Linda Medley

Starting in 1989, Doom Patrol evolved into something truly bizarre and brilliant with some of the most unique ideas in fiction given shape. The book was part of a wave of unbridled creativity that helped inspire the creation of DC s groundbreaking Vertigo imprint, and its impact is still felt today in the HBO Max Doom Patrol original series. In 1993, writer Rachel Pollack took over Doom Patrol from Grant Morrison, and quickly made the title her own retaining its offbeat spirit while pushing its characters in new directions, and tackling important social issues in the Doom Patrol s thoroughly unconventional way. This hardcover omnibus is the first-ever collection of Pollack s run on Doom Patrol. In these stories, the Doom Patrol must pull themselves together yet again as they move into a bizarre new headquarters, gain two new members and try to cope with the preteen menace known as the Wild Girls! Then, artist Ted McKeever brings his surreal sensibility to the series, bringing it to a fittingly unique conclusion. This volume collects Doom Patrol #64-87, Doom Patrol Annual #2, Totems #1, and Vertigo Jam #1.

With its second volume, Linda Medley (TM)s witty and sublimely drawn fantasy eases into a relaxed comedy of manners as Lady Jain settles into her new life in Castle Waiting. Unexpected visitors result in the discovery and exploration of a secret passageway, not to mention an epic bowling tournament. A quest for ladies (TM) underpants, the identity of her baby son Pindar (TM)s father, the education of Simon, Rackham and Chess arguing about the oemanly arts,  and an escape-prone goat are just a few of the elements in the delightful Castle Waiting Vol. 2: The Definitive Edition.

Castle Waiting is the story of an isolated, abandoned castle, and the eccentric inhabitants who bring it back to life. A fable for modern times, it is a fairy tale that s not about rescuing the princess, saving the kingdom, or fighting the ultimate war between Good and Evil but about being a hero in your own home. The opening chapter tells the origin of the castle itself, which is abandoned by its princess in a comic twist on Sleeping Beauty when she rides off into the sunset with her Prince Charming. The castle becomes a refuge for misfits, outcasts, and others seeking sanctuary, playing host to a lively and colorful cast of characters that inhabits the subsequent stories, including a talking anthropomorphic horse, a mysteriously pregnant Lady on the run, and a bearded nun. Linda Medley lavishly illustrates Castle Waiting in a classic visual style reminiscent of Arthur Rackham and William Heath Robinson. Blending elements from a variety of sources fairy tales, folklore, nursery rhymes Medley tells the story of the everyday lives of fantastic characters with humor, intelligence, and insight into human nature. Castle Waiting can be read on multiple levels and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, especially young girls.