I usually begin with an apology for loving these Tarzan books by ERB or Burroughs as he is known by the world at large. The original books were writteI usually begin with an apology for loving these Tarzan books by ERB or Burroughs as he is known by the world at large. The original books were written with a less sensitive mindset than we are taught to use these days. For our post-modern sensitivities, the n-word and its variations would immediately disqualify such work of its worthiness to be read, and most versions of these books have been sanitized of that language, which makes me sad.
I'm Puerto Rican and we have heard and read slurs for us as a marginalized group too. These words were written in the 1920s and a writer of popular, adventure fiction did not have the same attention that nowadays would get the man's work cancelled and blacklisted (no pun intended). As a boy the books had already begun to be sanitized of the most offensive language, so the versions I read never had the words that this copy of the original story contain, so a word to the wise, stick to the sanitized more recent versions.
Here, Erich von Harben, the young, German archeologist deserted by his guides, continues looking for a lost civilization, when he finds a hidden valley with a lost civilization different from the one he was searching for: two rival cities pulled from the Roman Empire. Tarzan is searching for Erich when he is captured by Castra Sanguinarius, one city, while Erich is captured by the rival city Castrum Mare.
There is action, vile villains, falling in love, betrayal, a monkey companion, the Waziri, and a whole lot of drama. Clearly, I enjoyed the action, and despite the repetitious storylines, I'm way more accepting of the Tarzan stories than the John Carter ones. If you're expecting me to argue about suspension of disbelief, I'm sorry. I don't think ERB was expecting readers to believe in Tarzan as a hero. He, in fact, endeavors to make Tarzan larger than life and better than us. I'm ok with that....more
At the risk of being redundant, it's difficult being objective when I read all these books in my youth and loved them. I know that the plot is really At the risk of being redundant, it's difficult being objective when I read all these books in my youth and loved them. I know that the plot is really following well-established tropes (finding a new world, helping people he meets in the thoroughfares of the jungle, and those new characters taking over the middle portion of the narrative). Essentially, Tarzan is the co-star to the novel, and it becomes even more evident in this Book #11 in the 24-book series. The previous book, the Tarzan Twins, is a two- novella compilation written for children and is not included as part of the larger series.
Here, Tarzan stumbles into a lost / hidden / forbidden valley of British knights and crusaders from the Middle Ages attempting to rescue a photographer and another less worthy hunter of African fauna. (It's amazing how many "lost/hidden/forbidden valleys there seem to be in the jungle. Also, it's amazing how many people are traveling in Africa, that get lost.) The lost individuals get involved in complex situations, and really get the bulk of the harrowing issues and Tarzan gets appended in almost an ancillary way at the end.
The stories are interesting, but they are redundant. What is interesting is that I started the John Carter stories fully intending to read them all. I got through the first seven and couldn't continue because John Carter stopped being a member of the cast. Essentially the Mars books would begin with a different lead every book. This series is starting to feel very much like John Carter.
Overall, despite the redundancy, I fully intend to read all 24 books before the end of the year. I want to read only horror in October, but we will see how that goes. The Tarzan books still have a way of taking me back to my childhood, when I originally owned all 24 paperbacks, smelling faintly of age and mildew. Mom would have to come into my room, turn off my desk lamp, and tell me to go to bed. Sometimes she would kiss me and suggest that if she saw me turn my light back on that she would knock me. She never did. God rest her soul. At 59, there are so few things that remind me of childhood. Is it any wonder I can't be objective when it comes to Tarzan?...more
Unmasked is a unique murder mystery, Book #1 from the De-Extinct Zoo series written by Carol Potenza. The novella has a bit of a Jurassic Park vibe, aUnmasked is a unique murder mystery, Book #1 from the De-Extinct Zoo series written by Carol Potenza. The novella has a bit of a Jurassic Park vibe, along with an Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, out-of-her element, scientist as sleuth. I liked it a lot, except for the length of the story. It is too damn short.
Dr. Ludmilla (Milly) Smith is a veterinary doctor working at a Pleistocene BioPark, one of only two in the world, where her chief responsibility is tending to the newly created megafauna. Dinosaurs might have at one time been made extinct, but they have now been made De-Extinct. When dental surgery for one of the megafaunas was required, she and her team walked in prepared. Small problem, there are several people on the team with axes to grind.
Milly commences the surgery, but when the giant cave bear being operated on, wakes before the completion of surgery, emergency protocols are initiated. Sometime during the ensuing hubbub, Milly experiences a knock to the head. When she awakes, a member of the surgical team is dead, and the cave bear is the culprit. However, Milly insists that the animal was simply the murder weapon, and because she cares for the animal, she will find the actual killer regardless of who the actual killer might be.
I like the story pacing, but I really did not enjoy the story-length. I usually want more, but here there was plenty of room for depth. Characterization of the cast would have given more space for red herrings, misunderstandings and exploration of idiosyncrasies. I'm fully aware that this is just the first story in a series, but a quirk is introduced, and that affectation is never explored. The quirk would have given the reader an insight into Milly's character that was missing....more
Bed and Breakfast and Murder is the Fiona Fleming series opening novel written by Patti Larsen. The story is prototypical of most cozy mystery novels Bed and Breakfast and Murder is the Fiona Fleming series opening novel written by Patti Larsen. The story is prototypical of most cozy mystery novels with a standard small-town setting connected with a business (cafe, bookstore, hotel, or bed and breakfast as in this case). Another thing that is pretty standard for cozy mysteries is the busy body investigator. Such is the flaw in this book and probably the series (although I can only speak to this book) Fiona is not such a great protagonist.
Here, Fiona Fleming is the owner of a Bed and Breakfast that she received when her grandmother died called Petunia's, named after her grandmother's dog and hotel mascot. Fiona feels privileged to have the place. It gave her the excuse to leave New York City, after finding out that her ex was cheating, and doors were closing. She returns to Reading, Vermont, the town of her childhood where Mom and Dad still live.
Owning Petunia's seems like the perfect place to turn the page on previous failures. However, when her inheritance is questioned by a local developer, and that developer turns up dead, Fiona learns that moving to Reading may not be the fresh start that she envisioned. Especially worrisome is not just the dead body on her property, but the fact that the prime suspect turns out to be Fiona. Can she clear her name, figure out who else wanted the developer dead, and why?
I like cozies when they are well done, but I really hate that the main character (usually the novice, non-professional armchair investigator) is usually a nosy neighbor. I've read some very good ones (cozies, I mean) where the MC is involved due to very organic story elements. Bed and Breakfast and Murder starts that way, but when Fiona is cleared early on, she has no business pursuing a resolution. Most people would consider their names cleared AS resolution. That is where my presumption of believability ended. So, my rating is just good as opposed to something better,...more
Most guys I know tell me that I know tell me that they don't care too much about cozy mystery novellas like these, but I will point them in this direcMost guys I know tell me that I know tell me that they don't care too much about cozy mystery novellas like these, but I will point them in this direction. Sure, Darcy does one of my least favorite character traits. She abdicates responsibility for her actions sometimes by claiming that she just has to. That is the stupidest reason in the world to do something. It means that you don't have agency o your own actions. Ugh!
Now, with that caveat out of the way, there are many more reasons to like this boxed set. The first being that it is a boxed set -- more bang (more stories) for your money. For the most part Darcy is likeable, interesting, with affectations that make her believable despite the paranormal elements.
Darcy is the owner of a bookstore, who also gets inclinations from beyond, little psychic nudges that compel her to specific investigatory actions. In the first novella, Darcy's cat plays a significant role in helping her become involved in the investigation, when she finds her best friend's corpse. From there, we learn that her sister, a police detective, has an attractive new partner. The sparks fly in disparate ways.
The characters are strong, likeable, and believable. There are strong psychic, paranormal vibes that permeate the books, but I didn't find them overly deus ex machina obnoxious. Some cozies, unfortunately make the paranormal a crutch for ghost stories. Emrick recognizes IMHO that first and foremost, these are mysteries, and she gives them that priority. I liked them a lot except for my tiny caveat. Entertaining....more
I have never really enjoyed Cujo, the way I have enjoyed other darker King offerings like 'Salem's Lot or Night Shift or 11/22/63. I have my reasons (I have never really enjoyed Cujo, the way I have enjoyed other darker King offerings like 'Salem's Lot or Night Shift or 11/22/63. I have my reasons (one of which is spoiler-like so I will eschew telling you about it,) one of which is communicated in the beginning so I will talk about the unfaithful spouse trope.
I always get irritated by characters that are married and cannot remain faithful. I was married and the temptation was never such that I would ever fall into that trap. It strikes me as fundamentally weak to be tempted to cheat. Married friends have shared difficulty resisting temptation, but I have never had difficulty throughout any of the relationships of my life. I have been cheated on, but the weakness inherent in that behavior proves my point; however self-righteous or self-aggrandizing that may sound. I have the same issues with Jaws the novel.
The story is strong with hints of some kind of a paranormal power that lives in the closet of a little boy as a monster that possesses a rabid dog. The story in some ways is the most "realistic" of all of King's novels. Cujo is not a paranormal beast, although he appears to be. The force of nature that Cujo embodies frightens (maybe terrorizes is a better word) BOTH the child AND the mother. However, Cujo (we are told) is capable of being killed.
A sub-theme that is also beneficial to explore is the fact that Roger and Vic are amid a crisis, and rather than take some time off, Vic opts to move forward with his adult responsibilities, despite the fact that he is feeling emotionally bereft. I would also mention that Pete is exactly the opposite of what it means to be an adult. I thoroughly enjoyed this book or the first time in my adult life....more
Tarzan and the Tarzan Twins is a two-novella anthology compilation of ERB stories that are listed as part of the Tarzan continuity but are not includeTarzan and the Tarzan Twins is a two-novella anthology compilation of ERB stories that are listed as part of the Tarzan continuity but are not included as part of the 24-book series, because the stories were specifically written as stories marketed for younger readers. The first novella, "The Tarzan Twins," fits right after Tarzan and the Ant Men, while the second novella titled, "Tarzan and the Tarzan Twins, with Jad-bal-ja, the Golden Lion," fits right after Tarzan and the Lost Empire. There is almost a ten-year gap between the Tarzan Twin novellas.
The first novella introduces the twins as actual cousins born to twin sisters. One of the sisters is the wife of a Greystoke relative to Tarzan. The boys are named Dick and Doc who met at a "bougie" private school for future British aristocrats. On their fourteenth summer vacation they get to spend time with their uncle Tarzan, but on the way their train is derailed, and they wander into the jungle, where they are pursued and captured by cannibals.
The second novella with the way-too-wordy title picks up with the cousins that look like twins spending some quality time with their uncle instructing them on jungle craft. Tarzan also introduces them to Jad-bal-ja, his pet lion. Somehow along the way, the Twins get separated from Tarzan, and they witness the mistreatment of a white girl by followers of the Flaming God who hail from Opar and are seeking a high place to continue their worship and make sacrifices. Doc and Dick decide that they cannot just continue on their way without getting involved.
Overall, there does not feel like a marked difference between these stories and those listed in the continuity, other than less description of the kills and fights, which still happen although they end quicker. The flowery language is limited with less opportunities to wax poetic. Lastly, I really believe that this is one of the few ERB works that I had never read. I, of course, loved it....more
Tarzan and the Golden Lion is the ninth book in the 24-book series, originally published in the Argosy All-Star Weekly pulp magazine in 1922 and in boTarzan and the Golden Lion is the ninth book in the 24-book series, originally published in the Argosy All-Star Weekly pulp magazine in 1922 and in book form in 1923. I have loved re-reading, re-living my youth when Tarzan swept me into the jungle at ten years old for the first time. I admit it is difficult to be objective about these novels.
Trigger warnings here: the n-word is used in this novel way more than necessary. True that the word is uttered by villains, but this is the first novel that the word is used more than five times. I don't hold classic authors to the same standards as other authors especially when I recognize that our cultural sensitivities have changed and ERB wrote this book more than 100 years ago. I also recognize that ERB doesn't seem to hold an innate bias toward people of color (the way someone like Lovecraft did.)
Here, while returning from the previous novel, Tarzan finds himself an orphaned lion cub to train and nurture named Jad-bal-ja. Flora Hawkes (former house maid of the Greystokes) returns to Africa with the objective to plunder the city of Opar, enlisting degenerates and a Tarzan look-alike to act as a bulwark against probing questions and nosy interlopers. Also, World War I had depleted the Greystoke finances to such a degree that Tarzan has decided to return to Opar himself to grab some gold.
Along the way, of course Tarzan runs into Hawkes group of thieves and Queen La, the high priestess of the Oparians, who is also the infamous lover of all-things Tarzan. The reader finds that there is another lost valley, this one of diamonds, another race of intelligent apes, and surprise, surprise Jane is abducted again. Oh, boy. I took away one star for all the negatives and kept four stars because its Tarzan and he is cool....more
On the Knife's Edge is a compilation of three novels, all of which are paranormal mysteries, involving various aspects of investigation and things thaOn the Knife's Edge is a compilation of three novels, all of which are paranormal mysteries, involving various aspects of investigation and things that go bump in the night. The stories are all just OK tales that want to be better, but the stories all individually and collectively, fail. In a paranormal mystery, one of the most important things the writer must overcome is disbelief, and having three successive are a bridge too far.
Under Dark Skies has two unique FBI agents team up to investigate a cult leader, his flock, and the farm that they call home. Although the story is strong, and the characters are interesting, their similarity to Scully and Mulder are too on the nose. It kept interfering with the joy.
By the same token, the second book called Bluff City Butcher, is not just a hunt for a serial killer. The story is so complex that the writer must split the novel into four parts. It involves a "fountain of youth" type of medical situation bordering on super soldier chemistry.
Who By Water involves a regular person (Jo) that can communicate with the dead. Because the recently deceased are familial contacts, Jo feels impelled to investigate the murders. As you may see, these novels are really more derivative. It is really Bluff City Butcher that stands alone as more of an original story. I wish the author would have figured out a less complex way to tell that story.
Therefore, I can only give a rating of good for this compilation....more
Tigra: The Complete Collection TPB (trade paperback) #1 is an anthology of Marvel comic book stories about the superhero Tigra. The TPB format is a hiTigra: The Complete Collection TPB (trade paperback) #1 is an anthology of Marvel comic book stories about the superhero Tigra. The TPB format is a high gloss, upgrade, reprint of Marvel comic books meant to collect similar themed stories in a convenient book form. One of my consistent complaints is that the term "Complete" is misleading. Tigra has appeared on a few superhero teams and those issues have not been included here.
I do love the format, and have felt enlightened by the stories included, but would always prefer more. I know that Tigra has enjoyed relationships with some of her Avengers teammates: Henry Pym, Wonder Man, and Star fox. She actually currently has a son with Henry Pym, but none of that drama is included in these stories.
The collection includes: The Claws of the Cat (1972) miniseries #1-4; Marvel Team-up (1972) #8, 67, and 125; Giant-Size Creatures (1974) #1; Marvel Chillers (1976) #3-7; Marvel Two-in-One (1974) #19; Marvel Premiere (1978) #42; Tigra miniseries #1-4; and material from Monsters Unleashed (1973) #10.
Tigra was originally designed to be a feminist icon by Linda Fite and Marie Severin in the 1970s, but as her story became more convoluted and complicated some of those story elements were lost. She was the passive spouse of a police officer killed in the line of duty, who had attended college, but married the cop before graduating. When she tried to find work after her husband's death, she found that most of the jobs for women were actually secretarial in nature and she wanted to continue as a lab assistant.
She managed to become the lab assistant of her former professor who was developing a formula that enhanced feline abilities. You can guess what happens next. Along with those abilities, she then begins to investigate the death of her husband. Thus begins the adventurous life of Greer Grant Nelson aka Tigra. Fun graphic novel, with beautiful artwork, lush color and just a high-class work....more
Pack Hunt is the final entry in the Rabid States post-apocalyptic, book series by Scott Medbury. I tend to enjoy post-apocalyptic series because they Pack Hunt is the final entry in the Rabid States post-apocalyptic, book series by Scott Medbury. I tend to enjoy post-apocalyptic series because they inspire speculation as to how one would handle these scenarios which require independent action. The rabid dog scenario here has government intervention and safe zones being the final vestiges of protected order.
The survivors have moved from a school to a church, then a jail, and finally to the base that they intended to go to from the beginning. Maybe not so much. Obviously, the survivors have thinned throughout the series with the exposure of moving from place to place and the challenges seemingly becoming more and more insurmountable. (Werewolves? Mutants?)
The action is turned up to a high velocity pace. The story is reminiscent of zombie apocalypse narratives. The characters are fun and realistic, with altruistic heroes and selfish douche baggy players running to the far extremes of how people would behave in such high intensity / anxiety situations.
I really liked the entire series, although the ending is a little short and abrupt....more
One of the problems with having a continuing series is that not all of the installments have equal impact, nor carry equal weight. This book is more nOne of the problems with having a continuing series is that not all of the installments have equal impact, nor carry equal weight. This book is more novella length, and really just serves to propel the story toward a final dash to safety.
In Foxhole, Crowley and the survivors are making their way to the military base that was supposed to be their endgame in the first novel. However, their delay has been so excessive that the base has been evacuated. When they realize that the rabid animals are amassing for an invasive attack, they are forced to evacuate with alacrity. Also, is it possible that there are further mutations that don't just affect dogs, but humans, too?
Fast-paced, pulse-pounding, and action-packed, the story is suspenseful and well-plotted. There is a healthy dose of gore, blood, and guts, horror and the pathos of continuous loss of life. The characters are kind of tropes which are common to apocalyptic narratives: the hero soldier with a best friend; the principal who is leader of the civilians; the mandatory douche bags that consistently self-sabotage, and the several sacrificial lambs that demonstrate that the apocalypse is nothing to joke about.
Good, not great, action, suspense, horror. Three stars because it is way too damn short....more
One of the issues with a 250-page book is that the pacing is so rapid that the exposition often suffers. Hence, the reader is usually left wanting morOne of the issues with a 250-page book is that the pacing is so rapid that the exposition often suffers. Hence, the reader is usually left wanting more. In a series, you might say, well maybe I'm being kept in the dark for a later book, but if the writer is dependent on a later volume, that might work for the later volume, but it certainly didn't work for this one.
I struggled in trying to figure out the origins of the infection and how it became so horrible. In Alpha Pack, the disease is a particularly virulent strain of rabies. Survivors had been holed up in a school and an U. S. Army unit comes to rescue them. The problem lies in a seemingly huge problem: the infected dogs are communicating telepathically.
The survivors make it to the bus that's supposed to drive them to a safe zone, but then a very sudden and large complication occurs that forces them to seek refuge. There's some high intensity action included here, but there's much gore and blood too....more
First off, I love Beastly Freak horror. We lovers of the subgenre don't get nearly enough Beastly Freak horror. The giant monster movies of the 1950s First off, I love Beastly Freak horror. We lovers of the subgenre don't get nearly enough Beastly Freak horror. The giant monster movies of the 1950s were super because they showed us the possibilities of the Atomic Age. Jaws gave us ocean monsters, and Alien gave us imaginative variations on the Beastly Freak. Unleashed by Scott Medbury demonstrates another possible way to go along with when considering virological advancements(?) to the apocalypse in a post-Covid world.
Here, the infected are man's best friend, none other than good Ole Yeller. Wait, why is he looking at me funny and growling. He's never done that before. And here comes Cujo. Not even Lassie is safe. All of our wonderful pets are misbehaving in the most horrific ways.
The survivors are trapped in a school, but luckily an army unit is coming to rescue them. The problem lies in the fact that the survivors eventually have to leave the school premises and make their way to a bus that is driving them to safety. I don't know why the bus (which is mobile) doesn't get closer to the school. Some of the survivors are very young children or very old adults. What could go wrong?
Innovative, action-oriented, with graphic, gory violence. There's a lot to love here, but I think the pacing is a little skewed toward rapidity with insufficient exposition. How did the situation become as dire as it evidently appears to be? Still, 4 stars is exceptional to me....more
Scott Medbury's original take on a post-apocalyptic narrative involves man's best friend, a rabies virus that mutates our loveable furry friends into Scott Medbury's original take on a post-apocalyptic narrative involves man's best friend, a rabies virus that mutates our loveable furry friends into nightmarish fiends, and the struggle to survive one pulse-accelerating scenario after another. If you like zombie apocalypse stories, you will probably like this one. As for me, I loved this one.
True horror is loving your beagle named Almond, having her get infected with a virus that mutates her into double her size, bones breaking through skin, ups her aggression proportionate to her size, having to put her down, and finding that you no longer have the heart to mercifully help her through the malady.
Millions of United States dog owners found out the hard way, and when they needed a way out of their towns, the military had to escort them to safety, but they would not reach safety unscathed. This is definitely a high, anxiety-inducing boxed set. Here, you will find blood and gore, suspense, action scenarios, fun characters, and some real pathos.
There's a believable love story forged in the running of the gauntlet that I enjoyed. There are instances of inappropriate humor sometimes used during stressful situations that made me laugh thinking that the statement demonstrated not only wit, but also a situational analysis that reveals psychological training. Five stars for the innovation and specialness of the characters....more
Tarzan the Terrible is book number eight from the Tarzan series of novels that reached a formidable 24 books written by ERB. It follows approximately Tarzan the Terrible is book number eight from the Tarzan series of novels that reached a formidable 24 books written by ERB. It follows approximately two months after the last novel (Tarzan the Untamed) where Tarzan has just found out that Jane was not killed, but abducted for what appears to be the 37th time in eight books. Even in this one, Jane Porter is abducted at least two more times. Hay Dios mio!
Published in serial form by Argosy All-Story Weekly in 1921, it is clear that ERB has a fully realized idea as to what the lost world of Pal-ul-don looks like. He even includes a map in the version I read and a glossary of terms at the end.
In tracking Jane, Tarzan enters a hidden valley, lost world area populated with dinosaurs, and two races with fully functional tails. The hairless, white Ho-don live in cities, while the hairy, black Waz-don live in the hills. Although the men typically demonstrate animosity toward each other, Tarzan capably gets the men to work with him to navigate a difficult and dangerous situation. His skills earn him the name "Tarzan-Jad-Guru" (or Tarzan the Terrible).
Jane is held captive in Pal-ul-don by the World War I German soldier that staged the scenario at the Greystoke manor that caused Tarzan to believe his wife had been killed. Clearly, as these thins typically go, things get worse before they get better. Loved the novel as much as I love Tarzan. These novels are special to me....more
I initiate this review with a caveat or two. I love these books, so although I will grudgingly stipulate to some minor (possibly major) imperfections,I initiate this review with a caveat or two. I love these books, so although I will grudgingly stipulate to some minor (possibly major) imperfections, they are IMHO capable of being overlooked. ERB wrote the Tarzan books early in the 1900s. (Tarzan the Untamed published circa 1920.) Clearly, a white male in that milieu (however learned) will not be as culturally, ethnically enlightened as a post-modern man or I hope not.
Also, ERB was almost annoyingly redundant with some of his storylines. This is book number seven in the Tarzan series of 24 books. How many times has Lord Greystoke's home in Africa been destroyed and his wife kidnapped? Still, I love these books and so take my reviews about ERB's work with a grain of salt. (I'm Puerto Rican, so better with some Adobo on pernil. The salt makes us hypertensive and chunky.)
The start of World War I has reached Africa. German soldiers have attacked the Greystoke manor, killing Jane Porter and the Waziri leader, leaving Jane Porter's charred-beyond-all-recognition body on her bed, and his body crucified on a hill. Needless to say, Tarzan flies into a destructive passion against all things German, headed toward the battle front fully intending to engage the enemy.
What follows is a well-written, Tarzan, African adventure story filled with action, fraught with danger, and intrigue, suspenseful and overflowing with wonderful vocabulary, and lyrical metaphors. ERB's purple prose doesn't diminish the story in my view, it enhances it. These books get my highest recommendation despite being filled with unbelievable coincidences, but what do you expect from a guy who learned to read from primers and no direct instruction....more
If you have followed my reviews this year, you will notice that I have read a lot of ERB. I finished all I could tolerate of John Carter (7 books); I If you have followed my reviews this year, you will notice that I have read a lot of ERB. I finished all I could tolerate of John Carter (7 books); I know there's more, but I was annoyed by the lack of John Carter in the latter books which are supposed to be the John Carter of Mars series. Good stories, but the redundant plots by surrogate characters are annoying.
Now, I'm reading Tarzan's 24 book series. I have them all and I have read 5 so far. I'm currently on the sixth, but I have also read some of the graphic novels anthologizing the Tarzan comics. The Complete Joe Kubert Years Omnibus is the latest completed.
Joe Kubert was a great artist known for his war comics: Sgt. Rock, the Haunted Tank, and G. I. Combat. In the 70s, he was in charge of writing and drawing Tarzan. His incredible artistic style is distinct with a lot of feathering and facial expressions that overtly conveyed emotion.
As a boyhood fan of Tarzan, and a clear reader of the books, it is obvious that some of the novels and stories found their way into his run in the Tarzan comics. It was a smart move to allow himself to be influenced by such a master as ERB. Kubert's comic book covers are dynamic. The one-page splash pages sing, and the two-page splashes are murals filled to overflowing with story. Even in the actual scripted work, Kubert imitates the purple prose, lyrical language that was one of ERB's strengths. This work is gorgeous, and worthy of a high recommendation....more
Jungle Tales of Tarzan is another great Tarzan book, number six in the series, differentiated from the previous five novels as an anthologized collectJungle Tales of Tarzan is another great Tarzan book, number six in the series, differentiated from the previous five novels as an anthologized collection of twelve loosely connected stories of Tarzan in his youth. As typical of ERB's work, the stories each originally appeared in a pulp magazine (in this case Blue Book magazine) before being published as a book in 1919.
I chose to go back and add a trigger warning because there are insensitive, racially charged vocabulary and characterizations inherent in works that were published a century ago. As a Latino, I'm especially attuned for even hints at cultural disrespect, but I personally give a pass to those works of a differing cultural milieu. BTW, not all of the black characters are treated as a monolithic, villainous trope.
One of the joys I received in re-reading Jungle Tales is the wonderful details added to these "studies" as they focus on differing aspects of Tarzan's life. The initial story is called "Tarzan's First Love," which serves to highlight his immense loneliness despite his membership to the tribe. His affection of Teeka is profound, and a magnificent way to introduce the book.
Along the way, there are stories involving Tarzan's enduring friendships with Tantor the elephant, and Taug his ape rival for Teeka, while also establishing his enmity with two witch doctors named Bukawai and Rabba Kega. Not all of Tarzan's challenges are physical confrontations with the fauna: one might mention his fights with Numa, Sheeta, and Hista.
There are mental, intellectual challenges that might have been better met had he grown with the cultural, familial background and support of a normal child: questioning his understanding of God, asking the existential questions, and experiencing illness for the first time with all of its inherent difficulties. Overall, another fantastic book by the inimitable ERB....more
First and foremost, I have been enjoying my choices for my 2024 goal of books in the TPB (trade paperback format). So many of these are anthology collFirst and foremost, I have been enjoying my choices for my 2024 goal of books in the TPB (trade paperback format). So many of these are anthology collections of classic work that would otherwise prove cost prohibitive. This collection of the 1947 Dell Comics, Tarzan magazines was gathered by Dark Horse Comics into a gorgeous paperback edition that I highly recommend to any and every Tarzan enthusiast.
Obviously, there is deliberate acknowledgment that Edgar Rice Burroughs was the creator of Tarzan and that all of these stories have roots in the established canon, but there is also an attempt to make the magazine universe its own thing. Gaylord Dubois gets writing credit on the cover for the edition, where other writers have contributed, their work is also credited. Jesse Marsh is the main artist, but other artists helped when dealing with deadlines. The illustrated work is antiquated but stellar IMHO.
Included in the volume are characters from the Tarzan ethos: Paul Darnot, Muviro, La, Boy, and Jane. Places like Opar, and Tohr are rendered beautifully, and a bunch of Tarzan ape-English vocabulary is interspersed throughout like pages from a dictionary. There is also a page with Tarzan's animal friends like Tantor the elephant, Pacco the zebra, Mangani the ape, Manu the monkey, and Bolgani the gorilla.
I loved it and have enjoyed the ERB fanboy lovefest. I hope to continue to gush....more
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