Last Updated 5/15/01

Recommendation: Punisher
Date: Fri Apr 27 2001

This comic is truly a breath of fresh air (with a hint of gun powder) I can't wait until the new regular series starts. Garth Ennis has found Jesse Custer's kindred sprit in this MARVEL character. For those of you who think that the Punisher became stale around the mid eighties. Check this book out and become mesmerized by the resurrective powers of the Ennis/Dillon rock em, sock em team and give a well needed punch in the stomach of political correctness.

Steve W.
Spencer MA

A hilarious book that goes places that Ranma 1/2 has never gone. A strange mixture of the perverse and the innocent, Aro Hiroshi's work is awesome!

Abraham
Tyler,TX

It kicks a$$!

BOB

This is one of the last western books being published today. I think that it's important to preserve this genre. It's published by AC Comics monthly and it deserves a look.

M. Bowman

Recommendation: Babylon 5 V.2 #18
Date: Thu Aug 19 1999

This is a must have for any Babylon 5 fan. Considering the B5 universe spans such a HUGE time period this issue contains the 'Official Babylon 5 Chronology'.

>From the dawn of time (The First Ones) to the end of the Earth (1,000,000) from 2262.

I've already placed my order.

"Beware of gifts from friends you did not know you have."

Roberts
Miami/Florida

Recommendation: Madman Comics
Date: Wed May 19 1999

Madman's back and as good as ever. If you like to chuckle as you read, try this book.

Marty

Recommendation: Planetary
Date: Sun May 16 1999

This book has great art and has the freshest story idea on the market in many years. If you like a dose of reality mixed together with unreality, this book is for you. Probably the only book that I truly look forward to every month. Don't know how long Warren Ellis and John Cassaday can keep it up but it's definitely worth the ride!

SleepyAZ
Scottsdale

Recommendation: Earth X
Date: Sat May 8 1999

Alex Ross! There! That's enough reason.

Mahdesi
Jakarta, Indonesia

Recommendation: Superboy ("Hyper-Time!")
Date: Wed Mar 31, 1999

So far Karl Kesel has just about been the only writer to do really good Superboy stories (the modern Superboy mind you). Others have done ok, but Kesel really knows how to put the kid in cool situations and to surround him with strong supporting characters.

Now this book is even better because Kesel is the first writer to really explore the new "Hypertime" concept after its first appearance in THE KINGDOM #2. As can be expected, Kesel is having fun with the concept, bringing back characters from across DC's continuum. So far we've seen characters from ELSEWORLD'S FINEST: SUPERGIRL & BATGIRL (which Kesel also wrote), and the "Earth-1"-style Superboy last seen in the early SUPERBOY "Zero Hour" issue (plus Krypto and Ma & Pa Kent this time). It's a great feeling for older fans to see such mainstays from "before CRISIS" again, even if only sporadically. And Kesel also knows how to write these older characters well.

David
Port Charlotte, FL

Recommendation: Mage
Date: Thu Mar 18 1999

Mage simply is a great read. Matt Wagner does a great job in every book. I just wish it would come out on a regular basis.

Steven

Recommendation: STRANGERS IN PARADISE
Date: Mon Mar 15 1999

I recommend Terry Moore's Strangers In Paradise due to the exciting elements of surprise adventure and suspense that is created in every issue. No issue ever seems rushed. The art is terrific and the writing is excellent. If you enjoy the Jackie Collin's Santagilo or L.A Connection's you will love this book although the 6 week wait is a killer after you finish the issue.

Jonathan
Seymour,Indiana

Recommendation: Usagi Yojimbo, Impulse, Supergirl & Batman: Gotham Adventures
Date: Sun Feb 28 1999

Usagi Yojimbo is consistently excellent in writing, art and pacing, plus is a window into feudal Japan us "gaijin" wouldn't normally have; Impulse is consistently amusing and occasionally touching; Supergirl is a delicate balancing act between outright satire and the gray areas of important social issues that Peter David almost always manages to pull off; Batman: Gotham Adventures is the only place where Batman is done right.

Bill
Columbus, Ohio

Recommendation: Starman, Spider-Girl, Astro City, Thunderbolts
Date: Fri Feb 26 1999

Some real good reading, and not to shabby artwork either.

Terry
Colorado

Recommendation: Hey, Mister
Date: Fri Feb 26 1999

Delightfully twisted humor that reads like a blender mix of Dan Clowes, R. Crumb and Charles Schultz. Young Tim and the gang never fail to entertain with their bizarre exploits. Formerly a mini comic, now published by Top Shelf and worth a look.

Nik
Lake Tahoe NV

Recommendation: all Spider-Man titles
Date: Thu Feb 18 1999

These books simply take you back to the good ol' days of the friendly neighbourhood hero. They're all nothing but fun.

Mahdesi
Jakarta/Indonesia

Recommendation: Cerebus
Date: Sat Feb 13 1999

A must for any serious adult reader of comics (yes, there are a few of us). Creator Dave Sim ranks with Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman as one of the truly fine and literate writers in comics, but towers even over them because he is also one of its greatest artists, with intricate backgrounds by the amazing Gerhard. Sim's lettering has raised that much-ignored art to an entirely new level, allowing us to actually hear each individual character's voice and thoughts in our own heads. His accomplishments in and beyond Cerebus are simply too major and numerous to list in this small space. Start with the first "phone book" collection from Aardvark-Vanheim (titled "Cerebus," natch) and prepare to have your mind seriously challenged and expanded.

David Sitzes
Hope, AR

Recommendation: Fantastic Four
Date: Mon Feb 8 1999

Can easily identify with characters.

David
New Milford, NJ

Recommendation: Hitman
Date: Mon Feb 8 1999

Garth Ennis seems to be chomping at the bit of Comics Code Authority censorship sometimes, but all in all, this is one terrific read, month to month.

Ennis' ability to cut to the core of American culture never seems to amaze me. I guess sometimes it takes a foreigner like the Irish Ennis to see what we all sometimes overlook.

If you want a great, often humorous read, starting buying Hitman. One warning, however: It's not for the faint of heart!

Christopher
San Jose, CA

Recommendation: Wonder Woman (140-141)
Date: Sun Feb 7 1999

A great new direction for our favorite amazon. Deep, bold storylines and some great cover artwork (#141 especially).

Stefan J.

Recommendation: all Superman titles
Date: Sun Feb 7 1999

Since John Byrne redefined Superman way back when, the titles have consistently shown high quality in both writing and art. The only down-side (if you can call it that) is, you have to buy all the titles as they interweave with one another. It is basically a constantly running story with a chapter arriving each weak (if you buy in stores, anyway). I cannot think of any other title(s), DC or Marvel, that can match it.

David
Olympia, WA

Recommendation: Avengers Forever
Date: Sat Feb 6 1999

I should have known better.

I mean, I'm already enjoying the regular monthly Avengers title, right? Great writing, fantastic artwork. Yet I was hesitant to buy into another lame Marvel limited series that would have no impact or repercussion with ongoing continuity. Plus, it's got .... TIME TRAVEL. Oh, no.

Well yeah, I was wrong.

After all, this is Kurt Busiek right? Plus the pencils by Carlos Pacheco are VERY good.

Busiek was able to hand pick a team with individual members from virtually any time period, and the result is very interesting. A master of Marvel history, Busiek spins an Avengers' Fan-boy tale that old timers like myself should love.

So don't dismiss this as just another limited series, give it try.

And hey, you might still be able to pick up issue #1 with the Westfield exclusive cover.

(WF: Yes, if you are interested we do still have a few of these left. They are $4.95 and you can email us if you would like one. Click here: Avengers Forever Westfield Exclusive to get a copy. Thanks.)

8]:[E

Patrick

Recommendation: Captain America, Sandman Mystery Theatre
Date: Sat Feb 6 1999

Mark Waid has been playing with iconography throughout both of his runs on Cap, what symbols mean and how loss or perversions of them can do. Captain America genuinely has not been this good since Engelhart's stories the '70s.

SMT is gone, but it was consistently one of my favorite reads every month, more for the relationship of Wes and Dian than for the mysteries (which were also good). The series also presented a look at the concerns of the pre-WWII period, at times with a modern sensibility, but it always intriguing. I hope mini-series or specials will be forthcoming - this will seriously be missed.

Keith
Richmond CA

Recommendation: Deadpool
Date: Fri Feb 5 1999

I think Deadpool is one of the Greatest comics from Marvel currently. If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for? This book is not only humorous but makes you think, as well. Buy it. You'll love it.

James
Cypress, CA

Recommendation: The Dreaming
Date: Fri Feb 5 1999

Hey you! The fans of Sandman who dropped this book after the first five issues! Yeah, *you*! Things have changed here ... The Dreaming has acquired a compelling new writer, Caitlin Kiernan. I'm telling you, I haven't been as excited about a new writer since ... Neil Gaiman. No lie! Ms. Kiernan intermingles the blurred realm of dreams with vivid slices of reality and delicious characters. It's time to come back to The Dreaming.

Keith
Arlington, MA

Recommendation: Periphery
Date: Wed Feb 3 1999

Not only am I a member, but also a client. Arch-Type studios is extremely hard at work on a new anthology title called Periphery. As a member of Arch-type studios, I see all the hard work and extreme professionalism within this book. So I highly recommend that you at least try this book once, it's got stories for everyone and art and writing that will blow you away. It's published bi-monthly from Dreamriders Workshop.

Mitch
Elk River/MN

Recommendation: GUTWALLOW
Date: Mon Feb 1 1999

I highly recommend GUTWALLOW from Numbskull Press. Dan Berger, whose experience includes work on TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, has crafted a quirky, entertaining book that is sure to appeal to readers of AKIKO and BONE. Check it out.

Greg
Rutherford, NJ

Recommendation: Leave It To Chance and Batman: Gotham Adventures
Date: Fri Jan 29 18:25:06 1999

Leave It To Chance: James Robinson rarely tells a dull tale and his writing on this comic is more whimsical and just plain fun than most of the comics he is known for. Paul Smith's (Uncanny X-Men and Dr. Strange back in the '80's) artwork really brings the story to life.

Batman:Gotham Adventures: With a series of single issue stories it's really painless to give this comic a try. The stories are fast paced and to-the-point without being bogged down in years of continuity. Don't be fooled by the simple-looking animation art-style; more thought and planning goes into the art than most comics produced today. This is the best Batman book of the '90's.

Jorge
Sicklerville, NJ

Recommendation: Daredevil
Date: Fri Jan 29 2:26:47 1999

Its nice to read a book that doesn't necessarily bash religion. I've come to find out a lot of people in the comic industry not only renounce religion but the hate it with a passion. I'm pretty opened minded about books nowadays that's why I will say that The Preacher is a very unique and well crafted book. But to read the forward in it and to see how religion is treated at times is kind of sad. In Daredevil we actually see how religion helps characters at times and defines who they are, such as Daredevils' mother. A lot of the writing at times also has a touch of wisdom and Mr. Smith isn't afraid of taking chances with the characters in it. A lot of books will just give a character a "cheap" problem that can be resolved by the end of a 23 page book. But the problems Daredevil has, open the door for a limitless amount of possibilities for a number of issues. So far Daredevil is the freshest thing Marvel has right now.

Elliott
Lexington

Recommendation: Usagi Yojimbo
Date: Tue Jan 19 1999

Breath-taking action in a culture based on real-life feudal Japan, Usagi Yojimbo never fails to reach the top of my reading pile. I can't think of any comic that combines action, intrigue, and humor in the "funny animal" format as successful as this.

Heck, the recently published "Space Usagi" (descendents of the above series in a sci-fi setting) was wonderful. If only the Phantom Menace will be this good...

Michael
Licking, MO

Recommendation: Captain Gravity (Penny Farthing Press)
Date: Tue Jan 12 1999

This is a nice pulp style tale.

Great story, art, and presentation!

What more could you want?

Lance Allen
Stuarts Draft, VA

Recommendation: Usagi Yojimbo
Date: Fri Jan 8 1999

Usagi is a rabbit samurai, in a world of "funny animals". I have been following Stan Sakai's rabbit since Critters #1 (way back when), and have watched the story and art steadily improve through three publishers. All but the most recent single issues are available in trade paperback editions. Sakai has emphasized different aspects of old Japan, giving a whole view of a society both very different from our own, yet so similar. This is an all-ages book, and recommended to all.

Erik
Ashland VA

Recommendation: Thieves & Kings
Date: Fri Jan 8 1999

I've been a long-time reader of Dave Sim's CEREBUS, and I typically pay attention to any recommendations or previews he might run. It's why I'm now a regular reader of titles such as BONE, STRANGERS IN PARADISE, STRANGEHAVEN and others. When long-time CEREBUS letter-column flack M'Oak (Mark Oakley) announced he was going to self-publish THIEVES & KINGS, I figured it was worth a look. 24 issues (and three excellent collected editions) later, the artwork has improved, the story has gelled, and the characters are simply marvelous.

For those of you looking to recommend comics to others, here's a short list:

o Kids: AKIKO, LEAVE IT TO CHANCE, BONE, THIEVES & KINGS

o Girlfriends: CEREBUS, MAISON IKKOKU, STRANGERS IN PARADISE, A DISTANT SOIL, WANDERING STAR

o General: ASTRO CITY, BOOKS OF MAGIC, JLA, THUNDERBOLTS

The following are potentially offensive or violent but quite entertaining, if you're partial to that kind of thing: PREACHER, POISON ELVES.

ALL of the above are also supported by a superb library of collected volumes (trade paperbacks), which makes tracking down back issues moot.

I wholeheartedly recommend independent titles. They're largely under appreciated, and contain work by some of the finest talent in comics today. That's not to say there aren't Marvel/DC/Image books worth a look -- but I will typically recommend based on creators rather than characters. Kurt Busiek, Mark Waid, Grant Morrison, others....

Needless to say, I've been at this longer than I care to think about.

Jeff
Chicago, IL

Recommendation: Robin
Date: Wed Jan 6 1999

Robin is a great book for those who are kids or dealing with kids in the 90's and into 2000. Tim has to go through not only a dual identity, but has to deal with the pressures of school, a single-parent family, peers, the destruction of his home, a death of a friend, and even the pregnancy of his friend. It is a great book that is getting better and better all the time. The artwork is great and the storyline shows the struggles and joys of a kid in the same boat as a lot of kids today. Pick it up along with the other Bat books and you might get a big surprise. This is one series not to miss.

Kurt
Clinton, IA

Recommendation: Deadpool
Date: Mon Jan 4 1999

Deadpool is a great ride of a comic. Joe Kelly is the young blood Marvel needs in its system. The stories are funny, but not corny and do not sacrifice the plot for a few cheap laughs. Deadpool is currently on the brink of cancellation, so if you've never picked up the book and like good stories and funny dialogue, try it out. And if you've been an occasional reader, pick 'em up more frequently so we can make sure Deadpool lives on for a long time.

Justin
Sussex, WI

Recommendation: Superman: Peace On Earth
Date: Sun Jan 3, 1999

Why? Alex Ross! The name should say it all, but if it doesn't, check it out (and anything else PAINTED by him). Alex Ross has taken the comic book medium to another level. His beautiful art is a sight for sore eyes. I'm 31, married, with 2 kids and have been collecting comics since I was 5. I love comics, but painted comic book art is like a cold drink of water on a hot and humid day. Also, this book has content (i.e., story and art) that I can share with my kids (and that my wife won't roll her eyes at for the gajazillionth time). It's worth the money!

Xavier
Jersey City, NJ

Recommendation: Finder & Replacement God
Date: Sat Jan 2, 1999

Super Heroes are fun but a steady diet of them can get pretty dull. We've all had recommendations of alternative title - Bone, Akiko, Stray Bullets, etc. and I enjoy all of those. However, Finder and Replacement God are two of the best comics that you've probably never seen. Do yourself a favor and hunt them up.

Scott
Palmyra

Recommendation: Legionnaires
Date: Fri Jan 1, 1999

The writing is on the mark and the art by Jeff Moy is very clean and appealing; since the "reboot" this has been my favorite comic book, since old characters have been brought back with refreshing twists, interesting new characters have been added, and the best of all--the characters look and act their ages!

Rich
Culver City, CA

Recommendation: Dreamsmith Studio's "Book"
Date: Fri Jan 1, 1999

I am a fan of fantasy/sword-and-sorcery. It is very rare to find any sword and sorcery themed comic books these days, even rarer to find any good ones. Therefore, "Book" is a rare find. Good writing, good artwork, and likable characters. There are three different features in every issue: "Norse Saga" (my favorite), "Chimera", and "Anna". All are entertaining and involving. It is a black and white book and a little more expensive than most comic books but these things do not detract from my enjoyment of the series. Give it a try, you might be surprised at how well you like it.

Mike
Martin, TN

Recommendation: Wonder Woman Archives
Date: Thu Dec 31, 1998

I'd never have believed it, but Wonder Woman Archives is the most surprisingly fun read I've had for a long time. World War 2 propaganda (that is actually enjoyable) is blended perfectly with William Moulton Marston's messages aimed at the youth market: everything from "Drink your milk" to "You can be popular even if you're fat". I bought this book on a whim and liked it so much, I bought all of the remaining Archive books I didn't already have. A++!

Jeff
San Francisco, CA

Recommendation: Alan Moore's Supreme
Date: 12/31/98

It's the best super-hero book of the decade

Mark A.
Arlington MA

Recommendation: Castle Waiting
Date: 12/31/1998

A beautiful tale lovingly told that takes you back to the fairy tales of youth. The characters are individual and unique. The story and plot are wonderful. This title makes a very nice change from all of the doom and angst out there.

K.
Florida

Recommendation: Avengers
Date: 12/31/1998

Great art, great stories, great art, great action, great art, great characters, great art!

p.s. Oh, the art's pretty good too.

Eric
Narvon, Pa

Recommendation: Avengers
Date: 12/31/1998

As a long time fan of this book, I have seen its ups and downs. Right now, history is witness to a new era in this book. As THE premiere superhero group they remain the most interesting, diverse, and dynamic team in any publishers universe. With an award winning writer at the helm (Kurt Busiek) and a renowned penciler back on the book (the infamous George Perez), this book has so much potential it gives me the creeps. The current staff has so much experience with main and supporting characters dear to the Avengers books (old series, AWC.)

A colorful and rich history is already present, and the stories are just getting better. See for yourself if you haven't already! Now if Marvel would stop renumbering the books...

Damion

Recommendation: BONE
Date: 12/31/1998

Hollywood has come knocking, and we soon may all get a wonderful present in the year 2000: the Bone motion picture. Now is the best time to hop onto one of comics' great treasures, written and drawn by one of the most dedicated men in the field today, Jeff Smith. With seven really inexpensive collections of the saga almost to date, it wouldn't take long to get up to speed with the current comics series. I've been reading comics for more than 35 years, and I can assure you that this one always makes its way to the top of the pile!

Mark C.
Columbus, IN

Recommendation: Ghost
Date: 12/31/1998

The characterization is detailed. The art is pristine - both covers and interiors included. The Ghost character is unlike any other in comics today.

Carl
Elkridge MD

Recommendation: Deadpool
Date: 12/31/1998

I didn't pick up DEADPOOL until no. 14 (after a cool guest-appearance in HEROES FOR HIRE), but I've enjoyed quite a ride ever since. DEADPOOL is a nice mix of action, comedy, and drama; Joe Kelly's writing is truly clever, and he keeps things interesting, always tossing the new and the unexpected the reader's way. Kelly's scripts are complimented by Walter McDaniel's crisp, energetic artwork. Don't let DEADPOOL pass you by!

Thomas
Leitchfield, Kentucky