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Presenting a unique art book collecting the work of the Pop Surrealism movement's brightest rising star. Rock Candy: The Artwork of Femke Hiemstra intersperses the young Dutch artist's stunning work with photos and ephemera demonstrating her process and influences. This book is now available for pre-order in our online shop following its hit debut at Comic-Con last month. Get a taste by downloading our 15-page PDF preview. This book will be in stock and shipping in a week or two, and in stores approximately 4 weeks later (subject to change).

  Paul McCartney on "illegitimate" artforms, in discussing the forthcoming Beatles Rock Band: "Rock 'n' roll, or the Beatles, started as just sort of hillbilly music, just a passing phase, but now it's revered as an art form because so much has been done in it. Same with comics, and I think same with video games." From the New York Times. What graphic novels do you think Paul McCartney reads?!?

One of my favorite books this year is Johnny Ryan's PRISON PIT, a book that I think is his magnum opus. So it was with great self-satisfaction this morning that I read Jog's review of the book, the first proper review I've seen yet. A brief summary of his take? "Jesus Fucking Christ."

Bring on the Online Commentary & Diversions: • Interview: Sean T. Collins's series of interviews with Marvel Strange Tales MAX contributors at Marvel.com continues with Peter Bagge: "The Hulk story's about both the Hulk and Bruce Banner trying to cope with their many issues via the use of modern pharmacology, in the form of head pills, Viagra, et cetera. Needless to say, wackiness ensues." • Interview: And another one from Sean at Marvel.com, this time with Jason: "With the Spider-Man story I pretty much followed the Stan Lee formula of him being a super hero but a screw-up as a…

Jeez, poor Bob Levin can't catch a break: we've screwed up his byline in The Comics Journal twice in a row.

I know what's up with Fantagraphics Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds since he sits right across the room from me (his nifty new job title didn't come with its own office), but for the rest of you, Publishers Weekly's Heidi MacDonald grills him about past, present and future, with first glimpses at some of his upcoming editorial projects. It's a must-read for Fanta loyalists and industry observers.

Andrei Molotiu talks to Artforum's Nicole Rudick about Abstract Comics. 

The new print by Drew Friedman. 

Johnny Ryan talks Prison Pit and moustaches in a hilarious new VICE interview. 

Next month Jim Blanchard marches into Roq La Rue Gallery in Seattle with a solo exhibit of his Pop Cult portraits. More info at Jim's blog. Marty Feldman, baby!