Illustrated and Graphic Novels - a list by skyekat

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About this list:

I love fiction, and I love pretty pictures and design. So put the two together, and you've got a match made in heaven. I'm not a huge fan of superheroes, in general, although there are exceptions for exceptional storytelling or art, but generally I tend to indie, or Vertigo-style comics and novels.

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Viewing 1-7 of 7 Items

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 1

2 people recommended this item

Description

Many years ago I saw the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen movie, and remember hearing fans of the book outraged at the treatment. After reading the first volume, I think I can begin to see why. Every character exists in their own shade of grey here. While at first there seem "good guys" and "bad guys," at times the distinction seems wholly beside the point. This is not your average spy story, but rather a story where that formula is used to ask questions about authority and morality.

The story follows the founding of this ill-suited group: Mina Murray (ex-Harker) who is in charge of rounding them up, Captain Nemo, Alan Quartermain, an opium addicted relic, Dr. Jeckyll and his alter-ego Mr. Hyde, and the lecherous invisible man, Hawley Grffin. They aren't told why they're being assembled, or whom they truly work for. All they are told is that, in the uncertain times at the brink of the twentieth century, Britain needs them.

Doubts surround them, many of the well founded, but they do their duty to their country. Nothing turns out to be as it seems. Dichotomous notions of good and bad are twisted and turned. There's plenty of mystery and intrigue. Is what they're doing really in the interest of the greater good, and who makes that call?

It is also worth noting that the extended prose story, "Allan and the Sundered Veil" that is at the end of the graphic novel is well worth reading, and provides some backstory that is useful for the second volume in the series.

Updated Jul 3, 2008

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The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Vol. 2: Alan Moore, Kevin O'Neill

First to recommend

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Another great installment of the League from Moore. This time he takes the conceit of using characters from literature to a new level, and uses "War of the World" as the scaffolding or this story. I love the twist of incorporating Dr. Moreau as well. I wish some of the stuff that happens on Mars at the beginning of the story was fleshed out more, as I found it fascinating. The story-telling is quirky and fun, and it's a very enjoyable ride. The encyclopedia-like almanac at the end has some interesting tidbits in it, and does contain some explanations useful if you plan on reading the Black Dossier, but otherwise I found that section a bit dry.

Updated Jul 3, 2008

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Good-bye, Chunky Rice: Craig Thompson

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Description

This book just broke my heart. And I mean that in the best possible way. It's a touching tale about friendship and letting go. I loved the illustration style, whimsical and fun, the perfect counterpoint to the plot. There's no lesson to be gleaned, or easy happy endings, just life soldiering on with maybe a little solace to be found by the sea. It's a beautiful and perfect book that might just leave you thoughtful if perhaps a bit sad.

Updated Jun 9, 2008

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The Facts In The Case Of The Departure Of Miss Finch by Neil Gaiman & Michael Zulli

First to recommend

Description

This book was a long time coming, originally slated for release over a year ago, but this adaptation of a short story by Neil Gaiman is worth the wait. If you've liked Michael Zulli's adaptations of Mr Gaiman's writing in the past, then you're sure to like this.

The story, also available in Fragile Things, centers around a "true story", in so much as the characters are ostensibly Mr Gaiman and some of his friends. These friends are obliged to entertain an acquaintance, and ask him along to the theatre and sushi. The theatre doesn't pan out, so instead they go to a circus held in underground caverns in London. While there, the cheesy stage-show develops into a very real threat, and a member of their party never returns...

The rich illustration style of Michael Zulli compliments this dark tale well. A visual feast, as well as a story-telling treat.

Updated Jun 8, 2008

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Secrets of Pistoulet

First to recommend

Description

I, like many people, was completely taken with the whimsy of Griffin and Sabine. A book where you could take parts of it out and read it! How amazing. This book is similar, but for those with a penchant for cooking. Recipes, as well as letters, can be pulled out and read. Set in the French countryside it contains drawings, photographs, snippets of diaries, and mysterious maps that tell the tale of Mademoiselle J., who arrives at Pistoulet with a broken heart.

Updated Nov 2, 2007

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Hall of Best Knowledge

First to recommend

Description

I happen to be a big fan of Ray Fenwick and his typographical work. You can check my tags and see how excited I get whenever his work is used. I love the fact that he hand letters things and the detailing is amazing. I first found out about Mr. Fenwick via his Flickr set "Hall of Best Knowledge". It was a great weekly cartoon that chronicled wisdom passed down from a benevolent seer to the rest of us minions. Tragically, the series ended, and Ray has moved on to bigger, better, less weekly things. But here Fantagraphics has collected the series in all of its glory and printed it for our perusing pleasure. Go buy it now. It will enrich your life.

Updated Mar 7, 2008

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The Dangerous Alphabet: Neil Gaiman, Gris Grimly

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2 people recommended this item

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This book feels very Edward Gorey to me, in the best possible way.

As these two children set out to follow their treasure map, they find a sinister world beneath the sewers. The young boy and their plucky gazelle must discard the map and fight past evil pirates and nere-do-wells to rescue his sister who has been snatched away.

Told very simply, in 13 rhyming couplets, coinciding (almost) with the alphabet, you are guided through an underground realm filled with traps and tricks around every corner. The beautiful illustrations give substance to the sparse prose, and adds character to Gaimain's words. Interestingly, many of the background items on each page correspond to the letter being illustrated. For example, on the page for L, there is a ladder, llama, ladybug, lamp, and a ladle. A clever way to backup the alphabetical backbone of this cautionary tale.

Updated Jun 8, 2008

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