Released late last May, Jillian and Mariko Tamaki’s This One Summer has since been garnering a ton of critical acclaim, mainly due to its brilliant depiction of female adolescence. Though a lot of the discussion surrounding this book has centered on its two eagle-eyed pre-teen heroines Rose and Windy, the Tamakis’ languid summer narrative also…
This One Summer: Groundbreaking Caldecott Honoree
The 2015 Newbery, Printz, Correta Scott King, and Caldecott winners were announced on Monday, and hooray for all of the winners. Let’s fast forward to the really interesting part: this year’s Caldecott honor recipients.
#WWACComicClub Recap: This One Summer
On the first Monday of every month we meet up on Twitter for the #WWACComicClub. Last week we discussed This One Summer by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki. The response to this comic was unanimous. Everyone loved this simple yet heartfelt coming-of-age story and agreed that Jillian Tamaki’s art was the perfect companion to Mariko Tamaki’s…
DC Pride #1 To Lead Off Big LGBT Pride Month
So last week, I wrote up a press release and was not very kind about it. This week we have the opposite story, in which I saw a press release and had to write about it because I’m overwhelmed with joy and a feeling of representation that is a rarity in comics. This morning DC…
REVIEW: Flamer is Searing and Raw
I may be making a pun on the title when I use the words “searing” and “raw” to describe Mike Curato’s fictionalized memoir Flamer, but both are apropos. The main character in this young adult graphic novel feels alone at the intersection of many forces arrayed against him: abusive and conservative parents, being closeted, weight-shaming,…
First Second Pubwatch: March 2020
Welcome to the new Pubwatch series for First Second Books! Stories about the magic of friendship and social issues that affect young people dominate my reviews of the graphic novels this month from the publisher First Second. This will regularly be the new place to learn about what’s happening with this innovative publisher for comics…
Catching Up With Rosemary Valero-O’Connell at SDCC
Rosemary Valero-O’Connell is everything I thought she’d be the moment I ran up to the 01: First Second booth. I was ten minutes late, sweating and anxious from navigating the crowded maze-like aisles of the San Diego Comic-Con Exhibitor Hall. In contrast, Valero-O’Connell embodied the effortlessly stylish vibes of the book she so lovingly illustrates….
Long Lost’s Matthew Erman and Lisa Sterle on Influences, Living Spaces, and What’s to Come
Long Lost’s fusion of southern Gothic aesthetics with family drama has quickly made it one of my favorite ongoing series. Though everything is shrouded in a supernatural mystery, it’s the relationships that keep me reading, the hints of the supernatural serving to heighten the tension that grows with every issue until it feels that the…
Queer Goth Romance: An Interview With Sarah Graley
Sarah Graley—of being Sarah Graley fame—is writing and drawing Kim Reaper, a queer romance comic about a girl named Kim, who is a part-time grim reaper, and Becka, who thinks Kim is really cute. Oni Press, of publishing Kim Reaper fame, gave this writer the chance to ask Graley the important questions. Annie Blitzen: First off, I need…
Previously On Comics: Charity and Foolishness
Most important things first: Noted comics creator Jon Rosenberg could use your help. Jon’s son Alec was born premature, and has cerebral palsy as a result of complications from that. He needs spinal surgery, and Jon’s insurance won’t cover the year of therapy Alec will need after that to relearn how to walk. They’re nearly…
BOOM! BAR: PUBWATCH September Week One
It’s September, the start of spooky-season, and it’s time to talk about BOOM!. BOOM! and their sub-pubs, KaBOOM!, BOOM! Box, and Archaia. What are they doing? Let’s take a looksee. As parent-company, BOOM! are pretty good about colour-coordinating the bulk of their weekly title covers. Do they do this on purpose? I’m not really sure….
Comics and YA: How Shelving Creates Access
I think that I’ve got a pretty great job. On any given day I could be helping a teen find a read-a-like for her favorite fantasy series, telling another teen that no they can’t eat buffalo wings at the public computers, doing a Harry Potter-inspired craft program, or reminding someone that not everything you read…