Interviews, Reviews, and Rear Views

Had my first interview from the other side of the table on Monday night. After interviewing 100s as a reporter in Utah, and again as a Q&A guy for various DVD and comic sites, I finally worked my way into being interviewed. It was a disaster. No, not really. But when you're talking with the likes of Jason Rodriguez, Tom Beland, and Robert Tinnell, the new guy is bound to be a bit intimidated. And I was. But I learned a lot, and I'm already excited about getting another opportunity. I have no idea when that might be, but now that I have one under my belt, I have some experience and confidence, a nice combo. *** Jason sent me a link to let me know about the Library Journal review for Postcards. It's a huge review for the book, and I have to admit that it's pretty cool to have my story called out in the review (however brief that call out might be), especially when there are so many outstanding stories in the book. I'm sure that more and more reviews will roll out about the book, and there's no question in my mind it's going to get a lot of critical attention. Anyway, the review... Postcards: True Stories That Never Happened. Villard: Random. Jun. 2007. 160p. ed. by Jason Rodriguez. ISBN 978-0-345-49850-2. $21.95. ANTHOLAs the title suggests, the inspiration for each of the graphic short stories in this anthology was one of the antique, used postcards in the editor's collection. Sixteen stories by more than 25 contributors, many with multiple award nominations, provide a wide variety of styles in art and storytelling. Each piece is introduced by Rodriguez with an explanation of his expectations from each postcard and how, more often than not, the artists and writers went above and beyond what he imagined. A number of the stories allow for brief, poignant glimpses into the characters' lives, like an American couple taking refuge in Paris during the Depression; two tic-tac-toe hustlers trying for one more scam; a mother hiding her illness from her playful, young daughter; and an elderly man missing his deceased wife. One lighter adventure is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Golden Age of comics starring a superhero known as the Midnight Caller. A collaboration by Harvey Pekar, Joyce Brabner, and Matt Kindt illustrates how a life can be summed up simply in the cards and letters one receives. Readers of the popular Flight volumes will enjoy the anthology format, but Postcards will appeal more to those who lean toward real-life tales like Brian Fies's Mom's Cancer, Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, or Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis. Older teens and adults will appreciate the book's themes and art. In addition to the black-and-white artwork, Postcards will feature an eight-page full-color insert, although this was not available in the galley copy. Recommended.—Don Boozer, Cleveland P.L. *** I really have nothing to say about the "rear views" other than to say that I'm totally intrigued by all the press the MJ statue is getting. Personally, I think the statue is pointless, but it does make for some very interesting reading. I look forward to seeing how all this plays out, especially with the cover to Heroes For Hire #13 getting some bad press now, too. Ah, comics. Never a dull moment.