Jamie McKelvie’s Suburban Glamour has officially sold out at the distribution level.
“Suburban Glamour is the first work I’ve done completely solo, following Long Hot Summer with Eric Stephenson and Phonogram with Kieron Gillen,” said series writer/artist Jamie McKelvie. “Writing and drawing on my own was initially nerve wracking, but news like this has me very excited. I’m especially happy there’s a solid readership who will experience the story getting much stranger and far more dangerous for Astrid and company.”
Suburban Glamour deals with Astrid, a teenage lass who is taken somewhat for a ride when she finds out that her imaginary friends aren’t quite as imaginary as she thought. In fact, they are the forerunners of a bigger evil that’s going to strike smack-dab in her hometown. That’s kind of a bummer, but — your average teenager would kind of get behind that, I think.
As a kid, I believed everything. Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, Headless Horseman, UFOs . . . everything. As I grew up and became acquainted with the scientific method and a little thing called logic, I stopped believing so much and the magic went out of my world. So to speak.
Here comes Image Comics’ Proof to bring some back. The story follows a simple premise: “What if Bigfoot worked for the CIA?” The first issue answers that question, introduces John Prufrock (Bigfoot) and his new partner Ginger, as well as some of the scenery they inhabit; namely The Lodge — a secret unit within the CIA (really, is there any other kind?) that investigates the paranormal.
Think X-Files, but with…well, with proof.
The first critter that Prufrock and Ginger are going up against is the Chupacabra, the “Mexican Bigfoot,” albeit in Minnesota of all places. The story moves along at a good clip; however, there is only 10 pages of it. Kind of. The book is divided into sections for this first issue: The first two pages serve as a prologue, giving some feel. 15 pages are then devoted to the Chupacabra, along with the briefing of Prufrock and Ginger. Then seven pages for Ginger, going back in time a bit. It works really well, and then the book is padded out with the author Alexander Grecian explaining where the idea came from, and what to expect in future issues.
Really, this book gives value for the $2.99 price tag. Well worth your time — as you walk up to the counter of your local comic store, keep an eye out for Proof.
Paul Dini and Kenneth Rocafort have teamed up to bring you the story of Dini’s wife. Ok, not exactly, but it’s not a well-kept secret at all that the character of Madame Mirage is based off of his magician wife, Misty Lee.
The comic is an interesting one — to be honest, I don’t know if I like it or if I don’t. I’ll keep reading it until I can decide one way or the other.
This issue, the third, is a confrontation between Mirage and the Brown Recluse, who is basically a superhitman for hire. This delves into the backstory of Mirage, and why exactly she is doing what she is doing. As such, it’s a decent step-stone to the series.
The art is full of cleavage and rear shots. Thinly disguised T&A don’t a best-seller make, guys. Fit the art around the story — let the art tell the story. Don’t use it as a peep show.
Robert Kirkman really needs no introduction to the comics reading public. Author of Invincible, Walking Dead and Marvel Zombies to name a few, he’s one of the more prolific authors out there.
Walking Dead is a very good take on the zombie horror genre. Following a pack of survivors through the wasteland, trying to find safety and a place of their own in a changed world. At times, the human drama overshadows the horror; this isn’t a bad thing, as it grounds the series and makes it more interesting than a “normal” zombie title.
Re-reading that last paragraph makes me laugh. “normal zombie title” indeed. Is there such a thing?
Anyway, Walking Dead takes conventions both traditional and new from the genre — some scenes from the books are an homage to George Romero, who invented the genre. Others could be taken from the newer takes on the plotline — there are no “Rage zombies” from the 28 Days series…yet…but the opening issue pays tribute there.
Issue 43 is a flashback issue, and Kirkman admits as such in the always-entertaining letters column –
there could be some reader backlash, but it does expand on the character of the Governor. This issue isn’t really a good jump-on point…there’s a bit too much it relies on from earlier issues. I could recommend The Walking Dead to anyone that enjoys zombie movies/books/video games, as Kirkman knows how to write an enjoyable comic — but pick up one of the trades before taking a shot on this issue.

Elephantmen is quite possibly the best comic you’ve never heard of. Stunning art and a gripping storyline makes for entertainment when it’s released. The artist, Moritat, has been suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome which has understandably delayed this title’s release.
I found the latest issue to be a good jumping-on point, with two stories being told simultaneously. The Elephantmen’s creator being tried for the experiments that led to the creation, as well as the story behind an ongoing plotline. If this issue doesn’t make you want to pick up back issues and hold them close to your heart….