NY Comic Con, Asterios Polyp and Wilson

I warned you that I was in a graphic novel phase, or research between new work phase, or procrastination phase, but whatever you prefer to call it, I've been excited about comics lately. On top of that, out of the blue my friend had such an intriguing proposition working the Anime Network booth at NY Comic Con, that I couldn't refuse and have been pouring over the event list daily to see where I'll make my way during breaks. Tracy White will be speaking there, author and illustrator of graphic novel How I made it to Eighteen, a story of addiction, depression and getting through it, as well as Jane Yolen, who is typically a wonderful children's author and is making her own graphic novel debut. Definitely check all the comic mayhem out October 8th-10th!

image via BoDoi, image via paulgravett.com
Today I finished 2 graphic novels back to back, and there was my first mistake. The second, is that I started with David Mazzucchelli's Asterios Polyp and then went on to Daniel Clowes' Wilson. They both star a middle aged self centered male, and because of this should have been enjoyed and reread separately in order to avoid comparisons. But alas, I did not and so I will.
Mazzucchelli's graphic design layout, choice of limited colors, use of space, and a beautiful script make this the perfect graphic novel to me. Each character has a depth that feels more autobiographical than fiction. I could gush and pour on the praise all day, but just do yourself a favor and read it.
* On a side note, I did take a class alongside Mazzucchelli and his class work is featured somewhere on this blog.....also, he was super nice and always helpful.
In Clowes' Wilson, the character never quite grows, is always quite despicable, and never makes a real connection to the people on the pages, leaving it as flat as the medium itself. What works are the changing styles of drawing and alternating full color pages and 2 colors pages for visual interest. His drawing style has always been a favorite of mine, and for this I would still recommend it.

image via raincoastbooks.com

Graphic reads

Lately all I've been into reading is graphic novels. Luckily the library down the street from me has a great section and apparently few geeks like me in the area because the section is always pretty full. I became obsessed with Julie Doucet after reading her 365 days, basically a journal of a year in life, working, traveling and just dealing with everyday things.

I picked up Skim, by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by cousin Jillian Tamaki and was blown away. The coming of age story is so honest, and the illustration and perspectives are so beautiful that I read it over and over again. I want to get my hands on all of Jillian's work now.

The Impostor's Daughter, a true story of a journalist and her relationship with her father and her unraveling read like a thriller and was absolutely satisfying. These are due soon, so I'll have another batch to get wrapped up in and hopefully get inspired to start on my own.

Images via Drawn and Quarterly, Amazon, and Tablet.com

MoCCA love part 3: favorite artists

So guys, this is the last of the MoCCA posts and I want to introduce you to some of my favorite new artists that I'll definitely be keeping track of, and hope you will too. Enjoy!


Hellen Jo- this girl is ridiculously funny and talented. Go over to her website to see what I mean. She did a series of illustrations on post-its and it will make you feel bad if you're ever like, "waaa I have no supplies to draw with!"

oooo she did a watercolor of Belle de Jour- one of my favorite movies! If you haven't seen it- get it! the costumes were done by Yves St. Laurent and every shot is eye candy.

Joseph Lambert- this guy is extremely prolific, super nice- and signed everything in pink pen! He was selling gorgeous handmade work for great prices. You MUST go to his blog and see the screen printing process for the middle poster (I bought one)- it's awesome.

Robin Ha- Makes comics and does beautiful fashion illustration. I love the 50s styling of The Cherry Twins.

Anna Bongiovanni- Also very, very nice and signed my poster after sketching another fan on the spot. Anna had a comic book called 100 princesses, each page with a drawing of a princess and a little story, really cute and funny. These are the posters she made to go along with it, they are adorable! Unfortunately she's sold out on Etsy, but check back, they're so worth it!

MoCCA love part 2: artist cards!

The thing I love about festivals like this is that even when you are all out of money, people are still giving out full color business cards, postcards (great for framing for cheap art!) and stickers all for free, and helping me remember who I really liked. I've spent several hours admiring their websites and trust me, they are well worth your time to check out!

leaves by Mark Burrier

Center for Cartoon Studies postcard by Sean Ford

Illustration for My Mommy is in America and met Buffalo Bill by Emile Bravo

-Martina Fuggazzotto's work can be found at one of my favorite print sites, Charmingwall, or over at her super bright page
-Stephanie Yue is a RI based artist who does adorable children's work and these great mice!

I've been looking into printing business cards, so I'm quite keen on seeing what's out there right now, and what graphics work or don't in such a small space. The Twinkletoes Gang is deep pressed and came in an array of colors on thick creamy paper- very nice. Graphic black and white penguin card by Thomas Baehr- cutest graphic novel ever! I think the Comics Bakery is my favorite though, I love curved edges right now and the sweet sepia colors work so well.

MoCCA part 1: Kate T Williamson

I was surprisingly overwhelmed by the many great exhibitors at MoCCA art festival this weekend, it's just rows and rows of booths with graphic novels,comics, pins, cards etc. so it feels very personal when you're at an artist's booth, right in front of them, flipping through their work, and either you put it down and obviously weren't captivated...or you love it and start a conversation with the artist. Luckily the latter happened with one of my new favorite illustrators I was meant to meet, Kate T Williamson. Her beautiful graphic novel is called "A Year in Japan" with humorous writing and watercolor illustrations of a year documented there when she was granted a fellowship. Kate was super friendly, wrote me a beautiful inscription, and *gasp* has authored books about Hello Kitty!!!! whatt??? How have I not started her fan club yet??!