Recommended Reading

Lately, Hollywood is making more & more comic book based movies. Some of them, like Road to Perdition was a comic book. Now there is a little bit of a stigma when it comes to comics. A lot of people think a few things when they think of comic books:

1. Comic Books are only for children.
2. Most people that read comic books are a stereotypical "geek"
3. Comics are still like the old cheesy Batman TV show

These are all stereotypes. Comics have tried to tackle tough subjects.
In the early 70's, both Spider-Man & Green Lantern/Green Arrow had stories with the bad affects of drugs. In the 90's the Hulk handled HIV. They aren't just men & women in spandex anymore. In Japan, comics, or Manga, are mainly read by adults. They are violent & sometime have rape in them. So the bottom line is comic aren't for kids anymore. I've complied a list of what I think are recommended "comic" books to read. They can be found in most bookstore, on-line & in some library. For the most part, these are non-traditional stories:

A Contract with God: And Other Tenement Stories - Will Eisner - This is considered to use the term "graphic novel". Dealing with stories and memories from Eisner's childhood in a Bronx tenement, he explores the brutality, fragility, and tenderness possible among people living in close quarters close to the poverty line. The four stories here are tough but funny, deep but finely detailed, much like the traditional Jewish stories he drew upon to flavor his own work.

Maus - Art Spiegelman - It tells the story of the narrator, Artie, and his father Vladek, a Holocaust survivor. "Maus" is an important example of both Holocaust literature and of the graphic novel.

Watchmen - Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons - The story concerns a group called the Crimebusters and a plot to kill and discredit them. Moore's characterization is as sophisticated as any novel's. Importantly the costumes do not get in the way of the storytelling; rather they allow Moore to investigate issues of power and control.

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen - Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill - In this 2 book set, it's 1898 and at the behest of M, the mysterious head of the secret Service, Champion Bond is dispatched to procure the services of Miss Mina Murray (nee Harker), adventurer Allan Quartermain, "Science-Pirate" Captain Nemo, Henry Jekyll (and his monstrous alter ego) and Hawley Griffin (a.k.a. the Invisible Man).

Sandman Series - Neil Gaimen - It's a series of 10 graphic novels. The protagonist of Sandman is Dream, the immortal anthropomorphic personification of dreams and storytelling. He is known by an array of names, most often Morpheus, but also Oneiros, Lord Shaper, Lord Kai'ckul, the Prince of Stories, and, rarely, "The Sandman". He is one of a family of seven siblings known as the Endless, each of whom personifies some aspect of reality, such as Death or Desire.

Strangers In Paradise - Terry Moore - The story primarily concerns the difficult relationship between two women, Helen Francine Peters (known simply as Francine) and Katina Marie Choovanski (Katchoo), and their friends David Qin and Gwynnethina Casey Bullocks-Femur (Casey). Francine considers Katchoo her best friend; Katchoo is in love with Francine. David is in love with Katchoo, a relationship which Katchoo herself is deeply confused about. It uses a non-linear approach to storytelling, putting in sequence elements of the story often years apart, and going back in time frequently.

V for Vendetta - Alan Moore & David Llyod - It is 1998 and a Fascist government has taken over the U.K. The only blot on its particular landscape is a lone terrorist who is systematically killing all the government personnel associated with a now destroyed secret concentration camp. Codename V is out for vengeance ... and an awful lot more.

Preacher - Garth Ennis - tells the story of Jesse Custer, a down-and-out preacher in the small Texas town of Annville. Custer was accidentally possessed by the supernatural creature named 'Genesis' in an incident which killed his entire congregation and flattened his church. Custer, driven by a strong sense of right and wrong, goes on a journey across the United States attempting to (literally) find God, who abandoned Heaven the moment Genesis was born. He is joined by his old girlfriend Tulip O'Hare, as well as a hard-drinking Irish vampire named Cassidy.

Understanding Comics & Reinventing Comics - Scott McCloud - A comic book about comic books. McCloud explains the details of how comics work: how they're composed, read and understood. More than just a book about comics, this gets to the heart of how we deal with visual languages in general.

Kingdom Come - Alex Ross & Mark Waid - In this beautifully painted story, Superman and the Justice League in the near future try to control the growing population of largely amoral and dangerously irresponsible new superheroes. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and almost every other character from DC Comics must choose sides in what could be the final battle of them all.

Now these are only some suggestions & not a definite list. I'm sure I'm missing some other good books, but these are good to start.

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MEZCO Cinema Of Fear 3

Mezco’s wildly popular Cinema of Fear series continues with their third offering of 7inch figures. Featuring uncannily film accurate likenesses, the award winning Mezco sculptors prove once again they know the world of cinematic horror better than anyone.

The newest wave features for iconic horror figures;

*Freddy from Nightmare On Elm Street 5, with alternate hand, deformed Freddy baby, and film accurate chef hat.

*Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake, includes infamous chainsaw, mallet, and maskless alternate head revealing the true face of horror!

*Jason from Friday The 13th Jason Goes to Hell, with machete, dagger, and the beloved miniature Jason demon.

*The Hitchhiker from the classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre. One of the most highly anticipated figures of 2008, this is the first time the hitchhiker has ever been captured in action figure form. Destined to become a fan favorite! He comes complete with his bindle, camera, pocketknife, and razor.

Each stands approximately 7 inches tall.
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Joe Quesada Dishes on Secret Invasion, Iron Man & More In MyCup o’ Joe Week 4

Secret Invasion! Invincible Iron Man! And…Thor versus Hulk? In this week’s installment of MyCup o’ Joe at MySpace Comic Books, Marvel’s Editor in Chief, Joe Quesada dishes on Secret Invasion, Iron Man and lets you know if Spider-Man prefers the Mets or The Yankees! Don’t miss Joe’s answers to your burning questions…and exclusive art you won’t find anywhere else…including your first look at Secret Invasion #3! It’s all at http://www.myspace.com/comicbooks!

Want to get in on the action? Head over to http://www.marvel.com/cupojoe and http://www.myspace.com/comicbooks to leave your questions for Joe Q and he’ll answer them each and every Friday!
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Thundercracker Infiltrates New York Comic Con!

With this year’s New York Comic Con fast approaching, we’re excited to announce the latest Transformers exclusive bust only available at the show! Sold only at the Action Figure Xpress booth and limited to just 400 pieces, the Transformers Thundercracker bust captures the beginning of this Decepticon’s long and treacherous path.

One of Megatron’s fiercest warriors, Thundercracker was left for dead after the disastrous attack on Autobot City. Just like his former leader Megatron, Thundercracker was discovered by the powerful Unicron and reconfigured into a more powerful form in order to destroy the Autobots once and for all. While Megatron became Galvatron, Thundercracker becomes Scourge and begins to walk the dangerous line between supporting Galvatron’s madness and protecting the universe from the same…

This six-inch bust features a hyper-detailed sculpt created by Art Asylum as well as a hand-numbered base with matching box and Certificate of Authenticity. Make sure you act quick before these exclusive busts are history!
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TML Sapphire, Sharaku, Leo, Dr. Ochanomizu

Tezuka Moderno Labo

- “Leo” – 3” PVC Figure
- “Sapphire” – 3” PVC Figure
- “Dr. Ochanomizu” – 3” PVC Figure
- “Sharaku” – 4 ½” PVC Figure

Organic Hobby, Inc proudly introduces its new and original products for the U.S. market, “Tezuka Moderno Labo Series [Leo, Sapphire, Dr. Ochanomizu & Sharaku].” Organic's Tezuka Moderno Labo series brings the best selection of Osamu Tezuka's most popular characters adorably redesigned and articulated miniature PVC figures.

These items are limited quantity so don’t wait too long......

The following four figures set to be released in June with a SRP of $15.00 [Master case: 48 pcs] are:

• "Leo" also know as "Kimba" is a fictional character originated from a Japanese anime series from the 1960s named "Jungle Emperor" (or also known in the United States as Kimba the White Lion), created by Osamu Tezuka, and based on his manga of the same title which started in 1950. It was the first color TV animation series created in Japan. The entire series of manga was first published in serialized form in Manga Shonen magazine. "Leo" is 3" tall PVC figure and comes in a clear box. The figure has a swivel joint located at the neck.
  
• "Sapphire," is originated from the Japanese manga "Princess Knight. The young Prince of Silverland Sapphire, is in reality a girl, but must pretend to be a boy in order to inherit the throne and prevent the evil Duke Duralumon from taking power. "Sapphire" is 3" tall PVC figure and comes in a clear box. The figure has a swivel joint located at the neck.
  
• "Dr. Ochanomizu" is a fictional character created by Osamu Tezuka, introduced in Episode 1: Birth of Astro Boy, where he rescued Astro from Caccitore's circus. The present head of the Institute of Science and a fearless campaigner for robotic rights. Kind, patient and good-natured, he serves as a mentor for both Astro and Uran, and would willingly give his life for either. Somewhat eccentric by nature, he tends to be excitable when faced by a scientific mystery, particularly when his opinions are questioned by his scientific colleagues. "Dr. Ochanomizu" is 3" tall PVC figure and comes in a clear box.
  
• "Sharaku" is the main character of Osamu Tezuka's manga and anime known as "The Three-Eyed One (Mitsume ga tooru)". He is a little boy who has a terrible power. On his forehead is a third eye that, if open, releases extremely dangerous mystical energy that turns him into an evil sorcerer, bent on conquering mankind, and able to summon demons and wielding a red harpoon wand called Red Condor. Sharaku is, in fact, descended from the mysterious ancient race of Three-Eyed Ones, who were responsible for constructing the pyramids and many wonders of the ancient world. "Sharaku" is 3" tall PVC figure and comes in a clear box.
  
  
  
  

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Sue Storm Betrays The Fantastic Four?

Marvel is finally able to unveil the full cover to Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four #1 as the team’s betrayer stands revealed as…Sue Storm! But, trapped in the Negative Zone, the FF must figure out if they’re who they think they are and decide who they really trust!

SECRET INVASION: FANTASTIC FOUR #1 (of 3) (MAR082209)
Written by ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA
Penciled by BARRY KITSON
Cover by ALAN DAVIS
Rated A …$2.99
FOC—4/24/08, On-Sale—5/14/08

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