Book Reviews

Well I have been reading like crazy this week.

First up is.

Rogue Trader Lucian Gerrit learns the true meaning of profit and loss! Andy Hoare presents an epic adventure in his debut novel for the Black Library. Lucian Gerrit is a rogue trader - a starship captain granted ancient trading rights along the Eastern Fringe of Imperial space. But his family’s fortunes have been steadily declining for many generations and his inheritance amounts to little more than a pile of debt and misery. In a final desperate gamble to restore his family’s former glory, Gerrit strikes a deal on a forgotten Imperial world to aid its commander in a long-standing war with his rival. As Gerrit commits his family’s assets to the escalating conflict, he may lose more than his livelihood.

I Really like space opera, I especially like space opera set in the 40k Universe. This is a good book that even if you don’t know the 40k universe it is still accesable.

Rogue trader patriarch Lucian Gerrit and his family get swept up in an Imperial Crusade to track down and exterminate the alien tau. Having crossed the desolate area of space known as the Damocles Gulf, the fleet arrives on the borders of the tau empire. Can Gerrit’s resourcefulness save the day when the Imperial forces find themselves outnumbered and outgunned, thousands of light years from home?

This being the followup, works well. Now comes my problem with the Black Library. Try contacting them you get a stock answer. These books are popular but they won’t commit the writers to finish series. OK that may be harsh but thats my observation, you may have years between books.

First Officer Ward of the Imperial Navy cruiser Relentless, on patrol in the Eastern Fringe, is less than pleased when a new commander, hardliner Captain Becket, is appointed above him. To protect his own corrupt schemes and ambitions, the first officer arranges to have the new captain assassinated.

Unbeknown to him, though, Becket survives and embarks on a ruthless campaign to fight his way up through the ranks to seize back control of his ship.

This is Richard Williams first work and foray into the Warhammer 40K universe and as such I was surprised at how the characters unfold and how effortlessly he jumped into the subject matter.

First let me just say that I love books about Rome, And I really loved this book. However after reading Simon Scarrows series I did kind of feel that I had been here and seen it before. That being said, this is a first rate book and one I would recommend anyone who is a fan of Rome to read.

Book Reviews

As I have recently been on a spending spree the next couple of weeks will see me going through 14 books. The first two up are

Horus Heresy-Legion by Dan Abnett

Angels of Darkness- Gav Thorpe

This is a departure from the normal Horus series, this is actually a very sympathetic book, without giving anything away and it would spoil the entire story if i did. This is one book full of turn and counter turn and chock full of suprises. Dan Abnett at his best

I was really looking forward to this as Gav Thorpe is a solid writer. Boy was I let down, this is by far his weakest book and did nothing at all to expand the mythos of the dark angels

Comics pick of the week

This week there were some good comics and some bad comics. But the pick of the bunch were the following

Greg Pak continues his meteoric rise with this follow on from Planet Hulk. If Marvel had more writers like him and Dan Abnett then they wouldn’t get so much bad press. For a first issue this is paced nicely, The artwork follows in the same vein as Planet Hulk and the first issue is a good story.

Trinity 2. Apart from the second string story being moved into the mainstream story, this is a strong second issue. Really intrigued to see where this goes. DC has a 50/50 with weekly comics and I for one hope that with the talent on this title that they put this firmly in the hit.

Now that brings me to something I don’t like to do. I appreciate that every ones comic pounds are hard earned (or dollars) But I am going to recommend a Trade (as long as DC brings it out) GET Gotham Underground. Frank Tieri has proved once again that he can hold the big titles, keep a story flowing and make you feel something for the characters. There is one scene in the last issue where you read with heart in your mouth, thinking OMG Is he gonna……

Trust me this is a definite plus for anyones collection.

Which almost brings me to a close. Apart from one of my favourite characters and also my biggest gripes with any comic house. Firstly to the gripe. Don’t have a title where a) the characters name is in it and said character isn’t b) kill of an iconic character in the very first issue. I loved Wisdom and am a long time fan of Captain Britain. All I can hope is that Marvel haven’t decided to shaft us Brits yet again. This is a good comic, it could have been a exceptional read apart from No Captain Britain. I only got this title to read Captain Britain (rant over)

Comics Week in Review part two

Ok, the first part was the ones I read yesterday and recommend, these are the ones I read today and give a big thumbs up to.

Now some of you know that apart from a certain few titles I find Marvel very humdrum, very much of a muchness. That may be about to change as a) my favourite artist Barry Kitson is on this title. b) that the scripting is snappy and spideys jokes are popping quite nicely, thanks to Bob Gale for this.

Trinity: Another weekly comic from DC I sighed. Then realised that Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley were gonna be picking up the ball. This has two stories in it, The first is about the first trio of hero’s and plays out nicely, The second story is very …… Whats happening here?

Don’t want to diss a good book but First half amazing second half should be a marvel title.

And Finally

Mark Millar & Tommy Lee Edwards 1985. I tried so hard to dislike this, After all after the civil war and ultimates endings I thought Millar had sold out. 1985 is actually a damn good read, Can Millar keep it up, maybe, but if i hear a iron man speech about how many ways he could have won this then you won’t see my arse for dust

Comics week in review

The title is a bit of a misnomer as I didn’t pick my comics up last week so two weeks will be amalgamated into one.

This comic keeps getting better and better,Garth Writing is totally respectful of the Dan Dare Legacy and Garry Erskine’s art is truelly a joy to look at. This is like a boys own adventure with something for everyone that checks all the boxes. Long may it continue.

Teen Titans 59, This book just goes from strength to strength, Ties in nicely with the final crisis series and I really Enjoy Sean McKeevers writing. The art from Eddy Barrows is strong and crisp. Can’t wait for the next part.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Ok I was starting to go off this series. But like a true buffy episode there were laugh moments and also sad moment. Highlights were Draculas speech to the new blood and Dawn taking on Dawnzilla the mech (trust me you have to see it)

This is the fight that I was waiting for, It kinda worked, but as with most things marvel these days I felt let down. My pull list gets smaller and smaller with Marvel. And I think I see a fat zero coming up in the future. Which when you think about the talent on this comic is criminal. Alex Ross & Jim Krueger. This should have had the Invaders cleaning clock but strangely no. Tony and his team of nazi’s ( and cap calls them that) layeth the smack down. There was one genuine good bit ” And Ironman has been axed” I wish.

And they were the pick of the crop, others were average, stale, head scratching.

What hit the bin this week

Brit No 6 from Image: All I can Say is no comment

Update

Ok people tomorrow, I will be doing an interview with Chris Lynch and Stu.art about the Magpye, Markosia and cheese. These guys are hot Welsh comic talent and I think it will make for interesting reading. Also there are a shed load of comics to go through so If i get time I will do a review for you guys

Long Awaited:James Barclay

Thanks for taking the time to drop by and have a chat. What first got you started as a writer. It couldn’t have been for fame and fortune as so many try and fail.
I’ve just always loved writing stories. Ever since I can remember. I wrote my first recognisable piece of prose at the age of seven and by age eleven was writing plenty of little bits and pieces in my spare time. I had an English teacher at secondary school who really encouraged me (and one who actively discouraged me like the prat he was) and I wrote a couple of novella length stories as a result. Both awful but great practice.

So I’ve always wanted to be a writer. The fame and fortune were never important so long as I could make a living. I just about do that so I have to consider myself happy.

What was your first published work?
It was a short story called ‘Goldstone’ and it was published in a Sheffield literary magazine called ‘Sheaf’ in 1985. The story was about birds cavorting around the walls and roofs of houses. I was delighted to see my work in print though I was paid not a penny for it. A special moment only bettered in writing terms by seeing Dawnthief on the shelves of Waterstone’s for the first time.

When did you realise that you had something real special with the Raven series. As a father did your literary child come easily, or did you have to drag it screaming into the world.

I always knew it was a good concept and that I’d executed it pretty well but that doesn’t guarantee a publishing deal. I knew it was special when it shot up the amazon bestseller charts shortly after it was published. It reached no18 or something in the Hot 100 at one stage which was amazing for a first time author of a fantasy novel. I was just so pleased that readers were getting out of it what I wanted them to.

But no, it didn’t come easily. Actually, The Raven began life as comedy fantasy years and years before it was actually published. I’m glad I changed tack because it would have been rubbish. I worked on the serious action fantasy version for five years before I got a publishing deal. Rewrite on rewrite, deletion, addition… but I knew I’d get there in the end. As the rejections came in, it occasionally became a tough thing to do but somewhere inside, I knew it would be worth it in the end. I’m glad I listened and kept on going.

I have to admit that I got upset several times in the books, and i judge that the mark of a good storyteller when you are totally immersed within their world and living with the characters, Does it get emotional for you when such and such happens to a character?

Yes, it certainly does. I’ve cried while writing the deaths of some characters and feel physically very low after writing such scenes. I guess when that happens, it means I’ve got them right. I’ve never taken a decision to injure, kill or write-out a character without a huge amount of thought as to the consequences further down the line. I can’t let it become a gratuitous thing to do or the emotional force is lost.

I’m glad you’ve been upset too – for me that’s a huge compliment because it tells me I’ve put across that emotional force correctly and that you loved my characters enough to feel sad when tragedy strikes.

Which of the Raven members are your favourites? Mine are Sol and Denser. Two complete opposites, but I also like the character journey that Denser undergoes to become a better man.

Hirad is my favourite. No surprise as he was my character way back in my role playing days. I love him for his passion, his belief and his unquenchable drive and desire for The Raven to succeed. And Ilkar too, because he’s sharp-witted and his banter with Hirad is something I loved to write. I love what he does for The Raven. He’s their techie, if you like, but impatient with it.

Your second series was a slight departure and while as you know I was critical of the first book, the second book allowed me to gel with the characters, any plans to revisit any of the characters again?
I have no current plans to return to Estorea though there are plenty of stories to tell there. I never say never but I can’t see anything happening for a good long while, if at all.

I understand from our communication that you have a new raven book coming out, what can you tell us about it?
It’s called Ravensoul and it comes out in November this year. It is set a decade after the end of the wars depicted in Demonstorm. It deals with an enemy that has cast the dead from rest and threatens the entire world. An enemy that barely even recognises the Balaians as sentient, let alone a threat. It is a chance for The Raven to ride one more time (metaphorically speaking) and is a story of how belief can turn the tide and how the pursuit of power can poison the minds of men.

Several great books have been picked up to turn into comics, how would you feel if the raven was picked up bringing it to a whole new series of fans.
I’d love it. I think the Raven would translate very well into graphic novel or comic format. And onto the small or big screen come to that.

How are you managing being a new(ish) father and successful author.
Well, it’s a tough balance to strike at times. I look after Oscar two days a week and that leaves just three for writing. It means I have to work a few evenings but that’s OK. What I find difficult at the moment is doing too much beyond my current project. That’s very frustrating as I have a million and one ideas sloshing about and precious little time to flesh them out to see if they have legs. But I can’t complain. I have a wonderful son and I get paid to do the thing I love best. Anytime I feel low, I remind myself of that…I’m a lucky man when all is said and done.

What do you have planned for the future?
Well, I’ve just agreed a trilogy of books based around the elves of Calaius. Can’t say too much at present but suffice to say that they will cover a couple of thousand years of history before The Raven began but will still have familiar names for fans to read about. The idea is that raven fans will love them for their history and new readers will love them just because they’re great books about cool elves J.

Any plans for a signing tour of Wales as so many of the big names tend to ignore us guys when the tours are announced. I know it’s down to agents but Welsh fans do deserve to meet their hero’s and people who take so much of their lives with their books.

I’ve no plans for a tour of anywhere at the moment. Whether there’ll be one around the launch of Ravensoul, I don’t know yet. Best to check my website for details nearer the time. But I do make as many appearances at conventions as I can. I’m at Fantasycon in Nottingham this September and also at Gamesfest in Tring this October. Neither is Wales, I admit but I’m happy to travel anywhere where I’ll get a warm welcome, can meet fans and have a good pint of ale!

Lone Survivor- Marcus Luttrell

Ok first and foremost, I love my true stories, but I always shudder when I hear the jingoism greatest special forces in the world. Every Country thinks we have the greatest special forces. America it’s the Seals, Great Britain it’s the SAS, France the Foreign Legion, Russia the Spetsnaz. I respect all these guys as it takes a special person to be a soldier, to be that object of hatred and ridicule that liberal society seems to want us to believe our military men are. And when you consider that the special forces are perhaps the top 1/2 a percent of a nations best soldiers, then you’ll understand why every country claims they are the best.

Marcus takes us through a series of seemless flashbacks from afghanistan to his early life and training, right to the point and title of the book. I don’t know if they are the worlds toughest special forces, but the three men who died from marcus’s group certainly win my award for toughest SOB’s and if they are a general yardstick for the US Seal Teams then I hope if ever I am in trouble it’s these guys come to save me.

All in all a moving, sometimes disturbing but also a tribute to the human spirit

Bristol International Comic Expo 2008

Interviews will follow later.

First I owe an apology to the ever excellent Barry Kitson. Barry I know I said I’d interview you but the mix of a broken coxix, aching feet and jetlag meant I was dying. I am so sorry especially after all the hard work you put into my sketch.

Well Bristol just keeps getting better and better, Touched down from my vacation in China thursday night, had 6 hours sleep and then back on the road for the convention. Courtesy of Cardiff Science Fiction and Fantasy Store(thanks Dave) got to go to the retailer day, where some excellent panels were held. Diamond Introduced themselves, then we moved through the different panels. Some great information from Bob Wayne and Eddie Berganza about future releases and the floor seemed to like the idea that depending on feedback a re-release of the excellent hitman series in trade format may be coming soon. Wildstorm was as ever excellent with some news that really excited me, Deathblow is joining one of the new teams. Vertigo also have a number of new and exciting products coming out and key one that seems really hype is Air. (thanks for getting us excited with this Karen Berger) We then had a quick slot with Dave Gibbons about the new book coming out later this year, Watching the Watchmen filled with never seen imagery a absolute must from titan books for anyone who is a Watchman fan.

We then gathered and had a few drinks and I got to meet YANICK PAQUETTE, who even after we destroyed him throughout the rest of the night is a thouroughly nice bloke and his artwork is second to none, so crisp and clear. For those not mentioned during the rest of friday, I am sorry a mix of both alcohol and jetlag is to blame, yep thats my excuse and I’m sticking to it. Nice to see many old friends and made a few new ones.

On the Saturday thanks to the people who organise this sleeping giant I got my press pass. It really is something to see the greats and people you admire gathering before the public get in there (and no thanks were needed for those that I got food and drink for over the weekend). Got to purchase some more work off

Barry Kitson and had another great sketch, Had further sketches off Joe Jusko, John Burns and did a short interview with the ever excellent Bryan Talbot. Saturday also saw two shut outs as we were completely full. Wow that was a surprise and for those people stuck outside I feel for you as it was absolutely boiling.

Sunday came around so quick and picked up further work from Rodney Ramos and thanks for a great Black Adam, John Macrea. Also did a Interview with Harry Markos, Harry is one of the Industry’s nice guys and he likes keeping the Indie scene vibrant and exciting.Spoke at length with Tommy Castillo and I will get you and Rod beer next year.

Below are original pieces that I picked up last year through to this year

Iron Man! Guest Review by MWM!

Okay! So the Butcher’s away and he’s asked me to put a review of Iron Man up, so here it is, a review from the Monkeys with Machineguns, Stu.Art and Chris Lynch.

Now I didn’t actually see this movie with Chris (sorry to destroy the illusion that me and Chris are some sort of ‘Bert & Ernie’ style duo!) so I haven’t really had a chance to talk with him about what he thought. So I’ve asked him to type his review and I’ll do mine and the two can run in tandem.

Firstly, let’s talk casting. Robert Downey Jnr. Is perfect. Perfect as Stark and perfect as Iron man, the two don’t always go hand in hand. Michael Keaton was a brilliantly dark and disturbed Bruce Wayne, but his Batman sucked! But Downey Jnr. Manages to bring an intelligence, charm, wit and genuine sincerity to his portrayal of Stark and lets not overlook his actual appearance, he looks like Tony Stark should.

The supporting cast too do a great job, the normally amiable Jeff Bridges pulls off quite a villainous turn and Gwynedd Paltrow successfully manages not to annoy me too much every time she’s on screen (something she normally does!).

Moving on next to the SFX. They’re brilliant! We’re spoilt these days in movies because unless something is mind blowingly brilliant, we as an audience are so used to CGI and SFX, we almost let it wash over us and don’t even notice it. The SFX in Iron Man are fantastic. The suit, the action, the environments all excellent without distracting you from the action or the movie.

The story of the movie is of course an origin story. This is fine as it’s what we expect and the story surrounding this origin holds up in this new movie adaptation. It’s what they’re going to do after this movie story-wise that is perhaps more interesting. There are rumours that Downey Jnr. Is tied into a trilogy, but further rumours also say that it may not be a direct sequel, but in fact Iron Man Vs. The Incredible Hulk and finally an Avengers Movie! I know, I know; imagine that!

I really enjoyed Iron Man, the only thing it suffered from a little was too much of the good stuff had been used in the trailers, something a lot of films are guilty of recently I would say. Overall though? 5 trotters up!

I offer 2 pieces of advice to you oh readers of the Crafty One. Firstly, run! Don’t walk to your nearest multiplex to see Iron Man! Secondly, don’t leave until the credits have finished.

Stu.Art

Master Butcher & Purveyor of all things…Meaty?

OK, so by now you’ve read Stu’s half of the review and he’s told you how great Iron Man is. The good thing is, he’s a man of taste (look at who his writing partner is!) and he isn’t giving you a bum steer. Iron Man was quite possibly the first American comic I ever read, and I have still have my copy of that issue, and as a bit of an uber-nerd myself, I like the idea that science can be cool.

So, it has everything you expect. But, for the congniscenti, here are what I consider to be the hidden gems.

1: Jeff Bridges potrail of Obidia Stane.
Pitch perfect and oh-so-reminiscent, at least to me, of some of the antics of everyone’s favourite CEO … Steve Ballmer. You might think your boss is crazy, but he’s got nothing on this guy …

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wvsboPUjrGc
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kvbWLfr-Z4s
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8To-6VIJZRE

Who can’t imagine that guy turning up in a thirty ton battle suit to tell your report was late.

Seriously, Bridges is great and deserves recognition for capturing on screen how truly scary corporate America is.

2: Robert Downey Junior is so good an actor he can act with a fire extinguisher.

If you thought the lamp in the Pixar demo movie had charm, or Bob Hoskins did a good job acting to thin air in Roger Rabbit, you have to see Downey have a conversation with a fire extinguisher. He gives it … life. Amazing stuff, and an almost throwaway scene as well.

3: The suit doesn’t work first time.

For anyone who has worked in developer hell. We’ve all had our own “boots at 10% power moment”. This should touch the heart of every engineer and scientist out there. How we pain for our works my brothers!

This list could run on and on, and its a testament to the painstaking attention to detail that oozes out of this movie. So, go and see it, compile your own top three, and send it on to a friend. Everyone deserves to see this movie.

Outpost-Coming soon

I love a good war film, I love a good horror film and call me spooky, but I love a good film that has WW2 german soldiers in. Now Ray Stevenson (Rome) is about to merge all those into one. a film about Zombie Nazi’s. The premise is that the Germans experimented on their own men to make invincible  soldiers, Ubermen  if you like.  The only problem is it  made them undead.  Fast forward and seven mercenaries enter a bunker complex that housed the experiment. The address below is for a short trailer

http://www.blackcamel.co.uk/multimedia/OutpostTrailer.html

The Eagles Conquest

The Second book is just as much fun as the first. Mainly because you already know Cato and Macro. The action is hard and fast and the scripting is well paced.

Official Blurb

“

When Centurion Macro arrives on British soil as one of Emperor Claudius’s invasion force in AD 43, he is facing one of the toughest campaigns of his battle-scarred career. In a series of bloody skirmishes, Macro and his young subordinate, Optio Cato, and the desperately outnumbered Roman army must find and defeat the enemy before he grows strong enough to overwhelm the legions. But the Britons are not the only foe facing Macro and Cato. A sinister organisation opposed to the Emperor is secretly betraying the invaders. And when rumours of an assassination attempt coincide with the Emperor’s arrival on British soil, the soldiers realise they are up against a force more ruthless than their acknowledged enemy…”

Comic of the Week

The Dresden Files for me is comic fo the week. When/If you read it you will see why, Granted it’s written by Jim himself, but this actually leaps out as his books do. This is certainly one of the comics I am now waiting with baited breath for part two. Please Dabel Please sign for another series

Fanboy Time- Sometimes I love being a comic fan

Gail Simone announced at the NYCC ‘08 that the best villain/hero team ever is finally coming back. You know who i’m talking about the Secret Six. The rogues that make Two Face seem predictable. Gail will be joined on this ongoing by the excellent Nicola Scott. I am so happy as this was far and away my favourite comic in a long time. And Catman and Deadshot are definetely the new Murtagh and Riggs.

Markosia and Monkeys with Machineguns

As hinted at, I can now reveal some details about the Markosia and MWM deal. As most people know those guys over at Monkeys With Machineguns have been building themselves a cult following with their dark horror and sci-fi. Well it seems that they finally did enough to get noticed and there is a limited series called the Magpye coming out from Markosia. Markosia are the house for up and coming comic talent and Harry has a good nose for sniffing these guys out. There are other rumours in the wind but these can only be confirmed after I do my interview with Harry and the boys at Bristol.

Take a sneak peak here

http://magpye.monkeyswithmachineguns.com/

The Magpye is the story of a man who wakes up with no memory of who he is. The proverbial blank slate, he is free to chose a new life for himself unencumbered by the sins of his past, whatever they might be. There’s just one problem. Whilst he may not have his own demons to deal with, he is haunted by the ghosts of the men and women who have trodden the same path and worn the mantle of “The Magpye” before him. Our hero may not have any memory of who he is, but his head is full of the memories of those who have gone before him.

Haunted, hounded, and occasionally possessed by these phantoms, The Magpye is compelled the try and complete the mission that has claimed the lives of his predecessors, to protect man from the monsters that lurk in the shadows and the awkward angles, and to save the world (if he can) from those who would destroy it or enslave it … all whilst trying to find out the truth about who he is and what it means to be “The Magpye”.

It is a story about heroism, revenge, life and the afterlife … but mostly importantly this is a story about how we are all working out who we actually are as individuals. Are we the products of our own minds, or simply the result of the influences around us? Are we defined by the things we have done in the past, the things we do today, or the things that we aspire to do tomorrow?

The story combines powerful psychological themes with supernatural horror and some outright carnage for good measure. If you like zombies, evil nurses, mob warfare, ghosts, tentacled creatures, geisha girls, circus freaks, the occasional sucubus, ghosts, clowns, explosions, gun play, and some philosophical meta-psychology to wash down all those horrors … this could be the book for you!

Simon Scarrow-Under the Eagle

Ok I know technically this isn’t a new book. But for any of you out there that loved Gladiator or Rome or have actually read the last legion or Leopard in the Snow, this will be right up your street. The story is about a centruion and a young under officer and their invasion of Brittania. It is the first in a series and the action is paced right, The characters jump out of the pages at you and it leaves you wanting more. As an indication of how good I found this I started it this am and finished it at 2pm.

Valkyrie Pushed back Again

Brian Singers Valkyrie starring Tom Cruise has been pushed back again, If like me you were actually waiting for this then the new tenative date is Febuary 2009

Battlestar Galactica- My Take

After what feels like I have run a marathon, I think it’s all over. Dang it it’s not, The new and “Final” series is out soon. Many a sleepless night was spent wondering how the next episode would turn out. ( I have to apologise to Stu.Art from MWM) I was wrong it is more adictive than crack. The One more episode syndrome bites, and as I had one last disk to go tonight I ran that Marathon. And Boy has it left me floored.

Now unlike some sites I won’t give you spoilers, I won’t hope that you don’t read further down. I will stress an opinion though. The missing cylons either were flawed and taken from the ressurection ship or rebelled.

 I have to thank both cast and crew from both the original series and the new series for torturing me so much. I loved every fracking second of the ride

Monkeys with Machine Guns and Markosia Hot Stuff

Monkeys with Machineguns.

 If you have the chance to go to Bristol pick up anything you can by these guys as The Butcher believes big things are in the offing. Markosia will be unveiling Monkeys at Bristol.

If your a speculator(boo) then I would REALLY recommend picking up some stuff, if the man who delivers my meat is anything to go by

Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe,born October 21, 1959 is a Academy Award-nominated Japanese stage, film, and television actor. To English-speaking audiences he is known for playing tragic hero characters, such as General Tadamichi Kuribayashi in Letters from Iwo Jima and Lord Katsumoto in The Last Samurai.

Born Ken Watanabe in Koide, Niigata prefecture, his mother was a school teacher and his father taught calligraphy.

After graduating from high school in 1978, Watanabe moved to Tokyo to begin his acting career, getting his big break with the Tokyo-based theater troupe En. While with the troupe, he was cast as the hero in the play Shimodani Mannencho Monogatari, under Yukio Ninagawa’s direction. The role attracted critical and popular notice.

In 1982, he made his first TV appearance in Michinaru Hanran (Unknown Rebellion), and his first appearance on TV as a samurai in Mibu no koiuta. He made his feature-film debut in 1984 with MacArthur’s Children.

Watanabe is mostly known in Japan for playing samurai, as in the 1987 Dokuganruu Masamune (One eyed dragon, Masamune) the 50-episode NHK drama for which he is now best known. He played the lead character, Matsudaira Kurō, in the television jidaigeki Gokenin Zankurō, which ran for several seasons. He has gone on to earn acclaim in such historical dramas as Oda Nobunaga, Chushingura, and the movie Bakumatsu Junjo Den.

In 1989, while filming Haruki Kadokawa’s Heaven and Earth, Watanabe was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. He returned to acting while simultaneously undergoing chemotherapy treatments, but in 1994 suffered a relapse.

As his health improved his career picked back up. He co-starred with Koji Yakusho in the 1998 Kizuna, for which he was nominated for the Japanese Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In 2002, he quit the En (Engeki-Shudan En) theater group where he had his start and joined the K-Dash agency. The film Sennen no Koi (Thousand-year Love, based on The Tale of Genji) earned him another Japanese Academy Award nomination.

In 2006, he finally won Best Lead Actor at the Japanese Academy Awards for his role in Memories of tomorrow (Ashita no Kioku), where he played a patient with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Watanabe was introduced to most Western audiences with the 2003 film The Last Samurai for which his performance as Katsumoto in earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Watanabe also appeared in the 2005 films Batman Begins and Memoirs of a Geisha, where he played The Chairman. In 2006 he starred in Clint Eastwood’s film Letters from Iwo Jima. He has also filmed ads for American Express and Yakult and in 2004, he was featured in People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People edition.

In 2001 he announced at a press conference that his ¥170 million (1.4 million USD, 2001) home had been repossessed and that he was heavily in debt. Watanabe had ignored his finances, leaving them entirely to his wife.

Ken is divorced from his ex-wife, Yumiko, with whom he has two children: Ann Watanabe, a 20 year-old model, and Dai, a 23 year-old actor.

On December 3, 2005, he married actress Kaho Minami.