Novel T h r o w d o w n : Understanding Comics vs. Epitaph for a Peach

Contender: "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud. He dives through the history, passion and meaning of comics vis-a-vis art (fine and otherwise) and communication. As far as comics, I recommend "My New Fighting Technique is Unstoppable" by David Rees. Some kid in a store mentioned "1602"? Does anyone know what that is, or if it's readable? I think I'm looking for something lucid, with few words.

Contender: Epitaph for a Peach, by California writer/farmer David Masumoto. The book ambled nicely, with the writer discussing his passion for his peaches and the lifestyle accompanying his organic, family-centered farming practice. He had a good idea and went with it, finishing school at U.C. Berkeley and heading back to the Valley. My big problem with the book is his refusal to address the pollution in the Central Valley with more than a sentence or two.

vERdiCT: Both Davids produced nice books. McCloud's appeals to me because of his use of images and imagery. It is a comic. Masumoto's is cool, too, if a bit slow. Neither makes me want to farm peaches or write comics but I am more willing to learn about comics, now, and eat organic peaches. TIE.