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ISSUE #16
SPRING 2014
Graphic Novels for Your School and Library
TURTLE POWER
Writer Tom Waltz and creator Kevin Eastman talk Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Graphic Cinema A Look at 2014’s Comic Book Movie Tie-In Graphic Novels
• An interview with Rick Remender of Image Comics’ Black Science • A preview of Oni Press’ Power Lunch Vol. 2: Seconds • Lesson plans, reviews, and more!
Ahh, summer‌ A time when the days are long, the sun is bright, and school is out (for most students, at least). What better time to go to the beach, have a picnic, or stay inside with the air conditioning while everyone else sweats from the heat? Whatever your summer experience, reading should be a part of it, whether to while away the hours – or relax for those few minutes between ball games, pool visits, and other summer activities. BookShelf offers its list of recommended graphic novels for summer, arranged by age rating.
Diamond BookShelf provides our Recommended Reads list quarterly. To see our picks for Spring, Fall, and Winter visit www.DiamondBookShelf.com/RecommendedReads
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WELCOME TO BOOKSHELF T HE GR APH I C N OV EL RES OURCE FO R EDU CA TOR S A ND LIB R A R IA NS Graphic Novels have a lot to offer as literature, educational tools, entertainment and more! Whether you are a teacher or reading specialist seeking to incorporate graphic novels into the classroom; or a librarian or media specialist looking to add graphic novels to your collection, our mission with the Diamond BookShelf is to provide you with comprehensive information on the latest graphic novel news, reviews and events.
On Our Cover Comics have gone hand-in-hand with movies since the beginning. BookShelf takes a look at the comics that have inspired or been inspired by movies in 2014, beginning on Page 15.
Cover image by Dave Wilkins
HOW TO USE THIS PUBLICATION The BookShelf magazine was created as a compliment to Diamond’s BookShelf website. With this publication, you’ll find articles designed to introduce you to the world of graphic novels and help you learn how to integrate them into your classroom or library. You’ll also find reviews, core lists, reference recommendations and special extras to help you get started. If you want to know what comics and graphic novels are and how or why to use them, or if you are already familiar with graphic novels and are looking for a great resource to improve your collection… Read on! To read a pdf version of this and previous issues of Diamond BookShelf using the Issuu online reader, visit http://bit.ly/BookShelfMag
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES 10
19
SPECIAL FEATURES
The Blowback of Black Science....................... 10 An interview with Rick Remender, writer of the new Image Comics series Black Science
Turtle Power.....................................................12 We interview Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles writer Tom Waltz and co-creator Kevin Eastman
Graphic Cinema................................................15 A look at the comic book movies and tie-ins of 2014
A Super Second Helping................................. 19 A preview of Oni Press’ Power Lunch Vol. 2: Seconds
EDUCATORS
Katie’s Korner..................................................22 Prof. Katie Monnin reviews Tribes: The Dog Years and Dogs of War, with suggestions for how they can be used in the classroom
DEPARTMENTS
Graphic Novels 101............................................ 5 News and Notes.................................................8 Reviews............................................................ 24 Core Lists.........................................................26 Resources.........................................................29 Editor: Mark Banaszak Contributing Writers: Katie Monnin, Caitlin Plovnick Designer: Belinda Miller Special Thanks to: Cindy Anderson, Roger Fletcher, Steve Geppi, Allan Greenberg, Kuo-Yu Liang, Dan Manser, Tom Sadowski PRINTED IN CANADA
© 2014 Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. All rights reserved. Diamond, the Diamond logo, Diamond Books logo, Diamond BookShelf logo and diamondbookshelf.com are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Diamond Comic Distributors in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective copyright owners.
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GRAPHIC NOVELS 101 WHAT A R E G R APHIC NOV ELS AND COMICS? GRAPHIC NOVEL can be used to denote both the content and the format of a book. When speaking of content, a graphic novel is a long, self-contained story depicted as a pictorial narrative, often taking the form of a comic book. In terms of format, however, the words “graphic novel” can be used to describe any pictorial narrative that looks like a book, whether it is a self-contained story, a chapter in a longer serial, an anthology of different work or a non-fiction text depicted in comic book form. A COMIC BOOK is the traditional periodical form most people are familiar with. A comic book can stand on its own or be part of a SERIES. A series is also sometimes called a “title,” which refers to the entire series, not a single discrete unit.
CONCERNED ABOUT COMICS?
DON’T BE. Before taking the plunge and using comic books in your instruction, you may be hesitant about the appropriateness of the content of the comic. Some misperceptions of the comic book medium are that it is rife with graphic depictions of sex, nudity, or worse. But while there certainly are titles that meet that description, it is impossible to pigeonhole the diverse landscape of comics into a single slot. As with any form of literature, comics and graphic novels run the gamut from kid-friendly to adult and represent every kind of genre imaginable. Also like other forms of literature and entertainment, not every comic book or graphic novel may be suitable to your classroom. Remember, the comic book is a format, not a genre. It is just another unique medium used to tell a story.
Sometimes multiple issues of a series are collected into one volume. It can be hardcover or softcover. Softcover editions are often called TRADE PAPERBACKS or just TRADES, regardless of size. A smaller size paperback (the typical size for manga collections) can also be referred to as a DIGEST.
Yes: some comics may contain objectionable language, graphic depictions of violence, or sexual content. However, this is also the case when talking about prose novels, films, television programs, computer games, etc. Your students are most likely already exposed to such thing on television, in the music they listen to, and in the video games they play.
When a story is published in the hardcover or softcover format first (that is, without periodical serialization), it is referred to as a GRAPHIC NOVEL and only a graphic novel. Many of these terms are interchangeable, as you can see. A “graphic novel” can refer to a hardcover or softcover, to a reprint collection or an original story. Similarly, all of the formats referenced can be called “comics” or “comic books.” GRAPHICA and SEQUENTIAL ART are both terms frequently used in the academic community to describe all of these formats.
www.DiamondBookShelf.com
provides more great introductory information about graphic novels and comics, including: • What is Manga? • A Brief History of Comics • A Brief History of the Graphic Novel • A History of Comics in Education • A Glossary of Frequently Used Terms AND MORE! Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DiamondBookShelf and Twitter at www.Twitter.com/DiaBookShelf
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“But that doesn’t mean they should be exposed to such things in my classroom,” you may reply. And we agree with you wholeheartedly. Any comic found objectionable should be excluded from your classroom or school library. We ask only that you realize that not all comics — or even the majority of comics, for that matter — should be so excluded. Obviously, when choosing a particular title, some discretion will be involved. But for every objectionable or offensive title in the market, there are many, many more that are not only appropriate, but also critically acclaimed and respected works of art. Even as conservative an organization as the Parents Television Council has endorsed comic books in schools, commenting that they “may be the best thing to happen for kids who resist the written word.”* Your community standards and mores will prevail, as they should: Be sure to investigate a new comic book or graphic novel with the same vigor and critical eye you would apply to any addition to your classroom. Depending on the class and/or lesson you are teaching, a comic’s suitability can vary; preview the graphic novel’s content before assigning it to your students. Taking a few simple steps to educate yourself will prepare you for the concerns of others and alleviate your own as well! * Gustafson, Rod. “Help for Reluctant Readers” (06/29/04)
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GRAPHIC NOVELS 101 ST A R T I N G A G R APHIC NOV EL CO LLEC TION Deciding to include comic books and graphic novels in your collection is the first step into a larger world. Now, you must decide what to do once you’re there. Here are some basic steps on your path to using graphic novels in your collection:
1. Determine Needs
First, you need to ascertain what books you would like to incorporate into your collection. Perhaps you have one or two graphic novels already, or you may be deciding to carry these books for the first time. You’ll need to decide which books would be appropriate for your community of readers, which books they’re hankering for, and which books would delight and surprise them.
2. Find An Expert
You don’t have to possess an encyclopedic knowledge of comics and graphic novels to successfully integrate them into your library’s offerings. There are people out there who can advise you on what books are valuable. For instance, you almost certainly already have readers in your library community with an understanding and love of graphic novels. You can also reach out to the independent comic book retailers in your area who are armed with detailed information about this area of reading they have a vested interest in supporting. (See “How to Order Comics & Graphic Novels” at the back of this publication for information on how to find and work with your local comic book store.) And, of course, you can also feel free to contact those of us at the Diamond BookShelf!
3. Purchase Graphic Novels
Once you have consulted with your readers, experts in the field, and any others who can offer insight, you’ll be ready with a list of titles of graphic novels to acquire for your library.
4. Decide How To Catalog/ Where To Shelve
Now you need to decide where to put them! Diamond provides information on cataloging to make integrating graphic novels into your collection easier. You can find these tools at www.DiamondBookShelf.com. In terms of shelving you have a number of options. See “How to Catalogue Comics” for a comprehensive look at cataloging and shelving options and resources.
5. Promote Your Graphic Novels
You could have the finest graphic novel collection in history, but if no one knows about, it won’t matter. The success of your collection relies on a certain level of promotion. If you don’t get the word out, no one will know the books are there. Start including the news about your graphic novels into your existing newsletters, pamphlets, and other promotional materials. Put up easy-to-read signs at the entrances to your library so that nobody who enters will fail to know about the new additions. Add the news to your e-mail correspondence. Contact your local media and encourage them to do a story about your library’s efforts to expand and enhance readership through this vital art form. Stage contests, offer giveaways, and plan fun events. Coordinate promotions with your local comic book retailer.
6. Evaluate Success/ Circulation Data
After a certain period of time, you’re going to want to crunch the numbers. Measuring the graphic novel circulation at your library indicates the extent to which your readers are using this new library resource and will help you evaluate the success of the program. It will THERE IS NO NATIONAL STANDARD when it comes to the also point you in appropriateness or selection of graphic novels. Therefore, the best the right direction titles to include can vary from library to library. It is vital — once as to which titles and series to snap you’ve decided on a particular book — to read through the book up in the future!
yourself. What might pass muster in some communities may not pass muster in yours. This website and the various resources listed throughout are your best starting points if you are approaching comics from a starter’s perspective.
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THREE CATEGORIES TO KEEP IN MIND:
7. Poll Patrons
Never forget to meet the needs of your readership. Consulting the experts and embarking on your own research into which titles to carry is a necessary element of this program, but asking your patrons what they want is also crucial. Poll your patrons to find out what other titles they’d like to add to the collection. The flourishing graphic novel collection at a library will greatly depend on the actual requests of the readers being served.
8. Make Graphic Novels a Regular Part of Your Ordering Cycle
Once you’ve talked to your readers and assessed your circulation data to see how successful the addition of comic books and graphic novels has been, you’ll want to keep the ball rolling. An established graphic novel program in your library needs to be sustained, and making graphic novels a regular part of your ordering cycle will ensure the vibrancy of your collection. Including these titles in your regular decisions on what books to carry will help make them a significant and popular segment of your library.
1. BESTSELLERS Lists of bestselling graphic novels can be obtained each month from w w w. D i a m o n d B o o k S h e l f . c o m . Additionally, resources such as the New York Times’ weekly Graphic Books Bestseller List and BookScan: www.bookscan.com
can
provide
similar information for the highest selling graphic novels in the bookstore market.
2. CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED TITLES Graphic novels that have received stellar reviews and won literary awards ate
are
interest
sure in
to
the
genermedium,
will attract new readers and also make a great case for having
a
graphic
novel
col-
lection. There are a number of
REMEMBER:
As with any collection development, there is a period of experimentation during which you will learn which titles will circulate and which will not. You cannot judge the effectiveness of a graphic novel collection with a handful of titles, any more than you would do so with a handful of DVDs or audiobooks. If there’s no room in your budget to make a large initial purchase, start small and evaluate regularly. Add titles as you can, polling your patrons, reading review sources, and keeping diversity in mind. As time goes on, you will find the right combination for your readership and community.
literary publications that review graphic novels, including Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Booklist, VOYA and others. See pages 26-27 for a selection of recent reviews.
3. MEDIA TIE-INS Titles that tie in to hit movies, games, novels and TV shows are sure to appeal to fans of the same. Many Manga titles are also TV cartoons, and many blockbuster movies are adapted from comic books. The BookShelf newsletter stays
Soon, you’ll come to realize that comic books and graphic novels are an engaging and vibrant form of literature, and the promotional possibilities for your library are endless!
current with the latest media tie-ins and adaptations.
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NEWS AND NOTES Stan Lee to appear at ALA Annual
L
egendary comic book creator Stan Lee will make an appearance at this year’s ALA Annual Convention as an Auditorium speaker on Saturday, June 28, from noon – 1 p.m.
Known to comic and pop culture fans worldwide, Lee was instrumental in establishing the super-hero landscape fans know today, having co-created many of Marvel Comics’ flagship characters, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, and the Avengers. Along with writing comics, he has become a celebrity in his own right, hosting television shows as well as having cameo appearances in nearly all of the Marvel Comics-based films. Lee will speak about his upcoming illustrated novel Zodiac, scheduled for release in January 2015 from Disney-Hyperion, as well as other topics. His appearance is sponsored by Disney-Hyperion.
In addition to Lee’s appearance, comic book fans and enthusiasts will find more programming and information at the Graphic Novel and Gaming Stage and Artist Alley, located in the Graphic Novel Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall. Diamond Book Distributors will be exhibiting in booth 2015. For more information, visit http://ala14.ala.org/.
Bendis and Oeming’s Powers To Be PlayStation Series Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming’s superhero/police procedural comic series Powers will be the basis for a new live action series developed by Sony and available through the PlayStation.
the Internet. The series will be streamable, similar to services offered through Amazon Prime or Netflix. Powers follows Chicago homicide detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim, who work the “powers” beat, in which they investigate the cases involving people with super powers. The series debuted in 2000 from Image Comics, and has been published as part of Marvel Comics’ Icon line since 2004. The series won the 2001 Eisner Award for Best New Series, and Bendis won both the 2002 and 2003 Eisner Awards for Best Writer.
Produced by Sony Pictures Television, the drama series will be viewable exclusively through Sony’s PlayStation Network, available through 30 million PlayStation devices that are hooked up to
Original Superman Art Donated To Kennedy Library Five decades after its publication, the original art for the DC Comics story “Superman’s Mission for President Kennedy” has been donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, per the artist’s wishes. Created in 1963, the story resulted from a collaboration between DC Comics and the administration of President John F. Kennedy to help promote the President’s Council on Physical Fitness, in which Superman would encourage readers to get proper nutrition and exercise. Pres. Kennedy’s assassination occurred during the production of the story, and it was shelved until 1964, when it was published as a special tribute to the late president. Story artist Al Plastino had asked after the story’s publication that the art be donated to the John F. Kennedy Library,
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but had learned in 2013 that this had not occurred. Weeks before his death on November 25, he campaigned for the art –which had been in private ownership and was set to be sold at auction – to be given to the library. In December 2013, DC Comics bought the art and donated it to the Library, where it is was displayed during the early part of 2014.
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T
O
P
10 REASONS
WHY COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS PROMOTE LITERACY
1.
They bring a whole new group of readers into the library.
2.
There’s no dearth of material that appeals to boys, and there’s a growing body of material that appeals to girls too.
3.
They engage the reluctant reader — and appeal to gifted readers, too.
4.
They help increase kids’ vocabulary — studies show, even more than movies, television, or adult books!
5.
They are a multi-modal form of communication (meaning is communicated through visual context, not just words), similar to spoken language, and are thus a great bridge to written language.
6.
Visual literacy is increasingly important in 21st century society.
7.
They stimulate the imagination and model visualization for readers.
8.
They offer dynamic and high-interest supplementary material for a wide range of disciplines -- not just English but also history, civics, science, art, geography, and more.
9.
They appeal to boys’ kinesthenic and visual tendencies, and help girls strengthen theirs.
10.
They create a gateway to literature!
Comics and Literacy: A Powerful Team-Up! “The presence of comics in a junior high school library resulted in a dramatic 82% increase in library traffic and a 30% increase in circulation of non-comic books.” - Dorrell & Carroll School Library Journal
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THE BLOWBACK OF BLACK SCIENCE AN INTERVIEW WITH RICK REMENDER B Y VI N C E BRUS I O
I
n Rick Remender’s (X-Force, Fear Agent) new graphic novel Black Science Volume 1 (9.99, 978-1-60706-967-6), rogue scientist Grant McKay has finally done the impossible: He has deciphered Black Science and punched through the barriers of reality. But what he and his team found was chaos, and now they must fight through layers of mad, unexpected worlds to get home, while trying to find out who is the traitor among them.
t Black Science is predicated on one man who has punched through the barriers of reality. That alone is a headline. Whatever happens next is great, but the fact that one is punching through the invisible cellophane is news enough for many scientists. Ufology in many cases hinges upon talk of technology that breaks through barriers, which explains how crafts get here in short time. Is that technology something you like to ponder, or have read about in your recreational reading? Do you use any of this speculative science to help fuel your ideas for Black Science? Rick Remender: Reading about futurism and speculative science is something I spend a lot of time doing at night. I spend a lot of time watching documentaries on the subject as well. Subjects like the Singularity are particularly fascinating to me. A few years ago I was watching a documentary on other dimensions, and how some speculate that every single decision we make splits off into another reality, and I couldn’t stop writing notes about it. Every single quantum event branching out to another narrative of our lives. It’s truly fascinating stuff. It got me to thinking about the very nature of the universe, and what it all might be if we could only peel back the layers. Can’t say much more, most of the core ideas that the series is built on I’m keeping in my pocket for big reveals. I spent hours on the phone with series editor Sebastian Girner, as well as (artists) Matteo Scalera and Dean White, digging through the notes I had put together, cooking up new ideas, and work shopping until we’d created something entirely unique. Now, the idea of breaking through the dimensional barriers, cracking the walls of reality, is not a new one. In fact it’s probably one of the oldest and most widely used in science fiction. But after months and months of research, and long discussions with the team, we zeroed in on some very interesting concepts that I have never seen explored in the genre. At this point we’ve got about 40 issues fairly well broken down with plenty of huge reality shattering reveals throughout. At its heart, the book is a giant mystery, a journey into the unknown layers of the infinite Eververse.
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t Your main character, Grant McKay, is now a fossil on the new scene. The book description claims he is “shipwrecked on an infinite ocean of alien worlds.” An unfathomable landscape to say the least. Have you created your own diagram as to who’s at the top of the food chain in this opaque ocean of creatures? Each world they stumble through has a different set of physics, life forms, history and laws. Grant has charted a course to what he believes is… hmm. Wait. Again, I think I’m saying too much. I would love to be able to discuss more details but I truly do believe that these things will be more fun once they were revealed in the narrative as opposed to here in an interview. The device they use to punch the reality is known as The Pillar. The use of this device has many unforeseen consequences. There is a reason the study of String Possibility is forbidden in Grant’s world. And there will be consequences to pay to his team and to the Eververse itself for this expedition.
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diamondbookshelf.com t Grant seems to also be in the “last man standing” circumstance as Heath Hudson in your previous series Fear Agent. Is there an intentional parallel between the lives of these two characters? Or do you feel the alien experience plays out better as a story if there’s an “against all odds” train wreck that lies in one’s path? Heath and Grant are very different characters, with very different approaches. Grant is a genius, disciplined and focused, a self-taught master of the black sciences forbidden by all mainstream organizations. Grant, at his core, is an anarchist, a strident individualist. He believes that a man can set out to teach himself and to master anything he desires provided he has the tenacity and the fire within. He holds institutional learning facilities and accreditations and bureaucracy in disdain, seeing them as mind police teaching people to forget their own free will and fall in line with the herd. He dropped out of college, viewing colleges as mind prisons, manipulators of the human spirit, training the young to respect only the laws of authority and the hierarchy of modern existence. These overpriced accreditation centers known as colleges blackmail a slave generation into paying ungodly amounts of money with the threat that if you do not fall in line and acquire their “degrees” you can’t be successful. He sees college as a monkey on the back of a population of future indentured workers, held down by debt for the rest of their lives.
anything I’ve written. I like stacking the odds high against the protagonists, and I set out on this one to stack them higher than ever before.
t Have artists Matteo Scalera and Dean White done well in bringing your fears to the canvas? Have they needed any nudging in areas to come closer to what you had in mind? How has the team worked together as a unit on this book? Matteo is among the masters of his generation, as is Dean White. Together what we end up with is a legendary team in the making. The first issue is completed and I have absolute confidence that this will be appealing to arty-artists, indie fans, and mainstream readers alike; their art transcends mainstream/indie and is an absolute achievement accessible to all. One of the very most remarkable art teams I’ve ever had the pleasure of being associated with. No amount of hyperbole can detract from the end result. Sometimes you risk building something up too high, and people’s expectations going in are so over inflated that the product itself can’t deliver. I can’t build this one up enough. Because no matter what expectations you go into it with…what these two monkey kings of art sorcery have delivered will stand as an achievement and be remembered. Of that I have no doubt.
Grant believes, above all else in one thing: No authority but yourself. He listened to too much Crass in high school probably. But he stands by this and fights to show that one man can train himself to do anything better than any facility can. In Grant’s mind, authority and any hierarchy or hierarchal organization demeaned the individual’s belief in himself and adherence to discovering his own truth. He believes that only the anarchist can accomplish the truly great feats. Only the self-taught can find their truth and explore avenues barred by the fearful guardians of the status quo. So, basically, screw all authority.
t What scares you about what might be lurking “out there”? Does Black Science play on the old adage of “be careful what you wish for, you might just get it?” Do you think that even though many of us would like to make contact with extraterrestrials, we are not in any way, shape, or form ready for it? We’re not prepared for the consequences? The things that we will be experiencing in Black Science will be far beyond mere extraterrestrials, though they will play a role in later issues. The Anarchist League of Scientists are stumbling down a steep and jagged trail, traveling through myriad possibilities. Some of the worlds they travel to are beautiful and peaceful, others very similar to our own but slightly skewed, and others completely and utterly different than anything we’ve ever seen before. Where life evolved in strange and new ways. We’ll see how first contact often has a splintering effect on both worlds. The ensemble cast in i will have to overcome more diversity and more insanity than anything I have ever put any cast of characters through in
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TURTLE POWER
TOM WALTZ AND KEVIN EASTMAN TALK TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
T
he Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been stars of TV screens, cinemas, and toy shelves since the late 1980s. But before emerging as a pop culture phenomenon, the TMNT debuted in a self-published black and white comic book, in which four turtles– irradiated by a mysterious substance and living in the New York City sewers–fought an ancient ninja clan, aliens, and evil scientists. While this August sees the return of the bandanawearing and ninja-fighting team to the silver screen with the Michael Bay-produced film, the Turtles have been firmly re-established in the comics world through IDW Publishing’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. Written by IDW senior writer/editor Tom Waltz and TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman (who also provides art for some of the issues), the new TMNT series features a new storyline that re-introduces many of the fans’ favorite characters and elements from the various incarnations of the franchise with a familiar-yet-fresh feel. Diamond BookShelf interviewed Waltz and Eastman via email about their respective experiences working on the new Turtles series, being part of the franchise’s history, and keeping the fans happy.
t Diamond BookShelf: How did you get involved with the
TMNT series? Tom Waltz: I’m the Senior Writer at IDW Publishing, but I’m also a long-time editor, and when we first landed the TMNT license, the entire editorial team was tasked with submitting potential writers’ names for the title. A lot of great names were submitted, and plenty of very cool plots were presented by these folks, but, for some reason, none of them were quite striking the chord Nickelodeon was hoping to hear. So, during one of our editorial meetings at this time, IDW CEO Ted Adams mentioned that Kevin Eastman wanted to be involved in the series – definitely on art, but also with plotting duties, etc. This was a huge coup for us, and the question then became whom to pair him with – and that’s when IDW Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall looked my way. He knew I was a huge TMNT fan and said, “Why don’t we have Tom give it a try?” Needless to say, I was flabbergasted, and when Ted asked if I was game, I couldn’t say “YES!” fast enough. After the meeting (and after picking my jaw off the floor), I proceeded to put together a plot outline for the first story arc. We then presented it to Nickelodeon who, much to my sheer joy, dug it and green-lit me for the gig. And, 30-plus issues later, here I still am!
AT ITS VERY BEST, TMNT IS ABOUT FAMILY, AND THAT’S SOMETHING WE ALWAYS, ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND.
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t When you’re approaching these characters who’ve
been around for decades, how do you find new ways to make them fresh, while retaining the qualities that fans liked in the first place? Actually, that’s just it – if fans liked them in the first place (and, trust me, I’m one of those fans) we try not to change them in any drastic fashion. Instead, we focus on what has always made the character(s) likeable historically, and then strive to put them in new and (hopefully) interesting situations. For example, our origin story involves reincarnation, wherein our intrepid heroes – the Turtles and Splinter – are reincarnated from a past human existence in Feudal Japan. This has never been a part of the origin story before in TMNT lore, but I believe it’s worked well for us because even though the plot may have changed somewhat fantastically, the characters themselves – at their core – remain the same: A close-knit, loving family, struggling to survive in a harsh metropolitan city alongside close allies and against cruel enemies. At its very best, TMNT is about family, and that’s something we always, always keep in mind. If it ain’t broke, we ain’t about to try and fix it.
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diamondbookshelf.com t How did it feel coming onto the book with one of the
creators of the TMNT? What, if anything, has changed in the time since you started? At the beginning, I was terrified – I mean, who was I to even think I belonged on such an iconic title, let alone alongside one of the original creators?! But, within two minutes of meeting Kevin, my fears disappeared. I really don’t know if there is a nicer, more open person in this industry than Kevin Eastman. The guy is just a joy to be around – great to collaborate with and, more importantly, awesome to call friend. There have been many joyful things that have come from my TMNT experience, and meeting, working with, and befriending Kevin is at the very top of that list, no doubt about it.
t Having been a fan of the Turtles in their previous
iterations, how does it feel to be able to put your mark on the history of TMNT? It’s funny, because I’d be lying if I said I’m not proud of what we’ve done and that it feels fantastic to be a part of it, but at the same time, we’re so busy moving forward – plotting and scripting for future storylines – that, for myself at least, it’s hard to sit back and really soak it all in… I’m too busy! But busy is good, since I know that means I’m still doing this because folks are still reading and enjoying the output of our hard work. Maybe someday, when I’m no longer in the center of the battle… when the smoke clears and I can really look at what we’ve accomplished… maybe then I’ll be able fully appreciate it all. Until then, the comics business is like that old Janet Jackson song that asks what have you done for me lately? So, for me, that means getting back into the heat of battle ‘cause there’s plenty of plotting and scripting that needs doin’!!
AT THE BEGINNING, I WAS TERRIFIED – I MEAN, WHO WAS I TO EVEN THINK I BELONGED ON SUCH AN ICONIC TITLE, LET ALONE ALONGSIDE ONE OF THE ORIGINAL CREATORS?! t Who’s your favorite TMNT character, and why?
That’s a tough one – I get asked it a lot and I’m never quite sure how to answer. I love all the characters (good and bad)… makes it really tough to pick just one. Each turtle has a special place in my heart and, as I get older, I relate more and more to their father, Splinter, and his undying concerns for his children’s welfare. April O’Neil plays a huge part in our series, and I always have fun writing h e r … and Casey Jones, too. Karai, Old Hob, Angel, Shredder, Krang, Baxter Stockman, Bebop, Rocksteady, Hun, Koya, Slash, Harold Lilja, Brooklyn, Kid Kennedy, Fightn’ Ferguson, Tang Shen, John and Beth O’Neil, Alopex… gosh, so many cool and interesting characters! I just don’t know how to pick only one! I guess the best answer I can give is, if I had to say who I’m the most like, my family and friends would probably agree that I’m goofy and optimistic like Mikey, so if I was ever transformed into a mutant ninja turtle, I’m guessing my bandanna would be orange.
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diamondbookshelf.com t How does it feel to know that you created an enduring part of pop culture? Honored/unworthy/incredibly grateful come to mind right away – when I look around at the geniuses I stand on the shoulders of, those who originally, and still inspire me – as well as the up and coming writers and artists, I feel like a very small part of an incredible and fantastic place I get to live and work in. I really do have the best job in the world – and every day I get to get up and take care of my family by doing what I love doing more than anything else, I consider it a true blessing. t As an industry veteran, how does it feel to see comics
as such a large part of pop culture? Honestly, I can’t believe I have been able to work in this medium for thirty years now, mainly comics, but I can still spend twenty minutes with one of my heroes – like Sergio Aragones recently – and be completely star struck! I feel like without guys like Sergio, Jack Kirby, Frank Miller, and so many others that are real pop culture legends, Peter and I would have never been able to accomplish the things we did with the TMNT’s. At the same time, more specially related to the “ongoing” success of the TMNT’s – the fans that have embraced them are the ones responsible, which has now become generational, and I cannot thank them enough. I guess the moments I find the most precious these days, is hearing how the TMNT’s have affected different people’s lives – and usually in a VERY positive way… makes me very honored, and very proud.
t Diamond BookShelf: How did it feel to return to TMNT after being away? How does working on it now compare to when you started out? Kevin Eastman: Although the TMNT have always been an important and exceptionally awesome part of my life, returning to more “regular series” involvement felt like the best homecoming ever! Honestly, my excitement level today, especially regarding the foundation and continuing storyline Tom/Bobby/IDW/Nickelodeon have built, is nearly as equal to the feeling I had when [TMNT co-creator] Peter Laird and I worked on the original creation – it has reminded me how much I love comics, and missed drawing the TMNT’s.
HEARING HOW THE TMNT’S HAVE AFFECTED DIFFERENT PEOPLE’S LIVES – AND USUALLY IN A VERY POSITIVE WAY… MAKES ME VERY HONORED, AND VERY PROUD.
t How long do you plan to keep working on TMNT?
Well, I guess as long as IDW and the Fans will have me! I sincerely love being able to contribute to the teams efforts, LOVE working on the covers and plot points, and feel like I still might have a few fun TMNT stories I would like to tell.
t What’s it been like working with Tom on TMNT?
Since he grew up with the Turtles, does that affect your work together? I would easily say I am Tom’s biggest fan. He is full of energy, talent, and great ideas – adding that with what [editor] Bobby Curnow contributes, and all the cool places Nickelodeon allows us to take the TMNT’s – I call it a perfect storm. The fact that Tom grew up on the TMNT’s and is able to objectively look at all the different “universes” they have existed in (original series, multiple animated series, movies, etc.) – he is able to cherry pick from what he personally thinks are some of the best ideas and characters and build on/reinvent/and create new characters and plots that take them to places I never even saw the first time around. Besides that, I think our mutual respect and enthusiasm makes it A LOT of fun to brainstorm.
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GRAPHIC CINEMA
A LOOK AT THE COMIC BOOK MOVIES OF 2014
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rom the serial adaptations of comic books such as Batman, Superman, and Captain Marvel (a.k.a Shazam) in the 1940s to modern blockbusters such as The Dark Knight and The Avengers–as well as indie favorites such as Persepolis and Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World–movies have been looking to comics for source material almost since the beginning of the format.
Similarly, many films have had their storylines continued well beyond the cinema in the form of comic books series. Science fiction fans have been able to follow the continuing adventures of some of their favorite franchises through comics, including Star Wars, Star Trek, RoboCop, and The Terminator. Given the visual nature of both media, it should be no surprise that stories and characters from comics would provide suitable inspiration for films – and vice versa. To help librarians and educators navigate the myriad of overlapping comics and cinema this year, BookShelf takes a look at the comics that have inspired – or have been inspired by – big budget films, along with recommended volumes for readers to start with.
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MOVIES Mr. Peabody and Sherman
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Release Date: March 7 The time-travelling misadventures of the genius canine and his boy – which were originally segments on the Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon – are revived for the modern era in the DreamWorks animated film, and the comic series from IDW Publishing introduces readers to the duo with a collection of stories not featured in the film.
Release Date: April 4 When Stan Lee revived the World War II-era superhero Captain America in the pages of the Avengers in 1964, he added a tragic twist to the hero’s history: his young sidekick Bucky was killed in the same battle that lead to the Captain (a.k.a. Steve Rogers) being frozen for twenty years. In the mid-2000s, Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting revealed that the former hero was not actually dead, but had been revived and made into an assassin called the Winter Soldier. This storyline forms the basis of the new Captain America film, in which Rogers must face his former friend, while adjusting to the modern world.
Recommended volume to start with: Mr. Peabody and Sherman (IDW Publishing) $17.99, 9 78-1-61377-872-2
Noah
Recommended volume to start with: Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Marvel Comics) $34.99, 978-0-78518-794-3
Release Date: March 18 Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky’s latest film certainly doesn’t lack for ambition – a blockbuster re-telling of the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark, reimagined for a modern audience. Along with writing the screenplay and directing the film, Aronofsky also worked with the film’s co-writer/producer Ari Handel and Pride of Baghdad artist Niko Henrichon to create a graphic novel version of the tale. Based on the first draft of the film, it’s a “very different experience,” Aronofsky told Entertainment Weekly, making the graphic novel not only a complement to the cinematic experience, but a comparison as well. Recommended volume to start with: Noah (Image Comics) $29.99, 978-1-60706-853-2
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Amazing Spider-Man 2
Release Date: May 2 The latest film incarnation of the friendly neighborhood web-spinner focuses on Peter Parker’s attempts to juggle the stresses of high school (grades, girls) while maintaining his secret identity as the crime-fighting SpiderMan, while trying to uncover the suspicious experiments at the science firm OsCorp. But with a number of super-powered villains suddenly appearing in the city, he’ll have his hands full. Recommended volume to start with: Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 9: Ultimate Six (Marvel Comics) $17.99, 978-0-78511-312-6 The Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Marvel Comics) $19.99, 978-0-78512-845-8
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MOVIES Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Release Date: May 9 This animated film, which takes viewers back to the world created by L. Frank Baum in his beloved series of children’s books, is based on the novels from Baum’s great-grandson, Roger Stanton Baum. In this movie, Dorothy must leave her home in Kansas and return to Oz to help her friends save the enchanted land from the wicked rule of the Jester. The graphic novel prequel story is available from IDW Publishing. Recommended volume to start with: Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return (IDW Publishing) $12.99, 978-1-61377-905-7
Godzilla
Recommended volume to start with: X-Men: Days of Future Past (Marvel Comics) $39.99, 978-0-78518-442-3
Release Date: May 16 The most famous of the Japanese kaiju (literally, “strange creatures”) and a mainstay of Japanese film for five decades, Godzilla has not graced the big screen since 2004. But fans of the King of the Monsters have still been able to witness his battles with the human race – in various Godzilla comic series, most notably those from IDW Publishing, which began in 2010. The current series feature not only the star monster himself, but various others from the films, giving fans the “giant monsters all-out attack” they’ve been lacking until this year’s release of Legendary Pictures’ new Godzilla. Recommended volume to start with: Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters Volume 1 (IDW Publishing) $17.99, 978-1-61377-016-0
Release Date: May 23 Director Bryan Singer returns to the helm of the film franchise he helped launch with this film that brings the casts of both the original X-Men and X-Men: First Class films together. Forming the basis of the plot is a storyline from Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s run in the 1980s: In a future where mutants are hunted and killed by government-deployed robots called Sentinels, one of the surviving members of the X-Men travels back in time to try and change the course of history.
Edge of Tomorrow
Release Date: June 6 The science fictionaction blockbuster starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt is based on Hiroshi Sakazuraka’s novel All You Need is Kill, in which a soldier finds himself in a time loop where he is killed and comes back to life to fight the same day over again. Along with inspiring the new film, the novel has also been adapted into a full-length manga. Recommended title to start with: All You Need is Kill (Viz Media) $14.99, 978-1-42156-081-6
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MOVIES Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
Guardians of the Galaxy
Release Date: August 22 Frank Miller’s stylized take on the crime genre returns to the screen in this sequel to Robert Rodriguez’ 2005 movie. With Miller as unofficial codirector, Rodriguez successfully adapted the black and white over-the-top stories to a live-action film that was visually impressive and contained the dramatic punch of the comic’s tales of murder, revenge, and redemption. A Dame to Kill For returns to the familiar setting, telling the tale of a reformed ex-con looking to walk the straight-and-narrow – and the ex who comes calling to ruin that plan. Recommended volume to start with: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (Dark Horse Comics) $19.00, 978-1-59307-294-0
Transformers: Age of Extinction
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Recommended volume to start with: Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 1: Cosmic Avengers (Marvel Comics) $24.99, 978-0-78516-828-7
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Release Date: June 27 This summer sees the fourth film in director Michael Bay’s blockbuster series, Transformers: Age of Extinction. While the Transformers originated as a toy line from Hasbro, the character names and backstory of heroic Autobots defending the Earth against evil Decepticons was created for the comic book series that launched alongside the toys. The personalities given to Optimus Prime, Megatron, and the other Transformers have proven as much a part of the appeal of the franchise as the toys themselves, and has formed the basis for the stories being told today. Recommended volume to start with: Transformers: Robots in Disguise Volume 1 (IDW Publishing) $19.99, 978-1-61377-964-4 Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye Volume 1 (IDW Publishing) $19.99, 978-1-61377-965-1
Release Date: August 1 The mismatched band of cosmic adventurers isn’t the average superteam – as evidenced by the talking raccoon tree and gun-toting raccoon. But the Guardians of the Galaxy comic book matched sci-fi action/adventures with tongue-in-cheek humor, a combination that the film looks to carry on.
Release Date: August 8 Long before the four amphibious adventurers became a permanent part of pop culture, the Turtles began as a self-published black and white comic from creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. Three decades later, the TMNT are set to return to the big screen in a live action feature film produced by Michael Bay, along with starring in an animated series on Nickelodeon. Recommended volume to start with: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume 1: Change is Constant (IDW Publishing) $17.99, 978-1-63140-025-4 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series Volume 1 (IDW Publishing) $17.99, 978-1-63140-026-1
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A SUPER SECOND HELPING
Power Lunch Volume 2: Seconds Written by: J. Torres Illustrated by: Dean Trippe Publisher: Oni Press Format: Hardcover, 6 x9, 40 pages, Full Color, $12.99 ISBN: 978-1-62010-011-0
J
oey isn’t like the other kids. They can eat whatever they want, and be fine. But when Joey eats, he has a rather unusual reaction – he gains super powers, and the powers he gets depend on what he eats.
In Power Lunch Volume 1: First Course, Joey learned that there’s no point in having powers unless you do something positive with them. And all was well–for the moment. When Joey joins the school soccer team, he finally begins to feel like a normal kid, especially since he doesn’t need to use his food-fueled superpowers to score goals. All that changes with the star players of a rival team — two terrible twins who excel at cheating! If Joey uses his superpowers, he could teach the twins a lesson. But that would be cheating... wouldn’t it? Publishers Weekly called the first volume of Power Lunch “a fine intro to what should be an entertaining series,” while Portland Book Review wrote that “seeing Dean Trippe’s simplistic and almost retro art style is always cool.” This new volume continues Joey’s attempts to do what’s right while enjoying his abilities. Power Lunch Volume 2: Seconds is suggested for Kid (6+) readers who enjoy superheroics and comics about kids their age.
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KATIE’S KORNER:
GRAPHIC NOVEL TEACHER’S GUIDES B Y D R. K A TI E M ONNIN SOME TEACHING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS Suggested Alignment to the IRA /NCTE Standard(s):*
Tribes: The Dog Years Written by: Michael Geszel and Peter Spinetta Illustrated by: Inaki Miranda and Eva de la Cruz Publisher: IDW Publishing Format: Hardcover, 224 pages, Full Color, $39.99 ISBN: 978-1-61377-966-8
- standard #s correspond to the numbers used by IRA/ NCTE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS ELEMENTS OF STORY Plot: In the year 2038 a nano-virus shortened the lifespan to twenty-one years of age. Two hundred years later, a mysterious stranger lands near the Sky Shadow village and stirs up controversy when he claims that the twenty-one year old lifespan is not a curse, but instead a disease. To the tribal-thinking Sky Shadow people – and their leader Rockjumper – such thinking is dangerous. But Sundog and Fallingstar disagree; believing in Dr. Adams’ theory, they risk everything to join him, escape the village, and find the cure to the disease. Setting: The wastelands, the Sky Shadow Village, Solacia, the Headhunter village, Nanoimmune
1. Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment. Among these texts are fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary works. 2. Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres to build an understanding of the many dimensions (e.g., philosophical, ethical, aesthetic) of human experience. 5. Students employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes. RECOMMENDED GRADE LEVELS: HIGH SCHOOL
Major Characters: Sundog, Rockjumper, the Ancients, Firedancer, Fallingstar, Chief Bearstalker, Keesha, Skunktail, the Keylocks, the Dreadnots, Skull Chief, Kugo, Dr. Charles Lemley, Ann Sheridan
Anticipation In order to build anticipation, write the word “awareness” on the board and ask student to define it. Record their answers on the board.
Themes: ActionAdventure, Cultural Awareness and Respect, Destiny/Fate, Discrimination/ Prejudice, Loyalty, Courage, Responsibility, Past-Present-Future, War and Peace
Next, write the word “respect” on the board, and, once again record their responses on the board.
Literary Pairing Suggestions: The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Native Son by Richard Wright, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo, The Inferno by Dante, Beowulf, The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead
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Finally, add the word “cultural” to your list of words and definitions. And, ask students to think about what it means to think about these three words together (“Cultural Awareness and Respect”). It may be a good idea to have a student, or yourself, type these words and definitions out (for a handout). *NCTE/IRA. (1996). Standards for the English Language Arts. Urbana, IL: NCTE.
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Dogs of War Written by: Sheila Keenan Illustrated by: Nathan Fox Publisher: Scholastic Format: HC/SC, 6 x 9, 208 pages, Full Color, $22.99/$12.99 ISBN: HC: 978-0-54512-887-2/SC: 978-0-54512-888-9
Sheila A. Keenan and Nathan Fox ask readers of Dogs of War to remember three brave dogs who fought, struggled, and strove just as hard as their soldier companions. Here are the stories of Boots, Loki, and Sheba: Role models for dogs and their selfless love for their human counterparts. Their stories will transport you into a world where together, dogs and humans are loyal, superhero-protectors of each other and mankind – during some of the most horrific wars in the 20th century. Personally, this book has already made its way onto my most “favored stories” bookshelf. ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS ELEMENTS OF STORY This Graphic Novel Has Three Critical Stories, and, as a result, Three Critical Plot Points: Plot Point I, World War I: •Date December 1, 1914 Plot Point II, World War II: •Date Spring, 1942 Plot Point III, Vietnam War: •August 1968 Major Characters: I thought it would be interesting to ask young readers to focus on the dogs as the main characters in the story: Boots, Loki, and Sheba. Themes: Problem-solving, Humans and Animals, Friendship, Life and Death, War, Struggle and Survival Traditional and Contemporary Literary Pairing Suggestions: Laika by Nick Abadzis, Call of the Wild by Jack London, Old Yeller by Fred Gipson, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O’Dell, Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo SOME TEACHING RECOMMENDATIONS USING THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS FOR ELEMENTARY READERS IN GRADES 6 -12 Key Ideas and Details* 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas. 3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text. * The numbers referenced above correspond to the numbers used by the Common Core Standards (www.commoncore.org) LESSON IDEA FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL READERS: Directions: Divide students into three groups, one for each dog (for larger classes you may want to have 6 groups, two for each dog). Ask them to draw a large circle with dog’s name in the middle. Next, students can follow these steps. 1. After you draw a large circle on a blank sheet of paper, write your dog’s name in the center of that circle. 2. Next, read your assigned dog’s story. 3. As you read your dog’s story look for key ideas, quotes, and/or images about your assigned dog, especially looking for and paying attention to characteristics that will help you describe your dog to your peers and teacher. When you find these key characteristics write/ draw them on your piece of paper, drawing lines to connect each of your ideas, quotes, and/ or drawings back to the circle with your dog’s name in it. 4. As you read more of your dog’s story keep adding key details about your dog’s characteristics. 5. When you are done reading conduct a brief meeting with your group and talk about: “What are the most important characteristics we found out about our dog? Which of these characteristics should we share with the class?” Make a list of at least 3 – 5 thoughts to share. 6. Next, each group will take a turn describing their dog’s key characteristics and details, pointing out quotes, ideas from the story, and / or images that they picked while reading. 7. Finally, the teacher can engage everyone in a comparison and/or contrast list about all three dogs. “What did the dogs have in common? What made each dog unique?” Katie Monnin, PhD, is an assistant professor of literacy at the University of North Florida and author of Teaching Graphic Novels: Practical Strategies for the Secondary ELA Classroom (2010) from Maupin House. To learn more about Teaching Graphic Novels or Katie Monnin, please go to this link: http://www.maupinhouse.com/monnin.php.
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REVIEWS:
MORE GRAPHIC NOVEL REVIEWS Noah Written by: Darren Aronofsky and Ari Hendel Illustrated by: Niko Henrichon Publisher: Image Comics Format: Hardcover, 9 x 12, 256 pages, Color, $29.99 ISBN: 978-1-60706-853-2 Reviewed by: Diamond BookShelf
Taken on its own accord, Noah is a highly-stylized interpretation of the classic story which retains the key elements of the original, both in events and tone. The familiar elements are there: after a period in which humanity has become wicked and corrupt, God decides to wipe creation out with a flood. Noah, a righteous man, finds himself plagued by visions of a great flood, and after a period of soul-searching finds himself tasked with building a ship that will house a pair of each animal, to repopulate the Earth after the Flood. Where Aronofsky and Handel bring their artistic flourish is in the details. Noah is presented not as a classic figure of divine certitude, but a man struggling with his responsibility, yet determined to fulfill it. Other Biblical elements are brought into the story, including Noah’s grandfather Methuselah and the apocryphal Watchers, fallen angels who aid in building the Ark. The narrative and emotional weight comes from Noah as he single-mindedly works toward his goal, evoking resistance from not only his family but the world at large. Henrichon’s art is lush and expansive, evoking a world that seems at once antediluvian and post-apocalyptic, while his deft use of scale and sense of action give the book an appropriately cinematic feel. Noah does contain some scenes of violence toward humans and animals, and Noah’s visions of drowned people may be disturbing, but otherwise there are no extreme visuals of language in the graphic novel, and it is suggested for Young Adult (13+) readers who are fans of mythological or religious stories.
Adventure Time: Seeing Red
To borrow from the old car commercial, Noah is not your father’s Book of Genesis story. Before filmmaker Darren Aronofsky and his writing partner Ari Handel (Black Swan, The Wrestler) began production on their retelling of the Biblical tale of Noah and the Ark, they enlisted artist Niko Henrichon (Pride of Baghdad) to create a graphic novel version of the story. The result, Noah, is a graphic adaptation of the first draft of what would become the screenplay to the film.
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Written by: Kate Leth Illustrated by: Zachary Sterling Publisher: BOOM! Studios Format: Softcover, 7 x 10, 128 pages, Black and White, $11.99 ISBN: 978-1-60886-356-3 Reviewed by: Diamond BookShelf BOOM! Studios continues their line of Adventure Time Original Graphic Novels with this new volume which features AT mainstays Jake the Dog and Marceline the Vampire Queen. Marceline is called back to the Nightosphere for a family get-together, and is joined by Jake the Dog, who
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diamondbookshelf.com is without his partner-in-adventure. While Marceline is not thrilled by the prospect of going home, she does want to retrieve her bass, which she left during her last visit. All seems fairly normal - given that the Nightosphere is full of demons and monsters - until Marceline goes through her old room and realizes her bass is gone. In the quest to find it, Marceline and Jake not only find out where it went, but the betrayal that lead to its disappearance. Writer Kate Leth perfectly evokes the humor and plot structure of the cartoon, moving the story along quickly while dropping one-off jokes along the way. The plot takes a number of twists and turns, but never gets overly complicated, so younger readers will be able to easily keep up. Seeing Red is a story that can be appreciated by kid as well as adult readers.
ABOUT OUR REVIEWS Bookshelf presents a list of graphic novel reviews, courtesy of our writers, as well as Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and School Library Journal.
Caitlin Plovnick is a former editor of BookShelf and graduate of the Center for Cartoon Studies. She is currently pursuing her MLS at Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science in Boston, MA.
Zachary Sterling’s art also captures the feel of the show, and is well served by the gray tones of the black and white presentation. Adventure Time: Seeing Red is suggested for older kid readers (8 and up) who enjoy the animated series, the other Adventure Time comics, and cartoon action.
Publishers Weekly (PW) is “the International News Magazine of Book Publishing and Bookselling.” For more reviews, please visit http://www.publishersweekly.com
Library Journal (LJ) is the oldest publication covering the library field, currently enjoying its 133rd year of publication. For more reviews, please visit http://www.libraryjournal.com
School Library Journal (SLJ) is the leading print magazine serving librarians who work with young people in schools and public libraries. For more reviews, please visit http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com
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CORE LISTS BookS h elf p resents a l i s t of s e l e ct e d e s s e n tia l title s f o r d if f e re nt a g e ra ng e s.
Titles for Kids (Age 6+) Adventure Time: Sugary Shorts By Various BOOM! Studios – 978-160886-361-7 Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Rift Part 1 By Various Dark Horse Comics - 978-1-61655-295-4 Bad Machinery Vol. 2: The Case of the Good Boy By John Allison Oni Press - 978-1-62010-114-8 Batman: Li’l Gotham Vol. 1 By Derek Fridolfs and Dustin Nguyen DC Comics – 978-1-40124-494-1 Battling Boy By Paul Pope First Second – 978-1-59643-145-4 Ben 10 Vol. 1 By Jason Henderson and Gordon Purcell IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-897-5 Benjamin Bear in Bright Ideas By Philippe Coudray TOON Books – 978-1-93517-922-1 Cleopatra in Space Vol. 1: Target Practice By Mike Maihack Graphix – 978-0-54552-843-6
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Vol. 1: Rita Repulsa’s Attitude Adjustment By Stefan Petrucha and Paulo Henrique Marcondes Papercutz – 978-1-59707-696-8 Monster on the Hill By Rob Harrell Top Shelf Productions – 978-1-60309075-9 Powerpuff Girls Vol. 1 By Troy Little IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-906-4
Gaijin: American Prisoner of War By Matt Faulkner Disney Press – 978-1-42313-735-1
The Return of Zita the Spacegirl By Ben Hatke First Second – 978-1-59643-876-7
Godzilla: History’s Greatest Monster By Duane Swierczynski, Simon Gane, and Dave Wachter IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-948-4
Rust Vol. 3: Death of the Rocket Boy By Royden Lepp BOOM! Studios – 978-1-60886-413-3 Space Mountain By Bryan Q. Miller and Kelley Jones Disney Comics – 978-1-42316-229-2
The Adventures of Superhero Girl By Faith Erin Hicks Dark Horse Comics - 978-1-61655-084-4
The Glorkian Warrior Delivers a Pizza By James Kochalka First Second – 978-1-59643-917-7
Afterlife with Archie Vol. 1: Escape from Riverdale By Roberto Aguirre Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla Archie Comics - 978-1-61988-908-8
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories By Shiro Amano Yen Press – 978-0-31625-562-2 Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return By Denton Tipton and Blair Shedd IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-905-7 Lego: Legends of Chima Vol. 1: High Risk! By Yannick Grotholt and Comicon Papercutz – 978-1-62991-072-7
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Escapo By Paul Pope Z2 Comics – 978--194087-800-3
Regular Show Vol. 1 By K.C. Green and Alison Strejlau BOOM! Studios – 978-1-60886-362-4
The Emerald City of Oz By L. Frank Baum, Eric Shanower, and Skottie Young Marvel Comics - 978-0-78518-388-4
Jellaby Vol. 1: The Lost Monster By Kean Soo Capstone Press – 978-1-43426-420-6
Dogs of War By Sheila Keenan and Nathan Fox Scholastic – 978-0-54512-888-9
The Fox Vol. 1: Freak Magnet By Mark Waid and Dean Haspiel Archie Comics – 978-1-93697-593-8
Graphic Canon of Children’s Literature By Russ Kick Seven Stories Press – 978-1-60980-530-2
Herobear and the Kid Vol. 1: Inheritance By Mike Kunkel BOOM! Studios – 978-1-60886-366-2
Cardfight!! Vanguard Vol. 1 By Akira Itou Vertical – 978-1-93913-041-9
Princeless Vol. 1: Save Yourself By Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin Action Lab Entertainment – 978-1-93935254-5
Titles for Young Adults (Age 13+)
Hello Kitty: Surprise! By Various Perfect Square – 978-1-42155-880-6
Boxers & Saints By Gene Luen Yang First Second - 978-1-59643-924-5
Amazing Spider-Man: Peter Parker – The One and Only By Various Marvel Comics – 978-0-78519-010-3
Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust By Loic Dauvillier and Marc Lizano First Second – 978-1-59643-873-6 I Kill Giants: Fifth Anniversary Edition By Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura Image Comics – 978-1-60706-985-0 March Book One By Rep. John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell Top Shelf Productions 978-1-60309-300-2 My Little Monster Vol. 1 By Robico Kodansha Comics – 978-1-61262-597-3 Noah By Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel, and Nike Henrichon Image Comics - 978-1-60706-853-2 Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong By Prudence Shen and Faith Erin Hicks First Second - 978-1-59643-659-6 Strobe Edge Vol. 1 By Io Sakisaka Viz Media - 978-1-42155-068-8
Amelia Cole and the Hidden War By Adam P. Knave, D.J. Kirkbride, and Nick Brokenshire IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-953-8
The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys By Gerard Way, Shaun Simon, and Becky Cloonan Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-59582-462-2
Android Angels By Kosuke Kabaya GEN Manga Entertainment – 978-1-93901-210-4
Unity Vol. 1: To Kill a King By Matt Kindt and Doug Braithwaite Valiant Entertainment – 978-1-93934-626-1
Batman Vol. 4: Year Zero – Secret City By Various DC Comics – 978-1-40124-508-5
Will & Whit By Laura Lee Gulledge Abrams – 978-1-41970-546-5
Batman/Superman Vol. 1: Cross World By Greg Pak, Jae Lee, and Various DC Comics – 978-1-40124-509-2
X-Files: Conspiracy By Various IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-896-8
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Titles for Older Teens (Age 16+) Age of Ultron By Brian Michael Bendis, Bryan Hitch, and Various Marvel Comics – 978-0-78515-566-9 All-New X-Men Vol. 1: Yesterday’s X-Men By Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen Marvel Comics – 978-0-78516-637-5 All You Need is Kill Vol. 1 By Hiroshi Sakurazaka, Nick Mamatas, and Lee Ferguson Viz Media – 978-1-42156-081-6 Amerika By Franz Kafka and Real Godbout Conundrum Press – 978-1-89499-481-1 The Boxer: The True Story of Holocaust Survivor Harry Haft By Reinhard Kleist Selfmadehero – 978-1-90683-877-5 Captain America: The Winter Soldier Prelude By Various Marvel Comics – 978-0-78518-877-3 Clive Barker’s Next Testament By Clive Barker, Mark Miller, and Haemi Jang BOOM! Studios – 978-1-60886-367-9 Constantine Vol. 1: The Spark and the Flame By Various DC Comics – 978-1-40124-323-4 The Crow: Curare By James O’Barr and Antoine Dode IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-746-6 Deadman Wonderland Vol. 1 By Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou Viz Media – 978-1-42155-548-5 Helheim Vol. 1 Witch War By Cullen Bunn and Jöelle Jones Oni Press – 978-1-62010-014-1 Hellboy: The First 20 Years By Mike Mignola Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-61655-353-1 In the Dark: A Horror Anthology By Various IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-934-7 The Maxx: Maxximized Vol. 1 By Sam Kieth IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-959-0 Mind MGMT Vol. 3: The Home Maker By Matt Kindt Dark Horse Comics – 978-1-61655-390-6 Ranma 1/2 2-in-1 Vol. 1 By Rumiko Takahashi Viz Media – 978-1-42156-594-1 Red Light Properties By Dan Goldman IDW Publishing – 978-1-61377-741-1 Red Sonja Vol. 1: Queen of the Plague By Gail Simone and Walter Geovani Dynamite Entertainment – 978-1-60690-481-7
Say I Love You Vol. 1 By Kanae Hazuki Kodansha Comics – 978-1-61262-602-4 Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover Vol. 5 By Bryan Lee O’Malley Oni Press – 978-1-62010-004-2 Snow Piercer Vol. 1 By Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette Titan Books – 978-1-78276-133-4 Tanpopo Collection Vol. 2 By Camilla d’Errico BOOM! Studios – 978-1-60886-337-2 The Twelve: The Complete Series By J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston Marvel Comics – 978-0-78515-430-3 This One Summer By Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki First Second – 978-1-59643-774-6 Uncanny Vol. 1: Season of Hungry Ghosts By Andy Diggle and Aaron Campbell Dynamite Entertainment – 978-1-60690-462-6
Titles for Adults (Age 18+) Alone Forever By Liz Prince Top Shelf Productions – 978-1-60309-322-4 Attack on Titan Vol. 12 By Isayama Hajime Kodansha Comics – 978-1-61262-678-9 Beautiful Darkness By Fabien Vehlmann and Kerascoet Drawn & Quarterly – 978-1-77046-129-1 Brilliant Vol. 1 By Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley Marvel Comics – 978-0-78515-914-8 Celebrated Summer By Charles Forsman Fantagraphics Books – 978-1-60699-685-0 Climate Changed: A Personal Journey Through the Science By Philippe Squarzoni Abrams ComicArts – 978-1-41971-255-5 Coffin Hill Vol. 1: Forest of the Night By Caitlin Kittredge and Inaki Miranda DC Comics – 978-1-40124-887-1 Death By Neil Gaiman and Chris Bachalo DC Comics – 978-1-40124-716-4 Gangsta. Vol. 1 By Kohske Viz Media – 978-1-42156-077-9
Kids are Weird and Other Observations from Parenthood By Jeffrey Brown Touchstone – 978-1-45211-870-3 The Love Bunglers By Jaime Hernandez By Fantagraphics Books – 978-1-60699729-1 Miracleman Book One: A Dream of Flying By Various Marvel Comics – 978-0-78515-462-4 Pretty Deadly Vol. 1 By Kelly Sue DeConnick and Emma Rios Image Comics – 978-1-60706-962-1 Relish: My Life in the Kitchen By Lucy Knisley First Second – 978-1-59643-623-7 Saga Vol. 3 By Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples Image Comics – 978-1-60706-931-7 Sex Criminals Vol. 1 By Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky Image Comics – 978-1-60706-946-1 Showa 1939-1944: A History of Japan By Shigeru Mizuki Drawn & Quarterly – 978-1-77046-151-2 Strange Adventures By Various DC Comics – 978-1-40124-393-7 Three By Kieron Gillen and Ryan Kelly Image Comics – 978-1-60706-963-8 Über Volume 1 By Kieron Gillen and Caanan White Avatar Press – 978-1-59291-218-6 The Unwritten: Tommy Taylor and the Ship That Sank Twice By Mike Carey and Peter Gross DC Comics – 978-1-40122-976-4 Velvet Vol. 1: Before the Living End By Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting Image Comics – 978-1-60706-964-5 What Did You Eat Yesterday? Vol. 1 By Fumi Yoshinaga Vertical – 978-1-93913-038-9
Core Lists Online
Complete, expanded core lists are available at www.DiamondBookShelf.com
Hellblazer: Shoot By Various DC Comics – 978-1-40124-748-5 Insufficient Direction By Moyoco Anno and Hideaki Anno Vertical - 978-1-93913-011-2
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RESOURCES BO O KS ABO UT G RAPHIC NOV ELS Mastering Comics: Drawing Words & Writing Pictures Continued
Graphic Novels in Your School Library
By Jesse Karp, illustrated by Rush Kress
School librarian Karp has been using graphic novels in his library for over a decade, and shares his knowledge and experience in this “all-in-one” volume. He examines the comic form and illustrates how it can be used to teach literacy, offers annotated core lists for K-12, and offers lesson plans to help teachers utilize graphic novels in class.
By Jessica Abel and Matt Madden
Cartoonists Madden and Abel expand on their coursebook DW&WP with this volume, which delves even further into the mechanics of creating comics. Mastering Comics covers story creation, detailed art tips, webcomic creation, and advice on getting work published. A valuable resource for serious comic-makers, or readers seeking deeper insight into the format. SC, $34.99 (First Second) ISBN: 978-1-59643-617-4
A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics: Choosing Titles Your Children Will Love
By Scott Robins and Snow Wildsmith
Written by two School Library Journal contributors, this comprehensive look at 100 graphic novels that are both entertaining and appropriate for children is broken down by grade level. Each entry includes a summary of the book, educational tie-ins, possible objectionable material, and recommendations of similar reads. SC, 16.99 (Krause Publications) ISBN: 978-1-4402-2994-7
SC, $50.00 (ALA Editions) ISBN: 978-0-8389-1089-4
Using Content-Area Graphic Texts for Learning
By Meryl Jaffe and Katie Monnin
BookShelf contributor Monnin and Johns Hopkins University instructor Jaffe aim to help middle school educators integrate graphic novels into their classrooms in four main areas – math, language arts, social studies, and science – by laying out the value of graphic novels as well as providing reading lists and Common Core-aligned lesson plans. SC, $23.95 (Maupin House) ISBN: 978-1-93670-060-8
More Books About Graphic Novels A number of excellent books have been written on the history of graphic novels, their standing among the arts, and the most current academic thinking on their utility today. DiamondBookShelf.com maintains an up-to-date list of the latest books about comics and graphic novels, including those specifically written for librarians or educators.
U S E F U L The Comic Book Project – Center for Educational Pathways
L I N K S
GNLib: Graphic Novels in Libraries
Maryland Comic Book Initiative
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GNLIB-L/
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/ MSDE/programs/recognition-partnerships/ md-comic-book
http://www.comicbookproject.org/
ComicsResearch.org – Academic & Library Resources
Good Comics for Kids (School Library Journal Blog)
http://www.comicsresearch.org/academic.html
http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/ goodcomicsforkids
Eek! Comics in the Classroom! (Education World)
Graphic Novels for Multiple Literacies (IRA – Gretchen Schwarz)
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/ profdev/profdev105.shtml
http://www.readingonline.org/newliteracies/ lit_index.asp?HREF=jaal/ 11-02_column/index.html
NACAE: the National Association of Comics Art Educators http://www.teachingcomics.org/
Expanding Literacies through Graphic Novels http://www1.ncte.org/Library/files/Free/ recruitment/EJ0956Expanding.pdf
The Graphic Novel and the World History Classroom (History Cooperative) http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/ whc/4.2/rhett.html
Graphic Novel Reporter http://www.graphicnovelreporter.com
No Flying, No Tights (Graphic Novel Review Site) http://www.noflyingnotights.com/
Using Comics and Graphic Novels in the Classroom (The Council Chronicle, Sept. 05) http://www.ncte.org/magazine/archives/122031
YALSA’s Great Graphic Novels for Teens List Making Curriculum Pop
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/ggnt
http://mcpopmb.ning.com
More Links DiamondBookShelf.com maintains an ever-growing database of web resources for educators and librarians. Categories include official Publisher sites, resources for teachers, resources for librarians, graphic novel and comics review sites, resources for kids and more!
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HOW TO ORDER COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS Yo u ha v e m an y op tion s – c h oose th e o ne t hat w o rks bes t f o r yo u!
1. BUY FROM YOUR LOCAL COMIC BOOK SHOP
2. BUY FROM YOUR USUAL WHOLESALER OR BOOK JOBBER
For a variety of reasons, your local comic book shop could be the best possible resource for your purchase of graphic novels. In fact, many local comic shops service both schools and libraries already with the latest comics and graphic novels.
Baker & Taylor, Booksource, Brodart, Follett, Ingram, Partners West, and other wholesalers all carry a full line of graphic novels. Most schools and libraries already do business with one or more of these companies, and it’s easy to add in your order through these procurement channels. Why not add graphic novels to your next order?
3. BUY DIRECT FROM DIAMOND If there are no comic book stores in your area and your usual wholesaler doesn’t have deep stock on a variety of titles, Diamond does sell directly to educators and librarians. For more information, call Allan Greenberg at (800) 318-8001 ext. 8864 or email library@diamondcomics.com or schools@diamondcomics.com
A GREAT RESOURCE: YOUR LOCAL COMIC BOOK SHOP Quality comic book shops are a valuable resource for libraries and schools seeking graphic novels and graphic novel information. In the past, such partnerships have proven successful for all involved, with increased sales and circulation, as well as the satisfaction that comes with community involvement. As comic book and graphic novel specialists, comic shop retailers have up-to-date knowledge on the most recent and upcoming hits, and a great familiarity with what their customers are reading and enjoying. Many are more than willing to work together on cross-promotional events, reaching out to and expanding the audience of graphic novel fans. So, how do you go about finding and dealing with your local comic shop? Well, it’s easier than you think. By following these easy steps, you’ll be coordinating with your local comic shop in no time!
Research and Choose a Store. Once you’ve located a store, the next thing to do is find out more about it. If you used the Comic Shop Locator, many of the stores have posted brief profiles. The best way to find out more information about a store is to visit it in person. That way, you’ll have the opportunity to browse through the store’s collection and get personal advice from the knowledgeable experts on hand. All stores will have their own unique approach – find one that you feel comfortable with. Introduce Yourself. Going into any new environment can be intimidating, especially when you have preconceived notions. But there’s nothing to fear from comic shop retailers. Many of them are happy to welcome librarians and teachers into their stores because they understand the mutual benefit working together can achieve. Let them know you’re interested in using graphic novels and they will be more than happy to help!
Find a Store. We’ve already done the work for you! To find your closest comic shop, all you have to do is use the Comic Shop Locator Service. Just log on to http://www. comicshop locator.com and enter your zip code. It’s as simple as that! Located on the store listings is the School and Library Partners icon above. Stores with this designation have told us they are willing to partner with schools and libraries to aid with selection, programming, purchasing, and more.
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The BookShelf e-Newsletter is designed to inform educators and librarians about the best graphic novels for their schools and libraries! Diamond Comic Distributors is the world’s largest distributor of English-language comic books,
We at Diamond have known for years that comic books and graphic novels are excellent teaching and learning tools…we’re pleased that so many educators are starting to agree! We hope you find this publication and our website a useful resource to convince others that comics can make a difference in helping to promote literacy, motivate readers and more.
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We believe that comics are not only great fun and great art, but also have educational value and are terrific tools for promoting literacy. The BookShelf magazine and website are two of comics and graphic novels in schools and libraries.
Come Looking for Comics and Graphic Novels?
There’s a lot to see and do at your local comic shop. From great comic books, graphic novels and toys, to cool events like Free Comic Book Day, creator signings, and more. It’s 100% convention—100% of the time. So come see what you’re missing! To learn more about your local comic shop, visit comicshoplocator.com.
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