The Clique: The Manga by Lisi Harrison
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: I’m trying to read more comics related material as I continue to create such material. As i travel and I find such material free or for a few bits, I’m picking it up, plan to read and then hand over to a friend. This is one such volume.

This is a disturbing lot. First this story is supposedly about 12-13 year olds. The illustrator failed that task miserably. As drawn, these are 6 foot kids with 4 feet of legs. I get the manga style tactic, but I have seen other manga and not seen this effort of elasticizing.

The writer fails to illustrate 12-13 years olds by, as the illustrator did, writing of 20 year olds than dumb kids. Adding to this is no background to any of the characters but for the main character. So there is no real foundation for the actions written. Apparently there is a written novel of all of this. Maybe more involved characters are there. If this is written for young people to read, this is an irresponsible action. The book is more surreal in portrayal than real.

As written here, there are no dumb kids. The parents are portrayed in foolish ways. With the exception of the main character’s mother, who is the only one competently written and illustrated. This is also the only character that is likable. The rest, including the main character, are either nasty or so shallow to be meaningless.

There really isn’t a story. Basically the length is devoted to antics involving the above. There is something involving one being particularly snotty. I thought a story would spark from that. Instead it began a tit for tat exchange that was empty.

Bottom line : i don’t recommend this book. Especially not for young people. 2 out of 10 points.

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My Ha-Ba-Da-Bee Warm-Up illustration for April 27th:
An angel!
I’ve been drawing more angels as I get ready a new series of inspirational panels for The Log Whisperer at Old Log Houses by Thomas page. The panels should start next week.

In a Small Motel by John D. MacDonald
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A thrilling short story by MacDonald set in south Georgia that is set in a favorite spot of the author. He wrote a number of books and short stories set at the roadside motels and all illustrate life as it was for owners of facilities during the late ’50s through the ’60s. This one reminded me initially of, a favorite of mine of MacDonald’s, ‘Crossroads’. But the truncated structure has this tale develop differently and takes angles not quite expected.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 7 out of 10 points.

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Black Caesar’s Clan : a Florida Mystery Story by Albert Payson Terhune
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I see Terhune’s expertise was dogs. Well, he sure as heck knew Florida at the time of this writing, too. His description of a mangrove swamp is one of the best i’ve read in fiction. He nails all sorts of details and writes of actual locations that existed at the time. Excellent job of portraying Florida around 1920. Pre-Boom.

One error he made was writing of the structure that is the main focus in the book being built during the Seminole War days. First, the overall setting could not have such a structure built and the style of the structure described did not exist at that time.

The story is very good with all sorts of revelations unveiled throughout. It’s mostly well written. Though at times a bit over written and an editor could have trimmed a bit to make it all more solid.

The biggest trouble I found was an odd about face by the main character that was not logical. Especially for the time period. I’d expect as much today. The change didn’t fir the character as had overall written. I believe Terhune got so involved in trying to jolt the reader during a story, this was his 2/3rds of the way through the book jolt. Also one jolt too many.

Despite the ridiculous jolt, the various characters written are really good. The odd representations of “Conchs” is really another error. But the use of the same characters is fascinating.

Bottom line: I recommend this book. 6 out of ten points.

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Off the top of my head illustrated three main characters of books I’ve just finished.
First is Cluny Brown of the book with the same name by Marjery Sharp.
The next is a drawing with no reference of Thomas A. Edison. I just finished ‘The Edisons of Fort Myers’ by Tom Smoot.
The last is the evil, madman, Warren Latch, of ‘The Loner: Brutal vengeance’ by William Johnstone.

All ink on paper.  No pencils. No plan. Just started drawing.

Here’s the Ha-Ba-Da-Bee #18 Live Drawing I did Saturday.
Made up as I went along from words given by those watching in a bit over an hour.
All improvisation with no pencils or preparation. Just ink on blank paper.

Ha-Ba-Da-Bee Live Drawing – Saturday – 3pm!
On my Facebook/RobSmithJr page!

I’ll be live creating an illustrated story entirely based upon the interactions I have with those of you that tune in.
No telling what will happen and what i might draw!