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posies23's review against another edition
4.0
This isn't quite a "graphic novel" -- its more of a heavily illustrated short story, with a combination of words and pictures on every page. It's a stark character study of the titular playwright, as he comes to terms with his past and his place in the world. It reminded me a lot of Richard Yates -- nothing is romanticized or explained, the story is simply told, and the reader makes whatever meaning they can from the story. It's definitely an acquired taste, but Campbell and White have created a thought-provoking and intriguing book.
lampje's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I'm begging men to write something new. I liked it, the drawings were good, the ending was refreshing but I'm so tired of yet another story about an incel with strong opinions about every woman he meets. Write something original I'm on my knees.
andersonh92's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was interesting and a quick read, for sure. But I’m not sure I understood the point. I found it oddly intriguing that this man had such a fascination and affinity with sex. It was beautifully written, drafted, and illustrated (albeit, a little crude). I did like the theme at the end of finding your muse when you’re unhappy, but when you finally achieve happiness, that muse is dried up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
blairecee's review
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Good for what it is - a well-drawn character portrait of a sad, lonely, middle-aged man who is involuntarily celibate and fuels his celebrated writing career with a lifetime worth of insecurity and unrequited desire. Campbell's art and storytelling is always magnificent. The handling of the protagonist's disabled older brother, who is consistently referred to in the text as "retarded," is also likely to raise some eyebrows. At the end of the day it's just another story about another middle-aged white guy and his sexual hangups. Who cares!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Misogyny, and Ableism
richard's review
Cartoonists of the world - enough with the sad, lonely, awkward, middle-aged white dude and his masturbation habits. Eddie Campbell is good at drawing, but seriously- enough.
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