JUSTIN’S PICK :: THE MYSTERIOUS UNDERGROUND MEN HC: Like most of my generation, I went through a manga/anime phase. I call it a phase not in derision; it was just a passing interest. There are a few exceptions, however: Kenichi Sonoda’s Gunsmith Cats, the animated Ninja Scroll (clips of which I witnessed at one of my very first Heroes Con attendances) and the work of Osamu Tezuka. Famed as the creator of Astro Boy and likened to Walt Disney, Tezuka’s work deserves every accolade it garners for its charm, impact and timelessness. Picturebox presents this first-time English translation of one of the man’s earlier works. This volume is also notable for appearing in its original format, in full color. It boasts a synopsis and range of reference points that is absolutely intriguing. From the solicitation: The Mysterious Underground Men tells the story of Mimio the talking rabbit as he struggles to prove his humanity while helping his friends save earth from an invasion of angry humanoid termites. Sign me up, Mimio!

JUSTIN’S PICK :: REGGIE-12 : Brain Ralph is one of my personal favorites. I regularly point zombie fans in the direction of his criminally under-appreciated book Daybreak, and its narrative’s neat employment of point of view in a post apocalyptic setting. Stylistically, Ralph’s work is bold and organic, with a deceptive and tasteful simplicity. Now he turns his attention to the likes of Tezuka‘s Astro Boy, and the tropes of manga. I expect the subject matter to dovetail nicely with Ralph’s talents, and look forward to this book greatly.