Book Talk - Graphic Novels

Dirty Harry Is No Match For This Guy

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:40:34 -0800

If you think about the toughest "bad guy" archetypes in history, cowboys, ninjas and vikings would probably make the top ten. Duncan is all three wrapped up into one very confused assassin, thanks to a secret government agency that developed a counter-intelligence department made up entirely of agents with multiple-personality disorders. Now that the unit has fallen apart, Duncan is surviving as a killer for hire, but his work is suffering due to the constant bickering amongst his cowboy, ninja, and viking selves. Sound absurd? It is, but it's also one of the funniest graphic novels I've ever read.

Best known for his very serious Batman: Gothic Knights series, writer A.J. Lieberman really lets things loose in Cowboy Ninja Viking. Despite the dark overtones, the so-subtle-you-might-miss-it humor and witty dialog keeps things from getting too grim. Artist Riley Rossmo employs a loose sketchy style that perfectly matches the hyper-kinetic feel of the book and uses some very clever visual tricks to help the reader decipher the finer points of the story. Readers looking for something smart, funny, and unusual won't be disappointed by this excellent graphic novel.

What Makes A Serial Killer?

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 08:00:00 -0800

What must it be like to have gone to high school with someone who grew up to be one of America's most notorious serial killers? In Derf Backderf's new memoir, he pulls absolutely no punches as he remembers his classmate, Jeffrey Dahmer.

Backderf makes it easy to see how a disturbed loner would have fallen through the cracks: self-absorbed parents, clueless teachers, and the seemingly limitless freedom for teens in a benign Wisconsin suburb during the 1970's. But he doesn't hide the fact that he and his friends played their part, too. Backderf and his friends sometimes called themselves the Jeffrey Dahmer Fan Club, bringing the weird but wickedly funny outcast into their circle when they needed entertainment, only to drop him when Dahmer's jokes went too far. And it is during this time, when just about everyone in Dahmer's life moved on and he was truly alone, that he was no longer able to ignore the thoughts raging in his head.

Part true-crime, part memoir, My Friend Dahmer is served very well by the author's use of the graphic novel format. While the artwork might take some getting used to, Backderf's style evokes the 1970's setting perfectly. He also uses the black-and-white palette to its fullest effect, creating darkly emotional panels that brilliantly convey Dahmer's internal struggles. His story is a difficult one, but Backderf tells it with a surprising level of emotional complexity, depth, and even compassion.

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:11:48 -0800

Scott Pilgrim
23 Years Old.
Rating: Awesome.

Why wouldn't Scott Pilgrim be rated awesome? He's happily unemployed, he plays bass in a pretty terrible band, he has a sweet sleeping arrangement on a shared futon, and he's dating a high-schooler. "Well, we sort of ride the bus, and she tells me about how yearbook club went, and about her friends, and you know, drama. We almost held hands once, but then she got embarrassed."

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life is exactly that, until he meets Ramona Flowers, a mysterious delivery girl with purple hair. Actually, he doesn't meet her so much as Ramona roller-blades down the subspace highway running through Scott's head. Yes, subspace highways are a thing that happens in Scott's world, along with vegans with superpowers (caused by their superior diet,) and kung-fu style fights in public libraries.

Who wouldn't be smitten with the girl skating through their head? Scott sets out to win Ramona over. It's not an easy task. Scott's own incognizance trips him up, never mind having to battle each of Ramona's seven evil exes before he can win her heart. (There's also the part where he has to learn from his own mistakes with his ex-girlfriends and grow as a person, but that's so boooooring compared to a fight against a ex-boyfriend with a backup army of hipster chicks.)

Add some graphic novel fun to your summer reading list with the first volume in this manga-influenced series. Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O'Malley has a little angst, and lots of fight sequences, video game references, and indie music. Sounds pretty awesome to me.

Gods' Man

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:23:00 -0800

Gods' Man by Lynd Ward

One of the hottest trends in literature recently has been graphic novels -- so how about going WAY back and discovering one of the first -- decades before superhero comics took over the style -- with Ward's book, God's Man?

This classic not only basically created a whole new form but does so without any words! And, in addition, the pictures are all created as woodcuts -- and quite expressionist they are: poignant & rich in characterization, you'll really feel for the main protagonist as he strides and is pushed about the evocative landscapes. This fairly new reprint also nicely displays the pictures with one blank page facing each scene.
The story is fairly simple chronicling a young artist struggling with his craft and the corruption around him before finding sanctuary (and love) in the countryside. But to convey all this without words is quite the trick! And the nobility of his quest together with his unfailing determination may make him a superhero after all...!

A Graphic Novel Mash-up Of The Best Kind

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:41:42 -0800

I love those old kung fu movies, especially the ones with a supernatural twist. After a friend introduced me to A Chinese Ghost Story many years ago, I was totally hooked. There's something about that particular combination of action, horror and comedy that makes for an incredibly satisfying movie experience when it is done right. It never occurred to me that the same style could work on the printed page, but when I started reading Infinite Kung Fu, it was like I was watching those movies all over again.

Evil emperor? Check. Cunning villains? Check. Zombies? Check. Not just one but five styles of kung fu? Check. Strange humor in the face of death? Serious check. Throw in some blaxploitation elements, awesome fight scenes and meticulous artwork and you have a truly fantastic graphic novel. I was initially skeptical that the actual kung fu would translate well in book format, but I needn't have worried; the fight sequences here are dynamic and exciting.

Although this book was published with adult readers in mind, teens will love the humor and action. This epic story is not to be missed!

Dr Horrible and Other Horrible Stories

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:01:32 -0800

Dr. Horrible and other Horrible Stories is a graphic novel prequel to the Emmy Award-winning web series, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Here, you can find answers to those all important questions, like what inspired Billy to become Dr. Horrible? Exactly why is Dr. Horrible's sidekick, Moist, so moist? Why is a nice girl like Penny still single? Most importantly, how can you be more like Captain Hammer?

It's pretty easy to be like Captain Hammer, actually. You just have to have the eyes of a hawk, and the brain of a cardiologist to process what your hawk eyes see... and it helps if you have a full head of hair and can bench press 500 pounds.

My favorite of the collection was the story about the Evil League of Evil, who wreak havoc throughout town while the superheroes are all away at a retreat. In addition to Bad Horse, the Thoroughbred of Sin (complete with terrifying death-whinny!) we get more of Professor Normal's everyday business attire, and find out why Fake Thomas Jefferson carries only one deadly quill pen.

Each story is illustrated by a different artist, but all five are written by Zack Whedon, one of the writers for the original web series, so the smart dialogue, humor, from the original carries over. If your life needs more horribleness, try Dr. Horrible and Other Horrible Stories.

Think You Know The Media?

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:20:18 -0800

"The media." It's a term we throw around a lot these days, but what does it really mean? With the constant barrage of television, radio and the internet encroaching on our lives more and more, the media has become an almost constant presence during our waking hours. How did things get this way? Where does all this "media" come from? How do we know what, if any of it, is really true? As the host of On the Media and a journalist for two decades, Brooke Gladstone is just the person to shed some light on the subject. Her new book, The Influencing Machine, can help readers make sense out of everything we read, hear and see every day.

If you are worried this is one of those long, dry nonfiction tomes that will put you to sleep before you turn the first page, fear not! This lively graphic novel tackles complex issues in a way that is both accessible and entertaining. Gladstone covers nearly 2,000 years of media history, paying particularly close attention to freedom of the press, modern media production and its relationship to technology today. This is a fascinating and timely read that exposes the inner workings of news media and illustrates the responsibilities that we have as consumers of that media.

YOTSUBAand!

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:20:55 -0800

Manga doesn't get much better than Kiyohiko Azuma's Yotsubaandamp;! The adventures of this quirky, green-haired girl are reminiscent of classic comics like Calvin and Hobbes or Peanuts, insightful, yet humorous, thoughtful, yet lighthearted. Like Calvin, Yotsuba's imagination provides much of the humor. And like Peanuts, the large cast of characters will charm as well- Yotsuba's adopted father has a hapless appeal. Her neighbors, central to most of the storylines, provide the "straight" contrast to Yotsuba's wackiness. Her father's friends, from socially-awkward Jumbo to snarky Yanda, are welcome additions whenever they appear. Each story presents everyday, slice-of-life stuff (visiting a farm, learning to ride a bike, beach-combing, etc.). Its Yotsuba's impressions of these events, and the sense of wonder that she brings to them, that amuses. In volume one, Yotsuba and her father (Mr. Koiwai- we never learn his given name), move into a new neighborhood. Yotsuba promptly introduces herself to the Ayase family next door and her adventures begin.

The art is always crisp and clear- easy to follow for those who are more accustomed to US-style graphic novels and comics. The series has received critical attention in Japan and in the US. Some cultural aspects require side notes, but most are easy to follow and the notes never detract from the stories. Volumes 1 through 9 have been released in the US and the series continues in Japan so more are sure to follow. Be prepared to laugh :)

French Milk

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:18:54 -0800

French Milkby Lucy Knisley

French Milk is agraphic novel (that termmay be a little bit of amisnomer) bya talentedyoung cartoonist namedLucy Knisely. Herartwork and narrative style brings to mind the local cartoonist, Ellen Forney, whoillustrated Sherman Alexie's wildly popular Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

French Milk is a travel memoir at heart, created using cartoons depicting the author's post-college graduation trip to Paris with her mom (and a brief visit by her dad.)There are two things I really like about this book. The first is the author's point of view -- honest, passionate, and sentimental. If you've seen the movie Midnight in Paris, you might be reminded a little of Owen Wilson's character.

Secondly, I was impressed by the way the author incorporates personal photographsinto her work. Sometimes she pairs a real photograph from the tripwith a cartoondepicting the same moment. Looking at the two together gives the reader a real senseof the exaggerated nature of the cartoon image.A similar technique was used in theway more seriousgraphic novelThe Photographer.

If you like travel memoirs,love the city ofParis,or have aninterest in cartooning as creative expression, then you might enjoy this book. Not sure? Check out Lucy Knisley's website, where much of her work is available to look at for free.

How To Understand Israel In 60 Days Or Less

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 10:10:46 -0800

When Sarah Glidden went to Israel on a birthright tour, she was pretty sure she knew what to expect: visits to major sites, lots of sun, and plenty of Zionist propaganda. What she didn't anticipate was how deeply the trip would impact her and challenge her views of Isreal and the Israli-Palestinian conflict. As Sarah visits places and meets people around the country, she is forced to reevaluate just about every belief she has always held about Israel.

How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less is a skillfully told story about one young woman's emotional and intellectual journey as she travels through Israel. Glidden's talent as an author and artist comes through in the deft way she handles many incredibly complicated issues, both personal and political, in just over 200 pages. Her story is especially suited to the graphic novel format; she uses a number of clever techniques to illustrate her thoughts and confusion about what she is experiencing and she is able to capture in one small panel what might have taken paragraphs to describe. The personal and political story lines are equally captivating, making for a reading experience that is as educational as it is rich and rewarding.

Unshelved!

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:10:00 -0800

I am amazed that none of my esteemed colleagues have yet chosen to review the incomparable AND hilarious collections of comic strips known as "Unshelved"!

As funny as these comics are, the main reason I'm surprised they haven't been reviewed is because they portray a world very close to all of our hearts: the realm of public libraries! And so, of course, they feature characters you would, no doubt, recognize whilst perambulating around our book-heavy stacks, mostly featuring young adult librarian and slacker extraordinare, Dewey. Libraries are perhaps unduly maligned for being particularly unfunny places, but the pseudonymous Bill Barnes andamp; Gene Ambaum manage to wring plenty of outright guffaws out of our daily dilemmas. (If you remember MAD magazine's "Snappy answers to stupid questions" then you may discover those kinds of zingers comically updated here!)
KCLS now has eight volumes of these infallibly hilarious comics, including titles such as What would Dewey Do? and Library mascot cage match.
AND, incredibly enough, rumor has it that at least one of these mysterious authors is (or was) a librarian employed within our very KCLS....but my lips are sealed...!

also note: once you've finished reading every one of these gems, you can even subscribe to this duo's daily strips and thus get them sent right to your email (or other online reader) :http://www.unshelved.com/subscribe

Carnet De Voyage

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 17:22:07 -0800

Carnet De Voyage is one of my favorite travelogues. While traveling in Europe and North Africa, to promote his 2003 graphic novel, Blankets, and research his next book (due out in September of this year) Craig Thompson kept a personal sketchbook. He documented the craziness of his promotional tour and book signings, his bouts of loneliness while traveling solo, and his depression after breaking up with a long-time girlfriend shortly before the trip.

He also captured the little moments in his travels, with portraits of the French couples - they're always couples - he meets, a hike through the snowy woods in the French Alps, or the men he talks to at a Moroccan market stall. It's less a story about his trip and more like a collection of impressions. There's a page devoted to the days his stomach rebelled against foreign bacteria, a sketch of a tiny kitten, and several guest sketches drawn by cartoonists Thompson meets.

A self-described "little snack" for Thompson fans, Carnet De Voyage by Craig Thompson should also appeal to fans of travel narratives or anyone interested in a trip captured through sketches instead of photographs.

A Most Personal Library

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:04:46 -0800

While wandering around her Chicago neighborhood very late one warm summer night, Alexandra comes across a battered Winnebago. Not so unusual, perhaps, except this one is driven by an odd man who asks her if she wants to come aboard and see the collection. Inside, the Winnebago seems much larger, packed with a random assortment of books that, upon closer inspection, is strangely familiar. It isn't until Alexandra finds her childhood diary on a shelf that she truly understands how specialized this collection really is.

Readers familiar with Audrey Niffenegger will know that she writes pensive, character driven stories that revolve around wistful (and often incomplete) relationships. These elements are indeed present in The Night Bookmobile, but in this story the only person Alexandra seeks to unite with is herself. Delighted by her own literary reflection, she soon becomes obsessed with finding the Bookmobile again so that she can immerse herself in the nostalgia and comfort she found there that first night.

Originally published as a short story, The Night Bookmobile lends itself nicely to a graphic novel format. Niffenegger's illustrations are quirky and somewhat crude, but they effectively capture Alexandra's raw desire and longing. Though dark, this is a lovely story about books and reading, and how those things shape us every time we turn a page.

Chi's Sweet Home

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:00:00 -0800

Chi's Sweet Home, by Konami Kanata

First, let me just put it out there- this book is ridiculously cute. And hilarious. And practically perfect in every way. This from someone who, in general, is not a big fan of "cute." Yet I have already put volumes 2-4 on hold. So that's saying something.

Depicted in full color comic strip style, the Japanese title Chi's Sweet Home follows the trials and tribulations of a very cute, very lost kitten who ends up with a young couple and their son in an apartment that doesn't allow pets. Separated into episodic chapters with such titles as "a cat is lost," "a cat is given a hard time," and "a cat is fired up," Chi has the joy of learning all about the range of kitty experience. This includes figuring out the function of a litterbox (they want me to do what in my favorite toy?), escaping to the great outdoors and finding himself in need of rescue, and experiencing that first horrifying betrayal when his person takes him to the vet.

Part manga kitty, part LOL cat, Chi is hilarious and adorable. KCLS has it in the Teen Graphic Novel section, but this is perfectly appropriate for that mid-upper elementary reader... or anyone who has ever been in the same room as a kitten.

Take Time For Jason

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 13:06:50 -0800

When I don't have a lot of time to read, but I feel like consuming an entire story in its entirety during my lunch break, I frequently turn to Jason. Jason is a graphic novelist from Norway, and yes, he only goes by the single name. The goofy looking creatures that populate his books might turn the adult reader off at first glance, but trust me, his characters are imbued with more charm and wit than those in many a full-length novel. What makes these books so fun to read, though, are the imaginative stories, and Jason's near flawless ability to tell them the right way. So, if you have a short lunch break and you feel like laughing while you eat, grab a graphic novel by Jason. Just don't choke while you're eating.

If you are new to Jason try The Last Musketeer or Low Moon. But they are all great!