4. Hard Ground by Tom Waits and Michael O'Brien

Hard Ground by Tom Waits and Michael O'Brien

5/5 It was Excellent!

Easily one of the most powerful books I have experienced. The subject matter is not easy but the photography captures it with perfection and with a soul that words could never do justice. I came across this initially because of the tie to Tom Waits, who contributes some solid poetry, but O'Brien's photography is the standout. This is a book every person should see and feel. I can't give it higher praise.

3. Parker: Slayground by Darwyn Cooke

Parker: Slayground by Darwyn Cooke

2.5/5 It was OK

This was a weak showing. I hate to say it, because I love everything about every aspect of this series and Darwyn Cooke's art is always spot-on, but this was just not up to par with the previous books. Not by a long shot. It feels rushed and nothing is allowed to develop or breathe and when you step back the actual plot is so very thin and basic that it would barely make a good one-shot monthly comic of twenty pages or so. Definitely a rare miss. The art is good but I also found it lacking in places which is even more rare. Worth reading if you are a fan of the series but hard to justify a purchase.

2. Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle

Burma Chronicles by Guy Delisle

4.5/5 It was great!

I'm a massive Guy Delisle fan, and this book is easily tied for one of my favorites of his. It is a bit longer and covers a little more than usual since instead of him making the journey alone to work on a project he is a passenger along with his wife who is traveling to Burma to work for Doctors Without Borders. He also has his young son in tow which doesn't add a ton but does add another dimension. The artwork is on point as always and his minimalism and attention to detail at the same time is in perfect balance here. Definitely check this out!

1. Goliath by Tom Gauld

Goliath by Tom Gauld

 3/5 It was OK.

  The artwork is solid as always from Tom Gauld, but the story just doesn't quite do enough. It is a great concept and executed well in a very minimal and beautiful way. It is definitely worth checking out but not his finest work.

2013 Wrap-up

I failed to keep up my list last year but I did log most in GoodReads so here is the link to the 44 books I read in 2013: https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/20130242-dominic-tiberio?read_at=2013&view=covers

I plan on not just keeping up in 2014 but to exceed 52 books! Stay tuned!