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The article features Tim Jones, a library clerk at Jefferson County Public Schools in Kentucky and one of the honorees of the journal's Movers & Shakers 2024 Award. Topics discussed include his focus on using graphic novels and comics to help students of all ages grasp broader concepts, his view about comics and graphic novels, and his family business.

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]

An interview with authors Maia Kobabe and Sarah Peitzmeier about their book "Breathe: Journeys to Healthy Binding," is presented. Peitzmeier talks about what made her want to turn her academic research into a comic, why it is important to publish this book, and what readers will learn from the book. Kobabe discusses what it was like working together on the project and how libraries can be safe and affirming resource for transgender and nonbinary people seeking information like this.

The article discusses Alan Moore's short story collection, Illuminations, and the process of its creation. The author, Leah Moore, asked a representative to have a conversation with Alan Moore about the collection, which was later published. Alan Moore describes the book as an "outrageous fantasy" that draws inspiration from London's spectral low-life figures and the idea of a hidden world. The article also mentions the collaboration between the U.K. and U.S. teams in selecting the illustrator, art direction, and cover design for the book. [Extracted from the article]

"Spilled Ink (Drawing Blood #1)" is a rollicking action-comedy comic book written by Kevin Eastman, cocreator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with David Avallone and art by Ben Bishop. The story follows Shane "Books" Bookman, a once-rising comics superstar who falls from grace due to reckless spending and bad business decisions. As Bookman battles his internal demons, personified as the Ragdolls, he finds himself in debt and targeted by the Russian mob. The comic explores themes of depravity and redemption, with dynamic art by Bishop that emphasizes both pathos and humor. Diehard Ninja Turtle fans will appreciate the Easter eggs from Eastman's biography, while casual readers will be drawn in by the aspirational and cautionary saga. [Extracted from the article]

Sarah Leavitt's book, Something, Not Nothing, explores her grief over her partner's medically assisted suicide through diary comics. Leavitt explains that journaling was important for her grieving process because it helped her remember and process her emotions. In the early stages of grief, Leavitt used fragmented questions and abstract forms in her comics to convey the strangeness and rawness of her emotions. She emphasizes the importance of discussing the book and grief, as well as exploring the creative possibilities of comics in expressing grief. [Extracted from the article]

"Thorn: The Complete Proto-Bone College Strips 1982-1986, and Other Early Drawings" by Jeff Smith is a collection of Smith's college comic strip, originally published in the Ohio State University paper The Lantern. The strip shares similarities with Smith's later fantasy series Bone, but also includes topical characters that did not make the transition. The strip features anachronistic references, fourth-wall-breaking humor, and nods to classic cartoons. The book includes extras such as childhood artwork, story sketches, an interview with Smith, and an essay by Derf Backderf. While the collection serves as a blueprint for Bone, it also stands on its own with its charm. [Extracted from the article]

Penguin Random House (PRH) has announced its acquisition of comic book and graphic novel publisher Boom! Studios. The deal is set to be finalized in the summer, with Boom! becoming part of Random House Worlds. Boom! founder and chairman Ross Richie will be leaving the company, and the Los Angeles office will be overseen by director of strategy Jen Harned. Boom! has had success with its licensing program, securing deals with popular franchises such as Dark Crystal, Dune, and Power Rangers, as well as creating its own successful series like BRZRKR and Lumberjanes. [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]