RBdigital Comics makes some of the the best comic titles from major brands and independent publishers available for free to Dublin Library patrons, with something for all ages and tastes. Graphic novels are much longer and tend to be much more complex. While a comic book will tell a story over many issues, graphic novels more often have their storylines wrapped up in only one or two books. This blog is brought to you by our colleague, Kevin, in Kevin Street Library. On your first visit, create a new account (inputting your Dublin City library membership card number) and complete registration for the RBdigital comics option (please scroll down on this page to explore). You should use the same email address as for other RBdigital products. Sign up here with your library card and to enjoy a range of excellent graphic novels. If you have registered for RBdigital magazines you can use your RBdigital account details to instantly access Comics.To start you off, here are a few recommendations for adult readers: ALIENS: DEAD ORBIT by James StokoeA tale of survival set on a crumbling space station, writer/Illustrator James Stokoe’s graphic novel captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of Ridley Scott’s original 1979 Alien better than any of its comic book predecessors.HELLBOY OMNIBUS VOL. 1-4 by Mike Mignola et al.Collecting the entirety of Mike Mignola’s seminal fantasy-gothic-horror-adventure series in four volumes, this epic story of a working-class demon battling mythical creatures and his own destiny is an absolute must-read and beautifully illustrated throughout.RICHARD STARK’S PARKER: THE HUNTER by Darwyn CookeComics legend Darwyn Cooke’s adaptation of the first of Richard Stark’s brutal, efficient crime novels starring the cool-headed, cold-blooded master thief Parker is a tremendous artistic achievement in its own right. Stark’s spare prose pairs beautifully with Cooke’s minimalistic linework and keen storytelling.MARCH: BOOKS 1-3 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate PowellBy turns harrowing, uplifting and inspiring, this graphic autobiography of American civil rights icon John Lewis takes us from his childhood on an Alabama farm up through his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, culminating in the historic Selma to Montgomery marches.THE CROW MIDNIGHT LEGENDS: DEAD TIME by James O’Barr, John Wagner and Alexander MaleevOriginally envisioned by original Crow graphic novel author O’Barr as a follw-up to the 1994 film, this story of reincarnation and long-delayed vengeance is brought ferociously to life by Judge Dredd co-creator John Wagner and superstar artist Alexander Maleev.
Welcome to the second edition of our new blog series 'Lost in the Stacks' - recommendations by Dublin City Libraries staff exploring overlooked gems and helping you find your next read!This entry comes from one of our most prodigious blog contributors, library assistant Marc and focuses on some of the new comics available to borrow at Dublin City LibrariNew books! New books! Batten down the hatches! Here’s what’s new in Dublin City Libraries ever-expanding catalogue of comics. If you'd like to borrow any of the comics discussed below, simply click on the book cover or title to be taken to the reserves page, where you'll need your library card and PIN to request the book.Lauren Myracle’s Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale is a 200 page graphic novel based on Gotham’s favourite teenage catburglar. Artist Isaac Goodhart uses a single colour of ink, mostly blue with shades of purple for flashbacks and fantasies, to stunning effect. I don’t read Catwoman regularly; even Ed Brubaker’s take on Batman’s frenemy left me cold but Myracle’s background in young adult melodrama makes all the difference in this iteration. It’s unclear right now if Myracle is going to continue with her interpretation of Selina Kyle but I hope she does. Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist is the new graphic novel from acclaimed children’s author, David Almond. No one believes Joe Quinn has a poltergeist in his house, even kids who have seen the flying crockery with their own eyes. Our protagonist, Davie, is the only one who can see what the Quinn’s see. The new priest in town, who is fond of a drink, sympathises too. Almond’s writing is unsurprisingly moving and realistic. Combined with Dave Mc Kean’s artwork, the story is gripping and effecting. Like their previous collaborative work, The Savage, it says more about death, and our relationship with it, than is ever stated in the text. Mc Kean’s merging of traditional and digital art forms is the perfect foil for Almond’s efficient storytelling. Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist is as beautiful as it is unsettling.In the wake of Robert Rodriguez’ film adaptation earlier this year, a deluxe edition of the classic manga, Battle Angel Alita has arrived. What’s that, you say? A cyborg bounty hunter in a post-apocalyptic future? Could this BE any more ‘90s? BAA originally ran from 1990 to ’95 and is known in Japan as Gunnm or Ganmu. I get the feeling that something is lost in translation. There are many visual non-sequiturs. Perhaps it reads better in the original Japanese. Nonetheless, despite the fact that it is a quarter of a century old, the characterisation and twisting plot lines have aged well. Battle Angel Alita reads like a classic ‘80s 2000AD tale, worthy of Alan Moore or Grant Morrison at their most creative, daring, and exciting. If we know one thing about Rodney Barnes, it’s that he loves portmanteau titles for his comics. Not satisfied with Killogy and Killadelphia, his latest offering is Quincredible. Quinton West is a reluctant superhero. He became invulnerable in the aftermath of a natural disaster in New Orleans, and now he must deal with neighbourhood bullies, police brutality, and controlling parents. Many modern comics try to inject a dose of realism into their superhero origin stories and Barnes does a good job of it here. A pair of glasses were all Clark Kent needed to preserve his secret identity but Quincredible is rumbled when a local hood recognises his running gait. Can Quin rescue his family, pass his exams, get the girl, and become a legitimate crime-fighter? You’ll have to read it yourself to find out.
