2026 Books, Post 5
May. 5th, 2026 03:46 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lady_ragnellIt's that time again! Had some good ones and some medium ones and some forgettable ones, as usual.
Sunward by William Alexander
Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years by Elizabeth Wayland Barber
Gnomon by Luchia Dertien
An Admirer by Megan Derr
The Crystal Tree by Louise Platt Hauck
Take Back Magic by Casey Blair
The Sacred Space Between by Kalie Reid
Taji From Beyond the Rings by R. Cooper
The Rainseekers by Matthew Kressel
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End by Kanehito Yamada illus. Tsukasa Abe
That's all for this time! I've got some travel upcoming, so probably there will be some airplane books coming up soon.
Sunward by William Alexander
A really interesting sci fi novella that I wanted more of when it was done! A spaceship courier who raises AIs (the current LLM kind of "AI" is briefly referenced but these AIs are the more traditional sci fi sort, I'm continuing to be fascinated by the ways AI in sci fi is going to change and bend around the general distaste by authors for LLMs, someone's going to be able to write a banger dissertation on this shift in a few years) loses one, and goes on a tour of the previous ones she's raised to try to bring her back when it's thought to be impossible, and also AIs are being shut down or effectively lobotomized due to plot events. I liked this a lot! Still chewing over it.
Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years by Elizabeth Wayland Barber
I've seen this mentioned around, and it is a good history of textiles for the layperson! The chapters could sometimes lose focus, but that's a small quibble. I learned things about fiber, I learned things about history, I learned things about fiber history! I feel like this review is coming off like I didn't like it, when I really did! I just don't have anything to say about it, it's an oft-recced work for people who are interested in fibercrafts and their history, and I can see why.
Gnomon by Luchia Dertien
So, I loved this Les Mis fic back in the day! Dark and fun and angsty and thrilling. And everything that was in the fic is in the origfic version! But, uh. Everything that was in the fic is in the origfic version. There were, I think, two flashbacks inserted into this book, and I think Eponine and Courfeyrac were conflated into one character, and a few character backstory details were changed, but other than that ... the character names were changed. But unfortunately, that just made it a reread of a beloved fic no longer available on the AO3 where I had to go the annoying extra step of find-replacing everybody's names in my head. The thing with publishing fanfic is that you have to go in and add more character depth, because when the love interest in this story is Enjolras, one has the depth of canon and fanon to add to him and understand him better, but when the love interest is Delaurier, there's less of that softening sympathy so I was screaming at "Renaire" to get out in a way I wasn't in the fic. And also when you are publishing specifically Les Mis fanfic, you have GOT to condense your Amis. When writing fic they have to be there, if you're just missing Bossuet or Feuilly people will wonder why, but in a supposedly original work? They have GOT to be combined, or it's just a bunch of barely-there characters. Anyway, there were a lot of small changes that could have been made to make this stand alone better, and I'm sad that the distraction of this made it both an unsatisfying fic reread and an unsatisfying novel read.
An Admirer by Megan Derr
One of Derr's early and indulgent works, and thus one I enjoyed more than some of her more serious recent ones! Overworked mage student starts getting secret admirer gifts and also interacting with a warrior student who he's having some sparks with, and there's a little twist on the expected beat that made me do a surprise grin. I could have dealt with it being longer, but that was just because I read this on a sleepy day and I wanted more indulgence!
The Crystal Tree by Louise Platt Hauck
A family member's got a fondness for novels of this era (1935), so I grabbed this for her in a vintage shop and read it myself. If you've got a high tolerance for things that are Products Of Their Time, I did have fun with this, but I do know that's a MASSIVE caveat. Particularly there's one black character who sure is written in dialect Badly, and also some very serious ableism going on (in a mid-book twist, our heroine is a sole support of a family who her father's bad investments ruined, including their young lady daughter who is painted as having a disability that's essentially learned helplessness, and who is spoiled, vain, and manipulative. It's not great). However, I was also rather charmed by the fact that this is in many ways a found family story well before one thinks of that as a thing! Young woman wishes to rent a house but can't afford it, is advised to advertise for roommates, finds another young lady and two young men and an older lady to chaperone them, nesting and drama ensues. I am fairly sure I have read this fanfiction before, and if I haven't, I might have to write it if I can find the right fandom.
Take Back Magic by Casey Blair
Blair can be a bit uneven for me--I'd say her writing skill is always about the same, to be clear, it's just that sometimes she writes things I'm super into and sometimes she writes things I'm meh about, and her writing isn't good enough to change my mind on the things I'm less into (though it's still good! Just takes particularly good writing to make me have patience for subgenres I don't often do). So, this was urban-ish fantasy, which isn't always my jam, though the portal fantasy aspects DID work for me. I'm likely to read the rest of the series, but not super quickly or anything, just as I think of it.
The Sacred Space Between by Kalie Reid
A fantasy romance that, thank goodness, did not read as Romantasy. It is a bit patchy, though! Things I liked: the ~vibe, the romance between the hero and the heroine, the reveals of things as they came out, the concepts around the religion (thanks to my D&D game I'm a huge sucker for Sainthood Shit). Things I liked less: worldbuilding not really gone into in any depth, some reveals that felt a bit cheap, massive powerful cultural structural force dismantled by one (1) act of arson and the death of one (1) bad guy. Also, oh boy, there sure were some anachronisms. This was clearly meant to be a Medieval fantasy, but it was one where the narrative used a metaphor about a time bomb, with indoor plumbing including hot water, and where organs and I think even pianos existed. Removing any of those would not have taken much effort and would not have thrown me out of the story! Overall I'll be looking out for more from Reid, though, I suspect she's the sort who might improve with more seasoning as opposed to get worse now that she's not a debut author and doesn't have time to iterate extra drafts of things. (Truly it's a hard balance to strike.)
Taji From Beyond the Rings by R. Cooper
I always mean to read more Cooper, and when I discovered that they had a sci fi romance, I had to dive in! This one was a lot of fun, very tropey, some worldbuliding, some politics, some Romance, overall a good time if you like your sci fi romances rather indulgent and with a good amount of Action on the side. I will say that throughout I was deeply stressed by the way our viewpoint character kept processing through high-stakes political and linguistic problems just ... in public. In front of enemies. And getting accusatory about it quite often. It was a character choice by Cooper, and the character was only embassy staff because he was dragged into it when the previous staff was killed, but damn, nobody gave this man even a LITTLE bit of political training, including his boss who he's theoretically assisting but mostly actually hampering for most of this book. However, the difficulties of translation of cultural concepts in this book were SO fun for me.
The Rainseekers by Matthew Kressel
Sci fi novella about a group of people who want to be the first to see rain on Mars. This one was interesting! I enjoyed the format (long-form article/essay by one of the people on the trip, interspersing narrative of the trip with the narratives of a few people and why they chose to come along), and some review on the cover said it felt Chaucer-ian and it's not too far off the vibe, really. I will say that a few of the backstories felt samey in kind of a weird way for such a short novella? But maybe the point of that is a bit that "the kind of person who wants to go on this kind of mad expedition is likely to be a burnout from a previous life with some trauma around drugs, family, and/or religion," so I might be being unkind to Kressel there. Anyway, I had some food poisoning and a stressful day yesterday and this was the perfect evening antidote to it.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End by Kanehito Yamada illus. Tsukasa Abe
Manga (actually the first I've read!), and a gift from a friend who knows I'm into D&D! This was quiet and sweet, and I like stories that deal in various ways with elvish lifespans and this is all about that, which is cool! I don't have a ton to say about it, because a volume of manga can be lovely but also because of the illustrations doesn't take a ton of time to get through. I'm always hesitant to buy graphic novels and manga because they take me so little time to read in comparison to the money one spends on them, but I do hear this one's being released as an anime so maybe I ought to check it out?
That's all for this time! I've got some travel upcoming, so probably there will be some airplane books coming up soon.
Mod Post: Off-Topic Tuesday
May. 5th, 2026 08:48 amicon_uk in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
scans_dailyIn the comments to these weekly posts (and only these posts), it's your chance to go as off topic as you like.
Talk about non-comics stuff, thread derail, and just generally chat among yourselves.
The intent of these posts is to chat and have some fun and, sure, vent a little as required. Reasoned debate is fine, as always, but if you have to ask if something is going over the line, think carefully before posting please.
Normal board rules about conduct and behaviour still apply, of course.
It's been suggested that, if discussing spoilers for recent media events, it might be advisable to consider using the rot13 method to prevent other members seeing spoilers in passing.
The world situation is the world situation. If you're following the news, you know it as much as I do, if you're not, then there are better sources than scans_daily. But please, no doomscrolling, for your own sake.
Banksy admitted that a new work in London is indeed his. Not always a fan of his work, but this one "Blinded by the Flag" is pretty nifty, if not exactly subtle.
What I have to assume is the end of Season 1 of "Maul: Shadow Lord" happened, as there's a lot of setup for a Season 2. The mother, father and several uncles and aunts of a sabre duel happened, with six characters involved, which must have been quite the challenge for the animators speciailisng in spinning, flipping and hacking. Yet again, I find myself wishing they would be a little more specific about dates in these spin-offs as I was surprised that one character was apparently having their first meeting with... another significant character (as they had no idea who they were)
Finally caught up with "Project Hail Mary", loved it.
Oh, and a note that parts of the UK have Local and General elections this week so we actively encourage you to exercise your vote and make sure you have your say in civil matters.
Talk about non-comics stuff, thread derail, and just generally chat among yourselves.
The intent of these posts is to chat and have some fun and, sure, vent a little as required. Reasoned debate is fine, as always, but if you have to ask if something is going over the line, think carefully before posting please.
Normal board rules about conduct and behaviour still apply, of course.
It's been suggested that, if discussing spoilers for recent media events, it might be advisable to consider using the rot13 method to prevent other members seeing spoilers in passing.
The world situation is the world situation. If you're following the news, you know it as much as I do, if you're not, then there are better sources than scans_daily. But please, no doomscrolling, for your own sake.
Banksy admitted that a new work in London is indeed his. Not always a fan of his work, but this one "Blinded by the Flag" is pretty nifty, if not exactly subtle.
What I have to assume is the end of Season 1 of "Maul: Shadow Lord" happened, as there's a lot of setup for a Season 2. The mother, father and several uncles and aunts of a sabre duel happened, with six characters involved, which must have been quite the challenge for the animators speciailisng in spinning, flipping and hacking. Yet again, I find myself wishing they would be a little more specific about dates in these spin-offs as I was surprised that one character was apparently having their first meeting with... another significant character (as they had no idea who they were)
Finally caught up with "Project Hail Mary", loved it.
Oh, and a note that parts of the UK have Local and General elections this week so we actively encourage you to exercise your vote and make sure you have your say in civil matters.
tcampbell1000 in scans_daily
Fans always wondered what would happen if the “bwa-ha-ha” Justice League added Superman to the roster. Would he be a powerhouse straight man, letting the team reach new heights of comedy AND action? Would he get to relax and loosen up a bit?
Or would he glare his disapproval at everyone for eight issues and then die of embarrassment? ( Remember how he almost killed the League for REVIVING HIM FROM DEATH in the movies? Here, he's maybe 20% less unfriendly. )
The Ultimates (2024) #23
May. 3rd, 2026 08:28 pmshakalooloo in scans_daily
In an almost direct follow-up to issue 11, we return to the story of Thor and Sif liberating Asgard from Loki, with METAL AF art by Bleeding Hearts' Stipan Morian.
( Read more... )
How Ted and Max Got Their Grooves Back: JLQ #6, JLA #60 (JLI 90/105)
May. 2nd, 2026 04:51 pmtcampbell1000 in scans_daily
Warning for some modest body-shaming, mostly in the form of competitive dieting, and PTSD-related depression.
Before we get into the final Giffen-DeMatteis story of their original run, I wanted to insert our next-to-last Justice League Quarterly tale, John Ostrander and Barry Horne’s “Blue Beetle: Fighting Trim” from #6. It doesn’t quite fit into the timeline, but this is the spot it comes closest to fitting. And it resolves an important question about Blue Beetle’s history: how did he lose the weight that plagued him for the last year or so of Giffen-DeMatteis comics? ( Talk Booster into scoring him some 25th-century Ozempic? )
Dreamslayer vs. Dreams’ Layer: JLA #59, JLE #35 (JLI 89)
May. 1st, 2026 07:58 amtcampbell1000 in scans_daily
JLA Giffen-DeMatteis-Sears, JLE Giffen-Jones-Robertson.
It’s time to face off against Dreamslayer, the wroth foe with a face like a Rothko. Except just now, he’s borrowed Max Lord’s handsome mug and an entire population of islanders. ( He could do even more damage with Max’s body in a single afternoon if he understood finance. )
Saturday 2nd May 2026 is Free Comic Book Day
May. 1st, 2026 09:39 amicon_uk in scans_dailyFree Comic Book Day, the first Saturday in May, is the annual event where local comic shops distribute a variety of special comics from a number of publishers, at no cost to the customer!
Many Local Comic Shops will be hosting events or parties, many with guests, often involving local creators.
Scans_Daily exists to celebrate the comic medium in all it's many and varied forms and, as always, we actively encourage you to participate in your local comic shops' events if possible.
Maybe pick up some of the free comics that are being released as part of the event from pretty much every comic publisher with access to a printing press.
And maybe buy some other comics or graphic novels too.
As always, we encourage you to try something new, something you've perhaps heard of, but never got around to picking up. Something from an independent publisher you've heard of but never tried.. or even one you've never heard of.
Or maybe something you have seen somewhere on S_D, we have a long history to choose from!
Indulge your curiosity! Expand your horizons a little!
Never picked up a non-cape comic? Then maybe try a slice of life comic. Or a sports based one.
Not sure funny animals are for you? Why not find out!
Be tempted by that manga with the interesting cover... or the Filipno komic... or Korean manwha. Many comics stores have entire sections devoted to such things, or may be able to order them for you.
This year, for the first time, games shops are also getting involved with the event, so maybe check them out as well!
The fact you are also supporting a local small business is all to the good too!
( 2026 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY TITLES )
So go, participate as much as you feel comfortable with and, if you find something new and interesting (or even old and interesting), feel free to share your recommendations with us here!
And have fun too!
Many Local Comic Shops will be hosting events or parties, many with guests, often involving local creators.
Scans_Daily exists to celebrate the comic medium in all it's many and varied forms and, as always, we actively encourage you to participate in your local comic shops' events if possible.
Maybe pick up some of the free comics that are being released as part of the event from pretty much every comic publisher with access to a printing press.
And maybe buy some other comics or graphic novels too.
As always, we encourage you to try something new, something you've perhaps heard of, but never got around to picking up. Something from an independent publisher you've heard of but never tried.. or even one you've never heard of.
Or maybe something you have seen somewhere on S_D, we have a long history to choose from!
Indulge your curiosity! Expand your horizons a little!
Never picked up a non-cape comic? Then maybe try a slice of life comic. Or a sports based one.
Not sure funny animals are for you? Why not find out!
Be tempted by that manga with the interesting cover... or the Filipno komic... or Korean manwha. Many comics stores have entire sections devoted to such things, or may be able to order them for you.
This year, for the first time, games shops are also getting involved with the event, so maybe check them out as well!
The fact you are also supporting a local small business is all to the good too!
( 2026 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY TITLES )
So go, participate as much as you feel comfortable with and, if you find something new and interesting (or even old and interesting), feel free to share your recommendations with us here!
And have fun too!
Rage Against the Machine: JLA #58, JLE #34 (JLI 88)
Apr. 28th, 2026 09:33 pmtcampbell1000 in scans_daily
JLA Giffen-DeMatteis-Bart Sears, JLE Giffen-Jones-Robertson. Sorry, I've been overloaded with actual work-type stuff, but the schedule should bounce back soon.
Verbatim opening text: “The ugly one is Lobo. The uglier one is Despero. That’s all you really need to know!” ( This was also how DeMatteis and Giffen introduced each other at parties. )
Marc Spector: Moon Knight #2
Apr. 28th, 2026 12:47 pmmastermahan in scans_daily
Last time, Moon Knight had been captured and drugged by Mr. Fear and some guy named Mr. Smith. So who the heck is Mr. Smith?
Art by Devmayla Pramanik and colors by Rachelle Rosenberg, who really deserve recognition for the gorgeous visuals.
( Read more... )