March 1, 2008

  • Some Graphic Novels recommendations..


    "Shortcomings" by Adrian Tomine

    As written and illustrated by Adrian Tomine, "Shortcomings" follows Ben Tanaka, who is a moody, overly critical Asian guy, who his Japanese girlfriend Miko even accuses him of being "ashamed to be Asian." Maybe him secretly lusting for white girls is part of that problem? This is a rather entertaining character study on Asian Americans in the United States, and the different social problems that comes with being one. How Asian are you suppose to be in America? What should or shouldn't you do, being an Asian in America? What are you suppose to aspire to be? Who should you be with in a relationship? Adrian Tomine tackles these kinds of questions, and even throws in a whole San Francisco versus New York scenario as well. The underlying story here ofcourse is can Ben Tanaka be happy in a relationship, or is his negative personality destined to keep him alone for the rest of his life?


    "Silver Surfer : Requiem" by J. Michael Stracynski

    Probably the best story about the Silver Surfer I've ever read. For most people the Silver Surfer isn't exactly a character that stands out to a lot of people, but that perception should change after reading "Silver Surfer : Requeim," as writen by J. Michael Straczynski. Norrin Radd (the Silver Surfer) knowing that he has a terminal illness, tries to find a way to give back to the people, the world, the universe with his all powerful "Power Cosmic," before his life ends. In his travels, he meets up with people who knew him, and people who are finding out that they wished they knew him. In fact, after reading this book, I myself wished I paid more attention to this very noble character, and I agree with the take that he is something of a messianic allegory. A surprisingly very touching story, in that I wouldn't be surprised if you starting shedding some tears by the end of the book. "Requiem" is also wonderfully illustrated by Esad Ribic, with painted art work that brings the story more to life.

Comments (2)

  • i think it's weird that people accuse anyone of wanting to be white just to hold onto them =X if the character was so dissatisfied, she should've dumped him instead. this is my analysis based on that description anyways haha. of course, then there would be no book -_-

  • Actually in the book "Shortcomings," (spoilers) the main character's girlfriend did dump him. It wasn't because he wasn't acting Asian enough, but because it was a bad relationship to begin with. That's pretty much how the story starts.

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