This week doesn't seem very Christmasy

Well, maybe a little.

Linkage: Don't miss this comic that Dean Haspiel did for the New York Times' blog about drinking.  It's nice work.

New comics this week (Wednesday, 12/24/08):

Atomic Robo Dogs of War #5

Here's the final issue of this sequel miniseries to one of the most fun pamphlet comics out there.  I should have a review up at Comics Bulletin sometime soon.

Batman #683

Okay, I think we're finally to Grant Morrison's final issue, for now.  Will all the nonsensical RIP stuff turn out to be in Batman's head?  Should I care?  Probably not; I've lost most of my interest in all this.  I might end up reading Final Crisis someday though.

Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam #3

I keep meaning to check this series out, since it looks charming and fun and all the things people say about good kids comics that don't usually apply to superheroes these days.  Maybe I'll catch up when it's collected.

Final Crisis Rage of the Red Lanterns #1 2nd Print

Ooh, obviously this acid-vomit thing was so important that it needed another printing.  Don't miss out; I'm sure it's not to be missed.

Galveston #2

Part two of Boom!'s series about pirates and western heroes.  I really need to read both issues and see if they're good.  I hope so.

Greatest Hits #4

I think this is the last issue of this Vertigo miniseries about Beatles-esque British superheroes.  So, was it any good?  Should I try to read it sometime?  I am somewhat intrigued, but I need the impetus to push me into the camp of feeling like I should bother to check it out.

Mister X: Condemned #1

A new continuation of Dean Motter's series.  I'm supposed to write a review of this for Comics Bulletin, but I don't know if I'll ever get to it; I think this works better if you've read previous parts of the series, which I haven't.  But if you have, it might be good?  I dunno.

No Enemy But Peace One Shot

A true story about Marines in Iraq, written by one of their number.  According to the website, it's about the real heroism that's going on over there, but I find title of the book itself kind of offputting; is it supposed to refer to the philosophy of "the enemy"?  Because if it's referring to our troops, that's kind of disturbing, and not very heroic.  Anyway, here's a free preview.

Patsy Walker: Hellcat, Agent of Initiative #4

The final issue of Kathryn Immonen and David Lafuente's enjoyable series.  I haven't read all of it, but what I've seen has been great fun, with some really nice artwork.  I recommend giving it a try.

Punisher War Zone #3

The Ennis/Dillon train keeps rollin'.  Once again, I should have a review up at CB on Tuesday.

Remnant #1

I got an email from Boom! saying that I should ignore the name on the cover (Stephen Baldwin seems to be the obvious choice) and give this book a chance, but I haven't done so yet.  It seems like a action movie sort of post-rapture series, so if that sounds like your thing, you could also follow their suggestion.  If I do get around to reading it and think it's worth mentioning, I will.  But don't hold your breath.

Top 10 Season Two #3

I'm upset with myself for missing out on this series so far, but I'm sure I'll get to it eventually.  I think it's only four issues long, so it's almost over already.  I haven't heard too much about it, but it looks like a good old time in Neopolis.  

Umbrella Academy Dallas #2

Another one I need to read, but I might have to wait for a collected version.  I did really like the first miniseries, so I'm expecting to dig this one too.  I can't wait.

Unknown Soldier #3

The African revamp of this series continues.  I might try to read it someday.

Beasts Book 2 HC

I never did see the first volume of this book on mythological creatures, but it sure looked nice.  And so does this one.  Not really comics, but still some nice artwork and stuff.  Here, watch a slideshow and see.

HP Lovecrafts Nyarlathotep HC

Another not-comics book, but an interesting one.  This release from Boom! Studios reprints Lovecraft's poem, with illustrations by Chuck BB.  It's another one that I might get around to reading and reviewing sometime.  You can see a few of the images here.

MOME Vol 13 Winter 2009 GN

I really need to start reading these; maybe my library can get some of the volumes in.  From what I understand, each volume has great work by a bunch of excellent indie creators.  For instance, this installment features David B., Paul Hornschemeier, Al Columbia, Dash Shaw, Eleanor Davis, Jonathan Bennett, and many others.  Man, I feel like I'm missing out.

Nice Work Vol 1 GN

This is a collection of a webcomic about a Frank Sinatra lookalike who tries to cash in on his connection to fame.  Sounds interesting; I could try checking it out sometime.

Repo Elf HC

A kids' book about elves who repossess toys given to naughty kids who fooled Santa into being nice.  But a kid is waiting for them, and a battle ensues, or something.  Sounds like it could be quite fun.

Station TP

Another one of those Boom! series that I need to get caught up on.  I did like the first issue quite a bit, so I expect the rest of the series is pretty good as well.  The high-concept tagline for this would be "Whiteout in space", so take that as you will.

Ultimates 3 Who Killed Scarlet Witch Prem HC

Ooh, another important release, I'm sure.  See! ridiculous breasts!  Marvel! at the lack of subtlety (impressive, since Jeph Loeb's predecessor on the book, Mark Millar, isn't exactly known for the subtle, but Loeb makes him look like Daniel Clowes).  Yes, surely a masterpiece of our times.

Why I Killed Peter HC

NBM presents some of the ol' Eurocomics, with an autobiographical story by Olivier Ka and artist Alfred about Ka's childhood relationship with a pedophile priest.  Heavy stuff.  Here's a preview.

Young Liars Vol 1 Daydream Believer TP

Here's another Vertigo series that I never read, mostly because I don't especially care for David Lapham.  But from what I hear, it's totally psychotic, so it might be worth checking out.  Somebody who has read it, please advise me.

Crayon Shinchan Vol 6 TP CMX Edition

I really need to read some of this series.  Shinchan is funny.

Rurouni Kenshin VIZBIG Edition Vol 4 GN

This is a series I would love to check out someday, since it's supposed to be quite good and I dug Gun Blaze West, which was by the same creator.  And look, it's already four volumes into the large VIZBIG version.  Always behind, that's me.

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That is all.  Merry Holidays, and may faceless cosmic beings bless us, every one!