REVIEWING THE SITUATION

A couple of new items.

* A lovely academic review of A Boy and a Girl. 

Sample...

But this apparent predictability is the entire point of the graphic novel. Jamie S. Rich knows exactly what he’s doing by giving us a bland title and a SEEMINGLY bland opening to a story. It’s anything but bland, trite, and predictable. And even when you think it’s predictable in other ways, it’s not. This plot has several key twists and turns that are important for Rich to explore his themes dealing with identity, freedom, sexuality, beauty, true love, friendship, and ethics. 

* Me talking on the PDX Beat podcast about comics and the like.

Current Soundtrack: Conor Oberst, Upside Down Mountain

I'VE COME FOR MY AWARD

Oh, awards season.

Look, let's be honest. We all bitch and grouse about how they don't mean anything and it's a popularity contest or whatever, but we all want to win one when it comes down to it. I kept my fingers crossed reading over the Eisner nominations last month. Everyone probably did.

While a committee decides on the Eisners, there are other award ceremonies where the nomination process is more open.

There are the Harvey Awards, which industry professionals can vote for. Ballots accepted until May 19.

And there are the Eagle Awards, recently renamed for Stan Lee, that any reader can have a say in. Put in nominations here until May 16.

No big sales pitch here. I'm just going to make a list of books I worked on and that my friends worked on that you might consider. It's hard to remember what's what in any given year, so I'm going to jog both of our memories. In most cases, you can vote for any of these in the major categories: series, writer, artist, etc. I'll make notes if maybe you should consider something else.

* Battlepug digital comic, and vol. 2 collected edition by Mike Norton (writer/artist), Allen Passalaqua (colorist), and Crank! (letterer) [self-published/Dark Horse Comics]

* A Boy and a Girl graphic novel by Jamie S. Rich (writer), Natalie Nourigat (artist), and Ed Brisson (letterer) [Oni Press]

* The Double Life of Miranda Turner digital only series by Jamie S. Rich (writer), George Kambadais (artist), Paulina Ganucheau (colorist), and Crank! (letterer) [Monkeybrain Comics]

* FF by Matt Fraction & Lee Allred (writers), Michael Allred (artist, incl. covers), and Laura Allred (colorist) [Marvel Comics] 

* Helheim miniseries by Cullen Bunn (writer), Joëlle Jones (artist, incl. covers), Nick Filardi (colorist), and Ed Brisson (letterer) [Oni Press]

* It Girl and the Atomics #s 6-12 by Jamie S. Rich [writer], Mike Norton [7, 8, 9, 12], Chynna Clugston-Flores [6, 12], and Natalie Nourigat [10, 11, 12] (artists), Allen Passalaqua (colorist), Crank! (letterer), and Michael & Laura Allred (covers) [Image Comics]

* Revival by Tim Seeley (writer), Mike Norton (artist), Mark Englert (colorist), Crank! (letterer), and Jenny Frisson (covers) [Image Comics]

* The Sixth Gun by Cullen Bunn (writer), Brian Hurtt (artist, incl. covers), and Bill Crabtree (colorist) [Oni Press]

* Spell Checkers, vol. 3: Careless Whisper graphic novel by Jamie S. Rich (writer), Nicolas Hitori de and Joëlle Jones (artists), Warren Wucinich (letterer), and Joëlle Jones (cover) [Oni Press]

* Please also consider George Kambadais for Best New Talent and It Girl and the Atomics #6 as Best Single Issue.

These are, of course, not everything published last year, not all of my friends, and not even all of some of these folks' work. But its a good core of friends and colleagues. Keep them in mind!

Current Soundtrack: This week's episode of Survivor

READER MEET AUTHOR: Special Edition NYC & Free Comic Book Day

First, a reminder, May 3 come see myself, Joëlle Jones, and Mike Norton at Zeus Comics in Dallas, TX, to celebrate Free Comic Book Day. I

Then, the following month, June 14 and 15, I'll be joining Mike Norton, Michael & Laura Allred, and a tons of great folks for Special Edition: New York City. I'm really excited about this show. I haven't been to the East Coast since I went to NY Comic Con a couple of years ago, and this new event is put on by the same people. It's a Special Edition because it's comic books only. No big media, video games, or anything else. Just comics!

I should hopefully have copies of Archer Coe & the Thousand Natural Shocks to debut at the show, as well as the first two issues of Madame Frankenstein and a smattering of other books. If I have any A Boy and a Girl hardcovers left by then, for instance. 

Here are more details.

Current Soundtrack: Phantogram, Voices

SO NOW YOU KNOW

Multiversity Comics has an in-depth review of A Boy and a Girl.

If anything, the book is perhaps best described as what Before Sunrise would be like if it were a Janelle Monae concept album. That may seem like a somewhat esoteric description, but it fits rather aptly. Throughout the book, there’s a good amount of rhythm and lyricism to it that is undeniable, all wrapped up in a story about how one evening of philosophy and personal interaction/dialogue can be life-changing. The nature of the sequential storytelling create a bit more of an intimate experience than a film or an album can, though, and while “A Boy and a Girl” is perhaps a tale as old as time, it’s presented in a passionate narrative that makes it still worthwhile.

Read the whole thing here.

Note that signed copies of both the regular edition trade paperback and the limited hardcover of A Boy and a Girl are available in the Shop:JSR link above, and Natalie's art from the series is in her shop on this site, as well.

Not to mention stores everywhere.

Current Soundtrack: Kelis, "Jerk Ribs;" The Horrors, "So Now You Know;" Broken Bells, "Leave It Alone"

BOWS & ARROWS

Archer Coe is at a loss for words wondering why you haven't ordered Archer Coe & the Thousand Natural Shocks from your favorite comic book retailer or bookstore yet.

Dan Christensen, the artist on the graphic novel, had a big update to his blog today, talking Archer Coe and also other projects. Of note: the fact that the book is going to be serialized on Comixology starting this Tuesday, April 8. Twice weekly updates until the whole thing is done. So, two months of Archer Coe!

This is actually how I originally intended the book to be read. At the time I was writing it, Oni Press had plans to start serializing comics weekly on their website. So, much like A Boy and a Girl, I wrote Archer Coe & the Thousand Natural Shocks as series of bite-sized chapters, using the format in a kind of old-fashioned cliffhanger manner. I'm curious to hear what people who read it in this way end up thinking about it!

Current Soundtrack: Kaiser Chiefs, Education, Education, Education & War

WEEKEND 10% OFF SALE SITE-WIDE

You only live once, so go for it!

Since neither Natalie Nourigat nor I will be at Emerald City Comic Con this weekend, we’re having a sale in our joint webstore. All books and all of Natalie’s art will be 10% with the coupon code NOECCC. 

http://confessions123.com/shop/

This sale will be in effect until 11:59 pm on Sunday, March 30.

All books come signed!

CURRENT SOUNDTRACK: Classixx, "All You're Waiting For (feat. Nancy Chan)"

NATALIE, SHE'S PROBABLY OUT THERE THINKIN' IT'S FUNNY

Natalie Nourigat is sharing the first of one of the "lost" blog posts written for the never-realized online serialization of A Boy and a Girl. It's about the 180-degree rule, and was meant to follow chapter 2.

Read the whole thing at her tumblr.

tumblr_n1nlxbloLJ1qicnlko1_500.jpg

A Boy and a Girl is still available from comic book shops and book stores everywhere. Or you can buy signed copies, including the limited hardcover (I have 10 left!) from my shop.

Natalie's art from the book is also available.

And I didn't realize there was a Kindle edition available. If that's your kind of think, click the Amazon box below.

TEARS ALWAYS WIN

More links for the new book...

A Boy and a Girl made #3 on Panel Patter's favorite books of 2013. 

This book is exactly why I keep my favorites lists open until Christmas every year. Delayed from its original release date, this one won't get a lot of Best-of love, but it should. Rich blends the strengths of a relationship comic into the philosophical nature of what makes us human in a near future tale that delights as well as surprises, without a single gotcha moment. Meanwhile, Nourigat's art tells us so much about the world of the title characters, leaving Rich free to use his dialogue for other things. She changes styles as needed, using exaggeration in just the right places and showing a deep bench of creative influences. Oni Press might have reclaimed their Relationship Comics title belt with this one.

Read all of Rob's list here.

It's not the only high-ranking pick we got. USA Today asked romance novelists for their favorite love stories of the year, and Gayla Twist, author of Broom with a View, gave Natalie and I a shout.

This is actually a graphic novel, sci-fi romance. There's more to it than you expect and you find yourself caught up in the story.

We also got an incredible review from Comics Should Be Good.

In a comics world where romances are often few and far between, it’s nice to see one so well done. A Boy and a Girl is a beautiful love story that manages to do some new things with an old format, which is always a good thing. Rich creates such fascinating characters and allows them free rein to explore not only their feelings, but the way people act in general, and Nourigat does a marvelous job bringing them to life. This is one of the best graphic novels I’ve read this year, and I hope it leads to even bigger and better things for the creators. That would be nice.

Yes, it would. Yes, it would.

And finally, Lit/Rant knows exactly how to compliment me:

A Boy and a Girl is a very neat little morality play with a twist, in the fine tradition of Rod Serling. In fact, it would make a very nice episode of The Twilight Zone, but as it is, it’s a fine graphic novel.

Have you ordered your A Boy and a Girl hardcover from my store yet?

Perused the Natalie Nourigat art for sale?

What are you waiting for?!?!

Current Soundtrack: Miguel & Kendrick Lamar, "How Many Drinks?;" Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding, "I Need Your Love (Nicky Romano Remix);" Tricky, "Nothing's Changed;" Jessie Ware & A$AP Rocky, "Wildest Moments (Remix)" - all from my Spotify list featuring songs of 2013.

BIG NATALIE NOURIGAT BIRTHDAY ART SALE!

It's hard to believe that my little sister from another mister is already 26 years old, but as of this moment, yes, she is. 

To celebrate, all art in the Natalie Nourigat art store is 26% off. That's right, 1% for each year she's been alive. And the deal is going to be good until the end of the day on December 26. How appropriate is that?!

All you have to do take advantage of this opportunity is enter the code Sweet26 when you checkout. The discount will be applied before you confirm you order.

As you'll see, all available art from A Boy and a Girl has been uploaded to the site, so now is the time to grab it. That includes the cover and process material in the first gallery, and the back half of the book in the second gallery.

But you can also pick from any category.

Between Gears

Husbands

It Girl and the Atomics

Meet Your Mind

My Boyfriend's a Monster: Wrapped Up in You

You can jump between any of the above galleries by using the dropdown menu that appears when you click on Natalie's name in the site's menu bar.

An additional bonus to buying the art is this will help Natalie continue to fund her year-long residency in France!

Pages from the other books not yet in the gallery may also be available. E-mail me at golightly [a] gmail dot com and I will quote you a price for any page you are looking for, plus the discount.

Current Soundtrack: Busta Rhymes & Q-Tip, The Abstract & the Dragon

AT LONG LAST LOVE

Wowzers. Who knew it would take so long?

But my book with Natalie Nourigat is finally in stores as of today. 

Go pick up A Boy and a Girl from your local comics retailer, bookstore, or order it online. You can even get it digitally from Comixology.

Or, if you want an exclusive hardcover edition, signed by me, you can still order it directly from this website. I live right by a post office with a 24/7 self-service kiosk, so orders have been going out pretty fast.

Early reviews have been pretty good. 

Broken Frontier has chosen us as their Book of the Week. We also get recommended in the video picks that Seattle's Zanadu Comics posts on YouTube (starts just after the 9:15 mark).

Panel Patter has an extensive, spoiler-free review that is both thoughtful and thorough.

Comic Book Resources gives us 4 stars! (Kelly Thompson also gave George and I high marks for The Double Life of Miranda Turner #2.)

Portland Mercury included us favorably in a round-up of Porland-centric comic book releases (lots of comics folks live here, in case you didn't know).

A/V Club was more middling.

And if you want some tunes to listen to when you're reading, Natalie and I built a soundtrack for Largehearted Boy.

In case you missed it last week, both i09 and USA Today had exclusive previews (though both contain key plot details if you're spoiler-phobic). I also was interviewed by USA Today (same link).

I will be getting Natalie's art from the book for sale on the site very soon, but in the meantime, if you want a page and want to get a jump on the competition, just e-mail me at golightly[a]gmail dot com.

Current Soundtrack: Travis, Where You Stand

SO HARD: Limited Edition A BOY AND A GIRL hardbacks

Oni Press has made limited edition hardback versions of A Boy and a Girl to sell at conventions and via their web portals.

I have a small amount myself, and so have added a quantity to my own store, which you can buy and have signed by me.

Order them here.

The contents are the same in terms of interior pages, but you get a sturdier version with a nice metallic ink on the cover.

You can, of course, also order the regular version, as well as a selection of my other publications, in the store. I will be adding Natalie's art from the book soon. E-mail ahead if there are pages you want before it all goes up. golightly [a] gmail dot com

Current Soundtrack: At Berkeley, dir. Frederick Wiseman

IF I COULD, I'D FLY YOU AWAY ON A BIG OL' PAIR OF WINGS

So, bad news is that A Boy and a Girl suffered a snafu at Diamond, and they failed to flip the right switch to have it land in stores this week.

I know that sounds like a euphemism, but it's actually the total truth.

Common wisdom is I should play nice and pretend "oops, this shit happens," but the same basic incompetence made Spell Checkers vol. 3 a week late, too, so I'm starting to take it personal and fuck them. I've given up suffering fools, gladly or otherwise.

Allegedly the book will be in stores December 18, but I'll only believe it when I see it. If you hear about warehouse fires and trucks crashing, assume they contained a copy of A Boy and a Girl. 

Good news is that iO9 has a long preview of the book today. You can read it here, though realize it contains major spoilers that apparently we have decided to share with you all.  If you are buying the book already, seriously, you don't need to read this, sit tight. If you are on the fence, I will trust marketing wisdom and assume this will help. 

Either way, I have enough faith in the book, I know it is good even once you know its secrets.

By the way, buy it from my store and I'll ship it immediately. Signed. All spoilers intact! And the only distributor who will see a dime is the U.S. Postal Service. Also, Amazon has it already, so why the fuck not?

Also, you might want to check Comixology in the morning. I have a hunch that it will be available there tomorrow.

Original art will go on sale officially next week, but since I'm selling it...well, if you get an early copy and see a page, just e-mail golighty at gmail dot com.

Current Soundtrack: Ashanti, "Never Should Have," Justin Timberlake, "Not a Bad Thing" + the attached hidden track.

 

LAST CHANCE AT LOVE

Today is the final order day for A Boy and a Girl, my graphic novel with Natalie Nourigat. Plenty of copies will still be available to order after, but today is the day your local comic book establishment can order the book (using the code on this ad) and be sure to have it in their shop on December 11.

Read the first chapter now.

Current Soundtrack: The Who, Tommy (2013 remaster)

UPDATES TO THE WEB STORE

I've just added a couple of new items to the site's store:

* Spell Checkers vol. 3

* Spell Checkers 1-3 sale bundle

* A Boy and a Girl preorders

* Original art for the first ten pages of A Boy and a Girl

All books come signed.  

A Boy and a Girl will be mailed two days before release in order to get it to you as close to the on-sale date as possible. (Currently December 12, 2013.)

Order for Christmas, I can ship to any location you need.  

Current Soundtrack: M.I.A., Matangi