Graphic Novel Reading Group discussion

Jacques Tardi is one of the most important European cartoonists of his generation and a lot of his work has been translated into English recently. Let’s talk about his work.

I really like his cartooning style, it’s very unique.

My favorite books of his are:

It Was the War of the Trenches - the bleakest war stories I’ve ever read, they are almost horror stories.

The Arctic Marauder - A satire of Jules Verne stories filled with black humor and gorgeous black and white art.

I haven't read his crime books, but they look interesting. Also would like to read You are There

I’m not very fond of his Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec, though.

Also, here's a video where we see him drawing and coloring his comics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHFNjl...

French comics artist Tardi rejects top state honour.

Cool :)

How can you not love Adele Blanc-Sec! She's sexy, adventurous, and my favorite kind of hero. It's such a French book for all the right reasons, and the film adaptation was surprisingly faithful and very fun. His ability to use exaggerated facial features to express character traits, without those characters having to say a single word always impressed me.

J. wrote: "How can you not love Adele Blanc-Sec! She's sexy, adventurous, and my favorite kind of hero. It's such a French book for all the right reasons, and the film adaptation was surprisingly faithful and very fun. His ability to use exaggerated facial features to express character traits, without those characters having to say a single word always impressed me."


Is he an Anime Fan ???????
Because the Japanese are LONG-TIME EXPERTS With that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There's exageration, and then there's what Anime faces do...not sure English had a word for "chibi".

J. wrote: "How can you not love Adele Blanc-Sec! She's sexy, adventurous, and my favorite kind of hero. It's such a French book for all the right reasons"

Well, the first one is unfunny satire, really doesn't work that well. Book 2 and 3 are a lot better, but still are nothing great.

You should try other works by Tardi. Adéle Blanc-Sec doesn't compare to his best stuff.


Lashya wrote: "Is he an Anime Fan ???????"

Lol

No Lashya, I don't think so... :/

My favorite hasn't been mentioned yet!

Like a Sniper Lining Up His Shot.

What a freaking bleak and depressing, yet bemusing tale. All he wants is to get out of the assassin's game and live a normal life; but by trying so, he destroys so many lives; and ends up like the father he was running from when he got started in the life. But how doomed he is from the start makes the novel that much more interesting, that much more astounding, and sadly, believable.

It Was A War of the Trenches blew me away too though. The part with the arm; I don't think I'll ever forget.

And I also recommend The Bloody Streets of Paris to any who like detective stories, or stories about WWII France.

Adam wrote: "My favorite hasn't been mentioned yet!

Like a Sniper Lining Up His Shot.

What a freaking bleak and depressing, yet bemusing tale. All he wants is to get out of the assassin's game and live a norm..."

Thanks for the suggestions I just had my library pull War of the Trenches and Like a Sniper.