Two Cats Graphic Novel Book Club!
For folks who like to talk about the things they read!
By Liz Baker
Ever read a graphic novel and think, man, I would love to talk to someone about how awesome this book is, but I can't because all my friends are busy doing things like splitting the atom and going grocery shopping? Well, we're here help you out with that! Here at Two Cats, we are of the strong opinion that the only thing better than reading graphic novels, is talking about graphic novels with friends, and we've created the Graphic Novel Book Club for just that.
Each month, the club comes up with a feature graphic novel to discuss during our next monthly meeting. These books have included Saga, Afterlife with Archie, Rat Queens, and most recently, Kieron Gillen's Wicked and Divine. In the past, we've focused on the theme of Women in Comics, and we're now starting to branch out to other themes and motifs! All the books you choose are super awesome and will be made readily available in store--just ask any one of our staff for details! The idea is to give comic readers (and even new-to-comic readers) a place to talk about the books you actually are interested in discussing, not just some generic yet also awesome staff picks. After each meeting, we'll post your group's thoughts, fears, and deep emotional feelings about the book here on our blog, so the rest of the world can hear what you have to say, and hopefully opt to join our cult...err...club as well! It's a win/win!
Graphic Novel Book Club is open to anyone who wants to share their thoughts and their opinions about literature, so come on in! Meetings are held at Two Cats Comic Book Store every third Thursday of the month at 7PM--AND there's snacks to boot. So, really, there's no reason not to be there. If you miss one, don't worry! We'll be doing a new book every month, and we'll undoubtedly expect you to be at the next one.
April's Graphic Novel Selection
Ten years after they landed. All over the world. And they did nothing, standing on the surface of the Earth like trees, exerting their silent pressure on the world, as if there were no-one here and nothing under foot. Ten years since we learned that there is intelligent life in the universe, but that they did not recognize us as intelligent or alive. TREES, a new science fiction novel by WARREN ELLIS (Transmetropolitan, Red) and JASON HOWARD (SUPER DINOSAUR, ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN), looks at a near-future world where life goes on in the shadows of the Trees: in China, where a young painter arrives in the "special cultural zone" of a city under a Tree; in Italy, where a young woman under the menacing protection of a fascist gang meets an old man who wants to teach her terrible skills; and in Svalbard, where a research team is discovering, by accident, that the Trees may not be dormant after all, and the awful threat they truly represent.
January 2016
The breakout hit of the biggest Spider-Event of the century is taking the comics world by storm with her own series! Gwen Stacy is Spider-Woman, but you knew that already. What you DON'T know is what friends and foes are waiting for her in the aftermath of Spider-Verse! From the fan-favorite creative team that brought you Spider-Gwen's origin story in EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE, Jason Latour and Robbie Rodriguez!
Black Widow is an Avenger and an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. But on her own time, she searches for atonement for her past as a KGB assassin - in ways those teams just wouldn't approve of. The Widow goes undercover in Russia - but from its cold streets, the Hand of God reaches out to crush her...and it is as merciless as its name. Outmatched by the brute force of this powerful new villain, Natasha discovers a deadly plot that spans the entire globe. Paris, London, Montenegro - Natasha is in a race against time, with nowhere to turn for answers. Black Widow's strength and cunning will be put to the test as she follows the trail of blood and destruction to the beginning, but can she locate the entity behind the attacks?
The beautifully violent return of the world's deadliest assassin! As Elektra prepares to shed her past and change her future, she braves the dangers of Monster Island - and the psychotic killer Bloody Lips - in her search for the elusive assassin known as Cape Crow! But the hunt becomes murkier when the hit is revealed as more than it seems. This might be one quest for which Elektra is ill-prepared. Will Marvel's deadliest femme fatale defeat Cape Crow and collect the biggest bounty of her career? Or will she do what she's never done before - protect the mark, and help the hardened killer and his son escape? Legendary assassins go head-to-head at the edge of the world, but it looks like Elektra's soul is right at Death's door.
Check out our ongoing graphic novel graveyard and comments on past reads here, after the jump. If you have any questions about meetings, our stellar reading choices, or if you just think this sounds like fun and you want to learn more, feel free to email us at twocatscomicclub@gmail.com!
October 2015
Saga, Vol 5
While Gwendolyn and Lying Cat risk everything to find a cure for The Will, Marko makes an uneasy alliance with Prince Robot IV to find their missing children, who are trapped on a strange world with terrifying new enemies.
Millennia ago, mankind fled the earth's surface into the bottomless depths of the darkest oceans. Shielded from a merciless sun's scorching radiation, the human race tried to stave off certain extinction by sending robotic probes far into the galaxy, to search for a new home among the stars. Generations later, one family is about to be torn apart, in a conflict that will usher in the final race to save humanity from a world beyond hope. Dive into an aquatic fantasy like none you've ever seen before, as writer RICK REMENDER (BLACK SCIENCE, Captain America) and artist GREG TOCCHINI (Last Days of American Crime) bring you a tale mankind's final hour in the cold, deathly dark of the sea.
The Conclusion: Low is an amazing book, full of awesome world pieces and fun sci fi elements. The artwork is beautiful, though can be slightly difficult to follow for some. It's also very clearly a female-centric story, and honestly, who doesn't like a good strong female protagonist?! For a fluid sci-fi about some potent topics, wrapped in a blanket of family values and betrayal, check out vol 1 today! You'll have a swimmingly good time.
Tony Chu is a detective with a secret. A weird secret. Tony Chu is Cibopathic, which means he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. It also means he's a hell of a detective, as long as he doesn't mind nibbling on the corpse of a murder victim to figure out whodunit, and why. He's been brought on by the Special Crimes Division of the FDA, the most powerful law enforcement agency on the planet, to investigate their strangest, sickest, and most bizarre cases.
The Conclusion: CHEW IS GREAT! The artwork perfectly compliments a very strange story with equally interesting and detailed illustrations, the story itself is compelling and fun, and it ultimately makes you want to know more. If you're into weird sci-fi sort-of-cannibalism with a humorous twist, check out Chew. You're in for a tasty treat!
July 2015
Captain Marvel: Pursuit of Flight BUY IT HERE!
The "Mightiest" of Earth's Mightiest Heroes is back! Ace pilot. Legendary Avenger. One hundred percent pure bad. Carol Danvers has a new name, a new mission - and all the power she needs to make her own life a living hell. As the new Captain Marvel, Carol is forging a new future for herself, but finds she can't walk away from a challenge from her past! It's a firefight in the sky as the Banshee Squadron debut - but who are the Prowlers, and where has Carol seen them before? And how does secret NASA training program Mercury 13 fit in? Witness Captain Marvel in blazing battlefield action that just may change the course of history! Avengers Time Travel Protocols: engage!
Ever read a graphic novel and think, man, I would love to talk to someone about how awesome this book is, but I can't because all my friends are busy doing things like splitting the atom and going grocery shopping? Well, we're here help you out with that! Here at Two Cats, we are of the strong opinion that the only thing better than reading graphic novels, is talking about graphic novels with friends, and we've created the Graphic Novel Book Club for just that.
Each month, the club comes up with a feature graphic novel to discuss during our next monthly meeting. These books have included Saga, Afterlife with Archie, Rat Queens, and most recently, Kieron Gillen's Wicked and Divine. In the past, we've focused on the theme of Women in Comics, and we're now starting to branch out to other themes and motifs! All the books you choose are super awesome and will be made readily available in store--just ask any one of our staff for details! The idea is to give comic readers (and even new-to-comic readers) a place to talk about the books you actually are interested in discussing, not just some generic yet also awesome staff picks. After each meeting, we'll post your group's thoughts, fears, and deep emotional feelings about the book here on our blog, so the rest of the world can hear what you have to say, and hopefully opt to join our cult...err...club as well! It's a win/win!
Graphic Novel Book Club is open to anyone who wants to share their thoughts and their opinions about literature, so come on in! Meetings are held at Two Cats Comic Book Store every third Thursday of the month at 7PM--AND there's snacks to boot. So, really, there's no reason not to be there. If you miss one, don't worry! We'll be doing a new book every month, and we'll undoubtedly expect you to be at the next one.
April's Graphic Novel Selection
Deadly Class Vol 01 Reagan Youth Trade Paperback
It’s 1987. Marcus Lopez hates school. His grades suck. The jocks are
hassling his friends. He can’t focus in class. But the jocks are the children
of Joseph Stalin’s top assassin, the teachers are members of an ancient league
of assassins, the class he’s failing is “Dismemberment 101,” and his crush has
a double digit body count. Welcome to the most brutal high school on earth,
where the world’s top crime families send the next generation of assassins to
be trained. Murder is an art. Killing is a craft. At Kings Dominion School for
the Deadly Arts, the dagger in your back isn’t always metaphorical.
March 2016
We3 Trade Paperback
Relive the harrowing journey
of three house pets weaponized by the government for lethal combat as they
search for home and fend off the shadowy agency that created them! By Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely.
February 2016
Trees Vol 01 TP
Ten years after they landed. All over the world. And they did nothing, standing on the surface of the Earth like trees, exerting their silent pressure on the world, as if there were no-one here and nothing under foot. Ten years since we learned that there is intelligent life in the universe, but that they did not recognize us as intelligent or alive. TREES, a new science fiction novel by WARREN ELLIS (Transmetropolitan, Red) and JASON HOWARD (SUPER DINOSAUR, ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN), looks at a near-future world where life goes on in the shadows of the Trees: in China, where a young painter arrives in the "special cultural zone" of a city under a Tree; in Italy, where a young woman under the menacing protection of a fascist gang meets an old man who wants to teach her terrible skills; and in Svalbard, where a research team is discovering, by accident, that the Trees may not be dormant after all, and the awful threat they truly represent.
January 2016
Spider-Gwen Vol 00 TP
The breakout hit of the biggest Spider-Event of the century is taking the comics world by storm with her own series! Gwen Stacy is Spider-Woman, but you knew that already. What you DON'T know is what friends and foes are waiting for her in the aftermath of Spider-Verse! From the fan-favorite creative team that brought you Spider-Gwen's origin story in EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE, Jason Latour and Robbie Rodriguez!
December 2016
Bitch Planet Vol 01 Trade Paperback
Eisner Award-nominated writer Kelly Sue Deconnick (Pretty Deadly, Captain Marvel) and Valentine De Landro (X-Factor) present the premiere volume of Bitch Planet, their critically acclaimed and deliciously vicious sci-fi satire. Think Margaret Atwood meets Inglourious Basterds.
November 2015
Black Widow Vol 01 Finely Woven Thread Trade Paperback
Elektra Vol 01 Bloodline Trade Paperback
Check out our ongoing graphic novel graveyard and comments on past reads here, after the jump. If you have any questions about meetings, our stellar reading choices, or if you just think this sounds like fun and you want to learn more, feel free to email us at twocatscomicclub@gmail.com!
Saga, Vol 5
While Gwendolyn and Lying Cat risk everything to find a cure for The Will, Marko makes an uneasy alliance with Prince Robot IV to find their missing children, who are trapped on a strange world with terrifying new enemies.
September 2015
Low, Vol 1: Delirium of Hope
August 2015
Chew, Vol 1: Taster's Choice
Tony Chu is a detective with a secret. A weird secret. Tony Chu is Cibopathic, which means he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. It also means he's a hell of a detective, as long as he doesn't mind nibbling on the corpse of a murder victim to figure out whodunit, and why. He's been brought on by the Special Crimes Division of the FDA, the most powerful law enforcement agency on the planet, to investigate their strangest, sickest, and most bizarre cases.
The Conclusion: CHEW IS GREAT! The artwork perfectly compliments a very strange story with equally interesting and detailed illustrations, the story itself is compelling and fun, and it ultimately makes you want to know more. If you're into weird sci-fi sort-of-cannibalism with a humorous twist, check out Chew. You're in for a tasty treat!
July 2015
Captain Marvel: Pursuit of Flight BUY IT HERE!
The "Mightiest" of Earth's Mightiest Heroes is back! Ace pilot. Legendary Avenger. One hundred percent pure bad. Carol Danvers has a new name, a new mission - and all the power she needs to make her own life a living hell. As the new Captain Marvel, Carol is forging a new future for herself, but finds she can't walk away from a challenge from her past! It's a firefight in the sky as the Banshee Squadron debut - but who are the Prowlers, and where has Carol seen them before? And how does secret NASA training program Mercury 13 fit in? Witness Captain Marvel in blazing battlefield action that just may change the course of history! Avengers Time Travel Protocols: engage!
The Conclusion: This book is amazingly fun, and a refreshing look at Captain Marvel as a female superhero. We have action, strong and multi-dimensional characters, and a costume that easily sports the best mo-hawk we've ever seen. The artwork does fluctuate a bit between artist, though not in a jarring way, which makes it more interesting than irritating. Check it out if you're down for some stellar air force power from a woman that won't quit.
June 2015
iZombie: Dead to the World Vol 1 BUY IT HERE!
Gwendolyn "Gwen" Dylan is a 20-something gravedigger in an eco-friendly cemetery. Once a month she must eat a human brain to keep from losing her own memories, but in the process she becomes consumed with the thoughts and personality of the dead person - until she eats her next brain. Gwen sets out to fulfill the dead person's last request, solve a crime or right a wrong. Our zombie girl detective is joined by her best friend, Eleanor, who happens to be a swinging '60s ghost, a posse of paintball-blasting vampires, a smitten were-dog and a hot but demented mummy.
The Conclusion: If you're down for some light-hearted zombie action, this book is a great escape! And with the CW series on a solid roll, there's no end to where this tale of the undead can go! Sink your teeth into it, and see what you think!
May 2015
Harley Quinn Vol 1: Hot in the City TP (9781401254155) BUY IT HERE!
The sensational series that gave Harley Quinn her own New 52 spotlight is collected from the star-studded #0 issue to issue #8! Don't miss Harley's big move to Coney Island as she becomes a roller derby queen - all while she carries on in her criminal career!
The Conclusion: This book touches on some really interesting parts of Harley, and how we view women in comics. Though she's considered crazy and chaotic, it's unclear whether she's more chaotic good or evil. In addition, the book implores the reader to look into Harley's dark past to find out what's really going on in her wacko brain. See what you think and check it out!
April 2015
The Wicked and the Divine Vol 1 TP (9781632150196) BUY IT HERE!
Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critical tongue-attractors like Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to create a world where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. But remember: just because you're immortal, doesn't mean you're going to live forever.
The Conclusion: Though this book does take a little work on the reader's part to get the whole picture, it opens up an incredibly interesting world of mythology if you chose to do so. One of our readers made an awesome chart to check out the origin of the different gods and goddesses:
This first volume should be looked at as a prequel to the subsequent volumes, as a way to set the scene and introduce us to some seriously screwed up immortals! We're looking forward to what will come next in this series, and what kinds of wild turns it could possible take!
March 2015
Jennifer Walters is the She-Hulk! A stalwart member of the Avengers and FF, she's also a killer attorney with a pile of degrees and professional respect. But juggling cases and kicking bad guy butt is a little more complicated than she anticipated. With a new practice, a new paralegal and a mounting number of super villains she's racking up as personal enemies, She Hulk might have bitten off more than she can chew! When Kristoff Vernard, the son of Victor Von Doom, seeks extradition, it's an international jailbreak, She-Hulk-style! Then, She-Hulk and Hellcat must uncover the secrets of the Blue File - a conspiracy that touches the entire Marvel Universe! And when someone important to She-Hulk is killed, and won't let it stand - but who can she trust? She-Hulk takes on her most terrifying role yet: defendant! Collecting SHE-HULK (2014) #1-6.
February 2015
Ms. Marvel TP Vol 1 (9780785190219) BUY IT HERE!
A brand-new edition of Blankets, resized and with a new cover! Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, Blankets explores the sibling rivalry of two brothers growing up in the isolated country, and the budding romance of two coming-of-age lovers. A tale of security and discovery, of playfulness and tragedy, of a fall from grace and the origins of faith. Available in Hardcover and Softcover editions.
November 2014
Seconds HC (9781607069621) BUY IT HERE!
Katie’s got it pretty good. She’s a talented young chef, she runs a successful restaurant, and she has big plans to open an even better one. Then, all at once, progress on the new location bogs down, her charming ex-boyfriend pops up, her fling with another chef goes sour, and her best waitress gets badly hurt. And just like that, Katie’s life goes from pretty good to not so much. What she needs is a second chance. Everybody deserves one, after all—but they don’t come easy. Luckily for Katie, a mysterious girl appears in the middle of the night with simple instructions for a do-it-yourself do-over:
1. Write your mistake
2. Ingest one mushroom
3. Go to sleep
4. Wake anew
October 2014
Pretty Deadly Vol 01 TP (9781607069621). BUY IT HERE!
June 2015
iZombie: Dead to the World Vol 1 BUY IT HERE!
Gwendolyn "Gwen" Dylan is a 20-something gravedigger in an eco-friendly cemetery. Once a month she must eat a human brain to keep from losing her own memories, but in the process she becomes consumed with the thoughts and personality of the dead person - until she eats her next brain. Gwen sets out to fulfill the dead person's last request, solve a crime or right a wrong. Our zombie girl detective is joined by her best friend, Eleanor, who happens to be a swinging '60s ghost, a posse of paintball-blasting vampires, a smitten were-dog and a hot but demented mummy.
The Conclusion: If you're down for some light-hearted zombie action, this book is a great escape! And with the CW series on a solid roll, there's no end to where this tale of the undead can go! Sink your teeth into it, and see what you think!
May 2015
Harley Quinn Vol 1: Hot in the City TP (9781401254155) BUY IT HERE!
The sensational series that gave Harley Quinn her own New 52 spotlight is collected from the star-studded #0 issue to issue #8! Don't miss Harley's big move to Coney Island as she becomes a roller derby queen - all while she carries on in her criminal career!
The Conclusion: This book touches on some really interesting parts of Harley, and how we view women in comics. Though she's considered crazy and chaotic, it's unclear whether she's more chaotic good or evil. In addition, the book implores the reader to look into Harley's dark past to find out what's really going on in her wacko brain. See what you think and check it out!
April 2015
The Wicked and the Divine Vol 1 TP (9781632150196) BUY IT HERE!
Every ninety years, twelve gods incarnate as humans. They are loved. They are hated. In two years, they are dead. The team behind critical tongue-attractors like Young Avengers and PHONOGRAM reunite to create a world where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. But remember: just because you're immortal, doesn't mean you're going to live forever.
The Conclusion: Though this book does take a little work on the reader's part to get the whole picture, it opens up an incredibly interesting world of mythology if you chose to do so. One of our readers made an awesome chart to check out the origin of the different gods and goddesses:
This first volume should be looked at as a prequel to the subsequent volumes, as a way to set the scene and introduce us to some seriously screwed up immortals! We're looking forward to what will come next in this series, and what kinds of wild turns it could possible take!
March 2015
Jennifer Walters is the She-Hulk! A stalwart member of the Avengers and FF, she's also a killer attorney with a pile of degrees and professional respect. But juggling cases and kicking bad guy butt is a little more complicated than she anticipated. With a new practice, a new paralegal and a mounting number of super villains she's racking up as personal enemies, She Hulk might have bitten off more than she can chew! When Kristoff Vernard, the son of Victor Von Doom, seeks extradition, it's an international jailbreak, She-Hulk-style! Then, She-Hulk and Hellcat must uncover the secrets of the Blue File - a conspiracy that touches the entire Marvel Universe! And when someone important to She-Hulk is killed, and won't let it stand - but who can she trust? She-Hulk takes on her most terrifying role yet: defendant! Collecting SHE-HULK (2014) #1-6.
February 2015
Ms. Marvel TP Vol 1 (9780785190219) BUY IT HERE!
Marvel Comics presents the new Ms. Marvel, the groundbreaking heroine that has become an international sensation! Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City - until she's suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she's comin' for you, New York! It's history in the making from acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and beloved artist Adrian Alphona (RUNAWAYS)! Collecting MS. MARVEL (2014) #1-5 and material from ALL-NEW MARVEL NOW! POINT ONE #1.
January 2015
The #1 New York Times bestseller returns!
Visit new planets, meet new adversaries and explore a very new direction, as Hazel becomes a toddler while her family struggles to stay on their feet.
December 2014
November 2014
Seconds HC (9781607069621) BUY IT HERE!
Katie’s got it pretty good. She’s a talented young chef, she runs a successful restaurant, and she has big plans to open an even better one. Then, all at once, progress on the new location bogs down, her charming ex-boyfriend pops up, her fling with another chef goes sour, and her best waitress gets badly hurt. And just like that, Katie’s life goes from pretty good to not so much. What she needs is a second chance. Everybody deserves one, after all—but they don’t come easy. Luckily for Katie, a mysterious girl appears in the middle of the night with simple instructions for a do-it-yourself do-over:
1. Write your mistake
2. Ingest one mushroom
3. Go to sleep
4. Wake anew
October 2014
Pretty Deadly Vol 01 TP (9781607069621). BUY IT HERE!
Kelly Sue DeConnick (Avengers Assemble, Captain Marvel) and Emma Rios (Dr. Strange, Osborn) Present the colected opening arc of their surpirse hit series that marries the magical realism of Sandman with the western brutality of Preacher. Death's daughter rides the wind on a horse made of smoke and her face bears the skull marks of her father. Her origin story is a tale of retribution as beautifully lush as it is unflinchingly savage.
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