MBR: The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Midwest Book Review
Just A Simple Wedding
Lynn Johnston
Andrews & McMeel
4520 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64111
www.andrewsmcmeel.com
9780740780974, $12.99, www.amazon.com
The Patterson family was first introduced to the reading public in
1979 and so began a three decade long relationship with a fictional
but all too believable Canadian family whose lives were to provide a
consistent measure of wit, wisdom, laughter, insight, and thoughtful
reflection. The creation of cartoonist and storyteller Lynn Johnston,
the manifold adventures of Elly, John, Michael, Elizabeth, Anthony,
April, and their myriad friends, neighbors, and relations comes to a
very satisfying closure with the publication of "Just A Simple
Wedding". Simply stated, this concluding volume of the 'For Better or
For Worse' newspaper comic strips is a 'must' for Johnston's legions
of faithful fans. But for those for whom "Just A Simple Wedding" will
be their first introduction to the Patterson family, be forewarned --
you will feel compelled to seek out and read all thirty years of their
previous adventures, wanting to see these characters grow up and grow
old -- just like the rest of us!
The Comic Book Podcast Companion
Eric Houston
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614
www.twomorrows.com
1605490180, $15.95, www.amazon.com
Comic book podcasts are the latest graphic phenomenon on the Internet,
and The Comic Book Podcast Companion explores behind the scenes of ten
of today's top comic book podcasts using interviews from a range of
sources and blending features about podcasting and comics with major
comic creators. The result is a powerful blend of interviews and
podcast insights tailored to the online comics world and perfect for
any avid comic book fan.
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614
www.twomorrows.com www.amazon.com
The artwork of Chris Sprouse is hard to categorize: it's modern yet
classic and provides powerful images, and is adeptly captured in Todd
Dezago and Eric Nolen-Weathington's Modern Masters V. 21: Chris
Sprouse (160549013X, $14.95). Black and white artwork packs an
exploration of Sprouse that includes an interview and in-depth
coverage of his ideas, inspiration and achievement. Any cartoon or
graphic novel library needs this in-depth coverage of a master
illustrator. Roy Thomas edits Volume 4 of THE ALL-STAR COMPANION
(1605490040, $27.95), a fine gallery of black and white comic images
and keys to the Justice Society of America and friends. Coverage of
the Golden Age ALL-STAR COMICS includes an index of the solo
adventures of the league and more.
IDW Publishing
5080 Santa Fe Street, San Diego, CA 92109
www.idwpublishing.com
While the two dominate publishers of American comics continue to be DC
and Marvel, several independent comic companies are giving them hefty
competition. One of those companies is IDW Publishing who have
breathed new and vibrant life into the comic book genre. There are
four new IDW titles newly introduced that deserve special attention
because of the quality of both the storytelling and the artwork. "Star
Trek: Nero #1" is a continued expansion of the Star Trek universe
which has been an IDW comic book staple. "Transformers: Tales of the
Fallen #1" is still another addition to the growing and increasingly
popular Transformer universe. "GrimJack: The Manx Cat #1" is a welcome
return to one of the most imaginative British science fiction worlds
ever created. "Starstruck #1" is an avante garde comic that is
beautifully drawn and complex in its plotting. All four of these new
titles are superlative contributions to IDW Publishing's line of
science fiction and fantasy. All of them adhere to IDWs usual and
impeccable high standards making them enthusiastic recommendations for
anyone who enjoys terrific storytelling that is imaginative, coupled
with great artwork that is truly memorable.
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Midwest Book Review
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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review