Caricature Books

I stumbled upon this book and was ever so glad to have done so.

This book covers multiple genres of comics from chiefly the United States of America but also covers the European comic scene very well.

Nice illustrated with many, many, many different cover pictures and illustrations acompanied by a text that shows that (Gasp!) the author actually cares about the subject that he is covering.

Verdict a nice all around and little known comic history book that even the most jaded fan will love to have.

Gary Panter is a Roman candle spitting out great bloody chunks of his id all over the page and creating clunky masterpieces without seemingly trying. Here, in "Invasion of the Elvis Zombies," he succeeds in recreating a cheesy Fifties horror film on the page, with the inimitable razor-sharp Panter style. This book, and the original "Jimbo" strips/book, represent Panter's best. Indispensible. Get it.

(Note: Also available in a Spanish edition which is just as god: "Invasion de los Elvis Zombies."

Mr. Jamison is the center of this book. Who hasn't encounter a Jamison in the workplace? Charlos Gary proves that evil is chronic in some top managers. Peons at the office can't find any motivation, since their leader does not care about them at all. All he wants is to make money. Charlos Gary is genius in showing this. Whether you are a lawyer, a reporter, or a health care professional, if you ever had an evil boss, you are gonna love this book. I respect talent, and Gary offers plenty of it in his cartoons. Mr. Jamison is the worst boss ever. Call your friends and co-workers! Tell them the good news. There's help out there. Instead of choking your boss, make some fun of him and read this book to reminisce about those bad moments in the office. --Sofia Cobo

Gives McSweeney's a run for thier money. I am now eagerly awaiting works from several of these contributers.

Japanese Anime Linens: 1970s To Present showcases more than 325 photographs of vintage and contemporary Japanese textiles, including fabrics, handkerchiefs, yukatas, and appliques, that come alive with art celebrating characters from anime, Japanese animated film and television. Most of the figures and shows chosen are from older anime of the decades leading up to the early 90's, including such classic heroes as Goku of Dragonball Z and Astro Boy, and many others corresponding to television shows never officially translated and released in English; a few offer designs celebrating more modern shows such as Digimon. Notes on fabric designs, color trends, examples of common textile labels, and recommendations for crafts round out this impressive and beautiful collection, revealing its smorgasbord selection with all the grandeur and respect of a museum collection artbook. Recommended for fabric collectors, sewing enthusiasts, fabric historians, and Japanese pop culture fans.

I bought this wonderfully illustrated book while living in Hoboken (where much of it is set,) and after reading it again, was surprised at its freshness. It's still amusing and apropos. If you find a copy, I suggest you buy it.

This coloring book for adults takes a satirical look at the Kennedy White House. The narrator is Carolyn Kennedy. She briefly introduces the reader to the different family members, policy makers, and political leaders. Her childish dialogue is simple but deadly. Each page in this 10" X 13" book features a different line drawing. It is a classic period piece.

A real gem from the early days of Doonesbury. This early Doonesbury book was first published in 1974 and reprinted later in 1979.
Here we see Joanie Caucus running a day care center.She is already pushing her feminist agenda with the little girls under her care.In a few short days she has little Mary believing that her father is a chauvinist pig.
It's very interesting looking at the primitive artwork in these early Trudeau cartoons and comparing it to the sophisticated work we see in his strips today. One of the things that Trudeau used to do in the past was to play little "Spot-the-Differences" games. He would make little changes in the background of continuing panels .Sugar bowls missing,cups turning around,numbers of glasses changing,wall hangings changing,etc.There are several examples in this book.Check out the teacups on the shelf on pages 40 and 41 or the picture of the bird on the book cover on pages 50 and 51.This was kind of fun ,and for one I miss them.
And did you know,that Doonesbury was the first comic strip to win the Pulitzer Prize.It's been a long run and continues to be enjoyed by its many fans.

I found this book in a "used book" store 20 years ago, loved it, gave it to a friend, and now regret it... It is truly a treasure if you're lucky enough to have a copy!

Jules Feiffer is best known for his long-running cartoons in The Village Voice. Once a week, he would target racism (both the people for and against), religion (ditto), bohemian artistry (ditto), or the tribulations of modern life. Or, as shown here, presidents and politics.

This is a collection of his cartoons, spanning nearly 30 years. It's organized chronologically by president, an organization that itself carries information. From the complacency of the 50s, when "leisure" was a problem, through Viet Nam and most of the Cold War, up to Reagan's Movie America, this is almost a chronicle of American neuroses.

His cartoons of kids may be the most pointed. In some (p.187, for example), Feiffer digs at parental callousness and irresponsibility. In others, the unfortunate little ones are shown contorting themselves into blatantly ridiculous patterns of adult reasoning. In others (e.g. both on p.63) the child seems to be the one sane point in a world where sanity is not an asset.

These cartoons express ideas that are probably important to you. Maybe they echo your own beliefs, maybe they present the opposition - either way, they're important.

//wiredweird