I've read many takes on Superman, and Kurt Busiek's "Superman: Secret Identity" is one of my all-time favorites. The concept of a "real-life" Clark Kent -- who, because of his name, is constantly barraged by endless Superman-themed gifts and/or jokes -- suddenly developing Superman-like super powers and trying to navigate how he wants to use them ... it's like experiencing many boys' dreams vicariously.
The story follows Clark from his teen years up through to retirement, and -- in spite of its fantastical premise -- it feels consistently grounded. The desire to help while struggling with the fear of discovery is what "Secret Identity" is all about. HIGHLY recommended for fans of the genre.
What's in a name? Everything, if you share it with the Man of Steel! Superman: Secret Identity collects the critically lauded, 4-issue, Prestige Format mini-series written by Kurt Busiek (JLA/Avengers, Astro City) with stellar art by Stuart Immonen (Superman: End of the Century, Thor). Set in the real world, Secret Identity examines the life of a young Kansas man with the unfortunate name of Clark Kent. All Clark wants is to be a writer, but his daily life is filled with the taunts and jibes of his peers, comparing him to that other Clark Kent - the one with super-powers.…
Technically another Dean Koontz re-read, "Lightning" is one of the more unique time-travel stories I have read ... and the tricky part is, I cannot explain the exact nature of its uniqueness without giving spoilers.
Overall, the story follows a girl, later a woman, named Laura who has something of a "guardian angel" watching over her for much of her life. The tricky part is, her guardian doesn't always show up when she needs him. Who is he? Is he even real? And why does he help her? (But only some of the time?)
These are questions even the reader must ask, as we follow said guardian's side of the narrative without getting a clear picture of him ... until Koontz is ready for his big twist! Check it out; it's well worth your time.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz's brilliantly thrilling novel of suspense.
In the midst of a raging blizzard, lightning struck on the night Laura Shane was born. And a mysterious blond-haired stranger showed up just in time to save her from dying.
Years later, in the wake of another storm, Laura will be saved again. For someone is watching over her. Is he the guardian angel he seems? The devil in disguise? Or the master of a haunting destiny beyond all time and space?
"A gripping novel...fast-paced and satisfying."-People
"God’s Junk Drawer" is, in essence, like an updated/mature take on the kids show "Land of the Lost." Forty years ago, the Gather family -- father James, daughter Beau, and son Billy -- disappeared while whitewater rafting. Five years later, only Billy reappeared in a completely different country -- barely changed, and spouting tales of The Valley with its dinosaurs, aliens, Neanderthals, and an android butler named Ross.
Flashing forward to the modern day, a collection of college students discover that the infamous little ""Dino Boy" must not have been crazy after all ...
Peter Clines fills The Valley with interesting characters from a wide variety of backgrounds (and eras), and the wildest mix of environs. The mystery of The Valley keeps you engaged even as its phenomena prove just as dangerous as they are wondrous. I was hooked from the first page to the last.
From New York Times bestselling author Peter Clines, God's Junk Drawer is a mind-bending tale of mystery and adventure set at the dawn of time.Welcome to the valley ...Forty years ago, the Gather family--James, his daughter Beau, and his son Billy--vanished during a whitewater rafting trip and were presumed dead.Five years later, Billy reappeared on the far side of the world, telling an impossible tale of a primordial valley populated by dinosaurs, aliens, Neanderthals, and androids. Little Billy became the punchline of so very many jokes, until he finally faded from the public eye.Now, a group of graduate astronomy students…
Six years ago, when the White Flash washed over planet Earth, it left behind an unbelievable legacy: A small number of people changed — some instantaneously, some months or years later — giving them superhuman abilities. Sadly, most of these paranormals have chosen to use these gifts for their own selfish goals. Only a handful have joined the Paranormal Control Agency to help stop these rogues, with even fewer choosing the path of the hero.
But the Paranormal Effect was not the only astonishing change to take place. Within 24 hours of the White Flash’s appearance, SETI detected its first extraterrestrial radio signal … and then another … and then another.
At any other time in history, this would have been the biggest news of our generation, but for the majority of the global population, the superhumans among us took precedence over voices drifting from light-years away.
Except some of those voices are getting closer. A lot closer.
Now Vortex, Powerhouse, Lieutenant Takayasu and Shockwave must deal with more than superhuman criminals. They must face the wondrous rewards and the terrible consequences of our learning that We Are Not Alone.
