Graphic-Novel-Loving Librarian Blog

(Note: Although this is not a graphic novel, it does deal with the comic book industry, so I included it in my list of reviews.) Summary: When I first started working in the retail industry, I was naively believing that those who were above me knew a great deal about working in the business. Months later, I began to wonder how the department store where I was employed was staying open. I no longer saw my bosses as being competent of the retail business, as a matter of fact, I thought a couple of them were complete morons. In other words, I saw behind the curtain of the Great Oz. I was no longer in awe of my managers; I felt let down. That feeling I had back then is how I feel now after reading Marvel Comics: The Untold Story . I saw behind the curtain of the Marvel Logo and it made me wonder, "How in the world did they stay in business?" From the creation of super hero characters that different people took credit for, story lines that had vindictive double meanings, ha...

Summary: Can a person survive in the Arctic?  If so, then how? Luke Healy tells a fictional tale, based on actual events, that describes just how some expeditions (both experienced and inexperienced) survived in the harsh wintry conditions. Or, in some cases, how many travelers (again, both experienced and inexperienced) could not survive. The story explains the power of the ice and the ramifications of those who don't respect it. It's has often times been said that Mother Nature is not to be trifled with and Healy's graphic novel shows us the awesomeness of our Mother's unyielding force in the Arctic. As you read the tale you will not look at snow the same way again. Reference : Luke Healy (2016). How To Survive in the North. Nobrow Inc. New York. Why I Picked It Up :  Being from the Southwest mountain desert of Texas, snow is often just a once-a-year occurrence, two if we're lucky. So, to deal with the weather conditions and snowy environment of the Arctic...

(Note: I know it's not a graphic novel, which is what I dedicated my blog to, but the subject is about graphic novels and about one of it's most famous creators. So, I included it as one of my reviews.) Summary: "Champion" is a great description of Will Eisner, not because he was the best at graphic novels but because he supported and promoted graphic novels for many decades. He believed in what they could do and what they could become.  He was of the originators who never stopped learning and encouraged others in their works, as well. Eisner believed in the medium and practiced what he preached, so much so, that he worked on his novels up until the day he died. In his book, Paul Levitz gives us the details of Eisner's life and the struggles he faced throughout his career. But, we also learn of Eisner's business sense and he lucrativeness that allowed him to pursue his passions throughout his lifetime, despite those struggles. From his childhood until hi...

Summary: Statistics have shown that college students change their major at least 3 times over their college career, which means that people are often uncertain about their future and, in many respects, uncertain about who they are. Gene Luen Yang's graphic novel is about a young man, Dennis Ouyang, who has a difficult time deciding where his passions and future truly lie.  His family pushes him into medicine, but he finds a passion for video games. Unfortunately, his addiction to video games gets Dennis kicked out of college and uncertain of his future. Then one day Dennis is visited by four "guilt-driven hallucinations" who help him get back into college and back on a medical career path.  Once he is back on track, everything should be fine and dandy, right? Well, what we find out is that things aren't okay because Dennis struggles in school again and surprisingly discovers that he can actually making a living playing video games. Is this what finall...

Summary: Everyone wants success, but what that success is depends on the individual. However, to find that success many people are willing to make sacrifices in order to attain it.  David, a sculptor, is just such a person. What he sacrifices though makes him unique. David sacrifices his life . . . literally. Frustrated with his lack of any artistic accomplishments David strikes a bargain with Death: his life for success. His passion for that success blindly leads him to what he thinks will make him happy. What he could not have predicted is that he would soon fall in love. Meg is a fellow struggling artist whose emotional state is a fragile one, but David falls for her anyways. One condition of his agreement with Death states that no one can know about their contract. Another condition is that David only has 200 days before he dies. Because of this David finds himself torn between being with Meg, creating for his art, and fitting everything in before his time runs out. Will Dav...

Summary: Do you remember your friends from middle school? How about the ones from high school? You know, the amigos who you used to hang around with, who helped you get through puberty, and who helped develop who you are today. Now, were these friends the same ones you hung out with in college? Or, even as you entered your twenties? For the majority of us, the answer is "No." We change, we grow up, we develop different interests. In Ghost World , this is what happens to two close friends, Enid and Rebecca. Many people would list this novel as just another coming-of-age story, meaning an attainment of maturity within the characters, but it goes a bit deeper than that.  As you read about these two girls, you see two rebels without causes. They're angry and impatient with the world around them, critical of everyone including themselves. Initially they are the closest of friends, but as their relationship is revealed to us, you can't help but ask "Why?" You...

Summary: A contemporary town with the name of Dragon has to have a reason for it's name, right? Well, in this sleepy, mountain town the residents seem to have forgotten why.  Now, this doesn't mean they're not taking advantage of their town's unique name. On the contrary, the entire town lives off of the name, making this a town a tourist attraction.  Unbeknownst to them, though, they are about to be reminded as to why their town is named Dragon. That's right, hidden in one of the mountains caves is the last dragon egg and certain events occur that end up hatching that egg.  Before they know it, these unprepared, caught-off-guard town folk must fight an actual dragon in order to survive.  Can the citizens get ready to battle a dragon?  Does anyone even now how to battle a dragon? In this unique tale, readers are about to find out. Reference: Judd Winick (2015). A Town Called Dragon . Legendary Comics. Burbank, California. Why I Picked It Up: I hav...