Graphic Novels Challenge 2010

I had great fun with the Graphic Novels Challenge last year, although I must sheepishly admit that I neglected to post quite a few of my graphic novels reviews. So I'm excited to be joining it again - and even more excited that Chris (of Stuff As Dreams) and Nymeth (of Things Mean a Lot), two of my very favorite people in the book-blogiverse, are hosting it this year. Three cheers for Chris and Nymeth! I'm glad we're going to Mr. Linky this time, because it will be faster and easier to put my reviews up, and I will be better about doing it, I hope!

I am also going to join Rhinoa's Manga Challenge this year, and since I do read so many of each, I've decided to keep the mangas separate from the other graphic novels, just to make it more of a personal challenge - and to keep myself from becoming stuck in a rut - those manga series can be addictive!

As far as reading lists go, I do not like to post them as a general rule, because then I feel obligated to read from the list, which sucks the fun out of it, making it feel like an assignment. But I do have a few I'm planning on reading, including the next Lunch Lady book and an interesting looking one I found on the shelf at my library called Vogelein. I'll post the others as I go.

If you are wondering what all the graphic novel hype is about but haven't taken the plunge yet, this is a great way to give this format a try - and you will get all kinds of great ideas from other participants. Remember that graphic novels are not a genre, they are a format. They offer the same substance (or lack thereof) and variety of regular printed books, but with the added benefit of illustrations, many of which are a feast to the eyes. It may take you a while to get yourself to slow down, pull away from the text, and enjoy the interaction between the images and the words, which can convey things with a subtlety that is impossible with only text. There are so many wonderful things out there - historical fiction, biography, humor, fantasy, nonfiction, retellings of classics, mysteries - move beyond your preconceived notions and give them a try - you won't be sorry!