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!