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
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Questionable. Teens may be turned off by the huge amounts of text
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing. This is clean except for the topic of burglary and even that is frowned upon.
----------
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.
------
Bonus: ALA 2010 Great Graphic Novel
------
Source: Library copy
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
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
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Teens who like shojo totally will.
--------
Things to be aware of: Cartoon violence, mild sexual situations.
----------
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.
------
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.
--------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Hiro Fujiwara
Illustrator: Hiro Fujiwara
Publisher: TokyoPop Inc.
Copyright: 2009 (2005 Japanese)
Price: $10.99
ISBN: 978-1-4278-1403-6
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Teens who like shojo totally will.
--------
Things to be aware of: Cartoon violence, mild sexual situations.
----------
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.
------
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.
--------
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
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
-----------
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.
----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Honestly can’t tell, but leaning toward “probably not” as it feels kind of weak.
--------
Things to be aware of: “The Sight” – the sense of the future is a character trait for both of our characters…sort of.
------
Bonus: This was a Junior Library Guild selection.
Hope Larson is also an Eisner Award Winner.
ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
----
Source: Library.
Author: Hope Larson
Illustrator: Hope Larson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 2010
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-4169-3585-8
-----------
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.
----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Honestly can’t tell, but leaning toward “probably not” as it feels kind of weak.
--------
Things to be aware of: “The Sight” – the sense of the future is a character trait for both of our characters…sort of.
------
Bonus: This was a Junior Library Guild selection.
Hope Larson is also an Eisner Award Winner.
ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
----
Source: Library.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
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
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Depends on the teen.
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing.
----------
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.
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: George O’Connor
Illustrator: George O’Connor
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-625-1
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Depends on the teen.
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing.
----------
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.
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
------
Source: Library copy.
Monday, April 11, 2011
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
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Teens in for a good romance will.
--------
Things to be aware of: Lots of slapstick. If this wasn’t a romance comedy, it’d be awkward.
----------
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!
------
Source: Library copy.
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
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Teens in for a good romance will.
--------
Things to be aware of: Lots of slapstick. If this wasn’t a romance comedy, it’d be awkward.
----------
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!
------
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
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.
---------------------------------------------
*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.
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.
---------------------------------------------
*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
-----------
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.
----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Probably. High School Drama and cooking.
--------
Things to be aware of: Clean!
------
Bonus: ALA GGN 2010
------
Source: Library.
Author: Ayumi Komura
Illustrator: Ayumi Komura
Publisher: Viz, Inc.
Copyright: 2008
Price: $8.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-1967-8
-----------
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.
----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Probably. High School Drama and cooking.
--------
Things to be aware of: Clean!
------
Bonus: ALA GGN 2010
------
Source: Library.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
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
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? I don’t know…
--------
Things to be aware of: …
----------
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.
------
Source: Library copy.
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
-----------
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.
---------
Will Teens Like It? I don’t know…
--------
Things to be aware of: …
----------
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.
------
Source: Library copy.
Monday, April 4, 2011
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
-----------
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.
------
Source: Library.
Author: Fumi Yoshinaga
Illustrator: Fumi Yoshinaga
Publisher: Viz Media, LLC
Copyright: 2009
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-2748-2
-----------
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.
------
Source: Library.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
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
-----------
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.
---------
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.
------
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
-----
Source: Library.
Author: Fumi Yoshinaga
Illustrator: Fumi Yoshinaga
Publisher: Viz Media, LLC
Copyright: 2009
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-2747-5
-----------
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.
---------
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.
------
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
-----
Source: Library.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)