Graphic novel news

Although not a graphic novel, Give Our Regards to the Atomsmashers is bound to appeal to anyone with an interest in both comics and great writing. This anthology of essays by top writers and novelists explores each writer's fascination with comics. Jonathan Lethem, author of the Spider-Man/Superman referencing Fortress of Solitude (US link/UK link), beautifully describes a childhood influenced by Jack Kirby; Glen David Gold, author of the highly recommended Carter Beats the Devil (US link/UK link), is a not-so-secret collector of original comic art; and a range of other writers discuss subjects as broad as Tintin, Steve Ditko's hands, Uncle Sam, Chris Ware, Classics Illustrated and Spider-Man. We've read it and some of the essays are more interesting than others, though all are fascinating insights into the inspirational value of comics on some of today's top writers.