It looks like Spring has sprung here in the Metro Detroit area and it couldn’t of come at a better time! Spring is a time of renewal, to feel alive again, to grow and in my case get one hell of a head cold as the chilly days turns into warm days. The slight flu I received over this past weekend gave way to a real nasty cough and moved right on down to my lungs and throat. As I have gotten better the last of the virus has affected my voice – a case of laryngitis I guess. Anyway I sound terrible. I feel fine now, but I want to save you the agony of listening to me sound like Chiklis as The Thing.

In the meantime you can here what I sounded like just before I went south as I had my monthly conversation with John Mayo on his Comic Book Page podcast when John and I went over the January 2010 Sales Figures.
Here are some other great links from this past week.

• Dark Horse Comics Solicitations For June 2010. Hardcover Archives include: Eerie Volume 5 (reprinting Eerie #23-27), Flash Gordon Comic Book Volume 1 (reprinting seven complete comics originally published from 1947 through 1953), Mighty Samson Volume 1 (reprinting the first seven comic books from the original 1960s Mighty Samson series).
• Friend of the CCL, Timothy Callahan, Staff Writer CBR, in his latest When Words Collide column takes a look at 15 Upcoming Collections That Matter. Yes – Steve Ditko does matter! And thanks for the mention, Tim!
• Kevin Melrose, CBR’s Robot 6, reports that Apple’s iBookstore designates Comics & Graphic Novels as top-tier category. On a related note, I plan on getting an iPad not only for me to read digital comics, but also as a second computer/media player for the family. I’ll report back from time to time and let you know how it goes.
• Heidi MacDonald, The Beat, has the lowdown on the 2010 Doug Wright Award nominees
• Of the many, many, many blogs I subscribe to via RSS, I really like Comics Bronze Age by Andrew Wahl. Andrew has just released the 2010 Print Edition of Comics Bronze Age. Please support his site by donating $1.00. I did!
• Rich Johnston has interesting news on a guy selling Zenith Trade Paperbacks. Yes those Zenith Trade Paperbacks!

Collected Comics Library Podcast #261
27,508Kb; 29m 14s

I have to admit something that may get me banned and shunned from C2E2 later this year, but I’m not that big a fan of Jack Kirby. Don’t get me wrong, I respect and appreciate all the work that he has done in comics over the years and he is definitely in my Top 10 creators of all time (just not my Top 5). But I think that all changed this past week when I sat down and read The Demon Omnibus, which collects the entire 16 issue run of one of Kirby’s most memorable character – The Demon Etrigan. Born of fire and magic in the time of Camelot, he now walks the Earth as Jason Blood human and immortal. Turning into his monstrous alter ego whenever evil seeks to destroy what is good. I loved every page and can’t wait to read more. It’s just too bad that none of it is collected.

Also on the show I talk little bit more about the Amazon.com fiasco and the aforementioned C2E2.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Collected Comics Library iTunes App/
http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

Yesterday, it seems that all of Comicdom was under the spell of Amazon.com and their temporary pricing glitch. As far as I know, Bleeding Cool broke the story that Amazon had discounted many high priced items like Absolutes, Omnibuses, hard covers and trade paperbacks from a number of companies including DC, Marvel IDW, Image, Top Cow and more. The sale in most case was up to an astounding 75% off! As expected fan-boys bum rushed the store and ordered in droves.

I found out about it via my good friend Jason Wood (11 O’clock Comics), but only on a whim. For me, Sunday, especially Sunday morning, is a time when I take a break from all things internet related. I have breakfast with the family, go to church and as it happened we had family catechism at 1:00. I also like for the TV and computer to be turned off so the kids can play outside, finish up any homework or practice piano. Also, late in the day the kids had a swim meet and then we decided to go out for dinner. So all in all I was not home from 9:30a to 7:30p. Long day indeed!

Now then the only reason I found out was because while getting bagels at Panera early Sunday, there was long line and I checked my e-mail and subsequently Twitter. My first reaction was, “Wow, can this really be happening?” I know that Amazon has weekend specials from time to time, but this is insanely outrageous. Then, like most of you, I thought that it had to be too good to be true. And that is why I didn’t want to get too involved.

It turns out it was. Partially.

Later Sunday, Bleeding Cool, reported that it was indeed a glitch and that most, if not all orders, would be canceled. Apparently, some orders have been honored, which is excellent news.

Look, I know breaking news happens and in some cases I have a responsibility to Blog, Twitter, Facebook, E-Mail, Post, or Comment on what is happening in the wonderful world of collected editions. But sometimes, my responsibility to my family and my life comes first. I am flattered by the fact that many of you consider me to be a prime source for such information, but sometimes, I need to step away. I make no apologies.

Now, something has been bothering me and I have to get it off my chest. Speaking of bum rushing Amazon; I wonder how many customers wanted to get the deal of the century only to turn it around and sell it on eBay in a few weeks to turn a profit. If this is you – shame on you. The books you bought (or wanted to buy) should first be read or shared, after that, do with them as you will. Each of you should blog or Twitter about your positive experience and write a review of the books you bought. Don’t just speculate and brag to your friends in the comic shop on Wednesday.

In closing, in the future be careful not to be duped by errors and glitches. I know times are tuff and the wallet is a bit smaller then it used to be. Sometimes you get lucky and you should take advantage. I just feel bad for those who lost out that really wanted to read the stories but can’t afford the regular price.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #260
23,774Kb; 25m 15s

There’s a buzz in the comic book community about the upcoming movie The Losers (April 23rd). This team of oddballs is a live action version of the Vertigo comic book series created by Andy Diggle. But did you know that it is loosely based on another group of military misfits called The Losers?

Although this particular group, consisting of Captain Storm, Gunner and Sarge and Johnny Cloud, did not form until G.I. Combat #128 (October/November 1969) they all have been characters in the DC Universe as early as 1959. Enter Jack Kirby at DC in the early 1970’s and besides creating and working on such great titles as The New Gods, The Demon, and OMAC, Kirby did a stint on The Losers in Our Fighting Forces #151-162 (1974-75). These stories have been collected in a very nice hardcover and I go over it and the complete history of The Losers on the show.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Links of Note:
CCL Podcast #55: DC Comics Fireside America At War TPB
Collected Editions Blog Fifth Anniversary
Forbidden Planet International Blog Fifth Anniversary

Collected Comics Library iTunes App/
http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

TwoMorrows Tune-In #26

TwoMorrows Tune-In #26 (.mp3)

This month on the show, host Chris Marshall is back with the first podcast of 2010. Chris goes over the TwoMorrows Spring Catalog including exciting news for Back Issue, Alter Ego and Draw! As well as updates for the Modern Masters line of books and the Convention schedule.

Last week we had the Spring Catalog, now we have the Summer!

It’s worth every penny because it’s free!

Diamond Book Distributors Summer 2010 Complete Catalog (PDF)

What are you excited about?

Collected Comics Library Podcast #259
44,305Kb; 47m 09s

This is my Fifth Anniverasry of the Collected Comics Library Podcast! Thanks to everyone who as supported me over the years!

In the fourth installment of the Steve Ditko career retrospective, I chat with comic book historian, Craig Yoe about his new collected edition, Art of Ditko (Yoe Books and IDW). Craig has had the good fortune of working with Ditko and talks about his experiences and why he is such an icon of the comic book industry.

Craig also talks about another book of his, Secret Identity: The Fetish Art of Superman’s Co-creator Joe Shuster (Abrams). Going beyond the drawings included here, Secret Identity is an important look at not only one of the fore-fathers of the modern superhero but the beginnings of underground comix.

All this including the contest winners of the Steve Ditko Book Giveaway and the free CCL iTunes App and news on the upcoming 40: A Doonesbury Retrospective from (Andrews McMeel).

Chris

Links of Note:
Yoe! Studio
Super ITCH (International Team of Comics Historians)

Collected Comics Library iTunes App/
http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

It’s worth every penny because it’s free!

Diamond Book Distributors Spring 2010 Complete Catalog (PDF)

I’ll take that Peter Porker trade paperback!
What are you excited about?

Collected Comics Library Podcast #258
26,884Kb; 28m 34s

In the third installment of the Steve Ditko career retrospective, Ditko goes back to Marvel Comics to work on Machine Man and The Micronauts. He also works with Pacific Comics, Eclipse Comics, Dark Horse and Fantagraphics. all for a very limited time.

In the late 1990’s and up until today, Ditko, along with Robin Snyder, has put out a lot of self-published work including his own collected editions of Mr. A, The Mocker, The Missing Man and Static as well as original works and essays. He has also published several classic works in very affordable paperbacks that can be found at his own website and at Discount Comic Book Service.

Lastly, I’m giving away three Steve Ditko books to one luckly listener! Listen to find out how you can win Strange Suspense The Steve Ditko Archives Vol 1 HC, Strange & Stranger The World of Steve Ditko HC both by Blake Bell and The Art of Ditko HC by Craig Yoe – a $110 value! Thanks to Fantagraphics and IDW for supplying the books.

All this including the Glyph Award Best Reprint Collection nominees, the Eisner Hall of Fame nominees, an e-mail regarding sold out and very high priced Legion of Superheroes Archives Volume 8 and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Collected Comics Library iTunes App
http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

The Collected Comics Library iTunes/iPod Touch App is available for download! Currently you can get all of the CCL Podcasts and links to Twitter and Facebook. I know, not much different from this Blog; but look for exclusive content for the App coming very soon. If you would like to see something specific, please let me know, I’m always looking for new ideas. It’ll run you only $1.99, which will help me pay for expenses. However, the first person to send me an e-mail, with CCL iTunes App in the subject line will get a Promo Code which will able you to download the App for FREE!

You can also find me on Zune.

In other cool news, and a move that surprised me, DC Comics has released lists of upcoming Collected Editions for DC proper, Wildstorm and Vertigo that are to be published in 2010. Be forewarned that these lists are not complete and dates and content are subject to change.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #257
20,415Kb; 21m 40s

This week on the Steve Ditko career retrospective, I take a look at his return to Charlton (although some would argue he never left), his limited time at Warren and his entire time at DC Comics. This includes the great characters he created: Captain Atom, Blue Beetle, The Question, The Hawk and The Dove and The Creeper.  And the history lesson wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Mr. A or The Watchmen.

Much of Ditko’s work from this period has been collected in the Action Hero Archives Volumes 1-2, Creepy Archives Volumes 1-4 and Eerie Archives Volumes 1-2 from Dark Horse, and the upcoming Creeper HC from DC.

All this including IDW’s Fallen Angel Omnibus, Absolute All-Star Superman and the New Releases of the Week from DC and Marvel.

Chris

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Links of Note:
Interview with Bob Rozakis on Cancelled Comics Cavalcade

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

Thanks to Amazon.com we now have an unofficial solicitation to the long awaited All-Star Superman. I’ve only read the first issue to the 12 issue series and I’m looking forward to getting the whole story in my hands. It should be out in October and have a cover price of $99.99. That’s a bit expensive for a 320 page book. I’m guessing that Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly will add in a few extra pages of good bonus material and not just the regular amount of pencil sketches and a cover gallery. Many say that this is a land mark series. I hope the brass at DC will allow a well thought out commentary as to why this is. Now on to a few links:

• Besides the book mentioned above, our pals over at the Collected Editions Blog has the rundown (and comments) of other DC books coming out this Fall.
• IDW, and with help from DC and Paul Levitz, will be collecting Peter David and David Lopez’s 20-issue Fallen Angel series in an one volume softcover Omnibus format this May.
• Heidi MacDonald, over at the Beat 3.0, has the cover to American Elf Volume Four
• Dark Scribe magazine has announced the winners of the Third Annual Black Quill Awards, celebrating the best work in dark horror, suspense, and thrillers. Thanks to Jason Boog, Galley Cat
• Review: Raoul, Trade Talks, on Batman and the Mad Monk by Matt Wagner
• Review: Collected Editions Blog on Mystery in Space Vol. 2 TPB (DC Comics)

Collected Comics Library Podcast #256
24,083Kb; 25m 37s

Regular readers of this blog and listeners of the podcast are aware that every year I adopt a character (or creator). This entails me researching and reading a superhero from many different incarnations throughout the entire lifespan. For 2010 I chose Spider-Man with a special focus on the work of Steve Ditko. Sure I’ve read this work in bits and pieces before, but I have never looked at it with the maturity that I have now as an adult. Since starting, I have been drawn into Ditko’s world like no other creator has done to me before. I want to share my experience with you and with that in mind I’m focusing on the complete body of work from Steve Ditko for the entire month of February.

I begin the series of podcasts (one per week) with Ditko’s time at Marvel Comics from 1956 to his departure in July 1966. I go over all of his work in this time period and where you can find it in collected edition form and I also have an interesting email question regarding Marvel Masterworks Dr. Strange Volume 3 – you don’t want to miss it.

In upcoming shows I’ll discuss his first professional work and his long tenure with Charlton, his time at DC Comics, his return to Marvel and various independent works even up until today, where he is still working on Mr. A. I plan on this being a very informative and fun series and I hope to also include a few interviews with industry professionals along the way.

All this including Bat-Manga Volume 2, some news and notes from the Library Binding Company and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Links of Note:
Steve Ditko Week – Book Steve’s Library
Super I.T.C.H by Craig Yoe

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

John Mayo from Comic Book Page and CBR, Bob Bretall and Chris Marshall of the Collected Comics Library podcast discuss the sales estimates for the top 500 comics and top 500 graphic novels and collected editions of 2009 and some of the sales highlights of the year.

Links:
Mayo Report articles on Comic Book Resources
Email us at MayoReport@ComicBookPage.com with any questions or comment you have on the episode or post on our forum.
Join the discussion on our forum
This podcast episode originated on the Comic Book Page website

Collected Comics Library Podcast #255
24,521Kb; 26m 05s

I admit I’ve never been one for biographical comics. No, I’m not talking about Art books or Retrospectives, but actual comic books about famous people. You see more and more pop up every month. Abrams recently has published Johnny Cash: I See a Darkness by Reinhard Kleist, Bluewater Productions has a whole ongoing series devoted to Female Force or Political Power and Bloomsbury USA published Logicomix about Bertrand Russell.

Not exactly a household name by any stretch, Bertrand Russell was in fact, one of the greatest philosopher/mathematicians in the modern era. Logicomix by Apostolos Doxiadis, Christos Papadimitriou, Alecos Papadatos and Annie Di Donna, explores his life from his boyhood all the way through most of his life in 1939.

Now I know what you’re thinking, because I thought the exact same thing when I heard of the premise: Why is this guy important? And how this is an interesting and enjoyable topic. To pull of a biography of this sort, the authors and artists had to be very creative. Make no mistake, they have passion in their work and it shows. So much so that all four mentioned above are literally put into the story. The book is told in three separate and distinct viewpoints. The first being, as mentioned, the authors themselves as they plot out and create the very book in which you are reading. They discuss not only about the creative process, but about Russell, himself – what he stood for, his way of thinking and about logic and mathematics.

Bertrand Russell comes in as the second narrator and the second point of view. It’s the beginning of World War II and he is speaking in America in front of a crowd of anti-war protestors. They ask him what side he will take (it should be noted that Russell was a pacifist). He invites everyone in the lecture hall and begins to ask the protesters how they came to their anti-war stance. What was their “Tools Of Reason?”; what was their “Logic?” From the podium, Russell reflects on his life starting from when he was a boy and this is where the third story begins – an autobiography, of sorts.

The switching back and forth between three ongoing and overlapping stories did get confusing and, to be frank, there were too many interruptions. As a result, the pace of the book was slowed especially when the authors interjected themselves.

After reading, I now know who Bertrand Russell is and I get that he is important, but I’m still uncertain as to why. His work on logic, mathematics and other subjects are world renowned, but I’m still perplexed as to why his story needed to be told as a comic book/graphic novel. I guess the trouble lies with the makeup of the book itself. A 347 page Biographical Graphic Novel, as opposed to a 500 page prose novel, can only give a glimpse into a certain point in a person’s life in time. I have found that the problem is within the format. If the authors focus in on a small amount of time (like the Johnny Cash book), too little is given. If the authors cram in a large amount of time (like 67 years in this book), too much is left out.

Another thing that I had trouble with was that the authors, had to take liberties to move the story along. They did not mention Russell’s bother (though they strangely acknowledge this) and they took Russell’s life experiences from different points of time and events and meshed them together. We know that Hollywood does this all the time in order to make a more enjoyable 2 hours. Just look Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. But this is not the same sort of thing. The roots and foundations of this book and its’ subject matter is based on truth and fact. I may be bold in saying this, but I don’t think Bertrand Russell, himself, would find this to be – logical.

As for the book itself, it a very nice paperback. The page stock is heavy, the colors are bold and line work is not overly done. Lettering is used well within the word balloons and the captions standout as they are all yellow. The extras include Logicomix and Reality (which what I talked about above), a lengthy Notebook which boils down to a Glossary of important people and mathematical terms and finally a selected Bibliography.

Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth by Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos Papadimitriou
Bloomsbury USA, 2009
352 pages, 9.2 x 6.7, $22.95 US
A copy of this book was supplied to me by Bloomsbury USA

All this including Fire & Water: Bill Everett, The Sub-Mariner, and the Birth of Marvel Comics for $1000 and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

Just doing some catching up. Here are some linky-links for you – with comments.

• ICv2.com has info on IDW’s new The Complete Li’l Abner. Dean Mullaney’s Library of American Comics project has been nothing sort of spectacular. This book and series can’t come out fast enough.
• ICv2.com also has a list of 2010 Great Graphic Novels for Teens (Full List of 73 Titles). Please pass this link along to friends and family you know who would be interested.
• ICv2.com also has the Chip Kidd cover to the Strange Tales HC anthology. It will collect Strange Tales #1-3, The Megalomaniacal Spider-Man and material from All Select Comics 70th Anniversary Special, $29.99, February 24, 2010.
• Boom! Studios to Launch New Imprint with a focus on literary comics and selective reissues of out-of-print works. I’ll be interested to see what they have planned.
• David Welsh, Precocious Curmudgeon, blogs on Deb Aoki revealing the results of her 2009 Manga Readers Polls over at About.Com.
• The Emerald City ComiCon (ECCC) is once again bringing back its popular Monsters & Dames art book for 2010. Only 850 copies will be printed.
• Heidi MacDonald, The Beat, has all the SPACE Prize winners. I’ve been meaning to go to this for years, but this year it fall to close to C2E2 so I’ll have to miss it for another year. Also posted are the Fall/Winter Xeric winners.
• Chris Arrant, Newsarama, on Popgun Volume 4 and it’s creators. This is a fun anthology. If you never picked it up, I think you’ll be surprised. I hope to devot a podcast to this series someday.
• Twilight: The Graphic Novel. Need I say more?
• Blake Bell, via Fatagraphics, Fire & Water: Bill Everett, The Sub-Mariner, and the Birth of Marvel Comics. There’s a link to Everett’s Facebook page where you can see and read about the progress of the book. It’s scheduled for September and is not selling for $999.98 as you’ll see on Amazon.com.

John Mayo from Comic Book Page and CBR and Chris Marshall of the Collected Comics Library podcast discuss the sales estimates for the top 300 graphic novels and collected editions for December 2009.

Links:
Mayo Report articles on Comic Book Resources
Email us at MayoReport@ComicBookPage.com with any questions or comment you have on the episode or post on our forum.
Join the discussion on our forum
This podcast episode originated on the Comic Book Page website

Shipping and Product Changes updates as they relate to collected editions only (via Diamond). Changes will also be reflected in the New Releases Schedule, too.

• Spin Angels Premiere HC (Marvel, JAN100668, $24.99) solicited as containing Spin Angels #1-3 and running 168 pages will now contain Spin Angels #1-4 and run 192 pages.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #254
17,774Kb; 18m 53s

It’s not often that a new series gets my attention, in fact, as a “Trade Waiter” it’s 99% never. I like to joke that because I hold out for the collected edition, I’m always preverbal guy at the party talking about last years summer blockbuster movies in December (Star Trek comes to mind – I just saw it on DVD).

But that’s not the case with Irredeemable by Mark Waid and Boom! Studios. For a year I’ve been told by friends and read on numerous message boards what a great new superhero (or anti-superhero) series this is. A few months ago I found myself at my LCS thumbing though an issue. It looked good, but my CE mentality took over and I decided to wait as usual. This past Saturday I was on vacation and my Brother-In-Law and I took our sons to the comic shop. I picked up both trades of Irredeemable and I’m so glad I did. This indeed is a great series and a breath of fresh air to the over used plots of dismantlement and reassembling of the JLA or Avengers or X-Men or whomever. As I say in the podcast, you can jump right in as the story moves very fast and Waid gets you up to speed. But story is not all we talk about; in fact I hardly touch on it. Each trade only collects four issues so there’s not too much to give away. But I do talk about the two books themselves and my guess as to what will make up the Hardcover as well as the extras included.

All this including the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

I took a short vacation this past weekend. While I was away I was able to get a lot of reading done and if you caught my Twitter feed then you know what I’ll be talking about for this week’s podcast. Now on to some linky-links:

• Sandy Bilus counts 130 separate Best of lists for 2009 to come up with the Best Comics of 2009 Meta-List. I’m proud and honored to be among the other reviewers and critics. Thanks to Heidi MacDonald for the link.
• The American Library Association have announced the 2010 ALA Youth Media Award winners. Thanks to John Hogan of the GraphicNovelReporter.com.
• Calvin Reid, Publishers Weekly, has an excellent essay on Where A Graphic Book Should Be Shelved In A Bookstore.
• Joe over at FPI Blog Log posts his Best of the Year.
• Larry Granillo, Wezen Ball, uses the Complete Peanuts to calculate the gang’s baseball record. Very cool!
• Mike Sterling looks at one of my favorite collected editions of all time The Complete Frank Miller Batman (Longmeadow Press, 1989).
• If you are not reading the Reprint This! blog, then you should be. This week Grant takes a look at Bloom County and a few other nuggets.
• Review: Collected Editions Blog on Black Adam: The Dark Age TPB (DC Comics).

Shipping and Product Changes updates as they relate to collected editions only (via Diamond). Changes will also be reflected in the New Releases Schedule, too.

• The release of Image Comics’ Popgun Vol. 4 has been pushed back from Feb. 10 to Feb. 24.
• MMW Inhumans HC Vol. 2 (Reg./Var. 136: NOV090529-30, $54.99) will now be 320 pages, not 304 pages, and will include the previously unannounced Marvel Fanfare #14.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #253
51,445Kb; 54m 48s

I’m excited to move out of 2009 and in to 2010 and what a better way to kick it off then an interview with a true journeyman, Kim Thompson the Vice President and Publisher of Fantagraphics Books. Kim has been in the industry for over 30 years specializing in alternative and independent comics. Kim has also championed the cause of European translations, which we discuss in-depth today. We also talk about Fantagraphics commitment to classic comic strip reprints like Peanuts, Price Valiant, Dennis The Menace and Pogo. For even more on Kim Thompson, be sure to visit his Blog page.

Also on the show I congratutalte Greg S. from Ogden, Utah on winning the 6th Annual NCAA Football Bowl Contest. Greg has chosen Showcase Presents: Warlord Volume 1 as his prize.

All this including thoughts on Human Taget comic books and trade paperbacks and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Links of Note:
Human Target comic books

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

John Mayo from Comic Book Page and CBR and Chris Marshall of the Collected Comics Library podcast discuss the sales estimates for the top 300 graphic novels and collected editions for November 2009.

Links:
Mayo Report articles on Comic Book Resources
Email us at MayoReport@ComicBookPage.com with any questions or comment you have on the episode or post on our forum.
Join the discussion on our forum
This podcast episode originated on the Comic Book Page website

Diamond has released the Sales Estimates for December Based on Diamond Indexes and Publisher Title Data. Here are the Top 10:

Comments:
Wildstorm’s Ex Machina came in strong at #1 edging out the fan favorite Deadpool by 912 units. Star Wars The Clone Wars also had an impressive showing due in large part to the popular Cartoon Network series. If you’re like me you’re a fan of both. It’s no surprise to see Batman The Cat And The Bat by Fabian Nicieza and Kevin Maguire crack the Top 10, both are outstanding at their craft. And I guess you just can’t get rid of Marvel Zombies. IDW’s Rocketeer Complete Collection actually had two placings on the list; the Standard Hardcover (above) and the Deluxe Hardcover at rank #52. Finally, if you are keeping track of the bigger books, Marvel’s Tomb Of Dracula Omnibus HC Vol 2 (keep in mind that this was delayed from October) came in at rank #85 and Daredevil Omnibus HC Vol 2 By Brian Michael Bendis & Alex Maleev came in at rank #96. A good showing for each.

I’ll be sitting down with CBR’s John Mayo on his Comic Book Page podcast to discuss these numbers more indepth very soon.

Last Thursday the Official DC Comics blog The Source gave details to the previously announced new line of Who’s Who and DC Legacies, which is an update to The Official History of the DC Universe. Who’s Who, under the guidance of Editor Bob Greenberger, will be 18 issues and Legacies will be 10 issues. I won’t be buying either.

I think in this age of digital media, that the way of these printed “handbook” style encyclopedias are a thing of the past. Thanks to a numerous online sources including Wikipedia and DC’s own elaborate website, getting character profiles are at the tips of your fingers. Not to mention that the comic book world moves at lighting speed and once it’s printed it’s already old. However, online biographies can be updated and more importantly corrected in seconds. Besides you can add some much more information on a digital page then you can a printed one. Can you really sum up Batman’s career in a few paragraphs? No. But in a Wiki you can link and cross reference to friends, villains, creators and detailed summaries to notable storylines.

Same thing goes for you too, Marvel.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #252
15,180Kb; 16m 05s

It’s time once again for my annual Adopt a Character show. You are welcome to play along, it very easy and fun to do. Simply pick a character that you have always wanted to know more about and go out and do it! You have a full year to get acquainted with the character (or team) by reading as much you can. You may recall in 2007 I chose Thor, in 2008 I went with Luke Cage (with a bit of Iron Fist thrown in) and last year I read the entire 27 volume series of Will Eisner’s The Spirit.

For 2010 I chose Spider-Man, a character that I haven’t really read much of since the 1980’s. I have a very specific reason for doing so and I explain why in the podcast. Sure, I’ve kept up with Spidey’s career, it’s hard not too, but this time I’m going way back to the beginning and starting from Amazing Fantasy #15. Thanks to the Marvel Masterworks program (11 volumes so far) I get to read them in full color with Steve Ditko. Speaking of Ditko, I’ve decided to study his work more in depth, as well.

Also on this short show, I go over the page count flub of the upcoming Invincible Iron Man HC Volume 1 and Diamond 2009 Gem Award Nominees including the nominess for 2009 Reprint TP or HC of the Year.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/
Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

Looks like 2010 is starting the way 2009 ended – with IDW. Publisher Chris Ryall posted the artwork for The Bloom County Library Volume 2 1982-1984; it’s due out in April. He also writes on his blog that IDW will be offering a special signed edition of Volume 1 that same month.

Also Diamond Announces 2009 GEM AWARD Nominees. The award winners will be announced in early February. Here are the nominess for 2009 Reprint TP or HC of the Year:

• Bloom County Complete Library HC Volume 1 (IDW)
• Final Crisis HC (DC)
• Irredeemable TP Volume 1 (BOOM!)
• Secret Invasion TP (Marvel)
• The Boys TP Volume 4: We Gotta Go Now (Dynamite)
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz HC (Marvel)
• Umbrella Academy TP Volume 2: Dallas (Dark Horse)
• Walking Dead Compendium TP Volume 1 (Image)
• Watchmen TP (DC)

Collected Comics Library Podcast #251
86,902Kb; 92m 32s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

This is it! My Big Year in Review Show! Not only do I go over my Top 10 Collected Editions of 2009 (which I already blogged about), but I also do a month by month look – and critique – of many news and noteworthy books that caught my eye from all the major companies this past year.

Warning: I say it every year; this particular podcast should be taken in moderation because this is not your typical CCL Podcast. What this basically is, is one big list, so I suggest you listen while shoveling snow, mowing your lawn, going on a long commute, etc. It’s perfectly alright to keep this as a reference tool.

I have also supplied a much more expanded collected editions release list for 2009 and a time listing of all the different months.

Intro and Top 10 – 00:01
January – 20:16
February – 26:17
March – 32:57
April – 37:06
May – 43:30
June – 51:03
July – 57:16
August – 1:04:01
September – 1:08:07
October – 1:15:02
November – 1:21:35
December and Outro – 1:25:31

Chris

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

1. The Rocketeer: The Complete Deluxe Edition Slipcase HC (IDW)
IDW hits the bullseye late in 2009 with a collection that Dave Stevens would have been very proud of. Not only is it complete, but the Deluxe Edition is packed full of DVD like extras. A fitting tribute to master creator and his creation. Hats off to Chris Ryall and everyone at IDW.

2. Bloom County Complete Library by Berkeley Breathed Volume 1 HC (IDW)
IDW comes through this time with a newspaper collection not too big and not too small (or thick, or heavy). I’m sure Chris Ryall and his staff looked at what is right and what is wrong when reprinting newspaper comics. The result is the first collection (of five) that is easy to read and belongs on every shelf. Let’s hope that Outland and Opus are in the works.

3. Will Eisner’s The Spirit Archives Volume 26 HC and Volume 27 HC (DC Comics and Dark Horse Comics)
A very nice collaboration of DC and Dark Horse, with lots of help from Denis Kitchen to complete the entire series. They all line up so nice on the bookshelf that friends of mine, who have never read comics, are drawn to it’s size and magnificence. Let’s hope DC makes a Volume 28 starting with the newer Darwyn Cooke run.

4. Blazing Combat HC and The ‘Nam Volume 1 TPB (Fantagraphics and Marvel)
There was a time when War Comics told War Fact. They showed us the blood, death, comradery and horror. These two series did just that and didn’t hold back. Much like our Veterans, they are too often overlooked. It’s so good to see these “real war comics” back in print. I hope DC will get the hint and finally reprint USS Stevens, Fight The Enemy by Mike Sekowsky (Tower Comics, 1966) would also be nice to see.

5. George Sprott (1894-1975) HC by Seth (Drawn And Quarterly)
Originally released in the New York Times Magazine over a two year period, Seth has taken is work and expanded the story. It’s now a complete contemporary classic, oversized, and easy on the wallet. A fine addition to any strong coffee table.

6. Captain Britain by Alan Moore and Alan Davis Omnibus HC (Marvel)
Captain Britain had everything going for himself in 2009: A fan favorite series and a giant Omnibus showcasing his early adventures. Unfortunately, the Omnibus was released 3 months late and his series only lasted a total of 16 issues included an Annual. Never-the-less, the two Alan’s go together like, like fine wine and brie, aged better over time.

7. The Complete Essex County HC (Top Shelf)
Way back in 2008 we all knew that Jeff Lemire would have a great 2009. Not only did his magnum opus (for now) get published in a complete edition, but he also released The Nobody and launched his new series Sweet Tooth. Now is your chance to get caught up and to tell all of your friends that you’ve been reading Lemire for years. Shhh. It’ll be our little secret.

8. Strangers In Paradise Omnibus Limited Edition HC (Abstract Studios)
Terry Moore’s soap opera has been packaged in a way that should be the mold matched by other publishers of Oversized Collections. Sure it’s a bit expensive but it’s well worth it. Unlike other giant one-volumes, the comics are split it up into two volumes and a third volume that had the cover gallery and extras. It’s also nice to have Moore oversee his own project instead of handing it off to unnamed editors and interns.

9. Absolute Death HC and Criminal Deluxe Edition HC (DC Comics and Marvel)
Death was suppose to have been published as a Deluxe Hardcover and Criminal was suppose to have been published and an Omnibus. Both turned out perfect, I wouldn’t have them any other way. Neil Gaiman’s Death makes a very good “fifth” Absolute Sandman and Ed Brubaker’s Criminal is a great first foray into a new format for Marvel.

10. Chew Volume 1: Taster’s Choice TPB (Image)
The sold out hit of the summer was collected as a very affordable $10 trade paperback. Among the sea of glorious Oversized slipcase books that Image (and everyone else) offers, this small trade paperback is has it all art, story and affordability. No reason not to pick this book up.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #250
25,957Kb; 27m 25s

I’ve always had a funny bone. I can laugh at just about anything and I’ve been known to make people laugh, too. Now, I’m no comedian, but I have a pretty good instinct and what is funny and maybe more importantly – why it is funny. I guess that’s why I enjoy The Far Side by Gary Larson so much. It has the type of smart humor that we can all relate to.

Since the beginning of the printing press, man has tried to master this feat on paper with cartoons. The roots are mostly political and satirical in nature and when newspaper strips became popular in the early 20th century many succeeded. The trend continued on and skills were honed and then in 1980 The Far Side debuted and all bets were off.

For the uninitiated (or aliens from another planet) The Far Side is arguably the most popular and most funny single panel newspaper strip ever. The art is ever simplistic, with an absolute ridiculous look at the world we (and chickens, cows, amoebas and insects) live in. Occasionally off color and borderline of political correctness, it has never ceased to obtain a good hearted belly laugh from anyone in all of its 15 year run from 1980-1994.

Over the years Larson has done a wonderful job of colleting these panels into a series of 16 8”x5” and 6 much larger Far Side Gallery’s softcovers, including the Prehistory of the Far Side – 10th Anniversary that incorporated several pieces from his Nature’s Way comic strip from the 1970’s. I can distinctly remember getting one of the early Far Side paperback collected editions (I think it was Beyond The Far Side) and laughing so hard with my sister that we both started to hyperventilate! Our parents didn’t know what to do except wait for us to calm down and only then could we go on to the next page and lose our breath all over again.

In 2003, Andrews-McMeel published the uber deluxe The Complete Far Side. This massive 2 volume hardcover set (including slipcase) includes every panel except for a few cartoons written for Christmas cards. The collection is also missing parody art pieces from Wiener Dog Art, some material from The Prehistory of The Far Side, and a panel run for a caption writing contest in the Telegram-Tribune newspaper (from Wikipedia).

The total weight is just about 19 pounds, and reading each volume can be a chore. You also have to be careful not to crack the spine, which is notoriously easy to do with oversized books like these. You may want to invest in some sort of stand for easier reading and your daily dose of off the wall merriment. Comedian Steve Martin has the honor of doing the foreword. Clearly his love for Larson and the strips are heartfelt, but it falls short with a few too many inside jokes. It comes across more of a love letter to Larson himself rather then the audience it’s intended for. Jake Morrisey, Larson’s friend and editor has the introduction and provides a fascinating look into how the strip was conceived, constructed, edited and marketed. Complete Far Side book designer Michael Reagan, is next up and adds his insight on how and why this massive undertaking was done in the first place. Turns out that Larson, was very instrumental and meticulous in the creation and layout of the books, which is done in chronological order with each year being its own chapter. Lasron’s own personal writings can be found throughout as he does the Preface and Acknowledgements and provides intros for each year emphasizing a certain subject matter. This is the kind of back story that I love to see. Not only are the stories behind the panels informative and funny, but the process is so interesting. Make no mistake, cartooning and comedy is very hard and Larson makes it look easy and simplistic. But underneath it all is a very serious tone of getting everything exactly right. Also included are panels accompanied by written complaint letters to Larson, voicing their disdain for certain situations. Mostly the letters are more absurd then the comics, which makes for an even bigger laugh. Keep in mind that some of the comics for this set have been altered with either different captions, correcting errors and omissions, or with new colors.

Along with the other oversized hardcover collections Andrews-McMeel has published including Dilbert 2.0 and The Complete Calvin and Hobbes (review coming soon), The Complete Far Side is a welcome addition to any home.

The Complete Far Side by Gary Larson
Andrews-McMeel, 2003
1272 pages, 9.5” x 13.5”, $150.00

My thanks to Andrews-McMeel for supplying me a copy of the book.

Additionally covered today is news about the newly recolored, upcoming 10 Volume Sandman by Neil Gaiman Trade Paperback set (DC Comics/Vertigo) and the sold out Rocketeer Deluxe Edition HC from IDW.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

As expected not much is going on in the wonderful world of collected edition news this week, but here are a few links:

• Randy Dahlk, has posted his design work for The Complete Rocketeer Deluxe Edition HC, a book that sold out in a matter of two days. Chris Ryall, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of IDW, said that, “Unfortunately, all the deluxe editions are allocated to Diamond. We overprinted it but knew that retailers under-ordered it so a sellout was likely”.
• Win A Signed Bill Willingham Copy Of Fables Deluxe Vol. 1 from Vertigo. You have until January 3, 2010.
• Check out some preview pages of Naomi Nowak’s Graylight (NBM).

Collected Comics Library is on:
Facebook
Twitter

Beginning next year, Vertigo will publish new trade paperback editions of Neil Gaiman’s  Sandman in ten volumes – remastered and corrected versions of the comic (same as the Absolute editions), featuring newly designed covers using Dave McKean’s spectacular and innovative art. Here are the covers to Volume 1: Preludes and Nocturnes and Volume 2:  The Doll’s House.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #249
22,074Kb; 23m 16s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

As another year winds down, holiday shopping reeves up. That means that publishing houses want to get their best stuff out just in time so it can be bought for that special someone. One of those books comes from Marvel, or more specifically their Icon creator owned line. I’m speaking of Criminal The Definitive Edition Volume 1 HC by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (with colors by Val Staples). Brubaker has become a favorite of mine in recent years because of his work on Daredevil and Captain America. This is my first go around with Criminal and it was worth the wait. This oversized volume is beautiful and full of extras. I’ll go over it in detail on today’s show.

Additionally covered today are details about the Superman Earth One HC-GN. In short it’ll be $19.99, 128 pages and is expected on September 7, 2010. I also go over Marvel’s Greatest Comics reprint project which is launching in March and pose the question – Who is Marvel’s “Trinity” – Characters wise and Creator wise?

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

The CCL Podcast will be up later today, but for now lets get to a bunch of “Best Of” lists:

• Leading us off today, the Collected Editions Blog has unearthed the details on Superman: Earth One. The basics are: Hardcover, $19.99, 128 pages, release date September 7, 2010. No word on Batman: Earth One, but it should have similar specs.
• Joe, Forbidden Planet International, is compiling several Best of the Year 2009 lists. I’ll be submitting mine soon, keep an eye out for it.
• Brian Heater, Daily Cross Hatch, has complied The Best Damned Comics of 2009 Chosen by the Artists. Asterios Polyp is mentioned 16 times. Yes, it’s that good.
• Matt Price, Nerdage, posts his Best Graphic Novels of 2009. Can you say Asterios Polyp?
• Whitney Matheson, USA Today, has her Year in review: My top 10 comics/graphic novels of 2009. She has Detroit Metal City Volume 1 as her #1.
• Rob Worley, Mania, on 10 Holiday Gifts for the Comic Lover. A short and good list that covers 10 different genres.
• MTV, yes that MTV, MTV.com chooses Josh Neufeld’s A.D. (Pantheon Graphic Novels) as the best non-fiction comic of 2009
• Douglas Wolk, via Barnes & Noble, has created his Best Graphic Novels of 2009.
• Josh Wigler, CBR talks with Erik Larson on the Next Issue Project: Silver Streak Comics #24
• Review: Augie De Blieck Jr., Pipeline at CBR, on Rocketeer Complete Collection Vol. 1 HC Deluxe Edition (IDW)
• Review: Eric Rupe, The Weekly Crisis, on Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds (DC Comics)
• Review: Raoul, Trade Talks, on Showcase Presents Ambush Bug Volume 1 (DC Comics)
• Review: matches, The Iceberg Lounge, on Manhunter: The Special Edition (DC Comics)

John Mayo from Comic Book Page and CBR and Chris Marshall of the Collected Comics Library podcast discuss the sales estimates for the top 300 graphic novels and collected editions for October 2009.

Links:
Mayo Report articles on Comic Book Resources
Email us at MayoReport@ComicBookPage.com with any questions or comment you have on the episode or post on our forum.
Join the discussion on our forum
This podcast episode originated on the Comic Book Page website

Collected Comics Library Podcast #248
27,901Kb; 29m 29s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Every year more and more Graphic Novels are being published. One glance at any of the “Best Of” or “Holiday Shopping” lists for Comic Books of 2009 will prove that point. One book, in particular, that has popped up time and time again is Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli (Pantheon).

This book goes beyond being well told and well crafted – it’s inherently designed that way. Mazzucchelli, artist for such seminal runs on Daredevil (Marvel) and Batman: Year One (DC Comics) both with writer Frank Miller, has crafted a meticulous tale that is full or rigid line work as well as luscious curves all the while giving us a rich thought provoking story that will stay with you for some time to come.

The protagonist is Asteios Polyp (strange name, indeed), he is a middle aged professor and also an award winning architectural expert, although none of his designs have ever been built. One fateful day his New York apartment is struck by lightning and goes up in flames. Left with only three items and some cash, he relocates to the, aptly named, small, Midwestern town of Apogee. We are narrated by his twin brother, who died at birth, and are given the rise and fall and rise again of one of the most interesting and self absorbed characters from any work of fiction. Back and forth we go from Asteios’ young and troubled life, his love affairs and the meeting of his wife, Hana, and subsequent divorce to his present life in rural America and his new found appreciation for the world around him.

But this book is more then just story; it’s the actual way it is presented to us on paper – literally. Asteios’ life in the past is offered to us in tones of grays, blues and reds; while his new life is a brighter yellow. Also, each character we meet has their own type of word balloon and font. For example, Asteios’ speech is surrounded by 90 degree angled word balloons and is in all capital letters. That’s not to say that he is shouting all the time. It’s just how he is portrayed – always right, direct and to the point. On the other hand, Hana’s balloons are curved with softer lines and a more feminine font. This typography continues throughout the book as other characters are introduced. It is so poignant that the voices and inflections come of the page and into your head. But the real saga is Asterios and Hana, themselves. They are Ying and Yang. That’s even how they view each other. He, as a mechanical robot and she, as an ever flowing ghost. Yes, they love each other but almost more importantly they need each other.

As for the book, itself it comes with a dust jacket in the aforementioned colors of gray, blue and red that is more like a large cover band and the stamping on the front and back cover is of Asteios in both past and present attire. There is no afterword or sketch page of any kind, which is a bit disappointing considering the massive amount of detail that went into the book. It would have been nice if Mazzucchelli explained how this project came to be and his work process. Even an introduction by colleague, such as Frank Miller or Denny O’Neil would have been welcome. No matter, however, because this book is sure to be dissected by critics, book clubs, blogs and podcasts for years to come. It’s a wonderful look into relationships, tragedy, accomplishment and above all craftsmanship.

Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli
Pantheon Graphic Novels, 2009 (a division of Random House)
344 pages, 10.4″ x 7.9″, $29.95

My thanks to Pantheon for supplying me a copy of the book.

Also on the show, I talk about the newly announced Batman and Superman – Earth One graphic novels and the NCAA Football Bowl Contest.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

Pick the team that will win the game.

It’s that easy!

The following rules apply:
1. Your full name and mailing address MUST be included with your entry. This is necessary to notify the winner, and to arrange shipping of the prizes. Specific mailing address information will be kept confidential.
2. Only ONE entry per person, please!
3. The sweepstakes IS open to both U.S. and non-U.S. participants.

Entries will be accepted until Noon Eastern time, on Saturday, December 19th, (just prior to the New Mexico Bowl) and the contest winners will be notified via e-mail on January 8, 2009 (after the BCS Championship Game).
.
All entries MUST be sent to the following e-mail address (No PM’s or Forum entries, please): collectedcomicslibrary@gmail.com Subject: FOOTBALL

Attach this text file in an e-mail with the winning team underneath the bowl.

For Example:
2 Points
New Mexico
Fresno State

Both my son, Patrick, and I will be playing along for fun and I’ll tell you where I end up in the standings. The turnout gets better with every year, thanks for supporting the CCL!

In case of a tie I will pick a name from a hat.

ENTRY FORM

Some of the great prizes include:

Pride of Baghdad HC (First print and Sealed)
An Essential or Showcase of your choice
Driven By Lemons HC
Six From Sirius TPB and Too Cool To Be Forgotten HC
Modern Masters Vol. 21 Chris Sprouse TPB
Underground Classics: The Transformation of Comics into Comix HC

and more to come…

Good Luck and Go Spartans and Chips!
Chris

Collected Comics Library Podcast #247
21,897Kb; 23m 05s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

I’ve always been a big fan of mystery and detective stories. I guess that’s why I’m a big Batman fan. But I got started on this genre by way of my Dad when he gave me a copy of the Complete Sherlock Holmes back when I was 16 or so. I ate the book up by reading every story and I even did my own annotations with a pencil in the white space along side the text to help me with the language, characters, dates and events. Since then I’ve enjoyed the TV shows on PBS and read a few Non-Canonical stories. But when Dynamite announced that they would be doing a brand new comic book series I was very excited, but, of course, I waited for the collected edition. I’m glad I did. The extras included in the recently released hardcover Sherlock Holmes Volume 1: The Trial of Sherlock Holmes are wonderful and I go over those in detail as well as where this story takes place chronologically and a giant recommendation for further reading.

Also on the show is a audio review of Driven By Lemons by Adhouse books. I did a written review earlier this week and I expand on that in the podcast.

My thanks to Dynamite Entertainment and Adhouse Books for supplying me copies of the books.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

We all live in the real world where we can use all of our five senses every day. But when we sleep at night (or even daydream) we drift off into another place. It can be a land of pleasure, pain or just some odd happening that wakes us up and has us shake our head – “What the heck was that all about”?

Driven By Lemons by Joshua W. Cotter (Skyscrapers Of The Midwest) from Adhouse Books takes us into one of those places. Call it a dream or nightmare it’s in our subconscious and to see it on paper is a horrific and wondrous experience.

It’s hard to explain what exactly this book is, or about, what the story is (if there even is one) and what the outcome is. The subtitle of the book is, “Up The Stream Consciousness Without A Paddle”. That, in and of itself, could mean a number if things. The book begins with a two page rant that looks to be from one of John Doe’s notebooks from Se7en. The sentences are not coherent but are an interesting read nonetheless. We then move to a truck falling from the sky and from there the realms of consciousness and subconsciousness intertwine with the colors of red squares and blue triangles strewn about the pages of pencil sketches. We do meet a protagonist, of sorts, a rabbit that will, eventually, be laid up in a hospital bed (was he the driver of the truck?). From there he drifts off and on to sleep and we hear what he hears including his distraught roommate in the hospital. The rabbit becomes tormented and from there we follow his journey. Is it real or not? Or was the hospital even real, we don’t really ever find out.

But what we do know is that the images are worth repeated looks and readings. Immediately finishing the final page, I turned back to the front only to read it again to get a better understanding as to what I missed – the red’s and blue’s for instance. Cotter wants us all to make our own interpretations of the book, so your will undoubtedly be very different from mine. According to Adhouse it’s a, “Sketchbook replica of recent multimedia explorations in intuitive narrative”. However this sketchbook was put together it does form a somewhat lucid story and it will make you think twice about what you see when you are conscious or what you forget when you are unconscious.

Hollywood constantly explores this realm – The Butterfly Effect, Jacob’s Ladder even A Nightmare On Elm Street. What you see and feel is not always the truth. Or is it? Sometimes it’s hard to say and sometimes both mesh to form their own little world. Cotter’s world is no different in that he gives us a glimspe as to what he has seen with his eyes and his mind. It’s a fascinating journey and one worth taking.

Driven By Lemons GN by Joshua W. Cotter
Adhouse Books, 2009
104 pages, 5″ x 8″, $19.99 US

A copy of this book was supplied to me by Adhouse Books

John Mayo from Comic Book Page and CBR and Chris Marshall of the Collected Comics Library podcast discuss the sales estimates for the top 300 graphic novels and collected editions for September 2009.

Links:
Mayo Report articles on Comic Book Resources
Email us at MayoReport@ComicBookPage.com with any questions or comment you have on the episode or post on our forum.
Join the discussion on our forum
This podcast episode originated on the Comic Book Page website

Collected Comics Library Podcast #246
29,397Kb; 31m 05s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

I’m a sucker for nostalgia, and when old becomes new again – and it gets right – it’s great. You know what I mean: George Clooney as Frank Sinatra’s signature role in Ocean’s 11, throwback sports uniforms like you’ll see on Thanksgiving when the Detroit Lions play in their annual game and Jeff Parker’s Agents Of Atlas, Marvel’s 1950’s super group that never was.

You may know the story: Parker took the concept of a small group of characters that were really created in the 1950’s and from the imaginary teaming up of these characters from What If? #9 (1979), turned them into a current and in continuity band of misfits with a purpose and conviction. The first mini series sold incredible well and subsequently the Hardcover was received as one of the Best of 2007.

Now their back with their second collected edition: Agents Of Atlas: Dark Reign Premiere Hardcover, collecting Agents Of Atlas #1-5, Wolverine: Agent Of Atlas, Giant-Size Marvel Adventures Avengers and material from Secret Invasion: Who Do You Trust? & Dark Reign: New Nation, $24.99. Although it’s not as comprehensive as the first hardcover, it does come with a full regular and variant cover gallery and a section of pencil sketches. It’s good to see the Agents back and I am really enjoying their appearances all over the Marvel universe.

Also on the show, I talk about what I have in store for the foreseeable future including a rundown of books I’ll be reviewing and who I may be interviewing. If you’re a Steve Ditko fan, you don’t want to miss it.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

Things are slowly getting back to normal around my house, which means that I’ll be able to spend more time on the blog and podcast. I’ll have some new and exciting things in the coming weeks including reviews for some critically acclaimed books, creator interviews, and new additions to the Library Section and loads of extras for the highly anticipated Collected Comics Library iPhone/iPod Touch App.

On a personal note I finally finished reading all 27 Volumes of Will Eisner’s Sprit Archives. This includes the Dark Horse volume that was recently released. I started it for my annual Adopt-A-Character podcast that I announce every January. I originally tried to get it all done in 6 months, but it was hard to find the time with family commitments this past summer. I’ll be writing review for the blog soon. It won’t be of every single volume, but will be broken up into segments: Pre-War, War, Post War, The 1950’s, The Dailies (Volume 25), Post-Sundays (Volume 26) and The Dark Horse series (Volume 27). I have not read any of the current DC run, except for the Batman/Spirit, so that won’t be covered, but I hope to start that run very soon. I can tell you that overall it was a great set of books and I’m proud to of achieved this feat. I received a lot of encouragement from all of you the past 12 months and for that I thank you. Come 2010, I’ll start a new series of hardcovers. I’m leaning toward the Iron Man Marvel Masterworks. I read Volume 1 when the first movie came out and now the series is up to 6 volumes. It shouldn’t take me too long to get caught up.

The CCL podcast for this week will be on Agents of Atlas: Dark Reign Premiere Hardcover (Marvel), look for it tomorrow. I also hope to have the latest podcast with John Mayo discussing the sales estimates for September 2009 this week, too. Now on to some links:

• Thanks to Joe over at the FPI Blog for this tidbit that has the internet buzzing like crazy: So who does own the copyright on Marvelman? reported by Pádraig Ó Méalóid.
• Tom Spurgeopn, Comics Reporter, links to the 2009 Stanley Awards.
• Jason Boog, GalleyCat, has the Best Books of 2009, Airport Edition.
• Pamela Mullin, DC Comics The Source, posts the Introduction to Saga Of The Swamp Thing Book 2 by Jamie Delano.
• Interview: Marc-Oliver Frisch, Comiks Debris, talks to George Gene Gustines, New York Times Comics Reporter. Among the many topics, Mr. Gustines talks about the Comics Best-seller Lists.
• ICv2.com has a preview of The Boys Vol. 5: Herogasm TPB (Dynamite Entertainment)
• Media Release: Fantagraphics Books is proud to announce the acquisition of What Is All This?, a 900-page collection of previously uncollected short fiction by two-time National Book Award Nominee (1991, 1995) Stephen Dixon. The collection will be published in May, 2010 and mark the third entry in Fantagraphics burgeoning line of literary fiction, following Alexander Theroux’s Laura Warholic (2007) and Monte Schulz’s This Side of Jordan (2009).
• Also from Fantagraphics is a link to a 25 page .pdf of the soon-to-arrive giant 3-volume Gahan Wilson: Fifty Years of Playboy Cartoons. You can also read the introduction by Neil Gaiman.
• Review: Scott Cederlund, Pop Syndicate, on War of Kings HC (Marvel)
• Review: Collected Editions Blog on Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds HC (DC Comics)
• Finally, CEB has their annual Comic Book Holiday Gift Guide 2009. I have to say you can’t go wrong with any of the choices listed.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #245
23,042Kb; 24m 18s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

If you’ve come by the blog or downloaded the podcasts recently you’ll notice that things have been out of sync. That’s because both my kids have been sick (at different times) and my computer got a nasty trojan which caused me to be offline for a few days. I’m slowing getting things back to normal. The computer is running great thanks to a few upgrades and the kids are healthy enough to be back at school.

Because of all the excitement going on, I didn’t have time to review any books this week, but I was able to update the New Releases Schedule and Checklists with all the latest solicitations from DC, Marvel, and Dark Horse and a full update the Library section of the site. I talk about a few of those books today, as well as, the addition of Fantastic Four Annual #12 to the Marvel Masterworks Inhumans Volume 2 and another delay to the DC Comics Classics Library: Shazam! Monster Society of Evil (now slated for September 2010). Finally, I provide an eBay Market Watch that includes New X-Men Omnibus, Absolute Planetary Book One, Art of Iron Man the Movie Hardcover and the Deadpool Volume 1 Secret Invasion Hardcover – which is just off the charts!

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.
Links of Note:
John Siuntres Wordballoon: Taking Marvel’s Pulse With Tom Brevoort

Collected Comics Library Podcast #244
56,236Kb; 59m 42s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Today on the show I bring back an old friend of the CCL, Joe Rybandt, Associate Editor from Dynamite Entertainment. Joe comes in to talk about all of the exciting monthly and collected edition projects going on including, Sherlock Holmes, Buck Rogers, and Red Sonja, the upcoming Green Hornet and Robo Cop books, Alex Ross’ Project SuperPowers, Jim Starlin’s Dreadstar and their best selling title The Boys by Garth Ennis and much, much more.

Also on the show, Marvel has an Invincible Iron Man by Matt Fraction Omnibus slated for early 2010 and the upcoming Collected Comics Library’s iTunes application!

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

PS Sorry for the lateness of this particular episode. My PC got a nasty virus and I decided to upgrade my computer. Everything is working fine now.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #243
22,806Kb; 24m 15s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Over a year ago I featured The Hellboy Library Volume 1 for Podcast #188, a book that quickly became a favorite of mine. I now do follow up showcasing Volume 2: The Chained Coffin and The Right Hand of Doom and Volume 3: Conqueror Worm and Strange Places. Not only do I go over all of the wonderful the extra content, but straighten out just what comic books are collected and where they originally appeared. My thanks to Hans, from Berlin, Germany for the idea.

Also on the show, I tell you about the current TwoMorrows publishing Modern Masters sale, how to get two free Witchblade trade paperbacks from Top Cow and In-Stock Trades, content changes for two Marvel Dark Reign trade paperbacks and more Steve Ditko from DC Comics!

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

It’s November and with a new months come a ton of cool news! Let’s get to it:

• Ted Dawson, Three Men In A Tub looks at the exact same Prince Valiant panel from three different reprint editions 1960s Nostalgia Press, 1980s Interpresse/Fantagraphics, and the new 2010 Fantagraphics edition, shot from original engraver’s proofs. Thanks to Tom Spurgeon, Comics Reporter.
• Hermes Press will be publishing Land of the Giants: The Complete Series in January 2010. The 208-page 7.5” x 10” hardcover will be in full color, with printed laminated cover, and dustjacket with endpapers. It will include the five issues of the comic, with art by Silver Age great Tom Gill, essays about the show, behind-the-scenes photos, blue-prints, models, design artwork, and more, $49.99.
• Calvin Reid, Publishers Weekly, talks with Robert Weil, W.W. Norton, on editing The Book of Genesis Illustrated by Robert Crumb.
• Corey Breen, Senior Pre-Press Artist for DC Comics, talks about his process for Cleaning Up The Absolute Watchmen.
• Press Release: Rick Remender’s post-apocalyptic series Strange Girl, will be collected in its entirety on January 13th, 2010 from Image Comics. It will be a four-volume signed slipcase strictly limited to 1000 editions for $49.99.
• Press Release: IDW and ComicMix will be co-publishing The Original Johnson the graphic novel biography of Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion. Volume 1 is due out this December and Volume 2 will follow 2010. Both trade paperbacks are expected to be $19.99 and 128 pages each.
• In case you missed it: DC Comics Expands Contents For The Creeper By Steve Ditko HC. The books has been expanded to include a never-before-published story originally slated to appear in Showcase #106. The 25-page story, entitled “Enter Dr. Storme,” is written and illustrated by Ditko, and features an appearance by Ditko’s character The Odd Man. It will be printed in black and white. Now increased to 288-pages, this title is on Final Order Cutoff on November 5 and is scheduled to arrive in stores on February 24 at its original cover price of $39.99 US.
• ICv2.com has a 10 page Preview of The Boys Vol. 1: The Name of the Game Limited Edition HC and an 8 page Preview of Sherlock Holmes Vol. 1: The Trial of Sherlock Holmes HC (both are published by Dynamite Entertainment).
• Wizard of Oz Wins 2009 British Book Design and Production Awards. No, not the Eric Shanower/Scottie Young book, but the Graham Rawle one. Who knew?

• In other Books Of The Year news, Publishers Weekly has their Top 10 books for 2009
  • Parker: The Hunter, Darwyn Cooke and Richard Stark (IDW)
  • Driven by Lemons, Josh Cotter (AdHouse)
  • Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth, Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos H. Papadimitriou with art by Alecos Papdatos and Annie Di Donna (Bloomsbury)
  • The Photographer: Into War-Torn Afghanistan with Doctors Without Borders, Emmanuel Guibert and Didier Lefèvre (First Second)
  • Asterios Polyp, David Mazzucchelli (Pantheon)
  • Scott Pilgrim vs. the Universe, Bryan Lee O’Malley (Oni Press)
  • Footnotes in Gaza, Joe Sacco (Metropolitan)
  • A Drifting Life, Yoshihiro Tatsumi (D&Q)
  • You’ll Never Know: A Good and Decent Man, Carol Tyler (Fantagraphics)
  • Pluto, Naoki Urasawa (Viz Media)

• and so does Amazon.com
  • Stitches: A Memoir, David Small (WW Norton)
  • George Sprott: 1894-1975, Seth (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • Asterios Polyp, David Mazzucchelli (Pantheon)
  • All-Star Superman, Vol. 2, Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely (DC Comics)
  • The Umbrella Academy: Dallas, Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba (Dark Horse)
  • Locas II: Maggie, Hope & Ray, Jaime Hernandez (Fantagraphics Books)
  • The Photographer: Into War-Torn Afghanistan with Doctors Without Borders, Emmanuel Guibert and Didier Lefèvre (First Second)
  • A Drifting Life, Yoshihiro Tatsumi (Drawn & Quarterly)
  • The Book of Genesis Illustrated, R. Crumb (WW Norton)
  • Masterpiece Comics, R. Sikoryak (Drawn & Quarterly)

• My friends over at the Collected Editions Blog has some news and opinions on some upcoming DC books including: Wednesday Comics HC, Superboy: The Redemption, Gotham Central Book 3: On The Freak Beat, JSA vs. Kobra, The Shield Vol. 1: Kicking Down the Door, and The Atomic Knights
• And this big news of the week is saved for last: Fantagraphics Announces Six New Golden Age Collections: Four Color Fear: Forgotten Horror Comics Of The 1950s (June 2010), Setting The Standard: Alex Toth at Standard Comics 1952-54 (Fall 2010), The Road To Plastic Man: The Golden Age Comics of Jack Cole 1937-41 (TBD), Away From Home: EC Artists at Other Companies (TBD), Creeping Death From Neptune: Basil Wolverton’s Sci-Fi and Horror Comics 1938-55 (TBD), and The Comic Book Frankenstein: The Monster According to Dick Briefer (TBD). This is very welcome material in the wake of Gemstone’s EC line falling behind. Fantagraphics is an excellent company to do a massive project like this and the entire line will be headed by comics historian and editor Greg Sadowski (Supermen! The First Wave of Comic Book Heroes 1936-1941). These will be welcome additions to my bookshelf.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #242
27,178Kb; 28m 55s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

Since their inception in the pages of Fantastic Four, Black Bolt, Medusa, Crystal and the rest of The Inhumans have garnered a special place in the hearts of Marvel Fan-Boys. Today we celebrate the recent release of their first Marvel Masterwork (and their second coming out next year) and we take a look at all of their Collected Editions. We also look at what isn’t collected, particularly the 1988 Inhumans Graphic Novel by Ann Nocenti.

Also on the show, the CE world is being turned upside down by the news from Neal Adams that his 1978 Superman vs. Muhammad Ali will be getting the Deluxe Edition treatment with new coloring and the Green Lantern/Green Arrow: Hard Traveling Heroes storyline may be getting an Absolute edition. On the Marvel side – David Gabriel, Marvel’s Senior VP of Sales, has hinted to Heidi MacDonald that, Later on in the year, we’re going to do an omnibus with full runs from things like Night Nurse, Hellcat, and some other things you really wouldn’t collect anywhere else. Not sure what to make of that, we’ll have to wait and see. I wonder if Tigra or Shanna the She-Devil will be a part of the book.

Chris

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Links of Note:
Kryptographik Podcast and Blog

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

As October comes to a close it’s time to start thinking about what your Top 10 Collected Editions and Graphic Novels for 2009 will be. I have some in mind and will be revealing the entire list the last week of December. My list not only looks at the story, but also price, extras and availability of original material. Looking back on it now I don’t think 2009 has been as exciting as 2008 was, but it’s all relative. There’s been a lot more interesting GN’s then CE’s this year, perhaps that is where we are heading in the future. Let’s look at some linkity links:

• It seems that at least two websites (Bleeding Cool and The Daily Cartoonist) are excited about Asterix (which is something that I have never read).
• ICv2.com has the estimates of the sales on Graphic Novels and Collected Editions by Diamond U.S. to comic specialty stores during September 2009.
• Press Release: TekWar by William Shatner Released As Graphic Novel
• Richard, FPI Blog, has a quick look at the new James Bond Omnibus Volume 001.
• Better late then never, Joe, FPI Blog, also has a nice article and audio of Mark Millar at the Edinburgh Book Festival.
• Review: Joe, FPI Blog on Cash: I See a Darkness. I received a copy of this book, too and I’ll be reviewing it in the next few weeks.
• Review: My good friend, Scott Cederlund, Pop Syndicate on Bloom County The Complete Library Volume One: 1980-1982

Collected Comics Library Podcast #241
26,276Kb; 27m 52s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

It’s that spooky time of year, especially if you live in Detroit! Come on in and grab a scary book!

Tonight, we go back to the scariest of all decades – the 1970’s. That’s when Frank Frazetta painted his famous masterpiece – The Death Dealer. Tonight I give you give you a history lesson, of sorts, on the publication history of this ominous character including the recent Deluxe Hardcover from Image Comics, four paperback novels, and even a mid-1990 comic book series from Glenn Danzig! Spooky indeed!

So turn down the lights and curl up with a good podcast!

Boo!

Count Chris

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Links of Note:
CBR July 28, 2008: Frazetta Returns with Death Dealer II and More by by Michael Patrick Sullivan
Danzig Verotik Comics

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

John Mayo from Comic Book Page and CBR and Chris Marshall of the Collected Comics Library podcast discuss the sales estimates for the top 300 graphic novels and collected editions for August 2009.

Links:
Mayo Report articles on Comic Book Resources
Email us at MayoReport@ComicBookPage.com with any questions or comment you have on the episode or post on our forum.
Join the discussion on our forum
This podcast episode originated on the Comic Book Page website

Here’s something that bound to get you to stop working and completely waste your time.
Last night I was e-mailed a link of Diamond’s Spring Book Catalog .pdf (Products with Release Date from January – April 2010).

I’m not sure how long the link will work (forever, perhaps). Also please note that, for whatever reason, DC Comics, Fantagraphics, Boom! Studios, Drawn and Quarterly and few others are not listed.

Collected Comics Library Podcast #240
36,853Kb; 28m 34s

http://www.collectedcomicslibrary.com/

As I stated yesterday on the CCL Blog, I was going to review the DC Comics Classics Library Justice League of America by George Perez Volume 1 (of 2). It’s a fine book; in of itself, but the more I looked at it, the more I thought that both Volumes should be collected into a book similar to that of the Neal Adams Library (Batman 1-3, DC Universe 1). Not only that but the whole program looks to be all over the spectrum: Golden Age, Silver Age, half done series, complete series, reprints of reprints, and two that should be a part of the DC Archive Editions not their own Volume One. Today I try to figure out just what DC has created and what it intends to do with this format how it compares to the Marvel counterpart and what I would do differently.

Also on the show I talk about DC books announced at the Diamond Retailer Summit including the Wednesday Comics Hardcover, Absolute Planetary Volumes 1 and 2, and other books such as DC Greatest Imaginary Stories Volume 2: Batman & Robin, Showcase Presents Suicide Squad Volume 1 and even the Blackest Night Hardcover.

All this and the New Releases of the Week.

Chris

Links of Note:
Make Money In Comics Fast #1 by Rich Johnston: A Heavy Bookshelf Of Gold from Bleeding Cool by Rich Johnston
Collected Editions Blog: Blackest Night trade collection, Showcase Presents Suicide Squad solicited

Please visit my site sponsors: In-Stock Trades, Forbidden Planet International (UK), and Library Binding Company.

It’s been a few weeks since I did one of these linky-link postings. FYI, this week on the show I’ll be talking about DC Comics Classics Library: Justice League of America by George Perez Volume 1. Now on to some CE news:

• DC has Unveiled The Details On The Wednesday Comics Collection. The hardcover collection of the series, which will retail at $49.99, will clock in at 11 x 17 inches, which will present the series in a deluxe, big-screen format befitting the series, which was originally printed on broadsheet newspaper pages. Looks like I got this a litle wrong, but I’ll stick to my guns and say that it’s still too small. I’ll talk this up on the next podcast.
• Rich Johnston, Bleeding Cool: It appears that, just in time for Absolute Planetary Vol 2, Absolute Planetary Vol 1 will be going back to press.

• 2009 Harvey Award winners announced. Some of the notables are:
  • Special Award for Excellence in Presentation – Kirby: King of Comics, Mark Evanier, Abrams Books
  • Best Biographical, Historical or Journalistic Presentation – Kirby: King of Comics, Mark Evanier, Abrams Books
  • Best Anthology – Comic Book Tattoo, Edited by Rantz Hoseley, Image Comics
  • Best Graphic Album — Original – Too Cool to Be Forgotten, Top Shelf
  • Best Graphic Album — Previously Published – Nat Turner, Abrams Books
  • Best Domestic Reprint Project – Complete Peanuts, Fantagraphics Books
  • Best American Edition of Foreign Material – Gus and His Gang, First Second

• 2009 Lulu Awards Nominees announced.
• Review: Rich Johnston, Bleeding Cool, on Berkeley Breathed’s Bloom County Volume One
• Review: Ryan Schrodt, The Weekly Crisis, on Wonderful Wizard of Oz HC by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young.
• Review: Collected Editions Blog, on Nightwing: The Great Leap TPB (DC Comics). I confess that I stopped getting Nightwing (in monthly form) after One Year Later. I suppose I should pick up the trades.

This October marks the 10^th Anniversary of the Collected Comics Library. What started out as a small project for a Web design class I took at the University of Michigan has turned into one of the most read and well respected Comic Book Blogs and Podcasts. True, I’ve put a lot of hard work, time and money into growing the CCL, but all of the credit goes to you. Over the years it’s been you who has given me the encouragement to keep going from week to week, month to month and year to year.

With the CCL, I’ve created friendships that will continue for the rest of my life. I’ve read countless books and have amassed a very nice collection of Hardcovers, softcovers, classics and new. I’ve come across professionals in the field that I can call at anytime from my speed dial. I’ve been able to travel to San Diego and Chicago to speak in front of hundreds of people. I’ve been fortunate to freelance with TwoMorrows Publishing and Dynamite Entertainment. I’m glad to be a part of several different Collected Edition communities that allow my insight and opinion. I’m happy that the CCL is an ever evolving useful tool when it comes to Collected Editions. But most of all I’m just glad that comic books, of all types, are alive and well. I am proud to call myself a comic book fan, and I’m proud to continue with you on my journey.

Cheers!

Chris