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GraphicNovelReporter.com
Newsletter |
October 21, 2011 |
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Quick Links to Features on Graphic Novel Reporter
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| NYCC: A Great Time in New York City! |
New York Comic Con this past weekend was a flurry of fun, education, great moments in comics, and plenty of excitement and enthusiasm. Both the programming and events at the show were strong, and as always it was terrific to hear the news that gets announced at events like these. If you missed the show, I will share that it is a lot like San Diego Comic Con, but at the same time it has its own unique flair. What I love is that the focus of the show is much more on comics themselves. While Hollywood, videogames, toys, and the other fringes of the community most definitely have a presence there, it seems that presence is somehow muted, making comics, manga and graphic novels the real stars.
For me, the show kicked off with a panel that I moderated on Thursday --- Comic Books and Libraries: Beyond the Basics --- held before the exhibit floor even opened. When I arrived at the room the panel was going to take place in, I was a little stunned...a half an hour before the doors even opened, a huge crowd was lining up. Clearly, this was a topic --- and a panel lineup --- that a lot of people were interested in. The panelists --- Karen Green, of Columbia University; Christian Zabriskie, of Queens Public Library; Ryan Donovan, of Manhattan Public Library; and Rachael Myers from Horace Mann School --- brought with them a depth of library talent and expertise. All did an amazing job of parsing out their wisdom to the assembled crowd (about 150 people!) and explaining how best to run a graphic collection. The panel was broadcast out on SiriusXM satellite radio, too!
After that program, the doors of the floor were opened, and it was time to hit the show. And what a show it was! It's always great to see old friends there and catch up on what their latest and greatest works are. But for me, the real excitement of the show, any comics convention, really, is at the retailers' end of the floor. I naturally gravitate toward that area of the sales floor and find myself thumbing through back issues, looking for books I've missed, and catching up on current issues I've overlooked. And in this regard I feel NYCC trumps many other shows. The traffic around the retail area is always intense, the vendors seem happy, and it's thrilling to see the pure love of comics in full bloom.
I had our new Editorial Promotion Assistant, Katherine Tandler, in tow with me at the show on Thursday night, and it was fun to see her reaction to the Con, her very first. Katherine's pretty new to the world of comics, but she jumped right in and enjoyed it. At one point, I was talking to a creator in Artists' Alley and I looked around to notice Katherine wasn't there. A few minutes later she came back with a bunch of samples of someone's work, exclaiming, "This is so cool! You have to check this out!" I think she'll fit right in.
Carol was at the invitation-only pop culture summit White Space event that took place at NYCC on late Thursday, where 100 folks from various areas of the entertainment world --- cable, broadcast, technology and book publishing --- shared their thoughts on where their businesses are now as well as some cool new ideas. Everything from shows premiering on the web to big well-known programming --- and how it is being reinterpreted and franchised --- were discussed, as well as projects like Book Country, which allows unpublished writers to comment on each other's work. It again drummed home the fact that there are an enormous number of creative channels for viewers these days, and capturing and retaining those eyeballs is becoming more and more challenging. Consumer attention is fleeting in all kinds of new ways. She was especially intrigued by some of the web broadcast programming that had strong talent involved.
I really only had one major complaint about the show: They scheduled a panel featuring both Chris Claremont and Paul Levitz (my two favorite superhero writers ever) at the same time as a preview of Brian Greene's new space-science show. What's a geek to do? I half fear that lightning is going to strike me for saying this, but because I've seen both Paul and Chris multiple times, I chose science. I don't know what that says about me. Perhaps I'm changing. Hopefully next year I won't have to make this Sophie's Choice-like decision again.
We also marveled that the show has gotten big enough that Carol and I never ran into each other on Saturday when she was there with her son and his friend --- and in fact she never saw THEM during that time as well. Later we all recapped what we had seen, and from our reports we had all made it all over the floor from the larger exhibits to Artists' Alley, just at different times! While her son Cory and his friend Josh lamented the long lines to test games, there was still enough for them to explore to keep them there till "The show floor is closing" announcement was made. They too were impressed at how much the show has grown since last year; they felt that this year there was much more to explore and enjoy. On the drive home they were plotting heading out to San Diego and were asking about the dates for next year's NYCC.
Oh, and I'll finish my NYCC recap with a funny quote from the great Terry Moore (Echo). I had to laugh when Terry tweeted this message well after the show had ended: "A young lady at NYCC stopped by our booth to ask where the 'real books' were, aka sans art. I thought, 'If we were on a cliff right now...'" I think that's about the funniest comment I've read about New York Comic Con so far. But amazingly Carol heard the same kind of a sentiment at the Legendary Books panel, where Legendary's editor-in-chief Bob Schreck, Frank Miller, Paul Pope, Matt Wagner, and surprise guest Michael Kaluta were on the lineup. The last audience question asked whether the panelists know if there's a difference between writing "a comic book and a real novel?" As if that was not bad enough, he went on to ask if the creators see themselves as "failed novelists." Carol was rather impressed with the restraint that the panelists showed and their cordial replies. Miller was quick to share that he quite clearly feels that when you pick up 300, you are reading a novel.
Since our last newsletter, we've had even more exciting developments take place in the planning of the Miami Book Fair, which will take place from November 13 to November 20. GNR is going to have a bigger presence at this show this year. I am going to be moderating two panels on Sunday the 20th --- Graphic Novels of 2011: Favorites and New Classics (featuring Vera Brosgol, Jennifer Hayden, Matt Phelan, and Shannon Wheeler) at 11:00 a.m. and True Stories? Comics and Autobiography at 3:30 p.m.(featuring Jason Shiga, Jennifer Hayden, and Mark Kalesniko). I have not been to the Fair in years and look forward to returning again to one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind in the county.
Carol again will be moderating and hosting The School of Comics event on Thursday, November 18. Scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., this event is geared toward teacher and librarians who are looking for ideas on how to use comics in the classroom and the library. The speaker lineup includes Jim Ottaviani, Chris Wilson, Dr. Michael Bitz from The Comic Book Project, and a keynote from award-winning author/creator Gene Luen Yang. Details on how to sign up can be found here.
Other creators who will be on hand throughout the weekend include Denis Kitchen, Michael Kupperman, Kate Bearon, Ray Fawkes, Dean Haspiel, and tons of others. A full listing of all the programming will be available on the Miami Book Fair International website soon.
And with that news filed, here's what we've on tap for you on GNR --- first up, an exclusive interview with prose superstar Jim Butcher, who has brought his supernatural detective series The Dresden Files to comics. The second volume of the series, Fool Moon, is out now, with a lot more to come. Butcher discussed the series and much more in our interview. You'll also find tons of great new reviews up on the site right now (including the exciting new manga series Psyren, deluxe reprints of the Gotham Central series, and several others). And don't forget our latest contest where 100 readers will be selected to win a copy of Twilight, the Graphic Novel, Vol 2.
By the way, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and like our home page on Facebook! We use those social media outlets to keep our fans apprised of all our latest news and updates. It's a great way to keep in touch.
Till next time,
John Hogan (John@bookreporter.com)
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CREATOR INTERVIEW
Butcher’s Tale: Jim Butcher Discusses The Dresden Files
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Bestselling prose author Jim Butcher talks about the ongoing success of the graphic-novel adaptations of his Dresden Files series, starring Chicago’s favorite wizard police consultant. By John Hogan
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Click here to read our interview with Jim Butcher.
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Enter to Win One of 100 Copies of Twilight, The Graphic Novel, Vol. 2
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The incredible Twilight series comes to life in the special graphic-novel adaptation by Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim. Get special details on the book, plus take a sneak peek at it, and enter the contest for a chance to win one of 100 copies of Twilight, the Graphic Novel, Vol. 2! Fun fact to note: Carol learned at a librarian talk this week that the art in this book, as well as in Volume 1, was drawn with close direction from Stephenie, who wanted fans to see the characters the same way she envisioned them as she was writing the book.
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Click here to enter the contest to win a copy of Twilight, The Graphic Novel Vol. 2.
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The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Announces Their Core List of Titles for Young Readers
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Here at GNR, we’re always happy when graphic novels are validated by prestigious organizations with special mentions or lists. Thus, when we got word that The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) unveiled core lists for young readers (the graphic novels are sorted into categories for grades K–2, 3–5, and 6–8), we wanted to be sure to share it with you. Lists like these are incredibly helpful to librarians looking to begin or expand their collections, and it is wonderful to see the format again recognized in this way by a prestigious group like this. Also, we were pleased to discover that the ALSC list coincides well with GNR’s own Core List titles or these age groups!
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Click here to see GraphicNovelReporter's Core List.
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EVENTS & CONVENTIONS
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The Miami Book Fair is just a few short weeks away: November 13–20! GNR will have a great presence there, beginning with the School of Comics on Thursday, November 17. The lineup for this big day includes Gene Luen Yang, Jim Ottaviani, Chris Wilson, and Dr. Michael Bitz and will give teachers rare insights into using comics in education. Then even more comics-related content ensues over the weekend, including two panels moderated by GNR’s John Hogan. |
Get all the details for the fair here!
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EXCERPT
Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files: Fool Moon, Vol. 1
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Harry Dresden's life is a mess. His top client (and close friend), Lt. Karrin Murphy, no longer trusts him. Chicago's underworld and the cops alike think he's mobster Johnny Marcone's supernatural enforcer. And the enigmatic White Council continues to view him with suspicion. If all that weren't enough, a pack of werewolves have unleashed a wave of terror on the Windy City. But as is always the case when it comes to the creatures of the Nevernever, there's far more going on than meets the eye. Before it's all over, Harry will find himself caught between friends, enemies, and arcane forces bent on his destruction. Is it any wonder he can't find a date? Expanding on Book Two of Jim Butcher's New York Times bestselling saga, and featuring writer Mark Powers and artist Chase Conley, Fool Moon collects the first half of the eight-issue series in one volume, complete with bonus material and a cover gallery. Here's a preview.
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Click here to read our excerpt from Fool Moon.
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NEW VIDEO TRAILERS ARE HERE!
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New graphic novel trailers are out! Look for previews of Holy Terror, Feeding Ground, and The Pendulum here.
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Click here to watch the videos.
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FICTION REVIEWS
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Brain Boy Archives by Herb Castle, Gil Kane, and Frank Springer
A staple of 1960s comics culture, Brain Boy might seem like an odd choice for a hardcover collection. Brain Boy may have been a case of the whole being much, much more than the sum of its parts, but, as Brain Boy Archives demonstrates, they don’t make ’em like this anymore. Nor do they make ’em as good. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub
Time Bomb by Jimmy Palmiotti, Justin Gray, and Paul Gulacy
A team must travel back in time to prevent a Nazi war machine from wiping out all life in the present. This nonstop thrill ride creates a wealth of tension as well as pulpy fun. Reviewed by John R. Platt
Blacksad by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarrnido
Blacksad’s beautiful illustrations pop off the page with vibrant color and detail, while the writing is so sharp and deep that you can’t help but feel you’re getting but a small glimpse into a much, much larger world. The book follows three adventures of John Blacksad, a detective in a mid-20th century America that is populated entirely by anthropomorphic animals. Reviewed by Brian Rubin
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Click here to read all our fiction reviews.
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REFERENCE REVIEW
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Teen Angels & New Mutants by Stephen Bissette
Teen Angels & New Mutants is an eye-opening and illuminating amalgamation of scholarship, media criticism, history, and biography. It is an astonishing, unique, vital book. There's never been a work of comics-related commentary like it. Reviewed by John R. Platt |
Click here to read all our reference reviews.
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| TEEN REVIEWS |
Gotham Central by Ed Brubaker, Greg Rucka, and Michael Lark
Gotham Central offers a glimpse into the world of Gotham City that we’ve usually only seen from one perspective. It’s one thing to follow the adventures of the Caped Crusader month after month, where the police officers are just minor players. But this series explores some pretty rich territory. What’s it like for cops trying to do their job when they’ve got a weirdo dressed as a bat taking justice into his own hands? Do you appreciate what he does --- or resent him for making you look ineffective? Reviewed by Brian Rubin
Psyren, Vol. 1 by Toshiaki Iwashiro
Ageha learns about a possible secret society that’s behind all the recently missing people, including his classmate, Sakurako. Reviewed by Danica Davidson
Ghost World by Daniel Clowes
Alienated teenagers Enid and Rebecca respond caustically to life while having no idea where they want to go. Reviewed by Danica Davidson
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Click here to read our teen reviews.
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KIDS REVIEWS
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Mangaman by Barry Lyga and Colleen Doran
Manga and “American” comics exist in two different universes, each with different visual conventions and patterns, like two different languages that are tangentially related to one another. So, what happens when the ultra-kinetic, expressive world of manga meets the comparatively “realistic” characters and situations of American comics? Mangaman explores the surreal in-between. Reviewed by Collin David
Pirate Penguin vs. Ninja Chicken by Ray Friesen
Pirate Penguin vs. Ninja Chicken is a graphic novel steeped in caffeine and the noisiest of Nickelodeon cartoons, replete with battles of both wit and brawn between a whole menagerie of animals, tapping directly and excitedly into the hyperactive psyches of the preteen crowd. Reviewed by Collin David
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle, Peter Gillis, Renae DeLiz, and Ray Dillon
Based on the bestselling novel, The Last Unicorn graphic novel follows the adventure of a unicorn trying to find others of her kind and facing down the Red Bull. Reviewed by Danica Davidson
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Click here to read all the kids reviews.
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COMING SOON: October 19th and October 26th
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Here’s what is out this week...and next!
October 19
15 Love
Marvel Comics
30 Days Of Night Omnibus
IDW Publishing
About Love
Digital Manga
Archie: Obama & Palin in Riverdale
Archie Comics
Around the World
Candlewick Press
Artifacts, Vol. 3
Image Comics
Bloom County Complete Library, Vol. 5
IDW Publishing
The Cisco Kid: Jose Luis Salinas & Rod Reed, Vol. 1: 1951-1953
Classic Comics Press
Dark Tower: Fall of Gilead
Marvel Comics
Doc Bizarre MD
Image Comics
The Essential Spider-Man, Vol. 6
Marvel Comics
Fantastic Four by Waid & Wieringo, Book 3
Marvel Comics
Flashpoint
DC Comics
G.I. Joe: Cobra Civil War
IDW Publishing
Gantz, Vol. 19
Dark Horse
Gon, Vol. 2
Kodansha
Invincible Iron Man, Vol. 7: My Monsters
Marvel Comics
Kabuki, Vol. 4: Green
Digital Manga
Kill Shakespeare, Vol. 2
IDW Publishing
Leonard Starr’s Mary Perkins On Stage, Vol. 9
Classic Comics Press
Lovecraft Library, Vol. 1: Horror Out of Arkham
IDW Publishing
Marvel Masterworks: Atlas Era Strange Tales, Vol. 5
Marvel Comics
Marzi
Vertigo
Moon & Blood, Vol. 2
Digital Manga
Mr. Convenience
Digital Manga
My Favorite Martian: The Complete Series, Vol. 1
Hermes Press
New Warriors Classic, Vol. 3
Marvel Comics
Night Force
DC Comics
Pendulum
Sea Lion Books
S.H.I.E.L.D.: Architects of Forever
Marvel Comics
Saga of the Swamp Thing, Book 6
Vertigo
Science Dog Oversized
Image Comics
Suicide Squad, Vol. 2: The Nightshade Odyssey
DC Comics
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man: The Death of Spider-Man
Marvel Comics
Unwritten, Vol. 4: Leviathan
Vertigo
Venom: Lethal Protector
Marvel Comics
Walking Dead Survivor’s Guide
Image Comics
X-23, Vol. 1: Killing Dream
Marvel Comics
X-Factor: Hard Labor
Marvel Comics
October 26
47 Decembers
Bluewater Productions
Absolute All Star Superman
DC Comics
All Fall Down
Arcana Studio
Asterix Omnibus, Vol. 1
Orion
Asterix Omnibus, Vol. 2
Orion
Astro City: The Dark Age, Book 2: Brothers in Arms
WildStorm
Berona’s War, Vol. 2: Fight for Amity
Archaia
Bill Griffith Lost And Found 1970-1994
Fantagraphics
Bizarro Heroes
Last Gasp, Inc.
Black Butler, Vol. 7
Yen Press
Black Charity
Archaia
Black Fire
Archaia
Black God, Vol. 14
Yen Press
Blade of the Immortal, Vol. 24: Massacre
Dark Horse
Blood Shells & Roses
Arcana Studio
Bob Powell Terror
IDW Publishing
Borgia, Vol. 4
Heavy Metal Magazine
A Bride’s Story, Book 2
Yen Press
Bring the Thunder
Dynamite Entertainment
Buck Rogers in the 25th Century: Sundays, Vol. 2, 1933-1937
Hermes Press
Captain Action, Season Two
Moonstone
Captain America: The Trial of Captain America
Marvel Comics
Captain Swing
Avatar Press
Charley’s War: Hitler’s Youth
Titan Publishing
Chi’s Sweet Home, Vol. 7
Vertical
Chicken Fighter Pocket Manga, Vol. 2
Antarctic Press
Chronicles of Wormwood: The Last Battle
Avatar Press
Classics Illustrated Deluxe, Vol. 7: Around the World in 80 Days
Papercutz
Collectibly Mad Deluxe Edition
Boom! Studios
The Complete Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy, Vol. 12
IDW Publishing
Critical Millennium, Vol. 1: Dark Frontier
Archaia
Daken: Dark Wolverine: Big Break
Marvel Comics
De Profundis
Picturebox
Disney Fairies, Vol. 7: Tinker Bell, The Perfect Fairy
Papercutz
Doktormentor: Jail Babe Surgeon
Shh Productions
Dominion
Humanoids Publishing
Dungeons and Dragons Classics, Vol. 2
IDW Publishing
Every Waking Moment
Arcana Studio
Everything Comics From 1978-1981
Drawn and Quarterly
Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman, Vol. 4
Marvel Comics
Female Force: Mother Teresa
Bluewater Productions
Flash: The Road to Flashpoint
DC Comics
Forever My Baby
Bluewater Productions
From the Marvel Vault
Marvel Comics
Garfield & Co, Vol. 4: Caroling Capers
Papercutz
Geronimo Stilton, Vol. 8: Play It Again, Mozart
Papercutz
Glitz 2 Go
Fantagraphics
The Good Neighbors, Vol. 3: Kind (paperback)
Scholastic
Grave Doug Freshley
Archaia
Green Hornet, Vol. 3: Idols
Dynamite Entertainment
Green Woman (paperback)
Vertigo
Grimm Fairy Tales: The Dream Eater Saga, Vol. 1
Zenescope Entertainment
Gunslinger Girl Omnibus, Vol. 3
Seven Seas Entertainment
Hero Tales, Vol. 5
Yen Press
High School of the Dead, Vol. 4
Yen Press
Higurashi When They Cry, Vol. 15: Atonement Arc, Part 1
Yen Press
How to Draw Steampunk
Antarctic Press
Iron Age
Marvel Comics
Jack Kirby’s Galactic Bounty Hunters
Genesis West
Jane’s World Anniversary Edition
Girl Twirl Comics
Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files: Fool Moon, Part 1
Dynamite Entertainment
Joe the Barbarian Deluxe Edition
Vertigo
Killing Pickman
Archaia
Knowbodys
Kickstart Comics
Kodt: Bundle of Trouble, Vol. 34
Kenzer and Company
Kung Fu Panda Digest, Vol. 2: Elemental
Ape Entertainment
The Last Mortal
Image Comics
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Omnibus
DC Comics
Lil Hellions
Arcana Studio
The Lone Ranger, Vol. 4: Resolve
Dynamite Entertainment
Marvel Masterworks: Fantastic Four, Vol. 7
Marvel Comics
Men of Mystery #86
AC Comics
Midnight to Daylight
Arcana Studio
The Misadventures of Prince Ivan
About Comics
Novo, Vol. 4: Waste
Alterna Comics Inc
Oh My Goddess!, Vol. 19
Dark Horse
One Model Nation
Titan Publishing
Pandora Hearts, Vol. 7
Yen Press
Political Power: Republicans
Bluewater Productions
Predators Anthology
Accent UK
Raise the Dead II
Dynamite Entertainment
Ravana: Roar of the Demon King
Campfire
Richie Rich Digest, Vol. 2: The Pursuit of Pesos
Ape Entertainment
Rip Haywire
IDW Publishing
Ripperman
Arcana Studio
Rovers
Arcana Studio
Salvatore, Vol. 2: An Eventful Crossing
NBM
Savage Dragon: The Kids Are Alright
Image Comics
Sherlock Holmes: Year One
Dynamite Entertainment
Shrek Digest, Vol. 2: Living Green
Ape Entertainment
The Simon & Kirby Library: Crime
Titan Publishing
Sky Masters, Vol. 1
Pure Imagination Publishing
Sonic the Hedgehog Legacy, Vol. 1
Archie Comics
Soul Eater, Vol. 7
Yen Press
Spera, Vol. 1
Archaia
Spice and Wolf, Vol. 5
Yen Press
Spider-Man: The Complete Ben Reilly Epic, Book 2
Marvel Comics
Spider-Man: The Deadly Foes of Spider-Man
Marvel Comics
Styx and Stone
Bluewater Productions
Superman/Batman: Sorcerer Kings
DC Comics
Tales of the Macabre
Archaia
Thor: The Trials of Loki
Marvel Comics
Toradora, Vol. 3
Seven Seas Entertainment
Troop 142
Secret Acres
Ultimate Comics: X Origins
Marvel Comics
Ultra Seven Days Deluxe
Image Comics
Unbelievable: The Man Who Ate Daffodils
AAM Markosia
Underwire
Top Shelf Productions
Vampirella Masters Series, Vol. 6: James Robinson
Dynamite Entertainment
Vessel of Terror
AAM Markosia
Vietnam Journal, Vol. 8: Brain Dead Horror
Transfuzion Publishing
Wally Wood EC Stories Artist Edition
IDW Publishing
Walt Disney: Donald Duck, Vol. 1: Lost in the Andes
Fantagraphics
Wandering Son, Vol. 2
Fantagraphics
Warlord of Mars Dejah Thoris, Vol. 1: Colossus of Mars
Dynamite Entertainment
Wolverine: Wolverine’s Revenge
Marvel Comics
Yotsuba & !, Vol. 10
Yen Press
Zombie Recognition Guide
Antarctic Press
Zombies That Ate The World
Humanoids Publishing
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Click here to see what's coming soon!
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