Review: Art Schooled

Art Schooled
by Jamie Coe

Synopsis

Daniel Stope is a small-town guy with dreams of becoming an artist. His enrollment at art school and subsequent move to the city opens up a world of possibilities. Unsurprisingly, Daniel struggles with his newfound independence—the difficulties of big city dating and making new friends. Jamie Coe's tale is a visually powerful graphic novel that covers familiar ground with an enthralling approach.

Review

To say that I loved Jamie Coe's Art Schooled would be an understatement. This book was fantastic from start to finish and I found myself enjoying it on many different levels. The story itself was great because it is a kind of "coming of age" story told about someone who is moving to college. The newness and weirdness that is college - actually, with weirdness amplified because it is about going to art school! That was another aspect of the book I enjoyed because I had a minor in Drawing when I was doing my Psychology degree. Being a part of that culture, even for just a little while, is quite a trip. I found myself reminiscing about those days as I read Art Schooled. As much as we don't want to admit it, stereotypes do and will exist and Art Schooled showcases the most popular ones in the art school world. 

The other aspect I enjoyed was the art style itself. I am a big fan of R. Crumb and the work in the Harvey Pekar books, so I found myself really enjoying this style of illustration. Daniel is a likable character because he could be any of us - trying to figure it out with this new independent life. 

Verdict

Read it because it's awesome! There is some "nudity" in the book - but trust me when I say, this book describes the truth that is art school. It's a fantastic work and I look forward to seeing more of Coe's work. 

About the Author

Jamie Coe is a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins, London. He has worked on commissions for Foyles, illustrated political cartoons for the Gateway, and is the author of the short comic House of Freaks. He lives in London, England.

Review: (In a Sense) Lost and Found

(In a Sense) Lost and Found
by Roman Muradov

Synopsis

The first graphic novel by rising star Roman Muradov explores the theme of innocence by treating it as a tangible object—something that can be used, lost, mistreated. Roman Muradov's crisp delicate style conjures a world of strange bookstores and absurd conspiracies.

Review

I went on Goodreads while I was reading this book so I could add it to my Currently Reading "shelf". While I was there, I stopped to look at other people's reviews. Someone said something like, "The problem wight his book is that it went completely over my head" or something like that. The person then went on to give this book two stars. 

Really? Are we punishing books (and their authors) for not understanding them now?

Now that I have that weight lifted from my shoulders - lets get on with my review. 

This book was art. Seriously - it's a beautiful book, both in its imagery and story. The illustration was dark and dream like - giving the story more of a magical realism feel. The story focuses on F. Premise and the fact that she's lost her innocence after a night of trouble sleep. Her father refuses to look at her due to not having her innocence and even people on the street seem to glare at her until she pulls on a pair of pants - then it's as if she ceases to exist. 

Maybe I'm wrong about everything here - but I believe that in this story, "innocence" is open to interpretation. Is it the girl's virginity we're talking about here? Or innocence in it's true meaning - and knowledge being it's ... corruptor? Like I said - interpretation. 

The heroine of this story is fantastic. She's smart and independent. The ending is what got me to really like her - but I'm not into spoilers, you know that!

Verdict

Read this with an open mind. It's unlike any book I've ever read - and that is a very good thing.