It's All About the Story: Manga, Comics & Graphic Novels

  This was a very interesting premise....I mean there are lots of "superhero/powers" universes, but the idea of someone claiming to have none, and actively subverting the structure of society while doing it, is definitely one I haven't seen before.  I really enjoyed this introduction to John and the students at the Academy and cannot wait to see where it goes. I'm a huge nerd about reading mythological stories, so when I saw that Gaiman was doing a graphic novel version of Norse mythology, I had to check it out.  It is HUGE!  (I do mean that literally, the book is very large).  It is also beautifully illustrated and the stories are very well told and include some well known and others not as well known.  If you enjoy mythology collections, you really need to check this one out. I love an original story, and this is definitely that.  The idea is that the main character Dokja Kim, has been the sole reader of a story blog for years...and the day he finishes it......it st

  Call Me Iggy is a sweet story of reconnecting with your history and culture.  Iggy is Columbian but his father has never talked much about his life in Columbia or ever gone back.  When he accidentally finds and opens his grandfather's urn, he brings his ghost to life, who begins to teach him.  There are fun and silly problems (generational and cultural causes) but also an awakening in Iggy to the parts of his culture he is missing....as well as the parts hidden, like the troubles of illegal immigrants.  This is set during the beginning of Trump's presidency, and the worries and struggles of the Latinx community are definitely discussed as Iggy finds the things he thought were true are actually not true for everyone.  Highly recommend this title. Cara Bean is an art teacher in a high school, who created this book in order to discuss and illuminate both the physical and emotional parts of mental health, as well as the differences between the things that are emotional and those

 Hi all, I have read 2 graphic novels by artists/authors that are new to me (and maybe to you too!) French artist Damezin introduces us (well, me anyway) to a piece of traditional Persian literature told in a graphic novel format.  The focus is definitely on the art, though the story is definitely there.  The book is beautifully illustrated and imaginatively interprets the words and emotions of what is happening in the story. Whether or not you are familiar with this piece of literature, I highly suggest trying this graphic novelization/interpretation.   Bunt! tells the story of a freshman student who finds out on the first day of school that her full-ride scholarship has disappeared; leaving her to find a way to pay for this very expensive art college.  She finds a loophole that says if a sports team can win a single game, all the team wins full scholarships (or at least a set amount for the year).  Determined to make this happen, Molly creates a softball team and works hard to get ev

  Codex Black is a fun adventure in ancient Meso-america as two teens search for a missing father and find gods, ancient mysteries and more. This was a fun story, full of color and details of life in a time that isn't often fictionalized and from a perspective of someone raised in Latin American and well versed in the history.  If you're looking for an interesting adventure in a place you perhaps don't know (but is based on historical knowledge) and featuring Mayan/Aztec gods and fables; this is a perfect choice. Third Shift Society is a rollicking good time as Ellie discovers that she has "witchy" abilities and gets a job with Ichabod (yes, the pumpkin head guy from the stories) who runs an investigation firm for those with supernatural problems. Ellie learns about the world along with the reader and it's just a fantastic escapist read for anyone who enjoy supernatural adventures. A friend of mine recommended this title and even though it's not new, it

  Cat Massage Therapy is exactly what it looks like it will be....a sweet, adorable story filled with cute cats and people who adore them.  The basic premise is that these cats (who can talk) give massages, complete with purr therapy and other cat-like cute behaviors and when one man discovers their talent at relaxing him.....he can't help telling everyone.  As their popularity skyrockets, bodegas nearby are finding it hard to stock any tasty treats that the cats might like (they are paid in food, as is proper...don't ask about how they pay rent or how they sign paperwork....you are thinking too much). If you want a fun, silly read to take you away from the problems of the world; this is an excellent choice with really beautiful artwork and a fun, silly story. Adventures in Arden High continue with King Cheer.  Cheer Captain Leah is having trouble with college admissions and is really stressed out.  She decides the best course of action is to step down as Captain and focus on f

  Mia is adjusting to life with her mom and stepfather.  She is learning a lot about her Jewish heritage from her school and her family but she years for a connection to her father and her Native heritage.  When her mother refuses to allow her to visit, Mia sneaks off and goes to meet her father and his new family.  She finds herself learning all sorts of things about the other side of her family and their traditions.  Now she just needs to convince her parents to allow her to continue to be a part of both families and not just ignore half of herself. This was a really interesting story that tackles some heavy issues but remains grounded in what knowledge (or lack of it) means to Mia and how she handles figuring it out.  Prejudices and racism are discussed but are not overshadowed by the joy of finding ones' self through ones' heritage and family connections. Maisie is super excited to be going to Fancon.  She meets Ollie, a Fancon volunteer, and sparks gently fly.  This new cr