Very original take on Dracula (D) that really focuses on the relationship he has with Renfield (R). As D starts to spread his wings shadows falls acroVery original take on Dracula (D) that really focuses on the relationship he has with Renfield (R). As D starts to spread his wings shadows falls across a group of people who are not aware that they are being hunted; only R is aware that his 'master' is coming, and while everyone is trying to determine what is wrong with R they fail to heed his warning. D is coming - and very soon everyone will understand that R was the only one who tried to warn them. ...more
Tales that center around birds highlighting human attributes. Loyalty is stressed along with cooperation; building a community that helps you in timesTales that center around birds highlighting human attributes. Loyalty is stressed along with cooperation; building a community that helps you in times of need is looked at. These Aesopian type tales deserve a much wider readership. Still have quite a few of these comics to read, looking forward to diving in!...more
This 5-In-1 hardcover includes the following comics: The Mouse Merchant, The Giant and the Dwarf, The Magic Chant, The Priceless Gem and Tales of MiseThis 5-In-1 hardcover includes the following comics: The Mouse Merchant, The Giant and the Dwarf, The Magic Chant, The Priceless Gem and Tales of Misers. Each of these books have been reviewed individually by me. A wonderful introduction to tales that can hold up to anything Aesop ever wrote - should have a much wider readership!...more
A poor man overhears a rich man say that a motivated man could make a profit from a dead mouse in the road. The poor man picks the dead mouse up - jusA poor man overhears a rich man say that a motivated man could make a profit from a dead mouse in the road. The poor man picks the dead mouse up - just as a hungry cat tries to take it from him! The owner of the cat offers the poor man a copper coin for the mouse - and the poor man is on his way to wealth and position! Wonderful tale of perseverance!...more
The Dwarf is an expert archer; but because he is a dwarf he knows that if he tries to become one of the king's archers he will not be considered for tThe Dwarf is an expert archer; but because he is a dwarf he knows that if he tries to become one of the king's archers he will not be considered for the position. He finds the Giant (a basket weaver) and goes to the king's palace, representing himself as the Giants servant. Under the guidance of the Dwarf the Giant accomplishes feats of bravery and is rewarded. Then the Giant decides he really is a brave warrior who no longer needs the advice of the Dwarf. Pride and stupidity soon reveal who is the real 'giant' to the king!...more
The tales in this book center on greed; greed and the way it so often leads to violence. In one tale a man who knows a chant to make it rain gems is tThe tales in this book center on greed; greed and the way it so often leads to violence. In one tale a man who knows a chant to make it rain gems is taken prisoner for ransom. His student is sent to collect the ransom. His student warns him not to let his captors know that he knows the chant. But the man tells his captors and makes it rain gems. A group of robbers then robs the gems from the captors; greed kills everyone because no one wants to share the gems. The student returns with the ransom - only to find a pile of corpses next to a pile of gems....more
This tale encourages rulers to choose wisely who they seek council from. When councilors seek only to enrich themselves through their access to the poThis tale encourages rulers to choose wisely who they seek council from. When councilors seek only to enrich themselves through their access to the powerful the advice they give will often have nothing to do with what is right for society; and it is often the honest councilor who will find that they are in danger for telling the truth. Reminds me so much of the current situation in US politics!...more
Two tales of very greedy men who discover that it is better to give than to receive. One of the most amazing aspects of religious tales is how often tTwo tales of very greedy men who discover that it is better to give than to receive. One of the most amazing aspects of religious tales is how often there is a singular thread of doctrinal connection running through them all. Although these tales are Buddhist in origin the lesson of giving to the poor transcends any single religion....more
The Ravana (R) 'cycle' is told in this collected issue. I have reviewed each of the 5 books individually: The Lord of Lanka, Ravana Humbled, MahiravanThe Ravana (R) 'cycle' is told in this collected issue. I have reviewed each of the 5 books individually: The Lord of Lanka, Ravana Humbled, Mahiravana, Kumbhakarna and Ghatotkacha. Really enjoyed reading this book - have become a huge fan of Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) comics. A wonderful way to learn about Hinduism....more
Kumbhakarna (K) is the younger brother of Ravana (R). A giant who is almost undefeatable - he will fall in battle because R can not see that he is wroKumbhakarna (K) is the younger brother of Ravana (R). A giant who is almost undefeatable - he will fall in battle because R can not see that he is wrong. K will remain loyal unto death; R can not see that his pride is sending K to his death. A tale of brotherly love in the face of unbeatable odds; moving and masterfully told....more
The downfall of Ravana (R) continues. He puts his kingdom in jeopardy because he will not accept his place. Powerful and undefeatable in battle...R caThe downfall of Ravana (R) continues. He puts his kingdom in jeopardy because he will not accept his place. Powerful and undefeatable in battle...R can not see that he is his own worst enemy. The story of R is relatable across cultures; his downfall is Shakespearian - we pity him because of what he could have been....more
Ravana (R) is like Macbeth; respected and powerful - but ambitious and hungering for more power. The story of R is cautionary; like a Greek tragedy whRavana (R) is like Macbeth; respected and powerful - but ambitious and hungering for more power. The story of R is cautionary; like a Greek tragedy where an offended god shows a ruler who is really in charge. This series of comics brings Hinduism to those who have not grown up with these powerful stories - a favorite of mine!...more
This is the first novel I have read written by Willa Cather - but it will not be the last. In my reading experience only Zane Grey can rival her when This is the first novel I have read written by Willa Cather - but it will not be the last. In my reading experience only Zane Grey can rival her when it comes to describing the countryside; her description of animals, flowers and trees is truly unrivaled. My Ántonia describes the friendship of Jim and Ántonia, a boy and girl growing up in pioneer families in Nebraska. After the death of his parents Jim goes to live with his grandparents and meets Ántonia, the eldest daughter in a family of Bohemian immigrants. Jim starts to teach Ántonia English and their friendship grows through good and bad times. Their love for each other is very much akin to brother and sister, though I suspect both have questions of what could have been if they would have become romantically involved. Happy to add this to my 'classics' shelf!...more
I have been trying to catch up on Greek plays (having come to the conclusion that I will never see the plays on stage). The Oresteia by Aeschylus rivaI have been trying to catch up on Greek plays (having come to the conclusion that I will never see the plays on stage). The Oresteia by Aeschylus rivals any of the tragedies of Shakespeare; in some sense evoking an even more horrific concept - the arbitrary whims of the gods. The Shakespearian tragedies at least have the 'consistency' of Christianity: a framework whereby sin is clearly defined. But when different gods have different 'rules' that must be followed...how are we to know what to do? Powerful and deeply moving - highest recommendation. ...more
Nice introduction to the legend of King Arthur. So many themes from this legend have permeated Western civilization (I worked at Round Table Pizza (RTNice introduction to the legend of King Arthur. So many themes from this legend have permeated Western civilization (I worked at Round Table Pizza (RTP) in my 20's before I went into the army; there is a new commercial on TV right now from RTP - Excalibur’s Epic Pizza!) I think it is very important for children to be able to 'reference back' tales that have become part of our collective consciousness. Now I want some pizza for lunch! ...more
This is a wonderful first biography of Rumi (R). R is one of my favorite poets, I am always happy to find a new translation of his work. The illustratThis is a wonderful first biography of Rumi (R). R is one of my favorite poets, I am always happy to find a new translation of his work. The illustrations in this book are exceptional; I am going to look for other works by Rashin Kheiriyeh. I hope to see her work in many future projects. Introducing a child to this great poet is a gift they will thank you for as they grow older. ...more
A shocking look at the depths of racism. Racist beliefs are often projections that are made because there is a lack of empathy by the person holding tA shocking look at the depths of racism. Racist beliefs are often projections that are made because there is a lack of empathy by the person holding the beliefs. This lack of empathy is often passed down from one generation to another, and it eventually affects every aspect of interpersonal relationships, poisoning the person who holds then. A work that will stay with you. ...more
I actually saw this play years ago in San Francisco - I was about 15 years old (I think) and I can still remember beautiful women in chitons mixing wiI actually saw this play years ago in San Francisco - I was about 15 years old (I think) and I can still remember beautiful women in chitons mixing with the audience after the play. Several of them pinched me on the cheek and laughed at how young I was, asking me what I thought of the play. Wanted to finally read this play because of it is closely associated with early explorations of feminism and passivism. ...more
I think I might get slammed over this by those who like Socrates (S) - but it seems to me that SOMEONE needs to turn the tables on S and and just do tI think I might get slammed over this by those who like Socrates (S) - but it seems to me that SOMEONE needs to turn the tables on S and and just do to him what he does to everyone else: ask questions based on HIS reasoning and see how good he is at escaping from the traps that are set when YOU don't have to be specific, but HE must. Is something 'holy' because the gods love it; or do the gods love it because it is 'holy' - better to ask: are conceptions of what is 'holy' transcendent of time and place; and can temporal beings determine how gods will view a given situation in the year 2525 - lets ask Zager and Evans (Exordium & Terminus)! ...more
There is something 'cartoonishly' disturbing about the plays of Eugène Ionesco; but the humor is soon replaced with a dawning dread - as if someone weThere is something 'cartoonishly' disturbing about the plays of Eugène Ionesco; but the humor is soon replaced with a dawning dread - as if someone were watching all the futile situations 'we' find as we get on with life - just laughing at us because they know that absurdity is the only constant in life. Thought provoking and surreal. ...more
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