 |
|
|
||||
 |
|
|||||
 |
|
        |
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
 |
|
|||||
 |
 |
 |
|
|||
 |
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
||
|
|||
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|||
|
UPFRONT: Previews Review Hello, and welcome to the January PREVIEWS REVIEW, for items shipping in March. For those of you just tuning in to the site, I'm Christopher Butcher, the EIC here at PopImage. The gentleman in Italics is Scott J. Grunewald, our publisher. Hi! Every month we go through Diamond Comics Distributors monthly PREVIEWS catalogue. It is the premiere listing of all comics and related products to people living in North America. In short, we'll recommend the cool comics, trade paperbacks, and related merchandise that you should own! We'll also warn you away from products as well... We've listed it (somewhat unfairly) in the order in which it appears in the catalogue. We encourage you to read through the article, and espescially to view the small-press listings!
What a very cool, very surprising book to see listed here. It's Will Eisner, interviewing some of the "masters of the medium" like Jack Kirby, Joe Kubert, Neil Adams and more. As someone who has recently come begun to enjoy Eisner's work and ethic, I find this peek behind the scenes fascinating. Part compendium of interviews, but also populated with anecdotes, technical secrets, and a history of the industry. Learn about the history of the medium, it's important. Indeed, however I do notice a lack of female interviewees…
Bettie had a way of making even the most demeaning pose look as if she were the one in charge, and the photographer was the one strapped to a pole wearing a ball gag. Well, this figure shows exactly why we always thought that, because she really was in charge, just look at the photographer, he's just one of millions who've been put under Bettie's spell. Oh yeah, Bettie's on top. While I do appreciate it on the level of… perhaps… irony, that is, perverts buying an "action figure" set that includes a pervert action figure, I'm sorry, but I draw the line here. I don't mind porn that's porn. I do have a problem with pseudo-pornographic pin-up "figures" however. This is just pathetic in so many ways. Shame on you Scottie :). We’ll see how sanctimonious you are when the readers get down to the comic you recommended about a three-legged cat. It's about a strange vampire cartoon character. AND his three legged cat.
Like Mortal Kombat, but not quite as sucky. Basically, mythical fighters from all over the world get together to fight. Then, something goes terribly wrong and they have to fight against something even bigger. Yeah, it sounds like the plot to most 2D fighting games, but who cares? If you're into anime-inspired stories of people hitting each other (Battle Chasers), then this is for you. Also of note, this book is coloured by Warren Ellis Forum regular Edgar Delgado, and coloured very well.
It would be unprofessional of me to say that the marketting behind this book is incredibly assholish. Whoops! Anyhow, the first part of this story was originally serialized in DARK HORSE PRESENTS, a monthly anthology title. Then, the mini-series started. Except, the four-issue mini continued out of the serialized stories, and as such the first issue wasn't really a first issue at all. I hate feeling cheated by a book, particularly a book that had some really nice scenes, and some fantastic Guy Davis artwork. The most insulting part was Dark Horse representatives insisting that the lead-in stories weren't necessary to enjoy the mini-series, but then making reference to the "hard-to-find" lead-in issues. Gah. Anyhow, if you buy this TPB, you'll get the lead-in stories, as well as the four issue mini. A worthwhile purchase, but I wish Dark Horse hadn't been so… scummy, in the first place. Guy Davis art is so wonderfully pretty. I actually missed this the first time around because I refuse to buy DARK HORSE PRESENTS, seeing as how it’s generally just a hype machine for their licensed products, and I hate having my time wasted with Buffy comics. But I heard that the series was coming out, and that it was a continuation of the shorts in DHP, and decided to wait for the trade. So in short, I agree with you, their marketing of the book was a 10 on the suck scale.
Are you reading Blade of the Immortal yet? Why not? If you still need to be convinced, check out our reviews of these books, and put this trade paperback, and the previous 6 collections, on your pull list. And make sure to check out the Blade Of The Immortal review feature this week @ PopImage. Ditto!
I rarely buy a Batman comic. It has to be something really unique. I think the last one was Daniel Brereton's THRILLKILLER work, and I felt that was well worth the money. It's even rarer that I recommend a Batman book, so don't take my recommendation for GOTHAM NOIR lightly. Ed Brubaker writes damned good crime fiction. His SCENE OF THE CRIME was phenomenal, and his work on Detective Comics hasn't been too bad either. Add the talented and prolific Sean Phillips to the artwork, and you've got a truly worthwhile book. And in my case, I'm a serious Bat-Head. I think the current line-up of all the books is the best it’s ever had, and Ed Brubaker is a writer born to work on BATMAN. Buying this book is a no-brainer for me.
Some quick math. A 48 Page prestige format book is $5.95, and that's 12.4 cents per page. A 64 Page prestige format book is $6.95, that's 10.9 cents per page. A 96 page trade paperback is $9.95, that's 10.3 cents per page. Now, tell me, what would you rather have? Two 48 page prestige format books totaling $11.90, or one nice trade paperback for $9.95? Which will sell better to the book market? Which will stay in print for longer? Which one feels more like valid reading material to sell to people that would appreciate a conventional war story? Not WAR IN HEAVEN #1. While I think a single issue prestige format is a wonderful thing and I don’t have a problem paying a little more for them, I get annoyed when they force them down my throat as a mini series as often as they have been lately. I’ll be waiting for the trade.
Aside from paying $10 for hardcover binding, I'm glad to see this out. Though I'm tempted to just wait for the trade paperback, considering how terrible the paper quality is on Wildstorm's trade paperbacks, I think I'll be picking this up. Planetary is one of the best books on the stands, and definitely worth owning. Of particular note is the fact that nowhere in the solicitation does it say "This book will not be available as a trade paperback any earlier than…" like it does with the rest of the HC releases. My bet is on a trade paperback release imminently following the HC. I'm getting the hard covers as well, but I'm not happy about each only having six issues. Thematically, it seems like the story is being told in two 12 issue runs, and thus, there should be two 12 issue hard covers. But no, this would save the reader money, and we can’t have that, can we?
Few contemporary comic writers can peel back the layers of American life and society as well as Howard Chaykin, and his new series seems to be about doing just that. It's been far too long since I've had a monthly dose of Chaykin, and what a wonder to see that he's chosen to return to his roots, modern American satire/fiction, to do it. Scott says buy, do as you're told.
Firstly, I refer you to the ENEMY ACE math up top. Secondly, I'm incredibly happy to see this book back in print. Fully painted by Kristiansen, and comprised of a story that vaguely sounds like it might be an adaptation of a HOUSE OF SECRETS movie, this series has been too long out of print. For those of you not familiar with HoS, it's the story of the juris, a group of supernatural beings that judge people for the secrets that they keep. Being found guilty means… well, you'd rather not know. A definite purchase, considering how unlikely it is that this will be collected. Oh, and while you're at it, pick up the HOUSE OF SECRETS: FOUNDATION trade paperback that reprints the first five issues of the ongoing series. Can't go wrong. Sure you can. I found the on-going series, aside from beautiful art work, to be a major bore and I expect the same from this series. It’s not cheap enough for me to just try it, so I'm gonna skip it.
Reprinting issues 9 through 16 of Invisibles Volume 1, this book has been a long time coming. The Invisibles is my favorite comic series ever. It's sexy, fantastic, insane work that never lets up, and keeps you off balance right up until the last page. This issue contains 4 of what many people consider to be their favorite issues ever, as well as the 3-part origin of the transvestite witch-woman Lord Fanny. Seriously, you need this book. Buy it, as well as the first Trade Paperback SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION. These are must own books for the 21st century. Finally, DC got off their butts and are putting the rest of the first landmark series THE INVISIBLES into trade form. If you've never read THE INVISIBLES before, I’ll just tell you what my best friend said a few years back after I had him read the whole first series in one sitting: "Christ, it feels like my frontal lobe just got a blowjob from a 100 watt light bulb" WELCOME TO THE INFANT CENTURY! BE THE FUTURE! BUY THIS PRODUCT!
I've generally disliked the recent Swamp Thing series. It's well put-together but just totally un-inspiring. However, this issue has a painted cover by David Mack, who just frick'n kicks ass. Hopefully the cover elements don't obscure too much of his artwork. It’s bored me too tears, and won’t be getting anymore of my money. It is a nice cover though… Maybe a poster? David often has reproductions of his art available for purchase at conventions.
Long out of print, and in a new edition that blows away the previous one. Thicker cards, a new book, the whole nine yards. I'm a huge fan of McKean's work, and I'm giddy with excitement over this. I've heard raves about McKean's interpretations of the rest of the Vertigo universe, including a very cool John Constantine as THE FOOL. Cool frick'n swag. Ehh… whatever. You have no soul.
Aria was a wonderfully illustrated series, that (despite suffering from a little stiffness) was one of the most spectacularly illustrated series of the year. Unfortunately, it fell so far behind so quickly that any impact that the artist might have had (he was toted as the "next Alex Ross" a lot…) totally dissipated. It seems that the good folks at Image have found an artist with real work ethic and a beautiful style that compliments the original. Even better, he's a Warren Ellis Forum regular, and therefore deserves all of our support :). ARIA was actually an overpraised, unoriginal and highly boring comic with decent penciled artwork that wasn’t as wonderful as everyone said it was. (Actually, I’d go with the Alex Ross compairason, seeing as how I think MrRoss is equally uninspirering) I’ll try it, because it had potential, but it had better blow me away this time. And don’t get me started on the solicited "MUSEUM EDITION" that has a price tag of $100.00. If you plan on buying that ‘collectable’, why not juts take your cash, soak it in vasiline and insert it into an orifice of your choice. Same thing, one is just a bit messier and both will make you feel just as dirty. No, because we all need comics whose original printings will last for hundreds of years without degrading. No, really. God Bless Marc Silvestri. I can see it now, all that will be left of our civilization in the year 3000 will be baby diapers, six pack rings and signed copies of ARIA: SOUL MARKET MUSEUM EDITION #1. Our prodengy will remember us as incontinent drunks with bad taste in fiction. Soilent Green IS people.
Hehe, A remarkably well done Planetary parody cover marks the last issue of GEEKSVILLE, a good series about the geeky types who read comics. On the one hand, I get a little bit annoyed at comics that play up the nerdy loser stereotype of comics fans, and there are a lot of them. On the other, it was a good, funny series that just couldn't find a place in the market. I'll be picking this one up to see how it all ends. You’d be surprised how close the comic actually was to a large percentage of comics fans though. You work in a comic store Chris, come on… I didn't say it was inaccurate. I just said I got annoyed. I'd rather there were more "comics readers as hip/slick/cool junior rockstars". 3 Geeks is hauntingly close for comfort. Perhaps that’s why it couldn’t find its audience, there aren’t enough cool people reading comics left to mock the fan boys. It was more of a celebration of geekiness, which I find far more off-putting really. It embraced the worst parts of our culture, largely un-ironically. Funny, yeah, but again, not terribly helpful.
It wouldn't be a Previews Column without my pimping something for Bendis, and this month it's this wonderful reprint of his landmark crime graphic novel GOLDFISH. If you've just discovered Bendis through SAM & TWITCH or ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, then this is the perfect time to check out the crime book that made him a star. This will be on my pull list for sure, as I never owned GOLDFISH. Unfortunately it'll be there along with the still unreleased first SAM & TWITCH collection, JINX: DEFINITIVE EDITION, and TORSO. Hope Bendis has more luck getting this one out.
I really like RED STAR, and I really like the guys who put it together too (they're very friendly). What I don't like, and can't support, is 144 pages for $24.95. I don't care if it's 9 inches by 12 inches. I just don't. That is just too much money for this book. It's a great series, and if another trade paperback comes out at the common 10-11 cents per page rate (this book clocks in at around 17.3 cents per page), placing it at around $15, then I will unequivocally support this project, and probably buy more than one to distribute among my art friends. But at this price for this page count? Particularly when less than 100 of the 144 pages are actually story? Sorry. I'm with you. I met some of the RED STAR guys at last years San Diego Comic Convention and thought they were a bunch of wonderful creators who genuinely wanted to tell a great comic story, but that doesn’t mean I'm gonna let them hose me for almost ten bucks. If it cost more to make the trades bigger, then make two trades, one at standard size, and the other oversized. Let the fans pick which they prefer. Sorry guys, but I do have rent to pay.
Warning: The first Fear Effect tie-in was the worst comic produced in the year 2000. When it wasn't incomprehensible, it was just stupid. The artist drew inconsistently, didn't know how to use perspective, foreshortening, anatomy, or any of those important art techniques that make comics not suck. This book is $2.95 for 16 pages of story, drawn by the same artist, and in a telling sign no book artwork was used in the solicitation (the art is a production sketch). Stay far, far away from this product. And I emphasize PRODUCT. You get two full pages in Previews to plug your book and you use cheap Photoshop FX as a background and what looks like a fan pin-up that Wizard wouldn’t even print? Good Christ, this isn’t just a warning, it’s a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT! DANGER WILL ROBINSON, DANGER! I cannot over-emphasize the suckiness of this product.
Todd McFarlane, who doesn't even write his own book any more (he gets a plotting credit these days), is writing SAM AND TWITCH, following up Brian Bendis who left under mysterious circumstances. If I might be permitted however, this sounds very much like the result of a conversation that ended something like: "Oh yeah, jackass? You think you're such hot shit, write the book yourself! I quit!". Of course, this is just idle speculation on my part. *Cough* What’s truly offensive to me is the fact that the book would never have even come close to being a hit had Bendis not written it first. Todd taking over just leaves a bad taste in my mouth, because had it just been a "I need to move onto other things, Todd" Bendis wouldn’t be so tight-lipped about the reasons for his departure. I smell ego in this shift, and McFarlane isn’t a tenth the writer Bendis is, so SAM & TWITCH is no longer on my pull list. While I, on the other hand, am dying to see how this turns out.
Props to Sean McKeever! THE WAITING PLACE creator and Warren Ellis Forum regular has sold out hardcore! Hah, seriously, we're all about Sean, and given that this is a psychological profile of the Jade Giant, it should play to his strengths. Should be a neat book, make sure to support it. While I’m saddened by yet another quality writer with indy roots slumming in superhero comics, I think Sean is a wonderful writer and have decided to try his first issue to see if it grabs me. And if you can't find it in your heart to support a Marvel book, you can pick up THE WAITING PLACE a little further down.
I'd be a lot more interested in this if it weren't about Daredevil. While I appreciate the mythic feel the duo gave Superman, and the gritty noir realism of Batman, those to characters were American icons. Daredevil is just… well, anyway. A story without tights (especially ugly yellow tights), about a blind boy growing up and becoming a lawyer in the shadow of his father would be a good story, add in the superpowers and you've got an UNBREAKABLE-like story for the masses. Put a man in a mask with horns on the cover? You've immediately limited your audience. Unfortunate choice. I think that’s a whipped horse that’s been dead for a long time now. If Marvel were serious about spreading beyond their current market and into others, then they would sever their exclusive deal with Diamond and actually spread into other markets. Marvel has not done so, and it doesn’t look like they will any time soon. So quite frankly, I'm not too shocked that they don’t tailor comics to a mainstream that will most likely never see them. Considering the DD movie is on the production fast track, this would be a good primer for mainstream readers. But just like X-Men: Children of the Atom (A book that would have been a good primer for the X-Film) it will be released with no fan fair, and never pushed to an audience other than current comic readers. Oh, I'm never shocked anymore. Just barraged with an array of sadness.
Most of the good jokes have already been made, but seriously, this cover really does look like The Hulk is having rough anal sex with Spider-Man. I really hope that this cover gets changed before it makes it to the newsstand. Really. Why? Finally, a cover that addresses the homoeroticism inherent in all superhero comics, I couldn’t be happier. Maybe is Spidey looked like he enjoyed it? It does conjure up very disturbing rape connotations… "HULK PULL OUT!"…? Ew. ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN TPB This is how to do trade paperbacks. The same month that the last issue comes out, you put out a value-priced collection designed to encourage new readers. It helps that Ultimate Spider-man was an interesting read that has taken off in larger media. Not for me, but definitely a great purchase for the younger reader on your shopping list. Buy one and pass it on, basically. You'll be glad you did. And look at that price! A year ago, this trade would have been 20 bucks easy, and wouldn’t have seen print until a full year after the storyline ended. I'm still unsure how this is going to get any kind of mainstream attention what with the limits of Diamond and all, but my fingers are crossed. GENERATION X #75 & X-MAN #75 By Wood, Pugh, Adams and Grant, Alcatena, Olivetti Full Colour - 48 Page Pamphlets - $2.99 - Page 162-163 (Marvel Comics) – Order Number (Generation X) JAN011554 (X-Man) JAN011557 The last issues of two of Marvel's X-Books, culled to make way for… more X-Books. With some of the most specious reasoning of the year (second only to DC's "We never said for sure that we'd never reprint CRISIS as a trade paperback."), X-MAN departs this mortal coil. Despite becoming one of the better X-Men related titles in the capable hands of Steven Grant the title ends with a bang. Brian Wood takes out the now-redundant GENERATION X similarly, and I for one am sorry to see it go. Wood really hit his stride on these last few issues of GEN X, and I hope he can find more work at Marvel that will allow him to express his unique vision. And that specious reason? We were told that the X-Office was getting rid of books that were redundant or thematically similar to other books and that sales figures were not an issue at all. Well first, I’d like to be shown were the other books thematically similar to the highly original X-MAN and the moving and riveting GEN X are, because I’d like to read them. Second, isn’t it funny that while the books were not cancelled for "low" sales, all the books cancelled were coincidentally the lowest selling of the X-Books? I smell bullshit.
I just can’t buy this comic. It looks great, and you rarely go wrong with an Ennis story. However, I’m in the middle of a Wizard Entertainment boycott (And you all DO know that Gareb Shamus Publishes both Black Bull and Wizard right?) due to Wizard's blatant and repetitive use of sexist and homophobic humor. So I'm gonna have to skip this one, and I'd urge you all to consider the type of monster you're supporting when you put money in Wizard’s pocket by buying this comic as well. I'm not telling you NOT to buy it, I'm just telling you why I WON'T buy it. Fuck Wizard, seriously. Mr. Ennis, best of luck in future.
Okay, bear with me here. There was this series called REALITY CHECK, and it was really good. It had a housecat that became alive on the net through a VR machine and hilarity ensued. Both conventionally funny and deliciously subversive, it was a great series that unfortunately passed away, never to return due to some weird legal stuff. Luckily, we get RANKLECHICK. Ranklechick is a sort-of-vampire that lives on one of Jupiter's moons, that is a semi-intelligent AI program that lives his life as a television star at the whim of his viewers. Basically, try and imagine a Dadaist stream of consciousness children's show, drawn in pseudo-manga style with incredible computer effects. Even then, you still need to see this. High recommendation. Uhm… Okaaaay…. And you gave me shit for recommending Anomalies? Fuck you, you Betty Page-loving jackass. This is brilliant I swear. (Huggles!) It’s Bettie you Godless heathen!
The Warren Ellis forum has been many things; a meeting place, a springboard of ideas and websites, and now, apparently, a successful lobby group. This trade paperback exists for two reasons. The first is because of it's incredible merit as a quiet, introspective, intensely compelling story of small-town life. The second is because hundreds of people from the Ellis Forum e-mailed Slave Labor Graphics and demanded that this work be collected (myself included). So, follow-up on your e-mails and PRE-ORDER a copy (or better yet two and give one to a friend) and own this "modern classic". And hey, if you weren't one of the many folks who e-mailed Slave Labor, PRE-ORDER a copy and see what all the fuss was about. It's truly amazing to me, how in this day and age, when you can overhear any conversation between a couple of comic readers, hear them say that there aren't enough quality comics for them to read, and find out that they haven't even considered reading THE WAITING PLACE. Sean McKeever is better than comics, but only because comics are intent on ignoring him. Everyone should be reading this book, or at least everyone who reads STRANGERS IN PARADISE, HEPCATS, or LOVE & ROCKETS. Period. Thankfully this collection signals that he may be starting to get the attention he deserves.
This modern fairy-tale has been talked up quite a bit as of late. I was really impressed by Espinoza's attitude in a recent interview I read with him, and it's on that basis that I recommend this book to you. I haven't managed to pick up the first one yet (the price point seemed a little high), though I doubt I'll go another convention season without acquiring it. Warren Ellis had really nice things to say about it in the (badly-designed) solicitation advertisement, so if that helps. Either way, you owe it to yourself to buy this for a daughter, niece, or younger sister.
DARK BLUE! Now porn-free! You probably missed this the first time around, because Diamond might not have shipped the anthology it appeared in to your country (*cough*). Anyhow, Avatar collects what is, by all accounts, a very good story. Thank god this is coming out in a collected form. I purchased the first chapter that was in THRESHOLD, but was put off by the soft-core porn that comprised the rest of the $5.00 comic. So now, I get to finish what looked to be the beginning of a great, violent little tale with wonderful art by Jacen Burrows, who’s art reminds me a little of Geoff Darrows.
Uhm… Is it me, or are her breasts just a little too big? I mean, doesn’t she have back problems? Or are her super powers the ability to wield her massive breasts without slipping a disc? And people wonder why comics aren’t taken seriously…? I don't like to slag anyone in the back of the catalogue, generally. But since you opened the door on it, WHAT THE FUCK? HER NIPPLES ARE 4 INCH LONG SPIKES!!! FUCK! GROW UP!
Set in Berlin in the late 20’s, BERLIN tells the story of the despair and anger that permeated the post-WWI German society. This is easily one of the best comics on the market today, and I'm so glad that the first 8 issues are finally being collected. I’ve already compiled a list of people I plan on loaning this trade to. This has been a hotly demanded collection in some circles, and if you're looking for the book that TIME magazine is going to be lauding next year, this is the one to pick up.
So you’re not sure if BERLIN is your cup of tea and are unwilling to spend 16 bucks to see? Okay then, shell out 4 bucks for this one shot written by Ed Brubaker and illustrated by BERLIN creator Jason Lutes. If Jason’s smooth, refined artwork doesn’t convince you to buy it, at least you get a cool story by Brubaker.
This book is less about learning how to draw and more about learning how to cope with an artistic job really, but it’s also a wonderful look into the sometimes strange but always interesting like of Eddie Campbell. Originally published in DEE VEE, Eddie’s added 20 pages of unseen material. Everyone but you is reading Eddie Campbell comics. Stop trying to be original and simply fall in line damnit, you’ll be a better person. This is actually the second collection of ALEC strips, following up "THE KING CANUTE CROWD". Warren Ellis threatened you if you didn't buy the first collection, here's your chance to at least jump in with something.
Beautifully designed, receiving accolades from major mainstream media sources, Chris Ware's work is some of the most attractive work ever produced. And now, you can get the next issue of Ware's ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY for the bargain price of $9.95! Brilliance never came so cheap. I even got my mother to read ACME, and that’s a huge deal considering the last thing my mother read by my urging was a short story I wrote in the 6th grade. She’s even asked me for more issues. But this for non-readers, it works!
What do you say about this book? The first five issues collected here tell the origin of Othon, the first of the Metabarons, a clan of ultimate warriors fighting against all kinds of strange and evil forces. The history of the Metabarons is tragic, fantastic, exciting, revolting, violent and completely and totally mad. There is literally nothing like this book anywhere, it’s full of huge, insane science fiction ideas that will literally have you dropping your jaw in shock. Well, I've ordered it.
Under a Tim Sale cover lurks a story of espionage, intrigue, and the life of the beautiful spy Lily Sharpe. I've had a chance to read some of this, and while it definitely won't be what you're expecting, it is a very cool, very solid book that I want to see more of. I worry that many people won't pick up waiting for the eventual (and some say, inevitable) trade paperback collection. I can't really say I blame them though. Either way, this is going to be a great book. And that actually addresses the problem with the pamphlet format. When you know a company is going to collect something rather quickly, as Oni is known to do, why waste money on the single issues? Well, I'm an impatient person, so I’ll be getting the issues and the trade, but I know most people will stick to either one or the other. The problem with that is that if sales are too low because everyone is waiting for the trade, they may not be able to publish one. What a dilemma… But still, I'm a HUGE Rucka fan and have been looking forward to this book since I first heard about it. I’ll miss Steve Liebers lush photo realistic art from the WHITEOUT series’, but Steve Rolston is a very nice substitute. That's a very good point. I'd really like to hear some feedback from the ONI fellows on this. I know that these days I'm almost totally pre-disposed to picking up trades. It's going to make Q&C a very tough purchase for me, and a very tough sale for many retailers.
THE TRADEMARK & COPYRIGHT BOOK This looks to be an important resource for the neophyte comics creator. I've had the chance to attend one of Mr. Levitz's seminars, and he really does know his stuff. How much of it makes it into this comic remains to be seen though. Either way, if you're concerned about protecting your intellectual property and can't afford a lawyer of your own, you could do a lot worse with your three dollars. Pick up your copy. Three bucks is a nice investment that could save you from either losing your property, or mistakenly infringing on another and be forced to pay a lot more. This is a no brainer, if you want to create your own comic, buy this book, no exceptions. HOW TO DRAW MANGA: BISHOUJU (Pretty Gals) ENGLISH EDITION I'm always really hesitant to either try-out or recommend How To Draw books because of their widely varying quality, and propensity to be nothing more than pin-up books. However, I can unequivocally recommend the HOW TO DRAW MANGA series, as being well put together, thorough, and catering to every skill level. Tackling everything from the basics of drawing, to the comic form, to manga-specific techniques, to advance illustration techniques and beyond, this series of books has been a hot seller at my store, and one of the only how-to books we stock. The newest edition, Bishouju Girls, won't be an exception. Also of interest is the "How to Draw Anime" on the same page. CARDCAPTOR SAKURA #2 (BILINGUAL EDITION) For hardcore manga-fans, Bilingual Manga produced in Japan is something of a holy-grail. Often, English translations can be faulty, with bad reproduction and are almost always "flipped" and printed as a mirror image of their original format. In short, the work is compromised from the creators' original intentions. Kodansha, a huge Japanese publisher has been putting out Bilingual Editions of it's comics (mostly to help Japanese learn to read English) for some time, but now that they're being brought to North America we can finally see the manga as it was intended. Every line, every sound effect, every spot of tone reproduced faithfully without censorship, flipping, or poor reproductions. They're a pleasure to read, a very well put together object. As for the book itself? Cardcaptor Sakura is a cute young girl with magical powers that captures strange monsters. Yeah, it's not rocket science, but the art is beautiful and the whole package just sings. For the more mature among you (ahem), check out other Kodansha Bilingual titles like DIVISION CHIEF (which feature a Salaryman dealing with the stresses of daily life) and GTO (a teen comedy about a lecherous high school teacher).
While the few episodes that I did see were uneven, there was enough very, very funny stuff (A truly bizarre and sidesplitting Poke’Mon parody to name one) to make me curious enough to see the episodes that didn’t air on ABC. Plus, the DVD is uncensored and includes all kinds of special extras that promise to make the disc a must have. For me at least. And, I'd wager, for most Kevin Smith fans. I secretly hope in my dark little heart that this shoots to number one on the sales charts, and Smith gets to mercilessly mock ABC for their stupidity in a variety of different media. But then, I'm slightly evil. Well, that's it for this month folks! We hope you enjoyed our suggestions (not to mention our witty banter), and we'd like to remind everyone reading this that just because a comic is solicited, that doesn't mean it'll show up at your local comic store. So get out there and PRE-ORDER YOUR COMICS! Take care, Christopher Butcher, EIC Scottie Grunewald, Publisher |
WILL EISNER'S SHOP TALK
BETTIE PAGE FIGURE #2: PHOTO BETTIE
BATTLE GODS: WARRIORS OF THE CHAAK TPB
THE NEVERMEN TPB
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL: HEART OF DARKNESS TPB
BATMAN: GOTHAM NOIR
ENEMY ACE: WAR IN HEAVEN #1
PLANETARY: THE FOURTH MAN Hardcover
AMERICAN CENTURY #1 -- By Howard Chaykin, David Tischman, Marc Laming & John Stokes
HOUSE OF SECRETS: FAÇADE #1
THE INVISIBLES: APOCALIPSTICK TPB
SWAMP THING #13
VERTIGO TAROT DECK SET – NEW EDITION
ARIA: SOUL MARKET #1
GEEKSVILLE #6
GOLDFISH: THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION - By Brian Michael Bendis
THE RED STAR TPB VOLUME 1: THE BATTLE OF KAR DATHRA'S GATE
FEAR EFFECT SPECIAL: RETRO HELIX #1
SAM AND TWITCH #20
INCREDIBLE HULK #26
DAREDEVIL: YELLOW #1
ULTIMATE MARVEL #2: SPIDER-MAN & THE HULK
By Brian Michael Bendis and Phil Hester
Full Colour - 32 Page Upscale Ongoing - $2.25 - Page 160 (Marvel Comics) – Order Number JAN011546
JUST A PILGRIM #1
RANKLECHICK & HIS THREE LEGGED CAT #1
WAITING PLACE VOLUME 1 TPB
COURAGEOUS PRINCESS: THE QUEST
WARREN ELLIS' DARK BLUE GN
TAROT: WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #7
BERLIN: BOOK ONE
THE FALL
HOW TO BE AN ARTIST
ACME NOVELTY LIBRARY #15
METABARONS: PATH OF THE WARRIOR
QUEEN & COUNTRY #1
CLERKS ANIMATED VIDEO & DVD