More of our Spring 2008 releases are now available for pre-order! Pictured above: the fifth and final issue of Ted Stearn's mini-series Fuzz & Pluck in Splitsville; the first installment of Josh Simmons's multi-decade epic Jessica Farm; The Comics Journal #289, featuring Robert Kirkman on Marvel Zombies and much more; and Castle Waiting Vol. II #11 by Linda Medley. Below: the new, revised, expanded version of Rebel Visions; Bottomless Belly Button, the massive new graphic novel by Dash Shaw (with dual covers); the final (for now) installment of our Love and Rockets Library series, Amor Y Cohetes, collecting all the non-"Locas" and non-"Palomar" stories from L&R Vol. 1; and Mome Vol. 11, with cover star Killoffer. Check our Upcoming Releases page for the full listing of titles that are available for pre-order.

Call 1-800-657-1100 (or 206-524-1967 outside the U.S.) or click the links above to see full details on each title and add it to your shopping cart. New releases are usually shipped to our pre-order customers a week or two before they arrive in bookstores and comic shops, so beat the crowd and order today!

"I was at Bob Kane's funeral,"ť Mark Evanier said. "There were only four people from comics there: me, Stan Lee, Mike Barr and Paul Smith. A whole bunch of Batman toys were put into Kane's coffin and they were lowering it down. As Kane was being put into the ground, Stan turned around to me and said ‘Steve Ditko was the best inker Jack Kirby ever had.'"

This anecdote is so sad and poignant on so many different levels, it just breaks my heart. I don't think I've ever felt more empathy for Stan Lee. Link via Ian Brill, bless him.

Don't forget, this is your last week to SAVE 50% OFF all in-stock back issues of The Comics Journal through #250! They've been going fast, so don't wait until the last minute!

Click here to browse all TCJ back issues! Sale ends at 11:59 PM this Friday, February 29, 2008.

I wouldn't normally recommend buying original art off Ebay rather than through the artist but, then, it's not often you get the chance to buy early Dan Clowes pages... You only have a few hours! 

Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack Continues with Spring Surge on March 8!

The inaugural “Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack” in February attracted countless throngs of art enthusiasts to Seattle’s colorful and creative Georgetown community. This lively event continues on Second Saturday, March 8, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The list of participants has expanded to more than 30 galleries, studios, nightclubs, boutiques, and cafes. The public of all ages is invited to explore the singular appeal of this diverse industrial arts district.

Among the many highlights of Art Attack festivities: Mike the One Man Band performing his vaudevillian act at Jules Mae's Saloon; an exhibition of expressive portraits by photographer Rebecca Bolte at Bolte Creative; an interactive “Comics Jam” with Jim Woodring’'s “Friends of the Nib,” featuring a guest appearance by underground comix legend Kim Deitch screening his rarely seen film short “Dial M for Monster” at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery; a show of recent work by Georgetown painter Mark LaFalce at Two Tarts Bakery, open house salons at Bella Vitale, Equinox, and Catherine Gill Studios; Jenna Colby'’s "The Hunted Verses the Hunters" exhibit at Georgetown Tile Works; and much more.

Come dine, drink, shop and socialize in one of our region’s most entertaining and engaging cultural environments. Most participating businesses cater to all ages clientele and admission is free. The “Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack” is a production of the Georgetown Merchants’ Association. Website: www.georgetownartattack.com

Listing Information:

“Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack”
Saturday, March 8, 6:00 – 9:00 PM.

All City Coffee, Artcore Tattoo, Art at the Top of the Stairs. Backstage, Bella Vitale, Belle & Wissell, Bolte Creative, Calamity Jane's, Catherine Gill Studios, A Dog's Dream Natural Pet Supply, Equinox Studios, Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, Fruit Cocktail Collectibles, Full Throttle Bottles, George, Georgetown Art Center, Georgetown Liquor Company*, Georgetown Records, Georgetown Tile Works, Great Stuff, Hangar Café, Jules Maes Saloon*, MIX, 9 Lb. Hammer*, Smarty Pants Restaurant*, Squid and Ink, Stellar Pizza & Ale, Two Tarts Bakery, and more.
* Indicates 21 + with valid ID.

Apologies to our New York fans, but due to inclement weather, the HOTWIRE2 comics signing (at Rocketship) originally slated for tonight has been RESCHEDULED.

It has been pushed back to March 14th (Friday nite 8:00-10:00) at Rocketship..... it is NOT ON TONITE.

Hope to see you all then, and apologies on behalf of Mother Nature. Stay warm, all!

Time for your weekly dose of Steven Weissman's "Chocolate Cheeks!" In this week's strip: confusing advice and, um, health issues. (Remember, you must be registered and logged in to read.)