(c.) 2015 by Kodansha USA Publishing

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where you feature a yet-to-be-released title you're anticipating!

Note: I've tried to edit some spoilers from the publisher's summary ... a strength of this manga are some of the crazy twists in the storyline! 

Title: Attack on Titan, Vol. 17
Creator: Hajime Isayama
U.S. Release Date: December 15, 2015 by Kodansha USA Publishing
Rating: T - Ages 16+ by the publisher

About the Book:

"Thanks to Rod Reiss, Eren finally knows the terrible truth behind ... Titan powers and the depth of his father’s crimes. The king orders ... Historia to kill Eren and restore the power of the Titans to its rightful place, but she chooses her own selfish path: survival. As the cavern crumbles around the Survey Corps, Eren must make another last-minute decision, with the lives of all his friends in the balance."

Why I'm "WoW" About Attack on Titan, Vol. 17:
You may remember my Fandom Friday feature on this crazy series earlier this year, where I briefly wrote about the combination of the manga and the anime (animated series) that hooked me into this dystopian, post-apocalypic series.

So the last manga volume released in August ended on. Such. A. Cliffhanger.  I was extremely tempted to throw it across the room (kind of).  Not only were was there a "Oh, no --you didn't just stop there!" moment, one of my favorite characters was injured and I'm hoping nothing horrible happens with that, though it has been a bit since a reoccurring character has been ... removed from the main storyline.  I've never followed a comic book or manga series before, so it's a different experience for me to be waiting every 3-4 months or so for the library to get a copy of the next volume.
The cover art for this volume is interesting and looks very calm compared to some of the other more intense covers.  The main characters look like the 15-year-old teenagers they should be rather than the hardened, battle-weary soldiers that they are.  I hope that means they'll be getting a well deserved break from the intense action of the previous volume, but who knows?

Are there any current manga or book series that you're following?  How do you cope with the wait time between books?

I apologize for dropping off the face of the "bloggersphere" again! This past weekend was our state library association’s annual conference and I presented my first LIS academic poster there: “‘Cos It’s More Than Just Play! Engaging Fandom in Public Libraries Through Cosplay.” It was an awesome experience, but because I was prepping for that, I didn’t get a chance to write any posts in advance. I haven’t done a Top Tuesday for a bit and this week’s theme from The Broke and The Bookish's blog was a neat way to look back at my list of books I’ve read this year (and a reminder that I need to update my goodreads account)!

So, in order by date read ...

Brian Selznick: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
--Required reading for my Books & Media for Children class. This Caldecott award winner’s strength is Selznick’s combination of story and illustrations. The visuals in this book are gorgeous!  Can't wait to read his other hybrid novels ...

Lois Lowry: The Giver
--Another required reading for my Books & Media for Children class. I had seen the film adaptation earlier this year –I had enjoyed that version, though I know the book purists weren’t thrilled with the "aging up" of Jonas. Perhaps because I had seen the movie first, it was kind of weird to think of a younger Jonas going through everything that he did. I never picked up the book as a teen because the summary/storyline didn’t really seem like it’d be my cup of tea, but I did enjoy it and I can see why it’s taught in many elementary, middle, and high schools.  Random fact: Lois Lowry herself took the photo of the older gentleman used on the original book cover!

Neil Gaiman: The Graveyard Book
--Though I don't think I'd ever be able to read his acclaimed Sandman graphic novels, I've always meant to read his children's books.  I thought I'd get to Coraline first (because I've been meaning to see the animated film), but again, this was required reading.  It felt almost timeless at times, but there are references to cell phones and other things that place it in the modern world.  It really had a British vibe to it and a bit dark, but for the most part, still appropriate for the target age group.

Dina L. Sleiman: Dauntless & Chivalrous --Totally fell in love with Dina's YA medieval historicals that are inspired by legendary figures such as Robin Hood or King Arthur and Camelot.  One author I'll definitely be keeping an eye on ... I'm hoping to try her earlier published work soon. My reviews of Dauntless and Chivalrous.

Susan May Warren: When I Fall in Love (#3), Take a Chance on Me (#1), It Had to Be You (#2)
--I first came upon When I Fall in Love, book 3 of the Christiansen family series, and was immediately drawn in by the story (I love cooking competitions and I grew up in Hawaii!) and taken by the characters.  I quickly borrowed the first two from the library and then fell behind on the series (which I'm going to remedy really soon).  I don't read a lot of contemporary fiction, but I'm totally won over by Warren's writing.

Becky Wade: Meant to Be Mine
--Another new-to-me Christian Contemporary Fiction author I read this year was Becky Wade.  A daring storyline with enough romantic tension that kept me flipping pages late into early morning hours to finish!  While readable as a stand-alone, I'm hoping to get to books #1 & #3 of the Porter series soon. =)

Jennifer A. Nielsen: The False Prince, The Runaway King, The Shadow Throne
--I initially selected The False Prince for an assignment in my Books & Media for Teens class this summer.  After my course was over, it was clear because of the ending that I'd have to continue reading the trilogy.  With short chapters and full of action, it's perfect for reluctant readers.  While it took me a bit to warm up to Sage (he was a bit too rogue for me personally), seeing his maturation and growth through his journey was rewarding.

J.L. Mbewe: Secrets Kept
--I remember stumbling onto Jennette's blog earlier this year and discovering a similar love of fandoms and fantasy.  While I don't usually review books from presses I'm not familiar with, I'm glad I did for Secrets Kept!  Her diverse characters and elaborate world building brought the novel to life and it's a welcome addition to the Christian fantasy genre.

Nadine Brandes: A Time to Die & A Time to Speak
--Along with Jennifer A. Nielsen, Nadine wins the award of "cliffhanger queen" this year ... =P  One of the things I love about being a book blogger/reviewer is having the opportunity to read books I might not normally give myself a chance to read.  I remember seeing A Time to Die around the book blogging world last year, but I hadn't heard of the publisher, so I ... kind of dismissed it.  Huge mistake that I'm glad I've rectified this year!  The Out of Time books are easily some of the the best Christian YA dystopians I've ever read. My review of A Time to Die & A Time to Speak.

Becky Cloonan & Brenden Fletcher: Gotham Academy, Vol. 1
--I was able to briefly meet these creators of Gotham Academy at #ALAac15 this summer, along with Karl Kerschl, who illustrates this new and gorgeously mysterious, slightly spooky, Nancy Drew-esque entry into DC Comics and Gotham lore.  While a lot of the "Bat-verse" and Gotham set stories starring Batman and co. are often a bit too dark for my taste, this series, aimed at middle grade, teen, and new comic book readers, is what would probably be rated "all ages appropriate" graphic novels. My review of Gotham Academy, Vol. 1.

Have you read any of these authors --what should I read next? What are some "new-to-you" authors you read this year you'd recommend? 

For this Throwback Thursday, another manga review first written for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in December 2014.

(c.) 2011 by NBM Publishing

Title: Stargazing Dog
Creator: Takashi Murakami
Published: English version 2011 by NBM Publishing, original Japanese in 2008.

About the Book:
"Translated from the Japanese bestseller, this story centers on Oto-san, a man who finds himself abandoned by his family and friends with nothing in his life happening the way he had planned. He embarks on a road trip to escape it all, and he soon discovers the only one he can count on completely is his faithful, recently adopted dog, who helps him see the light at the end of the tunnel. Illustrating the valuable lessons of friendship and loyalty, this is a heartwarming tale of two endearing characters and their shared adventure into the unknown."

The Artist Librarian's Review:
This was a poignant story told through the eyes of Happie, the family dog. From the time he burst into their lives, he observes his family: witnessing the break down and then finally the separation of his family members. He remains the companion of "Daddy" as they road trip aimlessly across Japan. Happie is the only "person" left in Daddy’s life and they loyally stay at one another's sides until the end. The last part of Stargazing Dog follows the social worker tasked with identifying the body of the man found in an abandoned vehicle. The body of the faithful dog reminds him of his treatment of a loyal pup from his childhood.

I’d heard of elderly in Japan passing away alone and not being found until months later.  This manga reminded me of those stories (and of Hachi). Why did Daddy use a fake name at the pawn shop near the end? It didn’t seem like he wanted anyone to find him after he was gone … Was it to avoid shame? I thought it was interesting to note a slightly different culture and mindset. But something made me sad to think that his daughter or wife wouldn’t know what happened to him. Even if he and his wife didn’t split on the best of terms (it seemed they were both kind of resigned rather than angry) … I don’t know, I still think that his family would want a funeral or closure. Even if you were a “cat person” (like me) I don’t see how you could dislike Happie … I think any pet owner would be moved by his loyalty and sweetness. 

For regular manga readers, I’d recommend it to folks who enjoyed Chi’s Sweet Home (though Chi is a cat) because the story is told from the pet's point of view … I’d feel pretty comfortable recommending it to teens and up, as I didn’t remember anything really graphic (I don't know if it would interest younger readers). Though they might not be able to really relate to the protagonist, it might give them insight to the older family members or adults in their lives …

For non-manga readers, if they were interested in “animal stories” or memoirs, such as Dewey, Marley and Me, Hachi, etc. I’d recommend Stargazing Dog.

Do you have any favorite animal stories or graphic novels?  

I briefly reviewed this gorgeous manga series during my 2014 wrap-up.  But for this Throwback Thursday, here is my full review of A Bride's Story, Vol. 1 written originally for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in December 2014.

1. I'm in love with Mori's detailed penwork!

Title: A Bride's Story, Vol. 1
Creator: Kaoru Mori (English translation by William Flanagan)
Published: 2011 by Yen Press (English), original Japanese in 2009
Rated: "Older Teen" by the publisher

About the Book:

"Acclaimed creator Kaoru Mori (Emma, Shirley) brings the nineteenth-century Silk Road to lavish life, chronicling the story of Amir Halgal, a young woman from a nomadic tribe betrothed to a twelve-year-old boy eight years her junior. Coping with cultural differences, blossoming feelings for her new husband, and expectations from both her adoptive and birth families, Amir strives to find her role as she settles into a new life and a new home in a society quick to define that role for her.

Crafted in painstaking detail, Ms. Mori’s pen breathes life into the scenery and architecture of the period in this heartwarming slice-of-life tale that is at once both wholly exotic, yet familiar and accessible through the everyday lives of the rich characters she has created."

The Artist Librarian's Review:
A Bride’s Story is a lush, historical graphic novel with beautiful, detailed art. I admit, when I first read the synopsis, I thought, “Oh no, this might be awkward,” regarding the ages of Amir and Karluk. However, they both have a sense of maturity to their characters --especially Karluk-- and Amir has a sense of fun and a lighthearted playfulness that often made me forget about the age gap.  To me, the age gap is especially minimized when paired with the manga style of art (other than a few panels that visually emphasized the difference). Though this manga was assigned in our class as an example of an "Adult Graphic Novel," based on the first volume (and the rating), I’d be willing to recommend it to older teens also.  However since there were a couple of what I’d call artistically nude/topless images, I’d only do so with families I knew really well.  I personally will be continuing this series because I am absolutely in love with the gorgeous artwork and the characters! Both the main and supporting are fleshed out in their respective roles –Karluk’s nieces and nephews are adorable and I want to learn more about Grandmother!

For manga readers, if they’re interested in lush historicals or even fantasy (the cultures explored are so foreign and unfamiliar to western ideas that I felt like I was reading a fantasy at times, especially when Amir’s family came back), I would definitely recommend A Bride’s Story.  Actually … some parts kind of remind me a tiny bit of Aang’s crush on Katara in the Avatar: The Last Airbender animated series (but the "Kataang" relationship is a little less "squicky"). But if they are "Kataang" shipper/fan, they might be enjoy this series as well.

For non-manga readers, I think historical fiction fans like myself would enjoy it. Those interested in drawing or pen work (or even intaglio or printmaking) might also find the series interesting to read and study Mori's amazing work.

Brief content notes: Some slight language [e.g. bas--rd] and artistically nude/topless images, but most of the situations come across as more innocent rather than typical hyper-sexualized graphic novel/comic book art.  Feel free to contact me for more details.

Do you like reading about unfamiliar cultures or customs (historical or contemporary)?  What are some titles (books or graphic novels) you'd recommend that explore those subjects?1. - A Bride's Story, Vol. 1 cover image (c.) Yen Press

Throwback Thursday! This review was first written for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in November 2014.


Title: Night Fisher
Author/Illustrator: R. Kikuo Johnson
Published: 2005 by Fantagraphics

Night Fisher was an ... interesting look into the life of a "hapa" (half Caucasian) teenage boy living on Maui at the cusp of adulthood. It captures the stress and uncertainty many high school seniors face and depicts how one choice (or a series of choices) can affect your life.

The art is very naturalistic and there are little elements interspersed like “artifacts” of the characters’ lives: a land deed, a map, knot diagrams, botany style plant sketches, etc. I also liked how Johnson dealt with “whispered” dialogue or dialogue that Loren can’t hear clearly from his POV (the text bubbles themselves have delicate, spindly, hard-to-read script).

However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the story itself … I could relate with Loren up to a point: academic pressures (though my parents weren’t that anal about my grades), uncertainty of the future, etc. but I guess I’m too “goody two shoes” --Though I could see how Loren could fall into drugs and such with Shane, I thought he was kind of … well, stupid. I can’t speak to the drug scene in Hawaii, though I remember the news and media saying it was there, I never hung around people involved myself (or at least, not to my knowledge). But having grown up there, I can definitely testify to the feeling of wanting to get off the island (and on the neighbor islands, there can be a feeling of it being more “boring” or “nothing to do” than on Oahu).

The ending is a bit ambiguous or feels incomplete, but Loren’s life is also unfinished (maybe the open field represents his life or freedom from lying or hiding since he was caught). Definitely a bit more conceptual than most comics I gravitate toward ...

Content: If it were a film, it'd probably be PG-13 alluding to drugs, language, sexual situations, etc.

Are there any books or comic books set in your home state that left you disappointed (or extremely satistified)?  Feel free to share titles in the comments and why!

Throwback Thursday! This review was first written for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in October 2014.


Title: Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, Vol. 1
Author: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Sara Pichelli
Published: 2012 by Marvel Comics

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man Vol. 1 collects the first 5 issues of the series from 2012 written by Brian Michael Bendis. Despite starring an elementary school student, Miles Morales, it has a T+ rating on the back (one of the few U.S. comic book volumes I remember reading with a rating). I’d agree with that, teens and up. It also may be appropriate for younger students, since the “swearing” is depicted using symbols (thank you!) and it didn’t feel very violent compared to other superhero series I've read.  There’s also some positive parent/child relationships depicted (culminating into a great father/son talk between two characters, which I felt was almost meant for both adults and a younger audience to hear).

However, I was a bit confused as to where this title fit in the Marvel universe: a brief foreword or introduction to the Ultimate Comics relaunch would have been great. I believe it’s an alternate universe, where New York needs a new Spider-Man after Peter Parker can no longer fill the role … Miles is bitten by a genetically altered spider --could this be his destiny?

Anyway, though I do love Peter Parker, I'll definitely be borrowing more Spider-Man comics from the library that feature Miles in the future.

Do you like Spider-Man? Why or why not?  Have you read any comic books featuring Miles Morales as Spider-Man? Can someone explain the Ultimate Comics relaunch?

Gotham Academy's intrepid protagonists!

Even though I'm disappointed I missed out on reviewing the new Dick Grayson series and Batgirl of Burnside volumes because of computer issues, I finally got the Adobe Digital Editions to work on my tablet and was able to download and review this new series in time for it's official release today!

Title: Gotham Academy Vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy 
Author: Becky Cloonan & Brendan Fletcher
Illustrated: Karl Kerschl
Published: 2015 by DC Comics

About the Book:

"Welcome to Gotham Academy, the most prestigious school in Gotham City. Only the best and brightest students may enter its halls, study in its classrooms, explore its secret passages, summon its terrifying spirits… 

 Okay, so Gotham Academy isn’t like other schools. But Olive Silverlock isn’t like other students. After a mysterious incident over summer break, she’s back at school with a bad case of amnesia, an even worse attitude… and an unexplained fear of bats. 

Olive’s supposed to show new student Maps Mizoguchi the ropes. Problem: Maps is kid sister of Kyle, Olive’s ex. Then there’s the ghost haunting the campus…the secret society conducting bizarre rituals…and Bruce Wayne, the weirdo billionaire who funds the Academy - and may know the secret to Olive’s big mystery. 

Find out in GOTHAM ACADEMY VOL. 1, the acclaimed new series from co-writers Becky Cloonan (DEMO) and Brendan Fletcher (BATGIRL) and artist Karl Kerschl (TEEN TITANS: YEAR ONE)! Collects GOTHAM ACADEMY #1-6."

The Artist Librarian Review: 
This new series set in Batman's world first debuted last October.  Collecting issues #1-6, Gotham Academy Vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy provides spunky heroines who tackle the supernatural mysteries around them in a way that would make Nancy Drew proud.

I haven't done a Fandom Friday in awhile, so here is my first manga review written originally for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in October 2014.  Updated since this is my new manga/anime obsession ... ;-) 

(c.) 2010 by Kondansha

Title: Attack on Titan, Vol. 1
Creator: Hajime Isayama (English translation by Sheldon Drzka, lettering by Steve Wands)
Published: 2010 (English version published 2012 by Kodansha USA Publishing).
Rating: T - Ages 16+ by the publisher.

About the Book:

In this post-apocalytpic sci-fi story, humanity has been devastated by the bizarre, giant humanoids known as the Titans. Little is known about where they came from or why they are bent on consuming mankind. Seemingly unintelligent, they have roamed the world for years, killing everyone they see. For the past century, what's left of man has hidden in a giant, three-walled city. People believe their 100-meter-high walls will protect them from the Titans, but the sudden appearance of an immense Titan is about to change everything.

The Artist Librarian Review:
When the Titans break into Shinganshina district, young Eren Yeager vows to end the Titan threat that has destroyed his home.  Five years later, with his best friends, Armin Arlert and Mikasa Ackerman, military trainee Yeager comes face-to-face with his mortal enemies.

So first let me say: Wow.

Shingeki no Kyojin, Attack on Titan's Japanese title literally translates to "Advancing Giants." My first introduction to Attack on Titan was at a pop culture convention in 2014 --there were so many Attack on Titan cosplayers! However, though I thought their uniforms and gear were cool, that alone didn't interest me enough to find out more; to read or watch it.

Now, after reading the first volume for school, I'm torn. I'm intrigued to read more even though I'm a squeamish type of girl ... The back cover review blurbs about the anime being an "action/horror story" and "Japan's equivalent of The Walking Dead" (i.e. the zombie apocalypse AMC show based on a comic book series) worried me for a moment, but the story's got a fascinating pull. Kind of like I wanted to look away but couldn't ... ;-) 

The sketchy, drawn quality of some of the art and panels was an interesting touch. Again, I haven't read a whole lot of manga, but I'm used to associating more cleaner line-work and art to manga. However, I think the roughness of those sections work for the dystopian type of world the humans live in: It's a gritty, believable world. 

And wow, that ending!  It's clear that no one is safe in this manga --anyone can die and it definitely ups the stakes. 

Update: In April, I started watching the anime reruns on Cartoon Network and I am so hooked!  The combat scenes with the 3DMG (i.e. gear that allow the military to fight like Spider-Man with swords against the Titans) are amazingly choreographed.  The English dubbing uses voice actors that I think capture the characters perfectly.  And from first hearing the incredible opening theme, I've fallen in love with the television soundtrack and score by Hiroyuki Sawano.  I don't know how to describe it ... kind of orchestral, with some rock and electronic parts ... The closest I can compare it to is Daft Punk's Tron: Legacy film score, but even that isn't an accurate comparison.  Listen to a sample for yourself here.  I've also mentally added the Survey Corps uniform on my Costuming Wish List ... which officially means that Jen has found a new fandom, LOL.

Fair warning: it's TV-14, so definitely don't let the little guys watch this show.  As with the manga, there's lots of blood depicted, since the Titans do ... eat people (though most of the actual death scenes are off-screen cut-aways, you often see the aftermath), some language (such as b-st-rd, a--hole, sh-t, etc. but they are in their world's equivalent of the military), and some intense sequences.  Unless you know the child well, I'd recommend the manga and anime to teens and up, as the published ratings suggest.  Check out the trailer below to get a feel of the series!



I'm currently working on catching up with the manga --that fascinating pull I wrote about earlier?  It's definitely the characters: As they wrestle with survivor's guilt, questions unanswered about the Titans' origins, and struggle with morality (e.g. Do the ends justify the means? Do the needs of the many outweigh the few? What does it mean to be human? etc.), like many dystopians, you may find yourself looking at the world around you in a different light. 

What do you think about Attack on Titan?  Have you ever read manga or watched anime?  Are there any you recommend?  What about dystopians?  Why do you think they are so popular right now?

Throwback Thursday! This review was first written for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in October 2014.

(c.) 2014 by DC Comics

Title: Batman: Li'l Gotham: Vol. 1
Creators: Dustin Nguyen & Derek Fridolfs
Published: 2014 by DC Comics

Batman: Li’l Gotham, Vol. 1 is SO adorable! I love the artwork by Dustin Nguyen. They’re sort of reminiscent of Japanese chibi (a cute stylized manga/anime style characterized with large proportioned heads and eyes in relation to body).  This along with the watercolor-like illustrations add to the lighthearted feel --it was great to read after the more serious/violent/intense storyline in Batgirl. This volume was published in 2014, but many Batman characters show up in this "Li’l Gotham" regardless of space, time or the New 52 universe.

Each issue (there are six collected in this volume) has a holiday theme: Christmas, Halloween, Mother’s Day, etc. There are a lot of “easter egg” extras, jokes, and cameos regarding characters that only Batman savvy audiences would get. For example, one of my favorite stories of the bunch featured Batman/Bruce Wayne and all his “Robins” (Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne) trying to make Alfred dinner for Father’s Day while Barbara Gordon and her dad (Commissioner Jim Gordon) run into a more villainous father/daughter pair …

I’d recommend it wholeheartedly, even to elementary aged students who are independent readers. If you needed to do a readers' advisory for a patron that wanted something similar, I’d recommend the Tiny Titans comic book series by Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani.

Do you have any favorite "kid-friendly" comic book series?

This review was first written for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in October 2014.


Title: Batgirl: Vol. 1: The Darkest Reflection
Author: Gail Simone
Illustrators: Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes
Published: 2012 by DC Comics

I've wanted to read a Batgirl comic for awhile, because I heard that she was a librarian in her origin story!

This Batgirl volume was published in 2012 and is a part of the “New 52” universe. It brings Barbara Gordon back as Batgirl, which was a controversial move since she had been paralyzed since the 1980s “Killing Joke” storyline (which was also controversial itself). Between this time, she had come into another persona, The Oracle --an expert computer hacker and information specialist, proving her value even as a “handicapped” individual. This was one of the reasons why some objected to her mobile return as Batgirl: there are not many wheelchair bound comic book characters and as Oracle she was a role model for others like her.

One of the things that kept me away from Batman titles is that I didn't know how “dark” the titles are … and the 1980s-current titles seemed kind of dark to me. This volume was right at the edge of my tolerance level (violence-wise, language-wise, situation-wise, etc.) … Anything more I don't think I could enjoy, but the story was pretty interesting and I ended up enjoying most of it.

In this volume, Batgirl’s back on the scene and determined to prove to her mentors and to herself that she is ready to rejoin the fight for justice as she works to take down the mysterious new villain, Mirror. She isn’t a librarian (apparently that’s from her Silver Age origin), but has a degree in forensic psychology and an eidetic (“photographic”) memory.

I personally would recommend it for high school and up … unless a younger audience watched a lot of Criminal Minds or CSI types of shows, then perhaps they could handle it. If someone liked this title, I’d recommend one I’d like to get to eventually myself: Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey run which starred several female superheroes (Oracle, Black Canary, Huntress, etc.) and is considered one of the best from that series (though it’s previous to the New 52 era).

Who's your favorite super-heroine?  Why?

Throwback Thursday! This review was first written for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in September 2014.

Title: Little Lit: Folklore and Fairy Tale Funnies 
Edited by: Art Spiegelman and Francoise Mouly
Published: 2000 by HarperCollins

About the Book:

A treasure and a treasury!

Innovative cartoonist and renowned children's book artists from around the world have gathered to bring you the magic of fairy tales through the wonder of comics. The stories range from old favorites to new discoveries, from the profound to the silly. A treat for all ages, these picture stories unlock the enchanted door into the pleasures of books and reading!

The Artist Librarian Review:
Editor Art Spiegelman is well known for his WWII graphic novel Maus.  I loved how all the art has a retro flair or vintage feel to them ... in fact, "The Gingerbread Man" by Walt Kelly was drawn in 1943, but all of the art feels like it could have been created over 50 years ago. I almost couldn't believe the copyright date says 2000.

The one that stood out to me the most was the "Fairy Tale Road Rage" and "Once Upon a Time" by Chris Ware -they're actually the last endpages, but it's amazingly witty. First, "Road Rage" is the instructions for the board game on the front endpages. I have to leave a small excerpt of the snarky directions:

"The smartest of all children will then deduce that, due to the similarity of these colors, some sort of relationship exists between the playing pieces, the spaces on the board, and the spaces on the storyboards. This child should be immediately excused from play and be signed up for top-level government service, as he or she is obviously more gifted than the adults who currently hold such positions."

The instructions also have a small six panel comic of two adult game collectors preparing to play the game.

"Once Upon a Time" is one of the most clever comics I've ever read. It's a circular, interconnecting comic of sorts. On each side of the page, there is a 8 panel comic with focus on a certain character (a frog, a wolf, a princess, and an old lady). You then flip the page a quarter turn (90 degrees) to read the next story. It's bittersweet, but definitely in the spirit of fairy tales. Though you can start anywhere, first I read the one I could clearly read with the pages open and facing me like a normal book. The art is simply illustrated but there's an adorable aspect to the work.

"The Fisherman and the Sea Princess" had some of my favorite art from that collection and that story ... wow. Kind of angsty and a bit reminiscent of the Cupid and Psyche legend (with Pandora's Box threw in).

Anyway, an interesting collection of stories. Definitely check it out if you have the chance. It's not just for children! =)

(c.) 2003 by Dark Horse Comics

This review was first written for my Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel class in September 2014.

Title: Usagi Yojimbo: Duel at Kitanoji (Book 17)
Author/Illustrator: Stan Sakai
Published: 2003 by Dark Horse Comics

Usagi Yojimbo (Book 17) Duel at Kitanoji is the collected issues #53-60 of Usagi Yojimbo, Volume Three.  Published in 2003, over 10 years after Stan Sakai began this fabled series, it’s safe to assume that Sakai has hit his stride in his writing and illustration style.

Compared to other contemporary comics I’m familiar with, Sakai uses a traditional style of panels.  In this book, I never observed any bleeds or open panels; only simple, rectangular and square-shaped closed panels bound by gutters.  Though using only a single color (black) in his illustrations (minus the color cover), Sakai is a master with pen and ink.  He judiciously incorporates linework, hatching, and other techniques to create a variety of patterning that helps to identify different characters and figures (e.g. the group of mountain bandits in “Vendetta” all sport unique designs on their happi coats and tunics).

He is also able to get a variety of tones and shades by varying the weight and spacing of his lines.  On page 62, to illustrate a montage type of sequence in “Images from a Winter’s Day,” Sakai uses thin, sketch-like linework to depict Usaji speaking with various people as he searches for a Patriarch’s son.  A normally-inked Usagi walks in the center of this panel, illustrating his travels and the time passing as his journey continues.  Sakai also incorporates some manga iconography or symbols, but my favorite is one I think he made up himself!  In “Vendetta” on page 27, he uses a huge black question mark superimposed on a white exclamation point to describe the surprise the mountain bandits have at being surrounded by law enforcement officers, which I thought was very clever.

I also enjoyed the episodic nature of the series.  Even though I came into Usagi Yojimbo “mid-series,” I didn’t have any problems following along with the story.  Each issue seems to contain one story arc, occasionally branching into more than one issue (e.g. “Crows” has 3 parts).  However, the narrative reminded me a bit of of Abarembo Shogun, a Japanese television show my dad and grandparents loved to watch.

Sakai’s work also reminds me of Brian Jacques’ Redwall novels.  They both use anthropomorphic animal characters, don’t shy away from showing the consequences of combat (including death), and incorporate elements from historical worlds and codes of honor: Jacques’ drawing from medieval Europe and their knights, while Sakai draws from Feudal Japan and their samurai.  Having loved Redwall since middle school, I think I’ve found a new series to fill the void left by Jacques’ death several years ago.  I can’t wait to read Usagi Yojimbo from the beginning.

Have you heard of Usagi Yojimbo?  Do you have a favorite book or comics series featuring anthropomorphic characters?

This month is getting pretty busy!  With just about three weeks of the semester left and my lack of posting last month, I thought I'd have to take a break from blogging.  However, I just realized that I actually have some old reviews I haven't posted and material from my LIS classes from last semester I could blog about.  So if you guys are interested, I'll post from time to time about some of my required reading lists for my Library & Information Science classes. 

*Note - I don't necessarily recommend every title listed, this is meant to be a sample of reading lists from my LIS classes. As always, please do your own research before reading or purchasing titles for yourself or before giving them to your children.*

Special Topics in Librarianship: The Graphic Novel:

"... explore Graphic Novels and Comics in libraries for all ages with an emphasis on children and young adult titles. We will study collection development, programming, the history of graphics, censorship, and booktalking. A particular focus will be on Asian and Asian American titles including web comics and online comic resources ... This course is intended for librarians who plan to provide or already are providing library services in either a public or school library; teachers; and anyone else who is interested in graphic novels for any age." (Syllabus excerpt) 

Required Reading List:

Weeks 1 & 2 (Introduction and General Comics History):
Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud

Week 3 (History of Asian American Comics and Graphics):
Any Usagi Yojimbo comic book by Stan Sakai
Usagi Yojimbo: Duel at Kitanoji (Book 17) Review

Week 4 (Hawaii Comics and Graphics):
Any comic book by Jon Murakami

Week 5 (Elementary Age Graphics):
Smile by Reina Telgemeier
Any Little Lit book edited by Art Spiegelman
Little Lit: Folklore and Fairy Tale Funnies Review

Week 6 (Non-Fiction Graphics):
March, Vol. 1 by John Robert Lewis & Andrew Aydin.  Illustrated by Nate Powell.
My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

Week 7 (DC and Marvel):
Your choice, one of each featuring Batman and Spider-Man:

Batman comic book
Batgirl: Vol. 1: The Darkest Reflection Review
Batman: Li'l Gotham: Vol. 1 Review
Spider-Man comic book
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man, Vol.1 Review
Spider-Man: Blue

Week 8 (Collection Development):
None (midterm due)
Booktalk Assignment - "3 Graphic Novels Princess Leia Would Read"

Week 9 (Webcomics):
Your choice, any webcomic

Week 10 (Manga):
Attack on Titan, Vol. 1 by Hajime Isayama
Attack on Titan, Vol. 1 Review

Week 11 (Middle School Graphics):
Boxers by Gene Luen Yang
Saints by Gene Luen Yang
Ichiro by Ryan Inzama

Week 12 (Intellectual Freedom & Censorship):
Saga, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan. Illustrated by Fiona Staples

Week 13 (Outreach & Programming):
None

Week 14 (High School Graphics):
Night Fisher by Kikuo R. Johnson
Night Fisher Review

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen. Illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

Week 15 (Graphics for Adults):
A Bride's Story, Vol. 1 by Kaoru Mori
A Bride's Story, Vol. 1 Review
Stargazing Dog by Takashi Murakami
Stargazing Dog Review

What are your favorite comic books or graphic novels?  Have you ever read any of the ones listed?

(c.) 2014 by Watson-Guptill

Title: Make Comics Like the Pros 
Authors: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente
Published: 2014 by Watson-Guptill Publications

There are many "how to draw comics" instructional books out there --I've borrowed quite a few from the library over the years.  However, Pak and Van Lente's Make Comics Like the Pros takes it a step further, as their sub-title states, "The Inside Scoop on How to Write, Draw & Sell Your Comic Books and Graphic Novels."  This book contains a gold mine of information from veteran comic book creators for those looking into publishing their own sequential art.

The main idea of this book is collaboration.  Open any comic book and you'll often see a list of names credited: writer[s], editor[s],  penciler[s],  inker[s], letterer[s],  colorist[s],  etc.  Throughout different chapters, Pak and Van Lente take you through the entire process of creating a comic book from generating an idea to publicizing and marketing.  They use pages and panels from other indie comic book creators as examples or to illustrate ideas, so it's not a boring, dry, non-fiction book.  On the contrary!  The prose is conversational and concise, with each stage often broken down in numbered lists of guidelines or "commandments." 

One of the things I enjoyed about this book was learning about the process of creating a comic book --it isn't simply drawing out panels and writing in speech bubbles.  There is a lot of thought and work put into every step (and often by many different people).  There aren't any drawing tutorials in this book, as that is not the focus of the title, though there are tips and suggestions for collaborating or working with pencilers, inkers, colorists, and other artists. 

Also, unless younger readers are used to reading mainstream comic books, for my regular blog readers I'd probably recommend this book for high school and up for some stereotypical comic book stylization of women and some mild/borderline language (e.g. fr--king).  But overall this is a great graphic novel creation book and I recommend it to anyone who would like an idea of how the comic book publishing industry works.

About the Authors:

"Greg Pak is an award-winning comic book writer and filmmaker currently writing Batman/Superman and Action Comics for DC Comics, Turok Dinosaur Hunter for Dynamite Entertainment, and Eternal Warrior for Valiant Comics. He directed the award-winning feature film Robot Stories, wrote the epic “Planet Hulk” and “World War Hulk” comic storylines, and co-wrote (with Fred Van Lente) fan-favorite Incredible Hercules for Marvel Comics.

Fred Van Lente is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Marvel Zombies, Incredible Hercules (with Pak), Odd Is on Our Side (with Dean R. Koontz), and the American Library Association award-winning Action Philosophers. His original graphic novel Cowboys & Aliens (co-written with Andrew Foley) was the basis for the major motion picture. Van Lente’s other comics include The Comic Book History of Comics, Archer & Armstrong, and The Amazing Spider-Man.

Pak and Van Lente are both residents of New York City."

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for an honest review, which I have done.*

Wordless Wednesdays are normally photo related, but today, I give you ... my first vlog:

This was actually a booktalk assignment for my LIS special topics class on comics/graphic novels.  I've never done a booktalk, but once I thought up the idea (because I'll always take an excuse to dress up in one of my costumes), it came together pretty quickly.

I chose graphic novels that had female protagonists, to encourage girls in particular to read comics (though both boys and girls could enjoy the stories). 

Elementary:  Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew series by Sarah Kinney and Stefan Petrucha.  Illustrated by Stan Goldberg
Small Volcanoes #1 [2012]
Secret Sand Sleuths #2 [2013]

Tweens: 
Cat's Cradle: Book 1 - The Golden Twine [2012]
Written and illustrated by Jo Rioux

Teens: 
Daisy Kutter: The Last Train [2006]
Written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi

What's your favorite comic book or graphic novel?  What do YOU think Princess Leia would read?  

[Note: March 24, 2015 updated labels]

A sneak peek at book reviews to come!

(c.) 2014 by Watson-Guptill

Title: Foundations in Comic Book Art 
Author: John Paul Lowe
Published: 2014 by Watson-Guptill Publications

In Foundations of Comic Book Art, Sequential Art Professor John Paul Lowe takes you through the basic drawing and art techniques specific to comics you'll need to create your own comic books, strips, or graphic novels.  Written in an encouraging tone for amateur artists, this book is a good addition to the aspiring comic book artist's library. 

Lowe definitely has the skills and experience to write this book.  Sequential art?  That's a more formal, academic term for what comic book, graphic novel, and comic strip art are.  He's worked in the industry and also taught at the Savannah College of Art and Design.  Besides giving basic drawing overviews of the fundamentals, there were little tips and tricks that even I, a studio art major, never encountered (such as using coffee filters to clean ink pen nibs --they don't leave fibers like paper towels do).  I also love his positive attitude:  As he notes in chapter one, anyone can draw, as long as they have the desire and discipline.  It's the same type of attitude my favorite drawing professor from community college had and it's one I believe in myself.  

Even though I've drawn practically my entire life and majored in studio art, one thing I've never really done is draw comics.  Though it seems to me at times comic book artists seem to be given a "lower status" in the fine art world, they have to be able to draw human figures from multiple angles, create believable environments, and many need to be proficient in inking techniques.  Lowe covers all of these in this book, albeit in overviews, though there are many drawing exercises included.  I was expecting (hoping really) for more than a brief chapter on digital techniques (Manga Studio and Photoshop are used), but it was interesting to find out that the majority of comic books in the United States are still hand-inked.  I think perhaps because there are many books already out there on e.g. figure drawing, digital art techniques, etc. Lowe decided to focus on things he felt comic book artists needed to know ... kind of like a supplement to those other types of books.

I would definitely recommend checking out Foundations in Comic Book Art to anyone wanting to learn more about making their own comics.  I think it'd be best for a teenage or adult audience, but if a younger artist had the initiative and drive, I'm sure they could handle the drawing exercises.  I myself am inspired to take out the dip pen I got for my intermediate drawing class and try inking some line-art during my next school break. 

About the Author:

"JOHN PAUL LOWE began teaching at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2002. He has served as the school’s chair of the Sequential Art Department and as dean of the School of Communication Arts. In 2013, he happily returned to the classroom and his art studio. His career in comics began in 1991 with DC Comics. Lowe has also worked for Marvel Comics, Image Comics, Archie Comics, and Dark Horse Comics. Lowe is the creator of the award-winning annual Sequential Arts Anthology, and the author of Working Methods: Creators Detail their Storytelling and Artistic Processes.

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
is a recognized leader in art and design education. SCAD’s talented faculty members are drawn from around the world and have exceptional credentials and valuable professional experience. Professors and alumni have worked for companies such as Marvel Comics and DC Comics, Walt Disney Company, Lucasfilm Ltd., Pixar, Electronic Arts, and many more. For more information on SCAD and its programs, visit www.scad.edu."

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for an honest review, which I have done.*