
Recently Fred released 'The Best of Fred Negro's Pub, Volume One', a 32-page (one page in colour, all the rest in Black and White), A4 sized tome that is coil-wire bound. I had planned on purchasing my copy at the book's launch at Brisbane's Beetle Bar. When I arrived at the Bar sometime after 2300hrs (following an afternoon shift at work), I was told that Fred's band wouldn't arrive until 12 midnight - far too late for my 0645hr start at work the following day. So I ended up purchasing my copy via the internet. To be honest, I really can't recall which site I used to buy it from now!
The copy I received had its Introduction Page (by Tim Rogers) printed upsidedown. I'm not sure if all copies had a similar fault, and I don't think it was intentional. It certainly didn't detract from the end product; if anything it added to its DIY charm. Do I recommend you buy a copy? I bought a copy, but I suggest you consider the facts. FIrst: cost. The book says copies are available for $15 plus $5 postage from frednegro@bigpond.com or poolfreezer@live.com . Second: is this the type of comic you like? If you are not familiar with Fred's work, I would suggest you look at some of the recent strips by clicking here first. Then, finally, it's really up to you!

However, there were some readers who didn't like the photographic cover, and most vocal were many Air Hawk subscribers! One of those was a young Brendan Boughen!

Brendan believes that "both (cartoons and religion) are paths to uncovering truth and revealing the meaning of life. But while religion is about finding order and solace in the face of the apparent random swirling chaos of the universe, cartoons are about laughing in the face of that terrifying reality."
Mrs Karmichael (who is not overly religous) laughed out loud at some of the cartoons in this 96 page paperback. Although I found the style of the cartoons a little simple, the ideas and messages behind them make the reading experience worthwhile. The book's size is 21.5 x 15 cms, and it is available for A$30 from Brendan/Jim's website here. Price includes postage and packing all the way from New Zealand. Check out the website to see some of Jim's work before you buy, and while you are there send him a message that you learnt of his work through Comicoz!
Finally, warm Congratulations! to Jim from all at Comicoz for winning the Bronze Award in the Humour Category at the Australasian Religious Press Association’s 2011 awards (see the cartoon in Jim's Blog dated September 12th 2011).