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Countdown To The Eisners – Best U.S. Edition Of International Material

Published Tue, 25 Jun 2013 15:32:36 -0500

By Cameron Hatheway

"Wait, other countries create comics too?!" Unfortunately, that's sometimes the mindset of comic book readers here in the states. If it's not Batman or Spider-Man, they couldn't care less. Besides, how are they expected to read something that hasn't been translated to American? I do envy the European comic market at times, for they appear to be a lot more creative with their works, not being subjected to some of the same restrictions here in the states. They also don't coddle their children as much, allowing them to read a comic that has nudity involved. Those godless heathens! Superheroes are to Western comics as Anthropomorphism is to European comics. Today I'll be focusing on the Best U.S. Edition of International Material category. If you need a reminder of what's been nominated, you can find the entire list right here, and see what I chose last time right here.

Keep in mind I cannot vote for who wins (nor can you, probably), as per the rules. However, that's not keeping me from being vocal regardless!

Who is not eligible to vote?

Comics press or reviewers (unless they are nominees)
Non-creative publisher staff members (PR, marketing, assistants, etc.)
Fans

Before I get back to printing my own comics overseas so I can be eligible for next year, let the games begin!

Best U.S. Edition of International Material

Abelard, by Régis Hautiere and Renaud Dillies (NBM)

A little chicken wishes to leave his beloved marshes and travel to America to see the new flying machine called an 'aeroplane,' and win the heart of a beautiful girl he recently met. Along the way he meets up with gypsies, makes friends with the unfriendable, all while blissfully unaware of the much bigger world around him. Beautifully illustrated and downright heartbreaking, Abelard is simply a superb read.

Athos in America, by Jason (Fantagraphics)

A collection of six different stories from Jason (one starring himself), Athos in America is a fine book showcasing the variety of Jason's comics. Ranging from science-fiction to everyday life, Jason has the uncanny ability to drop you in the middle of a story and have the charm of his characters keep you hooked throughout.

Blacksad: Silent Hell, by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (Dark Horse)

Blacksad is back, and his latest case revolves around a missing blues musician in 1950s New Orleans and a dark secret that may cost him his life. Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido are back and better than ever with an all-new story and an all-new style of illustration (water colors). Also included in this collection are a few short stories.

The Making of, by Brecht Evens (Drawn & Quarterly)

Review copy unavailable.

Monsieur Jean: The Singles Theory, by Philippe Dupuy and Charles Berberian (Humanoids)

Jean is a writer currently experiencing writer's block for his next book, and his friend Felix is single and currently staying with him until he can get back on his feet. Felix has some interesting theories about relationships and being single, which unfortunately doesn't help him when he's trying to get with women. Humorous and well-drawn, Monsieur Jean is a delightful look at romance in France.

New York Mon Amour, by Benjamin LeGrand, Dominique Grange, and Jacques Tardi (Fantagraphics)

With all stories taking place in a gritty 1980s New York, New York Mon Amour features thrilling stories from the likes of Benjamin LeGrand and Dominique Grange, with artist extraordinaire Jacques Tardi on art (before he was a household name). The main story "Cockroach Killer" revolves around a pathetic exterminator who has seen too much, leading the readers on a wild and violent ride through the New York ghettos.

Who I think should win:
Blacksad: Silent Hell, by Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido (Dark Horse)

While I was originally a little bummed that only one story was the main focus in this volume ("Silent Hell"), the behind the scenes process with the use of watercolors was really interesting. The characters continue to be perfect in their anthropomorphic portrayals, and the huge colorful scenes of New Orleans in the 1950s during Mardi Gras was an absolute treat.

If you're going to hire a hard-boiled detective, look no further than Blacksad and his unlucky partner Weekly. Juan Diaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido, you do that voodoo that you do oh so well!

Who I think could win:
Abelard, by Régis Hautiere and Renaud Dillies (NBM)

This graphic novel caught me off guard with its young and naïve main character, Abelard, and his big dreams for traveling to America. The simple-yet-intricate chicken scratch style of the art continued to lull me into a false sense of security, for the entire novel I was rooting for Abelard to win the heart of the girl of his dreams.

I warn you now; that eventual emotional gut-punch will knock you right on your ass.

Who I think should have been nominated:
Last Days of an Immortal, by Gwen De Bonneval and Fabien Vehlmann (Archaia)

Who do you think should win / been nominated?

Cameron Hatheway is the host of Cammy's Comic Corner and Arts & Entertainment Editor of the Sonoma State STAR. You can buy some Life Everlasting from him on Twitter @CamComicCorner.

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