The Simpsons -- the quintessential middle American nuclear family -- have become a cultural icon. Beloved by millions of viewers, the Emmy Award-winning series made television history by bringing animation back to prime time, rapidly becoming one of the Fox network"s highest-rated shows. In this collection of comics, faithful followers can catch up on the latest goings-on in Springfield, as the Simpson universe leaps from the screen to the big color comics pages. Ned Flanders, steadfast citizen and devoted father, has gone on a rampage, committing shocking crimes (it"s not his fault -- he"s been kidnapped by aliens). The Simpsons try out for membership in a biosphere, with catastrophic results. Then it"s off to a new adventure as Bart skateboards headlong into the evils of the publishing industry, where he learns all about idea stealing, bad writers and the fleeting interest of editors.