Comics update

The more I hear about The Stand, the more I think I will like it. Of course, cover art and sketchbook previews can be misleading, because the artists are far more detailed in those, and a lot of times the cover artists are completely different from the ones for the story (See: Buffy Season 8). But Mike Perkins is doing it all, and I liked his cover variant best, so I have high hopes.

I recently discovered our local library carries some graphic novels--as do our sister branches--and comics once when they're published as trade PBs. I just read through all of Fray and a bunch of the Buffy ones that way. It's a good way of figuring out which ones I really want for myself with spending the money...well without spending it right away.

Fables continues to charm me, although it angers me a bit more now. They took the main female character where they didn't need to, although I suppose you could argue that this being a series based on fairytales, of course that's where they would take the character. Except that this is supposed to be the anti-fairytale, so to speak. I am still holding out, because some of the other arcs and characters are still so great (I will never think of Little Boy Blue, or Goldilocks, or Jack of beanstalk fame the same way!), and there is glimmers of hope for my favorite character.

The second issue of Ultimate Origins was great. Other than X-Men, I really have very little back story on Marvel universe characters, so this particular limited run is perfect for me, because it is a new twist on the origins of the most famous Marvel characters, and tying them together.

I caved in and bought a new copy of Watchmen (the trailer is up online!), because I am weak. No kidding about the falling down a comics hole and taking all your money with you, as noted by my last post--my comic bookstore owner loves me, not surprising, since I think I have single handedly increased his revenue by 50%. He and his brother and his wife are really cool; they pull stuff they think regulars might like to preview without having to pay for it, and then if you like it you pay for it and if you don't you still get to keep the issue if you want. So you tell yourself you are saving money that way (not buying what you want), although in reality you end up finding something else to add!

*L. thinks the love has a little more to do with just my spending money. To wit, our recent conversation after he came in the store with me, and walked around with the kid while I was talking to the owner:

"He's totally mesmerized by you, especially when you're talking books and comics..."
"Oh, knock it off..."
"Come on, you know what you can be like when you get enthusiastic about something and start talking about it. "
"Oh, right, that's right, I am irresistible."
"You know it. Don't be all coy about it."

He's right, and I do know it, but honestly to goodness, it is the last thing on my mind when I am talking excitedly to someone about something we both feel passionate about. I don't go into the conversation thinking, hey, let me see if I can enthrall this person. I know it happens every time I get into that particular zone of bonding over common interests, but--even though I know people don't believe me--I really and truly have no ulterior motives other than pure excitement and joy at connecting with someone over something we both like or love. Which, pretty much happens with most people I talk to regularly, since I can always find some common bond. It's either chance them thinking I am coming on to them, on some level, or stop talking to people all together.