It seems like a simple enough premise: short comics based on the missed-connections ads from newspapers and Craigslist, drawn by a host of cartoonists. Despite thematically arranged chapters (coffee shops, travel), this anthology doesn’t quite hang together—in part because the contributors have interpreted the assignment in so many different ways. Some draw literal or metaphorical interpretations of actual ads; some make up their own; some mock the entire concept; a few simply address the idea of “missed connections” but don’t deal with personal ads. The book’s real value is as a snapshot of the current state of the mini-comics scene, in which editor Wertz is something of a star. Nearly every significant mini-comics artist of the moment is represented here, including Lucy Knisley, Kazimir Strzepek, Sarah Glidden, Alec Longstreth, and, best of all, Laura Park, who contributes a few splendid, cruelly funny pieces (including a sleazy looking, apoplectically angry guy concluding his rant with “It is not OK to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests”). There are a few bigger names in the collection (like Peter Bagge and Jeffrey Brown), but the roster will probably look a lot more impressive in a few years. (Feb.)

• Agents of Atlas (Marvel)
• Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service vol. 8 (Dark Horse)
• Black Cat vol. 18 (Viz)
• Transformers: Saga of the Allspark(IDW)
• Birds of Prey: Club Kids (DC)
• Nana vol. 14 (Viz)
• The Walking Dead vol. 9: Here We Remain (Image)
• Warhammer: Forge of War (Boom!)
• Me & the Devil Blues vol. 2 (Del Rey)
• The Boys vol. 1(Dynamite)
• American Splendor: Another Dollar (DC)
• Groo: Hell On Earth (Dark Horse)
• Secret Invasion (Marvel)
• Green Lantern: Wanted (DC)

• Grant Morrison at NYCC
• Stan Goldberg at MoCCA
• Preview of 08: Campaign Diary
• Best of the Best of 2008 lists
• KA-BAAM!! Superheroes on Stage
• Kevin Smith's LA Comic Store Closing
• The Beat's Year End Survey