The goal of this monthly column is to introduce our readers to books they may  have overlooked the first time around.  Do you remember Strangers In Paradise, Poison Elves,  Darkchylde or Lady Death -- those book met with mild to moderate success when first released, but know they are some of the most sought after back issue books in the last five years.  We can't guarantee that these books will turn to back issue gold, but we can guarantee that these books deserve a second glance -- then again you just never know……..

Deity is the story of a  fun-loving teenage girl, Jamie, is heir to an ancient and unimaginable power.  Hunted throughout Los Angeles by the sinister and bloodthirsty Ma'Shiva, Jamie fights to stay alive with the help of three bold adventurers: a hot-blooded
gunslinger, a dragon prince, and a young cyber-Shaolin monk. Only Jamie can save the universe, But will the forces of malevolence kill her before her powers are realized? This is a saga of responsibility and ultimate sacrifice......the saga of Deity!

Every once in a while a comic series will come along and simply blow you away.  The art and writing never seem to be lacking and the character development continues throughout  the series run.  It doesn't happen very often -- but Spectre is a pure treat from the first issue until the series last -- it takes you on a journey of death, hope, humanity and one man's search for salvation.  Truly one of the best series of the 90's.  John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake should be very proud of their work on this series.  DC's Day Of Judgement iseries s upon us -- and the search for a new Spectre host is on.    This series established the Spectre's  importance to the DCU.

Akiko is a monthly black & white comic book published by Sirius Entertainment, written and illustrated by Mark Crilley.  The basic concept is this: a 4th Grader named Akiko is taken off to a distant planet called Smoo, where she has a variety of exciting
adventures. The graphic novel told the story of Akiko's first visit to Smoo, where she was enlisted by the planet's King, a jovial leader by the name of Froptoppit, to search for his missing son, the Prince. The first 18 issues of the Akiko series recounts Akiko's second visit to Smoo, a much more dangerous mission that involves the King Froptoppit's arch enemy, a mysterious woman by the name of Alia Rellapor.

Ballads and Saga's  began its publication run in 1996 from Greenman Press and comics legend Charles Vess.  Ballad's has been described as "fantasy genre" storytelling at its best.  The artwork is simply breathtaking!!!!  Vess does some brilliant work both on the color covers and black and white interiors.  Each book contain one to three stories that will take your imagination on a ride into the acient world where elves, fairies, knights, and dragons roamed the earth. Magic was everywhere and all you had to do was believe………….  This is truly a modern classic.