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
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Stinky
Title: Stinky
Author: Eleanor Davis
Illustrator: Eleanor Davis
Publisher: Toon Books
Copyright: 2008
Price: $4.99
ISBN: 978-1-935179-06-1
-----------
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?
---------
Recommended Audience: Ages 6 to 8
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing.
----------
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.
------
Bonus:
Source: Library copy.
Author: Eleanor Davis
Illustrator: Eleanor Davis
Publisher: Toon Books
Copyright: 2008
Price: $4.99
ISBN: 978-1-935179-06-1
-----------
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?
---------
Recommended Audience: Ages 6 to 8
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing.
----------
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.
------
Bonus:
Source: Library copy.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
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. :(
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. :(
Sunday, September 4, 2011
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
----------
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.
---------
Recommended Audience: Mature teens; adults
--------
Things to be aware of: Some cleavage.
----------
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.
------
Bonus: Bonus art, Intro by Brian K. Vaughan
Source: Library copy.
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
----------
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.
---------
Recommended Audience: Mature teens; adults
--------
Things to be aware of: Some cleavage.
----------
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.
------
Bonus: Bonus art, Intro by Brian K. Vaughan
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
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
-----------
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.
---------
Recommended Audience: older teens
--------
Things to be aware of: female nudity (chest), prostitution/brothels
----------
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!
------
Bonus:
Source: Library copy.
Author: Matsuri Hino
Illustrator: Matsuri Hino
Publisher: Shojo Beat Manga (Viz, Inc.)
Copyright: 2008
Price: $8.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-1934-0
-----------
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.
---------
Recommended Audience: older teens
--------
Things to be aware of: female nudity (chest), prostitution/brothels
----------
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!
------
Bonus:
Source: Library copy.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
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..
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..
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
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
-----------
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.”
---------
Recommended Audience: Adults (book recommends “mature”)
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing
----------
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.
------
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.
Author: Jill Thompson
Illustrator: Jill Thompson
Publisher: DC Comics (Vertigo)
Copyright: 2001/2004
Price: $9.95
ISBN: 1-4012-0428-7
-----------
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.”
---------
Recommended Audience: Adults (book recommends “mature”)
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing
----------
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.
------
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.
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