Scan barcode
quizkidpatrick's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.25
Mellow Mutt is my favorite.
kidzikcan's review
3.0
This was my first time reading any of Van Sciver's works and I'm absolutely blown away by his incredible art. The stories are short and sweet, a lot of common musings of a cartoonist. I really enjoyed the Mellow Mutt stories best!
My one teeny little complaint regarding this book is that in 2 stories I get a sense of discomfort at the younger modern world, not understanding the "woke SJWs". It doesn't feel hateful at the very least but still left a bad taste. Not enough to ruin it completely though, it's very small in a sea of good ideas but wish it had been handled differently.
My one teeny little complaint regarding this book is that in 2 stories I get a sense of discomfort at the younger modern world, not understanding the "woke SJWs". It doesn't feel hateful at the very least but still left a bad taste. Not enough to ruin it completely though, it's very small in a sea of good ideas but wish it had been handled differently.
rachelhelps's review
4.0
There are some similarities to One Dirty Tree in the flashbacks to childhood, but the focus is on Van Sciver's feelings about being a cartoonist--going on signing tours where no one comes to get their book signed, feeling popular at conferences but struggling to make ends meet, and being embarrassed by his family when he has an art show in his hometown. Cartoons about cartoonists are a bit reflexive but also strongly authentic. I'm familiar with his self-deprecating humor, because I've been there myself. There were a few short comics done in other styles and they were funny. A short and enjoyable read.
otterno11's review
funny
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
A collection of short works of graphic memoir, most having appeared in other publications, As a Cartoonist reflects on prolific and multi-talented cartoonist Noah Van Sciver’s growth and evolution as an artist. Equal parts contemplative and droll, Van Sciver’s work here reflects the various lenses that he works with, such as the humorous historical pastiches of the 19th Century Master Cartoonist, bittersweet childhood recollections in Mellow Mutt, all bracketed by pieces in which Van Sciver considers his career.
At the same time, he illustrates a kind of culture clash with the contemporary comics genre, finding himself mutually bewildered among other young cartoonists, ambiguous toward their political and artistic interests. There is a bit of an old school style to his work here, harkening back to the heyday of angsty alternative comics, as reflected in the list of influences and recommendations for further reading Van Sciver includes. Like these works, Van Sciver often depicts himself in an unflattering light as he bumbles through awkward comics retreats and readings, seemingly surprised to have gotten to where he is, complaining about his own inability to draw nature, for instance, in panels of lovely Vermont countryside.
At the same time, he illustrates a kind of culture clash with the contemporary comics genre, finding himself mutually bewildered among other young cartoonists, ambiguous toward their political and artistic interests. There is a bit of an old school style to his work here, harkening back to the heyday of angsty alternative comics, as reflected in the list of influences and recommendations for further reading Van Sciver includes. Like these works, Van Sciver often depicts himself in an unflattering light as he bumbles through awkward comics retreats and readings, seemingly surprised to have gotten to where he is, complaining about his own inability to draw nature, for instance, in panels of lovely Vermont countryside.
shea_proulx's review
funny
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship, Bullying, Alcohol, Sexual content, and Cursing
More...