I've gotten very behind on all my comics, even my favorites, but this was obviously where I wanted to start catching up. This guest artist series full of back stories has been a wild ride, and this was a particularly touching history to finally peek into.

When I read a review that not only compared the Phoebe and Her Unicorn comic strip to Calvin and Hobbes (the parallels aren't hard to see) but went beyond to suggest that Phoebe and Marigold have something that Calvin and Hobbes lack in their character growth and more respectful treatment of other people, I immediately ordered a copy of the first volume. I wasn't disappointed but neither was I quite as impressed. I found this book missing some measure of the laugh out loud humor that pervades Calvin and Hobbes and makes it so special. The character growth was present but probably gains with more time, and I definitely plan on reading more of this cute comic. One thing that I disliked was the order in which the comics were presented, which is presumably the order they were published, but which often interrupts a continuous story line with a one off. This is not an issue when you read the comic once per day but when you're quickly reading through it like a book it's pretty disruptive to the story experience.

I am too sad about this story ending. On the bright side, positive rant: I love how Ellis writes Spider's assistants, Channon and Yelena. I can't stand stories where the male lead is constantly leaving his female partners and friends out of the loop and trying to "protect" them by running off to do his own thing. Channon and Yelena may not be as seasoned as journalists as Spider, but they are always fully capable of running with him on anything.

Well ended. I really enjoyed this series. Spider is a horrible, wonderful man.

This one brought the tears. On the edge of my seat for what's next.

I really love this story, and Spider and how much he cares. I also really like the variety of styles Ellis and the team continue to employ to tell this story. I sometimes wish it were a more linear story, but the world building that Ellis incorporates and the side stories he tells enrich the story and create a deep emotional investment for the reader.

Great volume. Lots of Spider being brutal and wonderful, and a delightful Channon/Yelena issue as well.

The Undertaking of Lily Chen is a simple story, with moments of soaring poetic beauty. It explores themes of family and culture, life and death and love. Lily is a delightful fiery character, and Deshi's little hints of personality struggle to compete.

Short and not a bit sweet, this dark and gruesome fairy tale is going to stay with me for a long time. The art is breathtaking and well suited to both stand out from the brutality of the story and to enhance it.

The action! (I'm running out of things to say about each volume but that won't stop me from saying something!)