If you weren’t around when we launched Vertigo, then you’re in for a treat this holiday weekend. No other series better defined visceral and passionate writing with heady and hallucinogenic ideas than SHADE THE CHANGING MAN. There was nothing like the series at the time, and re-reading the stories that form the first two collections (the first was re-released a couple of weeks ago, and the second volume is on sale this week), there’s still nothing like it in comics. A crazy and beautiful treat of creativity let loose in the hands of Peter Milligan and artist Chris Bachalo, SHADE is a unique blend of strong characterization played out against the backdrop of an America under siege by its own collective madness. “The American Scream” is a psychotic and violent version of Uncle Sam, and through the lens of this dark and demented character, Shade and the lovely Kathy explore the real dark side of the American dream. From the streets of New York City to the hills of San Francisco, the coolest looking couple in comics battle and live through insane adventures as the very fabric of reality starts to unravel around them. And then they meet the one and only unflappable Lenny, and then things really start to get strange…. Vertigo: Graphic Connection SHADE is a pick of the week on iO9