Favourite Comics and Art Books of 2009 – Matt’s Picks
See also: John’s Picks
PR3: James Jean Sketchbook by James Jean
James Jean’s third sketchbook is probably his richest yet. Exciting, intimate sketches and paintings in a beautifully produced hardcover edition from Adhouse Books. (My original review here) .
Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life by Todd Oldham & Charley Harper
My favourite book this year. Charley Harper’s illustrations are charming and impassioned calls for simplicity and elegance. Organic brushwork mixed with the clarity of modernism, guided by a keen sense of design; A wonderful reference.
Bibliographic: 100 Classic Graphic Design Books by Jason Godfrey
This book highlights 100 classic design manuals and lesser known reference books in one infinitely useful, hardbound edition. A great head-start for the illustrator who is still wrapping their head around the history and fundamentals of design (Read: me).
GoGo Monster by Taiyo Matsumoto
Matsumoto’s latest English-language release explores the dark, silent corners of the manga genre. Poetic dialogue, cinematic pacing and fragile linework. (My original review here).
Cecil and Jordan in New York: Stories by Gabrielle Bell
This collection of short comics by Gabrielle Bell stands up to any book of short prose I’ve ever read. The stories are filled with the kind of complexity, subtlety and ambiguity that we usually expect only from great fiction.
The Oishinbo Series by Tetsu Kariya and Hanasaki Akira
Oishinbo is a series of 7 books (selected from over 100 in the Japanese series) that celebrate Japanese food. There are entire comic books about: Sushi, Rice, Ramen and Sake. I’m not kidding. A collision of two awesome things: Japanese food and manga.
The Mourning Star, volume 2 by Kazmir Strzepek
Kazmir Strzepek follows up his hugely entertaining and meticulously illustrated first Mourning Star book with this second volume. The kind of innovative escapism that make for great comics. Strzepek has created a universe of characters that are backstabbing and endearing. As a bonus: Botega is offering this book with free shipping in the US. Get both volumes.
Honourable Mentions: Starting Point by Hayao Miyazaki, Scott Pilgrim 5 by Bryan Lee O’Malley, and 30 Postcards by Ray Fenwick
See also: John’s Picks
Last year’s lists: Matt’s Picks / John’s Picks
