In case you missed it…

During the weekend of Saturday, August 17, 2019, and Sunday, August 18, 2019, the Palm Beach County Library System hosted over 800 members, both young, and young-at-heart, for the library system’s very first comic convention. The aptly titled Dewey Con offered the public a chance to drive Sphero robots around challenging obstacle courses, explore virtual reality via Oculus Rift, and run rousing races of Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch!

Cosmic Times’ Martin Pierro not only discussed the history of comic books in the United States, but also shared tips on publishing in the comic book world! FlamingoCon members visited to teach con-goers how to play new and exciting board games, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens provided crafts workshops on Japanese culture, and Nerds Know hosted many an Anime trivia round! Maltz Jupiter Theatre brought Drama Dragon to town to share a gorgeous bilingual story time all about the acceptance of feelings. Hoopla representatives were on hand to show visitors how to access the magnificent world of comics and graphic novels available to users of Hoopla Digital! Tate’s Comics + Toys + More shared a plethora of Free Comic Day comics with adults and kids alike.

In case that were not enough, special thanks to the Everglades Squadron, Darth Vader, Rey, and a myriad of other Star Wars characters for making appearances during weekend festivities!
Over 1,500 comic books and 900 graphic novels were distributed to PBCLS library members during the event, allowing countless enthusiasts to start home libraries of their very own!

If you missed Dewey Con 2019, stay tuned, because we’ll be hosting another comic con event in 2020!

Written by Christina Stone, PBCLS Librarian

Valerian was created by Jean-Claude Mézières and Pierre Christin and was originally published as French comic series from November 1967 – January 2010. While Valerian is Mézières’ only comic series, he has worked as an illustrator in many other areas, including designs and sets for The Fifth Element, and he was awarded the Grand Prix du festival d’Angoulême in 1984. Christin also works in collaboration with other artists such as Tardi and Bilal and writes novels and film scripts.

From the Publisher: “VALERIAN is a saga that every fan of Star Wars and Star Trek will identify with and love. Valerian and his beautiful, sharp-witten and sharp-tongued partner, Laureline, live adventures set against visually stunning backgrounds: complex architectural inventions, futuristic machines, otherworldly landscapes, and odd-looking aliens that are staples of artist Mezieres’s seemingly boundless visual inventiveness. The stories are gripping and of epic proportion, sweeping along in trilling, hyper-space speed.”

We ordered the first three volumes of the new Complete Collection for our members in anticipation of the film’s release. Check them out in our catalog.

Check out more Spider-Man titles, including the other Spider-Man movies, in our catalog!

*I’m sure there was a missed opportunity for at least one Spidey-pun. Leave your suggestions in the comments as well as your feelings on the film.

Wonder Woman: Her Greatest Battles
By Various
2017-02 – DC Comics

With the powers of a god and the fighting spirit of an Amazon, Wonder Woman is Earth’s fiercest defender. On Themyscira, Diana was trained from birth to be a warrior. Her skills in battle are unmatched, as are her bullet-stopping bracelets and Lasso of Truth. Now, relive her greatest triumphs.

Wonder Woman Volume 1: Blood
By Azzarello, Brian
Illustrator Chiang, Cliff
Illustrator Akins, Tony
2012-06 – DC Comics

Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, has kept a secret from her daughter all her life-and when Wonder Woman learns who her father is, her life will shatter like brittle clay.

I absolutely loved the Azzarello run and thoroughly enjoyed his version of Diana’s origin and her connection to Greco-Roman mythos. It is also possibly the closest to the movie version (that’s as “spoilery” as I’ll get, I promise! <3 ).

A Comic Book with Recipes
I loved Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley, which came out a few years ago, but never really expected to find another graphic novel with recipes. I was wrong. Apparently graphic novel cookbooks are now a thing.

There was a really interesting article on eater.com about it, Why Cookbooks are Looking More Like Comicbooks. They point out:

But comic cookbooks can do something for home cooks, too — make recipes less daunting and easier to follow. Cookbooks are still in demand, but many — with their overly aspirational food photography — wind up as coffee-table books for the kitchen.

An interesting point, for sure. And click through to an older article, The Golden Era of Food Comics is Happening Right Now. Also interesting.

When I heard about Cook Korean!, I knew I had to take a look at it. I don’t know a lot about Korean food. Korean BBQ restaurants are around, and kimchi is hugely popular pretty much everywhere now, so it seemed like a good time to learn. And learn I did.

Table of Contents:

Introduction
Kimchi and Pickles
Vegetable Side Dishes
Meat and Poultry
Seafood
Soups and Stews
Porridges
Noodles and Rice Cakes
Snacks and Street Foods
Cocktails and Anju
Korean Fusion

I included the introduction because it’s not your typical “here’s why I wrote this cookbook page.” Instead, it’s 20 pages or so of ingredients used in Korean cooking, the Korean refrigerator, the Korean pantry, Korean meal guide, Bap: Cooked Rice, Rice and its delicious by-products, Korea’s regions and foods and finally Dengki’s dress. In other words, lots of super useful information. With illustrations.

All the chapters are heavily illustrated, thus the graphic novel genre. I mean if you just picked it up without knowing it was a cookbook, it probably wouldn’t occur to you as you glanced through it. No, it’s not a novel, it’s cookbook/memoir and nonfiction while we usually call fiction books novels. But what I called comic books as a kid are now called graphic novels, regardless of whether or not the books contain fiction or nonfiction. My library shelves them in the nonfiction. I have noticed that some graphic novel memoirs are shelved in biographies, and I’m not sure who is making that distinction (Library of Congress? The Online Computer Library Center, better known as OCLC?) or why that distinction is being made. Congressman John Lewis just won a bunch of awards for the third book of his graphic novel trilogy memoir, March: Book Three (congrats!) which is shelved in biography. But I digress.

Other things I noticed when looking at the table of contents. I admitted up front I am pretty ignorant about Korean food. I didn’t know there were stews or porridges, for instance. Now I do. Kimchi Stew, for starters. And a Spicy Fish Stew. I learned that pine nuts are not just for pesto and are used in Pine Nut Porridge.

So kimchi. There is a little gastro pub near my house that makes killer kimchi. And by killer I mean they warn you if you try and order it that it is very hot, so I haven’t tried it. A kimchi loving friend (hi Dave!) has had it and really enjoys it. So everything I know about kimchi is that historically, it was made from cabbage in clay jars and buried in the dirt. The smell was supposedly horrific. And is very, very spicy. But after reading this book, I learned that my suppositions were correct, but there are ways to make it much more palatable for my delicate American taste. Use less Korean chili, for starters. I also learned that kimchi can be made from a variety of vegetables, not just cabbage – radish, cucumber and green onion, just to name a few. I feel kimchi educated now.

Noodles are big in Asian cooking and Korean food is no exception. The recipe for Handmade Knife Noodles is about as close to pasta as you can get. Rice cakes are called Tteok and there are dozens of different kinds, mostly eaten as snacks or dessert.

The cocktails chapter includes a lesson in Korean Drinking Culture, including the admonishment to “always pour your elder’s drink with both your hands,” to never refuse a drink from your elders and “always refill drinks for others and never refill your own drink. You must wait for others to fill it up for you.”

The recipes are all explained and illustrated so that even someone as ignorant of Korean food and customs as I am, could successfully prepare anything in this book. I loved the watercolor type paintings that illustrate each chapter title page, and the drawings throughout the book really added to my understanding of technique. It’s funny, I never really cared for illustrations in cookbooks, for instance the beloved Silver Palate Cookbook, as I much prefer photographs. But for some reason, I love the illustrations here and didn’t miss the photos at all.

Finally, I was trying to figure out how many recipes there are but it was difficult as so many have variations included. The author does mention in her acknowledgements that her mother helped with 64 of the recipes though. Always nice to acknowledge your mom!

If you are curious about Korean cuisine and culture or you love Korean food and want to try making some yourself, this is the book for you.

1/17 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

See more reviews from Stacy at BookBitch.com.

COOK KOREAN! by Robin Ha. Ten Speed Press (July 5, 2016). ISBN 978-1607748878. 176p.

Need a refresher? Check out Guardians of the Galaxy on DVD or Bluray.

Can’t get enough GotG?? See what’s available at your local library!

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A perfect jumping-on point, featuring the cast of the summer blockbuster–but in Marvel Universe continuity! When the brand-new Zodiac rears its many heads, the Avengers must assemble to combat them. But who is behind the group’s return? None other than Thanos, the mad Titan, who has claimed Earth as his own. Collecting “Avengers Assemble” 1-8.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Prelude

By Abnett, Dan

Illustrator Alves, Wellington

Text by (Art/Photo Books) Lanning, Andy

2014-07 – Marvel Comics Group

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Prepare for Marvel Studios’ newest big-screen blockbuster with these all-new stories taking place just before the film Who is Nebula? What tragic events forged her unbreakable allegiance to her dark lord? And how does Korath the Pursuer fit in? Then, as Gamora begins her quest for the Orb, see firsthand why she is the considered the most dangerous woman in the universe Plus, relive the Guardians’ individual debuts as Gamora and Star-Lord burst onto the scene, Drax and Iron Man take on Thanos, Rocket Raccoon meets the Hulk…and Groot tries to enslave the earth COLLECTING: Marvel’s Gua rdia ns of the Galaxy Prelude 1-2, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comic 1, Iron Man (1968) 55, Strange Tales (1951) 181, Incredible Hulk (1968) 271; material from Tales to Astonish (1959) 13, Marvel Previ ew 4; Handbook profiles.

 

Cosmic Avengers

By Marvel Comics

Illustrator McNiven, Steve

Text by (Art/Photo Books) Bendis, Brian Michael

2014-04 – Marvel Comics

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There’s a new rule in the galaxy. No one touches Earth No one But why has Earth suddenly become the most important planet in the galaxy? That’s what the Guardians of the Galaxy are going to find out Join Star-Lord, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Groot and the invincible Iron Man as they embark on an explosive and eye-opening adventure.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 1

By Bendis, Brian Michael

Text by (Art/Photo Books) Marvel Comics

Text by (Art/Photo Books) Bendis, Brian Michael

2015-05 – Marvel Comics

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Why has Earth suddenly become the most important planet in the galaxy? The Guardians of the Galaxy plan to find out Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket Raccoon, Groot – and the invincible Iron Man – embark on an explosive adventure The secrets they discover will rattle readers for years to come But while Earth deals with a brutal Badoon invasion, the Guardians’ fate has been decided millions of miles away Then, Heaven’s most fearsome angel comes for the Guardians And when Gamora battles the mysterious Angela, the universe hangs in the balance The Guardians find themselves at a crossroads when Thanos’ master plan takes shape. Can Angela’s power help combat INFINITY ? And will Star-Lord betray the entire universe? The cosmic blockbuster hit begins here COLLECTING: Guardians of the Galaxy 0.1, 1-10; Guardians of the Galaxy: Tomorrow ‘s Avengers 1.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy: New Guard, Volume 1: Emperor Quill

By Bendis, Brian Michael

Illustrator Schiti, Valerio

2016-12 – Marvel Comics

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Peter Quill has abandoned the Guardians and his role as Star-Lord to be emperor of the Spartax Now, Rocket has grabbed the reins as team leader – backed up by Drax, Venom, Groot, Kitty Pryde and brand-new Guardian Ben Grimm, the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing But what could put the team into the crosshairs of Emperor Quill and his Imperial Guard? Another old face is back, too – but will it be a welcome return for Gamora, or have circumstances changed in the eight months she has been away? When friends like these cause complications for Rocket and the gang, who needs enemies? They don’t, but they seem to attract them anyway. And the newest threat to the galaxy is a doozy. His name is Yotat the Destroyer – and he will have blood. COLLECTING: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 1-5.

 

Guardians of the Galaxy; Tomorrow’s Avengers Volume 1

By Drake, Arnold

Text by (Art/Photo Books) Gerber, Steve

Text by (Art/Photo Books) Claremont, Chris

2013-01 – Marvel Comics

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Captain America, Doctor Strange, the Thing, the Hulk and other familiar faces join the star-spanning heroes in the greatest war the future ever saw Then, as the Guardians help a planet in turmoil rebuild, threats rise from two other worlds: one of them living, the other gone mad It’s cosmic action as you like it, as the Avengers of tomorrow face their baptism of fire Featuring the introduction of Nikki and the origin of Starhawk Guest-starring the Silver Surfer COLLECTING: Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 18, Marvel Two -In-One (1974) 4-5, Giant -Size Defenders 5, Defenders (1972) 26-29, Marvel Presents 3-12.

 

The Trial of Jean Grey

By Marvel Comics, Marvel Comics

Text by (Art/Photo Books) Marvel Comics

2014-06 – Marvel Comics

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The arrival of the original X-Men in the present sent shockwaves through the Marvel Universe, but we’ve only seen the effects on Earth – until now When an alien race discovers that Jean Grey, host of the destructive Phoenix Force, is back on Earth, they decide to hold her accountable for the heinous acts of Dark Phoenix Now it’s up to the spacefaring Guardians of the Galaxy to help the all-new X-Men save Jean Grey from twisted intergalactic justice A surprise ally from one character’s past comes to help, but is that enough against the most powerful army in the Universe? You won’t want to miss the first encounter between two of the biggest franchises in the Marvel Universe. COLLECTING: Guardians of the Galaxy 11-13, All -New X-Men 22-24.

 

Rocket Raccoon, Volume 1: A Chasing Tale

By Young, Skottie

Illustrator Parker, Jake

2015-03 – Marvel Comics

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Rocket Raccoon has been a hero to the weak, a champion of good, a heartthrob to many intergalactic females…but his high-flying life of adventure may be a thing of the past when he’s framed for murder – and the authorities aren’t the only one on his tail (Get it? Tail?) The real killer is an imposter who seems to be one step ahead of Rocket at every turn…now, it’s up to our hero and his best pal Groot to find the truth With Macho Gomez and the Ex-Terminators tracking him, can Rocket make it out alive and clear his name? Superstar creator Skottie Young brings his A-game as writer and artist on the series we’ve been waiting decades for. Because really, this is the only Guardian of the Galaxy you actually care about, right? COLLECTING: Rocket Raccoon 1-6.

 

Legendary Star-Lord, Volume 1: Face It, I Rule

By Humphries, Sam

Illustrator Medina, Paco

Illustrator Williams, Freddie

2015-02 – Marvel Comics

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Exploding from the pages of Guardians of the Galaxy Peter Quill battles the Badoon, fights to save an orphanage, and still finds time to flirt with the X-Men’s Kitty Pryde – all in a day’s work for the legendary Star-Lord But when Peter is captured by a bounty hunter with a strange connection to his past, can the two make amends before he’s fed to a giant alien? Sharing a Badoon jail cell with a criminal and a child isn’t exactly Peter’s idea of a good time…luckily, he’s got an ace named Kitty up his sleeve. But Star-Lord soon encounters the all-powerful Titan responsible for so much mayhem in his life: Thanos It’s the battle to end all battles, but can Star-Lord possibly get out alive? COLLECTING: Legendary Star-Lord 1-5.

1 GHOSTS, by Raina Telgemeier. (Scholastic) Two sisters discover that their quiet coastal town is haunted by ghosts, but are they something to fear, or embrace?

2 BABY-SITTERS CLUB GRAPHIX: BOX SET, by Ann M. Martin and Raina Telgemeier. (Scholastic) This collection contains the first four volumes of the all–color adaptation of the popular book series.

3 DRAMA, by Raina Telgemeier. (Scholastic) Callie becomes the stage manager for her middle school’s production of “Moon Over Mississippi.”

4 THE WALKING DEAD COMPENDIUM, VOL. 1, by Robert Kirkman and others. (Image Comics) This collected edition reprints the first 48 issues of “The Walking Dead.”

5 THE WALKING DEAD COMPENDIUM, VOL. 3, by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. (Image Comics) This large collected edition includes issues 97 through 144, where Rick and his group of survivors make contact with other communities.

6 THE WALKING DEAD COMPENDIUM, VOL. 2, by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. (Image Comics) In this collected edition, of issues 49-96, Rick and his group of survivors try to stay alive — with zombies, and some humans, against them.

7 SMILE, by Raina Telgemeier. (Scholastic) Raina experiences braces, boy troubles and other plagues of the sixth grade.

8 SISTERS, by Raina Telgemeier. (Scholastic) Raina is stuck in the back seat between her younger brother and sister for a weeklong road trip in this family memoir.

9 MARCH TRILOGY, by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell. (Top Shelf Productions) All three volumes of Representative John Lewis’s memoir of the civil rights movement are collected here.

10 THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB GRAPHIX: KRISTY’S GREAT IDEA, by Ann M. Martin and Raina Telgemeier. (Scholastic) Four friends start a babysitting business in this all-color adaptation of the first book in the series.