NEWSARAMA'S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE II

[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 someone’s) out there.

We're right in the midst of this 3 day series, so if you haven't read part 1 you're missing out. Without further ado, on with the show...

Bryan Augustyn recommends...

The Complete Peanuts 1950-1954 Boxed Set by Charles Schulz (Fantagraphics)

"The top of my holiday list, as a gift to give, AND a gift to covet would be Fantagraphics beautiful Complete Peanuts. Two editions are now available and should be treasured by anyone who loves comics. The late, great Charles Schulz and his masterpiece deserve no less than such a careful and attractive repackaging. And the volumes will keep coming out for the next 20 years (I think)!"
Format: Hardcover, 720 pages
List Price: $49.95
ISBN: 1560976322

Comic book writer and editor, Bryan Augustyn is author of Gotham by Gaslight, Crimson, Out There and hundreds of other comics. Brian is currently Senior Editor at Metron Press and is also writing at least three brand new comics series in '05. Happy Holidays!


Christopher Reid recommends...


Scurvy Dogs #1-5 (AiT/Planet Lar)

"I can say with all confidence that Scurvy Dogs is the funniest series ever, ever, ever. A pioneering work in the new genre of Piratesploitation, Andrew Boyd and Ryan Yount drop a crew of hard-drinkin', ass-kickin' buccaneers into a modern setting, then shake up the whole mess just to see what happens. Pirates work minimum wage jobs, battle a gigantic monkey-god, flirt with stardom, and hunt down (and kill) the perfect birthday present. Grab all five issues for the pirate/pop culture aficionado on your shopping list, and I guarantee they will love you forever."
Format: Paperback, 24 pages each
List Price: $2.95 each

Christopher Reid is writer and co-creator of Legends From Darkwood and How NOT To Draw Manga with artist and co-conspirator John Kantz. To learn more about Chris & John's work, visit their website at www.WastedPaper.net .


Dustin Nguyen recommends...

2001 Nights by Yukinobu Hoshino (Viz)

"Excellent Sci-Fi combined with amazing art. They come in 80 page prestige formatbooks. Black & white & awesome."
Format: Paperback, 246 pages
List Price: $16.95
ISBN: 1569310564

Blade of the Immortal, Vol. 1: Blood of a Thousand by Hiroaki Samura (Dark Horse)

"If you've never read it before, go for the first one, Blood of a Thousand. Samura's got solid writing combined with fantastic art. Probably one of the geniuses of today's comics whether you like manga or not, its just a really great book. "
Format: Paperback, 136 pages
List Price: $14.95
ISBN: 1569712395

Firefly: The Complete Series DVD Box Set

"A great show that was canceled too early, but the dvd set gives you 4 unaired episodes. Joss Whedon kicks major ass with this. Plus, it'll prepare you for the Serenity movie in 2005. Get your browncoats on. "
Format: DVD Boxed Set
List Price: $49.98

Drawing Desk

Something related to comics, but not completely - for aspiring artists out there looking for a table for a smaller place - there's a drawing desk that works great for comic art since its more wide than it is high. Measuring 43Wx21-5/8D"; height adjusts from 24-3/4" to 37-3/8".I usually find the top of my table only used to place toys and reference material, since comic pages only measure 17" high. you can still place all your loose pages and books on the sides. It's roomy, but doesn't take up a lot of space if you have a small work space like the traditional drafting tables I've had in the past. plus its' really inexpensive; $89.99 at Target.com!"

Dustin Nguyen is the artist on Authority: Revolution, and recently worked on Batman and the critically acclaimed Wildcats 3.0. For more info on Dustin and his work, visit his website at www.duss005.com.


Geoff Johns recommends:

Animal Man, Vol. 1 by Grant Morrison, Chas Truog, Tom Grummett and Doug Hazlewood (DC)

"An accessible and thoroughly disturbing story that, for me, still represents the best in super-hero comics ever."
Format: Trade Paperback, 240 pages.
List Price: $19.99.
ISBN: 1563890054

The DC Comics Encyclopedia by Bob Greenberger, Phil Jimenez, Scott Beatty & Daniel Wallace (DK Publishing)

"Spend hours Christmas morning learning about the DC Universe. This is an amazing book. The people that put it together deserve all of our praise."
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages
List Price: $40.00
ISBN: 075660592X

Geoff Johns is writer of the ongoing DC Comics series Flash, Teen Titans and JSA. He's also the man credited with bringing back Hal Jordan in the current mini-series Green Lantern: Rebirth with Ethan Van Sciver, and will take over the Green Lantern ongoing title at the conclusion of the Rebirth story. For more information on Geoff and his work, visit his website at www.GeoffJohns.com.

Justin Gray recommends...

The Art of Wally Wood

"I have to tell you I’m normally all about comic art on the gift list. So first up is one of the seminal comic book artists and illustrators, whose work was love at first sight for me. There isn’t a specific piece, although many of his covers are brilliant - Wally Wood. I found a battered copy of the Overstreet Price Guide #9 featuring a pulp sci-fi image of the voluptuous space girl and the stalwart hero on an alien world when I must have been 12 or 13. I was hooked. I still am. Anything from his work at EC or Sci-fi themed would make the perfect gift. Lithographs are probably the only real option."

The Pro Oversized Hardcover GN by Garth Ennis, Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti (Image)

"Because I have a number of friends that still think Comics are Archie, Casper and Hot Stuff, I'd have to unleash the hardcover edition of The Pro on their unsuspecting and fragile minds. Giving people something to laugh about, especially at Christmas, is always a good idea. Shocking their sensibilities doesn't hurt either."
Format: Oversized Hardcover, 72 pages
List Price: $14.95
ISBN: 158240383X

Battle Angel Alita: Rusty Angel by Yukito Kishiro (Viz)

"Finally, the current collection of Yukito Kishiro's Battle Angel Alita, a metaphysical and action packed series of graphic novels that examine humanity; loyalty, existentialism, transhumanism and, well, I’d need more room than I have to go into it. Just buy it and learn to read backwards."
Format: Paperback, 248 pages
List Price: $16.95
ISBN: 1569310033

Justin Gray is the co-writer of the ongoing DC series Hawkman with Jimmy Palmiotti, as well as the upcoming DC/Wildstorm miniseries The Twilight Experiment and Marvel's Punisher: Red Christmas. In addition, Justin has worked with Jimmy Palmiotti on 21 Down, The Resistance, The Monolith, Cloudburst and wrote Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons.


Mike Allred recommends...

Spider-man: The '67 Collection 6 Volume Animated Set

"On my Christmas list is that DVD box set of Spider-Man cartoons from the 60's. I remember digging those huge as a wee one. And though they are extremely crude by todays animation standards, they have a charm and spirit that I associate with the best and most definitive Spider-man stories by Lee, Ditko and Romita. Very cool in its retro-ness."
Format: DVD
List Price: $59.99

Pee Wee's Playhouse, Vol. 1 DVD Box Set

"Now I hear there's going to be a big fancy version of this set next year, but if you don't want to wait I'd recommend this just for the crazy-cool set designs by comix artist Gary Panter, and more it's great family fun plus Lawrence"The Matrix" Fishburne appears regularly as Cowboy Curtis-Nuff said!"
Format: DVD Box Set
List Price: $129.90

Bone Hardcover Collection by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)

"For an actual comic book the stunning and pricey (though well worth it), the Bone HCcollection is a must have. Jeff Smith's consistently wonderful masterpiece in one big fat beautiful volume. And if not the HC, you gotta have the more affordable softcover version. This is one of the best comic book series EVER folks. Don't miss out."
Format: Hardcover, 1300 pages
List Price: $39.95
ISBN: 188896314X

The Golden Plates, Vol. 1 by Mike & Laura Allred (AAA Pop)

"And don't forget, The Golden Plates, Vol. 1 makes the perfect gift for your favorite Mormon, or for those who are just curious about what those happy clean cut kids in white shirts and black ties are so keen on you."

ISBN: 0976228203

Mike Allred is an internationally reknown cartoonist and illustrator, working on such titles as Sandman, X-Force, X-Statix and is creator of Madman. His most recent work is the adaptation of The Golden Plates, in stores now. For more information on Mike and his work, visit www.AAApop.com .


Neal Shaffer recommends...

Bannock, Beans, and Black Tea" by Seth (Drawn & Quarterly)

"This book is so beautifully put together that it's a work of art worthy of giving even before you crack it open. Once inside, however, you're treated to a delicate and thought-provoking story of family, struggle, and history. Give it to someone who needs to be reminded of the transcendent power of great art."
Format: Hardcover, 120 pages
List Price: $19.95
ISBN: 1896597785


Thinking With Type by Ellen Lupton (Princeton Architectural Press)

"The ostensible subject of this book is typography, but it touches on everything from writing to editing to design to publishing. A must for anyone on your list who works in a creative field, it's witty, thought-provoking, and, most importantly, invaluable as reference. Visit the website at www.ThinkingWithType.com."
Format: Paperback, 176 pages
List Price: $19.95
ISBN: 1568984480

Neal Shaffer writes, among other things, graphic novels for Oni Press. You can find regular updates on his thoughts and work by accessing his blog at www.leftwich.blogspot.com. Early 2005 will see the debut of a more comprehensive website at oldballcoach.com.


Ryan McLelland recommends...

Magnus, Robot Fighter Volume 1 Hardcover by Russ Manning (Dark Horse)

"While the Valiant Comics version is still one of my favorites of all time, this collection from Dark Horse reprints the brilliant Russ Manning Magnus: Robot Fighter 4000 A.D. originally published by Gold Key Comics. Manning’s stories and artwork are as radiant today as when they first appeared in the sixties and this hardcover showcases the work brilliantly. Magnus, a man raised by a robot, is sent off to help humanity when robots start thinking for themselves and subsequently try to enslave the human race. Magnus is no ordinary man and has learned how to slice through metal with his bare hands, making him humanity’s only defense against the evil robot hordes."
Format: Hard cover, 200 pages
List Price: $49.95
ISBN: 1-59307-269-4

Blade and Blade II DVD 2 Pack

"Not only just in time for the holiday season, the Blade/Blade II two-pack arrives just before Blade: Trinity comes to theaters this December. Wesley Snipes stars as the Marvel Comics' character Blade, whose mission is to kill all vampires. A simple premise with lots of great execution, the films are written by David Goyer (Batman Begins) with Stephen Norrington (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) and Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy) directed Blade and Blade II respectively. A sneak peek bonus disk DVD of the upcoming Blade: Trinity movie makes this DVD collection something really great to ‘sink your teeth into’.
Format: DVD
List Price: $26.98
Rated: R (Not Recommended For Children Under 17)

Ultimate Spider-Man Collection by Brian Michael Bendis & Mark Bagley (Marvel)

"Barnes and Noble’s hardcover collection of the first six trades of Ultimate Spider-Man is simply amazing. While most Marvel Comics hardcovers have a list price of nearly thirty dollars, this collection retails for $49.99 and can usually be found at Barnes and Noble for cheaper then that. For those living under a rock, Ultimate Spider-Man is the revamping of Spider-Man for the Y2K crowd, written skillfully by Brian Michael Bendis with wonderful pencils by Mark Bagley. This retelling is a story that you’ll want to read over and over again and this limited edition from Barnes and Noble is a great way to read the first 1,000 pages of a comic book that can truly be considered an epic.
Format: Hardcover, 992 pages
List Price: $49.99
ISBN: 0760761337

Ryan McLelland is a Newsarama staff writer perhaps best known for his ‘It Came From The Quarter Bin’ column. Ryan is less known for his karaoke renditions of A Tribe Called Quest’s ‘Scenario’ and his brief role as ‘The Zombie’ in Teen Wolf 3. Visit him on the web at www.ForgottenUniverses.com.

[David Bird]

Wow! Lots of great gift ideas here! Good to see the Complete Bone . I have the DC Encyclopedia, both Peanuts, Firefly -- all great choices. Battle Angel Alita may look like another post-apocalyse/cyborg story-line, but it quickly transcends all of its genre-related references. And Blade of the Immortal's Hiroaki Samura is one of the best artists working in comics any where in the world. If you think all manga looks the same, you need to look at this man's work.

[Alex Scott]

Just one correction: Battle Angel Alita v. 1 has already been rereleased in the smaller, right-to-left format (as Justin Gray himself seems to be aware, judging by his summary), so its price is now about $9.95, rather than the old $16.95.

Now, if they could only rerelease 2001 Nights, I'd be happy.

[Kolimar]

Alita. I'll never forget the first time I saw her Panzerkunst after following her benefactor and him wielding that retractable mace.

[brazilgilliam]

Originally posted by MattBrady



Geoff Johns recommends:

Animal Man, Vol. 1 by Grant Morrison, Chas Truog, Tom Grummett and Doug Hazlewood (DC)

"An accessible and thoroughly disturbing story that, for me, still represents the best in super-hero comics ever."
Format: Trade Paperback, 240 pages.
List Price: $19.99.
ISBN: 1563890054

The DC Comics Encyclopedia by Bob Greenberger, Phil Jimenez, Scott Beatty & Daniel Wallace (DK Publishing)

"Spend hours Christmas morning learning about the DC Universe. This is an amazing book. The people that put it together deserve all of our praise."
Format: Hardcover, 352 pages
List Price: $40.00
ISBN: 075660592X



Mike Allred recommends...


Pee Wee's Playhouse, Vol. 1 DVD Box Set

"Now I hear there's going to be a big fancy version of this set next year, but if you don't want to wait I'd recommend this just for the crazy-cool set designs by comix artist Gary Panter, and more it's great family fun plus Lawrence"The Matrix" Fishburne appears regularly as Cowboy Curtis-Nuff said!"
Format: DVD Box Set
List Price: $129.90

Animal Man quicks ass; it is indeed some of the best superhero comics (next to Grant's Doom Patrol) that have graced the DC Universe. I was a bit skeptical at first about the DC Encyclopedia but I love Geoff Johns and decided to give it a once over out of respect for his quality writing. I was not dissapointed at all (except for the fact that they didn't have Red Jack in it; damn).


Oh, and Pee Wee's Playhouse is freakin' sweet. I loved watching this show when it was still on the air and I have a feeling that I need to watch this show again....many times.

[Poolboy]

Dustin Nguyen recommends...

Firefly: The Complete Series DVD Box Set

"A great show that was canceled too early, but the dvd set gives you 4 unaired episodes. Joss Whedon kicks major ass with this. Plus, it'll prepare you for the Serenity movie in 2005. Get your browncoats on. "

HOLY CRAP THIS GUY IS SO DAMN RIGHT!

FIREFLY WAS AN EXCELLENT SHOW WITH A GREAT CAST AND PHENOMENAL WRITERS. I'M A HUGE FAN OF JOSS WHEDON'S AND VERY MUCH LOOK FORWARD TO SERENITY NEXT SEPTEMBER.

I SWEAR THIS SHOW SHOULD STILL BE ON THE AIR ENJOYING A LONG RUN JUST LIKE ANGEL AND BUFFY (BOTH KICK-ASS SHOWS THEMSELVES).

[David Bird]

Originally posted by Poolboy
FIREFLY WAS AN EXCELLENT SHOW...

I agree. I'm a big Whedon fan. My only advice in watching this great series is skip the theme song and don't listen to the version of it sung by Whedon himself. Do watch Adam Baldwin sing "The Man They Call Jane"! Its great!

[The Creeper]

I own issue's 6-69 of Ultimate Spider-Man and I still want the hardcover collection!

[Poolboy]

Originally posted by David Bird
I agree. I'm a big Whedon fan. My only advice in watching this great series is skip the theme song and don't listen to the version of it sung by Whedon himself.

Hey come on now the Theme I thought was great it had a nice country twang that made sense for the show and the lyrics had a deeper meaning than you think. . . .

But yeah, I love Whedon's work, but his vocals make head hurt fiercely.

[gcoleman99]

Originally posted by David Bird
I agree. I'm a big Whedon fan. My only advice in watching this great series is skip the theme song and don't listen to the version of it sung by Whedon himself. Do watch Adam Baldwin sing "The Man They Call Jane"! Its great!

So does that mean Whedon sings aboot as well as he dances (a very obscure Angel reference)?

GC

[David Bird]

Originally posted by gcoleman99
So does that mean Whedon sings aboot as well as he dances (a very obscure Angel reference)?

GC

No, the dancing was funny. This is a little (is-all-the-praise-going-to-his-head) scary.