Archive for the ‘DISCUSS’
STAFF PICKS :: GASOLINE ALLEY HC VOL 1 :: SEPTEMBER 26, 2012
ANDY’S PICK :: GASOLINE ALLEY HC VOL 1: Usually, when the creator of comic strip retires or passes on, the strip continues on but fades into oblivion under less talented hands. When Frank King, the mastermind behind Gasoline Alley set down his pen after 40(!) years and turned it over to his assistant Dick Moores, the opposite occurred. Gasoline Alley was revitalized. Moores did more than just continue on with King’s vision of life in a Midwestern town where the characters all aged in real time–he made it his own and continued the successful strip for 20 exciting years before lightning miraculously struck a third time as he passed it off into the capable, talented hands of his assistant, Charlotte’s own Jim Scancarelli who continues the strip to this very day.
IDW presents the first two years of Dick Moore’s dailies. Moore’s comic stories are nothing short of delightful. It is everything a family strip should be and most often times is not. Funny, exciting, fast paced, but, very much like life itself, Gasoline Alley remembers to linger on and celebrate the quiet, ordinary moments.
Please give this volume a read– you will be in for the long haul. And if you like what you read–Heroes offers the D&Q Walt and Skeezix volumes that collect Gasoline Alley from 1921 to 1930!!
FEAST YOUR EYES :: JACK DAVIS: DRAWING AMERICAN POP CULTURE
When you think of the comic artists with the most recognizable drawing style, the usual suspects immediately come to mind–Jack Kirby, John Romita, Neal Adams, et.al.But there is one artist who is recognizable to almost every American (okay–of a certain age).
Now, when I was 10 years old I was a huge fan of MAD Magazine — it was the late 60s and arguably at it’s second creative peak. I was beginning to identify (and quantify) different art styles. That year, my father took me to a revival of his favorite comedy It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. I loved the movie. (a three hour comedy–why not??–give me a break– I was only 10)
The very next day, as I was still buzzing from that comedic onslaught, I spotted the ad for the movie in the local paper and I noticed the caricatures of all the comedians who appeared in the film and (gasp!) I recognized the artist.
It was Jack Davis from MAD. This changed everything!!! (Well, not really, but give me some artistic liscence here.) Once I saw this poster, I began to notice Davis’ art everywhere–More movie ads, Album covers, Magazine covers, cartoon advertisements.
And this book–Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop Culture celebrates and showcases the drawings that made Jack Davis famous and even iconic to three generations of non-comic fans (civilians–bah!) who could recognize his art by sight but most certainly never knew his name.
And for over three decades, his art was everywhere–most notably– his regular gig as cover artist for TIME and TV Guide. This was during the years that they were the two best selling magazines in the world. Millions enjoyed the Jack Davis drawings.
In addition to all the Jack Davis commercial art — the book includes a beautifully written and insightful biography by Fantagraphics Publisher Gary Groth–you may love him, you may hate him, but either way– he is a terrific writer who knows how to interview and his sentences just flow off the page. The book also includes testimonials from a number of iconic artists who laud Davis’ talent and influence. My only caveat: The book is brimming with 200 large pages of Davis art and for $50.00, it is an ideal size and a reasonable price, but I came away from the book wanting more. I would have loved to see more art from the MAD heydays like:
But the book could have doubled or tripled in size (and price). What is included will certainly do–and do very well!!!
Now I know I’ve recommended a lot of high priced Comic Art Books, so the question you probably want answered is–how essential is Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop?
Simply put: Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find is kind enough to loan me books so I can read, analyse, review and then return. Once I was finished with it, instead of returning Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop, I bought it. I had to own it. It is that good.
If the folks at IDW, Fantagraphics and other publishers continue to publish quality comic art books like this one –well, as Chief Brody might say–“We’re gonna need a bigger coffee table“
THIS JUST IN :: CHRIS WARE’S BUILDING STORIES SIGNED!
This past weekend at the Small Press Expo in Maryland, Seth was able to meet the genius cartoonist Chris Ware and pick up an advanced copy of his newest book, Building Stories, for Heroes. Since Ware was one of the show’s guest, we even got it signed! Building Stories won’t be available to retailers until next month, and Ware rarely makes convention appearances, so here’s your only chance to pick up an early signed copy of this amazing book. It’s hard to call this a book, since it’s a box full of books, newspaper comics, fold out boards and various sizes of strips, but it is an amazing set of comics however you look at it.
Of course we’ll have several copies of the book in our store when it comes out next month but they won’t be signed, don’t miss this rare opportunity!
Bid on this rare item now in our eBay store.
STAFF PICKS :: SPIDER-MEN #5 :: SEPTEMBER 19, 2012
JASON’S PICK :: SPIDER-MEN #5: It was the crossover Marvel said they’d never do…until they did it. And man, am I glad they did. This is the final issue of a series that has given us some incredible character moments between the “616 Spidey” Peter Parker and “Ultimate Spidey” Miles Morales and the Ultimate Spider-Man supporting cast, courtesy of Brian Michael Bendis. It’s been a real treat seeing these characters interact with each other and get an idea of “how things might have been.” And let’s not forget that knockout art by Sara Pichelli! I feel like this series has gotten a little lost in the “Avengers vs. X-men” hype, but don’t miss the chance to see how this fun, endearing series wraps up.
Looking Ahead:: November 2012
Thoughts of November make me thankful for all the great comics we’ve had this year and we still have a couple of months to look forward to before 2012 draws to a close. Get ready to pass the pumpkin pie and settle into a month of delicious comics. Check out the following books in the latest issue of Previews, and let the store know if you’d like any of these for yourself!
Marvel Now! Young Baby Variants: November is the month of adorable over at Marvel thanks to the talented Skottie Young and his baby versions of the characters. They’re so cute that I can’t even begin to pick a favorite. Angry baby Hulk and baby Galactus with his pacifier are currently in the lead, but that could change at any moment. (page 4 of Marvel Previews)
Thor: God of Thunder #1 and #2: Jason Aaron takes on another huge title with the latest Thor series in which our Norse god finds himself in search of a serial killer of gods. Plus, Esad Ribic art! (pages 16-19 of Marvel Previews)
Bonus Pick: All New X-Men #1 and #2: Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen are teaming up to bring readers an interesting take on the X-Men when Professor X’s original five students are brought to the present. This will be a good book for non-readers who enjoyed the X-Men: First Class movie. (pages 8-11 of Marvel Previews)
STAFF PICKS :: FABLES #121 :: SEPTEMBER 19, 2012
FABLES #121: The final chapter of “Cubs in Toyland”. This is the climax of one of the best FABLES story arcs in recent years. Fabulously produced by the regular team of Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Steve Leioloha. Cubs in Toyland has been so emotionally difficult to read, I almost dread what is in store in this final issue. It is a truly harrowing tale for any parent or for any child who has had responsibility dumped on them far too soon. I know I will never be able to watch Rudolph or Toy Story in the same light ever again. Brilliant and painful– a must read.
STAFF PICKS :: GODZILLA: HALF CENTURY WAR #2 :: SEPTEMBER 19, 2012
JUSTIN’S PICK :: GODZILLA: HALF CENTURY WAR #2: James Stokoe is quite the one-man show, as evinced in his singular solo series Orc Stain. Here he turns his considerable talents to the King of All Monsters, crafting visual granduer and expanding the mythos with new characters and perspectives. Issue one flew out the door, so don’t miss #2.
HEROES DISCUSSION GROUP :: STARMAN :: Saturday, September 29th 1:00PM
First of all, we want to thank all of you who joined us to discuss MAUS. That was quite an intense 2 hours of good conversation. So what do we do for a follow up after such a cathartic experience? Why not kick back and have us some super-hero fun??? We can’t think of a super-hero series as fun, as hip, as enjoyable as Starman by writer James Robinson and artist Tony Harris featured in the Starman Omnibus Volume 1.
STAFF PICKS :: STUMPTOWN: THE CASE OF THE BABY IN THE VELVET CASE #1 :: SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
RICO’S PICK :: STUMPTOWN: THE CASE OF THE BABY IN THE VELVET CASE #1: If I don’t talk about the stuff I work on who will?! The first Stumptown series by Greg Rucka and Matthew Southworth was a really fun Rockford Files style detective story. I’m very happy to see Dex back for what is sure to be another wild ride. Full disclosure, I color this series so I may be biased. Full full disclosure, I agreed to color it because I loved the story Rucka and Southworth were telling.
