THE CAT'S MEOW: What's Good on the Shelf This Week

THE BATMAN STRIKES! #26: “Escape” (All Ages)

Bill Matheny (w); Christopher Jones (p); Terry Beatty (i); Heroic Age (c); Phil Balsman (l); cover by Dave McCaig

Publisher: DC

Format: ongoing monthly series

Concept: Follow the adventures of Bruce Wayne in his early years as Batman. Based on the current animated series.

In this issue: Clayface was once Bruce Wayne's closest friend. Now he wants to be forever free of his past and only live as a villain. The mad doctor Hugo Strange wants to help the Clayface side, but Batman wants to bring his human side back. Who will win the battle for Clayface's mind?

Review: Sometimes we find ourselves so desperate for something that we lose the ability to think clearly. I mean, it's probably not a good idea to accept help from an Arkham Asylum inmate. But because Clayface is desperate to silence the voices in his head, he accepts Dr. Hugo Strange's invitation to help, and proceeds to learn the hard way that it pays to be careful when you accept help from someone—they may not have any intention of helping you at all. How Batman tries to break Dr. H. Strange's hold on Clayface's mind is worth reading to find out.

This week, faithful readers, I went into the archives and pulled out a comic series that occupies a special place in my heart. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you…

TELLOS (All Ages)

Todd Dezago (w); Mike Wieringo (p); Bongotone's Paul Mounts & Ken Wolak; inks & letters by various artists

Publisher: Image
Format: trade paperback
Concept: “TELLOS is a magical patchwork world made up of countless different lands and realms, populated by mythical and legendary creatures, filled with adventure…and danger!

Come and join us…the journey is just beginning…”

Review: With those words, my love for comics took shape. If it weren't for this series, I probably wouldn't be writing these review columns. Before TELLOS, I would browse through mostly the back issue bins at the shop and pick whatever had the coolest-looking cover. But one Wednesday, I was browsing the recent releases while waiting on the week's new comics to be put out. My eyes locked on to the cover for TELLOS #7 (pictured), and I thought it was simply amazing. I started reading, and I LOVED it. I had no idea who Todd or Mike were; I just knew that I really liked what I was reading. Eventually I got all the issues up to that point and read from the beginning. I figured if comics could be this good, there just might be something here. Before I knew it, I started a pull list at the shop so I could ensure that I wouldn't miss another issue. Ah, but what's it ABOUT, you ask? It's a fantasy/adventure series about a boy named Jarek (who comes into possession of a mysterious amulet); Koj the man-tiger; Serra the pirate; Brad the dragon; thieves Rick and Hawke; and Tom the mage. They must protect each other—and Tellos—from the evil Malesur and his minions. The story is lots of fun, and the artwork is simply gorgeous. Todd & Mike seem to love what they do, and it shows. For anyone who loves Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and the like—or for those looking for a great escape—this is a most worthy addition to your collection. The original 10-issue run has been collected into two volumes: Reluctant Heroes and Kindred Spirits. For additional reading, check out The Last Heist , Sons & Moons , and Maiden Voyage.

To be included in next week's column:

KRYPTO THE SUPERDOG #2

RUNAWAYS VOL. 2 #21

By thy side,

John “Figaro” Norris

Any questions or comments, contact me at comicsintheclassroom @ gmail.com