NEWSARAMA'S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE I

[MattBrady]

compiled by Chris Arrant, Vaneta Rogers & Ryan McLelland

It's that time of year again... no, not taxes, but Christmas! As the days are counted down, Newsarama and some of your favorite comic professionals are helping you out with some recommendations for those on your Christmas list. From comics to sculptures to DVDs, with this list in hand you won't be worrying about what you should get for that special someone (or someones) out there.

Brian K. Vaughan recommends...

"Gift ideas for people who don't know they love comics yet..."

For Your Significant Other:

Sleepwalk: and Other Stories by Adrian Tomine (Drawn & Quarterly)
"I've never given this haunting collection of OPTIC NERVE comics to a single "civilian" who hasn't begged me for more. These are some of the best short stories ever written in any medium, and I personally guarantee that your boyfriend/spouse/mistress/whatever will love them. "
Format: Paperback, 102 pages
List Price: $15.95
ISBN: 1896597122

For Your Cool Roomate:

The Complete Concrete by Paul Chadwick (Dark Horse)
"I was surprised to learn that this is one of Garth Ennis' favorite comics of all time, but I probably shouldn't have been. Everyone loves Concrete, because it's one of the coolest, best-written, best-illustrated stories of all time. Despite having the occasional 150-panel page (!), this is an incredibly accessible first comic for anyone who digs science fiction, politics, and good old-fashioned human drama."
Format: Paperback, 320 pages
List Price: $24.95
ISBN: 1569710376



For Your Illegitimate Children:

Runaways Digests Vol. 1 - 3 by Brian K. Vaughan, Adrian Alphona(Marvel)

"What, you didn't think I was gonna leave without one cheap plug? But seriously, your kids are gonna get the crap beat out of them if they're the only ones at school who haven't read these mega-popular, backpack-sized collections of all-ages goodness. It's not too late to return that stupid Gameboy, Scrooge."
Format: Paperback, 144 pages
List Price; $7.99
ISBN: Various

Brian K. Vaughan is the writer of Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, Ultimate X-Men, and of course, the upcoming relaunch of Runaways. Visit him online at his new website, www.BKV.tv .




Craig Kyle recommends...

Donkey Konga for Nintendo GameCube
"Assuming you bought all the Marvel X-Box and Playstation games, I recommend Donkey Konga. It's a brilliantly fun Nintendo game that allows you to play bongo drums. It's like Dance Dance Revolution for your hands. It's hysterical. You can play with four people. It's awesome. Goes great with egg nog or any other beverage of that kind. Even girls who hate games will play this and enjoy it."

Format: Nintendo GameCube game (bongos included)
List Price: $49.99


Halo 2 for XBox
"That of course needs no explanation. It's a huge challenge for me even trying to beat the first one."
Format: XBox game
List Price: $49.99

Craig Kyle, who created the character X-23 for the animated TV series X-Men: Evolution, will debut as a comic book writer with January's X-23 mini-series from Marvel Comics. He is in charge of creative for Marvel's animated films,
including the first direct-to-video release based on the Avengers, set to release in January 2006.

Kaare Andrews recommends...

Blue Line Pro Comic Pages
"Here's a little secret about all us comicbook fans... we all write and or draw too! So c'mon people, lets feed our creativity on Christmas morning. You'll be amped to draw some pages of your very own while watching...."
Format: Various
List Price: Various
Available at www.BlueLinePro.com

The Iron Giant: Special Edition DVD
"That's right! The coolest DVD and only movie where Vin Diesel could make me cry is now a DVD special edition! This awesome movie is written and directed by Brad Bird who just did the same with The Incredibles! So while you sit down and draw some tuff guys beating each other up in front of the TV you're going to want to feed your actual comicbook skills as well. Fear not! Because you've also asked for..."
Format: DVD
List Price: $19.96

Spiderman / Doctor Octopus: Year One TPB by Zeb Wells & Kaare Andrews
"This zany story about a man who's parents shaped him into a delusional and nuclear fruit basket will be coming out just in time to fill some mylar stockings. So there you go. Watch some DVD's, read some comics and draw some stories... The perfect Christmas."
Format: Paperback, 120 pages
List Price: $13.99
ISBN:0785115323

Kaare Andrews is the artist behind Spider-Man / Doctor Octopus: Year One, various Amazing Spider-Man and Incredible Hulk covers, and was writer & artist for Manga Spider-man. Visit Kaare at his website, www.KaareAndrews.com .

Kieron Dwyer recommends...

Any books by or about Alex Toth
"This guy's the master of graphic storytelling, as far as I'm concerned . Nobody makes more with less than Toth, and everyone who cares about real graphic literature should be studying from him and the work he's done. The two volume Zorro set is great (although it may be out of print, not sure), as is the book simply titled Toth. For more information, check out www.TothFans.com ."


Anything by Moebius (AKA Jean Giraud)
"Anything and everything by this guy makes me feel like a talentless hack. While I love his dreamy sci-fi stuff (his imagination is unrivaled, in my opinion), what truly blows me away is his western stuff, often done under his actual name of Jean Giraud. The Blueberry books are just amazing, and should be added to anyone's library."





Last of the Independents by Matt Fraction & Kieron Dwyer (AiT-PlanetLar)

"Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't hype something I worked on: Why not pick up a copy of my 2003 graphic novel, Last of the Independents. It's 96 pages of fuel-injected, double-barreled man-movie action on paper. Already own your own copy? Well, it makes a great addition to anyone's OGN library. Reasonably priced at 12.95. There are also some snazzy bowling style LOTI shirts tied into the book for sale on my website at www.lcdcomic.com. "
Format: Paperback, 104 pages (with slipcase)
List Price: $12.95
ISBN: 1932051147

Kieron Dwyer is the artist of Remains, Last of the Independents and LCD, and has worked with many publishers including Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, Wildstorm, Slave Labor, AiT-PlanetLar and more. For more information about him and his work, visit www.LCDcomic.com and www.KieronDwyer.com .

Todd Dezago recommends...

Rex Steele: Nazi Smasher Video and TPB (Monkeysuit Press)
"I was hanging out with my pal and Perphapanauts partner in crime, Craig Rousseau, and watched the first few minutes of this animated short and totally fell in love with it! With retro-future features like the Iron Giant and Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow whetting our appetites, this video looks like a side order of the same kind of art deco high adventure! "
Available at www.MonkeySuit.com .

Legion of Superheroes Archives (DC Comics)
"Never one of those die-hard Legion fans of old, I made Mark Waid really work to sell me on them when we stumbled over Volume 5 at the baltimore comic con back in september. i had picked up a few issues of the Mike Grell issues here and there as a kid and, of course, loved the Paul Levitz/Keith Giffen run in the 80's, but these earlier Mort Weisinger-guided issues always seemed inaccessible to me with their history and countless membership. now i want them all! damn you, Mmark! (and I'm also looking forward to Mark's new run on the new Legion! Damn you, Mark!)"

Modern Masters, Vol. 3: Bruce Timm by Eric Nolen-Weathington & Bruce Timm (TwoMorrows Publishing)

"Somehow I missed ordering this when it was first solicited and am now desperate to get my hands on one. I really hope Santa has a copy! and I mean a new one, not one that he's already pawed through and mooned the pages and stuff! 'cause he would and you know it! I mean, it's Bruce Timm!! Even Santa's got it bad for Bruce's work!"
Format: Paperback, 128 pages
List Price: $14.95
ISBN: 1893905306

Todd Dezago is the writer of Marvel Age Spider-man Team-Up, Marvel Age Spiderman, and is the co-creator of Tellos with Mike Wieringo.

Vaneta Rogers recommends:

Daredevil Marvel Milestones Statue from Diamond Select
"Based on Joe Quesada's cover art for the Guardian Devil storyline, this statue captures a beautiful scene that was also canonized in the Daredevil film. It's an essential for every Daredevil fanatic."
Format: Approximately 16" tall
List Price: $175.00


Sin City by Frank Miller
"This trade's great for attracting someone new to comics who thinks they're are all about superheroes and kids -- particularly with the movie coming out soon. The story's a great one, and the high-contrast art is something you just have to experience."
Format: Trade Paperback, 208 pages
List price: $17.00
ISBN: 1878574590


"Geek Is Sexy" Babydoll T-shirt from thinkgeek.com.
"I was given one of these last year by a good friend, and it's a great reminder that there's no reason for a lady to be ashamed of her comics fandom."
Available in black or white
List Price: $17.99

Vaneta Rogers is a writer for Newsarama.

Stay tuned Saturday and Sunday for parts 2 and 3 of this special holiday series.

[Christian Otte]

Originally posted by MattBrady
Vaneta Rogers recommends:

Daredevil Marvel Milestones Statue from Diamond Select
"Based on Joe Quesada's cover art for the Guardian Devil storyline, this statue captures a beautiful scene that was also canonized in the Daredevil film. It's an essential for every Daredevil fanatic."
Format: Approximately 16" tall
List Price: $175.00


Sin City by Frank Miller
"This trade's great for attracting someone new to comics who thinks they're are all about superheroes and kids -- particularly with the movie coming out soon. The story's a great one, and the high-contrast art is something you just have to experience."
Format: Trade Paperback, 208 pages
List price: $17.00
ISBN: 1878574590


"Geek Is Sexy" Babydoll T-shirt from thinkgeek.com.
"I was given one of these last year by a good friend, and it's a great reminder that there's no reason for a lady to be ashamed of her comics fandom."
Available in black or white
List Price: $17.99

Vaneta Rogers is a writer for Newsarama.

Stay tuned Saturday and Sunday for parts 2 and 3 of this special holiday series.

[Howard Roark]

Here's how to order:

http://www.creativemix.com/nickcardy/

Nick Cardy has been both a creative and dynamic cartoonist and illustrator for over 50 years. Spanning the Golden Age to the present, Cardy's career began in 1939 with the Eisner/Iger shop, which produced the Spirit newspaper supplement, Plastic Man comic books and more. Cardy went on to illustrate newspaper strips, including Tarzan, and enjoyed a 25 year association with DC Comics before moving on to magazine and movie poster illustration. As well as being one of DC Comics' top Batman and Superman cover artists, fans remember that in the 1960s, Nick helped define comics' Silver Age with stunning sequential artwork on Aquaman, Teen Titans, and Bat Lash. The artist's contributions to the comic book industry earned him the prestigious "Ink Pot Award" for Outstanding achievement.

Cardy did occasional non-comics illustration work throughout the decades in which he focused primarily on comic books and strips. But in 1975 the artist decided to focus on illustration, particularly movie and television work. Some of the properties he worked on include Bad News Bears, Return of the Pink Panther, Meatballs II, California Suite, and even Apocalypse Now.

Long-time DC Comics artist and publisher Carmine Infantino said, "It's not an understatement that one of my greatest pleasures in this industry is having known Nick and his work. He deserves every accolade."

Table of Contents
Introduction
Foreword by Mark Evanier
1: 1920-1939 the Formative Years
2: 1939-1943 the Eisner/Iger_early Fiction House
3: 1943-1946 the War Years
4: 1946-1952 Post-War Years
5: 1948-1961 the Early DC Years
6: 1961-1968; Aquaman & Teen Titans
7: 1968-1975 Bat Lash, Covers & More
8: Inking vs. Penciling
9: Illustration and Hollywood
10: Appreciation by Richard Howell
11: Cardy Interviewed by Jon b. Cooke
12: Tributes & Appreciations
Afterward by Kurt Busiek
Index of the Artist's Works
273 black & white illustrations
60 color illustrations
176 pages
Edited by J. David Spurlock
Prestige paper
Trim size: 8.5 wide x 11 tall

[Kolimar]

Originally posted by MattBrady
The Iron Giant: Special Edition DVD
"That's right! The coolest DVD and only movie where Vin Diesel could make me cry is now a DVD special edition! This awesome movie is written and directed by Brad Bird who just did the same with The Incredibles! So while you sit down and draw some tuff guys beating each other up in front of the TV you're going to want to feed your actual comicbook skills as well. Fear not! Because you've also asked for..."
Format: DVD
List Price: $19.96

This movie always brings tears to my eyes. ***** Sniff.

[Aaron Calimeri]

When did Vaneta start writing for Newsarama?

That's awesome!

Good job, Moonie!

[David Bird]

Got to agree with Kolimar, the Iron Giant is a fantastic movie and gift idea. Another (obvious) great gift for Christmas this year -- and one I'm surprised isn't listed -- is the Complete Bone! I'm making a special point to promote it this Christmas (I work at Munro's Books, FYI) because I think its such a good gift idea.

[Troy Wilson]

Okay, I can't resist. I have to follow a post from Victoria, BC with another post from Victoria, BC.

I agree with everyone who has praised The Iron Giant. It's really a great show (as is The Incredibles).

And now for the shamless self-promotion part of the program. My first picture book for kids, Perfect Man, would make a great gift for comic fans and non-comic fans alike. It's been praised by the likes of Stan Lee, Roger Stern, Kurt Busiek, and Steven Grant.

Perfect Man is about a superhero named - surprise - Perfect Man and the boy who is obsessed with him. When Perfect Man retires, a superb teacher named Mr. Clark (who may or may not be Perfect Man in disguise) helps the boy find his own super powers.

I hope you're promoting it at Munro's, David. Especially since I'm a local author and all (no pressure or anything ).

[David Bird]

Originally posted by Troy Wilson
I hope you're promoting it at Munro's, David. Especially since I'm a local author and all (no pressure or anything ).

We do have and it is selling nicely. Actually, this is the first time I have ever mentioned the name of our store, but since this thread is all about the gift buying side of Christmas I figured why not. If you come in you'll actually find Perfect Man in the kids' section, your publisher is a big supplier of BC kids books, and the store takes a lot of pride in the success of our kids book selection.

[Augie De Blieck Jr.]

I'll second DONKEY KONGA. I don't play many video games anymore, but that's one I can sit down with and feel good about geeking out with. Trust me - it's ten times more fun if you get a second bongo controller and play with other people. You can play up to four people at a time with it. Insanity!

THE IRON GIANT goes without saying, and the new rerelease is excellent. Turn your surround system up all the wall, sit back, and ask yourself if it's real or Memorex. (Now I'm just showing my age...)

And now Todd reminds me that I need to get to REX STEELE. I have that DVD sitting next to my computer here...

-Augie

[ElijahSnowFan]

I realize they're not listed and certainly they've been out for awhile, but trades of these classic series make pretty sweet gifts for teens who are a little older. I gave one to a 17-year-old nephew once, and he spent a few hours on Christmas Day reading it, then asked me more about it later...pretty nice.

[HUMMER]

Originally posted by Kolimar
This movie always brings tears to my eyes. ***** Sniff.

I never cry at movies, but the Iron Giant made my eyes a little misty. Very good movie.

Also as I stated before run don't walk to see The Incredibles. One of the best superhero movies of all time!

[David Bird]

Originally posted by HUMMER
I never cry at movies, but the Iron Giant made my eyes a little misty. Very good movie.

Also as I stated before run don't walk to see The Incredibles. One of the best superhero movies of all time!

And Brad Bird (no relation) directed them both.

[Troy Wilson]

Originally posted by David Bird
We do have and it is selling nicely. Actually, this is the first time I have ever mentioned the name of our store, but since this thread is all about the gift buying side of Christmas I figured why not. If you come in you'll actually find Perfect Man in the kids' section, your publisher is a big supplier of BC kids books, and the store takes a lot of pride in the success of our kids book selection.

I have indeed seen Perfect Man in the kids' section (I go into Munro's every week or so), but didn't think it was moving. I'm glad to hear that it's actually selling nicely. And Munro's certainly should take pride in the kids' section - it's great! For that matter, the new graphic novel section is wonderful too.

[Troy Wilson]

Originally posted by David Bird
And Brad Bird (no relation) directed them both.

Brad Bird is that rarest of creatures, an American writer/director of animated features whose work I will specifically follow.

[skiteman]

3 cheers to KEIRON DWYER for giving MOEBIUS his well deserved PROPS!!!!!!!!!

[skiteman]

...?....obscure question....?...

is CRAIG KYLE the guy that the author JAMES PATTERSON ( of the Alex Cross series ) mentions as a friend .....giving him the name inspiration for his character KYLE CRAIG ?????

[HUMMER]

Originally posted by David Bird
And Brad Bird (no relation) directed them both.

\

Yup..that is why I suggested The Incredibles. He is just a genius when it comes to movies.

The one bad thing about The Incredibles is that Disney still owns the property A sequel will no doubt be craptacular.

[Frankie Thirteen]

Originally posted by HUMMER
\

Yup..that is why I suggested The Incredibles. He is just a genius when it comes to movies.

The one bad thing about The Incredibles is that Disney still owns the property A sequel will no doubt be craptacular.

Dunno about that...I read an interview with Brad Bird (I think at Superhero Hype) where he said he wouldn't be opposed to doing a sequel if he had another good story to tell.

[David Bird]

Originally posted by HUMMER
\

Yup..that is why I suggested The Incredibles. He is just a genius when it comes to movies.

The one bad thing about The Incredibles is that Disney still owns the property A sequel will no doubt be craptacular.

If there's a problem with making a sequel it will probably be that the Pixar-Disney partnership is now defunct.

And Troy, we've sold five of the nine copies of your book we've brought in and two of those left are on hold for customers. As for future orders, I haven't a clue (my areas of responsibility are Religion, Science, and Graphic Novels) but good sales usually mean more orders.

[Troy Wilson]

Originally posted by David Bird
And Troy, we've sold five of the nine copies of your book we've brought in and two of those left are on hold for customers. As for future orders, I haven't a clue (my areas of responsibility are Religion, Science, and Graphic Novels) but good sales usually mean more orders.

Sweet! Thanks for the numbers.

And again, my compliments on the Graphic Novels section. A really nice cross-section of all kinds of comics.

By the way, has anyone here ever given comics to absolutely everyone - and I mean EVERYONE - on their Christmas lists? Just for one year?

[HUMMER]

Originally posted by Frankie Thirteen
Dunno about that...I read an interview with Brad Bird (I think at Superhero Hype) where he said he wouldn't be opposed to doing a sequel if he had another good story to tell.

I am sure the story will be good but without Pixar in the picture I don't think it will be as good. Just my opinion, but we will have to wait and see how Disney does Toy Story 3 when they create that. I really hope that isn't bad

[beta-ray]

Cool... Would love to see more opinions from other creators...

[Nakedmanatee]

Dear Santa,

I have been extra good this year. The anger management has really been helpful. Here is what I want.

The Complete Peanuts boxed set
Spider-Man 2 DVD gift set
Opus: 25 Years of his Sunday Best
Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book by Gerard Jones
and oh yeah,

X-Men Legends!!!

your pal,
Dave

[Nakedmanatee]

Originally posted by HUMMER
I am sure the story will be good but without Pixar in the picture I don't think it will be as good. Just my opinion, but we will have to wait and see how Disney does Toy Story 3 when they create that. I really hope that isn't bad

Yeah, I know whatcha mean. It's weird. I think Disney is the first company to actually use the threat of making bad sequels to beloved films as a bargaining tool in getting Pixar to re-sign with them. Hell, it just might work.

--Dave

[tgail]

Originally posted by ElijahSnowFan
I realize they're not listed and certainly they've been out for awhile, but trades of these classic series make pretty sweet gifts for teens who are a little older. I gave one to a 17-year-old nephew once, and he spent a few hours on Christmas Day reading it, then asked me more about it later...pretty nice.

No kidding. There's now a whole new generation out there and many of them have likely never even seen these classic milestones. Or at least not read them yet. Two of the most significant gifts any young adult comics reader or potential comics reader should have in their collection!