No Hero. Elisa. Don't you shut your eyes and hide your heart. Behind the shadow 'Cause you can count on me as long as I can breathe. Should know.
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I get what Ellis' is trying to do here, which is play with the reader's preconceptions about hero's journey narratives in general and superhero comics in particular. Instead of a battle of good and evil, what we end up with is two violent monsters trying to kill each other. Good luck whoever happens to be in between them. Oct 06, Jim rated it it was ok Shelves: Downgraded from three stars. This is a cynical book, even by Ellis's standards, filled with horrible people.
The twist on the protagonist managed to be predictable and to come out of nowhere simultaneously, which is a feat in itself. The climatic battle ends with the unkillable villain villains, really flung into space, as if the author just threw his hands up in frustration. Ryp's art is detailed to a fault, yet the bloodiest scenes are strangely imprecise.
I was never quite clear on what was Downgraded from three stars. I was never quite clear on what was going on when the gore started flying. And I don't think he ever settled on one look for Redglare or the post-transformation Revere. A hot mess, as the kids say. Unsatisfying on all levels: Mar 05, arjuna rated it it was ok. As much as I like Warren Ellis, and while I agree with a lot of what this reviewer has to say, I'm going to concur with this one I'm also not a great fan of the artwork - while it is nicely nasty I can't help feeling the overall book may have been served by a little more breathing space, if it were.
Jan 18, Thor rated it it was ok. This book hooked me in immediately. I actually read it in one sitting which is unusual for me. This showcases both the best and the worst of Warren Ellis. The concept and writing are excellent, and I really enjoyed the idea. However, the twists in this book completely rip it apart and there is nothing to hold onto in the end. The initial premise was much more interesting than the "surprising" twists. Why has no one thought this super-powers stuff through like Ellis before?
Ellis does these themes well: I'm always game for a good run with messed up "heroes". Feb 19, Constance rated it really liked it Shelves: An interesting and pretty horrifying take on the superhero genre, this is an alternate history - with superpowered humans - spanning through The artwork and story are not for the faint of heart, but it's certainly worth reading for a look at the darker parts of humanity. Dec 30, TJ Shelby rated it liked it. Gratuitous gore and classic Ellis-style story-telling.
Oct 03, Ellen rated it did not like it. This was grimdark super-hero comics with no clear moral other than 'people are terrible'. I know that Ellis has a tendency towards 'edgy' stories, but it at least feels coherent when its within a bigger storyline re: It felt like Warren Ellis wanted this to be Watchman, but in trying to replicate a classic story, got very lost and just went for shock value over any substantial moral or even a story that made sense.
Like all of Ellis' Avatar works, this book is brutal in some of its imagery, with excessive gore appearing throughout the work. It's over-the-top, but it's in service to an interesting story, as a young man jumps through every hoop to earn the right to super powers, to his own ends. It's got a lot of the trademark Ellis snark and it is pretty dark, especially as the story twists near the end. Expectations get subverted, and the last page is pretty harsh. The characters don't stand out as any of Like all of Ellis' Avatar works, this book is brutal in some of its imagery, with excessive gore appearing throughout the work.
The characters don't stand out as any of Ellis' best, but I think the story will stick with me for a while. And there is some amazingly detailed artwork in here - I wouldn't call it beautiful due to subject matter, but very well done nonetheless. Some of it possibly even nightmare-inducing. So be warned, but if you like Warren Ellis' work, this is definitely the same vein it feels a lot like Black Summer, and a bit like Gravel, but a long way from Transmetropolitan, if that helps.
Feb 12, Jukka Kuva rated it really liked it. Only an introductory issue has come out when I'm writing this but I wanted to write a review to let people know about it. No Hero is, as could be deduced from the name, a superhero comic. This time there are no natural superheroes though. A drug has been developed that can make you into a superhero but has severe side effects. The comic asks a question in it's tagline: The premise seems very promising in the skilled hands of Warren Ellis and I got some Pla Only an introductory issue has come out when I'm writing this but I wanted to write a review to let people know about it.
The premise seems very promising in the skilled hands of Warren Ellis and I got some Planetary-like vibes from the leader of the superheroes. Juan Jose Ryp has improved a bit from Black Summer and there's no complaints about his artwork. I'll definitely read the first issue when it comes out.
You should check it out too. If you want to know whether I recommend you read it, see every other Warren Ellis review I've written here. Jan 08, Michael rated it it was amazing. Remember that time you were dating that person and you thought they were so great at first? You thought they might be the " one ", the answer to your prayers But eventually, you realized they weren't great at all- they were in fact, the worst thing that ever happened to you.
That sucked didn't it? But then, you had a secret too. You weren't very great either. That's why you're wearing your ex's spinal c Remember that time you were dating that person and you thought they were so great at first? That's why you're wearing your ex's spinal cord wrapped around your waist and have fashioned it so it resembles an enormous bloody phallus. This is what Warren Ellis' 7 issue comic series, No Hero , is like.
It's so great it just might be the " one ". Feb 24, Alan rated it really liked it. This is part two of Warren Ellis' three part thematically linked group of stories on the super hero in society. Black Summer showed us both the good and the bad that could come of those with powers trying to right the world to the way they thought it would be.
Arguably there is no good or evil, but layers of people, governments, and possibly corporations all seeking control, power and wealth. In some ways the story do This is part two of Warren Ellis' three part thematically linked group of stories on the super hero in society. In some ways the story does have a tragic ending.
Sep 24, Brad rated it really liked it Shelves: Definitely a bit more reliant on plot twists and turns than a lot of Warren Ellis' work, but quite good. The title completely gives away the plot, which completely diverges from the hero's journey. There isn't much weird science or useful political commentary though the final text box is a nice touch , but it's a great story.
The art, not quite so great. Oct 12, Dann rated it liked it. Though not as enjoyable as Ellis' Supergod, No Hero was still an enjoyable read. Though often hamstrung by his "what does it mean to be a hero" message, Ellis does create a bleak world in which feels believable, if only slightly. Unfortunately, like Supergod, it ends rather abruptly; the ending feeling quite forced. This book made me think. The final page made me question my assumptions throughout the book.
And I love that about a graphic novel. So that part I give a five to, but the gore was over the top and a little disturbing, which may have been the point so that made me want to give it a one, so I will go a little higher than the middle with a 3. Nov 15, Steven rated it liked it Shelves: Another Warren Ellis superhero dystopia There are so many interesting sub plots here that the story struggles to wrap itself up in the limited pages of a graphic novel and one is left wanting to know more of this world of no heroes and anti heroes who 'protect' the world like the US government for their own gain, but at the same time crushing what may be greater evils Jun 20, Venus Maneater rated it really liked it Shelves: Try to read them all in one sitting.
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Jun 04, Tess van Brummelen rated it liked it. A trial is the resolution of a dispute. Nothing wrong with me. I'm a superhuman now. Even if they look a little like duct tape gleaming around the wrists of a forcibly restrained patient. Jan 28, Eric rated it it was ok. Quite disappointed with [spoiler] the fact that the protagonist is not seriously vetted.
Psychopaths are supposedly rather easy to spot when you know what to look for, and I just don't buy that this superhero group would miss that, no matter how pressing recruitment needs are. Nov 25, Chad Cunningham rated it liked it. Another dark look at superheroics from Warren Ellis. The story covers cynical ground Ellis has covered several times before. The art is incredibly detailed and interesting. I wanted to like this more than I did, but I'll still take mediocre Ellis over most other comic book writers. Jul 30, Theodore rated it it was ok.
Re-read this for the first time in years, and I truly didn't remember it being this bad. Some interesting ideas from Ellis as always, but this is just horrific. It really falls apart at the end, and i'm not sure this story accomplishes anything, beyond the horror aspect.
Sep 01, S. Ellis' take on superheroes has become quite predictable. Everyone is an asshole, never trust anyone with superpowers and people will die in over the top, gorey ways. I think most people will know where the plot is going within five pages. Dec 17, Will rated it really liked it. This is a precursor to The Authority in several ways, but refreshingly nice in the focus on the protagonist and his revolting transformation into a superhuman.
It's not going to win any points for subtlety, but it's nice to see people explode every once in a while. Mar 14, Bri rated it it was ok. An interesting take on the superhero story, but very dark, twisted, and gory. A little too light on the character development, but I suppose that is forgivable given the short length.
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I think this might give me nightmares No Hero 1 13 Jun 05, The movie RED is based on his graphic novel of the same name, its sequel having been released in summer Warren Ellis is currently working on a non-fiction book about the future of the city for Farrar Giroux Straus. Warren Ellis lives outside London, on the south-east coast of England, in case he needs to make a quick getaway. Books by Warren Ellis. In any movie, we would kind of be the bad guys, right?
The evil empire with all the technology hunting down the ragtag rebels hiding in the hills and caves? I disagree with Owen's discussion about how the enemy manipulates the rules of engagement--or rather, I don't disagree that they do, but I think the cost of us ignoring them is too high. Still, clearly these rules put sometimes unreasonable constraints on getting the job done and I wonder if a more workable balance can't be found. There was a curious disrespect for the abilities of the Afghan fighters the SEALs were supposed to be training. Shouldn't there be more enthusiasm for teaching these guys and helping them become better fighters so the Americans can leave?
There was almost a scorn that they didn't speak English, too, as if they should, rather than any consideration that the SEALs should be speaking Afghan. Plus, I wondered why the Afghans would be such terrible fighters when many Afghans on our side had fought alongside the Taliban against the Soviets back in the day and were pretty tough fighters Basically, this book went some distance to confirm my suspicion that despite his talk of sacrifice, these guys aren't especially patriotic. They're the same guys all over the world. They're in these roles because of the challenge, because of the nature of the work, because they see being a SEAL, or whatever branch of special forces they've chosen, as being the best of the best, kind of like how people who go to Harvard Law think THEY are the best of the best.
I can't be average.
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It's not that I don't believe that they feel some connection to American ideology, but I'd bet if they were born in another country they'd connect to that ideology, because they're just that kind of person--a person who is born loyal. Born to excel but also born to serve. As for sacrifice, yes, there's a lot of it, but Olympic athletes also sacrifice, as do Himalayan climbers, and even elite scientists, doctors, and lawyers make sacrifices in favor of their careers at the expense of families and social lives.
Not everyone lays their life on the line climbers do. I suspect that for these SEAL guys that's a lot of the rush, and therefore not as much of a sacrifice as it might seem. I actually don't get the sense that these guys mind risking their lives so much. You can't simultaneously say you're no hero and be miffed when you're not getting a medal. I do think the families make sacrifices, but maybe that's the issue--is it irresponsible for a commando to have a family? I think that about elite climbers, sometimes. Some might beg to differ, but perhaps there are re-entry difficulties all the same, and perhaps some of this is due to the intense experience of team identity he describes.
I wonder if it would be easier for a fighter from an elite unit to re-enter a more collectivist society? These guys aren't heros. They do jobs that are difficult, dangerous, and apparently, very rewarding and exciting for them. View all 8 comments. Aug 31, Harrison Chang rated it it was amazing. Man, what a book. This is by far one of my most favorite and best-written autobiographies I have read so far.
He has participated in the Captain Phillips rescue and the Bin Laden raid and writes about all the countless o Man, what a book. He has participated in the Captain Phillips rescue and the Bin Laden raid and writes about all the countless ops he has been in although it would've been even better if some of the information weren't censored for sensitive information The Department of Defence would look for information in the book to check if it's classified or sensitive information the public shouldn't know about and censor it.
Packed with action, violence, and horror, this book is a must-read for anyone who likes to read war novels and autobiographies written by people with actual past experience in the military. You tend to avoid them but they still happen" —Mark Owen Aug 23, Patrick rated it really liked it. A strong, no bullshit account of a SEAL in the making. Jul 02, Robert Cox rated it liked it. Jan 01, Regina rated it liked it. Interesting but slightly unfocused and probably unnecessary. Nov 23, Greg Holman rated it really liked it. Wasn't just, this is how hard seal training is.
Nov 22, Diary of a Modern Day Spinster rated it liked it. You can't possibly not like this guy after reading this book. And even though he comes from a completely different world than me, I could relate to him. He's an Alaska boy who knows how to live off the land. He learned survival skills in grade school and sometimes rode a snowmobile to school.
He always wanted to be a SEAL. I admire anyone who goes after their dream. I did the same although my dream was not as hazardous. And although he is disciplined, he can be defiant. He's in hot water for n You can't possibly not like this guy after reading this book.
He's in hot water for not running his first book, No Easy Day, through the proper channels. This time for No Hero, he did. Some parts of the book are redacted. It's only a couple paragraphs and words here and there. But instead of excluding those parts from the book, he left them in. In his first book, he was very critical of the current administration.
Some would say he's ballsy, while others would say he's a glutton for punishment. I only gave it three stars because he left out a lot of things. He talked in great detail about his missions and the lessons he learned from them. But he's been out of the military for years and I want to know about his transition to civilian life. So many veterans suffer from PTSD. He could have helped many with his story. He also made it seem like the only valuable lessons he learned was in the military.
I come from a large Irish-American family and I learned something from all of my elders. I'm sure his missionary mom and dad taught him a few things as well. Bottom line, he revealed so much and yet so little. Not sure how much of the book was Mark and how much was Kevin, his co-writer. What I loved about the book? He was honest about his faults, he made me laugh and most importantly, he made me understand what it was like in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I do not know anyone in the military my uncle was in Vietnam but I was told never to ask him about it. All I know about war is what I've seen in documentaries. Mark Owen's books helped educate me. Thank you Mark and if there's a third book planned, please make it a solo mission this time. Oct 19, Kristi Richardson rated it really liked it Shelves: I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
I have read Mr. Owen's previous book "No Easy Day" about the Osama bin Laden killing which I had some security and accuracy issues with at the time. This story written by the former Seal is a must read for anyone interested in the military and Seal Teams in particular. Owen a pseudonym shows us what it takes to be a Seal and what kind of missions they might be used for.
This time around some of the censorship seems arbitrary a I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads program. This time around some of the censorship seems arbitrary as you can easily look up the book, "Rogue Warrior" by Richard Marcinko to see which Seal Team he was on, but it is blanked out in this book. I liked the way Mr. Owen showed that even when a mission failed or they made mistakes that there was always something they learned from that and it helped them to grow.
We all need to take this lesson to heart and not be afraid to step out of our comfort zones sometimes in order to make progress in our lives. The Navy Seals may not think they are heroes, but we certainly owe a huge debt of gratitude to all that they have done over the years to make this country free and safe. I completely enjoy and love books by heroes who are merely speaking of doing their job. In today's world a lot of people speak of little things like they are something to brag about.
Mark Owen on the other hand is a hero who speaks of his heroic things merely as part of doing his job. As Mark states in the book, the people perceive SEALs as people who do extraordinary things, but Mark points out that they are people who do basic things extraordinarily. I think that they are amazing and born to l I completely enjoy and love books by heroes who are merely speaking of doing their job. I think that they are amazing and born to lead people. I doubt that someone can be merely trained to do basic things extraordinary way. I think someone has to be born to be able to hand physical and mental task as those people do in the extraordinary way.
I enjoyed this book a lot. Can't compare the two yet, but curious to see what the other book, that put Mark on the map as the author, entails. Feb 21, Remo rated it liked it Shelves: Lectura interesante para el aficionado a estos temas.
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Sep 14, Ethan rated it it was amazing. I thought this was an amazing book! I really liked how he explained each thing that he and is team would prep for the mission and all the little things that they did before entering the compound or other mission areas. He talks about his experience throughout the book and how he failed multiple times but that did not stop him from trying to be the best seal he could. You learn about leadership and brotherhood in this book. So if you are interested in learning about seal operations or think about I thought this was an amazing book!
No Hero: The Evolution of a Navy SEAL
So if you are interested in learning about seal operations or think about being a seal then this is a book I recommend for you. Feb 01, Mahaakshay Chakraborty rated it it was amazing. I hope the author keeps on writing more and more books and readers like me always get transported to the War Zones and the high-intensity, kill-or-be-killed missions where we feel alive and full of adrenaline!
I loved every chapter of this book and I recommend this book to all those who want to feel how it feels like to be a real hero. Feb 09, Jack rated it really liked it. I haven't read his other book yet. I grabbed this one on audio for a 2 day road trip. Finished it in one day though. My main take away from all the great advice he gave was "stay in your 3 foot world".
Something we can remind ourselves in all aspects of our life - not just rock climbing or in combat. I thought it was humbly written and honest. I look forward to reading his other book that much more. Dec 10, Valters Bondars rated it really liked it Shelves: Dec 01, Toby Inman rated it it was amazing Shelves: Phil is also an important character in this book. After that Mark shares some of his experiences in Afghanistan. He goes on to talk about lots of raids he did and some of the places where he was posted. He then ends the book by talking about making the decision to get out of the Navy and the hard transition to civilian life.
One example of conflict in this book could be any one of the many times that Mark said that he got in a gunfight during a mission. Nov 20, Grant rated it really liked it. No Hero is a book that stays true to its title. As well as what he learned training to become a Seal. Overall, I would say that this was a good read, but it reads more like a short story collection rather than a novel. Although because of that the book was never boring to me, but the stories were formulaic.
The Majority of the stories would start with some t No Hero is a book that stays true to its title. The Majority of the stories would start with some type of mission or training the author Mark Owen went through, then it would be him reflecting on the meaning of that mission or training. When I was reading this book, there were some passages that surprised me, there was one where the author sneaks up on sleeping terrorists and kills them all without hesitating. After this happens, the author does reflect on it, writing about stress caused by the war.
But reading that passage especially showed a lot about the nature of war, which this book does a good job of explaining through the stories found later in it.
No Hero - Elisa - VAGALUME
Which definitely gave me a new perspective on at least how Navy Seals operate in a war. One thing about the writing though that bothered me was that there were some points in the book where sentences were worded oddly or words seemingly out-of-place. Which I put down to typos, something that ruined the reading experience for me once I was immersed into the book. As well as to anybody who might be curious as to what a Navy Seal does, and how people train to become one.
Mar 17, Ananova rated it liked it. Well, this felt more I guess I c MEH. Overall the book is just very dry to me. Kill, or Red Platoon You will enjoy this book if you approach it like a memoirs. It was alright, nothing special. Apr 19, Alex Struble rated it really liked it Shelves: Owens manages to tell his story with what I'm sure he believes is a fair and balanced approach and in general I would agree. I think that reading this book immediately after reading "America's War for the Greater Middle East" provided an interesting balance of perspectives into Navy SEAL tactics and effectivity.