Reviews (25)

"...the uniquely stylish art is what makes this shine..."
Frank Miller is best known for his work with Daredevil and his cult-classic graphic novel THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. After reading THE DARK KNIGHT, I was looking around for other graphic novels by Miller, and RONIN seemed like a good choice. Right away, I was amazed by the book's illustrations. Frank Miller uses a very interesting style here, using excessive lines to texture, animate and detail his work. Standard shading is replaced by lines going everywhere. There are certain pages in the book made up entirely of lines going one way, which gives a completely mind-blowing effect, usually of motion. The characters themselves are also unlike anything I've seen before, with sketchy faces and narrow, mean-looking eyes. They're almost bordering on an anime/manga style, yet still very Superhero-esque.

The storyline, on the other hand, isn't quite so fantastic. A nameless samurai is transported to a futuristic New York, where he pursues his arch-enemy. Don't get me wrong, it's imaginative and ambitious enough, but I found that it wasn't scripted all that well, and the pictures were the main medium for storytelling here. The uniquely stylish art is what makes this shine. The words are merely a compliment to the visuals. You would expect it to be the other way around, especially in a comic book, but once you see this, you'll know what I'm talking about. It reads very quickly, because there are often full-pages devoted just to a single action or picture. The book is only 239 pages, and thanks to this fast-paced style, you might be able to finish it in a couple of hours. However, don't let this turn you off from buying it, because you'll probably re-read it at least once, and the art truly is a sight to behold.

I'd recommend this to everyone, so long as they're willing to love the art more than the words. WATCHMEN could be classified as a stylistic opposite of RONIN, not only because the aesthetics are all-around different, but the words play a much larger part than the pictures do. Plus, in WATCHMEN, everything feels very un-animated, and the panels are mostly free of motion-lines, sound-effects and other standard, cinematic comic-book fare, while RONIN is chock-filled with such effects. Read this if you want action, style and a combination of story and art unlike any I've ever encountered.

Miller's diversity is astounding
Frank Miller is nothing if not diverse. I wrote a few weeks ago about his works, the various superhero works like Daredevil and Batman that made him famous and the groundbreaking works he's done outside of the genre since then, especially in regards to 300, a work of historical fiction. Aside from 300, he has also gone into a futuristic sci-fi setting in his Martha Washington stories, and with his Sin City tales he explored gritty crime drama.

And then there's Ronin, a book that defies easy categorization.

Imagine it is the beginning of summer in 1983 and you are first discovering this book. (Unfortunately I too must imagine here, since I didn't find the book myself until a few years ago.) Unlike every other book you come across, Ronin #1 is a whopping 48 pages, completely free of ads. The colors are richer, deeper than the average book, and somehow more muted as well, giving the book a darker look than most of the garishly bright superhero tales it sits beside.

The style is different too than what you are used to; like he did with Daredevil, Miller is experimenting here with how to construct a comic book page. Many pages feature long panels that stretch across the page, sometimes top to bottom, sometimes from one side to the next. Of course, Miller often uses the staple he has become known for today, a device he used throughout 300, the full two-page spread, to splendidly establish the world Ronin is set in.

The drawings themselves featured in these pages can also easily be separated from the rest of the fare you find in the racks. The motions are fluid, the fight scenes dynamic, avoiding all the normal clichés. In fact in the sixth and final issue of the miniseries (which reached stores in late summer of 1984-Ronin was published bimonthly but suffered delays between issues four and five), at the end of the story the action explodes off the page with such force that it literally cannot be contained. So Frank Miller does the only thing he can do, something unseen in comics up to that time; he lets the scene unfold on a beautiful four-page fold-out spread.

Ronin featured widescreen action years before the term became popular in comics, employed to serve a story unlike any other being published at the time. On the one hand, it is the story of post-apocalyptic New York City; on the other, it is a tale of samurais in feudal Japan. Miller balances these two influences in his tale deftly, mixes them together in one tale that is about demons and magic swords and biotechnology and artificial intelligence. It is a story in which reality and fantasy blend until the only thing the characters can trust is their sense of honor, duty, and loyalty, especially to those they love most.

Luckily it is not 1983, and you don't have to wait for over a year for the entire story to be complete. Ronin is available now in trade paperback so that you can explore its world for yourself today, as I did, without any of the wait yet still with all of the assets I listed above.

Excellent story, so-so artwork
PLOT SYNOPSIS:
Ronin begins in feudal Japan, when a samurai's master is killed by Agat, the demon who has been his archenemy for years. Forced to become a disgraced ronin to avenge his master's death, the samurai finally confronts and slays the demon, but at a terrible price. Leap to the 21st century, where the Aquarius Project and its biotechnological wonders are the last saving grace for a New York that has become a festering corpse. A telepath named Billy Callas becomes the focal point for the renewed battle between the ronin and the demon, a battle which will take on horrific proportions as the violence and corruption brought on by the enemies' resurrection spreads. Who will survive?

Ronin is everything I expect from Frank Miller-a solid, hard-hitting story that deftly mixes action, intriguing characters, intelligent dialogue, and some biting social commentary. My only complaint is the artwork, which I've always felt was very crude and amateurish-looking. The cover artwork and character designs are very good but overall everything just looks like storyboard-quality drawings that were colored instead of finished artwork, especially anything that features Aquarius and its products. This is a purely subjective gripe, however, and should not disuade you from dropping what you're doing and immediately buying this book.

Miller's Earliest Opus
Of all Miller's significant works this is perhaps the most overlooked and one of the most atypical. Heavily influenced by Japanese Samurai Manga, notably Lone Wolf and Cub, this appears to both stylistically and thematically riff on the genre. To claim such does the book a disservice.

Ostensibly the story of a telekinetic cripple who is possessed by the reincarnated spirit of a masterless samurai (the ronin of the title) and his fight with a demon this is a story that can be read on many levels. The characterisation is better than most of Miller's work, with the art owing a debt to Moebius and the story showing why Miller must be considered a master of comic book pacing. There are flaws, however: certain plot points are inconsitent and explained away off panel. The paper stock and reproduction are also perhaps a little lacklustre for a work of this calibre.

Overall this is a great read of surprising depth, and personally I prefer it over the Dark Knight Returns, which was Miller's next work.

seminal
One of Frank Miller's best works. Considering it was done way back in 1983 (where cyberpunk was at its zenith), the story is still gripping. You could see where most movies, comics, games and tv series of today got their ideas. It's a must have. ... Read more

Book Description

You have to wonder what kind of pets cartoonist Darby Conley had as a child. If they were anything like Bucky Katt and Satchel Pooch ... well, life in the Conley house must have been interesting to say to the least. The wacky triumvirate of Bucky, Satchel, and Rob are back in the fourth Get Fuzzy collection, Blueprint for Disaster, and "interesting" doesn't begin to describe their antics. Rob Wilco is the mild-mannered ad executive caretaker of Bucky and Satchel. Satchel is a sweet and naive shar-pei-yellow-Lab cross, while Bucky is a Siamese with "cat-titude" to spare. Bucky and Satchel get along like, well, like cats and dogs. Like a beleaguered parent, Rob constantly must thwart Bucky's schemes and protect the unsuspecting Satchel. His pets' mischief continually disrupts his attempts to meet women. You try explaining to your date why you cat thinks he's a gangsta rapper and your dog is filming his "crib" for MTV. Would anyone live with humans who behaved like this? Bitingly funny with a wry sense of the absurdity of life with pets, Get Fuzzy appeals to everyone who has ever lived in a mixed-species household. Blueprint for Disaster is sure to be yet another Get Fuzzy best-seller. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Did the Corinth, CA. reviewer read a different book?
I am a lifelong (well, since college) devotee to The Far Side (though the least of my favorites among enjoyable comics), Bloom County, and Calvin and Hobbes. I become very depressed when people have never experienced Bloom County. However, it astounds me that anyone who would profess to be a fan of these 3 comics is unable to recognize the clear and common tone to all--including Get Fuzzy. To call Darby Conley no more original than a designer imposter is ridiculous. Do you not notice the ingenious attention to detail (e.g., electrical sockets with plugs, T-shirts from real establishments). My favorite was the reference to the Knoxville 1982 World's Fair on the counter of a travel agency the trio visited (Conley is originally from Knoxville, TN). The characters are so real to anyone who shares his/her life with animals. Bucky, like all cats, is a very complex personality. Satchel, like most dogs, is a good hearted, naive, loving innocent. Rob, like most of us animal companions, is harried. The responsibility of food, water, Vets., messed up work, hairballs, accidents on the floor, ripped upholstery, etc. can be overwhelming. However, he wouldn't trade the two for anything, because, above all, he loves them dearly. By the way, they BOTH love him, too. That comes through in each strip--some more obviously than others.

With Gary Patterson, Berkley Breathed and Bill Waterson retired, Darby Conley has ascended to the throne they left vacant. As one who owns every Far Side book, every Bloom Co. original comic, and every Calvin and Hobbes book and original comic, I consider myself well versed. Trust me, chances are better than not that you will LOVE this trio!

I am a grammar gremlin, by the way. Poor grammar is a big pet peeve of mine. So, Corinth, for future reference "Darby don't...." is incorrect. It should read "Darby DOESN'T." Bad grammar mars the quality of your argument.

It's Bucky Time!!!
There are very few comic strips that I like anymore. In fact, I now only go out of my way to read two strips, and this is one of them.

Darby Conley is great!!! I love his work. I was really excited to pick this book up and read of some of the mischief that Bucky and Satchel find themselves in. This even has Bucky going so far as taking the Ferret next door to Judge Judy.

The humor is fantastic. The contrast between Bucky and Satchel makes for great comedy. There were many parts where I was giggling and a few parts where I was laughing out loud.

I'm looking forward to picking up more of "Get Fuzzy".

Hi-freakin-larious
Much like the oft-touted Big Three (Calvin and Hobbes, Bloom County, The Far Side), it is impossible to read Get Fuzzy without experiencing true belly laughs. I feel like there's been a dearth of funny comics for a while, and when my local paper started running Get Fuzzy, I knew that void was filled. Read this and all other Get Fuzzy books, they're all awesome.

And I hate to continue with this whole grammar thing, but the Doctor was right to correct the Corinth reviewer, just for the wrong reason. The review should read "Darby, don't...," not "Darby don't..." or "Darby doesn't..."

What is this????
First off, let me say that "Get Fuzzy" is hilarious brilliance! Darby Conley obviously knows animals. His depictions of Satchel Pooch and Bucky Katt, as well as the poor, beleaguered Rob, who lives with the aforementioned animals,of the 3 is spot-on.

Unfortunately, however, I thought this section was for readers to offer feedback on a particular book. I was apparently mistaken. One reviewer, Down South, is particularly puzzling. S/he has written 3 "reviews." One makes no sense whatsoever, what is this craziness about Satchel? and prostitutes? Please. Is that a pathetic attempt at humor? If so, thank goodness it is not Down South (DS) who is attempting to produce a comic.

Why does it take DS three attempts to offer a legtimate opinion about BLUEPRINT? All are rather odd and senseless. The last of the 3 is particularly ugly.

Why does DS question another reviewer's credentials? She does not appear to be trying to use her status as a doctor as a means of elevating her opinion. It is merely part of her name. Why is DS so bothered? The good doctor is not even writing about his review. Yet, he is obviously offended.

Possibly, DS deplores "Get Bucky" so much that s/he feels compelled to attack the doctor (note: not the comic strip) b/c she gives the strip a glowing review. If so, that falls into the "get a life" file--we all have opinions. We shouldn't be viciously attacked, personally, for offering them.

Maybe DS has a problem with the doctor, herself. Since I doubt DS knows Dr. Hayes personally, perhaps he is bothered that a woman is a doctor, and writes a coherent, and all-around better review, in one attempt, than DS does in 3 tries.

Another possibility is that perhaps a cat beat him/her up, in childhood, and stole his/her lunch money. If so, and DS is still harbouring a grudge, please, for goodness sakes, GET HELP!

Perhaps DS has problems with women, esp. women who are smarter, better educated and more talented (at least if the 3 reviews are any indication of DS the person) than s/he. Should the good doctor have not gone to school, DS? Should she "know her place?" Did a WOMAN beat you up on the playground and take your money? Whatever. Get help, DS.

Then, there is another "reviewer" who rather likes the comic strip, but takes on the grammar issue raised by Dr. Hayes. By the way, the doctor is correct. If Corinth had meant the sentence as instructive, it was unclear. Why is grammar so important to this "reviewer?" And what does that title "please type your password again" mean??? Very odd. Very odd, indeed.

Dr. Hayes, I'm sorry for the unwarranted personal attacks. Too bad that it takes all kinds to make up our world. The emperor who had no clothes paraded proudly down the street, until one person spoke up and said, "you have no clothes." Then, he was embarrassed and angry. Could that be the problem with these 2 reviewers? Ignorance is bliss, until someone points out your ignorance? Who knows?

All I can say is that the sort of irrelevant ugliness offered up by these two "reviewers" does not serve the purpose of this section. Plus, it harms the integrity of the process. I know I, now, am less inclined to read reviews, or write one. In fact, I'm less likely to visit the Amazon.com website. This behavior leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Fabulous!
Get Fuzzy is one of the best comic strips out today, and I loved the collection! Darby Conley is terrific, and I highly recommend this book!

By the way, for those of you arguing that "Darby don't..." is correct grammer because a double negative is appropriate? You're missing the point. It's got nothing to do with double negatives, it's simple conjegation. "I DO", "You DO", "He DOES". The Dr. was totally right - it should be "Darby DOES not", not "Darby DO not". ... Read more

Book Description

America faces its greatest threat since the Civil War.The worst fears of the Founders are being realized, as powerful corporate interests have taken over our culture and representative government.We the People now face a fundamental choice:take back our country . . . or do nothing, and become victims of tyranny and empire.

Thom Hartmann, the acclaimed author of Unequal Protection and The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight, tells a compelling story -- of how a government of, by, and for the people has been replaced by corporate domination.Through brilliant analysis and imaginative illustrations, this fully graphic book illuminates the central dynamics of American politics.

He reveals the forgotten history of the Founders’ intent and the devious way that corporations came to possess "human" rights.He explains what the Boston Tea Party actually was, what constituted the Second American Revolution, and how "corporatists" disguised as conservatives are looting assets from We the People’s common ownership through privatization schemes.

Most importantly, the book issues a call to action from citizens who want to restore true democracy, and liberty and justice . . . for all. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Addresses the dangers of losing our democratic liberties
Impressively written by Thom Hartmann, nicely illustrated by Neil Cohen in a "reader friendly "graphic novel" format, then collaboratively adapted and edited by Gene Latimer and Paul Burke, We The People: A Call To Take Back America directly addresses the dangers of losing our democratic liberties from a variety of corrosive influences including corporate special interest groups who finance and exploit the fears and intolerance that so often separate the political right from the political left. Only a "radical middle" can restore and defend the principals of fair and democratic government against the growing temptations of fascism. If you are a social activist committed to good government and the constitutional rules set out in order to promote "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", or simply someone who has become aware of, and concerned about, the increasing political polarization of our country, the read We The People: A Call To Take Back America.

Critically Important Information
This may be the most important thing any of us read between now and November.

Putting Justice into the Picture
This is a delightful work of art and advocacy by one of the most eloquent and thoughtful commentators on America's current direction. Mr Hatmann and colleagues have produced a superb document on how power is usurping justice and the common good in the age of corporative monopoly. Having heard the brilliant and articulate author on Australian radio speaking to issues raised in his "Unequal Protection", I had high expectations of this book. I wasn't disappointed. Complex issues are treated with intelligent simplicity,directness and respectful detail. Ingenious visuals capture the essence of the real issues facing a US gazing into the bottomless blue hole of pap television and syndicated media trivia while the noblest of America's traditions and commitments are carried off for re-wording or the junkyard. Reading this book is a pleasure and an education. For educators like me, it is a most valuable resource.

Hartmann's Call for an American Revival
Thom Hartmann, a leading radio voice in progressive circles and a diligent writer promoting American values, has combined the hard-hitting, concise common sense message of populists Jim Hightower and Molly Ivins in a cartoon context reminiscent of the best of Gary Trudeau's "Doonesbury." This approach enables readers to more readily absorb the important points encompassed by Hartmann in "We The People."

Hartmann is a scholar of early American history with a solid grounding of the philosophy of the Founding Fathers, which he effectively utilizes in drawing important differences and parallels between the early days of the Republic and now. A highlight of this informative work is his valuable insights comparing the Patriot Act of the Bush administration and the Alien and Sedition Acts passed by the Federalists during the administration of President John Adams. Then, as now, attempts were made to squelch opposition as journalists fighing the principle of power immersed in the hands of the privileged few, and allying themselves with the new Democratic Party led by Thomas Jefferson, were arrested and put in jail. The Federalists sought to maintain the very monopolistic practices against which colonists rebelled with the Boston Tea Party, which was the first major act in breaking the stranglehold of Britain's East India Company.

Striking parallels emerge as Hartmann compares the current practices and long-term goals of the Republican right and previous forms of government such as Feudalism, German Nazism and Italian Fascism. While spokesperssons of the right recoil at the associatiion of such totalitarian practices alongisde what they term conservatism, Hartmann contends that Bush-styled Republicanism marks a strong departure from traditional conservative thought. He cites the stated goal of rightist tax advocate and stanch Bush ally Grover Norquist to "drown government in the bathtub." Hartmann notes that Feudalism, Nazism and Fascism bore the similarity of of merging cumulative corporate wealth with a central government. Norquist and other Bush disciples seek to destroy protections traditionally enjoyed by the citizenry, leaving them every bit as vulnerable to a government-corporate elite as were vassals in the Middle Ages.

A frightening corroboration of this viewpoint has been realized. Not that long ago the world's leading corporation was General Motors. Its employees enjoyed the benefits of a Union Shop promulgating safe and healthy work standards, along with a satisfactory minimum wage, medical care, sick leave, and retirement benefits. Currently the largest corporation is Walmart. Its economic dominion is exemplified by the temporary worker stripped of benefits. This enables an all-powerful employer to subject employees to long, burdensome word schedules devoid of the protections and benefits enjoyed by the General Motors work force.

Hartmann sounds another alarm bell in the face of a frightening current trend. In writing about the dangers of theocracies as manifested in the past, Hartmann warns us a about the dangerous trend in this direction as currently observed in the Bush presidency. The very messianic message carried by Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels to the German people concerning Adolf Hitler's Third Reich, which was destined to endure for a thousand years, is being delivered by Bush and his evangelical Christian base. Televangelist Pat Robertson recently stated that Bush was certain to win reelection "in a walk" because he is the handpicked emissary of God. Bush told Bob Woodward in an interview that, prior to invading Iraq, after he had been asked if he had requested advice from his father, who was president during the first Gulf War, he responded that he had sought counsel from his "other father," meaning God. With the Christian right so strongly anticipating Armageddon, a pervasive danger exists that entrenched evangelical beliefs will override efforts to achieve peaceful compromise in the Middle East and harness to most sophsticated nuclear weaponry alongside primitive religious beliefs.

Not only does Hartmann make a convincing case for political change and restoring America from a nation dominated by corporate elitism to the democratic tradition embodied by the principles of Jefferson, James Madison and Thomas Paine; he provides grass roots recommendations for citizens to coalesce toward their goal. He cites numerous organizations on the Internet and in America's cities, towns and villages that are dedicated to restoring traditional American democratic principles. As Hartmann notes, the prevailing corporate monolith must be effectively challenged with vigilant, intelligently focused citizen action, and cannot wait for direction in the traditional party structure. A new group of dedicated Americans needs to emerge in the twenty-first century and commit themselves to the restoration of democracy in the same tradition of the Founding Fathers of 1776.

Powerful, Brilliant, Moving, Must Read
If you Haven't read a any of the Thom Hartmann Books, you are in for a real treat. Thom's Newest book, We The People: A Call To Take Back America," is simply must reading. It's not quite describable, but a cross between animated comic and Japanese anime art, but it's talking about all the political and democracy issues that Thom takes on so well-- corporate personhood, the right wing threat to democracy, selling off the commons, how the founders, particularly Jefferson, of America would have viewed today's situations....

I've reprinted just about every article Thom publishes lately, on my progressive. tough liberal website OpEdNews dot com, where I am editor publisher. His articles are always among the most popular. (They are usually first published on CommonDreams dot org.) If you know Thom's work, whether his brilliant books, Last Hours or Unequal Protection, or his OpEd articles, you'll want to be sure to get this newest book. You'll be very glad you did. If you're smart, you'll order two or three, since you're definitely going to want to pass them out to people you care about.

I don't think anyone discusses democracy, not any pundit or politician alive, than Thom Hartmann. He approaches his subject matters with vision, depth of history, compassion and intelligence. He says he comes from the "radical middle" and it's true. his positions are ones the average person agrees with-- filled with common sense and great wisdom.

You'll want to hide this book from your right wing relatives... just getting a look at it will be like a punch in the face, or... a flush of blood to the brain. But you'll want to get lots of copies to give to your friends. I'm getting a copy for each of my kids (23, 20 and 14.)

Frankly, when I heard that some of Thom's writing had been adapted to a comic format, I was skeptical. But it's been brilliantly done. The originally ideas that were in Thom's essays are actually improved upon by the creative imagination of his editors and illustrator-- Gene Latimer (Editor), Paul Burke (Editor), Neil Cohn (Illustrator.)

Don't think of this is a comic book. Think of it as a hyper-idea media document that will rivet your attention and move you to passion. This is a powerful book that will make a difference. ... Read more

Book Description

McSweeney's Quarterly Concern #13 is all comics. It is edited by Chris Ware (author of Jimmy Corrigan: Smartest Kid on Earth), and features so many artists to know and love: R. Crumb, Art Spiegelman, Daniel Clowes, Lynda Barry, Los Bros Hernandez, Adrian Tomine, Julie Doucet, and on and on. The issue also includes essays from Michael Chabon, Ira Glass, John Updike, Chip Kidd, and others. A hardcover, clothbound edition, this quarterly comes with an enormous dust jacket that does much more than guard against dust. This one makes our throats go tight. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Brilliant in pieces...but leaves lacking as a whole
The book is a selection of modern comics and graphic storytelling. The look of the book is so unlike anything in modern literature today...it is beautifully constructed. I read mine straight through, and I was floored by the individual intelligence and originality of its contributors. The editor, Chris Ware, has a beautiful set piece about a young handicapped woman. Works by Charles Burns, Ivan Brunetti, Kim Deitch, and Richard McGuire were also strong. Some historical pieces regarding the history of comics and its early masters (Schulz and George Herriman) are fascinating. However, by taking the entire book as a whole, I became underwhelmed by consistent themes: suicide, alienation, stagnation, sexual frustration, even abortion. Does every young comic artist only deal with these issues? I missed the triumph and majesty of the comics of my youth, and wished just a few of the stories and vignettes dealt with some hint of a happy ending. The book left me feeling sorry for the authors of modern graphic novels of today.

Astounding
An incredible feat of editing and printing. Which might not sound like much until you hold this thing in your hands. Chris Ware continues to be one of the finest craftspeople working in contemporary visual culture. His own drawn and written contributions here are at least as good as his work on his own projects, but it's the sheer quality of the overall packaging, design, and fine detail that makes McSweeney's 13 so good. If this thing doesn't win some major book awards, there's no justice.

This is...
...quite possibly the finest piece of literature I have ever held in my hands. It's an issue devoted entirely to comics, and aesthetically, I have never seen anything like it. First is the dust jacket - made to look like a daily sheet, it's intricately covered with different designs and characters, and then folded up very nicely around the book. Tucked in pockets on both the front and back are smaller, booklet type comics.

Inside, the issue is guest edited by Chris Ware and is positively stunning. Lots and lots of full color pages with comics by Daniel Clowes, Chris Ware, R. Crumb, Lynda Barry, Mark Newgarden (The Little Nun), and a newly discovered favorite, Richard McGuire. Also, some history of the comics from the editor.

If you like comics (especially the more conceptually adventurous ones) you'll love this book. If you don't like comics, or don't know if you like comics, go and look at it anyway. You might be surprised.

The Norton Anthology of Graphic Storytelling
Chris Ware, (ACME Novelty Library, Jimmy Corrigan) guest edits this edition of McSweeney's a spotlight on graphic image narrative. Ware designs in his inimitable, meticulous style what is McSweeney's most handsome volume yet and provides a sturdy editorial structure (including fascinating historical reference and essays as well as his own history of comics). Most of the contributers are artists you'll recognise from independent or self-produced comics, zines, and strips, as well as from low-art magazines like Juxtapoz. These are interspersed with essays by word people (like John Updke) about images. Like every issue of McSweeney's, the grab bag quality is what makes it most successful, you'll see names you know next to names you don't; you'll be surprised by what you find yourself liking and moreover you'll find yourself appreciating the keen vision behind the scenes that pushes each piece of the kaliedescope in front of your eyes. Kudos to McSweeny's for recognising that this insurgent medium that deserves it's own place on Barnes and Noble's shelf, but a larger and more heartfelt amount of recognition should go to Mr. Ware for producing what could really be the Norton Anthology of Graphic Storytelling. The book is thoughtfuilly designed and masterfully put together, benefitting from the attention to detail that makes Ware's artwork so distinctive as well as the sheer quality of the work presented. None of the stories rest on the novelty of being 'comics in a straight book', at their best they are profoundly moving studies that showcase an artist struglling and succeeding in their medium. A deluxe sized fold-out cover, (designed to look like the funnies page) and two mini-comics are included and add to the overall grab-bag feel and leave the reader feeling like, if nothing else, he got a lot for his 25 bucks. If you are a fan of comic strips, comic books, graphic art; if you liked American Splendor, or Ghost World, if you are a fan of experimental narrative, or if you are simply curious what everyone is talking about when they refer to this curious, beautiful medium, be sure to check this out, it's an excellent primer for the curious and to the initiated it's a must-have watermark for how far the medium can go.

Great collection, but neglects some great artists
What a beautiful object this "issue" of McSweeney's is. It is delightful to hold and look at. The lay-out is very nice and the comics are outstanding. Many of the essays are quite good, too although they are outshiced by the comics by far! Ira Glass and Chip Kidd wrote my favorite essays. Chris Ware has written some wonderful historical essays as well.
Many of the comics are reprinted from their original books; Adrian Tomine's, Chester Brown's, Joe Saccos's, Charles Burns' and maybe others that i didn't recognize. It is nice to have them all together with other great comics though so doesn't detract from the package.
One area that I was concerned with is the underrepresentation of women cartoonists. While the three presented are excellent choices (Debbie Dreschler, Lynda Barrym and Julie Doucette) I was disappointed in the ratio of men to women cartoonists. I don't look for quotas with this sort of thing, but it is pretty clear that women are under-represented in this issue. Nonetheless, buy this wonderful collection! ... Read more

Reviews (36)

More C&H fun!
Fans of Calvin & Hobbes who used to read the newspaper strip in the 80s and 90s will find great pleasure in reading this collection of C&H comics. These witty comics about the 6-year old Calvin and his stuffed tiger Hobbes, named after the famous philosophers, will amuse people of all ages. The perceptiveness and humor of Watterson deserve the highest of cartoon awards, while his artistic creations exude hilarity. This cartoon is perhaps one of the most piercing yet funny critiques of modern society.

This book has more encounters with Mrs. Wormwood, when Stupendous Man saves the day. More snowman fun and more snowballs against Susie. Students in particular will like this book since it has many creative ideas for dealing with homework.

Note that there are two series of C&H collections: individual wide-format albums, each covering an entire year of strips (will call it "regular"), and the vertical aspect ratio "treasury series" which covers selected comics from two regular C&H books. Note that C&H ran for a year in newspapers, so there's 10 regular books and 5 treasury books. Though the cartoons are slightly smaller in the treasury collection, each treasury book is far thicker and contains more strips than a regular book, and is furthermore less expensive, so treasury books are a real bargain. "Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat" belongs to the regular series and was published in 1994.

A great comic for fans of Calvin and Hobbes
Bill Waterson is argudably one of the best comic writers out there. Even through his retirement, he has made great books of past comics featuring his Calvin and Hobbes characters. I laugh and laugh at these comics he creates and I sometimes wonder how he comes up with such brilliant ideas sometimes with the storylines of some of the strips.

Calvin, one of his best known characters, is the trouble-making kid in the school. He is funny and imaginative and likes to make funa and games with his "real" pet friend Hobbes. Through the comics, you can see the relationship between a stuffed animal and a human.

In this comic though, Hobbes "comes to life" in Calvins eyes. The things that Calvin can sometimes get involved in is so hilarious and sometimes out of this world.

I guarantee that anyone that loves comics will fall in love with this one and should definitely buy this book to start their collection of classic comics.

All of Bill Waterson's comic books are very well done and very professional. His work is his life and it shows the time and consideration it took to make these characters come to life. Thank you Mr. Waterson for creating such a great comic and thatnk you people for reading my review!

One of the last great newspaper comics...
Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes seems to be one of the last of the great newspaper strip panel comics. It's hilarious while also being insightful, poignant, and bitingly satirical. As most readers know, since Watterson has written it elsewhere, Calvin is named after John Calvin "a sixteenth century theologian who beleived in predestination". Hobbes also has a famous historical namesake in Thomas Hobbes, the seventeeth century author of "Leviathan" whose most famous saying is that life in a state of nature would be "Nasty, brutish, and short". From such a foundation, readers can expect more than a wacky strip full of slapstick, puns and sitcom-type pet or baby humor. There is much more, because Calvin and Hobbes, like all of the great comic strips, has depth. Reading just a handful of strips reveals this.

This collection from 1994 includes a great satire on conceptual art (Calvin tries to sell Hobbes a landscape in a Sunday strip); a great satire on corporate philosophy (Calvin ends up telling his mother that he needs to be subsidized); Hobbes sends Calvin anonymous insults in the mail ("Most people have secret admirers, you have a secret detractor"); "Stupendous Man" invades Calvin's class to take an exam in Calvin's place (he still flunks); one of the best is a single panel strip in which Calvin asks his parents "What assurance do I have that your parenting isn't screwing me up?"; There are also loads of Watterson's great Sunday strips. Watterson is definitely one of the last cartoonist artists that fully appreciated the boundaries (or lack of them) of the color Sunday strip. Calvin's imagined dinosaurs, aliens, parodies of "Judge Parker" type strips, and multicolor tiger battles are amazing works of cartoon art. It's difficult to find anything that even comes close on today's incredibly shrinking Sunday comics page.

Bill Watterson remains heavily elusive. What has he been doing since he voluntarily quit Calvin and Hobbes? Internet searches (at least cursory ones) don't elucidate much (one mentions that he is an intensely private individual - no doubt). Hopefully he's planning another amazing strip. Whether we hear from him again or not, in the end, we can be happy that he took up cartoonist's pen and graced the newspapers with at least one more great strip.

Just a Little Twisted
This collection of Calvin and Hobbes strips is just a bit more twisted than many of the other collections. The very first strip in the book sets the tone. In the middle of the night Calvin wakes up and says he's thirsty. Calvin then goes for a drink of water. Hobbes jumps off the bed and pounces on Calvin as he makes his way back to bed. He parents find him in the hall with Hobbes on top of him, mumbling "homicidal psycho jungle cat."

While the opening strip is humorous, there are even better strips. Another favorite is one of Calvin's infamous "show and tell" strips. Calvin says he has nothing for show and tell, but he tells everyone that during the daytime his mom puts on a patriotic leotard, a cape and knee-high, high-heeled boots to fight crime. The teacher sends a note home with Calvin that his parent's look over together. His father's comment? "Wow, show me that outfit sometime."

The breadth of strips is consistent with other Calvin and Hobbes books, but for some reason these strips gave me more laughs than many of my other Calvin and Hobbes Books. However, the funniest strips often seem to be the cruelest. For example, Suzy follows a series of signs regarding an "important message," ending in a sign that says, "Important message: Look Out!" We then see Calvin sitting on a branch dropping a snowball, saying, "It's like shooting fish in a barrel."

I enjoy Calvin and Hobbes a lot. Of all the illustrated books I have, Calvin and Hobbes are among the funniest, and the most consistent. This particular collection is particularly funny, though a bit more bizarre than many of the other collections. However, it is the twisted nature of some of the strips that make them so interesting and funny. If you are a Calvin and Hobbes fan or just looking for a smile, here is an excellent book.

Calvin! Where are your friends?!
Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, take us on another ride into the world of imaginary friendship and fun children at his age seem to create for themselves. With doubting parents such as his, who'd blame him.

Still a very funny creation by Bill Watterson that is still running in sydication throughout the world's newspapers today. ... Read more

Book Description

Dark Horse delivers another fantastic collection of rare classics from a comics legend! Russ Manning, famous for his spectacular work on the Tarzan newspaper strips of the late sixties, brought fans his "Tarzan of the future" in Magnus, Robot Fighter. While his work on the original comic series lasted only twenty-one issues, Manning's creation has survived generations, influencing countless science-fiction artists and writers to this day. Fans of Alex Raymond, Mac Raboy, or Wally Wood should not miss this beautifully bound hardcover, the second Magnus archival collection and the latest addition to Dark Horse's line of science-fiction classics. ... Read more

Book Description

Here’s the first big book of The Boondocks, more than four years and 800 strips of one of the most influential, controversial, and scathingly funny comics ever to run in a daily newspaper.

“With bodacious wit, in just a few panels, each day Aaron serves up—and sends up—life in America through the eyes of two African-American kids who are full of attitude, intelligence, and rebellion. Each time I read the strip, I laugh—and I wonder how long The Boondocks can get away with the things it says. And how on earth can the most truthful thing in the newspaper be the comics?”
—From the foreword by Michael Moore ... Read more

Reviews (63)

Dear Aaron "the professional victim" McGruder,
You're ignorant. Trust me on this. It's bad enough you have a limousine-liberal like Michael Moore writing the foreword to your book, what's worse is you don't even know your own culture. Take for instance, your leading protagonist Huey who was named after the co-founder of the Black Panthers, Huey P. Newton (p.16). On page 47, little Huey forgot about Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a "holiday" made up by Ron Karenga who was head of the United Slaves Organization (USO). If you know your history you'd know that the USO and the Black Panthers never got along. They were rivals and they had numerous violent confrontations. Why in the world would a character named after Huey Newton celebrate a bogus holiday (Karenga has stated: "People think it's African but it's not. I came up with Kwanzaa because Black people wouldn't celebrate it if they knew it was American. Also, I put it around Christmas because I knew that's when a lot of Bloods would by partying.") authored by a psychopath like Karenga (who tortured Deborah Jones and Gail Davis and was judged schizophrenic)?

Not only are you ignorant, you're a hypocrite. You make fun of a white character like Cindy (introduced on page 17) appropriating Black culture on page 50 (and then some), yet you have the audacity to appropriate Asian culture by using anime art! Furthermore, look at the front cover of your book! You have these Black kids dressed up like a bunch of Kung Fu stars. Do you like treating Asians like this? And, don't give me any of that Asians-haven't-complained-to-me stuff. Either way, you stand guilty of the utmost hypocrisy.

I'll give you credit: you're comic strips are funny, and very compelling, and I was interested enough to read it to the end - I had a wonderful time highlighting all the misinformation in your book. Sorry, to say it, but your intelligence is as low as the age of young Huey whose leftist, socialist, progressive ideologies blinded you. I'm sure you are secretly hoping that this white supremacist, capitatlistic society turns your book into a bestseller.

Good luck on your TV pilot,

Cool Guy

Break Yo'self, fool! Don't listen to the haters!
As a teenager, I'd have to say Aaron McGruder is probably the one guy in the world who makes politics funny, excluding those guys who make it nerdy funny. I listen to rap, and yeah, I read the newspaper, so I understand every strip, but even if you don't do either, the book is funny for everybody.

Unless you're ignorant.

How the cover is racist is beyond me--obviously these people have never heard of the rap group Wu-tang Clan, who happen to be immensely popular. That he makes fun of a white girl who is clueless about black culture--well, you just can't take a joke. He's making fun of suburban white rich kids who think they're "gangstas", callin' themselves the "OG" when they probably don't even know what that is. That girl had never seen a black person yet listened to rap. Aaron was highlighting the stupidity of these kids listening to rap.

And that he's ugly...Well, those people just have insecurity issues.

McGruder tries his best to keep it fresh (you suckas!), pertinent, and thought provoking. And he almost always succeeds.

Hilarious and O so Truthful!
This book is enjoyable for the whole family! McGruder has our whole family cracking up from the youngest of us,10 yrs. old, to the oldest- 51 yrs. old, and everyone of us in between. We all need a laugh once in a while and this book provides it for everyone. No matter what you usually read, or what your background is, you will enjoy this collection.

THE TRUTH HURTS...
It seems to me that the negative ratings are all directed at the man himself and not the contents of the book! Why are people so angry about the BOONDOCKS? It is a comic strip which is loosley based on events which actually occur in the world, just as stand up comedy (Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy etc.) and weekly sitcoms and TV shows (Chris Rock, David Chappelle etc.) What makes it entertaining is it pokes fun at real life situations and puts a twist of humor to it. And those who get offended typically feel that way because THE TRUTH HURTS, and they don't want to see that things are that way, but they feel much more comfortable with their blinders on. The world is not an oyster for everyone! And for the one reviewer (Michael Casey) who gave 5 stars and then went on a tangent about McGruder being a Socialists but yet accepting money for his book and using the money to buy material things; where in the socialists doctrine does it say one must be poor and have no money?!?!?

Lesson #1: 5 stars means you liked it Silly!

Lesson #2:You should do more reading! NOT JUST CARTOON STRIPS!!!

Lesson #3: See lesson number 1 and 2...LOL

A SURPRISING TREASURY
Having enjoyed The Boondocks in The Washington Post for the last several years, I finally got my act together and bought all 3 of Aaron McGruder's collections. After reading Because I Know You Don't Read The Newspaper and Fresh For '01... You Suckas!, I figured that this treasury would just be those 2 books combined but with the Sunday strips in full color (the formula most treasuries follow). How wrong I was. The first third of A Right To Be Hostile is taken up by selected strips from those books (Part 1 : The Classics) while the final two-thirds contains new material (Part 2 : The Story Continues...) which also includes the color Sunday strips. While I was happily surprised to have new strips to read, I must admit I was a little disappointed that it didn't include every strip from this timeframe. I guess this will just have to hold me until Aaron drops the next batch. Speaking of which, I wouldn't mind it at all if he put out his old U of M strips (The Diamondback Collection?). Either way, this is a must have for any The Boondocks fan who can't get enough of Huey, Riley, Granddad, and Caesar. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

It's NOT Tracing!!!
Simply put, this is the best book on inking I've read. Don't waste your money on other books, buy Jansen's and Miller's and learn everything you need to know.

The book doesn't stop with instruction on techniques, tools, and materials, but gives you some great tips such as why you should keep your ink bottle in an ashtray!

Anyone who has ever laboured under the misapprehension that comic book inking is just 'going over a proper artists drawing with a pen' is finally shown the error of their ways as Jansen and Miller demonstrate what a fine art inking is when practiced correctly. Moreover, this is a DC guide to inking, not a guide to inking DC characters. Once you've read this and got some practice in, you'll be able to ink everything from cartoons to the most cutting-edge comic book characters.

Great text, great illustrations, what's stopping you?

Buy it now!

The most complete inking instructional
The most well-rounded instructional on comic book inking (out of...2?) that I've seen. As a professional artist I can easily recommend this to those interested in learning the tricks of the trade. Not the end-all however. Practice often, study your favorite titles and illustrators, go to a museum every now and then, and take an art class or two. This could be your text book, along with DC's Guide to Penciling.

How to guide from the artist who inked The Dark Knight
This book takes you through some of the best problems inkers have. Klaus Janson shows you how to have a light source, use forced perspective to show drama and lots of technical tricks of the trade I never thought of. This takes his first book about comic book penciling to next level. It shows how comic pros like Neal Adams handle a problem vs. another with a different approach to the same drawing. I have read this from cover to cover and enjoy reading how Klaus faces the empty page with creative solutions to drawing problems.

I have admired his work since the 1970's to the present. While his blotchy and cartoony inking style is a far cry from his detailed work in the seventies, I still enjoy work. ... Read more

Amazon.com

An emperor amasses an army of hundreds of thousands, drawn from twocontinents, to invade a third continent and conquer a tiny, divided nation. Onlya few hundred warriors stand against them. Yet the tiny nation is saved. Itsounds like the plot of a preposterous fantasy novel. It is historical fact. In481-480 B.C., King Xerxes of Persia raised forces in Asia and Africa and invadedGreece with an army so huge that it "drank rivers dry." Then they entered themountain pass of Thermopylae and encountered 300 determined soldiers fromSparta....

Writer-artist Frank Miller and colorist Lynn Varley retell the battle ofThermopylae in the exciting and moving graphic novel 300. They focus onKing Leonidas, the young foot soldier Stelios, and the storyteller Dilios tohighlight the Spartans' awe-inspiring toughness and valor. Miller and Varley'sart is terrific, as always; the combat scenes are especially powerful. AndMiller's writing is his best in years. Read it.

Do not, however, read 300 expecting a strictly accurate history. ThePhocians did not "scatter," as Miller describes. His Spartans are mildlyhomophobic, which is goofy in such a gay society. Miller doesn't say how manyGreeks remained for the climactic battle--you'd think 300 Spartans and maybe adozen others, when there were between 700 and 1,100 Greeks. Herodotus'sHistories does not identify the traitor Ephialtes as ugly andhunchbacked, or even as Spartan. 300 establishes a believable connectionbetween Ephialtes's affliction and behavior, but his monstrous appearance, KingXerxes's effeminacy, and the Persians' inexplicable pierced-GenX-African looksmake for an eyebrow-raising choice of villain imagery. Nonetheless, 300is a brilliant dramatization.

For the full story of the failed invasion, read Herodotus's Histories or, for a concise,graphic-novel retelling, Larry Gonick's great Cartoon History of the Universe:Volumes 1-7, From the Big Bang to Alexander the Great. For alighthearted look at post-invasion Athens and a very young Alexander the Great,check out William Messner-Loebs and Sam Kieth's witty and gorgeous graphicnovels, Epicurus the Sage Vol. I and Vol. II. --Cynthia Ward ... Read more

Reviews (37)

A historical comic NOT to be taken lightly
I have been a fan of Frank Miller's work ever since his Dark Knight Returns 10th Anniversary edition was published (this is a definate must have for any comic book enthusiast)and through several magazine articles I learned of his latest venture, 300. I've always been a fan of ancient history and mythology and since I had heard little about the events on which this work was based I decided to pick the book up. There are only two words that can truly capture my reaction: BLOWN AWAY. The book's art is composed in a Miller's trademark gritty-poetic style, and Lynn Varley's colors add true, muted life to the pencilwork. The characters, though there are very few that the readers get to know, are shown to be not just characters but human beings and treated with respect. The plot itself is a little over-used (from the first page the reader can glean how it ends), but since it is true to life and true to the characters it packs a wollop. The ending itself is reminiscient of Braveheart, and exceptionally well done. The battle scenes are intense, and the dialogue and inner monologues held by the main character, Leonidas, are some of the best tough-guy lines I've seen in any movie or read in any book. If you like such films as John Wayne's The Alamo, Braveheart or Spartacus, if you are a true comic fan or are interested in ancient history (or perhaps all of these things) pick up 300. You won't be disappointed. Check it out and enjoy!

Almost Perfect
This sounded like an awesome idea, Frank Miller's graphic genius takes on the tale of the battle at Thermopylae in 480 B.C., when 300 Spartans met the armies of Persia at a small pass and held them long enough for Greece to mobilize. Be warned however, that while Miller has retained the bare bones of the story, he's recast it in his standard good vs. evil method which oversimplifies both sides in the battle. Indeed, the battle is presented as the climax of the Grecian general's destiny rather than part of a long-running struggle. This is a story about the Spartans and the honor, glory, etc. and not a simple history-as-comic. The Persians are portrayed as exotic barbarians seeking to lay waste to advanced civilization and the rule of law. This is a very stylized vision of the Greco-Persian conflict, and Miller's Persians certainly don't bear any resemblance to the historical Persians. At times, the internal logic doesn't really hold up either, as when the Greek king violates the accepted "rules of war" and kills the initial Persian messengers and then go on to wax poetic about the primacy of law. While a bit problematic in that sense, Miller's visuals are awesome as usual--especially in this coffee-table book format. The panels are beautiful, brilliantly colored in dark tones and lots and lots of blood. It'd be neat to see Miller take a stab at some Persian mythology from the Shahnameh (Book of Kings).

Machismo Par Excellance
It never cease to amaze me how awesome Frank Miller is as BOTH artist and storyteller. If you have had the pleasure of enjoying his earlier works, and honestly what comic book aficionado have not, this is a must have.

If you seek a compelling story about unrelenting bravery and honour, this is definately also a book for you. In so many ways, 300 is a refreshing forray into traditional macho virtues and values, something rarely expressed in a sensible way in today's society.

So for all the big boys out there, get 300, kick back in your favourite comfy chair and gush with delight as King Leonidas does the unthinkable at Thermopylæ.

Great Retelling of the Battle at Thermopylae
Although not totally accurate, Frank Miller does an excellent job of telling the story of the Battle of Thermopylae, a momentous battle made all the more legendary by the fact that as few as 300 Spartan warriors (some estimates range as high as 1,000)managed to hold off an army that numbered in the hundreds of thousands for three days.

Xerxes, the ruler of Persia, had amassed an army that may have numbered as high as a million, which was moving across the Middle East and into Greece with the intent of conquering the known world. Many of the Greek city-states were prepared to simply submit. But two things occurred after the 300 Spartans held Xerxes's army off for three days. One, it allowed time for Greek naval forces to move into position to challenge Xerxes. Two, as word spread of the battle, it inspired other Greeks to choose to battle Xerxes. Xerxes's forces also were probably somewhat demoralized by the battle as Xerxes probably lost thousands of men as he sent wave after wave of soldiers at the Spartans.

The Spartans eventually fell, but their sacrifice resulted in victory and Xerxes and his army were eventually turned back.

Miller takes a few literary licenses with the story, to good effect, and presents a fairly accurate and engrossing retelling of the battle. Highly recommended.

Frank Miller does history
Frank Miller writes the story of 300 Spartans battling the entire Persian army during the Greek/Persian wars of antiquity. This is good stuff, but you should probably read Miller's classic "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" before "300", to see whether you like Miller's style or not. Despite the different setting the storytelling is very similar; Miller has a hard-boiled, "men are men" sort of style that seems to be present in whatever he writes. The book is based on the Battle of Thermopylae, and though I do not know how true to history the graphic novel is, it does make a gripping story. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Calling Spaceman Spiff
There is little you can say about a Calvin and Hobbes book. As with the other books in this series, it is very funny, insightful of people and children, and something that I seem to be able to read over and over. Bill Waterson brings a perspective on humans that is as unique as Gary Larson's perspectives, only his viewpoint surrounds our "hero," Calvin. The long-suffering Hobbes (a tiger, don't you know) is often a voice of doubt and sanity that Calvin rarely, if ever, heeds. When Calvin realizes that Hobbes is being critical, a fight generally ensues. Given that Hobbes is a "ferocious" tiger, Calvin rarely gains the upper hand.

This book is excellent and relatively benign humor, good for any occasion when you need a break from the world. More amazing, this book can be read over and over, and each time you'll still find it funny. I strongly recommend this book.

One of the Best
The Days Are Just Packed is one of my favorite Calvin & Hobbes books. It is the first collection to have the undivided Sunday format, and the full-format Sunday strips are real works of art. Even after you've read it a million times, and have all the punchlines memorized, this is still a great book, and worth reading again. If you haven't been exposed to Calvin and Hobbes, this would be a great place to start.

Calvin The Great
Another great slab paperback filled with the very best of this over active duo. Themed for the holidays, Calvin and Hobbes get up to their usual mischief at the detriment of Mom, Dad, Susie and others. Read it over and over again just to get a little laughter in a boring day. Highly recommended.

Don't you wish everyday was summer?
Fans of Calvin & Hobbes who used to read the newspaper strip in the 80s and 90s will find great pleasure in reading this collection of C&H comics. These witty comics about the 6-year old Calvin and his stuffed tiger Hobbes, named after the famous philosophers, will amuse people of all ages. The perceptiveness and humor of Watterson deserve the highest of cartoon awards, while his artistic creations exude hilarity. This cartoon is perhaps one of the most piercing yet funny critiques of modern society.

Summer is the time when Calvin and Hobbes can hang out in the treehouse and plot their next attacks on Susie, if they're not busy fighting with each other, that is. This book also contains some of Calvin's best snowman art. Procrastinators will love Calvin's newest invention - the Time Machine, or perhaps not? This is definitely one of the best C&H books around.

Note that there are two series of C&H collections: individual wide-format albums, each covering an entire year of strips (will call it "regular"), and the vertical aspect ratio "treasury series" which covers selected comics from two regular C&H books. Note that C&H ran for a year in newspapers, so there's 10 regular books and 5 treasury books. Though the cartoons are slightly smaller in the treasury collection, each treasury book is far thicker and contains more strips than a regular book, and is furthermore less expensive, so treasury books are a real bargain. "The Days Are Just Packed" belongs to the regular series and was published in 1993.

This Book is Not Bad...
I actually am fond of comics and I even made up my own. My favorite kind is the kind that are funny, like Calvin and Hobbes, and at first, when I saw a Calvin and Hobbes book, I loved them. Then when I kept reading, I got bored and didn't read anymore ever since. Now I read it again and I love it. Every thing about it is good, and I surely will recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Thousands of U.S. soldiers have suffered grievous wounds in Iraq, but only one of them is a Doonesbury character. This special collection chronicles seven months of cutting-edge cartooning, during which B.D.-and readers of the strip-got an up-close schooling in a kind of personal transformation no one seeks. Deprived not only of leg but also his ubiquitous trademark helmet, B.D. survives first-response Baghdad triage, evacuation to Landstuhl's surgeon-rich environment, and visits by innumerable morale-boosting celebs, both red and blue in hue. He's awed in turn by morphine, take-no-guff nurses, his fellow amps, and his family, including the daughter who hand-delivers succor, one aspirin at a time. Transferred stateside to Walter Reed's Ward 57, B.D. is inspired by the wisdom of physiatrists, warmed by the dedicated ministrations of real-life fellow-amp heroes like Jim the Milkshake Man, and dazzled by high-tech prostheses that cost more than luxury cars. He's annoyed by his own bouts with self-pity, by the bedside awkwardness of friends more comfortable regarding his stump from e-mail distance, and by Zonk's unwavering commitment to supplementing his care with organic meds. As their journey continues, B.D. and Boopsie are cared for by Fisher House, a home-next-door-to-the-hospital for families whose lives revolve around therapy. B.D. finds himself painfully engaged in building his future, one sadistically difficult physical therapy session at a time. "To Lash, Helga, and the Marquis!" toast the band of differently limbed brethren, raising their glasses to their PT masters as they prepare for reentry into the ambulatory world. From rebuilding tissue to rebuilding social skills to rebuilding lives, B.D's inspiring, insightful, and darkly humorous story confirms that it can take a village, or at least a ward, to raise a soldier when he's gone down. "Thank you for getting blown up," offers one of B.D.'s visiting players. Replies the coach, "Just doing my job."

Book Description

Jason Fox rules . . . his computer code, at calc and trig, and in whatever fantasy he happens to be headlining at the moment. Just because the rest of the Fox family-from older brother Peter and sister Paige to parents Roger and Andy-haven't quite accepted his Dominion Over All isn't cause for concern. Math geeks, Jason is convinced, will govern the earth, and he will lead the way. FoxTrotius Maximus: A FoxTrot Treasury, picks up on Jason's megalomania and runs with it . . . and it doesn't stop until readers are out of breath from laughing so hard.FoxTrotius Maximus combines the works Your Momma Thinks Square Roots Are Vegetables, Who's Up for Some Bonding, and Am I a Mutant or What? That means longtime FoxTrot readers and new fans alike are treated to Jason and his friend Marcus's never-ending antics, Andy's ongoing allergy fun, Peter's latest hot haircut, and a host of pop-culture trends and topics including music piracy, video games, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Timely, topical, and terribly funny!This latest FoxTrot treasury represents the ninth anthology of Amend's wildly successful comic strip, based upon the cartoonist's 17 previous books and his daily and Sunday syndicated appearances in more than 1,000 newspapers worldwide. FoxTrot truly is one of America's all-time favorite comics, and combined sales of nearly three million copies show that Amend knows how to capture and keep his audience's humor-loving attention. All hail, FoxTrotius Maximus! ... Read more

Book Description

Homer Simpson is a man's man, an Average Joe, a loving father and husband, and a devoted beer drinker. But do you know the "real" Homer? Find out what's on Homer's mind, discover the mysteries of Homer's fridge, hang out in Homer's haunts; meet his friends and enemies; and spend a typical day with the lovable lout who will lift you out of your D'oh-ldrums. ... Read more

Book Description

The European country of Slorenia is dead. Every man, woman, and child eliminated with the cold precision of a machine. And out of the flaming remnants of this tiny Baltic state comes a message from its murderer: Mankind's days are numbered because Ultron has returned! He - or it - is one of the Avengers' oldest, most implacable foes, menacing humanity countless times. But never before has Ultron been this dangerous, this deadly. Now, he stands on the brink of committing global genocide, and rebuilding Earth in his own robotic images. Our only hope is a desperate U.N. strike on Slorenia, led by the Avengers themselves. But will it be in time? Will the strength and courage of Earth's Mightiest Heroes be enough in the face of such overwhelming evil? For the sake of the world, it will have to be! Plus: When you're an Avenger, you're one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes - the first line of defense against the dangers no conventional foe could halt, the threats no ordinary man could withstand. Threats including Dominex, Lord Templar, Pagan, and the Thunderbolts! Collects Avengers #12-22, #0 and Annual 1999. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the mildly entertaining memoir Cad: Confessions of a Toxic Bachelor, former New York Times reporter and pop-culture critic Rick Marin chronicles the years of marathon dating and shallow living that followed in the wake of his failed "starter marriage." Marin moves through a series of urbane exploits and short-lived affairs, perfecting his trademark move of whipping off his horn-rims midconversation in a "myopic gaze," holding court with his wingman Tad over the hot buffet at Billy's Topless, and regurgitating wisdom gleaned from The Godfather. Like the similarly self-indulgent How to Lose Friends & Alienate People, Cad has its memorablemoments--Marin comparing his wedding video to the Zapruder film and hitting on actress Moira Kelly when she was still an ingénue living with her mom on Long Island--but the book's swinging, ring-a-ding-ding Rat Pack attitude feels noticeably forced and uninspired, leaving a flat aftertaste to the whole affair. --Brad Thomas Parsons ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Entertaining, but not 'literature'
Coming out of an early marriage to a somewhat lost young woman, Rick Marin decides to embrace a "love 'em and leave 'em" single life. Readers who enjoy "Bridget Jones" type books or Cosmopolitan magazine will enjoy this male perspective on the NYC dating scene.

For much of the book, the writer works freelance, including writing articles for fashion and beauty magazines such as Allure and Mademoiselle. Although his work may address things naive women can do when 'he' doesn't call, the writer is more cavalier in his own life--he doesn't call because he never had any intention of calling you and doesn't care. Many of the female characters in the book are self involved, insecure, or just flighty, offering some amusement in the cavalier treatment they receive from the cad. The vulnerability of some of these women sheds some unflattering light on the writer at times.

Consistent with other stories of this genre, the writer grows into an adult during the course of the book. Treatment of a family tragedy is conveyed well and with empathy, without being overly sentimental. However, the final pieces where the writer finds true love aren't consistent with the rest of the novel and feel like they don't quite fit.

Overall, a novel with some literary pretensions that manages to entertain most of the time.

A Jolly Ride.
First off, the title for the book is potentially misleading. Mr. Marin is not a cad as he is neither unprincipled nor ungentlemanly throughout the majority of his interactions. At one point a woman he works with wants to set him up on a blind date and he says "I have a girlfriend. I can't take her number." This is not the response of a cad. In the eyes of this reviewer, it appears that Mr. Marin is well within the range of average behavior for a man or woman in America thro