Promises and Purchases

I’m off to a pretty shitty start aren’t I? Promising a review a night, and it’s been three days but only one review. Instead of working hard to bring you little one night reviews, I went out and bought more comic books, the boyfriend taking the blame this time and having a good hearty chuckle at my after thought : I can’t afford rent, why am I buying more comics?!

But here I am. Three more books purchased. Only one read and finished from before. Leaving oodles and oddles left to read. Well I’ve gone through several of my comics but haven’t sat down and really considered them since Sherlock. The books that caught my eye though are worth noting.

Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 (Series 2)

Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 by David Petersen

Mouse Guard . Net

A few months ago I’d picked up Issue 1+2 of the The Black Axe. The art won me instantly, and though I’ve only flipped since, the story has brought tears to my eyes. It’s powerful, cruel, wonderful but this isn’t a review. This is a purchase list! And this is why I bought Winter 1152 .

1. Mice are cute. Hate me, calling me a wuss and a chick but I’m always drawn to comics that portray animals as heroic. It hurts the most, like movies where animals die (though never for real) but heroic mice, evil ferrets and other creatures living the grand and simple lives of men is such a romantic thing. And… mice are cute.

2. I have the The Black Axe, which is Series 3, and not series 1 or 2? Remedy must be made Winter 1152  was first, so next is Fall 1152 to complete it and catch up!

3. Hardcover. There’s something pleasant about the aesthetics of a book. Comics are visually appealing but holding a hard bound cover, in the pleasing 8.5 x 8 format, is something I feel should be cherished and kept safe. An old tome to hold onto instead of shoving it in a box with some cardboard and plastic wrap.

Cover:The Black Axe Issue 1

4. The art is wonderful. It’s not the last thing, it really isn’t. David Petersen (his Blog) has done something wonderful in his art and story, reminding me (and this is all still at the comic book store mind you, I haven’t even read it yet) of something I should have read in my childhood. Please take a look at all the fabulous cover art and images you can find on his website: Mouse Guard . Net. You will not be disappointed.

But make no mistake this is not your simple children’s story at all. It’s real, real and cruel. Which makes it soo much more beautiful.

The Sixth Gun 1+2

I can’t remember who I was talking to about this title, but it lead to a purchase. It might have been with the Oni Press fiends on twitter(@OniPress), but who knows! They’re mine now and they will be read.

The Sixth Gun Issue 1

The Sixth Gun Issue 2

It does raise the question: Why do we buy the comics we do?
I know I have a preferred style which none of these represents, but I purchased for interest and familiarity when it comes to Winter 1152 and The Sixth Gun.

Why do you buy comic books?
What drives you to pick one up off the shelves?
Is it the name, the publisher, the story, a particular character?

Cheers and happy reading.