Independent August Preview Review

Lee: I must say this is another great month for independents. There is lots of balance between Golden Age reprints, historical perspectives and new material. Even, though I wasn’t happy with the Marvel/DC offerings this month there is still lots to look forward to. The single favorite book is hard to choose this month because there are so many good books. New Charley’s War, Get Lost, Miss Fury but the prize has got to be The Angel Fire GN from Carlton Books. There was waaaayyyy to much buzz about that book.
Jim: From the independent side of things I would say Killing Pickman is the book that I’m most anticipating, but every month I find something of great interest in all our preview review columns. Still I have to say that considering these guys make up probably only 10% of the market, they really cover a lot of bases. I really wish that more people would try these books. There is a lot of so-so material also, but Lee and I do make an effort to highlight some of the more interesting stuff. So give another Independent a try before getting another Avenger spin-off or another new DC mini-series.

AIT/PLANETLAR

LAST OF THE INDEPENDENTS GN – by Matt Fraction & Kieron Dwyer.
A good man, a bad move, and then all Hell breaks loose: Cole Caudle was just one big score away from his happily-ever-after when everything went off the rails, and fast. Now one man's last shot at The American Dream becomes the first shotgun blast in a mob war halfway between Vegas and nowhere. 128 pages.
Lee: Early Matt Fraction comics! Ya gotta love it. Great story about bad luck criminals and great art by Dwyer. Good stuff. Interesting format too, it opens on the long side for the “panoramic view”
Jim: Normally I think Lee has some good picks, but I’m not sold on Matt Fraction and Kieron Dwyer is not a great artist in my opinion, so this is a pass for me.

APE ENTERTAINMENT

CEREAL AND PAJAMAS GN
No Saturday morning breakfast was complete without a healthy dose of cartoons. Inspired in style and execution by fond memories and fueled by mature storytelling, the creators of Cereal & Pajamas bring you endless worlds of adventure: faraway galaxies, zombified tomorrows, fantastic landscapes, crime-ridden cities, and many more. Saturday morning grows up with 11 original tales by industry veterans and newcomers alike. 128 pages.
Lee: By now if you haven’t realized I love anthologies you must be… insert snide comment here. ANYWHO. Unlike Jim who didn’t have a TV growing up (radio only in those days!), Cereal and PJ’s basically describes my life from 5 until 35. So, an entire project devoted to Saturday morning silliness might be really good. Preview pages can be found at http://www.comicspace.com/cerealandpajamas/
Jim: The premise for this book is so appealing and the cover is so cool looking, that I’m drawn to this book. Still this is a book that I would look to check out in the store prior to committing to buying it. Still worth looking for when it comes out.

ARCHAIA STUDIOS PRESS

OKKO: CYCLE OF WATER HC
Year 1108: the Asagiri Era, or the Time of Mists, during which the great clans wage decades-long wars in attempts to seize power. Far from the fields of battle, Okko the ronin heads a small group of demon hunters, wandering the realms of the Pajan Empire. He is accompanied by Noburo, a mysterious giant who hides his face behind a red mask, and the whimsical monk Noshin, the saké lover with the power to summon and commune with the spirits of nature. When Tikku's sister Little Carp is kidnapped by pirates, the young fisherman enlists the group's help in finding her. But the quest will have a price, and will lead our four heroes much farther afield than they'd ever imagined. 128 pages

Lee: I really like a lot of what Archaia studios puts out these days. AND, Shawn Douglas from the store blabs how good this is all the time. I am looking forward to this.
Jim: Shawn loaned me the first two issues and I enjoyed them enough to order the hard cover. Had a really nice feel to the book, terrific artwork and a good story. With the Japanese themes in it I know Gwen will enjoy after I read it and mail it off to her.

KILLING PICKMAN #1 - [of 6] by Jason Becker & Jon Rea.
William Bloody Wulf" Zu is a New York homicide detective that has just made the arrest of his career. With the apprehension of Richard Pickman he has solved over one hundred missing child cases over a span of thirty years. The excavation of Pickman's basement reveals horrors beyond imagination: the bodies of children mutilated in bizarre satanic rites. But nine years of solving violent crimes and this latest and most awful discovery has pushed William Zu to the brink. Frustrated with his role of clean-up man to the detritus of the world, William makes what may be a fatal mistake: he decides to kill Pickman, a man who may be no ordinary imprisoned psychopath.
Jim: This is a publisher whose stuff I look for as they have been the publisher bringing us Mouse Guard and the English translation of Killer. The premise sounds interesting and points to someone who is trying to do what he thinks is right, but maybe is in over his head.
Lee: It’s not often that I overlook the interesting but this does sound good. Archaia may become a studio to watch out for in the future.

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS

BETTY
Lee: This month’s embarrassed to be a fanboy cover goes to… believe it or not Betty. Ummm HELLO!!!! This is for kiddies.
Jim: That not even a risqué cover by today’s standards. I thought I was older then you, not vice versa.

Lee: I would agree it’s not risqué IF IT WEREN’T BETTY!!!! ... But, seeing how you're used to Frank Cho figure studies, let me explain:(1) Betty in spaghetti straps. When was the last time you saw that??? Uuumm never?(2) Look closely at the purse strap... it appears to push the boobs forward.(3) Uuumm I haven't seen this much "under shading" since Jim Balent drew catwoman.Seriously, compare it to any of the other covers in the Archie line. This is nary a boob shape on Betty or Veronica. In Veronica's book Betty's a "large B" or "small C"... on this cover. Solid D. That's what I am talking about. It’s just wrong and I wouldn’t show my little girl this issue!
Jim: Gosh, it is hard to think anyone could see so much in a cover. It is disturbing on some level that Lee is so concerned over the cup size of Betty and Veronica (still given the way many woman are drawn in comics they better all have super strength just to not fall forward). As for the type of top she is wearing, it is just an update to what many girls wear today and it is supposed to be a little provocative or Archie would not be so taken with her. I think Lee is suffering from having a little girl and starting to realize that she will grow up one day.

ADVENTURES OF LITTLE ARCHIE VOL. 1 SC by Bob Bolling.
Some of the best and earliest Little Archie stories are compiled in this special volume. Bob Bolling is considered by many comic book collectors to be Archie Comics' equivalent of the duck man, Carl Barks. It's easy to see why: his classic tales are epic in scope, as Little Archie deals with Martian invaders, secret spies, pirates, freewheeling uncles, gorillas on the loose, and more! Lee: I felt this needed to be included to offset the ridiculous Betty cover. This reprints some of the classic Little Archie stories from the 60’s. More adventuresome than the normal series this is a good way to see classic comics.
Jim: Lee is apparently obsessed with Betty. Nice to see some of this stuff back in reprint. Now they need to reprint the Archie characters as the super-hero stuff they used to do.

AVATAR PRESS INC

DOKTOR SLEEPLESS SHOT GLASS - Time to toss back some drinks in style, with this Doktor Sleepless logo shot glass. Limited to just 500 units.
Jim: Come on, the book has even been issued yet!
Lee: I like the fact that it equates comic nerds with alcoholics. Excellent marketing.

BOOM! STUDIOS

X ISLE VOL. 1 SC by Cosby, Nelson, Scott & Imaginary Friends.
A team of researchers drift on the ocean, lost, in their quest for an enigmatic island that's never been explored. Washing on its shores, they find a dense, terrifying jungle populated with animal and plant life that has evolved along a completely different path. What secret does this isle hold? Why are the life forms there so dangerous - and so alien? In the tradition of Alien and the recent horror-hit The Descent! Featuring art from Greg Scott (Gotham Central, Sword of Dracula) 128 pages.
Lee: Boom! is starting to trade more and more material. This can only be a good sign the company is holding its own. This was considered a pulpy, sci-fi type story and received good enough reviews. Might be worth checking out.
Jim: I enjoyed this series and since there were significant lags between issues, I believe it will read much better as a trade. It is not the greatest story in the world, but I think you get your money’s worth.

POTTER'S FIELD #1 – by Waid, Azaceta & Jones
The new series from writer Mark Waid! Outside New York City is Potter's Field, where the unnamed dead are buried. Now, a mysterious man has taken it upon himself to name the unnamed in this cemetery! Using a network of underground operatives who don't know each other, he fights to save the unsaved and solve the mysteries of the unjustly slain!
Jim: This has a good publisher, good writer (Waid) and a cool concept. Boom has been talking about this series for awhile, so I hope we actually get to see this book soon.
Lee: I don’t know about this one. Sounds like a rehash of an old Pulp Novel ala The Shadow or Doc Savage. Waid is a great writer but I’ll wait to hear the buzz before making a commitment.

CARLTON BOOKS

ANGEL FIRE GN (UPDATED ED.) by Chris Blythe & Steve Parkhouse.
Meet John Dury: the poster boy for a morally corrupt generation. A corporate predator who hunts and kills businesses for money, power, and bonuses paid in designer drugs. The latest drug to hit the city is Angel Fire. A powerful sedative and hallucinogen that seems to open the door to the next world. Instead of finding the keys to heaven, John opens the door to hell - spiralling into a nightmare dimension of ghosts and demons - and the faceless shadow that waits in the deepest blackest reaches of his own soul. Part Faustian fable, part Gothic horror story - Angel Fire is a powerful tale of corruption and redemption, told by two of the UK's top comic book creators. This new edition features over 80 pages of new material. 192 pages. (9x12)
Lee: I remember when this first came out. It was an internet only GN but got great, great reviews from everyone. Now it’s readily available and UPDATED! Can’t beat that. Highly recommended and I am looking forward to reading it. Previews at http://www.shatteredframes.com/angelfire/ the layout is a total pain in the …. And requires Flash & but it’s worth it.
Jim: This looks like a worthwhile book to check out. I will definitely follow-up on this book and maybe pick it up. Thanks Lee.

CHECKER BOOK PUBLISHING GROUP
GROWING OLD WITH B.C.: A CELEBRATION OF JOHNNY HART GN
One of the most beloved comic strips of all time is comprehensively collected here for the first time! Features personally hand-picked strips from the master himself, Johnny Hart, prior to his death in April 2007. This edition celebrates the prehistoric hilarity which was B.C. Each chapter lovingly captures the best strips from each decade of the comic strip from the 1950's through the 2000's. This volume features detailed descriptions of the real people Johnny patterned each individual character in the strip after and discussion by Johnny Hart of the strip with foreword by Bobby Hart. Also included are rare never-before-published concept art drawn by Johnny Hart just prior to the launch of the strip, and also a newly drawn cover done by Mr. Hart shortly prior to his death. 200 pages. (9x9)
Lee: I know B.C. has been around forever. And I know it’s considered a classic but.. there’s just something about the strip where I can’t elevate it to the “Peanuts” level. I’m glad it’s getting published and this is great for the strip art collector but I am not sure it’s coming home with me. Jim: Wow, Lee is passing on a cartoon strip and I’m buying it. I love BC, but since it has been around forever, I don’t love it enough to want ever issue and every strip, so this is a perfect collection for me. It is small enough and skips around enough to hit every era. When I was in grade school I really loved the little trade paperbacks of this and Wizard of ID.

DREAM OF THE RAREBIT FIEND: THE SATURDAYS SC by Winsor McCay.
This oversized softcover edition collects Winsor McCay's Saturday Dream of the Rarebit Fiend strips form 1904- 1911. These strips are presented in the enlarged format for the first time and printed to 98% of their original size. Features 190 cartoons in all. 200 pages.
Lee: One of my favorites. Winsor McCay! Simply amazing artwork.
Jim: Okay, if you haven’t realized by now, Lee is the king of cartoon strips and the older the better. I think Lee can be a certified historian on the strips by now. And he talks about my love for BOOM & IDW – Sheesh!

D.E./DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

COSMIC GUARD SC by Jim Starlin.
Jim Starlin’s own brand-new series - The Cosmic Guard! A young orphan is chosen by a mysterious light from space to become the latest in a long line of Cosmic Guardians, super-powered defenders who are charged with protecting the galaxy. Ray Torres is literally teetering on the edge of suicide - planning to leap from the roof of the orphanage where he lives - when a shooting star changes his life forever by choosing him to join a long line of space superheroes called the Cosmic Guard. Featuring story and art from the legendary Jim Starlin, this Dynamite collection features the complete six-issue series, plus a complete cover gallery, sketch materials, and more! 144 pages
Lee: Let me say that I love Jim Starlin. I love all his super, grand scale, cosmic events. Well, let me clarify, I love all his super, grand scale cosmic events that deal with characters I know. A pass for me but nice to see it’s getting published.
Jim: I love Jim Starlin also, but the character is too young and the plot does not sound inspired, so I will also pass.

DERFCITY COMICS

MY FRIEND DAHMER #1 by Derf.
The haunting true story of the author's high-school friendship with Jeffrey Dahmer, the strange boy who went on to become one of the most notorious serial killers in history. This Eisner-nominated book is written and drawn by Derf, cartoonist for the Village Voice and raucous comic strip, The City.
Lee: Derf is a great comix artist and the subject matter… well, lets just say it’s odd. But, it certainly isn’t dull. Previews at http://www.derfcity.com/
Jim: The premise is certainly unique, but some subject matter while I have an intellectual curiosity about, I will not buy or bother reading. I understand why someone would, but I’m not trying to be an FBI profiler.

DESPERADO PUBLISHING

STARCHILD: MYTHOPOLIS II VOL. 1 GN by James A. Owen.
James A. Owen returns to his first love. This quarterly series will not only complete the saga of Starchild with new 20 page chapters, but also feature a collaborative short story section called "Tales From the Two Penny Inn" with creators such as Paul Dini, Bill Sienkiewicz, and others, plus the serialized "Obscuro" and an illustrated serialized novella prequel to the Here, There Be Dragons novel. 96 pages.
Lee: Honestly, I know nothing about this but according to the hype “From the author of the 100,000 plus selling HERE, THERE BE DRAGONS novel series (and upcoming motion picture).” I managed to find some of the covers around the internet but not a lot of interior art. That said, I’m still intrigued.
Jim: Eh, not me. I’m unintrigued.

OF SCENES & STORIES SC
From the writer and creator of Baker Street, Renfield, Deadworld, Saint Germaine, and dozens of others comes a collection of works spotlighting the insightful writing talent of Gary Reed. Working with a selection of artists who represent the cream of the crop in today's comic marketplace, Reed will personally introduce and discuss aspects of the story... the motivation, what he was trying to accomplish, what it was like working with each artist, and more! 304 pages.
Lee: This looks like a great “how to” book to me. I’m not convinced that Gary Reed is a super writer but I am interested to hear how his written vision was translated to the page by the artist. This has lots and lots of potential. Previews at http://www.desperado.lightcubed.com/index.html
Jim: Agreed, more of a “how to” book. Still Lee thinks this guy is not a great writer, so why do I care how he does it?

IDW PUBLISHING

30 DAYS OF NIGHT: RED SNOW #1 by Ben Templesmith (W & A & C)
1941. Hitler's Operation: Silver Fox has failed, but the war on the Eastern Front drags on as the Russian winter starts to bite. British military attaché Corporal Charlie Keating observes the war from the Soviet side, making sure crucial supplies get through to aid Stalin's front in the battle against the Nazis. With luck, he too will survive to see the end of the war. But something else is out there, and they're not the Nazis. No matter how hard humanity tries to kill itself, something else does it better.
Jim: Another 30 Days of Night mini-series and this one is by Ben Templesmith (co-creator), as writer and artist. Ben’s other writer/artist book is great (Wormwood Gentleman Corpse), so I think this should also be a very good mini-series.
Lee: Templesmith has been on a roll lately. G. Corpse has been excellent, so I expect this to be really good too.

FOX ATOMIC COMICS

NIGHTMARE FACTORY GN
The terrifying world of acclaimed horror writer Thomas Ligotti brought frighteningly to life by a collection of today's most talented writers and illustrators. In this book, three of Ligotti's most terrifying stories are adapted by three distinct writer/artist teams. In The Last Feast of the Harlequin, writer Stuart Moore and artist Colleen Doran tell of an anthropologist's journey into a surreal winter carnival, where he witnesses an ancient rite of human sacrifice to grotesque worm-like creatures. Ben Templesmith's art accompanies Stuart Moore's adaptation of Dream of a Mannequin, the story of a patient and psychiatrist bound together in a horrific dream. And in the final story, writer Joe Harris and artist Michael Gaydos team up to adapt a strange urban legend that robs artists of their desire to create art when they're confronted with horrible revelations. Each story is more terrifying than the next, and the talent assembled here brings a new dimension to a legendary horror writer's most chilling work. 112 pages.
Lee: Thomas Ligotti is apparently a very good horror writer who has won several awards for his stories. So the source material should be good. The artist involved are all excellent. There is no reason this shouldn’t be a winner.
Jim: Agreed, I think Lee has a potential winner with this book.

GAGNE INTERNATIONAL PRESS

ZED #8 by Michel Gagné.
KRAH - the loudest band in the universe - and their devoted group of alien headbangers prepare for a grand cosmic battle. It's galactic pandemonium on an epic scale! Meanwhile, ZED is helping to rebuild his home world and enjoying some moments of peace and happiness. Michel (Flight and Insanely Twisted Rabbits) Gagné's critically acclaimed sci-fi series continues to surprise and amaze with unexpected twists and turns.
Lee: I’ve always loved Gagne’s art. I haven’t heard of this series but I might have to check it out. Visit http://www.gagneint.com/ for some previews.
Jim: See even if I loved the creators the premise takes me out of this book. Just something that I do not think sound interesting.

HERMES PRESS

ANDRU AND ESPOSITO: PARTNERS FOR LIFE SC Penciller Ross Andru and inker Mike Esposito were one of the most famous, prolific, and talented artistic teams to flourish during the Siver Age of comics. Whether working as publishers of their own work during the 1950s or at DC Comics on such strips as Wonder Woman, Suicide Squad, Metal Men, Flash, on numerous war strips, or on DC's flagship character, Superman, their work is fondly remembered today by fans and comic book historians. In the 1970s both artists lent their talents to Marvel's titles and continued to turn in inspiring work for DC. Andru and Esposito: Partners for Life chronicles the careers of both artists and is packed with hundreds of illustrations, most from original artwork, spanning both artists' careers. 208 pages. (8x11)
Lee: There seems to be lots and lots of books about famous creators these days. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining and this should be really good. I just need to find the time to read them all.
Jim: And while I respect these people as talents, I never cared for their work that much.

ANDRU AND ESPOSITO'S GET LOST! SC
Love Harvey Kurtzman's original MAD? Then you will have to have Ross Andru and Mike Esposito's historic satire and parody magazine, Get Lost! Originally released in 1953, Get Lost! delivered three ground-breaking, laugh-filled issues before Bill Gaines sued the magazine's distributor, shutting down production of the magazine. Even though Gaines lost the lawsuit, Andru and Esposito never produced more issues of Get Lost! Hermes Press' historic reprint collects all three issues of the magazine on heavy coated paper together with essays from noted comic book historians together with tons of documentary material. This archival edition of MAD's most noteworthy competitor reproduces Get Lost!'s covers in full color and is a treasure to behold for fans of MAD, as well as comic book collectors, fans, and anybody looking for a good laugh! 160 pages.
Lee: This should be fantastic. “Get Lost!” is supposedly a fantastic book with excellent art. This is definitely coming home.
Jim: After my last comment you can guess that I will be missing this book also.

MARKOSIA

WITNESS #1 (COVER A) by Brian Augustyn & Seth Frail.
The cities at the edges of the American Mid-West corn-belt are plagued by crime, drugs, and danger. The low profile that part of the country enjoys gives criminals like Max Quantrill free reign to build a huge illicit empire in Crystal City. Now the city is protected by an unknown hero who sees everything and acts swiftly; call him. The Witness.
Jim: I haven’t seen Brian Augustyn’s name for awhile, but he wrote some decent books before and the premise sound interesting enough for me to give it a try.
Lee: You are braver that I. I agree that Augustyn wrote some good things but the premise doesn’t sound incredibly interesting. Kinda generic actually… lots of crime and new mysterious hero arrives. Been there done that. Seth Frail has an interesting style so maybe the art will pull it to above average. You’ll have to let me know.

ONI PRESS INC

FIRST IN SPACE GN – by James Vining. Extensively researched, First in Space is based on the true story of Ham, a chimpanzee Americans trained for the first sub-orbital spaceflight. This rousing adventure provides a snapshot in time of America's conquest of space. 96 pages. (6x9)
Lee: I’ve heard about this somewhere… can’t quite seem to place it… where where where???? Oh that’s right. Jim can’t stop raving about this series! Yak yak yak. All day long. Please buy it just to keep Jim quiet… and not to mention that it’s a really good series.
Jim: Well said Lee.

PAPERCUTZ

TALES FROM THE CRYPT VOL. 1: GHOULS GONE WILD GN Over fifty years have passed since the last issue of the comic that inspired a hit HBO TV series was published, and Papercutz is proud to revive this frightful franchise filled with thrills, chills all laced with dark humor! It just goes to show you can't keep an old Ghoul down! Each issue will feature four new tales of undead lunacy, written and drawn by today's best comic book and graphic novel creators, and introduced by the original pun-spouting Crypt Keeper himself. Includes stories not seen in the comic books! Also available is the collector's edition hardcover! 112 pages. (5x7)
Lee: I’m sorry but this just pisses me off. I ordered the first issue because I was interested in the book. NOW, one month (maybe two) later the issue a trade with not only the material from the issue I bought but new material???? A blatant case of screwing the reader and piss poor marketing. I’m very close to buying none of it as a protest campaign.
Jim: This really does smack of screwing your buying public. Especially when you are a small publisher, pissing off even 10% of your base is dangerous.

PURE IMAGINATION PUBLISHING

BASIL WOLVERTON: AGONY AND ECSTASY SC
The Crazy Coot of Comics turns a little more serious in his collection of drawings done to illustrate The Bible. Over 200 illustrations in this volume show that he could do it all. Rare, and rarely seen, Agony and Ecstasy offers up super rare drawings by the master of mayhem! 160 pages
Lee: Long time reader Matthew… this pick is for you! Wolverton was an amazing artist so the pictures will be fantastically pretty. That’s for sure.
Jim: Okay.

MISS FURY SC – by Tarpe Mills.
Tarpe Mill's fabulous costumed female hero is seen once again for the first time in almost a decade. This volume features 160 pages reprinted from the rare and expensive Timely comics using the Theakstonizing process for sharp reproduction.
Lee: Golden age cheesecake reprints. I love it. Not quite Phantom Lady but a very close second. Well worth checking out if you have any interest in golden age material.
Jim: I very tempted, but I have so much stuff that I haven’t even gotten around to reading yet, but it sounds so interesting.

TITAN PUBLISHING

CHARLEY'S WAR VOL. 4: BLUES STORY HC by Pat Mills & Joe Colquhoun.
Renowned comics writer Pat Mills (Marshal Law, Sláine) and artist Joe Colquhoun (Johnny Red) continue their thrilling WWI story! Long out of print, rich in the minutiae of the soldier's existence, this fourth volume of the classic strips of the Charley's War series features an introduction and commentary by Pat Mills and exclusive bonus content on the historical background to the series! 120 pages. (9x12)
Lee: I try to mention this series to anyone that will listen. One of the greatest war stories… bar none… ever. Great art. Great story. Pat Mills, listed lots of historical footnotes to show he wasn’t making things up. If you have ever wondered what war was and is like (and it isn’t pretty) this is the place to start. A brutal and uncompromising look at one of the most devastating wars ever. Highly recommended.
Jim: Lee, did you ever loan me one of these, sounds good.

TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS

SUPER SPY GN – by Matt Kindt.
Super Spy is a super-deluxe, full-color collection of 52 interwoven spy thrillers about cyanide, pen-guns, heartbreak, and betrayal. Spanning the countries of Spain, France, and Germany during World War II, each story follows the everyday life of a spy, exploring their small lies and deceptions, as well as the larger secrets they hide. A children's book is something more than it seems; a woman swims the English Channel to deliver a deadly secret; a German spy desperately seeks escape for herself and her daughter; and a spy continues to serve his country even beyond death. A gorgeous full-color graphic novel that not only reveals the nature of espionage, but how an individual can be lost in a world of lies and deception, and still manage to find redemption. 336 pages. (6x9)
Lee: I like Kindt scratchy style and the premise sounds interesting. 300+ pages. I just might have to give it a try. Check out http://www.supersecretspy.com/ for previews.
Jim: I’ll wait till Lee reads it and tell me it’s good before I buy it. He was dead on with Surrogates from Top Shelf.

VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT LLC

HARBINGER: THE BEGINNING HC – by Jim Shooter & David Lapham.
This digitally recolored and remastered Valiant special edition collects the full Harbinger origin story from issues #0 - 7 for the first time ever, and includes an all-new Origin of Harada story by Jim Shooter! This classic story of Sting's band of renegade teenagers with extraordinary powers of the mind and their battle against Japanese tycoon Toyo Harada took the comics industry by storm in 1992. It features Eisner award-winner David Lapham's very first work as a talented teenager and one of legendary creator Jim Shooter's greatest stories ever!
Lee: The series and company that kept many a comic store afloat in the 90’s. I’ve never read the Harbinger series but I have to get this.
Jim: This was really good stuff. I think Valiant would have been one hell of a comic company if Shooter had stayed involved, but the internal politics killed him at Valiant and they kicked out the guy who had the good ideas.

ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC

GRIMM FAIRY TALES ANNUAL #1
The first Annual from the hit indie series Grim Fairy Tales is here! Featuring a whopping six brand-new stories as Zenescope puts the Grim spin on classic nursery rhythms and fairy tales including Jack and Jill, The Old Woman in the Shoe, Pinocchio, Little Boy Blue, and Peter Peter Pumkin Eater. All this plus a bonus tale, Story Time, introducing an all new character whose actions will effect Sela and the Grim universe forever more! 48 pages.
Jim: Not as good as Fables, but better then the good girl covers would imply. Grimm Fairy Tales are a fast read, but they are fun remakes of the classic Fairy Tales, always with a modern day allegory.
Lee: There isn’t a lot of buzz about this series but those that read it seem to really like it. This is as good as place as any to give it a try.

Random Action Figure of the Week

STEVE IRWIN: WILDLIFE ADVENTURE SERIES - This 9 tall talking action figure features the actual voice of Steve Irwin! You can play the voice in two ways: push the #1 button to hear 8 different Steve sayings or push the #2 button to go on a talking adventure with Steve!
Lee: Wow. I can’t decide if this is twisted and just a poor judgment to make money off a dead man’s name or poor judgment as a way to keep his memory alive. Either way, it’s pretty sad.
Jim: As long as it doesn’t come with a removable stingray, I think this is okay. Especially if it promotes Irwin’s wildlife causes. He was a great talent.

Lee: See what I mean! A really good month. Now, the book I am interested in but not sure I will actually purchase… “Of Scenes & Stories” by Desperado Publishing. I am always interested in the craft of comics but I would like to see the book before actually making a commitment.
Jim: Well to follow Lee’s lead here the book that has me interested but I will probably not buy is the Miss Fury SC. I love the Golden Age and the middle age (before Silver /After Golden) stuff, as it has a lot of different type of material. I’m with Lee, that often I want to see a product before buying it and with it being so specialized most stores only order it, if a customer orders it, so it never sees a shelf.