Independent Opinions, News, and Reviews of Graphic Novels, Manga, and Comic Books
A Man and His Cat volume 5 was much more dramatic than I expected — or maybe wanted. I like this series by Umi Sakurai because seeing a lonely older man and an overlooked cat find each other was comforting and cozy. While this volume follows up the theme of the previous book about allowing oneself to rely on friends, the actual events were somewhat nerve-wracking. Another cat that Fukumaru recognizes from the pet shop is lost and hurt. When […]
Read more
The original, unabridged text of the founding document of the United States is presented in comic form, with each clause or section of the Constitution illustrated in a single-page panel. Author R. Sikoryak uses the original spelling and punctuation, so, for example, “choose” is “chuse”, reminding us that this is a historical document. End notes tell the reader which clauses have later been superseded. There’s also a list of when the amendments were proposed and ratified. Constitution Illustrated is educational […]
Read more
I’m impressed that as the Otherworldly Izakaya Nobu series has continued, our knowledge of the recurring cast has allowed for stories that move beyond delicious food to more subtle explorations of family and political motivations. Although the delicious food is still present, making my mouth water as I read. In volume 9, those stories include some humanizing moments for Gehrnot the tax collector. He almost has a reunion with his brother, the traveling actor, and he helps some warehouse owners […]
Read more
Ah, the hazards of licensed properties. Cowboy Bebop, an anime series launched in 1997, was incredibly popular. A live-action adaptation was finally made by Netflix last year, starring John Cho. The show debuted in November 2021. Less than a month later, the streamer announced a quick cancellation; there wouldn’t be any more past the first season of ten episodes. Pop culture has moved on already, new year, plenty more TV to anticipate or hate on. Next week, Titan Comics releases […]
Read more
Following in the mold of her earlier The Mushroom Fan Club, Elise Gravel has created a wonderful book about her fascination with bugs in The Bug Club. The hardcover feels like a glimpse inside a personal scrapbook, as though a knowledgeable and devoted friend is sharing their interest with the reader. Gravel’s enthusiasm is contagious. It’s a quick read, but packed with content and well worth rereading. Tons of bug facts are accompanied by friendly, cartoony images. The story is […]
Read more
I’m excited to see Image Comics reissuing Paris by Andi Watson (writer) and Simon Gane (artist). Originally published in 2007, it’s the story of an American art student studying in Paris. She’s hired to paint the portrait of a protected English girl, and the two are instantly attracted to each other. Juliet has an annoying roommate, while Deborah is chaperoned by a very British aunt who only cares about dogs and hunting. I think the story is more likely to […]
Read more
I discovered recently that one of my favorite cartoonists, Posy Simmonds, had a book out I didn’t know about. (This is common, as not many of her works have been published over here. Thank goodness for easy overseas ordering these days.) Literary Life Revisited is an expanded edition of the 2003 Literary Life, a savagely funny collection of cartoon pages about authors, publishers, and booksellers. The revisited edition is well worth it, as it has the occasional color cartoon, and […]
Read more
There are a ton of Sherlock Holmes film and TV projects briefly described in Cut to Baker Street. With the book’s inclusion of web series, video games, and other short pieces, any reader will discover something they weren’t previously aware of. However, the information given for any project is very brief. Most titles have mere plot descriptions, without much information about history, style, quality, or importance. Particularly with those items that weren’t commercial full-length films or TV shows, it’s frustrating […]
Read more