Required reading from the week in books.

If you're sick of vampires that sparkle and/or make sensitive love to Anna Paquin, why not try "The Strain"? It's book one in a new series about the undead from "Pan's Labyrinth" director, guacamole enthusiast and general master of awesome, Guillermo Del Toro.
We've never been able to cotton to Damien Wayne as Robin, and not just because of the sonic similarity to a certain "My Wife and Kids" star. We just really love Dick. Regardless, the new Morrison / Quitely "Batman and Robin" is getting a very warm reception from Dark Knight fans.

Urbanite Wade Rouse attempts to restore his spirit by moving to a cabin in the woods in "At Least in the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream." We hear it is Thoreauly funny.
Finally someone has anthologized "Barry Ween: Boy Genius," a hilarious comic by former "Real World" star Judd Winick. It's the best thing to happen to an MTV reality star since Gardisil.