Now it seems to me that there’s a growing sense of comics being increasingly fashionable again. Browsing the displays of the London museums certainly suggests as much, as there seem to be growing collections of comics and graphic novels taking up space beside books on painters, photographers, architects and so on. One of the finer titles prominently on display at the moment is the fifth issue of Kramer’s Ergot (Gingko Press). It’s a hefty compilation of fully formed strips, reproduced sketchbook pages (check out Gary Panter’s 30 years of sketchbooks in 30 pages) and other intriguing and adventurous illustrations. And whilst it’s unfair to zero in on individual contributions in what is a remarkably varied and always excellent collection, I can’t help but particularly recommend Chris Ware’s typically architectural and melancholic offering, and David Heatley’s epic strip that tells the tale of his sexual history. Be prepared for 320 pages of endlessly entertaining and inspirational art. I’m already eager for issue six.
Meanwhile from Top Shelf there’s been another string of excellent titles, not least of which are Rich Koslowski’s The King and Aaron Renier’s Sprial Bound. Koslwoski’s book is a fabulous Pop adventure/mystery that uses a former tabloid journalist’s exposé of an Elvis impersonator to explore themes of faith, self-reflection, and the bonds of mutual need that bind all cultural media together. Oh, and it’s funny as hell too.
Spiral Bound is funny too, but in an altogether more innocent manner. Like Wimbledon Green, it’s an addictively grand romp, filled with impossibly exciting underground tramways, a hidden underwater monster, a ceramic submarine, a fearless bird photographer, an authority challenging rabbit and a young elephant of great insecurity but rare nobility. And that’s just scratching the surface. A marvellously engaging and warm tale that explores themes of friendship and loyalty, this is the kind of book that whilst undeniably aimed at kids is no less enjoyable for adults too. Comes complete with raving recommendations from the likes of Lemony Snicket, Tony Millionaire and Craig Thomspson. So what are you waiting for?
And finally, in the self-publishing stakes, this issue’s prize of most entertaining and artfully assembled artefact goes to Brighton based illustrator Alex Bec with his Everybody’s Talking About… All the elements you could ever want are peresnt. Sticker? Check. Badge? Check. Hand stitched booklet of fine ink drawings illustrating snippets of overheard conversations? Check. Hand stamped, individually numbered brown paper bag to stuff it all in? Why check, of course. On sale in selct Brighton and London outlets, apparently, or email alex_bec@hotmail.com for details.
© 2006 Alistair Fitchett