Graphic Novels & Manga Books

Book SynopsisNamed by James Gunn as an influence for Gods and Monsters, the first chapter of the new DC Universe film and television slate! This story inspires the upcoming series BOOSTER GOLD. Who the hell is Booster Gold?! A scoundrel from the future intent on making a name for himself in the past, Booster Gold has nevertheless exhibited his share of heroism. When opportunity arises, you have to seize it! That s an idea that has driven Mike Carter, a college football star of the 25th Century who earned the nickname 'Booster' on the field. Even though people assured him a professional career of fame and fortune was in his future, he decided he couldn t wait and wagered on his own games. The scandal halted his dreams of professional stardom and ruined his reputation. Taking a job as a security guard in the Metropolis Space Museum, Mike saw another opportunity. With future and alien technology stolen from the museum, and a time machine that was on display, he realized he could not only become a superhero himself in a past era where his criminal history was unknown, but he could also make his good deeds profitable. Mike time-traveled to the modern age and debuted as Booster Gold. Now, he fights evil alongside different versions of the Justice League and his good pal Ted Kord, the second Blue Beetle. Though always eager to take credit for good deeds on social media or sign with a well-paying sponsor, Booster is a good guy at heart and will drop everything if he genuinely sees someone in need. BOOSTER GOLD: 52 PICK-UP explodes from the pages of 52 with Booster Gold on a mission to repair the damaged timeline of the DC Universe...if he's going to earn membership in the Justice League of America!

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Book SynopsisKGB officer Colonel Stakis desperately hunts for Count Dracula, who is spreading terror in 1980s Britain after escaping from behind the Iron Curtain. Blending Cold War paranoia with horror staples, Gerry Finley-Day and Eric Bradbury’s strip overcame sustained attempts at censorship to become one of the most popular strips in the 1980s’ best horror comics.

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Book SynopsisAward-winning manga artist Sonia Leong, with the help of other acclaimed manga creators and educators, gives you all the tips, tricks and tools you will need to get your ideas onto the page.- Discover how to get started, build your confidence, and boost your skills, beginning from first principles.- Learn how to draw faces, bodies, hands, feet, and create unique characters with their own styles.- Get the most out of your drawing materials, from traditional pens and pencils to digital software, and discover how best to use them to work up your own manga stories and comics.- Benefit from advice on pacing, layout, composition and lettering.

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Book SynopsisA little boat sets out to sea and begins its voyage toward home. To get there it must travel across many strange, beautiful oceanscapes, full of fantastic creatures and deadly monsters, swept by terrifying storms and sailed by mysterious ships. Can the Wanderer pick a path through all these perils to a safe harbour? This beautifully illustrated, wordless picturebook is a gateway into a captivating marine fantasy world.Trade Review'Mind-boggling... Imagine Shaun Tan having an aquatic love child with Edward Gorey, from a family tree that includes Tim Burton, Salvador Dali and Jacques Cousteau, and you'll begin to get the idea... There is danger, wonder, magic, surprise and awe. There are sea monsters and pearl divers' - Brian Selznick'Wonderfully strange and strangely wonderful... an epic dream captured in superbly meticulous detail' - Shaun Tan, author of The Arrival'Absolutely breathtaking. A psychedelic odyssey. What a talent. The level of detail is phenomenal, so rich and textured it just drew me in. I wanted to go swim in the ocean and weave in and out of the creatures' - Coralie Bickford-Smith, author of The Fox and the Star'A deliciously bewildering fantasy. Each page is potent with story in its own right and as a whole it builds into a surreal, dreamlike journey... The artwork is absolutely stunning' - Pam Smy, author of Thornhill'An exquisitely rendered world, full of beauty and wonder. Each page is a little masterpiece: one sad, one hopeful, one funny, one frightening - all wildly inventive' - Juman Malouf, author of The Trilogy of Two

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Book SynopsisTHE PANZER-POWERED PUNKETTE RETURNS! Tank Girl’s back with a bang in this Booga’s-pouched-sized collection of three epically insane, depleted-plutonium adventures: The Gifting, Visions of Booga and The Royal Escape. Joining Tank Girl creator Alan Martin are artists Ashley Wood (Metal Gear Solid, Zombies Vs Robots) and Rufus Dayglo (Judge Dredd, Tank Girl: Bad Wind Rising)

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Book Synopsis'Funny and sad and relatable and wise - Rachael Smith's Quarantine Comix are like the hug from a friend you didn't know you needed.' Chris Addison 'In a period where every day seemed the same, Rachael found a way to make every day different. A tiny, comforting light of understanding, humour and hope in a dark time.' Kieron Gillen, author and creator of The Wicked + The DivineAn award-winning graphic memoir of lockdown life, Quarantine Comix is a funny, tender, heartfelt and insightful look at isolation.Written and drawn every day during the 2020 lockdown and shared online with #QuarantineComix, 2020 Comedy Women in Print-shortlisted Rachael Smith's delightful comics helped people who were isolated all over the world to feel connected.At times laugh-out-loud funny, at others bitter-sweet, philosophical or downright silly, this collection of 200 drawings tells the story of one woman overcoming loneliness and self-doubt with exquisite, wry humour and raw honesty.During a time when many feel anxious and apart from loved ones, Quarantine Comix offers relief in shared experiences.Praise for Stand in Your Power, shortlisted for the 2020 Comedy Women in Print prize:'Funny, fierce, poignant and reaches the lonely inside us all' Helen Lederer'Rachael uses humour to address her mental health and she does that successfully.' Jen Brister, author of The Other Mother'The tone is self-deprecating - she takes a sad situation and creates an invitation to laugh at it.' Hannah Berry, UK Comics Laureate 2019-21'The execution is one to admire' Janet Ellis'An important subject turned into pages of visual pathos' Nicola Streeton, LDComicTrade ReviewRachael Smith's trademark bittersweet, funny and very personal comics make for the perfect chronicle of the weird times we've been living through. They are funny and sad and relatable and wise. -- Chris AddisonIn a period where every day seemed the same, Rachael found a way to make every day different. A tiny, comforting light of understanding, humour and hope in a dark time. -- Kieron Gillen, author and creator of The Wicked + The DivineAt a time of unthinkable separation ... what Rachael was feeling and what she was thinking was never held at arm's length, but given generously, as her work always is. -- Kate Beaton, author of Hark! A Vagrant and King BabyAchingly honest thoughts, feelings, and anecdotes to remind us that we are not alone. -- The BeatThese comics were a lifeline to so many of us. A ridiculous, humane insightful, pointed lifeline. -- Paul Cornell, author of London Falling and the Witches of Lynchford seriesOne of the best things to come out of lockdown. -- Lew Stringer, comic artistHarrowing! Heartfelt! Hilarious! Cartoonist Rachael Smith's Quarantine Comix are a brutally honest assessment of our internal strife, with more vim and vigour than a Yorkie bar and wine chaser. -- Shelly Bond, creator/editor of Black CrownQuarantine Comix has that rare opportunity for a comic series to resonate with the majority of the population ... Relatable, amusing and heart wrenching. -- Comic Scene

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Book SynopsisHolmes and Watson tackle brain-teasing crimes in modern-day London in this stunning Manga, presented in its original right-to-left reading order, and in the full chapters as originally serialized! Meet Holmes and Watson for the first time...all over again!Trade Review"Fans of the TV series Sherlock and its superstars Cumberbatch and Freeman can get a second helping with this faithful adaptation." - Library Journal "Extremely well done...It's certainly one for fans of manga or Sherlock." - Nerdspan "Truly works a treat as a new way to revisit our favourite show." - Sherlockology "Does an amazing job of recreating the feeling of BBC's Sherlock" - Geek Girl World "Artist Jay crams dynamism into every layout" - The Guardian "This is a must have for fans of Sherlock..." - Adventures in Poor Taste! "Firing on all cylinders, as it is as strong as it was on television...10 out of 10." - Graphic Policy "Benedict's Sherlock seems to have been made for Manga." - Flickering Myth

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Book Synopsis‘The blessing of an inherently interpretive medium like comics is that it hasn't allowed me to . . . make a virtue of dispassion. For good or for ill, the comics medium is adamant, and it has forced me to make choices. In my view, that is part of its message’ – from the preface by Joe SaccoOver the past decade, Joe Sacco has increasingly turned to short-form com­ics journalism to report from conflict zones around the world. Collected here for the first time, Sacco's darkly funny, revealing reportage confirms his standing as one of the foremost international correspondents working today. Journalism takes readers from the smuggling tunnels of Gaza to war crimes trials in The Hague, from the lives of India's 'untouchables' to the ordeal of sub-Saharan refugees washed up on the shores of Malta. Sacco also confronts the misery and absurdity of the war in Iraq, including the darkest chapter in recent American history – the torture of detainees.Vividly depicting Sacco's own interactions with the people he meets, the stories in this remarkable collection argue for the essential truth in comics reportage, an inevitably subjective journalistic endeavour. Among Sacco's most mature and accomplished work, Journalism demonstrates the power of a great comics artist to chronicle lived experience with a force that often eludes other media.Trade ReviewIt is clear that Sacco is one of the masters of his craft. -- Alex Hern * New Statesman *One of the most original cartoonists of the past two decades. * Guardian *Sacco is formidably talented. A meticulous reporter…and a gifted artist whose richly nuanced drawings tread a delicate path between cartoonishness and naturalism. * Independent *Joe Sacco's brilliant, excruciating books of war reportage are potent territory... He shows how much that is crucial to our lives a book can hold. * New York Times Book Review *Moving and informative. -- Rachel Cooke * Observer *

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Book SynopsisTitan Comics returns to the very beginnings of the Dark Souls story with a dramatic retelling of the legends of Gwyn - Lord of Cinder and Knight Artotias! In a world where ancient Lords wield god-like powers and Everlasting Dragons soar the skies, what place is there for mortal men? Join Silver Knight Arkon, a powerful warrior in Lord Gwyn's army, on a quest for redemption and survival, as we journey to age before the undead curse blighted the land of Lordran.Trade Review"Writer Ryan Sullivan is impressive in this comic ... Paired with phenomenal artwork, this is a trade paperback that should not be missed by fans" - But Why Tho

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Book SynopsisDismayed by the havoc wreaked on the Earth by humankind, its five guardian spirits decide to act. But as they argue amongst themselves on what the judgement should be, one enraged spirit, Nila, becomes determined to take matters into her own hands, forcing the remaining four to unite in a desperate final battle to prevent her from wiping not just humans, but all life from the face of the planet. This is a highly personal and timely book that features some of Eldo's most beautiful artwork to date. With its central themes of ecology, philosophy and spirituality, Hen Kai Pan is a kinetic, emotionally charged work that delivers a powerful message that will resonate not just with manga fans, but all readers. "Hen Kai Pan" translates as "One and All", and is the motto of Cosmotheism.Trade Review"The art is phenomenal... it’s so rare to find a piece of work so thoughtful and affecting." - Grimdark Magazine"Artist Eldo Yoshimizu delivers a staggeringly profound exploration of the fate of both people and the universe...bleak but beautiful... Rating: A" - The AV Club "Elegantly drawn...Plenty to appeal to lovers of socially conscious science fiction." - Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisIn a feudal, futuristic Japan, samurai battle to become No.1 and rule the world, but when his father, who holds the coveted position, is challenged and killed, the young Afro Samurai vows vengeance. Relentlessly pursued by murderous assassins, will he stay alive long enough to keep his promise? This new creator-approved "director's cut" edition of the out-of-print cult classic book features specially commissioned custom covers and a brand-new foreword by Takashi Okazaki. Japan has become a land of warriors, warlords and assassins, where the technology of the future exits alongside the brutal traditions of the past. This world is ruled by whoever possesses the legendary No.1 headband, which many believe bestows god-like powers on the wearer, but to attain this headband, a warrior must first become No.2, and only then can they challenge for the right to become No.1. But who can challenge the No.2? Everyone! So to be the world's second greatest warrior is to be in a constant fight for survival. When the boy Afro Samurai's father, Rokutaro, is challenged as No.1 and killed by the No.2, a lethal outlaw known as Justice, he swears revenge, starting on a bloody path of retribution that will make him the No.2 warrior and allow him to challenge Justice. In the first of two volumes, we see the beginnings of young Afro's quest, his battles with an array of assassins and warlords, that climaxes in the epic confrontation with the powerful Empty Seven Clan and a showdown with an old enemy... Taking his inspiration from US soul and hip-hop cultures, Okazaki-san originally published Afro Samurai as a serialised, self-published (doujinshi) manga in Nou Nou Hau magazine from November 1998 to September 2002. It was picked up by Funimation and developed as an anime, airing five episodes in 2007, with Afro voiced by Samuel L Jackson and a soundtrack by RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. Okazaki-san then created these two manga volumes for the US market, which were published in 2008 and 2009. Both original English language volumes have been out of print since 2013 and 2016, respectively, and are highly sought after by collectors, selling for $100+. Afro Samurai's lasting impact can be seen in today's appetite for all things manga and anime, as it was one of the first cross-cultural collaborations that celebrated Asian pop culture and Afro American hip hop, to create an entirely new hybridised visual and musical language.Trade Review"Violent and episodic sword fights and mayhem." - Publishers Weekly "Takashi crafted a very fractured character in Afro..." - Comic Attack "For fans of the genre, the raw, largely unpandering violence is impressive." - Ain't It Cool

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Book Synopsis"Before Avatar came The Tribute" A team of scientists and soldiers land on an alien planet with the hope they will find a new source of energy. The expedition is vital for the survival of humankind as an intergalactic war is raging, and the team must battle a hostile climate and protective, indigenous species to unravel the mysteries of this extraordinary planet before it's too late. This thrilling fiction mixes classical and experimental forms and is widely considered a French sci-fi cult classic.

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Book SynopsisIn the third and final volume of the prequel to the hit anime on Crunchyroll, the Burst Angel team takes on a mighty foe in their first battle together. Jo must overcome the demons of her past so that the girls with guns can team up with more girls with guns. For fans of the anime and action-packed Shonen manga.

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Book Synopsis'Alison is a haunting book, complex and intimate. Lizzy Stewart has written and drawn the aches and confusions of love and growing up with immense skill' Posy Simmonds Alison is newly married, barely twenty and struggling to find her place in the world. A chance encounter with an older artist upturns her life and she forsakes convention and her working-class Dorset roots for the thrumming art scene of London in the late seventies. As the thrill of bohemian romance leads inevitably to disappointment, Alison begins to find her own path - through art, friendship and love.Trade ReviewSubtle and deliciously complicated -- Tessa HadleyA delicious portrait of 80s and 90s London and a more universal tale of a working-class young woman making a life in a world that has not been designed for the likes of her. For all its effortlessness [...] Alison ends up carrying a great emotional heft. It's a lovely book, and I cried at the end. * Guardian *Every page is a marvel; I absolutely loved it to death -- Jenny ColganAlison is a haunting book, complex and intimate. Lizzy Stewart has written and drawn the aches and confusions of love and growing up with immense skill -- Posy SimmondsNuanced, lovely, and very real, Alison haunted me for days and left me wanting to give it to everyone I know -- Jessie Greengrass, author of The High HouseI totally loved Alison. It's the story of the life of an artist told with subtlety and truth. It made me cry and I immediately wanted to share it with female friends -- Amy LiptrotSad and sweet and joyful and hopeful. -- Claire Fuller, author of Unsettled GroundA genius graphic novel (but lots of words) about a young woman from Dorset who leaves her life to be with a much older famous artist in London. It's also brilliant on relationships, creativity and friendship (and the art world) -- India KnightHer compassionate depictions of women alone, women together, will undoubtedly find welcoming audiences * Shelf Awareness *Her every page looks exquisite, which is entirely fitting, given that this is a book about an artist. Alison is Posy Simmonds meets Edward Bawden - and really, what higher praise could there be? * Observer *A vivid and moving book about friendship, art and making hard choices to stay on a creative path -- Sinéad Gleeson, author of ConstellationsAlison absorbed, delighted and moved me with its quiet truthfulness. No shouting, no hatred, no bitterness-just a patient, determined tackling of the eternal question: how can a woman artist fight her way out of the back seat and get behind the wheel? -- Helen GarnerLizzy's work is beautifully executed with an eye for composition, colour and fine detail * It's Nice That *This book is a testament to the right to choose your own life. It is a tender, heartbreaking meditation on the bonds between women, the dazzle of the city, the struggle to become a female artist within the bounds of patriarchy, and the desire to make a mark on the world. It made me long for my friends; the dreams we have shared over the years and the ways in which they make the world feel possible. I want to give a copy to everyone I love. -- Jessica Andrews, author of Saltwater and Milk TeethA captivating new graphic novel that could have been dreamt up by Edna O'Brien and Judith Kerr of The Tiger Who Came To Tea fame, had they ever collaborated. * The Gloss Ireland *What is it like to be a muse who is also an artist? Lizzie Stewart's Alison is a tender and powerfully precise work about class, gender, patriarchy and race in the art world of the late 20th century. And, like Alison's own paintings, its clear perspective on the wrongs of this world never overshadows its generous capacities for beauty, love and joy -- Joanna Walsh, author of Girl OnlineEvery now and again a book comes along that is such a bright joy, so true, so beautiful and moving. Alison is one of those books. I loved it -- Jessie Burton, author of The MiniaturistBeautiful ... A coming-of-age tale with stunning artwork that will resonate with women everywhere * Red *Alison's various relationships, which are few but complex, are beautifully drawn - both figuratively and literally - especially a friendship she strikes up with a female sculptor. And the author skilfully manages to tease out all the nuances of a life in a tale that, despite being as old as the hills, manages to feel fresh and relevant * the Crack *A beautiful depiction of life as an artist, of the movements of love and time. I absolutely loved it. -- Megan Hunter, author of The End We Start FromStewart does a wonderful job * Buzz Mag *Alison is a marvel. A compassionate story of art, friendship, agency and desire, beautifully told through pictures and prose -- Chloë AshbyA highlight ... subtle and sympathetic * Daily Telegraph *Stewart's artwork is sensuous, lush and gorgeously textured. The best-looking book of the year * Herald *Praise for It's Not What You Thought It Would Be: 'This brilliant debut collection explores the intensity of teenage ennui and female friendship, with a deft feel for its slights and tensions -- Rachel Cooke * Guardian *Mournful, lovely ... Stewart's dynamic, warm, flowing art invites the reader in * The New York Times *A quietly powerful book, and Stewart's well chosen and often witty dialogue goes straight to the heart. Her artwork is filmic and beautiful -- Isabel Greenberg, author of Glass Town

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Book SynopsisThe rebellion that set Ireland free, told as a graphic novel. The 1916 Easter Rising was an attempt by a small group of militant Irish republicans to win independence from Britain. It was the most significant rebellion in Ireland. Though a military failure, it set Ireland on the road to freedom from Britain. The book covers the story from the early planning to the final executions and includes the tragic romance between Joseph Plunkett and Grace Gifford. Following on from the success of political graphic novels such as Maus and Persepolis, this is accessible, informative and insightful history at its best.Trade Reviewfantastic … it’s a great sign of what can be done through that medium and I hope we’ll see more like it … We featured this and asked some children to review it and they raved about it, they loved it -- TV3’s Ireland AMreally smart … tricks you into learning stuff -- Ireland AM, TV3a history that brings the Rising to life. Too many accounts of the rebellion are austere and gloomy, and portray the key personalities as distant, ascetic figures. Blood Upon the Rose restores to the story its spirit of adventure, and a rounded humanity -- Irish IndependentI've no idea why I haven't blogged about Gerry Hunts historical graphic novels before. We've had Blood Upon The Rose, the story of Easter 1916, since it was published in 2009. That was such a success that when At War With The Empire, the follow up came out, I ordered it straightaway. It was a no-brainer - my eldest son loved graphic novels and flew through them. And these books explained (in colourful detail) Irish history that he needed to know about, for school and for life. This latest one, 1913 Larkin's Labour War which I found in the library last week is his favourite of the lot -- onthestripeycouchonasaturdaymorning.blogspot.iethe comic would be particularly useful for Irish Junior Cert and Leaving Cert students studying history, or general history buffs of early 20th century Irish and British relations -- Girlslikecomics.com'a landmark Irish graphic novel' -- Irish Times'pulls the story together brilliantly … a lovely thing to have' -- Tom Dunne, Newstalk 106'Few other publications have brought the Rising to life as viscerally as Gerry Hunt's Blood Upon the Rose … an interesting and fresh take on a tale that most people would assume they knew by rote' -- Sunday Tribune'the Easter Rising as you’ve never seen it before … a colourful comic story about the famous revolt' -- Evening Herald'will appeal to youngsters and will familiarise with them with the heroes and heroines of the Easter Rebellion' -- Irish Examiner'shows the rising in all its multicoloured glory' -- Irish Examiner'compelling' -- Belfast Telegraph'a ground-breaking work' -- Primary Times Magazine'an excellent introduction to politics' -- Primary Times Magazine'an enjoyable read' -- CBI Bookfest Guide 2009'illustrations are bright and appealing' -- CBI Bookfest Guide 2009'I would certainly recommend this book' -- Michael Doorley, Inis Magazine'[a] new and exciting departure in Irish publishing' -- Inis Magazine'for 12 years and over' -- Primary Times Magazine'A colourful comic book is bringing the 1916 Rising to life for a new generation of young Irish people' -- Irish Daily Star'has already been snapped up by teachers and students alike' -- Irish Daily Star'Exciting' -- The Irish Daily Star'brings the story to life through illustration and lively text and could be a great resource to engage history students’ interest in that period in Irish history' -- Astir'rings the story to life through illustration and lively text and could be a great resource to engage history students’ interest in that period in Irish history' -- Astir'excellent illustrations and artwork ... an impressive work' -- Evening Echo'the artwork is second to none, handled with a light touch and there is none of the overwrought pomposity sometimes present in American graphic novels' -- Evening Echoan unexpected publishing hit -- Irish Independent'a fantastic way of digesting a bit of history in a fun and vivid format ... Hunt’s graphics bring the story of their struggle for Irish freedom to life in a way that sterile prose in a school history book never could' -- Books Ireland'graphics ... convey the tension and the atmosphere of fear that must have surrounded Dublin in those days' -- Books Ireland'the Easter Rising as you’ve never seen it before … a colourful comic story about the famous revolt' -- Evening Herald'Gerry Hunt gave a brief, excellent and very modest talk on the work ... It was more than fitting that Honor O Brolchain, grand-niece of Joseph Plunkett, was also present to deliver a fine talk on Joseph Plunkett, Grace Gifford and the importance of the j -- Come Here Me'Few other publications have brought the Rising to life as viscerally as Gerry Hunt's Blood Upon the Rose … an interesting and fresh take on a tale that most people would assume they knew by rote' -- Sunday Tribune'Following on from the success of political graphic novels such as Maus and Persepolis, this is accessible, informative and insightful history at its best ... help give a sense of realism to the story, Hunt presents an art style deeply influenced by his a -- Comic Related'pulls the story together brilliantly … a lovely thing to have' -- Tom Dunne, Newstalk 106'brings you back to your youth when comics were all the rage, but now you can enjoy all that again by reading a graphic novel about our great and proud history' -- An Cosantóir’s'a landmark Irish graphic novel' -- Irish Times'everyone has heard of the Easter Rising, but never has it been told in such a colourful and exciting way as this graphic novel' -- An Cosantóir’s'an enjoyable read' -- CBI Bookfest Guide 2009'illustrations are bright and appealing' -- CBI Bookfest Guide 2009'I would certainly recommend this book' -- Michael Doorley, Inis Magazine'[a] new and exciting departure in Irish publishing' -- Inis Magazine'a ground-breaking work' -- Primary Times Magazine'for 12 years and over' -- Primary Times Magazine'an excellent introduction to politics' -- Primary Times Magazine'shows the rising in all its multicoloured glory' -- Irish Examiner'will appeal to youngsters and will familiarise with them with the heroes and heroines of the Easter Rebellion' -- Irish Examiner'compelling' -- Belfast Telegraph'brings the story to life through illustration and lively text and could be a great resource to engage history students’ interest in that period in Irish history' -- Astir'A colourful comic book is bringing the 1916 Rising to life for a new generation of young Irish people' -- Irish Daily Star'has already been snapped up by teachers and students alike' -- Irish Daily Star'Exciting' -- Irish Daily Star'excellent illustrations and artwork ... an impressive work' -- Evening Echothe artwork is second to none, handled with a light touch and there is none of the overwrought pomposity sometimes present in American graphic novels -- Evening Echo

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Book SynopsisIf the Punisher became a valuable piece of intellectual property during the closing decades of the twentieth century, he has become a global icon in the twenty-first. In this pathbreaking study, Kent Worcester explores the sometimes ridiculous and often socially resonate storyverse of the most famous rageaholic in popular culture: Frank Castle, aka the Punisher. Worcester pays particular attention to nearly five decades' worth of punishment-themed comics and graphic novels published between the 1970s and the present day. These texts provide the material resources for a close reading of the Punisher's distinctive and extreme form of justice discourse. Punishment, after all, is a political and social construct. Violence does not imply or claim legitimacy. Punishment does. To talk about punishment is to ask who deserves to be punished, who decides who deserves to be punished, and what form the punishment should take. All costumed heroes have their political moments; the Punisher is political. Frank Castle inhabits the most politically engaged corner of the entire Marvel Universe. His adventures should attract our interest for precisely this reason.Trade Review“Kent Worcester has put together a hard-hitting, street-wise, in-depth look at the life and times of Frank Castle. His analysis is trenchant and fascinating, taking into consideration all the myriad aspects of the character and how they have changed over time. This is a rich, important study of a character whose violent ethos and iconography are so much a part of today's cultural zeitgeist.” -- Andrew J. Friedenthal, writer and arts critic'I detest The Punisher. I mean, I ordinarily have no use for the character. But this book? Whoa. Excellent writing: trenchant, provocative, at times jaw-dropping. The arguments are needle-sharp, the contexts surprising yet persuasive. Worcester deftly steers clear of defensiveness, righteous dismissal, handwringing, and the oh so many pitfalls that could easily trip up a project like this. In the process, he makes the whole "Marvel Universe" look different.' -- Professor Charles Hatfield (co-author of Comics Studies: A Guidebook and author of Hand of Fire: The Comics Art of Jack Kirby)“Deep-diving into a publication history spanning multiple decades, Kent Worcester's precise study helps explain the enduring fascination with the Punisher against the backdrop of an evolving sociopolitical climate. This long overdue examination of Marvel's most controversial yet iconic character will provide valuable insight to scholars, students, and fans alike.” -- Peter Vignold, author of Das Marvel Cinematic Universe – Anatomie einer Hyperserie and Superhelden im Film – Zur post-patriarchalen Utopie des Marvel Cinematic UniverseTable of ContentsList of Figures vii Preface ix Introduction 1 1. Trauma Culture 29 2. Trigger Happy, or Grim and Gritty 64 3. The Universe Pushes Back 97 4. Negative Dialectics 134 5. The Narratological Impasse 169 6. From Print to Screen to Icon 202 Conclusion: Those Who Need Hurting 235 Appendix 245 Bibliography 249 Index 257

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Book SynopsisAn international collaboration involving 26 writers and illustrators from 14 different countries have transformed 15 of Cixin Liu's – 'China's answer to Arthur C. Clarke' (New Yorker) – award-winning stories into graphic novels. It was the Ice and Snow Arts Festival that lured the low-temperature artist to Earth. Drawn by the beauty and technical skill of the sculptures displayed, the extraterrestrial visitor longed to collaborate and share its own art. But while humans learnt to craft ice into exquisite ephemera, the low-temperature artist's civilisation mastered the manipulation of whole worlds to create artworks – drawing on the seas and ice caps, and cooling their temperature to beautiful effect. Faced with the inevitable devastation and heat death of their planet, humankind must use their final breaths to fight for existence. But the artist will only speak to one human: Yan Dong, the ice sculptor whose beautiful work first drew its eye. Praise for Cixin Liu: 'Your next favourite sci-fi novel' Wired 'Immense' Barack Obama 'Unique' George R.R. Martin 'SF in the grand style' Guardian 'Mind-altering and immersive' Daily Mail 'A milestone in Chinese science-fiction' New York Times 'China's answer to Arthur C. Clarke' New Yorker Winner of the Hugo and Galaxy Awards for Best NovelTrade ReviewThe whole project offers a fascinating insight to a 'new' author, with the graphic novels serving as a gateway drug to a traditionally inaccessible voice in the realm of SFF * SciFiNow *The overall tone of this graphic novel well reflects Cixin Liu's thoughtful, measured pace... It mixes questions of philosophy with realistic characters and relationships. Quirky bits of humour glimmer here and there and an overall sense of optimism prevails. I am most definitely looking forward to the rest of the series' * SF Crowsnest *Santullo and JOK do an impressive job in this version of Sea... The style of JOK works well with Cixin's source material. It feels like it's part of the same world. JOK also does a great job on the huge set pieces in the book. Sea is not just a musing on art, but has planetwide rocket launches that JOK captures in a few pages... Sea of Dreams is an interesting and entertaining graphic novel that poses questions, but also entertains the reader' * SF Book Review *A fascinating insight into the journey of how someone comes to terms with their own place in the world, understanding his values as both an artist and as a member of a wider society * SciFiNow *A unique blend of scientific and philosophical speculation, politics and history, conspiracy theory and cosmology -- George R.R. MartinWildly imaginative, really interesting... The scope of it was immense' -- Barack ObamaA milestone in Chinese science fiction * New York Times *A marvellous mélange of awe-inspiring scientific concepts, clever plotting and quirky yet plausible characters... Exhilarating, mind-stretching' * TLS *China's answer to Arthur C. Clarke * The New Yorker *

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Book SynopsisThe Lonesome Cowboy is not having a good day. Out of tobacco, arriving at night and under pouring rain in the small mining settlement of Froggy Town, he soon finds himself in conflict with two of the Bone brothers, somewhat infamous local figures. Unfortunately, Luke's reputation precedes him, and when the townspeople ask him to investigate a hold-up in place of the sheriff - none other than James Bone - the tension ratchets up another notch...

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Book SynopsisIn a fort on the Frontier, the 7th Cavalry keeps a vigilant watch over the Wild West. It is a time of peace with the local Natives, and all is well, thanks - at least in the colonel's mind - to the regiment's lucky mascot. But when that dog mysteriously vanishes and bad luck begins to plague the unit, it becomes necessary to find a replacement. The colonel picks Rin Tin Can for the job... and then the real trouble begins!

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Book SynopsisLearn how to draw fashionable manga clothes that help to convey personality, character, and mood quickly and easily. Packed with everything you need to know to draw a huge variety of cool clothes and accessories in the manga style, this detailed guide covers a range of styles and looks, so that you can build character identity, customise your characters and tell a story through fashion. Create a wide range of looks, from on-trend streetwear to traditional and formal clothing. With clear step-by-step instructions and insider secrets that manga artist Dalia Sharawna has learned on her drawing journey, all you'll need is a pencil and paper to draw any clothing style you desire.Trade ReviewOverall this is a really nice book. There are a nice few pages at the beginning that act as refreshers for someone who's already got the basics down – reminding you of face and body proportions and a few tips on how fabric moves and drapes. The rest of the book focusses on a wide range of clothing items, grouped into chapters by style (streetwear, casual, elegant, etc.), with a few tips in each case to help you get started. If you're just starting out you might be wanting it broken down more with more information, but you would learn a lot just by copying the images. Each item is shown both on a 'model' and broken down into simple line drawings so you can see how it's constructed. Each chapter finishes with some suggested exercises and drawing prompts so you can practise the clothing styles, and with some gallery images from different artists. I really enjoyed having the gallery images included as I find it really helpful to see how different people interpret the same sort of items. Overall a nice book if you're looking for clothing inspiration for your drawings and want to expand your range. -- Claire Crouchley * Customer Review *This small but mighty book should be named the definitive guide to drawing awesome manga artwork. Instagrammer and expert manga artist Sharawna explains how to draw manga fashion, from casual clothes and streetwear to traditional Japanese attire. The designs are simple enough for anyone to accomplish. The book includes sidebars about all types of clothing accessories, which make the drawings customizable and realistic. Sharawna also adds sidebars of “Manga Art Secrets,” which stretch the book’s main lessons by tasking readers to do more with the details that reflect their characters’ personalities. After each chapter, there’s an “Exercise Roundup” that includes additional small activities that mesh with the chapter’s subject and are designed to hone one’s drawing skills. Between chapters, there are pages that highlight manga artists who draw for a living or for fun. VERDICT An unusual but highly insightful guide that also looks at artists who do this kind of drawing and their multiple career paths. An essential purchase where drawing books and manga are popular. * Library Journal *Midwest Book Review - January 2024 Synopsis: Clothes and accessories are the perfect way to give your manga characters energy and develop their unique identities. From on-trend streetwear to traditional and formal clothing, the way that your character is dressed is an instant way to tell a story. With the publication of "Manga Art Fashion Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Making Stylish Artwork in the Manga Style" aspiring manga artists can join with manga art expert Dalia Sharawna and her thousands of fans and learn how to draw fashionable manga clothes that show personality, character, and mood. Packed with everything you need to know to draw a huge variety of cool clothes and accessories in the manga style, this detailed guide covers a range of styles and looks to take your manga characters to the next level. "Manga Art Fashion Secrets" is packed from cover to cover with step-by-step drawings for formal and casual outfits, sportswear, and accessories. Learn how to give your work personality and style with Dalia Sharawna's tutorials for a huge variety of on-trend looks to dress your characters in. At the end of each chapter is a series of practice exercises where you're encouraged to trace or freehand draw subjects from earlier on. You'll end up with a portfolio of sketches charting your artistic development. Five contemporary artists take up residence on these pages, sharing their manga fashion secrets and showcasing their own art. Critique: An extraordinary, comprehensive, and unique DIY course of Manga Art instruction, "Manga Art Fashion Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Making Stylish Artwork in the Manga Style" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, art school, and college/university library Manga Art instruction collections. * Midwest Book Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction Meet Dalia Tools and Materials Chapter One: Streetwear Chapter Two: Casual Chapter Three: Seasonal Chapter Four: Elegant Chapter Five: Traditional Japanese Chapter Six: Sportswear Chapter Seven: Formal Chapter Eight: Comfortable Index and Credits

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Book SynopsisBring to life 30 characterful manga girls and boys in just a few simple steps, with expert comic book and manga artist, Yishan Li. Choose from a wide range of characters, including a spell-casting sorcerer, flying angel, running schoolgirl and flamboyant pop star, in a wide range of dynamic poses, all full of personality and style. Each one is developed in 8 easy stages from a rough sketch of the basic shapes through to the finished, coloured drawing, making this book suitable for adults and children of all ages and abilities. With its easy-to-follow landscape format you can watch the stages build across the page and then recreate them with ease. The book contains material previously published in How to Draw Manga Boys, 2015, and How to Draw Manga Girls, 2015.Table of Contents1. Angel 2. Boy wizard 3. Cartwheeling boy 4. Costume party 5. French maid 6. Girl with pet frog 7. Grocery shopping 8. Half-body pose 9. Hamburger girl 10. Head & torso 11. Head shot 12. Leaf sweeper boy 13. Ready for action 14. Schoolgirl running 15. Side on 16. Sorcerer 17. Star performer 18. Teenage girl 19. The assassin 20. Young pirate 21. Side on boy 22. Delivery boy 23. Boy wizard 24. Leaping elf 25. Waiter boy 26. Cheerleader 27. Floating in swimming pool 28. Little chef 29. Noble fairy 30. Winged devil

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisExplore Denis Villeneuve'sDune: Part Twowith remarkable photography by Niko Tavernise, detailing the extraordinary cast, sets, and locations from the shoot.

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Book Synopsis"Brilliantly bonkers" - JAMIE SMART, author of Bunny Versus Monkey and Looshkin."With fast-paced action and absurd humor [...] Super Dweeb in an exciting new series for fans of Captain Underpants or Diary of a Wimpy Kid" - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL"A funny, fast-paced and zany adventure, bursting with colourful cartoon-style illustrations" - BOOK TRUST on Super Dweeb and the Pencil of Destiny.***Andy may seem like an ordinary dweeb, but he has an incredible secret. When he draws a picture with his ATOMIC PENCIL, it comes to life! And with awesome power comes awesome ... sneakiness! Andy wants to time off from being a superhero to geek out over the new Gamma Guys movie. His ingenious plan is to draw a clone of himself. There''s only one problem ... his carbon copy doesn''t much like taking orders! In fact, Andy quickly starts to think that he''s created his own EVIL TWIN. Uh-oh! Things quickly escalate into a crazy battle of doodlers. Look out ... it seems like Andy''s really met his match! The third book in the Super Dweeb series, this unpredictable, anarchic adventure story features comic-strip-style storytelling in full-colour and is perfect for readers aged 7-9.

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Book Synopsis"Brilliantly bonkers" - JAMIE SMART, author of Bunny Versus Monkey and Looshkin."With fast-paced action and absurd humor [...] Super Dweeb in an exciting new series for fans of Captain Underpants or Diary of a Wimpy Kid" - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL"A funny, fast-paced and zany adventure, bursting with colourful cartoon-style illustrations" - BOOK TRUST on Super Dweeb and the Pencil of Destiny.***Super-doodler Andy may have an awesome atomic pencil that brings his drawings to life, but he''s still pretty new to the whole hero thing. Sure, he can handle small-time crooks ... but he''s definitely not ready for jailbreaks, supervillain team-ups, and time travel!Unfortunately for Andy, a terrible trio of criminals have leapt back in time from his future to stop him before he''s ready. They''re going to keep him from becoming the awesome future crimefighter he''s destined to be!So Andy''s going to have to step up! With the help of his best friend Mona, he''s going to have to pull off an AWESOME HEIST and set off on an incredible cross-time odyssey that will take him to the time of the dinosaurs and back.Don''t be late for this HILARIOUS time travel adventure!The fourth book in the Super Dweeb series, this unpredictable, anarchic adventure story features comic-strip-style storytelling in full-colour and is perfect for readers aged 7-9.

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Book SynopsisJake, Anna and Ben are out camping in the woods.They decide to tell some scary stories by the campfire, and Jake tells one about the Lunar Stag. But it's only a story... right?

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Book SynopsisA strange eagle has wounded a brave from Yakari's tribe and stolen his talisman. To recover it and allow the man to wake from his unnatural slumber, young Yakari will have to climb a mountain to find the eagle's nest. Forced to go alone when Little Thunder can't follow anymore, he will have to make new friends-with sure feet and warm coats-and brave the majestic bird's proud anger.

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Book SynopsisWhile Agnes is in Europe to visit family, Trent is given a somewhat unusual mission: to escort a woman to her father's home. Mrs Taylor has left her husband - a man that alcohol turns horribly violent - and is now taking their son to safety at his grandfather's - a former senator. Tasked with protecting them, Trent takes a liking to young Jeremy, and begins to dream of his own Little Trent with Agnes - until the father tracks them down...

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Book SynopsisMore delightful tales from the legendary Finnish artistDrawn & Quarterly''s bestselling Moomin series, created by the legendary children''s author Tove Jansson, is now in its fourth installment. The series is the winner of the Harvey Award and has been nominated for multiple Eisner Awards.

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Book SynopsisProfessor Philip Mortimer has decided to spend his holidays in Cairo with his trusty servant, Nasir. There he plans to meet an old friend, who offers him the fantastic opportunity of satisfying his passion for Egyptology - to take part in the deciphering of some recently discovered papyrus coming from mummies of the Ptolemaic age. They soon discover that one of the fragments deals with the Chamber of Horus - a fabled crypt that could contain priceless treasures...

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Book SynopsisLou shares her year, detailing its high points like Christmas. She celebrates these with her mum in a Paris flat which looks, well, "lived in". Please don't laugh at her awkward first steps in the dating game: Valentine's day starts well, until schemes begin to unravel ...Lou! won the 2005 Angouleme award in the 9-12 year category for author Julien Neel.

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Book SynopsisThis is the complete play which is translated into plain English. Although "The Tempest" was the first play to appear in the first official Folio printing of Shakespeare's plays, it was almost certainly the last play he wrote. It held pride of place in that first collection, presumably because the editors thought it to be his masterpiece; a crowning glory to the career of the most brightest of playwrights. Needless to say, we had to select the very best artists to do it justice, and to bring you the stunning artwork that you've come to expect from our titles. Poignant to the last, this book is a classic amongst classics.

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Book SynopsisCrime has descended on the normally tranquil Riviera – a solid gold sculpture on loan from the Gurgleheim Museum has been stolen, and the local police force are well out of their depth. They need help and they need it fast. But local Henshin hero King Gianthead Fighter Policeman O.X. is lost in a waking reverie of lucid dreams, and his potential replacements aren't faring much better. And why are people going into the Great Exhibition of 11851, the pop-up selfie experience in the middle of town, but not coming out again? Fortunately, Marge Maggiore has picked up the trail and has a plan to catch the villains and save the day – if only she can clear her name for a crime she didn't commit! Told through the twisted creative lens of esteemed comics-maker Hurk in his long-awaited full-length technicolor debut, Jinx Freeze is a heist story unlike any you've read before!Trade Review"It’s avant-garde, it’s abstract, it’s eclectic, it’s surreal… it’s oozing with beautiful design work. Such a lot of fun." - Ace Comicals Podcast

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Book SynopsisSaudi Arabia offers few prospects for the bright young Mohammed El-Gharani. With roots in Chad, Mohammed is treated like a second-class citizen. His access to healthcare and education are restricted; nor can he make the most of his entrepreneurial spirit. At the age of 14, having scraped together some money as a street trader, Mohammed seizes an opportunity to study in Pakistan. One Friday in Karachi, Mohammed is detained during a raid on his local mosque. After being beaten and interrogated, he is sold to the American government by the Pakistani forces as a member of Al-Qaida with links to Osama Bin Laden, but Mohammed has heard of neither. The Americans fly him first to Kandahar and then to Guantánamo Bay. In Guantánamo Kid, Jérôme Tubiana and Alexandre Franc tell the eye-opening, heart-wrenching story of one of Guantánamo’s youngest detainees. Trade Review“This is an astounding account of human endurance and faith against overwhelming odds and terrible injustice.” -- Publishers Weekly"With the Trump administration signing an executive order to keep the prison open indefinitely in 2018, it is more important than ever to read stories like Guantánamo Kid" -- Amnesty International UK"Mohammed El-Gharani knows all about the horrors of Guantánamo, as a child subjected to torture by the US authorities and held in the prison for eight years. And yet far too many people still don’t know about Guantánamo’s long and abusive history, and one main reason is that no footage or photos of any of the torture and abuse has ever surfaced. Overcoming this critical lack of images, Jérôme Tubiana, a journalist who spent time with Mohammed after his release in 2010, hearing his story, has worked with the talented comic artist Alexandre Franc to bring his ordeal to life in a graphic novel that deserves to be read as widely as possible, as, in page after page of harrowing memories, Mohammed tells his story with wit, endurance and unbreakable spirit." -- Andy Worthington (campaigner, journalist and author of The Guantánamo Files)"Mohammed El-Gharani was just 14 when he was kidnapped and rendered to Guantánamo Bay, the location of some of the worst human rights abuses of our age. There, he was detained without charge or trial, facing brutal torture, isolation and mistreatment. The US accused him of having been an Al-Qaeda mastermind at the tender age of 6 in a country he had never visited, and his story exposes the cruel absurdity of the US' Guantánamo project and the faulty ‘intelligence’ it was built on. Yet, despite all this, his is a story of survival in even the darkest of times. Guantánamo Kid is a book everyone should read – an innovative, visually stunning way of telling an important story. And a powerful way to remind us that the Guantánamo story is one that is still being played out to this day as 40 men continue to languish in the prison, watching the months and years pass by with no access to justice and very little hope for freedom." -- Clive Stafford Smith, founder of Reprieve and Mohammed El-Gharani's lawyer

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Book SynopsisBuñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles depicts a decisive moment in the life of the great Spanish filmmaker Luis Buñuel: the moment when he doubted surrealism and contemplated embracing a more social type of cinema. At this crucial turning point in his career, he wanted to change the world by showing the hidden heart of reality. Buñuel was deeply affected by the harshness of Las Hurdes and the extreme misery of the people who live in this remote region, so with his friend, the movie producer Ramón Acín, he began work on the pseudo-documentary Land Without Bread. But in the mind of the great surrealist, reality inevitably clashed with dreams and childhood memories, threatening both the film and his friendship with Acín. It is at this moment that the Buñuel of the future was born.

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Book SynopsisIs Lady Juvelian at greater risk of dying at the hands of her father's political enemies or of falling in love? Desperate to appear unavailable for marriage to the tyrannical Crown Prince Maximillian the villain of her previous life Juvelian has proposed a contract relationship with her father's rebellious protégé. At first glance, he's the perfect choice, but a veil of misunderstandings hides a dark truth that could challenge Juvelian's attempts to change her future.Meanwhile, political schemes and old grudges are moving in the shadows of the imperial court, and Juvelian's father, Duke Floyen, stands at the heart of them. As the crown prince seeks to solidify his power, the emperor tightens his hold over the duke.This volume collects episodes 3248 of the webcomic Father, I Don't Want This Marriage.

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Book SynopsisOur plucky young troublemaker Akissi is back with even more tales of mischief on The Ivory Coast! This time, she plays matchmaker with mixed results, tries to avoid moving to the snowy, wolf-infested wilds of Paris, and turns her hand to poetry - which stinks. Inspired by her childhood in Africa, writer Marguerite Abouet takes readers on even more hilarious adventures with the mischievous but loveable Akissi, who returns for more "girls will be girls" adventures on the Ivory Coast. Join Akissi, her crew of friends and her brother Fofana for all the silly fun in this brightly illustrated comic, published here for the rst time in English.Trade ReviewAkissi is an absolute joy... her world is real, rounded, full of warmth and humour. * BookTrust *If you've yet to experience Abouet and Sapin's depiction of Ivory Coast life I cannot recommend this series more highly. In these most difficult of times books like Akissi are a beacon of joyous light in the darkness of reality. -- Andy Oliver * Broken Frontier *[Mathieu Sapin] brings Akissi's Abidjan suburb to life, and is great when moments of exaggeration are needed. * The Slings & Arrows Graphic Novel Guide *

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Book SynopsisAfter discovering experimental hallucinogenic pills, a troubled artist, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, embarks on a series of surreal trips into his subconscious – but is he ready for what he’ll find there? As James Svengal searches for inner peace, his life spirals out of control and he is forced to confront harsh truths about his relationships, his work and himself. Animals talk, gramophones wash ashore, and relationships are tested in this surreal and affecting graphic novel from the critically acclaimed creative team of Lyndon White and Jordan Sam Adams.

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Book SynopsisGone is our popular sci-fi mystery comic, about the AssistA robot, who wakes on board a vessel that should be home to thousands of crew, but is, in fact, desolate. Confused and alone, the AssistA sets off to find out where everyone has gone to. Along the way he starts receiving interference in the forms of memories from one of the crew members, from before everyone disappeared. But can AssistA trust these memories, and is it, in fact, as alone as it thinks it is?Trade ReviewGone has a subtlety and nuance to it that is hardly ever seen in the comic book world. It really is a strong entry into the science fiction genre, and a welcome respite from the high concept superhero or zombie comics that I am usually reading. -- Dustin Molina * A Place to Hang Your Cape *It’s slow & subtle with some real moments of wonder and scale which feels like a mix between Silent Running & Wall-E and the controlled use of dialogue quickly evokes the emptiness of space and the silence of being alone. -- Gary Watson * Comics Anonymous *

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Book SynopsisFour more supernatural horror tales from the Hexiverse; a girl befriended by a creature made of letters, a man who continually wakes up in a hotel bedroom full of guilt, a girl obsessed with beings of light she believes took her mother and a family whose past transgressions may be finally catching up with them. Four stories, four artists, one universe.

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Book SynopsisAn original graphic novel about the messiness of modern relationships by one of the most exciting voices in contemporary literature. Eliza is a thirtysomething struggling single mother and poet; Sasha, a twentysomething living with her parents, dabbling in sex work, and yearning for direction in life. The two strike up an unlikely friendship that, as it veers towards something more, becomes a deeply resonant exploration of how far people are willing to go to find intimacy in a society that is increasingly closed off. Parrish’s fully realised characters and gorgeously painted pages make Men I Trust one of the most moving and insightful works of fiction in any medium this year.Trade Review‘Their bold style — mostly darker colours, figures with large bodies and small heads — makes for eye-catching reading. Each page could stand alone as a work of art.’ -- Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen * The Guardian *‘Parrish’s bodies dominate the room (and the page), and yet their sheer expanse seems to accentuate their vulnerability as much as their power. They are inescapable, and inescapably exposed … Even the quietest moments have a wildness lurking within them, a sense of things being on the verge of going to pieces or bursting into life.’ -- Gabriel Winslow-Yost * The New York Review of Books *‘I urge you to try Men I Trust by Tommi Parrish, the most visually dazzling graphic novel I’ve read this year. While most stick to pen and ink, here every frame is a painting; the use of colour and line reminds me of Cat With Red Fish-era Matisse … A young Australian, Parrish worked up to 15 hours a day on this novel for three years without a break. With unflinching psychological realism, it tells the story of a struggling single mother and performance poet who forms an unhealthily close friendship with a fan, in a tale that builds to a harrowing heart-in-mouth climax.’ -- Tristram Fane Saunders * The Telegraph *‘Men I Trust by Tommi Parrish, renders the messiness of modern life into vivid, gorgeous art. A single parent and a sex worker strike up an intimate friendship in this singular story, told through bold figures and atmospheric splashes.’ -- Katie Goh * i-D Magazine *‘Men I Trust sees Parrish perfectly capture the vulnerability, tension and flux of navigating relationships — romantic, familial, self-fulfilment — under the pressures of capitalism … [T]here’s something about the graphic form here that enduringly captivates … Parrish depicts all this with intelligence, heart and a trust in the reader that can only be adequately rendered on the page with the intricate power of their visual language.’ -- Oliver Reeson * The Saturday Paper *‘Lambda Award–winner Parrish (The Lie and How We Told It) delivers an unflinching examination of two women as they tentatively form a friendship while coping with messy personal circumstances … Parrish’s gift for nuanced characterisations and dialogue juxtapose with their distinctive, highly stylised art, in which characters sport exaggeratedly bulky, awkward bodies and small heads. This humane, insightful tale should further burnish Parrish’s reputation as a first-rate artist and storyteller.’ -- Publishers Weekly, starred review‘Parrish’s tactile paintwork conjures humans with hulking bodies and baseball heads, all of them wondering whether the messes they're in are the result of mistakes they've made or some kind of perverse destiny they were always bound for.’ * Vulture *‘Parrish … relentlessly interrogates issues of gender and sexuality, pointing out that strict binaries are mostly jerry-built and easily broken.’ * PEN *‘With each hand-painted panel, author Tommi Parrish communicates an intense atmosphere and delves thoughtfully into the themes of queer desire, masculinity, fear, and the fading of past relationships.’ * Eyes on Design *‘With the palette of Simon Hanselmann and the emotional heft of Adrian Tomine, Parrish paints a realistic and intimate portrait of queer friendship, the colourful, genderless characters avatars for anyone grappling with how to live a meaningful life under capitalism. Parrish’s trademark painted figures animate a nuanced and highly relatable depiction of anxiety, depression and complicated relationships, the characters of Eliza and Sasha alive with humour, personality and astutely observed thoughts and feelings … Parrish’s work continues to reclaim brightness and boldness in the service of rendering real human lives. Men I Trust is a beautiful and honest work from an artist deserving of all of the home-country recognition that will no doubt finally come their way.’ -- Kelsey Oldham * Books+Publishing *‘Tommi Parrish's graphic novel is an intimate look at how relationships function and dysfunction under precarity … Men I Trust paints a nuanced story of trying to find connection in an isolated, capitalist world. Parrish is an observant storyteller, lingering on uncomfortable moments, dedicating whole panels to an awkward pause in conversation or a sigh. The dialogue is astute; at times witty and heartbreaking in the same breath. Parrish's visual style is lush, with colours and textures as complex as the characters in this story, and a rich humanity coming from the entirely hand-drawn and painted work. Colours bleed from the panels onto the margins, pencil sketches peek through the layers of paint on top of them. In a book pulsing with alienation, Parrish's masterly hand feels like a gift.’ -- Selina Moir-Wilson * The Big Issue *‘In Men I Trust the art is brimming with wincing, raw abandon.’ -- Bernard Calleo * Australian Book Review *‘Men I Trust follows 20-something Sasha and 30-something Eliza as they strike up an unlikely friendship and invites you to consider how far you would go to find intimacy. With their bold, distinctive style you may be familiar with from The Lie and How We Told It and Perfect Hair, this work is completely hand-painted, taking over three years to create.’ * Melbourne Writers Festival *‘If you’re after a gorgeous graphic novel about millennial ennui and unlikely friendships in murky waters, Men I Trust is the book for you … Men I Trust is a beautiful book — the illustrations are rendered to perfection in full colour, making it feel more like an art book than a graphic novel. Reviewers who know more about art and graphic novels than I do have sung its praises … a moving and intense story, one that might have you staring off into the distance in a while after you’ve finished.’ * Keeping Up With the Penguins *Praise for The Lie and How We Told It: ‘Even in these golden years for Australian comics, Tommi Parrish stands out for their insight and talent. Their work takes weighty topics like gender, work, and friends and examines them through focusing on individual experiences, interior moment … Here Parrish is exhibiting both trust in the reader and juxtaposition skill. The found text could line up with the main story in a number of ways; working out how is up to you.’ -- Ronnie Scott * Australian Book Review *Praise for The Lie and How We Told It: ‘This orchestration and interplay of refined visual language is never overworked. Lovers of fine art comics will delight in this worthy discovery.’ * Publishers Weekly *Praise for The Lie and How We Told It: ‘A gorgeous graphic novel … It’s one of the most strikingly executed books I’ve seen in years, and Parrish’s talents are impossible to ignore. It’s pretty annoying that we still have to remind people that comics are a visual medium, but here, the distinction is as vital as it is needed.’ -- Leonard Pierce * The Comics Journal *

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