Yeah yeah lots of cool graphic novels, books, what have you, but let’s take a look at the floppies, the skinnies, the monthlies, shall we?

The Authority #1 & Wildcats #1 by Grant Morrison – Well it’s by Grant Morrison so that means I’m buying. Almost nothing happens in the 1st Authority and the Authority don’t even make an appearance. But… amazing art by Gene Ha, and an awesome intro to what is gonna be a thrilling widescreen story! Rather than try to copy what was done before, Morrison is obviously taking this in a new and original direction. Wildcats *ahem* WildC.A.T.S. had some really cool ideas and dialogue. I’m not the biggest Jim Lee art fan, but he seems to be a pretty awesome editor, doesn’t he?

Casanova #5 – haven’t read it yet, still a bit behind. But I’ve loved every issue of this book so far. Lots and lots of fun. Tate compared it to Scud on the fun-factor-o-meter. Fans of Jerry Cornelius or Gideon Stargrave or Steranko Nick Fury must check this out.

Damned #1 from Oni Press – really cool concept. Noirish gangster story mixed with helldemons. Cool art by Brian Hurtt reminds me of Guy Davis a bit, but cleaner.

Desolation Jones #7 – Warren Ellis returns with new artist Daniel Zezelj, who I like a lot. The first arc on this book rocked. Great character with a strange intriguing origin that gets revealed bit by bit. Jones is a retired operative whose cover requires that he remain in the greater Los Angeles area. Has junkie like symptoms due to mysterious “desolation tests”. Interesting side effect, he sees angels. And is good at violence. Awesome supporting cast of characters and great dialogue from Ellis. Probably his best book right now after Planetary. Fell is good too. Fans of Fell should give Ben Templesmith’s “Wormwood Gentlemen Corpse” a shot. It’s not as perfect as Fell, but very similar and very funny. Not sure if Ellis imitates Templesmith’s humor or vice versa.

Queen & Country #31 – Greg Rucka’s awesome British spy book returns! Finally! I’m a bit behind on this title as well, but it’s good to see a new issue on the shelves.

Ramayan #2 & John Woo’s 7 Brothers – I’m intrigued by some of these books that new publisher Virgin Comics is putting out. Indian mythology and culturally diverse creators and characters. Cool artwork. Garth Ennis on the 7 Brothers book. I’ve heard some people say they won’t buy anything with Deepak Chopra’s name on it. Will you hate me if I say I’m not one of those people?

Runaways #21 – what? You like Brian K. Vaughan but you don’t read Runaways? Why not? What if I told you it was really good and the art is cool? Hm. Okay I won’t force you. I’m just saying… this feels like the Claremont X-Men for a new generation.

Silent Leaves book 1 – by Christopher Shy. This guy’s art is really pretty. Photoshopped photo realistic, green tinted cyberpunk Heavy Metal beauty. Did the Pathfinder book recently for Dark Horse. I also got a couple of his sketchbooks in. This might be right up your alley.

Moving on to those heavier, more expensive comics…

Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall HC – as they say, an excellent series in the tradition of Sandman. So this will be their Endless Nights with gorgeous art by Brian Bolland, James Jean, Tara McPherson, Michael Wm. Kaluta, Charles Vess, Jill Thompson, and more.

The Particle Tarot (the major arcana) photographs by Dave McKean & Postcards From Vienna a sketchbook portfolio inspired by a trip to Vienna I presume.

You Ain’t No Dancer vol. 2 – adorable little anthology of b&w comics, somewhere between a Top Shelf or Flight collection. Includes Jeffery Brown, Hope Larson, Lilli Carre, and many more. 100 pages, 9 bucks.

Ohikkoshi (Takeiteasy Comics Complete Works) – Why do you care? Cause this is by Blade of the Immortal artist Hiroaki Samura, and from the tough girl on the cover holding a baseball bat, you can tell these modern era romantic comedies are gonna be brilliant.

The Walking Man by Jiro Taniguchi – thanks Fanfare for bringing this acclaimed manga artist’s works to the West. My favorite manga (lone wolf & cub) has the ability to bring synaesthetic details to life with its slow pacing and immersive cinematic flow. You can almost feel the steam rising off the sticky rice. These vignettes achieve this transportative quality. The Walking Man walks. He climbs the tree. He sweats when it’s hot. He’s cold when it rains. Huh? Am I boring you? Seriously this is really good. Look!