Midwest Book Review

September 2009

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.


Just a Simple WeddingJust 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!

Comic Book Podcast Companion SCThe 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.

All Star Companion TPB Vol. 04Modern Masters SC Vol. 21 Chris SprouseTwoMorrows 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.

Grimjack Manx Cat #1Star Trek Nero #1IDW 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.

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.

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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 Frugalmuse (at) aol (dot) 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