Joshua Luna interview online

The Comic Stop Exclusive Interview: Joshua Luna Talks Whispers
by Andy Burns
Jan 26 2012
http://biffbampop.com/2012/01/26/the-comic-stop-exclusive-interview-joshua-luna-talks-whispers/

...sorry about the lack of posts. I've been under the weather.

Nobleman featured on IGN

Marc Nobleman is featured on IGN this week.

Truitt on Fathom

Kiani returns to underwater life in new 'Fathom' miniseries
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 25 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-25/Fathom-Kiani-comic-book-miniseries/52790576/1

KAL to reappear in Baltimore?

Cartoonist KAL coming back to The Baltimore Sun?
Fern Shen
Baltimore Brew blog January 28, 2012
http://www.baltimorebrew.com/2012/01/28/cartoonist-kal-coming-back-to-the-baltimore-sun/

I just saw some of his work in Apocalyptoons 2012 here in Arlington (more tomorrow), and I can't believe the Sun ever let him go.

DC artwork in Michael Jantze's The Norm 2012 calendar

I just got Michael Jantze's The Norm 2012 calendar from CafePress and he's satirized a couple of paintings in Washington, including Eakins' The Biglin Brothers Racing from the National Gallery of Art and George Caleb Bingham's Fur Traders Descending the Missouri also from the NGA.

Smithsonian mag blog on Our New Age strip

Sunday Funnies Blast Off Into the Space Age
 By: Matt Novak
Paleofuture blog January 27, 2012
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/paleofuture/2012/01/sunday-funnies-blast-off-into-the-space-age/

Popeye's return in Comic Riffs

WHEN POPEYE MET WILCO: Director shares how 'Dawned on Me' 'vintage' video went from tune to cartoon
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog January 27 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/when-popeye-met-wilco/2012/01/26/gIQAcaQGVQ_blog.html#pagebreak

Jonathan Monaghan's fine art animation "Sacrifice of the Mushroom Kings" reviewed

Powering up to revamp games
By Mark Jenkins
Washington Post Jan. 27, 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/exhibits/sacrifice-of-the-mushroom-kings,1221747/critic-review.html

 

 

Matt Dembicki's 'Xoc' shark collection coming soon.

Here's a link to the cover of 'Xoc: The Journey of a Great White,' which hits the shelves in July.

Fwd: Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - January 26, 2012

January 26, 2012

Last Week for Polls and Sales! All categories for Best of 2011 are now up! Click the links below to add your voice: Best New Series Best Reprint Best Artist Best Miniseries Best for Kids Best Single Issue Best Writer Best Ongoing Series Best Graphic Novel We finished our Best of 2011 podcast, so you can download or listen to that one now if you want to hear which ones we picked! We are also running sales through the end of January! Bethesda is offering 50% off hardcovers. College Park is offering 50% off all back issues in the bins and 50% off anything on the sale table. U Street is offering 50% off hardcovers. Vienna is offering 50% off hardcovers and 40% off all Essentials and Showcases. Local creator Mark Burrier has an interesting blog about his creative process making a comics ad for us, check it out on his blog. http://www.markburrier.com/blog/process-drawing-a-one-page-comic-for-big-planet-comics/ Feel free to forward on our newsletter, and please send us any comments or mailing list requests to vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Thanks!   - the Big Planet Comics kids Events Feb. 4 - Magic: The Gathering Dark Ascension Tournament Big Planet Comics in College Park will have a Magic: The Gathering tournament for the launch of the new Dark Ascension set on Saturday, February 4, 2012, starting at noon. For more information please contact Peter at our College Park store. Big Planet Comics of College Park 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com April - Justin Jordan/Tradd Moore Signing Justin Jordan and Tradd Moore, creators of the great new series The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, will be appearing at Big Planet Comics in April to promote the release of the collection of the series. We will have more information soon! Big Planet Comics of Vienna 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com May 5 - Jeremy Whitley Signing Jeremy Whitley, writer of the new all-ages comic Princeless, will be appearing at both our Vienna and College Park stores for a signing on Saturday, May 5, in conjunction with Free Comic Book Day. We will announce the exact time he will be there closer to the event. Big Planet Comics of Vienna 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Big Planet Comics of College Park 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com The Silence of Our Friends SC by Mark Long/Jim Demonakos and Nate Powell A semi-autobiographical story set in Texas in 1967, as two families, one black and one white, have their lives intersect around the rising fight for civil rights. A black activist and white reporter deal with the trial of 5 black students accused of murdering a white police officer. A stunning tale, with great characters, and great art by Nate Powell. Polly & the Pirates 2 SC by Ted Naifeh and Robbi Rodriguez The second adventure of Polly Pringle is finally here! When her friend the Emperor is caught up in a foreign plot to develop a secret new weapon, Polly has to collect her old crew without being discovered by any of the other girls in her boarding school. Robbi Rodriguez takes over the art for this book from Naifeh, with a similar but equally dynamic style. A.D.D. HC by Douglas Rushkoff and Goran Sudzuka/Jose Marzan A group of teens have been raised since birth to be the world's best gamers, but in their corporate controlled lifestyle, their questioning of their reality leads to conflict with their handlers. An interesting look at media, gaming, corporations and reality! With great art by Sudzuak and Marzan. Nancy in Hell on Earth #1 by El Torres and Enrique Lorenzana Now that Nancy has helped Lucifer escape Hell, they've brought all of Hell to Earth with them! As demons invade, she must try to get Lucifer to help her take them out. Luckily, she still has a chainsaw. But of course, now the angels are going to get involved. Crazy and over the top, but lots of fun! Big Planet Comics Podcast #30   Sorry, no new podcast this week. In last week's podcast Kevin, Nick and Jared discuss local TV infamy, characters battlin', and review all the new stuff. Download this week's now or subscribe on iTunes! Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com   2/4 - Magic TG Tournament Noon 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com   April - Justin Jordan & Tradd Moore Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   5/5 - Free Comic Book Day All stores!   5/5 - Jeremy Whitley Signing Princeless 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   5/5 - Jeremy Whitley Signing Princeless 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 7/4 - 20% off Sale All stores! Astonishing Spider-Man and Wolverine SC by Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert Spidey and Wolverine trapped back in time together! Avatar: The Last Airbender 1: The Promise 1 SC by Gene Yang and Gurihiru A sequel to the Avatar TV show! (all ages) Batman Beyond: Industrial Revolution SC by Adam Beechen and Ryan Benjamin The whole Justice League comes to Neo-Gotham. Brenda Starr, Reporter 1 HC by Dale Messick The first newspaper strip by a woman, with romance and adventure. Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred #1 by David Hine and Shaky Kane A series of murders and the rise of the Shield of Justice! Super weird. Catwoman 1: Catwoman on Trial SC by Ed Brubaker and Darwyn Cooke A heist comic by Cooke and great crime stories by Brubaker! Fantastic Life SC by Kevin Mutch A young artist questions reality under the influence of drugs, punk rock and zombies. King Conan: Phoenix on the Sword #1 by Timothy Truman and Tomás Giorello Conspirators plot to overthrow the new King Conan. Manara Libary 2 HC by Hugo Pratt and Milo Manara The second volume includes another masterpiece, El Gaucho, plus more. Red Skull: Incarnate SC by Greg Pak and Mirko Colak A young orphan gets involved with the Nazis as the Red Skull's story is told. Transformers: Robots in Disguise #1 by John Barber and Andrew Griffith Bumblee attempts to lead Cybertron without Optimus Prime. The Walking Dead #93 by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard The beginning of reaching out in A Larger World part 1! You Are a Cat!: Pick-a-Plot SC by Sherwin Tjia A choose your own adventure for grownups in the role of a cat!

like us on Facebook | follow us on Twitter | subscribe on iTunes | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2012 Big Planet Comics, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for our mailing list either online or at one of our stores. Big Planet Comics  -  426 Maple Ave. East, Vienna, Virginia 22180  -  703.242.9412 Big Planet Comics  -  7315 Baltimore Ave., College Park, Maryland 20740  -  301.699.0498 Big Planet Comics  -  4908 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, Maryland 20814  -  301.654.6856 Big Planet Comics  -  1520 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009  -  202.342.1961

Truitt on Keatinge's Heall Yeah

'Hell Yeah' more than just a book title for Joe Keatinge
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 26 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-26/Hell-Yeah-comic-book-series/52805792/1

Ann Telnaes and Warren Bernard on Searle, now online

Locals Ann Telnaes and Warren Bernard spoke to Bob Edwards, and courtesy of Warren and SiriusXM Radio, we've got the recording:

Illustrator Ronald Searle (1920-1911)
Bob Edwards Show (January 24 2012)
http://www.bobedwardsradio.com/blog/2012/1/24/illustrator-ronald-searle-1920-1911.html

Provided by SiriusXM Radio, as originally broadcast Wed, 1/25 at 8AM, you can download it here - http://www.mediafire.com/?dfbdhi8fb3u3ipb

Comics journalism in today's City Paper

The 1/27/2012 print edition has comic strip reportage by Josh Kramer on 'Two Years Without Plastic Bags'. Kramer apparently moved to the city in August and his website is http://www.cartoonpicayune.com/ 

 

He's got 2 issues of his Cartoon Picayune comic out, and you can find out more information on his website.

Jan 28-29: Annie at Gar-Field High School

Jan 28-29, this weekend, Annie is performed at  at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge by the Pied Pier Theatre children's company.

Tonight: Apocalyptoon 2012 opening party

APOCALYPTOON 2012

In Partnership with Art Soiree

THU JAN 26 - SUN JAN 29
$25 ticketed opening party on Jan 26 / On view for free Jan 27-29
Terrace Gallery

Buy Tickets

Ticketed opening party: Thu Jan 26 / 6pm / $25

Against the backdrop of a region steeped in politics and with a touch of art, style and humor, Art Soiree will unveil what 2012 will bring by presenting a unique pop-up exhibition that takes a humorous outlook on the year to come and features works, some created exclusively for this exhibition, by renowned editorial and political cartoonists. ApocalypToon 2012 features works, some of which were created exclusively for this exhibition, by cartoonists such as Kal of The Economist, Tom Toles of The Washington Post, Jeff Danziger (Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post), Daryl Cagle of MSNBC, Matt Wuerker of Politico, Damien Glez (La Monde, Courrier International, La Gazette) and Dan Piraro of Bizzaro. These simple pen stroke political cartoons foreshadow the future, poke fun at the past and imply hidden motives in ways that elude written or spoken reporting. The result of this creative license is a unique perspective on the future—entertaining, clever and insightful.

ApocolypToon kicks off with a $25 ticketed opening party on Thursday, January 26 at 6pm where guests can mingle with exhibiting cartoonists and enjoy complimentary food, live music and a cash bar. The pop-up exhibition in Artisphere's Terrace Gallery is free and open to the public from Friday, January 27 to Sunday, January 29.

Continuing with the zany nature of the cartoons, the ticketed party on January 26 celebrates the opening of the exhibit with live music from local journo-band Suspicious Package, comprised of reporters armed with their musical talent and rock star looks. The contents of the Suspicious Package are: Pulitzer Prize-winning Editorial Cartoonist at The Washington Post Tom Toles, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Dr. Christina Sevilla, Deputy Assistant Secretary of HUD Bryan Greene, former TIME/Bloomberg correspondent and journalist Tim Berger and Director of Education and Outreach for the National Security Journalism Initiative at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Josh Meyer.

The opening party will also feature the sounds of DJ Neekola, international DC-based female DJ and producer, who will perform along with live percussionist Kamajian. In addition, the party includes a special guest performance by DJ Manifesto, an all-time DC favorite who both DJs and plays violin during his sets.

ApocalypToon 2012 is part of Notasphere, a month of programming created by local artistic collaborators. From a pop-up restaurant and political cartoons to Brazilian beats, Artisphere will be filled with fresh, thought-provoking off-beat arts events presented by creative partners from across the DC-region throughout January 2012.

OT: Brian Biggs' college strips

My buddy Brian Biggs has moved into children's books (like many another cartoonist these days), but he's coughing up his old college comic strip onto the web starting this month. He sent me a note about it, writing "In January 1987 the first strip was published in what became a daily comic for my university newspaper. It was called Roommates. I was a first year student, and at the time it seemed like the thing to do. I decided upon the 25th anniversary of this thing to republish the entire run on my blog, starting today."

Check it out at:

http://mrbiggs.com/news/2012/01/roommates/

http://mrbiggs.com/news/2012/01/roommates-no-1/

http://mrbiggs.com/books/comics/roommates/

Feb 15: Marc Tyler Nobleman author talk 7 p.m., Washington DC

(I really liked his Siegel and Shuster biography, Boys of Steel, illo'd by Ross Macdonald)

From Marc Tyler Nobleman:

Once a month they hold a luncheon for members only at which a member or guest speaks. Now the Children's Book Guild of Washington DC is beginning to hold evening events and making those talks open to the public; in fact, mine will be the first, and you are hereby invited.

 

The talk is free and will last about an hour including Q&A. It's a behind-the-scenes look at my work, including the most startling discoveries I've made during book research, a few risks I've taken as the industry gets more cautious, and how I have been accused of self-plagiarism...twice.

 

Members will arrive at 6:30 for some opening guild business; I'm supposed to go on by 7 p.m., but to be on the safe side, I'd suggest arriving by 6:45.

 

DC Tenley-Friendship Library

4450 Wisconsin Ave NW

 

I'm told there is street parking and a garage under the nearby Best Buy/Container Store.

 

Marc Tyler Nobleman
http://noblemania.blogspot.com/ - The stories behind the stories I write
https://twitter.com/MarcTNobleman - But Twitter is annoying
Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, picture book illustrated by Ty Templeton, 7/1/12

---

Telnaes and Bernard on Searle

Locals Ann Telnaes and Warren Bernard spoke to Bob Edwards yesterday:

Illustrator Ronald Searle (1920-1911)
Bob Edwards Show (January 24 2012)
http://www.bobedwardsradio.com/blog/2012/1/24/illustrator-ronald-searle-1920-1911.html

PR: Pearls Before Swine iPad app- contest ends Friday

Pearls runs in both the Post and the Express, and I believe it's one of the more popular strips in the area, so here's some PR about a contest for you Apple-zombies...

When it launched earlier this month, Only the Pearls the iPad app based on the popular Pearls Before Swine comic strip, debuted as the #7^th most popular paid entertainment app in the iTunes store. It has since received rave reviews. 

 

I wanted to call your attention to the search & find contest that author Stephan Pastis is currently holding. Respondents that correctly answer some questions about the app will be entered into a drawing. One winner will have his/her name appear in a future Pearls Before Swine strip. A great treat for a Pearls fan! The contest ends this Friday, January 27.

 

Apple Creek book from Rob Steibel out now

From Robert Steibel:

I just put together a collection of all the webcomics I did in 2011. The book is on sale here:

Apple Creek by Robert Steibel

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Creek-1-Robert-Steibel/dp/1468150480/

The book is 304 pages and printed in B/W. The book features over 650 comics. From the 80s and 90s, the titles include: Day Dreams, Maryland Madness, The Cutting Edge, The Psuedolocals, Beach Bummers, and Beach Patrol. Over 500 of the comics are from 2011. Those titles include: Hairballs, FaceSpace, Crazy Tales, Scrapheap Hill, Oak Forest, Stray Alley, Grapefruit Island, Wild Life, Netchix, Channel Z, Scribbles, Apple Creek, Apple Creek Cards, Acorns, Shots, Retro, and Surf Cats.

Rob Steibel

http://www.robertsteibel.com/

Jan 25: Bookgroup meeting at Politics and Prose

Just wanted to send out a quick email to remind everyone of the meeting tomorrow, Wed, at 7:30pm. We're reading Batwoman: Elegy.

Also, we have to pick some new books for the coming months. I've got some ideas for February and April, but we should probably pick for the next 6-8 months, so please come with some ideas.

Thanks, and see you soon!

Adam

PR: Baltimore Comic-Con Brings Ron Marz to Maryland and Northern Virginia

Baltimore Comic-Con Brings Ron Marz to Maryland and Northern Virginia   BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - January 24, 2012 -Continuing his 2012 road show, this weekend, Baltimore Comic-Con promoter Marc Nathan brings the Baltimore Comic-Con to his neighbors to the south -- Northern Virginia!  The second show of 2012 he is attending is the Shoff Baseball & Sports Card Shows & Comic Book & Nonsports Card Show this Sunday, January 29th.  Marc is bringing friend, prolific comic writer, and latest 2012 Baltimore Comic-Con guest Ron Marz (Artifacts, Voodoo) with him to the DC suburbs, so make sure to stop by to meet Ron, chat with Marc about the show, and pick up some comics and cards!  Marc will also have Exhibitor and Artist Alley forms for this years convention on September 8th and 9th.      For more information about Shoff show, please go to their website, http://shoffpromotions.com/.  The January 29th event will be held at the Tysons Corner, VA Crowne Plaza Hotel (formerly the Holiday Inn), 1960 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22102 from 10am-3:30pm, and admission is only $3/person.  Be sure to stop by!   On Saturday, January 28th, Ron will be stopping by Cards Comics & Collectibles of Reisterstown, MD, 100 A Chartley Drive, Reisterstown, MD  21136 from 11am-2pm (which will feature 50% off trade paperbacks and hardcovers during Ron's visit!) and Laughing Ogre Comics in Fairfax, VA, 10647 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032-2202 from 4pm-7pm.   Guest List The 2012 Baltimore Comic-Con will feature the following announced guests:   Laura & Michael Allred - Madman, iZombie Greg Capullo - Batman, Spawn Frank Cho - Avengers vs. X-Men, Liberty Meadows Steve Conley - Bloop Rich Faber - Roboy Red John Gallagher - Buzzboy Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez - Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman Keith Giffen - Superman, OMAC, Green Arrow Larry Hama - G.I. Joe, Wolverine, The 'Nam Dean Haspiel - Billy Dogma, ACT-I-VATE, Trip City J.G. Jones - Wanted, Doc Savage Scott Kurtz - PvPonline.com David Mack - Kabuki  Ron Marz - Artifacts, Voodoo David Petersen - Mouse Guard Frank Quitely - All Star Superman, Batman & Robin Walter Simonson - Thor, Legion of Super-Heroes, Avengers Scott Snyder - Batman , Severed, Swamp Thing Billy Tucci - A Child Is Born, Shi Matt Wagner - Tower Chronicles, Mage, Grendel Mark Waid - Daredevil, Incorruptible, Irredemable   ...With more on the way!  Stay tuned to our website or use the "Sign up" link at the bottom of our website to receive update announcements as we make them!   Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con: press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries   About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 13th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 8-9, 2012. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com. About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 7 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Truitt on Cow Boy and I, Vampire

'Cow Boy' rides high online with a pint-sized bounty hunter
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 23 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-23/Cow-Boy-online-comic-series/52755526/1

'I, Vampire' series pits Batman vs. vamps in Gotham City
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 23 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-23/Batman-in-I-Vampire-comic-book-series/52754924/1

A chat with Futurian artist David Miller

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat With David Miller
 by Mike Rhode on Jan. 23, 2012
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/visual-arts/2012/01/23/meet-a-local-cartoonist-a-chat-with-david-miller/

Fantom Comics January 2012

connect with us: Here's your host... The Comics Journeyman The Patron Saint Of Non-Superhero Comics   NEW NAME & TIME The modern day "fireside chat" about comics  Prime Time Comics ( #PrimeTimeCmx) on Twitter each week Sunday (8:00 pm EST)   hosted by @CmxJourneyman Twitter account not required Never Miss an Issue FREE!!! Join Fantom's Comic Book Reservation Service powered by comiXology YOU PULL, WE SHIP Not local to DC?? Check out the Fantom Comics Mail Order Service   Live on Twitter Each New Comic Book Day From 1-2pm #ShopTalk Support Fantom Comics when buying your digital comics Buy once, read anywhere Walking Dead, Talking Head New episodes February 12th,  New columns to follow each episode   THE   FILE   See our special offer ORDER UP!!! (Three days remaining for January pre-orders)   Happy 2012 to everyone as we start the cycle of a new year in comic books, hoping for even bigger and better than 2011! And already, the number of books that caught my eye from the January previews catalog has taken a big jump up from previous months. I'm going to try something new this month, moving away from the straight "pulllist.comiXology.com" categories (which are 100% inherited from Diamond Comics), and making up my own categories: 1) Trade Paperback - First Volumes; 2) Notable Reprints & Ongoing Trades; 3) Graphic Novel Picks; 4) Comics - New Ongoing Series; 5) Comics - New Limited Series; 6) Kid Friendly - GNs & Trades; 7) Kid Friendly - Comic Books. The Kid Friendly section has gotten so big, it might warrant it's own column sometime soon.   To get the ORDER UP!!! column delivered to your inbox, sign up for the SFTC  e-newsletter. Keep reading comics, may the journey never end.   The Comics Journeyman   And now, the comics arriving in your comic shop beginning in March 2012...   TRADE PAPERBACK  Game of Thrones Vol. 1 - I'm going to keep calling out this graphic adaptation of the first book in the George R. R. Martin A Song of Ice and Fire series. It's great work by writer Daniel Abraham and artist Tommy Patterson. We'll probably see a softcover version in a few month's time, but you'll probably be happy with the hardcover for $25.     Rachel Rising Vol. 1: Shadow of Death - First chance to jump onboard the latest offering from the fiercely independent Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo). Collected volumes are the way that Moore's stories are best enjoyed, although I'm proud to be supporting his single issues as they hit the stands this time around.   Cinderella: Fables are Forever -  The second arc in the Cinderella-as-spy spinoff of the Fables series, with Chris Roberson writing and Shawn Mcmanus on artwork.  Graphic Canon Vol. 1: Gilgamesh To Shakespeare To Dangerous Liaisons - This is an interesting selection in the anthology category, with various artists interpreting some great works of literature. Besides those in the title are The Divine Comedy and The Cantebury Tales.    Lovecraft Anthology Vol. 1 - Another anthology, this focused on the short stories of horror master H. P. Lovecraft, who just keeps popping up in comics lately. Cosmic horror anyone? NOTABLE REPRINTS & ONGOING TPBs Channel Zero: Complete Collection - I love seeing where an artist's body of work originates, and here's a chance to do just that with creator Brian Wood (Northlanders, DMZ, Local). Channel Zero is his first work in the comics medium, assisted by Becky Cloonan on the artwork True Blood Vol. 3: The French Quarter - The perfect warm-up for the upcoming season, Truebies should be reading the series by IDW. Written by David Tischman with artwork by David Messina Gotham Central Book 4: Corrigan -  New printing of the excellent cop-focused series set in the world of The Batman from the great collaboration between Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Vol. 1: Long Way Home - A deluxe, oversized HC that combines the first 2 story arcs of Season 8, written by Joss Whedon and Brian K. Vaughan. Fables  Vol. 5: Deluxe Edition - The latest deluxe HC of the long-running Bill Willingham/Mark Buckingham series, for those collecting these beautiful volumes. Push Man and Other Stories - A chance to check out the work of a Japanese master: Yoshihiro Tatsumi. D&Q is actually reprinting three of their previous compilations of Tatsumi's books on the same day, I picked the first volume that they published in 2005. Manara: Erotica Vol. 1: "Click" and other stories - A bit spendy at $59.99, this is the first of 3 volumes being published by Dark Horse that will cover the full works of Italian creator Milo Manara, who published erotic comics beginning in the 1970's. Will Eisner's The Spirit: Artist Ed - I've wanted to read the best of The Spirit, but could never bring myself to slog through any of the 27 volumes of The Spirit Archives published by DC Comics a decade ago. This is a serious commitment at $95, and a oversized format of 15" x 22", but the iconic Will Eisner is worth it! Flcl Omnibus - Another Dark Horse production of a celebrated manga work. A "surreal sci-fi romp" from writer Gainax and artist Hajime Ueda. GRAPHIC NOVEL PICKS Pete and Miriam - I took immediate note of these words: "In his first full graphic novel since his Eisner Award-winning performance on Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow..."  The answer to the blank is writer/artist Rich Tommaso, and I found his Satchel Paige to be so outstanding that my meticulous reviewing of the monthly catalog pays off, as I can ensure I won't miss Tommaso's next book. This one is being produced by BOOM! Studios. Angelman: Fallen Angel - Austrian Nicolas Mahler's "sardonic take on superheroes", their fans, the business and media attention toward them. Published by Fantagraphics, looks like a good value at $18.99.  I am Not A Plastic Bag - I had never heard of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but apparently it is a real-world phenomenon. "Told entirely through images, this 'green' graphic novel by Rachel Hope Allison will be printed on 100% recycled paper and will be out in time for Earth Day on April 22." Monsieur Jean: Singles Theory - The first time this Mr. Jean book is published in English, it's the story of a Parisian bachelor from French creators Phillippe Dupuy & Charles Berberian. Price is $24.95. The Walking Dead: Cutting Room Floor - This is interesting for fans of the long-running series by Robert Kirkman, with some ideas that didn't make it into the series. Were they used in the TV show??? Well, the promo says "Never before seen plots", so I guess not... Gonzo A Graphic Biography of Hunter S Thompson - Would I read I traditional biography about Hunter S. Thompson? Probably not. But would I read a graphic novel biography about the author of the great Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Writing credit to Will Bingley, with artwork by Anthony Hope-Smith. COMICS - NEW ONGOING SERIES Saga #1 - New ongoing series from Y: The Last Man creator Brian K. Vaughan, a sci-fi/fantasy epic! Very excited to catch this from the start. Interesting how many of the old Vertigo creators are popping up with Image Comics lately. Artwork is by Fiona Staples. Fairest #1 - A new Fables spinoff series written by Bill Willingham and starting with a 6-issue arc that picks up from Fables #107, where Briar Rose was stolen away by goblins. Phil Jimenez handles artwork duties on the first story arc. Future arcs promise to focus on secret histories of female Fables Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Snow Queen, Thumbelina, Snow White and Rose Red. Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child #1 - A new Vertigo ongoing series, 'nuff said. Obligated to check it out. Written by Selwyn Sefu Hinds, artwork by Denys Cowan and John Floyd. Saucer Country #1 - Simply calling this out because it is also a Vertigo production. Will introduce myself to some of the new breed of Vertigo creators, in this case writer Paul Cornell and artist Ryan Kelly. Beyond the Fringe #1 - Written by Fringe start Joshua Jackson (Peter Bishop), I somehow missed this digital comic. It tackles what happened to Peter between seasons 3 and 4 of the TV show. Artwork by Jorge Jimenez. Bionic Woman #1 - Another classic TV property being done in comics by Dynamite Entertainment. Writer is Paul Tobin, with Leno Carvalho on artwork. Hoax Hunters #0 - A comic book that sounds suspiciously like a cross between TV shows Mythbusters and Ghost Hunters sounds... interesting. Hoping writers Michael Moreci and Steve Seeley take the reality TV characters in some crazy directions. Artwork is by JM Ringuet. Manhattan Projects #1 - I'm taking a second look at hot writer Jonathan Hickman (The Nightly News, The Red Wing, FF), paired with artists Nick Pitarra and Cris Peter. The Secret History of D.B. Cooper #1 - Interesting to see a new ongoing series from Oni Press, this one a revisionist take on the famous airline hijacker. One-man creation team of Brian Churilla. COMICS - NEW LIMITED SERIES New Deadwardians #1 (of 8) - Well, I just can't pass up a Vertigo book, even if it is another vampire/zombie story. Written by Dan Abnett with art by I. N. J. Culbard. Rocketeer Adventures 2 #1 (of 4) - I really enjoyed the first volume of Rocketeer stories. Featured writer to kick off volume 2 is Marc Guggenheim & featured artist Sandy Plunkett. Smoke and Mirrors #1 (of 5) - A new original series about a stage magician from IDW written by Mike Costa and Jon Armstrong, with art by Ryan Browne. Tails Vol. 1 (of 3) - This book is available on the web at tailscomic.com, and from everything I can tell this is the first print appearance. Per creator Ethan Young's website "It's a slice-of-life comedy with a supernatural twist." Not sure that it's not really a trade paperback as it's priced at $15.99. KID FRIENDLY - GNs and TPBs   Archie Meets Kiss OR  Archie Meets Kiss: Collector's Edition Hardcover - See the legendary rock band KISS play a gig in good ol' Riverdale. Both a softcover trade for $12.99 and a hardcover collector's edition for $29.99 are available on the  same day from writer Alex Segura and artist Dan Parent. Atomic Robo Vol. 6: Ghost of Station X - The latest collection of stories from writer Brian Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener. Robo is kid friendly enough to pick up any volume and start reading, but you can always go back to the beginning to get the whole story. Cow Boy - From writer Nathan Cosby and artist Chris Eliopoulos and publisher Archaia comes the story of a boy cowboy looking to round up his entire outlaw family. Plus short stories by Snarked creator Roger Langridge and Atomic Robo creators Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener, all for $19.95. Jump Start Windy Hollows - Zenescope partners with the educational software and gaming website Jump Start on the first graphic novel set in the Jump Start world. Low price at $5.99 with Adira Edmund and Neo Edmund on board as writers. Michael Recycle and the Tree Top Cops - What kid wouldn't like to read to their kids about a superhero that teaches people how to recycle? This looks like the 4th in writer Ellie Patterson (formerly Ellie Bethel) with artist Alexandra Colombo. Muhammad Ali King of the Ring - The latest from the Campfire line of graphic biographies, only $9.99 from writer Lewis Helfand and artist Lalit Kumar Sharma. Sammy the Mouse Vol. 1 - Collecting the 1st 3 issues of an Ignatz award winner, printed by creator Zak Sally on his own press. Three Stooges Vol. 1: Bed Bugged - From Papercutz, out in time for the new movie (wait.. there's going to be a new Three Stooges movie !?!?) written by Jim Salicrup and George Gladir (Sabrina the Teenage Witch creator) with art by Stan Goldberg (Archie Comics). KID FRIENDLY - COMIC BOOKS Atomic Robo: Real Science Adventures #1 - New set of Atomic Robo stories from Brian Clevinger.  Wrath of the Titans: Force of Trojans #1 (of 4) - Somehow this new all ages series is tied into the 2012 sequel to the PG-13 Clash of the Titans film starring Liam Neeson & Sam Worthington. This first issue features characters Apollo and Artemis, and is written by DChad Jones and drawn by Damian Graff. Wrath of the Titans: Minotaur - This one-shot from BlueWater Comics features Perseus. Written by C. W. Cooke with artwork by Ramon Salas. Toy Story #1 (of 4) - New original story in 4 issue miniseries. Ice Age Playing Favorites - A one-shot from BOOM! Stuidos, written by Caleb Monroe with art by Shelli Paroline. Dorothy of Oz Prequel #1 (of 4) - From IDW, a prequel to the animated film to be released in August 2012. Written by Denton J. Tipton with artwork by Blair Shedd. Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478 www.fantomcomics.com