|
 |
 |
April 2007
Volume X, Issue 2
|
|
| Graphic Novel News |
By Jeannine Wiese, Collection Development, Graphic Novels Specialist
If you are interested in or are new to the graphic novel phenomenon, be sure and read what other librarians are saying by subscribing to http://lists.topica.com/lists/GNLIB-L.
If you haven't yet read the March 15 issue of Booklist with its Annual Spotlight on Graphic Novels, do take the time. There are 12 features in this special issue devoted just to graphic novels.
In addition to the professional journal reviews, check out this highly recommended Web site review source http://www.noflyingnotights.com/ created by Robin Brenner, a librarian who loves graphic novels.
General Graphic Novel Information site: http://icv2.com/index.html
Publisher News
DK joins the trend with its spring launch of Graphic Readers at Level 4 designed for proficient readers and available in both hardcover and paperback. As one might expect, the illustrations are vibrant and rich with color complementing the story line. Award-winning author Stewart Ross uses historically accurate settings like Ancient Egypt and Rome to create thrilling tales of mystery, intrigue, and revenge. Each book begins with an introductory note to parents and teachers and concludes with nonfiction reference notes, a timeline, maps, and a glossary. With titles like Curse of the Crocodile God, Instruments of Death, The Price of Victory, and The Terror Trail, DK continues its quest to motivate kids to read.
Marvel confirms there will be only two volumes of the trade paperback hit Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. named one of YALSA 's Great Graphic Novels for Teens. This is a decision made by author Warren Ellis from the beginning, which will probably disappoints fans wanting more.
Capstone Press' Graphic Science series was recently named as one of the finalists of the 2007 Distinguished Achievement Award. The Association of Educational Publishers sponsors this award each year. “The best educational materials” are rigorously judged in the publishing industry with no more than four finalists selected within each category of the award. Winners will be announced in June at a formal reception in Washington, D.C.
Capstone's Max-Axiom, super scientist and star of the series, gives intermediate readers a thrilling ride through the world of science. Check out these current volumes of Graphic Science available in both library binding and quality paper.
Noteworthy Titles You Won't Want to Miss
Korgi by Christian Slade promises to be a beautiful, woodland fantasy about a young girl named Ivy, her dog Sprout, and their amazing adventures in Korgi Hollow. It's recommended for readers of all ages. Anyone who loves Andy Runton's Owly and Jeff Smith's Bone series will find it an irresistible, daring new tale.
Homeland by Marv Wolfman, Mario Ruiz, and William Rubin is a stunning, timely volume that belongs in any library's history, Judaica, and graphic novel sections. It's written for adults and YA readers 12 and older who appreciate and want high quality, historical nonfiction graphic novels. The author makes it clear from the beginning that despite the Jewish point of view, Israel's history is not blemish free. It will appeal to history buffs and those interested in the religion and politics of the area, even those who disagree with Israel's supporters.
Read complete reviews of two other new graphic novels, Mouse Guard and Re-Gifters in Collection Suggestions.
Superheroes 101
Continuing to enlighten those, like myself, with little superhero knowledge prior to recent years, comics fan extraordinaire Greg Adkins, Ingram Merchandising Analysis Manager, offers the following notes on characters, writers, illustrators, and highlights recently released titles and new editions worth having in your collections. Check back each issue for more historical insight on favorite superheroes.
Heroes Reborn: The Avengers
Heroes Reborn: Iron Man
Heroes Reborn: Fantastic Four
Heroes Reborn: Captain America
In the early '90s, there was a revolt at Marvel Comics. Some of their most popular writers and artists left the company to protest low pay and weak royalties. These rebels left Marvel to form a series of linked independent studios called Image Comics. Two of the best known were Rob Liefeld (artist of The New Mutants and X-Force) and Jim Lee (artist of X-Men). Marvel saw a drop in sales of key titles as the talent drain started affecting the final product. In 1996, Marvel decided to outsource four key titles to Liefeld and Lee. Liefield took The Avengers and Captain America while Lee took Fantastic Four and Ironman. The project was called Heroes Reborn and took place outside the regular Marvel Universe. While critics and fans still argue about whether these series were good or bad, they were bestsellers in the comic shops. The stories update the origins of all the classic Marvel heroes and give them all a much-needed makeover. While adjustments to the original stories exist, they never wander far from their roots. These are great introductions to the Marvel universe. Instead of reading through the dated '60s material for the origins of these characters, it is much more enjoyable for new and old fans to read these updated stories. The artwork is amazing. Lee has become very hot lately, especially with his work on Batman titles with Jeph Loeb and Frank Miller. Liefeld is currently working on Onslaught Reborn which is linked to Heroes Reborn. These stories are a great part of Marvel history and a great starter set for any collection.
Batman: Year One
by Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli
As a follow-up to his groundbreaking The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller wrote a retelling of the first year Batman protected Gotham city called Batman: Year One. The story was originally published in 1986 as a period piece so it stands up well today with a new edition being released this month. The story of Batman is interlaced with the story of Lieutenant Jim Gordon who has just taken a job with the Gotham Police Department. Gordon's story is more interesting given that he, too, is also trying to clean-up Gotham, but he has the added challenges of a wife and newborn baby at home. What is most interesting about the story is that both of these characters are not the near flawless heroes we see in today's comics. Miller does a wonderful job of showing the rookie mistakes both men make. At the same time one sees the determination of both men that will eventually make them the legends we know today. David Mazzucchelli did the artwork. He has a much different style than Miller so this series looks very different than The Dark Night Returns that Miller wrote and illustrated. Mazzucchelli's style is very minimal and traditional. Parts of this story were used in the movie Batman Begins, released in 2005. There are also some very interesting appearances by Harvey Dent (who later becomes the villain Two-Face) and Selina Kyle (who later becomes the Catwoman and a Batman love interest). This story is much more of a crime drama than a superhero story. It is very clever in the way it retells the myth of Batman.
|
|
|
|
