The Sandman remains my favourite comic series. I have been reading comics since I was a kid in the 70s. Neil Gaiman is a master storyteller. In the first volume, Gaiman is just getting his feet wet and starting a series that doesn't quite fit the DC comics template. Later volumes such as Seasons of the Mist are better representations of Gaiman's ability to weave multi-layered story lines. The new editions feature new covers and clearer coloring printed on slick paper. All the great McKeen covers are included.

On the Road is a favourite of mine. The great novel of the beat generation. The Library of America has also included another great Kerouac work - Dharma Bums. The price was great - under $25 for a nice hardcover addition and the collection also contains two other Kerouac novels. On the Road is a semi autobiographical novel about Jack Kerouac (Sal Paradise) and Neal Cassady ( Dean Moriarty). I particularly liked the chronology and notes sections which gave insight into the life of Mr. Kerouac and helped to identify some of the other characters in On the Road. If you are thinking about purchasing On the Road consider this edition - for a few dollars more you get a lot more.

I discovered Tintin as a grade schooler and I'm a life long fan of the little belgian reporter. The animated series is so well done. There are even cameos by Herge in the episodes ( Herge did this in the original albums). The first DVD includes the crab with the golden claws, the secret of the unicorn, and Red Rackham's treasure which were used as the basis for Spielberg's recent movie. I am looking forward to buying seasons 2 and eventually season 3 when it is released.

I had not seen the show previously but heard Elmore Leonard discussing it. If Elmore thinks the interpretation of his characters is well done, then it was worth looking at. I thoroughly enjoyed the first season. The characters are well filled out warts and all. I watched the series over a weekend engrossed in the well crafted story arc. I liked the bad guys the Crowders who have differing motives. Raylan's ex-con father, his ex-wife, and a new love interest all give the narrative depth. I will be ordering the second season soon.