I was hit on the head by a flying plank this weekend and ended up in a magical land of Ez. All I had to do was find the enchanted Wizard of Ez to get home, but along the way I was assisted by strange counterparts from the land of comics. There was the scarecrow of Brian Michael Bendis who needed some better pacing, the amazing tin-man of Dan Slott who just needed more exposure and the gormless has-been played by Frank Miller who was badly in need of some shame and self reflection.

THE TRUTH

Persepolos Books 1 & 2

Actually my weekend was nothing like that, but I did go to other lands…war torn and harrowing other lands, thanks to the animated film Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. Based on the graphic novel of the same name Persepolis is an incredible portrait of growing up in the constant war-zone that is Iran, a story of constant repression and dread. You will never appreciate your American freedom more than when you’re confronted by those who can never have it.

MITE EXCITED

Batman: The Brave and the Bold

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I also got to catch the “Legends of the Bat-Mite” episode of the Cartoon Network’s new Bat-Cartoon “Batman: The Brave and the Bold.” This “MITE” be my favorite Batman yet, fun, colorful and exciting! Some of us never really bought into the ultra-violent Dark Knight that the Bat became, and held out hope for a Batman who could lick em’ while smiling. Well children of the 80’s, our Batman has returned. Not since Adam West did the voice of “The Gray Ghost” on the old Batman Animated show have I been this Bat-thrilled, as B:TB&TB brought along Bat-Mite, as voiced by Paul “Pee-Wee Herman” Reubens himself!

Go on e-bay and pick yourself up a copy of World’s Funniest, a DC one-shot from years back to get the best Bat-Mite story of all time! Bat-Mite and Mr. Mxylptlk, in an attempt to establish “Who’s cooler: Batman or Superman,” destroy not only the current DC universe but a few realities from the Elseworlds as well. Also, Grant Morrison presents Batman the Black Casebook, a trade paperback shipping this week featuring Batman in many of his weirdest issues ever! The casebook is a collection of reprints featuring Batman’s strangest cases from the 50’s and 60’s which Morrison drew inspiration from on his recent run, including the first appearance of Bat-Mite! The Black Casebook is in continuity, shouldn’t it be in your collection?

Batman the Black Casebook

BAT-BRAINED

Ah, don’t listen to me. Everybody knows ole’ Unkiedev is a few batarangs short of a utility belt. Heck, my pick-o-the-week is the latest installment of Adam Warren’s Empowered vol. 5 from Dark Horse, a slightly risqué take on female super-heroes, their bodies and their body-issues. IF you like Warren, this is NOT TO BE MISSED.

Marvel Pets Handbook

Other than that I’m more stoked for this week’s Marvel Pets Handbook than I am about the big Captain America #600 introducing the new Bucky to continuity. I really hope Marvel Pets will have an entry on Ms. Lion. OOH! And Bill the mutant lobster! And Squirrel Girl’s assistant Skipper-Joe!

Captain America #600

BOTTOM LINE

This week I’ve plugged the strangest confluence of comics in my columnist career, but that’s what’s GREAT about this industry! The variety of material is staggering. Remember to have fun and try new things. See ya’ at the Mermaid Parade!