Tomorrow, Saturday, May 2nd, is the first Saturday in May – that means it’s free comic book day!  Go HERE to check out what stores around you are participating then go grab some free comics.

I’m a big sucker for reality-based graphic novels. While there’s nothing wrong with the opposite side of the spectrum, I just find a really simple beauty in being able to portray the subtleties in human relationship, emotions, or self conflict as your main subject. A really solid example coming from this genre is Rutu Modan’s Exit Wounds. I first read Exit Wounds when it was released in 2007- I picked it up off my shelf a few days ago and ended up reading it all in one sitting. I was impressed all over again by the quiet set of events and simple illustration that all come together to deal a heavy punch. There’s something so believable and pure about the way the story is told and the frustrations of family, that you can’t help but identifying in some way or another. It received a lot of great press and was listed by several sources as being among the best of the year.

From May to October in 2007, Rutu also had several graphic stories featured on a webblog over at the New York Times titled Mixed Emotions. I hadn’t seen these until recently, but they are right on par with her longer graphic novel. The stories featured in each short column actually relate back to her own family- even featuring Rutu herself. The simple story lines have such a refreshing notion of honesty. Rutu’s use of material from the ‘mundane’ activities and qualities in life ends empowering both the artist and audience in such a successful mix of happiness, loneliness, and frustration.

Mixed Emotions NYT feature

Rutu on Wikipedia

Today’s list comes from an artist that I’ve mentioned a few times on the blog named John Malloy.  John’s artwork straddles the boundaries between comic book surrealism and the traditional ‘true to form’ drawing style.   Many of his illustrations present a distorted take on the subject matter by skewing proportions and manipulating the image with digital flourishes.  John has completed illustrations for clients such as Minus the Bear, Business Weekly, BPM, etc.  His first graphic novel entitled Amnesia was published in 2001.  He is currently hard at work on his second graphic novel titled Chanel One.

Here’s a list of John Malloy’s favorite comic reads.  Enjoy.

Dave Mazzuchelli’s adaptation of Paul Auster’s ‘City of Glass’

In terms of a true “comics as an art form” translation of a novel I can’t think of anything better. Both surreal and completely readable, this was the first book that really inspired me to rethink the medium. With tight art as well.

Interesting Review HERE.

Alan Moore’s ‘From Hell’

Though I haven’t seen the film, or any film adaptations of Moore’s work for that matter, since he himself advises strongly against it, this book warrants a few re-reads and is more than worth it each time. A literary masterpiece.

Detailed Wiki HERE.

Alison Bechdel’s ‘Fun Home’

A tour-de-force in the genre. An amazing coming-of-age autobiography.  The author poured every bit of her soul into it with wit and humor too.

Great Review + A Few Panels HERE.

Salon Interview with Alison Bechdel HERE.

Al Columbia’s ‘Biologic Show’

A true original, yet short-lived, piece of comics genius. One of the first artists to explore the darker pathos of nostalgic old cartoons. Disturbing and delightful.

Al Columbia’s Incredibly Annoying Personal Website HERE.

Ron Rege Jr’s ‘Yeast Hoist’

I love everything he does. Inspirational as a creator of an original visual language.

Ron Rege Jr’s Blog HERE.