Favourite Comics and Art Books of 2008 Part 1: Matt’s picks
See also: Favourite Comics and Art Books of 2008 Part 2: John’s picks
Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson
The most heartfelt, hilarious and beautifully rendered comic strip since Calvin & Hobbes. About a dysfunctionally awesome family in suburban Washington DC. Probably my favourite book this year.
The Sea Serpent and Me by Catia Chien and Dashka Slater
Catia Chien’s big, expressive acrylic and charcoal illustrations set the tone for this simple story about a girl and her pet sea serpent. Oh and look – Nucleus Gallery is selling prints from the book too.
My Brain is Hanging Upside Down by David Heatley
You’d think we’d have had enough of reading about the intimate details of indie cartoonists’ sex lives by now but Heatley’s raw wit and bold, unselfconscious illustrations make it hard to put these comics down. Here’s a sample and another one.
ABC3D by Marion Battelle
This pop-up alphabet book is design awesomeness. Check out the video demonstration.
Nicholas series by René Goscinny and Jean-Jacques Sempé
This was the year I truly discovered Sempé. Like most other people, I’ve seen his covers for the New Yorker, but thanks to Phaidon (who has been re-releasing his complete oeuvre to English audiences) I’ve been exposed to the full breadth of his work.
The Nicholas series (originally Petit Nicholas; written by René Goscinny, of Asterix fame) have been popular with kids around the world for decades. Now they’ve been translated into English for the first time (in their entirety) and released in hardcover. Sempé’s illustrations of Nicholas and his troublesome classmates are simple, timeless and charming.
Bagel’s Lucky Hat by Hector Mumbly
It’s great to see Mumbly (whose work looks an awful lot like Dave Cooper’s) turn his energy to an all-ages adventure. This book is also a great reference for all sorts of other-worldly terrains.
Tekkonkinkreet by Taiyo Matsumoto
The English translation of Matsumoto’s classic manga about two street kids living in a fictional gangland of Treasure Town was actually released in 2006, but I finally read it this year. People seem to have strong and mixed opinions of Matsumoto’s stories – which are densely packed with violence, graffiti and pop-culture. Beneath it all you can feel the love he has for his characters. I am a fan.
The Fart Party by Julia Wertz
People seem to either love this comic or hate it. I’m firmly in the love camp. Most of it is available as a webcomic. Decide for yourself.
See also: Favourite Comics and Art Books of 2008 Part 2: John’s picks
Bagel’s Lucky Hat (by Hector Mumbly) is actually drawn & written by Dave Cooper.
But I’m sure you knew that ; )
Amen regarding “Cul de Sac”, I haven’t enjoyed a comic as much in years. I really really dig the “pitch” comics that came in the book. The artistry is amazing.