Okay, folks, confession time. I’m not exactly proud of this, but I’ve never read a graphic novel.* Please don’t judge me! Because as soon as I get my grabby hands on Craig Thompson’s Blankets, that’s all going to change, I promise.
This particular Cover Love post is interesting in the fact that the author is also the illustrator. Which I find mighty awesome, if I say so myself. I dare you to visit Craig Thompson’s blog and not get lost in all of its pages, clicking on post after post, ogling all of that artistry. And what’s more, he’s included a few pictures of the German production of Blankets.
Among a few texture-rific specialties, it’s got subtle spot varnish, one of my favorite things to fondle touch on a book.
Regarding the US cover, Blankets has a face that stills you with its emotional tone. To me, the two characters on the cover don’t seem to be holding each other in a romantic embrace – they’re out in the middle of nowhere, holding still in a forest of snow. They seem lost in each other, but…they seem so sad.
A sample from the inside:
US
Germany
Oh, and a few other people had some nice things to say about Blankets, too. And it’s won multiple awards in both visual and literary realms. No big deal.
Yep, I think I’m ready to cut my teeth.
I love the trees in the background of the US cover. And don’t be ashamed, I have never read a graphic novel either. Funny story.. I overheard some kids in the bookstore the other day.. one started to venture in to the graphic novel section & the other said, “STOP! you can’t go in there.. that’s for adults!” HAHA
That’s it! I have to read this NOW! I can’t tell you how many times I have checked this one out from the library only to return it unread. It’s literally sitting on my “library shelf” (I call it the annex) right now. I can see it from where I’m typing! It’s embarrassing really. Long distance book club?
Hahaha, the annex. Love it. And YES, long distance book club! I will email you when I get my grabby hands on it. =)
I’ve never read a graphic novel either…I should try one and branch out of my comfort zone a little bit. That’s amazing that the author is also the illustrator – can we say talented much?!
That cover is lovely, lovely, lovely. It might just suck me into the world of graphic novels, too!
This is one of the best graphic novels. I haven’t read many, but this one is brilliant!!! And really — because of all the pictures, they read pretty fast, so don’t delay any longer. Bon courage!
Thanks, Lindi! I’m definitely looking forward to reading it!
Ginger, Tara & Katelyn, we need to get on this graphic novel bidness. Like ASAP.
i love this!! the illustration style is beautiful!
I love this graphic novel and I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve purchased around ten copies to give to friends who needed this book at different points in their lives. If the cover makes you feel sad, well, can I recommend a couple of uninterrupted hours and at least one box of the Kleenex with aloe because you’re going to need it.
It wasn’t my first graphic novel, that moment goes to Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman series, but it is one of the most meaningful and enduring.
My only gripe is that the cover, with its white and blue, is so beautiful but in real life it is made of a cover material that begs to be scuffed up. I have no idea what the product is called but one read through will leave the white marked and scuffed pretty bad. It is still so lovely though. I hope you love it. I’m sure you will.
I’m sold. SOLD, I tell you. I so wish the English hardcover was still available!
The German one is going to be my computer background now. It’s so gorgeous & shivery.
I have never read a Graphic Novel either but Blankets looks like a good place to start!!
I checked “Blankets” out from the library some years ago because I pulled it out and liked the cover so much. And I don’t think you’ll be disappointed; it’s quite good
Update: I’ve purchased Blankets and I’m now happily waiting for it to show up in my mailbox. Thanks for all the encouragement. =)