What's Up.

As you can see, I've taken a step back from the blog. When reading GNs turned into more of a chore than the fun it once was, I had to take a step back. I also needed to evaluate where I am, what I wanted to do, and such. I have found so far that at the moment, I want more time to think about this blog. I am still getting asked about GNs by friends and at this point, I still find some that I want to read (i.e. Hark! A Vagrant! is on my book shelf). I'm still seen as someone who knows a lot about GNs, but again, I feel I don't deserve the credit as I have hardly touched anything since October. I made an impulse Manga purchase a while ago, but still have yet to read them cover to cover. So, inquiring reader, I am taking a minor break, with no idea when I'll be back. I know I want to be back at this, but I need to sit down and really think about this. I've started yet another side project that needs more attention for a variety of reasons. I will keep Twitter alive and you can certainly see me live-tweeting at any webinars that I attend, but until I find a nice balance between the new project, work, life, and this blog, I've decided this one is where I will take a break. My twitter handle is, of course: ReadsRantsRaves.

MMF: Love Hina Omnibus 1

Title: Love Hina Omnibus 1
Author:  Ken Akamatsu
Illustrator: Ken Akamatsu
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Copyright: 2011 (Original 1999)
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-935-42947-0
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Clumsy Keitaro made a promise at the tender age of 5, to a girl, that they would meet again at Todai (University of Tokyo, a most prestigious school). Now 20, Keitaro has become a ronin, a guy who can’t get into his university of choice, twice. At wits end, he decides to return to Hinata Inn hoping maybe his grandmother can help him. Instead, he finds the hotel turned into a dorm, his grandmother off to see the world, and 5 girls who have the wrong idea about him. What is a boy to do? This Omnibus collects the first three volumes of this “classic*” manga work.
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Recommended Audience: Older teens
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Things to be aware of: sexual innuendos, female nudity, group bathings, mild male nudity
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Further Thoughts: A few years ago, I stood at a library’s little book shop, staring at 15 volumes of Love Hina (I think it was this one…) and thought “Do I have money?” I decided to pass it up and surprisingly, it is one of those sets I continually think “WHY OH WHY did I pass it up?”

Well, I got a second chance. And, I must say, it is very confusing. As I read this title and I kept thinking “Shonen (male-action audience) or Shojo (female-romance audience)?” This title is a hard pick because I’d say there are appealing things for all. I found the possible romance to keep me reading, but could see a guy picking it up for all the girls. Keitaro is just a nerdy guy who bumbles and ends up in the wrong situations. Simple…in a way, except that I think the girls like him in their own way (thankfully, it is clear who he should end up with and who might be his promised girl).

If you are looking for a title to give you a taste of manga, I’d recommend this, cautiously. If you don’t like titillation, forget it. If you don’t mind it, go for it, but seeing as it was published in 1999, it still has value today and the culture is still similar in manga you read now.

Needless to say, libraries with limited budgets but with high traffic should definitely pick this one up. It is more “bang for your buck” (at the price of 2 manga, you get three volumes) and has stood the test of time.

Silly, but good fun.
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Bonus:  *Classic – anything I remember having a huge following during my teen years.

Source: Publisher provided a copy for Manga Movable Feast.

Oh! Shiny! Something new.

If you have been following my Twitter feed, you’ll know I just spent a few days at the PALA Annual Conference. One session I attended surprised me, was not what I expected, but was also an exciting new development with graphic novels. What was this new development?

Another book award.

The Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize which is presented by the Pennsylvania Center for the Book and is brand new. Oh, it is so sparkly and shiny, and there has only been one book winning and one book honored (neither of which I’ve heard a thing about) so far.

The session, titled Graphic Novels of the Year (which never really talked about specific graphic novels of the year, mainly nominees for the award whose titles I don’t really remember), introduced Lynd Ward, an artist whose work I am now interested in “reading”, and the creation and qualifications of the Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize. I’m not going to go into details because the site has the Prize detailed here. I’m interested in seeing where this goes.

Also, I didn’t realize the PA Center for the Book had some nice resources. For example, if you’re looking for a good definition of a graphic novel, they have it as part of the prize or if you’re looking for some links or resources, they’ve got a little. I’m hoping that they add more soon resources and information soon. This page could be really useful.

Web Comics and Libraries

Here's something that's starting to bug me: Libraries and Web Comics. Basically, the titles that are in libraries are limited and I would kind of like to know why. Lately, it seems there are a lot of great web comics are coming out in book format, but are libraries picking them up? Not really. The epic exception seems to be Unshelved, which while great and is library humored, is NOT really what I'm talking about here. Unshelved will be the example to explain web comics. Basically, a comic done by an artist with or without a writer and syndicated on the Internet. Simple.

The latest web comic to make waves in library land is/was the epic Axe Cop (which, my library copy got no where fast because the binding split). Every review I saw was like "THIS IS AWESOME." Don't get me wrong, I know it is awesome (even though I haven't read the first volume but I've seen a few strips). It is entertaining and fun, but of ALL the web comics in the last few years, this is what catches everyone's eye? What about Dr. McNinja (which I need to read but hear about a LOT from The Philosopher Musician)? What about Machine of Death which is a hybrid of sorts and includes a collaboration of web comic artists, authors, and The People (not to mention is coming out with a sequel and had a blast fighting it out with Glenn Beck not too long ago)? Many artists are coming out with books and loyal fans are picking these up. But what about poor readers who can't run out and buy every book, no matter how much they want to support the artist? What about exposing readers to comics they haven't seen? What disservice are we providing when all we have are the "classics*"?

I'll tell you. Simply you are missing the 20-somethings, the 30-somethings, and maybe their kids. I don't read as many web comics as I used to but I am partial to Questionable Content (which mind you, brought you the She Blinded Me With Library Science gear), XKCD, Red String, and a few I really can't mention on my blog (epically awesome, epically NSFW). I have respect for many, many more web comics because I've read bits here and there and despite not reading them after a period of time, they are still good or have improved. Plus, The Philosopher Musician has his list of web comics he follows (and is known to go on "archive binges" here and there) and many of my friends love different web comics yet we share a love of many of the same titles.

So, what's our excuse? Tight budgets? They're indie published? We don't have the reviews to justify them in the collection? We don't want those 20 somethings in the library? Real comics are books? That's all available on the Internet; why would they want the book? Tell me why you don't have them. I really want to know.

In the mean time, tell me what collections you want me to review. I'm starting with what I have easy access to (QC vol 1, Red String vol. 1, Axe Cop vol. 1, and Wondermark), but want to find more. Got stuff your teens are talking about? Let me know. Web Comic Wednesdays will start up soon where I'll talk about web comics where either The Philosopher Musician or me will talk about a web comic turned book, or the web comic itself.

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"Classics" include such hits as Penny Arcade, MegaTokyo, Wondermark, Gunnerkrig Court, and...Unshelved

Stinky

Title: Stinky
Author: Eleanor Davis
Illustrator: Eleanor Davis
Publisher: Toon Books
Copyright: 2008
Price: $4.99
ISBN: 978-1-935179-06-1
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Stinky loves to stink and stinky loves his swamp. He hates kids because they like baths and being clean. One day, Nick, a real live kid, comes to Stinky’s swamp and builds a tree house. Stinky will do whatever it takes to make the kid leave. Can Stinky learn to make a friend and share his swamp?
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Recommended Audience: Ages 6 to 8
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Things to be aware of: Nothing.
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Further Thoughts: If you’re looking for a story about making friends, sharing, and caring, this is the story and in graphic novel format to boot. Stinky faces the lesson of learning as all monsters do: reluctantly. What is even more entertaining is that Stinky learns his preconceptions about kids might be wrong, and Nick’s preconceptions of monsters could be wrong too. The cartoonish illustrations are enjoyable, bright, and fun. There is something to look for in every panel and certain panels help the reader focus on exactly what he/she needs to focus on. According to the cover of the paperback version, the book is a “Geisel Honor,” “Booklist Notable,” and a “Bank Street Best.” Well deserved.
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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

Top Shelf Comics $3 Sale - Get Them Quick!

Top Shelf Productions is having a major sale on their comics. Of course, I see the word "sale" and immediately have to look. Don't do like I did though and see the most expensive stuff first and go "they lied!" Scroll down. That's where the cheaper stuff is and at $5, $3, and $1 for some titles, this is a good deal. Technically, depending on what you are looking for, you might be able to fill in some holes or build up a quick collection or get replacement copies of. Just a note though, I doubt they are prebound, although, unless it is a skinny paperback, who cares. Owly titles in paperback hold up just fine, I've found.

Also, this is a great time to get the Owly and Friends All Aflutter picture book if you haven't yet for $10.

I know I'll be looking. My poor graphic novel collection at the library has been neglected. :(

Wonder Woman: Who is Wonder Woman?

Title: Wonder Woman: Who is Wonder Woman?
Author: Allen Heinberg
Illustrator: Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson, Alex Sinclair, et. al.
Publisher: DC Comics
Copyright: 2006/2007
Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-1-4012-1234-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: This is Wonder Woman as you have never seen her before. Seriously. Gone is the weak, female super hero who trailed behind Batman and Superman. Instead, Wonder Woman, aka Diana, is forced to face hard facts about herself and what it means to be Wonder Woman. Readers do not need to know the events of the story Infinite Crisis to know that Wonder Woman is attempting to live as a human and stay under the radar until her actions are forgiven. Unfortunately for Diana, Circe is looking for her and will do anything to get her, especially if it means baiting her with her own assistants: Donna Troy and Wonder Girl. This trade collects issues #1 to 4 of the Wonder Woman comics.
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Recommended Audience: Mature teens; adults
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Things to be aware of: Some cleavage.
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Further Thoughts: I actually read this one after reading the second volume and I have to say, you can pretty much read the first three out of order (which I did). There is enough story in here that if you did know or didn’t know of Wonder Woman’s lackluster history (she was pretty wimpy most of the time as the introduction suggests) you won’t care. Wonder Woman is now the awesome hero she was always meant to be. The comic is now a possible platform for women’s rights. Her attitude and her need to discover who she is kept me glued to the pages wanting to know what happens next. My only qualm is that Wonder Woman is still in the traditional outfit she has always been, but at least when she dons a normal suit, it is not busty or over-sexualized at least (pants instead of mini-skirt, woo!). As a female reader, I’m happy to enjoy these stories. I’m glad that the artists of these volumes don’t make her voluptuous, only slightly busty, but mostly normal. Yes, there are still body suits, cleavage, and such, but not enough to turn this female reader off (who uses the 1980s Catwoman as an example of over-sexualized women in comics). The writers have even given Diana a formidable match in her partner in her undercover job, although, he is conveniently gone when she transforms into Wonder Woman.
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Bonus: Bonus art, Intro by Brian K. Vaughan

Source:  Library copy.

Wanted (Shojo Beat Title)

Title: Wanted
Author: Matsuri Hino
Illustrator: Matsuri Hino
Publisher: Shojo Beat Manga (Viz, Inc.)
Copyright: 2008
Price: $8.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-1934-0
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Pirates never let a lady board their ship, but what happens when Armeria, dressed as a boy and calling herself Arto, secures a position on the Pirate Skulls ship? For Armeria, it is her search for Luce who was kidnapped the night he saved her from ruining her voice and showed her the flower of her namesake. Surprises abound though when after one stupid mistake, Armeria’s ruse is discovered and Captain Skulls tells her Luce is dead. But, how can it be that the captain looks so much like her beloved Luce and why does Doc have the same tattoo? Wanted is a collection of three stories featuring Arto/Armeria and Captain Skulls as they sail the ocean in search of treasure and act like pirate Robin Hoods.
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Recommended Audience: older teens
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Things to be aware of: female nudity (chest), prostitution/brothels
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Further Thoughts: Wanted is a fun adventure on the high seas as Armeria and Captian Skulls travel the ocean. Her voice is his heaven and each tale returns to her love of singing, a treasure to the Pirate Skulls. I honestly wanted the adventure to keep going due to the chemistry between these characters, but the author says she may or may not return to it. I’m doubtful we’ll see any more at this time as her other work Vampire Knight is taking off. Hino is also the creator of the short run series Captive Hearts. A perfect one shot manga title for libraries with limited budgets and limited space, but want lots of circulations. An added bonus is another love story of a lady who learns to speak her mind in a bygone era (Meiji Era) because of love. Just lovely and entertaining!
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Bonus:

Source: Library copy.

Batten Down the Hatches

So...Hurricane Irene. We've prepped, we keep prepping (Me: "Hon, what if we lose water?" Him: "Dear, we'll probably be ok."), and I know we'll reach a point where we can't prep any more. We aren't in a spot where we'll have to evacuate (I think), but there is a shelter opening up tonight. The closest river is on the other side of the county city, which is a few miles and up a bit of a bank. We have a pond nearby but I think the ground is graded enough and we're on the second floor.

We have a radio. We have books. I have crafting (a treadle sewing machine of all things!). I'm trying not to panic, but the last 24 hours or so, I've surprisingly been panicked. "Don't panic. Always travel with a towel." (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy).Why does this make sense in a hurricane all of a sudden?

I do have a plan though should power go out for more than about 2 or 3 days: Mom's, which is about 2 hours west and should be ok. When I was in middle school and Dad lost power due to that Hurricane, we kids eventually wound up there ("Mom has running water! And power!"). Although, that is also dependent on work.

At this time, it is dark for 7:30 PM (I think), which means that more of the Hurricane is here. We're probably not going to have any major problems, but seeing as this is my first one on my own, I'm still a little panicked. There has been a surprising amount of panic here. I've seen so many pictures of empty bread shelves (good thing I'm g-free and don't care) and hearing about how stores don't have milk and eggs (which is useless people, if the power goes out for more than a day) and how there's no bottled water (what about using water pitchers and bottles at home? We've filled everything we can find and then some. Thank you water filter pitcher).

I'm actually planning to get away from this computer and all the Hurricane Irene coverage in order to calm down. The Philosopher Musician made pudding but I'm so stressed I'm afraid to eat it. I know this is stress because I made it to PAYA today, despite the weather. I was relaxed and had fun. I love seeing this event happen, but am sorry about the timing (of the Hurricane that is). I think more librarians stayed home and a slew of authors didn't come out. I only stayed an hour so I could get home earlier to wait the storm out. All that time, I felt fine and even ate my lunch. Now home, I'm stressing and panicked.

Here's the plan though: I have a ton of books to read and surprisingly I've decided to reread a series I devoured as a teen, and my first manga: Mars. It is interesting to read it now as a 20-something in a relationship instead of a single, never-been-kissed, semi-outcast teen. I am looking out for the idea of rape culture, bloated ideals, and the idea that "he'll be there to save her." Rei, the male lead, was not there for Kira, the female lead, when the popular girls threw out her shoes in the first volume. He does take her home though (on his motorcycle. Oh bad boy). I'm wondering what adult me will have to say about the series, while teen me was like "OH OH I want to read the next volume! Why do I have to WAIT? GAH. SO ROMANTIC!" (Or how adult me is feeling about Bride of the Water God and Chi's Sweet Home, minus romance in that one.) So far, the bits I have reread (out of order) has me saying "that's convenient" to a lot and "that's romantic."

All in all, I guess we're as prepared as we'll be. Most of the hurricane will pass through while we're sleeping so tomorrow morning will definitely be interesting. I have stuff to do, with or without power. Our cats are being cute and trying to comfort us or me (one cat is sleeping so beautifully on the couch with me) and I am thankful I'm at home with my family (The Philosopher Musician and the cats). Here's hoping my friends are safe and we'll be safe.

UPDATE: I ate some of the pudding as The Philosopher Musician proofed this..

The Little Endless Storybook

Title: The Endless Storybook
Author: Jill Thompson
Illustrator: Jill Thompson
Publisher: DC Comics (Vertigo)
Copyright: 2001/2004
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 1-4012-0428-7
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Delirium has a puppy, named Barnabas, and together they have adventures (well, as much as Delirium can have adventures I think). As she goes off to play, so does her puppy and suddenly, both realize the other is lost. So begins Barnabas’s journey to find Delirium since he is her playmate and also her protector. Barnabas’s journey takes him to the homes of the other Endless siblings who offer advice and a charm, but will that help him find Delirium? Based on Neil Gaiman’s Sandman characters, this story book tells a single story from Delirium’s childhood for fans to enjoy and go “awww.”
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Recommended Audience: Adults (book recommends “mature”)
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Things to be aware of: Nothing
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Further Thoughts: Yes, this is a spinoff from the popular Sandman stories written by the fantastic Neil Gaiman (Newbery winner of The Graveyard Book). Jill Thompson has worked with Gaiman and crafted the “chibi” style and Dream’s family as children. Simply put, this is a delightful, fun and cute tale illustrated with what looks to be line art and water colors. I will admit, I didn’t know what to expect from this little story, but was happy to find a fun, sweet-hearted tale of crazy little Delirium and her siblings. The only side-note I have to offer is that this isn’t exactly a graphic novel. It is more of an illustrated story as there is a story on one page and an illustration on the other page. It is best placed with graphic novels so that Sandman fans can find it, although fans who want to read it will find it one way or another. I found it by browsing the graphic novel section of the library. This title is a must-read for Sandman fans and a story that helps to broaden the story realm of The Endless.
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Bonus: I’m posting this now because I remember coming across Delirium’s further adventures with her sister. The latest Little Endless Storybook was recently highlighted in a review journal (I can’t remember which! Sorry. I read VOYA, Kirkus, and School Library Journal so it was one of those three in the last two months).

Source: Library copy.

What am I doing Saturday? Going to PAYA!

It's that time of year again! PA to YA is happening again! Hurrah! This is a great way to support PA Libraries and Young Adult Lit being in those libraries. So, be there. August 27. More information, times, and the authors who will be there available HERE. Funds and such will benefit PA Libraries.

And there are a few bonus things JUST FOR PA LIBRARIANS, which makes it more exciting!!

Hope to see you there!

Bus Ride Bully (My 1st Graphic Novel)

Title: Bus Ride Bully (My 1st Graphic Novel)
Author: Carl Meister
Illustrator: Remy Simard
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Copyright: 2011
Price: $22.65
ISBN: 978-1-4342-2059-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: The bus: one of those “no man’s lands” for kids and a perfect bullying spot. Bus drivers are too focused on the loud kids and making it to school on time. For Gavin, this is an all too true reality. Every day Gavin boards the bus, hating the smell, hating the color, and fearful of Max, his Bus Ride Bully who finds him no matter what and squishes Gavin into the window and steals his snacks. Every day Gavin lives in fear. When Max doesn’t ride the bus because of a bike accident, things change. Bus Ride Bully is a simple graphic novel that has more appeal in a school setting than a public setting, but fills a slight need for good graphic novels for young kids.
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Recommended Audience: ages 5 to 7 (young readers)
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Things to be aware of: N/A
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Further Thoughts: Bus Ride Bully makes one giant mistake in telling the story of bullying: they become friends. According to a popular bullying prevention program, we should look for books to help children cope with bullying and should steer away from stories where the bully and the bullied child become friends. In fact, Bus Ride Bully has this unbelievable twist in the story that is hardly believable. Yes, boys may bully girls because they like them, but boys bully boys because they want to be friends? Not believable to me. I actually expected Gavin to get beaten to a pulp when he visited Max. Instead, they were instant friends. YEAH. RIGHT. Not believable and certainly not bibliotherapeutic to kids being bullied on the bus and looking for answers in this book. On the other hand, it does make a good discussion book about bullying behaviors and whether that “twist” is believable or not. Bus Ride Bully is a title helpful to those who are looking for titles on bullying to use as discussion, or in need of beginning graphic novel readers.

What a shame though. I had more hope for this one.
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Bonus: Discussion questions at end of book. How to read a comic book (of this ilk, a mix of text and comic panels)

Source: Library copy.

Skim by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki

Title: Skim
Author: Mariko Tamaki
Illustrator: Jillian Tamaki
Publisher: Groundwood Books
Copyright: 2008
Price: $18.95
ISBN: 978-0-88899-753-1
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Summary and thoughts: Kimberly Keiko Cameron (AKA Skim/Kim), is not concerned with her classmates. When Katie Matthews, a classmate, is first dumped by her boyfriend, Kim recounts the gossip to her diary. It isn’t until Kim hears that Katie’s ex-boyfriend commits suicide until Kim begins the journey to learn about herself from her beliefs to her friends to her sexuality.
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Will Teens Like It? Tough call. More mature readers will probably enjoy this.
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Things to be aware of: language, drugs, underage smoking, underage drinking, suicide, Wicca/Witchcraft (in the true sense), homosexuality
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Further Thoughts: Skim is simply a “coming-of-age” story about Kim. The trigger for her is the fact that Katie Matthews’s ex-boyfriend kills himself, which starts a movement in the school to target those who are at-risk for suicide, including Kim. She just brushes it off and continues about her school day. Yet, if it wasn’t for this catalyst, Kim wouldn’t face the fact that her best friend may not be the best person for her.

The affections of a female teacher open Kim up to her first feelings of love and then loss, which turns into depression. Her way out of the funk is by reaching out to Katie.

Skim sends strong messages about being a teenager and being true to oneself. Sometimes it takes the over-reaction of a school to start the process of questioning one’s beliefs. Sometimes something a friend says makes you realize they are not the best person to be with. Either way, Kim faces these challenges and more in Skim.

The artist’s rendering of the story remind me of old fashioned Japanese prints. I’m not a big fan of the art, but the line drawings convey how Kim feels throughout the story. The best part of the art though is that you can see Kim’s transformation from the beginning of the story to a slightly more overweight girl trying to overcome her first breakup.
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Bonus: ALA GGN 2009
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Source: Library copy

Prime Baby by Gene Luen Yang

Title: Prime Baby
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Illustrator: Gene Luen Yang (Colored by Derek Kirk Kim)
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $7.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-612-1
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Thaddeus K. Fong is not happy with the fact he has a baby sister. In fact, he tells his parents exactly how he feels, landing him in the corner, but he’ll show his parents. One day, he plans to rule the world, so the prime numbers he’s learning about in class? Useless. That is until he learns prime numbers might be a way to communicate with aliens. His sister has been talking oddly with her “ga-gas.” Soon, he discovers that his sister could be an alien and suddenly, she’s throwing up slug alien space ships. What can he do?
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Will Teens Like It? This is a title more enjoyed by adults.
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Things to be aware of: Nothing.
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Further Thoughts: It is clear that Thaddeus can see connections in things that other people do not. It is also clear that he has some issues he needs to work through before anyone will believe him.

I’m not sure what it is about this title, but it rubs me the wrong way. While a co-worker was laughing out loud, I could only read this, think “Heh, the aliens are kinda cute” and not laugh. I like Yang’s art work and I enjoy his stories, but I’m not exactly impressed by this title and like his other works, fear it will have a short lived shelf life. The issue of the story, for the most part, is the need for Thaddeus to accept he is no longer an only child, but this is not a child’s story. Thaddeus, at 8 can use YouTube, purchase an island, and create a ray gun. Then, there are the peaceful aliens who just want to make the world a better place.

Overall, I like the art style (Yang’s style usually doesn’t bother me), but find the story neither appealing nor memorable. Adults will probably find this a more enjoyable read, especially since it ran in the NY Times Magazine. I’d pass on this for children’s collections for Thaddeus’s higher level thinking and I’d pass on this one for teens for sure. Adults seem to be the audience for this one.
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Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011

Source: Library copy.

Tyranny by Lesley Fairfield

Title: Tyranny
Author: Lesley Fairfield
Illustrator: Lesley Fairfield
Publisher: Tundra Books
Copyright: 2009
Price: $10.95
ISBN: 978-0-88776-903-0
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: A startling image greets the reader when the book is opened: a skinny, line drawing monster is holding an unnaturally thin young woman telling her not to eat. The skinny, ling drawing monster is Tyranny, Anna’s manifestation of her eating disorder. Anna started out a normal child, but as she entered her teen years, body image issues run rampant. Throughout this thought provoking story, Anna struggles with her eating disorder, facing women suffering from the same issues as herself, and opportunities to change her ways, only to slip back down into depression on top of her eating disorders. Tyranny guides her along this slippery slope until she starts the healing process.
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Will Teens Like It? It is appropriate for teens who are facing eating disorders or friends who have eating disorders.
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Things to be aware of: mild nudity
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Further Thoughts: With such an image as described above, who would not want to dive deeper into this story? Pages turned as I read this, and surprisingly, I was able to pick up the subtle clues the author/illustrator “peppered” throughout the story. For example, in the first half of the book, mirrors have a little note in the corner stating “Mirrors don’t lie.” From the story, we know that mirrors can lie as evidenced from Anna’s thinning body to her perception in the mirror that she is “plump.” From this point of view, it is easy to see how easily and quickly someone with an eating disorder could fall into the traps of “I’m not thin enough.” As a character, Anna is lucky and so is the author/illustrator.

For the author/illustrator, this is her first graphic novel and she has also battled anorexia and bulimia. Her own personal battles, I am sure, helped shape this strong graphic novel. The chosen art style of simple black, white, and grays suit the story and allow for images of Anna fading away, being thin, and her thoughts.

As I read this title, I couldn’t help think of a graphic novel I read on depression years ago which proved to be somewhat helpful bibliotherapy. This title, paired carefully, is a wonderful bibliotherapy tool for anyone suffering from bulimia, anorexia, or any other eating disorder (although, to note, the opposite view of eating all the time is only touched upon briefly).
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Bonus: This WAS an ALA GGN Nomination. Disappointed to see it didn't make the cut.

Source: Library copy.

Rin! Volume 1

Title: Rin! 1
Author: Satoru Kannagi
Illustrator: Yukine Honami
Publisher: Digital Manga Publishing
Copyright: 2006
Price: $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-56970-920-7
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Everyone has stress and anxiety and each person finds a way to cope. For Katsura, his coping strategy is to seek out Sou, his brother’s best friend (and his own) since childhood and beg for a “squeeze.” After one particular “squeeze” (hug), Katsura finds himself advancing in the archery ranks and suddenly confronting the issue Sou’s “squeezes” provide. Is there more to the “squeeze” and Sou’s relationship to Katsura? In this book of “boy love,” readers follow child-like Katsura as he works through his archery problems and his feelings for Sou. Simple black, white, and gray illustrations tell a story of love and facing who a person really is.
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Will Teens Like It? Maybe. This is a tough call because of the “boy love” in it.
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Things to be aware of: homosexuality; masturbation (in the last chapter/extra)
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Further Thoughts: If I had read the back cover first which says “Katsura needs a hug,” I’m not sure I would have read this title. I picked it up though because “June” books are generally interesting books, especially with the boy-loves-boy stories.

Satoru Kannagi and Yukine Honami have created a very realistic work. Although, at times, I looked at Katsura and said “he’s the girl and Sou’s the boy.” The illustrations present a real enough feel to them that it is not over done and the reader can imagine this happening anywhere. The dialog is smooth and everyone “acts” their age.

There’s more than meets the eye in this story though. Katsura seems to feel that the Sou’s “squeezes” are starting to cause problems for both of them. Also, how is this “problem” helping either of their chances with the girls? For Katsura, this is a coming-of-age story where he faces the fact that he isn’t a child anymore and really can’t be dependent on Sou every time he is scared. Katsura is also facing the fact that he and his good friend, Kouichi, are going to be captain and assistant captain of the club next year, yet if Katsura can’t get his act together, is he ever going to be a good archer? Katsura has a strong support group rooting for him to find out who he is. His “house husband” Dad (oh, dreamy!) and his brother all want to help Katsura out, even when Katsura admits to having feelings for Sou. At the moment in the tale, his brother tells Katsura not to worry about that now, they’d work on that later, but the general idea was that it was “ok.” A positive family structure and friend circle help this be more than a story of romantic love and archery. It is also a strong story about love of all kinds.

So the problems I have with this particular work: I disliked the story at the end. It was somewhat “thrown” in there. The author at the end says it was added because there needed to be more than them kissing in the end. Frankly, this is a three volume set so why not add the “extra” stuff as part of the story in the next volume? I also didn’t like the pacing of that story compared to the rest of it. On the other hand, it illustrates the issues Katsura is working through.

Libraries looking to add to their Yaoi collection without adding something risqué should look to this title.
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Bonus:  Satoru Kannagi is the writer behind “Only the Ring Finger Knows,” which, if I remember correctly, is recommended for those who want to try out Yaoi manga.

Source: Library copy.

Black Bird Vol. 6

Title: Black Bird Volume 6
Author: Kanoko Sakurakoji
Illustrator: Kanoko Sakurakoji
Publisher: Viz Media (Shojo Beat Imprint)
Copyright: 2010 (2005)
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-3066-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Picking up where volume 5 left off, Misao is trapped in the store house with Sho, who has been imprisoned for trying to hurt her. Willingly, she walked into a trap with Sho and she must decide how to end this fight between brothers once and for all. Much to everyone’s surprise though (maybe not to Kyo’s), Misao has a trick up her sleeve which will either buy time or end a life.
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Recommended Audience: Teens
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Things to be aware of: sexual situations
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Further Thoughts: Here we go again. What makes this volume different is the fight between the brothers. Misao’s memory problem is revealed to have been a trick by Sho in an attempt to keep his spot as the clan leader. Instead, it just muddled up her memories of Kyo and Sho, making it possible that she’s confused them. This story arc is simply a story of the good, kind brother, the evil brother and the girl trying to save the one she loves.

A few problems though, her coyness at being intimate with Kyo is getting tiring. Yes, she’s 16 or so, but come on! She spends some time with him, he helps her, and she’s shy and coy. My biggest annoyance though is that this is not the final volume. I thought with volume 6, we’d have the end of the story as Kyo and Sho’s showdown was the big event (I thought). Instead, we are left hanging at the end with yet another group wanting something to do with her blood so that Kyo and Misao can get to the bottom of their future once and for all (maybe, but it is possible that Sho is still their biggest obstacle to come).

The story has transformed from a group trying to dominate Misao to Kyo and Misao wanting to know what their future holds. Black Bird is still an enjoyable read, and Shojo fans will still continue to read this title (and I probably will too because darn it, I want to see them happy!).
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Bonus:
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Source: Library copy.

How I Made It To Eighteen: A Mostly True Story

Title: How I Made It to Eighteen: A Mostly True Story
Author: Tracy White
Illustrator: Tracy White
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-1-59643-454-7
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: No one saw it coming. Not even the four friends that Stacy has made over the years. The four friends who offer insight into Stacy’s choice are happy she’s made the decision and hope that maybe she can heal. Stacy Black is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She’s depressed, she’s making bad decisions, and she’s self-destructing from eating disorders to smashing a window, which prompts her to seek help. This is Stacy’s story of sorting through her mind in the mental hospital.
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Intended Audience: Teens
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Things to be aware of: eating disorders
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Further Thoughts: First, I am completely aware that this title is a cathartic journey for the author. Tracy White is obviously writing herself in Stacy Black (the names are too similar) and in her own experiences, but I have to admit I was hoping for more from this story as it had been somewhat hyped up (it crossed my radar a few times).

As far as books on depression and the story of someone working through depression go, this is a weak choice. Stacy’s story somewhat meanders and she just can’t bring herself to break down. Her depression and need to heal was not real to me (and as a sufferer of depression, myself, I just couldn’t understand Stacy’s problems). I didn’t feel Stacy was at the end of her rope just yet when she checked in. The flow of the story attempts to mimic an episode of “Interventions” (or the like) where friends comment on the person in question and there are snippets of Doctor Reports to add background. The Doctor Reports certainly helped a reader understand the story, but the four friends offering input could have been stronger. Only two of the four friends actually made an appearance in the story. What I wanted was to see a reconnection with the other two or something. It was very unsatisfying.

The art is also not my style. It is simplistic and I suspect the author is a stronger artist than this work let’s on. Throughout the story I was reminded by the ALA 2009 Great Graphic Novel choice Tyranny which had more complex art to represent the depression and eating disorder. You could feel that character’s pain. I couldn’t feel Stacy’s so much.

All in all, public libraries that all ready have Tyranny will find this an additional purchase. In terms of bibliotherapy, this is a weaker title than Tyranny, which packs a stronger punch. I recognize that this is the type of book that might fall into the hands of someone who needs it; on the other hand, there are other, stronger, graphic novels that cover the same territory. School libraries would be a better audience for this title.
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Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
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Source: Library copy.

Death Note - Boredom by Tsugumi Ohba

Title: Death Note Vol. 1 - Boredom
Author: Tsugumi Ohba
Illustrator: Takeshi Obata
Publisher: Viz Media (Shonen Jump Advanced)
Copyright: 2005 (Original 2003)
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4352-1400-2 (Paw Prints Edition)
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Boredom. What will it drive you to do? For demon Ryuk, it means dropping his Death Note, a notebook that determines when people die, into the human world to see what happens. For Light Yagami, a bored and intelligent student, the notebook is his ticket from boredom. When he discovers that he can control life or death of all criminals, he begins a battle between “L,” a special and secret detective, and “Kira,” himself. In this first volume, the stage is set as we find out what Light is beginning to plan and how “L” will find a way to find him.
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Recommended Audience: Teens (mature)
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Things to be aware of: death…the scary factor is that most of the death happens “off screen”
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Further Thoughts: A dark story of life and death, Death Note is a wildly popular title, and why not? It is a different plot involving a common theme of good versus evil. Ryuk is in for a fun ride while Light is determined to change the world and bend it to his will. This strong volume, full of twists and turns, will bring in readers who enjoy horror and moral dilemmas as Light, “L” and Ryuk see how their actions pan out.
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Bonus: This is tied to the wildly popular anime Death Note and the live action movies inspired from it.
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Source: Library copy.

Still here

Small update today and that was to add an audio book and correct the title of another all the way at the bottom of the page. I'm in the middle of two audio books currently: Ecological Intelligence and Omnivore's Dilemma. I don't post the title until I finish them because sometimes I abandon them (i.e. The Secret Life of Prince Charming).

I just wanted to mention that for those of you on Twitter, you should follow Publisher's Weekly's Comic thing: Twitter.com/PWComicsWeek Very useful links to useful articles, such as Amazon's recent Ban on Yaoi (definition: boy loves boy manga which, I might add, is not always "steamy." Some is very innocent).

Hope you checked out Free Comic Book Day yesterday. I couldn't. :(

Cat Burgler Black by Richard Sala

Title: Cat Burgler Black
Author: Richard Sala
Illustrator: Richard Sala
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2009
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-144-7
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Katherine “K.” Westree may finally have a home and some family. As an orphan, she grew up in an orphanage where she was trained to be a cat burglar, but she hopes to leave that all behind. Unfortunately, her aunt is ill, leaving her to do the deeds of the questionable head mistress. Readers will follow “K” as she performs to the task only to see demons from her past. Sala presents a book with more telling than showing with average artwork, plot holes, and yet a compelling story about K.
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Will Teens Like It? Questionable. Teens may be turned off by the huge amounts of text
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Things to be aware of: Nothing. This is clean except for the topic of burglary and even that is frowned upon.
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Longer Thoughts: Cat Burglar Black made it to my desk because the children’s department did not think it was appropriate for their area (at my previous gig). I have to agree, yet it does work for a middle school crowd. More or less, this is the story about K, who just wants to leave burglary behind and enjoy life. She is forced into stealing again, but does what she’s told because she believes it is what her Aunt wants.

Richard Sala’s art is simplistic and a few times I questioned why he used certain perspectives, which jarred me out of the story. In panels where characters were running, I often thought they were just walking quickly. The art, as delightful and different as it is, does not convey the actions he wants to convey. There is also too much text in places. Some panels are just a person’s head and shoulders and the rest is text. To me, the point of a graphic novel is to show, not tell, and feel more like a movie in my head than a book in my hands. Lastly, there are a lot of open plot points involving the characters from the aunt (where was she throughout the story?) to the groundskeeper (I know he’s important, but how?). The ending neatly ties up the story, but hints at the possibility for more.

Cat Burglar Black can be a compelling read, but only for those not familiar with graphic novels and who possibly want to see what the genre is. Unfortunately, it is not really a good representation of the genre.

One last thing: the review on the back by Lemony Snicket is not helpful in the least. It is an alphabetical listing of one to three word phrases that supposedly describe the book. When I realized it was an alphabet, it became clear that it really did not give a review of the book.
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Bonus:  ALA 2010 Great Graphic Novel
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Source: Library copy

Maid Sama - Vol. 1

Title: Maid Sama vol. 1
Author:  Hiro Fujiwara
Illustrator: Hiro Fujiwara
Publisher: TokyoPop Inc.
Copyright: 2009 (2005 Japanese)
Price: $10.99
ISBN: 978-1-4278-1403-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Boy hating, student council President of Seika High School, Misaki Ayuzawa has a secret and one that she really, really doesn’t want the school to know: she works a part time job at a maid café.*(See bonus). For Misaki, this counterbalances her tough girl persona at the high school. To Takumi Usui, the school’s sexy bachelor, Misaki’s tough spirit hides something and he wants to know what it is. One chance lands him outside of Misaki’s café where she pleads him to keep the secret, which he willingly does in exchange for a bizarre, bantering friendship and some timed rescuing from a fan club and stalkers.
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Will Teens Like It? Teens who like shojo totally will.
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Things to be aware of: Cartoon violence, mild sexual situations.
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Further Thoughts: Maid Sama is a funny, crazy ride as Misaki slowly pushes away her tough girl exterior around Takumi Usui. This title has many of the stereotypical shojo elements: not so popular girl, sexy popular boy falling for girl, high school drama, school festivals (I’m really starting to notice how every manga involving high school includes a school festival where crazy things happen). The only twist on this title is that she’s a tough chick, who works at a Maid Café- and enjoys it. Beyond that, I feel like this title could easily replace any other popular shojo romantic comedy that is out there. I did grow tired of the fact that every chapter gave us a recap of Misaki and what she does at the high school (“I’m high school president!” Ok, GOT IT). I think it was because it was serialized before becoming a manga title, but usually manga titles don’t need such a recap. The violence and force that Misaki displays in the story does grow tiring, except when she defends herself just as Usui arrives (another shojo twist!), For its cheesiness, I’m interested in seeing where this goes.
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Bonus: *Maid Cafes are rather popular in Japan. It is a place where servers dress in maid outfits or other cosplay and serve the customers like they were maids at the customer’s home.

This title includes a bonus story by the author/illustrator. It is a sweet, sad story, but enjoyable nonetheless. It is an early work and some story issues are barely noticeable.
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Source: Library copy.

Mercury by Hope Larson

Title: Mercury
Author: Hope Larson
Illustrator: Hope Larson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 2010
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-4169-3585-8
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Summary: In late 1800s Nova Scotia, Josey Fraser’s family has a visitor by the name of Asa Curry. He has found gold on the land and wishes to join forces with Mr. Fraser in order to mine the gold, to which Mr. Fraser agrees and they begin. Fast forward to present day where the Frasers’ house has burned down and Tara Fraser is trying to convince her mother to stay at the family farm. When Tara is allowed to pick a piece of jewelry belonging to her mother as a “going back to school surprise,” she unknowingly chooses a piece that connects her to her Josey, the family farm, and missing gold. Together, with her new friends, Tara goes back to find the gold that was once lost.
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Thoughts: The concept and telling of Mercury is different as it switches between past and present, but I really felt it switched a little too quickly with, for example, two pages dedicated to the present and then 5 or more to the past. While I loved the historical story involving Josey, I think the plot of Tara falls a little flat compared to the love, intrigue and danger linked to her family ancestor. I wanted to know as much information about Tara as I knew about Josey, yet I can’t tell what it was I wanted to know (just that I wanted more there). I also felt that the ending wasn’t really resolved for Tara while it was for Josey (what about Tara and her mom?). If you want a safe graphic novel, this is a good choice and Nova Scotia is certainly a different locale, otherwise, I fail to see what makes this such a great read.
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Will Teens Like It? Honestly can’t tell, but leaning toward “probably not” as it feels kind of weak.
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Things to be aware of: “The Sight” – the sense of the future is a character trait for both of our characters…sort of.
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Bonus: This was a Junior Library Guild selection.

Hope Larson is also an Eisner Award Winner.

ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
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Source: Library.

Zeus: King of the Gods - Olympians - Vol. 1

Title: Zeus: King of the Gods (Olympians Vol. 1)
Author: George O’Connor
Illustrator: George O’Connor
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-625-1
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Zeus, the youngest child of Kronos, escaped being eaten alive by his father and has grown into a man bent on righting the wrongs done to Mother Earth. With the help of some friends and his siblings, Zeus embarks on a mighty war against his father and the other titans to help shape the world that the Greeks knew.
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Will Teens Like It? Depends on the teen.
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Things to be aware of: Nothing.
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Further Thoughts: When I first saw this title, I thought that it would be dull, uninteresting, and have a short shelf life. Surprisingly, I enjoyed reading this title and find it seems to have a slight popularity. The tone of the story is that of typical myths mixed a little with a storyteller, for example, the storyteller hints at future stories to be told, but “that is for another day.” The pacing of the text is well timed to give the right suspense when needed to its soft mellow tone as the story builds up.

O’Connor’s art style is similar to that of the superhero comics and maybe even a little of the historic comics’ style. O’Connor says in his afterward that he grew up reading those comics, so his artwork pays tribute to the style seen in the past, but adds a modern flair that strikes the right balance for the story of Zeus.

An added bonus to this particular book is the extra stuff in the back of the book. Movie style posters give quick facts on particular characters as they strike an action pose. There are notes explaining Greek names and future stories. Lastly, the book rounds out with mediocre discussion questions and recommended reads.

Overall, I found this to be a refreshing read in the “adaptation” department. The author/illustrator struck the right balance between showing and telling as well as modern art and classic, that I was not bored with the book. In fact, I was determined to finish the book once I started it. I’d highly recommend this for a school library looking to round out their graphic novel collection with interesting, yet appealing graphic novels.
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Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
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Source: Library copy.

Mixed Vegetables - Vol. 2

Title: Mixed Vegetables Vol. 2
Author: Ayumi Komura
Illustrator: Ayumi Komura
Publisher: Viz Media (Shojo Beat Imprint)
Copyright: 2008 (2005 original)
Price: $8.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-1968-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Hanayu’s plan has backfired. You know, the plan to date the son of a sushi chef, marry into his family and become the sushi chef she has always wanted to be. When he asked, she spoke honestly, and seemingly, crushed his heart and possibly hers in the process. What is there to do? Hanayu will have to suffer Hayato’s anger for three years in culinary class unless she can confront him and clear the air.
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Will Teens Like It? Teens in for a good romance will.
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Things to be aware of: Lots of slapstick. If this wasn’t a romance comedy, it’d be awkward.
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Further Thoughts: Honestly, half of this book was Hayato (the boy) brooding as Hanayu (the girl) tried to figure out a way to “break through” and at least try to be friends with him. Hanayu is surprisingly grounded despite her air-headedness and I’m finding that she tends to take a lot of the male roles instead of the female. Maybe that is the point with her going toward sushi (typically male?) and him going toward pastry (female?).

This title is fun, light, and romantic. I enjoy Hanayu’s honesty bravery and determination not to lose her dream. I also admire that when Hayato does break through, he is determined to help her as she is willing to help him. Despite the arguments, despite the slapstick and bruises, these two are a great team.

Now to the art: I find the style of the faces different with large eyes, but very, very curved faces. It is not like a lot of manga out there with pointed cheeks. There is something different (and I don’t think I can put a finger on it just yet). The details to the dishes add a bit of flare and enjoyment to the story. It is nice to see the final outcomes of all the ingredients and it might make you hungry!
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Source: Library copy.

Response to "Using the Living Dead to Teach Information Literacy" from Librayr Journal

From my own Twitter Account: “Good idea. Poorly excuted(sic): TOTAL disregard for Zombie Lore. (1st broken rule: building w/windows) http://bit.ly/feNhlm ”

Library Journal: Using The Living Dead to Teach Information Literacy



The McPherson College's Miller Library (Kansas) has created a Zombie Apocalypse “graphic novel” to introduce students to the library. While a great idea (commendable, really), it is poorly executed, mainly in that the story has disregard to Zombie Apocalypse Lore. With this in mind, I shared this doozy of a graphic novel to some friends the other night to get their opinion to make sure my opinions were valid. They agreed.

The issues I have with this:

Trying to hard. The introduction says WAY to much about librarians and not enough about students. The introduction is one of those things that makes me cringe for librarians. It is at moments condescending (librarians are information literate people, not you) and these are the kinds of words that turn freshmen (or those not associated to libraries) off of libraries. Don’t explain WHY you did it (although, the last bit about saving the day is good). Just publish the damn novel and see what happens or just say “This guide is for you. Enjoy!”

“Comic Book” NOT “GRAPHIC NOVEL.” (The Philosopher Musician cringed as I read this sentence aloud, after he saw bits of it the other night). 23 pages of zombie apocalypse goodness is actually print comic book-length. The comic itself is even smaller than that.
The overall dialogue. At moments it flows, at others it doesn’t. Right off the bat, it seems forced and…odd…(what is the bit about “state college?” As a PA person, I think about State College, PA). The dialogue sounds like a bad movie, but really bad, not cheesy-bad. “Oh you silly kids…” (p. 4) reminds me of Scooby Doo and readers will drop it then. After this outburst, the whole comic turns into a comic infomercial.

The librarian is psychotic. He doesn’t care that his student workers are dead (p.5)? He’s more interested in finding books about voodoo. Great. Librarians are heartless.

Breaks in Zombie Apocalypse Lore:

STAY AWAY FROM GLASS BUILDINGS. That library, as far as I can tell, would have been the first place to lose it in a Zombie Apocalypse. It’s covered in glass.*

Why zombies crave brains. Ok. I don’t know why, but the craving knowledge was cute…but it missed the mark somehow. If the factoid about zombies craving brains was included in the general story, with the students going, “OH! Zombies crave knowledge!” that bit might have been funny.

Stairs. Do not be in a place with lots of stairs. Zombies can climb them. Again, this library fails in zombie stronghold (ok, just realized that the point isn’t that the library is a stronghold, but I’m not sure they would have lasted even this long with this building).

Wait, records are by primitive humans? (p. 9) (Good sarcasm fail.) Also, the idea of using records to attack zombies is totally ripped from the movie “Shaun of the Dead.”

Lastly, in the last panel, I’m bothered by the librarian’s speech (The Philosopher Musician is bothered by his zombie-like expression). Again, I cringe for librarians because it is that kind of “we’re smarter than you and look at the trick we just pulled with this awesome graphic novel; you will know how to use the library and be the awesome students we know you are.” That’s it. It is a motivational speech, which is really fake-sounding.

All in all, I find this a novel and commendable idea. The art is fantastic and the ideas for physically fighting zombies in a library were kind of useful for people in a zombie apocalypse. I actually love the art, but the text is terrible. Too much showing, not enough telling, and not enough “guided instruction.” Honestly, his guided instruction did not even give the students a chance to deduce how to look for or find certain things. Yes, in a Zombie Apocalypse, you have a limited amount of time, but I’m sure the students could have figured out some more about zombies by applying some research skills he introduced them to (I’m a firm believer in “guide on the side”). I wanted so much for this graphic novel, but instead it falls into that category of “too much obvious lesson, not enough hinted lesson.”

I sincerely wish this library luck in getting this into student’s hands. The nerds will devour this. Graphic novel enthusiasts will devour this. Unfortunately they will enjoy this for all the wrong reasons, which I outlined above, if it even makes it into their hands.


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*In college, friends and I used to try to figure out in the event of a zombie apocalypse which building would be the best building to go to for safety. It wasn't the library.

Mixed Vegetables - Vol. 1

Title: Mixed Vegetables: Vol. 1
Author: Ayumi Komura
Illustrator: Ayumi Komura
Publisher: Viz, Inc.
Copyright: 2008
Price: $8.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-1967-8
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Summary: For Hanayu Ashitaba, her love affair with fish and cooking sushi began with a trip to a sushi shop with her dad. After that day, she was determined to be a sushi chef, but how can the daughter of a celebrated pastry chef just change tracks? Hayato Hyuga happens to be her ticket to into the sushi world. All she has to do is convince him to date her and eventually marry her so that she can marry into his celebrated sushi cooking family.

It has taken some time, but Hanayu has somehow “wooed” Hyuga by her clumsy ways and her love of fish. After school, Hyuga confesses his love for her and they begin dating. Hanayu is conflicted by her desire to marry into the family and his love for her. Just when she resolves this conflict, an excursion for cake ingredients may ruin the relationship for Hanayu.
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Thoughts:  I really enjoyed Mixed Vegtables. The characters are typical high school students with the bonus of a high end cooking class. Hanayu is truly a good chef, but could still use some help, which Hyuga willingly provides. In the story, his help is actually a path to him asking her out, which was not expected in this first volume. Even the ending of this volume I did not expect and I really want to read more! The art is slightly different for this manga artist, but it is still in the shojo style and manga style. My only complaint with the character art is that Hanayu’s parents look like they could be her age, which threw me off during my first perusal of the book.

The real treat is the food in this manga. The artist adds such great detail to the food that you almost wish the recipes were included. The only distracting part of this manga was the amount of side panels and boxes, which I felt continually interrupted the flow of the story. The artist uses these boxes to explain things that are later explained at the end of chapters, and the artist comes off as really insecure. This is a pity as the artist has certainly created the start of a fun, enjoyable, light romance.
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Will Teens Like It? Probably. High School Drama and cooking.
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Things to be aware of: Clean!
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Bonus: ALA GGN 2010
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Source: Library.

Pride and Prejudice, adapated by Marvel

Title: Pride and Prejudice (Marvel Adapatation)
Author: Jane Austen (adapted by Nancy Butler & Hugo Petrus)
Illustrator: Hugo Petrus
Publisher: Marvel
Copyright: 2009
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-0-7851-3915-7
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Marvel has adapted this perennial classic about two people who dislike each other on sight and develop their own ideas of the other. Elizabeth Bennet wants nothing to do with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, but it seems friends, family, and fate has something else planned for them. They banter, they talk, but she really wants nothing to do with him. Instead, she wants to secure her sister’s happiness with Mr. Bingley and maybe find herself a proper fitted suitor. But what is Elizabeth to do when Mr. Darcy has found that he is in love with Elizabeth?

Frankly, I’m not going to go much into the plot of this one. Many know the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from the constant adaptations and from discovering the book on their own. In an attempt to bring girls into the comic shops, Marvel has published a graphic novel with fantastic covers, poor artwork, and plot holes in the adaptation. Read on for more details.
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Will Teens Like It? I don’t know…
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Things to be aware of: …
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Further Thoughts: I wasn’t originally going to pick this up after previewing this on the Marvel site ages ago, but for some reason, I was lured in by the cover (again). The cover of Pride and Prejudice is a play on popular girl teen magazine covers with hints and tips from family to advice to “celebrities.” In the back of this graphic novel, like many other works of collected issues, are the covers of the individual issues. Personally, I would have bought them for the covers alone. The cover artwork is light, fitting to the story and more able to draw the female readers than the art inside the book. The last cover featured brings the infamous first line around Lizzy and Darcy and continues the light artwork and bring a fitting cover to the last issue.

Now, the artwork. This is not the greatest work of art, nor is it the worst, yet I have a serious problem with it. Maybe it is because I’m comparing it to Ruse (long lost CrossGen Victorian period/detective/fantasy book), but the art style really doesn’t fit the story. The art style is a semi-realistic, superhero, Marvel style you’d expect to see in Ultimate Spiderman or some modern day story. It’d work there. It doesn’t work here. More often than not, hair color is messed up (there is one page where Jane’s hair is black “for shading”, to black with blonde spots, to blonde as the panels progress). All the faces fall “flat,” where the eyes aren’t full of life and it is hard to tell what expression is really being conveyed. The Philosopher Musician says it best: “Are they smiling or crying? That is one creepy smile.” Eye contact is often missed to where I think you should be able to see that the character is looking the other in the eye instead of off above a head. In other areas, characters don’t resemble themselves throughout the story. For example, at one point, I was confused. Who was I looking at, Lizzy or another of the female characters? The only way I could tell was context (but I think this would be difficult for anyone who doesn’t know the story).

The text is actually not terrible. I think the writer took as much of the original text as she could and inserted it into the story, which was fantastic and worked wonderfully, but I started to find plot holes. Obviously, points are missing in adaptations, but I cannot believe that one glaring point was omitted and then commented on by characters later. The big error I found was when Lizzy made a comment about how a particular woman would make a fitting wife for a specific husband. I looked back to make sure I hadn’t missed the reference earlier, because if you haven’t read the book, you have NO idea which guy she’s talking about. It wasn’t there during Mr. Collins’s visit. A pity because then I looked at this book with an even more critical view.

Nancy Butler is a romance novelist and was lucky enough to adapt this work. Unfortunately, I find this work is not worthy of a library purchase unless you are a bigger library looking to add titles. It is a wonderful attempt to get girls into comic shops (as she says in the introduction), but it falls flat. If the artwork was “lighter” in style and more like one of the covers, or more in the style of Ruse this would be a fantastic adaptation. I think this will just “fall away” into the comic abyss of titles that were a good faith effort, but just didn’t have it.
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Source: Library copy.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers - vol. 2

Title: Ooku: The Inner Chambers Vol. 2
Author: Fumi Yoshinaga
Illustrator: Fumi Yoshinaga
Publisher: Viz Media, LLC
Copyright: 2009
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-2748-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Shogun Yoshimune has sought out and started reading “Chronicle of a Dying Day” to better understand why 80 years ago, the customs were changed and put into motion.

Throughout the land, the Redface Pox is killing men and women are making decisions they never originally had to make. Those in Edo Castle believe themselves to be safe, but when Shogun Iemitsu falls ill and dies, the Lady Kasuga prepares Japan for a change. His illegitimate daughter, his only living heir, is called to the castle and picks up where her father left off, a pawn in Lady  (now Reverend) Kasuga’s efforts to make a swift transition by any means necessary.
---------
Will Teens Like It? This is an adult title dealing with adult themes.
--------
Things to be aware of: sexual situations, criminal activities, rape
----------
Further Thoughts: What you are reading in this volume is an account of what Shogun Yoshimune is reading. We meet Monk Arikoto, who is forced to renounce his vows and enter the Inner Chambers. His entrance and forced servitude introduces a clear, if not heart wrenching love story.

Volume 2 sets up the stories that will be continued in future volumes, including the struggle the current Lord Iemitsu faces as she must come to terms with her story of pain as she is forcibly taken from her content life and placed into a position she neither wants nor cares for. We also watch as Arikoto is forced into decisions he cannot stand as well as the actions of Lady Kasuga who desperately wants the man she idolized alive again.

Once again, the author weaves an intricate story and the translations again seem to be that of English used ages ago. The artwork is still fantastic, but again, distinguishing between characters is sometimes difficult. Arikoto is easily identifiable but I did confuse the Shogun and Arikoto’s attendant often as he worked with them on their issues. Plus, it seemed that a character from volume 1 had returned, but I had to remind myself that this story takes place 80 years earlier, not currently. The story of Arikoto and Chie/Iemitsu is the story of two lonely people, who together find they must cope, but how.
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Source: Library.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers - Vol. 1

Title: Ooku: The Inner Chambers Volume 1
Author: Fumi Yoshinaga
Illustrator: Fumi Yoshinaga
Publisher: Viz Media, LLC
Copyright: 2009
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-2747-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: It is the early 1700s in Japan, in a time called “The Edo Period.” A mysterious Redface Pox has wiped out over half of the male population in Japan over a period of eighty years. While the country women and few men left cope with the devastating loss in the male population, the Shogun (ruler) of Japan lives a life of comfort and luxury in the palace and with the secret Inner Chambers. In the Inner Chambers of the palace there live countless men all with one purpose: to please, serve, and give the female Shogun (ruler) an heir.

The majority of the story takes place when Shogun Yoshimune is ushered in as the eighth Shogun. This simple woman, with a fiery temper and lust, begins to question the past 80 years and the practice of the Inner Chambers.
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Will Teens Like It? This is an adult title, dealing with adult themes. Mature teens will enjoy this.
--------
Things to be aware of: sexual situations, death
----------
Further Thoughts: In what I believe is an alternate/parallel history to Edo Japan (time of the samurais! Woo!), we follow a quick recap of the past 80 years, minus what will be coming up in the next two volumes. From my understanding, it seems a little boy brings the Redface Pox to the village and from there it spreads. Times change, and the jobs and positions traditionally given to men are happily switched to the women.

I was initially drawn to this story, first because it was recommended to me, and second, because of this notion of women in charge and conducting the majority of the business in Japan. In some respects, you could say this is a feminist work asking “what if women were in charge?” The majority of this volume sets the stage, as well as introduces how Shogun Yoshimune happily takes the post and immediately begins to challenge traditions which some would like to continue.

The translation of this work takes on a slightly different spin using words traditionally associated to the 1700s. It does take some getting used to, but it becomes second nature after a time. Unfortunately, this may turn the less mature and light readers away from this excellent title. Yoshinaga’s art style is fluid, detailed, and wonderful. Her men are gorgeous and the women who are meant to be lovely as flowers are as well. I enjoy the images of couples embracing, the fashions, and the men. Unfortunately, the art can get confusing as some characters look a little too similar to another character.
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Bonus: Shogun Yoshimune did exist, only as a guy. Here’s a link to the Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokugawa_Yoshimune).

ALA Great Graphic Novel 2010
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Source: Library.

Orange by Benjamin

Title: Orange
Author: Benjamin
Illustrator: Benjamin
Publisher: TokyoPop Inc.
Copyright: 2009
Price: $14.99
ISBN: 978-1-4278-1463-0
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Summary: Do not be fooled by the smiling girl on the cover of Orange for she is Orange, a depressed high school girl. The story opens up with Dashu as he jumps off of the apartment building to his death. Orange explains to the reader that he was a drunken artist that she may have loved. The story is a collection of her memories explaining her depression and how he played a role in her life until the moment he jumped from the building.
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Thoughts: It honestly took me a little while to get used to the photo-like artwork of the story, yet once used to it, I felt like I was reading a short movie instead of a short graphic novel. This book does not shy away from showing Dashu falling and crashing to his death (he lands on a car). Orange is not always a relatable character to me, but I do understand her depression and the feeling that the friends you hang out with are not really your friends. The afterword of this story by artist Benjamin was more intense than the story itself as he wrote about the creation and publication of Orange. While the images are memorable for the use of color and shadows, the afterword text is haunting. A story about depression, Orange is a book that you have to be aware is there and that it does serve a purpose like other books about suicide.
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Will Teens Like It? Probably high school students.
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Things to be aware of: sexual situations, suicide (shown), drinking and smoking
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Bonus: I was surprised that this was a TokyoPop book, but only because I’m used to their manga titles that are all uniformly the same size.

2010 ALA Great Graphic Novel for Teens
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Source: Library copy.

Bride of the Water God - vol. 6

Title: Bride of the Water God vol. 6
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manwha
Copyright: 2010
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-59582-605-3
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: At the beginning of this volume, Mui and Soah prepare to head back to his home when he is paralyzed. Did the stranger from the last volume do something to Mui? Soah, unsure, decides to rest with Mui until she falls asleep. In the morning, Habaek is in his child form and runs off, afraid to show Soah the truth. When Soah wakes, she grows scared and looks for him, only to be captured by another God. In a stroke of luck, Mui/Habaek is captured as well and he saves Soah. Once home though, nothing is right. Mura knows Nakbin’s true intentions, and someone attempts to kidnap Soah, and she faces a familiar face with the truth. Throughout all of this, Mui/Habaek asks that throughout everything that she trusts him. When she finally agrees to, it seems that she might be too late.
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Will Teens Like It? Mature and older teens.
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Things to be aware of: N/A.
----------
Further Thoughts: Like the game pieces introduced in volume 5, we see that not is all as it seems and we’ll have to sit back as they game plays out. Nakbin’s true motives are hidden, although readers are given hints as to what she plans to do. Alliances are forming and we can tell who is for Soah and Habaek/Mui, and who is not. Like in the last review, the plot lines are intricate, but more and more aspects of the story are coming into focus. There is someone who wants to hurt the Water God, but who is it? There is enough story here to keep readers wanting more and more and more, and to reread until the next latest volumes come out.
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Source: Library copy.

What's Been Happening

Here's what happened
March is a crazy month for me. It seems that March is one of the few months of the year (the others being May and October for sure) that I just get hit with workshops, programs, meetings, and all sorts of obligations that I must meet (or want to meet). Generally, I chose this craziness, but this March, I almost over scheduled myself because I wasn't using the right planning calendar. Oops...

Which means, I didn't pay attention to the blog. It's sad really. I have so much "back log" review-wise you'd think I'd be ready to go, but I just don't feel like booting the computer up some days, especially after spending a day staring at the computer for various reasons. I'm going to try to change this, and also try to warn you if there seems to be some down time happening.

What's going to happen now
April is my "new leaf" month, at least for the blog. Really, I've marked May 1st as my "turn around date" for a lot (I don't believe in just New Year's Day as the only goal setting day of the year). I've just spent a few hours clearing up the back log and getting posts ready to go. From this weekend out, you'll see regular updates on Sundays. If the Sunday post was volume 1, check back on Monday for a possible bonus post for volume 2. Wednesdays in April will be a slew of "bonus" posts to hopefully make up for my March absence. I'm also going to try to prepare some bonus posts since Book Links has been focused on Graphic Novels, which is an interesting surprise (They reviewed Axe Cop of all things!).

Enjoy!

Bride of the Water God - vol. 5

Title: Bride of the Water God Vol. 5
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse, Manhwa
Copyright: 2010 (2007)
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-59582-445-5
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Mui/Habaek has decided it is time to make a formal proposal to Soah, but just as she’s going to give him an answer, another human woman arrives. Soah asks Habaek to save the woman because she was in that position before, but no one is prepared for the woman to look like Nakbin, Habaek’s first human bride. What ensues is a story of push-pull as Soah does not know who to trust and enemies in friends are revealed. Complicated plot lines and a constant change in the characters keeps readers on their toes in this high fantasy fairy-tale. A bonus story included at the end shows readers the full story of Mui/Habaek’s first meeting with Soah.
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Will Teens Like It? Mature and older teens.
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Things to be aware of: Nothing
----------
Further Thoughts: The re-introduction of Nakbin sends the story into a new direction. Who is she? What is her story? Not much in this volume, but what readers want to know is whether or not Mui/Habaek loves Soah still or is he in love with Nakbin? Toward the end of the volume, the discovery of Huye’s alliance shows readers that he is not someone to be trusted (which I think has been there throughout the story). I admit this is a very confusing story because every time you think you have it figured out, the story changes. To me, that makes a good read and if readers can keep up with the varying plot lines, I promise you that the next volume you’ll start seeing the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. The art continues to be superb.
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Bonus: A short story showing when Habaek first falls for Soah.
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Source: Library copy.

The HarperCollins Issue

"You know, the general public still doesn't know about this," The Philosopher Musician said to me last night after I brought up my continual annoyance at the HarperCollins Issue.


"Yeah. Yet another quiet battle the quiet librarians are fighting for their readers." I said quietly and in disgust.

Despite the NYTimes article, despite BoingBoing, despite the major news circuits and Twitter, I wonder how much the general population realizes is at stake. As I look for more information on this I can't help but find that these are the facts:

• HarperCollins wants to limit circs to 26 times per title (meaning if 50 people want it, 24 are shit out of luck, go buy it, or ask the library to buy more copies but suffer when it comes to other best sellers you want now). 
• Librarians are currently trying to boycott HarperCollins from not touching the books to not purchasing (no offense, but not a smart move considering they are quite the mover and shaker in publishing...or rather the publisher a lot of books. Boycotting their eBooks makes more sense).
• A lot more is at stake than I think people realize (Librarian by Day).

When I was in grad school last year, I took a fantastic course on copyright. What I remember most is how the music industry handled the whole digital issue and the possibility that the book industry is going to go in that direction as well. If you have even read a few works on copyright, you'll realize that by trying to control digital media only forces people into other, questionable routes.

What I'm asking for at the moment, is that librarians don't give into this decision. In fact, I say we take it to the public and post a huge notice on the OverDrive page. Those who use the service will see it. We also need to make it clear that something like this is only in the interest of the publisher, not the reader. This is not in the interest of the libraries. Boycotting the books will not help as the works that are popular include HarperCollins works. As it stands, HarperCollins is winning the publicity side of things, too. Of all the (top 5) book publishers, HarperCollins has the social media side down pat. I see tweets daily from HaperTeen and HarperChildren.

Since the digital age began, publishers have seen libraries as "the bad guys." What publishers often see is "$." What librarians see are people and readers. What has happened and what will continue to happen is that readers will get their books the way they've always gotten them: through the library or purchase them, and at that, either used or new. You cannot control the buyer. Please stop trying to control the buyer. This nonsense has to stop. We need the right to purchase a book and to purchase it where we want to purchase it; or, we need the right to borrow it where we want to borrow it.


PS: We can actually make a difference as OverDrive is trying to determine what to do next (I don't expect an answer overnight, but it'd be good if it were before the month is out).

Bride of the Water God - vol. 4

Title: Bride of the Water God vol. 4
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manhwa
Copyright: 2009 (2007 original)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59582-378-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Soah has returned home and has agreed to be married. In only two weeks she will be married but she is already having second thoughts. Mui tries again to see if she remembers, but fails. On one last attempt, he steals her away and they return to his home. At the moment, it seems Habaek/Mui has won the bet with his mother, but she has another trick up her sleeve. In this volume, we also learn that even Habaek/Mui cannot trust everyone and the truth of Nakbin is partially revealed, but who killed her or is she really alive? In this compelling installment, the reader feels that things are resolved, until the last page which houses a killer cliffhanger.
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Will Teens Like It? Mature Twilight readers may enjoy the dynamic between Soah and Habaek/Mui.
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Things to be aware of: sexual situations, violence
----------
Further Thoughts: Honestly, I picked up this title and once I started, I zipped through the pages until I reached the last page which had a simple statement but a major plot point. I gasped and shouted to The Philosopher Musician that I couldn’t believe I read all that the library system had at that time (since this review they have gotten 5 and 6 which I hope to review but I forget the cliffhanger!).

Upon my second, more thorough reading, I was able to focus more on the order of the plot, and focus on the artwork. Once again, Yun’s style and art sweeps me away into this fantasy world where Mui selfishly loves Soah, although he won’t admit it publicly. Is this related to the past? In this particular work, I noticed small details that I had missed on the first reading, namely a very tiny image of Mui crying over Soah as she, I assume leaves for her home.

My only complaint of this story is that Mui is a bit possessive of Soah, yet at the same time, he really wants her to be able to make her own choices, not those pressed upon her by her family. Her only chance to make such decisions is with him and while he is possessive, he does seem to let her grow into herself with her own thoughts and opinions. It is also clear she belongs in his kingdom and not on earth. In some ways, this does parallel the Edward/Bella love story of the infamous Twilight. Something about this doesn’t seem as “stalkerish” as Twilight, though, but maybe that is because I’m willing to suspend belief and Soah is a stronger heroine than Bella. I look forward to upcoming issues as the lovers face more troubles ahead.
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Bonus: This is more of a rant, but I do wish that manga/manhwa American publishers would speed up the publications of series. I really hate waiting three months for the next book and have forgotten to pick up the next volume of a series because of this (Tramps Like Us). This one has nagged at me so much I remembered, but on the other hand, I now can’t remember the cliffhanger. (This review was written in June 2010, this bonus February 2011). Since June, I’ve only seen the particular library system add 5 and 6, and we’re waiting on 7.
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Source: Library copy.

Bride of the Water God - vol. 3

Title: Bride of the Water God vol. 3
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manwha
Copyright: 2009 (2006)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59582-305-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Soah’s suspicions at the end of Vol. 2 are solved, but she still has questions. With the return of Nakbin, Mui/Habaek’s first human bride, Soah begins to analyze the facts, the words, and the actions of all the others. Instead of finding answers, she is even more confused and in this confusion is sent home, forgetting everything and facing the realities of her home life. In this volume, a story about Habaek is thrown in and it is unclear to this reader as to what basis it has on the story as well as where it fits in the time line. Otherwise, the reader learns what she suspected to be true about Soah’s family and her village’s feelings about her, which is both sad, but is also the basis as to why she is welcome with the Gods.
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Will Teens Like It? Probably the older set. Those who liked Black Bird will find a similar story here.
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Things to be aware of: minor sexual situations
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Further Thoughts: Volume 3 and 4 should probably be reviewed together, but this is a series that is better looked at by each volume. Each volume contains a smaller story within it, such as this volume which has the reader examining Soah’s feelings about herself and her situation in the family. The yardage of fabric Soah wears continues to be unbelievable as well as the length of her hair, but again, this adds to the majesty of the story. Overall, this story has elements of great mythology and of fantasy and fairy tales. 
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Source: Library copy.

Bride of the Water God - vol. 2

Title: Bride of the Water God vol. 2
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manhwa
Copyright: 2008 (original 2006)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59307-883-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: At the end of Volume 1, readers were wondering if Soah would be sent home against her will or by her own choice. For now, she seems to have decided to stay with Mui/Habaek, but he is uneasy about the decision. Habaek/Mui’s mother is still around, keeping a loose eye on her son and his human bride, with a little meddling of her own. The characters visit a night market and festival, only to find Soah is given an inappropriate gift and faces an attempted kidnapping where Mui reveals his truest feelings and takes Soah where no human girl has gone before. Readers will enjoy this second installment as back stories are revealed and Mui finally shows his feeling for Soah. More flashbacks are thrown in and this reader really wants to know their time line and how they will fit together.
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Will Teens Like It? Probably the older crowd (16 and up)
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Things to be aware of: MINOR sexual tension.
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Further Thoughts: Who cannot love this cover? Ok, maybe just me because I find this cover DELICIOUS. Yum. (Mui is in a tub, his clothes are wet, his shirt is open and I think his clothing is floating away from his hips, yum). Soah is finding it harder not to resist Mui and I can’t blame here. He’s gorgeous and rescues her at the right moments, and she does return the favor (she saves him from a potion). The artwork is still fluid, but there are still some translation issues. For example, a butterfly arrives (which I think is metaphorical), but there is no text to announce the arrival, but there is for the departure. This makes me think something was missed in translation, but without the original, I don’t know (and I couldn’t translate it as it is). Throughout the story, there are comedic elements that keep the seriousness at bay, but I know when the true story arrives, the comedic elements will be kept at a minimum.
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Source: Library copy.

PostSecret - Library Love

PostSecret, the blog, books, lectures and more, where people send in their secrets anonymously on postcards, has something for us librarians today: secrets that involve libraries.

You'll have to scroll down a little as the first four don't seem to do with books (per say), but as soon as you pass the "PostSecret Books Banner" you'll find five secrets that involve libraries, books, and how we make the world better. The secrets end at the PostSecret Community banner it seems.

And for the librarian who posted about 158.723, kudos to you for finding a book. When I was there, I couldn't find any books. Second, it gets better, but you may need to make a change...

If you don't think PostSecret helps anyone, I will tell you now, it helps me every week. I never know what gem will come along to tell me "hey, it gets better" or to help me through a tough time.\

Cybils Announced!

How did I miss the Cybil announcement? Was it not on Twitter?

Either way, the winners have been announced and frankly, this is what the ALA award list should have looked like...or at least close. These are better books. Most are what I see move on the shelves. I mean, the Newbery Winner is no where to be seen and the one title many thought should be the Newbery is here. The picture book, I think is a Caldecott runner up. The GN Cybil titles? Not ones I'm particularly enthused about (haven't read them yet so there's still a chance). On the other hand, those two got a lot of press the past year.

Either way, I'm excited for the winners. All are great titles!

Bride of the Water God - Vol. 1

Title: Bride of the Water God Vol. 1
Author: Mi-Kyung Yun
Illustrator: Mi-Kyung Yun
Publisher: Dark Horse Manhwa
Copyright: 2007 (2006 original)
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 978-1-59307-849-2
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Drought has led the villagers of an unnamed village to make a decision: a sacrifice must be made to the Water God. Soah is young but Soah is the choice to dress in wedding garb and be sent on a boat into the ocean as the Bride of the Water God. When she arrives in the mystical God-Land of Suguk, she finds she’s been rescued by the Water God. But who is the Water God really? Thechild Habaek or adult Mui? And who can she trust? Flowing artwork tells the first part of the rocky love story of Soah and Habaek/Mui. Despite the occasional translation hiccup and lots of confusing flashbacks, this story proves to be a fairytale worthy of a read.
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Will Teens Like It? Probably the older teens (later high school).
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Things to be aware of: Nothing
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Further Thoughts: Yards upon yards of fabric drapes the female characters in this story as well as heavy jewelry upon their heads, yet it is this yardage and jewelry that lends the story to the fairy tale, mythical atmosphere that I enjoy. Of course, it does not help that the men are drawn tall, lanky, with long hair or messy hair, and lots of chest exposure (ok, this is more for Mui who is so drool worthy). My first reading of this book left me pretty confused from who was telling the truth, who has their own motive and lots of slight flashbacks, but after reading vol. 2-4 (reviews coming), I can see the foreshadowing that is being set up for a much larger, scarier reveal. This manhwa title has me wondering if this series will end well or sadly. In the world of manga and manhwa, you cannot tell how a story will end.
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Source: Library copy.

Library Wars Vol. 1

Title: Library Wars vol. 1
Author: (Concept: Kiro Arikawa)
Illustrator: (Manga: Kiiro Yumi)
Publisher:  Viz, Inc (Shojo Beat)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-3488-6
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: Iku Kasahara’s life was changed one day when, finally, a fairy tale story was published and she could purchase it. Yet this is not society as we know it today. On this fateful day, the bookstore she was in was raided and the book confiscated as it was deemed “unsuitable.” The Library Defense Force stepped in that day and took the books from the Government and one particular agent returned a dented copy of the fairy tale book to Iku Kasahara.

A few later, Iku Kasahara is training to join the Library Defense Force, but it seems that she has many, many hurdles to jump from annoyed group-mates to the tough Instructor Dojo who seems to have picked her, unknowingly, as his protégé. The first volume spends a lot of time setting up the story.
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Will Teens Like It? Library loving teens will get a huge kick out of this.
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Things to be aware of: None
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Further Thoughts: This is a story of modern day librarianship meeting Farenheit 451. In this not too distant future, some books are considered inappropriate for society by the Government and the librarians have a covert military force that helps defend the right to read. Libraries are neutral zones, where books cannot be challenged, but that doesn’t mean library users will not challenge this.

Does this sound familiar yet? Mind you, librarians don’t have a secret military force that can help in the war over books, but it is an interesting take. For a book about libraries, it seems to have the library aspect spot on down to the decimal system (although, I trust the Japanese system isn’t quite as similar as Dewey) and how busy a public library is (illustrated with the librarians in the basement running to find books).

A lot of the story in this first volume is setting up for future volumes. To me, it is clear the romantic interest lies in Dojo and Kasahara, and that Dojo is her inspiration, and he knows it. While I know this, I’m more interested in reading about the war over the books and how libraries will continue to fit into this. While I know many librarians do not read graphic novels, this is one that the librarian should pick up just to read the first page detailing “The Library Freedom Act.” It sounds very similar to one we have today…
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Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011

Source: Library Copy.