Comic Books Books

This book is an excellent reference for pop-culture (and comic book) fans. It does a great job of covering the comic book industry and world since the 50s. It's really complete and entertaining, and very intelligent

This is a lively and insightful history of the men who created the Silver Age Super Hero comics at Marvel and DC. It also features some material on the more important post-Silver Age creators such as Frank Miller, Alan Moore and Scott McCloud. The narrative contains history, inside information and analysis of the work. It flows well and reveals a lot of the history of both the industry and the characters. The comic book heroes of the title are the creators. While it does not offer a comprehensive history of comic books, or even super heroes comics as the Golden Age is not covered, for what it is, it is the best book available and strong enough that one need not wish for more.

Gerard Jones and Will Jacobs have written a wonderful history of comic book heroes from the silver age (late 50's) to the present (mid-90's). It is an important book in providing the background details of the industry and also in its portraits of the creators of the various comic books. For one such as myself, who grew up in the middle part of this period, it combines a delightful mix of nostalgia with a healthy mix of cynicism for the business side of this industry. I was surprised that the twists and turns within the industry could often match for interest the myriad of confusing sub-plots that were being developed within the pages of the comics themselves. I was also pleased at the examination the authors provided of the fictional heroes themselves, even including the authors, at times, strong opinions. The book felt like a dialogue late at night with another expert fan of comics with often heated disagreements but always with a lot of fun and much insight. A highly recommended read.

In a perfect world, this book would be less necessary than it is. Because "The Comic Book Heroes" is one of very few serious works of comics history - and certainly one of the most detailed I've seen - it's forced to bear a weight that Jones and Jacob's writing isn't completely up to. Not that it's bad, by any means, and it's clearly a labor of love for its authors, but it's weirdly partisan, especially as it begins to cover more recent comics, and Jones's experiences as a comics writer, and his opinions of his peers, come into the foreground. If this were a "my life in comics" sort of work, then that'd be okay, but given that the book's presented as an objective history, the opinionated (and occasionally bitchy) tone feels odd and out of place. Still, for all its problems, it's a serious study of a subject that is sadly underrecognized, and, as such, essential reading for any student or reader of comics.

Along with Jim Steranko's work on golden age comics, this is the best comics history there is! Instead of the nostalgic and illustrative emphasis of Steranko's books, Jones and Jacobs bring a rigorous critical approach to comics from 1956 to the present, not shirking from questioning the reputations of some accepted "classics" while finding value in some works previously derided or ignored. Their history encompasses the business itself, the personalities involved, and the growth of comics fandom, as well as the content of the comics themselves. The text is always entertaining, sometimes hilarious, and always stimulating and informative. There are few really essential critical works on comics, this is definitely one of them, and as fun a read as the comics it discusses.

This is the excellent second volume to this comprehensive reprinting of the classic "Terry and the Pirates" series. I have wanted to read this series, but missed out on the previous reprint series done by NBM several years back (being a poor student at the time, I could not afford the multiple expensive volumes).

With this volume, T&P story comes on stronger, as Caniff really getting into things. This will continue into v3 and v4.

There have been some real discoveries among the recent collections of classic comic strips for those of us too young to remember them. Walt & Skeezix, the printed Popeye and this one. Terry and the Pirates allows you to enjoy some wonderful escapist action. Even better, you do not have to wait a day for each new installment. The second volume picks up where the first left off. While I'm not familiar with Milton Caniff's career, it's obvious he was in his prime as a cartoonist during this time. How nice to experience it for yourself. It also makes me interested in seeing a collection of his "Steve Canyon" strip as well.

First I would like to address some of the concerns previous reviewers have of the first volume, concerning the small size of the strips. My advice; don't worry about it. At first glance, they do appear small, but brother, once you've gotten hooked by the first volume and started upon the second, it simply doesn't matter, for you are now deeply entranced by Caniff's masterful storylines.

The great thing about the second volume over the first is that the Sundays and Dailies are now in synch, and the adventures flow seamlessly from one dramatic encounter and escape into the next. And the characters have taken on stronger, flesh and blood personas, refined by Milt's ongoing development of his craft and draftsmanship. Plus the ladies are prettier and suggestive, in a 1930's fashion.

I can't wait for the next four volumes, and already pre-ordered them all, except for the sixth, which has not yet been offered on Amazon.

Believe me, it's truly good stuff.

Here's where Caniff really starts to come into his own. The action is fast and furious, the charcters are more defined, the sexy bits get steamier, and the artwork becomes slicker and more expressive. The reproduction of the strips is crystal clear (with the Sundays in the original full color). This comic strip represents the highwater mark of action/adventure strips. And this volume contains some amazing stuff. If you're a fan of the comics, don't pass this one up. Highest recommendation.

Before I bought this, I'd read negative reviews by people who favored the Kitchen Sink and Flying Buttress collections. Well, I'd bought both (but lost them in a fire) and I consider this series on a par. They're different, each with their pluses and minuses. But see for yourself before taking the negative reviews seriously; having seen both, I don't understand the harsh reviews of the print quality - these volumes are solid, and far more loyal to the original presentations than the other collections. If you want the flavor of reading these strips as they originally appeared, I think this collection comes the closest. The strips aren't as large as in the Flying Buttress series, but the dailies are larger larger than in the Checker or the Kitchen Sink collections. Also, the Buttress color collections of Sunday strips, while flawless, are too vivid - they're gorgeous, to be sure, but the advantages of think paper stock and quality inks is so rich that it loses the Sunday comics feel. That's why I endorse this collection and recommend seeing for yourself. If you want the "real" flavor of Milton Caniff as he revolutionized the continuity strip, this collection is your baby.

Great adaptation of one of the greatest Conan stories ever. Dark Horse exceeds expectations with this collection of stories. Don't miss it.

The classic Conan story was only enhanced by the great artists working on this! Well done! CROM SMILES!

This could not be better! The drawings are fantastic! Storyline is very good, great characters. Brutally fantastic! You should have this in your comic collection, it will be worth to have it.

I have the first 3 in this series:
The Frost Giant's Daughter And Other Stories, The God In The Bowl And Other Stories and The Tower Of The Elephant And Other Stories.

I find the artwork to be superior to the "Chronicals of Conan", and there is always at least one original Howard tale included in these books. The "Other Stories" stand up very well to the Howard adventures. They are very much in the same spirit and style, and are fitting tributes.
So far all have been extremely enjoyable, and I plan to purchase the rest of them.
I only buy what I like (as opposed to collecting for its own sake), and I like this!!

Great for new readers and old Conan fans alike!

I don't think this third volume lives up to the other two. The story is still pretty solid, and for the most part the art is up to par. There's a few pages where the art takes a noticeable decrease in quality though. There's a few really good moments in this book so I still recommend picking it up.

Wow... Those books are hillarious. I found that they show the show on adult swim at 12:30 pm. The language is a little too much for younger viewers but the humor could cover all ages. I recommend the book for kids cause less language and more humor. Great book!

Shinchan was supposedly known as a 'kids' show in China. Well, every kid knew it.. Even I! (I was a kid at those times =s). Now I'm out of china very depressed about how noone dared transalate shinchan (Shao Xin is his chinese name). People thought it was banned due to kids picking it up and saying, "WHat The Heck!?". But finally I saw an ad with Shinchan in it. At first I thought it was 'too risque' but then my mom ordered all the books and I was instantly hooked. True, I was a fan in china, I had 1 japanese shinchan video, and suprisingly found one DVD shinchan set in a chinatown which I got also.(The set contains episodes almost same to some in the manga!) I long await the day someone will put the anime in english or at least list shinchan in a manga convention.
Shinchan is an important lesson showing all artists that you don't have to make your comic look all fancy to be addicting and crazy.
True, shinchan is pretty risque, but the outcome is totally crazy.

(Shinchan's chinese name means 'Little New'!) =)

One day, I was at Borders looking around at the anime (which ive scarcely done since the 5th grade), when I discovered Shinchan...By the next day, I had gotten all 5 volumes! This is seriously the FUNNIEST book I have ever read! Ive read it over a ZILLION times now! Shinchan NEVER fails to raise my spirits! My only complaint is how poorly made the book(s) itself is...Already 5 pages have fallen out! Otherwise, I am VERY pleased with the whole thing! Its the only anime I ever read now! As for him being the Bart Simpson of Japan?!?! Well...I wouldint exactly say that...hes done ALOT more worse things than any Simpson ever has! Also, the author really seems to understand about how kindergardeners think and behave...Shinchan seems so real! As for the artwork...I wouldint say it's BAD (you should see the CARTOON!), but really basic...Overall, I denfinetly reccomend this!

This book was hilarious. Follow the life of 5 year old kindergartener Shinchan Nohara as he causes all sorts of trouble for his parents.
If you didn't already know this is a Japanese comic (manga). Although it's not drawn very well, the humor makes up for it.
For a 5 year old Shinchan is smart at times but dumbfound at others. He already knows pickup lines, uses children books to hide porn at the bookstore and outsmarts his mother. Other times he goes home to ask his mother their phone number so that he can tell the grocery lady so she can call his mother and ask how much ground beef she needs.
Although the book suggests it should be okay for 13 year olds and up, I still thought it had some adult themes to it (from an American point of view anyways. They see things differently in Japan). My only complaint is that the book is read from left to right. The original Japanese version would be the opposite, since that's how they read.
Definitely worth picking up.

The back cover says I quote: "...celebrates the terrible power of destruction and indicency wielded by toddlers everywhere". And it's true and so much FUN!
Each volume of this English translated manga by Comics One contains two stories in color and the rest are in black and white, or with "tones" used in Japan. You get to see what is the life of 5 year old Shinnosuke Nohara,Shinchan being the diminutive of his name in Japanese; he is rude, loud, makes the most innapropiate comments at the worst time, and isn't afraid of exposing his nude body and private parts for all to see. Shinchan is a free spirit in every sense of the word. The stories are very honest, very funny and sincere; and some even typical for the behavior of a 5 year old boy.
The author has included many elements of the typical middle class Japanese family and Japanese culture in his stories, but the translator has cleverly changed some details to appeal American audiences. In the first volumes all names are Japanese then are changed to American names in later issues.
Though Shinchan and his aprents remain eternally young (like the Simpsons) the stories do follow an order and sequence of events in the boy's life, but he is five years old forever, unlike the stories on other anime and manga where there is a beginning, middle and end and the charatcers grow, mature and die or move on, NOT here!
Both the manga and the anime series it inspired are very popular in Japan, and as I recently discovered also in Spain and Argentina. I highly recommend these comics to all who have had to deal with small children or would like to read something funny, cute and semi-obnoxious from Japan.
Shinchan is a real character you'll love him! I know I do!
Personally I cannot wait till the release of the anime in the US.

Brian Michael Bendis' run on Daredevil (Vol 2. Issues 26-81) is by far one of the greatest runs ever produced. In this hardcover are his first two story arcs Underboss and Out, Out being the best of the entire run. Well worth buying used considering it is out of print.

This edition collects Dardevil 26-37, and showcases the beginning run on the series by Brian Michael Bendis (my favorite Comic Book writer) and new series artist Alex Maleev. The storyline is very good (as is just about anything Mr. Bendis writes), and continues the Kingpin's run of rotten luck - something usually reserved for the title character. There is not much "superheroing" in this book, but instead the shift is more to a crime noir type of story - something that is well suited to the character and something Bendis enjoys and excels at writing. Daredevil's secret identity is "outed" and this causes him all sorts of problems. When you get to the end, you are definitely left wanting more. So, if you get this book, you will definitely want to also get Vol. 3 to complete the storyline (at least, complete most of the plot lines).

The artwork in this collection is not my favorite, but it has a distinct look to it that is different from just about anything alse you'll see. The artwork is not nearly as clean and clear as much of what you may see in other books, but it does "fit" the tone of the book, and Bendis seems to love Mr. Maleev's work, so chances are that he'll be on this series as long as Bendis is. Overall, I liked this Vol. equally as well as Vol. 1., but people looking for a traditional "battle of the spandex-clad heroes and villains" will probably not like it as much as I. However, if you're looking for a more realistic, "talking heads" type of storyline, you'll definitely enjoy this book.

This installment of the Daredevil comic series by Brian Bendic and Alex Maleev is another great story in a long line of Daredevil sagas. This story involves the Daredevil's indenity being exposed for al to see. The press hounds Matt for the truth and they report the 'Kingpin is Dead.'

The Kingpin's appearant demise (and apearant is the operative word) was maters-minded by an up-and-coming punk named Mr. Silke. He is a visitor to Hell's Kitchen from Chicago and the opening scene, taken from Shakespear's 'Julius Ceaser' is interesting.

I don't want to review the story as to give anything a way. The Kingpin subplot is actually more inteersting than the Daredevil/Matt Murdock exposed story. But the Kingpin story works because of the Matt Murdock exposed story. It is a nice compliment.

As is a tradition in the Marvel Universe, there are cameo appearances from other Marvel Universe characters; Spiderman, Electra, and the Black Widow all appear, but they hinder this story and bog it down. The appearance of the Kingpin's wife Vanessa, however, gives this story an interesting subplot and lift. She is a character rarely used and Bendis does use her hear brilliantly.

The artwork is of a film noir style and works very well. The story does slow down in some areas and the cameos didn't help; but, overall - this is another great Daredevil adventure.

Daredevil, in my view, is the greatest and most enticing character in all comicdom. Before all of you go out shouting "Jesse Custer" or "Spider-Man" or "Batman" or "Wolverine," let me explain why. He's real and he's the most relatable in the sense of human conflict with others and himself. What sets him above everyone else is that he and Matthew Murdock are essentially the same character. Look at Peter Parker and look at Spider-Man -- there are big differences between them. One's shy, one's flamboyant. One battles bills, the other battles symbiotic aliens. One's more of a nerd, the other's cooler.

But with Murdock and Daredevil? They're one and the same. They're cocky. Arrogant. A bit of a jerk.

Now how does he relate to us simple people, while he's blindly (heh) jumping off rooftops and facing off against murderers? Easy. He's had mental breakdowns. He's lost loved ones after loved ones after loved ones. You can take everything away from him, and you can still not destroy him completely. He fears God, he reveres his father, and he does lose faith in everything, including the creator of all that is good.

He may be rich. He may be a famous lawyer. He may be blind and he may battle crime vigilante-style regardless of the loss of sight. But all he's looking for is meaning in life, and for love. And, in looking for this, he's been hurt way too many times, way more than he should have been. And how have you been in your life?

Has it been painless?

There have never been any tests of strength?

Have you never been alone?

Have you never doubted everything?

His life, no matter how fantastic, has always been one tragedy after another. That's the case for more people than it isn't.

We're all mentally exhausted, and so is Matt Murdock. Within this collection is one of the greatest showings of his strength and his will, perhaps his best. Out of all the Daredevil sagas, this is my favorite. Buy it and believe.

Ever since the Kevin smith relaunch, Daredevil has been amazing. This Volume contains the both the "Underboss" and the "Out" story lines, issues 26-37. Bendis is amazing at crime stories and he took Daredevil and gave the comic a movie feel more satisfying than the one out in theaters now. His story telling of the gritty crime underground, combined with Maleev's unique style, give the book a sense of feel and texture unique in comics.

The first storyline involves the mystery behind the disappearance of the Kingpin, Wilson Fisk, who controls all crime in New York. A man named Silke, the son of Kingpin's former partner, is given a second chance and relocates to New York. He gathers a group of Kingpin lieutenants and attempts to overthrow the Kingpin. This begins a series of events that include it being open season on Matt Murdock and a Fisk family reunion.

The second story, named Out, begins with the headline of the Daily Globe (the NY Post in the Marvel world) on April 17, 2002 declaring that Matt Murdock is Daredevil. A media circs begins as old enemies show up to get revenge on Daredevil and Foggy (Matt's legal partnr and best friend), in a well written speech, implores Matt to retire.

The Bendis/Maleev collaboration is one of the best in comics. They will soon be mentioned in the same breath as other great tandems like Busiek /Anderson/Ross or Ennis/Dillon.

Lee-yun Hee, Demon Diary, vol. 4 (Tokyopop, 2000)

Krayon puts Raenef to the test-- but in testing Raenef, he's also testing Eclipse and Raenef's other friends. We get some more, very welcome, insight into Erutis' powers. Then, a magic book promises to make raenef a true demon lord, but warns that the consequences might be somewhat unexpected. Demon Diary is really starting to fall into place here. Good stuff. ****

Honestly for the first volumes I though the story wasn`t really that great and IMHO the humor was lacking...a bit too simple if you may but in volume 2 it got better so I kept buying but i dindn`t expect this kind of surprside!! the story really kicked off and the drawing is superb as always I just wish they would give up in those annoying little things like the giant tomamtoe and a stupid-looking talking book do they really think that`s funny??or cute?? overall the story is great BUY IT!!

This manga picks up where we left off: with a mysterious demon lord hovering over our heros. He thinks that Eclipse would be better off working for him instead of Raenef. This Crayola inspired demon lord puts Raenef to the test; if he fails, then Eclipse goes to work for Lord Krayon. Being the demon lord in charge of the dream world, Krayon tosses Raenef and co. into some demon's dream (I'm not telling u which demon! ^-^). I'm not gonna give anymore away, but the last few pages involve a floating book that I personally think is not to be trusted, but I know others who disagree. Just to be cryptic, Raenef's gonna change for the worse...poor Eclipse.... Anyways, at the end of the manga, several types of magic are explained, which is kinda interesting, but I would rather they just kept going on with the story.

when i purchased volume 2, i thought that the story had died down a bit. but god am i happy that i felt like giving it a chance and buying 3 and 4. the artwork is beautiful, as always (eclipse and raenef are the best, no? =P) and the story definitely picks up. and this book leaves you with an evil cliffhanger...evil i tell you >_< im grieving over the fact that i have to wait quite a while for the 5th volume to come out T_T i fully recommend this volume...or series overall...

Okay i really love this book! The problem is a MAJIOR cliff hanger ending! It starts off with a really girly-looking Demon named Lord Krayon.(He's not as cute as Raenef *_*) And he wants Eclipes a very good friend and teacher to Lord Raenef to come and work for him! He gets pissed off when he sees that Eclipes Turn down his offer to work with him to work for the kind, loveable, and very cute Demon Lord Raenef so he traps them in a female Demon Seers dream. The demons name is Meruhesae and in her dream Lord Raenef can't use his powers to evil them out. And to escape from her dream they need Karyon's perrmisson to leave. They end up finding Karyon and he wants to see if Raenef is worthy of Eclipes's loyalty, Trust, And friendship so he attacks Raenef and raenef can't use his powers in krayon's relam so elipes who finally finds them in time to save them from krayon's attack. Krayon who is super pissed off now attacks eclipes wounding him and Then the dead past demon lord Raenef comes up freaking everyone out askes that krayon returns Raenef and company to there relam. Krayon whom is total clueless why the dead demon lord came up to help his predisessor, he gose to see Meruhesae the seer she has no clue neither so they decide to hold na meeting. Raenef who is still beating himself up about all the trouble that he's caused eclipes wants to become a proper Demon Lord fast so he gets help from a book who says If what you'er after is frightening and has a miserable personallity that he'll get it. Raenef who is thinking of eclipes best intersest in mind argrees from nice, kind loveable, little boy to a evil hardened and merciless Demon lord. Everybody is not to happy about the new and rude Raenef at the end of the book Eclipes wants to know what turned his good friend into this evil demon who would all but love to destroy a village or two. Thats where it cuts off. bummer so this book is great and all but need to show what happens next i'm die'n to Know!

This is my third or fourth year with the Dilbert daily calendar, and once again I am not disappointed. At least 2 or 3 times a week I find myself laughing out loud when I read the strip of the day.

I'm a living and breathing creature of cubicle land. So I can very much attest to the fact that Scott Adams nails the proverbial nail on the head. Beware! This calendar is funny only because it is the Truth! Buy it, enjoy it and know that others out there feel your pain too.

Being stuck in a cubicle farm, I can (unfortunately) relate to almost all of the strips Dilbert represents. It also doesn't help I'm in IT either... for the government. ::ugh:: From managment's incomprehensible requests, to co-worker quirks and finally the almost endless cycle of meetings this one-a-day calendar manages to keep in tune with what goes on in my office.
I've still got 2003 wallpapered all over my cube... guess it's time to start making room for this year. I give it 4 stars. (Only Farside has made me laugh more)

Have you worked in a corporate setting? Then you'll connect with Dilbert.

Scott Adams has created a world all-too-familiar to us who delve into cubicles for employment. Laughing at his cartoons hurts a little because we work for bosses like the pointy hair guy. We know consultants like Dogbert, and Elbonia reminds of too many clients.

Planting this calendar in your cube is a safe way to say to your boss, "I'm on to you." It might not change the inefficient culture of overwork for not clear goal, but you'll feel better in the process.

I fully recommend the Dilbert daily calendar. It is fun, and unlike a monthly calendar, you get a new panel everyday. It stays fresh this way.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

I enjoyed every single cartoon, though sometimes they made me sad - they mirror real (big) company life, and I was more than once tempted to take the cartoon to my office and slip it onto the table of my boss... And so the cartoons help to endure the harder hours of business life! Maybe I can get a prescription for the 2004 calendar...?

How can you not love a dog that drives, speaks French, and makes a mean macaroni and cheese? Once again, Fergus and his human Mel engage in a battle of wits and will. Naturally, Fergus comes out on top. (Don't blame Mel though -- he's only human.) This volume is actually my favorite of the three, mainly because it contains a sequence of strips en Francais. It's truly classic. (I think I still have the original newspaper strips somewhere.) There's also a good bit about Cuddles the Cat exploring his inner tomcat, leather jacket and all. All in all, I say buy this book and Vive les Weenies!

Searching the net for dogs in cartoons and comics, I stumbled on Fergus and Mel - and fell in love with them immediately. So I rushed to Amazon and bought the 3 "Citizen Dog" available books, and boy -- what a joy!

Fergus and company do entertain, with clever writing and appealing characters. Mel *is* dog's best friend; he and pal Fergus always are having fun together, like two children in a toy store. At the same time, they have their fights with each other. All in all, it always make you smile.

And although being a dog person, I cannot help from saying that Cuddles (AKA Claws, the culturally ambiguous cat) has become one of my favorite comic characters ever. Maybe because he is a little bit naive, and not so egoistical and mean like cats use to be... (sorry for that!). I also like Arlo and Bruno.

Forgot Snoopy and Garfield, folks; it's "Citizen Dog" time now. Way to go, Mark O'Hare!

Funnier than the first book? I found it hard to believe, but it's absolutely true! And while these books hold a special place for pet owners, everyone can relate to the humourous insights on everyday life.

Citizen Dog is one of THE best comic strip of the 90's. It's clever, witty, and downright funny. A great book.

The "Citizen Dog" comic strip was one of the best ever. Mark O'Hare has a delightfully wicked sense of humor and he brings such life and animation to his characters. You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate Fergus, the smart-mouthed dog in this series ... or the lovable antics of his owner, Mel. Get a taste for the comic strip at: http://www.ucomics.com/citizendog/.

Unfortunately, Mark O'Hare is no longer creating new Citizen Dog strips, so all we have left is these fabulous books. There are three in the series:
1) Citizen Dog: The First Collection [ISBN: 0836251865]
2) Dog's Best Friend: More Citizen Dog Reflections [ISBN: 0836267516]
3) D is for Dog [ISBN: 0740704575]

Buy two of each ... because someone's gonna want your copy!
Happy reading!

Sunbi was never treated right in the village she grew up in South Korea because she came from a family of shamans. This is pretty ironic because her grandmother, Okboon, was the reason the village prospered at one time and allows it to survive even to this day. You see, Okboon could see and communicate with spirits and was able to talk these gods into helping the village. Okboon raised Sunbi after her mother went crazy and died and her father abandoned her as he moved on with his life in the city. Now Okboon is dead and Sunbi moves in with her father and his new wife and step-daughter, who aren't too happy about her intruding on their lives. What Sunbi will have to figure out is whether she truly belongs there or is her destiny tied to the village she left behind? And what will she do with the power she has inherited from her grandmother, the power to see and talk to spirits in an age when such beings are becoming obsolete and fading into legend?

Dokebi Bride has a nice mood of strangeness, beauty, and passion for nature that make a great combination. I was impressed by the author's storytelling skills here in which most of the book was a flashback that still kept my interest and gave a lot of depth to the plot and Sunbi's character that would have been lacking if told chronologically. Marley gets you to care a lot about everyone involved here, from Sunbi to her grandmother to the gods and the village. The art is great and unique. This first volume gets me excited about the next installment.

I bought Dokebi Bride vol. 1 and 2 because the artwork (even the limited amount that was shown on Amazon's search inside feature) was absolutely breathtaking. I am not a huge fan of the traditional, "cartoony" sort of graphic novel, and though it does occasionally make appearances in Dokebi Bride, the artwork is mostly carefully done, intricate, delicate, detailed and-- beautiful.

Vol. 1, like most manga/graphic novels tends to be less on plot and more on introduction (which is as it should be). That being said, I was intrigued enough by young Sunbi, her grandmother, and the estranged father to read on to volume 2.

Volume 2 was absolutely amazing. Dark, yes. It has some scary images, including a "The Grudge"-like monster. I don't think it would be anything to frighten a more mature young teen, but it will put a little trepidation in their hearts next time they look in a mirror. :)

The story just starts to develop in Volume 2, as Sunbi attends school (or doesn't attend, as the case may be) in Seoul, and she finds a friend, though reluctantly on her part, in the class president.

I have no complaints on the story line, though the translation seems a little off in places.

I am eagerly looking forward to Volume 3 in September.

Sunbi, the granddaughter and main character has been blessed(?) with special abilities to interact with dokebis. Whether it pays to be able to communicate or the possibility that these demons will haunt her as was the case of her grandmother(?) it deserves a read, as this story seems to intensify and fly me back to a land of dragons and spirits. The storyline is captivating and drawings, awesome.

A story of young Korean girl, Sunbi, who can see spirits that other cannot and living with society that does not accept it. As she grows older, she learns more about shamans and Dokebis from her grandma. She also becomes more isolated from society as she is the subject of ridicule from her classmates. The story is interesting adding a mixture of fantansy in a modern day of life in Korea. It is simple to follow each page as it leads to the next without being lost. The artwork is clear and concise as characters are distinguishable from each other, especially the beautifully drawn Sunbi. The Dokebis are spirits that may look scary, but are actually quite comical. Just check it out on netcomics.com

Okay, so we call these Manhwa rather than manga.
But whatever the category it falls into, this is the best graphic novel I have ever read in my entire book-reading life!
I would recommend this book to everyone from even elementary school kids (there's a few parts with ugly Dokebis but there's no violence) to mature readers. Adults will find this book more engaging than any other graphic novel they are used to.
Plus, they will learn about a completely new culture: Korean culture. This is a fresh new title everyone should check out.
This book has completely changed my conception of manga.

Unlike most of the super-hero books of the 60s -- a genre dominated by the books of Julie Schwartz, Mort Weisinger and Stan Lee -- the Doom Patrol was always a little different. The spin on the characters was somewhere between DC's "we're all the best of pals" and Marvel's "we're real people so we argue with each other all the time." And it made for entertaining reading. If you haven't already picked up Volumes 1 and 2 of Doom Patrol Archives, do so. This is a series worth reading and enjoying from the beginning.

This is Doom Patrol at it's best. You won't miss much by skipping the first 2 volumes. They hit their stride when Beast Boy joins up. This title must have been an odd ball when it was first on the racks. This volume holds up well even 40 years later. The art is pretty decent, and the stories are pretty fun. I've heard that there's gonna be a Doom Patrol movie, and I hope this volume is the main influence.

This is one of the greatest comics of it's time, and the artwork and design is before it's time. In this volume in particular there is only one complaint. It hasn't been released yet!!! I have been waiting since the 1st of February to get this volume and it keeps getting pushed back a week. It is now March and I still haven't got solid word on it's exact release date. I've tried to look it up online, and all the info I've come across is inconclusive. Does anybody know whats going on. Anyway...I still give this a good review because the material is great. I own the first two volumes and the quality of the reprints were great.

You know I had never read a single issue of the old Doom Patrol until reading their tales in the fantastic Archive editions. In fact, I had really own ever seen one issue as a kid and that was the very first issue in this, the third Archive Volume. My older brother used to have issue #98 when we were kids. I remember that cover distinctively, but I don't think I ever read it. This volume contains issues #98 - 105 as well as Challengers of the Unknown #48. It's safe to say that Doom Patrol was probably a third string book (at best) at DC back in the 1960's and that may have been a good thing judging by these stories. DC was known to exercise pretty tight editorial control over its top characters like Superman and Batman, but clearly Doom Patrol flew under the radar.

Much like many Marvel comics of the day like Fantastic Four and The Avengers, the heroes of the Doom Patrol didn't always get along. Heck! They didn't USUALLY get along when it comes down to it as Negative Man and Robotman were constantly at each other's throats leaving Rita, AKA Elasti-Girl to try and place peacekeeper. Throw in the later editions of Beast Boy and Mento, and you had one very dysfunctional super team. In that regard Doom Patrol was far ahead of its time when compared to say The Justice League of America. The stories were by Arnold Drake with art by Bruno Premiani and Bob Brown, not exactly names that stand out in comic lore. Nevertheless, this trio produced stories that were both exciting and more aimed at adult readers than the typical mid-60's DC fare and the art was well above average.

In issue #98 the Chief tells them that he his disbanding the Doom Patrol and throws them out of his office. The team soon finds that the Doctor is suffering from radioactive copper poisoning and is dying. The team not only has to battle Mr. 103 who can turn himself into any element, but find a way to cure the chief as well.

Issue #99 finds Robotman and Larry Trainor (Negative Man) again going at it as they perform for a crowd of fans. Trainor even goes at it with his Negative Man alter ego, thinking himself useless as Negative Man always saves the day. This was in some ways similar to Jim Corrigan's clashes with his Spectre alter ego.

Later the team joins the Challengers of the Unknown in a two-part epic as four villains: Kra the alien robot, Volcano Man, Drabny, and Multi-Man escape from the prison the challengers had them in and nearly kill them until Doom Patrol manages to save them from death.

Issue #100 introduces readers to Gar Logan, Beast Boy who would later become a member of the Teen Titans. Again Drake shows a strong Marvel influence as Beast Boy just saunters into Doom Patrol headquarters and demands to be a part of the team. Very reminiscent of Spider Man once demanding to be made a member of the Avengers way back in the day.

If you never read the original Doom Patrol these Archive editions are well worth the investment. This book was a well-kept secret in the mid-1960's but proves it is every bit as good as the frontline titles.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

I couldn't agree more with the previous reviewer - great stuff, just as it was when I read the individual comics when much younger!

The problem with Amazon showing it as not yet releasd (when I wrote this it showed 4 to 6 weeks out) is 2 fold - one is though the specialist comic stores receive comic books on their scheduled release dates, Amazon receives and therefore releases them some time later (it is the same situation with "regular" book stores - they don't get them in until several weeks after release date).

The second reason is that Amazon sometimes finds that customer orders already placed "eat up" their initial order, causing them to be temporarily out of stock until they get more copies in. (This happened to me with a T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents Archives title I tried to order from them a while ago - I knew it was released but Amazon showed it as not released for some time.

If it is any consolation, though I've not seen it on sale in a store (I live in a small town so cannot check it "in the flesh") Midtown Comics, a large comic store in NY, web site showed the Doom Patrol Archives Volume 3 as released on 2/15/06. They are very reliable, I've found (much more than say Marvel at keeping to publication dates!)

I use Midtown to keep my "wants" comic list up to date & then order the books from Amazon when they have them in @ their excellent discounts.

I agree with the reviewer, the first 2 Doom Patrol Archives were first class (as are all the Archive titles) & will be buying it once Amazon has it in! I will also be doing the same with the Metal Men Archives in due course - another title from the 60s that was not your "usual" comic book. Now, if only DC would publish one on Eclipso (another "quirky" title), I'd be a happy man!