Spiegelman's Complete Maus (Vol. 1 and 2)/Barefoot Gen-Commentary

I must admit that I wasn't really impressed by the artistic ability of Mr. Spiegelman. There were just some places where I abhorred the drawings . BUT!! Overall Maus is a very good graphic novel in my mind, and that everyone should try to read it. Personally I have always like to learn about history and I do like reading it. But its also good to hear another side of a historic story. Especially if that person when through it and survived the experience. Just the fear and anxiety that was in the book leaked out threw the pages, even though EVERYONE were animals. The emotions, body postures and conflicts made it seem more like a movie than mere history. But it wasn't something glamourous and I am just glad that Mr. Spiegelman had made this graphic novel. There were times when you got so annoyed at his father and his "miser" like ways. You feel the struggle Spiegelman has himself of trying to be a good son even though he detests his own farther. This relation is only bridged when they story of the past is told. The fear, bias and hatred of the Nazis regime. The many brave families that fought for survival. and the bitter end of a struggle that had took so many..... A good graphic novels grabs your senses, your hear and your soul. It makes you question your soul and makes you compare to your own life experience. It was good.

The same goes for Barefoot Gen. I like the "simplicity" of the animation. The detail and colors that truly enliven that Japanese setting. It is hard to realize that the bombing they tried to depict in the movie actually happened. To know that millions not only died on impact but also afterwards for various reasons. It definitely took on social issues that we as Americans understand but I am sure hits home more for people of Japanese descent.

Underground Comix-Fat Freddy's Cat/ Cartoonist Track

What can I say. The comic is intense, real and just cuts to the chase. It is rude, crude, sometimes disgusting. It is infested with roaches, rats, crazy cats and guys who forget to feed their animals. It is drawn very heavily and gives a feeling that who ever drew was....welll... Anyway, though.. It is funny and sometimes outright hilarious. My cartoon just makes fun of Fat Freddy's cat 'toughness'. Trust me. I believe that would Garfield would win in a fight against him. Why else does Garfield eat so much? Its because he goes to the gym. Metabolism!!!

Will Eisner-A Contract with God/ Cartoonist Track

This is truly a great narrative story married to a wonderful comic. I trully appreciate graphic novels. I have always been an avid reader. Somedays to hiding myself from everyone just so that I could finish a book the same day. I liked reading comics but sometimes the lack of a long term plot or somekind of story with some more 'weight' made me put them aside. I always looked at the pictures and illustrations but usually rushed through the words. NOT SO! with graphic novels. I really like the vertical layout Mr. Eisner has in his graphic novel. It gives it a feeling of a book. I don't if someone has but there are some bibles that have all the verses then right on a whole page by itself in an illustration. But Mr. Eisner takes it forward and put the words with the illustration. A cartoon that is unlike a cartoon. This why it is appealing to many people around the world. People who would dare not read a comic, relish reading graphic novels. The switching over of comics first being for kids to everyday literature to me is amazing. It shows the hunger people have for knowledge. For my comic I did the second part where the boy found the stone with the contract with God. I just wanted to be funny and ironic. Just one grammatical error that could have changed anyones life forever. lol.

Carl Barks-Donald Duck's Atom Bomb

To me Carl Barks is a genius when it comes to comic books. I had never really knew or investigated into who was known famously for drawing Donald Duck. To me personally Donald Duck was my favorite character out of all Disney cast members. His temper, outrages and stubbornness made him an appealing character. The one who his always negative, tempered with caution, and likes to win a lot. Carl Barks really makes the character come alive in they well colored, well drawn comic books. Yes it is targeted to kids, but I think that anyone of any age can enjoy. I like the mannerism that he gives to the characters, I makes you forget that he is actually making a duck talk like a human. But he able to mesh together the facial expressions, body language and just the atmosphere of the setting to give you a wonderful story. For my cartoon I did a spoof of Donald Duck. I just thought it was funny, especially when at one time Disney did propaganda for the military. Also I had to add the Furry Freak Brothers....Those are some messed up guys.

Winsor McCay-Little Nemo in Slumberland/ Cartoonist Track

I truly enjoyed the visual detail that Winsor McCay has in the comic Little Nemo in Slumberland. It shows his mastery of ink/line, and he is very adept with perspective. The story Little Nemo immediately appeals with me because I like to dream also. But using that as the basics of the story Mr. McCay is able to push the boundaries that cartoons are notably known for. Many layouts and designs he did for Little Nemo were quite interesting and 'out of the box'. This helps draw rapidly the attention of the reader and that is why so many enjoy this specific comic strip. It shows good mastery of the medium and just all out fun to read. The comic I did, does not do justice to how well McCay has drawn but I like to mess around with stories I know and treasure. But really I believe I would have some kind of spinal, brain or back problems if I dropped off my bed every night. I am suprised he didn't go insane or why didn't he try to force himself to sleep so that he could stay in that universe (of course medical ways are available). I wouldn't mind it. A crazy bed, an imp, a cigar loving clown and a king willing to hook you up.

Wordless Comic-Frank in the River/ Cartoonist Track

Wow. For me Frank in the River by Jim Woodring was like a psychedelic trip into a colorful world. He was able to really convince you that the character is experiencing emotions and is alive. I trully like the strong, vibrant colors he has within the artwork. The story was very good at being subjective. I liked the scene when Frank finds out what the Pig guy used to make food.

To me I understood wordless comics as comics that simulate motion and give a feeling of a story. Like sequential art, you capture the moment of the expression of the character or the scene. It chose to draw about Felix the Cat because he used to (well still is, but not much) be so popular in the past. He was such a funny, witty and whimsical cat that everyone loved watching. But then came Walt Disney's' best creation Mickey Mouse. So I just wanted to simulate what Felix would feel like after being out-shined. I wanted him to look like a worker, not the always smiling cartoon meant to please millions. I liked drawing it.