Comics Books

Great Book. It's a wonderful comparison of the manga and the Anime as well as a great reference for how each character is developed. Also makes a great picture book for my 2 year old. She sits with daddy and looks at the picturers.

This book has lots of interesting info on all the characters and enemies throughout the first part of this great anime/manga series Inuyasha. It has many full colored pages and director, voice actor,etc, commentary. It also features sketches of important characters and enemies in the series from Kagome, Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku to Kaede, Seshomaru, Jaken, Yura, Mistress Centipede, and many others. I found the sketches useful for learning how to draw. Anyways, this is definetly a must have for all Inuyasha fans.

First of all, let me say my daughter is a complete InuYahsa addict. :) She loves the serial tale. That said, this book is marvelous! It has drawing examples, story snippets, voice character interviews.... very informative.

Beautifully colored drawings and detailed black and white work.

My only complaint refers to the hardbound version..... The spine of the book broke down the back very quickly and had to be taped. Otherwise the book is very well constructed.

Be aware the book is made to read from back to front in the typical Japanese manga manner. A little difficult for me, but my 9 year old daughter grasped the concept immediately....

Well worth the money for reference value alone.

Other reviewers have given accurate particulars about this volume, and I agree with their high ratings. This book is really a delight and a perfect way to spend a couple hours in Inuyasha bliss. I was incredibly impressed with the color panels from the manga, taken from Shonen Sunday Jump. The beautiful printing job brings out the quality of Takahashi's art, and I find myself going back and studying these pages again and again. There is also a nice section at the beginning (short but sweet) about the difference between manga and animation when it comes to storytelling techniques. As it's been said elsewhere in these reviews, if you're a fan of Inuyasha, this is a must-have. Keep in mind this isn't a voluminous book with tons of text ... you can read the whole thing in just two or three hours. But the art in it, and its A-plus presentation here, offers many more hours of enjoyment and you may, like me, find yourself returning to this book repeatedly and feeling like you've picked it up for the very first time. The art in it is that good.

I am actually over 13 years old , however I didnt want to give my email address out so I said I was younger. This is a great book. I bought it for my 16 year old son and he absolutely LOVES it. He is into drawing japanese animation and this book was a great inspiration. All of his friends who are mostly the same age want to get the book to. I did see it at Borders also , for the same price , and you dont have to pay shipping and handling charges, also you dont have to wait for it to show up. Borders also had a huge selection of other Inuyasha books and other Japanese animation characters.

I have an eight and a six year old. Both of my daughters loved this book, they laughed a lot, there is plenty of humor. Now they want me to get the rest of the collection. Great book.

I wanted to look into this book because I hadn't really seen any of the graphic novels. My daughter is already an avid reader, so I didn't know if she "needed" a book like this. When I showed it to her, she thought it looked really funny. As anticipated, it didn't take her long to read it, but she said, "I want to read it again. I want to read it again right NOW!"

If your child is a reluctant reader, this comic book formatted novel might help her get inspired, and if she already reads everything in sight, like my daughter, she will probably love yet another way to process text on a page.

I'm a brand new Media Specialist at an Elemenary School and Babymouse flies off the shelves as soon as I put the books back. I read this one (and Babymouse Rockstar) the other day and feel in love with the character and the artwork. I agree that this has a very nice crossover appeal and it seems that Babymouse is a very approchable character for this age group.

Highly recommended. I am rooting for Babymouse and look forward to more of her adventures.

My daughter loves graphic novels and Babymouse is her favorite. The reading material is challenging enough for her, but still interesting. Great for kids who love to read, but want to read something entertaining also.

My eight-year-old daughter was a very reluctant reader who was having trouble with even the most basic words. We have a lot of books around the house and take several trips a week to the library. Babymouse was the first book to get her excited about reading. She read the first book to me, haltingly. She begged for the second. When we got it, I had to make dinner and she wanted to start right away, so she read it on her own, asking me loads of questions. She has now read all seven published Babymouse books and hardly needs any help anymore.

We love that Babymouse got her excited about reading. But we also love the books. Her 10-year-old sister and I wait hungrily to get our chances to read them. I love Babymouse's imagination and her love of books.

It was in very good condition, came in a quick amount of time and Was very cheap about half off the retail price, while in the same condition you would find it, in any book store. I was very pleased with the order and if the seller has anything else in future, I would buy from him and suggest to others to buy from this seller.

BESM (Besm): How do I put this? This book is anything every GM, DM, Storyteller, or player could hope for. This book makes any storyline possible, any ability ever imagined can be done, this book is as limitless as the genre its about. Keep in mind this comes at a minor price. This is really not a beginners book into role-playing. Although it does give you a grasp of role playing if you are not used to complicated rolling procedures it shouldnt be used as a game book. If that is the case, it still makes a great resource book for comming up with stories. If you wish to put the time into it to make it your primary book it can be most worth it.

I liked the book it makes it easy to create a rpg based of any kinda anime. The ruels are easy and simple. I've even started applying the weapon flaw rules to my D20 games

Big Eyes Small Mouth has gotten even better.

For those who enjoyed the tweaks made to the 2nd edition, these words may be hard to believe, but trust me, it's true. With the newest edition of their anime-inspired role-playing game system, Mark C. MacKinnon and David Pulver have created what is at once both an incredibly streamlined, simple, and fun game, and also a deeply complex, customizable, and rich gaming experience.

First, the TriStat system, what the original BESM was built on (using the three stats of Body, Mind, and Soul to build a character and make rolls) has been changed to a roll-high rather than roll-low system. Instead of trying to roll under a number, you're now trying roll above it, making the game more intuitive and accessable for afficionados of other games like D&D and GURPS. Most everything else will be similar however. You still get a set number of points with which to buy your stats, collect Attributes and Skills (which have now been more integrated, nixing the need to load up on 6 levels of Highly Skilled in order to have a competent character), and get bonus points with Defects.

The changes made to these standbys are mostly "more of everything." You start out with more points than ever before, so most things cost more. However, you also have a broader spectrum of powerful attributes from which to choose, with effects that you can either customize (creating anything from a powerful magic artifact to a highly-evolved AI in your spy gear) or can leave completely alone if you don't want to fuss with the rules. Constant notes (titled "Keep it Simple") are made throughout the book of ways to streamline the experience to make it less complicated, even allowing for near-diceless playing (by "taking 6" instead of actually rolling).

Combat has been expanded as well, with more Armour options (including expanded Shield mechanics for defense), more information on performing wild stunts (in or out of vehicles), and several tactical options like going all defensive (to gain a bonus by not attacking) or holding your action until triggered by your enemy (allowing you break their stride during an attack). Many elements that used to be seperated are now combined to allow for less confusion (Kensei and Gun Bunny are now all "Combat Techniques," so you Munchkins don't have to spend twice the points to be able to wield both two swords AND two guns), and features like "Targeted" abilities allow you to gain bonuses when facing certain foes with certain weapons.

Magic has also recived an overhaul, with powers being divided into Dynamic Powers or bought individually as abilites (Flight, Mind Control, etc.), or even created using customizable attributes with enhancements, defects, and even some spell and spellcaster templates (Want a targeted beam of holy destruction to smite your enemies? You got it, and if you don't like the example in the book, make up your own).

Additionally, there are more options than ever for items, character classes and races (more than 40 templates are provided for classes and races in 3rd Edition like Half-Orcs, cat-girl Nekojin, Mercenaries, Students, and Demon Hunters), and, most importantly, setting.

Skills now have even more genre options (new examples include Historical: Steampunk, Modern Day: Superhero, and Historical: Ancient Greece/Rome) leading to even more options for customizing the setting of your game. In addition, BESM now has an official setting - the Anime Multiverse, seven interconnected worlds linked by the Cosmic Web and joined by World Gates. Earth is joined by the demon world Bazaroth, the high-fantasy Ikaris, the space-operatic Cathedral, and several others. You could start as a highschool studen on earth and end up as a space pirate rebelling against the Galatic Trade Authority in the Interstellar Diaspora.

Game Masters and players can either absorb all of this information for vast and almost-endlessly complex world-hopping adventures using loosely-canonized plot elements, or can just roll up a few basic characters for a simple game, or literally anything in-between. With BESM 3e, the creators have literally placed all of the power to create as complex or as simple a game in your hands, all using the same intuitive and easy-to learn mechanics and loveable style that made BESM a hit years ago.

So what are you waiting for? There's whole worlds out there to discover.

What can I say Big Eyes, Small mouth was like a gift from the gods. I was over at my brothers place for a weekend and he told me about this game. At that moment I made it my quest to get this book. You see I am a huge Otaku (Anime Fan). Well a roleplaying game that you get to roleplay an anime character well how could I not want to get it. I am also a very big person in RPGs as well I have been role playing for 12 years. Played Vampire, D&D 2ed & 3rd, Kindred of the east, Chtulhu, and others not going to name them all. But this RPG I now love more then all the others. The types of Genres and settings are limitless and the only limit you have is your own imagination. You can play anything from Big giant Mecha battles like you see in Robotech, Macross, and VOLTRON!! All the way to your supernatural horrors to even your fantasy worlds like D&D you could even have a game like Vampire. The Characters aren't limited to Races or classes like most games are. Its a very wonderful game. I recommend anyone who is creative and who loves anime to purchase this book. I even have people who hate anime interested in this game and they enjoy playing it. So buy a copy of this book you won't be disappointed.

Sakura, the Clow Card girl, is back! She's not capturing the Clow Cards again... She's got to find out who else is making mysterious situations! Her magic is weaker than somebody else's. Who is this person and why is he(or she) doing this? Sakura's gotta find out, and get stronger than this person. One day, she defeats the magic with the firey card, but the card changed. Then, she figures out she makes this card and names it a Sakura Card. Now, she's got to change all of the cards too! Double trouble! Can she do it when she has to go to school and with her sixth sense brother lurking around?

Sakura and her friends are back in the first book of the follow-up series to Cardcaptor Sakura. Sakura has passed the trial by Yue the Judge and rightfully become Master of the Clow Cards. But when a new force shows itself, Sakura's magic isn't strong enough to defeat it. Can she somehow find a strength in herself to overcome?

I was so happy to find this book and to revisit my favorite Cardcaptor characters once again. Full of the same wonderful story, art, and characters as the first series, this book is sure to please any manga-lover. Find out what happens next!

Master of the Clow is the sequel to the original 6-part Cardcaptor Sakura manga. Sakura has collected all of the cards and has even beaten and subjugated the other guardian, Yue, to prove that she was worthy of being the "Master of the Clow". Perhaps, after that, Sakura believed that she would be able to go back to a normal life. But in a vision in the last volume of the first series, Clow Reed, who is believed to be dead, appeared to her and told her that he "might cause her some trouble". Now, what this means is anyone's guess. But soon after some unnatural occurences begin to happen and Sakura steps in to stop them, she finds her card magic is useless! Sakura is going to have to step it up a notch to face this new threat. And do two mysterious transfer students have a hand in this magical test?

I don't know if I'm going to like this second series. I enjoyed Cardcaptor Sakura a lot and got in her corner as Sakura had to overcome trial after trial to prove her power of spirit. But I think it's a little cruel to have to start all over again from scratch. To me, it's already been done. The formula of discovering new powers to lick new enemies just doesn't sound promising the second time around. Don't get me wrong, this book wasn't bad, it just seemed to be a repeat of something I've already read. I'll go one more volume to see if it has any surprises.

SF : THIS REVIEW IS RATED SPOILER-FREE

After watching the CCS anime up to the part when she faces Yue in the final test, I was agast (sp??) that my beloved Sakura had ended. But, much to my glee, I discovered a WHOLE NEW ARC OF CCS!!! Bigger, bolder and far, far better than the first arc, sakura faces a whole new posse of villains (or ARE they?) out to get her, the plot becomes even thicker than before, and relationships begin to develop. This is the bigger cliffhanger EVER -- the plot out-does LOTR, Harry Potter, Sailor Moon...in fact, ANY OTHER BOOK I'VE EVER READ!!! it is simply incredible. I am told the next books are even better. Don't know how that one works..............

Hiya! I'm an otaku-girl living in the U.K, where it's DAMN difficult to get manga! I wish I lived in the U.S,waaah! But anyway, I get all my essentials imported, so it's not too bad! Enough about me, let's talk about Cardcaptor Sakura! I didn't actually buy the manga, I reserved it from the library! Infact as I'm writing this, it's only been the second day since then! I LOVED it! I recommend it to everyone who loves art from CLAMP, and the previous series of Cardcaptor Sakura! The art is just BEAUTIFUL, the story is great and you'll just want to read it all over again once you've finished! Here are some of my favourite scenes:
1. When Li blushes when Sakura says she can't wait for the day he'll come back to visit from HongKong.
2.When Eriol and Li have an encounter over him holding Sakura's hand.
3. The way Li blushes when he sees Sakura.
4. The teddy-bear scene.
5. Rika giving the bear to Mr. Terada.
6. Li thinking of giving a bear to Sakura."Return your love......"

Well that's all, hope I didn't spoil too much! By all means buy this book, 'kay!

The Cardcaptor Sakura series is definitely for younger readers only. The whole concept of the series is about a magical girl (Sakura) who spends her time catching cards.
This is the final installment, which is very similar from the Cardcaptor Sakura anime, however the ending is quite different.
The "Original Manga" style means you read it backwards (right to left) which could be challenging for some kids to read like that.
The whole book, in a nutshell, is really, for kids aged 7-11 who are reading manga for the first time.
If your over 13 this book may not be for you. However if you like or obsessed with mangas with fairtale endings, you could buy this book. It takes around 5-15 minutes to read, cute it may be, it's not that much as a thriller, as it is predictable.
If you're 13+ I suggest reading All-New Tenchi Muyo: Alien Nation. It may have a "darker" plot, it seems more "teenage" reading on the whole.
The CCS manga contains nothing seriously explicit, meaning it's suitable for all ages. Why the anime DVDs are rated PG-13, I don't know.
If your 7-9 you'll love it. If you're 9-10 you'll find it mediocre. if you're 11+, this might be a bit of a bore. If you're anime-crazed with cutesy talking bears (Kero) or a girl in pink dresses (Sakura), you might be able to "enjoy" this book. But it's totally you're call.

The CCS saga ends with this. No magic changing in this volume. Only Sakura struggling with her emotions and Syaoran returning home. That's basically it. The front and back pictures are great. It's better in color though.

I love this book it's so cute this one won't have much card captoring in it and cardcaptor fans know why.don't read this if you have not already read volumes 1-5 or you will spoil a great ending.tokeyo pop does it again!!!!!!!!!!

CLAMP have done it again. Another beautiful book, the end of Cardcaptor Sakura. This book focused on the relationships of Cardcaptor Sakura and brings them all to a close. Everyone is shown with their loved one. Fujitaka and Nadeshiko are reunited, we are shown that Eriol and Kaho are together, as are Rika and Mr Terada, Chiharu and Yamazaki, and Eriol tells us that Yukito chose Touya to be his first love (although we already knew that from book 4), and since Touya sacrificed his magic to save Yuki and he touches Yuki's face a LOT when they talk we can assume he feels the same way. So everyone has their special, number one person except... Sakura and Syaoran. So Syaoran finally confesses... we could see this was coming, but CLAMP twists it into angst territory. I am not going to say too much, but there is a lot of angst, and then a happy ending of course!! My one disappointment was how little Touya and Yukito appear in this book, but then I am a manic Touya and Yuki fangirl, so that is probably just me. A beautiful end to a beautiful series. And this is coming from someone who hates romance novels or movies. This is the only thing vaguely near romance I can stand, and that is because CLAMP is so skilled at injecting just the right level of sappiness into it. :) And who can resist Yue at the beginning when he is sulking and Eriol is talking to him?

In this book, several characters are leaving. Eriol is going back to England, and Syaoran Li is going back to Hong Kong. Sakura finally has to decide what she really feels for Li. As usual, the most interesting thing about this series is the relationships - if the series were just about capturing cards, I would have stopped reading a long time ago. I loved this volume, because reading about Sakura as she works through her feelings was very interesting. The artwork is still beautiful, and I definitely recommend this book. I think it would probably be best to read this volume after reading at least some of the previous volumes. There is a "the story thus far" section, as well as some information about each of the main characters, but you might still miss out on the emotional impact of this book if you begin with it.

Yu Watase, Fushigi Yugi: Castaway (Viz, 1992)

Amiboshi infiltrated the ceremony to summon Suzaku, and paid with his life. Now his twin brother Suboshi wants revenge. And he's going to have ample opportunity to get it; since the ceremony was screwed up, Tai Yi-Jun has given Miaka and Co. an alternate way to summon Suzaku, which involves (of course) a long and dangerous journey. And, as if that wasn't bad enough, Tai Yi-Jun tells Miaka that she must refrain from bodily contact with members of the opposite sex, and she can't stop thinking about Tamahome. Castaway, the seventh Fushigi Yugi volume, is the story of the first half of that journey.

Those who aren't fans of the series who attempt to jump into things here are going to have a rough time with it; Fushigi Yugi demads to be read in order. If you're already a fan of the series, though, what are you waiting for? It just jeeps getting better. *** ?

This is volume seven of Fushigi Yuugi. It is a great volume. Miaka and Tamahome are a great couple. They have a wonderful love story. In this volume, Tamahome and Miaka have lots of romantic scenes. Tamahome proposes to Miaka and asks her to marry him. Many events occur and they have lots of romantic scenes. When Tamahome returns to his home and sees his family, he finds out his family has been killed. Miaka comforts him. Tamahome tells Miaka that he promises to protect her with his life as they are on the boat together. Tamahome promises to make Miaka the happiest bride when they get married. Tamahome hugs Miaka and they share lots of romantic moments. This is a great volume.

This is the best Fushigi Yuugi book ever! Although, it wasn't one of the funnier ones. It was more serious, but I enjoy it time after time as I read it over and over again. Please buy this book! It's definetly and important chapter in the world of the Univerce of the Four Gods!

The ceremony to summon Suzaku has been ruined, but Miaka and the Celestial Warriors of Suzaku have been given a new way to summon the god. Before they go, Miaka and Tamahome have to deal with some devestating news that will keep them from being with one another. Also, Suboshi wants revenge for his twin borther Amiboshi's death, and Tamahome is the one to suffer. I won't say what happens, but I cried at this part. Although there is a "the story thus far" section, as well as a section that says a little (a very little) about many of the characters, this book won't have nearly as much emotional impact if you haven't read the previous books. I love the author/artist's style of art, and I have really enjoyed what I've read of the series so far. It can be painful to read, because, when people die in this series, they stay dead, but it's definitely worth reading. I also, in some ways, prefer reading the manga to watching the anime. Unlike the manga, I own all of the anime for this series, but, at least with the manga, I don't have to listen to Miaka's whiny voice. Miaka is as whiny as I want her to be when I'm reading, lol. This series is definitely a must-read.

vol.7 of FY is like one of the best vol. ever read, in this vol. miaka is warned that she cannot love tamahome and that she has to put aside her feelings for him, she is ot aloud to cross the line that is between her and the celestial warriors well miaka so heartbroken can't say anything, but later on tamahome proposes to her, and miaka just standing there in shock saying that she can't and she says that he is dumb and tamahome in total shock yells at her as she leaves WHY? WHY? and she just goes to the end of the other room with the door closes and just crys, it is like really sad, the next day they go the festival and tamahome asks miaka what did ty-yi-jun say to you, she says nothing and he says that is not true so she tells him that she has to have a pure body that is not touched and so tamahome in shock says your kidding right no feelings for me, well he was about to like pat her and he retreats and turns around and says after all this is over I'll make you the happiest bride (sniff) so romantic(sniff) well as they are going back home to tamahomes family cause hotohori agreed that his family would come to stay, and the most shocking things happens....his family .....murdered, your socks just fly off your feet and tears just come down, and the youngest one baerly alive says welcome tamahome and a couple other things and she dies well it turns that suboshi killed them for revenge for his twin brother amboshi he on the roof singing the flute well there is more and you have to read it, but I warn you it contains a little spoilers but It I recommendit!!

While it's Violet who's given the front cover for this book (more about the strip this image came from later...), it's Snoopy and Peppermint Patty who come into their own in this book.

Snoopy's stint as the WWI Flying Ace is not nearly as strong as before, but it begins to to interact with the other characters (other than Charlie Brown, who HAS to interact with Snoopy on a regular basis) and affect their actions, as does some other of Snoopy's alternate characters. Snoopy is also given a back story involving a former owner who was unable to keep him (a plot which was expanded into its own movie).

Peppermint Patty, having developed from a blank slate looking for something to believe in to a character strong enough to solo in late 1966, is now further expanding into what would become her role as Charlie Brown's female, power-filled alter-ego. With Jose Peterson (.850 in North Dakota?), Roy and Franklin (a Summer of '68 introduction) in tow and a possible peak at Marcie, Peppermint Patty is now the leader of her own gang - a Female Charlie Brown, only a competent leader of a group chosen for their strengths and winning ways (as compared to Charlie Brown, whose team is pretty much a collections of locals who don't really like him too much and are chosen more-or-less because of habit and closeness). Peppermint Patty's weaknesses would round out her character in the future, but here it's her strengths that are propelling her.

Given the growth in Snoopy and Peppermint Patty, the other characters work more in support. Charlie Brown already has become more a handmaiden to Peppermint Patty's attempts to improve her team (at first CB's team, then her own) and Snoopy's escapades more and more involve and affect the people around them. The Red-Haired girl again affects CB in bad ways, this time even going so far as to force CB to live in the dark of his bedroom for a whole week. And Freida still appears, still doggedly trying to turn Snoopy into the hunting dog she's always dreamed of owning.

And finally, the image on the front cover of this book comes from the "missing strip" in the book: Violet solo, shooting forth a cutdown only for us to learn of its weakness (May 3, 1967). Maybe the compiler thought it a bit odd that Violet, once able (with or without the original Patty) to rip into CB with a force powerful enough to destroy living men (never mind struggling boys with no self-esteem) weakened to a mere "nyaah." Anyway, it was replaced with the strip from two days before in the book. You can find a copy online and consider the irony of an image used in the front of a book that it's been banished from (unintentionally, but banished nevertheless).

Buy this book. Buy the books before this one as well, if you haven't done that yet.

The Complete Peanuts l967-68 takes me back to the founding of my Peanuts related company, Aviva Enterprises, with Elliot Steinberg in l968. Every Peanuts 'fan' -- should own this entire collection. It is a wonderful gift to leave for future generation in your own families.

I love Peanuts, but there is no doubt it deteriorated in the last 10-15 years it was made, one was bound to run out of original ideas sooner or later. However, this book is from what was the heydays of the series, and is great reading.

Tongues are stilled to silence. Commentary fails. By 1968, the neurotic and often surreal Peanuts comic strip ruled newspapers' daily fibers. Another decade would roll by before any real competition emerged. Though Ruminations on the 1960s rarely include "Charlie Brown and Snoopy," their utter ubiquitousness in papers, magazines, toy stores, television and, after 1969, film makes that lacuna seem almost irresponsible. The stunted ageless self-conscious Freudian windbags were simply everywhere. Only very recently, following Charles Schulz's passing, the closing of the Mall of America's "Camp Snoopy" and the glacial disappearance of Peanuts reruns, does its grip on popular culture seem at an ebb. Nonetheless, historians of popular culture will doubtless continue to acclaim Peanuts as the pinnacle of the comic medium. Especially as the classic comic strip format fades into history, with the inevitable dissolution of newspapers into web bits, Peanuts represents something that will not likely occur again. Thankfully, Fantagraphic's magnum opus, "The Complete Peanuts," lets readers revisit the strip's colossal 50 year run. Fanatics unite!

This ninth volume includes every strip, including Sundays (though not in color), from 1967 to 1968. By this point the development of the strip's main characters plateaued. Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, Peppermint Patty, and the "birds" that would become Woodstock (next volume - try to hold it!) appear in familiar form (though some characters began to appear with less frequency, such as Violet, Frieda, and "Pig-Pen" - Violet's appearance on the cover remains a little enigmatic since she appears only 15 times in minor roles; "Pig-Pen" only appears 3 times). Snoopy's "WWI Flying Ace" transformation (in the previous volume) arguably represents the strip's peak. This level of quality was maintained until the 1980s. Schulz became a multimillionaire in charge of a global empire. Peanuts gradually seeped into every possible crack, including junk food and insurance. Snoopy became as recognizable as Mickey Mouse. This cultural domination did not ruin the comic's self-consciousness or self-deprecating undertone. As profits and honors soared, it kept reflecting on the lives of losers, misfits, and the depressed.

As with all volumes, this one contains many highlights, including: Lucy sort of meets her arm wrestling match in "The Masked Marvel" ("Succumb you dark-haired fiend!" 2/14/67); Snoopy attempts to compete in the Grenoble Olympics, only to be deterred by an ocean (12/21 - 12/22/67); Snoopy trips over a blighter (5/11/67); Linus pats birds on the head, which many find socially unacceptable; the birds rebel (5/22 - 6/3/67); "Bird Hippies" appear (7/12/67, 7/13/67, and 11/1/67); the baseball team loses again ("Winning isn't everything, Charlie Brown..." "That's true, but losing isn't anything") and Charlie Brown trades Snoopy to Peppermint Patty's team. Guilt ensues (11/8 - 11/20/67); a rare and bizarre front view of Snoopy (1/13/68); "Even stupid questions have answers!" (2/21/68); The "Easter Bunny" (later "Easter Beagle") appears (4/14/68); Snoopy tries to find Petaluma with a globe (4/30 - 5/1/68); a proverbial "sad" strip: "But who cheers up the World War I flying ace?" (5/16/68); Bird chomps on worm, Snoopy gets sick (5/20/68); Lucy serves "Goop" (5/27, 5/28 and 6/1/68); a proto-Marcie, named either "Clara," "Sophie," or "Shirley," appears at Peppermint Patty's camp (6/18/68); Birds carry election signs (7/1 - 7/6/68); Franklin appears, for the first time, on the beach (7/31/68); Charlie Brown finds out the truth about Lila, and Lila appears - a rather bizarre sequence (8/20 - 8/31/68). Here's yet another great collection in a series planned to continue until 2016. That's exhausting even to think about. But please keep them coming!

It's getting harder and harder to come up with new things to say that will convey how much I enjoy reading these old Peanuts strips. This comes from a period where I am less familiar with the strips themselves, so there are some surprises for me.

In this volume we find the strips that will be the inspiration for the animated special, Snoopy Come Home, in which we find out Snoopy has an owner before Charlie Brown who is ill and in the hospital. This is the era where Franklin makes his first appearance, giving Charlie Brown one of his rare emotional boosts. There is also plenty of Snoopy as the WWI flying ace and numerous baseball games.

All in all, as always, this volume is a great collection of wonderful Peanuts comic strips. Charles Schulz rarely disappoints.

(Prospective buyers of this volume should be aware that the first edition has an error: the May 1, 1967 strip is printed twice, leaving the May 3, 1967 strip missing. Later editions of this volume are supposed to correct the error and the missing strip will also be printed in the 1969-1970 volume.)

My ex-comic peddling friend recommended this to me one day. I reluctantly purchased it, but was incredibly pleased with the results. I found myself reading & re-reading this comic several times that day.

The story starts off deceptively simplistic, with Francine once again brushing off the advances of her boyfriend Freddie. Freddie, fed up with her refusal to sleep with him, storms out after a scene with Francine & her roommate Katchoo. From there the story goes into several different directions, some of which are hinted at (but not gone into) in this volume. It truly is an incredibly strong start to one of the greatest indy comics of our time.

Would I recommend this to a friend? YES! This series has something for everyone... pretty girls, heartwrenching romance, and lots of action & intrigue in the later volumes.

I've read all of SiP, from the first novel to the latest, which I think is number 11, Heart in Hand. The entire series is amazingly complex, with so much depth to it-- and every graphic novel adds to that depth, often putting another layer on events you thought you understood the first time around. I recommend re-reading SiP once you're through, so you can catch all those things you didn't think were important when you first saw them!

Moore is amazing in that every character he creates is truly multi-dimensional; even the bad guys have background. No clear-cut lines in this one.

SiP was the first comic I've ever read-- and still the best. I truly recommend it highly.

Just a good story, with realistic characters, a interesting plot and great artwork. Katchoo, Francine, David, Freddie and even the neighbors have a part to play in this story line. This small collection is but the first volume in (what I hope is) a neverending story of love, hope and, sometimes, pain. If you love comics or DON'T love comics this is a book to buy!

I don't differ that much from many other teens my age, but in some ways I do. One of those ways is what and how much I read. While many of my friends struggle with eighty-page children's chapter-books, there's almost nothing I enjoy more then sticking my nose in the latest 400+ page novel. I don't usually read comics, but when I stumbled upon Strangers in Paradise, I was intrigued by the brief synopsis on the flap and decided to give it a try.

SiP turned out to be one of the greatest reading experiences I've ever had. The plot, and characters, are complex but not imcomprehensible, and the art is fabulous. It's not for people like some of my rather illiterate friends, but I recommend the entire collection of Strangers In Paradise to anyone- comic book reader or no, age doesn't matter- who enjoys a good read.

For those who aren't afraid to try something different, this is it. Funny, well drawn, and interestingly written. Just about the best non-superhero series outside of "Bone".

Addy McMahon, a twelve year old girl who goes through quite a lot of misfortune, has blamed a period of unlucky times on a family curse. Barely anyone besides herself believes that there even is a curse. As Addy goes through this page-turner, a series of unfortunate events occur. To rid herself of her guilty thoughts, she keeps assuring herself that it was caused by her great-grandfather who supposedly inflicted a never-ending curse on Addy and her family by angering some fairies. Addy's arch enemy, Marsha Pittel, whom Addy and her best friend, Jackie, like to tease about her last name, is every so often involved in creating Addy's misery. Addy has a secret diary that she often writes in throughout the book. Well, it's not really a diary, but it is secret. She calls it her autobiogra-strip, because it has her life story in it so far, yet it is in the format of a comic strip, though it is not particularly funny.

I found this clever novel a treat to read. I read it in two days. I could not put it down. I would rate this book in my top 20 favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed the unusual and unexpected twists. Katie Davis is an amazing author and her writing is unique and fascinating. Throughout the book I found myself laughing, and nervously waiting for Addy McMahon to make difficult decisions. The style of writing helped me find an Addy McMahon in me, and I found myself feeling the feelings of the main character and some other characters briefly too. I would recommend this book to girls age ten and up, because many of the most important characters are female and because it talks about the unique situations that young girls experience in middle school.

What fun I had reading this story... in two sit downs I was drawn in and couldnt wait to hear how this sweet and challanging girl would develop. It was driving me nuts how she just wouldnt take responsiblity for her own actions...but then she does and thigs really begin to blossom for her. Near the end I found myself crying like a baby.... what a joy

Be sure you have plenty of time when you pick up The Curse of Addy McMahon by Katie Davis--you might not be able to stop turning pages to see what happens next. On the other hand, Davis's clever use of graphic illustrations interspersed in the narrative provide clean breaks if you just have to put the book down now and then.

Mother-daughter book clubs with girls in 6th to 9th grade will find a lot to like here. Addy is convinced she suffers from a family curse, rendered against her great-grandad in Ireland by fairies. And she's got mounting evidence to suggest she might be right. Her mom's boyfriend is moving into the guest room "temporarily," her worst enemy saw her shopping for a training bra, and her best friend, Jackie, is mad at her because she accidentally emailed a copy of a nasty fake interview with Jackie that got all around school.

But Addy does have a lot going for her. She helped create a school newspaper and she's on the editorial staff. She interviews interesting people and creates graphic drawings to illustrate the stories she writes. People love her interviews, and they let her know it. I found myself wishing I had experienced that kind of good luck when I was in middle school.

The illustrations punctuating the narrative should make The Curse of Addy McMahon attractive to reluctant readers as well as those who devour books. The presentation is unconventional, and so is some of the narrative. It was quite interesting to read Addy's thoughts about her father, who died from cancer he got from smoking. And the subject of parents entering the dating/relationship world after the death of a spouse is also very thoughtfully written.

Here's an activity idea to go with the book: have girls and moms both draw their own autobiograstrips like Addy's. Share them at a meeting and see what discussion ensues.

This is a great read. Addy is endearing and her problems very moving. Katie Davis has woven the autobiograstrips into the story so the book is part traditional novel, part graphic novel. It's an easy read with humor and depth. Readers will want to start their own autobiograstrips once they've read Addy's!

Reviewed by Rachael Stein (age 15) for Reader Views (6/08)

Addy is convinced that she is a cursed girl. After all, her mother's boyfriend Jonathon is moving in, her worst enemy saw her shopping for a training bra, and her father died of cancer. And even when she has good intentions, such as surprising her best friend Jackie with the spectacular interview she wrote about her, things gets messed up -- Addy made the mistake of attaching the wrong document to an email and now best friends have become ex-friends. So, it's either all the bad luck in the world heaped onto Addy or that family curse that is causing Addy's troubles in the form of a father's absence, an unwanted house guest, an ex-friend's cold shoulder, and an enemy's spiteful attitude. Addy doesn't know how in the world she's going to get out of the mess she's in, but she does know that writing and drawing cartoons make her feel a whole lot better - until they get her into trouble, that is. In the midst of all her troubles, Addy has to learn to take responsibility for her actions and risks to get a reward.

I believe "The Curse of Addy McMahon" is aimed at the middle-grade audience, but even older teens, such as me, can really enjoy this clever and humorous novel. Towards the beginning of the novel, Addy comes off as shy and immature, but that's to be expected of a sixth grader. However, as the story progresses, Addy matures greatly, which surprised me for a character so young. I really enjoyed reading from Addy's point of view; even though she constantly complains and is really stubborn, she's also funny, honest, and very talented in both writing and drawing. Katie Davis does a wonderful job of developing Addy's character, and I really felt I got to know her personality as if she were a real person.

The ending of "The Curse of Addy McMahon" was very cutesy and perfect, but it made a very satisfying ending to a sweet story. I also really liked the illustrations from Addy's "autobiogra-strip" and other comics, and that's saying a lot because I usually don't enjoy reading comics or manga. I felt that the pictures added to Addy's characterization and the overall cuteness of the book. The novel's messages were well presented, especially at the end of the story, and were honest pieces of advice anyone can use: no reward comes without taking a risk; it's okay to give people a chance, and you need to know when to swallow your pride and apologize, among others.

I recommend "The Curse of Addy McMahon," by Katie Davis, more for middle-grade readers, especially the girls, because I feel that they would be able to relate more to Addy's experiences than older teens. However, anyone looking for a fast and funny read will enjoy this witty and entertaining novel.

With "Cut My Hair," Jamie Rich has recreated the mythos of the early '90s music scene as seen through the eyes of one who had lived during the time. (No, it's true... there was some good stuff going on back then, though coming on the tail of the Decade of Greed, those who lived during the time are characteristly cynical over any reminder of said years.)

Mason, the narrator/protagonist of the novel, could concievably be a real-life person. None of his insights, emotions, or actions are one-sided. In fact, he most resembles a modern-day depiction of J. D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield, though somewhat more adjusted to the life in which he lives. And a life of glamour and rock 'n' roll it is not! Mason abides with parental apathy, poverty-line conditions, and a super-heated drought-stricken California, while discovering that life holds none of the Hollywood-esque promise made to his generation. In Mason's life of change and uncertainty, the only possession to which he places any trust and security is his leather jacket - his shell.

This book delves into the alternative music scene, and successfully captures its heart and soul. It doesn't apologize for retroactive weaknesses, because it doesn't feel it has to. It's merely presenting a backdrop which is as rich and vibrant as Mason and his inextricable band of friends and associates.

Most of the sporadic artwork contained therein equally displays a good feel for the characters and their times (Andi Watson's efforts especially accomplish this; Judd Winick's, not so much), and give the book a considerable amount of character.

Fantastic book, well-deserving of multiple readings.

Cut My Hair is written by former Oni Press Editor Jamie S. Rich with illustrations by such noted comic book artists as Judd Winick, Chynna Clugston-Major, Scott Morse, Mike Allred and Andi Watson, with the title taken from the Who song of the same name off of their Quadrophenia album. As I am a huge fan of both comic books and The Who, Cut My Hair sounded like it was right up my alley. Cut My Hair is a smart, well written, coming of age story. It's also about being in love, not only with another person, but with music. Specifically, Punk rock music.

Set in the early 90's, Cut My Hair is narrated by 19-year old Mason, who lives with his best friend Jack. Jack isn't just his best friend, but also his protector and as close to family as anyone he knows, as Jack hasn't spoken to his abusive, alcoholic mother since he moved out after High School. Nicknamed "Jailbate" (incorrect spelling intended) because of his small size and stature, Mason's life consists of working full time at a comic store, going to Punk rock shows and pining away for Laine, his High School crush. As with all things in life, nothing stays the same. Mason's life begins to change, as he meets and falls passionately in love with Jeane. Before Mason can fully enjoy his newfound happiness, an event occurs which sends him over the edge into a deep, alcohol-fueled despair, from which even the music he loves cannot save him.

Cut My Hair, filled with the longing and heartache of teenage angst, explores both the lifestyle and the music of the Los Angles Punk rock scene of the early 90's with authority and affection. Regardless of whether you're a Punk or not, you'll be quickly drawn into this fascinating, often violent world that, in it's own way, is infused with an underlying sense of romanticism, hope and love.

OMG! This book was amazing. I read about this book a few years ago in some music magazine. Somehow, I remembered the title and decided to look it up on amazon. I found it and ordered it and I am greatful I did. Jamie S. Rich did an excelent in developing the character of Mason. The way he uses the first person and really captures what it is like to be a teenager who feels like he doesn't fit in. He finds a way to really show the ups and downs in a teen's life. I could not put this book down. I would recomend it to anyone. I could not have agreed more with the musical taste in this book. And I was able to see myself through Mason. If you are a teenager or not, this book is definetly one to read!!!

I bought this book on a whim. As many of the people who have read it, I first heard of it through Oni Press. And I was not disappointed one bit.

My reaction was surprising most of all to me, since I've made the analysis of literary works my life (and my degree). There's nothing about this book that makes it astoundingly unique compared to all the other coming-of-age novels out there. But that's the beauty of it.

For different people with different experiences, certain elements of this book resonate on a deeper level than can be described. For those who cannot live without their music and all that's connected therein. For those who have the small store job and find happiness just fine. For those yearning away for the "Eternal Girl."

For me, who suddenly recognized a very close friend and was delighted at last to know who he was. I showed my friend this book and he wondered how on earth this author had picked up scenes from his life like they were pennies lying face-up on the ground. He started telling me about concerts he'd driven half the day to get to, fights he'd been in wondering who he was fighting... life's realization. Music. Friendship. Love.

So, for me, up to my neck in all the Shakespeare, Hemingway, and Palahniuk I can stand-- and this is my favorite of them all. There's something about it that just resonates deep inside. I *know* Mason. I know him even better now. His name may not be Mason, but he's got all the bad haircuts and scars to prove otherwise.

I bought this thinking it was a graphic novel, after enjoying Blue Monday and Scooter Girl.

It's not. Just a novel.

Caveat Emptor.