Gestalt Publishing Pty Ltd
Flinch Vol. 01 GN by Various
Flinch is a collection of engaging stories by established and emerging creators, all playing on their interpretation of "flinch." From facing the "other" within ourselves, to the tale of a prison inmate discovering what keeps him going, to a handful of stories exploring traditional (and non-traditional) hauntings alike, Flinch will keep you guessing as creators such as Shaun Tan, Colin Wilson, Chris Bolton, Christian Read, and many others all interpret "flinch" as far as their imaginations will take them! $11.95 You can see the official page here and the Publisher’s homepage here
Lee: I initially thought this was a collection of DC’s 90’s Vertigo series Flinch. Then I noticed it was actually all new material so I wasn’t as interested. Then I realized Shaun Tan, who did the amazing book ‘The Arrival’ last year, was involved so now I’m interested again. ‘The Arrival was such an all ages book I can’t wait to see what Tan can do with a horror story. The rest of the book is primarily Australian comic creators who I don’t know, but I’m always interested in how other people/cultures make comics so I’m sure I’ll get this.
Jim: This is sure to make Lee's column in his other blog job, where he calls it the "Best Book You Haven't Read". Shaun Tan's "Arrival" was a wonderful book and seeing his name in the credits raises my interest level a lot. Mr. Tan is a true talent in this field and I have to guess there are other good creators in this book. Not sure I will buy it yet, but I leaning that way.
IDW Publishing
Billboards HC by (W) Clifford Meth (A) Dave Gutierrez
In the not-too-distant future, when every conceivable flat surface is covered by advertising, men and women begin selling the geography of their bodies to the highest corporate bidders. What they don't know is that the new tattoos have integrated circuits that track every product they use. It's no big deal until weddings are forbidden based on corporate conflicts of interest. This biting satire by Clifford Meth (Snaked) will tickle the bejezus out of you. HC B & W 5.5 x 8.25, 88 pages. $14.99 You can see Gutierrez’s art here
Lee: I’ve read a bunch of Clifford’s stuff and I’ve always been entertained. Gutierrez is a solid artist. I might have to give this a try.
Jim: You know what puts me off this book is the size. It is a little too condensed of a size for me. It sounds petty, but there it is.
Doctor Who Classics Vol. 03 SC by (W) Grant Morrison, Steve Moore, Steve Parkhouse (A) Dave Gibbons, Bryan Hitch, John Ridgway, Robert Hack
Follow the Doctor and Tardis as they travel through time and space, solving problems, righting wrongs, and meeting strange new creatures and people along the way. With stories by comics superstars Grant Morrison (Infinite Crisis) and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen). TPB Full Color. " 6.625" x 10.187" " 128 pages. $19.99
Lee: There are three other Dr. Who volumes? Seriously? Now that is one dedicated, hard core following. I’m not one of them but wow…. Three other trades? It has great writers and artists but I don’t know if I care enough about Dr. Who to get this.
Jim: I have no interest in Dr. Who, but for people who like Dr. Who I'm sure this page would hold their interest. It is like Farscape for me, I love it, but if you don't know the material you could care less about a Farscape comic.
From the Ashes #1 by (W/A) Bob Fingerman
From the man who brought us the comical miseries of Minimum Wage comes a surprisingly perky take on Armageddon and a new spin on the old autobiographical comics genre: The Speculative Memoir! Bob Fingerman and his wife Michele find out the apocalypse isn't the end of the world in this hip satirical survival romp through Manhattan's ruins. Think The Road, only funny! Retailers: See your order form for a special incentive Full Color. · 32 pages. ·$3.99
Lee: Is there anyplace Bob Fingerman isn’t these days? Last month we picked some of his material over at Fantagraphics. Now, he’s here at IDW. Fingerman’s work is always good so I’ll probably check out the first issue.
Jim: Very undergroundish kind of feel to the cover of his work. I have never been a fan of his work, so this is a pass for me.
Sword of My Mouth #1 by (W) Jim Munroe (A) Shannon Gerard
If Ella didn't have her baby, she"d go crazy from the loneliness. But she might still go crazy from the guilt, because the baby isn't quite right. The world was simpler before the righteous floated away into the sky, and magic started working. An all-new, six-issue story continuing on from the acclaimed graphic novel Therefore Repent! B&W " 32 pages. $3.99
Lee: So, if you can’t qualify for the Embarrassed to be a Fanboy Cover, you can always go for the Ridiculous Title award.
Jim: Yeah, this sounds like a huge pass. This sounds like a novel based on some series of paperbacks that are everywhere. I think it is impossible to be a writer anymore unless you have a series proposal.
IDW: The First Decade HC by (W) Ted Adams, Peter David, Joe Hill, Kris Oprisko, Chris Ryall, Ben Templesmith (A) Gabriel Rodriguez, Ben Templesmith, Ashley Wood, JK Woodward Celebarating IDW's first 10 years, this comprehensive look at IDW is presented as a two-volume hardcover set with slipcase. Volume One includes an oral history of the company written by co-founders Ted Adams and Kris Oprisko and IDW's Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall that includes interviews with many major creators who have worked at IDW, including: Marc Andreyko, John Byrne, Scott Ciencen, Max Allan Collins, Simon Furman, Alex Garner, Mike Gold, Joe Hill, Brian Lynch, Jeff Mariotte, Dean Mullaney, Steve Niles, Gabriel Rodriguez, Ben Templesmith, Ashley Wood, and more, and will include a tip-in plate signed by IDW's founders, Ryall, Hill, Niles, Templesmith, Wood, and Woodward. Volume Two features every single cover published by IDW through December 2008. Over 2000 covers by some of the biggest names in comics including Clive Barker, Tim Bradstreet, John Byrne, J. Scott Campbell, John Cassaday, Richard Corben, Kieron Dwyer, Tommy Lee Edwards, Don Figueroa, Alex Garner, Mike Grell, Tony Harris, Dave Johnson, Sam Kieth, Igor Kordey, Ted McKeever, David Messina, Alex Milne, Scott Morse, Paul Pope, Gabriel Rodriguez, Richard Sala, Eric Shanower, Bill Sienkiewicz, Ken Steacy, Ben Templesmith, Billy Tucci, Ashley Wood, JK Woodward, Bernie Wrightson, and many more. Also includes an all-new IDW: The First Decade comic book with all-new 5-page stories, including: -- Fallen Angel by Peter David and JK Woodward -- Locke & Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez -- Popbot by Ashley Wood -- Wormwood by Ben Templesmith Retailers: See your order form for a special incentive Signed HC w/slipcase Full Color. " 8" x 12.5" " 296 pages. $75.00
Lee: Let’s start with, I can’t believe IDW has been publishing for 10 years. That’s a heck of a record. But, a first decade hc for $75??? Are they nuts?
Jim: Bravo, IDW, ten years and they have been a solid niche player getting stronger every year, but I will pass on your celebration hardcover for $75. But hey - Happy Birthday, I'll keep buying many of your books.
NBM
George McManus' Bringing Up Father HC by (W/A) George McManus
In 1904, a young George McManus was hired by Pulitzer's New York World as a cartoonist. While he was there, he created such strips as The Newlyweds, considered by comics historians to be the first family comic strip. In 1912, William Randolph Heart hired McManus away to start a new comic strip about a guy named Jiggs, a lower-class man who came into a lot of money. With their new wealth, Maggie, Jiggs" wife, wanted to enter the upper crust of society but Jiggs just wanted to hang out with his old friends at his favorite bar. This is the classic strip, Bringing Up Father, which became the second longest-running comic strip of the 20th century. All the dailies of the first two years of the strips are presented here, many which have not been reprinted since their first appearance over 90 years ago. $24.95
Lee: I love the classic strips. These are so much fun because they really do shed light on life at the turn of the century. Both historical and entertaining.
Jim: As a kid (way back) I used to remember reading this strip and enjoying it, by that time I'm sure the original writer/artist were long gone. From a historical perspective I may consider buying this as I never remember seeing the beginings of this strip. Also the price point is not bad.
Oni Press Inc.
Wonton Soup Vol. 02 GN by (W/A) James Stokoe
Johnny Boyo could have had it all. As one of the premier chefs in the galaxy, his culinary skills could have made him a star. So, with everything he ever dreamed of for the taking, why would Johnny walk away from it all behind to become a space trucker? Not even Citrus Watts, the girl he left behind, knows for sure. But now that Johnny has returned to the kitchen once more to save all he holds dear, does that mean he's back in the apron for good - or is the allure of the open space lanes too much for his trucker heart to take? $11.95
Lee: I loved Wonton Soup Vol 01! I can’t wait for this to arrive. Cooking, science fiction, and a dash of humor. This is fantastic.
Jim:Never been a big soup fan except in the summer or maybe after being out in the snow. Also tomato soup is my favorite or hot and sour soup, but not wonton soup. Never been one for the cooking books.
Flinch Vol. 01 GN by VariousFlinch is a collection of engaging stories by established and emerging creators, all playing on their interpretation of "flinch." From facing the "other" within ourselves, to the tale of a prison inmate discovering what keeps him going, to a handful of stories exploring traditional (and non-traditional) hauntings alike, Flinch will keep you guessing as creators such as Shaun Tan, Colin Wilson, Chris Bolton, Christian Read, and many others all interpret "flinch" as far as their imaginations will take them! $11.95 You can see the official page here and the Publisher’s homepage here
Lee: I initially thought this was a collection of DC’s 90’s Vertigo series Flinch. Then I noticed it was actually all new material so I wasn’t as interested. Then I realized Shaun Tan, who did the amazing book ‘The Arrival’ last year, was involved so now I’m interested again. ‘The Arrival was such an all ages book I can’t wait to see what Tan can do with a horror story. The rest of the book is primarily Australian comic creators who I don’t know, but I’m always interested in how other people/cultures make comics so I’m sure I’ll get this.
Jim: This is sure to make Lee's column in his other blog job, where he calls it the "Best Book You Haven't Read". Shaun Tan's "Arrival" was a wonderful book and seeing his name in the credits raises my interest level a lot. Mr. Tan is a true talent in this field and I have to guess there are other good creators in this book. Not sure I will buy it yet, but I leaning that way.
IDW Publishing
Billboards HC by (W) Clifford Meth (A) Dave GutierrezIn the not-too-distant future, when every conceivable flat surface is covered by advertising, men and women begin selling the geography of their bodies to the highest corporate bidders. What they don't know is that the new tattoos have integrated circuits that track every product they use. It's no big deal until weddings are forbidden based on corporate conflicts of interest. This biting satire by Clifford Meth (Snaked) will tickle the bejezus out of you. HC B & W 5.5 x 8.25, 88 pages. $14.99 You can see Gutierrez’s art here
Lee: I’ve read a bunch of Clifford’s stuff and I’ve always been entertained. Gutierrez is a solid artist. I might have to give this a try.
Jim: You know what puts me off this book is the size. It is a little too condensed of a size for me. It sounds petty, but there it is.
Doctor Who Classics Vol. 03 SC by (W) Grant Morrison, Steve Moore, Steve Parkhouse (A) Dave Gibbons, Bryan Hitch, John Ridgway, Robert HackFollow the Doctor and Tardis as they travel through time and space, solving problems, righting wrongs, and meeting strange new creatures and people along the way. With stories by comics superstars Grant Morrison (Infinite Crisis) and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen). TPB Full Color. " 6.625" x 10.187" " 128 pages. $19.99
Lee: There are three other Dr. Who volumes? Seriously? Now that is one dedicated, hard core following. I’m not one of them but wow…. Three other trades? It has great writers and artists but I don’t know if I care enough about Dr. Who to get this.
Jim: I have no interest in Dr. Who, but for people who like Dr. Who I'm sure this page would hold their interest. It is like Farscape for me, I love it, but if you don't know the material you could care less about a Farscape comic.
From the Ashes #1 by (W/A) Bob FingermanFrom the man who brought us the comical miseries of Minimum Wage comes a surprisingly perky take on Armageddon and a new spin on the old autobiographical comics genre: The Speculative Memoir! Bob Fingerman and his wife Michele find out the apocalypse isn't the end of the world in this hip satirical survival romp through Manhattan's ruins. Think The Road, only funny! Retailers: See your order form for a special incentive Full Color. · 32 pages. ·$3.99
Lee: Is there anyplace Bob Fingerman isn’t these days? Last month we picked some of his material over at Fantagraphics. Now, he’s here at IDW. Fingerman’s work is always good so I’ll probably check out the first issue.
Jim: Very undergroundish kind of feel to the cover of his work. I have never been a fan of his work, so this is a pass for me.
Sword of My Mouth #1 by (W) Jim Munroe (A) Shannon GerardIf Ella didn't have her baby, she"d go crazy from the loneliness. But she might still go crazy from the guilt, because the baby isn't quite right. The world was simpler before the righteous floated away into the sky, and magic started working. An all-new, six-issue story continuing on from the acclaimed graphic novel Therefore Repent! B&W " 32 pages. $3.99
Lee: So, if you can’t qualify for the Embarrassed to be a Fanboy Cover, you can always go for the Ridiculous Title award.
Jim: Yeah, this sounds like a huge pass. This sounds like a novel based on some series of paperbacks that are everywhere. I think it is impossible to be a writer anymore unless you have a series proposal.
IDW: The First Decade HC by (W) Ted Adams, Peter David, Joe Hill, Kris Oprisko, Chris Ryall, Ben Templesmith (A) Gabriel Rodriguez, Ben Templesmith, Ashley Wood, JK Woodward Celebarating IDW's first 10 years, this comprehensive look at IDW is presented as a two-volume hardcover set with slipcase. Volume One includes an oral history of the company written by co-founders Ted Adams and Kris Oprisko and IDW's Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall that includes interviews with many major creators who have worked at IDW, including: Marc Andreyko, John Byrne, Scott Ciencen, Max Allan Collins, Simon Furman, Alex Garner, Mike Gold, Joe Hill, Brian Lynch, Jeff Mariotte, Dean Mullaney, Steve Niles, Gabriel Rodriguez, Ben Templesmith, Ashley Wood, and more, and will include a tip-in plate signed by IDW's founders, Ryall, Hill, Niles, Templesmith, Wood, and Woodward. Volume Two features every single cover published by IDW through December 2008. Over 2000 covers by some of the biggest names in comics including Clive Barker, Tim Bradstreet, John Byrne, J. Scott Campbell, John Cassaday, Richard Corben, Kieron Dwyer, Tommy Lee Edwards, Don Figueroa, Alex Garner, Mike Grell, Tony Harris, Dave Johnson, Sam Kieth, Igor Kordey, Ted McKeever, David Messina, Alex Milne, Scott Morse, Paul Pope, Gabriel Rodriguez, Richard Sala, Eric Shanower, Bill Sienkiewicz, Ken Steacy, Ben Templesmith, Billy Tucci, Ashley Wood, JK Woodward, Bernie Wrightson, and many more. Also includes an all-new IDW: The First Decade comic book with all-new 5-page stories, including: -- Fallen Angel by Peter David and JK Woodward -- Locke & Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez -- Popbot by Ashley Wood -- Wormwood by Ben Templesmith Retailers: See your order form for a special incentive Signed HC w/slipcase Full Color. " 8" x 12.5" " 296 pages. $75.00Lee: Let’s start with, I can’t believe IDW has been publishing for 10 years. That’s a heck of a record. But, a first decade hc for $75??? Are they nuts?
Jim: Bravo, IDW, ten years and they have been a solid niche player getting stronger every year, but I will pass on your celebration hardcover for $75. But hey - Happy Birthday, I'll keep buying many of your books.
NBM
George McManus' Bringing Up Father HC by (W/A) George McManusIn 1904, a young George McManus was hired by Pulitzer's New York World as a cartoonist. While he was there, he created such strips as The Newlyweds, considered by comics historians to be the first family comic strip. In 1912, William Randolph Heart hired McManus away to start a new comic strip about a guy named Jiggs, a lower-class man who came into a lot of money. With their new wealth, Maggie, Jiggs" wife, wanted to enter the upper crust of society but Jiggs just wanted to hang out with his old friends at his favorite bar. This is the classic strip, Bringing Up Father, which became the second longest-running comic strip of the 20th century. All the dailies of the first two years of the strips are presented here, many which have not been reprinted since their first appearance over 90 years ago. $24.95
Lee: I love the classic strips. These are so much fun because they really do shed light on life at the turn of the century. Both historical and entertaining.
Jim: As a kid (way back) I used to remember reading this strip and enjoying it, by that time I'm sure the original writer/artist were long gone. From a historical perspective I may consider buying this as I never remember seeing the beginings of this strip. Also the price point is not bad.
Oni Press Inc.
Wonton Soup Vol. 02 GN by (W/A) James StokoeJohnny Boyo could have had it all. As one of the premier chefs in the galaxy, his culinary skills could have made him a star. So, with everything he ever dreamed of for the taking, why would Johnny walk away from it all behind to become a space trucker? Not even Citrus Watts, the girl he left behind, knows for sure. But now that Johnny has returned to the kitchen once more to save all he holds dear, does that mean he's back in the apron for good - or is the allure of the open space lanes too much for his trucker heart to take? $11.95
Lee: I loved Wonton Soup Vol 01! I can’t wait for this to arrive. Cooking, science fiction, and a dash of humor. This is fantastic.
Jim:Never been a big soup fan except in the summer or maybe after being out in the snow. Also tomato soup is my favorite or hot and sour soup, but not wonton soup. Never been one for the cooking books.
PART THREE IS COMING UP TOMORROW - BE HERE OR BE SQUARE
Sword of My Mouth is my top pick this month. I agree the title is odd, but Therefore Repent! was my favorite gn of 2008. It's about life on earth after the Rapture, but is not religious in any way. Actually, that's not entirely true - of the people that are left, some are just trying to get by, some are waiting for another rapture to take them away. The story focuses on the former. It's really just a post-apocalyptic tale, but with no catastrophy. Therefore Repent! can be downloaded on nomediakings.org
ReplyDeleteSo I just looked up Sword of my Mouth out of curiousity, and its actually from the Bible...
ReplyDeleteRevelations 2:16: Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth.
Now go read Therefore Repent :)