It’s Day 11 at 28 Authors, 28 Variations on a List, and we’ve got Jonathan Case, who writes and draws books in Portland, as a member of Periscope Studio, the largest cooperative of comics creators in America. His first book, Dear Creature, came out this fall from Tor/Macmillan to critical acclaim, local and beyond. Case also illustrated the hit graphic novel, Green River Killer: A True Detective Story, for Dark Horse Comics.
He writes: “Happy holidays to readers and acquaintances of readers everywhere! As a comics storyteller, I want more comics and graphic novels in people’s hands this holiday season, so here’s a comics-centric gift list. Some whimsical, some gritty, some studious. There’s a graphic novel for everyone!”
Richard Stark’s Parker Novels, Volumes 1 and 2, by Richard Stark, illustrated by Darwyn Cooke. These ’60s sleuth books are some of the best looking comics around, thanks to Darwyn Cooke, who brings dynamic, retro classiness to Richard Stark’s pulpy stories. Stylish work.
The Artist’s Guide to Grant Writing by Gigi Rosenberg. For the possibly befuddled artist in your life. As someone with artistic ambitions and limited business acumen (don’t tell my publishers), I appreciated Rosenberg’s tailored presentation of the grant writing process. It’s a book that gets you excited about following your creative passions.
The Tragedy Series by Ben Dewey. This brilliant and frequently updated Internet gag-strip is a throwback to a gentler time, when tragedies were sepia-tinted, poetic and unexpectedly funny. There’s no book to be had (yet), but author/artist Ben Dewey already has prints of his greatest hits, which would make great stocking stuffers (assuming you stuff with care, as not to crinkle).
Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol. This is a lovely book about a teenage girl and her ghostly friend, excellently written and illustrated by Portland author Vera Brosgol. It’s the sort of smart comics storytelling that young (and old) readers deserve. Delightful!
The Book of Genesis, illustrated by Robert Crumb. A uniquely unabridged comics take on a familiar story, drawn by a comics master. Crumb’s beautifully, obsessively hatched drawings are a perfect vehicle for presenting Old Testament stories in their unvarnished glory. No matter your perspective on the material, it’s a terrific-looking book, a fun conversation piece and undeniably impressive.