Even though cartoons are largely associated with fun and entertainment–and this subject is anything but–the vivid, graphic nature of the project and its ability to powerfully convey the tragic events and ongoing recovery efforts makes this genre an invaluable tool for understanding the events.

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The first installment of the project called “Tents Beyond Tents“was published online by the comic book site Cartoon Movement.

The project is spearheaded by Portland, Oregon cartoonist Matt Bors who teamed up with two talented Haiti natives–author Pharés Jerome and artist Chevelin Pierre.

Comics Journalism Editor Matt Bors (Photo: Caroline Bins), Pharés Jerome (Photo: Pharés Jerome), and Chevelin Pierre (Photo: Sandra Cériné)

Marco Werman, host and senior producer of The World, interviews Bors who discusses the genesis of the project, its current goals, and the Haitian comic book community in general.

This graphic approach to understanding one of the most graphic disasters ever witnessed in North America is but one step (and much more needs to be done) in communicating this unimaginable trauma brought to the Haitian people.

Indeed, Graphic Universe is in a prime position to take part in future publishing projects that advance a better understanding of this world event.

The noteworthy and informative interview covers Ms. Robbins fascinating career—spanning over 40 years—as both an author/illustrator as well as a consummate historian. Ms. Robbins is as well-versed in the Golden Age of comics of the 1940s as she is in the underground movement of the 1960s and early 70s, of which she helped pioneer.

In the interview Ms. Robbins touches on such varied topics as her nostalgia for Golden Age publishers like Fiction House to her recent collaboration with illustrator Anne Timmons for the Lily Renée book.

When it comes to all things comic book there are few with as much knowledge and passion as Ms. Robbins and this interview is a must read for anyone with even a hint of interest in the colorful and ever captivating field.

In a recent review (a non-cartoon one, sadly) they took a closer look at the first volume in On the Case with Holmes and Watson, Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Bohemia. Gene Ambaum had this to say:

“Why I picked it up: My nine-year-old daughter loves Encyclopedia Brown and the BBC TV show Sherlock, and I was hoping for an adaptation that was accessible and entertaining.

Why I finished it: It’s both. Rohrbach’s drawings are large, simple, pleasant, and nicely colored, and many look like they might have been block printed. And the adaptation keeps a lot of the plot and tone of the original intact.

I’d give it to: My daughter, along with the next two books in the series. She’s really going to enjoy the way Holmes uses disguises and special effects to thwart the blackmailer.”

In its pages I found these gems:

A classic meddling mother story.

A story about a disabled vet’s who returns home after the war. Can she love a man with a claw?

Among the  female comic pioneers who dabbled in romance comics is Lily Renée, whose early life was chronicled in Lily Renee, Escape Artist by Trina Robbins.

For more on romance comics, I recommend From Girls to Grrrlz, also  by  Trina Robbins.

Lily Renée, Escape Artist was included in this past Sunday’s Bookshelf in The New York Times Book Review. Reviewer Pamela Paul had this to say:

School Library Journal writes, “I did enjoy the Summer Camp Science Mysteries…there is something appealingly earnest about them”. The article continued by calling praise to Helmer’s illustrations by saying, “The characters are distinctive and the settings believable, even when drawn in a clear, easy to follow cartoon style that is pleasingly bright and colorful”.

The SLJ article also spoke well of the book’s multicultural emphasis by saying, “Volume One: In Search of the Fog Zombie is one of the first graphic novels I’ve read in a long time that has four non-white characters on the cover”.

The review concluded with this affirmation: “Schools can happily add these to their roster of educational graphic novel titles, secure in the knowledge that they will likely spark some scientific curiosity in the children who read them.”

And that sentiment is exactly Graphic Universe’s prime objective.

A ferret’s a Foot made the Top 10 Graphic Novel list for 2011. Taking the number five spot School library Journal writes A Ferret’s a Foot  is “packed with witty dialogue, off-the-wall humor, and quirky, likable characters, this mystery is bound to appeal to budding primary school sleuths.” This accolade is just one of a handful of noteworthy praises heaped upon the “Guinea Pig” series.

Other high honors for the series that’s populated by lovable pet store animals include a Kirkus Best Books Award — Junior Library Guild selection and Robot 6/Comic Book Resources proclamation that “Guinea Pig” is “a series of graphic novels that has a Pixar-like ability to appeal to both adults and kids.”

School Library Journal points out that many children’s publishers like Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, and Candlewick have gotten into producing graphic novels. So it’s great to see hard proof of something we all already knew: That Graphic Universe titles are way, way up on people’s lists. And I’m sure this list extends to folks Holiday wish lists, too!

Colleen was on hand to meet and greet the youngsters. And not just that–she also elicited their participation by having the kids fill out blank Guinea Pig comic strips. Laura Lee did one too!

images from whoispaigeturner.blogspot.com

The Saturday event featured more than thirty Brooklyn authors and artists. The day culminated with a special performance of Peter and the Wolf.
The Brooklyn Museum proved to be an ideal venue for this festival. Sometimes unfairly overshadowed by the venerable Manhattan museums, the Brooklyn Museum has witnesses a major resurgence in popularity, becoming a bastion for art lovers and aficionados this past decade. The beautiful Beaux-Arts Building, erected in 1895, underwent a significant renovation in 2004 with an addition of its entrance pavilion.

This event is the sort that cements ones sentiments about the greatness of publishing and reinforces all the reasons why one is a part of it.

Rosalie was the daughter of two dear friends of mine, Tom Hart and Leela Corman. Tom and Leela are both cartoonists, much-loved by the comics community. Earlier this year they set off for Gainesville Florida to start a new cartooning school, SAW. I’ve had the good fortune to teach with Tom on several occasions. He’s more than a friend, he’s a mentor. He’s shown me what it means to be a diligent and passionate comics educator. I’ve tried, and still try, to learn from his example.

Rosalie was almost two years old. She died in her sleep. It still doesn’t make sense. This is not how the world is supposed to work.

Since news of this tragedy broke, comics fans all over the world have shared their grief. Cartoonist Lauren Weinstein started a fund to support the family in this difficult time.

I will be hosting the Annual Post Thanxgiving Comix and Graphic Novelist Night here in New York City. It’s a duty I inherited from Tom, who hosted it for several years. The event will be held in Rosalie’s memory. We will be holding a raffle to raise funds for the family. If you can, please stop by and show your support.

Comix and Graphic Novelist Night at KGB Bar
Sunday November 27 at 7pm
85 E 4th St, New York, NY

Featuring:

Josh Bayer, Raw Power and Suspect Device
Josh Bayer is a Cartoonist/Artist/illustrator living in Harlem, NY. He began publishing his comics in 1988. Since then, he has collaborated with Raymond Pettibon, been listed in Best American Comics, been rejected by The Yes Men’s Fake NY Times project. He is an advisor at the Sequential Art Workshop and a teacher in schools all over New York.

Jeffrey Lewis, Fuff
Born and raised Lower East Sider Jeffrey Lewis leads a double-life, as both a comic book writer/artist and a musician (or is that a triple-life?). His critical writings on the comic book Watchmen have led to Jeffrey lecturing all over the world. Jeffrey’s most recent self-published comic book Fuff is an anthology series combining biographical pieces, fiction, and travelogues, and is currently up to issue eight.

Jason Little, Motel Art Improvement Service
Jason Little’s Jack’s Luck Runs Out was the first Xeric-funded comic book to be printed in color. His first graphic novel, Shutterbug Follies won two Ignatz awards. His second book continues the “Bee” series with Motel Art Improvement Service. Jason teaches cartooning at the School of Visual Arts and curated three exhibits of comics-as-installation-art at the Flux Factory.

Morgan Pielli, Indestructible Universe
Morgan Pielli has self-published his short fiction series Indestructible Universe Quarterly since 2008. His work has appeared in numerous anthologies; including Sundays and Funny Aminals, and newspapers such as The Vermont Commons and Bash Comics Weekly.

MK Reed, Americus
MK Reed is the author of Americus, drawn by Jonathan Hill & released this fall by First Second, and draws the web comic, About a Bull. Americus first appeared as a short story in Papercutter #7 and was nominated for a 2008 Ignatz for “Outstanding Story”.

Other publishers (and competitors of Lerner) on hand Wednesday to present their lists were Candlewick, Macmillan and Simon & Schuster. In addition, raffle tickets were drawn, awards handed out, and a charming new picture book titled M.O.M. (Mom Operating Manual) by New York Times Bestsellers Doreen Cronin and Laura Cornell (published by Simon & Schuster) was presented with a subsequent signing.

Lunch followed and the Graphic Universe team (Carol, Robyn and Danny) were delighted to discover that the sandwiches and desserts tasted unusually good on what was a wet and dreary autumn New Jersey day–albeit a successful one.