Stephanie Mayers does it again with "Eclipse"!

Hold on tight, spider monkey.
[climbs up tree]
Edward Cullen: Do you trust me?
Isabella Swan: In theory...
Edward Cullen: Close your eyes.
[Jumps to next tree and climbs to top]
Edward Cullen: [Bella gasps] What?
Isabella Swan: This isn't real. This kind of stuff just doesn't exist.
Edward Cullen: It does in my world.

For years, writers have tried to revamp the vampire genre. Ever since Bram Stokers classic, “Dracula”, a trail of hybrid tales has sunk its teeth into our culture. From Ann Rice’s, “Interview with a vampire,” to Richard Matheson, scientific take in “I am Legend,” we have been utterly enamored by the mysticism of this all but enticing lore; Now, adding to this tradition is a beautifully woven modern day spin, "The Twilight Series.”

Now, this is not just one novel, but the collection of an ongoing set of novels. Written by Stephanie Myers, it tells the story of a love affair between two young people, the dashing Vampire, Edward Cullen of the Cullen family and Isabella Swan, an unsuspecting young teenager caught in a new town with some very old secrets.

This modern day take of the classic story, "Romeo and Juliet", does deliever something new, giving a fashionable fit into today’s styles and teenage concerns, but what absolutely captivates us is the tightly woven character development delivered throughout the story. The arch follows through with an array of characters, from the sharp, tough as nails Anita, to the tender but jealous Jacob, to the engrossingly smooth Edward Cullen himself.

Truth is, there is a certain unquenchable appeal to the world which she so realistically weaves. It becomes our world and the characters become our companions throughout this journey. For some, it may be overly romantic, but even that has a certain stylized appeal that makes even the hardest of hearts melt.

Now, if the Eclipse film follows the book format, then it will unquestionably be a formula for success that will live long after its box office appeal. All the elements are there, tied into a book that immediatly pulls the reader in by the throat.

In essence, the series is simply an intoxicating read, and I have a feeling that fans of her work will not be disappoint with what’s to come after “Eclipse”. Let’s just hope that Hollywood could do justice the third time around. If not, you always have the books.

Rating:*****stars

MAS Reviews CAG's Graphic Novel "ICONIC!"

CAG(Comicbook Artists Guild)from the onset, has never stopped changing the scope of the independent comic world.

Iconic is no exception:

Created by Keith J Murphy, with the colabortive input of such independent creators as Susan Soares, Phillip Clark, Vincent Moore, Dennis Faye, Hector Rodriguez and cover art by Shahir Shakir, ICONIC, has set yet a higher bar of excellence within the independent comic world. Setting out with the intention to educate as well as entertain, ICONIC adds to the genera an element of comic book telling that is all but lost in the field.

Here, we are walked through a slew of short stories, ranging from the historical to the fantastical, as we are introduced to a litney of historical “heroes,” ranging over 100 years. Sherlock k Holms, John Henry and Gustave Whitehead are only a few of the many colorful, real life characters we meet though the book.

Now, it truth, it is far from your super hero, Marvel or DC format, but that is more of an ode to the brilliance of the work. We are educated and enterained and plugged into a series of memorable characters, glued to the last, cliff hanger page. We are taken on a journey unlike any other I have read, and what comes of it is a gratifying adventure into periods of history which might be all but forgotten to your average reader. Everything that makes great writing is in these pages; Fantasy, mystery, suspense, love are all meshed into each tale which moves like a silver bullet through paper. It is one of CAG's many crowing achievements, and I can’t wait for the next great read (just don’t be to long…you have an instant fan here).

So go to the CAG table at your local convention or purchase it at the comic store. It’s probably one of the best reads of the year!

Five Stars:*****(Great Work!)