Claw marks in the frozen peas

Maleficent and diablo by belldandies

I think it’s a little funny that these artists put so much thought and care into creating these covers. These comics are read once or twice and then stored away in a cardboard box, so why not frame them?

I didn’t want to invest in custom frames, which would’ve cost a fortune. Instead, I bought matted 11x14 frames, and placed the books on top of the matting with pieces of tape holding them in place on the backside. The cool thing about framed comic books is that they can be swapped out out for another book for around 2 or 3 dollars if I ever get bored of the current array. I can’t be bothered to actually hang them on my wall right now, so they’re just sitting on my floor leaning in a neat stack against my wall. Although, I would like to add a third row when I get around to hanging them.

King Arthur Carrousel - Jan. 31, 2010 (via flickr)

Tea for Three by chibimaryn

The Count by rogercruz

I am both delighted and ashamed of this newly purchased Stormtrooper coin bank, it is as if I am in denial of the severity of my geekiness. Also, it feels a little strange to pay money for something to use to put money in. Maybe it’s just me.

No smiles by 7grims

Alan’s War: The Memories of GI Alan Cope by Emmanuel Guibert

This graphic novel came about from a chance encounter by its creator while traveling. Alan Cope described his adventures to the author in French, which was later translated to English. The story of Cope’s life from World War II to post-war America and Europe deeply touching. He hardly sees any battles in Europe, and most of his stories involve the different characters he meets along the way, all of whom have influenced his path in life.

I found myself unable to put the book down as I was reading it. However, by the end of the book I actually felt strong resentment for Cope. I determined that he was an uninteresting person that lived an interesting life. He never seemed to make the most of every situation he found himself in, it seemed as though he took everything for granted. It wasn’t until later in life that Cope took the time to analyze his life and had some regrets about some of the decisions he had made.

I really enjoyed this quiet and quirky memoir that had classic cartooning and a style of storytelling that seemed as though Cope was telling me his stories directly. When I read books, I have a tendency to flip the pages to smell the scent of the paper and ink that wafts towards me. Alan’s War is one of the better smelling books I’ve read recently, and if that won’t convince you to pick up a copy, then I don’t know what will.

forr_j by oakyoh

Conan’s Old Intro Routine (via) (Click to embiggen)