Un-assigned Reading #4

Graphic novels scream onto literature scene

By: Grant Snider

Posted: 1/21/08

For me, the term "American literature" conjures high school memories of being force-fed school-board-approved classics such as "Lord of the Flies" and "Of Mice and Men." Sure, these are worthwhile books to read.

But they will inspire few people beyond devoted English majors to actively seek out and consume "American literature" past their high school curricula.

The term, "comic books," however, suggests spandex-clad superheroes careening through juvenile storylines - nothing resembling "literature."

Comic books do succeed in maintaining a loyal following past adolescence, though mostly among socially inept male collectors.

Imagine if these two disparate genres were combined: the intellectual realism of literature blended with the bold, immediate flow of comics. Add in bits of experimentation and visual craftsmanship, and this mating of genres would come close to resembling the current state of graphic fiction.

Two of today's foremost graphic novelists are Adrian Tomine and Chris Ware. Both combine deft storytelling with impressive draftsmanship, and both regularly contribute illustrations to The New Yorker.

Tomine's latest novel, "Shortcomings," introduces the character Ben Tanaka. Tanaka is an Asian-American man in his early '30s from the West Coast - qualities shared by Tomine himself. Tanaka's problems, and thus the storyline, center on his relationships with women. When Tanaka's relationship with his Asian-American girlfriend flounders, he is drawn to "white girls."

Tanaka's problems arise from his own difficult personality and racial identity. These problems complicate his relationships.

Tomine's drawing style is crisp, detailed and somewhat traditional. His expressive use of black and white line and space with occasional hatching is reminiscent of the style of Jaime and Gilbert Hernandez.

Underlying themes of cultural identity, in this case an Asian-American identity rather than Latin-American, also align Tomine's approach with that of the Hernandez brothers.

Dialogue alone drives the narrative. Shifting emotions are superbly conveyed by Tomine's knack for facial expressions, creating scenes that feel very real.

"The Acme Novelty Library Number 18" is Chris Ware's most recent addition to his ongoing "Acme Novelty" collection. The "Acme Novelty" are regular editions of his work containing separate storylines of recurring characters.

The storyline of Jimmy Corrigan, a character from "Acme Novelty," was compiled in the novel "Jimmy Corrigan, the Smartest Boy on Earth." This book propelled Ware to his position as one of the most critically acclaimed graphic novelists of this decade.

Ware's 18th "Acme Novelty" book sticks to one storyline: the lonely existence of a young woman with a prosthetic leg.

This unnamed character, her past defined by a previous job as a nanny and a single failed romantic relationship, works at a flower shop and lives in an old apartment in a big city.

The story showcases what Ware does best. It depicts internal turmoil brought about by isolation. Deep sexual and emotional frustrations consume the character's tedious daily routines.

Ware's graphic approach is beautifully experimental and architectural. Many pages eschew a left-to-right flow,??weaving,?circling?and?descending a labyrinth of panels and text. Often, the story frames a single provocative image at the center of a two-page spread.

Ware's drawings have been called cold and mechanical due to their flatness, precision and bold, never-jagged lines. However, I think Ware's drawings have plenty of life in them, but the protagonists often have depressing lives. That is where the coldness lies.

Ware's color palette also confirms his tremendous skill as a graphic designer. Subdued tones are accented by flashes of electric reds, greens and yellows.

Graphic literature is alive and screaming, nursed by the pens of Adrian Tomine and Chris Ware. Put away your Superman and Steinbeck and spring for some of the best art created in the past year. Best of all, no book report will be assigned afterward, and your mom won't throw it out.

gsnider@unews.com