Comment: Start Your Engine
By John Fellows
Warren Ellis once oversaw one of comics' most lively discussion boards, but it seemed to collapse under its own weight. Now he's making a second attempt with The Engine, but with its 'no capes' rule, is it trying too hard to be cool?

Article 10: Little Earthquakes
By Paul O'Brien
Will a planned Spider-Man crossover have ramifications for the character? One retailer wanted to know, and Paul O'Brien insists it's a fair question. Marvel may find continuity a bore, but it still has to play by its own rules.

Beyond Borders: The Adventures Of Hugo Pratt
By Marcos Castrillón
Hugo Pratt is one of comics' all-time greats, yet his works remain unavailable in English, which is perhaps why it took until 2005 for him to be inducted into the Eisner Hall of Fame. Marcos Castrillón arranges a long overdue introduction to the master.

Things To Come: Previews September for comics shipping November 2005
By Greg McElhatton
Brian Wood pulls double duty in the DMZ and LOCAL, SENTINEL and X-FACTOR make their returns at Marvel, Warren Ellis gets DOWN, and Dark Horse gets romantic as it cuddles up with Harlequin.

Article 10: Man Walks Into A Bar
By Paul O'Brien
Not a hoax! Not a dream! Not an imaginary story! Well, OK, a bit of an imaginary story. Pray sit and listen, humble friend, as Paul O'Brien shares a parable about one man, one pub, and one very specific shopping list.

Article 10: The Year Of Living Aimlessly
By Paul O'Brien
In comics, 'no news' is most certainly not good news. As the same writers keep churning out the same work for the same crossovers, Paul O'Brien takes the temperature of a stagnating industry.

Comment: Head Space
By Ben Wooller
From completist fanboy to SANDMAN addict, Ben Wooller reflects on the evolution of a compulsion. Plus, he pays a visit to M John Harrison's fantasy city of Virconium, in the early 90s graphic novel THE LUCK IN THE HEAD.

Article 10: Wicked Wizard
By Paul O'Brien
Next year's Heroes Con looks set to be a sensation, and it's all thanks to some ill advised jostling by WizardWorld. Paul O'Brien examines how one PR blunder untapped a reservoir of hostility toward Wizard.

Things To Come: Previews August for comics shipping October 2005
By Greg McElhatton
This October sees NEXUS getting the hardcover treatment and Chris Ware restocking the library. Plus, Steve Niles heads to Gotham, Guy Delisle explores North Korea, and SHE-HULK takes another swing.

Comment: 'San Diego', To The Tune Of 'Desperado'
By Andrew Wheeler
It's Nerdi Gras, it's Cannes for geeks, and somewhere amidst the toys and the games, it's a comic convention. Andrew Wheeler reports on this year's San Diego con, home to fat books, gay heroes, new manga... but not much buzz.

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