New York -- You don't have to be a comic aficionado to notice something strikingly different about the new five-part HERMAN Classics book series.

“The water-color artwork leaps off the glossy page,” says Jack David, President of ECW Press, publisher of the premium-quality color collector’s edition of the hit newspaper comic HERMAN. “It has a completely different look and feel about it. We haven’t seen anything like it.”

Jim Unger, who slipped-in many new gags in the new book series, agrees the color on premium paper is much different from black and white versions seen in newspapers and other book collections. “The use of color and contrast helps set up the visual gag,” said Unger. “I think it makes them much funnier.”

‘HERMAN Classics, Volume One’ includes a brief biography of the award-winning creator entitled “Meeting Jim Unger”, written by fellow syndicated newspaper cartoonist David Waisglass. The introduction offers valuable insight into the creative process, personal influences, and Unger’s long-time battle with depression.

“Jim Unger is exceptionally innovative and had a profound influence on all of us,” said Waisglass, creator of the newspaper comic FARCUS®. “HERMAN changed everything when it first appeared. He’s a legend. I doubt there is a cartoonist out there who hasn’t studied Jim’s unique illustrative style and wit.”

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE® creator Lynn Johnston agrees, and offers similar praise in her introduction of “HERMAN Classics, Volume Two” released October 2004.

Unger currently resides on Vancouver Island where he syndicates new and classic HERMAN comics to more than 800 daily newspapers worldwide through United Features Syndicate, New York.