Great documentary now available for streaming on Netflix. I’d been waiting to watch this one for a while. I was glad to see some insight into the reclusive artist Bill Watterson. Calvin and Hobbes has always been one of my favorite strips and I remember the last strip to this day. In fact, I found the description of Watterson and his thoughts on merchandising to be very Salinger-esque. And I’ve always thought of Salinger in relation to Watterson and his themes of youth and familial relationships. I also liked the discussion of high art and commercial or comic art.
comics
Had a great talk today with a student about writing that serves truth instead of ego. Also about writing and politics. We both admitted Alan Moore and V For Vendetta were so influential to our thought process–political and social awareness. I keep repeating to my students I wouldn’t be a teacher or writer without graphic novels and comic books. I can still remember walking to the only comic book shop nearby Colorado State’s campus to pick up copies. I think I need to learn from D and teach this in my novels class along with 1984, Fahrenheit 451 and A Clockwork Orange.
influence of v for vendetta
Spent the afternoon with D walking the aisles at Books on the Square in Virden, Illinois. Found some great old Conan paperbacks with classic Frank Frazetta cover art.
frank frazetta paperback covers
I’ve been planning to read the book for a while but the graphic novel adaptation with amazing cover art might be an alternative.
