Playing catch-up

I got a big fat marsimport.com order in last week which included a lot of older titles, including:

Bipolar #1-5: (Alternative Press, Tomer and Asaf Hanuka)
I know this series has been out a while and I am totally behind on my review here. But I was inclined to mention this series on the merit of the story of the man who killed himself (Pizzeria Kamikaze) and lives his existence in some type of Purgatory where everyone else there has "offed" themselves as well. I found this story to be original and well-written with some pretty pathetic characters. The art is haunting and beautiful and unique.

Urban Hipster #1, 2: (Alternative Press, David Lasky and Greg Stump)
This was an easy, unemotional read. Both issues were mildly amusing, but nothing I would fawn over. The title pretty much gives away the premise of self-involved hipster types living the urban fantasy in Seattle. I don't really care for hipsters (perhaps due to envy) so reading about their hum-drum existence didn't make this a super enthusiastic read. The one highlight was "Babette's Feast" but other than that, there wasn't much else to get me excited.

A Fine Mess #1: (Alternative Press, Matt Madden)
I admit I was drawn to this book because Mr. Madden is the husband of Jessica Abel (Artbabe), one of my favorite artists. And also because I accidentally purchased A Fine Mess #2 a while ago (accidentally because I hate buying books in the middle of a series). I was pretty disappointed because the stories in #1 weren't as interesting to read as #2. Perhaps it was because the stuff in #1 was older, dating back to 1998. But it was hard for me to keep interest in it, whereas with #2 I tore through it. The "Exersizes in Style" were the highlights in both books for me.

Any Easy Intimacy: (Top Shelf, Jeffrey Brown)
I feel apprehensive about writing this, because what praises haven't already been sung in Mr. Brown's honor? Either way, add another voice to the choir. While his art can be described as elementary, there is a really endearing, honest quality about it. And I may be falling into the cliche that every girl loves a love story, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found myself and people I know in his flawed characters, which was refreshing and amusing. I finished his book feeling like he needed a hug. And maybe a flower. Either way, I definitely plan on adding more of his works to my lil library.