This week is brought to you by Fred Meyer brand decongestants. I have a nasty ear infection, and it’s making me feel like I have a permanent hang-over. On top of that, the high was 107 F in Spokane today. Since I have to turn off the air conditioner and the fan to record, you get a quick and dirty podcast this week, with a small cameo from my cat.

New Release

Simon Dark : What Simon Does Written by Steve Niles; Art and cover by Scott Hampton

This was really great. I remember reading The Crow when was 17, and this gives me the same kind of joy. It is a dark mystery, but the main character has no memory, and the innocence of a child. This is one I will be following.

Punisher Welcome Back Frank Written by Garth Ennis, Pencils by Steve Dillon

Andy left me a note telling me to read this one. According to him, it’s better than sex. I don’t know that I would go that far, but it’s definitely a good read. I love it when Ennis and Dillon work together. Yeah, we gotta cover the Preacher.

Vertigo

Books Of Magic Written by Neil Gaiman; Art by Art by John Bolton, Charles Vess, Paul Johnson, and Scott Hampton

Yay, another great classic from Neil Gaiman. I warned you I was kind of a fan-girl. I read this ages ago, before I knew who half (or most) of the characters were. Reading it again was totally different, and way cooler. That said, this is a good book to introduce new readers to a bunch of the cool magic using characters in the DC universe. It was followed up by a really great series of the same name, but sadly, most of that is out of print.

Tales of the Grim Peddler Art and Story By Lee Joung-A

I’m always a sucker for retellings of classic stories, and this book was no exception. The art is beautiful and clean, while still having a delicate intricacy that is perfect for stories like Sleeping Beauty and The Little Mermaid. Lee gives the stories a creepy twist that really works. Another winner from an excellent Korean artist.