Off the Shelf

This week, I want to take a look at two works that are coming out in the next couple of months.

First up is "Strange Tales" from the MAX imprint at Marvel Comics. This three issue mini-series is an anthology with work by some of the biggest names from indie and underground comics: Peter Bagge, Jason, Paul Pope, James Kochalka, and more. It'll be exciting to see fresh takes on Marvel's most prominent properties, especially since the creators all hail from alt comix.

Matt Kindt debuts his new book, "3 Story: The Secret History of the Giant Man," in October. Kindt has been burning up the indie scene over the last couple of years, winning awards and critical praise for his works "2 Sisters" and "Super Spy." 3 Story tells the tale of a man who continues to grow and the trouble that brings. From Kindt's site:

What would it be like to stand head and shoulders above everyone else - and to keep growing? Unable to interact with a fragile world that isn't built to withstand your size? To live in a house that doesn't fit you anymore - with a wife who doesn't either? Craig Pressgang's life is well documented in his official CIA biography, "Giant Man: Pillar of America," but the heroic picture it paints is only half the story. The continuous growth caused by Craig's strange medical condition brings a variety of problems as he becomes more isolated and unknowable.

"3 Story" will be published by Dark Horse Comics and they have a preview of the book available now. This excerpt is actually a standalone tale not featured in the October release. Kindt will be holding a "3 Story" release party at Subterranean Books on October 7th from 7pm-9pm.

Kindt will also have a story featured in the forthcoming "Strange Tales," which is released in September.

Wednesday Filler

What Shapes A Young Brian Spath?

Cool Covers

I was so damn excited to read Green Lantern every month as a kid, and this cover is just another reason why.

Off the Shelf

The Nobody

Coming off the success of The Essex County Trilogy, Jeff Lemire's newest book is a revisionist take on "The Invisible Man."

While not as touching as the ECT, "The Nobody" still explores the depths of the human condition. The Nobody, Griffen, arrives in a small town wrapped in bandages and hiding a secret. Told entirely in flashbacks, and flashbacks within flashbacks, the Griffen's sordid past unravels just as his bandages do. Lemire delivers a piece of the puzzle at a deliberate pace and builds the story to a crescendo that's almost anti-climatic. "The Nobody" is a great story for anyone who is a fan of mysteries, classic science fiction, or interested in seeing Lemire continue to develop as an artist and storyteller.

"The Nobody" was released by Vertigo on July 8.

Alan's War

Though it's been available for nearly a year, I recently read Emmanuel Guibert's graphic novelization of Alan Cope's experience during World War II. What begins as a historic travelogue of one soldiers experiences throughout Europe becomes an engrossing tale of self-discovery and actualization of an authentic essence all well depicted through Guibert's beautiful artistic style.

Though I haven't been involved in any sort of war (aside from a spiritual war, of course), I was fascinated by Cope's experience. He was never afraid to try something new, sneak out after curfew, or mingle with people he shouldn't. Through his own curiosity Cope found himself traveling across Europe and meeting musicians, poets, and other intellectuals.

"Alan's War" was released by First Second Books and is available now.

Other recent reads: Scud: The Whole Shebang, Maus, Box Office Poison

Wednesday Filler

Modest Mouse - King Rat

What Shapes A Young Brian Spath?