Search

Comics Plus and Hoopla are digital lending platforms that are becoming increasingly popular for the discovery and circulation of graphic novels in libraries. Comics Plus primarily serves school libraries, while Hoopla focuses on public libraries. Comics Plus allows multiple patrons to check out the same book simultaneously, making it ideal for book clubs and community reads. Hoopla offers a wide range of comics, manga, and graphic novels, including popular titles from Marvel and DC. These digital platforms not only provide access to a diverse collection of graphic novels but also offer valuable data on readers' preferences and trends. [Extracted from the article]

Jeff Trexler, lawyer and interim director of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, discusses the challenges that libraries face in keeping comics on their shelves. He highlights the tactic used by challengers, who claim they are not banning books because they can still be found in retail stores or public libraries. Trexler explains that this argument can be persuasive to some judges, leading to a dismissal of the case. He also emphasizes the broader impact of these challenges, which can create a stigma around certain books and themes. Trexler specifically mentions the issue of graphic novels and manga being targeted by some school districts, leading to a potential ban on all graphic novels. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the trend of graphic novels being inspired by movies and vice versa. It highlights upcoming graphic novels that tie in with new movie releases, such as Dune and Godzilla. The article also mentions the boost in sales that manga publishers hope to receive from U.S. theatrical releases of tie-in anime films. Overall, this article provides library patrons with information about the intersection of comics and movies, catering to diverse interests and perspectives. [Extracted from the article]

"How It All Ends" by Emma Hunsinger is a children's/YA book that follows thirteen-year-old Tara Gimmel as she navigates high school after being enrolled in a special academic program. Tara quickly realizes that high school is not like the teen dramas she's watched and is faced with new challenges. The book uses rich red hues to depict Tara's internal monologue and incorporates cartoon illustrations to alternate between her real life and thoughts. Hunsinger explores the experience of feeling inexperienced and out of place in a vibrant and comedic way. [Extracted from the article]

Aidan Koch's book "Spiral and Other Stories" is a collection of four meditative and visually striking stories that explore themes of human instability and the natural rhythms of the world. The title story follows a nameless female protagonist as she contemplates the unknown future while observing the convergence of two rivers. In "A New Year," a village decorates the forest to honor a sacred tree. Water imagery is also present in "The Forest" and "Man Made Lake," where a patient describes their past life as a sea creature. Koch's minimalist and softly colored illustrations focus on small details, creating a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience. [Extracted from the article]

Dwellings is a horror anthology drawn in the style of 1960s kids comic books. The author, Stephens, explains that the project came about during the pandemic when they were unable to work on their usual kid-friendly projects due to the closure of schools and libraries. They decided to combine their love for horror with their cute drawing style, inspired by classic American kid comics like Casper and Wendy. The author also mentions their influences from cute-scary manga and films like "The Innocents." The book has gained popularity due to its unique combination of cuteness and horror, which disarms readers before shocking them. [Extracted from the article]

A new publishing partnership between Oni Press and the family of William M. Gaines has brought back EC Comics, a renowned and boundary-pushing comics publisher. EC Comics, known for its Tales from the Crypt series and for launching Mad magazine, focused on various genres such as crime fiction, horror, satire, and science fiction. After a conflict with the Comics Code Authority, EC Comics had to close its business between 1954 and 1956. Oni Press, along with Gaines's daughter and grandson, will relaunch EC Comics with two new series this summer and plans to release at least two new series monthly. Notable comic writers like Jason Aaron, Brian Azzarello, and Matt Kindt have been enlisted for future projects. [Extracted from the article]