Nordling wrote:Where's Robert Crumb, Alan Moore, Terry Moore, Dave Sim, Jeff Smith?
sequential art as literature. Literature written in the comic book medium
Fried Gold wrote:So it's the same sort of thing that happened in the 80s/90s, when people were too scared to be found out reading comics and so called them "Graphic Novels".
unikrunk wrote:Maus, for example, is not in the same league as Countdown. One is a comic book adventure tale. The other is an academic work told through the comic book medium.
Toastie wrote:I've been reading Tezuka's Phoenix series recently. It definitely finds that balance between the two ends of the comic spectrum. Have you read any of it?
minstrel wrote:Do you have that in English? I wasn't aware that a translation had been published.
Or can you read Japanese?
Toastie wrote:minstrel wrote:Do you have that in English? I wasn't aware that a translation had been published.
Or can you read Japanese?
Hai. Nihongo mo hanasemasu yo!
minstrel wrote:
Alas, I can't read Japanese. Sorry, can't help yo with yo nihongo.
unikrunk wrote:Fried Gold wrote:So it's the same sort of thing that happened in the 80s/90s, when people were too scared to be found out reading comics and so called them "Graphic Novels".
No sir, there is a distinct and very large difference; I am speaking of works of literature that are published in the comic book medium.
Maus, for example, is not in the same league as Countdown. One is a comic book adventure tale. The other is an academic work told through the comic book medium.
Fried Gold wrote:unikrunk wrote:Fried Gold wrote:So it's the same sort of thing that happened in the 80s/90s, when people were too scared to be found out reading comics and so called them "Graphic Novels".
No sir, there is a distinct and very large difference; I am speaking of works of literature that are published in the comic book medium.
Maus, for example, is not in the same league as Countdown. One is a comic book adventure tale. The other is an academic work told through the comic book medium.
That still doesn't really add any particular distinction.
"A work of literature in the comic book medium" still makes it a comic. I know Maus can't be considered in the same domain as Countdown (even though I've not read Countdown yet....). Citizen Kane and Star Wars aren't either, but they're both films.
A Dostoevsky in the comic book medium is still a comic.
burlivesleftnut wrote:well I think he's trying to draw a distinction between fine literature and pop literature. Like the difference between John Updike and Clive Cussler.
Toastie wrote:but sometimes I'd like to see David Boring be able to channel all his angst and meloncholy into kicking someone's ass.
unikrunk wrote:Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung – TPB Vol. 1
P. Craig Russell / Dark Horse Comics 2002
Russell undertakes the seemingly impossible task of translating ‘THE OPERA' into a monthly series with extreme forethought and a deep respect for both Wagner’s work and the tradition of adventure comics.
This is the first point that the TPB drives home; the book opens with 8 pages of demonstrative material showcasing the methodology employed in the series creation. This is neat material, but out of place structurally – it takes away from the impact of the book by pulling back the curtain before the show has even started. It’s tantamount to opening Return of the King with 20 minutes of behind the scenes effects production. In addition it seems a little condescending to the audience; if you were not aware of what may be the most famous opera ever, you probably are in no rush to buy a comic book about it.
The art is fantastic throughout, however Craig never hits stride with dialogue; it is either far too sparse and cryptic, or confusing dry exposition. Kudos for the effort though, because the sum is greater than the parts here, in the end an enjoyable read. This is due to the adventure comic aspect which carries the work through some potentially boring areas. When things get dull, throw in a totally mental Odin and a Valkyrie for him to bang heads with…
That’s it for volume one, I suppose, as the fat lady has yet to sing.
8 out of 10 thumbs up on the unikrunk scale of goodness.
Lady Sheridan wrote: It's too bad, though, they just didn't adapt The Nibelungenlied or, even better, the original Volsung Saga.
Keepcoolbutcare wrote:hey uni-k, I don't know if you've read this, but not only is it nerfect for this thread of yours, but it's something I'm fairly certainly positive that you'll dig it the most.
Lady Sheridan wrote:Wow, I'm going to have to look that up. Thanks, unikrunk. It's too bad, though, they just didn't adapt The Nibelungenlied or, even better, the original Volsung Saga. I'm not too familiar with the opera, but I know that it's often enough to turn people off the original Nordic goodness.
Man, I wish I could draw. There's nothing like that final bloodbath at the end--Attila the Hun, owned!
Pacino86845 wrote:I've only read it the one time and have been terrified to revisit it ever since, so I'm totally with you there.
Also it certainly lives up to all the praise it gets, that's for sure, which is why I'm looking for the "next" Chris Ware book to read after Jimmy Corrigan.
stereosforgeeks wrote:Ive heard his other works don't leave you with the feeling Corrigan does.
doglips wrote:I'd say go for Quimby Mouse, after Blankets it's one of the most emotionally touching books I've read. Although mainly based around Quimby and his cat head Sparky navigating life, the real pull is the written word pages/blocks from Ware which are a poignant and beautiful ode to his relationship with his grandmother. I'm making it sound almost depressing, but it's strip based and painfully funny.
Pacino86845 wrote:Great, thanks a lot guys!
Doglips mentioning Blankets reminded me that that's another GN I'd been meaning to pick up.
Sounds like I'll be going for ACME Novelty Library #18 next and prolly order Quimby Mouse as well.
Just one final question though: I've seen this giant-sized hardcover ACME Novelty Library... has an orange cover.
What the heck is it, and does it kick ass? This is what I'm talkin' 'bout
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