Flight: Volume Two

The graphic novel anthology that solidified the stature of the Flight series as one of the most thoughtful, beautifully rendered works in the field.

Authors contributing to Flight, Volume Two include: Michel Gagne, Doug TenNapel, Catia Chen, Jake Parker, Sonny Liew, Khang Le, Neil Babra, Don Hertzfeldt, Jen Wang, Kazu Kibuishi, Hope Larsen, Becky Cloonan, Matthew Woodson, Kean Soo, Phil Craven, Rodolphe Guenoden, Doug Holgate, Rad Sechrist, Justin Ridge, Herval, Bannister, Clio Chang, Ryan Sias, Johane Matte, Jeff Smith, Giuseppe Ferrario, Ben Hatke, Amy Kim Ganter, Joana Carneiro, Kness, Richard Pose, and Vera Brosgol.

"Last year, the first volume of Flight introduced a squadron of talented young cartoonists whose anime/animation influence struck a fresh note among jaded comics readers. This edition shows substantial growth while introducing some veterans, such as Jeff Smith (Bone) and Doug TenNapel (Creature Tech). The general theme is flight, but many of the contributors use that as a springboard to examine symbolic journeys into adulthood or love. This thick volume is almost an embarrassment of riches, with exquisite art and coloring throughout. The story content is more variable, from the straight-out fantasy adventure of Khang Le's 'Monster Slayers,' to the more personal 'Dust on the Shelves' by Bannister. Several stories, like Michael Gagn's 'Inner Sanctum' and 'Sky Blue' by Kness, take the title literally and present storyboardlike flights of fancy. It's hard to pick a standout, but Jen Wang's charming 'Destiny Express,' about a girl artist who doesn't want to board a symbolic train to her destiny for fear of losing her inspiration, is certainly one of them. This collection strikes a few callow or self-indulgent notes, but the sheer force of creative energy on display is impressive, and young readers should find much to spark their own imaginations." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"The anthology's batting average is impressively high — there's nary a dud in the bunch....At more than 400 pages, there is something in this elegantly produced collection for everyone, including readers who usually snub comics." Booklist (Starred Review)

"The first Flight anthology was one of those universally-beloved comics, and the second volume is maybe a little bit better." The Fourth Rail

"While not quite as consistently enchanting and engaging as Volume 1, it's still an excellent collection. Recommended." Library Journal

"The quality is simply outstanding. It's probably safe to say that among its 432 pages, Flight has something to offer just about everyone." Comixfan.com

Kazu Kibuishi was 24 years old and working full-time in the animation industry when he began developing the idea of doing Flight. He began contacting his friends in the animation, comics, and graphic novel world to see if they would want to join the project. Little did he know that it would draw him into comics full-time. He now works from his home studio in Pasadena, California, creating and promoting Flight and his popular young adult comic Daisy Kutter, which was nominated as an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults — the only graphic novel on the list in 2005.