TokyoPop - Read The Tarot Cafe GN Online for Free!!

In advance of the release of Vol.7 of the Tarot Cafe series, TokyoPop have released Vol.1-6 online for free over the next week. Click on the front cover of the graphic novel to access. Don’t worry if you miss one,  ALL the issues can be read online on Tuesday 10th June!

Classical comics bring to life Shakespeare in Graphic Detail

The idea for Classical comics came to Clive Bryant on train in October 2006 while discussing The Tipping Pointby Malcolm Gladwell. To cut a long story short, it occurred to him that if they could convert enough young people to appreciate literature by using the comic format of the graphic novel and Manga, and making them as exciting as a Spiderman comic, then they could, possibly, reach those kids and adults who find the classics boring.

These graphic renditions have had endorsements, from the likes of Patrick Stuart and Barbera Romer, founder of The New Globe Theater, New York, amongst overs.

This week saw the publication of Macbeth as an unabridged graphic novel, which is mostly the work of comic book artist Jon Howard, the illustrator of Spiderman comics, who was reluctant to learn Shakespeare himself! The creators have set out to show that it not just about words, even though the language is fantastic. Its also about acting and reacting within frames, as it was intended ,on a stage.

              

Classic comics have produced three versions of each text - Original text, with all of the play poured into speech bubbles. Plain text version, where the Jacobean language is translated into contemporary English, and a Quick text version for those who prefer less of the narrative.

Read more at http://www.classicalcomics.com/index.html

Also see http://www.selfmadehero.com/ for Manga Shakespear and over classics.

Classic Manga

If you want to look into classic Manga, take a look at this - http://www.artbomb.net/detail.jsp?gid=23&tid=134

Manga - New Stock Review VI for Volume 2’s!!!

    Kare Kano - Vol.2

Yukino decides that she wants to confess her feelings to Soichiro. She’ll need all of the analytical skills she has to figure out just how to do it. But, does he still love her after he’s seen what she’s really like? And, will she even get a chance to see him at all when they’re both so busy with the school sports festival?

 kfln

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     Magical Miracle - Vol.2

Merleawe has left her hometown and moved to Viegald to attend the magical school to become a wizard. One day, on the way to her school, she bumps into Vaith who is the follower of the wizard master, Sylthfarn who is currently missing. Vaith thought she was Sylthfarn and brings her to the castle where the followers of the master wizard gather.

 See the Library Reading Area Wall Display for more titles - more info available from TokyoPop and Amazon

Manga - New stock Review V for Volume 2’s!!!

    Faeries Landing - Vol.2

Ryang and Gigi, Ryang’s 3rd evil affinity, take center stage as their relationship hits high drama. Can Fanta calm the turbulent waters rippling between Ryang and Gigi? It also looks like Fanta has some problems of her own!

 jfpejfwjf

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    Loveless - Vol.2 - 16+

Ritsuka mourns the loss of his older brother Seimei, and endures the physical abuse of his mother, who has lost control of her emotions now that her eldest son is gone. While attempting a second visit to Ritsuka’s house, Shinonome is confronted by a new, more powerful duo of assassins, Natsuo and Yoji, codenamed Zero. Soubi arrives to rescue Shinonome, and squares off against Zero alone…

bjshf

   Vampire Doll - Vol.2

Guilt-Na-Zan is a vampire aristocrat who was sealed into a cross by Kyouji’s ancestor more than 100 years ago. Now Kyouji has revived him - although he was resurrected as a doll and can only transform into his real figure when he sucks blood from Kyouji’s sister Tonae.

 

See the Library Reading Area Wall Display for more titles - more info available from TokyoPop and Amazon

TokyoPop - Rising Stars of Manga III - Results

Click on the link above and go to the winners of this years RSOM - read through the entries and let us know if you want to get the book in April ‘08!!!

Graphic Novels - Stock Review IV

Graphic Novels aren’t just for the boys sez

  

Getting sent to stay with your stuffy grandparents for the Summer as a punishment turns out to be a lot more exciting than Lottie imagined - especially as a murder mystery needs to be solved……

When family life turns upside down a girl needs to talk about it , but will Tasha’s blog Blabbermouth be the weapon she needs to get to the truth about Jed?

Moving house and changing schools is hard enough, but as the new girl making friends is the real problem. Jane finds hers at the reject table in the cafeteria. And they just all happen to be called Jane too……….

There’s a lot of new GN out there just for girls too - let us know what you want to see in the library

Manga - New Stock Reviews IV

They’re back …………

Cowboy Bebop - Vol.2

Its Rachel.M.Kuzuki’s big break. She’s following the Bebop crew for a TV special - but will it be worth all the woolongs when she realises the gang are all in this for themselves??

Eden - Vol.2  16+

Elijah’s quest to find his mother continues, leading to a violent meeting with the Propater. Cuzco city is threatened with attack but tension between the freedom fighters themselves is mounting……

More Vol.2 of your favourite manga to follow - check back with the blog to find out

Comic Books and Japanese Business …..

Have a look at this Times article in the Business section from Monday 06/11/2007, pg 55

Comic books are helping to inspire Japanese women to get acknowledgement for their hard work and break through the gender inequalities in the business world…..

You go girl!

Graphic Novels - Stock Review III

Spiderman - The Visual Guide to Complete Movie Trilogy  

Book 1: Everybody Loves a Hero (in Spanish)

Book 2: Stung by Fate (in English)

Very clever, fold out - double book (English and Spanish!) exploring Spideys good versus evil sides over the three movies. While full of great film stills and character histories,  there’s not quite enough inside to call it a ‘complete’ guide. Both books should have been bi-lingual to satisfy everyone, but definitely still a must have for the fans.