From the July 2008 issue

Graphic Content

Wham! Bam! Kapow! A buyer’s guide to the geekalicious offerings at the Comicon convention By Dave McGinn

Caped crusaders have always been king at comic book gatherings, but with the rise of the graphic novel to book club status, convention-goers now include those who prefer their sequential art superhero-free. Drawing thousands of salivating fanboys, collectors and newcomers each year, Paradise Toronto Comicon is the largest event of its kind in the city. Pass for a pro with this crib sheet of titles that will have rabid devotees—from the big spenders to the penny-pinchers—racing to the booths faster than a speeding bullet.

$5
LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #38
Publisher: DC Comics
Year: 2008
Artist: Francis Manapul
Draw: Starring a cast of characters that includes Star Boy, Saturn Girl and Timber Wolf, this is the perfect pick for anyone who finds it hard to stick to one superpower.

$13
THE OTHER SIDE
Publisher: DC Comics
Year: 2006
Artist: Cameron Stewart
Draw: A Toronto native, Stewart earned himself a stab at a prestigious Eisner Award—the Pulitzer of comics—for this harrowing graphic novel about the Vietnam War.

$20
SERENITY: THOSE LEFT BEHIND
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Year: 2007
Artist: Will Conrad
Draw: Pop-culture genius Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) used this three-issue series to link his cult TV hit Firefly and its follow-up movie, Serenity.

$350
SUPERMAN #62
Publisher: DC Comics
Year: 1950
Artist: Unknown
Draw: Orson Welles is on the cover. The Man of Steel saves Earth and the aforementioned Mr. Welles from a Martian invasion. Enough said.

$2,000
INCREDIBLE HULK #181
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Year: 1974
Artist: Herb Trimpe
Draw: Naysayers may dub it the most overvalued comic book in existence, but it features Wolverine in his first full appearance, making it the Holy Grail for most collectors.

Paradise Toronto Comicon takes place on July 12 and 13 at the Holiday Inn on King, 370 King St. W., 416-487-9807, www.torontocomicon.com.

Legion of Super-Heroes, The Other Side and Superman courtesy of DC Comics; Incredible Hulk courtesy of Marvel Entertainment Inc.