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AICN COMICS: Ye Olde @$$Hole X-M@$$ List!!!
Happy Holidays, my Talkbacking Talkbackers! Ambush Bug here with an X-M@$$ list like no other. If you’re looking to give some comic book fan a smile this holiday season or just looking to exchange those socks your grandmother bought you and out of ideas, some of the @$$holes have banded together to make our list of cheerful @$$ie goodness. Scroll down and see what the Holes are asking for this year and click on the links to find out where to pick them up…
It’s time for a Very BottleImp
X-Mas!
X-Mas!
Chances are, that special comic book-collecting someone has an all-time favorite artist. And chances are almost as good that his or her (but let's face it, most likely his) all-time favorite artist has been featured in the MODERN MASTERS series. These paperback volumes (now up to volume number 25 in Amazon.com's listings) compile interviews, early and rare works, sketches and pinup pages of some of comicdom's greatest talents. I myself own the editions featuring Bruce Timm and John Byrne, and would recommend this series for anyone who wants to learn more about their comic creating heroes.
Here's one from my own personal wish list: LOOKING FOR CALVIN AND HOBBES: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and his Revolutionary Comic Strip. Given the remarkable success and popularity of Watterson's strip, it seems unfathomable that he chose to end it after a mere ten years of publication. What is even more amazing is that Calvin and Hobbes existed solely as comic strip characters-- Watterson refused to go the "Garfield" route and merchandise (i.e., sell out) his creation. I'm looking forward to discovering the story behind this iconic comic strip, and the story behind its reclusive creator.
Finally, who among us doesn't secretly yearn for the days of unwrapping shiny new toys on Christmas morning? Thankfully, that's never been a problem for us comic book fans. One of my favorite toy lines for years has been Mattel's JUSTICE LEAGUE action figures, based on the Bruce Timm character designs from the cartoon of the same name. Though you may have to resort to eBay for some of the older or rarer releases, mattycollector.com sells exclusive four-packs that may appeal to the kid in you. My pick for Mattel's best online offering is the DOOM PATROL -- it took forty years, but those cult favorites have finally gotten their own figures! Now all we need is a wheelchair-bound chief to finish the set.Matt Adler wants more
than his two front teeth this year!
than his two front teeth this year!
This year, I have two comics-related gifts in mind for members of my family. For my cousin, I'll be getting THE MARVEL ENCYCLOPEDIA. My cousin is a comics trivia fanatic, and this tome is a must-have for anyone who absolutely needs to know why the Beyonder wore a white jumpsuit and jheri curls during SECRET WARS II. It's an exhaustive reference work covering the length and breadth of Marvel history, and written by authorities on the subject: former Marvel EiC Tom DeFalco, Marvel historian Peter Sanderson, and Marvel Executive Editor Tom Brevoort. Get it for the comics fanatic in your life.
My aunt is more of a recent convert to the world of comics, and for her I'm choosing something a bit less fanboy-ish. She always enjoys a good story, and since one of my favorite comic series is FABLES, what better way to get her into it than the recently released FABLES novel PETER & MAX? It's the story of two brothers, Peter Piper (of pepper-picking fame) and the Pied Piper of Hamelin. I know, their connection was news to me too, but I guess musical talent runs in the family. Anyway, this novel is a terrific introduction to the vast world of FABLES, a series that takes the fairy tales we know and love and sheds a new and interesting light on them, blending the modern with the fantastic. The novel sets everything up for a new reader, so they won't feel like they're coming into the middle of a story, but it's also a must if you're already a regular of the series.superhero demands Comics
for Christmas!
for Christmas!
PLUTO Vols. 1-6 - This is a great series and would be a fantastic gift for any manga or all around comic book/sci-fi fan. Naoki Urasawa updates a popular storyline from the old ASTRO BOY series and makes it a more compelling world than Osamu Tezuka ever did. Urasawa injects this book with all the tension and character development of his book MONSTER but uses the settings of ASTRO BOY’s universe to create something new and refreshing. I cannot recommend this series enough. A must buy for any comic fan’s stocking stuffer.
LAST NIGHT ON EARTH board game - I’ve been hearing a lot lately about this board game and I’m dying to get my grubby little mitts on it. A zombie strategy game about surviving in a zombie apocalypse? Hell, yes, I’m there. This is at the top of my list for X-Mas this year. I’ve played the other popular boardgame ZOMBIES and had fun with that but LAST NIGHT ON EARTH is supposed to be a much better gaming experience. If you’ve got a horror fan in your little group of survivors than this game should not disappoint.
SAMURAI CHAMPLOO: THE COMPLETE SERIES (BLU-RAY) - I loved this anime when I first saw it a couple of years back. It was wacky and action packed samurai action with a hip-hop twist. I only recently got a Blu-Ray player and was skeptical about anime on Blu-Ray. Then I rented an anime called SWORD OF THE STRANGER and my jaw hit the floor once I saw the quality of the picture. I’m a believer. And if the picture quality of SAMURAI CHAMPLOO is as good as STRANGER’S was that’s a perfect reason for me to watch this show all over again. Looks like a must have.A Stones Throw’s Stocking List!
For the comic book aficionado: THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN: CENTURY: 1910 (Top Shelf/Knockabout) - Despite the confusing title, Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill’s LEAGUE series returned to straightforward storytelling this year after the perhaps overly experimental indulgence of THE BLACK DOSSIER two Christmases ago. Quite excellent it was, too, what with O’Neill’s typically superb art and a story that moved the Victorian team a decade along into the Edwardian era, subtly commenting on both the fiction of the time and its social distinctions. On a less cerebral level, there was rip-roaring action from new characters such as Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, Captain Nemo’s pirate daughter, and Somerset Maugham’s Oliver Haddo (AKA Alesteir Crowley -- some day there will be an Alan Moore work that doesn’t involve him). The latest LEAGUE volume, part one in a new three-part series, is a stocking filler every serious comic book fan will want.
For the Bible-believing uncle or aunt: THE BOOK OF GENESIS ILLUSTRATED BY R. CRUMB (Jonathan Cape) - What is Christmas about if not the Bible? And coincidentally enough, that’s what R. Crumb’s latest graphic novel is all about, too. Why has he done it? To mock believers? To point out just how strange and vicious some of the stories that form the foundation of our culture are? Or just for the Hell (pun not intended) of it? The last theory seems the closest to this amazing and befuddling book. All I can say is that it’s a genuinely memorable interpretation of Genesis, it taught me more than any other comic this year (even THE BOYS: HEROGASM) and in several passages it helped me understand Biblical tales I’ve never quite been able to wrap my head around in prose. I’m sure that it would prove equally fascinating to any other member of the family. Well, it’s best if they’re over a certain age. In some respects, THE BOOK OF GENESIS isn’t too different to Crumb’s previous work.
For the brother-in-law who saw WATCHMEN: SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING BOOK ONE (DC) - Alan Moore’s earliest triumph at DC Comics got a hardcover reprinting this year. I last read it in trade paperbacks and I can’t wait to look at the swanky new edition and see if it’s still as good as I remember it. THE SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING is the perfect place for any budding (pun intended) fans of Moore’s work to cultivate what I’m sure will be a flowering relationship. Geddit? Oh, forget it. Is it time for my mince pies yet?!Humphrey Lee knocks back some eggnog
& tells Santa what he really thinks of him…
& tells Santa what he really thinks of him…
ASTONISHING X-MEN OMNIBUS - I know it’s the easy line to say, but this collection of possibly the best X-MEN story I have personally read is one of those proverbial “must for any fan!!!” It’s a hefty read; obviously the already gorgeous Cassaday art benefits from the larger format, and Marvel has done well in recent years to go to much sturdier and less awkward sewed binding for their Omnibi, so you know you are getting the most out of your dollar. But the storytelling is as humorous, action packed, and character-centric as you would expect a Joss Whedon work to be, and well, there’s the John Cassaday art. A great give for someone you deem worth the cost (which isn’t all too bad if you go the Amazon route).
ASTERIOS POLYP - Have a pretentious comic book reading fan for a friend or loved one who is always turning their nose up at your standard Capes & Tights type books? Are they always whining on and on about what comics could and should be? Well, then do I have a book for you (to give to them)!!! And, yes, it is pretty much exemplary of everything the comic book medium should aspire to. A fantastic story by one of the comics true masters, David Mazzucchelli , this is a prime example of how the comic page and panels can be manipulated for maximum effect. This is not only probably the best comic of the year, but possibly the best Original Graphic Novel of the decade. A must for your snobby special someone.
PARKER BOOK ONE: THE HUNTER - This is a book that would make a great gift for several kinds of fans. Firstly, you have fans of Darwyn Cooke in general, which are many, and his gift for a rough yet almost animated style of art and the storytelling power it holds. It is also a heck of gift for those who enjoy themselves some retro noir, and really, who doesn’t? And lastly, if your giftee is one of those persons who like them some very rough and gruff anti-heroes in their stories, well then, Parker is their man. And, really, it’s just an excellent graphic novel for anyone, but it will definitely tickle those with rougher tastes just right.God bless us everyone
…and Jinxo too!
…and Jinxo too!
My picks are really focused on how to take my comic book geekery and focus them into presents for people who might not actually be comic geeks. I mean, real comic fans are going to have bought anything cool I can think of for themselves already.
First up is something I actually am giving as a gift this year (damn, hope the person I bought this for isn't reading this column). And that is the first book collection of GARFIELD MINUS GARFIELD. For those who have been living in a cave, GARFIELD MINUS GARFIELD started as a web site run by Dan Walsh. He takes existing GARFIELD comics and, well, removes Garfield from them and in the process makes them funnier. Usually John now just comes across as insane - talking to himself, doing odd things - and a little bit sad. GARFIELD creator Jim Davis rather than being offended got the joke and has run with it releasing a GARFIELD MINUS GARFIELD book. My take was to give it to a Garfield fan I know who I'm sure knows about the web comic explaining that while I did want to give her a collection of her favorite comic strip character, due to the economy I could not actually afford to include Garfield himself.
My next suggestion would be for the book fan in your life. Marvel Comics has been crrrazy with comics adapted from or inspired by famous books. Know a non-comic type who loves Stephen King's DARK TOWER books? Grab one of the various graphic novels collecting the DARK TOWER comics that fill in the gaps the books left. My only regret is that The Fall Of Gilead, which chronicles a huge moment in DARK TOWER history, won't be available until February. Got youngsters to buy for? Grab the WIZARD OF OZ graphic novel. Amazing! Got a girlfriend into Jane Austen? Marvel has an adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (still can't quite wrap my mind around that one).
Finally, DC and Marvel Comics have put out a number of solid straight to home video animated features. For maximum enjoyment as a gift giver, I recommend finding that kid in your life (not too young) who likes action stories but who maybe isn't comic literate and give them the animated WONDER WOMAN feature. I speak from experience. This summer my family went on a trip together. My nephew asked to borrow my iPod at one point so he could kill time watching one of the movies I had on it. He took one look and scoffed, "Wonder Woman?!?!" To him it must have looked toooo girly. Certainly not badass like a BATMAN flick. I then watched with great amusement as his jaw hit the floor and he said, "Wow. This is insane! Fights and actions and..." It is a crazy violent action ride that will likely take young male action fans quite by surprise.Ambush Bug knows he’s been naughty…
But he made a list anyway!
But he made a list anyway!
Though PRIDE & PREJUDICE & ZOMBIES seems to be a cult fave these days with Natalie Portman rumored to be playing the lead in the film adaptation, I’m asking Santa for its follow-up, SENSE & SENSIBILITY & SEA MONSTERS by Jane Austen & Ben H. Winters. Never have the classics been so much fun to read. I plowed through P&P&Z on a plane ride back from this year’s San Diego Comic Con and as soon as I heard there was going to be a follow up, I knew this book was going to go on the top of my X-M@$$ list. Though I’m wondering what’s next…OF MICE & MEN & MARTIANS, perhaps?
I’ve always been a bust man…Bowen busts that is. I always peruse the Bowen site to see that new gems they’ve carved for me this year, like the sweet-@$$ Arcade Bust over on the left there (kinda looks like me from High School to tell you the truth…feel my pain!). The amount of detail in these mini statues is astounding and it’s the perfect decoration for a computer desk. Every Con I go to, I try to pick up one of these fantastic busts, though I’m still itchin’ to get my hands on the amazing Cloak & Dagger bust that is turning out to be pretty tough to find…
If you like original takes on old monsters, give ZOMBIE HAIKU and VAMPIRE HAIKU a try. Much like PRIDE & PREJUDICE & ZOMBIES, these haiku narratives by Ryan Meacum featuring some of your favorite monsters makes you feel all smart and stuff while you’re getting your dose of horror goodness. It’s poetry that doesn’t make you want to gouge your eyes and ears out.Finally, I got my hands on a trio of unconventional mini-hardcover Holiday books from it! Books by artists that you’d usually find in my weekly Indie Jones section.
First up is an oldie but a goodie, THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O. Henry. You all know the tale of broke lovers trying to please the other by selling what’s most near and dear to them. This adaptation by Joel Priddy (who did last year’s PULPATOON: PILGRIMAGE) is about as vibrant a rendition of this story as they come and really pushes the limits of graphic storytelling. If you don’t know the story, this is a perfect little introduction to it. 
The second was THE FIR-TREE by Hans Christian Andersen, which is a story I wasn’t familiar with and although it’s not the most chipper of holiday tales it does have a morbid kind of innocence about it. Indie Jones regular Lilli Carre (who did the fantastically lyrical THE LAGOON graphic novel last year) offers an unconventional and dark visual adaptation to this unconventional and dark tale. 
The best of the bunch is a cracked Christmas tale, A KIDNAPPED SANTA CLAUS originally written by WIZARD OF OZ’s L. Frank Baum and adapted here by Alex Robinson of Top Shelf’s BOX OFFICE POISON fame. I never even heard of this one, but I won’t forget it now. It’s a pretty involved tale about Santa vs. some demons who live on the other side of the forest from him in the North Pole. Robinson adds the same comic wit he does in all of his work and makes this story as fresh and modern as they come. I’d love to see this story adapted into a film someday. If you like your Holiday tales indie flavored, you can’t go wrong with this batch from it! Books.From all of us at @$$Hole HQ to all of you in the Talkbacks and beyond, have a Happy Holidays!
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and why did the beyonder look like that?
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Really, really good.
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missed hearing about Garfield minus Garfield; that sounds awesome
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its on my list
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Garfield is a terrible comic. Sorry, I hate it. Taking the cat out of it and making it about a sad, lonely, kind of insane guy with no life and possibly an imaginary friend makes it edgy, funny, and kind of dark. Ironic that the only way to save the comic is to take the titular character out of it. I do miss Calvin & Hobbes though.
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...scripture. I'm forever grateful and in awe that he didn't cash in with merchandising.If my house was on fire my Complete Calvin And Hobbes hardcover box set is one of the few possessions I would try to save.
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...everything I think he successfully explored every corner of Calvin's world. It's an intentionally small world...he couldn't just keep expanding it and adding characters like PEANUTS.It would have been interesting to see Calvin grow up of course, but as it stands the strip is perfect and he walked away at just the right time.
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...should really be in the headline of this article. There isn't a lot of information about Watterson out there...this is NEWS.
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Is there something Christian about it? Is Watterson some known religious guy? Just wondering because I always seen those fucking Calvin like character bowing down to a cross or humping it or something on the back of cars? Like this one: http://tinyurl.com/y8tprf9 Or is it just some lame ripoff?
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Once a Douche, always a Douche.
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...I have a couple home-made stickers taken directly from the comics on my car, but the Calvin pissing and shit are all abominations.As for religion, you get the impression that Watterson had some sort of traditional Christianish Midwestern upbringing and he's obviously interested in philosophy (Hobbes was a philosopher who took a skeptical and bleak view of humanity)...he likes to play around and poke fun at both in the strip. Calvin himself is an unhinged anarchist/skeptic/mystic/objectivist depending on his mood...he prays, but only for snow.
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...and put it right next to a reclining naked lady sticker.
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Cool I was just wondering if it was like a Narnia sort of thing or not.
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...the ritual usually involves consuming five bowls of Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs and offering the Glowing Box a lukewarm bowl of oatmeal representing his slowly coagulating brain...
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...but it would be a good idea.
I could see David Copperfield: Vampire Slayer...
...or A Tale of Two Cities Enslaved by Martians...
...or Crime and Punishment and Psychic Powers...
...or War and Peace and Werewolves. -
But amazon only has one copy and its $240, fuck that!
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romeo and juliet and werewolves and Vampires.....wait.....
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Short answer: Because he was completely unfamiliar with humanity, so upon arriving on Earth, he imitated whatever he saw, including then-popular fashions. Michael Jackson made that look popular in Thriller:
http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/080718/fashion/Thriller-Michael-Jackson_l.jpg
http://wootblogimages.s3.amazonaws.com/beyonder1.jpg -
Got the Fables book for my Xmas reading. Looking forward to it. I'd be curious whatever happened to Watterston. You'd think there would have been more. A followup with Calvin as a sullen ADD teenager might be interesting.
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Wow...that is fucked up! Just the other day that game was on Amazon for 5o bucks!!! Wha hoppen???Looks like you can get it here...http://tinyurl.com/ydsgmx2...but I have no idea if that's a good site or not. Hey, wait, why am I telling you this? I'll never get one of those now!
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I'm not saying that is an absolute rule or anything, just one guys opinion, but the Whedon run was my single favorite X-Men run of all time, bar none. Brilliant in every facet, IMHO.
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I've seen stickers of Calvin pissing and stickers of Calvin praying to a cross. I want to combine the two types of stickers and have one of Calvin pissing on a cross.
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The @$$holes aren't apparently, supplying this great list. Thanks, guys!
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I mean, why don't we see Bart-Simpson-pissing-on-Ford pasted on the back window of some dork's Chevy truck?While I admire Watterson's integrity, you know if he'd spent one week in a cubicle or behind a counter or on a construction site we'd have Calvin toys, t-shirts, calendars, etc.
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You don't just do a daily strip for so many years then one day up and stop drawing/making comics altogether. He's got to be doing some, even if no one sees them.
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Get your tongue out of Whedon's @$$hole!
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a sticker of Calvin pissing on a BMW logo on the back window of a Mercedes. Just saying.
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I see that Ambush Bug is a fan of Bowen Designs. He and the rest of you are invited to my site to check out the latest sneak peeks of forthcoming Marvel Statues and get a chance to interact with the man himself, Randy Bowen.
www.statuemarvels.com
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"Pluto" is an interesting re-telling of Tezuka's "Greatest Robot In the World", but comparing it to the original is like comparing the original Star Trek to its many spinoffs. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. I enjoyed both on their own merits. At least "Pluto" is not a bastardization of "Astro Boy" as "Wicked" is to "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". It has a great deal of respect and affection for the characters Tezuka created, and that's another feature - besides the terrific art - that makes it so enjoyable. I recommend it highly.
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Wha-huh?
Only people who are pretentious, whiny, and snobby are going to like it?
I'm sure you'll sell a TON of copies with that review. Sheesh.
It's a shame too, because a lot of AICNers could stand to read something that good... even if they wouldn't understand it.
But you should have tried to come up with something substantial to say about it instead of "Maybe you'll have a friend that will like it if they're pretentious, whiny, and snobbish." It's just a really stupid thing to write about something that you're trying to promote and get people to buy. -
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