Archive for the ‘Comics’ Category
Again, these are books I haven’t read yet (except one)—I saw them at the con and they piqued my interest. The TBR pile moans.
Series by James Owen: The Chronicles of Imaginarium Geographica (I saw these last year too. Gorgeously designed fantasy series with an appealing premise, something about a map of all the imaginary worlds ever written about…
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore (they had a very cool one-of-a-kind handbound metal edition at the publisher’s table)
Hungry Tiger Press. This is the publisher of Eric Shanower’s beautifully illustrated new editions of L. Frank Baum’s Oz books. Eric won two Eisners this year for his edition of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (a Marvel Comics project). Hungry Tiger publishes reprints of old Oz stories and other Baum work, including two books about The Flying Girl, “intrepid girl aviator Orissa Kane.” Baum was one of my favorite authors as a child—we still have my collection of Oz books—and I couldn’t resist bringing The Flying Girl home with me for a test flight.
Tigerbuttah by Becky and Frank of Tiny Kitten Teeth fame. My friend Sarah showed me a copy, and the art and title made me swoon. I hunted for the booth but this was late in the day on Sunday and we had a curry date with our pal Jock, so I gave up the search. The book was adorable—it’s made after the fashion of a Golden Book with many cunning details.
Buzzboy by John Gallagher. Had the pleasure of meeting John at the kidlit gathering and am looking forward to reading his comic about “what happens when the sidekicks take over.”
Nerds: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society by Michael Buckley, illustrated by Ethan Beavers. Wonderful art & a fun premise—the nerds are kids who use technology to “upgrade” their weaknesses into superpowers. More about this (and all of the above) after I’ve had a chance to read.
More on SDCC 2010:
A few photos
Photos of supercool steampunk wheelchair
Awesome sketch drawn for me by the incredible Fiona Staples
What I did at SDCC
Rick Riordan panel
LOST Encyclopedia Panel
Epic fantasy panel
Books that caught my eye (part 1)
July 17, 2010 @ 7:22 am | Filed under:
Comics After all those Thursday temptations, it’s a bit of a relief to see that I have only a few panels on my Friday list. The Super panel with Nathan Fillion, Ellen Page, and Rainn Wilson promises to be fun—but long of line, so I’ll probably pass. There’s a Caprica panel, one on autobiography in graphic novels, and one on the 60th anniversary of Peanuts which Charles Shulz’s widow as special guest.
Here’s the Friday schedule; if anything jumps out at you, let me know. The Joss Whedon panel leaps right out, but I don’t want to devote my whole day to waiting for it, which is what I’d have to do. Sorry again, Joss.
Saturday possibilities:
—Comics in the Library. This one interests me for a number of reasons, including the participation of author-illustrator Raina Telgemeier, whose middle-grade graphic memoir, Smile, has become a favorite book of my Rose and Beanie. Rose, who got braces last week, has read Raina’s frank account of her junior-high orthodontic nightmare, at least half a dozen times this month. She even told her orthodontist about it, and we brought the book in to show him, and he loved it so much he’s going to mention it on the information he mails out to patients. Coolio.
How are comics used in libraries? This panel discusses the variety of ways that libraries around the countries have begun to integrate comics into their collections and programming. Special attention is paid to the following subjects: comics for early readers; nonfiction comics, comics for adult readers. Presented by Francisca Goldsmith (Infopeople), Merideth Jenson-Benjamin (Glendale Public Library), JoAnn Jonas (San Diego County Library), Tuan Nguyen (Texas Maverick Graphic Novel List), Jill Patterson (OC Public Libraries), and comics creator Raina Telgemeier (Smile). Moderated by John Hogan (The Graphic Novel Reporter). Room 8
This one sounds fun (to a child of the 70s like me):
—Behind the Scenes with Sid & Marty Krofft, Joe Ruby and Ken Spears: A Look at the Past, Present and Future. Sing it with me: Marshall, Will, and Holly, on a routine expedition….
Sid & Marty Krofft are iconic names in the world of children’s television and true pioneers in what they have achieved throughout their long career. From their puppeteer beginnings to their timeless shows HR Pufnstuf, The Bugaloos, Sigmund the Sea Monster, and Land of the Lost to their new feature films and endeavors in Creations from the World of Jack Kirby, the Krofft brothers create amazing entertainment for everyone to enjoy and love. Sid & Marty Krofft look back at what they have achieved, then look to the future with Joe Ruby and Ken Spears (Scooby Doo, Thundar the Barbarian), who have partnered with the Kroffts in Creations from the World of Jack Kirby. Panel and Q&A moderated by producer Bonny Dore. Free exclusive gift will be given out to attendees while supplies last. Room 24ABC
Here’s a good one:
—Spotlight on Ray Bradbury.
He was at the very first Comic-Con and we kind of think he’ll be at the very last one, too, far off in the future. Science fiction author Ray Bradbury is literally a national treasure. Ray talks with biographer Sam Weller and moderator writer/producer Arnold Kunert in his yearly visit with his fans at Comic-Con. Room 6DE
Maybe this? Welcome to The Future: Are You Sure You Want to Stay?
Speculative fiction authors discuss visions of the future, dystopian and otherwise. Authors include Samuel R. Delany (Dhalgren), Alan Dean Foster (Flinx Transcendent), Cody Goodfellow (Perfect Union), Kirsten Imani Kasai (Ice Song), Dani Kollin and Eytan Kollin (The Unincorporated War), Nnedi Okorafor (Who Fears Death), David Weber (Honor Harrington novels), David J. Williams (The Machinery Of Light), and Charles Yu (How To Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy.
Other possibilities: Comics in the Classroom, Comics After Paper, the LOST discussion. The full Saturday schedule.
Sunday’s easy: I’d like to attend the Rick Riordan panel, and will certainly attend this one:
Entertaining One’s Inner Child— Ever since Harry Potter burst onto the scene, children’s books have been taking over the bestseller lists. Creators discuss the thrills and challenges of creating memorable characters for the younger set. Panelists include Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Sina Grace (Among the Ghosts), Matt Holm (Babymouse), Adam Rex (Fat Vampire), David Steinberg (Daniel Boom), Greg Van Eekhout (Kid Vs. Squid) and moderator Jennifer Holm (Babymouse). Q&A to follow.
Got any questions for them? Jenni Holm and I have some other Comic-Con fun planned this week. Can’t wait!
And then right after that there’s the Spotlight on Denny O’Neil, moderated by my hubby. Check.
Full Sunday schedule.
July 16, 2010 @ 8:39 am | Filed under:
Comics —10:00-11:00 The Spark of Imagination—
Peek inside the minds of leading authors and filmmakers to explore how imagination informs the creative process. New York Times bestselling children’s author Tony DiTerlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles) details the precedent-setting augmented reality used in his new Simon & Schuster novel The Search for Wondla; LAIKA president/CEO Travis Knight (lead animator, Coraline) explains his studio’s commitment to bold subject matter; artist/writer Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy) pinpoints how and where inspiration strikes; director John Stevenson (Kung Fu Panda) explores how creativity is enhanced by artistic collaboration in moviemaking; and graphic novelist and Comic-Con special guest Doug TenNapel (Earthworm Jim) describes exactly how a blank page comes to be inhabited with his compelling imagery. Join moderator Geoff Boucher, reporter and HeroComplex.com blogger with The Los Angeles Times, for this fascinating panel discussion and Q&A. Room 25ABC
—Though with Denny O’Neil on the DC Comics Writers panel at 10:15, I’m tempted to attend that one instead. Denny was Scott’s first boss in the business, and hearing him talk about writing is a major treat. There’s also the Power of Myth panel with fantasy authors at 10:30. Decisions, decisions.
—I’m sure I would enjoy the Caprica, Battlestar, and Beyond panel at noon. Or the Sci-Fi That Will Change Your Life panel at noon-thirty. But lunchtime panels are usually a no-go for. Because of, you know, lunch.
—1:30-2:30 Once Upon a Time
Fantasy authors discuss whether Epic Fantasy requires bigger-than-life heroes and heroines. Authors include Lynn Flewelling (The White Road), Christopher Paolini (the Inheritance cycle), Patrick Rothfuss (The Name of the Wind), Brandon Sanderson (The Way of Kings, Book 1 of The Stormlight Archive), Megan Whalen Turner (the Queen’s Thief series), and Brent Weeks (the Night Angel Trilogy). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 24ABC
Will be sure to return from lunch in time for that one!
—This one sounds fun: 2:30-3:30 State of the Geek Report: From Avatar to Zardoz
A panel of experts examine the state of science fiction, fantasy, and horror in film and TV, from the living-ever-longer-and-prospering Star Trek franchise to the future of Star Wars to what the success of Avatar means for the future of movies. Some of geekdom’s biggest luminaries, including Steve Melching (The Clone Wars), Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), Steve Kriozere (Elvis Van Helsing), Jeff Bond (former Geek Monthly editor), and Bill Hunt and Todd Doogan (Digital Bits), talk about the lackluster state of sci-fi film and television, the rise, fall and rise of Star Trek, and the hits and misses of 2010 that made their midicholorian (and cholesterol) counts rise to dangerous levels this summer. Room 4
—No doubt I would enjoy the JJ Abrams/Joss Whedon panel at 3:30, but the line will probably start forming at dawn. Sorry, fellas.
—4:00-5:00 Twisting Genres
Fantastic fiction authors talk about pushing the envelope on genre, not confining it to one definition. Participants include China Miéville (Kraken), Justin Cronin (The Passage), Naomi Novik (Tongues of Serpents), Daryl Gregory (The Devil’s Alphabet), Jeffrey J. Mariotte (Cold Black Hearts), Robert Masello (Blood And Ice), Keith Thompson (The Leviathan trilogy), and Scott Westerfeld (The Leviathan trilogy). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 25ABC
Sounds interesting, no? As does the Digital Comics panel at 4:30. Like the comics it celebrates, SDCC is nothing if not a series of conflicts. In a good way.
Help me decide. Which ones would you like to hear about?
July 14, 2010 @ 12:50 pm | Filed under:
Comics San Diego Comic-Con is next week. Thought I’d warm up with a roundup of previous SDCC posts.
SDCC 2009:
Thursday. Photos, “female power icon” panel, cute father-son moment.
Friday. Photos, Mouse Guard panel.
Saturday. Notes on a variety of topics, including Scott’s karaoke performance.
Sunday. More photos.
Graphic novels for kids panel #1. Gene Yang, Derek Kirk Kim, the fabulous Jenni Holm, Eric Wright, Lewis Trondheim, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Chris Schweizer.
Graphic novels for kids panel #2. I had to slip out early so not many notes, just names.
SDCC 2008:
One big photolicious recap post.
Plus a story about that bag I bought.
August 2, 2009 @ 8:36 pm | Filed under:
Comics This was the panel I had to leave only a few minutes after it began—chatty baby—so I didn’t take notes. But I wanted to share the list of authors and titles with those of you who are looking for recommendations:
Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!).
Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet). Kazu’s art is crazy beautiful. Couldn’t take my eyes off it. Amulet has a pretty intense opening (car accident, death of a parent) but it gripped me for sure and I am eager to read the rest.
David Petersen (Mouse Guard). Mentioned in this post and others; gets enthusiastic thumbs-up from my gang.
Eric Jones and Landry Walker (Supergirl, Little Gloomy).
Jeff Smith (Bone). Scott and my three oldest have read and greatly enjoyed many of the Bone books. They passed Scott’s OK for 8-Year-Olds test. I’ve not read any of them yet. I know! I’m a slacker!
Alexis Fajardo (Kid Beowulf). Sounds very intriguing, does it not?
My post on the first “comics and graphic novels for kids” panel is here. Lots of notes on that one. For the sake of convenience, here’s a quick list of the authors and some of their books:
Lewis Trondheim (Tiny Tyrant).
Gene Yang (American Born Chinese).
Derek Kirk Kim (The Eternal Smile).
Eric Wight (Frankie Pickle and The Closet of Doom).
Chris Schweizer (Crogan’s Vengeance).
Jennifer Holm (Babymouse).
Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Lunch Lady).
July 30, 2009 @ 7:34 pm | Filed under:
Comics (Note: this is one of those uberlinky posts that takes forever to write. I’m going to eschew linking for now, for the most part, and add them later when I have time.)
There were two Graphic Novels for Kids panels on Sunday at San Diego Comic-Con 2009. I attended the first panel in its entirety, but I had to leave about 15 minutes into the afternoon session. The baby was feeling chatty again.
Both panels—the parts I attended—were excellent. Terrific lineups of writers and artists. I must have added a dozen new titles to my TBR pile, at least. I took scribbly notes while attempting to keep the pen out of the baby’s grasp—note-taking is tricky when you’re standing in the back of the room, bouncing an infant in a sling to keep him happy, trying not to poke the tip of your pen through the folded paper you’re balancing on your hand because you decided at the last minute that your beloved notebook was one object too many for a shoulder already overtaxed with convention survival supplies and a 21-pound six-month-old.
You’ll have to forgive, then, the sketchiness of my notes in some instances. I think my best bet here is to list the panelists and their books along with any remarks I happened to jot down, rather than making any attempt to chronicle the Q and A in order. Fair enough? Of the books I’m about to list, I have only read Jennifer Holm’s Babymouse series and David Petersen’s Mouse Guard: Fall 1152. I wholeheartedly recommend the former for young readers and the latter for all ages. And I’d venture to say that even non-fantasy-fans and non-comics-fans will be blown away by Petersen’s gorgeous full-color artwork. (Edited to add: David Petersen was on the second panel, which I’ll talk about in a subsequent post.)
All righty, then. My notes:
Comics and Graphic Novels for Kids Panel #1, SDCC 2009
First: a hearty note of appreciation for the work of the moderator, Robin Brenner of NoFlyingNoTights.com and author of Understanding Manga and Anime. Her questions were insightful and her handout was packed with information. (I’d love to see it online!) Fabulous resource and it’s clear Brenner knows the topic well.
The panelists:
Gene Yang, author and illustrator of American Born Chinese (winner of Eisner and Printz Awards—the Eisner is the most prestigious award in comics, says the proud wife of an Eisner nominee) and writer of The Eternal Smile, illustrated by Derek Kirk Kim, who was also on the panel. (Many of my readers may also recognize Gene as the creator of The Rosary Comic Book, published by Pauline Books and Media, about which Gene wrote: “I’ve always struggled with how to incorporate my faith into my comics in an authentic way. One Lent, I decided to do a comic adaptation of the Rosary Prayer, rather than giving up chocolate or soda. The Rosary Comic Book is the result.)
Notes:
—Is a teacher, has young children, started writing comics because of dearth of kid-appropriate comic books in stores. Mentioned reading a Batman comic (years ago) in which the villain disguised himself with the skin of a victim’s face, found that image terribly disturbing, it lingered, was not at all appropriate for children.
—During discussion of the responsibility of writing for kids, told funny story (at Derek Kirk Kim’s urging) about a reader who tracked him down by calling the school where he works & left scolding message about a grammatical error in one of his books, and actually asked him to call back to discuss the matter. He didn’t return the call, of course.
Derek Kirk Kim, author and illustrator of Same Difference and Other Stories (won Eisner and Harvey), a graphic novel (not for kids). As mentioned above, he illustrated The Eternal Smile, a collection of fantastical stories (fantastical, not necessarily fantasy).
Jennifer Holm, author of the Babymouse books (illustrated by her brother, Matthew Holm), and Newbery Honor-winning author of Our Only May Amelia.
—Grew up the only girl with four brothers, comics were everywhere, but she didn’t connect with Wonder Woman and other female superheroes who seemed nothing like her. Babymouse springs from her desire to create a comic book character other young girls can relate to. (It tickled me to see Jenni up there on the panel, the only female surrounded by half a dozen men, talking about growing up with a pack of brothers.)
—Went with traditional children’s book publisher rather than comics publisher for Babymouse because the book publishers know how to get books into schools and libraries. Comic book shops are not places frequented by mothers of small children (as she knows from experience, as the mother of small children).
—Fun connection: during conversation before the panel began, we discovered a mutual affection for Ginee Seo, who was Jenni’s editor at one point, and my boss for a short while years earlier. (“For a short while” because then Jane was born!)
Gene Yang and Jennifer Holm.
Eric Wright, author and illustrator of Frankie Pickle (illustrated chapter book series for young kids), My Dead Girlfriend (teen graphic novel), and Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay (comic book adaptation). Former animator at Disney, Warner Bros., Cartoon Network.
—Eric spoke earnestly about the need for kid-appropriate comics and graphic novels. (A drum I’ve been pounding for years.) Described becoming a father, having to shield his child’s eyes in the comic shops.
—Told a great story about a library(?) signing for very young children. One child in the autograph line seemed a good bit older than the rest, turned out to be a first-grader who’d skipped school for the event. The boy’s mother told Eric, “Meeting you was more important to him than going to school.”
Jennifer Holm, Jarrett K. Krosoczka, Eric Wright, and Chris Schweitzer.
Lewis Trondheim, French comics superstar. Spoke about differences in France, where all ages read comics and prose with equal enthusiasm. Funny, wry; I wish I’d taken better notes about his contributions to the discussion. Blame my infant son.
Jarrett K. Krosoczka, prolific children’s book writer and illustrator (Punk Farm, Bubble Bath Pirates, Annie Was Warned, and many others) and writer/illustrator of a graphic novel series called Lunch Lady, which I am eager to check out.
Chris Schweizer, author and illustrator of The Crogan Adventures, teen graphic novels about “an honest sailor who, through unfortunate circumstance, finds himself thrust into a life of piracy” (description taken from the author’s website). You pretty much always have me at “finds himself thrust into a life of piracy,” so I can’t wait to take a look at Crogan.
Jarrett K. Krosoczka, Eric Wright, Chris Schweitzer, and Derek Kirk Kim.
I’ll have to write about the second panel in another post—this one is bursting at the seams as it is. But there are a lot of promising prospects for the TBR pile here. If you check any of them out, or your kids do, I would love to hear what you and they think!
Group photo with moderator Robin Brenner. That’s Lewis Trondheim on the left. I loved that Gene and Jennifer had their families with them, and I absolutely adore this photo of Jennifer with her two beautiful children making a rush for mommy during the photo shoot. I can’t begin to count the number of times I have found myself in exactly the same position, with one child clinging to my neck and the another on my back threatening to topple all three of us over. Just fills your heart with warmth, doesn’t it?
Post #2 on this subject is here—more graphic novel authors and titles.
The first kids’ graphic novel panel post is almost finished. First, though, a few more Comic-Con sights. On Saturday and Sunday, I took few pictures—too busy!
But I saw a lot of good stuff. A small sampling:
Where’s Waldo?
Hey, there’s Lt. Uhura!
I rounded a corner and there she was: the lovely and gracious Nichelle Nichols, who autographed a photo for my father (he was tickled when I presented it back at home).
Ordinary Joes.
Talented comic-book writer and all-around sweetheart Mike Costa (The Secret History of The Authority: Hawksmoor) with his youngest fan.
View from the DC Comics green room.
Scott and Huck with brilliant artist Fiona Staples (Hawksmoor, North 40). Aw, is the con over already?
OK, back to work on the graphic novel post.
July 30, 2009 @ 10:47 am | Filed under:
Comics Check out the comment Scott just left on my last post:
Brian says that the first person to mention Here in the Bonny Glen [at Dragon Con] will get the Here in the Bonny Glen Special: a free Brian Stelfreeze sketch. Ask him for a sketch and prepare to be stunned by its gorgeousness. And challenge him: ask him to draw the undrawable and watch as the guy who calls 7-point-perspective “child’s play” somehow manages to draw it anyway.
I told you Brian Stelfreeze was a sweetheart! I gotta tell you, comics fans will be green with envy over this incredible coup for Bonny Glen readers. In fact, I know a lot of industry professionals who’ll be jealous. Brian, if you’re reading this, thanks a million. Wish I were going to be there myself!
Bonus peek at Brian Stelfreeze art: This is Brian’s cover for Detective Comics #726, the 700th time Batman appeared in Detective (where he made first-ever appearance in 1939). “Detective Comics” is the DC in DC Comics, of course. (A very young Jane was the model for the child depicted here—that’s your little piece of comics trivia for the day.)
July 27, 2009 @ 8:26 pm | Filed under:
Comics (But not tonight. Still not caught up—on rest, on reading, on housework, on cuddles.)
Graphic Novels for Kids Panel #1, featuring a stellar array of authors including the delightful Jennifer Holm, author of the Babymouse books my Beanie so adores. The baby napped during that panel, so I got to hear the whole thing, took copious notes, have much good stuff to share and many new books to check out.
Graphic Novels for Kids Panel #2, another awesome author lineup, many more titles to investigate—but Huck grew suddenly chatty quite early on and I had to make a hurried exit. Fortunately, prolific children’s book author and blogger (and wonderfully warm person whom it was a delight to finally meet face to face) Anastasia Suen was there and I’m hoping to hear more from her about the rest of that discussion.
How fond I am of Mark Buckingham. We only see him once a year at this con, and it’s always one of my favorite parts.
Ditto Kelley Puckett, who really needs to come to San Diego more often.
How Kristen Rutherford is the most gorgeous pregnant woman ever, and I’m not just saying that because she got invited to Skywalker Ranch and I’m hoping she’ll bring me along.
How charming was the karaoke duet of “If I Had a Million Dollars” sung by my hubby and Mike Costa at the WildStorm party. Scott really would buy me a green dress, you know. (But not a real green dress; that’s cruel.)
How the primary flaw of the San Diego Comic-Con is its absence of vast displays of candy like those at the Barcelona con. Props to Mike Costa, though, for hooking me up with a fistful of Red Vines from the DC booth stash.
How I may finally have found a sport at which I excel. It even involves an actual ball and hoops.
How much I love hanging out with my husband. The best, the very best, the best-by-far thing about any con is spending all that extra time with him.
