Thought Bubble Anthology Collection: 10 Years of Comics - Tapa blanda

LIBRARY JOURNAL -- Celebrating the winning stories of writers, artists, colorists, and letterers of the Thought Bubble Comic Art Competition, hosted by the nonprofit Thought Bubble Festival, which has gathered in Leeds, England, annually since 2007, this collection offers works both familiar and new. A wide range of creators, including Charlie Adlard, Emma Ríos, Sean Phillips, and Annie Wu, have made their mark at the renowned event. Some of the pieces exhibit a traditional style (H.P. Lovecraft's “The Hound,” adapted by Stuart Gordon, illustrated by Tula Lotay), while others take on a more experimental tone (Lee Barnett and Oliver Redding's “Rain Falling Like Hammers”). Whether the featured tales are excerpts of larger works or self-contained stand-alones isn't entirely clear (some seem to be capturing the hustle and bustle of visiting the festival itself), yet all are smart and compelling.
Verdict Although geared toward adults, much of this compilation will be enjoyed by YA audiences. [Note: All proceeds from the sale of this comic go to Barnardo's Children's Charity.-Ed.]-Cassidy Charles, Madison P.L., NJ