Out from the Comic Shop

More than Just "Okie Dokie"

2012-02-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

From the first few panels of Okie Dokie Donuts, it's clear that writer/artist Chris Eliopoulos has a handle on how to create an energizing tale. Panels are nearly spilling over into one another, filled with singing customers and meticulously rendered backgrounds of the shelves and pastry cases in the donut shop. Big Mama, owner of Okie Dokie Donuts, is indeed a big mama, and Eliopoulos seems to have to squeeeeeeze her girth into panels amidst her loving customers. The physiques of Big Mama, not to mention the mysterious salesman named Mr. Mayweather and his robot Mr. Baker, are misshapen and exaggerated, contorting to emote joy, disgust, and surprise. This sort of kinetic construction pushes readers' eyes through the story quickly, even though much is to be gained upon re-reads, when one can take the time to view and appreciate the highly-detailed panels.

Playful sound nods to the reader ("How did you get that giant box in my kitchen?" "It's a comic book. Don't worry about it!") and sing-song dialogue add another layer of sensory depth that can't help but bring to mind Saturday-morning cartoons of yesteryear. And though at times the color palette (all oranges and yellows) can cause some perspective confusion, there is rarely more than one character speaking per panel, which, speaking from experience, is a real plus for novice comics readers. Comics, after all, is a visual medium, and the stars that circle over a concussed character's head can tell just as much of a story as an exclamation of "Ouch!" or speech bubbles that go back and forth between characters again and again and again.

Though Eliopoulos is clearly adept at creating an auditory dimension to his work, I was likewise impressed by his choice of dialogue. This is clearly a comic with young readers in mind, but his word choice is anything but childish, again recalling cartoons like "Loony Tunes" in which the creators clearly respect the viewer's ability to decipher sophisticated words (at least, sophisticated for eight year-olds) by using context clues. Sure, the average reader of Okie Dokie Donuts may not know what "patisserie" means, but one look at a character's wild gesticulations can give clues to its meaning that are easy enough to pick up.

Okie Dokie Donuts is a ton of fun. Highly recommended for ages 6-10.

Want to check it out for yourself? You can check out a preview of Okie Dokie Donuts over at Good Comics for Kids.

Review -- "Anya's Ghost" by Vera Brogsol

2011-06-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: I, unlike the pre-teens and teenagers I taught for years, have a weak constitution when it comes to the macabre. In film form, anyway. And while yes, it is embarrassing that 12 year-olds have stronger stomachs for slasher films than I do, I take some small comfort that at least recently I have grown to appreciate a melancholy tale or two in print form. A perfect example -- I love Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead in comics form. But there’s no way I could handle watching the TV adaptation done by AMC. Maybe I’ll get there someday. Baby steps, you know?

So with my limited exposure to this genre of literature, I’ve identified a few go-to writers who can scratch this curious itch. I’ve recently become appreciative of Neil Gaiman’s particular take on the darker side of life, gobbling up the comics, children’s books, and novels he’s penned. I was even lucky enough to see him speak about his novel Neverwhere as part of Chicago Public Library’s “One Book, One Chicago” program this past winter. So when, during this talk, he mentioned that Vera Brosgol’s Anya’s Ghost was one of the only new books he was really excited about, I knew I had to give it a shot. Spoiler: I wasn’t disappointed.

Anya is a strong-willed teenager who is evidently so concerned with fitting in that she actively shuns her Russian heritage. Anya worries that her mother’s “greasy” traditional Russian breakfast will cause her to gain weight. She actively avoids Dima, her fellow Russian immigrant classmate, whose thick accent she finds embarrassing. She even introduces herself to her crush as Anya “Brown” (rather than using her actual surname, “Borzakovskaya”) so clearly focused is she on assimilating fully into popular American culture.

Deciding to skip school rather than deal with all of the pressures that can drive a teenager crazy, Anya literally stumbles upon the ghost of a girl who has trapped in a well for 90 years. When Anya is rescued from the well, she unknowingly brings the stowaway spirit Emily with her. And though using Emily in school as an intangible talking cheat sheet does seem fun at first, Anya’s obsession with popular culture and ‘hooking up’ Anya with a hunky jock quickly wears on Anya’s nerves. When Emily feels that Anya no longer needs her, Emily’s true nature (as both a ghost and a young girl with a hidden past) begin to surface, and Emily is forced to enlist Dima and a public library (how lame!) to figure out Emily’s secret.

It’s this idea of the difficulties in establishing one’s own identity that gives Anya’s Ghost such power. Emily’s passionate pursuit of modern popular culture mirrors Anya’s quest to seem as ‘American’ as possible, and this struggle to fit in should seem quite familiar to any teenager who opens Anya’s Ghost. Fittingly composed in grey tones, Brosgol’s art is accessible, clean, and expressive. Because of her ordeal, Anya’s experiences a myriad of emotions, and Brosgol is able to accurately embody these emotions in the contortions of Anya’s face. The plotting of Anya’s Ghost is well-balanced, with fast-paced action scenes interspersed amongst the quieter character moments, which should appeal to teen readers who enjoy suspenseful reads. I will point out, however, that there is some fairly mature content here, including Anya’s obsession with smoking and her attempt to dress provocatively (at Emily’s suggestion) in order to attract her crush. These moments, however, are meaningful in the larger thematic context the story. Finding where you fit in the world is tough for a teenager -- alive or dead. And though it takes a supernatural encounter for Anya to realize that there are more important things than popularity, it is still an important lesson learned, and one that will not be lost on teen readers.

Achievement Unlocked -- "Level Up" by Gene Luen Yang and Thien Pham

2011-05-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing that nearly all teenagers are adept at, it's escapism. And hell, who can blame them? School, peer pressure, zits, puberty...it's enough to make any sane person crawl into a hole. These challenges can be even more intense for many first generation Americans, as the examples of risk and sacrifice set by their parents can be intimidating, to say the least. When confronted with his father's death, Dennis Ouyang -- Level Up's awkward teenage lead -- attempts to finds sanctuary from such pressures in video games. But try as he may, he cannot escape the life his father wanted so strongly for him to lead.

That is not to say that Level Up doesn't have its moments of levity. Romantically, Dennis is both the pursuer and the pursued, and negotiates the two as many teenagers do -- by making a whole lot of mistakes. Dennis dumps his video game friend the moment he first succumbs to the pressure of his father's hopes for him, learning only much later what a mistake it was. It is Yang's ability to balance the everyday teenage drama with more difficult issues such as ethnic identity and death that makes his work such a great read for both teenagers and adults.

Literally haunted by his father's memory in the form of four tiny angels that only he can see, Dennis flip-flops between accepting the life his father had planned for him (as a gastroenterologist) and carving out a life of his own. These angels attempt to instill in Dennis "the will to endure", which, as anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one knows, is no small task. Here, Yang flexes his unique skill of using magical realism to convey complicated messages about race and identity. Thought the plot in Level Up is less nuanced than in American Born Chinese, Yang's best known work, the import of the magical aspects of the story remains. These angels are relentless in their pressure on Dennis to "fulfill [his] destiny;" so that the effect of this device is to leave the reader feeling that this is not simply the wish of a 'bossy' parent, but something much greater. With the help of his med school friends, he finds a way to cope with these expectations, eventually confronting the angels. In this moving scene, Dennis gains insight into his father's own struggles, setting him on the road to understanding just why his father believed so intently in his son's 'destiny'.

One need not be the children of immigrants, however, to appreciate Dennis' difficulties, and in this way Yang offers teenage readers what many so desperately crave -- inspiration that they too can one day take control of their own lives, whether inspired by or despite the wishes of their parents.

Pham's art is reminiscent of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series in that it is not meant to dazzle with technical mastery, but only to function effectively as a storytelling vehicle. Simple figures, colors, and layouts are all that is needed, as long as those stick figures communicate a message that words alone cannot. What works for Diary of a Wimpy Kid works for Level Up; clean, straightforward storytelling that in its simplicity somehow accentuates how complex adolescence and young adulthood can be. Coupled with the sincerity and heart present in all of Yang's work, Level Up is an achievement indeed.

Review -- Super Dinosaur #1 by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard

2011-04-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Here’s the thing about writing for young adults: it’s extremely difficult to avoid being either too cutesy or too mature. Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), through his signature blend of silly humor and nonstop action, deftly navigates the precarious Young Adult terrain in the new series Super Dinosaur, the first issue of which was released this week by Image Comics. Helped immensely by Jason Howard’s clean lines and smooth visual storytelling, Super Dinosaur provides young adult readers just the right blend of adventure and comedy to keep them wanting more by the time the issue comes to its dramatic cliffhanger end. And, honestly, it’s a whole lot of fun for adult readers as well.

The titular Super Dinosaur (or SD for short) is a talking, armored, armed Tyrannosaurus Rex from the middle of the earth. SD, Derek Dynamo (his teenage best friend and the son of the famous Doctor Dexter Dynamo), and Derek’s robot Wheels use their well-balanced combination of intellect and some pretty awesome robotic artillery to battle the evil Doctor Max Maximus. Though Derek loves teaming with SD and Wheels to launch fists and missiles at evil robots and Dino-Men, his biggest concern is that his father’s mental capacities are slowly fading. Like many teenagers, Derek has to grow up quickly, covering for his scientist father’s increasingly frequent mistakes by finishing his work, afraid to let his father know that he is not quite the scientist that he once was.

Super Dinosaur works so well because it manages to create a hero in Derek that young adults can relate to and aspire to be. He’s a seemingly normal teenager who cares deeply about his father and his friends (even if they are a nine foot tall dinosaur and a robot) and who loves adventure. Though he hasn’t been gifted with tremendous physical strength, his intelligence and empathy for his father inspire him to fight for what is right. Kirkman’s choice to have the Dino-Men as the villains is a thoughtful device to soften the impact of the violent acts that the heroes inflict upon their enemies, while providing the page-turning action that young adult readers expect. In the end, however, it is Derek’s relationship with his father that provides the drama that drives this story. Teenagers, maybe more than any other age group, understand what if feels like to be powerless, and should instantly respect and admire Derek’s efforts to protect his father.

Super Dinosaur is a fun-filled, action-packed adventure for readers of all ages. Howard’s art style is perfect for new comics readers, as the colors are vivid and the action is dynamic yet easy to follow (a concern expressed by many readers new to comics). Kirkman and Howard have a hit on their hands in Super Dinosaur, and readers should be excited to read what comes next.

BONUS: Read a 13-page preview at Comixology.

Comics Creator Calls for Better Kids Comics

2010-10-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Recently posted over at iFanboy, accomplished writer/artist Chris Eliopolous (Franklin Richards: Son of a Genius, Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers) makes a plea to the comics industry to produce better content (including digital) for kids. He's right, you know. Check it out by clicking on the link below.

"The Kids Are All Right" by Chris Eliopoulos

Michael Chabon, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay (currently my favorite novel of all time, by the way), made a similar plea at Comic Con International in 2004. You can read that speech here, and it has also been collected in his book of essays entitled Maps and Legends.

Review -- "Brain Camp"

2010-10-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Brain Camp
Susan Kim, Laurence Klavan, Faith Erin Hicks
First Second, 2010

The creative team that brought the excellent City of Spies is back with their second graphic novel, this time with the talented Faith Erin Hicks (whose War at Ellsmere I previously reviewed on this blog) handling the art duties. From the jacket design to the wonderfully creepy story, Brain Camp is a another wonderfully unique work of comics that belongs in your school's library.

Immediately appealing to students is the setting of Brain Camp; a summer camp for the gifted. Protagonists Jenna and Lucas endure all of the usual calamities that befall adolescents while away at summer camp, including cliques, weird food, and out-of-touch camp counselors. Jenna and Lucas are in for a surprise though, as it is clear that their are some dark secrets that the camp leaders are concealing -- strange, mystical secrets...

Brain Camp should appeal to middle school readers who've been devouring traditional novels of vampires, werewolves, and the like. In fact, Brain Camp might be a perfect entrance point to the world of comics and graphic novels; the panel layouts are very clear and easy to follow, and Hicks has a way of blending both realistic and cartoonish rendering of characters and settings. First Second is really leading the way in graphic novel publishing aimed at kids, and Brain Camp might be their best contribution to the medium yet.

ALA names most banned graphic novels

2010-09-28T09:29:00.000-07:00

[via newsarama]

ALA names most banned graphic novels

Time to celebrate Banned Books Week, since the ALA (American Library Association) has put out the list of the most challenged graphic novels. Some were understandable, others, I’m scratching my head here. Example: Maus has been challenged as being “Anti-Ethnic”. I don’t get where that’s coming from since it teaches of the horrors of the Holocaust. Now, Sandman, I understand, it’s not age-appropriate, but why would that be in a school anyways? Or Watchmen, which was “unsuited to age group”? What age are we talking about here?

“Not every book is right for each reader, but we should have the right to think for ourselves and allow others to do the same,” said ALA President Roberta Stevens. “How can we live in a free society and develop our own opinions if our right to choose reading materials for ourselves and our families is taken away? We must remain diligent and protect our freedom to read.”

Again, I think it’s silly for other people (read: strangers) to decide what is suitable for other people to read. Other than the fact it’s cost people their librarian positions for making that decision, it’s just morally wrong.

So go out there and enjoy these fine, banned books.

Review -- "Batgirl: Batgirl Rising"

2010-09-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

Batgirl: Batgirl Rising
Bryan Q. Miller, Lee Garbett, Tim Levins, et. al.
DC Comics, 2010

Ever since I began using comics in the classroom, I've bemoaned the lack of strong, intelligent, un-objectified (if that's a word) female protagonists in the comics medium. A few years ago, with DC's now-defunct Minx line, I was given a brief reprieve from my complaining. Titles like The Plain Janes (and its sequel Janes in Love), Re-Gifters, Good as Lily, and the oft-overlooked The New York Four all featured women that the female readership could be proud of. Now that those comics are gone, there's been scant few comics to fill the gap in the strong female protagonist department. Enter Batgirl.

Batgirl is an important addition to a school comics library because it is not only respectful of women, but of all readers in general. Telling the story of Stephanie Brown's first few adventures in the Batgirl costume, Batgirl Rising weaves together action movie elements, teenage drama, (elementary) philosophical debates, and years of Bat-continuity in one fun, easy-to-access package.

After a bumpy start in which perspective is shifted too often and the action isn't terribly clear, the art services the story well in that it gives us (what I believe to be) accurate insight both into the seemingly-normal world of a college freshman as well as the danger that same freshman faces on the streets of Gotham. Particularly, I am impressed by the artists' rendering of Stephanie's wardrobe; rather than wearing mini-skirts with a thong poking out of the top (yes, that's how many -- if not most -- comic book artists still draw women), Stephanie dresses how women actually dress. Her proportions are modest and underplayed, which I believe is an important factor in any comic that enters the classroom.

The flaws I found in this collection (these seven 'chapters' were originally published as individual issues of the ongoing Batgirl title) were few. The Bat-novice may not know, for instance, quite what many of the characters' backstories are; though this isn't essential to enjoying the plot, it might take away some of its richness. There is a curse-word or two ("dammit" and "hell"), and there is quite a bit of violence. But in all, this is a story of a young woman making the right choices, and with its blend of action, humor, and theme, I think that Batgirl: Batgirl Rising would make a great addition to a classroom or school library.

Review -- "Bone: Tall Tales"

2010-09-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Jeff Smith -- creator of the epically fantastical, kid-friendly Bone series -- is back. Well...sort of. Tall Tales collects some previously published stories along with some new collaborations with Tom Sniegoski, providing some rounding-out of backstories only hinted at in the original Bone books. Is it mandatory reading for Bone fans? Can someone other than Smith (namely Sniegoski) carry the weight of such beloved characters? Is the name "Big Johnson Bone" supposed to be funny? Let's explore (some of) the answers...

First off, it should be restated that I used the first story arc of Bone (later collected as "Out From Boneville") in my seventh grade Language Arts classes for two years, with amazing results. From a sheer engagement perspective, my students couldn't get enough of this universe. Struggling and successful readers alike loved the humor, the adventure, and the danger that run throughout "Out From Boneville". My school library quickly stocked the entire series and a prequel, and had difficulty keeping them on the shelves. Though not written for children, there's something about the off-color humor combined with the fantastic setting (which, as evidenced by the popularity of series like Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl, et. al., is for some reason appealing to adolescents) that grabs young readers and leaves them wanting more. With Tall Tales, these readers should find some, if not all, of those appealing factors.

Simply but beautifully illustrated by Smith, Tall Tales focuses on the ancestor of our heroes from the original series, one Big Johnson Bone. Smiley Bone -- the fun-loving if daft Bone cousin -- and an orphaned Rat Creature named Barnaby tell a pack of young Bone Scouts about the adventures of the most famous Bone of all, Big Johnson Bone. These adventures consist of typical Smith plot devices -- run-ins with cruel-yet-hapless Rat Creatures, help from friendly woodland creatures, and tons of action. The larger, more intricate fantasy narrative that runs throughout the original series is abandoned here for more of an innocent romp, with mixed results.

Though so action-packed it was a really quick read, I found myself frequently looking to the back of the book to check how many pages were left. This was especially the case during the Sniegoski-penned "The Lost Tale of Big Johnson Bone", which occupies more than half of this collection. The same gags repeat themselves over and over, and the conclusion of the story is far too predictable. Sniegoski does, I'll admit, continue Smith's admirable practice of not patronizing young readers. The vocabulary used here is elevated, and includes some idioms particular to either days gone by or to the Bone world itself. This could potentially alienate a struggling reader, but the nature of the comics medium -- as well as Smith's expert cartooning, particularly in his ability to accurately capture a wide range of facial expressions -- fills in the gaps in the reader's knowledge. I was quite happy to see this practice carried over.

As far as appropriateness for the classroom, there is only a couple of instances of questionable language here (the word 'damn'), and I think that names like "Big Johnson Bone" and "The Cobbler Gobbler" will go over most students' heads. Unfortunately, the narrative here is just too thematically thin to be appropriate for whole-class study. Tall Tales would be a better fit in a classroom or school library, guaranteed to be checked out by students who can't get enough of the universe.

Back to Work -- Sort of...

2010-08-12T07:18:00.001-07:00

Well, I've been away for awhile, but I'll be back posting shortly. Stay tuned for new release news, lesson plan ideas, and graphic novel reviews.

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 4/21/10

2010-04-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here's this week's list of the kid-friendly comics available for teachers to pick up for their classrooms. I've included links to previews (courtesy of Comic Book Resources) where available. As always, thanks to iFanboy for the list of new releases.

It's another great week, so get to your local comic shop! High school teachers will definitely want to check out The Beats: A Graphic History, and with the Green Lantern movie in production, DC has re-released a great primer for those new to the mythos -- Green Lantern: Rebirth. I read the entire series in one sitting at the Lake Orion Public Library while on holiday break a few years ago.

Don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #628 ($3.99)
Archie #608 ($2.99)
Betty & Veronica Double Digest #180 ($3.99)
Billy Batson and The Magic of Shazam #15 ($2.50)
The Brave and The Bold #33 ($2.99)
Donald Duck and Friends #353 ($2.99)
Farscape #6 ($3.99)
Her-oes #1 ($3.99)
Jughead and Friends Digest #37 ($2.69)
Marvelous Land of Oz #5 ($3.99)
Power Girl #11 ($2.99)
Simpsons Comics #165 ($2.99)
Superman/Batman #71 ($2.99)
Tales of the TMNT #69 ($3.25)
Tiny Titans #27 ($2.99)
From last week: Toy Story #3 ($2.99)
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #9 ($3.99)
WALL-E #5 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

The Beats: A Graphic History Trade Paperback ($14.95)
Green Lantern: Rebirth Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Invincible: The Ultimate Collection Vol. 5 Hardcover ($34.99)
Lockjaw and The Pet Avengers Trade Paperback ($19.99)
Runaways Digest Vol. 10: Rock Zombies Trade Paperback ($9.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 4/14/10

2010-04-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week for teachers to pick up for their classrooms. I've included links to previews (courtesy of Comic Book Resources) where available. As always, thanks to iFanboy for the list of new releases.

It's a really big week, so get to your local comic shop! A quick apology to anyone who picked up last week's issue of Invincible: I had been reading the collections that my school library purchased, and last week's issue was supposed to be 'new-reader friendly'. Apparently that wasn't the case at all. My bad!

Don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man: The Origin of Hunter #1 ($3.99)
Amazing Spider-Man Presents: Jackpot #3 ($3.99)
Archie Digest #263 ($2.69)
Betty &Veronica Digest #247 ($2.99)
Ender's Game: League War ($3.99)
Flash #1 ($3.99)
Free Realms #8 ($3.99)
Kill Shakespeare #1 ($3.99)
Lockjaw and The Pet Avengers: Unleashed #2 ($2.99)
Scooby Doo #155 ($2.50)
Sonic Universe #15 ($2.99)
Super Hero Squad #4 ($2.99)
Super Heroes #1 ($3.99)
Toy Story #3 ($2.99)
Transformers: Nefarious #2 ($3.99)
Uncle Scrooge #390 ($2.99)
Web of Spider-Man #7 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Amazing Spider-Man: Died in Your Arms Tonight Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Amelia Rules: The Tweenage Guide to Not Being Unpopular Hardcover ($14.99)
Archie New Look Vol. 4: My Father's Betrayal Trade Paperback ($10.95)
Black History Leaders Trade Paperback ($15.99)
Essential Iron Man Vol. 4 Trade Paperback ($19.99)
Mercury Hardcover ($19.99)
The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck Vol. 2Hardcover ($24.99)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man: Peter Parker vs. The X-Men Digest Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Poe Trade Paperback ($16.99)
Power Girl: A New Beginning ($17.99)
Runaways: True Believers Trade Paperback ($14.99)
The Superman Chronicles, Vol. 8 Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Transformers: Tales of the Fallen Trade Paperback ($19.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 4/8/10

2010-04-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

Another Wednesday means another new comic day here in the States, so I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. I've included links to previews (courtesy of Comic Book Resources) where available. As always, thanks to iFanboy for the list of new releases.

Definitely a little light on the previews this week, but there are a couple of new titles that look fun, including Avengers: The Origin and Thor and the Warriors Four. I've been reading the Invincible collections my school library purchased, and a new-reader friendly issue of Invincible drops this week. Pick it up and see if your kids dig it!

Also, don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Archie & Friends #142 ($2.50)
Avengers: The Origin #1 ($3.99)
Betty & Veronica Digest #203 ($2.69)
Captain America/Black Panther: Flags of Our Fathers #1 ($3.99)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #48 ($2.50)
Flash: Secret Files and Origins #1 ($3.99)
Invincible Returns #1 ($2.99)
Iron Man Magazine #1 ($6.99)
Jughead's Double Digest #159 ($3.99)
Looney Toons #185 ($2.50)
Muppet Show #4 ($2.99)
Superman: Secret Origin #5 ($3.99)
Thor and The Warriors Four #1 ($3.99)
Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #705 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Black Widow and The Marvel Girls Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Disney Fairies Vol. 1: Prilla's Talent Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Donald Duck and Friends: Double Duck Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Ghostbusters: Displaced Aggression Trade Paperback ($17.99)
Obama/McCain: Election 2008 Trade Paperback($9.99)
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: A to Z Vol. 13 Premiere Hardcover ($24.99)
Uncle Scrooge: The Hunt for Old Number One Trade Paperback ($9.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics Collections, 3/31/10

2010-03-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

If this is the second time you're seeing this post, I apologize. I'm having some difficulty getting my RSS feed to post to my Facebook page, so I'm re-posting.

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. I've included links to previews (courtesy of Comic Book Resources) where available. As always, thanks to iFanboy for the list of new releases.

It looks like Bluewater has really stepped up its scheduling of the Political Power and Female Force lines. Definitely worth having in the classroom.

Also, don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #627 ($2.99)
Betty #185 ($2.50)
Billy Batson and The Magic of Shazam #14 ($2.50)
Disney's Hero Squad #3 ($2.99)
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? #10 ($3.99)
Female Force #13: Ellen Degeneres ($3.99)
Pals & Gals Digest #140 ($3.99)
Political Power #9: Bill Clinton ($3.99)
Sonic the Hedgehog #211 ($2.50)
Transformers #5 ($3.99)
Usagi Yojimbo #127 ($3.50)
Wizards of Mickey #3 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Amazing Spider-Man Ultimate Collection Vol. 3 Trade Paperback ($34.99)
Amazing Spider-Man: The Complete Clone Saga Epic Book 1 Trade Paperback ($34.99)
The Brave and The Bold: Demons and Dragons Trade Paperback ($17.99)
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Vol. 2 Hardcover ($24.99)
Hardy Boys #19: Chaos at 30,000 Feet Trade Paperback ($7.95)
Iron Man: I Am Iron Man Trade Paperback ($16.99)
Oracle: The Cure Trade Paperback($17.99)
Robin Archives Vol. 2 Hardcover ($59.99)

Comics and Boys' Literacy

2010-03-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you, at least anecdotally, some of my most struggling male readers gobble up the comics and graphic novels in my classroom. Has it made an impact on reading scores? We'll see.

This article mentions teachers' resistance to the use of comics in the classroom, but moreover explains why the medium is so engaging.

[EN/SANE World and The Beat]

Book Trailer: "The Storm In The Barn" by Matt Phelan

2010-03-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

A while back (over at the old version of my other blog, It Might Blow Up), I reviewed this fantastic graphic novel by Matt Phelan. I stumbled across this book trailer a while ago, and thought I should share it. Again, it's a fantastic addition to any middle or high school library.

[EN/SANE World]

New Kid-Friendly Comics Collections, 3/24/10

2010-03-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. I've included links to previews (courtesy of Comic Book Resources) where available. As always, thanks to iFanboy for the list of new releases.

Though I haven't read the relaunch of Ultimate Comics Spider-Man yet, I haven't heard a bad thing about it yet. I'll definitely be picking it up for my classroom.

Also, don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #626 ($2.99)
Archie #607 ($2.50)
Archie Double Digest #207 ($3.99)
Batman: The Brave and The Bold #15 ($2.50)
Cars #3 ($2.99)
Donald Duck & Friends #352 ($2.99)
Female Force #12: Michelle Obama Year One ($3.99)
Futurama Comics #48 ($2.99)
Incredibles #7 ($2.99)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #61 ($2.99)
Marvels Project #7 ($3.99)
Peter Parker #1 ($3.99)
Political Power #8: Nelson Mandela ($3.99)
Superman/Batman #70 ($2.99)
Tales of the TMNT #68 ($3.25)
Tiny Titans #26 ($2.50)
Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #3 ($3.99)
WALL-E #4 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Archie Wedding: Will You Marry Me? Trade Paperback ($14.95)
Complete Peanuts Vol. 13: 1975-1976 Hardcover ($28.99)
Donald Duck Classics Vol. 1: Quack Up Hardcover ($24.99)
Ender's Shadow: Command School Premiere Hardcover ($24.99)
Runaways: Homeschooling Trade Paperback ($14.99)
The Simpsons/Futurama Crossover Crisis Slipcase Hardcover ($24.95)
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man: The World According to Peter Parker Premiere Hardcover ($24.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics Collections, 3/17/10

2010-03-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

Personally, I can't wait to grab the Superman 80-Page Giant, as the reviews have been great.

Also, don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #625 ($2.99)
Betty & Veronica Double Digest #200 ($3.99)

The Brave and The Bold #32 ($2.99)
Jughead #200 ($2.50)
Muppet King Arthur #3 ($2.99)
The Muppet Show #3 ($2.99)
Scooby Doo #154 ($2.50)
Simpsons Comics #164 ($2.99)
Sonic Universe #14 ($2.50)
Star Trek Movie Adaptation #2 ($3.99)
Superman 80-Page Giant ($5.99)
Transformers: Nefarious #1 ($3.99)
Uncle Scrooge #389 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Disney's Hero Squad Vol. 1: Save the World Trade Paperback ($9.99)
The Simpsons Get Some Fancy Book Learnin' Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Transformers Movie Collection Vol. 1 Hardcover ($50.00)
Wonder Woman Chronicles Vol. 1 Trade Paperback ($17.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics Collections, 3/10/10

2010-03-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

This week, Disney continues to roll out some great comics, both from their own imprint and through their partnership with BOOM! Studios.

Also, don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #624 ($2.99)
Archie & Friends #141 ($2.50)
Archie Digest #262 ($2.69)
Cars #2 ($2.99)
Complete Alice in Wonderland #3 ($4.99)
Free Realms #7 ($3.99)
Lockjaw and The Pet Avengers: Unleashed #1 ($2.99)
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #21 ($2.99)
Super Hero Squad #3 ($2.99)
Toy Story #2 ($2.99)
Transformers: Bumblebee #4 ($3.99)
Walt Disney's Comics & Stories #704 ($2.99)
Web of Spider-Man #6 ($3.99)
Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Marvel's Greatest Comics) ($1.00)

Collected Editions:

Disney's Hero Squad Vol. 1: Save the World Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Ender's Game: Command School Premium Hardcover ($24.99)
Runaways: Parental Guidance Premium Hardcover ($19.99)
Spectacular Spider-Girl: Who Killed Gwen Reilly? Trade Paperback ($24.99)
Spider-Girl Digest Vol. 12: Games Villains Play Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Super Hero Squad: Get Yer Hero On Digest Trade Paperback ($9.99)

Review – “Foiled” by Jane Yolen and Mike Cavallaro

2010-03-03T19:43:00.001-08:00

2010. First Second Books, New York. 160 pages.

Recommended Reading Age: 16+

Role-playing games. Fencing. Frog dissection. Enya. Boys who can only be described as 'beautiful'. Foiled's narrator and protagonist Aliera Carstairs (that's a mouthful, no?) loves 'em all. Okay, maybe not frog dissection. In Foiled, Aliera (who also narrates) tells a tale of teenage awkwardness that is compounded by her love of all things Geek. And when she finds out that the 'weapon' (i.e. fencing sword or 'foil') that her mother picked up at a thrift store is actually Aliera's ticket to a real fantasy world of faeries, dragons, gnomes and the like, it seems like fitting in at school is the least of her worries.

Unfortunately, even an inexperienced reader sees the high-school-drama-turned-fantasy plot coming a mile away, and the payoff falls flat. When after nearly 100 excruciatingly slow-paced pages in which Aliera obsesses over the new boy in school, the author (an accomplished YA writer, nonetheless) finally reveals in full the fantastic 'twist', it's far too late to save the narrative. Too much time has been devoted to rote teenage angst and schmaltzy friendships here, and as a result Aliera comes off as a whiny good-girl bookworm whom it is difficult for the reader to care about. (Don't even get me started on the 'strong female protagonist' trope in so common in YA literature; too transparently are the authors' personalities projected onto their female leads, and in reality many 'average' students find these protagonists unbearable.)

While at first blush the art of Foiled is impressive, as an experienced comics reader I find it in direct opposition to the narrative. While the story itself is straightforward to the point of being unoriginal, the perspective and panel layouts seem to be trying too hard to make a statement. Devoting a two-page spread of Grand Central Station (even if it is beautifully drawn), for instance, does not serve the greater purpose of advancing the plot. Such an iconic image need not be reproduced here, and though it is only one example of a misuse of using a visual narrative, it is a telling one. This is only one of many moments I found myself racing through in order to get the 'big reveal'.

Foiled's storytelling is too predictable, its characterization too familiar, and its art too disconnected to be a fun read. Simply put, I would not recommend this book for a school or classroom library

New Kid-Friendly Comics Collections, 3/3/10

2010-03-03T17:07:00.000-08:00

It's a slow week for comics, but the Invincible Iron Man Omnibus would be nice addition to a classroom library, as the story is pretty true to the recent blockbuster film.

Also, don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #623 ($2.99)
Betty & Veronica Digest #202 ($2.69)
Bo Obama: White House Tails ($6.99)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #47 ($2.50)
Disney's Hero Squad #2 ($2.99)
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? #9 ($3.99)
Incredibles #6 ($2.99)
Jughead's Double Digest #158 ($3.99)
Looney Toons #184 ($2.50)
Sonic the Hedgehog #210 ($2.50)
Spider-Man Magazine #10 ($6.99)
Veronica #199 ($2.50)
Wizards of Mickey #2 ($2.50)

Collected Editions:

Invincible Iron Man Omnibus Vol. 1 Hard Cover ($39.99)
Amazing Spider-Man: American Son Trade Paperback ($16.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 2/24/10

2010-02-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

If you're interested in having students do a cultural study of comics over time, or maybe even how the pop culture of specific time periods has changed, check out the newest Batman Chronicles (Vol. 9). This series reprints every Batman story in exact chronological order. I've been reading and writing about the Superman version of this book over at my other blog and have found it to be fascinatingly campy.

Also, don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #622 ($3.99)
Archie #606 ($2.50)
Bart Simpson Comics #52 ($2.99)
Billy Batson and The Magic of Shazam #13 ($2.50)
Donald Duck and Friends #351 ($2.99)
Ender's Game Special: Mazer in Prison ($3.99)
Fantastic Four #576 ($2.99)
Iron Man: I Am Iron Man #2 ($3.99)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #60 ($2.99)
Marvelous Land of Oz #4 ($3.99)
Muppet King Arthur #2 ($2.99)
Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z: Update #1 ($3.99)
Official Index to the Marvel Universe #14 ($3.99)
Star Trek Movie Adaptation #1 ($3.99)
Tales from Riverside Digest #37 ($2.69)
Tales of TMNT #67 ($3.25)
Teen Titans #80 ($3.99)
Transformers #4 ($3.99)
Usagi Yojimbo #126 ($3.50)
WALL-E #3 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Batman Chronicles Vol. 9 Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Ben Ten Alien Force Vol. 1: Doom Dimension Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Fantastic Four Vol. 1 Premium Hardcover ($19.99)
Indiana Jones Omnibus Vol. 3: Further Adventures ($24.99)
Marvel Adventures Iron Man/Spider-Man Digest Trade Paperback($9.99)
Walt Disney's Valentine's Classics Vol. 1 Hardcover ($24.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 2/17/10

2010-02-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

I've been hearing nothing but good things about the new-ish Power Girl series. It'd be nice to have some superhero comics in the classroom with strong female characters taking the lead. Plus, the amazing (pun-intended) Michael Lark is the artist on this week's Amazing Spider-Man, so that issue will definitely be worth a look!

Don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #621 ($2.99)
Archie Double Digest #206 ($3.99)
Batman: The Brave and The Bold #14 ($2.50)
Betty & Veronica #246 ($2.50)
Cars #1 ($2.99)
Ender's Shadow: Command School #5 ($3.99)
Free Realms #6 ($3.99)
Incredibles #5 ($2.99)
Jughead and Friends Digest #36 ($2.69)
Power Girl #9 ($2.99)
Scooby Doo #153 ($2.50)
Simpsons Comics #163 ($2.99)
Sonic Universe #13 ($2.50)
Superman/Batman #69 ($2.99)
Tiny Titans #25 ($2.50)
Transformers: Bumblebee #3 ($3.99)
Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #2 ($3.99)
Uncle Scrooge #388 ($2.99)
Web of Spider-Man #5 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Amazing Spider-Man: The Gauntlet, Book 1 -- Electro & Sandman Premium Hardcover ($24.99)
Archie & Friends Vol. 3: The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton Trade Paperback ($9.95)
DC Universe: Secret Origins Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Fantastic Four: In Search of Galactus Premiere Hardcover ($29.99)
Halo: Helljumper Premium Hardcover ($24.99)
Wizards of Mickey, Vol. 1: Mouse Magic Trade Paperback ($9.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 2/10/10

2010-02-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

Considering we just finished a King Arthur unit, I'll definitely be picking up Muppet King Arthur #1. Boom! Studios has been doing a fantastic job with these Muppets titles.

Don't forget to click on the links of the Collected Editions to purchase these titles at the Amazon store at huge discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #620 ($2.99)
Amazing Spider-Man Presents Jackpot #2 ($3.99)
Archie & Friends #140 ($2.50)
Betty & Veronica Double Digest #178 ($3.99)
Ender's Game: Command School #5 ($3.99)
Jughead and Friends Digest #36 ($2.69)
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #20 ($2.99)
Muppet King Arthur #1 ($2.99)
Muppet Show #2 ($2.99)
Scooby Doo #153 ($2.50)
Super Friends #24 ($2.50)
Super Hero Squad #2 ($2.99)
Tails of Pet Avengers #1 ($3.99)
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #7 ($3.99)
Uncanny X-Men First Class #8 ($2.99)
Walt Disney's Comics & Stories #703 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

All Star Superman Vol. 2 Trade Paperback ($12.99)
Amazing Spider-Man: 24/7 Trade Paperback ($19.99)
The Brave and The Bold: Milestone Trade Paperback ($17.99)
King Special Edition Hardcover ($34.99)
Mickey Mouse Classics Vol. 1 Trade Paperback ($24.99)
Muppet Peter Pan Vol. 1 Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Nextwave: Agents of Hate Ultimate Collection Trade Paperback ($34.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 2/4/10

2010-02-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

I know that a few of my students are excited that Crogan's March is available today. They read Crogan's Vengeance and really enjoyed it.

Single Issues:

Archie Digest #261 ($2.69)
Betty #184 ($2.50)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #46 ($2.50)
Disney's Hero Squad #1 ($2.99)
Invincible Iron Man #23 ($2.99)
Looney Tunes #183 ($2.50)
Sonic the Hedgehog #209 ($2.50)
Toy Story #1 ($2.99)
Wizards of Mickey #1 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

The Complete Dracula Hardcover ($24.99)
Crogan's March Hardcover ($14.95)
Green Lantern: Secret Origin Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Little Lulu Vol. 22: Big Dipper Club Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Smile Trade Paperback ($10.99)
Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 3: Luke Skywalker and the Treasure of the Dragonsnakes Trade Paperback ($7.95)
Tiny Titans: Sidekickin' It Trade Paperback ($12.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 1/27/10

2010-01-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

Here's the new batch of comics hitting the shelves this past Wednesday, January 27th. Thanks to iFanboy for the list of new comics

A couple of adaptations are available this week -- great for younger students who find the original text too difficult to wade through.

Remember, click on the links to the single issues for previews courtesy of Comic Book Resources. Also, be sure to click on the links to the collected editions to go to my Amazon store, where books are available for big discounts! Stock up your classroom!

Single Issues

Amazing Spider-Man #619 ($2.99)
Archie #605 ($2.50)
Betty & Veronica Digest #201 ($2.69)
Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam #12 ($2.50)
The Complete Alice in Wonderland #2 ($4.99)
Donald Duck and Friends #350 ($2.99)
Fantastic Four #575 ($2.99)
Futurama Comics #47 ($2.99)
I Am Iron Man #1 ($3.99)
Jughead's Double Digest #157 ($3.99)
Justice League of America #41 ($3.99)
Justice Society of America #35 ($2.99)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #59 ($2.99)
Marvelous Land of Oz #3 ($3.99)
Official Index to the Marvel Universe #13 ($3.99)
Political Power #6: George W. Bush ($3.99)
Simpsons Classics #23 ($3.99)
Supergirl #49 ($2.99)
Superman #696 ($2.99)
Superman: Secret Origin #4 ($3.99)
Teen Titans #79 ($3.99)
Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #1 ($3.99)
WALL-E #2 ($2.99)
Wonder Woman #40 ($2.99)
X-Babies #4 ($3.99)

Collected Editions

Cars, Vol. 2: Radiator Springs Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Incredibles, Vol. 1: City of Incredibles Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe: A to Z Vol. 12 Premium Hardcover ($24.99)
Sonic the Hedgehog Archives Vol. 12 Trade Paperback ($7.95)

Kid-Friendly Comics Suggestions from iFanboy

2010-01-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

The guys at iFanboy recently devoted an entire video podcast to kid-friendly comics. These guys know their comics, and have introduced me to a ton of great comics over the past couple of years. Enjoy!

Visual Literacy Vocabulary

2010-01-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

I came across this great resource from an Australian organization for teaching students to use vocabulary associated with visual literacy. The associated Word documents use kid-friendly phrasing, which means they could easily be put to use in the classroom right away.

This could be a valuable resource for addressing the actual images in middle school study of comics and graphic novels.

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 1/20/10

2010-01-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of kid-friendly comics available this week at local comic shops and bookstores. I've included previews when available. Thanks to iFanboy for the list of new releases, and to Comic Book Resources for the previews.

In the spirit of lateness (yes, this post should have come a couple of days ago), I failed to list a cool new graphic novel last week. It's called Lola: A Ghost Story, and you can find an 18-page preview here. It looks great!

Remember to click on the titles of any of the collected editions and you'll be taken to my Amazon store, where you can order the titles at big discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #618 ($2.99)
Batman: The Brave and The Bold #13 ($2.50)
The Brave and The Bold #31 ($2.99)
Free Realms #5 ($3.99)
G-Man: Cape Crisis #5 ($2.99)
Jughead #199 ($2.99)
Muppet Peter Pan #4 ($2.99)
Pals & Gals Double Digest #138 ($3.99)
Power Girl #8 ($2.99)
Project Superpowers: Chapter Two #6 ($2.99)
Simpsons Comics #162 ($2.99)
Sonic Universe #12 ($2.50)
Superman/Batman #68 ($2.99)
Tales of the TMNT #66 ($3.25)
Tiny Titans #24 ($2.50)
Transformers: Bumblebee #2 ($3.99)
Uncle Scrooge #387 ($2.99)
Web of Spider-Man #4 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Cartoon Introduction to Economics, Vol. 1: Microeconomics Trade Paperback ($17.95)
Justice League of America: Sanctuary Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Marvel Fairy Tales Trade Paperback ($14.99)
R.E.B.E.L.S., Vol. 1: The Coming of Starro Trade Paperback ($17.99)
Superboy: The Greatest Team-ups Ever Told Trade Paperback ($19.99)
Wolverine: First Class -- Class Actions Trade Paperback ($14.99)

Re-Post -- Star Wars: The Clone Wars for iPhone and iPod Touch

2010-01-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a re-post of a blog entry I wrote last school year. We're moving on from a Fantasy literature genre study to Sci-Fi, and I'll be using some of these resources again. Enjoy!

Well, the Comic-Con International announcements keep poppin' up, and happily, more good news for teachers of comics. Comic Book Resources posted an interview with Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars editor in which it was revealed that an issue of Star Wars: The Clone Wars entitled "Shipyards of Doom" will be available soon for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Check out the preview here. Great news for me especially, as I've got 15 iPod Touches coming into my classroom this year.

The traditional print version of "Shipyards of Doom" (available now) is a 96-page story that features characters from the popular Cartoon Network television series. No word yet on a release date or price.

I've used the television series in class as part of a science fiction unit. The series' website offers awesome episode guides, which is a great help if you're looking for which episode to show in your classroom. Also, there are webcomics available for each episode that add another dimension of characters' experience to each story. I went with "Ambush", the very first episode of the series, so that my students didn't have to wade through any backstory.

Prior to viewing this episode, though, my students looked at these two articles about the science behind the Star Wars films and television show. In this way, they got to take a look at the genre characteristics of science fiction, which led to discussions of the advances of technology.

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 1/13/10

2010-01-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

Lots of great single issues on the way, including a few number zeros and ones (Muppet Show, Cars, Super Hero Squad), all of which have free previews! Pick 'em up -- you might just find a new series that your students love!

Remember to click on the titles of any of the collected editions and you'll be taken to my Amazon store, where you can order the titles at big discounts!

Single Issues:

Action Comics #885 ($3.99)
Adventure Comics #6 ($3.99)
Amazing Spider-Man #617 ($3.99)
Archie & Friends #139 ($2.50)
Archie Double Digest #205 ($3.99)
Batgirl #6 ($2.99)
Betty & Veronica Double Digest #177 ($3.99)
Cars #0 ($2.99)

Incredibles #4 ($2.99)
Invincible Iron Man #22 ($3.99)
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #19 ($2.99)
Muppet Show #1 ($2.99)
Scooby Doo #152 ($2.50)
Sonic the Hedgehog #208 ($2.50)
Super Friends #23 ($2.50)
Super Hero Squad #1 ($2.99)
Transformers #3 ($3.99)
Uncanny X-Men: First Class #7 ($2.99)
Walt Disney's Comics & Stories #702 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Batman: The Brave and The Bold Trade Paperback ($12.99)
Classics Illustrated Vol. 8: The Count of Monte Cristo Hardcover ($9.99)
Runaways: Escape to New York Premium Hardcover ($19.99)
Spider-Man: Election Day Trade Paperback ($24.99)
Spider-Man: Return of the Black Cat Premium Hardcover ($24.99)
Transformers: All Hail Megatron Vol. 4 Trade Paperback ($17.99)
Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 22: Ultimatum Trade Paperback ($19.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 1/7/10

2010-01-05T16:59:00.000-08:00

Issues of the series Female Force and Political Power are both available this week, as well as the Eisner-award winning Invincible Iron Man (in hardcover).

Click on the titles of any of the collected editions and you'll be taken to my Amazon store, where you can order the titles at big discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man Presents Jackpot #1 ($3.99)
Archie Digest #260 ($2.69)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #45 ($2.50)

Donald Duck & Friends #345 ($2.99)
Female Force #10: J.K. Rowling ($2.99)
Looney Tunes #182 ($2.50)
Mickey Mouse & Friends #299 ($2.99)
New Mutants #9 ($3.99)
Political Power #9: Ronald Reagan ($2.99)
Simpsons Super Spectacular #10 ($2.99)
Spider-Man Magazine #39 ($6.99)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars #12 ($2.99)
Superman: World of New Krypton #11 ($2.99)
Veronica #198 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Archie & Friends Vol. 2: Betty's Diary Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Invincible Iron Man Vol. 3: Most Wanted Book 2 Premium Hardcover ($19.99)
The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck Vol. 1 Hardcover ($24.99)
Little Adventures in Oz Book 1 ($9.99)
The Muppet Show: The Treasure of Peg Leg Wilson Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Timely Annuals 70th Anniversary Collection Hardcover ($39.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 12/23/09

2009-12-29T10:22:00.000-08:00

Only one comic is available on December 30th, but since I was busy with the holidays last week, I'm now posting last week's comics.

WALL-E #1 looks great...it's written by J. Torres, whose Days Like This I recently read and plan on reviewing soon. I've used a picture book version of "WALL-E" in a sci-fi unit in my classroom, so I'm eager to check out the tone of this book.

Click on the titles of any of the collected editions and you'll be taken to my Amazon store, where you can order the titles at big discounts!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #616 ($2.99)
Archie #604 ($2.50)
Bart Simpson's Comics #51 ($2.99)
Betty & Veronica Digest #200 ($2.69)
Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam #11 ($2.50)
The Complete Dracula #5 ($4.99)
Fantastic Four #574 ($2.99)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #58 ($2.99)
New Mutants #8 ($2.99)
Sonic Universe #11 ($2.50)
Superman#695 ($2.99)
Transformers: Tales of the Fallen #5 ($3.99)
Usagi Yojimbo #125 ($3.50)
WALL-E #1 ($2.99)
Wonder Woman #39 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Fantastic Four: Masters of Doom Trade Paperback ($19.99)
Green Lantern Chronicles Vol. 2 Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Mini Marvels Ultimate Collection Trade Paperback ($19.99)
Runaways: True Believers Premiere Hardcover ($19.99)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Vol. 4: Colossus of Destiny Trade Paperback ($7.99)
Supergirl Cosmic Adventures in the Eighth Grade Trade Paperback ($12.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 12/16/09

2009-12-16T17:22:00.000-08:00

I'm interested in The Complete Alice in Wonderland that begins this week; it's written by the same team that is writing The Complete Dracula, which I've enjoyed so far.

Also, check out my Amazon store, where almost all of the collected editions are discounted, some up to 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #615 ($2.99)
Batman: The Brave and The Bold #12 ($2.50)
Betty & Veronica #245 ($2.50)
The Brave and The Bold #30 ($2.99)
The Complete Alice in Wonderland #1 ($4.99)
Jughead's Double Digest #156 ($3.99)
Marvel Super Hero Squad #4 ($2.99)
Marvelous Land of Oz #2 ($3.99)
Simpsons Comics #161 ($2.99)
Superman/Batman #67 ($2.99)
Tales from Riverside Digest #36 ($2.69)
Tales of TMNT #65 ($3.25)
Tiny Titans #23 ($2.50)
Transformers #2 ($3.99)
Transformers Bumblebee #1 ($3.99)
Transformers Timeless Fall Special: Wings of Honor ($4.95)
Uncle Scrooge #386 ($2.99)
Walt Disney's Comics & Stories #701 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Finding Nemo: Reef Rescue Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Showcase Presents: Wonder Woman Vol.3 Trade Paperback ($17.99)
Transformers Animated Vol. 12 Trade Paperback ($7.99)

Review: “Alan's War: The Memories of G.I. Allan Cope”

2009-12-13T11:29:00.001-08:00

Emmanuel Guibert
First Second
2008

When it comes to World War II stories, I've always separated them into two basic categories; stories of the victims of the concentration camps and stories of the soldiers. The former I find fascinating, the latter...not so much. Full disclosure here -- I'm an English teacher, and nearly every year of my career I've taught a novel told from the perspective of a Holocaust survivor. Reading such gut-wrenching stories with my classes sometimes four times a day, there was a time in which I could recite whole passages of Elie Wiesel's Night from memory. My students, who had themselves had suffered some pretty awful family traumas, found inspiration in the spirit of the prisoners of the concentration camps. Unfortunately, novels that were classroom-appropriate and detailed the soldiers' stories were often bogged down by military jargon, making them impenetrable to my students (and admittedly, myself). What I find unique about Alan's War is it's accessibility. Writer Emmanuel Guibert, through conversations with Cope, presents a soldier who understands his audience. Military strategy is broken down into simple terms without trivializing the missions Cope and his company embark upon. Couple this accessibility with the fascinating encounters between Cope an an eclectic cast of characters, and I've finally found a WWII soldier's story that I can sink my teeth into. Oh, and did I mention that Alan's War is a graphic novel? The best of this medium uses art to explicate what the written word cannot, and Alan's War does just that, with cinematic flair.

Written and drawn from interviews with Cope over a five-year stretch, Alan's War humanizes WWII without stumbling into war story tropes (i.e. the bloodthirsty/incompetent/father-figure leader & his rag-tag group of fresh-faced and naive soldiers). Instead, Guibert literally paints a picture of the simple lessons a young man learns in the army. Cope, a naturally gifted student, quickly ascends the ranks of the United States Army, but never loses the awe for the seemingly endless (and often fruitless) missions that take him all over Europe. Throughout Alan's War Cope meets simple Swiss families and world renown poets, has friends disappear for years only to reappear in the strangest places, and revels in the few quiet moments he is allowed to enjoy as the War comes to an end. Guibert's chooses which moments to illustrate quite well. Though cross-sections of tanks and overhead illustrations of battlefields would not be out of place in the typical WWII story, Guibert forgoes this in favor of beautiful watercolors of French countrysides and shadowy back-lit trips in train-cars. As the war comes to an end and Cope and his company sleep in requisitioned houses throughout Europe, it is the quiet moments that Cope seems to enjoy most, and it is those quiet moments that Guibert paints so well.

As his journey begins, Cope decides that it is his adventure alone, and for that reason there is no need to fear wherever the war might take him. And it is here that Cope seems to explain just what is most appealing to me about this story -- that Alan's War, as the memories of one modest, thoughtful soldier, is a different story than I've read before.

NOTE: Take a look at Guibert's artistic process below. Amazing!

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 12/9/09

2009-12-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

I know that I'll be grabbing the DC Universe Holiday Special -- they're pretty darn good every year, and have some heartwarming (if schmaltzy) stories about heroism that would be great to use in the classroom.

This week, a reprint of JLA: Year One would be a nice pickup for students who want to get to know the whole DC universe. Pick it up at my Amazon store, where almost all of the collected editions are discounted, some up to 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #614 ($2.99)
Archie & Friends #138 ($2.50)
Cars: Radiator Springs #4 ($2.99)
Complete Dracula #4 ($4.99)
Dante's Inferno #1 ($3.99)
DC Holiday Special 2009 ($5.99)
Marvel Adventures Super-Heroes #18 ($2.99)
Mickey Mouse & Friends #298 ($2.99)
Muppet Show #0 ($2.99)
Scooby Doo #151 ($2.50)
Star Wars: Clone Wars #11 ($2.99)
Super Friends #22 ($2.50)
Toy Story #0 ($2.99)
Uncanny X-Men First Class #6 ($2.99)
Web of Spider-Man #3 ($.3.99)

Collected Editions:

Amazing Spider-Man: Red-Headed Stranger Premiere Hardcover ($19.99)
JLA: Year One Trade Paperback ($19.99)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man Vol. 11: Thwip Digest Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Runaways: Good Die Young Trade Paperback ($16.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 12/4/09

2009-12-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. I've included links to previews where available. Thanks to iFanboy for the list of new releases, and to Comic Book Resources for the previews.

Note: Comics will be released on Thursday this week!

I'm excited for the new volume of Beanworld -- though I've only read one issue, I've heard it's fantastic for middle school students. Pick it up at my Amazon store! Almost all of the collected editions are discounted, some up to 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Archie Double Digest #204 ($3.99)
Betty #183 ($2.50)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #44 ($2.50)
Donald Duck & Friends #348 ($2.99)
Free Realms #4 ($3.99)
Incredibles #3 ($2.99)
Looney Toons #181 ($2.50)
Political Power #5: Ted Kennedy ($3.99)
Simpsons Winter Wingding #4 ($4.99)
Sonic the Hedgehog #207 ($2.50)
X-Babies #3 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Beanworld Vol. 3: Remember Here When You Are There Hardcover ($19.95)
Emma Vol. 10 ($9.99)
Legend of Zelda Vol. 8 ($7.99)
New Mutants: Return of Legion Premiere Hardcover ($19.99)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Vol. 1: Slaves of the Republic Trade Paperback ($9.95)
Trojan War Premiere Hardcover ($19.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 11/18/09

2009-11-17T16:23:00.000-08:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. I've included links to previews where available, though once again there are only a few previews this week.

With the holidays approaching, the holiday-themed books are starting to roll out. The Gift of the Magi, which I know is collected in many school textbook anthologies, has a pretty cool graphic novel treatment available this week. Pick it up at my Amazon store! Almost all of the collected editions are discounted, some up to 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #612 ($2.99)
Archie Digest #259 ($2.69)
The Brave and The Bold #29 ($2.99)
G-Man: Cape Crisis #4 ($2.99)
Mickey Mouse & Friends #297 ($2.99)
Simpsons Comics #160 ($2.99)
Sonic Universe #10 ($2.50)
Super Friends #21 ($2.50)
Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #64 ($3.25)
Tiny Titans #22 ($2.50)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Full Color One-Shot ($3.25)
Transformers #1 ($3.99)
Walt Disney's Comics & Stories #700 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Casper the Friendly Ghost 60th Anniversary Hardcover ($9.95)
The Gift of the Magi Graphic Novel Hardcover ($14.99)
Runaways: Homeschooling Premiere Hardcover ($24.99)
Walt Disney's Christmas Classics Vol. 1 Hardcover ($24.99)

Review -- "Kampung Boy" by Lat

2009-11-11T10:31:00.001-08:00

Publishing Information:
2006. First Second, New York. 144 pages.

Recommended Reading Age: 9-14

Story:
Mat, a Malaysian boy growing up in an idyllic kampung (or village), begins the story of his youth with a description of his birth to two loving parents in the Kinta Valley. Curious and adventurous from the get-go, much of Mat's childhood is spent playing in the river with his schoolmates, the Meor boys, and exploring the area around the village's tin dredge. Growing up Muslim, Mat details various religious ceremonies and practices in a lighthearted tone with great comic effect, often describing the awkwardness of youth in situations in which composure is essential. From his first days of school, his exploring with the Meor boys, to his eventual quest to one day take over his father's rubber plantation, author Lat proves that adolescence is quite universal.

Characterization:
Boys and girls alike will laugh at the childhood exuberance of Mat, but will also marvel at his maturity. In a culture where respect for one's elders is essential, Mat's mishaps are all innocent in nature, despite some undesired results that cause his parents and village elders to question his intents. Through a scene towards the end of the book in which Mat's father impresses upon him the seriousness of the responsibilities he'll soon have as the inheritor of the rubber plantation, many young adult readers will see a connection to their own lives, in that their responsibilities have begun to teeter on the edge of adulthood.

Artwork:
Initially, it seems as if the cartooning in Kampung Boy is rather loose and simplistic. But looked at more closely, Lat's caricatures of the villagers are done so well as to convey a true sense of their personalities. Sure, the girth of his father and the vision troubles of the town circumciser are laughable, but purposefully so. This is the world as young Mat sees it, exaggerated to the extreme.

Considering this work is translated from Malay, the depictions of the characters as well as the Malaysian riverside community tell part of the tale, and do so quite effectively. Particularly impressive is Lat's ability this way to balance his storytelling between words and art. The two play off one another masterfully, and young readers will be able to use visual clues to decipher regional dialect or unfamiliar vocabulary.

Recommendation:
The only objectionable content in Kampung Boy is the scene is which Mat and some of the village boys go through a circumcision ritual. Thought it is not at all graphic (and actually quite humorous), teachers might be uncomfortable explaining this process to those unfamiliar with this fairly common religious tradition. Teachable moments in this book abound, both thematically and culturally. American students unfamiliar with the experiences of young people in less-developed countries will find this story a treat, as well as a contrast to some of the more serious images they may recognize from popular media. Funny and eye-opening, Kampung Boy definitely has its place in the middle school classroom.

Kid-Friendly Comics, 11/11/09

2009-11-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

It's a very light week for collected editions, but one of them would be fantastic for high schoolers studying the Cold War. It's a reissue of Superman: Red Son, which imagines a world in which Kal-El of Krypton landed in communist Russia rather than in rural Kansas. You can pick it up (along with other collections) at my Amazon store. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Action Comics #883 ($2.99)
Amazing Spider-Man #611 ($2.99)
Archie & Friends #137 ($2.50)
Betty & Veronica Digest #199 ($2.69)
Cars: Radiator Springs #3 ($2.99)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #43 ($2.50)
Casper & The Spectrals #1 ($2.99)
Incredibles #2 ($2.99)
Jughead's Double Digest #155 ($3.99)
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #17 ($2.99)
Marvel Super Hero Squad #3 ($2.99)
The Muppet Show: The Treasure of Peg Leg Wilson #4 ($2.99)
Scooby Doo #150 ($2.50)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars #10 ($2.99)
Transformers: Continuum ($3.99)
Wall-E #0 ($2.99)
X-Babies #2 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Amazing Spider-Man: Died in Your Arms Tonight Premiere Hardcover ($24.99)
Superman: Red Son Deluxe Hardcover ($24.99)

Read 1st Issue of Dynamite's "Sherlock Holmes" for Free!

2009-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

The fantastic Comic Book Resources has just posted the entire first issue of Dynamite Entertainment's Sherlock Holmes to their website. Check it out here. Written by Leah Moore (daughter of Watchmen creator Alan Moore) and Hohn Reppion and drawn by Aaron Campbell, fans of the classic Conan Doyle tales will find this opening salvo a treat.

The first hardcover of this series, collecting all five issues of the first arc (entitled "The Trial of Sherlock Holmes") will be released soon. Pre-order it here.

New Kid-Friendly Comics Collections, 11/4/09

2009-11-04T10:32:00.000-08:00

It's a very light week for collected editions, but one of them would be fantastic for high schoolers who love the classics or just enjoy a good mystery: Dynamite's Sherlock Holmes. You can pick it up (along with other collections) at my Amazon store. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #610 ($2.99)
Donald Duck & Friends #347 ($2.99)
Finding Nemo: Reef Rescue #4 ($2.99)
Ghostbusters: Displaced Agression #3 ($3.99)
Iron Man: Armor Wars #4 ($2.99)
Looney Tunes #180 ($2.50)
Marvelous Land of Oz #1 ($3.99)
Sonic the Hedgehog #206 ($2.50)
Superman: World of New Krypton #9 ($2.99)
Veronica #197 ($2.50)
X-Men Origins: Iceman ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Sherlock Holmes, Vol. 1: The Trial of Sherlock Holmes Hardcover ($24.99)
Superman/Batman: The Search for Kryptonite Trade Paperback ($14.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics Collections, 10/28/09

2009-10-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. I've included links to previews where available, though once again there are only a few previews this week.

Personally, I'm looking forward to the collection of Wolverine covers drawn in the style of famous artists and their works. The Dali version is really cool! This book would make a great addition to a classroom library and might spark a discussion about copyright or allusion.

Also, please check out my Amazon store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Archie Double Digest #203 ($3.99)
Bart Simspson Comics #50 ($2.99)
Batman: The Brave and The Bold #10 ($2.50)
Betty & Veronica #244 ($2.50)
Billy Batson & The Magic of Shazam #9 ($2.50)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #56 ($2.99)
Muppet Peter Pan #2 ($2.99)
Simpsons Comics #22 ($3.99)
Superman: Secret Origin #2 ($3.99)
Wolverine Art Appreciation One-Shot ($3.99)
Wolverine First Class #20 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Amazing Spider-Man: American Son Premium Hardcover ($19.99)
Artemis Fowl Graphic Novel Vol. 2: The Arctic Incident ($9.99)
Barack Obama Comic Book Biography Hardcover ($14.99)
Hulk Vol. 3: Hulk No More Premium Hardcover ($19.99)
Invincible Iron Man Vol. 2: World's Most Wanted Trade Paperback ($14.99)
The Obama Story ($14.95)
Spider-Man: The Newspaper Strips Hardcover ($39.99)
Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic Vol. 7 - Dueling Ambitions Trade Paperback ($18.95)
Transformers: All Hail Megatron Vol. 3 Trade Paperback ($19.99)

Review -- "The War at Ellsmere" by Faith Erin Hicks

2009-10-25T14:41:00.001-07:00

Publishing Information:
2008. SLG Publishing, San Jose. 156 pages.

Recommended Reading Age: 12-16

Story:
Juniper (Jun), our teenage protagonist, wants nothing more than to realize her full academic potential at Ellsmere Academy, a prestigious boarding school for girls. A self-acknowledged 'dork' from a less-than-affluent family, Jun and her roommate Cassie clash with the cruel Emily and her entitled cronies, who want nothing more than to make life at Ellsmere difficult for the school's new scholarship charity case. Drama at Ellsmere is not relegated to matters of popularity, however; the legend of the Ellsmere brothers and a mysterious white horse provide a fantastical backdrop to this otherwise realistic tale.

Characterization:
Female students (especially those that feel like outcasts themselves) should identify immediately with Jun. Though she is smart, cute, and witty, she is also vulnerable, concealing a painful loss in her life for much of the story. She may be better read than the most junior high school girls (there are witty allusions to Dickens, Shakespeare, and Tolkien), but her plight is universal enough; trying to fit in while maintaining a sense of independence. Jun's roommate Cassie provides comic relief, struggling in self-confidence and academic prowess until Jun inspires her to be more than she has been. Emily, Jun's nemesis, is the standard 'queen bee', loathsome in her snobbishness and dedication to undermining Jun's efforts to fit in.

Artwork:
A fan of manga and anime herself, Hicks's style is definitely reminiscent of Chiggers' Hope Larson (who wrote the introduction to Ellsemere) and Scott Pilgrim's Bryan Lee O'Malley. Despite the large eyes (typical of manga) and exaggerated expressions, for the most part the characters are drawn realistically -- these actually look like teenage girls, both in their dress and their body types. They actually seem to wear the clothes they're in -- wrinkles are drawn where they belong. Panel layouts are very easy for even a novice comics reader to follow, and Hicks is able to use splash pages to illustrate particularly important moments in the lives of these girls.

Recommendation:
Though The War at Ellsmere isn't particularly 'teachable' (apart from the aforementioned allusions to other literature), it would make a great addition to any middle school or high school library. The combination of witty banter between characters, the touch of fantasy, as well one of the most relatable, strong female protagonists portrayed in the comics medium make this a great read.

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 10/21/09

2009-10-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

I know that my students are thrilled that the latest volume of Diary of a Wimpy Kid is out. My local library already has copies!

Also, please check out my Amazon store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #609 ($2.99)
Archie #602 ($2.50)
Betty & Veronica Double Digest #175 ($3.99)
The Brave and The Bold #28 ($2.99)
DC Universe Halloween Special 2009 ($5.99)
Female Force #7: Oprah Winfrey ($3.99)
Poe #4 ($3.99)
Political Power #3: Joe Biden ($3.99)
Scooby Doo #149 ($2.50)
Simpsons Comics #159 ($2.99)
Superman/Batman #65 ($2.99)
Tales From Riverdale Digest #35 ($2.69)
Tiny Titans #21 ($2.50)

Collected Editions:

Amazing Spider-Man: Death and Dating Trade Paperback ($19.99)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Vol. 4: Dog Days Hardcover ($13.95)
Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers Hardcover ($24.99)
Marvel Adventures Avengers Vol. 10 Digest ($9.99)
Runaways: Rock Zombies Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Runaways Vol. 9: Dead Wrong Digest ($9.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 10/14/09

2009-10-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. I've included links to previews where available.

Also, please check out my Amazon store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

The newest adaptation of Frank Beddor's fantastic The Looking Glass Wars series is available today. Though Ben Templesmith (Fell, 30 Days of Night) isn't the artist this time around, it's still worth checking out.

Single Issues:

Archie & Friends #136 ($2.50)
Archie Digest #258 ($2.69)
G-Man: Cape Crisis #3 ($2.99)
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #16 ($2.99)
Marvel Super Hero Squad #2 ($2.99)
Looney Tunes #679 ($2.50)
Super Friends #20 ($2.50)
Uncle Scrooge #384 ($2.99)
Web of Spider-Man #1 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Amelia Rules: A Very Ninja Christmas Trade Paperback ($7.99)
Batman Chronicles Vol. 8 Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Female Force Trade Paperback ($15.99)
Hatter M: The Looking Glass Wars Vol. 2 -- Mad with Wonder Hardcover ($24.99)
Hatter M: The Looking Glass Wars Vol. 2 -- Mad with Wonder Trade Paperback ($14.95)
Pride & Prejudice Premium Hardcover ($19.99)
Runaways: Teenage Wasteland Trade Paperback ($14.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics Collections, 10/7/09

2009-10-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. I've included links to previews where available.

Also, please check out my Amazon store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #608 ($2.99)
Betty & Veronica Digest #198 ($2.69)
Cars: Radiator Springs ($2.99)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #42 ($2.99)
Free Realms #2 ($3.99)
Ghostbusters: Displaced Agression #2 ($3.99)
The Incredibles #1 ($2.99)
Jughead's Double Digest #154 ($3.99)
Looney Tunes #679 ($2.50)
Savage Dragon #153 ($3.50)
Sherlock Holmes #5 ($3.50)
Sonic the Hedgehog #205 ($2.50)
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3 ($3.99)
Walt Disney's Comics and Stories #699 ($2.99)
X-Babies #1 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Cartoon History Of the World Vol. 2: Bastille to Baghdad Trade Paperback ($18.99)
Masterpiece Comics Hardcover ($19.99)
Muppet Robin Hood Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe A-Z Premium Hardcover ($24.99)
Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles ($14.95)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 9/30/09

2009-09-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. Sorry about the dearth of previews this week. I'm hoping that Comic Book Resources will post some more tomorrow.

Also, please check out my Amazon store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

I cannot recommend X-Men: Magneto Testament enough. I hope to blog a review about it soon. It's the story of the X-Men nemesis Magneto's time in a Nazi concentration camp during his childhood. It's a great character study -- one that takes a serious look at what might drive a victim to become a villain. If you teach Holocaust literature, it's a must-have. On to the new releases:

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #607 $2.99)
Batman: The Brave and The Bold #9 ($2.50)
Betty #182 ($2.50)
Futurama Comics #45 ($2.99)
Jughead #197 ($2.50)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #55 ($2.99)
Mickey Mouse & Friends #296 ($2.99)
Runaways #14 ($2.99)
Usagi Yojimbo #123 ($3.50)
Spider-Man Magazine #8 ($6.99)
Superfriends #19 ($2.50)

Collected Editions:

Classics Illustrated Vol. 6: The Scarlet Letter Hardcover ($9.95)
Indiana Jones Further Adventures Omnibus Vol. 2 Trade Paperback ($24.95)
Official Handbook to the Marvel Universe A-Z Premium Hardcover ($24.99)
Superman/Batman Vol. 1: Public Enemies Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Superman: Kryptonite Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Tiny Tyrant Vol. 2: Lucky Winner Trade Paperback ($9.99)
X-Men: Magneto Testament Trade Paperback ($19.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 9/23/09

2009-09-21T17:46:00.001-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. Only three previews this week -- definitely a light week.

Also, please check out my Amazon store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #606 ($2.99)
Archie Double Digest #202 ($3.99)
Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror #15 ($4.99)
Billy Batson & The Magic of Shazam #8 ($2.50)
Fantastic Four #571 ($2.99)
Jughead #197 ($2.50)
Monsters, Inc. #2 ($2.99)
Muppet Peter Pan #1 ($2.99)
Muppet Show: The Treasure of Peg Leg Wilson #3 ($2.99)
Sonic Universe #8 ($2.50)
Spider-Man Magazine #8 ($6.99)
Superfriends #19 ($2.50)
Superman/Batman #64 ($2.99)
Superman: Secret Origin #1 ($2.99)
Wednesday Comics #12 ($3.99)
Wolverine First Class #19 ($2.99)

Collected Editions:

Archie & Friends All Stars: Veronica's Passport Trade Paperback ($9.95)

The Chronicles of Arthur Vol. 1: Sword of Fire & Ice ($14.99)

Flash Chronicles Vol. 1 ($14.99)

Hardy Boys Graphic Novel Vol. 18: Danger ($7.95)

Marvel Adventures Thor and the Avengers Digest ($9.99)

Pet Avengers Classic Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Salt Water Taffy, Vol. 3: The Truth About Doctor True ($5.95)
Timothy and the Transgalactic Towel ($16.99)
Veronica's Passport, Vol. 1 ($9.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 9/16/09

2009-09-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Also, please check out My Amazon Store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

And finally, for those readers in the Chicago area, a reminder that The Windy City Comic Con is going on this weekend. It's put on by the fine gentlemen from the Around Comics podcast, and I'll be volunteering there. It's a great way to meet creators and to pick up cheap comics for your classroom.

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #605 ($2.99)
Archie #601 ($2.50)
The Brave and the Bold #27 ($2.99)
Poe #3 ($3.99)
Scooby Doo #148 ($2.50)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars #9 ($2.99)
Tales of TMNT #62 ($3.25)
Tiny Titans #20 ($2.50)
Wednesday Comics #11 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Female Force, Vol. 1 Trade Paperback ($-.--)
Indiana Jones Adventures Vol. 2 Trade Paperback ($7.95)
Invincible: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 5 Hardcover ($34.99)
Johnny Boo Vol. 3: Happy Apples Hardcover ($9.95)
Salt Water Taffy, Vol. 3: The Truth About Doctor True ($5.95)
Veronica's Passport, Vol. 1 ($9.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 9/10/09

2009-09-08T13:07:00.001-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. There are a ton of previews this week. Thanks to Comic Book Resources for the links!

Note: Because of the Labor Day holiday in the U.S., comics will not be available domestically until Thursday.

Also, please check out my Amazon store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #604 ($2.99)
Archie & Friends #135 ($2.50)
Archie Digest #257 ($2.69)
Astro Boy Movie Adaptation #4 ($2.99)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #41 ($2.50)
The Complete Dracula #3 ($3.99)
Finding Nemo: Reef Rescue #3 ($2.99)
G-Man: Cape Crisis #2 ($2.99)
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #15 ($2.99)
Marvel Super Hero Squad #1 ($2.99)
Muppet Robin Hood #4 ($2.99)
Sonic the Hedgehog #204 ($2.50)
Transformers: Tales of the Fallen #2 ($3.99)
Wednesday Comics #10 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Amulet, Volume 2: The Stonekeeper's Curse Hardcover ($21.99)
Around the World in 80 Days Hardcover ($14.99)
Astro Boy Movie Adaptation Trade Paperback ($17.99)
Astro Boy Movie Prequel: Underground Trade Paperback ($17.99)
Cars: The Rookie Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Edgar Allen Poe: The Raven And Other Stories ($16.99)
Fantastic Four: Lost Adventures Trade Paperback ($24.99)
Incredibles: Family Matters Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Invincible: The Ultimate Collection Volume 5 ($34.99)
Marvel Super Hero Team-Up Trade Paperback ($24.99)
Muppet Robin Hood Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Runaways:Good Die Young Premium Hardcover ($19.99)
Transformers Animated Volume 11 Trade Paperback ($7.99)
Ultimatum: Spider-Man Premium Hardcover ($24.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 9/2/09

2009-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week.

Update: Only one preview this week! Thanks, IDW!

Also, please check out my Amazon store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Astro Boy Movie Adaptation #3 ($3.99)
Betty & Veronica Digest #197 ($2.69)
Cars: Radiator Springs #1 ($2.99)
Loony Toons #178 ($2.50)
Official Index to the Marvel Universe #9 ($3.99)
Veronica #196 ($2.50)
Wednesday Comics #9 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Amazing Spider-Man: 24-7 Premier Hardcover ($24.99)
Amulet, Volume 2: The Stonekeeper's Curse Softcover ($10.99)
Cars: The Rookie Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Classics Illustrated Deluxe #4: The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer ($13.95)
Classics Illustrated #6: The Scarlet Letter Hardcover ($9.95)
Essential Sub-Mariner Vol. 1 Trade Paperback ($19.99)
Incredibles: Family Matters Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Marvel Super Hero Squad: Hero Up Digest ($9.99)
The Complete Peanuts 1973-1974 ($28.99)
The Complete Peanuts 1971-1974 Box Set ($49.95)
Transformers Animated Vol. 11 ($9.99)
Usagi Yojimbo Special Edition Hardcover ($95.00)
Wolverine and Power Pack: Wild Pack Digest ($9.99)
Wonderful Wizard of Oz Hardcover ($29.99)

Review: Jeff Smith Documentary -- "The Cartoonist"

2009-08-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

"The Cartoonist" is a feature-length (76 minutes) documentary on the career of Jeff Smith, creator of the series of Bone comic books (which, as I've written before, I use in my seventh grade Language Arts classes). "The Cartoonist" is essential viewing to any teacher of Bone, or any fans of Jeff Smith's work. Light-hearted, informative, and entertaining, this documentary provides insight into Smith's creative process through interviews with friends, family members, and comic creator contemporaries. In this review, I'll focus on the documentary's usefulness as a supplement to the study of Bone and comics creation.

Smith's Influences

Smith talks extensively about the influence of Walt Kelly's Pogo, Charles Schulz's Peanuts, and Carl Barks' Scrooge McDuck. As many students may be unfamiliar with the work of these master cartoonists, "The Cartoonist" therefore offers some additional reading for students who love Bone-like cartooning. (Note: Smith also mentions Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, Art Spiegelman's Maus, and Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' The Watchmen as influences, books which may not be appropriate for junior high school students due to their mature subject matter.) Students will learn by viewing this documentary that as a youngster, Smith loved Barks' Scrooge McDuck so much that Bone was, in essence, an attempt to create an 1,100 page version of a McDuck story. Of course, Bone became much more than this, as Smith admits.

A Secret Fantasy

Though a lover of epic storytelling like Melville's Moby Dick (referenced quite often in Bone) and fantasy literature like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Smith understood that 1,000 page tales of elves and fairies often turn off a certain segment of readers. Therefore, by creating a cartoon-version of The Three Stooges in the Bone cousins, Smith explains how he was able to "sneak in" an Odyssey-like epic story while keeping his dialog light-hearted. Smith reveals that like many works of literature, water plays a key role in Bone, as it often signifies an important moment in his characters' lives. Hopefully, students can take this kind of insight into the creative process and apply it to their classroom reading, both retrospectively as well as in future reading.

A Real Risk-Taker

Much of "The Cartoonist" is devoted not specifically to Bone, but to Smith's career path. Drawing versions of the Bone cousins as early as age five, Smith always knew that he wanted to be an artist. Smith's career path from animator to full-time comic creator and publishing company owner is traced (no pun intended) through interviews with childhood friends and business partners (including his wife Vijaya). Though not particularly useful to students, these segments do portray Smith as a dedicated professional, with a single-minded vision of getting his art into the hands as many people as possible. Through footage of various comic conventions, it is evident just how many people Smith has reached.

The Rise of Comics

Of particular interest to comics enthusiasts are the final chapters of the documentary, in which comics contemporaries like Paul Pope (Batman: Year 100, Heavy Liquid), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo), and Harvey Pekar (American Splendor) explain the rise in popularity of independent comics during the mid-90s. This popularity gave legitimacy to non-superhero comics, which, in turn,(in this teacher's opinion) gave legitmacy to the use of comics in the classroom. (Pekar perhaps sums it up the best by saying, "Science Fiction doesn't dominate book sales; why should Science Fiction dominate comic book sales?") Through interviews with the above creators as well as Ohio State University Cartoon Library & Museum curator and professor Lucy Caswell, teachers will find particular joy in the discussion of the potential of comics. Japanese comics (manga) are highlighted as an example of what can be done with the comics medium, as they are highly profitable and and are offered in wide variety of genres. Caswell also speaks about the complexity of reading comics (deciphering both words and images) and the importance of developing students' visual literacy. If nothing else, this provides comics educators with more ammunition to bring to discussions of comics' place in curriculum.

The Impact of Jeff Smith and Bone

Artist Scott McLeod (author of the indispensable Understanding Comics) perhaps sums up the impact of Bone most succinctly; he describes Bone as a classic, in that once you have read it, you can never remember it not existing. Footage of children as young as five lining up to have Smith autograph their copies of Bone proves that it is indeed a rare feat of comics; a series that though never originally intended for children has reached across all age groups and many cultures.

Recommendation

"The Cartoonist" simultaneously illustrates the power of comics and the genius of Jeff Smith. This is essential viewing for comics fans, as it provides a well-rounded picture of what it takes to create an enduring classic. For teachers of Bone, it may spark supplemental lesson plan ideas such as research into Smith's influences, as well as provide insight to the symbols present this masterful work. Highly recommended.

If you are interested in reading Bone or any of Jeff Smith's work, please visit My Amazon Store. Thanks!

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 8/26/09

2009-08-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. School starts for me this week, so I didn't have time to link to the previews. Hopefully I'll have it done by tomorrow evening.

Again, notice the titles in red, which signify a title for older high school students.

Single Issues:

Astro Boy Movie Adaptation #2 ($3.99)
Bart Simpson Comics #49 ($2.99)
Batman: The Brave and The Bold #8 ($2.50)
Betty and Veronica #243 ($2.50)
Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam #8 ($2.50)
Incredibles #0 ($2.99)
Jughead's Double Digest #153 ($3.99)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man #54 ($2.99)
The Muppet Show: The Treasure of Peg Leg Wilson #2 ($2.99)
Runaways #13 ($2.99)
Simpsons Comics #157 ($2.99)
Superfriends #18 ($2.50)
Sherlock Holmes #4 ($3.50)
Sonic Universe #7 ($2.50)
Usagi Yojimbo #122 ($3.50)
Wednesday Comics #8 ($3.99)
Wolverine First Class #18 ($2.99)
Wolverine Magazine #3 ($6.99)

Collected Editions:

Amelia Rules Vol 2: What Makes You Happy Trade Paperback ($9.99)
The Color of Heaven Graphic Novel ($16.99)
The Muppet Show Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Toy Story: The Mysterious Stranger Trade Paperback ($9.99)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 8/19/09

2009-08-19T18:44:00.001-07:00

This week, notice the titles in red, which signify a title for older high school students.

Also, please check out my Amazon Store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted more than 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Amazing Spider-Man #603 ($2.99)
Archie #600 ($2.50)
Astro Boy Movie Adaptation #1 ($3.99)
The Brave and The Bold #26 ($2.99)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #40 ($2.50)
Marvel Adventures Avengers #39 ($2.99)
Monsters, Inc. #1 ($2.99)
Poe #2 ($3.99)
Simpsons Comics #157 ($2.99)
Superfriends #18 ($2.50)
Superman/Batman #63 ($2.99)
Tales Of Tmnt #61 ($3.25)
Tiny Titans #19 ($2.50)
Wednesday Comics #7 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Avengers Forever Hardcover ($34.99)
- Collects Avengers Forever #1-12
Essential Marvel Team-Up Vol. 3 Trade Paperback ($19.99)
- Collects issues #52-73, #75 of Marvel Team-Up and Marvel Team-Up Annual #1
Spider-Man/Mary Jane...You Just Hit The Jackpot Trade Paperback ($24.99)
- Collects issues #43, #259, #291-292, #309 of Amazing Spider-Man (1963) and Amazing Spider-Man
  Annual #19; Untold Tales Of Spider-Man #16; The Amazing Spider-Man: Parallel Lives Graphic Novel; and Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #50
Teen Titans: Changing Of The Guard Trade Paperback ($14.99)
- Collects issues #62-69 of Teen Titans
Veronica's Passport Volume One ($9.95)
The World Of Cars: The Rookie Trade Paperback ($9.99)
The Muppet Show Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Muppet Robin Hood Trade Paperback ($9.99)
Toy Story: The Mysterious Stranger Trade Paperback ($9.99)
The Complete Peanuts 1973-1974 ($28.99)
The Complete Peanuts 1971-1974 Box Set ($49.95)
- Introductions by Kristin Chenoweth & Billie Jean Kin; 2 books, 344 pages,
Speed Racer: The Next Generation: Birthright Trade Paperback ($12.99)
Around The World In 80 Days Hardcover ($14.99)
Transformers Animated: The Allspark Almanac ($19.99)
The Complete Transformers Ark ($29.99)
Don Quixote ($14.99)
Salt Water Taffy Volume 3: The Truth About Dr. True Graphic Novel ($5.95)
A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge Hardcover ($24.95)
Classics Illustrated Deluxe #4: The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer ($13.95)
The Complete Essex County Softcover ($29.95) and Hardcover ($49.95)
Johnny Boo (Book 3): Happy Apples ($9.95)

New Kid-Friendly Comics, 8/12/09

2009-08-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

Since new comics are released every Wednesday here in the States, I thought I'd organize a list of the kid-friendly comics available this week. Check out the hyperlinks to find previews of the comics if they are available.

This week, I've begun separating the list into single issues and collected editions. For comics newcomers, single issues are usually only available at your local comic book stores, whereas collected editions can be found at most major book retailers. More on which editions are best for your classroom in a future post.

Speaking of retailers, please check out my Amazon store to pick up this week's collected editions for your classroom. The prices are often discounted up to 30 percent!

Single Issues:

Adventure Comics #1 ($3.99)
Amazing Spider-Man #602 ($2.99)
Archie & Friends #134 ($2.50)
Archie Double Digest #201 ($3.99)
Cartoon Network Action Pack #40 ($2.50)
G-Man: Cape Crisis #1 ($2.99)
Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #4 ($2.99)
Looney Toons #177 ($2.50)
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes #14 ($2.99)
Pride & Prejudice #5 ($3.99)
Sonic the Hedgehog #203 ($2.50)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars #8 ($2.99)
Superman Secret Files 2009 #1 ($4.99)
Toy Story: Mysterious Stranger #4 ($2.99)
Wednesday Comics #6 ($3.99)

Collected Editions:

Edgar Allan Poe's Tales of Death and Dementia Hardcover ($18.99)
The Flash Showcase Vol. 3 Trade Paperback ($19.99)
Marvel Adventures Spider-Man Vol. 13: Animal Attack! Digest ($9.99)
Runaways: Pride and Joy Trade Paperback ($14.99)
Usagi Yojimbo Vol. 23 (Limited Edition) Hardcover ($59.95)
Wolverine First Class: Ninjas, Gods, and Divas Trade Paperback ($14.99)
X-Men First Class: Finals Trade Paperback ($14.99)