Dave's Comics

Swoon Now! Hewligan's Haircut

2012-01-27T07:02:00.000-08:00

After, like, a gazillion (21) years since it first appeared in 2000AD, Peter Milligan and Jamie Hewlett's Hewligan's Haircut (Rebellion) is back in print and on the shelves. Still looking energetic and containing at least as much madness as Tank Girl it's an everyday tale about a man and the magic hole in his beautifully coiffed hair...

I Can Do That! ALT-Brighton

2012-01-26T04:25:00.000-08:00

Calling all creative types! Next Wednesday - that's 1st February - there's cause for double celebration: New comic day at Dave's Comics is the appropriate setting for the launch of a collaborative graphic novel project, ALT-Brighton, funded by The Arts Council England and led by QueenSpark Books.

With the involvement of Bryan Talbot and Tim Pilcher QueenSpark are looking for writers and artists to volunteer their time in providing material for the book. In return you'll receive mentoring, access to a short course on creative writing and historical research plus the chance to work with a team of graphic designers.

Interested? Come along to the shop on Wednesday between 6pm and 8pm to meet the team behind the project (there will be nibbles and drinks) and start thinking about your 100-2000 word Brighton-based pitch due 28th February. All the information is on the QueenSpark website, specifically here, here and here.

Weekly Treats! Fantastic Life

2012-01-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

There's a theme of madness running through the releases this week - or is there? Here's the run-through:

Kevin Mutch's Fantastic Life (Big If) arrives on the wave of some good reviews and was included in the recently published Best American Comics 2011 (HMH). Sitting somewhere between the works of Daniel Clowes and Charles Burns it tells the story of a young slacker who begins to mentally go off the rails amid booze, drugs and visions of the undead. It gains points a-plenty for never trying too hard to be cool or outrageous and not shying away from a warts-and-all protagonist. There's a pretty fair appraisal of the book over at TheComicsJournal (see here). For more on Mutch he has a website (see here) which includes the first 16 pages in colour (see here) though the book itself is in greyscale.

There's more sanity-questioning in Atmospherics (Avatar), written by Warren Ellis. Originally published in 2002 in black and white this short graphic novella gets a water coloured update from the artist Ken Meyer Jr. Inhabitants of a small town in America have been brutally slain, the only survivor is claiming that it was the fault of invading Aliens - the officials that arrest her are understandably sceptical.

Anyone enjoying Animal Man and Frankenstein: Agent of Shade should catch up on Jeff Lemire's post-apocalyptic-style epic: Sweet Tooth vol.4 Endangered Species (DC). And Batman & Robin: Dark Knight, White Knight (DC) may be non-Morrison but features the likes of Paul Cornell.

Pick of the superhero collections for me though is Daredevil by Mark Waid vol. 1 HC (Marvel) although a mention should go to the glorious work of Paolo Rivera, ably backed-up by Marcos Martin.

And that leads us into the weeklies. In Fantastic Four #602 Jonathan Hickman & Barry Kitson bring us cosmic battles and a host of guest stars. Watch out for everyone's favourite planet-eater lurking ominously in the background. Be sure to check out FF #14 as the companion piece. Secret Avengers #21.1 presents a new direction for the title written by Rick Remender. Arriving just in time for the January Justice League #5 finally brings the gang together to line up against no less than Darkseid. In Justice League Dark #5 our misfits rally against Enchantress though one of them will fall in the process. And spare a thought for poor old Superman #5 who has the whole world on his back. Finally, Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred #1 (of 6) sees the return of the title that feels like the old 2000AD fed through a grinder and spewed out backwards.

There's a full list of titles under the Features tab.

News! First Fictions Winner

2012-01-23T04:27:00.000-08:00

The Black Project - Gareth Brookes

Congratulations to Gareth Brookes who won the coveted First Fictions graphic novel competition (see here) which held an event at the weekend to announce the winner. First blogged about back in April 2011 (see here), the competition was unique in the way that it was looking for potential - you only had to submit the first fifteen pages of your project - rather than a finished product as the prize involved not only the chance to be published by Myriad Editions (see here) but also receive help developing the project.

Well done to Myriad Editions and partner University of Sussex for running the competition and we look forward to reading the winning entry next year.

I Can Do That! A Word About Writing...

2012-01-19T07:23:00.000-08:00

Two chaps I think are in consistently strong form offer a couple of soundbites regarding their craft. I would say that for anyone thinking of giving it a go the points raised regarding content (characters in conflict, environment in change) and form (selling to the artist) are pretty crucial. First up is Warren Ellis on his blog (see here) warning writers not to get lazy.

"Investigate art, even if your drawing hand, like mine, behaves more like a flipper. Understanding what is joyful about illustration is important. It’s important to create a thing that will delight an artist."

Next is Brian Wood interviewed on Suvudu (see here). Fans of the soon-to-end DMZ may be interested to read comments on his new series The Massive (Dark Horse) out in June.

"Personally, I like to create situations where I can put my characters through hell, where they are forced to examine who they are and why they do what they do, and how those actions can affect others. I like hard time and tragedies and stories of struggle."

Weekly Treats!

2012-01-18T02:59:00.000-08:00

In a quick and violent burst of Weekly Treatary may I present to you this week's delivery starring a great issue of Batman #5 as Batman is caught in a nightmare maze and Scott Snyder brings us a 360 degree comic (stick that in your digital download pipe). Wonder Woman #5 finds our heroine in London - we know this because she visits London bridge and it's raining. Daredevil #7 continues the Spider-Man crossover from Amazing Spider-Man #677 and in Avenging Spider-Man #3 Red Hulk has been brushed aside leaving Spidey alone against the subterranean invasion.

Weekly Treats-Wednesday 11th January

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a howdy do!

It's Batwoman #5 week, I know that's hardly impartial but once upon a time you really could count on

books shipping on the same week year in year out.

Honestly does anyone know what week Daredevil ships on?-Marvel take note please.

Right that's out the way, lets take a gander at the kaleidoscopic pleasures that await you upon our humble acrylic shelves.

DC brings us a Darwyn (Watchmen 2?) Cooke drawn Shade #4 and another lovely issue of Frankenstein Agent of Shade.

Marvel's quintet of X is joined by Scarlet Spider #1 (be kind to it one fears it may not be long for this cruel world of creeping attrition.)

Lobster Johnson The Burning Hand #1 looks a handsome addition to this weeks booty to me.

Whispers #1 comes from the Midas womb of Mrs Luna.

Flying solo from his brother, Joshua graces us with the most intriguing new release of the week.

'A mentally troubled man is suddenly empowered with the ability to leave his physical body in "ghost" form and manipulate people in strange and disturbing ways. With this incredible power, will he control his demons...or discover even more?'

Batman's flirtation with the Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson reaches an unholy climax this very day as 'Batman Through the Looking Glass H/C' reaches the sunny South Coast .

Sam (why isn't there an omnibus of the Maxx) Keith

daubs his way down the rabbit hole.Got to be honest I've only given it a flick and it looks like 'Nonsense' in the finest Carroll and Lear manner.In this original graphic novel Batman meets his foe The Mad Hatter for the very first time – landing The Dark Knight in Wonderland. Is it real or some strange lazy dream from a balmy afternoon? Only Sam and Bruce Jones know for sure.

Like the mottled headstone of a dearly departed leprechaun Pannini have dropped Marvel's Epic of 2011 on our door this very day.Fear Itself is BACK! Come back, come back calm down it wasn't that bad was it?

Bow thy head in mock solemnity and witness the darkest day in the 616 Universe!

Some heroes battle some villains and by the beard on Odin's chinny chin chin the stakes are way high!

To accompany the parent title meet the siblings- Alpha Flight, Ghost Rider & Avengers umbilical y tied to the narrative.

Inside the tummy of Dark Horse lives the Mignola-verse which gives birth to beautiful twins in the shape of Witchfinder vol 2 Lost and Gone Forever and B.P.R.D Hell on Earth vol 2.

Over at Image Mr Shaky (Bullet Proof Coffin vol 2 shipping soon!) Kane kindly allows his 'Monster Truck' to become road worthy once more-Awesome stuff!

Other notables include Invincible vol 15, Jim Hensons Dark Crystal H/C Vol and the Unwritten Vol 5.

Well that will just have to do this week kind reader.

More next week x

Weekly Treats -Thursday 5th January

2012-01-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody

Together let us trample the freshly fallen year and shake the soggy disappointment of belated deliveries asunder for this is New Comic Day Eve a precious time to contemplate purchases to come...

So then...

If only Marvel could unofficially brand the shipping weeks like the reborn DC...

So this is 'Action, Animal Man, Swamp Thing Week-corking!

Alternately it's probably Green Arrow, Detective Comics, Justice League International Week to someone...

Marvel are celebrating the fledgeling January with the second round of Avengers X-Sanction!

The Cable Captan America collision cascades into THE BIG EVENT OF 2012 AVENGERS VS X-MEN

so don't be left out.

Dragging its knuckles along the shelves this week is the inaugural edition of the Avengers Annual featuring Beast buddy Simon Williams going doolally with Bendis providing his usual ventriloquism.

Matt 'parrying' Fraction serves up second helping's of the Defenders and our House of Ideas spotlight quartet is topped off with the second title for Wolverine and the X-Men Alpha Omega by the versatile Brian Wood.

This week see's master Criminal's Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips' Fatale from Image.

“The overwhelming positive response to FATALE from retailers and fans has been a bit shocking, but a great way to start the new year,” said Brubaker. “Keep it up, and we’ll keep putting out the best book we can.”

FATALE tells the story of a reporter in 2012 who stumbles on a secret that leads him down the darkest path imaginable… to a seductive woman who’s been on the run since 1935, a mobster who may be an immortal demon monster, and the stories of all the doomed men who’ve been caught in their decades-long struggle. FATALE blends noir and horror to tell a riveting epic unlike anything readers have ever seen before.

By the way we have piles of it coming in so don't let bully boy Brubaker frighten you.

Forgetting to take his shoes off at the door is Mudman #2 from always reliable Paul (St Swithin's Day) Grist

Issue one is still available for all you late sleepers.

Dark Horse unleashes the Goon, Boom offer up more Betrayal on The Planet of the Apes and The Boys march once more to their brutal tune.

Lots more delicacies but why spoil it here?

Pop in tomorrow but PLEASE not until 1PM-these comics need a jolly good counting before presenting themselves for your approval.

On the New Book front its Grant Morrison's going all soft on us with Seven Soldiers Vol 1 soft cover and Batman:The Return of Bruce Wayne soft cover.

David Finch has let his Batman out the cave with The Dark Knight Golden Dawn hardcover.

The Annotated Sandman Vol 1 hits the store just in time for Christmas 2012, thanks DC.

Other notables Steve Ditko Omnibus Vol 2!!!!!
Hope to see you all tomorrow Thursday 5th January (after 1pm)

Swoon Now! An Anthology of Graphic Fiction...

2011-12-30T05:43:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to drawn your attention to a great end of year opportunity. Ivan Brunetti may be known to many as author of the wonderfully transgressional comedy titles such as Misery Loves Comedy, but behind that there's a quietly spoken, well-read and thoughtful commentator on comics (its worth reading his book Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice). Which brings me to the two book series An Anthology of Graphic Fiction, Cartoons and True Stories (Yale University Press) collecting a comprehensive who's-who of the best in contemporary illustration carefully selected by Brunetti. These hard-cover books are wonderful reference points showcasing artists who have pushed at the conventions of the medium.

Released in 2008, the reason I'm drawing it to your attention is that we have a limited supply of volume two retailing for only £7.50 (usually £17).

Looking for further incentive?

Good grief, what a book this is – a hyperactive, periodically insane dive into the archaeology of alternative comics; the sort of book you long to present to people with no interest in the medium and watch as it removes the top of their heads and gives their brains a good stir. More or less everything is here, from Winsor McCay's "Little Nemo" strips, begun in 1905, to the work of Charles Burns, Art Spiegelman, Chester Hines... you name it. Each page has something new, upsetting, wonderful on it,which makes it, along with the equally gigantic vol. 1, pretty much unbeatable.

The Independent (see here)

Here Brunetti picks up with further examples of many of the creators he focuses on in his first volume, as well as introducing some lesser-known artists and a range of archival material from the early days of Sunday comics. There is no clear logic to the way the comics are ordered here, but instead Brunetti lets the selection and the order take shape organically, based, as he puts it, on the same kind of creative intuition he would bring to the creation of one of his own comics. And the result is truly something special. So many of our favorites were here, and in almost every case Brunetti honed in on just the right selection not just to represent that given creator’s work, but to speak to the other selections in this volume. In its own terms it work wonderfully—arguably even surpassing Ware’s McSweeney volume as the best anthology of its kind.

Guttergeek.com (see here)

I leave the last word to Ivan Brunetti himself.

Weekly Treats! Chase & House of Mystery

2011-12-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

The important thing to be aware of this week is that the delivery will be later. It's actually going to be arriving on Thursday morning so it won't be on sale until lunchtime. With that said, let's take a very quick look at what exactly those naughty Bank Holiday gremlins are making us wait an extra day and few hours for.

Chase (DC) is written by D. Curtis Johnson and one JH Williams III and has the added attraction of showcasing a heavy dose of Williams' early illustration work. Released in 1997/8 this book collects the entire run about Cameron Chase who carries a loathing for super-powered folk due to a personal history with them and works as an Agent for the Department of Extranormal Operations who just happen to have jurisdiction over superheroes. Think Alias meets Gotham central but pre-dating them both by a few years and we have one of those ground-level, outside-the-circle titles that always go down well.

Also worth noting is the release of House of Mystery vol. 7 (DC) the nicely balanced series featuring short stories as well as a larger narrative. This volume features work by writers including Matthew Sturgess (of course), Peter Milligan and Mike Carey and artists include David Lloyd, Michael Allred and Darwyn Cooke.

For the Weekly Treats there's quite a decent spread (see full list under the Features tab above). Marvel have managed to find themselves releasing two issues of Captain America #5 & 6 but with Alan Davis joining the gang who can say no? No chance of the same double-shipping ever happening on a Mark Millar title as Kick-Ass 2 #6 hits the shelves on a rocket. And excellent, high-concept, done-in-one superhero/sci-fi in the shape of Secret Avengers #20 which spotlights Black Widow this issue. The DC 52 Juggernaut rolls on with David Finch's muscular Batman: Dark Knight #4 and Superman #4 promises not only the origin of Supes' new foes but - get this - their link to Action Comics. Finally Spaceman #3 featuring space pirates and drugs - don't deny they weren't on your Christmas list.

Weekly Treats! Walking Dead vol 15

2011-12-19T03:18:00.000-08:00

Just in time for Christmas this Wednesday...

We also stock Zombie-proof* lunch-boxes

*zombie-proofing not actually confirmed...yet.

Swoon Now! The Sigh

2011-12-12T09:14:00.001-08:00

Originally published three years ago to high acclaim in France and Spain, The Sigh (Archaia) is the new book by Persepolis author Marjane Satrapi.

Unlike Persepolis and Embroideries, The Sigh is a fairy story: When a Merchant is unable to bring home a gift for Rose, one of his three daughters, she heaves a sigh that attracts Ah the Sigh, a mysterious, ethereal character who provides the Merchant with the requested gift. But, as with all the classic fairy tales, every gift has a price and a year later the Sigh returns and the payment must be Rose herself.

The story is filled with classical fairy tale elements from Princes, to lost love and labours on the road to redemption that, along with Satrapi's charmingly simple, flowing illustrations with a multi-cultural choice of colours and design, make for a comfortable and heart-warming read.

The book itself is in an under-sized hard-cover format with a beautifully designed cover making it a lovely gift book. Highly recommended.

Books of the Year - Daytripper

2011-12-09T08:52:00.001-08:00

I don't want to say too much about Daytripper (DC) by brothers Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba except that it's a story of an ordinary life. Whatever 'ordinary' means of course..

It's wise, affecting and touching and it won an Eisner award for Best Limited Series and a Harvey award for Best Single Issue or Story.

You can follow the brothers on their blog (see here).

2012 - Avengers vs. X-Men

2011-12-08T03:11:00.001-08:00

Those of us who have been reading comics for a little while know that in the comic industry the present is only prologue to the future and this week Marvel could barely contain themselves with the news of the big event of 2012. Avengers vs X-Men did, at first I'm afraid, fill me "how dumb" - I mean we're talking about The House of Ideas and that's the best they could come up with? But then I thought about it; maybe it's just really canny. As with Civil War, as with World War Hulk, as with Secret Invasion, as with Fea- well maybe not Fear Itself, but Marvel do have a good tradition of events that have an instantly recognisable hook to non-regular readers. Turn to the person sat next to you on the bus and tell them the title of Marvel's next event and (assuming they don't move seat) they'll probably know what and who you're referring to. Let's face it, it's the summer movie event we'll be looking forward to in 2015 (if they ever sort out the split rights ownership).

Now the question is can the mighty minds of co-writers Ed Brubaker, Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Jason Aaron and Jonathan Hickman make the damn thing make sense to us regulars. Apparently it all starts with Hope, Scarlet Witch and the Phoenix force...

For further reading try the USA Today article (see here) or the watch the official Marvel broadcast (see here).

Weekly Treats! Criminal

2011-12-05T05:20:00.001-08:00

We're very busy elves this time of year but I'll try to keep some semblance of a post going. The biggest graphic novel release this week is Criminal vol. 6 (Icon) another crime tale from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Along with Scalped (Icon) it's probably the best ongoing crime series out being published. Follow the Criminal blog for more (see here). Striking cover ta boot.

For the Weekly Treats, well it's starting to become clear what the success stories are from the DC52 line and this week we have four of them: Action Comics #4 was always going to be a strong showing thanks to Grant Morrison's name although it also became the 'love it/hate it' title of the batch. Detective Comics #4 was also an obvious title to back but Tony S. Daniel has seen his stock rise rapidly of late. Also proving to be popular are Animal Man #4 and Swamp Thing #4; both true success stories from the re-boot as you'd wonder how well they would have sold as new launches on a regular week. The re-boot got the attention, the quality kept the sales up. Marvel have a big new launch this week with Defenders #1 with a great set of characters and the pages feature those curious little messages that used to pop up on comics in the seventies (hinting at future story lines, other comics and the old "continued on the second page" before an advert). Plus there's Avenging Spider-Man #2.

Weekly Treats! BPRD, Rasl & Super Dinosaur

2011-11-28T07:44:00.001-08:00

It's one of those eerie fifth-week-of-the-month weeks where all the late-comers arrive on the scene to ensure the party doesn't die. Speaking of which we have our first highlight: BPRD: Being Human (Dark Horse) which collects stories that delve into the origins of Abe Sapien, Roger, Liz Sherman & Jonathan Kraus including the three issue series The Dead Remembered. Mike Mignola, Skott Allie, John Arcudi are the writers and the art is supplied by Buffy's Karl Moline and Hellboy-world regulars Richard Corben, Guy Davis and Ben Stenbeck.

Anyone that's been reading the Jeff Smith series about an art thief travelling between alternate versions of earth and bringing himself to the attention of all sorts of creepy apparitions will know that there's as much genre-hopping as dimension-hopping. File the oversized Rasl Book 3 (Cartoon Books) under creepy/sci-fi/mystery/romance.

And because Christmas isn't just for adults: Ninjago vol. 1 (Papercutz) is based on the toys from Lego about four ninjas who must learn to master the elemental arts in order to defeat the evil brother of their sensei. And Super Dinosaur vol. 1 (Image) seems like an unlikely combination - not because its about a dinosaur with powers but that it's an all ages title written by Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Battle Pope, Invincible). Can we expect slow burn big pay-offs as with his other titles?

This week the DC 52 take a well deserved break from energising the comic industry. There's Green Lantern Animated #0 to entice the new readers young and old plus after the (cheap) extra-sized (and cheap) first issue, Spaceman #2 finds opur genetically engineered protagonist the only potential saviour of a young kidnap victim. The essential Daredevil #6 sees horn-head up against contract fighter, The Bruiser and FF #12 begins a story to run parallel with the Fantastic Four and promises to reveal just how Doctor Doom and the FF will save us (yes, SAVE us - where have you been?). X-Men Legacy #259 Rogue, Gambit and Magneto on unfinished business and Uncanny X-Men #2 continues with the return of the new, dapper Mister Sinister.

Full list to be found under the features tab.

Books of the Year! Everything We Miss

2011-11-28T02:58:00.001-08:00

When we all count down the clock on 2011, young Luke Pearson will surely be reflecting on a year of considerable creative achievement. Firstly we have the reason for this post: Everything We Miss (Nobrow), a haunting and unflinchingly bleak piece of work that achieves brilliance through it's simplicity and insight (see here for my original post featuring further excerpts from the book).

For those interested in further reading, brace yourselves for something entirely different as Hildafolk (Nobrow) is a beautifully imaginative all ages title, the second story of which is out immanently.

He also has a two page story in the newly arrived Nobrow #6:

Or you could always play the free, web-based, existentially-themed game The End (see here). It was commissioned by Channel 4 and is illustrated by the man himself.

If you need an extra incentive to take a look we still have signed copies of Everything We Miss thanks to Mr Pearson's generous nature when he visited the shop for a signing earlier in the year.

Books of the Year! Death-Ray

2011-11-24T03:20:00.001-08:00

Have you read Daniel Clowes Death-Ray (Jonathan Cape) yet? Are you considering it? Have you read it and loved it aware that there's so much going on under the surface?

Daniel Clowes work really does justify critical analysis and it always fares well. Which is why I thoroughly recommend flicking here to TheComicsJournal for the Death-Ray Discussion forum as it kicks off with an excellent break-down of comments including the use of pink and yellow, the use of the unreliable narrator and how about this example below that he entitles The Great Easily-Overlooked Moment:

The story is full of them. One of my favorites is Clowes’s use of the “non-character reaction shot.” After Andy reveals his tragic family history, Louie has no response, failing to sympathize with Andy’s plight. (This failure condemns Louie, the story’s true villain—a sidekick motivated by jealousy of the hero’s power.) The media image—George Jetson’s pained face on the TV—provides the appropriate “reaction shot” to Andy’s revelation. Why is it that we let the media and cartoons do our feeling for us?

Even if you have no interest in Death-Ray - amongst the finest superhero books ever written in my opinion - it really is worth reading for a window into appreciating comics as an art form rather than just telling stories.

Simon Pegg's subliminal Death Ray promotion

Weekly Treats! The Adventures of Herge, Batman The Black Mirror

2011-11-21T03:42:00.001-08:00

Graphic novel biographies work particularly well when the subject had a life filled with dramatic incident or at least fits within with a much wider picture. Let the world of naked prose wrestle with all the introspection, books like Logicomix (about Bertrand Russell) and Hellraisers (concerning Oliver Reed et al) sing with vibrant events and A Drifting Life (Yoshihiro Tatsumi about his own life) delves through nothing less than the history of Manga via its subject. But as with the case of the Tatsumi biography, the story of Herge's life The Adventures of Herge (Drawn & Quarterly) simply feels appropriate in comics form. Indeed to encourage this feeling the cover of the book, the title and some of the artistic "ticks" - a face here, a layout there - are reminiscent of the classic Tin-Tin style. To whet your appetite, see here for Paul Gravett's essay on Herge.

I'd say Bat-fans are spoilt for choice this Christmas. What with Arkham City, Noel and now Batman: The Black Mirror (DC) which pairs fan-favourites Scott Snyder and Jock and re-prints Detective Comics back when the number was up in the three digits (ah the old days). It's brutal and very well reviewed (and has a great cover actually). 'Nuff said.

And finally, Gears of War artist Liam Sharp has written and illustrated the stand-alone graphic novella Aliens: Fast Track To Hell (Dark Horse). Just by adding the words Aliens to the title of any film or comic it officially becomes critic-proof but it certainly looks pretty.

Who'd have thought that Aquaman #3 would be a regular highlight for Weekly Treats? Well it blimmin'-well deserves it. After taking all the jibes, Aquaman gets all "you shall not pass" as Geoff Johns reveals the secret of The Trench. In Batman: The Dark Knight #3 a variation on the old toxin in the water story gets another airing but with added David Finch. The solicitation for Flash #3 promises a great sequence with runaway cars, trains AND planes. New and moody Supes looks for a link between the recent attacks on Metropolis in Superman #3 and in Justice League Dark #3 the team slowly, slowly comes together but we still don't know what for. Fantastic Four #600 is Marvel's big release. And I use the term big to encompass the size - a whopping 96 pages. There's also the excellent Secret Avengers #19 - this time Michael Lark joins Warren Ellis - and Wolverine and the X-Men #2 following up the refreshingly entertaining (it had an unexpected comedic touch to it) first issue. Finally Kick-Ass 2 #5, brilliantly subtitled Death by Cosplay - was that Mark Millar's pitch for the initial series?.

There's lots more of course - check the Features tab if you don't believe me...

Swoon Now! Sand Castle

2011-11-17T07:45:00.001-08:00

"None of us can leave..."

Brrr. I've read Sand Castle (Self Made Hero) and this line gives me a chill. It's a dark tale contrasted but the bright summer sun baring down on the clutch of characters who have found themselves together by chance on a tiny beach. When a dead body is discovered floating in the water, followed by the realisation that everyone in the disparate group is aging very quickly we have a mystery wrapped in an enigma; so much so that it's now clear that we have strayed into the territory of science fiction. It is the mystery of why (is this happening) and how (are they going to free themselves) that kept me feverishly turning the pages but as the uncomfortable nature of the ageing turns into an outright nightmare I found myself drawn in on a deeper level that hasn't actually left me yet.

The art by Blue Pills artist Frederik Peeters is excellent channelling a hint Will Eisner whilst expertly containing the potential for melodrama as the characters become hysterical. For writer Pierre Oscar Levy it marks his debut graphic novel.

Weekly Treats! Fracture of the Universal Boy, Captain Swing & Who Is Jake Ellis?

2011-11-14T04:43:00.001-08:00

Most closely associated with his work on The Sandman series which included the final story arc The Wake, Michael Zulli has spent the last ten years in something of a retreat away from deadlines, contracts and any sense of commercial sensibilities whilst he toiled on The Fracture of the Universal Boy (Eidolon Fine Arts). The 200 page book even represents something of a self-publishing venture after an appeal went out for donors to help raise the $17,000 to see it published. The target was reached almost twice over and at the back of book there is a list of all the patrons who contributed which should give you some idea about just how highly anticipated the project is. So what was this book that Zulli felt so passionately about?

Told in a kind of symbolic dream logic I have tried to address the ideas and motivations behind the artistic life. What is the nature of belief? Love? The process of making art? At times it is pure unadulterated nightmare, brutal and almost blasphemous, and at other times sublime and even a bit silly, the book is a true labor of love...In effect it is my own personal monster, cobbled together from all the various bits of things that fascinate and appall me. It was deliberately made to provoke ideas, outrage, and catharsis, and the sense of peace one has after the inner storms pass, leaving one clear and washed clean.

Michale Zulli

For further, somewhat darker images and a review see here (you have to scroll down a bit to find it).

Getting a little tired of waiting for an issue (any issue) of Lady Mechanika? Well you can get your Steampunk kicks with the almost-as-long-to-come-out series collection of Captain Swing and the Electric Pirates of Cindery Island (Avatar - due for a perky Christmas after Neonomicon and Chronicles of Wormwood). Contary to writer Warren Ellis's claims that this is not a Steampunk title but "an Electrical Romance of a Pirate Utopia Thwarted", its got a similar design look about it although it's probably more authentic for being less contrived to cash in on the trend. It also benefits from Ellis's more scientifically speculative mind - I'd suggest the finest around in this area of comics. The illustrations are by Raulo Caceres.

The Crime section of the shop has received a steady input of quality stand-alone graphic novels over the year and on occasion there has been an element of high-concept about them. This week we have Who Is Jake Ellis? (Image). Jon Moore (Ellis and Moore - surely a nod to two favoured writers perhaps?) is a hugely successful spy due to the fact that he has a spectre watching over him that only he can see and hear. Sound corny? It could have been but it has the look and feel of the Human Target series from Vertigo. By Nathan Edmondson and Tonci Zonjic.

There's also Scalped vol. 8: You Gotta Sin To Get Saved. You don't just get great titles by the way, it's a really good, tough series. And Grant Morrison's Batman & Robin vol. 2: Batman v Robin makes it to paperback. Art by Cameron Stewart and an uncomfortable Frank Quietly cover.

But don't forget the weeklies. Batman #3 has one of those solicitations that promises to change things forever, this REVELATION comes within the bat-family. In Justice League #3 the team is still forming and it ain't no team without Wonder Woman. Speaking of which the excellent Wonder Woman #3 features another book with a character withholding a terrible SECRET. The well-received Cap relaunch continues in Captain America #4 and be here for Incredible Hulk #2: Hulk vs Banner. And finally Fear Itself #7.3 as Tony Stark squares up to Odin and what's this everybody: Tony's darkest SECRET is revealed to the World!

Full list of titles under the Features tab.

Swoon Now! Nelson

2011-11-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

Remember the kids game where you'd sit with a group of people and when it was your turn you'd have to come up with a word that followed the one you'd just heard in order to build up a story? It was stream of consciousness story-telling at its most rudimentary but it was always surprising and fun. Nelson (Blank Slate) has grown out of the United Kingdom Comics Collective (UKCC) and puts this relay-race storytelling to a real test. Over 250 pages, 54 comic creators each show a snippet in a year in the life of Nel, born in 1968 and taking us up to 2011 (I know that's only 43 years but there's a couple of overlaps).

And as you can imagine, with 54 different creators that's quite a spread of styles. From Jamie Smart's doughy cartoons, to Jon McNaught's quiet moment of introspection, Duncan Fegredo's more detailed sense of realism channelling the Twin Tower attack in 2002 and even a very brief appearance from Posey Simmonds.

Of course any type of anthology has a built in flaw in that some styles are going to work for you better than others but this is better than a regular anthology because of the continuity in the story. You're compelled to read each chapter and that means you're giving each artist your full attention rather than skipping a part you don't like the look of. But of the course the fact that there are so many creators, I would think that it's impossible to not to be impressed by the breadth of styles on offer - really we could shelve this book in our How To Draw... reference section of the shop. But we won't because at the end of the day it achieves its primary objective to tell a beautiful character study that, due to the many creative voices, remains fresh and surprising. An admirable and veritable success.

Weekly Treats! Wormwood, Boys, Perdition & Zombies

2011-11-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

King of the graphic novel releases this week is Garth Ennis. Firstly he returns to the series that he once said would out-Preacher Preacher. The Chronicles of Wormwood was always intended to be a done-in-one story so Chronicles of Wormwood: The Last Battle (Avatar) is less of a direct follow-on and more of a new story with familiar characters - that;'s the Antichrist who's also a tv executive, a failed messiah and Jimmy the talking rabbit. It's another gruesome onslaught from those fair folk at Avatar so be warned. And secondly theres the long-awaited release of the next volume of The Boys vol. 9 (Dynamite). Featuring a great parody cover, its a whopper featuring 3 separate story arcs including the extra-sized #50. The series is set to end next year so you've still got time to catch up if you want to be there with the other devotees for the closure.

The Road To Perdition graphic novels have been re-issued with new a new look so that they match the other titles in the Vertigo crime series. It also sees the release of the third and last volume in the series entitled Return To Perdition (DC). Written by the original creator Max Allan Collins, the story is set in the 70's it's about the third generation of the father and son featured in the original. He is unaware of his family history with the mob until it catches up with him in the form of an offer to become a hit man.

Also worth looking at is The Zombies That Ate Earth (Humanoids) by Jerry Frissen and BPRD artist Guy Davis. Set in zombie-ridden 2064, four friends decide to become catchers of the undead...

And finally, as it's November, there's another great Christmas gift book on offer. Robert Crumb's The Complete Record Cover Collection (WW Norton) collects some of the hundreds of record covers that he illustrated from 1968 when Janis Joplin put in a request. For an enormous review see here.

In Weekly Treat Town the DC #3 steam ahead with the lush illustration of JH Williams III in Batwoman #3 and it's good to see that want with hunting a child killer, being hunted by the authorities, there's still time for a bit of romance. Green Lantern #3 has the nominated variant cover this week as Sinestro goes on the run and Frankenstein, Agent of SHADE #3 - where else are you going to get your fix of monsters on alien worlds?

For Marvel the launch of new team-up book Avenging Spider-Man #1 is the big release. Written by Zeb Wells and drawn by Joe Madureira this first issue sees the appearance of Red Hulk. The other book Marvel will be keen to get in your hands is Point One as it features seven new stories that set the stage for 2012. The gang's all there including the likes of Bendis, Fraction, Loeb, McGuinnes, Dodson, Hitch and more. And in Fear Itself #7.2, Thor is laid to rest (but then I thought that's what was happening to Winter Soldier in #7.1).

Full list under the Features tab.

Swoon Now! Hellraisers

2011-11-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

Not the Pin-Head kind but loveable rogues Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed. Billed as 'a Christmas Carol for the wannabe hellraiser', Hellraisers (Self Made Hero) is a biography with a difference. It begins with your average run-of-the-mill drunk - Martin - who is visited by the ghosts of those aforementioned actors. Each one takes a turn at recounting the story of their life with the booze.

Although I can't help wondering what the subjects of the book would have thought of having their stories turned into a tale of cautionary finger-wagging, the structure turns out to be a great way of tip-toeing in and out of the highlights of their lives and all with a wry, misty-eyed smile. The art by JAKe has a curious muddy quality to it but the caricatures are all excellent and it's easy to spot the cameos from the likes of Russell Crowe to Steve McQueen.

Swoon Soon-ish! Flex Mentallo

2011-11-02T07:09:00.000-07:00

Not until early next year but let's allow ourselves a moment to look forward to the re-print of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery.

Oh and yes it's DC, yes it's over-sized and yes it's hardcover (anyone noticing the trend yet?).

Weekly Treats! Joe, Batman, Hellboy & Angels

2011-11-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

Let's play a game of how many times you can spot the words "Hard Cover", "DC", "Over-Sized" or "Original Graphic Novel". The winner gets respect from everyone in the world for the rest of their life.

First up: Joe The Barbarian (DC) maintains the nations unquenchable thirst for Grant Morrison. Illustrated by the excellent Sean Murphy it collects the complete eight issue series in a grand over-sized hard cover format. With a plot that has smatterings of tv show Life on Mars and House of Daemon (remember that from Eagle see here?) its about a boy who finds himself transported to a collections of fantasy worlds that are based on the layout of his home. But what at first seems like a product of insulin deprived delirium (Joe has diabetes) becomes a battle for survival through epic landscapes of fantasy.

Hellboy: House of the Living Dead (Dark Horse) is a hard cover original graphic novel written by Mike Mignola and illustrated by the incomparable Richard Corban. If you remember the recent Mexian wrestling story in recent Hellboy then this here is a spiritual follow-up as Hellboy is blackmailed into accepting a wrestling challenge with a difference.

Lee Bermejo, the artist of Brian Azzarello written books Joker and Lex Luthor (both DC) writes for himself this time round on Batman: Noel (DC). An over-sized hardcover original graphic novel (triple points!) it's inspired by Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol allowing us a chance to get a look at different versions of the Batman from past, present and future. Plus, you know, it's Christmassy!

A Flight of Angels (DC) is an original graphic novel in hard cover about what happens when an Angel falls to earth. The body is discovered by faeries, fauns, hobgoblins and they each speculate over what may have happened to him. Each story is written by different writers including Bill Willingham (Fables) and Holly Black (The Spiderwick Chronicles) and it's all illustrated by Rebecca Guay (Magic: The Gathering, Veils).

And finally, for the simple sake of visual splendor, try the art book Blue Collar/White Collar (AdHouse) by Sterling Hundley - one of the most sought-after art teachers in the US, it collects both his fine art and commercial work.

So we're already at that time of year are we? No, not vaguely thinking about Christmas shopping, but the DC #3's. Action Comics #3 features more expertly tuned old, old-school Superman from Grant Morrison and has anyone else noticed how Tony Daniel has really progressed with his work on Batman over the last couple of years? Detective Comics #3 is his latest. Writer Scott Snyder has come out well in the re-launch and this week it's his Swamp Thing #3. And Animal Man #3 - human thanks to Jeff Lemire and creepy/off-beat thanks to Travel Foreman. In Fear Itself #7.1 (Marvel) Ed Brubaker mops up after all that death and untangles what it all means for Captain America in particular. And then Cyclops rolls out his hotly anticipated new heavy-hitting team in Uncanny X-Men #1 (Marvel) by Keiron Gillen and Carlos Pacheco.

Finally there's an all-ages alert as Peanuts #0 (Boom!) previews the all-new Peanuts series coming out in January.

Full list of releases under the Features tab.

Weekly Treats! Neonomicon, Flashpoint, Spaceman

2011-10-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here's an awkward one to kick us off. Normally I'd have no qualms about suggesting you take a look at some new work from Alan Moore - after all, how often are we treated to that? However there are moments in this particular book that readers of a gentler disposition should be cautious of. Alan Moore said of Neonomicon (Avatar) that he had sort of, erm, forgotten writing it and that when he read it again he was worried that he had gone to too far. I think that this serves both as a warning about its content and prepares you for the type of book you're about to read; it's reaching out from darker territories about the darker subversion's of HP Lovecraft.

If you fancy some preparatory reading, Neonomicon is a follow-up to The Courtyard (Avatar), an earlier (and shorter) piece of work. And if you do want to read more about the book there's a very good review at Multiversity (see here).

Given that many people are enjoying the DC relaunch, I would suggest that the hardcover release of Flashpoint (DC) may, at the very least, make it onto a few Christmas lists this year. Yes, the idea of the New 52 is that it's a continuity-lite jumping on point but for new readers this is something of an irresistible curiosity and to existing DC fans it represents an important end of chapter and should (shudder to think) the whole thing ever be reverted I'm sure the clues will be in this story. It's a Flash-centric story (who else has can safely subvert time lines?) but feels like it has the fate of the DCU in its pages - and how often does that genuinely happen?

Talking of which, let's see how the #2's are progressing. Following on from one of the pleasant surprises of last month, Aquaman #2 Geoff Johns' newest villains, The Trench manage to wipe out a whole town...and they're spreading. Batman: The Dark Knight #2 makes timely use of Arkham Asylum (not the back, not the back!) and there's a new, improved power alert in The Flash #2, but at what cost? Superman #2 sees him battling a foe that only he can stop but that only he can't see. Two other really good reads continue in the form of I, Vampire #2 (battle of the exes, vampire style) and Justice League Dark #2; it worked! Constantine, Shade, Madame Xanadu, Zatanna - great stuff!

Marvel have a nice list of highlights this week: Incredible Hulk #1 combines the tough-talking Jason Aaron with the muscular Marc Silvestri which could turn out to be a Hulk dream-team and Wolverine and the X-Men #1 launches with that man Aaron again and Chris Bachalo. Both essential. There may be more eyes than usual trained on Mighty Thor #7 given the conclusion to Fear Itself. This issue fills us in on all that funny business between Odin and the Serpent that they kept alluding to. The enjoyable Spider-Island comes to a conclusion in Amazing Spider-Man #672 and the Avengers: Solo #1 spotlight series begins with Hawkeye. And finally, Warren Ellis has turned Secret Avengers #18 into a fantastic series with his trademark done-in-one sci-fi super heroics. Shang-chi joins the crew this issue and who better to draw the issue than Immortal Iron Fist artist David Aja.

One more thing: definitely worth a look is the new comic from the 100 Bullets team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso. Featuring a storyline that appears to be a curious mix of newspaper headline and sci-fi, Spaceman #1 (DC) is set in a post-apocalyptic future where lead character Orson, works in a scrap metal yard dreaming of adventures in the stars. He then finds himself embroiled in a celebrity child kidnapping case and sees a chance to become a hero. It's a nine-issue series and the first issue is only $1 (70p in real money!).

Weekly Treats! Rebus, The Joker, Walking Dead

2011-10-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

Highlighted books of the week actually skirt around the business of comics. First up is Rebus (Chronicle) which collects the greatest hits of artwork by the extremely popular James Jean. It features not only finished art but also sketch work from over the last ten years.

Another great gift book, The Joker (Universe) by Daniel Wallace picks its way through the many different interpretations of the Clown Prince whether it be comic, film, tv or game.

Walking Dead fans have two offerings outside of the regular comic series. Walking Dead: The Survivors Guide (Image) chronicling all the characters that have passed through the series (not just the survivors) and we also have the debut of the first Walking Dead tie-in novel titled Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor (Thomas Dunne Books) co-written by Robert Kirkman - he does have his fingers in many pies now.

Unwritten vol. 4 (DC) is the biggest collected release for the week as Tommy Taylor enters the world of Moby-Dick. And finally, continuing in the spirit of How To Understand Israel in 60 Days (see here) DC have released Marzi through their Vertigo line. Written by Marzena Sowa and with art by Sylvian Savoia it's Sowa's well reviewed memoir about being a little girl in communist Poland.

For the Weekly Treats, DC's #2's continue with a glorious cover from series artist Greg Capullo for Batman #2. Talking of which, what happens every time superheroes meet for the first time? Can't you guys just get along? Be here for Batman vs Superman in Justice League #2. Catwoman #2 allows us to spy on Batman and Catwoman and their dangerous (and apparently shocking) liason. Blood and violence on the cover? Check. Must be a new GL book, this time Green Lantern Corps #2. Surprise hit of the #1's, Wonder Woman #2 gives us more gods and vengeance. And Dick Grayson feels the pull between past and present in Nightwing #2.

Then there's the barnstorming conclusion to Marvel's game-changer Fear Itself #7, followed by Fear Itself: Fearless #1 (of 12), the twice monthly story of Valkaries hunt for the remaining hammers (spoilers guys!). And lastly a team-up you may not have expected: IDW's Star Trek/Legion of Superheroes #1 (of 6) promising appearances of the Khunds, the Borg and Klingons. Cosmic.

For the full menu, see the Features tab.

Swoon Now! Pope Hats #2

2011-10-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

Apart from The Shade #1 (DC), the other comic I really enjoyed this week was Pope Hats #2 (AdHouse) by Ethan Rilly. Comprised of one long story and a few smaller ones - two of which are only a page long - it continues the life of Frances, the protagonist of the first issue. I say 'continues' but really this is one of those beautifully observed 'slice of life' works that doesn't actually demand you read the previous part. At once universally relate-able but still nicely rooted in her chosen profession, the main story successfully conveys through Frances the over-bearing burden of work at odds with a sense of being adrift, unfulfilled and lacking purpose.

As with works by the likes of Adrian Tomine and Daniel Clowes, Rilly carefully balances the tone so that it is never judgemental and the comic never becomes a bleak and depressing read. He achieves though an varied collection of secondary characters and the engaging Frances who, whilst constantly troubled by her observations (manifested in her insomnia), remains motivated and even tempered. The smaller stories add variety to the comic although they may appear superfluous were it not for the hint that they may be adding to the greater mosaic of Frances' life.

It's been some three years since the excellent first issue of Pope Hats (explained in an excellent interview which also contains lots of images from the issue: see here) during which Rilly's art developed into a more fluid but detailed style; I hope the wait for the next issue won't be as long.

See Here! (So you think you know) Seth and Daniel Clowes

2011-10-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

"I'm always trying to make it as timless as possible"

Daniel Clowes

"I have a problem with the word 'nostalgia'...Nostalgia isn't very interesting."

Seth

For the full, if rather brief, chat with two of the finest cartoonists in the medium see here and for a second article (they have books to promote you know) see here.

Weekly Treats! Seth, Arkham City & Victorian Undead II

2011-10-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

Wimbledon Green (D&Q)

In 2005 Seth released a graphic novel entitled Wimbledon Green; a beautifully pitched tale about the serious business of collecting vintage funny comics. Seth's new book, The Great Northern Brotherhood of Canadian Cartoonists (Drawn & Quarterly) focuses on the fictional creators of those much-loved and sought after comics. The book apparently arose from a few pages Seth's sketchbook and from the look of the previews, The GNB Double C (as it is also to be known) features the same matter-of-fact but affectionate tone that made Wimbledon Green such a joy to read.

Furthering the book round-up Batman: Arkham City (DC) will be of huge interest not only to Batman fans but fans of the hugely popular Arkham Asylum game as this story bridges the gap between that game and the new one. It also includes the digitally released short stories that focused on the supporting characters. Victorian Undead II: Sherlock Holmes vs Dracula (DC) continues the series that always gets browsers smiling in store (the previous volume was titled Sherlock Holmes vs Zombies) and takes place a year after Holmes' battle with Moriarty and the undead. And finally 100 Bullets Book 1 (DC) begins a hardcover reprint of the excellent crime series by Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso. This volume collects the first three volumes of the paperback books.

And what of the weekly treats? Well there's the DC #2's including a new villain in Batwoman #2 and Sinestro continues as the renegade GL in Green Lantern #2. And two of my favourites from last month continue: Frankenstein: Agent of Shade #2 features the Creature Commandos suiting up to become the Necronauts (travelling across distant worlds and dead space of course), plus Demon Knights #2 featuring olde English sword and sorcery as Demon Knight and Madame Xanadu collect five warriors to face The Horde. Also worth noting is the start of a twelve issue series of The Shade #1 which sees writer James Robinson return to his critically acclaimed Starman universe to focus on the anti-hero Shade. Over the year, the series will feature an impressive list of guest artists including Cully Hamner, Darwyn Cooke, Javier Pulido, Jill Thompson, Frazier Irving and Gene Ha.

Highlights of the non-DC releases include X-Men: Regenesis #1 (Marvel) as rising star Keiron Gillen and Billy Tan explore the acrimonious division that sees two teams emerge; one led by Wolverine, the other by Cyclops. Spider-Island part 5 continues in Spider-Man #671 (Marvel) as MJ spiders-up. And finally in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #2 (Dark Horse - too many long titles this week!) Buffy investigates the case of mysteriously marked bodies, unaware that she is bringing close attention to herself from official quarters.

For a complete list, look to the Features tab above.

Weekly Treats! Death-Ray, Axe Cop, Best American Comics 2011

2011-10-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

So I've swapped the Weekly Treats layout back to books first (DC-October doesn't have the same ring) and what a book to spotlight! The Death-Ray (Jonathan Cape) by Daniel Clowes was originally published in 2004 as part of the Eightball series it won a clutch of awards and a iconic cover recently ressurected on Simon Pegg's t-shirt in the movie Paul. Forget Kick-Ass, this is the superhero story that would probably happen to you or me. Teenager Andy discovers that smoking cigarettes give him powers (no less perverse than radiation) but rather than facing supervillans he has to be content with avenging himself against the school 'jocks' and bully's and there are only so many of those... So now imagine one of Clowes' archetypal loner characters with their very own ray gun. This is a character story of course and it's told through Clowes' expert playfulness with viewpoints and narrative time lines whilst, on this occasion gently exploring superhero and pulp sci-fi code. Essential.

The Best American Comics 2011 (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) is this year edited by Alison Blechdel and features samples from Chris Ware, Joe Sacco, Dash Shaw, Jeff Smith, Paul Pope and many more - has a really nice cover too. The two volumes of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely's All-Star Superman are glued together in one paperback. Not only one of the best Superman stories ever told but a wonderful superhero fable in its own right.

And the infamous Axe Cop makes a non-internet, full and proper comic series release in Axe Cop vol. 2: Bad Guy Earth (Dark Horse). The writer was only five when he wrote the material for the first volume and, a year later his story-telling is now maturing into a semi-coherant narrative. Features behind the scenes photos, notes and sketches.

As for the weeklies it's all about DC's number twos. In Action Comics #2, Grant Morrison backs Superman into one of those "don't make him mad, you wouldn't like him when he's mad" type corners and Detective Comics #2 sees Batman reassuringly (in this Christopher Nolan era) after serial killer The Gotham Ripper. Then there's the critic-favourites Animal Man #2 featuring the arrival of The Hunters Three and Swamp Thing #2 as Alec Holland discovers a new history from The Parliament of Trees. There's also my favourite from last month: OMAC #2 featuring Rocker Bonn, The Amazing Man! 'Nuff said.

Full list of titles will be found under the Features tab.

Swoon Now! MetaMaus

2011-09-30T03:52:00.000-07:00

This just in! The most complete book you'll ever see about Art Spiegelman's Maus, surely one of the most important graphic novels of all time. MetaMaus (Pantheon), by Spiegelman, explores the book, the history behind the book and how the authors life informed the work. It comes with a DVD which includes a digital copy of Maus and an archive of audio interviews, historical documents and Spiegelman's notes and sketches.

For a little background information on the book try this audio interview with Spiegelman: see here. Incidentally, there's a new printing of the hardcover edition of Maus, also in store now.

Swoon Now! Holy Terror

2011-09-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

Whilst not wishing to post a full and detailed review, I would like to add my pennyworth over Holy Terror (Legendary) as it seems to be getting quite a serious backlash that focuses as much on Frank Miller as it does the book. I found the book to be a seemingly raw, energetic piece as if Miller had seen/heard/read about something and charged over to his desk to spill his guts on the page. It doesn't appear to be measured in its exploration of its subject of holy war, in fact it doesn't feel as if it's bothering to explore the topic at all. It feels reactionary; as if Miller had lost a loved one in the 9-11 attack and was full of a vaguely directed vengeful spirit that sees the enemy as Muslims as a whole rather than any ultra-violent fraction.

The opening pages - several pages in fact - could be pastiche Miller with the tough-talking monologue, the grunts and the seemingly endless and nondescrpit rooftop 'dance' between The Fixer and Natalie Stack. But the scenes are scratched and faded, as if we're looking at an old, badly worn comic. The ridiculous love-hate relationship, so obviously Batman and Catwoman, is given a short sharp shock when a terrorist bomb sends nails raining down upon them. Real life crashing in on fantasy? It's the beginning of the real topic here for me: fact and fiction; what is real when it comes to a war founded on terror? As my colleague pointed out to me, one of the most important panels in the book shows, in silhouette, the two wounded heroes next to a gargoyle in the shape of a unicorn - a stark symbol of hopeful fantasy.

In light of this, suddenly the criticism in my first paragraph fall into a different light. Or maybe not. The point is that there is a point. Yes some pages are a little confusing to follow and the book does leave a bad taste in the mouth, but there is more at work here. Some pages have as much detail as his work on Elektra Lives Again (Marvel); there's symbolism, energy and, whether it's channelling or mocking an extremist response, it's coming from an honest and brave place - maybe we're not used to seeing that too often.

Weekly Treats! Holy Terror, Hellboy, Suicide Girls & Daybreak

2011-09-27T04:04:00.000-07:00

Well we made it; now the hard work begins. After gorging on number ones we now have to hack and slash our way to the top of the pile in order to decide which titles will journey with us to the next level; generaly known as issue two. Mmm. Well if you're having trouble deciding just spare a thought for comic shop managers across the world who are trying to second guess the order levels for the next three months!

But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves because while we get the release of more flagship titles, argueably the so-called second string titles could turn out to be some of the strongest of the month. There's been a creative shift at DC with some artists now trusted with the writing duties. It worked for Tony Daniel on Detective Comics, and this week sees the return of David Finch to his Batman: The Dark Knight #1, untouched in the shake-up, and George Perez writing and providing layouts for Superman #1. We've already seen Superman in two different stages of his new past (Action Comics and Justice League), but this one shows us the big man as he is here and now in the DC Universe.

Also now writing as well as drawing is Francis Manapul on The Flash #1 which gets the variant treatment this week, as a hero who can almost be everywhere at once faces a villan who is. Aquaman #1 gives the hero his own series again by Brightest Day creative team Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis and introduces The Trench (and if "Mr DC" Johns says The Trench are important then we should believe him). Also returning to his own title is Savage Hawkman #1 which is written by Tony Daniel (and you know how much you liked Detective Comics).

While every week seems, either by accident or design, to have a vague theme, this week there's darkness in the air. Justice League Dark #1 reminds us that it's all very well if Earth is invaded my super-powered hulks or aliens but who're we gonna call if magic-based demons threaten us? Shade The Changing Man, Madame Xanadu, Deadman, Zatanna and John Constantine make up this dark horse of a release. Or how about I, Vampire #1 which sees a vampire keeping the world safe from supernatural horrors until his ex-lover, the Queen of the Damned breaks a truce between them? I'd suggest that this could have been a Vertigo title except for the fact that the DCU is apparently caught in the middle of the war. Then there's Voodoo#1: one for the boys or the latest in a line of DC female anti-heroes?

Want more? Brilliant #1 (Marvel) marks the return of Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley, the Ultimate Spider-Man power-team (more powerful than a normal team) about college-aged geniuses trying to scientifically unlock our potential with a view to becomming super-powered. Warren Ellis's first issue was a done-in-one beauty so I recommend Secret Avengers #17 (Marvel) with art by Kev Walker and Thor #6 (Marvel) has Odin and Galactus ready to do battle with only Thor and Silver Surfer keeping them apart - cosmic.

And then there's this beast:

"I hope this book really pisses people off!" - Frank Miller

And no, it ain't Batman...

Also filling out yet another excellent graphic novel week are new collections Hellboy vol. 11 (Dark Horse) and the first comic outing for the infamous Suicide Girls (IDW). Not only that but the new Love & Rockets: New Stories vol. 4 (Fantagraphics), a series which, I think, has been improving with each volume.

But for something off the beaten track I recommend Brian Ralph's Daybreak (Drawn & Quarterly). Not just another zombie book, this is a gentler piece that puts the reader directly in the scene. Our guide through the zombie-ravaged world is a one-armed man (his favoured right arm is missing, just to add a note of tension) who talks directly to us, politely welcoming us to a place we'd rather not be. I think the example below nicely illustrates the dramatic effectiveness of this device: suddenly you're not just investing in the lead character but your "own" welfare becomes a point of curiosity.

There's a nice, succinct review to see here and for Brian Ralph's website see here.

Swoon Now! Habibi & The Incal

2011-09-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

There's more! Two highly anticipated books (albeit one as a re-print) are also out this week and in store now. Craig Thompson's last book, the recently re-released Blankets, has quietly earned itself a place in the hall of fame of classic graphic novels. Fans have had to wait over six years for a new piece of work and Habibi (Faber & Faber) will certainly give people something to chew over. At almost 700 pages it sets its themes high and wide as a parable exploring love, sex, obsession and a spiritual relationship with nature and religion. Thompson's signature flowing artwork becomes a beautiful companion to the Arabic calligraphy that weaves its way throughout the book and although I'm rather uncomfortable about aspects of the story, the art is never less than interesting. It's also a stunningly presented book - pictures don't do any justice to the dark, rich colouring and gold embossed type.

Also with us is the collected re-print of one of the most influential sci-fi series in recent comics history: The Incal (Self Made Hero). Written by the free-thinking and wildly imaginative (or bonkers, from another viewpoint) Alejandro Jodorowsky it was a perfect companion for the infamous Moebius who excelled at creating alien worlds that have seeped it to many movies including Star Wars. Challenging and inspiring.

Weekly Treats! The Armed Garden, New York Five & New Teen Titans

2011-09-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

So we're halfway through DCeptember and aside from all the stories of sold out comics, ebay prices and reprints, how're you finding it? I'm finding (thank you for asking) comics crackling with a bit of energy and enthusiasm - you can almost sense the light switching on in the writer and artists eyes when as they're told they'll be given the chance to reinvent, tweak and refresh. Even the ones I haven't enjoyed as much (no I'm not going to risk upsetting anyone by naming names) have had something of zip about them. Anyway, onwards and upwards to this weeks offerings.

Batman #1 will appeal to a wider audience just because its called Batman and has a number one on the cover (unlike the confusingly titled Detective Comics) but the previews we're seeing from Greg Capullo have been really nice so adding Scott Snyder's loyal following I'm quite confident in naming it the big release of the week (although even my youngest at home could have done that and he's four). Then there's a slightly more of an unknown bag with Wonder Woman #1. Traditionally female-fronted comics don't usually do so well (answers on a postcard please as to why that might be) and also, who would have foreseen Brian (100 Bullets) Azzarello on as writer? Could this be a surprise package?

Let's hope the female bias is broken because this is week with a strong female showing. Birds of Prey #1 features redesigned costumes from the dependable Jesus Saiz and Supergirl #1 also gets tweaked with a new costume and, DC promise us, a slightly more uncompromising personality. Then there's Judd Winick's Catwoman #1 which certainly doesn't need any tweaks as she's filled with enough lovable anti-hero ambiguities as it is. As for the boys, Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 finds Jason Todd reluctantly getting himself a gang and speaking of ex-Robins Dick Grayson finds himself faced with the return of the circus he grew up on in Nightwing #1. DC Universe #1 may be a dark horse with Paul Jenkins kicking things off with a five issue Deadman story. Hard to see which titles may get left behind this week - is it me or are the releases getting stronger as the month progresses?

After a quiet first week to the month, Marvel once again bring out the big guns including re-souped up Ultimate X-Men #1 by Nick Spencer and Paco Medina, Captain America #3 and Daredevil #4 (again? Slow down on this one guys - less is more!)

And for the books? Well Morning Glories vol. 2 (Image) finally makes an appearance along with another high-selling fledgling series Chew vol. 4 (Image). But superhero fans looking for some old-skool action will be heading for the original graphic novel of Marv Wolfman and George Perez's final chapter to their Teen Titan series last seen twenty years ago. The New Teen Titans: Games (DC) looks great and is in a fantastic over sized hardcover format that brings to mind the old annuals you used to get way back. Great stuff.

For relationship drama The New York Five (DC) has received excellent reviews. Brian Wood and Ryan Kelly (responsible for the excellent Local) take us on journey through New York college life via the lives of five female friends whose separate tales interlock throughout the story.

But I would suggest that the stand out release this week is from David B. (who's recently looking prolific after Black Paths and The Littlest Pirate King). In The Armed Garden and Other Stories (Fantagraphics), he explores three stories presented as classic historical myth: The Veiled Prophet, The Armed Garden and The Drum Who Fell In Love. The art looks wonderfuly timeless, drawing on surrealist imagery that recalls his breakout book Epileptic. Here's the Fantagraphics flick-through:

Pssst! Optice Nerve #12

2011-09-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

Just one more thing before the weekend. What with all the crash bang wallop of the Juggernaut releases I didn't mention Optic Nerve #12 (D&Q) by Adrian Tomine. Three stories: the first is something of a melancholic comedy in newspaper strip style (similar to Daniel Clowes' Wilson); the second a low-key and rather sweet character tale; the third will make you feel positively glowing about your purchase. I know I've written and said this enough times over the last couple of weeks but this is a really good jumping on point - you really don't need to have read anything of the Optic Nerve series before. In fact, whilst DC are doing their bit to resurrect the superhero genre Adrian Tomine is out there keeping the home fires burning for the other side of comics. Excellent stuff. Welcome back Mr Tomine.

Weekly Treats! Crossed, Blue Estate, Supergod, Amulet

2011-09-13T06:54:00.000-07:00

Monster! An absolute monster of a week I'm, quite frankly, terrified to say. I don't know whether to laugh or scream like a little girl. So let's not panic. Take my hand and we'll practice fight or flight management techniques by breaking it down into manageable chunks beginning with DC (as it is DC-eptember after all).

I'm going to go for four flagships this week. Batman & Robin #1 has Bruce Wayne back in the driving seat of course but now with the new dynamic of working with his son (I sense surliness with a side order of surly from Damien) and you can now find out - as if you didn't already - why Batwoman #1 is one of the most eagerly anticipated releases even before the DC re-numbering. At least JH Williams should have had plenty of time to get a sufficient number of pages done for future issues. Green Lantern #1 appears to be the title that needed least tweaking as both Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke return although the face behind the ring is somewhat of a surprise - well, it was when it was announced several moons ago - and it's the title that gets a hot variant this week. And I'm hereby promoting Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1 because Jeff Lemire wrote the best reviewed comic from last week (Animal Man #1) and I'm sure it'll be a lot of peoples first curiosity flick for the day.

The rest of the releases reads like a list of DC outcasts and anti-heroes. There's Deathstroke #1, Demon Knights #1 from Paul Cornell, Grifter #1 with a neat high concept (he's hunting inhuman creatures hiding in human form whilst being chased by the authorities for being a 'serial killer'). There's also Red Lanterns #1, the bad cop Lanterns from Peter Milligan and Ed Benes and the dependable Abnett & Lanning breath life (ha!) into Resurrection Man #1, seeing him gain new powers and some attention from mysterious forces. Harley Quinn's new costume hasn't had good press but maybe it's a question of different outfits for different occasions as she heads out on government sanctioned ''suicide'' missions in Suicide Squad #1 and Superboy #1 is another character who undergo a make-over. He's still the confused clone, but now he looks the part a little more.

We'll also be receiving re-orders for sold out titles including Batgirl, Detective Comics and Omac.

This week Marvel puts up a fight. Captain America's shield broken? Spider-Man making a life-altering decision? Converging forces stand ready for the battle to come? Must the penultimate chapter of Fear Itself #6. Fairly unmissable I'd say. Then there's the third part of the well-received Spider-Island story in Amazing Spider-Man #669, meanwhile the curtain officially rises on the new Ultimate Spider-Man in the speculator-friendly Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1. Uncanny X-Force #15 continues to do destruction with considerable style and in New Avengers #16 Daredevil finally gets an Avengers club badge. Talking of which there's my favourite Marvel comic; Daredevil #3. And finally Fear Itself: Monkey King #1 - 'nuff said.

There is just one other first, beginning, re-launch, seductive temptress of a comic. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Nine #1 written by Joss Whedon (presumably whilst they're setting up takes on the Avengers movie) and he's promised a more focused, tighter season than the previous one.

Still with me? Great, because there are some books you may want to look at too. But in the case of Crossed: Family Values (Avatar), only look if you know what exactly you're letting yourself in for - once you've seen you can never un-see and there's some pretty nasty stuff in David Lapham's non-consecutive follow-up to the Garth Ennis series about human savagery.

In the last year Image Comics have been earning a lot of critical approval with their recent clutch of new titles and with generally lower print runs than The Big Two it's often been a case of first come first serve. Happily those titles have been slowly making it to trade paperback. The Blue Estate vol. 1 is a high energy crime series with a smattering of art from hot talent Nathan Fox (Flurescent Black) featuring strippers, mobsters, b-movie action stars and a private eye out of his depth. Moriarty vol. 1 however represents their foray into direct graphic publishing and follows the infamous Professor James Moriarty several years after Sherlock Holmes' death and blackmailed by MI5 into taking up a new case. Then there's the visually arresting action, industrial sci-fi comic Carbon Grey vol. 1. The first three issue story arc is included along with deleted scenes, concept art and ''new content''. The comics world needs Image firing on all cylinders and offering a mainstream alternative and I'd say that it's currently meeting that challenge.

Warren Ellis' Supergod (Avatar) has been hanging around in comic form for so long that some upstart has come in a nicked its title (see Grant Morrison's Supergods). As the publisher nicely puts it, where Black Summer was about superheroes that were too human, Supergod is about superhumans who have left the human bit far, far behind and are now Ellis' brand of out of control (ie think global destruction). One his big ideas books where superhumans are like manufactured superweapons.

And finally (sorry I'm belting through this a bit) I wouldn't want to leave you on such an apocalyptic note so I've saved Amulet Book 4 (Scholastic) for last. This is a really good all ages title in that Bone-type young-and-old-will-enjoy-it mould. Sure to be filmed one day, it's filled with plenty of heart, magic, alien worlds and monsters.

DC Relaunch - Keeping up?

2011-09-12T05:31:00.000-07:00

Okay so it may not be enough for you to view all the DC number #1's as just perfect jumping on points; you want to know how much is re-boot and how much is simply a re-launch. I (sort of) understand that. Well luckily we have the internet and you can bet that someone somewhere in the world has broken it down for you. Step to the plate ComicsAlliance (see here) who have their take on the continuity placement on all of last weeks releases. On behalf of all the chaps at all the comic shop tills across the globe; thanks guys.

Weekly Treats! Action, Detective and Like a Sniper...

2011-09-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

It may be stormy outside but DCeptember continues at a whirlwind pace this week; you've had the sumptuous appetiser and now we get down to serious business. The two standouts of course are two of DC's flagship titles: Action Comics #1 written by Grant Morrison and Detective Comics #1 by the Grant Morrison-approved Tony Daniel. But how do you pick and chose between other titles? Well if you are perusing the shelves on a budget then Animal Man #1 by Jeff Lemire is getting a very good buzz, as is Batgirl #1 and Static Shock #1 may prove to be a sleeper hit. Stormwatch #1 benefits from Paul Cornell, Swamp Thing #1 is just such an emotive character that it'll be worth a closer look and who can resist a peek at the madness of Rob Liefield on Hawk & Dove #1?

Personally I'm looking forward to sitting down with OMAC #1 by Dan Didio and Keith Giffen turning in some Kirby-loving art. See here for more information and our reservation service and remember that all DC number ones are sold at a reduced price this month.

There are a few other comics out this week of course including the arrival of The Revengers in New Avengers Annual #1, Matt Fraction and Gabriel Ba set sail for another adventure testing out madcap ideas in Casanova: Avarita #1 and there's also another instalment of the rather excellent relaunch Punisher #3.

If you're looking for a thicker slice of action then I would highly recommend a look at the latest release in French artist Jacques Tardi's bibliography: Like A Sniper Lining Up His Shot (Fantagraphics) may have a slightly clumsy title but with Tardi's clear, detailed storytelling and adapted from novelist Jean-Patrick Manchette's stripped-down writing style, crime fiction it doesn't come much more grounded and unforgiving.

But if sir would take a moment to try something a little (dramatic pause) different might I suggest you step this way and for the latest dark and twisted journey from Richard Sala namely The Hidden (Fantagraphics). Don't be shy now.

Why sir, you look pale. I see confusion in your face. Do not fear what you don't understand; embrace the uncertainty, let go of reason, allow yourself to be unsettled. After all 'tis a dark and stormy sky outside. Bwaha-ha-haaaa.

Plugged! DC Relaunch information

2011-09-02T03:21:00.000-07:00

Anyone (and there do seem to be quite a few of you) drawn to the DC relaunch and are either new to the shop or a casual shopper may be interested to know that we've set up a page on the website devoted the event (see here). It includes release dates, price points and a reservation service.

And BTW I thought Justice League #1 was really good. It's the very definition of a jumping on point - I mean these guys are actually meeting for the first time, who can deny a little chill!

Weekly Treats! Justice League #1, Any Empire, Green River Killer & more

2011-08-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

A change of layout for this weeks new release post because the party is clearly at DC's door. It's the great comic circle of life in one week. Firstly it's the END of Flashpoint. Rarely has an ending been so hotly anticipated as a prelude to a new beginning because sat very close to it is that very beginning in the shape of JUSTICE LEAGUE #1. Geoff Johns and Jim Lee take us back to the start as, faced with a dark new evil, Batman can see no other choice but to assemble a new team of the world's greatest heroes. These are the only two DC comics shipping this week and as we have a price promotion on all the DC relaunch books this month (see side bar) JL #1 will cost you only £2 instead of £2.80. An exciting jumping on point for new or lapsed readers and healthy re-invigoration point for existing readers. Tell your friends.

But there's more. Angel is offically back under the Dark Horse umbrella and looking to atone after the conclusion to Buffy season 8 in Angel & Faith #1. In Ultimate Comics: Hawkeye #1 Jonathan Hickman continues his plan for the Ultimate universe in whilst Greg Pak brings his monumental run on Hulk to a close in Incredible Hulks #635 (see here for an interview about his 5 year run on ComicsAlliance) and I'm sure he's going to want to leave his mark. And finally Amazing Spider-Man #668 sees Peter Parker not having to worry about maintaining his secret identity now that everyone has powers on Spider-Island.

There is one somber note to the week. Now I'm sure that the majority of you enjoyed the blessing of an extra day at the weekend, but now comes the payback. The delivery will be arriving at the store on the Wednesday morning and it will naturally take a while to unpack, sort, ~~read~~ and process so the comic floor will be closed until some time after 1 o'clock. Maybe sooner, maybe later but we'll do our best so please make allowances. Thanks.

Nate Powell has so far enjoyed considerable critical acclaim with still only a handful of releases. While his short story collections Please Release and Sound of Your Name picked up fans including Frank Miller it was Swallow Me Whole which dealt with mental problems in adolescnce that won him the 2009 Eisner for best new graphic novel and the 2009 Ignatz award for outstanding artist (see here for a neat overview at Top Shelf's website). So its fair to say that there are a few eyes turned to his new release; Any Empire (Top Shelf) which again focuses on adolescence but within the shadow of mankinds attraction to war. Looking at Paul Gravett's detailed review (see here) it promises to be an emotionally complex and layered piece of work.

Also worth looking at will be Green River Killer: A True Detective Story (Dark Horse). As the title suggests it tells the story of one of America's most notorious serial killers who avoid capture for over a decade until the case was given to a single detective. This is the story told by the son of that detective, writer Jeff Jensen.

Wait, there's even more! The recent run of Planet of the Apes (Boom!) comes to trade paperback at last for only £7.50 and Eric Powell's fabulously illustrated Chimichanga (Dark Horse).

Weekly Treats! Malinky Robot and more...

2011-08-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

There's a flurry of buzz worthy books this week led by Malinky Robot: Collected Stories (Image) by Sonny Liew. It follows two young friends living in one of those futuristic cities where all the impressive advancements in technology haven't filtered down to the poorer quarters of society making it resemble.. well anywhere in the world in any time. But our young protagonists don't sit around bemoaning their lot, they set out to entertain themselves.

Liew has a lovely delicate style to his art so that what could look quite bleak instead feels more playful. And that's the point it seems: in times of hardship you have to go looking for your own merriment. In fact Liew has inserted 'funny pages' style sections to tell what look like some of the more downbeat parts of the story.

The very well received How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less (DC would you believe?) by Sarah Glidden makes it to paper back (see here for a review from our blog archives). After a year of publishing material on their website, The Comics Journal #301 (Fantagraphics) weighs in at an enormous 600+ pages with discussions of Robert Crumbs Book of Genesis, Jim Woodrings sketches, Al Jaffee and Michael Kupperman in dialogue and you're barely half way through. And of course any Hernandez release deserves a mention, this time out Jaime Hernandez gets the spotlight as Esperanza (Fantagraphics) reprints material after the Penny Century collection.

Maybe not for the same crowd there's also an over sized hardback release of Carnage: Family Feud (Marvel) with perrrty digital art by Clayton Crain. Which leads us nicely into...

...Weekly Treats of course. DC have been quietly, not-so-much wrapping up but finding moments of resolution for all their titles in readiness for the re-launch. Yeah, suddenly they seem more interesting now don't they? In light of that point of interest, this weeks Action Comics #904 throws Doomsday into the mix. Hmmm. Anyway Flashpoint: Superman #3 concludes the radical revision of Superman brought to life by Gene Ha. And I'm afraid there are only three Batman titles this week including Batman Inc. #8. Marvel continue to knock out their own new number 1's as Ultimate Comics: Ultimates #1 gets a Jonathan Hickman make-over (that got you curious didn't it?) and Punisher #2 is suddenly upon us very quickly. The same could never be said for Kick Ass #3 of course - you have no excuse to miss this before #4.

Swoon Soon! DC Relaunch Countdown...

2011-08-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

There's a major picture dump at BleedingCool (see here) of art from the new DC titles. Greg Capullo's Batman is a highlight but it's looking like a real celebratory feast.

Weekly Treats! Blankets and We 3

2011-08-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

Originally released in 2003 Blankets (Top Shelf) was released to much critical acclaim and won creator Craig Thompson a clutch of awards and some famous admirers including Eddie Campbell, Art Spiegelman and Neil Gaiman. Conceived as a attempt to write an epic graphic novel where nothing happens Blankets is a gentle character study encompassing a childhood sibling rivalry and later in life, falling deeply in love. The book is now re-released (in both hardcover and softcover) to whet the appetite for next months release of Habibi which has been in production since 2004 and plays with Islamic mythology. His blog features sample art from the project (see here).

Lots of blankets in Blankets

Promo art for Habibi

Also getting a re-release but now in super-fancy edition is We3: The Deluxe Edition (DC). Hopefully you may know something of this excellent short series by Grant Morrison and the masterful Frank Quietly about household pets turned cybernetic killing machines. If you do you may be aware that the series was super-short: only three issues long. So how does it justify a deluxe edition? Well a whopping 10 pages have been inserted into the story (may not sound much but that's quite an expansion on a pretty tight story) plus 28 pages of notes and sketches so I'd say that more than justifies the song and dance.

BPRD: Hell on Earth vol 1 (Dark Horse) marks a change in direction for the series and an excellent jumping on point for new readers. Always highly recommended after all these years. Halcyon (Image) had a troubled release in comics after the name was changed between solicitations of the first a second issue which led chronic under-ordering. Which is a shame because everyone rather liked the first issue of this mature rated superhero yarn.

As for the Weekly Treats the highlight for me will be the glorious Daredevil #2 followed by Captain America #2 whilst the Flashpoint tie-ins continue to be wrapped up with Flashpoint: Legion of Doom #3 and Dick Grayson has a personal identity crisis in Batman #713. Walking Dead #88 is always a breeze and keep an eye out for Stuff of Legend: Jester's Tale #1.

Weekly Treats! Bad Island

2011-08-12T05:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, this post is a few days late but after taking the time to put it together, internet problems aren't going to get in my way, no sir.

Doug TenNapel's books usually have three main ingredients: energy, humour and heart. Generally, but not always, they're all ages titles, they have the sort of high concept plots that have film studios on alert and where they used to be black and white they're now in colour thanks to Scholastic who published TenNapel's previous book Ghostopolis and his new one: Bad Island (Scholastic). Sounding something like a cross between Swiss Family Robinson and The Island of Doctor Moreau with some aliens thrown in a family on holiday get in serious trouble and find themselves washed up on an island trying to work together against mysterious beasties.

I always look forward to reading TenNapel's books (see here for my blog about the brilliant Power Up a couple of years ago) and I'm even more curious as I've been unable to find almost any preview art but there are a couple of reviews around (see here and here). UPDATE. Thanks to the belated post I was able to read it before posting and I can confirm it's an excellent all ages read.

Fear Itself #5 is the the big release of the comic week with the story really cookin' now after a slow start but in Amazing Spider-Man #667, Spider-Island kicks off the SPIDER-MAN EVENT OF THE DECAAAAADE! (apart from the prelude issue out last week of course). Anyway New Yorkers are all fully infected with funny abilities and we know it's an important event because there are spin-off titles such Spider-Island: Cloak & Dagger #1. Welcome back to the big time Spidey. DC have declared their patch Batman week with five titles featuring the big man. Batman & Robin #21 features a promising cover as a siege in France's Arkham Asylum threatens to turn Paris surrealist nightmare, but he also takes time out to clobber some teenage girls in Batman Inc #9, which is nice. And Mike Mignola's other non-Hellboy creation, the more swashbuckling but equally world-weary Baltimore begins another adventure in Baltimore: The Curse Bells #1.

Swoon Now! Alan Moore: Storyteller

2011-08-05T04:09:00.000-07:00

Over on Eddie Campbell's worthwhile blog (see here) he mentions that upon reading through Alan Moore: Storyteller (Ilex) by Gary Spencer Millidge, he noticed examples of Moore's thumbnails for From Hell. Campbell had not seen them before having merely worked off Moore's script. As a point of interest he's compared the two and they show writer and artist remarkably in sync.

I Can Do That! Joe Quesada's art process.

2011-08-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

When Joe Quesada was asked to create an image for Fantastic Four's 50th anniversary he spent time sharing not only the stages of art development but his thought process. It's well worth a look. See here for BleedingCools post.

From this...

...to this - but how and why?

Weekly Treats! Archie, Gotham Central, Oz

2011-08-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

A few talking points this week on another truncated posting (just got back from me hols don't you know). Book-wise we have the corking value Best of Archie Comics. Only £7.50 for highlights of 70 years worth of material. No comic can keep going that long without containing some golden nuggets of entertainment.

From the other other end of the see-saw there's the paperback release (or should that be re-release considering it was the original format) of Gotham Central Book 2 (DC). Never shying away from procedural and political complexities this is a title that's enjoying a well deserved rediscovery whether it's because co-writers Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka's stars have ascended that much further or whether, aside from the irregularly shipping Powers, there just isn't anything around that does what it does so well.

And slap-bang in the middle, Oz: Marvellous Land of Oz (Marvel) also makes it to paperback. This multi-award-winning series continues the defining adaptation of Frank L Baums' Oz books with glorious artwork by Skottie Young. The hardcover editions are slightly oversized and the paperbacks are a nice, rather handy, undersized format.

The week has treated us to a clutch of comics including Punisher #1, part of Marvels own little re-launch (see also Captain America, Ghost Rider, Daredevil). It's not part of the Max line which means it's not going to be as explicit as previous exploits but when the writer is Greg Rucka (prolific huh?) then we're probably in for a run that focus' more on hard-boiled crime rather than the runny yolk of gore. Indeed he's already said that for the start he'll be employing a rather intriguing narrative device of only seeing Punisher through the eyes of other characters. Terry Moore wastes no time after wrapping the engaging Echo with a new mystery entitled Rachel Rising #1 - it will be beautifully drawn that's for sure. The other big release is the penultimate issue of Flashpoint #4 centring on the war between Amazons and the Atlantians. Nearly there folks...

2011-08-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

2011-07-27T05:37:00.001-07:00

Swoon Soon! Kevin O'Neill Signing This Sunday

2011-07-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that THIS Sunday at 1.30 Mr Kevin O'Neill will very kindly be

Signing the very lovely The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Century:1969.

Swoon Soon! DC vs Marvel: Round 2,485

2011-07-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

Anyone who's had their appetite whetted by the free DC preview comic available in store may want to turn their attention to national treasure BleedingCool.com. So far they've posted two pages of more preview art (see here and here).

Marvel have struck back with some wallpaper-friendly images from their new planned Avengers Origin line (see here).

The competition heats up and everybody wins!

Weekly Treats! Sidekicks

2011-07-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

Having rather a lot of internet problems this week so forgive the truncated post as I'm never...sure...when it's going...to-

Not internet problems again!!

Anyway, there's a really nice all ages graphic novel out this week by Dan Stantat who painted the picture book - and in store favourite - Oh No! Or How My Science Project Destroyed The World (Hyperion). Sidekicks(Scholastic) focuses on the pets of Captain Amazing who, reaching middle age is beginning to struggle to cope on his own. Unbeknown to him his pet dog, hamster and chameleon have all developed powers and try the old superhero thing out for themselves with a view to becoming Captain Amazing's sidekick. It's a nice, fun uncomplicated play on Superheroes but without heavy doses of knowing winks and in-jokes aimed at older readers that let some similar titles down. Scholastic are making great inroads to cracking the all ages graphic novel market with titles such as this, Amulet and Bone which you can confidently put into the hands of young ones. See here for a review.

Comic of the week for me has to be Daredevil #1 just from the look of Paolo Rivera's artwork. Mark Waid has said he wants to start with something of a clean slate with the character so I hope Shadowland fans won't be too perturbed. All feels fresh.

Also worth a look are War of the Green Lanterns Aftermath #1 (of 2), Uncanny X-Men #541 and Boys: Butcher Baker Candlestick Maker #1

There was a change to the solicitated titles shipping this week - most notably Walking Dead - so keep an eye on the Features Tab shipping list.

Swoon Now! Everything We Miss

2011-07-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Do try to pop along tomorrow Saturday 16th July 1-3pm for the Luke Pearson signing. His new book, Everything We Miss (Nobrow) really is something special.

Each one comes with a poster while stocks last.

Weekly Treats! Blackest Night, Casanova Gula and Incognito: Bad Influences

2011-07-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

Casanova Gula

It's a Superhero-mungus week folks so take a break from the day-to-day and dive on in. Silly season arrives for anyone waiting for the Blackest Night (DC) saga to make it to paperback with Blackest Night: Green Lantern (DC) and Blackest Night: Green Lantern Corps (DC) completing a hat-trick. It was one of those events that managed to give newer readers a great non-continuity-heavy snap-shot of the DC universe while it still felt important for existing readers. Great stuff.

Marvel's picks merely come from their Icon imprint (completing their own hat-trick after the release of Scarlet last week). Sometimes writers need a title to try out their crazy ideas. Bendis has Powers and for Matt Fraction it would be definitely be Casanova, his mad, hyper, throw-everything-against-the-wall sci-fi/spy series. Casanova Gula (Icon/Marvel) - volume two of the Casanova series - is drawn with fluid energy by Fabien Moon needs to be experieced to believed. Comics need titles like this. Then there's Incognito: Bad Influences (Icon/Marvel) the follow-up to Incognito. Once again Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips prove that when they're together they are the best at what they do; grounded, crime storytelling (Criminal) sometimes with a superhero edge, such as with Incognito and the excellent Sleeper series from a few years ago. A golden comic partnership.

Marvel own the Weekly Treats this week though. Captain America #1 completes the long road home for Steve Rogers and pairs long-time Cap writer Ed Brubaker with Steve McNiven. Ghost Rider #1 sees a new rider climb onto the saddle, Ultimate Fallout #1 finds the heroes staring gloomily at their feet after the death of Spider-Man and X-Men: Schism #1, after reducing their numbers and making them hated and feared again Jason Aaron splits the camp for the big X-Men event. DC's time will come of course (Marvel will be battening down the hatches come September) but they do have David Finch's Batman: Dark Knight #3 and Dark Horse reach into the creepy closet for BPRD Hell on Earth: Monsters #1 (of 2).

Look to the features tab for so much more...

Swoon Now! A Taste of Chlorine

2011-07-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

And swoon I did. A beautiful book from a major new talent A Taste of Chlorine (Jonathan Cape) by Bastien Vives follows a young man under orders from his chiropractor to take up swimming for the benefit of his back. He goes through the motions like a surly teenager until one week he meets a girl who offers him advice on improving his technique. As our young hero becomes more proficient at swimming he grows more confident. He is clearly smitten with his unofficial tutor though we are unsure of her feelings towards him and this is where the drama grows within the story.

Given that the book is really just a gentle observational piece which almost solely takes place at the swimming pool, it's thoroughly engaging and but for an ending which may be a touch too open ended, utterly flawless. The artwork is stunning; fluid, delicate, evocative and utterly immersing (so to speak).

There's not too much to be found about Mr. Vives but he has a blog (see here) and it's worth looking at a 24 hour speechless comic story submission he made last year (see here).