ANDY’S PICK :: PRINCE VALIANT HC VOL 06 1947-1948: Here is yet another must-read/must-own classic comic strip volume for the library. Fantagraphics continues it’s hardcover reprinting of Hal Foster’s beloved full page Sunday-only Newspaper comic, Prince Valiant. This wildly successful strip chronicles the life-long saga of Prince Valiant as he struggles between his three major responsibilities– knight of King Arthur’s round-table, heir to the throne of Thule (Denmark) and loving husband to the impossibly beautiful Aleta, Queen of the Misty Isles (Greece). This most recent volume–#6 — is a perfect place to join in on the adventure. It contains two full years (1947-48) of jaw-dropping art by the great Mr. Foster. Our Story: Newlywed Aleta is kidnapped and taken to sea. Val comes to her rescue but not before both ships go wildly off course and end up at Niagara Falls in the previously undiscovered North American continent. It is here that Mr. Foster points out that the history books are mistaken–apparently Virginia Dare was NOT the first child of European descent to be born in the New World. Please don’t be put off by Prince Valiant’s unique format (and silly hair-cut). There are no word balloons in the strip and the narrative text is in blocks in the bottom third of each panel; but, the pace is fast, the action and intrigue are plenty and the violence is un-apologetically bloody. In addition, Foster was a stickler for historical accuracy in depicting everyday life in the 6th century. All together, the Complete Prince Valiant is a genuine treat and it is a steal at 39.95.

ANDY’S FAVORITES OF 2012:

Favorite Superhero Book of 2012: Flex Mentallo: Man of Muscle Mystery: Sure it is a reprint, but it is book that showcases Grant Morrison at his Doom Patrol era weirdness and the great Frank Quitely being…well, the great Frank Quitely. The awesome title of the book and that marvelous cover by Quitely alone are worth the price of admission!  And here’s the best part.  This HARD-COVER  that collects the infamous 4 part mini-series is only $24.00!!!!  Earlier this year those two dozen hard-earned dollars would not have been enough scratch to purchase any one single issue of the original series. And did I mention Frank Quitely–well shame on me, I should have done that earlier.

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What is the Great American Comic Strip? Does such a thing exist? Like trying to figure out what book is the Great American Novel or which songwriter is the Great American Composer, it is a fun exercise but there are too many diverse (and worthwhile) opinions.  It is a no-win argument. But still….  Many would choose Peanuts, Pogo or perhaps Little Orphan Annie and those are fabulous choices, but in my own opinion, there is one clear cut leader for that elusive title:  Gasoline Alley


Gasoline Alley was created by Frank King in 1918 as a single panel cartoon for car enthusiasts.  Soon characters began to emerge from the group of amateur alley mechanics and by 1921, the strip had it’s star-young, rotund, tough but loveable Walt Wallet.  Then on Valentine’s Day 1921, Walt is awakened in the middle of the night to find an abandoned baby boy on his doorstep.  For the next 94 years (and counting) Gasoline Alley has told the story of Walt Wallet and his family. (more…)

ANDY’S PICK :: SANDMAN TP VOL 10 THE WAKE NEW EDITION:
The Sandman by Neil Gaiman is one of the most influential series in the history of comics. In my opinion, its most important influence is the way it has been produced and distributed. Sandman was one of the first (if not the first) on-going comic series to be collected and published in trade paperback form while the series was still running. Today, that is the publishing norm and I believe we have the quality (and quantity) of Sandman to thank for it. It remains in print to this very day. In fact, there are two Sandman related titles in this week’s New Releases. The one I recommend is:

Sandman Volume 10–The Wake– the final volume of the regular series. It collects Sandman issues 70-75 and it is my absolute favorite story arc concerning Lord Morpheus, the Master of Dreams and his family–the Endless. The jaw-dropping art is by Michael Zulli, John Jay Muth and Charles Vess–sort of a Consequential Art Murderer’s Row. Yes, The Wake is an certainly an ending; but it is also a beginning and then ol’ Will Shakespeare guest stars in one of the most unique and satisfying codas in comic history. So until Wesley Dodds stops eating Pork & Beans and is able to ditch the WWI Mask, Make Mine Morpheus

The history of comics is brimming with mysteries and enigmas.  Did Alex Raymond kill himself? Why did DC cancel the Jack Kirby penned Fourth World series so early in its run? Is it really a true story that Gwen Stacy’s death got published because Stan Lee was out of the office for the month and couldn’t stop it ? Why did Jack Cole take his own life when he seemed to have everything he’d ever wanted?