Welcome to Da Trades, the 4CR column dedicated to the collected comic book form. For those who weren?t with us last time, here?s the usual weekly Rundown:

It?s A Bird? (Vertigo/DC; Color)
Creators: Steven T. Seagle & Teddy Kristiansen

What would you do if you were given a choice assignment that only a few are even given a chance to do and you don?t feel that you can do it? That?s the setup for ?It?s A Bird…? a wonderfully crafted hardcover that follows Steve as he goes through both personal and professional issues when he?s asked to take over the writing duties of Superman, one of the most popular icons of the last 80 years.

It?s basically an ?indy? book with its look and feel but plays with one of DC?s most notable characters. That?s probably why this hardcover is on the Vertigo imprint versus residing in the grand ole DCU as there is no real offensive language in the book.

As far as the story itself goes, it?s solid. Seagle imbibes this story with a tone so personal that you feel like you?re reading his private journal (WARNING A Da Trades Disclaimer: Seagle states in the leaf of the dust jacket that there are only some similarities between himself and the character). Kristiansen?s painted scenes plays to the strengths of this story whether it?s an intimate conversation between Steve and his girlfriend, creating a two-page Warhol-style piece about Superman?s color scheme or revealing the origin of Steve?s repressed fears. This book is, without a doubt, one of the best books to come out in the past six months.

Extras: None, which makes the hardcover somewhat harder to justify with a $25 price tag. But, it?s money well spent.

Highly recommended.

Love Fights Vol. 1 Digest-sized Trade (Oni Press; B/W)
Creator: Andi Watson

Who says that there are no good romance comic books that are for both superhero and non-superhero fans alike? Well, whoever they are, they haven?t been reading Love Fights. This collection of the series? first six issues details the rollercoaster romance between Jack, a comic book penciller and Nora, a reporter for a superhero tabloid mag as well as their dysfunctional relationships with their circle of friends and co-workers.

Watson, whose other works include Geisha, Skeleton Key and Slow News Day, really gives this book a sense of balance between the blooming romance between Jack and Nora, the sometimes humorous situations that love puts people in and the superhero action. Fans of diverse books like Powers, Strangers in Paradise and Gotham Central should definitely check this trade out.

Whiteout (Oni Press; B/W)
Creators: Greg Rucka & Steve Lieber

With the last week?s debut of Greg Rucka penning the Adventures of Superman monthly, it?s seems appropriate to take a look back at the first book that Mr. Rucka wrote for this great industry. This collection of the original four issue miniseries starts out to be a murder story in US Marshall Carrie Stetko?s territory but ends up being a tale about surviving Antarctica?s icy cold dark embrace. It contains most of Rucka?s storytelling strengths ? strong women characterization, espionage, and lots of action. Lieber?s Carrie has a look of someone who has been worn down by both the elements and her unfortunate situation of policing the coldest continent on the planet but she has a harsh stare that reveals an unbelievable iron will. Plus, this book has a killer cover by Frank Miller. This book is a great read.

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

Dark Horse:
None

DC:
Batman Gotham Central TPB
Tom Strong Book Three HC

IDW:
None

Image:
Dioramas A Love Story GN
Savage Dragon Vol. 6 Gang War HC

Marvel:
Essential Tomb Of Dracula Vol. 2 TPB
Silver Surfer Vol. 1 Communion TPB
Spider-Man Doctor Octopus Negative Exposure TPB
Ultimates Vol. 2 Homeland Security TPB

Oni Press:
None

Viz:
Battle Angel Alita Vol. 3 TPB 2nd Ed Killing Angel, $9.95
Excel Saga Vol. 6 TPB, $9.95
Hot Gimmick Vol. 4 TPB, $9.95
Nausicaa Of Valley Of Wind Vol. 3 TPB 2nd Ed, $9.95
Neon Genesis Evangelion Vol. 2 TPB 2nd Ed, $9.95
Please Save My Earth Vol. 4 TPB, $9.95
Ranma 1/2 TPB Vol. 10 2nd Ed, $9.95
Short Program Vol. 2, $9.95

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