Two good ones to head into the weekend on: Dan Traeger says: "And that's why I was happy to see AiT/Planet Lar publish Shatter as a graphic novel. It had been several years since I'd read the comic, and seeing it on the shelf at my local Borders was like welcoming back an old friend. Larry Young and Mimi Rosenheim understand all too well that fifth universal force, and they definitely know quality work when they see it. The new Shatter package is excellent. It's faithfully reproduced from the original black and white art, and the modern color process on the covers takes the artwork to whole new levels of excellence."

+++++

...and Mark Fossen on Seven Sons: "What strikes me most about the book is the deep emotional power that Grecian and Rossmo wring from the triggering incident of the story. How have other tellings - children's books - glossed over the fact that this story hinges on the death of innocent children? In Seven Sons, that is brought to the terrible forefront in a sequence that's as riveting as any I've seen in comics. Rossmo's jagged art, filled with swirling blacks and expressionistic figures really sells the tragedy that lies at the heart of the story. He does so most notably in a beautiful panel that freezes time to show a single tear representing the struggle Brother One goes through as he tries to save both the children and their rescuers. It's a time dilation that brilliantly sets the emotional stage for the rest of the book."

Laura Gjovaag has an insightful review of Seven Sons, which I enjoyed very much. I very much appreciate and respect her considered readings, and I often seek out books she mentions and give 'em a try. When we send out our review copies, it's in the hopes respected commentators will turn a thoughtful eye towards the work, and let their audience know what works and what doesn't. I was a bit dismayed to read that Laura felt "obligated" to read the copy of Seven Sons we sent, because that's not the point at all; we just hope you'll want to write about our projects... not everything is to everyone's tastes, after all.

I urge you to read Laura's compelling review. No hype, no quotes, no pithy comments from me. Just that link, again, and our thanks.

Marc Mason's presciently-titled "Should It Be A Movie?" column takes a look at Rock Bottom and pretty much says "Yes!" Here're some high points: "This quiet, pathos-laden story represents the finest work I’ve seen out of Joe Casey in his comics career." and "The book is replete with brutal, harsh moments that get into your heart, and that’s a rarity on the stands these days." and "It’s beautiful stuff and shows that there’s more to Adlard than we knew before." and "This is the kind of character that tends to break someone out of the pack at a film festival. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rock Bottom snatched up by someone looking for a story that would give them a shot at an award or two."

+++++

Zilla digs on Seven Sons: "OK, I'm not giving away the rest of the story, but let's just say that it ends as any good story should (well), and stacks up against most western classic fables I can remember. Great story, great B&W art (the layouts remind me a bit of TenNapel), and ultimately a must-read to/with my kids someday (when I have them ha). Don't let me pigeon-hole Seven Sons as a children's book, though... there's enough here for graphic novel fans of any age. Good stuff. A."

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Laura Gjovaag, on Rock Bottom"I couldn't stand the main character when the book started, and I didn't really get to like him much by the end, but I felt for him. And that's the strength of this book. You feel for the character even though he's a jerk. I have to applaud Casey and Adlard for getting me to care so much about their story despite that serious handicap. This one is definitely Recommended."

+++++

After recognizing the historical significance of Shatter, H over at The Comic Treadmill considers Seven Sons. As always, I'm just pulling out good quotes in the hope that you hit the links and go read these fine, well-thought-out reviews; surely "This is a powerful story of unavoidable tragedy and it grabbed my attention and held it for a reading of all 106 pages in one sitting." is the sort of thing that puts you over into the purchase-read-and-enjoy area of comics consumption.

Boy-howdy, that Adam Beechen knows how to help sell his comics. Instead of falling into the "my-newest-is-bestest" trap some creators buy into, even to the extent of slamming their own early work, Beechen never misses a chance to plug his backlist:

RT: Let's talk about your original graphic novel "Hench."

AB: It's a graphic novel that artist Manny Bello and I did for AiT/Planet Lar that came out in 2004. It's a story that approaches superheroing from a different angle: the henchman. How he gets the job, how he moves up in the ranks, how he deals with that life and the cost of it.

RT: Why is this project so special for you?

AB: It's a story I've had in mind for a really long time. The earliest comics I'd ever looked had characters fighting for the supervillains, and I always wondered what kind of person would do that. Why would you want to be the guy who gets beaten up for a supervillain?

It's a chance to explore the little guy in the superhero world and get their take on the madness around them.

RT: Why should fans be hyped up about the book?

AB: Because it looks at the superhero world in a way that most fans don't consider, and in a very real way it's the fans' perspective. As devoted readers, we all imagine ourselves in that world to begin with, and I hope that has a lot of appeal to fans.

While we were in New Zealand, Adam went to Italy with the Phoenix Suns. Check out the story on NBA.com. Mimi and I both heartily agree with Adam's endorsement of Weeds, too, which some think stars Mary-Louise Parker and Elizabeth Perkins but in our house truly stars Lightning Lad and Astronauts in Trouble introductionist Hollywood Space Actor Andy Milder.

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Speaking of backlist, H over at The Comic Treadmill looks at Shatter: "The obvious reason for the re-release is the historical significance of Shatter, the first comic in which the art was entirely computer-generated. For that reason alone it deserves the compilation treatment AiT/Planet Lar gave it... My lack of enthusiasm for the story notwithstanding it’s simply amazing to take a look again at the first stab at a wholly computerized art comic book. It’s primitive as hell now, but I remember the buzz about this comic and being floored at how more advanced the art was than I thought a computer was capable of."