Tag Archives: life drawn

Review: Superman Isn’t Jewish (But I Am… Kinda)

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Superman Isn't Jewish (But I Am… Kinda)

When it comes to representation, children look for it in some of the most interesting of places.  I remember growing up watching Saturday morning cartoons and being able to identify with Tonto in the Lone Ranger cartoon. It wasn’t because I felt I was the good best friend or the sidekick to anyone but just because he was Brown like me. I look back at how I first tried to identify with characters that look like me and see now just how marginalized society saw us even in fictional worlds. This affected my upbringing, as I realized then that I would never really be seen for all I could possibly be.

Fast forward to today. Those same children my age and the prevailing generations that came after felt this same pain until recently. The world has never monolith or monochromatic and entertainment has recently recognized that. Comics, books, tv shows and movies have “normalized” what the masses have been yearning for. In Jimmy Bemon ’s Superman Isn’t Jewish (But I Am… Kinda), one such creator explores his identity through the prism of superheroes.

We are taken to Nice, France 1984, where a young boy, Benjamin, gets his first lesson Jewish identity from his father, who regals him with the ranks of famous people who just so happen to be Jewish, including Superman. This was a badge of honor. From the time his father let him know that Superman was Jewish, his appreciation for his faith and culture became that much more emboldened. He also in due course found out how being Jewish also made him different. And, like every kid, he just wants to fit in. He soon finds a friend, in Momo, who like Benjamin, hates to be ostracized because of his culture, so he adapted an Arabic identity versus his true nationality of Portuguese. The graphic novel follows Benjamin through his life as he explores his identity.

Overall, Superman Isn’t Jewish (But I Am… Kinda) is an impressive graphic memoir that explores self, religion, and pop culture. The story by Bemon is heartfelt, humorous, and relatable. The art by Emilie Boudet transports the reader to a different world. Altogether, it’s a story which gives readers affirmation that being different is a superpower.

Story: Jimmy Bemon Art: Emilie Boudet
Translation: Nanette McGuinness
Story: 10 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Marilyn’s Monsters Vol. 1

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Marilyn's Monsters Vol. 1

One of the most mesmerizing and enigmatic stars ever in movies is Marilyn Monroe. Her image is forever eternalized by her films, her personality, and her offscreen encounters. It all combined to make her one of our first Hollywood immortals.

I remember the first movie I saw her in and it still remains one of my favorite movies of all time, Some Like It Hot. It’s a film whose iconic scene made her a sex symbol. Eventually, I would go on to see her other films which was a mixed bag as far as quality. Her star power endures even in those.

Even through those movies, who she was as a person still remained a mystery. It was not until I watched Norma Jean and Marilyn and realized how the woman she would need to be was completely different from who she really was. Even after watching that film and even reading some books about her, there is still so much that’s unknown about this icon.

In Tommy Redolfi’s Marilyn’s Monsters, we get an innovative retelling of the story of the woman we know as Marilyn Monroe. It mixes a bit of the mystical into a wonderful alchemy that gives readers and Monroe fans a new way at looking at this screen legend.

We meet Norma Jean Baker, as she first arrives in Hollywood, wide eyed and bushy tailed, ready to start what she believes to be her bright future. She moves into a small but mysterious community, where has-beens and misfits mostly inhabit, and is lead by its mysterious founders.  She soon finds out just how hard it is to make it in the movie business, as she makes call after call, trying to get an agent to represent her to no success until one phone call leads her to take the infamous nude photo spread, which would become famous after her death. But, in this tale these photographs emit some paranormal powers that cannot comprehended.

Overall, it’s a spellbinding graphic novel that gives an inimitable look at the movie icon through all her beauty and anguish through the kaleidoscope of abstract thinking and a paranormal thriller. The story by Redolfi is effusive, clever, and well researched. The art by Redolfi feels like a lustrous hallucination while evoking all the elegance and exquisiteness of its main subject. By book’s end, even if you know her story you will more than have a new appreciation and even some sorrow for this movie star who had left this earth too soon.

Story: Tommy Redolfi Art: Tommy Redolfi
Translation: Mark Bence and Tommy Redolfi
Story: 10 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.9 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Kabul Disco Vol. 2 How I Managed Not to Get Addicted to Opium in Afghanistan

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Kabul Disco Vol. 2: How I Managed Not to Get Addicted to Opium in Afghanistan

When it comes to epic books which can change the way you read, there is only a few in the great literary canon that can do that. Those of us who voraciously read books are constantly in search of that same feeling, every time we pick one up. If you’re lucky enough, you may get that feeling a few more times, and each time it gets better. I remember the first book that I felt spoke to me. It was Holler If You Hear Me by Nathan McCall, which was an autobiography of how it is to grow up with the hardships with being a man of color.

I would go on to find that feeling a few more times, with not only nonfiction books but also fiction books. One of those books being the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini which is about a man who goes back home to war laden Iran to rescue his friend’s son. The book gave a view of that part of the world which is only known to most readers, when it came to their geopolitical issues. In Nicholas Wild’s Kabul Disco, we get a much in depth look at Afghanistan, and it’s one which is more interesting than the new media would paint it as.

It’s 2005. Nicolas Wild is a French cartoonist. He’s broke and about to be homeless. He’s a man without a plan. That is until destiny shows up in his inbox: a paid job… In Afghanistan! Kabul Disco explores the differences between the Afghan cultures around him and his own, as he and his fellow expat friends crash Asura celebrations, avoid the afterlife, and muse on the differences between Christian Easter egg hunts and Islamic penance.

In the graphic novel we meet Nicholas, a young French cartoonist, who gets a job in Kabul, Afghanistan, out of all places, which pushes him out of his comfort zone and expands his horizon. As he gets back in country, he soon finds his job has him covering the recent news rash about the nation’s war on opium or what looks to be one. The government looks to be active against the drug trade, which looks to be dangerous for anyone who has a dissenting opinion on the matter including Nicholas and his co-workers. Meanwhile, outside of work, he lives with a local family where he quickly finds out how the different sexes dined separately, the joys and struggles of being an expatriate, political protests, the inherent kindness of strangers, and the major differences between Islamic and Catholic customs. As Nicholas and his co-workers investigate deeper into the opium crisis, they soon find out the roots of how opium became so powerful and how it was affecting the election the country was having.

Overall, the graphic novel is a relevant and charming travel memoir that gives readers worldwide a view of a country most really knows about. The story by Wild is comical, touching, and illuminating. The art by Wild is unique and extraordinary. Altogether, it’s a graphic novel which will at the very least take readers away for a few hours to a place which only becomes more fascinating with Wild’s adventures.

Story: Nicholas Wild Art: Nicholas Wild
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.6 Recommendation: Buy

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Joe

Top Pick: Gideon Falls Volume 1 (Image Comics) – Lemire and Sorrentino is a match made in comic heaven, and this is a series that doesn’t disappoint. It’s creepy, dark, and it’s perfect for Halloween!

Black Badge #3 (BOOM! Studios) – Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins resume their awesome work from Grass Kings, and now tell the tale of North Korea, Boy Scouts, and Spies. It’s wild, and one of the most original and fun books I’ve read in awhile.

Runaways #14 (Marvel Comics) – Consistently one of Marvel’s best books every single month. Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka give such a touching and fun book, and something different from the usual superhero books.

Venom Annual #1 (Marvel Comics) – I usually don’t love annuals, and their $4.99 price tag, but this has Cates still on the book, and will serve as a great jumping on point for one of Marvel’s best.

Justice League #10 (DC Comics) – Scott Snyder and Francis Manupul is another great pair for comics this week. The series has had its pedal to the medal like usual Snyder stories and I don’t expect it to let up. This will also start the ”Drowned Earth” storyline that will be Aquaman focused, and that cover art alone has me hyped.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Shuri #1 (Marvel) – She was the break out star of Black Panther and Marvel recognizing that is giving her her own series. With T’Challa missing, she must choose between herself and her country. Can’t wait to see another perspective of Wakanda.

Archie 1941 #2 (Archie Comics) – What if Archie took place in the lead up to World War II? The first issue was really good with a good mix of history and we’re expecting more of that with this one.

Captain Ginger #1 (AHOY Comics) – AHOY has been damn near perfect with their three releases so far and we’re expecting no less from this one.

East of West #39 (Image Comics) – This weird west apocalyptic story has delivered with every issue and this far in, we want to see where it goes.

Low Road West #2 (BOOM! Studios) – The first issue started off as a apocalyptic type story and then veered into fantasy. We’re intrigued. We’re very intrigued.

Superman Isn’t Jewish (But I Am Kinda) (Life Drawn/Humanoids) – An interesting exploration of Jewish identity in modern times.

Transformers: Optimus Prime #24 (IDW Publishing) – IDW’s current run on Transformers is winding down with everything coming together and we’re glued to the pages of every release.

The Unstoppable Wasp #1 (Marvel) – Writer Jeremy Whitley is back and so is Nadia! The first volume was beyond fantastic with a mix of fun, action, science, and girl power! We’re expecting no less and are so excited.

John Cassaday Named Chief Creative Officer of Humanoids

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Humanoids has named Eisner award-winning artist John Cassaday as the company’s first ever Chief Creative Officer. Internationally renowned for publishing seminal genre works by creators from all around the world, including The Incal by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Mœbius, Humanoids has been aggressively ramping up its publishing slate. Earlier this year, Humanoids debuted Life Drawn, a new imprint of literary graphic novels that spotlights slice of life stories, biographies and stories with social political themes. In naming Cassaday its Chief Creative Officer, the Los Angeles-based publisher continues its expansion while maintaining their high quality standards.

Cassaday created I Am Legion for Humanoids in 2004.

The announcement of Cassaday as Humanoids’ Chief Creative Officer comes in the lead up to New York Comic Con, where the publisher will announce a major publishing initiative during the Humanoids 20th Anniversary In America panel on Friday, October 5 from 1:30-2:30 PM in room 1A02 of the Javits Center.

Humanoids 20th Anniversary In America

Join Chief Creative Officer John Cassaday, Senior Editor Fabrice Sapolsky and Director of Sales and Marketing Jud Meyers for the panel that will change the way you see Humanoids forever!

Almost a dozen A-List comic creators will be in the room answering questions and celebrating 20 years in the U.S. Humanoids is about to make history again as it did in the past with legendary creators such as Moebius, Jodorowsky, Ladronn and Manara. It’s THE panel you don’t want to miss. New Projects! New Heroes! Hot creators! A bold new direction ushering in a new era in comics. Panel followed by Q&A session. Surprise collector give away for the audience!

Preview: Marilyn’s Monsters

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Marilyn’s Monsters

by Tommy Redolfi

Marilyn’s Monsters is the latest release from Life Drawn, Humanoids’ new literary imprint, which spotlights personal stories and provocative, political narratives.

Marilyn’s Monsters presents Marilyn Monroe’s dark journey like you’ve never seen it before. The famous Hollywood Hills. A strange, twisted forest filled with freaks and broken-down trailers. In this dark world, movie stars are born in the shadows. Determined to become the greatest one of all, shy Norma Jean Baker (Marilyn Monroe) comes to this ghost-town with hopes and dreams. Unfortunately, she’ll have to face all kinds of monsters to reach her ultimate goal. . .

Humanoids’ Life Drawn Gets a Second Wave of Graphic Novels

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In advance of San Diego Comic Comic International 2018, Humanoids is announcing a second wave of graphic novels for Life Drawn, its new literary imprint. Life Drawn spotlights personal stories and provocative, political narratives. The upcoming titles run the gamut, including: a biography of feminist icon and actress Hedy Lamarr, focusing on her revolutionizing scientific and technological innovations; a runner’s memoir of the New York Marathon; a hallucinatory and horror-fueled telling of Marilyn Monroe’s life and a humorous exploration of religious identity (and Krypton).

Marilyn’s Monsters by Tommy Redolfi

Publication date: September 4, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594655357; 248 Pages; $29.95

The famous Hollywood Hills. A strange, twisted forest filled with freaks and broken-down trailers. In this dark world, movie stars are born in the shadows. Determined to become the greatest one of all, shy Norma Jean Baker (Marilyn Monroe) comes to this ghost-town with hopes and dreams. Unfortunately, she’ll have to face all kinds of monsters to reach her ultimate goal. . . . This is Marilyn Monroe’s dark journey like you’ve never seen it before.

Kabul Disco Book 2: How I Managed Not To Get Addicted to Opium in Afghanistan by Nicolas Wild

Publication date: September 18, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594654695; 176 Pages; $19.95

In this second volume of his travelogue series, Nicolas Wild returns to Afghanistan, unfulfilled by his old life in Paris, to resume work at the Zendagui agency. This time around, however, his job is even trickier than illustrating the Constitution (see Book 1): he has to convince Afghans that “Opium is Bad” in a time when no one wants to hear what expatriates have to say. With a charming sense of humor and a genuine love for Afghanistan, Nicolas Wild depicts a series of complicated events, transpiring in a complicated country.

Superman Isn’t Jewish (But I Am . . . Kinda) by Jimmy Bemon (writer) and Emilie Boudet (artist)

Publication date: October 2, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594655982; 112 Pages; $14.95

Adapted into an eponymous short film by Jimmy Bemon.

An intimate and humorous autobiography of a boy’s quest for identity as he struggles with his heritage and his heroes. Benjamin would always proudly say, “I’m Jewish. Like Superman!” Assuming that Judaism is some kind of super power and Hebrew is akin to the Kryptonian language, Benjamin believes each of his family members is a superhero. Until, like Krypton, his world is shattered. After learning of the link between being circumcised and his religion, Ben decides to hide his heritage from everyone. Caught between the desire to avoid disappointing his Jewish father and his desire to understand his Catholic mother, Ben has to find a way to abandon his secret identity for a very public one. Humorous, timeless and universal, this personal and poignant story of acceptance and understanding shows how we all must learn to love the hero within ourselves.

My New York Marathon by Sebastien Samson

Publication date: October 30, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594657542; 192 Pages; $19.95

Published timed to the annual New York Marathon, this inspiring love-letter to the event and to the city that hosts it has already been championed by running heavyweights Jeff Galloway and Amby Burfoot, and endorsed by both the New York Road Runners club and the New York Marathon itself.

A quiet, aging teacher decides to run the New York Marathon. Along the way, he transforms into the man he always wanted to be. Sebastian, a quiet and shy teacher, decides, on a whim, to challenge his aging body and crumbling spirit and run the New York Marathon. From the streets of France to the streets of Brooklyn, Sebastian pushes himself past limits he didn’t even know he had. A humorous and poignant autobiographical tale and a love letter to the landscapes and panoramas of New York as well as a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

Hedy Lamarr: An Incredible Life by William Roy (Writer) and Sylvain Dorange (Art)

Publication date: November 6, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594656194; 176 Pages; $19.95

To her fans, Hedy Lamarr was a silver screen star; to those who knew her, she was a genius. She fashioned designs to revolutionize the planes built by Howard Hughes. In the dead of night, she tinkered with her blueprints and experiments. And when World War II began, Hedy left her superstar persona behind and claimed the patent for a strange device. One that manipulated sound, created an unbreakable code and confounded the Nazi regime, giving the allies the advantage they needed to claim victory. Scientists called it “Spread Spectrum” technology. The military called it a “secret communication system.” Today, we call it a “cell phone,” “Wi-Fi” and a little thing called “Internet.” This is the story of a genius. A visionary. And the most beautiful woman in the world.

Vietnamese Memories Book 2: Little Saigon by Clement Baloup

Publication date: November 13, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594657993; 256 Pages; $24.95

Winner of the Coup de coeur prix Michelin 2012 – Rendez-vous du Carnet de voyage

The second in a three book series exploring the stories of displaced Viet Kieu around the world, Vietnamese Memories: Little Saigon immerses us in the diaspora of the United States and the assimilation of these Vietnamese immigrant communities, labeled Little Saigons. Through trips made in 2009 and 2010, Baloup shows how the memory and culture were maintained in these Asian neighborhoods in the heart of the big American cities (Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Lao Area, etc.).

Review: Vietnamese Memories Book 1: Leaving Saigon

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“Courage” is an understated attribute that most immigrants possess but rarely were given credit for, even before our current presidential administration. As most of this xenophobia, has been going on for years, and yet they still came to our shores, which included my family. The fact that you leave the place you have known your whole life, to go somewhere else, to begin anew. To do all that and bring your family with you or to start a family after that, these actions are not what everyone has in them, these actions require fortitude and courage.

This truth rings even louder for those, who consider themselves refugees, as their search for sanctuary leads to them places where they never imagined being including America. Life can be so complicated and comforts like our First World problems becomes nonsense when you realize the problems they have. Thousands of their stories have been told, each one as interesting as the next and ones that should be told repeatedly. In Clement Baloup’s Vietnamese Memories Book 1: Leaving Saigon, the acclaimed author seeks to tell the stories of one family across different time periods as they leave their homeland.

The book begins as a primer for readers as Baloup surveys what he believes they know from popular culture but then quickly does a deep dive into Vietnam’s history. As one family member tells the family history through the cooking of prawn, which shows the power of exposition and the connection food has to one’s family. Each member unveils what their life was during that time and each gives a reason why they left the country of their birth. By book’s end, each family member shows to their family through their stories why love will always lead the way.

Overall, an engaging set of stories that both feel intimate but is universal to every person whose family immigrated over the last century. The stories as told by Clement Baloup are lovely, visceral and enthralling. The art by Baloup is beautiful. Altogether, a great book that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and remembers that true stories are sometimes more interesting than fiction.

Story: Clement Baloup Art: Clement Baloup
Story: 9.6 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy

Review: Vietnamese Memories Book 1: Leaving Saigon

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“Courage” is an understated attribute that most immigrants possess but rarely were given credit for, even before our current presidential administration. As most of this xenophobia, has been going on for years, and yet they still came to our shores, which included my family. The fact that you leave the place you have known your whole life, to go somewhere else, to begin anew. To do all that and bring your family with you or to start a family after that, these actions are not what everyone has in them, these actions require fortitude and courage.

This truth rings even louder for those, who consider themselves refugees, as their search for sanctuary leads to them places where they never imagined being including America. Life can be so complicated and comforts like our First World problems becomes nonsense when you realize the problems they have. Thousands of their stories have been told, each one as interesting as the next and ones that should be told repeatedly. In Clement Baloup’s Vietnamese Memories Book 1: Leaving Saigon, the acclaimed author seeks to tell the stories of one family across different time periods as they leave their homeland.

The book begins as a primer for readers as Baloup surveys what he believes they know from popular culture but then quickly does a deep dive into Vietnam’s history. As one family member tells the family history through the cooking of prawn, which shows the power of exposition and the connection food has to one’s family. Each member unveils what their life was during that time and each gives a reason why they left the country of their birth. By book’s end, each family member shows to their family through their stories why love will always lead the way.

Overall, an engaging set of stories that both feel intimate but is universal to every person whose family immigrated over the last century. The stories as told by Clement Baloup are lovely, visceral and enthralling. The art by Baloup is beautiful. Altogether, a great book that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and remembers that true stories are sometimes more interesting than fiction.

Story: Clement Baloup Art: Clement Baloup
Story: 9.6 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy

Humanoids Announces a New Literary Imprint, Life Drawn Focused on Personal and Political Narratives

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Humanoids is launching a new literary imprint in 2018, timed to the company’s 20th anniversary of publishing its acclaimed books in the United States. Best known for seminal genre works including The Incal (Alejandro Jodorowsky, Mœbius) and The Metabarons (Jodorowsky, Gimenez) and internationally renowned creators, including Milo Manara and Jose Ladronn, Humanoids will make a bold break from tradition with its new endeavor. Launching on April 4th, the Life Drawn imprint will publish graphic novels featuring deeply personal and powerful political narratives; these are stories grounded in life on earth, not among the stars.

Life Drawn’s debut season features titles representing a wide spectrum of art styles, tone, and social and cultural perspectives:

Kabul Disco: How I Managed Not to Be Abducted in Afghanistan by Nicolas Wild
Publication date: April 4, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594658686; 160 Pages; $19.95
LIFE DRAWN debuts with the first volume of a satire-laced travel memoir by cartoonist Nicolas Wild about his experiences in Afghanistan, drawing an adaptation of of the Afghan constitution. Wild provides insights into international politics, a war-ravaged country and the lives of his fellow expatriates. In a dazzling passage, Wild explores the fragile state of American democracy through the story of a woman who was working for the Bush campaign in 2000 and was responsible for vote counting in one of Florida’s three counties, ultimately making the fateful phone call that helped swing the election. Acclaimed cartoonist Guy Delisle (Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea) declares that Wild’s “satirical and at times absurdist perspective plunges us into the daily life of a group of expatriates in the heart of Kabul, a city still reeling from the last war. His witty sense of humor makes him an excellent travel companion.” Book Two will be published in September.

Vietnamese Memories: Leaving Saigon by award-winning writer and artist Clément Baloup
Publication date: May 29, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594656583; 164 Pages; $19.95
The first of a three-volume testimonial to the courage and endurance of five different families displaced from their native country by war and colonialism and forced to assimilate in unfamiliar lands, watching their heritage slowly disappear. As Doan Hoang, the award-winning director of Oh, Saigon, says in her introduction of Book One, “History is mostly told by the privileged and powerful, and rarely by those who are most affected. . . . In this sumptuously beautiful and important graphic novel, you will intimately bear witness to what so few in the world have been privy to.”

Luisa: Now and Then by Carole Maurel, Adapted by‎ Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer)
Publication date: June 20, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594656439; 272 Pages; $29.95
A queer transformative tale about self-acceptance and sexuality, written and illustrated by Carole Maurel and adapted by national bestseller Mariko Tamaki, Caldecott Award–winning creator of This One Summer. A disillusioned photographer has a chance encounter with her lost teenage self who has miraculously traveled into the future. Together, both women ultimately discover who they really are, finding the courage to live life by being true to themselves. The book will be published in June, timed to Pride Month.

Madame Cat by Nancy Peña
Publication date: July 4, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594658136; 128 pages; $12.95
Hilarious vignettes presenting the love, laughter and frustrations of a pet who thinks she’s an owner! With narrative mastery, creator Nancy Peña brings us bite-sized sketches that appeal to cat lovers of all ages.

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