How to use this Page

After his continued success on a certain CW show, Cisco Ramone’s comics counterpart Paco Ramone (also known as Vibe) began to grow jealous of Cisco’s role on The Flash. The CW character has been able to take on some of the best material of the show serving as both the comedic relief and mad scientist. Wanting a piece of the action, Paco decided to hatch a plot for revenge via some of his best friends — the men and woman of the Beat Manor. First, we made Paco give us his staff picks, so we could deliver this fantastical article to the comics public, then we listened as Paco hatched one of the most sinister plans that several of the Beat Staff have ever heard. He decided to put a whoopee cushion on every single surface of S.T.A.R. Labs, and then replace Cisco with Paco for the day. He convinced several Beat Staffers to join him in his nonsensical farce. Unfortunately, The Reverse-Flash caught Paco (most of the Beat Staffers got out alive) and he was never heard from again. Disregard that story as you read about our top comics picks of the week.

Alex’s Picks:

Injection #1

Writer: Warren Ellis Artist: Declan Shalvey Colorist: Jordie Bellaire Publisher: Image Comics

INJECTION explores how loud and strange the world is becoming, and the sense that it’s all bubbling into chaos—a chaos poised to become the Next New Normal—and that we did this to ourselves without thinking for a second about how we were ever going to live inside it.

Relatively little has been announced regarding Injection’s plot. Which doesn’t matter, as the creative team of Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey have already cemented their names in the comics public as a great team. Shalvey has spent a lot of time getting the art up to the standards of Moon Knight, and spoken publicly about wanting experiment further in his main psychedelic style. This is going to be a red hot title this week even with the amount of crossovers shipping from Marvel and DC.

The Mantle #1

Writer: Ed Brisson Artist: Brian Level Publisher: Image

THE MANTLE follows Robbie—just your average, run-of-the-mill guy—as he drunkenly stumbles out of a punk show one evening. On his way home he’s hit with lightning and wakes to find that he’s been chosen as the new host for The Mantle, a power set of unimaginable scope. Despite his lack of interest, he’s forced into action. The Plague, a being who has spent 50 years killing every previous host of The Mantle, is already coming for him.

Sheltered author Ed Brisson is jumping on The Mantle, a comic with the intention of deconstructing superheroes. The title features the art of Brian Level, who previously worked on a title called In the Dark from IDW and assisted with art for Lazarus from Image is joining Brisson for the series. Watching the military-rooted writer jump onto a title with Punk Rock themes and superhero aesthetics is something that has captured my interest.

Dave’s Pick:

Southern Cross #3 (Image Comics)

(W) Becky Cloonan (A) Andy Belanger (CA) Becky Cloonan

The Southern Cross begins to give up its secrets, and Braith finds that the more she learns about her sister’s death, the less she actually knows her.

Equal parts inspirational tool, diary, and space occupier for your tote bag (seriously, you'll want to carry this rad little book everywhere). Some pages may require you to reflect, some may ask you to get to know yourself a little better, and others may just ask you to draw slices of pizza. This book is [...]

School may be back in session, but that doesn’t mean our kids programming has slowed down. In fact, we’re gearing up to kick off a series of fall programs, including Pen and Tell It!, Ghost Writing Workshops and our Young Docents program.

As we’ve been planning these programs, we’ve been thinking a lot about what appeals to local parents. Of course, that means scoping out some of our favorite blogs written by local moms.

Columbus has no shortage of generous bloggers share their parenting knowledge, humor and perspective with their readers. Here are some of our local must-reads:

Cbus Mom

If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities in Central Ohio, this is your “go-to” resource! Kristen, aka cBus mom, covers and reviews all of the local, upcoming events, while balancing life with her husband, two young kids and two dogs.

Momo Fali

Diana, aka Momo, is what we like to call a mom-extraordinaire! We love reading about Diane’s adventures in parenting, life and raising her two kids. We don’t know how she does it all, but we do know that she is someone we can all relate to, as she’s not afraid to write what’s on her mind. In fact, she was recently named “Voice of the Year” by BlogHer.

Ms. Single Mama

Alaina is one of those moms who we can’t go a day without checking in on her blog to see what she’s been up to. She is brutally honest and isn’t afraid to share her feelings, hardships, and celebrations on life as a single mom raising her 4-year-old son.

Dear Crissy

Crissy is a self-proclaimed WAHM (work at home mom). On her blog she captures motherhood through her beautiful photos, stories of parenting her year old son and fun giveaways! We enjoy reading and seeing what she and her family are up to as they live life in Central Ohio.

A Busy Mom of Two

We can all learn a little from this mom who balances raising her 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter, being a wife to her husband of 12 years, and documents her adventures in saving money. This mom shares her money saving adventures, recipes and  … You’ll also want to stay tuned to her blog to enter in her frequent giveaways!

Classy Chaos

We admire Pauline, aka OHMommy, for how she juggles the busy schedules of her three active children, husband and daily blogging activities – all with a touch of class. There’s never a dull moment in her household and we love that she’s willing to share her tips and experiences with us!

Discovering Ohio

All around, this blog is a great resource for kid-friendly activities throughout Ohio! We particularly love following Lara Kretler’s picks and recommendations for places to check out in Central Ohio.

Dawn Friedman’s Work

Dawn is a local mom that inspires us so much! She shares her stories of raising her adopted daughter, and provides great resources for information on adoption. On top of parenting and writing, Dawn has also founded an organization called Open Adoption Support that’s for individuals and families who are committed to openness in adoption.

A Mommy Story

By day Christina’s a full time nurse, but by night she’s mom to her two children and an avid blogger. Tune in to her

It’s time for stars, stripes, fireworks and the celebration of our nation’s independence!  So while you are waiting for the fireworks to start, or the hot dogs to grill, celebrate the 4^th of July by opening the pages of some of these amazing books!

John, Paul, George & Ben

By Lane Smith

Go back in time with John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin! Written on parchment-like paper with pen-and-ink cartoon illustrations, Smith tells the individual stories of our Founding Fathers in humorous and exaggerated way.  From Paul Revere screaming “The red coats are coming!” to John Hancock’s giant signature on the Declaration of Independence, children and adults are sure to fall back in time to the birth of our nation!

Yankee Doodle and the Red Coats: Soldiering in the Revolutionary War

By Susan Provost Beller

Perfect for any young history buff, Yankee Doodle and the Red Coats tells the story of the Revolutionary War through soldiers’ real life accounts of their experiences.  From diaries, letters to loved ones and accounts of battles, the food, and life during the war, Beller’s book gives an exclusive look at what it was really like to fight for our nation’s independence!

Young Founders: 1776: Son of Liberty: A Novel of the American Revolution

By Elizabeth Massie

Told through the voice sixteen-year old Caleb, a free black living in a slave state, Young Founders: 1776, provides an interesting perspective of life during the Revolutionary War. When British Governor, Lord Dunmore promises that all slaves who join his army will remain free, Caleb is faced with a difficult choice: he can join Washington’s army and fight for America’s independence, or join Dunmore’s army and be free forever.  Massie’s book is perfect for any young adult who wants an inside view on the fight for freedom!

So this 4th of July, kick back, relax and enjoy these great books that celebrate the birth of our nation!

From childhood classics like Green Eggs and Ham to The Rainbow Boys, an American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults winner,  First Book is proud to announce that over 200 new titles have been added to the First Book Marketplace! While we highly recommend that you take your time and browse through all of them, we know that, sometimes, things get a little busy.  So we’ve compiled our staff picks to help you make some quick and easy book choices.

“My pick would be Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’ Dell.   I remember reading this book when I was 11 or 12 and just being lost in the story. I loved reading about how Karana survived on the island on her own and wondering if I would be able to do the same in her situation. It’s a great story about a strong, female protagonist, and I’ll probably read it again soon.”  –Aesah J.

“Chico is my pick this month! A great book for Women’s History Month celebrations, young Sandra Day O’Connor overcomes her fears and demonstrates the spirit that gave her the courage and confidence to become the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court in this true life adventure that girls (and boys) can identify with. Her adventure in the desert landscape she grew up in is breathtakingly rendered by celebrated painter Dan Andreasen as well.” – Matthew W.

“My pick would be Tar Beach. I wasn’t able to read this book as a child, but I wish I had.  Faith Ringgold weaves together an amazing story of eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot who takes an imaginary flight over her hometown of 1939 Harlem.  An amazing story for any of us who have ever used our dreams to take us far away from our own front door.  This is also a Caldecott Honor Book, a winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for illustration, a New York Times Best Illustrated Book, and the list of awards goes on and on…” –Chandler A.

“My pick is The Pyramids: Make Your Own Egyptian Sand-Scape. I like this book because it has an interactive aspect. As a kid I loved any book that was hands-on or involved puzzles or really anything spy-like. Granted, this isn’t really a spy book, but kids can build their own pyramids and then uncover ancient Egyptian secrets to being a pharaoh and how the pyramids were built!” –Bonnie J.

“My pick is CHIGGERS, which is a graphic novel by Hope Larson.  It’s for 10-14 year olds (It’s in YA). CHIGGERS is abou