Best of
Graphic-Novels-Comics

1999

The Sandman: The Dream Hunters


Neil Gaiman - 1999
    At the same time, while preparing for the Sandman 10th anniversary, he met Yoshitaka Amano, his artist for the 11th Sandman book. Amano is the famed designer of the Final Fantasy game series. The product of Gaiman's immersion in Japanese art, culture, and history, Sandman: Dream Hunters is a classic Japanese tale (adapted from "The Fox, the Monk, and the Mikado of All Night's Dreaming") that he has subtly morphed into his Sandman universe.Like most fables, the story begins with a wager between two jealous animals, a fox and a badger: which of them can drive a young monk from his solitary temple? The winner will make the temple into a new fox or badger home. But as the fox adopts the form of a woman to woo the monk from his hermitage, she falls in love with him. Meanwhile, in far away Kyoto, the wealthy Master of Yin-Yang, the onmyoji, is plagued by his fears and seeks tranquility in his command of sorcery. He learns of the monk and his inner peace; he dispatches demons to plague the monk in his dreams and eventually kill him to bring his peace to the onmyoji. The fox overhears the demons on their way to the monk and begins her struggle to save the man whom at first she so envied.Dream Hunters is a beautiful package. From the ink-brush painted endpapers to the luminous page layouts--including Amano's gate-fold painting of Morpheus in a sea of reds, oranges, and violets--this book has been crafted for a sensuous reading experience. Gaiman has developed as a prose stylist in the last several years with novels and stories such as Neverwhere and Stardust, and his narrative rings with a sense of timelessness and magic that gently sustains this adult fairy tale. The only disappointment here is that the book is so brief. One could imagine this creative team being even better suited to a longer story of more epic proportions. On the final page of Dream Hunters, in fact, Amano suggest that he will collaborate further with Mr. Gaiman in the future. Readers of Dream Hunters will hope that Amano's dream comes true. --Patrick O'Kelley

The Sandman Companion


Hy Bender - 1999
    A fascinating mythology of horror and consequence, this epic masterfully combined intriguing literature with captivating art. THE SANDMAN COMPANION is an exhaustive guide to this legend. Revealing hitherto undisclosed information and behind-the-scenes secrets, this book features in-depth interviews, never-before-seen illustrations, character origins, and story explanations and analysis. Also including excerpts from the original proposal for the series, this handbook is the perfect complement to the Sandman graphic novels.

From Hell


Alan Moore - 1999
    We're in the most extreme and utter region of the human mind. A dim, subconscious underworld. A radiant abyss where men meet themselves. Hell, Netley. We're in Hell." Having proved himself peerless in the arena of reinterpreting superheroes, Alan Moore turned his ever-incisive eye to the squalid, enigmatic world of Jack the Ripper and the Whitechapel murders of 1888. Weighing in at 576 pages, From Hell is certainly the most epic of Moore's works and remarkably and is possibly his finest effort yet in a career punctuated by such glorious highlights as Watchmen and V for Vendetta. Going beyond the myriad existing theories, which range from the sublime to the ridiculous, Moore presents an ingenious take on the slaughter. His Ripper's brutal activities are the epicentre of a conspiracy involving the very heart of the British Establishment, including the Freemasons and The Royal Family. A popular claim, which is transformed through Moore's exquisite and thoroughly gripping vision, of the Ripper crimes being the womb from which the 20th century, so enmeshed in the celebrity culture of violence, received its shocking, visceral birth. Bolstered by meticulous research that encompasses a wide spectrum of Ripper studies and myths and coupled with his ability to evoke sympathies in such monstrous characters, Moore has created perhaps the finest examination of the Ripper legacy, observing far beyond society's obsessive need to expose Evil's visage. Ultimately, as Moore observes, Jack's identity and his actions are inconsequential to the manner in which society embraced the Fear: "It's about us. It's about our minds and how they dance. Jack mirrors our hysterias. Faceless, he is the receptacle for each new social panic." Eddie Campbell's stunning black and white artwork, replete with a scratchy, dirty sheen, is perfectly matched to the often-unshakeable intensity of Moore's writing. Between them, each murder is rendered in horrifying detail, providing the book's most unnerving scenes, made more so in uncomfortable, yet lyrical moments as when the villain embraces an eviscerated corpse, craving understanding; pleading that they "are wed in legend, inextricable within eternity". Though technically a comic, the term hardly begins to describe From Hell's inimitable grandeur and finesse, as it takes the medium to fresh heights of ingenuity and craftsmanship. Moore and Campbell's autopsy on the emaciated corpse of the Ripper myth has divulged a deeply disturbing yet undeniably captivating masterpiece. —Danny Graydon

Sleeper, Vol. 1: Out in the Cold


Ed Brubaker - 1999
    As an undercover agent in a complex super-villain organization, Holden Carver has become caught in a web of moral uncertainty. After being forced to kill someone to preserve his cover, the self-loathing operative looks to be pulled out of his assignment, but the only man who knows he is really a secret agent is in a coma. Now with the world believing him a traitor to his country and his cover about to be blown, Carver must find a way to survive his mission and regain his identity. SUGGESTED FOR MATURE READERS.

The Freddie Stories


Lynda Barry - 1999
    Lynda Barry, creator of the 'My Life' and 'Ernie Pook's Comeek' comic strips, is syndicated in over 40 alternative weekly newspapers across the country. The Freddie Stories—featuring sisters Marlys and Maybonne, and their spunky little brother Freddie--continues Lynda Barry's brilliant, raw, and completely original exploration of youth, coming of age, friendship, attitude, and being in the world.

I Feel Sick: A Book About a Girl


Jhonen Vásquez - 1999
    from Johnny the Homicidal Maniac (JTHM), and her dealings with the same supernatural and/or psychological forces that drove Johnny to lunacy.

Aldebaran: L'intégrale


Luiz Eduardo de Oliveira (Leo) - 1999
    They were to be the first wave of a large influx of pioneers, coming from an overcrowded Earth to live on this apparently very hospitable new world. But an unexpected problem put a stop to the process: The second ship, with thousands of people onboard, disappeared mysteriously in mid-flight. On Earth, scientists were forced to admit that they hadn’t quite mastered the incredibly complex phenomenon that allowed interstellar flights to overcome the speed-of-light barrier. So, all such travel was halted until the theoretical gaps could be filled and going to the stars could be done in complete safety. At the time, no one could have predicted that this interruption of flights would last a whole century. During that time, the first colonists on Aldebaran remained isolated on a wild planet and had to struggle to ensure their survival. As might be expected, they made mistakes, went to some unfortunate extremes and the society they built reflected those: a military dictatorship mixed with an authoritarian church. The story of the Aldebaran cycle covers five years in the life of young Kim Keller, who lives in a small coastal village. She’s only 13 at the beginning, and finds herself quite against her will drawn into a tragic series of events that will force her to grow up quickly so as not to be broken.

Batman: Harley Quinn


Paul Dini - 1999
    But when their unusual partnership leaves Harley a little worse for wear, she enlists Poison Ivy's help. Now the Joker and Batman are going to learn that this souped-up Harley's not going to be pushed around anymore.

The Complete Hothead Paisan: Homicidal Lesbian Terrorist


Diane DiMassa - 1999
    Hothead Paisan, the over-caffeinated, media-crazed psychotic lesbian "with scary hair and a fetish for guns, grenades, mallets, and sharp objects, " returns for more search-and-destroy missions and preventative homicides A cult favorite, The Complete Collection combines Hothead Paisan and Revenge of Hothead Paisan with new strips in a single volume for the first time.

Lucifer: The Morningstar Option


Mike Carey - 1999
    The resulting chaos plants the seeds of Armageddon. Meanwhile, Lucifer Morningstar has come out of retirement and heaven wants him back to do one last, dirty job...one that is connected with the aforementioned force.

MUTTS Sundays


Patrick McDonnell - 1999
    The fact that Earl's a dog and Mooch is more of the feline persuasion makes about as much difference as a flea's eyebrow. These guys have a special friendship. Anyone who has a pet will see themselves and their beloved furry housemates in this collection, Mutts Sundays.Yet Mutts has an audience appeal beyond pet lovers. McDonnell's art is unique in that it is reminiscent of the golden age of comic strips. That's why readers have clamored for a way to enjoy their favorite Mutts Sunday strips reprinted in their original color. In Mutts Sundays the call has been answered with a large, full-color format that--like the pair themselves--is certain to win a place in everyone's hearts. Readers will cherish escaping to the artful, colorful, and endearing Mutts Sundays strips contained in this special treasury.

The Monsters in my Tummy


Roman Dirge - 1999
    Anyone ever crushed by a loved onewill instantly be able to relate to this inner saga. Brought to you by the1999 triple Eisner nominated artist of Lenore, Roman Dirge. This bookpromises to be slightly disturbing yet funny in it's own special little oddway.

The Complete Strangers In Paradise, Volume 3, Part 1


Terry Moore - 1999
    Francine and Katchoo are high-school best friends who are reunited when Francine comes back to town after years away from her hometown. David is their new friend entangled in their complicated lives. From creepy ex-boyfriends and insensitive bosses to the reality of AIDS and underworld prostitution, you never know what will come up next - but you can always count on laughing and crying at the same time. This foil-stamped casebound hardcover with color dust jacket includes a special color cover art section, sketches, and more.

Lenore: Noogies


Roman Dirge - 1999
    Lenore: Noogies is a romp into the dark, surreal world of a little dead girl. Featuring stories about limbless cannibals, clock monsters, cursed vampire dolls, taxidermied friends and obssesed would be lover and more fuzzy animal mutilations than should be legal. Lenore is one of the funniest, darkest comic books on the marketplace today.

Reunion


Wendy Pini - 1999
    For the final battle between Winnowill's darkness and Timmain's light may have only one victor, yet the Wolfriders dare not allow the Black Snake to die. For even in death, Winnowill's malevolent sprit would taint the World of Two Moons forever!

Dori Stories


Dori Seda - 1999
    This long awaited volume include all the published work by the legendary Dori Seda, plus "Ecstacy" a story completed shortly before her tragically early death (at the age of 36), and a story originally commissioned for another anthology-Includes biographical memoirs, photos, and tributes as well as a 20 page color section of Dori's paintings and comics.

Lenore #6 (Vol. 1)


Roman Dirge - 1999
    Gosh's Poem! Samurai Sloth! With more mayhem and mutilation than you can shake a severed head at

I Told You So, You Blockhead!


Charles M. Schulz - 1999
    Didn't I tell you so, you blockhead! A whole new collection of Peanuts daily strips appearing in book form for the first time!

In a Japanese Garden


Charmaine Aserappa - 1999
    Be the wind chime Turn storms into song Be the pebble Let time smooth you

Stinz: Charger: The War Stories


Donna Barr - 1999
    Kirschen, an audience favorite.

Hey Mister Celebrity Roast


Pete Sickman-Garner - 1999
    Follow the adventures of Pete's hilarious cast of misfits, Young Tim, Mister, Aunt Mary, and Hideous Mutants (don't ask!), as they continue their guerrilla war against everything sacred and beautiful. - Best of all, there aren't any actual celebrities. Well, except for Sting, but he gets killed off rather quickly.

Zoccha no Nichijou Volume 1 (The Daily Life of Zoccha)


Yumi Ikefuji - 1999
    Chapters 1 to 10

Todd McFarlane Presents Ozzy Osbourne


Paul Jenkins - 1999
    His name is Ozzy Osbourne.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Angel: The Hollower Part 2 (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Angel #2 Comic)


Christopher Golden - 1999
    

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #8 (Buffy Comics, #8)


Andi Watson - 1999
    Is he just an eccentric genius or an ominous, shadowy character? Find out as Buffy and her pals get caught in "The Final Cut"! All the action and adventure of the weekly television show rolled into a monthly comic!

Ethan Exposed: Further Adventures From Ethan Green's Unfabulous Social Life


Eric Orner - 1999
    In this latest collection, Ethan again faces the terrors of gay America--from ex-boyfriends to new relationships, from relatives to best friends. With wry wit and uncommon insight, Eric Orner hilarously exposes the truth about gay life.