By Andrew A. Smith

Scripps Howard News Service

Not all graphic novels work on every level, nor are they to every taste. This week I’d like to look at some books that came oh-so-close to greatness, only to fall short just a tad.

At the top of the list is The Nao of Brown ($24.95, SelfMadeHero), by writer/artist Glyn Dillon. This is an absolutely beautiful book, executed with sparkling artwork, insightful…

By Andrew A. Smith

Scripps Howard News Service

The first round of collections from DC’s “The New 52” initiative featured the publisher’s strongest characters and titles. Now we’re reaching a little deeper into the catalog, with much more mixed results.

Which is not to belittle The Flash, a strong character with a…

By Andrew A. Smith

Scripps Howard News Service

Ever see someone do something so well it discourages you from ever trying?

As a wannabe comic-book artist myself, there have been a lot of masters over the years that have that have been that good. And of those masters, few are as magnificent as the man who created “The Rocketeer.” In Dave Stevens: Covers and Stories (IDW Publishing, $49.99) you can see how…