Midwest Book Review
June 2008
The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers.
Andrews McMeel Publishing
4520 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
0740760459, $12.95 www (dot) andrewsmcmeel (dot) com
Deserving of ongoing mention is a fine collection packed with humorous political commentary and controversial digs at everything from political events and individuals to science and social issues. Large- size black and white comics poke fun at all kinds of scenarios, making for a fine addition to any public library holding -- and promising lasting interest and relevance.
Richard Moore
NBM
40 Exchange Place, Suite 1308, New York NY 10005
1561635154, $12.95 www (dot) nbm (dot) com
Richard Moore's spoof of horror cliches continues with BONEYARD V. 3, a fine full-color graphic novel packed with fine dialogue telling of one Michael Paris, who may have subdued the devil himself but now is beset upon by the IRS. The solution beyond selling the yard full of strange creatures: a swimsuit calendar -- featuring the monsters themselves. It's a hilarious spoof perfect for any collection strong in graphic novels and comedy.
Hill & Wang
c/o Farrar, Straus & Giroux
19 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003
9780809057399, $16.95 www (dot) fsgbooks (dot) com 1-888-330-8477
The 9/11 Report is a straightforward, full-color graphic novel adaptation of the final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Featuring a foreword Thomas H. Kean and Lee H. Hamilton, the Chair and Vice Chair of the 9/11 Commission, The 9/11 Report distills the report's findings concerning how the attacks happened, America's subsequent response, and the glaring weaknesses in America's security. Perhaps the most troubling part of The 9/11 is its postscript, which lists letter grades of America's actions to make itself more secure up through 2006 - most of the grades are C's, D's, and F's. "Progress in many important areas has been slow or nonexistent. While the terrorists have been learning and adapting, we have been moving at a bureaucratic crawl." A plain-terms, respectful presentation accessible to readers of all backgrounds, the 9/11 Report is recommended reading for all American citizens - and therefore a "must-have" for public library collections everywhere.
Erin Hunter, series creator; Dan Jolley, author; James L. Barry, artist
HarperCollins Children's Books
1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019
Tokyopop
5900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2000, Los Angeles, CA 90036
9780061252334, $6.99 www (dot) harpercollins (dot) com www (dot)
tokyopop (dot) com
Recommended for readers age ten to adult, Warriors: Warriors Return is the third graphic novel adaptation of Erin Hunter's beloved saga of wild felines who eschew the way of the human-owned kitty-pet for the way of the Warrior. When proud warrior Graystripe and former kitty-pet Millie return to the ThunderClan's former territory, they find it abandoned. Graystripe fears that his former clanmates have all been killed or captured by Twolegs, but Millie prods him to search for his kin. On their journey, they meet feline friends and foes, and brave the dangers of Twolegs territory. Graystripe's own code calls for him to stay far from the Twolegs, even those that give food or offer shelter; his beliefs conflict with those of Millie, who sees no shame in using the Twolegs as needed. This conflict threatens to tear apart the fragile bond of love growing between Graystripe and Millie. Graystripe must decide to what degree he should compromise his beliefs to survive, fulfill his quest, and acknowledge the feelings for Millie stirring deep in his heart. The simple yet expressive black-and-white artwork brings this adventurous tale to vivid life. Highly recommended, especially for cat fanciers of all ages.
Fantagraphics Books
7563 Lake City Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
9781560977773, $18.95 www (dot) fantagraphics (dot) com
Bill Griffith's 'Zippy the Pinhead' comics appear in both black and white and color in CONNECT THE POLKA DOTS, providing newcomers and old fans alike with an excellent satire of commercialism and consumerism. The blend of humor and observation makes for a fun, revealing collection highly recommended for general-interest libraries strong in comic strip book collections.
NBM
40 Exchange Place, Suite 1308, New York NY 10005
1561635235, $14.95 www (dot) nbm (dot) com
LITTLE NOTHINGS began as the author's near-daily blog and evolved to this collection of graphic cartoons about life, Lewis Trondheim's first collection. From poking fun at others to reflecting on the ironies and inconsistencies of life, LITTLE NOTHINGS is replete with oddities and observations, and is a fun pick.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no funds from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, internet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested individuals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.
The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "California Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwatch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview (dot) com
Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugalm...@aol.com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publisher, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number, and list price).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
