Thursday, September 30, 2010

Library Wars: Love and War (Volumes 1 and 2) by Kiiro Yumi (Story and Art)

Title:  Library Wars: Love and War
Author:  Kiiro Yumi (Story and Art) and Hiro Arikawa (Original Concept)
Location:  GRAPHIC NOVEL YA LIBRARY
Audience:  Young Adult (Older Teen and Up)

In the not so distant future, the government has created a committee to rid the populace of books that it deems unsuitable.  However, there is one agency that stands up to them - the library.  After a tragic incident between an armed political group and the library, it became apparent that there was a need for a military force at the library.  From that time on, the war between the Media Betterment Committee and the Library Forces continued to escalate. 

When Iku Kasahara finally finds the book she has been waiting years to read, it is suddenly on the MBC's confiscation list.  She tries to save the book from destruction by saying she will steal it, but the MBC attempts to take it by force.  She is rescued by an unknown officer in the Library Forces and from that day on she vows to join their ranks.  Library Wars follows the story of Kasahara and her struggle to become a member of the Library Force.  Through her bumbling and narrow scrapes, she is known to be rather impulsive, but dedicated.

What makes this series interesting is the blend of both action and romance.  Library Wars is categorized as a shojo title, but there is enough action to make this interesting for the shonen fans.  While the main storyline is about the war between the Library Forces and the Media Betterment Committee, the main focus of the series is the relationships between characters, especially Iku Kasahara and her commander, Atsushi Dojo.  Not only that, we also are subjected to Kasahara's internal monologue about her feelings towards Dojo and others.  Even with the focus on relationships, the main story is enough to keep you interested in the world of Library Wars.

The art style is not typically shojo (you can tell most of the men apart) and the action is clear and expressive.  The backgrounds are well defined and make you feel that you are with the characters.

Library Wars: Love and War, Volume 1 has been nominated for YALSA's (Young Adult Library Service's Association) 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

You can find the Library Wars: Love and War manga by Kiiro Yumi on the CPL Catalog. If you enjoyed Library Wars: Love and War, you may want to try Pumpkin Scissors by Ryotaro Iwanaga or Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Banned Books Week 2010


Banned Books Week 2010 is the twenty-ninth annual celebration of the freedom to read. This freedom, not only to choose what we read, but also to select from a full array of possibilities, is firmly rooted in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Although we enjoy an increasing quantity and availability of information and reading material, we must remain vigilant to ensure that access to this material is preserved; would-be censors who continue to threaten the freedom to read come from all quarters and all political persuasions. Even if well intentioned, censors try to limit the freedom of others to choose what they read, see, or hear.

Ten Most Challenged Graphic Novels 2010
Check out your copy today!



Absolute Sandman
Anti-Family, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group





Blankets
Sexually Explicit Content, Other (Unspecified)





Bone (series)
Sexually Explicit Content, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group, Drugs





Fun Home
Sexually Explicit Content





Maus
Anti-Ethnic





Pride of Baghdad
Sexually Explicit Content





Tank Girl
Nudity and Violence





The Dark Knight Strikes Again
Sexually Explicit Content





The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Black Dossier
Sexually Explicit Content and Unsuited to Age Group





Watchmen
Unsuited to Age Group




Friday, September 24, 2010

New York Times Best Selling Graphic Novels List, September 12-18


This Week Weeks on List
1 THE ADVENTURES OF OOK AND GLUK, by George Beard and Harold Hutchins. (Scholastic, $9.99.) Ook and Gluk, two cave boys, must learn kung-fu to save their prehistoric home from a menace from the future. 6
2 THE AMAZING SCREW-ON HEAD AND OTHER CURIOUS OBJECTS, by Mike Mignola and Dave Stewart. (Dark Horse Comics, $17.99.) Not just a clever name. This collection of stories by Mike Mignola, the creator of Hellboy, skewers overly familiar gothic genre tropes and features a hero who literally has a screw-on head. 1
3 TROUBLEMAKER, by Janet Evanovich, Alex Evanovich and Joelle Jones. (Dark Horse Comics, $17.99.) The adventures of Sam Hooker, the Nascar driver, and Alexandra Barnaby, his mechanic, continue in graphic novel form. 4
4 DARK TOWER: THE BATTLE OF JERICHO HILL, by Peter David, Robin Furth and Jae Lee. (Marvel Entertainment, $24.99.) This comic series explores the world set forth by Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” novels. Will the evil plans of the Crimson King come to fruition? 5
5 BLACKEST NIGHT, by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. (DC Comics, $29.99.) This collected edition of the event mini-series features some surprising deaths and even more surprising rebirths. Green Lantern and the recently resurrected Flash are at the forefront. 10
6 KICK-ASS, by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.. (Marvel Entertainment, $14.99.) A "realistic" look at what would happen if a teenage boy put on a costume to fight crime. Not for the weak of heart. 28
7 TWILIGHT: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, VOL. 1, by Stephenie Meyer and Young C. Kim. (Yen Press, $19.99.) The comic adaptation of the ever-popular vampire series. 27
8 BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. (DC Comics, $17.99.) This critically acclaimed story from 1988 offers a possible origin for the Joker. 77
9 BLACKEST NIGHT: GREEN LANTERN, by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. (DC Comics, $24.99.) The War of Light makes for some strange bedfellows as Green Lanterns gains allies whose battle colors include blue, orange, violet, yellow and indigo. 10
10 BLACKEST NIGHT: BLACK LANTERN CORPS, VOL. 1, by various. (DC Comics, $24.99.) Batman, Superman and the Teen Titans confront friends, relatives and allies that have returned from the dead. 6



This Week Weeks on List
1 SCOTT PILGRIM: PRECIOUS LITTLE LIFE, by Bryan O''Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Meet Scott Pilgrim, twentysomething slacker, member of the band Sex Bob-Omb and would-be suitor of Ramona Flowers. 28
2 SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott Pilgrim faces off against the second of Ramona’s evil ex-boyfriends. What will Knives Chau think? Aren’t THEY dating? 24
3 SCOTT PILGRIM AND THE INFINITE SADNESS, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott must face not only Ramona''s third evil ex, but also his own! Oh, and the two exes just happen to be dating each other and in a band. Which can mean only one thing: Bass Battle! 16
4 SCOTT PILGRIM: GETS IT TOGETHER, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) In this fourth volume of the series, Scott gets a job (Best. Dishwasher. Ever) and battles Roxie the ninja, another of Ramona’s evil exes. 20
5 SCOTT PILGRIM'S FINEST HOUR, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.99.) Will Scott survive his final challenge? Can he defeat Gideon Graves, the last of Ramona’s evil exes? 9
6 SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE UNIVERSE, by Bryan Lee O’Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Can Ramona’s twin ex-boyfriends be defeated? Sounds like a job for… Scott Pilgrim. 22
7 THE WALKING DEAD COMPENDIUM, by Robert Kirkman and others. (Image Comics, $59.99.) This massive collected edition - over 1,000 pages - reprints the first 48 issues of "The Walking Dead." The TV version of the comic book series starts on AMC in October. 2
8 THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 1, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins. 44
9 WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. (DC Comics, $19.99.) This epic tale from 1986 signaled a new maturity in comic books. 79
10 THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 12, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins. 7

New York Times Best Selling Manga List, September 12-18


This WeekWeeks on List
1BLEACH, VOL. 32, by Tite Kubo. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Ichigo Kurosaki sees dead people and must help usher them safely into the afterlife.3
2MAXIMUM RIDE, VOL. 3, by James Patterson and NaRae Lee. (Yen Press, $12.99.) Isn’t being a kid hard enough? For this group, who are also part bird, nothing comes easy. An F.B.I. agent steps in to help, but the evil "erasers" lurk around the corner.5
3ALICE IN THE COUNTRY OF HEARTS, VOL. 4, by Quinrose and Hoshino Soumei. (TOKYOPOP, $10.99.) Alice wanders into a very different part of Wonderland in this interpretation of the classic tale. In this new area of the fantasy land, every man is in love with Alice... and firearms.3
4DOGS, VOL. 4, by Shirow Miwa. (VIZ Media, $12.99.) In this dark future, the required elements for survival are sword, gun, courage and luck1
5NARUTO, VOL. 48, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) The origins and true nature of Pain, Naruto’s arch nemesis, are revealed.16
6INUYASHA, VOL. 52, by Rumiko Takahashi. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Kagome, a modern-day high school girl, is pulled into Japan's ancient past, where she is linked to a dog-eared half demon named Inuyasha.1
7ARATA, VOL. 3, THE LEGEND, by Yuu Watase. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Two men named Arata, one living in a fantasy world, the other in modern day Japan, must face their own set of unique problems. But what happens when they switch places?1
8BLACK BIRD, VOL. 5, by Kanoko Sakurakoji. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Misao Harada can see into a magical realm where she is the bride demon of prophecy. How will she survive the pursuit of demons who want the power in her blood?6
9TEGAMI BACHI, LETTER BEE, VOL. 3, by Hiroyuki Asada. (VIZ Media, $7.99.) Amberground is a land where darkness rules and an infestation of gigantic insects with exoskeletons. It is up to the messengers known as the Letter Bees to keep everyone connected.2
10BAKUMAN, VOL. 1, by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) This manga series is about Moritaka Mashiro, who enjoys drawing and Akito Takagi, a would-be writer, who team up to create a manga series. Will they survive the world of publishing?7

Friday, September 17, 2010

New York Times Best Selling Graphic Novels List, September 5-11


This WeekWeeks on List
1THE ADVENTURES OF OOK AND GLUK, by George Beard and Harold Hutchins. (Scholastic, $9.99.) Ook and Gluk, two cave boys, must learn kung-fu to save their prehistoric home from a menace from the future.5
2BLACKEST NIGHT, by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. (DC Comics, $29.99.) This collected edition of the event mini-series features some surprising deaths and even more surprising rebirths. Green Lantern and the recently resurrected Flash are at the forefront.9
3KICK-ASS, by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.. (Marvel Entertainment, $14.99.) A "realistic" look at what would happen if a teenage boy put on a costume to fight crime. Not for the weak of heart.27
4DARK TOWER: THE BATTLE OF JERICHO HILL, by Peter David, Robin Furth and Jae Lee. (Marvel Entertainment, $24.99.) This comic series explores the world set forth by Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” novels. Will the evil plans of the Crimson King come to fruition?4
5BLACKEST NIGHT: GREEN LANTERN, by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. (DC Comics, $24.99.) The War of Light makes for some strange bedfellows as Green Lanterns gains allies whose battle colors include blue, orange, violet, yellow and indigo.9
6TWILIGHT: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, VOL. 1, by Stephenie Meyer and Young C. Kim. (Yen Press, $19.99.) The comic adaptation of the ever-popular vampire series.26
7SIEGE, by Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel. (Marvel Entertainment, $24.99.) Will the heroes of the Marvel universe put aside their rifts to take down Norman Osborn, the former Green Goblin, who now has his sights on Asgard, the home of Thor? What do you think?7
8THE WALKING DEAD, BOOK 1, by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard. (Image Comics, $29.99.) This hardcover collection features the first 12 issues of the gripping series about the last human survivors in a world overrun by zombies.4
9BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. (DC Comics, $17.99.) This critically acclaimed story from 1988 offers a possible origin for the Joker.76
10LOCKE AND KEY: CROWN OF SHADOWS, by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez. (IDW, $24.99.) Keyhouse is a New England mansion whose doors transform anyone who walks through them. This installment of the series involves the search for a key that will open the dreaded black door.3



This WeekWeeks on List
1SCOTT PILGRIM: PRECIOUS LITTLE LIFE, by Bryan O''Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Meet Scott Pilgrim, twentysomething slacker, member of the band Sex Bob-Omb and would-be suitor of Ramona Flowers.27
2SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott Pilgrim faces off against the second of Ramona’s evil ex-boyfriends. What will Knives Chau think? Aren’t THEY dating?23
3SCOTT PILGRIM AND THE INFINITE SADNESS, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott must face not only Ramona''s third evil ex, but also his own! Oh, and the two exes just happen to be dating each other and in a band. Which can mean only one thing: Bass Battle!15
4SCOTT PILGRIM: GETS IT TOGETHER, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) In this fourth volume of the series, Scott gets a job (Best. Dishwasher. Ever) and battles Roxie the ninja, another of Ramona’s evil exes.19
5SCOTT PILGRIM'S FINEST HOUR, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.99.) Will Scott survive his final challenge? Can he defeat Gideon Graves, the last of Ramona’s evil exes?8
6SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE UNIVERSE, by Bryan Lee O’Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Can Ramona’s twin ex-boyfriends be defeated? Sounds like a job for… Scott Pilgrim.21
7THE WALKING DEAD COMPENDIUM, by Robert Kirkman and others. (Image Comics, $59.99.) This massive collected edition - over 1,000 pages - reprints the first 48 issues of "The Walking Dead." The TV version of the comic book series starts on AMC in October.1
8THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 1, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins.43
9THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 12, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins.6
10WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. (DC Comics, $19.99.) This epic tale from 1986 signaled a new maturity in comic books.78

New York Times Best Selling Manga List, September 5-11


This WeekWeeks on List
1BLEACH, VOL. 32, by Tite Kubo. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Ichigo Kurosaki sees dead people and must help usher them safely into the afterlife.2
2MAXIMUM RIDE, VOL. 3, by James Patterson and NaRae Lee. (Yen Press, $12.99.) Isn’t being a kid hard enough? For this group, who are also part bird, nothing comes easy. An F.B.I. agent steps in to help, but the evil "erasers" lurk around the corner.4
3ALICE IN THE COUNTRY OF HEARTS, VOL. 4, by Quinrose and Hoshino Soumei. (TOKYOPOP, $10.99.) Alice wanders into a very different part of Wonderland in this interpretation of the classic tale. In this new area of the fantasy land, every man is in love with Alice... and firearms.2
4BUTTERFLIES, FLOWERS, VOL. 4, by Yuki Yoshihara. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) This is an upstairs/downstairs drama and romance between Choko Kuze and her current boss (and former servant) Masayuki Domoto.1
5RASETSU, VOL. 6, by Chika Shiomi. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Life at an exorcist agency: Rasetsu is avoiding a spirit scheduled to claim her when she turns 20, while her co-worker, Yako Hoshino, finds that Rasetsu looks strikingly similar to his old flame Yurara, who may be connected to some current turmoils.1
6THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, VOL. 10, by Akira Himekawa. (VIZ Media, $7.99.) Join link on a series of high-sea adventures, including the discovery of the Phantom Hourglass and a quest to break the curse on the Temple of the Ocean King. Tally ho!1
7BAKUMAN, VOL. 1, by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) This manga series is about Moritaka Mashiro, who enjoys drawing and Akito Takagi, a would-be writer, who team up to create a manga series. Will they survive the world of publishing?6
8SHAMAN KING, VOL. 30, by Hiroyuki Takei. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) A tournament of champions will decide who is going to be named Shaman King. Will the honorable fighting of Yoh Asakura put him at a disadvantage when he faces the quick and dirty Tao Ren?1
9TEGAMI BACHI, LETTER BEE, VOL. 3, by Hiroyuki Asada. (VIZ Media, $7.99.) Amberground is a land where darkness rules and an infestation of gigantic insects with exoskeletons. It is up to the messengers known as the Letter Bees to keep everyone connected.1
10NARUTO, VOL. 48, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) The origins and true nature of Pain, Naruto’s arch nemesis, are revealed.15

Thursday, September 16, 2010

News Bits

 Yu-Gi-Oh! 3D Feature Rights Acquired

4Kids acquired the rights to the anime feature, Yu-Gi-Oh! 3D: Bonds Beyond Time.  The feature, which should hit US theaters in the spring of 2011, was produced in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the property.  Bonds Beyond Time will have characters from three of the series. For further details check out the article from ICv2.

Check out the Yu-Gi-Oh collection at the Chesapeake Public Library!




Pokemon: HS-Triumphant Out November 3rd

For you Pokemon gamers out there - check stores on November 3rd for the release of HS-Triumphant ExpansionTriumphant Expansion is good for those new to the game or seasoned gamers with over 100 cards available in either booster or theme decks.  In the game, legendary Pokemon are paired on Legend Cards and other powerful Pokemon appear for the first time as Pokemon Prime Cards.  There will be a new Special Energy card in addition to trainer, stadium, and supporter cards.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Trailer Park - Priest

Yesterday, the trailer for the movie adaptation of the manhwa Priest was released.  For those of you who are not familiar with the series, it is about a faithful priest, Ivan Issacs, who accidentally resurrects Temozareal, a bloody angel of Hell.  In order to correct this wrong, he sells his soul to the devil.


As with many adaptations, the movie does not follow the story as closely as some fans would like.  However, it looks like it is a great story with fantastic visuals.  Priest will hit theaters May 13th.








If you want to catch up on the story before the movie hits theaters next summer, why not check out the manhwa by Min-Woo Hyung coming to the Chesapeake Public Library soon.

New York Times Best Selling Graphic Novels List, August 29-September 4


This Week Weeks on List
1 THE ADVENTURES OF OOK AND GLUK, by George Beard and Harold Hutchins. (Scholastic, $9.99.) Ook and Gluk, two cave boys, must learn kung-fu to save their prehistoric home from a menace from the future. 4
2 BLACKEST NIGHT, by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. (DC Comics, $29.99.) This collected edition of the event mini-series features some surprising deaths and even more surprising rebirths. Green Lantern and the recently resurrected Flash are at the forefront. 8
3 KICK-ASS, by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.. (Marvel Entertainment, $14.99.) A "realistic" look at what would happen if a teenage boy put on a costume to fight crime. Not for the weak of heart. 26
4 DARK TOWER: THE BATTLE OF JERICHO HILL, by Peter David, Robin Furth and Jae Lee. (Marvel Entertainment, $24.99.) This comic series explores the world set forth by Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” novels. Will the evil plans of the Crimson King come to fruition? 3
5 BLACKEST NIGHT: GREEN LANTERN, by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. (DC Comics, $24.99.) The War of Light makes for some strange bedfellows as Green Lanterns gains allies whose battle colors include blue, orange, violet, yellow and indigo. 8
6 SIEGE, by Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel. (Marvel Entertainment, $24.99.) Will the heroes of the Marvel universe put aside their rifts to take down Norman Osborn, the former Green Goblin, who now has his sights on Asgard, the home of Thor? What do you think? 6
7 TWILIGHT: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, VOL. 1, by Stephenie Meyer and Young C. Kim. (Yen Press, $19.99.) The comic adaptation of the ever-popular vampire series. 25
8 BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. (DC Comics, $17.99.) This critically acclaimed story from 1988 offers a possible origin for the Joker. 75
9 THE WALKING DEAD, BOOK 1, by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard. (Image Comics, $29.99.) This hardcover collection features the first 12 issues of the gripping series about the last human survivors in a world overrun by zombies. 3
10 BLACKEST NIGHT: RISE OF THE BLACK LANTERNS, by Geoff Johns and others. (DC Comics, $24.99.) It was not only heroes and villains who came back to life during the "Blackest Night" event: some previously canceled comics like Suicide Squad and Catwoman came back for one more month. 4



This Week Weeks on List
1 SCOTT PILGRIM: PRECIOUS LITTLE LIFE, by Bryan O''Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Meet Scott Pilgrim, twentysomething slacker, member of the band Sex Bob-Omb and would-be suitor of Ramona Flowers. 26
2 SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott Pilgrim faces off against the second of Ramona’s evil ex-boyfriends. What will Knives Chau think? Aren’t THEY dating? 22
3 SCOTT PILGRIM AND THE INFINITE SADNESS, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott must face not only Ramona''s third evil ex, but also his own! Oh, and the two exes just happen to be dating each other and in a band. Which can mean only one thing: Bass Battle! 14
4 SCOTT PILGRIM: GETS IT TOGETHER, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) In this fourth volume of the series, Scott gets a job (Best. Dishwasher. Ever) and battles Roxie the ninja, another of Ramona’s evil exes. 18
5 SCOTT PILGRIM'S FINEST HOUR, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.99.) Will Scott survive his final challenge? Can he defeat Gideon Graves, the last of Ramona’s evil exes? 7
6 SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE UNIVERSE, by Bryan Lee O’Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Can Ramona’s twin ex-boyfriends be defeated? Sounds like a job for… Scott Pilgrim. 20
7 AMULET: THE CLOUD SEARCHERS, by Kazu Kibuishi. (Scholastic, $10.99.) Demons! Robots! Talking animals! Oh my! The siblings Emily and Navin, with their band of resistance fighters, make their way for the mythical city of Cielis, in this third installment of the Amulet series. 1
8 THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 1, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins. 42
9 THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 12, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins. 5
10 WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. (DC Comics, $19.99.) This epic tale from 1986 signaled a new maturity in comic books. 77

New York Times Best Selling Manga List, August 29-September 4


This WeekWeeks on List
1BLEACH, VOL. 32, by Tite Kubo. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Ichigo Kurosaki sees dead people and must help usher them safely into the afterlife.1
2ALICE IN THE COUNTRY OF HEARTS, VOL. 4, by Quinrose and Hoshino Soumei. (TOKYOPOP, $10.99.) Alice wanders into a very different part of Wonderland in this interpretation of the classic tale. In this new area of the fantasy land, every man is in love with Alice... and firearms.1
3MAXIMUM RIDE, VOL. 3, by James Patterson and NaRae Lee. (Yen Press, $12.99.) Isn’t being a kid hard enough? For this group, who are also part bird, nothing comes easy. An F.B.I. agent steps in to help, but the evil "erasers" lurk around the corner.3
4JUNJO ROMANTICA, VOL. 12, by Shungiki Nakamura. (TOKYOPOP, $14.99.) This series, described as a romantic comedy, is about the relationship between Misaki and Akihiko, a male tutor, who meet when Misaki needs help with college entrance exams.1
5NARUTO, VOL. 48, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) The origins and true nature of Pain, Naruto’s arch nemesis, are revealed.7
6CHIBI VAMPIRE AIRMAIL, by Yuna Kagesaki. (TOKYOPOP, $10.99.) Chibi is a vampire with a twist: rather than suck blood, this young, female vampire has to expel it. This series fills in some of her back story and includes behind-the-scenes material.1
7ROSARIO + VAMPIRE: SEASON II, VOL. 2, by Akihisa Ikeda. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Tsukune Aono’s new school is filled with vampires and werewolves. And the girl he is interested seems to have eyes for him, but is it his blood she’s after?5
8AIR GEAR 15/16/17, VOL. 15, by Oh!Great. (Random House, $21.99.) This series tells the story of Itsuki Minami, the toughest kid at Higashi Junior High School. In this installment, mysteries and confrontations abound.1
9BLACK BIRD, VOL. 5, by Kanoko Sakurakoji. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Misao Harada can see into a magical realm where she is the bride demon of prophecy. How will she survive the pursuit of demons who want the power in her blood?5
10BAKUMAN, VOL. 1, by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) This manga series is about Moritaka Mashiro, who enjoys drawing and Akito Takagi, a would-be writer, who team up to create a manga series. Will they survive the world of publishing?5

Saturday, September 4, 2010

New York Times Best Selling Graphic Novels List, August 22-28


This WeekWeeks on List
1THE ADVENTURES OF OOK AND GLUK, by George Beard and Harold Hutchins. (Scholastic, $9.99.) Ook and Gluk, two cave boys, must learn kung-fu to save their prehistoric home from a menace from the future.3
2LOCKE AND KEY: CROWN OF SHADOWS, by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez. (IDW, $24.99.) Keyhouse is a New England mansion whose doors transform anyone who walks through them. This installment of the series involves the search for a key that will open the dreaded black door.2
3DARK TOWER: THE BATTLE OF JERICHO HILL, by Peter David, Robin Furth and Jae Lee. (Marvel Entertainment, $24.99.) This comic series explores the world set forth by Stephen King’s “Dark Tower” novels. Will the evil plans of the Crimson King come to fruition?2
4KICK-ASS, by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr.. (Marvel Entertainment, $14.99.) A "realistic" look at what would happen if a teenage boy put on a costume to fight crime. Not for the weak of heart.25
5BLACKEST NIGHT, by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. (DC Comics, $29.99.) This collected edition of the event mini-series features some surprising deaths and even more surprising rebirths. Green Lantern and the recently resurrected Flash are at the forefront.7
6TWILIGHT: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL, VOL. 1, by Stephenie Meyer and Young C. Kim. (Yen Press, $19.99.) The comic adaptation of the ever-popular vampire series.24
7BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. (DC Comics, $17.99.) This critically acclaimed story from 1988 offers a possible origin for the Joker.74
8SIEGE, by Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel. (Marvel Entertainment, $24.99.) Will the heroes of the Marvel universe put aside their rifts to take down Norman Osborn, the former Green Goblin, who now has his sights on Asgard, the home of Thor? What do you think?5
9BATMAN AND ROBIN, VOL. 1, by Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely and Philip Tan. (DC Comics, $24.99.) After Batman’s demise, Dick Grayson, the first Robin, takes on the mantle of the Bat. His costumed partner is Damien, the son of Bruce Wayne. Causing them grief? Jason Todd, the second Robin.14
10BLACKEST NIGHT: GREEN LANTERN, by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. (DC Comics, $24.99.) The War of Light makes for some strange bedfellows as Green Lanterns gains allies whose battle colors include blue, orange, violet, yellow and indigo.7



This WeekWeeks on List
1SCOTT PILGRIM: PRECIOUS LITTLE LIFE, by Bryan O''Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Meet Scott Pilgrim, twentysomething slacker, member of the band Sex Bob-Omb and would-be suitor of Ramona Flowers.25
2SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott Pilgrim faces off against the second of Ramona’s evil ex-boyfriends. What will Knives Chau think? Aren’t THEY dating?21
3SCOTT PILGRIM AND THE INFINITE SADNESS, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Scott must face not only Ramona''s third evil ex, but also his own! Oh, and the two exes just happen to be dating each other and in a band. Which can mean only one thing: Bass Battle!13
4SCOTT PILGRIM'S FINEST HOUR, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.99.) Will Scott survive his final challenge? Can he defeat Gideon Graves, the last of Ramona’s evil exes?6
5SCOTT PILGRIM: GETS IT TOGETHER, by Bryan Lee O'Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) In this fourth volume of the series, Scott gets a job (Best. Dishwasher. Ever) and battles Roxie the ninja, another of Ramona’s evil exes.17
6SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE UNIVERSE, by Bryan Lee O’Malley. (Oni Press, $11.95.) Can Ramona’s twin ex-boyfriends be defeated? Sounds like a job for… Scott Pilgrim.19
7THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 12, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins.4
8THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 1, by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. (Image Comics, $14.99.) The gripping story of the human survivors in a world overrun by zombies begins.41
9WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons. (DC Comics, $19.99.) This epic tale from 1986 signaled a new maturity in comic books.76
10FINAL CRISIS, by Grant Morrison, J. G. Jones, Carlos Pacheco and Doug Mahnke. (DC Comics, $19.99.) The heroes of the DC Universe have their backs against the wall in this event storyline which features a much-publicized “death,” a surprising rebirth and bits and pieces of Morrison brilliance.8

New York Times Best Selling Manga List, August 22-28


This WeekWeeks on List
1MAXIMUM RIDE, VOL. 3, by James Patterson and NaRae Lee. (Yen Press, $12.99.) Isn’t being a kid hard enough? For this group, who are also part bird, nothing comes easy. An F.B.I. agent steps in to help, but the evil "erasers" lurk around the corner.2
2NARUTO, VOL. 48, by Masashi Kishimoto. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) The origins and true nature of Pain, Naruto's arch nemesis, are revealed.13
3ROSARIO VAMPIRE SEASON II, VOL. 2, by Akihisa Ikeda. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Tsukune Aono’s new school is filled with vampires and werewolves. And the girl he is interested seems to have eyes for him, but is it his blood she’s after?4
4BLACK BIRD, VOL. 5, by Kanoko Sakurakoji. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) Misao Harada can see into a magical realm where she is the bride demon of prophecy. How will she survive the pursuit of demons who want the power in her blood?4
5BAKUMAN, VOL. 1, by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) This manga series is about Moritaka Mashiro, who enjoys drawing and Akito Takagi, a would-be writer, who team up to create a manga series. Will they survive the world of publishing?4
6CHI’S SWEET HOME, VOL. 2, by Kanata Konami. (Vertical, $13.99.) Do kittens suffer from the terrible twos? This one does: after being saved from homelessness, Chi starts to grate on her new family when she begins shredding mom''s flowers and showing her fangs and claws on young Yohei.1
7NEGIMA! MAGISTER NEGI MAGI, VOL. 27, by Ken Akamatsu. (Del Rey, $10.99.) Can Negi win the tournament of champions against Jack Ravan, a martial arts legend?5
8D. GRAY-MAN, VOL. 18, by Katsura Hoshino. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) The protagonist: 15-year-old Allen Walker. The setting: 19th century England. His mission: to find Innocence, a substance used to create weapons to destroy the akuma demons.4
9VAMPIRE KNIGHT, VOL. 10, by Matsuri Hino. (VIZ Media, $9.99.) The battle for Cross Academy continues as Headmaster Cross enters the fray.12
10BLACK BUTLER, VOL. 2, by Yana Toboso. (Yen Press, $10.99.) Sebastian is a loyal butler who moves easily from dinner parties to the underworld. Is he too good to be true? Is he even human?13