For me, compiling these lists is about pointing out the stuff I feel should be wider-read, and artists who should receive more attention. It’s also me saying to the world, "Look, this is what I like, this is the stuff that inspires me," hoping the numbers of others nodding their heads in agreement will outnumber those shaking their heads disapprovingly.
Meanwhile, over at Publisher's Weekly, Rob McMonigal and Whit Taylor take part in PW's 10th Annual Graphic Novel Critic's Poll, where Scott McCloud's The Sculptor takes the top honor.
Rob supplied the blurb about Noah van Sciver's wonderful Fante Bukowksi.
Fante Bukowksi by Noah van Sciver (Fantagraphics)Whit praised Sophie Goldstein's The Oven.
"Rising star Van Sciver once again skewers the self-important male figure, in this case a terrible writer who fancies himself a great novelist and pushes himself onto everyone."
The Oven by Sophie Goldstein (Adhouse)
"A novel spin on dystopian sci-fi with a focus on fertility and the often confusing roles that men and women are made to play in society. Goldstein is particularly skilled at dealing with these themes in her work and elevates them with her crisp, refined line and thoughtful use of color."
And then over on the other end of the internet, Scott Cederlund provided a brief write up of Pop Optiq's #8 comic of the year, Marvel's Darth Vader, kind of/sort of praising Salvador Larocca?
While at times stiff and lifeless, Larocca’s does well with the unenviable job of having to draw an emotional character who wears an armor that doesn’t not show emotion. His Vader mostly portrays the stoic visage of his ebony shell, but Larocca is still able to subtly maneuver that iconic helmet to show the turbulent emotions that still exist within the man in the armor.
O.k. I'm willing to admit that one of these things is not like the others but I really, really enjoy Kieron Gillen's writing.
