Teenagers from Mars

I first got into Rick Spears by reading his latest 8 issue comic The Pirates of Coney Island. I feel instantly in love with the first issue and I eagerly await the next ones. In the meantime I checked out his other books and when I picked this up the guy at the comic book store told me that it was almost a sin that I didn't already own it... now I know why... This is what comics are all about. Not only is it beautifully written but its true to life. The art and dialogue is fantastic. What I love about this book is how one thing morphs into something else. What you see at first isn't always what it really is. The title for example. I'm sorry to say if you expecting a book about teenage aliens you'll be disappointed. But if you want something about anarchy, love, teen rebellion and the comic book liberation army, then BUY THIS. All the negative reviews about this are wrong. It's a brilliantly written Graphic novel. I'm extremely picky about comics and I was very apprehensive about buying this, but I feel like kicking myself for even THINKING like that about this book. It truly is a work of art and Rick Spears and Rob G. Deserve more credit then their given. BUY THIS BOOK! I can't put into words how good this is!

You shouldn't listen to any of the negative reviews about this book for one simple reason. They are not true. This is one of my all time favorites, and i have been reading comics for about 13 or 14 years now. It has great characters, an interesting and original plot, wonderful artwork, witty and unique humor, and references to tons of GREAT indie movies and bands. In fact, i have turned many of my friends onto the comic book medium, just by lending them this comic. Do yourself a favor and buy this book right now. Don't think, just do it. I promise you will not regret your decision. Oh yeah, one more thing. Familiarize yourself with Rick Spears' name. Your going to hear it again.

...and not just because the main character and I have the same name. (Although, admittedly, that IS why I picked it up in the first place...the cover of issue #1, some dude wearing a nametag with my name on it? C'mon, you woulda picked it up too!) 'Teenagers' seems tailor written for, that's right, teenagers. It's boiling over with angsty young love, DIY rebeliousness, a genuine fondness for youth culture (yes, ESPECIALLY the band and movie references), and a blatantly anti-authority attitude. I first read it as I was turning 30 but I immediately felt transported back to the ninth grade when I knew everything, when every adult was an idiot, when cigarettes were cool and punk rock was the only thing that mattered. For me, comic books are about escapism and TFM is escapist fiction at it's best: measured does of magical realism in a world where most any suburban adolescent can find something relatable, "Hey, that's MY life!" The art is aggressive and cinematic. The story is charming and strange. It may not be for everyone (intellectuals and snobs might want to stay clear) but anyone looking for a fun rock n' roll read will probably dig the Teenagers.

This book was by far my favorite comic of the year last year. One of my all time favorites. I have a collection of 600+ graphic novels and about 10,000 comics and my girlfriend asked me to recommend one book to her out of my whole collection and this was the book I chose. I chose wisely. She loved it. I would give this book to the hardcore comic book reader as well as the "I've never read a comic before" reader. I can't recommend this book enough. Really cool characters, especially a punk rock girl that I wish was real. Great story line about a struggling comic book artist vs. the 2 great evils of our society (walmart and stupid people). And the Comic Book Liberation Army. Just an absolutely great book. Scott

Wow! One of the most impressive collections I've read this year. I've never heard of the writer or artist before, but I will be looking for more by them. The book opens with a grave robbing by some young teens. How many books can be that provocative? The drawing and writing are very tight. The plot revolves around a joke, at first, perpetuated through an act of extreme vandalism and credited to the Comic Book Liberation Army. Thereafter, well...you're going to have to read the book to find out how crazy things get. Let's say it involves a one-legged police officer, a one-handed mayor, and a one-eyed female DA that together would make one good pirate. Finally, this is the kind of book that would have given Frederic Wertham a heart-attack or a hard-on depending on your point of view. Rated PG-13 for grave-robbing scene, some gruesome violence, teen sex and brief nudity. Buy this book.