Maus

I’ve mentioned before how I’m really disappointed that I didn’t properly study history at school – stupid “humanities”. But I am really quite interested in history in general and it’s better to be interested than interesting (said someone, who I’ve quoted before). Unfortunately, I feel pretty ignorant about most things. Even something as significant (and horrifying) as the holocaust, I learnt very little about at school.

Maus has long been on my book “wishlist”, although mostly because it’s considered to be a classic graphic novel rather than specifically the subject matter. It’s actually a biography of sorts, which I didn’t realise until I started reading it, and tells the story of the graphic novelist[Art Speigelman]’s father. So although the Nazis are represented as cats and the Jews as mice, it’s actually a very real story.

I’ve just got one remaining chapter to read and it’s genuinely been a brilliant read. If you can call something with such horrible subject matter such as Auschwitz a brilliant read. This person has written a better review than I could even attempt to do, so read their blog.

I am recommending you read this, whether you like graphic novels or not – this aint no super hero story.

Rorshach

Definitely one of my most favourite graphic novel characters.
Quoteskine

Watchmen

I just watched Watchmen. Of course, not for the first time! I've seen it several times and the graphic novel is perhaps one of my most favourite of all graphic novels (alongside V for Vendetta and a few Wolverine titles). But I do really love the film.

I love how it is like you are actually watching a graphic novel, it's filmed/produced/whatever technical term so well. I also especially love the soundtrack, not only does it have brilliant songs in it but they are perfect accompaniments to what is going on in each scene etc.

The opening titles are, I think, the best opening titles I've ever seen. Plus, Bob Dylan's The Times They Are a-Changin' is just beautiful.

I'm unable to embed the video but you can watch the titles here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=573XmVOdD2Q