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Not Just Superheroes: Three Comics that Feature Regular Heroes

16 Dec

I used to think that comics were just about superheroes, but after attending New York Comic Con and starting to manage the library’s graphic novel collection I’ve discovered just how wrong I was. Superheroes are entertaining and I’ve been really enjoying some of those stories, but comics offer so much more. If you’re looking for something a little different than the following series can get you started.

Lumberjanes

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(Available to borrow in collected editions at the library or in either collected editions or single issues online through Hoopla.)

You may have heard about this series. It won Eisner and Diamond Gem awards in 2015, was nominated as a Young Adult Library Services Association “Great Graphic Novel for Teens”, and a GLAAD Media Award for Best Comic Book. It was also recently featured in a crossover with Gotham Academy, another comic series. Lumberjanes takes place at Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types and follows the humorous action-packed adventures of five cabin-mates and best friends. Although it looks like an ordinary sleep-away camp with arts & crafts, badges to earn, and s’mores, it is actually hiding some supernatural secrets. If you ever imagined yourself as one of the Goonies or loved Stranger Things, you’ll probably enjoy Lumberjanes. One of the things I like most about the series is how well-developed the main characters and their friendships are. As they are unraveling ancient mysteries, the girls are shown to be unique individuals who are not stereotypes or generic. And above all they care about and look after one another. As their motto goes, “Friendship to the Max!”

The Backstagers

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(Available in single issues online through Hoopla.)

This is a new series so it won’t take long to catch up. When Jory transfers to a new high school, he’s afraid that he won’t fit in. He somewhat reluctantly, but bravely, decides to join the drama club as an actor but quickly discovers that he might fit in better with the stage crew. Little does he know that there are secret tunnels and rooms hidden beneath the school containing many mysteries. Since it’s a new series, it’s a little unclear what, if anything, the protagonists’ main goal is but in the meantime following their adventures is fun!

The X-Files

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(Available to borrow in collected editions at the library or online through Hoopla.)

The X-Files is my favorite TV series of all time, and if it’s yours too, then you have to check out the comic series. These comics, by Joe Harris, continue the series after the end of Season 9 (but started before 2016’s revival season) so they are subtitled Season 10 and Season 11. They continue in the same manner of the TV series with standalone monster of the week stories intertwined with a larger mythology.

These are just a few of the MANY non-superhero comic series and I haven’t even mentioned the terrific non-fiction graphic novels. If you would like more recommendations stop by the library any time and ask!

-Written by Kim Iacucci, Young Adult Librarian

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Documentaries to Check Out in Honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance

2 Dec

Transgender Day of Remembrance, occurs each year on November 20.  It is a day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and to bring attention to the continued violence frequently directed toward the transgender community.  It was started by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998.  Rita was a part of the transgender community in Boston where she worked toward education around transgender issues.

Because of this day, the week from the November 14-20 is considered Transgender Awareness Week by GLAAD and other organizations and some groups also celebrate the whole month of November as Transgender Awareness Month.  Below are documentaries Hoboken and other BCCLS patrons can check out any time from Hoopla!

What’s the T?

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The T in LGBT stands for transgender and the award winning documentary, What’s the T? looks at the lives of five women whose lives began as boys.  They are a diverse group including an actress, a student, a dancer, an activist, and a nurse.  The film was shown at numerous film festivals and was praised for capturing the compelling lives of its subjects.

Growing Up Trans

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The PBS documentary Growing Up Trans looks at transgender children and their families who are exploring what it means to grow up being transgender.  It includes an interesting look at how medical advances are allowing them to make the transition before puberty and how this impacts their lives.

Out Late

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On the other side of the age spectrum the documentary Out Late features five people who came out as lesbian, gay, or transgender, after the age of 55. LeAnna, who served in the military as a man, became a woman at age 60.  The documentary looks at why they chose to come out later in life and what being out meant to them.  Those featured come from a diverse cross section of North America including Canada, Florida, and Kansas.

I Am the Queen

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In the Humboldt Park neighborhood in Chicago, the Vida/Sida Cacica Pageant brings together the Puerto Rican community to celebrate its transgender participants. I Am the Queen follows Bianca, Julissa and Jolizza as they prepare for the pageant. The women share stories of their transition, their relatives’ reactions, and how they find support in the community.

Do you have other documentaries or transgender resources to recommend?  Let us know in our comment section!

-Written by Aimee Harris, Head of Reference

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