piece, Vol 10: Let's Stand Up! by Eiichiro Oda

 

One Piece, Vol 10: Let’s Stand Up!     

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: April 4, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Luffy and the others reach the island where Nami has absconded to. Luffy is convinced that she is not the bad person she appears to be, that there must be a reason why she is working with Arlong the Fishman and his pirate crew. When they learn what her true motives are, and how she is working to buy back Coco Village from Arlong’s tyranny, Luffy knows what he has to do -defeat Arlong and free them all!

Luffy, Sanji, Zolo, and a reluctant Usopp head to Arlong Park, where the fishmen are dismissive of them. The fight begins, with their terrible leader nowhere in sight. Unfortunately, Luffy finds himself in quite the predicament when he ends up stuck in the cement, unable to move. To make matters worse, Arlong shows up, and manages to cut out Luffy, cement and all, and hurl him into the water! Oh dear, as everyone knows, those who eat the devil fruit cannot swim! Can they save Luffy from drowning? Matters aren’t helped when Usopp runs off, followed by one of Arlong’s men.

Sanji dives into the water to rescue Luffy but he is attacked by one of the fishmen and has to do battle. Meanwhile, Nojiko (Nami’s sister) and Mr. Genzo have come to the rescue. Nojiko holds Luffy’s head above water, having stretched his neck, while Mr. Genzo presses on his chest to help him breathe. Even so, how long can Luffy hold out like this?

Usopp, in fear for his life, manages to convince his attacker that he is dead, but his conscience gets the better of him, thinking of Luffy and the others, and he decides to stand up to him, come what may! Nami decides the same thing and heads into the fray! Once Luffy is rescued, it’s time that he and Arlong tangle!

This volume of One Piece is about standing up for yourself and for your friends and doing the right thing. Nami has been with Arlong and his nefarious crew for a long time, albeit for good reasons, but she’s also been isolated and abused, becoming mistrustful of people. She learns to let go of that thanks to Luffy, who believes the best of everyone. Usopp, despite his bravado and wild tales, has essentially considered himself to be a coward, afraid to step in, afraid to be hurt. But Luffy has shown him that friends fight for friends, and he is finding his backbone at last.

Luffy’s a good kid, and a good friend and captain. He does not allow injustice to go unpunished, especially when it concerns his friends. It’ll be interesting to see how he develops as the story goes along. Great volume, look forward to the next!

Saturday is Horror Day #161 - Victor Frankenstein

 Victor Frankenstein

A young hunchbacked man with no name (Daniel Radcliffe) works for a circus in Victorian England. Although he is abused, and treated like he's stupid, he secretly studies the subject that interests him - life - in the form of medical books. And he crushes on one of the ladies in the circus, Lorelei (Jessica Brown Findlay). An accident brings him face to face with a medical student in the audience, Victor Frankenstein (James McAvoy), who recognizes the young man's brilliance and steals him away from the circus. He takes him to his new home, names him Igor, and proceeds to involve him in his experiments, which involve the creation of life itself. Unfortunately for them, a determined policeman, Inspector Turpin (Andrew Scott) is on the case of the missing hunchback and will stop at nothing to find him.

This is the familiar tale of Frankenstein as seen through the eyes of Igor (who, of course, is a completely 

original character not from the book). I think it can be considered an origin story as such.  The obsessed Frankenstein manages to find a like-minded patron at the college he somewhat attends, one who is fortunately very wealthy and willing to fund Victor's research. Having been transformed from being a hunchback, Igor is very grateful for Victor and his friendship. But he begins to wonder about the ethics of what they are doing. Also, who is this Igor he is named after, and where is he?

The film is very creative in sets and design, the writing and directing are good, but, at least for me, it didn't quite make it. Something fell just a little flat, although I'm not sure I can put my finger on what. Perhaps it didn't quite make me believe, didn't ground me in its reality. While Daniel Radcliffe is good as Igor, his transition from supposed circus idiot to brilliant biologist was a little too quick to be really believable. McAvoy's Frankenstein is a little two-dimensional, and reveals nothing of the person beneath until we get to the story of his brother at the end, and that's just too little too late. Andrew Scott's Inspector Turpin (sorry, I keep wanting to say Moriarity lol) is sufficiently obsessed and off his rocker  as well as being a religious fanatic who thinks they are doing the work of Satan, but he doesn't ring quite true to me. 

At what I believe to be the heart of this story is the question of science vs morality - just because we know how to do it, should we? Or are there things that are better left alone, such as the creation of life? Of course, there is no definitive answer as this is the lead-in to the Frankenstein story itself, which explores that theme as well.  Was it worth watching. Yes, but it wasn't quite the film I had hoped for, despite a great cast. I'll give this film 3.5 Stars.

Book Review: Cries Unheard: Why Children Kill: The Story of Mary Bell by Gitta Sereny

 

Cries Unheard: Why Children Kill: The Story of Mary Bell     

  

Author: Gitta Sereny

Publisher: Metropolitan Books

American release date: April 13, 1999

Format/Genre/Length: Hardback/Criminology/416 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

In 1968, Mary Bell (age eleven) and Norma Bell (age thirteen) were arrested for the murder of two little boys – Martin Brown (age four) and Brian Howe (age 3). The arrests shocked Great Britain, as well as the rest of the world. Children killing children? What was wrong with these girls? The world looked on in horror as they were sent to trial. Norma Bell (no relation to Mary) was acquitted of the crimes, but Mary was convicted and incarcerated. Of course, they didn’t send her to prison right away, that came later. The judge who sentenced her called her a monster. Was it possible for such a young child to be a monster? Or was there more to the story that no one bothered to look into?

Gitta Sereny covered the trial when it happened. Her first book on the subject was The Case of Mary Bell. She never lost touch with Mary, even after her release in 1980. Mary wanted to be left alone, and refused offers from various sources for her story. It wasn’t until after the death of her mother, Betty Bell, that Gitta contacted her again and she agreed to talk to her and to tell her story. This is her story.

To say she came from a troubled home would be an understatement. Mary’s mother was seventeen when she had her and immediately wanted “the thing” taken away. During the first four years of Mary’s life, she tried to kill her four times. From the ages of four to eight, she allowed her to be sexually abused (Betty was a prostitute). But no one took any of that into consideration when they tried her as if she were an adult.

I remember reading about the case in the newspaper back in 1968 and I was shocked, of course (I am just a little older than Mary myself). I’ve never forgotten about what happened, so when I found out about this book, I had to read it. It made me reevaluate what I thought about Mary and what she did. She should have never been tried, she should have been helped. Her cries for help fell on deaf ears, though.  At her tender age, children have no concept of the finality of death. The biggest reason why Norma Bell was acquitted and Mary convicted had to do with their support systems – Norma’s family was there for her, and Mary’s was not.

Major reforms need to happen in regard to children who commit such crimes below a certain age. Another case that is mentioned in the book has to do with the torture and murder of young James Bulger by two ten-year-old boys. They too received early release from their life sentences. Today Mary lives with her daughter and her partner in anonymity. She is not the child she once was. I can’t help but admire her resilience and strength after all she has been through, especially with her horrible mother. This book is important for us to gain an understanding and show compassion for children, who don’t always know what they are doing.  They aren’t adults and should not be treated that way, even if they commit adult crimes. We shouldn’t let their cries go unheard.

 

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #10 (3.2)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Things are going all wrong at the alehouse. Someone has upset the blacksmith in regards to his pretty wife, and Avram fears something worse is to come. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #10 (3.2)

A collective gasp surged through the alehouse. The ensuing silence rendered the argument between the two men all the more audible, encouraging listeners.

“I simply said she seems very happy lately. That’s all I said, Bogdan. You are making a fuss over nothing.” And yet the tone of the speaker’s voice implied so much more. What did he know, what could he have seen, and did it somehow relate to Dracula?

How could it not?

Avram focused his attention on the far side of the room. Bogdan and the other man, whom Avram recognized as one of the local farmers, faced one another in an almost pugilistic stance—Avram wasn’t sure if they intended to fight or dance. Bogdan’s fists were raised, so perhaps dancing was not on the agenda, but his opponent appeared to be more amused than intimidated.

“And why wouldn’t she be happy? She’s married to me,” Bogdan boasted. Such a schlemiel. The blacksmith’s claim of marital bliss drew a few indiscreet chuckles from the eavesdropping customers. Even the servers had stopped what they were doing to openly gape at the growing spectacle. “She has a good home,” he continued. “Plenty of food to eat, clothes to wear, and she has the wisdom and guidance of my beloved mother, who lives with us.”

Avram remembered Bogdan’s mother. Her presence wasn’t the blessing the blacksmith thought it was, and he was sure Doina felt much the same way. No wonder she was drawn to the handsome nobleman. Also, too bad she was drawn to him. She would have been better off having an affair with one of the villagers. A more normal man.

A dark shape passed in front of Avram’s line of sight. Only then did he realize that Gunther had pushed his chair back and was crossing the room in the direction of the two combatants, swiftly closing the distance between them. Suddenly fearful for his friend, Avram rose as well and quickly followed him. If Bogdan became any more riled up than he was, he might strike out blindly and not realize he was hitting a priest.

“And lucky she is to have you,” Gunther inserted smoothly as he took up a not very subtle stand between the two men. “I’m sure Doina realizes what a good husband you are and appreciates the life you and your mother have given her.”

“That’s just what I said, Father,” the other man claimed. More snickers followed. Bogdan swiveled his thick neck left and right, glaring at his neighbors, but he was apparently too slow to catch anyone red-handed.

“Sit back down, Bogdan, never you mind him,” one of the blacksmith’s friends urged. “Here, come have some more beer,” another chimed in, joined by the other men at his table in a drunken Greek chorus.  Avram watched the blacksmith seem to visibly relax at the entreaties of his friends. He said a brief prayer of thanks beneath his breath as Gunther coaxed the second man back into his seat with his own companions, before turning toward Avram with a wink and a smile.

 To quote the bard, all’s well that ends well. Avram made a mental note to buy his friend another drink… or two.  He’d more than earned that for his timely intervention. He breathed a heartfelt sigh of relief as he patted Gunther’s shoulder and they returned to their table. This night could not end soon enough for him.

As if on cue, conversations resumed once more, the noise level rising accordingly, and business continued as it had been before.  Avram hoped Dracula was done by now and back at the castle. Or at least somewhere outside the village. And hopefully practicing discretion, although sometimes that seemed to be too much to ask of the man, despite the fact he was old enough to know better. He glanced with renewed interest at the bread and cheese on the table. A little nosh wouldn’t hurt. He reached for the bread, but his hand froze in mid-air.

“Strigoi.”

Apparently, his momentary peace of mind had been premature.

That single foreboding word rang out, too loud for Avram’s taste, overriding the other voices and bringing all conversation to a halt once more. It might just as well have been the voice of Jehovah for the effect that it created. The speaker was an elderly woman whose shapeless dark brown cape resembled a shroud. This woman, whose name everyone had forgotten, was usually referred to as the old bunica, or grandmother, if not worse. She was known about the village for being peculiar—no one knew where she came from, she had no known family, and she lived alone, a large black Transylvanian hound her sole companion. Plus, further damning her in the eyes of the villagers, she followed the precepts of no known or acceptable religion. Some referred to her as the Witch of Bistritz, but Avram did not hold to such nonsense. However, he knew that even though she was an object of irrational fear, she was very superstitious herself, and a likely candidate to spread unfortunate rumors. Especially when it came to his master. He sometimes wondered if Dracula had known her in her youth but he’d never asked him. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know.

All eyes turned toward the woman, as if anticipating she had more to say. And they were not wrong.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb