This last year has been one of great turmoil as wars, epidemics and extreme climate events have ravaged the globe. Sometimes it has felt as if the old certainties that have shored up our worldview for so long are being swept away in an unstoppable torrent of disaster, chaos, and disarray. But one thing has stolidly and steadfastly resisted the foaming tides of time: Viz. No matter what cataclysms and catastrophes lay waste to our fragile planet, the potty-mouthed comic's loyal readers know they can expect an annual packed full of stuff about toilets, second-rate celebrities and unfeasibly large testicles to take their mind off oncoming Armageddon. And this year - as Viz's latest annual The Zookeeper's Boot goes on sale - is no exception to that rule. A stout and glossy 226-page hardback, The Zookeeper's Boot is stuffed with the hilarious stuff that has made Viz the country's fourth* or fifth** favourite humorous magazine (* ** possibly sixth) for well over four decades... * Edge-of-seat Adventures: Jack Black to the Future, The Titanic Mystery, The Death of Nelson and Bad Bob the Randy Wonderdog * Cartoons: The Fat Slags, Sid the Sexist, Biffa Bacon, Mrs Brady Old Lady, Johnny Fartpants, The Real Ale Twats and Roger Mellie * Readers' letters and Top Tips, spoof ads, quizzes, games, Roger's Profanisaurus and much more So this Christmas, let The Zookeeper's Boot tread its muck across your festive threshold (and those of all your friends, relatives and acquaintances), spreading its merry bouquet wherever it goes.

For anyone who loved St Trinian's - old or new - or loves a cozy mystery on a grand estate filled with rather 'interesting' characters. Gemma Lamb is ready for an uneventful term at St Bride's, she's had enough of dastardly deeds and sinister strangers. However, she's barely back at school before: Unlucky in love Oriana is sneaking around at odd hours Handsome Joe is keeping secrets Militant Mavis feels a scandal is brewing It's all a bit much, so when a stranger appears, Gemma thinks she's had enough. But this stranger isn't so sinister, instead he looks rather too familiar. If Gemma can't get him away from the school the whispers and scandal his presence could unleash may just close St Bride's doors for good. Gemma's joined forces with her colleagues to save the school in the past, but this time she's going to have to do it on her own . . .

More stories of mayhem from the world's favourite dysfunctional family - the Simpsons! In 'The Absent-Minded Protester', it's Grampa's turn to take to the streets of Springfield in the guise of his graffitti-writing, outlaw, alter-ego, El Grampo! And in 'Dullards to Donuts' Homer's favourite food becomes strangely addictive, as Mr Burns introduces his own unique brand to the power plant. Finally, in 'Sense and Censorability', Homer and Comic Book Guy plead the First Amendment to defend their right to read comics. A worthy cause.. but then you knew that, right?