Just in time for the 100th anniversary of George Herriman’s world-famous Krazy Kat comic strip, Sunday Press Books is re-releasing Krazy Kat: A Celebration of Sundays in hardcover. “A Centennial Celebration! Finally, Krazy Kat as it was meant to be seen. From the publishers of the celebrated and much-awarded Little Nemo in Slumberland: So Many Splendid Sundays! deluxe oversized reprint edition, come 135 full-size Sunday pages from 1916-1944 — plus dozens more early comics from George Herriman. It’s the eternal triangle of the comics — Kat, Mouse, and Pupp, along with the catalytic brick. Here are their glorious, poignant, and hilarious stories from the genius of George Herriman, reprinted for the first time in their original size and colors. Included in the 14 x 17-inch collection is a sampling of all Herriman’s creations for the Sunday newspaper comics from 1901-1906: Professor Otto, The Two Jackies, Major Ozone, and more, many of which have never been reprinted before. Now, 100 years after Ignatz tossed his first brick, step back in time to delight in the timeless tales of America’s great comic strip artist and his greatest creation, Krazy Kat.” Check it out on Amazon.
Books and Trade Paperbacks
Michael. Elephant. Detective.
There’s no way we could describe the new graphic novel District 14 any better than the publisher, Humanoids Inc., did in Previews magalog: “Follow Michael the elephant as he arrives to the city known as District 14, a labyrinthine metropolis where humans, animals and aliens all co-exist. A unique anthropomorphic mystery with an intricate plot and a fantastic cast of characters, this incredible French series is finally making its way across the Atlantic.” It’s written by Pierre Gabus and illustrated in black & white by Romuald Reutimann, and it’s coming out in hardcover this January.
Red Riding Hood: Werewolf
Been running around to some local conventions the past few days, hunting up cool new furry news to pass along to you folks. Found it, so here it is!
Rise of the Alpha Huntress is the first book in the new Red Riding series by Neo Edmund. He published this new fantasy novel himself, and this is his description: “In this action-packed twist on the beloved Grimm Fairytale, Red Riding will not only face dangerous wolves; she will have to face the wolf within herself. Gifted with the power to transform into a werewolf, she will rise to become a legendary warrior known as the Alpha Huntress. Accompanied by bad-boy heartthrob Wolfgang Helheim, Red will lead a tribe of loyal followers armed with mystical powers of their own against a vile lunar deity, who plans to thrust Wayward Woods into eternal night.” Mr. Edmund has previously written materials for Zenescope, Silver Dragon Books, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Spike TV, and more. Rise of the Alpha Huntress is available now at Amazon, in both paper and Kindle editions.
Animal Companions from Small to Scary
If you play the FRP game Pathfinder, don’t go it alone: Bring along one of many new animal companions to help you out. “It’s time to level up every adventurer’s best friend with Pathfinder Player Companion: Animal Archive. This player-focused guide to animal allies, steadfast steeds, and fearless familiars unleashes a host of options for everyone’s favorite companion creatures. Take your pick of new options for heroes, including new opportunities to give any class access to animal allies, new tricks to teach all manner of beasts, and a host of savage new archetypes, spells, equipment, and magical items. Or take your pick from any of a variety of new creature compatriots, whether it be one of Golarion’s numerous native animals, a choice from the comprehensive list of animal familiars, or one of an assortment of new creatures specifically designed as adventuring companions. An assortment of feats and archetypes for animals also gives your ally the edge over every other bestial bumpkin in the wider wilds. Don’t let druids and rangers be the only ones with an advantage, adopt your perfect furred or feathered, tailed or scaled ally with Pathfinder Player Companion: Animal Archive.” Look for this new illustrated trade paperback in January, or pre-order it at Amazon.
One Sneezy Little Panda
Famed “dark fantasy” author Neil Gaiman has taken a different tack with his latest book, Chu’s Day. It’s a picture book for young children, illustrated by Adam Rex (Chloe and the Lion). Chu is a little panda boy who has trouble with sneezing. So why do his parents keep taking him to places like a dusty library, or a restaurant where they cover everything with pepper? Will Chu make it through his day? Find out. The book comes out in hardcover this January from Harper Collins. Pre-order it at Amazon.
Fish Boy to the Rescue
This December Oni Press will present a new hardcover graphic novel, Mermin, Volume 1: Out of Water. This full-color all-ages comic was written and illustrated by Joey Weiser. “Mermin, the Merman from Mer!? That’s the question Pete and his friends ask after finding the fish-boy washed up on the beach! Mermin just escaped the undersea kingdome of Mer, and is ready to have some fun on dry land! But why would this aquatic kid be afraid to swim? Perhaps it has something to do with the fishy pursuers who have followed him from the depths below!” Joey discusses some of the creation process behind this new comic on his blog at Tragic Planet.
Back with More Art Instruction!
Lindsay Cibos and Jared Hodges are the creators of the Ursa Major Award-winning how-to book, Draw Furries. Fresh off that success, they now return with Draw More Furries: How to Create Anthropomorphic Fantasy Creatures, coming this Thanksgiving in paperback from Impact. “The authors of Draw Furries bring you more of the best step-by-step lessons for creating anthropomorphic characters. You’ll learn everything from furry anatomy, facial expressions and poses to costumes, coloring and settings! You’ll also learn how to create characters that convey the various personalities and spirits of the animals they resemble. Draw More Furries is packed with 20 new furries, ‘scalies’, and mythological creatures with lessons covering everything from drawing mouths and muzzles to paws, feathers and fur. The anthropomorphic creatures you can create with these easy-to-learn lessons are limitless!” Pre-order it at Barnes & Noble.
Cages Will Not Hold Them
James Patterson is a world-famous thriller and mystery novelist, well-known for such best-selling book lines as the Alex Cross Series (including Kiss the Girls and Along Came A Spider, both of which have been adapted into movies). Now his latest work, Zoo, has been adapted before it even comes out… this time, as a graphic novel! Written by Mr. Patterson and Michael Ledwidge, Zoo has been adapted and illustrated by Andy McDonald. The hardcover black & white book will be released by Yen Press in November. So what’s it about, and why are we telling you here? Check it: “All over the world, brutal attacks are crippling entire cities. Jackson Oz, a young biologist, watches the escalating events with an increasing sense of dread. When he witnesses a coordinated lion ambush in Africa, the enormity of the violence to come becomes terrifyingly clear. With the help of ecologist Chloe Tousignant, Oz races to warn world leaders before it’s too late. The attacks are growing in ferocity, cunning, and planning, and soon there will be no place left for humans to hide. ”
Monkeys… in… Space!
And speaking of animal “companions”, try this far-out adventure for size: “From the outer reaches of space, the Space Hustlers kidnap, blow-up, extort, or just give well-deserved noogies to those who stand in their way! Joined by a Confucius alien kung-fu monkey and a semi-conscious robot, street knowledge clashes with ancient philosophy as the Space Hustlers accomplish any mision, just so long as they don’t kill each other first!” Steve Owen, writer and illustrator, presents the Space Hustlers graphic novel in trade paperback. It’s coming this November in black & white from Hey Drude Productions. Check it out at Westfield Comics too.








