Stuff We Love
STUFF TO READ:
I Moved to Los Angeles to Work in Animation [BOOM! Studios, $10] In this autobiographical graphic novel, animation artist Natalie Nourigat takes readers along on her eye-opening journey from Portland, Oregon to the bustling toon hub of Southern California. Livened with humorous observations, this true life story also provides illustrated advice about salaries, studio culture and more essentials that anyone in the same boat (or traffic jam) should know about. Available from BOOM!’s webstore and app, at local comic shops and via digital platforms including ComiXology. [Jan. 1]
The Girl Who Married a Skull and Other African Stories [Iron Circus Comics, $15] From the publisher’s Cautionary Fables & Fairytales series, this kid-friendly collection edited by comicker Kel McDonald (creator of Sorcery 101 and The City Between) is just the inspirational jumpstart you need for 2019. Featuring classic folktales reimagined with a modern twist by storytellers Jarrett Williams, Carla Speed McNeil, Chris Schweizer, Faith Erin Hicks and others, this introduction to African myths is a great argument for giving the well-trod Grimm tales a rest and bringing more diverse stories to big screen animation. [Available Now]
Lights! Camera! Alice!: The Thrilling True Adventures of the First Woman Filmmaker [Chronicle Books, $18] In this beautifully illustrated children’s book, readers of all ages have the chance to discover the story of courageous French film pioneer Alice Guy-Blaché. In the course of creating some of the first motion pictures, the amazing Alice passionately pursued new stories, new techniques and ever more surprises for her audiences — orchestrating some incredible stunts along the way. Written by Mara Rockliff (My Heart Will Not Sit Down) and illustrated by Simona Ciraolo (The Lines on Nana’s Face). [Available Now]
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - The Art of the Movie [Titan Books, $40] Swing into the stunning, innovative world conceived for Sony Pictures Animation’s mold-breaking superhero flick. With diverse characters, comicky animation styling and a whole multiverse to draw from, it’s hard to peel your eyeballs off this collection of production art, sketches and storyboards. Animag’s own Editor-in-Chief, Ramin Zahed, is your author-guide for this journey, checking in with the creators for exclusive commentary. Writer Brian Michael Bendis, who created the Miles Morales Spidey, penned the foreword. [Available Now]