The Art of Drawing Fantasy Characters

Title

The Art of Drawing Fantasy Characters

Library Link
The art of drawing fantasy characters // by Jacob Glaser.
Glaser, Jacob. Irvine, CA : Walter Foster Pub., c2010.

10 Second Review
This book shows the readers how to draw everything from Brains in a Jar to Grim Reapers to Werewolves.
Lots of cool illustrations for the sci-fi and/or fantasy fan.

This is less of a ‘how-to’ book and more of a ‘how I do it’ book.
Good for the more advanced artist but not so great for someone just starting out.

Notes
This would be a good reference source for artists.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some drawing experience would be helpful

Reading Order
n/a

Supergirl: Who is Superwoman?

Title

Supergirl: Who is Superwoman?

Library Link
Supergirl. Who is Superwoman? / Sterling Gates, writer ; Jamal Igle ... [et al.], pencillers ; Keith Champagne... [et al.], inkers ; introduction by Helen Slater Gates, Sterling.

10 Second Review
Supergirl is having a bad week.
Her Mom is on her case, she’s getting some bad press and Kryptonians have been outlawed in Metropolis.

A good story that should appeal Teen Titan and Superman fans.

Notes
Identity of Superwoman revealed!

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers

Reading Order
n/a

Injeanious

Title
Injeanious

Library Link
InJEANious : 52 ways to DIY your denim / Lauren A. Greene ; photography by Sonya Farrell ; illustration by Kathleen Jacques Greene, Lauren A.

10 Second Review
You spent last weekend making stuff out of duct tape and now you want to move to something more complex.
This book can help you turn old jeans into something new and divides the projects into skills levels.

Some examples include:
Applying stencils, paint, beads
Turning jeans pants into a jean skirt
Making tote bags and bracelets

Notes
Might be too much for younger teens

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Iron Man Extremis

Title

Iron Man Extremis

Library Link
The invincible Iron Man : Extremis / writer, Warren Ellis ; artist, Adi Granov Ellis, Warren.

10 Second Review
An old friend calls Tony Stark for some help with a meta-human problem.
Iron man gets beaten and makes a radical choice.

An image heavy book that is light on story.
Fortunately the art is exceptional.

Notes
Stark International wants a new CEO

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers

Reading Order
n/a

Stick It

Title
Stick It

Library Link
Stick it! 99 D.I.Y. duct tape projects / by T. L. Bonaddio ; illustrated by Andrew Tomlinson Bonaddio, T. L.

10 Second Review
So…you’re sitting around bored and wondering what you can do.
All you have is a couple of rolls of duct tape.

This book offers 99 cool things you can make out of the magical adhesive.
Many items are just a variation on a theme but there are plenty of projects to help knock out a slow afternoon.

Instructions include bracelets, flip-flops, wallets, purses, pillows, etc. etc.

Notes
Having a variety of colored tape will help.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
n/a

Secret Warriors 2

Title

Secret Warriors 2

Library Link
Secret warriors. Vol. 2, God of fear, god of war / writer, Jonathan Hickman ; artist, Alessandro Vitti Hickman, Jonathan.

10 Second Review
Nick Fury's team of 'caterpillars' robs a bank and goes head to head with the Dark Avengers.

The art is varied but good.
The story focuses primarily on the father/son dynamics of Ares and Phobos which is interesting because they are on opposing teams.

Leviathan is introduced

Notes
The Baron makes an appearance.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to Marvel or Secret Warriors will be confused.

Reading Order
Chronological

Black Hole Sun

Title

Black Hole Sun

Library Link
Black hole sun / by David Macinnis Gill. Gill, David Macinnis, 1963- New York : Greenwillow Books, 2010.

10 Second Review
From the library summary:
“On the planet Mars, sixteen-year-old Durango and his crew of mercenaries are hired by the settlers of a mining community to protect their most valuable resource from a feral band of marauders.”

Might be too juvenile for older teens but probably a good choice for tweens and up.

Notes
Oh, and these marauders have a taste for human flesh.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
n/a

Gear School

Title
Gear School

Library Link
Gear school / writer, Adam Gallardo ; artist, Nuria Peris Gallardo, Adam.

10 Second Review
A young girl attends an academy which uses virtual reality to train future fighter pilots.

Barely passing the training, the book's heroine has the opportunity to prove her worth when the enemy attacks the training facility.

A simple, short story with exceptional illustrations.

This full color book should appeal to both manga fans and traditional comic fans.

Notes
There is talk of a movie…sort of:

http://www.gearschool.net/

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
n/a

Girl Parts

Title

Girl Parts

Library Link
Girl parts / John Cusick. Cusick, John. Somerville : Candlewick Press, 2010. 1st U.S. ed.

10 Second Review
A local teen commits suicide and broadcast the act live on the web.
A young boy witnesses the event and does nothing so he is diagnosed as 'dissociative'.
The doctor's prescription? A robot girlfriend!

The robo-girl is designed to train the boy to interact more with real people.
Things go awry when the boy finds out robo-girl is not 'fully functional'.

A fairly straightforward story that veers dangerously close to cliché but manages to be fun and engaging.
Odd and creative, this book may have wide appeal but real girls are fairly scarce in this story.

Notes
A robot girlfriend!

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
n/a

The Mighty Avengers Vol. 2

Title

The Mighty Avengers Vol. 2

Library Link
Venom bomb / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Mark Bagley
Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
Spider Woman joins the team and Simon gets a costume intervention.
Regular citizens are turning into monsters and the trail leads to Dr. Doom.
The team trespasses on Doom property.

Doom gets mad.
Sentry gets madder.

Notes
Dr. Doom has a new ally.

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
Chronological

Manga School with Selena Lin

Title

Manga School with Selena Lin

Library Link
Manga school with Selena Lin : draw your own manga / [created by Selena Lin]
Lin, Selena.

10 Second Review
A girl friendly 'learn to draw' manga book.

This book covers materials, panel diagrams and inking.
Also includes unusual techniques such as drawing 'effects' (use a thumb tack) and adding screen-tone.

Easy to read and well designed; this is a great choice for those seeking to learn manga.

Notes
This artist is known for 'Bye Bye Baby' and 'White Night Melody'.

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
n/a

The Mighty Avengers Vol. 1

Title

The Mighty Avengers Vol. 1

Library Link
Mighty Avengers. Vol. 1 : The ultron initiative / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ; artist, Frank Cho
Bendis, Brian Michael.

10 Second Review
A new Avenger Team is formed after the Civil War event.

First, Mole Man attacks, the Iron Man turns into a woman and the Sentry loses his cool.
Later, Sentry does the impossible, Henry Pym shrinks Ares and Spider Woman brings an unwelcome gift.

While lots of story, this book mainly focuses on introducing the new team.
A good read with excellent illustrations.

Notes
Frank Cho art!

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
Chronological