Comic Book Club MAR’14: I Kill Giants

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Ben, Lucas, and Dan are back with another edition of the The All-New, All-Different Near Mint Comic Book Club – where each month we take an in-depth look at one comic selection. This month the spotlight is on:

I Kill Giants (Image, 2008)
by Joe Kelly  and J. M. Ken Niimura (a)

I Kill Giants is a 6 issue slice-of-life series that follows Barbara Thorson, a quirky fifth grader, who creates an elaborate fantasy world as an escape from the very real troubles in her life.  Kelly and Niimura collaborate seamlessly to blur the lines between what is real and what is imagined. The result is a story that’s both heartbreaking and uplifting. Listen as we peel back the layers of this seemingly simple story to reveal something truly giant.

Music in this episode by: Assembly of Dust, They Might Be Giants

Comic Book Club is dedicated to: The Bill Mantlo Support Fund
This month, we depart for our usual Hero Initiative plug to call attention to a specific creator in need. Writer Bill Mantlo gave us some amazing creations during his all-too-brief career, including  ROM, Micronauts and most-notably Rocket Racoon – who will make his film debut in this summer’s Guardians of the Galaxy. In 1992, Bill was struck by a hit-and-run driver and left incapacitated. Members of the comics community are answering the call and we hope you’ll join us in rallying support for Bill’s ongoing care.
Donate to the Bill Mantlo Support Fund at: http://bit.ly/1fCitYF

Comic Book Club FEB’14: Invincible

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Coming to you a little late but made with love, it’s the February 2014 edition of The All-New, All-Different Near Mint Comic Book Club! Ben, Dan, and Lucas are back in da club with this month’s selection:

Invincible (Image) Ultimate Collection Vol. 1. by Robert Kirkman (w), Cory Walker & Ryan Ottley (a) and Bill Crabtree (c).

In 2003, a young whippersnapper by the name of Robert Kirkman started writing two independent titles at Image Comics. One, a black & white zombie epic that would give life to one of the most commercially successful shows in the history of cable television. The other, a modern take on capes & tights that, in light of the recent reboots, is now one of the longest-running superhero titles in comics – and quite possibly the best.

Listen as we return to the beginning of what has become a great operatic series. See the creative spark as some of comics’ best creators embark upon their landmark work. Discover (or re-discover) a story that builds and matures right along with its young protagonist. If you love superhero comics, this is a book you need to be reading.

Music in this episode by: OK Go, Ween

Comic Book Club is dedicated to:
The Hero Initiative
Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. 
Donate to the Hero Initiative at: razoo.com/nearmint