Proof of Hope

is a 13-part comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Tim Sale. Originally published from 1999 to 2000 by DC Comics, it is a sequel to the limited series that was also created by both of them. In terms of continuity the series takes place primarily during the third/fourth year of Batman's career and starts directly after the events of . The plot centers on a series of murders involving Gotham City police officers by a mysterious serial killer only known as The Hangman and how James Gordon and Batman deal with it. Central to the storyline is a territory war between Two-Face and the remnants of the Falcone mob, led by Sofia Falcone. The story is also a re-telling of the origins of Batman's sidekick Robin and his adoption by Bruce Wayne. The story brings closure to many characters introduced in Frank Miller's . The series is preceded by a Wizard issue #0 that serves as prologue and that smoothly segues from to the start of the storyline in issue #1. Critical reception to has been positive throughout, though there is general agreement that in terms of artistic and literary achievement it falls short of the lofty standards set by . Nevertheless, it now stands among the best and greatest of Batman stories, proof of which is its listing by IGN as #8 on the list of the 25 best Batman graphic novels (issues#1-13 was published as a trade paperback).

We're all aware of that trend in comics to bring together disparate fictional characters into one world. Think League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Planetary, Fables, The Unwritten. So it is with Kill Shakespeare, albeit with a narrower focus, bringing into a single mainstream all the popular heroes and villains of The Bard's collective works. No master's degree in English is required, save perhaps at least an introductory level into the nature of Shakespeare's plays and that's even optional. This 12-part epic tale starts out simple enough in a straightforward manner but then builds upon itself with various threads that all together come to a satisfying and exceptionally delivered conclusion. There's just the right atmosphere of experimental cachet that's quite stylish and creative, proof that the writing and artwork are both very well in sync. Evidently many like it, too, since Kill Shakespeare was a 2011 Harvey Award nominee for Best New Series. The solicitation of the 12th issue "…ends its first run…" hints at a continuation; I do hope there is. A fun read from start to finish.

We're all aware of that trend in comics to bring together disparate fictional characters into one world. Think , , , . So it is with , albeit with a narrower focus, bringing into a single mainstream all the popular heroes and villains of The Bard's collective works. No master's degree in English is required, save perhaps at least an introductory level into the nature of Shakespeare's plays and that's even optional. This 12-part epic tale starts out simple enough in a straightforward manner but then builds upon itself with various threads that all together come to a satisfying and exceptionally delivered conclusion. There's just the right atmosphere of experimental cachet that's quite stylish and creative, proof that the writing and artwork are both very well in sync. Evidently many like it, too, since Kill Shakespeare was a 2011 Harvey Award nominee for Best New Series. The solicitation of the 12th issue "...ends its first run..." hints at a continuation; I do hope there is. A fun read from start to finish. All Minutemen scans.

is an American comic book series written by John Layman with art by Rob Guillory and published by Image Comics. It centers around Tony Chu, a police detective who is "cibopathic," meaning he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. Chu gets appointed to the FDA, which, because of the illegalization of chicken, has now become the most powerful law-enforcement branch of the United States government. See any connections so far? Well, the first three issues of Chew have all sold out multiple printings with the first issue receiving four printings as well as being reprinted in black and white in . To say that critical reception has been mostly positive would be an understatement. Peer response however remains muted, probably because of sheer envy. The first five issues comprise the initial story arc entitled "Taster's Choice" and averaged an Outstanding 9.08 from the editors of IGN. Considering IGN's highbrow reviewer reputations (there is one there whose output I don't like, however, and I registered in IGN so I could politely tell him so), this is high praise indeed. Issue #6 also got an Outstanding 9.1 out of 10 rating from IGN. For the record, I agree with IGN's editors. A Minutemen scan.