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
-----------
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.
---------
Recommended Audience: Older teens
--------
Things to be aware of: sexual innuendos, female nudity, group bathings, mild male nudity
----------
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.
------
Bonus: *Classic – anything I remember having a huge following during my teen years.
Source: Publisher provided a copy for Manga Movable Feast.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
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.
------------------------------------------------------------
"Classics" include such hits as Penny Arcade, MegaTokyo, Wondermark, Gunnerkrig Court, and...Unshelved
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.
------------------------------------------------------------
"Classics" include such hits as Penny Arcade, MegaTokyo, Wondermark, Gunnerkrig Court, and...Unshelved
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?
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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
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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
--------
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.
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