"SYPHAX ON BOOKS" BOOK REVIEW! FIRST UP: "CROSS," BY JAMES PATERSON!

“The Butcher parked a block or so up to Fourth Street, then he got out of the car and walked quickly back towards the cozy house where the cop had the bottom floor flat. Getting the correct address had been easy enough for him. The Mafia had ties with the Bureau, after all. He looped around the side trying not to be seen, but no concern, if he was. People in this neighborhood didn’t talk about what they saw.”

                      Except from Jame's Paterson's Noverl: "Cross."

And just that easy, we are drawn into Alex Cross's world, but this is the mastery of writer James Patterson, the ablility to drive us right into the heart beat of the text. Being hooked into his deadly, literary webbing of murder , suspense and mystery, in all honesty, is common practice for this author, who may very well be considered the uncontested master of the suspense thriller; and his latest book, “Cross,” is no exception!

We begin our story with the main character, Alex Cross (a recurring character in the Alex Cross Series, whose first appearance dates back as far as Patterson’s earlier work, “Kiss of the Spider Women”). Cross is a top notch detective, who, after growing tired of his job, decides to retire. On the surface, all seems normal and the transition seems as slick as a silver bullet. That is until a serial murder case comes to his front door, throwing him back into the heart of a murder investigation, compliments of a sadistic serial killer, initially known only to local authorities as, “The Butcher!”

Now, this does seem much like many other suspense thrillers, but here, like most of James Paterson’s novels before it, what seems to be on the surface is only a sample of what is really waiting for the reader.

Action packed, this book holds no punches! It’s phenomenal character development and unrelenting pacing is amazing! We are captivated, virtually from the first sentence by a clear character arch done with such consistency and emotional drive (something all but unheard of in much other suspense, thriller novels) that we are left barely catching out breath! We are let in on the characters traits from the jump, making them all too real! In fact, the characters are so real that their pains automatically become our pains! Their struggles become our struggles and their faults our inadequacies. It is through the Protagonist initially, rather than the antagonist that we see who Cross really is underneath the skin and, hence, are placed (fugitively speaking)”under the gun.”

In hind sight, we know the murder because we know Cross, and vice versa, but isn’t that the fun of it?

Simply put, James Patterson is quite arguably the best suspense writer of all time, and certainly of present day, making his new novel, “Cross,” another crowning achievement in his vast array of best sellers. The question is, has the movie measured up to the book and can Mr. Tyler Perry capture Cross’s character development as written on the page? It’s a tall order! You decide!

Either way, we always have the novel too plug us in!

THIS IS THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW OF ONE FERNANDO "FUZZ" CORTEZ CONDUCTED AT JUDENS HOME FOR TROUBLED YOUTH ON SUNDAY, MAY 11TH, 2003.





CASE FILE:24316
TIME:-11:26
INTERVIEW SUBJECT: FERNANDO "FUZZ" CORTEZ

-(BEGINNING INTERVIEW)-

INTERVIEW: YOU ARE LATE, FERNANDO.

FERNANDO CORTEZ: I WAS A LITTLE HUNG UP. BY THE WAY, HOW MUCH AM I GETTING FOR THIS?

INTERVIEWER: FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS.

FERNANDO CORTEZ: THIS ISN’T GOING TO TAKE TOO LONG, IS IT? I’M A BUSY MAN.

INT: NOT AT ALL. PLEASE, HAVE A SEAT FIRST. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS INTERVIEW.

FC: WHAT’S IT FOR?

INT: A PROJECT I’M DOING.

FC: SHOOT!

INT: I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN THE BRONX A BLOCK AWAY FROM YANKEE STADIUM.

FC: BY THE COURTHOUSE?

INT: YEAH, RIGHT OFF OF THE CONCOURSE?

FC: NOT TOO FAR FROM MY SOMPING GROUNDS.

INT: WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

FC: 145TH AND BROOK, OFF OF THIRD AVE.

INT: BEEN THROUGH THERE.

FC: COOL SPOT. ARE YOU RECORDING THIS?

INT: NOT IF YOU DON’T WANT ME TOO.

FC: THAT MEANS YOU’RE NOT RECORDING THIS. GOT A LIGHT?

INT: NO. I DON’T SMOKE.

FC: YOU DRINK?

INT: NO.

FC: (LEANS BACK IN CHAIR) GOLDEN BOY? SH--MY BAD. WHAT DO YOU DO?

INT: READ, FOR FUN, OF COURSE.

FC: OF COURSE.

INT: DO YOU READ, FERNANDO?

FC: CALL ME FUZZ. THAT'S WHAT EVERYONE CALLS ME.

INT: OK,  FUZZ.

FC: NAW, TOO BUSY.

INT: DOING WHAT?

FC: SOMETHNG HERE? SOMETHING THERE?

INT: DOES THAT SOMETHING PUT BLOOD ON YOUR MONEY?
(FERNANDO BURST OUT LAUGHINGH)

FC: I LIKE YA DOC? YOU GOT BRASS ONES.

INT: THE TRUTH, FUZZ. GIVE IT TO ME STRIGHT.

FC: NO MORE THAN THE BLOOD ON YOURS.

INT: I WORK AN NINE TO FIVE. MY MONEYS CLEAN.

FC: (LEANS FORWARD) LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, GOLDEN BOY. NO MONEYS CLEAN. EVERY DOLLAR SPENT COST SOMEBODY SOMETHING! (LEANS BACK)

INT: MAYBE? IN YOUR JOB HAS ANYBODY EVER BEEN--?

FC: DO YOU THINK I WOULD TELL YOU IF THEY DID?

INT: HAVE THEY?

FC: SURE BUT NOT BY MY HAND. SH-- HAPPENS. EVERY WAR HAS ITS CAUSALTIES?

INT: AND HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT.

FC: HOW DO I SUPPOSE TO FEEL. PEOPLE DIE. SOMEONE MAKES THE MESS, SOMEONE CLEANS IT UP.CAN’T CHANGE IT SO I LIVE WITH IT, IN IT. NATURE OF THE ENVIROMENT. LET ME ASK YOU SOEMTHING. ARE THERE A LOT OF TREES WHERE YOU LIVE?

INT: WHAT?

FC: TREES...ARE THERE A LOT OF THEM WHERE YOU LIVE?

INT: YES, A FEW.

FC: WELL, WHEN I LOOK OUT MY BUILDING I SEE TALLER, THICKER BUILDINGS AND THEY'RE NOT GOING NO WHERE, LIKE WALLS KEEPING US IN.

(TO READ THE REMAINDER OF THIS DOCUMENTATED INTERVIEW, CHECK OUT THE NEW MAS MAGAZINE,  "MAS EXCHANGE" BEING RELEAED ON APRIL 20-21st @ THE BOSTON COMIC CON. COPIES WILL ALSO BE AVAIBLE ON LINE.)   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2820016990640.2112521.1565372041&type=3#!/masmediastudios

Dazzling sword play! Vengeful assassins! Heroic battles; no, I am not describing a Steven Seagal movie(sorry Comic Fans, but you have to forgive me for that one)but more so, MAS is highlighting the elaborate treading that binds together the world we came to know as Manga Entertainment and Story-telling(Manga being the Japanese word for art meaning "whimsical style"). This phenomenon, unbeknownst to some American Comic book fans is not a new thing, but an age old art form which dates as far back as the 13th century, originally scene in Japanese scrolls. Today, few art forms have blended into Americans mainstream visual mediums with such force and permanence as Manga Art. So the question is, why did Manga art succeed where so many before it had failed?

Truly, the art form never left us.The arts evaluation is due to American art influence during World War II. It came out of the GI's bringing their American comic books overseas during war time while stationed in Japan. The Art consequently fused itself with the Japanese art style, only later to find itself being brought back to the states. Still, beyond that little geographic tidbit of info, we still should ask ourself, "Why Manga?" Hell, America has always been a vat of borrowed cultures, customs and ideologies, why this?

Well, lets face it...we are in tougher times! No Archie and Happy Days here. Contemporary views are dead as Conventional ideologies had steadily begun to shatter apart in the growing years like a neatly placed vase in the path of a surging storm! Rap is the new religion! Anti-establishment is the new battle cry! People, at the heart of it, see a nation whose fading morality and white picked fences are("figuratively speaking...of course")being thrown away like items at yesterdays yard sale. A Conservative Nation is yesterday's news!

Upcoming generations want and abashed slice of the truth and they want it medium rare. Manga is that succulent side dish.

But there are other reasons for this constant wave of Artistic expression which, at its core, describes its basic, overall appeal; Story! Story! Story! There is virtually no where Manga creators won't go in order to authenticate their stories. No material is too risky! No subject matter is too taboo! And although the violence of their work does make quire boys of American animation films(I mean this is the home of Disney), along with the nudity and what some might consider advert sexuality, each vise is used for one purpose, to move along and enhance the overall story development, even at the sake of the projects world wide commercial appeal.
It's not about the boardroom exec., puffing on an imported cigar or folding back the cuffs of his white, Brook Brothers suit, but rather, it is about the story and the lessons in them that is to be passed down to future generations, lessons which will steadily shape the Japanese culture and the constructs of their homes and communities, but American artist have caught on...

Such artist as Jason Scott Campbell(Danger Girl,X-Men) and probably the most obvious one, Humberto Ramos(Wolverine, Amazing Spider man) echoes Manga in every line captured in their panels. So, what is the future of Manga?

I would say a bright one, from more advanced motion comics to future 3d and possibly 4d game and film development;virtually whatever advancements are needed to further enhance the story telling process. Either way, let me tell ya, I am pretty sure American creators, both in and out of the comic world are taking notes.

Mc Bride

When looking at any historically based, literary prose, especially those which rest within the "African American Experience," particular works come to mind, ("The Narrative's of Fredrick Douglas," James Baldwin's classic novel, "Go Tell it On the Mountain,"or Richard Wright's highly acclaimed "Black Boy"). One can't help but see these gems resting in the margin of literary history. Added to that list of illustrious, gifted writers is James Mc Bride!

But he is not a new comer to this field.

James Mc. Bride has garnered a host of Best Selling novels which reads like an all-star roster in the NBA! His debut book, "The Color of Water" was an instant best seller and an Oprah's, Book Club Choice. That success was then followed up by another best seller, "Miracle at Saint Anna," which later was adapted into a film by Spike Lee. Now, his third novel, "Song Yet Sung," is no exception.

Stirring with a true insightful voice that leaps from the page, we are told the story of Liz, a runaway slave who we follow in her pursuit to freedom from her vicious slave master, Patty Canon. During her struggles she is guided by a set of codes, given to her by another slave, codes which mask a hidden message that might inevitably hold the key to Liz's possible freedom.

To some readers, this tune might be somewhat familiar, maybe even overplayed. The story of this type of enslavement, to some, has become a standard theme for "African American" authors. The idea of going home or discovering a sense of meaning where one might not truly exist is not new, but that is where the ingenuity of Mc Bride's writing exist, the connection to those universal ideas that might be all but forgotten by other authors in this modern age. Mc Bride is not, in any way, shape or form, "preaching to the quire," telling you, the reader how to think or feel. No line and/or paragraph is flashing a neon sign saying, "slavery is bad, slavery is bad! Don't be prejudice! It's up to us!" No, in his writing you are not let off the hook that easily. Rather, he lays back on his themes, telling the story action by reaction, letting it play out while
re-working the proverbial noted being played.

"There is one simple truth, though, through out the book that's not to be taken lightly...

"It ain't the song but the singer of it."(Pg. 18, Song Not Yet Sung).

Simply put, "Song Yet Sung" is a harrowing look at one women's push towards freedom and, hence, herself; an unflinching literary triumph forcing a dazzling glimpse into the reader's greater self and my guess is that it will become a classic for generations to come.

And for all you literary crazed readers(that includes me), I would suggest to keep an eye out for Mr. Mc Bride's future novels. I have a feeling this author's literary legacy is just taking shape.

P.S.: If you like this book, you might want to check out his earlier work, "The Color Of Water", "Miracle at St. Anna", and, of course, "Song Yet Sung,"and don't be surprised if you see this book as a Oprah Book Club Choice. Just remember, you heard it here first.

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!)

The Official MAS Exchange Music/Oscar Awards!

The Official MAS Exchange vote has been tallied so here are the results!

First up, was Best Male Artist?

Now, upon first choice,it seemed that this would be a shut out, but that was not the case. Out of the choices of Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Marion and John Legend, all of the artist got a nod, but in the end it was Ne-Yo who sealed the win.

Next was Best Rapper Artist:

Up until a few days ago, it was neck and neck between little Wayne, and Jay z, but as the vote went on, it was clear who was coming out on top. Jay Z pulled out the win. Little Wayne fell behind. Nas tallied and Drake received one. The disappointment was Kanye, who could not garner one vote (sorry, but the masses has spoken). It is clear; Little Wayne's on the move, but Jay will probably always wear the crown.

The third category was Best Female Artist,
(and this came as very little surprise!)

Alicia Keys blew out the competition, which was a whose who of today’s greatest entertainers’. Keysha Cole, Beyonce, Jill Scott were the four in the running. In the end, it was Alicia Keys who reigns supreme. With a great voice, beauty and instrumental talent, Alicia Keys rules as the triple threat of the industry.

Last, and probably the hardest category was Best Rapper of All Time.

Now, for many, this was a tough one. The nominees’ were Biggie Smalls, Rakim and
2 Pac. Interestingly enough, this was the only categories which had less than eight votes casted(I presume, because of how stiff the competition was in the categories). Many people I spoke with said they simply were unable to chose, so rather than do so, their votes were casted with the other categories’. Truth was, it was neck and neck right till the last second, but it was Biggie who(just in the last hour), pushed ahead of the pack, making him,at least in the MAS Exchange awards, ”The greatest Rapper of all time,” so congrats Biggie, you are loved and missed and to all the greats that made this category such a hard one to do, each of you stand on a equal pedestal in the history of hip-hop, from 2 Pac to Rakim. You are legends, and will never be forgotten. Congrats to all the winners. You deserve it!

So that’s it. Hope you had fun and as a bonus, check out the below blog of the 2010 Oscar Results!