by Josh Crawley

Before I get started this week, I’d like to ask you to check out a new podcast out there: Doughnuts & Top Cow. As many of you are probably far too sick of hearing from me by now, I’m a fan of the Top Cow Universe. I was approached by my friend John, a relative newcomer to the herd, to do a podcast that focused on Top Cow. It’s recorded at our East side Madison store, is part of the Comic Book Noise Family of podcasts, and while we’re only one episode in, we’ve recorded the second and plan on having a new (approximately 20 minute) episode every week. Added bonus: we’re giving away a free copy of Artifacts #1 foil stamped cover signed by Ron Marz!

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Jimmy Olsen #1

I haven’t had the opportunity to read any of Nick Spencer’s Jimmy Olsen back-ups, his writing on his creator-owned series Morning Glories is more than enough to get me interested. The bright, clear artwork of RB Silva, Dym, and Dave McCaig is gorgeous and a pleasant change of pace from much of the dreary (and sometimes drab) artwork that seems all too prevalent in the majority of DC’s titles.

Vertigo Resurrected: Finals #1

I’d always intended to search out the back issues of this mini-series by Will Pfeifer and Jill Thompson, but in all honesty, I’m not good at hunting down back issues. Thankfully (or not!), that lazy part of me can rest easy knowing I can just wait another couple of months to get this handy collection. Oddly, though, while I understand grouping all of the DC Comics Presents/Vertigo Resurrected together in the Previews catalog (pages 106-107 for those following), I don’t understand why it wasn’t laid out so that the Vertigo logo could be used once to help draw the eye since this material isn’t listed near the rest of that material (especially since in a similar way last month they added the Mad logo to the page for its listing). Maybe DC will get that thought through for next month.

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Quick sidebar: I see the Red: Better R.E.D. Than Dead trade paperback is listed with the DC Comics. Considering the property’s violence, rather street level feel, and the lack of capes, I very much expected it to be published under the Vertigo imprint.
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Ame Comi PVC Figure: Big Barda

It’s possible this mash-up of Barda’s armored and bikini looks is my favorite rendition of her. Adding in the eye patch and the interstellar pirate gang back story with the Female Furies just makes it that much better! And how could I forget her standing on the Parademon head? Adorable!

Suicide Girls #1

Burlesque and butt-kicking girls are always something I’ll be sure to take a look at, but David Hahn’s art (most recently seen in the Image-published Murdertown) is the gorgeous straw that broke this camel’s back. I’m also looking forward to seeing how multi-talented Brea Grant writes.

Genius, Isolated: The Life and Art of Alex Toth

I probably don’t need to be telling you to buy this. Plenty of you could probably give me even more reason why I should buy this. Let’s just consider this a reminder that we should all check out this book that – going by their track record – the folks at IDW will be sure is fit to carry Toth’s name.

Witchblade Volume 1 Deluxe Slipcase

While we currently have this listed as a hardcover, I’m pretty sure this is actually a hard slipcase full of soft cover trade paperbacks. Even though I own them already, you’d better believe I’m going to be ordering this slipcase set! And If I didn’t? Well, it’s about 30 issues of material for under $50… and it comes with an awesome slipcase!!!

Creator Chronicles: Matt Wagner DVD

As a fan of much of Matt Wagner’s work for over fifteen years now – and a process junkie in general – this looks like a great disc.

Megamind #4

Sadly, I have yet to see the movie, but the first issue of this was pretty fun! Also, a fun fact: I lettered the first issue of this mini-series (and am planning on lettering the rest)!

Hexed trade paperback

Before she started doing a whole bunch of pretty artwork for Marvel, Emma Rios drew this mini-series for Boom! Studios. It looks like we’re also still taking orders for the hard cover, if that’s more your speed!

Safe Area Gorazde: Special Edition hard cover

Wars aren’t only fought in the Middle East and Asia; some are a little closer to home. Some of those closer wars are also close in other ways; less than twenty years ago. I recommend any conscientious reader read this at least once in their life.

The Fighting American trade paperback

Much harder to track down than Finals back issues, I’ve wanted to read this material from Joe Simon and Jack Kirby — the creators of Captain America (just in case you didn’t know) – for ages!

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Quick sidebar: looks like Tokyopop got some new logotype (page 312 for those following on paper). I dig it.
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Matt Baker: The Art of Glamour hardcover

I first recall seeing Baker’s art in It Rhymes with Lust, and I fell in love (or was it lust) almost immediately. Since then, I’ve seen much of his work going through the occasional Golden Age back issue. I expect this book to be of TwoMorrows’ usual quality, and it being a hardcover is an added bonus!

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Well, there was a lot more this month than I’d expected, so I may be back with more next week. Until then, I hope you take a listen to the podcast and have a great one!

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Josh Crawley may or may not be the keyboardist for Everclear. He strongly suggests you not bet that he is.