Thursday, February 28, 2019
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Recently Read: Young Frances
Don't pick up this graphic novel unless you plan to read it through in one sitting - it's that involving. An (incomplete) collection and reformatting of cartoonist Hartley Lin's Pope Hats series, Young Frances details the corporate law firm world of clerk Frances Scarland, and the relationship with her less straight-edge best friend, actress Vickie Griffin. The nuances of their relationship and the absurd and stressful office sequences are created with empathy, knowledge and irony. They all ring true.
The story is told in that fashionable indie style which mixes carefully observed detail with a more cartoony surface (most likely a half-century-later derivative - whether conscious or not - of Herge's influence). In short - it's beautifully drawn and beautifully paced. Readers of any age will find much to appreciate in it.
Creepy Guide
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Recently Read: Naruto, Vol. 6
The Forest of Death plot line isn't going as I would have preferred (I was hoping for a
more traditional, Hunger Games-type contest), but it has gotten a lot more complicated.
Anko, one of the Konohagakure Academy's proctors, finds three dead bodies, minus faces, and surmises it's the work of the immortality-seeking Orochimaru. She takes off in pursuit of him.
Meanwhile, Sasuke and Naruto have lost consciousness after a fight over one of the
sacred scrolls with an enemy ninja, leaving Sakura to defend them from the threat of
Team Dosu. Sakura becomes a stronger character here, and the Sakura-smitten Rock Lee also comes to her defense.
This is a jam-packed volume and it ups the ante on the complexity of Naruto's world
and the ever-widening past connections of so many characters involved in it. Masashi
Kishimoto's art is expressive and beautiful, as always, and in this volume he highlights
some of his artist assistants.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Recently Read: The Digest Enthusiast, Book Nine
The latest volume of the one and only digest about digests is a strong one (and I'm not
stating that because I'm in it). I was completely absorbed in the interview with
painter and filmmaker Ed Emshwiller's daughter, Susan, also a fascinating artist.
Also intriguing: an overview of the many magazines Ray Palmer edited, another
copiously researched article by Steve Carper on one-shots published by digest magazine
publishers, and an interview with Victoria Green, Art Director for the Penny Press and
Dell Magazine brands (including Analog and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine). Plus:
short fiction, cartoons, many more articles, an overview of current digests released
and the proverbial more. If you enjoy digest magazines, you'll enjoy The Digest Enthusiast.
Monday, February 18, 2019
Recently Read: Through a Basement Window: The Collected Comix of Clark A. Dissmeyer, 1984-1986
A unique artifact of rare material, Through a Basement Window is a collection of cartoonist Clark A Dissmeyer's work from 1984-1986, compiled and introduced by fellow cartoonist Marc Myers, the collection nicely designed by publisher Richard Krauss. The stories were originally printed in very low print run minicomics and small press anthologies.
As the front cover art and the title of the book promises, this is dark work, both literally and figuratively, a noir world of isolation and fear. Emotional thoughts are extrapolated into stories of murder and mystery. The stark black and white art, thick with shadows and silhouettes, conveys a consistent and visionary feeling of paranoia and depression. Sadness and loneliness pervade.
At nearly 160 pages, Through a Basement Window's mood may require sporadic reading sessions. As a snapshot of a creative person's time, place and mood, though, it's a valuable document.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Friday, February 8, 2019
Thursday, February 7, 2019
SPACE 2019 Flyer
Now it can be revealed: a flyer for Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo 2019 I designed, incorporating some of the books 'n zines that have sold at SPACE. The flyer soon to be distributed to stores near you!
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