Phantom Road #5 cover a

We're here for Graphic Novel pre orders today, by way of the minds of Jeff Lemire and Matt Kindt. They have two stories ending this week in Phantom Road and Hairball.


Phantom Road is a beautifully illustrated tale set in the exciting world of freight hauling and truck stops. "But, I see trucks all the time..." you say..."and while they're neat, they never have any surprises in them, and rarely turn into giant robots." These are facts, and I wouldn't think to argue them. THIS freight, however, takes you back and forth between dimensions. It also kills you if you don't deliver it. You also might die even if you're successful. Backed very much into a corner, driver Dom and hitchhiker Birdie are caught up in dire, horrific circumstances much larger than they can comprehend. For all of you Department of Truth fans, the federal government has its hands all over whatever is actually happening here.

Those beautiful illustrations? They're by Gabriel Walta (Vision, Magneto, more). His use of (nearly) only weighted line work in place of spotted blacks feels open, even in a cramped panel. While his art is not clean, like say, Moebius. I think its fair to guess that fans of Moebius would like the art.They would especially like if it will be collected and available for purchase, possibly in time for Halloween.

You know, in case you can't find all five issues available right now.


Hairball, until its conclusion here, had been about a cat that may be the devil, was certainly supernatural, and possibly leaned in hard towards vengeance.

Those of you saying "that's just a cat you're talking about" might just be right, as our tale veers towards Egyptians, the greatest supporters cats have ever had. Cats were worshiped as gods.

What if they were right?

This dark tale of feline violence, stroked out parents, animal abuse, grandparents, and therapy comes highly recommended. Tyler Jenkins art is swimming in heavy blacks, nearly hiding details, with beautiful watercolor stylings of Hilary Jenkins, his wife. They're picking up where Miller/Varley left off, and the results are stunning.

If you can't find all the issues, THIS book will also be collected in the fall? Really? That's so surprising to hear. Both are highly recommended for horror fans, and anyone with a taste for the dark.