Monday, May 25, 2015

Sculptor (Graphic Novel)

   When Scott McCloud speaks - or releases a new graphic novel - attention must be paid.

   And Sculptor is well worth your time and attention.

   It's the unique story of David Smith, an artist who is going through a rough patch. He came close to great success, but fell short, and he wonders if his career is over.

   That's when David receives an unusual offer from Death itself - incredible sculpting powers, but in 200 days, his life ends.

   What follows is an incredible roller-coaster of life and career, as David finds his muse renewed - but will it result in fame and fortune?

   His personal life also takes some unexpected twists and turns. It's a riveting story that unfolds over more than 500 pages of stunning, compelling art.

   McCloud has written several excellent books about the comics art form, and here he demonstrates his mastery of it, manipulating time, focus, emotion and environment to maximum effect.

   His art isn't realistic, but it builds its own reality, and captures life in New York in amazing detail, from grungy apartments to alleys and rooftops and modern museums.

   This is a story that offers so much to the reader - surprises, heartbreak, ingenuity, passion.

   It's a mature tale, so I can't recommend it for young readers, but for everyone else, this graphic novel gets my highest recommendation.

Grade: A+

---------------------------



 

1 comment:

El Vox said...

I saw this down at the library the other day, and wondered about it. I'll have to go back and check it out, sounds great!