Steve Lieber comes up with Lieber's Eleven, books that should be carried by libraries, and challenges all us comic bloggers to come up with our own lists. Ouch. This'll be both tough and easy. Easy to come up with enough books, tough to decide which really qualify for inclusion on the list. So here, in no particular order, are eleven comic books that I think libraries should have on their shelves.
- Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi (Pantheon) - Excellent story covering a culture that most of us don't understand. This book makes it clear that we aren't as different as we sometimes think we are. I'm looking forward to the second volume, due out this fall.
- Pedro and Me by Judd Winick (Henry Holt) - Whatever you think of Judd Winick's other works, this book is something everyone ought to read. This tells the story of Judd's roommate on MTV's Real World, Pedro Zamora, who was HIV positive while on the show, and later died of AIDS. It's educational as well and painful and funny.
- The Interman by Jeff Parker (Octopus) - Great action story with a small hint of super powers to satisfy the fanboys. Very well done and worth getting.
- Dignifying Science by Jim Ottaviani and various (G.T. Labs) - A hall of fame worth of artists covers a hall of fame of scientists that are usually overlooked, even in this enlightened age.
- Age of Bronze: A Thousand Ships by Eric Shanower (Image) - I've been praising this one since before it came out. Literally. This isn't for children, but anyone with any interest whatsoever in the history of the Trojan war ought to get this one.
- Clan Apis by Jay Hosler (Active Synapse) - I used to hate bees with a passion. I still hate bees, but I'm not nearly as passionate about it, thanks to this book. I love science comic books.
- PS238: With Liberty & Recess for All by Aaron Williams (Henchmen Publishing) - Probably the best superhero book out in the last couple of years. Well worth reading, and something that more people ought to read.
- Hellboy: Seed of Destruction by Mike Mignola with John Byrne (Dark Horse) - Mike Mignola's artwork is just something else altogether. It's an amazing book to read, but even more amazing just to look at. I haven't seen the movie yet, but the source material is certainly good.
- Ursula by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba (AiT/Planet Lar) - Already a classic, and it just came out. This one talks about relationships and growing up and somehow manages to capture both at once. Well worth a a read, and well worth a spot in a library.
- Usagi Yojimbo Book One by Stan Sakai (Fantagraphics) - Twenty years of this character, and I'm still thrilled by reading about him. This first book is a very good place to start... although you can safely pick this series up just about anywhere and enjoy it.
- Aquaman Archives Vol 1 by various (DC Comics) - Ok. I flake. This one I want in libraries just so more kids have a chance at reading some old goofy classic Silver Age stories.
DC Comics has posted Ask the Editors #3, continuing their on-line letter column.
I want to know how DCBS can discount new books 65%. I would be sorely tempted at these prices, if I had the money. Even with $6 shipping, I'd still be tempted.
DeCloah blog links to my husband's favorite computer game: Lemmings! This is a nice Javascript version that can be played on the 'net, and it worked just fine on Mozilla 1.7.2.
A writer spends 10 days living with no technology under 50 years old. Everything must be pre-1954. You would think 10 days wouldn't be a problem.
Ok, hubby. Here's the gnome from Nancy's Garden.
