Prince Valiant #45: The Mark of Cain
$16.95
44 pgs.
Fantagraphics Books
Ssold in comics/book stores and www.fantagraphics.com.

This forty-fifth issue reprints Sunday pages from a seminal masterpiece that influenced decades of comics writers and artists. For the uninitiated, methinks Prince Valiant is set "in the days of King Arthur", and recounts the rousing, pseudo-historic adventures of a restless knight as he gallops through what became Western Europe.

Pioneer comics genius Hal Foster established the beautiful, realistic style of art and word that is continued by John Cullen Murphy, and the quirk that distinguished it from almost everything else in comics. Both prose and dialog are printed at the bottom of the art. This creates a sense that readers observe instead of participate in events.

This series should be in every library. Highly recommended for all literate ages. MV.

Kameelman #1/$2.99 & 32 pgs. from AI Oregon/words: T-Bone; art: Ron Randall/sold in comics shops and at www.a1oregon.com.

Zack is the first transgenic clone and able to morph his body into other human forms and experience the emotions of those around him. What distinguishes him from a million other superheroes is that he isn't a superhero. He's just a weird, teenage kid in high school who's world is girls, electronic gadgets, music and, most importantly, relationships. That's right. Kameelman is Archie Comics without Archie's cuteness, which is its saving grace.

Its other recommendation is that this teenage world reads and feels real, which is no slight accomplishment in any medium. Loneliness and social awkwardness are common. Talent does not always win. Much of the culture seems superfluous but still of intense importance. Not everyone is pretty. Bullies often win.

This title's only weakness is the wholly unnecessary 'transgenic clone' shtick.

Well drawn and well written, Kameelman is recommended for teens. MV

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