Somehow, even though it still feels as if the year has just started, I’m in the midst of planning events that I plan to attend this year. I’m already looking forward to both BookExpo America and San Diego Comic Con, even though they seem far off at this point. As I entered these dates on my own calendar, it prompted me to update our Events & Conventions page on GNR. Just in case you’re like me, you’ll want to check it out and plan your convention-going year accordingly. It’s time to start planning out the months ahead.

I have been rereading The Annotated Sandman, Vol. One. I’m blown away by the in-depth analysis of minor and major elements of Neil Gaiman’s amazing work. I think I’m borderline obsessive about it, to be honest. I find myself calling friends with obscure information gleaned from its pages (my fellow Sandman fanatics are just as eager to hear this as I am). A good friend of mine asked if he could borrow my copy. I told him no, but that he could come over and read through it while I supervised, like a reading library. That was his only option. I don’t think I’m wrong here. When one has books that they really covet like this, rules can be made!

One of the most striking and interesting books of the past few months is African American Classics from Eureka. It’s a beautifully done collection that encompasses a broad range of historical and modern tales, and it features an incredible array of talent, like Trevor von Eeden, Christopher Priest, Kyle Baker, Jeremy Love, and so many more. I was thrilled to talk with both Tom Pomplun, the editor and publisher of the Graphic Classics series, and Lance Tooks, the co-editor for the project. This is an important book, and a very well done one. Check out the interview and then be sure to look for the book.

For a few weeks now, I’d been getting emails from a Dutch artist who was documenting his experiences creating a graphic novel online. I didn’t know what to think of it at first, but when I started checking the site out, I was fascinated. He has some interesting videos online showing some of his works in progress. Moreover, he’s quite a talented artist. Seeing him draw a crowded train station, for example, was compelling, especially when I saw all the work that went into creating just one riveting panel. Based on that, I wanted to talk with him to learn more and thus reached out to him. I think you’ll find our interview interesting, too. It shows all the heart, art, and work that goes into creating a graphic novel, and perhaps you’ll find it inspiring, as I did.

Our friends at the Great Graphic Novels for Teens committee have just released their list for 2012. As usual, it’s a wonderful mix that showcases the diversity of what’s out there right now. I always appreciate that their lists incorporate not only wonderful literary fiction and nonfiction but also really engaging superhero and “traditional” comic-book-type offerings. The list is pretty extensive and recognizes many favorites (as well as a lot of books that I’m now very anxious to check out for myself).

Plenty of new reviews are online now for you to check out, including some books I’m really excited about. Faith Erin Hicks has created a really cool and original graphic novel called Friends with Boys; it’s deserving of some widespread attention. Before DC relaunched its entire line of comic books, it destroyed the universe (kind of) in Flashpoint, which then led the way for The New 52. Read all about what went down in our review. And then there’s the cool and interesting story of Gente, interconnected tales centering on one Roman restaurant. These and more reviews are online now.

Here’s to great comics reading in the weeks ahead!

John Hogan (John@bookreporter.com)

The Bible: Eden by Dave Elliott, Keith Giffen, and Scott Hampton
The story of Eden and the fall of mankind is retold in a visually arresting graphic narrative. Reviewed by John Hogan

Soul Stealer: The Collector’s Edition by Michael Easton and Christopher Shy
Get ready for a true nightmare in comics form. Soul Stealer is a visual treat and a captivatingly terrifying tale. Reviewed by John Hogan

Gente, Vol. 1 by Natsume Ono
Interconnected stories tell about the lives of various people involved with a Roman restaurant. Reviewed by Danica Davidson

The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider Island by Dan Slott, Rick Remender, Stefano Caselli, and Humberto Ramos
Manhattan is overrun with insects giving thousands of people Spider-Man-like powers. And while that may be a good thing for some, it’s a dangerous situation for everyone else, one that requires the combined might of many of Marvel’s greatest heroes, including the amazing wall-crawler. Reviewed by John Hogan

Flashpoint by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert
DC Comics' 2011 summer-event series and precursor to the hyped relaunch of their New 52 lineup, Flashpoint signaled the end for much of the DC Universe continuity and a clean slate for an entirely new batch of reimagined characters and series. Reviewed by Nathan Wilson

Friends with Boys by Faith Erin Hicks
A formerly home-schooled begins her first stint in high school, but she’s haunted in many ways in this winning graphic novel. Reviewed by John Hogan

The Adventures of Simone & Ajax by Andrew Pepoy
The bombastic adventures of a girl and her dinosaur have rarely been this much fun! Andrew Pepoy's series is a delight. Reviewed by John Hogan

Luz Sees the Light by Claudia Davila
After becoming concerned about the repeated blackouts in her neighborhood, Luz decides to do what she can to help the environment. Reviewed by Danica Davidson