Ash Ave Comic Book Club July Meetings: Pride of Baghdad and Sandman vols

The unending heat wave means we’ve made it to July, the perfect time to read a comic by the beach but since we’re in Tempe indoors will have to do. Our first reading group meetup of the month is Pride of Baghdad, a 2006 graphic novel written by Brian K. Vaughn and drawn by Niko Henrichon, followed by volumes 9 and 10 of the series Sandman, by Neil Gaiman and a number of artists.

Check below for the meeting dates for the next two months, below that is the cover art and publishers’ summary of July’s titles. All discussions are on Sundays at 6PM at the shop, and the selected readings of a given month are 20% off at the shop.

Sunday, July 10th: Pride of Baghdad

Sunday, July 17th: Sandman vols 9+10

Sunday, August 7th: DC New Frontier

Sunday, August 21st: Sandman Endless Nights + Overture

In the spring of 2003, a pride of lions escapes from the Baghdad Zoo during an American bombing raid. Lost and confused, hungry but finally free, the four lions roamed the decimated streets of Baghdad in a desperate struggle for their lives. In documenting the plight of the lions, PRIDE OF BAGHDAD raises questions about the true meaning of liberation – can it be given, or is it earned only through self-determination and sacrifice? And in the end, is it truly better to die free than to live in captivity?

A new edition of the classic title reprinting issues #57-69 of THE SANDMAN and “The Castle” from VERTIGO JAM, with pivotal events that laid the groundwork for the finale of THE SANDMAN.

In the final Sandman tales from issues #70-75 of the acclaimed horror series, Morpheus makes the ultimate decision between change and death. As one journey for the Endless ends, another begins for the Lord of Dreams and his family. All the pieces come together for the final moments of THE SANDMAN.