Alec Longstreth, creator of the Eisner-nominated webcomic Isle of Elsi, longrunning minicomic series Phase 7, and graphic novel Basewood, sat down with WWAC to talk about making comics for children, the challenges of serialization online, and Carl Barks.
Our Little Kitchen Shows That Picture Books Can Be Comics
The 2021 Eisner Award winners were announced on July 23rd, and one winner in particular stood out to me. Jillian Tamaki’s Our Little Kitchen, a beautiful picture book about neighbors cooking a meal in a community kitchen, won the Eisner for Best Publication for Early Readers. In an excited instagram post, Jillian Tamaki shared her…
REVIEW: Female Force: Selena is a Heartbreaker, But Not For The Reasons You Think
I have mixed feelings about this comic book take on the life of the tragically slain Tejano singer Selena. Adults may be a bit appalled by its narrative choices; younger readers, however, might learn something new.
Mai K. Nguyen’s Emotional Journey Through Pilu of the Woods
When Oni Press opened their submissions back in 2015, hoping to find fresh, diverse stories from up and coming creators to add to their lineup and broaden their network, Mai K. Nguyen’s Pilu of the Woods was a stand out for good reason. Her all-ages story was selected by editor Robin Herrera, who had this to…
Go on a Treasure Hunt with Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: A Discovery Adventure
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: A Discovery Adventure Cameron Chittock (Editor); Kate Sherron (Pencils); Laura Langston (colors; cover) Archaia/Boom!Studios March 2019 Do you have a relative who’s too young for the sometimes-intense imagery of Labyrinth? Are they not quite old enough to pick Waldo out of a line-up, but still love scavenger hunting for familiar objects hidden…
Let Capture Creatures Capture Your Imagination
Capture Creatures, Volume 1 Frank Gibson (writer); Becky Dreistadt (pencils); Kelly Bastow (inks); Tracy Liang, Joseph Bergin II, Lin VIsel, Becky Dreistadt, Katy Farina (colors); Britt Wilson (letters) Boom Studios February 2018 Decades after war ravaged the environment, teenagers Tamzen and Jory visit the Pacific Coast reclamation area, Tamzen to see her scientist father, and…
Corpse Talk: Ground-Breaking Comics
Corpse Talk: Ground-Breaking Women Adam and Lisa Murphy Phoenix at David Fickling Books, March 1st 2018 There are children for whom this will rank among the most valuable books of their lives, and it only costs ten pounds (penny change). I appreciate this is an introduction with what’s perhaps offputting grandeur, but I’m afraid I…
Little Tails on the Farm is French Family Fun
Little Tails on the Farm Frédéric Brrémaud (writer), Federico Bertolucci (artist), Mike Kennedy (translator) Lion Forge Comics January 2018 Little Tails on the Farm is perfect for the parent who is tired of board books, but whose child isn’t ready for Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur just yet. Little Tails follows pals Squizzo and Chipper on a grand…
The Secret is Out: Bolivar is Beautiful
Bolivar Sean Rubin (Writer and Artist) Archaia/Boom! Studios November 15, 2017 Bolivar, the last living dinosaur, enjoys a quiet life in a New York City apartment. Schoolgirl Sybil lives next door. He depends on no one noticing him, but Sybil and her camera have other plans. When Bolivar is mistaken for the mayor, Sybil finally…
Hollers and Amazons: Leo Baxendale’s Bad Girls
When British comic legend Leo Baxendale sadly passed away last month at the age of 86, he left behind a rich legacy of truly brilliant characters. The “enfant terrible” Sweeney Toddler, the affable archvillain Grimly Feendish, the blundering Three Bears–each of these left their mark on generations of comic-readers in the United Kingdom. But out…
Review: The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel Volume 2
The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel Volume 2 Written by Philip Pullman Adapted by Stéphane Melchior Art by Clément Oubrerie Coloring by Clément Oubrerie and Philippe Bruno Translated by Annie Eaton Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books For Young Readers September 20, 2016 Another year has passed, and that means the release of another volume of…
