Marvel's "Iron Man" invincible in comic shops

Marvel Studios' Iron Man film is doing what most superhero movies never could: sell a lot of comics.

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Reading comics

How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean by Douglas Wolk

Offers thoughtful criticism and knowledgeable historical overview in the form of a smart, conversational talk by PW contributing editor Wolk.

The volume contains two sections: Theory and History, an explanation of comics as a medium and an overview of its evolution, and Reviews and Commentary, a diverse examination of creators and works. This section spans Will Eisner's pioneering efforts as well as the groundbreaking modern comics by the Hernandez brothers, Chris Ware and Alison Bechdel.

Many of Wolk’s ideas may challenge you to consider why you have the conceptions about this artform that you have. He proves that comics aren't as simplistic as their reputation often implies, and as with any passionate critic, his enthusiasm is infectious

Comics - trash or treasure

comis were seen during my childhood as trash - not serious reading or art atall. Now in the lbiraries where I wor and ive, "graphic novels" are allhe buzz and comics are being taken seriously again. Amazon published this interview with Doublas Wolk who has written a book on reading comics. Talking Reading Comics: An Interview with Douglas Wolk

... His second book, Reading Comics, was just released, and it's doubly refreshing. It does none of the bashful throat-clearing that mainstream writing about comics often uses to justify its interest in what was long considered a throwaway kids' medium. And it manages to love and explain the two often warring (or mutually ignorant) sides of today's comics, the ever-popular superhero tradition and the art comics that have gained so much highbrow attention lately, making the case for each to the readers of both. It's an appealingly idiosyncratic tour of many of his favorite artists that doesn't hesitate to criticize some of the most revered names in the business (like Chris Ware and Will Eisner) or investigate some of its most forgotten genre byways with serious enthusiasm. We asked Wolk a few questions about the book and his work.

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