4 comments about Legion of Super-Heroes Archives, Vol. 1 (DC Archive Editions).

1. As a collection of essential comic book classics this can't be beat. Each one of these stories is a winner. Unfortunately, as one of the first editions in DC's Archive series it suffers from a number of production missteps that too often distract.
   1.) Although like all DC Archive Editions this is printed on sturdy archival paper designed to last for ages, the dust jacket was not produced with logevity in mind. I have had my copy for ten years now and the dust jacket has already become very yellow. So yellow in fact that the Super-Hero Clubhouse on the cover has become the exact same color as the once-white background.
   2.) A lot of noise was made by DC when these editions were first released regarding an extensive color reconstruction that, theoretically, was to remain faithful to the original material with the exception of minor corrections where neccessary. Sadly, the colorists involved in this edition took great liberties. Comparing the original comics with the Archive edition can be a real shock as some stories, for example the story introducing Ultra-Boy, seem to be colored without consulting the originals at all. Another annoying choice made by the colorists involves alterations of a 'retroactive continuity' sort. In the early stories there was always a scene near the end that showwed a handful of anonymous members of the Legion. In the Archive edition the colorists have changed the coloring on these unnamed characters to make them appear to be characters who would be introduced later (e.g. coloring a character green with yellow hair to make it appear Brainiac Five had been there from the first story). These coloring changes now become editorial decisions that do more harm than good. As for color corrections where neccessary, the Archive edition manages to make many mistakes that were never in the originals. Just witness the inconsistant all-yellow and sometimes yellow-and-red of Supergirl's "S" insignia on her cape. These mistakes are not present in the original comic.
   3.) The coloring is made up of very large pixels that don't conform to any shapes other than rectangles. This was an early attempt at using the computer to color a comic, it didn't work that well and it's painful to behold. At the price these books are listed, one would have hoped DC would've worked out the kinks in their coloring software before using it on such a project. Another glaringly anachronistic coloring gaffe is made by continious use of an airbrush or spray paint effect (it honestly looks like it was applied using a mouse in an old MacPaint program). Airbrushing effects were simply impossible using the 4-color printing process of the late fifties and early sixties, and it really looks awful besides.
   Now the good news: DC has had ten years to get it right and I can report that they have indeed. A comparison of this edition with Volume 11 will reveal all these issues have been corrected in later editions. But the mistakes in these early editions were never corrected...



2. The DC Comics Archive Editions may come with a high price point, but it would be hard for any fan to argue he wasn't getting his money's worth. Where else could you get the entire history of the Legion of Super-Heroes (in order of publication, no less?) -- up to ELEVEN volumes now!

   This first volume, of course, contains the first several appearances of the Legion and of Legion-related characters, back when they were mainly supporting members of the Superboy -- and later Supergirl -- cast. The Legion plays a very peripheral role in several of the stories -- the one where Supergirl is trying to find Superman a wife, for instance -- and in some the Legion doesn't appear at all (such as the Mon-El and Ultra Boy origin stories where the Legion is merely alluded to). Eventually the book makes it to the era where the Legion got their own serial -- "Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes," and although members of the Super-family still appear in most of these, the Legion is finally being allowed to come into its own.

   The characters introduced in this volume range from the inspiring (Brainiac 5, trying to atone for his ancestor's sins, the poor, exiled Mon-El, etc.) to the deliciously silly (I confess, I'm a big fan of Matter-Eater Lad and Bouncing Boy. I'm probably the ONLY fan of Matter-Eater Lad and Bouncing Boy) and this book also contains something that was pretty rare at the time -- the death of a superhero. You just didn't see that sort of thing in DC Comics in 1958.

   I can't wait to pick up volume two. Oh -- and kudos to DC for keeping the cover design of their Archives uniform for so long. Unlike Marvel's similar "Masterworks" series, I can start my LSH Archives collection right now and I know that all eleven volumes will look like a set on my shelf once I've got them. It's a small thing, I know, but it's something I appreciate.




3. Volume 1 of the Legion of Super-Heroes is an interesting look at their earliest appearances. The team grows in fits and starts as seen through other series (Superboy, Supergirl, and Superman) as a strange assortment of teens from the future appear in Smallville and Midvale for a wide variety of odd reasons. It is hard to keep track of the growing membership as many appear only in the background and main plot points often revolve around a new member appearing for the sake of the story, such as the rather odd Star Boy and the more interesting Ultra Boy storylines. Only near the end of the volume does the Legion itself get its own storylines and the early issues begin with a bang as the Legion suffers its first death, Lightning Lad. The promise of greatness is apparent in a few of the stories, if not quite delivered, but this volume is still essential for any Legion fan.



4. Excellent. The characterisation is fabulous and the sub plot of the substitutes is well recognised, My only concern is the price, but that's not Amazons fault. Wonderful part of COMIX forgotten hisory.
   
   Make's me feel 12 again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   
   Greg from Oz.

5 comments about Collectible Fountain Pens (Collectibles).

1. Books about fountain pens seem to fall into two catagories useful but outrageously expensive ($70 - 150+) and small, fluff books that are reasonably priced (less than $50). Happily, this is neither. This book is reasonably priced and contains 365 (small) pages of clear, large, in focus, color photos showing familiar and unfamiliar fountain pens from all periods of their production (with emphasis on the 20th century). The captions are shorter than I would have liked, but contain valuable information about each pen. While this book isn't a starter ID book for pen collectors, it is a useful addition to any pen collectors book shelf. Two thumbs up.



2. Weighing in at 1.3 lbs and measuring a mere 5.5 inches square, 1.25 inches thick I must say this book looks great on the coffee table (even in soft cover the pages are high quality gloss) and tempts every guest or onlooker.
   
   Don't let size fool you, this beautiful book is packed with information, great pictures, succinct yet informative descriptions with an excellent introduction, covering history, pen design and ink.
   
   Specific topics covered are Vintage, Modern, Precious, Thematic and Unusual. If you're a collector, reseller or only an interested party this little book offers a complete and concise examination of the fountain pen world.
   
   Especially noteworthy are many models with multiple pictures of different colors and materials used. You may not find every pen your looking for when using this book as a reference tool but you can't go wrong by adding it to a collection of other fountain pen books. The difference? This one belongs off the bookshelf and on display!



3. This booklet gives a nice overview of different types of fountain pens through the years. Though not complete, I use it often for my collection of pens.



4. If you own three books on pens, this should be one of them.



5. I started to collecting years ago. This book shows what you might find. Keep looking.

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Reaching Your Goals (The Complete Idiot's Guide).

1. This book handles the subject matter in comprehensive fashion. I could used more inspiration here and there, but overall I think the author does an adequate job of laying out a plan to help anyone achieve their goals. My favorite sections were the chapter on teaming up with others, and on lifetime goals you might pick for yourself.



2. I recommend this book highly if for no other reason that the writing style is so effective that you want to keep reading. I have encountered books on goal setting that were kind of laborious to get through. This one is very instructive, but at the same time fun. The chapters are each short enough so that you can get through each one in eight or ten minutes. Each
   concludes with some summarizing tips and I really felt motivated to start the next chapter.



3. What I liked most about this book wasn't just the practical tips on how to move closer to your goals but also the motivation for you to pick and set goals in your life. If you are like me and want to be going somewhere, but don't know where, this book can help you get started.



4. Welcome to your official guide to setting and reaching your goals!
   
   Given that you've picked up this book, chances are that you're a goal-oriented person -- someone who seeks to get more out of his or her life. You are, perhaps, proud of some of your accomplishments and enjoying them, but you're not content to rest on you laurels, for long. That's why this book can be so valuable for you.
   
   Jeff Davidson approaches the subject of reaching your goals with the same care and comprehension he applied to his previous books in The Complete Idiot's Guide series including The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Time, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Stress, and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Assertiveness.
   
   If you know Jeff as I do, you know that he tackles his subjects with vigor. As both an author and speaker, Jeff does everything with high energy. Engaging in whatever amount of research it takes to find the answers, Jeff approaches his topic areas with almost encyclopedic command. Then, semi-miraculously, he converts all that he's learned into an enjoyable, user friendly plan that the typical professional can easily understand and apply. In essence, Jeff creates systems for personal accomplishment that work well the first time you engage them.
   
   So often in my own life and career I've observed others and wondered with so much literature and so many courses available on setting goals, why aren't more people actually achieving what they set out to do? It seems that too many people are moving in the opposite direction. For example, at least in America, personal debt in recent years has reached all time highs. What could be the financial goals of the great masses of individuals who owe more money than ever before in their lives?
   
   The divorce rate is at an all time high. What could be the social/family goals of so many millions of people? The average weight of adult men and women has been steadily increasing for more than 30 years. What could be the physical goals of people whose waistlines are expanding?
   
   Does anyone consciously set out to continually be in debt, have their marriage or primary relationship end in ruin, or become too heavy to fit into any of their clothes? Yet, that is what seems to be occurring for many people today. That's why The Complete Idiot's Guide to Reaching Your Goals can be such a valuable guide for you. If you seek to gain or regain control of your life in critical areas such as advancing in your career, maintaining spiritual balance, or having time for your loved ones and friends, keep reading.
   
   Jeff Davidson charts a course for you that you'll want to follow. He's assembled this book so that you don't get bogged down with unnecessary details or end up attempting to bite off more than you can chew, and hence not meet with the success you deserve. Rather, he focuses on one-at-a-time, proven, practical approaches to enable you to attain the rewards of life and career that you so richly deserve. Jeff draws on time honored principles as well as late breaking developments as to what works and what doesn't when setting goals.
   
   In my own business, I speak to groups about the fundamental changes facing us as we enter this age of technoshift. Never before have you been faced with so many fundamental changes in how you work, play and live, brought about by new communication technology. The onslaught of new information is overwhelming. Losing focus has never been easier!
   
   As Jeff has pointed out in his previous books, it would be fair to say that the current generation of career professionals is easily the most distracted in history. In that regard, reaching your goals becomes a challenge of a higher order. Fear not, because for you have in your hands the wisdom, the insights, and the plan that will help you to get from point A to point B, in virtually every arena of your life.
   
   Before you actually begin reading, I suggest you get a felt-tip pen or highlighter. To obtain the most from this text you'll want to mark passages of importance to you, as you encounter them. Chances are if you don't highlight a section of text as you read it, you never will.
   
   Also, pick an area of your life or career where you are particularly motivated to effect a change for the better. Then, singularly pour your energies into that area as opposed to tackling too much at once. Thus, I'd rather see you achieve an early win a critical area as the first order of business, before attempting more.
   
   I'm excited for you and for the journey you're about to undertake. If you're serious about reaching your goals, you're about to embark on a personal new era. May the most for which you strive be the least that you attain!
   
   Dr. William Metcalf, President
   Technoshift, Inc.



5. This book is very helpful to me. I've read it several times and hope to re-read it as part of my annual goal reviews. The author is good at sorting through many, many sources of information and giving you the bare necessary facts. I've never been good at seeing all the little steps necessary for sucessful goal-setting but now I'm confident I have what it takes. I'm already seeing results.
   
   I also recommend his books about time management and re-invention in the same series. If you are unsure of what your goals are, the re-invention book will help you figure them out and the time management book will help you streamline your life so you can focus on achieving your goals.

3 comments about Collecting Antique Bird Decoys and Duck Calls: An Identification and Price Guide.

1. This is a great book. I've collected decoys for several years and I own the previous edition of Collecting Antique Bird Decoys and Duck Calls which is now some 10 years old. No disrespect, but the new edition by Russ Lewis far surpasses the old book. Not only will you find thousands of photos but Lewis, an avid collector himself, provides loads of information on traditonal carvers, factory birds, regional influences throughout North America and much more. The depth and breadth of the work is impressive. Lewis is a university professor, and you can tell that he is an educator at heart. It also helps that he has a soul of a collector. If you collect decoys, bird calls, or simply enjoy the outdoors you'll love this book. I'll bet my Red-breasted Merganser decoy on it.



2. A very well-researched book, this is definately one for the collector. This book's true value lies in its value guides and background information, making for facinating reading. Unfortunately, the photography is only average, and mostly black and white (there is a middle section of 63 colored pages).



3. This is one book that I never received, even after they charged my credit card, they would not respond to my emails, offer a refund, or even send me a replacement for the "one lost in the mail."

1 comments about The Golden Age: Manuscript Painting at the Time of Jean, Duke of Berry.

1. I have owned my copy of this book for many years, for the simple reason that the illustrations in it are all beautifully reproduced samples of what is justifiably seen as a golden age in illuminated manuscript painting c1380-1420.

   The book starts with an introduction into the various artists and their techniques and their patrons. This is followed up by full page reproductions, mostly of "carpet pages" from various manuscripts. This includes books such as: - The Bodmer Hours, The Visconti Hours, The Bible of King Wenceslas, The Psalter of Jean De Berry, The Belles Heures of Jean De Berry, The Boucicaut Hours and The Rohan Hours as a small sample.

   The plates are beautiful reproductions, with gold in used to highlight various manuscripts. However, luckily, it has not been so heavily printed as to obscure detail. For an overall purely visual look of the range and beauty of manuscripts of this period this book is hard to beat.

1 comments about Cast Iron Automotive Toys (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. As a collector I always hoped that someone would write an illustrated and accurate book on cast iron automotive toys. This book, more than fulfills my expectations. A must for anyone who collects. A must for anyone who played with these toys as a child. This is how books on collectibles should be written. It is not only a history of the subject but an encyclopedic account of the toys, their catalogs, and their accessories.Well done Schiffer and the Outwaters!

No comments about Miller's Antiques Price Guide 2009: 30th Edition (Miller's Antiques Price Guide).

2 comments about Film Posters of the 40s: The Essential Movies of the Decade (Film Posters).

1. Just think about it - what are the movies you enjoy watching over and over again? "Casablanca" will probably top most lists. Which movie does your family gather to watch each holiday season? The feel-good "It's A Wonderful Life," of course. "Citizen Kane" is probably in the running for one of your all-time favorites, as is "Gilda" with an unforgettable performance by Rita Hayworth.

   As you may know, all of these films are from the 40s, often called the golden age of Hollywood. And now, in this collectible volume are found the stunning movie posters that served as advertisements in those days. There's "Key Largo" with Bogart and Bacall about to lock lips; "The Maltese Falcon" boasting the sinister stare of Peter Lorre, and what was steamier than "The Postman always Rings Twice" with Lana Turner and John Garfield?

   "Film Posters of the 40s" holds 118 full color illustrations of these posters highlighting your favorite stars in their most memorable roles. It's a must-have for film and entertainment buffs.

   - Gail Cooke




2. This marvelous collection of movie posters from the '40s sure brought back a flood of memories to this older viewer (71). As with all collections of this type, there will be many movies, that are favorites of other readers, that have been left out, but likewise, there are several that I was not familiar with myself. Some of these, especially in "Film Noir", I will be looking for to view in the near future. The printing and binding of this volume are very well done, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the subject of movies. I also have several other books in this series that are equally good. All recommended.

5 comments about Blast Off! Rockets, Robots, Ray Guns, and Rarities from the Golden Age of Space Toys.

1. Blast Off! is a fun and fascinating read for any fan of science fiction, space toys, or comic books. It's a beautiful coffee table-sized book with sexy images of robots, ray guns, and toys of all types that make you feel nostalgic even if you don't remember these toys from the first time around.

   This book offers a history of "in the know" type stories about specific toys and the personalities who created and purchased them. There's the Buck Rogers XZ-31 rocket pistol that led Macy's and Gimbels into their most vicious price war ever, dropping prices by the hour to support the most successful toy promotion the world had ever seen. And there's the collector Bob Lesser who pays double the sticker price to win dealer loyalty. And there's a never-been-published story of the untimely death of Flash Gordon creator Alex Raymond. Plus the authors offer insight into how toys have affected history, entertainment, and the space program.

   If you're a fan of Buck Rogers like I am, you should also check out Blast Off! author S. Mark Young's interviews with Erin Grey in Filmfax (Oct/Nov 2002 and Feb/Mar 2003) for a sensitive rendering of a sensational story.




2. More than merely a definitive catalogue of the subject, Blast Off is a socio-historical journey. Toys offer provide the prism through which the authors examine fascinating sociological phenomenon. Make no mistake this is the definitive book for this topic, but it becomes a tour de force by examining the history, economics, and sociology implied by these fascinating products from our recent past.



3. More than merely a definitive catalogue of the subject, Blast Off is a socio-historical journey. Toys offer provide the prism through which the authors examine fascinating sociological phenomenon. Make no mistake this is the definitive book for this topic, but it becomes a tour de force by examining the history, economics, and sociology implied by these fascinating products from our recent past.



4. As the author of ZAP! Ray Gun Classics, I've looked at a LOT of books on vintage space toys and in my opinion this is the very best one. The diversity of items, production values, factual information and other comments are all superb. I return to this book whenever I need a space toy "nostalgia fix" and I always seem to find something new. No vintage space toy collection should be without it.



5. I gave this book as a birthday present to my boyfriend, who is a lover of vintage robots. He was thrilled with the book! Lots of great pictures and interesting bits of information. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys in robots or vintage toys, either as a serious collector or just someone with a general interest.

No comments about Trading Card Games For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)).