I answered this question quite a bit at the TKGA show in Portland and at Maker Faire, and I’m not surprised, but I want to, well, thought-noodle on it here today.

We have two issues out, after all, and people wonder which one they should buy. Naturally, I believe people should buy both issues– they are both very good, and I’m proud of them, and they’re not too expensive, after all.

As the writer and publisher, though, I have to think this is like saying “which is better– Cast On’s Spring issue, or their Summer one?” Better for what? Better if you like colorwork? Better if you’re interested in lace? Better if you’re doing the TKGA Master program? Better if you’re a newbie? Better articles?

“Better” is a hard aesthetic to meet.

Issue 2 continues the storyline that was left hanging off a cliff in Issue 1. This storyline continues through Issue 3 and 4. This particular story arc will probably end in Issue 4 (but I won’t promise at this time– I will sacrifice a lot to make the story work, and if it turns out not to fit into 4 issues, then it’ll spill into Issue 5).

It is possible to pick up Issue 2 and read it without having read Issue 1. You miss out on some character development and a better sense of who these characters are if you don’t read Issue 1, but it can be done.

Issue 1 has some of the better mom-son moments. In fact, I personally believe Alex has a really good part of the storyline in Issue 1.

Issue 2 shows Ana’s character development a little more. It also introduces the bad guy.

I personally believe that Issue 2’s artwork is quite good, and I’m very pleased with it. I think the art is better than Issue 1.

I’m not objective enough to say whether the story is better in Issue 1 or Issue 2. Sorry– I wrote it, so you’ll have to decide which one has better writing.

For those who truly can’t decide and can’t buy both, I offer the following suggestion. Issue 1 has the cute POW! Hooded Scarf with pockets. If you like that pattern, or if you are an absolute beginning knitter, get Issue 1. Issue 2 has the cute Net of Justice bag. If you need a quick project (there’s a 1-skein variation of the bag written into the pattern), or if you adore bags, or if you want to learn a couple of new stitches beyond knit and purl, get issue 2.

But if it were me, and I were buying an absolutely new comic book and could get both issues inexpensively, signed by the author right there at the show? I’d buy both and take them home in their little plastic protective bags and look forward to Issue 3.

Shout Outs!

SF Weekly: “Better than watching Star Wars with a robot girlfriend.”

The Spring/Summer 2009 issue of Knit.1 has us in their Books feature, and I finally picked up a copy! Hooray! Thanks a bunch, Knit.1!

I missed this review at Knitting Purls back in April– thanks so much for the review!