$5
www.blackguard23.livejournal.com

This is a pretty sharp anthology book helmed by Stratu from New South Wales, Australia, loosely centering on the theme of fear. It features such notable creators as Kayla Escobedo (great cover!), perennial favorite Noah Van Sciver, everyone’s favorite smut peddler Dexter Cockburn, the ominous SCAR, and Ryan Vella, who turns in my favorite new line: “She looks like a superhero. Or a prostitute.” Not all of the pieces really connected with me, but I enjoyed some of the existential angst that seemed to permeate all of the work. In short, it felt like a general observation that in life you’re either too young to appreciate the gifts you’re given, or conversely find yourself too old to take advantage of them. The work is absolutely fearless at times, tackling 9/11 suicide bombers and their promised virgins – I won’t spoil the catch-22 presented – and everything from religion to scatological humor. Like I said, a few flat spots in the content, but very strong conceptually, and it’s got that great old school ‘zine feel, complete with a healthy letters section and reviews of several mini-comics. Grade A-.