Well, the majority of Colorado is now out, and the fire bans have been lifted, so we’re going to make it another year. yay!
Right now, Folks all over the world are travelling to San Diego for the world famous San Diego Comic Con. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. I suppose that’s alright, seeing as how it’s expensive to drive from Colorado to San Diego (not to mention hotels and food and all those awesome souvenirs). If you are going, be sure to swing by the Capstone booth at the con. Because of the super positive reviews they received in the aftermath of Free Comic Book Day, they’re increasing their presence at the Con. Swing by their booth, tell them Nathan sent ya.
On a side note, A while back I told you about a Bloop the web comic about a green space monkey. Here’s a link if you missed it the first time (it’s at the bottom). Apparently, Steve has been so successful with the web comic, he’s getting ready to start a kickstarter to fund a limited edition first issue. In Steve’s own words:
“The first 24-page chapter will be printed in a GIANT 10x15, full-color, hardcover, deluxe format (case-bound with foil stamp and a full-color dust jacket AND 100# satin paper interior) and be out this September. “
I’ve seen a preview of the dust jacket cover, and it is beautiful. Believe me, as it progresses, I’ll be posting updates.
Anyways, doing a two-fer review this week. Neither title is brand new, but they are both interesting and really kind of non-traditional stories.
Discovery Channel: Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Predators
Image Courtesy Zenoscope
Written and Illustrated by Various
Silver Dragon Books, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-98275-074-2 (TPB)
$9.99, Suggested 9+
Summary
Adventure back in time to see prehistoric creatures and learn about them in gruesome detail. From the powerful Triceratops to the terrifying Tyrannosaurus Rex. Backed by the Discovery Channel’s extensive library of information, This is an exhaustive examination of some of the most famous dinosaur species ever discovered.
Analysis
This book is not one of those that shies away from the more… natural aspects of how dinosaurs spent their days. Incredibly informative, they don’t skimp on the information. The artwork is detailed and beautifully rendered, and it’s obvious that everyone involved with this book was invested heart and soul in it’s production.
Final Thoughts
As I said previously, this is a beautiful book, and that’s where my reservations stem from. For younger (and/or sensitive) readers, this book has pure, unadulterated nightmare fuel in it. Certain scenes, especially the ends of the carnivore entries often have the dinosaur facing the reader, jaws wide open, like it’s ready to chow down on the audience. Other points of possible concern to parents are when the carnivores are eating – there’s very few strategically placed plants or rocks to hide the carnage. Regardless, this is an impressively researched and presented book. Definitely one worth checking out, but before recommending it, know your audience!
***
The Duckling Gets A Cookie!?
Image Courtesy Hyperion Book CH
Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems
Hyperion Book CH, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-42315-128-9 (HC)
$9.99, Ages 2+
Summary
If you’re familiar with the Pigeon, this book really needs no introduction. Created by Emmy Award Winner Mo Willems, the Pigeon has become a staple of early childhood literature. Originally appearing in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, the temperamental fowl has made several attempts to get his way through passive-aggressive ways. In this latest installment, the Pigeon has encountered his new ‘nemesis’ an extremely cute and polite duckling who asks for a cookie, and gets it. This of course sets the pigeon off on a book length rant about how he never gets what he wants.
Analysis
Willems has had a long and successful career – first on Sesame Street and then with his different book series. The Pigeon is one of those characters that kids can instantly identify with, and love to read of his exploits time and again. The images are simple, with solid easy to understand colors and storylines that even the youngest readers will quickly identify and enjoy. While many people classify the Pigeon books and Willem’s other series Elephant and Piggie to be children’s books (which they are), they’re also perfect introductions to graphic novels at their simplest level. Panels are rendered to one a page, word balloons show discussion as well as who is speaking, action lines show movement – these are the basics of comics and graphic novels.
Final Thoughts
Buy this book. That’s all there is to it. While you’re at it, get the rest of the Pigeon books as well. No matter how old you are, you’re going to love these books.
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