Graphic Novels

Little Nemo: Return in Slumberland

Written by: Eric Shanower

Illustrated by: Gabriel Rodriguez

Call Number: JGN SHA

Fans of Winsor McCay’s Little Nemo are sure to appreciate Eric Shanower’s additions to this classic tale. King Morpheus is on the hunt for a new playmate for his daughter, the princess of Slumberland. Traveling into the world of the living, they find a new Nemo, though he’s not very happy about being transported night after night to a crazy, colorful dream land. Shanower, known for adapting the Wizard of Oz series and the Trojan War into comics, is an expert writer, adding to the already established world of Little Nemo, making him feel like a contemporary child. Artist Gabriel Rodriguez, whose work includes Locke & Key and adaptations of Clive Baker’s novels, has a very unique style. The saturated colors, intricate scenery, and thoughtful character design truly transports the reader to a dream world. For more imaginative dreams and a sense of nostalgia, Little Nemo is an excellent read.

Bandette

Written by: Paul Tobin

Illustrated by: Coleen Coover

Call Number: YA GRAPHIC TOBIN

Originally published as a digital comic book, Bandette follows the thieving career of an acrobatic burglar known as Bandette! Described as a cross between The Adventures of Tintin and Nancy Drew, Bandette is a Euro-style comic featuring more narrative stories and fluid art than standard American comics. Set in picturesque Paris, Bandette relies on her Urchins and ally police inspector Belgique as she faces other thieves and villains like the Monsieur, Absinthe, Matadori and Il Tredici. While Bandette would never hurt anyone nor steal anything unjustly, from time to time, she does keep a token for herself. Paul Tobin’s writing is sharp and on point, exploring the whimsy of our teenaged protagonist while also creating complex stories. Art by Coleen Coover transports the reader to Paris; you can smell the pâtisseries and boulangeries, see the acrobatic skill of Bandette as she jumps from rooftop to rooftop, and feel the breeze off the Seine River. Bandette’s exciting capers are sure to be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Silver Surfer

Written by: Dan Slott

Illustrated by: Michael and Laura Allred
Call Number: YA GRAPHIC SILVER

If you’re a fan of the television show Doctor Who, Dan Slott and Michael and Laura Allred’s run on Silver Surfer is the right comic for you. In the Silver Surfer’s latest adventure, Norrin Rad, former herald of Galactus, eater of worlds, discovers an Earthling has been taken to a distant planet and held hostage. After Silver Surfer defeats the planet’s ultimate foe and rescues Dawn Greenwood, they travel across the spaceways before returning to Earth. Much like the Doctor and his companion, the Silver Surfer and Dawn create a unique bond as they face cosmic challenges like the Never Queen and Galactus himself. Dan Slott is an expert of subtle comedy, and each issue of the Silver Surfer and Dawn Greenwood’s adventure teaches you about the worlds they both come from and how they reconcile their differences. Married art team Michael and Laura Allred transports the Silver Surfer to a galaxy filled with psychedelic colors, playful character designs and immersive planetary experiences.

Girl in Dior

Written and Illustrated by: Annie Goetzinger

Call Number: GRAPHIC GOETZIN

French author/artist Annie Goetzinger’s latest graphic novel tells of the rise of famed fashion designer Christian Dior. A docudrama, Girl in Doir follows the life of Clara, a fictional fashion reporter, as she attends Dior’s debut fashion show. Her life is turned upside down as Dior takes her on as a model, and she learns the true value of fashion. There is no doubt that Dior forever changed the way women dressed. His revolutionary, progressive designs were inspired by World War II military designs and the floral fields of rural France. Another example of Euro-style comics, Girl in Dior creates sweeping illustrations with water color strokes and is rarely hindered by the 3 x 3 grid traditional to comic books. One of the added values of this book is the back matter; Goetzinger includes a timeline of Dior’s life, the name and duties of each of his over 1,000 workers, explanations of the fabrics he used, and the names of all his collections. 

Nimona

Written and Illustrated by: Noelle Stevenson

Call Number: YA GRAPHIC STEVENS

Nimona is a wonderful coming of age story set in a futuristic fantasy world. Arriving at Lord Ballister Blackheart’s secret lair, Nimona is seeking a villain in need of an apprentice. A shape shifter, Nimona is eager to take vengeance to the next level against all the people who’ve tormented her for the sake of science. However, while she looks for the quick solution (death), Lord Blackheart teaches her the value of patience and the fine finesse of destruction. From author/illustrator Noelle Stevenson, author of the critically acclaimed series The Lumberjanes, Nimona explores taking responsibility for your actions within this fantasy world. The subtle mix of fanciful elements, like dragons, shape shifters and witches, along with technologies like video conferencing, refrigerators, and interdimensional orbs, makes this an engaging read. ‘Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism!’ is the motto of this book, and it lives up to that motto.

--Tracy Boehm, Technical Services Librarian