Sep 01
The New York Times Magazine has become one of the most mainstream outlets for alternative cartoonists. In the past, the magazine’s featured continuing strips by Rutu Modan (The Murder of the Terminal Patient), Jason (Low Moon), Daniel Clowes (Mister Wonderful), and more. Megan Kelso’s Watergate Sue ran from April 1 to September 9, 2007, and told the story of a woman—Sue—having her first baby. At the same time, she’s struggling to get the story of her own birth during the Watergate scandal from her mother. The entire storyline can be read at the Times’ “The Funny Pages” site.
Kelso’s style in Watergate Sue is accomplished but casual, with characters that move naturally but look like they’re made of rubber. There’s even a visual connection with the characters of the old Hanna-Barbera cartoon The Flintstones, since both feature bold black outlines, rounded faces, and eyes with no pupils. Continue reading »
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Sep 01
Unlike many alternative comic artists, Chris Ware’s name has found its way into the mainstream media time and time again. This is largely attributable to his 2000 graphic novel Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Kid on Earth, which collected work done between 1995 and 2000. Critics worldwide praised the book, from Time Magazine putting it on their list of the 10 best graphic novels to the Guardian awarding it their First Book Award.
Ware’s style is instantly recognizable for its clinical, geometrical layouts and circle-headed characters. Ware is an avid collector of early 20th century art and cites many of these artists as his influences, including newspaper comic artists Winsor McCay (Little Nemo in Slumberland), Frank King (Gasoline Alley), and Charles Schulz (Peanuts). He’s also mentioned Surrealist artist Joseph Cornell and alternative comic artist Richard Mcguire as influences on his storytelling, which often unfolds in non-linear, parallel narratives. Continue reading »
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