The Maxx

Book 1 (1-6). [From DC Comics: Welcome to The Maxx Library, six volumes of Sam Kieth's surreal cult comic series The Maxx, available for the first time in ten years, including all 35 issues plus the three Friends of Maxx issues. The Maxx also sparked an animated series from MTV in 1995. Thinking himself a typical superhero, Maxx is a homeless bum living in a cardboard box, aided by Julie Winters, a freelance social worker. Maxx travels to another world, "the Outback," where he's a hero and where he rescues Julie, saving her from strange imaginary creatures and from Maxx's ultimate enemy, Mr. Gone. He holds the key to both Julie's and Maxx's secrets, being the only one who can remember his travels from the real world to the Outback. Vol. 1 collects the first SIX issues: RELIVE: The introduction of Maxx, Julie and Mr. Gone! Maxx and Gone's fateful first meeting and fight at the gas station; Julie pissed and bound in a sexy but humiliating circus outfit; Julie more upset and lopping Gone's head off! Also introducing Sara - lonely and lovely and mad at her mom. Sara wants to be a writer and tries to kill herself, but chickens out. Plus: Cow & Chicken Dave Fiess's "Crappon In The Hat" story, Guest appearances (loaned out, actually) by The Savage Dragon (okay, two pages - big whoop), and a big shark-headed guy Erik Larsen let me borrow for the same story!]

Book 2 (7-13). [From DC Comics: Sam Kieth's critically-acclaimed psychological exploration of a bizarre hero continues in THE MAXX BOOK TWO, a 160-page trade paperback collecting issues #7-13 of the groundbreaking series originally published by Image Comics plus a short story from Darker Image #1. With a painted cover, stunning imagery and plot by Kieth, plus additional dialogue by collaborator William Messner-Loebs, THE MAXX mixes reality with whimsy to tell the continuing saga of the Maxx and his soulmate/confidante, Julie. THE MAXX BOOK TWO presents beautiful rendering coupled with eclectic stories of the human spirit forced to deal with extraordinary events — as only Sam Kieth could deliver!]

Book 3 (14-20). [From DC Comics: In this third Maxx volume, collecting issues 14-20, a red-haired Julie returns from her separation from Maxx - and various erotic-indulgent obsessions - "ready to pop." During one of her morning sickness trips, Julie is visited by the soiled head of Mr. Gone, which flies out of the toilet, splats on the ceiling and proceeds to dispense wisdom. Even better, with Sarah's help Maxx at last discovers his mysterious origin. How does he become the Maxx? What role did Julie play? Why is the rabbit Julie's spirit animal? Why does Maxx's mask look like a lampshade? What's up with the big feet? Will the jungle queen ever find peace? What the heck does "CHUNG! CHUNG! CHUNG!" mean?! This issue will answer all your questions... or leave you more confused than ever. Or both.]

Book 4 (21-27; written by Sam Kieth and Alan Moore). [From DC Comics: In fourth volume of the Maxx library is a turning point for both the series and its creator, with Sam Kieth stretching his creative muscles and taking on the full writing duties for the first time. Bill Messner-Loebs provides his final dialogue for Maxx in two stories here as special guest Alan Moore collaborates with Sam on chapter one, also providing dialogue - after that, it's all Sam. Volumes 1-3 focus on Julie Winters, a homeless man named Dave (who also happens to be the Maxx), and a large bunny, Maxx's spirit animal. Issues #21-27 - collected in this volume - start with Sarah in the Outback and the introduction of her spirit animal, a horse. This arc also features the ever-popular exploding fairies and the self-help spouting giant yellow slug. In addition, Glorie returns (after being attacked in Volume 1) and confronts Mr. Gone, whose controversial origin is finally revealed, providing deep insight into his character. A powerful and emotional story featuring some of Kieth's most poignant work to date. This is definitely a collection not to be missed!]

Book 5 (28-36). [From DC Comics: The long-awaited fifth volume completing the story of the Maxx, Julie, Mr. Gone and Sarah! Julie and li'l Sarah encounter a slew of new characters, but can both of them survive the experience? Glory's story is finally revealed, Megan shares a special moment in her life, and much more.]

Book 6 (Friends of Maxx 1-3, Maxx 3D). [From DC Comics: The final volume of Sam Kieth's eclectic masterpiece collects a series of innovative stories known as “Friends of Maxx.” These tales mark a turning point for Kieth's artistic evolution as a storyteller, paving the way for later groundbreaking titles such as ZERO GIRL and FOUR WOMEN.]