Saturday, June 15, 2013

Review: HIS FAVORITE Volume 4

HIS FAVORITE, VOL. 4
SUBLIME – @SuBLimeManga

CARTOONIST: Suzuki Tanaka
TRANSLATION: Ivana Bloom
LETTERING: Annaliese Christman
COVER: Suzuki Tanaka and Fawn Lau
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-4215-4358-1; paperback (June 2013); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
194pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $14.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

What if a guy says he loves you? What do you do if you don’t think he takes anything, even love seriously?

Suzuki Tanaka, the creator of Love Hurts, also produced the boys’ love manga series, His Favorite. Boy’s love (also known by the acronym, BL) depicts romantic relationships between male characters. His Favorite can be classified as “shounen-ai,” the subset of BL that does not feature explicit depictions of sex between male characters.

His Favorite focuses on Yoshio Yoshida, an awkward high school student, and Takahiko Sato, the hottest guy in school and a guy madly in love with Yoshida. However, Yoshida thinks that Sato is not really serious about anything, especially love. Meanwhile, all the girls in school are crazy about Sato, and they think that Sato and Yoshida are just really close friends. That’s why they insist that Yoshida help them get closer to Sato.

His Favorite, Vol. 4 (Chapters 13 to 16) opens with a trip to the “House of Horrors,” a haunted house attraction at an amusement park named, “Gorilland.” Yoshida wants no part of a haunted house because he is too afraid. Sato just wants an opportunity to get close to Yoshida. Their female classmates want to use the attraction to get closer to Sato, and they’ll hurt anyone who gets in their way.

Then, go back to Yoshida and Sato’s middle school past. One was cool and popular; the other was a misfit about to be sent abroad. Next, Seijuro Nishida is madly in love with Yoshida, and now, he will wait no longer. It leads to a showdown at “Hell’s Pass.”

As boys’ love manga goes, His Favorite is light-hearted fare. The energy that fuels this series isn’t even hot-and-heavy petting, let alone actual sex. His Favorite is fueled by comedy hijinks. Yoshio Yoshida is so comical that it is difficult to imagine him sexualized or even depicted in a sex act. This may be boys’ love, but I hardly think that I can call this a gay comic or comic about gay teens.

That’s not to say that His Favorite is not enjoyable. I especially enjoy the throng of high school girls that wants Sato so badly, yet the girls cannot recognize the truth that is practically in their faces everyday. The best part of His Favorite Volume 4 is the story of Yoshida and Sato’s past, which is a surprisingly good character piece. In fact, it is an oddity in the silliness that surrounds it. That story is the reason I’m giving this volume a grade of “B” and not something below that.

B

www.SuBLimeManga.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


Sakura Hime: The New Emperor

I read Sakura Hime: The Legend of Princess Sakura , Vol. 10

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Review: A GAME OF THRONES: The Graphic Novel Volume 2

A GAME OF THRONES: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, VOL. 2
BANTAM BOOKS/RANDOM HOUSE – @randomhouse
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT – @dynamitecomics

WRITER: George R.R. Martin
ADAPTATION: Daniel Abraham
ART: Tommy Patterson
COLORS: Ivan Nunes
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
ORIGINAL SERIES COVERS: Mike S. Miller, Michael Komark
COVER: Tommy Patterson with design by Charles Brock, Faceout Studio
ISBN: 978-0-440-42322-5; hardcover (June 11, 2013)
240pp, Color, $25.00 U.S., $29.95 CAN

A Game of Thrones is the 1996 novel from science fiction and fantasy author, George R.R. Martin. The novel is the first book in Martin’s best-selling A Song of Ice and Fire series of high fantasy novels, which are the basis for the HBO television series, “Game of Thrones.”

Dynamite Entertainment is producing a comic book adaptation of A Game of Thrones. The comic book adaptation of the novel is expected to run over 24 issues of about 29 pages per issue. The writer responsible for adapting George R.R. Martin’s prose into comics form is science fiction and fantasy novelist, Daniel Abraham (who sometimes collaborates with Martin on fiction). The artist is Tommy Patterson, who has drawn comic books for Boom! Studios and Zenescope Entertainment. Mike S. Miller has provided the cover art for most issues of A Game of Thrones the comic book.

Bantam Books is collecting the comic book adaptation as A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel. A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume 2, to be released shortly (as of this writing), will collect A Game of Thrones, issues 7 to 12. The book also contains some back matter. “The Making of A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume 2” illustrates how a section of Martin’s novel is transformed into 5 pages of A Game of Thrones #9.

In A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume 2, the action takes place in the icy north of The Wall, the valley of the Eyrie, the decadent south and the capital city of King’s Landing, and the Dothraki’s sacred Vaes Dothrak. Much is happening. Lord Eddard Stark, the King’s Hand, continues to investigate the death of Jon Arryn, the previous Hand. Stark’s wife, Lady Catelyn Stark, accuses the dwarf Tyrion Lannister of trying to kill her son, Brandon (“Bran”), and of another possible murder.

In the barbarian lands, the young princess, Daenerys Targaryen, has found the unexpected in her marriage to Dothraki warlord, Khal Drogo. Meanwhile, her petulant brother, Prince Viserys (who calls himself “The Dragon”), continues to demand that the Dothraki help him reclaim his inheritance as Lord of the Seven Kingdoms from King Robert Baratheon. Meanwhile, the Lannisters continue to plot against everyone.

When I first read A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel: Volume 1, I was not familiar with anything related to A Game of Thrones, except that I’d heard of the television series. I did not know that the novel was being adapted into comic book form until Random House sent me a review copy of the first graphic novel in early 2012.

I did not expect much from that first experience, but I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Thus, I have been anticipating Random House sending me the second collection of A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel for several weeks now, and they have sent it.

Based only on my readings of the comic book, I see A Game of Thrones as a great big character drama and an epic soap opera, told as historical fiction. The comic book, as written by Daniel Abraham, captures the epic scope of A Game of Thrones – the large cast and the expansive setting and background – by giving the reader an intimate view of all the major players. Abraham also focuses closely on bit players in the moments they make a direct impact on the narrative. Abraham engages the readers by narrowing the focus on character conflicts, motivations, and relationships.

In Vol. 1, I thought Tommy Patterson was a good artist, but I found his storytelling to be inconsistent. Now, the awkwardness I noticed in some scenes is gone. Patterson’s style is consistent and his compositions results in clear storytelling. Patterson captures everything that is big, grand, and expansive about A Game of Thrones, but his pencil has a laser focus on detailing the characters, both their physicality and personality. Graphically, visually, and pictorially, Patterson brings the characters to life with the skill of someone doing this much longer than he has.

The result of Abraham and Patterson’s efforts is one especially good comic book. Yes, you can call it a “good read,” but add “x 2” to that. As for the back matter: this book offers five pages from A Game of Thrones the novel. Then, the editors show how those pages of prose become a script, thumbnails, pencil art, lettered art, colored art, and finally 5 pages of A Game of Thrones #9.

Fans of all things A Game of Thrones will want A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel, so will readers looking for a good fantasy comic book.

A

www.bantamdell.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan: Fragments of the Past

I read Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, Vol. 15

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Superman Leads Latest "We Can Be Heroes" Charge

Superman Takes Centerstage as DC Entertainment Kicks-Off “We Can Be Heroes” Crowdfunding Campaign to Benefit Horn of Africa

Fans Get One-of-a-Kind Items by Donating to the Cause Including Limited Edition Commemorative Artwork, Access to Comic Creators and Other Rare Comic Collectibles

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A hometown visit by a legendary comic book artist who will paint a one-of-a kind art piece on an entire wall, sneak peeks at one of the industry’s most anticipated video games and a custom bedroom designed for the kid that always wanted their own Fortress of Solitude. This is just some of what lies ahead in the Superman-themed wave of DC Entertainment and Warner Bros.’ We Can Be Heroes charitable giving campaign announced today by DC Entertainment President Diane Nelson.

Following the success of the campaign’s first Batman-themed wave in April and May, the second installment is focused entirely around the Superman character, aligning with the June 14 premiere of the Man of Steel film and ongoing activities in 2013 celebrating the global icon’s 75th Anniversary.

The “perks” that will be made available to DC Entertainment fans over the next four weeks are a dazzling array of the assets and talent that make up the DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. universe. The perks range from unlimited items at $10 apiece to once-in-a lifetime opportunities for $25,000. As with the first wave, the campaign will be hosted on Indiegogo, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform (www.indiegogo.com/at/WeCanBeHeroes).

“The generosity from the fans of DC Comics during the Batman wave was outstanding and challenged us to create another wave of unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” said Nelson. “The first wave of the campaign eclipsed its initial goal of $50,000 in just three days and ultimately raised more than $150,000 in less than six weeks. We continue to be overwhelmed and appreciative of our fans who are helping to make a difference in millions of lives.”

Among the perks highlighting the Superman wave of We Can Be Heroes are:

•A hometown visit by legendary DC Entertainment artist Jim Lee, who will paint larger than life, custom artwork on a 10x10 wall

•More than 50 beta keys providing advance access to the upcoming Infinite Crisis video game

•A Superman-themed dream bedroom for kids

•The opportunity to be drawn into an issue of Action Comics

•Scores of signed issues of iconic Superman comics and theatrical posters from “Man of Steel”

In its second year, We Can Be Heroes (http://www.WeCanBeHeroes.org) is the largest charitable initiative in the history of DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. The funds raised will benefit the campaign’s nonprofit partners (Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps) to deliver food, medicines and other resources critical to the survival of people in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.


About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

Batman Leads DC Comics in May 2013

Batman Continues to Be DC Entertainment’s Best-Selling Comic in May - as June Looks to Be All Things Superman

New digital and print publishing initiatives solidify DC Entertainment’s place as industry leader, innovator

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BATMAN #20 continued the popular comic book's three-month reign as the top-selling DC Entertainment periodical, according to Diamond Comic Distributors, the largest comic book distributor in the world.

The Batman story by the bestselling team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo features the conclusion of the Dark Knight's two-part battle with the shape-shifting villain Clayface and serves as a prelude to June’s BATMAN #21 – the first part of “Zero Year,” the modern re-telling of Batman’s classic origin. Additionally, the month saw GREEN LANTERN #20, the critically-acclaimed conclusion of writer and DC Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns’ epic nine-year run on the series, clock in as the top DC book in total dollars and the softcover graphic novel SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE VOL. 1 as the top DC Entertainment collection in sales to comic shop retailers, according to Diamond.

In celebration of Superman’s 75th anniversary, Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment revealed plans befitting the most popular and enduring super hero of all time. The celebration kicks into high gear next Wednesday, June 12 with the launch of SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1, also from writer Snyder and legendary artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee.

Ahead of the theatrical release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Man of Steel” on June 14, DC Entertainment announced a partnership with comic book retailers, libraries and bookstores across America to declare Wednesday, June 12 “‘Man of Steel’ Day.” Fans visiting their local comic book retailers on “‘Man of Steel’ Day” will receive a free copy of an ALL STAR SUPERMAN #1 Special Edition comic book, one of the most acclaimed Superman stories ever by the award-winning and beloved creative team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly.

“It’s a great time to be a fan of both Batman and Superman,” said Diane Nelson, President DC Entertainment. “The continued success of these iconic characters is further proof that DC Entertainment is the home to the World’s Greatest Super Heroes. For Superman’s 75th anniversary, we’re showcasing the character’s enduring greatness, from the first panel of ACTION COMICS #1 to next week’s SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1.”

This week also saw the company make two game-changing announcements in the areas of digital and print publishing. Earlier this week, Nelson and Lee unveiled DC2 and DC2 Multiverse — new digital innovations that will take comics to the next level of interactivity — at Time Warner’s “The Future of Storytelling” exhibition at the Time Warner Media Lab in New York. DC2 is a new feature that layers dynamic artwork onto digital comic panels, adding a new level of dimension to digital storytelling. DC2 Multiverse allows readers to determine a specific story outcome by selecting individual characters, storylines and plot developments while reading the comic, creating multiple options and end results for each digital comic chapter, leading the way in interactive comic book storytelling.

Additionally, plans were revealed for an epic month of September and beyond, as Lee and fellow Co-Publisher Dan DiDio announced that the company’s legendary villains would be taking over the entire publishing line as part of a month-long event aptly titled “Villains Month,” spearheaded by the seven-issue limited series FOREVER EVIL, from the powerhouse creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artist David Finch, and spinning out of the conclusion of TRINITY WAR, a two-month crossover involving the three ongoing JUSTICE LEAGUE titles this summer. Each of the “DC Comics – The New 52” regular comic book series for September will focus on a key foe and answer the question: “What happens when the villains win?” Each “Villains Month” book will also feature a never-before-seen printing innovation: 3-D Motion covers. Featuring five layers of visual scenery and completely lenticular stock cover, the groundbreaking initiative creates an unparalleled sense of visual depth and brings to life the most beloved – and evil – characters in the DC Entertainment pantheon of characters. The 3-D Motion covers - paired with the universe-spanning saga that is FOREVER EVIL and “Villains Month” - give comic shop retailers and core fans of the company’s print business a great event with lasting value and an engaging story.

Vertigo kicked off the summer in fine form, with the launch of the horror-tinged THE WAKE, from Snyder and writer Sean Murphy in May and this week’s ASTRO CITY #1, from the classic creative team of writer Kurt Busiek, artist Brent Anderson and cover artist Alex Ross. The series leads a pack of notable debuts coming down the line for the genre-defying imprint, including this month’s 100 BULLETS: BROTHER LONO #1 from the legendary team of writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso, July’s sci-fi adventure COLLIDER #1 by rising star writer Simon Oliver and artist Robbi Rodriguez and renowned writer/artist Jeff Lemire’s TRILLIUM #1 in August. More Vertigo news – including details about Neil Gaiman’s much-anticipated return to the world of SANDMAN - will be announced throughout this year.

Just a few weeks ahead of the debut of the BEFORE WATCHMEN deluxe collections, digital sales of the classic WATCHMEN paperback increased in May during a two-week promotion with partner Kindle. This uptick was also seen in overall physical sales.

The New York Times Graphic Novel Bestseller lists also featured a number of new additions from the DC Entertainment library, including DC Comics’ AQUAMAN VOL. 2: THE OTHERS, the second top-selling volume by JUSTICE LEAGUE’s dynamic creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artistic collaborators Ivan Reis and Joe Prado and THE AUTHORITY VOL. 1, from the iconic creative team of writer Warren Ellis and artist Bryan Hitch.

MAD continues to bring humor to our lives daily on The Idiotical with parodies like “Drone Ranger” and “Obama and Christie: Jersey Shore BFFs.” And MAD Presents Superman #1, the Super Spectacular Summer issue featuring some of the most beloved Superman parodies and includes 7 new pages that put a uniquely MAD spin on the upcoming film, arrives in stores June 12.

The coming weeks will also see a refreshed and streamlined DC Entertainment website, featuring a homepage redesign, a more robust video section and enhanced, daily coverage and features of our products and news.


About DC Entertainment:
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.