Hellboy

The business of turning graphic novels/comic books into films is definitely at its height at the moment, and the two Hellboy films by visionary director Guillermo del Toro are definitely two of the most successful adaptations. The films are based on the celebrated comic series by Mike Mingola, whose expert storytelling and stunning graphics are haunting, humourous and exciting. If your new to the graphic novel genre, then the Hellboy series is an excellent series to introduce you to the best the genre has to offer.

HELLBOY


HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY


You can find the Hellboy graphic novels on the State Library of Tasmania catalogue here.

WATCHMEN TRAILER!

One of the most acclaimed graphic novels of all time, Watchmen, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, is finally getting the big screen treatment and all signs are pointing to it being one of the most amazing comic book films ever. Do you agree? Let us know what you think about the Watchmen graphic novel and the upcoming film.



You can find Watchmen on the State Library of Tasmania catalogue here.

You can also purchase Watchmen from Ellison Hawker Bookshop

Animal Man

Title Animal Man series
Author Grant Morrison
Illustrators: Chas Truog & Doug Hazelwood
Review:Originally published in the late 1980s, Grant Morrison re-imagined a lame 60s second-rate hero into a book that challenged social issues on animal rights as well as telling a story that became increasingly metaphysical and metatextual. Buddy Baker is an "out" superhero. He doesn't have a secret identity, but still goes by the name Animal Man. His wife and children are aware of what he does, his friends and neighbours also know who he is. Buddy is able to "borrow" the abilities of animals: a bird's flight, the strength of a rhino, and the smell of a bloodhound.

His story starts out with him coming up against the usual run of two-bit super villians but gradually he is made aware of the terrible predicament of live animal experimentation and whaling. Joining up with a band of animal liberationists he raids labs to free animals and tries to stop a dolphin hunt in the Faroe Islands that is being done in the name of "cultural heritage".

During all this Buddy seeks the origin of his super powers. His memories of finding a crashed alien spacecraft and being exposed to radiation don't seem to tally. In New Mexico, on the advice of a Native American shaman, he takes peyote mushrooms and has strange visions that culminate in Buddy's realisation that he may be a fictional character. At the critical moment he slowly turns his head back over his shoulder and looks directly out of the page at the reader shouting, "My god! I can see you!" Stuff that makes you spine tingle.

Morrison has done a fantastic job of making us care for Buddy and his family. We see them at their best and their worst, gradually the super heroics becomes secondary to what happens to Buddy, but not in a soap opera way. All the emotions are played for real rather than a cheap thrill. It's no wonder that Glasgow born Morrison is ranked up there with Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore when it comes to graphic novels.
Staff Reviewer: Derek Binns, Launceston Library

You can find the Animal Man graphic novels on the State Library of Tasmania catalogue here.

Moomin

Title: Moomin: the complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip Vol. 1 & Vol 2
Author: Tove Jansson
Review:There are two kinds of people in the world, those who love Moomin and those who have never read it. This delightful, enchanting and enthralling comic strip by Swedish - Finnish illustrator Tove Jansson stands out in the graphic novel crowd. The comic strip has been collected in hardcover editions, with volume one being the first in the series. Whimsical, clever and delightful, the Moomin series chronicles the adventures of the friendly troll-like creature Moomin and his quirky friends. The author’s independent view of life, quiet humour and pacifist tendencies all shine through in the odd, unexpected and utterly original stories. It's impossible not to fall in love with Moomin and his friends, so if you’re not familiar with the charm of this classic series, then this comic compilation is the perfect place to start.
Staff Reviewer: Rebecca Taylor, Librarian - State Library of Tasmania

You can find the Moomin Comic Strip graphic novels on the State Library of Tasmania catalogue here.

Comet in Moominland

Ouran High School Host Club

Title: Ouran High School Host Club
Author: Bisco Hatori
Review: A very popular comical manga series set in an ultra-exclusive Ouran Academy. Admitance is only possible for the children of the untra-rich or for a very few "commoners" with the academic achievement to win a scholarship. Haruhi is one such student. Living with her well meaning but scatty father (a facinating character in his own right!) she has to borrow his clothes to wear on her first day as he cannot even afford the schools exclusively tailored uniform. The eternally practical Haruhi thinks nothing of it until she gets lost looking for her class and stumbles across a spare music room, now home to the charming, rose bud showered, School Host Club.

This student club exists to delight and distract the bored daughters of the super rich. The handsome Host Boy Clubs serve tea and cake with a smile and delight the girls with stories, play acting and sumptuous costumes. It is into this rarefied atmosphere Haruhi enters, and is immediately mistaken for a boy. Dismissed by the club (who are only concerned with the schools female population) Haruhi almost gets out scott-free until, as she attempts to exit the room, she smashes an $80 000 vase the club was about to auction. Having no money she is forced to pay the club back by working it off, as a host. Provided with a uniform, at first, Haruhi's sense of honour keeps her turning up at a club she sees as vapid and pointless as the clubs' idealistic and thoroughly impractical leader, Tamaki. But the over-the-top characters that inhabit the club slowly peak a genuine interest, even as they constantly remind her of the huge gap between them and her as she is presented as almost a sideshow attraction (a real life commoner!). It becomes clear just how little these people know about the world around them and the results are hilarious.

This is a beautifully drawn, clever and funny manga series. Hatori masterfully keeps her larger than life characters barely in check as they work their clumsy charms on the reader. Not for the easily shocked but if you approach it with a sense of fun you may well be glad you did.

Staff Reviewer: Alex Salter, State Library of Tasmania- Resources and Access

You can find the first Ouran High School Host Club graphic novel on the State Library of Tasmania catalogue here.

Fables

Title: Fables
Author: Bill Willingham
Review: What happens to fairy tale characters after their happily ever after endings? Well, Fables answers that question in a way no one would expect. This addictive comic book series takes beloved fairy-tale characters and places them in the modern world. The “fables,” having being forced out of their homelands by a mysterious force known as “the Adversary,” now reside in an underground community in New York City known as Fabletown.

Fables is simply brilliant in every way, from the stunning cover art by James Jean to the intricate, fascinating story arcs helmed by creator Bill Willingham. Originally focusing on Snow White and “Bigby” the Big Bad Wolf as the story began, the fables universe has expanded to include almost every memorable fairytale character possible including Cinderella, Pinocchio, Rose Red, Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, Prince Charming and many others. Willingham's narrative lampoons fairy tale conventions while at the same time embracing the magic and enchantment of these beloved characters for the premise and drive of the entire series. The euphoria and wonderment I feel reading this series can only be compared to the same wide eyed excitement I felt reading the original Grimm fairy tales as child. Fables is fantastic in every way.

Staff Reviewer: Rebecca Taylor, Librarian - State Library of Tasmania

You can find the Fables graphic novel series on the State Library of Tasmania catalogue here.

Worry Doll

Title: Worry Doll
Author: Matt Coyle
Review: I’ve come late to Worry Doll. Published in 2007, this masterful work by writer/ illustrator Matt Coyle just astounded and entranced me. Definitely a graphic novel in more ways than one (not one for the kiddies), this book is a story of visual beauty and darkest nightmares. So many voices flow over one another throughout the story, in the text and in the visuals. I found myself engrossed in both the written and visual narratives, picking slowly over both, not wanting to miss a thing, turning back pages to go over snippets, words, intricacies of the imagery. A great book. And like nothing I’ve every read. I can’t wait to pick it up and start over. Highly recommended.
Staff Reviewer: Annette, Marketing and Promotions, State Library of Tasmania