When an artist begins producing comic strips, they unintentionally pit themselves against some of the most iconic characters in popular culture. The likes of Garfield, Snoopy and Calvin (and Hobbes) all employ a witty cynicism that has been universally adored for its concise, sharp method of describing small elements of hypocrisy present within society. Alongside … Continue reading Louder and Smarter: The Comic Strip Revival
Review: When One Person Dies The Whole World Is Over
Story and art by Mandy Ord Published by BrowBooks (2019) Length: 1 Volume In terms of popularity, vloggers, and the depiction of modern living, has become the most popular form of content consumed on the internet. These figures, often referred to as social media influencers, are able to simultaneously emit authenticity, while providing an idealised … Continue reading Review: When One Person Dies The Whole World Is Over
Australiana in Comics: Deep Breaths
Story and art by Chris Gooch Published by Top Shelf Productions Length: 215 Pages There is so much value to be found in mundanity. Within these quieter moments of living, the most profound introspection can occur, guided by pervading feelings of frustration, contentedness, or indifference. Chris Gooch’s Deep Breaths gives us an opportunity to relive these instances, but … Continue reading Australiana in Comics: Deep Breaths
Spinning Review
Story and art by Tillie Walden Originally published by First Second Length: 1 Volume (400 Pages) Spinning presents a captivating look into the turbulent life of author (and then teenager) Tillie Walden, whose childhood revolves around the competitive figure skating scene. It explores the process of a passion slowly fading, acting as a lens … Continue reading Spinning Review
Lulu Anew: Tell my family Adieu? (Review)
Story and art by Étienne Davodeau Publisher: NBM Publishing (2012) Length: 158 Pages Much like Disappearance Diary, Lulu Anew promises a deeply introspective experience, one that explores the soul-sucking mundanity of domestic life, and the mindset one must possess to drop it all. Unfortunately, that insight is never truly given. While I commend the piece … Continue reading Lulu Anew: Tell my family Adieu? (Review)
Three Shadows Analysis
Story and art by Cyril Pedrosa Original publisher: First Second (2008) Length: 1 Volume (268 pages) ‘Three Shadows’ has been described as empathetic artistry; an attempt for a cartoonist to understand his friend's suffering after his son's cancer diagnosis. As you’d expect, the resulting piece is a highly personal experience, one filled with the polarising … Continue reading Three Shadows Analysis
My Friend Dahmer Review
Story and art by John “Derf” Beckderf Published by Abrams Comic Arts (2012) Length: 1 Volume “My Friend Dahmer” provided some disturbing insight into the mind of future serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, and the poisonous roots with which his conception was laced. While sympathy for Dahmer may end after his first act of atrocity, to … Continue reading My Friend Dahmer Review
