I have an incredible book recommendation to share -- you must read the graphic novel Vietnamerica, written and illustrated by GB Tran. It's a beautifully rendered true account of the author's family's harrowing departure from a war-torn Saigon, into the strange land of America, and the separate journeys of different generations years later as some seek to rediscover what was left behind and others seek to rediscover a place only vaguely known through others' recollections. The story is told in segments, from the different perspectives of myth and memory, transitioning between past and present, introducing people that become as close to the reader as their own family by the time the tale is told. 

The illustrations are exquisitely rendered by hand, including the text. Washes of foamy sea greens and sky blues on a textured watercolor paper depicting more idyllic times are in sharp emotional contrast when the blood-red hues and hard brushstrokes depict hardships of war invading the quiet village life of GB's mother and father. He tells their story with intense emotion and raw honesty. It feels like a sacred act, reading such personal accounts of several generations of his family, the loved ones that were left behind, and the private struggles what it means to be a refugee in a strange new country.

This is truly an American story in that while the specifics may not mirror everyone's family, it is a complex and familiar experience that so many families have experienced in their arrival to the New World. There is a collective ordeal in coming to America, being integrated into a nation of interwoven ethnology and backgrounds, and a feeling of fear, wondering if one's own cultural history will somehow be erased over time. 

Don't let the term "graphic novel" dissuade you of its literary and emotional gravity. The drawn pictures from the person whose life is being shared makes the experience that much more personal and intense. Having the historical power of Art Spiegelman's Maus series and the intimacy of Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, Vietnamerica is a story that speaks to the heart of the American cultural émigré, one who lives within multiple worlds and struggles to make peace with one's identity. 

I would have loved Vietnamerica no matter what, but the adoration of the book is punctuated with the fact that the author has been a friend of many years -- GB and I went to college together. I am constantly in awe of GB's talent, he has always been an artist who has inspired me towards doing something meaningful, and my biggest regret is I'm totally missing the chance to see him in Seattle, as he'll be at the Emerald City Comic Con in March. How many ways can I say: AAAAARRRRGH!! And so I ask anyone who reads this, if you have the chance to see him in person at ECCC, please do so -- he's an outstanding and quite funny human being -- and more importantly, get a copy or twelve of his new book. It is absoultely the story of a quintessential American family, crystallizing the book's theme of the Confucious quote: A man without history is a tree without roots.


Jaunty Fine Print:  image of Vietnamerica cover from GB Tran's website

 

This Bird is blessed with friends whose talents defy explanation and work that continually blows my mind-grape. A recent visit by illustrator GB Tran and his lovely wife Stephanie was, as always, an inspirational shot in the arm. I went to school with GB back in the tumbleweed days of the University of Arizona's Visual Communications department. His work exuded a scientific meticulousness, yet always had that ability to magically map the winding roads of the human condition. His work is smart and soulful, and I'm continually grateful to call him a friend.

He brought a beautiful handmade book of his sketches, which was a truly precious thing that had to be shared with the Jaunty Readers. It's a single large sheet that's been cut and folded in a way that makes you turn and flip it to follow the path of drawings. Being able to look at an artist's sketchbook is like getting an insight into the person's creative process, so it's a special privilege to be able to get a peek like this, into an artist's mind.

Please take a look at GB's work as both an illustrator, apparel graphic designer and more importantly, his work as a published comic book writer and artist. He's published several books and collaborated on other projects, and in 2011, his book, Vietnamerica, will be published by Random House. It's based on his own personal stories and experiences, and it promises to be a truly extraordinary read. To keep up with his comings, goings and appearances, you can read GB's blog.


Jaunty Fine Print:  photos by Denise Sakaki, view GB Tran's work on his site!

 

A graphic novel called The Aviary, featuring a creature called the Quiet Bird-Man? The Magpie was intrigued to say the least. Artist and writer Jamie Tanner has created a truly amazing book that is a collection of sixteen short stories, penned in a simple and striking black and white style. The stories are funny, sublime and pulse with the ache of loneliness and searching. They may seem like nonsense to the casual reader, but looking closer, it's not the stories being told, but the underlying themes that Tanner cleverly weaves into his tales. Reminiscent of Edward Gorey, these strange and unique characters living in this insular world create a new reality in love with a fanciful, old-timey charm. Along with the human characters are dog inventors, talking robots and photographer penguins, all coming to terms with with a sense of frailty so real that the environment of dry whimsy is the only way to face it.

It's difficult to describe this book in matter-of-fact terms. To describe one of his stories in matter-of-fact terms is to short-change the subtext that is gained through the experience of reading his words and viewing his artwork. I purchased my copy through Tanner's account on Kickstarter, a unique way of supporting independent artists to get their work published, which included a signed copy of the book and a truly delightful thank-you note. Sailor shaking hands with a giant squid? Pure genius. Take a look at Tanner's artwork on his website, JamieTanner.com and if you see this book on a shelf, give it a try, as you will no doubt be swept away with a blink of a Quiet Bird-Man's eye.