#4 is probably our favorite issue here at Copacetic.  The lead story by Sarah Oleksyk ("Roadside," "Ivy"), of a pair of lovestruck misfits who meet at an all-night copy shop is a small, quiet classic that is also the subject of the wraparound cover (and it was selected by Lynda Barry for inclusion in the 2008 America's Best Comics anthology, so there). Vanessa Davis ("Spaniel Rage") and John Porcellino ("King-Cat") complete the issue with tales of friendship, club-hopping, and snowstorms. If you want to give Papercutter a try and aren't sure which issue to choose, we say start with this one. THIS ONE IS NOW OUT OF PRINT.  However, the lead story by Sarah Oleksyk was collected in the 2008 edition of Best American Comics, a 200+ page deluxe hardcover volume edited by Lynda Barry, which, it so happens, is currently ON SALE here at Copacetic for only $8.88!

This work, the first full length graphic novel by Sarah Oleksyk, was years in the making – and it shows.  A rite of passage set in the high school years that has the look and feel of being a fictionalized memoir – akin to Craig Thompson's wildly popular Blankets – Ivy is a hard won work of lasting value. Yes:  sex, drugs, angst, body-issues, parental conflict, high school hatin' – it's all here; but there's more. The unfolding narrative demonstrates a rare understanding of the adolescent development of character through peer to peer interaction in the crucible of the quotidian; how character imperfections can be magnified, drawn out, examined, and, with diligent application – and a little luck – be alloyed to inner strengths to forge an enduring adult persona.  We'll stack this 218 page hardcover up against Blankets anyday.  Recommended!

Not My Small Diary is a unique anthology title that has been running strong since its founding in 1996 by Delaine Derry  Green, who continues as its editor and publisher. Each issue is composed of two 64-80 page volumes, and features approximately 50 different cartoonists – making for a lot of comics for your money!   Beginning with #11, each issue has been dedicated to a specific theme (listed below).  These issues feature a truly great variety of comics work, most of it by creators that will be unfamiliar to most readers, but much of it is nonetheless quite worthy. Each issue also features work by seasoned comics pros such as Dave Kiersh, Alec Longstreth, Sarah Oleksyk, Julia Wertz and John Porcellino! #14: The Dating Issue (138 pages)  

<<•>>  edited by Shannon O'Leary and Joan Reilly <<•>>  
This is a comics anthology that quite successfully marries education and entertainment in the nearly three dozen pieces – all original! – conveyed by its one hundred and ninety-six 8" x 11" pages.  Each of the stories in this volume address the issue of feminism from its own unique perspective, providing the reader with a well-rounded view that is by turns incisive and kaleidoscopic.  There are some really great comics here by many a Copacetic fave, including Gabrielle Bell, Sarah Oleksyk, Jeffrey Brown, Corinne Mucha, Ron Rege (who is working here in his new "utopian" manner), Justin Hall, Jesse Reklaw and Andrice Arp, as well as surprising new discoveries such as Virginia Paine, Shaenon Garrity, Ulli Lust & Kai Pfeiffer.  Co-editor Joan Reilly gave a presentation at Drawing Power here in Pittsburgh, so anyone whose interest was piqued but was unable to pick up a copy at the time, may do so now.