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The New Smithsonian Book of Comic-Book Stories: From Crumb to Clowes
pub. Dec. 2004
pp. 400
$39.95
Bob Callahan, editor
Bob Callahan, an editor of various titles including the one on which he comments, claims The New Smithsonian Book of Comic-Book Stories: From Crumb to Clowes (NSBCBS) is the "definitive collection" of the "most celebrated comic book artists of our time". Editor Bob and I celebrate in different time zones. I only agree with eight of his choices for best artists and writers: Will Eisner, Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons, Neil Gaiman, Steve Ditko, Bob Kanigher, Joe Kubert, and Rick Geary.
Why? Of the 42 cartoonists featured, 27 work in underground or alternative comics. It's no secret that I dislike underground or alternative comics. In general, they are poorly written and drawn, and their central theme of excess (drugs and sex) and nihilism disgusts me.
In fairness to Bob, if you asked a hundred comics fans to list the best work in the field since the 1960s, you'd get 100 different lists. Here's mine from NSBCBS:
* I grudgingly admire the work of underground cartoonists Robert Crumb, Art Spiegelman and Gilbert Hernandez.
* Rick Geary is on my 'best' list although he has done work in the underground press. (In general, reading his work, expect to wade through tons of dreary hopelessness, graphic sexuality, and profanity. Yawn.)
* I unabashedly recommend Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons for Watchmen, Neil Gaiman for Sandman, Eisner for Izzy the Cockroach, and Lee and Ditko for Spiderman. I like to think as I'm entertained.
* I can't recommend with the same enthusiasm Lee's Captain America or Fantastic Four selections. They are nice stories, but not the best. I weary of superheroes.
Now go out and buy NSBCBS and make your own list. As you read it, remember how overblown the editor's claims about the artistic success and influence of underground and alternative comics are. Neither has ever reached a large audience. When is the last time you saw Spiderman drawn in the style of Crumb or Clowes?
A critic from Publishers's Weekly believes that "the previously published Smithsonian Book of Comic-Book Comics was and remains an invaluable resource for comics readers"...but that "this new volume is neither precise nor witty, and actually performs a disservice to comics readers and historians." He says that "Callahan purports to cover the scope of comics from the last 40 or so years, but leaves out hugely influential figures in contemporary comics." And that "neither a definitive anthology nor a helpful resource, [the book] is a haphazard grab bag of some good comics, numerous dubious achievements and some downright mysteries."
Michael Vance
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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