I’ve been reading a lot of graphic novels for a project.
Normally I don’t read very many comics beyond the likes of Chris Ware and Neil
Gaiman and Alan Moore.
Most of the stuff I’ve been reading is along the lines of
things-that-are-interesting-to-think-about-but-are-super-fucking-BORING-and/or-UNPLEASANT-in-the-moment.
Entertainment is very important to me. So when I encounter a graphic novel or
book (or movie or whatever) that seems unbearably boring, yet somehow interesting in retrospect, I think to myself--you know, this work does not
stand on its own if it needs me to think about it so much.
This is not to say that I don’t like to think. It is to say
that I enjoy thinking about things both in the moment and in retrospect. This
belief is central to my idea of art: it should be fulfilling during AND after. Occasionally
this makes me feel like a rube, but by and large I think it’s a solid policy.
All to say: there is this amazing cartoonist, Guy Delisle,
who isn’t really working out in terms of my project. But seriously he is great--wise and honest and entertaining and aesthetically the boss of everyone
ever--and I encourage you to go read everything he’s ever done right now.
