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Monday….er, Tuesday Mailbox

22 Comments


(Image by Akallisti)

Yes, it is a day overdue, but I didn’t want to pass up my opportunity to share some of the things that have come my way in the mailbox over the past week or so. And…if you stick in here until the end, you just might find out that you have something coming in the mail as well!!!

Back in 2006 I featured artist Kathie Olivas as a Friday Favorite. During Dewey’s 24 Hour Read-a-thon I read the current issue of Hi Fructose Magazine and committed to featuring a few artists, including last week’s feature on Brandi Milne, and at some point the work of artist Brandt Peters.

In searching out Peters’ website I discovered that he is married to Kathie Olivas. While there I discovered that they were selling copies of their joint art book that, for a mere $10 more, would include a sketch as well as a signature by each artist.

The above image is the sketch by Kathie Olivas and the one below is by Brandt Peters. This is a really high quality art book with a brief essay on each artist and a ton of high resolution, full-page examples of their art. It is very nicely put together and I have no doubt that they are each very proud of the production values.

While searching their store I also came across something else that ended up in my mailbox:

These ‘adult collectibles’, as the packaging labels them, are a real trip. The boxes are nearly as cool as what they contain, with their slide out and flip up design. The two I just had to have are quite the mischievous little things:

Milo and Brody are actually really fun, as are all of the other Scavengers, based on Kathie Olivas’ Misery Children series. And they each came with an autograph on their bootie!

Silly, I know. But I get a geeky grin on my face every time I look up from my desk and see them plotting against me.

On Wednesday last week I picked up the latest graphic novel in the Hellboy spin-off series, B.P.R.D.

I stopped getting the individual issues a while back. I always ended up buying the trades anyway, so I decided that would be the most fiscally responsible thing to do. Of course every month when the latest B.P.R.D. issue came out I had to just wait (im) patiently! I’m excited to finally be able to read this latest chapter in the adventures of the cast from the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. If you haven’t read Hellboy and then followed it up with B.P.R.D., you are missing out on some of the best that this medium has to offer. Mike Mignola mines some of the lesser known European folklore and mythology for his creations, and they are excellent!

I got an unexpected surprise in the mail last week from Chelle. She had reviewed Jedediah Berry’s book, The Manual of Detection, on her site and I had commented about how interested in the book I was. I then promptly purchased it to take on my upcoming 20th anniversary trip. Unbeknownst to me, she had gotten to meet Mr. Berry at a book signing and she got this cool press release signed for me.

In an email from Chelle yesterday, I got this little tidbit:

“And you know the stamp on there? The one with the eye? Jedediah used that for the very first time on your press release.”

Very cool! Thank you again, Chelle, for this unexpected but much appreciated surprise.

One of the things I have been waiting for in the mail for a LOOOOONG time is this:

The limited edition Subterranean Press version of Neil Gaiman’s latest novel, The Graveyard Book. Believe me, it was well worth the wait. As you slide it out of its slip cover, it looks like this:

I just love the design of the book cover, including the small picture of Bod.

I was, of course, extremely pleased with my relatively low number:

Included in the front of the book is this fold-out alternative cover. It is a cover I love, but I understand why they choose not to use it for the first release as it certainly doesn’t present as a book for young children this way.

But man, is it ever cool!

Also included in the back of the book are full-color pictures of various roughs and drafts of cover designs by Dave McKean. Also included is the Graveyard Registry–a list of everyone who pre-ordered the book by a certain date. As you can see from the first page, I’m in some good company!


_____________________

As promised, I have two prizes to give away from last week’s Friday Favorite feature on Brandi Milne. Each prize pack consists of an autographed copy of Brandi’s children’s book, pictured above, and the issue of Hi Fructose Magazine featuring Brandi’s work:

And the winners are:

claire from Kiss a Cloud

and

Shanra from Libri Touches

Congratulations to you both. Please email your addresses to cvincent68 (at) comcast (dot) net. The books should arrive this week from Brandi Milne for me to ship to you.

And never fear, those of you who did not get chosen by the hand of fate, there will be another opportunity to win a copy of this book in the near future when Brandi Milne goes under the interview spotlight here at Stainless Steel Droppings!

22 thoughts on “Monday….er, Tuesday Mailbox”

  1. Carl, I’m just astonished. I feel just like I did the first time I stumbled into a Mettallica blog – I haven’t a clue what this all is about. But it’s quite interesting, and those books are lovely, just as physical objects.

    I’ll just wave, and go poke around a bit more to see what else I can find. This might give you a chuckle – I’m always trying to find connections between unfamiliar and familiar. When I saw the cover of The Graveyard book, out of its slip, the first thing I thought of is the logo of Moonstruck chocolates, out of Seattle. How’s that for a looooong reach?

  2. Awesome! You’re doing an interview with Brandi Milne! Can’t wait to read that.

    I’m heading right on over to Olivas’ website to possibly spend too much money…we’ll see what happens…I’ll give you a report :p

    And I have to let you know that I literally gasped for air when I saw that picture of your Graveyard Book!! That’s just amazing!! I keep kicking myself in the ass for not getting it…I just can’t do the money right now. But did you see that they’re doing Smoke and Mirrors with McKean illustrations at SubPress???? Oh yeah!!

  3. Dammit Carl…you’re dangerous :p Just bought the Olivas/Peters artbook and two figurines :p

  4. Oh wow, I am totally salivating over your edition of The Graveyard Book. And number 36! It’s to die for. Though I think number 42 would have been slightly more awesome 🙂

  5. LOL… sorry I have to laugh at Chris…he’s so easily influenced lol.. not that the figuines aren’t adorable, they are! but he cracks me up rushing to add to his collections… he doesn’t need a small home of his own he needs a full blown castle of major proportions to fit all his “stuff” lol..

    wow gorgeos copy of the graveyard book! I did get a “normal” copy and saving it for the Halloween challenge. IT was only recently that I learned it is a long version of the short story in (I think) the Wizard’s book???? anyway, I had liked the short story but never realized that was what this book is about.

    I guess I picked the wrong day to post some pictures from an artist I like too.. but you might want to take a look at my post.. Lippicott (the artist) is one that I am betting you’ve seen before.

  7. I had to laugh out loud when you were talking about BPRD, my husband still loyally buys each issue and then always the trade when that comes out too, he keeps telling himself no more single issues, yet he always comes home with them, too excited to wait.

  10. *practically jumped out of her chair at the end* You nearly gave me a heartattack, Carl! O_O (I shall email you after replying to this post, though. It’ll give my heart a chance to stop wanting to jump out of my chest.)

    You’re sneaking in another artist feature with this post, aren’t you? It’s gorgeous, though, and those collectibles are so adorable. I snerked at the pictures of the autographs. And that limited edition of The Graveyard Book is simply gorgeous… *squees for Carl’s acquisition* And yay for that autographed press release! That’s such a sweet surprise!

  11. Shanra: I’m very happy that you are happy! Look forward to getting these in, so that I can look at mine and send you yours.

    ds: Thanks, I’ll be by (actually I’ve already been by! 😉 )

    claire: I’m excited for you as well, congrats!

    Jennifer: I know the feeling. I did that for a long time and I just cannot afford to any more…gotta save some money for all these Subterranean Press limited editions that I want!!! 🙂 And your hubbie has certainly went up in my estimation. Love finding fellow Mignola lovers.

    Tonya: It was one that was just beyond resisting. I ordered it before the book itself was actually published, which was risky, so I was thrilled to read The Graveyard Book back when it came out and found out how much I loved the story.

    deslily: Oh, there’s never a wrong day for posting art! I’ll certainly be by there. And I laugh with you about Chris…he definitely lets us sway him too much! Just kidding, Chris, we are all addicts here! I think you’ll enjoy The Graveyard Book when you read it, and it is perfect for a late Sept/Oct read!

    Maria: 42 would have been fantastic! But I’m not complaining!

    Chris: Oh man, I’m psyched and saying ‘nooo!!!!’ at the same time. I will *have* to get that edition of Smoke and Mirrors. Hope they are making an economical version!

    Sorry for the temptation, but I’m glad you got the book and figures. I think you’ll enjoy them. I actually ordered an Ellie and Daisey and Cosmic Penny figure the other day to add to my warped little toy family! They should be arriving soon.

    Shoreacres: Hi Linda! Wonderful to see you over here. You’ve definitely fallen into the twilight zone with today’s post! 😉 If you poke around a bit I think you’ll find a mixture of the odd and the very familiar here. I too love finding/discovering odd connections, so your reach isn’t long at all, I completely understand.

  12. I too am seriously jealous of your copy of The Graveyard Book. It’s beautiful beyond words. Stunning.

  13. Your house must be OVERFLOWING with stuff, Carl.

    I love the mailbox, and all the goodies you have stuffed into it. This was a fun blog to read tonight. And the Graveyard Book – to die for!!

  15. carl, one day i just have to come by your house and see ALL THE AWESOME art stuff you have (and the amazing novels too!)!!!

    really, your house must be a dream library.

    and i love your new find (well, new to me). and that gaiman stuff and the berry book. and. and. and, and, and! oh dear – too much.

    i think those adult collectables are my favourites, though. you and i are very much of the same mind with that sort of thing! TOO. COOL.

  16. Holy sugar monkeys!!! That is one amazing pile of wonderfulness that found its way into your home! I’m utterly in love with your “adult collectibles”…sheesh, but that sounds horribly smutty somehow. I can definitely see why you get such pleasure out of catching them plotting against you. 😉

    And speaking of mailbox goodies, Miss Annie got herself a nice little pile, too. I believe she’s planning on sharing on her blog soon. (Thank you! You are soooooo good to that kiddo!)

  17. Wow, what an awesome mail week! I love the look of those little Misery Children. Oh, for the room to store stuff like that!

    I’m in awe of your GRAVEYARD BOOK, too. What a gorgeous edition.

  18. I must chime in with the rest: I am totally envious of your Graveyard Book! I have the British edition, which also has a slip case, but that marbled paper, that pull out illustration! Oh, and I love the plotting figures. 🙂

    I’m excited to see what you think of The Manual! Once you read it, aside from the cover similarity, you’ll see how apt that stamp is. And Jedediah said he just happened to stumble upon it in a store in his hometown. It’s so perfect, it could have been custom.

  20. Vivienne: Lucky, or an impulsive spender? 😉 I am lucky, thrilled to have it.

    Chelle: I’ve seen the British edition and was jealous that you all got a slip case edition and we didn’t! That is very fun about how he found that stamp. Just a few more weeks and I’ll be cracking into the book.

    Memory: I hear you about the room. I love my house, though it is relatively small, and I often lament not having more wall space and bookshelves to display things. I can get more bookshelves, of course, but the wall space is definitely an issue!!!

    Debi: I’m going to be thinking “Holy sugar monkeys!” for a long,long time. Love that! Yes, ‘adult collectibles’ does have a porn-shop ring to it, doesn’t it?

    Glad the package arrived safe and sound. Hope Annie shared the posters and Iron Man book with her younger brothers.

    JP: Anytime, my friend. The door is always open! The misery children are really fun…but I weep for you if your mind is anything like mine! 😉 Just kidding!

    JS Peyton, Cath: Thanks! I love it!

    Qugrainne: My basement is overflowing with stuff, that is for sure! Mostly junk I need to get rid of…though there is a large amount of books…that I won’t get rid of…down there!

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