THE CAT'S MEOW: Special Free Comic Book Day 2007 Edition  

Before I get into the reviews, I would like to take a moment to give a shout out to the guys at Heroes & Dragons in Columbia, SC, which is where I shop. I think that being able to go to a well-run comic shop is as much a part of the whole comic experience as the story and art are.  The guys at H&D are just AWESOME.  They're friendly, great to talk to about comics and other
subjects and, best of all, they really pay attention to what I like.  I have a pull list there, and they keep up with it.  If an issue comes out that is along the lines of what I already get, they will automatically save a copy for me.  For example, when THE LONERS #1 came out a few weeks ago, I didn't know at first that it was a RUNAWAYS spinoff...but they did.  Since I have RUNAWAYS on my list, they reserved a copy for me.  And when MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #1 came out, they reserved it because I had Mike Allred's THE ATOMICS on my list...and that title hadn't seen print in quite some time!

So thank you, staff of Heroes & Dragons.  Without your help, I'd have no
books to review each week.

http://www.heroesanddragons .com/

Okay, enough sentimental stuff.  Let's get down to business...

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: “Swing Shift” (All Ages)

Dan Slott (w); Phil Jiminez (p); Andy Lanning & John Dell (i); Jeromy Cox (c); Chris Eliopoulos & Cory Petit (l); cover by Jimenez

Publisher: Marvel

In this issue: All-New Story & Art by an All-Star Creative Team! Fan-favorite writer Dan ( Civil War: The Initiative ; She-Hulk ) Slott and Superstar Artist Phil ( New X-Men , Infinite Crisis ) Jimenez bring you a brand new tale of danger and intrigue starring your favorite web-slinger... a tale that may just come back to haunt Spidey in the coming months!

Review: Poor Peter. All he wants to do is take a lemon cake to Aunt May so that they can celebrate her birthday. Surely New York City can do without Spidey for a little while, right? Wrong! Some new guy named Overdrive is speeding through town in a tricked-out car…which is filled with Spidey bobble-heads and other memorabilia! Can Spidey and the police stop him in time? Will Peter make it to Aunt May's on time? And most importantly…how will the lemon cake survive? Everything you want in a Spidey story is here: crazy action, Spidey's witty remarks and fantastic art, including a double-page splash of the webslinger in action that is truly, well, AMAZING. There's also a backup story, “One More Day.” Writer J. Michael Straczynski, penciller Joe Quesada, inker Danny Miki and colorist Richard Isanove pick up where the monthly ASM book left off, which finds Peter battling Iron Man. Wait until you see the final page! This story will continue in ASM #544, on sale in August.

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AMELIA RULES!: “Hangin' Out!” (All Ages)

Written & illustrated by Jimmy Gownley

Publisher: Renaissance Press

In this issue: Hot on the heels of its successful graphic novel launch, Amelia Rules! returns for Free Comic Book Day! Amelia Rules!: Hangin' Out contains a brand-new story featuring all the trademark Amelia wit and wistfulness. This Multiple Eisner-nominee is the perfect title to introduce kids of all ages to comic books. Also featured in his issue is a full-color preview of Renaissance Press's upcoming title Apathy Kat ."

Review: I have never read AMELIA RULES before. Honestly, I don't know why. I shall take steps to rectify the situation, because if this issue is any indication, I have been missing out on some great stories. Reggie goes to Amelia's house one rainy day to hang out, only to find that Rhonda, Kyle and Pajamaman show up as well! While Amelia helps Rhonda with a project, Reggie and Kyle engage in spirited conversation that ranges from the definition of “hanging out” (a beautifully set-up gag) to global warming. Watching Reggie “explain” global warming to Kyle is a hoot!! The Apathy Kat preview by Harold Buchholz (w/p/i) and Todd Webb (c) finds Samson, Java and Ap rejoicing over the fact that the schools have been closed because of the snow…until their teacher decides that class will be in session anyway! Ap and friends are gonna teach HIM a thing or two! Both stories are manic and absolutely delightful.

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APE ENTERTAINMENT'S COMIC SPECTACULAR!

Written & illustrated by various artists

Publisher: Ape Entertainment

In this issue: Ape Entertainment proudly presents six new, all-original short stories featuring fan favorites Athena Voltaire , Go-Go Gorilla & the Jungle Crew , and Teddy Scares , as well as the first appearances of Bizarre New World , The Goblin Chronicles , and White Picket Fences . Industry talents include: Tone Rodriquez, Micah Farritor, Steve Bryant, David Hedgecock and many more in this spectacular “Free Comic Book Day” event!

Review: Please note that some of these stories are suitable for children, while others are for teens/young adults. In “Mask of the Naga (Teen/Young Adult),” Athena Voltaire helps a professor fly to India to find an artifact, only to learn that the Nazis want it as well! It's an “Indiana Jones”-style adventure with a female lead. In “White Picket Fences: Monster in the Classroom (All Ages),” the kids in the science club find out that Mr. Arnold is really a monster! The artwork by Micah Parritor is gorgeous. “The Goblin Chronicles: The Goblin Gadgeteer (All Ages)” is about a young goblin who is an embarrassment to his dad because of his small size, despite the fact that he is very smart. His father agrees to let him help carry a "cripple's gear" to another town…and the adventure begins. “Teddy Scares: Cherished Memories (All Ages)” is a delightfully macabre tale (with beautiful artwork) of zombie teddy bears. Two of them want to destroy an old tricycle, but the other one has compassion for it because like them, it was once an object of affection. “Go-Go Gorilla: Free Comic Book Day! (All Ages) is my favorite of the bunch. I ask you, what better place to set a story found in a FCBD comic than in a comic shop on Free Comic Book Day! Go-Go Gorilla & the Jungle Crew are making their first in-store appearance, when the party is crashed by Bookworm and the Ultimate Collectors! Comic in-jokes and nice art from GARGOYLES artist David Hedgecock make this one a winner. Rounding out the generous package is “Bizarre New World: Blind (Teen/Young Adult),” which is really one giant set-up. You think it's a story about a down-on-his-luck guy who shows up late for his date, gets told off in a major way and leaves feeling utterly depressed…until you reach the final page and see how he gets his revenge…and what special ability he has. It's a bit gross (which is implied, not actually shown), but undeniably funny.

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THE ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #1 (Young Adult)

Robert Kirkman (w); Jason Howard (p/i/c); Rus Wooton (l)

Publisher: Image

In this issue: When Gary Hampton is mauled and left for dead — his life takes a drastic turn. Gary is cursed — when the moon is full he transforms into a beast of the night — a werewolf! But this curse will not be used for evil — witness the birth or the world's most unlikely new superhero — The Astounding Wolf-Man ! Don't miss Robert ( Invincible , The Walking Dead ) Kirkman's new series from Image Comics!

Review: I like werewolves. I'm not sure exactly how that got started…probably because I like wolves as well. So when I found out that Robert Kirkman would be writing a book about a werewolf—er, excuse me, WOLF-MAN--I had high hopes. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. You care about Gary and his family, and what this curse will mean to them. Of course, Gary 's going to have to learn to control his new power, and the best person to do that is…oh, you just have to see the final page. Kirkman has a winner of a concept, and Jason Howard's artwork is clean and has a lot of, well, bite to it. Also included are previews for Brit, Spawn: Godslayer and First Born: Conception.

Look out for: ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN does not have any language or nudity, but there is a fair amount of blood. BRIT contains some language.

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BUZZBOY/ROBOY RED: THE BUZZ & THE BOT! (All Ages)

Written & illustrated by John Gallagher & Rich Faber; colors by Thom Zahler; cover by Gallagher & Faber

Publisher: Sky-Dog Press

In this issue: Sky-Dog Press joins the 2007 FCBD celebration with two all-new, fun and fantastic tales for kids of all ages — plus comic how-to's and a create-your-own-hero contest! Buzzboy is a milkshake drinking, cheeseburger chomping, super sidekick! Roboy Red is a runaway robot with a heart of gold — a thermonuclear-powered mechanical mite! This special zero issue presents the untold origins of both Buzzboy and Roboy, and is a great way to introduce young readers to the magic of comics!

Review: In “Where Is Roboy Red?” we follow Roboy as he saves Robotropolis from Gorilla Greene and his Magno-Jet Monkeys! But is Roboy Red really real? We get Buzzboy's origin story in “Buzzboy.” Just how did Buzzboy become a cheeseburger-eating, pop-culture-loving hero? The answer is surprisingly touching. Finally, in “My Favorite Super Hero,” amidst an impressive display of classic comic covers, Gallagher tells the autobiographical and touching story of loving comics as a kid, and the real-life hero who inspired him to create his own. Tutorials and a create-a-hero contest round out this fun issue.

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MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN & HULK (All Ages)

Written & illustrated by various artists; cover by Nakayama, Martin & Strain

Publisher: Marvel

In this issue: All-New Stories! First, Tony Stark must find out who or what is behind a mysterious series of thefts at Stark International of Brazil, but is the answer more than his alter-ego, the Invincible Iron Man , can handle? And in our second feature, brilliant scientist Bruce Banner has a secret side to his personality — an alter ego that's capable of causing mass destruction — The Incredible Hulk ! Can he keep the gamma-powered monster at bay while on the run from the authorities? PLUS: We've got a story featuring Eisner-Nominated Franklin Richards! Son of a Genius!

Review: In “Iron Man: The Titanium Trap,” someone has been stealing flexi-iron from Stark International, and when Iron Man finds out who, he has to fight someone who may be as powerful as he is! Meanwhile, in “Hulk: Misunderstood,” Bruce Banner finds a girl and her mom trapped in a construction site by a giant spider-thing! Can the Hulk save them? Like the other titles in the MARVEL ADVENTURES line, these stories are good for all ages and feature nice work, particularly that of David Nakayama, the penciller for the Hulk story.

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UNSEEN PEANUTS (All Ages)

Written & illustrated by Charles M. Schulz

Publisher: Fantagraphics Books

In this issue: Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts is the most-reprinted comic strip of all time, with literally hundreds of collections published in the last 50 years. You would expect that by now every Peanuts strip has been collected more than once... and you'd be very wrong! In fact, hundreds of Peanuts strips were never reprinted. The Complete Peanuts has been rectifying this, and The Unseen Peanuts is a special collection of over 100 of these rarities. It's a great introduction of the strip to new readers, and a fascinating trove of rarities that will surprise and delight even the most diligent Peanuts — a perfect sampler for both neophyte and old hand!

Review: Given how long PEANUTS has been around, it's surprising to find that there are over 1,200 strips that have never been reprinted. This book features over 150 such strips. No one really knows for sure exactly why they were never reprinted, but Kim Thompson offers some educated guesses. Some strips feature topical references that became irrelevant in later decades; others violated some of the strictures that Schulz had set for the strip. Whatever the reasons, these strips still have the charm that only PEANUTS has, and it's a thrill to read new material.

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WALT DISNEY'S MICKEY MOUSE (All Ages)

Floyd Gottfredson & Ted Osborne (w); Gottfredson & Ted Thwaites (p/i/c); cover by Gottfredson

Publisher: Gemstone Publishing

In this issue: 2006 Eisner Award Hall of Fame honoree Floyd Gottfredson brings you the Mickey Mouse you love: a two-fisted scrapper in a jaw-dropping epic! “The Robin Hood Adventure” takes our hero to Medieval times, where he must prove himself a warrior — sword-fighting, jousting, and risking his life to rob the rich! And then there's that little matter of marriage to one of Minnie's ancestors… ods bodkins !

Review: In Bob Thomas' book “Disney's Art of Animation: From Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast,” he notes that in 1939, a Disney story man had this to say about Mickey Mouse: “He is at his best when he sets out to do a thing with deadly determination despite annoyances and menace.” Floyd Gottfredson's strips certainly brought out that quality. For those who know Mickey mainly as a corporate symbol and all-around nice guy, Gottfredson's strips are a welcome surprise and a breath of fresh air. Here, he's portrayed as experimental (he accidentally shrinks himself with magic plant tonic), and someone who's not afraid to take it to anyone who stands in his way, whether it be Little John or Mortimer Mouse. (How Mickey ends up in Sherwood Forest is not something I will spoil for you, faithful readers.) Though these strips were created in 1936, they have lost none of their charm, and they look great in this new edition.

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

5/7/07