Week 2 readings

So this week was pretty amazing as well. "He Done Her Wrong" by Milt Gross was my absolute favorite read, almost defining the term cartoon epic. It relates to that erratic and fantastically whimsical form of humor so specific to the 30's, very relevant to the kind that Chaplin personified. I'm sure the entirely wordless aspect of the graphic novel Gross chose, was also inspired by the silent films of the time. The twists and turns of the plot were visually executed with much grace, especially when the protagonist's sweetheart finds the misplaced photograph as they rushed him into the hospital.

Krazy Kat and Ignatz is very interesting for the time. Even though it's debatable, it's pretty apparent that Tiger Tea has some relation to cannabis. I believe this because the many strips of the story that were collected during this time were around 1936-1937. Cannabis was officially declared illegal in the United States in 1937. From reading the introductions, I find it safe to assume that George Herriman liked to add political undertones to Krazy Kat and Ignatz, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Once again, I adore comics around this timeframe that focus on characterization down to the grammar of each individual. It's always a fun experience to actually sound out Krazy's voice while you're reading this book.

From The Comics Before 1945, Nell Brinkley and Hal Foster definitely use the most illustrative styles I've seen yet out of the readings. When reading Foster's work containing strong alpha male characters and elements of fantasy, I think it's reasonable to see him as one of Frank Frazetta's Key influences. I love that stuff. Nell Brinkley has a style that is incredibly vogue and attractive. I found out during 1916 she also did some world war one drawings. One of which called The Three Graces that personified suffrage preparedness and americanism as three very chic and powerful looking women.

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAWbrinkley.htm