Last week, Leah and I were rambling around Barnes & Noble - as we often do - when I noticed among the graphic novels and comic books something I'd almost purchased online the week before - McSweeney's Quarterly Concern Issue Number 13. With slyness and surprising speed (for a book) #13 found it's way into my hand and decided its days upon bookstore shelves were through.
Edited by graphic novelist and artist Chris Ware, #13 is a beautifully illustrated book that describes itself using the following words and numbers:
An assorted sampler of North American comic drawings, strips, and illustrated stories, &c. by many of the most dignified and skilled practitioners of the cartooning art, presented on over 250 lithographic plates and in approximately 3,732 individual pictures.Containing the artwork, comics and writing of people like Chris Ware, Seth, Joe Matt and John Updike, the book offers a varied and amazing collection of art and letters. Even the dustcover unfolds into a double-sided poster, filled with drawings and information about the contributors.
The only unfortunate thing about #13, is that it made me buy #19, and now I have to buy 1-12, 14-18 and 20. Damn OCD.
...and for all you music lovers out there, The Believer 2006 Music Issue (also published by McSweeney’s) is out and worth its ten dollar price tag.
