Today is kind of a light day for comics. Here’s a rundown of what I’m picking up at the shop this morning, and maybe perhaps I can introduce you to a book that you’re unaware of yet.

First off, the older stuff that I’ve been looking for:

MAUS: An extremely well-done biographical comic. Art Spiegelman tells the story of his father, a Holocaust survivor. The book is done with anthropomorphism — the Jewish folk are mice, the Nazis are cats, etc. This book is funny at times, shocking at others…but it is what it is, and that is an immensely powerful read. Ever since a copy of mine got lost during a move, I’ve been looking for a replacement.

Transmetropolitan: I’m looking to replace my floppies with trades of this work. Arguably Warren Ellis’ greatest comic achievement to date (although arguments can be made for Planetary as well, and the jury’s still out on Doktor Sleepless), be introduced to Spider Jerusalem and his Filthy Assistants. You’ll never look at journalism the same again.

Doctor Strange: The Oath: Looking for the Trade of this Brian K. Vaughn miniseries. I’m a huge Doctor Strange fan (to the point where I’ll read any book that features him) and in my eyes BKV nailed the Doc. Perfectly. If you like Doc Strange, pick this mini up.

Now for today, 10/31/2007:

Quasar (4 of 4); Marvel: I’m picking this up as the completist in me takes over. Quasar is the weakest of the three miniseries leadins to the Annihilation: Conquest cosmic event is putting on. Why is it weak? The two main characters, Moondragon and Quasar, are two that I can’t make myself care about. I want to know who the Savior is, and I’m wanting to find out myself before I get it spoiled. So then, of course, I can not-spoil it for you all.

Daredevil Annual #1; Marvel: It’s Daredevil as written by Ed Brubaker. This is the best version of Daredevil since Frank Miller rescued the character from Marvel’s trash heap; and in some ways it surpasses Miller’s version. So far, with Criminal, Iron Fist, Daredevil and Captain America, Bru can do no wrong. Still not sure on his X-Men, however, which brings me to…

X-Men: Messiah CompleX; Marvel: This one-shot is penned by Brubaker, and from the previews I’ve seen this could be the book that makes me a believer in the Brubaker-penned X-Men.

52 Aftermath: The Four Horsemen (3 of 4); DC: Keith Giffen has been a favorite of mine ever since I first picked up a Lobo book. This is his first time getting to play with DC’s Big Three (Supes, Bats and Wonder Woman) and he’s making the most of it. The characters have never felt as comfortable with each other as they appear in this book.

Jack of Fables 16; DC: Bill Willingham is a great writer. Not good, great. If you’re not reading this series and the parent book Fables, look yourself in the mirror and ask “why not?” If you can’t come up with three damn good reasons, buy this book.

Death of the New Gods 2; DC: I can’t quite understand why DC is killing off these Jack Kirby creations, but they are. I’m reading it due to the rubberneck factor. The first issue was not extremely well done, but it had moments of brilliance. (And a nod to Doctor Strange; see above)

Iron Man 23; Marvel: Yeah, I’m a sucker for Tony Stark post-Civil War. It’s almost like watching a train wreck in slow motion — you just know that something really horrible is going to happen and bring his world crashing down around his ears. You just don’t know when.

Looking over my list, that’s all I have earmarked for today. I’m sure I’ll pull some books off the shelves to add to the pile; Pirates vs. Ninjas II has been nibbling at my subconscious for a while now, and I always always always miss a few of the smaller press books.