Transformers 2 - Revenge Of The Fallen Annual 2010

Annual (1910). 9"x11¼". £7.99.
64 pages, hardcover. Full color.
HarperCollins Children's Books.

ISBN-13: 9780007310876

Based on the US feature film.

Photo cover.

Contents:

.2 Endpaper
.5 Title Page
.7 Contents
.8 Return Of The Robots text feature (uncredited).
10 Locations In Disguise wordsearch
11 Colour Devastator color-in page. a: (uncredited).
12 Transformer Sightings 2009 illustrated feature.
14 Spot The Difference
15 Save The Sun maze
16 The Fallen Poster full-color pin-up.

17 When Robots Attack! illustrated story by Ray Santos. Based on the screenplay by Ehren Kruger, Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci. a: MADA Design, Inc., c: Kanila Tripp.

30 History Of The Primes text feature (uncredited).
32 Battle For The Pyramid board game.
34 Whose Side Are You On? quiz.
36 Colour The Fallen color-in page. a: (uncredited).

37 Operation Autobot illustrated story by Susan Korman. Based on the screenplay by Ehren Kruger, Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci. a: MADA Design, Inc., c: Kanila Tripp.

49 Transform And Roll Out! picture puzzle.
50 Shadow Match silhouette puzzle.
52 Colour Megatron color-in page. a: (uncredited).
53 Code Of The Primes word puzzle.
54 Transformer Tracker picture puzzle.
55 Bumblebee Poster full-color pin-up.
56 Allspark Grid wordsearch
57 Memory Machine picture puzzle.
58 Questions
59 More Than Meets The Eye Poster full-color pin-up.
60 Sideswipe Poster full-color pin-up.
61 Answers

Fittingly for a tie-in to a book about robots, this is one of the most mechanical, soulless endeavors I have come across. The quasi-comic material is lackluster, and the images used for the color-in pages are a step down from the quality I have come to expect from Transformers artwork - indeed, there are better B&W pieces on DeviantArt than there are here. The text doesn't go into enough detail to clear up the gaping plot holes from the film, nor do they offer anything new for long-time fans of the franchise. A very poor annual for a terrible film.

Mighty World Of Marvel (Panini) #16

22 Dec 2010. 6¾"x10¼". £2.95
76 pages, card cover. Full color.
Panini Publishing.

Cover p: Khoi Pham, i: Danny Miki. r: cover to The Mighty Avengers (Marvel) #24 (Jun 2009).

Contents:

.3 War Of Kings Every Last One Of Them w: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning. p: Paul Pelletier, i: Rick Magyar, c: Wil Quintana. Lettering by VC's Joe Caramagna. r: War Of Kings (Marvel) #2 (Jun 2009).

26 War Of Kings The Head That Wears The Crown w: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning. p: Paul Pelletier, i: Rick Magyar, c: Wil Quintana. Lettering by VC's Joe Caramagna. r: War Of Kings (Marvel) #3 (Jul 2009).

48 The Starjammers text feature (uncredited).

49 The Guardians Of The Galaxy text feature (uncredited).

50 Mighty Avengers Chasing Ghosts w: Dan Slott. p: Rafa Sandoval, i: Roger Monet Martinez, c: John Rauch. Lettering by Dave Lamphear. r: The Mighty Avengers (Marvel) #24 (Jun 2009).

75 Mighty Marvel Mailbag readers' mail.

Revolver #3

Sep 1990. 8¼"x11¾". £1.65.
52 pages; full color.
Fleetway Publications

Cover by Floyd Hughes & Rian Hughes.

In Loving Memory
James Marshall Hendrix

27-11-42 - 18-09-70

Contents:

.3 You Stand On The Third Stone From The Sun. You Read Revolver contents.

.4 Purple Days "This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship." w: Charles Shaar Murray. a: Floyd Hughes. Lettering by Gordon Robson.

14 Seattle text feature by Chief Seattle of the Duwamish tribe, 1854.

15 Dan Dare: Pilot Of The Future Untitled part three, w: Grant Morrison. a: Rian Hughes. Lettering by Ellie De Ville.

24 Pinhead Nation Untitled [Square World] w:/a: Shaky Kane.

26 Dire Streets Untitled [Faint Heart Never Won Fair Hand] w: Julie Hollings. Lettering by Eliza.

32 Happenstance And Kismet Untitled [Lucius Gains A Country Estate] w: Paul Neary. a: Steve Parkhouse, c: Bernie Jaye. Lettering by Annie Parkhouse.

37 Waltz w: Ian Salmon. a: Glenn Fabry. Lettering by Bambos.

41 Rogan Gosh Untitled part three, w: Pete Milligan. a: Brendan McCarthy. Lettering by Tom Frame.

49 The Whole Wide Whirl readers' mail
50 This Way! illustration (uncredited).

I direct those of you with a dark sense of humor to the letter which states "All over, this is the best magazine printed in the U.K. since Warrior. I hope it lasts longer than that did." So cursed from almost the beginning, Revolver didn't stand a chance. This issue has a few highlights, even taking into account the high standards already established - the full page of Dan Dare ("So how do I look?") is as iconic as I could have hoped for, and the preceding text piece is a notable example of the educational merits of British comics.

The emotional heart of this issue is the poignant Waltz one-off piece, which shows Fabry's talent for realistic material. Offsetting this is the magnificent Happenstance And Kismet which - with every installment - grows darker and more grotesque without losing sight of the inherent humor. The best issue so far in the ttle's short life.

The Simpsons Uncensored Family Album

Collection (1997). 12"x9 7/8⅞". £9.99
68 pages, softcover. Full color.
HarperCollins

ISBN-10: 0006530184

Contents:

.2 The Simpsons Family Tree illustrated feature.
.5 Title Page
.6 To Be Filed illustrated feature (uncredited).
12 Grandpa Simpson's Army Days illustrated feature (uncredited).
16 Homer Simpson's Gallery illustrated feature (uncredited).
18 Senior Prom illustrated feature (uncredited).
20 1973 illustrated feature (uncredited).
26 Marriage illustrated feature (uncredited).
29 Springfield Nuclear Power Plant illustrated feature (uncredited).
30 Bart's Birth illustrated feature (uncredited).
33 First Haircuts illustrated feature (uncredited).
34 Elvish illustrated feature (uncredited).
41 Bleeding Gums Murphy illustrated feature (uncredited).
42 Homer's New Camera illustrated feature (uncredited).
46 Devil's Hell-Hole Vacation illustrated feature (uncredited).
50 Greetings From Springfield illustrated feature (uncredited).
55 Anything But A Snoozer illustrated feature (uncredited).
56 Beauty Tips Contest! illustrated feature (uncredited).
57 Feud At Squirrel Hollow illustrated feature (uncredited).
59 Mt. Splashmore illustrated feature (uncredited).
62 Christmas illustrated feature (uncredited).
65 Dear Memory Book illustrated feature (uncredited).
66 The Bouviers Family Tree illustrated feature.

AT LAST! THE SIMPSONS TELL-ALL BOOK YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!

You'll gasp in amazement at this revealing, no-holds-barred,
and (in one minor instance) poignant family album.

NOTHING OMITTED! NO PUNCHES PULLED!

Assembled and narrated with painstaking, loving care by
none other than that First Lady of Tall Hair, Marge Simpson.

YOU'LL LAUGH! YOU'LL CRY!
YOU'LL TURN THE PAGE!

Armchair anthropologists, deviant psychologists,
and students of Ancient Simpsons History will all gape in awe at...
BART AS A BABY! MARGE AS A PRE-TEEN!
HOMER WITH HAIR! GRAMPA WITH TEETH!
and... a potato grown in the shape of Millard Fillmore!

DON'T WAIT! TAKE THE BAIT!

It's the definitive memoir of an all-American nuclear family.

It is almost impossible to describe this as containing anything in the way of story, for the narrative thread here isn't one tale, but an overview of the lives of the Simpsons. Taking in photos, scraps, certificates, receipts, notes and other analecta, the rough chronology is given a (more or less) straight line from the early 1900's to the modern day. There is little here for general readers, though fans of the characters might be interested in a massive family tree which runs across the inside front and back covers - aside from that, the contents feel like rejected filler material from the comics.

Countdown Annual 1972

Annual (1972). 8"x11".
80 pages, hardcover. Color and tone.
Polystyle Publications

Part photo cover.

Contents:

.2 Space Intruder Detector photo from UFO.
.4 Contents Photo from UFO.

.5 UFO The Circus part one, w: (uncredited). a: Jon Davis (uncredited).

10 The Defenders: Emergency Red Alert text feature (uncredited).
14 UFO The Circus part two, w: (uncredited). a: Jon Davis (uncredited).

17 Dastardly And Muttley Untitled w: (uncredited). a: Peter Ford (uncredited).

19 Countdown Quiz

20 Thunderbirds Terror At Torreba w: (uncredited). a: Don Harley (uncredited).

26 Think Tank! News From The Frontiers Of Science text feature (uncredited).
30 Countdown Quiz

31 Dastardly And Muttley Untitled w: (uncredited). a: Peter Ford (uncredited).

33 Captain Scarlet Untitled [Gargantua] w: (uncredited). a: John Cooper (uncredited).

38 Countdown Rescue Mission board game.

40 Countdown Dangerous Friend text story (uncredited). Illustrated by John Burns.

48 Rockets illustrated feature (uncredited).

53 The Secret Service Untitled [Ravallian Embassy] w: (uncredited). a: Peter Ford (uncredited).

59 A Day With Dr. Who photo feature by Dennis Hooper?
61 U.F.O.s In History illustrated feature (uncredited).
65 Jon Pertwee full-color Dr. Who pin-up.
66 Dr. Who Untitled [Carradine Estate] w: (uncredited). a: Jim Baikie.
74 Joe 90 Joe 90 Resigns text story (uncredited). Illustrated by Jon Davis.
77 Answers
78 Skydiver photo from UFO.

The variety of television series chosen to best illustrate the qualities of the regular Countdown title for this annual is somewhat limited, and the absence of stalwarts such as the Charles Bowen text features is especially missed, but the good largely outweighs the bad across the spartan page count. The prose material is engaging, and the accompanying artwork bright and detailed, while the strips largely manage to rattle along at a healthy pace - the Dastardly And Muttley strips, however, feel rather out of place despite being carried over from the comic.

The heavy emphasis on non-fiction elements throughout the comic's first year are not carried over, though the feature on rockets is rather nice. With a sparser page layout than I expected, this actually manages to be easier to read than individual issues of Countdown were. The board game isn't one of the most innovative pieces within the annual, though there are plenty of original bits and pieces which are much more interesting - the Doctor Who photo feature is smart enough to keep from getting bogged down in too much detail, and offers a tantalizing glimpse behind the scenes.

Mighty World Of Marvel (Panini) #15

24 Nov 2010. 6¾"x10¼". £2.95
76 pages, card cover. Full color.
Panini Publishing.

Cover by Brandon Peterson. r: cover to War Of Kings (Marvel) #1 (May 2009).

Contents:

.3 War Of Kings Asunder w: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning. p: Paul Pelletier, i: Rick Magyar, c: Wil Quintana. Lettering by VC's Joe Caramagna. r: War Of Kings (Marvel) #1 (May 2009).

29 Mighty Avengers Earth's Mightiest: The Writing On The Wall part two, w: Dan Slott. p: Khoi Pham, i: Allen Martinez & Danny Miki, c: Jason Keith & Matt Milla. Lettering by Dave Lanphear. r: The Mighty Avengers (Marvel) #22 (Apr 2009).

51 Mighty Avengers Earth's Mightiest: Three Words part three, w: Dan Slott. p: Khoi Pham, i: Allen Martinez & Danny Miki, c: Jason Keith & Matt Milla. Lettering by Dave Lanphear. r: The Mighty Avengers (Marvel) #23 (May 2009).

75 Mighty Marvel Mailbag readers' mail.

The Viz Bumper Book Of Shite

For Older Boys And Girls

Annual (Aug 1993). 7¾"X10". £5.99.
92 pages, hardcover. Color and B&W.
John Brown Publishing, Ltd.

Painted cover

Contents:

.6 Approaching Battleship full-color pin-up. a: "I. Tracewell".
.7 Title Page a: (uncredited).
.8 Contents
10 Introduction by "The Colonel".

11 The Fat Slags Their First Shag w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).

17 Why Trains Are Late text feature (uncredited).

20 Billy The Fish In Space part one, w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).

24 Cricket In Other Lands text feature (uncredited).

26 Jack Black & His Dog Silver The Wallpaper Mystery w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).

35 From Cow To Doorstep - The Miracle Of Milk text feature (uncredited).

36 Animals At War text feature (uncredited).
38 Greyfriars Baggie w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).

39 The Adventures Of Felix Crusoe And His Amazing Underpants! w: (uncredited). a: Lew Stringer.

45 Amazing Britain illustrated feature (uncredited).
46 From Flower To Toast - The Magic Of Honey text feature (uncredited).

47 Sydney Smutt's Foulmouth Five w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).

53 Queer Tales From The South Seas! illustrated feature (uncredited).

54 Black Bag A Year In The Life Of A Busy Border Binliner illustrated feature (uncredited).

56 Biffa Bacon Camping Capers w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).

62 Inside The Torch illustrated feature (uncredited).
64 The Hovering Tea Room w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).

70 Fun And Games With Roger Mellie illustrated feature (uncredited).

71 Billy The Fish In Space part two, w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).

77 16,000 Fathoms To Death! w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).
81 Spoilt Bastard Big Top Adventure w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).
86 Indicia Page
87 Caruthers full-color pin-up. a: Shiloe (Simon Donald).

In the style of a fifties annual (replete with glossy pin-up pages, strips not seen in the regular title, an elaborate contents page, and non-fiction features), this replicates the feel if not the tone of the golden age of these publications. As irreverent as any other Viz title, with even the the name courting controversy, the saving grace here is how intelligent the mockery is. Whereas others would pander to the lowest common denominater throughout, the content routinely subverts expectations while giving in to the obvious jokes where it is funniest. The plate at the back, with Caruthers, is probably truer than some would hope, and the Why Trains Are Late may hit very close to the bone for some.

How intelligent? For example, the Camping Capers strip is credited to "Dudley Chuckles" (a pastiche on the D.C. Thomson artist Dudley D. Watkins), and is stated to have been first published in the non-existent Viz Comic Funnies Aug 1964. These touches give the overall impression of creators who are well aware of their comics history, and it is refreshing to see the techniques of classic titles being put to use again for a modern audience. Even the smaller size used is a nod to the classic tomes.

It isn't a completely successful recreation (there is no requisite board game), though slavish dedication to the form isn't the point here - this is a love letter to a bygone age, though with its' tongue firmly in its' cheek. The Bumper Book isn't for everyone (though it isn't as crude as the title may suggest), but that has always been the way with Viz. If you like the magazine, and you have fond memories of old annuals, you will no doubt find something here to raise a smile.

Revolver #2

Aug 1990. 8¼"x11¾". £1.65.
52 pages; full color.
Fleetway Publications

Painted cover by Brendan McCarthy.

Contents:

.3 Wake Up! It's Time To Read Revolver contents page.

.4 Dan Dare: Pilot Of The Future Untitled part two, w: Grant Morrison. a: Rian Hughes. Lettering by Ellie De Ville.

13 God's Little Acre w: Ian Edgington a: D'Israeli.

17 Purple Days "Train I ride, sixteen coaches long..." w: Charles Shaar Murray. a: Floyd Hughes. Lettering by Annie Parkhouse.

27 Happenstance And Kismet Untitled [Australian Chardonnay] w: Paul Neary. a: Steve Parkhouse, c: Bernie Jaye. Lettering by Annie Parkhouse.

32 Pinhead Nation Untitled [Coney Island, 1957] w:/a: Shaky Kane.
34 Amar Chitra! Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! text feature by Brendan McCarthy.

36 Rogan Gosh Untitled part two, w: Pete Milligan. a: Brendan McCarthy. Lettering by Tom Frame.

44 Dire Streets Untitled [The Morning After] w: Julie Hollings. Lettering by Eliza.
50 Outro text feature (uncredited).

Continuing the strong opening, Rogan Gosh receives a text piece explaining some of the originating factors in its' creation, though a longer article would have allowed for some of the more obscure elements to be embellished on (I'm still not sure what it is all about, but am so impressed at the daring art and script that I'm reluctant to criticize it), and perhaps explain where it was going. God's Little Acre is a nice, although insubstantial, silent piece which contains suitably strange imagery for this title, and the Hendrix strip begins to play with trippy visuals in a way which makes sense in context.

The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume II

Collection (Oct 2004). 6¾"x10¼". £9.99
232 pages; softcover. Full color
Titan Books

ISBN-13: 9781840238488

Cover by Kevin O'Neill.

Contents:

..3 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen a: Kevin O'Neill.
..4 Mars a: Kevin O'Neill.
..5 Title Page a: Kevin O'Neill.

..6 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen illustration by Kevin O'Neill. r: wraparound cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #1 (Sep 2002).

..8 Credits illustration by Kevin O'Neill. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #1 (Sep 2002).

..9 Phases Of Deimos part one, w: Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill, c: Ben Dimagmaliw. Lettering by William Oakley. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #1 (Sep 2002).

.33 People Of Other Lands part two, w: Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill, c: Ben Dimagmaliw. Lettering by William Oakley. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #2 (Oct 2002).

.57 And The Dawn Comes Like Thunder part three, w: Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill, c: Ben Dimagmaliw. Lettering by William Oakley. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #3 (Nov 2002).

.81 All Creatures Great And Small part four, w: Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill, c: Ben Dimagmaliw. Lettering by William Oakley. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #4 (Feb 2003).

105 Red In Tooth And Claw part five, w: Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill, c: Ben Dimagmaliw. Lettering by William Oakley. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #5 (Jul 2003).

129 "You Should See Me Dance The Polka..." part six, w: Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill, c: Ben Dimagmaliw. Lettering by William Oakley. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #6 (Nov 2003).

155 Mina Murray illustration by Kevin O'Neill.

156 Henry Jekyll illustration by Kevin O'Neill. r: back cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #2 (Oct 2002).

157 Hawley Griffin illustration by Kevin O'Neill. r: back cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #3 (Nov 2002).

158 Captain Nemo illustration by Kevin O'Neill. r: back cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #4 (Feb 2003).

159 Allan Quatermain illustration by Kevin O'Neill. r: back cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #5 (Jul 2003).

160 Adverts r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #1 (Sep 2002).
161 The New Traveller's Almanac cover art. a: Kevin O'Neill?
162 The New Traveller's Almanac a: Kevin O'Neill?

163 The New Traveller's Almanac: Editor's Preface text feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #1 (Sep 2002).

164 The New Traveller's Almanac: Chapter One - The British Isles: From The Streaming Kingdom To The Blazing World text feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #1 (Sep 2002).

171 The New Traveller's Almanac: Chapter Two - Europe: From Aiolio To Zenda text feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #2 (Oct 2002).

179 The New Traveller's Almanac: Chapter Three - The Americas: In The Rubble Of Utopia text feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #3 (Nov 2002).

187 The New Traveller's Almanac: Chapter Four - Africa And The Middle East: Lights Of A Dark Continent text feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #4 (Feb 2003).

195 The New Traveller's Almanac: Chapter Five - Asia And The Australias: Visions Of Cathay text feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #5 (Jul 2003).

203 The New Traveller's Almanac: Chapter Six - The Polar Regions: To The Ends Of The Earth text feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill. r: League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #6 (Nov 2003).

211 The Game Of Extraordinary Gentlemen board game.
215 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen full-color pin-up.

216 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen a: Kevin O'Neill. r: cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #2 (Oct 2002).

217 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen a: Kevin O'Neill. r: cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #3 (Nov 2002).

218 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen a: Kevin O'Neill. r: cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #4 (Feb 2003).

219 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen a: Kevin O'Neill. r: cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #5 (Jul 2003).

220 The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen a: Kevin O'Neill. r: cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen (America's Best Comics) vol.2 #6 (Nov 2003).

221 Bumper Compendium Edition Parts One And Two a: Kevin O'Neill. r: cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume 2 Bumper Compendium (America's Best Comics) #1 (Dec 2002).

222 Bumper Compendium Edition Parts Three And Four a: Kevin O'Neill. r: cover to League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume 2 Bumper Compendium (America's Best Comics) #2 (Apr 2003).

223 A Colour And Save Page a: Kevin O'Neill.
224 A Cautionary Fable illustrated feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill.
225 Hw To Make Nemo's Nautilus feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill.
226 Martian History illustrated feature by Alan Moore. a: Kevin O'Neill.
227 Doctor Moreau picture puzzle
229 Seasons Greetings full-color pin-up. a: Kevin O'Neill.

Power Rangers Mystic Force Annual 2008

Annual (2008). 8¾"x11½". £6.99.
72 pages; hardcover. Full color
Egmont Books

ISBN-13: 9781405231824

Edited by Jo Strange.
Designed by Colin Treanor.

Painted cover (uncredited).
Painted back cover (uncredited).

Contents:

.5 Title Page
.6 Contents
.7 Calling All Mystic Rangers!
.8 Do You Believe In Magic? photo story.
16 Ranger Powers illustrated feature (uncredited).
18 The Magic Realm puzzles
20 Dark Forces illustrated feature (uncredited).
22 Cold Demon w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).
30 Red Ranger illustration and character bio.
32 Green Ranger illustration and character bio.
34 Yellow Ranger illustration and character bio.
36 Mystical Masters art feature
38 Lost w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).
46 Pink Ranger illustration and character bio.
48 Blue Ranger illustration and character bio.
50 Magic Book picture puzzle
51 Hidiac Attack spot-the-difference
52 Mystic Titans illustrated feature (uncredited).
54 Right Place, Right Time w: (uncredited). a: (uncredited).
62 Racer Speed art feature
63 Evil Target maze
64 Ranger Power Up art feature
66 Prove Your Power quiz
68 Answers

With attractive artwork throughout, this is a fine example of the better elements of the Power Rangers franchise, though it is not without drawbacks. Right from the endpapers the cut-and-paste qualities are present, with the re-use of certain images rather too obvious compared with the rather more original comic strips. It is nice to see the characters in sequential strips rather than being presented as pin-up artwork, but the terrible lettering mars even the brief respite of the strips. This annual contains some of the most evocative, beautiful painted artwork I have seen in a while, though sadly uncredited. Worth purchasing merely for the paintings spread throughout the pages of this edition, despite the spotty quality of other areas.

Mighty World Of Marvel (Panini) #9

09 Jun 2010. 6¾"x10¼". £2.95
76 pages, card cover. Full color.
Panini Publishing.

Painted cover by Greg Horn. r: cover to Ms. Marvel (Marvel) vol.2 #28 (Aug 2008).

Contents:

.3 Ms. Marvel Secret Invasion: The Battle Of Manhattan w: Brian Reed. p: Adriana Melo, i: Mariah Benes, c: Chris Sotomayor. Lettering by Dave Sharpe. r: Ms. Marvel (Marvel) vol.2 #28 (Aug 2008).

27 Marvel Spotlight in-house advertisement

28 Secret Invasion: Inhumans Family part three, w: Joe Pokaski. p: Tom Raney, i: Scott Hanna, c: Guru FX. Lettering by VC's Cory Petit. r: Secret Invasion: Inhumans (Marvel) #3 (Dec 2008)

51 Captain Britain And MI:13 The Guns Of Avalon part three, w: Paul Cornell. p: Leonard Kirk, i: Jesse Delperdang & Scott Hanna, c: Brian Reber. Lettering by VC's Joe Caramagna. r: Captain Britain And MI:13 (Marvel) #3 (Sep 2008).

75 Mighty Marvel Mailbag readers' mail.

Revolver #1

Jul 1990. 8¼"x11¾". £1.65.
52 pages; full color.
Fleetway Publications

Cover by Rian Hughes.

Contents:

.2 We've Got The Thrill Power illustration
.3 Hello. This Is Revolver contents page.

.4 Purple Days "The Night I Was Born, The Moon Turned A Fire Red..." w: Charles Shaar Murray. a: Floyd Hughes. Lettering by Gordon Robson.

Note: Credits include the acknowledgement "Inspired by the life and work of Jimi Hendrix..."

15 Dan Dare: Pilot Of The Future Untitled part one, w: Grant Morrison. a: Rian Hughes. Lettering by Ellie De Ville.

24 Pinhead Nation Untitled [Pizza] w:/a: Shaky Kane.

26 Happenstance And Kismet Untitled [Loquacious Lyricality] w: Paul Neary. a: Steve Parkhouse, c: Bernie Jaye. Lettering by Steve Parkhouse.

32 Rogan Gosh Untitled part one, w: Pete Milligan. a: Brendan McCarthy. Lettering by Tom Frame.

40 Dire Streets Untitled [One Disaster Area] w: Julie Hollings. Lettering by Eliza.

47 Nine Inches To The Mile w: I.G. a: Phil Winslade. Lettering by Bambos.
50 Outro text feature (uncredited).

Despite being sold as "A 2000 A.D. Production", the feel couldn't be more different - the bombast of 2000 A.D. is replaced by a more introspective flavor, especially in Dare (in a take which is rather too world-weary for the character), and Rogan Gosh. The inclusion of Dire Streets adds something long missing from the 2000 A.D. stable in a female point of view (Halo Jones, as good as it was, had more in common with the surrounding SF strips than any of the emotionally-connected pieces which marked out girls' titles of yore), and is very entertaining in to the bargain.

The Jimi Hendrix strip is the most interesting in this anthology for being so different - the life stories of musicians were nothing new (Look-In had been running such pieces for years), although the quasi-biography elements are supplemented by a lot of speculation and poetic license. It's especially atmospheric thanks in large to the beautiful painted artwork. The only part of the first issue which feels strained is the Outro text piece explaining the nature of the title, which could have been better served put to use giving background on the strips rather than meandering. It is interesting for the thanks portion, but there's not enough meat on this section to justify it.

Unlike much of the 90s comics which turned to full-color merely to show off their abilities, this uses color magnificently. Revolver needed it mostly for the Rogan Gosh strip (which would have been unintelligible in B&W), but the muted tones of the Dan Dare relaunch enhance the artwork to a degree which the run in early 2000 A.D. issues can't compete with in any way. With the confused and increasingly contradictory elements in various Dan Dare incarnations washed away, the character gets to show why he was so popular, though - as noted - the increasingly dark story probably isn't to everyone's taste.

The X-Files: Project Aquarius

Collection (Jul 1996). 6¾"x10¼". £9.99
164 pages, softcover. Full color.
Manga Publishing, Ltd.

ISBN-10: 1900097176

Based on the US television series starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.

Dustjacket cover by Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #11 (Nov 1995).

Contents:

..5 Contents
..6 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #7 (Jul 1995).

..7 Trepanning Opera w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charles Adlard, c: George Freeman. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #7 (Jul 1995).

.29 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #8 (Aug 1995).

.30 Silent Cities Of The Mind part one, w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charles Adlard, c: George Freeman. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #8 (Aug 1995).

.52 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #9 (Sep 1995).

.53 Silent Cities Of The Mind part two, w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charles Adlard, c: George Freeman. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #9 (Sep 1995).

.76 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #10 (Oct 1995).

.77 Feelings Of Unreality: Wheels Within Wheels part one, w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charles Adlard, c: Laurie E. Smith & Digital Chameleon. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #10 (Oct 1995).

.99 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #11 (Nov 1995).

100 Feelings Of Unreality: The Ancient Of Days part two, w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charles Adlard, c: George Freeman, Laurie E. Smith & Digital Chameleon. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #11 (Nov 1995).

122 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #12 (Jan 1996).

123 Feelings Of Unreality: The Nightmare Of History part three, w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charles Adlard, c: George Freeman, Laurie E. Smith & Digital Chameleon. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #12 (Jan 1996).

146 The Pit w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charles Adlard, c: George Freeman, Laurie E. Smith & Digital Chameleon. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #-2 (Sep 1996).

154 Photo Gallery Gillian Anderson full-color pin-up.
155 Photo Gallery David Duchovny full-color pin-up.
156 Photo Gallery The X-Files full-color pin-up.

Fox Mulder has long suspected that there is a conspiracy at work within the US government - now he finds startling evidence to suggest that an even more sinister conspiracy exists within this conspiracy. Code-named Project Aquarius, it has its roots in an infamous UFO crash landing in Kansas in 1948, and there are people prepared to kill to protect its secrets.

Aided by Special Agent Dana Scully, Mulder learns that the key to the mystery lies with a destitute bag-lady on the streets of New York. But how can Mulder and Scully discover the truth when they find that they cannot even trust their own memories...

Bart Simpson's Treehouse Of Horror: Heebie Jeebie Hullabaloo

Collection (1999). £9.99
146 pages; hardcover. Full color
HarperCollins

Painted cover (uncredited).

Contents:

..5 Table Of Contents
..6 Attention Earthlings! introduction by Matt Groening.
..8 The Curse Of The Thing! As Told By Lisa Simpson text feature

..9 Sideshow Blob! w: Paul Dini. p: Bill Morrison & Tim Bavington, i: Bill Morrison, c: Nathan Kane. Lettering by Jeannine Black & Chris Ungar. r: Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #2 (Sep 1996).

.23 KangFast! advertisement

.24 A Kid's Guide To Monster-Proofing Your Room illustrated feature (uncredited).

.26 Homer's Deadly Day illustrated feature (uncredited).
.28 The Curse Of The Thing! As Told By Bart Simpson text feature

.29 The Exorsister w: Peter Bagge. p: Stephanie Gladden, i: Tim Bavington, c: Nathan Kane. Lettering by Jeannine Black & Chris Ungar. Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #2 (Sep 1996).

.43 Diversion Figures cut-out feature.
.44 A Yokel's Guide To Halloween illustrated feature (uncredited).
.46 Springfield In Hell illustrated feature (uncredited).
.48 The Cosmic Secrets Of Kang And Kodos illustrated feature (uncredited).
.50 Elijah Dunn And The One-Armed Nun text story (uncredited).
.52 Kangboro advertisement

.53 Immigration Of The Body Snatchers! w: Evan Dorkin. p: Bill Morrison, Stephanie Gladden & Phil Ortiz, i: Tim Bavington & Bill Morrison, c: Nathan Kane & Rhea Patton. Lettering by Jeannine Black & Chris Ungar. r: Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #3 (Sep 1997).

.77 Underage Comedy Hijinks II: The Continuance Of Underage Comedy Hijinks advertisement

.78 Halloween Hoedown At The Flanderosa illustrated feature (uncredited).

.80 Evil Dr. Burns' Good-Time Servant Factory illustrated feature (uncredited).

.82 The Curse Of The Thing! As Told By Homer Simpson text feature

.83 Call Me Homer w: Jeff Smith. p: Jeff Smith & Stephanie Gladden, i: Bill Morrison. Lettering by Mike Sakamoto. r: Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #1 (Oct 1995).

.97 Bart Simpson - Master of Disguise presents The Quick 'N' Easy, Low Budget Do-It-Yourself Guide to Cool Costumes r: Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #1 (Oct 1995).

.98 The Springfield Curse Web illustrated feature (uncredited).
100 Springfield In Hell II illustrated feature (uncredited).
102 Bart's Halloween Survival Guide illustrated feature (uncredited).
104 Return Of The Diversion Figures cut-out feature.

105 Bart People w: James Robinson. p: Chris Roman, i: Bill Morrison. Lettering by Mike Sakamoto. r: Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #1 (Oct 1995).

119 The Curse Of The Thing! As Told By Abraham Simpson text feature
120 Moe's Guide To Superstitions illustrated feature (uncredited).
122 The Train Wraith text story (uncredited).
124 Perry Kodos And Nat Kang Cole's Yuletide Sing-A-Long advertisement

125 Little Shop Of Homers w: Mike Allred. p: Luis Escobar & Bill Morrison, i: Mike Allred. Lettering by Mike Sakamoto. r: Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #1 (Oct 1995).

140 Treehouse Of Horror painting by Matt Groening. r: cover to Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #1 (Oct 1995).

141 Treehouse Of Horror painting by Bill Morrison. r: cover to Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #2 (Sep 1996).

142 Treehouse Of Horror a: Bill Morrison, c: Nathan Kane. r: cover to Treehouse Of Horror (Bongo) #3 (Sep 1997).

In the throat-throttling tradition of The Simpsons' annual "Treehouse Of Horror" episodes, the Master of Mirthful Mayhem, Matt Groening, presents a gut-wrenching, fright-filled, spine-tingling spooktacular that's fun for the whole family. Prepare for alien invasions, ancient curses, monstrous mutations, Christmas albums, crazed zombies, the penal system, and botany gone bad! CAUTION: These terrifying tales and fearsome features may cause you to laugh yourself to DEATH!!!

The material collected here improves massively if you get the references to all of the b-movies which they are paying homage to - though even without awareness of the multiple in-jokes, this is still better than most Halloween comics thanks to the amount of detail which has gone into each of the stories. You don't really need to know which panels in Immigration Of The Body Snatchers! are almost reproductions of stills from Invasion Of The Body Snatchers, for example.

Small details abound throughout the stories, although some of the text pieces (The Curse Of The Thing! as retold by various members of the Simpsons' family, especially) feel more like filler than worthwhile elements. There are a couple of interesting prose stories presented by Captain McCallister, which have the kind of elaborate imagination which marks out the television series'. The cut-out pages offer an added bit of value, though are ultimately rather redundant.

As with other Simpsons collections, I am left with the feeling that more isn't necessarily better - the overwhelming number of gags may, for some, be a good value, but it can feel rather repetitive after a hundred or so pages. Homer will do more dumb stuff, Bart will get into trouble again, and Lisa will get wound up about something... The lack of active continuity is, in this case, a hindrance to the long form.

Blake's 7 Annual 1980

Annual (1980). £1.75
pages, hardcover. Color and tone art.
World Distributors, Ltd.

SBN: 723565481

Based on the BBC television series.

Painted cover (uncredited).

Contents:

.2 Endpaper a: (uncredited).
.4 Contents a: (uncredited).
.5 Planet Of No Escape text story (uncredited).
14 UFO word puzzle.
15 Museum Piece text story (uncredited).
23 Space Calling... Are You Receiving Me? text feature (uncredited).
24 Federation Test Sheet quiz
25 Space Facts illustrated feature (uncredited)
26 Lumps Of The Lunar Landscape text feature (uncredited).
30 Cygnus The Swan Constellation text feature (uncredited).
31 Calling All Cals word puzzle.
32 Blake's Space Scrapbook text feature (uncredited).
33 Sabotage! text story (uncredited).
40 A Numbered Spacecraft number puzzle.
41 Space Logbook text feature (uncredited).
42 Planet Of The Ashen Light text feature (uncredited).
43 A Task For Bondor text story (uncredited).
49 All Set For Take-Off text feature (uncredited).
50 The Constellations illustrated feature (uncredited).
52 Red For Danger text story (uncredited).
62 Blake's Space Race board game.

A hit and miss annual, which sits uneasily alongside other Blake's 7 material, although it does have many merits. The artwork is beautiful, accompanying some of the most entertaining short stories set within the universe of Terry Nation's creation, and despite a lack of comic strips herein (though there was a strip running in Look-In for a while) it holds up well as a complimentary volume to the show. The features, sadly, are rather patchier in nature.

The scrapbook seems out of character for Blake to have, and the puzzles (especially the quiz pages) are barely there - the paucity of questions in each of the quizzes really is unforgivable. On the non-fiction front, this goes well beyond what is strictly necessary, delivering some excellent snippets of information which really do enhance the futurism of the show, and encourages younger readers to read up more on the subject of space travel.

The contents are squarely aimed at those already in love with the show, and as such probably don't need me to tell them they should look out for this.

Marvel Legends #62

21 Sep 2011. 6¾"x10¼". £2.95
76 pages, card cover. Full color.
Panini Publishing.

Cover p: Bryan Hitch, i: Butch Guice, c: Paul Mounts. r: cover to Captain America: Reborn (Marvel) #2 (Oct 2009).

Contents:

.3 Captain America Reborn part two, w: Ed Brubaker. p: Bryan Hitch, i: Butch Guice, c: Paul Mounts. Lettering by VC's Joe Caramagna. r: Captain America: Reborn (Marvel) #2 (Oct 2009).

33 Thor Siege: Ragnarok part two, w: Kieron Gillen. p: Billy Tan & Rich Elson, i: Batt & Rich Elson, c: Christina Strain & Matt Hollingsworth. Lettering by VC's Joe Sabino. r: Thor (Marvel) #608 (May 2010).

55 Iron Man World's Most Wanted: The Shape Of The World These Days part seven, w: Matt Fraction. a: Salvador Larroca, c: Frank D'Armata. Lettering by VC's Joe Caramagna. r: Invincible Iron man (Marvel) #12 (Jun 2009).

75 Legendary Letters readers' mail.
Note: Only half of the wraparound cover from Captain America: Reborn #2 is reproduced here, with the back cover replaced by an advert.

Warrior #3

Jul 1982. 8"x11" 50p.
52 pages. B&W contents.
Quality Communications, Ltd.

Edited by Dez Skinn.

Cover by Paul Neary.

Contents:

.3 Contents Page

.4 Marvelman "When Johnny Comes Marching Home..." w: Alan Moore. a: Garry Leach.

10 The Spiral Path Untitled w: Steve Parkhouse. a: Steve Parkhouse & Geoff Senior.

16 Madman Untitled w:/a: Paul Neary.

23 Father Shandor, Demon Stalker The Devil's Dark Destiny w: Steve Moore, from a plot by Dez Skinn & John Bolton. a: John Bolton. r: Hammer's Halls Of Horror (Top Sellers, Ltd.) #21 (Jun 1978).

30 Zirk Silver Sweater Of The Spaceways w: Pedro Henry (Steve Moore). a: Brian Bolland.

34 V For Vendetta Chapter Three: Victims w: Alan Moore. a: David Lloyd. Lettering by Steve Craddock.

42 Laser Eraser And Pressbutton Untitled [Naglfar] w: Pedro Henry (Steve Moore). a: Steve Dillon.

50 Dispatches readers' mail.

Re-reading the one-and-a-bit pages of mixed views at the back of this issue is, in retrospect, rather surprising - I remembered Warrior as being a breath of fresh air when I discovered it, and the level of uncertainty expressed by some seems overly emphasized. The contents of the third issue are of as good a pedigree as everything else, with Moore, especially, delivering on promises from the opening parts of Marvelman. Of course, knowing that there were things which we would never get around to seeing (the resolution of a couple of strips especially so) makes revisiting early issues rather bittersweet.

Zirk is still hilarious, and possibly the highlight of the issue, though my initial unease at Madman seems to have persisted - it isn't working for me now that I have gone through these strips numerous times, and I suspect it is a strip which has polarized many other readers. Fortunately the mix of material is great enough that any single strip which doesn't live up to billing is bolstered by numerous other pieces which give more than good value for money.

Viz Book Of Sexist Records

Collection (2002). 4¾"x4¾". £4.99
104 pages, hardcover. B&W and color.
Boxtree

ISBN-10: 0752215051

Contents:

.5 Title Page
.6 Editor's Foreword by 'Ross & Cromarty McBurger'.
.9 Contents Page
11 The World Of Women
48 The World Of Men
92 Christmas Records

What is the smallest kerbside space successfully reversed into by a woman?
What is the farthest a woman has driven a car with the handbrake on?
What is the longest sentence a woman has delivered in a single breath?
What is the greatest amount of beer drunk by a man before needing the lavatory?
Who dropped the largest and most catastrophic fart?
How pot is the world's pottest belly?

Find the answers to all these questions and more in the Viz Book Of Sexist Records. But buy it first, because it'll take you longer to pay for it than it will to read.

Despite being titled Viz Book Of Sexist Records, this is arguably as harsh on males as well, so nobody comes out of this publication looking good. The harsh wit lashes out at everyone with equal viciousness, and despite being bereft of strips from the magazine this managed to keep me reading to the end - not that there is much here for those who have followed the title for a while - a certain repetitive nature is to be expected, though more new material to bridge the various pieces would have been appreciated.

The X-Files: Firebird

Collection (Nov 1995). 6¾"x10¼". £9.99
164 pages, softcover. Full color.
Manga Publishing, Ltd.

ISBN-10: 1900097087

Based on the US television series starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.

Dustjacket cover by Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #1 (Jan 1995).

Contents:

..4 Contents

..5 Not To Be Opened Until X-Mas w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charlie Adlard, c: George Freeman. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #1 (Jan 1995).

.30 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #2 (Feb 1995).

.31 The Dismemberance Of Things Past w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charlie Adlard, c: George Freeman. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #2 (Feb 1995).

.55 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #3 (Mar 1995).

.56 A Little Dream Of Me w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charlie Adlard, c: George Freeman & Laurie E. Smith. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #3 (Mar 1995).

.81 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #4 (Apr 1995).

.82 Firebird: Khobka's Lament part one, w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charlie Adlard, c: George Freeman. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #4 (Apr 1995).

106 Firebird: Crescit Eundo part two, w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charlie Adlard, c: George Freeman. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #5 (May 1995).

128 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #5 (May 1995).

129 Firebird: A Brief Authority part three, w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charlie Adlard, c: George Freeman. Lettering by John Workman. r: The X-Files (Topps) #6 (Jun 1995).

151 The X-Files a: Miran Kim. r: cover to The X-Files (Topps) #6 (Jun 1995).

152 Trick Of The Light w: Stefan Petrucha. a: Charlie Adlard, c: George Freeman. Lettering by John Workman. r: Hero Illustrated Special: The X-Files #nn (Mar 1995).

An atmospheric collection of paranormal tales, heightened magnificently by Charlie Adlard's highly-stylized depiction of the stars. There's a lot of clever references (and a tighter grasp on plot than in the series) to keep fans' attention, and the inclusion of Miran Kim's photo manipulations used on the US covers is a great way to separate the stories, bringing attention back to the originating series. Of the stories collected here, the standout is the rather brief Trick Of The Light, which captures the humor of the show perfectly, ending the book on a high note.

Blueberry 3: Angel Face

Collection (Jan 1990). 8¼"x10⅞". £7.95.
100 pages, card cover. Full color.
Titan Books

ISBN-10: 1852861924

Contents:

.5 Book Five: Angel Face title page. Illustrated by Jean-Giraud.
.6 The Past Master foreword by Jean-Marc & Randy Lofficier

.7 Angel Face w: Jean-Michel Charlier & Jean Giraud. a: Jean Giraud. Translated by Jean-Marc Lofficier & Randy Lofficier. Lettering by Jim Novak & Gaspar Saladino. r: ?

52 Book Six: Broken Nose w: Jean-Michel Charlier & Jean Giraud. a: Jean Giraud. Translated by Jean-Marc Lofficier & Randy Lofficier. Lettering by Jim Novak & Gaspar Saladino. r: ?

Doctor Who Storybook 2008

Annual (2008). 12"x8¾". £7.99
80 pages; hardcover. Full color
Panini Books

ISBN-13: 9781846530302

Edited by Clayton Hickman.

Painted cover by Alister Pearson.

Contents:

.3 The Doctor And Martha frontispiece a: David A. Roach, c: Dylan Teague.
.4 Contents Page a: Andy Walker.
.5 A Letter From The Doctor by Russell T. Davies.
.6 Cats And Dogs text story by Tom McRae. Illustrated by Andy Walker.
15 The Body Bank text story by Gareth Roberts. Illustrated by Daniel McDaid.

24 The Box Under The Tree text story by Robert Shearman. Illustrated by Martin Geraghty.

33 Zombie Motel text story by Paul Magrs. Illustrated by Ben Willsher.

42 Sunscreen w: Jonathan Morris. p: Martin Geraghty, i: David A. Roach, c: James Offredi. Lettering by Roger Langridge.

50 The Iron Circle text story by Nicholas Briggs. Illustrated by Adrian Salmon.

59 Kiss Of Life text story by Justin Richards. Illustrated by Andy Walker.
68 Deep Water text story by Nicholas Pegg. Illustrated by Brian Williamson.

Thrilling Adventures In Time And Space!

The TARDIS takes the Doctor and Martha to previously unexplored corners of the universe in this new selection of adventures, full of danger, excitement and fun - and all lavishly illustrated in full colour!

Join them as they dodge bionic tortoises on a futuristic planet, help an ordinary boy save Christmas by bringing his imagination to life, battle shadowy creatures aboard a giant space station, explore a beautiful undersea paradise with a dark secret, and travel back in time to save a motel from rampaging zombies!

Marvel Legends #42

10 Mar 2010. 6¾"x10¼". £2.95
76 pages, card cover. Full color.
Panini Publishing.

Cover by Steve Epting r: cover to Captain America (Marvel) vol.6 #33 (Feb 2008).

Contents:

.3 Captain America The Death of Captain America, Act 2: The Burden Of Dreams part three, w: Ed Brubaker. p: Steve Epting, i: Butch Guice, c: Frank D'Armata. Lettering by VC's Joe Caramagna. r: Captain America (Marvel) vol.6 #33 (Feb 2008).

26 Marvel Spotlight in-house advertisement.

27 Iron Man Haunted part two, w: Daniel Knauf & Charles Knauf. a: Roberto De La Torre, c: Dean White. Lettering by VC's Joe Caramagna. r: The Invincible Iron Man (Marvel) #22 (Nov 2007).

50 Thor full-color pin-up. a: J. Scott Campbell, c: Laura Martin. r: variant cover to Thor (Marvel) vol.3 #5 (Jan 2008).

51 Thor Rebirth: Special Delivery part five, w: J. Michael Straczynski. p: Olivier Coipel, i: Mark Morales, c: Laura Martin & Paul Mounts. Lettering by Chris Eliopoulos. r: Thor (Marvel) vol.3 #5 (Jan 2008).

75 Legendary Letters readers' mail.
75 Mini Marvels Untitled [Beast's Sports Drink] w:/a: Chris Giarusso. r: ?

Warrior #2

Apr 1982. 8"x11" 50p.
52 pages. B&W contents.
Quality Communications, Ltd.

Edited by Dez Skinn.

Cover by Garry Leach.

Contents:

.2 Twilight World Illustration by Jim Baikie
.3 Contents Page
.4 Marvelman Untitled w: Alan Moore. a: Garry Leach.

11 The Life, Death & Earlier Days Of Axel Pressbutton, Esquire text feature by Dex Skinn.

16 V For Vendetta Chapter Two: The Voice w: Alan Moore. a: David Lloyd.

23 Father Shandor, Demon Stalker River Of Corpses... Tower Of Death w: Steve Moore, from a plot by Dez Skinn & John Bolton. a: John Bolton. r: House Of Hammer (Top Sellers, Ltd.) #16 (Jan 1978).

30 Madman Visions Of Stasis w:/a: Paul Neary.
35 The Spiral Path Untitled w:/a: Steve Parkhouse.

40 Laser Eraser And Pressbutton Untitled w: Pedro Henry (Steve Moore). a: Steve Dillon.

49 Dispatches text feature.

More Viz Crap Jokes

Collection (Sep or Oct 1999). 5¾"x4¾". £4.99
96 pages, hardcover. B&W contents.
John Brown Publishing, Ltd.

ISBN-10: 1902212169

Contents:

.3 Title Page
.4 Introduction by 'Dr. Jonathan Miller'.
.6 Bear-Faced Cheek w:/a: (uncredited).
.7 Spinners w:/a: (uncredited).
.8 Tall Well w:/a: (uncredited).
.9 Madness w:/a: (uncredited).
10 Polyfilla w:/a: (uncredited).
11 Letting In The Draught w:/a: (uncredited).
12 Good Innings w:/a: (uncredited).
13 Heavy Sleeper w:/a: (uncredited).
14 Rambling w:/a: (uncredited).
15 Leg Broke w:/a: (uncredited).
16 Gambling Vice w:/a: (uncredited).
17 No Turning w:/a: (uncredited).
18 Pits w:/a: (uncredited).
19 Kink In The Hose w:/a: (uncredited).
20 Tie-Trouser Compliment w:/a: (uncredited).
21 Fluttering Heart w:/a: (uncredited).
22 Trailers On T.V. w:/a: (uncredited).
23 Try My Patients w:/a: (uncredited).
24 Fairer Than That w:/a: (uncredited).
25 This One's For Pa w:/a: (uncredited).
26 Two Cocks w:/a: (uncredited).
27 Bit Of Meat w:/a: (uncredited).
28 Crabs Joke w:/a: (uncredited).
29 There Go The Pips w:/a: (uncredited).
30 Only After One w:/a: (uncredited).
31 Little Parkie w:/a: (uncredited).
32 Funny Turn w:/a: (uncredited).
33 Pullover - Cardigan w:/a: (uncredited).
34 Stroke w:/a: (uncredited).
35 Bookbinding w:/a: (uncredited).
36 Wardrobe w:/a: (uncredited).
37 Turn For Wurst w:/a: (uncredited).
38 Blind Date w:/a: (uncredited).
38 Daft Bugger w:/a: (uncredited).
38 Silly Sausage w:/a: (uncredited).
39 Any Old Port w:/a: (uncredited).
40 Let Trousers Out w:/a: (uncredited).
41 Sweet Trolley w:/a: (uncredited).
42 Pretty Bad w:/a: (uncredited).
43 It's The Bayleafs w:/a: (uncredited).
44 Developing Something w:/a: (uncredited).
45 Bronx Accent Joke w:/a: (uncredited).
46 The Plane! The Plane! w:/a: (uncredited).
47 Stray Cats w:/a: (uncredited).
48 Luck Of The Drawer w:/a: (uncredited).
49 Stomach Turning Over w:/a: (uncredited).
50 Hat Shop w:/a: (uncredited).
51 Hard Hats w:/a: (uncredited).
52 Play On The Beech w:/a: (uncredited).
53 Bad Manners w:/a: (uncredited).
54 Miles Away w:/a: (uncredited).
55 Calling In The Receivers w:/a: (uncredited).
56 Arthur Askey w:/a: (uncredited).
57 Flock Of Seagulls w:/a: (uncredited).
58 Trap w:/a: (uncredited).
59 Club Foot w:/a: (uncredited).
60 Cross Dresser w:/a: (uncredited).
61 Gold Mine w:/a: (uncredited).
62 Overall Impression w:/a: (uncredited).
63 Enormous Strides w:/a: (uncredited).
64 Rude Kid Tit Wank, Soapy w:/a: (uncredited).
65 Thieves Operate w:/a: (uncredited).
66 Sparks w:/a: (uncredited).
67 Rallying Around w:/a: (uncredited).
68 Bronco-Pneumonia w:/a: (uncredited).
69 Natives Are Restless w:/a: (uncredited).
70 Let Your Hare Down w:/a: (uncredited).
71 Mammoth Operation w:/a: (uncredited).
72 Mighty Big Talk w:/a: (uncredited).
73 Grand Entrance w:/a: (uncredited).
74 Stiff Back w:/a: (uncredited).
75 Concealed Hood w:/a: (uncredited).
76 Large Fries w:/a: (uncredited).
77 You're Late, Boy w:/a: (uncredited).
78 Famous People Being Born James Bond w:/a: (uncredited).
79 Nice Buoy w:/a: (uncredited).
80 Not Really Me w:/a: (uncredited).
81 Missed Period w:/a: (uncredited).
82 Gap In The Market w:/a: (uncredited).
83 Ace Of Diamonds w:/a: (uncredited).
84 Poetic Justice w:/a: (uncredited).
85 Going Through The Change w:/a: (uncredited).
86 Near The Edge w:/a: (uncredited).
87 House On The Market w:/a: (uncredited).
88 Rude Kid Pubes Y' Whore w:/a: (uncredited).
89 Mud On Road w:/a: (uncredited).
90 Posted Overseas w:/a: (uncredited).
91 Pain In The Arse w:/a: (uncredited).
92 Coarse Fishing w:/a: (uncredited).
93 Have To Let You Go w:/a: (uncredited).
94 Index
Note:The jokes index lists some jokes not included in the collection.

Ghost: Exhuming Elisa

Collection (Oct 1997). 6¾"x10¼". £12.99
164 pages, softcover. Full color.
Titan Books, Ltd.

ISBN-10: 185286902X

Painted cover by John Bolton.

Contents:

..3 Title Page
..5 Credits
..6 I Dream Of Bullets And Mirrors text feature by 'Elisa Cameron'.
..8 Indicia Page

..9 Exhuming Elisa part one, w: Eric Luke. p: Ivan Reis, i: Randy Emberlin, c: Chris Chalenor. Lettering by Steve Haynie. r: Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #20 (Dec 1996).

.31 Exhuming Elisa: Embers part two, w: Eric Luke. p: Ivan Reis, i: Randy Emberlin, c: Chris Chalenor. Lettering by Steve Haynie. r: Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #21 (Jan 1997).

.53 Exhuming Elisa: Maps part three, w: Eric Luke. p: Ivan Reis, i: Randy Emberlin, c: Chris Chalenor. Lettering by Steve Haynie. r: Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #22 (Feb 1997).

.78 Exhuming Elisa: Necropolis part four, w: Eric Luke. p: Ivan Reis, i: Randy Emberlin, c: Chris Chalenor. Lettering by Steve Haynie. r: Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #23 (Mar 1997).

.97 Exhuming Elisa: Annihilation part five, w: Eric Luke. p: Ivan Reis, i: Randy Emberlin, c: Chris Chalenor. Lettering by Steve Haynie. r: Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #24 (Apr 1997).

119 Elisa Exhumed: Finale! part six, w: Eric Luke. p: Ivan Reis, i: Randy Emberlin, c: Chris Chalenor. Lettering by Steve Haynie. r: Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #25 (May 1997).

157 Ghost p: John Cassaday, i: Randy Emberlin. r: cover to Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #20 (Dec 1996).

158 Ghost p: John Cassaday, i: Randy Emberlin. r: cover to Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #21 (Jan 1997).

159 Ghost p: John Cassaday, i: Randy Emberlin. r: cover to Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #22 (Feb 1997).

160 Ghost p: John Cassaday, i: Randy Emberlin. r: cover to Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #23 (Mar 1997).

161 Ghost a: Dave Stewart (photographic elements uncredited). r: cover to Ghost (Dark Horse) vol.1 #25 (May 1997).

Ghost is still number one on the mob hit list, but when she figures out who's behind the goons, who controls the organized crime in Arcadia, who knows the secret behind her death and her spectral transformation, she realizes she's not alone; X knows too.

Then she discovers the secret city beneath Arcadia, its "goblins" - the wretched, mutated dregs of humanity too freakish to live aboveground - and their diminutive king.

From there, Ghost speeds headlong to a major revelation about the life, death, and afterlife of Elisa Cameron!

Basil Brush Annual 2009

Annual (2009). 9"x11¼". £6.99
64 pages; hardcover. Full color.
HarperCollins Children's Books.

ISBN-13: 9780007278350
ISBN-10: 0007278357

Based on the BBC television series.

Photo cover.

Contents:

.2 Photos endpaper
.5 Title Page
.6 Welcome!
.7 Contents
.8 Join The Stars! mini biographies
10 Quiz That Fox! text feature
12 Mortimer's Wordsearch
13 Jigsaw Jangles photo puzzle
14 Basil's Angels text story from a story by Ben Ward.
26 Memory Game
27 Reader Vs Fox quiz
28 Boom! Boom! jokes
30 Anil's Food Challenge recipes
32 A Riddle For A Reader
33 Boom To The Maximus jokes
34 Basil Brush Journey Of Laughter board game
36 The Shrinking Dave maze
38 The Laughter Competition jokes
40 Quiz That Fox - Part Deux text feature
42 The Daily Brush text feature
44 Spot The Difference
46 Stitch Me Up, Maddy picture puzzle
47 Follow That Rat! maze
48 Ballroom Basil picture story feature
50 Liam Lancelot photo puzzle
51 Wacky Wordsearch
52 Private Den cut-out feature
54 Crossword Caboozle
56 Basil's Guide To Being Funny illustrated feature
57 Pant Alert picture code puzzle
58 Fox In Blue word puzzle
59 Hasta La Vista, Foxies! text feature.
60 Answers

This is a very slim volume comprised mainly of jokes and photos, focused entirely around the new series rather than acknowledging the long history in British television the titular fox has had. For those who haven't seen the current incarnation of the television property (including myself) there is a rather steep curve in getting to what makes Basil so amusing - unfortunately there are no classic strips included here, so the majority of pages rely heavily on jokes to keep the readers' interest. That many of the jokes are, to be kind, rather unfunny, isn't the biggest problem - if the photos were the real point of the annual, then the major failing is that we don't get enough photos of Basil.

A very disappointing return for a character whose fourth-wall-breaking asides were long a staple of British television. I'm even less inclined to check out the new series after reading through this...

Essential X-Men #175

18 Mar 2008. 6¾"x10¼". £2.50
76 pages, card cover. Full color.
Panini Publishing.

Wraparound cover by Frank Cho, c: Dean White. r: cover to Black Panther (Marvel) vol.4 #18 (Sep 2006).

Contents:

.3 Bride Of The Panther part five, w: Reginald Hudlin. p: Scot Eaton & Kaare Andrews, i: Klaus Janson & Kaare Andrews, c: Dean White & Kaare Andrews. Lettering by VC's Randy Gentile. r: Black Panther (Marvel) vol.4 #18 (Sep 2006).

36 Black Panther text feature (uncredited).
38 Marvel Spotlight in-house advertisement.

39 Cry-- Vengeance! w: Chris Claremont & John Byrne. p: John Byrne & Bob McLeod, i: Bob McLeod, c: Rob Carosella. Lettering by Annette Kawecki. r: Marvel Team-Up (Marvel) vol.1 #100 (Dec 1980).

50 Daily Bugle text feature (uncredited).

51 Breakout part two, w: David Hine. p: Yanick Paquette, i: Serge LaPointe, c: Stephane Peru. Lettering by VC's Rus Wooton. r: Civil War: X-Men (Marvel) #2 (Oct 2006).

75 Mutant Mail readers' mail.

Gon

Collection (1994). 6"x8¼". £8.99
274 pages; softcover. B&W contents.
Mandarin Paperbacks

ISBN-10: 0749396857

Cover by Masashi Tanaka.

Contents:

..3 Title Page
..5 Gon Eats And Sleeps! w:/a: Masashi Tanaka. r: Weekly Morning (Kodanasha)
.38 Gon Goes Hunting! w:/a: Masashi Tanaka. r: Weekly Morning (Kodanasha)
.70 Gon Builds A Mansion! w:/a: Masashi Tanaka. r: Weekly Morning (Kodanasha)

104 Gon Goes Flying! w:/a: Masashi Tanaka. r: Weekly Morning (Kodanasha)

138 Gon Plays With A Giant Shark! w:/a: Masashi Tanaka. r: Weekly Morning (Kodanasha)

172 Gon Struggles Against Tick! w:/a: Masashi Tanaka. r: Weekly Morning (Kodanasha)

198 Gon Gets Mad At The Forest! w:/a: Masashi Tanaka. r: Weekly Morning (Kodanasha)

234 Gon Lives With Penguins! w:/a: Masashi Tanaka. r: Weekly Morning (Kodanasha)

268 Gon Will Return illustration by Masashi Tanaka.
270 Masashi Tanaka Biography

It's Jurassic Now! The exploits of a pint-sized dinosaur more vicious than any human. he lives in the animal kingdom and other kings better beware because he is the new Sheriff in town! No showdown at high noon necessary, he just stares at his adversaries, meaning "if you move one inch, I'll spread your guts over the entire area!" He is here now. His name is Gon and he kicks ass! You better believe it!

Zero Hour: Crisis In Time

Collection (Oct 1994). 6¾"x10¼". £5.99.
164 pages, softcover. Full color.
Titan Books

ISBN-10: 1852865946

Cover p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway, c: Kurt Goldzung.

Contents:

..3 Credits

..4 Sum: Zero w: Dan Jurgens. p: Frank Fosco, i: Ken Branch, c: Stuart Chaifetz. Lettering by Starkings / Comicraft. r: Showcase '94 (DC) #8 (Jul 1994).

.14 Sum Zero: Part Two w: Dan Jurgens. p: Frank Fosco, i: Ken Branch, c: Stuart Chaifetz. Lettering by Starkings / Comicraft. r: Showcase '94 (DC) #8 (Aug 1994).

.24 Zero Hour part one, w: Dan Jurgens. p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway, c: Gregory Wright. Lettering by Gaspar Saladino. r: Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #4 (Sep 1994).

.47 Zero Hour part two, w: Dan Jurgens. p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway, c: Gregory Wright. Lettering by Gaspar Saladino. r: Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #3 (Sep 1994).

.71 Zero Hour part three, w: Dan Jurgens. p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway, c: Gregory Wright. Lettering by Gaspar Saladino. r: Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #2 (Sep 1994).

.95 Zero Hour part four, w: Dan Jurgens. p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway, c: Gregory Wright. Lettering by Gaspar Saladino. r: Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #1 (Sep 1994).

121 Zero Hour part five, w: Dan Jurgens. p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway, c: Gregory Wright. Lettering by Gaspar Saladino. r: Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #0 (Sep 1994).

150 Timeline

154 Zero Hour p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway. r: cover to Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #4 (Sep 1994).

155 Zero Hour p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway. r: cover to Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #3 (Sep 1994).

156 Zero Hour p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway. r: cover to Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #2 (Sep 1994).

157 Zero Hour p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway. r: cover to Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #1 (Sep 1994).

158 Zero Hour p: Dan Jurgens, i: Jerry Ordway. r: cover to Zero Hour: Crisis In Time (DC) #0 (Sep 1994).

159 You've Just Witnessed The Beginning text feature by K.C Carlson.

In the epic miniseries Zero Hour: Crisis In Time everything you know about the DC Universe will be affected. The universe will be shaken to its very foundations... and then rebuilt.

Aside from the timeline being presented across standard pages as opposed to a fold-out, this isn't a bad representation of the then-canon continuity fix for Crisis On Infinite Earths. The cover is perhaps less sturdy than I expected from Titan, and the hilarious-in-retrospect text feature by K.C. Carlson (who probably hadn't expected all of those series to turn out quite as horrible as they eventually were) is a nice extra.

This was - and remains - a completely irrelevant title to all but the most die-hard fan. The artwork is attractive in places, and there is a sense of a plot which goes somewhere, but the entirety of the enterprise does not live up to the individual parts.

Spawn: Angela

Collection (Sep 1997). 6¾"x10¼". £7.99 106 pages, softcover. Full color. Titan Books, Ltd. Cover by Greg Capullo. Contents: ..3 Title Page ..6 Heavenly Bodies... text feature (uncredited).

.10 Chapter One title page. a: Greg Capullo, c: Todd Broeker. r: cover to Angela (Image) vol.1 #1 (Dec 1994).

.11 Angela part one, w: Neil Gaiman. a: Greg Capullo, c: Todd Broeker & Fierce Colorgraphics. Lettering by Tom Orzechowski. r: Angela (Image) vol.1 #1 (Dec 1994).

.34 Chapter Two title page. a: Greg Capullo, c: Todd Broeker. r: cover to Angela (Image) vol.1 #2 (Jan 1995).

.35 Angela part two, w: Neil Gaiman. p: Greg Capullo, i: Mark Pennington, c: Steve Oliff & Olyoptics. Lettering by Tom Orzechowski. r: Angela (Image) vol.1 #2 (Jan 1995).

.58 Chapter Two title page. a: Greg Capullo, c: Todd Broeker. r: cover to Angela (Image) vol.1 #3 (Feb 1995).

.59 Angela part three, w: Neil Gaiman. p: Greg Capullo, i: Mark Pennington, c: Todd Broeker & Fierce Colorgraphics. Lettering by Tom Orzechowski. r: Angela (Image) vol.1 #3 (Feb 1995).

.81 Credits .83 Spawn Poster Gallery title page .84 Spawn & Angela full-color pin-up. .86 Angela full-color pin-up. a: ? .88 Angela full-color pin-up. a: Betty Ballew. .89 Angela full-color pin-up. a: Gary Kwadiss. .90 Spawn Vs Violator full-color pin-up. a: ? .92 Spawn full-color pin-up. a: Brad Gorby. .93 Spawn full-color pin-up. a: Kelly Krantz. .94 Spawn full-color pin-up. a: John Beatty. .95 Spawn full-color pin-up. a: Paul Mavrides. .96 Spawn full-color pin-up. a: Stephen Leialola? .97 Spawn full-color pin-up. a: ? .98 Spawn full-color pin-up. a: ? .99 Spawn full-color pin-up. a: ? 101 Spawn: Revelation in-house advertisement for collection. 102 Spawn: Escalation in-house advertisement for collection. 103 Spawn: Confrontation in-house advertisement for collection.

An Angel... With Attitude! Angela's back - and how! The lethal warrior angel from Spawn: Evolution returns, just in time to go on trial for her life. From the boundless imaginations of Neil Gaiman (The Sandman) and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane comes a new superstar! They may have met as the deadliest of enemies, but now Spawn finds himself coming to Angela's defense when she is accused of high treason by her fellow angels. The odds are against them about a million to one... but if they're going down, they're going down fighting! Spawn and Angela. A match made in heaven!

Official Star Wars: Episode II Annual 2003

Annual (2003). 8½"x11½". £6.99
72 pages; hardcover. Full color.
Egmont Books, Ltd.

ISBN-10: 0749856106

Edited by Jane Clempner.

Photo cover montage.
Back cover painting (uncredited).

Contents:

.2 Jedi Forces Photo montage endpaper.
.4 Credits
.5 Contents
.6 Anakin full-color pin-up.
.7 Attack Of The Clones part one, text story by Dan Whitehead.
16 Padme Amidala character bio.
17 Padme Amidala full-color pin-up.
18 Anakin Skywalker character bio.
19 Anakin Skywalker full-color pin-up.
20 Obi-Wan Kenobi character bio.
21 Obi-Wan Kenobi full-color pin-up.
22 Mace Windu Quiz
24 Attack Of The Clones part two, text story by Dan Whitehead.
32 Zam Wesell character bio.
33 Zam Wesell full-color pin-up.
34 Jango Fett character bio.
35 Jango Fett full-color pin-up.
36 Vehicles part one, illustrated feature
38 Mace Windu character bio.
39 Mace Windu full-color pin-up.
40 Count Dooku character bio.
41 Count Dooku full-color pin-up.
42 Attack Of The Clones part three, text story by Dan Whitehead.
50 Yoda Quiz
52 Vehicles part two, illustrated feature
54 Clone Trooper character bio and photos
56 C-3PO & R2-D2 character bio and photos
58 Attack Of The Clones part three, text story by Dan Whitehead.
68 Mace Windu's Answers
69 Yoda's Answers
70 Sith Forces Photo montage endpaper.

Avengers United #100

07 Jan 2009. 6¾"x10¼". £2.50
100 pages, card cover. Full color.
Panini Publishing.

Cover p: Jim Cheung, i: John Dell, c: Justin Ponsor. r: cover to Young Avengers (Marvel) #12 (Aug 2006).

Contents:

.3 Young Avengers Family Matters part four, w: Allan Heinberg. p: Jim Cheung, i: John Livesay, Jim Cheung, Dave Meikis & Mark Morales, c: Justin Ponsor. Lettering by VC's Cory Petit. r: Young Avengers (Marvel) #12 (Aug 2006).

27 Marvel Spotlight in-house advertisement.

29 Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santron w: Jeff Parker. p: Reilly Brown, i: Pat Davidson, c: Christina Strain. Dave Lanphear. r: Marvel Holiday Special 2006 (Marvel) #1 (Jan 2006).

54 The Wolf And The Other w: Macon Blair. a: Jorge Lucas, c: Dave McCaig. Lettering by VC's Rus Wooton. r: Avengers Classic (Marvel) #5 (Dec 2007).

63 The Illuminati w: Brian Michael Bendis. a: Alex Maleev, c: Dave Stewart. Lettering by VC's Chris Eliopoulos. r: New Avengers: Illuminati Special (Marvel) #1 (May 2006).

95 Civil War Preview illustrated feature.
99 Readers Assemble! readers' mail.

Viz Book Of Crap Jokes

A Pitiful Array Of Poor Quality Jokes From The Pages Of Viz

Collection (Oct 1989). 5¾"x4¾". £3.95
96 pages, hardcover. B&W contents.
John Brown Publishing, Ltd.

ISBN-10: 1870870107

Contents:

3 Title Page
4 How To Enjoy Your New Book Of Jokes text feature.
6 Art Critic w: Simon Thorpe. a: Graham Dury. r: Viz #?
7 Nun w:/a: Brent Russell. r: Viz #?
8 Thing Jokes Bigger Than Both w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
9 Upset Stomach w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
10 Victor Pratt I'M A Little Short w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
11 Neck Complaint w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
12 Thing Jokes Tearing Us Apart w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
13 Plant (It's A) w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
14 What's A Nice Plaice w:/a: Brent Russell. r: Viz #?
15 Critical Condition w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
16 Snake Charmer w:/a: Jim Biz. r: Viz #?
17 Thing Jokes Between Us w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
18 Wife Swapping w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
19 Unattractive Wife w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
20 100 Great Sport Jokes No. 74 It's Not Cricket w:/a: David Addison. r: Viz
21 Feeling Faint w:/a: Simon Thorpe. r: Viz #?
22 Chemistry Between Us w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
23 Famous People On The Toilet Neville Chamberlain w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz
24 Train Robbery w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
25 Pulled Something w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
26 Famous People On The Toilet Magnus Magnusson w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
27 Thing Jokes Upset w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
28 Bad Haddock w:/a: Roger Radio, Simon Thorpe & Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
29 Victor Pratt Pulling My Leg w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
30 Diarrohea (Clearing Up) w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
31 Famous People On The Toilet Rolf Harris w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
32 Your Plaice Or Mine w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
33 Thing Jokes Can't Go On w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
34 Putting Weight On w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
35 Famous People On The Toilet Cricket Jimmy w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
36 Pain In Chest w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
37 Pain In Dressing Table w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
38 Mark Of Zorro w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
39 Thing Jokes Off Chest w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
40 Run Down w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
41 Right Tit w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
42 Believe In Cod w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
43 Hair Falling Out w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
44 See Your Drinks Off w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
45 Got Your Elf w:/a: Tony Harding. r: Viz #?
46 Over The Hill w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
47 Spoilt Myself w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
48 Feeling Fragile w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
49 Thing Jokes In Pipeline w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
50 Treating A Fence w:/a: Jim Biz. r: Viz #?
51 Boyle On Bottom w:/a: Simon Thorpe. r: Viz #?
52 Victor Pratt Bike Flat w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
53 Hare On The Ball w:/a: Tony Harding. r: Viz #?
54 Caught Something w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
55 Picked Up Bug w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
56 Thing Jokes Sent To Try Us w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
57 Lazy Sod w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
58 Bad Signs w: A. Bird. a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
59 Beer Talking w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
60 Lamp Shop w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
61 Fencing w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
62 Little Horse w: Dave Rawson. a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
63 Hand Bag w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
64 Triffids w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
65 It's My Heart w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
66 Spiders w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
67 Thing Jokes Foolish Things w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
68 Victor Mature w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
69 Give It To Me w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
70 Whales w:/a: Chris Donald. r: Viz #?
71 It's A Jungle w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
72 Animal Inside w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
73 Thing Jokes On Top Of Me w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
74 Feeling Flushed w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
75 Round The Bend w:/a: Dave Bell & Simon Thorpe. r: Viz #?
76 Victor Pratt Toilet w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
77 Diarrohea (Case Of) w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
78 Ass On The Line w:/a: Simon Thorpe. r: Viz #?
79 Thing Jokes Don't Understand w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
80 Shadow w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
81 Generous w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
82 Pompeii w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
83 Mind Playing Tricks w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
84 Casual w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
85 Coming Down w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
86 Wrong Joke w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
87 Enemy Planes w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
88 Thing Jokes Wild w:/a: Simon Thorpe. r: Viz #?
89 Canon w:/a: Roger Radio. r: Viz #?
90 Little Saw w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
91 Stone Mason's Chisel w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
92 Pop Producer w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
93 Professor In A Field w:/a: (uncredited). r: Viz #?
94 Joke Index

Warning: This Book Is Intended As A Gift Only.
Under No Circumstances Should You Buy It For Yourself

It is almost impossible to quantify this slim, small volume of jokes (most of which are immediately obvious) in any rational way, though as an introduction to the often Pythonesque comedy of Viz it serves as a distillation of the essence of the magazine. There are some very sly elements snuck in amongst around the edges (especially in the text feature on the fourth page, and after the Joke Index), though the majority of the title is exactly as it titled. It would be entirely self defeating to try and judge this on anything other than the amount of wry smiles it elicits, and on that count it perfectly succeeds in its' goal. A fun, if disposable, way to spend a few minutes.

Batman: The Killing Joke

Graphic Novel (May 1988). 6¾"x10¼". £2.25
52 pages, softcover. Full color.
Titan Books, Ltd.

Cover by Brian Bolland.
Back cover by Brian Bolland.

Contents:

4 The Killing Joke w: Alan Moore. a: Brian Bolland, c: John Higgins. Lettering by Richard Starkings.
Note: There exists multiple printings of this title, with various colors used for the title. The first edition has orange lettering.

There are few superhero stories which have had such controversial contents, or so many repercussions in regular continuity, though for a title written by Alan Moore it comes as no surprise. Despite being an origin story for the Joker, this is as much Barbara Gordon's tale (her crippling at the hands of the clown being the impetus for her secondary existence in the DC universe as Oracle), or even Jim Gordon's. The years following the initial publication of this story have seen multiple interpretations of the contents, with various explanations offered for dialogue and imagery, though even as a simple revenge story it manages to deliver a brilliant Batman tale.