May 2023 MBR The Graphic Novel Shelf

The Graphic Novel Shelf

Queen in Comics!
Sophia Blitman, et al.
NBM Publishing
160 Broadway, Ste. 700, East Wing, New York, NY 10038
www.nbmpub.com
9781681123110, $27.99, HC, 176pp

https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Comics-NBM-Biographies/dp/1681123118

Synopsis: Brian May, Roger Taylor, and Freddie Mercury form Queen, one of the greatest rock bands in the world. Under the leadership of its charismatic singer, Queen became a planetary success for each hit with its decadent shows, inimitable aesthetics, and style. "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Are the Champions," "Don't Stop Me Now," or even "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" are just some of the hits!

With the publication of "Queen in Comics!" fans will discover a wealth of great stories and little secrets surrounding the band's legend!

Critique: The result of a team of collaborators including co-authors Sophia Blitman and Emanuel Marie, and contributions by seventeen talented artist/illustrators, this graphic novel style biography, "Queen in Comics!", is a 'must' for the legions of Queen fans. While highly recommended for community, college, and university library Composer/Musician and Pop Music History collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Queen in Comics!" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.99).

Editorial Note #1: First a French teacher then a journalist specializing in education, Sophie Blitman (https://nbmpub.com/collections/artist-blitman-sophie) has always loved transmitting and sharing knowledge, information, stories. Now based in Stockholm, she spends most of her time writing books, especially for children, but sometimes also for adults with always the same concern: to arouse the curiosity of its readers thanks to a creative and playful approach, and to take a citizen's look at the world with them.

Editorial Note #2: Emmanuel Marie (https://nbmpub.com/collections/artist-marie-emmanuel) has been a comics writer for nearly 5 years, with several books published in a rather documentary style. A sociologist by training, he enjoys giving humorous and romantic tints to stories rooted in social reality.

Blackwax Boulevard Is Listening
Dmitri Jackson
Frotoon Press
https://frotoon.gumroad.com
9780999259658, $24.00, HC, 202pp

https://www.amazon.com/Blackwax-Boulevard-Listening-Dmitri-Jackson/dp/0999259652

Synopsis: "Blackwax Boulevard Is Listening" by artist/author Dmitri Jackson is a slice-of-life comedy that follows Marsalis, Hardy, and Veronika, as they strive to keep the titular record store open for business. In this original graphic novel from Frotoon Press, our three heroes also tackle the most hot-button issues of the day including racism, homophobia, #MeToo, and cancel culture. Blending pop music esoterica with blistering commentary on the nature of celebrity, fandom and wokeness, "Blackwax Boulevard Is Listening" fully captures a generation of record lovers, nerds, hipsters, and outcasts grappling with the cultural turbulence of the late '10s and early '20s.

Critique: Replete with timely and timeless observations, insights, wit, wisdom, and humor, "Blackwax Boulevard Is Listening" is a fun and deftly read that will have immense appeal to readers with an interest in satire presented in a graphic novel format. While unreservedly recommended for community library Graphic Novel collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Blackwax Boulevard Is Listening" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9780999259641, $20.00).

Editorial Note: Dmitri Jackson (https://source.wustl.edu/2020/11/drawing-from-life) is an award-winning cartoonist based in St. Louis, Missouri. His work includes the Frotoon minicomic series, John Henry: Steel-Driving Man and Marty's Diner.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

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James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review