I may not be doing the Graphic Novel challenge this year but I’m still reading these. I have to say that graphic novels continue to surprise me and entertain me and so I’ll definitely keep reading them. So, which ones have I read recently?
First is Life Sucks by Jessica Abel, Gabe Soria and Warren Pleece. Dave is stuck at the ultimate dead-end job, a night manager at the Last Stop convenience store. To make matters worse he is a vampire and his boss is his master. Yes, eternal life sucks, but there may be a glimmer of something good for Dave when he meets Rosa, a pretty girl who is into all things goth.
Of course there are all sorts of complications that come up, mainly another vampire who is trying to get the girl too but why don’t you read the story to find out what happens. An entertaining read which actually left me wanting more. Here’s my review.
My next read is Lynda Barry’s book What It Is. It’s a bit hard to classify this book because it can be anything from a memoir to a how-to book but it’s one I highly recommend and one I hope to add to my personal library.
This is one of those books you could probably open to just any page and take something from it. Bold and bright illustrations along with the story of how the author fostered her own creativity make this book a joy to read. You can’t help but want to pick up a pen and paper and write or draw, no matter what the outcome because there is no room for criticism here. It’s all about taking delight in the artistic process. Here’s my review.
I do have another graphic novel waiting for me, Ethel & Ernest by Raymond Briggs, so that’s something to look forward to. And, I’ve just found out that the folks at Bookreporter.com have a new site for those of us who can’t get enough graphic novels: Graphic Novel Reporter. It’s filled with reviews, resources, a blog and more. I can just see my wish list exploding. Got a good graphic novel to recommend? Let me know and I’ll add it to my wish list.
Are you getting these graphic novels from the library?
Mine doesn’t have What It Is. I’ll add it to my TBR list.
I don’t think I’ve read a graphic novel in my life, and my instinct is telling me I need to expand my horizons. These look awesome!
Those both sound great! As for recommendations, have you read Laika by Nick Abadzis? It’s about the actual Laika, and it’s such a beautiful and touching story.
Also, thanks for the link to Graphic Novel Reporter! I have a feeling I’ll be spending a lot of time there.
I’ve never read a graphic novel, though I’m looking into it for the WWII challenge. Thanks for letting us know about these.
Isabel – Yes, all the graphic novels I’ve been reading come from the library. I’ve noticed that the bookstores seem to carry more manga but I don’t read those (yet!) and I’ve had a hard time finding graphic novels.
Sandy – Ooh you must give one a try! I recommend Persepolis. That’s a great one to start getting into the world of graphic novels.
Nymeth – Have not read Laika but it’s on my list now! I’m waiting on some holds at the library so I’m going to see if they have that one and add it! Thank you for the recommendation and have fun at GNReporter. Isn’t it fun!
Anna – Like I told Sandy, you must 🙂 For the WWII challenge how about Maus? I’ve actually not read it yet but have heard so much about it I feel like I have. It’s on my list of course.
Oh, those sound like fun ones! I must see if my library has them.
I don’t know if you’ve read Chris Moore’s Love Sucks, but it sounds a lot like that Life Sucks graphic novel (which I just added to my library pile).
Have you read “One! Hundred! Demons!” by Lynda Barry? I haven’t read “What It Is” yet, but it sounds similar; it gave me the same kind of feeling anyway, and it totally roped me into reading more Barry.
“Life Sucks” has been on my list forever! I am glad to read it’s good, maybe I will bite the bullet and order it this weekend. 🙂
I added both of those books to my library holds! They sound really good. 🙂
These both sound really good and as I’m completely new to graphic novels I’m going to have to check em out 🙂 They sound good! I have Persoplis I and 2 checked out from the library but I haven’t had a chance to read them yet.
I have to admit I have never read a graphic novel. I know my partner read one b Neil Gaiman a little while ago that he loved. Can you suggest any good ones for a first timer??
I hvent read any graphic novels, I need to remedy that 🙂 Life Sucks looks good!
I’ve never read a graphic novel before but the Lynda Barry one sounds like one I might like. I should expand my horizons and try one … who knows, I might like it!
Stefanie – I hope your library carries those!
Linda – I’ve not read any Christopher Moore even though I’ve been meaning to for years. I’ve heard his books are really fun. Must remember that on my next library outing!
Karen – One Hundred Demons was one of my favorite reads last year. It was my intro to Lynda Barry and I absolutely loved it. I need to add that one to my permanent library as well. Have you read anything else by her? I have a couple of other books but I’m sort of spacing them out.
Kailana – Hope you find them 🙂
Samantha – Oh I hope you enjoy Persepolis. I’ve read all of Marjane Satrapi’s books and think they are really great.
Karen – I’m going to say start off with Persepolis. It’s got a very strong narrative so it does feel like you are reading a “regular” book but with pictures. I’ve read some other good ones but I think for an intro Persepolis 1 & 2 are perfect.
bookworm – You need to remedy that! 🙂 Life Sucks was pretty fun.
Jenners – I hope you’ll check out Lynda Barry’s book and One Hundred Demons by her is fabulous too!
The What it Is book sounds really interesting to me. I keep saying I am going to pick up a graphic novel next time I am at the bookstore. I am sort of in a reading slump since I got back from my trip. Need to get back on track! 😉
I read “The Greatest of Marlys!” shortly after “One! Hundred! Demons!” and didn’t like it as MUCH (it’s a high bar to hit, after all) but I did like it a lot. I think I just like her explicitly autobiographical stuff better. Plus, the look of “Demons” KILLS, all that glitter and great crafty design.
Christine – You gotta get on the bandwagon girl 🙂 Actually, after your trip to Paris you should read French Milk by Lucy Knisley. And, it’s not all illustrations, she also mixes some photography so I bet you’d get a kick out of that!
karen – I know, One Hundred Demons really spoiled us for any other Barry book didn’t it? There’s some autobiography in What It Is too but definitely not on the scale as OHD. I have her book Cruddy sitting on my shelves and am looking forward to that one.
You always find the most interesting-sounding graphic novels! And thanks for the heads up about the new graphic novel site – I will have to bookmark that one.
I haven’t read any graphic novels yet this year for the challenge, but it’s only February. I still have time. Life Sucks sounds kind of cheesy by fun. And thanks for the link to Graphic Novel Reporter, I’ll have to check it out.
I meant to type ‘cheesy BUT fun’ not by. Sigh.
Lesley – Kudos go to my library which stocks a ton of graphic novels! 🙂 Isn’t that site fun? I get the feeling I’m going to be reading a lot more graphic novels this year.
tanabata – You’ve got plenty of time! Yes, it is. I still laugh over the two guys who constantly watch the Mexican soap opera 🙂