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| Suspended Animation, April 23, 2004 |
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Ape
Published by Fantagraphics Books, Inc.
32 pages
Oversized format
$4.95.
I had never heard of Ted Jouflas, until I read his comic work entitled Ape. I have to say, in all honesty, I'm not impressed.
Ape is political satire; it is political satire that presents the leaders of the political right to be completely evil, and those who believe them to be duped simpletons.
The obvious problem with this, in my opinion, is that neither side of the political spectrum, left or right, has cornered the market on evil. Those who present such a view, regardless of their political association, come off as negative, bitter individuals who have closed their ears and minds to the smallest possibility of valid arguments from the "other side."
Who knows? Perhaps this is why Ape doesn't seem to have made much of a splash (or even a ripple) in the comics market because people don't like to be beaten over the head with negativity.
Of course, it could also be the poetic (to be kind) narrative. There's really no story, here. Just rhyming diatribe.
Ape is rendered, supposedly, in the style of old monster movies. Ok, I'll buy that. The book does, indeed, present images of monstrous political figures, and evil corporate executives, trampling, vomiting and defecating on the public...wait a minute...I don't remember ever seeing THAT in the old late-night horror flicks. Thank goodness.
The art appears to have been produced in chalk, and is highly stylized, sometimes showing great detail, and then, near-amateurish simplicity. Considering the content, my guess is that the artwork would make it even more difficult for the average reader to slog through Ape.
Comics are a great venue for expressing opinions, I just happen to believe that a good story communicates a point of view better than, well, this.
Ape is suggested for older readers, due to some profanity and disturbing imagery. Find it at your local comic shop, online retailers and auctions, or www.fantagraphics.com.
Mark Allen
Shudder at Vance's Light's End horror short stories narrated by actor William Windom at www.plan9.org.
Questions? Comment? E-Mail Suspended Animation at vance@digitalwebbing.com
Any statements made, expressed or implied are solely those of columnists or persons interviewed and do not represent the editorial position of the administration, who does not accept responsibility of such statements. All characters and artwork shown are trademark and © of their respective owners.
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