I've been hearing lots of great things about comic book artist Jason Shiga's Meanwhile
, a pick-a-path graphic novel where it's up to readers to decide the fate of the story's hero, Jimmy. If you're in Los Angeles, you can pick up the book and meet Jason this Thursday, April 2 at a GR2 book signing. Read on for details:Giant Robot Los Angeles ~ Jason Shiga at GR2I first picked up one of Jason's books, Double Happiness, years ago at the Alternative Press Expo. Although his drawing his drawing style seem mostly like deceptively simple line drawings, his stories are surprisingly inventive and complex. I can't wait to pick up Meanwhile.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
6:00pm - 8:00pm
GR2
2062 Sawtelle Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Giant Robot is proud to host a reception and book signing with comic book artist Jason Shiga to celebrate the release of his new publication, Meanwhile.
In Meanwhile, a pick-a-path graphic novel for kids (and kids at heart), it's up to readers to decide the fate of the protagonist, Jimmy, when he finds himself in a mad scientist's lab and is given the choice between three amazing objects: a mind-reading device, time travel machine, or a Killitron 3000. Starting from the first choice (between vanilla and chocolate ice cream) a series of tabs along the edge of the page allows readers to spiral down, around, and through a dizzying array of tubes that contain puzzles, clues, and shocking revelations for our reluctant hero. There are also hidden codes leading to secret pages, which offer even more adventures to explore in this parallel universe.
Shiga is known for his deceptively-raw-looking-but-ingenious comic strips, many of which utilize a choose-your-own-adventure style of storytelling involving tabs and courses of action. Among other accolades, the Bay Area illustrator's innovative and often interactive work has earned an Eisner Award, Ignatz Award, and Xeric Grant.