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I think I’ve sorted out the podcasting gremlins to be honest, however there is still some work to be done in getting my feeds sorted out on itunes as well, so we’ll see how that all works out.

We don’t generally give bad reviews, because there is soo much good stuff out there that deserves your attention first. If you have any recommendations that have not been reviewed on the site yet please don’t hesitate to contact us.

JUL070056 EDEN VOL 9 ITS AN ENDLESS WORLD TP (MR) $12.95
God I’m behind on this exceptional series. I’ve got the first two books and they are by far some of the best manga I’ve read in a really long time. The last time I got excited about a Manga like this was back when I was reading Planetes. Check out the always excellent Dark Horse website for further information regarding this series.

APR070023 GRENDEL ART OF MATT WAGNERS GRENDEL HC $39.95
I only recently read my first Grendel tale, which was the very first Grendel story every drawn/written. While it was rough around the edges I could most definitely see a great deal of potential and can see why Wagner is so in demand. I’ve got to admit that I am lacking in the works by Wagner but everything I’ve ever read about the man has always pointed that he’s an exceptional talent and great storyteller. Whule I don’t think I’m the target audience for this, it’s just a good little reminder for me to maybe get some Grendel instead.

JUL070245 BATMAN ARCHIVES VOL 7 HC $49.99
JUL070292 CAIRO HARDCOVER (MR) $24.99
Probably won’t be getting this series as a hardcover, however I do tend to give Vertigo books the benefit of the doubt. Here’s what they have to say in the solicitation:

Written by breakout talent G. Willow Wilson, a Cairo-based journalist, and drawn by renowned illustrator M.K. Perker, the original hardcover graphic novel CAIRO is action-adventure that brings the ancient and modern Middle East together with a Vertigo twist! A stolen hookah, a spiritual underworld, and a genie on the run change the lives of five strangers forever in this modern fable set on the streets of the Middle East’s largest metropolis!

I will say however that the colours for the cover really do blow. There’s no real creativity in how that is presented which is a real shame as the inside is in black and white and that’s the only colour for the entire story.

AUG070272 GREEN ARROW ROAD TO JERICHO TP $17.99
AUG070273 GREEN LANTERN CORPS A DARKER SHADE OF GREEN TP $12.99
JUL078014 HEROES HC ALEX ROSS COVER $29.99
JUL078015 HEROES HC JIM LEE COVER $29.99
A series soo good that it needs that extra push of two variant hardcovers. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a hardcover being released with a friggin variant cover, unless it’s trying for two different markets (like the Marvel Premiere editions which will have the name of the writer in really large if they’re aiming for the bookmarket audience). This however is just giving your two friggin covers for no other reason but because. If they include the alternative cover on the inside as a pinup or something then they’re cool, otherwise, they’re a bunch of wankers as far as I’m concerned. Will I be picking this up? Seeing as I really felt that the series is a bit better than average but with some pretty good parts to it, I think I’ll probably wait for the cheaper soft cover version.

AUG070301 KING OF CARDS VOL 2 $9.99
AUG070278 ROBIN TEENAGE WASTELAND TP $17.99
JUN071891 ART OF GREG CAPULLO SC $24.99
SEP072167 DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER BORN PREM HC $24.99
Ah, finally this is coming out. If you remember, I reviewed the first issue around 8 months ago, so that’s really not a bad turn around from Marvel. Series obviously came out on time and they’ve quickly put this together just in time for Christmas. I’m actually pretty excited about this, although again not loving the HC only treatment. It would be nice to have the option really.

SEP072284 MARVEL LEGACY 1960S TO 1990S HANDBOOK TP $19.99
SEP072277 NEW AVENGERS VOL 6 REVOLUTION TP $14.99
SEP072279 OMEGA FLIGHT ALPHA TO OMEGA TP $13.99
SEP072263 SPIDER-MAN PETER PARKER BACK IN BLACK HC $34.99
SEP072264 ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR VOL 4 HC $29.99
SEP073771 30 DAYS OF NIGHT EBEN & STELLA TP $17.99
Just in time for the release of the movie. Not been keeping up with this series of books that have been coming out consistently from IDW. The books that I have bought have always been incredibly enjoyable and it’s a small little concept that has really sprouted an entire library of books and a movie for the creators which is great as it’s a good series. Don’t believe, here read that review of the first book I wrote many many moons ago. I’m not going to spoil what this series is about, but needless to say, you’ve got to have read Dark Days before hand.

SEP073475 ALEX RAYMONDS FLASH GORDON VOL 1-7 HC SET $139.65
SEP074081 ALICE ON DEADLINES VOL 1 TP $10.99
AUG074002 ARK ANGELS VOL 3 GN (OF 3) $9.99
SEP073289 AZUMANGA DAIOH OMNIBUS VOL 1 GN $24.99
AUG074075 BABY & ME VOL 5 GN $8.99
AUG074061 BLACK CAT VOL 11 TP $7.99
AUG074003 BLAME VOL 10 GN (OF 10) (MR) $9.99
AUG074000 BOYS BE VOL 15 GN (OF 20) (MR) $9.99
SEP073578 CAMERA CAMERA CAMERA VOL 1 GN (MR) $12.95
SEP073579 CANT WIN WITH YOU VOL 2 GN (MR) $12.95
JUN073852 CHARLEYS WAR VOL 4 BLUES STORY HC $19.95
AUG074069 D GRAY MAN VOL 7 GN $7.99
SEP073871 DAN BRERETONS NOCTURNALS VOL 1 REG ED HC (RES) $29.99
SEP074025 DOROTHY OF OZ VOL 1 GN $11.95
AUG074004 DRAGON HUNTER VOL 17 GN (OF 18) $9.99
SEP073585 ENCHANTER VOL 6 GN (MR) $12.95
SEP073298 EVERYBODY COSPLAY VOL 1 GN $19.99
AUG074070 GIN TAMA VOL 3 TP $7.99
AUG074076 GODCHILD VOL 7 TP $8.99
AUG073553 HACK SLASH VOL 3 FRIDAY THE 31ST TP $18.99
AUG073993 HANDS OFF VOL 1 DONT CALL US ANGELS GN (OF 2) $9.99
AUG073581 HEROES ARE EXTINCT VOL 2 GN $12.95
AUG074071 HUNTER X HUNTER VOL 17 TP $7.99
AUG073992 INITIAL D VOL 28 GN (OF 35) $9.99
AUG074024 INNOCENT BIRD VOL 3 GN (OF 3) (A) $9.99
AUG074077 KAZE HIKARU VOL 7 GN $8.99
AUG074072 KUROHIME VOL 2 TP $7.99
AUG074007 LITTLE QUEEN VOL 4 GN (OF 8 ) $9.99
AUG074078 LOVE COM VOL 3 TP $8.99
AUG074025 LOVE MODE VOL 7 GN (OF 11) (A) $9.99
SEP074014 LOWER REGIONS GN $6.95
MAY073802 MIDDLEMAN VOL 3 TP $9.95
AUG073979 MODESTY BLAISE VOL 12 DEATH TRAP TP $19.95
AUG074063 NARUTO VOL 22 TP $7.95
AUG074064 NARUTO VOL 23 TP $7.95
AUG074065 NARUTO VOL 24 TP $7.95
AUG074094 NAUSICAA WATERCOLOR IMPRESSIONS HC $34.99
So what’s this then? A hardcover artbook from Miyazaki? The solicitation for this reads:

Original watercolor illustrations used as concept sketches for both the manga and film versions of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. This full-color, over-sized, hardcover book also includes Miyazaki’s earliest sketches that eventually became the basis for some of the most beloved anime movies of the past 20 years.

Well isn’t that nice. I think I might be getting myself some of that action. Yes I do.

AUG074010 NECK AND NECK VOL 8 GN (OF 8 ) $9.99
AUG074009 NEVER GIVE UP VOL 6 GN (OF 13) $9.99
AUG074062 ONE PIECE VOL 16 TP $7.95
AUG074011 ONE VOL 10 GN (OF 11) $9.99
AUG074012 PLANET BLOOD VOL 7 GN (OF 11) $9.99
AUG073578 PRINCE CHARMING VOL 1 GN (MR) $12.95
AUG074067 PRINCE OF TENNIS VOL 22 GN $7.95
SEP073586 PRINCESS PRINCESS VOL 5 GN (MR) $12.95
AUG074014 QUEENS VOL 4 GN (OF 5) (MR) $9.99
AUG074015 RECAST VOL 4 GN (OF 6) (MR) $9.99
AUG074081 SA VOL 1 GN $8.99
AUG074016 SAKURA TAISEN VOL 6 GN (OF 6) $9.99
AUG074017 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED VOL 5 GN (OF 9) $9.99
AUG074082 SKIP BEAT VOL 9 TP $8.99
AUG074038 STAR PROJECT CHIRO VOL 1 TP $11.95
SEP073785 TANK GIRL THE GIFTING TP $17.99
AUG074073 ULTIMATE MUSCLE VOL 18 GN $7.95
SEP073905 UNBEATABLE GN (MR) $14.95
AUG073974 WEIRDLING GN $15.95
SEP074082 WORLD OF QUEST VOL 1 TP $9.99

When I read about Mike’s sudden death, I was seriously shocked and actually upset about it. Although I’ve never met the man, I genuinely enjoyed his work emmensely and always looked forward to seeing his stuff. For those in the dark Mike was a great character designer and instilled a great deal of fun in is artwork. Notably his creator owned book Tellos and his work on Flash, Spider-man and Fantastic Four always jump out as his career highlights. Mike passed away on Sunday evening from a sudden heart attack at the age of 44.

Here’s a few links in helping you remember Mike Wieringo:

Mike Wieringo
An interview with John Siuntres
Cully Hamner’s Eulogy
Remembering Mike

‘Ringo, you will be missed.

I don’t know what prompted me to actually buying this on Saturday. I was in the store, and I’ve got to say that there was a huge amount of books that were all vying for my attention, but for some reason the fact that this book was nominated for an Eisner really made me sit up and give it a shot; I’m soo glad I did. I tore through this 5 issue mini series like few other books I’ve read in a really long time.

The Other Side is hard to describe without doing it some injustice. It’s not just a ‘war’ story, it’s much more than that. It’s a world view and has something very important to address to everyone who’s interested in current affairs and the actual effect that current events will have on many generations to come. You’d think that being from a war torn country I’d try my best to avoid being reminded of the horrors of war, however this book is different and deserves your attention.

The Other Side is a story set in Vietnam as viewed from both sides of the fence. That is part of the reason why this book appealed to me in the first place. For years now, I’ve watched a plethora of movies that are either set in Vietnam or set around that time, or having something to say about it. Unfortunately I honestly can’t remember when or if I’ve ever been shown the war from the point of view of the Vietnamese. I’m sure there must have been some brilliant movies that I’m not aware of but the ones that come to mind, ‘Good Morning Vietnam’, ‘Platoon’, ‘Apocalypse Now’, ‘Forest Gump’ all show the events from an American perspective. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just that the other side has not really been greatly discussed as far as I’m concerned, and that is where this story elevates itself above the rest instead of spiralling into a standard ‘war story’.

To be fair it’s not an original trick to show both sides of the coin, so Jason Aaron definitely did his job in grabbing my attention, but he really had to work to keep my interest. In this regard he has definitely taken it to another level. Any time (and I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before) that I actually smile at the end of a comic, I know I’m onto something good. I had a massive smile at the end of issue 1 and in the middle of issue 3, because Jason uses the comic book format to tell a story that could only be told in this format. You couldn’t pull off this sort of thing in a movie, or in a book. There’s something about the whole experience of turning a page to the big reveal. Or the dual internal monologues crisscrossing between the actual protagonists. Aaron used a lot of tricks to great effect which I for one definitely enjoyed.

The other thing that really comes off very well is the realism of the characters. They’ve got distinct voices and the way he’s established this is by making sure you get to know the characters in another context than what they’re going through right now. This is mainly internal thoughts that discuss what they would be doing if they were anywhere but fighting a war that neither really wanted to fight.

The other great thing is the juxtaposition of where these two characters were at the beginning of the story and where they end up. It’s a story where the characters evolve and you can see why they are changing; you can feel the change with them.

Cameron Stewart is the artist on this book with Dean White on colours. I’ve not seen much of Cameron’s work in the past, mainly Catwoman during Ed Brubaker’s run on that title. The thing is he wouldn’t be my first choice for a story such as this and yet him and Dean simply do some of the best artwork I’ve seen on a war related story. There is a quiet subtly to their work which I truly appreciate and you can see that there is a certain love of the craft and the story that they are telling. The characters are distinct and the shots that they utilise really capitalise on the setting of the story. While I originally didn’t like the cover used for the trade paperback, I’ve got to say that it does grow on you, however the series had some absolutely brilliant stark cover images used (specifically the fourth issue, with everyone in red except Dai).

Why do I care about the other side? Simple, because in 20 years time when people will be talking and writing books on the Iraqi war I hope someone does something similar this story and does it as well as this.

Mary Jane. Aunt May. Uncle Ben. I couldn’t save any of you. Never had the power. Never could handle the responsibility. When I’m buried beside you, will you tell me . . . why you lied to me?

Spider-Man: Reign, from writer and artist Kaare Andrews, is a powerful and emotional journey through the tortured mind of Peter Parker as he enters the last years of his life and begins to confront everything that he has ever cared for and lost.

Thirty years from now, Manhattan has become an independent and politically corrupt city-state. In exchange for almost a decade of no crime, the people of Manhattan have relinquished their power of government, outlawed their heroes, and accepted the merciless justice of a militaristic police force, The Reign. In a final attempt to forever secure the safety of his city, Mayor Waters is just a few days away from activating The Webb, a protective barrier which will envelope the city, allowing nothing to enter or leave. Enraged by Mayor Waters’ plan, J. Jonah Jameson, an insane and washed-up newspaper editor from days long forgotten, returns from his self-imposed exile. He can no longer stand by and watch his once beloved people destroy themselves by cowering before The Reign, and he knows that the only way to save them is to awaken a long-forgotten hero hidden deep within a broken man named Peter Parker.

Written and illustrated by Kaare Andrews, Spider-Man: Reign was likened to Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns from the moment that it was first announced, but it is far more than Dark Knight Returns could ever hope to be.

While Dark Knight Returns is an action-packed gritty vision of Batman’s future, Reign is is a turbulent and emotional tale which defines the values of humanity and what it truly means to be a hero. Once you open the cover, you will find yourself drawn into a turbulent journey through the mind of an aged and emotionally scared Peter Parker as he attempts to justify his life as a hero and come to terms with everything and everyone that he has lost because of it.

Spider-Man: Reign is a powerful, moving, and thought-provoking tale about freedom, humanity, and the responsibilities of a hero. It is a must-have for any fan of the amazing Spider-Man.

Best Short Story
“A Frog’s Eye View,” by Bill Willingham and James Jean, in Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall (Vertigo/DC)
This is a pretty cool story but I dunno if it’s worthy of the best short story. The artwork is brilliant but it was over before it started. Maybe I’m being hypercritical about this but as I’ve not really read the other stories in this category.

Best Single Issue (or One-Shot)
Batman/The Spirit #1: “Crime Convention,” by Jeph Loeb and Darwyn Cooke (DC)
I actually read and heard a lot of great things about this here little story. Definitely going to pick it up when it’s in a nice little collection, which hopefully should be pretty soon. Once again I’ve not actually read any of the other entries in this category. A couple of Adhouse stories in there, which makes me wonder why I’ve not been buying much from them.

Best Continuing Series
All Star Superman, by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely (DC)
I’ve read and reviewed the first issue of this series, which I thought was great. The first collection has been released as a hardcover, but I’m waiting for it as a trade as I don’t feel it warrents me getting it in the DC hardcover format. Maybe if they employed the Marvel oversized hardcover format I’d be there. Still it beat some pretty solid competition. The only series on that list I’m not familiar with, that I’m going to definitely check out is Naoki Urasawa’s Monster. Viz has always done well with the quality of books the generally publish.

Best Limited Series
Batman: Year 100, by Paul Pope (DC)
I read an article about this in both the Comics Journal and Wired. Both sung it’s praises greatly, so I’m definitely going to be buying this book. I actually flicked through it in the airport a month ago but for some strange reason didn’t buy it. I think it’s time to remedy that mistake. I’ve heard great things about “The Looking Glass Wars: Hatter M” and I’m currently reading “The Other Side”, which is seriously excellent, so it’s obviously a good one to have beaten both of those books.

Best New Series
Criminal, by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips (Marvel Icon)
Finally Ed and Sean get some proper recognition. After 4 volumes on Sleeper, the duo that could have won their first Eisner. Mad props to the boys as they’ve deserved one of these for many years, so it’s nice to see them winning for something that’s creator owned. Expect a review for this excellent series soon on Splash Panel. I’ve got to say that I’ve not really enjoyed Jack of Fables as much as others seem to have. It’s no where near as good as Fables, which is partly due to the weaker character that is Jack. I’ve recently picked up Lone Ranger as well, which seems to be an exceptional package. I’m sure to talk about this series in the not so distant future, as it’s gone the Alex Ross route, and provided John Cassaday with the title of ‘art director’, so he’s responisble for the character designs and the covers and the general direction (I guess it also includes the colouring etc). Still Criminal is a more than worthy winner.

Best Title for a Younger Audience
Gumby, by Bob Burden and Rick Geary (Wildcard)

Best Humor Publication
Flaming Carrot Comics, by Bob Burden (Desperado/Image)

Best Anthology
Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall, by Bill Willingham and various (Vertigo/DC)

Best Digital Comic
Sam and Max, by Steve Purcell

Best Reality-Based Work
Fun Home, by Alison Bechdel (Houghton Mifflin)

Best Graphic Album - New
American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang (First Second)
Well, I’ve already talked about this brilliant graphic novel, it’s on my top 10 of this year so I’m extremely happy that the panel has also acknowledged that this story is worthy of everyone’s attention that need to read a great story. Well done Gene, much deserved.

Best Graphic Album - Reprint
Absolute DC: The New Frontier, by Darwyn Cooke (DC)

Best Archival Collection/Project - Strips
The Complete Peanuts, 1959-1960, 1961-1962, by Charles Schulz (Fantagraphics)

Best Archival Collection/Project - Comic Books
Absolute Sandman, vol. 1, by Neil Gaiman and various (Vertigo/DC)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material
The Left Bank Gang, by Jason (Fantagraphics)
It’s really strange that I’ve never bought anything from Jason. He’s been on my radar for a good long while now, as there’s something odd by special about his brid character with the jacket and his other qirky characters. Definitely will have to look into getting something, ANYTHING by this creator.

Best U.S. Edition of International Material - Japan
Old Boy, by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi (Dark Horse Manga)

Best Writer
Ed Brubaker, Captain America, Daredevil (Marvel); Criminal (Marvel Icon)
FINALLY. Seriously, I rate Brubaker a great deal, so for the man to win this is excellent. It’s a bit sad that it only came now after he’s left DC, but alas he’s hitting (and has consistently hit) everything he’s touching out of the park.

Best Writer/Artist
Paul Pope, Batman: Year 100 (DC)

Best Writer/Artist - Humor
Tony Millionaire, Billy Hazelnuts (Fantagraphics); Sock Monkey: The Inches Incident (Dark Horse)

Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team
Mark Buckingham/Steve Leialoha, Fables (Vertigo/DC)
This is another well deserved Eisner (what the hell is going on, I’m actually in tune with the panel this year). Mark Buckingham is one of the nicest guys around. I’ve met him a couple of times and every time he was extremely gracious to me and those I dragged along with me. He’s definitely taken Fables by the neck and put his stamp on it. He shines when he goes mental with the border details, which is a sign of someone having a great deal of fun with what they’re doing. After years on Spiderman, he’s finally drawing something that he was born to draw, and it’s nice that he’s got this acknowledgement as well.

Best Painter/Multimedia Artist (interior art)
Jill Thompson, “A Dog and His Boy” in The Dark Horse Book of Monsters; “Love Triangle” in Sexy Chix (Dark Horse); “Fair Division,” in Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall (Vertigo/DC)

Best Cover Artist
James Jean, Fables, Jack of Fables, Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall (Vertigo/DC)

Best Coloring
Dave Stewart, BPRD, Conan, The Escapists, Hellboy (Dark Horse); Action Comics, Batman/The Spirit, Superman (DC)

Best Lettering
Todd Klein, Fables, Jack of Fables, Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall; Pride of Baghdad, Testament (Vertigo/DC); Fantastic Four: 1602, Eternals (Marvel); Lost Girls (Top Shelf)
Not that I disagree with this, but Todd Klein has won this category consistently since forever. I can’t remember anyone else who won this award in recent memory? Where’s the Richard Starklings of the comic book work? The Chris Eliopoulos? C’mon peeps. This was far too safe a decision.

Special Recognition
Hope Larson, Gray Horses (Oni)

Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism
Alter Ego, edited by Roy Thomas (TwoMorrows)

Best Comics-Related Book
The Art of Brian Bolland, edited by Joe Pruett (Desperado/Image)

Best Publication Design
Absolute DC: The New Frontier, designed by Darwyn Cooke (DC)

Hall of Fame
Judges’ Choices (2): Robert Kanigher and Ogden Whitney
- Ross Andru & Mike Esposito
- Dick Ayers
- Wayne Boring
- Joe Orlando