A lot of people in class think the author is a "tool." I didn't get that at all. I found him to be extremely friendly and eager to help. His extensive knowledge on the history of comics as well as the creative aspects of comics was very impressive and I'd be lying if I said I didn't learn something because I learned more than I ever wanted to know about comics. However for someone who already believes in comics as a valid source of art, this book reads like a desperate persuasion. At times it feels like he is whacking you over the head with his opinions and forcing you to agree with him. If I were a skeptic on comics or had no idea what classified art and what didn't I would have thought this book to be a revelation, but since I already respect its presence in the art world I really was not that moved by it.
I really LOVED Shaun Tan's "The Arrival" though. I could not say enough great things about it! Besides its obvious spectacular illustrations, the message it conveyed was extremely thought provoking. As someone who does not read comics or graphic narratives much, I was really surprised how much I enjoyed it. I loved the concept of the foreign land; it could have represented anywhere and I respect that he made up a land instead of using one that is recognizable. What is so great about the imagery is the fact that it is unrecognizable to anyone who encounters it. It really shows a great sensitivity to immigration by not only making the characters uncomfortable and frightened by the strange land, but also making the reader uncomfortable and unsure and well.
No comments:
Post a Comment