Jordan Crane’s Uptight is one the last regular comics coming out nowadays. The series format is much like old issues of Love and Rockets or Yummy Fur, something that is a nice break in this “graphic novel” focused market. He has also been doing these incredible Silk Screen prints that blow my mind and as well as a little series of comics called Non.
How could I resist? Though I didn’t get my copy at a convention, and therefore missed out on the free tampon, there was no way I would miss a book with such bloody themes.
Jen Vaughn is a MFA student at CCS. Her focus in Menstruation Station is less coming-of-age wah wahs and more fantasies inspired by blood and blood production. “Safety Net” is a circus love story gone down the drain and the inside of a vagina, “VIP Seats” is about sacrifices people make for the rock and roll lifestyle, and “Charms” is a funny, Buffy-style take on teenage witchery. “So Now You Are a Woman” is the only take on menarche proper, and instead of being smug and reassuring like most stories about that first bloody day, it’s a negative (and very true) rendering of the experience.
The four short stories and assorted extras in the mini show her facility depicting motion and the emotions of the characters through facial expression. The inky brushwork in concert with light, deft lines, add a lushness to some of her subjects (hair, shadows, blood fountains) and move your eye around each panel. Perhaps I’m a bit old-fashioned, but my reading experience would have been a bit better if each story had a title panel, or some other way of signaling the start of a new story.
Because Vaughn’s character design is so good, I wanted the stories to be longer and fuller. I am looking forward to the next installment.
The Bridge Project is one of the more delightful anothologies that I have read in a while. It has all the markings of a good indie anthology, a simple theme that is easy to follow, and strong creators that were chosen for the project. The concept is pretty simple, a cartoonists from Portland and San Francisco collaborate on stories. The nice thing about it, is that while some stories are about the cities the creators live in, they avoid the easy trappings of all being autobio stries of being cartoonists in cool communities(although that is the case with a couple of the stories, it’s ok, because it’s not the majority).
Some of the favs in the book, include a nice balance piece by superstars Rina Ayuyang and Erika Moen. It highlights some of the wonders and joys of their own home towns, with the collaboration seem to be based on shared ideas but they still work independtly to their own strengths. Scott Campbell and Graham Annable team up for completely insane sea chantey that can only come from their combined minds. David Chelsea works solo for story of one mans differences and experiences between the two cities.
Overall, I am pretty happy with this book, I think people should take note of work that has gone into this book and see what goes into making a quality indy anthology.
T. Edward Bak’s Service industry is high on my list of comics that you haven’t read yet, but really should. Since putting that out, he has a great ongoing story begining in Mome 15, Drawn and Quarterly Showcase 5 and the great anthology, Orchid(worth picking up just for Lasky’s adaptation of the Raven alone). He also did a couple of great pieces that are on the National Geographic site from his trip to Alaska.
Noah Van Sciver makes some great self publish comics that read like they came from the mind of a crazed hobo. Seriously, they are great. Check out Blammo and his story in the Mome 15.
For the conclusion of my own going interviews regarding comics as a form of media, Scott McCloud. I am really thankful for Scott taking the time to chat with me, given the importance of Understanding Comics in courses on comics, it is vital to have him taking part in an ongoing dialogue on comics.
Matt Madden brings some really great idea’s from the artists point of view on Media topic.
Jeet Heer brings some really interesting ideas to the table in regards to the formation and history of comics.
Here is the full interview with Tom Spurgeon for the Comics and Media Audiodoc.
Here is my conversation with Eddie Campbell, about comics as a form of media. I think you will be Surprised by what Eddie has to say.
