Philip

Editor at Dark Horse Comics

Philip knows his comics and he knows his audience. His picks are guaranteed to appeal to die-hard fans as well as those who've never cracked a comic (but should!):

- "Headcase" by Sam Chivers: "This dialogue-free short story from the recent Prophecy Anthology Vol. 1 is my favorite comics story of 2004 so far. Creepy, sci-fi fantasy."

- Freaks of the Heartland, story by Steve Niles, art by Greg Ruth: "You walk into a beautiful Andrew Wyeth painting to find bloodthirsty hick parents trying to murder their mutant offspring. Intense painted comics. Sweet, sympathetic mutant kids."

- Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue: "A massive graphic novel series about one of the most famous samurai figures in Japan's history."

- Street Angel by Jim Rugg and Brian Maruca: "A teenage girl superhero who's a skateboarding champ and martial arts master defends her city."

Erin

From Red Light Clothing

3590 SE Hawthorne Blvd

Choosing a Halloween costume can be nerve wracking--that's why we've enlisted Erin from the Red Light to offer a few pointers:

- Planning: "Go that extra mile! I like it when guys shave in some male pattern baldness, or grow a beard. Spend the money to make it a good costume."

- Creativity: "If you're too broke, try inventing a persona. Creativity is key--although, beware of using cardboard boxes and other materials that can completely hinder movement."

- Masks: "It's always hilarious to have a person in a gorilla outfit just running around fucking with everyone--but it's important to bring straws to drink out of, so you don't have to reveal your identity."

- Hoochies: "Of course chicks love to be totally slutty--but if you're going to do that, make it funny. Black out a few teeth or add some oral herpes."