Fahrenheit 451 by Bradbury/Hamilton (Hill/Wang, 2009)

I've seen a mixed bag of classic novels illustrated in comic book form. The fact that Bradbury lent his voice to the introduction of this graphic novel speaks volumes--especially if you look at his skepticism of Truffaut's film adaptation of the same. Hamilton gives the novel a timeless quality that says this could be in the now, or it could be yet to come. In an age where we step closer to the wall culture (absorbed by the screens and interactive appliances) that Bradbury describes--Fahrenheit 451 is certainly a novel that speaks to our times--a prophecy if you will--and Hamilton translates the novel into images (often times tongue-in-cheek) brilliantly.

The Homecoming by Bradbury/McKean (Collins Design, 2006)

A fan of Bradbury and McKean both I had high expectations for this illustrated novel. Probably too high. In many ways McKeans artwork is similar to that I remember in my boyhood copy of Bradbury's "The Halloween Tree." And with "The Homecoming" it's neither McKean or Bradbury who fail to shine. It's still a great story. And McKeans illustrations are top notch. I think my greater disappointment is with the typography. Unlike standard graphic novel forms--the type is set more like a children's book, and the font style is forced upon the reader. What happens then is a disconnect between story and artwork.

Batman: The Killing Joke (Moore/Bolland, DC, 1988)

Written by Alan Moore (Watchmen, V for Vendetta) and drawn by Brian Bolland (Judge Dredd), Batman: The Killing Joke presents the complex psychological relationship between Batman and the Joker. The graphic novel also gives some insight into the origin of the Joker. Like Batman, it is life's tragic twists and turns that deliver a former engineer on the down-and-outs into a situation which will spawn his new persona. In this novel we get a sense of the capacity for violence by both Batman and The Joker. Recommended reading for Batman fans along with Arkham Asylum: Serious House on Serious Earth (Morrison/McKean, DC, 1989)

The 9/11 Report by Sid Jacobson & Ernie Colon (Hill and Wang, 2006)

This offering comes from two men with comic experience. Sid Jacobsen once served as managing editor at Harvey Comics, he created comic characters such as Richie Rich, and later worked at Marvel. Ernie Colon worked at Harvey, Marvel and DC with comics such as Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and The Flash.

Swallow Me Whole by Nate Powell (Top Shelf, 2008)

Nate Powell offers a riveting portrayal of a two adolescents wrestling with varying degrees of dementia. We are first introduced to the grandmother and her hallucinations. Then we find that Ruth and her brother Perry experience varying levels of hallucinations. What seem like innocent fantasies begin to interfere with life as Ruth and Perry enter their teens. Perry learns to cope with his hallucinations. Ruth does not. What seemed to be a magical tie between grandmother and granddaughter--evolves into a life-hindering issue for the young girl. Powell takes the reader into the mind of Ruth. The reader experiences the joy of the fantasies of the girl Ruth; and how the fairy-tale world is not so readily accepted as she steps towards adulthood. Powell as author and artists presents a moving story of dementia and its impacts on all those around.

air: Letters from Lost Countries by Wilson/Perker (Vertigo, 2009)

"Air" is an action thriller in comic form. The beautiful, mysterious sky waitress. The handsome, mysterious love interest/spy. A plot line that always has you guessing who is who. A graphic novel akin to "Bourne Identity."

"Night Fisher" by R. Kikuo Johnson (Fantagraphics, 2005)

Disaffection. Disconnection. Disassociation. There is a way things should be. We grow up under the care of parents. But sometimes parents face struggles--marriages, finances. We grow up under the umbrella of authorities--in our community, in our schools. But sometimes we rebel against these authorities. We learn to work the system. Success, at least the on paper variety, can be achieved even in light of disrespect for authority and alienation of one's self from the community they move in. In "Night Fisher" the kid who is set-up to succeed fails. The kid who by all means should fail...succeeds. What we expect to happen in this novel, is not what plays out. Youth long for role models, they long for affection and success. But reality is a far different coin. Powerful black-and-white illustrations present this compelling tale of Loren and Shane and those they associate with.