About this Event
Join us at Books Inc. Opera Plaza for a graphic novel event with authors Derek Kirk Kim and Jason Shiga in conversation with Gene Luen Yang for a celebration of their books The Last Mermaid and Adventuregame Comics!
The Last Mermaid Book One (Last Mermaid #1) –
Multi-award-winning Derek Kirk Kim returns with an epic dystopian fantasy enhanced with resplendent, eye-popping art. The first six issues are gathered here, introducing the eponymous mermaid (no spoilers as to her name); her adorable axolotl companion, Lottie; and the mysterious caped stranger, Torque. In a barren desert landscape, the mermaid and Lottie live in an H.A.V.C. (Hybrid Aquatic Vehicular Chamber), a cyborg-like mobile home with water that must be regularly changed. As toxicity levels rise, finding fresh aquatic resources is brutally perilous. Terrestrial conditions are equally dire, full of relentlessly fighting menacing monsters and behemoth beasts. The mermaid's been "roaming this godforsaken wasteland all [her] life." Once upon a time, she was told "to look for a giant silver trident impaling the sun," because that would lead her "home." Kirk limits his text throughout, spectacularly confirming the adage that pictures are worth a thousand words. As he moves through palettes of fiery oranges and reds, blues and greens turning murky, and later, pops of magenta and violet, the heart-thumping action never stops.
Adventuregame Comics: Samurai vs. Ninja (Book 3) –
An Interactive Graphic Novel from Jason Shiga's latest in the series is a Choose Your Own Adventure-style tale of vengeance. Following an instructional introduction about how to navigate the winding panels of this graphic novel, readers assume the perspective of an infant in 1798 Nagoya, Japan. The baby's father tells him to decide between two objects; humorously, both lead to a life devoted to revenge. Years pass, and the young boy must choose whether to train as a samurai like his father or to follow in his mother's footsteps as a ninja. The protagonist's upbringing determines which special abilities he'll possess as he makes his way through Nagoya Castle, where he attempts to steal and then get rid of a bracelet that imbues its wearer with magical powers. Along the way, readers encounter pitfalls and complications. This is a more tricky, cerebral adventure than "hack and slash"-type games. Shiga cleverly allows readers to play through the same scenarios as either a samurai or a ninja; the author/illustrator alternates between gray and green shading to distinguish between the two roles. Different approaches to puzzles, games of chance, and more will have readers racing to unlock all the endings. Shiga's artwork is minimalist but elegant. Like previous books in the series, this is a stand-alone adventure that can be enjoyed on its own, but those eager for more should pick up the earlier installments. With a scenario this engaging, every path is a winner.
Derek Kirk Kim is known for illustrating The Eternal Smile: Three Stories—a collaboration with Gene Luen Yang, and was a director of Disney’s Amphibia, lead character designer of Adventure Time, and writer/artist of Same Difference & Other Stories.
Jason Shiga is a cartoonist from Oakland, California. His comics often feature exciting uses of math, mazes, puzzles, and unconventional narrative techniques. In his 25 year career, Shiga has created many graphic novels and comic books, over a dozen magazine and newspaper strips, and the world’s second-largest interactive comic. He has won two Eisner Awards, two Ignatz Awards, and his work has been featured as an official selection for the comics festival in Angoulême.
Gene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second, was a winner of the Printz Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the LA Times Book Prize. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), New Super-Man from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). He was the fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature an in 2016 he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Books Inc. Opera Plaza, 601 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, United States
USD 0.00
