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A review by otterno11
As a Cartoonist by Noah Van Sciver
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.