The Beguiling Books & Art

Announcing: A Comic Book Club for Kids!

2012-01-30T20:43:00.008-05:00

Little Island is looking for kids who love comics to come and talk about books and share ideas. During each meeting of the book club we’ll have activities or events that go with what we read. Plus, kids who join the book club will get 20% off of the purchase of all of our book club titles. Our book club picks will be ideal for readers between the ages of 10 and 13, and if you want you can even bring your parents along for the fun! We’ll meet on the 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month, at 3pm. Kids can sign up in person at the store, by emailing mail@littleislandcomics.com, or by calling us at 416 901 7489.

February 4th: We’re launching the book club with Tintin! We’ll be looking at The Secret of the Unicorn, Red Rackham’s Treasure, and The Crab with the Golden Claws (these are the ones the movie’s based on), but anyone who wants to talk about any of Tintin’s adventures is welcome to come and share their ideas and opinions.

February 18th: We’ll read the brand-new fantasy adventure Spera, by Josh Tierney with Kyla Vanderklugt, Hwei, Emily Carroll and Olivier Pichard.

We’ll see you there!

Announcing: Bill Everett Archives v1 Book Launch

2012-01-30T20:38:00.000-05:00

Bill Everett and Steve Ditko: Before the Sub-Mariner and Spider-Man
Launch Event for Bill Everett Archives v1 with author Blake Bell
Wednesday, February 29th, 7pm-8:30pm
@ The Central, 603 Markham Street (next to The Beguiling)
Free to attend
https://www.facebook.com/events/231806946904479/

On Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 6:30pm, Toronto author Blake Bell launches his latest book - Amazing Mysteries: The Bill Everett Archives v1 - and previews the next volume of his Steve Ditko Archives series with a slide show and book signing presented by The Beguiling.

Join us at The Central bar and restaurant, 603 Markham St., right next door to store. All those who attend will receive an signed Everett Archives tipped-in bookplate by the author Bell, and books will be available for sale at the event.

Bill Everett created the Sub-Mariner (the first anti-hero and mutant of the Marvel Universe), and co-created Daredevil. The Bill Everett Archives v1 reprints for the first time Everett's earliest work in comics from 1938-42 featuring his creations Amazing Man, Hydroman, Skyrocket Steele and many more! Steve Ditko is the co-creator and original artist of the Amazing Spider-Man, but produced an entire library worth of work in the decade prior. Mysterious Traveler: The Steve Ditko Archives v3 debuts in April and focuses on Ditko's stellar work from 1957 for Charlton Comics. Both books are published by Fantagraphics Books, Inc.

More information on Amazing Mysteries: The Bill Everett Archives v1

View the Bill Everett Archives v1 promo press sheet for more information on the book, published by Fantagraphics Books, Inc.

Watch a video preview below and read a 23-page excerpt featuring three Hydroman stories!

Announcing: The Adventure Time Party!

2012-01-30T19:42:00.002-05:00

Adventure Time #1 Comic Book Signing and Party!
With Ryan North and Steve Wolfhard!
@ Little Island Comics, 742 Bathurst Street
Saturday February 11th, 3pm-4:30pm
Free to attend!

On Wednesday February 8th BOOM Studios will release the first issue of the Adventure Time comic book series! It's going to be written by Toronto's own Ryan North (Dinosaur Comics)! And did you know that awesome Toronto comic book maker Steve Wolfhard works on the Adventure Time with Finn + Jake cartoon series? There's a whole lot of Adventure Time going on in Toronto, and we're going to throw a party to celebrate!

Kids and Adults alike are welcomed to Little Island Comics on Saturday, February 11th from 3pm to 4:30pm for our Adventure Time party! You can meet Ryan North and Steve Wolfhard, get your Adventure Time comic books signed, get original drawings, do fun Adventure Time activities and crafts, and so much more! MATHEMATICAL!

Here's the skinny on variant covers: Adventure Time #1 is shipping on Wednesday, February 8th, and The Beguiling and Little Island Comics will be getting copies on the day of release!

Adventure Time #1 will have 5 (five!) covers. Cover A is the one on the top of this post, cover B is just the half of the image above with Jake but with a logo on top, cover C is just the half of the image above with Finn but with a logo on top, cover D is the super-rare variant cover by Jeffrey Brown (Incredible Change-Bots, Clumsy) shown to the right, and cover E is the complete wrap-around cover shown above with no logos or anything.

Covers A, B, and C will sell for the regular cover price of $3.99, even though some of them are 'rare'. The Jeffrey Brown cover will sell for $15.00. The wrap-around cover will sell for $25.00. All covers are first-come, first-served.

(And for those of you that don't know about variant covers: These are just special cover illustrations, but the story inside is totally the same, so you're not really missing anything!)

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Shipping This Week: February 1st, 2012

2012-01-30T17:57:00.004-05:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday February 1st, 2012. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/120201shipping.txt

Shipping This Week: January 24th, 2012

2012-01-24T20:13:00.003-05:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday January 24th, 2012. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/120124shipping.txt

Announcing TCAF 2012

2012-01-23T18:39:00.001-05:00

Toronto Public Library presents

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2012

Jeff Smith, Alison Bechdel and Guy Delisle highlight TCAF’s 2012 programme,

which features more than 300 international cartoonists

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2012

at Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St.

Saturday May 5th, 2012, 9am-5pm

Sunday May 6th, 2012, 11am-5pm

FREE ADMISSION

WWW.TORONTOCOMICS.COM

TORONTO— The Toronto Comic Arts Festival is back for another triumphant year on the first weekend in May, returning to the Toronto Reference Library & The Appel Salon for its fourth consecutive year. Last year TCAF (as it is affectionately known) welcomed more than 15,000 patrons at its various venues and events around Toronto during the festival weekend, and 2012 is expected to be TCAF’s biggest and best edition yet. Over 300 international cartoonists are on the schedule, representing more than a dozen countries, confirming TCAF as the preeminent celebration of comics and graphic novels in Canada, and one of the most celebrated literary comics events in the world.

TCAF 2012 will include a who’s-who of comics and graphic novels, including headline guests Jeff Smith (Bone), Alison Bechdel (Fun Home), Guy Delisle (Pyongyang), and Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon (Daytripper). In addition TCAF 2012 will see the debut of many new milestone graphic novels from our guests, including Bechdel’s Are You My Mother?, Delisle’s Jerusalem, and Derf’s My Friend Dahmer amongst countless others!

Jeff Smith returns to TCAF to celebrate a major milestone: the 20th Anniversary of his landmark creation Bone, the beloved Young Adult fantasy epic with more than 10 million copies in print. Smith is also near the conclusion of his newest work, RASL, a sci-fi noir series currently in development as a feature film by “Sherlock Holmes” producer Lionel Wigram.

Alison Bechdel brings her eagerly-anticipated new Are You My Mother? to her TCAF debut; the new graphic novel is the follow-up to her 2006 New York Times bestseller Fun Home. Bechdel is one of the premiere graphic memoirists of our time, with Fun Home named the Best Book of 2006 by Time Magazine—a first for a graphic novel. Bechdel’s follow-up will debut the week of TCAF, and her Toronto appearance will be one of her first book tour stops in support of the new work.

Guy Delisle is the noted French-Canadian graphic novelist whose political work has been praised by NPR, The Guardian, and The Chicago Sun Times for his insightful reportage and travel writing. His graphic novels Shen Zhen, Pyong Yang, and The Burma Chronicles have seen the cartoonist travel to international hotspots, places rarely glimpsed by the Western world, to explore life and politics there. Delisle will make his first appearance at TCAF in support of his new book Jerusalem: Chronicles From The Holy City.

Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon are twin brothers who hail from Brazil, and whose writing and illustration talents have graced countless major comics properties as Hellboy/BPRD, The Umbrella Academy (with Gerard Way of ‘My Chemical Romance’), and Sugar Shock (with Buffy‘s Joss Whedon). Their most recent collaborative work is the Eisner-award winning original graphic novel, Daytripper. TCAF marks their first Canadian public appearance (the duo also illustrated TCAF’s striking new 2012 poster).

These five cartoonists join a strong and diverse array of national and international cartoonists who make up the 2012 Festival, across a number of spotlights, including the following highlights:

- Oh Canada!: Canada makes a strong representation at TCAF 2012 with over 100 Canadian comics creators, including the much-celebrated Kate Beaton (Hark A Vagrant), the return of Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley, and acclaimed Quebecois cartoonist Michel Rabagliati, who will debut his new English-language graphic novel The Song of Roland.

- Comics For Kids: TCAF 2012 will focus more strongly on comics for children than ever before, thanks to partnerships with venerable Canadian magazine publisher Owlkids, Toronto’s new children’s comic book store Little Island Comics as well as support from several publishers. Headlining the children’s programming will be the aforementioned Jeff Smith (Bone), alongside NYT Bestselling children’s comic authors Jennifer Holm and Matt Holm (Babymouse, Squish), Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet) and Andy Runton (Owly). In fact, TCAF 2012 will feature almost 50 creators who work specifically on comics for children and young adults.

- Cartoonists from 15 Countries: TCAF 2012 will see a stunning array of international cartoonists, including Arne Bellstorf (Germany, Baby’s In Black), Tom Gauld (U.K., Goliath), Gabriella Giandelli (Italy, Interiorae), Jason (Norway, Hey, Wait), Gary Panter (USA, JIMBO), Olivier Schrauwen (Belgium, The Man Who Grew His Beard), and Adam Warren (USA, Empowered). They will be joined by special envoys of cartoonists from Australia and England, as well as representative cartoonists from China, France, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, New Zealand, and Spain! For Toronto’s literary community, TCAF 2012 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet many of these creators!

And everything you love – and more! TCAF 2012 will reprise the most popular programming since its 2003 launch, including the popular “Webcomics Pavilion,” Dedicated OWLkids Kids Area, Wowee Zonk Small-Press Area, panel discussions and interviews, workshops, readings and art installations. Not only that, but all of these components will be expanded and increased, occupying four additional physical locations in the Yonge & Bloor neighbourhood around the Toronto Reference Library TCAF hub. We’re taking comics to the streets in 2012!

Over the next several months TCAF will announce additional featured guests from around the world, related events including film screenings, art installations, gallery showing and a full detailed schedule of the programming around our most popular guests. While we will be sending press updates for all key guest and event additions, be sure to visit the TCAF website regularly for up-to-the-moment updates: http://torontocomics.com.

SPONSORS

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival would not be possible without the assistance of our sponsors and partners, including presenting sponsor Toronto Public Library and retail sponsor The Beguiling Books & Art.

TCAF would like to recognize the efforts of the following organization in planning TCAF 2012: OWLkids, NOW Magazine, The Italian Cultural Institute, NORLA (Norwegian Literature Abroad), The Flemish Literature Fund, The Japan Foundation and The French Consulate in Toronto.

In addition, TCAF would like to thank publishers Drawn & Quarterly, VIZ Media LLC., Fantagraphics, Houghton Mifflin, Thomas Allen, Scholastic Canada, and First Second for their assistance.

Sponsorship opportunities for TCAF 2012 are still available, please contact us at: contact@torontocomics.com for more info.

PRESS

All general press inquiries, interview and press accreditation requests should be submitted to: media@torontocomics.com.

Review: Before The Incal, by Jodorowsky and Janjetov

2012-01-17T17:00:00.000-05:00

Now available in-store in a gorgeous, limited edition oversized slipcase hard cover with the original colouring, The Beguiling's John Anderson makes a case for why you should pick up this classic!

Review: Before the Incal
Writer: Alexandro Jodorowsky
Artist: Zoran Janjetov
Publisher: Humanoids

Reviewed by John Anderson

Originally published between 1988 and 1995, Before the Incal is the prequel to Jodorowsky and Moebius’s sci-fi masterpiece The Incal. Before the Incal, by Jodorowsky and the Serbian artist Zoran Janjetov, tells the story of a young John Difool and the adventures he had before he encountered the Incal. In his training to become a detective, John inadvertently stumbles on an incredible conspiracy that encompasses all levels of power. In uncovering the conspiracy, he loses his parents, travels from the lowest to the highest levels of society, becomes a terrorist and a television celebrity before he finally becomes a class “R” detective, and is betrayed by the people he trusts most.

I can’t lie to you: this is a very expensive book. But it's the first time this work has been published in English in the original colouring. And it is a limited edition deluxe hardcover with slipcase. And it gives us a whole new series of adventures in the world of The Incal, in Jodorowsky's mad storytelling style.

Jodorowsky fleshes out the corrupt, bleak city-shaft he created with The Incal, the city where John grew up. The entire story takes place here, but there is no lack of inventive locations and characters. Aside from John and his pet Deepo, most of the characters are new. There is John's prostitute mother and thieving father. There is Kolbo-5, the renegade cybo-cop who becomes John's spiritual mentor. And there is Luz, the aristocratic woman with whom John has an intense and forbidden relationship. There are some very emotional moments, such as when John loses his father, who has been brainwashed into a bloodthirsty soldier. As for villains, the city is ruled by the Supra-Divinoid, a huge cybernetic brain with a really bad temper. And Divaloo, the TV presenter who makes a brief appearance in The Incal, gets expanded into a chilling villain.

It's a very dark, bleak story. In this world, love is unknown, and suicide is entertainment. Mothers give drugs to babies to stop them crying, and live steaks eviscerate the cooks. There is a glut of entertainment, and the populace is so jaded that terrorist attacks are a welcome diversion. Jodorowsky’s trademark storytelling style, where he is constantly raising the stakes and constantly surprising the reader with new ideas and new plot twists, is on full display here. John’s attempts to get to the bottom of the vile conspiracy get more and more dangerous, and the attempts by those in control to cover it up get more and more extreme. John joins an terrorist cell and ends up as a holovid star in the next chapter. If you've read some of Jodorowsky’s other works, like The Technopriests or The Metabarons (both of which are set in the same universe as this book), then you know what to expect.

The dark humour is juxtaposed with Janjetov's bright reds, yellows and blues. Janjetov’s art is very reminiscent of Moebius’s, particularly with how he adds texture and detail to the decaying city. His grotesque character designs suit the story perfectly. In fact, Moebius chose him to colour volumes 5 and 6 of The Incal, and he is the perfect choice for illustrating the further chapters in the story that Moebius started.

The Incal itself does not appear until the very end, and this is the main disappointment with this book. The end is little more than a series of contrived events designed mesh everything that's happened in this book with the beginning of The Incal. This is unfortunate, but the epic scale of the adventure and emotion that have gone before make up for this. This isn't simply a prequel; Jodorowsky and Janjetov have created a whole new life for John Difool. It's a constantly evolving science fiction mystery with a good helping of social satire.

--

"Graphic Details" Hopes To Go On The Road

2012-01-17T14:45:00.000-05:00

While there are any number of worthy Kickstarter projects going on at any time, we wanted to draw attention to this unique one that you can help out with right now.

Essentially, the "Graphic Details: Confessional Comics by Jewish Women" art show and symposium that we sponsored last Spring is looking to develop the show into a travelling museum exhibit. They need your help to do so, developing materials, labels, shipping, etc., to get the show on the road, and they're willing to hook you up with signed gallery catalogues, books, original artwork and more to do so!

Head over to http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/graphicdetails/graphic-details-confessional-comics-by-jewish-wome for all of the details, and to see if you'd like to contribute to help this excellent idea come to fruition.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

BOXING DAY PHASE 03: OVERSTOCK CLEARANCE!

2012-01-16T18:26:00.000-05:00

After a short delay, we're ready to start the third and final phase of our very extended "Boxing Day" sale. This time out we've got three weeks of amazing deals on single issue comics overstock, and the deal will change every week! Basically every day except Wednesdays (new comics day) we will have an incredible, deep-discount sale:

Back issues in selected boxes are $1 each when you buy 10 or more!
Buy 50 or more, and we'll lower the price to 80 cents each!

1. Boxing Day Phase 03a Sale: Marvel Overstock $1!
Sale Runs Thursday January 19th to Tuesday January 24th!

2. Boxing Day Phase 03b Sale: Indie Overstock $1
Sale Runs Thursday January 26th to Tuesday January 31st!

3. Boxing Day Phase 03c: DC Overstock $1
Sale Runs Thursday February 2nd to Tuesday February 7th!

Single comics are still U.S. Cover Price, so buy lots! Only comics in marked bins are available for sale price.

The first sale starts this Thursday, January 26th!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Shipping January 18th, 2012

2012-01-16T17:23:00.001-05:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday January 18th, 2012. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/120118shipping.txt

Shipping January 11th, 2012

2012-01-16T17:11:00.001-05:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday January 11th, 2012. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/120111shipping.txt

Classic Archie Comics

2012-01-16T16:49:00.005-05:00

Calling all Archie fans!

Now in stock are plenty of old (but new to us!) Archie comics from 1959-1971. Purchased in a collection, prices vary wildly depending on condition and year, but are all well below guide and are all lots of fun! Come on by to check them out!

Shade #4 Shortage

2012-01-10T23:12:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone,

We're sorry to say that Diamond shorted all of our copies of The Shade #4 which should've been out today, by James Robinson, Darwyn Cooke, J. Bone, and Tony Harris. It's one of our most anticipated single issues this winter and we're bummed, and we're sorry we don't have it.

The shortage has been reported and replacements are on their way, but it may be up to 2 weeks. We will be getting copies though.

Thanks,

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Boxing Day Sale 02(a)

2012-01-09T17:49:00.003-05:00

Boxing Day Sale 02(a) @ The Beguiling
January 9th to January 11th

Phase 03 of our Boxing Day sale won't be ready to go until Thursday because of all of the new comics stuff this Tues/Weds, so please enjoy this short 3-day sale, perfect for jumping on board a bunch of excellent new comic book series!

GET A BUNCH OF NEW SERIES FOR THE NEW YEAR! JUST A BUCK EACH!

Hey there folks, we think that you might not read enough comics, so we're going to make you a deal. We're going to offer a BUNCH of different new comics from DC & Marvel for just $1 each, for three days only, to give you a cheap and easy way to jump on board these new series. Sale runs from Monday at 11am until Wednesday at 9pm. All books listed are REGULAR COVERS only, no variants are discounted in any way. Limit of 3 copies of each book per person.

JUST $1 EACH:

Action Comics #1
Action Comics #2
Action Comics #3
Avenging Spider-Man #1
Birds of Prey #1
Black Hawks #1
Blue Beetle #1
Captain America #1
Captain Atom #1
DC Comics Presents: Deadman #1
Defenders #1
Fantastic Four #600
Fear Itself #1
Fear Itself: The Fearless #1
Fury of Firestorm #1
Green Lantern #1
Hawk and Dove #1
Incredible Hulk #1
Legion Lost #1
Legion of Super-Heroes #1
Legion: Secret Origin #1
Marvel Point One
Men of War #1
O.M.A.C. #1
Shade #1
Shame Itself #1
Static Shock #1
Stormwatch #1
Uncanny X-Men #1
Voodoo #1
Wolverine and the X-Men #1

RULES:
1. We reserve the right to refuse sale of any item, for any reason.
2. Sale runs From Monday January 9th at 11am to Wednesday January 11th at 9pm.
3. All books listed are REGULAR COVERS only, no variants are discounted in any way.
4. Some books may be second printings.
5. All comics described above refer to issues released in calendar year 2011.
6. Limit of 3 copies of each book per person.
7. While supplies last.

Did You Know We Offer A Comics Subscription Service?

2012-01-06T20:07:00.002-05:00

They go by different names -- Subscriptions, Pull Files, Hold Boxes, Pulls etc -- mostly names about pulling things, like comics.While we haven't advertised the fact, we at The Beguiling run a fantastic subscription/pull file service for comics customers. If you're unfamiliar with the idea, here's how it works:

Provide us with a list of the comics you'd like to buy (usually two months in advance)
We make sure those comics are ready for you when they come into the store!

You just come to the counter, say your name, and we produce your comics. It's like being in a magical secret club! If you’re addicted to the thrill of weekly comic purchases, the best way to get your fix is with a pull file at The Beguiling.

Many of our new pullfile customers have set up pullfiles because it's getting harder and harder to find the comics that they want on the racks. While we're committed to ordering wide and stocking deep on all of the different types of comics in the industry, a pullfile is a great way to guarantee you're getting the comics that you want.

Sound like something you're interested in? Keep reading:

The Beguiling prides itself on carrying a lot of material that you simply cannot find in other stores! Just this week we put out Sam Humphries and Dalton Rose's SACRIFICE #1 for sale, for example! DC, Image, IDW, Dark Horse, Marvel, as well as all of the "indy" publishers. We also work with different distributors and even direct with publishers! Basically, if it's coming out in North America, we can probably get it in for you.

As a store, knowing what you want in advance is valuable information. So valuable to us, in fact, that we offer 20% discount off cover price for comics that you purchase through your pull list. For material published in the United States, that’s 20% off the American cover. For material published in Canada, it’s 20% off Canadian cover. That’s a fantastic deal! The only rub is that since we order your comics in advance, so we need two-month's notice if you'd like to cancel a title on your list or your pull file.

Also: We can set up a pull list for you right away. While we do require 2 months notice, we realize you might not always have that luxury! We can start a pull file for you right away, with discounts, but we can't guarantee you'll get everything you want on the week it comes out unless you're pre-ordering 2 months in advance. We can generally reorder all comics though, so please set up your file with us with confidence: We can get you the comics you want! It might just take a little bit longer until your pre-orders catch up.

How To Get Started

If you're interested in starting a pull file with The Beguiling, we need a few things from you:

A list of the comics you want to get every month. This can be:

Subscription List: This can either be a general list of titles (Batman, Detective Comics...) or groups of titles ("Anything with Batman in it!").
Previews Order: You can also provide a complete breakdown of what you want from the Previews catalogue every month. (We prefer this.)
Comixology: If you're already doing your pullfiles on Comixology, you can set us up as your store on that service.

You need to have at least 5 regular comic books on your pull list.
We need your name, e-mail address, and telephone number. For pull files being started with over $50/month of material, we will also require a valid credit card number to be kept on file.
You must come in a minimum of once every two weeks to pick up your new comics, and you must purchase all items that have been pulled for you, for the first two months. Afterwards these terms are negotiable.
Any items not normally ordered by The Beguiling (toys, shirts, merch, etc.) may require pre-payment in part or in full.

What you get from us:

We'll pull and hold your comics for you!
Access to rare, difficult to find, and exclusive comics.
You will get a 20% discount on all comics that you pre-order from us.
The ability to pre-order variant covers, a perk we only offer to pull file customers.
We can mail your pulls to you! We ship comics to customers as close as Mississauga and as far away as the Northwest Territories! We'll happily ship to you as well!
The peace of mind in knowing that you're going to get the comics you want without having to drive all over Toronto to find them.
Our assurance that, while mistakes may eventually happen and comics may get missed from your file, we'll do everything in our power to track down any missing comics and provide them to you.

If you want to get started, contact mail@beguiling.com or come into the store, and we'll set-up your pullfile right away!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Sacrifice #1 now in stock

2012-01-03T20:11:00.002-05:00

The very first issue of Sam Humphries and Dalton Rose's Aztec Time Travel Shoegazer pop comic SACRIFICE is now in stock at The Beguiling for the cover price of $3.99. We have a limited quantity and are attempting to make as many people as possible happy, and so to that end we are limiting these books to one per person. At this time we are not accepting mail-order sales on this title, and we are not holding copies except for customers who have existing pullfiles.

Visit http://samhumphries.com/sacrifice-comic-book/ for more ordering possibilities if these don't suit your requirements. :)

- Chris @ The Beguiling
EDIT: We jumped the gun and announced that we were selling issue #2, but those will actually go on sale next Wednesday January 11th.

The Beguiling 2011 Year In Review

2012-01-03T14:19:00.004-05:00

The Beguiling was founded in 1987, and 2012 will mark its 25th anniversary of providing comics, comix, and high-art funnybooks to Torontonians and comics fans around the world. Before we get into all of the great things we’re going to be doing to celebrate our big anniversary this year, I thought it might be nice to recap our busiest year ever, the just-ended 2011.

January

2011 started with a bang, as Kids in the Hall alumnus Scott Thompson stopped by to sign his brand new graphic novel The Hollow Planet! Scott was a gracious and wonderful guest, and SPACE was on hand with Natasha and Mark Askwith to film the proceedings! January also featured a month long “Boxing Day” sale (our only sale of the year)!

January 5: Scott Thompson signs THE HOLLOW PLANET @ The Beguiling

February

In February, the “Graphic Details: Confessional Comics by Jewish Women” show opened at The Gladstone Hotel. The Beguiling was an official sponsor of the event, both the art show and several of the great symposiums/workshops that were held. Later in February, I gave a talk for Toronto Public Library and Freedom To Read Week: Censoring Manga for Fun and Profit, about censorship and freedom of speech issues and how they relate to English-language manga.

February 17 to April 17: Graphic Details: Confessional Comics by Jewish Women @ The Gladstone
February 23: Censoring Manga for Fun and Profit – Lecture by Chris Butcher @ The Lillian H. Smith Library

March

This was the month that things really started heating up at the store, as the cold weather started to fade and book launch events abounded! First up was Jim Zubkavich, stopping by for the launch of the first volume of his SKULLKICKERS graphic novel series. The next week the master of comics reportage Joe Sacco dropped into The University of Toronto to lecture on his work and career.

March 11th saw the tragedy of the great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, a tragedy that Japan is still recovering from and will be for generations. March ended with Toronto Hearts Japan, an auction and art show organized by our friends at Magic Pony.

March 9: Skullkickers Volume 1 Book Launch w/ Jim Zub @ The Beguiling
March 17: Joe Sacco @ UofT
March 27: Ariel Schrag Workshop / Graphic Details @ The Gladstone
March 31-April 5: Toronto Hearts Japan @ Magic Pony

April

Artists Help Japan: Toronto from Bobby Chiu on Vimeo.

Three of our favourite contemporary cartoonists all had brand new releases from Drawn and Quarterly in early April, and so we held a great big joint book launch for the group! Historical fiction, fictionalized autobiography, and fiction-inspired-by-real-life marked Zach Worton’s The Klondike, Pascal Girard’s Reunion, and Joe Ollmann’s Mid-Life, and while the event got off to a bit of a slow start by the end it was a full-to-overflowing bar!

Two days later, Comics and Graphic Novels once again entered the spotlight at Toronto Public Library’s Keep Toronto Reading. Zach Worton, Scott Chantler (Two Generals), and Steven Murray (The National Post) all took the stage to discuss adapting historical events into comics and graphic novels, in a really funny, educational presentation.

Then the very next day (we were really busy that week) was ARTISTS HELP JAPAN. The Beguiling, in association with UDON and Imaginism, got together with dozens of artists and illustrators from Toronto’s cartooning community to hold a day-long fundraiser in support of Japan, and those affected by the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. Running for 12 hours, from noon to midnight, we raised a ton of money for Tsunami and Quake relief. It is easily the thing that I am proudest of this year, and I thank everyone who took part.

April 14: D+Q Triple Book Launch, with Zach Worton, Pascal Girard, and Joe Ollmann @ Clinton's Tavern
April 16: Keep Toronto Reading: Historical Comics, with Scott Chantler, Zach Worton, and Chip Zdarsky @ North York Public Library
April 16: Keep Toronto Reading For Kids: Manga Manga! With Eric Kim and Tory Woollcott @ North York Public Library
April 17: Artists Help Japan: Toronto @ Revival

May

TCAF Month! Presented by Toronto Public Library and The Beguiling, The Toronto Comic Arts Festival returned for its 6th go-round, and its third at the lovely Toronto Reference Library. This year saw more than 15,000 attendees across Festival events, and nearly 2 full weeks of programming surrounding the fest. Full details on TCAF 2011 at http://torontocomics.com.

Things kicked off May 1st with Chester Brown launching an easy contender for ‘Book of the Year’, Paying for it., in a fabulous and jam-packed event hosted by the lovely Sasha Van Bon Bon. That week featured the The Next Day book launch with John Porcellino and Pop Sandbox, and the opening of the Comics, Manga and Co art show in conjunction with The Goethe Institut and featuring cartoonist Mawil.

TCAF weekend kicked off Friday night with Chester Brown, Seth, Chris Ware, and Adrian Tomine on stage. Saturday featured our TCAFabulous: Queer Comix Mixer with Jose Villarrubia, Maurice Vellekoop, Zan Christiensen, and Erika Moen, TCAFete with live drawing by Kagan McLeod, Ray Fawkes, Michael DeForge, and James Stokoe. Saturday night also featured The 2011 Doug Wright Awards, of which The Beguiling is a proud supporter and sponsor.

Then Monday night, we had three events, with Lorenzo Mattotti and the Italian Cultural Institute, Usamaru Furuya introducing ZOO, a film he contributed to at Toronto Underground Cinema, and Arnaud Boutle at The Alliance Francais.

Then! The Beguiling sponsored (and Chris was a curatorial assistant) on JAPAN: TRADITION, INNOVATION, a massive museum exhibit at The Canandian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa (Hull). Chris and Peter had been consulting on the exhibit for 2 or 3 years, and the pop culture section of the exhibit featured a ton of input from Chris on manga, anime, video games and more. The Beguiling donated an entirely library of manga in English and French, and it was read by over 100,000 visitors over the 5+ months that the exhibit ran. It was a wonderful experience, and we were so happy to have been a part of it.

At the end of May we exhibited once again at Anime North, and we were lucky to have a special treat! Signing at our booth was Helen McCarthy, author of the book Osamu Tezuka: God Of Manga, a wonderful look at the life and career of Osamu Tezuka.

May 1: Chester Brown launches Paying For It @ Goodhandy's
May 3: The Next Day launch, with John Porcellino and Pop Sandbox @ The NFB
May 3: Comics, Manga and Co art show opening, with Mawil and Blank Slate Books @ TRL
May 4: TCAF Kick-Off Event Featuring Chester Brown, with Seth, Chris Ware, and Adrian Tomine @ TRL
May 7-8: TCAF 2011 @ TRL
May 7: TCAFete Party! With Kagan McLeod, Ray Fawkes, Michael DeForge, and James Stokoe @ Pauper's Pub
May 7: TCAFabulous Queer Mixer, with Jose Villarrubia, Maurice Vellekoop, Zan Christiensen, and Erika
Moen @ Crews/Tango
May 7: The 2011 Doug Wright Awards @ Jackman Hall
May 9: Lorenzo Mattotti at the IIC
May 9: ZOO Film Screening, featuring Usamaru Furuya @ Toronto Underground Cinema
May 9: Arnaud Boutle at The Alliance Francais
May 20-October 10: Japan: Tradition, Innovation, at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
May 27-28: Helen McCarthy signs Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga at The Beguiling Booth (Anime North)

June

Nothing happened in June! Frankly, we were exhausted. We don’t even remember June.

July

We made up for our June recovery in July, as we welcomed Bryan Lee O’Malley back to Toronto to celebrate the anniversary of the end of the Scott Pilgrim series. Bryan’s July 2010 event was our biggest single-creator event ever—over 2,000 people came out for our midnight launch of Scott Pilgrim 6, and we were very lucky to be able to mark the first anniversary with a sunny afternoon signing featuring nearly 500 fans. That was super fun!

From July 21-24 Peter, Krystle and myself took off to San Diego to sell some Original Art, meet up with cartoonists, and enjoy the pool. July 21-24th was also the 3rd Shinsedai Film Festival, a wonderful Festival of Japanese cinema that we were happy to support… we’re just sorry we missed it!

Oh, and Actor Michael Sheen gave us a nice shout-out on the TV when he was in town for the Toronto Harry Potter film premiere. We were only too happy to help him and his family when he was by the store. :)

July 9: Bryan Lee O’Malley signs at The Beguiling
July 21-24: Shinsedai Film Festival featuring Midori-Ko Screening

August

One of the most interesting books of the year debuted in early August, Torontonian Ray Fawkes’ ONE SOUL. In the spirit of Alan Moore’s BIG NUMBERS, Ray put together a work that intertwines 16 lives spread across hundreds of years and created a truly unique, engrossing work. We were so happy to be able to run the launch of his book at The Merril Collection, at Toronto Public Library’s Lillian H Smith Library.

In August we also announced that we’d be opening a second location, and select Beguilers got an early preview of the new space as it played home to Anders Nilsen’s BIG QUESTIONS launch tour! I dug Anders’ talk a lot, and his massive 600+ page tome, nearly a decade in the making, is excellent.

The month ended with our midnight launch for DC Comics’ New 52 Promotion, where all 52 of their series started with new #1 issues. We had a shocking number of people come out at midnight to pick up Geoff Johns and Jim Lee’s JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 and decide to pick up the entire DC Universe! It was a huge success for us, and introduced hundreds of new readers to the store.

August 3: ONE SOUL Book Launch, with Ray Fawkes @ The Merril Collection/Lillian H. Smith Library
August 13: BIG QUESTIONS Book Launch Tour, with Anders Nilsen @ Little Island
August 31: DC 52 Midnight Launch @ The Beguiling

September

INFINITE KUNG FU. Kagan McLeod’s awesome Kung-Fu/zombie/hip-hop mash-up finally saw its completed, collected edition release. We held one of our coolest events ever, a huge book launch / film / live music extravaganza. Seriously it was utterly amazing, I hope you didn’t miss it. :)

We then started a few solid weeks of in-store signings! Jeff Lemire came by on the 7th to sign his brand new ANIMAL MAN #1, and then the next week on September 14th to sign FRANKENSTEIN #1. After a week’s break, Francis Manapul set up and signed THE FLASH #1 for a ravenous crowd of Flash and DC 52 fans.

September was a crazy-busy month by the by, with Craig Thompson coming to Toronto in support of his new graphic novel HABIBI in a really entertaining presentation at Toronto Underground Cinema. Marc Bell launched his new book PURE PAJAMAS and was joined by Anders Nilsen and Mark Connery in a launch on the 24th. The month closed out with a good-old-fashioned alternative comic book launch, as Ethan Yip’s POPE HATS #2 had a standing-room-only welcome to the world at The Central, featuring guest appearances by Britt Wilson and Chester Brown!

Oh, and we held ‘Sailor Moon’ Day, a surprisingly fun little celebration of the lunar manga superheroine making a triumphant return to North American manga.

September 2: Infinite Kung Fu Launch, with Kagan McLeod and Hop-Fu @ Revival
September 7: Jeff Lemire Signs Animal Man #1 @ The Beguiling
September 13: Sailor Moon Day @ The Beguiling
September 14: Jeff Lemire Signs Frankenstein #1 @ The Beguiling
September 22: HABIBI Book Launch with Craig Thompson @ Toronto Underground Cinema
September 24: Marc Bell, Anders Nilsen, and Mark Connery Book Launch + Party @ The Central
September 26: POPE HATS Comic book launch, with Ethan Rilly, featuring Chester Brown and Britt Wilson @ The Central
September 28: Francis Manapul signs The Flash #1 @ The Beguiling

October

While we’d cracked the doors… unofficially… in September, our official grand-opening event for our brand new store, LITTLE ISLAND COMICS, marked the October 1st and 2nd weekend! North America’s first and only comic book store just for kids, Little Island’s grand opening featured the official launch of Claudia Davila’s LUZ SEES THE LIGHT, and featured presentations by Clayton Hanmer (C-TON), Jeremy Tankard (Boo-Hoo Bird), Fiona Smyth (THE NEVERWERES), Kean Soon (JELLABY), and Tory Woollcott (MIRROR MIND). At the end of the month Little Island held their next in-store event, a weekend-long celebration of Halloween called Trick Or Treat Comics with costumes, give-aways, activities and more.

October featured our first partnership with a few different organizations: The Toronto SpecFic Colloquium welcomed Mike Carey to town and we had him in for a signing and sponsored his appearance, and we also sponsored the comics-friendly Toronto Zombie Walk for the first time, a much-beloved event in the city of Toronto. We also got behind Jeff Lemire’s ESSEX COUNTY in a big way as it was up for consideration in the Canada Reads event, which was supremely weird and exciting.

October saw the closing of the JAPAN/JAPON show at the Museum of Civilization, and according to the Museum it was hugely successful.

October 1 + 2: Little Island Comics Grand Opening! With Claudia Davila, Clayton Hanmer, Fiona Smyth, Kean Soo, and Tory Woollcott
October 14 + 15: Mike Carey at The Beguiling / Toronto SpecFic Colloquium @ The Beguiling / Toronto Underground Cinema
October 22: The Beguiling sponsors The 2011 Toronto Zombie Walk
October 29-31: Trick Or Treat at Little Island @ Little Island

November

November opened and closed with our TORONTO DRAWS… event, featuring artistic tributes to the creations of Herge in support of The Comic Legends Legal Defence Fund, an anti-censorship organization. The closing featured a visit from French cartoonist Stanislas, illustrator of the graphic album THE ADVENTURES OF HERGE, which saw its English-language debut at the show.

November was full of events though, with a fantastic book discussion and lecture with Michel Choquette, author of THE SOMEDAY FUNNIES, a fabulous ‘lost’ collection of comics from creators around the world. The day after I got back from vacation, we held a book launch for the second fabulous volume of Jim Zub's SKULLKICKERS too!

The month closed with the a second very-rare launch for a good-old-fashioned-independent-comic book, as Maurice Vellekoop returned to the world of comics with THE WORLD OF GLORIA BADCOCK from Koyama Press, in a fabulous event hosted by Sasha Van Bon Bon!

Over at Little Island, they had events with a bunch of non-fiction graphic novelists including the book launch for J.Torres’ POWER LUNCH at Little Island, Willow Dawson and John Lang launching their books HYENA IN PETTICOATS and LONE HAWK respectively, and Scott Chantler was on hand to launch the second book in his THREE THIEVES series!

November 2: Toronto Draws… Opening Event @ Steamwhistle Brewery
November 5: POWER LUNCH Book Launch with J. Torres @ Little Island
November 6: Scott Chantler in-store signing @ Little Island
November 9: Book Launch for Hyena In Petticoats by Willow Dawson, and Lone Hawk by John Lang @ Little Island
November 16: Skullkickers Volume 2 Launch with Jim Zubkavich @ The Beguiling
November 19: THE SOMEDAY FUNNIES launch with Michel Choquette @ The Central
November 27: THE ADVENTURES OF HERGE Launch, with Stanislas.@ Steamwhistle Brewery
November 29: THE WORLD OF GLORIA BADCOCK Comic Book Launch, with Maurice Vellekoop and Sasha Van Bon Bon @ Buddies In Bad Times

December

Our first event cancellation of the year happened when Jordan Crane’s new book KEEP OUR SECRETS was delayed to 2012. We’ll have Jordan to Toronto though, mark my words!

The year stayed busy right up until the end though, as RUNAWAYS artist Adrian Alphona signed his new full-colour hardcover artbook SWEETNESS in store! The following week we welcomed Scott Hepurn to sign ORCHID, the series he is drawing (and the series that’s written by Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello!) Then our very last event of the year was our second (annual?) Dinosaur Comics Book Launch and Holiday Party. It drew a great crowd, was great fun, and we hope that Ryan North keeps releasing books so we can keep doing this every year!

December 7: SWEETNESS sketchbook launch with Adrian Alphona @ The Beguiling
December 14: Scott Hepburn signs ORCHID #3 @ The Beguiling
December 19: DINOSAUR COMICS Book Launch and Holiday Party, with Ryan North @ Paupers

In Closing…

So that’s over 50 events at over a dozen venues that we ran, sponsored, and/or had people at, not counting all of the trade shows and 'private' events we set up at as well. What a year!

We hope you got out to at least one of them; there was some amazing stuff and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for comics, manga, and graphic novel fans in the city of Toronto. We were only too happy to help put it together though, and while 2011 may have been our busiest year ever, 2012 is certainly going to be no slouch... In fact, we've already got a whole bunch of plans underway! Thanks to all of the venues we worked with, thanks to all of the cartoonists we worked with, and thanks to everyone who came out and supported comics in Toronto!

- Christopher Butcher, on behalf of the staff of The Beguiling and of Little Island Comics

Beguiling & Little Island - Boxing Day Phase 02 Begins!

2011-12-29T11:50:00.004-05:00

BOXING DAY PHASE 02 @ THE BEGUILING + LITTLE ISLAND
Phase 02: Thursday December 29th until Sunday January 08 (Closed January 1st)

It's the sale that some of our customers wait all year for, the big back-issue sale! If you like old comics, cheap comics, or variant covers, have we got deals for you! And just as a special bonus, we've decided to extend it to two full weekends, just to make sure everyone who wanted to pick something up gets a shot.

We've also moved many of our Boxing Day spot-sales and $5 books to Little Island, to continue the amazing deals! Scroll to the bottom of this post to see what's still available!

GROUND RULES

Bring your own bags! Save the environment! We’re happy to sell you 5c bags, but we’ve only got small ones left.
We reserve the right to refuse sale of any item to any customer for any reason. We probably won’t do this, but this is a straightforward disclaimer in case there’s any dispute about what is or isn’t on sale.
Anything put on hold prior to Boxing Day is entirely exempt to sale pricing.
Sales cannot be combined with other specials or sales.
"Regular Price" is determined as 'Whatever the book would sell for not on Boxing Day,' whether that's U.S. Cover Price, Converted Canadian Cover price, Canadian Cover Price, or Sticker Price.
Items released in December 2011 or later are not eligible for sale. Determination for eligibility will be made at the cash register, at our sole discretion.

MAIN FLOOR BEGUILING:

MAIN TABLE 50% OFF SALE CONTINUES: It’s a massive table of 50% off items! We’ve cleared off the main tables at the store, and put out a huge (and rotating) selection of product that we are offering for 50% off the regular price! Individual items on this table will not be mentioned in this email, so make sure to come by and check it out! We have restocked with multiple new items since Boxing Day!

We want to stress: Most of these books are quite good, some are great! We just ordered a few too many--maybe this year, maybe last--and so we're thinning them out a bit because (you may have noticed) we REALLY need the room.

SECOND FLOOR BEGUILING:

BACK ISSUES + MAGAZINES:
50% off Comics + Magazines $15 and under.
30% off Comics + Magazines $15.01 and over.
What this means is that most back issues in the back issue bins ($15 and under) will be 50% off their stickered price, and most back issues kept behind the counter ($15.01 and over) will be 30% off their stickered price. This also includes the magazine bins and back issues of Twomorrows Magazines.

SMUT:
50% off printed English-language smut in the back issue bins.
That's right, all of our comics smut from the fine folks at Comic AG, Eros, Radio Comix, Class Comics, Etc.? All of it is 50% off the sticker price! Must be 18 or older to purchase.

UNDERGROUNDS:
25% off sticker price.
The only real exemption in the back-issue bins are Undergrounds, and they'll be going for 25% off, which is still a great deal...!

JAPANESE DOUJINSHI:
10% off sticker price.
All Japanese-language doujinshi are 10% off their sticker price. They are located at the end of the bins, and include many new books!

"VARIANT COVERS:"
30%-80% off the sticker price or $5:
- All special edition/variant covers of comics stickered at $74 or less will be 80% off the sticker price, or $5, whichever price is higher.
- All special edition/variant covers of comics tickered at $75 or higher will be 30% off the sticker price.
These boxes will be clearly labelled in store to avoid confusion. No variants released in December 2011 or later will be eligible.

TREASURY BOOKS:
- 25% off of the already intensely marked-down sticker price!

50 CENT BIN SALE:
"50 Cent Bin Comics" are now 25 cents each, with the purchase of 50 comics or more. That's 50 comics for $12.50, a great deal! In addition, we'll be cycling the 50 cent been stock several times throughout the sale.

SETS SALE:
Comic Sets are now 20% off the sticker price.

--

AT LITTLE ISLAND COMICS:

- Little Island Sale Continues: 20% off all regularly priced books and merchandise at Little Island Comics. Sale will end for good on Saturday, December 31st. Don't delay!
- Select Marvel Essential and DC Showcase Volumes: $5 each! *
- 5-10 bins of “50% off” Marvel/DC/Dark Horse/Image graphic novels *
- T-Shirt Blow-out: $10 each. Webcomics, Various Styles and Sizes *

$5 BOOK BLOWOUT - DOOR CRASHER SPECIALS*
All of the remaining copies of the books below have been moved to Little Island Comics, and they will be $5 EACH until they sell out, or until January 9th!

- Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm HC - Regularly 19.99
- Dark Tower: Gunslinger Born HC - Regularly 24.99
- Fate of the Artist SC - Regularly 17.95
- Green Lantern Corps: Emerald Eclipse HC - Regularly 24.99
- Green Lantern: Agent Orange SC - Regularly $17.99
- Green Woman HC - Regularly 24.99
- Hellblazer: India - Regularly 14.99
- Hellboy Vol 1: Seed of Destruction - Regularly 17.95
- Savage Sword of Conan Vol 6 - Regularly 19.95
- Warren Ells' RED - Regularly 14.99
- Watching the Watchmen HC - Regularly 39.95

--

SINGLE BOOK DEEP DISCOUNTS*
We've got some amazing deals on some really great books that we happen to have a little too much inventory on!

Adventures of Doctor McNinja: Night Moves - Regularly $19.99, NOW: $10
Fables: Covers HC, by James Jean HC - Regularly $50, NOW: $20
Frank Miller’s Holy Terror - Regularly $30 NOW: $15
Grant Morrison's 18 Days HC - Regularly $24.99, NOW: $10
Invincible Compendium - Regularly $64.99, NOW: $35
Lychee Light Club, by Usamaru Furuya - Regularly $21, NOW: $10
Mega Man Megamix Volume 1 & 2 - $5 EACH

* This is regular Beguiling stock that we are making it easier to browse at Little Island! It will not all be all ages appropriate.

--

That's it! See you in-store!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh From Japan: Tig*r & Bunny Doujinshi!

2011-12-28T23:59:00.001-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? Tiger & Bunny Doujinshi! Seriously, we cannot stress how popular the doujinshi, anime, and manga for this series was on our last trip to Japan! We stocked up on a ton of great looking (and totally sexy) Tiger & Bunny yaoi doujinshi, and we are happy to make it available to you as long as you're 18 years of age or older. Also available? Licensed Tiger & Bunny manga and anime art books!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Good News, Everyone! New Comics Now Available

2011-12-28T14:54:00.000-05:00

The well-oiled machine has got the comics sorted and unpacked and on the shelves ready for your New Comics Day purchasing. Pullfiles are being worked on now and will be ready around 5pm (but of course feel free to come in and pull your comics yourself--we can adjust your file in-store).

Thanks for your patience & understanding!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh From Japan: Sailor Moon Artbooks!

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? Sailor Moon art books! We sold through almost everything we had from our previous trips to Japan, and we've been lucky enough to restock with some great books! We've got the original Sailor Moon illustration collections by Naoko Takeuchi and special anime-series guides to the various Sailor Moon television seasons and feature movies! Check them out on the second floor!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh From Japan: Gay Doujinshi!

2011-12-27T23:59:00.002-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? Gay Doujinshi! In addition to all of the hot yaoi/BL doujinshi from Japan written by women and intended for a female audience, there's gay doujin too! Original stories, parody stories, and much more. Check it out! In the Misc. Gay Comics bin on the second floor.

- Christopher

Fresh From Japan: Japanese Gay Smut Graphic Novels!

2011-12-27T16:00:00.001-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? Japanese Gay Smut Graphic novels! It's true! While the majority of "gay" material that makes it back from Japan tends to be yaoi or BL material, created by women and intended for a female audience, there's also a ton of great manga made for gay men that runs in gay comics anthologies and general interest magazines. It's also totally dirty! Completely untranslated in the west, amazing artists like Gengoroh Tagame, Kazuhide Ichikawa, and Jiraiya are just plain awesome. Check out their work on the high shelves of the manga section... feel free to ask for assistance.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh From Japan: More Art Books! Cannabis Works, Tekkon Kinkreet, and More!

2011-12-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? Even more amazing art books!

The always-in-demand Cannabis Works artbook is back in stock! The amazing art books that were produced for the Tekkon Kinkreet film, dark side and light side? We got those. Plus literally 200kg more art books. Yeah, we weighed them, we had to ship them back from Japan. They were heavy.

Most art books were procured in extremely small quantities, like one each. Some we have slightly more stock on, but if we were you? We wouldn't wait too long to come and take a look.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh From Japan: Ble Exrcist Doujinshi!

2011-12-26T23:59:00.000-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? Blue Exorcist Doujinshi! It's one of the most popular series in Japan, it's gaining in popularity here, and come Anime North next year everyone's gonna be talking about Blue Exorcist. Get on board early. 18+. Clearly labeled in a box on the second floor.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Holiday Hours Update: Wednesday Shipping Delay!

2011-12-25T22:23:00.000-05:00

Well, unfortunately it looks like we're not going to get through the holiday season with the shipping schedule intact. New books are now arriving to the store Wednesday, December 28th in the morning at some point, which means they won't be out on the racks for sale until the afternoon. While we will be counting, sorting, pulling, and racking them as quick as possible, if you're a new comics customer you might want to swing by on Wednesday in the later afternoon. Sorry folks, we thought we had it sorted out but it's out of our hands.

We're also closing on Boxing Day at 5pm.

Holiday Schedule.
Normal hours unless noted.

Mon Dec 26: 9am-5pm. Open early! Close early! BOXING DAY!
Weds Dec 28: 11am-9pm. Regular hours, new books in the afternoon.
Sat Dec 31: 11am-6pm. Closed early.
Sun Jan 1: Closed
Mon Jan 2: Back to Normal
Weds Jan 4: Regular hours, no shipping delay.

We'll update this page and the front page of the site as soon as have any changes.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Boxing Day Sale 2011 - December 26 @ 9am - Phase 1

2011-12-25T22:03:00.000-05:00

BOXING DAY 2011 @ THE BEGUILING

Phase 01: December 26, 9am-6pm. December 27: 11am-7pm.

It’s Boxing Day! And it's bigger (and earlier) than ever! We’re opening at 9am, and we’re expanding to TWO STORES this year, with great Beguiling Boxing Day Specials at The Beguiling (as you’ve come to expect) and at Little Island Comics! They’ve got a little bit more elbow room over there, and we’re going to take advantage of it by having more Boxing Day specials than ever before over at Little Island!

As is traditional, we’re holding our Boxing Day sales starting December 26th, and continuing through the rest of December and January. Different stuff on sale all the time, incredible door crasher specials on the 26th, and much more!

ALSO: We get a lot of people coming in the store every year, saying things like “uh I read about a special on the mailing but I can’t remember…”. We encourage you to take notes! Sales will be posted in store, but you probably don’t want to try and read 10 pages of sale info twice. Read carefully below!

PHASE 01: Monday December 26 & Tuesday December 27

Door Crashers, Comics, Graphic Novels. (Back issues and wall books will be unavailable during this time.)

NEW COMIC DAY: Wednesday December 28

No sales this day _at all_. We will be very busy unpacking the Wednesday order. Sorry!

PHASE 02: Thursday December 29 to Sunday January 8

Back issues on sale! Wall books on sale! More blanket sales! A more detailed e-mail covering these sales will come next week!

PHASE 03: January 9 to January 31

Single issue over stock blow-outs! New comics every week! Different publishers every week! Plus other stuff! More detailed e-mails covering these sales will arrive in your inbox in the coming weeks.

SALE PHASE 01: Monday December 26, 9am-6pm & Tuesday December 27, 11am-7pm

(Back issue bins completely unavailable during this time.)

GROUND RULES

Bring your own bags! Save the environment! We’re happy to sell you 5c bags, but we’ve only got small ones left.
We reserve the right to refuse sale of any item to any customer for any reason. We probably won’t do this, but this is a straightforward disclaimer in case there’s any dispute about what is or isn’t on sale.
Out-of-print items (books/comics/etc.) are exempt from sale pricing. Determination of ‘out of print’ is at The Beguiling’s sole discretion. Ask at the counter if you’re unsure.
Anything put on hold prior to Boxing Day is entirely exempt to sale pricing.
Sales cannot be combined with other specials or sales.
"Regular Price" is determined as 'Whatever the book would sell for not on Boxing Day,' whether that's U.S. Cover Price, Converted Canadian Cover price, Canadian Cover Price, or Sticker Price.
Items released in December 2011 or later are not eligible for sale. Determination for eligibility will be made at the cash register, at our sole discretion.

BACK ISSUE BINS and WALL BOOKS will not be accessible until December 29. They are not on sale, they aren't even really FOR sale. We are sorry, but we're focusing on other product during this part of the sale, and we need the space and attention for other things. Thanks!

THE SALES:

BEGUILING STUFF @ LITTLE ISLAND COMICS, 742 Bathurst

Little Island Comics will feature an assortment of spot sales on graphic novels, t-shirts, essentials, showcases, and more. Sales items will be restocked daily with new product, as product sells. Check back frequently, and look for updates roughly coinciding with Beguiling updates.

- Little Island Sale: 20% off all regularly priced books and merchandise at Little Island Comics

- Select Marvel Essential and DC Showcase Volumes: $5 each! *

- 5-10 bins of “50% off” Marvel/DC/Dark Horse/Image graphic novels *

- T-Shirt Blow-out: $10 each. Webcomics, Various Styles and Sizes *

* This is regular Beguiling stock that we are making it easier to browse at Little Island! It will not all be all ages appropriate.

@ THE BEGUILING, 601 Markham Street:

DOOR CRASHER SPECIALS:

This year we are offering an amazing selection of DOOR CRASHER SPECIALS!

The first 5 of each of these books sold will be $1 EACH!

All of the remaining copies will be $5 EACH!

$1 books will be marked. Limit of 5, $1 books per person. Limit of 1 of each $1 book per person. All books will be stacked on the second-floor back issue bins.

- Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm HC - Regularly 19.99

- Dark Tower: Gunslinger Born HC - Regularly 24.99

- Deadpool Corps: Prelude SC - Regularly 14.99

- Fate of the Artist SC - Regularly 17.95

- Greatest Shazam Stories Ever Told - Regularly 24.99

- Green Lantern Corps: Emerald Eclipse HC - Regularly 24.99

- Green Woman HC - Regularly 24.99

- Hellblazer: India - Regularly 14.99

- Hellboy Vol 1: Seed of Destruction - Regularly 17.95

- Neverwhere - Regularly 19.99

- Overstreet Comic Book Guide SC - Regularly 29.95

- Popgun Vol 3 - Regularly 29.99

- Savage Sword of Conan Vol 6 - Regularly 19.95

- Warren Ells' RED - Regularly 14.99

- Watching the Watchmen HC - Regularly 39.95

FIRST FLOOR SALES:

NEW THIS YEAR: MAIN TABLE 50% OFF: It’s a massive table of 50% off items! We’re going to clear off the main tables at the store, and put out a huge (and rotating) selection of product that we will be offering for 50% off the regular price! Individual items on this table will not be mentioned in this email, so make sure to come by and check it out!

We want to stress: These aren't bad books! Most are quite good, some are great! We just ordered a few too many--maybe this year, maybe last--and so we're thinning them out a bit because (you may have noticed) we REALLY need the room.

- 20% off "Regular Price" on All First Floor books and comics, including Graphic Novels, Books, Erotica, Prose, Strip Reprints, Etc.

- All French-language and Japanese-language product in the store is 10% off the sticker price. This includes manga, art books, doujinshi, etc.

Second Floor:

- SPECIAL! DC Archives and Marvel Masterworks - Regularly $50 to $55, NOW: $25 EACH!

- "Vertigo Crime” Graphic Novels, HC or SC - Regularly $15-$20 NOW: $5 EACH! (These will be clearly marked in store to avoid confusion since the Vertigo Crime branding is pretty generic).

- Bone: Colour All-In-One Edition, Limited Edition Box Set - Regularly $350 NOW: $250. Limited to 3 copies at this discount. Subsequent copies will sell for the regular price, less the regular discount of 20%.

- 20% off regular price on rack comics from Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, Vertigo, Indies, etc. (Excludes December 2011 releases, back-issues, and wall-books.)

- 20% off "Regular Price" on all in-print second floor trade paperbacks & manga. This includes Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image, Indies, Etc. (Excludes December 2011 releases, out of print or "used/vintage" products.)

- All Japanese-language and French-language product in the store is 10% off the sticker price. This includes manga, art books, doujinshi, etc., including newly-arrived materials!

- DVD BLOWOUT: All Anime DVD and general interest DVD: Buy One DVD, get 10% off! Buy 2 DVDs, get 20% off! Buy 3 DVD’s, get 30% off! Buy 4 DVDs, get 40% off! (Single discs, box-sets, adult material. One package, whether single-disc or multi-disc, counts as ‘one DVD’.)

- TOYS: All toys are 10% off sticker price.

- SPECIAL! MILK & CHEESE Vinyl Toy Set! Regular Price $74.95, Now $25!

SINGLE BOOK DEEP DISCOUNTS

We've got some amazing deals on some really great books that we happen to have a little too much inventory on, so we're hoping you can help us out with that. NOTE: Quantities may be limited on some items, but we have tried to ensure at least 10 of each listed special will be available. All books are on the 2nd floor.

Adventures of Doctor McNinja: Night Moves - Regularly $19.99, NOW: $10

- One of the funniest comics on the market right now, he’ll cut you open and sew you back up.

Buffy: Tales HC - Regularly $29.99, NOW: $10

- This oversized HC collects Tales of the Slayers, Tales of the Vampires, and 200 pages more Buffy goodness including lots of rare Joss Whedon-written short material.

Fables: Covers HC, by James Jean HC - Regularly $50, NOW: $20

- A tonne of gorgeous art by James Jean, including process materials and more? For $20? We must be completely insane.

Frank Miller’s Holy Terror - Regularly $30 NOW: $15

- Come on, you know you’re at least curious.

Grant Morrison's 18 Days HC - Regularly $24.99, NOW: $10

- The great unproduced Grant Morrison comic/screenplay/film/what-have-you, with the complete script, production art, and more! A really neat HC book for 10 bucks.

Invincible Compendium - Regularly $64.99, NOW: $35

- So you’re all big Walking Dead fans, but you like your superheroes to have a MARVEL or DC up in the corner on the cover. Let me assure you, INVINCIBLE is the s#it, and this book contains the first NINE volumes of the series for 65 bucks… on any other day. Boxing Day? 35 bucks.

Motel Art Improvement Service - Regularly $19.99, NOW: $10

- This really surprising, solid graphic novel from Jason Little debuted at TCAF this year and was unfairly overlooked in the deluge of great graphic novels. For $10 you really can’t go wrong, check it out.

Thor Omnibus Simonson - Regularly $125, NOW: $50

- All five of the softcover collections of Simonson’s THOR, one big Omnibus HC, fifty bucks. Don’t miss out.

MANGA DEALS:

Tatsumi Short Story Collections Set - NOW: $45 EACH for 3 books!

- Yoshihiro Tatsumi is officially The Beguiling’s favourite manga creator. The three short story collections by Tatsumi, “The Push Man and Other Stories,” “Abandon The Old In Tokyo,” and “Good Bye,” are must-own graphic novels. Now, in advance of the SCs coming this spring, get the HC editions for just $15 a pop!

Genkaku Picasso 1-3, by Usamaru Furuya - Regularly $9.99 each NOW: $10 for the set!

- Get all three volumes of TCAF guest Usamaru Furuya’s excellent Shonen Jump series for just $10!

Lychee Light Club, by Usamaru Furuya - Regularly $21, NOW: $10

- Not for the faint of heart, this is one of my favourite, and one of the most disturbing graphic novels of the year. Don’t miss out.

Mega Man Megamix Vols 1-3 SET, by ARIGA - Regularly $12.95 each, NOW: $10!

- This is a surprisingly awesome manga series, and it features Mega Man. If you’re reading any of the shonen action series, give this a try… you’ll be surprised how much you love it.

That’s it! Some amazing discounts on specific books, great discounts on everything else, and everyone goes home with some wonderful reading material! Enjoy, and we’ll see you at 9am on Boxing Day!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh From Japan: Moe Art Books! Haruhi, K-On, and More!

2011-12-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? CUTE GIRL ART BOOKS! All of your adorable moe girl favourites in lush, beautifully printed artbook format. Haruhi and friends, the girls from K-On, even ass-kicking characters like the cast of Shakugan no Shanna! A huge assortment can be found on the second floor.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh From Japan: H*talia Yaoi Doujinshi!

2011-12-24T08:00:00.003-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? Hetalia Yaoi Doujinshi! BL, yaoi, echhi, call it what you will, we've got a ton of it in stock featuring all kinds of pairings! Are you a UK/USA fan? US/Japan? Italy/Italy? We've got it, adding to our already healthy selection of available doujin. Look for them in a clearly marked box on the second floor.

Also available? A bunch of new Hetalia art books! Oh my!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh from Japan: Amazing Manga Artbooks!

2011-12-23T23:59:00.000-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? Art books! Tons and tons of art books! Including manga/illustration books from Taiyo Matsumoto, Range Murata, Katsuya Terada, and dozens more! Come check them out on the second floor.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh From Japan: Video Game Artbooks! Kingdom Hearts, Disgaea, and more!

2011-12-23T16:00:00.001-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? Video game artbooks! Original illustrations, art, and designs that went into making your favourite games, plus advertising and illustration art! We have way more books than are show here too, so come in and check out the whole selection! Second floor.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Fresh From Japan: N*ruto Yaoi Doujinshi!

2011-12-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

We've just received a huge shipment of new material from Japan, and boy, is it awesome! Included amongst all of the art books, doujinshi, manga, and other awesome stuff? We've got a whole new batch of awesome new yaoi doujinshi based on the Naruto series. All of it is "18+" for... various reasons. You can find it all in a clearly labeled box on the second floor, near our normal doujinshi selection. Prices vary.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Now in Stock: PROJECT H!

2011-12-22T19:20:00.001-05:00

Good news, smut lovers! Just in time for the holidays we have three high-quality hentai manga for the discerning "aficionado."

Shocking Pink by Yasuiriosuke
Fed up with how the world is being run, Ryuubi decides to do something about it. She is determined to rule it herself! (With sexy results.)

Three P by Hiroshi Itaba
Sizzling hot college co-eds, Reika, Sara, and Mizume, are looking for more than just a quickie from their men. (With sexy results.)

Embrace & Bloom by Kuon Michiyoshi
Shige feels like the luckiest guy in the world. His girl Mayu is short, cute, and... uh, "well-endowed." Shige is obsessed with her "assets," but it turns out Mayu wants more than just a quick fondle. (With sexy results.)

All three can be found on the second floor for $17.95 -- U.S. cover price! Usually this kind of material is met with a steep markup but we have cut a deal with Project H to ensure a steady supply of their books. We'll have all their forthcoming material early and in "deep" stock from now on! There's never been a better time to love sexy results!

Signed Books Update: Worton & Anderson

2011-12-22T18:24:00.000-05:00

While the holidays press ever onwards we're actually holding up in terms of great stock on hand, regardless of what you're looking for! In particular, while some of our signed books are getting very thin on the ground we're pleased to report that so far everything remains in stock... but we'd hurry if you want signed copies of Death Ray, Meta Maus, and Hark, A Vagrant! if we were you.

We've even added three more books to the list!

Sand and Fury: A Scream Queen Adventure, by Ho Che Anderson: A story of blood, of sex, of death—of sound and retribution. It opens as a girl by the side of a desert road accepts a ride from a stranger. How could she know that behind that wheel sits the angel of death? Of course, even the angel of death once had a life. During that life, death was a successful business woman, with a great career and an even greater future. It’s true she could be a little cavalier with her innate gifts; she had, after all, broken the heart of everyone who had ever loved her. Signed by Ho Che Anderson.

SKIM, by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki: "Skim" is Kimberly Keiko Cameron, a not-slim, would-be Wiccan goth who goes to a private girls' school in the early '90s. When her classmate Katie Matthews is dumped by her boyfriend, who then kills himself — possibly because he's (maybe) gay — the entire school goes into mourning overdrive. It's a weird time to fall in love, but that's what happens to Skim when she starts meeting secretly with her neo-hippie English teacher, Ms. Archer. But then Ms. Archer abruptly leaves the school, and Skim has to cope with her confusion and isolation while her best friend, Lisa, tries to pull her into "real" life by setting up a hilarious double-date for the school's semi formal. Suicide, depression, love, homosexuality, crushes, cliques of popular, manipulative peers — the whole gamut of teen life is explored in this poignant glimpse into the heartache of being 16. Signed by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki.

The Klondike, by Zach Worton. Drawn in an inviting, engagingly detailed style, The Klondike is the story of The Klondike gold rush which shook the Yukon on the eve of the twentieth century and stands today as the defining era in the taming of North America and especially Canada's Great North. The history of how a handful of colorful characters sparked the largest mobilization of gold seekers in history is brought vividly to life in this debut graphic novel by cartoonist Zach Worton. Notes and introductory texts accompany each chapter, and a thorough, illustrated index of all the key players in the gold rush, as well as a glossary featuring notes about "How to Pan for Gold" and tips on how to spot the differences between "fool's gold" and the real thing complete the book. Signed by Zach Worton

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Last Minute Gift Idea: HISTORY OF RAP PRINT

2011-12-22T16:10:00.000-05:00

Want to class up a dorm room, bed room, or studio? Check out Kagan McLeod's truly amazing History of Rap print. It's a 17.5″ x 30″ print on thick 100lb paper, featuring 469 portraits and tons of biographical info (printed on the back). So awesome you’ll wanna buy two. $20, at the main counter.

Beguiling staffer picks 5 great Tintin works for Daily XY

2011-12-21T20:10:00.001-05:00

Over at Daily XY today, Beguiling and Little Island Comics staffer John Anderson suggested his favourite Tintin graphic novels and related books for the ever-growing-legion of Tintin devotees. If you're new to Tintin, make sure to check out his recommendations and then swing by The Beguiling or Little Island Comics to pick them up!
Link: http://www.dailyxy.com/article/best-books-tintin-and-beyond/

Last Minute Gift Idea: Prints & Posters

2011-12-19T17:29:00.001-05:00

Running a little tight on time for Holiday Gift-Giving? In addition to a ton of great comics and graphic novels, including awesome signed work, The Beguiling also has a poster rack full of posters and prints to fit every taste and budget. Nothing says "this is an amazing gift" like a piece of very limited artwork...!

Shown (L to R): Brian Ralph Silkscreen print, Junko Mizuno Silkscreen Print, Jason Lutes Poster, Tank Tankuro Poster by Gajo Sakamoto, Axe Cop Poster by Ethan Nicolle.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Shipping December 21st, 2011

2011-12-19T16:19:00.000-05:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday December 21st, 2011. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/111221shipping.txt

- Chris @ The Beguiling

TONIGHT! The Dinosaur Comics Book Launch / Holiday Party!

2011-12-19T15:18:00.002-05:00

The Dinosaur Comics Book Launch & Holiday Party!
“Everybody Knows Failure is Just Success Rounded Down.”
TONIGHT! Monday, December 19st, 2010
7:30-10pm, doors at 7pm
@ Pauper's Pub, 539 Bloor St. W., 2nd Floor
FREE TO ATTEND

http://www.facebook.com/events/142914792480565/

Oh my gosh you guys! Just in time for Christmas, it’s the release of the long-awaited new collection of DINOSAUR COMICS, the awesome webcomic by Toronto’s own Ryan North! It’s called “Dinosaur Comics: Everybody Knows Failure is Just Success Rounded Down”, and collects all of the strips originally appearing in 2007! Author Ryan North will be on hand signing books and meeting and greeting with fans! Copies of the new book will be on sale at the event, as will past books, shirts, and prints! Can you think of anything more awesome to do...ON A MONDAY?

We’re launching the book just a few days before a big holiday, and we figured “We can totally make this a party that EVERYONE can enjoy!!!" It’s also THE OFFICIAL DINOSAUR COMICS HOLIDAY PARTY! (woooo!) Food, drinks, and merriment! Wear your Santa hats! Bring a Secret Santa gift and you’ll receive one (details below)! Even more: December 19th is "Feel Free To Say Hi If I'm Wearing A Dinosaur Comics Shirt Day, Woooooo!" So wear your Dinosaur Comics shirt to spark a conversation! Or spot somebody wearing one and ask thon about it. Or feel free to observe the day silently -- the holidays are for everyone!

But Wait There's More! Ryan North is going to be writing Adventure Time comics this February! Boom Studios, the publisher, sent us a ton of postcards to give away featuring the cover of Adventure Time #1! Hoo-ray! Free postcards for everyone!

All of this is happening TONIGHT Monday, December 19th, at Pauper’s Pub (539 Bloor St W, near Bathurst TTC), on the second floor. We hope we’ll see you there…!

SECRET SANTA RULES:

If you would like to participate:
- Please bring a wrapped gift with a monetary value of no more than $5.
- Go to the book sales table and trade your gift for a numbered ticket.
- At 8:30pm, we’ll call out the numbers, and when your number is called you’ll have your choice of the available gifts!
- Please mark on the outside of the gift if your item contains food and especially if it contains common allergens including peanuts, gluten, etc., so that people with allergies will be able to make an informed Secret Santa Selection.
- Participation is by no means mandatory, but we thought it might be fun!

--

See you tonight!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

PYONGYANG by Guy Delisle - 20% off until X-Mas

2011-12-19T12:48:00.000-05:00

Seeing as the North Korean people got an early X-Mas present, we here at The Beguiling felt that we should contribute a little something to the occasion as well. Being the best bits of graphic novel reportage in the store, Guy Delisle's PYONGYANG is a look behind the Iron Curtain into the last truly communist nation on earth. It explores and explains life there, including the "Dear [Departed] Leader" and is told very matter-of-factly, from Delisle's everyman perspective.

We're happily offering 20% off the cover price to folks who mention that they saw this blog post. Available in soft cover for $16.95, or hard cover for $24.95, first floor.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Signed Books Update: Chippendale, Furuya, McCormack & Seth, McLeod, O'Malley, and Ono!

2011-12-15T19:17:00.000-05:00

We've found a great selection of recent graphic novels signed by fantastic authors who've visited our shop in 2011! Great gifts, great gift ideas for others to get you!

If 'N' Oof, by Brian Chippendale: We had an amazing event for Brian Chippendale and C.F. this year, and Brian left us a healthy (large) stack of his very healthy (very large) new graphic novel If 'N' Oof. That supply has dwindled to almost nothing, but we did find 5 copies that we have just put out. I's a great book!

Lychee Light Club, by Usamaru Furuya: Out of the greatest tradition of the Grand Guigenol comes this book, a fairly depraved work that exists in its own world--where the uncontrolled id of children runs wild, violence and sadism are praised, and nothing is worse that growing old. It is not for everyone. But if you need a direct comparisson, in Japan, ero-grotesque author Suehiro Maruo did a tribute-piece for the Lychee Light Club series in Japan. Get it? Get it! Signed by Usamaru Furuya.

Christmas Days, by Derek McCormack with Illustrations by Seth: I'm not quite sure how this fantastic collection of Christmas traditions--Canadian and otherwise--hasn't become an instant holiday classic alongside other contemporary bits of excellent like Sedaris' Holidays On Ice, but let me help to rectify that: It's lovely. Poking fun at both the cheap and the extravagant traditions, the dark, delerious, and even drunken origins of our holidays. Lavishly illustrated by Seth, and signed by both Seth and author Derek McCormack.

Infinite Kung Fu, by Kagan McLeod: The culmination of nearly a decade of Kung-Fu excellence from Kagan McLeod! Collecting the entire in-print saga and hundreds more pages, including tons of redrawn material. Weighing in at over 400 pages it is assuredly the perfect gift for someone on your list. Signed by Kagan McLeod.

Scott Pilgrim v6: Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour, by Bryan Lee O'Malley: What else is there to be said about Scott Pilgrim? It's awesome. We know it, you know it, and maybe through a combination of loaned copies, reading copies, library visits, and downloads (legal and otherwise), you never got the series' titanic conclusion? Or maybe you want a signed one instead? Or maybe someone else does? Either way, we've got signed copies, 1st printing!

Not Simple, House of Five Leaves v1, by Natsume Ono: We do love us some Natsume Ono here at The Beguiling, and when Ono-sensei was here in Toronto for TCAF, she was very kind and signed a number of copies of her work for us! NOT SIMPLE is her debut graphic novel, a stand-alone work about the unluckiest boy on earth and it is heartbreaking and sad and really pretty. HOUSE OF FIVE LEAVES is about a wandering Samurai who's terrible at being Samurai, who is taken on as hired muscle by a gang of thieves... drama ensues. It's great, trust me. Signed by Natsume Ono.

A Quick Note About Sacrifice @ The Beguiling

2011-12-15T17:14:00.000-05:00

Hey folks! Just a few quick notes about Sam Humphries' and Dalton Rose's SACRIFICE, a new six issue comic series that is not being solicited through Diamond Comic Distributors:

1) It's a full-colour, self-published mini-series from the writer of OUR LOVE IS REAL, which was a lot of fun. We're expecting this to be great too.
2) We will be on of the few stores carrying this book!
3) We had a choice between getting the issues quick, and paying more for shipping than it would cost to buy the books, or getting the book slow, and being able to sell the issues for cover price. We chose "slow" and "cheap", so it may be up to 3 weeks after the book is 'officially' released before we get our copies. Sorry!

Regardless, we're quite happy to support this effort and we think it's going to mean some good comics. Find out more about the series at http://samhumphries.com/sacrifice-comic-book/.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Now In Stock: Doctor Who Sonic Screwdrivers & More

2011-12-15T15:32:00.004-05:00

Breaking with our tradition of 'not carrying stuff like this,' we've opened our arms and hearts to embrace a select assortment of merchandise tying into Doctor Who (and one Firefly item). Why? Possibly our hearts grew three sizes a little while back, possibly we were informed that no one in the city was really carrying them. Who can say? But yeah, just in time for Christmas, in fairly limited quantities.

Doctor Who:
10th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver (David Tennant), $29.99
11th Doctor Sonic Screwdriver (Matt Smith), $29.99
Future Sonic Screwdriver (Alex Kingston), $29.99
Adipose Stress Toy, $24.99
Tardis 4-port USB Hub, with 'Flashing Lantern & Tardis Sounds', $39.99

Firefly Builder Plaque Stickers, $10.00

- Christopher
Edit: Sold out of Tom Baker! Sorry!

Shipping December 14th, 2011

2011-12-14T17:17:00.000-05:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday December 14th, 2011. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/111214shipping.txt

- Chris @ The Beguiling

M. Vellekoop & G. Badcock at The Advocate!

2011-12-12T16:11:00.000-05:00

The accolades continue to pour in for Maurice Vellekoop and his brand new comics project The World of Gloria Badcock #1! Most recently Maurice and Gloria were featured in a sprawling article in The Advocate, the top gay culture magazine in North America. You can see the whole profile and samples from the book here.

The World of Gloria Badcock #1 is not currently available for sale online, and it is cost-prohibitive for us to ship them from our website (shipping would cost more than the comic...), so we want to help our online friends out. From now through the end of February, anyone ordering either Vellekoop's A NUT AT THE OPERA (D&Q) or PIN-UPS (Green Candy) will get a copy of The World of Gloria Badcock #1 included with their order for free! Just order one of the two convenient bundles from our online store:

Pin-Ups + Gloria Badcock
A Nut At The Opera + Gloria Badcock

If you're in-store, we'll honour this deal as well... even though it won't be marked! So you'll have to mention it at the counter when you're signing out. Think of it as a 'secret sale'.

Best,

- Christopher

SALE: Eddie Campbell's FATE OF THE ARTIST for $10!

2011-12-12T12:20:00.001-05:00

We've decided not to wait until Boxing Day to offer certain items up for sale and we've started with an excellent and somewhat overlooked release of the past 5 years, Eddie Campbell's The Fate Of The Artist. One of the books in First Second Books' debut line, The Fate Of The Artist is a rumination on the nature of art and creation, biography and autobiography, and the role that the artist plays in the world around him or her. It's a really solid work, and we've ended up with slightly too many, so we're happy to offer this fine work to you for just $10. The Canadian list price is $21.95, so this is a substantial savings on a book we can personally recommend. Makes a good gift for the graphic novel fan in your life as well...

To entice you further, what follows is a review that I (Chris) wrote after the book's release in 2006. As you can see, I found it quite thought provoking and enjoyable.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

--

The Fate of The Artist
By Eddie Campbell
Published by First Second Books

Reviewed by Christopher Butcher, Fall 2006

The fate of the artist is for him to disappear, or to reinvent himself, or both. The Fate of The Artist, on the other hand, is a considered graphic novel wherein creator Eddie Campbell examines his life and his art and finds it all lacking, and chucks it out the window.

So to speak.

The vast majority of people encountering this graphic novel will know Campbell as the artist of From Hell, his collaboration with Alan Moore. They may have even encountered his long-running comic series Bacchus, about the somewhat-deposed God of drinking, and said God’s wanderings through the world. But for my money, Campbell's real strength lies in his autobiographical works, both real and veiled. Campbell's comix stand-in is Alec MacGarry who has to date starred in three excellent graphic novels: Alec: The King Canute Crowd, Alec: Three Piece Suit, and Alec: How To Be An Artist. In his previous (and previously most recent) graphic novel After The Snooter, Eddie Campbell takes off the 'Alec' disguise and addresses us directly, primarily on the subject of his anxiety at approaching middle-age. It is a step forward for Campbell as an artist and storyteller, the last chapter of the ‘Alec’ saga, with the artist finally having come in to his own. So what is The Fate of The Artist then? Why, it's the epilogue of course.

If this seems to be an awful lot of set-up to even get to the book I'm ostensibly reviewing, well it is actually. You're entirely correct. The weight of Campbell's publishing efforts, his art, and his life in comix, is felt on every page. It's felt on the very first page in fact, on which the artist tells us to "all go to fuck," sick of comics and himself and you, too. It is the only time we see Eddie Campbell as 'himself' in this graphic novel, with the image of the artist played by an "actor" for the rest of the book. Campbell's got another mask on (or more properly, someone's got a Campbell mask) and we're back to the artist's life a step-removed. In fact, page three introduces a detective investigating Campbell's disappearance from the narrative. The graphic novel is an autothanatography; the paradox of being both about him and about not-him; what comes after the
autobiographies are over. Confused? Don't worry, from page three on the book becomes much more straight-forward.

Sort of.

The Fate of The Artist is told through Traditional Comics, yes, but also through: fumetti (photo-comics); comic strips; diagrams; and illustrated text pieces – all more ubiquitous forms than The Graphic Novel, with which the general public is likely less familiar. It makes for an interesting reading experience; Campbell uses these methods to communicate information relating to the themes and plot of the graphic novel akin to a poet or songwriter using an apt metaphor or striking turn-of-phrase to communicate a deeper intent. Digressions like the 1920s-style comic strip “Honeybee” comment on marital fisticuffs in the general, but when juxtaposed with the character in the main narrative representing Campbell's wife, an emotional clarity regarding their relationship reveals itself and the digression is elevated in status to 'integral'. Campbell has thrown off the shackles of the panel-page-grid (and after doing 500+ pages of From Hell in that style he's earned the right) and managed to turn the result into a surprisingly readable book.

So if form is no obstacle to the various and sundry new readers to be gained from the promotional push this graphic novel is getting as part of publisher First Second's debut, is the subject matter? I'm honestly not sure. As I've written, the enormity of all of Campbell's past works (save perhaps Bacchus) weigh on this graphic novel. His history as a comics artist is integral to the murder mystery that is the framework for the story. His autobiography (real and veiled) and its effects on his family and friends provide the hook, the emotional core, and eventually the resolution. While Campbell does a good job of introducing his situation and surroundings to the reader in this book, I can't imagine a reader inexperienced with Campbell's oeuvre drawing much from the story other than that he's a prat who may have managed to have some sense knocked into him in the end. (I’d be wrong, incidentally. Read the postscript.) I could end the review right here, saying that the book is innovative, and a fulfilling read that will engage most of the readers that pick The Fate of The Artist up off of the crowded graphic novel shelves. But the book offers much more to those of us who've followed Alec's journeys since their inception, and so should this review I think.

Incidentally, you might want stop reading now if you don't want the plot ruined for you.

The Fate of The Artist is that his tendency to write his family and friends into his comics, putting words into their mouths and their likenesses into embarrassing situations (real or imagined) gets him killed. His long-suffering 'best-mate' kills him and stuffs the body onto the library shelves under the dewey-decimal code for graphic novels. You can't help but feel that after being told to "go to fuck" on page one, followed by 79 pages of the artist's family painting a picture of him as an ass, that he got what he deserved. The whole book is Campbell slicing open his own stomach, pulling out the entrails and reading the guts to divine the future; it isn't a pretty picture, for you to think about or for Campbell either. Is this book Campbell owning up to his missteps? An apology to those who felt wronged? Or just recognition, with a promise of change? Again, it's tough to say.

Almost immediately following the grand reveal of the artist's untimely demise, Campbell (as portrayed by an actor) gets a face-to-face with God, who ultimately validates all of his thoughts and feelings on the nature of the universe, in a scene drawn and painted by Campbell. Must be nice! Immediately following that though is the final storytelling shift; a Classics Illustrated-style retelling of O. Henry's The Confessions of a Humourist, staring Eddie Campbell in the lead roll. It is the story of an unassuming man who becomes a professional writer of humour, eventually sucking the joy out of all of his relationships as he doggedly pursues family and friends for material. In the end, the humourist recognizes the value in being a husband and father, putting his typewriter into the service of bookkeeping at a funeral home.

Does this mean the end of Eddie Campbell: Comic Book Character? Or perhaps more importantly to Campbell's health-and-well-being, the end of Eddie Campbell's Friends and Family: Unwitting and Unwilling Comic Book Characters? I kind of hope so, actually. Not because I'm bored of the adventures of Alec, Eddie, or whichever actor they rope into playing Campbell on the page; just the opposite really. I could go on reading graphic novels from Eddie Campbell of this quality more-or-less indefinitely. But The Fate of The
Artist is such a clear epilogue, a bookend to the life of the aspiring young mini-comics creator introduced in the first Alec stories, that it would be a shame to let his death on the page go unobserved.

Eddie Campbell is dead; long live Eddie Campbell.

--

Post-script: I wasn’t personally sure if the audience for this work was constrained solely to those readers who were intimately familiar with Mr. Campbell’s oeuvre, and so I asked my husband Andrew to read it. At the time (2006) he’d only read 3-4 grapic novels prior, and he really enjoyed Fate Of The Artist. He specifically enjoyed it for its exploration of the themes of the artist’s relationship to his art, and for the biographical and meta-biographical nature of the work. So, shows what I know. I’d say The Fate Of The Artist is in fact very accessible for the uninitiated, at least so long as they’re at all interested in the nature of art and creation.

Post-Post-Script: In the intervening years, all of Eddie Campbell's 'Alec' work, including After The Snooter, was collected in one massive tome entitled Alec: The Years Have Pants, which is also available in store now.

- Christopher Butcher

THE BEGUILING'S HOLIDAY GIFT RECOMMENDATIONS!

2011-12-08T19:11:00.001-05:00

Whether you’re a comics fan looking for an amazing gift this Christmas/Hanukkah/Holiday Season or you’re trying to buy something for the hard-to-buy-for, we’ve got you covered (24 years and counting) with some of the greatest graphic novels in the English language. Better yet? All of these books are available signed by their authors. We hold dozens of events each year, we work with stores across Canada, and we get all kinds of cool stuff in stock, and that means if you want a copy of Meta Maus signed by Art Spiegelman? Come to The Beguiling. We’re not charging a premium for any of these books either, just the standard cover price.

We will update this post when books sell out, and if/when we add additional titles.

Sorry to our international customers, these books are currently available in-store only, due to the complete lack of shipping time available before Christmas. If any of these books are available after the holidays we will make them available to mail-order customers.

Signed Graphic Novels – Art Comix

Hark a Vagrant, by Kate Beaton – While we could go on at length about how “we knew her when…” we’ll instead just point out that this is a fantastic collection of strips, touching on literature, Canadian history, popular culture and much more. This is a whole book of hilarious, expressive comic strips that will surprise and entertain anyone lucky enough to get them. Signed by the author.

Paying For It, by Chester Brown – The truly surprising hit graphic memoir of the year, Chester Brown’s Paying For It is the edgy sort of graphic novel that makes a perfect—and perhaps even scandalous—gift, but once read is a thoroughly unscandalous and utterly thought-provoking work. Signed by the author.

Louis Riel, by Chester Brown – Chester Brown’s unlikely breakout hit, a biography of the Metis rebel leader that has become required reading for every school-age kid in Canada and is soon to make its way to the top of the Canada Reads event, if we have anything to say about it. Signed by the author.

The Death Ray, by Daniel Clowes – While Eightball #23, which this book collects, was one of the best-selling single-issue comic books we have ever stocked at The Beguiling, we know there are tons of you out there that still haven’t read what Peter Birkemoe describes as “The Last Superhero Comic Anyone Ever Needs to Read”. While I wouldn’t personally go that far, I would say that anyone with an affection for superheroes (past, present, future) definitely needs this book on their shelves. Signed by author.

The Complete Essex County, by Jeff Lemire – While many folks first became aware of this title through the Canada Reads event this year, we’ve long been supporters of Jeff’s work and career, and we enthusiastically recommend his first full length graphic novel to you. Set in Southern Ontario, these intersecting stories of small town life are touching, and starkly beautiful. Available in Hardcover and Softcover. Signed by the author.

The Great Northern Brotherhood of Canadian Cartoonists, by Seth – The spiritual successor to Seth’s comic book collecting adventure Wimbledon Green, the GNBCC is the mythical history of Canadian cartooning and comic bookery. A handsome little hardcover marked with gold foil, it’s practically already giftwrapped! Signed by the author.

Meta Maus, by Art Spiegelman – Just in case you’re unaware, Art Spiegelman’s MAUS is his comic book (graphic) memoir detailing his parents’ time in a Nazi Concentration Camp during the Second World War. Seeing as MAUS has won the Pulitzer prize, is required reading in university courses the world over, and has been lauded hundreds of times in its 25 year history, chances are you or someone you know has read MAUS. Well now there is a follow-up, Meta Maus, the complete companion piece to the original. An examination of Spiegelman’s creative process, the process of creating MAUS, all of the how’s and whys backed up with hundreds of historical documents, sketches, and a bonus DVD with the audio interviews with his father that eventually became the graphic novel. An essential work. Signed by the author.

Habibi, by Craig Thompson – Though he’s generated no small end of controversy with Habibi, I found Craig Thompson to be a warm and engaging speaker on his trip through Toronto earlier this year, and his exploration of his creative process to be unique and noteworthy, and the discussion around Habibi has been with a few exceptions smart and informed. Join the discussion, pick up a copy. Signed by the author.

Sweetness Hardcover Sketchbook, by Adrian Alphona and Christina Strain - SWEETNESS is a 56 page, hardcover art book collecting all-new sketches by Alphona and gorgeously digitally painted by Strain. Includes several 'raw pencil' illustrations to compare pencils and colour art, even includes translucent vellum overlays of select pieces! Full colour throughout, spot-varnish embossed hardcover. Signed by Adrian Alphona.

Runaways, Volumes 1-7, by Brian K. Vaughn and Adrian Alphona – One of Marvel’s best comic book series of the past decade, pencil artist Adrian Alphona and inker Craig Yeung have signed all of our softcover and hardcover editions of this series.

Mike Carey, Complete Works – While Mike Carey was in town a few months back, he was gracious to sign pretty-much every book of his that we had in stock. That means we’ve got full runs of The Unwritten, Lucifer, Hellblazer, X-Men, and much more all signed by author Mike Carey!

Sweet Tooth, by Jeff Lemire – Jeff Lemire’s post-apocalyptic survivalist story continues apace, and is now on its third collected edition. It continues to be a cliffhanger-filled and nail-biter of a series, and if you haven’t caught up yet you might want to now!

Superboy, by Jeff Lemire – Jeff Lemire’s complete 11-issue Superboy run has been collected in one brand-new collection! Featuring amazing covers by friends-of-The Beguiling Karl Kerschl, Marco Rudy, Rafael Albuquerque and more, this is a great superhero choice for the fan on your list, and it’s signed by Lemire!

Skullkickers Volume 1 + 2 – We’ve held 2 big launches for Jim Zubkavich’s SKULLKICKERS this year because we’re big fans of Zub and because he managed to get 11 issues of his comic book out on time! Two trade paperbacks from the same Image Comics Series out in the same calendar year—it’s a Christmas miracle! Volumes 1 + 2 are signed and available in store now.

The World of Gloria Badcock, by Maurice Vellekoop – A sexy stocking stuffer for the 18+ folks on your list, Vellekoop’s Gloria Badcock is a freewheeling sexual adventurous, with enough combinations and explorations on these pages to ensure there’s literally something for everyone! Surely you must have someone on your list deserving of a little pansexual smut…?

Assorted Comic Books, by Various – Creators like Jeff Lemire, Francis Manupul, Jim Zub, Marco Rudy, Matt Fraction, Stuart & Kathryn Immonen, Kelly Sue Deconnick, Guy Davis, and many more creators have dropped by the store and signed their comics on the stands this year! Ask the second floor staff to point you to a cool signed comic or two for a stocking stuffer or Hanukkah gift!

--

- Chris

DC 52 Month 4

2011-12-08T18:15:00.000-05:00

Interested in participating in "The Complete DC 52 #4s for One Low Price?" The new price is $125, which is a better than 30% discount. If you're interested in participating, email chris@beguiling.com for full details.

- Chris

Now In Stock: 2012 Moomin, Pokemon Calendars from Japan

2011-12-07T13:39:00.001-05:00

Want to get a gift for yourself (or someone else) that's essentially impossible to find in North America? How about a Japanese calendar featuring Moomin or Pokemon? Yes, on his recent travels to Japan Christopher picked up a very limited number of 2012 Calendars featuring the Pokemon and the Moomins, and they are currently available at the store.

The Moomin calendar can be set on a desk or hung from a wall, and is adorable at $20.

The Pokemon 2012 Calendar was a McDonald's exclusive item (!) and also features over 130 stickers to decorate or paste reminders onto your calendar... or wherever. It's $12.95.

In a completely different vein, we also have copies of The Walking Dead 2012 calendar featuring Rick and the whole merry band. Don't they look Merry? $14.99.

- Christopher

Now In Stock: Paul au Parc, by Michel Rabagliati

2011-12-06T17:41:00.000-05:00

Hooray! Michel Rabagliati and La Pasteque have just released a brand new book in the Paul series, Paul au parc. The earliest-set of the Paul books, this explores the character's childhood, scouting, and mentoring, all set against the backdrop of The October Crisis. It is available seulement en français, and it is, as one would expect, entirely gorgeous. Hurry to the store and pick up your copy! It's $27.95, and available on the main floor.

Oh, and watch for the next English-language Paul book to debut around TCAF. It's called The Song of Roland, a translation of Paul a Quebec, and it will be published by the good folks at Conundrum.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Shipping December 7th, 2011

2011-12-02T22:13:00.001-05:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday December 7th, 2011. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/111207shipping.txt

There are a ton of amazing things out this week, not the least of which is an omnibus collecting every issue of Milligan & Allred's X-STATIX, our good friend Jeff Lemire's SUPERBOY run, and a ton of new manga. We will endeavour to create a recommends list this weekend!

Also on Wednesday December 7th:

Adrian Alphona Signs SWEETNESS
Wednesday December 7th, 5pm-7pm
@ The Beguiling, 601 Markham Street
Free To Attend
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=153794491388741

SWEETNESS is the gorgeous new sketchbook collection from Toronto's own Adrian Alphona. Fans will likely remember Adrian from his stint as the artist of RUNAWAYS with Brian K. Vaughn for Marvel, and in addition to his comics work he's a top-notch illustrator! Adrian Alphona will be signing at The Beguiling on the evening of Wednesday, December 7th, from 5pm-7pm. Everyone's welcome!

Shipping November 30th, 2011

2011-11-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday October 30th, 2011. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/111130shipping.txt

- Chris @ The Beguiling
This post has been back-dated, sorry for not getting it up on time.

ADRIAN ALPHONA in-store December 7: SWEETNESS Sketchbook Signing!

2011-11-28T17:26:00.004-05:00

Adrian Alphona Signs SWEETNESS
Wednesday December 7th, 5pm-7pm
@ The Beguiling, 601 Markham Street
Free To Attend
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=153794491388741

SWEETNESS is the gorgeous new sketchbook collection from Toronto's own Adrian Alphona. Fans will likely remember Adrian from his stint as the artist of RUNAWAYS with Brian K. Vaughn for Marvel, and in addition to his comics work he's a top-notch illustrator!

SWEETNESS is a brand new sketchbook collection, with all of Adrian's sketches (really: finished pencil pieces) coloured by writer/colourist Christian Strain. The book features original pencil art, finish coloured pages, even special vellum-insert overlays to let you compare the two! All of this wrapped up in a gorgeous hardcover book (it's even got little embossed snowflakes on it!). It retails for just $25 and is worth every penny... and you can really only find it in a few select stores in the world!

Adrian Alphona will be signing at The Beguiling on the evening of Wednesday, December 7th, from 5pm-7pm. Everyone's welcome!

...and if you don't mind us saying, signed art books make for excellent Christmas gifts...

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Shipping November 23rd, 2011

2011-11-22T23:22:00.001-05:00

Darwyn Cooke's
PARKER: Martini Edition

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday October 25th, 2011. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/111123shipping.txt

AMAZING DEAL THIS WEEK!

WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #2: BUY ISSUE #2 FOR REGULAR COVER PRICE, GET A COPY OF WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #1 FOR JUST $1! The first two issues were surprisingly good! If you're looking for a title to add to your list, I can definitely recommend this one.

Otherwise, come on in for the Parker: Martini Edition, the lovely oversized Milk & Cheese HC, and the beautiful fully-painted story from Fabio Moon in Dark Horse Presents #6, amongst other fantastic titles this week!

- Chris

Now In Stock: New Dinosaur Comics, Oglaf, Scenes from a Multiverse, ASP!

2011-11-21T20:08:00.001-05:00

Fortune has smiled upon us, and we now have 4 brand new graphic novels in stock collected some of the best and brightest comics being serialized on the internet today...! The fine folks at Topatoco.com have 4 new books, and so WE have 4 new books, all for you!

Dinosaur Comics: Everybody knows failure is just success rounded down: The second full-colour collection of Ryan North's DINOSAUR COMICS is here, and it collects all of the comics from 2007 plus bonus material, hidden text, and much more! Weighing in at 256 pages and $20, it's sure to be a treat under many a Torontonian comics fan's tree this Christmas. Or maybe you want one for yourself? Also: We're holding a 'launch' party for this one too! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142914792480565

Oglaf Volume 1: This is great, a collection of seriously smutty fantasy/adventure comics! It's sexy and smutty and occasionally gross and hilarious, a must-own. Collects 199 full-colour strips, a ton of exclusive/bonus material. $20.

Scenes From A Multiverse Book 1: The new project from Goats creator Jon Rosenberg is a collection of single-page comics, each visiting a different dimension strangely familiar to our own. Like the best sci-fi it comments on all sorts of social issues today, and does so with great humour. 136 full colour pages, $19.

Amazing Super Powers: Catalog of Regret: The first ever AmazingSuperPowers book! 180+ strips from last two years of ASP, presented in full-colour with 14+ pages of bonus material. $19 for this lovely tome.

All books are available on the second floor of The Beguiling.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Dinosaur Comics Book Launch and Holiday Party

2011-11-21T19:45:00.000-05:00

DINOSAUR COMICS BOOK RELEASE
and HOLIDAY PARTY!
It’s the new book, “Everybody Knows Failure is Just Success Rounded Down.”
Monday, December 19st, 2010
7:30-10pm, doors at 7pm
@ Pauper's Pub, 539 Bloor St. W., 2nd Floor
FREE TO ATTEND
Facebook Event Page

Presented by The Beguiling and Topatoco.com

Oh my gosh you guys! Just in time for Christmas, it’s the release of the long-awaited new collection of DINOSAUR COMICS, the awesome webcomic by Toronto’s own Ryan North! It’s called “Dinosaur Comics: Everybody Knows Failure is Just Success Rounded Down”, and collects all of the strips originally appearing in 2007—STILL IN FULL COLOUR! Author Ryan North will be on hand signing books and meeting and greeting with all types of fans! Copies of the new book will be on sale at the event, as will past books, shirts, and prints! Can you think of anything more awesome to do...ON A MONDAY?

We’re launching the book just a few days before a big holiday, and we figured “We can totally make this a party that EVERYONE can enjoy!!!" It’s also THE OFFICIAL DINOSAUR COMICS HOLIDAY PARTY! (woooo!) Food, drinks, and merriment! Wear your Santa hats! Bring a Secret Santa gift and you’ll receive one (details below)! Even more: December 19th is "Feel Free To Say Hi If I'm Wearing A Dinosaur Comics Shirt Day, Woooooo!" So wear your Dinosaur Comics shirt to spark a conversation! Or spot somebody wearing one and ask thon about it. Or feel free to observe the day silently -- the holidays are for everyone!

All of this is happening Monday, December 19th, at Pauper’s Pub (539 Bloor St W, near Bathurst TTC), on the second floor. We hope we’ll see you there…!

SECRET SANTA RULES:
If you would like to participate:
- Please bring a wrapped gift with a monetary value of no more than $5.
- Go to the book sales table and trade your gift for a numbered ticket.
- At 8:30pm, we’ll call out the numbers, and when your number is called you’ll have your choice of the available gifts!
- Please mark on the outside of the gift if your item contains food and especially if it contains common allergens including peanuts, gluten, etc., so that people with allergies will be able to make an informed Secret Santa Selection.
- Participation is by no means mandatory, but we thought it might be fun!

ABOUT
“Dinosaur Comics: Everybody Knows Failure is Just Success Rounded Down” is a new, 256 page, full colour collection of strips by Ryan North, and published by Topatoco. It will retail for $20 Canadian. You can find Dinosaur Comics online every day at http://qwantz.com .

The Beguiling is Canada’s premier retailer of comics, graphic novels,
manga and more, and has been for more than 20 years!

Stanislas Feature on SLATE

2011-11-20T14:48:00.000-05:00

Just in time for our massive book launch, show, and auction this Sunday comes this amazing preview of The Adventures of Herge at Slate!

http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2011/11/17/tintin_s_creator_herge_the_illustrated_biography.html

Of course we couldn't be more excited that author Stanislas is on his way from Paris to Toronto this weekend to officially launch The Adventures of Herge in English, and our friends at Drawn & Quarterly have even sent along a few early copies in-store to check out.

So head over to Slate and check out their massive preview, maybe come by the store and pick up a copy of the book yourself, and then make sure to come to the launch of The Adventures of Herge this Sunday, November 27th at 7pm at Steamwhistle Brewery.

THE ADVENTURES OF HERGÉ with artist Stanislas in attendance
Sunday November 27th, 7pm-11pm
@ Steamwhistle Gallery, 255 Bremner Boulevard (Near Rogers Centre)
Everyone is welcome. Free to attend
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=292517564104096

First, join French creator Stanislas as he travels from Paris to Toronto for the official English-language launch of THE ADVENTURES OF HERGÉ, the graphic novel biography of the Tintin creator from Drawn & Quarterly. Stanislas will join Peter Birkemoe, owner of The Beguiling, to discuss Herge’s influence.

Now In Stock: Uncivilized Books' Minicomics

2011-11-19T14:18:00.000-05:00

Dear awesome comics fans: Have we got news for you! We've just received a fantastic package of new mini-comics from "Uncivilized Books", the new mini-comics co-op fronted by Tom Kaczynski. As pictured, we've received a ton of new work by the likes of Kaczynski, Jon Lewis, Gabrielle Bell, Dan Wieken, and more. It looks like we have their entire line now in stock, and prices vary depending on the book.

Come check out the full line in store!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

ANNOUNCE: ORCHID Signing with Artist Scott Hepburn!

2011-11-18T18:30:00.001-05:00

ORCHID #3 SIGNING
Featuring series artist Scott Hepburn!
Wednesday, December 14th, 5pm-7pm
@ The Beguiling, 601 Markham Street, Toronto
Free To Attend
Facebook Event Page

Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, Nightwatchmen) has entered the wild world of comics with his new series ORCHID, and it is being illustrated by none other than Toronto's own Scott Hepburn! Please join us in celebrating the third momentous issue of the series' release!

Scott did sign copies of issues #1 & #2 in store, but on release day for #3 from 5pm-7pm, we're going to do an official signing! Get your books personalized, maybe even a sketch, and pay a compliment to Mr. Hepburn for his lovely work.

Scott was also the artist on several Star Wars comics, Marvel's Sentinel, and many other UDON projects.

About Orchid:
When the seas rose, genetic codes were smashed. Human settlements are ringed by a dense wilderness from which ferocious new animal species prey on the helpless. The high ground belongs to the rich and powerful that overlook swampland shantytowns from their fortress-like cities. Iron-fisted rule ensures order and allows the wealthy to harvest the poor as slaves. Welcome to the world of Orchid.

Issues #1 and #2 are now available, and issue #1 is only a buck!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Shipping List: November 16th 2011

2011-11-16T21:10:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! After a bit of a hiccup with our shipping this week, we're pleased to report that we've received all of our books, and all copies have been pulled for pullfile customers. Sorry for the hassle!

You can view the complete list of items that shipped at: http://www.beguiling.com/111116shipping.txt

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Reminder: ADVENTURES OF HERGE Book Launch & Art Show Closing!

2011-11-16T21:03:00.002-05:00

THE ADVENTURES OF HERGÉ book launch
With author Stanislas, from France!
Party & Art Show Closing

Sunday November 27th, 7pm-11pm
@ Steamwhistle Gallery, 255 Bremner Boulevard (Near Rogers Centre)

Everyone is welcome. Free to attend

First, join French creator Stanislas as he travels from Paris to Toronto for the official English-language launch of THE ADVENTURES OF HERGÉ, the graphic novel biography of the Tintin creator from Drawn & Quarterly. Stanislas will join Peter Birkemoe, owner of The Beguiling, to discuss Herge’s influence.

Then bid in the TORONTO DRAWS... silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund.

This event is sponsored by The Beguiling Books & Art, Steamwhistle Brewery, and the French Consulate in Toronto.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

PS: We also have a handful of advance copies of THE ADVENTURES OF HERGÉ for sale at the Beguiling right now. Come check it out.

Jordan Crane Events Postponed

2011-11-11T00:47:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, we've got a bit of bad news.

Our events with Jordan Crane at Little Island and The Beguiling have had to be postponed from their original December 1st date, because his new book, Keep Your Secrets, has been delayed until the spring.

Obviously we're all pretty bummed about this as we're big fans of Jordan's, and we were looking forward to having him here in Toronto. But don't fret, as we are in the midst of rescheduling the event, and will hopefully have Jordan up to Toronto once the book's final release date is confirmed.

Thanks in advance for your understanding, and please, be sure to come out to our other upcoming events:

11/16: SKULLKICKERS VOL 2 Book Launch
11/19: Michel Choquette discusses THE SOMEDAY FUNNIES
11/27: TORONTO DRAWS TINTIN closing event and book launch with Stanislas
11/29: Maurice Vellekoop's GLORIA BADCOCK comic launch event

- Chris @ The Beguiling

ANNOUNCE: THE SOMEDAY FUNNIES: BOOK DISCUSSION NOV 19!

2011-11-07T11:56:00.001-05:00

The Someday Funnies Book Discussion
With Editor Michel Choquette!

Saturday, November 19th, 4pm-6pm
@ The Central, 603 Markham Street
next to The Beguiling
Free to attend.
RSVP at Facebook

What do William S. Burroughs, Wally Wood, Will Eisner, and Gahan Wilson all have in common? They've all got comic strips in the groundbreaking comics anthology THE SOMEDAY FUNNIES, edited over a period of 30 years by Michel Choquette!

Please join The Beguiling in welcoming Michel Choquette to Toronto as he discusses his new collection, The Someday funnies. Published by Abrams ComicsArts, The Someday Funnies features 129 previously-unpublished comic strips by 169 artists and writers from around the world, compiled in the 1960s and 70s across two continents and finally seeing the light of day! Choquette will be in Toronto to discuss this legendary work, how it was assembled and its checkered history, all in a lively audio-visual presentation.

Copies of the book are available at The Beguiling now, and will be available at the event. Michel Choquette will be signing copies at the event.

Full press-release for this book follows:

The Legendary Anthology About the 1960s Finally Resurrected
The Someday Funnies
Edited by Michel Choquette
Introduction by Robert Greenfield
Foreword by Jeet Heer

“This book is an awe-inspiring achievement—a unique collection of works that not only captures the mood of the 1960s, but shows how some of the world’s greatest comics artists emerged from the decade ready to revolutionize the form.”
—Jeet Heer, from his foreword

The Someday Funnies is the long-awaited collection of comic strips created in the early 1970s by world-famous artists and writers. What started out as a special insert for Rolling Stone took on a life—and mythology—of its own as writer/editor Michel Choquette traveled across two continents, commissioning this visual chronicle of the 1960s, only to find himself without a publishing partner or the financial support to continue—until now.

Among the contributors Choquette commissioned are cartoonists and comic book luminaries such as Will Eisner, Art Spiegelman, Harvey Kurtzman, R.O. Blechman, Jack Kirby, Ralph Steadman, Sergio Aragonès, C. C. Beck, Vaughn Bodé, Moebius, Jean-Claude Forest, Gahan Wilson, Barry Windsor-Smith and Wally Wood; notable writers William S. Burroughs, Harlan Ellison, Michael O’Donoghue, and Tom Wolfe; celebrated film director Federico Fellini; artists Red Grooms and Allen Jones; as well as renowned musicians Pete Townshend and Frank Zappa.

Comics historian Jeet Heer says it all in his foreword, “The possibility that such an amazing anthology of original strips was being compiled seemed too good to be true…that this fabled collection failed to materialize as planned in the early 1970s only reinforced its status as an enticing dream rather than an imminent reality.”

Forty years later, readers finally get to experience this legendary anthology as Choquette celebrates the birth, death, and resurrection of The Someday Funnies—129 previously unpublished strips by 169 writers and artists from 15 countries.

About the Authors:

Michel Choquette is a writer and filmmaker who had a successful career as a comedian, notably as one half of the popular 1960s television and night club duo “The Times Square Two”, before becoming one of the first contributing editors of National Lampoon. He now teaches creative writing and screenwriting at Concordia University in Montreal.

Robert Greenfield is an award-winning journalist, novelist, playwright, and screenwriter (most notably of The ’60s for NBC in 1999, one of the most popular miniseries in network television history). Born in Brooklyn, he began his career as a sportswriter before making a mark with his many articles on the rock music scene as a writer for Rolling Stone, of which he was associate editor of the London bureau. He is the author of ten books, including his recent biography of Ahmet Ertegun, the founder of Atlantic records. Greenfield lives in Carmel, California.

Jeet Heer writes on political, social, and cultural topics, most particularly comics. His articles have appeared in many publications including the Comics Journal, the Boston Globe, the Los Angeles Times, the Virginia Quarterly Review, the Guardian (Manchester, England), and Canada’s Globe and Mail and National Post. He has co-edited or written for several books of comics history and scholarship, and is currently completing his PhD in history at York University in Toronto, Canada.

The Someday Funnies
Edited by Michel Choquette
Introduction by Robert Greenfield
Foreword by Jeet Heer
Abrams ComicArts | November 2011
U.S. $55.00 | Can. $62.00
ISBN 978-0-8109-9618-2
Hardcover with Jacket | 11½ x 15½"
216 pages | 200 color illustrations

SKULLKICKERS Vol 2 Book Launch & Signing

2011-11-03T15:33:00.000-04:00

Skullkickers Vol 2 Book Launch & Signing
Featuring Author Jim Zub
Wednesday, November 16th, 5pm-8pm
@ The Beguiling, 601 Markham Street
Free To Attend

COME ONE, COME ALL, TO THE SECOND OFFICIAL LAUNCH FOR THE SKULLKICKERS COMICK BOOK SERIES!

The Beguiling will play host to SKULLKICKERS author Jim Zub on Wednesday, November 16th, to celebrate the release of the second Skullkickers Trade Paperback!

SKULLKICKERS VOLUME 2: FIVE FUNERALS AND A BUCKET OF BLOOD collects issues 7-11 of the noble-shooting, thief-ganking, faerie-smushing series, as our two heroes are alternately rewarded and reviled just for being... skull kickers. Great fantasy fun, local comics creators, and an Image comic that released 11 issues in a row ON TIME, it's a f*cking miracle. Come celebrate.

Note: SKULLKICKERS vol 1, vol 2, and select issues from the series will be available for sale at the event.

TONIGHT! TORONTO DRAWS TINTIN OPENING PARTY

2011-11-02T01:30:00.000-04:00

TORONTO DRAWS TINTIN
A month-long gallery exhibition and silent auction at Steamwhistle Brewery
Featuring Stanislas, illustrator of The Adventures of Herge
7pm-10pm @ Steamwhistle Gallery, 255 Bremner Boulevard (Near Rogers Centre)
Free to attend
www.torontodrawstintin.com

The Beguiling Books & Art and Steamwhistle Brewery are teaming to produce one of the most interesting art shows of the fall, TORONTO DRAWS TINTIN. Featuring the work of dozens of comics artists and illustrators from Toronto, and the rest of Canada. Join us for the opening night of this exciting show on November 2nd, and celebrate the legacy of one of comics' greatest creations!

See the world of Tintin through the eyes of some of Canada's greatest cartooning talents, including Chester Brown, Michael DeForge, Joe Ollmann, Zach Worton, and Faith Erin Hicks. More information and art previews can be found at http://torontodrawstintin

Many artists will be in attendance -- EVERYONE IS WELCOME! This is an all-ages event.

TORONTO DRAWS TINTIN will hang at the Steamwhistle Brewery’s gallery space, for the month of November and close out with a jam-packed celebration of comics, illustration, and art on Sunday November 27th! All art on display will be auctioned off in support of The Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund at that time, and a graphic novel biography of Tintin's creator Herge will be launched with the French author, Stanislas, in attendance! Come to both events!

This event is sponsored by The Beguiling Books & Art and Steamwhistle Brewery.

Shipping November 2nd, 2011

2011-11-02T01:00:00.000-04:00

New Comics

SEP110849 7 Warriors #1 (of 3) 3.99
SEP110114 Action Comics #3 3.99
SEP110116 Action Comics #3 Black & White Var Ed $200
SEP110115 Action Comics #3 Var Ed 3.99
SEP110541 Amazing Spider-man #673 3.99
AUG110279 American Vampire #20 2.99
SEP110147 Animal Man #3 2.99
SEP110530 Avengers 1959 #3 (of 5) 2.99
SEP110513 Avengers Academy #21 2.99
SEP110525 Avengers Origins Ant-man And Wasp #1 3.99
SEP110126 Batwing #3 2.99
SEP110880 Betrayal o/t Planet o/t Apes #1 (of 4) 3.99
SEP110361 Blood Red Dragon #1 3.99
SEP110971 Boys #60 3.99
MAR110895 Charismagic #3 Cvr A Randolph 2.99
MAR110896 Charismagic #3 Cvr B Oum 2.99
SEP110319 Cold War #2 3.99
SEP110320 Cold War #2 10 Copy Incv 6
AUG110865 Critter #4 (of 4) 3.5
SEP110805 Crossed Psychopath #5 (of 7) 3.99
SEP110806 Crossed Psychopath #5 (of 7) Torture Cvr 3.99
SEP110807 Crossed Psychopath #5 (of 7) Wrap Cvr 3.99
AUG118133 Daredevil #4 2nd Ptg Martin Var 2.99
AUG110953 Dark Shadows #1 3.99
AUG110954 Dark Shadows #1 10 Copy Francavilla Virgin Incv 6
SEP110124 Detective Comics #3 2.99
AUG110366 Duke Nukem Glorious Bastard #4 (of 4) 3.99
SEP110855 Elric The Balance Lost #5 3.99
SEP110856 Elric The Balance Lost #5 10 Copy Incv 6
JUL111119 Extinction Seed #0 (of 6) 10 Copy Incv Cvr 6
AUG110026 Fear Agent #32 Out Of Step (pt 5 Of 5) 3.5
SEP110497 Fear Itself #7 Point One 3.99
SEP110498 Fear Itself #7 Point One Bermejo Var 15
SEP110503 Fear Itself Fearless #2 (of 12) 2.99
JUL118165 Fear Itself Fearless #2 (of 12) Cho Var 15
SEP110295 GI Joe Vol 2 Ongoing #7 3.99
SEP110368 Giant Sized Elephantmen #1 Cvr A Campbell& Ruffino 5.99
AUG110040 Goon #36 3.5
SEP110106 Green Arrow #3 2.99
JUN111031 Green Hornet #19 3.99
AUG110521 Hack Slash #9 Cvr A Leister & Rosenberg3.5
JUN111036 Hack Slash Eva Monsters Ball #4 3.99
SEP110165 Hawk And Dove #3 2.99
SEP110360 Heart #1 (of 4) 2.99
SEP110360 Heart #1 (of 4) 2.99
SEP110570 Hulk #44 2.99
JAN110608 Infinite Vacation #3 (of 5) 3.5
MAY110514 Invincible #84 2.99
SEP110872 Irredeemable #31 3.99
SEP110253 Jack Avarice Is The Courier #1 (of 5) 3.99
SEP110254 Jack Avarice Is The Courier #1 (of 5) 10 Copy Incv6
MAY110327 Joe Hill The Cape #1 (of 4) 25 Copy Incv 3.99
SEP110099 Justice League International #3 2.99
AUG110041 Kult #4 (of 4) 3.5
SEP110952 Lady Death (ongoing) #11 3.99
SEP110953 Lady Death (ongoing) #11 Wrap Cvr 3.99
SEP110470 Last o/t Greats #2 Cvr A Peeples 2.99
SEP110471 Last o/t Greats #2 Cvr B Sejic 2.99
AUG110864 Legend Of Oz The Wicked West #1 3.5
APR110292 Locke & Key Clockworks #1 (of 6) 25 CopyIncv 3.99
AUG110529 Marksmen #4 (of 6) 2.99
SEP110160 Men Of War #3 3.99
SEP110558 Moon Knight #7 3.99
SEP110474 Moriarty #6 2.99
SEP110588 Mystic #4 (of 4) 2.99
SEP110608 New Mutants #33 Regenesis Blue Keown Xregb 10
SEP110607 New Mutants #33 Xregb 2.99
OCT100452 Next Issue Project #3 (crack Comics #63) AllredCvr 4.99
OCT100451 Next Issue Project #3 (crack Comics #63) Weiss Cvr4.99
JUL110895 Night o/t Living Dead Death Valley #5 (of 5) 3.99
JUL110896 Night o/t Living Dead Death Valley #5 (of 5) GoreCvr 3.99
SEP110158 Omac #3 2.99
JUL111120 One #6 (of 10) 2.99
SEP110383 Our Love Is Real One Shot 3.99
JUL111027 Patricia Briggs Alpha & Omega Cry Wolf Vol01 #2 3.99
SEP110913 Peanuts #0 1
AUG110866 Penny For Your Soul False Prophet #2 (of 7) 3.5
AUG110424 Pilot Season Fleshdigger #1 3.99
SEP110385 Pilot Season Misdirection #1 3.99
JUL111036 Queen Sonja #23 3.99
AUG110745 Rachel Rising #3 3.99
SEP110142 Red Lanterns #3 2.99
SEP110891 Rinse #3 3.99
SEP110915 Roger Langridges Snarked #2 3.99
JUL111121 Route Des Maisons Rouges #6 (of 6) 2.99
JUN110478 Savage Dragon #175 3.99
SEP110206 Scooby Doo Where Are You #15 2.99
SEP110574 Shame Itself #1 3.99
AUG111251 Shonen Jump December 2011 4.99
AUG110884 Simpsons Classics #30 3.99
SEP110580 Six Guns #1 (of 5) 2.99
AUG110749 Snowed In One Shot 3.99
SEP110768 Sonic Super Special Magazine #1 9.99
AUG110825 Sonic The Hedgehog #230 Reg Cvr 2.99
AUG110826 Sonic The Hedgehog #230 Sega Game Art Var 2.99
AUG110834 Soulfire Vol 3 #5 Cvr A Fabok 3.5
SEP110482 Spawn #213 2.99
AUG110916 Stan Lee Traveler #12 3.99
AUG118085 Star Trek Ongoing #1 2nd Ptg 3.99
AUG110310 Star Trek Ongoing #2 10 Copy Incv 6
SEP110163 Static Shock #3 2.99
SEP110152 Stormwatch #3 2.99
SEP110483 Strange Talent Of Luther Strode #2 (of 6) 2.99
SEP110212 Supernatural #2 (of 6) 2.99
SEP110146 Swamp Thing #3 2.99
SEP110228 Sweet Tooth #27 2.99
SEP110567 Thor Deviants Saga #1 (of 5) 3.99
AUG118097 TMNT Ongoing #1 3rd Ptg 3.99
AUG110322 True Blood French Quarter #3 (of 6) 3.99
SEP110594 Uncanny X-men #1 Blank Var Xregb 3.99
SEP110592 Uncanny X-men #1 Cho Var Xregb 15
SEP110593 Uncanny X-men #1 Regenesis Blue Keown Var Xregb10
SEP110591 Uncanny X-men #1 Xregb 3.99
AUG110044 Usagi Yojimbo #141 3.5
SEP110587 Villains For Hire Point One #1 (of 5) 2.99
SEP110488 Walking Dead Weekly #44 2.99
JUL111005 Warlord Of Mars #12 3.99
JUL111006 Warlord Of Mars #12 15 Copy Garza Risque Incv 10
JUL110555 Witch Doctor #4 (of 4) 2.99
APR110803 Wulf #4 2.99
SEP110617 X-23 #16 2.99
SEP110601 X-men #20 Regenesis Blue Keown Var Xregb 10
SEP110600 X-men #20 Xregb 3.99

New Books

AUG111316 1001 Comics You Must Read Before You Die HC 36.95
SEP110318 30 Days Of Night Night Again TP 17.99
APR110255 Absolute Sandman HC Vol 05 99.99
AUG111364 Andrew Loomis Drawing Head & Hands HC39.95
SEP111225 Art Of War GN 12.95
AUG111154 Asterix Omnibus SC Vol 01 New Ptg 19.95
AUG111155 Asterix Omnibus SC Vol 02 New Ptg 19.95
AUG111153 Asterix Wheres Asterix HC 14.95
JUL111343 Batman Files Dlx HC 100
JUL110245 Batman Noel Deluxe Edition HC 22.99
AUG111111 Bizarro Heroes TP 11.95
JUN110734 Black Widow Prem HC Itsy-bitsy Spider Dm Ed Var 7824.99
JUN110791 Blue Collar / White Collar GN 24.95
AUG110927 Darkwing Duck Campaign Carnage TP 16.99
JUL111238 Dragon Puncher HC Book 02 Dragon Puncher Island9.95
SEP111097 Extraordinary Adventures Adele Blanc Sec HC Vol 0224.99
JUL110277 Flight Of Angels HC 24.99
AUG110720 From Marvel Vault TP 14.99
JUL110027 Hellboy House o/t Living Dead HC 14.99
MAY110294 Joe The Barbarian Deluxe Ed HC 29.99
JUN110338 LoEG Omnibus HC 49.99
SEP111224 Machiavelli The Prince GN 12.95
JUL111128 Mangaman HC Vol 01 19.99
JUN110720 MMW Fantastic Four HC Vol 13 59.99
JUL111258 No Longer Human Vol 01 10.95
AUG111194 Nordguard GN Vol 01 Across Thin Ice 19.95
SEP110625 Powers Prem HC Vol 03 Little Deaths 24.99
JUL111294 R Crumb Comp Record Cover Collection HC 27.95
SEP110821 Reboot Forever HC 23.99
SEP111227 Shut Up Stop Whining & Get A Life GN 12.95
SEP111366 Silver Age Of Comics SC 26.95
JUL111185 Smurfs Box Set Vol 1-3 17.99
AUG111158 Super Pro Ko GN Vol 02 11.99
AUG110260 Superman Return Of Doomsday TP 14.99
AUG110715 Thor Iron Man God Complex TP 15.99
SEP111162 Tintin Hardcover Boxed Set 150
SEP111159 Tintin Young Readers Ed GN Blue Lotus 8.99
AUG111190 Troop 142 GN 20
SEP111192 Waste Of Time TP 19.99

New Magazine

AUG111319 Alter Ego #105 7.95
SEP111343 Hi Fructose Magazine Quarterly #21 6.95
SEP110001 Previews #278 November 2011 2.7

New Manga

AUG111241 Ai Ore GN Vol 03 12.99
AUG111098 Air Gear GN Vol 20 10.99
AUG111242 Black Bird GN Vol 11 9.99
AUG111100 Bloody Monday GN Vol 02 10.99
AUG111101 Cage Of Eden GN Vol 02 10.99
AUG111252 Claymore TP Vol 19 9.99
APR110836 Code Geass Knight GN Vol 04 10.99
AUG111249 D Gray Man GN Vol 21 9.99
AUG111253 Death Note Black Ed TP Vol 06 (of 6) 14.99
AUG111243 Dengeki Daisy GN Vol 07 9.99
JUN111056 Great Place High School GN Vol 03 S Council 12.95
AUG111191 Gunslinger Girl Omnibus TP Vol 03 16.99
AUG111244 Haruka Beyond The Stream Of Time GN Vol 14 9.99
AUG111268 High School Of Dead GN Vol 04 13.99
AUG111245 Kimi Ni Todoke GN Vol 11 From Me To You 9.99
JUL111042 Kizuna GN Vol 04 (of 6) Dlx Ed 19.95
AUG111103 Love Hina Omnibus TP Kodansha Ed 19.99
JUN111052 Mr Tiger And Mr Wolf GN 12.95
JUN111053 Only Serious About You GN Vol 01 (of 2) 12.95
AUG111246 Oresama Teacher GN Vol 05 9.99
AUG111237 Pokemon Magnetic Play Book HC 8.99
JUN111051 Private Teacher GN Vol 01 12.95
JUN111054 Seven Days GN Vol 02 (of 2) Friday Sunday 12.95
AUG111247 Story Of Saiunkoku GN Vol 05 9.99
AUG111250 Tegami Bachi GN Vol 07 9.99
AUG111108 Tokyo Mew Mew Omnibus TP 14.99
AUG111192 Toradora GN Vol 03 11.99
JUN111055 Tyrant Falls In Love GN Vol 04 12.95
SEP111300 Wavering Of Haruhi Suzumiya Novel SC 8.99
AUG111248 We Were There GN Vol 13 9.99

Shipping October 25th, 2011

2011-10-26T00:19:00.000-04:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday October 25th, 2011. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

DEALS SO CRAZY WE MUST BE MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD!!!!!
There are a lot of 'interesting' releases this week, and we're going to be offering them to you for 'interesting' prices! Prices listed will be good until next Tuesday, so make sure to come in this week to pick up the new issues!

Wolverine And X-men #1 (regular cover)
REGULARLY: 3.99 NOW JUST $2.00!
LIMIT 5 PER PERSON
The relaunch of the X-Men corner of the Marvel Universe! A brand-new #1! And you can jump on for HALF PRICE! By Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo!

Incredible Hulk #1 (regular cover)
Regularly 3.99, NOW JUST $2.00!

LIMIT 5 PER PERSON

The Hulk and Banner no more! An all-new status quo! Nothing has ever been the same! And hey, Jason Aaron's writing this one too.

SPECIAL! BUY WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN #1 and INCREDIBLE HULK #1 TOGETHER FOR JUST $3! LIMIT 5 PER PERSON!

Spaceman #1

JUST $1.00!

The new series from the 100 Bullets team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso! Just a buck for the first issue!

Green Lantern #2 Variant Edition
Regularly $6.00, NOW $2.99

LIMIT 5 PER PERSON

The 'rare' variant from Green Lantern #2 is finally in stock! To make up for the fact it was hideously delayed, we're selling it for cover price for the first week, $2.99, instead of the regular $6 we'd been charging for these variants.

Legion Of Superheroes Secret Origin #1

GET A FREE LEGION FLIGHT RING WITH PURCHASE!

The day you've waited for all your life is finally here, Legionairre! It's the LEGION FLIGHT RING, and we will give you one FREE with the purchase of Legion Of Superheroes Secret Origin #1, for $2.99. Also, the flight ring is a replica, it doesn't actually work. Do not try to fly.

Now, here's the list:

NEW COMICS

AUG110506 27 Second Set #2 (of 4) 3.99
AUG110035 Abe Sapien Devil Does Not Jest #2 3.5
AUG118111 All Star Western #1 2nd Ptg 3.99
AUG110225 All Star Western #2 3.99
AUG110598 Amazing Spider-man #672 Spi 3.99
AUG110032 Angel & Faith #3 Rebekah Issacs Var Cvr 2.99
AUG110031 Angel & Faith #3 Steve Morris Cvr 2.99
AUG110370 Anne Rice Servant o/t Bones #3 (of 6) 3.99
AUG110371 Anne Rice Servant o/t Bones #3 (of 6) 10 Copy Incv 6
AUG110638 Annihilators Earthfall #2 (of 4) 3.99
AUG118112 Aquaman #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110165 Aquaman #2 2.99
AUG110811 Archie #626 2.99
AUG110812 Archie #626 Sketch Var Cvr 2.99
AUG110813 Archie & Friends #158 2.99
AUG110659 Astonishing X-men #43 3.99
AUG110508 Avengelyne #4 Cvr A Liefeld 2.99
AUG110575 Avengers Academy #20 Fear 2.99
AUG110609 Avengers Solo #1 (of 5) 3.99
AUG110610 Avengers Solo #1 (of 5) Movie Var 10
AUG110882 Bart Simpson Comics #64 2.99
AUG118113 Batman The Dark Knight #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110191 Batman The Dark Knight #2 2.99
AUG110818 Betty & Veronica #256 2.99
AUG118114 Blackhawks #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110223 Blackhawks #2 2.99
AUG110512 Breed III #6 (of 7) 2.99
JUL110515 Butcher Baker Righteous Maker #7 2.99
AUG110621 Captain America And Bucky #623 2.99
MAY110873 Captain Swing #4 (of 4) 3.99
MAY110875 Captain Swing #4 (of 4) 3-copy Incv 8
MAY110876 Captain Swing #4 (of 4) Auxiliary Ed 3.99
MAY110874 Captain Swing #4 (of 4) Wrap Cvr 3.99
AUG110779 Caspers Scare School #1 (of 4) 3.99
AUG111298 Charmed #15 3.5
JUN111243 Clint #11 6.99
AUG110331 Cobra Ongoing #6 3.99
AUG110327 Cold War #1 25 Copy Incv 15
AUG110664 Daken Dark Wolverine #16 2.99
AUG118052 Daredevil #3 2nd Ptg Rivera Var 2.99
AUG110625 Daredevil #5 2.99
APR110499 Darkness #94 2.99
AUG110234 DC Comics Presents Catwoman Guardian Of Gotham #1 7.99
AUG110236 DC Comics Presents Jack Kirby Omnibus Sampler #1 7.99
SEP110784 Dead Mans Run #0 Cvr A Parker 2.5
SEP110785 Dead Mans Run #0 Cvr B Gunnell 2.5
AUG110674 Deadpool #45 2.99
AUG110631 Disney Pixar Presents Toy Story 5.99
AUG110278 DMZ #70 2.99
AUG110376 Doctor Who Ongoing Vol 2 #10 10 Copy Incv 6
AUG110592 Dorothy And Wizard In Oz #2 (of 8) 3.99
FEB110638 Dream Logic #4 5.99
JUL111117 Extinction Seed #0 (of 6) 1.99
JUL111118 Extinction Seed #0 (of 6) Ltd Extended Cvr 1.99
AUG118107 Fear Itself Fearless #1 (of 12) Larroca Var ?
AUG110640 Ff #11 2.99
AUG118115 Flash #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110167 Flash #2 2.99
AUG110169 Flash #2 Black & White Var Ed 200
AUG110168 Flash #2 Var Ed 6.00
AUG111294 Fly #5 A Cvr Letter F 2.99
AUG118116 Fury Of Firestorm The Nuclear Men #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110171 Fury Of Firestorm The Nuclear Men #2 2.99
AUG110974 Game Of Thrones #2 3.99
AUG110274 Gears Of War #20 2.99
AUG110519 Gladstones School For World Conquerors #6 2.99
AUG110203 Green Lantern #2 Var Ed 2.99
AUG110358 Godzilla Kingdom Of Monsters #8 3.99
AUG110359 Godzilla Kingdom Of Monsters #8 10 Copy Incv 6.00
JUL110812 Gold Digger Annual #17 4.5
JUL110813 Gold Digger Halloween Special 2011 3.99
AUG118117 Green Lantern New Guardians #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110206 Green Lantern New Guardians #2 2.99
AUG110520 Green Wake #6 3.5
NOV100459 Guarding The Globe #6 (of 6) 3.5
AUG110349 Hp Lovecraft The Dunwich Horror #1 (of 4) 10 Copy Incv 6
AUG118118 I Vampire #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110214 I Vampire #2 2.99
AUG110905 Incorruptible #23 3.99
AUG110584 Incredible Hulk #1 3.99
AUG110585 Incredible Hulk #1 Adams Var 15
AUG110589 Incredible Hulk #1 Blank Var 3.99
AUG110586 Incredible Hulk #1 Keown Var 30
JUL118141 Incredible Hulk #1 Ladronn Var 10
AUG118088 Incredible Hulk #1 Portacio Var (pp #990) ?
AUG110588 Incredible Hulk #1 Silvestri Sketch Var 75
AUG110430 Infinite Horizon #5 (of 6) 2.99
AUG110580 Journey Into Mystery #630 Fear 2.99
AUG118119 Justice League Dark #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110210 Justice League Dark #2 2.99
JUL110998 Kirby Genesis #4 3.99
JUL110999 Kirby Genesis #4 15 Copy Sook B&w Incv 10
JUL111000 Kirby Genesis #4 20 Copy Ross Acetate Incv 12
JUL111001 Kirby Genesis #4 25 Copy Ross Sketch Incv 0
AUG110232 Legion Secret Origin #1 (of 6) 2.99
AUG110821 Life With Archie #14 3.99
JUL110533 Lil Depressed Boy #7 2.99
JUL110534 Magdalena #9 3.99
AUG110573 Mighty Thor #7 Fear 3.99
AUG110574 Mighty Thor #7 Movie Comics 50th Anniv Davis Var Fear 30
AUG110363 Monocyte #1 (of 4) 10 Copy Incv 6
AUG110577 New Mutants #32 Fear 2.99
AUG110423 Pilot Season The Beauty #1 3.99
AUG110912 Planet o/t Apes #7 3.99
AUG110619 Red Skull #4 (of 5) 2.99
AUG110535 Red Wing #4 (of 4) 3.5
MAY111030 Robert Jordan Wheel Of Time Eye o/t World #15 3.99
AUG111148 Salems Daughter Haunting #1 NDC Ex Ed 19.99
AUG118120 Savage Hawkman #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110174 Savage Hawkman #2 2.99
JUL110294 Scalped #53 2.99
AUG110539 Screamland Ongoing #5 2.99
AUG110611 Secret Avengers #18 3.99
AUG110612 Secret Avengers #18 Aja Var 12
AUG111156 Sixth Gun #16 3.99
AUG110823 Sonic Universe #33 2.99
AUG110276 Spaceman #1 (of 9) 1
AUG110603 Spider-island Amazing Spider-girl #3 (of 3) Spi 2.99
AUG110599 Spider-island Cloak And Dagger #3 (of 3) Spi 2.99
AUG110600 Spider-island Deadly Hands Of Kung Fu #3 (of 3) Spi 2.99
AUG110629 Spider-man #19 2.99
AUG110312 Star Trek Legion Of Superheroes #1 (of 6) 3.99
AUG110309 Star Trek Ongoing #2 3.99
AUG110311 Star Trek Ongoing #2 20 Copy Incv 12
AUG110015 Star Wars Crimson Empire III Empire Lost #1 (of 6) Dorman Cv 3.5
AUG110016 Star Wars Crimson Empire III Empire Lost #1 (of 6) Gulacy Va 5
JUL110822 Steampunk Halloween One Shot 3.5
SEP110795 Stitched #1 3.99
SEP110796 Stitched #1 Gore Cvr 3.99
SEP110798 Stitched #1 Movie Photo Incv Cvr 8
SEP110797 Stitched #1 Wrap Cvr 3.99
JUL110802 Strawberry Shortcake Berry Fun #3 (of 4) 3.99
AUG118121 Superman #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110182 Superman #2 2.99
JUL111235 Tank Girl Carioca #1 (of 3) 5.99
AUG118122 Teen Titans #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110226 Teen Titans #2 2.99
AUG110353 TMNT Ongoing #3 3.99
AUG110354 TMNT Ongoing #3 10 Copy Incv 8
AUG110355 TMNT Ongoing #3 25 Copy Incv 20
JUL118188 Ultimate Comics Spider-man #2 2nd Ptg Andrews Var 3.99
AUG110594 Ultimate Comics Ultimates #3 3.99
JUL111019 Vampirella #11 3.99
JUL111022 Vampirella Scarlet Legion #5 3.99
JUL111023 Vampirella Scarlet Legion #5 10 Copy Tucci B&w Incv 6
AUG110636 Vampires Marvel Undead #1 3.99
AUG110545 Vault #3 (of 3) 3.5
AUG110601 Venom #8 Spi 2.99
AUG110546 Vescell #3 2.99
AUG118123 Voodoo #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110220 Voodoo #2 2.99
AUG110547 Walking Dead #90 2.99
AUG110551 Walking Dead Weekly #43 2.99
AUG111181 War o/t Independents #1 2.99
AUG110656 Wolverine And X-men #1 Blank Var Xregg 3.99
AUG110654 Wolverine And X-men #1 Bradshaw Var Xregg 10
AUG110655 Wolverine And X-men #1 Cho Var Xregg 15
AUG110653 Wolverine And X-men #1 Xregg 3.99

NEW MAGAZINE

JUL111363 Dr Who Magazine #439 8.99
AUG111308 Juxtapoz #130 5.99

NEW OTHER

AUG111352 Doctor Who 2012 Wall Calendar 14.99
AUG110233 Legion Of Super Heroes Flight Ring (bag Of 50) FREE WITH PURCHASE OF LEGION: SECRET ORIGINS #1

NEW TRADE PAPERBACKS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS

MAY110255 Absolute All Star Superman HC New Ptg 99.99
AUG110945 Ali Baba & The Forty Thieves Reloaded GN 9.99
JUN111043 Armor X TP 16.99
MAY111032 Bring The Thunder TP 16.99
AUG110713 Captain America Trial Of Captain America TP 19.99
AUG111142 Classics Illus Dlx HC Vol 07 Around The World In 80 Days 17.99
AUG111141 Classics Illus Dlx SC Vol 07 Around The World In 80 Days 13.99
JUL110057 Dagar The Invincible Archives HC Vol 01 49.99
AUG110710 Daken Dark Wolverine Prem HC Big Break 19.99
AUG110385 Danger Girl Dlx Ed TP 29.99
AUG110895 Do Androids Dream HC Vol 06 (of 6) 24.99
AUG110719 Fantastic Four By Jonathan Hickman TP Vol 04 19.99
AUG110244 Flashpoint HC 22.99
JUL111214 Flesh Dino Files GN 25.99
AUG110720 From Marvel Vault TP 14.99
AUG111110 Fushigi Circus HC 35
AUG111355 Gifts From The Gods HC 18.99
AUG111335 Government Issue Comics For The People 1940-2000s 29.95
SEP110699 Heaven All Day SC 4
AUG110906 Incorruptible TP Vol 05 16.99
AUG110723 Invincible Iron Man TP Vol 07 My Monsters 15.99
AUG111074 Jack Kirbys Galactic Bounty Hunters TP 19.99
AUG110399 James Patterson Witch & Wizard TP Vol 01 Shadowland 12.99
AUG111079 Janes World HC Vol 10 Anniversary Ed 18
AUG111338 Joker Visual Hist Of Clown Price Of Crime HC 50
JUL111215 Judge Dredd Comp Case V 18 35.99
JUL110054 Manara Library HC Vol 01 59.99
AUG110690 MMW Fantastic Four TP Vol 07 24.99
AUG110691 MMW Fantastic Four TP Vol 07 Dm Var Ed 34 24.99
JUL111193 Power Lunch GN Vol 01 12.99
AUG110396 Robert Bloch That Hellbound Train TP 17.99
JUL111194 Sketch Monsters HC Vol 01 12.99
JUL111183 Smurfs GN Vol 08 Smurf Apprentice 5.99
JUL111184 Smurfs HC Vol 08 Smurf Apprentice 10.99
AUG110744 Someday Funnies HC 55
AUG110824 Sonic The Hedgehog Legacy Vol 01 14.95
AUG110729 Spider-man Complete Ben Reilly Epic TP Book 02 39.99
AUG110728 Spider-man Deadly Foes Of Spider-man TP 24.99
AUG111259 Stargazer GN Vol 02 (of 2) 14.95
MAY111169 Steve Ditko Angry Apes N Leapin Lizards Sc 25
JUN110280 Superman Batman Sorcerer Kings HC 22.99
AUG111180 Thargs Terror Tales Necronauts & Love GN 19.99
AUG110730 Thor Trials Of Loki TP 16.99
JUL110056 Turok Son Of Stone Archives HC Vol 09 49.99
AUG110702 Ultimate Comics X Origins Prem HC 24.99
AUG110703 Ultimate Comics X Origins Prem HC Dm Var Ed 24.99
AUG110991 Vampirella Masters Series TP Vol 06 James Robinson 16.99
AUG110725 Venom TP Lethal Protector New Ptg 16.99
JUL111362 Walt Disney Animation Studios Archives Bk 04 Layout 50
SEP111192 Waste Of Time TP 19.99
AUG110709 Wolverine Wolverines Revenge Prem HC 24.99
AUG111169 Yuichi Yokoyama Color Engineering SC 35
JUL111018 Zorro TP Vol 03 Tales o/t Fox 19.99

NEW MANGA

AUG111099 Animal Land GN Vol 02 10.99
JUN110040 Blade o/t Immortal TP Vol 24 Massacre 19.99
JUN110042 Bride o/t Water God TP Vol 09 9.99
AUG111233 Chi Sweet Home GN Vol 07 13.95
JUL111259 Drops Of God Vol 01 14.95
AUG111104 Mardock Scramble GN Vol 02 10.99
JUN110043 Oh My Goddess Rtl TP Vol 19 11.99
AUG111107 Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei GN Vol 11 10.99

Fan Favourites: Thickness #2

2011-10-24T18:22:00.000-04:00

Thickness #2
by Various Artists, $10, Now in Stock

Sean T. Collins says:

"Thickness #2 is the real deal: talented, fearless cartoonists working in the viscous red zone of pleasure, terror, filth, and fun, where the only thing that matters is what your body does and doesn't want, and your brain is simply forced to go along for the ride. Brave, thumbs up, panties down."

Featuring stories by Angie Wang, Lisa Hanawalt, Michael Deforge, Mickey Zacchilli, Brandon Graham, True Chubbo, and Jillian Tamaki -- With a roster like that, you don't want to miss this book! Issue #1 sold out at TCAF this year, and we expect #2 to fly off the shelves just as quickly.

Fan Favourites are comics with huge followings--high degrees of craft and high appeal meet in the sort of comic that brings lapsed comics fans back into the fold, and tons of new faces through the door. We think that these comics might just be for you!

DC: THE NEW 52 MONTH THREE #3s DEAL

2011-10-21T20:12:00.000-04:00

The New 52 -MONTH THREE- at One Low Price
Get all 52 new DC Comics third issues for $100 ($88.50+13% HST)
In-store only at The Beguiling

Action Comics #3

One more time! We've got a bunch of people that are _really enjoying_ the majority of the DC: New 52 books, and that's great! So we've decided to continue to make it easy for folks to get all of the available books, before finally winnowing down their list, picking-and-choosing their favourites. I mean, who could've guessed that Aquaman and OMAC would become crowd favourites without having read all of the available books? Not me, that's for sure.

GET ALL 52 DC #3 ISSUES FOR $100.
- That's less than 2 bucks an issue
- It's like buying 32 issues and getting 20 more of them for free!
- Guaranteed to get all of the issue #3s, first printing, day of release!
- All DC 52 MONTH THREE participants get a 20% discount on any of the second or third printings of the first issues (limit 2 per person).

WANT TO SIGN UP? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN DO IT:
1. You must sign up no later than Tuesday November 1st @ 7pm, in-store only.
2. Payment of $100 to participate must be made when you sign up.

Rules:
- You don't need to have participated in the first two months to participate in this one. Everyone's welcome.
- To sign up, we will need your name, email address, and phone number.
- Once you buy in, there are no refunds and no returns, on either the purchase price of the special, or on the price of any of the individual books involved in the promotion.
- All books MUST be picked up in store, no mailorder.
- Voucher must be redeemed and all comics must be picked up no later than December 24th, 2011, at which time we will donate all remaining comics to a charity or organization of our choice.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the deal so far! It's been a a really neat event!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Trick or Treat Comics at Little Island Comics!

2011-10-21T20:03:00.003-04:00

We’ve got some spooky plans for Hallowe’en at Little Island Comics! Starting on Saturday October 29th and continuing to Hallowe’en, come by the shop to check out these haunting events:

Make Spooky Comics!
With creator Tory Woollcott
Saturday October 29th
12pm-6pm, every hour on the hour
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=234953473229543

Join us on Saturday, October 29th, starting at noon, when comics creator Tory Woollcott will show kids how to make the spookiest comics ever! Make Hallowe’en mini-comics for yourself and your friends! Get great tips on drawing creepy characters! Bring your friends and make ghostly jam comics!

In-Store Trick-or-Treating
Bring your costumed kids!
Saturday, Sunday and Monday
October 29th – 31st
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=234953473229543

We’re ready for trick-or-treaters here at Little Island! Kids who come by in costume will get free comics (of our choosing) while supplies last. Don your witch-hats, batman-capes and pirate-peg-legs and let us treat you!

We've Got Halloween Comics for Sale!
Available at Little Island Comics
and The Beguiling Second Floor

Seriously, why give away candy for Halloween? Every other house on the block will be filling trick-or-treater's bags with teeth-rotting goodies (except for that one weirdo who gives out apples), so why not automatically make yourself the coolest house on the block? Give away awesome comic books this halloween season! We've got a whole bunch of assortments of kid-friendly comics available for purchase that are sure to be a much more appreciated holiday treat than yet-another Tootsie Roll. Currently in stock we've got:

Smurfs 20-pack
Scary Godmother 20-pack
Archie's LAUGH comics 20-pack
Casper's Scare School Comics 20-pack
Fraggle Rock 20-pack
Snarked 20-pack
Donald Duck (Classic) 20-pack (Fantagraphics!)

The 20 packs are $5 each. We also have packs that have 35 comics, 5 of each of the above, for $9 each.

--

Canzine This Weekend!

2011-10-21T15:35:00.000-04:00

Canzine Toronto
Sunday, October 23
918 Bathurst Centre
918 Bathurst St (just north of Bloor)
1 – 7pm
$5 entry includes the fall issue of Broken Pencil.

It's that time of year again, Canzine time! The folks at Broken Pencil always put on an unique show, full to the brim of zinesters and cool book and art objects, and this year looks to be no different. Moving to a new venue for 2011, Canzine takes place just north of The Beguiling at 918 Bathurst Street from 1pm to 7pm. Admission is $5, and it comes with a free copy of the fall issue of Broken Pencil magazine.

Details about all of the happenings at this year's Canzine can be found at http://www.brokenpencil.com/canzine-toronto.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

POWER LUNCH - Kids GN Launch @ Little Island

2011-10-20T16:21:00.000-04:00

BOOK LAUNCH – Power Lunch: First Course
Featuring author J. Torres
Saturday November 5th, 2011
Little Island Comics, 742 Bathurst Street, Toronto
11am – 2pm
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=294070443937474

Join Little Island Comics on Saturday November 5th for the most powerful book launch of the season! Little Island Comics is proud to host the launch of Power Lunch: First Course, by J. Torres and Dean Trippe, and published by Oni Press.

Head to Little Island Comics between 11am and 2pm, where author J Torres will serve up a power lunch while signing copies of Power Lunch!

Enter to win Powerful Lunchboxes!
Savour fun giveaways!
Possibly obtain superpowers?
Power Lunch!

Don’t miss it! Power Lunch is the most important read of the day!

About Power Lunch:
Joey is a sickly looking kid who’s been raised to believe that he’s allergic to pretty much everything with a hue. His mother has him on a strict diet that avoids a huge list of food–anything that isn’t white is off the table–literally. Why the restrictive diet? Well, it turns out every food gives Joey a different super power! Lunch time just got a whole lot crazier!

More info at:
www.onipress.com
www.jtorresonline.com

October 26: Illustrator Historian Lief Peng at The Nook

2011-10-20T15:26:00.008-04:00

Lief Peng in Conversation
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 - 7 - 9pm
The Nook Collective, 156 Augusta Avenue, Toronto
$40.00. Limited Seating.

Join esteemed illustrator, storyboard & concept artist, teacher, and creator of the widely-read blog, Today's Inspiration, Lief Peng for an informative and entertaining presentation on modern illustration.

Peng's presentation will focus on illustration as a cyclical process that is repeating itself again in our time. His talk will focus on mid 20th century illustrators who he has written about over the last six years. He'll share stories and anecdotes—some from his extensive research but also first-hand accounts of personal interviews he's conducted with many Canadian and American illustrators.

The evening is hosted by the Nook Collective, a group of award–winning illustrators and educators based in Kensignton Market. You can learn more about Lief Peng and Nook at their website, nookcollective.com.

Thanks to Drawn.ca for the heads up on this sure-to-be-wonderful event.

Congrats to Brown, Chantler, and Leavitt on Canada Reads Longlist Nominations

2011-10-19T20:53:00.000-04:00

Our sincerest congratulations to graphic novelists Chester Brown, Scott Chantler, and Sarah Leavitt; their respective graphic novels have made it to the long-list for CBC's 2011 CANADA READS event.

As you may remember we wrote up an extended list of recommendations for Canada Reads (sorry for our oversight on Ms. Leavitt's book) a few weeks back, and we were happy to see several of our recommendations make the list.

Of the 40 works chosen, Chester Brown's Louis Riel, Scott Chantler's Twon Generals, and Sarah Leavitt's Tangles make up the graphic novel choices, a very good showing for the medium that we love.

If you'd like to vote to see these three works on this year's Canada Reads shortlist (and why wouldn't you?), please head over to http://www.cbc.ca/books/canadareads/2011/10/the-canada-reads-true-stories-top-40-revealed.html and vote! You can vote for 5 other books; I'm sure some of them are as good as a graphic novel.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Get Your Death Ray On

2011-10-19T00:20:00.000-04:00

We may have forgot to mention, but we have all kinds of copies of Dan Clowes' DEATH RAY now in stock at The Beguiling! Originally presented as the very-out-of-print and very-expensive-when-you-do-find-it Eightball #23, DEATH RAY is the story of misanthrope/sociopath Andy, and his super-powers, and how it all goes terrible, awfully wrong.

Peter calls it the greatest superhero story of all time.

Anyway, it is available now on both floors for just $19.95, and we're giving away a special DEATH RAY poster with every purchase! It's double-sided!

Shipping October 19th, 2011

2011-10-18T19:20:00.000-04:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday October 19th, 2011. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/111019shipping.txt

AUG110312 Star Trek Legion Of Superheroes #1 (of 6) 3.99

Please Note: Due to a shipping allocation, we are not getting our full order of Star Trek/Legion of Superheroes. I know, I know, but there's nothing we can do, and we'll hopefully get the rest of the copies next week. This affects all Canadian retailers for what it's worth.

The Beguiling Recommends:

JUN111095 Ganges #4 7.95
Kevin Huizenga has blessed us all with another issue of Ganges, totally unexpected and entirely wonderful. Let's not disappoint him. Issues 1-3 also available.

JUL111130 Metabarons Ultimate Coll Slip Case 129.95

This is coming out. It is LIMITED and it is EXPENSIVE and you already know whether or not you want it, so consider this a public service announcement. Come get it Wednesday, we're open until 9pm.

AUG118073 Wonder Woman #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110166 Wonder Woman #2 2.99
Probably the best of all of the DC 52 relaunch books. We've got a bunch of #1s coming back, and even more #2s. If you're not reading this one check it out, it's good stuff.

MAR111330 Tezukas Black Jack TP Vol 16 16.95
Yes that is a March code, but who cares, I'm just happy to see Black Jack coming out on a regular basis again.

AUG111274 Yotsuba&! GN Vol 10 11.99
Hey, how about that? I totally forgot this one was coming out. A hilarious and charming manga series, as much fun for kids as adults.

JUL110278 Marzi TP 17.99
A very, very strange release for Vertigo in that it's a European graphic novel, a non-fiction memoir, and it's about growing up behind the iron curtain. Worth checking out.

AUG111068 Nursery Rhyme Comics 50 Timeless Rhymes HC 18.99

Although the "bookstore" release was last week, comic stores get a crack at this gorgeous, wonderful collection of Nursery Rhymes this week. Featuring work from as diverse and unique talents as Jamie & Gilbert Hernandez, Kate Beaton, and Mike Mignola. Don't miss it.

Also of Note:

AUG110315 30 Days Of Night Ongoing #1 3.99
Other than DC's new "I, Vampire" series there isn't even one ongoing vampire comic right now. That's a darned shame. At least until today. Might we invite you to join Steve Niles and Sam Keith on their new outing? Ongoing, no more weird mini-series numbering, and hey it's Sam Keith on an ongoing book, that's pretty cool.

AUG110192 Batman Odyssey Vol 2 #1 (of 7) 3.99
The most-crazy Batman story ever returns to finish out its run, courtesy of Neal Adams.

AUG110568 Fear Itself #7 (of 7) Fear 4.99
AUG110582 Fear Itself Fearless #1 (of 12) 2.99
AUG110572 Fear Itself Home Front #7 (of 7) Fear 3.99
AUG110576 Fear Itself Youth In Revolt #6 (of 6) Fear 2.99
Marvel's Fear Itself mini-series wraps up this week, and leads into the new FEARLESS maxi-series. This has been one of the more enjoyable big crossovers in recent memory. I'm kind of enjoying seeing Captain America become unhinged, personally.

AUG110160 Justice League #2 3.99
There it is!

AUG110892 Key Of Z #1 (of 4) 3.99
I've been getting a truly ridicious number of press releases for this 4-issue zombie mini-series, so here's hoping it's worth all the hype eh?

JUL110882 Alan Moore Neonomicon HC 27.99
JUL110881 Alan Moore Neonomicon TP 19.99
For people that like this sort of thing, this is exactly the sort of thing that you like.

JUL110888 Freakangels HC Vol 06 27.99
JUL110889 Freakangels HC Vol 06 Ellis & Duffield Sgn Ed 39.99
JUL110887 Freakangels TP Vol 06 19.99
This is my favourite release schedule for tp/hc, btw.

JUL110296 Unwritten TP Vol 04 Leviathan 14.99
Day late and a dollar short, so far as our signing is concerned. But still totally worth getting. :)

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Brand new Finnish comics and graphic novels!

2011-10-18T19:06:00.001-04:00

A wonderful assortment of Finnish Comics!

Can't wait for the next shipment from NoBrow for all of your gorgeously designed, hard-to-find art comix needs? We have just received a massive box of 'Finnish Delights'. This amazing assortment of Finnish comics and graphic novels, including book-length works, anthologies, and more. From full-on narratives to the arty, drawy, nominmally-narrative works you know and love, and they have been kind enough for those few books that are not wordless or in English to subtitle all of their work! Come into see the full selection, even more than shown! Something for every budget!

Yours truly,

- Peter

Event: SpeakEasy's Annual Comic Book Show

2011-10-17T23:59:00.003-04:00

This isn't our event, but it's always a fun evening. If you can make it, go check it out.

SpeakEasy’s Annual Comic Book Show
Thursday November 3rd, 7-11pm
The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen West, Second Floor Lobby
Pay What You Can ($4.00 Donation Suggested)

Toronto is home to some of the best known comics artists in North America. We have an active and vibrant community putting out some of the highest quality comics to be found anywhere. The SpeakEasy Comics Show features an eclectic mix of Toronto’s talented comic book artists - from those who do newspaper strips and political cartoons, to underground comix and mainstream superhero comic books! The event promises to display an exciting cross-section of the comics community here in Toronto, as well as a glimpse into how good comics are made. As the old cliché goes, there really will be something for everyone.

Participating Artists:
Dalton Sharp, Grawlix comics anthology - Tim Brown, TIC Games - Chris Hatzopoulos, The Bear Stories - Marvin S. Mariano - Shane Heron - Daniel Lafrance - Rachael Wells - Ruth Tait (a.k.a. rutz) - Christopher Yao - Gavin McCarthy - Adam Earle, The Geofriends - Dale Camus - Keith Grachow, Jnk Imagery - Ryan Kevin Persaud - Paul Tomas, SISTINA - Wm Brian MacLean, RoosterTree - Ken Turner - Saraƒin, Asylum Squad

For more information contact: David Brown, email: david@blttogo.com telephone: 416.533.1374, http://www.SpeakEasyTO.com

Toronto Zombie Walk - October 22nd

2011-10-17T18:24:00.001-04:00

The Beguiling is happy to be sponsoring the 2011 Toronto Zombie Walk, on October 22nd 2011. We invite those of you that like to dress-up and/or feast on the brains of the living to check it out, and support this great event. Here's a brief write-up of what's to come!

9TH ANNUAL TORONTO ZOMBIE WALK
Saturday, October 22nd, Starting at 3pm
@ Trinity Bellwoods Park
FREE, Please pre-register at http://www.torontozombiewalk.ca/2011_registration.php
http://torontozombiewalk.ca/

They’re back, they’re hungry and they’re not staying 6 feet under any longer! Last year nearly 6000 corpses writhed, weaved and lurched their way through the streets of Toronto feasting on those unlucky enough to be living.

On October 22nd the dead will rise again for the 9th annual Toronto Zombie Walk!! This year The Toronto Zombie Walk starts at Trinity Bellwoods Park at 3pm! Festivities start at 12pm!

NO WEAPONS PLEASE: Problems arising from weapons and prop weapons can put the walk and everyone’s enjoyment of the walk in Jeopardy, we therefore must stress that NO WEAPONS are permitted on the walk.

REGISTRATION: Registration for The Toronto Zombie Walk is free and open to all. Participants can register for the walk in advance on the Toronto Zombie Walk website. Bring your registration for a chance to win fiendtastic prizes! Register by clicking here.

PRE-WALK FESTIVITIES:

- From 12pm Onward, check out the Henry's Camera Photo Booth to preserve all your undead memories!
- Visit DUSK’s deadly delicacies booth for treats and gory goodies for zombies of all types.
- Creeped Out’s annual Blood Booth: Need to retouch? Let these ghouls give you a severed hand with fresh blood.

ZOMBIE WEDDING at 2pm: The Undead are cordially invited to join Adam Invader and Thea Munster in Unholy Matrimony at 2pm in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Join the Newly Deads afterwards for prize give-aways before the walk commences at 3pm.

ZOMBIE WALK ROUTE: The walking dead’s 5 kill-o-meter lurch will be-heading east on Queen St. West, North on Spadina Ave., and West on Dundas St., and ending back at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Starts at 3pm.

OFFICIAL TORONTO ZOMBIE WALK AFTER PARTY : After the walk, this year’s evening entertainment will be hosted by The Toronto After Dark Film Festival. At 7 pm, please join us at the Toronto Underground Cinema, 186 Spadina Avenue, (just north of Queen St. West) for a zombie double bill. Toronto After Dark is offering a special discount for the undead that night only! Featuring:

DEADHEADS (Canadian Premiere of an Zombie Buddy Comedy road trip movie will be at 7pm

WAR OF THE DEAD (World Premiere of a new World War 2 set Zombie action film, most expensive film ever made in Lithuania’s history) at 9.45pm. Cast and crew from both films in attendance!

After the seeing the diabolical double bill, swing by the Tequila Bookwork, located at 512 Queen Street West, to feast and drink until the wee hours at the official TADFF after party!

Dj Eric Von Eric will be spinning the after party. DJ Eric Von Eric plays punk, metal, rock’n'roll, new wave, goth and Spooky Soundtrack favorites. Eric runs the Toronto Underground Cinema Nights, and has DJ’d parties for TADFF, the Toronto Zombie Walk, Rue Morgue, and NIX The Toronto Tattoo Convention. He is the best horror/exploitation/soundtrack DJ in the city.

Please note that evening events hosted by Toronto After Dark Film Festival are for undeads who are 19 years old and up.

Even more info at: http://torontozombiewalk.ca/

--

- Chris @ The Beguiling

POSTPONED: Jordan Crane in Toronto, December 1st!

2011-10-16T23:15:00.001-04:00

POSTPONED:

Hey Everyone.

Looks like we are going to have to postpone our events with Jordan Crane. We look forward to rescheduling as soon as possible. Thanks for your understanding.

Jordan Crane, in Conversation

Thursday, December 1st, @ 8PM

Clinton's Tavern, Back Room, 693 Bloor Street

Free To Attend, Licensed
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=254800321232402

Jordan Crane's KEEP OUR SECRETS Kids-Book Launch!

Thurdsday December 1st, 5pm-6:30pm

Little Island Comics, 742 Bathurst Street

Free To Attend

Alternative and Indy comics legend Jordan Crane will make his first-ever appearance in Toronto on Thursday, December 1st, in two spectacular events for readers of all ages!

First up, Jordan Crane will head to Little Island Comics at 5pm to launch his brand new book KEEP OUR SECRETS, a fascinating picturebook written and illustrated by Crane, with a very special secret... rubbing your hands over the illustrations reveals additional illustrations and secrets! Super cool! Crane will read from the book and sign for kids and grown-ups.

Then at 8pm, join Jordan in the Clinton's backroom as he presents from his full body of work in the fields of comics, illustration, and design. Jordan Crane will be interviewed on stage, and will be taking questions from the audience, with a signing will follow.

A full selection of Jordan's work will be available for purchase at both events, and at Little Island Comics and The Beguiling in the weeks leading up to the event.

ABOUT:

Jordan Crane burst onto the cartooning scene with the release of the anthology NON in 1996. Drawing inspiration from Art Spiegelman's legendary RAW magazine, NON featured early and debut work by a plethora of top-flight graphic novelists and illustrators. Crane has also completed the stand-alone graphic novels The Last Lonely Saturday and Col-Dee for adults, and the frenetic The Clouds Above aimed at children. His current comic series is the one-man anthology Uptight, which features several ongoing stories. He has also created illustrations and book designs for Penguin Classics' edition of Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, and McSweeney's Publishing's Maps and Legends by Michael Chabon, as well as the postcard collection Uptight All Night and the journal Now Apart But Together Soon for Chronicle Books.

Keep Our Secrets: Two young children tour their noisy house with fresh eyes, discovering along the way that all is not as it seems. Featuring heat-sensitive, color-changing ink on every page, this book contains dozens of delightful surprises. Among them: a giant dog slumbering in a piano, a wishing puddle full of dimes, a raccoon that is actually a robot, and a camera that is secretly made of cheese.

Preview video:

PRESS:

If you are interested in covering this event or would like to interview Jordan Crane, please contact Peter Birkemoe at The Beguiling, mail@beguiling.com, 416-533-9168.

Last Minute Reminder: Author Mike Carey In Store Tonight!

2011-10-14T17:22:00.000-04:00

Mike Carey Signing at The Beguiling Tonight
Friday October 14th, 7pm-9pm
The Beguiling, 601 Markham Street, Toronto
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=295128140504430

Unwritten, X-Men: Legacy, Lucifer, Hellblazer, Ultimate Fantastic Four writer signs from 7pm-9pm

The Beguiling is proud to welcome Mike Carey, the prolific author of THE UNWRITTEN from Vertigo, X-MEN LEGACY from Marvel, and SIGIL from Crossgen amongst many other titles! Mike Carey will be doing an in-store signing tonight from 7pm to 9pm, and will be signing his work for and chatting with fans. We're also happy to announce that his wife author Linda Carey will be joining him. Linda and Mike co-wrote the forthcoming novel The Steel Seraglio, coming this spring from Chi-Zine Publications.

We're stocked deep on all of Mr. Carey's backlist, and we're offering a special 20% discount on any in-print comics and graphic novels by Mike Carey all day today, October 14th, in celebration of his appearance.

If you can't make it tonight:

Mike Carey is also a Guest of Honour at The Toronto SpecFic Colloquium, being held on Saturday, October 15th. His appearance is sponsored in part by The Beguiling. You can learn more about The Toronto SpecFic Colloquium at www.specfic-colloquium.com.

Presented in part by ChiZine Publications, http://chizinepub.com/.

ANNOUNCE: TORONTO DRAWS TINTIN & CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

2011-10-12T20:24:00.001-04:00

Everyone is welcome. Free to attend

Recommended: Get Animated! at the NFB

2011-10-12T18:15:00.018-04:00

Hey everybody! Check out this exciting event being put on by the NFB. It's not a Beguiling event, but we thought you'd love to hear about it all the same.

Get Animated!
October 27 - November 2 at the NFB Mediatheque

Get Animated! serves up some of Canada’s finest (and funniest!) animation. Enjoy screening programs, workshops and Q&As with animation directors. From boldly experimental to flat-out funny, there’s something for everyone! All events are FREE and take place at 150 John Street (corner of Richmond St. W.), Toronto ON. For complete programming information, visit nfb.ca/mediatheque.

Thursday, October 27
6:30 PM | Making Music for Animation with Luigi Allemano*

Composer Luigi Allemano offers interactive exercises and discussions aimed at helping animators and composers work together effectively.

8:30 PM | NFB New Releases Program

Friday, October 28
6:30 PM | Toronto Animated Image Society (TAIS) Program
8:00 PM | NFB New Releases Program

Saturday, October 29
1:00 PM | Get Animated! Animation Workshop for Adults (18+)*
7:00 PM | Toronto Animated Image Society (TAIS) Program
8:30 PM | NFB New Releases Program

Sunday, October 30
10:00 AM | Making Peace Through Animation: A Hands-On Workshop with Co Hoedeman

In this intimate workshop for children and teens, Oscar®-winning animator Co Hoedeman teaches the basics of animating with paper cut-outs on a lightbox. Participants are divided into small groups, and, working together under Co's guidance, create a short film on the theme of peaceful resolution.

12:30 PM | NFB New Release Family Program

A fun-filled selection of NFB films, featuring some of the NFB's newest animation for kids of all ages. For complete programming, click here.

2:30 PM | Making Peace Through Animation: Spotlight on Co Hoedeman*

Oscar®-winner Co Hoedeman screens three films, demonstrates his animation techniques and discusses the importance of peaceful values and respect for diversity.

Wednesday, November 2
4:00 PM | NFB New Releases Program

*Please call 416-973-3012 and arrive 15 minutes early to reserve your spot. These are free events but space is limited

For complete programming information, visit nfb.ca/mediatheque.

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150 John Street (corner of Richmond St. W.), Toronto ON, M5V 3C3

Shipping October 12th, 2011

2011-10-11T19:24:00.000-04:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday October 12th, 2011. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will defer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/111012shipping.txt

Of Note:

JUL110023 Abe Sapien Devil Does Not Jest #1 Johnson Cvr 3.50
- We were shorted our initial order of this book. It has finally arrived this week.

Open today: 12-6

2011-10-10T14:41:00.000-04:00

It probably goes without saying, but we are open today (Thanksgiving Monday) from 12-6. Just a little reminder if you need a little break from turkey and stuffing.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Canada Reads: Non Fiction Graphic Novels in 2012!

2011-10-05T16:48:00.003-04:00

Dear Reader,

Below you'll find our recommendations for non-fiction graphic novels that should be considered for The CBC's Canada Reads 2012 Event. Our main five recommendations went live on The Canada Reads site today, but we had a huge list of great Canadian non-fiction graphic novels that we wanted to make you aware of, and if someone else had a chance to recommend them over at the CBC, well, that'd be just lovely.

First and foremost, please head to The CBC Canada Reads Page and vote for your favourite graphic novel (about 2/3 of the way down the page). Then return and check out our full recommendations below.

--

We here at The Beguiling campaigned hard for Jeff Lemire's ESSEX COUNTY to win Canada Reads 2011, and we feel with good reason. Graphic novels are no longer an emerging medium, but a fully formed one capable of telling any type of story, and telling it very well indeed. How fortunate for us, and for all Canadians, that Canada Reads 2012 will focus on non-fiction as some of the most noted recent graphic novels have been true stories. Many of the graphic novels that people respond to the most strongly consist of history, reportage, and especially memoir. Who hasn't heard of Art Spiegelman's MAUS, Alison Bechdel's FUN HOME, or Marjane Satrapi's PERSEPOLIS? These are all excellent, internationally celebrated pieces of personal and public history, and we look forward to recommending the following Canadian non-fiction titles to join their ranks.

Our Dream List

Louis Riel, by Chester Brown: It seems that this breakthrough work by arguably Canada's most famous cartoonist, Chester Brown, is already being championed by his publisher and by the public. It's not hard to see why--this gripping portrait of the controversial Canadian anti-hero makes Canadian history (often thought to be 'boring') compelling and immediate. It also echoes the themes of Chester's other, more personal works, touching on religion, mental disorders, and iconoclasm. [Buy it in The Beguiling Store]

Two Generals, by Scott Chantler: It's very difficult to do actual historical non-fiction in comics--the medium is expected to be strongly narrative and dialogue-driven, but Scott Chantler pulls it off with his graphic novel Two Generals. Heavily researched, it is the story of his grandfather and grandfather's best friends, both officers in The Highland Light Infantry of Canada, and the devestating Battle of Buron. With a minimum of dramatization, pulled entirely from letters home, interviews, and the official war diary of the regiment, it is an historical record made real, and an endearing tribute from Chantler to his grandfather. [Beguiling Store]

Pyong Yang, by Guy Delisle: Delisle's works are difficult to classify, being partly memoir, partly travelogue, and partly reportage. Ultimately, these works are the comics diaries of someone travelling to some of the most fascinating places on earth. We've chosen PYONG YANG, his journey behind the world's last communist iron curtain into the heart of North Korea, for three reasons: 1. It's illumination into this world that most of us will never see, 2. what it doesn't tell us--can't tell us--about being there, and 3. it's idiosyncratic and highly personal (and somewhat subjective) view of events. It's also beautifully drawn and engaging, and that doesn't hurt a bit. [Beguiling Store]

My New York Diary, by Julie Doucet: This raw, unflinching, and utterly captivating look at a young Montrealer packing up her life and heading to New York City is something of a 'lost classic' of Canadian cartooning, coming as it did before the breakout of comics into the mass market... but don't let that dissuade you. Dealing with alcoholism and drugs, a jealous boyfriend, worsening epilepsy, and a loss of faith in her own talent to tell her story, the work is darkly funny, always surprising, and perhaps more relevant today than when it was written. We'd specifically recommend it to fans of David B.'s epileptic not only for its treatment of mental illness, but for the chunky, graphic storytelling. [Beguiling Store]

Reunion, by Pascal Girard: This deeply personal reflection on a man's impending high-school reunion if hilarious, if often cringe-inducing. Pascal the character ultimately becomes obsessed with who was a winner and who was a loser at school, and needing to be seen as the former at the reuinon. It's a comedy of errors from this point on, made all the more enjoyable--and painful--by the knowledge that this really happened. While the author describes this work as "semi-autobiographical", we feel after discussing it with him that it more than meets the qualifications of being entered into this event. [Beguiling Store]

I Can't Believe we had to leave off...

But wait, there's more! We hate that we had to recommend only five works of non-fiction, and while our top 5 are all worthy we hope that you will consider these other excellent titles.

I Never Liked You, The Playboy and Paying for It, by Chester Brown: While it's Louis Riel that is Chester's most 'friendly' work to suggest every Canadian should pick up and read, it is his deeply personal memoirs that leave the strongest impression. [Beguiling Store]

Complete works, by David Collier: David Collier is a cartoonist who has worked entirely in a non-fiction mode, be it biography, history, or memoir. His newest, CHIMO, is the story of him returning to the Canadian armed forces in his late 40s to again begin service, but I'd personally recommend his biography of David Millgard, SURVIVING SASKATOON contained in PORTRAITS FROM LIFE, to remind our 'tough on crime' conservative government of the danger of punishing the innocent. [Beguiling Store]

Hello Me Pretty, by Line Gamache: The autobiographical story of the author and her mentally disabled sister, and their life growing up in the suburbs of Montreal. Integrating Expo '67, the FLQ crisis, and changing social attitudes towards disability. [Beguiling Store]

The 500 Years of Resistance Comic Book, by Gord Hill: The story of aboriginal life since the arrival of Europeans in 1492, and their immense struggles. A direct, well-told, and engaging look at the history of the native peoples of Americas. [Beguiling Store]

Drop In, by David Lapp: This frank, autobiographical effort by Lapp chronicles his work as an art-instructor in one of Toronto's poorest urban neighbourhoods. Compelling and illuminating. [Beguiling Store]

Kenk: A Graphic Portrait, by Poplak, Jansen, Gilmore, Marinkovich: A 300 page journalistic portrait of Ivor Kenk, "The world's most prolific bicycle thief." Built from found footage and interviews, illustrations and archive material, this cutting edge work is truly unique in style and presentation. [Beguiling Store]

Intended For Younger Readers, of value to adults

These graphic novels are intended for a middlegrade or young adult audience, but their expertise, insight, and skill make them excellent reads for adults.

Four Pictures by Emily Carr, by Nicolas Debon: This short graphic biography of the trailblazing and incredibly giften painter Emily Carr is, itself, gorgeously painted and smartly told by Nicolas Debon. Formatted and intended for younger readers. [Beguiling Store]

Tyranny, by Lesley Fairfield: Informed by her real life experiences, TYRANNY chronicles the life of a young girl, Anna, and her descent into anorexia and bulimia. A shocking, difficult, and ultimately redemptive read. [Beguiling Store]

Mirror Mind, by Tory Woollcott: A biography of a young woman's struggles with dyslexia, told skillfully and passionately. An excellent read. [Beguiling Store]

Books we would totally put forward if we weren’t convinced some philistine would vote it off for not having enough (any) words:

Seriously. Seriously. Not enough words? A gross criticism.

White Rapids, by Pascal Blanchet: This gorgeous cartoon-modern telling of the creation and abandonment of a small town in North Quebec, it "sings", with a fantastic rhythm that transports you to a different time and place. [Beguiling Store]

Southern Cross, by Lawrence Hyde: A stunning wordless woodcut novel about the atomic bomb testing by the United States in the south pacific following World War II. [Beguiling Store]

Books that seem they should fit for non-fiction but have just enough fiction in them to bump them out

These are great graphic novels and worth your time, often informed by real-life events and history. Unfortunately, by the author's own admission the bulk of the material is made up or significantly dramatized, to the point where they should be eligible in future years of Canada Reads, but perhaps not this one for non-fiction.

Mid-Life, by Joe Ollman: A humourous and fictionalized piece of autobiography about the author's mid-life crisis and the chaos that ensued. [Beguiling Store]

Paul Goes Fishing, by Michel Rabagliati: A fantastic cartoonist and storyteller, Rabagliati chooses to filter his life experiences and observations through Paul, an affable everyman character living with his wife and children in Quebec. In this last volume to have been translated into English (another is coming soon!), Paul reflects on his life and childhood as he and his wife try to conceive a child, and their vacation to rural Quebec that acts as a turning point in their lives. All of the Paul books are gorgeously illustrated and utterly charming, and we highly recommend them. [Beguiling Store]

It’s a Good Life if You don’t Weaken, by Seth: Cartoonist/illustrator Seth's seemingly autobiographical hunt for an obscure and forgotten New Yorker cartoonist who lived in Canada... [Beguiling Store]

The Klondike, by Zach Worton: Rich with detail and populated with the real characters of the Yukon gold rush, this fantastic graphic novel is a stirring piece of historical fiction, and beautifully illustrated vistas, informed by research and folklore. [Beguiling Store]

--

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Shipping October 5th, 2011

2011-10-03T21:05:00.001-04:00

The following comics and graphic novels are scheduled to ship The Beguiling Books and Art on Wednesday October 5th, 2011. All Prices listed in U.S. Funds. Variant prices are generally accurate, but in any dispute between web price and in-store price we will derfer to in-store price.

Click here for the complete list: http://beguiling.com/111005shipping.txt

The Beguiling Recommends:

AUG110681 Casanova Avaritia #2 (of 4) 4.99
AUG110930 Roger Langridges Snarked #1 3.99
JUL110546 Skullkickers #11 2.99
JUL110554 Walking Dead #89 2.99
AUG110649 X-men Schism #5 (of 5) 3.99

AUG110179 Action Comics #2 3.99
JUL118203 Animal Man #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110212 Animal Man #2 2.99
JUL118213 Swamp Thing #1 2nd Ptg 2.99
AUG110211 Swamp Thing #2 2.99

MAY111268 Tezuka Book Of Human Insects HC 21.95

JUL110247 All Star Superman TP 29.99
JUN110034 Axe Cop Bad Guy Earth TP 12.99
AUG111080 Good Neighbors GN Vol 03 Kind 12.99
JUL111174 Star Gazing Dog GN 11.99
AUG111060 Two Generals SC 19.99

DC: THE NEW 52 MONTH 2 FOR ONE LOW PRICE

2011-10-03T17:23:00.000-04:00

Action Comics #2

The New 52 -MONTH TWO- at One Low Price
Get all 52 new DC Comics second issues for $100 ($88.50+13% HST)
In-store only at The Beguiling

Well that was something! The first month of DC's 52 relaunched books have come to an end. Some books have met with acclaim, others with derision, but amongst the ones we've read it seems that they all want you to read that second issue. So, just like with the #1s, we're going to make it easy for you.

GET ALL 52 #2 ISSUES FOR $100.

That's less than 2 bucks an issue
It's like buying 32 issues and getting 20 more of them for free!
Guaranteed to get all of the issue #2s, first printing, day of release!
All DC 52 MONTH TWO participants get a 20% discount on any of the second or third printings of the first issues (limit 2 per person)

WANT TO SIGN UP? HERE'S HOW YOU CAN DO IT:

You must sign up no later than Tuesday October 4th at 7pm, either in-store or via e-mail.
If signing up via e-mail, send a message to chris@beguiling.com with your name, phone number, and e-mail address in the body, mentioning that you'd like to participate.
Payment of $100 to participate must be made no later than Wednesday, October 5th at 9pm, or when you pick up your first week of books, whichever is earlier. You can also totally come in any time before Wednesday to pay, and then pick up your books later.
Anyone who has not paid for their first week of books by Wednesday October 5th at 9pm will not be allowed to participate in this promotion.

Rules:

You don't need to have participated in the first month to participate in the second. Everyone's welcome.
To sign up, we will need your name, email address, and phone number.
Once you buy in, there are no refunds and no returns, on either the purchase price of the special, or on the price of any of the individual books involved in the promotion.
All books MUST be picked up in store, no mailorder.
Voucher must be redeemed and all comics must be picked up no later than December 24th, 2011, at which time we will donate all remaining comics to a charity or organization of our choice.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the first month, and here's to 4 more weeks of the new 52!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

ANNOUNCE: THE RETURN OF GLORIA BADCOCK! Nov 29

2011-09-28T01:12:00.000-04:00

THE RETURN OF GLORIA BADCOCK!
Maurice Vellekoop's spunky anti-heroine makes her triumphant return to the printed page!
Tuesday, November 29th
From 7pm to 11pm. Presentation at 8pm.
@ Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander Street
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=129454453822302
Free To Attend, 18+

WHERE IS GLORIA BADCOCK!? Last seen in 1997's Vellevision collection, Maurice Vellekoop's sexual adventuress had disappeared from view, gone but not forgotten... until now!

Thanks to the efforts of publisher Koyama Press, a brand new comic book featuring her fun, funny, and decidedly queer sexual exploits will premier November 29th in THE WORLD OF GLORIA BADCOCK #1, at a special launch party!

The Beguiling, Koyama Press, and Buddies in Bad Times invite you to come out and celebrate Gloria's return with a fun-filled evening of art and illustration, a short presentation of Maurice's work, and all kinds of sexy surprises. Artist Maurice Vellekoop WILL be in attendance!

The new Gloria Badcock book makes its international debut for only $5! It is a very spicy comic, so we're restricting sales to folks 18 years of age or older! The Beguiling will also have a complete selection of Maurice Vellekoop's backlist on hand and a selection of original art, and Koyama Press will have other titles from their line available as well.

Gloria Badcock makes a perfect stocking stuffer!

Presented by The Beguiling and Koyama Press, with special thanks to Buddies in Bad Times Theatre!

Mike Carey Signing and Sale at The Beguiling October 14!

2011-09-28T00:32:00.002-04:00

The Beguiling and ChiZine Publications present
MIKE CAREY - Author of Unwritten, X-Men, and Lucifer
In-Store Event and Sale at The Beguiling!

Friday, October 14th, 7pm-9pm
@ The Beguiling, 601 Markham Street, Next to Honest Ed's
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=295128140504430
Free to attend

Mike Carey is the prolific author of THE UNWRITTEN from Vertigo, X-MEN LEGACY from Marvel, and SIGIL from Crossgen amongst many other titles. We're happy to announce that he'll be doing a signing on the evening of Friday, October 14th from 7pm-9pm here at The Beguiling. He'll be signing comics and chatting with fans for the evening.

We'll be stocked deep on all of Mr. Carey's backlist, and we'll be offering a special 20% discount on any in-print comics and graphic novels by Mike Carey all day on October 14th.

--

Mike Carey is also a Guest of Honour at The Toronto SpecFic Colloquium, being held on Saturday, October 15th. His appearance is sponsored in part by The Beguiling. You can learn more about The Toronto SpecFic Colloquium at www.specfic-colloquium.com.

Presented in part by ChiZine Publications, http://chizinepub.com/.

OCTOBER 15: Mike Carey @ The Toronto SpecFic Colloquium

2011-09-27T16:42:00.007-04:00

The Toronto SpecFic Colloquium
Featuring Mike Carey, author of THE UNWRITTEN, X-MEN, LUCIFER, and more!
October 15th at Toronto Underground Cinema, 186 Spadina Avenue.
Pre-register now for only $45 at http://www.specfic-colloquium.com/

The Toronto SpecFic Colloquium is a one-day event featuring a series of lectures, readings and discussions from major authors and industry professionals. Canadian speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, and horror) writing has been recognized internationally for the calibre of its authors. At their best, these books provide glimpses of alternate realities and possible futures and pasts that provoke an ethical, social, political, environmental and biological inquiry into what it means to be human.

The theme for the 2011 Toronto SpecFic Colloquium will be "Modern Mythologies" with a keynote from special Guest of Honour, Mike Carey.

Mike Carey will be presenting a talk entitled "Speak of the Dazzling Wings": Myth, Language, and Modern Fantasy.

Other guests of the Toronto SpecFic Colloquium include Peter Watts, Caitlin Sweet, Lesley Livingston, Daniel Heath Justice, Emily Pohl-Weary, and Daniel Rabuzzi.

The Beguiling is a proud supporter of this event, and we strongly encourage those with an interest in Sci-Fi, Fantasy, SpecFic, or any of their subgenres to attend; it's a great series of talks that will be illuminating and inspirational!

--

Now In Store: HARK, A VAGRANT! and many more new webcomics collections!

2011-09-26T22:18:00.000-04:00

It's a very good day to be a fan of comic strips and graphic novels that saw their first printing on the internet (i.e.: WEBCOMICS). Why? Well it's the long-awaited release of Kate Beaton's new comic strip collection HARK, A VAGRANT! Collecting tons of strips from the web, with about a hundred pages of all-new, never-before-seen material! Published by our friends at Drawn & Quarterly, this handsome hardcover weighs in at just $19.95, and it's worth every penny.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!

We also have in our hot little hands Kate Beaton's first strip collection, NEVER LEARN ANYTHING FROM HISTORY! Collecting the very early history strips, there is no overlap between this first book and HARK! A VAGRANT meaning you can buy both and laugh and laugh and laugh the day away without worry. It is just $18.00.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!

The publishers of Kate Beaton's first book, Topatoco, have hooked us up with all of the new releases from their fall 2011 line-up, AND they've restocked us on a bunch of the books that we were out of. That means we've got a ton of awesome, brand new graphic novels and comic strip collections now in stock!

The Anime Club, by KC Green: This is an amazing, gut-wrenchingly good graphic novella about 4 social misfits who form an anime club and watch as it all goes horribly, terribly, hilariously wrong. This is seriously, seriously, a classic of the internet era, collecting everything that is good and funny about awkwardness and nerds in one place. It is like looking into the abyss, and having the abyss look back at you, and then you both have a good laugh. $14.00

Also Available: Midnite Surprise #1, a full-colour collection of strips, gags, and humourous asides from KC Green. $9.00

Beartato and The Incredible Event, by Anthony Clark: This second collection of Nedroid strips features even more terrific, outlandish, and occasionally non-sequitur happenings from Beartato and Reginald. It is very, very funny, but also very much an acquired taste. We invite you to acquire it for just $17.00.

Also Available: Beartato and the Secret of the Mystery, the first collection of Nedroid strips. $17.00.

Dresden Codak Primer, by Aaron Diaz: This new, full-colour book introduces you to the world of DRESDAN CODAK, the sci-fi serialized graphic novella. Featuring original character art and illustrations, tons of all new text, and favourite scenes from the comics. A must for any fan of the series. $12.00.

Octopus Pie: Listen Along With Octopus Pie, by Meredith Gran: The second collection of Octopus Pie stories picks up right where the first one left off, with Hanna and Eve live together in Brooklyn and they live their lives and it's just amazing contemporary fiction with a bit of magical realism that sucks you in and doesn't let go. OutSTANDing. $17.00

Also Available: Octopus Pie Book One. $20.

Questionable Content Book 1 & 2, by Jeph Jacques: Continuing the collection of Jeph Jacques' mega-popular daily comic strip about life, love, robots, emotionally-crippled people, music, awkardness, coffee, and being in your mid 20s. Full colour, $18 each.

BUT WAIT THERE'S STILL MORE!

We've also secured more stock of past hits like PROBLEM SLEUTH BOOK 1 & 2, from MS Paint Adventures by Andrew Hussie, and OVERCOMPENSATING BOOK ONE by Jeffrey Rowland. These join our already delightfully stocked assortment of comics whose initial publication occurred on the internet (i.e.: WEBCOMICS), like DINOSAUR COMICS, WONDERMARK, ACHEWOOD, GIRL GENIUS, and dozens more.

Happy comics from the internet and now in print form day, everyone!

- Chris @ The Beguiling

Now In Stock: Crap Hound 8, back issues

2011-09-26T17:53:00.001-04:00

Crap Hound #8

The almost-all-visual zine. Each page is filled with high-contrast art, carefully taken from vintage catalogs, advertising, obscure books, and found ephemera. A mixture of social commentary and self-acknowledged over-indulgent graphic design. This issue focuses on supersition, and objects associated with supersition, from the obvious to the obscure. Black cats, butterflies, brooms, apples, locks, moons, hats, knives, bibles, tea, gifts, candles, keys, and much, much, mcuch more.

We got a few more of these in than usual owing to its recent sell-outs, and restocked several of the back issues as well.

$13.00, located on the first floor.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

New Art by JEFF LEMIRE

2011-09-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

The Beguiling is happy to announce that we have added an additional 60 pages of original artwork by Jeff Lemire to our artstore.

This batch of artwork is primarily comprised of pages from his series Sweet Tooth, specifically issues 8-9 and 13-17. It features the entire cast of characters in both quiet scenes and action pages.

This work joins the hundreds of pages from Jeff Lemire already on hand, including pages from The Essex County Trilogy, The Nobody Graphic Novel, Sweet Tooth, and an assortment of other short pages and illustrations.

You can see all of Jeff Lemire's art available for sale at http://www.beguiling.com/artproductlist.asp?ID=77.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

New Art by FAREL DALRYMPLE

2011-09-23T18:22:00.000-04:00

The Beguiling is happy to announce that we have added even more new artwork by Farel Dalrymple to The Beguiling Artstore!

The new pages by Farel include his interior art pages on the Mignola/Nixey series JENNY FINN, additional pages from his work on Jonathan Lethem's OMEGA THE UNKNOWN, work from Project Superior, and his variant cover for Felicia Day's THE GUILD: BLADEZZ as shown above.

These join a huge collection of Farel's work from his series Pop Gun War, as well as pages from past series Caper, Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog, Omega The Unknown, Meathaus, House of Mystery, and more.

You can see all of Farel Dalrymple's art in our artstore, http://www.beguiling.com/artproductlist.asp?ID=35.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

New Art by BRYAN LEE O'MALLEY

2011-09-23T18:15:00.000-04:00

The Beguiling is proud to announce that it will be selling the original artwork of Bryan Lee O'Malley, author of Scott Pilgrim and Lost At Sea.

We have just made available nearly 50 pages of O'Malley's original art, the largest amount that's ever been offered for sale at one time. The pages are drawn from Lost at Sea, Scott Pilgrim Volumes 4 and 5, Hopeless Savages: Ground Zero, and select illustration work. Fans will be happy to note rare art including unused or changed illustrations from the Scott Pilgrim series.

To see all of the pages, please visit our artstore at http://www.beguiling.com/artproductlist.asp?ID=74.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

New Art by GABRIEL BA

2011-09-23T17:41:00.001-04:00

The Beguiling is pleased to announce that we are offering new original art by Gabriel Ba in our artstore.

We've got the complete Casanova back-up story featuring the introduction of Newman Xeno, as well as a selection of new Casanova and Umbrella Academy pages. These join the wide array of BPRD pages currently available.

You can see all of the Gabriel Ba pages in our artstore, http://www.beguiling.com/artproductlist.asp?ID=82.

- Christopher

New art by FABIO MOON

2011-09-23T17:12:00.000-04:00

The Beguiling is proud to announce that is offering brand new artwork by noted creator Fabio Mooon in its artstore.

Newly added to the artstore are the cover images for Casanova: Gula from ICON Comics, Casanova Interior Pages, and brand new and quite rare full-colour paintings used in the Casanova reprints and trade paperbacks.

These join the fantastic array of Fabio Moon's pages from Joss Whedon's SUGAR SHOCK, Mike Mignola's BPRD, and more.

You can view all of Fabio Moon's pages available for sale at http://www.beguiling.com/artproductlist.asp?ID=82.

- Chris @ The Beguiling

FRANCIS MANAPUL IN STORE - THE FLASH #1 - DC COMICS NEW 52 SIGNING

2011-09-23T16:26:00.005-04:00

Francis Manapul - DC 52 Signing September 28th @ 7pm for THE FLASH #1

When Barry Allan made his first appearance as The Flash in 1956 it heralded the silver age of comics. In 2011, when Barry Allan makes his return to The New 52, can we expect similar greatness? With Fancis Manapul at the helm, it's a sure bet.

On September 28th at 7 PM, Francis Manapul will be on hand to sign copies of THE FLASH #1! Here's what it's about: "The Fastest Man Alive returns to his own monthly series from the writer/artist team of Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato! The Flash knows he can’t be everywhere at once, but what happens he faces an all-new villain who really can! As if that’s not bad enough, this villain is a close friend!"

We're very happy to have Francis Manapul in store, especially for his first comic as artist AND co-writer.

Thanks to Francis for making the time to come on out. And see you in-store on the 28th.

Fan Favourites: Jeff Lemire Sketchbook #1

2011-09-22T16:32:00.007-04:00

Jeff Lemire Sketchbook #1
By Jeff Lemire, $10.00, Second Floor

In case you missed his signing events in store at the beginning of the month, we have copies of Jeff Lemire's sketchbook in stock. It's a wonderful 28-page collection of rare comics and creative experiments, including some in full colour. My favourite is the family portrait of Lemire's protagonists from Essex County, The Nobody and Sweet Tooth. Sounds like a pretty good crossover to me.

Every copy is signed and includes a unique sketch. So, rare work AND original art -- that's a pretty good deal.

Fan Favourites are comics with huge followings--high degrees of craft and high appeal meet in the sort of comic that brings lapsed comics fans back into the fold, and tons of new faces through the door. We think that these comics might just be for you!