Call of Cthulhu

The role playing game, not the short story by Lovecraft.  Of course, this is inspired by the works of Lovecraft (and others) who created the Cthulhu Mythos.  It has the original short story as its intro which is great at setting the mood.  The rest is a bit of a slog.

I've read a lot of role playing game manuals, this one seems to have a tone that it's so much better than those other games because it's based on the Mythos.  It's written for people that are fans of Cthulhu more than people who are fans of horror roleplaying.

It's an interesting system.  Playing it we've discovered that it's always better to run away and let someone else look at the terribleness.  It's tough with skills only getting better if you succeed with something.  It makes character creation really, really important.

I find it odd that the text suggests that you want to steer clear of Cthulhu things as quickly as possible, but that all the in game examples have Harry confronting something he totally shouldn't see.

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.

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.

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.

Bleach Volume 41: Heart

I know I just complained that Bleach was one long fight scene.  But holy cow was this a cool fight scene!

And then back to the battle over Karakura Town.  sigh

Bleach Volume 40: The Lust

I keep waiting and waiting for something other than a major battle to happen in this series.  Maybe I'm reading the wrong series.  Things happen in Naruto though.  Not so much in Bleach.  I was rewarded with the return of Ichigo this issue though.  Orihime seems to be going through something.  I do want to see where she ends up.

Hawk and Dove: Ghosts and Demons

I'd been reading Hawk and Dove in the new 52 and was reminded how much I liked these characters.  I was disappointed when it was cancelled and felt it had something to do with Rob Liefeld.  His art brought it down and his prose didn't help.  I picked up this graphic novel because it reminded me of when the characters were written well and Liefeld could draw feet.  His 90s hairstyles fit with this story because it was originally published in the 90s.

Rosario + Vampire Season 11 Volume 8

That's a lot of back story to explain why Moka has the rosario.  Neat story but i felt it really took away from the action of what Ikeda is trying to create.  Most of the main characters have been lying on the floor while the mob forms at the door.

Naruto Volume 45: Battlefield, Kohona

Massive battle. Watching Sasuke throw down was pretty amazing and Naruto's training session was interesting. He really is growing and those in Kohona are starting to notice. I fear for Kakashi though. I know Kishimoto is not afraid to kill main characters, but he's one of my favourites.

Bakuman Volume 2

This one was more enjoyable than the last.  It's interesting to see manga behind the scenes.  I didn't realise how much went into deciding what should even be published.  And then figuring out what continues to be published.  I guess I'm more used to the North American model of comics publishing where it's all back on profit return.

I can't decide if some of the characters are real, or complete caricatures.  Their rival, Eiji, is so over the top that I think he has to be a parody.

Bleach Volume 38: Fear for Fight

I had a brief moment of hope with the last volume that Ichigo may be returning to the manga. Alas, it was brief. This volume was more battle between the Captains and Aizen's minions. I get that they're all really powerful, but each issue seems to be trying to one up the last with how over the top it can get. I want to see Ichigo rescue Orihime!

Bakuman Volume 1

This manga was recommended to me because I was reading some of the manga they talked about.  It's like a behind the scenes series where two high school students are trying to get their manga off the ground.  It's written by the team behind Death Note and mostly what this one does is make me want to read the other.  I like the art and the way it's written but I don't like some of the ideas that are presented.

Bleach Volume 37: Beauty is so Solitary

So I've been complaining that the story has focused more on the Soul Society of late than it has on Ichigo.  This volume finishes up the back story (which does answer a few questions and even got me interested for a moment) and then heads back to the present.

Yay!  Ichigo is on his way to rescue Orihime!  And she's being all brave waiting for him!  And he's getting help from his friends!  And then it's back to what the Soul Society is doing against Aizen.  Sigh.

The League of Extrodinary Gentlemen: Century 1969

I was a little better able to follow this one, as opposed to 1910, as I started recognising more of the references again.  However, my suspension of disbelief took a hit with it as I felt it was over the top.  I know the 60s were a free love decade but I don't think they were that free loving.

I'm disappointed that Mina essentially ditched Orlando and Alan.  They're not really going to get anywhere without her.  She may be stuck in an insane asylum but I don't think she'd be there for 5 years unless she had an exceedingly bad trip.

Naruto Volume 40: The Ultimate Art

Heading for the showdown between Naruto and Sasuke.  This volume is working to show how accomplished Sasuke is.  If he's that cool and Naruto has a chance then Naruto has to be that cool as well.

It's classic Gandalf action.

Vampire Knight Volume 12

I thought it was odd when the last volume I read involved Yuki going out on her own. From what I remembered they were getting ready for a soirée. Turns out I missed one.

Anyway, Volume 12 is proof that pure bloods are dicks. From Kaname's efforts to control Yuki to no one objecting to a vampire commitng suicide by turning a vampire hunter, to Sara's treatment of Zero. Ichijo and Aido have the unenviable positions of tending to pure bloods who won't listen to reasonable suggestions.

Vampire Knight Volume 13

There's more backstory in this one than there has been for awhile. Kaname comes off a bit less creepy. He's not Yuki's brother! But Zero does. I don't like vampire Yuki either. Aido's starting to seem the most stable.