Blog Post
March Comic Artists Forum with Manga Artist Laurianne Uy
by K.C.
Sunday, March 3 | 1:00-3:00 PM | Downtown Library | 4th Floor Meeting Room
Laurianne Uy published her manga, Polterguys in 2012 by running a successful Kickstarter campaign. She will emphasize the importance of planning ahead for the campaign and offer tips on how to manage once you’re in the thick of it.
Polterguys tells the story about a smart but socially awkward college girl, who ends up moving into a house that's haunted by five ghost guys. She's the only one who can see these ghosts so she has to help them resolve their unfinished business.
After Laurianne’s presentation you will have an opportunity to record a book review of a favorite graphic novel or comic book to be shared on the Kids Comics Revolution podcast as well as mingle with fellow cartoonists.
Join the Forum to get fresh ideas for your comics or graphic novel creation and to network with other artists. Drawing supplies are provided, so drop in!
Blog Post
February Comic Artists Forum With Cartoonist Chad Sell
by K.C.
Sunday, February 3 -- 1:00-3:00 PM -- Downtown Library - 4th Floor Meeting Room
Cartoonist Chad Sell, creator of Manta-Man, Shadow Play, Vreeland, and Doodleville, will talk about how to get your work out there using social networking, comics conventions, and self- publishing. He will also talk about setting up your own website.
Posting his artwork online led Chad to new fans, an online business, and eventually allowed him to work exclusively as an illustrator.
Join the Forum to get fresh ideas for your comics or graphic novel creation. Drawing supplies are provided, so drop in! This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).
Blog Post
Experience life in the trenches of World War I with Charley's War
by K.C.
On a “Military History – What are you Reading Now” booklist, I came across the Charley’s War series, set in World War I. Having just completed the excellent historical non-fiction WWII graphic novel, Two Generals, I thought I would check out how "the war to end all wars" was covered in graphic novel fashion.
Wow, I was not disappointed. Charley’s War 2 June 1916 – 1 August 1916 is the first in a series of volumes following the life of Charley Bourne, who enlists in the British Army at the age of 16. In this volume you see Charley go from enlistment to the frontlines just in time for preparations for the Battle of the Somme. By the time the attack is launched, you’ll know just enough about his trench mates to be anxious of their fate as they ‘go over the top’.
This series is actually a compilation of a 3 to 4 page strip that ran in the British comic book "Battle Action" from 1979-85. Writer Pat Mills moves the action along at a brisk but smooth pace. Though a few of the characters may seem a bit stock/stereotypical, every one of them is compelling and pulls you in to learn their story. Joe Colquhoun’s artwork – fantastic. As long as you are not turned off by black and white, there is much to like here. The details in the panels and the way they are laid out works great.
The period history seems well researched, and the book includes not only a section where the writer gives current day commentary and he does address a few things that in hindsight may not have been too accurate or likely to have occurred, but also includes a brief independent essay on the Battle of the Somme itself.
You may not agree with the author’s preface, but I think you will agree the graphic novel itself is one grim and gripping yarn.
Blog Post
Comic Artists Forum with Cartoonist and Children’s Book Illustrator Dani Jones
by K.C.
Sunday, January 6 "> 1:00-3:00 PM "> Downtown Library "> 4th Floor Meeting Room
Via Skype, cartoonist Dani Jones will tell us about the joys, challenges, and tricks of juggling work as both a comics creator and as a children's book illustrator.
Dani has created and published her own comics stories, My Sister, the Freak, an ongoing webcomic, and Frosty the Gourdman, a Halloween short story comic. She recently wrote and illustrated the picture book, Monsters vs. Kittens for Stan Lee's Kids Universe and has illustrated other picture books including The Best Mariachi in the World, and Elfis, A Christmas Tale.
Join the Forum to get fresh ideas for your next comics or graphic novel creation. Drawing supplies are provided, so drop in to draw, learn, and network with other cartoonists.
Blog Post
Bride’s Story Vol. 1
by K.C.
At December’s Comic Artists Forum guest presenter Kasey Van Hise of Winters in Lavelle talked about one of her favorite mangas, Bride’s Story Vol. 1. She showed how creator Kaoru Mori’s expert use of manga storytelling techniques create tension, pacing, and excitement during the rabbit hunt with bow and arrow while on a galloping horse . I had read this book earlier but checked it out again to take a new look at the art work.
Set in the 19th century Asian steppe near the Silk Road where cultures cross, blend, and sometimes clash, Bride’s Story tells of Amir, a young woman from a nomadic tribe, who weds Karluk, a twelve-year-boy eight years her junior and starts a new life in a settlement.
Though this first volume's action is somewhat limited while setting up the storyline and characters, it is the examination of place, time, and culture that fascinates. Amir and Karluk’s openness to trying out each others way of life (hunting with bow and arrow, new food dishes, clothing) provide little more drama than what is experienced in everyday living. Yet this simple tale just may leave you wanting more. If so, request Bride’s Story Vol. 2.
Blog Post
The Best of 2012
by muffy
If you have read all of the New York Times 10 Best Books of 2012, you could certainly find something on 100 Notable Books of 2012.
Here is the NPR Complete List of Best Books of 2012 which includes Graphic Novels That Flew Under The Radar, Nancy Pearl's Picks For The Omnivorous Reader.
As the days get shorter and there is just too much to do, try Jane Ciabattari's picks of Short Stories To Savor On A Winter Weekend. For a bit of seasonal reading, there is A Wintry Mix: Alan Cheuse Selects The Season's Best.
The thoughtful and expert picks in Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2012, and the Library Journal 2012 Best of Genre Fiction are always right on. Bear in mind also, The Guardian(UK) Best Books of the Year for some adventurous reading.
On the road this holiday season? Track down one of these Top 10 Crime Fiction Audiobooks, or the The Washington Post Best Audio Books of 2012.
For the ebook readers on your list, here are the current hot titles. They are always available and no gift wrapping necessary.
FOR THE YOUNG READERS IN YOUR LIFE :
Worth another look is NPR's 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels.
American Library Association's 2012 Best Fiction for Young Adults and Top 10 List, the complete list of 2012 Notable Children's Books
The New York Times 100 Notable Children's books covers titles for young adults to picture books.
And who could blame them if they want TOYS? Check out Parenting magazine's Best New Toys 2012 and the Best Wii games for kids.
Blog Post
Comic Artists Forum: Manga Artist Kasey Van Hise
by K.C.
Sunday, December 2 "> 1:00-3:00 PM "> Downtown Library "> 4th Floor Meeting Room
Kasey Van Hise, creator of Winters in Lavelle, will conduct a workshop (courtesy of Skype) "Storytelling in Manga". Often overlooked by the western comics' fans and creators, the medium of Manga contains powerful storytelling principles that can be utilized by anyone. In this workshop you'll dissect pages from many different types of Manga, and approach not only understanding the unique language of these comics, but also what you can use and apply in your own work.
Join the Forum to get fresh ideas for your next comics or graphic novel creation. Drawing supplies will be provided, so drop in to draw, learn, and network with other cartoonists.
This event is for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).
Blog Post
Sailor Twain, or the Mermaid in the Hudson
by K.C.
If you’re looking for a book to curl up with on a gloomy afternoon, then Sailor Twain or the Mermaid in the Hudson is your book!
One hundred years ago. On the foggy Hudson River, a riverboat captain rescues an injured mermaid from the waters of the busiest port in the United States. A wildly popular - and notoriously reclusive - author makes a public debut. A French nobleman seeks a remedy for a curse. As three lives twine together and race to an unexpected collision, the mystery of the Mermaid of the Hudson deepens.
All drawn in black-and-white charcoal - the surreal riverboat Lorelei, the forbidding Hudson River wrapped in continuous drizzle along with enigmatic characters will pull you in for a fantastical 400-page ride that will leave you pondering long after you finish the last page.
Blog Post
2013 Rainbow Project Nominations
by pkooger
All the nominations are in for the 2013 Rainbow Book List! Each year the Rainbow Books project of the American Library Association selects a list of top-notch books for young people (0-18 years) that contain honest depictions of LGBTQ people and themes. For a complete list of AADL’s holdings, click here. These are a few of my favorites so far.
Batwoman, Volume 1: Hydrology – Kate Kane tracks down a spectral child abductor. Little does she know, she is being tracked herself, by a government agent intent on unmasking Batwoman.
The Song of Achilles – Patroclus falls in love with his friend Achilles and follows him to war. Madeline Miller explores the relationships between several key players of Homer’s Iliad.
Tell The Wolves I’m Home – June’s uncle Finn is her best friend, but he is cruelly taken from her by AIDS. Carol Rifka Brunt deftly examines the simmering tensions and deep love present in any family, especially one dealing with tragedy.
Drama – Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novel follows the hijinks of Callie and the theater department as they muddle through puberty, love, and line memorization.
The Rainbow Book List will be finalized in January, so stay tuned to see which books make the cut!
Blog Post
Hilda and the Midnight Giant
by Caser
I'm steadily working my way through Publishers Weekly 2012 Best Books in Children's Fiction, and I was recently smitten with Luke Pearson's gorgeous and enchanting graphic novel, Hilda and the Midnight Giant.
Hilda and her mother are nestled happily in their mountainside home when they are besieged by tiny, invisible elves who demand they move their house. After befriending one of the elves (and signing a stack of paperwork), Hilda is granted the ability to see the elves, and she works her way up the chain of bureaucracy to find a diplomatic solution. On her travels to the elven prime minister and king, she meets an ancient, mysterious giant who unlocks secrets about the mountain she calls home.
Fans of Jeff Smith's Bone series, Miyazaki's work, and the Adventures of Polo series by Regis Faller will enjoy Hilda's spunkiness as well as Pearson's art.