Summary

"Will It Be Back? The Rise And Fall Of Terminator: A Book Review" is a detailed analysis and review of indie author Dave Holcomb's book, which delves into the themes, character development, and cultural impact of the Terminator franchise, including a critical examination of its successes and failures.

Abstract

The article "Will It Be Back? The Rise And Fall Of Terminator: A Book Review" provides an in-depth look at Dave Holcomb's second book, which explores the Terminator series' underlying themes, such as the fear of technology and artificial intelligence. The review praises Holcomb's attention to detail and his exploration of the Terminator's transformation from a robotic killer to a more humanized character. It also compares and contrasts the success of the earlier films with the disappointments of the later entries in the franchise, particularly Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Terminator Salvation, and Terminator Genisys. The reviewer, a self-professed Terminator fan, recommends the book to fans of the series, except perhaps those who enjoyed Terminator Genisys

Will It Be Back? The Rise And Fall Of Terminator: A Book Review

Book Cover by Dave Holcomb, used with permission

It can’t be reasoned with. It can’t be bargained with … and it absolutely will not stop.

I’m a big fan of Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement Day. These movies had a huge impact on me as a young adult. So when I discovered this book by indie author Dave Holcomb, I was all in!

Will It Be Back? The Rise And Fall Of Terminator is Dave’s second book. I also have a copy of his first, The Evolution of James Bond: His World Never Dies.

Dave Does A Deep Terminator Dive

I was surprised by all the good bits I never realized were in these movies. A lot more care and attention to detail than I would have expected for “just” action/science fiction blockbusters.

What is the Terminator franchise all about? What were the themes and ideas that director James Cameron used as core material? Mr. Holcomb gets right into those Terminator insides and roots around.

When I was a teen watching the first movie, I just knew that I was seeing some amazing stuff. I didn’t make the connections that were the foundation for this story, such as the fear of technology and artificial intelligence and the chance that technology will dehumanize us. There were a lot of clues and hints built into the first two movies, and Dave goes over several.

Like this exerpt about Sarah Connor’s roommate Ginger in the first film:

“Ginger’s use of the Walkman exemplifies that best. She can’t have sex with her boyfriend without technology in her ears. Ginger takes what should be a tender moment, an act that only living, breathing animals can engage in, and contaminates it with a machine.”

– Will It Be Back? The Rise And Fall Of Terminator

Dave goes into the transformation the T-800 killer goes through, from ultimate robotic badass killer, to slowly being humanized through the films. He discusses how Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character evolves through the films until we reach the latest iteration in Dark Fate.

I also never made the connections that Dave does between horror movies and the early Terminator films. It’s probably due to these influences that so many of us were hooked and couldn’t let the idea of the Terminator go.

“Dave Holcomb’s new book, Will It Be Back? The Rise And Fall Of Terminator, has been delivered to us from the future to warn us of the dangers of machines, and the perils of toying with the fate of a franchise.”

The World Famous Unreliable Narrator podcast host, Ryan Hanson

Will It Be Back?

I know I’m not alone in being disappointed with some of the Terminator movies. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Terminator Salvation and Terminator Genisys had some great action scenes. But they just didn’t have what it took to make audiences happy.

Terminator: Dark Fate came out in November, 2019, and fell flat on it’s face. In my opinion, this was mostly due to the previous three failures. It was great to read Dave’s in depth analysis of where the Terminator franchise is headed.

Summary: This Book Gets An A+

I’m really glad I got a copy of this book. It’s a well written and interesting look at everything Terminator. If you liked any of the movies in the franchise, you’ll like this book. Well, maybe if you liked Terminator Genisys your judgement has been compromised and you won’t appreciate the book. But for anyone else, you should look into it!

Will It Be Back? The Rise And Fall Of Terminator , by Dave Holcomb, is available on Amazon all around the world in both soft cover and eBook.

About Dave Holcomb:

Dave Holcomb is a freelance sports writer and author of His World Never Dies: The Evolution of James Bond, as well as Will It Be Back? The Rise And Fall Of Terminator In his first book, Holcomb dives into how the Bond film series has adapted to stay popular and relevant in the 21st century. Holcomb lives in Atlanta and covers the Atlanta Falcons for Falcon Maven. He also writers for Yardbarker, Southern Pigskin and Rotowire. Follow him on Twitter @dmholcomb.

Want to hear an interview with the author of this book, where we talk about all things Terminator?

Check out my podcast, Unreliable Narrator on Spotify, Anchor, Podbean, Google Podcasts and other locations:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vyisWlOYLc9OpEXTQgfyN