Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan and Niko Henrichon

This is an instant classic. Brian K. Vaughan’s story of four escaped lions searching for food through the war torn streets of Baghdad, immediately pulls you in and doesn’t let go until it’s jarring conclusion.

When I read this I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, it’s that smooth of a read. The artwork is stunning, Niko Henrichson is able to convey the lion’s emotions, pull off fierce action sequences and create breathtaking, cinematic splash pages with ease. The story moves along effortlessly thanks to BKV’s trademark natural and witty dialogue. Because of this combination we are treated to a highly entertaining, beautiful, and moving story, who’s characters rich personalities shine off the pages.

While it’s a tremendously entertaining book it’s also thought provoking, which unfortunately can be a rarity. As with his work on Ex Machina, Vaughan doesn’t shy away from controversial subject matter. This story makes you question how we as humans define freedom, and for me is another reminder of why I hate this bullshit war.

This is an important piece of work and will surely prove to be a milestone in both creators’ careers. Pride of Baghdad is a fine addition to the graphic novel genre and a perfect example of why comics should be taken seriously. It leaves you with emotions that linger far after the book is closed.

PICK OF THE YEAR.

ps – not just because there’s talking lions.

Civil War #4 by Mark Millar and Steve McNivin

Every single issue of Civil War is fuckin crazy.This isn’t an exaggeration, or a ploy to grab your attention, it is simply the truth.This is a comic for the new century.

When this comic comes out I automaticly save it for last,and so far this has been justified every time.Sometimes when a crossover comes around it gets a little jumbled up and confusing(Infinite Crisis),this is not the case with this series. Even if you haven’t picked up a Marvel comic in a while, or ever, Mark Millar writes these characters so well you feel like you live in this universe.With it’s heartpounding action,dizzying twists and turns, and suprise endings you’ll be left gasping for sweet, sweet, air.

I’m not even gonna tell you what’s happened in the first three issues,or this one, BECAUSE YOU NEED TO READ IT, but believe me this story is changing the face of Marvel by punching the shit out of it.

Who’s side are you on muthafucka!!

P.S. Sorry about all the profanity, but FUUUUUCK.

Mouse Guard: Belly of the Beast by David Petersen

To my utter disappointment, with this, only my second entry, I am going to break what I was hoping would be a mean streak of strictly bad reviews.  But with a slew of comics in this world that are badly written and horribly drawn, I had to run into this gem.  I spotted it a few months back in a comic book store and while it piqued my interests, I decided against buying it and consequently postponed the long overdue feelings of satisfaction I so rarely get after reading a comic.  Luckily, I am engaged to a man whose love for comics precedes nearly every other love in his life and in the midst of suffering a guilt trip he purchased and gave me the gift of Mouse Guard. 

Once you have this story in your hands and flip to the very first page, everything about it draws you in.  The story is that of three adorable yet ruthless mice – the top three mice in the Mouse Guard – trying to solve the mystery of a missing peddler mouse. Their courage is unparalleled for such tiny creatures and you immediately sense the differing personalities in the trio and how well they compliment each other.  This first issue is a flawless introduction to the series and once you’ve read it you will be thrice the comic fan you were before you had the pleasure of Mouse Guard.