Comics Books

Otto's Orange Day is a comic book, chapter book, and activity book all rolled into one! It would really be hard to find another book like it. Frank Cammuso and Jay Lynch weave so many different well loved, classic kid's favorites together like a genie in a magic lamp, a singing orange cat, and a very cool aunt. There is even a page where the reader helps Otto find something in his messy room. It is really unique and I think there is something for every child in the book no matter his or her interest.

Kids will love this cartoon; the pictures are done in a more modern and comical style than some of the other TOON books, giving it a contemporary feel. There is a beautiful message that diversity and uniqueness is far more interesting than conformity, which enriches the story of Otto's blunder in wishing the world was orange. Highly entertaining and visually stimulating.

"Otto's Orange Day" is a rare treat -- geared towards young readers, the book offers simple vocabulary and stunning graphics to keep kids engaged and, more importantly, pleased with their reading experience. I gave the book to my 7 year old cousin for his birthday, and he LOVED it -- the combo of comic book pleasure reading and fun, rhyming vocabulary was perfect for him. And, he completely understood the moral of the story. This book would be a fantastic gift for any young reader (and any parent yearning for beautiful presentation to accompany nightly readings).

Possibly the most frustrating situation I encounter in my work as a school librarian is when I run into the one track kid. These youngsters have a genre/subject that must be present in the books they read. Scary books, truck books, princess books, funny books - the list goes on. I usually do my best to find some titles in their topic of choice, but this type of reader can be picky. "Otto's Orange Day" is for every kid who is set in their ways and could use a nudge toward a broadening of horizons. Buy two copies - it's a page-turner that beginning readers will likely wear out from dangerously high levels of enjoyment.

Otto (a cat) has a favorite color - orange. If he had his druthers, the whole world would be one big orange explosion. One day Otto receives an orange oil lamp from his Aunt, and a genie appears to grant his wish. Just like that, everything is tangerine. It starts out great, but Otto soon learns that some things are better off in full color. Food, for instance. And traffic lights, they are different colors for a reason. It's also handy to be able to describe someone as something other than orange, especially if said person is a fugitive from the law. Pretty quick, our hero is a bit spooked and looking for ways to change things back to the good ol' days of brown colored lamb chops. That task proves to be difficult, since the genie only grants one wish. Otto must use his wits to bring back the Technicolor.

The illustrations are suitably cartoonish in style, with heavy outlines and vibrant colors. The dialog is spoken using word bubbles. As for the way the book is put together, much love to Françoise Mouly. I dig the design. I'm always a sucker for paper on board covers. The title has this cool floating effect that I like. The cover art shows glimpses of panels, letting the reader know that they're about to read a comic-style book. In other words, it looks like fun. This is one that kids will be drawn to and proud to carry.

Having read a few of the new TOON Book releases, I'll concur with the masses of critics that have already weighed in on the subject by saying that "Otto's Orange Day" and its kin are going to make a lasting impact on young readers.

What strikes me most about this Toon title is the wonderful personality in its pages. The lively, believable characters come to life in the comic. My children love this book and it's difficult find books my children will actually ASK to read again and again. Our beautiful, orange novel is already showing some wear because of how frequently it is taken off the shelf-- I may have to order another!

Tim Kreider is more than an editorial cartoonist. He is a man who has been blessed with the ability of exposing the faults and failings of humanity in a series of fine lines. If you're expecting cute and cuddly stuff, save your money. But if you want to laugh at self-recognition, stop reading this review and buy this book. It's harsh and dark, but then, so are the realities of life.

Stop what you're doing and buy this book!!!!

I grew up reading Doonesbury and Bloom County. As I got older I looked for sicker, darker humor. I love Johnny Ryan, Kieron Dwyer, Ivan Brunetti, Kaz, and Derf. I'm a seeker, always digging, always looking for something sicker and darker and funnier and more extreme. Well, I found it. I knew nothing about Tim Kreider and bought this book on a whim. So listen to what I'm about to say and listen good:

This is THE Funniest book I have ever read in my entire life.
Ever.
Hands down.

I've laughed harder in my life, but never have I laughed so consistently from beginning to end. This book had me gasping for breath from beginning to end. It is simply brilliant. STunningly good. Kreider isn't as sick as Ivan Brunetti and I would say he isn't quite as good an artist as Kieron Dwyer (although he is still excellent), and his comix are all single page or single panel. But if you want brilliance in a comic book that will make your jaw drop - buy this book. Trust me.

There are jokes in here, like "Butt First for Love" that I looked at thought "am I really looking at this!?!?", humor that slaps you immediately in the face and has you cracking up from the word go. Then there are more subtle jokes, like "Kasparov vs. Gravedigger" that get funnier and funnier each time you look at them (I didn't laugh at that one until about the fifth time i had looked at it - then I couldn't stop laughing).

BUY THIS BOOK - nOW

This is a funny collection of cartoons which is perfect for smart, jaded, cynical people with dark senses of humor. It is not a book for the dumb, unattractive, faithful or optimistic.

A lot of people have been waiting for this book for a long time since we need to get a dose of Tim's cartoons every night before sleep and it's not practical or comfortable to bring a laptop to bed with you and go online. If I had the time or inclination (or analytical skills) to breakdown why exactly the drawings are so unbelievably funny I probably still wouldn't bother because I'd run the risk of ruining that moment when I see a Tim Kreider picture of Dick Cheney cringing or Condolezza Rice flashing the President's staff and I haven't even read the joke yet but I'm already in hysterics over the way it's drawn. There's just nobody in the world--not Steve Brodner or Oliphant or Ben Sargent or anyone--who wrings as much laughter out of his expressions and linework. It gets even better. Go to his website and click the "artist's statement" for each comic. They're every bit as funny as the comics themselves.

Not very often does a book make me laugh so hard I accidentally snort Diet Coke out my nose. "The Pain" treads the line between high-brow intellect and complete retardation in a way that is completely addictive and hilarious. I read it from cover to cover and then read it again. I've already bought two copies for friends. I wish my local paper ran Mr. Kreider so I could see new work every week.

I've been a Foxtrot reader for a long time and personally I think there is something suspiciously wrong with people who don't find Bill Amend's characters funny as all get out. If you want a good laugh, check out Bill in your local newspaper, or better yet, get one of the Foxtrot books. They are all great, really, they are.

Like many of Mr. Amend's fans I'm a bit disappointed he's switching his strip to Sunday-only, but fortunately I can still read him daily in the Foxtrot books. Get them one and all and you can keep right on a laughing.

I have been a faithful FoxTrot reader for years. Roger, Andy and their kids Peter, Paige and Jason are always good for a reality check with a large dose of laughter. I've got two girls and let me tell you, I see a lot of my kids in Paige with, I believe, even a healthy dose of Jason thrown in. And they have Peter's bottomless stomach. Of course, they're faithful FoxTrot readers too. I used to read the strip to them, explain what was going on, but now they get it just fine and we three all laugh together. Then my girls try and explain the strip to their dad, who pretends he doesn't get it.

The FoxTrot folks are a great family, one we sort of got used to checking up on every day, so we took the news that Mr. Amend was going to cease daily distribution of his wonderfully funny people and turn his strip to Sunday only, with a bit of sadness. Still, we have these terrific FoxTrot books to keep us going with our FoxTrot fix. Mr. Amend is to be commended for his great gift to our culture and his great gift to so many lives. I truly believe a laugh a day, helps keep the blues away and the FoxTrot gang are always good for a laugh. Heck there are a lot of laughs in the FoxTrot books. I know, I have them all and I am, along with my girls and my hubby dear, eagerly awaiting the next one.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention, we don't have an iguana, but my girls do have a pet gecko and, you guessed it, his name is Quincy.

Great stuff! Having seen some of the antics in real life, it's great to see it written!

Though still in its early years, this is one of the best comic strips ever!!!!! I highly reccomend it!!!!!!!!!1

Bill Amends, Pass The Loot, is a fuuny well know comic book. From Jason finding "20's from Heaven" to the Family Hawaii vacation, it is funny every step of the way. You'll be won't be able to put this book down!

If there's a better comic strip out there, I don't know of it! The Crocs are especially hilarious with their bumbling attempts to "keel zeebas", and their wives never let them hear the end of it. Stephan Pastis is a genius; if he was as good an attorney as he is a cartoonist, he would never have lost a case.

Christmas Gift!

This is the second year that my husband celebrates the beginning of each day with the little desktop calendar Pearls Before Swine. After a great year of laughs in 2007, I just had to buy him another for 2008. The daily dose of humor is fantastic. I am a long time Pastis fan (the cartoonist/ creator/ scary person that owns this marvelous sense of humor), have read almost all the Pearls books, and am happy to say that his calendars are very fresh, and not just reprints of one of the books verbatim. Each day is surprising and fun! Older themes sometimes play through, but they seem like new material.

GREEN! After tearing a page to a new day J saves them and uses the back as notepaper. Not only is it a great use of the paper, but gives the recipient of the note a good laugh!

Not only a great introduction to the wit and off the wall humor and logic that Pastis displays in his daily strip, but a great mover and shaker to long time fans' dull normal days as well! A definite must have!

Liz

I look forward to a least one laugh a day when i tear off the calendar date.

Pastis brings his past hits to life on a daily basis.

The rat, pig, goat, guard duck, and of course, the zeeba and crocs, tickle your funny bone on a daily basis. It's like Nick-at-Nite for comic strip fans!

MYGRANDSON ALWAYS ENJOYS GETTING THIS DAY BY DAY CALENDAR. i LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR. IT ARRIVED IN A TIMELY FASHION AND IN PERFECT CONDITION.

Avid Penny Arcade Reader here, and gotta say all their books are a must have!

I love Penny Arcade. The thing I enjoyed most about their books is the commentary that goes along with each comic. This is a must for Penny Arcade fans.

The book was a Christmas present and it came in beautiful condition. Thanks!

Though the entire Penny Arcade archive is available on their website, the extras contained in the print versions make them well worth the purchase. In this second collection, witty commentary accompanies each comic, as well as artwork from the Penny Arcade card game and a "boneyard" of aborted or half finished ideas. Surely the humor contained therein is not to everyones taste, but to those who love it, Epic Legends of the Sword Kings will make a fine addition to your library.

Penny Arcade is a comic that has been around for almost a full decade now, so it is nice that this year they are finally releasing a series of books that bring the comics into our homes without the need for a computer and internet, excluding how you buy the book itself.
This contains the second volume of the series, or all the comics done in 2001 + bonus art and attempts for other webcomics, and it nicely fills out the 150 page book. All the comics are funny start to finish, with plenty of classics filling the book.
I highly recommend the book for readers of any form of comics, and I also recommend it for people who love video games, though my bet is that they cant read this due to playing something like WOW right now.

I had read Penny Arcade now and then in the past, but didn't follow it on a regular basis - then while browsing the comics and manga section of the bookstore, the title of this volume just jumped out at me, as I am a cockatiel owner who loves birds in all their weirdness.

The title of this book (even though the contents have little to do with birds :) ), plus my passing interest in Penny Arcade, and great love of video games made me decide I needed this book. And I enjoyed it thoroughly. I love the art, I love the gamer humour, I love Gabe's Appendix... in short this book is a lot of fun. Highly recommended for fans of gaming and Internet culture. I plan on collecting the rest of the volumes in the very near future!

This collection of the Penny Arcade comics covers an entire year of their work. While they don't do story arcs very often, the work included is still fantastic, and introduces some of there newer repeat characters.

This book was great! Jerry Holkines never lets up on the wit factor. Laugh out loud!

As with the last three volumes, this book delivers exactly what it promises: a year's worth of side-splitting, laugh-out-loud comics. Holkins' writing is, as always, uncompromisingly witty, and Krahulik's art improves every year.

The only noticeable improvement to the compilation would be a little extra material in the rear of book. The full color, full page art included in the previous volume blew me away, and it would be nice to have something that breathtaking in all of their publications.

The fourth, full-color collection of strips from the popular webcomic series Penny Arcade, Birds Are Weird continues the tradition of utterly irreverent, largely video game-themed humor. Due to severe cursing and the occasional phallic reference, Penny Arcade is not a comic for young children or the easily offended; and yet its humor has that irresistible effect. Bonus sketches, short text vignettes and a paragraph of extra commentary for virtually every strip enhance this anthology, offering new insights into Penny Arcade's random madness even for readers who have already seen the strip's archive online. "'Yeah, so I was looking at iPods today. I thought about you.' 'Oh yeah? Pretty great huh?' 'Oh yeah, real good. Then I got it up to the register, came to my senses, and bought a thirty dollar discman instead.' 'Yeah but the iPod doesn't skip.' 'Neither does this. It's cushioned by about three hundred and eighty dollars in cash.'" A sidesplitting collection and great gag gift, especially for the technogeek generation.

Having always been a fan of Betty and Veronica (I'm more of a Veronica type myself), I was happily surprised to see the release of this book. Mr. DeCarlo's art is a great romp through thrugh the golden age of comic pin ups. It's a treasure for anyone who appreciates erotica with a sense of fun and for those of us who in our younger days wished that the Archie Comics girls were just a little more scandalous!

Dan DeCarlo is considered by many comics fans to be the quintessential Archie artist -- and considered by all comics fans to be the best delineator of Archie's rival girlfriends, Betty and Veronica. DeCarlo, who died in 2001, also had a prolific career as a pin-up artist for humor magazines, and this little tome collects some of his best work from the late 50s and early 60s. DeCarlo had a knack for making his women appear funny and sexy at the same time. While most of the gags aren't much, the girls are simply TOO much. There's some (relatively tasteful) nudity here, but most gags involve skimpy clothing and lingerie, so I'd rate this between a PG-13 and a "soft" R.

I had heard of Dan DeCarlo from the older Archie Comics and was surprised to see that he had done more provocative works in other magazines. His art style was the basis for the female characters in Archie's gang, and has been imitated many times since. There are a LOT of his older single-panel gags from several adult magazines. If you like nice artwork and nicely-drawn woman, it's a must have!

The Pin-Up Art of Dan DeCarlo is an absolutely gorgeous collection of work from 1956 through 1963, when the cartoonist was at the peak of his powers.

For those who came late, Dan DeCarlo got his cartooning start working at Timely (later Marvel) Comics drawing such fare as Millie the Model and Sherry the Showgirl for Stan Lee. From the late 50s into the 90's, DeCarlo was the quintessential Archie artist, best known for his work on the daily Archie comic strip and his definitive depictions of the yin and yang of Riverdale sexuality, Betty and Veronica. Millions of adolescent boys felt peculiar stirrings while reading about the exploits of the wealthy brunette and the wholesome blonde (particularly while engaging in their titular Summer Fun... no pun intended).

The discovery years later that DeCarlo was moonlighting as a girlie cartoonist for the Humorama line of men's magazines was, for some fanboys, the sociological equivalent of the discovery of the early nude photos of Madonna or Vanessa Williams. As sexy as Betty and Veronica were, they were chaste (to Archie's eternal frustration). The women DeCarlo drew for Zip, Joker and Laugh Riot were not innocent. And they were often naked.

While DeCarlo's drawings of men came in all shapes and sizes, critics charge that all of his women looked exactly alike, with the same rounded face, turned-up nose and hourglass figure; That the only differing feature was the hairstyle. It's a valid point, but in the end it doesn't matter. It's like criticizing the Ramones for recording the same song over and over. Yeah, they did. And better than anyone else.

DeCarlo's art was pure cartooning, clean and distinctive, with a masterful line and a sense of design that rivalled anyone's. He drew clothes better than almost any cartoonist this side of Hank Ketcham (not that there's a lot of sartorial evidence in this book) and his comedic timing was exemplary.

The Pin-Up Art of Dan DeCarlo (compiled by Alex Chun and Jacob Lovey) is beautifully printed in a black and orange two toned scheme, mostly full page cartoons with some devoted to detail from the art. There are a few problems. An out of place pin-up drawn by DeCarlo in 2000 awkwardly stretches across two pages near the end of the book, none of the cartoons are dated or annotated and the text for the gags has been redone, but those are minor complaints (the absolutely hideous sliced lettering used for the title of the book is unforgiveable, however). This book is indispensible for anyone who loves pin-up art, beautiful cartooning.... or ever wanted to see Betty and Veronica naked.

Not that I ever thought about that.

I just love this stuff. For every time our parents claim how properly they were brought up, there is a cartoon in this book that reminds me that they were every bit as bawdy as we are today. They just had better taste about it. This book starts with a history that isn't all that much to read and then single panel cartoons each page. The art is what it is and the jokes are the ones we've been retelling for years so it must be good stuff.

Extremely clever cartoons -this parqdody on human life brings laughter from deep in the soul !

always a pleasure to revisit sherman and his lagoon family and friends.

It is only fair that, since we're killing off sharks at an alarming rate with, of course, total disregard for the health of the oceans - that we should be called "lunch".

This book is so cute. It is well drawn and funny, and of course true to the funny papers it comes from. I got the book as a gift for my dad because since he stared reading sherman's lagoon he calls all people at the beach "hairless beach apes" I think it would be better if it came in hardback, but other than that it's a great buy.

I am a huge Sheman's Lagoon fan. Jim Toomey's delightful and hilarious collection of marine critters continues their saga in this 11th book. I found myself laughing myself to tears as Hawthorne (a hermit crab) plan another get rich scheme that invariable ends in tragedy, I frowned at poor Filmore's (sea turtle)rejections at Ascention Island, and of course the star of the series, Sherman (a shark), who spends his days lazily watching TV, prowling the shallows for a tasty morsel of Hairless Beach Ape (humans), and looking to thwart Capt. Quigley (a sea food restaurant owner).

When my cousin told me about pokemon adventures, I laughed at him but after reading it myself I can tell you that pokemon adventures is very different from the cartoon. A little bit more teen-adult oriented. Kind of like harry potter or incredibles story, where the audience is for kids but people who are kids at heart can enjoy it too!

This volume is my favorite, probably because it seems to be the most interesting one to read. Although the artwork is not extremely detailed, it still carries the story out quite well, and has lots of action. If you like Pokemon and manga, this book is for you. A fun read for younger audiences. (Hint: buying the graphic novel versions is actually cheaper than buying the individual comics!)

This book is the bomb of the series.
First Team Rocket attacks Saffron! Red, Blue and Green must work with each other to rescue Prof. Oak and to defeat Team rocket. Red meets with with Lt. Surge, Blue meets with Koga, and Green ends up with Sabrina! These evil Gym Leaders are arme with the 3 legendary bird Pokemon!
Next it's a show down with Blaine, Red, and Mewtwo! Can Red catch Mewtwo?
Then it's Red's biggest Gym Battle yet. With Giovanni! Can Red beat the leader of Team Rocket or will he have to work at Giovannis side for the rest of his life?
Lastly Red finally makes it to the Pokemon Leage. And what's green's problem when she was 5? Theres also this mysterious trainer calle " Dr. O " It's reds final battle to see who's better in the finals. Is it Red....Or Blue?
Read to find out!

This thick comic book is a bargain. It's much cheaper than the seperate comics, and easier to carry around.
This is Part 3 of a Pokemon trainer named Red. His rival is Blue, his theif friend is Green. First, he must stop Team Rocket from taking over his home town Pallet Town, then it's off to capture Mewtwp, and then to the League to battle Blue for the championship.
This comic is a little similiar to the T.V series. Red being Ash, Blue bieng Gary. But Red doesn't have pathetic Pokemon like Ash does, there is no anoying Jessie and James interupting and then blasting off again, and Gary is is same self.
This comic is a must have for collectors.

This is great. It's one of my favorite pokemon comics! It has lots of action mixed in with adventure, and unlike the other series, which goes by the name of "Pokemon" (Very origial, isn't it?) It features a new and original adventure with new characters and isn't a tv show rip off. In this one Red (the hero) must save the world from the plans of team rocket with the help of his friends and pokepals. In the end he enters the pokemon league; will he face Blue in the finals, and does he even stand a chance? And more importantly, who is the mystery trainer green must battle against? (You'll find out.) There are two others befor this, Legendary Pokemon and Desparado Pikachu. After this comes comics which are adapted from the Yellow version of the game.

For a great pokemon experience and lots of fun, get this befor the "This item is not stocked or has been discontinued." notice appears!

Where to begin? This strip defies definition. It is ostensibly about a 10-year-old genius who started his own software company (Sheldonsoft) and downloaded language-recognition software into the brain of his pet duck, but who in all other respects is an average kid, except for his occasional lapses into sci-fi-induced nerd comas. He is being raised by his grandfather (parents are deceased).

This is one of the few comics that provides laugh-out-loud humor, without resorting to crudeness or vulgarity. Topics span the gamut, from Gramps' addition to Girl Scout cookies, to corporate buyouts, to off-the-wall superhero role playing between Arthur (Thurg, Viking God of Affordable Footwear) and his friend Dante (Stickboy). There is nothing formulaic about this comic strip! Dave Kellett finds the humor in everything, from current popular media (Kneel Before Zod!) to the obscure (warding off a French corporate rival by waving a bottle of Australian wine at her).

This comic, plus Jef Mallett's strip "Frazz" are two of the best strips going. Highly recommended!

Pure Ducky Goodness is a title that hit's the contents of this book right on the head!

A great read for those that have never seen the strip, as well as those fans of the daily web comic version at Comics.Com

The humor spans all ages, and genres. Everything from tech to geek to old folk (i.e. myself) humor is there for the belly laughs.

Worth more than the price of admission!

This collection of Dave Kellett's works is well scripted, well-drawn and laugh-out-loud funny. You would do well to pick this book up and if you're like me, it will occupy a space in your domicile within easy reach for reading and re-reading. It combines the humor/savvy of "Bloom County" with the geek factor and zeitgeist of "Foxtrot." Read a few strips on sheldoncomics.com... you won't be disappointed.

What can I say about "Sheldon"? It's a good comic that's based on a 10 year old who wears a ridiculously large glasses and owns a software company. He lives with his "Gramps", who has no name, and his talking duck named Arthur.

Anyway, Sheldon finally has a book collection, and this is it.

This is a great book, but unfortunatly, it suffers as a "best of" book; meaning, it doesn't contain the complete first year of the strip, but rather, the best strips from the run. If "Sheldon" was mostly one-shot, it wouldn't matter, but unfortunatly, in this case, Sheldon tends to have story arcs. I'm a completist, and I may sound like a spoiled brat, but...I wan't everything! Waaah!!!

Worst of all, unlike most webcomics, "Sheldon" only has a previous-30-days archive. This is actually United Features' fault, but...yeah.

And in some pages, the printing looks...odd. I noticed in some pages the lineart is printed dark, dark green instead of black, and also interlacing is noticeable. But I may be biased, because I'm spoiled by book collections from Andrews & McMeel, and since this book was self-published (I think), I can't really be harsh about it.

Despite some flaws, I'll give this book 4 stars because for the first time I read many strips I missed and also have some favorites that I forgot about. It's also a good beginner for new "Sheldon" fans. Buy it or I will unleash unspeakable evil.

P.S. "Sheldon" is way better than "Mallard Fillmore"! ;)

Dave Kellett's Sheldon has long been one of my favorite comic strips. This first collection of Sheldon contains the best of the best from the first few years of the strip. The humor ranges from family-oriented to geek-oriented to completely off-the-wall. This is a book that truly has laughs for everyone. I can't recommend it highly enough.