Graphics Books

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".

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.

In case you are unfamiliar with the Elfquest series, I highly suggest reading some of the past graphic novels in print starting with Fire and Flight and The Forbidden Grove before tackling the Hidden Years.

Wendy and Richard Pini, despite being well known in the fantasy circle, are still relatively unknown comic book artists. Which is a SHAME because their timeless Elfquest stories are extremely well-written. Often, Elfquest fans (such as myself) are very loyal and devoted fans that have been reading their stories for years (in my case 15 years).

In the Hidden Years, we get to see the years in between with Cutter and the Wolfriders after Rayak whisked the Palace of the High Ones into the near future along with his family: Leetah, Ember, Suntop. There are also stories that take place during different time periods like when Bearclaw was still chief and Cutter a mere boy. The stories are heartbreaking and center around the importance of family and finding a place to belong. Cutter somewhat adopts Tyleet, in place of Ember, and she becomes the "daughter of the whole tribe." The best story, as most have already indicated, is Tyleet's rescue of an abandoned human baby (sadly, due to his scar) and raising him. The second best story is the tragedy of Skywise's parents.

As always, the artwork done by Wendy is breathtaking. No other artist can draw Elfquest like she can. Richard is a master storyteller leaving the reader always wanting MORE. By far, this was my favorite graphic novel out of all the stories. Flawless artwork, and inspiring story telling.

Wendy Pini has certainly outdone herself! Her artwork has always been versatile, changing to fit the mood of the story. In this graphic novel, she used vivid watercolors to tell the tale. It's amazing! The stories are also superb, in the honored tradition of Elfquest. My favorite story is the one about Tyleet and her adopted human cub, Little Patch. Wendy Pini is definetly my favorite artist! :)

A collection of short stories, _Hidden Years_ fills in some missing spots in the storyline, mostly from the time period before the 'Shards'and Kings of the Broken Wheel timeline. It was really nice to see that a story could indeed be covered in the equivalent of one issue of a comic book. My favorites are the story depicted on the cover and the origin story for Skywise. No spoilers here, just go out and get it.

Wendy is arguably the best comic book artist of our time, and this little gem has got to be her greatest work ever. This is the very first book by the Pinis that I bought. (Which may I recommend that you don't get this first. You will be very confused, even though the stories are great in themselves.) This one book started the Elf-mania in my family. Now, I buy all of them, even the off-the-wall side stories that are more humorous than anything (see "New Blood" and "Worldpool"). It's really great artwork and rich color are the best. And Strongbow is a heartthrob.;)

In a slightly smaller format than the original paperback volumes, the Elfquest tales that occurred between the great espiodes of the elfin adventures on The World of Two Moons are all presented in full, glaring colors that really blinds your eyes which are more accustomed to the gentler tones of the colorized comic-book collections. Here you meet Strongbow and his wolffriend, Kyavek and her winged boyfriend, Ember and her coming-of-age discoveries, Tyleet and her foster kid, and Skywise and his ill-fated parents. Personally, I feel that the gentle little Tyleet had inherited her mother's child-hunger, so she had a chance to fulfill her aching maternal instincts with an abandoned infant from a nearby human camp. Pretty sappy, in my opinion. But all the Elfquest fans get to unlock even more mysteries about their most favorite elfin characters as well as color-saturated new stories to boot!

great book to learn basics of LW but also an excellent reference which comes in handy with the given task.

After reading Dan Ablan's "Inside Lightwave 8" - more or less THE standard in Lightwave - there were more questions raised than answered. Not that Ablans approach is a bad one, it's just that he picks up so many different aspects of the program along the thread of the book, that at times it can be confusing. This isn't the fact with "Essential Lightwave v9". Although the whole covering of every aspect from the absolute beginning seems a bit cumbersome, it's worth it at the end. This over 900 pages issue helps you get into nearly every detail of Lightwave and handle the program like some kind of 3D Photoshop.
Add the companion DVD with hours of live modeling and animating, plug-ins and illustration fotos and you surely got something to start your way into 3D via Lightwave.

I am only on Chapter 6 right now but it has really helped me learn 3D the Lightwave way. The other reviews have said it better and convinced me. This is just my 2 cents to agree!

Overall, I think this is a very helpful book however it would have been better with color illustrations and the ones included are to small.

The best general Lightwave v9 book around. Masterfully written, great tutorials and clear explanations.

I agree that the pictures should have been color, but I don't think the book publisher has been able to make that a profitable venture, especially with the limited appeal of a book like this. Unfortunate, but they don't have the budget of Visual Quickstart and the like.

I am glad they spent their budget on making the content kickass. Black and white pictures just make the diagrams that much clearer ;-)

This collection, as the other 4, are one of the best comics you can read! Great! Yuo must have it!

gary larson is one he best cartoonists ever! you have to travel to the far side! all of his comics will have you thinking! its great! buy it, you'll love it!

As a satirical cartoonist, Gary Larson has no peer. His biting and hilarious insights often require a great deal of thought before you get the point. If you are not familiar with the reference used to create the cartoon, it is unlikely that you will get the point.
For example, on page 42 there is a cartoon showing deer engaged in an excavation project with a mounted cowboy observing them while perched on a hill. The caption is "Where the deer and the antelope work." If you do not know about the song, "Home on the range", then you will not understand the joke. Another example on the same page shows three frogs lying among cattails holding wine bottles. The caption here is "Yeah, I remember Jerry. Good friend of mine ... You know, I never understood a single word he said, but he always had some mighty fine wine." Once again, if you are not familiar with the song "Joy to the World" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, the joke will most likely pass you by.
Gary Larson is a genius, where that quality is manifested in ways that are twisted, yet profound. This book is hilarious.

Here's another omnibus edition of Gary Larson's weird, wacky and utterly hilarious cartoons. To enter Larson's world is to enter a world where animals have meaningful conversations, bugs make their homes in nice suburban houses, flies fly planes etc, etc. Certainly not the mainstream kind of cartoon but for anyone who likes 'off the wall' type humour this is a 'must buy'. Absolutely hilarious.

Larsen is the world's greatest cartoonist. Too bad he retired. I have envelopes filled with his cartoons clipped out of the newspaper (10+ years ago!) that I still can't bear to throw away. So I suppose this book was a good idea. It will take up less space than several bulging envelopes.

For younger people who can't remember his cartoons in the paper every day, you need to hurry up and start collecting his books so you can always be within arm's length of a smile or a laugh.

Also, I love the story about the "Jane Goodall Cartoon"

--George Stancliffe

While I enjoyed this collection, it doesn't have as much depth as Flight #2. The imagery in general doesn't take you to a unique universe like really great comics should. Some of the writing is quite mundane which makes this collection seem like second string work. However, in a field ironically devoid of real creativity the stories are still some of the best to be seen. Perhaps the amazing level of Flight 2 was just too hard to sustain. Despite the general, everyday, autobiographical nature of many of these stories there are still enough gems that create their own unique world that I recommend this book to all serious admirers of the comic genre.

I love this one...and ordered a copy for myself after seeing it at the library. Unique, colorful, clever imagery and stories in comic form that are not to be missed. A real treat after a long day. I have not read issues 1 & 2 yet myself, but heard several times that this one is even better than both those prior editions.

It's an amazing book, I did not expect to find treasure like this :)
I really love the fact that different artists have put their short comic stories. I get to see different styles, stories and very diverse ideas. Amazing!

I was first attracted to Flight Vol. 1 because of the story by Kazu Kibuishi, who had done the very entertaining comic Daisy Kutter. As I began to read Vol. 1 I was astounded by the quality of each succeeding story. Most were terrific and even the few could be considered to be "clunkers" were actually interesting experiments that only partially failed for some reason or another. Amazingly enough Flights 2 and 3 were even better. I swear that there's not a bad story in the lot and I'm sure that the upcoming Flight 4 will continue this high level of quality. Cudos to Erik (Savage Dragon) Larsen for using his position as Image Comics publisher to get the first two entries published.

The Flight series books are great! These comics have the greatest comic art I have seen and many of them have very intellectual meanings. Thank you.

These 1st volume of GL's archives shows us the way that hal jordan became the first GL of earth. The mistic and innocence of the silver age is present in those more than 200 pages full of science fiction and outer space stories. John Broome wrote the best adventures , and the art of Gil Kane is excelent ! These re printed edition has extraordinary colors and a very good cover. Let the battle against "those who worship evil's might" begin , and welcome to the game !!

This hardbound volume containing the start of Hal Jordan's Green Lantern adventures is superb. From the quality of the book itself to the great original stories, it's a worthy addition to your bookshelf. You definitely see striking differences when you compare this volume to the Green Lantern graphic novels of today. But there's room for us fans to like both.

I also recommend "Green Lantern: Rebirth". Hal's a hero for the new century as well as the last.

I bought the Batman and Superman Archives before buying the Green Lantern Archives. When I placed them all side-by-side I noticed the GL Archives is much thinner; there's an eighty page difference! Also Sinestro appears in GL# 7, 9 and 12 which will be in Green Lantern Archives #2 just in case anyone out there is buying this for his stories. Even though I mention these negatives, this is a must have for any Green Lantern fan! I would give this book 6 stars out of 5 if I could ... the art is beautiful and the stories are simple but amazing. Go buy this now! Next on the list is Aquaman LOL!

The first Volume reprinting the Hal Jordan Green Lantern series.

As the issues are not affordable this is just the way to enjoy the old stories that we all loved.

Some Classic stories here including the first Hector Harmond and the first glimpse of the Guardians of the Universe.

Far and away better than the current series both story and art.

Looking forward to future issue featuring Alan Scott crossovers.

To create a hit comic today you need to tell the origin in the first issue, begin the exploits in issue 2 and kill a character in #3, just to stay alive. When Green Lantern was reworked in the pages of Showcase - in the 60s - this was not the case. Broome and Kane's SF masterpiece takes a full year to unfold GL's origin; and this is how it should be. Giving bits and pieces of the complex tale of an intergalactic police force while providing good characterization and admittedly somewhat gimmicky stories, Green Lantern is a blast, and one of the few comics of the era with a strong Science Fiction bent.
I leave it to others to review Gil Kane's art but suffice it to say that Green Lantern, some 40 years later, is still thought of as his character. Enjoy!

The Ultimate Comic Book Fight, Hulk vs. Hulk. Hulk in thrown into the future where his future self controls everything. That pretty much sets everything off. One of the finer moments in Hulk History. So just buy this, now, and be preparded to see how a real Hulk Story is written.

This grafic novel, shows the powerful hulk can be, in a caotic future, that he can kill all the marvel universe if he is mad enough, the drawings are fenomenal, if you don't like the hulk character, with this book sure you will change your mind

by NOT buying this masterpice when i had the chance! My Library had a copy and i took it out, read it and loved it! i thought that i could just go back there for when ever i had a craving to read this great story, but now it's listed as "missing," i.e. some kid borrowed it and never returned it. Now it's out of print, hard to find, and when u can find it it's pricey. Well, it's availble here and i'm gettin' my copy before the're all gone, and if you like the
Hulk or super-hero comics in general, buy this baby while you still can.

What can I say that hasn't already been said by others? I have read and re-read this book many times. It is one of the best Hulk stories you'll ever read and the art is great, too. Almost no prior knowledge of the Hulk is necessary to fully enjoy this masterpiece. Buy this thing now!

Another masterpiece from the mind of Peter David, Future Imperfect is praised by fans and critics not only as some of his best Hulk work, but as some of his best work overall!

Brought forward in time ninety years and arriving in a post-apocalyptic future, the Hulk is beseeched by a group of resistance fighters to take down the being responsible for all the devastation. A being known only as "the Maestro."

But the battle won't be a simple one, for the Hulk soon learns that the Maestro is none other than a bizarre future incarnation of himself! Driven insane by decades of persecution, made even stronger by the free-floating radiation of the era, and having nearly a hundred years more experience than his younger self, the Maestro will rank as the Hulk's greatest challenge ever...... assuming he survives it.

Featuring art by George Perez and colors by Tom Smith, Future Imperfect is a modern-classic that belongs in every fan's collection.

I've been fumbling my way through InDesign for work for a while but got so frustrated that I decided I needed some help. I've started going through this book, chapter by chapter and have had so many, "A-Ha! That's how you do that!" moments. It's been very helpful and I've only had a little bit of trouble following along but that's bound to happen when you're trying to teach yourself.

I bought this as a supplement to starting a new job where I knew I was going to be focusing on more inDesign. The book works well as a reference as well as reading through it one chapter at a time. It's a great addition to my growing library.

This book with it's DVD let me accomplish thing I would have had to pay other thousands to do for me. Deke has a is very entertaining style.
I can not recomend this book highly enough!

Deke is a great teacher: easy to follow, speaks clearly and isn't boring.
I don't think everything in the book is on video, but the book is also easy to follow. It too is a great teacher with lots of illustrations, tips and concise directions. Though I was a Quark user and completely new to InDesign, One on One does a great job of teaching it.

McClellan's series of Adobe books are an invaluable reference for me. His tutorials are lessons I actually use in my work. He gives practical use of the software in a way even a novice user can understand and yet the professional will turn to time and again. Actually seeing the author use the tools in a video is the perfect way to learn software. I have many adobe manuals on my shelves, THIS one sits on my desk.

I really liked this book. It was short and extremely funny. I personally loved the hilarious quizzes.

I love the Happy Bunny. It was purchased as a gift so hopefully the recipient will like it as much as I did.

If you are looking for a laugh, this book will provide it! Jim Benton's humor may be offensive to some but as Happy Bunny says, "I know how you feel. I just don't care." This book makes a great gift for pre-teens on up. I love Happy Bunny!

It's soooooo funny. Happy Bunny makes me extra happy and my friends too. Happy Bunny is soooooo funny. Boys are stupid. Boys in my class.... when you see them that's all the proof you need.

This might have been the funniest thing I have ever read...I literally could not stop laughing. Terrific quick read that will leave you relating, comtemplating and pontificating all the while with a smile on your face.....