Adapted by Peter Kuper
NBM Publishing, $15.95
B+
Sinclair’s famous tale of struggle and workers’ rights in Chicago has been beautifully rendered by Kuper. With the success of “Super Size Me” and “Fast Food Nation,” Sinclair’s tale still resonates. Kuper distills aspects of Sinclair’s book and his blocky, rich colors add impact to an already horrific story. Excellent. —De Kwok
By Andy Singer
NBM Publishing, $10.95
B-
Andy Singer's one-panel cartoons bitterly satirize the existential confusion of our modern existence. They’re only published in a handful of weeklies, but their force is equal to that of a one-ton op-ed elephant gun. As fellow cartoonist Ted Rall rightly notes in the introduction to this book, some of these comics are almost too painfully angry—which may be Singer’s one fault—but if you’re in the mood for some social commentary that has a bite worse than its bark, this is it. —Kristopher Monroe
Ed. Irwin Chusid Fantagraphics, $28.95 A+ |
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Jim Flora, album artist for Columbia and RCA in the ‘40s and ‘50s, sold thousands of albums without playing a single instrument. His cubism-inspired jazz cover art has gathered an almost cult-like following as design fans around the world snatch up records bearing his signature style. This phenomenal book gathers up every known Flora piece and contains wonderful essays on his design style from some of today’s most notorious artists and designers, including Shag and Gary Baseman. —Nathan Walker
By Rich Tommaso
Alternative Comics, $4.95
C+
Tommaso’s “Perverso!” follows the trials and tribulations of a smut photographer in the early days of skin photos. Roy, the photographer, watches his marriage disintegrate while his lust for women escalates. When his boss asks him to photograph a young-looking girl, Roy’s sense of guilt and desire threatens to destroy him. Tommaso’s lovely drawings makes “Perverso!” captivating and, ultimately, makes the story less about sex and more of a love letter to the act of creating. —DK
By Rachel Venning & Claire Cavanah
Fireside books, $16
A
Ever wished your new sex toy came with a user’s manual? Now it does: the new book by Toys in Babeland founders Rachel Venning and Claire Cavanah is written with the same accessible, sex-positive attitude that Babeland’s Seattle and NYC stores promote—straight-up information without the squirm factor. From the Field Guide to Dildos and Strap-ons to Bend-Over Boyfriend and bondage gear, this colorful guide is full of eye-popping product shots and eye-opening, expert information on getting the most fun from toys for girls and boys. —TiffanyO