Monday, October 26, 2009

Review: Incognegro by Mat Johnson

Check out author Carol Baldwin's review of graphic novel mystery Incognegro (DC Comics) by Mat Johnson.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Diary of a Wimpy Kid returns

Jeff Kinney's much anticipated fourth installment of this popular graphic novel, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, hit stores October 12. Click here to watch a video of Kinney discussing the new book.

For more on the Wimpy series and why its humor and format appeals to boys, girls, kids, and adults, check out another interview with Kinney.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

First digital comic on iTunes

Singer/actor Tyrese Gibson, known for his role in the blockbuster movie Transformers, has partnered with Apple to create the first digital comic, which is available on iTunes. The third installment in the Mayhem series was the first interactive, digital issue, complete with sound effects, page-turning technology, and voiceovers (including Gibson as the lead vengeance- and justice-seeking title character).

The creator might surprise people, but we all know Hollywood has grown to love comic books. Just look at the popularity of motion-picture remakes of classic comics like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Wolverine -- not to mention last month's acquisition of Marvel Entertainment (including its 5,000 comic characters) by Disney. And while the digital platform is certainly nontraditional, it's no surprise either. We live in a digital age where technology rules, accessibility is key, and new literacies are being embraced.