 | GraphicNovelReporter.com
Newsletter | October 7, 2011 | |
Quick Links to Features on Graphic Novel Reporter
| | | Onward to Fall
| As I write this, it finally feels like fall here in New York City. No more summer, no more humidity, no more extreme heat, and I couldn't be happier. Fall is a happy time for me. As we move into the home stretch of 2011, it is such an exciting time to talk about comics.
With both the update of the GNR's Core List and our report on the Graphic Novels of Fall behind me (both of which have been live on the site since the last update) it feels really good to get back to some of the other focuses GNR specializes in, particularly our creator interviews. We've got three new ones up on the site right now, and I'm excited about each one for a different reason.
One is with writer Lev Grossman, who's both an amazing talent himself and an astute cultural critic. He's offered some fascinating insights into comics in the past, and I'm glad we get to share a new interview with him about his comics-related writing and lots more now.
Another insightful creator and cultural critic is Alison Bechdel. You probably know her from her bestselling book Fun Home (and if you don't know her from that, you really should; it's excellent). Alison just served as the guest editor of The Best American Comics 2011 (along with the regular editing team of Jessica Abel and Matt Madden), and I got a chance to interview her about her thoughts on the comics released in the past year, as well as what she's working on next. See if her take on the best comics of the year matches up with yours in this interview.
Then there's the legendary Hilary Knight. If you've ever read an Eloise book, you're familiar with Mr. Knight's work. He's now the artist behind Toon Books' new Nina tale (That Makes Me Mad!), which is a re-launching of Steven Kroll's fun-filled Nina series. I had the pleasure of speaking with Hilary Knight and had a lot of fun discovering that he's a real graphic novel fan, and even plans to do one (or more) of his own. Also, this cute video that Toon did for That Makes Me Mad came our way this morning and we wanted to share it.
If you're attending New York Comic Con next week (October 13-16), be sure to check out the GNR panel on Thursday, October 13, from 3:45-4:45 p.m. in Room #1A03. I'll be moderating what I think will be a great and fascinating panel: Graphic Novels and Libraries: Beyond the Basics. I'll be joined by a fantastic lineup of experts: Christian Zabriskie (Queens Public Library), Karen Green (Columbia University), Ryan Donovan (New York Public Library), and Rachael Myers (Horace Mann School). As you can see, we have librarians from both the public and academic side of the fence, and we'll be discussing the issues that libraries face as they expand their graphic novel collections and begin to go even further into this format. This will cover issues for people who already have a collection rather than libraries seeking to begin one (panels for beginners are always well-represented at comics conventions). If you can attend, we'd love to see you there.
All of the programming for NYCC has been announced, and as a service to the librarians and teachers in our audience, we've culled through the entire list to aggregate programs you may be really interested in. Find them all here and plan your NYCC scheduling accordingly.
In our next update we will have details on the Miami Book Fair International. For the moment, if you are a teacher or librarians living in the Miami area hold the date for the School of Comics on Thursday, November 17th with details to come in our next newsletter. Also, I will be moderating two panels at the Fair and we will have more on that soon as well!
Get an early start on your Halloween with our preview of Killing Pickman. It's a story about a demon-possessed serial killer and the cop determined to take him down, one way or another. Spooky, creepy stuff for your favorite October holiday! Happy reading, John Hogan
John@bookreporter.com | | CREATOR INTERVIEW
Magical Comical Tour: An Interview with Lev Grossman
| Lev Grossman's world is full of books, whether he's writing them or reviewing them, and he has a special fondness for comics. Besides being the book critic for Time, he's published the novels Warp, Codex,The Magicians, and the recently released The Magician King. Lev talked to GraphicNovelReporter about his comics-related writing, how he dreams of writing his own comic book, and his septuagenarian mother's Death Note jewelry. By Danica Davidson
| Click here to read our interview with Lev Grossman.
| | CREATOR INTERVIEW
From Eloise to Nina: Hilary Knight Talks About Some of His Favorite Leading Ladies
| | Legendary artist Hilary Knight created the look of the cantankerous Eloise half a century ago. Now he's giving the world a new version of the hilarious (and opinionated) Nina, who can't wait to tell us all about how That Makes Me Mad! Here, Hilary Knight discusses both of these amazing girls and the impact of comics on his life. By John Hogan . | Click here to read our interview with Hilary Knight.
| | CREATOR INTERVIEW
What a Year: Alison Bechdel, Co-Editor of The Best American Comics 2011
| | What do you say about a year like 2011? If you're talking comics...plenty. Alison Bechdel, who this year joins Jessica Abel and Matt Madden to edit the annual anthology The Best American Comics, discusses her favorites, what she looks for in a best comic, and much more. By John Hogan | Click here to read our interview with Alison Bechdel.
| | CORE LISTS
| | From manga to graphic novels, kids books to teens and adults, we've got the essential books covered. If you're a librarian or bookseller (or even just a reader who wants to get a better grasp on the format), check out our extensive list to find what's essential right now. | Click here to see our Fall 2011 Core Lists.
| | EVENTS & CONVENTIONS
New York Comic Con 2011 and Miami Book Fair 2011
| New York Comic Con is the biggest comic and pop culture convention on the East Coast, a show that continues to grow in size and prominence. It takes place from October 13-16 and features a stellar lineup of comics talent. For our teacher and librarian readers, we've culled through the list of relevant programming at NYCC and present it here in one convenient place. We hope this helps you map out your New York Comic Con adventure accordingly. The following month, the Miami Book Fair, one of the largest and most energetic book fairs in the country, comes alive from November 13-20, including the much-respected School of Comics on Thursday, October 17th.
| Click here to read more about New York Comic Con.
| | FEATURE STORY
Voices from the Classroom: John Isaacson
| From elementary schools in California to high schools in Oregon, John Isaacson has been teaching in after-school, summer camps, and artist-in-residence programs for 10 years. He is doing his part to spread the appreciation for comics as a powerful medium of storytelling. By Maureen Bakis
| Click here to read our feature story on John Isaacson.
| | | EXCERPT
Killing Pickman by Jason Becker, Jon Rea, and Matt Talbot
| | Homicide Detective William Zhu has just made the arrest of his career. With the apprehension of Richard Pickman, he has solved over 100 missing child cases, some of which date back over 30 years. The excavation of Pickman's basement reveals horrors beyond imagination-the bodies of children mutilated in bizarre satanic rites. Frustrated with his role of clean-up man to the detritus of the world, Zhu makes what may be a fatal mistake: He decides to kill Pickman. Fatal, for Richard Pickman is no ordinary psychopath. The rituals he performed were not the work of a madman but sacrifices made to avery real demon. A demon who has granted Pickman near immortality. Killing Pickman is going to be a lot tougher than Zhu could have imagined. It may not even be possible. Here's a look at this new hardcover graphic novel, coming October 18. | Click here to read our excerpt of Killing Pickman
| | | | FICTION REVIEWS
| | Habibi by Craig Thompson
Few graphic novels have the emotional range, depth, and sheer artistry of Habibi. This epic tale that coalesces Christianity and Islam, as well as ancient civilizations and modernity, is a pitch-perfect and beautiful examination of multiple cultures. Reviewed by John Hogan
Holy Terror by Frank Miller
Frank Miller’s Holy Terror began life as a Batman book, as well as a response to the attacks of September 11, 2001. Now it’s been revamped as a tale starring a character called The Fixer and filled with an ultraviolent take on the War on Terror. Reviewed by John Hogan
Rasetsu, Vol. 9 by Chika Shiomi
In the final volume of the series, Rasetsu turns twenty and must confront the demon that has promised to take her away. Reviewed by Danica Davidson
| Click here to read all our fiction reviews.
| | | | | TEEN REVIEWS |  | Flash Gordon Comic Book Archives, Vol. 1–4 by Various
The character of Flash Gordon may have been created to serve as competition against the popular Buck Rogers stories of the 1930s, but he quickly found an enduring life of his own. Over a period of more than 80 years, he’s been the focus of comics, cartoons, and live-action films. Here, Dark Horse collects a handful of his classic 1970s comic book appearances. Reviewed by Collin David
Moriarty, Vol. 1: The Dark Chamber by Daniel Corey and Anthony Diecidue
Twenty years after the death of Sherlock Holmes, Professor Moriarty returns! When an associate from Durham University disappears, along with Holmes' brother Mycroft, Moriarty is lured into the investigation, and the mystery of a psychic box, while the world prepares for war. Reviewed by Michael Hicks
Manga Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, Richard Appignanesi, and Faye Yong
This manga adaptation of The Merchant of Venice sticks close with the dialogue, though it gives the characters an unexplained elfish appearance. Reviewed by Danica Davidson | Click here to read our teen reviews.
| | | KIDS REVIEWS
| The Best of Archie’s Madhouse edited by Craig Yoe
This cheery collection brings back the mild-mannered satire of the early-1960s comic Archie's Madhouse, a Riverdale-flavored takeoff on Mad Magazine. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson
My Name Is Elizabeth! by Annika Dunklee and Matthew Forsythe
Don't call her Betsy! Or Liz! A little girl insists on being called by her full name—all nine letters—in this charming book that's as easy to read aloud as a picture book. Reviewed by Brigid Alverson
Mameshiba on the Loose! by James Turner, Gemma Correll, and Jorge Monlongo
The bean dogs have adventures journeying into the sink and going into outer space. In the midst of these stories, little “Mameshiba Shorts” are presented. Reviewed by Danica Davidson | Click here to read all the kids reviews.
| | | COMING SOON: October 5th and October 12th
| Here’s what is out this week...and next! October 5
100 Bullets, Book 1
Vertigo
American Vampire, Vol. 1
Vertigo
Angel After The Fall, Vol. 3
IDW Publishing
Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures Ultimate Collection
Marvel Comics
Avengers Prime
Marvel Comics
Baja
IDW Publishing
Batman: Eye of the Beholder
DC Comics
Batman: The Long Halloween New Edition
DC Comics
The Best American Comics 2011
Houghton Mifflin
Black Metal, Vol. 2
Oni Press
Captain America: Red Glare
Marvel Comics
Code Word Geronimo
IDW Publishing
Danger Girl Deluxe Edition
IDW Publishing
Darkness Compendium, Vol. 2
Image Comics
Essential Spider-Man, Vol. 5
Marvel Comics
Fantastic Four 1234
Marvel Comics
Godspeed Kurt Cobain
Omnibus Press
Guarding the Globe, Vol. 1
Image Comics
Hush Hush
Sea Lion Books
Iron Man: Industrial Revolution
Marvel Comics
James Patterson’s Witch & Wizard, Vol. 1: The Battle for Shadowland
IDW Publishing
Legends of the Dark Knight: Marshall Rogers
DC Comics
My Boyfriend Is a Monster, Vol. 3: Boyfriend Bites
Lerner Publishing Group
My Boyfriend Is a Monster, Vol. 4: Under His Spell
Lerner Publishing Group
Next Men, Vol. 2
IDW Publishing
Nightmare World, Vol. 3: Demon Days
Image Comics
Nordguard, Vol. 1
Sofawolf Press
Red Hulk: Planet Red Hulk
Marvel Comics
The Savage Sword of Kull, Vol. 2
Dark Horse
Showcase Presents Ghosts, Vol. 1
DC Comics
Sonic the Hedgehog Archives, Vol. 16
Archie Comics
Spider-Man: Return of Anti-Venom
Marvel Comics
Sugar and Spike Archives, Vol. 1
DC Comics
Two Generals
Emblem Editions
Wolverine by Jason Aaron Omnibus, Vol. 1
Marvel Comics
X-Men by Claremont and Lee Omnibus, Vol. 1
Marvel Comics
X-Men: X-cutioner’s Song
Marvel Comics
Zatanna, Vol. 2: Shades of the Past
DC Comics
Zombies vs. Robots: Undercity
IDW Publishing
October 12 Absolute Identity Crisis
DC Comics
Ali Baba & the Forty Thieves Reloaded
Campfire
The Art of Comic Book Inking, 2nd Edition
Dark Horse
Batman: Arkham City
DC Comics
Batman: Life After Death
DC Comics
The Best of Sherlock Holmes, Vol. 1
IDW Publishing
Birds of Prey, Vol. 2: The Death of Oracle
DC Comics
Bloom County Complete Library, Vol. 4
IDW Publishing
Bride of the Water God, Vol. 9
Dark Horse
Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers: Slippin’ Through the Cracks
Boom! Studios
Cthulhu Tales: Omnibus Madness
Boom! Studios
Darkwing Duck: Campai Carnage
Boom! Studios
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep, Vol. 6
Boom! Studios
Doctor Strange: Strange Tales
Marvel Comics
Doctor Who: Dave Gibbons Collection
IDW Publishing
Ducktales: Rightful Owners
Boom! Studios
Flesh and Blood, Vol. 1
Monsterverse LLC
G.I. Joe Omnibus, Vol. 1
IDW Publishing
Gate 7, Vol. 1
Dark Horse
Gotham Central, Book 3: On the Freak
DC Comics
Green Lantern: The Movie Prequels
DC Comics
Hark! A Vagrant
Drawn and Quarterly
I Thought You Would Be Funnier
Boom! Studios
Incorruptible, Vol. 5
Boom! Studios
Invaders Now
Marvel Comics
John Stanley Library: Nancy, Vol. 3
Drawn and Quarterly
Justice League Generation Lost, Vol. 2
DC Comics
Love Hina Omnibus
Kodansha
Marvel Firsts: 1960s
Marvel Comics
Marvel Masterworks: Incredible Hulk, Vol. 6
Marvel Comics
Mice Templar, Vol. 3
Image Comics
Neverland: The Life & Death of Michael Jackson
Omnibus Press
New Mutants: Unfinished Business
Marvel Comics
New X-Men by Grant Morrison, Book 6
Marvel Comics
Orcs, Vol. 1: Forged for War
First Second
PunisherMax: Frank
Marvel Comics
Robert Bloch: That Hellbound Train
IDW Publishing
A Sickness in the Family
Vertigo
Stan Lee’s Traveler, Vol. 2
Boom! Studios
Stargazer, Vol. 2
Von Allan Studio
Superman/Mon El, Vol. 2: Man of Valor
DC Comics
Superman: Nightwing and Flamebird, Vol. 2
DC Comics
Tezuka’s Princess Knight, Vol. 1
Vertical
Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 2
Hachette
Ultimate Comics: Avengers: Blade vs. Avengers
Marvel Comics
Walking Dead, Vol. 7
Image Comics
Warriors Three: Dog Day Afternoon
Marvel Comics
Victorian Undead II: Sherlock Holmes vs. Dracula
DC Comics
Who Is Jake Ellis, Vol. 1
Image Comics
X-Men Legacy: Lost Legions
Marvel Comics
| Click here to see what's coming soon!
| | |
