January 4, 2011

Happy New Year comic lovers! Another year in business is as good of a reason as any to celebrate, and it's all thanks to you guys. Your love of the funny books makes this place possible, and we can't thank you enough.

2011 looks to be another fine year for comics and graphic novels, with some really great books on the horizon. There are a few we're particularly excited about. Battling Boy debuts this year from comic book madman Paul Pope, who never disappoints.
We've been waiting for Craig Thompson's new book from the instant we finished reading Blankets, and it looks like Habibi will drop sometime this year. 2011 see the return of Dark Horse Presents, a book which launched a lot of great comics. Robert Kirkman has a new book out this year called Super Dinosaur, which debuts on Free Comics Book Day - pretty awesome. And hopefully, more Parker from Darwyn Cooke, because we want the third volume right now!

We've been hard at work lately trying to line up some really awesome creators to come visit the store and drink our beer in 2011. It's harder than you might think, as they're a fickle bunch, these makers of comics.

Starting this month, after more than 25 years of same-day comic shipments to comic book stores, we'll begin to be treated as adults and will receive our shipments one day-early. This will give us time to check things in and maybe even read a book Tuesday night! We're pretty excited - and this also means that we will return to opening at 11:00 on Wednesdays for new comics! This change takes effect on Wednesday the 12th.

We read a hefty amount of the finest comics and graphic novels this month, and have come to the conclusion that the two best of the month are Thor: The Mighty Avenger and The Playwright.

Thor: The Mighty Avenger was unfortunately lost in a sea of lesser Thor releases, around the same time. Marvel typically goes heavy on any character for which they have a movie coming out, so there's plenty of books when said movie is released. This was unfortunate in this situation, because TMA was far and away the best of the bunch. Roger Landridge and Chris Samnee poured their hearts out on every page and made the most beautiful,fun and imaginative Thor comic I've ever read. A totally accessible Thor for anyone (the book is all-ages friendly), and easy to follow for someone who has never read a Thor comic. I think this one in particular has the wonder of a Stan Lee issue, without any of the cheesy-ness that accompanies. Samnee cements his position as a master cartoonist and storyteller, his art is top-notch here. Check this one out if you love a great superhero comic - you won't be sorry.

180 degrees from Thor is my other pick this month - The Playwright. Eddie Campbell (From Hell)and Daren White deliver a "dark comedy about the sex life of a celibate middle-aged man." The Playwright is wildly successful, but his career is the only area of his life where he sees any positivity. He is terribly awkward, quirky, soft around the middle and lacking any kind of social grace. Herein lies the hilarity as we're treated to an inside look at his quest to find love, or just get laid. A really funny book masterfully illustrated by veteran comic artist Campbell, The Playwright is well worth your time.

We hope 2011 treats everyone well and we look forward to seeing you all very soon - thanks for reading!

-LH (Greg)