Manga: Memoirs, true stories and non-fiction

Book SynopsisA heart-wrenching single-volume story about the struggles of being an artist, from the creator of Chainsaw Man.The overly confident Fujino and the shut-in Kyomoto couldn’t be more different, but a love of drawing manga brings these two small-town girls together. A poignant story of growing up and moving forward that only Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, could have crafted.The overly confident Fujino and the shut-in Kyomoto couldn’t be more different, but a love of drawing manga brings these two small-town girls together. A poignant story of growing up and moving forward that only Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, could have crafted.

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Book SynopsisRaina Telgemeier''s #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning graphic memoir based on her childhood!Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there''s still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.

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Book SynopsisA heart-wrenching true story about life in a Kenyan refugee camp that will restore your faith in real-life happy endings.Omar and his brother Hassan, two Somali boys, have spent a long time in the Dadaab refugee camp. Separated from their mother, they are looked after by a friendly stranger. Life in the camp isn't always easy. The hunger is constant . . . but there's football to look forward to, and now there's a chance Omar will get to go to school . . .With a heart-wrenching fairytale ending, this incredible true story is brought to life by Victoria's stunning illustrations. This book perfectly depicts life in a refugee camp for 8-12 year olds.Does everything one can ask of a book, and then some.' KirkusFantastic graphic novel.' The New York Times Book ReviewSensitive and poignant.' School Library JournalNot to be missed.' Booklist

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Book SynopsisThis is the classic novel brought to life in full colour! 'I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future'. Classical Comics' first Dickens title is probably his best-loved story. Scrooge gets a rude awakening to how his life is, and how it should be. Full of Christmas Spirit(s), this is a book that you'll want to read all year round!Trade ReviewIn 1951, Alastair Simm portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in the classic black and white film and vocally reprised the role in a 1971 30 minute TV animated version. And there have been many other film and TV versions as well as comic adaptions over the decades. I know. I'm old. I've seen them.So,dusting the spiders webs from my head,I sat down to read Classical Comics version because I had seen some artwork back in May but I really wondered whether the full version would work -could the team add a little extra or a twist to make this better than any other version?No.And by A"noA" I mean that there was no need to add a little something extra or twist. This is the original Dickens story that gave us goosebumps when the teacher read it to us all those years ago in school.Mike Collins and David Roach [who I believe used to produce a Small Press mag titled A"HellfireA" back in the 1980s] will be familiar to comic fans. But could they adapt Mr. Dickens' classic?Of course they can! I could imagine receiving this as a Christmas present and sitting down to read it after dark. It's everything you expect from A Christmas Carol and fun to read and look at.Collins and Roach. Fantastic art. And the colourist,James Offredi does a really great job that adds so much more to the art -look at Marley's Ghost. Wonderful.Original Text is great but I think for younger readers it has to be Quick Text. I have to honestly say that I do,for some reason,look for faults or something not quite right. Why I have no idea. The logo A"Classical ComicsA" says it all.As with the other titles there are the list of characters the Dramatis personae,a lot of information on the author,how the book was drawn,lettered and even Teachers Resources notes. Perhaps the government ought to invest money by buying and distributing these books to schools to educate children but it seems they don't have that kind of money [only the kind for bailing out crooked bankers].Reading for fun or otherwise,these books,whether Henry V, MacBeth, Jane Eyre or A Christmas Carol,cannot be faulted and here's to the companies continued success!www.comicbitsonline.comTable of ContentsDramatis Persona 4A Christmas CarolStave OneMarley's Ghost 7Stave TwoThe First of the Three Spirits 42Stave ThreeThe Second of the Three Spirits 69Stave FourThe Last of the Spirits 95Stave FiveThe End of it 127What the Dickens? 144The Dickens Family Tree 149Dickens Timeline 150Hard Times 152A Very Victorian Christmas 154Page Creation 156

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Book SynopsisDISCOVER the BESTSELLING GRAPHIC MEMOIR behind the Olivier Award nominated musical.'A sapphic graphic treat' The TimesA moving and darkly humorous family tale, pitch-perfectly illustrated with Alison Bechdel's gothic drawings. If you liked Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis you'll love this.Meet Alison's father, a historic preservation expert and obsessive restorer of the family's Victorian home, a third-generation funeral home director, a high-school English teacher, an icily distant parent, and a closeted homosexual who, as it turns out, is involved with his male students and the family babysitter. When Alison comes out as homosexual herself in late adolescence, the denouement is swift, graphic, and redemptive.Interweaving between childhood memories, college life and present day, and through narrative that is equally heartbreaking and fiercely funny, Alison looks back on her complex relationship with her father and finds they had more in common than she ever knew.'A groundbreaking masterpiece' The Independent'A finely woven blend of yearning and euphoric fantasy' Evening Standard**ONE OF THE GUARDIAN'S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE 21st CENTURY**Trade ReviewA work of passion... It's perhaps one of the best books I've read that explores sexuality and identity * Writing Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe first volume of the graphic adaptation of Yuval Noah Harari's global phenomenon and smash SUNDAY TIMES #1 BESTSELLER. Featuring 256 pages of gorgeous full-colour illustrations and wrapped in a beautiful package. One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one-homo sapiens. What happened to the others?And what may happen to us? In this first volume of the adaptation of his ground-breaking book, renowned historian Yuval Harari tells the story of humankind's creation and evolution, exploring the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human". From examining the role evolving humans have played in the global ecosystem to charting the rise of empires, Sapiens challenges us to reconsider accepted beliefs, connect past developments with contemporary concerns, and view specific events within the context of larger ideas. Featuring easy-to-understand text covering the first part of the original edition, this adaptation of the mind-expanding book furthers the ongoing conversation as it introduces Harari's ideas to a wider new readership. '[A] wonderful graphic novel... Smart, funny and dipped deep in the reality of what we as a species are...' Big Issue *Books of the Year*Trade Review[A] wonderful graphic novel... Smart, funny and dipped deep in the reality of what we as a species are... Crammed with the details that made the original so jaw-dropping and essential. * Big Issue *Books of the Year* *The best-selling book by Yuval Noah Harari has been beautifully adapted into a graphic novel just in time for Christmas. The story of humankind is told through the delicate illustrations, bringing science and history together to help us understand how Homo sapiens came to inhabit the Earth. -- Amy Barrett * BBC Science Focus Magazine *In case there's any household in the nation that doesn't yet own a copy of Yuval Noah Harari's zillion-selling Sapiens...there's now a zippy new digest of the book in comics form... An imaginative and prankish gallop through human prehistory. * Spectator *Fantastic... Even more approachable than the original book. -- Kathryn Gempf * Chemistry World *Bringing that fascinating story of our collective history to life in an entirely new way... [Sapiens Graphic Novel is] action-packed... Brilliantly funny. -- Jenny Brewer * It's Nice That *Lively, engaging... Transforms humanity's complex evolutionary story into something accessible enough for anyone to enjoy. * BBC History Magazine *Shortly before the pandemic, I read Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. It's not an exaggeration to say I've thought of it every day since. -- Curtis Sittenfeld * Guardian *[Sapiens] has been one of the most spectacular publishing successes of the past decade. -- Killian Fox * Observer *Harari's out-of-the-box thinking is arguably his greatest strength... These theories are what moves history forward, and what makes the book so engaging for an astonishing number of people. -- Katherine Prentice * Glasgow Guardian *Sapiens is an epic history of humankind, at once readable and wise and compelling and thought-provoking... A breath of fresh air. * Bookmunch *

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Book SynopsisThe entire fascinating story of Japan told in one exciting manga-style volume!A History of Japan in Manga tells the action-packed saga of Japan from its misty origins up to the present day. Epic battles, noble Samurai and duplicitous leaders are all portrayed in modern manga fashion! The lively stories in this book include: The Dawn of Japan: The Birth of Buddhism and the transition from hunters—gatherers to agricultural societies of ancient times The Genpei Wars: Davage battles between the Taira and Minamoto clans that led to the powerful warlord Minamoto no Yoritomo naming himself Japan's first Shogun The Onin Wars: A decade-long struggle for domination of Japan in which thousands of Samurai fought and tragically lost their lives The 47 Ronin: Loyal Samurai who vowed to avenge the death of their master, choosing honor over surrender and being forced to commit mass ritual suicide as a result The Satsuma Rebellion: A dramatic last stand by Samurai loyal to the Shogun who revolted against the new Meiji government and its plans to finally modernize Japan And many more! Dozens of indelible portraits, manga stories, maps and info-sidebars bring the full sweep of Japanese history to life in one easy-to-read book!Trade ReviewHear an interview with author and translator Zack Davisson, about his two new translation titles with Tuttle Publishing: Strange Japanese Yokai and A History of Japan in Manga"'Comics are a fantastic way to learn about history' promises the introduction to this hybrid comics/prose textbook, which packs a vast sweep of time into a single volume. […] The workmanlike art features well-researched costumes and cultural details…It's a friendly introduction to the subject matter…" --Publishers Weekly"I enjoyed this one that my son and I are reading together. We have a trip planned to Japan for an entire month and so happy to be learning so much from this book! The illustrations are incredible." --Michelle Jocson (@nurse_bookie), Bookstagram

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Book SynopsisNothing can surpass the terror of the human psyche.Mine has been a life of much shame. I can't even guess myself what it must be to live the life of a human being. Plagued by a maddening anxiety, the terrible disconnect between his own concept of happiness and the joy of the rest of the world, Yozo Oba plays the clown in his dissolute life, holding up a mask for those around him as he spirals ever downward, locked arm-in-arm with death. Osamu Dazai’s immortal and supposedly autobiographical work of Japanese literature, is perfectly adapted here into a manga by Junji Ito. The imagery wrenches open the text of the novel one line at a time to sublimate Yozo’s mental landscape into something even more delicate and grotesque. This is the ultimate in art by Ito, proof that nothing can surpass the terror of the human psyche.

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Book SynopsisThe innovative, dramatic graphic novel based on the life of the philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell.

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Book SynopsisIllustrated by leading UK manga artists, this series feeds into the growing popularity of manga worldwide, and presents Shakespeare''s classic works in a highly visual and dynamic form.Shakespeare''s tale of fantasy has fascinated audiences for centuries. The perfect platform for a new generation to fall in love with Shakespeare''s genius. Prospero, robbed of his dukedom, is marooned on a wild island with his daughter Miranda. He uses his magic skills to shipwreck his usurping brother and those who exiled him. Prospero calls forth the spirit Ariel to torment the castaways, but it is the greater power of love that triumphs.

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Book Synopsis*WINNER OF THE EISNER AWARDS FOR BEST MEMOIR AND BEST WRITER/ARTIST*'A vast and complex tapestry that captures the humanity of people... it shimmers with grace'ALISON BECHDEL, author of FUN HOMEBefore there was Kate Beaton, New York Times bestselling cartoonist of Hark A Vagrant, there was Katie Beaton of the Cape Breton Beatons, a tight-knit seaside community. After university, Katie heads out west to take advantage of Alberta's oil rush, part of the long tradition of East Coast Canadians who seek gainful employment elsewhere when they can't find it in the homeland they love so much. With the singular goal of paying off her student loans, what the journey will actually cost Katie will be far more than she anticipates.Arriving in Fort McMurray, Katie finds work in the lucrative camps owned and operated by the world's largest oil companies. As one of the few women among thousands of men, the culture shock is palpable. It does not hit home until she moves to a spartan, isolated worksite for higher pay. Katie encounters the harsh reality of life in the oil sands where trauma is an everyday occurrence yet never discussed. For young Katie, her wounds may never heal.Beaton's natural cartooning prowess is on full display as she draws colossal machinery and mammoth vehicles set against a sublime Albertan backdrop of wildlife, Northern Lights, and Rocky Mountains. Her first full length graphic narrative, Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands is an untold story of Canada: a country that prides itself on its egalitarian ethos and natural beauty while simultaneously exploiting both the riches of its land and the humanity of its people.Trade ReviewWhat a difficult, gorgeous and abidingly humane book. It really does deserve to win all the prizes. * Observer *A magnificent piece of work.... Ducks feels like a book that holds its own alongside the likes of both Guy Delisle (for the travelogue-y aspects of the book) and Joe Sacco (for the more political aspects of the book) whilst, crucially, carving out something of its very own... One of (if not the) standout graphic novels of 2022. * Bookmunch *Beaton delivers a masterpiece graphic memoir * Publisher's Weekly (Starred Review) *A masterpiece, a heartbreak, a nightlight shining in the dark. -- Patricia Lockwood, author of No One Is Talking About ThisDevastating. Despite the brutal toll Beaton suffered personally, she has woven from her experience a vast and complex tapestry that captures the humanity of people doing a kind of "dirty work" in which we are all complicit, and it shimmers with grace. -- Alison Bechdel, author of Fun Home

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Book SynopsisThis Charlotte Bronte classic is brought to vibrant life by artist John M. Burns. His sympathetic treatment of Jane Eyre's life during the 19th century will delight any reader with its strong emotions and wonderfully rich atmosphere. Travel back to a time of grand Victorian mansions contrasted with the severest poverty and immerse yourself in this love story. It is presented in full colour graphic novel format wonderfully illustrated by legendary artist John M. Burns. It meets UK curriculum requirements. Teachers notes/study guides for KS2/KS3 available.Trade ReviewThis comic adaptation of Jane Eyre belongs to an ambitious project carried out by Classical Comics whose aim is to bring to young people great works of British literature (following the guidelines of the UK syllabus) in a more attractive and exciting format. But we know what you are thinking - this is not the first time that we have heard of something similar. And you are right. However, this is not just one more honest (or not) effort. What Classical Comics is trying to do is not only entice young readers to read, giving them a glimpse of the classics, but trying to do all that with quality and high standards in the art department as well as in the scripts. All their releases appear at least in two versions: Original Text, where the original novel or play is abridged but most of the times quoted almost verbatim and a Quick Text version which might be more controversial in its editorial decisions(1).Focusing now on Jane Eyre, the first thing we realises as soon as we had the graphical novel in our hands was that this adaptation was one of the BrontA" events of the year. It is a long (long) way from other comic adaptations of Jane Eyre(2). Not only because the book is beautifully presented but also because, despite the unavoidable abridging, this adaptation is over 130 pages (which clearly shows the scope and ambition of this enterprise) divided into 38 chapters, exactly like the original novel(3).We have been pleasantly surprised by the Original Text script adaptation which manages to aptly quote not just dialogues but also several descriptions and as much of Charlotte BrontA"'s beautiful, unique prose as possible. Of course, this also constitutes one of our main concerns about the Quick Text version (and about many other juvenile/abridged adaptations). If you extirpate Charlotte's own memorable words from the story, what are you left with exactly? Only the bare bones of the story, which may retain some of the grace of the full body, but are not as exciting or interesting to look at and examine.Both the script adaptation by Amy Corzine and the artwork by John M. Burns are highly respectful to the original novel, something which was practically a must in a collection named Classical Comics. There is no trace of any of the many critical readings which the novel has known since its publication. There are no parallels between the Red Room scene (which is somewhat of a disappointment in the final version of the comic(4)) and Bertha's imprisonment, and Bertha is treated in a pre-Wide Sargasso Sea fashion. She's nothing but the mad woman in the attic, the maniac... even her character profile is nothing short of a beast. The absence of a personal reading of the novel should not be understood as a drawback but as a conscious choice. Nowadays we are so used to subjective interpretations in most adaptations that an objective one is quite a rara avis(5).As opposed to other comic adaptations of the novel meant for young readers (like the 1941 or 1962 Classics Illustrated versions) the structure of this version doesn't overdo Jane Eyre's childhood. For instance, Norbert Bachleitner shows in Jane Eyre For Young Readers. Three Illustrated Adaptations(6) how the 1941 Classics Illustrated version devotes 50% just to describe the childhood episodes. Classical Comics Jane Eyre devotes just 23% (as compared to 17% in the original novel). The other main stages of Jane Eyre's story are distributed like this: Thornfield Hall: 42% in the comic vs 51% in the novel, Moor House: 13% vs 22%, and probably the most relevant difference in this new version: the Ferndean Manor scenes represent 18% of the comic, whereas they are a mere 7% of the novel. This may be a conscious decision, taking into account that rushed endings are among the most common criticisms to different Jane Eyre adaptations.The watercolours by John M. Burns are completely in keeping with the script adaptation. His artwork is beautiful, clear and always illustrative(7). His choice of colours and general style evoke even a period-look not at all unrelated to the traditional kind of drawing and colouring used by Mr Burns as opposed to other more modern techniques, such as the one used by Dame Darcy in her illustrations of Jane Eyre. As Bear Alley has noticed in his review, Burns's work tries to bring to life not only the main events but also the imagery of fairies and green men with which Jane is associated by Rochester or the many bird metaphorical allusions of the novel(8) as well as Jane's drawings or dreams.We have noticed, however, that this Jane Eyre is somewhat beautified in some of the illustrations, but not so much so that it interferes with the narrative. Along this line, we have also observed that her eyes are depicted a la Rochester, that is, hazel rather than green(9). Like Jane, we also excuse the mistake.Both editions include a short but rather good biography on Charlotte BrontA"(10), a BrontA" family tree, a chronology and a letter from Charlotte to her publisher dated 24th September 1947, concerning the first part of Jane Eyre.It is said that a book review should judge the book for what it set out to achieve, not for what the reader expected of it. In this case, we can confidently say that Classical Comics have both achieved, by and large, what they aimed at when they conceived this project, and have earned - or should earn - any lover of Jane Eyre's respect by treating this well-loved novel with such respect and care. But it doesn't stop there: they are also paving the way for future lovers of Jane Eyre who will find - to their amazement, no doubt - that the classics in general and Jane Eyre in particular are not dead things of the past, but stories very much alive and enjoyable. For our part, what can we say? We are extremely looking forward to Classical Comics' forthcoming Wuthering Heights, but preferably in the Original Text edition.Notes(1) The Shakespeare adaptations are also published in plain text editions.(2) An incomplete list would include such titles as Classics Illustrated, No 39, Illustrated by Harley M. Griffiths, 1947; Classics Illustrated No 39, Illustrated by H.J. Kihl, 1962; Jane Eyre, Limewire Graphics, Ed. Philip Page & Marilyn Petit, Hodder & Staughton, 2003.(3) Except for the prologue (not in the original novel) which recounts the facts pertaining to Jane Eyre's parents and Mrs Reed's promise to keep her as her own daughter.(4) Somewhat unexpected because the scene both visually and dramatically leaves a lot to the imagination. (5) We are aware that this is a naive interpretation because even an objective reading is a reading of sorts. Furthermore, the script - consciously or unconsciously - excises some of the best-known quotations from the novel. The comic doesn't begin with the famous There was no possibility of taking a walk that day... and, though rephrased, the Quick Text version is more similar to the original opening than the Original Text version. The women feel just as men feel speech is absent as well. There isn't even a Reader, I married him -it has been subsituted by a more laconic I married him in the Original Text version and by a more to-the-point We had a quiet wedding in the Quick Text version. Also on the negative side we can quote several French typos in Adele's speeches (p. 40). By the way, in the Quick Text version Adele's French becomes a laughable parody of English with French accent.(6) A Breath of Fresh Eyre. Intertextual and Intermedial Reworkings of Jane Eyre. Edited by Margarete Rubik and Elke Mettinger-Schartman, Rodopi, Amsterdam/New York, NY, 2007.(7) Curiously enough this wasn't the first BrontA" experience of John M Burns in his long career in the comics world. He adapted Wuthering Heights for the comic publication Diana for Girls (No 42. 7th December 1963).(8) Interestingly, the famous I'm no bird... quotation has been left out.(9) As Rochester says in the novel (ch. XXIV): "... This little sunny-faced girl with the dimpled cheek and rosy lips; the satin-smooth hazel hair, and the radiant hazel eyes?" (I had green eyes, reader; but you must excuse the mistake: for him they were new-dyed, I suppose.) (10) Curiously, and although it is stated that Charlotte BrontA" was pregnant when she died, her death is attributed to tuberculosis, thus overlooking other, most probable causes, particularly hypemeresis gravidarum.Table of ContentsDramatis Persona 4The Birth of Jane Eyre 6Jane EyrePrologue 8Chapter I 9Chapter II 12Chapter III 14Chapter IV 17Chapter V 23Chapter VI 27Chapter VII 29Chapter VIII 33Chapter IX 34Chapter X 37Chapter XI 39Chapter XII 43Chapter XIII 45Chapter XIV 50Chapter XV 56Chapter XVI 60Chapter XVII 62Chapter XVIII 66Chapter XIX 68Chapter XX 69Chapter XXI 73Chapter XXII 75Chapter XXIII 76Chapter XXIV 80Chapter XXV 80Chapter XXVI 82Chapter XXVII 85Chapter XXVIII 92Chapter XXIX 93Chapter XXX 95Chapter XXXI 97Chapter XXXII 99Chapter XXXIII 101Chapter XXXIV 104Chapter XXXV 107Chapter XXXVI 109Chapter XXXVII 117Chapter XXXVIII 131Charlotte BrontA" 134BrontA" Family Tree 137Chronology 138A Letter from Charlotte BrontA" 139Page Creation 140

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Book SynopsisPollsters called it a foregone conclusion. Columnists said Theresa May’s snap general election wouldn’t just return her a thumping majority in the House of Commons – it would plunge the opposition into existential crisis. For Labour MPs, concerns about “job security” in an age of zero-hours contracts suddenly felt uncomfortably close to home. And then something happened. Momentum got to work. Grime4Corbyn gathered steam. Clicktivists were transformed into door-knocking, flag-waving activists. Soon, a familiar chant – “Oh, Jeremy Corbyn” – was reverberating around football stadiums and venues across the country. All this while Theresa turned Maybot and the Conservatives released a manifesto that looked bad for people and even worse for animals. Featuring work by many of the UK’s best-known cartoonists, including Martin Rowson, Steve Bell and Stephen Collins, The Corbyn Comic Book captures the qualities, quirks and flaws of a man whose startling rise to prominence has been the defining story of 2017. He didn’t win, but he did cause a political earthquake. Corbynmania is a thing now – and so is Comix4Corbyn.

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Book SynopsisAn exciting graphic novel adventure on the Titanic, combininghistorical fact with high-action storytelling.

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Book SynopsisA beautifully rendered graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis''s bestselling I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944, with text adapted by Georgia Ball and art by Álvaro Sarraseca.It''s been years since the Nazis invaded Max Rosen''s home country of Poland. All the Jewish people, including Max''s family, have been forced to live in a ghetto. At least Max and his sister, Zena, had Papa with them . . . until two months ago, when the Nazis took him away. Now Max and Zena are on their own.One day, with barely enough food to survive, the siblings make a daring escape from Nazi soldiers into the nearby forest. They are found by Jewish resistance fighters, who take them to a safe camp.But soon, grenades are falling all around them. Can Max and Zena survive the fallout of the Nazi invasion?With art by Álvaro Sarraseca and text adapted by Georgia Ball, Lauren Tarshis''s New York Times bestselling I Survived series takes on vivid n

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Book SynopsisShakespeare''s famous tragedy unfurls in front of a dramatic manga setting, in which the fair city of Verona becomes a street in the highly fashionable Shibuya district of Tokyo.The swordfights become duals with katanas; the Capulets and the Montagues, opposing Yakuza families. Conflict explodes when Romeo - a bleached-blonde, well-dressed rock star - falls in love with Juliet, the pure and innocent Capulet daughter.

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Book SynopsisVOLUME 1 IN THE UNFORGETTABLE STORY OF AN EXTRAORDINARY CHILDHOODThe Arab of the Future tells the unforgettable story of Riad Sattouf''s childhood, spent in the shadows of three dictators - Muammar Gaddafi, Hafez al-Assad, and his father.A GUARDIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR AN OBSERVER GRAPHIC BOOK OF THE YEAR A NEW YORK TIMES CRITICS'' TOP BOOK OF THE YEAR''I tore through it... The most enjoyable graphic novel I''ve read in a while'' Zadie Smith''I joyously recommend this book to you'' Mark Haddon''Riad Sattouf is one of the great creators of our time'' Alain De Botton''Beautifully-written and drawn, witty, sad, fascinating... Brilliant'' Simon Sebag MontefioreIn a striking, virtuoso graphic style that captures both the immediacy of childhood and the fervour of political idealism, Riad Sattouf recounts his nomadic childhood growing up in rural FrancTrade ReviewI tore through two volumes of The Arab of the Future, by Riad Sattouf - it's the most enjoyable graphic novel I've read in a while * Zadie Smith *This is a masterpiece that deserves the widest readership. The Arab Of The Future reminds us that, in talented hands, graphic novels are capable of carrying the weightiest themes, making us think, and touching our hearts while also keeping us hugely entertained. Riad Sattouf is one of the great creators of our time' * Alain De Botton *The Arab of the Future is wonderfully observed, funny, grim, sharp and sad. Riad Sattouf, with his ear for anecdote, his nimble drawing and his understanding of human frailty, has created a masterpiece. * Posy Simmonds *I joyously recommend this book to you. You will be moved, entertained and edified. Often simultaneously * Mark Haddon *Beautifully-written and drawn, witty, sad, fascinating... Brilliant * Simon Sebag Montefiore *Riad Sattouf's poignant memoir is the record of a single, unique life, but it's one of those 'single windows' through which the world is made newly visible. It's worth a shelf full of books about identity politics, history or political science. * Hari Kunzru *Sattouf experienced both Gaddafi's Libya and Hafez al-Assad's Syria while still a small boy. Kids don't spend a lot of time reflecting on totalitarianism, but they do form strong impressions. His simple depictions of living in an almost-abandoned building for expatriates in Libya, or of watching Assad praying on TV are the kind of banal micro-details that would lose their significance in written prose. Captured in the panels of a cartoon strip, however, they attain a luminous resonance that lingers long after you've finished the book. * Guardian *Not since Persepolis, Marjane Satrapi's graphic memoir of revolutionary Iran, has a comic book seemed so important, or been so acclaimed... There is a feeling that the book throws some light both on the roots of the Arab spring, and what has happened since. In a country - and beyond it, a world - in which bewilderment and anxiety at recent events polarises communities as often as it unites them, it has an authenticity with which no expert or talking head could ever hope to compete. * Observer *Excellent... The graphic novel has proved itself again and again. It already has its canon: Art Spiegelman on the Holocaust, Marjane Satrapi on girlhood in Islamist Iran, and, perhaps most accomplished of all, Joe Sacco's Footnotes in Gaza, a work of detailed and self-reflexive history. Edging towards this company comes Riad Sattouf's childhood memoir of tyranny... It's this sort of detail, drawn with the cartoon clarity of childhood perception, that makes the book such a success... The Arab of the Future is an authentic, emotionally honest memoir, and much more useful background reading for present events than a romanticised account of cosmopolitan, bourgeois Damascus would be. * Guardian *Marvellous... Sattouf records it all in an endearing cartoony style, his clean lines enhanced by discreet colour shading to indicate which country they're living in at the time. His comic timing is immaculate, but there's always an edge to his humour. Packing a host of unforgettable scenes, The Arab of the Future begs to be read in one long sitting. * Herald (Paperback of the Week) *Riad Sattouf's shockingly blunt The Arab of the Future, which tells the story of the French cartoonist's itinerant childhood in the Middle East, is a must for anyone who wants to understand more about the failure of the pan-Arab dream, with all the consequences this has had for the situation in which we now find ourselves. It's also a page-turner, dissecting as it does the psychology of a man (Riad's Syrian father) whose increasingly deluded idealism results in a form of tyranny when it comes to his own family. * Guardian (Best Graphic Books of 2015) *Captivating, compelling, informative and an amazing read... Using his voice as a child, Saffouf deals with the topics such as Arabs v Jews, America and the Western Influences, the madness of Gaddafi, racism in France and the general treatment of women. With these topics one might think it's a heavy read but by telling his life in graphic format is ingenious and powerful... An important book. I will be recommending this to all our customers, a must read. * Sheila O'Reilly, Dulwich Books *Drawn with remarkable flair and a winning visual style, Sattouf's memoir is an incredible achievement. The Arab of the Future took me to places that, until now, I only really knew through headlines. Vital, funny and poignant, it's Sattouf's focus on the common aspects of childhood that gives this book so much punch * Gary Perry, Foyles Staff Pick *Fascinating... A really moving and at times quite melancholy story of an odd childhood. I'm really looking forward to reading Volume 2 in September * Anna James, A Case for Books *Epic... Told with childlike wonder and the merest hint of mature understanding, it's a wide-eyed and unforgettable tour of the early days of Muammar Gaddafi's Libya and Hafez al-Assad's Syria (via rural Brittany), as Sattouf's professor father pursues an unbridled ambition to help build a proud Arab nation through the power of education. * Bookanista *Exquisitely illustrated, and filled with experiences of misfortune bordering on the farcical, Mr. Sattouf's book is a disquieting yet essential read * New York Times *Sattouf's work is laced with astute observations of human beings. His memoirs often dwell on their failings: hypocrisy, cowardice, bullying. Yet there's humour too - mainly because his humans are so helplessly absurd * Guardian *Engrossing . . . Sattouf writes in a fluid prose, beautifully translated by Sam Taylor * New York Times Book Review (Editor’s Choice) *The Arab of the Future has become that rare thing in France's polarized intellectual climate: an object of consensual rapture, hailed as a masterpiece in the leading journals of both the left and the right. . . . it has, in effect, made Sattouf the Arab of the present in France * New Yorker *Absolutely mesmerising...The Arab of the Future is a tremendously engaging story of family life. It's also a fascinating personal insight into differing cultural attitudes, the physical reality of living under two distinct Arab leaders and how national/social/religious ideologies filter through the consciousness of a wide-eyed adolescent. It's a heartfelt, refreshing take on growing up in unique circumstances. * Lonesome Reader *The Arab of the Future confirms Riad Sattouf's place among the greatest cartoonists of his generation * Le Monde (France) *As the very young Riad Sattouf navigates life in Libya, France, and Syria, he gets a serious education in the mysterious vectors of power that shape not just the political world, but the intimate sphere of his own family. With charming yet powerful drawings and vivid sensory details, Sattouf delivers a child's-eye view of the baffling adult world in all its complexity, corruption, and delusion. This is a beautiful, funny, and important graphic memoir * Alison Bechdel, author of FUN HOME *Sattouf's book takes us from place to place and culture to culture, and in the emphasis of differences there is also the unveiling of similarities... Sattouf retells, with words and images, the heartbreaking realisation of the non-place in which many immigrants are forced to exist... Sattouf's book is challenging amongst other reasons because it deals with the most demonised, othered identity in Europe. Because the narrative takes the characters from country to country, language to language and culture to culture, the narrative perspective is necessarily comparative, and because things are never black and white, either/or, often the conclusions are contradictory... There is a loneliness in all of Sattouf's characters, who, often, do not really talk to each other, but to themselves, or keep a repressed/repressive silence. In the constant coming and going of the trial and error from country to country, the immigrant's story is, in spite of the presence of family, one of solitude, but moved forward by hope... In this sense The Arab of the Future is a profoundly political and timely book... The present historical moment in Europe calls more than ever for exercises of solidarity and empathy: in retelling his past Sattouf is not merely retreating into himself, but telling us very important things about the historical past, present and possible futures of us all. * Comics Grid *Riven with flashes of dark humour... The penmanship is simple and witty, oddly it reminded me of Matt in the Telegraph. Despite writing for Charlie Hebdo, Sattouf had never been an overtly political cartoonist and yet in The Arab of The Future he has said more about the problems of the Arab world than a hundred newspaper articles. The story ends in 1984 with the family about to return to Syria. The sequel is already out in France with an English edition to come in September. I can't wait. * CapX *Engaging and lovely to look at . . . Sattouf has an eye for grimly funny details . . . and milks the disjunction between how he experienced his political environment at the time and how he understands it now for all it's worth * Los Angeles Times (Best Books of the Year 2015) *Sattouf's timely graphic memoir - a bestseller in France, where he lives - recounts his upbringing in Syria and Libya. Despite the starkness of much of his story, Sattouf maintains a playful touch in all his panels * San Francisco Chronicle (Best of 2015) *With a judicious eye for an anecdote, and even more judicious doses of commentary, Sattouf - a former contributor to the French humor magazine Charlie Hebdo - delivers a vicious denunciation of pan-Arabism and Islamic politics. It might seem impossible to depict the recent history of the Middle East using Sattouf's zany drawing style... But Sattouf uses this style to establish a subtle and contradictory relationship with his reader. He simultaneously disclaims the reader's attention - No, nothing important going on here - and challenges the discerning few to look closer * NPR *The hundred-and-fifty-odd pages of Riad Sattouf's internationally bestselling graphic memoir . . . move with an irrepressible comic velocity. The book is told Candide-style . . . an indictment of the adult world and its insidious methods of diminishment we all have either faced or been fortunate enough to escape. * New Republic *The book, whose title pokes fun at Abdel-Razak's pan-Arabist obsessions, shows the hypocrisy behind one man's understanding of that failed political ideology, makes tangible the absurdity of living under propaganda-mad dictators, and it humanizes, for better or worse, certain segments of very poor Muslim populations in two specific parts of the Middle East. * Vice *The Arab of the Future maintains a balance of comedy and commentary and ...is carried by excellent drawings. Riad Sattouf's work takes its place alongside other classic animated retrospective memoirs from the region, Persepolis . . . and Waltz with Bashir * New York Journal of Books *The book's highest achievement is the ability to portray the tacit power structures that govern family and nation through the eyes of a child, with all of a child's parental worship and bafflement... The Arab of the Future begs for a more complex and compassionate understanding of an area of the world that's all too often the target of misunderstanding and fear. * Pittsburgh Post-Gazette *The Arab of the Future is already being compared to biographical classics like Maus and Persepolis, and the modern relevance of the countries in which it is set is sure to make this a widely talked about book this year * Mentalfloss.com *In his comics, Sattouf deftly weaves the political background with the everyday. He tells a personal story but also observes the society and country around him, and his great sense of humor makes reading the book thoroughly enjoyable. It'll have you laughing to the point of tears. * Haaretz (Israel) *Rarely I've encountered a more convincing combination of wit and depth * Frankfurter Allgemeine (Germany) *Brilliant, sharp and surprising * Repubblica (Italy) *touching, chilling and very instructive * El Mundo (Spain) *Sattouf presents timely, candid insights into life behind the curtain in news-making nations - namely, in this case, Libya and Syria... he nails the inexplicable dizziness of being a child * Globe and Mail *Sattouf's account of his childhood is a deeply personal recollection of a peripatetic youth that can resonate with audiences across the world. It also paints an incisive picture of the Arab world in the late 1970s and early 1980s that sets the stage for the revolutionary changes that would grip and roil the region decades later. * Foreign Policy *Wide-eyed, yet perceptive, the book documents the wanderings of [Sattouf's] mismatched parents? His bookish French mother and pan-Arabist father, Abdel-Razak Sattouf . . . often disquieting, but always honest * France 24 *An important introduction to the Middle East... This recently-published graphic memoir proves that the medium can be just as important - and informative - as traditional non-fiction for those looking to understand a complex region... At once touching and humorous...Whether you're looking for a diverting read or a first-person account of modern history, The Arab of the Future is a must-read. * The Culture Trip *Very funny and very sad . . . the social commentary here is more wistful and melancholy than sharp-edged . . . subtly written and deftly illustrated, with psychological incisiveness and humor * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *Despite his father's determination to integrate his son into Arab society, little Sattouf - with his long blond hair - never fully fits in, and this report reads like the curious pondering of an alien from another world. Caught between his parents, Sattouf makes the best of his situation by becoming a master observer and interpreter, his clean, cartoonish art making a social and personal document of wit and understanding. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *Absorbing ... rich in detail and character ... a remarkable and engrossing book * The Slings and Arrows *

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Book SynopsisOn the noisy Ajayi Crowther Street in Lagos, neighbours gather to gossip, discuss noise complaints, and faithfully head to church each Sunday. But beneath the surface lies a hidden world of clandestine love affairs, hidden pregnancy, spiritual quackery and hypocrisy, that threatens to destroy the community from within. On Ajayi Crowther Street peels back the curtains on the lives of Reverend Akpoborie and his family, to reveal a tumultuous world full of secrets and lies. His only son, Godstime, is struggling to hide his sexuality from his parents whilst his daughter Keturah must hide the truth of her pregnancy by her pastor boyfriend to preserve her and her family's image. But it is the Reverend himself who hides the darkest secret of them all, as his wondering eye lands on Kyauta, their young live-in maid.

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Book SynopsisDiscover all the foul facts about the Terrifying Tudors in this classic Horrible Histories title. With a striking newspaper look throughout!

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Book Synopsis'An outstanding work' - CN Lester, author of Trans Like MeJoin the creators of Queer: A Graphic History ('Could totally change the way you think about sex and gender' VICE) on an illustrated journey of gender exploration. Is masculinity 'toxic'? Why are public toilets such a political issue? How has feminism changed the available gender roles - and for whom? Why might we all benefit from challenging binary thinking about sex/gender?In this unique illustrated guide, Meg-John Barker and Jules Scheele travel through our shifting understandings of gender across time and space - from ideas about masculinity and femininity, to non-binary and trans genders, to intersecting experiences of gender, race, sexuality, class, disability and more. Tackling current debates and tensions, which can divide communities and even cost lives, Barker and Scheele look to the past and the future to explore how we might all approach gender in more caring and celebratory ways.Trade ReviewIt's very easy to throw out terms like "essential reading" in reviews, but this comprehensive and expansive analysis lives up to those words ... As narrator Barker is conciliatory and welcoming, breaking down complex ideas into easily considered sections. Scheele's illustrations are lively, animated and engaging, taking the text to a new level of connectivity with the readership. Scheele has always had a fluid and appealing cartooning style but here their graphic characterisation and ability to encapsulate ideas and emotions in striking visual metaphor is outstanding in its application, adding relatable layers to Barker's already accessible words. -- Broken Frontier

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Book SynopsisThe iconic actor and activist presents a graphic memoir detailing his experiences as a child prisoner in the Japanese-American internment camps of World War II, reflecting on the hard choices his family made in the face of legalized racism. Original. Gr 10+

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Book SynopsisTeenager Usagi is not the best athlete, she's never gotten good grades, and, well, she's a bit of a crybaby. But when she meets a talking cat, she begins a journey that will teach her she has a well of great strength just beneath the surface and the heart to inspire and stand up for her friends as Sailor Moon! The original Sailor Moon in a new, affordable edition.

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Book SynopsisAnswering questions such as 'how can I change my pain experience?', 'what is pain?', and 'how do nerves work?', this short research-based graphic book reveals just how strange pain is and explains how understanding it is often the key to relieving its effects. Studies show that understanding how pain is created and maintained by the nervous system can significantly lessen the pain you experience. The narrator in this original, gently humorous book explains pain in an easy-to-understand, engaging graphic format and reveals how to change the mind's habits to transform pain.Trade ReviewThis seemingly innocuous picture book on pain is so much more. Steve Haines has compiled a brilliant little volume of insights. Its colorful images invoke a playful approach to unlearning old patterns. Its rich scientific information helps disassemble, piece by piece, the way we've come to think about pain as a culture. Haines takes the next step, too; he doesn't leave us wondering what to do next, but offers practical tools we can use to rewire our mind-body response to pain. This tiny book packs a powerful punch! -- Bo Forbes, Psy.D., psychologist, yoga teacher, and author of 'Yoga for Emotional Balance'With this straightforward, smart, and visually rich book, Steve Haines has done a huge service to people by helping them to better map their bodies, resolve fear of movement, and to find their way out of pain. This book is incredibly easy to follow, but doesn't dumb down pain science in the least. Understanding what pain is is a crucial part of healing, and this succinct and wonderfully illustrated book is the perfect resource for educating people about why they experience pain, and how they can "unlearn" it. I can't wait to give this book to all of my clients and to recommend it to all of my listeners. Whether you are a person suffering with chronic pain, or a teacher or practitioner who wants to better understand pain in the context of your work, read this book. It is a tremendous resource. -- Brooke Thomas, Certified Rolfer, movement educator, and creator of the Liberated Body PodcastSteve and Sophie have done an extraordinary thing: they have managed to make pain beautiful and interesting. If you want to really understand your relationship with pain and be thoroughly entertained at the same time then this is the book for you. -- Fred Deakin, Professor of Interactive Digital Arts at University of the Arts London, half of the band Lemon Jelly, and founder and director of Airside design agencyThe wisdom and knowledge in this seemingly simple book sneaks up on the reader. Initially one would not think that such a depth of insight could be infused in a picture book. However, it can be likened to a printed version of a TED Talk. It engages the reader more and more with each page until in the end the reader realizes they want to read it again because it contains so much useful information in such an easily accessible manner. -- David Berceli, Ph.D., Creator of Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)Pain Is Really Strange is a revelation. I have been actively managing multiple health conditions for over 20 years. In his book, Steve unpacks information about our brains, nerves, and body memories, sketching out a framework, which has presented me with a new, insightful perspective on my pain/health/medical issues. He differentiates different types of pain and eloquently articulates bits of information I have encountered over the years but have not been able to join up. I shall re-read it often as a touchstone. Brilliant! -- Craig Givens, someone who manages more pain that he would likeExplaining your chronic pain to your friends, family or boss can be difficult. But what if there were a tool, which could not only help your support network better understand your suffering, it could also help relieve your pain? The research-based graphic novel Pain is Really Strange by body worker Steve Haines and illustrator Sophie Standing might be able to accomplish both. ...So take 30 minutes and read this book - not only will it give you an informative, entertaining method of translating pain to your support network, research shows that it could also relieve your pain. -- Pain Pathways MagazineA beautifully illustrated book that provides a fun yet informative narration of the science of pain. -- Kay Mitchell, MFHT * International Therapist *...Sophie Standing's artwork is instrumental to the success of this volume. She has a distinctive and engaging style that brings to life text that could be dull or overly technical without this visual element. This is a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in biology or medicine and it works extremely well in the graphic novel format. -- The Hub: Your Connection to Teen Collections YALSAThis book is not for all people with chronic pain - but I would highly recommend it for people living with pain who have the emotional intelligence to look within and for whom visualisation, meditation and self-awareness might provide 'creative responses'. It is a great buy for the right person. -- Felicia Cox * The Association for Perioperative Practice *Table of Contents1. Introduction. Pain is really strange. Acute versus chronic pain, definitions and some history of pain. Your brain's assessment of danger is essential to the pain experience. 2. Pain is Complex. Your brain often makes mistakes, chronic pain is a fault in the alarm system. 3. It Is Not About The Tissues. Sensitisation in the nervous and immune systems and how tissues heal in a few months. 4. How Do Nerves Work? Knowing how nerves work helps understand chronic pain. 5. There Is Something You Can Do To Change Your Pain Experience. Creativity, visualisation, movement, body awareness, and skillfull language are tools to change pain. 6. References are in footnotes in the book and in more detail on www.painisreallystrange.com.

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Book SynopsisWhat is trauma? How does it change the way our brains work? And how can we overcome it?When something traumatic happens to us, we dissociate and our bodies shut down their normal processes. This unique comic explains the strange nature of trauma and how it confuses the brain and affects the body. With wonderful artwork, cat and mouse metaphors, essential scientific facts, and a healthy dose of wit, the narrator reveals how trauma resolution involves changing the body's physiology and describes techniques that can achieve this, including Trauma Releasing Exercises that allow the body to shake away tension, safely releasing deep muscular patterns of stress and trauma.Trade ReviewThis wonderfully illustrated book will be a godsend to anyone wishing to understand the effects of trauma. Such clear, accessible explanations of how we hold, process and release trauma based on the latest research have been long overdue. This little book will be invaluable to both therapists and the public alike. -- John Wilks, Bowen and craniosacral instructor and author of 'Choices in Pregnancy and Childbirth' and 'Using the Bowen Technique to Address Complex and Common Conditions'It would seem impossible that the weighty subject of trauma could be explored so thoroughly in a comic book format. Yet this pairing of text and image so perfectly balances academic rigor, whimsical design, and engaging little narratives. At its heart, this book beautifully inspires the reader to see personal trauma as an opportunity for healing and growth. -- Nkem Ndefo, Certified Nurse Midwife, Founder of TRE Los Angeles, speaker, and trauma educatorUsing simple comics, concise explanations and a healthy dose of wit, this clever book not only explains how trauma affects our body and brain, but more importantly, outlines how to support our body's innate ability to discharge and recover from trauma. -- Richmond Heath, Physiotherapy and Certified TRE Trainer, Trauma Release AustraliaSteve, once again in talking head mode, thus diagrammatically takes us through the myriad different forms that trauma can take and what responses we can expect. As before, it's the incredible degree of symbolism and visual metaphor that Sophie puts into every single illustration which transform this from merely being a succinct and extremely clear explanation of the facts to a fun filled pamphlet of pictorial educational enablement. I think the beauty of this and their previous work is they manage to deal with such complex topics in a manner that would be perfectly digestible and understandable even for primary school kids without remotely compromising on the scientific facts. Brilliant! -- Jonathan * Page 45 *I'd recommend this comic anyone who has experienced trauma or who is working with someone who has. It provides clear and relatable ways of understanding and talking about the effects of trauma, and some sensible suggestions for taking the first steps towards recovery. -- Nikki Luke, research Fellow, Rees Centre * Rees Centre Newsletter *Table of Contents1. Stories about Trauma! 2. There is Trauma! 3. We Can Overcome Trauma! 4. Trauma Resolution Involves Changing the Body Physiology! 5. Cat and Mouse! 6. What You Can Do to Overcome Trauma!

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Book SynopsisSet in a generic Fredericton suburb called Skyline Acres, this is the fictional biography of Martin Peters, a teenager with type one diabetes. The story revolves around Martin's relationship with his on-againoff-again high school girlfriend, and how, desperate to fit in, he begins neglecting his health. His condition deteriorates until, eventually, he finds himself fighting for his life in the hospital. But how much of the story is true?

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Book Synopsis''How I loved reading Fruit of Knowledge ... Clever, angry, funny and righteous, also informative to an eye-popping degree'' Rachel Cooke, OBSERVER GRAPHIC NOVEL OF THE MONTHFrom Adam and Eve to pussy hats, people have punished, praised, pathologised and politicised vulvas, vaginas, clitorises, and menstruation. In the international bestseller Fruit of Knowledge, celebrated Swedish cartoonist Liv Strömquist traces how different cultures and traditions have shaped women''s health and beyond. Her biting, informed commentary and ponytailed avatar guides the reader from the darkest chapters of history (a clitoridectomy performed on a five-year-old American child as late as 1948) to the lightest (vulvas used as architectural details as a symbol of protection). Like Alison Bechdel and Jacky Fleming, she uses the comics medium to reveal uncomfortable truths about how far we haven''t come.''Just the thing for all the feminists in your lTrade ReviewHow I loved reading Liv Strömquist's Fruit of Knowledge. Mostly, this was down to its sheer, punchy brilliance: should you be in possession of a teenage daughter, you absolutely must buy it for her and all her friends, in addition to those copies you will now immediately purchase for yourself and all of yours . . . If her strips are clever, angry, funny and righteous, they're also informative to an eye-popping degree . . . every page is so fantastically acute -- Rachel Cooke * Observer *Brilliantly drawn, cleverly researched and deeply funny * Times Literary Supplement *Impeccably researched [and] enormously funny ... Almost every page is so brilliantly and wittily written and unarguably righteous that it is constantly tempting to show the book to the nearest person. This is a sure sign that this is a work of unusual excellence. Buy two copies - one to read and keep and one to lend out - and make peace with the idea that you may need to get more in time * The Quietus *Feminist, snappy, instructive and hilarious! * Time Out Paris *Liv Strömquist's refreshing humour and visionary ability truly make me rejoice' * Goteborgs-Posten *Imagine if you could walk through the world with a Liv Strömquist at your side. The moment you stumbled on an injustice or an error in thinking, you could point her at the culprit like a loaded wit-revolver, instead of having to stand there digging through your own murky arguments * Expressen *Will appeal to fans of popular feminist authors like Caitlin Moran ... Through witty illustrations and punchy text, the book examines society's love-hate relationship with women's sexuality ... Buy it for your teenage granddaughter and have a peek yourself * The Lady *A lively, educational and anti-idiot oration on one of society's less comfortably discussed topics * Strong Words *There are moments of genuine hilarity, as when Strömquist pictures the dinner party chatter of men living under a matriarchy, and others of fierce anger in this wild, witty and vital book * Guardian *Fruit of Knowledge: The Vulva vs the Patriarchy, is just the thing for all the feminists in your life, particularly those of a younger generation * Observer Books of the Year *This book made me laugh in public (and also cry a little). It is the book I gave to my younger sister the next time I saw her because of its anger and brilliance and because it is an overwhelming source of knowledge about things we should all already know * Daisy Johnson *

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Book SynopsisWise, often funny, sometimes heart-breaking, Persepolis tells the story of Marjane Satrapi''s life in Tehran from the ages of six to fourteen, growing up during the Iranian Revolution.The intelligent and outspoken child of radical Marxists, and the great-grandaughter of Iran''s last emperor, Satrapi bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country. Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life.Amidst the tragedy, Marjane''s child''s eye view adds immediacy and humour, and her story of a childhood at once outrageous and ordinary, beset by the unthinkable and yet buffered by an extraordinary and loving family, is immensely moving.''The magic of Marjane Satrapi''s work is that it can condense a whole country''s tragedy into one poignant, funny scene after another'' Independent on Sunday**ONE OF THTrade ReviewSatrapi grew up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and its aftermath; Persepolis is the story of her childhood. Through Marji's youthful (though not-always-innocent) eyes and mind, we see a turbulent moment in history unfold, and we witness the tremendous impact that local and global events and politics can have on even the most intimate moments of personal lives… And we get a very real sense of what it was like to be a woman in Iran during this intense time of cultural and political transition. … Satrapi's deceptively simple, almost whimsical drawings belie the seriousness and rich complexity of her story--but it’s also very funny too. * Emma Watson *Telling the story of Satrapi’s childhood in Iran, this is funny, wise and sad. * Stylist *Persepolis…has an outward simplicity that utterly beguiles: her black and white drawings resemble old-fashioned woodcuts; her narrative is almost breezily concise. * Royal Academy Magazine *A poignant, deeply moving and – at times – utterly hilarious work of art. * Evening Standard *This touching, funny, illuminating memoir deserves a much wider audience. -- Kate Figes * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisA groundbreaking memoir about being a trans teen.

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Book SynopsisA colorful and eclectic comics anthology exploring a wide range of autistic experiences—from diagnosis journeys to finding community—from contributors with autism.From artist and curator Bex Ollerton comes an anthology featuring comics from thirty autistic creators about their experiences of living in a world that doesn’t always understand or accept them. Sensory: Life on the Spectrum contains illustrated explorations of everything from life pre-diagnosis to tips on how to explain autism to someone who doesn’t have it, to suggestions for how to soothe yourself when you’re feeling overstimulated. With unique, vibrant comic-style illustrations and the emotional depth and vulnerability of memoir, this book depicts these varied experiences with the kind of insight that only those who have lived them can have.Trade Review“The world needs more literature by autistic writers. There is a dearth of literature by and for autistic people, and this fills a gap in a refreshing and much needed manner. ” “There are many different art styles and representations throughout the anthology, and they all capture neurodivergence clearly.” (VLA 2022 Graphic Novel Diversity Awards)

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Book Synopsis'The best book - in any medium - I have read about our current moment ... A MASTERPIECE' Zadie Smith 'A masterpiece for our times' Observer WHERE IS SABRINA? The answer is hidden on a videotape, a tape which is en route to several news outlets, and about to go viral. A landmark graphic novel, already hailed as one of the most exciting and moving stories of recent years, Sabrina is a tale of modern mystery, anxiety, fringe paranoia and mainstream misinformation -- a book that tells the story of those left behind in the wake of tragedy, has important things to say about how we live now, and possesses the rare power to leave readers pulverised.

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Book SynopsisWorld War I gets the Hazardous Tales treatment in this story of warfare, treachery, strategy and more!Trade ReviewA mixture of textbook and slapstick, this essential read makes history come alive in a way that is relevant to modern-day life and kids. * School Library Journal *Students bored to death by textbook descriptions of WWI battle maneuvers should be engaged by this entertaining, educational glimpse at world history. * Booklist *

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Book SynopsisThis is the classic novel brought to life in full colour! 'I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future'. Classical Comics' first Dickens title is probably his best-loved story. Scrooge gets a rude awakening to how his life is, and how it should be. Full of Christmas Spirit(s), this is a book that you'll want to read all year round!Trade ReviewIn 1951, Alastair Simm portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in the classic black and white film and vocally reprised the role in a 1971 30 minute TV animated version. And there have been many other film and TV versions as well as comic adaptions over the decades. I know. I'm old. I've seen them.So,dusting the spiders webs from my head,I sat down to read Classical Comics version because I had seen some artwork back in May but I really wondered whether the full version would work -could the team add a little extra or a twist to make this better than any other version?No.And by A"noA" I mean that there was no need to add a little something extra or twist. This is the original Dickens story that gave us goosebumps when the teacher read it to us all those years ago in school.Mike Collins and David Roach [who I believe used to produce a Small Press mag titled A"HellfireA" back in the 1980s] will be familiar to comic fans. But could they adapt Mr. Dickens' classic?Of course they can! I could imagine receiving this as a Christmas present and sitting down to read it after dark. It's everything you expect from A Christmas Carol and fun to read and look at.Collins and Roach. Fantastic art. And the colourist,James Offredi does a really great job that adds so much more to the art -look at Marley's Ghost. Wonderful.Original Text is great but I think for younger readers it has to be Quick Text. I have to honestly say that I do,for some reason,look for faults or something not quite right. Why I have no idea. The logo A"Classical ComicsA" says it all.As with the other titles there are the list of characters the Dramatis personae,a lot of information on the author,how the book was drawn,lettered and even Teachers Resources notes. Perhaps the government ought to invest money by buying and distributing these books to schools to educate children but it seems they don't have that kind of money [only the kind for bailing out crooked bankers].Reading for fun or otherwise,these books,whether Henry V, MacBeth, Jane Eyre or A Christmas Carol,cannot be faulted and here's to the companies continued success!www.comicbitsonline.comTable of ContentsDramatis Persona 4A Christmas CarolStave OneMarley's Ghost 7Stave TwoThe First of the Three Spirits 42Stave ThreeThe Second of the Three Spirits 69Stave FourThe Last of the Spirits 95Stave FiveThe End of it 127What the Dickens? 144The Dickens Family Tree 149Dickens Timeline 150Hard Times 152A Very Victorian Christmas 154Page Creation 156

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Book SynopsisDiscover the second volume of an epic, beautifully illustrated graphic history of humankind, based on Yuval Noah Harari's multi-million copy bestselling phenomenon.When nomadic Homo sapiens settled to live in one place, they started working harder and harder. But why didn't they get a better life in return?In The Pillars of Civilization, Yuval Noah Harari and his companions including Prof. Saraswati and Dr. Fiction travel the length and breadth of human history to investigate how the Agricultural Revolution changed society forever. Discover how wheat took over the world, how war, famine, disease and inequality became a part of the human condition, and why we might only have ourselves to blame.The origins of modern farming are told through Elizabethan tragedy, the changing fortunes of domesticated plants and animals are tracked in the columns of the Daily Business News, and the history of inequality is revealed in a superhero detective story.A radical, witty and colourful retelling of the story of humankind, adapted from Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Volume 2 can be read as a standalone or as a follow-up to Volume 1, The Birth of Humankind.Praise for Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens:'I would recommend Sapiens to anyone who's interested in the history and future of our species.' Bill Gates'Interesting and provocative... It gives you a sense of how briefly we've been on this Earth' Barack Obama'Jaw-dropping from the first word to the last... It may be the best book I've ever read' Chris Evans'Contains a remarkable piece of information on almost every page and reminds us that we should be grateful to be human.' Matt Haig'Sweeps the cobwebs out of your brain... Radiates power and clarity, making the world strange and new' Sunday Times'Provocative and fascinating and opinionated...it makes the familiar seem unfamiliar. It altered how I view our species and our world.' Guardian

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Book SynopsisIn his first full-length work of journalism in a decade, the 'heir to R. Crumb and Art Spiegelman' (Economist) brings his comics mastery to a story of indigenous North America, resource extraction, and our debt to the natural world*A GUARDIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR* The Dene have lived in the vast Mackenzie River Valley since time immemorial, by their account. To the Dene, the land owns them, not the other way around-it is central to their livelihood and their very way of being. But the subarctic Canadian Northwest Territories are also home to valuable natural resources, including oil, gas and diamonds. With mining came jobs and investment-but also road-building, pipelines and toxic waste, which scarred the landscape; and alcohol, drugs, and debt, which deformed a way of life.In Paying the Land, Joe Sacco travels the frozen North to reveal a people in conflict over the costs and benefits of development. Resource extraction is only part of Canada's colonial legacy: Sacco recounts the shattering impact of a residential school system that aimed to remove the Indian from the child; the destructive process that drove the Dene from the bush into settlements and turned them into wage labourers; the government land claims stacked against the Dene Nation; and their uphill efforts to revive a wounded culture.Against a vast and gorgeous landscape that dwarfs all human scale, Paying the Land lends an ear to trappers and chiefs, activists and priests, telling a sweeping story about money and dependency, loss and culture, with stunning visual detail by one of the greatest comics reporters alive.Trade ReviewA powerful depiction of the painful history of the Northwestern Territory's indigenous people... [Joe Sacco's] comics have earned him comparisons to Hogarth, Art Spiegelman and Robert Crumb... [Paying the Land has] an astonishing sense of place. You can smell rock, pine and snow, feel it in your bones. -- Aida Edemariam * Guardian *Book of the Week* *Paying the Land is Sacco's first full-length work of comics journalism in a decade, and it reminds us of why he is credited as a pioneer of the genre. His combination of authorial and narrative skill and artistic talent still marks him to from many of the cartoonists who have followed in his footsteps. His ability to move between genres and tones, often in consecutive frames, seems to cut across cultures, as his global popularity attests. Comics is a particularly effective mode for Paying the Land, enabling the reader to visualise an unfamiliar landscape and lifestyle. Sacco's artistic ability is particularly striking here, especially in his intensely detailed group scenes. The white page allows him to demonstrate the vast snowy expanses of the land, and to show how it dwarfs human beings. -- Alice Kelly * Times Literary Supplement *Urgent and compelling... This is Sacco getting to grips with the story of America itself, the story that America tells itself... Tremendously heartfelt...refreshingly honest...always thoughtful and engaging... We are nothing if not greedy for new Sacco work. * Bookmunch *Sacco's nuanced interviews and intricate drawings capture an impressive range of voices, each searching for a route forward as the ice melts and old ways fade. -- James Smart * Guardian *Books of the Year* *Joe Sacco...has carved a niche as a comic-book reporter, which is a strange and unusual niche to have. It's one he has made compelling... His drawings often seem more expressive than photojournalism could be, and he does what journalists do: he goes places, keeps his eyes open, talks to people and writes down what they say. * Spectator *

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Book SynopsisOlivia Evezi's childhood is a happy one; her days spent listening to highlife records with her father and poring over the colourful postcards her mother receives from Germany. But Olivia is a dreamer and longs for more, leaving her hometown of Warri behind to live out her Enid Blyton fantasies in boarding school in Lagos. Instead of adventure and lacrosse, however, she is met with punishments, endless chores and hazing rituals, as she struggles to overcome the terror and disdain of the seniors. Olivia's restlessness takes her to Germany, her mother's homeland, where she is thrown into a hidden world of workers and migrants; a world of constant vigilance, where a piece of paper can hold the key to survival.

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Book SynopsisRafah, a town at the southernmost tip of the Gaza Strip, is a squalid place. Raw concrete buildings front rubbish-strewn alleys. The narrow streets are crowded with young children and unemployed men. Situated on the border with Egypt, swaths of Rafah have been reduced to rubble. Rafah is today and has always been a notorious flashpoint in this most bitter of conflicts.Buried deep in the archives is one bloody incident, in 1956, that left 111 Palestinian refugees dead, shot by Israeli soldiers. Seemingly a footnote to a long history of killing, that day in Rafah - coldblooded massacre or dreadful mistake - reveals the competing truths that have come to define an intractable war. In a quest to get to the heart of what happened, Joe Sacco arrives in Gaza and, immersing himself in daily life, uncovers Rafah, past and present. Spanning fifty years, moving fluidly between one war and the next, alive with the voices of fugitives and schoolchildren, widows and sheikhs, Footnotes in Gaza captures the essence of a tragedy.As in Palestine and Safe Area Goražde, Joe Sacco's unique visual journalism has rendered a contested landscape in brilliant, meticulous detail. Footnotes in Gaza, his most ambitious work to date, transforms a critical conflict of our age into intimate and immediate experience.Trade ReviewSacco has produced a series of extraordinary comic books that convey, with unusual attentiveness to the details of everyday life, the impact that war has on civilians * Boston Globe *Sacco is Art Spiegelman's most talented artistic descendant... [He] is tipped to win the comics world a second Pulitzer * The Economist *There is virtually no precedent for what he does... Sacco is legitimately unique * The New York Review of Books *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 -- Margo Jefferson * The New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisGet ready to journal and learn to tell your own story with Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling creator of Smile, Sisters, Drama, and Ghosts!Calling all fans of Raina Telgemeier!Have you ever thought about telling your own story, whether it be true or imagined? Are you interested in writing, drawing, or both? If the answers are yes, this fun, colorful, and interactive journal is for you! With guidance from Raina herself, brainstorm ideas, make lists, paste in personal photos, and use your imagination like never before to create your own stories. For additional inspiration, behind-the-scenes info from Raina''s own comics-making adventures is featured inside.BONUS: Raina''s next graphic novel, Guts, will be published on September 17, 2019. A special sneak peek is included in this book!

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Book SynopsisWhich kings couldn’t speak English, or stammered when they could? Who were “Softsword” and “Sailor Bill”? Which king had 10 children with his mistress but none with his queen? Which kings were crowned twice? Which queen reigned for only 9 days? Which king disappeared? Here is a comic strip with a difference, an alternative (and funnier) Bayeux Tapestry tracing every king and queen from Alfred the Great to Charles III – each of their vivid pen-and-ink-portraits encapsulating the personal quirks and dramatic social change of their reigns. This single-sheet poster-sized booklet unfolds the politics, passions, and pageantry of the English and later British Royal Family, from 871 to 2023: the tyrants, eccentrics, warriors, and murderers, as well as the saints, scholars, patrons, and philosophers, whose joint story this is. Or, rather, their joined-up history, as the graphic artwork on the back illustrates, showing the complete Family Tree of the families and dynasties of our island story.

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Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of Quiet Girl in a Noisy World comes a gently humorous and poignant collection of comics about anxiety and depression—because sometimes even the simple things like getting out of bed every day feel like an uphill battle.Everything Is OK is the story of Debbie Tung’s struggle with anxiety and her experience with depression. She shares what it’s like navigating life, overthinking every possible worst-case scenario, and constantly feeling like all hope is lost.The book explores her journey to understanding the importance of mental health in her day-to-day life and how she learns to embrace the highs and lows when things feel out of control. Debbie opens up about deeply personal issues and the winding road to recovery, discovers the value of self-love, and rebuilds a more mindful relationship with her mental health.In this graphic memoir, Debbie aims to provide positive and comforting messages to anyone who is facing similar difficulties or is just trying to get through a tough time in life. She hopes to encourage readers to be kinder to themselves, to know that they are not alone, and that it’s okay to be vulnerable because they are not defined by their mental health struggles. The dark clouds won’t be there forever. Everything will turn out all right.

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