2008 – Graphic Novels and Comics
All in all it was a fine year in the comics business. There was never a shortage of titles that I wanted to read. Usually the problem is too little money but luckily the Hennepin County Library has an excellent and up to date graphic novel collection.
Y the Last Man, Vol. 10, Whys and Wherefores by Brian K Vaughan (Author) and Pia Guerra (Illustrator) (Vertigo) - The final volume in the saga of Yorick Brown. It was difficult to avoid everyone who wanted to tell me about the ending. The final monthly comic came out a good 4 months before the final paperback collection and somehow I managed keep from finding the fate of the last man.
Walking Dead, Book 4 (hardcover, Collects issues #37-48) - by Robert Kirkman (Author), Tony Moore, Charlie Adlard, Cliff Rathburn (Illustrators) - The zombie story that is somehow able to stay fresh month after month. Kirkman is great at introducing new characters which is good because he kills them off faster than you can learn their names.
Therefore, Repent! Repent by Jim Monroe (Author) and Salgood Sam (Illustrator) (IDW) - In the 3rd of my "End of the World" selections, Jim Monroe's story of the rapture after the true Christians have been taken to heaven and the unworthy are left behind. This is both dark and very funny.
Slow Storm by Danica Novgorodoff (First Second) - Beautiful first book from former mini comic creator. We all know how gorgeous a storm can look and Novgorodoff's wonderful water colors make it completely stunning.
What is It? by Lynda Barry (Fantagraphics) - Wow! A book about inspiration. You have to see it to really get it. You know Lynda from her long time syndicated Ernie Pook's Comeek but now see her in a new light. It is part notebook/diary part instructional guide. Perfect for the whole family.
Local (hardcover) by Brian Wood (Author) and Ryan Kelly (Illustrator) (Oni Press) - Another story that I read in the montly format. The hard cover is so well put together that I will buy it again. This is 12 short storys of Megan, a traveling free spirit. Each issue was a glimse at different points in her life showing the highs and lows of a life of wandering.
Echo, Vol. 1, Moon Lake - Terry Moore (Abstract Studio) - I read this in the monthly comic issues and this story just keeps compounding in goodness. The story of a military weapon experiment gone bad.
The Joker (hardcover) by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo (DC) - I am usually not a big reader of super hero/villan books but this story uses the dark and sadistic version of the Joker that we all loved in the this summers Dark Night movie. Great story and art.
The Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle (Drawn & Quarterly) - Delisle's third book chronicling his times in Asian countries. His viewpoint is always unique and very funny.