Fiction / Literature / Comics / Graphic novels: narrative themes
Dark Horse Comics,U.S. Louder Than Words Actions Speak
Book Synopsis
£33.74
Boom! Studios Mans Best
Book Synopsis
£14.24
Fantagraphics Hogbook and Lazer Eyes
Book Synopsis
£16.99
Quarto Publishing PLC Tarot A Graphic History
Book SynopsisLittle-known artist Pamela Colman-Smith was the overlooked partner in the world-famous Rider-Waite Tarot deck. This magical graphic novel reclaims her story and shows how her destiny was intertwined with the arcana she illustrated.
£13.49
Princeton University Press Dao De Jing
Book Synopsis
£18.00
Wayne State University Press The Storys Not Over
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£26.39
Titan Books Ltd Michael Moorcocks Elric Volume 5 The Necromancer
Book SynopsisStep into the mesmerizing world of Elric - Moorcock?s Epic, transformed into a graphic marvel by the writer of the critically acclaimed videogame Life Is Strange. Readers see their fan-favorite hero in a brand-new light, as Valentin Sécher?s brush unveils a protagonist transformed by tragedy.Embark on a journey within the enchanting universe of Michael Moorcock?s Elric, in this fifth installment, collecting issues 1 and 2 of the hit comic. The mesmerizing graphic novel was born from the legendary tale of the fantasy author. Adapted and crafted by the skilled Julien Blondel, the writer behind the award-winning videogame Life Is Strange, this work immerses readers in the albino Emperor?s world of swords and sorcery.Two years after the tragic climax of the previous volume, readers are exposed to their favorite protagonist in a new light. Elric is now leading the life of a mercenary, following the death of his beloved Cymoril. However, fans can accompany him on a new path that is guided by Queen Yishana?s urgent call for help.Elric will now face his strongest, and most cunning opposition yet. All While having to confront entities from the past, that he vowed to never serve again.Illustrated by Valentin Sécher of Khaal and The Metabaron Books, fans will have the first chance to see how the talented artist captivates readers and brings a unique style that harmonizes with Elric''s tortured journey. The graphic novel marries epic fantasy, transformative adaptation, and the creative synergy of Life is Strange''s Jean-Luc Cano.Whether you''ve been following Elric''s journey from the beginning, or this marks your first foray into the series, Volume 5 provides a compelling entry point. Fans of Game of Thrones or The Lord of The Rings will no doubt be enthralled by Elric?s wonderful world of fantasy excellence.
£16.19
Vanguard Productions Best of Wally Wood from Witzend
Book SynopsisDefinitive collection from the creator and publication that inspired the underground comix movement.Hall of Fame comics creator Wallace Wood''s revolutionary, self-published Witzend (often spelled in all lower case) has always been hard to define—the birth of the pro-zine, underground, independent... Whatever you call it, Wood’s witzend was a mid-''60s milestone event that represented all of the loftiest Fine Art goals of the Underground Movement including art-for-art’s-sake, freedom from censorship, and creator rights. The vast majority of the underground comix movement creators were directly inspired by the EC Comics and Mad work of Wallace Wood and Harvey Kurtzman (as well as psychedelics). Until R. Crumb’s later and eminently notable Zap Comix, no underground had the impact of witzend which combined top-flight comics pros like Wood, Frazetta, Steranko and Ditko side-by-side with up-and-coming Undergrounders li
£999.99
Abstract Studio,U.S. Strangers In Paradise Volume Four
Book SynopsisWhen Francine marries someone else, Katchoo recovers from the devastating loss by focusing on her art with a star-studded gallery exhibition. But all is not well in paradise as Francine struggles to adapt to life without Katchoo and Tambi forces David to tell his terrible secret to the two women who love him most, Katchoo and Casey. Katchoo''s solution is shocking and heartwarming but as the plan unfolds things get complicated when Francine returns to claim her place by Katchoo''s side and finds the spot taken. Can Francine convince Katchoo to take her back? Find out in this exciting finale to the Strangers In Paradise saga!
£20.39
Archaia Studios Press Cyanide Happiness Twenty Years Wasted
Book SynopsisCelebrate the 20 year internet sensation Cyanide & Happiness with brand new material and a hilarious retrospective!A fresh collection of fan-favorite webcomics have made their way to print for the very first time, along with brand-new, never-before-seen strips. But this is no mere collection of comic strips! Cyanide & Happiness: Twenty Years Wasted (A Questionable Recollection Of The First Two Decades) also features the mostly-true history of Cyanide & Happiness as told by its creators - Kris Wilson, Rob DenBleyker, and Dave McElfatrick. Reverently assembled with firsthand commentary, never-before-seen internal documents, insights into their creative process, and, yes, even incriminating photographs. Kris, Rob, and Dave will walk down memory lane, stopping at twenty different Cyanide & Happiness strips that tell the story of their history thus far.
£17.09
DC Comics Animal Man by Grant Morrison Book One Deluxe
Book SynopsisOne of legendary comics writer Grant Morrison''s earliest works took a forgotten, almost laughable DC Comics hero, Animal Man and reimagined him in a stunning, postmodern series, now offered in a new hardcover!This collection introduces Buddy Baker, a second-rate superhero struggling with real-life issues and moral dilemmas. Buddy is a caring husband, devoted father, animal activist and super-powered being. But as he attempts to live up to all of his roles, he finds that there are no black-and-white situations in life. In these stories, Animal Man is called by S.T.A.R. Labs to investigate a break-in related to an AIDS vaccine, only to learn what inhumane acts are going on. Then, Animal Man is invited to join the Justice League of America, but fears that he may be out of his league. One of the best-loved titles by Grant Morrison, bestselling author of titles including WONDER WOMAN: EARTH ONE, ALL STAR SUPERMAN, BATMAN AND ROBIN, SEVEN SOLDIERS, DOOM PATROL, JLA, T
£999.99
Image Comics Criminal Volume 8 My Heroes Have Always Been
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£12.59
Fantagraphics Precious Rubbish
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£23.79
Little, Brown & Company Barakamon Vol. 4 Volume 4 BARAKAMON GN
Book SynopsisAn international call...?...Since when is the island outside the country?!Aiming for an autumn calligraphy exhibition, handsome young calligrapher Seishuu Handa sets out to get in touch with his creative side. Meanwhile, a man whose appearance screams ''yakuza,'' landing him well out of place on the peaceful island, puts in a ''request'' to have Handa write the name on his boat...?! Kick back like a local and enjoy the fourth volume of this heartwarming island comedy!
£12.34
Editions Albert Rene Asterix et le Griffon
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£15.26
Knockabout Comics Fifty Freakin Years of the Fabulous Furry Freak
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£10.44
Titan Books Ltd James Bond Octopussy
Book SynopsisWhen an old friend's body is found in the Alps 20 years after he disappeared, James Bond quickly finds himself caught between Nazi gold, the Chinese Tongs and the eight-armed embrace of Octopussy.
£10.44
Penguin Random House Group Drive Like Hell
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£16.19
Panini Publishing Ltd Everything Is Fine Volume 1
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£14.39
Avery Hill Publishing Barking
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£15.29
Dark Horse Comics,U.S. The World of Black Hammer Omnibus Volume 4
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£24.64
Papercutz Flash Gordon Classic Collection Vol. 1
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£38.39
Fantagraphics Popeye Volume 4
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£21.24
Dead Sky Publishing DEPROG
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£13.32
Little, Brown & Company The Detective Is Already Dead Vol. 6 Manga
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£11.20
HarperCollins Publishers Kay and Aiden The Tram Bell
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£10.68
Vintage Publishing Drowntown
Book SynopsisThe first part of the exciting graphic novel by two of the UK's very brightest talentsThe world has changed forever, ravaged by climatic upheaval. The flooded metropolis of London has adapted to the rising sea levels: the elite gaze out over the Thames from their ivory towers, while the inhabitants of submerged pubs peer into the streets like specimens in an aquarium. Hired by a notorious underworld figure, Leo Noiret uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that stretches from the depths of Drowntown to the highest echelons of power. Meanwhile, aqua-courier Gina Cassel learns that young love can be a dangerous game when she becomes romantically involved with the heir to the Drakenberg Corporation. There's a storm brewing in Drowntown, with Gina and Noiret at its heart Flooded civilisations have long been a staple of post-apocalyptic fiction Few have executed their dystopian vision with quite as much panache as Robbie Morrison and Jim Murray do here' SFXTrade ReviewFlooded civilisations have long been a staple of post-apocalyptic fiction… Few have executed their dystopian vision with quite as much panache as Robbie Morrison and Jim Murray do here. -- Stephen Jewell * SFX *Jim Murray’s gorgeous art is reminiscent in style of a toned-down Simon Bisley, and his attention to detail really brings this grimy, waterlogged world to life. -- Henry Northmore * The List *It’s not the first time noir has been merged with science fiction, but the execution is absolutely first class. Murray’s illustration is simply stunning… [Morrison’s] script is razor-sharp… Together, Morrison and Murray have created a wonderful piece of cross-genre fiction, an homage to both noir and sci-fi, honing it down to a gritty but beautiful piece of work. -- Andy Shaw * Grovel *Morrison quickly fleshes out characters and plot with aplomb while Murray’s gorgeous art ensures this is a thrilling no-holds barred adventure from start to finish... -- John Freeman * Down the Tubes *A super read… Drowntown reaches high and achieves much of it, comedy, adventure, intrigue, entertainment and sumptuous art – I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything else quite like it for a while. * Forbidden Planet *
£11.69
Vintage Publishing Livestock
Book SynopsisExcitement is building for this year’s Twammies and Clementine Darling is hotly tipped to win Best Female Singer and Political Spokesperson!Trade ReviewA satire set in a not-very-distant future (think tomorrow, or possibly the day after) … In this tale, the gruesome relationship between celebrity and politics has moved way beyond The One Show sofa… Knowing and savage, Livestock is that rare thing: a comic book that has only grown more essential in the gap between its inception and its publication. -- Rachel Cooke * Observer *Hannah Berry’s graphic novels have a brilliantly threatening kind of British humour to them: you read them, you smirk, then you look over your shoulder... Livestock…tells the kind of story that will be familiar ground for viewers of Black Mirror and The Thick of It, mixing scathingly realistic political situations and dialogue with a satirical premise that balloons towards the absurd… The real meat of Livestock is in the bleak viciousness of its satire… This is comic fantasy with a knife up its sleeve. -- Tim Martin * Daily Telegraph *A sharp socio-political satire, germane for the current political climate. -- Nicola Streeten * Times Literary Supplement *Engaging and timely, a rich brew of celebrity, menace, media-spin and human cloning. -- Posy SimmondsUneducated, pliant, easy to control - that's how our rulers want us. But in Hannah Berry's dark tale of celebrity and corporate greed, the people have other ideas. A parable for the Trump era. -- Paul Mason
£15.29
Vintage Publishing The Red Virgin and the Vision of Utopia
Book SynopsisSet against the background of violence and state repression in a turbulent period of French history, The Red Virgin and the Vision of Utopia chronicles the incredible and outrageous life of Louise Michel, the revolutionary feminist dubbed The Red Virgin of Montmartre'. A utopian dreamer, notorious anarchist, teacher, orator and poet, she was decades ahead of her time. Always a radical, she fought on the barricades defending the short-lived Paris Commune of 1871 against the reactionary regime that massacred thousands of French citizens after the Commune's defeat. Deported to a penal colony on the other side of the Earth, she took up the cause of the indigenous population against French colonial oppression.Celebrating the utopian urge in nineteenth-century literature and politics and the origins of science fiction, The Red Virgin and the Vision of Utopia is the third collaboration of best-selling academic and graphic novelist Mary M. Talbot with her husband, the Trade ReviewA fascinating story…the stark illustrations match the story well… A fascinating piece of graphic biography, and it’s certainly a daring piece of work. -- Doug Johnstone * Big Issue *A work of consummate mastery… The work is deftly done… If you’ve read their previous books, you’ll know the level of professionalism being brought to bear here and you’ll know they are just about cornering the market on intelligent, historical retellings of pivotal feminist characters. It’s a great read and we highly recommend. * Bookmunch *[A] gripping, unforgettable account… [The Red Virgin is] a moving example of how a book can become an emotional experience as you turn each page. -- Lisa McKenzie * Times Higher Education *I highly recommend this beautiful and enjoyable read that will make you want to learn more about the Paris Commune and Louise Michel. -- Jenny Sutton * Socialist Review *
£15.29
Little, Brown & Company Spice And Wolf Vol 2 Manga
Book SynopsisThe manga adaptation of the unique historical fantasy novel, SPICE AND WOLF.
£10.44
Little, Brown & Company Freshman Year A Graphic Novel
Book SynopsisA stylish graphic novel about the unique angst, humor, and self-doubt that comes with going away to college—perfect for fans of Heartstopper.Everyone gets a fresh start. Who do you want to be? Sarah is leaving suburban Wisconsin for college in Minnesota. She has high hopes for the future: impress her professors, meet interesting new people, stay close to her best friends and boyfriend back home, flourish as an artist, and shed her lingering high school anxieties. What seems manageable at first quickly unravels into a tailspin and she is overwhelmed by the freedom, the isolation, and all the possibilities that await in this new environment. Based on the author’s personal college journal and comics, Freshman Year navigates the inner workings of an 18-year-old girl in witty and heartfelt detail. Perfect gift for: -Fans of
£14.24
Little, Brown & Company Reborn as a Vending Machine I Now Wander the
Book Synopsis
£11.39
Little, Brown Book Group Eve
Book SynopsisA beautiful new graphic novel from the author of Becoming Unbecoming.Trade ReviewA disturbing and necessary book for our times, because it leaves us with a question. In EVE, Una describes a society in crisis, a dystopia which grows ever more familiar as we turn the pages. The characters are people we know, their conversations are words we've heard, their fears and anxieties are our own. Una has held up a chilling mirror for us, and leaves us with a choice - what kind of world will we make for ourselves? It could go either way.... * Jacky Fleming *Big, imaginative and confrontational * Strong Words *As with all good speculative fiction, it predicts a set of circumstances that are rooted in reality so could easily happen, and often do * Big Issue North *EVE's gripping narrative and poetic, haunting imagery of a world sliding into dystopia has stayed with me * Moma.co.uk *A prescient tale of gender, the environment and a dystopian future * Winnie M Li (2021) *
£17.09
WW Norton & Co The Cartoon History of the Universe III
Book SynopsisAn irreverent survey in comics spanning world history from the birth of Islam to the Byzantine Empire to the Italian Renaissance.Trade Review"Brilliantly rendered and unexpectedly timely.... Will reading an erudite, if flat-out hilarious, account of Middle East history helps us make sense of our current clash of cultures? Let's put it this way; ignorance hasn't worked." -- Garry Trudeau, creator of Doonesbury"A masterpiece! A must for every animated reader!" -- Steve Martin, actor and writer"Each new volume of Larry Gonick's epic and irreverent rendition of history is informative, funny, and a triumph of the cartoonist's craft—in other words, cause for celebration." -- Charles Johnson, National Book Award-winning author of Middle Passage"A brilliant application of the cartoon medium—wedding learning with fun. Bravo!" -- Will Eisner, creator of The Spirit, A Contract with God, and The Dreamer
£18.99
Faber & Faber Scenes from an Impending Marriage
Book SynopsisAt the behest of his soon-to-be wife, Adrian Tomine set out to create a wedding favor for their guests that would be funnier and more personal than the typical chocolate bars and picture frames. What started out as a simple illustrated card soon grew into a full-fledged comic book: a collection of short strips chronicling the often absurd process of getting married. A loose, cartoony departure from Tomine''s previous work, Scenes from an Impending Marriage is a sweet-natured, laugh out-loud skewering of the modern marriage process, including hiring a DJ, location scouting, trips to the salon, suit fittings, dance lessons, registering for gifts, and managing familial demands. The most personal and autobiographical work of Tomine''s career, Scenes from an Impending Marriage is a charming, delightful document of the little moments leading up to the big day.Praise for Adrian Tomine:''Tomine is, trust me, superb.'' Sam Leith, Daily Telegraph
£7.59
Penguin Putnam Inc City Monster
Book SynopsisFrom the uber-popular cartoonist behind Poorly Drawn Lines comes this debut graphic novel about a young monster who moves to a big city.
£13.59
Random House Children's Books Sink or Swim
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£18.04
Random House Children's Books Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem
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£8.54
Penguin Putnam Inc Good Things
Book SynopsisFrom Plant Doctor Maryah Greene, as seen on Good Morning America, Vogue and The Cut, comes a beautiful and necessary picture book about a little boy who loses his father and pays homage to his life through the growth and love of plants.Malcolm loves everything about his dad, Pops; the way he looks out for everyone in the neighborhood; the way he always seems to know the right thing to say, and especially, the way he cares for his plants. Malcolm has dreamed of having plants that will grow as big and healthy as Pop’s but making that into a reality is turning out to be much harder than he thought. To keep him going, Pops reminds Malcolm that Good things take time. But when Pops unexpectedly passes away, and his plants are left to Malcolm; Malcolm feels like there is too much responsibility on his shoulders and hurt in his heart.With Good Things, Maryah Greene tells a tender and honest story about loss, hope and memory. While g
£14.39
Random House Children's Books Summer Vamp
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£17.09
Random House USA Inc Super Magic Boy I Am a Space Tiger
Book SynopsisZip, zap, and zoom through space with Hugo and his best friend Dino on their adventure to find the best mom present ever! An out-of-this-world graphic novel chapter book series filled to the brim with friendship and zany adventures!Oh no! Today is Mami''s birthday and Hugo forgot to get her a present! Don''t worry, with Hugo''s imagination, and some help from Dino, they figure out that the best place to find a gift for the best mom in the world: OUTER SPACE!When they land on the planet of Space Tigers, Hugo is excited to get help from his new alien friends! But it sounds like the Space Tigers have their own problems that need to be solved. Don''t worry! Hugo can turn into a Space Tiger and help his new friends out...and hopefully find the best present ever along the way!
£8.54
Random House USA Inc Taxi Ghost
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£10.79
Random House USA Inc Turning Twelve
Book SynopsisTurning twelve means big changes--first bra, first time babysitting, and a first crush not everyone will approve of . . . a pitch-perfect coming-of-age graphic novel from the creators of Growing Pangs.A BOOKPAGE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR?Twelve cheers for Turning Twelve! Readers will root for Katie as she navigates seventh grade and stays true to her own heart.? ?Megan Wagner Lloyd, author of Allergic?This book will appeal to fans of Raina Telgemeier, Kayla Miller, and Shannon Hale who are searching for their next favorite read.? ?Kirkus Reviews (starred review)What if a friend...is more than a friend?Katie can''t wait to turn twelve--pool parties! babysitting! friends! But sometimes it feels like there''s so much new stuff she can barely keep up. First Job? (Yes!) Unfair dress codes? (No way!) Make up (Okay?!) Shaving? (Uh…!)Maybe growing up isn''t as much fun as she had expected. But one thing does seem right--her new friend, Grace. Could Katie have a crush on another girl? Katie knows not everyone around her will approve...which is kind of scary. She might not be ready to tell anyone yet, and that?s fine...but can Katie stay true to herself and embrace the person she''s growing up to be?
£18.99
Lefd Designs Purrfectly Sweet Puns for Tweethearts
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£12.34
HarperCollins Publishers Beano Dennis Gnasher Battle for Bash Street
Book SynopsisCan a group of ten year old mates (and one scruffy dog) really outwit the most fiendish, cunning teachers in the universe and, after millions of years, finally make school cool?!When mysterious new teachers arrive to lay down the law at notoriously naughty Bash Street School, Dennis, Gnasher and friends finally face a classroom test they simply can't afford to fail Dennis and Gnasher are back for another adventure.An adventure story, told with funny pictures Trade Review“The first thing I ever picked up to read for pleasure was The Beano.” – David Walliams
£6.99
Oneworld Publications The Nursery
Book SynopsisIs motherhood supposed to feel like this? Trade Review'Brilliant… Molnar's sentences give up riches and terrors... An essential and surprisingly thrilling book about motherhood.' -- New York Times'An oddly affirmative novel, alive with a dangerous self-aware humour.' -- Daily Mail'Riveting and precise, The Nursery does extraordinary things amidst the confinement of early motherhood.' -- Megan Hunter, author of The End We Start From'Molnar has written a daring and much-needed novel that has some of the hothouse, unflinching quality of Sylvia Plath's late poetry.' -- The Atlantic'Gripping... Every page is drenched in equal parts anguish and charm.' -- Kyra Wilder, author of Little Bandaged Days'The Nursery is a mesmerising read, a deeply affecting account of early motherhood that's full of honesty and power, tenderness and fragility. I loved it.' -- Emylia Hall, author of The Book of Summers'Precisely, scaldingly true. A tense, thrilling debut that explores how a love story can also be a horror story.' -- Clare Pollard, author of Delphi'With unsparing, hypnotic, and fearless prose, Szilvia Molnar captures the texture, rhythms, and agonies of the post-partum body and mind. I found so much pleasure in the tension between this haunting debut's warm, vibrant intimacy and its clear-eyed, occasionally violent accounting of the body at war with itself. The Nursery is a devastating work of elegance and ambiguity.' -- Patrick Cottrell, author of Sorry to Disrupt the Peace'I was blown away by this book... At once somber and joyful, sly and earnest, nimble and painstaking, perverse and profoundly invigorating.' -- Lydia Kiesling, award-winning author of The Golden State'A radical novel about the harrowing early days of motherhood, as well as love, ambition, and survival, The Nursery gives precise, gorgeous language to an experience that so often feels indescribable. Szilvia Molnar’s astounding debut powerfully demonstrates that the intricate workings of the female mind and a woman’s bodily metamorphosis and struggles deserve our most reverent attention. I’m obsessed with this book.' -- Jessamine Chan, author of The School for Good Mothers'"I used to be a translator and now I am a milk bar." So begins Molnar's brilliant debut novel about a new mother falling apart within the four walls of her apartment. With horror and honesty, this book tackles the total, painful and deeply baffling transformation of a woman into a nurturer.' -- New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice'Molnar takes apart the language of new motherhood and turns it into something deliriously fresh. This is the book I wish I'd had when I was in the narrator's shoes.' -- Jessica Friedmann, author of Things That Helped'A powerful brew of a novel, emitting unpleasant sights, smells, and emotions that are rarely captured in print; it is frequently disquieting in its brutal, insistent candor.' -- LitHub'Molnar's wellspring is universal; her features are particularly of our moment; and her flourishes of darkness let in the sublime... The Nursery deserves to be widely read.' -- Compact Magazine'Told with radical honesty and emotional precision, The Nursery is an essential addition to the growing canon of literary works reckoning with the complexities of motherhood.' -- The Millions'The Nursery dares to question the inviolable dictates of a mother’s love when a human is reduced to her suffering.' -- BOMB Magazine (Editor's Choice)'A postpartum page-turner... The tenebrous attention Molnar offers to her taboo topic is, outside of transgressive cinema, almost never examined, let alone made into such art. Works this brave are not allowed to exist unless they are exceptional.' -- Texas Observer
£14.24
Knockabout Comics A Disease of Language
Book SynopsisIncludes the classic studies of magic and rebirth, The Birth Caul and Snakes and Ladders.
£11.39
Last Gasp,U.S. Wont Back Down
Book Synopsis
£20.39
