John Allison is shutting down Bad Machinery, his all ages webcomic (being published in gorgeous oversized editions by Oni Press), and he talks to CBR’s Steve Sunu about how webcomics have changed over the years, how Bad Machinery has evolved, why he is going with a traditional publisher, and what’s around the corner.

Cathy Camper was working as a librarian when she notice that many of her patrons spoke Spanish—and Spanglish—but few children’s books catered to them. And she also noted the popularity of books about cars. She put those two together and bingo: Lowriders in Space. (Check out our interview with artist Raul Gonzalez and my review at Robot 6 as well!)

University of Calgary English professor Bart Beaty talks about his upcoming book Twelve-Cent Archie, which focuses on the Archie comics of the 1960s. Beaty, who read almost 1,000 Archie comics as his research, has organized the book into 100 short chapters, many of which focus on details such as Betty’s ponytail.

Here’s a handy resource: ALSC has released graphic novel reading lists for children from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Writer Jeremy Whitley reveals what’s coming up next in the newest story arc of Princeless.

Gina Gagliano offers an early peek at Sleepless Knight, a graphic novel by the Adventures in Cartooning team.

On his blog, Gene Luen Yang lists some good STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) comics to check out.

IDW announced plans for a Jem and the Holograms comic, based on the 1980s cartoon and toys; it will be written by Kelly Thompson, with art by Ross Campbell and special covers by Sara Richard and Amy Mebberson.

Superheroes take on a serious problem in Marvel’s Avengers: No More Bullying, a one-shot that will be out in January.

The LA Times children’s books gift guide includes a couple of graphic novels: Joel Christian Gill’s Tales of the Talented Tenth, about Western lawman Bass Reeves, and Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters.

Previews

Angry Birds Holiday Special (Comic Book Resources)
Archie Meets Santa (Comicosity)
Howtoons Reignition #5 (Comicosity)
Itty Bitty Comics: The Mask #2 (Comicosity)
My Little Pony: Friends Forever #12 (Comic Book Resources)

Reviews

Greg McElhatton on Gotham Academy #3 (Comic Book Resources)
Kelly Richards on Gotham Academy #3 (Comicosity)
Stergios Botzakis on vol. 1 of Rocket Girl (Graphic Novel Resources)