Graphics Books

grickle is nuanced and subtle. it gets down to gritty reality, but is colored with optimism. there is a difference between cheese that you get at some crappy supermarket in the bronx, and cheese imported from switzerland. this is like real swiss cheese. or greek yogurt, or austrian chocolate. it is chockful of wholesome homicidal urges, and faces reality with a wistful, dreamy, yet quirky longing. grickle, boy am i glad i found you!

Annable's fresh humor and honest wit shine in this collection of short comics. You can't help but relate to his endearingly odd characters. Somehow, Annable conveys more than just emotion in them, which is an impressive feat in itself given the deceptively simple artwork. But he manages to portray their conscience and their deep-rooted fears and hopes as well. I love how adeptly such subtle themes of loneliness, self-doubt, relief, and satisfaction are packaged into such an enjoyable work of twisted humor. Do yourself a favor and read it more than once. It is at once leisurely, funny, clever and insightful, so you might not be able to catch all that the first time around.

Reading this book is like hangin with a good friend. There are things about him (the book and its diverse characters) that make me think of me. Other things make me think, I'll never fully understand why he does what he does? Would I find myself in similar situations? If I had a cupcake, would I hand it over to wee man? Is every diversion from the norm a fulfilling life experience? Sure it is. And so is my friend Grickle.

It's got range, it's got scope, it's got depth, it's got grasp, it's got cute fuzzy aliens, it's got charming homicidal ghouls, it's got pathos, it's got instant photography, it's got a fish.

There's this knock on the door, so I go and answer it, all right? And there's this copy of Grickle standing on the mat looking really pissed off. It doesn't even say "Hello" or "Hey you!" or nothing. It just jumps on my chest and starts wailing on me. Bam! Bam! Bam! And so I'm, like, "what the f*ck?" I try to tear it off of me, but I just get a bunch of paper cuts all over my hands. Paper won't tear. Too tough. Next thing you know, I'm on the floor crawling around trying to get out my lighter, but it sees me reaching for my pocket and it kicks it away. I gotta tell you, I was scared. Anyway, just when I thought that was it, lights out for old Alphonse, the book sees the copy of Grickle I got last month ago off of Bruno. It hops off of me and kind of grunts an apology. I could tell it was all embarassed and sh*t. Then it just takes off. Never seen anything like it.

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.

Once again the journey into Amend's world is a treat. His ability to sustain characters who are believable while remaining likable is not to be taken lightly. The last cartoonist who did that was Charles Schulz.

One request, Mr. Amend: Please let Jason have a real computer! At least give him a scroll mouse with five buttons - he deserves it!

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.

This is the 3rd FoxTrot book in the new smaller size. But don't let the smaller size of this book put you off. The strips inside are as large as ever (some even larger) and there are no problems reading it!

This book covers strips from Christmas 2001 through summer 2002 (actual dates not known at the time of this writing). The cover refers to an attempt by Roger to write a spy novel in which he is the star. The strips covering this funny even are all inside as are the usual fun caused by the Fox family and friends. Clean artwork and clean, fun humor abound in this comic strip book. Great for light reading before bed, or any other time!

Here is another fabulous collection of FoxTrot comics, which proves that Bill Amend still has it at being funny and clever. Anytime I see a new one of these books on the shelves of bookstores, I purchase them immediately. I have lost track of the times I have read each of them. "His Code Name was The Fox" is a great collection filled with humor and surprises.

Once again we visit the Fox Family, who always end up getting into unpredictable situations. Jason is still finding new ways to torment his sister, Roger is just as unintelligent as ever (especially when he acts like he is smart), Andy is getting more and more strung out by trying to keep her family sane, and Peter is not gaining any weight, no matter how much he eats. All of them play a very important role in this very funny and entertaining collection.

Some of the stuff you will encounter in the collection:
*Roger's novel
*Basement cleaning
*Peter's return to working at the theatre
*Paige's new personal secretary
*Jason's new video playmate, and much more!

If you love Foxtrot, then you will fall in love with "His Code Name was The Fox." I have read it many, many times already and have not gotten sick of it yet. Bill Amend proves once again that he can keep the laughs coming. Very highly recommended!

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.

Read the lesson then watch the video in a blend of exercise book and video package in Adobe InDesign CS3 One-on-One. It's the perfect lesson approach for any learning Adobe either on their own or via on online class: Step-by-step text lessons pair with the DVD video demonstrations and projects keyed to real-world experience. With over 900 color images, diagrams, and over three hours of video instruction, these 12 self-paced tutorials will prove invaluable keys to any who seek a progressive lesson plan.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

A good starting point. An ideal book for those who know little of InDesign.
For intermediate users adds new knowledge.
### Portuguese:
Um bom ponto de partida. Ideal para aqueles que sabem pouco de InDesign. Aos que já sabem um pouco acrescenta novos conhecimentos.

STOP reading this, if you haven't yet gone thru Invincible: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1 or INVINCIBLE, Vols. 1-3 (FAMILY MATTERS, EIGHT IS ENOUGH, and PERFECT STRANGERS).

As Invincible, teenager Mark Grayson may be one of the most powerful superheroes on the planet, but Robert Kirkman writes him as such a likable, down-to-earth kid that you find yourself easily relating to him. INVINCIBLE is one of the best comics going on out there today. You're really, really missing out if you haven't yet checked out this title. Anyway, about INVINCIBLE ULTIMATE COLLECTION, Vol. 2...

As we found out in the previous volume, Omni-Man (the erstwhile Defender of Democracy) turns out to be a humongous super-villain. Having confessed to his son Invincible (and, unwittingly, to the rest of the world) his true goal of conquering the Earth for his home planet of Viltrium, Omni-Man ends up beating the living snot out of Invincible in a cataclysmic battle and then blasts off into deep space, leaving his son in critical condition. The betrayal leaves Mark and his mom in deep shock, and their coping mechanisms kick in. Mark's mom takes to drinking and passing out on the couch; Mark internalizes everything.

One immediate fallout to Omni-man turning traitor is that Invincible becomes an agent of a top, top, top secret government agency. As such, Mark is directed to various trouble spots around the world where his powers would be put to best use. This frequently keeps him on the move, and soon Mark's girlfriend Amber is getting fed up with the chronic lateness, abrupt departures, and frequent absences (she suspects him of drug-dealing). Yet one more repercussion to Omni-man's betrayal is that Invincible is instantly regarded with suspicion by a few in the superhero community (*cough*theImmortal*cough*).

Averting disasters, saving lives, beating up on the bad guys, picking up the pieces of his life. Then there's school. An alien invasion causes a delay in the graduation of Mark's high school senior class, after which Mark only has two weeks to prepare for his first day in college.

Writer Robert Kirkman keeps it real, or as real as he can get in the world of comic books. From the get-go, this comic book has kept it coming with unexpected twists and stories that are fresh and so enjoyable to read. Kirkman offers up offbeat takes on superhero conventions. He's already taken characters who were clearly based on recognizable DC superheroes and made them (or what happened to them) integral to the story (of course, I'm talking about the Guardians of the Globe). I'd like to think that Kirkman's characters, for the most part, behave just as real people would if put in the same abnormal circumstances. I like that Kirkman doesn't resort to Clark Kent-ism, where a disguise becomes impenetrable by virtue of donning a pair of glasses. Two of the folks who know of Mark's dual identities actually figured it out on their own. Heck, even one villain saw thru the costume and instantly recognized Invincible's civilian identity. Given, that was Mark's evil physics teacher (see ULTIMATE COLLECTION Vol. 1), so he already knew Mark.

With the wild success of the comic book (it's about to hit the issue #50 landmark), Kirkman gets even more diligent about building his Invincible universe. I love numerous sub-plots, love that feeling of stuff always happening, with more stuff waiting just around the corner. Kirkman weaves in boatloads of sub-plots. Lessee, in no particular order, there's that ill-fated expedition to Mars (the endpage of which lets you know more will be heard from this); there's the Titan-turning-over-a-new-leaf arc; the continuing machinations of the dimension-hopping Angstrom Levy; the one with the Reanimen; and there's that issue devoted to Allen the Alien, which gets us closer to the monster Viltrumite arc.

Kirkman invests more time into the supporting cast, fleshing out characters such as Robot (awesome!), Monster Girl, and Allen the cyclopic alien (also awesome). Mark's mom gets more face time and meets a friend with whom she shares a common ground. Even the guy who makes superhero suits is developed further. Also more on Mark's lovelife, more on his best bud William's love life, and even on Atom Eve's lovelife. Because, c'mon, who doesn't dig teen romance in a teen title?

I love the seemingly throwaway touches. What Mark does with his graduation cap (the same cap, which, by the way, turns up in a later issue); his mom packing him lunch on his Mars excursion, and what happens with that. I like the fact that Kirkman isn't shy about involving his characters in heart-to-heart dialogues. #22 and #0 are two of my favorites, two issues which consist mostly of dialogue, stemming from Amber and Mark's heading-downhill relationship. And, in issue #23, Kirkman shows why Allen the Alien is such a popular character.

The art? Ryan Ottley, who took over from Cory Walker back in issue #8, boasts pencils and inks that are visually compelling and elegant in its simplicity. In all this, Ottley retains much of Cory Walker's style. Credit, too, to Bill Crabtree, who with his crisp coloring definitely adds to the clean look of INVINCIBLE.

INVINCIBLE: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION, Vol. 2 collects issues #14-24, #0, and a story from IMAGE COMICS SUMMER SPECIAL #1. Brief origins of Monster Girl, Rex Splode, the Immortal, Dupli-Kate, and Atom Eve are also included. As a bonus, there's a ton of sketches with commentary by Kirkman, as well as the script to issue #23. By the way, if you already own INVINCIBLE, Vol. 4 - HEAD OF THE CLASS and Vol. 5 - THE FACTS OF LIFE, then you basically already have the issues reprinted in this Ultimate Collection Hardcover.

Otherwise, go get this one.

I have really grown to love this series. It is Spider man, meets the good parts of Justice league. It is fun, and awesome. I highly recommend it.

The book got here quick, packaged well and in great shape. What more is there to say.

Invincible is quickly becoming one of my favorite comics, the art, pacing, characterization and plot are all very solid. It has a great cast of characters and has something new to say about superheroes.

The only reason this collection does not get 5 stars is it ends on a very abruct note. While some collections focus on including an entire story arc, this one ends halfway through a story and leaves literally dozens of subplots hanging.

In this second hardcover collecting Robert Kirkman's Invincible Volumes 3 & 4 (issues 14 - 24 and Origins) we see Mark Grayson maturing into the world's soon-to-be most powerful superhero. After the climactic and disturbing events in the first collection where Mark discovered the truth about his father our hero is left to figure out things for himself. Without the guidance of his super-parent Invincible sets off for college and starts working for Cecil Steadman and the government, which pits Mark against villains and monsters capable of mocking his superhero monicker by actually hurting and beating him. Relationship troubles with Amber and his Mom who is still dealing with his dad's absence put a strain on Mark's life that not even his superpowers can alleviate (a la Spider-man). I am glad to say that I enjoy this comic because of the fact that Invincible is, strangely enough, NOT invincible. Sure, Mark doesn't have a weakness like Kryptonite, and can't be hurt by conventional weapons, but other supers can with a bit of trying inflict some damage upon him, either by thrashing him physically or going after his loved ones, showing that a secret identity is not as easy to hide as in the Superman universe. Kirkman handles his character much like Alan Moore handled Miracle Man all those years ago, pointing out that even the most invulnerable of beings has limits, and that the world does not always recover when these creatures cut loose. Often violent and bloody, the Invincible comics in this collection also contain moments of tenderness and genuine feeling between characters that make each story addictively readable and leaves you begging for more.

This book is so cool. Kinda nasty when Kazan kills a whole bunch of people but besides that it was cool. Fawna can make water from her hands...i wish i could do that...

Kazan, I first read it at my friends house, she had books 1-3 on her desk. They are seriously good, and keep you wondering about Kazan and what happened to his friend. Read it, you wont regret it.

Really, really, good. One of the best stories I have read, better then every movie i've seen, every book I've read. You'll love how questions develop in your head like "if kazan is 8, and that happened 10 years ago, what the?", you'll love it even more when your questions get answered. Buy this series now, who cares about the price, this series is priceless.

This series is incredable. The plot is amazing, when you think you have it figured out, it changes!!! You get into the story and can't put it down.
The art work is amazing as well. Very detailed.
The only bummer is it has been flopped,(since it is from Japan) so there are some translation errors in some spots. (I noticed this in volume 1)
If you like action and an awesome plot at the same time these books are for you.

Kazan is a truly beautiful manga. The art in this is some I've never seen, and I'm an avid manga reader. The plot and character devolpment are extreamly good. My friend bought this and me and my other bestfriend all fell in love with the series. It's something different the majority mangas (the shading is very dark is some places). The story is so good, and there isn't enough things I could say about it. I promise you, you'll like this manga if you take the time to read it! It leaves you asking questiongs specially as the story moves along and gets into the later volumes. I hope you really do enjoy "Kazan".

This book is a fabulous collection of Dan Piraro's "Bizarro" Sunday comics. Unlike other cartoonists, Piraro has the incredible ability to portray realistic ideas and situations while still maintaining a "cartoon atmosphere." His ability to create such imaginative cartoons makes him one of the most original and hilariously funny artists out there. These full-color Sunday cartoons will give you an idea of how witty and true-to-life Bizarro can be.

In addition, each cartoon includes a small caption, perhaps explaining the meaning of the joke, or how Piraro came up with the idea for a certain cartoon. These small bits of information even sometimes explain who certain characters represent and their purpose in the cartoon. Also, in the back of the book, there is an in-depth explanation of each of the hidden symbols that Piraro hides in his comics. This is a genuinely funny book and should be read by all comic lovers--Bizarro or not. Such a chance to take a ride inside Dan Piraro's head is one that should not be passed up.

i interviewed dan piraro when this book came out. later i became a fan.

cool book......cool dude.

it makes me go laugh laugh.

it makes me eat more cereal. wear less hairspray.

jack e. jett
the jack e. jett show

I think Dan Piraro is one of the few people who have a handle on what life is all about. His cartoons show an insight into our world that precious few have. This latest of his books exceeds what I expected. The comments on his thinking are an added plus that put him over the top.
I don't know how his next book can be any better, but I'm sure it will be. Why am I sure? because I saw his Bizzaro Bologna Show when it came through town, and he was even funnier than I thought was possible.
I really feel sorry for the people in the towns that don't have him in their daily newspaper!!!

I've been a fan of Mr. Piraro's work for several years, and almost creamed myself when I heard he was coming out with a collection of his greatest Sunday cartoons!! "Life is Strange and So Are You" lived up to my utmost expectations, keeping me in hysterics for hours on end. My husband threatened to call poison control because he thought I must've accidentally eaten hallucinogenic mushrooms on my pizza, I was laughing so hard-but I assured him through my tears of hilarity that it was all Dan Piraro-who's just too freakin' funny!

I love his drawing style, the vibrant colors he uses, the secret symbols he sneaks in the art, and his outlandish sense of humor illustrated in every gag. The personal notes included with each cartoon give new and much-appreciated insight , sharing the author's comments and inspiration on each panel.

BUY THIS BOOK, IT WILL CRACK YOU UP!!

P.S. Thank you, Mr. Piraro, for giving of yourself, and for gracing the world with a heaping dose of laughter--exactly what we need!

Bizarro is by far one of the best cartoons in print today. He is clever, extremely funny and obviously he is a good artist. This book is cleverly done with all the little extra comments on each cartoon. They give a small insite into the mind of this cartoonist. It is truly a Sunday Treasury.

From beginner to expert this book contains all of the answers to your lingo needs. It is packed with examples and thorough descriptions.

I can't find an updated version of it - if anyone knows of one please let me know!...

This book has got to be the best computer related book I ever bought. I wish there were reference books in this format for every other programming subject like Perl and JavaScript. It's the only book you will ever need for Director's lingo.

The thing I like most is having the Lingo grouped by subject, it makes things so easy to look up.

Darrel, please make a reference like this for Perl!!!!

If you are already familiar with the Director interface, and want to do things in Lingo that most people only wish they could do, pick this book up right now! This is the only book I use on a daily basis for quick information. Darrel Plant not only gives a clear explanation on every command but also gives you examples that you can understand and use in everyday applications. I also greatly appreciated the way that the book content is organized. Rather than list the commands in alphabetical order, they are grouped according to the type of element or function that they control. It's nice to put something together that the user/client likes, but use this book and they will be saying, "Awsome! Love it! Wow, how did you do that?" ------ Thanks Darrel

...your life will be easier if this book is within reach. I even take it with when I have to go on-site to a client. Very useful having the Lingo grouped by subject. Also very useful icons by each Lingo word showing if it can be used in Shockwave and which versions of Director it can be used in. A must-have for a Lingo programmer.

(excuse my english, I'm Swiss) Before purchasing this book or even knowing about it, I had some heavy problems in finding the right way (or a shorter one) to solve several problems in programming Multimedia-applications. I ordered this book and everything changed! It's descriptions are so easy (even when you aren't originally english-speaking!), because you just can read the text and know what the command, keyword, property a.s.o. is all about. You have even more than one solution showed in examples. There is only one bad thing: if you use this book very often, the cover of the book looks old soon; it could be a little stronger. My suggestion: if you suffer a headache from studying and controlling your non-functioning scripts, you better get this book as soon as possible and keep it handy! You will gain a hell of a time!

Have fun

Best regards

Patric Simon

I thought I'd go into withdrawal permanently after Calvin and Hobbes stopped running. Thank goodness for Lio and also Brewster Rockit (also well worth checking out). Lio makes the Addams Family look like a well adjusted family. A bargain at twice the price!

What a wicked sense of humor. I love this cartoon. I think you have to have a warped send of humor to really enjoy Lio but for those of us that do this is a wonderful collection of the cartoons.

Another reviewers comparison to Charles Addams is spot on. Dark humor, but so very well done.

Lio is both humorous and well drawn, a rare find on the comics page these days.

A comic not for everyone, but enormously funny to anyone who enjoyed the ADDAMS FAMILY or the MUNSTERS.

Lio is the heir apparent to Calvin and Hobbes; he seems a little strange when you first read his comics, but very engaging and a true lover of nature and all animals. Can't wait for the next Lio; meanwhile it is ready him in the comic pages!

A very good book for even teenagers too read. Well written. Would give too my own children and grandchildren

What an easy way to spread the word about breast csncer...and how a significant other male can offer patient loving support through this kind of crisis. If there is a woman in your life, buy this for both of you, you'll never regret it.

I read an article about this book in Heal magazine, the magazine for cancer survivors. I am a 1 year Non Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor. When I received the book, I couldn't put it down. I read it through in one sitting. This is a great story for everyone-cancer victims, survivors, caregivers and anyone who wants to learn just a little bit more about patient's emotions. You don't have to have breast cancer to read this. It gives people who don't have cancer a greater understanding of what we go through.
I cried after reading this story-not for me, but for all the Lisa's out there and especially for the husband she leaves behind. I found myself worrying about her husband and the wonderful way he took care of her.
What a sensitive, thoughtful and caring story!

Having been with a close friend who as found a lump, opted for double masectomy, been declared 'in remission' only to have it recur, spread and ultimately overtake her, Batiuk really captures the whole experience--the good, the bad, the sad, and the infuriating (even the lab bungle reads as it happened to my friend).

If you've lost anyone to breast cancer, this will cut deeply. But it is worth it. It's a story that is true, and very well told. Keep the tissues nearby.

I have never read a book that could make me laugh and cry all within 2 pages of it. I read "Lisa's story" for the first time in the comic strips and fell in love with Funky Winkerbean. Now every Sunday I look forward to getting the Sunday paper just so I can read it first thing and see where Tom Batiuk is taking the characters next. It's great having the whole collection because now I can see what happens in between the Sunday ones and it actually makes me feel like I'm living the story. I really genuinely feel like I knew Lisa and when I read the line "She's gone" I cried. The imagery that Tom Batiuk used to portray her dying was incredible because it's like saying that we don't know where exactly we go when we die or whose face we're going to see on the other side, but it's comforting in a way and when she said "I love you" as her last words, talk about rip your heart out. I also love Summer and how she reacted to her mommy being sick and then her passing, it definetly reminds you of the innocence of a child. You also feel so bad for Les losing Lisa like that after being by her side and sometimes you forget that it's not just the woman going through it, but it affects the whole family. Bravo to Tom for having him stick by her through the whole ordeal. I highly recommend anyone male or female to buy this story, it's like making a new friend that you can see anytime and grieve with. Also, if you're going through it or know someone who is, it helps you to understand how they are feeling and know that you're not alone. BRAVO TOM BATIUK, you're story of Lisa is very inspiring!!!!!

Maahvelous sparkles with such heart and originality in both text and images that I am breathless. The noise of sameness is silenced in this inspired book by Chambliss and his outside the box interpretation of humanity, adventure, and hope.
LOVED IT!!!!

Scott Chambliss has created a fascinating book! The illustrations are remarkable, the characters very likeable, the message of hope, tolerance and acceptance is thoughtfully , yet gently revealed as the story unfolds. A very special book full of humor, warm feelings and soul. In essence, a wonderfully written and well packaged book!

This book is so fun and so innovative that it's a pleasure to see and own. The artwork clearly shows the creative hand of a Hollywood production designer...and finally a "hero" is not cloaked in darkness, but in all the glamour and exitement of international travel. Just a wonderful book.

This is the perfect book! It's really fun to read, has beautiful artwork and looks great on your coffee table.

This is the best book I've ever written and illustrated!
And it's also the first book I've ever written and illustrated!
So beware!
What may follow may be even better or even worse!
But in any case,
I'm glad you're here!
And YOU'RE MAAHVELOUS!
xoxoxScott