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!

Seth’s Pick :: Everything Together GN: If  you’ve ever seen a copy of the excellent anthology Kramer’s Ergot in the store, you have editor Sammy Harkham to thank for it. Not only is he adept at bringing together some of today’s greatest cartoonists for that book, but he’s a fine cartoonist in his own right.  Everything Together collects all of Harkham’s short stories, including must-reads like Poor Sailor and Somersaulting.  There are also bits of satire and musings on Jewish mysticism alongside Harkham’s observations of his life as a cartoonist. I picked this one up when it debuted at the Small Press Expo a few weeks ago, and it definitely warrants a look from you this week.  It’s a fine example of strong storytelling all around.