This year, my plan was to experiment. I marked on my foldout map a dozen or so publishers that I wanted to check out to see what's out there. I got to most of them, but ran out of money and time. What's fortunate is that many publishers were selling their trades for $10. And single issues were often going for a dollar or less. It got to the point where something at cover price wasn't worth the time. So, with $200 (minus parking and food), I hit the floor!

In the coming weeks, I'll endeavor to give my thoughts on the comics I bought as well as the impressions I got from the people on the other side of the table.

Artesia volume 1 #1
Archaia Studio Press (originally published by Sirius Entertainment)
Story and art by Mark Smylie

This is one of those series I've been aware of for years, but never really knew what it was about. So, I decided to finally find out. The first trade was going for $25. A bit much for something I could very well hate. Fortunately, there was one copy left of the very first issue. Creator Mark Smylie was extremely nice and humble, and the woman at his side very enthusiastic of his work. In an almost self-effacing manner, he gently offered that if I should happen to like that first issue, I could buy more at the web-site, ArtesiaOnline.com. He handed me a handy-dandy flyer of all the Artesia-related products released to date and the reading order, as well as numerous glowing reviews. And he signed the cover. It was one of the more enjoyable booth experiences. He was very endearing.

The care and rich detail of this book had me thinking it was historical fiction at first. But this is indeed a dense fantasy epic, with elements of Greek mythology, Middle Ages social structure, and Wicca spirituality. It's a fascinating blend somehow presented in a cohesive style. This is a sharply realized world.

Artesia is her king's concubine. Through her exceptional gift with magic, she has bound to service three goddesses who come to her in the form of three black crows. Her connections to the Divine have brought her far up the ranks. She is also her king's priestess and war captain, having been trained for battle by the king's men. But there are some in the king's rank who are plotting against her success.

It was an intriguing start. There's a lot to establish, both with the world and the characters, and Mark Smylie doesn't take much time to do so, at least, not in the often dumbed-down, expositional way most set-ups are done. We dive in on a huge battle led by Artesia, and then we start to find out more about her situation. A lot of it is discovering as you go. And the dialogue is extremely faithful to the fantasy world. The characters speak almost archaically. It's very authentic but demands closer reading. Yes, this isn't a book to skim through. You'll get nothing out of it if you do.

The art is fantastic. It has a feel very reminiscent of Barry Windsor-Smith. Readers of European comics like those published by Humanoids will probably feel comfortable with his style, too. It's got a water-colored feel, but the storytelling doesn't get bogged down by it. It's quite effective and surprisingly detailed.

If you liked Lord of the Rings, but don't want a rehash, I would definitely recommend taking a look at this book. But, I don't think the first issue alone was enough for me to make a solid decision on where it's going to go, as far as quality and content. I could easily see it getting caught up in the ornate language and becoming pretentious. But I could also see it being a very compelling epic journey of this strong woman through a very complex world.

Verdict: Looks promising, but needs further testing.

Blankets
Top Shelf Productions
An illustrated novel by Craig Thompson

Blankets was one of the huge books of last year. It garnered a lot of attention and a lot of praise for its delicate yet detailed depiction of first love. And for good reason. It's a heartfelt tale that resonates on a universal level. It also explores childhood and religion equally well.

I bought this book straight from the Top Shelf booth. The person behind the table offered any other Craig Thompson book at $10 off with the purchase of Blankets. There was also a new Blankets soundtrack with the same deal. I was tempted by both offers, but for this purchase I was using money from my birthday given to me by my girlfriend's parents. Since I had turned 28, they said that I could spend $28.28 on anything I wanted. Of course, the Blankets graphic novel is $29.95, so I was already going a little over. So, I just stuck with the one book. The guy was nice but seemed a bit distracted. But then, this was right in the middle of Saturday, a frenzied day for the convention. I couldn't blame him.

The story reads pretty fast. Thompson is an excellent artist and storyteller who knows how to guide your eyes through the narrative page. Instead of needing to cover it up, he utilizes the blank white of the page to enhance the story. He's got a fluid, poetic line. He wonderfully depicts the awkwardness of the human body. His characters' body language in general remains unique and consistent. Being a lanky kid myself, I immediately identified with the way Craig drew himself in the story.

What surprised me about the book was the presence of religion. I think I knew it played a part in the story, but I didn't realize it was such an integral ingredient to the story and the characters. Being an agnostic, I'm usually turned off by this because it frequently turns into pushing a message or belief. Not so in this story. We see how religion filters and effects 'Craig' and his life growing up into a teenager, and especially his attempts at a romantic relationship. It's actually an interesting study. His beliefs in God are very personal, private, and intense. He closely studies the Bible and his faith and figures out what it means to him, and that I have to respect.

The main character of 'Craig' is interesting. He's sympathetic and humble as he internally wrestles with his powerlessness both as a child and as a teenager. But at the same time, that weakness can come off as timid, doe-eyed and naпve. His idealism and romanticism borders on sappy (a character even calls him on it at one point) and forced. But then, isn't that what it was like? Wanting the most perfect and passionate and romantic relationship we could imagine, even if we didn't know what that was like, or even if it was being natural to ourselves?

That perhaps is the novel's greatest strength. It captures the clumsy innocence and desperation of young love so perfectly without ever really judging it. We're just watching it unfold. And since we've been there before, we know what's going to happen. But the depiction is so enchanting and earnest, we keep reading anyway.

Verdict: Definitely worth checking out

An Accidental Death
Fantagraphics Books
Story by Ed Brubaker
Art by Eric Shanower

After thoroughly enjoying the first Age of Bronze trade paperback a couple months back, I wanted to track down the creative talent behind the epic retelling of the Trojan War. Eric Shanower's booth was easy to find. The man himself was dressed in a classy white suit and was very pleasant. I noticed this book on his table and decided to buy it and a Behind-the-Scenes issue of Age of Bronze.

The book was originally published in 1993 and was nominated for an Eisner Award shortly after. Unfortunately, I was still wrapped up in Marvel super-hero books at the time and was completely unaware of anything else, so I missed it the first time around. I'm glad I was able to catch up.

The art in this 32-page one-shot is stunning - detailed, expressive and textured. The precision used by Shanower is incredibly accurate. And for good reason, Shanower lived in the story's location during the story's timeframe.

The story is about two army brats in a Navy base on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba around 1978. Charlie's best friend is involved in a fatal accident with a girl he has a crush on. A cover-up is attempted, but it soon begins to unravel. The emotional punch within this unique social setting of this locale provides some memorable moments. It's like being on the inside of one of those disturbing upper-middle-class crimes you read about in the paper where you wonder, "What kind of kid would do that? What were they thinking?" Here, you find out.

Verdict: Solid read, hunt down a copy