The other great anthology of the year, while just as lush and smartly edited as "McSweeney's" #13, focuses on comix' emerging talents with a few established artists thrown in for good measure. Editor Sammy Harkham boldly monumentalizes works that may otherwise have only ever known the inside of a sketchbook. He does this by reproducing the artwork on large, full color pages that accentuate the original source rather than try to smooth it out. Artists who use non-traditional materials — like the one who did a comic strip on a drinking straw wrapper — particularly benefit from this indulgence. Preserving the torn edges and cardboard bumps give many of the pages a striking three-dimensional texture. While experimental pieces abound, the book also provides plenty of top-notch narrative works, like Kevin Huizenga's intelligent, thoughtful portrait of a conservative Christian encountering a non-believer. "Kramer's Ergot" #5 establishes the annual series as comix' premier showcase for new talent, as well as one the best-looking books of the year. TIME.comix: The Year of the Anthology (Nov. 24, 2004)
Come fly with us, and Leo, through the best (and worst) of 2004. Tops in the cinema this year include Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic The Aviator. Elsewhere, Deadwood was good TV, and a Strange tale fascinated readers.