Is it that time already? 2021 has been a big year for us at ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics with our first-ever live webinar and themed graphic novel book clubs, and we thank our readers' support for what we have achieved so far!
We have just finished our first run of our library and collections-focused Graphic Novel Club, finishing on a high note with non-fiction comics, including a discussion on the seminal comic-about-comics, 'Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art' by Scott McCloud (Harper Collins). We are eagerly planning more Graphic Novel Clubs, professional development content and more to share with you in the new year. If you want to get involved, we are always happy to hear from someone new, and you can find out contact details through our official ALIA page.
In comics news this month, there have been announcements from a lot of big names, including a new series by Jeff Smith of Bone fame, a look at Dav Pilkey's studio and creative process, and a new imprint from Mariko Tamaki which will focus exclusively on LGBTIQ+ comic creators. As always, there are plenty of new releases to round out the year in the lead-up to Christmas and we will be sharing our favourites on this month's podcast, through Apple Music.
News
- One of the greatest and most influential graphic novels ever published is set to be turned into a film by one of the most highly sought after directors of the moment. Taika Waititi has Alejandro Jodorowsky’s blessing to make The Incal and we can’t argue with that. If this film is made it will be a landmark for film adaptations of graphic novels.
- Jeff Smith is back and it’s not a new Bone graphic novel but a new series: Tuki. Volume 1 is published in December and Publisher’s Weekly has an interview with Jeff Smith.
- Mariko Tamaki is launching a new imprint dedicated to LGBTIQ+ graphic novels. Publishers Weekly has the wrap and The Beat has a great interview with Mariko.
- If you wanted to have a peek inside Dav Pilkey’s studio, Scholastic and The Beat have you covered.
- Fantasy writer V.E. Schwab is publishing a graphic novel with art by Enid Balam that is part of the Villains book series Publishers Weekly has published an interview with her.
- KQED has published a great article by Amielle Major discussing the trauma inflicted on kids who are told not to read certain books which, of course, often include comics, Manga and graphic novels, and how we can do better as librarians.
- Wattpad and Webtoon merged a few months ago and are now announcing Webtoon Unscrolled, a new imprint for publishing print editions of popular Webtoon comics and Manwha.
- Founding member of The Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, has announced this month that he will be releasing a graphic novel next year ‘Bobby Digital and the Pit of Snakes’ Interestingly, it has also been hinted that the release will incorporate new music to enhance the reading experience.
- November 20 marked the first ‘Aussie Comic Book Day’ for events, special features, and an excellent excuse to read and celebrate Australian comics and creators.
Collections & PD
- It’s getting towards that time of year again when outlets release their favourite graphic novels of the year. Here is The Washington Posts’ ‘Best graphic novels of 2021’ and the School Library Journal’s ‘Best Graphic Novels 2021 | SLJ Best Books’. There are some wonderful titles here, which ones do you have in your library?
Media & Resources
- Missed out on the ‘Aussie Comic Book Day’ event organised by ComX? You can check out all the events on this handy playlist they’ve put together.
- To save you some time, here are a couple of our favourites:
- ‘Dean’s Ridiculous Drawing Challenges’ by ComX featuring Dean Rankine, Chris McQuinlan and Matty Taylor for some live drawing, creative prompts, and shenanigans.‘How to Kickstarter for Comic Creators’ by ComX with Shaun Keenan & Darren Close.
New Releases for November 2021
Junior and YA
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons Vol 1 - Kokonasu Rumba (VIZ Media)
- A-Okay - Jarad Greene (Harper Alley)
- Attack on Titan Vol 34 - Hajime Isayama (Kodansha)
- Banana Fox and the Book-Eating Robot - James Kochalka (Scholastic)
- Cats! Purrfect Strangers - Frederic Brremaud, Paola Antista (Dark Horse)
- Huda F Are You? - Huda Fahmy (Dial Books)
- Immortals Fenyx Rising: From Great Beginnings - Ben Kahn, Georgeo Brooks (Dark Horse)
- The Most Important Comic Book on Earth - Various Authors (DK)
- The Odds: Run, Odds, Run - Matt Stanton (Harper Collins)
- Our Stories Carried Us Here: A Graphic Novel Anthology - Various Authors (Green Card Voices)
- Star Wars The High Republic: Edge of Balance - Shima Shinya, Justina Ireland, Mizuki Sakakibara (VIZ Media)
- Tidesong - Wendy Xu (Quill Tree Books)
- Weeaboo - Alissa Sallah (Oni Press)
Adult
- Better Angels: A Kate Warne Story - Jeff Jensen, George Schall (Archaia)
- BRZRKR Vol 1 - Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, Ron Garney (BOOM! Studios)
- A Chance - Cristina Duran, Miguel Giner Bou (Graphic Mundi)
- Destroy All Monsters - Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips (Image Comics)
- Dreadnoughts: Breaking Ground - Michael Carroll, John Higgins (Rebellion / 2000 AD)
- Emma Dreams of Stars - Emmanuelle Maisonneu, Julia Pavlowitch (Vertical Inc.)
- Extraordinary - V.E. Schwab, Enid Balam (Titan Books)
- Far Sector - N.K. Jemisin, Jamal Campbell (DC Comics)
- Friday Book 1: The First Day of Christmas - Ed Brubaker, Marcos Martin, Muntsa Vicente (Image Comics)
- No One Else - R. Kikuo Johnson (Fantagraphics)
- Snowpiercer: The Prequel Part 2: Apocalypse - Jean Marc Matz, Rochette (Titan Books)
- Vinland Saga Vol 12 - Makoto Yukimura (Kodansha)
- Paper Girls The Complete Story - Brian K Vaughan, Cliff Chiang (Image Comics)
