tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73680132012-01-31T14:34:02.128-05:00Literary Finds for Mutated MindsRachelnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-60704967477909028562012-01-30T10:20:00.001-05:002012-01-30T10:22:35.615-05:00

I Am The King, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-69858565045238320982012-01-24T09:05:00.002-05:002012-01-24T09:05:23.141-05:00

This Friday! Atomic Books is hosting Smile, Hon, You’re in Baltimore!, a locally renowned small press publication, and The Dark Side of Disney, a bestselling travel guide. Local authors will be reading from the latest issue of Smile, Hon, You’re in Baltimore! (#15): William Patrick Tandy, Geoffrey Welchman, Lisa Wiseman and Davida Gypsy Breier. There will also be a

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-29813833474044987302012-01-22T16:38:00.001-05:002012-01-22T16:39:47.041-05:00

Ledbetter Dragon, originally uploaded by sugarfreak. Happy Year of the Dragon! It's going to be an interesting year!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-20103157969132940722012-01-17T18:24:00.001-05:002012-01-17T18:52:52.675-05:00

In this month's Draft magazine, they rank America's 100 Best Beer Bars. Congratulations to our friends at The Brewer's Art and Max's Taphouse - the two Baltimore establishments who made the list. The Brewer's Art - "From the award-winning house beers brewed on-premises to the phenomenal guest beer list, everything you've heard about The Brewer's Art is true - but you have to go there to

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-87489696033096878062012-01-16T12:59:00.001-05:002012-01-16T12:59:46.537-05:00

footballtime, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.If you're not in Baltimore and you order today, you should get your shirt in time to wear for the game on Sunday when we go for New England.Go Ravens!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-40702658048582875092012-01-12T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-12T09:00:08.159-05:00

This year, we asked a number of our friends who are also cartoonists and comics publishers and editors what their favorite comics of 2011 were. Chuck Forsman is the cartoonist series like Snake Oil and The End Of The Fucking World. I am only naming mini-comics in my list. No particular order.Nepotism Alert: Some of these people are friends of mine. This tends to happen in a small world. 1.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-89621720934393667152012-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-11T09:00:10.583-05:00

This year, we asked a number of our friends who are also cartoonists and comics publishers and editors what their favorite comics of 2011 were. Ryan Standfest is the editor of BLACK EYE and the publisher of Rotland Press. The Man Who Grew His Beard by Olivier Schrauwen A remarkable mélange of humor, silent interludes, beautiful pacing, coloration and composition. This is one to re-read.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-7020721589342116782012-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-10T09:00:09.122-05:00

This year, we asked a number of our friends who are also cartoonists and comics publishers and editors what their favorite comics of 2011 were. Sean Ford is the cartoonist behind the series Only Skin. Here's my Best of 2011 comix list. I included a few honorable mentions of my favorite comix that didn't actually come out in 2011. Happy New Year! -Sean 5. Freddy Stories by Melissa MendesA

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-66880897235295378762012-01-09T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-09T09:00:03.639-05:00

This year, we asked a number of our friends who are also cartoonists and comics publishers and editors what their favorite comics of 2011 were. Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting those lists. Brian Ralph's sharp collection, Daybreak, came out this year from Drawn and Quarterly and changed forever what we expect from zombie comics. I chose to focus strictly on some of the outstanding

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-64658848951828156522012-01-06T16:08:00.000-05:002012-01-06T16:42:53.347-05:00

These are the 50 best selling zines/magazines at Atomic Books in 2011. 1. Mojo 2. Bust 3. Juxtapoz 4. Lucky Peach 5. Cometbus #54 6. Maximum Rocknroll 7. Smile, Hon, You're In Baltimore!: Hon - Past, Present, Future 8. SnoBaltimore #19. Cinema Sewer #24 10. Answer Me #4 11. Rue Morgue 12. Smile, Hon, You're In Batimore! #14 13. Bizarre Magazine 14. Bitch Magazine 15. Hi Fructose #20 16. The

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-23191394808810781772012-01-06T16:06:00.001-05:002012-01-06T16:08:56.261-05:00

These are the 20 best selling art toy lines at Atomic Books in 2011. 1. Dunny Figures (Kidrobot) 2. Marvel Frenzies (tokidoki) 3. Unicornos (tokidoki) 4. Yummy Breakfast Keychains (Kidrobot) 5. Frenzies (tokidoki) 6. Gloomy Bear Zipper Pulls (Play Imaginative & Kidrobot) 7. Yummy Dessert Keychains (Kidrobot) 8. Lunartik Figures (Matt Jones) 9. Family Guy Figures (Kidrobot) 10. Mongers: Filter

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-72394456256805084442012-01-06T13:17:00.000-05:002012-01-06T15:44:55.700-05:00

These are the 30 best selling graphic novels at Atomic Books in 2011. 1. Hark! A Vagrant by Kate Beaton 2. Fart Party Vol. 1 by Julia Wertz 3. Twilight Of The Assholes by Tim Kreider 4. Scenes From An Impending Marriage by Adrian Tomine 5. Baltimore Time Travel Anthology by Melody Often (editor) 6. Fart Party Vol. 2 by Julia Wertz 7. Paying For It by Chester Brown 8. I Keee You!! by Benn Ray (

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-92175365338149962182012-01-06T12:34:00.001-05:002012-01-06T12:34:28.818-05:00

These are the 25 best selling single issue/mini-comics at Atomic Books in 2011. 1. Henry And Glenn Forever by Igloo Tornado 2. Sad Animals by Adam Meuse 3. Boys Club #4 by Matt Furie 4. Girls Don't Poop by Mario Van Buren 5. Diamond Comics #6 by various 6. Optic Nerve #12 by Adrian Tomine 7. Hate #9 by Peter Bagge 8. Lose #3 by Michael DeForge 9. Papercutter #15 by various10. Monster by Paul

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-31285840785422081692012-01-06T12:03:00.004-05:002012-01-06T12:03:48.403-05:00

These are the 25 best selling ongoing/limited comics series at Atomic Books in 2011. 1. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Dark Horse Comics) 2. The Walking Dead (Image Comics)3. Batman (DC Comics) 4. Detective Comics (DC Comics) 5. Batman & Robin (DC Comics) 6. Fables (Vertigo) 7. Batman: The Dark Knight (DC Comics) 8. MAD Magazine (EC Publications) 9. Sweet Tooth (Vertigo)10. Simpsons Comics (Bongo

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-27881461569004715592012-01-06T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-06T09:00:07.527-05:00

This year, we asked a number of our friends who are also cartoonists and comics publishers and editors what their favorite comics of 2011 were. Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting those lists. J.T. Dockery is the cartoonist who created the amazing In Tongues Illustrated. The Wolf by Tom NeelyProbably the most inventive book of the year, experimental and also a lesson in master

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-44644260706097951292012-01-05T23:05:00.001-05:002012-01-05T23:54:22.105-05:00

These are the 30 best selling non-fiction books at Atomic Books in 2011. 1. Role Models by John Waters 2. Why Do We Kill by Kelvin Sewell / Stephen Janis 3. Answer Me!: The First Three by Jim Goad 4. The Indie Cred Test by Henry H. Owings / The Editors of Chunklet 5. Bossypants by Tina Fey 6. I Totally Meant To Do That by Jane Borden 7. Just Kids by Patti Smith 8. Beijing Welcomes You by Tom

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-40780025412672986222012-01-05T23:00:00.001-05:002012-01-05T23:54:37.410-05:00

These are the 20 best selling fiction titles (and some kid's books) at Atomic Books in 2011. 1. Go The Fuck To Sleep by Adam Mansbach / Ricardo Cortes 2. A Moment In The Sun by John Sayles 3. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami 4. A Game Of Thrones by George R.R. Martin 5. Kiss Me, Stranger: An Illustrated Novel by Ron Tanner 6. The Color Of Night by Madison Smartt Bell 7. The Hunger Games by Suzanne

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-30325687736999307212012-01-05T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-05T09:00:09.833-05:00

This year, we asked a number of our friends who are also cartoonists and comics publishers and editors what their favorite comics of 2011 were. Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting those lists. Zach Hazard Vaupen is a cartoonist whose work includes Wigger Haircut and Hatred For A Human Host. In no particular order. 1. 1-800-Mice by Matthew Thurber Definitely the funniest comic I read

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-81655548076351918362012-01-04T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-04T13:19:05.864-05:00

This year, we asked a number of our friends who are also cartoonists and comics publishers and editors what their favorite comics of 2011 were. Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting those lists. Keenan Marshall Keller is Co-Director Drippy Bone Books and creator of the comic series Galactic Breakdown. 10. Blobby Boys – Alex Shubert (self published) Everyone buy this comic now. I want to

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-72286936175817598322012-01-03T12:10:00.001-05:002012-01-03T17:36:26.113-05:00

My Top Ten Twitterers List for 2011! I've been on Twitter since almost the beginning and all I seem to do is keep whittling my list down as I realize what I like to get out of Twitter - which is information (about current events, publishing, comics, local events), laughs and some gabbing but not conversations or debates, and glimpses into people's lives, mostly local/

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-82473833493697301192012-01-03T10:30:00.002-05:002012-01-03T10:30:51.856-05:00

We start our Atomic Reading Club this year with The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. Fun stuff! As usual with all of our Club picks, the books are 15% for Reading Club members and the discussion for The Road will be the last Wednesday, January 25th at 7:30pm. Join our Facebook group for the Club. See you then!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-84802673693258689792012-01-03T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-03T18:57:53.680-05:00

This year, we asked a number of our friends who are also cartoonists and comics publishers and editors what their favorite comics of 2011 were. Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting those lists. Chris Pitzer is the publisher of AdHouse Books.  Fave Book: Forming by Jesse Moynihan Yes, it’s true I had a hand in helping to distribute this, but even if that wasn’t the case, I still

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-48500013876046679332012-01-02T10:04:00.000-05:002012-01-02T10:05:54.075-05:00

This year, we asked a number of our friends who are also cartoonists and comics publishers and editors what their favorite comics of 2011 were. Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting those lists. First up is Blammo Comics' Noah Van Sciver.  1. Suspect Device #1 by Josh Bayer 2. Walt Disney's Donald Duck: Lost In The Andes by Carl Barks 3. Big Questions by

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-84450577320777474902011-12-29T18:38:00.000-05:002012-01-24T00:47:49.161-05:00

It's almost 2012 - is the end near? It sure feels like a lot of the world is ending as we've known it, but thoughts about the end of time have been around with us since time practically began. So let's spend the year delving into what the apocalypse and post apocalypse might look and feel like from writers of the last couple of centuries. Our theme for 2012 is apocalyptic books! January - 

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-76532234626939712372011-12-20T09:42:00.001-05:002011-12-20T09:43:25.754-05:00

Cookie Swap 2011, originally uploaded by sugarfreak. The usual: December 24th - 11am - 6pmDecember 25th - CLOSEDDecember 31st - 11am-6pmJanuary 1st - CLOSED

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-69066679177441059872011-12-15T11:10:00.000-05:002011-12-15T11:53:52.885-05:00

Monday, December 19th, is the last day for online orders! Tuesday and Wednesday are for gamblers. On with the Holiday Picks: Rachel's Picks: Hole in the Middle Kids books that make you cry are the best. Author-Illustrator Perfect, incredibly reasonably priced blank books for your writing or art. Great for kids and adults alike. Knitting is Knotty Mug I'm a knitter, you're a knitter,

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-63006288789645663482011-12-12T11:58:00.000-05:002011-12-12T11:58:00.356-05:00

We have free passes to see a sneak preview of The Adventures of Tintin for this Saturday, Dec 17th, 10:30am at the White Marsh AMC. Just come on by and ask! And as always, we stock Tintin comics!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-68859358762015890732011-12-06T10:42:00.001-05:002011-12-06T11:01:54.689-05:00

This Friday, meet Scott C who'll be at Atomic giving a presentation about his work in illustration, comics, video games and signing his new book, Amazing Everything. 7-9pm! Next Thursday, December 15th, join the Yelp Hampden Holiday Hop Shopping Crawl! All the participating shops will be giving a part of their proceeds for the night to local charities. We'll be donating ours to Moveable

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-11699217924304120832011-12-02T10:58:00.001-05:002011-12-02T11:08:45.840-05:00

I'll be on WYPR's (88.1FM) The Signal this evening at 7PM (and again Saturday at 1PM) to talk holiday books suggestions. You can only talk about so many books on the radio, so be sure to stop by the store - there have been so many really great books to come out this season. Listen live online. Check out the mp3/podcast.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-12950672254219170282011-12-01T10:54:00.001-05:002011-12-01T11:08:32.261-05:00

And now we come to the last book of the year for our Reading Club, Yoshihiro Tatsumi's Good-bye. Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you, yes, it had originally been The Push Man but that title has suddenly gone between printings (it'll be back in softcover in the Spring). As usual,  it's 15% off for Club members and we meet the last Wednesday of December to discuss! Join our Atomic Reading

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-23987032393590506582011-11-27T15:39:00.001-05:002011-11-28T17:02:10.946-05:00

Dina's Picks: Journals of Spalding Gray by Spalding Gray I haven't read this yet but I am a really big Spalding Gray fan and I know this book is going to make me cry and cry. This probably isn't a good thing to read if you aren't already familiar with his work, which if you haven't you are throwing your life away, go watch his movies right now. Everything Volume 1 by Lynda Barry

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-35540511146465067122011-11-21T11:38:00.001-05:002011-11-21T12:56:55.356-05:00

Wednesday, November 23rd - 11am-6pm Thursday, November 24th - CLOSED This Friday we'll have a little Double Punch Card Cocktail Hour! From 6-8pm, you'll get double marks on your Big Spenders cards, and we'll have drinks to help you out with the start of this holiday season. This weekend is also when the lights start up on 34th Street!  Lots of other merchants will be having special sales

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-47207753494090666162011-11-14T14:00:00.001-05:002011-11-14T14:03:14.285-05:00

John Waters Mail, originally uploaded by sugarfreak. The internet is full of misinformation. Shocking, I know. But it IS true that we collect mail for John Waters at our store address. Make sure you have our current one and put his name on top:John WatersAtomic Books3620 Falls RdBaltimore, MD 21211We may still get it if you send it to our old address...but let's make things easier for everyone

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-33220877318888646622011-11-08T11:34:00.003-05:002011-11-08T11:34:54.674-05:00

Rev Jen is back in Baltimore this Thursday to read from her new book, Elf Girl! She'll also be showing a video short and we'll have adult beverages. November 10th 7-9pm! 3620 Falls Rd Atomic Books

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-14922928551934088192011-11-01T09:42:00.000-04:002011-11-01T09:42:00.770-04:00

Our November Reading Club book is Adrian Tomine's Summer Blonde. See you November 30th for the discussion - 7:30 at Atomic Books! New members are welcome at any time, and you get 15% off all the books for this year's Club titles. Join the Facebook Group for more discussions and updates.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-22311963056435937862011-10-30T11:18:00.001-04:002011-10-30T13:38:01.043-04:00

Tickets for the 18th Night of 100 Elvises are now available at Atomic Books! $55 each. Cash or check only. Friday, December 2nd Saturday, December 3rd Lithuanian Hall 851-3 Hollins Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1003 7PM to 2AM The Doors Open at 6PM.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-17901318671610369072011-10-26T13:54:00.001-04:002011-10-26T13:56:53.220-04:00

batgirl, originally uploaded by sugarfreak. This Sunday is Hampden's annual Halloweenfest on the Avenue. Bring your kids for trick or treating at participating shops and then hang out on the 800 block for the costume contests! We'll have free comics for kids!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-91763044139639264512011-10-22T12:35:00.000-04:002011-10-22T12:35:03.774-04:00

Shonen Knife will be at Atomic Books from 6-7pm on Monday! Come by and get cds and books signed and say hi before they play at the Ottobar! Celebrated Summer is going to have donuts!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-38872578475034284992011-10-20T10:20:00.001-04:002011-10-20T10:21:00.161-04:00

Tesco Vee and Dave Stimson will be at Atomic Books tonight to talk about their legendary punk zine Touch and Go. Starts at 7pm! Adult beverages will be served.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-13877787061152452432011-10-11T14:01:00.000-04:002011-10-11T14:01:43.639-04:00

Join local publishers Pinchback Press in celebrating the release of their newest anthology, Tarnished, here at Atomic Books! With Editors, Cara Bruce and Shawna Kenney, and readings by contributors: Tambre Leighn, Jennifer Tress, Valley Haggard, and more. 7pm - 9pm! Adult beverages will be served.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-1588822017512802982011-10-11T12:51:00.001-04:002011-10-11T12:53:52.166-04:00

My own twist on Feminist Ryan Gosling.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-20797123362441177052011-10-07T10:28:00.001-04:002011-10-07T10:28:35.075-04:00

The Cramps Redux, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.We're having our Jackets & Sleeves reception. tonight, 7pm! The art for The Cramps' Bad Music for Bad People is one of those classic pieces...and who wanted to take a crack at that cover? Stephen Blickenstaff, who actually did the original cover! This is his 2011 version.Tonight is also First Friday in Hampden, so come on out and walk around the

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-10612779982177917192011-10-03T15:09:00.001-04:002011-10-03T15:09:24.021-04:00

This month's Reading Club pick is Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link! See you October 26th for the discussion - 7:30 at Atomic Books! New members are welcome at any time, and you get 15% off all the books for this year's Club titles. Join the Facebook Group for more discussion and updates.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-36475730385224398142011-10-03T10:53:00.002-04:002011-10-03T10:57:55.139-04:00

This Friday, October 7, from 7PM - 9PM we will be having a one night only art opening, called Jackets and Sleeves. What began as us wondering why it is that record are forever tied to a cover image while books over the years frequently get new covers turned into the idea for this art show. We compiled a list of some of our favorite, iconic records and books and asked a group of artists

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-43122113131631936962011-09-26T17:22:00.001-04:002011-09-26T17:22:48.073-04:00

This Friday, historian and author, Hanne Blank, will be here reading from and discussing the updated edition of her book, Big Big Love, which features new interviews with body-acceptance activists, health coaches, psychologists, and more! Big Big Love’s savvy, sane advice can help you tackle every hot-button issue you may confront in the bedroom and in love. Join us for cupcakes and adult

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-58236162489483459422011-09-24T23:23:00.000-04:002011-09-24T23:26:16.944-04:00

This weekend is the Baltimore Book Festival. And there are a lot of very exciting things going on over in Mt. Vernon to celebrate. But one of the projects we're most excited about is a book curated by our friend Alex Fine called Hairy Baltimore. The limited edition book contains 40 portraits of Baltimore icons with distinctive hairstyles by a bunch of great artists, including: Okan

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-36179200715046614002011-09-23T12:49:00.001-04:002011-09-23T12:51:22.205-04:00

From the folks at the Salford Zine Library! Make sure you get the help of an adult!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-75967755737217211242011-09-22T15:55:00.001-04:002011-09-22T16:02:56.623-04:00

 Tons of this season's great books are rolling in!  

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-59425057819859762602011-09-21T09:00:00.002-04:002011-09-21T09:00:06.988-04:00

Best Independent Bookstore. "We know, we know, the internet, the long tail, and all that, but actually being in the store, surrounded by all those weird and wonderful things to read and look at that maybe you didn’t even know existed until you happened to spot them filed next to something else, is an invitation to impulse buying and, well, better than the internet. There, we said it." Thanks

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-12353204232132676652011-09-12T15:39:00.001-04:002011-09-12T15:41:45.378-04:00

Friday night was our annual pre-SPX party and it was a great time! We had some of our own beer, brewed by our friends at Burnt Hickory Brewery. People were just hanging out after the readings. I wish I had taken more photos, as usual. Daniel Krall and Kate Haberer Anders Nilsen, Noah Van Sciver and Brian Ralph Heidi MacDonald and Jessica Abel Jim Rugg, Dan Zettwoch, Kevin

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-18600195860017031182011-09-12T09:07:00.000-04:002011-09-12T09:07:21.698-04:00

It's been a crazy long weekend. Here's just one of the wrap ups. More to come! Like any great neighborhood festival you see a lot of your neighbors just hanging out, like the Treksters and Fishboy, and entering Hampden Idol. Our diligent and friendly judges, Sarah Jennings, reigning Hampden Idol, Lee Gardner, editor of the Baltimore City Paper, and Aaron Henkin, host of WYPR's The Signal.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-65233026952975480422011-09-08T16:04:00.002-04:002011-09-08T16:06:21.672-04:00

Superhero Series, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.Our Button-o-matic has arrived with the brand spanking new Superheroes Series! Buttons by Jeffrey Brown, Laura Park, Shawnimal, Jay Ryan and more!!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-84401447469811686722011-09-07T16:07:00.003-04:002011-09-07T16:23:24.232-04:00

This Friday is our annual pre SPX party! These comic artists will be at Atomic Books presenting and signing their new works: ANDERS NILSEN MARC BELL MELISSA MENDES NOAH VAN SCIVER TOM NEELY BRIAN RALPH DINA KELBERMAN And THE NERDLINGER AWARDS! 7-9pm Sales on tons of books, comics, DVDs and our own Atomic Books beer will be served.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-33215495538336451412011-09-02T16:14:00.001-04:002011-09-02T16:17:33.302-04:00

Hey, we have this crazy thing happening in the city this weekend, so here's some helpful tips on avoiding the closed streets. But it's First Friday in Hampden tonight and Celebrated Summer Records is having a Donut Social and we're having a 25% sale on all CDs and DVDs and 50% off all sale items (off their already lowered prices) as well as refreshing adult beverages. We'll be open on Labor Day

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-83147352275091328752011-09-02T13:49:00.000-04:002011-09-02T13:49:29.022-04:00

Keeping track of new magazines (etc.) that we get in which talk about Baltimore stuff. For more on, by, or about Baltimore-area artists, check out the following issues below.  Mojo Magazine #215Mojo has a 1 page profile of Future Islands. "...This conflict between new wave stoicism and uninhibited emotional outpouring is the bloodline of Future Islands. Coming from the same Baltimore

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-44472552691747500222011-09-01T17:17:00.000-04:002011-09-01T17:17:56.211-04:00

This month's Reading Club pick is The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis by Lydia Davis. See you September 28th for the discussion - 7:30 at Atomic Books! New members are welcome at any time, and you get 15% off all the books for this year's Club titles. Join the Facebook Group for more discussion and updates.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-57051502902895821882011-08-30T10:12:00.001-04:002011-08-30T10:12:23.663-04:00

We're Open, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.So it won't be this dark anymore.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-26592908968208055942011-08-28T11:14:00.003-04:002011-08-29T10:31:04.215-04:00

Irene was all about taking out our power here in Baltimore. We are without power and so is everyone else on our grid, which is mostly Falls Road shops, but also the Golden West Cafe. We'll be here for a while longer in case the power comes back this morning. ETA: Still no power! Hopefully it'll be back soon. ETA: Still no power this Monday morning. We'll be open anyway at 11am so you can

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-87596452514389054272011-08-25T09:33:00.002-04:002011-08-25T09:55:34.531-04:00

We sometimes get odd and interesting letters sent to us at Atomic Books. It isn't always easy to determine the intent of the sender. But we thought it might be interesting to share these letters from time to time. This letter was sent to us by an inmate in the US Penitentiary in Jonesville, VA.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-31416692857270254022011-08-20T00:57:00.009-04:002011-08-20T09:44:59.167-04:00

The other night, I was invited by a local organization of graphic designers to give a lecture on the history of the graphic novel. I finished that lecture with a list of reading recommendations. Since I rushed through it, and because a friend asked me for the list, I thought I'd post it here. So if you're looking for some quality graphic novel/comics reading, I suggest you try one of the many

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-8997626702885761512011-08-14T14:19:00.003-04:002011-08-15T09:37:42.651-04:00

All the world loves a list: Top 10s, Top 5s, Top 50s, it doesn't really matter how you number them. In fact, for magazines they are go-to sales boosters, and for web periodicals they are traffic drivers. But sometimes lists go wrong. Witness, for example, Kirstin Butler's "Comic Books as Journalism: 10 Masterpieces of Graphic Nonfiction" for The Atlantic. The first red flag comes when you try

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-91661920215122147392011-08-13T18:51:00.001-04:002011-08-13T19:02:38.009-04:00

Keyboard Man by Lachlan Hardy It's coming!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-42503499842322682312011-08-01T14:00:00.001-04:002011-08-01T14:00:42.124-04:00

This Friday, Tom Scocca, author of Beijing Welcomes You, will be at Atomic Books to help familiarize you with our new overlords. Starts at 7pm! Adult refreshments will be needed.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-52524669263672859122011-08-01T12:34:00.001-04:002011-08-01T13:55:05.611-04:00

This month's Reading Club pick is The Collected Stories of Amy Hempel by Amy Hempel. See you August 31st for the discussion - 7:30 at Atomic Books! New members are welcome at any time, and you get 15% off all the books for this year's Club titles. Join the Facebook Group for more discussion and updates.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-32107593290735410252011-07-30T21:20:00.002-04:002011-07-30T21:36:09.384-04:00

In our free bins in the front of Atomic Books, we frequently distribute all kinds of items people send us - from zines and mini comics to newspapers, books, CDs, cassette tapes, t-shirts and more. Sometimes, things find their way into the bin, and we don't know where they came from. That's just part of the magic and fun of the free bin. Such is the case of an unopened padded envelope with

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-75014203964515768322011-07-30T13:56:00.002-04:002011-07-30T13:58:33.234-04:00

Baltimore Magazine's Top 5 Best Writers of Baltimore - John Waters, Laura Lippman, Madison Smartt Bell, Michael Kimball and Stephen Dixon. We've been lucky enough to have 4 out of these 5 at Atomic in the past year for their awesome books. Laura, you're invited to join us any time!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-60167280719050028532011-07-30T11:00:00.003-04:002011-07-30T11:01:12.242-04:00

IMG_2183, originally uploaded by Baltimore Lauren. It's that time again.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-26355928667203412052011-07-29T10:35:00.001-04:002011-07-29T13:21:49.385-04:00

Yes, they still ban books. As the result of a campaign launched by Wesley Scroggins, a business professor at Missouri State University, the Republic, Missouri school board recently voted unanimously to ban both Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five and Sarah Ockler's Twenty Boy Summer. This means these books are not allowed in school curriculum and copies must be removed from school libraries.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-56963727927055954542011-07-27T13:52:00.000-04:002011-07-27T13:52:13.372-04:00

Tomorrow night, Thursday, July 28th, former Baltimore Homicide Detective, Kelvin Sewell, and investigative journalist, Stephen Janis, discuss Baltimore crime and their new book, Why Do We Kill?

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-49238330573373340702011-07-17T13:37:00.002-04:002011-07-18T12:14:57.068-04:00

Isn't it interesting that art tied to records are forever, no matter how many printings there are, it's always the same cover. Yes, sometimes there are anniversary printings with maybe some added graphics, etc, but essentially, mostly, these images are iconic and intertwined with the music and the band's image for a good long time. Book jackets, on the other hand, change with the seasons.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-77630057557228912722011-07-16T14:47:00.002-04:002011-07-16T14:50:37.430-04:00

SVK, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.We don't normally blog about things we don't sell, but this collaboration between Warren Ellis and Matt "D'Israeli" Brooker is pretty cool. Forward by William Gibson (who's Zero History is out in paperback next month)! Only available directly from Berg and already sold out. We like tangible products in the real world.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-91302703107861204932011-07-14T18:32:00.000-04:002011-07-14T18:32:23.070-04:00

 We are now serving stickers, old school style. With no human interaction needed. Well, technically they are Stinckers - high-quality, screen-printed, handmade decals sold via a vending machine at select stores across the country - select stores like Atomic Books. These stickers are sold in limited editions. Once they are sold out, they are gone and will be replaced by a different set of

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-31437639837864536502011-07-12T09:00:00.010-04:002011-07-12T09:36:53.363-04:00

Keeping track of new magazines (etc.) that we get in which talk about Baltimore stuff. For more on, by, or about Baltimore-area artists, check out the following issues below. from Ghettoblaster #28  Wye Oak - Civilian Rating: Turned Up (basically 3 out of 5 stars) "Wye Oak's latest release of ethereal, folk inspired indie-pop improves on the group's signature sound of quiet, measured

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-80931657309721055482011-07-11T16:19:00.001-04:002011-07-11T16:20:43.099-04:00

This Wednesday, July 13, funnylady cartoonist Cassie J. Sneider stops by Atomic Books to read from and discuss her autobiographical rock & roll graphic novel, Fine Fine Music. Accompanying her will be Blag Dahlia of the Dwarves and author of the book Nina. Need more persuading? Here's a list from Cassie. REASONS TO COME TO THIS READING EVEN THOUGH YOU DON'T KNOW ME: 1. You can tell all of

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-70617816220406095012011-07-08T11:41:00.001-04:002011-07-08T11:42:36.419-04:00

I'll be on WYPR's (88.1FM) The Signal this evening at 7PM (and again Saturday at 1PM) to talk Summer reading suggestions. You can only talk about so many books on the radio, so be sure to stop by the store - there have been a lot of really great books to come out this summer. Listen live online. Check out the mp3/podcast.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-57541805202034971462011-07-05T15:33:00.001-04:002011-07-05T15:34:02.568-04:00

This month's Reading Club pick is The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. See you July 27th for the discussion - 7:30 at Atomic Books! New members are welcome at any time, and you get 15% off all the books for this year's Club titles. Join the Facebook Group for more discussion and updates.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-26923967701842940352011-07-02T09:24:00.000-04:002011-07-02T09:24:21.532-04:00

We had no idea this is what Julia Kim Smith was planning when she got this Labbit from us! Her latest project, With Banksy, is how I imagine Banksy would spend this holiday weekend. If he were American.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-12551720438773921372011-07-01T10:30:00.001-04:002011-07-01T10:30:01.805-04:00

Tonight is First Friday in Hampden, so a lot of shops are open late with special events. Bmore Local is hosting mayoral candidate Otis Rolley at Atomic Books, from 7-9pm. He'll talk a bit about his vision for Baltimore and you can ask him questions! We can even register you to vote. Weekend Hours:Sat July 2nd - 11am - 5pmSun July 3rd - 11am - 5pmMon July 4th - 11am - 3pm

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-40857433382934029072011-06-28T10:04:00.000-04:002011-06-28T10:04:56.409-04:00

                                        This Thursday, we're partnering with Sugar for a release party of Salacious Magazine's second issue! Expanding on its core values of presenting queer, feminist, anti-racist sex art and literature, Issue #2 presents work on the theme of Voyeurism. Join us for readings by local contributors and refreshments! The magazine will be on sale for a party price of

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-37832584320204601012011-06-22T18:12:00.001-04:002011-06-22T18:12:30.914-04:00

Dunny Kronk, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.The new Dunnys will be for sale tomorrow. The trading starts at 7pm! All blind box toys are welcome.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-31312231654638229432011-06-20T10:59:00.000-04:002011-06-20T10:59:14.878-04:00

I Love My Bike is a new book by Matt Finkle and Brittain Sullivan. It's over 150 pages of really nice, full-color portraits of bicycle enthusiasts posing with their bikes. Shot all over the U.S., it features many familiar faces from Baltimore, including former Atomic Books bookseller Mag Sabo.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-58188371270947139222011-06-08T17:50:00.001-04:002011-06-08T17:55:19.328-04:00

Father's Day is coming up quick, so we thought we'd take a moment to put together a list of gift suggestions for dads because what do dads love more than books? 1. The Big Book Of Breasts 3D by Dian Hanson This book is exactly what it sounds like. It's a large art book of glorious breasts, in 3D. And it includes glasses. But don't worry if dad loses them, the photos don't look distorted without

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-22847941888977330512011-06-01T16:32:00.000-04:002011-06-01T16:32:38.951-04:00

This month's Reading Club pick is Demons in the Spring by Joe Meno. See you June 29th for the discussion - 7:30 at Atomic Books! Remember, new members are welcome at any time, and you get 15% off all the books for this year's Club titles. Join the Facebook Group for more discussion and updates.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-53685764779356281702011-06-01T15:26:00.001-04:002011-06-01T15:26:55.050-04:00

Paul Hornschemeier will be at Atomic Books this Friday with a new book, Life with Mr. Dangerous. Emily Flake will be here, too, and who knows what she's going to do! Starts at 7pm. And it's First Friday so a lot of the shops in the neighborhood are having special events, sales or just staying open later than usual.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-21104514658468307782011-05-31T11:39:00.003-04:002011-05-31T11:42:12.626-04:00

Another installment in our Atomic Fiction series, this Thursday, Michael Kimball will be at Atomic Books, reading from his latest novel, Us. Hosted by Kathy Flann. 7-9pm. Join us for the book party and adult refreshments!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-57819912034536734932011-05-29T10:00:00.000-04:002011-05-29T10:00:21.582-04:00

Friday night we hosted a release party for the Baltimore Time Travel Anthology - a collection of time-travel comics by Baltimore cartoonists. These are two cartoons we showed at the party. Scoobert And Barb's Inconsequential Adventures, Ep. 1 by Josh Von Horne True Facts Of The World Part 1 by Dina Kelberman True Facts of the World Part I from dina on Vimeo.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-62769135790563412532011-05-27T09:26:00.001-04:002011-05-27T09:26:44.827-04:00

bigbadwolfbbq, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.Monday is Memorial Day and we'll be open from 11am-3pm. Happy Cook Outing!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-23799891348738042502011-05-24T15:52:00.003-04:002011-05-27T16:34:16.636-04:00

Get ready for some time traveling comic stories from the Baltimore Time Travel Anthology, this Friday, May 27th! Baltimore comic artists will be here with presentations of their stories. ALSO! We'll be celebrating the release of the first issue of SnoBaltimore, a guide to Baltimore area snoball stands. We'll have free snoballs all night. 7pm-9pm!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-62374626070848277442011-05-23T16:00:00.001-04:002011-05-23T16:04:08.685-04:00

This Thursday, May 26, as part of our Atomic Fiction Series, authors Susi Wyss and Glen Retief will be reading from and signing new copies of their books.  Susi's The Civilized World follows five women in The Ivory Coast as they face meddling mothers-in-law, unfaithful partners, and the lingering aftereffects of racism, only to learn that their cultural differences are outweighed by their

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-43553215493128743162011-05-21T17:26:00.002-04:002011-05-21T17:28:00.041-04:00

photo of photo shoot, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.A lot of couples are into unconventional weddings these days, and the other day we had a couple take engagement photos in the store (believe it or not, this isn't our first engagement photo shoot in the store with customers). And once we had a marriage proposal happen in the store. Here's the whole set about it.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-21505018444509970242011-05-15T12:07:00.001-04:002011-05-15T12:07:21.821-04:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by BillyClub.Thanks to everyone who came out last night and waited in the drizzle! Here's a photo set of the night by Bill Hughes.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-24433048449218134852011-05-13T12:41:00.005-04:002011-05-13T13:44:11.888-04:00

“One morning, as Gregor Samsa was waking up from anxious dreams, he discovered that he had been changed into an adorable kitten.”Franz Kafka, thanks to writer Coleridge Cook, joins Quirk Books' series of monster lit classics where authors take a piece of classic literature and give it a modern twist.In The Meowmorphosis, instead of discovering he's been transformed into a giant insect, Samsa is

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-15066540706523768542011-05-11T14:12:00.001-04:002011-05-11T14:12:04.861-04:00

Role Models Softcover Signing, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.This Saturday we'll have John Waters back to sign the paperback edition of his latest awesome book, Role Models.7-9pm!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-63412197329727645142011-05-04T15:35:00.005-04:002011-05-04T15:40:56.378-04:00

Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday, May 7th. And for the third year running we have our own free humor/comic anthology, Mutant #2. Stop on by Atomic and get plenty of other free comics from indie publishers to superhero publishers and we'll also have 25 cent comics, all bagged and boarded back issue comics are 50% off, 20% of ALL graphic novels and 20% off ALL Art books and plenty of other

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-76706574602051080322011-05-02T10:25:00.003-04:002011-05-02T10:25:00.127-04:00

May's Reading Club Pick is Kurt Vonnegut's Welcome to the Monkey House. See you May 25th for the discussion - 7:30 at Atomic Books! Remember, new members are welcome at any time, and you get 15% off all the books for this year's Club titles.

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-55863830851303157382011-05-01T12:22:00.000-04:002011-05-01T12:22:32.994-04:00

Festivals - Here we come! May The Sheep & Wool Festival May The Maryland Film Festival & Videopolis May SoWeBo Festival May Maryland Deathfest June Honfest July Artscape July Otakon August Baltimore Comic Con September Hampdenfest September Small Press Expo September High Zero Festival September Baltimore Book Festival And if you're coming to town, we have a handy list on our links page

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-56283461561096228922011-05-01T11:48:00.001-04:002011-05-01T11:48:49.575-04:00

Tea & Cake, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.And the winner for People's Choice is Tea & Cake by Sarah Mires.Congrats, Sarah, and thanks to all the artists who participated this year!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-87794769449792062142011-04-28T11:42:00.001-04:002011-04-28T11:42:20.053-04:00

Sayles Tour, originally uploaded by sugarfreak.Next Thursday, May 5th, John Sayles will be at Atomic Books to read from his new novel, A Moment in the Sun.7-9pm!

Rachelnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-39729179147458408742011-04-27T10:16:00.004-04:002011-04-27T10:27:28.920-04:00

Ready to try some new blank forms?Toy2R has just released their new selection of 7 Mini Qees!Also, this Saturday (April 30) is the last day of the Vinylmore 4 exhibit.Since the opening night was rather packed and chaotic, we thought this would be a good chance to meet the artists, and for them to maybe talk a little bit about their process, technique, etc.So this Saturday will be a Vinylmore 4

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7368013.post-85665673630529774852011-04-25T10:00:00.000-04:002011-04-25T10:00:04.987-04:00

It's springtime! Springtime means bugs.Fortunately Amy Stewart is here to help you prepare with a witty and disturbing follow up to Wicked Plants.Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon's Army And Other Diabolical Insects, is just chock full o' all kinds of useful bug-related information.This A to Z compiles over 100 insects that infest, infect, and generally wreak havoc on human affairs.

Bennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04928763678956634055noreply@blogger.com0