September Genre Discussion

[Heidi M Simone]

Hi everyone!

It's a bit late, but it looks like this month's genre of choice was Graphic Novel/Manga! There are Graphic Novels and Manga that are either based on full-length novels or they are unique. They range from kid-friendly to ones that perhaps kids shouldn't read quite yet.

Let's discuss what you read. If you haven't read a Graphic Novel/Manga, there's still time in September to do so!

• - Firstly, did you read a Graphic Novel or a work of Manga?
  - What was the story about?
  - Did you enjoy it? Why or why not?
  - What rating would you give it?
  - Would you recommend this read to others?

Can't wait to hear about you read! I have a tough time enjoying these types of books, but I'm always willing to try something new.

[gali]

Thank you for opening the thread.

I am not too fond of Graphic Novels either, but I have read a few. My favorites were "smile" and "Sisters" by Raina Telgemeier and loved it. The books are graphic memoirs based on the author's childhood, and they relate her experiences in a fun way. I liked the concept of the book and the way the author used comics to show her interactions with her sister. I rated it 3 out of 4 stars, as it was an enjoyable read. I would recommend this read to others, especially to YA.

[Kourtney Bradley]

My son has recently discovered a fondness for graphic novels, so we have read a few together.
Sad to say, I'm really not a fan- but we've read a few together that I have pushed to finish.

[Heidi M Simone]

No worries, gali.

I think I have a problem with the drawings to words ratio. I like to use my own imagination to create a setting and people when I read, so when I have drawings/illustrations to do that for me, it takes away some of the fun for me. I have read a few...The Kite Runner and The Jungle Book come to mind. I think they both were well done and for the right person, I think they would be enjoyable.

gali, I'm glad you have found ones that you like. Perhaps I should give one of them a try!

kbradley, it's awesome that your son has discovered the joy in these books. It's also great that you encourage them even if you aren't a big fan.

[gali]

My son has recently discovered a fondness for graphic novels, so we have read a few together.
Sad to say, I'm really not a fan- but we've read a few together that I have pushed to finish.

My son likes them as well.

-- September 26th, 2017, 6:26 pm --

No worries, gali.

I think I have a problem with the drawings to words ratio. I like to use my own imagination to create a setting and people when I read, so when I have drawings/illustrations to do that for me, it takes away some of the fun for me. I have read a few...The Kite Runner and The Jungle Book come to mind. I think they both were well done and for the right person, I think they would be enjoyable.

gali, I'm glad you have found ones that you like. Perhaps I should give one of them a try!

Thank you.

[kio]

They're really popular where I work. They seem to really love the Sisters and Smile ones and Naruto. I myself have liked the Nathan Hale's hazardous tales. They're a funny graphic novel that introduces kids to history.

[Gravy]

Can't wait to hear about you read! I have a tough time enjoying these types of books, but I'm always willing to try something new.

Try Greg Rucka's Lazarus series. Sci-fi, dystopia. I love this series sooo much! I'm kind of picky about artwork, and this is the best I've found. I love the story, and the characters!
Forever Carlyle is such an amazing character.
Basically, the best graphic novel series I'm reading (I've been amassing quite a list).

Then again, I find I enjoy the format, so...

And to be on topic, I'm currently reading the first in a new series. Romulus by Bryan Hill.

[Heidi M Simone]

Can't wait to hear about you read! I have a tough time enjoying these types of books, but I'm always willing to try something new.

Try Greg Rucka's Lazarus series. Sci-fi, dystopia. I love this series sooo much! I'm kind of picky about artwork, and this is the best I've found. I love the story, and the characters!
Forever Carlyle is such an amazing character.
Basically, the best graphic novel series I'm reading (I've been amassing quite a list).

Then again, I find I enjoy the format, so...

And to be on topic, I'm currently reading the first in a new series. Romulus by Bryan Hill.

Thank you for the suggestion, Gravy. I'll add this to my list to check out!

[jenjayfromSA]

When I was a kid my mother refused to let me read comics - she said it was bad for my development, vocab and reading level. I read them anyway. I've read a few of the latest graphic novels and, while not my reading of choice (any more than condensed books), they are works of art and I appreciate them for that. My teenage daughter loves both graphic novels and manga. I've watched Death Note with her and Naruto. She recommends Attack on Titan (dramatic), Fruits Basket (mythological and romantic) and Maid Sama! (pure romance).

[Heidi M Simone]

When I was a kid my mother refused to let me read comics - she said it was bad for my development, vocab and reading level. I read them anyway. I've read a few of the latest graphic novels and, while not my reading of choice (any more than condensed books), they are works of art and I appreciate them for that. My teenage daughter loves both graphic novels and manga. I've watched Death Note with her and Naruto. She recommends Attack on Titan (dramatic), Fruits Basket (mythological and romantic) and Maid Sama! (pure romance).

It's great that you can appreciate this genre of books and that you've let your daughter enjoy them too. I'll have to look into those recommendations! I've never thought of graphic novels and manga as works of art. That might be part of my problem. I love music, but artwork doesn't usually hold my interest - like in museums, art shows, etc.

This brings to mind a story - when I was teaching for a few years, I would encourage all kinds of books (as long as they were school-appropriate, lol). I remember having a student who thrived on artwork and making his own comics. This turned out to be an incentive when it became hard to reach him. It worked because he found a way that he was comfortable and confident to express himself. So, I can definitely see the value in them!

Thank you for sharing, jenjayfromSA!

[Carol Cisne]

Sorry for the super-late post. I like reading manga and I hope it's ok to share now even though it’s October.

I am currently reading One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. It's a longer running series that started in 1997 and is still publishing new material each week in Shonen Jump. I am around chapter 800 and there are around 880 chapters that have been published.

One Piece gets its title from the treasure that Gol D. Roger, referred to as King of the Pirates, left behind for anyone daring enough to search for it. Roger was executed by the World Government but his message sparked a new era called the Great Age of the Pirates. The story then focuses on Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who ate a mysterious fruit that give him the ability to be stretchy like rubber (a gum-gum fruit). Luffy is determined to find the One Piece and become King of the Pirates. Along the way he forms a crew and they gain notoriety as the Straw Hat Pirates. Each crew member has their own personal goals but they are all united under Luffy.

There is so much more to this story but I want to keep this post short...

I am enjoying this manga. I started reading it 1997 as a kid and have kept with it as an adult. I stopped here and there because I prefer to read a bunch of chapters at a time (and I also don't have much spare time). I can't believe it's already been 20 years! The characters have come such a long way since the beginning and it's insane that there's still so much more to come.

I rate One Piece a 3 out of 4 stars, although it's hard to rate since the author says he's nowhere near finished.

I recommend One Piece to anyone who enjoys comedy, action, and adventure. One Piece is one of the few manga I can recommend to all ages, from kids to adults. The story is straight forward enough for kids to follow and develops enough complexity for adults to be entertained too. I find a similar theme with the characters, they are simple enough when introduced but start to show more depth as the story progresses.

There are also moments where I catch references to pop culture either in character names or places.I have noticed that Oda has become known for doing this and rereading earlier chapters as an adult I catch so many more 'easter eggs'. One instance would be the El Chavo character references. There is no way a kid in Japan (or UK/USA) born after 1995 would know that reference to a Mexican comedy sitcom that finished in 1980. Those references are purely for Oda and his older readers and I really have come to appreciate that.

Well, that’s my contribution I hope it wasn’t too long winded.

[Heidi M Simone]

No worries, Carol Cisne, you're not super late! Of course, you can share. I love when there are books that stay with you for several years. It makes going back to them so much more special (mine was/is Harry Potter).

One Piece does sound like one that could be fun for many. It's great when pop culture is thrown in a text; my dad LOVES El Chavo, That's so funny that in this Manga El Chavo would be referenced!

Thank you for sharing!

[Gravy]

A little late, but I finished Romulus.
I enjoyed it and plan to read more in the series, BUT it just doesn't measure up to some of my other series. I only rated it a 2 out of 4.

The first volume establishes that a cult is trying to destroy/remake the world, and a few members (namely some of their assassins) have decided to foil their plans.

The characters are likable enough, and the story is interesting. Maybe the characters will develope as the story moves forward, and the plot will gain a bit more depth. It certainly has the potential.

Fingers crossed!

[Heidi M Simone]

That's great that you finished Romulus, Gravy! But, it's too bad that it didn't measure up to other things you're reading.

I think it's awesome that you are planning on continuing the series even though it could have been better. Most times, I end up giving up if I wasn't a fan of the first in a series, but it looks like there are positives to this series. Good luck on the rest of the series being better!

Thank you for sharing!