Dark Horse Maverick: Happy Endings

    (Dark Horse, 2002)
™ and © Dark Horse Comics, Inc.

In this annual anthology, every story must have a “happy ending.” Whether each fits your definition is another question, since comics creators by their very nature have whacked-out sensibilities in the first place.

So this edition traverses a range of expression. Just to name a few: Brian Michael Bendis shares a touching close call with an unplugged fan at Comic-Con International: San Diego. James Kochalka observes how miscommunication leads to strangely satisfying conclusions in dating relationships. Mike Mignola adds his trademark occult sensitivity with the friendship between “The Magician and the Snake.” And, bringing up the rear, Frank Miller adds tongue-in-cheek panels explicating the theme.

This type of collection always faces the same challenge: How do you showcase diverse talent while keeping readers’ attentions steady? In this case, having a unifying topic is a nice hook, and, for the most part, the snippets are just long enough to get the point across while packing the desired punch.

— Oliver Chin
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September, 2002
Cover Price: $9.95
1 copy available for $22.98 		Sam Kieth, Brian Michael Bendis, Bernie Mireault, Katie Mignola, Mike Mignola, Craig Thompson, Jim Mahfood, Farel Dalrymple, Gilbert Austin, James Kochalka, Peter Kuper, Jason Hall, Leland Myrick, Tony Millionaire, Harvey Pekar, Frank MillerSam Kieth, Michael Avon Oeming, Bernie Mireault, Mike Mignola, Craig Thompson, Jim Mahfood, Farel Dalrymple, Gilbert Austin, James Kochalka, Peter Kuper, Matt Kindt, Leland Myrick, Tony Millionaire, Joe Sacco, Frank Miller