Welcome to the first column of Da Trades, the 4CR column dedicated to the collected comic book form. Each week or so, this column will give you the rundown on the field?s best trade paperbacks and graphic novels. Depending on what?s available, the format will usually comprise of :

So, without further ado, let?s begin..

Invincible: Eight is Enough (Image)
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artists: Cory Walker (Pencils/Inks), Ryan Ottley (P/I), Terry Stevens(P/I), Matt Roberts (P), Tony Moore(I), Mark Englert (P), Erik Larsen (I), Dave Johnson (P/I), and Cliff Rathburn (P/I)

Ever have one of those days when you wake up late and discover that you have to protect the Earth from a global invader while trying to get into the college that you want? Then, welcome to the world of Mark Grayson, otherwise known as Invincible. This trade, which is the second collection of the Invincible monthlies, follows the highs and lows of Omni-Man?s teenage son while he tries to figure out the whole superhero biz.

Overall, I liked this book. The first trade grabbed me and I couldn?t wait for the second one to come out. But this book felt more like a collection of Invincible stories versus a complete story arc as the flow didn?t seem to be there at all. But outside of that, the writing was great. Kirkman?s version of a well-known superteam was, at once, familiar yet different (imagine having to puke out your power in order to change into your secret identity. Nice.). Also, the penciler change (from Walker to Ottley) didn?t affect the look of the characters or the book at all.

Extras: Great intro by Erik Larsen; some good pencil breakdowns of covers; and sketches of characters appearing in the trade.

Highly recommended.

Max Hamm, Fairy Tale Detective Series (Nite Owl Comics)
Writer/Artist: Frank Cammuso

What? You haven?t heard of these books? They?re like a combination of part Fractured Fairy Tales, part Who Framed Roger Rabbit with a dash of childlike innocence. These books tell the story of the aforementioned Hamm as he sticks his nose into places that might make him wish that he didn?t. Cammuso?s story and animation-style art make the books feel more like the old Gold Key children?s books that inspires their covers. It?s fun stuff for all ages. Go get it, now!!

Cosmic Odyssey (DC)
Writer: Jim Starlin
Artists: Mike Mignola (Pencils), Carlos Garzon (Inks)

With all of those Hellboy fans out there (where were you for the opening weekend? I needed you, people!), you probably purchased or at least looked at this one. But for those new to the man known as Mignola, this is a book you should check out. Scripted by Jim Starlin, a veteran of many space epics, this book doesn?t really break any ground as far as the standard team of non-compatible heroes against a galaxy-threatening force. This book?s real strength is that it truly showcases Mr. Mignola?s art in a celestial light. Plus, it has DC?s own ?hellboy?, The Demon Etrigan. So, go to your local shop and take a look; you won?t be disappointed, trust me.

Now, for a look at this week?s Trades and GNs (courtesy of The New Comic Book Release List):

Dark Horse:
100 Paintings HC
Go Boy 7 Vol 1 Ready Set Go TPB
Ultraman Tiga Vol 1 TPB

DC:
Fables Vol 3 Storybook Love TPB
JLA One Million TPB New Printing
Superman Batman Public Enemies HC

IDW:
Spookhouse Vol 1 TPB

Image:
Heaven Llc GN

Marvel:
Essential Daredevil Vol 2 TPB
Marvel Masterworks Amazing Spider-Man Vol 6 2nd Ed HC
Wolverine Vol 2 Coyote Crossing TPB

Oni Press:
Love Fights Vol 1 TPB

Viz:
Ceres Celestial Legend Vol 3 TPB 2nd Ed Suzumi
Flowers And Bees Vol 3 TPB
Vagabond Vol 10 TPB
X 1999 Vol 14 TPB Concerto

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