When my kids were small I used to read to them a lot, usually in an effort (doomed) to get the little blighters to go to sleep. I'd let them choose a pile of picture books from the box and the deal was that once the books were all read, they would settle down for the night. It rarely worked out that way, but what I did achieve from all that reading aloud, if not some peace, was a keen appreciation for what kind of stories my kids really enjoyed.
Read the full article here:
https://vulpeslibris.wordpress.com/2016/02/01/the-stumps-of-flattop-hill-by-kenneth-kit-lamug/
Welcome to Range, Washington, an inland island — a body of land surrounded by rivers on all sides — that's half Snoquomish Indian Reservation, half small-town America, and 100% unbridled madness. Range's mayor has been running unopposed and ruling the town for half a century, like his father and grandfather before him, and the town's sheriff is a drunk in the early stages of alcoholic dementia, both of whom come quickly into play after a series of grisly murders takes place in the idyllic town. Not to mention, the citizens and those passing through suddenly realize that nobody can leave the city limits. [Cue The Twilight Zone music here.] Fingers point to Mort Carver as the murderer, a serial killer of brutal proportions who's been granted asylum on the Snoquomish Reservation, which is only the start of an accelerating series of oddities to occur within Range's boundaries into the fever pitch of its staggering conclusion. And so goes Tom Manning's wormhole of a horror graphic novel Runoff, in all its carnivalesque glory.
Read the full article here:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sezin-koehler/a-cabinet-of-curiosities-americana-style-tom-mannings-runoff_b_9014044.html?utm_hp_ref=books&ir=Books
Cassy wrote a nice review of our recent publication American Spun on her blog “knit the hell out.” Excerpt below:
“Overall this book is very elegant. The aim is to highlight American yarn manufacturers, fifteen in all, with patterns created with those yarns in mind. I was especially curious to learn more about Brooklyn Tweed, Jill Draper Makes Stuff, Spincycle Yarns, and Pigeon Roof Studios. There is a short biography about each yarn manufacturer including what might inspire their process and yarn making. One of my favorite features of the book was the list of abbreviations available printed on the inside of the front cover. I haven't seen that in a knitting book before, but it I can see myself flipping easily to it in the middle of a pattern, rather than flipping through pages that would take me away from my place in the pattern.”
Read the full article here:
http://knitthehellout.com/2016/01/09/a-review-of-american-spun-20-classic-projects-exploring-homegrown-yarn/
American Spun is a collection of 20 timeless patterns, as well as an introduction to American Yarn and the people who produce it. Filled with gorgeous photography, classic projects, and a directory of the most exciting yarn producers working in America today, American Spun makes a handsome addition to the hobby knitter's bookshelf.
See the post here:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/american-spun-20-classic-projects-exploring-homegrown-yarn/patterns
Buy your copy of The Rising of the Shield Hero Volume 1 and 2 for Kindle here!
Volume 1
http://tinyurl.com/o33q6at
Volume 2
http://tinyurl.com/nhsezhg
Runoff was just listed as Amazon's Best Books of the Month for Comics and Graphic Novels for December!
View the list here:
http://tinyurl.com/oucv37q
Shouji Kawamori's Sousei no Aquarion franchise has always been typified by its odd hybrid of enigma and humor. The Aquarion Evol manga adaptation's third volume plys both characteristics in equal measure. The volume is rather light on action, choosing instead to focus heavily on developing supporting characters.
Read the full article here:
http://www.animenation.net/blog/2015/11/18/examining-aquarion-evol-volume-3/
Here's an event that you don't see very often at Umami Mart — a comic book party! We are so excited to celebrate the release of Runoff by Oakland-based artist and our good friend Tom Manning. Published by Japanese comic book house One Peace Books, Runoff is an intricate, dizzying work by Tom which made its debut in 1999. After years of serialized self-publishing, Runoff is now available as a complete compilation, thanks to One Peace Books.
Join us, together with Tom on November Friday the 13th from 6-9pm. We'll have plenty of books for purchase and to have Tom sign, along with raffle prizes — namely the original drawing for this event!
Umami Mart
815 Broadway
Old Oakland, CA
BART: 12th Street
Original post here:
http://blog.umamimart.com/2015/11/upcoming-event-runoff-book-release-party-with-tom-manning/
This book is exactly as it is billed: an easy introduction to cosplaying for novices that breaks down the steps of choosing and putting together a costume. Though it does briefly mention photography etiquette and consent, it makes the hobby look fun and safe with a touch of girl power, enough to inspire someone to attend their first con. I was particularly impressed that in the translation from the Japanese edition, the publishers took the time to research and include American websites as resources. As the guide follows Kaso's journey from novice to cosplayer, the characters' enthusiasm is infectious and readers will be drawn in. Even if the storyline is a little forced, it makes a potentially dry book more engaging. I would recommend this for readers ages 12 and up.
Read the full article:
http://noflyingnotights.com/2015/09/01/cosplay-basics-a-beginners-guide-to-the-art-of-costume-play/
Since its October 2012 premiere online, the novel series has become a best seller, getting a commercial print publication by Media Factory in 2013 and an ongoing manga adaptation in 2014. The story revolves around Naofumi Iwatani, a Japanese college student abruptly transported to an un-named fantasy world plagued by a monthly invasion of ghastly beasts. Naofumi is summoned by the country of Melromarc to serve as one of its four legendary heroes that will subdue the ¡ÈWaves of Great Destruction.¡É While the other three summoned heroes, also coincidentally Japanese youths, wield a sword, spear, and bow, respectively, Naofumi is literally stuck with a shield that he can't take off and can't strike or attack with. Furthermore, magic prohibits him from even attempting to wield an offensive weapon. Despite being one of only four people capable of saving the world, Naofumi is immediately ostracized and vilified by the kingdom of Melromarc and even his fellow ¡Èlegendary heroes.¡É Informed that he can't return to Japan before the ¡ÈWaves of Great Destruction¡É are eliminated, Naofumi grudgingly sets to the task of leveling up and recruiting party members to save the very kingdom that inexplicably orders his execution only three days after his appearance in the world.
Read full article:
http://www.animenation.net/blog/2015/09/10/the-moderate-ascendancy-of-the-shield-hero/
