I asked my husband to recommend some graphic novels for my gift guide, and he very happily obliged.
KENDRICK’S GUEST POST: GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR YOUR GUY
Why care about picture books? Well, I’ll tell you. If you get a guy a comic book or a graphic novel, he will probably stare at you, jaw unhinged, as if you just brought home two 40s and invited him to an IFC cage match. He will then probably take you in his arms, sweep you off your feet, and be much more amenable to movies involving Sandra Bullock.
So how do you pick a dance partner at this particular soiree? You probably know what kind of movies your guy likes, right? Here’s my suggestion: pick which movie he likes best from the list below, and choose from the selection of comic books tailored to his tastes.
The movie: Pulp Fiction/Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
100 Bullets. Written by Brian Azzarello, illustrated by Eduardo Risso. These books are cool, tight and witty. They’re also violent and nasty. Azzarello’s dialogue is fun and shocking, and Risso’s art is vulgar and striking.
The movie: Edward Scissorhands/Beetlejuice
The Sandman (#1-5). Written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Sam Keith. Gaiman’s writing is dreamy, morbid, and beautiful. There are multiple Sandman books, and starting from the beginning is usually helpful, but not a must. Get any you think look good, but Sam Keith is a strange, edgy, and compelling artist.
The movie: The Exorcist/Rosemary’s Baby
From Hell. Written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Eddie Campbell. Moore is creepy and gothic – even when he tackles subjects OTHER than Jack the Ripper – and very smart. Eddie Campbell’s art is dark and unsettling.
The movie: 28 Days Later/Traffic
DMZ. Written by Brian Wood, illustrated by Riccardo Burchielli. Wood has a gritty, dangerous feel that is at once political and anarchic. His stories have heart, and a message, and they are most definitely awesome. Burchielli’s art is expressive and dirty.
The movie: The Royal Tenenbaums
Jimmy Corrigan, The Smartest Kid on Earth. Written and illustrated by Chris Ware. Touching, gentle, awkward. This story is heartbreaking and funny, and the art is simple and moving. Think Michael Cera and Paul Dano growing up into Bill Murray and Paul Giamatti.
