Top 5 Comics of 2009 (that I haven’t read)
All these top ten lists are making me realize that I don’t really have the disposable income I deserve.
So without further ado …
The best books of the year and my half-ass reasons for not reading them.
Ganges #3 by Kevin Huizenga
I’ve read zero Huizenga outside of anthologies. There. I said it.
Excuse = No Excuse
Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli
This one looks just full of great storytelling tricks and techniques. The kind that are perfect for lifting and using as my own. It’s probably in my own best interest to stay away from this one for a while.
Excuse = Creeping Mimicry
Monsters by Ken Dahl
I may actually read this one. Maybe someone I know has a copy.
Excuse = I’m Cheap
George Sprott by Seth
I’m going to have to buy a bigger coffee table if I mean to continue reading books like this. That Jack Survives book should probably be on this list too.
Excuse = I’m Cheap
Celebrating Peanuts: 60 Years by Charles Schulz
It looks like a really comprehensive overview of Schulz’s entire body of work with clever quotes by him sprinkled throughout. It seemed like reading that book would give me a good idea of what volumes to purchase from that neverending Fantagraphics reprint epic.
Excuse = I’m Cheap
Genesis by Crumb
I actually own this one. I should read it. It’s probably really good. But, you know, it’s THE BIBLE.
Excuse = Lazy
December 17th, 2009 at 9:08 am
I love Heizenga, but I have to say I was a little disappointed in Ganges #3. I loved #2 SO MUCH and #3 was another full issue about sleeping which was similar to #1. But, still, he’s an incredible cartoonist and I heartily recommend you pick them all up.
December 17th, 2009 at 9:21 am
That entire list would cost about $150!
December 17th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Dude, Will. Get all three volumes of Ganges. How much could that really set you back?
I can see what you mean about Astyerios Polyp, but I think you ought to get it anyway. There’s no way to transcend your influences until you let them run their course with you.
December 17th, 2009 at 10:23 am
@Box Brown, You’re right. I should just get them all. Maybe next year.
@Sarah M, That’s exactly why I haven’t ready so many of these books. This list of 5 could easily be a list of 20 books I don’t have the money to buy. Where does it stop?
@Isaac, I like the idea of another artists influence running its course with me. Like a virus spreading through my blood stream. Or an inoculation, depending on the whether the influence is good or bad.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:02 am
“Jack Survives” is absolutely, positively essential. Like a social security number, it should be issued to all upon exiting the birth canal.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:06 am
@Rob, So, when I start a new job I have to bring my SS#, completed tax forms and personal copy of Jack Survives. I could live in that world.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:07 am
Will, I could loan you Asterios Polyp, if you’d like to read it.
December 17th, 2009 at 11:14 am
@Daniel Olson, Excellent. That reminds me, I really should be visiting my library more often. I’ll bet many of these books will be at the downtown.
December 18th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
Yeah, from what I hear that downtown library has a great collection of comics.
December 26th, 2009 at 9:46 am
Oh come on, the bible is full of all kinds of rad stuff, murder, sex, magic, its like a goth kids wet dream. Add crumb on top of that, I might have to check it out.