Black Panther By Jack Kirby Volume 1 TPB

Book Description

The Black Panther, as onlyJack "King" Kirby could do it! They searched for it! They fought - and even killed - for it! What was it? King Solomon's Frog! Alongside Mr. Little and Princess Zanda, T'Challa battles the Collectors, the Six-Million Year Man, and more in this power-packed, never-before-reprinted action epic in the mighty Marvel manner!

Customer Reviews:

Good Jack Kirby Pencils, and He Writes OK, too, from 30 Years Ago.......2007-06-22

This full color Marvel Comics Trade Paperback, BLACK PANTHER VOL. 1 by Jack Kirby, collects issues 1 through 7 of his run, from 1977 and 1978 (wow, 30 years ago, already).

Most of this book involves the Black Panther grudgingly working for some world class "Collectors" of powerful items of mythology, and battling the fantastic guardians of these ancient artifacts. Towards the end of this trade paperback, they introduce a subplot of someone trying to overtake the kingdom of the Black Panther, while he is away, which will be dealt with in the Volume 2 trade paperback. Black Panther By Jack Kirby Volume 2 TPB (Black Panther)

I was surprised that each issue is only 17 pages long, instead of the more standard 22 pages that I expected. But the art is real Jack Kirby.

Some readers feel that this Black Panther series written by Jack Kirby is not very good. I can agree that the story has little long term developments, but the plot developments are acceptable, and Jack's enthusiasm for storytelling shows in every panel.

Jack Kirby writes and pencils everything in this collection. The back of the book has a bonus first draft of the Black Panther, when Stan and Jack were thinking about naming him the Coal Tiger. There are also a few pages of b/w pencil art showing what Kirby's penciling looked like. It is more defined and shaded than the hard and strong inky blacks that characterize his comics works of the past, and, indeed, something that his style is very famous and known for.

I might be getting too detailed in my observation, but I noticed that Jack's pencils look more detailed and nuanced than the very bold inking that his comics usually look like.

Jack seems to have turned in pencils that are more finished than most pencilers today might do. Today, if a penciler draws an area of the picture meant for solid black sections, they just write a few Xs in the section and today's inkers will know to fill it all in as solid black. But here you can compare Jack's pencil to the finished, colored art. There are sections that Jack shaded, but the inker would then plop solid black into the section, losing the shading. In fact, Jack Kirby's best work is notorious for having very strong, bold, solid sections of blacks.

The Jack Kirby series that I would really like to see in a color trade paperback is his 2001 A Space Odyssey series! I recall that series as being nutty philosophies about life and existence, which was really very trippy and entertaining. Until 2001 A Space Odyssey comes out in trade paperback, the Black Panther books will have to do, for now.

What a letdown!.......2006-10-25

I love Jack Kirby. Even the wacky 70s Marvel stuff that most people hate - Eternals, 2001, Captain America. I also love the Black Panther. As written by Priest, he's one of my favorite Marvel characters. I never had read any of Kirby's 70s BP run until this collection came out. I'm wishing I still hadn't encountered this. I was ready (and expecting) a ton of weirdness and nonsensical stuff going on but I really wasn't prepared for how badly plotted and written this stuff is. To me, this is absolutely the worst Kirby-written product I've read. Knowing the potential of the character makes these awful stories even worse. The art is great 70s Krazy Kirby but it really doesn't make up for the bad stories.

Weak.......2006-06-17

Some fans out there will not criticize anything by Kirby.
Kirby certainly made huge contributions to comic book art, and did some fantastic work in his time. (He did some clunkers along the way, too). The Black Panther stories collected here were published well after Kirby had hit his peak. When I read these as a kid, I thought they were a big comedown after the more serious Black Panther stories that had run in Jungle Action, and I find them unreadable 30 or so years later.
Kirby's art in the late 70s wasn't what it had been in the 60s, either.

Long live the king!.......2006-03-12

Black Panther,Jack Kirby, & some of the 1st tales collected together in one niffty book. 'nuff said!

Black Panther in a Bizarro world........2005-03-28

There was a time when Jack Kirby the writer must have been ON something.

Seriously...his takes on characters (or runs on titles) often started right in the middle of something. As mentioned in another review, the first issue of "Black Panther" starts right in the middle of a story...a story that even if you were well familiar with every single printed appearance of the Black Panther, you STILL would have no idea what was going on.

Kirby always did this...taking over Captain America in the mid-70's, his Jimmy Olsen wack-jobs, those admittedly bizarre Devil Dinosaur books...besides T'Challa, you didn't recognize ANYONE here. Except you instantly knew they were characters in a universe only Kirby could have created.

I must admit that growing up, I hated Kirby. I was the total Neal Adams/Gil Kane/John Byrne kinda guy, and Kirby (especially in the 70's) was "ugly". Unrealistic. These gaping toothless mouths, anatomy that defied logic...just "weird looking."

Now, decades later, knowing how he is arguably the single most important creator in the history of comics, I get him. This was a guy whose imagination was, in the strictest sense, limitless. You take a look at some of those celestial visions, alien architectures and vehicles that curve and gleam. Could YOU have come up with anything even CLOSE to that? Has anybody?

His "Black Panther" run, especially the seven issues here, felt like the lithe, mysterious character from the Fantastic Four, the Avengers and the Marvel Universe was dropped into some Bizarro (to borrow from their Distinguished Competition...) World. He's surrounded by freaks, monsters, alien artifacts...you'll find yourself saying...and often..."what the...?"

In his career, this brief run on "Black Panther" is simply a small chapter in this Kirbyverse. It wouldn't be in his Hall of Fame exhibit, but it's an entertaining way to while away some time. Marvel should be applauded for bringing these non-mainstream issues back to life.

Average customer rating:

The Best Stories Ever!

A wonderful story for all whether you love cats or not.

The Best Cat Ever/ The Cat Who Came For Christmas/ The Cat and the Curmudgeon

Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0965027384

Customer Reviews:

The Best Stories Ever!.......2007-02-20

I have these three books on audio. We can all read and read and read till our eyes fall out - but no way can these stories be enjoyed to the fullest unless you hear them read by the author. Mr. Armory has the purrfect voice and inflections. You'll laugh, cry and sigh all the way through. The author claims to be a "curmudgeon" but has more heart and compassion that he wants us to see!

I gave a full "book report" to my sister the special ed teacher - and she wants hard covers to read to her "kids"; but I made her promise to listen to the audiobooks first so she can really give a first rate presentation to her classes. It's my great pleasure to send them to her. J

A wonderful story for all whether you love cats or not........2005-07-20

This is the true story of a little grey abandoned kitten who becomes the love of an old bachelors heart. It tells the story of their life together and gives insight into what happened after.

Keep the tissues handy

Average customer rating:

Helped us with the loss of Luna
The Best Cat
The BEST EVER CHILDREN'S BOOK!
animal love
Desser the Best Ever Cat

Desser the Best Ever Cat

Manufacturer: Dragonfly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Pet Death | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0440417740
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Book Description

A heartwarming and cathartic book for anyone who has ever loved, and lost, a cat.

This is the story of a cat, told by the little girl who loved him best.

From his first plaintive mew to his last loving purr, Desser was an essential member of the family. And for the little girl, especially, he was a constant companion. He was the catalyst for her first steps, thrilled when she got her first big bed, and he was waiting for her after her first day of school. But as the girl grows bigger, Desser grows older. And eventually it is time to say good-bye. Still, by telling his story and remembering him well, the girl finds a way to keep him alive in her heart.

With the simplest words and truly adorable illustrations, Maggie Smith captures the special bond we have with our pets and offers a helpful method for coping with their loss.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Helped us with the loss of Luna.......2007-03-28

Our 14-year-old kitty died recently and for my two children, ages 4 and 7, the loss was devastating. I checked this out from the library (along with Cat Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant, another fantastic book) and I cannot believe how much this book helped soothe the pain of her loss. My four year old asked to read it several times a day, and we got to the point where we laughed more as we read it than cried. It's a touching, sweet story, worth every penny.

The Best Cat.......2006-01-19

I like this book because its about a cat. It's a cat named Desser. I think that the book is a litle sad.But in the time it gets way beter.I think other kids should read this book too.I like books like this because they always have happy endings.

The BEST EVER CHILDREN'S BOOK!.......2005-01-19

This is my most favorite children's book, hands down! It's sweet, humorous, touching and sad --all in one--and the pictures are so beautiful and expressive. We originally borrowed it from the library and as I read it by myself (because I couldn't stop looking at the beautiful pictures) and cried my eyes out remembering all 3 of my dear kitties that have passed on, I knew I had to have my own copy. My four year old daughter loves it as much as I do... and I know she sees our current cat through different eyes now!

animal love.......2005-01-11

If you love this book, then let me suggest the book, "Florence the Goose: A True Story For Children of All Ages." They both share "true stories," animals who change the lives of the narrators immeasurably, a sublimly painful detailing of loss and exquisite artwork!

Desser the Best Ever Cat.......2004-10-07

A perfect book for cat lovers and children, especially those dealing with the loss of the beloved family cat. The illustrations and text bring to life the cat personality and the interactions between young children and cats. I am ordering one for me and one for each of my siblings because it so reminds me of our childhood cat King Topence, who was almost human by the time he died at 18 years old.

Best Little Word Book Ever! (Little Golden Book)

Average customer rating:

Not a first Word Book
BEST LITTLE WORD BOOK EVER
Beautiful little book

Best Little Word Book Ever! (Little Golden Book)
Richard Scarry
Manufacturer: Golden Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0307001369
Release Date: 2001-02-01

Book Description

Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, and Goldbug guide children on a point-and-learn journey through the words around them.

Customer Reviews:

Not a first Word Book.......2007-06-19

Lovely Illustrations by Richard Scarry, and a nice little word book for a older toddler, but not really suitable for an older baby beginning to point and recognise, pictures are a little too complex.
A nice little book all the same.

BEST LITTLE WORD BOOK EVER.......2007-01-16

I PAID $4.99 AND THE BACK OF THE BOOK LISTS A US PRICE OF $2.99.

Beautiful little book.......2007-01-03

My toddler LOVES this little book. The concept is simple. There are labeled pictures of ordinary everyday objects. It's a great way to re-enforce what she's learning about objects in the world. It has kept us busy and happy on many car trips. It's an inexpensive way to spend a little quality time with my child. I see this book as a prelude to "What do people do all day", which is also good, but in my opinion a little bit busy for a one year old.

Average customer rating:

Meow
Perhaps less Cleveland, and more Polar Bear, is in order
mis-titled but fun
front back spine
Misleading Title

The Best Cat Ever
Cleveland Amory
Manufacturer: Back Bay Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0316089788

Book Description

In the wake of his #1 bestseller The Cat Who Came for Christmas-now a perennial holiday classic-Cleveland Amory recorded the further adventures of Polar Bear, the feisty stray cat who adopted him one Christmas Eve, in these two heartwarming bestsellers that received worldwide acclaim.

Customer Reviews:

Meow.......2003-06-08

Cleveland Amory's book `The Best Cat Ever' is part of a series he wrote that involved his cat Polar Bear, who came into Amory's life one winter evening, and became an integral part thereafter. Amory and Polar Bear in fact are buried side by side, united once more. I can relate to this personally, as each of the cats that have come into my life have come in uninvited and unexpectedly, but very welcome and very quickly indispensable.

Now I, like many cat owners, wasn't pleased at the title of the book (as of course, my cats are the best cats ever), although I certainly understood the sentiment expressed. And Amory was prepared for this:

`First, an apology. It is presumptuous of me to title this last book about the cat who owned me what I have titled it. The reason it is presumptuous is that to people who have, or have ever been, owned by a cat, the only cat who can ever be the best cat ever is their cat.'

Amory uses the wonderful tales of his cat and their life together to also recount past glories and silly stories. One such is his time at Harvard, when he and a friend enrolled in a course entitled `The Idea of Fate and the Gods' because they had heard it would not require much homework, and then were crestfallen to receive a poor grade. This grade was upgraded when the professor was reminded of their undergraduate status. He had a habit of declaring everything good by exclaiming 'Capital! -- a rather typically eccentric observation for Amory to make.

Under the chapter title 'My Last Duchess', he recounts the failed attempt to write the autobiography (I did not make a mistake here) of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor (making particular point to the way it rankled her to never be given the appellation of 'royal'). In very humourous and somewhat embarrassing detail, he recounts stilted conversations and dull-as-dirt dinner parties designed more for the stroking of ego and vanity of all participants than any real social purpose (although, yes, I realise that that, for some, is a, or even THE social purpose).

Amory also recounts his animal rights activist days, something that he worked hard for during much of his life, and which is carried on in his memory at the Black Beauty Ranch and through Amory's writings, which continue to touch the heart and soul of those who read them.

Amory has been privileged to lead an interesting life that connects to many other interesting people. He does not recount the stories as standard history, or as mere gossip-columnist fare, but rather looks for overall meanings and directions in what is often a difficult pattern of discernment in life. Regardless of social status, political motivation, or intellectual stature, people are people, and will do the most remarkable, selfish, selfless, silly, wonderful things. Amory's observations of this is a delight to read.

In a very moving essay Amory recounted his final days with Polar Bear, and his difficult decision to end Polar Bear's suffering. Amory talks about the grief of losing an animal (particularly hard on single people who become quite attached to their pets) in a moving way that I wish would be used as a pastoral care text.

Amory and Polar Bear are buried together at the Black Beauty Ranch, a home for thousands of abused and abandoned animals that have come to them over the years. Amory believed (as do I) that animals have souls, too, and therefore are deserving of humane treatment and (in an interesting argument) if they do not have souls, as living creatures they deserve even better treatment.

Read this book prepared to laugh and cry. Have your tissues ready for the final chapter, and read this book with a cat on your lap (which, in fact, is how wrote this review).

Perhaps less Cleveland, and more Polar Bear, is in order.......2002-05-28

THE BEST CAT EVER by Cleveland Amory is a bit of a sham, though certainly not one that is unattractive or was created out of malice. In the prologue, Amory writes about his deceased pet cat, Polar Bear:

"I shall dwell ... on the past and the fun we had for the fifteen years we had together."

As the reader discovers, this is just not so. As a matter of fact, most of the author's narrative is born of the time before Polar Bear came into his life. Amory remembers his first job. Amory ruefully recounts his brief stint as a Hollywood scriptwriter. Amory tells of his association with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor when he was commissioned to ghost-write the autobiography of the latter. Amory revisits his time as a reviewer for TV Guide. Or, if after, then THE BEST CAT EVER gets hardly more than honorable mention. Amory discusses arthritis and its cures. Amory revisits his alma mater, Harvard. Amory is hit by a truck.

I can't say that this short book isn't entertaining. If I had harbored, before picking it up, any interest in the author, and if the book and been entitled REMINISCENCES OF CLEVELAND (or something of the sort), then I should happily award 4, and perhaps 5, stars. Amory is indeed talented and astute, as when he states of Wallis Warfield's morganatic marriage to the abdicated King Edward VIII:

"If she settled for being a morganatic wife, not only would she not be a Queen, she would have settled for something which, to her at least, sounded all too much like being a peasant."

Amory's dry wit notwithstanding, I can only award 3 stars because Polar Bear, most of the time, just isn't there. The best chapter is certainly the last, in which Cleveland poignantly and sadly describes his beloved pet's last illness and the trauma of having him put to sleep. (I was, perhaps, reminded of the advancing age of my own cat, Trouble. While still healthy at 10 years, that heartbreaking time will certainly come for her also.)

There are better books to be savored on the relationship between a human and its feline owner. Offhand, I can name three: I & CLAUDIUS by Clare De Vries, THE CAT WHO COVERED THE WORLD by Christopher Wren, and MY CAT SPIT MCGEE by Willie Morris.

mis-titled but fun.......2002-05-05

...this book says almost nothing about Cleveland Amory's cat, Polar Bear. It's a shame that it was titled in a way that would make you think it did.

Amory spends most of the book chatting about himself...I found that interesting. He was a Boston Brahmin through & through, & he did a nice job of showing the rest of us how that slice of society lives. (He also wrote the classic "Proper Bostonians.")

Especially interesting is the chapter "The Last Duchess," in which he writes of his brief career as the biographer of Wallis Warfield Simpson, the divorced woman for whom Edward the VIII abdicated the throne of England. Amory eventually gave up because she was just too awful and Edward was awful, apparently not bright, and an admirer of the Nazis. Even if you are not a fan of royalty (I usually find stories about royalty painfully dull), this chapter is fun! (It also includes a digression about how the Social Register got started.)

Mr. Amory also spun good yarns out of his refusal to donate to the Harvard alumni funds (a protest against their excessive use of laboratory animals), his very temporary role as a Hollywood scriptwriter, and public response to his reviews for the T.V. Guide.

Oh, yes, and he also had a cat!

front back spine.......2002-02-06

front cover, back cover, spine -- that's all you need to know & that's all you're going to get of polar bear the cat. oh, you might find polar bear's name sprinkled here & there throughout the book, but this book is more truly a book of memoirs about amory's pre - polar bear days -- with polar bear's adorable mug gracing the cover (front/back/spine) to generate sales. i had previously written a MUCH more scathing review of this book (which amazon gallantly refused to post -- apparently they're more worried about making sales than they are about such high ideals as freedom & truth?), so i will TRY to be a little more generous here: the book is not poorly written. i will concede that amory is a talented writer. & amory is a grand egotist of the first order (surpassed only perhaps by the grand poobah of all egotists, isaac asimov) & so his grand love affair with himself is truly a sight to see & a beauty to behold & can perhaps bring a chuckle to one's lips & a twinkle to one's eyes, etc., etc., blah, blah, blah ... there, did i sing enough praises to get this past the censor? look, i even gave it 3 stars -- 2 more than i gave it LAST time. how much more generous can i get? but even you must admit, dear censor, that one is bound to feel cheated, when one has spent hard - earned green on a book about a CAT, only to have it turn out to be a book about a MAN! it seems to me to make far better business sense to warn people BEFORE they buy the book, then to have them complain bitterly AFTER -- does it not? because, after all, if one goes willingly into the transaction KNOWING that the book is about a man, then one is more likely to end up being HAPPY about the giving up of the green -- kapeesh?

Misleading Title.......2001-03-21

For fans of Cleveland Amory's writings, this book is well worth reading. However, if the reader is expecting stories about Polar Bear, (for the most part) they are not to be found. The title would suggest that this book is the third in the series of the adventures of Amory and Polar Bear. Since I was expecting a continuation of the first two books, I was personally disappointed to find that the majority of this book was about Amory - with a great deal of his life long before he met Polar Bear.

RICHARD SCARRY BEST BOARD BOOKS GRAND HOTEL (Richard Scarry Best Board Books Ever)

Average customer rating:

RICHARD SCARRY BEST BOARD BOOKS GRAND HOTEL (Richard Scarry Best Board Books Ever)
Richard Scarry
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

Board Books | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0689815573

THE BEST CASTLE EVER (Pictureback Readers)

Average customer rating:

A basic beginning reader

THE BEST CASTLE EVER (Pictureback Readers)
Harriet Ziefert
Manufacturer: Random House Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0394819977
Release Date: 1989-04-01

Customer Reviews:

A basic beginning reader.......2001-02-19

Written in the old style of a basal reader story (you remember- See Jane run. See Jack run.), this book has a controlled vocabulary. With a limited vocabulary of 50 words the author has written a cute little story about three friends building a sandcastle at the beach. The best part of the book is in the back. The back page contains mini cards of the words used, and the inside back cover lists follow up activities to do with your child to help them learn to read.

Richard Scarry's Best Little Word Book Ever! (Vocabulary Development Series, LeapFrog LeapPad Level 1)

Average customer rating:

Richard Scarry's Best Little Word Book Ever! (Vocabulary Development Series, LeapFrog LeapPad Level 1)
Richard Scarry
Manufacturer: LeapFrog
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Product Description

LeapFrog LeapPad Learning Center Grades K-2nd

Average customer rating:

The Cat's Point of View
Touching Holiday Story for Young Readers

The Best Christmas Ever
Sylvia Green
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0439340136

Book Description

Puss is a country cat, born and bred. He loves the fresh air and the freedom of his territory. He doesn¹t understand when his owner, Jenni, moves to the city, where the traffic frightens him, and the people seem so unfriendly. He decides he must return to his home in the country. On his way back, Puss realizes that home isn¹t about place it¹s about being with the people you love.

Customer Reviews:

The Cat's Point of View.......2007-01-07

This is a story about a cat and a girl who move to the city. The cat's name is Puss and the girl's name is Jenni. Puss gets lost and Jenni has to find him. The chapters alternate between Puss and Jenni's points of view. I like the fact that you can read what Puss is thinking. This is one of my favorite books that I have ever read.

Touching Holiday Story for Young Readers.......2005-01-12

Young Puss is a country cat, and has been all his life. He adores small-town living, as he knows all the animals who surround him, and has his own very territories. That's why he's shocked when his owner, Jenni, moves him to a city filled with traffic, and unfriendly people. Puss quickly decides that this isn't the life for him, and heads towards home. However, unbeknownst to Puss, home is over 100 miles away, and might never be found by a small cat. When Jenni realizes that her beloved Puss - short for Puss in Boots, thanks to his all black body, and white feet - she becomes frantic and begins her search for him. While at the same time, Puss realizes how much he misses Jenni, and frantically tries to find his way back to his new home in the city. Throughout it all, Jenni meets many city-dwellers, who try to help her find Puss, and realizes that maybe the city isn't that bad after all.

Being a cat lover, and a fan of touching Christmas stories, I was happy to find both elements in Sylvia Green's THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER. Puss is a determined young cat who triumphs over the tragedy of getting himself lost. Jenni is a kind young girl who wants nothing but Puss back as her Christmas gift. Together they create quite a duo. With fabulous supporting characters who bring the story even more to life, THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER is essential holiday reading.

[...]

4 litle the worst speller in jr.high,adventure cat goes to school, best the worst school year ever, the classroom at the end of the hall.

Average customer rating:

4 litle the worst speller in jr.high,adventure cat goes to school, best the worst school year ever, the classroom at the end of the hall.
various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VAUFM2

Product Description

FOUR BOOKS GOOD FOR HOMESCHOOL & CHILD LIKE READ. * THE WORST SPELLER IN JR. HIGH. * BEST THE SCHOOL YEAR EVER. * THE CLASSROOM AT THE END OF THE HALL. * ADVENTURE CAT GOES TO SCHOOL.

Average customer rating:

The Best Cat Ever
Cleveland, Illustrated by Adams, Lisa Amory
Manufacturer: Boston: Little, Brown & Company, 1993
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NVANIA

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books