Black Butler Volume X

This was a Sherlock Holmes mystery.  I think I read nearly the same one in the last collection I read.  So I had a pretty fair idea of where this was going.  As a result, this story was very different from the others in this series.  It was less about the human condition and more about the story.  In a weird way, it felt like filler until it was time to go back to the demonic Ciel.

Rosario + Vampire Season II: Volume 9

I've had enough of the Fairy Tale story.  I've tired of Moka's past.  I'm ready for them to move on.

Forces of Warmachine: Protectorate of Menoth

The Protectorate doesn't grab me the same way Khador and Cygnar do.  The Harbinger is a beautiful model but I have a hard time coming up with something to support her.  They're just not my style.

Batman Earth One

I've read a lot of Batman origin stories over the years.  Some much better than others.  This is one of the best.

I like that they're not afraid to make him fail.  It's what really worked for Batman: Year One by Frank Miller and this carries that on.  He's not really equipped to fight crime.  All he wants is vengeance he really needs that first failure to point him in the direction that his life will take.

Alfred as a former marine and family friend rather than the long time butler was the hardest change to swallow.  Though I did like that he admitted he knew nothing about raising a child.  He has done a rather poor job with Bruce.

The art is amazing.  There were pages that I just stopped and stared at to pull in all the details.  Seeing his eyes does make a difference.

The Penguin was actually an effective villain.  Something that a lot of writers struggle to do.  I've seen it in the new 52 now as well.  They've finally figured out what to do with this character.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Saltwater Aquariums

I've wanted a saltwater aquarium for about 10 years now.  I finally decided to take the plunge.  While I was waiting until the right moment I continued to do research.  Although I'm not a complete idiot this book was helpful in figuring out some of the jargon and steps to get into this hobby.

My biggest complaint about the book is that they refer to the appendix with examples of aquariums.  This appendix does not exist.  I looked for it everywhere and couldn't find it.  The CD that comes with it wasn't that useful either.  I could find all the information online with a much handier graph to let me know compatibilities.  At least they didn't try to put all the information into the book.  It would have been a much more intimidating read.

Vampire Knight Volume 14

Kaname doesn't deserve Yuki.  She's so much more devoted to him than he is to her.  Of course, Yuki doesn't deserve Yuki either.  For a love triangle it's messed up.  Interesting to see more of the history of this vampire world.  My sympathies are still with Aido.  He's just trying to protect Kaname and those he loves.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

The resounding feeling I got from this collection was that Sherlock Holmes is a dick.  He frightened poor Watson and thought nothing of it.  The only friend he has was not important enough to find and tell that he wasn't dead.

The other interesting part of this collection is that Holmes is pulling away from being the main character.  He gives many tasks to Watson and just sweeps in at the end to confirm all suspicions.  Conan Doyle really was getting tired of the character at this point but must have been getting too much money to consider not writing him anymore.

Bleach Volume 43: Kingdom of Hollows

More posturing; still no Ichigo.  The biggest gun is out for Ichigo to come save everyone though.  At least he seems to be falling out of the sky to do just that.

Bleach Volume 42: Shock of the Queen

I keep reading Bleach hoping for resolution.  I keep getting fight scenes.  The big guns are coming in, this might be coming to a close soon.