Marcus, Leonard S. Comics Confidential: Thirteen Graphic Novelists Talk Story, Craft, and Life Outside the Box.

Marcus, Leonard S.  Comics Confidential: Thirteen Graphic Novelists Talk Story, Craft, and Life Outside the Box.  Candlewick Press  2016            176p    $24.99  ISBN 978-0-7636-5938-7     ms/hs Nonfiction  E-BN

Leonard Marcus interviews thirteen graphic novelists about their childhoods, how they became interested in art and comic books, and how they became graphic novelists. A brief biography precedes each interview, which is written in a question-and-answer format. He gives each novelist the theme of “the city,” and each artist creates a comic that follows his or her interview. This book is not just for graphic novel fans, but anyone interested in art and writing. It is an outstanding collective biography that should be in middle- and high-school collections.     

Summary: Thirteen graphic novelist share their backgrounds and techniques.         

Comics, Graphic novels                                                                                              —Stephanie Pennucci

Mastering Comics.

Abel, Jessica, and Matt Madden.  Mastering Comics.    Macmillan/ First Second 318p  $39.99      978-1-59643-617-6   secondary         VG-BN

This is a follow-up book to Drawing Words & Writing Pictures.  It will provide a wealth of essential information for authors, artists, teachers, and cartoonists.  It will be appreciated by both beginners and experts, as well as the inquisitive browser; there is something for everyone.          The authors have created a book structured like a fifteen-week college course, yet it has all the aspects of a professional handbook.  Comic lovers will relate to it as they wonder about the choices of color and layout composition in the comics they read.

The book is divided into four basic sections: "Building" (idea generation), "Sharpening Focus" (perspective, composition, style),
"Black/White and Color on Paper and Screen" (using tone, color, & ink), and "Self Publishing & Getting Yourself Published".

It has appendices, a bibliography, a glossary, and a dual index for the first volume (color coded).  It also has such special features as homework ideas, activities, sidebars, tip boxes, projects for extra credit, and further reading on various subjects.  Another plus is the companion web site: www.DW-WP.com.

I must admit I tracked down a copy of the first book before I started reading this one.  As a watercolor artist and bookbinder, I also found many tips and tricks I could use in my field.  I particularly liked the chapter on the horror of the blank page. (What artist hasn’t been panicked at some point.)  I also liked the way the perspective chapter was presented along with the printing and binding.  But I know that there are many other binding techniques besides the Japanese binding for self publishers to use.  There is now the world of pop-ups, and I would have liked to see that included.  Maybe in book three?

The authors have written a wonderful book that presents the reader with techniques, story generation ideas, tools, professional tips and insights.

This is a great book for anyone interested in the field of visual storytelling.  It can be related to fields beyond the world of comics.

                                                            --Linda McNeil

Ottaviani, Jim Feynman

Ottaviani, Jim    Feynman      

First Second (macmillan)      2011  264p  29.99 978-1-59643-259-8 

 hs/adult    E-BN         

    An unbelieveably delightful biography of one of the premier physicists of our time. Feynman was something of a character, even in the world of theoretical physicists, and this comes through loud and clear in this biography, narrated by said Feynman.      

    Richard Feynman was on the cutting edge of theoretical physics and computational mathematics. He was also known for being something of a renaissance man, exploring his passions for music, art, comedy and literature. The text and art in this book do well in portraying the man and his varied interests and life. His lectures and essays provide the basis for a lot of the vignettes that comprise this book, from his early lectures and meetings with Einstein, to his work at Oak Ridge National Labs and in Los Alamos with the atomic bomb, and finally his work on the Commission investigating the failed NASA shuttle mission with Christa McAuliffe on board, the authors present the facts in a very enjoyable and accessible fashion.                  

 Feynman, Richard P. (Richard Phillips), 1918-1988 -- Comic books, strips, etc.      Lyn Fisher

 

Johns, Geoff. Superman Secret Origin.

Johns, Geoff.      Superman Secret Origin.  

DC Comics see Random    2010  unp   29.99  978-1-4012-2697-8

hs/adult                E-BN  

Details Clark Kent’s journey from a Smallville farm to Metropolis’ urban center.            

Geoff Johns and Gary Frank reunite (previous collaborations include “Superman: Legion of

Super-Heroes”) to present a new perspective on the origin of the Man of Steel.

The graphic novel chronicles Clark Kent’s journey from the idyllic farm outside

Smallville to the bustling city of Metropolis.  Along the way, readers are

introduced to Lex Luthor, the Legion of Super-Heroes, Lois Lane, Metallo, Jimmy

Olsen, the Parasite, and others.  

 Johns emphasizes the human qualities that underscore the common ground Superman

shares with the reader rather than his Kryptonian super powers. The story line

places an emphasis on characterization, fleshing out Clark Kent’s personality.

The author also pulls together elements of the movies, Smallville television

show, the Birthright arc, the comic history, and provides tantalizing hints

regarding the future.  Fans will not be disappointed by this story, nor by

Frank’s artwork, which conveys emotions and body language superbly (although

Superman does bear a remarkable likeness to actor Christopher Reeves. 

            Welliver, Hilary

Besel. Jennifer M. Unusual History of Comic Books

Besel. Jennifer M. Unusual History of Comic Books
Capstone Publishers 2011 48p 30.65
978-1-4296-4790-8 Comics E-BNe Unusual Histories (Capstone)


A fact full book of unusual tidbits and trivia about comic books in graphic style. Readers will find themselves entranced, as I did, as they read through the comic book timelines of seldom told stories, bizarre facts, and behind-the-scene-secrets. The author described the origins, the dazzling debuts of super heroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. The author also showed how the superheroes “morphed” over time until the introduction of anime from Japan in the 1990’s.
My favorite chapter was the one explaining the behind the scene trivia on the comic controversy. The text provided me with some explanation of what I was not aware of during that time period.
This book will be appreciated by the readers of the new graphic style books. The pages are beautifully designed and the layout flows easily for the readers to follow the facts. The dramatic use of color exemplifies the drama surrounding the comic books’ environment. Graphic novel McNeil(3), Linda

Graphic Content! The Culture of Comic Book

Rosinsky, Natalie M. Graphic Content! The Culture of Comic Book
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2010 64p 31.99
978-0-7565-4241-2 secondary Graphic novel VG-BN
Pop Culture Revolutions (Capstone)
This is the story of the evolution of comic strips into a worldwide industry that has a great influence over readers. It shows how many comic book characters and stories find their way into TV, movies, games, and other industries as well as the printed page.
This text is crisply written and fully illustrated with a low reading level accompanied by full color illustrations. The inclusion of several lists, where to obtain more information, web sites and a glossary/index make this a useful research tool.
After the importance of an informative text, the most supportive factor of this book is visual appeal to young readers. The layout of the various pages is diversified and well balanced between text and full color illustrations so that concepts are grouped together. The flow and balance of both the text and visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for both young and reluctant readers.

The most important chapter for me was the one on censorship and how comics were involved. I also felt the inclusion of the importance and challenges of social change was very informative. The overall text of the book will be read and understood by young and old alike.
This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any middle or high school library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. McNeil, Linda
comics

The Unwritten: Tommy Taylor & The Bogus Identity

Carey, Mike & Peter Gross. The Unwritten: Tommy Taylor & The Bogus Identity
DC Comics 2010 unp 9.99
978-1-4012-2565-0 hs/adult Graphic novel E
Tom, the son of a fantasy writer, is a media celebrity since his father disappeared. Tom wonders if he is really his father’s son. And, who is the villain capturing the minds and pens of famous writers? What a teaser to the rest of the series! Rated R for language.
Outstanding art work mirrors the questions raised in this first book of five episodes about Tommy Taylor, a fictional character in a fantasy novel. The fictional character is said to be based on Tom Wilson, the son of the author who has disappeared. Tom’s real life celebrity status is starting to wane and he is concerned for the future. A villain appears at a writer’s conference housed in the mansion where Shelley received inspiration and where Tom’s father kept a secret room. This villain appears to control the minds and pens of famous writers as far back as Milton, Kipling,and Shelley. Could Tom be the one to resolve his father’s suspicions about stories written around the world having a connection? Fiction and reality collide and interweave elements of fantasy (unicorns and a winged cat who is a familiar to Tom) and literary allusions. The details in the drawings offer insight beyond mere words. Sometimes there is quirky humor attached as in the news ticker that runs at the bottom of the DNN headline news. Also included are web pages, newspaper stories, maps, blogs, and other visuals that make the reader turn into a sleuth finding clues in words as well as pictures. Outstanding visuals and writing will make the reader clamor for more. A caution for school libraries - pervasive crude language. For grades 10+.
Recommended for public libraries as this book contains a mystery story coupled with literary references and philosophical statements. A thinking person’s first choice for a graphic novel. Outstanding art work that goes beyond the written word. Grades 10+. McNicol(3),Lois
Mystery

Batman & Robin (The Deluxe Edition)

Morrison, Grant, Frank Quitely and Philip Tan Batman & Robin (The Deluxe Edition)
DC Comics see Random 2010 168p 24.99
978-1-4012-2566-7 hs/adult Graphic novel VG
Batman and Robin are reborn. The story opens with the new Batman, who was originally Robin and the new Robin, Batman’s son. Together they begin to form a duo to fight evil. However, Robin, now Batman still feels uncomfortable in his new role and his counterpart small Robin is still a spoiled smart alec. Together Batman and Robin must learn how to get along and depend on each other for survival. They will have to learn to like each other, respect and discuss their strategy as one or their own survival will be at stake and the end of their partnership will have failed before they even get it off the ground.
In this chapter the duo experience doubts as to their partnership and because of this it almost cost them both their life. The enemy is powerful and clever. It also knows that this duo is just getting acclimated and they use this to their advantage.
The story is a bit gruesome and scary. This is not book for kids. Some of the scene are nightmarish and it does take little time before you feel comfortable with the new characters. The evil characters are definitely evil and blood scenes are all over.

Not for young kids.
Includes: author and illustrator information and a few choice illustrations.
Diaz, Magna

Johns, Geoff and Ethan Van Sciver. Flash Rebirth

Johns, Geoff and Ethan Van Sciver. Flash Rebirth
DC Comics see Random 2010 unp 19.99
978-1-4012-2568-1 ms/hs Graphic novel E-BN
Beautifully illustrated graphic novel about the Flash’s rebirth. After having gone missing for so many years Flash returns but with his return there seems to be something wrong. All the Flash heroes are experiencing unnatural accelerations that in fact kills a few of them. How to stop this phenomena? When Flash returns his friends are glad to see him but they find unchanged and no older than the day he left even though it was years since they last saw him. The reason he had left still holds him prisoner but at his return many of the heroes in the league including the children who have the Flash skill are dying or are in mortal danger. the only one who can stop this is the original flash but he can not do it alone. He will need the help of all the heroes with the flash skill to gather together and join hands in eliminating the threat to their league and their loved ones.
The color of the graphic novel is very bright and although there is a lot going on in the picture it is still easy to follow the action. Kids will love this book and will wait impatiently for the next episode.
Includes: extra information on the writers and illustrators and includes sketches. Diaz(1), Magna
DC Comics - Graphic Novels - Flash - superheroes

Kieth, Sam. Arkham Asylum Madness

Kieth, Sam. Arkham Asylum Madness
DC Comics see Random 2010 unp 19.99
978-1-4012-2337-3 hs/adult Graphic novel E-BN
Wow - what a Hitchcockian tour de force! The Arkham Asylum is where Batman’s evil doers have been jailed. The Joker is wrecking havoc on those who staff the asylum. Outstanding grim graphics with flashes of color add punch. The eyes say it all! Gr. 8+.
Kieth is known for his drawing and with Michelle Madsen and Dave Stewart, they have created a Alfred Hitchcock style psychological thriller whose story line does not depend on past knowledge of the Joker in the Batman series. This is a stand alone volume that grips the reader from the foreboding artwork on the cover and the one sentence on the jacket flap. The eyes of the characters show the madness in the asylum. A young nurse, Sabine, works at the asylum only for the money it provides. The sweetness of the interaction between the family as Sabine is dropped off to start work at the asylum is in stark contrast to the rundown building and dismal mindset of the staff. Past deaths in the asylum, a bleeding clock and insane inmates, including the Joker who messes with everyone’s mind, are all exposed in increasingly foreboding images that do not actually show extreme violence. What is left unsaid is more horrifying than what is shown as the reader fills in the blanks in his own mind. The Joker shows Sabine a photo of her son and obliquely threatens her son . Without giving away the ending, Sabine must decide whether to continue her work at the asylum or resign. Only a brief reference to a possibly lesbian relationship keeps this from being middle school material. Get it for students who love a psychological horror story. Grades 8+. Strongly recommended as a good psychological horror story encased in a story of Batman’s Joker who is now in an asylum for the criminally insane. The eyes of the characters reflect the lack of sanity inside the asylum. For grades 8 and up. McNicol,Lois
Batman’s Joker

Li, Yishan. Shonen Art Studio

Li, Yishan. Shonen Art Studio
Watson-Guptill (see Random) 2010 125p 25.99
978-0-8230-3332-4 ms/hs VG
This book and accompanying CD will encourage young artists and manga enthusiasts to design their own shonen style graphic comic book. The author discusses equipment, software, and has drawings that offer many suggestions. This title has an index, too. This book, subtitled “Everything you need to create your own shonen manga comics”, and accompanying CD will encourage middle and high school artists and manga enthusiasts to design their own shonen style graphic comic book. The author discusses equipment best suited to digital art. The CD has templates of characters, page layouts, coloring, accessories and more that can be customized using Photoshop and Illustrator. The instructions for use of the CD and for generating a story line and fine tuning the graphics go step-by-step so that they can be easily understood. The nine folders on the disc are: characters, page layouts, word balloons, speedlines, focus lines, tones, backgrounds, and weapons and accessories. Some of this material is rather sophisticated and technical and may be more accessible to the experienced user. The book offers suggestions on choosing color schemes, adding sound, pacing story telling, and converting photographs into backgrounds. Black and white drawings provided in the book will enable those readers without the suggested hardware and software to be able to copy sketches by hand, but essentially, the book is best used with the recommended software. This is a total package at a very economical price. It would be a very good selection for middle school and high school libraries where manga books are popular. This is a total package at a very economical price. It would be a very good selection for middle school and high school libraries where manga books are popular. Weinraub, Tina

Superman: What Happened to the Man of Tomorrow

Moore, Alan & Curt Swan. Superman: What Happened to the Man of Tomorrow
DC Comics 2009 128p 24.99 978-1-401223472 secondary
This hard-bound deluxe edition contains the collection of Alan Moore’s tales of the legendary Man of Steel. Alan Moore has presented Superman, a widely known and powerful being who has made it his life’s work to protect our planet. His endeavors are a never ending battle for justice against the forces of evil that are prevalent in our world. Readers have enjoyed his trials for years. They has also been curious about what happened to him. This deluxe hardcover edition attempts to answer the unanswered. It is also the first time that the works have been collected in a single volume. Moore is joined by illustrators and collaborators Dave Gibbons (WATCHMEN), Curt Swan (ACTION COMICS), George Perez, Kurt Schaffenberger, Murphy Anderson, Al Williamson, and Rick Veitch (SWAMP THING)! In addition to being very popular for Superman readers and collectors, this book will be appreciated by the readers of the new graphic novel genre. The pages are beautifully designed and the layout flows easily for the readers to follow the storyline. The dramatic use of color exemplifies the drama surrounding the superhero’s environment.
McNeil, Linda

Millidge, Gary Spencer. Comic Book Design

Millidge, Gary Spencer. Comic Book Design
Watson-Guptill (see Random) 2009 160p 24.95 978-0-8230-9796-8 ms/hs
This how to book by award winning designer, Gary Spencer Millidge explains the need to know techniques, rules , and tips for designing your own comic book. Gary S. Millidge,award winning creator of Strangehaven comics, guides the reader through the steps necessary for successful attention grabbing comic book design.
The forward by Dave Gibbons tells the reader that the comic book medium deals with larger than life characters and scenes. At the same time it is a medium constrained by space. It is this restriction of space that makes it necessary for comics to grab attention quickly and become miniature masterpieces with strong storylines or narratives. It is the simplicity of line and informality found in the comics that allows readers to connect with comics. In the introduction the author defines design to be all about communication and presentation to express messages. He also states that “comics are a unique synthesis of words and pictures.....Comics are more than the sum of their parts; they’re not just a sequence of images over a number of consecutive pages.”
The most important factor about this book is the beautifully formatted pages that present the informative text accompanied by colored graphics that highlight comics, in-depth information, and how to tips. Also usability in added with the addition of an index, picture credits, and acknowledgments.

Each chapter is formatted to include: an introduction, how to tips and informative tips accompanied with detailed annotated comic examples. At the end of each chapter there is a designer highlighted with examples of his/her work. The chapters are: Creating story line concepts and original designs, Designing characters and creating background locations, Drawing in pencil and ink or digitally, Page layout and grid structure, Lettering word balloons and color, Covers and publication design.
Although this is a paperback, it is jammed packed with pertinent information and how to dos for the comic book collectors. You might also say it is worth it’s weight in gold to anyone interested in comic books. LM

Batman: Whatever Happened to the Capered Crusader? (Deluxe edition)

Gaiman, Neil & Andy Kubert. Batman: Whatever Happened to the Capered Crusader? (Deluxe edition)
DC Comics 2009 unp 24.99 978-1-1401-2230-3-8 ms/hs

Batman's Death is the focus with subplots related to Catwoman, The Joker and the Riddler. Three other stories include Black and White World, Pavane about Poison Ivy, and Original Sins about the Riddler. Exquisite color, crisp artistry and superhero status will enthrall any Batman fan of any age.
Gaiman manages to capture the essence of Batman through the story of Batman's funeral. All his associates, both friend or foe, show up at his funeral. Featured are the Joker and Catwoman. For those unfamiliar with Batman's Gotham city, readers will find about Batman's early life as well as the lives of those he fights. Exquisite color and crisp artistry by Andy Kubert and Scott Williams and easy to read text draw the reader into the story. The artistry renders Batman from the perspective of many former Batman illustrators. One section shows the creation of a few pages from the rough layout through pencil renderings. Perfect for the art student who wants to draw Batman and Gotham City. The stories of Poison Ivy, Cat Woman and The Riddler flesh out the intricate personalities that Batman encounters. Whether a new fan of Batman or a lifelong fan of the series, this book will be a must purchase for all due to the excellent art work - some almost like oil paintings - that engage the reader to look deeper into the artwork to find hidden insights. Mention of classics such as Moby Dick, Shakespeare and even "Goodnight Moon" abound. The suspense of each section will carry the reader deep into the story line. A must purchase for Batman aficionados of any age. LMcN Superheroes

30 Garfield years of laughs and lasagna. by Jim Davis

Davis, Jim. 30 Garfield years of laughs and lasagna.
Ballantine (Random), 2008, 287p, $29.95, 978-0-345-50379-4.


In this collector’s edition, Jim Davis presents his best work, divided into 3 decades. Garfield has never been funnier as he faces life’s pressures with his usual sarcasm and wit.
The reader will recognize this book instantly by its cover. One sees a fat, orange and black cat with trademark white eyes and yellow whiskers. Garfield is blunt, lazy and sarcastic. What more is there? Jim Davis interrupts every few pages with a story or anecdote or sketches to explain his successes and failures. In each cartoon, the reader will make a connection. It may not be personal, but everybody definitely knows somebody who acts, thinks or eats like Garfield. Garfield generally wins, except when he eats Jon’s sweat sock, thinking that it’s a crescent roll, or when he eats a stack of cookies, only to realize that the last cookie is a coaster. One will only marvel that Jon and Odie have survived 30 years with Garfield! The book is divided into three parts representing each of the three decades since Garfield’s initial appearance, and each decade is prefaced with an introduction by Jim Davis himself. Small Garfield icons mark each page number for a colorful, well-organized, wonderful collection. In 1996, Garfield became worldwide when Jim David launched his website, Garfield.com. In addition, Garfield himself has kept up with the times, becoming an Internet user in order to get an early morning cup of coffee. There is even a foundation, which promotes literacy in the name of Garfield, the Professor Garfield Foundation! Garfield has evolved over the years and that is why he is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Davis explains that he wanted to create a realistic, non-talking cat, and that’s why Garfield always communicates through his thoughts. America bought it, and it has survived! Davis ends the book with his 30 favorites, explaining the inspiration for each one. This collection is, as Garfield says, “A big, fat hairy deal.” MS