Graphic Indifference

Oh man do I love the cartoonist Bruce Eric Kaplan (aka, BEK). Without a doubt, the best cartoonist in the New Yorker, and certainly one of the best cartoonists working today.

The above cartoon made me laugh out loud, because it speaks directly to me, and my feelings about the graphic novel craze. When graphic novels first began to really gain momentum a few years back, I often thought that there was something wrong with me, because I just could not get into them the way so many people did. I tried to get into them, and I am still trying, but I am only having a modicum of success. So far, for me, it's only been Art Spiegelman who really has impressed me. I'm drawn to his raw, dynamic, earthy drawing style, and his wonderful ability to put humour into some very dark subject material. Artists like Seth and Chris Ware, as talented as they are (and they are very talented and skilled), are for me, missing something in their artwork and storytelling. There is some basic human connection that I am just not getting with these guys. Other than this overwhelming dark shadow of gloom, I don't pick up any other emotions from these guys. And so whenever I read their work, I am left feeling cold and empty. Does anyone else feel this, or am I out in left field alone here?

Another problem I encounter with the graphic novel grenre is what I call the dark, depressing, navel-gazing elitist equation. Now I'm not saying that all graphic novels are depressing, but there sure as heck is a glut of them that focus on subjects like loneliness, depression, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, alienation and even epilepsy. And I'm not saying that this stuff shouldn't be discussed. I'm just saying, c'mon, can't we see a little more humour in some of this stuff? Who created this notion that in order for a graphic novel to be taken seriously, to be considered 'art' that it must be dark, deep and heavy?

Please understand though, I think it's wonderful that cartoonists are being appreciated for their work. But I often sense this attitude in the GN-lovers circle that cartoons + humour = low-brow hack. And I think that is dead wrong. Try communicating a serious concept using humour. It's not easy. But it's been my experience that the funny dark tales are usually the ones that will stick with you longer, because humour is the great equalizer; it will let everyone in. And why not some tales that are just plain funny, without any bleakness at all? There is no shame in sometimes just wanting to be entertained.

Ok, I'll get off my soap box now. And I will continue to read graphic novels, and try to appreciate as many of them as I can. But I will keep a sharp eye out for anything that dares to make me laugh, as well as think.

Comments

[mcs]

As a long term comic fan, I'm kinda of happy for the attention graphic novels are getting-- especially for those who have been strugling for awhile to get notice (such as Chester Brown). My only problem is that if you go into your local Chapters, the majority is Magna and other imported work from the East. While, its true that in Asia and Europe, graphic novels have had a levelof respect that is unheard over here (hence better material is probably found over there) it would nice to be supporting local work and development. This concluded today's portion of "Market of Graphic Novels".

P. if you want humorous graphic novel type works, I highly reccomend Baker's output. The Cowboy Wally Show, I Die at Midnight, You are Here, Why I Hate Saturn and, while I haven't read it, I'll assume its up to his standards, King David.

[patricia]

Thank you! I was hoping for input re: humorous GNs.

I do appreciate the attention graphic novels are getting. I just hope, that over time, the subject matter goes beyond despair and gloom. And I think, over time, GNs will become much more appreciated, and will fill even more deserved space on our bookstore shelves.

Oh, and I have NEVER understood nor enjoyed. Manga. Those drawings of those kids with the humungous eyeballs just freak me out.

[Brian F.]

This'd be an interesting topic for the Wisen. Let's just say you're not alone in your take on graphic novels. I'm very happy that they're gaining recognition as a literary form. But "dark, depressing, navel-gazing elitist" sums up far too many of them for me as well. And you forgot "pretentious."

I think at some point in every thinking person's life, maybe in their late teens or early twenties, there comes a time when they realize two things: Life is Really Hard, and Sex is Really Fun. These "insights" account for about 87% of the universe's graphic novel content. They are also largely uninteresting to me (and not just because I'm an old fogey; they weren't interesting to me when I was 20, either). To me, interesting art and literature comes when creators take the next step: Yes, I live in a cold impersonal universe that is completely indifferent to nurturing my unique artistic genius....so what do I DO with that? The ways in which people find meaning and CREATE meaning in their lives are as varied as humanity itself. That's interesting.

Unfortunately, many graphic novelists never get that far. As far as I'm concerned, if you're past the age of 25 or so and still writing about how your tortured soul is filled with ennui and angst--not to mention how fond you are of your genitals--all you've proven is that you're stuck at a pretty immature stratum of life.

In my opinion. (And in full awareness of the irony that my own "graphic novel" could be used as evidence against me.)

And I don't get manga either, but my 16-year-olds love it. I think it's like rap music: I'm NOT SUPPOSED TO get it.

[mcs]

Maybe someone should focus on making magna with an america flare-- bridge the gap and try to get those magna readers over to american/european styles. I know Marvel for awhile was doing X-MEN: MANGA to try to cash in on the Manga craze.

It is at this point that I will mention that my reading is more skewed towards mainstream superhero work, and I have only recently (in the past five years) started to branch out more into the alternative scene.

I do wonder though if this dark trend is still a carry over from the popularity of Watchmen, Maus and The Dark Knight Returns from the mid-80's. All three of these didn't have humor as the focus of thier subject matter and garnered massive press as a result.

[Michael Nobbs]

I've just read my first graphic novel (actually not true if I count Tin-Tins when I was about ten), Craig Thompson's Blankets. The work involved seems phenomenal. I have a hankering to try something like it one day. One day when I have A LOT more energy, patience and skill.

[andy]

I definitely believe that the 'dark, moody, pretentious, etc.' feel of graphic novels is a legacy effect of The Dark Knight Returns, Maus, and Watchmen. When those GNs came out (and remember in the case of DKR and the Watchmen, the GNs were actually collected issues of serials), the comics industry was just starting to allow more mature, and sophisticated stories and characters on to their pages. By and large, in the early and mid 80s comics were still very much regarded as children's fare. The graphic novels, helped change that considerably, and opened up the flood gates to many things. Some say they even 'saved' the comic as an art form. But they may have doomed it to what we are seeing now, as well.

Critics took notice of those works, as well as their progeny like the resurgence of indie comics, The Question, the Vertigo line of comics (especially Gaiman's work), and many others. The attention these things got actually pulled a lot of former 'non-comics' people into the old geeks club and created a wave of popularity. Any time that happens... with *anything* that might be marketable... marketing execs jump on it. When thy jumped on the comics bandwagon, they dissected it to see where this new popularity came from, and one of the first things they noticed was the appeal of "mature content." Once they got a hold of that, it just became formulaic. And we've been stuck with that formula for almost 20 years now.

I do think there is some good stuff out there. Mmmm... maybe even *lot's* but it's all subjective. I think that Mark Oakly's "Thieves & Kings" is one of the best things ever put in print. He really explores the graphic sequential story to it's fullest. He incorporates narrative prose in his stories quite a bit, and he's quite a good writer. Hits style is perfect for the epic story he is telling, with it's child-like characteristics, and absolutely sweeping landscapes. If you even kind-a-sorta like fantasy, I recommend it *highly*. M'Oak's website is at: http://www.iboxpublishing.com/

Personally, I'm a huge fan of Chris Ware, but like all things, I can see why some people would not like his stuff. It can definitely be, though, said that his work fall far from the dark-to-be-taken-seriously formula.

A couple of title that started *long* before the graphic novel buzz (bot the first one in the mid-eighties, and the current one) which are now available as collections in TPB are Cerebus and Love & Rockets. These were two of the first comics that didn't involve super heros that I ever read. Both can be extremely funny, as well as dramatic. The humor in Cerebus can run a little on the sophomoric side, but if taken light-heartedly, it can really crack you up. L&R is just simply one of the best comics ever produced, and is the grand-daddy of so many indie comics, like Ghost World (which isn't half bad, BTW), and Strangers in Paradise (which is really *very* good).

I find that if you access to it, the "Alternative Press" movement has some of the best stuff. There's a title called, "True Story, Swear to God" by Artist Tom Beland that remains the only comic to ever reduce me to tears. But it's not a sad comic at all. It's just that Tom write about his real life, and it can range from the hysterical to the profound. There's a good review of his GN, "Chance Are..." here: http://www.ait-planetlar.com/truestory.shtml If you're looking for funny, read his stuff.

Oh there's so much more... but I'm just to wordy for my own good... this is, after all, your blog :)

[patricia]

Oh no, Andy, I appreciate the wordiness! I really want feedback on this subject; hear what others think, get suggestions for GNs I should explore. Thank you for such a thoughtful, detailed entry. I can't access your website. Why not?

And Michael, I've yet to read Blankets, but it's on my list. I've seen samples of the artwork, and it looks breathtakingly beautiful.

[Z Houle]

I did like Sonja Ahler's Fatal Distraction, which is more of a 250-page collage than graphic novel. And even though there's some teen angst-y stuff going on in it, it doesn't take itself too seriously. But it's a neat book doing neat things with narrative. I'd post a link to my forthcoming review on Popmatters, but it is still, alas, forthcoming.

[Z Houle]

Also lived this one -- and it definitely doesn't take itself seriously. Is not really dark, either, though it is bittersweet. More influenced by old silent film:

http://www.popmatters.com/comics/nufonia-must-fall.shtml

[Z Houle]

Shoot. Meant to say "liked" not "lived".

[patricia]

But who knows? Maybe you lived it, too. I'll have to read it, and then ask you!

Thanks, Z!

[andy]

Oh... my site is in the throws of chrysalis. I've been saying for about 3 or 4 months now that I'm going to get it back up and running, but many, many things have delayed it. I seriously need, like, a 26 hour day or something. I have a two week vacation coming up, and I'm hoping that will do the trick. really... it shouldn't take me more than a day, but I have all these distractions. One particular 4 year-old, feels the need to give me the play-by-play of Elmo, or Pooh, or Clifford, or Blue or Babe's latest exploits. She's cute as all get out, though, so I *have* to pay attention. Stupid priorities.

Soon, though. I'll drop you a line when it happens.

Oh... and I keep the URL in the comment fields for future references.

[patricia]

Cool! Thanks. You are a cartoonist, I am assuming.

[Robot Johnny]

Patricia,
If you ever take one word of advice from me in your life, make it this one:
Go out and buy yourself a copy of "Good-Bye, Chunky Rice" by Craig Thompson right away. It is a graphic novel with absolutely no depressing navel-gazing. It is full of warmth and humour.

[mcs]

If your into fantasy, you may also want to check out Bone. They recently released a one-volume edition of the whole series, which (rumor has it) you can find for it at the beguiling (store is in Toronto). I'm not sure if its part of its secret sale or not.

[Robot Johnny]

The Bone 1-volume edition is indeed for sale for cheap at the Beguiling -- not part of the secret sale, tho, on sale for all.

But, Patricia, I don't think you'd like it. Although it's gorgeous. (and I like it!)

[patricia]

You're probably right, Johnny. I'm not the 'Fantasy' type. But I have seen the cover, and the artwork is stunning. But I should keep an open mind. Looks like I'm gonna have to take a trip down the Beguiling soon!

[michele]

The only graphic novel I have ever read is Blankets by Craig Thompson. If they were all as wonderful as thsi one i woudl be an avid, yet I doubt they are.

Oh well, i was never a comic book fan either. Only comic strips for me. Please don't hate me for sayign that.

[patricia]

Oh don't worry, Michele; I'm right there with you. Comic books never really rocked my world the way strips do.

Just call me Patricia the Stripper.

[andertoons]

I've been trying the superhero end of graphic novels as of late. Watchmen, Dark Knight, etc... And some of it's fun, butin general I'm not impressed. I also tried some other supposedly more mature GNs only to find them dark and depressing and, frankly, boring. I agree, Patricia, where's the fun?! Yeesh!

[Danny]

Patricia:
I'd like to chip a little at the feet of graphic novelry too. I am in awe of the drawing ability and the sheer tenacity of Chris Ware and Dan Clowes and Seth but (with the exception of Blankets and Maus) there seems to be something ...well, masturbatory about most of the leading graphic novels.
I developed a slightly mean-spirited theory as to why: To become as extraordinary a draftsman as the leading graphic-novelists tend to be requires an enormous commitment of time and energy. Drawing hundreds of pages filled with dozens of perfect frames will just suck your time away. As a result, there's doesn't seem to be much time for living left over. Maybe that's why all the stories are so tiny, so bleak. Stories of horrible families, of long-lost loves, of desperate loneliness.
Maybe it's just the medium.

[khy]

for a graphic novel artist who's not so gloomy, check out http://www.radiomaru.com/learn.html.

i have all the graphic novels (all two of them) that he's made so far. hilarious and touching. hell, i like them so much, i'd marry them... if that was legal.

but yea, i agree most graphic novels have a dark undertone. Jimmy Corrigan, Maus, and Blankets were all pretty depressing. And sort of humourous, in a black-humour sort of way. But these stories seem deeply personal, which are often difficult to tell with much humour, but those that can, those are the good ones. That's what make black-humour movies so great, right? Like that Sideways film that came out recently, huge oscar buzz i'm told. and Books? Come on, it's usually the dark ones with the funny writing that we love.

This might even apply to people... but uh, i'm not even going to get in to that. No idea where i'm going with this.

anyways: http://www.radiomaru.com/learn.html <- check it out

[Patricia]

Hey, Patricia! Wow, the weather sure is nice over here. :)

I thought I'd pop in to say that a few months back, on the recommendation of a Salon review (http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2003/07/21/yorick/index_np.html) and a friend, I read my first graphic novel since the obligatory Maus and Dark Knight stints back in college. The GN was Y: The Last Man, and for some reason I devoured it. I guess you could say it's a little dark, given that all the men on Earth die simultaneously (save one, Yorick, The Last Man). And some of the storylines are kind of contrived. I wouldn't call it sophisticated literature or anything. But it hooked me so much that I stayed up into the early hours of the morning to finish the volumes I had, and once I was done, I wanted more. I was reminded of how much I used to love to read as a kid, a feeling I've since lost somewhere along the way. Anyway, while it's not really humorous per se, it's fun stuff, not too gloomy or navel-gazing. I borrowed the first three volumes, but may (gasp) actually buy the fourth if I can get over how geeky that makes me feel.

http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1736

Back to the pajamas (they double as sweats).

[Lisa]

I'm no fan of manga either, but you really should not miss "Lone Wolf and Cub," which is far more like a Kurosawa samurai film than the genre's usual big-eyed schoolgirls. The artwork is stunningly gorgeous, and the story is complex and very moving.

[Christopher]

...while I'm afraid of having this denegrate into a recommendations thread, I just want to say that while I disagree with some of your assertations about graphic novels, I can see the point you're making. I'd wager that many of the gn's you've been exposed to are the ones getting mainstream literary attention, and they're getting that attention particularly because of their dark, serious, 'introspective' (rather than navel-gazing) nature -- which is considered to be at odds with the normal consideration of what comic books are. What's been lost in the rush to seriousness is the fact that there's a real breadth of experiences to be found in the medium, and solemn semi-autobiography is only one example of "it's not just superheroes or manga". If you ever get the chance to go to a good comic book store and are looking for something that decidedly isn't vaguely-morbid, the staff are likely to be able to point you in the right direction. And if I can put a few ideas in your head beforehand? Look for Promethea Vol. 1-3, Street Angel #1-4, Scott Pilgrim Vol 1, or the beautiful and excellent "100%" coming March 9th. There are plenty more besides to cheer you over the holiday season.

Best,

- Christopher Butcher, The Beguiling