On Saturday, fantastic Hayes Valley comic book store Isotope played host to Ed Brubaker, who's as hot a writer in the comics industry as anyone. Recently, a story of Brubaker's made headlines nationwide (and Colbert, of course): the death of Marvel Comics' icon Captain America. more ›

How on Earth can you not love Doctor Strange? Even if you're not one of his fanatical followers -- as is Isotope Comics' James Sime, who first guided our attention towards the Doctor -- there's no escaping the Dcotor's strange charms. This time, the master of occult arcana faces a small army of dead supervillains who've discovered a means to temporarily resurrect themselves. Killed off by superheros in the 70s, The Pitiful One and his group demand that D.S. resurrect them permanently; but the Doctor's been fighting off his own demons lately. Like a goofy Hamlet, he's overcome with melancholy and despair which has left him feeling, well, less than spiffy. "The enigmatic Orb of Snnnr will suffice," he declares in his typical tone, then falters, "I mean, do. It'll do. Whatever." Blustery one moment, sadly aloof the next, it's a fantastic portrait of a hero questioning the meaning of his life. And the hinted-at addition of Dead Girl to future issues is a major plus, too. more ›