Welcome Back!

Yeah, Column Number two folks! I think the first column went over well, and now I'm back for more. In the interim, my "links arsenal" has gone up. Basically, it's a links page with all manner of comics related stuff on it. Very cool links there (my personal favorites are the Smoke Damage Web Site, Mania Magazine, and the Floor 13 Font Page). Go check 'em out. Meanwhile...

Ringing in the new year, Comic Style.

In the spirit of the joyous occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ, many of us empty our bank accounts in the pursuit of crass commercialism. People buying all manner of gifts for each other in the spirit of giving. What I want to know is why they aren't buying each other comicbooks!

You're Pushing it...

Okay, so convincing you to buy comics as presents of any kind, let alone Christmas Presents is going to take some... well, convincing. That's okay, I'm okay with that. You see, it took me quite a few years to get over the initial horror of giving something like a comicbook to someone I cared about, but now that I'm over that you'd be surprised how well a comic goes over as a gift! No, really!

When you buy a good gift, it's a thoughtful, useful item that reflects not only the giver (you), but also the person you're giving it too. Whether this means "Men In Black" on video, a John Lennon CD, or yes, even a comicbook.

Comicbooks seem so... cheap.

Yeah, they do actually. They're thin, 22 pages, and sort of shoddy looking at points. They certainly don't compare to a shiny CD case or one of those really nice burgundy-with-gold-trim perfume boxes, do they? But think back... way back... to last month's column. Think "Trade PaperBack". Yes, that's right! Trade PaperBack's (TPB's) are the salvation of gift-givers who want to give motionless picture entertainment as a gift this holiday season.

I'm going to go back to last column's book / comicbook comparison here. "Everything that's available to you in regular books, is also available as a comicbook, with so much more." Um, this may be stetching the truth just a little. You see, Comicbooks get much worse distribution than regular books, so while a wide variety of quality books are actually published, them being available is an entirely different story... So, at the end of this column I'm going to re-state where and how to buy these comics, so that you humble readers can run out and purchase them.

Let's say I believe you. Who would I give them to?

Like I said last time, Comicbooks are not for everyone. This doesn't mean you shouldn't at least TRY though.

The first thing to realize, is that Girls read comics too. Do not assume that because when you think of comicbooks, you have childhood remembrances of big men in strong tights beating up the bad guys, this is what a girl(gal, woman, female) thinks of as well. Many girls grew up reading comicbooks as well, just in a different genre. Archie, Betty, and Veronica have a plethora of female readers. Kids comics like Sugar and Spike or even (heaven-forbid) Barbie. Most of the women I've met through comics are even huge superhero fans, so don't assume that growing up girls didn't read about fabulous super-heroines beating up people too. Girls who can read can also read comicbooks. Generally though, they want a thoughtful, well-written comicbook where the female characters are not relegated to secondary characters or props, and where their breasts aren't drawn larger than their heads (but mysteriously smaller than their eyes...). Girls want comics, even if they don't know it yet.

Now that we're off that tangent, let's continue. There's a good chance that the gift givee will enjoy comics if they're already open to reading. This means novels, history books, or even the newspaper. There are many different genres within comicbooks as well. Not every comic is a superhero book (although there are a lot of 'em), so no matter the type of reading the givee enjoys, you, the giver will be able to find something to suit their tastes.

But what if you've never seen this person you're thinking of giving this gift to with a book in his or her hands for as long as you've known them? Do you think that perhaps buying them something they might have to read would be a bad gift idea?

Of Course Not.

Reading is only one half of Comics. The other half is pictures. Artwork. Paint, pencil, ink, all that stuff. Sorta like... television. And everyone, no matter what they say, watches television. I'm down to watching 3 programs a week mind you (X-Files, South Park, Media Television), but I still watch it. If you can watch television, you can read comicbooks.

So, we've gotten to the point where we're pretty sure the person you're buying for won't throw a comicbook back at you screaming.

You've convinced me. So What Do I Buy Them?

Well, there's a lot of product out there. A lot of product. I mean, tons and tons of... well, you get the point. I'll break this list up into associations for ya. For example, if the person you're buying for likes X-Files, they might like The Invisibles: Say you want a Revolution TPB, by DC/Vertigo. I'm only going to list stuff that's in a TPB (Book) format, and that you can get before Christmas. I'll also pick one book to go into depth with here, so you can get a bit better of a feel about the books before you purchase them. Sound good? Allright then...

People who like The X-Files might like:
The Invisibles: Say You Want a Revolution (DC/Vertigo). $17.50/$24.95 Amazon, Diamond
Possibly my favorite series of all time. The Invisibles is about the world's largest conspiracy; the threat to undermine reality itself. You see, on the morning of December 8th, 2012 history will come to an end. What happens after history? No one knows, but a group called the "Archons" want to control it, and make you their slaves in a world of conformity. 1984 all over again. Enter: The Invisibles. A radical terrorist group determined to help mankind take a bold new step into a bold new time. Fighting an Invisible war for free thought, expression, and all of reality. "The Invisibles: Say you want a revolution" collects the first 8 issues of Volume 1 of the ongoing Invisibles series written by Grant Morisson, and introduces us to all of the major players.

X-Files: Volume 1 (Topps Comics)
The Prisoner: Shattered Visage (DC Comics)
Big Book of Conspiracies (DC/Paradox)
Big Book of the Unexplained (DC/Paradox)

Your gay friends might enjoy:
Enigma (DC/Vertigo) $19.95/$27.95. Amazon, Diamond
A story that deal with growing up, true love, and sexual identity. Michael's noticed a few weird things lately, like his childhood comicbook hero "The Enigma" has come to life, and started killing supervillains. Considering Michael always believed he lived in the real world, with no superheroes, no supervillains, and a normal life with his girlfriend, such a thing might be considered shocking. Perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that he is in some way responsible for this Enigma, and it will take an intense journey and a great deal of self-discovery to solve it. "Enigma" TPB collects the entire Enigma mini-series, written by Peter Milligan and drawn by Duncan Fegredo.

Stuck Rubber Baby (DC/Paradox Press)
Ranma 1/2 (Viz Comics)

People who are Goths won't hate:
Sandman: Dream Country (DC/Vertigo) $14.95/$17.20. Amazon, Diamond
Okay, think of Gods. You know, Zeus, or Odin, or whatever. Then, think of what came before the Gods. Exactly. The Sandman is the lord of dreams, the prince of stories, and king of the realm that you go to when you fall asleep. He's tall, pale, wears a lot of black, and has stars for eyes. Through him we learn stories. Stories about normal people, stories about kings and queens. Stories about elves and house pets and sometimes even superheroes. "Dream Country" is a collection of four short stories from the Sandman Ongoing series. The first, "Dream of a Thousand Cats" sees the world through the eyes of a kitten, as he dreams of a better life. "Calliope" tells the story of Homer's muse, who has fallen on rough times in 1988. The third story, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" treats the fairies and elves of Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream", Titania & Auberon (the King & Queen of Faerie), Puck, Peaseblosom, to an acting troupe's production of that play. It is of note that this is the only comic ever to win a world fantasy award. Finally, facade tells a story of Dream's younger sister Death, and a conversation she has with someone who can't die. Dream Country is the perfect introduction to the Sandman series of books, an intelligent series that doesn't just appeal to "Goth" types really, but anyone who likes to read. Written by Neil Gaiman.

Renfield (Caliber Comics)
Death: The High Cost of Living (DC/Vertigo)
Death: The Time of Your Life (DC/Vertigo)
Johnny: The Homicidal Maniac (Slave Labor Graphics)
Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes (DC/Vertigo)
Sandman: The Doll's House (DC/Vertigo)

People who like Crime Drama (NYPD Blue, Tarantino Films) will enjoy:
JINX: TPB (Image Comics), $10.95/$14.95, Diamond
Hard Core stuff folks. Jinx is the Tarantino of comics, but with it's own unique flavour. A really hard hitting crime series starring a female bounty hunter/bond agent named Jinx. High-energy, some of the most realistic dialogue in comics, and a unique realistic art style that'll have you on the edge of your... seat? page? I'm not sure. Written and illustrated by Brian Bendis.

AKA: Goldfish (Caliber Comics)
The Mystery Play (DC/Vertigo)
Sanctuary (Viz Comics)
Sin City (Dark Horse)
Sin City: The Big Fat Kill (Dark Horse)

People who like Romance Novels (Anything with Fabio on the Cover)
Strangers in Paradise (Abstract Studios) $8.95/$13.95
One part romance novel, one part "AbFab", Strangers in Paradise is a tender love story with a few twists along the way. Francine and Katina (Katchoo to her friends) are the best of friends, together through good times and bad. Only, Katchoo is in love with Francine, and Francine's not sure she can return that love. Enter David. He's a cute, slightly geeky guy that has fallen madly in love with Katchoo. His appearance seems to introduce chaos into Francine and Katchoo's life, as Katchoo worries about her past catching up to her, not to mention the fact that Francine's boyfriend is the scum of the earth. Believable characters, beautiful art, an engrossing story. A wonderful story.

Strangers in Paradise: I dream of You (Abstract Studios)
Strangers in Paradise: It's a good life (Abstract Studios)
Oh! My Goddess: 1-555 Goddess (Dark Horse)
Maison Ikkoku Volume 1-5 (Viz Comics)

People who like Historical Fiction (Anything from "Sense and Sensibility" to "Schindler's List")
Uncle Sam #1, #2 (DC/Vertigo), $4.95/$6.95 per issue
A harsh, gripping look at American history. Through the eyes of iconic America we experience the joy and the horror that has brought a great nation to where it is today. Is the lead character, Sam, the true embodiment of the American spirit? Or is he just a delusional old man, suffering before his impending death. A brilliant comic that works on many levels, it's a no-holds-barred look at what makes America, America. Steve Darnall and Alex Ross craft an exquisite story.

Blade of The Immortal (Dark Horse)
MAUS (Fantagraphics)
Cerebus: Church and State (Aardvark)
Cerebus: High Society Volumes 1 &2 (Aardvark)

The stuff suitable for the younger readers on your shopping List
Bone: Out of Boneville (Cartoon Books), $12.95/$17.95. Diamond
The three Bone Cousins, Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone get banished from Boneville when Phoney's attempt at becoming mayor goes horribly, horribly wrong. Cast out and alone in a land that's not on any maps, the Bone Cousins encounter new people, new adventures, and new dangers. It's a fun series with great art, and it's sure to be a hit with any kid (and quite a few of the older readers) on your shopping list. Written and drawn by Jeff Smith, "Out from Boneville" is the first of four volumes of Bone books, and one that's destined to be a new classic.

Bone: The Great Cow Race (Volume 2) (Cartoon Books)
Bone: Eyes of the Storm (Volume 3) (Cartoon Books)
Bone: The Dragonslayer (Volume 4) (Cartoon Books)
Books of Magic: Bindings (DC/Vertigo)
Leave it to Chance (Image Comics)
Simpsons Strike Back (Bongo Comics)
Akiko: TPB (Sirius Press)

Superheroes (Up, up, and up some more!)
Astro City: Life in the Big City (Image Comics), $19.95/$27.95. Amazon, Diamond
Back when superheroes were fun. Back when you wished you could be a hero. Back when the only way we could look was up, there was Astro City. A city populated with a gaggle of superheroes, there are thousands of stories waiting for you. The characters may seem faintly reminiscent of others from your youth, but the quality of art and writing while inspired by the great comics of yesteryear vault Astro City into today. Astro City is a superhero comic written with adults in mind, and the stories contained within "Life in the Big City" are wonderful. By Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, and Alex Ross.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (DC Comics)
Watchmen (DC Comics)
Marvels (Marvel)
Kingdom Come (DC Comics)
Justice League of America: New World Order (DC Comics)

For the Trekkie On your list... (Space Opera, Aliens, Sci-Fi)
Star Wars: Dark Empire (Dark Horse), $16.95/$24.95. Amazon, Diamond.
Return of the Jedi ended with the Rebels scoring a decisive victory against the Empire. But it also left an Empire in Chaos. With no Darth Vader, no Emperor, and no Death Star running the galaxy anyone with an Imperial Destroyer and a fleet of Tie-Fighters think they can be the new rulers. Our band of Rebels including, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo are still saving the galaxy, but the fight has never been tougher. Take up the fight that begins just as Return of the Jedi ends. Fun for any and every Star Wars fan are your list.

Star Wars: Dark Empire II (Dark Horse)
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Dark Horse)
Aliens vs. Predator (Dark Horse)
Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy (DC Comics)

For people who watch too much MTV:
House of Secrets: Foundation (DC/Vertigo), $14.95/$17.20. Amazon, Diamond
A runaway girl who isn't what she seems. A young girl looking for a future. And a boy trying to be a man, hiding some horrible secrets. Can you keep a secret? Not if it's ripped from you word... by word... by word. House of Secrets features the supernatural Juris, a group of ghosts who judge people based on the secrets they keep, and then either free them or send them to hell. Rain, a runaway girl living a lie has to become "the Witness" for these trials, and her new job might spell death for all of her friends and loves. By Steven T. Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen.

The MAXX Volume 1, 2 (Image Comics)
HATE (Fantagraphics)
Scud: Heavy 3PO (Fireman Press)
Alice Cooper: The Compleat Last Temptation (Marvel Comics)
Fun with Milk & Cheese TPB (Slave Labor)

People who like Japanimation (Japanese Animation / Anime)
Ghost in the Shell (Dark Horse Comics), $19.95/$27.95. Amazon, Diamond
Whenever a movie is made based on other source material, a great deal of the original material is lost. You only have so much time in your movie. This is the case with Ghost in the Shell. Dark Horse's TPB of the original manga contains more than twice as much material as appeared in the Ghost in the Shell movie. The extra information and issues add to the story in a number of ways, including 20 pages or so that actually act as an epilogue to the movie, which I felt ended a little abruptly. Ghost in the Shell is about a robot asking itself whether or not it has a soul, and if so, what does that mean? A poignant work with detailed, high-energy artwork. By Masamune Shirow.

Domu: A Child's Dream (Dark Horse Comics)
Reality Check (Sirius),
Athena Volume 1, Volume 2 (A.M. Works)

Your friend who plays Magic and reads all those fantasy books.
Thieves and Kings Volume 1 (I Box Publishing), $12.00/$15.00. Cold Cut, Diamond
An epic fantasy in the making. The story of Rubel, a young thief who gets caught up in a whirlwind of adventure, magic, and danger. Rubel returns to his homeland after years at sea, only to find himself completely and totally alone. His uncle has died, his best friend has disappeared, and the only person left who wants him is his nemesis, the Shadow Lady. Rubel must restore the rightful King to his throne, save the princess to whom he has pledged his life, and avoid ending up on the wrong end of one of the Shadow Lady's swords. Thieves and Kings is an excellent tale, both suitable and enjoyable for all ages.

SoulWind (Image)
The Wizard's Tale (Image)
Elfquest: Fire and Flight (Warp Graphics)
Poison Elves Volume 1, 2 (Sirius)

Wow, that's Comprehensive...

And this isn't comprehensive enough to my liking either, to be completely honest. There are tons of good books out there. As with anything in a consumer-based society, choice can be a difficult thing. But I've read about %90 of the books on the above list, and can vouch for them, they're great. Look for something in your chosen genre and purchase it, ASAP! Christmas isn't getting any closer...

Well, how do I purchase these comics?

Just check out my COMICS 411 and RECCOMMENDATIONS sections for a pretty comprehensive list of publishers, and ordering methods.
Wow, this is a lot to think about...

Nah. It might be just a little bit overwhelming, but use this as a guide. Print out the suggestions list, go to a local comicbook store, and talk to these people. I included a lot more information than you'll probably ever need, but like the boy scouts say "be prepared".

Okay, I can deal with that.
What it all comes down to is buying the right gift. I've noticed that comics are quite often the right gift for a lot of people. Aside from them being a different type of gift, there's such a wide variety of genres, titles, and art out there that you can't help but find something that's right for whoever you're giving it to.

Comicbooks are a masterful combination of story and artwork, and in Trade PaperBack format they're an attractive, quality gift. One that you should feel proud to give. So, follow my advice, and buy someone one of the books I've recommended this month. And hurry, Christmas is just around the corner...