- Hidden Gems
Holy cow, we did it, true believers! Arthur’s Two-in-One gets another outing, and as everyone knows, the sequels are always better than the originals! As some of you might remember, I last talked about some things I’ve learned while working at the best chain o’ comic stores this side of Yancy Street, like how to appreciate all comics, no matter who published them. Another thing I’ve learned while working at Graham Crackers is that there are a lot of comics out there. A lot. You’ve got your Batman and Spider-Man books, but you’ve also got your Flaming Carrot comics. With all those comics out there, you’re bound to miss out on some good books. Now, before you start panicking, calm down, because good ol’ Arthur has plenty of hidden gem recommendations of all kinds from all different publishers, just for you, loyal reader. Now, without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
The Pedestrian (Magma Comix)
Hot off an Eisner nomination for Best New Series, The Pedestrian is an example of the perfect modern indie book. Its story is wholly unique, easily accessible, and has some of the best characterization in a modern book. The Pedestrian tells the story of a vigilante named, well, The Pedestrian, who fights crime and helps the citizens of Summer City, all while fervently following traffic laws. Need help parallel parking? He’s your man! Need help stopping a mugging? He’s also your man, as long as the mugger doesn’t cross the road when the walk sign is off (This appears to be The Pedestrian’s only weakness; it prevents him from chasing the criminal). In the book, the Pedestrian is entirely silent. He never speaks, we don’t even see a single thought bubble (a shame, I know). Instead, what makes this book even more unique is we get to see and feel the actions of the Pedestrian through the lives of the people he helps, infusing this series with healthy doses of humor, happiness, and heartache. The Pedestrian is an un-mistakenly human book, and that’s what makes it so super. If you like the Pedestrian, make sure to pick up the first TPB from your local Graham Cracker’s store, and keep an eye out for the second part of the series coming out sometime later this year (or early next year).
The Superior Foes of Spider-Man (Marvel Comics)
For the few of you who know me outside of this article, you know I had to talk about this series eventually (for the rest of you, you’re about to learn). The Superior Foes of Spider-Man is arguably the best comic series to ever grace the shelves and back issue boxes of comic stores across the world. Uber-talented writer Nick Spencer’s unique style of humor is greatly boosted by artist Steve Lieber’s magnificent penciling, with their expertise in their respective roles creating the comic equivalent of the Mona Lisa; an absolute piece of art. What made this series so darned good was the down-to-earth view of some of Spider-Man’s lesser-known enemies. It made me relate to and get to know these ne’er do wells on a level rarely even seen with big name superheroes, without these nasty villains losing their, well, villainy.
What I mean by this is that the Superior Foes weren’t changed so that they have more redeemable qualities. They retained their malfeasance, yet we were somehow still able to enjoy reading about these characters, probably more so than if they were changed to be secretly good guys at heart (at the very least, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had with the Shocker and Boomerang, so there’s that). I found all 17 issues of this sleeper hit to be absolutely spectacular, with the series increasing in entertainment with every installment. This series could run for dozens, if not hundreds of more issues and would still be enjoyable, not to say that this series to continue; it wrapped up its story perfectly, and left just enough for us readers to want more, without feeling unsatisfied by any cliffhangers that remained. Long story short: If you haven’t read this series yet, please, please, please pick it up. It is by far my favorite comic series ever to exist, and I’ll bet it’ll be yours too. Check the Marvel back issues, folks, I guarantee we’ll have at least a couple issues for you, and with the big GCC summer sale this weekend, there isn’t a better time to take a chance on this series.
More?!?
Unfortunately, folks, I’m running out of space for this segment, so I can’t get into incredibly detailed descriptions of a ton of series, but that doesn’t mean I can’t rapidly name some titles at ya. Some other Hidden Gems I’d recommend are Peacemaker Tries Hard (Hey, just in time for the new season of the show, would you look at that), Top 10 (written by none other than Alan Moore), the previously mentioned Flaming Carrot Comics, The Goon by Eric Powell, and the currently running We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us (a mouthful, I know, but a masterpiece of a comic). I wish I could name more, but it looks like we’re on to the “Two” part of Two-in-One
- Why I Became a Club Member and Why You Should Too
Do you ever walk into your local comic shop, looking for some cool new mag you heard about through your friends or in a TikTok slideshow, only to see that it’s sold out? Do you ever leave said local comic shop after finding said book was sold out, with your head hanging low and your spirits down? Well, my friends, you’re not alone. I, too, was once like this. Before I worked at the Madison branch of Graham Crackers, I missed the original It’s Jeff one-shot (which has thankfully since been reprinted), and that was the last straw for me. How could I live when I didn’t have my required dosage of cute landshark shenanigans?!
Instead of leaving the store dejected, I went up to the manager, and I asked him if I could set up a club subscription Within five minutes, I was completely set up, the list of titles I wanted to pull monthly all in a handy dandy club system, and that missing Jeff comic was special ordered for me, so that I could pick it up at my store without having to spend any pesky delivery fees (hey, that reminds me, if you want a specific book that you don’t see in your local Graham Crackers, let an employee know it’s a super easy process to special order a copy and with 12 stores and a warehouse chances are we have the exact book you’re looking for).
Since I set up my subscription, I haven’t missed any of the books I want, and I don’t have to go scrounging around the shelves for them, either. Every Wednesday we have all of the pull boxes refreshed and waiting so you can pick up all of your new books without having to worry that Absolute Batman (or whatever may float your boat) isn’t on the shelves. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for the club, it’s free!
This is what you’re missing when you don’t sign up for the club. Don’t make Jeff sad. Or me sad, for that matter.