The All Ages comics and manga category grew quite a bit in 2008, as publishers returned to attracting young readers instead of trying to maintain a status quo of existing comic fans. Of course, that means that more books have come out, but publishers haven’t done very much to inform people of their titles. That’s where my weekly lists come in. I’ve tried to identify the comics and manga that come out every week and pull out the titles appropriate for readers 12 and under.
This isn’t as easy of a task as it sounds. Many publishers don’t include an… Read More
Megumi Kuroishi’s father is a butler, but Megumi’s never had to worry about working. The Kogami family his father worked for disappeared in China years ago and all their wealth was left to Megumi’s family. So he’s a carefree student…right up until Suzuka Kogami is found in a rural Chinese village and Megumi discovers the truth about his family. They are cursed to serve the Kogami family in any way possible. But can the growing feelings between Megumi and Suzuka survive Megumi’s manservant tendencies?
In the spirit of indulging in less than "good for you" things over the holidays, here are the answers to a question I tossed out to the group: what’s been your guilty pleasure this past year in terms of graphic novel reading? Is there a title or series that, even though you know it’s not really great, you love anyway? Or you realize you keep reading the latest volume first, even if that highly recommended quality title was at the top of your "to read" pile? I asked… Read More
Her mother has vanished and her father has stopped going to work, but Rue Silver’s not worried. Really. Only it is bothering her that she’s apparently going crazy, seeing things that aren’t there, that can’t be there. Things like faeries. Two of the great creators of dark fantasy combine their prodigious talents to kick off a trilogy about a girl caught by the ties of family in the middle of what is about to be a showdown between faeries and humans.
The Good Neighbors, book one: Kin Written by Holly
Her mother has vanished and her father has stopped going to work, but Rue Silver’s not worried. Really. Only it is bothering her that she’s apparently going crazy, seeing things that aren’t there, that can’t be there. Things like faeries. Two of the great creators of dark fantasy combine their prodigious talents to kick off… Read More
Considering the popularity of the The World of Quest V. 1 at my library, I was really not looking forward to the inevitable question: when is volume 2 coming out? It’s the same question I hear about Jellaby and A Bit Haywire all the time. It’s that question that makes me want to tear my hair out, because I hear it so often and I don’t have an adequate answer. So I was delighted to find out that The World of Quest was not going to pose the same problem for me, because volume 2 has already… Read More
Things have slowed down quite a bit on the comics blogosphere, as everyone takes time off to visit family eat too much, rest up after finals, etc. However, there were a few items worth noting.
I don’t know how I missed this, but Brian Heater of The Daily Cross Hatch interviewedOwly creator Andy Runton last month. Runton talks about the origins of Owly and his reasons for preferring children’s comics over more adult work.
Diary of a Wimpy Superhero? Marvel is releasing an all-ages version of Wolverine, but ComicMix’s Robert Greenberger is not convinced that’s a good idea… Read More
This week’s list is just a lot of the usual monthly titles; Archie, DC, and Marvel. Dark Horse makes a rare apprearance with its new Star Wars Clone Wars series, and Harper Collins/Tokyopop has the second in the latest Warriors manga out. So, there’s not big rush to hit the comic shop this weekend. You’ll want to stay inside, where it’s nice and warm, which your feet up, so you don’t trip over all the kids’ new toys. Hope some of those presents include books!
ARCHIE COMICS
Archie #592, $2.25
Archie Digest #250, $2.49
Sonic X #40, $2.25
BARRONS EDUCATIONAL SERIES
Barrons Graphic Classics Adventures… Read More
At first glance, the manga industry looks to be on shaky legs. Several publishers have folded; Tokyopop, once Viz’s only serious American competitor, has scaled back its production schedule and shed staff; and recent sales figures indicate that readers have no compunction about cutting back on Naruto if money is tight. Tempting as it may be to conclude that the industry is collapsing, or experiencing the kind of brutal market adjustment that follows a fad (think Uggs or Beanie Babies), there are several reasons why it’s a little premature to declare manga’s demise.
From 2004 to 2007, Sarah Ellerton regaled the Internet with her award-winning tale of high fantasy, Inverloch. After she completed her 750+ page epic, she immediately began working on a Victorian-style supernatural piece entitled The Phoenix Requiem. Her works have gained her a broad fan base, stretching all over the Internet and the world itself. They even became so popular that volumes 1 and 2 of Inverloch were published. This native Australian has captivated the world with her tales for years, providing us with plenty food for thought, and recently, I got the chance to ask Sarah a few questions
Megumi Kuroishi’s father is a butler, but Megumi’s never had to worry about working. The Kogami family his father worked for disappeared in China years ago and all their wealth was left to Megumi’s family. So he’s a carefree student…right up until Suzuka Kogami is found in a rural Chinese village and Megumi discovers the truth about his family. They are cursed to serve the Kogami family in any way possible. But can the growing feelings between Megumi and Suzuka survive Megumi’s manservant tendencies?
In the spirit of indulging in less than "good for you" things over the holidays, here are the answers to a question I tossed out to the group: what’s been your guilty pleasure this past year in terms of graphic novel reading? Is there a title or series that, even though you know it’s not really great, you love anyway? Or you realize you keep reading the latest volume first, even if that highly recommended quality title was at the top of your "to read" pile? I asked… 
Her mother has vanished and her father has stopped going to work, but Rue Silver’s not worried. Really. Only it is bothering her that she’s apparently going crazy, seeing things that aren’t there, that can’t be there. Things like faeries. Two of the great creators of dark fantasy combine their prodigious talents to kick off a trilogy about a girl caught by the ties of family in the middle of what is about to be a showdown between faeries and humans. 
