Audio Book Review: Battle for L.A. by CJ Henderson and Mark Sparacio

This is an action, comic story in audio.
Battle for LA
Author: CJ Henderson, Mark Sparacio
Narrator: Full Cast
Publisher: AudioComics 
Length approximately 42 minutes

Genre: Pulp Fiction, Dramatization
My Rating:4.0 of 5.0

In the early morning hours of February 25, 1945, US anti-aircraft shore artillery opened fire on an unidentified object in the skies above Los Angeles, California. Over the course of the next three hours, “swarms of planes” were reported as roaming the skies above the city of angels, though in the end the only actual damage was the result of traffic accidents, friendly fire from the attack, and in some cases, heart attacks caused by stress.

The public was later told that there the attack was a false alarm. Moonstone Books, however, has unearthed the government documents that show the real truth…and how some of the greatest heroes in pulp history fought back against the “event”…

Battle for LA is AudioComics’ second collaboration with Moonstone Entertainment, Inc., adapted from the illustrated novella by CJ Henderson and Mark Sparacio, and starring pulp heroes The Black Bat, Domino Lady, Secret Agent X, and The Phantom Detective, and classic comic character Airboy. America’s pulp and comic avengers pit their wits (and guns) against a menace from another world in a story actually inspired by true events!

Review:
This is a fun listen and perfect for readers who like comics and action. The pulp heroes date from the 1930s. I had heard of The Phantom Detective and Airboy but the others were new to me. The story is set in 1945 and shares the adventure of The Phantom Detective and Secret Agent X, with the help of the others, as they hunt down and battle a private mogul who is threatening to use an other worldly device. The heroes goal is to eliminate the terrifying, but mystifying, device that would wipe out the population.

The story is full of sharp, comic dialogue, fast paced action and fitting sound effects. I also enjoyed the underlying spy nature of the characters and the machinations in the time setting of 1945. I wouldn’t want a steady diet of this genre but it was fun for a quick listen!

Audio Notes: I enjoy the give and take of dramatization with numerous characters. There was background music and sound effects that at time were too loud and made me strain to follow the conversation. That would cause difficulties for those who have difficulty hearing dialogue, like my DH.

I received this comic audio from the Publisher through AudioBook Jukebox.

Audio Book Review: Titanium Rain by Josh Finney

This is a fast paced, action packed wonderful full drama audio.

Titanium Rain

by Josh Finney

Audio CD (June 26, 2012)
1ST edition
Number of Discs: 1
Format: Original recording
Label: The AudioComics Company
Run Time: 98 minutes
ASIN: 098547971X

THE TITANIUM RAIN AUDIO MOVIE IS NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH iTunes, Amazon Mp3, CDBaby, 7Digital (US), AND AudioComics Digital Direct! CD’s ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE THROUGH Amazon, ZBS, CDBaby, Discount Comic Book Services, AND The AudioComics Webstore!

Genre:  Sci Fi, Graphic

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

 To be alive is to be at odds with the world. 
Man against nature. Man against man.

The instinct to survive is what has
made us who we are.

In the year 2031 mankind’s survival instinct is put to the test when a civil war in China spirals into global conflict. Nations are destroyed. Millions are killed. And for many, like US Air Force pilot Alec Killian, survival will mean shedding some of his humanity in exchange for biotech and machine. Is this the ultimate corruption of nature, or the birth pains of a new chapter in mankind’s evolution?

This is the basis for one of the most acclaimed graphic novel series in recent years: Titanium Rain, created and produced by 01 Publishing and published by Archaia Entertainment. Now Titanium Rain makes the jump from the printed page to full-cast audio movie adapted for audio by co-creator Josh Finney and directed by William Dufris. Visit the Titanium Rain Audio site for more information!

Review:
This story focuses on a group of special Air Force pilots, the primary character being Alec Killian and his flight team members. These pilots are sometimes referred to as “hacks” because their DNA was hacked and ‘upgraded.’ In a world where there are not enough pilots they became part of the Prometheus program where those who didn’t make the cut got a second chance. They become special fighter pilots with manufactured eyes & hearts and DNA with what it takes to handle the adrenalin.

There is a discussion on whether it is appropriate to improve on God’s design. Those in favor express the view that it is information and technology that God has allowed similar to allowing doctors to find cures to the plagues and illnesses from the middle ages to current times.

There is a lot of excitement and action in the fast paced, brief story taking place in a futuristic war setting. The story gives background explaining how the current war began and the extreme opposition the forces face. This is definitely a graphic audio with wonderful, adrenaline pumping background sounds of fighter jets. There are also ‘on the ground’ troop dialogues at play and under fire. There is some vulgar language and humor although it is most likely realistic.


I really enjoyed the story although it is short and left me interested for more. The full cast drama sound is great so I recommend this as a good way to listen to these stories.

 I received this for review from Audio Comics through Audiobook Jukebox.

Hardcover available at Amazon.
I will add this to my Audio and New Author Challenge lists.