TONY'S ONLINE TIPS for Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I received my author's copies of 1000 Comic Books You Must Read [Krause Publications; $29.99] last Thursday and several readers who ordered the book from Amazon have received their copies as well. I haven't seen any full-blown reviews yet, but my friend Roger Price called it "an amazing book" and posted this mini-review on Amazon:
"With 1,000 Comic Books You Must Read, Tony Isabella has created an invaluable reference and an amazingly entertaining read. The book is visually stunning and the detail offered within the content is delightfully presented. I hope to see another volume, perhaps The NEXT 1000 Comic Books You Must Read, in the near future."
My short description of my book is that it's a compact history of the American comic book wrapped around brief commentary on over a thousand comic books. My aim was to show the incredible variety found in mainstream comics from Action Comics #1 to present, while also discussing alternative/independent/underground comics, graphic novels, manga, and more.
I love the book, but, like any author, I keep kicking myself over the comic books I should have included and, for one reason or another, not always voluntarily, didn't include. If the book does sell enough to allow me to write a sequel, I'll be able to address some of those self-perceived shortcomings.
Here are some quick book notes:
Comic Geek Speak interviewed me about the book and my career over the weekend and that broadcast should be available for your listening pleasure at:
I am available for bookstore signings, convention appearances, library and school talks, and print and online interviews. To set up any of the above, e-mail me at:
In some cases, depending on the distance and time involved, I may need to be reimbursed for my hotel and travel expenses. Don't take it personally if I have to decline an invitation because you can't provide those. I understand that times are tough for a lot of people right now; that's exactly why I have to ask to have those expenses covered. I look forward to a time when I can afford to be more generous with my time and money.
If you're a reporter or reviewer for a magazine, newspaper, or website seeking a review copy of my book, you should contact Greg Hatfield at:
I regret I can't personally provide review copies of the book. My author copies won't even cover my family and the good folks who helped on the book above and beyond the call of friendship.
If you're a library buyer who wants to buy copies of the book for your library - and God bless you for that - the ISBN is:
978-089689-921-6
World Famous Comics web-wizard Justin and I will be launching a 1,000 Comic Books You Must Read website in November. As soon as we have its main component - a message board wherein you'll be able to discuss the comics included in the book and those that were left out - up and running, I'll release a press release with all the details.
TOT will be taking a few days off while Justin is in Dallas as a guest of the Star Wars Fan Days III convention, October 24 and 25 at the Plano Centre. For more info on this stellar event, head over to:
I review The Amazing Adventures of Nate Banks #1: Secret Identity Crisis, Secret Identity Crisis: Comic Books and the Unmasking of Cold War America and The Walking Dead Volume 2: Miles Behind Us.
ZERO: Burn your money before buying any comic receiving this rating. It doesn't *necessarily* mean there's absolutely nothing of value here - though it *could* - but whatever value it might possess shrinks into insignificance before its overall awfulness.
ONE: Buy something else. Maybe I found something which wasn't completely dreadful in the item, but not enough for me to recommend it when there are better comics available. I only want what's best for you, my children.
TWO: Basic judgment call. I found some value, but not enough to recommend it. My review should give you enough info to decide if you want to take a chance on it. Are you feeling lucky today, punk? Well, are you?
THREE: This denotes something I find perfectly respectable. There are better books out there, but I wouldn't regret buying this item. Based on my review, you should be able to determine if it's of interest to you. Let the Force guide you.
FOUR: I recommend anything earning this rating. Unless you don't like the genre, subject matter, or past work of the creators, I believe you'll enjoy this item. Isn't it uncanny how I can look right into your soul that way?
FIVE: Anything getting this rating is among the best comicdom has to offer. You should buy/read this, even if the genre/subject matter doesn't appeal to you. It's for your own good. Me, I live for comics and books this good...but not in a pathetic "Comic-Book Guy" sort of way.
Please send material you would like me to review to:
Anything Goes Trivia
