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GraphicNovelReporter.com
Newsletter |
September 23, 2011 |
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Good to the Core
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In our last update, we presented our fully loaded (maybe I’ve been watching too many car commercials…) Great Graphic Novels of Fall 2011 list. This update, we’ve updated the Core List, our list of titles that we feel should form the basis for a complete comics collection. If reading those two sentences conjures up visions of my head spinning with visions of books in my head…well, it is. If I manage to sound even somewhere coherent in this newsletter, I’ll be happy.
Luckily, I was of reasonably sound mind when I put these features together. The plan is that together they will give you good overview of what is happening with comics in the months to come, as well as giving you a chance to look at our lists to see what your own collections may be missing. I hope you spend time reading through them and glean titles to add to your reading lists as well as useful information on books to collect. When I look at those compilations I see the ones that have been on my “To Read” list, as well as the ones that need to be added to that list. I hope you do, too; there’s so much good material out there that it’s incredibly exhilarating.
One of the many books included on the Core List is Craig Thompson’s Habibi. As you may recall, I was blown away by this book when I read the galley (I gave it a rave review in this newsletter a few weeks ago). Now, Habibi is being released officially, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a “real” copy. In fact, I’m looking forward to diving into it again and seeing the elements that I missed the first time around, taking some time to savor the artwork, and just appreciate the story more fully.
I got the chance to ask Craig a few questions about Habibi, and he was kind enough to answer them. The interview is very revealing and provides some further insights into the book, something I hope you’ll find helpful before you dive in yourself. Also in that interview are pieces of original artwork from Craig. They provide a look at his work in progress and show how incredibly detailed and articulate each page, each panel, truly is. There’s simply so much going on that it’s easy to miss or overlook some of the exquisite details during a first read. See how some of those components came together when you check out the interview. By the way, be sure to visit Craig’s Facebook page for more details on the book and Craig himself:
Also this update we have the work of Sean O’Reilly, who works both as the head of Arcana Studios as well as a writer (such as with the excellent Clockwork Girl, which also made our Core List). Sean is interviewed on GNR right now and it’s a fun look at his creative process and his views on where comics are heading in the 21st century.
I’ve mentioned before that GNR is going to have a big presence at two upcoming conventions, but we’re excited about it and it bears repeating! First up will be New York Comic-Con, taking place here in the Big Apple from October 13–16. On Thursday, October 13, from 3:45–4:45 p.m. in Room #1A03, I’ll be moderating what I think will be a very interesting panel: Graphic Novels and Libraries: Beyond the Basics. I’ll be joined by a fantastic panel 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. I think it’ll be a lively discussion.
All of the programming for NYCC was announced this week, and as a service to our librarian and teacher in our audience, we’ve culled through the entire list to aggregate all the relevant programs. They’re all conveniently listed here so you can plan your NYCC scheduling accordingly.
In November, the Miami Book Fair (November 13–20) will take place. This is one of the biggest literary events in the country, and it also includes a very prominent graphic novel presence. This year, GNR is once again a sponsor of the School of Comics, a teacher-focused event that helps incorporate comics in the classroom. We will have more about this in the next GNR newsletter.
Read on for more news below…and then get started tackling the Great Graphic Novels of Fall and the Core Lists. We’ve all got plenty of reading to keep us busy in the weeks ahead!
Happy reading,
John Hogan (John@bookreporter.com)
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CREATOR INTERVIEW
Epic Journey: Craig Thompson Talks Habibi
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With Habibi, Craig Thompson elevates the graphic novel form to a higher level. Here, he discusses the work that went into creating this masterpiece and the implications its winding, twisted, religiously and socially inspired tales create. Also, Craig shares some of the work-in-progress artwork that went into creating Habibi. By John Hogan |
Click here to read our interview with Craig Thompson.
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HABIBI by Craig Thompson
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From the internationally acclaimed author of Blankets (“A triumph for the genre.”---Library Journal), a highly anticipated new graphic novel.
Sprawling across an epic landscape of deserts, harems, and modern industrial clutter, Habibi tells the tale of Dodola and Zam, refugee child slaves bound to each other by chance, by circumstance, and by the love that grows between them. We follow them as their lives unfold together and apart; as they struggle to make a place for themselves in a world (not unlike our own) fueled by fear, lust, and greed; and as they discover the extraordinary depth --- and frailty --- of their connection. At once contemporary and timeless, Habibi gives us a love story of astounding resonance: a parable about our relationship to the natural world, the cultural divide between the first and third worlds, the common heritage of Christianity and Islam, and, most potently, the magic of storytelling. |
Click here to visit Craig Thompson's Facebook page.
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CREATOR INTERVIEW
Like Clockwork: Sean O’Reilly on Clockwork Girl, Arcana, and More
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Sean O’Reilly’s world is full of comic books. He reads comic books, writes comic books, and even edits and publishes comic books. His publishing company, Arcana Studios, is the largest comic book publisher in Canada, and it releases both his and other people’s works. His graphic novel Clockwork Girl, which he made with Kevin Hanna and Grant Bond, was published by HarperCollins this year, and an animated movie version of it will soon be released, starring the voice talents of Alexa Vega, Jesse McCartney, Ann Moss, Jeffrey Tambor, and Brad Garrett. O’Reilly talked to GraphicNovelReporter about his history in comic books, the steps of creating Clockwork Girl, and what we can expect from Arcana Studios in the future. By Danica Davidson |
Click here to read our interview with Sean O'Reilly.
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FEATURE STORY
Great Graphic Novels of Fall 2011
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Fall is here, and with it comes a bevy of amazing graphic novels! Some of the biggest books of the year are coming your way in the weeks ahead. Get a head start on all of them by checking out our extensive list of graphic novels and manga. |
Click here to read our feature on Great Graphic Novels of Fall.
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CORE LISTS
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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 a reader who wants to get a better grasp on the format --- check out our extensive list to find what’s essential right now.
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Click here to see our Core List for Fall 2011.
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EVENTS & CONVENTIONS
New York Comic Con 2011 and Miami Book Fair 2011
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New York Comic Con is the biggest comic and pop culture convention on the East Coast, an annual tradition that continues to grow in size and prominence. It takes place October 13–16 and features a stellar lineup of comics talent. 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, November 17th.
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Click here to get the latest info.
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EXCERPT
Mark Twain's Autobiography 1910-2010 by Michael Kupperman
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| Michael Kupperman has already indulged his love for Mark Twain in the pages ofTales Designed to Thrizzle, but the recent publication of Twain’s (real) autobiography has inspired the cartoonist to a full-blown book-length masterpiece of hilarity. Readers eager to see how Twain hunted the Yeti (“Come out here and face me, you snow-covered coward!”), met the Six Million Dollar Man, had a love affair with Mamie Eisenhower (“Boy oh boy, this lady was one hot dish”), and accidentally became involved in X-rated films will devour this tome, which of course is augmented with Kupperman’s hilariously deadpan illustrations. Here's a peek. |
Click here to read our excerpt of MARK TWAIN'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY 1910-2010
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BOOKS TO SCREEN
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| Warner Home Video has released the first official clip for Batman: Year One, the hotly anticipated new animated feature film coming October 18. See it here, as well as a first look at Catwoman from the video short included with the movie. |
Click here to read our preview of BATMAN: YEAR 1.
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FICTION REVIEWS
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Vampire Tales, Vol. 2 by Chris Claremont, Doug Moench, Steve Gerber, Roy Thomas, et al.
Far removed from the vampires of Twilight and True Blood, Marvel’s 1970s-era Vampire Tales explores the true vampire mythos through fiction and legend, employing the best artists and writers of the day in classic Eerie and Tales from the Crypt style. This is a collection of classic horror comics at their occasionally gory best. Reviewed by Collin David
Hit Monkey by Daniel Way and Dalibor Talajić
The notion of a “hit monkey” may seem odd, and it is. It's one of the strangest premises for a mainstream comic book ever. And yet here's what's even odder about it: It's mostly played straight. And it works. Reviewed by John R. Platt
Trouble by Mark Millar and Terry Dodson
Warning: If you read Trouble, you will never look at Aunt May the same way again. That’s right, Peter (Spider-Man) Parker’s saintly Aunt May gets up to some seriously ribald behavior in this controversial miniseries from Mark Millar and Terry Dodson. To say fans had mixed reactions to this series, collected here in one book, is a vast understatement. Reviewed by John Hogan
The Drifting Classroom, Vol. 1–3 by Kazuo Umezu
In this classic of manga horror, Sho and his classmates and teachers are transported to the future and find danger at every turn. Reviewed by Danica Davidson
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Click here to read all our fiction reviews.
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NONFICTION REVIEW
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MetaMaus by Art Spiegelman
A quarter of a century after the first volume’s publication, Pantheon is publishing MetaMaus, a comprehensive look into the book, its author, World War II and the Holocaust, Spiegelman’s family, and so much more. This is an incredibly complex companion to the work, and it opens the book up in fascinating ways. Reviewed by John Hogan |
Click here to read all our nonfiction reviews.
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| TEEN REVIEWS |
Photo Booth by Lewis Helfand and Sachin Nagar
Campfire bills this book as a romantic thriller, and it's that and a bit more. It's about a reckless Interpol agent, Praveer Rajani, who is on the trail of a criminal gang flooding the streets with a new and dangerous drug. But the drug also has mysterious ties to the automobile accident that killed Rajani's parents 20 years ago. Reviewed by John R. Platt
B.P.R.D.: A Plague of Frogs Collection, Vol. 1 by Mike Mignola and Guy Davis
Following the retirement of Hellboy from the B.P.R.D., his friends and fellow agents, Abe Sapien and Liz Sherman, struggle to find a reason to continue with their special brand of paranormal investigations and discover that a familiar horror is reemerging. In this hefty volume, the first of four from Dark Horse Comics, the B.P.R.D. finds itself facing enemies both new and old, and the threats of ancient evils buried deep inside the hollows of the earth. Reviewed by Michael Hicks
Red Angel, Vol. 2 by Makoto Tateno
Mika is a vampire split into two parts. As she remembers the identity of her ancient being, she realizes she used to be an angel. Reviewed by Danica Davidson |
Click here to read our teen reviews.
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KIDS REVIEWS
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Space Family Robinson Archives, Vol. 1 by Del Connell and Dan Spiegle
It’s a story that has launched a thousand science fiction properties: During a routine exploration of space, a party of scientists and adventurers gets hopelessly lost far away from Earth. The resulting adventures through the weird and wonderful expanses of space as our heroes strive to reach home are captured here in this series of Silver Age stories. Reviewed by Collin David
Meet Mameshiba! by Gemma Correll, Carrie Shepher, and Fawn Lau
Meet Mameshiba is a collection of character introductions, interesting facts, and short comic stories. Reviewed by Danica Davidson
Cartoon Cute Animals: How to Draw the Most Irresistible Creatures on the Planet! by Christopher Hart
Christopher Hart, the world’s bestselling author of drawing and cartooning books, teaches how to draw cute animals. Reviewed by Danica Davidson |
Click here to read all the kids reviews.
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COMING SOON: September 21st and 28th
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Here’s what is out this week...and next!
September 21
Archie Christmas Classics, Vol. 1
Archie Comics
The Astonishing X-Men: Xenogenesis
Marvel Comics
Axe Cop: Bad Guy Earth
Dark Horse
Batman A Death in the Family (new edition)
DC Comics
Berserk, Vol. 35
Dark Horse
Castle: Richard Castle’s Deadly Storm
Marvel Comics
Chew, Vol. 4 Flambe
Image Comics
Creepy Archives, Vol. 11
Dark Horse
Done to Death
IDW Publishing
Elephantmen, Vol. 4: Questionable Things
Image Comics
Evelyn Evelyn
Dark Horse
G.I. Joe: Disavowed, Vol. 4
IDW Publishing
Green Wake, Vol. 1
Image Comics
Habibi
Pantheon Books
Halo: The Fall of Reach: Boot Camp
Marvel Comics
Hellboy, Vol. 11: The Bride of Hell and Others
Dark Horse
Justice League of America: Omega
DC Comics
Love and Capes, Vol. 3: Wake Up Where You Are
IDW Publishing
Marvel Ghost Stories
Marvel Comics
Mass Effect, Vol. 2: Evolution
Dark Horse
Morning Glories, Vol. 2
Image Comics
New Mutants, Vol. 3: Fall of the New Mutants
Marvel Comics
New York Five
Vertigo
Pound
IDW Publishing
Richelle Mead, Dark Swan: Storm Born, Vol. 1
Sea Lion Books
Shadowland: Moon Knight
Marvel Comics
Spawn Origins, Vol. 12
Image Comics
Spell Checkers, Vol. 2: Sons of a Preacher Man
Oni Press
Spider-Man: The Vengeance of Venom
Marvel Comics
Ultimate Comics: Thor
Marvel Comics
Venom by Rick Remender, Vol. 1
Marvel Comics
Witchblade: Redemption, Vol. 3
Image Comics
World of Warcraft: Curse of the Worgen
Wildstorm
X-Men: First to Last
Marvel Comics
X-Men Origins II
Marvel Comics
September 28
Alan Moore’s Neonomicon
Avatar Press
All New Batman: The Brave and the Bold
DC Comics
Alpha Flight Classic, Vol. 2
Marvel Comics
Amelia Rules, Vol. 7: The Meaning of Life
Simon & Schuster
Amnesia
Arcana Studio
The Assassin
Arcana Studio
Batman: The Widening Gyre
DC Comics
Battlestar Galactica: Season Zero Omnibus
Dynamite Entertainment
The Best of Archie Comics Deluxe
Archie Comics
The Blade of Kumori
Arcana Studio
Bomb Queen Gang Bang
Image Comics
Brian Bolland: Cover to Cover
DC Comics
The Cabbie, Vol. 1
Fantagraphics
Captain Britain, Vol. 2: The Siege of Camelot
Marvel Comics
Charlie Adlard: Curse of the Wendigo
Dynamite Entertainment
Classic Jurassic Park, Vol. 3: Amazon Adventure
IDW Publishing
CSI Omnibus, Vol. 2
IDW Publishing
Death-Ray
Drawn and Quarterly
Dark Shadows: The Complete Series, Vol. 3
Hermes Press
Darkness Compendium, Vol. 2
Image Comics
Deadpool, Vol. 8: Operation Annihilation
Marvel Comics
Disney’s Mickey Mouse, Vol. 2: Treasure Island
Fantagraphics
Dragon Puncher, Vol. 2: Dragon Puncher Island
Top Shelf Productions
Driver for the Dead
Radical Publishing
Dungeons and Dragons Forgotten Realms, Vol. 2
IDW Publishing
Emma
Marvel Comics
Female Force: Women in Politics, Vol. 2
Bluewater Productions
Fracture of the Universal Boy
Eidolon Fine Arts
Freakangels, Vol. 6
Avatar Press
The Ghost of D: Airain Aventure
IDW Publishing
Ghost World Special Edition
Fantagraphics
Green Lantern Corps: The Weaponer
DC Comics
Grimm Fairy Tales Source Book
Zenescope Entertainment
Growing Up Enchanted, Vol. 2
AAM Markosia
Hidden
Fantagraphics
Immortals: Gods and Heroes
Archaia
Iron Man 2.0, Vol. 1: Palmer Addley Is Dead
Marvel Comics
JLA, Vol. 1
DC Comics
Justice Society of America: Super Town
DC Comics
Kamandi Omnibus, Vol. 1: The Last Boy On Earth
DC Comics
Kato, Vol. 2: Living in America
Dynamite Entertainment
The Keep
IDW Publishing
Korgi, Vol. 3: A Hollow Beginning
Top Shelf Productions
The Legion Of Super Heroes: The Curse Deluxe Edition
DC Comics
Locke & Key Spec Ed, Vol. 1 Welcome To Lovecraft
IDW Publishing
Lovestruck
Image Comics
Madam Samurai, Vol. 2
Scar Comics
Monstrous Collection: Steve Niles & Bernie Wrightson
IDW Publishing
Nam, Vol. 3
Marvel Comics
The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z, Vol. 1
Marvel Comics
Political Power: Democrats
Bluewater Productions
Post-It Note Diaries
Plume Books
Purgatory
Dynamite Entertainment
Red Sonja: Revenge of the Gods
Dynamite Entertainment
Richie Rich Digest, Vol. 1: Boon Under the Bay
Ape Entertainment
Richie Rich, Vol. 1: Welcome to Rich Rescue
Ape Entertainment
The Royal Historian of Oz
Slave Labor Graphics
Rust, Vol. 1
Archaia
Shadowland: Blood on the Streets
Marvel Comics
Shadowland: Power Man
Marvel Comics
Smurfs, Vol. 8: Smurf Apprentice
Papercutz
Star Trek Movie Universe Box Set
IDW Publishing
Storyteller
Archaia
Strange Tales II
Marvel Comics
Suicide Girls, Vol. 1
IDW Publishing
A Tale of Sand
Archaia
Tom Strong’s Terrific Tales, Book 2
DC Comics
True Blood, Vol. 2: Tainted Love
IDW Publishing
Ultimate Avengers vs. New Ultimates
Marvel Comics
Ultimate Comics: New Ultimates: Thor Reborn
Marvel Comics
Undying Love
Image Comics
Warlord of Mars
Dynamite Entertainment
White Picket Fences: Red Scare
Ape Entertainment
Zorro, Vol. 3: Tales of the Fox
Dynamite Entertainment
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Click here to see what's coming soon!
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