I absolutely love compilation books and this one is filled with some of my favorite writers: Noah Van Sciver, Julia Wertz, and, of course—my all-time favorite—Brian Ralphwho sent the best book ever, Cave In. The great thing about compilations is the variation in stories. Some are fun, some funny, others are bizarre in a nonsense way, while others are so vile one just turns the page. I feel this is the best way to view a creator’s medium. It’s like listening to a comp album; if there’s something you like, you search for material by that artist. There is the in-your-face comedy of “Fart Party” and the adventures of any of Brian Ralph’s stories. There is the thought-provoking title, “The Family,” by James Williams, that leaves the reader trying to figure out the workings of this particular family unit. This book collects chosen works by some of the best indie writers out there and, if you can’t find something to like in here, then you’re just too mainstream. Go get a copy of Superman. (Atomic Book Company, 3620 Falls Rd., Baltimore, MD21211, benn@atomicbooks.com)