Comic Strips

So we end our week of comic strips. While I reviewed several "traditionally" published comic strips, I hope readers will also give webcomics a chance. True, some are poorly written or drawn. Yet, the webcomic is a growing medium. Additionally, some now-published comics, such as Pearls Before Swine started on the web.

Next week, get out your gin and fedora. We will look at books that inspired film noir and, maybe, a movie or two.

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Peanuts

Shulz, Sparky. Peanuts.

Plot: Another comic that needs no introduction, Peanuts follows the daily adventures of iconic characters such as Linus, Lousie, Charlie Brown, and Snoopy. Personally, I think Snoopy acquired significantly more fame than his master, but that is not important.

Genre: Growing Up, Comics

Reading Level: Much like Garfield, the strip can be enjoyed by most readers.

Similar Titles: Calvin and Hobbes (this is actually more of an evil twin to the Peanuts innocence and well-meaning), Heart of the City, Rose is Rose

Personal Thoughts: I read a collection of the 1955-1956 comic year. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Usually, I prefer "edgier" comics, such Pearls Before Swine or Lio. Yet, this early chapter from the Peanuts' collection did an excellent job of portraying childhood. Linus plays with mock guns when frustrated with his sister. "Pig-Pen" cleans up (temporarily) under the demands of his parents. Lousie is a proud "fussbudget." Perhaps I prefer it to later comics because the characters are still in development and, as a result, they do not fit completely in the molds most expect them to be in.

As a side note, Schulz apparently hated "Peanuts" as a comic title. He once quoted that only Zits suffered a comparably poor name.

Garfield

Davis, Jim. Garfield.

Plot: The cat needs no introduction. Since his debut in 1978, Garfield, the titular fat orange tabby, has entertained readers with his quest for food, sarcasm, and loathing of Mondays. During his adventures, he frequently berates his geeky owner, John, and hopeless canine roommate, Odie. About three years ago, the main cast was formally joined by another member. Liz the vet became John's steady girlfriend and, with her approval of pizza for a celebration, cemented Garfield's approval.

Genre: Comics

Reading Level: Since it utilizes both simple diction and bright visuals, almost anyone can read it. As a matter of fact, it is a favorite of fairly new readers.

Similar Titles: Pooch Cafe, Fred Basset, Foxtrot

Personal Thoughts: I probably did not need to review this comic. Nearly everyone has heard of the strip. Or the movies. Or the television show. Or the plush toys. Or the valentine's. Or the other television show. Or the novella series. Or the video games. You get the idea.

Anyway, I was rather proud of myself when I was able to read the comic strip to my dad for the first time. I think a lot of kids have similar experiences.

Brian Jacques

So concludes another theme week. Brian Jacques' Redwall series was one of my favorite book series from Middle School until my second year of college. While his passing was very tragic, his books will, thankfully, endure.

Next week's theme: Comic Strips.

...What?

...I like comic strips...

...They're funny...

The Long Patrol

Jacques, Brian. The Long Patrol. New York : Ace Books, 1999.

Plot: Tammo, like many young hares, wishes to join the Long Patrol, a legion of legendary fighting hares serving under a badger Lady. Despite the orders of his father, he runs away to join the fighters. Yet, instead of meeting the hares on the mountain, he finds himself with a squad of hares fighting their way to Redwall Abbey. The fighters must hurry if they are to warn the shattered abbey of a coming army of vermin, but can the creatures defend themselves when the very wall surrounding them shatters? Also, how does the broken wall relate to an ancient foe?

Genre: Animals, Adventure, Fantasy

Reading Level: Grades 6-8

Similar Titles: Voyage of Slaves, Redwall series

Personal Thoughts: A direct sequel to Pearls of Lutra, the novel builds on past characters while developing new heroes. Some of the younger creatures in the earlier work now serve the abbey in the highest positions, making the reader eager to learn more. Yet, the sequel is not limited to the past, but expertly builds on the future. Another good read.

Pearls of Lutra

Jacques, Brian. Pearls of Lutra. New York : Philomel Books, 1997.

Plot: Ublaz the Emperor of pirates seeks an ultimate prize - six perfect, rose-colored pearls to complete his crown. When his captain fails to retrieve the pearls from a massacred otter holt, the emperor makes a second attempt, sparking a rebellion, a quest for revenge, and an adventure for  Redwall Abbey. Rollo, Cracklyn, and Tansy, three Redwall creatures, must solve the riddles leading to the pearls to ransom their abbot. Yet, through circumstance, storms, icebergs, and seals, the warriors of Redwall steadily bring matters into the emperor's own domain.

Genre: Fantasy, Animals, Adventures

Reading Level: Grades 6-8

Similar Titles: Guardians of Ga'hoole series, Redwall series

Personal Thoughts: The novel expertly blends puzzles, adventures, swordfights, and animals in a creative and intriguing manner. This may very well be one of Jacques's best works.

Doomwyte

Jacques, Brian. Doomwyte. New York : Philomel Books, 2008.

Plot: A strange, cult-like group stalks the swamps of Mossflower Woods. While the Wytes continue to claim lives, they are frustrated by the loss of their treasure, taken by Gonff, an infamous mousethief, seasons ago. Yet, the decendants of the thief are alive, well, and eager to claim the four gemstones stolen from the cult and hidden by their ancestor long ago. Their treasure hunt results in revelations, lessons, rediscoveries, and the key to the destruction of the Wytes once and for all.

Genre: Animals, Adventure, Fantasy

Reading Level: Grades 6-8

Similar Titles: Redwall series, especially The Pearls of Lutra

Personal Thoughts: While the story contains some interesting aspects, it is not as well developed as some of Jacques' other works. The heroes and the villains do not intertwine as well as in other novels. The Wytes are thoroughly malicious and intriguing, but their influence seems largely stunted and ineffective. Similarly, while the heroes have potential, they just do not appear as heroic as some of Jacques' other protagonists. However, the novel does introduce the "modern" view of past characters in a believable manner. The heroes that were casual are raised, appropriately, to an almost larger than life status by the characters in this story. I like that, since it mirrors reality. The heroes of the past are remembered for their unbelievable actions, not their personal mannerisms, and the story reflects this fact very well.

Redwall

Jacques, Brian. Redwall. New York: Ace Books, 1989.

Plot: Matthias, a novice of Redwall Abbey, always loved hearing of the mouse warrior, Martin. Yet, as a member of an order of healing in a time of peace, he has no hope of experiencing battle. However, his life, and the life of every creature in Mossflower, becomes radically changed when Cluny the Scourge, a tyrannical rat, brings his army to the Abbey’s gates. Matthias discovers his hidden ability to lead, encourage, and fight through the influence of his friends, his mentors, and a young fieldmouse named Cornflower. Yet, to assure victory over the warlord, Matthias must find the lost sword of Martin and claim his destiny as defender of Redwall.

Reading Level: 6-8 grade

Genre: Adventure, Animals

Similar Titles: Mossflower, Nightshade City, Warriors series

Personal Thoughts: The first in the popular Redwall series, the novel provides a history of the abbey and its warriors. While the concept of animal stories tends to be dismissed as juvenile, the book also discusses topics such as responsibility, planning, justice, and hope creatively and believably. After reading a few more books from the series, loyal readers can recognize the beginnings of characteristic themes in the series, particularly riddles and multiple plotlines. The book provided a basis for a cartoon miniseries a few years ago. Apparently, the miniseries is now available on DVD.

Dogs 101

Dogs 101. Produced by the Animal Planet.

Plot: Much like the title suggests, Dogs 101 discusses the basics of popular dog breeds. Each episode focuses on three breeds. The history, disposition, needs, and special features of each breed finds exposure in each segment. At the end of the discussion, the narration reviews the breed's housing, health, grooming, training, and family needs.

Genre: Documentary, Animals

Reading Level: I think it's rated TVY

Similar Titles: Cats 101, Breed all about It

Personal Thoughts: It reminds me of an updated Eyewitness Video, and that is a very good thing. While the information is not especially in-depth, it is not meant to be. Instead, it offers a solid overview of the breed from trainers, breeders, veterinarians, and groomers. As such, it may lead to an initial understanding of the breed and alert potential owners to suitable and not-so-suitable breeds for their situation.

Hachiko Waits

 Newman, Lesléa and Kodaira, Machiyo. Hachiko Waits.  New York : Henry Holt, 2004.

 

 Plot: Kindly Professor Ueno works with his beloved akita, Hachi every day. In return, Hachi walks the professor to the train he takes for work and returns to walk him back home every day. Except, one day, the professor does not come back. He died unexpectedly at the university. Despite the affections of the train's workers and passengers, Hachi refuses to go home with any of them. Yasuo, a little boy, worries and cares for him. Hachi, later known as Hachiko, waits for ten long years for his master's return. One day, Yasuo, no longer a boy, finds Hachiko dead. Wishing to respect the faithful dog, he, as well as many of the train's daily passengers, create a statue in the loyal dog's honor. Yasuo later proposes in front of the statue, promising to show the faithfulness of the akita to his wife to be.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Animals

Reading Level: Ages 7-11

Similar Titles: Greyfairs Bobby, Hachi: A Dog's Tale

Personal Thoughts: There really was an akita named Hachi. Like the story, he waited a decade for his master's return to the train station and did have a statue built in his honor. While the statue was melted during World War II, it was later rebuilt. Apparently, it is a popular meeting place in modern Japan.