Announcement: New Books

Hey gang.  I know that during our last meeting, I let you look through several choices and pick which ones you would like to read.  I wanted to give you the power to choose, and to really know that you guys are an integral part of this club.  I lead the discussions, but your opinions matter.

Unfortunately, due to funding issues and the question of repurposing our comics after the discussions, we have had to order different books than the ones you chose.  When I began this club, I fully intended for teenagers to attend as well as adults.  Things didn't work out that way, which is why the books I gave you to choose from this round were a bit more adult.  However, it has been decided that once we are done discussing our books, they will then be used for high school discussions.  This means no sex, nudity, or over the top violence, no matter how good the writing or message.  We all know how easy it is to upset even just one parent who could cause an uproar.  Also, due to the cost of printing comics, ordering so many at a timje, and the fact that almost 10 of our books have not been returned over the course of this year, I have been asked not to order books that cost (with our discount) over $12.00.

All of this together meant that I needed to completely re-pick our books.  I'm sorry.

But! The books I did get are also awesome.  Never fear faithful readers, you are in good hands.  Right now we have only order 4 books, as an experimental stage until we figure out where we are going to get our permanent funding.  So, in 4 month's time, we may be able to have more options.  Either way, the books are great, so no worries :)

So, without further ado, here are our first four books for the new year!:

Questions: Persepolis

The story of a girl, her country,and the people of her country, all tied up together with the complexity of family and home.  How do war, tradition, religion, family, and freedom shape us all?  Marjane Satrapi shares their effects on her, as an intellectual young lady growing up in the midst of revolution and war.

Issue Review: Earth 2 #1

Earth 2, a parallel world to the mainstream DC universe, made it's "New 52" debut this week.  Similar to Marvel's Ultimate universe, Earth 2 is a zone unrestricted to the main storyline canon.  Basically it uses the same characters to tell completely different stories, explore different relationships, and break rules you could never break in the normal DC world.  And this new run begins with a BANG. (slight spoilers)

Quickie: Friends with Boys

Friends with Boys is Faith Erin Hicks' webcomic-turned-print success, featuring high school drama and spooky ghosties.  A heartwarming tale with an emphasis in family, FWB is a refreshing change of pace from the usual rebellious teen selection.

I'm not doing a full review on this book, because, honestly, there isn't too much to say.  It reads like a webcomic, although the individual pages have been stitched together seamlessly.  It's a short sweet story, notable for taking the high road, depicting a family of teenagers that aren't particularly edgy or troubled, unless you count seeing ghosts or missing your mom as edgy.  There is also a strong father figure, you understands and cares for his children attentively.  This is neither boring nor cheesy, but rather an aspect of life not often depicted in comics.  It didn't take long to read (about 1-2 hours) and left a smile on my face.  If that sounds like your cup of tea, I totally recommend!

BTW, I also recommend her other webcomics, particularly her 100 page superhero spoof (realistic depiction?), The Adventures of Superhero Girl.  

Movie Night

Howdy ladies and gents!  As we near the end of our first year's journey, I feel that we should celebrate.  I have therefore compiled a list of comic book movies (some you might not have realized were comic books) for you to choose from for us to put together a movie night in July.  Freakin' sweet!  The details are yet to be ironed out, but here is the list, with accompanying Wikipedia links for reference, of our movie choices.  I'll have a voting sheet for you guys on Monday, at the same time we vote for next year's books.

Questions: Kingdom Come

The tension!  The moral dilemma!  The ridiculous costumes!  OMGBATMANROBOTS!  (spoilers, sorry)  This book has everything!  Now, what do we think?

Review: Morning Glories Vol. 1

For all fans of resourceful teens in dire circumstances (here's looking at you, Hunger Games peeps!) Morning Glories is high tension introduction to Image's hit ongoing series.  When punishments go from losing car privileges to losing your life, your only option is to make The Academy pay.