I Read Comic Books discussion

Hey, did you guys know that men make comics?? Yeah, we did too - so this month we're instead checking out comics made by women and non-binary comic creators!

Tell us about your pick and make recommendations in the thread below!

The episode for this month's book of the month will be recorded on 3/16 and will be live in the public feed 3/19 wherever you get your podcasts!

I used this list as a starting point and picked El Deafo as a first pick. I'm hoping to read more than one this month, unlike last month where Maus took me the whole month to get through (but it was worth it).

Hi! - I'm new here, would somebody please be able to explain how this works? Do I just try to read some books that fit the theme of the month? :)

Andrew wrote: "Hi! - I'm new here, would somebody please be able to explain how this works? Do I just try to read some books that fit the theme of the month? :)"

That's exactly how it works Andrew. Then feel free to come here and talk about what you read. There are other threads where you can talk about what comics you are reading this month in general or ask questions.

I read Thieves, written and illustrated by Lucie Bryon - I absolutely loved this one! It was so cute, and the story was really fun. It packed a lot into a short book. :)

For this month, I'll be reading Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel. This has been on my TBR since the musical came out (almost 12 years ago, whoops!) so I'm very excited!!
"Come to the Fun Home! It's the Bechdel Funeral Home, baby."

Yesterday I read Somna 🤯 by Becky Cloonan & Tula Lotau and just started today Ocultos by Laura Pérez

Decided to cross Eat, and Love Yourself off my to-read list today! I've been meaning to read it for a while, and it was a good choice. The art style is cute, which contrasts well with the more serious emotions that come with the subject matter. It could be a bit... blunt, at times? Very upfront with what it wants to say but it comes through well.

I landed on Over Easy by Mimi Pond. Mainly because it was already on my shelf, coming from a book-swap with my IRL comics group.

It is a memoir of her early years of art school and working in a diner.

Later she would go on to write the first, and one of the best, episodes of the Simpsons. ('Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire'.) She didn't continue writing Simpson's episodes because, reportedly, the writers didn't want a female writer.

I've been meaning to read that one, Ed! I keep checking it out from the library and not getting around to it. How was it?

I've only read Part 1 so far. I'm liking it, partly because it is set near where I live and I recognize locations.

I managed to read (it’s been a “unique” month) Crumble by Meredith McClaren, art by Andrea Bell. I believe this is the first book written by mCClaren but drawn by someone else. It is a light read, but hits some strong feels regarding death and loss. Bell’s art looks simple at first but carries quite a bit of expression and complements the story very well. ★★★★

Erin wrote: "I've been meaning to read that one, Ed! I keep checking it out from the library and not getting around to it. How was it?"

Over Easy turned out to be pretty good. I don't much like memoirs, but I enjoyed this one. (It is a fictionalized memoir.) The characters were interesting, though not all likeable. The art reminded me of Lynda Barry.

The cafe that she worked in is still there, and recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. I was in the neighborhood yesterday morning so I gave it a try. (In real life, the name is "Mama's Royal Cafe".) It still looks very much as it did in the book, though they no longer have a smoking section, naturally. (It was a Chinese restaurant first, so looks a little unusual for an American breakfast spot.) The coffee was good, as were the grits. Didn't care for the pancakes, but I rarely like those and don't know why I ordered them.

Ed wrote: " turned out to be pretty good. I do..."

That's so cool you were right nearby! I love a good memoir comic so I'll definitely check it out. Not liking pancakes though...how?!

Erin wrote: "Not liking pancakes though...how?!"

It happens. My nephew can't stand them.