Best of
Comic-Book

2001

Calvin and Hobbes: Sunday Pages 1985-1995: An Exhibition Catalogue


Bill Watterson - 2001
    Then Bill Watterson came along and reminded a new generation of what older readers and comic strip aficionados knew: A well-written and beautifully drawn strip is an intricate, powerful form of communication. And with Calvin and Hobbes, we had fun—just like readers of Krazy Kat and Pogo did. Opening the newspaper each day was an adventure. The heights of Watterson's creative imagination took us places we had never been. We miss that.This book was published in conjunction with the first exhibition of original Calvin and Hobbes Sunday pages at The Ohio State University Cartoon Research Library. Although the work was created for reproduction, not for gallery display, was a pleasure to see the cartoonist's carefully placed lines and exquisite brush strokes. In an attempt to share this experience with those who were unable to visit the exhibition, all of the original Sunday pages displayed are reproduced in color in this book so that every detail, such as sketch lines, corrections, and registration marks, are visible. On the opposite page the same comic strip is printed in full color. Because Watterson was unusually intentional and creative in his use of color, this juxtaposition provides Calvin and Hobbes readers the opportunity to consider the impact of color on its narrative and content.When I first contacted Bill Watterson about the possibility of exhibiting his original work, I used the term "retrospective." He replied that we might be able to do an exhibit, but that calling it a retrospective made him uncomfortable. He felt that a longer time was needed to put Calvin and Hobbes in the historical perspective implied by that term. Nonetheless, this show is a "look back" at the comic strip as we revisit favorites that we remember. Calvin and Hobbes: Sunday Pages 1985-1995 is particularly interesting because each work that is included was selected by Bill Watterson. His comments about the thirty-six Sunday pages he chose are part of this volume. In addition, he reflects on Calvin and Hobbes from the perspective of six years, and his essay provides insights into his life as a syndicated cartoonist.Reprint books of Calvin and Hobbes are nice to have, but the opportunity to see the original work and read Bill Watterson's thoughts about it is a privilege. He generously shared not only the art, but also his time and his thoughts. When I first reviewed the works included in the exhibit, I knew that everyone who visited it would begin with laughter and end with tears.On behalf of all who enjoyed Calvin and Hobbes, thank you, Bill Watterson.--Lucy Shelton Caswell, Professor and Curator The Ohio State University Cartoon Research Library, June 2001

The Punisher, Vol. 1: Welcome Back, Frank


Garth Ennis - 2001
    Payback, and The Holy.

Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 1: Power and Responsibility


Brian Michael Bendis - 2001
    In a retelling of the Spider-Man saga that has been updated for the twenty-first century, teenager Peter Parker is bitten by an experimental spider from the laboratory of Osborn Industries, and develops super powers as a result.

Daredevil Visionaries: Frank Miller, Vol. 3


Frank Miller - 2001
    The concluding volume of the must-have series! The action, drama and artistic brilliance continue as we reprint Daredevil #183 - #191, plus What If? #28 ('What If Elektra Had Lived?') and #35 ('What If Daredevil Joined S.H.I.E.L.D.?) - and as a special treat, an Elektra story from Bizarre Adventures #28! It's more amazing visuals and gut-wrenching twists from the master of crime noir as Matt Murdock tussles with the Black Widow, collides with the Punisher, and has a sickening showdown with the Hand as they try to kill Stick and resurrect Elektra! Plus: an intro by collaborator Klaus Janson and a new cover by Frank!

The Dog Is Not a Toy: House Rule #4


Darby Conley - 2001
    This freshly amusing strip is a darling among readers who enjoy pets with an attitude. This wry cartoon features Rob Wilco, a mild-mannered ad guy who's guardian to two rambunctious pets: Bucky, a temperamental cat who carries a boom box and goes on spending sprees, and Satchel, a gentle canine who tries to remain neutral even when he bears the brunt of Bucky's mischief. Together, this unlikely trio hangs out together, watching TV, cooking for friends, and attempting the occasional adventure outside. Anyone who has a pet or even knows one will find this Get Fuzzy collection, The Dog is Not a Toy, an astutely witty take on relationships between the species.

Asterix Omnibus, vol. 4


René Goscinny - 2001
    In ASTERIX THE LEGIONARY, Obelix is in love - but the lovely Panacea is engaged to Tragicomix, a conscript in the Roman army. Asterix and Obelix must join up to resue him.In ASTERIX AND THE CHIEFTAIN'S SHIELD, Caesar plans to hold a triumph using the shield of his defeated enemy, Vercingetorix, but the shielf is missing! Romans and Gauls race to track it down.The athletes of the ancient world assemble in ASTERIX AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES. Asterix and the Gauls enter the games, but magic potion is banned! Can our friends win without it?There is no better way to enjoy the antics of our indomitable hero and his friends.

Butt-Naked Baby Blues: A Baby Blues Treasury


Rick Kirkman - 2001
    As usual, Darryl and Wanda have their hands full chasing, refereeing, and pleading with their adorable and hilariously true-to-life kids. Featuring the best of Lift and Separate, I Shouldn't Have to Scream More Than Once!, and Motherhood Is Not for Wimps, it also includes original gems and insight from the creators themselves.

Lucifer, Vol. 1: Devil in the Gateway


Mike Carey - 2001
    Given free reign to use any means necessary, Lucifer is promised a prize of his own choosing if he fulfills this holy request. But once he completes his mission, the Prince of Darkness' demand shakes the foundation of Heaven and Hell. Now as his enemies unite to stop his reemergence, Lucifer gathers his forces as he prepares to launch his new revolution.This volume contains:The Sandman Presents: Lucifer #1–3Lucifer #1–4

Stray Bullets, Vol. 4: Dark Days


David Lapham - 2001
    STRAY BULLETS: DARK DAYS tells the story of Beth and Virginia's time in Los Angeles, fourteen-year-old Virginia's growing relationship with the young boy Bobby, and the horrible kidnapping that rips apart all of their lives. A gut-wrenching noir thriller of small joys, big horrors, and the crushing weight of guilt... Collects STRAY BULLETS #23-30.

Stray Bullets, Vol. 1: Innocence of Nihilism


David Lapham - 2001
    An introverted young boy on the verge of manhood gets a lesson on just how far is too far when he falls for a needy woman who lives life in the fast lane. Or party with a pair of low-rent hoods who learn what is really important in life just when they shouldn't. And even learn the story of the most infamous gangster who ever lived, Amy Racecar, who talks to God, lunches with the President, and just may be responsible for the end of the world. These are some of the tales that will rip out your guts and break your heart.

Green Arrow, Vol. 1: Quiver


Kevin Smith - 2001
    This deluxe hardcover edition collects the first ten issues of the best-selling Green Arrow monthly series, includes the original painted covers by Matt Wagner and features a new introduction by Kevin Smith.

The Twelfth Garfield Fat Cat 3-Pack


Jim Davis - 2001
    "The Twelfth Garfield Fat Cat 3-Pack" carries on this tremendous tradition with a gut-busting team-up featuring a trio of classic collections. It's guaranteed to make "Garfield's" fans triple up with laughter!

New X-Men, Volume 1: E Is for Extinction


Grant Morrison - 2001
    Now she has her sights set on The X-Men! Xavier and his team of mutants have long dreamed of a time of peace. But the time for dreaming is over. Now it is time to fight.Collecting: New X-Men (2001) 114-117, New X-Men (2001) Annual 1

Asterix Omnibus 7


René Goscinny - 2001
    Asterix in Corsica has Asterix and Obelix out to foil Praetor Perfidius and oppose Caesar's army. Legionary Tremensdelirius gets the deed to the Gaulish village in Caesar's Gift; but Asterix isn't about to hand over his home!

Green Lantern/Green Arrow


Dennis O'Neil - 2001
    While battling crime across the country, Green Lantern and Green Arrow also dealt with issues of ecology, feminism, drug addition, and much more. This special anniversary edition collects the entire run of thirteen stories, plus three shorter stories reprinted here for the first time.Collects Green Lantern #76-87, 89, and stories from The Flash #217-219 and 226.

Asterix Omnibus, vol. 9


Albert Uderzo - 2001
    That’s the problem for Histrionix and the beautiful Melodrama in Asterix and the Great Divide. Asterix and Obelix face a dangerous double agent in Asterix and the Black Gold. And it’s two Gauls and a baby when Asterix and Obelix tare of an abandoned infant—and try to keep it out of Roman hands—in Asterix and Son.

Poison Elves: The Mulehide Years


Drew Hayes - 2001
    This work contains 200 issues of author's seminal work, the origin story of an anti-hero named Lusiphur.

Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne, Vol. 1


John Byrne - 2001
    Again. Not since the days of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the trailblazers of the very mythology known as the Marvel Universe, had someone so perfectly captured the intense mood, cosmic style, and classic sense of adventure of Marvel's first family of heroes - the Fantastic Four. Writer. Penciler. Inker. Visionary. John Byrne reminded us all there was a family at the heart of this team of adventurers. The Fantastic Four has always been called "The World's Greatest Comics Magazine." The evidence is found in these very pages.Collecting Fantastic Four #232-240.

Haw!


Ivan Brunetti - 2001
    HAW! is not for the young or weak of heart!

Mateki: The Magic Flute


Yoshitaka Amano - 2001
    From the world's greatest fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano comes a masterful interpretation of the classic opera The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.Mateki is a beautiful and tragic tale of a young prince who must put away his flute and become a warrior to save his love from the lord of darkness.

Girl: The Second Coming, Volume 1


Kevin J. Taylor - 2001
    She's just as sexy and lustful as ever, but has matured into a professional business woman. The first story picks up three years after "The Rule of Darkness" and Girl is at the top of her game. High society, fame and wealth takes her into new adventures with old friends and new. She's also acquired the power of sorcery and she's had to learn to be careful how she wields it, especially against those who just can't resist pissing her off. The issue also introduces Girls' mega-club 'Girl World', as well as new adversaries, and ends with Girl witnessing a moment in history that changed the entire planet.

The Marquis


Guy Davis - 2001
    

Wolverine: Origin #1


Paul Jenkins - 2001
    Wolverine's origin is finally revealed!

The Devil in the Vatican


Stephen Desberg - 2001
    When Trebaldi addresses a huge crowd at the end of the mourning period, the Scorpion is there to tell the truth about how the people's beloved Pope died. Trebaldi claims that the sacred cross of St. Peter miraculously appeared in his castle. The Scorpion must find the real cross if he is to prove Trebaldi's treachery.This volume contains chapters 4 and 5 from the original series.

Kimota! The Miracleman Companion


George KhouryMark Buckingham - 2001
    Along with acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman and a host of excellent artists, Moore produced what is widely considered to be the best superhero story ever written.Kimota!: The Miracleman Companion tells all the behind-the-scenes stories during its short run at Eclipse Comics and why the final Neil Gaiman-scripted issue was never released, including interviews with Alan Moore, John Totleben, Neil Gaiman, Mark Buckingham, Barry Windsor-Smith, Beau Smith, Cat Yronwode, Rick Veitch, and others along with unpublished art, uninked pencils, sketches, & concept drawings (including unseen art from the never-published issue #25) by Totleben, Windsor-Smith, Buckingham, Mike Deodato, Jim Lee, as well as a never-published 8-page Moore/Totleben story and an unused Moore script!

The Supergirl Archives, Vol. 1


Jerry Siegel - 2001
    As demand for the colorful heroes grew in the late 1950s, DC Comics reacted by revamping many of their greatest heroes from the Golden Age -- heroes like the Flash, Green Lantern, and the JLA. But they also expanded their current super-hero franchises, with one of the most important being the Superman titles, headed by editor Mort Weisinger. The Man of Steel was already featured in several DC titles -- Superman, Action Comics, World's Finest (teamed with Batman), and Adventure Comics (featuring his adolescent, exploits as Superboy). Under Weisinger, however, the Superman mythos underwent a sustained expansion, with the introduction of the Phantom Zone, multicolored versions of Kryptonite, and Krypto the superdog (as well as the rest of the super-pets). But Weisinger's most notable contribution to the "Superman Family" was the introduction of Superman's long-lost cousin, Kara Zor-El -- Supergirl! Supergirl exploded into Superman's life in Action Comics #252. Although not the first time Superman had encountered a "Supergirl" -- see the first adventure in this volume from Superman #123 -- the introduction of Kara would become an important milestone in the Man of Steel's mythology. Escaping from the doomed city of Argo, Krypton's last surviving remnant, Kara is sent to Earth in a rocket to be reunited with Superman, and under his guidance is trained to become one of Earth's greatest heroes. Supergirl's early adventures, charmingly crafted by writer Otto Binder, had Supergirl's actions always hidden from society, giving her the status of "Superman's Secret Weapon." But inevitably Supergirl became a public figure, even breaking the bonds of the 20th century to fight alongside the Legion of Super-Heroes. In later years, with the coming of the universealtering series Crisis on Infinite Earths, Kara met a hero's fate, dying while saving her last family member, Superman. Supergirl's death was a most emotional event for professionals and fans alike. But let's not talk about the end. This is the beginning. So let us return to a simpler time, as a 15-year-old girl learns to fly, and learns to be a hero.

Tomb Raider: Lost Horizons


Dan Jurgens - 2001
    The good news is that Ms Croft's epic and explosive antics are perfectly suited to the printed page, brilliantly conveying its enticing mix of Indiana Jones-style thrills and breathless action. And, for those concerned with important details, artist Andy Park has ensured that this incarnation of Lara is just as "anatomically dynamic" as her pixellated counterpart. The Saga of the Medusa Mask collects the first four-issue series, in which Lara and her faithful butler Harcourt embark on a search for the fabled Medusa Mask, supposedly worn by the mythical monster herself. Danger, of course, lurks in every corner and even the most unexpected place of all. Dan Jurgens (Superman) has written a clean, fast-paced adventure, superbly realised by Park, which works very much like a James Bond film. With exotic locales and bold action sequences, Lara has ample opportunity to behave absurdly heroically, guns blazing in each hand, in classic Bond/Indy fashion. So, this is an excellent, undemanding read and will certainly increase anticipation for the forthcoming film adaptation. --Danny Graydon