The Scoop Last-Minute Christmas Gift Guide
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute, can’t-miss Christmas present or a post holidays reason to use those gift cards you received, it’s hard to do better than this year’s line-up of new and old classics.
David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil Born Again: Artist’s Edition
IDW Publishing; $125
With David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil Born Again: Artist’s Edition, IDW Publishing editor Scott Dunbier and his colleagues have simply outdone themselves. By presenting writer Frank Miller and artist David Mazzucchelli’s collaboration from Daredevil #227-233 in this fashion, they have showcased not only the compelling art and story, but provided insight into the collaboration and the process.
There is just so much insight present in the pages as they are reproduced in this book that it’s difficult to know where to begin. In the 26 years since the story was first published, they have lost none of their power. This is true to the point that it’s probably impossible to make it all the way through this volume simply looking at the glorious detail. Instead, the reader cannot help but get caught up in the story.
As a writer-artist, Miller had just a few years earlier redefined Daredevil and taken both the character and the title from the brink of cancellation to “must read” status. When he departed, he did so with the character and his world firmly established and with the notion that he as a creator had said everything he could.
Not even a full four years later, Miller was back with more to say. He would seemingly tear down everything he had built up by putting Daredevil and his alter ego, Matt Murdock, through hell.
Teamed with then newcomer Mazzucchelli, who was working on his first regular series assignment, Miller set about his work. It is our twin good fortune that not only was the resulting work brilliant, but the artist retained almost all of originals and kept great color scans of the two chapters he sold.
Mazzucchelli’s draftsmanship, composition and storytelling were already solid by this early stage in his career. They would actually progress in Batman: Year One, their next collaboration, but it was simply the evolution from really good to really, really good. It’s all there to see in these pages.
The 12” x 17” hardcover is the largest Artist’s Edition yet in terms of page count, coming in at 200 pages, It contains the complete Born Again story arc. For those new to the Artist’s Edition idea, the artwork reproduced in the books may appearing to be the black & white line art as it was originally created, but in actuality each page has been scanned in color. This process reveals paste-overs, blue pencils in the art, editorial notes, art corrections, and in some cases even the effects of age. The pages are reproduced at the same size as they were drawn. In this case, Dunbier and company have included overlays for some of them with coloring notes and more. Their work is on the same level of excellence as Mazzucchelli’s (and Miller’s, for that matter), making this book a true joy for collectors.
Alien: The Illustrated Story – Original Art Edition
Titan Books; $75.00
When they partnered to adapt Ridley Scott’s science fiction-horror film Alien into a graphic novel for Heavy Metal, writer Archie Goodwin and artist Walter Simonson had already enjoyed an award-winning collaboration on DC’s Manhunter. The graphic album of their Alien adaptation was the first one to ever hit the New York Times Best Seller list and it ended up being reprinted in numerous languages.
A study in superb storytelling and the notion that comic book adaptations could actually bring something unique to their readers, Alien: The Illustrated Story has been out of print for years until now.
Titan, which has also republished the original album in color, has gone a step further and delivered a superb gift to readers and art collectors in the form of Alien: The Illustrated Story – Original Art Edition. In the same spirit as IDW Publishing’s Artist’s Edition line, Titan has produced an oversized hardcover volume at the size of Simonson’s original art, which they have scanned in color even though most of what they were scanning was black and white line artwork (pencil and ink). The color reveals details such as corrections, special lettering, and even some slight yellowing an browning from the years since the project was original published.
Also included in this book is an interview with Simonson, Goodwin’s original script pages, color tryouts and more.
Bravo!
Blondie – Volume 2
IDW Publishing; $49.99
Picking up where the first volume in this series left off, this second book dives right back into the early and very different days of this long-running strip. It begins with Blondie and Dagwood on their honeymoon. Dagwood’s wealthy parents have disinherited him, and years four through six of the strip establish what would become its status quo going forward, including the introduction of Mr. Dithers (Dagwood’s boss), Herb (their neighbor), Daisy (the dog) and the first of their children.
If you grew up with Blondie as the nice, humorous but un-topical strip it eventually became, get this book (and the first volume) and prepare to have your preconceptions shattered. More succinctly: The Library of American Comics has done it again. Don’t miss this one.
Marie Severin: The Mirthful Mistress of Comics
TwoMorrorws Publishing; $24.95
Dewey Cassell’s new book, Marie Severin: The Mirthful Mistress of Comics, co-produced with Aaron Sultan, is now available in comic shops or directly from its publisher, TwoMorrows Publishing, and it takes a look at one of the most influential creators of the 20th century, though much of her work was done behind the scenes.
As a part of both the vaunted EC line and Marvel’s bullpen, she worked with a proverbial Who’s Who of top talent all the while possessing her own unique gifts for storytelling.
“I had been a fan of Marie’s for a long time, but I first met her in person at the San Diego Comic Con in 2001. She was her usual charming, endearing self, and I became captivated by the lady and her work. The more I looked into it, the more I realized what impact Marie had in the comics industry, and how underappreciated she truly was,” Cassell told Scoop.
“When I finished The Art of George Tuska, I approached Marie about doing a book about her. She said, ‘Why would anyone want to read a book about me?’ but over the course of the next couple of years, we did hours of interviews and I talked to many of her friends and colleagues. The book is the culmination of that effort,” he said.
Some modern fans may not realize how important Marie Severin has been in comics history. This book aims to change that.
“From her ‘editorial’ coloring of the ground-breaking EC comics line to designing virtually every Marvel comic book cover from 1968 to 1972, as well as her numerous contributions to advertising and promotional items, Marie had a tremendous influence on the comics industry. She was one of the most successful women in an industry that was dominated by men, serving as a wonderful role model. But Stan Lee said it best, ‘Calling Marie the best woman artist in the business is an injustice. Marie was one of the best artists in the business, period,’” he said.
In the process of putting the book together, he said he was surprised to learn about her most widely circulated comic book work.
“The comic book by Marie that was read by the most people in her entire career was called The Story of Checks, which she designed and her brother John drew for the Federal Reserve Bank,” he said.
The book showcases not only her serious efforts, but her humor work as well.
“I am a big fan of her work on Kull and the short-lived series The Cat, but my favorite would be Not Brand Echh. Marie is a natural humorist, and Not Brand Echh gave her an opportunity to really shine,” he said.
“I hope readers will come away with an even greater appreciation for Marie and the depth and breadth of her lengthy career in comics. I also hope it will bring a smile to their faces as they read the funny anecdotes and see the hilarious caricatures that make Marie Severin “the mirthful mistress of comics,” Cassell said.
Steve Canyon: Volume 1 – 1947-1948
IDW Publishing; $49.95
There have been a lot of collections of Milton Caniff’s Steve Canyon over the years and they’ve helped keep the flames of fandom burning. Now, however, comes the chance to see the seminal strip as never before, reproduced directly from Caniff’s personal set of syndicate proofs courtesy of a new series from IDW Publishing’s Library of American Comics imprint. And what a ride it looks to be!
Beginning with the earliest strips in the series, this chronological presentation will no doubt be the definitive edition of the Steve Canyon newspaper strip. The Sunday pages are presented in color and the daily strips in their original, uncropped aspect.
When, in 1946, Caniff had quit his long running Terry and the Pirates in favor of not only an increased page rate, but editorial control and creator ownership of his next project, it was a big deal. As this volume’s excellent introductory text points out, the arrival of Steve Canyon and his supporting players was big news when it happened. It even made the cover of Time magazine, back when that actually meant something.
Terry and the Pirates remains an education for anyone interested in doing adventure comics. One doesn’t have to detract from Terry to suggest that Steve Canyon starts off with the “Rembrandt of the Comic Strip” just about at the peak of his craft.
The storytelling is superb, the characters are fun, and stories are intriguing. The trademark Caniff women are perhaps even more dynamic than in Terry, including the likes of “Copper” Calhoun, Delta, Madame Lynx, Dr. Deen Wilderness, and others.
The book is edited and designed by Dean Mullaney and includes a great essay by Bruce Canwell that provides a lot of context. Bravo, gents!
X-O Manowar Vol. 1: By The Sword
Valiant Entertainment; $9.95
The trade paperback collecting the first story arc from the new Valiant’s revival of X-O Manowar is one of those things that is enjoyable on many levels. For longtime fans of the character, it’s something many thought they would never see. For comic fans in general, it’s a great character in the hands of creators who are more than up to the challenge.
Old school Valiant fans, while noting that it’s not 100% faithful to the original series, will find a lot to love about this new one. Readers who never tried the first incarnation will find this one entirely accessible.
Students of comics who like solid pacing and good art are in for a treat as well, as artist Cary Nord, inker Stefano Gaudiano and colorist Moose Baumann manage the scene changes between Visogoths battling Roman legions, the arrival of alien ships, and the transition to outer space nearly perfectly.
Writer Robert Venditti more than holds up his end of the bargain. Since its debut, he has continued to build the series, delivering more and more with each issue. With the “Planet Death” story arc about to kick off, it’s a great time to see how it all started. This collection will take you there.
The Outlaw Prince
Dark Horse Comics; $12.99 soft cover & $49.99 limited edition hardcover
We had this one on our list last year, and it’s getting harder and harder to find, but it’s definitely worth the effort, particularly is you have a Burroughs fan on your list.
While Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan and John Carter of Mars get the lion’s share of the acclaim for the author, he did indeed create a lot of other material. One of his projects was a novel called The Outlaw of Torn, one part of which has been turned into an outstanding original graphic novel by writer Rob Hughes and artists Thomas Yeates and Michael Wm. Kaluta.
Chivalry, treachery, adventure, intrigue, swordplay and even more intrigue swirl through the story. This beautifully illustrated, well researched story has great pacing and really pulls the reader in, whether previously aware of the Burroughs book or not (for instance, we knew of the novel, but we hadn’t read it). From what we’ve heard, Burroughs fans are very happy with it, too.
If you’re looking to get outside the superhero genre, this is a great place to start.
Popular Topics
Overstreet Access Quick Links
The Scoop Last-Minute Christmas Gift Guide
Whether you’re looking for a last-minute, can’t-miss Christmas present or a post holidays reason to use those gift cards you received, it’s hard to do better than this year’s line-up of new and old classics.
David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil Born Again: Artist’s Edition
IDW Publishing; $125
With David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil Born Again: Artist’s Edition, IDW Publishing editor Scott Dunbier and his colleagues have simply outdone themselves. By presenting writer Frank Miller and artist David Mazzucchelli’s collaboration from Daredevil #227-233 in this fashion, they have showcased not only the compelling art and story, but provided insight into the collaboration and the process.
There is just so much insight present in the pages as they are reproduced in this book that it’s difficult to know where to begin. In the 26 years since the story was first published, they have lost none of their power. This is true to the point that it’s probably impossible to make it all the way through this volume simply looking at the glorious detail. Instead, the reader cannot help but get caught up in the story.
As a writer-artist, Miller had just a few years earlier redefined Daredevil and taken both the character and the title from the brink of cancellation to “must read” status. When he departed, he did so with the character and his world firmly established and with the notion that he as a creator had said everything he could.
Not even a full four years later, Miller was back with more to say. He would seemingly tear down everything he had built up by putting Daredevil and his alter ego, Matt Murdock, through hell.
Teamed with then newcomer Mazzucchelli, who was working on his first regular series assignment, Miller set about his work. It is our twin good fortune that not only was the resulting work brilliant, but the artist retained almost all of originals and kept great color scans of the two chapters he sold.
Mazzucchelli’s draftsmanship, composition and storytelling were already solid by this early stage in his career. They would actually progress in Batman: Year One, their next collaboration, but it was simply the evolution from really good to really, really good. It’s all there to see in these pages.
The 12” x 17” hardcover is the largest Artist’s Edition yet in terms of page count, coming in at 200 pages, It contains the complete Born Again story arc. For those new to the Artist’s Edition idea, the artwork reproduced in the books may appearing to be the black & white line art as it was originally created, but in actuality each page has been scanned in color. This process reveals paste-overs, blue pencils in the art, editorial notes, art corrections, and in some cases even the effects of age. The pages are reproduced at the same size as they were drawn. In this case, Dunbier and company have included overlays for some of them with coloring notes and more. Their work is on the same level of excellence as Mazzucchelli’s (and Miller’s, for that matter), making this book a true joy for collectors.
Alien: The Illustrated Story – Original Art Edition
Titan Books; $75.00
When they partnered to adapt Ridley Scott’s science fiction-horror film Alien into a graphic novel for Heavy Metal, writer Archie Goodwin and artist Walter Simonson had already enjoyed an award-winning collaboration on DC’s Manhunter. The graphic album of their Alien adaptation was the first one to ever hit the New York Times Best Seller list and it ended up being reprinted in numerous languages.
A study in superb storytelling and the notion that comic book adaptations could actually bring something unique to their readers, Alien: The Illustrated Story has been out of print for years until now.
Titan, which has also republished the original album in color, has gone a step further and delivered a superb gift to readers and art collectors in the form of Alien: The Illustrated Story – Original Art Edition. In the same spirit as IDW Publishing’s Artist’s Edition line, Titan has produced an oversized hardcover volume at the size of Simonson’s original art, which they have scanned in color even though most of what they were scanning was black and white line artwork (pencil and ink). The color reveals details such as corrections, special lettering, and even some slight yellowing an browning from the years since the project was original published.
Also included in this book is an interview with Simonson, Goodwin’s original script pages, color tryouts and more.
Bravo!
Blondie – Volume 2
IDW Publishing; $49.99
Picking up where the first volume in this series left off, this second book dives right back into the early and very different days of this long-running strip. It begins with Blondie and Dagwood on their honeymoon. Dagwood’s wealthy parents have disinherited him, and years four through six of the strip establish what would become its status quo going forward, including the introduction of Mr. Dithers (Dagwood’s boss), Herb (their neighbor), Daisy (the dog) and the first of their children.
If you grew up with Blondie as the nice, humorous but un-topical strip it eventually became, get this book (and the first volume) and prepare to have your preconceptions shattered. More succinctly: The Library of American Comics has done it again. Don’t miss this one.
Marie Severin: The Mirthful Mistress of Comics
TwoMorrorws Publishing; $24.95
Dewey Cassell’s new book, Marie Severin: The Mirthful Mistress of Comics, co-produced with Aaron Sultan, is now available in comic shops or directly from its publisher, TwoMorrows Publishing, and it takes a look at one of the most influential creators of the 20th century, though much of her work was done behind the scenes.
As a part of both the vaunted EC line and Marvel’s bullpen, she worked with a proverbial Who’s Who of top talent all the while possessing her own unique gifts for storytelling.
“I had been a fan of Marie’s for a long time, but I first met her in person at the San Diego Comic Con in 2001. She was her usual charming, endearing self, and I became captivated by the lady and her work. The more I looked into it, the more I realized what impact Marie had in the comics industry, and how underappreciated she truly was,” Cassell told Scoop.
“When I finished The Art of George Tuska, I approached Marie about doing a book about her. She said, ‘Why would anyone want to read a book about me?’ but over the course of the next couple of years, we did hours of interviews and I talked to many of her friends and colleagues. The book is the culmination of that effort,” he said.
Some modern fans may not realize how important Marie Severin has been in comics history. This book aims to change that.
“From her ‘editorial’ coloring of the ground-breaking EC comics line to designing virtually every Marvel comic book cover from 1968 to 1972, as well as her numerous contributions to advertising and promotional items, Marie had a tremendous influence on the comics industry. She was one of the most successful women in an industry that was dominated by men, serving as a wonderful role model. But Stan Lee said it best, ‘Calling Marie the best woman artist in the business is an injustice. Marie was one of the best artists in the business, period,’” he said.
In the process of putting the book together, he said he was surprised to learn about her most widely circulated comic book work.
“The comic book by Marie that was read by the most people in her entire career was called The Story of Checks, which she designed and her brother John drew for the Federal Reserve Bank,” he said.
The book showcases not only her serious efforts, but her humor work as well.
“I am a big fan of her work on Kull and the short-lived series The Cat, but my favorite would be Not Brand Echh. Marie is a natural humorist, and Not Brand Echh gave her an opportunity to really shine,” he said.
“I hope readers will come away with an even greater appreciation for Marie and the depth and breadth of her lengthy career in comics. I also hope it will bring a smile to their faces as they read the funny anecdotes and see the hilarious caricatures that make Marie Severin “the mirthful mistress of comics,” Cassell said.
Steve Canyon: Volume 1 – 1947-1948
IDW Publishing; $49.95
There have been a lot of collections of Milton Caniff’s Steve Canyon over the years and they’ve helped keep the flames of fandom burning. Now, however, comes the chance to see the seminal strip as never before, reproduced directly from Caniff’s personal set of syndicate proofs courtesy of a new series from IDW Publishing’s Library of American Comics imprint. And what a ride it looks to be!
Beginning with the earliest strips in the series, this chronological presentation will no doubt be the definitive edition of the Steve Canyon newspaper strip. The Sunday pages are presented in color and the daily strips in their original, uncropped aspect.
When, in 1946, Caniff had quit his long running Terry and the Pirates in favor of not only an increased page rate, but editorial control and creator ownership of his next project, it was a big deal. As this volume’s excellent introductory text points out, the arrival of Steve Canyon and his supporting players was big news when it happened. It even made the cover of Time magazine, back when that actually meant something.
Terry and the Pirates remains an education for anyone interested in doing adventure comics. One doesn’t have to detract from Terry to suggest that Steve Canyon starts off with the “Rembrandt of the Comic Strip” just about at the peak of his craft.
The storytelling is superb, the characters are fun, and stories are intriguing. The trademark Caniff women are perhaps even more dynamic than in Terry, including the likes of “Copper” Calhoun, Delta, Madame Lynx, Dr. Deen Wilderness, and others.
The book is edited and designed by Dean Mullaney and includes a great essay by Bruce Canwell that provides a lot of context. Bravo, gents!
X-O Manowar Vol. 1: By The Sword
Valiant Entertainment; $9.95
The trade paperback collecting the first story arc from the new Valiant’s revival of X-O Manowar is one of those things that is enjoyable on many levels. For longtime fans of the character, it’s something many thought they would never see. For comic fans in general, it’s a great character in the hands of creators who are more than up to the challenge.
Old school Valiant fans, while noting that it’s not 100% faithful to the original series, will find a lot to love about this new one. Readers who never tried the first incarnation will find this one entirely accessible.
Students of comics who like solid pacing and good art are in for a treat as well, as artist Cary Nord, inker Stefano Gaudiano and colorist Moose Baumann manage the scene changes between Visogoths battling Roman legions, the arrival of alien ships, and the transition to outer space nearly perfectly.
Writer Robert Venditti more than holds up his end of the bargain. Since its debut, he has continued to build the series, delivering more and more with each issue. With the “Planet Death” story arc about to kick off, it’s a great time to see how it all started. This collection will take you there.
The Outlaw Prince
Dark Horse Comics; $12.99 soft cover & $49.99 limited edition hardcover
We had this one on our list last year, and it’s getting harder and harder to find, but it’s definitely worth the effort, particularly is you have a Burroughs fan on your list.
While Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan and John Carter of Mars get the lion’s share of the acclaim for the author, he did indeed create a lot of other material. One of his projects was a novel called The Outlaw of Torn, one part of which has been turned into an outstanding original graphic novel by writer Rob Hughes and artists Thomas Yeates and Michael Wm. Kaluta.
Chivalry, treachery, adventure, intrigue, swordplay and even more intrigue swirl through the story. This beautifully illustrated, well researched story has great pacing and really pulls the reader in, whether previously aware of the Burroughs book or not (for instance, we knew of the novel, but we hadn’t read it). From what we’ve heard, Burroughs fans are very happy with it, too.
If you’re looking to get outside the superhero genre, this is a great place to start.
Popular Topics
Overstreet Access Quick Links
