Every year we’re excited to see the numerous books that premiere at SPX. Here’s a look at some of the great books debuting at this year’s show!
 | 1-800 MICE by Matthew Thurber 1-800 MICE is an anthropological study of the imaginary city of Volcano Park (where flying mouse couriers have replaced Federal Express), with a soap-opera-styled fractured narrative and a cast of thousands. Over the course of the story we meet: -Peace Punk: A punker on the verge of bourgeouis -Tom Chief: A beat cop with an identity crisis -Groomfiend, a daffy, if driven, creature who drives the narrative Thurber's work is sure to delight fans of ambitious comic book narratives, as well as those of screwball comedy and Oz-style fantasy. "1-800-MICE reads like a mysterious oddball artifact from a much stranger and cooler parallel universe."-Matt Groening Publisher: PictureBox Details: 160 pages, 8" x 11", Hardback, Shipping: October 2011 Price: $22.95 ISBN: 978-0-9845892-6-5 |
 | 1RODHWY The 1RODHWY aesthetic will appeal to lovers of underground comix, hallucinatory artwork, lush illustration, and surreal, twisted humor. But our products also vary widely in style, and range in form from pamphlet comics to full-color art books to to hand-made books-as-art-objects. We are proud to debut the following new works at this year's Small Press Expo: Cigghartha by Chris Agans and Dan Strauss, Dogs' Minds in Asphalt by Michael Slatky, Seething With Hatred #1 by Jim Moscovic and Dan Strauss, and The Young Dissenter's Handbook by Ryan Eggensperger and Dan Strauss. For more information, visit 1rodhwy.tumblr.com. |
 | AMERICANS UK by various Brooklyn rockers AMERICANS UK present 6 all-new, gonzo sci-fi adventures by indy comix's emerging top talents in this 44 page anthology! Featuring stories by Jef UK, Michael Lapinski, Aaron Bir, Blake Sims, Ben Rosen, Zees, John Mathias, and more, these post-punk-apocalyptic tales will thrill and amaze! Combining music, humor, and sequential art like no other, AMERICANS UK are sure to entertain. "Americans UK [are] loaded with more attitude than your best local dive bar band just getting started on tomorrow's hangovers. Generally comedic with elements of sci-fi and fantasy and left field bizarre, Rocktronic Mixtape [...] is a world of fun, a gas and a half." -The Jalopy Blog "Part sci-fi murder mystery part illustrated lyric sheet, each issue packs in ample action and snark due to the efforts of frontman Jef UK" - Hipster, please! +1 Blog Publisher: Three If By Rock Price: $6 Website: www.americans-uk.com |
 | ANIMAL ALPHABET SKETCHBOOK By Robert Ullman In spring of 2011, cartoonists Ben Towle and Robert Ullman agreed to post a new drawing of an animal, one for each letter of the alphabet, on their respective blogs. The idea caught on, as over a dozen contributors began creating new drawing to be shown each Monday. This book collects all of Ullman's animal drawings, from Aardvark to Zorilla, along with notes and rough sketches. Publisher: Wide Awake Press Details: 40 B&W pages Price: $4 |
 | Back to the Grind by Jamie Noguchi "Back to the Grind" is the first collected print edition of Yellow Peril by Jamie Noguchi, an Asian American office romance comedy strip published online at http://ypcomic.com. The strip follows the exploits of Kane and Bodie, two frustrated graphic designers trying to find meaning working for the soulless corporate every-workplace, Pedanticorp. "As a former disgruntled employee of a design company, Yellow Peril rekindles the hatred in my heart that I thought long dead. But not towards the comic, the comic is great." – Yuko Ota, Johnny Wander, http://johnnywander.com "Yellow Peril starts off fast. It deftly jumps between corporate life, love and food, and is not afraid to tackle social issues. Jamie wants you to read it with your face, but you're going to read it with your heart." – Darren Gendron, Hello With Cheese http://hellowithcheese.com Publisher: Self published Price: $15 USD (Those who purchase the paper back, dead tree version of the book will get a free download code for the DRM-free digital version which can be read on any device.) ISBN: 978-0-9836403-0-1 |
 | Bamn #3 by Troy-Jeffrey Allen and Jay Payne, Edited by Ron Cristobal Washed-up former pro-wrestler Bamn has spent the dying years of his career living out of his car and throwing up in bars. When a group of teenagers are excited to find out that they have a wrestling superstar loitering in their neighborhood, Bamn feels compelled to humor the kids by critiquing their backyard wrestling show. That ends abruptly when the local high school’s grappling team shows up to bully the wannabe wrestlers. Bamn divides the two warring adolescents and promises the backyard wrestlers that he’s going to teach them how to fight back…and look good doing it. Here is a little PR blurb about us in the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/28/AR2009012801828.html Details: 24 Pages | Black and White Price: $3.00 Website: www.BamnCan.com |
 | Bee Sting by Matthew D. Smith and Jeremy Massie "Writer Matthew D. Smith (*"The Curse of Stranglehold", "Suggestion Box", "Simon Says"*) and artist Jeremy Massie (*"The Deadbeat", "Pornin'", "Amateurs"*) bring you a tale of terror known as..."BEE STING". Four teenagers hoping for a fun, carefree summer at camp end up at the wrong place at the wrong time...and it's way worse than some pesky bees! "Bee Sting" is an original, self-contained graphic novel that includes nods 80s teen comedies and slasher flicks with an Archie Comics-like art style. An ideal choice for people that love a good horror story and a laugh." Price: $5 |
 | The Cartoon Picayune 2 Edited by Josh Kramer The Cartoon Picayune is a new handmade anthology of journalism in the form of comics. The second issue will debut at SPX and feature work by Editor Josh Kramer and other contributors. It's all non-fiction and it's all new. $3 or $5 for both issues. CartoonPicayune.com |
 | Color Engineering by Yuichi Yokoyama The first book of color paintings and comics by the New York Times-acclaimed and Eisner-nominated manga artist Yuichi Yokoyama. This book, Yokoyama's fourth with PictureBox, is designed and edited by the artist himself. It seamlessly integrates his lush painted canvases (often presented as gatefold pages) with a sequence of comic strips in a variety of techniques: photography, loose marker drawings, hyper real portraiture, and much more. Through it all he continues his investigations into the world of machines, architecture and post-human fashion. Publisher: PictureBox Details: 204 pages, FULL COLOR, 5.75 x 8.25, Paperback Price: $35.00 Shipping: October 2011 ISBN: 978-0-9845892-5-81 |
 | Confessions From the Suggestion Box by Katie Omberg and Matthew D. Smith "Following on the heels of last year's "Tales From The Suggestion Box", comes "CONFESSIONS FROM THE SUGGESTION BOX". Collecting Suggestion Box mini-comics issues 5-8, Katie Omberg (writer/artist behind "Gay Kid" and the online comic "Office Bitch") and Matthew D. Smith (writer/artist behind titles such as "Wichita Gravy", "Bee Sting", and "The Adventurers of Liberty City") bring us more woes of the retail world. This digest sized graphic novel contains all true rants of co-workers, customers, and even...romance? A hilarious read worth your hard earned money!: Price: $5 |
 | Curls: MASER by Carolyn Belefski Curls Studio is pleased to announce that Curls: MASER will debut at SPX 2011. Join the dreaming mind of a gal with mitten hands named Curls, an investigative turtle named Turtle Neck, and the mysterious appearance of a dark creature in the woods. Filled with intriguing drama, and humor, Curls was nominated for the Friends of Lulu Kim Yale Award for Most Talented Newcomer in 2010. "Clever, crisp and original in all it's utter glory. A surreal and whimsical journey into one's angst as seen through the eyes of Curl's charming alter ego, Carolyn Belefski. With a fresh, unique sitcom approach to storytelling well worth your while... Simply HILARIOUS!" - Rafael Navarro, creator of Sonambulo "Wonderfully innocent in approach, Carolyn's whimsical and playful style gives a fun telling of what goes Bump in the Night. A perfect story for the very little ones among us! - Elizabeth Watasin, creator of Charm School and Wit's World: Never Was "People and pets of all ages sometimes have trouble sleeping. From real life worries to things that go “bump” or “snarl” in the night we've all been there. With most of us these times are an annoyance, but as this Curls story shows you never know what silly or adorableness might be going “grazz” in the night."- Brian Eison, comics manager at Heroes & Dragons and contributor at The Dollar Bin "It's one super cute comic. I want to put it in my mouth."- Shannon Wheeler, creator of Too Much Coffee Man and I Thought You Would Be Funnier Publisher: Curls Studio Details: Softcover, 9.25" × 3.875" Price: $4 Website: www.curls-studio.com |
 | De Profundis by James Jarvis The acclaimed British illustrator James Jarvis (born 1970) unveils his first new narrative in five years. This highly anticipated graphic novel follows an artist who travels through a wilderness to arrive at an abandoned city. Wandering the empty streets there, he encounters a mysterious, priestly being who commissions him to decorate a temple to nameless gods. /De Profundis /might be considered a departure from Jarvis' previous projects; in this book, he has constructed a purely personal narrative with artwork that combines his interest in medieval woodcuts and Dutch De Stjil. Publisher: PictureBox Details: 8" x 11", 64 pages, Full Color Price: $19.95 Shipping: November 2011 ISBN: 978-0-9845892-3-4 |
 | Dental Damned by Pat Barrett Dental Damned is a surrealist cartoon comedy about breaking teeth and making up stories. It features sex, sword fighting, phobias, and grown-ups with baby bodies. The full-color mini is the latest from CCS alumnus Pat Barrett, who is making his first appearance at the Expo. |
 | Don't Mess with the Pink Voodoo Bunny by Jim8ball Find out what happens when a young woman dismisses the curse of a New Orleans family heirloom in Don't Mess with the Pink Voodoo Bunny. Details: 16 pages, black and white Publisher: Last Dollar Comics |
 | The End #1 by Shawn Padraic Murphy If the world was going to end in one week, how would you spend your remaining seven days alive? That is the question asked in this series of short stories, which shows how ordinary people react (or refuse to react) to their own impending doom. This issue features 2 stories: "id" - Charley Wymer worked a boring office job most of his life, and now he seeks to make up for lost time, by killing as many people as possible. With the world's rules no longer relavent, the mind's moral fabric unravels. "Second Chances" - One man seeks redemption for his past, but is he already too late to make a difference? Publisher: Padraic Productions (Shawn Padriac Murphy) Distributed by: Comixpress Price: $2.99 ISBN: 978-1-9369-21-00-3 Website: http://www.shawnpmurphy.com |
 | The End #2 by Shawn Padraic Murphy If the world was going to end in seven days, how would you spend your last week? This is the concept behind "The End", as each story deals with how normal, everyday people react (or don't react) to the end of their world. This issue contains 2 different tales: "Crush" - Tom and Julie have been friends forever. Will Julie be able to finally confess her love to Tom, or has his heart already been taken by another? "Ladder" - Lester has worked for years to ascend the ranks at work, but in doing so he has spent less and less time with his wife. Now, he is determined to be with her until the end, but an unexpected development for their future interferes with the reality of the present. Publisher: Padraic Productions (Shawn Padriac Murphy) Distributed by: Comixpress Price: $2.99 ISBN: 978-1-936921-01-0 http://www.shawnpmurphy.com |
 | Forever Winter # 1 by Joel Lolar A serial killer is terrorizing post-apocalyptic New England. When a young Samurai’s father becomes the latest victim, his son sets out on a quest for revenge. A post-apocalyptic samurai western from Joel Lolar and Stock*pile comics. Publisher: Stock*pile comics Details: 48 B&W pages Price: $5 |
 | FREEDMAN by Peter Quach FREEDMAN is a story of revenge, slavery, race, and the people history has forgotten. At the end of the Civil War, four million people were freed from chains of bondage. One of these newly freed men, Charlie Moses, wanders the Texas countryside as he tries to right an injustice from his past. But is vengeance all there is? What does it truly mean to be free? FREEDMAN will be on sale as a $5 minicomic at the Tapir Tooth table at SPX. You can also preview the comic at www.peterquach.com. |
 | Freedom No.1 By Seamus Heffernan The year is 1779. America is struggling to discover the meaning of its founding principle in a reality where its founding never happened. A mythical deconstruction of the people and events that shaped the United States, Freedom is the story of the American people -the patriots, the slaves, the loyalists- all fighting for their very different, often antithetical ideas of what freedom means. The debut issue of Freedom follows Adam Farr, a strong-willed teenager living in the post-revolutionary British Colony of Massachusetts. Sent to serve as an apprentice of a tory merchant in Boston, he quickly finds himself at odds with his older brother, the British Army and the Sons of Liberty. Ultimately, his fate takes a drastic turn when the conflict between the British and the revolutionaries completely engulfs him. Publisher: Potato Comics (self-published) Details: A Xeric award winning book, 76 pages, black and white, 8"x12" Price: $7.00 ISBN: 9780615512174 Website and Preview Book: http://seaheff.com/ |
 | Frog and Owl: Regret Is For The Weak by Molly Lawless A compilation of strips from the ongoing webcomic series Frog & Owl, featuring the continuity-free adventures and dilemmas of two cartoon friends/enemies/lovers/spouses/colleagues. As seen on mollylawless.com. Publisher: Awesome Loser Press Price: $8.00 |
 | The Ghosts of Pineville - Eye of the Death Mongrel Art & Story by Sara Turner The Ghosts of Pineville is an all-ages story about three kids who go in search for the truth behind the ghost stories of their small, 1950's town. This is the second book of what is an ongoing series. Chopper, Hank and Glory continue their paranormal investigations to prove ghosts do exist in Pineville. After months of researching ghost stories with no luck, the three begin to lose hope until they notice strange creatures lurking around their hometown and folks acting weird. Discover the myths & mysteries of what's haunting the Pineville woods with the trio and their meddling siblings. To find the truth Chopper must trust new instincts, Glory must fight the grip of her brother, and Hank must face his own private ghosts. Publisher: Make Like A Tree Comics Details: 86 pages - Black & White Price: $10 Website: www.ghostsofpineville.com, www.cricket-press.com |
 | Hey Pais, NOW CLOSE THE WINDOWS and MAIN CAT OF THIS PLACE Hey Pais, the only journal comic by a cat, presents two new collections of strips. NOW CLOSE THE WINDOWS is a collection of comics from last fall and winter, including the Great Snuggle Blizzard of 2011. But in one way, it represents the calm before the storm: MAIN CAT OF THIS PLACE deals with the introduction of a new boy cat, Boo Radley. Paisley isn't fond of New Cat (and isn't happy with The Girl for bringing him home), and the comics in this issue show her trying to explain to him the rules of his new house. Each minicomic features a handmade (pawmade) cover, and is recommended for cat lovers of any age. Hey Pais: a trusted name in internet cat comics since 2006. Price: $5 each. |
 | Hollywood Pussy by Jim8ball HOLLYWOOD PUSSY is an inside look at some of music and Hollywood's most recognizable female celebrities and their pets! Well, what did you think it was about? It's about CATS you sicko!!!! Stop by the Last Dollar Comics to get yours at SPX 2011! Publisher: Last Dollar Comics Details: Limited edition mini comic signed and numbered. Price: $4.00 |
 | Inner Sanctum Mysteries by Ernie Colon A revered veteran of comics will be signing a preview of his next graphic novel bringing to comics life one of the most fondly remembered mystery and horror radio shows in history. In striking black & white as only Colon is well known for, we are swept into 4 chilling mysteries including The Horla where a man is haunted by a mysterious, grotesque being only he can see... It seeks to enslave him, but in the end reveals its true intent--to destroy him. Death of a Doll in which an unidentified corpse with a mysterious doll in the morgue intrigues a reporter, who sets out to identify her and how she died. Also featuring The Undead and Alive in the Grave. Publisher: NBM Details: 6x9, 112pp, B&W jacketed hardcover Price: $16.99 ISBN: 978-1-56163-614-3 |
 | Isra Rushes out of the Sandcastle - An Anthology by various In anticipation of opening his new school, The Sequential Artists Workshop (SAW), Tom Hart has collected his favorite single-page comics from his students at SVA along with a few from his other classes and tutoring around New York City, and published them in this 16-page tabloid newspaper. Features oversized single-pagers by Stephanie Mannheim, Alexander Rothman and 14 others. Publisher: Sequential Artists Workshop Details: 16 pages. Tabloid-sized newspaper. Price: $2.00 to benefit SAW. |
 | Luci's Let Down by Marjee Chmiel and Sandra Lanz As art director for God, Luci has found herself let down again and again with the tasks entrusted to her. Creating life is tough stuff, and for a boss as critical and unappreciative as the Big Man himself, it’s particularly difficult to remain in the spotlight for long. Tired of seeing her passion for creating smothered in an icy office culture, Luci struggles to find her own path and in doing so, becomes the ultimate bad-girl. Publisher: Baba Yaga Books Details: 60 pages, black and white, with color cover Price: $10 ISBN: 978-0-615-51632-5 Website: www.babayagabooks.com |
 | Messed Up Fairy Tales 3 Tired of boring old Fairy Tales? Is the same old "Little Mermaid" story leaving you uninspired? Check out the third and final collection of Messed Up Fairy Tales from the Draw Sucka! artists. This book features works from several fun artists, including Joe Foo, Justin Castaneda, Kelly Tierney and Mike Roll. These tales are safe for kids, but not safe for all adults. "Hey! What is that stinking pile of Fairy Tale over there? That is MESSED UP!" -Mike's Mom Details: 4" x 7", full color cover and b/w interior. |
 | The Mirror Script by Jon Reed A 70 page, full color, mixed media Graphic novel. For extended preview see www.jonreedart.com. Publisher: Self Published/Seeking Publisher Price: $15 Distributor: Dude I Call You Man Graphic Novels |
 | Monster Isle: Big Monster Stuff by Joey Weiser How do giant monsters spend their days when they aren’t destroying the nearest metropolis? MONSTER ISLE: BIG MONSTER STUFF is the first mini-comic collecting strips from Joey Weiser’s ongoing webcomic MONSTER ISLE. Spend time with kaiju-inspired creatures during their day-to-day life, and you’ll see puppets, dancing, rafts of questionable quality, beard-growing doppelgangers, and more! www.tragic-planet.com Publisher: Self-Published Mini-Comic Details: 20 Pages, Full-Color Price: $4 |
 | NONCANON 2010-2011: GET IN ON THE GROUND FLOOR by Tom McHenry NonCanon celebrates its first anniversary in this humongous catalog of drawings. Chicago-based artist Tom McHenry (FAIL FASTER FOREVER, RADICAL BOY) posts a drawing to his website (http://www.noncanon.com) each day, ranging from New Yorker-style cartoons to unsettling collages to hasty notebook scribbles. Now you can physcially touch reproductions of these drawings that were previously only available in digital form. This epic tome collects the first 6 NonCanon minicomics, including b-sides and never-before-seen drawings. Each limited-edition copy comes with a different one-of-a-kind dustjacket handmade by McHenry. Publisher: NonCanon Press Price: $29.95 |
 | OLD-TIMEY HOCKEY TALES by Robert Ullman and Jeffrey Brown Old-Timey Hockey Tales celebrates the Golden age of the greatest game on earth, with biographies of both legendary and obscure players and stories about fascinating moments in hockey history from the pivotal, to the trivial, to the bizarre. "Old-Timey Hockey Tales is a brilliant concept. Ullman tells the story of hockey legends, but presents it it in comic strip-style print. He keeps his biographies short and to the point, but somehow captures the legacies of the said players perfectly. He combines that with expert illustration, making for a most unique project." - Joe Pelletier, Greatest Hockey Legends Publisher: Wide Awake Press Details: 28 color and BW pages Price: $6 |
 | The Order of Dagonet Collection 1 By Jeremy Whitley and Jason Strutz When England is threatened by the forces of magic, it falls to the knights of the realm to defend their queen and country. Unfortunately, when the call goes out from a revived Merlin in modern day England, it will be the Order of Dagonet who answers the call. Created for the entertainers and celebrities of England, the Order of Dagonet is the last hope for a country facing the wrath of faerie queen Titania, a parliament held captive by the mighty Oberon, and a Queen who is at the mercy of Puck - a creature motivated by pure chaos. Can a burnt out rock star, an aging actor, and an author of popular children’s books take on everything the magical forces can throw at them? Can they even survive being in the same room together? “It’s got that typical understated British humor. And the insults are pretty good as well. The artwork is very vivid and very unique...” Patti Martinson – Sequential Tart “The Order of Dagonet is a fantasy epic like Ghostbusters is a horror movie. (And that is a big compliment!)” Matt Bergin – Pop Culture Shock Publisher: Firetower Studios Price: 19.99 (SPX Discount at show) ISBN: 978-0615487380 |
 | Pope Hats #2 by Ethan Rilly Pope Hats #2 by Ethan Rilly. Published by AdHouse Books Pope Hats #2 follows the rise of young law clerk Frances Scarland. Frances must survive an unwanted promotion at one of Toronto's major Bay Street firms, while tending to the regular wake of destruction left behind by her best friend. This eagerly anticipated issue follows what Seth described as "the most impressive debut comic I've seen in years" with a surreal exploration of growth and failure in downtown Toronto. Also included is a short story about a long distance relationship. Publisher: AdHouse Books Details: 4C cover 40 1C pages 7 " x 10 " saddle stitched Price: $6.95 US funds Shipping: October 2011 Diamond Order Code: AUG11 0750 ISBN: 978-1-9352331-6-9 |
 | The Potter's Pet by Braden D. Lamb and Shelli Paroline You can buy anything in the souk. The spice merchant has powders and potions from the far corners of the world. The antiquarian has mysterious treasures from fallen kingdoms. But the potter has something unique: a pet that will follow your every command. Details: 28pp, b/w, full-color cover Price: $6 |
 | Questionable Content Volume 2 by Jeph Jacques The second collection of the popular online comic Questionable Content features 300 strips from the archives and includes the infamous "The Talk" storyline and the first appearance of Hannelore, arguably the most popular comic strip character ever created (this is hyperbole, you are supposed to be super hyperbolic in this sort of blurb). If you're unfamiliar with QC, chances are you know someone who's a fan. You should ask them about it. They'll clue you in. Publisher: TopatoCo Details: Softcover Price: $20 |
 | The Rise & Fall of Studly Pete: Chapter 0 by Renee Lott "The Rise & Fall of Studly Pete" is a new fantasy/adventure webcomic by Renee Lott about Peter Shade and his quest to end his unusual curse of super-studliness. The comic will debut online with a 7 page introductory chapter on September 10, 2011 and update every following Tuesday. To celebrate the debut, Renee will be giving out FREE printed copies of the introductory chapter along with FREE "Studly Pete" bookmarks and pins at SPX 2011 (while supplies last)! Check out studlypete.com or fridgewithfeet.com for more information. "The Rise & Fall of Studly Pete" is recommended for Mature Readers. Details: 8 pages, B&W Price: FREE Website: studlypete.com |
 | Scrambles Scrambles is presenting an all new mini-comic at SPX2011 starring the webcomic's popular mad scientist. And by 'mad' we mean angry. Check out this exclusive comic not found on the internet! "It's terrific." - Kyle Magnan, 2011 Website: www.kylemagnan.com |
 | Seriously Comics Edited by Tom Hart and Stephanie Mannheim Hutch Owen creator and Sequential Artists Workshop founder has created this oversized newsprint zine celebrating crappy, fun, brilliant and immediate comics. Featuring interviews with Dash Shaw, Gary Panter, and Keith Mayerson as well as articles, slander, a photo-essay and a fumetti staring Jason Little and Karen Sneider and the Three-Rock Police. Publisher: Sequential Artists Workshop Details: 16 pages. Tabloid-sized newspaper. Price: $4.00 to benefit SAW. |
 | Simon Says #1 Written by Matthew D. Smith, Art by Desiree Pittman, Cover by Jason Pittman It's early 1995, and high school senior Simon Williams is attempting to score concert tickets to the biggest show of the year, coming to his little hometown. Little does he know that his actions are about to set off a chain of events that will drastically alter his friendships, family, most importantly, his love life. "Simon Says" #1 is the beginning of a 12-part comedy-drama comic, told through Simon's point-of-view as he examines love, music, and life. Featuring the amazing comic debut of artist Desiree Pittman and written by Matthew D. Smith ("Bee Sting", "Suggestion Box", "The Curse of Stranglehold", this book is perfect for fans of "Freaks & Geeks", "High Fidelity", and "The Breakfast Club". |
| So Buttons #4 by Jonathan Baylis In So Buttons #4, I explore two of the things I love most: memoir comics and films & filmmakers that influence and inspire me. SB4 features over ten tales on topics ranging from my Marvel Comic internship to my Sundance Channeljob, from King Kong to Star Trek, and Alfred Hitchcock to Jim Jarmusch. I’m especially proud ofthe diverse group of artists in SB4, including T.J. Kirsch (She Died in Terrebonne), Noah Van Sciver (Blammo), Fred Hembeck (Fred HembeckDestroys the MarvelUniverse) and many more. "Don't let Baylis fool you. Yes, his comics are funny, but I read them for the quiet, human moments that will stick with you long after you've finished reading." –Nick Bertozzi, “Lewis & Clark”, “The Salon” “Baylis' observations and anecdotes are amusing and revealing.” – Rob Clough, “The Comics Journal” Publisher: So Buttons Comics Price – 6 dollars (32 pages) Publisher: Self-published Price: $3 |
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 | Space Case Sally and the Purloined Pest: #1 by Ashley Quigg Sally is your average futuristic Space Age teenager with a little brother whose annoyance levels reach off of the charts. But when she's roped into babysitting the tiny terror, things go from bad to worse! Can Sally manage to keep her sanity even under the threat of vicious space aliens and extreme sibling aggravation? And for that matter, will she EVER get to the mall? Issue #1 of the ongoing webcomic "Space Case Sally" by Ashley Quigg. |
 | Space Case Sally and the Purloined Pest #2 by Ashley Quigg Alien abduction, over-the-top science fair projects, and the ever present threat of being grounded. Could things get any weirder?! "The Purloined Pest" continues as Sally and her best friend Aimee attempt to rescue Sally's little brother from the horrible clutches of aliens from outer space. So much for summer vacation! Issue #2 of the ongoing webcomic "Space Case Sally" by Ashley Quigg Publisher: Self-published Price: $3 |
 | Stargazing Dog by Takashi Murakami A moving inspiring manga that is a major best-seller in Japan, selling over 500,000 copies and being made into a movie. Daddy is down and out. Life has conspired against him, everything coming undone. Fed up, he sets out with his car to just get away from it all to nowhere in particular. All people around him have abandoned him in indifference but as we discover along with him, the one companion he can count on utterly and completely is his dog who follows him blindly, faithfully and completely, to the end. Publisher: NBM Details: 6x9, 128pp, B&W trade paperback Price: $11.99 ISBN: 978-1-56163-612-9 |
 | Thank You Magic Cupcake by Jim8ball Thank You Magic Cupcake is the story of a lonely little outcast that no one likes and how a wish granted by a magic cupcake changes everything! Details: 16 pages, black and white Publisher: Last Dollar Comics |
 | The Time Traveler's Pocket Guide by K. Sekelsky (Additional contributors: M. Bennardo, Jeff Huber, Sanjay Kulkarni) The Time Traveler's Pocket Guide contains everything you need to know before you get in your time machine - if you don't care much about scientific or historical accuracy, that is. This humorous book contains practical advice, helpful charts, a set of emergency muttonchops, and eighteen illustrations. Nowhere else will you get vital information such as "the time travelers' secret handshake", "bad reasons to use time travel" and "what to do if you meet yourself". A must-have for all aspiring Time Lords and Ladies! The Time Traveler's Pocket Guide marks the book debut of illustrator and graphic designer K. Sekelsky. A resident of western Pennsylvania, Sekelsky has been involved in the world of web and independent comics for nearly a decade. She currently writes and draws a time travel comic at www.magpieluck.com. Publisher: The Time Travel Bureau Details: 100 pages, 5"x7" Price: $10 ISBN: 978-0-615-51820-6 Website: http://www.timetravelbureau.com |
 | Trinadot 3 by Melody Often A plane crash brings three people together on Trinadot, an island inhabited by a mostly peaceful, post-industrial culture. An outsider, Bea is adopted by a small, recently reunited family. Still unable to exit her private state of psychological negotiation, Bea is given amnesty by the villagers in exchange for Kwun's services as a healer. Bea incubates lizards to speed her recovery and finally opens her eyes. "Artist and illustrator Melody Often -Gerry Mak Publisher: self-published via ltdcomp.com Details: color cover and black and white interiors Price: $7 Website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/melodynadiaoften/5930451163/in/photostream/ |
 | Troop 142 by Mike Dawson Secret Acres is proud to announce that *Troop 142*, the second graphic novel from Mike Dawson, author of *Freddie & Me*, will debut at SPX 2011. Join the Boy Scouts for a week of campfires, merit badge courses, group showers and merciless hazing at Pinewood Forest Camp, New Jersey, in the summer of 1995. *Troop 142* reveals the hilarious and brutal truths about boys and men, the hypocrisy of institutional morality and the resilience of the human spirit. Initially serialized on the web and in mini-comics, *Troop 142* was nominated for four Ignatz Awards and won the 2010 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Online Comic. This is the first time the complete, 268 page story has been published. Be prepared. “*Troop 142* demonstrates once again that Mike Dawson is a poet of adolescent awkwardness, digging deep into the dark side of teenage - and adult - masculinity to reveal the brittle, wounded humanity at its heart.” - Dylan Horrocks, author of *Hicksville* “Mike Dawson has two chief virtues as a writer: writing dialogue with an almost painful level of verisimilitude, and an understanding of the dynamics of teenagers that manages to emphasize the Darwinian nature of their relationships along with the* **naïveté* of youth... The comic raises interesting questions regarding the idealism of Scout law and the realities of being a teenager in 1995." - Rob Clough, *The Comics Journal* Publisher: Secret Acres Details: Softcover, 268pgs, 6.125x8.75in Price: $20.00 Ship Date/On Sale Date: 9-7-11/9-14-11 Direct Market Sales: Tony Shenton/Diamond Comics Distribution Book Market Sales: Baker & Taylor ISBN: 978-0-9799609-9-4 |
 | Two Italian Guys Book 2: Things Get Interesting by Chris Yura Things get interesting in the second book from the Two Italian Guys series. The graphic novel continues as Sammy talks Frankie into helping him with a few of Johnny G's "jobs" - one of which gets the brothers in over their heads. Lou Peppino and his vegetable friends try to take a trip to the Jersey shore, but Lou ends up in the hospital instead. "Crazy Joe" Pazzo lives up to his nickname as he starts a fight over the quality of ketchup. Luckily, Joe calms down just in time to teach you how to make his famous spicy clam sauce. Last but not least, Mouse Carpone makes his debut as his wife (Tina Titmouse) backs into his car in their own driveway. Publisher: Mangia Industry Details: Full-color, Hardcover, 9" X 7.5", 46 pages Price: $13.95 ISBN: 978-0-9843727-1-3 Website: www.TwoItalianGuys.com |
 | Under Bunnies by Eric Leland A gripping, in-depth exploration of the essential nature of the lagomorph, "Under Bunnies" is the first commercially- available illustrated tale by Eric Leland. Leland, an architect and artist, combines technical detail, dark humor, and fluffy bunnies in a narrative that will delight all ages. Publisher: Self-published Price: $10.00 Website: www.lelandmanufactory.com |
 | Underwire by Jennifer Hayden Sometimes you just gotta pick yourself up by your bra straps. *Underwire* collects the wise and witty autobiographical comics of a captivating new voice: Jennifer Hayden, cartoonist and politically incorrect mother of two. She may not have all the answers, but she's not gonna let that stop her from enjoying the prime of her life—her forties! Since its internet debut at ACT-I-VATE.com, *Underwire* has attracted praise for its sharp tongue, enchanting style, and warm wisdom. These everyday observations—about womanhood, parenthood, growing up, and rocking out—add up to something not only funny, but also quite profound. After a few stories, you might even feel like a member of the family. Now, for the first time in print, Top Shelf presents twenty-two stories from the beloved webcomic, plus seventeen new pages of comics and art created exclusively for this collection. "Hayden's work reminds me of why I began drawing comics, and why I continue. They're comforting, straightforward and strongly connected to life." —Gabrielle Bell, author of *Lucky* and *Cecil and Jordan in New York * "*Underwire* explores the funny, and often absurd, aspects of being a lady. Cheers to the artist for spotlighting female characters…and, hopefully, getting more women psyched about comics." —Whitney Matheson, *USA Today * "With a busy black-and-white palette of comforting cartoon grit, Hayden recalls Robert and Aline Crumb in this offkey anthem to misfit domesticity." —Adam McGovern, *Comic Critique * Publisher: Top Shelf Productions Details: 6.5” x 8.5” graphic novel, 80 pages, Softcover w/ French flaps Price: $9.95 Audience: Mature readers (16+) ISBN: 978-1-60309-076-6 |
 | The Wonder City: The Great Whale of Coney Island by Justin Rivers and Courtney Zell The Wonder City: The Great Whale of Coney Island* is the first volume in a series by Justin Rivers and Courtney Zell that re-imagines the entire history of New York City, an adventure where myth and history become intertwined in a mystery over 400 years old. Set in Brooklyn in 1942, Velma Graydon, a gal Friday turned gumshoe, is hot on the trail of an important charm lost ages ago. Called the Parelzaad, it was crafted before the city's founding and Velma is one of the few people who knows the incredible power it holds. After years of research she finds the charm in the possession of a working-class Brooklyn family. Just as it's within her reach one summer day on Coney Island, the charm suddenly vanishes, and this time without a trace. To find it again, Velma will have to travel through the seedy underbelly of New York City's tumultuous and larger-than-life history. Author Rivers says, "I was inspired by Washington Irving's character Diedrich Knickerbocker and JRR Tolkien’s epic, *Lord of the Rings*. Irving, mainly because he was the creator and keeper of New York City's first satirical founding myth. In *The Wonder City*, Velma Graydon picks up her adventure where Knickerbocker left off. I thought it would be fun to meld the two together and use New York's history as a backdrop." Kickstarter's Cindy Au describes *The Wonder City* as "one of Kickstarter's earliest comic book success stories....If you have a chance to pick up a copy, the first thing you'll notice is the vibrant cover art. Courtney's illustration of Coney Island's iconic Wonder Wheel combines the raw, live-action feel of hand-drawn lines with the slightly old-timey version of New York City that you're about to be immersed in." Publisher: Self-published, funded using Kickstarter, Price: $10 Website: www.thewondercity.com |
 | Wyliman Vol. 3: Mustard Flavored Toothpaste by Mario A. Gonzalez Trade Paperback collecting chapters 21 to 30 of the on-going (and long-going) Wyliman series. Fighting criminals, customer service over the phone, mean dogs, Christmas, office mix-ups, relatives and even giant sized versions of said relatives on a fantastic trip on the Dream World, is mostly the day by day of an everyday superhero living in a world where Murphy's Law is the name of the game. "The balance required to maintain a persistently positive (silly) tone without forfeiting the plot's occassional drama is what makes comics like 'Wyliman' such a rare gem - it allows readers to sympathize with the characters and recognize their conflicts in a way that is very genuine but never feels heavy. I know I'm reading a semi-autobiographical slice of life comic, but it feel more like I'm reading the Sunday funnies that I can somehow relate to, even though I have no idea what Wyliman himself actually is, I mean... I thought he was some kind of Ninja Turtle with no shell at first and then quickly realized he wasn't and now I just....I don't even know." - by Thalia Tomlinson (crazythalia.com) Publisher: Ergo Comix Details: Black & White, 284 pages Price: $13 |
 | YAKITORI by Andrea Tsurumi YAKITORI by Andrea Tsurumi is an unsettling look at what happens when a strange customer shows up for some yakitori . . . and won't leave. Two shopkeepers struggle to save themselves before they run out of food. A dark story about when eating and appetite take on monstrous proportions. YAKITORI will be on sale at the Tapir Tooth table for $4.00. You can view the comic online starting on August 15 at www.andreatsurumi.com Details: 8 x 8", 16 pages Price: $4 |
