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This preliminary sketch for the cover of Mome Vol. 17 can be found on Flickr. Sez Nate: "Even though the image says vol. 16, Fantagraphics says that it must be used (if it is) for vol. 17…the story in that volume will connect to the cover image."

The nominees for the 2009 Eisner Awards have been announced and we are pleased to report that our publications have received 7 nominations in various categories. To celebrate, for a limited time we're offering 15% off nominated titles — click here to browse and buy! And the nominees are: Best Short Story • "Glenn Ganges in 'Pulverize,'" by Kevin Huizenga, in Ganges #2 Best Humor Publication • Petey & Pussy by John Kerschbaum Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips • Explainers by Jules Feiffer • Willie & Joe: The WWII Years by Bill Mauldin Best U.S. Edition of International Material• The Last Musketeer…

• Review: The Chicago Tribune on Monologues for Calculating the Density of Black Holes by Anders Nilsen: "The loneliness comes off the page in waves, trailed by dark humor… Nilsen's work may have a minimalist look, but he's exploring the biggest issues around. And you can't stop turning the pages." • Review: Brix Picks' Book of the Week is The Chuckling Whatsit by Richard Sala, which they say "is one of those books that I revisit regularly because it's just so fun to read." • Review: Bookopolis gives Unlovable Vol. 1 by Esther Pearl Watson 4.5 stars: "This book is…

Go check out an exclusive 6-page excerpt featuring the ever-lovable Venus from our forthcoming Luba omnibus hardcover by Gilbert hernandez at ICv2!

Al Jaffee and Arnold Roth will appear live today at 2:00EST on Blog Talk Radio's Mr. Media Show to talk about the amazing new HUMBUG collection. If you're dying to ask Mr. Jaffee or Mr. Roth a question, you can call in and do so at (646) 595-3135. How many opportunities do you get to talk to living legends like these guys?  By the way, that's Jaffee, the late Will Elder, and Arnold Roth above (left to right). What a great picture…

Esther Pearl Watson's UNLOVABLE has been picked up by Urban Outfitters and is being tested in ten stores nationally. If you haven't seen Unlovable yet and live near one of these locations, well, go buy it already and help us help Esther conquer the world! 628 Broadway, New York, NY3111 M St., N.W., Washington, DC374 Ave. of Americas, New York, NY1507 5th Avenue Seattle, WA5331 East Mockingbird Lane, S.190 Dallas, TX7861 Tysons Corner Center, N-15-U McLean, VA2590 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA624 State St. Santa Barbara, CA7135 E. Camelback Rd., #150 Scottsdale, AZ3000 184 St. S.W., Alderwood Mall #810 Lynnwood, WA

• Review: Comics Waiting Room on Ho! The Morally Questionable Cartoons of Ivan Brunetti: "…[I]f the material printed Ho! had been created in, say, Soviet Russia, Ivan would be the biggest star in the gulag. As it is, he’s one of the most twisted and funny motherfuckers putting pen to paper right in the U.S. of A. And I’m damned proud he’s one of us… Brunetti’s latest work is as strong as ever, and maybe even sicker. He’s an amazing cartoonist, and I respect his work immensely, even when some of it makes me queasy… especially if it makes me…

How about some new webcomics for your weekend? You know things aren't going to end well in this week's Blecky Yuckerella strip by Johnny Ryan… It's maybe the most shocking develoment yet this week's installment of Steven Weissman's in-progress pages from "Blue Jay," an epic 50-page story from Chocolate Cheeks, the next collection of the Yikes! gang's adventures…. And it's Rocky's latest breakup in our current 5-day chunk of Martin Kellerman's hilarious Swedish smash-hit Rocky, updated Monday-Friday!

ALERT! Unofficial word has it that Adult Swim will air the (heretofore-only-streaming-on-their-website) pilot of Michael Kupperman's Snake 'n' Bacon TV program on May 10 at 12:45 AM! As when they aired the pilot for Tony Millionaire's The Drinky Crow Show, it's likely that the network will be gauging viewer response in order to decide whether to pick up the show for a series, so we'll definitely be posting more information about that as it becomes available. For now: mark your calendars and TUNE IN FOR TELETHRIZZLE!

The Complete Crumb Comics Slipcase By Robert Crumb These handsome, sturdy clothbound slipcases are designed to hold 5 volumes of the softcover editions of The Complete Crumb Comics series. (Note: Hardcover volumes will not fit. Books not included.) They are stamped in gold with a Crumb logo and art on the front and spine. Thought to be out of stock for several years, a cache of these exclusive items was recently discovered hidden inside the Ark of the Covenant in our warehouse. Supplies are limited, and you'll want multiples for your whole collection, so order today! Don't let our melted…