Back To School, Back To School…

August 24th, 2010 by moss
Posted in Musings, News, Recommendations, Sales

Wow, blink and you miss it.

August is almost over, and you know that that brings? Back to school! That’s right it’s time to sharpen up those pencils, grab that paper, binder it up and get to some learnin’!

We at The 4th Wall wholeheartedly support said Learnin’ and so I thought this would be a good time to remind those of you currently enrolled in Graphic Novel courses (or courses that use graphic novels), that we offer a 10% discount for school-related purchases!

Concordia students, we have almost your full book list, and John Abbot students, we’ve got you covered too, at way less than the School Bookstore prices!

Tell Your Profs! Tell Your Classmates! Tell Your Financial Advisors (’cause, y’know, you can save money)!

Send me an E-mail and we’ll make sure we’ve got the books you need to get your higher education!!

An Afternoon With Fred Van Lente @ The 4th Wall!

August 1st, 2010 by moss
Posted in Events, News

Thought it seems like the dust has barely settled from the last round of “Hey, check out this cool stuff” announcements, I have yet another one on the tips of my greedy little fingers.

As you know, at The 4th Wall, we try to stay on the cuttingest of edges in terms of the comics we carry, and the news and views on the industry we love so much. Well that attitude also applies to the types of people we want to invite into our store for signings and appearances.

We’ve got plenty of irons in the fire, and now that the World Series of Comics that is San Diego Comicon is over, it’s time to let you know one of the extremely talented folks that we are excited to have in the shop.

Fred Van Lente is a name that most comics fans should know well. He’s one of the co-founders of Evil Twin Comics, which produces his (along with artist and partner Ryan Dunlavey) hit indie series Action Philosophers. In addition to this, he’s written an incredible line-up of characters for Marvel including Incredible Hercules, Deadpool, Iron Man, and a little–known character called The Amazing Spider-Man!!

In 2008, Van Lente and artist Dennis Calero produced the wildly popular X Men Noir, which featured Marvel’s Merry Mutants kicking ass and taking names in the dirty 1930’s. This pulp-take on the X-Men launched a sequel, and kicked off Marvel’s Noir-verse, featuring several other series including Spider-Man Noir and Luke Cage Noir.

Well, with all that being said, I am extremely happy to announce that Saturday, August 14th you can spend an Afternoon with Fred Van Lente, as he signs books, talks comics and hangs out at The 4th Wall.

It’s going to be a great time, so come on out and enter The Heroic Age with one of Marvel’s premier writers!

Cursed Pirate Girl Arrives At The 4th Wall

July 27th, 2010 by moss
Posted in New Arrivals, News, Recommendations

They say that in comics, women and girls are only depicted as hapless victims or busty super heroines. To them I say pick up Strangers In Paradise, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, or I Kill Giants. They all feature strong female protagonists that do not subscribe to the usual comic book conventions.

Another book that I am happy to be able to add to that list is Cursed Pirate Girl.

Not often does an indie comic come along that I hold in such high regard that I almost view it as an art piece as opposed to a comic book. Cursed Pirate Girl is a three-issue mini series that has become an underground phenomenon. Issue #1 is in it’s 5th printing, and first printings are the new Holy Grail for collectors.

Writer/Artist Jeremy Bastion’s incredibly lush and detailed art completely transports the reader into the world of the Cursed Pirate Girl. Every little detail, right down to the stylized lettering has a beautiful sweeping quality to it that truly takes the reader on the ride right along our heroine, the Cursed Pirate Girl. Even the presentation of the books is a sight to behold. Printed on what looks like aged cardstock, the physical feel of these books actually adds to the reading experience. First printings even have hand-stenciled titles and numbers on them.

Cursed Pirate Girl has not only emerged as a beautiful story and book, but also as one that’s made the comics world (a cynical bunch on the best of days) stand up and take notice. If you love comics, fantasy or even just the childlike excitement of an Alice In Wonderland-style story, Cursed Pirate Girl is a book you NEED to be reading.

And you can, as new printings of Issue #1 and #2 plus the newly released Issue #3 are available at The 4th Wall. But hurry, quantities of this comics gem are limited!!



Read the rest of this entry »

Batman: Under The Red Hood Coming To DVD July 27th

July 22nd, 2010 by moss
Posted in News, Recommendations

We have all the details and some cool screen grabs from the newest release from Warner Bros Animation!! And check back here often, as we might just have a few more cool surprises coming to celebrate the release of this much-anticipated movie!!

Batman: Under the Red Hood – Single Disc
Street Date: July 27, 2010
Languages: English and Spanish
Audio: Dolby Surround Stereo
Rating: 14A
Runtime: Estimated 75 min. feature; 40 min. enhanced content
Price: $24.98 SRP

Batman: Under the Red Hood – 2 Disc Special Edition
Street Date: July 27, 2010
Languages: English and Spanish
Audio: Dolby Surround Stereo
Rating: 14A
Runtimes: Estimated 75 min feature.; 115 min. enhanced content
Price: $30.98 SRP

Batman: Under the Red Hood – Blu-Ray™
Street Date: July 27, 2010
Languages: English and Spanish
Audio: Dolby Surround Stereo
Rating: 14A
Runtimes: Estimated 75 min. feature; 179 min. enhanced content
Price: $37.48 SRP


Scott Pilgrim Vs The 4th Wall!!

July 12th, 2010 by moss
Posted in Events, New Arrivals, Recommendations

That’s right, folks it’s the end of the road for Scott Pilgrim and his quest to win the heart of Ramona Flowers by defeating her 7 Evil Ex-Boyfriends.

The final volume of this Canadian phenomenon is going to be officially released on July 20th, but who can wait that long?

So, for the first time ever, The 4th Wall will be holding a special Midnight Opening Party! Starting at 8pm on July 19th, The 4th Wall will be open on a rare Monday to ramp up the debut of Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour!

We will have Live Music from the uber-talened Jess Abran, special “bundle” sales on Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1-5, and an SNES Streetfighter Tournament! All leading up to the 12:01am release of Scott Pilgrim Volume 6!**

To register for the Streetfighter Tournament, just drop an e-mail to:

moss@the4thwall.ca

Include your name, age, and put “Streetfighter” in the subject line. An official schedule will be posted, and the Winner gets a special Scott Pilgrim Prize Pack including free copies of Scott PIlgrim 1-5!


Read the rest of this entry »

The Blackest Night Is Upon Us… Again!

July 2nd, 2010 by moss
Posted in New Arrivals, Recommendations, Sales

It was the biggest event in comics in the last decade. The Blackest Night swarmed the DC Universe with the resurrected Black Lanterns, leaving us to only wonder if the combined light of the other Corps would be enough to stop impending doom.


Interior art from The Blackest Night


Finally, The Blackest Night has been collected, and will be in stores this Wednesday, July 7th*.


The Blackest Night Hardcover - $29.99


AND as a bonus, because we love you all so much, the first 5 people to purchase The Blackest Night Hardcover will also receive a Lantern Corps Button set, including the newly released White Lantern button, absolutely free!

Hurry in, and experience Superhero comics at their finest!!!

X-Men Sale at The 4th Wall!

June 29th, 2010 by moss
Posted in Events, News, Recommendations, Sales

It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve updated you fine folks as to what’s going on at The 4th Wall. Apologies for that, but hopefully some of the news I’ve got coming your way will make up for it!

First off, if you’re an X-Men fan, then I’m sure you already know about the brand new X-Men #1 that’s due in stores on July 7th. This is the first new volume of X-Men comics in over 20 years, and it’s going to start off with a bang as the X-Men are forced to take… Vampires!

Yep, that’s right if you’re part of the Anti-Twilight movement, X-Men #1 is for you as it promises hard-hitting action, and non-sparkling blood suckers. This is the perfect jumping-on point for anyone interested in the X-Men, and to make it even easier, be on the lookout this week for X-Men: Curse of The Mutants Saga. A comic that will fill you in on all the X-Events up to now, and comes absolutely free with the purchase of any other comic in the store!*

But wait! That’s not all! Much like they did with the Avengers re-launch earlier this month, Marvel has declared July 7th (July 8th in the US) to be X-Men Day! There will be special variants, “blank” cover editions, posters and more all available at The 4th Wall!

The thing is, we like the X-Men so much at The 4th, that one day just wasn’t enough. So, starting July 6th, and carrying through July 11th, all X-Men titles in the store will be on sale for US Cover price (+tax)! That’s right, you’ll save on any one of the X-Books: Uncanny, Legacy, X-Force, heck, even Wolverine titles will apply!

So come on in, get caught up and celebrate Marvel’s Merry Mutants at The 4th Wall!


*Offer applies to single issues only, while supplies last.

Looking For Group III

June 17th, 2010 by moss
Posted in New Arrivals, News, Recommendations

Obviously, we like it when new product hit’s the shelves here at The 4th Wall. It gives us a chance to tell you about the coolest and latest comics and stories out there from the best and the brightest.

The only thing better than this? When it’s one of our own that’s behind it.

In this case, I’m happy to announce that it’s two of our own behind it, as Ryan Sohmer and Lar DeSouza’s Looking For Group Vol. 3 has come to The 4th Wall!

If you’re a hardcore fan of the webcomic, or even just a casual observer, these hardcover collections are beautiful, and add a whole new dimension to the storytelling in LFG.

LFG: Volumes 1 & 2 are still available, as well as a whole slew of other LFG swag including shirts, mousepads and plushies.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The 4th Wall

June 8th, 2010 by moss
Posted in New Arrivals, News, Notes, Recommendations

We all love Scott Pilgrim. Who wouldn’t, right? This mega-hit, Canadian series has taken the world by storm. All 5 volumes are available at The 4th Wall, with the 6th and final volume due in July, just before Scott Pilgrim Vs The World rocks the box office!

But the biggest complaint I’ve had about the series is the lack of sweet merch. Well, my prayers (and yours too) have been answered! With the movie on the way, there is a whole slew of great Scott Pilgrim gear on the way! Due out just before the movie releases, all of these are available for pre-order.

Check out the swag, and if you see something you’d like to order, drop me an e-mail!! moss@the4thwall.ca

Wednesday Comics

May 27th, 2010 by moss
Posted in Musings, New Arrivals, Recommendations

As you may or may not know, Wednesday is New Comic Day.

It’s the day when we receive all the new issues, trades, hardcovers and anything else that we’ve ordered from the distributors. It’s a great day, I have to say because not only is there new product out there, but there’s usually a good turnout of folks coming by to check out new books, pick up their pull lists and generally talk comics.

Every now and again though, New Comic Day brings us a fantastic treat of a book that I just have to gush about. This week, it’s the long awaited Wednesday Comics hardcover collection from DC.

Last summer, DC embarked on an ambitious project called Wednesday Comics. It was a 12-installment newspaper that had comic strips in it featuring some of DC’s top characters done by some of their newest, greatest and most legendary creators. It was an artistic triumph, but the medium (newsprint, in a folded newspaper style) fell flat with a lot of fans.

Well, the collected Wednesday Comics makes up for that shortcoming and more. It’s a gorgeous book, that’s WAY oversized at 18” x 11.5” to give each of these strips it’s proper due, in full colour. Stories involving The Flash, Batman, Superman, Catwoman, Wonder Woman, Kamandi, Deadman, Supergirl, Green Lantern and more, simply fly off the page in this over-sized format. The book presents every strip from the Wednesday Comics series in sequential order, along with a host of really cool extras.

The price tag is a little steep ($49.95 US), but for a book that features work by the likes of Brian Azzarello & Eduardo Risso, Dave Gibbons, Kurt Busiek, Neil Gaiman, Michael Allred, Paul Pope, Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Connor, Dan DiDio, Adam & Joe Kubert, Karl Kerschl, Walt Simonson and many more, it’s practically a steal.

For longtime fans, the Wednesday Comics hardcover is an absolute treasure, and for newcomers it’s a perfect way to get into some of the biggest and most legendary characters DC has to offer, done by creators who live up to that ilk.