27 August 2012–A Foreign Affair (plus the usual nonsense)

 

Alright folks, News first, then reviews.

One of the things I always try and look for when reviewing new books are books that are aimed at, or at least have, girls as the protagonist. Girls are a traditionally under-represented demographic in graphic novels, and I think it’s very important that girls are presented in a positive light. So, imagine my surprise and delight when I stumbled across A Mighty Girl (Thanks go out to Jeremy Whitley of Princeless fame – my review can be found here), who posted the Top Graphic Novels for Mighty Girls. They have a fantastic selection of graphic novels aimed at girls, and the few that I haven’t read personally have all been highly recommended, so please check the list out! It’s well worth the trip.

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In Bloop news, Steve is still chugging along, having hit 134% of his goal (and he still has 21 days to go!) He’s now added the coolest Bloop plush. If you’ve already sponsored Bloop, you can kick in a little extra for the plush (Full details are at Kickstarter). In turns of full disclosure, I do not have anything to do with Bloop other than being a vocal supporter – I do not and will not get any financial recompense (nor would I want it). I do this purely for the fact that I believe in this project. (Thanks again to Steve Conley for letting me borrow this image)

 

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Well, as far as I know, that covers the news in this part of the web for this week. Now, on to the reviews review. Due to technical difficulties, I’va had to cut the reviews short this week. All will be explained below.

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This first book is rather interesting, in that they’ve been in print in English, since approximately 2005. Why review it now? Jr Comics is reissuing it in a Library Binding (thick, heavy duty covers), and its just too much fun to pass up. Plus, it’s not that often I get to review Chinese manhua, so I totally jumped on this.

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The Monkey King Vol. 1

Image Courtesy  Jr Comics

Written by Wei Dong Chen, Illustrated by Chao Peng

Jr Comics (Lerner Publishing), 2012

ISBN: 978-8-99420-869-5 (Library Binding)

$29.27, Ages: 10+

Synopsis

The Monkey King, or “The Journey to the West” as it is more commonly known, is one of the oldest and most revered Chinese tales, one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. Combining folklore, legend, and fantasy, this tells the story of Sun Wu Kong, a.k.a. the Stone Monkey, a.k.a. the Handsome Monkey King, as he first comes into being, and then gets into mischief with the various kings and gods of Chinese myth. This is the first volume in a twenty volume set, that shows the birth of the Monkey King and his various early adventures, where he’s little more than a vain, imperious, petulant child. Over the course of the next 19 volumes, he becomes a powerful, wise and benevolent character that brings Buddhism to China.

Analysis

“The Journey to the West” is as important to China as the tales of Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill or Paul Bunyan. It has been the source of such works as DragonBall, American Born Chinese and My Son Goku, and influences can been seen in games (both computer and table top), movies, and television. The artwork is absolutely stunning, and the story moves at a measured, but very brisk pace.  There is very little (if any) objectionable material, mostly concerning itself with big explosions and bloodless violence.

Final Thoughts

When I started this book, I had only the vaguest idea of what the story was (having previously read American Born Chinese – which is brilliant by the way), but there is a fascinating and very illuminating explanation and overview at the beginning of the book that makes it much easier to understand, and then an analysis at the end that helps westerners parse what exactly what has happened. This would be great for a unit on Chinese or World mythology, but it’s just as fun on it’s own. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that a paperback copy of this title was released back in January, and the price is much more cost effective.

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My Second review was going to be a retelling of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, by Wei Dong Chen, but unfortunately, I cannot find any information related to it’s purchasing information anywhere! As soon as I get a release date (and a webpage), I’ll review it, because just like The Monkey King, this is also going to be a 20 book series detailing a huge instance in Chinese history. I’m very sad that I can’t find the information about it.

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Slight Delay in Today's Post

Well, today's post is coming, I promise. However, it may be a little late. I'm reviewing a couple of titles that are really, really cool, but I'm missing some information from the publisher. If I don't get it in time, I'll have to postpone one of the reviews, but I promise - this is something that is brand new to the GNReader, and also something I hope I can review more of in the future. Just hang tight folks, the post will go up today! Nathan

20 August 2012 – Batula (and news updates)

As the summer winds down, and schools let back in for the season, I find myself thinking that the GNReader needs some sprucing up. I’ve been debating a couple of changes that might result in minor cosmetic changes to the page, or it could mean a whole redesign. I’m still up in the air about the entire thing. Anyways, that’s a discussion for another day.

Remember how I said last week that my friend Steve Conley was starting a kickstarter project to fund his Bloop production? Well, the day after it went live, he hit his goal. Now, the kickstarter runs for a full month and you can still kick in to help fund it. Just check out the link above and be a part of something that I personally feel is going to be momentous.

The Toon Books Contest tied into Rutu Modan’s finished a few days ago. No winners announced yet, but the contestants looked like they had a blast. Hopefully, they’ll list the winners soon. I just wanted to thank Toon Books for allowing me to be a part of the contest (however minor it might have been). It was a lot of fun to see kids showing off how messy they could be, and reminded me of how much fun my kids were at that age (and still are).

In the next couple of months, I will be creating brochures and discussion points that highlight what it is that I do, as I have been doing some public speaking. If you would like for me to come and discuss graphic novels for younger audiences, general audiences, new releases, or just about anything to do with Graphic Novels, please contact me to see about scheduling a meeting.

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Batula

Image Courtesy Image Comics

Written by Steven T. Seagle, Illustrated by Marco Cinello

Image Comics, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-60706-572-2 (HC)

$16.99; Ages: 8 +

Synopsis

Livingston is a peaceful fruit bat that lives in the Orchard, a lovely area of land outside of the Big City. Livingston is consumed with the fact that he doesn’t stand out from any of the other bats in his group, and can’t seem to draw the eye of Drina, a cute female bat that he likes. Deciding to distinguish himself from the others in the Orchard, Livingston flies into the Big City to make a name for himself. After a terrifying run-in with another bat, Livingston starts acting different. While the new Livingston is an instant hit with Drina, he seriously jeopardizes his chances with her when she catches him eating a meatball. Fleeing the Orchard, Livingston meets Wulf, who trains him to embrace the change and use it for the betterment of his brethren.  Of course, once his group is threatened by a not-so-old enemy, can Livingston prove he’s the hero Wulf thinks he is? Can he truly become…Batula?

Analysis

Alright, this is not a *traditional* graphic novel in the sense of word balloons and panels, but I’m willing to make an exception in this case. For one, it’s written by Steven T. Segal – The guy who helped create Man of Action Labs (the Ben 10 series, Generator Rex, and the Vertigo title House of Secrets), two, it’s steeped in comic book folklore, and three, because it’s my blog and I can review what I want. The pacing is tight, yet not frantic, and even though the story may not break any new ground, it’s done in such a way that it feels completely fresh and original. Cinello’s artwork is eye-poppingly gorgeous and really captures the moods of each event. My personal favorite is the character of Wulf, who bears a passing resemblance to the old Daredevil mentor “Stick”. There is humor, action, and just enough danger to make this a great story.

Final Thoughts

This may not be a title that girls are going to flock to, but the boys will be swarming this one. Segal’s been around a while, and this book really shows off the mastery of his craft. Coupling Cinello’s artwork with Segal’s prose results in a fun, funny, and fascinating tale of what you can accomplish, especially when you realize that being different can be a huge advantage. Libraries are going to want at least one copy, and be prepared for it to be waitlisted, because it really is a lot of fun.

13 August 2012–News (and the weekly review)

 

Alright – before I get to the review (it’s a big one), I’d like to cover some news. First, the bad news: Joe Kubert (Sgt. Rock and Hawkman amongst many other characters) passed away over the weekend. He was also known for one of the most decorated and prestigious schools of sequential art – the aptly named Joe Kubert School. If you’re looking to pursue a career in sequential art, please give them a look.

Now, for some good news: Steve Conley, writer and author of the webcomic Bloop is getting ready to go live with his kickstarter program tomorrow (14 August 2012). I was allowed a sneak-peek at his kickstarter page, and it looks fantastic. I can’t say anything more until the page goes live, but trust me on this – if you decide to fund any kickstarter, it needs to be this one. I am seriously giddy about this program. I’ll link to it as soon as it goes live.

Remember the Messy Eater Contest that Toon Books was doing a few weeks ago? They’ve extended the deadline to 15 August – so if you’ve been meaning to send in your pics to win a free copy of Maya Makes a Mess, you’ve got a couple of more days. There’s already some stiff competition on their site as well, check it out!

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A Wrinkle in Time

The Graphic Novel

Image Courtesy Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Written by Madeleine L’Engle, Adapted and Illustrated by Hope Larson

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2012 (HB)

ISBN: 978-0-37438-615-3

$19.95, Ages 10+

Synopsis

Meg Murry. Charles Wallace Murry. Calvin O’Keefe. Mrs Who. Mrs Whatsit. Mrs Which. Names that have entered the timeless vernacular of YA science fiction literature. Originally published over 50 years ago, A Wrinkle in Time has never been out of print. Now, Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin are lovingly rendered in a visual aspect – from tessering to facing IT, the classic story gains a whole new dimension (please forgive the pun).

Analysis

I have been anticipating this for a long time, and it does not disappoint. It is obvious that Larson has poured a lot of work into this adaptation – this was not something that was slapped together in a matter of months. The characters are fully realized and developed (Mrs Who was a special delight, personally) and the two-tone color choices work throughout 99% of the book. The last 1% is my only beef with the book (and it’s a small one) is when Meg and company meet the Man with Red Eyes. Unfortunately, his eyes are a milky blue, causing a little disconnect with the story. Other than that, A Wrinkle in Time is a brilliantly recognized work from an outstanding artist. If this does not get at least one Eisner Award nod, then I will be supremely upset.

Final Thoughts

As a kid, I struggled to grasp L’Engle’s works (I was never good with the complex mathematical theories). Larson’s work on this book completely epitomizes the entire context of why I think graphic novels are so important. She has managed to take something that was practically undecipherable and present it in a way that is not only understandable, but engaging without talking down or resorting to condescension. This is going to be one of those books that will find its way into the classroom, not only as a literature book, but also  a style book. If you enjoyed A Wrinkle in Time, this will be a very welcome addition to your collection. If you never read it because it was too confusing, give this version a try – it has a flow to it that makes everything more understandable. This is a (if not *the*) must have book of 2012.

A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel will be available 2 October 2012. 

6 August 2012–A Blast from the Past, IDW Style

This week is kind of special for me. IDW is getting ready to re-release a bunch of old comics that they’ve collected together. Now, this is a bit of a bittersweet realization for me. I remember when these originally came out, so it’s like visiting an old friend, but by the same token, it also makes me realize just how old I’ve gotten. However, since my age is beside the point, lets get to the comics.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Vol. 1

Image Courtesy IDW

Written and Illustrated by: Various

IDW, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-61377-289-8 (TPB)

$19.99, Ages 6+

Synopsis

Collects two classic Turtles storylines from the early 90s influenced television show. In Return of the Shredder, the turtles have to face off against Shredder (newly  returned from the X-Zone). When the Shredder decides to get his revenge on the Turtles, will they be able to shake the bad press, as well as their newly returned nemesis? In the second tale, The Incredible Shrinking Turtles, the Turtles are shrank to miniscule size. How are they going to defeat the Shredder and get back to their original size?

Analysis

The Turtles of the 90s created two camps of fans. The old 80s black-and-white Turtles that were more hard bitten and gritty were a huge success on the independent market, while the much more kid friendly and family appropriate Turtles of the early 90s managed to get all the television, toy, movie, and video game deals. The artwork is obviously of the Disney-esque/Archie-esque influence – the turtles are friendly and inviting as heroes, and the villains, while visually disconcerting, are usually played off as bullies or inept, klutzy cowards. From what I can tell, these are clean reprints (possibly digitally mastered), and the colors absolutely pop off the page at times. However, if you ever watched the old shows, you know that the stories can be extremely saccharine and occasionally talks down to the intended audience.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those that kids are either going to love or hate. Younger audiences are going to enjoy the safer stories and comic elements, but older teens will probably be put off by the campiness of the entire thing. Still, be prepared to be seeing adult males in their 30s – 40s checking copies out. This would probably fit best in the children’s section, and for parents, the nostalgia factor alone should be a selling point.

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G.I. Joe Vs. Transformers

Image Courtesy IDW

Written and Illustrated by: Various

IDW, 2012

ISBN: 978-1-61377-352-9 (TPB)

$24.99, Ages 8+

Synopsis

Two staples of 80s boys entertainment come together in this collection of old issues. These two franchises were the be all, end all of male oriented youth entertainment in the 80s, and it’s not hard to see why. This book collects the Transformers 4-issue mini-series as well as a two issue story arc where Megatron and Cobra face off against The Autobots and the JOEs.

Analysis

While a little harder edged than the Turtles, G.I. JOE and the Transformers always strived to show that the good guys always won. It is interesting to note that this mini-series is also the one where Bumblebee (the little yellow VW Bug) is actually “killed” accidently by the JOEs and is later brought back as ‘Gold Bug’ (A little history: Bumblebee was *the* character that kids loved the most – he was the friendliest, most gregarious and outgoing of the Autobots, and his first human friend was a kid). The artwork is clean and doesn’t suffer from the occasional off-set printing that plagued comics of the time. The storylines suffer from some soap opera treatment, and Cobra does pull off an assassination that hits close to home for the JOEs. The majority of violence happens ‘off camera’, but the after effects are shown, so it’s important to note that.

Final Thoughts

This was *hot* when it was originally released, and topical to the time. That being said, it hasn’t aged as well as other titles from the same time. The Outfits and costumes of the time may seem a little silly now, but the characters never compromised on who they were, and the sincerity helps the story along and allows the reader to look past the outdated fashions. Regardless, this title is definitely going to appeal to slightly older kids who may not be ready to hit the ‘teen’ section yet, but are finding children’s titles to be a little too easy. Again, don’t be surprised if you see dads come up to the checkout counter with this.

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As it stands, IDW has done a stand up job with these two titles. they could have easily just thrown these issues between a couple of covers and called it good. Instead, they’ve painstakingly cleaned up the pages, and treated the materials with a reverence that often seems to be overlooked. The prices may seem a little high, but if you pre-order, you can find them much more palatable. I do get the feeling that many sales will be from the nostalgia market who either had the titles and lost them, or missed out on them the first time around.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vol. 1 is due out 21 August 2012, while G.I. JOE Vs. Transformers is due out 11 September, 2012.