Adapted/Illustrated by Darwyn Cooke

IDW Publishing, 2010

Initially sold at WonderCon some few months back and finally released this past Wednesday this book acts as a prelude to Richard Stark’s Parker: The Outfit due out in the fall.  This story will be included in that book.

So why buy this?

For one thing, the format.  Coming in at a gigantunormous 8×12, Cooke’s artwork looks crisper and cleaner somehow.  This was true of his artwork in DC: The New Frontier when it was presented in the Absolute format.  You feel enveloped by it, like you’re sitting in the diner booth and plotting the heist alongside the characters.  I’ve fallen in love with the oversized format recently with King City and last year’s Kick Drum Comix (found in our Indie Section!)  I think this is the best use of it yet.

Really you guys, here’s the thing, The Man with the Getaway Face; I think it’s better than The Hunter and I looooooved The Hunter.  This though, this was just so…economical.  It’s amazing in its conciseness.  Every choice in story presentation is the 100 percent right choice.

That opening title sequence, for example, of Parker getting the bandages taken off his face after his (off-screen) plastic surgery.  It’s presented from his/our point of view. It starts at complete black and then panel by panel ribbons of blackness are snipped off like the ribbons of a bandage with the appropriate scissor snip sound effect.   As these ribbons are cut off we get the creative credits but new  words are coming into view and eventually reveal the story’s title.  Then the next page we and Parker are gazing at his new face in the mirror in a one page minimalist splash.  The story has got you now because you’re in it with Parker.

The Hunter was a buildup; a gradual unfurling of plot and information because it had 140 pages and could afford it’s leisurely pace.  This is only 24 pages long, man.  And it’s not an adaptation of a short story, this was a novel too.  Cooke condensed a NOVEL into a single issue.  It’s all essential, so it all hums.  Passage of time is symbolized by a Timex watch every few pages.  I think the sepia wash is sharper looking than the blue wash from The Hunter. That cover with the stray pencil lines and the one eye glaring at you, holy god. There is so much in this thing that can be dissected, discussed. Everything about this comic is R-I-G-H-T, as its own thing, as an opener to The Outfit, as a promotional item.

A comic that you can set your Timex watch to.

As some of you may have heard, I am happy to announce that I am the new store manager at Heroes! I’m part of the second generation of Drum’s to work at Heroes and the first to be involved in the management team. I’ve officially been working in the store on and off for about seven years now. I’ve done most jobs associated with the store including warehouse organization, shipping, clerking and updating the website. Most significantly, I’ve run Pre-Registration and check-in for HeroesCon for the past 5 years and I’m excited to move into the next phase of my involvement in the store.

I’ve been interested in doing more with the store for the last few years. Shawn’s move into a new position presented a golden opportunity to join the management team. I will not only be handling weekly ordering for the store but will also be happy to process any special requests our customers may have! I’m confident that my already extensive exposure to and love of comics will be an asset in providing our customers with the kinds of products and service that they expect from Heroes.

Shawn, Seth, and I have already begun to scheme up new and exciting changes for the store and HeroesCon 2011. Shawn and I will be at the San Diego Comic-Con next weekend promoting HeroesCon! Stay tuned for updates on the Heroes Online blog!

I have heard nothing but good things about the play The Drowsy Chaperone. It basically is a play within a play as a man’s favorite musical comes to life. It sounds like the perfect summer escape! Shows start tonight at 8 pm at the Pease Auditorium and the run will last until July 24. Tickets are only $17. Please go to the CPCC Summer Theater website for more info including show dates and times, cast list and a more detailed synopsis!

I have been obsessed with Erika Moen‘s work ever since I was exposed to her at this past HeroesCon. I picked up the second volume of DAR! and literally could not put it down. It is engaging and funny and strongly illustrated. This volume collects her web strips from 2009. She also reprints some older work and some bonus stories. After reading volume two I went to her website and read pretty much every one of her strips. In about a day. She is a highly entertaining cartoonist and I can’t recommend her work enough.

The official title of her web strip (DAR! A Super Girly Top Secret Comic Diary) is amusing and intentionally misleading. She isn’t what I would call a “girly” girl. And the strip isn’t appropriate for young girls. Moen’s work is intended for a mature audience. There are lots of references, jokes and images that are not appropriate for children or work. But the strip is a window into her life and it looks in on her most secret moments. It is the truth for her as a girl. This strip is all about her life experiences. It is very personal and very open. Some of the strips I feel like she is laying her life bare before the audience and yet she does it with humor and wit. Her work is all about balance. Her strips can be crass and baudy and yet at the same time they are sweet and endearing. I find her work to be completely relatable. I see myself in her. We don’t have a similar life story but I think that when you imbue your work with honesty then it is easy for people to relate to it, even if their life is vastly different from yours. Her artwork greatly enhances her stories. Her artwork is engaging and her characters are easily recognizable. She uses a lot of gray-tones which help give it depth and life. Her website contains six years worth of her strips and you can really see her develop as an artist and a storyteller in her ability to flesh out stories.

Almost a year ago she stopped doing DAR! and she explains why in the strip on the website’s homepage. I am disappointed that she is no longer doing a diary comic but I am excited to see what she is working on next. I have already begun the hunt for more of Moen’s work. I went to Portland, OR a couple weeks ago and while I was there I stopped by a couple comic book shops. At Cosmic Monkey Comics I found a mini that she did with Lucy Knisley called Drawn to You. I really liked the way that the two of them worked off of each other. It was a really fun read. She is a talented storyteller and I want to read more of her work!

This week’s spotlight focuses on new releases that are a bit more eclectic than ones previewed in previous weeks.  That said, there are some interesting mainstream titles on sale as well so be sure to check our full listing of this week’s new releases to see what might interest you.  Here are some of my picks for titles to look out for:

1) Fractured Fables HC

This new all-ages anthology comes to us courtesy of Image Comics and features a diverse set of contributors including Jill Thompson, Ben Templesmith, Ted McKeever, and Scott Morse.  With each creator offering their interpretation of classic fairy tales, this one should appeal to kids and adult fans who are familiar with some of the artists more mature efforts.  If you saw the Free Comic Book Day preview title, you know this is going to be a fun book.

2) The Sixth Gun #1 and #2

From Oni Press and creators Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt comes the first two issues of a title they debuted at this year’s Free Comic Book Day.  One of the event’s highest regarded offerings, this title has been steadily adding to its buzz in recent months.  With a story set during the Civil War and incorporating supernatural elements, there is something here for fans of both history and horror.  And if you missed the Free Comic Book Day issue, it is reprinted in issue #1, while issue #2 continues the ongoing series.

3) Astonishing Spider-man/Wolverine #2

Another title featuring Spider-man and Wolverine?  Don’t let the fact that these characters appear in numerous books deter you from giving this series a shot.  Jason Aaron has proven in recent years that he writes costumed characters as well as he does the inhabitants of his gritty and consistently brilliant series Scalped.  Adam Kubert is no stranger to illustrating Marvel characters, and has done some good work since returning from his tenure at DC.  What’s most significant about this title to me is that Aaron and Kubert don’t just throw the two characters together without reason.   After years of running into each other in comics, the relationship between these two very different kinds of heroes is explored to good measure and perhaps in greater detail than we’ve previously seen.

4) Strange Science Fantasy #1

When he’s not busy working for Pixar writer/artist Scott Morse crafts beautiful comics.  If you stopped by the Adhouse booth at Heroes Con this year you may have seen Morse cranking out amazing paintings for lucky fans.  His new series is an anthology of sorts, created with a tip of the hat to popular superhero, sci-fi, and fantasy anthologies of the ’60′s.  Online previews of the title make it evident that Morse had a lot of fun creating this book.  And when this new world is inhabited with characters named ‘Shogunaut’ and ‘The Headlight,’  you can see that Morse’s enjoyment in making this book is contagious.

5) Mystery Society #2

This creation of Steve Niles and Ashley Wood is living up to its deserved hype.  Issue one featured one of the protagonists breaking into Area 51, and the re-introduction of Niles’ character the Secret Skull.  With elements of sci-fi, espionage, horror and of course the titular mystery, this book should not only appeal to fans of earlier works from Niles and Wood but  fans of superheros as well.  Artist Fiona Staples proved with issue one that her style works well with Niles’ writing.  She also provided the art for the recent Northlanders #29, which gives you some indication of her range.  I should also mention that we still have copies of Mystery Society #1 available, including the retailer exclusives from around the country that we debuted at Heroes Con.

This Sunday, July 18 Shelton Drum will be setting up at Wes Tillander’s Atlanta Comic Convention. Accompanying him will be his trusty sidekick, Shawn Daughhetee. And boy are they excited to sell you some comics! If you are looking for something specific please email Shelton to let him know. We will be glad to bring it with us if we have it in stock! So if you are in the Atlanta area or feel like taking a summer road trip then stop by the Atlanta Marriott Century Center and say “hi” to Shelton and Shawn at the Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find table!

Atlanta Comic Convention
July 18, 2010
11 am to 5 pm
Atlanta Marriott Century Center
2000 Century Boulevard Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30345

As some of you know, I recently got married and moved to Greenville, SC. For a while I thought I was going to have to find a new job in a new town. But my fears were put to rest when Shelton generously offered me a brand new position within Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find. It was impossible to refuse such a wonderful offer. So as of this week I officially became the Events Coordinator for Heroes. I must admit that I am excited! My new job puts me in charge of organizing and promoting events such as HeroesCon, the Charlotte Minicon, Free Comic Book Day and store signings. Basically my job is to sell and promote the best comic book store in the world and the best comic convention of all time. What could be easier?

Shelton hired me in 2006 just two weeks before the convention where I was thrown into the fire but managed to make it through. I quickly worked my way up to store manager and held that position for two years. I was in charge of making sure the store ran on a day-to-day basis as well as organizing special events. Not only that, but I was also responsible for the basic organization of the convention. This past HeroesCon was one of the smoothest conventions I have ever attended and that makes me feel like all of my hard work paid off. I am sad to leave all of that behind but I look forward to all of the opportunities that will come with my new role.

I am eager to work more closely with exhibitors, pros and small press. I have some exciting plans that will only make HeroesCon bigger and better. I want to continue to cultivate Indie Island, discover ways to draw more attention to small press, diversify our exhibitor list, and widen our promotions. I strongly believe that I can do all these things and keep HeroesCon the family-friendly, comics-centric convention that we all know and love. My first big assignment will be to attend Comic-Con in San Diego and drum up excitement and guests for next year’s HeroesCon! My reading list ranges from Afrodisiac to Zatanna (and everything in between) and I intend on using my eclectic tastes and breadth of knowledge to talk to a wide range of creators and get them interested in coming to HeroesCon.

I am always open to suggestions and feedback and I would love to hear from you on how to make Heroes events even more awesome! Email me sometime!

If you are looking for something to do this Friday night might I direct your attention to the Milestone and our friends the Junior Astronomers. They put on a rocking show and if you can’t catch them this go round definitely put them on your radar. Also playing are The Lo and Beholds, La Strada and Marco Pollo. Doors open at 8 pm and the show starts at 9 pm. Tickets are $6/$8 and it is an 18 and up show. The Milestone is a Charlotte institution and must be visited at least once. But be warned! It is not a place for the weak-hearted and you might not want to use their restroom.

Since books were delayed this week due to the July 4 holiday, I’ll be spotlighting a few more titles than the average Wednesday.  This is a big week for new books, so check out what I believe to be some of the industry’s best offerings.

1) Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #1

This series not only brings the Young Avengers back into the spotlight but also takes some steps to fix some of the Scarlet Witch’s troubles as of late.  Considering the fact that Young Avengers creators Allan Heinberg and Jimmy Cheung are at the helm of this series, fans of these characters should want to tune in. While the Scarlet Witch has been a problematic character over the past decade, both Heinberg and Cheung have the chops to get her back to relevance in the Marvel Universe.

2) Batman: The Odyssey #1

Neal Adams, one of comics early proponents of realism, returns to a character he left an indelible mark upon in years past.  Aside from the fact that the series is said to feature Adams’ take on an array of classic bat villains, it should be noted that the first issue weighs in at a hefty 40 pages.  And did I mention Neal is writing this series to accompany his trademark illustrations?  It’s nice to see him taking the reins of a character like this again.

3) The Playwright 

With his groundbreaking work on From Hell and Alec, artist Eddie Campbell cemented his place in comics history.  But in recent years with The Fate of the Artist, The Black Diamond Detective Agency and The Amazing Remarkable Monsieur Leotard, Campbell has continued to churn out quality books.  In The Playwright, Campbell reunites with writer Daren White to tell the story of a celibate, middle aged man and the intertwining arcs of his personal and artistic lives.  This one’s not for kids but is a must read for the literary-minded comic reader.  I had the good fortune to read this book a few weeks ago and it has already earned a place on my ‘Best of 2010′ list.

4) Thor: The Mighty Avenger #1

It’s no secret that the Heroes staff loves the work of Roger Langridge.  Chances are, many customers already know this as several of us regularly discuss  The Muppet Show and Fred the Clown.  While I’m excited to read Langridge’s take on all things Asgard, I must admit that I’m equally anxious to see artist Chris Samnee‘s rendition of Thor hammering away at giants and monsters.  After his recent work on DC’s sleeper hit The Mighty and the Vertigo crime graphic novel Area 10, Samnee’s proven himself a talented and capable artist.  Early previews of his work on Thor suggests that this could very well be the work of his career (up to this point).

5)  Scarlet #1

Brian Michael Bendis has clearly had his hands full running the Avengers corner of the Marvel Universe for several years. Taking note of this effort, I’m excited to see his first creator owned series since Powers.  Fans of Bendis’ grittier fare like Jinx and Torso will want to take a look at Scarlet, another collaboration with artist Alex Maleev.  Following in the vein of the aforementioned titles, Scarlet is said to be a return to Bendis’ crime and noir roots.  And while some of you might miss this duo’s collaboration on the recent Spider-woman series, this should be a nice alternative for you to check out.

6) Shadowland #1:

Andy Diggle and Billy Tan spearhead the new Marvel event focusing on Daredevil’s recent turn to the dark side.  Spidey, Cage, Iron Fist, Moon Knight, the Punisher, and other city-based heroes also appear in what could be an book that has fallen under the radar of some readers. Expect to encounter a more violent Daredevil than you are used to with major ramifications for the character to be felt for some time.

7)  Steve Rogers: Super Soldier: #1

While the original Cap is leading the current Secret Avengers and still making appearances in the primary Captain America title, here’s your chance to read a solo Steve Rogers series.  Writer Ed Brubaker has already proven his skill at writing Rogers but it’ll be nice to see artist Dale Eaglesham‘s rendition of the character in his new role as Marvel’s top cop.

Bonus Pick of the Week: Casanova #1

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the re-release of Casanova under Marvel’s Icon Imprint.  The quirky book with story by Matt Fraction and art by Gabriel Ba receives new color art from Cris Peter, as well as new lettering courtesy of our old compatriot Dustin Harbin.  In addition to awing at Dharbin’s penmanship skills, take note that the book also includes a new short story from Fraction and other regular series artist Fabio Moon.

Hey guys, it’s me, Dustin Harbin! I know we’ve been quiet lately, since HeroesCon and last week’s awesome Adam Hughes release party and signing. I’ve been going through this very site, slowly but surely and changing over everything to reflect HeroesCon 2011. While we haven’t nailed down exact dates, Shelton is working hard on it, and even though I don’t know the dates yet, I do know the 2011 part, so I went ahead and stuck that up there! I’m most of the way done sprucing things up, but I’m sure there are a few little bits I’ve missed, so I’ll be cruising back over it next week to clean it up just so.

The other thing I’ll be doing next week is teaching other people how to do the stuff I do, although they know most of it already. Once again, and for what must surely be the last time, I’m going to go paddle out alone into the world of freelance cartooning, and thus end nearly 15 years of working for good ol’ Shelton Drum, who has been like a second father to me all these years, and under whose employment I’ve learned pretty much every professional lesson of my adult life. I mean, I’ve worked here since I was 21, way back in 1996, when Marvel was getting ready to go bankrupt and Kyle Rankin was the new Green Lantern and everyone was complaining that the price of an issue of same had gone up to a buck-fifty.

While I’ll still be around, especially as we switch things around for a new era of awesomeness for the store and HeroesCon, it’ll be more as a cheerleader and occasional helper-outer than a member of the paid staff. If you need anything, I would direct you to Shelton or Shawn Daughhetee, who will be handling a lot of the con gruntwork I have for so long. Shawn is about as nice a person as you could ask for, way nicer than I am, so be nice to her too okay?

Okay, I gotta go and write the Hotline, so I’ll cut this short. But just let me say thank you very much to the staff who have endured my persnickety peculiarness and control-freakitude for so long, and also who have been awesome co-workers. Also thank you to my man Andy Mansell, who’s just amazing all over and who did a lot more than anyone gave him credit for on HeroesCon this year–a lot of why it went so smooth you can lay directly at his doorstep. If every comics shop had a customer like Andy Mansell, the direct market would be a lot healthier; or at least super friendly.

And thanks most of all to Shelton, who hired me when I was barely an adult, and who’s been patient with my stubborn refusal to become any more adult, and who has let me run with a lot of ideas that others might have balked at. A good dude, that Shelton, the rest of you could do a lot worse in a boss like him. Ha! Suckers! To the rest of you guys, I’ll see you occasionally browsing the racks at Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find. And with luck next year as a guest at HeroesCon, provided my nascent cartooning career goes somewhere. Wish me luck!