Exquisite Corpse

Adult Graphic Novel

G/M  Bajieu, Penelope.  Exquisite Corpse.  First Second, 2015. 124p.  978-1-62672-082-4.  19.99

Zoe hates her job as a booth babe and is unhappy in her abusive relationship. One afternoon in the park she sees a man peeking out from behind his curtains and taking a chance, asks to use his bathroom. Unbeknownst to Zoe, the man is the famous novelist, Thomas Rocher. The two become involved and Zoe moves in. It isn’t until she goes to a bookstore though to find one of her new boyfriend’s books that she finds out that Thomas Rocher is dead. This graphic novel, translated from French, has great artwork and a good story, but it isn’t recommended for teens because it doesn’t have much teen appeal. Adults who read graphic novels will enjoy it though. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial Branch

Andre the Giant: Life and Legend

YA/Adult Graphic Novel

G/A  Brown, Box.  Andre the Giant: Life and Legend.  First Second, 2014.  240p.  978-1-59643-851-4.  17.99.

Andre the Giant was one of the pioneers of professional wrestling. This graphic biography covers his life from boyhood (having to ride in the back of trucks because he couldn't fit in the cab) to his wrestling career, film debut (in Princess Bride) and death. Andre suffered from acromegaly, which caused him to age prematurely and continue to grow his whole life. Even through the pain (and heavy drinking) he continued to wrestle past his life expectancy. Unless your teen patrons are interested in the history of professional wrestling, this book will have more appeal to an adult audience, who is already familiar with Andre the Giant. Some of the content is questionable for teens as well, including bad language, violence and racism. Otherwise, the artwork is great and it's an interesting read about a man who was literally larger than life. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial Branch Library

Cute Girl Network

New Adult Graphic Novel

G/M  Means, Greg.  The Cute Girl Network.  First Second, 2013. 179p.  978-1-59643-751-7.  17.99.

When Jane falls off her skateboard in the street, the cute, goofy, soup cart salesman, Jack, helps her to her feet. After just a few dates with Jack, Jane is smitten. He’s forgetful and weird, but he’s sweet and he likes her too. But when Jane’s friends find out she is dating Jack, they introduce her to the “Network,” a group of women who help each other by sharing details about their ex-boyfriends to prevent future agony. Everyone has something mean to say about Jack, but it’s up to Jane to make up her own mind about him. This cute graphic novel would appeal to the new adult genre of 20-somethings, more than teens, due to the subject matter, but since there aren’t too many realistic, romantic graphic novels with strong female characters, it’s a good addition to any collection. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial