It's the middle of the week!
Time for your trusty overview of books on FOC today, and oh my stars... what a WONDERful list it is this week.
And let me tell you, these books will gladly be judged by their covers, especially those you won't be finding anywhere else but here. Well, here and on your own shelf soon, perhaps...
Let's kick things off with a gilded tome that's bound to put a spell on you!
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Biggest Manga release of the year?
Witches don't fart, they cast smells!
In the world of this hit Kodansha manga (and since recently, anime!) series, the art of magic lies in art itself, a craft that young girl Coco finds herself drawn to as strongly as I am drawn in by Kamome Shirahama’s enchanting pencilwork.
A magical book in more ways than one, this second deluxe edition collection may bewitch you too with its Ghibli-esque charm and excellent world-building.
The first edition collection sold out quicker than Coco traced her first spell, so be sure to score this volume today, while keeping your eye (like Qifrey) on the incoming restock!
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Greg Rucka returns to Wonder Woman
We’ve had one best-Wonder Woman-run-ever penned by Greg Rucka, yes. What about a second one?
After the masterstroke that was the Ambassador of Themyscira era, most authors wouldn’t dare return to take the lead on the same character again 10 years later.
How could one dream to live up to expectations that high? But then you haven’t met Greg Rucka, who DID capture lightning again in a second bottle, leaving Diana fans to have to debate ad infinitum which one of them sets the bar the highest.
(Lasso of Truth me, it’s this one. Because of Bilquis Evely’s art, man. Come on.)
Wondering what all the hubbub is about? Rucka’s second run may be an even better starting point than his first, because it includes the “Year One” retelling of the character’s origins. It is a wondrous tale that will get you fully up to speed.
AND! We proudly present: a Walt’s Comic Shop exclusive cover! With a bonus art plate signed by Bilquis Evely herself! We’re not worthy… but you could be, if you order today.
BTW! Rucka’s first run is also (thankfully 🙏) still available!
And, ehm, Greg, if you're reading this? Good things come in threes, right…?
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Tentacles? You do you, dude.
Alexa, I said… turn on the CEILING LIGHTS!
Tentacles on a manga cover usually put it in a distinct corner, the corner classically found in curtained-off sections of book stores... But the horrors of this book can’t be contained by feeble fabrics. These tentacles answer the call of Cthulhu!
H.P. Lovecraft’s The Dunwich Horror by Gou Tanabe is a retelling of the necronom-iconic story first published in 1929 as part of the famed Cthulhu Mythos. Nearly 100 years later, it still enthralls the bravest of readers, in no small part thanks to the staggeringly haunting art that gives this adaptation its raison d'être.
The deluxe edition collects the entire story in one volume, although you may find yourself left with an unquenchable hunger… for more of Gou Tanabes work.
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A Tale of Two Cities One Ski Mask
Just another manic Monday 🎵
Last but not least, I couldn't not highlight a personal favorite: Pat O’Malley's Popscars Vol. 1!
Starring Pinky, a vigilante dressed for cabaret and ready to chop off heads, it's the book that is guaranteed to make you go “what the FOC!!” when it comes out this summer. The art is razorsharp, living up to its title as it pops off the page, and Pinky's no-holds-barred quest for revenge is simply, elegantly and delightfully bazonkers.
It is the worst of times, it is the best of times, and it is the perfect time to pre-order this book today before the FOC discount goes MIA!
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That's it!
Check out everything on FOC below. Prices won't change until Friday but it's a secret. So if you tell anyone, better have the trauma ski-mask ready.
Want to geek out about comics with me, Walt and other cool kids? Join us on Discord! See you there, or here... on another week of FOC.
Jelle
Jelle