Spring is in the air and so is the excitement about all the comic goodness that awaits us in May.  In case all the great comics coming out in May aren’t enough to get you excited, don’t forget that Free Comic Book Day kicks off the month on May 5!  Watch this space for announcements about all the great comics and artists who will be in store for your reading and sketching pleasure.  Now on to the books!

Blacksad: A Silent Hell HC: Last year’s collected Blacksad stories by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido blew me away.  The tales of an anthropomorphic detective were exciting and intriguing and the art was beyond beautiful.  Color me happy that Dark Horse is bringing us another collection so soon and that the stories take place in 1950’s New Orleans.  Not only will readers get to enjoy the elegance and darkness of the French Quarter through the eyes of Guarnido, but A Silent Hell promises the colorful and exhilarating backdrop of Mardi Gras.  In addition to the translated comic, this newest collection promises a making-of section with both sketches and watercolors. (p. 64)

Superman Family Adventures #1: Aw yeah, Super Family! The adorable team behind Tiny Titans, Art Baltazar and Franco, bring us an exciting new All Ages monthly featuring Superman and family.  It’s a different look at the Man of Steel in a book that takes a knee high point of view of the adult world.  It’s a joy to see such a promising family friendly title that both kids and parents can equally enjoy. (p. 134)

Frankenstein Alive, Alive! #1: The delightful minds of Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson bring us a beautiful horror story in black and white picking up where Wrightson’s illustrated version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein left off.  One of the more interesting aspects of this book is that Wrightson’s art was scanned in color in order to produce black and white pages that appear closer to the original art than a typical comic page.  This is sure to be a treat for literary and art fans alike.  (p. 153)

Walt Disney’s Uncle Scrooge: Only a Poor Man: People are still buzzing about Fantagraphics’ publication of Donald Duck: Lost in the Andes that came out a few months ago.  Carl Barks’ work has been recolored for this new book containing four full length stories as well as short stories and single page gags.  Barks, himself, is an interesting character whose employment experience before becoming a professional artist included farmer, woodcutter and cowboy.  All of those jobs influenced the creation of both Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge.  In addition to Barks’ amazing art, George Lucas provides the intro!  (p. 294)

Batman: Earth One: Geoff Johns and Gary Frank team up to bring a new Batman story along the lines of Superman: Earth One.  This hardcover promises new insight into the evolution of Bruce Wayne into Batman.   We’re also promised more information about Alfred Pennyworth, Wayne’s ever-faithful butler and more.  Who doesn’t want to know more about the seemingly reserved Brit who maintains his dignified air even when caring for a bloodied Batman? (p. 120)

Bonus Picks:

FURY MAX #1 & #2: Featuring striking covers by Dave Johnson, Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov (acclaimed collaborators on Punisher) tell a tale of Marvel’s super agent in the years following World War II.

David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil: Born Again Artist’s Edition: Several great Artist’s Edition have been released recently, most notably volumes featuring John Romita and Wally Wood.  Now one of the greatest Daredevil stories gets black and white, 12 x 17 treatment.  It’s a joy to see the art of a comic as originally drawn by the artist.  This collection includes all seven full issues as well as covers and other extras.  (p. 163)

Cursed Pirate Girl: Collected Edition Hardcover brings together the first of Jeremy Bastian’s acclaimed stories in a single volume.  Featuring sea creatures and high seas adventures in an all ages format, Bastian’s detailed art has something for both kids and their parents!

May also offers up the second wave of New DC 52 titles, including Earth Two, World’s Finest, Batman, Incorporated, Dial H, and G.I. Combat: (p. 74-79)

Garfield #1: Everyone’s favorite fat cat stars in an all new kids comic from Boom!  What’s most interesting about this title is that it’s being written by frequent Sergio Aragones collaborator and comics historian Mark Evanier.  (p. 262)

Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop Culture A Career Retrospective:  For the art fans among you, this book covers the impressive career of the legendary Jack Davis from his groundbreaking comics at EC, through his timeless advertisement and movie poster work.  (p. 294)

The Lovely Horrible Stuff: Eddie Campbell: The latest original work from Campbell (From Hell, Alec) deals with money and and how it affects people, their relationships and society in general.  It’s sure to be an intelligent, witty book in a way only the inimitable Campbell can provide.  (p. 320)

Make sure to have your Previews orders in by March 18.  As always, you can email your requests HERE or bring them by the store. Happy reading!