Philip R. Simon

Collecting the first four issues of the infamous pre-code crime comic, this full color hardcover collection of lurid tales features work by some the era's finest artists including [a:Charles Biro|4667209|Charles Biro|http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nophoto/nophoto-U-50x66.jpg], Woody Hamilton, Harry Lucey, Carl Hubbell, Bob Montana, George Tuska, Dick Wood, [a:Dick Briefer|951054|Dick Briefer|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1300075825p2/951054.jpg], Frank Giacoia, Bob Wood, and Dan Barry. show more Most importantly, the volume contains Biro's grotesque covers that even today would be considered disturbing. One such illustration features a man forcing a woman's head onto a lit stove, igniting her hair. For the most part, the unflinching true crime stories themselves read well and are magnificently illustrated. The book's main flaw lies not with the original Crime Does Not Pay comics but rather the Dark Horse presentation. Beyond the brief [a:Matt Fraction|61382|Matt Fraction|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1252292636p2/61382.jpg] foreword, the archive offers little in the way of background material. The back cover and Fraction allude to the series being "partially responsible for the creation of the stifling Comics Code Authority," but not the hows and whys. No backgrounds or biographies of any of the creators are included. Nor the origin of the title or concept. Also, the series started with issue #22. Why? What title preceded it? (For the completist out there, it bore the title Silver Streak Comics for the first 21 issues.) Establishing historical context elevates any collection of older works and in a $50 volume, these facts often justify the price. show less

This was a pretty cute story, and a nice contrast between Ty Lee with her assload of sisters, and Toph being an only child. Nice bit of fluff, appropriate for Free Comic Book Day.

[close] This series is TOO addictive---I read this 3rd volume in 2 sittings. This one collects issues no. 25-36 of THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN, originally published as a monthly magazine (these issues from 1977-78).

Among the highlights are the incredible artwork of John Buscema and Alfredo Alcala; the best story is easily the epic 2-issue FRIENDS OF THE FLAME KNIFE / NIGHT OF THE GHOULS, a killer blend of fantasy and horror as everyone's favorite barbarian battles the usual Hyborian-Aged show more thugs---along with some zombie-like creatures.

On to Volume 4...(!) show less

I enjoyed these 3 comics.

The Avatar story is short and well written. A day at the circus is always fun! They team the physical motions of martial arts and Rumble, Whud and Wacks, as they take on the fire bender. Yes, it is good they became acrobats when taking on the 'big one'. This has a very good and uniting message!

I really wasn't expecting to like the Plants vs. Zombies comic at all. But, the fact is that the zombies are afraid of scary movies and that is probably why they want to show more scare humans. The bucket hat and time out corner sign were funny and the images were more quirky than scary - to this adult.

A young costumed (ink -washed) Bandette acquires d'art while skipping and twirling herself across the rooftops of Paris. I like Bandette! She has a taste for candy bars, loves a challenge and is pretty comfortable on the back of a scooter. It's a fun read, especially, with the french accent. show less