Craig Thompson's "Carnet de Voyage"
I just finished the graphic novel "Carnet de Voyage", by Winsconsin-born Craig Thompson, better known as the creator of "Blankets" and "Goodbye, Chunky Rice".
"Carnet de Voyage" is a hand drawn travel diary of Thompson's France/Spain signing tour and Morocco vacation. There is no overarching plot and the thing is sometimes very personal, especially when he reminisces about his terminally ill ex.
I've never read any of his previous works and I don't think I will, but I think this book merits a recommendation. The art style is very nice, more reminiscent of European artists than Thompson's compatriots. Yet, more than anything, the book makes you realise where the term "graphic novel" comes from.
I was always wary of that term, thinking it an American invention, brought about by creators who wanted to distance themselves from superhero comic books. As such, I did not think much of it - back here on the Blue-and-goldie we never needed the distinction. We had comics for adult and for the kids.
Still, now I think I undrstand the distinction more. I can see the similarities between "Carnet de Voyage" and modern novels in the structure, the personal scope and the emphasis on observation. And while I hate modern novels, I didn't hate "Carnet".
So, good job, mister Thompson. I hope your next novel, "Habibi" will be just as good.
"Carnet de Voyage" is a hand drawn travel diary of Thompson's France/Spain signing tour and Morocco vacation. There is no overarching plot and the thing is sometimes very personal, especially when he reminisces about his terminally ill ex.
I've never read any of his previous works and I don't think I will, but I think this book merits a recommendation. The art style is very nice, more reminiscent of European artists than Thompson's compatriots. Yet, more than anything, the book makes you realise where the term "graphic novel" comes from.
I was always wary of that term, thinking it an American invention, brought about by creators who wanted to distance themselves from superhero comic books. As such, I did not think much of it - back here on the Blue-and-goldie we never needed the distinction. We had comics for adult and for the kids.
Still, now I think I undrstand the distinction more. I can see the similarities between "Carnet de Voyage" and modern novels in the structure, the personal scope and the emphasis on observation. And while I hate modern novels, I didn't hate "Carnet".
So, good job, mister Thompson. I hope your next novel, "Habibi" will be just as good.