Comic Book Candy

I must confess I’m very proud of the mix I’ve put together for the graphic novel Blankets . An autobiographical novel by Craig Thompson , Blankets is a poignant tale of first love told from the author’s adult perspective. Thompson’s own experiences serve as a reminder to readers that identity has its roots in our early relationships, with siblings, with parents, with God, our first love; and that the heartbreak visited by children may never be fully understood or accepted, but informs the adults we become. Many of these songs remind me of my own formative years, and more than a few are tinged with the inevitable pain that comes with first love. A few tracks are taken from the characters’ subtlety suggested tastes (you can see Radiohead and Pixies poster in the background of Craig’s girlfriend’s room), while others are inspired by Thompson’s religious upbringings. Lastly, the winter setting of the novel, and the exploration of intimacy through sleep inspired some of the selections....

Just to show how busy I’ve been keeping myself lately, here’s a pictorial demonstration of my recent reading material. Chugging right along in my quest to read everything relevant from ten years ago, I’m thoroughly enjoying Sandman , and I got a healthy dose of “coming of age” while reading Stuck Rubber Baby and Blankets at the same time. Some of you more observant readers out there might notice something missing from my stack…I’ll give you a hint. It starts with M and rhymes with arvel (I don’t think any real words rhyme with Marvel). I guess I’m just hard pressed to think of any Marvel stories I feel compelled to catch up on. Plus my local library is a little Marvel light. I’d love to read the Garth Ennis / Steve Dillon Punisher run, but that’s not in the cards. Here is a link to the Tasmania State Library . If anyone can find me a Marvel book in the library’s catalogue worth reading, I will enthusiastically take up your suggestion!