In the News… 

…A further sign of the depressing time for booksellers, Borders Group has announced that they will close 200 Waldenbooks stores in January, cutting 1,500 jobs. The company plans to focus on more profitable superstores, and will leave only about 130 mall-based stores open.  This is on top of 112 stores that were closed during the 2008 fiscal year.  In short, the mall book stores that many of us grew up with is fast becoming extinct.   

…Some sad news to report this week…British fantasy author Louise Cooper, 57, died October 21, 2009 of a brain aneurysm at her home in Cornwall. Cooper was a prolific author who wrote over 80 books for adults and children. She was best known for her Time Master trilogy, and for her Indigo Saga series.  She is survived by her husband, artist Cas Sandall. 

…The 2009 World Fantasy Award winners were announced at the World Fantasy Convention held October 29 - November 1, 2009, in San José, California.  Highlight winners include:

Best Novel – Tie between The Shadow Year by Jeffrey Ford and Tender Morsels By Margo Lanagan. 

Best Anthology - Paper Cities: An Anthology of Urban Fantasy (Senses Five Press) 

Best Artist – Shaun Tan 

Lifetime Achievement winners – Ellen Asher and Jane Yolen 

A light this week as we head into the heart of the holiday shopping season but there are some excellent releases to note… 

First, Devil’s Due is out with their latest Hack/Slash Collection, Volume 6.  Hack/Slash is simply one of the very best horror comics around today.  It has a strong grasp of horror traditions to go along with a wry sense of humor.  Plus, Cassie Hack is one of the sexiest heroes in comics today. 

Also out is the latest Deadworld collection entitled Deadworld: Slaughterhouse.  Deadworld is the godfather of zombie comics getting its start over twenty years ago at long defunct Arrow Comics.  Arrow may be gone but its greatest creation continues on!