Comics of 2007
Feb. 12th, 2008 11:40 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
meteordustThe last of this set of retrospectives, and about time too.
In 2007, I read 61 volumes of comics. I've pretty much stopped picking up single issues and am only reading graphic novels.
These are my highlights of the year:
New discoveries
Imadoki! by Yuu Watase (Volumes 1-5 complete)
Tanpopo is a cheerful and energetic girl who wins a place in a elite high school through scholarship instead of connections. Despite being bullied and belittled by the other students, she forges ahead with determination. A chance encounter with Koki Kugyo, school president, with whom she shares a love of flowers and gardens, begins an unlikely friendship. He is only the first of the students whose lives are changed by Tanpopo's spirit. Tanpopo is a great character, and as always, the art is lovely.
Dreamtoons by Jesse Reklaw (standalone)
Jesse Reklaw draws dreams. People from all over the world send their dreams to him; he turns their dreams into four panel comics. They are surreal and hilarious and freaky: like trying to parallel park an elephant, or waiting for a phone call from God, or getting beaten up by a mob of Hollywood stars. Reading these comics like taking a peek into someone else's brain.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (Volumes 1-2 complete)
The autobiographical story of a childhood in Iran after the fall of the Shah. The daughter of intellectuals, raised to liberal thinking in a conservative society. A fascinating and funny account. I like how unashamedly honest she is in this telling, including showing the odd notions of childhood.
A Contract With God by Will Eisner (standalone)
These stories of growing up in New York in the 1930s evokes an era that remains alive in story: old tenement buildings, kids playing on the sidewalk, the dramas of ordinary lives. Fluid and flawless art.
Tramps Like Us (Volumes 1-8 of 14)
Tramps Like Us (originally called Kimi wa Pet). The opening makes me think of a het version of Zetsuai - protagonist finds young man sleeping on the street, brings young man home to live, unresolved sexual tension and interesting complications ensue. The main character is the driven professional journalist Sumire, whose cool exterior hides a human vulnerability. The young man is Momo, a dancer whose playful attitude is balanced with an unexpectedly mature side. The character dynamics are fascinating and remind me a lot of the tropes of BL.
The Order of the Stick by Rich Burlew (Volumes 1-2 continuing)
The adventures of a stick figure adventuring party, a parody of and homage to RPGs. Very funny and accurate, except for a couple of things that bug me. Available online as a webcomic.
Old favourites
Fullmetal Alchemist
Marmalade Boy
XXXHolic
Akiko
Dragon Voice
In 2007, I read 61 volumes of comics. I've pretty much stopped picking up single issues and am only reading graphic novels.
These are my highlights of the year:
New discoveries
Imadoki! by Yuu Watase (Volumes 1-5 complete)
Tanpopo is a cheerful and energetic girl who wins a place in a elite high school through scholarship instead of connections. Despite being bullied and belittled by the other students, she forges ahead with determination. A chance encounter with Koki Kugyo, school president, with whom she shares a love of flowers and gardens, begins an unlikely friendship. He is only the first of the students whose lives are changed by Tanpopo's spirit. Tanpopo is a great character, and as always, the art is lovely.
Dreamtoons by Jesse Reklaw (standalone)
Jesse Reklaw draws dreams. People from all over the world send their dreams to him; he turns their dreams into four panel comics. They are surreal and hilarious and freaky: like trying to parallel park an elephant, or waiting for a phone call from God, or getting beaten up by a mob of Hollywood stars. Reading these comics like taking a peek into someone else's brain.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (Volumes 1-2 complete)
The autobiographical story of a childhood in Iran after the fall of the Shah. The daughter of intellectuals, raised to liberal thinking in a conservative society. A fascinating and funny account. I like how unashamedly honest she is in this telling, including showing the odd notions of childhood.
A Contract With God by Will Eisner (standalone)
These stories of growing up in New York in the 1930s evokes an era that remains alive in story: old tenement buildings, kids playing on the sidewalk, the dramas of ordinary lives. Fluid and flawless art.
Tramps Like Us (Volumes 1-8 of 14)
Tramps Like Us (originally called Kimi wa Pet). The opening makes me think of a het version of Zetsuai - protagonist finds young man sleeping on the street, brings young man home to live, unresolved sexual tension and interesting complications ensue. The main character is the driven professional journalist Sumire, whose cool exterior hides a human vulnerability. The young man is Momo, a dancer whose playful attitude is balanced with an unexpectedly mature side. The character dynamics are fascinating and remind me a lot of the tropes of BL.
The Order of the Stick by Rich Burlew (Volumes 1-2 continuing)
The adventures of a stick figure adventuring party, a parody of and homage to RPGs. Very funny and accurate, except for a couple of things that bug me. Available online as a webcomic.
Old favourites
Fullmetal Alchemist
Marmalade Boy
XXXHolic
Akiko
Dragon Voice
