* here's a profile of Mike Sterling and the opening of his new store. Nat Gertler was his first customer. I wish Mike Sterling the best in this endeavor. I'm always happy when a new comics shop opens up, and Sterling's a foundational comics blogger without whom I wouldn't be doing this.
* not comics: a couple of CR readers suggested this article about a band that self-financed their own tour and self-finances generally. I'm not sure there's a lot in there for comics people because the cultures are different. I'm sure that 80 percent of the cartoonists at SPX would snap up this general financial outlook in a second if it were there for them. Still, it's interesting when people talk about money.
* here are one writer's choices for gateway graphic novels. I'm more of a "crash the party at any point along the wall" guy, but I always have fun reading what other people think.
* finally, Fantagraphics has updated its "How To Read Love And Rockets" page. I think it does the job. The only thing I might advise a new reader is that with such a lengthy saga it might take longer than usual to make a full appraisal as to whether or not you like it and how much. I think I had read seven full issues in the first series before it finally hit me.
* Johanna Draper Carlson on 
