Pyoungyang: A Journey in North Korea

Pyoungyang: A Journey in North Korea
By Guy Delisle
ISBN(HC): 978-0896597898

An interesting look at something we don't get to see much of, and an interesting look at how North Korea treats its visitors, as well as some glimpses into their view of the world.

To Sum: Guy Delisle is a contract animator, who takes an assignment in North Korea for two months, and this is his account.

What to watch out for: Not to much, all things considered. Drinking, smoking, some adult situations (parties/hitting on opposite gender, but more the just dealing with being in such a oppressive place when you aren't from there.)

Where to Shelve: There's not much in it that would offend the younger generation, however, the idea of living in another country for two months? Strikes me as more of an adult thing to read. Not saying older teens couldn't handle it, but I think the adults are the ones that would be more likely to pick it up.

Waltz with Bashir

Waltz with Bashir: A Lebanon War Story
Ari Folman and David Polonsky
978-0-805088922

First impressions: There's a lot to this one. As with many other graphic novels, there is a lot said, without a lot being said. It highlights something that many of us didn't know or forgot about; teaching us again about history or reminding us of it.

This isn't an easy book to read. I am saddened to admit that I don't know much of what went on, being very young when this occurred. But it does highlight a failing of my own, and I have a feeling over the next few graphic novels, I'm about to get a major education.

It should also be noted that the movie came first. Although the movie came out of the author's love of graphic novels, and the animated medium allowed for better expression.

To Sum: A gentleman realizes he has no recollections of a massacre that he was present for and goes and talks to others that served with him to find out what happened, and if he was really there.

What to Watch Out For: Well, this is dealing with a 19 year old during the Lebanon war during 1982. There is a scene of a sexual nature, there's fighting, there's blood, there's the shooting of dogs. And the final pictures (actual photographs) of bodies in the street. There's also the idea that there was very little for the soldiers to do to prevent what happened. Oh, and there's a massacre of innocent people.

Where to shelve: The movie is rated R, and that would mean 17+. That would mean adult for my library.

Should a library have it: Honestly, yes. The graphic novel, from what I've read, has been adapted from the movie. Meaning something things have been presented differently as there's no soundtrack, no animation. And as I pointed out, I don't remember much of this going on. I'm sure it was on the news, but I had all but forgotten, if ever I knew. It's not a happy-go-lucky, feel-good novel. But it does show us a different side of oppression - not the oppressor, nor the oppressed, but the witness who can do nothing, or who is helping the oppressed without knowing/knowing it's wrong.

Other links and reviews:

Metropolitan Books Publishes Waltz with Bashir—the Graphic Novel

http://www.grovel.org.uk/waltz-with-bashir/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-engelhardt/iwaltz-with-bashiri-the-g_b_160565.html
http://dejiridoo.com/blog1/reviews/full-reviews/waltz-for-bashir-graphic-novel/
http://middleeast.about.com/od/booksopinions/fr/me090308a.htm

http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/122371/waltz_with_bashir%3A_popular_animated_film_released_as_a_graphic_novel/

http://middleeast.about.com/od/booksopinions/fr/me090308a.htm
http://www.zimbio.com/Ari+Folman/articles/19/GRAPHIC+NOVEL+FRIDAY+WALTZ+BASHIR
http://www.zcommunications.org/waltz-with-bashir-part-1-by-ari-folman
http://www.zcommunications.org/waltz-with-bashir-part-2-by-ari-folman
http://open.salon.com/blog/booknut/2009/02/06/waltz_with_bashir
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/39265

The Unknown, Vol. 1

The Unknown, Vol. 1
Mark Waid, writer
Boom! Studios
978-1934506974

Observations: An interesting read, a slight deviation from the normal superhero sort of comics, but it does raise interesting questions not normally thought of by those in tights. Weighing heavily on the main character is the question of what happens after we die, and the story focuses around her and her assistant solving a mystery which involves that question.

To Sum: The world's greatest detective has a sharp mind, a brain tumor, and about six months to live. Now, she wants to solve the greatest mystery of them all... What happens when we die? Too bad other things keep popping up.

What to watch out for: Not much. There is some "cult" like activities and the normal violence. This book is more based around science and philosophy with some story thrown in.

Where to shelve: Adults would like it, but there's nothing in there to stop teens from reading it.

Should a library have it: Mark Waid is well known in the comic book industry, most notably for Kingdom Come, but he's one of those people that you will find pretty much everywhere. He's done some good work, and if people enjoy graphic novels, this would be a good title to recommend. It's similar enough to other things, but just slightly different. It will be interesting to see where the next volume goes.

How I heard about it: At a comic book convention. The cover caught my eye. And then Mark Waid was there.

Other sites of interest:
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/030903-Waid-Unkown.html
http://www.brokenfrontier.com/lowdown/p/detail/the-unknown-mark-waid


Other reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/product-description/1934506974/ref=dp_proddesc_0?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books

Solomon Kane

Soloman Kane: Castle of the Devil
By Scott Alie

Overview:

A well done story. Fans of ... Hmmm... I know the people that would pick this up, but I'm not sure what they have in common. They love a good story. They love sci-fi. They love the old comic books. Solomon Kane has two of the three - and in place of sci-fi, this book has a bit of horror/fantasy. But it's definitely in the same vein as... Conan, if only in a different time. Man lives by his code. Does not deviate from his code. And does his best to improve the world.

Maybe more like Punisher. Except Kane's a Puritan, and fights demons. And men. And evil men.

To Sum: Soloman Kane is a Puritan out to rid the world of evil. He travels a lot, and along the way he meets another Englishman in the Black Forest of Germany. (Think Barvaria, Grimms' Fairy Tale sort of setting). Kane cuts down a boy who was dangling, and goes to find out what has called him to this place and what the evil is that he must deal with.

What to watch out for: We do have some... Religiously conservative people in our area. Depending on their mood, I could see them being offended by the demon in angelic form, although in other moods I could see them pointing to that as a way of proving the need for Constant Vigilance. Aside from religion/demonic aspect, there are some horror elements, but nothing too over the top.

Where to Shelve: Honestly, this is a comic book that I see appealing to the older crowd. Not because of content, but because it reminds me of the old pulp comics. Stoic hero saves the day without compromise. Okay, the book is better than that sum, but it does put me in mind of Conan, the Phantom, and other older comics.

Other Reviews:

http://www.indenvertimes.com/mel-odom-solomon-kane-a-compelling-graphic-novel/
http://bookhound.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/solomon-kane-the-castle-of-the-devil-by-scott-allie-mike-mignola-and-dave-stewart/
http://www.epinions.com/review/Book_Solomon_Kane_1_The_Castle_of_the_Devil_Scott_Allie/content_514493943428
http://www.graemesfantasybookreview.com/2010/07/kull-conqueror-solomon-kane-dark-horse.html