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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
Graphic novel existentialism, beautifully rendered, unbelievably sad.
(And would pair well with the recent 63 Up film.)
(And would pair well with the recent 63 Up film.)
Love love love... not so silly goofy (sad book) and Chris Ware was lovely to talk to
This book is so sad. But I also loved it and couldn't put it down.
Edited to say I'm pretty sure I read parts of this in issues of The Acme Novelty Library, and also as serialized in the Chicago Reader when I first moved here in 2005. But I didn't really remember any of it. I think it is much more powerful here as a collection. The Joanna Cole story was by far my favorite, but although I didn't like the other characters very much, I'm pretty sure I will be thinking about them for a long time.
Edited to say I'm pretty sure I read parts of this in issues of The Acme Novelty Library, and also as serialized in the Chicago Reader when I first moved here in 2005. But I didn't really remember any of it. I think it is much more powerful here as a collection. The Joanna Cole story was by far my favorite, but although I didn't like the other characters very much, I'm pretty sure I will be thinking about them for a long time.
I spent a good portion of 2011 engulfed in the world of Rusty Brown as I wrote a large chunk of my dissertation about it. Now nearly 10 years later, it's finally complete (well the first volume) and it still feels as fresh and revolutionary. In those 10 years I've got married, completely changed careers, and recently had a baby. Time trickles by. Different things hit me in the gut on this reading than did back then.
I know I've read a few reviews mentioning how depressing this book is, and it is, but, it's also feels so kind and open hearted. Yes human beings can be horrible, but no one irredeemable, no one is purely bad. Empathy is everything, even for people who you would normally think don't deserve it. But everyone does.
I cannot wait to read volume 2 in another 10 years, I wonder where I'll be then? But I know there will always be one constant, and that is my unrivaled love for everything Chris Ware touches.
I know I've read a few reviews mentioning how depressing this book is, and it is, but, it's also feels so kind and open hearted. Yes human beings can be horrible, but no one irredeemable, no one is purely bad. Empathy is everything, even for people who you would normally think don't deserve it. But everyone does.
I cannot wait to read volume 2 in another 10 years, I wonder where I'll be then? But I know there will always be one constant, and that is my unrivaled love for everything Chris Ware touches.
An extremely Chris Ware kind of book. And because it is by Chris Ware, that’s a good thing.
Chris Ware has mastered the truly pathetic character. Just helpless. You want to tell the kid characters “it gets better,” but based on the adults, it probably gets worse.
I think it’s appealing, though, to a certain kind of reader. I think those of us who feel that way or who have felt that way can get a lot out of this.
Chris Ware has mastered the truly pathetic character. Just helpless. You want to tell the kid characters “it gets better,” but based on the adults, it probably gets worse.
I think it’s appealing, though, to a certain kind of reader. I think those of us who feel that way or who have felt that way can get a lot out of this.
My fourth 5 star in a row, there must be something in the water. The Lint/Cole sections that close the book off in particular are superlative.
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
so bizarre and dizzyingly intricate. ware is truly a master of comics, always pushing the form to and beyond its limits.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment