B. Canio's Swiss Cheese & Bullets: Happy Friday, Y'all!!!

Cover by: Jock

Finally.

Random recommendation: DC/Vertigo's "Scalped" by Jason Aaron. He is joined by main artist by R.M. Guera and a variety of other talented artists (including on of my faves, John Paul Leon - see one of his beautiful pages in glorious b&w further down.)

It's a crime comic with a Native American spin.

I recommend this title to... well... anyone, really. Whether you read comics or not. It is a great example of what else is lurking out there behind the men and women in tights. (Maybe that didn't sound so right. Unless you're talking about Spider-Woman. Thanks a lot Bendis!)

I especially think that anyone who digs crime fiction, especially the works of Tony Hillerman and Jim Thompson, or films like "The Departed"and "Thunderheart", or similar-themed TV shows like "The Wire" or "The Sopranos" would really enjoy this book.

Art by: R.M. Guera

I've been catching the book through the trade paperbacks of which volume 5 (collecting issues #'s 25-29) was just recently released. Although, eventually someday, I'll track down those individual issues. (I do have #1!!!) The only down note is that I burn through 'em so fast, the next volume cannot come fast enough.

Cover by: Jock

I really don't want to get into any specifics, because from issue one, the intricate, serpentine plot leaves way too many potential "spoilers" to be... well... "spoiled". Aaron creates strong, complicated characters that always swim in "gray" waters. From main character, Dashiell"Dash" Bad Horse (A shout out to famed pulp writer Dashiell Hammett, no duh!) to the series' main "villain, Red Crow and every character in between. No one is a saint. Everyone's a sinner. There are plenty of twist and turns. The dialogue is RZA sharp, never compromising. And Aaron keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat with dangerous cliff hangers.

Art by: John Paul Leon

He has quickly become one of my favorite writers working today. And since "Scalped" appeared on the scene, he has become quite prolific in a relatively short period of time. He currently writes "Ghost Rider: Heaven's On Fire" and "Wolverine: Weapon X" - after memorable runs on their respective "big sister" titles. Both are excellent. And I've never been a huge G. Rider fan. - and also has the upcoming "PunisherMax" (Can't wait for that!!!) for Marvel. But it is his work on his signature title that he will be ultimately remembered for. "Scalped" has quickly become one of my favorite books of all time.

I think it's inevitable that Hollywood'll come knocking on Jason Aaron's door, whether wanting to bring "Scalped" to the screen or to craft original tales. Hopefully, it won't take him too far away from the comic world. (Mark Millar, so far, is a prime example of this.)

Whether you've been into comics for years, want to get back into it or want to dip your toes in the "geek" waters for the first time, give it a spin!

Enjoy the weekend.

B

Art Gallery: "Clown Hunter". A personal favorite of mine from a series of ballpoint drawings (No pencil. No eraser.) I did a few years ago. For all you clown-hater -lovers.