Good Reads: "Calamity Jack" and "Rapunzel's Revenge"

"Calamity Jack," the original over-sized graphic

novel from  Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, and Nathan Hale, is

actually the follow-up to "Rapunzel's Revenge"

(same creative team, also recommended.)

It's nice to see the graphic novel format

being used so well, and with stories that

don't talk down to younger readers.

Hopefully, this will foster interest in

 traditional comic books, too.

These books are all-ages desirable,

not merely 'appropriate.'

The books give a unique take on

updating old tales, with a lot of fun

takes and twists on some classic characters.

It's not merely a culturally diverse spin,

but a rich and textured back-story.

Independent Lens: Wonder Women

I guess this special (documentary) was supposed to highlight the impact

of the positive female role model of "Wonder Woman" on real life women

through the ages.

I don't know, since my local PBS affiliate preempted it for a spotlight on

tarpon fishing. Yay.

Anyway, check it out at the link below, which should show you the complete

episode in full! (Link valid through June 14th, 2013!)

Wonder Women: The Untold Story of American Superheroines

Good Reads: THE ARRIVAL by Shaun Tan

As is often the case, I found a true

gem while cruising the 'Juvenile' section of the

library (minds out of the gutter, pervs!)

searching for mislabeled and hidden graphic novels

that are all-ages accessible.

Shaun Tan's masterpiece "The Arrival"

is a brilliant work, a groundbreaking piece

of art and story that took 4 years to research

and produce the richly detailed and shaded art.

The best way to approach this work, I believe,

is to know NOTHING about it!

Don't read previews, don't read the synopsis,

don't read the reviews on the back cover.

Just pick this phenomenal book up raw,

and delve into it like the beautiful and

poignant adventure that it is.

This is a life story told with 'nothing' but pictures,

and it's more fluid and involved than most

text-heavy tales could ever hope.

Interpreting, determining, dissecting the imagery

and experiencing the detail for one's self is

a big part of what makes it work. Afterwords,

you can read the inspiration for the work, and then

re-read it with a new level of appreciation.

Like a fine wine, it's best savored and enjoyed

over time.

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FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2013

"GET READY...CUZ HERE I COME!"

 

Possibly the greatest idea EVAH!

Check it out and find out what's

hopping in your area!

 

(And if you can't go or don't have shops nearby,

check out deals on e-bay/etc. afterwards to get

the entire array of offered comics!)

Official Website of FCBD 2013: Stores, Info, & more!

 

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"Times Past": Remembrance & Affection

Jose Delbo's Wonder Woman

Awesome in-house ads!

 Spinner racks, drug store comics, and newsstand trips!

Back-up stories!

Comic Books for Kids!
(or anyone who likes light-hearted escapism!)

Thought Balloons!

Jam-packed anthologies!

Jose Luis Garcia Lopez covers!

Rich Buckler cover art!

Your money's worth of dialogue and story!

Ernie Chan covers!

Ask the Answer Man!

The Daily Planet (well, really it was weekly...and monthly!)

Pablo Marcus artwork!

Having to WAIT 30 days to find out what happens!

(Yes, No "Previews" was a good thing!)

A plethora of merchandised goodness!

Treasuries, Digests, and Plenty of Reprinted Classics!

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Carmine Infantino: Decades of Memories

Thanks for everything, old timer!

***