Tag Archives: hoboken public library

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

lumberjanes

(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

backstagers

(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

x-files

(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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“It’s Only Forever, It’s Not Long at All”: Celebrate Labyrinth’s 30th Anniversary

23 Sep

Labyrinth was a favorite of mine as a child and continues to be one for me today.  I have a poster of the French version of the film, and a stuffed toy blue worm living in my basement.  Since the film just celebrated its 30th Anniversary in September now is the perfect time to re-watch it or check out one of these Labyrinth related items.

Labyrinth

labyrinth

Image via FreeDVDCover.com

In the magical movie Labyrinth, Sarah wishes away her demanding baby brother, Toby, and then must rescue him from the Goblin King.  Jim Henson’s remarkable puppets are amazing and the effects were cutting edge for the time period, however, the film was actually a flop when it premiered before achieving the beloved cult status it holds today.  It is available on DVD and BluRay from BCCLS libraries.  Be sure to check out the making of featurettes for fun behind the scene tidbits.

Jim Henson’s Fantasy Film Collection

jim-henson-ff
If you can’t get enough of Henson Studio’s work checkout this DVD collection which includes Labyrinth, Dark Crystal, and Mirror Mask. You can read more about Mirror Mask in a previous post about the works of Neil Gaiman.  For those wanting a special Dark Crystal experience you can check out our special movie/music synchronization event with the music of Blue Oyster Cult at Maxwell’s on October 22.

In Their Own Words: Jim Henson

itow-jim-henson
In this PBS biography you can learn about Jim Henson’s career from his start in puppetry through the creation of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock and of course Labyrinth.

Faeries, written and illustrated by Brian Froud and Alan Lee

faeries
Much of the look and creatures of Labyrinth were inspired by master fairy artist Brian Froud’s work.  In this bewitching book fairies, elves, and other creatures of legend come alive.  Brian wasn’t the only Froud involved with the film–his son Toby Froud played the baby Toby, and his wife Wendy Froud also was involved with the puppets design (she is best known for creating Yoda for The Empire Strikes Back).

David Bowie’s The Platinum Collection

platinum-db
One of my favorite parts of the film was David Bowie’s brilliant performance as the Goblin King, Jareth. Each of his songs was a beautiful soundscape for the film, but best of all may have been “Underground”, included in this collection along with other Bowie hits.  Fans of Bowie or the movie probably recognized the lyrics from it in our blog post title.

The Age of Bowie, by Paul Morley

age-bowie
Want more Bowie? Check out this recently released biography that looks at some of the highlights of Bowie’s life and career.

Outside Over There, by Maurice Sendak

outside-over-there
Although not a direct adaptation, Maurice Sendak’s Outside Over There seems to have been an influence on Labyrinth’s story.  In the picture book a girl must rescue her little sister who is stolen by goblins who plan to make her a goblin bride.  If you watch the end of the film there is note about inspiration of Sendak’s work on Jim Henson.  Plus those with keen eyes might catch a copy of Outside Over There on Sarah’s bookshelf in her bedroom.

Jim Henson’s Return to Labyrinth, written by Jake T. Forbes and illustrated by Chris Lie with cover art by Kouyu Shurei

return-to-labyrinth
In this Manga style graphic novel, a teenage Toby has his own adventures with the Goblin King.  Although not completely capturing the magic of the original, it is still fun to continue the adventures of the classic film.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth The Novelization, by A.C.H. Smith

labyrinth

Image via Hoopla Digital

For those looking to read a more true to screen version of Labyrinth, the movie has been adapted by author and playwright A.C.H. Smith as Jim Henson’s Labyrinth The Novelization.  It can be downloaded on Hoopla.

-Written by Aimee Harris, Head of Reference

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