Left Bank Books

Graphic Novels





As the World Burns by Derrick Jensen and Stephanie McMillan, reviewed by Eve

"I laughed, I cried, I read a scathing critique of pacifism, 'green' consumerism, and authoritarians who take advantage of others' good intentions to benefit from the wholesale destruction of life. Two thumbs up."


#Graphic Novels  #Anti-Civ



Black Hole by Charlies Burns, review by CC

"This beautiful graphic novel is set here in Seattle. It captures the angst of teenage existence while following the characters through a harrowing disease outbreak."


#Graphic Novels  #Local



Chicken With Plums by Marjan Satrapi, reviewed by ER

"A new story by the author of 'Persepolis,' Marjan's Uncle decides to die because his beloved Tar instrument has been broken. This story is about Marjan's family, music, love, failed marriages, Iranian history, and friendship. A sad, beautifully illustrated story."


#Graphic Novels



Embroideries, Persepolis I & II by Marjan Satrapi

"Marjan Satrapi takes us on a guided tour through the Iranian cultural revolution, fanatacism, resistance culture, expatriate life in Europe, a return home, and the growth of a girl caught in the midst."


#Graphic Novels



Essential Dykes to Watch Out For by Allison Bechdel, reviewed by ER

"Allison Bechdel is a GENIUS. If you don't believe me, read her book, 'Fun Home.' Or, this anthology of her comics about a group of friends, lovers, and such. Her character development, humor, and plot lines are surprisingly thoughtful and riveting. And FYI: You do NOT HAVE TO BE GAY TO LOVE THESE COMICS!"


#Graphic Novels



I <3 Led Zeppelin by Ellen Forney, reviewed by ER

"Seattle's own darling of comics...this anthology covers over 10+ years of Ellen's comic career. Awkward stories about growing up, funny stuff about her mom, Seattle, sex, sexuality, donuts, etc. Well drawn and funny as heck."


#Graphic Novels



I Still Live by Annie Murphy, reviewed by ER

"This is a gorgeous comic by local Portland artist Annie Murphy. It's a biography of the feminist spiritualist medium Achsa Sprague. Beautifully drawn and told from a personal perspective. Look out for future works by Annie Murphy, this is her first full length comic."


#Graphic Novels



La Perdida by Jessica Abel, reviewed by JP

"This beautiful and haunting graphic novel is hard to forget. Abels visual depictions of Mexico City are fantastic and are complemented well by her liberal use of DF slang. The protagonist is funny, at times frustrating and overall effective in making me question my own pretentions and motivations in life."


#Graphic Novels



Latino USA: A Cartoon History by Ilan Stavans, reviewed by Dre

"How do you track a history as diverse and wide reaching as 'Latino?' Write a thoughtful yet tongue-in-cheek cartoon book that addresses lies and omissions in 'traditional' texts while bringing light to why Brown is Beautiful."


#Graphic Novels



Love and Rockets #1 by Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez, reviewed by ER

"Okay, this is actually #21 in the new series, but in a new format. Instead of doing quarterly comics like before they are now doing one big annual graphic novel. AMAZING. I think I have become addicted to this comic. The character development, badass heroines, and sci-fi cuties always keep me coming back for more."


#Graphic Novels



Safe Area Gorazde by Joe Sacco, reviewed by CP

"Sacco's comics journalism is the perfect medium for this story of a town struggling to survive the brutal war raging all around it. The personal accounts of being under attack interwoven with historical background and the uneasy peace of the present make this a highly compelling read."



Watchmen by Alan Moore, reviewed by PM

"Forget the film--the comic book was the ultimate medium for this story. Moore masterfully weaves multiple character developments through disparate texts, shattering the stale superhero genre with deep explorations of empire, nihilism, and utilitarianism. Gibbons mimics the pulp comic style flawlessly. Comic artists and writers are still scrambling to catch up."


#Graphic Novels