The Nib #1

The Nib #1

by Matt Bors (Editor), Eleri Harris (Deputy Editor), Matt Lubchansky (Associate Editor)

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Death, Politics, Anthologies

112 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Matt Bors is a cartoonist, writer, editor, and the founder of The Nib. He was a Pulitzer Prize Finalist for his political cartoons in 2012 and 2020 and is the co-writer of the dystopian satire Justice Warriors with Ben Clarkson.

His cartoons have appeared in The Nation, The Guardian, CNN, The Intercept, and were collected in the book We Should Improve Society Somewhat. He also drew the graphic novel War Is Boring written by David Axe.

Reviews

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first print magazine from the well-respected comics-journalism site The Nib tackles death as its introductory subject. There are memorials to much-missed deceased creatives (David Bowie, Sylvia Plath), essays on grief, the death penalty and anti-aging research; interviews, statistics and short humorous strips from various cartoonists about their plans for their remains. A solid start. I look forward to the topics they will cover next!

[Bill Hsu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about non-fiction in comics form, but couldn't resist the theme. This is mostly thoughtful and engaging, and fun without trivializing complex issues and situations. There's only one piece that I thought didn't work.

[Christopher Reineman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, high quality comics, love how the themes of each issue are approached from just about every possible angle. This is what an independent and creator-friendly comic magazine should be like.

[Matt Graupman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Nib” only lasted fifteen issues, unfortunately, but their going-out-of-business fire sale gave me the chance to pick up some old issues at a discount. I gotta say, “The Nib” was firing on all cylinders right from the beginning with this debut issue, the oddly chosen “Death” issue, considering this was where the magazine began its brief but spectacular run. A wonderfully balanced collection of non-fiction, humor, satire, and journalism.

FAVORITES:
“Cruel And Usual: A History Of Lethal Injection” by Liliana Segura & Jackie Roche - A horrifying account of the rise and spread of chemical capital punishment.
“As Before, So Behind: A Memoir Of Losing A Child” by Ted Closson - A tender, poetic account of an unspeakable loss.
“The Response” section, particularly by John Martz and Emi Gennis - Artists depict how they’d like their bodies to be processed after their deaths

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very pleased with this magazine as it was filled with many enjoyable entries on said topic. I subscribed and will be looking forward to reading further issues.

[Ray Dunsmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nib is that rarest of things - a collective of political current-events cartoonists that's not only actually worth your time, but is one of the few remaining outposts of actual goddamned sense left in this hellworld. The flagship issue of their spin-off zine is a fascinating collection of comics ranging from the informative to the irreverent to the utterly heartbreaking. If this is a sign of things to come for them, they've a wonderfully bright future and I eagerly await their next move.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this book of comics on the theme of death, each contribution having something to do with death and dying. I did wish there had been something about the death positivity movement, home funerals, death doulas, etc. But maybe in the next one? :) My favorite piece was "As Before, So Behind."

[Ethan Hulbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Educational. Funny. Sad. Entertaining. Thoughtful. The Nib's first issue, focusing on death, is a little sad to read knowing that it's now died. But that doesn't mean it's still not extremely interesting and a wonderful, if sometimes somber, experience. I'm looking forward to reading the other two issues I bought, and maybe I'll even go back for more.

[Jenna B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little nugget of human creation. Humorous and heartbreaking. Using captivating images and just a few words to have a frank discussion about death with us, and I think we could all use a bit more of that in our lives. Highly recommend.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Nib and this compendium is great.

[Daniel Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed, I cried. Beautiful, thought provoking (if rather terse) work.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first issue. I feel like I learned a bunch and it wasn't too dark after all, even given the topic! Very topical and worth reading.

[honeybean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned about anti-aging research, lethal injections, and Jeanne Calment, all while looking at various types of interesting and colorful artwork. highly enjoyed

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nib is an excellent demonstration of what comics can do, and probably the best non-fiction comics publication in existence.

[Cliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the different angles that people took on the topic of death. Some really good stories and art in here.

[Rhiannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this as a gift and wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting into but I really loved this. It had it’s moments of hilarity and it’s moments of utter heartbreak.

[Brandi G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love The Nib’s comic and am happy to say I am a founding member. The stories are autobiographical infusing history, culture, emotions, and fantastic artwork. I highly recommend the whole series!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comic underground, con diferentes artistas, en torno al tema de la muerte. Interesante, con diferentes estilos.

[Ula · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st issue has some great pieces, still finding its feet a bit and I had real mixed feelings about the Silicon Valley disrupting death segment but overall a great book.

[Brian O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of thought-provoking and thoroughly contemporary comics on death, with alternating tones and art styles but all sharing thoroughly compelling stories. An excellent start to what promises to be a landmark series.