Staff Picks

The quintessential back story of one of the most revered comic book anti-heroes, Origin is far and away the greatest story ever told about Wolverine. Jenkins, as a writer, has a phenomenal history (Darkness, Spiderman, and so forth) and has created a name for himself in the legend of Wolverine by writing both the beginning and end of this tragic character. And really, Wolverine is just the coolest hero ever created. The movie that will supposedly add to the legend of Wolverine’s origin will be out this year, though the only story that fans will ever recognize is the one contained in these pages. If you have not had the opportunity to read any of Paul Jenkins' work, this is where you should start; and if you haven’t ever read a comic book or graphic novel, but you’ve seen and loved the X-Men movies, Origin will hook you into the genre.

You could probably pick any one of Robbins' books and not be disappointed. He has an uncanny knack of creating bizarro characters out of people who shouldn't be interesting and does so with a grasp of language that most writers salivate over. I can't do this story justice in three sentences, so just pick it up, read the back, get hooked, go buy it, and take it home and read it.

Robbins’ follow up to The Assassin’s Gallery offers us a glimpse of Cuba 1961, where Professor Mikhal Lammeck has taken up residence to study one of the great revolutionaries of our time, Fidel Castro. History is on the brink of another assassination and despite his best efforts, Lammeck is once again pulled along. Wedged between a an illicit Cuban police officer and a CIA agent bent on orchestrating the shot that would dispose of Castro, Lammeck is unwillingly forced to train a young Marine who will become one of his country’s most infamous assassins. Written with the fine hand that both supports and broadens the history of Cuba’s radical leader, The Betrayal Game is a thrilling ride and one more notch in the belt of a writer establishing himself as one of the finest historical fiction authors of our time.

Meet Thomas C. Flood, vampire extraordinaire. Well, alright, he’s not all that extraordinary, but he is a vampire—due to a bite he received from his girlfriend Jody. In most cases it could be argued that a blood-sucking bite from a loved one is not much of a springboard to further feelings of affections, but Thomas is in love, and Jody, much to her chagrin, is too. Picking up just moments after the final pages of Bloodsucking Fiends, Moore takes us on another ride through the Underworld of San Francisco, introducing us to a new vile villainous vampire and everybody’s favorite super-goth girl, Abby Normal. It’s a sweet story of love and a hilarious romp through each page. READ IT!

Barry and Pearson have brought new life to Peter Pan, begining with the phenomenal Peter and the Starcatchers and leading into this gripping follow up. Peter is beginning to discover his powers, and with the help of his friend Tinker, faces off against the perilous Lord Ombra in order to protect the celestial dust, known as Starstuff, that brings magical powers to its user. This is a book for all ages and one that continues to define Peter before he became Pan.

There isn't a whole lot that can be said about Harry at this point. You know the story, you know the buzz, you've either read them all or you're thinking of reading them. Simply put, Rowling goes out with a bang, gives you the answers you've been waiting for, ensures that you are not left wondering about any characters and delivers a nice ending to close the series. It's a great book, worth reading again and again, and will continue to gain new readers for years to come.

The Archangel Raziel has returned, and his attempt at performing a Christmas Miracle manages only to raise the dead -- who seem to have a strange affection for brains and IKEA and delivering unto the inhabitants of Pine Cove a rather odd sort of Terror. This is Christopher Moore at his Festive best. Christmas will never be the same.