They might not be raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens, but that doesn’t mean that we love them any less. Welcome back to My Favorite Things, a weekly column where we gab about the greatest in geek. This week, we’re still all about Wonder Woman, and her awesome soundtrack, and we continue to be obsessed with the Black Panther trailer. On top of that, we have two epic recommendations: a splurge worthy comic, and a sweeping and seductive book series. Intrigued? Read on for more.
Nicole’s Favorite Thing is… Saga: Vol 1-6!
I’d noticed this graphic novel once it came out. The cover caught my eye and I thought, “That looks interesting.” After taking a few peeks inside here and there, I decided it was something I wanted to read — I just wanted to read a lot at one time. So I waited until several volumes were available and then I splurged.
Saga features a very interesting story in which two people from warring planets (and whose war has spread across the galaxy to everyone else) fall in love, have a child, and are now trying to survive in the universe while everything else seems to want to kill them. The artistry and story are unique and satisfying. You’ll visit the robot kingdom where the inhabitants have TVs for heads. You’ll see a tree that’s also a spaceship. Inside the pages you’ll also find sex, violence, and even some instances of I-don’t-even-know-what-I’m-looking-at.
But for being so full of aliens, there’s a lot here that we humans can relate to. There are tender moments between family members, the death of loved ones, examining the atrocities of war, and more. Of course, there are characters you’ll get attached to, which is a risky move since you really never know when someone might kick the bucket. (Seriously, though, if Lying Cat dies, I might have to stop reading).
If you’re looking for a fresh new graphic novel to read, Saga is a great choice. The only problem now is I have to wait for the next volume to come out.
J.L.’s Favorite Thing is… the Black Panther trailer!
I rode the high of how amazing Wonder Woman was for exactly one week. I was then thoroughly reminded that I am a Marvel Cinematic Universe fangirl first and foremost when the teaser trailer for Black Panther dropped. After Captain America: Civil War, my answer to the Team Cap or Team Iron Man question was always an immediate “Team Black Panther.” As much as I loved that movie (like every Marvel movie), it was hard to see my team self-destruct like that. Luckily, I had T’Challa’s quiet competence and general badassery to see me through. I can’t wait to see this character as the lead of his own story, rather than in a supporting role for someone else’s. The trailer itself also included a tantalizing look at the country of Wakanda and all of the other amazing characters we have to look forward to.
Marvel’s Luke Cage turned the narrative of the black hero on its head, proving that representation matters. I’m looking forward to what the writers do with a black hero unburdened by the legacy of American history.
Also, I’m pretty sure that he does have a thing for cats, and we have that in common.
Nu’s Favorite Thing is… the Wonder Woman theme!
My favorite thing this month is Wonder Woman’s theme song from the Wonder Woman movie. The entire movie and soundtrack kick ass, but once I heard her theme song start in a pivotal fight scene in the film, it pumped me up like a character’s theme is supposed to! The theme song was introduced on the Batman v. Superman soundtrack by Hans Zimmer (one of my favorite composers), but I like what Rupert Gregson-Williams did to the new version on the Wonder Woman soundtrack. It’s filled with bravado and confidence — everything that sums up the character of Wonder Woman. When you hear it, you can’t believe that sound comes from a cello!
Kelly’s Favorite Thing is… Kushiel’s Dart!
When it comes to fantasy and science fiction books, I’m a big fan of sweeping epics. Don’t give me a novella; give me multiple 800-page novels. Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey kept my attention riveted for 900 pages. Terre d’Ange is a land founded by fallen angels and ruled by the credo, “Love as thou wilt.” Here, the world’s oldest profession is a noble one — courtesans perform a scared service that honors the angel Naamah. Phèdre nó Delaunay is abandoned as a child because of the scarlet speck in her eye, an imperfection that makes her unfit for service in the Thirteen Houses of courtesans. Little did her parents realize that the scarlet mote is the sign of Kushiel, which marks Phèdre as an anguissette (one who feels pain as pleasure). Purchased as an indentured servant by nobleman Anafiel Delaunay, Phèdre is trained as both a courtesan and a spy. She changes from a vulnerable orphan to passionate and resilient young woman. The book is billed as romance and although it is definitely not for the prudish, it has more political intrigue than love scenes. The book’s biggest strengths are its likeable characters and action-packed plot. If anyone from HBO is reading, Kushiel’s Dart shares many of the characteristics that made Game of Thrones a blockbuster television hit — a medieval-inspired world, exotic religions, political espionage, barbaric warriors, fascinating and seductive characters, and a struggle for the soul of a beloved homeland.
Any thoughts on the selections above? Let us know in the comments.
Love, love, love the Kushiel saga. <3
I could have sworn that I learned about the Kushiel saga here but I never could find it.
I am SO BEHIND on the Kushiel Saga. I’ve read the first two books, so I need to finish the original trilogy for sure, and I have the first book in the NEXT trilogy waiting as well….
And speaking of SAGA, we stopped getting individual issues to collect the hardcovers, which means I’m perpetually behind. As soon as we get the latest hardcover, I need to check to see where it leaves off to see if it catches me up on where I left off on the comics or not. I love that series, love the colorful art especially. I look forward to reading the story binge-style. I just wish it didn’t take Image so long to come out with hardcovers. :-/
I didn’t even know that there is a second trilogy.
There’s, like, three I think? Two Kushiel trilogies and then a Namaah one if memory serves. Each one features a different character.
As someone who DEVOURED all nine books, I can confirm that. There’s Phedre’s trilogy, which begins with Kushiel’s Dart. Imriel’s Trilogy, which deals with the next generation of characters that comes after the original trilogy. And then there’s the Naamah trilogy, which takes place 100s of years later. Not everyone likes the Naamah trilogy, but I really enjoyed them.