December drops no weak, relenting tear: One more entry before I leave, if only because I forgot to check out Previews Review earlier this week. In a surprise turn, Christopher Butcher provides an uncharacteristically upbeat look at items shipping in December.

Thankfully, though, Christopher's new outlook doesn't prevent him from turning a snarky eye toward Mark Millar Month:

"A note about Mark Millar month: While it's all ostensibly creator-owned material and blah blah blah, I just can’t bring myself to care about any of it. It's all so warmed-over and toothless. It’s nothing that, by turns, AIR PIRATES, RICK VIETCH, and any number of zine-guys haven’t done before (and better, by all accounts). I just don't care. I wouldn't have even bothered mentioning it if the hype surrounding it wasn't so dense, and I wasn't expected to because of the whole "Creator Owned" thing. Tell you what Mark, pay Jada Pinket Smith likeness rights then we'll talk."

I'm also happy that he draws my attention to "Chimney 25" and "Mince," two books from Foo Swee Chin that I'd have missed, if only because -- say it with me -- my local comic shop sucks.



Here's what Christopher says about them:

"One of our favourite creators here at PreviewsReview.com is Foo Swee Chin, better known as FSc, the artist on NIGHTMARES AND FAIRYTALES from Slave Labor and the creator of many of her own stand-alone works. This Christmas, she’s unleashed a new work for us all to enjoy: CHIMNEY 25 ($3.95, 32 pages, Page 219, Slave Labor Graphics, OCT03 2030). Featuring a bunch of short stories and pin-ups with a creepy-winter theme, it should be suitably creepy for the goth kids bah-humbugging their way through the Holiday season. Though goth or not, it’s hard not to enjoy FSc’s creepy characters and oddly charming stories. FSc’s books are cover-to-cover comics too, no ads or filler. With 32 pages (and an 8-page colour insert!) this one is a total treat. Also available this month from FSc is MINCE ($2.99, 24 pages, Page 334, Neko Press, OCT03 2615), a little bit of Jhonen Vasquez-meets-Neon Genesis Evangelion, all rendered by FSc’s gorgeous pencils. A suicidal boy, his murderous imaginary friends, techno-organic goodness. Another visual treat from FSc, get them both!"

I'm sold. Now I just need to find a good, reliable online retailer.