I got a little ego-boost in a bookstore today when I picked up a new book titled 500 Essential Graphic Novels and discovered that I wrote one of them. That made my day! To be honest, I don't remember whether I was told about my inclusion in advance. I don't think so. I do know Mom's Cancer is also mentioned in another new book, The Rough Guide to Graphic Novels by Danny Fingeroth, and although I got a sneak peak at what they wrote about me I haven't seen the published version yet. If the rough draft is a fair indication, it's a good review.
This type of recognition is . . . nice. Flattering. Appreciated. Odd. Surreal. The kind of thing that always makes me think, "If anyone had told me a few years ago . . . ." I wonder whether lists like that ever inspire someone to pick up a book they haven't heard of or would have otherwise overlooked. Maybe a few; I'll never know. But it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. (I was going to attribute that last sentence to Lee Marvin in the film "Cat Ballou" until I looked it up and was reminded that it wasn't said by Marvin but to him, and phrased a little differently. So never mind.) I'm sincerely thankful.
Speaking for me, I will pick up a book previously unknown to me, if it is in a "Best of. . ." compilation and I respect the editor(s). While I was reading your post, though, I did think, "Good grief, what's next? Graphic Novels for Dummies?"
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations, Brian. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!
ReplyDeleteThe Graphic Novel Adventure is Just Beginning, my friend!
You were probably thinking of how Kid Sheleen felt about critics: "At first you don't think you can stand to get hit, then you realize you can take it 'cause the blood don't matter, and you know you're gonna live."
ReplyDeleteLike wallflower, I have definitely bought books and music recommended to me on lists by editors I respect.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. As always it's well-deserved. Mom's Cancer seems to be the little book that just keeps going and going - that's a hell of a big little stone you dropped into the pond to cause all those ripples.
Wallflower, Anything written by Scott McCloud in the past decade would probably fit the bill.
ReplyDeleteMike L,, I see what you did there. Too bad Persis Khambatta isn't around to inspire me.
Mike P., Marvin's Kid Sheleen is a great character. I was actually thinking about a bit where someone's scolding Sheleen about being a drunk and says, "You'd like a drink better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stub, wouldn't you?" to which Marvin quite sensibly agrees. Funny thing is I remember that even though I haven't seen the movie in at least 25 years. My mind is an attic indiscriminately crammed with crap.
Ronnie, thanks. My sense is that one genuine word-of-mouth recommendation is worth a couple dozen mentions in print. I owe you a few.