The New York Times Presents Its List
George Gene Gustines of the New York Times has given his gift guide for 2009 Graphic Novels, and it's a nice list. There's a lot of what you would expect there (Fables, Bloom County, 3 Story) and some very interesting choices (Criminal, Walking Dead, Act-I-Vate Primer). I like the diversity on the list!
-- John HoganMavericks Grow in Texas
The Texas Library Association's Young Adult Round Table crafts a recommended reading list for graphic novels every year, and their new list has just been announced. The list is put together by a group of talented public and school librarians who want to suggest some nice reading material for kids from 6th to 12th grade. And they have the great name of the Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List.
-- John HoganComic-Con Cofounder Passes Away
Just weeks after the sad death of Sheldon Dorf, Ken Krueger, who cofounded the world-famous San Diego Comic-Con, has also died. Krueger, who helped found the con in 1970, passed away from a heart attack in Lockport, New York, on November 21. Krueger had worked as a publisher and distributor, as well as a retailer, in the industry.
No Apologies Necessary
The current issue of Entertainment Weekly (December 4) has an interesting letter in it. It's from a guy named Roy in Springfield, Virginia, who describes himself as "a 57-year-old comics fan" and thanks EW for including a comics bestseller list in a recent issue. So far so good. But then comes the parenthetical: "and yes, I also have a life."
-- John HoganA Bit of Shameless Self-Promotion
Yesterday, the judges for the 2010 Eisner Awards (which will be held at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 23 of next year) were announced, and yours truly is one of them. I'm really honored to be among these other great judges (get to meet them all here) and I'm looking forward to taking part in the whole process, which is going to be rigorous, challenging, and a whole lot of fun. Here's hoping I'm up to the task!
-- John HoganJumping the Gun: A Big Thumbs-Up
Check back tomorrow for a full review of Luna Park and an interview with its author, Kevin Baker, but in the meantime, run out now and get it. I'm mesmerized by this graphic novel. Baker brings the noir prose storytelling technique he employed in such books as Dreamland and Strivers Row to the comics format, and it works beautifully. Perhaps it works so well because of Danijel Zezelj's incredible artwork and the gorgeous tones employed throughout.
-- John HoganTV Check
Two TV shows with comics-related content have caught my attention this season, one new and one old. The new one, which I'm enjoying quite a bit, is the new conspiracy puzzler FlashForward. I love it (and by the way, I'm going to say I love what ABC is doing this season by preparing for Lost's end with FlashForward and the new V...even if their execution isn't always perfect, I think it's great that the opportunity for good sci-fi on TV is there). Anyway, one of the mysteries of FlashForward is the identity of a person named "D.
-- John HoganSheldon Dorf, Founder of Comic-Con, Dies
Sheldon Dorf died on November 4 in San Diego. The 76-year-old passed away from kidney failure apparently due to complications of diabetes. We all owe Dorf a debt of gratitude for the magical thing he founded in 1970: the San Diego Comic-Con. What back then was a small gathering of comics enthusiasts grew over the decades into the massive, sprawling convention that brings in people from all over the world to celebrate comics, manga, games, film, and more.
Are We in a New Golden Age?
In the foreword to his book 1,000 Comic Books You Must Read, Tony Isabella mentions that we indeed are. He asserts that, with the breadth of quality comics now being published, as well as the ready access to easily affordable reprints of classic works, this is the true Golden Age, one that’s better than any ever before. It’s hard to disagree, but I’ve been pondering it ever since reading it.
-- John HoganYALSA Unveils Its Graphic Nominees
The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) once a year selects its list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens, and 2010 will be no different. First, though, we get the list of nominees, a vast ranking that includes some of the most lauded titles of the year.
-- John Hogan
