Marjane Satrapi’s latest ‘CHICKEN WITH PLUMS’ tells the story of her great-uncle, a celebrated Iranian musician who slips into despair after his irreplacable tar is irreparably damaged. $16.95
Guy Delisle’s second graphic novel ‘SHENZHEN: A TRAVELOGUE FROM CHINA’ is filled with observations of life in a cold urban city in southern China that is sealed off by electric fences and armed guards from the rest of the country. Having just visited China last summer, I’m looking forward to reading this compassionate and humorous book from the author of ‘PYONGYANG: A JOURNAL IN NORTH KOREA’. $19.95
‘BOSNIAN FLAT DOG’ by Max Andersson and Lars Sjunnesson. A collaborate art effort in every panel! This collects the serialized story from one of my favorite comics Death & Candy ..1-4. Starting at the Slovenian Alternative Comics Convention of 1999, the story follows 3 cartoonists absurd and surreal journey through Croatia to Bosnia. Diverse clues like gift shop grenade shells and mysterious ice cream ladies lead to a terrifying underground conspiracy. Fans of Gary Panter will dig this story.
‘THE SWEETER SIDE OF R. CRUMB’ This sketchbook contains lots of stuff from the past 6 years as well as work from the 80’s and 90’s. Definitely sweeter material, focusing on family members and musicians and people about town. Still passionate and revealing, just less grotesque or icky.
‘WILL EISNER’S NEW YORK: LIFE IN THE BIG CITY’ collects 4 of Will Eisner’s most important books in one handsome hardcover edition. Includes New York, The Building, City People Notebook, and Invisible People. This is the perfect place to see why Eisner is the one. Also includes seven new illustrations Eisner finished before his death in 2005 and an outtakes section! $29.95
‘THE BEST AMERICAN COMICS 2006’ edited by Harvey Pekar. Remember McSweeney’s number 13? This innaugural annual offers a great selection of the finest of 2006, graphic novels, pamphlet comics, newspapers, magazines, mini-comics and the Web. 30 cartoonists including: Anders Nilsen, Lilli Carre, David Lasky, Ben Katchor, Alison Bechdel, Joe Sacco, Chris Ware, Jaime Hernandez, John Porcellino, David Heatley, Lloyd Dangle, Alex Robinson, Jessica Abel, Tom Hart, Jesse Reklaw, Lynda Barry, Robert Crumb. These are just some of the more recognizable names. The newcomers are just as exciting to discover. 293 pages, b&w and color, $22
‘THE MAGIC BOTTLE’ a Blab! storybook by Camille Rose Garcia. Pirates vs. Capitalists on Peppermint Island. If you’re not familiar with Camille Garcia’s work y’all better ask somebody. Y’all better ask somebody.
‘COMPLETE POPBOT’ by Ashley Wood. Sorta like Stray Toasters only with more sexy ladies showing their vaginas. And it’s got a clone of Andy Warhol hosting a tv show, which is actually pretty clever.
‘HONEY TALKS’ Comics Inspired By Painted Beehive Panels. Another awesome box set from Stripburger. Includes 9 comics inspired by a form of Slovene folk art. Participating artists: Anke Feuchtenberger, Matthias Lehmann, Milorad Krstic, Danijel Zezelj, Vladan Nikolic, Jakob Klemencic, Rutu Modan, Koco, Marcel Ruijters, Matej Lavrencic, Pakito Bolino. I haven’t heard of many of these artists before, but the beauty and quality of these books is immediately appealing. Reminds me of the new Ignatz books and Comix 2000. $23.95
‘PREMILLENIAL MAAKIES’ The first five years of Maakies in a lenghtwise HC designed by Chip Kidd. Of course! We also got the first issue of the new Sock Monkey mini-series ‘The Inches Incident’ in last week.
‘CRIMINAL #1’ by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. The team that brought you SLEEPER introduces their awesome new crime book.
‘OTHERSIDE #1’ by Jason Aaron and Cameron Stewart. This new Vertigo series is like Full Metal Jacket except it covers both the American and Vietnamese side of the war. Traumatic and scary.
‘A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET #1’ I like Freddy as much as the next guy or gal but this book probably sucks.