Ancient Joe (2001) 1

created, written, & illustrated by C. SCOTT MORSE From the abysmal depths of both time and the ocean arises Ancient Joe. Is he a myth? A crazy man? An eternal warrior? Chances are he's all three, but there are a few things we know for sure: he's an impeccable barroom brawler, having bested Ernest Hemingway and many more on various rum-soaked floors; he's a ceaseless lover, following his departed wife into the pits of hell to retrieve her soul; and he's a friend to the local Cubans, who can't tell if he's a god or a man, but don't seem to mind either way. Creator C. Scott Morse (Soulwind, Volcanic Revolver) wraps charm and courage around this Popeye-bodied, tribal-masked, timeless character, and lets the stories roll out like a Havana breeze. Ancient Joe first appeared, to much acclaim, in last year's Dark Horse Maverick anthology, and this new series leaves no doubt as to Morse's ability to transform words and drawings into classic illustrated tales. Features hand-painted covers and lotsa spice o' life. On sale October 31 b&w, 24 pg (1 of 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.99 Cover price $3.50.