First: I’m back from vacation. Hi. Hello.

Second: one of the first things I did when we got back is go to the store and grab comics. As a guy who works in a comic store and writes about comics at night, I’m usually neck deep in the medium, so being away was… different. Not bad, just strange. Anyway, Danica and I went to the store and immediately snapped up quite a few books. After sorting the big pile into several smaller ones (something I might touch on in another post), I went straight into reading Southern Bastards #4.

My god, this comic.

You’ll be hearing more about it on this coming week’s podcast I’m sure. James might even do an article about it in a few days, whereas I think I’m going to save the bulk of my words for shortly after the first trade hits the stands. Which brings us to…

Third: if you’ve yet to check out Southern Bastards, I would do so as soon as humanly possible. All four issues are available now in print in good comic stores, and online as DRM free downloads from Image and ComiXology. The arc ends perfectly, with a hook that leaves the reader clawing desperately for more, something that will give the first collection an extra bit of heat as it sells over the years. In addition, Jasons Aaron and Latour have done a great thing with the story and solicitations for the next couple of issues that really lets things sit and simmer. I won’t mention the specific plot bits, and what is set up for further issues, but suffice to say, everything about issue #4 was pitched perfectly and has me champing at the bit for more.

Right then. Cobwebs off the keyboard. Back to work.