I just finished reading an awesome graphic novel called "Last Call". Written and drawn by Vasilis Lolos, "Last Call" is about two teenaged boys that find themselves unexpectedly transported to a haunted train after singing the lyrics to a Death Metal song. It's a really fun story filled with some beautifully designed monsters. Lolos has a very strong sense for both pacing and characterization. I can't wait to see where he takes things with the Second Volume. You can check out the first 38 pages HERE.

A while ago, I mentioned my affection for Andi Watson's comic work. He just came out with a gorgeous little comic called GLISTER. It's an adorable introduction to a slightly dark world of a girl named Glister Butterworth. I love the new style he came up with for the project. It's both a bit more realistic and cartoony than his previous stuff.

American Comic Artist Mike Wieringo just passed away. Apparently he suffered a heart attack yesterday and was found lifeless by the time the ambulance had arrived. Mike (or "Ringo" as he signed his art) was 44.I've been a casual fan of Mike's work and really loved to follow what he was up to on his Blog and Website. There was a consistent sense of innocence and charm in his work that is very rare to find in the modern American Comics scene.He had successful runs on Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Superman, Impulse (whom he designed) and the creator-owned Tellos.It's really weird to hear he's no longer with us. I never met the guy, but he seemed like a really friendly fellow. As a vegetarian, he was one of the healthiest guys in comics...so the heart attack came about completely unexpected.May he rest in peace.

CALAVERA COMICS is one of these small publishers who made the world of comics a better place. They publish a little wonder called RUDO. RUDO is created by Alexis Ziritt, Brian Clothier and Mark Malazarte and it's about Mexican wrestlers fighting vampires in a desert town. It's full of good ideas and you should definitely check it out.

I just realized I've never even mentioned Suehiro Maruo on this blog. Maruo is a Japanese manga artist and painter born in 1956. His work is pretty unique to my knowledge. It's sick, disturbing and beautiful. I remember a few years ago, trying to talk about him on some discussion boards and being insulted after two posts! Some of his books were published in the US like MR. ARASHI'S AMAZING FREAK SHOW, published by BLAST BOOKS or ULTRA-GASH INFERNO, published by CREATION BOOKS. Don't miss the opportunity to check out this unbelievable artist.

Everybody knows –or at least should know– that LE DERNIER CRI is the best publisher in the world. They recently published the last book by les frères Guedin, FAMILLE COUILLES (BOLLOCKS FAMILY) and it seems to be –I haven't read it yet– a fantastic piece of art. You can find more info about les frères Guedin on their blog.