I know this is a day late, but due recent incidents, I‘ve been a little distracted. I apologize for the delay. I’ll be addressing the whole Batman Theater issue on my other blog, but please be aware that it was a raw, ugly, incident, and my take on it may be just as raw and ugly. However, you didn’t come here to hear me rant and rave; here, we’re going to talk about cool, awesome things. Things like two new offerings from Scholastic (which is a cool and awesome publishing company in its own right). On a side note, I had to beg, borrow and stop just short of stealing to get these books – apparently, I somehow fell off their mailing list.
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Drama
Image Courtesy Scholastic
Written and Illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
Scholastic, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-54532-699-5 (PB)
$10.99, Ages: 13+
Summary
Callie loves theater, but she can’t carry a tune to save her life. So when her school decides to put on Moon Over Mississippi, she’s super excited to be the set designer for the play, and she’s planning on making Broadway on a middle school budget. In addition to wanting Broadway, without having the experience of Broadway, Callie and the crew have to deal with poor ticket sales, a distinct lack of experience with carpentry, and clashing egos (both in front of the curtain and behind). When two cute brothers join the cast and crew, it’s all Callie can do to keep things from falling apart without losing her mind.
Analysis
Telgemeier once again takes us on an amazing journey through what seems to be a mundane everyday occurrence, and makes it magic. Having done some theater in high school, I was taken back to those awkward, embarrassing, occasionally hostile, and ultimately gratifying times that they entailed. Callie is a fascinating and nuanced protagonist, and her dreams and efforts are presented with such clarity that it’s impossible to not root for her. Her fight with the cannon is especially poignant, and the emotional impact has to be experienced to be understood.
Final Thoughts
I have been a fan of Raina’s since she first debuted, and she has only gotten better with time. Her characters are fully living, breathing beings that command the attention of the reader. On the heels of her Eisner Award winning Smile, Telgemeier has crafted a tale that is slightly bittersweet, humorous, and memorable. On a side note, just so parents can’t claim “ambush” I do have to present a spoiler in the fact that one of the characters is gay, which I thought was wonderful, but I know not everyone shares my views. My only complaint is that I had to continually remind myself that this is set in middle school. But when set against everything else, it is an incredibly small complaint. I’d be willing to bet Drama is going to be on many critics “best of” lists this year, and it’s no wonder why. Pre-order this book now – you won’t be disappointed. Libraries would be wise to have at least two physical copies ready to go.
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Amulet, Vol. 5: Prince of the Elves
Image Courtesy Scholastic
Written and Illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi
Scholastic, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-54520-889-5 (PB)
$12.99, Ages 8+
Summary
Things are not looking good for Emily, her family and friends, or the legendary city of Cielis. The traitor Max Griffin has presented the Elf King with the mother stone. With the King’s power now growing exponentially, dangerous journeys must be undertaken, but at what cost?
Analysis
Kibuishi is famous for both his storytelling and his artwork, and as usual, he doesn’t disappoint. The story moves at a breakneck pace this time around, and the action comes fast and furious, but the artwork still forces you to slow down and drink in the sheer mastery of the medium. The attention to detail is absolutely phenomenal, and the revelations prepare the reader for the inevitable war looming on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Kibuishi knocks this one out of the park. It’s crazy fast, intense, and just oh, so, gorgeous. If you’re new to the series, you’re definitely going to want to read the first four books, because book 5 doesn’t wait for you to catch your breath – it’s off like a shot the moment you read the first panel. Scholastic has yet another winner on their hands. What I don’t understand is why Kibuishi has not won an Eisner for his work yet. This is amazing stuff, and it must be seen to be believed.
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