Bibliographic Information:
Title: Fangs
Author: Sarah Andersen
ISBN: 978-1524860677
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Copyright Date: September 2020
Reading Level / Interest Level: Grades 7 - 12 (Novelist)
Genre / Format: Romance, Paranormal, Comedy / Graphic Novel, Book
Themes: Relationships
Awards or Honors: YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens: 2021
Plot Summary: Fangs is a collection of webcomics following the relationship between a female vampire and male werewolf. Elsie is a 300 year old vampire who, after living for so long, doesn't expect to meet anyone who can keep up with her. But when she meets the charming werewolf Jimmy, she is surprised by how much they click. This collection of short comic strips highlights various moments in this interesting, cute relationship between a vampire and a werewolf, capturing the awkwardness, humor, and excitement of falling for someone so different yet perfect. This published book collects all of the comic strips that were originally published online as a webcomic.
Author Background: Sarah Andersen graduated from Maryland Institute of Arts and is best known for her semi-autobiographical webcomic Sarah's Scribbles. She is also know for her other webcomic, focusing on the relationship between a vampire and a werewolf, known as Fangs. These webcomics have also been published a book format. Sarah lives in Portland, Oregon and is also the illustrator for the webcomic Cryptid Club (Andersen, n.d.).
-Critical Evaluation for Books and Non-Print Items: These short comics are funny and cute. They're short and to the point, which I really appreciated and made the jokes a lot funnier. Reading the comic is like jumping into random moments in this relationship, moments that highlight the strong connection Elsie and Jimmy share. This is an incredibly quick read; the comic strips are no longer than 1-2 pages. All of the comics are self-contained and can be appreciated completely out of order. But honestly, once you start reading, you'll go through the whole book in one sitting (the short comics are that cute, short, and funny). The humor is a bit dark (see potential challenge) but honestly, it's a vampire and a werewolf, why would you expect any differently?
Creative Use for a Library Program: 3 Panel Comic Strip
The majority of the comic strips in Fangs are illustrated in three to four panels; the comedy is kept short and brief, but packing a punch. Teens will be challenged to create a short, comic strip, limited to three-four panels. The only other requirement is that they incorporate their favorite mythological creature or monster. Submissions will be displayed in the art gallery.
Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: A vampire and a werewolf meet in a bar...
And end up falling in love. Though completely different monsters, they are both monsters who have a lot in common. See this 300 year old vampire meet her match with a charming werewolf -- hilariously cute!
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: This collection of webcomics leans on the macabre. While it is not gory or overly graphic, the humor can be dark and some concerned parents may not appreciate jokes about eating babies:
A vampire and werewolf making dinner plans (from Sarah Andersen's Fangs)
I would argue that the macabre undertone adds to the comedy and that the jokes are completely harmless; the message is of love, not malice (context is everything!). Besides, some readers relate to the darker side of things and it is important that the collection represent as many perspectives as possible. All teens, including fans of the macabre, deserve representation in the books they enjoy.
Reason for Inclusion: These short comics are hilarious! The book features a strong, confident female character and supportive, empathetic male character. The main reason I included this title was because of the strong, healthy relationship between Elsie and Jimmy. Relationships are all different, but should be healthy. The comics emphasize good qualities in a healthy relationship between two people. It is clear that Elsie and Jimmy, despite being very different monsters, have a lot in common and they bond over both the similarities and differences. Vampires and werewolves have very different needs, and it is interesting to see how Elsie and Jimmy support each other. They are fond of each other's hobbies and interests, growing together and accepting each other for who they are.
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