What I’m Reading In this issue of Comic-Con Magazine, we turn over the reins of our new feature, “What I’m Reading,” to some of Comic-Con’s 2008 special guests, who offer a fascinating look at their favorite books (comic and otherwise) and what’s on their nightstands. (For more info on this year’s guest lineup, see pages 37-42.)
Matt Busch Artist and illustrator
Y: The Last Man by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra (Vertigo). Zombies vs. Robots vs. Amazons by Chris Ryall and Ashley Wood (IDW). This series is as enjoyable to read as these guys probably had making it. Ashley’s style is evolving into this great retro pop art look that makes every page graphically pleasing. Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse by Ben Templesmith (IDW). It’s 100% Ben Templesmith, what more could you ask for? Seeing Ben unleashed and doing his own thing is a treat.
J. G. Jones Comics artist, Final Crisis, and 52 covers While I read primarily books on history or anthropology, I do make an occasional foray into fiction. Recently I read George Alec Effinger’s three Marid Audran future detective novels, When Gravity Fails, A Fire in the Sun, and The Exile Kiss. I am also reading Robert Fagles’ new translations of The Iliad and The Odyssey. I’ve also been rereading Jack Kirby’s Fourth World Omnibus, which is just tons of fun and amazingly creative. 16 Comic-Con Magazine • Spring 2008
Keith Giffen
Comics writer and artist, 52, Countdown to Final Crisis, Legion of Super-Heroes All-time favorite book: Catch-22. I reread it once a year just for the sheer joy of it. Runner up: Salem’s Lot. Back when Stephen King was Stephen King. All-time favorite comic book: The Lee/ Kirby Fantastic Four run. Still the gold standard. Runner up: Frank Miller’s Ronin. Yeah, I know Dark Knight’s the classic, but something about Ronin still resonates.
Todd Klein
Eisner Award–winning letterer Currently reading: The Time Thief by Linda Buckley-Archer, part two of a fine new time-travel adventure series. Next up: Kirby: King of Comics by Mark Evanier; wonderful package, can’t wait to enjoy it! Waiting on the shelf: Absolute Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.
Paul Gulacy Comics artist, Master of Kung Fu, Batman, Star Wars I read my pal Steve Rude’s new book titled (of course) The Art of Steve Rude. It’s a marvelous exposé of one of the top talents in the field of comics and illustration. I subscribe to numerous magazines including Entertainment Weekly, Motor Trend, Rolling Stone, Star magazine (because it’s ruthless and shameless), and one of the best rags on the newsstand, Vanity Fair. I browse comics but I’m more prone to read Rough Stuff and Back Issue, which both celebrate comics.
Rutu Modan
Writer/artist, Exit Wounds
Lately I’ve been reading the second Moomin book. Tove Jansen was my favorite author when I was a child, but I didn’t know she was a comic artist, too. It was a pleasure to discover her strips. It made me want to reread her children’s books, so I bought a pile of them and was happy to find out they were as wonderful as I remembered them. I also bought the new collection of Winsor McCay’s Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend. It’s a wonderful book, a must, actually. Art © 2008 Matt Busch.