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Graphic Novel Challenge


Manga are not really my thing, but tons of students in my library read them voraciously so I thought I'd join this challenge, which would encourage me to try out a new genre. I have actually read 3 graphic novels: Persepolis, Fahrenheit 451, and Maus. I am going to go for Intermediate (3 to 10 comics or graphic novels), but dont' have a confirmed list yet. Here's some ideas that I have (I'd love feedback on any of them):
  1. Inu Yasha (manga)
  2. Naruto (manga)
  3. Crimson (manga)
  4. Chinese Born American
  5. Pride of Baghdad by Vaughan and Henrichon--January 9 2006
  6. Pedro and Me--January 10, 2010
  7. Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, redone by Peter Kuper--January 7, 2010
  8. Life Sucks by Jessica Abel
  9. Aya by Marguerite Abouet--January 6, 2010
  10. Identity Crisis by Brad Meltzer



Here's the scoop on the Graphic Novels Challenge:
So - rules and guidelines:

  • The challenge starts on January 1st 2010 and ends on December 31st (but we don't mind you starting early.)
  • You don't have to make a list beforehand (but you can, of course! Lists are great because they give ideas to people who aren't sure what to read. And if you do make one, don't feel forced to stick to it!)
  • We simplified the levels of participation: you can be a Beginner (3 Comics or Graphic Novels), Intermediate(3-10) or an Expert (10+). You're more than free to adjust your level of participation after the challenge has begun.
  • There will be mini-challenges! Look for a post with more info on that soon.
  • Overlaps with other challenges are totally fine.
We also wanted to ask participants whether they'd rather post their reviews to the blog like we did for the past two years, or if we should post a monthly/bi-monthly Mr Linky where you'd enter your reviews like some other challenges do. We'd be fine with either option - just let us know in the comments which one you'd find more convenient, and we'll let the majority decide.

3 comments

Jenn (Books At Midnight) said...

Ohh, glad you're trying something sort of out of your zone! I used to be a manga addict, so I have a few opinions...

1) InuYasha - haven't tried it, but I've heard about it and it's pretty popular.
2) Naruto - OH MY GOD, long-butt manga here. I read the first ten volumes then sort of got bored with the plot...
3) Bleach - heard good things about this one, and I know some people that seriously love it.
4) One Piece - I personally don't like the art or the storyline much, but I've heard some good things.
5) MARS - PLEASE READ THIS ONE. I liked the art and it deals with some pretty deep issues. My first manga ever, and I loved it.
6) Fruits Basket (aka Furuba) - yet another very popular, very long manga. Really popular with young girls, so idk. Again, dragged to long for me. (can you tell I don't like long mangas? lol.)
7) Death Note - light vs. dark. watched the movie and it was pretty intense. also quite a craze over the manga.
8) Full Metal Alchemist (FMA) - popular, long, you get my flow... has some cool action and, as the name implies, alchemy.

I just listed some super popular ones, and you can check out more (for free!) either at http://www.onemanga.com/ or http://www.mangafox.com/. I have to warn you though that One Manga is almost 100% safe because the mangas are only uploaded by a select group of people, but Manga Fox is anyone can upload, and I've gotten a few potential viruses from there.

Also, if you don't feel ready to take the leap to serious manga, you can always read graphic novels of actual written novels. ie. Vampire Kisses.

Anyways, hope I helped a bit and sorry for the super-long comment! Best of luck, and I will be checking back on your progress. Seems fun, and I hope you find something to enjoy! :)

Jenn (Books At Midnight) said...

Ohh, and you can delete this comment, but if you have any questions or want some suggestions, feel free to email me anytime!

Helen's Book Blog said...

Jenn, awesome suggestions! Thank you so much!