Book Review: Gandhi by Kazuki Ebine

I’ve read a lot of biographies.  In elementary school, biographies were my favorite things to read.  We all learn the historical highlights of famous figures from text books and documentaries, but biographies take you deeper into those lives turning figures into people.  When I picked up Gandhi by Kazuki Ebine, I had high expectations for a book that combines two genres I love: biographies and comics.

The book begins at Gandhi’s childhood, but quickly skims through to adulthood barely touching on what should be important events like his marriage and the birth of his first son (or subsequent children for that matter).  The death of his mother while he is studying in England barely seems to register with a young Gandhi. It’s hard to connect with a character that leaves his family to study abroad seemingly without a second glance. 

This book makes Gandhi unlikeable which hardly seems possible when you consider all he did in his life, however the Gandhi of this book comes across as too perfect when dedicated to his cause, yet cold and unconcerned when it comes to his family. How could a man have such a love for the people of his country, but never shown having that love in his own home?

I applaud Penguin for their attempt at bringing history to the world of graphic novels. It is a good medium to educate a younger audience. Unfortunately, as a reader, I demand more from a novel, graphic or otherwise, than I can get from reading Wikipedia.

For future books, I hope they delve more into the personal lives of the historic figures they choose.  Biographies should seek to go further into the character of the person they are examining and go beyond what we learn from a school history textbook.

Heather’s Favorite Graphic Novels Read in 2010

1.  Red Moon: A story in which an adorable family dog sets out to save the world couldn’t fit more solidly in my comic reading zone.  This is a well-crafted story with beautiful black and white art save the red moon of the title.  The novel fully delivered on the promise of last year’s prequel comic. Dave McAdoo’s art completely engages me and he nails the emotions of both animals and humans in this book.    

2.  FCHS: 90210 meets Archie.  I love a good teen drama.  I typically satisfy this love with my Netflix queue or my DVR.  Rachel Freire’s art brings writer, Vito Delsante’s story to life.  Together they create relatable characters that I care about.  The best part, there are more to come.  I can’t wait to find out what happens next for the students at FCHS. 

3. Crogan’s March: Chris Schweizer’s second story in the Crogan family series was as good as the first.  This time we join Peter Crogan in the French Foreign Legion.  Not only does Peter face the Tuaregs, but incompetent leaders who do more damage to his unit than the raiders. 

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Review: Scenes from an Impending Marriage

Every Wednesday Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find Warehouse Manager Seth Peagler writes a weekly “Spotlight on New Releases” column for the Heroes blog, which is available at: www.heroesonline.com/blog.  This past Wednesday, the last book on the list was “Scenes from an Impending Marriage” by Adrian Tomine. I am not familiar with Tomine, but the miniature bride and groom rushing hand in hand across the blue cover reminiscent of a Tiffany box as well as the included panel of the couple discussing their seating chart intrigued me.  I managed to snag the last copy from Heroes and read it that night. 

Tomine did not disappoint.  “Scenes” is an honest and humorous look into his journey from engagement to wedding with his wife, Sarah.  The couple navigates what can be treacherous waters of guest lists, family requests and terrible DJs.  Wedding planning can be a very stressful time in a couple’s life and Tomine captures that while showing it can be overcome with laughter and understanding. 

I love finding comics that are not what most people think of as comics.  Good comics don’t always have to be about superheroes or action and adventure.  Good comics can just be about life and the joys we find in our everyday lives. 

This is a book I would recommend for the non-comic readers in your life. It is the first comic book I’ve ever given to my mom to read and she actually read and enjoyed it!  It would make a nice gift for a newly engaged couple embarking on a new life together.

Heather’s Favorite Limited Series Read in 2010

1. Thor the Mighty Avenger: This wasn’t planned as a limited series however Marvel decided to cancel it, therefore we only got eight issues of this gem.   This is my first foray into the Thor story and I really enjoyed it.  Roger Langridge’s storytelling combined with Chris Samnee’s art is a team I want to see again.  Lucky for me, Marvel has reteamed them for a Thor-Capt FCBD issue. 

2.  Tiny Titans and Little Archie and his Gang: Aw, Yeah! Besides more penguins what could make Tiny Titans more adorable? The gang from Riverdale of course! A mix up at the dry cleaners brings us the best comics team up of 2010.  Who needs a big event crossover spanning more books that I can possibly keep up with? Not me! Give me the simplicity of this series any time.

3.  Cinderella: To Fabletown With Love: Cinderella’s a spy! Beautiful covers by Charlotte’s own Chrissie Zullo pulled me into this series, but a well written story kept me coming back.  Cinderella’s spy stories are well balanced with a B story of the sale of magic shoes gone wrong.  I am looking forward to the second run of this series with even more of Chrissie’s wonderful covers.  Click to read more…

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Upcoming Event with the Dollar Bin: Charlotte Minicon

On Saturday, January 22, you will find the Dollar Bin at the Charlotte Minicon in Charlotte, NC.  Held at the beautiful Palmer Building, the Minicon is a laid back way to kick off the 2011 convention season.  Admission is a bargain at just $3.    

Several past Dollar Bin guests will be making an appearance including Jason Latour, Chris Brunner, Rich Barrett, and Chrissie Zullo.  This Dollar Bin contributor hopes to talk to Jason, Chris, and newest Heroes staff member, Rico Renzi about their collaboration on Loose Ends for Twelve Gauge and to Chrissie about her beautiful Cinderella covers. 

Bridgit Scheide, creator of Kindle and Sketch Charlotte member, has yet to grace our show with her lovely presence, but this shall be remedied at the Minicon.  Bridgit is an artist you should get to know and we hope to be able to help you do just that. 

I don’t know much about Chris Stevens, special guest to the Minicon, other than his HeroesCon 2010 auction piece of Captain America was stunning.  The Minicon will be an opportunity to get to know more about the artist behind that gorgeous piece of work. 

Also appearing will be Dollar Bin contributor and monster fighter, J. Chris Campbell, former Heroes Creative Director and Diary Comics creator, Dustin Harbin, as well as other local favorites, Sanford Greene, Budd Root, and Andy Smith.     

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