Aussie flavoured anthology submission

Well here is my final pages for an upcoming comics Anthology. I haven't heard back if it's been accepted yet but I have my fingers crossed. I thought it would be nice to see a bit of an Aussie flavour in an American anthology anyway! Would love some comments.

Comic Review: Building Stories by Chris Ware

Building Stories is the latest offering from American cartoonist Chris Ware. I say offering because it isn’t a comic book but rather a comic box presenting 14 separate pieces in various sizes and formats. Each of the printed objects, which include accordion foldouts, booklets, broadsheets and hardcovers, are self-contained episodes revolving around a nameless female and the lives and stories that surround her. By design the pieces in the box can be read in any order, making the reading experience unique to each reader as each character’s story is slowly revealed in fragments, reminiscent of memory.

The majority of content follows the aforementioned nameless female at various points in her life as she struggles with loneliness, love, responsibility and rejection and comes to terms with her own self-identity and purpose. The two other adjoining flats and their occupants (a miserable couple and the landlady) each have their own stories fleshed out, along with a trapped bee and the house itself (which omnisciently comments on the trivialities of life). These perspectives, told through various narrator styles, have a real awareness of time and place; particularly the changes of mindset in a post 9/11 world, even if the event is never expressly mentioned.

All of Ware’s trademarks are here: simple geometric shapes, isometric perspective, symmetry, primary colours and clean lines. The deceptively simple style is a perfect fit for the complex multi-layered stories weaved by Ware. He has been nominated for this year's Eisner Award in the categories of best new                       graphic album, best writer/artist, best colouring, best lettering  and best publication design.

Ware is often criticised for the depressing nature of his work, but the message this time feels a little more optimistic. I feel that this work is so complete, that the central character's plight is so believable/honest/real that we can dismiss the ups and downs with a simple Que Sara, Sara and put it all down to life.

Sam Leith, reviewing the book for the Guardian proclaimed: "nobody else is doing anything in this medium that remotely approaches Ware for originality, plangency, complexity and exactitude" and frankly, I am inclined to agree. 

Non Photo Blue Pencils

...fucking rule. I have just started using these things and I have no idea how I survived up until now. Here is a handy example example (first page of my effort for the Andromeda anthology). No rubbing out!

Comic Anthologies

I have decided I am going to get my lazy ass published.

There are some pretty cool anthologies out there, filled with people a whole lot more talented than me, and I figure an upcoming deadline is a great opportunity to force oneself into progress mode. Here are a few of the upcoming anthologies asking for submissions.

Andromeda Quarterly
Gurukitty Studios Annual 2013

Unlocked Volume 1

Premier Pulp Comics June

I would love to see a few more Aussie collections!

More of the Shire

I am toying with the name God's Country. What do you think?

Graphic Novels! Melbourne!

So I finally received my limited signed print of the poster Pat Grant did for the Graphic Novels! Melbourne! documentary. I am such a big fan of Pat's work and if you haven't read his amazing Blue yet you should really get onto that. The doco itself was charming enough, and it's fantastic to see the Australian comic scene get some international recognition.

Comic Review: Cages by Dave McKean

Disclaimer: I know very little about art and it is entirely possible that this review consists of nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to come across as cultured.

Cages is the single volume collection of the 10 issue limited comic series by Dave McKean. The book details the lives of several aspiring artists that reside in an apartment block, revealing their stories, interactions and musings on life, love and death through an assortment of art styles.

The colourful cast of characters include aspiring painter and new tenant to the block, Leo Sabarsky, who is attempting to find his artistic voice, Jonathan Rush, a controversial author in hiding whose writings have sparked riots and a Jamaican musician named Angel who can bleed sound from a stone. There are also mobster-like men that confiscate everything Rush loves, a mad scientist that attempts to isolate the soul of inanimate objects, an art dealer that speaks only through the use of palm cards and a love interest that lives in an indoor jungle.

A strange black cat is witness to the lives of these characters. The animal wanders between each of their stories, coming and going, so we feel we have only received a glimpse of their fantastical worlds, which are in a constant state of perpetual change.

The enormous 496 page book (which should come with a warning: lift with your knees sticker) has been published by Dark Horse in a beautiful, large format that captures the detail and expression with which the graphic series has been created. McKean, who is best known for his Sandman covers and art in Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum, uses his broad range of artistic talents to full advantage here, with the book comprising of simple scribbles, scratchy representational ink sketches, abstract expressional paintings and digitally enhanced photography.

You could be forgiven for dismissing Cages as superfluous art wank, but each change in style helps the linearly told narrative unfold with the art reflecting the current mood. Calm sequences, told using the traditional 9 panel format, can suddenly desolve into abstract streaky figures in a chase sequence entirely without panels or into an explosion of colour in an  otherwise single coloured book to show the creation of an idea or dream. At no point does the mixed media style feel forced. Furthermore the frequent changes makes turning each page genuinely exciting and surprising in terms of narrative development and art.

Cages is one of the most ambitious comic books ever created. It can be at times confusing, with the mix of art styles complimenting the often ambiguous narrative but challenging the reader. With a little patience, the book offers an entirely unique experience, not just to comic readers, but all lovers of fiction and art. I cannot recommend this purchase enough.