Ken Lowery of Pop Syndicate gives Astronaut Dad a great review, which you can read here. I highly suggest checking out the rest of the site as well. From it’s design to it’s content, Pop Syndicate is a nicely crafted and entertaining website.

Over Christmas I got a book called The Marvel Vault: A Museum In A Book. Written by Roy Thomas.

It’s a decade by decade look at the company. The coolest thing about the book is it’s awesome reproduction of rare items that come from each decade such as original sketches of The Sub Mariner by Bill Everett, a Marvel fan club badge from the 60’s, office holiday cards, even an invite to Peter Parker’s wedding. All of the items are removable from plastic sleeves inside the book for observation. Pretty slick packaging.

Finally, I don’t usually dig on “Best Of” lists but I’d have to say my favorite comic (or graphic novel) in 2007 was Houdini: The Handcuff King by Jason Lutes & Nick Bertozzi.

Published by The Center for Cartoon Studies and Hyperion I thought it was a fantastic read and looked forward to the next book printed through the joint venture of both companies. That book turned out to be Satchel Paige Striking Out Jim Crow by James Sturm & Rich Tommaso.

The book tells the story of how Satchel Paige made a living through baseball with incredible talent and general disregard for authority, told through the eyes of a washed up Negro League player. I know it’s very early in the year but I’d be amazed if I find a book that I enjoy better for the rest the year. Sturm is a great writer who also wrote the fantastic The Golem’s Mighty Swing.

I loved Tommaso’s style and use of color. His characters were very simple yet full of emotion and personality. The layouts were wonderful as well.

Do yourself a favor and pick it up.

Brent