These books were booktalked at the May 10, 2005 meeting of the Readers Advisory S.I.G.
In this session we changed focus from our usual examination of literary genres to investigate a literary format. Graphic novels are, in the simplest sense, book-length comic books. But, as Francisca Goldsmith, a California librarian and early promoter of the format, states:
"...the graphics medium expands intellectual and aesthetic possibilities rather than contracting them. A literary piece that calls on its reader to use both analyzing and synthesizing skills is asking more involvement, not less.Graphic novels require active, critical participation by the reader, who must not only be able to decode text but also follow its flow and grasp essentials of narrative, mood, character, or plot through images. The reader must then be able to meld the parts into a unified whole."
Booklist, May 1, 1998, p. 1510
Reviews of graphic novels can be found in the following publications:
Booklist - Gordon Flagg and others
Library Journal - Steve Raiteri, who also has an extremely helpful websiteat http://my.voyager.net/~sraiteri/graphicnovels.htm
Publisher's Weekly - various authors
School Library Journal - Steve Weiner
VOYA - Kat Kan
GNLIB-L is an email discussion group (listserv) serving librarians and others who select, read, defend, or sell graphic novels in and for libraries. This is a wonderful source for information (the archives are quite extensive), support, and camaraderie for librarians who are promoting graphic novels.
Following is a brief bibliography to get you started.
Eisner, Will. Comics & Sequential Art. 1985. Poorhouse Press, ISBN 0961472812.
Eisner, Will. Graphic Storytelling & Visual Narrative. 1996. Poorhouse Press, ISBN 0961472820.
Gorman, Michele. Getting Graphic! Using Graphic Novels to Promote Literacy with Preteens and Teens. 2003. Linworth Publishing, Inc., ISBN 1586830899.
McCloud, Scott. Understanding Comics. 1993. Kitchen Sink Press, Inc., ISBN 0878162437.
Rothschild, D. Aviva. Graphic Novels: A Bibliographic Guide to Book-Length Comics. 1995. Libraries Unlimited, Inc., ISBN 1563080869.
Schodt, Frederik L. Manga! Manga!: The World of Japanese Comics. 1986. Kodansha International, ISBN 0870117521.
Weiner, Stephen. The 101 Best Graphic Novels. 2001. NBM Publishing, Inc., ISBN 156163283X.
Superheroes
Runaways: Pride & Joy, by Brian K. Vaughan
Each year a group of teenagers is brought together while their parents meet as a charitable foundation. This year, however, the teens witness a murder and make a horrible discovery-their parents are really supervillains! In fear for their own lives, they run away and vow to stop their parents' evil plans-and in the process discover some fantastic powers of their own. Book 1 of a series. Audience: Young Adults, Adults
Debbie Darwine, LaGrange Public Library
Batman: No Man's Land (Volume 1), by Bob Gale and Devin K Grayson
After a massive earthquake devastates Gotham City, the only people left in the city after the evacuation are the poor, the insane, and the criminals.When the government writes off the city, making it illegal to enter it, rival gangs fight for territory and the limited resources available. While a conflicted Batman seems to have forsaken Gotham City, he finally returns; and the war between good and evil begins once again. Volume 1 of a series.
Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove Public Library
Tom Strong (Collected Edition Book 1), by Alan Moore, Chris Sprouse and others.
Alan Moore's America's Best Comics line -- distillations of classic comic books, their essences are intact while the poor storytelling, horrible art and years of conflicting history are stripped away. The resulting brew is a joyous blend adventure, excitement and fun. Tom Strong is Alan Moore's take on Batman, blended with Superman and a touch of Tarzan. Tom Strong has no superpowers, uses advanced technology, but was reared in a jungle.
Lance Anderson, Hinsdale Public Library
Promethea (Book 1), by Alan Moore and J.H. Williams III.
Promethea is an immortal woman warrior(a la Wonder Woman), brought to life by a series of poets, artists, cartoonists and finally Sophie a college student. Sophie inherits the mantle of the woman warrior while researching a term paper on the Promethea myth. Can Sophie learn to use her new powers before the darkness track her down and kill her?
Lance Anderson, Hinsdale Public Library
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Death of Buffy, by Tom Fassbender
This graphic novel is based on the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It contains all of the same characters from the show and even loosely follows the story line. This graphic novel is based on the episodes when Buffy died trying to save Dawn from the mystical energy that opened the various dimensions. We see how the gang tried to manage their everyday lives without Buffy, but the writers also created another plot involving Willow and a magic scroll that brings some demons to life. The graphics are in color and much of the book is similar to the show. If you have an audience that really liked Buffy the Vampire Slayer then I would recommend this series of books, as well as the Angel series.
Lisa Morrison Korajczyk, Richton Park Public Library
Batman - Year One, by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli
Frank Miller opens this great graphic novel by telling us that if the only Batman we remember was Adam West, then we do not know the real Batman, the much darker one is presented here. Story begins with some background of Bruce Wayne's family and how his parents were murdered. Commissioner Gordon is introduced as Lieutenant Gordon and his background is explored so the reader can understand how both characters came to fight crime in Gotham City. The book is filled with action, on the edge of the seat suspense, and intense artwork. It is an excellent introduction to Batman.
Mary K Paxson, Indian Prairie Public Library District
Wonder Woman: Gods and Mortals, by George Perez
This collection is comprised of the first seven issues of the Wonder Woman comic book series, and gives us a history lesson in the birth of our heroine. From the creation to the Amazons to Diana's birth to her first encounter with humans, this covers everything.
Jennifer Lowe, Tinley Park Public Library
Less Than Heroes, by David Yurkovich
Imagine if The Justice League became a syndicate. And franchises were set up all over the country. And the superheroes joined a union. This is the premise of Less Than Heroes, which takes place in Philadelphia. Somehow, the city of brotherly love has been passed over by the unionized superheroes and left to the defenses of Threshold, a quartet with serious interests in snack food and an apparent lack of powers. Before long, the supervillains figure out where the superheroes aren't. What will happen to Philadelphia?
Jennifer Lowe, Tinley Park Public Library
Superman for All Seasons, by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale
Before the legend of Superman there was Clark Kent, a young man growing up in rural Kansas with powers he is learning to get used to. How Clark leaves Smallville for Metropolis, and how he deals with his new identity as Superman, shows why Superman is still the iconic superhero. A must-read for all ages.
Nancy Bent, LaGrange Public Library
Watchmen, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
Watchmen is a seminal work. When it first appeared in 1986 it almost single-handedly ushered in a new era with a darker take on the superhero mythos. Positing a world in which groups of costumed vigilantes have had their day fighting crime, only to be outlawed by the government, the story follows a mystery involving the murder of a former hero. The world-shattering implications of the solution to the mystery evolve slowly. A masterpiece for older YAs and adults.
Nancy Bent, LaGrange Public Library
Manga (Japanese comic books)
Mars #1, by Fuyumi Soryo
This teen soap opera in manga form tells the story of shy, sweet Kira and gorgeous "bad boy" Rei. Rei is drawn to Kira when he sees her drawing in the park, and Kira wants to use Rei as a model. They develop a strong bond despite the skepticism of their schoolmates and the attempts of others to break them up. Book 1 of a series.
Audience: Young Adults
Debbie Darwine, LaGrange Public Library
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Volumes 1,2,3, by Wang Du Lu and Andy Seto
This adapted novel of Du Lu's novel features Li Mu Bai and Yu Shu Lien. This gorgeous series is portrayed in ancient China and tells the story of two warriors who fight the love they feel for one another as well as many highly skilled and elaborate kung fu masters. The author rises to the challenge of portraying the speed and motion of the martial arts. "Yu Shu Lien uses her light foot Kung Fu and quickly slips in close." Also the author explains that ancient Chinese martial arts fall into two main categories and goes on to explain them for the reader. The series is published through Vol. 12, with Vol. 13 due in Aug. 2005. They are the most stunning colored graphics that I have found while reading graphic novels. Beautiful!
Mary K Paxson, Indian Prairie Public Library District
Tokyo Mew-Mew, Book 3, by Mai Ikumi and Reiko Yoshida
This series has been called "cute and sweet." It would appeal to any female manga fan. A girl named Ichigo and four other girls have their DNA mysteriously combined with the DNA of endangered animals. Gaining special abilities and a different appearance, they later find out that they have been chosen to protect Earth from the aliens. Books must be read back to front and right to left. Series is up to Vol. 10.
Mary K Paxson, Indian Prairie Public Library District
Home Sweet Home (Maison Ikkoku, Vol. 3), by Rumiko Takahashi
Maison Ikkoku is a small apartment building, home to an eclectic group of residents in an unnamed Japanese city. Young widow Kyoko manages the building. Student Yusaku loves her but as each is seeing someone else, they don't communicate their true feelings to each other. Their housemates confuse the issue by spreading rumors, Kyoko's dog goes missing, and Yusaku moves to an apartment that's still occupied by a masseuse and her gambler husband. Fun, light romantic comedy. Recommended for adults and young adults.
Brenda O'Brien, Woodridge Public Library
Brigadoon, Vol. 1, by Nozomi Watase
Manga story of an orphaned girl, Marin, and her superhuman protector, Melan Blue. Set in an alternate Tokyo in 1969. Marin is teased by classmates, but has a friend or two and is loved by a makeshift family. On a visit to a shrine, monsters fall from the sky and Brigadoon appears in the sky. Along with Melan Blue, a sort of superhero, Marin helps repel monsters from the sky city and gets kicked out of school for awhile for her trouble. Fun, somewhat confused visually, and continued in a sequel. Recommended for young adults.
Brenda O'Brien, Woodridge Public Library
What's Michael: Fat Cat in the City, by Makoto Kobayashi
Michael is a chubby yellow cat who serves as an "everykitty" for a series of madcap tales. Michael, as "everykitty," is owned by a number of different people, and is shown going on a diet, dealing with a new baby, and contending with a fugitive veterinarian. These screwball comedies reveal that people's relationships with their pets do not always run in their favor! For all ages.
Nancy Bent, LaGrange Public Library
Inu-Yasha: a feudal fairy tale (volume 1), by Rumiko Takahashi
Schoolgirl Kagome falls into a well inside a mini-shrine and finds herself in an unfamiliar land of legends trying to recover the Jewel of Four Souls, a jewel that gives great powers to demons that possess it. When the jewel shatters, Kagome and the demon Inu-Yasha must work together to locate the pieces of the jewel to restore it and protect it from falling into the wrong hands. Volume 1 of a series.
Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove Public Library
Astroboy, by Osamu Tezuka.
Astroboy is Mickey Mouse's cultural equivalent, an icon of anime, but his original manga adventures have only recently be translated and reprinted in the U.S. These digest sized volumes pack over 200 paged of action for all ages.
Lance Anderson, Hinsdale Public Library
Spirited Away, by Hayao Miyazaki
This manga is created from the animation cells of the anime feature of the same name. Chihiro enters the spirit world hoping to free her parents from a magic spell. Alone without any cultural foundation she is taken under the wing of a young man to whom she feels a strange bond.
Lance Anderson, Hinsdale Public Library
Oh My Goddess! By Kosuke Fujishima
This Japanese comic is about three sisters, all goddesses, who range in age from 10 to 25. Queen Sayoko, volume 14 in the series, deals mainly with Sayoko, former queen of the college campus, and her quest to regain her title from the goddess Belldandy, the middle sister. It becomes clear eventually that this is all just a plot put forth by the demon Mara, enemy of the goddess sisters. Humorous action unfolds as readers race to find out if Belldandy can save the day.
Jennifer Lowe, Tinley Park Public Library
Hellsing, by Kohta Hirano
This is a horror manga that tells the story of a secret British Protestant organization that fights the forces of darkness. In particular, they seek and destroy vampires. The head of this organization is Integra Hellsing who became the leader of the organization after the death of her father. Her uncle appeared to support her father's deathbed wish, but soon tried to have young Integra murdered. However, Integra's father told her about the secret weapon in the basement that would save her life if the time came that she would need help. The secret weapon is in fact a starved and chained vampire named Allucard that is somehow bound to Integra and he must obey all of her commands. The language can be intense, and the graphics are violent and gory. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. The graphics are in black and white and I would recommend it for adults.
Lisa Morrison Korajczyk, Richton Park Public Library
Graphic Novels of All Types
Amelia Rules! The Whole World's Crazy, by Jimmy Gownley
Amelia is a nine-year old, forced out of Manhattan and into small town life after her parents' divorce. Living with her mother and her mother's sister, a would-be rocker, Amelia gets into all sorts of scrapes and adventures with her friends Reggie and Pajamaman, and somehow manages to survive her arch-rival Rhonda. This marvelous series is perfect for kids of all ages.
Nancy Bent, LaGrange Public Library
The Beast of Chicago: An Account of the Life and Crimes of Herman W. Mudget, Known to the World as H.H. Holmes (Treasury of Victorian Murder Series), by Rick Geary
Story of the first serial killer that existed in the late 19th century during the time of the Chicago World's Fair. Mudgett came to Chicago, a seemingly enterprising young man but actually a murderous con artist. He had the spectacular ability to talk people into trusting him. Over the next 5 years, he spins an insanely complicated web of cons and evasions, as acquaintance after acquaintance disappears. The 3-story corner store/house he built in Chicago is diagrammed and labeled, leading the reader to his own gruesome conclusion of what happened to up to 200 people that disappeared during this time. I think the book was well researched and beautifully drawn. I enjoyed reading it even though the subject was unsettling.
Mary K Paxson, Indian Prairie Public Library District
My Perfect Life, by Lynda Barry
Explores an abandoned teenager's life during high school years. Maybonne and her little sister Marlys live with their grandmother after their parents leave them. Maybonne experiences a typical teenager's angst at growing up, liking boys, not liking boys, finding friends and surviving gossip. The reader can relate to the horrible stuff high school brings and I think there is comfort knowing you are not the only one in the world experiencing the same crap. It is sometimes hilarious and sometimes sad, done in black and white cartoon panels. Recommended for anyone who doubts they can live through high school.
Mary K Paxson, Indian Prairie Public Library District
The Amazing "True" Story of a Teenage Single Mom, by Katherine Arnoldi
Good inspirational novel for teens and young mothers. Story is told of a 17 year-old who is raped and left with a baby, and forced out of necessity to take a dead-end hazardous factory job. She winds up with a violent boyfriend (not portrayed graphically) but manages to take all this pain and does not give up on her dream of a college education. It is a good lesson to hold onto your dreams and your past can be overcome. Author includes systematic procedure in getting financial aid for education, numbers for calling domestic violence hotlines. Graphics are done in black and white cartoon panels. Arnoldi is excellent in drawings to express her feelings.
Mary K Paxson, Indian Prairie Public Library District
The Vampire Brat and Other Tales of Supernatural Law, by Batton Lash
Humourous stories about the staff and clients of a legal firm, Wolff & Byrd, Counselors of the Macabre, who represent the most unusual members of Brooklyn society. Eccentric characters include Ally McGraugh, an anorexic lawyer who's an overly dramatic man hunter, Buford, a teenage human/vampire hybrid, and Mavis, the hight adaptable secretary to Wolff and Byrd. For adults or young adults.
Brenda O'Brien, Woodridge Public Library
Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood, by Marjane Satrapi
Autobiographical memoir of a childhood in Iran. Marjane's great grandfather once ruled Iran, and we see her as a young girl in a wealthy, loving Tehran family, then greatly affected by changes in the country during the Islamic Revolution, conflict with Iraq, and the new fundamentalism. A favorite relative is killed, and a very modern girl copes with a public and private persona and dress, but remains too outspoken to comfortably live in her beloved country. Recommended for adults and young adults.
Brenda O'Brien, Woodridge Public Library
Persepolis 2: the Story of a Return, by Marjane Satrapi
Marjane goes to live in Vienna as a teen to attend a French school. Her mother's friend abandons her and she moves around a lot, even living on the street for a while. Her coming of age is complicated, including growing seven inches in a year. She returns to Iran, to life in a repressive regime. She attends art school and even marries, but still has some lessons on discovering who she really is. Recommended for older young adult and adults.
Brenda O'Brien, Woodridge Public Library
Blankets, by Craig Thompson
Autobiographical story of two young brothers growing up in a strictly religious family in Wisconsin, and Craig's first love, Raina, a Michigan teen from another dysfunctional family. Craig struggles with his religious beliefs and his sexuality. The story moves back and forth in time, to the often unhappy childhood he shared with his younger brother, and back to his wonder that lovely, popular Raina cares for him and admires his drawing. Moving, unsettling, hard to put down. Recommended for older young adults and adults.
Brenda O'Brien, Woodridge Public Library
300, by Frank Miller
Frank Miller is one of today's most prolific graphic artists and here he has created a beautifully drawn account of one of antiquity's great stories, the Spartan 300. This book tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae when the Spartan army held off the Persians led by King Xerxes for three days. They were hopelessly outnumbered but determined to fight the Persians. While they were ultimately defeated the battle gave the rest of Greece time to gather its forces and ultimately defeat the Persian army. While not everything in this story is historically accurate it should hold the interest of anyone interested in this period. The graphics are all in color and are drawn beautifully. The story is violent and much of the work is bloody.
Lisa Morrison Korajczyk, Richton Park Public Library
Hopeless Savages: Ground Zero, Vol. 1, by Jen Van Meter
This is the story of the rock n' roll Hopeless-Savage family and in particular the youngest child, Skank Zero. Zero is always in trouble at school because she is only interested in music and the boys are always making rude comments because they think she is easy due to her parent's profession as rock stars. She is one misadventure after another until she meets the right guy in her chemistry class, Ginger (named after the drummer in the band Cream). However, while Ginger may like Zero he really is wary of entering into a relationship with her because he is a brainiac and kid of geeky and doesn't want to get burned. Poor Zero is also having trouble on the home front with Mom because she is afraid that the two of them are two much alike, and therefore she decides to try and rein Zero in before she gets into too much trouble. The adventures and trouble are kind of wacky and goofy, but be warned that one of Zero's brothers is gay and when he gives her boy advice the reader will see two boys engaged in a romantic relationship. Bive this book to 16+.
Lisa Morrison Korajczyk, Richton Park Public Library
Auschwitz, by Pascal Croci
This book begins the story in 1993 in the former Yugoslavia with a husband and a wife in a cell or an alley arguing over why they remained silent all their lives about what happened to them in the Nazi death camp, and then we are taken into the husband's recollections of that terrible time. We see how he, his wife, and daughter were separated at the trains and how the brutality of the situation was so inhuman. We see people executed for no reason. We are taken inside the gas chambers and what lengths people will go to to survive. The husband finds his daughter is alive in the gas chamber and tries to bargain for her freedom, but never learns what becomes of her. Then the story switches to the mother's point of view and we learn that she and her daughter worked as slave labor. They survived the death camp, but two days before the liberation of the camp the daughter died of typhus. The book ends with the police entering the cell where the couple is being held and they are executed. The drawings in the book are extremely dark but beautifully drawn. The subject matter is heavy and not the easiest to read, but definitely a must read for anyone interested in the Holocaust.
Lisa Morrison Korajczyk, Richton Park Public Library
Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships, by Eric Shanower
Eric Shanower has decided to tackle the story of the Trojan War in his Eisner Award-winning book, A Thousand Ships. Everyone knows the story of the Trojan War but Shanower brings it to life with his drawings and his stories about Paris, Achilles and Odysseus. We see that Paris was separated from the royal family at birth because of a prophecy, but returns to Troy to win the games and is reunited with his family. Cassandra sees that he is the destruction of Troy but no one will listen to her. The story of the kidnapping of Priam's sister reaches Paris and he proposes that he try to bring her back. The real reason for Helen's so-called kidnapping becomes clear to the readers, but she is no unwilling victim. She leaves her daughter behind but takes her son and leaves Sparta for Troy. Another story also being told is that of Achilles and how his mother tried to hide him in a harem as a girl to save him from his early death. The Greek priests tell Agamemnon that the war cannot be won without Achilles and so they set out in search of him. We also see how Odysseus is tricked into joining the cause and the last scene is that of the Greek ships finally sailing for Troy. The book also contains a glossary, genealogical tables, and archeological facts as well as explanations from the author. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the second volume, The Sacrifice.
Lisa Morrison Korajczyk, Richton Park Public Library
The Cartoon Guide to the Environment, by Larry Gonick and Alice Outwater
Using Easter Island as an example of a destroyed environment, the authors cover environmental systems and issues from the hydrologic cycle to population growth to acid rain to diversity in this concise, easy-to-understand primer illustrated with black and white drawings. A cautionary tale of what can happen to the Earth if we're not more careful. Includes a bibliography and an index.
Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove Public Library
Return of the Jedi, by Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson
A retelling of episode six in the Star Wars saga where Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and Chewie deactivate the shield generator protecting the powerful Death Star, so the Rebel forces may destroy it to defeat the evil Emperor. Luke also confronts his father, Darth Vader, in this science fiction graphic novel that is faithful to the movie story.
Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove Public Library
Can of Worms, by Catherine Doherty
A young woman's search for her biological mother is told in this silent graphic novel. Silent, as there are no speech balloons, the only words in the book are in documents and letters. While the art style is primitive, the use of color and Doherty's masterful graphic story telling make this a prime example of the true graphic novel.
Lance Anderson, Hinsdale Public Library
Complete Copybook Tales, by J. Torres and Tim Levins
Two comic geeks turned professional comic creators present tales of their youth balanced with the story of their struggle to get published. Many of these stories originally appeared as self-published mini comics or a limited series, while others appeared on their publisher's website.
Lance Anderson, Hinsdale Public Library
Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things, by Ted Naifeh
When her parents become caretakers for an elder uncle, Courtney is lost without friends at her new school. Feeling trapped in her uncle's creepy house, she discovers his library and there's more to the dark than she could imagine.
Goths and other dark loners may find Courtney appealing.
Lance Anderson, Hinsdale Public Library
Gordon Yamamoto and the King of the Geeks, by Gene Yang
School bullies, Gordon and Devon, chose a new Geek King each spring. This year it's Miles. Soon after Miles' crowning, Gordon wants to befriend Miles. Gordon's friendship just makes Mile's life more difficult, and blows the lid off Mile's repressed feelings.
Lance Anderson, Hinsdale Public Library
Yossel: April 19, 1943: A Story of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, by Joe Kubert
On the 60th anniversary of the uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto, Joe Kubert released this gritty tale of a 15 year-old boy who might have been a great artist. Instead, he is lableled with a yellow star and imprisoned in the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw. In unembellished pencil drawings, Yossel tells the story of his involvement with the uprising, and follows it to the inevitable conclusion when the Nazis crush the movement. One of the most moving works of graphic art ever released, this one is for older YAs and adults.
Nancy Bent, LaGrange Public Library
Palomar: The Heartbreak Soup Stories, by Gilbert Hernandez
From the pages of Love and Rockets, a comic he produced with his brothers Jaime and Mario, comes Gilbert Hernandez's interconnected stories of the mythical Latin American village of Palomar. Centered around Luba, a guiding, maternal spirit with a taste for the earthy, these beautifully drawn tales of everyday life will draw the reader in. Sexual content limits this title to older YAs and adults.
Nancy Bent, LaGrange Public Library
The Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka, adapted by Peter Kuper
Kafka's existentialist tale about the man who suddenly finds himself a bug is brought to life through dark wood-cut style illustrations. Kuper's creative images crawl over the pages, and powerfully portray the alienation of Gregor Samsa from his family and the rest of the world.
Colleen Dearborn, Alsip-Merionette Park Public Library District
Maus: A Survivor's Tale My Father Bleeds History
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale And Here my Troubles Began, by Art Spiegelman
The author's Jewish father, Vladek Spiegelman, tells of agonizing experiences in World War II Poland. Intertwined are the struggles of the son to relate to his tortured father. Unforgettable pictures show the Jews as mice and the Nazis as cats. Maus won the Pulitzer Prize in 1992, the only graphic novel to do so.
Colleen Dearborn, Alsip-Merionette Park Public Library District
In the Shadow of No Towers, by Art Spiegelman
Spiegelman recounts his experiences on 9/11, as he and his wife rush to rescue their daughter from a school near the World Trade Center. In beautiful color graphics, he processes his responses to the tragedy and to the current cowboy government. Thought provoking and humorous (as in the frame where his wife warns the writer that he will get news poisoning.)
Colleen Dearborn, Alsip-Merionette Park Public Library District
Y: The Last Man: Unmanned, by Brian K. Vaughan
A deadly virus seemingly kills every male creature on earth, except for one young man and his pet monkey. Yorick and Ampersand travel across the U.S., dealing with government bureaucrats, foreign agents, militant Amazons, and scientists as Yorick tries to come to terms with being the last man alive. Book 1 of a series. Audience: Adults
Debbie Darwine, LaGrange Public Library
Bone: Out from Boneville, by Jeff Smith
Three Bone cousins head off into exile together after con-artist Phoney Bone is kicked out of Boneville. After becoming separated from his cousins and lost in a valley, Fone Bone meets up with Ted the Bug, a dragon, a beautiful girl and her grandmother, and evil rat creatures while trying to find his way back. Book 1 of a series. Audience: Young Adults, Adults
Debbie Darwine, LaGrange Public Library
Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes, by Neil Gaiman
A group of spiritualists attempts to capture Death, but accidentally imprison Dream instead. When he escapes, he goes in search of items that were stolen from him before he returns to his realm. Book 1 of a series. Audience: Adults
Debbie Darwine, LaGrange Public Library
From Hell, by Alan Moore
This graphic novel provides a very detailed theory of the Jack the Ripper murders. Heavily footnoted and densely illustrated, the book is violent but fascinating. Audience: Adults
Debbie Darwine, LaGrange Public Library
Egg Story, by J. Marc Schmidt
Egg Story is about ninjas, family relationships, credit card fraud, finding your destiny, and true love. And eggs. Follow the adventures of Five Spots and Feather, a sister and brother egg duo, and their friends as they discover what life is really all about. As the book jacket says, This could be a story about any of us. But it isn't. It's a story about eggs.
Jennifer Lowe, Tinley Park Public Library
Geisha, by Andi Watson
Originally published serially by Oni Press, Geisha is the futuristic tale of a Joni who wants to be a painter but faces extreme prejudice because she is an android. Although she has been adopted by humans and raised as part of the family, society still sees her as something less. To pay the bills, Joni joins the family bodyguard business and is put in charge of a supermodel who is the victim of a stalker.
Jennifer Lowe, Tinley Park Public Library
Never Ending Summer, by Allison Cole
An autobiographical tale of every day life in a dull summer, Never Ending Summer features characters that are visually indistinguishable and a sparse plotline. The main character spends her days working in a comic book store and making killer mix tapes, while sorting through tortuous romantic issues.
Jennifer Lowe, Tinley Park Public Library
