Graphic Novels are so underated!

O’Malley, Brian Lee. Scott Pilgrim: Precious Little Life. Portland, OR: Oni Press, 2004.

     Meet Scott Pilgrim, a sweet 23 year old slacker who plays in a band, loves video games, and has an Asian-Canadian girlfriend named Knives Chau. Scott’s tranquil, let’s see what the day brings life takes an interesting turn when he meet Ramona Flowers, a rollerblading delivery girl. Scott’s world enters the kung-fu realm when he must battle Ramona’s seven evil ex-boyfriends to win a date with her.  Funny, fast-paced, and silly. First in a series of graphic novels, and check out the movie starring Michael Cera- released in August, 2010. For ages 13 and up.

Reger, Rob. Emily the Strange, Lost, Dark, and Boring. Milwaukie, OR: Dark horse Comics, 2006.

     Meet Emily Strange, a brooding 13 year old with a penchant for dark spells, extreme science experiments, and film-making. This witty yet gloomy goth-punk girl battles against boredom in this collection of comics.  Comics include: “The Boring Issue”, The Lost Issue”, and the “Dark Issue”. For ages 12 and up.

Shanower, Eric. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. New York: Marvel Publishing Inc., 2009.

     Author/cartoonist Eric Shanower with the help of artist Skottie Young faithfully adapts L. Frank Baum’s Oz stories into a graphic novel format. Forget the movie! Although who doesn’t love the movie version?  But this version brings to life the real story behind Dorothy, the Land of Oz, the Wicked Witch and more.  Did you know that Dorothy’s shoes were silver, not red in Baum’s original book?  Besides details like these, Young’s illustrations are top-notch and unique. More books to come…For ages 12 and up.