Toufic El Rassi and Derek Kirk Kim
Three graphic novels!
35. Toufic El Rassi, Arab in America.
Pretty much precisely what the title says it is: reflections on being Arab in America, especially after 9/11. El Rassi covers quite a lot in a fairly short space, and does a good job conveying the feeling of insecurity in being perceived to be the enemy in the only country you have ever known.
36. Derek Kirk Kim, Same Difference and Other Stories.
I really liked the title story, but am at a loss to say anything useful or intelligent about it. The "other stories" are an odd collection of short pieces, pretty diverse in style and subjects, many-to-all of which had originally been published as webcomics. Some I adored, others were simply odd. I'd definitely look forward to seeing a second grab-bag collection from him.
37. Derek Kirk Kim, Good As Lily.
The storytelling on this one was tight and engaging, and I liked the inter-squabbling between the characters. I did have problems with the central conceit, however: one's eighteen-year-old self as the fount of meaning and insight for one's life? I kinda want to sit down with Kim and ask, "Really? You thought being eighteen was all that?"
35. Toufic El Rassi, Arab in America.
Pretty much precisely what the title says it is: reflections on being Arab in America, especially after 9/11. El Rassi covers quite a lot in a fairly short space, and does a good job conveying the feeling of insecurity in being perceived to be the enemy in the only country you have ever known.
36. Derek Kirk Kim, Same Difference and Other Stories.
I really liked the title story, but am at a loss to say anything useful or intelligent about it. The "other stories" are an odd collection of short pieces, pretty diverse in style and subjects, many-to-all of which had originally been published as webcomics. Some I adored, others were simply odd. I'd definitely look forward to seeing a second grab-bag collection from him.
37. Derek Kirk Kim, Good As Lily.
The storytelling on this one was tight and engaging, and I liked the inter-squabbling between the characters. I did have problems with the central conceit, however: one's eighteen-year-old self as the fount of meaning and insight for one's life? I kinda want to sit down with Kim and ask, "Really? You thought being eighteen was all that?"