Hi Megan and Oskar!
I found this colorful trade paperback in my local independent book shop The Book Loft a few days ago. The Essential Guide to World Comics by Tim Pilcher and Brad Brooks is exactly what it claims to be. The opening lines are: "In other countries and cultures they’re called manga, manhua, manhwa, bande dessinee or BD, komicks, bilderstreifen or bildergecshichter… In the USA and UK they’re known as comic books and they are the most prevalent, important yet misunderstood art form in the world."
Having spent a fair amount of time in Europe, immersed in the culture of comics, sometimes as a guest of festivals, and other times just visiting friends, I’ve discovered the surprising diversity – - and unity – - that makes up the world comics scene. Comics are everywhere, and the people who make them have a lot in common. I like comics people. There’s something about the art of comics that has captured all of us, and this book is the first one I’ve seen that starts to share that feeling.
This beautifully illustrated book covers the basics like Tintin, and Asterix; master creators like Eisner, Herge, Kurtzman, and Pratt, but it also sweeps through the rest of the planet giving us comics from Japan, India, South America, Down Under, and the Middle East! It touches on Lise in Norway, Max in Spain, Lewis Trondheim in France, Vitankar in India, Moer in Germany, Bryan Talbot in England, and even Comics International's Dez Skinn – - Dez Skinn!! It's great, really. Dave Gibbons writes the foreword and he sums it up this way: “Like some modern day equivalent of the Victorian Baedeker’s Guide, this present volume will thrill you, as it has me, with a bold and exciting overview of what is really out there…”
And author Tim Pilcher has this dedication on page 4: “To Megan (the biggest Bone fan I know)…and Oskar, the next generation.”
That made my day!
You can read the Booklist review and some reader reviews if you link directly to The Essential Guide to World Comics at Amazon.com!
As always, if you want to find the comic book store closest to you, call the Comic Shop Locator Serviced at 1-888-COMIC-BOOK or go to their webpage.
I was just reading that the other day at B&N. It really made me want to travel Europe just to browse through some comic shops. Like I used to do here when I was a kid here. All giddy and everythings new. Like the opposite of Deja Vu.
It must be awesome to have that world connection you have now, and the opportunity to meet artists (established and amatuer alike) wherever you go?
Comment by Will Terrell — August 24, 2006 @ 12:03 pm
I guess the opposite could be Vuja De.
Comment by Will Terrell — August 24, 2006 @ 12:04 pm
The books sound like interesting reading I’ll have to check it out. The only foreign comics I’m really familiar with are manga I’ve been a fan of that and anime for about 13 years. So I guess it’s time to see what other countries have to offer. The dedication in the book is real nice too. Makes you wonder how many other authors have a reference to Bone in their book dedications.:)
Comment by Jeanette — August 24, 2006 @ 4:09 pm
It is exactly Vuja De (or is that the secret Vatican society?). Even though they are written in different languages, it’s amazing how often I can follow the stories. I speak only a tiny bit of Spanish, and can only say good evening in most other languages, still, the visual flow is universal. Even in manga, the flow is the same – - after you adjust to the right-to-left flop.
Comment by Jeff — August 25, 2006 @ 7:31 am
Did you get a chance to check out all the french comic books the Stuart NG booth had at Comic-con this year? Pierre Alary, Claire Wendling, Bengal, all those? My head near ’bout ’sploded!
I’m working on learning “Bring me a beer” and “where is your bathroom?” in every language. So far I can say it in Spanish and London.
Comment by Will Terrell — August 25, 2006 @ 10:56 am
That’s good, man! I’m heading to England in about a month, so I should learn to speak London. I think Vijaya has most of the World Tour details worked out… I’m hopeful she will make an announcement next week.
Comment by Jeff — August 25, 2006 @ 11:32 am
XD Learn to speak London! My Grandparents on my dads side live in England, but are in the US now! But everyone on my Dad’s side of the family lives in England! Ok! Well, have fun on the tour!
Comment by Tanner — August 25, 2006 @ 1:40 pm
sweeeeet. Are you going to make really obscure demands to venues on your world tour? Like “Jeff will only sit on three legged chairs?” or “Jeff requires all food to be served by color.” Cause that’s what I would do.
Your wife sounds awesome man. Sounds like you guys have some amazing adventures together. Better and better man.
Comment by Will Terrell — August 25, 2006 @ 6:38 pm
my name is megan
Comment by megan — May 30, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! zxbduqdgjl
Comment by ndloczdqak — July 3, 2007 @ 10:48 am