Review: Civil War

I just finished Civil War – the audiobook adaptation of the epic Marvel Comics storyline which pit Iron Man and Captain America – and their associated allies – against each other in an epic confrontation that shook the Marvel Universe. This series also was the basis for the Marvel Cinematic Universe movie Captain America: Civil War, but note that the movie takes significant turns from the comic series (which is to be expected given the big screen adaptations they have to make).

The narrator omits the need for character exposition I’ve heard in other audiobook adaptations. Several of the same Graphic Audio voice actors who portray characters in other novels reappear in Civil War, most notably James Keegan as Captain America, Richard Cutting as Iron Man. The voice actors really bring the story to life, and bring the full spectrum of emotions to the performance.

Note that there are some changes from the comics – it is not a 1:1 reading of the comics like a script, so you may be in for a pleasant surprise by this adaptation if you have read the originals. Maybe needless to say, there are also very significant differences from the movie adaptation, as it differed greatly from the comics.

If you like comics, like audiobooks, and – like me – don’t always have the time to sit down and page through them, I highly recommend this adaptation of Civil War!

Review: The Ultimates: Against All Enemies

Last weekend I finished The Ultimates: Against All Enemies. Produced by Graphic Audio, this is a high-quality production read by talented voice actors. They really bring the characters to life (especially Tony Stark/Iron Man)!

I won’t go to deeply into the plot, but in summary, the Chitauri suffered a defeat at the hands of the Ultimates, but they’re not gone! Reminiscent of other recent Marvel storielines adapted from comics, they have infiltrated the highest levels of government, and the AvengersUltimates have to work with Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. to root out and vanquish the threat.

The only complaint I have is that Bruce Banner appears in only a couple of scenes, and doesn’t turn into the Hulk. But Hank Pym as Giant Man fills the role of belligerent jerk hero.

If you like the AvengersUltimates, and appreciate high quality voice acting – not just a good narrator reading a book – you’ll enjoy The Ultimates: Against All Enemies.