Ok, let’s roll it again! Here’s part three of With Further Ado’s Holiday Gift Guide. I think you might like some of these!
Kraken
by Shannon Eric Denton (writer) and David Hartman (illustrator)
The pitch for this one is very straightforward. It’s a little bit Indiana Jones, and little bit of Lovecraft, and even a little bit of Pussy Galore’s Flying Circus. It’s a brisk adventure that hurtles along at top speed, dragging the reader right into a web of urgency. Shannon Eric Denton’s been at this long enough that he knows how to craft a story and how to create memorable characters quickly and efficiently.
Hartman’s art is cartoony and loose. I think this story might have worked better with a more realistic artist. But I do think Hartman’s art is probably spot on for younger readers. And by “younger” I mean the under forty-five years old set.
You can’t help but say “phew” out loud after this adventure ends, but I think most readers (myself included) will be hoping to reach more adventures of Captain Kraken (and all the fascinating supporting characters) soon!
Kraken
by: Shannon Eric Denton (writer) and David Hartman (illustrator)
Publisher: Titan Books
Softcover/TPB: 112 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1787745360
The Atlas Comics Library No. 7: Girl Comics
(The Fantagraphics Atlas Comics Library)
edited by: Dr. Michael Vassallo
The other night, I was watching a band, and the lead guitarist was my old comic book dealer, Kim Draheim. I ended up talking to another one of his old customers, Mark Fenessy. As usual, we started talking about comics. We both laughed at how much we are enjoying the new DC Wonder Woman series, especially given that in the old days, we wouldn’t be caught dead reading a “girl comic”.
Imagine how surprised my nine year-old self would be if I could tell him how much I LOVE Fantagraphics’ new GIRL Comics. This one is a big volume, number #7 in the wonderful Atlas Comics Library series.
Michael Vassallo has done it again. In this oversized volume, he collects GIRL Comics #1 – 12, published by Atlas (which would soon morph into Marvel Comics) in the 1950s. Some of your favorite creators contributed to this collection, including Russ Heath, John Buscema, Joe Maneely, Bill Everett and more.
As usual, Vassallo’s comics history, in the introduction, is one of the most fascinating parts. He’s and expert at putting it all into a historical context and drawing well-informed conclusions based on this extensive research and deep knowledge of this era. I was especially interested in the background detailing publisher Martin Goodman’s early alliances with Louis Silberkleit (who would soon after co-found Archie Comics).
The Atlas Comics Library No. 7: Girl Comics
edited by: Dr. Michael Vassallo
Publisher: Fantagraphics
Hard Cover: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8875001079
Hitchcocktails: Lethal Libations Inspired by the Master of Suspense
by: Professor Laurence Maslon
Longtime readers may remember how much I enjoyed Professor Maslon’s book: I’ll Drink to That back in 2023. It’s beautiful on the coffee table and superb as an instruction book to help one toast to Broadway. I gushed about it here.
Earlier this year, Prof. Maslon released his newest, Hitchcocktails. This one combines his passion for Alfred Hitchcock’s films with clever cocktails. It’s elegant, refined and sophisticated. But sprinkled throughout, like citrus dust on a tangy gimlet, is that gentle snark and whimsy that Maslon brings to all this projects (including his brilliant Broadway 2 Mainstreet weekly podcast.)
What a great gift for the film lover in your life. And, of course, creating one of the cocktails for a rerun of a favorite Hitchcock thriller is a great way to re-experience a classic.
Hitchcocktails: Lethal Libations Inspired by the Master of Suspense
by: Professor Laurence Maslon
Publisher: Weldon Owen
Hard Cover: 144 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8886742190
Retro Parks & Pinups Deluxe 2026 Wall Calendar
by: Asgard Press
For years, I was a steady customer of Asgard Press’ DC Comics calendars. They had a nice retro/vintage feel, and I found the space to write on each day to be perfect; not too big/not too small.
Eventually, they lost the license (believe me, I feel the pain), but because the format was so perfect, I’ve moved onto the publisher’s other calendars. And there’s so much to choose from. Beyond old comics, they also offer calendars celebrating mystery pulps, Sci Fi Pulps, Film Noir Movies and more.
Last year and this year I’ve enjoyed an especially funky on. Their Retro Parks & Pinups calendars collage old pinup girl paintings and illustrations with classic travel posters. It’s weird, but wonderful.
And you know what? This outfit really understands customer service. When you order directly from Asgard, they stuff your order with all sorts of goodies – stickers, wrapping paper, bookmarks etc. It’s a real treat to open up their packages.
By the way – I think they win the prize for best return address!
2026 Retro Parks & Pinups Deluxe Wall Calendar
Publisher: Asgard Press
Calendar: 16 Months
ISBN-13: 979-8886742190
Walt Disney’s Donald Duck: “The Lonely Lighthouse on Cape Quack”
The Complete Carl Barks Disney Library Vol. 29
It’s nice to collect books with lots of volumes and proudly display them on your shelf. On the other hand, it’s also nice to have just one volume of a long-running book series and not feel obligated to buy every other book in the series.
That’s part of the charm of this latest Fantagraphics Carl Barks Donald Duck book. Believe it or not, it’s volume 29 in the series, but they don’t beat you over the head about it. This lovely book, showcasing (mostly) Carl Barks artwork (he was known as the “Good Duck Artist”).
Back before we all knew the names of comics artists, everyone knew that one guy was better on the Donald Duck strip than everyone else: Carl Barks. This volume provided ample examples of his talent. And the upfront text piece and bios might be the best part of it all. I learned a lot reading about Carl Bark’s life in this volume. Learning about his heroic struggles was such a lovely counterbalance to natural buoyancy of Donald Duck adventures.
Great fun and good for the very young. And the very old. I have no idea if this one is appropriate for those in-between ages. It SHOULD be, though.
Walt Disney’s Donald Duck: “The Lonely Lighthouse on Cape Quack”
The Complete Carl Barks Disney Library Vol. 29
mostly by: Carl Barks
Publisher: Fantagraphics
HC: 220 pages
ISBN-13: 979- 8875001505
Next week : It’s Part #4, as we continue with another invigorating installment of the With Further Ado Gift Guide!
