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Graphic Novels & Comics July 2015
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Greetings!My name is Patrick Holt, and I'm a librarian at Southwest Regional Library. I'm also a lifelong reader of comics and graphic novels. Check out the contents of this month's newsletter in the box to the left, and get access to past editions in the archive at the bottom of the page. I hope you find these recommendations worthwhile, and please email me at pdholt@dconc.gov if you have any thoughts or questions.
Thanks and enjoy!
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Girl in Dior
by Annie Goetzinger
From Jason Wilkins at Broken Frontier: "Annie Goetzinger’s Girl in Dior is one hell of a graphic novel. Set during the dawn of Paris’s post-World War II fashion explosion, Girl in Dior chronicles the rise of the legendary Dior fashion house through the eyes of a young model named Clara. Drawing upon an education based in costume and fashion design, it’s obvious this is a story close to the artist’s heart. ... Despite a one-dimensional protagonist, it remains a fascinating glimpse into the history of a true artistic genius, who forever changed the way the world thinks about wearing clothes."
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March, Book Two
by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
Congressman John Lewis' inspiring and harrowing autobiography of the Civil Rights movement continues in book two, which the Washington Post calls "a must-read monument".
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Batman: Earth One, volume two
by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank
Jesse Schedeen at IGN reports that "everything in this volume is unified under a clear, straightforward theme - 'Who is Batman?' It's a question that means different things to different characters. For Bruce, it's a matter of deciding what he's trying to accomplish and what he wants Batman to symbolize. For the Dents and Jim Gordon, it's in choosing whether to count Batman as an ally. For the Riddler, it's a very literal question - a puzzle in need of solving. These elements all combine to from a cohesive conflict. ... Geoff Johns' writing is adept at fleshing out that journey, while Gary Frank brings this Gotham City to life like only he can."
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Want more? Join in the discussion at Main Library's monthly Graphic Book Club!
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All-New X-Men: Yesterday's X-men
by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen
Past and present X-Men clash in this series that time-travels the five original X-Men -- Cyclops, Phoenix, Ice Man, Beast, and Angel -- from the 1960s to today. IGN says that "the charm of Yesterday's X-Men lies in characters' reaction to their future or in some cases lack thereof. This is an engaging fresh take on the origins of X-Men which at the same time furthers the over-arching continuity, making it a solid starting point for any curious new reader."
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X-Men Noir
by Fred Van Lente and Dennis Calero
Martin Lund says that this book "is a gritty crime story, following crusading avenger Tom Halloway as he searches for a group of [non-superpowered, sociopathic] youngsters who call themselves the “X Men,” in order to enlist them in his fight against the city’s corrupt Chief of Detectives. The X Men work as criminal free agents after their former leader and mentor, Charles Xavier, went to prison when it was discovered that he had been training them to better at breaking the law... All in all, X Men Noir is an interesting and enjoyable read that mixes – at times very well – elements of many styles and genres, projecting the X-Men back into the world of 1930s and 1940s pop culture, while keeping the promised noir in thematic and stylistic dominance throughout most of the run."
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New X-Men
by Grant Morrison et al
Grant Morrison, perhaps best known for his work on mindbending series like The Invisibles and Flex Mentallo, has also taken a turn writing about mutants. As mentioned in Douglas Wolk's excellent Reading Comics, "when Grant Morrison was writing New X-Men in the late '90s, he tried to reroute the series' dominant metaphor into evolutionary leaps and what it might mean to be 'post-human'."
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Saturday, July 27, 2 p.m. Main Library - 300 N. Roxboro St. Questions? Call John Davis at 919-560-0125 Join our MeetUp group at meetup.com/graphic-book-club Enjoy comic books or graphic novels? Join us for the monthly meeting of Main Library's Graphic Book Club. June's theme is "Every Hero Has a Story: X-MEN"! Check out some recommended titles above.
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Durham Comics Fest is this month!Watch your inbox for a special edition of the Graphic Novels & Comics newsletter with a full listing of Comics Fest events, or go to durhamcomicsfest.org.
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Ultimate Ladies Book ClubThursday, July. 2, 8 p.m. Ultimate Comics, 6120-A Farrington Rd., DurhamThe first Thursday of each month the Ultimate Ladies Alliance meets to discuss a different comic or graphic novel. Join the Ultimate Ladies’ Alliance on Facebook for more info and to vote on your top picks for the next month’s meeting, plus suggest books for future discussion and share your favorites. This month: The Death Defying Doctor Mirage. Next month: Bryan Lee O'Malley's Seconds.
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Color of Fandom Book Club Friday, July 10 Meets every month, alternating between comics and prose written by and/or featuring main characters who are people of color. July's title is Scalped vol. 1-3.
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Durham Comics Project: Drink & DrawWednesday, July 15, 7-9 p.m. Cocoa Cinnamon, 420 W Geer St., Durham This monthly meetup is for those new to comics and seasoned vets alike. The hardest part of making comics is often making the time to draw, so let’s make that time together! We'll have an exercise or two (often collaborative), but you're welcome to just come to work on your own thing.
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| For personalized reading recommendations from Durham County librarians, try My Next 5! Simply complete an online form to tell us a little about what genres, books, and authors you like (or dislike). A DCL librarian will review your submission and reply with a list of the next five books you should read. |
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| NoveList Plus is a comprehensive database of fiction and nonfiction titles for all ages, including recommendations, articles, and lists for your fiction and nonfiction needs. DCL cardholders can access NoveList Plus from any computer. |
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Links to newsletters from the past year:
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If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact the Durham County Library at
919-560-0100, 300 N. Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27702
librarywebmaster@durhamcountync.gov
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