Best of
Sequential-Art

2003

The Complete Far Side, 1980–1994


Gary Larson - 2003
    And, for better or worse, I 'jotted' them down. It was only later, when perhaps I received an angry letter from someone, that it struck me: Hey! Someone's been reading my diary!"Gary Larson, from the preface to The Complete Far SideRevered by its fans as the funniest, most original, most "What the ... ?"-inspiring cartoon ever, The Far Side® debuted in January 1980 and enjoyed an illustrious 14 years on the worlds comics pages until Gary Larson's retirement in 1994. The Complete Far Side celebrates Gary's twisted, irreverent genius in this ultimate Far Side book, a lavish production, which takes its place alongside collector's-edition art books.A masterpiece of comic brilliance, The Complete Far Side contains every Far Side cartoon ever syndicated over 4,000 if you must know presented in (more or less) chronological order by year of publication, with more than 1,100 thathave never before appeared in a book. Also included are additional Far Side cartoons Larson created afterhis retirement: 13 that appeared in the last Far Side book, Last Chapter and Worse, and six cartoons that periodically ran as a special feature in The New York Times Science Times section as The Far Side of Science.Creator Gary Larson offers a rare glimpse into the mind of The Far Side®in quirky and thoughtful introductions to each of the 14 chapters. Complaint letters, fan letters, and queries from puzzled readers appear alongside some of the more provocative or elusive panels. Actor, author,and comedian Steve Martin offers his pithy thoughts in a foreword, and GaryLarson's former editor describes what it was like to be "the guy who could explain every Far Side cartoon."The Complete Far Side © 2003 by FarWorks, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Far Side ® and the Larson ® signature are registered trademarks of FarWorks, Inc.

Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross


Alex Ross - 2003
    His heroes–both super and mortal–have weight; they exist in space, and that space is affected by them in ways never before seen on the page.” And so here they are, the incomparable cast of the DC Comics universe: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Aquaman, the Green Lantern, and the rest of the Justice League as you’ve never seen them before. Mythology brings together the best loved comic characters in the world, brought to life by Alex Ross, one of the most astonishing young artists working in the medium today. The award-winning designer/writer Chip Kidd and photographer Geoff Spear have teamed up to create a book like no other, with an introduction by M. Night Shyamalan, the acclaimed director of The Village and The Sixth Sense. Ross has often been called the Norman Rockwell of comics, and this book reveals not only his lifelong love of these classic superheroes but also his vision: Mythology takes you into the studio for a behind-the-scenes look at his fascinating creative process. The combination of Ross’s dynamic art and Kidd’s kinetic design makes images from his most memorable stories–including Kingdom Come, Superman: Peace on Earth, Batman: War on Crime, and Uncle Sam–soar off the more than 300 pages. The new material centers on Ross’s startling new comic book series, Justice, including sketches, preliminary art, prototype figures, and more. Mythology is a book in which every page explodes with the power of the icons it celebrates.

The Photographer


Emmanuel Guibert - 2003
    This graphic novel/photo-journal is a record of one reporter’s arduous and dangerous journey through Afghanistan, accompanying the Doctors Without Borders. Didier Lefevre’s photography, paired with the art of Emmanuel Guibert, tells the powerful story of a mission undertaken by men and women dedicated to mending the wounds of war.

Tales of Shiva (Amar Chitra Katha)


Adurthi Subba Rao - 2003
    He ought to be the most terrible one because he presides over destruction, whereas Brahma and Vishnu are associated with creation and preservation respectively. Yet Shiva is as much loved by mortals as Vishnu is. He inspires fear in the hearts of the wicked, love and affection in the hearts and the pious. From his snowy abode on Mount Kailasa, Lord Shiva travelled for and wide, answering the prayers of his devotee. But he was often in disguise to ensure that his favours went only to the deserving. And so it was that he battled with the dauntless Pandava Arjuna, cast his net into the sea as he mingled with humble fisherfolk, and emerged from the sand to kick aside even the mighty Yama, God of death.

Elfquest Archives, Vol. 1


Wendy Pini - 2003
    1 introduces the legend of Cutter and his Wolfrider clan of elves. Existing on a prehistoric world in which humans and elves are bitter enemies, the Wolfriders live a dangerous life of fatal battles, deadly hunts, and tribal traditions. Proud of their history but unaware of their origin, the Wolfriders are on an eternal quest to learn the mysteries of their past. A fast-paced tale of action and conflict, this hardcover edition includes the Wolfriders' fateful battle with a band of humans, their surprising discovery of another clan of elves, and Cutter's first meeting with his lifemate Leetah.

Flawed Dogs: The Year-End Leftovers at the Piddleton "Last Chance" Dog Pound


Berkeley Breathed - 2003
    Full color.

Ordinary Victories


Manu Larcenet - 2003
    It’s the story of his art thrown against heavy anxiety attacks; of a really cute woman in his small town who seems to take to him against all odds; of the old neighbor, a peaceful likable fellah until you get to know his disturbing role in the war...

Batgirl/Robin: Year One


Chuck Dixon - 2003
    In his earliest adventures, Robin learns very quickly that what he thought would be fun is actually a matter of life and death.And in the action-packed origin of the original Batgirl, explore Barbara Gordon's transformation from average citizen into costumed super-heroine.This volume collects BATGIRL: YEAR ONE #1-9 and ROBIN: YEAR ONE #1-4.

Yu-Gi-Oh!: Millennium World, Vol. 1: The World Of Memory


Kazuki Takahashi - 2003
    When Ryo Bakura gives him the Millennium Eye, Yugi opens the door to the 'world of memory,' & his mind travels back in time to ancient Egypt, when the magic & monsters were real

A Baby Blues Treasury: Wall-To-Wall Baby Blues


Rick Kirkman - 2003
    From games of Destroy the Legos to how to blow a two-year-old's nose with just one box of tissues, Baby Blues never fails to revel in the funny facts and fantasies about raising kids.Wall-to-Wall Baby Blues: A Baby Blues Treasury. represents a treasury of the best moments from three previous Kirkman and Scott collections--Baby Blues: Unplugged, Dad to the Bone, and Never a Dry Moment.This combination of daily strips and full-color Sunday features delivers an array of hilarious family comedy. Wall-to-Wall Baby Blues: A Baby Blues Treasury. has young readers, parents, expectant parents, and grandparents nodding their heads in recognition of life in the MacPherson household. It's truly family fun for everyone in the family.

Runaways: Marvel Age, Vol. 1: The Pride


Brian K. Vaughan - 2003
    

Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 3


Brian Michael Bendis - 2003
    5: Public Scrutiny and Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 6: Venom, plus a 16-page story exclusive to Wizard magazine and other bonus material. Young Peter Parker faces his darkest hour yet in the story line you've been waiting for... the Venom Saga! Will Peter ever be able to think of himself as a hero again?

The Acme Novelty Datebook, Vol. 1, 1986-1995


Chris Ware - 2003
    His novel not only won the Manchester Guardian First Novel prize in 2001 but it has sold over 100,000 copies. This book is as much a companion volume to Jimmy Corrigan --one of the great crossover success stories-- as a tremendous art collection from of one of America's most interesting and popular graphic artist.Chris Ware has a passion for drawing that is surprisingly wide-ranging in style and subject. This book surprises the reader on every page with its sense of spontaneous vision. Architectural drawings from Chicago and interplanetary robot comics collide with cruelly doodled human figures and quietly troubling studies of the still life. A must for people with a passion for modern design and old-fashioned style.

Pinocchio


Winshluss - 2003
    In this dark rendition, a greedy Geppetto builds Pinocchio as a metallic weapon of war, while Jiminy Cockroach is a homeless squatter living the good life in Pinocchio's skull. Critically acclaimed, Pinocchio won the Grand Prize at France's Angouleme comics festival in 2009. Exquisite drawings by celebrated cartoonist Winshluss bring to life a rich tale of greedy fools, lust, sadness, redemption, and hope. Teamed with brilliant colorist Cizo, Winshluss creates an epic adventure through a lush world. As we follow Pinocchio along the way, the stories and vinettes intertwine, offering subtle political critiques and send ups of popular culture. We meet seven sleazy dwarves, follow Jiminy's struggles as a novelist, watch a blind tramp find God, and see the innocent, yet powerful Pinocchio encircled by those who would use him for their own ends. Winshluss has perfected the wordless comic. Each page is perfectly composed - not a panel is wasted. The artwork is primarily done in pen and ink, and watercolor but switches to paint for larger splash panels. The art also references a terrific range of illustrative styles and history in the story from late 18th century pen and ink, to early French film pioneer Georges Melies, through early Disney, and underground comix. Born in 1970, Winshluss is the creator of numerous comics and graphic novels that have garnered awards and acclaim across Europe. Winshluss is the pen name of Vincent Parronnaud, perhaps best known as co-director of the animated film Persepolis (with Marjane Satrapi), which won the Jury Prize at Cannes and was nominated for numerous awards, including the Academy Award, Golden Globe and Cannes' Palm d'Or. Currently, he and Satrapi are teaming up again to adapt Satrapi's 2006 book "Chicken with Plums.""

Narbonic


Shaenon K. Garrity - 2003
    Along with her evil intern Mell Kelly and her newest hire, hapless computer guy Dave Davenport, shell do battle with Antonio Smith Forensic Linguist, win the heart of Prof. Lupin Madblood, quell a rebellion of superintelligent gerbils, and face the greatest evil of all...her mother.

The Great Big Book of Tomorrow: A Treasury of Cartoons


Tom Tomorrow - 2003
    With an ever increasing fan base, an expanding number of publications who regularly feature his work, one of the most popular and most visited web-logs (www.thismodernworld.com), the time is now for The Great Big Book of Tomorrow. This massive collection of Tomorrow's greatest hits, unseen gems and obscurities, new material and color section is the so far definitive collection of one of the most popular 'underground' cartoonists ever--a delight to long-time fans and new readers alike.

Runaways (2003-2004) #1


Brian K. Vaughan - 2003
    This year, the children decide to find out what is so special about this annual party, only to find the parents committing murder!

Introduction to Art


Rosie Dickins - 2003
    The story of western painting - from ancient Egyptian tomb decoration to modern art - told clearly and simply, and illustrated with over 160 of the world's greatest works of art.Contains descriptions of web sites specially chosen to take you further into the subject.

Mother, Come Home


Paul Hornschemeier - 2003
    Mother, Come Home is Hornschemeier's graphic novel debut—the quietly stunning tale of a father and son struggling, by varying degrees of escapism and fantasy, to come to terms with the death of the family's mother. The story seamlessly weaves through the surreal and the painfully factual, guided by the careful, somber colors and inventive pacing unique to Hornschmeier's storytelling. Mother, Come Home extracts almost tangible drama from the most tranquil of moments, making that which is unspoken in each panel easily audible, and almost uncomfortably experienced.

Rosary Comic Book


Gene Luen Yang - 2003
    Stories of each mystery are told through colorful, glossy illustrations and simple language, helping children ages 9-12 understand and enjoy this beautiful prayer. The story of the lives of Jesus and his mother Mary can be read, as any other comic book would be read, or you can pray with it, using the pictures instead of the beads of a traditional rosary.

Batman Adventures (2003-2004) #1


Dan Slott - 2003
    Batman must protect and recapture his biggest foes--even though he's just been outlawed by Gotham's surprising new mayor!

Pluto (Complete Series)


Naoki Urasawa - 2003
    Europol’s top detective Gesicht is assigned to investigate these mysterious robot serial murders—the only catch is that he himself is one of the seven targets.Atom, a boy robot whose sophisticated AI programming seamlessly blurs the distinction between man and machine, starts his own investigation into the serial murders of the great robots of the world. When he discovers that the killer’s motives may be connected with the geopolitical events of the recent past, he realizes that the case is far larger than anyone could have ever imagined.

Herobear and the Kid Volume 1: The Inheritance


Mike Kunkel - 2003
    1) Paperbackby Mike Kunkel (Author, Artist)

The Golden Vine


Jai Sen - 2003
    There, the prince confronts a conspiracy that threatens his ascension to the throne. To prevent the disintegration of Alexander's united world government, Alexander IV must travel the labyrinthine paths of memory, though his father's letters and the recollections of the emperor's beloved companion Hephaestion, to the center of mystery: What is the secret of the Golden Vine? To rule the world, the prince must know... The daring alternate history of a united world from the Xeric award-winning author of Garlands of Moonlight and The Ghost of Silver Cliff. Full color, gorgrously illustrated in three visual styles by artists Seijuro Mizu, Umeka Asayuki, and Shino Yotsumoto.

Snoopy, Master of Disguise


Charles M. Schulz - 2003
    Join everyone’s favorite beagle as he confounds and confuses the whole Peanuts gang!

Hysteria in Remission: Comics and Drawings


Robt. Williams - 2003
    Included in this deluxe collection are all of Williams' contributions to such legendary underground anthologies as ZAP, Snatch, Arcade, Cocaine Comix, and more (much of which has been out-of-print for over 25 years). Also, the book will feature scores of never-before-published works, including the never-before-seen, full-color storyboards for a proposed animated ZAP movie, along with numerous cartoons from Williams' early years at L.A. City College. Plus, the seminal Coochy Cooty Men's Comics, dozens of examples of hot rod art done for Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's studio, and the rare, two-color strip "Yama Yama." The book features two introductions, one by Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers creator and fellow ZAP cohort, Gilbert Shelton, and the other by Williams himself, contextualizing his comix work within his better-known career as a painter. MATURE READERS SC, 8x11, 300pg, PC

A Home for Hamtaro & Other Stories


Ritsuko Kawai - 2003
    This charming series of richly illustrated, classic children's tales follows our intrepid hero, hamster Hamtaro, as his adventures take him from pet shop to home to Ham-Ham Clubhouse to the great outdoors and beyond....Volume 1: A Home for Hamtaro & Other StoriesIn this volume, Hamtaro tells of his arrival in his new home, straight from the pet shop. Both Hamtaro and his owner, a girl named Yukari, must learn to understand each other's strange and curious ways. And every time Hamtaro steps out of his cage, he encounters a new adventure ... or peril!

The Absolute Authority, Vol. 2


Mark Millar - 2003
    2 cleverly redefines the traditional roles and methods of super-heroes. After the death of team leader Jenny Sparks, the members of the Authority decide to use their abilities to truly improve the world. Looking to affect change instead of simply protecting the status quo and fighting maniacal villains, the super-powered group intervenes in global politics as they overthrow corrupt regimes and violently force occupying countries out of foreign lands. Employing extreme measures against a variety of opponents that include a sadistic U.S. government team of super-beings, the countries of Russia and China, and the Earth itself, the Authority are successful in their new mission until a devastating defeat results in their own deaths.

Amelia Rules! Volume 1: The Whole World's Crazy


Jimmy Gownley - 2003
    She's nine years old, a former New Yorker who's now living in a small town after her parents decided to get divorced, and dealing with everything from being the new kid in school to getting her first kiss. But you know what? She's got her mom and her aunt Tanner (who happens to be an ex-rock star) and her friends Reggie, Rhonda, and Pajamaman, and everything's going to be okay. Except, of course, when it isn't. In this first book of Amelia's adventures, Amelia and her friends take on bullies (and Santa!), barely survive gym class, and receive a disgustingly detailed explanation of the infamous Sneeze Barf.

Runaways (2005-2008) #1


Brian K. VaughanJames Jean - 2003
    TRUE BELIEVERS PART 1 Now that the evil Pride is gone, nearly every bad guy in the Marvel Universe is trying to fill the power vacuum in Los Angeles, and the Runaways are the only heroes who can stop them!

The Norm Magazine: The 12 Steps to Marriage


Michael Jantze - 2003
    A fun journey all the way to the honeymoon filled with Norm's unique observational humor.

The Complete Soulwind


Scott Morse - 2003
    Step into the Eisner Award-nominated world of Jay Stephens--a place where Roald Dahl walks arm-in-arm with Salvadore Dali and Winsor McCay to create fun and hilarious comics where the only thing that can be expected is to never know what's coming next.

The Sandwalk Adventures: An Adventure in Evolution in Five Chapters


Jay Hosler - 2003
    

Hydra


Kano Miyamoto - 2003
    Sexual frustrations finally find an outlet, though misdirected. Hydra series is prequel to Lovers and souls and Rules #01.

Mad About Comic Strips


MAD Magazine - 2003
    Presented by "The Usual Gang of Idiots," this black-and-white book reprints MAD Magazine's greatest comic-strip satures and send-ups from the Last 50 years. An insane look at the world of dailies, this volume proves that no character or strip is too sacred and no situation is off limits, as it lampoons all of your favorite comics such as Blondie, Peanuts, Family Circus, The Far Side, and Doonesbury.

Social Fiction


Chantal Montellier - 2003