graphic novels for adults

Mark your calendars! Our next meeting is Wednesday February 13, 2019 at the Homewood Library and the topic up for discussion will be essay collections. 

Today, we met to discuss graphic novels for adults, fiction and nonfiction.

Carthago by Christophe Bec, Alcante, Giles Daoust, Jaouen, Fafner, Brice Cossu, Alexis Sentenac, Drazen Kovacevic, and Aleksa Gajic

These five individual, but interlinked, stories see Donovan and billionaire Feiersinger combating all manner of malicious myths and monsters from the Californian Bigfoot and deadly African dinosaurs, to Arctic sea creatures and giant Canadian wolves. Whether driven by a taste for adventure, a passion for scientific curiosity, or simply by pure obsession, join our unrelenting heroes as they chase and encounter creatures that are as mythical as they are deadly.

Holley, Emmet O’Neal Library

everyone’s a aliebn when ur a aliebn too by Jomny Sun

everyone’s a aliebn when ur a aliebn too is the illustrated story of a lonely alien sent to observe Earth, only to meet all sorts of creatures with all sorts of perspectives on life, love, and happiness, all while learning to feel a little better about being an alien—based on the enormously popular Twitter account, @jonnysun.

Here is the unforgettable story of Jomny, a lonely alien who, for the first time ever, finds a home on our planet after learning that earthlings can feel lonely too. Jomny finds friendship in a bear tired of other creatures running away in fear, an egg struggling to decide what to hatch into, an owl working its way to being wise, a tree feeling stuck in one place, a tadpole coming to terms with turning into a frog, a dying ghost, a puppy unable to express itself, and many more.

Through this story of a lost, lonely and confused alien finding friendship, acceptance, and love among the creatures of Earth, we will all learn how to be a little more human. And for all of us earth-bound creatures here on this planet, we can all be reminded that sometimes, it takes an outsider to help us see ourselves for who we truly are.

Holley, Emmet O’Neal Library

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, illustrated by Fred Fordham

"Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird."

A haunting portrait of race and class, innocence and injustice, hypocrisy and heroism, tradition and transformation in the Deep South of the 1930s, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird remains as important today as it was upon its initial publication in 1960, during the turbulent years of the Civil Rights movement.

Now, this most beloved and acclaimed novel is reborn for a new age as a gorgeous graphic novel. Scout, Jem, Boo Radley, Atticus Finch, and the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, are all captured in vivid and moving illustrations by artist Fred Fordham.

Enduring in vision, Harper Lee’s timeless novel illuminates the complexities of human nature and the depths of the human heart with humor, unwavering honesty, and a tender, nostalgic beauty. Lifetime admirers and new readers alike will be touched by this special visual edition that joins the ranks of the graphic novel adaptations of A Wrinkle in Time and The Alchemist.

Mary Anne, BPL Southern History

Poe: Stories and Poems by Edgar Allen Poe, illustrated by Gareth Hinds

In a thrilling adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s best-known works, acclaimed artist-adapter Gareth Hinds translates Poe's dark genius into graphic-novel format.

It is true that I am nervous. But why will you say that I am mad?

In “The Cask of Amontillado,” a man exacts revenge on a disloyal friend at carnival, luring him into catacombs below the city. In “The Masque of the Red Death,” a prince shielding himself from plague hosts a doomed party inside his abbey stronghold. A prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition, faced with a swinging blade and swarming rats, can’t see his tormentors in “The Pit and the Pendulum,” and in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” a milky eye and a deafening heartbeat reveal the effects of conscience and creeping madness. Alongside these tales are visual interpretations of three poems — “The Raven,” “The Bells,” and Poe’s poignant elegy to lost love, “Annabel Lee.” The seven concise graphic narratives, keyed to thematic icons, amplify and honor the timeless legacy of a master of gothic horror.

Mary Anne, BPL Southern History

Retreat by Jaakko Pallasvuo (NOT AVAILABLE IN JCLC, CLICK HERE FOR WORLDCAT)

A gay couple flees the city from the impending apocalypse. They meet another artist on the way and their hopes and plans transform unpredictably.

Finnish multi-disciplinary artist Jaakko Pallasvuo's Retreat brings a postmodern knowingness to his take on the dystopian genre as he explores the clashing ideologies and emotions of a queer love triangle set at the twilight of the human race. An expressive, sardonic rendering of love, fear, and ennui in the face of oblivion, Retreat takes well-worn narrative tropes in refreshing new directions.

Samuel, BPL Springville Road

 

Little Stranger by Edie Fake (NOT AVAILABLE IN JCLC, CLICK HERE FOR WORLDCAT)

What’s silly, scary and sexy? Edie Fake’s comics forged an entire aesthetic of art and queer culture. Since his Ignatz Award winning Gaylord Phoenix, Fake’s comics have only appeared in underground anthologies and zines. At last, these rare comics can all be found under the covers of Little Stranger. You’ll never look at a turkey the same way again.
Samuel, BPL Springville Road

My Brother’s Husband: Vol 2 by Gengoroh Tagame and Anne Ishii (NOT AVAILABLE IN JCLC, CLICK HERE FOR WORLDCAT)

The concluding volume in the story of Yaichi, his daughter Kana, and how their meeting Mike Flanagan—Yaichi's brother-in-law—changes their lives and their perceptions of acceptance of homosexuality in their contemporary Japanese culture.

As Mike continues his journey of discovery concerning Ryoji's past, Yaichi gradually comes to understand that being gay is just another way of being human. And that, in many ways, remains a radical concept in Japan even today. In the meantime, the bond between Mike and young Kana grows ever stronger, and yet he is going to have to return to Canada soon—a fact that fills them both with impending heartbreak. But not before more than a few revelations come to light.

Samuel, BPL Springville Road

The Lie and How We Told It by Tommi Parrish

Parrish’s emotionally loaded, painted graphic novel is is a visual tour de force, always in the service of the author’s themes: navigating queer desire, masculinity, fear, and the ever-in-flux state of friendships.
Samuel, BPL Springville Road

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman, illustrated by Marvano

The legendary novel of extraterrestrial war in an uncaring universe comes to comics, in a stunningly realized vision of Joe Haldeman’s Vietnam War parable!

The visionary Hugo and Nebula Award-winning SF tale by Joe Haldeman is beautifully realized in full color by the legendary artist Marvano. An epic SF war story spanning relativistic space and time, The Forever War explores one soldier’s experience as he is caught up in the brutal machinery of a war against an unknown and unknowable alien foe that reaches across the stars.
Jon, Avondale

The Massive: Vol 4 by Brian Wood, illustrated by Garry Brown and Daniel Zezelj

Callum Israel and the crew of the Kapital face their greatest threat yet: Arkady, Israel's former colleague bent on revenge. When the Kapital is bombed in port, Callum and Mag head into the dangerous streets of post-Crash Europe to confront Arkady. But what they ultimately discover may lead them to their long lost ship The Massive!

Meanwhile, Mary reappears in the Sahara desert, guarding a convoy of fresh water, holding a secret that might unravel Callum for good.

The Massive begins its most powerful chapter yet as Brian Wood, Garry Brown, and Daniel Zezelj unravel the ongoing mystery of Mary and set the stage for the final act, when the cause of the Crash is revealed.
Jon, Avondale

The Ballad of Halo Jones by Alan Moore and Ian Gibson

Comic legend Alan Moore’s highly-influential classic of British comics, presented to a new generation coloured and remastered for the very first time.

“Where did she go? Out. What did she do? Everything…”

Bored and frustrated with her life in 50th-century leisure-ghetto housing estate ‘The Hoop’, 18-year-old everywoman Halo Jones yearns for the infinite sights and sounds of the universe. Pledging to escape on a fantastic voyage, she sets in motion events unimaginable; a spell on a luxury space-liner, a brush with an interstellar war – Halo Jones faces hardship and adventure in the name of freedom in the limitless cosmos.

A galaxy-spanning story, comics’ first bona fide feminist space opera, and the first true epic to grace the bibliography of arguably the greatest comic book writer the world has ever known.
Jon, Avondale

47 Ronin by Mike Richardson, illustrated by Stan Sakai

Japan's enduring national legend comes to comics! The tale of the 47 Ronin and their epic mission to avenge their wronged master epitomizes the samurai code of honor, and creators Mike Richardson and Stan Sakai have done justice to their story! Meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated, this collection of the acclaimed miniseries recounts this sweeping saga of honor and violence in all its grandeur. Opening with the tragic incident that sealed the fate of Lord Asano, 47 Ronin follows a dedicated group of Asano's vassals on their years-long path of vengeance!
Jon, Avondale

Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars by Ethan Hawke, illustrated by Greg Ruth

The year is 1872. The place, the Apache nations, a region torn apart by decades of war. The people, like Goyahkla, lose his family and everything he loves. After having a vision, the young Goyahkla approaches the Apache leader Cochise, and the entire Apache nation, to lead an attack against the Mexican village of Azripe. It is this wild display of courage that transforms the young brave Goyakhla into the Native American hero Geronimo. But the war wages on. As they battle their enemies, lose loved ones, and desperately cling on to their land and culture, they would utter, "Indeh," or "the dead." When it looks like lasting peace has been reached, it seems like the war is over. Or is it?

INDEH captures the deeply rich narrative of two nations at war-as told through the eyes of Naiches and Geronimo-who then try to find peace and forgiveness. INDEH not only paints a picture of some of the most magnificent characters in the history of our country, but it also reveals the spiritual and emotional cost of the Apache Wars. Based on exhaustive research, INDEH offers a remarkable glimpse into the raw themes of cultural differences, the horrors of war, the search for peace, and, ultimately, retribution. The Apache left an indelible mark on our perceptions about the American West, and INDEH shows us why.

Jon, Avondale

MFK by Nilah Magruder

A fantastic adventure following the story of Abbie, a deaf girl with a mysterious power, who is traveling across a vast desert to scatter her mother’s ashes.

In a world of sleeping gods, a broken government, and a fragile peace held in the hands of the corrupt, one youth must find the strength to stand up against evil and save humanity.

This story is not about that youth.

It’s about Abbie, who just wants to get to the mountain range called the Potter’s Spine, scatter her mother’s ashes, and then live out her life in sweet, blissful solitude. Unfortunately, everyone she meets wants to whine at her about their woes, tag along on her quest, arrest her for no reason, or blow her to bits. Journeys are hard on the social recluses of the world.
Michelle, Irondale

Disney Masters Vol 1: Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse: The Delta Dimensions by Romano Scarpa

When Mickey’s town is hit by a blizzard of strange glowing snow, everyone thinks it’s a publicity stunt. But genius Dr. Einmug knows better: Pegleg Pete is on the loose with Einmug’s weather-control secrets! Only Mickey and Einmug’s mysterious companion ― the odd little Atomo Bleep-Bleep ― can save the day before a poison rainstorm wipes Mouseton off the map! Romano Scarpa (1927–2005) took over for Floyd Gottfreson and spun out decades’ worth of new Mickey action epics ― most of which have never been available in English! This volume also reunites Mickey, Atomo, and Pete for Scarpa’s “The Bleep-Bleep 15" and “The Fabulous Kingdom of Shan-Grilla," two internationally famous tales making their North American debut!
Michelle, Irondale

About Betty’s Boob by Vero Cazot, illustrated by Julie Rocheleau

She lost her left breast, her job, and her guy. She does not know it yet, but this is the best day of her life.

An inspiring and surprisingly comedic tale of loss and acceptance told largely through silent sequential narrative, About Betty’s Boob is seminal work from master storytellers Véro Cazot and Julie Rocheleau.
Liz, Pinson

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

“Tillie Walden is the future of comics, and On a Sunbeam is her best work yet. It’s a ‘space’ story unlike any you’ve ever read, with a rich, lived-in universe of complex characters.” ―Brian K. Vaughan, Saga and Paper Girls

Two timelines. Second chances. One love.

A ragtag crew travels to the deepest reaches of space, rebuilding beautiful, broken structures to piece the past together. Two girls meet in boarding school and fall deeply in love―only to learn the pain of loss. With interwoven timelines and stunning art, award-winning graphic novelist Tillie Walden creates an inventive world, breathtaking romance, and an epic quest for love.

A Publisher's Weekly Best Book of 2018
One of The Washington Post's "10 Best Graphic Novels of 2018"
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2018
Liz, Pinson

Assassination Classroom by Yusei Matsui

The students in Class 3-E of Kunugigaoka Junior High have a new teacher: an alien octopus with bizarre powers and unlimited strength, who’s just destroyed the moon and is threatening to destroy the earth—unless they can kill him first!

Meet the would-be assassins of class 3-E: Sugino, who let his grades slip and got kicked off the baseball team. Karma, who's doing well in his classes but keeps getting suspended for fighting. And Okuda, who lacks both academic and social skills, yet excels at one subject: chemistry. Who has the best chance of winning that reward? Will the deed be accomplished through pity, brute force or poison...? And what chance does their teacher have of repairing his students' tattered self-esteem?
Maura, Trussville

Why Art? By Eleanor Davis

What is “Art”? It’s widely accepted that art serves an important function in society. But the concept falls under such an absurdly large umbrella and can manifest in so many different ways. Art can be self-indulgent, goofy, serious, altruistic, evil, or expressive, or any number of other things. But how can it truly make lasting, positive change? In Why Art?, acclaimed graphic novelist Eleanor Davis (How To Be Happy) unpacks some of these concepts in ways both critical and positive, in an attempt to illuminate the highest possible potential an artwork might hope to achieve. A work of art unto itself, Davis leavens her exploration with a sense of humor and a thirst for challenging preconceptions of art worth of Magritte, instantly drawing the reader in as a willing accomplice in her quest.
Maura, Trussville

GENERAL DISCUSSION

Ursula Vernon

“Vernon is the right thing to read in times of woe, in times of joy, and when you are considering planting an invasive nonnative and know you probably need a stern talking to.” ~Elizabeth Bear

Ursula Vernon is an award-winning author, illustrator, and creator of oddities, also blogging, podcasting, gardening, and bug photos.

xkcd

A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language.

Who are you?

I'm just this guy, you know? I'm a CNU graduate with a degree in physics. Before starting xkcd, I worked on robots at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia. As of June 2007 I live in Massachusetts. In my spare time I climb things, open strange doors, and go to goth clubs dressed as a frat guy so I can stand around and look terribly uncomfortable. At frat parties I do the same thing, but the other way around.

Krazy: George Herriman, a Life in Black and White by Michael Tisserand

A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2017

WINNER OF THE EISNER AWARD FOR BEST COMICS-RELATED BOOK

FINALIST FOR THE NBCC AWARD IN BIOGRAPHY

FINALIST FOR THE PEN/JACQUELINE BOGRAD WELD AWARD FOR BIOGRAPHY

In the tradition of Schulz and Peanuts, an epic and revelatory biography of Krazy Kat creator George Herriman that explores the turbulent time and place from which he emerged—and the deep secret he explored through his art.

The creator of the greatest comic strip in history finally gets his due—in an eye-opening biography that lays bare the truth about his art, his heritage, and his life on America’s color line. A native of nineteenth-century New Orleans, George Herriman came of age as an illustrator, journalist, and cartoonist in the boomtown of Los Angeles and the wild metropolis of New York. Appearing in the biggest newspapers of the early twentieth century—including those owned by William Randolph Hearst—Herriman’s Krazy Kat cartoons quickly propelled him to fame. Although fitfully popular with readers of the period, his work has been widely credited with elevating cartoons from daily amusements to anarchic art.

Herriman used his work to explore the human condition, creating a modernist fantasia that was inspired by the landscapes he discovered in his travels—from chaotic urban life to the Beckett-like desert vistas of the Southwest. Yet underlying his own life—and often emerging from the contours of his very public art—was a very private secret: known as "the Greek" for his swarthy complexion and curly hair, Herriman was actually African American, born to a prominent Creole family that hid its racial identity in the dangerous days of Reconstruction.

Drawing on exhaustive original research into Herriman’s family history, interviews with surviving friends and family, and deep analysis of the artist’s work and surviving written records, Michael Tisserand brings this little-understood figure to vivid life, paying homage to a visionary artist who helped shape modern culture.