Math Issue 14 by David Wien I reviewed issues 12 and 13 of Math in July of 2005. Those issues were a visual feast masquerading as a comic. Not much has changed this time out except for the physical size of Wien's playground. Math number 14's 20 oversized pages are playful, even lyrical, picture making. You'll find a story in these pages, but the images are the thing.

These could be the best waves ever drawn in a comic.
Don't believe me? Check out the way the waves crash onto the rocks on this page.

On the next page, the boat steers its way into a narrow channel; the wild sea becomes a calming ribbon of a stream.

Math has two centerfold images. The true centerfold is a stunner. Trees, grass, and bushes vibrate and bristle, and as you look closer at the foreground, a large, dark cat steps quietly.

Math is engaging art. Each page holds one image, and each image holds a world of possibility. The colorful cover is handprinted, and this $6 edition is limited to 820 copies. Talk to the good folks at Chicago Comics or Quimby's to get your copy.

Math 12 and 13 by David Wien



I picked up these two minis at one of my favorite comic shops, Chicago Comics, and there were also copies available at the sister store, Quimby's. Math is one of those mini-comics that I end up grabbing based on cover design only. You can tell that someone took the time to screen print the covers, so you pick it up and flip through the book wondering what the insides look like.





The insides of both of these are insanely detailed with swirling lines and intricate swooping designs; tight spirals and bursting stars appear on almost every page. There isn't much in the way of story and text, but a narrative is not the point of either of these comics. Number 12 has 21 words over 16 pages and some of the words are almost camouflaged in the mesmerizing backgrounds. Number 12 is a tighter package, but number 13 has a fold out centerfold and a micro-comic carefully glued to a back page.

Math 12 is $2 and Math 13 is $5. No website, but you can email David at djwien@hotmail.com.