Scenes from an Impending Marriage is drawn as a black and white graphic memoir. With the exception of the cover, the reader is presented with simple renderings of Adrian's final moments before tying the knot. There isn't much in the way of cross hatching, shading or every an edgy look. It's very cartoony, and the strips are driven by the speech bubbles and facial reactions. The emotion is captured well, the sarcasm is captured well, and it certainly brings out some great personality.
I've wondered how some writers can find the inspiration and motivation to create so much content. It seems it simply takes being yourself.
Adrian explained in an interview that he was allowed to keep his traditional comic book style for his other works through the publishing company Drawn and Quarterly. He said in answer to a question about ending the Optic Nerve series:
"... there were times when I was afraid that I would be forced to end the series, especially as I watched pretty much all of my favorite cartoonists move on to different formats, either by choice or due to demands of the industry. For whatever reason, I still have a real attachment to the old-fashioned comic book, and I'm eternally grateful to Drawn & Quarterly for allowing me to continue to work this way." (Pop!: Optic Nerve, 2011).
I'm so thankful for artists like Adrian, championing the old fashioned comic book. It's what I grew up with. It's what I love to see.
Some of his comic strip style works are done in colour, for example: Hortisculpture.
Adrian said in the interview mentioned above: "...I'm still very envious of these monumental achievements some of my peers are making with their gigantic graphic novels, but I have to accept my fate for now." (Pop!: Optic Nerve, 2011).
I sincerely hope Adrian can continue to use his comic book style. Yes, the times are changing and graphic novels (like the short compilation "Scenes") seem to be what sells among artists like Adrian, but I think there is a place for the style. Maybe Adrian will eventually start up a web comic.
The simple black and white look, with occasional color. The not completely joined lines, and zero shading. The Tintin/Peanuts-esqe look. All of this produces an endearing and pleasure effect, although not particularly exciting. I probably wouldn't ask Adrian to illustrate the latest issue of X-men, but I would definitely want him involved with the funnies in a newspaper, a children's story book, or the cover art for a nerdy rock album, or maybe just a few short stories involving relationships. Good thing he's got his niche carved into these things.
I agree that Adrian being involved in the comics section of a newspaper or being involved in a children’s story book or even creating cover art for albums again would be something that I would want to see him do as well. I think that it is great that Adrian is working for Drawn & Quarterly where they are allowing him his freedom in drawing whatever he wants. It is great that Adrian knows what he wants to do, and that he continues to stick to the style that he wants to draw. Since you have mentioned that his works have a Tintin-esqe look, I thought that you might enjoy this link that has the Tintin comics online and available to read.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you John, it's nice to see that Adrian Tomine is sticking to his guns, and is not letting other's stop him. His works are truly unique and he should defiantly continue publishing works to his preference. On that note, great news! Optic Nerve #13 has arrived!
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